ABC/Paula Lobo Hip-hop titans Notorious B.I.G. and the Wu-Tang Clan are being recognized in a major way by their hometown of New York City. The beloved local heroes will be honored by having streets named them, Gothamist reports. In its last meeting of the year, the New York City Council voted 48-0 to honor the legendary artists with street signs in their native boroughs. Biggie will be saluted with Christopher Wallace Way in Brooklyn, and Wu-Tang will receive its honor in Staten Island with the Wu-Tang Clan District. "I'm happy that NYC officials are finally giving the city's indigenous hip hop music the respect and recognition that it deserves," local culture advocate LeRoy McCarthy told Gothamist. "It took a long time and lots of hard work to advance the Christopher Wallace Way & Wu-Tang Clan District street co-naming, but y'know what -- Hip Hop Don't Stop." According to Gothamist, NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio still needs to sign off on the bills before the street signs can be made official. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The cabinet has entrusted Electricity Minister Mohamed Shaker to commission the head of the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA) to sign the fifth contract with Russia for financial and technical support for the Dabaa nuclear power plant project. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli. The cabinet also approved a presidential decree allocating 24.2 feddans of state-owned land in the Rashid area of the Beheira governorate to the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation, to be used for establishing oil projects. The decision was taken within the framework of the state's keenness to encourage investment and remove obstacles facing oil companies, to allow the companies to change their revenues to foreign currency. Search Keywords: Short link: International France drops probe into Rwandan genocide Paris, Dec 27 (IANS) | Publish Date: 12/27/2018 10:54:07 AM IST France has dropped a long-running investigation into the shooting down of a plane carrying former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana, whose death in 1994 was a trigger for the genocide in the country. Over one million Tutsi people were killed by the then Hutu majority government in the course of 100 days. We have to interpret this decision by French judges as a form of resignation faced with a political context which prosecutors did not know how to fight, the BBC on Wednesday quoted a French lawyer as saying. Rwandan authorities have never sought to help bring the truth to light, he added. A French inquiry began in 1998 at the request of relatives of the French crew members who died. In 2006, a French judge had accused Tutsi rebels, led by current President Paul Kagame, of the attack. Arrest warrants were issued for a number of his aides. French prosecutors had recommended in October the charges be dismissed because of insufficient evidence against the suspects. The charges were dropped on December 21, a judicial source said on Wednesday. The plane carrying Habyarimana was shot down by a missile in April 1994, triggering the Rwandan genocide. Habyarimana, a Hutu who had signed a peace deal with Tutsi rebels, was flying into the capital, Kigali, when a missile brought the plane down, killing all on-board. The investigation was a major source of tension between France and Rwanda. President Kagame described it as being politically motivated and accused France - which supported the former Hutu regime - of having played a direct role in the genocide. Relations between the two countries later improved. In 2012, a report by a French judge cast doubt on the idea that the rebels had shot down the plane, and suggested that Hutu extremists could have been responsible. An inquiry by Kagames government said the missile that brought down the jet had been fired from an army camp controlled by Hutus. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and the Head of the General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel discussed boosting security, stability and development in the Red Sea area with their Sudanese counterparts in Khartoum on Thursday, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. According to statements by the foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez, Shoukry and Kamel discussed the progress of the joint projects between Egypt and Sudan with their counterparts, including the joint railways project and the industrial Egyptian city project in southern Khartoum. The Egyptian and Sudanese parties also agreed that the two countries will continue to sign MoUs in different fields. The meeting also included a discussion about recent regional issues in the Arab world and in Africa. According to Hafez, the Egyptians expressed their appreciation for the Sudanese efforts to achieve peace in Africa in South Sudan and in the Central African Republic. Following the meeting, Shoukry held a meeting with Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, delivering a message from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on bilateral relations. The visit of Shoukry and Kamel comes within the framework of regular coordination between the two countries at all levels. Search Keywords: Short link: By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Its official. As first reported by this paper on December 4, former RBI governor Bimal Jalan will chair the Expert Committee on Economic Capital Framework to determine how much surplus funds the central bank should retain. The RBI announced Jalans appointment on Wednesday. The Economic Capital Framework was one of the sticking points between the RBI and the government during their recent tug of war, which ended up in Urjit Patel stepping down as RBI Governor. The Expert Committee on Economic Capital Framework will suggest adequate level of provisions, reserves and buffers to be held by the RBI, and determine whether the same are held in surplus or deficit of the suggested levels by the central bank, the RBI said in a statement. The committee will review global best practices while making its assessment and provisions for risks. The panel will also propose a suitable profit distribution policy after considering all contingencies. It will estimate the impact of the RBI holding more or less reserves than required. It will also look at treatment of surplus reserves created out of realised gains, if determined to be held. The expert committee will submit its report within 90 days of its first meeting, the RBI stated. On November 19, the central board of the RBI had decided to constitute an external committee to examine its economic capital framework. The composition and terms of reference of the committee were to be decided jointly by the government and the RBI. Rakesh Mohan to be vice chairman The six-member panel has former deputy governor Rakesh Mohan as vice chair and RBI central board directors Bharat Doshi and Sudhir Mankad, Economic Affairs Secretary Subash Chandra Garg and RBI Deputy Governor N S Vishwanathan as members By PTI NEW DELHI: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here on Thursday and sought extension of the GST compensation period till 2025, contending that the state's revenue deficit has widened to 20 per cent post-GST regime. At present, the states are entitled to get compensation for the first five years since the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, that is till 2022. At the meeting held in the Parliament complex, Kumaraswamy informed Jaitley that the revenue deficit of the state against protected revenue may continue even after 2022 which is expected to affect fund allocation for various welfare schemes and infrastructure projects, an official statement said. Although there is an improvement in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in the state in the current fiscal, compared to financial year 2017-18, the gap with protected revenue is "substantial" and may well continue beyond 2022. "During the VAT regime, Karnataka used to register 10-12 per cent of average growth every year. But post-GST, the revenue deficit is found to be 20 per cent against protected revenue," the chief minister said in a representation made to the Union finance minister. All efforts are being made to minimise the revenue leak, but Karnataka has found certain fundamental structural reasons for this deficit such as current tax rates and less than expected contribution of services sector among others, Kumaraswamy said. According to official data, in 2017-18, the Centre had released Rs 41,147 crore to the states as GST compensation to ensure that their revenue is protected at the level of 14 per cent over the base year tax collection in 2015-16, as per the official data. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The city police have made elaborate security arrangements across the city and will be on high alert around tourist and religious places over the next few days leading up to new year's eve following an alert by the intelligence bureau over yesterday's arrests by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi and UP. The state police have been deployed around Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru, while police personnel will be deployed around MG Road and Brigade Road in Bengaluru, where the crowds gather to usher in the new year. Speaking to reporters, city police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar said that heavy security has been deployed around malls and shopping complexes. "CCTV cameras and drone cameras would be used to observe any suspicious activity, movement of people and big screens have been installed around sensitive areas to watch the crowd. To prevent untoward incidents, special teams will patrol on bikes. Special attention will be paid to ensure the safety of women revellers as well as minors who visit MG Road and surrounding areas," said Suneel Kumar. The police will also monitor drivers from private taxi services when they pick up and drop women passengers during the night. "We have given clear instructions to the taxi providers to ensure the safety of women. Bars and restaurant owners have been asked to take safety measures around their premises," the Commissioner added. Lebanons foreign ministry condemned on late Wednesday Israeli air raids against Syria from its airspace and said it supported Syrias right to defend its sovereignty. Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil has instructed Lebanons envoy to the UN to submit a complaint to the Security Council against the dangerous Israeli violations that threaten stability in the region, the foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement also said Israels raids posed a danger to commercial air traffic that could have caused a major civil aviation disaster. Israeli war planes that flew from Lebanon carried out attacks with missiles on unspecified targets near Damascus, the Syrian capital, on Tuesday and injured three Syrian soldiers, Syrian state media quoted a military source as saying. Search Keywords: Short link: By PTI NEW DELHI: It has been five days since auto-rickshaw driver Pawan Shah was swept away by a strong current while saving the lives of a mother-son duo, but his brother Pankaj has not given up hope and feels Pawan will come back. Although the police are yet to recover his body despite asserting that rescue operations were in full swing, Pankaj has himself taken up the task and has been trying to trace his brother ever since the incident took place. He claimed he saw the hand of a body floating in the canal and informed Jaitpur police station. Last Saturday, 30-year-old Pawan was heading home after dropping off a passenger when he saw a woman with a baby in her arms standing on the edge of a bridge on the Meethapur canal. Next he saw the woman jumping off the bridge, police said Wednesday. Without a second thought, Pawan left his auto and jumped into the water to save the woman and the baby. He also shouted and asked for help. The mother-son duo was rescued with the help of passers-by, but Pawan was swept away. "I still have hope that my brother is alive. How can we accept he is no more when we have not got the body? While the police are searching for my brother, I also travelled till Palwal in Haryana to trace him on Wednesday," Pankaj, who is also an auto-rickshaw driver, told PTI. He said he gave his contact details to those living near the banks of a lake there and requested them to inform him if they noticed any body floating in the canal. "I could see the hand of a body floating on the surface of the lake. I have informed the Jaitpur police station. They have assured me of assistance," Pankaj said. Meanwhile, the police said the rescue operations were in full swing. "With the help of disaster management teams, divers and boats, we have been trying to find Pawan's body. We have assured Pankaj of all the help and are looking into the details furnished by him," said a senior police officer. Talking about his brother, an emotional Pankaj said Pawan had a helping nature. "He would never say no to those who approached him. I am proud that he saved two lives, but in the process, I lost my brother," he said. Pawan used to live with his mother and two brothers -Pankaj and Ranjan, who is currently studying. "Pawan would earn Rs 300 to Rs 400 every day. He was plying auto-rickshaw since three to four years. He had earlier also helped passengers, but this time, he saved someone's life," Pankaj said. After Pawan jumped into the canal, three men who were passing by saw him and the woman, and formed a human chain. They saved the mother-son duo from drowning, but a strong current took Pawan away, Chinmoy Biswal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) said. The three men -- Rajveer, Jamil and Sanjeev -- informed Jaitpur police station about the incident. The police rushed to the spot and started a search for Pawan. However, even after four days, the search is underway as his body could not be found, the senior officer said. The rescued woman and her son were taken to a hospital and their condition is now said to be stable. During an enquiry, the police found that the woman tried to commit suicide along with her baby after a fight with her husband. The police said Pawan's name will be recommended for the Jiwan Raksha Padak. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Attacks on doctors and hospitals is creating deep-seated fear in them, leading to some medical practitioners not taking the risk of treating critical cases where chances of survival are low. According to practising doctors and heads of medical associations, most of these doctors are now referring such cases to government hospitals. They said that if the attacks continue, it could lead to a situation where people will not find doctors who will attend emergency cases. President of Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA) Dr K Mahesh Kumar said that in some critical cases, chances for a patient to survive could be low. He said that there are innumerable cases where patients survived after doctors put in efforts and in some cases patients die though best treatment was provided. However, he opined that now, some doctors are passing critical cases to government hospitals. These incidents have definitely created fear among the doctors and some are refraining from attending high risk cases fearing attacks in the even of patients death Dr Mahesh Kumar said.In fact, Dr Ravinder Rao, past president of Telangana Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (THANA), said that around 25 to 40 hospitals were shut down to avoid such incidents. Four ways to deal with negligence cases Practising doctors and representatives of doctors associations said that emotions, frustration among attendants reaches tipping point when a patient dies and there is always a possibility they will pour out their emotions by attacking doctors and hospitals. But what are legal ways of one can opt for in case they suspect doctors or hospitals were negligent in providing treatment? Whenever such complaints are lodged with police, an investigation board comprising medical experts is constituted to look into the case. Dr G Narender Reddy, a medico-legal consultant who investigated and found medical negligence in some cases, said that there are four legal ways people can opt. The most important one which is accessible to every citizen is Consumer Forum. They can also take the complaint to medical board at all corporate hospitals. If it is a government hospital, they can approach Resident Medical Officer. Or, they can lodge complaint with police. If a case is registered, they will take files and launch investigation. Depending on speciality, a board will be constituted with experts in the field, Dr Narender Reddy said.He added that another appropriate body is State Medical Council which deals with medical negligence cases. People may not take up the profession THANAs General Secretary Dr G Narender Reddy said that if such violence (against doctors and hospitals) is encouraged, people would hesitate to taking up medical profession. Dr B Pratap Reddy, president of the Indian Medical Association-Telangana State, said that such incidents will affect the critical clinical decisions doctors have to take while treating emergency patients By Express News Service KOCHI: Shouldnt Europe and America apologise for letting smartphones virtually swallow the entire mankind? Young artist Tabita Rezaire raises this question at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale through her work Sorry for Real Sorrow showcased at Aspinwall House. Calling herself an agent of healing, the 29-year-old French Guyana-based Tabita says, The work seeks to capture the violent histories of slavery and colonialism, alongside a continued exploitation of African and indigenous bodies, lands and knowledge. She says a new form of colonialism has simply replaced the old. We are heading towards Internet Colonisation, she says. Sorry for Real Sorrow is a series of five light boxes highlighted by the artists holographic apology on behalf of the Western world. Paris-raised Tabita presents a cyber exchange that addresses the Wests history of imperialism and the need to decolonise existing technologies and reconciliation strategies. The work stems from a lot of anger, when she understood the social, political and economic scope of it. The way technology is taking charge across the world is very similar to colonialism, she says. To Tabita, most of the technology corporate giants from the West control humanitys day-to-day activities. For instance, Facebook, Google and Twitter have all our personal data. This, when the Internet was originally created as a surveillance instrument, she says. Today, we are in a fight to save our sensitive details. In a way, the Internet has made us desperate for connecting with each other, she says. Research for the work led Tabita to stumble upon a curious discovery: its along old colonial shipping routes the world today has its undersea optical fibre cables laid, connecting humanity through the Internet. When colonialism began, they argued they were connecting us to the New World, when all that was happening was actually exploitation of resources and, in the process, looting other countries, expanding wealth, she says. Its the same today. Big corporates from the West are stealing our data to expand the wealth of their empires, she says. Tabita, also a health-tech-politics practitioner and Kemetic/Kundalini Yoga teacher, creates digital encounters that offer substitute readings to dominant narratives. In the stories the new-media artist presents, the process of listening, seeing and witnessing can be potentially transformative. Only around 51 per cent of the whole world is connected to the Internet. In Africa, Internet penetration is only 31 per cent. Within each country, the way you access the Internet and the content you can access is very different. At her Biennale project, Tabita did a performance seeking to unearth the possibilities of decolonial healing through the politics of technology. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: Intensifying his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the grave injustice done to the State by the Centre, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday called on the people to boycott his visit to the State on January 6. The best way to express our resentment and teach a befitting lesson to Modi is to boycott his visit, Naidu said. Addressing Dharma Porata Deeksha in Anantapur and also during a teleconference with his party leaders on Wednesday morning, Naidu called upon the people to take part in protest demonstrations to be organised by the TDP on January 1 against the BJP and express their resentment in peaceful manner. Modi has done nothing to AP and what will he say to the people during his visit? His government has shown an empty hand to the State by not fulfilling the provisions of the AP State Reorganisation Act. It would be better if the PM visits the State for inspecting the government projects like Polavaram and capital city, he said. Seeking to know the intentions behind Modis visit, Naidu said, Is Modi visiting the State to see whether we are dead or alive? Or his visit intended to rake up the bifurcation wounds? We will have no objection if the Prime Minister visits the State after implementing the AP State Reorganisation Act assurances. Accusing the Centre of targeting the State and TDP leaders for demanding justice, he said Opposition YSRC and the BJP were in collusion for their selfish motives.While the YSRC leaders are pledging the interests of the State for getting cases against party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy dropped, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan withdrew into silence after demanding that the Centre pay Rs 75,000 crore to AP as per the Act. We should defeat all those parties supporting the BJP, Naidu said. When all the political parties including Congress supported the demand of AP and the no confidence motion moved by the TDP against the BJP government, the YSRC made tall claims of never giving up its agitation for the cause of special category status and beat a retreat by getting its MP to resign. Takes jibe at his Telangana counterpart Taking a jibe at his Telangana counterpart K Chandrasekhar Raos meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chandrababu Naidu wondered whether the meeting was intended to brief Modi about his (Raos) visit to various States in the name of building a Federal Front or to resolve the issues pertaining to Telangana. Shilajit Mitra By Express News Service Shiuli is out of a coma but wont recognise Dan in front of the doctor. This upsets Dan. Rukhshana, a demon-child raised in shackles inside a forest hut, finds refuge in a Bengali mans bachelor pad. Rumi has honeymoon sex with Robbie, just so she can text Vicky about it. Sonu doesnt want Titu to go with Sweety. A Pakistani officer bonds with his Indian (spy) wife over a shared love for music. And as the moon rises over the accursed temple-town of Chanderi a ladies tailor gets measured up by a mysterious stree. 2018 has been a year of crazy romances. A young, innovative bunch of actors and directors made us see love from the underside warts and all, twisting old plots into newer and funnier shapes while an aging superstar went for broke to convince us he can still pluck stars at will. Many of these stories looked at affection at its most ordinary: a couple strolling down Marine Drive, for instance, in Aadish Keluskars disturbingly acerbic Jaoon Kahan Bata Ae Dil. Others revelled in the contradictory shadow lines between love and desire, like the Netflix anthology film Lust Stories, while still others took on bigger beasts like religion (Kedarnath) and caste (Mukkabaaz). As we fold up another year of good and bad romances in films and otherwise here are a few Bollywood love stories that took us by surprise in 2018. Love Per Square Foot In a city forever scraping for the skies, the desire to own an independent apartment prompts Sanjay (Vicky Kaushal) and Karina (Angira Dhar) to forge marriage documents and apply for a housing scheme. A simple marriage of convenience so they think until they end up kissing on the local train (that other great leveller in a city always in a rush). Directed by Aanand Tiwari and released on Netflix, Love Per Square Foot offers a sparse and enjoyable take on aspiration and upward social mobility in present-day Mumbai. Its about the lovers, yes, but also about the coming together of two communities: the holier-than-thou Bandra Catholics and the meekly over-compensatory northern immigrants. Love Per Square Foot is, quite literally, a film about making room. Pari Pari, starring Anushka Sharma, belongs to the legion of allegorical horror, a gory tale of a satanic cult tracing back to the 1971 Bangladesh genocide. Yet, its also the simplest of love stories about a kind-hearted man (Parambrata Chattopadhyay) who opens his doors for a woman who may or may not do him good. In other words, a film about empathy and the supremely human spirit of asylum provision. By casting a reversed glance at the Beauty and the Beast setup in a tale where the beauty is the beast director Prosit Roy creates an apt metaphor for the balming effects of love on the marginal and the demonised. This is, after all, a film where the heroine, after gashing off her fingernails with knives, soothes her toes with Boroline. October Danish Walia (Varun Dhawan), a hotel management trainee at Radisson Blu New Delhi, already hates the man he is training to become. He is too busy stomping on dry laundry and annoying his supervisor that he fails to notice life slip him by. And life slips him by... when batchmate Shiuli Iyer falls off the hotel terrace on New Years Eve. Her last words before the accident... Where is Dan? Directed by Shoojit Sircar, October is a romance sustained by the absence of words. In a crushingly info-swamped world of digital gestures of hits, likes and swipes the characters here communicate via fluttering eyelids and the sweet smell of jasmine. Its a device so deliberate that to call it slow would be to miss the point. Raazi Its mildly puzzling that a film like Raazi be adorned with so much popular love. Underneath its stated allegiance to patriotism and self-sacrifice themes that have yielded many a recent hit Raazi is a deliciously subversive take on cross-border espionage. Its a disarmingly human film, a morally tense tale of an Indian spy (Alia Bhatt as Sehmat Khan) who is married into a Pakistani army household during the war of 1971. Its also enough of a love story: between Sehmat and her husband Iqbal (Vicky Kaushal), an earnest young officer who falls back upon his enviable Jazz collection to impress his new wife. Little does he know of her true identity and little she seems to care, confiding in him that shed rather hear some Hindustani classical. Music is a shared language, director Meghna Gulzar hints, as she opens and closes her film with a tribute to Sehmat and Iqbals brief but undeniable romance and the wreckage of its aftermath. Manmarziyaan Manmarziyaan starts off with characters we think we know: Taapsee Pannu as the free-spirited but indecisive Rumi; Vicky Kaushal as the flippant man-child Vicky; Abhishek Bachchan as the unperturbed and smugly inward groom Robbie. Yet, by the end of Anurag Kashyaps spunky update on romances oldest trope that of the ever bereft love triangle we find each of these souls deeply and irrevocably altered. Rumi learns to rein in her errant heart and anchor it on Robbie; Robbie for once sheds his stoicism and lets his vulnerability peek through; and Vicky, who seemed all this while too adrift to even feign maturity, finds closure in the difficult task of letting go. Manmarziyaan is a film that tells us gently, cheekily, self-righteously why Facebook must always trump Tinder. And why the softest Kashyap films are often his best. Laila Majnu It cannot get more classic. Imtiaz Alis younger brother Sajid Ali directs this Kashmir-set adaptation of the old Layla-Majnun fable. So melodramatic is the first-half you are tempted to pass it up as fluff. Qais (Avinash Tiwari) and Laila (Tripti Dimri) fall for each other against rolling hillsides, only to be separated by parents who stand on opposite ends of a dispute. It all seems to go nowhere until this very feeling is turned into the mainspring of the film. For Laila Majnu is a film about madness metaphorically, yes, but also in a grotesquely real sense. Here the lead character, Qais, emptied by a deep yearning for Laila, abandons sense and civility to roam the valley as a vagrant. He laughs at praying men for mocking his lunacy and sings aloud to the tall canopies around him. In a brave manoeuvre, Ali ends his film without closure, the finality of death dimmed by the ecstasy of the spirit. Stree Amar Kaushiks Stree is a horror-comedy that toys with the mysterious girl trope in hilarious ways. Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), a ladies tailor in Chanderi, meets with a customer who demands an unusually swift delivery. Vicky is enamoured of this strange lady (played by Shraddha Kapoor), and agrees to put his scissors to good use. Soon, strange occurrences take over the temple-town and several men fall prey to a vengeful lady-ghost, making Vicky rethink his time with Miss Whats-her-name a constantly elusive girl who, he only now realises, doesnt even carry a phone. One of the most enjoyable commercial hits of 2018 besides AndhaDhun and Badhaai Ho Stree showed as that love can arrive in many forms, dead, undead or otherwise, and that feet not touching the ground isnt always a sunny thing. A Sharadhaa By Express News Service Sandalwoods proud moment is here. The Yash-starrer KGF (Kolar Gold Fields) Chapter I will officially become the first Kannada movie to join the Rs 100 crore club in India on Thursday. Directed by Prashanth Neel, the film made on a budget of about Rs 60 crore, has been minting gold by the day even beating Hindi superstar Shah Rukh Khans Zero by a whisker in the first few days of its release. The movie saw a steep upward curve in business, thanks to the weekend and Christmas. An official confirmation comes from the production house Hombale Films. KGF which was out in theatres on December 21 across India will touch Rs 100 crore (gross) on Thursday in just seven days of its release. While the films gross collection in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam is Rs 75 crore, it is Rs 25 crore in Hindi alone, executive producer Karthik Gowda told TNIE. The film will officially be the first Kannada film dubbed and released in four other languages that haS earned the Rs 100 crore milestone. The movie also features Srinidhi Shetty and Anant Nag. The action thriller is set in the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), in which Yash plays a gangster, Rocky Bhai, who takes on the evil Garuda. The film also released in the USA, UK, Canada and Europe. According to a trade analyst, the movie is an all-time No.1Kannada grosser in the USA. It has approximately made a business of about Rs 500K, a record for any Kannada film overseas. KGF will release in Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai this week. The film which was released in 1,800 theatres has been holding strong from day one in Karnataka and across India. The movie is in two parts. The shooting is yet to begin for Chapter 2. Shahnaz Husain By Express News Service The beauty and wellness industry in India is booming with tremendous potential for growth. In fact, it is said to be growing twice as fast as the markets of the United States and Europe. India is also the second largest consumer market in the world. According to a KPMG report, the size of Indias beauty and wellness market would be around Rs 80,370 crore by end of 2018. This includes beauty products, beauty salon and spa businesses. The compounded annual growth rate of the beauty and wellness business in India has been around 18%. Another prominent feature is that herbal beauty care has driven the growth of the beauty business in India. Today awareness of beauty products and treatments is at an all-time high in India. There is greater awareness of the ingredients in products and customers make choices based on their increased awareness. This is attributed to exposure to global trends, rising disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, increasing number of women in the workforce and so on. The retail sector is also booming. No wonder foreign companies are targeting the Indian market. Many kinds of beauty products for varied purposes are now available based on individual skin and hair type from sunscreens and moisturisers, to specialised cleansers, face wash, toners, astringents, scrubs, masks, nourishing creams, serums, shampoos, conditioners, hair tonics, hair serums, hair-dressing products as well as cosmetics. It is an ever-growing list. Mens personal care and anti-ageing products are slated for growth. The retail format is also boosting the growth of the beauty business with malls becoming popular shopping destinations not only in metros, but also in tier-2 cities. Malls are making shelf space available to beauty brands. An important feature is the tremendous growth of e-commerce, with online stores also becoming popular shopping destinations. The beauty business as a service sector offers great scope for employment and entrepreneurship for women. The Internet has changed the way we do business. Today, websites are a dynamic system of providing information about your company, the products and services. Websites increase a products visibility and the desire to buy it. This is true of beauty products where glamour seems to be just a click away. Ever since we started our online portal, the Shahnaz Husain online store has become a popular destination for online shopping. With the total wellbeing concept gaining ground, spa treatments are becoming more popular. There has been an increased need for spa treatments with salons being converted into day spas, offering both salon and spa treatments. In fact, service industries like spas and Ayurvedic centres are slated for growth. The West is also looking at Indias herbal traditions. My dream is to see India lead the international beauty industry in the next decade. By IANS NEW DELHI: As smartphones went through a couple of noticeable innovations in the hardware department in 2018 -- especially Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven cameras and improved battery -- the rise of 5G-ready and foldable devices stole the limelight. While players like Huawei, LG, Motorola and Apple secured patents on foldable devices, South Korean giant Samsung took a definitive lead, showcasing a real one in November when Justin Dennison, Senior Vice President of Mobile Marketing, took out a foldable smartphone from his jacket at a New York event. Reports surfaced that Samsung plans to launch its first foldable smartphone in March next year and the shipment volume would be at least one million. The smartphone would fold inward and sport a 7.4-inch screen when unfolded and have a 4.6-inch display like a regular smartphone when folded. When it came to 5G, Samsung again pushed the envelope and announced 5G-enabled smartphones with US telecom carriers Verizon and AT&T that would hit the market in the first half of 2019. Chinese player OnePlus joined the bandwagon in December, announcing it will release a commercial 5G smartphone with carrier network EE in the UK in 2019. According to Tarun Pathak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, 5G devices will soon be a reality. "Form factors like foldable phones along with 5G technology will act as a catalyst impacting the upgrade rate of premium smartphones," Pathak told IANS. "These features will help smartphone original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to differentiate their offerings. One of the aggressive marketing campaign will surely be about to launch the 'first 5G' smartphone in a region/country or price segment," he added. "Smartphones have not seen much disruptive innovations for a long time now -- in form factor and display. Samsung has now achieved a technical breakthrough in display manufacturing," noted Prabhu Ram, Head-Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CyberMedia Research (CMR). Rest of the year saw major innovations in the camera department, with almost every player in the market infusing AI into sensors to do the job of clicking that perfect moment for you. An early innovator in smartphone camera technology, Huawei in April brought a Leica-designed, triple-camera system in P20 Pro smartphone which became its USP. Samsung later announced two smartphones -- Galaxy A7 with three-rear camera and Galaxy A9 with the four-rear camera system -- with AI embedded into it. The year also saw Chinese electronics major Xiaomi's meteoric rise in India, increasing its market share quarters after quarters on the back of its popular Redmi series. In a bid to break the notion that it is just a smartphone brand, Xiaomi also amplified its products portfolio in categories like fitness and health, smart home, smart travel and more -- using AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. OnePlus 6T became the flagship killer of the year in the Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 segment. Topped with a bigger battery and some hardware improvements, OnePlus 6T made for a highly desirable smartphone in the premium category. As smartphones scouted for innovation, data went dirt cheap. Smartphone users in India are now consuming an average 1GB data per day and spending more than 90 minutes on online activities daily across the entry-level, mid and premium segments, revealed a Nielsen India report in September. "The advent of high-speed 4G Internet, less-expensive mobile handsets and a correction in call data charges have encouraged the speedy adoption of smartphones in India," said Abhijit Matkar, Director-Technology IPG - Nielsen India. With a rise in smartphone ownership, India was expected to end the year with over 500 million smartphone users, said US-based media agency Zenith. Beyond smartphones, mobile handset market also saw a mammoth rise and to meet the demand of the mass market, new Chinese and Indian vendors launched affordable handsets with latest features, some even under Rs 5,000. Backed by robust growth in smartphone as well as smart-feature phone categories, an estimated 302 million mobile handsets will be sold in India in 2019 -- the highest ever in a year -- said technology research consulting firm techARC. Of the 302 million mobile handsets, 149 million (49.3 per cent) will be smartphones, 55 million (18.2 per cent) will be smart-feature phones and the remaining 98 million (32.5 per cent) will be feature phones. With data prices breaking all records -- thanks to cheaper plans from carriers like Reliance Jio and affordable yet powerful smartphones now available on shelves -- the smartphone and mobile growth in India would only swell further. By IANS GREATER NOIDA: Couple of days after denying permission to offer Namaz in public parks in Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida Authority officials, along with Noida police, on Wednesday removed a tent placed for a Hindu religious event on a government land in Sector 37 here, an officer said. The Greater Noida Authority officer said the organisers did not have requisite permission for the ceremony from the district administration. "We received information about the programme being held on a 1,000-sq.mt land which belongs to the Greater Noida Authority. Since no permission was sought by the organisers, we disallowed holding of this event," the officer said. A nine-day "Bhagwat Katha", a Hindu religious programme, was scheduled to begin from Wednesday on the land, he said. "The organisers had placed tents and loudspeakers at the site which were removed. We directed the organisers to first take permission from the district administration to perform such religious ceremony," the officer added. Following the incident, several people staged protest outside the Authority and raised slogans. READ | Namaz row: Noida police order barring prayers is discriminatory, says Mayawati Earlier, the Noida police had issued notice to around 23 multinational companies in Sector 58 Police Station area to stop their Muslim employees from gathering in a local park without permission for offering Friday namaz. The administration said such religious gatherings at public places are unauthorised and cannot be performed without administration's permission. Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has decided to send its Army Air Defence (AAD) officers to Israel for a course pertaining to Air Defence Missiles. The officers are of the rank of Major and Lieutenant Colonel. Speaking to this newspaper, an officer said, Four officers have been selected to go to Israel for training in Air Defence Missiles. The duration of the course is of one year. The selected officers will be trained on medium range surface-to-air missiles, the officer added. After completing the course, these officers will return to train the other soldiers and will command new units. The AAD provides air defence by securing some of the countrys most important defence installations such as air bases, power plants, dams, oil refineries, ammunition depots and nuclear installations. The primary responsibility of safeguarding the countrys territorial sovereignity lies with the Air Force. Lieutenant General VK Chaturvedi (Retd) said the countrys air defence is in dire need of an upgrade. He said this is not only the right course with regard to on-the-job training, but will also help train others. The demand for modernisation of the Armys Air Defence Corps has been raised since long. Most of the air defence equipment are either in obsolete or in obsolescence stage. Steps are being taken to fill the gaps in air defence. While DRDO is in the process of developing Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles, four regiments of Akash air defence missiles are also in the works. The Damascus embassy of the United Arab Emirates is set to be reopened on Thursday, the Syrian information ministry said in a note inviting journalists to cover the event. The UAE said the move aimed to normalize ties and to curb risks of regional interference in Arab, Syrian affairs - an apparent reference to non-Arab Iran, whose support for Assad has been critical to his war effort. The UAE flag was raised at the embassy, shut since the early months of Syrias conflict nearly eight years ago. The UAE Foreign Ministry said its charge daffaires assumed his duties on Thursday. Search Keywords: Short link: By PTI KOLKATA: Assam Rifles, which guards vast stretches of the Indo-Myanmar border in the north east, is in the process of occupying a number of additional locations along the frontier, officials said on Thursday. The paramilitary force has taken a number of steps to increase its presence in the remote border areas of the north east, the officials said. "Assam Rifles is now in the process of occupying number of additional locations all along the Indo-Myanmar Border," a Defence release said. The move is aimed at keeping a strict curb on illegal trans-border activities like smuggling of drugs, weapons and contraband items, and also to check unauthorised crossing of civilians in the border areas, it said. The large stretch of the border along the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram is manned by the Assam Rifles, known as the sentinels of the north east. The Army, through its Eastern Command, is responsible for the operations in the north east and coordinates the operations of Assam Rilfes along this border. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: In a major breakthrough, prime suspect Prashant Natt, a resident of Bulandshahr, who allegedly shot inspector Subodh Kumar Singh during December 3 mob violence in Syana town of Bulandshahr, was netted by the police on Thursday. The police sources claimed that Prashant Natt, a Delhi-based cab driver, is the person who allegedly pulled the trigger at the police inspector during the mob frenzy. The sources added that while scanning the video footages of December 3 violence, Natt could be seen standing very near to the slain cop who was trying to pacify the violent mob of Mahaw and adjoining two other villages who were agitated over after the recovery of cow carcasses in a nearby field. READ | Bulandshahr violence: Slain cops family questions delay in identifying killer It may be recalled that during a protest, which turned violent over alleged cow slaughter and recovery of a trolley load of carcasses, two persons, including SHO Subodh Kumar Singh and a youth Sumit had lost life at Chingrawati police outpost in Syana town of Bulandshahr, early this month. However, the police authorities zeroed in on the suspected shooter after over three weeks of the killing of SHO Singh. The police sources also claimed that besides Prashant Natt, they had also identified the man, named Johnny, who allegedly snatched the service revolver of deceased inspector in the melee. Johnny is also a resident of Bulandshahr. In fact, both Prashant Natt and Johnny were not among 27 accused named in the first FIR lodged for violence, rioting, vandalism and murder. However, they were identified by the SIT probing the case after interrogating a number of accused persons held so far and also sifting through numerous video footages in which Natt and Johnny could be seen together. On the basis of videos, the probe team identified around a dozen persons of which David Rahul and Johnny were arrested while another person named Lokender surrendered recently, said a source adding that even Prashant Natts name emerged as the shooter of inspector Subodh Kumar Singh during interrogation of the arrested accused. READ | Bulandshahr violence: CCTV footage shows youth snatching Subodh Kumar Singh's gun to kill cop Natts name came up during investigation. There were 400-500 people who were part of the mob which launched an attack. Through videos of the incident, statements of eyewitnesses and accused persons who have been arrested we are in the process of identifying more people, said Prashant Kumar, ADG Meerut while talking to media, "We have strong evidence to back our claims that Natt had shot Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh," said a senior official of Bulandshahr police. Meanwhile, Yogesh Raj, district convenor of Bajrang Dal, and the main accused who alleged incited the mob to turn violent is still elusive. By Express News Service KOLKATA: Sixteen people were hospitalised with unconsciousness due to asphyxiation caused by smoke after an AC metro rake caught fire near Maidan metro station in central Kolkata on Thursday evening. "Sixteen people have been admitted to the hospital out of which one person has sustained a fracture with the rest having minor injuries. The blaze was caused due to a spark at the front of the train," said additional deputy commissioner (south) Aparjita Rai. Several people also became senseless due to smoke in the tunnel where the metro rake caught fire. Some passengers evacuated by breaking the windows of the metro rake while others evacuated through the motorman's exit sustaining minor injuries in the process. Several passengers claimed that the train was moving with the blaze and then halted. Metro Rail CPRO Indrani Bandopadhyay said, "The power connection was switched off after smoke was seen in an AC metro rake while running from Rabindra Sadan towards Maidan. Metro staff started dousing the fire from outside after which the people were evacuated. Our primary concern was the evacuation and our biggest relief is that there are no casualties" However, passengers complained that they were trapped inside the rake for over an hour before being rescued by the metro rail authorities. They also complained that there was no announcement from the motorman which caused panic among them. Metro Rail CPRO added that the motorman had continuously announced passengers not to panic but if they could not hear, there could have been a possibility of a technical glitch. Metro services were partially resumed between Central and Noapara stations in the north and Tollygunge and Kavi Subhash stations in the south. By Express News Service RANCHI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Wednesday ordered the state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to identify the corrupt Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Circle Officers (CO) and investigate the properties owned by them. Das, while receiving complaints directly from people during his Seedhi Baat programme in Ranchi, said the government would open schools and hospitals in such properties, if they are found to be disproportionate from the known sources of the incomes of the officers. Acting swiftly on a complaint by one Sunita Devi that Dumri CO Jagdish Kumar Pandey asked for bribe whenever anyone approaches him to get some work done, Das ordered the officers removal with immediate effect. Das said he had been receiving such complaints against several other BDOs and COs during his visit to different districts. The CM also ordered that the registration of all such degree colleges and educational institutions be cancelled which do not have basic infrastructure in spite of receiving huge aid from the state government. The order was given in the light of a complaint by Ashish Kumar against the Shibu Soren Tribal Inter-college in Sahebganj. A total of 10 complaints were addressed by the CM on Wednesday. By PTI BHOPAL: A Congress worker on Wednesday wore shoes after 15 years, fulfilling the vow he had taken when the party lost power in Madhya Pradesh. Durgalal Kirar, hailing from Rajgarh district, had vowed in 2003 that he would not wear shoes until the Congress returned to power. He put on shoes Wednesday here in the presence of Chief Minister Kamal Nath and senior leader Digvijay Singh. The Congress came to power in the state in the last month's Assembly elections, ending the BJP's reign. Nath shared a picture with Kirar on Twitter. "Salute to such workers who worked hard with dedication for the Congress," the chief minister tweeted. (Photo | Twitter) A Congress spokesperson said that Kirar, resident of Limboda village of Rajgarh district, was a staunch supporter of Digvijay Singh who was Madhya Pradesh chief minister from 1993 to 2003. By Online Desk A minor girl in Maharashtra was repeatedly raped by her uncle for the past seven months. The incident came to light when the girl was taken to a local government hospital as she complained of a stomachache. Later, she gave birth to a premature baby. The 17-year-old girl, a Class IX student, was living in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra, with her two uncles and grandmother. In May this year, one of her uncles started sexually assaulting her. The man threatened his niece that he will kill her if she revealed the affair to anyone. He also promised to marry her. According to Hindustan Times, the man was married but his wife had left him a while ago. The police have booked the accusedunder Sections 376 (punishment for sexual assault) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of Indian Penal Code along with Section 4 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act, 2012. The accused absconded on December 25. The police have been trying to nab him and tracking down the whereabouts of the girl's parents. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: The district administration and police authorities of Aligarh went into a tizzy with the recovery of a dozen cow carcasses, believably, buried alive, near a canal on Aligarh-Mathura Road on Thursday morning. Subsequently, tension gripped Iglas locality after the remains of the bovine were dugout following the information by a resident who found the animal parts popping out of the ground. After the police authorities recovered the carcasses, a post-mortem examination was conducted which confirmed that the cows died of asphyxia. Notably, the residents of Iglas and surrounding areas miffed over the presence of a large number of stray cattle, locked up hundreds of them in primary, upper primary schools and health centres in the locality on Wednesday. As per the sources, a number of villagers turned up on spot on finding animal parts at the spot and started digging the ground. By the time police could reach the spot, local residents had dug out five cows and they claimed that one of them was alive which died later. Later, on further digging with the help of earthmover, seven more cThe DM claimed that around 2,000 cattle were shifted to 12 gaushalas in the past three days.arcasses were recovered in the presence of cops. However, both District Magistrate (DM), Aligarh, CB Singh and SSP Ajay Kumar Sahni denied that the cows were buried alive. He claimed that they were the dead animals which were buried two days ago. The DM also claimed that autopsy of the bovines established their death two days ago. However, he cautioned against rumour mongers who wanted to vitiate the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the residents of Iglas have raised the issue of increase in the population of stray cattle which was causing inconvenience to them. Besides destroying the crops, such non-lactating, old and ailing cows lead to road accidents. However, the ban imposed on cow slaughter by the authorities and pro-active cow vigilante groups had made the life difficult for local residents. SSP Sahni said that five FIRs were lodged on Wednesday after he got information that the villagers had locked the animals in school and health centres. The DM claimed that around 2,000 cattle were shifted to 12 gaushalas in the past three days. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service Lucknow: The ISIS-inspired module -- Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islamunearthed on Wednesday and which led to the arrest of 10 terror suspects in a joint operation of National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) across the state and Delhi brought western UP districts in the spotlight yet again. backed by foreign handlers iThe districts including, Meerut, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Bijnore, Hapur, Amroha, Rampur and even Bareilly have been on the radar of probe as they have proved to be a safe haven for terror modules backed by foreign handlers including Pakistan, Bangladesh and now ISIS during the last decade. Besides, youth radicalised by online jihadi literature, over a dozen and a half terror suspects associated with various outfits and 50 undercover agents and spies have been rounded up across western UP districts during the past 15 years. However, the sources in police department attribute it to the proximity of this region to national capital, Delhi. These terror suspects take shelter in western UP districts to escape the security agencies gaze, says a senior cop. As per sources in intelligence agencies, the terror outfits, like Jaish-e- Mohammad, Laskar-e-Taiyyaba, Hijbul Mujahideen, Indian Mujahideen, and now ISIS-inspired modules have made deep forays into western UP districts. That is why the suspects arrested so far from this side of Uttar Pradesh have shown larger allegiance to these terror outfits, Moreover, Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence presence has also been confirmed by the arrest of spies not only from western UP but now their network has expanded to Uttarakhand also, said a senior police official. Notably, in September this year, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, Achyutanand Mishra, alleged to have been honey-trapped by ISI over Facebook, was arrested on charges of spying by UP ATS from Noida. Similarly, in May this year, investigation agencies had arrested a man from Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district on suspicion that he had bugged an Indian diplomat's house in Pakistan and passed on vital information to ISI while working as a domestic help till last year. Moreover, the intelligence sources also point out that around 20 Pakistanis visiting western UP were untraceable. They came from Pakistan on some pretext and vanished, claim the agencies. Moreover, the ISI espionage ring concentrates on western UP districts as vital military installations are based here. Second largest cantonment of the country is based in Meerut. Apart from that Hapurs Babugarh Cant, Air Force bases of Saharanpur, and Hindon in Ghaziabad are always on the target of terror outfits and ISI. Recently, a jawan from Meerut Cant was held passing on vital information to Pakistan. Even Bijnore has emerged as a potential hideout of terror suspects. It can be recalled that six SIMI ultras had carried out blasts in Jatan locality of Bijnor in 2014. Last year in August, Abdullah associated with Ansarullah Bangla Team was held by UP ATS in Charthaval in Muzzafarnagar. He was involved in preparing fake identity proofs of terrorists especially of Bangladesh and help them get safe hideouts in India. Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) is an al Qaeda inspired Islamic extremist group in Bangladesh. Karamatullah K Ghori By Long used to taking their followers blind faith in them for granted, Pakistans traditional leaders had come to believe in their supposed infallibility.No matter how egregious or offensive their wrongdoing, the leaders could get away with it. The proverbial long arm of the law was too short when it came to catching up with them. The robber barons took it for gospel truth that they were above the law of the land. It was their territory and none could poach on it. No longer so, says Imran Khans New Pakistan. The law of the land has come back, with obvious vengeance, to reclaim its patch. Its time to hold corrupt politicians accountable for their shenanigans perpetrated over the long years when they reigned in Pakistan. A latest and robust proof of accountability of corrupt politicians came on Christmas Eve, when an Accountability court in Islamabad found Nawaz Sharif, the three-time PM already dishonoured by the apex court and disqualified from holding any elected office in Pakistan, is guilty of having assets beyond his income capacity and amassing fortunes for which he couldnt come up with any credible evidence of wealth fairly generated. That Nawaz was sentenced to serve a jail term on Christmas Eve is a coincidence hard to ignore. December 25 was Nawazs birthday. So, he will be celebrating this 70th birthday of his in his prison cell. Nawaz has been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for seven years, after which he will be disqualified from taking part in active politics for ten years. He must also pay fines of 1.5 billion rupees, in Pakistani currency, and $25 million. The Accountability court that has meted out this punishment to Nawazharsh, according to his partisans, but still too lenient for his detractorsis the legal arm of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) which was set up by the last military dictator, General Pervez Musharraf, soon after hed risen to power after toppling Nawaz in 1999. It was mandated to go after corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, with a sharper focus on the former whose tales of corruption and theft of public funds were on everyones lips. However, NAB went into virtual hibernation after Musharraf himself was eclipsed in 2008. What followed were ten years of democratic rule by two of Pakistans most notorious robber barons, Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz. NAB wasnt their cup of tea. They couldnt afford to have any kind of accountability inconveniencing them or throwing spanners in their political works. They corrupted NAB, too, by larding it with their hand-picked loyalists who would not bother them by being nosy and interfering in their loot and plunder of Pakistan.But the Panama Papers changed the atmosphere radically. The leaks against Nawaz and his children were in such abundance that despite his best efforts to play the innocent, he could not silence the national chorus for full accountability. The Pakistan Supreme Court had ordered a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to go through the stinking Augean stables of corruption allegations against Nawaz and his extended family. Asif Ali Zardari, the slain Benazir Bhuttos husband and president of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013, has also been under the lens of a Joint Investigation Team over fake bank accounts. Nawazs latest conviction is focused on Al-Azizia steel millsestablished in Saudi Arabia in his years of exile there. But he could not provide any money trail to prove his contention that money for it came partly from his late father and partly from a Qatari prince. His father had died while Nawaz was still in exile and the Qatari royal did not appear before the JIT. This sentence virtually snuffs out the last hope of any future in politics for Nawaz, his ambitious daughter Maryamon bail in a seven-year sentence for corruptionand his two sons in London, who have now become proclaimed offenders under Pakistans law.But the accountability of corrupt politicians is not going to stop at Nawaz. The juggernaut now has its sights set on the other robber baron, Zardari. Already, another JIT formed to probe his fabled loot and plunder has nabbed several of his cronies who were operating as frontmen in a banking scam which, according to many observers, is going to make the Panama Papers scandal look like childs play. Soon after Nawaz was sentenced, the JIT on Zardari submitted its findings on his and his sister Faryal Talpurs massive loot and plunder to the apex court. According to its findings Zardari and sister have been operating scores of fraudulent bank accounts. The amount involved runs into tens of billions of rupees. Land-grabbing scams are additional. Zardari and sister are on pre-arrest bail until January 7. What may come next is anybodys guess. The incoming year promises to be even more exciting. Imran may well win his battle against corruption. By Express News Service BELAGAVI: While a group of rebels headed by Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi are issuing threats to topple the coalition government by quitting their assembly seats, eight-time MLA of the BJP and former minister Umesh Katti said the coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy will collapse within the next 24 hours. He said he had rightly predicted the fall based on the ongoing political developments in the state. Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, he said,The coalition government will collapse within a day. The BJP will form government in the state within the next 15 days. At least 15 disgruntled MLAs of the Congress are in touch with me and are set to join the saffron outfit shortly, he said and refused to reveal the names of MLAs. About MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was sacked from the state cabinet recently and not in touch with leaders for the past two days, Katti said Ramesh is my good friend. He is regularly in touch with me ever since he was removed from the cabinet. At least 15 MLAs led by Ramesh will meet BJP national president Amit Shah shortly, he said.However, the BJP would never resort to Operation Lotus but the party would welcome the dissident MLAs from the Congress and the JD(S) if they want to join us, he added. BJP will field able candidates in 28 LS seats State BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa has expressed confidence that his party will field the most able candidates in all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state based on the feedback being obtained by party workers. A Chadian armed group attacked a military camp of forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar in southern Libya on Thursday, killing one and injuring 13 others, a local official said. After the toppling of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in the NATO-backed uprising in 2011, fighters from neighboring Chad and Sudan joined the ensuing turmoil. Competing Libyan armed factions frequently accuse each other of deploying mercenaries from sub-Saharan Africa. The attack took place near Traghen, 902 kilometers (560 miles) south of Tripoli and about 400 kilometers north of the border with Chad. A spokesman for the Traghen municipality said the man killed was a fighter loyal to the Haftar-allied, eastern government in Libya. Search Keywords: Short link: By Online Desk A day after police officers deployed at Sabarimala told DGP Loknath Behera that they will not be able to extend security to activists attempting to enter the hill shrine, Kerala Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran on Thursday said that the state government has no special interest in taking women to the hill shrine. READ | Can't protect activists who visit Sabarimala for political mileage, police tell DGP The minister emphasized that the government is not scared of the "goons creating problems" at Sannidhanam, and many women would have visited the temple by now had the government wanted. He was speaking to media after the Manadalakaala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season assessment meeting with Devaswom board officials. Ever since the verdict, around three dozen women from the child-bearing age group have tried and failed to have a darshan of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala following protests. On Sunday, 11 women devotees from Tamil Nadu were sent back in the face of steep protest. "The hill shrine is not the place to show activism," Surendran said. READ | Protests outsides houses of two women who attempted Sabarimala temple entry Coming down heavily on the violent-protesters, the minister said women of all ages now have the right to enter Sabarimala as ruled by the apex court. Nobody can dispute that. He expressed confidence that the people of Kerala will not support the violent protestors and will come to a rational conclusion. The government ensured proper facilities for the devotees during the ongoing pilgrimage season although it was struggling to recover the state from the impacts of the flood. READ | Kadakampally Surendran takes a dig at Kerala HC-appointed monitoring panel Accusing the BJP of turning Sabarimala into a war zone, Surendran said the saffron party shifted its agitation from Sabarimala to Secratariat in Thiruvananthapuam after it failed to divide the people with the women's entry issue. The temple town has witnessed protests by right-wing groups since the September 28 Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple, including those from the hitherto banned age group of 10 to 50 years. By Express News Service KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday sought five days custody of a Kalpetta native, Habeeb Rahman who allegedly attempted to join Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan. The 25-year-old was arrested by NIA team from Kalpetta on Wednesday. NIA on Thursday produced the 17th accused in the case before NIA Court in Kochi. NIA prosecutor Arjum Ambalapatta submitted that five-days long custody of the accused is required for the probe. NIA court remanded him to judicial custody for 30 days. The application filed by NIA will be considered by the court on Monday. Habeeb was shifted to Ernakulam Sub Jail later. The case is related to 14 people from Kasargod who moved to Afghanistan to join IS in 2015 and 2016. The absconding persons--Abdul Rashid Abdulla, Ashfak Majeed and Bestin Vincent--who is accused in another NIA case related to IS had contacted Habeen Rehman and his friend Nashidul Hamzafar over encrypted social media platforms and motivated them to join IS. Habeeb and Nashidul left India in October 2017 and reached Iran via Oman to join IS in Afghanistan. However, due to pressure from his family, Habeeb returned to India while Nashidul proceeded to Afghanistan where he was caught by agencies and was sent back to India. The investigation against Nashidul and Habeeb revealed that they allegedly organised and took part in secret classes held in Kalpetta during April-May 2017. NIA court had convicted a Bihar native woman who allegedly attempted to join IS at Afghanistan before she was intercepted from New Delhi airport in 2016. Dhinesh Kallungal By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the political rumblings behind the scene, several women activists and celebrities have vowed to take part in the womens wall campaign to be held on January 1. Prominent among them are actors part of the Women in Cinema Collective and renowned writer M Leelavati. One such notable name is Sangita Iyer, a Canadian filmmaker with her roots in Kerala, who was nominated for the Naari Shakthi Puraskaar last year by Union minister Maneka Gandhi. Sangita shot to fame for her documentary Gods in Shackle which depicted the lives of elephants in Kerala. In an interview with the Express she detailed her resolve and reasons to be part of the Womens Wall campaign. Excerpts: Q: Is your decision to take part in the Womens Wall programme voluntary? Ive been visiting Kerala frequently for the past four years in connection with the welfare of captive elephants. When I arrived in Kerala in mid-December, I heard about the Vanitha Mathil (Womens Wall). I was inspired to participate and empower women because they hold in their hands and heart the secret to creating a harmonious society. Q: Are you aware of its political significance? Everything is politicised around the world. In my view the womens wall is a terrific opportunity to empower women. I care about gender equality, women and animal rights. There are many parallels in the way women and animals are treated in India, and I am proud to give them my voice. Women empowerment is the need of the hour across the planet. So anything related to women empowerment or animal rights, Ill always be at the forefront until my last breath. Students form wall outside NSS College (Facebook photo) Q: Opposition parties have called it a communal wall blaming its being built on caste lines. Im not surprised. Thats the nature of politics - finding fault with each other. But I dont see it that way. This is an opportunity to empower women. I refuse to get entangled in the politics. Keralas most revered poet Sugathakumari has reportedly extended her good wishes to the campaign. And thats good enough for me. Q: Are there other foreigners participating along with you? No. In fact, there was a group of foreigners with me in my entourage. But the government is forming the wall for the local women. Since I have Kerala roots, as my ancestral family belongs to Palakkad, I am proud to take part in the event. Q: Do you think this would bring a change in the lives of women in Kerala? The Womens Wall has the potential to create a solidarity movement just as each brick cemented together creates a strong wall. Ive travelled across India, meeting key stakeholders, being a voice for the endangered elephants. Ive met intelligent and highly educated women in Kerala, one of the most progressive states on many fronts. And my hope is that this movement will create a ripple effect across the nation, and indeed around the globe. By Express News Service BARGARH: Security forces exchanged fire with Maoists in Gandhamardan hill range under Paikmal police limits of Padampur sub-division in the district on Tuesday evening. Police claimed that at least two left-wing extremists (LWEs) were injured in the incident. Bargarh SP Mukesh K Bhamo said security forces had information about Maoist movement in the area. They came across a group of Maoists at the foothills of Gandhamardan hill while returning from patrolling operation. Seeing the security forces, Maoists opened fire and the former retaliated. However, the Maoists managed to escape taking advantage of the darkness. Padampur SDPO Laxminarayan Panda said two Maoists including the head of the Bargarh-Balangir-Mahasamund divisional committee, Rabindra, sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. He said the security forces were coming down to the foothills of Gandhamardan when they came across the Maoist group comprising 10 to 12 cadres. The exchange of fire continued for more than 15 minutes. More than 50 rounds of bullets were fired from both sides, the SP informed. Police have seized 16 empty cartridges, a knife, a torchlight, a towel that was used by Rabindra to cover his face and a bag from the spot. Security forces have launched a combing operation in the area. On September 26 last year, two Maoist cadres, including a female cadre, died in an exchange of fire with police near Salepali village under Paikmal police limits. By Express News Service NABARANGPUR: Devananda Lamta, a dibyang (differently-abled) youth of Hatibeda village under Sadar block of the district, on Tuesday has proved that disability is not an obstacle to render social service. He donated blood to save a pregnant woman at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) here. As per reports, pregnant woman Phulla Bhotra of Sakarguda in Papdahandi block was admitted to the DHH for institutional delivery two days back after she complained of labour pain. Phulla was in urgent need of blood transfusion due to haemoglobin deficiency. The doctor asked Phullas husband Jadav Bhotra to arrange B+ blood. Since the B+ blood group was not available in the Blood Bank of the DHH, Jadav requested all the staff in the hospital to donate blood. Later, one hospital security personnel informed Devananda for the donation of blood. Without any second thought, the 28-year-old dibyang youth rushed to the hospital and donated blood. Earlier, he had also donated blood several times at the DHH, said locals. Devananda runs a small shop in his village to make out a living. Despite his poverty and disabilities, he always comes forward for voluntary service including blood donation to the needy. However, he is yet to get a house under the rural housing scheme. Jeyalakshmi Ramanujam By Express News Service VIRUDHUNAGAR: The 23-year-old pregnant woman who was transfused with blood donated by an HIV+ person at the Sattur General Hospital on Wednesday lodged a police complaint against the medical staff involved, for negligence. Meanwhile, the government on Wednesday formed a special team under Dr M Sindha, Head of the Department of Transfusion Medicine at Government Rajaji Hospital to probe into the incident. State Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan said that the government had already started revamping the blood safety protocol. A draft, he said, would be ready in the next 45 days and once implemented, would help avoid such cases in the future. The woman, in her petition, mentioned that she came down with fever soon after the blood transfusion. But the doctors there said I would be fine and discharged me on December 5. Again, I suffered from fever, stomach pain and diarrhoea. I went to the same Sattur GH on December 17 and gave my blood samples for test. It was confirmed that I was HIV+ but they did not inform me. Instead, they referred me to the Virudhunagar Government Hospital. It was the doctors there who confirmed that I was HIV+, she stated. Later on Wednesday, the woman was shifted to a specially created ward at the Government Rajaji Hospital. Health Secretary Radhakrishnan reviewed the arrangements made at the GH and said that as per the orders of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, a preliminary inquiry was conducted on Tuesday. The womans husband has put forth three demands to the government advanced medical treatment, preventing the spread of infection to the foetus and prevention of such similar incidents in the future, he said. Donor tries to kill self The HIV+ blood donor attempted suicide on Wednesday at Ramnad. For help to overcome suicidal thoughts, call 104, TNs health helpline By Express News Service CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday issued an order notifying three places in Madurai district where Jallikattu can be conducted during Pongal season. Jallikattu can be conducted at three villages--Avaniyapuram (January 15), Palamedu (January 16) and Alanganallur (January 17). The notification was issued under section 2 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals act 1960 and the amended act of 2017. The bull sport was being conducted after massive protests against its ban rocked the state last year. Thousands of people gathered in various public places across the state, forcing the state government to enact new laws overriding the Supreme Court's ban on the sport. The animal rights activist group PETA has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court and the case has been pending. By Express News Service CHENNAI: The newly modernised Cruise Passenger Facilitation Centre in Chennai Port, had its first visitor when MV LE Laperouse, an ultramodern Cruise Vessel built in Romania with the latest facilities like floating marina and blue eye underwater lounge, where one can see the underwater life, arrived at Chennai Port. The vessel which arrived at Chennai Port on Tuesday, on its maiden visit with 151 passengers on board and 113 crew from Trincomalee, is set to sail to Port Blair on Thursday. The tour operators said that the passengers had plans to visit various destinations in the City, apart from Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram. P Raveendran, Chairman, Chennai Port Trust, exchanged plaque with Capt Florian Richard, Master of the Ship, welcoming the crew and passengers to Chennai Port in a ceremony held on board the vessel on Wednesday. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Majority members of the advocates community have welcomed the order issued by the Central government constituting a separate High Court for Andhra Pradesh state from January 1, 2019 with the principal seat of such High Court at Amaravati in AP and the Hyderabad High Court shall become the High court for Telangana state with effect from the same date. However, the members particularly those belonging to AP have got apprehensions regarding commencement of full-fledged functioning of the new High Court at Amaravati from the said date. AP advocates council chairman Ganta Rama Rao while welcoming the President orders, pointed out that the facilities at ground level are not taken into consideration before issuance of notification. There are no proper transportation facilities for the lawyers and litigants. Sufficient time was not given even to shift to the new premises, he added. Earlier this month, the general body of the AP High Court advocates association have unanimously resolved to request the Centre to issue notification for a separate High Court for AP state at Amaravati only after the High Court is fully established as per provisions of the AP Reorganization Act, 2014. It also resolved to request the AP government to provide the necessary amenities and facilities for the advocates and other para legal staff in the new High Court. AP state public prosecutor Posani Venkateswarlu said that though he welcomes the said order, it will be difficult to commence operations from Jan 1. He felt of shifting to the new high court only completion of bifurcation of files of the common high court. How it will be possible to shift such files within such a short period, he asked. Several lawyers and court staff said that there are several issues to be resolved before setting up of separate High Court for AP state. By ANI NEW DELHI: India wants China to adhere to the established mechanisms to address its concerns with regard to building of infrastructure across the border, sources said here on Thursday. India also expects China to "walk the talk" on addressing trade imbalance and allowing import of agricultural products and IT services from India, the sources added. Sources said India-China border mechanisms are working in an efficient manner, with border meetings and flag meetings taking place normally. India and China have been trying to address the boundary question through various mechanisms, with the Special Representative mechanism being the highest level. The Special Representatives - India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently held the 21st round of talks to discuss border and other issues. The sources said relations between India and China are not just back to normal but heightened. Defence relations between the two nations are back on track and annual defence contacts, suspended last year, have resumed, they said. The sources noted that the two countries had four meetings at the highest level in a year, which was unprecedented. Ties between New Delhi and Beijing were under strain following a 73-day military standoff in Doklam. The standoff was started in June 2017 when the Chinese side tried to alter the status quo by building a road in the area in violation of its understandings with both the countries. Finally, in August, both India and China announced that they had withdrawn all their troops from Doklam. Since then, relations have warmed up following the informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in April. Sources further said that India's position on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains unchanged. India has been opposed to the project as the corridor passes through areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and India terms it as a violation. The sources added that India was also looking forward to China enhancing data sharing of Satluj and Brahmaputra rivers. Yemeni officials say a UN team has met with representatives of the countrys warring parties for the first time in a key port city. The team, led by Dutch Maj. Gen. Patrick Cammaert, arrived in Hodeida over the weekend to monitor a cease-fire that went into force in the Red Sea port city. The officials say the meeting Wednesday involved discussions about the mechanism of the teams work and the number of monitors that will be required in the near future. Elsewhere in Yemen, officials say fighting over the past two days between forces loyal to the government and Shia rebels in the capital, Sanaa, has left at least 17 dead from both sides. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Search Keywords: Short link: By PTI BAGHDAD: Iraqi lawmakers Thursday demanded US forces leave the country in the wake of a surprise visit by President Donald Trump that politicians denounced as arrogant and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Politicians from both blocs of Iraq's divided Parliament called for a vote to expel US troops and promised to schedule an extraordinary session to debate the matter. "Parliament must clearly and urgently express its view about the ongoing American violations of Iraqi sovereignty," said Salam al-Shimiri, a lawmaker loyal to the populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. Trump, making his first presidential visit to troops in a troubled region Wednesday, said he has no plans to withdraw the 5,200 US forces in the country. READ| President Donald Trump makes surprise Iraq visit for Christmas, thanks US troops for sacrifice Containing foreign influence has become a hot-button issue in a year that saw al-Sadr supporters win the largest share of votes in May elections. Al-Sadr has called for curbing US and Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs. US troops are stationed in Iraq as part of the coalition against the Islamic State group. American forces withdrew in 2011 after invading in 2003 but returned in 2014 at the invitation of the Iraqi government to help fight the jihadist group. But after defeating IS militants in their last urban bastions last year, Iraqi politicians and militia leaders are speaking out against the continued presence of US forces in Iraqi soil. Qais Khazali, the head of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia that fought key battles against IS in north Iraq, promised on Twitter that Parliament would vote to expel US forces from Iraq, or the militia and others would force them out by "other means. " Khazali was jailed by British and US forces from 2007 to 2010 for managing sections of the Shia insurgency against the occupation during those years. His militia is represented in Parliament by the Binaa bloc, a rival coalition to al-Sadr's Islah. Binaa favours close ties with Iran and is aligned with Tehran on regional political issues. Trump spent three hours at a US airbase meeting with American troops during his visit. The president defended his decision to withdraw 2,000 US forces from neighbouring Syria, saying the US military had all but eliminated IS-controlled territory there. He left without meeting any Iraqi officials, though he spoke to Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi by phone. The prime minister's office said in a statement after Trump's visit that "differences in points of view" over arrangements led to a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders to be scrapped. Al-Shimiri said Trump's visit "violated several diplomatic norms". By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday met a top US commander in Afghanistan and discussed the regional security and ongoing reconciliation process in the war-torn country. General Bajwa and General Austin Scott Miller, the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, underlined the importance of political resolution of Afghan situation and that only an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led inclusive process can lead to peace in Afghanistan. During the meeting at the military headquarters in Rawalpindi, they agreed on the importance of a political solution to the Afghan conflict. General Bajwa said that Pakistan is committed to efforts for peace in Afghanistan as it is important for peace in Pakistan. During the meeting matters of mutual interest with particular reference to regional security and ongoing Afghan reconciliation process were discussed. Both expressed unanimity of views on importance of political resolution of Afghan situation and underlined that only an Afghan owned and Afghan led inclusive process can lead to peace in Afghanistan. They also reaffirmed the need for continuing harmonized efforts against terrorists and for effective border management. The meeting came days after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi visited Kabul and held talks with Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani and President Ashraf Ghani. Afghanistan has long had troubled relations with Pakistan, which Kabul and Washington accuse of harbouring the Taliban leadership, a claim Islamabad has denied. Pakistan, which has influence over the Taliban, is taking part in the latest US effort to revive the Afghan peace process ahead of next year's withdrawal of 7,000 American troops. Islamabad has welcomed President Donald Trump's decision to pull around half of the 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday described the Kartarpur corridor as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government while admitted that there was "no progress" on the contentious issues with India. Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal also said that the Kashmir issue remained "on top of Pakistan's priority". At the weekly media briefing here, Faisal said that the Kartarpur corridor was the "high point of diplomacy for Pakistan's new government, along with Afghan (peace) developments. " He said Prime Minister Khan in a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in September gave a detailed roadmap to move forward but New Delhi failed to reciprocate. Faisal said that despite India's refusal to start a dialogue, Pakistan went ahead with the groundbreaking of the Kartarpur corridor. ALSO READ | Kartarpur Corridor to cost Rs 85-100cr: Punjab minister Prime Minister Khan in November laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. "It was very positively received all around the world, especially by the Sikh community. We are actively working to develop infrastructures at Kartarpur," Faisal said. Faisal said, however, there was "no progress" on contentious issues with India and the Kartarpur corridor was the only positive development. "We were not successful. we made an effort but they were not reciprocating. You can say it was not successful," the spokesman said. ALSO READ | Sikh shrines in India and Pakistan why construction of visa-free Kartarpur corridor is so historic Condemning the violence in Kashmir, he said Pakistan would "observe Kashmir Solidary on February 5, 2019 in London where the foreign minister will be present." Faisal said 341 Pakistani prisoners were in India, including 154 civil prisoners and 187 fishermen. He said 12 civil and 33 fishermen have completed their jail terms and Pakistan is working to bring them back. To a question about India's role in the Afghan peace process, Faisal said, "India has no role in this". Faisal said Pakistan wanted to develop peaceful ties with all neighbours and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's four-nation visit this week was to explore possibility of a win-win framework for regional connectivity, economic development with the objective economic growth and prosperity. By AFP AL-ASAD AIR BASE: President Donald Trump made a surprise lightening trip to Iraq on Wednesday, his first visit to US troops deployed in a war zone since being elected two years ago. Trump landed at 7:16 pm local time at Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, accompanied by his wife Melania Trump, an AFP correspondent said. The president spoke to troops and met with military leaders before leaving a few hours later. Although the visit took place in considerable secrecy, speculation had been mounting that Trump might make such a trip following his controversial decision to slash troop levels in Afghanistan and pull out entirely from Syria. "President Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit with our troops and Senior Military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders tweeted. Melania Trump's spokeswoman called it "a surprise visit to our brave U.S. service members currently deployed in Iraq." Presidential trips to boost troop morale have been a longstanding tradition in the years of war following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and Trump has taken considerable criticism for declining to make such a visit until now. READ HERE | US does not want to be 'policeman of the Middle East': Donald Trump But apart from the photo ops alongside uniformed military members, Trump was expected to use the Iraq trip to further explain his decision to end the Syria deployment and cut troop levels in Afghanistan. Time to pull troops? The policy changes, defended by Trump as an exit from wars where the United States no longer needs to be expending lives and money, have sparked alarm among US allies and some in the US security establishment. The drawdowns -- and the abrupt way that they were announced -- helped lead to the resignation of Trump's defense secretary, Jim Mattis, who has been one of the administration's key heavyweights. In his unusually forcefully worded resignation letter, Mattis appeared to chide Trump when he stressed his own "strongly held" views on "treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors." Trump also took flak from France and other allies and senior figures in his own Republican party. However, the president has made disentangling America from seemingly endless wars a priority since his 2016 election and he says the time is right. The Islamic State jihadist group, which once controlled swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria, has been driven mostly into hiding, allowing the approximately 2,000 US troops supporting local fighters to leave soon, Trump says. And in Afghanistan, he wants to withdraw about half of the 14,000 soldiers locked in a war against Taliban guerrillas that has long resembled a stalemate. "Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we aredoing?" Trump asked in a tweet recently. "Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight," he tweeted. By PTI UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Antonio Guterres has asked all stakeholders in Bangladesh to ensure that the upcoming general elections are held in an environment free of violence and intimidation, amid reports of arrests and targeted attacks carried out by the ruling party activists. General elections will be held in Bangladesh on December 30. It will be the 11th election held in the country. In the run-up to the general elections, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the continued commitment of the United Nations for a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh. "All Bangladeshi citizens, including minorities and women, must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process," a statement issued Wednesday by the Secretary General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Ahead of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, @antonioguterres calls for an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion. All Bangladeshis, including minorities & women, must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. full text: https://t.co/bMQIDBtozh UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) December 27, 2018 "He calls on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections, so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive poll," it said. Last week, Dujarric said the UN was concerned by incidents of electoral violence and arrests of opposition members in Bangladesh just days ahead of the general elections and had called on all stakeholders to ensure the election is inclusive and transparent. "We are all following these developments very closely and we're concerned by the reports of incidents of electoral violence and arrests of opposition members and we call on all stakeholders to do their part to make sure that the election is inclusive and transparent," Dujarric had said Friday. He said it is very important that the security forces act to ensure free and unhindered campaigning by all candidates. At least six people have been killed and several hundred injured in election-related violence since December 10 when the campaigning began for the polls. Both opposition and the ruling Awami League blame each other for the attacks. According to media reports, most attacks were carried out by the ruling party activists who were often backed by the police. The opposition alleges that police have arrested some 10,500 of their activists in a crackdown ahead of elections with an intention to create a "climate of fear". The police, however, said no one has been arrested without specific charge and warrant. Rights group Human Rights Watch has said a repressive political environment in Bangladesh ahead of the national elections was undermining the credibility of the process. It said widespread electoral violence started as soon as the candidate lists were formally approved, and campaigning began. Much of the campaign violence has targeted the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and the opposition coalition Jatiya Oikya Front (National United Front). A former Israeli armed forces chief who opinion polls show poses the toughest challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus bid for reelection next year formally established a political party on Thursday. Details about Benny Gantzs Israel Resilience Party, leaked to local media after it was registered, gave little indication of its ideological tilt. Along with preserving Israel as a Jewish and democratic country, the party pledged unspecified changes to priorities in national security and the economy. Polling has predicted an easy win for Netanyahu in the April 9 election, with his rightist Likud party taking around 30 of parliaments 120 seats and on course to form a right-wing coalition government similar to the current cabinet. The surveys, published after Netanyahu announced on Monday an election some seven months before one was due by law, gave second place to a then-hypothetical Gantz party. The polls forecast it would take around 15 seats. Netanyahu is running for a fifth term under the shadow of three corruption investigations in which police have recommended his indictment. He has denied any wrongdoing. Israels attorney-general has still to decide whether to charge Netanyahu and it is unclear whether he will make his announcement before the election. Should Gantz emerge as a center-left candidate, that could work in Netanyahus favor by further fracturing an already disparate opposition bloc. Gantz, 59, became Israels top general in 2011 after stints as commander of forces on the combustible northern frontier with Syria and Lebanon and as military attache in Washington. During his four-year term he oversaw two Israeli offensive on Gaza Strip. Search Keywords: Short link: Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). The United Arab Emirates minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, told Al Arabiya TV on Thursday that Syria's return to Arab league, which was suspended seven years ago, required Arab consensus. An Arab diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters last week he believed a majority wanted Syria to be readmitted - with only three or four states expected to oppose this. Search Keywords: Short link: One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 A working holiday scheme signed between Hong Kong and the Netherlands will start accepting applications from January 1. Welcoming the schemes commencement, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong said the Government was delighted to see that the Working Holiday Scheme has been well-received by youths, enabling them to broaden their horizons and to gain living and working experience in a foreign culture. I believe that youth exchanges would further reinforce bilateral ties between Hong Kong and the Netherlands. Dutch Consul General Annemieke Ruigrok welcomed young people to grasp the opportunities provided by the scheme. Hong Kong and the Netherlands signed a memorandum of understanding on the scheme in April. Participants from each side will be allowed to stay for up to one year in Hong Kong or the Netherlands where they can work to finance their stay or study short-term courses. More than 85,000 Hong Kong youths have benefited from similar arrangements with New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Japan, Canada, Korea, France, the UK, Austria, Hungary and Sweden. Details of visa application procedures can be found on the Immigration Department website and the consulates website. (Newser) Police in Massachusetts arrested a man after he allegedly entered a womans apartment and emptied a cat litter box, the Berkshire Eagle reports. Mitchell Sayers, 33, of Pittsfield, reportedly entered the unlocked apartment in North Adams, took off his shoes, and emptied the cat box (the Eagle says he was cleaning it, but provides no other details). The incident started with reports of a man chasing a 26-year-old woman on Mohawk Forest Drive, where the apartment is located. Police met the woman in front of the apartment. Believing Sayers was armed with a knife (ultimately, it was discovered he was unarmed), they entered the apartment with guns drawn. Police say Sayers was in the kitchen and came out with his hands up, and then complied with officers commands for him to get down on the ground. It is unclear whether Sayers and the woman, who says he had been making sexually suggestive comments, knew each other. (Read more weird crimes stories.) (Newser) Reid Hoffman has apologized for using some of his billions to fund a group that used Russia-style dirty tricks in last year's special election in Alabama. The LinkedIn co-founder said in a statement Wednesday that he regrets funding the "highly disturbing" work of American Engagement Technologies, which has been linked to the spread of disinformation on social media, to undermine the campaign of Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore, the Washington Post reports. Operatives allegedly created social media pages in an effort to split the conservative vote and faked evidence that large numbers of Russian bots were supporting Moore. story continues below Hoffman associates say he donated $750,000 to AET, of which around $100,000 went toward the social media disinformation campaign, the New York Times reports. "I want to be unequivocal: there is absolutely no place in our democracy for manipulating facts or using falsehoods to gain political advantage," Hoffman said in a statement. He said he supported numerous groups, and was "embarrassed" by his failure to monitor AET "more diligently." Democratic Sen. Doug Jones, who narrowly defeated Moore in the Alabama race, has denounced the disinformation tactics and called for a federal investigation. (Moore is suing Sacha Baron Cohen over his Who Is America appearance.) (Newser) With a final, 32-hour push, American explorer Colin O'Brady has completed a journey seen as an "impossible first": a solo, unaided, 921-mile trek across Antarctica. "I did it!" the 33-year-old told his family in Portland, Ore., after finishing the journey in 54 days. O'Brady was racing to make it to the Ross Ice Shelf finish line before British adventurer Louis Rudd, who was making the journey in honor of his friend Henry Worsley, the AP reports. Worsley died in 2016 after attempting the feat and turning back just 30 miles from the end. O'Brady documented his amazing journey on his Instagram page. story continues below O'Brady, whose journey was unaided by wind, says he knew his lead over Rudd was safebut he still decided to complete the final 77.5 miles in one push after waking up Christmas morning. "I dont know, something overcame me," he told the New York Times after finishing the trek. "I just felt locked in for the last 32 hours, like a deep flow state. I didnt listen to any musicjust locked in, like I'm going until I'm done. It was profound, it was beautiful, and it was an amazing way to finish up the project." He said he planned to pitch his tent, finally get some sleep, and wait for Rudd to arrive. "My plan is to wait here for Lou and fly to Union Glacier together," he said. (Read more Antarctica stories.) (Newser) A milestone in the cable wars: MSNBC has beaten Fox News in total daytime viewers for the first time since 2000. For the week of Dec. 17-21, MSNBC averaged 1.56 million viewers between 6am and 2pm, ahead of Fox (1.54 million) and CNN (975,000), according to a release from NBCUniversal. The last time the liberal network beat its counterpart on the right in this metric was Nov. 6, 2000, just ahead of the election that would put George W. Bush in the White House. MSNBC also came out on top in the key daytime demographic of 25- to 54-year-olds for the first time since 2001, reports Politico. story continues below In terms of prime time, MSNBC beat its competitors for the fourth straight week, with Rachel Maddow's show No. 1 at 3.2 million viewers. Fox's Sean Hannity was off that week, though the AP notes that his ratings have been slipping since the election. Overall, Hannity will still end 2018 as the most popular personality on cable news, a title he held last year as well. However, his show has pulled in an average 2.76 million viewers from the election through Dec. 17, a drop of 19% from the previous month. He's also down 30% in the 25- to 54-year-old demographic. (Read more MSNBC stories.) (Newser) A Chicago attorney is facing a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals after allegedly hurling two small dogs from a second-floor balcony. Police say Jerald Jeske, 51, threw the dogs off the balcony after a Christmas Eve fight with his wife, the Chicago Tribune reports. She told police that after they argued while in a vehicle, he slapped her and said: "You love those dogs more than you love me ... Im going to kill those dogs." One dog, an elderly Chihuahua, was killed. The other ran away and has not been found, CBS Chicago reports. Jeske's bail conditions ban him from having any contact with his wifeor with animals. (Read more animal cruelty stories.) President Vladimir Putin on Thursday accused the United States of raising the risk of nuclear war by threatening to spurn a key arms control treaty and refusing to hold talks about another pact that expires soon. In a news conference that lasted more than three hours, Putin also backed US President Donald Trumps decision to pull troops out of Syria, said British Prime Minister Theresa May had no choice but to implement Brexit and that Western democracy was under serious strain. The annual event, the 14th of its kind, is used by Putin to burnish his leadership credentials and send messages to foreign allies and foes. This year, he made clear his biggest worry was what he called a dangerous new arms race, something he accused the United States of stoking by turning its back on arms control. Washington has threatened to pull out of the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) which bans Moscow and Washington from stationing short- and intermediate-range, land-based missiles in Europe. Putin said the move, if it happened, would have unpredictable consequences. We are essentially witnessing the breakdown of the international arms control order and (the start of) an arms race, Putin told more than 1,000 reporters. Its very hard to imagine how the situation will develop (if the United States quits the INF treaty). If these missiles appear in Europe what should we do? Of course, well have to ensure our own security. Putin has previously said that Russia would be forced to train its own missiles on any European countries that host US rockets. Another US-Russia treaty, the New START pact, which limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads each side can have, expires in 2021. Putin said he was worried that Washington didnt appear to be interested in discussing its future. No talks on extending this are yet being held. Are the Americans not interested, do they not need them? Ok, well survive and will ensure our own security, which we know how to do. But in general, this is very bad for humankind because it takes us closer to a dangerous threshold. Growing Threat The Russian leader, who said Moscow had developed nuclear weapons which he believed gave it an edge over other countries, warned the threat of a nuclear conflict was growing as a result of the US moves. He also cited the dangerous tendency of lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons and the idea of using ballistic missiles with conventional warheads. If, God forbid, something like that were to happen, it would lead to the end of all civilization and maybe also the planet, said Putin. But though Putin criticized Washington, he made clear that he still hoped to meet Trump sometime soon, saying it was important the two leaders discussed issues such as arms control. With relations between Moscow and Washington strained by everything from Ukraine to hacking allegations, Putin said he did not know when a meeting with Trump might take place however. Putin won a landslide re-election victory in March, giving him six more years in power. Although he faces no serious political threat for now, plans to sharply raise the pension age saw his approval rating fall to below 60 percent for the first time in five years. Search Keywords: Short link: (Newser) Two Michigan environmental regulators implicated in the Flint water scandal pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor Wednesday in exchange for more serious charges being dropped, bringing to six the number of officials who have agreed to such deals. Stephen Busch pleaded no contest to disturbing a public meeting, and Michael Prysby pleaded no contest to a count of violating Michigan's Safe Drinking Water Act. They had been charged with felonies, but those charges and others were dismissed under the terms of their deals, which also require them to testify against others, if needed, the AP reports. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes. Their sentencings are scheduled for Jan. 23. story continues below The plea from Busch, a water supervisor in the state Department of Environmental Quality, relates to his failing to address concerns during an unruly January 2015 meeting in which Flint residents complained about the city's discolored and smelly water after the April 2014 switch from a Detroit-area system to using the Flint River. He had faced involuntary manslaughter and other felony charges. The plea from Prysby, a DEQ water engineer, relates to the improper permitting of Flint's water treatment plant during the switch. Prysby's misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. The punishment for Busch's charge is up to 93 days in jail. (The Flint City School District thanked Elon Musk for keeping his promise.) (Read more Flint water crisis stories.) (Newser) Not everyone can get home for the holidays, especially if they have to work, but Pierce Vaughan's father decided he would bring home to her while she was on the clock. Per WXIA, the Delta flight attendant was on the schedule for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, meaning it would be the first Christmas she spent without her family as she catered to passengers in the air. But her dad, Hal, was determined that Vaughan have some company, so the Ohio man took advantage of a Delta rule that lets immediate family of flight attendants fly for free on standby, as long as there's an available seat, and hopped on the handful of flights that his daughter was working Monday and Tuesday. Mike Levy, a passenger on one of the flights from Fort Myers to Detroit, sat next to Hal and said the devoted dad told him he'd booked six flights in total, USA Today reports. story continues below "What a fantastic father!" Levy wrote on Facebook in a post that ended up going viral, with more than 29,000 shares as of Thursday morning. Vaughan shared Levy's post, which included a picture of her dad smiling big next to Levy, and told her mother back home watching the pets: "Look ma we made it!" Hal had never flown on one of Vaughan's shifts before, and it was actually his first trip after some tough months of physical therapy: He'd broken his neck and it was initially feared he'd never walk again. In a statement to NBC Chicago, Delta thanked all of its employees who work over the holidays, and also praised the "awesome" Hal's efforts to spend Christmas with Vaughan, "even while crisscrossing the country at 30,000 feet." (A SkyWest pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend in front of their passengers.) (Newser) A human rights lawyer detained three years ago in China finally got his day in court Wednesday, but not even his wife knows how it went. The proceedings for Wang Quanzhang, accused of subversion, were closed to the public, reports the New York Times, and police would not even let his wife, Li Wenzu, leave her apartment in Beijing. "This whole process has been illegal, so how could I expect an open and fair trial?" she tells the Times. "But my demand is still that he be freed as not guilty, because thats what he is." The court in the port city of Tianjin where his trial was heard said it would release the verdict at a later date. story continues below The 42-year-old Wang, known for defending members of the banned Falun Gong movement, was one of more than 200 human rights lawyers rounded up in 2015, reports CNN. Others were released after making televised confessions, but Wang has remained in custody. That the trial took place the day after Christmas is no coincidenceBeijing typically holds dissident trials around this time, when the international media is not as prevalent, notes CNN. Still, protesters gathered outside the court Wednesday, while a researcher for Amnesty International denounced the trial as a "sham" and said Wang "is being persecuted only for peacefully defending human rights." (Read more China stories.) (Newser) Shoppers in Germany are the first in the world to have a chance to buy what the Guardian calls "no-kill" eggs. The eggs result from a new process that aims to eliminate the culling of male chicksan industrywide practice in which billions of chicks are gassed or sent through shredders alive because they're deemed useless. The breakthrough comes from a German company called Seleggt, where scientists developed a system to determine whether eggs under incubation have male or female chicks inside before they hatch. If female, the eggs are allowed to continue incubating. Male eggs get discarded, as opposed to slaughtering the chicks after they hatch, reports the Telegraph. Male chicks get such treatment because they don't grow as big or as fast as females, plus they don't lay eggs, explains Smithsonian. story continues below "If you can determine the sex of a hatching egg, you can entirely dispense with the culling of live male chicks," says Dr. Ludger Breloh of Seleggt, per the Guardian. The process involves using a laser beam to burn a tiny hole in the egg, in order for a bit of fluid to be tested for a particular hormone. Researchers say it takes one second per egg and adds only a few cents to the price of a carton. The first batch of eggs from hens raised under the process are now on sale at a single supermarket chain in Berlin under the "Respeggt" brand, though the plan is to keep increasing the scale, eventually to beyond the country. (In the US, egg producers aim to end the culling practice by 2020.) (Newser) President Trump says the mainstream media is biased against him, and the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal thinks coverage of his surprise trip to Iraq proves the point. The editorial page, which has a conservative bent, specifically faults the Washington Post for the story that went up on its website when news broke of the visit. It began like this: "President Trump touched down Wednesday in Iraq in his first visit to a conflict zone as commander in chief, a week after announcing a victory over the Islamic State that his own Pentagon and State Department days earlier said remained incomplete." The next paragraph pointed out that the trip "follows months of public pressure for him to spend time with troops deployed to conflicts in the Middle East and punctuates the biggest week of turmoil the Pentagon has faced during his presidency. story continues below The editors say they stopped reading at that point. "These reporters cant even begin a news account of a presidential visit to a military base without working in a compilation of Mr. Trumps controversies, contradictions, and failings," they complain. This kind of "gratuitously negative" coverage undermines media credibility without Trump having to say a word. "Can anyone reading those opening two sentences wonder why millions of Americans believe Donald Trump when he tells them that he cant get a fair shake from the press?" Read the full editorial here. (Trump went on to make a second visit to troops.) 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe China and the United States have made plans for face-to-face consultations over trade in January, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday, as the worlds two biggest economies advanced efforts to resolve a months-long trade war. Consultations through intensive telephone calls will continue in the meantime, Gao Feng, spokesman at the commerce ministry, told reporters, adding that talks have been steadily moving forward despite the Christmas break in the United States. Even as the US side is in the Christmas holiday period, China and US economic and trade teams have been in close communication, and the consultations are progressing in an orderly manner as scheduled, Gao said, when asked about progress on trade negotiations. Gao did not comment directly when asked to confirm a media report on a US trade delegation visit scheduled for the week of Jan. 7. The two sides have indeed made specific arrangements for face-to-face consultations in January in addition to continuing intensive telephone consultations, he said, without elaborating. US and Chinese officials have spoken by phone in recent weeks, but a meeting next month would be the first in-person talks since US President Donald Trump met his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in Buenos Aires on Dec. 1. Trump and Xi agreed to stop escalating tit-for-tat tariffs that have disrupted the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars of goods between the two nations. The two leaders also agreed to launch new talks while the United States delayed a planned Jan. 1 tariff increase until March. In response, China has resumed purchases of US soybeans for the first time in six months, even though hefty tariffs on US cargoes remain in place. Tariff Suspensions China has also said it will suspend additional tariffs on US-made vehicles and auto parts for three months starting Jan. 1, adding that it hopes both sides can speed up negotiations to remove all additional tariffs on each others goods. A US trade team will travel to Beijing the week of Jan. 7 to hold talks with Chinese officials, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. A person familiar with the matter told Reuters last week that talks were likely in early January. In yet another reconciliatory sign, China issued on Tuesday a so-called negative list that specifies industries where investors - domestic or foreign - are either restricted or prohibited. The unified list is seen as an effort to address concerns from Western investors that there is no level-playing field in China. Investment in key Chinese sectors, however, is still prohibited. Draft Investment Law On Wednesday, China unveiled the draft of a foreign investment law for public consultation. In it, China has proposed a ban on forced technology transfer and illegal government interference in foreign business operations, practices that have come under the spotlight during the trade war. While China has frequently denied accusations of engaging in such practices, it has pledged to improve market access for foreign investors and better protect their rights in the face of growing complaints and reduced foreign investment. In an apparent move to emphasize reciprocity, the draft law said China would reserve the right to retaliate against countries that discriminate against Chinese investment with corresponding measures. The draft will likely go through several readings before being submitted to Chinas parliament for formal approval, which could take another year or more. Heaping some uncertainty in the way of the bilateral trade talks was the recent arrest of the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] in Canada at the request of the United States. US prosecutors accuse Meng Wanzhou of misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions, putting the banks at risk of violating US sanctions. Meng, who is the daughter of Huaweis founder, has said she is innocent. Search Keywords: Short link: Youth must lead the way as they stand to gain from the more safer, more stable and prosperous future, said Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha, while delivering his speech at a cultural event which marked the visit of Indian Youth Delegation to Bahrain. India is a youthful nation, 65 per cent of its population is under the age of 35. The youth has the potential to transform the nation. In many western countries, the median age is over 40. But, throughout the Arab world, the median age is under 30. That is what demographers call a youth bulge. We believe that there is no shortage of Sense of Mission in the youth. They want to put their innovative ideas and solutions on the ground in a more efficient and economical way. We believe that they should be encouraged to achieve that objective. Young men and women like you are bringing new energy, creativity and dynamism to markets, to schools, to universities like this one, to government, and I hope to diplomacy and international relations, Mr Sinha pointed out. Youths must lead the way. Youth have most to gain from this safer, more stable and more prosperous future. Having a magnitude population of young people offers us a golden opportunity to accelerate sustainable development and achieve global peace and security. Mr Sinha said the landmark visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to India in February, 2014, was a turning point in the bilateral ties between India and Bahrain. The visit of youth delegation from India will go a long way in further enhancing interaction and cooperation between the youth of our two countries, he added. The event held at the Embassy premises was attended by Ambassador Tawfeeq AlMansoor, Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; First Deputy Speaker of Bahrain, Senior Government Officials, other Bahraini Dignitaries, Bahraini Youth delegations and members of the Indian Community in Bahrain. As part of the directives issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to review the Value-Added Tax Law (VAT Law) implementation mechanisms, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MICT)s Inspection Directorate in co-ordination with the Consumer Protection Directorate intensified the inspection and monitoring of commercial outlets and disseminating awareness among traders and shop owners regarding the importance of compliance with the law. The ministry inspectors carried out intensive and diversified inspection tours this morning to the various commercial markets and services all across Bahrain to ensure that VAT is not charged or levied on exempted consumer goods and services. The ministry reiterated its call to the commercial sector for compliance with the VAT rules and the law by registering in the National Bureau for Taxation (NBT)s website: www. nbt.gov.bh in compliance with the relevant rules and regulations. The ministry called all citizens and consumers to co-operate with the ministry and with all the relevant governmental authorities by reporting any violations or breaches of the law, by calling the National Call Centre hotline: 80008001. The ministry is thoroughly monitoring to ensure application of the relevant laws to maintain the interest of both the consumer and the commercial sector. Heavy snow fell on mountainous areas in Japan on Friday night. Snowfall also continued mostly along the Japan Sea coast from northern to western Japan. The Meteorological Agency says the winter-type weather pattern strengthened, bringing in cold air mass. As of 11 PM, snowfall of 1.47 meters had accumulated in Okura Village, Yamagata Prefecture, northern Japan. Hinoemata Village in Fukushima Prefecture had 90 centimeters. Snowfall accumulated even in western Japan, where four centimeters were recorded in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The snow is expected to continue mainly along the Japan Sea coast through Sunday. Up to 70 centimeters are forecast in the 24 hours through late Saturday afternoon in Niigata Prefecture and the Kanto Koshin region. Up to 60 centimeters are expected in Tohoku and Hokuriku. Forty to 60 centimeters are predicted in the 24 hours through late Sunday afternoon in the Kanto Koshin region. Blizzards are forecast in northern Japan and Hokuriku. Gusts of up to 72 kilometers an hour may hit Hokkaido and Hokuriku on Saturday. Stormy seas are expected and waves over six meters high are forecast in Hokuriku. The agency is advising people to be careful of snowstorms, its effects on transportation, avalanches, and snow that has accumulated on power cables and trees. Struggling to fill its ranks, Germany's military is drawing up plans to recruit nationals from other European countries as part of a drive to beef up the armed forces. Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen wants to recruit Poles, Italians and Romanians, magazine Der Spiegel said, citing a ministry document. The German military, or Bundeswehr, has stepped up its recruitment efforts as part of a broader reset following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Last year, Germany said it would increase the size of its armed forces to 198,000 active soldiers by 2024 from 179,000. Pressure on Berlin mounted again in July when U.S. President Donald Trump told a NATO summit that Washington could withdraw support for the alliance if Europe did not boost military spending. According to the classified ministry document, some 255,000 Poles, 185,000 Italians and 155,000 Romanians, aged between 18 and 40, live in Germany - about half all foreign EU nationals. If 10 percent of them could be interested in the Bundeswehr, that could generate 50,000 new applicants, it said. It did not say if they would serve alongside Germans in regular regiments, or would form their on units akin to the French Foreign Legion. There was no comment available from the ministry when it was contacted by Reuters. The Defence Ministry wants to limit the group of potential recruits to those who have already lived in Germany for several years and speak fluent German, Der Spiegel said. Such limits would aim to minimise concern among other European Union countries about Germany luring their potential soldiers by offering better pay. The ministry had sounded out defence attaches in other EU countries about the plan in recent months with "very different results", Der Spiegel said, with Eastern European countries particularly worried about the impact on their own recruitment. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told the magazine that military service was "closely tied to nationality". To help attract new recruits, the Bundeswehr is also targeting youngsters in Germany, where the army remains a sensitive career choice more than 70 years after World War Two. Search Keywords: Short link: Sen. Olamilekan Adeola (Lagos West) says the 2019 budget proposal is a progressive budget that will take the country to the next level.Adeola spoke with newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday, during a Christmas party he organised for residents of his constituency.Reports have it that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Dec.19 presented the N8.83 trillion 2019 Appropriation Bill to the joint session of the National Assembly.Of the budget, N4.04 trillion or 50.31 per cent was earmarked for recurrent expenditure while N2 .03 trillion or 22.98 per cent was earmarked for capital projects.Also, N2.14 trillion was earmarked for debt servicing while N120billion was dedicated as sinking fund.Reacting, Adeola said the budget was the best in recent years, as it was designed to stimulate economic growth.He said it was the first time any government would earmark as much as N2 .14 trillion to service mainly local debts.Adeola said the economy would benefit immensely from the budget.Oil experts, local contractors convene in Yenagoa to build capacityThis is a very progressive budget. This is budget taking Nigeria to the next level.For the first time in the history of this nation, we have a budget where N2 .14 trillion has been earmarked for the payment of debts.And basically, 80 per cent of these debts are local debts because much of the N2.14 trillion will be used to pay local contractors.What that means for the country is that there will be more money in the economy, because local contractors will be stimulated through payments, he said.Adeola said there would be more investments in the economy once those contactual obligations have been met by government.Adeola, Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, said the pegging of budget oil bench mark at 60 dollar per barrel and oil output of 2.3 million barrel per day was a step in the right direction.He said in spite of the the volatility of the oil price in the international market, the president had shown sincerity and optimism on the budget oil price/output bench mark.Adeola urged Nigerians to support the president in his efforts to turn around the economy.He said he organised the party to appreciate his constituents for the support they had given him as their representative.Adeola implored constituents to continue to support him to deliver democratic dividends in the senatorial zone.While wishing the people of the area a happy celebration in the festive season, he urged them to vote the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019, for the continuation of strides recorded both at the state and federal levels. Buhari Support Group (BSG), Polling Unit 003 in Sarkin Yara A Ward in Daura, has started sensitising the electorate toward the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Aminu Masari in 2019.The Chairman of the group, Malam Ali Dahiru-Daura, told newsmen in Daura on Thursday that BSG had commenced door-to-door, village-to-village and a town-to-town sensitisation and mobilisation of voters in Daura, Baure, Sandamu, Maiadua and Zango local government areas to ensure that the duo were re-elected in the next general elections.He said that the Buhari administration had in the last three years brought unprecedented transformation, especially in critical sectors of the nations economy, stressing that Nigeria has regained its lost glory, especially in the international community.Dahiru-Daura further said that the administration had constructed and rehabilitated hundreds of roads and rail lines across the six geopolitical zones of the country, adding that rail transportation was now alive and running steadily.He noted that other sectors that witnessed unique transformation were the security, agricultural and social investment, stressing that thousands of unemployed youths had been empowered through the N-power programme, trader moni and other initiatives.He added that the administration had discouragedartificial kind of life and encouraged the life of reality through its anti-corruption crusade and adherence to due process in both private and public conduct of individuals.He emphasised the need for Nigerians to re-elect Buhari to enable him to continue with the good work of re-positioning the nation, saying I am sure that the next four years of Buhari administration, if re-elected, would be years of prosperity, development and massive dividends of democracy.Alhaji Ibrahim Killi, the Grand Patron of the group, described Buhari and Masari administration as great blessings to Nigeria and Katsina State, considering the positive transformations so far recorded.He said that the Masari administration had reformed education through construction of additional schools, recruitment of teachers and provision of school furniture and promotion of teachers welfare.He noted that the Masari administration had also settled in billions, the inherited backlog of pension and gratuities of retired civil servants and promoted those who deserved to be elevated.He said that the instances of cattle rustling and banditry had been seriously addressed, saying however, the recent incidents of banditry in neighbouring Zamfara was causing a spillover effect in some parts of the state in spite of efforts of the Katsina State Government to stem the tide.Killi called on the electorate to vote wisely by supporting the change agents and shunning money bags with a do or die political philosophy.Meanwhile, the Sarkin Yara A Polling Unit 003 had organised a 500,000-man march in support of Buhari and Masari scheduled for Jan.1, 2019 in Daura. President Buhari has appointed former Senate Minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the National Coordinator of the Presidential Support CommitteePastor Mfon Okon, the Akwa Ibom state Coordinator of the committee, who disclosed on Thursday, in Uyo said four indigenes of the state have also been appointment into the committee.They include Lady Valerie Ebe, a former deputy governor of the state as chairman, National Advisory Committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, National Director Planning & Strategy, Senator Aloysius Etok National Director for inter-party affairs, and the partys South-South zonal woman leader, Mrs Rachael Akpabio as the National Assistant Welfare Secretary.Okon said appointments were a reflection of the confidence President Buhari reposed on their ability to successfully work for his re-election in the forthcoming presidential election.He called on the people of the state to fully key into national politics by supporting the All Progressives Congress to return the President, and ensure that the party wins Akwa Ibom State in 2019.Meanwhile, preparations are underway by the APC in the state to ensure a hitch-free South-South zonal flag-off of President Buhari re-election campaign slated for the Godswill Akpabio international stadium, Uyo on December 28th. The All Progressives Congress in Borno State has promised to replicate the success of 2015 general elections at next elections.The party had in 2015 won all elections in Borno State both at the National and State Assemblies and drew overwhelming votes for its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.Speaking to journalists after receiving a report from the Peace and Reconciliation Committee inaugurated to reunite all aggrieved members after the primaries in the state, the Chairman of APC in Borno State, Alhaji Ali Dalori said the state remains a stronghold of the ruling party.He said, We are going to give President Muhammadu Buhari massive votes during the next election. We are going to ensure all our candidates are returned.He said there was no faction within the party in Borno, warning those planning for their selfish gains to organize parallel campaigns for President Muhammadu Buhari to bury the plan.Dalori warned that such characters are not known to the party in the state but are only fifth columnist bent on causing disaffection among the APC faithful in Borno State.He said, We are going to ensure that we keep this House united and do not give room to those that do not have political clout but bent on pulling us down.Earlier the Secretary of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Barrister Baba-Shehu Lawan said the APC is going into next elections as a united house ready to consolidate on past victories.He said the committee was able to reach out to aggrieved members who have all shown interest in working for the success of the party at next elections.Lawan said though some still have cases against the party at the court, the committee has recommended that the party should approach them to drop the suits. The apex Igbo body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday expressed pessimism over comments by some stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government that Ndigbo would produce the next President of the country come 2023.Reacting, the National Publicity Secretary of the body, Prince Uche Achi-Okpagha stressed that President Muhammadu Buharis administration doesnt place any premium on Ndigbo, adding that the comment was meant to hoodwink the people of South-East and South-South in order to get their votes.He said: It is obvious from available and bleeding facts that to trust the present government of PMB is to build on sand. I have no reason also to doubt that this government does not place any premium on the Igbo.The Igbo have suffered the worst neglect and victimisation ever under this government. It is more disheartening because the more we complain or unveil the deficiencies and discrepancies, the more policies, programmes and appointments among others, are made with blatant disregard to the chagrin of the lgbo.It was clinically laid bare by the last recommendation of EFCC Board members to the Senate without South-East and South-South memberships. There is no gainsaying that apart from the statutory ministerial appointment per state, the Igbo are nowhere to be found in this government.Right from the outset of Buharis government, he did not mince words or mumble on his resolve to skip the South-East with her five per cent vote in 2015.It is therefore not in doubt that any promise of Igbo presidency in 2023 by this government is a complete and callous hoax on the Igbo nation.The insincerity of this government has made her an enemy to the people and as Robin Hood would have it, there is no trust in a promise made by an enemy. It is a pity that the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, a professor of Law and above all, an ordained priest of the Most High God could accept to be used like a toilet tissue, to prosecute this precipitous political peregrination.This is a government that is pathologically replete with her deceptive embellishments. Note that neither President Buhari nor any northern political stalwart has made a pronouncement on the 2023 Presidency.Instead, they have allowed some cabinet members of Yoruba extraction, including Osinbajo and Fashola, to dissipate energy to the effect that the South-West would have presidency 2023. It is an orchestrated plot to hoodwink the people of the two regions in order to elicit their votes. The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, PPCO, has in a riposte on Thursday, warned Presidency to stop peddling lies against its Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, noting that the former vice president was absorbed of all allegations by the Chairman Buharis Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay and the United States Department of Justice after a thorough investigation was conducted on him.In a statement titled Buharis Corruption Attack on Atiku Is an Illusion disclosed to newsmen by the Director Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, the party argued that even President Muhammadu Buhari who has been in office for three and half years, has never found anything incriminatory on Atiku.However, the party advised presidency to utilize the campaign period to marshal out Buharis achievements since 2015 rather concocting and spreading illusive corruption rumors against Atiku.The full statement:The PDP Presidential Campaign Organization (PPCO) says President Muhammadu Buharis desperate corruption attack on its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is a mere illusion.It is however unfortunate that President Buhari will resort to sponsoring fabrications and false allegations against Atiku Abubakar just because he has is overwhelmed by Atikus soaring popularity and acceptance by Nigerians as their next President, come 2019.We wish to remind President Buhari, who has been unleashing his aides to attack our Presidential candidate, that Atiku Abubakar has never been charged, indicted nor convicted for any act of corruption by any competent authority whatsoever.Moreover, President Buhari has been in office for almost four years and has never found anything incriminatory on Atiku Abubakar that can warrant his prosecution despite being hounded under the Buhari administration.Perhaps, Mr. President needs to be reminded that even the Chairman of his Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, after their detailed scrutiny, announced that they found no evidence of corruption against Atiku Abubakar and consequently absolved him of all allegations.Furthermore, the United States Department of Justice had, in response to enquiry by a leading Nigerian newspaper in November of 2016, stated that, after scrutiny of public records, that there is no criminal case against Atiku Abubakar contrary to fabrications being promoted by the Buhari Presidency.Nigerians can also recall that on December 22, 2014, President Buhari in praising Atiku Abubakars immense business acumen, through which he provided employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians, described him as an inspiration and a man that has rendered great service to Nigeria.Besides, because of President Buharis limited exposure, corrupt tendencies and manifest managerial incompetence, he is always fixated in his myopic creed that nobody can be successful except through corrupt enrichment.It is therefore unfortunate that President Buhari has now resorted to sponsoring fabrications and false allegations against Atiku Abubakar just because he has become overwhelmed by Atikus soaring popularity and acceptance by Nigerians as their next President, come 2019.The PDP Presidential campaign organization is aware that all the shenanigans being employed by the Buhari Presidency are designed to divert attention from the main issue of President Buharis woeful failure and the corruption in his Presidency.Finally, the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, however, refuses to be distracted from the referendum of the 2019 general election which is on the hunger, deprivation, insecurity, killings and bloodletting that have become the hallmark of the Buhari administration.President Buhari must account for these sufferings because come February 16, 2019 Nigerians will register their protest against President Buharis misrule by casting their votes enmasse for Atiku Abubakar. It was a few months after the Syrian protests for democracy had turned into what has evolved to be an ugly civil war that Hala Droubi began running into a growing number of women facing economic hardships. They had always lived well; they had a stable life and a decent income and suddenly things had taken a dramatic shift with the loss of family members often the breadwinners and with the loss of jobs and forced eviction from houses and entire cities, Droubi remembered. It was clear that the war in Syria was not coming to a peaceful end soon and that the hope for democracy had been taken over by the fear of an open-ended conflict that created many refugees and displaced people. The situation was extremely tough for Syrians, but even more so for those Palestinians who had found a path to Syria as refugees during the early decades of the Israeli wars and occupation of their land. Photo: Droubi It was a hard time for people in general and while there were some parts of Syria that were almost fully spared from the war, there were parts that were devastated to the maximum, Droubi told Ahram Online. And while some families, both Syrian and Palestinian, found an early exit from the country before things took a catastrophic turn, many had nowhere to go. They would move from one place in Syria to another, but they were still there, Droubi said. And even when one leaves their city and find another place to live in, they still have to survive, even at a very basic level, and need some income to sustain them, she added. Towards the end of the second year of the conflict, which is now in its eighth year, Droubi started to meet women who were resorting to some basic skills to generate income. They were making all sorts of things: bedspreads, table covers and so on, she recalled. Photo: Droubi With the help of Jihan, a Damascus-based woman, Droubi managed to create an informal workforce that brought together a little under a hundred women who were working in parallel to produce what could generally be called traditional Syrian crafts. A year later, and with more and more women joining in to find a dignified income-generating opportunity, some of the members of the working force decided to add a new category of product to what had so far mainly been needlework: making bay laurel-based soap. Saboun el-gharis a traditional Syrian soap that is based on the highly aromatic bay laurel plant. It is said to have its origins in Aleppo, one of the Syrian cities most devastated by the war. The city has lost so much, but it has not lost its tradition of this soap, Droubi remembered. This particular soap sold very well. It is all natural and it has a nice smell and a soothing effect on the skin, and it was very well-received, she said. As the demand for the soap increased, and as it was getting close to Christmas, some women thought that it might be a good idea to sell the soap in hand-made crochet bags. It worked so well; we had the soap marketed on social media and we sold so much of it, and all the while, Jihan was encouraging more and more women to keep producing not just the soap but the traditional needlework they were making, and we managed to increase the sales, which was mostly done overseas after we got the items shipped abroad with people travelling or with visitors returning home, Droubi said, adding that Lebanon was a particularly good market for the products. It was good because it helped generate some income to help people meet their very basic needs and live with dignity but it was also problematic in a way, she said. While wanting to help women overcome the economic hardship that was coming along with an endless conflict, neither Jihan nor Droubi wanted to antagonise the authorities or anyone else, for that matter. It was very important that we made it clear to all concerned that this was basic civil society work and that there was no aspect of generating money to fund any other cause then putting food to the table of hungry children or providing medicine for the sick, Droubi said. Still, she added, it was important not to over-promote the project, to avoid sending the wrong message. The money that the project generated was nothing big at all; it was just about enough to help people make ends meet and the whole project was dependent on the help of kind people who were willing to take the soap or bedspreads and sell them and get the money sent to someone back home in Syria; and then it was up to Jihan and the core group of her aides to secure the distribution of the money, she said. A couple more years down the road, as the UN was changing envoys for Syria with no hope of an end to the war in sight, Jihan, the heart of the project had to leave Syria to join family members who had found safety away from home. This destabilised the operation a little and the production and sales both slowed down significantly; it was also a time when less people were coming and going from and to Syria; it was as a very had time for women who wished to keep doing their work and generating money for their families, Droubi said. This year, as things seemed to be easing down a little, Droubi was hoping for a better luck in the sales of the traditional products, especially the bay laurel soap. We have been trying to use social media and the generosity of those who still wish to help and maybe tomorrow will be a better day for everyone - we will see, she said. But whatever happens, I will always remember and cherish the memory of those defiant Syrian women who worked together, mostly without having ever met one another, to be able to consolidate their chances of surviving a very harsh civil war, Droubi said. Seven years later, the project is still on despite the fact that some of the leading women who had launched it have fled Syria. A few weeks before Christmas, a website was launched for those who want to buy the products online during Holidays, and it has proved successful. According to Droubi, the project has had its highs and its lows, having survived because the war has caused many families to be in need for extra sources of income. Droubi believes the project will live on beyond the Syrian war not only because it will probably take a while for the economy to recover, but also because the products have been so popular and highly demanded. Photo: Droubi Photo: Droubi Search Keywords: Short link: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer Atiku Abubakar yesterday drew the ire of the Presidents campaign spokesman Festus Keya... Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer Atiku Abubakar yesterday drew the ire of the Presidents campaign spokesman Festus Keyamo (SAN) over his remarks on the Presidencys handling of the nations affairs, especially the anti-corruption war. According to Keyamo, the former Vice President would not be walking a free man, lest vying for the presidency if not for the faulty system bequeathed to the Buhari administration in 2015. said Atikus diatribe against President Buhari amounted to nothing but a disgusting grandstanding and an attempt to mock the system. Keyamosaid Atikus diatribe against President Buhari amounted to nothing but a disgusting grandstanding and an attempt to mock the system. He said in a statement: Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the presidential candidate of PDP, Alhaji Abubakar, disputing the assertion by President Buhari that the system in Nigeria allows corruption to thrive because the system is slow in tackling corruption. Alhaji Abubakar further blamed President Buhari for perceived failure in addressing some instances of corrupt practices under his watch. Let us remind him that he is one of the greatest beneficiaries of the failed system in tackling corruption that was in place before President Buhari took over in 2015. We know he is aware of this, hence his latest diatribe against President Buhari amounts to nothing but disgusting grandstanding and an attempt to mock the system. If the system in Nigeria was indeed working, Alhaji Abubakar would not have acquired substantial shares in INTELS in clear conflict of his duties as a Customs officer whilst in office. Those shares would have belonged to the Nigerian people by now. If the system in Nigeria was indeed working, Abubakar would not have run a monopolistic company called INTELS all these years, ripping off the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state before President Buhari came and broke that monopoly. If the system was working, he would have been prosecuted and jailed for various acts of corruption and abuse of office after he left office as vice president, some of which are: (a) For himself and his boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, granting themselves licenses to build universities as president and vice president whilst in office in clear breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers. Those universities would have been probed, seized and transferred to the Nigeria state and the Nigerian people by now. (b) Laundering slush funds to the United States of America using phony companies, part of which was used to fund his present American University in Adamawa State through which he is also extorting Nigerians through exorbitant fees. It is public knowledge that this indictment is contained in a U.S. Congressional Report that has led to the prosecution and conviction of his accomplices in the U.S., such as William Jefferson and Siemens. They were convicted under a system that works, whilst he has been walking free in Nigeria and even aspiring to the highest office in the land. It is also public knowledge that his ban from entering the United States was as a result of these indictments. (c) His indictment and recommendation for prosecution by the report of the EFCC over the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) scandal whilst he was vice president. We have also read with keen interest the case filed against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar by some public spirited Nigerians alleging that he never paid his personal income taxes as when due, yet he wants to get Nigeria working again. In this regard, we are also challenging Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to publicly display his personal income Tax receipts for the three years preceding 2018 to show that he did not just run to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in 2018 to pay his backlog of Personal Income Taxes. For the information of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, President Buharis gallant efforts in tackling corruption head-on, has led to the conviction of the Presidents own party men and ex-governors who served under PDP and for acts they committed whilst in PDP. Seven hundred and three persons and institutions have been convicted by the EFCC under the watch of President Buhari since 2015. The biggest recoveries of stolen public funds in the history of Nigeria are being carried out by President Buhari. These recoveries were made from principally his party men who now wish to lead Nigeria with him. Some of these recoveries/seizures/forfeitures (interim and final) are: (a) 407 mansions since 2015; (b) N794 billion, over $261 million 1.1 million Pounds sterling, 8.1 million Euros; (c) 259 automobiles; (d) a fully functional hospital, St. Solomon Health Care Centre at 24, Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja, Lagos e.t.c. There are so many other instances too numerous to mention. These are a world apart from the few instances of the reluctant fight against corruption that Abubakar claimed happened under his watch as vice president. During his time, there was a competition for corruption between himself, his boss and public officers. We also urge the PDP to stop making wild, unsubstantiated allegations of corruption without a modicum of proof. We have no time to respond to any allegation by the PDP without the backing of some kind of document or proof. When we see some scintilla of proof, we shall respond appropriately. And that is how we have treated the recent allegation of acquisition of shares in Etisalat and Keystone Bank by some supposed family members of the President. No name was mentioned and no document was shown. Alhaji Atiku Abubakars latest adventure in trying to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in matters of integrity with President Muhammadu Buhari is a political suicide mission from which we thought his handlers would have tried to steer him away. Former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Idada Ikponmwen (retd) yesterday, took a swipe at President Muhammadu Buharis claims that the system was slowing down his anti-corruption drive and implementation of his policies, saying the president should be held responsible for how slow or fast he was going.Speaking to Vanguard, Ikponmwen said the position of the president was like the driver of a car, complaining that a car is slow whereas the car can only go at the speed applied by the driver on throttle.He said For the head of our government to say that our system is slow is like a driver complaining that his car is slow, the car is as fast as the driver that is driving it. Everything being equal, the car being in sound shape, it is the way you press your throttle that will determine the speed of the vehicle.If the system is slow, the first person to blame is the head of government and this is particularly so because we are running a presidential system of government.As we are preparing for fresh election, Nigerians must open their eyes, Nigerians must get conscious and be decisive about whom they want to run their government.There is a lot that is wrong with our country; our constitution which is the basic law is faulty, our political system is faulty in a way that cannot be described and mediocre people are at the helm. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has said the President Muhammadu Buhari government is working hard to end youth unemployment.He said the government had set up training programmes to ensure that the youths were gainfully engaged in skill acquisitions and become employers of labour.He said before long unemployment in the country would become history, adding that unemployed youths should register with the National Directorate of Employment for various training programmes.Ngige stated this at Idemili South Local Government Secretariat, Ojoto, during the passing out of 500 youths in the area who were trained in cosmetology by the NDE.The beneficiaries, our correspondent learnt, were sponsored by the minister.Ngige said the Buhari government was desirous to provide skilled jobs to the youths so that they will not only provide employment for themselves but become employers of labour.He said the beneficiaries would be provided with funds to enable them to start their own business.He enjoined them to form cooperatives to strengthen their business, adding that the cost of engaging in cooperatives would be reduced for them. A. S. Ishaq, a brigadier-general of and coordinator, Nigeria Police Force for Operation Lafiya Dole (NPFOLD), says some of the policem... A. S. Ishaq, a brigadier-general of and coordinator, Nigeria Police Force for Operation Lafiya Dole (NPFOLD), says some of the policemen deployed to fight Boko Haram insurgents in the north east, absconded from their training camp to celebrate Christmas. He said this while reacting to reports that some officers who were undergoing training at the Nigerian Army Special Forces Training School in Buni Yadi, Yobe state, took to their heels after being deployed in Boko Haram strongholds. In an interview with PR Nigeria, Ishaq said some unruly policemen left the camp without permission to celebrate the Christmas holiday. He added that some of the officers who left the camp had been apprehended and brought back to complete their training. The policemen didnt abscond as alleged in media reports. What happened was that some of the police officers insisted on going for the Christmas holiday, he said. But in line with standard military operations, there was no way officers undergoing special training on a combat-operation, could leave their base when the training exercise has not rounded up. So, we refused to grant them permission. However, the unruly ones among them left our Special Forces School at Buni-Yadi, venue of the training. But thank God, the unruly personnel were tracked at Damaturu, the states capital. Right now, some of them have been brought back to the School. Jimoh Moshood, police spokesman, also said no officer absconded and all 2,000 were on ground and in high spirit, ready to cooperate with the army. The insinuation in some quarters and as reported in the story that 167 out the 2000 additional Police Officers recently deployed by the IGP absconded is not correct and should be disregarded by members of the public, he said in a statement. These 2000 Police personnel are to complement the efforts of the Military to add new impetus to the fight against the decimated Boko Haram insurgency. All 2000 Policemen deployed by the Force to the North East have reported and are on ground on combat operation in the North East fighting along with the Military in the front line against Boko Haram insurgency. The 2000 Police personnel deployed are in high morale and high spirit in the operation. No Police personnel absconded as alleged in the report. Coalition Of United Political Parties has instituted legal action against President Muhammadu Buhari and the Police Service Commission over what it tagged a plot to extend the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, by six months.At a press conference in Owerri, the Imo state capital on Thursday,the CUPP spokesperson,Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, said that the opposition parties had it on good authority that the president wants to extend the IGs tenure, who is supposed to proceed on retirement on January 15.He accused the National chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, the Kano state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, his Kaduna state counterpart, Nasir El-Rufai, the Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi and Senator Godswill Akpabio as the ones leading the campaign for the IGs tenure extension.Flanked by the national chairman of the Action Alliance, Kenneth Udeze, Ugochinyere said that the legal action was instituted at the Federal High Court Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1570/2018.He said that the CUPP is seeking the courts interpretation on whether by the combined provisions of section 215(1) of the 1999 constitution which provides that the appointment of a new IGP shall be made from among serving police officers and the provision of Rule 020810 of the police service rules which stipulates that an officer shall retire at the attainment of 60 years or 35 years in the force.Ugochinyere said, the IGP, who was born on January 15, 1959, and who by January 2019 will turn 60 and consequently cease to be a police officer can be reappointed as IGP in violation of the constitutional provision which clearly stipulates that only serving police officers are to be appointed.It is based on this that the suit is seeking a court declaration that IGP Idris is not eligible to remain in office after January 15, 2019, having attained the retirement age of 60.Also, for an order restraining President Muhammadu Buhari from reappointing or extending the tenure of the IGP beyond January 15, 2019.The issue of the retirement of the IGP is yet another integrity test for the president. By the provisions of Section 215(1)(a)of the 1999 constitution, the IGP can only be appointed from among serving officers.Any attempt to proceed with the plan for the secret extension of the tenure of the IGP will be unconstitutional, unlawful and unacceptable and will further heat up the polity. It will also further expose the Presidents desperation to win the elections by foul means.Ugochinyere said that if the president goes ahead to unlawfully extend the tenure of the IGP after January 15, the Nigerian opposition parties would not recognise him as the IGP.He said Credible intelligence at the disposal of the opposition has shown that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, the governors of Kano and Kaduna States, the Minister of Transport and Minister Lai Muhammad and Senator Godswill Akpabio among many others are the chief proponents of this unconstitutional act and we advise them to apply restraint and desist from any further actions with potential to plunge Nigeria into crisis. A former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Imo, Air Commodore Peter Gbujie (rtd) has called on the people of South-East zone to massively support the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.Gbujie, made the call in an interview with Newsmen on Thursday at Akabor Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo.Gbujie is a Director in `Buhari/Osinbanjo 2019 Next Level, a support group working for the re-election of President Buhari.He advised the electorate not be discouraged over the media report attributed to some people from the South-West, claiming that their zone would take presidential slot after Buhari in 2019.For me, such report is a mere political strategy to weaken the Buharis support in the South-East.If our people fail to give massive votes to the presidents re-election, it will be used against our people in 2023.Our people should be concerned with what is before them now and that is, give massive support to Buharis re-election bid, because when we do that, it will enable us cross the 2023 political bridge with ease, he said.Gbujie also told NAN that Buhari/Osinbanjo 2019 Next Level, a privately funded group, had at least 200 members in each polling booth in Imo and other South-Eastern states.The Buhari/Osinbanjo Next Level 2019 is a support group funded by private Nigerians who believe in the ideals of Mr President.We are of the view that Buhari has made landmark, remarkable and key achievements that if consolidated, will place the country on solid footing in the next couple of years.He said that members of the group would soon begin door-to-door campaign to tell Nigerians on things Buhari had achieved in his first tenure and things he intends to achieve, if re-elected in 2019.Gbujie said Buhari had done well in the fight against corruption and fight against insurgence in the North-East zone.When Buhari took over, there were several ungovernable spaces in the North-East, but today, the insurgents are not in control of any area, that is better way to measure security success. Four policemen attached to Ijanikin division in the Lagos state police command have been arrested for allegedly robbing one Theodore I... Four policemen attached to Ijanikin division in the Lagos state police command have been arrested for allegedly robbing one Theodore Ifunnaya of 350,000 CFA (about N221,508). Chike Oti, police spokesman in Lagos, said the victim was a Nigerian based in Togo. Oti said the policemen faced dismissal if found guilty, but added that the victim was not stripped naked during interrogation as being alleged in some quarters. He said the affected policemen had been transferred to the provost section of the command for investigation. The officers allegedly accosted the victim coming from Togo to celebrate Christmas in Nigeria at Iyana-Ira, Badagry area on December 17. The suspects subjected the victim to tortuous search and interrogation, where they discovered the money with him. They were alleged to have bundled him into their patrol vehicle to Ijanikin police station where they seized his money and invited a bureau de change operator to exchange the CFA currency into naira equivalent. Having satisfied they had subdued their victim with a threat, they allegedly released him and gave him N2000 out of his money, to enable him to locate his Lagos residence. After regaining freedom from his alleged police captors, the victim told his family all he went through, which led to a complaint to Hope Okafor, Area K commander. The commander, an assistant police commissioner, was said to have intervened by recovering the stolen money and arrested the erring policemen for interrogation. The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, John Gbor, has promised to make Nigeria prosperous again if elected during the 2019 presidential election.According to a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Strategic Communication of his campaign organisation, Mike Angel, the presidential candidate said this when he visited the Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, in his palace in Gboko, Benue State on Tuesday.Gbor who claimed he has the capacity to rule the whole world, asked the traditional ruler and Nigerians to trust him with the mandate of becoming the next President.He said, Nigerians are tired of leadership without leadership.Courage comes from God. I look at Buhari down there: people are suffering, people are being killed and there is no peace in the country.Trust me with your mandate as your President to make this nation prosperous. I can rule the whole world now.He then presented his certificate of return issued by APGA and a copy of his agenda to the traditional ruler.The statement quoted the Tor Tiv as saying we deserve to win the seat. As a Tiv, having paid your due, you will get our support.For just winning the flag alone, you have done us proud. APGA is a major party, having won governorship and legislative elections in the country, the traditional ruler was further quoted as saying.The first-class monarch, who is the Chairman, Traditional Council of Benue State, thereafter asked Gbor to go out with the spirit of lion, you are not an underdog: go out as a lion, the Lord will be with you. The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has hinted that he may not visit the United St... The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has hinted that he may not visit the United States of America any time soon. What will I even go to do in America, Atiku queried during an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America. Atiku was Nigerias vice president between 1999 and 2007 under the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Atiku who floored other 12 aspirants to pick the PDPs presidential ticket in Port Harcourt, is being dogged by allegations of corruption. Recall that the former Vice President and his fourth wife Jennifer Douglas, an American citizen, were allegedly indicted in 2010 in a 328-page American Senate committee report for transferring over $40 million suspect funds to America from offshore accounts between 2002 and 2008. The presidency on Wednesday, December 26, in Abuja advised the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against making President Muhammadu Buharis family an issue in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.The senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, who gave the advice in an interaction with State House correspondents, said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would gladly accept the challenge if the PDP failed to adhere to the advice.While reacting to various comments by several organs of the opposition party on remarks made by the president on views publicly expressed by his wife, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari in an interview, the presidential spokesman said questions raised of the president by the PDP in regard to his wife only amounted to an own goal.If the opposition Peoples Democratic Party wants to make family the issue in the coming elections, the APC would gladly accept the challenge. Let this be the subject for 2019 election, he said.He added that the PDP leadership could not afford to make family an issue in this campaign.The only thing I want to add is that PDP is engaging in mud-slinging because it finds it easier than speaking on their despicable 16-year record in the course of which they abused the trust of Nigerians.They made a mess of everything including the economy, security and infrastructure. It has come to the destiny of President Muhammadu Buhari to correct their mistakes. The PDP doesnt see anything beyond grabbing power, power at all costs. As an opposition party, they have failed, he added.The presidential aide further stated that the PDP had remained disconnected with the masses in the country.According to him, it is an irony that a party that boasted as being the largest in Africa is now begging small parties for alliances, saying that even if they get all those `paper parties behind them, they will still fail.Shehu opined that a presidential contest was more than the issuance of daily press releases containing falsehoods.They have launched a campaign for the presidency, a campaign that has failed to get any traction. PDP members are themselves admitting that the campaign hadnt made a good start, that attendance at rallies had unarguably been thin. The whole thing is not working; that President Buhari is unstoppable, he said.According to him, the PDP does not have the strength and support to fight President Buhari. He added that they dont have the records in security, economy and the war against corruption to mount any meaningful challenge."In the 16 years they held sway, they have nothing to show for the colossal oil revenues earned, including 16 billion dollars doled upfront from the Central Bank for power, without a single megawatt to show for all that money. That is why they are dragging the Presidents wife into their politics," Shehu stated.Wife of the president, Aisha Buhari, had on December 4 revealed that two men in the Buhari administration had hijacked the Buhari administration.Aisha, who spoke at a leadership conference tagged; 'Project 4 + 4 in Abuja, challenged Nigerians to fight the two or three people who have dominated this government.But, President Buhari challenged all those making allegations about a cabal pulling the strings in his government to unveil the cabal and prove their allegation. Buhari threw the challenge in a yet-to-be aired interview with the Hausa Service of the Voice of America.In a short teaser of the interview released on social media on Monday, December 24, Buhari was asked to clear the several allegations by his wife, Aisha and others that he was not in control of the government.Thats her business, the president retorted, in the report. He added that, I am a true democrat by allowing everybody to have an opinion.However, the People Democratic Party advised the president not run away from the allegation levelled against him by his wife. A 43-year-old guest, Donnie Egbuzie, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates Court for allegedly inflicting injuries on a woman, over her sons refusal to greet him.Egbuzie, a resident of Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos State, is being tried on a count charge of assault.The accused committed the offence on December 11, at Ipaja, according to the Prosecutor, Inspector Akeem Raji.He said that the accused assaulted Mrs Jennifer Chibueze by beating her up and inflicting injuries on her.Raji said that the accused, who came to visit one of Chibuezes neighbours, called her son a bastard, for failing to greet him.The eight-year-old boy cried to his mother and told her that the accused called him a bastard.The complainant (Chibueze) followed him to where the accused was, to know why he called him a bastard.The accused told her that he called her son a bastard because he lacked respect by not greeting him.When the complainant warned him never to call her son a bastard, he descended on her through beating and dragged her on the ground, Raji submitted.The prosecutor said that the accused was arrested following a report by the complainant.Assault contravenes Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised) which prescribes three years imprisonment on conviction.Egbuzie, however, pleaded not guilty, and the Magistrate, Mrs Jadesola Ajayi, granted him N50, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.Ajayi said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government (LASG).She adjourned further hearing in the matter until February 6, 2019. Ahead of the 2019 general election, a new militant group, War Against Niger Delta Exploitation, WANDE, has threatened to disrupt the 2019 elections unless the federal Government can show commitment to the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta.WANDE gave the threat in a communique in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, by its spokesman, General Nomukeme.Nomukeme said the reason for the emergence of the group was the continued act of perpetual enslavement of the people of the region by the Federal Government, stressing that the people were denied the right to have a share of their God-given resources.He said WANDE would galvanise support for President Muhammadu Buhari, if he can prove his administrations commitment towards the development of Niger Delta, by implementing the demands.But failure to meet our demands simply translates to our commencement of hostilities. We will frustrate the conduct of the 2019 general election across the country, if the following demands are handled with kid gloves.That the 53 Oil Mining Licenses of Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, other multi nationals and individuals, which are non indigenes of the Niger Delta must not be renewed after their expiration in 2019, as we will no longer sit and watch our collective resources stolen by strangers under the watchful eyes of the Federal Government.That the Niger Deltans must be adequately compensated with the right to also own and operate at least 75 per cent of Oil Prospecting Licenses, OPL and Oil Mining Licenses, OML.Our people must be given the first right of refusal as to whether they will like to own and operate the facilities or not. Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), a pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, has lauded the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the availability of fuel in the South-East during the yuletide.The President of NUF, Mr Augustine Chukwudum, gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Enugu.NUF wishes to commend the Federal Government, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, for ensuring that Nigerians do not face hardship and disasters associated with fuel scarcity.We also commend the NNPC for making sure that the nation does not experience fuel shortage at petrol stations nationwide, especially in the South-East, as it used to be in past years during the yuletide.We are happy that those who traveled this time around to their various villages, communities and states have no complaint about fuel, Chukwudum said.He, however, urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment and give more licenses to those wishing to build refineries (modular refineries).This he said was necessary so that more companies or individuals could refine fuel locally to check all forms of shortage of the product.We call on Federal Government to give more licenses to people who want to refine petrol locally, by so doing government will solve the problem, he said.The NUF boss, however, decried the increase in fare prices, by 100 per cent, by transporters in some routes in the country.We are calling on Federal and State governments to checkmate the excesses of transport companies who castrate people during festive period. It must be stopped. The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is after power to escape justice from crimes it allegedly ... The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is after power to escape justice from crimes it allegedly committed against Nigerians. Phrank Shaibu, special assistant to the PDP presidential candidate on media, had called for a probe into an alleged link between President Muhammadu Buhari and Etisalat Nigeria. Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC spokesman, said Atiku Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate, should tell Nigerians why he wants to be president instead of raising puerile allegations on a daily basis. Issa-Onilu said Nigerians are desirous of a campaign that focuses on issues that matter to them. The PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is exhibiting early signs of depression, resulting from obvious frustration. Consequently, he is unable to focus on his campaign, he said. Otherwise, Atiku should tell Nigerians why a discredited person like him should be elected as president instead of raising puerile allegations on a daily basis. President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC, not his programmes for the country appear to be his main campaign issues. For Atiku and his PDP co-travellers, the only interest is to grab power and continue where they stopped in their avarice. The APC administration is eager to showcase the impressive achievements we have recorded in the last three and half years. This is the campaign that matters to us and this is what Nigerians are interested in. The trajectory is exciting as we see a brighter future shaping up. We wont yield to the PDPs shenanigans. The obvious strategy of the PDP is to truncate the countrys journey towards economic buoyancy and social stability. We will not play the PDPs game. PDP is acting an anti-peoples script. President Buhari remains unshaken by the desperate efforts being made by Atiku and the PDP to blackmail the APC government. Everyone who was involved in corrupt practices would be brought to justice. PDP is not offering any alternative to the progressive course this government is pursuing. It is actually apparent that the party is not contesting the 2019 elections to redeem itself, least of doing any good for the country, but simply to seize power to escape justice for the grievous crimes committed against the people of this country. The Presidency has accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of spreading lies about the Buhari led All Progressives Congress (APC) a... The Presidency has accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of spreading lies about the Buhari led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. It said this in response to allegation that the President Muhammadu Buhari and his appointees were looting. Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, said the PDP was in the mistaken assumption that its toga of corruption will dissipate if it succeeded in black painting every other person as corrupt. A statement he signed on Wednesday, noted that the strategy was to make corruption appear as normative and that everyone is equally involved. They think by so doing, Nigerians will forgive them for their sins. This is a huge mistake, he said. The PDP has become an ill-wind on the country today and the elections next year present the citizens an excellent opportunity to save the country from it. We cant imagine a sane organisation shamelessly telling Nigerians that President Buhari is looting, as they themselves did of the recovered loot, the USD 322m lately recovered from the Abacha family. This is an irresponsible lie. The USD 322m recovered is being used to make the Conditional Cash Transfer, CCT of a monthly amount of N5,000 to more than 300,000 poor homes across the nation under the Social Investment Program introduced by the Buhari administration. This is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the governments of Nigeria and Switzerland as a condition for releasing the funds. As part of the MoU, the World Bank is monitoring the application of the funds. It is also important that the World Bank has equally given an additional facility to support the on-going cash transfers. The Sharibus, the family of Leah Sharibu, marked their first Christmas festivity without their daughter in sorrow. Their 15-year old daughter, Leah who should have shared Christmas meal with her family in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, is still in captivity.Leah is the only one out of the 110 girls abducted by a faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), at the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018, who is still in captivity. She was held back by the terrorists for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.The absence of the star of the family removed the joy associated with the celebration, according to the head of the family, Mr Nathan Sharibu, who has not seen his only daughter for the past 309 days by Christmas Day.When asked how they marked the birth of Jesus Christ, he said: My Christmas was very sad, very very sad. My wife and our son came to spend the holidays with me in Yola and we were together here. To answer your question, our Christmas was very sad because of the absence of my daughter.Continuing, Mr. Sharibu said they were alone during the celebration because the pastor of his ECWA church in Yola travelled on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, saying that they managed to eat to keep their bodies and souls together without much visitors.We have to eat to encourage ourselves since we have not heard anything from any quarters as to when our daughter will be released to join the rest of us. This is the first time we are spending Christmas without Leah, he said, adding that there is much confusion among the family as the days turn to months unending.In a similar vein, the mother of Leah, Mrs Rebecca Sharibu, told Vanguard, yesterday, that she had joined her husband in Yola where the family celebrated the first Christmas without the accomplished chorister of the family who should have treated them to a medley of Christmas carols on the occasion.To tell the truth, we all felt bad that we are marking Christmas without Leah. This is the first time this is happening and you can imagine how we feel, she said with a withdrawn voice, adding that the remaining members of the family just managed to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.It was a quiet Christmas with my husband and our son, who is on holidays. Nobody is talking to us any longer. We are just believing God to give our daughter a miraculous deliverance. You know every day we are just hoping that God will surprise us and we will hear a knock on our door and Leah will just walk into my warm embrace. Thats my daily prayer now and I strongly believe, He will not disappoint us, the soft-spoken mother prayed. The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that the appointments of citizens of the state into strategic federal positions and the ongoing infrastructure being executed in the state by the Federal Government explains the massive support President Muhammadu Buhari receives from the people.Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free zone Authority, OGFZA, Mr. Umana Okon Umana who made the disclosure, while briefing newsmen yesterday in Uyo, said that the party was fully prepared and ready for the flag off of the presidential campaign on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.Umana who is the Chairman Central Planning Committee for the presidential rally said that the presidential rally would further demonstrate the support Buhari enjoys in the state.His words: So far, the feedback we are getting from our members, from all over Akwa Ibom, other states of Nigeria, we know that that stadium is going to be filled to capacity. Also, feedback from the people of Akwa Ibom State shows that they are very excited and enthusiastic and are ready to receive Mr. President.It is very clear that the support President Muhammadu Buhari enjoys from Akwa Ibom State is massive and we will be demonstrated further on Friday. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Federal Government for ensuring a relatively stable nationwide supply of petroleum products and electricity during this years Christmas celebration.The National Public Relations Officer of the association, Mr Bestman Okereafor, gave the kudos in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday.The leadership of the apex students governing body, NANS, has carefully studied the promise made by Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari as regards constant supply of electricity and availability of petroleum products throughout the country this yuletide.We wish to acknowledge and appreciate the fact that these promises had been fulfilled.NANS is passionately appealing to the presidency to sustain the tempo of power supply as currently being enjoyed beyond the yuletide for the benefit of Nigerians, he said.However, NANS has condemned the recent ambush by Boko Haram on a military convoy in the North-East, killing 13 soldiers and a policeman.According to Okereafor, it is very disheartening that the Boko Haram insurgents have been engaging in these cowardly acts on Nigerian military bases in recent times.Even not quite long, a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, was assassinated, despite the huge investments of the present government in tackling insecurity and insurgency.NANS is bidding the demised soldiers and policeman farewell even as we are optimistic that due compensations will be paid to their families.NANS is, however, advising the military and other security agencies to devise new and modern methods of fighting terrorists, all aimed at having a peaceful nation devoid of terrorists, and in line with President Buharis war against insecurity generally, the spokesman said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Motion Industries Names Randy Breaux as Its New President Randy Breaux Dec. 26, 2018 - Motion Industries, Inc., a leading distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company, announced the promotion of Randall (Randy) P. Breaux to President on December 12, 2018. Randy has an impressive history, having served in numerous management roles during his career, said Paul Donahue, Genuine Parts Company President and CEO. His extensive experience in both industrial manufacturing and distribution, which includes his sales, marketing, and corporate background, make him an excellent choice to lead Motion Industries. We feel confident that we will continue to see great things from our talented and experienced Motion team under Randy's leadership. Mr. Breaux was most recently Executive Vice President of Marketing, Distribution, and Purchasing for Motion Industries, and has nearly four decades of experience in the industrial manufacturing and distribution markets. At Motion Industries, he has played a key role in setting corporate direction, strategic acquisitions, growing supplier relationships, advancing marketing activities and most recently overseeing corporate operations. He joined Motion Industries in May 2011 following 21 years with ABB/Baldor Electric Company, a leading manufacturer of industrial electric motors, drives, and mechanical power transmission components, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mr. Breaux joined Baldor in 1989, and held various sales and marketing positions in the company. Just prior to joining Motion, Baldor was acquired by ABB. At that time, he was promoted to Vice President of Integration by ABB, tasked with bringing the Baldor and ABB electric motor businesses together in North America. He served as Baldor's Vice President of Marketing from 2001-2011, played a key role in Baldor's acquisition of Dodge and Reliance Electric from Rockwell Automation in 2007, and served as an officer of the company for over 11 years. With annual sales of $5 billion, Motion Industries is a leading industrial parts distributor of bearings, mechanical power transmission, electrical and industrial automation, hydraulic and industrial hose, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial products, safety products, and material handling. To learn more, please visit: www.MotionIndustries.com . SOURCE: Motion Industries, Inc. Iranian, Russian Generals Meet In Tehran 12/26/18 Source: Tehran Times TEHRAN - Vice-Admiral Igor Osipov, deputy chief of the Russian Army General Staff, met on Tuesday with Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri in Tehran. During their meeting, Baqeri said the geopolitical capacities of Iran and Russia necessitate developing cooperation in various military fields. He pointed to the current sensitive situation in the Middle East and the larger world and stressed the need to establish closer ties between the Iranian and Russian armed forces against terrorism. "The success of the armed forces of the two countries in the process of combating terrorism in Syria and defeat of Takfiri terrorists and their supporters in the region indicates the determination and capacities of Iran and Russia to counter the existing threats," Baqeri stated. "The geopolitical and geo-strategic capacities of Iran and Russia necessitate that the two countries' armed forces develop their areas of cooperation in a long-term perspective and manage them within the framework of the joint military commission's agreements," the top general stated. A delegation from the Russian Defense Ministry headed by Osipov arrived in Iran on Monday for a joint military commission meeting. Prior to the meeting, General Osipov sat down on Monday with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Ghadir Nezami in line with a joint military session in Tehran for the implementation of a bilateral military agreement. There, the two sides conferred on ways to expand bilateral military cooperation. They also drew up a plan for future cooperation in 2019. Increasing the level of joint measures in the fight against terrorism was one of the main topics of discussions at the session. Last Sunday at the Lion of Judah Cathedral of the Lighthouse Chapel International in Cape Coast, a young couple, Augustine Adams and Beatrice Bruwette 'wowed' the audience at their wedding ceremony when they decided to receive their wedding rings at the altar via a "drone delivery service". The government of Ghana following the footsteps of Rwanda has decided to use drones to deliver essential health supplies such as drugs and blood to remote areas but even before that materialises, the young couple in Cape Coast decided to add a touch of romance to test how the drone service will work. Unlike the usual trend where the best man and lady of honour hold the ring and present it to the couple when its time for the exchange of vows, this couple had their rings flown over from the back of the auditorium, over the heads of the congregation to the front where the best man picked it up and presented it to the couple. The congregants obviously wowed by the move cheered and clapped along as the drone was piloted to the front. The video of the ceremony has since gone viral and shared by many on social media. Responding to the public reaction, the young couple, Mr and Mrs Adams told Graphic Online in Cape Coast that they were overwhelmed by how the video has gone viral. Mr and Mrs Adams told Graphic Online's Cape Coast reporter, Shirley Asiedu Addo that they have received phone calls from all over Ghana and from the United States about t the video. He said he was motivated by a sermon preached by Bishop Dag Heward Mills which was reemphasized by Bishop Wisdom Eli Tsyi of the Lion of Judah Cathedral in Cape Coast and so he and his bride decide to arrange a drone to bring their wedding rings. "Our pastor, Pastor Joseph Sampson helped us to arrange for the drone. It was just to spice our wedding and we didn't expect this response. We are amazed. All glory to God." The wedding was held at the Lion of Judah Cathedral of the Lighthouse Chapel International in Cape Coast. A packed auditorium was surprised to see a drone with the ringbox hanging on it flying towards the altar. The excitement increased as the congregation applauded and admired the innovation. Since then the video has gone viral with many shares, especially on Facebook. Pastor Sampson said the idea caught from a sermon from Bishop Heward Mills was to add colour, spice and excitement to the wedding. "We thank God for everything and for the pastors he has given us," the couple said. VIDEO Source: Daily Graphic Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Its seems all media attention in the ongoing MenzGold saga has been narrowed to the plight of the Gold trading companys customers in Ghana. Apparently MenzGold customers in the United Kingdom and Spain are feeling the same heat. Hundreds of MenzGold customers in the United Kingdom and Spain have been chasing their monies for months but all attempts have proved futile. A representative of the aggrieved MenzGold customers in the two European countries did send ghsplash the following; "Hello, I would be grateful if you can use your medium to share the plight of Menzgold customers in the UK. It seems all the attention and news coverage is focused in on customers in Ghana. However there are several customers here in the UK and Spain who also invested in Menzgold. I have written a short article sharing our story and confrontation with Kinsgley Asiedu, brother of Nana Appaih. Would be grateful if you can publish it on your page so we are not forgotten. Happy to discuss further if needs be." Kinsgley Asiedu There is tension currently mounting in the UK as aggrieved customers of Menzgold search for Kingsley Asiedu, brother of Nana Appiah Mensah embattled CEO of Menzgold popularly known as Nam1. Kingsley has gone into hiding in the UK where he lives as he tries to escape the wrath of numerous people he convinced to invest in Menzgold. With the London office of Menzgold currently shutdown, customers have turned their anger onto Kingsley who acted as Nana Appiah's right-hand man and PR manager in the UK. He was instrumental in the Launch of Menzgold offices in the UK and Spain. Kingsley who was always seen traveling around the world with Nana Appiah and enjoying the luxury of his brothers wealth is currently nowhere to be found and all efforts to reach him have failed as his phones are currently switched off. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video AVIC sees strong international demand for multi-purpose armed drone Chinese UAV Wing Loong II is seen on the static display during the 52nd Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France June 20, 2017. Photo:Pascal Rossignol/CFP China's State-owned arms company Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced on Tuesday that it is about to deliver the 100th made-for-export Wing Loong drone, as the company expects to produce 100 high-end drones per year by 2025. AVIC also announced it has established a new subsidiary focusing on the drone business, which Chinese military experts said will help AVIC become even more competitive on the international market. The subsidiary, AVIC (Chengdu) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System Company, was based in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to a statement AVIC released on its WeChat account on Tuesday. The subsidiary will operate under a new organizational structure that will see the integration of AVIC's strengths in research and development, manufacture, supply chain and international market channels, the statement said. AVIC now offers products like the Wing Loong armed reconnaissance drone, the Cloud Shadow high-altitude drone, the AV500 unmanned helicopter and the Yaoying remote sensing drone. Li Daguang, a professor at the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army in Beijing, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the establishment of the subsidiary shows that AVIC takes the drone business very seriously, and the company will give more resource to the subsidiary than when it was only a department. The move is also motivated by the strong demand from the international market and the growing competition there, Li said, noting that the subsidiary will provide drones in larger quantity, of better quality and new models. "The US' General Atomics is the market leader in the international drone industry. I hope that our new company can surpass it," Lai Zhiyong, an employee at AVIC (Chengdu) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System Co Ltd, said in a video posted with the statement. At the same event on Tuesday, AVIC announced the 100th Wing Loong series armed reconnaissance drone for export has passed inspection and will be delivered to its client. This is a new record number for Chinese drone export, reads a separate statement AVIC released on Tuesday. Li said that the reason behind the success of the Chinese drone on the international market is its high quality and pricing, as China continues to make rapid progress in related technologies. Countries like Egypt, Indonesia and Serbia are operating the Wing Loong I drone, Jane's Defence Weekly reported. Wing Loong I-D, a new entry to the Wing Loong series that uses an all composite material structure, made its maiden flight on Sunday. Residents in the Brong-Ahafo Regional capital, Sunyani, have expressed varied opinions over the on-going referendum to carve out the Bono East and Ahafo Regions from the existing Brong-Ahafo Region. Some of the local residents say they are unhappy and disappointed in the Electoral Commission (EC) over the entire voting pattern because they expected all eligible voters in the Brong-Ahafo Region to participate. In a random interview in Sunyani on Thursday, Agyemang Kodom, a National Service personnel said it was imperative for the EC to do broad consultations and allowed all eligible voters in Brong-Ahafo to vote and decide whether the splitting of the Region was useful. The EC is conducting and supervising the referendum exercise going on smoothly in parts of the Brong-Ahafo, which is expected to end by 1700 hours to determine the creation of the Bono East and Ahafo Regions. As required by the constitution, 50 per cent of eligible voters must vote, and 80 per cent Yes votes must be achieved to pave way for the creation of the additional regions. Others also noted that it would be difficult for the referendum areas to obtain the required percentage of votes if all eligible voters in the Brong-Ahafo were allowed to participate in the exercise. This is because some people still did not understand reasons behind the splitting of the regions, and would consequently vote No to block the split. Mr Charles Ansu Kumi, a staff of Ghana COCOBOD noted that, government had spent huge resources towards the exercise and voting No would be a great loss to the nation. He said education on the exercise was poor and called for intensified public education for people to come out in their numbers to vote. Mr Kwadwo Badu, a teacher said the creation of the new regions was not necessary, describing the process as waste of money and national resources. Instead, he said, the government should concentrate on job creation to bridge the existing gap between the rich and the poor in society. That notwithstanding, he underscored the need for all voters in the region to take part in the historic event to enhance and deepen Ghanas democracy. If I was giving the opportunity I will vote yes because the creation of new regions will push forward infrastructural development and provide numerous job opportunities for young people, says Mr Daniel Atsu, a mobile phone repairer. He urged the eligible voters in the referendum areas to come out in their numbers to vote for the anticipated results. Madam Bernice Kyeremaah, a bread seller was of the view that the creation of the new regions would not add anything significant to the countrys development processes. According to her, successive governments had failed the people and denied them basic access to healthcare, water and social infrastructure, but commended the government for some of its social intervention programmes. Mrs Ellen Pokuaa, a banker, lauded the government for fulfilling another 2016 campaign promise of facilitating the creation of the additional regions, as it would facilitate infrastructural development in other parts of Brong-Ahafo. A mobile money vendor, Joseph Opoku, said though the creation of the region was laudable, it was his expectation that Brong-Ahafo was split into two instead of three regions. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form The impulse behind painting a landscape or photographing or drawing one seems to be about looking at the world as it is. Artists set up their easels outdoors and gaze across snow-covered fields, into swiftly moving rivers, down roads that meander into the forest. Their subject seems to be the natural world. Nevertheless, such works, which are often unpopulated except for the lone observers who made the pictures, are often products of solitude and introspection. Landscapes embody moods more often than they document ecosystems. In the Western tradition, pure landscape paintings were rare before the 18th century and the rise of romanticism and its probing of individual consciousness and emotion. Artists gaze upon nature looking for something about themselves. And though landscapes can be wonderful to live with over time, their contemplative quality can often get lost in a museum setting and they end up looking dully decorative. The Pennsylvania Landscape in Impressionism and Contemporary Art, at Woodmere Art Museum through Jan. 27, is an intermittently successful attempt to connect the concerns of some of the regions early-20th-century artists with those working today. It is, as Woodmere director William Valerio notes in the catalog, a mash-up show. It attempts to give new energy to too-familiar sorts of paintings, most from Woodmeres permanent collection, by pairing them with more recent works whose subject matter, composition, or technique echoes or contrasts with the previous works. It was organized by the curatorial team at the Woodmere as an honor to Brian H. Peterson, longtime chief curator at the Michener Museum, and also an artist whose video Seeing Chopin: Odyssey is one of the exhibitions high points. Despite the title, not all the works show Pennsylvania scenes. Ireland, France, New Jersey, and a bunch of other places appear, in old works and new. And some of the works, especially those with urban scenes and plenty of people in them, arent really landscapes at all. The impressionism alluded to in the title is, of course, Pennsylvania impressionism, a phenomenon that coincided with the emergence of Americas now dominant suburban landscape, a phenomenon of which Woodmere and its Chestnut Hill neighborhood are a part. What these artists showed us was not what suburbia would become but the promise it first offered to live a modern life in contact with nature. Peterson is one of the worlds experts on Pennsylvania impressionists, but perhaps the label has outlasted its usefulness. The real contribution this exhibition makes is to show them as individual artists with different talents and preoccupations, some of which are shared by artists working today. The show makes a strong case that artists from the region have been probing how we should see and live with our land for more than a century. William Langson Lathrops Twilight After the Storm (1900-05) shows, as its title suggests, a scene in which the sky is brightening even as night is approaching. This distant agricultural scene has a low horizon line, so most of the canvas is dominated by a cloudy sky in which the painter suggests both the brightness that comes after the storm and the darkness that is coming because of the time of day. The photograph with which it is paired, Day into Night (2015) by Ron Tarver, also has a very low horizon line, so that most of what we see is a cloudscape. It does not seem as overloaded with emotion or ambiguity as the Lathrop. With his subtle and effective use of color, the painter is able to evoke a mixture of emotions, from elation to regret all at once. The photographer attempts something similar, but, in this case at least, paint is a far more expressive medium than photography. Illusions of 3-D Another pairing consists of stereoscopic photographs of sites in Fairmount Park made during the 1870s by James Cremer, and the video Wissahickon Typologies (2018) by Peter Rose. Both deal in the illusion of three dimensions. You need to look through a stereoscope to see Cremers tourist shots, and to wear special glasses to see Roses view of Philadelphia, which includes the Mummers Parade and skateboarders along with the Wissahickon Creek, a waterway that figures in many of the works on display. In both the views and the video, people and places have a quality of ghostliness that seems inherent to 3-D depictions. Rose uses that quality as he layers imagery of different places atop one another and lets them slide past in diagonals across the screen. The imagery itself is cliched but Roses technique makes it something to see and hear. Ying Lis In Between Small Trees 2 (undated) has the title of a landscape, though it appears to be a pure, abstract gesture. It is a small work, about a foot square, that appears to have been painted with a brush almost as wide as the canvas. Both Raymond Theels Interior of Woods, from the late 1930s or early 1940s, and Emily Browns Winter Beech (2018) show trees, though their technique, composition, and approach could hardly be more different. Theel lays his paint on thick, in many colors, and he shows the trees trunks and the gnarly vines around them but not the tree crowns. The painting is about texture. It has a tweedy expressionism to it. Browns drawing is an ink wash, so the surface is thin and monochromatic. She ignores the trunks and shows only branches. And though other works nearby use white paint to depict snow, Brown uses the white of the paper itself to suggest the snow on the limbs. Theels work communicates massive rootedness. Browns airier picture is about line and delicacy. Id be happy to spend a few years living with either one, seeing what new lessons they offer over time. ON EXHIBIT The Pennsylvania Landscape in Impressionism and Contemporary Art Through Jan. 27 at Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave., $7-$10 (children and students free), free to all on Sundays, closed Mondays and New Years Day. Information: 215-247-0476 or woodmereartmuseum.org. By Mu Xiaoming The US unveiled its new Africa strategy on December 13, which shifts the focus on three fields: strengthening economic and trade cooperation with African countries, continuing to crack down on activities in Africa of extremist organizations such as the Islamic State (IS) and promoting more effective utilization of US aid funds to Africa. It is noteworthy that the Pentagon just announced a plan last month to scale down its troops in Africa by about 10 percent, in order to better counter threats from countries like China and Russia. Military intervention has long been an indispensable measure taken by the US to safeguard its interests in Africa. Currently, about 7,200 US military personnel are deployed in dozens of African nations, with notable footprints in places like Somalia, Nigeria and Libya. Prior to the promulgation of the US new Africa strategy, the Pentagon announced the plan to cut its troops in Africa. However, this doesnt mean that the Trump administration intends to decrease its military presence on the continent, but it is a sign of strategic shift in the US approach of using armed forces in Africa. Strategic consideration behind US military intervention in Africa After the 9/11 attacks, the George W. Bush administration launched the militarization of its policy toward Africa. Afterwards, the Obama government not only strengthened the functions of the US Africa Command, but also took further steps to deploy combat units in Africa. Soon after Donald Trump took the power, the US increased its troops on the continent. All of those moves are attributed to the US strategic consideration both globally and regionally a factor determining the depth of its military intervention in Africa. Both the George W. Bush administration and the Obama government considered terrorism and its proponents the biggest threat to Americas homeland and global interests. In the 2002 report on the National Security Strategy of the United States of America, President George W. Bush called for fighting a war against terrorists of global reach, which eyed on using all sorts of resources including military power to hunt down terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida around the world. The Obama government pointed out in the US Strategy toward Sub-Saharan Africa, released in 2012, that consistent with the National Strategy for Counterterrorism, we will concentrate our efforts on disrupting, dismantling, and eventually defeating al-Qaida and its affiliates and adherents in Africa to ensure the security of our citizens and our partners. In the National Security Strategy released in December 2017 and the National Defense Strategy in January 2018, the Trump administration reoriented the focus of the US global strategy toward great-power competition with Russia and China. This explains why the US reduces its troops in Africa. A major reason of the US military invention in Africa targets at the so-called fragile states or failed states, which the US considers the cradle of terrorism and a paradise sheltering terrorists. The violent public turmoil and terrorist attacks arising from this have significantly threatened the US security interests in Africa. The US government believes that not only the personal safety of American citizens and diplomats and the countrys economic interests in Africa but also the strategic security of its homeland will be under threat if terrorist organizations in Africa are not cracked down. A series of attacks against the US embassies in African countries solidified the US awareness of the urgency of counterterrorism on the continent. In this context, the US quickened its pace of military deployment in Africa. Besides the need for anti-terrorism, the US also expands its military intervention in Africa for economic, trade and energy benefits. In recent years, the African economy has witnessed constant growth, increasing the continents strategic value as one of the major export markets and investment destinations of the US. Washington believes that Africa will become the worlds most economically dynamic region with the greatest economic returns for the next 30 years. In addition, the US thinks it has enormous political risks if its external oil supply depends on a single region (especially the Gulf area), and thus needs to adopt a strategy to diversify its international energy supply sources. In this context, the US accelerated its pace of military deployment in Africa. Unless its global strategy sees significant adjustments, the US will never withdraw its military presentence in Africa. Major means of US military intervention in Africa Fighting terrorism is a major means of the US military intervention in Africa. In recent years, the US has to some extent constrained and weakened African terrorist organizations through a series of measures such as establishing the US Africa Command, setting up military bases, putting forward counterterrorism initiatives, forging an anti-terrorism alliance and deploying combat units. First, establishing the US Africa Command. After the 9/11 attacks, with the adjustment of the US national security strategy and the rise of Africas strategic importance, it became necessary for the Pentagon to set up an Africa Command to coordinate the US troops operations in Africa. On February 6, 2007, President George W. Bush announced the establishment of the US Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. The US Africa Command began operation on October 1 of that year, and transitioned to independent unified command status in 2008, with counterterrorism as its main mission. The establishment of the US Africa Command marked the most significant change of the US military policy toward Africa in the past half century. Second, setting up various types of military bases or quasi-bases. After the 9/11 attacks, the US rented Camp Lemonnier as its military base in Djibouti. Camp Lemonnier is stationed with about 5,000 US troops and can accommodate 46 warplanes, and has played an important role in counterterrorism, fighting pirates, and intervening in African and Middle East affairs. Through the Lily-Pad Strategy launched in the time of the George W. Bush government, the US has set up a number of small bases including barracks, outposts, harbor facilities, and resupply points in eastern, western and southern parts of Africa, forming a military network covering the entire African continent. The 60-plus small bases, including 11 cooperative security locations, are scattered around 34 African countries. With the help of those bases, the US troops can reach American diplomatic agencies under threat within four hours to guarantee their safety. Those bases can also serve as springboards for global operations as well as rotation camps and military supply points for combat units. Third, putting forward a series of counterterrorism initiatives targeting at Africa, a hotbed of terrorist organizations. In 2002, to fight terrorist organizations including Al-Shabaab, President George W. Bush established the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in the region known as the Greater Horn of Africa, the primary counterterrorism battlefield for the US in Africa. In 2009, the Obama administration launched the Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism (PREACT), which not only covers countries in the Greater Horn of Africa such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya but also radiates to Rwanda, Burundi and even island countries such as Seychelles and Comoros. Fourth, forging a regional counterterrorism alliance of African countries. The US encourages and supports African countries to strengthen cooperation and forge a united armed force to combat terrorist organizations. Since 2007, the US has invested US$500 million to equip and train more than 18,000 troops of the African Union. To tackle challenges brought by Boko Haram for regional security in West Africa and the Sahel, it supported Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria in establishing the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to strengthen the fight against Boko Haram. Moreover, with the support of the US government, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda jointly formed the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to maintain high pressure on Al-Shabaab. Fifth, deploying combat units. Enhancing the deployment of military personnel in Africa is a major measure taken by the US to solidify the fight against African terrorist organizations. In December 2012, President Obama announced a plan to send a 100-member combat unit to each of 35 African countries, with a total number of 3,500. In April 2017, about 40 soldiers of the US 101st Airborne Division were dispatched to Somalia to train Somali troops and African Union troops in Somalia. Whether will the US cut its military presence in Africa? After President Trump took the power, the US increased its troops deployed to counter terrorism in Africa. According to the Memorandum on the Plan to Defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria signed by Trump, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis put forward an action plan that aims to quickly defeat IS and other terrorist and extremist organizations on February 27, 2017. The same year, on March 29, President Trump approved the Pentagons plan to expand military operations in Somalia, not only relaxing the rules of engagement for US military strikes in Somalia but also granting frontier commanders more authorities. In 2017, the US counterterrorism operations witnessed an obvious increase. In addition to airstrikes and special-force raids, the US also enhanced its efforts to fight terrorism in Africa through measures such as deploying more troops to Somalia, supporting the five Sahel states to establish specialized counterterrorism forces, setting up a drone base in Niger, and providing military supplies and training for some African countries. However, the Trump administration adopts a policy to mainly depend on military means to fight terrorism in Africa, which has caused terrorism to become prevalent in some parts of the continent instead of eradicating terrorism. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has acknowledged that Boko Haram terrorists have started using drones to carry out reconnaissance and raids. In November 2018, a total of 39 Nigerian military personnel were killed and another 43 injured. In October 2017, four soldiers of the US special operations forces died in a counterterrorism mission in Niger, resulting in the Pentagons decision to reduce troops in Africa. The two core factors that the US considers in its engagement in African affairs are seeking interests and controlling risks. On the surface, the highly dispersive deployment of the US special operations forces in Africa can easily cause chaotic commanding coordination in military operations, increasing the risks of American troops on the continent. But in nature, returning to great-power competition is the fundamental reason why the US scales down its troops in Africa. Washington is clearly aware that Africas counterterrorism situation is even more complicated than the Middle East, which cannot be settled in a short time through measures such as strengthening anti-terrorism operations, increasing counterterrorism aid, and expanding counterterrorism scales. In December 2017, US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy David J. Trachtenberg said that the US would work alongside its African partners to find solutions to African problems, with armed forces of host countries mainly responsible for military operations against terrorism, and the US will provide training, equipment and consulting for those partners to help them enhance combat capacity and effectiveness. This indicates that cutting troops doesnt mean the US will decrease its military presence in Africa, but merely change its ways of using armed forces. Through this move, the US will shift its counterterrorism responsibilities and risks to its African partners and mitigate the shortage of troops by means of providing equipment, training and funds or resorting in-turn deployment, so as to maintain its military presence in Africa. From this perspective, the Trump administrations reduction of US troops in Africa is essentially identical to the Obama governments move to scale down its troops in Afghanistan in 2014. Once the situation changes, the Pentagon may once again increase its troops in Africa. Pentagon spokeswoman Candice Tresch said that the cuts would leave counter-violent extremist organization activities largely untouched in several countries, including Somalia, Djibouti and Libya. Major General Roger Cloutier, head of the US Army Africa Command, also expressed that the reduction will not affect the US military missions in the region. But in fact, apart from military involvement, President Trump pays little attention to other African affairs. Not only has Trump never visited Africa since he took office, but he also intends to cut aid to Africa by a large margin. The US new Africa strategy aims to take advantage of the continents great potential of development to seek selfish gains. This strategy lacks authorization of legislature and financial support domestically, and meanwhile it is hardly to win recognition from African countries for preset conditions. Thus, a major question mark hangs over whether the strategy can help achieve the America First goal. Disclaimer: The author is Mu Xiaoming from the College of Politics of the National Defense University of the Chinese PLA. The article was published on the China Youth Daily and translated from Chinese into English and edited by China Military online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. Chinamil.com.cn does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. If the article carries photographs or images, we do not vouch for their authenticity. An Amtrak train pulls into 30th Street Station. What the system needs most is investment in reliable infrastructure. MICHAEL S. WIRTZ / File Photo Read more Amtrak has offered 500 employees at its soon-to-close call center in Southern California up to $15,000 if theyll relocate to Philadelphia. On the whole, theyd rather stay in Riverside. Amtrak announced in mid-November it would be shuttering the property that has housed its California call center on Jan. 18 and putting it up for sale. Many of the employees felt railroaded, angry that they were only given two months' notice and a strict timetable to move east, according to reports. Protests and a rally had little impact. Nearly 40 California legislators, including U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris petitioned Amtrak CEO Richard H. Anderson to reconsider the decision. In a letter to Anderson, the senators rebuked Amtrak for moving some of the union jobs to a contracted call center in Florida for significantly less pay and benefits. According to news reports in California, Amtrak plans to consolidate the Riverside operations with the reservation center in Philadelphia. In an email to the employees announcing the plans to close the Riverside facility, Tim Griffin, Amtraks executive vice president and chief marketing officer said that more than 90 percent of passengers make their reservations online, and that at its busiest only 25 percent of call center agents are helping customers at the same time, CBS Los Angeles reported. Olivia Irvin, an Amtrak spokesperson, did not know how many -- if any -- of the Riverside workers had taken up the railroad on its offer to relocate cross country. Amtrak employs about 400 workers at its call center off Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia. Irvin said Amtrak recently had reached an agreement with the California workers through the Transportation Communications International Union and for "our Riverside employees who dont want to relocate to Philadelphia, we are continuing to assist them in finding other jobs in California, including within Amtrak and outside the company. For the labor movement, 2018 was a year of extremes. On the one hand, as union membership held at an all-time low, the U.S. Supreme Court and the National Labor Relations Board increasingly ruled against workers. For instance, the courts Janus and Epic Systems decisions, the NLRBs still-pending ruling regarding that could make it harder for fast-food workers to unionize. On the other hand, the ability to fight was seen in teacher strikes in West Virginia that set off a wave of walkouts across the country. Prisoners in at least 17 states organized to protest forced labor and working conditions. And workers, from those at Microsoft and Salesforce to trade union members, turned out to support other causes, such as immigration. Heres a look at what happened in Philly. $15/hour minimum wage gains traction Health-care providers in the region did it this year: first Cooper, then Jefferson and Virtua. Holtec, in Camden, did it. The City of Philadelphia did it for all its workers, contractors, and subcontractors. New Jersey is considering doing it, statewide, though with some carve-outs. Amazon did it, too. The movement comes a few years after organizers and workers, including those in Philly, mounted a Fight for $15, and activists pressured the city to find a way to pass a citywide minimum wage law, despite a state law that says it cannot. Now that some of the meds have done it, will the eds? Docs power is tested John J. Dougherty, the politically powerful building trades leader who is under federal investigation, suffered some losses in the political arena this year: His candidate for the 5th District, Rich Lazer, lost, despite Dougherty starting a super PAC for Lazer that spent nearly $1 million in TV ads. So did Jonathan J.R. Rowan, a candidate for state House backed by Doughertys Local 98 electricians union. But Dougherty won other battles: City Council ultimately withdrew its tax on new construction that would fund affordable housing, a tax that Dougherty fiercely opposed. Dougherty also sparred with Council over diversity agreements in Mayor Jim Kenneys Rebuild public works project, though both parties were eventually happy with the end product. Watch for the enforcement (or lack thereof) of the agreement. And now, the Philly Building Trades is trying to test its influence out in the suburbs, as it lobbies for a union labor agreement for the forthcoming Norristown courthouse project. >> READ MORE: How incentives in the gig economy put workers at risk Calls for gig workers' rights Pablo Avendanos death in a traffic accident while delivering food for an app called Caviar brought the plight of on-demand gig workers into sharp relief. Because theyre classified as independent contractors, these workers dont receive any of the traditional protections that employees do even as they are sometimes incentivized to work under dangerous conditions and are forced to take safety into their own hands. In July, two months after Avendanos death, Caviar announced it would offer free accident insurance to its couriers. Expect more movement on this issue in the year to come, as well as with other types of workers in informal workplaces such as house cleaners, nannies, and home-care workers. >> READ MORE: Why Philadelphia hosted anti-deportation training for Latino workers The fight for good jobs for the citys most vulnerable pushes on Baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, and cabin cleaners at the Philadelphia Airport ratified their first contract in June, ending a six-year journey to unionize and ultimately doubling their salaries. This month, after more than a year of organizing, 130,000 retail, fast-food, and hotel workers won the right to get their schedules two weeks in advance, plus payment if schedules are changed after the fact, thanks to the Fair Workweek bill. (But it wont get implemented until 2020.) And the city, like other labor unions and immigrant-rights groups, has focused on training immigrant workers about their rights on the job. Theres been an increased focus on working conditions for the citys most vulnerable, as Philadelphias place as the poorest big city in the country has become harder to ignore. In 2019, well see more of this, with food service workers at the airport, employees at the citys biggest hotel, the Marriott Downtown Philadelphia, and parking lot attendants, all trying to raise standards at their jobs. >> READ MORE: In solidarity: Why labor unions have embraced immigrant rights Labor extends outward Organized labors history is marked with examples of unions protecting their own, pitting the struggles of union workers against those of immigrants, black folks, and nonunion workers. But as labor has come increasingly under attack, thats been changing. This was most pronounced this year in the actions of the Philadelphia labor umbrella group, the AFL-CIO. Labor, its president Pat Eiding has said, is in a position to stand up for others, and should. In August, 2,000 marched in the Labor United to Free the Children immigrant rights rally, including members of the building-trades unions and service worker unions. The Philadelphia AFL-CIO issued a statement against the Proud Boys white supremacist rally that was coming to the city. And the AFL-CIO, as well as other unions like 32BJ SEIU and UNITE HERE, were vocal supporters of Fair Workweek bill even if it did not affect all of its members. Whats next? Well have our eye on efforts to get more Philadelphians into the building trades (the Laborers' new training facility in North Philly is one initiative that seems promising), strategies workers use to build power in a changing labor environment, and enforcement: Now that Philly has a number of workplace laws on the books, what will it take to enforce them? Send us a note to tell us what we should pay attention to or what we missed on this list. From left, Veronica Guapo, Mari Pilar and Socorro Aparicio make tamales rojos at Tamalex restaurant in South Philadelphia on Friday, April 13, 2018. Each weekend, the restaurant makes about 1100 tamales overnight to sell on Saturday and another 1300 for Sunday. The process can take about eight hours so that the tamales are sold fresh. TIM TAI / Staff Photographer Read more I ate my way across 2018 with a special gusto for Phillys stunningly diverse flavors and an eye toward endurance. You just dont make it through 400-plus restaurant meals in a year with a smile unless you acknowledge that this lucky task is an epic adventure that unfolds one dish at a time. So which bites stood out as the most special? Looking back at the last 12 months many thousands of plates later, the year as a whole was a unique feast, from my extensive journey through South Phillys rapidly expanding Mexican food community to the dozens of reviews I wrote for the Sunday paper, umpteen Good Taste features, hundreds of Crumb Tracker Quiz clues, a sunny trip to the Jersey Shore, and all the research meals for this years Ultimate Dining guide (200 restaurants strong!) that paid special homage to the Philly classics. Yes, I inevitably nibbled through plenty of sorry clunkers along the way. Its just part of the reporting process. And do not worry: I didnt suffer. Because, inevitably, some special dishes rose up like gold in the pan and will forever linger in my imagination as the best of 2018. Ill gladly hold on to those, thank you, so cue the highlights! Click a restaurant to jump to a review. Tamales at Tamalex I ate so many memorable things during my deep dive into the wonders of Mexican South Philly, from the surprise of my new favorite enchiladas rojas at a folding table in the market aisle of tiny La Tienda grocery, to the mole-sauced lamb chops at El Rancho Viejo and, of course, the always transcendent lamb tacos and consomme at South Philly Barbacoa. But I cannot stop thinking about the tamales from Tamalex. Four women work throughout each weekend night hand-filling thousands of corn husk bundles with moist masa dough, tender meats, and vivid salsas, red and green, and then pack them tightly into a giant pot for a slow steaming. By 8 a.m., when those foil-wrapped packages of fluffy tamales begin flying out the door ($6 for three), the air is sweet with the earthy smell of corn and the true taste of Puebla-delphia comfort. Tamalex, 1163 S. Seventh St., 215-465-1665. >> READ MORE: How Craig LaBan reviewed Phillys restaurants in 2018 >> READ MORE: Craig LaBans 2018 Philly restaurant awards Golden Phoenix at Boba & Co. Chicken wings are universal. But in Cambodia Town in deep South Philly, the chefs take chicken wing craft to another level by stuffing them. At the Boba & Co. food truck at Sixth and Moyamensing, chef Sarin Sieng debones the blade of each flapper and transforms it into a Golden Phoenix by stuffing it plump with a flavorful pork sausage threaded with glass noodles and a vibrant yellow Cambodian savor a turmeric marinade vivid with lemongrass and ginger and a flicker of chili spice. The time-consuming and tricky handiwork alone is well worth the effort. But the flavors have resonated in my imagination since. And the dawning notion that a chicken wing has far more possibilities than I ever dreamed is priceless. Golden Phoenix stuffed chicken wings, $7 for two, Boba & Co., Sixth and Moyamensing; boba-and-company.business.site Asparagus crab salad at Cadence At their innovative South Kensington BYOB, Cadence, the three Fork alums who are co-owners and co-chefs Jon Nodler, Samantha Kincaid, and Michael Fry made one of my favorite meat dishes this year, a fire-roasted bone-in tenderloin topped with smoked brisket jus. They also produced one of the years most compelling vegetable creations, oysters on the half shell, that involved hollowed-out salsify roots stuffed with oyster mushrooms. But few dishes captured the spirit of this cutting-edge kitchen intricate, elegant, hyper-seasonal, and edgy as much as the asparagus crab salad. It looks like a spring seafood storm in a bowl, with sweet crustacean and grilled squid tumbled with shaved raw asparagus ribbons in a spicy fish sauce marinade with crunchy shallots and a blast of herbs. But then my spoon slid into a silky steamed custard enriched with yellow crab fat hidden at the bottom and this naturalistic chaos of colorful flavors suddenly unified in pure harmony. Cadence, 161 W. Girard Ave., 215-419-7537; cadencerestaurant.com Casoncelli at Andiario This was the year that pasta made a solid leap beyond purely Italian settings, thanks in part to the accessibility of smaller extrusion machines that allowed chefs to get creative with noodles. But when you find a cook whos truly mastered the handmade Italian classics, like Anthony Andiario at Andiario in West Chester, an old-school plate of casoncelli made from silky dough wrapped around ricotta filling can still be truly stunning. Topped with the twiny dark snap of locally foraged black trumpets and a lightly steeped tan cream, eating one of these dumplings was like riding the Mushroom Express deep into the earth. Andiario, 106 W. Gay St., West Chester, 484-887-0919; andiario.com Skewered halibut at Suraya One of this years most impressive new restaurants, Suraya, does so many things well, from the cardamom-scented morning pastries to next-level takes on Lebanese classics like raw minced lamb kibbeh, shish taouk, and intensely smoky baba ganoush. But the upscale seafood cookery from chef Nick Kennedy at dinner showed me a side of Lebanese cuisine I didnt know. The red pepper-walnut harra sauce for the whole pompano? Yum. But dont miss these meltingly juicy chunks of skewered halibut. Theyre marinated in cuminy yogurt for hours before they kiss the charcoal grill. Finished with the tangy black powder of grated dried Omani limes, they were a revelation. Suraya, 1528 Frankford Ave., 215-302-1900; surayaphilly.com Fried scallops at Mayers Tavern Too often, old bars go upscale and lose their character. And theres no doubt that Mayers Tavern a longtime fishermens haunt on Schellenger Landing in Cape May best known for rowdy bar fights and killer fried scallops has been reborn as a polished gastropub for a new generation. The brawls are a thing of the past. But chef-owner Alex Laudeman has safeguarded the stellar scallops. Theyre hand-plucked daily from the fleet of scallop boats owned by Alexs dad, Lobster House owner Keith Laudeman, and fried at Mayers beneath a micro-crust so perfect it seals in all the sweetness of the sea. Theyre so good in a minimalist kind of way, you could say preserving this Jersey Shore special scallop tradition was definitely worth fighting for. Mayers Tavern, 894 Third Ave., Cape May, 609-435-5078; mayerstavern.com Peking duck at China Gourmet The epic dim sum feast is the biggest draw to China Gourmet. The wok-fired lobsters plucked from the wall of live seafood tanks is yet another worthy reason to make the drive to Northeast Philly. But wouldnt you know this massive new addition to our authentic Cantonese scene also happens to make one of the best Peking ducks in the region? The sublimely tender, flavorful hunks of boneless meat come wrapped in burnished mahogany crisps of rendered skin that, dabbed with sweet hoisin and crunchy scallion threads, crackle inside the puffy softness of a bao bread sandwich. China Gourmet, 2842 St. Vincent St., 215-941-1898 or 215-941-1716; on Facebook Burger at Royal Boucherie Im a big fan of the refined French brasserie flavors at Nick Elmis Royal Boucherie, from the superb charcuterie (pheasant terrine!) to the polished raw bar and herbaceous green ode to Georges Perriers escargots. But chef de cuisine Steve Forte and I have a burger history. I loved his double-patty beauty a few years ago at Meritage. And hes only improved his take on the Big Mac upgrade here, where hes amped the savor with Lancaster beef, a delicate blade of bacon, truffled black garlic mayo, classic slices of oozy American cheese, and a pain au lait bun from Machine Shop Boulangerie that, with its ability to remain soft without falling apart, is the ideal frame for this fistful of juicy pleasure. With a side of crispy pork fat fries for the win, Boucheries signature burger ($17) is my current Philly favorite. Royal Boucherie, 52 S. Second St., 267-606-6313; royalboucherie.com Cauliflower gratin at Helm Rittenhouse Stinky Epoisses cheese. Creamy cauliflower gratin. Mini-Parker House rolls fresh from the oven. Any of these three things would be capable of getting my appetite rumbling. But at Helm Rittenhouse, the casual Center City cousin to Kensingtons Helm, chef and co-owner Kevin DEgidio had the bright idea to put them all together in one hot little ramekin. Add some raclette to the mix for a smoother melt and dust some flakes of sea salt across those warm little buns for extra grip, and were off and dipping. Helm Rittenhouse, 1901 Chestnut St., 215-982-1671; helmrittenhouse.com Chicharron at Sarvida It crackles. It pops. It radiates heat and sounds like a bubbly white cracker thats come to life. Its um well, you probably dont want to know. But youll have to trust me. The Chicharron Moment that virtually every table starts with at Sarvida in Fishtown is not just a sign that Filipino flavors are having their moment. These crispy puffs are proof that flash-fried beef tendons are the most magnetic little snack Philadelphians have yet to embrace. Sarvida 300 E. Girard Ave., 267-273-1234; sarvidaphilly.com Smoked brisket cheesesteak at Mikes BBQ Philly has never had a strong barbecue identity. Cheesesteaks? We obviously own those. So its no surprise that one of the best things to eat at the citys most legit new barbecue joint, Mikes BBQ, is a hybrid of the Philly birthright reimagined in a smokehouse: the smoked brisket cheesesteak. Owner Mike Strauss didnt exactly invent this idea. But with all the trappings of the lusty classic seeded rolls, caramelized diced onions, and a creamy house whiz made from Cooper Sharp (the lesser-known American cheese with century-old Philly roots), plus the bonus of peppery Creekstone beef expertly wood-smoked for 14 hours Strauss has perfected it. Mikes BBQ, 1703 S. 11th St., 267-831-2040; mikesbbqphilly.com Phoagie at Middle Child The luncheonette revival is alive and well at tiny, adorable Middle Child in the Jefferson Hospital district, where house-cured corned beef and salmon anchor a menu thats all about thoughtful updates to sandwich classics. The best of these, the Phoagie," is the ultimate sign of the times, a vegan hoagie remake that also turns to the Vietnamese flavors of Washington Avenue for a boost. Owner Matthew Cahn and his co-chef, Keith Krajewski, layer hoisin-roasted rounds of eggplant with chili paste, crispy onions, cilantro, Thai basil, and a schmear of vegan mayo scented with five spice and the singe of burnt onions and ginger. Its essentially a bowl of vegetarian pho on a bun, and, perhaps, a new signature Philly sandwich of its own. Middle Child, 248 S. 11th St., 267-930-8344; middlechildphilly.com Chutoro at Royal Sushi Theres a fine art to creating a perfect tasting menu. And Jesse Ito has become a master with his chefs choice omakase meals at Royal Sushi, where he leads the lucky diners at his coveted sushi counter through an 18-bite roller-coaster of raw seafood sensations that play with your taste buds' emotions. From the saline pop of a creamy kumamoto oyster to the alabaster gloss of a sweet scallop dusted with yuzu zest to the briny wash of live surf clam, myriad textures of various wild snappers, dusky shades of silver fish, sea-flavored threads of hairy crab, salt water eel, a creamy uni bomb and a slice of salmon torched just until its richly marbled orange flesh puffed like a warm soufflee, my prime emotion was simply that I didnt want it to end. But when it did, it happened with a boom. This slice of pristine chutoro, its buttery pink tuna belly flesh scored lightly for a seamless chew, positively melted over a nub of perfect warm rice while a generous scoop of kaluga sturgeon caviar on top burst like buttery-briny fireworks shower over top and then lingered long after that bite was gone. Royal Sushi, 780 S. Second St., 267-909-9002; royalsushiandizakaya.com/sushi.html Ice cream bars at Franklin Ice Cream Bar Count on the Berley brothers of Franklin Fountain fame, Eric and Ryan, to deliver the years keeper dessert. Their Franklin Ice Cream Bar, a storefront for their new production facility just a few doors east of their 1910-theme soda fountain hit in Old City, is a take-out spot with updated versions of frozen custard and other chilly delights. But the Keystone-shape ice cream bars are my newest dessert obsession. With a choice of Franklins excellent ice creams, theyre a supreme upgrade over the supermarket variety. They also offer a perfect combo of fresh textures, deep flavors, and customizable whims, dipped to order in a vivid chocolate (milk or dark) thats crafted from bean-to-bar cacao roasted and processed right next door at the Berleys' other venture, Shane Confectionery. There are almost too many good options to choose from, but my choice of coffee ice cream in a dark-chocolate shell streaked with caramel, chopped cashews, and Cape May sea salt was fantastic, the ice cream cold enough to hold its shape (but not so cold I got a brain freeze), the thin chocolate shell delivering a decisive snap, but also a supple, roasty cocoa richness. And then those toppings: sweet, salty, savory. Yes! Happy New Year! Franklin Ice Cream Bar, 112 Market St., 215-967-1184, franklinicecream.com A male customer was in critical but stable condition after being shot in the leg during an attempted robbery Wednesday afternoon at a store in North Philadelphia, police said. About 3:40 p.m., an armed man attempted to rob the store in the 2600 block of Germantown Avenue and shot the customer, whose age was not available, in the left thigh, police said. Medics took the victim to Temple University Hospital. It was not immediately known if the victim was shot while attempting to intervene. The gunman remained at large Wednesday night. Its a new year, which means that its also time to imagine new beginnings and better futures. Its time, in short, for New Years resolutions. Gratitude, in particular, has become a popular resolution. For many of us, living gratefully seems to promise more happiness in our lives. But what if weve got gratitude all wrong? I began writing my book The Art of Gratitude because I, too, believed that gratitude might offer an antidote to the anger, fear and resentment that characterize contemporary life. But as I read one self-help book about gratitude after another, it had the opposite effect on me. The more I read, the less grateful I felt. I came to ask, does the problem lie in how gratitude tends to be defined? The debt of gratitude Gratitude is often defined as a feeling of obligation and indebtedness toward those who give us a gift or help us out in some way. Consider how often many of us use the phrase, I owe you a debt of gratitude, or One good turn deserves another. The debt of gratitude idea dates to the foundations of Western culture, to Aristotle, Cicero and the New Testament. According to a leading contemporary expert on gratitude, UC-Davis psychology professor Robert Emmons, To be grateful means to allow oneself to be placed in the position of recipient to feel indebted and aware of ones dependence on others. Or, as Emmons argues elsewhere, gratitude is an acknowledgement of debt, and ingratitude the refusal to admit ones debt to others. In this framework, people are debtors and the givers of debt. According to philosopher Shelly Kagan, If someone does you a favor, you owe them something; you owe them a debt of gratitude. People judge the value of others based on what they can offer. Emmons writes: Gratitude requires that a giver give not only a gift but also a gift dear to himself a pearl of great price, as it were. The degree to which we feel gratitude always hinges on this internal, secret assessment of cost: It is intrinsic to the emotion, and perfectly logical, that we dont feel all that grateful for gifts that we receive that cost little or nothing to the giver. In other words, gifts and kindnesses involve a calculation of cost, which extends to repayment: Gifts are calculated gestures that must be repaid with an expression of thanks and, if possible, reciprocal gifts. Thinking in such terms might encourage people to see their relationships in economic terms as transactions to be judged by market criteria of gain and loss. To that end, the Christian radio show host Nancy Leigh DeMoss advises keeping a gratitude journal just like a bank statement or a checkbook registry, as a place to manage gratitude debts. I want to encourage you to think of gratitude as being a debt you owe, the same way youre called upon to pay your monthly bills. The art of gratitude Gratitude is about more than individual happiness. My happiness is bound with yours and with everyone elses. Gratitude authors, who urge us to focus on the debts we owe to others, are reminding us of this fact. I, however, argue in The Art of Gratitude that the rhetoric of the debt of gratitude sets us down a dangerous road. The trouble is that the value of our relationships cannot be calculated with numbers on the page, and trying to do so might make us miss out on what is most important. Take, for example, a recent gift I received of a nice aluminum water bottle. A friend said that she saw it and thought of me. Of course, I thanked her. But rather than immediately calculate the cost of the gift and determine how I would repay her, I asked: Why did you choose a water bottle? She told me that, where she grew up in the United States, she did not have access to clean water. I travel a lot, and she wanted me to take clean water with me wherever I went. Moreover, she hoped that it would help to cut down on plastic bottle waste, because, she said, we all share this planet. I might have missed all of this had I only pondered on how best to repay it. Instead, this gift prompted a conversation that reminded me of our fundamental interconnectedness. My actions, she was saying, impacted her life, just as her actions impacted my own. This interconnected world It is crucial to recognize that our daily practices of gratitude have broader social and political implications. Say I feel gratitude for access to clean air in Central Pennsylvania. I feel this gratitude because I grew up with asthma, and I know how hard it can be to breathe polluted air. I need not feel indebted to anyone for this clean air. Clean air is not a gift. I am grateful because clean air is necessary for life. Same is true for clean water. There is currently, however, a potentially grave challenge to clean water in Centre County, Pa., where I live. Looking through grateful eyes, attuned to the support necessary to live and thrive, I can recognize a threat to clean water as a personal threat. Though it is personal, it cannot be remedied alone. I must reach out to others who will also be affected, so that we can act together to manage it. The takeaway of my book is that indebtedness is not the only way to relate. Examples like these prove that all of us are deeply dependent upon the material support of the earth, and that also speaks to our interconnectedness. My resolution this year is therefore to practice the art of gratitude by imagining my life, and the world in which I live, as an opportunity, not a debt. I resolve to focus on what is necessary, and to work together with others to make it possible for all to live and to live well, because we live together. I hope that you will join me. Steve Castillo operates the 13-cubic-yard excavator used to break up and dredge rock from the Delaware River. JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer Read more Steve Castillo reclined in a vinyl seat in the cramped cockpit of the New York, a 3,400-horsepower monster dredge, manipulating controls that extended the vessels mighty excavator arm deep into the dark waters of the Delaware River. He glanced at a monitor depicting the scene 45 feet below the surface, where the excavators giant bucket gouged bedrock on a recent morning, deepening the river channel to accommodate a modern fleet of larger cargo ships. Castillo, who is from West Palm Beach, Fla., was fortified with a case of bottled water, a cooler full of snacks, and a radio that he joked seemed only to receive stations playing holiday music. He was settled in for the long haul. The same could be said for the Delaware River deepening project, which officials say will finally be finished next year nearly three decades after it was first approved, and two years behind schedule. "Weve been waiting a long time for this, but were excited, said Sean E. Mahoney, director of marketing for the Port of Philadelphia, the state agency that is paying for 35 percent of the dredging costs about $140 million of the total tab of $400 million, which has increased from its initial budget of $300 million. Mahoney hopes that by the end of March, PhilaPort can notify international shipping companies that the deeper river channel is open for traffic. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the agency overseeing the dredging, estimated it will generate net annualized benefits of more than $40 million to the U.S. economy. Local officials say the deeper channel will keep PhilaPort from being marginalized in the competition for the new vessel traffic. Since Congress approved a plan in 1992 to deepen the Delawares main channel from 40 feet to 45 feet, the project has survived litigation from environmentalists, who alleged it would harm marine life, and from neighboring states, which saw no benefit in improving the shipping industrys access to Philadelphias port. After dredging finally began in 2010, federal funding was not always reliable, further slowing progress and driving up costs. Earlier this year, the project was literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. The Army corps said that rock outcroppings concentrated in a 10-mile stretch of the river between Eddystone and Wilmington were larger and more durable than anticipated. It needed to call in reinforcements. The corps' contractor was able to dislodge much of the rock with explosives, but blasting is limited to four winter months to reduce harm to migrating sturgeon. And several areas could not be blasted because they were too near to buried gas and fuel pipelines and a submarine Comcast fiber-optic cable there are about 30 separate utility crossings under the Delaware. So the corps imported an eight-ton underwater hammer from Europe to break up the hardest bedrock near the pipeline crossings. It also extended its contract with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC to bring back New York, the monster dredge whose specialty is clawing out the hardest material. Last month the corps approved the final payment of $29.2 million to finish the deepening project. The deepened 103-mile channel will enable the Port of Philadelphia to handle ships that can carry up to 14,000 20-foot shipping containers, or 14,000 TEU, in tradespeak. The largest ship handled by the port at the current 40-foot depth was 12,200 TEU, which arrived earlier this year. The deepened channel will allow those ships to come fully loaded to Philadelphia, rather than having to stop first at another port to lighten their cargo. Several East Coast ports Boston; Charleston, S.C., Savannah, Ga., and Jacksonville and Port Everglades, Fla. have also deepened their channels to accommodate larger ships that can pass through the Panama Canal since it was enlarged in 2016. While the Philadelphia project dragged out, New York and Baltimore deepened their channels to 50 feet. Congress has authorized Norfolk to go up to 55 feet, the deepest on the East Coast. As evidenced by the fact that every other major port on the East coast currently enjoys channel depths of 42 to 50 feet, deepening the Delaware River navigation channel to 45 feet is critical to regional commerce and an important economic development priority, the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay said in a 2016 pitch for continued support for the deepening project. The deepened channel comes as PhilaPort faces tougher competition just 35 miles downriver from the Port of Wilmington, which this year agreed to lease its facilities for 50 years to a Gultainer, a United Arab Emirates operator that has promised to invest $600 million to upgrade the ports container capacity from 350,000 TEU to 1.8 million. PhilaPort, with state backing, is investing $300 million to upgrade the citys primary container wharf, the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, with taller cranes and bigger berths to handle larger vessels. Although Delaware and New Jersey are not paying for the deepening project those states sued to block it their terminals on the Delaware River will also benefit from access to larger vessels. As the old adage goes, a rising tide will lift all boats, said Mahoney. Just look at the investment thats going on, all over the river, on both sides and further south. It all hinges on a deeper channel. Philadelphia port officials say the Delaware deepening project will make the city more competitive and more attractive to shipping companies, which can easily take their business elsewhere. Its all about productivity and economies of scale, said Mahoney. Carriers want to take as much cargo as they can. Larger container vessels, especially those loaded with refrigerated fresh produce from South America for which Philadelphia has developed a market, can now carry bigger loads to Philadelphia without having to lighten their cargo. Crude-oil tankers, which typically must unload part of their cargo into smaller lightering vessels in the Delaware Bay so they can move up the 40-foot deep channel to the areas refineries, will now move more efficiently in a 45-foot deep channel. 'A boring project, really The Army Corps needed to demonstrate a national economic benefit to deepening the Delaware River channel, not just a benefit to the Philadelphia port that might come at the expense of another region. The corps' calculus was much disputed, and some critics still say the numbers were engineered to produce a net national benefit. The corps maintains that neither the dredging nor the disposal of 16 million cubic yards of sand, muck and rock has caused environmental harm. The finer dredge spoils are dumped in federal facilities, such as the Fort Mifflin Disposal Area located beneath I-95 on the southern approach to the Girard Point Bridge. The heavier rocks are deposited into state disposal areas in Delaware Bay to create an artificial reefs. The biggest squawk we heard over the years is that by going deeper, youre going to unlock this Pandoras box of hideous stuff, and all of our tests told us was that were likely to see the same stuff weve been seeing the last 70 years, said Ed Voigt, the chief of public and legislative affairs for the corps' Philadelphia office. Thats exactly what has happened. It has been a boring project, really. Environmentalists are skeptical. They say there has been little testing of the effects of dredging, and that the environmental harms are likely to be long-term impacts on tidal flows and wildlife that will not be immediately detected. The bottom line is that we know the harms will come, it is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when and how bad (just like climate change), said Maya K. van Rossum, head of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, which fought a long and ultimately unsuccessful legal battle to block the project. And we also know, from the ports themselves, that the deepening was not necessary, there were other options, and that in the end the taxpayer footed the bill to pit one port against the other, not to secure a net gain for the nation," she said. The projects advocates say the Riverkeepers arguments are water under the bridge, and theyre now focused on finishing the job. Were 99 percent done, said Voigt. The whole project has 16 million cubic yards, we have 150,000 left, or under 1 percent. Dredging is laborious, methodical work, and not all earthen materials are alike. Some mud and gravel can be literally sucked out of the river in great volumes with giant hydraulic dredges, and the spoils are then pumped into lagoons where the water drains off, leaving behind essentially soil that is "beneficially reused as fill material. Much of the land beneath the runways of Philadelphia International Airport formerly resided at the bottom of the river. But hard rock requires more time and money to extract. Such is the case in the area of the river called Reach B, where the dredge New York was working recently on the outbound side of the river, a few miles below the Pennsylvania state line. The original rock-removal contract won by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock was $90.8 million, based on a excavation price of $217 a cubic yard. Other contracts in less demanding sections of the river 10 contracts were split up among four dredging companies were priced as low as $4 a cubic yard. This is some of the hardest rock Ive ever dealt with, said Cecil Constanzi, chief engineer of the New York, who has worked on the vessel for 17 years. Some of the rock was dislodged with explosives, which are packed into holes drilled into river bottom and detonated. But the areas where the river flows over submarine pipelines proved more challenging, particularly just below the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester, where a 20-inch diameter natural gas pipeline crosses less than six feet below the deepened river channels new bottom. No explosives were allowed, said Kenneth Goldberg, chief of the corps technical support branch in Philadelphia. Rather than blasting, a scheme was devised in which rock was drilled with a series of holes, reducing it to what the engineers called Swiss cheese. The dredge then broke up the perforated rock using a hydraulic hammer that was brought in from Holland and attached to the excavator arm. That worked, until it fell off, said Goldberg. Retrieved from the river bottom, the hammer now rests on a dock at the corps' Fort Mifflin facility, awaiting repairs, and a more durable harness. The dredge New York, meanwhile, continues to chug away, 24 hours a day. There is nothing sleek about the vessel its an industrial workhorse, purely utilitarian. The dredge plants itself in the river on jack-up legs that lift the hull for stability. Its bucket can remove 12.8 cubic yards of rock with each pass, enough to fill a dump truck. The dredge is under contract in March in Jacksonville, Fla., so its Delaware River engagement is limited. The dredge costs the corps $200,000 a day, Goldberg said, so the government agency is sensitive about more delays. This is the fifth time the Delaware River channel has been deepened since 1898, when it was dredged from its natural depth of 17 to 24 feet to a depth of 26 feet. (It has been 40 feet deep since 1942.) The high cost of removing bedrock raises a question about whether it would ever be economically feasible for the corps to go deeper than 45 feet, since it will encounter much more rock, and some pipelines might need to be relocated. The Delaware Memorial Bridge in Wilmington, with an air clearance of 174 feet, might also be a barrier to a new generation of big ships. By comparison, the corps project to deepen the Port of New York and New Jersey to 50 feet cost $2.1 billion, more than five times as much as Philadelphia. That did not include an additional $1.7 billion to raise the level of the Bayonne Bridge, from 151 feet to 215 feet, to allow larger vessels access to the port. The consolidated New York area ports handled more than three million containers in 2016, six times the volume of PhilaPort. Philadelphia officials say they arent even thinking about going deeper, for now. We think the 45-foot channel will suit us perfectly fine for decades to come," said Mahoney. A bill under consideration in the New Jersey Legislature envisions a paperless state government, and would establish a task force to examine how going all-digital could work. Proponents say that eliminating or reducing the volume of paper used in state agencies would mean less waste, lower costs, and streamlined operations. While going paperless is a large feat, it has the potential to save time and money, as well as save the environment," State Sen. James Beach (D., Camden), the chairman of the State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, said in a statement. He is cosponsoring the bill along with Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D., Camden). For decades, governments and private industries increasingly have moved many of their operations online. More and more local governments and schools use electronic banking and bill paying. And most municipalities offer to deposit workers' salaries directly into their bank accounts. The city of Chester in Delaware County saved more than $85,000 in the first year after it stopped printing paychecks in February 2017, city officials said. Municipalities such as Plumstead Township, Bucks County, have stopped printing copies of meeting packets for their boards of supervisors, opting instead to scan documents and email them to the officials. Since 2003, the federal Government Paperwork Elimination Act has required federal agencies to allow people and groups to interact with them electronically and to keep records electronically, when practical, for efficiencys sake. Still, each year, Americans spend 10 billion hours completing federal government forms, according to a study by the Office of Management and Budget. A 2013 paper published by the American Bar Association praised the benefits of paperless governments, but cautioned officials to consider and address legal implications before following the trend. Paperless governments give rise to two major nontraditional security threats: cyber invasions and improper destruction of electronic information, wrote Patricia Salkin, then-dean of the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in New York, and Howard Gross, founder and president of eBizDocs, an electronic document management agency in New York. The New Jersey task force would consider the benefits and risks of a paperless system, the technology the state would need to be able to cut down on paper, potential modifications to state law to accommodate a paperless system, and cybersecurity protections for the states executive branch. During a pilot program the first half of this year, Hawaii reduced the amount of paper it produces. Nine state departments printed about one million fewer sheets of paper, state officials said. They saved paper partly by distributing reports electronically instead of printing copies. Over three years, as more departments follow suit, Hawaii officials estimate the state will save 10 million sheets of paper and about $500,000. Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, has made paperless government a goal for his administration. Electronic documents are easier to store and retrieve, he said. Transforming from a paper-dependent culture to a digital environment improves public accessibility to government documents and increases transparency for our citizens," he said in a statement. The 15-member task force the New Jersey bill would create would include the secretary of state, the state treasurer, the director of the New Jersey Division of Taxation, a head of cybersecurity in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and other members with expertise in such areas as government information technology, revenue collection, and voting. The group would be required to issue its final recommendations a year after its first meeting, the bill says. This 230+ year-old oak tree has evaded being cut down, even as development has cropped up around it, in Bala Cynwyd. Read more A tree believed to date to the time of William Penn could be cut down to make way for an office building on City Avenue in Bala Cynwyd. The majestic oak stands gracefully if somewhat incongruously in the middle of a parking lot at an office center at 401 City Ave. Despite the surrounding real estate, the 89-foot tree fills a space that seems almost deliberately set aside for it to thrive. That could change if looming development plans are approved by Lower Merion Township. Susquehanna International Group (SIG), a global trading and technology firm, wants to expand its nearby headquarters and move into a new building, complete with a multistory parking garage linked by a pedestrian bridge. That plan calls for paving over the parking lot and the patch of mulch that surrounds the tree. Lower Merion officials sent the companys initial development plan back for revisions to conform with the zoning code. A new version is expected in January, said Chris Leswing, director of building and planning. Were waiting for plans, and we dont know if its going to include the tree or not, he said. Officials at SIG did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Nor did George Broseman, a zoning and land-use lawyer who is listed as the applicant for the plan. The possibility of losing the tree has set a number of residents, arborists, and environmentalists on edge and sparked a campaign to save it. Researchers estimate that the tree is more than 300 years old. Its thought to have been alive before Penn first visited the green colony he would dub Penns woods. Drawing from its history, arborists have categorized the oak as a Penn tree." It is listed in the 1981 book Penns Woods, which indexed dozens of the oldest trees in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The over-cup oak along City Avenue is one of an estimated 300 Penn trees still alive. Many such trees died from neglect or disease. Some have been so heavily pruned, authors Halfred W. Wertz and M. Joy Callender wrote in Penns Woods, that they "hardly suggest their former majesty. Others fell to development. Conservationists fear that the oak along City Avenue could go the same way. The townships Environmental Advisory Council, a citizens' organization, and the Lower Merion Shade Tree Commission wrote letters asking the developer to spare the tree. Theyre required to have an open recreation space for the City Avenue ordinance," said Brian K. Hoppy, president of the Environmental Advisory Council and senior vice president of HDR Inc., an architecture and engineering firm. By having that tree there its a historic tree it can be incorporated as part of the design. ... It can do that pretty successfully, and give them a landmark to showcase in the region. The oak is a visual standout among scrub pines and saplings, towering above its neighbors. Its robust and healthy, said Maurine McGeehan, executive director of the Lower Merion Conservancy. The tree is listed on the Pennsylvania Champion Tree Registry, an inventory of the largest trees in each species around the state. The registry, however, does not have the authority to preserve trees. The last time the oak was measured, in 2017, its trunk had a circumference of about 18 feet and its branches spanned 117 feet, according to the registry. At the base of the tree, a plaque from the International Society of Arboriculture and the National Arborist Association recognizes the trees age. This tree is well-known, said Rich Widmann, a member of the Shade Tree Commission. The old arborists all know it. But whether the trees history will spare it from being felled is uncertain. For now, township officials await the revised plans, and at some point, the board of commissioners will discuss the trees fate. The boards influence is limited because the tree is on private property, said Township Commissioner George Manos, who represents Ward 9, which includes the tree. We have to wait for all the factors, he said. Its important to save the tree. Whether it can be saved is something that, technically speaking, is out of the wards control. That tree is on their property. If it was on the sidewalk or townships right of way, wed have considerable control. How you approach something like that is a very challenging issue, I have to tell you, he said. "When youre in a situation where you dont have a lot of technical leverage, sometimes public pressure will help. A Chester County man who barricaded himself in his home on Christmas night and shot multiple times at 11 SWAT officers surrendered nine hours later when a negotiator sang him the holiday carol White Christmas, authorities said Thursday. Nathaniel R. Lewis, 34, of East Vincent, was charged Wednesday with 11 counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and related crimes. In an interview Thursday, Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan said Lewis was stressed from the process of separating from his wife during the holidays. Around 7:30 p.m. on Christmas, Lewis' sister-in-law checked on him at his Aftons Circle home because other family members had been unable to reach him, authorities said. He had barricaded the door, but she forced her way in and found him holding a rifle, which he then used to fire four shots, according to an affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. About an hour later, Lewis estranged wife asked East Vincent police to go to the home for a wellness check. At 10:30 p.m., the Chester County Regional Emergency Response Team arrived. A negotiator used Lewis' wifes cell phone to call him and persuade him to surrender peacefully, but Lewis instead talked about killing police and shooting up the neighborhood, according to the affidavit. At 12:47 a.m. Wednesday, authorities said, members of the Emergency Response Team heard several gunshots fired from a second-floor window, then a shot from inside the house. As the sun rose at 6:05 a.m., authorities said, Lewis sprayed bullets from the second floor, striking an armored police vehicle. Police fired once into Lewis' home. At 6:11 a.m., authorities said, Lewis shot at police, then again at 6:15 a.m. Police fired back both times, according to the affidavit. Around 7 a.m., Lewis asked to hear a negotiator sing a Christmas carol, authorities said. He requested White Christmas, the Nat King Cole version," Hogan said Thursday. The negotiator, who has more than a decade of SWAT team experience, began to sing, Hogan said. Lewis then came out and surrendered. Inside the house, police found shell casings on the second floor, a rifle, and two magazines on the bed in the master bedroom, according to the affidavit. No officers were injured in the standoff. Lewis was taken to the Chester County Prison after he was unable to post bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2019. Hogan said Lewis will also be charged with attempted murder related to shooting at his sister-in-law, who was not injured. Kate Major Lohan (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office via New York Daily News) Read more ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) Authorities say the stepmother of actress Lindsay Lohan tried to commandeer an occupied bus and attacked its driver on Christmas Day. Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday they arrested 36-year-old Kate Major Lohan of Boca Raton, Fla., and charged her with driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, harassment, and public drunkenness. She made bail and was released Wednesday. Major Lohan didn't have a home phone listing, and a defense lawyer wasn't listed on court documents. State police say in court records that the outburst started when Major Lohan attempted to get off at the Hellertown stop but missed it and for the next 15 minutes berated the driver and demanded that the bus stop, according to court records. Court records allege she began assaulting the bus driver, pushing buttons, and asking about the brakes before a passenger ejected her from the drivers seat. Major Lohan told state troopers the bus driver attacked her, but the driver gave a different story that was backed up by several witnesses and passengers on the bus, the records say. She told police that shed had a few glasses of wine earlier in the day, the records say. Major Lohan, who attended high school in Allentown, is married to Michael Lohan, the father of Lindsay Lohan. This article contains information from the Allentown Morning Call. Japan is withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission and will resume commercial whaling next year, a government spokesman said Wednesday, in a move expected to spark international criticism. "We have decided to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission in order to resume commercial whaling in July next year," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters. "Commercial whaling to be resumed from July next year will be limited to Japan's territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. We will not hunt in the Antarctic waters or in the southern hemisphere," Suga added. The announcement had been widely expected and comes after Japan failed in a bid earlier this year to convince the IWC to allow it to resume commercial whaling. Tokyo has repeatedly threatened to pull out of the body, and has been regularly criticized for catching hundreds of whales a year for "scientific research" despite being a signatory to a moratorium on hunting the animals. Suga said Japan would officially inform the IWC of its decision by the end of the year, which will mean the withdrawal comes into effect by June 30. Leaving the IWC means Japanese whalers will be able to resume hunting in Japanese coastal waters of minke and other whales currently protected by the IWC. Orion Myers of Columbus, Ohio, probably won't remember seeing the Liberty Bell up close in person with his parents, Katie and Matt Myers, on Dec. 28, 2018. Thats because Orion, who will be 2 on Dec. 31, slept through the entire visit. The Liberty Bell Center, which had been closed because of the federal government partial shutdown, will remain open through the weekend. Read more Despite a partial federal government shutdown that shows no signs of ending soon, tourists visiting Philadelphia will be able to see both the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall over the weekend. According to Independence National Historical Park, both Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., thanks to funding provided by Visit Philadelphia. No tickets will be required. An estimated 25,000 visitors typically visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center over the long weekend after Christmas and before the New Year, according to the city. On Wednesday, visitors lined up outside to see the Liberty Bell, unaware that the attraction was closed due to the shutdown. Ive wanted a long time to come see this," a disappointed Maureen Carter, visiting from Los Angeles, told my colleague Stu Bykofsky. "I wanted to see it up close. Since the partial federal government shutdown went into effect Dec. 22, both Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center have been closed. The city said Visit Philadelphia donated about $32,000 to the National Park Service to cover the cost of keeping the two attractions open over the weekend. READ MORE: Tourists turned away at Liberty Bell, Independence Hall amid government shutdown Leisure tourism to Philadelphia is a big part of our regional economy, and thousands of visitors want to see our iconic historic sites, Jeff Guaracino, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, said in a statement. We felt that it was important during this very busy holiday week to make Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center available to our visitors and residents. Other nearby attractions such as the African American Museum, the Betsy Ross House, and the National Constitution Center arent affected by the shutdown and remain open. A Philadelphia Fire Department truck. Crews placed a fire along the 2500 block of 67th Street under control around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Read more Fire crews responding to a rowhouse fire in the Elmwood section of Southwest Philadelphia late Wednesday found a man dead in the second-floor bedroom, officials said. Crews were called to the two-story house on the 2500 block of South 67th Street about 10 p.m. The blaze was under control about a half-hour later. The man, 26, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The Medical Examiners Office will determine the cause of death. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Homes along St. Albans Place in Graduate Hospital, the neighborhood with the most properties that benefit from Philadelphia's 10-year property tax abatement according to a report issued this year by the controller's office. The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia is asking homeowners with abatements to consider making a donation equal to the amount of their tax breaks. Read more After Alison Stohr bought her Point Breeze home in 2015, she got a 10-year property tax abatement from the city, which saves her nearly $3,000 in annual taxes. But instead of keeping the savings, Stohr is donating it to Philadelphias public schools. This is an opportunity for people with abatement to meaningfully give back to the School District, Stohr said. And I honestly dont know how many people think about what it means that they have a tax abatement. The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, a foundation that solicits and collects private donations for the citys schools, is hoping that other property owners will do the same. In its first end-of-year appeal, the foundation sent about 4,500 letters to Philadelphia property owners who have received abatements since 2016 and asked them to consider donating what they are saving in taxes, said Donna Frisby-Greenwood, the funds president and CEO. The letters are expected to arrive in mailboxes this week. "Its an audience that makes sense for us, that certainly is invested in the city and should be asked, she said. I talked to some other property owners and they said, Well, no ones ever asked me that, and I said, Well, well be asking. The abatement allows owners of newly constructed or rehabilitated properties to pay no tax on the improvements for 10 years. Taxes must still be paid on land values. The citys 14,345 abated properties received a total of $93 million in tax breaks last year, according to a report issued by City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart. Had those taxes been collected, 55 percent would have gone to the School District and the remaining portion to city government. The fund has no stated goal for the appeal, but Frisby-Greenwood said she hopes 10 percent of those who get letters donate some amount a tally that could bring millions in extra funding to city schools. Some advocates for school funding and City Council members, including Council President Darrell L. Clarke, have called for the city to look at reducing or ending the abatement, which was enacted in 1997 in a bid to lure residents and spur more development. Mayor Jim Kenneys administration commissioned a report this year that highlighted the economic benefits of the abatement, and said the program encourages development and generates jobs. The Fund for the School District has no official stance on the abatement, Frisby-Greenwood said. She said the idea to encourage contributions from the tax breaks grew from a conversation with a foundation board member. Frisby-Greenwood also talked to Stohr, who already had the idea to donate her abatement. The fundraising concept had another perk, Frisby-Greenwood said: Obtaining the addresses was free. While larger nonprofits purchase mailing lists to find and solicit potential donors, the foundation avoided that cost by using the citys existing data set of abated properties and their owners' addresses. Councilwoman Helen Gyms office helped the foundation get the addresses from public records. (Gym introduced bills last year to eliminate the portion of the tax abatement that otherwise would be going to the School District and to examine whether the city should eliminate the abatement in certain neighborhoods.) The letters sent to homeowners include instructions on how to look up property values and calculate how much of a discount they are getting under the tax abatement. If homeowners like you gave even 10 percent of their abatement back to the schools, those contributions would amount to $8.79 million, the letter states. Stohr, a former teacher currently working at the Feltonville School of Arts and Sciences as a fellow in a program that trains educators to become Philadelphia school principals, said she knows that not everyone with an abatement can afford to pay a would-be tax bill. But she also took her own donation a step further she contacted the Office of Property Assessment to opt out of the abatement and begin paying her full tax bill directly to the city next year. With that change, her tax bill will nearly quadruple, from about $1,100 to about $4,000. While that is a significant increase, Stohr said she believes in public education and wanted to contribute as much as some of her neighbors already are paying in taxes. It seemed very unfair to me that my former block captain whos lived on the block for 30 years was paying more in property taxes than I was," she said. Some property owners who benefit from the tax abatement have been critical of reassessments that raised land values, which is the portion of an assessment on which they still must pay taxes. Many of those property owners have filed appeals to the Board of Revision of Taxes. Frisby-Greenwood said Thursday that she had not yet received feedback from property owners who got letters from the fund. Its something were trying for the first time," she said, and we have no idea whether people will be open to it and actually put a donation in the mail or not. Christmas officially ended in Philadelphia without a single Manny Machado or Bryce Harper jersey under anyones tree. And the way that things are moving, it feels as if the two free-agent superstars are in no rush to sign before even next Christmas. But things are about to pick up as the calendar turns to 2019 and the Phillies are still in position to land a prize, just not in time for Christmas. You're signed up to get this newsletter in your inbox every weekday during the Phillies season. If you like what you're reading, tell your friends it's free to sign up here. I want to know what you think, what we should add, and what you want to read, so send me feedback by email or on Twitter @matt_breen. Thank you for reading. Matt Breen (extrainnings@philly.com) Harper and Machado arent looking for discounts It has been one week since Manny Machado knocked on the front door of Citizens Bank Park and it has been two weeks since Matt Klentak met with the agent of Bryce Harper inside a Las Vegas hotel suite. But ever since, it has been relatively quiet in the chase for a superstar. Machado does not plan to sign with a team until after New Years Day and Harper is expected to sign even later. Machado visited his three suitors - the White Sox, Yankees, and Phillies - earlier this month and it can be assumed by now that he has a good idea of were hell play next season. The Phillies have as good of a shot as anyone. Matt Klentak said twice in the last five months that he believes the most important factor to a free agent is years and dollars. The general manager is most likely correct. Harper and Machado are on the open market for the first-time in their careers. Its foolish to think they would take less money to wear a certain uniform or to play with an old friend. Harper and Machado want to make the most money they possibly can and the Phillies seem to have the most to spend. The contracts that Harper and Machado sign this winter will be used next offseason to determine the value of a player like Nolan Arenado. They will the be used a winter later by Mike Trout. If Harper and Machado took a discount to play somewhere, it would only hurt their fellow union members. A hometown discount does not exist. Patrick Corbin grew up in upstate New York in a Yankees-crazed family. He dreamed of wearing the pinstripes. But the Nationals offered more years and dollars so he instead went to Washington. The same can be expected for Harper and Machado, which is why the Phillies remain contenders to land one. The rundown The Dodgers made a trade last week to both free up money to spend and create a space in their outfield, which seems to signal that the team is ready to make a push for Bryce Harper. If Harper is headed to Hollywood, then the Phillies have to go all-in on Manny Machado. The Phillies, Bob Brookover wrote, are the best option for Manny Machado and the Phillies have the greatest need and desire for Machado. Brookie - which I have been told by an avid Extra Innings reader is the correct spelling of Bob Brookovers nickname - also gives out a few other thoughts on the teams offseason. Mike Sielski compiled a collection of some of the best work that has appeared in 2018 on Philly.com and in the pages of The Inquirer and the Daily News. If you have some down time before the New Year, you can catch up on a story you may have missed. Important dates Jan 11: Deadline to exchange salary arbitration figures. Jan. 22: Hall of Fame results announced. Feb. 22: Phillies play first spring-training game, 1:05 p.m. March 28: Phillies open 2019 season, 3:05 p.m. Stat of the day How good is Manny Machado? I feel like I had this conversation a few times this week as I bounced from Christmas party to Christmas party. The Phillies, in my opinion, are the favorites to land Machado. They have the money to spend and seem more passionate about Machado than Bryce Harper. So how good is he? Machado has had four consecutive seasons of at least 30 homers and an OPS of .780 or better. The only players in Phillies history to do that are Mike Schmidt, Ryan Howard, and Chuck Klein. Thats elite company. And Machado is just 26 years old. From the mailbag Send questions by email or on Twitter @matt_breen. Question: My question is why is it that Manny Machado wants to play shortstop so much when it is pretty much universally agreed that he is an elite third baseman and only an average shortstop? Does that mean he is a selfish, me player and not a team player? Do the Phillies really want to invest so much money in such a player? - Tom B., email. Answer: Tom, thanks for your question. I think Machados desire to play shortstop is just a way to earn more money this winter. The Phillies - and any other team - will want him to play third base. But theyll have to persuade him to do that and the best way to persuade is with more money. I dont think it means hes selfish or not a team player, but just someone looking to earn the most money they possibly can. Seen from the Tijuana, Mexico side of the border wall, Honduran migrants who jumped a wall wait on the U.S. side for U.S. Border Patrol agents after surrendering, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. Thousands of migrants who traveled via a caravan want to seek asylum in the U.S. but face a decision between waiting months or crossing illegally, because the U.S. government is only processing about 100 of cases a day at the San Ysidro border crossing in San Diego. Read more One of the weirder phenomena of the Trump presidency which is really saying something is that for a White House that draws so much of its political support from evangelical Christians, the administration usually ends up playing the role of Pontius Pilate or other Roman bad guys when it comes time to make a religious allegory out of Americas modern-day plight. Never more so than this Christmas Eve, when the Trumpian Empire put a horrifying new spin on the phrase no room at the inn, as Border Patrol agents took as many as 400 Central American migrants seeking political asylum in the United States literally, huddled masses and dumped them outside the Greyhound bus terminal in El Paso, Texas. This was done without warning any of the refugee agencies that normally help migrants make their transition; indeed, done so hastily that some of those thrown out in the 40-degree South Texas Christmas blast of Arctic air had no idea what city they were in. Local officials and refugee-aid groups, who were completely blindsided by the drop-offs, scrambled to get families off the streets frantically booking motel rooms or finding shelter at a nearby Catholic school. Four buses were summoned for families to climb aboard and at least stay warm in the dead of night. Were trying to ensure that ICE gives the community notice next time when they know that theres not going to be space in existing migrant shelters, to give the community 24 hours' heads up so that we can find hotel rooms, beds, alternative shelters, food, volunteers everything that these people will need to make sure that they are OK, said Beto ORourke, the El Paso congressman whos ending his term as he eyes another run for higher office in 2020. A local refugee activist named Dylan Corbett from a group called the Hope Border Institute told NPR that one of the Border Patrol officers dropping off this Christmas diaspora told him: 'I have a heavy heart, Im a human being, but Im following orders" thus taking a sad Oh-little-town-of-Bethlehem metaphor to a darker, more recent place in world history. Unfortunately , the midnight refugee dump wasnt the worst news to come out of the southern border over Christmas break. That was the heartbreaking story that Felipe Alonzo-Gomez, an 8-year-old refugee from Guatemala, died after experiencing a high fever and vomiting after a week in the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol, also near El Paso. Felipe was the second grade-school-age child refugee to die in American custody after border apprehension this month, following the sudden death of Jakelin Caal Maquin, aged 7, also from Guatemala. She died on Dec. 8, two days after falling ill. Jakelins death provoked both great sadness and tremendous anger natural reactions to the senseless death of a young child. Although Ive written a lot in 2018 about the humanitarian crisis at the border, Ive held off addressing these child deaths because while people seem eager for someone to blame whether thats the Border Patrol, Donald Trump, or the parents who brought their children on such a dangerous trek in the first place we just dont know all the facts. One positive aspect of the Democratic House takeover is that we can expect the thorough investigation that these deaths deserve, after January. But we dont need to know all the specifics of why two small children died to know this: When that happens twice in one month something has gone terribly wrong. And thats not all. Things are not right when hundreds of human beings are dumped into the frigid air of Christmas Eve in the desert with no food or heat and nowhere to go. When families are separated on purpose, and when potential sponsors who step forward to care for unaccompanied youths arent greeted as heroes but are instead locked up for eventual deportation, things have gone off the rails. When the United States of America runs what it euphemistically calls a tent city but is really a child concentration camp in Tornillo, Texas, with no plan for what to do about the thousands of kids there going into 2019, that is truly unconscionable. The ongoing crisis on the southern border can look intractable on its worst days, which is ridiculous. There are many basic policy maneuvers that can start to make things better and that are also the kinds of things that even in a moment of over-the-top political divisiveness liberals and conservatives, at least those in Congress, might be able to agree upon. That were in a moment when more and more people are questioning the ability of the president to lead might actually bring the two parties closer together. Whatever happens next has to start with something that was discussed in this space back in June, which is investing more dollars and more positive mental energy into ways that the U.S. can become a better neighbor to Central America to work with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador on strategies to reduce crime, drugs and political instability so people will want to raise their families in their native homelands. As for the more recent crisis of children dying in the care of U.S. Border Patrol, the poor conditions in which migrants are held at the southern border is not a new problem. Advocates warned about shoddy care during the administration of Barack Obama,, when unauthorized immigration surged. In 2015 and earlier, immigration lawyers and advocate complained about detainees held in frigid iceboxes, in wet clothing or spending hours on hard benches or other uncomfortable postures. So, no, these problems didnt start with Trump although no one could expect the most xenophobic man to ever gain control of the White House to make things better. At least not without outside pressure. The No. 1 priority for Americans patrolling the border shouldnt be locking folks up as much as keeping them alive. Thats Humanity 101, and yet weve been flunking this entry-level course for years. For a long time, immigration activists have left water bottles or supported shelters in the American desert north of key border crossings for this simple human purpose. Border Patrol agents have destroyed these water bottles and in January arrested one of the activists who supported these operations. The people who are desperate to raise their children in a place not saturated with murder, rape, and drugs are refugees, and theres only one crisis at the border: The humanitarian crisis. At long as America treats refugees people showing up at the border legally, and in most cases rightfully seeking the human right of safe asylum in our country as common criminals, children will die and decent people will be tortured by cold, hard, unbearable conditions. There is some hope that in the far-too-belated wake of these two deaths that the Border Patrol can allow greater access to outside physicians whove been pushing for better medical care since 2014 and the Obama administration and take other overdue steps to provide humane holding facilities, for a change. The time is now and the leverage exists the Jan. 2 arrival of a Democratic House that will mostly likely still be negotiating with Trump to end the partial government shutdown. So far, this process has bogged down in political posturing, with the president giving into pressure from Fox News and talk radio hosts for the most xenophobic stance possible. Trump needs a way out, and the only solution may be to improve medical care, modernize or build humane holding facilities for the Border Patrol, coordinate better with shelter-providing refugee groups, shut down the American gulag at Tornillo and encourage sponsors for unaccompanied minors instead of arresting them, and to include the price tag for a more humane United States in the money to be spent on border security. Thats because nothing makes the border more secure than keeping children alive and not dumping human beings at a bus station. If Democrats and Republicans cant agree on this basic point over Christmas and the promise of a new year, no less then what the hell are we even doing? Community members and leaders gathered in November 2018 for the Philadelphia Citizen's first annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival, to identify promising ways to tackle issues like gentrification and abandoned lots across the city. Read more By the year 2050, it is expected that two-thirds of the world population will live in cities. By necessity, then, at a time when the federal and state governments seem to be increasingly AWOL, cities have become the nations best hope for innovation and progress. We dont have the luxury of ideology. By default, cities have become the last bastion of practical problem-solving. Thats why the Philadelphia Citizen, the nonprofit solutions-oriented news site I co-founded three years ago, convened our first annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival before a packed crowd last month at Drexel University. Sponsored by, among others, Comcast NBCUniversal, FS Investments, Campus Apartments and the United Way, we brought in innovators from cities across the nation and around the globe, to share whats worked elsewhere. There were some bold-faced names youd recognize: Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (a Democrat) and former New Jersey Governor Christie Todd Whitman (a Republican) made us nostalgic for a time when Democrats and Republicans didnt vilify one another, and the Reverend Michael Eric Dyson talked about hope as a balm in these troubled times. But there were also folks youd never heard of, who are making real inroads on seemingly intractable problems like the opioid epidemic, gentrification, and income inequality. Our mission is not just to chronicle whats wrong, but also to air how to fix things. To that end, we asked all in attendance and all who visited our site since to vote for the top three ideas presented at the Festival. And now were announcing a Request for Proposals from individuals or groups who want to steal one of those ideas and bring it here. Well award one proposal $50,000 for the Jeremy Nowak Urban Innovation Award, named for our founding Chairman, courtesy of social impact venture Spring Point Partners. Over 3,000 Philadelphians voted, and here are the three ideas that carried the day: 1) Mitigate Displacement in Developing Neighborhoods. In Portland, activist Cat Goughnour involves existing communities in how their neighborhoods develop, as a way to help keep people in their homes. 2) Ease the Tension of Gentrification with Storytellingand Bikes. Detroit-based Pedal to Porch recruits residents to share stories about their neighborhood to participants traveling by bike from house to house. 3) Fight Gun Crime with Pocket Parks. Penn professors and the Horticulture Society have turned abandoned lots in North Philly into pocket parks, reducing crime and improving mental health. Make it a citywide program, suggested Eric Klinenberg, author of Palaces For The People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life. The award process behind the Nowak Urban Innovation Award will summon the spirit of the late Jeremy Nowak, a civic icon who was all about practical problem-solving. The business for good mantra might be all the rage nowadays, but Nowak was ahead of the curve. With a $10,000 grant, he founded the Reinvestment Fund in the 1980s, a financial institution that raises money from corporations and wealthy individuals and lends to developers who build affordable housing and grocery stores in distressed neighborhoods. The result? Over $1 billion of equitable urban development. Philadelphia needs more of that kind of disruptive, moonshot thinking, which is why we want to highlight, and invest in, a new generation of Jeremy Nowaks. The future belongs to the problem-solvers, Nowak wrote, with Drexels Bruce Katz, in The New Localism: How Cities Can Thrive In The Age of Populism. Prove him right by applying for the first annual Nowak Urban Innovation Award. To apply, send a two page overview to NowakAward@thephiladelphiacitizen.org that includes who you are and who you plan to partner with; what problem you seek to solve, and which of the three solutions from above you want to bring here; the scope, scale, and key benchmarks of your project; a budget; and how youll measure impact. Applications are due by the end of the day on January 18, and well announce a winner February 1, chosen by a committee that includes The Citizen, members of the Nowak family, and civic and philanthropic leaders. Find out more at https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/. Larry Platt, former editor of Philadelphia Magazine and the Philadelphia Daily News, is co-founder of the Philadelphia Citizen. This month, Popeyes restaurants announced they would sell Emotional Support Chicken chicken-shaped to-go boxes just in time for the holidays. Despite the obvious attempt to humorize situations in which different species of animals serve as emotional support animals, the decision and media coverage of it has two large issues. First, it conflates emotional support animals and service animals, and second, it uses the idea of service and emotional support animals as a punchline. >> READ MORE: Attention, frequent fryers: Emotional support chickens take wing at PHL Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities are guaranteed equal civil rights. As the City of Philadelphias Director of ADA Compliance, it is my job to ensure that people with disabilities have the same access to participate in all aspects of the City as people without disabilities, and that often starts with educating the general public. In response to the recent news coverage around Popeyes emotional support chicken, I wanted to use this opportunity to dispel any myths about service and emotional support animals and the necessary roles they play in the lives of some people with disabilities. According to the ADA, a service animal is any dog (and sometimes a miniature horse) that has been trained to perform specific tasks or take specific actions to avoid or to mitigate a disability. Service dogs may accompany their handler into any area that the public is allowed, including airplanes, public buildings, and restaurants. Emotional support animals are different. They are a type of assistance animal that can be of any species. Assistance animals must be prescribed by a qualified medical professional based on a disability-related need. These animals do not have to be trained to perform a specific task, and have a different legal standing than the service animals mentioned above. While emotional support animals are not service animals under the ADA, they may be permitted as an accommodation for people traveling on airlines as a result of the Air Carriers Act, and in housing under the Fair Housing Act. Luckily, in public, laws are in place to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. In this case, however, people with disabilities became the punchline of a national restaurant chains joke. This type of inaccurate portrayal of emotional support animals is particularly harmful because it increases the potential for fraudulent use of service and assistance animals, and increases the negative pushback often received by people with legitimate service and assistance animals in public. It is unfortunate that Popeyes is using an important resource for people with disabilities as a joke for their product, and even more unfortunate that they launched this campaign without thinking of people with disabilities a community that, despite making up over 12 percent of the national population, receives little to no attention or resources. To put it plainly: Yes, maybe it is interesting or surprising to see animals in public, but no, its never funny to mock the assistance that someone may need to get by in their day-to-day life. Saron McKee is the City of Philadelphias director of ADA compliance. Family members pay their final respects to 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin during a Christmas Eve memorial service in her grandparent's home in San Antonio Secortez, Guatemala. Read more Three weeks after a 7-year-old girl died in government custody, an 8-year-old migrant boy has also died while being detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Was holding children in cages, separated from their parents for months during a border crisis this summer, not cruel enough? Late on Christmas Eve, 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo, an asylum seeker from Guatemala, died in a New Mexico hospital after being detained by Customs and Border Protection. Earlier this month 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin, also an asylum seeker from Guatemala, died in a Texas hospital after being apprehended by CBP. The White House has disavowed any responsibility for the deaths. Officials tried to depict the hardships of the long journey that families take to the U.S. to seek asylum as an underlying cause. But these children died in US custody. We are responsible. Since taking office in 2017, President Donald Trump has bucked generations of policy and attempted to claim immigration as a threat to our security and our financial well-being. According to a report by the Migration Policy Institute, Trump has banned nationals of eight countries, most majority-Muslim, from entering the United States, reduced refugee admissions, increased arrests and removals, and ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program,. In October, claiming an "invasion by members of the migrant caravan crossing Mexico from Central America, Trump ordered military deployment of 5,900 troops. Theyre still there, and will be until at least January. Last week, he shut down the government over fights for funding for a wall at the southern border. (Ironically, the shutdown means that ICE and Border patrol officers are working without paychecks.) The White House insists there is a border crisis, as immigrants bring with them crime, drugs, and disease and pose a national security threat. While those on both sides of the political aisle agree that border security is important, many experts argue that a physical barrier will not effectively secure the border and that the idea that there is a crisis is exaggerated. But there is a true crisis at the border a humanitarian crisis that has taken the lives of two innocent children. Its also a crisis of identity for this country. President Ronald Reagan, to whom Trump has compared himself on multiple occasions, once spoke of a vision for America as a shining city on the hill. In my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, windswept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. Trump might be dreaming of erecting walls, but without doors in those walls, America will be far from a shining city. Instead, it will be known as a place so cruel that the horrors of violence and poverty from which migrants are seeking refuge and asylum are dwarfed in comparison to the treatment by US government agents. Four Democrats holding statewide office in Pennsylvania -- Attorney General Josh Shapiro (clockwise from top left,) Treasurer Joe Torsella, Lt. Gov-elect John Fetterman, and Auditor General Eugene DePasquale could be on a political collision course for the 2022 campaigns for governor or the U.S. Senate. Read more A federal judge in Texas recently issued a ruling declaring the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro quickly fired off a statement denouncing the judicial activism, knocking President Donald Trump as well and vowing to protect the law many know as Obamacare. The Pennsylvania Republican Party responded, telling Shapiro to stay in his lane and keep his focus on Pennsylvanians, not boosting his national profile by continually taking on the president. But that is Shapiros lane these days. And hes driving in heavy traffic. Two other ambitious Democrats elected to Harrisburg row offices, Treasurer Joe Torsella and Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, also are building their political brands. In an unprecedented situation, three row officers from the same political party are potentially on a collision course for the 2022 campaign cycle, when there will be races for governor and the U.S. Senate. Add to that mix John Fetterman, the mayor of Braddock, who defeated Lt. Gov. Mike Stack IIIs bid for a second term and will be sworn into office next month. Fetterman, who developed a devoted base during a failed 2016 bid for the U.S. Senate, also is expected to be a statewide candidate in 2022. Shapiro and Torsella were elected in 2016, and first would have to win reelection in 2020 before turning their focus to 2022. DePasquale won a second term in 2016, so the two-term limits for row offices will leave him free to campaign when he leaves his current job in January 2021. For now, the row officers are taking different approaches to talking about what comes next. Shapiro led a state grand jury that investigated seven decades of sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic clergy in seven Pennsylvania dioceses; its report has grabbed international news coverage, shaken the church, and inspired similar probes nationwide. Many political insiders see him as in the strongest position to seek and win the Democratic nomination for governor in 2022. Shapiro waited more than a week and after he knew Torsella and DePasquale had granted interviews for this article to decline to comment, with his spokesperson, Joe Grace, saying Shapiros current job was the most impactful in the state and his singular focus. The unspoken message? He doesnt need the attention as much as they do. Torsella steered a conventional and cautious course, invoking advice from former Gov. Ed Rendell, his mentor, that it is political malpractice to shift focus from a current job to the next opportunity. To sort of state the blindingly obvious, which I specialize in sometimes, if a week is a lifetime in politics then 2022 is like 16,000 years away, said Torsella, adding that he hasnt even committed to seeking a second term as treasurer. Its been an amazing and consuming job. My focus has been on it, not thinking about it as a stepping-stone. DePasquale, with a shorter time frame until he is out of office, was more open to talking about what comes next. Ill be talking to people in the next couple of years about where my talents are needed, he said, acknowledging that governor and U.S. Senate are potential races for him. Ive got a great job here. So I wouldnt want, in a sense, to go backward. Both of those offices, I think theres a lot you can do for the people of Pennsylvania. Does leaving office first give DePasquale an advantage, or does losing that statewide platform while rivals still hold their offices cause him a problem? Its both, he said. On one hand, youre not in the paper as much doing the job. On the other hand, youre free from people thinking youre using a public job to run for a public job. The row officers have used their elected posts to stake out national positions. DePasquale earlier this month said the Auditor Generals Office, which conducts audits to make sure state money is spent correctly, would prepare a special report on climate change in the state. Torsella in 2017 sent an open letter to the international community, calling Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord one of the most foolish and shortsighted actions. The Treasurers Office oversees about $100 billion in state assets. Shapiro has consistently used his office to challenge and criticize the policy moves of Betsy DeVos, Trumps secretary of education. The Attorney Generals Office has perhaps the widest jurisdiction among the row offices, with divisions for criminal cases, civil lawsuits, and public protection. Jack Wagner, an Allegheny County Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for governor while serving as auditor general, said voters see through attempts to use a state row office to raise a politicians profile. If you go beyond, reach for an issue that is not within your domain specifically, I think the public understands thats just a position youre taking, Wagner said. Still, running for statewide office while holding statewide office is an advantage, he said. Theres no doubt, once youve been a statewide candidate, you understand the issues of the state, the politics of the state a little better, Wagner said. It gives you an edge over a congressional candidate. Tom Corbett, an Allegheny County Republican who was elected governor in 2010 while serving as attorney general, faced criticism from both sides of the aisle for public corruption probes he ran as the states top prosecutor, accused of grandstanding with an eye toward higher office. Those investigations sent Republicans and Democrats to state prison. For Corbett, who lost his 2014 bid for a second term to Gov. Tom Wolf, the key is to balance ambition for the next job with the duty of the current post. As you perform your duty, its possible to look at other offices, said Corbett, now practicing law in Pittsburgh and teaching at Duquesne University School of Law. Its almost natural to look at other offices, particularly if youre in a row office and term-limited. You have to be able to keep your focus on your office and, in my opinion, let your actions speak for you. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet members of the military as they arrive for a hanger rally at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. In a surprise trip to Iraq, President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria where they have been helping battle Islamic State militants. Read more President Trump said he has no plans to withdraw American forces from Iraq, a week after announcing a surprise pullout of troops from Syria and ordering the Pentagon to bring home roughly half of the American forces deployed to Afghanistan. The decision allows the United States to maintain a presence in the heart of the Middle East and a bulwark against Iranian influence, while also keeping a nearby staging ground should American troops be forced to reenter Syria and engage a resurgent Islamic State. A longer-term presence in Iraq provides Trump with a hedge against his withdrawal from Syria, a decision that was widely opposed by his advisers and which led to the resignation of his defense secretary, retired Marine Corps Gen. Jim Mattis. The development also suggests that Trump's proclamation of victory over the Islamic State in a video message from the White House lawn last week had been overstated. Trump said during a visit to Iraq on Wednesday that a presence in the country would enable the United States to reenter Syria if need be, suggesting that concerns persist about the possibility of the Islamic State regrouping there. "In fact, we could use this as the base if we wanted to do something in Syria," Trump said during Wednesday's unannounced visit to al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, between Baghdad and the Syrian border. He was accompanied by first lady Melania Trump. Trump traveled with a small group of journalists, who were ordered for security reasons not to report that he was in Iraq until he had finished delivering his remarks to the troops, roughly three hours into his visit to the base. Air Force One landed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, at 5:12 a.m. EST, the Associated Press reported. The decision to remain in Iraq also highlighted a contradiction in Trump's messaging about the broader U.S. military presence in the Middle East. He said last week that U.S. troops would be coming out of Syria because victory had been achieved over the Islamic State. But the mission of the roughly 5,200 U.S. troops deployed to Iraq is to support government forces in their fight against the Sunni extremist group, which wouldn't need to continue if a lasting victory had been achieved. U.S. forces remain in Iraq with the permission of the government, unlike in Syria, where the presence of American troops has been complicated by an alliance with a local militia. Trump's announcement about Iraq comes at a moment of deep uncertainty at the Pentagon, which was thrown into turmoil last week by the president's surprise decisions on the future of American involvement in the Middle East and South Asia, as well as Mattis's resignation. The Defense Department has declined to offer details about the timing of the Syria withdrawal or whether the air campaign against the Islamic State in that country will continue apace. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has made an announcement about Trump's order to withdraw roughly half of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. On a trip to the region over the holidays, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., dismissed reports of the order as "rumors." After pulling U.S. forces out of Iraq in 2011, President Barack Obama ordered them back to the country at the Iraqi government's request in 2014, when the Islamic State was seizing cities across the nation and sweeping toward Baghdad. Since then, U.S.-backed coalition forces have successfully rolled back nearly all of the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in Syria and Iraq, including the key cities of Raqqa and Mosul, which served as the group's main power centers. Still, worries about an Islamic State comeback are pervasive. Official assessments from the U.S. government and the United Nations have indicated that some 30,000 Islamic State fighters may still remain at large in Syria and Iraq. The group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, hasn't been caught and is presumed to be alive. Iraqi security forces have been conducting frequent raids and arresting alleged members and leaders of the Islamic State in recent months, underscoring how the fight against the militants has shifted from combat to intelligence operations. The group has still been able to mount low-level bombings and attacks, largely outside major cities. Iraqi military officials say the threat is contained but express concern that any reduction in coalition support could give the militants an opening to reemerge. Iraq's previous prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, was a strong supporter of the American presence in Iraq - a view shared by the top leadership of Iraq's security forces. His successor, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, has not said explicitly that he wants U.S. forces to stay but also hasn't indicated that he would support a reduction in troop levels. Trump's decision not to meet any Iraqis during Wednesday's visit risks jeopardizing support for the U.S. troop presence, which faces opposition in particular from pro-Iran elements within the country. In a statement issued following Trump's appearance, Abdul-Mahdi said his office had been informed of the president's desire to arrange a visit, which was supposed to include a formal meeting between the two leaders. He said "a divergence of views" on organizing the meeting led to its replacement by a telephone conversation. A person familiar with the planning, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the president's schedule, said the White House gave the Iraqis no advance notice and asked Iraqi officials to meet Trump at the air base - a request the Iraqis balked at. Tension over the U.S. troop presence in Iraq has been exacerbated by the increasing influence of Iran in the country, particularly after Iranian-backed militias played a role in the rollback of the Islamic State and won a significant number of seats in parliament this year. Sabah al-Saedi, head of a parliamentary bloc backed by Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, called for an emergency session of the legislature to condemn Trump's "blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty." In a statement, he said Trump was "acting as if Iraq is a state under his authority" and must be informed "of his limits. The U.S. occupation of Iraq is over." Saedi added that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria is not a justification to keep American troops in Iraq. Sadr, whose militia was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops at the height of the Iraq War, won the most seats in Iraq's election for his movement earlier this year and is a frequent critic of both American and Iranian involvement in Iraq. - - - The Washington Post's Mustafa Salim in Baghdad contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: President Donald Trump defended his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria during an unannounced visit to Iraq on Dec. 26, saying, "We're going to use our heads."(The Washington Post) Video: President Donald Trump spoke about the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq during an unannounced visit to al-Asad Air Base on Dec. 26.(The Washington Post) The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has ordered a number of changes when caring for children under the age of 10, in the wake of the death of an 8-year old Guatemalan boy in U.S. custody. Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol officials Wednesday hosted a conference call with reporters and said they had completed new medical screenings of almost all the children in the care of the U.S. Border Patrol -- one of the many changes officials are implementing after two children died this month. Felipe Gomez Alonzo, the Guatemalan boy, died shortly before midnight on Dec. 24 -- hours before a 7-year-old girl who died was laid to rest in her impoverished Guatemalan village. DHS Requests Medical Help Border officials said, "Dependent upon the facility and the location, in some cases the medical screenings are conducted by individuals that are under contract support services to the Border Patrol." In places at the U.S. southwest border sectors where no medical personnel are available, the screenings are done by returning migrant children to a medical facility for additional checkups or "utilizing our organic resources that consist of EMT paramedics." DHS officials said they have asked for medical help from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Defense, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others. They did not say how many children are currently in CBP's custody. During the conference call, DHS officials also explained the circumstances of the death of 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo. Signs of 'Potential Illness' Officials said while the boy and his father, Agustin Gomez, were in its custody Monday, agents noticed the child was showing signs of "potential illness." Felipe was taken to a hospital in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where doctors diagnosed him with a cold and fever and released him with prescriptions. Almost five hours after being released from the hospital with antibiotic medication and ibuprofen, Felipe became nauseous and vomited in detention. Because there was no emergency medical technician on duty, CBP then took the boy and his father back to the hospital, but during the trip, Felipe vomited and lost consciousness. The cause of death is not known. Student housing developer American Campus Communities plans to renovate Drexel Universitys vacant Calhoun Hall at 3301 Arch St. into dormitory and office space for the schools honors program. Plans call for the semicircular eight-story brick building to return to dormitory use, with 211 sleeping rooms for honors program students, and for the construction of a new, two-story glass addition of about 10,800 square feet, according to plans posted to the website of Philadelphias Civic Design Review board. The building addition will house lounge and study space, seminar rooms, honors college offices, and a reception lobby, according to the plans. Once completed, it will serve as the main entry for the two combined structures. The CDR board, which provides nonbinding suggestions for projects meeting certain size and other criteria as part of the citys building-approval process, is scheduled to consider the proposal Jan. 8. The panel was asked to review the project after the Philadelphias Planning Commission deemed that the glass addition, on a prominent University City corner, would have an impact on the public realm," according to the documents on the boards website. Calhoun Hall has been vacant since 2016. University officials aim to have it back open for student occupancy by September, Drexel vice president of real estate and facilities Donald E. Moore told the Triangle student paper in October. Artist's rendering of the 4301 Woodhaven Rd. complex's central driveway, as seen from street level looking toward Woodhaven Road. Read more A Philadelphia property-management company is planning a 520-unit apartment or condo complex in the Far Northeast near the former Franklin Mills mall. The affiliate of M&M Real Estate Management LLC, which operates rental properties throughout Northeast Philadelphia, is scheduled to present its proposal for the 14.4-acre property at 4301 Woodhaven Rd. during a meeting of Philadelphias Civic Design Review board next month. The plan for the now mostly vacant site, east of whats now the Philadelphia Mills mall, calls for a campus of five, five-story residential buildings and a separate clubhouse to be built in two phases, according to documents prepared for M&M and posted to the CDR boards website. Also planned are 599 surface and ground-floor-garage parking spaces. The project would require a variance from the citys Zoning Board of Adjustment because land-use regulations at the site now permit only single-family homes. By Jan. 4, the M&M affiliate plans to present the proposal to community groups as part of the citys permitting process, which allows neighbors to offer nonbinding feedback on zoning variances. The CDR board, which also provides nonbinding suggestions for projects meeting certain size and other criteria as part of the citys building-approval process, is scheduled to consider the proposal Jan. 8. M&M did not immediately return a call seeking additional details about the plan. The two Koreas held a ground-breaking ceremony in the North Korean border city of Kaesong on Wednesday for a project to reconnect railways and roads severed during the 1950-53 Korean War. Some 200 officials from both sides and international dignitaries gathered for the largely symbolic event. Actual work cannot begin until sanctions against North Korea are eased. It was at least the fourth start of a project that has repeatedly been derailed by North Korea's provocations. Similar events were held in 2000, 2002 and 2003. A researcher of a government-funded think tank here said, "It's highly likely that today's event will end up simply as a one-off event as in the past, unless there's progress in Pyongyang's denuclearization and sanctions are eased or lifted." Thats the spirit The annual Manistique Christmas Parade took place Friday evening. The parade featured some familiar faces, such as Santa and Mrs. Claus, above, as well as some new characters, as seen... Deer Street railroad replacement planned MANISTIQUE The Michigan Department of Transportation will replace the railroad crossing on Deer Street in Manistique next year. The upcoming project, along with the proposed detour route, was discussed... If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Welcome Guest! You Are Here: The government wants public universities to hire more female academics so women make up more than a quarter of faculty. The National Assembly's Education Committee in a meeting on Wednesday authorized a revision of the relevant laws to enshrine the quota. A new clause will require public universities to make sure that no more than three quarters of its faculty are of the same gender. At present, the proportion of female academics at public universities stands at a paltry 16.8 percent, compared to private universities' relatively progressive 28.5 percent. There are 38 public universities in Korea including the University of Seoul which is run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. But the new regulation is not binding, and the quota applies only to the average of all public universities rather than each one. The Education Ministry said the aim is to "recommend" that universities steadily increase female faculty. The revised rules have to be ratified by the National Assembly before they go into effect next June. Posted by William on at 02:39 PM CST I wasnt around during the golden years of 1977 to 1983, when the Original Trilogy reigned supreme. However, that never stopped me from wondering what fans had during those long waits for the next Star Wars film; to be more specific, I always imagined the wait betweenandwas painful (I waited ten years in-betweenand, and everyone before me went through 16 years fromto, so I can kind of identify.) I can only assume the thought process back in 1977 was Whoa, this Star Wars movie is the new hotness, but surely they cant leave things on such a happy ending! We must have a sequel ASAP that takes all the characters and puts them at their lowest points and have the bad guys win in the end! Or, something like that.One of the videos I used to love watching during the early years of YouTube was a stop-motion animation with Hasbrosfigures called Halloween at Palpatines by GnomeFilms . If youve havent seen it in its glorious 240p quality, the gist of it is that a very affable Emperor Palpatine throws a Halloween party at his Coruscant residence (Count Dookus costume is basically his head removed.) Theres a particular scene where Palpatine proceeds to play a scary movie known as The Star Wars Holiday Special, and all of the attendees proceed to cry out in terror; Palpatine quickly goes to shut the film off. At the time, I never thought much of it, but having heard whats been said from the rest of thefandom, I now dread it as much as the plastic partygoers did. Now, 20 years of my life has passed. Thats how long Ive gone without watching the Holiday Special. As I sit here typing this lengthy introduction, Ive got the special queued up on my browser thanks to the power of the Internet. My Sony headphones are at 56% volume, Ive closed out my iTunes Star Wars playlist, and I have a very bad feeling about this .Im going to be pausing at certain times after segments just to be sure I can collect my thoughts, so please excuse this eccentric way of writing. Here's the version of the special I watched down below. Well, the thoughtful opening crawl that the user made in Windows Movie Maker warns me about seeing one of the Golden Girls argue with Greedo! It is here where I realize I may have made a huge mistake.Well, Han and Chewie banter is always a good thing. I doubt well ever see the duo ever again on the big screen so having this intro is nice. Obvious stock footage is obvious, but the music is actually really good. I'm not sure why thecockpit looks like it was made of cardboard. It might be the subpar VHS quality; apparently this thing was never released outside of its TV airing, or rebroadcast for that matter (according to Wikipedia.) Uh-oh.Had to stop before the credits started rolling to eat dinner. I know, Im putting this off for way longer than I should.Oh. Crap.Well, I had good spirits seeing that the main cast fromis here, right up until after James Earl Jones was announced. As soon as they announced Chewbaccas family, I almost quit after seeing Lumpys face. Why is the dad named ITCHY?! I got a laugh when Jefferson Starship was announced, but Harvey Korman was wearing a wig with makeup and Ive now added 911 on speed dial. Lumpy flying an X-wing is the most terrifying thing Ive ever heard. Aww, they have a picture of Chewie on the mantlepiece. I dont understand Shyriiwook, but I can tell they miss him. Guess what, I DO TOO. We got Wookiees, sure, but wheres the rest of theahem And now Lumpys watching interpretive dance holograms with ...I cant describe whats going on right now. His face is bothering me too much. Why are the red dudes juggling bowling pins? The music is probably the only good thing about this. Oh, thank God its over. Did they just expect everyone watching this in 1977 to be able to translate to Shyriiwook? Traffic control. No starships in area. My sanity is recovering. HEY ITS LUKE AND ARTOO!!!! Wait, what happened to his hair? Mark Hamill has the uncanny ability to be the highlight of everything hes in. Its kind of scary. Its alright, nobodys perfect. Why do I get the feeling he's talking to me? Alright now Malas using the computer to connect to something. Is this the Art Carney fellow Ive heard about? He just gave a fish tank to an Imperial technician who hates fish. Great. Oh, thats who Mala was calling. I had to pause here because that did it by Hand ...Solo joke was horrible. That Imperial straight-up just shoplifted. HERE WE GO, ITS LORD VADER. He wants the Rebels found. Even for 240p quality, James Earl Jones still sounds menacing.After the segmentThat was only the first 20 minutes or so, but honestly it isnt that bad. So far. I mean, yeah, the stuff with Chewies family sucks, but the stuff with the familiar characters like Vader and Luke is actually pretty good. But again, its only the first twenty minutes. Kashyyyk needs to be invaded by the droid army again. Is this the Star Wars Holiday Special or the ? (here the cooking thing came up and I forgot what I wanted to type) Now Malla is watching how to prepare Bantha Surprise with a person I can only describe as Gary Oldman from Bram Stokers Dracula with a horrible tan and some makeup. Oh, and hes really getting into cutting the Bantha. Help. As I stop to open up Snapchat, Im considering doing Bantha Surprise for Christmas dinner this year, but I dont want to get kicked out of my house. Oh, thank God. Sorry for the mental breakdown, Malla changed the channel. And now we finally get more stock footage fromwith the TIE Fighters and theILL TAKE IT Didnt they need people to man theturrets? Aw crap, now were back at the family house. The Empires declaring martial law? They can do that? Somebodys a-knocking. Aw crap, its Art Carney. Lumpy got a present. I wish I got a present. Of not watching this anymore. Itchy got the most bizzare Oculus Rift setup Ive ever seen. Its a lightshow with mutant mermaids. Cool. I can feel my creation. Oh my God Im watching a Wookiee watch VR pornography. Dave if youre reading this then I dont think I can do this anymore What a voice on Diahann Carroll. Can I ask what this has to do with Star Wars again? Am I on PCP right now? Oh, hi Threepio. Wait, dont call Malla please. Aww, its Carrie. Now Im sad :( Gotta appreciate that Mark, Harrison, Peter, Carrie, and Anthony werent phoning this in at all. Did Art Carney just say Famous Wookiee cookies? Stormtroopers at the door. Hopefully to execute Order 66 again. On the Wookiees, not the Jedi.Okay, I have to take a break right here. This is actually starting to give me a headache. And Im only 40 minutes into this hour and 56-minute video. I need some deathsticks . screw it, Im going to make cookies. More commercials.Hurry up, I want to go to bed. Imperials are here. Why are they searching a place where the only place of interest is a picture of Chewie? Art Carney is stalling for something. Ive run out of things to say at this point. Its the cookies. The stormtrooper is holding the E-11 the wrong way. And now the Imperial technician sat down to watch Jefferson Starship. I think. Im biased because I like Jefferson Starship, so I have to admit that this performance, as out of place as it is, is really good. I just said something positive about the Holiday Special, feel free to crucify me. Theres some tension between the Wookiees and the Imperials, and I care not one bit. Oh, and now Lumpys watching a cartoon. Dude, this kid is loaded! Well, the animation is a lot like that Droids cartoon DVD I had as a kid. And Lukes wearing the yellow jacket! HOLY CRAP ITS BOBA FETT! HIS FIRST APPEARANCE! IM SEEING IT!!! No lower lifeform is worth going hungry for. Boba keeps calling Luke friend and Im kind of unsettled. I see why everyone wanted the rocket-firing Kenner figure. I knew he was working with Vader. Totally called it. Because they totally didn't have that as a major plot point in the sequel to WHY WOULD THEY CUT TO COMMERCIALS THERE?! Whoa, CBS newsbreak about the Soviet Union testing a neutron bomb. Surreal. Hey Boba, heres a pro-tip: calling someone friend constantly isnt going to win their trust. Well, that animation was short and cool. It's probably the best thing about the special so far. I paused right here to do some reading and apparently, Malla is Chewies wife and Lumpy is his son. You know, perhaps the Disney purchase/retcon was for some good after all So, the officers completely trashed Lumpys room, then go tell him to clean it up? Monsters, the lot of them.I think Im going to give things a rest right here; its 12am and Im tired. I need more energy to get through what the plot synopsis is telling me .Two days. Its been two days since I first started viewing. Two days to regain whatever sanity I had left. And now I must continue. Lumpy still has a terrifying face. Aww, the Imperials ruined his Bantha toy. Boo-hoo. And now hes actually cleaning his room? Oh, wait no, he turned on an instructional cassette for his computer. The dude in the instructional video just flapped his wings like a chicken. So, he tells Lumpy to be careful with touching sharp edges, then proceeds to touch said sharp edge. And then he put it to his throat. I wish I were making all of this up. I need a drink. The tape keeps freezing; I assume its for comedic effect. I can only assume because Ah I get it, the reason Lumpys playing with this thing is to create a translator. You know, protocol droids are a thing. Im pretty sure this whole Holiday Special would have been shaved in half had the Wookiees had a protocol droid living with them. Itd probably be funnier, for one. And somewhat entertaining. But apparently, that wasnt what the writers here were going for. Oh cool, were going to Mos Eisley. Remember that from the movie? Theres Figrin Dan and the Modal Nodes. And Greedo just decided to come back to life too. And Ponda Baba still has an arm. Is this Chalmuns Cantina or the gates of Hell? Bea Arthur? Wuher take a day off or something? Oh, and this dude is trying to win Bea Arthurs heart, and its going just as smooth as the Scarif Heist. Hey, talk about sand! Always works! While typing that, I missed the part where Bea Arthur pours the drink into the guys head. Shes a real golden gal. A Tatooine curfew. THE EMPIRE HAS CLOSED US DOWN! Yes, try getting a wretched hive of scum and villainy to get out the premises based on a curfew. Brilliant idea. Oh God, not another musical number. Ive never seen The Golden Girls so Im afraid I dont appeal to Bea Arthur. But oh my God shes just butchering the Cantina Band theme forever for me. Yeah, shes dancing with Greedo. What does this have anything to do with Holiday and Special? Aw crap, now all the patrons are singing along and its like someones sticking a butter knife in my ear. Oh, thank God theyre leaving. Did I mention I have a headache now? I know I didnt have one before I started watching this. Goodnight, Friend. You know, this is starting to feel like an old Sesame Street episode. On crack. One of the Stormtroopers has to stay behind in the house! Thats the smartest idea in this bloody Special so far! And he found out Lumpys behind the fake return to base thing! The Stormtrooper is chasing Lumpy down the stairs. You know, you have a blaster for a reason, dude. Just set it to stun. Theyre Wookiees, they can handle it. HOLY CRAP ITS CHEWIE! AND HAN! Wow, he really just duped the Stormtrooper into falling off the balcony. Thats the first time Ive laughed the whole special. Not because it was funny, but because it was stupid. Han and Chewie are both here, so maybe this special wont be so terrible after all. I think his voice is changing. Harrison, you and I both know that it was a kid on the soundstage in a Wookiee costume that made no noise, and his voice is just a digitally altered version of Chewbaccas. Wait, Han, where you going?! YOU WERE ONLY HERE FOR 5 MINUTES AND YOU CANT BE BOTHERED TO SPEND AT LEAST 15 MINUTES OF SOME QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR BEST FRIENDS FAMILY?! No wonder Ben Solo grew up to be so angsty and emo. Ugh, I really thought they were gonna make me watch two Wookiees kiss, but they hugged instead, and now I dont have to vomit. Oh, for Gods sake, how has Art Carney not been thrown into a Sarlacc pit yet?! Officer B4-711 was the one who fell off the balcony, right? And now everyones in red robes walking towards the center of the galaxy. Yup, Im definitely on the drugs. Why is Chewie wearing clothes, question mark. All I can think about is that one Robot Chicken skit where Han meets Chewies parents. Luke, Han and Leia all decided to finally show up? Awesome! Wow, Carries monologue here is actually the best part so far. I never knew she could sing so well! Wait a minute, shes singing to the tune of themain theme, isnt she? The Throne Room theme is playing. That must mean its finally over. And now theres a clip montage of A New Hope because it wasnt out on home video yet. Ha. And heres a commercial for Kenners Star Wars toys narrated by Anthony Daniels. Surreal, isnt it? Credits are rolling, as is my sanity.Yes, that was just as bad as everyone says it is. But you know what, I think theres SOME good out of it. The segments with the characters we know and love from A New Hope are great. Lukes speaking like hes got some Jedi training and confidence under his belt, and Leias a natural leader. Han bantering with Chewie is sort of forced but I think Harrison sells it well enough to make it work. The cartoon was unique and cool, and, come on, seeing Boba Fett in his first appearance pre-Temuera Morrison voice is basically required for a Star Wars fan. I dont mean any disrespect to Art Carney and Bea Arthur, but I thought they were both horrible. All they had to do was cut out the variety show nonsense, get rid of all the celebrities, add in some more cartoon intermissions for the kids and make Darth Vader more relevant to the plot (because its criminal that James Earl Jones only got two lines of dialogue,) and I think it would have made a rather decent holiday special. I mean, the plot could more or less stay the same except have way more Carrie, Mark and Harrison. As it stands, I see why everyone has bashed this to oblivion. As bad as it may be, this was very early in the life of the franchise, as there was only A New Hope at the time of the Holiday Specials release. So, its good that we got this out of the way nice and early, and Lucas & co. could see what NOT to do with Star Wars. Plus, The Empire Strikes Back came out 3 years after this. Now thats a great film to watch, regardless of holiday.Well, this concludes my retrospective on the Holiday Special, and the last rebelscum piece Im writing for the year. Id like to thank the readers of course, and to the RS team for welcoming me with open arms and allowing my experiences as a Star Wars fan to be shared. Ill definitely be writing much more in 2019, and I can now cross off Watch the Holiday Special off my bucket list. I hope you have/are having a blessed holiday, dear reader, and hopefully your Christmas was filled with love and laughter and not a single cooking video in sight. Now if youll excuse me, Im going to go make a Bantha surprise.Encounter on Panne Prime artwork by Matt Busch. Used with permission. For more of hisart, head over to MattBusch.com The Army on Wednesday apologized for making souvenirs out of debris from destroyed guard posts along the demilitarized zone and giving them as gifts to ruling party lawmakers. The incident happened despite the Defense Ministry's order to preserve the scraps after destroying the guard posts in line with a military agreement signed in September. When the story came to light, the Army issued an apology and Minjoo Party lawmakers pledged to return the gifts. The Army admitted that the 7th Infantry Division in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province presented the souvenirs to seven Minjoo Party lawmakers and two other officials who visited the frontlines on Dec. 18, when the two sides officially completed the demolition. They took the form of a piece of barbed wire from a guard post mounted on an outline of the Korean Peninsula. The frame was engraved with the motto "All soldiers in the division pledge to uphold peace on the Korean Peninsula and will always remember lawmaker [name] who visited the 7th Infantry Division." The Defense Ministry in early December told the Army to keep the debris intact after destroying the guard posts until further orders because it is mulling ways to use it as a symbol of peace or for other purposes. An Army officer said, "We received the order from the ministry, but it seems it was not relayed properly to the units affected." Opposition parties condemned the military and the ruling party. The Bareun Mirae Party claimed the incident exposes a moral hazard in the military and the gifts constitute "embezzlement." We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Actor Lee Pil-mo and interior designer Seo Soo-yeon, who became a real couple after appearing on TV Chosun's dating show "Taste of Love," are getting married next year. Lee invited Seo to a musical he appeared in Busan on Tuesday evening and proposed to her in front of the audience. Seo tearfully said yes and accepted the ring. "The two continued to spend time together away from cameras and their relationship blossomed. The exact wedding date has not been set, but it will be sometime in February," said Lee's management agency. "Lee is making preparations despite his busy schedule." Lee and Seo appeared on a blind date program in September that paired single celebrities with someone who fits their description of their ideal. They soon became the biggest stars of the program. Producer Seo Hye-jin said, "They showed so much love for each other from the beginning. We did think they may well get married, but we didn't think it would be this soon. Once they get married, we will cast them for 'My Wife's Taste,'" a similar reality show for married couples. Asian moved mostly higher on Thursday, tracking positive cues from Wall Street, where the major averages had one of their best sessions in recent times. However, Chinese stocks bucked the uptrend due to trade tensions. After suffering a severe setback on Christmas Eve, U.S. stocks rallied overnight, with traders indulging in hectic bargain hunting. Easing worries about the tenure of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and a strong rebound in crude oil prices aided sentiment. The Japanese market rose sharply, extending gains for a second consecutive session. The benchmark Nikkei 225 Index skyrocketed 750.56 points or 3.9 percent to 20,077.62. Banking, chemicals, foods, insurance, mining, metals, oil, pharma, automobile and energy stocks were all in demand. Mizuho Financial, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, Yahoo Japan, JX Holdings and Sumco Corp. posted standout gains on strong volumes. Chiyoda Corp. gained over 10 percent, and Showa Shell KK, Shiseido and Yamoto Holdings moved up by 7.5 to 8 percent. In the Australian market, the S&P/ASX 200 Index jumped 1.9 percent and the broader All Ordinaries Index surged up 1.8 percent. Shares from the consumer durables, financial, energy, healthcare, industrials, information , mining and utilities sectors rallied sharply. Ausdrill, Bellamys Australia, Afterpay Touch, Wisetech Global and Appen Ltd. shares gained 5 percent to 7.4 percent. On the other hand, Speedcast International, Healthscope and Unibail Rodamco Westfield closed lower. Meanwhile, Chinese stocks moved to the downside, led by losses in the technology, gas and multi-utilities sectors. Disappointing data on the country's industrial profits, due to lower sales growth and rising costs, dragged the market down. The Shanghai Composite Index declined by 0.6 percent to a 3-year low. Technology stock Suzhou Keda Technology shed 10 percent and Nanjing Textiles Import & Export Corp. lost over 9 percent. At the same time, shares of Wintime Energy Co. climbed up over 10 percent. Eastern Communications, another big gainer, also moved up 10 percent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended lower by 0.9 percent at 25,429.00. While shares from the IT hardware sector moved higher, those from utilities, properties, finance and healthcare sectors declined. In South Korea, the KOSPI ended little changed from previous close. Taiwan and New Zealand ended with strong gains. Markets in Malaysia and Indonesia were heading to a firm close, with their benchmark indices rising by 0.6 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively. Singapore's STI Index was up nearly 1.5 percent a few minutes ahead of the closing bell. In the Indian market, the Sensex and the Nifty were both higher by 0.8 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Hillary Clinton's seventeen-year run as the most admired woman has come to an end, with the results of a new Gallup poll showing former First Lady Michelle Obama has claimed the top spot. Fifteen percent of Americans named Obama as the woman they admire most, up sharply from 7 percent in 2017. Media mogul and former talk show host Oprah Winfrey came in a distant second at 5 percent. Just 4 percent of Americans named Clinton, extending a recent downward trend for the former First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State and presidential candidate. Clinton was named the most admired woman a record 22 times, although the percentage of Americans naming her has dwindled in recent years. With Clinton more fully retreating to private life after a long career, Gallup Managing Editor Jeffrey M. Jones noted, "Michelle Obama stepped into that void as she has authored a best-selling autobiography and is promoting it with a major tour of large U.S. arenas." Current First Lady Melania Trump tied Clinton, with 4 percent of Americans naming the former fashion model as the woman they admire most. Two percent of Americans named Queen Elizabeth as the woman they admire most, marking the record 50th time she placed in the top 10. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, outgoing UN ambassador Nikki Haley, human rights activist Malala Yousafzai and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., are the other top 10 finishers this year. Obama won by a significant margin among Democrats and independents, while Trump was the top finisher among Republicans. The Gallup poll of 1,025 adults was conducted December 3rd through 12th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed a controversial bill that criminalises the practice of triple talaq among Muslims, amidst walkout by the Congress and the BJP ally AIADMK as opposition parties attacked the government saying the measure was aimed at political gains in view of the coming general elections. The bill, which provides for up to three years' imprisonment for invoking instant divorce by uttering talaq thrice in a single sitting, was passed with 245 in favour and 11 against in a division after rejection of all opposition amendments, after the government turned down demands for referring the bill to a joint select committee for detailed consideration. The Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also joined the walk out. Strongly defending the bill after a four-hour discussion that broke the impasse in the House over the Rafale deal and other issues, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the bill should not be looked at from the prism of politics but was meant to ensure gender justice and will have a deterrent effect. "Do not look at it from the prism of politics but from that of humanity. It is aimed at giving justice, respect," he said. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 replaces an ordinance issued in September after the government failed to get the bill passed in the Rajya Sabha earlier this year. A similar bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in December last year but could not clear the Rajya Sabha where the opposition managed to stall it. The present bill contains safeguards brought in by the government which makes it clear that only the affected woman or her blood relative can file a complaint with police against the husband instead of anyone lodging a complaint as provided in the previous version of the bill. The improved legislation also provides for easier bail conditions and makes the offence compoundable by a magistrate after hearing the wife. The bill will now go to the Rajya Sabha where the government may still find it difficult to push it through. Opposition members, especially the women MPs belonging to the Congress, NCP and other parties, said that the government had brought the bill with political motives and there was no need to criminalise divorce which is a civil wrong and a social issue. AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi said while the Supreme Court is decriminalising adultery and same sex relationships, the government was intent on criminalising triple talaq because "you want to send Muslims to jail". At the same time, he said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was not bothered about social problems faced by Hindu women. Referring to the BJP stand on the Sabarimala verdict, he said while the ruling party opposed it saying it is a matter of faith, the same principle is not applicable to a matter of faith for Muslims. Before leading a walkout of his party ahead of the voting, leader of the Congress group Mallikarjun Kharge said most of the parties -- including AIADMK, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and left parties -- have demanded that the bill be sent to a joint select committee and the government should accept it. "It is a divisive bill, against the Constitution and violates Muslim personal laws and the right to equality," he said. He was followed by the AIADMK whose leader P. Venugopal said his party would also walk out of the House since the government has rejected its demand for a joint select committee. The AIADMK, which has been supporting the government and may even tie up with the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, attacked the bill calling it "unconstitutional", against "natural justice" and one of the most "barbaric" laws to have ever been introduced against the Muslim community. CPI-M member Mohammed Salim said: "The question is if you want to give justice to Muslim women... You are naming this bill as protection of rights of Muslim women, but there would be no protection of rights of Muslim women because Muslim women are part of the Muslim community." Prasad said the main objection of opposition was that the bill seeks to criminalise triple talaq and noted that the same House had passed laws with tough provisions to prevent incidence of rape. "When these laws were made, no one said what will happen to the family members of the culprits," he said. Replying to the debate, Prasad said penal provisions of laws such as dowry prohibition Act and domestic violence Act were applicable to all citizens and no one had any objection. "Why this objection is only for triple talaq. Behind it is political motive of vote bank," he said, adding that the bill had not been brought to treat any community as a vote bank. He said that 22 Muslim countries had banned triple talaq or codified it but there was objection to this being done in a secular country like India. The Minister said the Congress had supported the bill when it was passed in the Lok Sabha in 2017 but was now raising objections. Prasad said the government had addressed the concerns of members by bringing a new bill and was still willing to consider constructive suggestions but nothing came. Referring to a media report, he said Pakistan was also considering to criminalise triple talaq. "The whole world is looking at India," he said. Prasad said the person against whom a complaint was made would get jail term only after a trial and there was provision of settlement in which the magistrate would record statements. "Deterrence is always important. If you commit a crime, you will go to the jail," he said. Targeting the Congress, he said its government had brought legislation to negate the Shah Bano judgement. Prasad cited the Supreme Court judgement and rejected opposition's contention that there was no need for the bill in view of the verdict. He said one of the judges had said that "what is bad in theology, bad in law also" and the judgement also mentioned that a law should be enacted. BJP's sulking ally Shiv Sena, which vociferously supported the bill, utilised the debate to criticise the government for not being equally pro-active on the issue of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Party member Arvind Sawant said: "If there can be a law for triple talaq, why not bring a bill for Ram temple?" The government fielded ministers Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Smriti Irani, both members of Rajya Sabha, during the debate in which they attacked the Congress. Naqvi likened the practice of triple talaq with long abolished "Sati Pratha", saying the practice of divorce among Indian Muslims was not related to Islam but was a social evil. India on Thursday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official and lodged a strong protest over the incidents of infiltration of terrorists across the Line of (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces. "Pakistan High Commission official was summoned today and a strong protest was lodged at the incidents of cross LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on December 21 and 26, 2018, leading to loss of lives on the Indian side," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "Our grave concern was conveyed at Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces," it stated. "This year, despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquility, Pakistan forces have carried out over 1962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians have lost their lives." According to the statement, Pakistan was once again asked to fulfill its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner. A judge has ruled that the County of San Diegos climate action plan must be set aside and redone, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the housing industry. San Diego Superior Court Judge Timothy Taylor said the plan, adopted earlier this year by the Board of Supervisors, violates the countys General Plan because it allows developers to purchase off-site credits anywhere in the world to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions caused by local developments. The General Plan, the judge said, clearly says developers must reduce emissions within the jurisdictions where their projects are being built. The 2018 (Climate Action Plan) appears to the court to be an attempt to address (Greenhouse Gas Emission) reduction with a window-dressing pronouncement of policy suggesting aggressive action, but the devil is in the details, Taylor said in his final ruling issued Monday. And here, the details allow the bold policy pronouncement to be emasculated by the unfettered access to out-of-region credit purchases. Advertisement The people of the County have a right to expect more from their elected officials, and the Planning and Zoning Law, the General Plan, and (California Environmental Quality Act) all require that they provide more. The ruling is being decried by the building industry, which says it further complicates efforts to build badly needed homes in the unincorporated parts of the county at a time when the region is experiencing a serious housing crisis that threatens the future of the local economy. A spokeswoman for San Diego County, which repeatedly argued that the use of offsets anywhere in the world should be allowed because greenhouse gases dont stay local, said they are disappointed in the courts decision. Staff will evaluate the ruling and determine next steps, said Jessica Northrup, communications officer for the countys Land Use and Environment Group. In the meantime, we will continue our work to reduce GHGs (greenhouse gas emissions) in the region and move towards a more sustainable future. Carbon offsets, bought through online storefronts known as registries, can fund everything from land conservation to sustainable agriculture and logging practices. Roughly 10,000 new housing units in seven developments located throughout the county have been designed using carbon offsets. Those credits would account for nearly 80 percent of project emissions, almost exclusively from car and truck pollution. The impact of the ruling, which could be appealed, will largely depend on how the county chooses to proceed. The county could place an indefinite hold on numerous large housing projects proposed for the unincorporated parts of the county that rely on similar provisions of the climate plan to mitigate emissions. Some of the projects that could be put in limbo include the Lilac Hills Ranch project in Valley Center and the Warner Ranch project in Pala. However, it will be up to the county to decide the next move and the judge did not specifically prohibit the large projects currently in the planning pipeline from going forward. Opponents of large developments in the rural and semi-rural parts of the county fear the county will instead continue to process General Plan Amendment requests in the coming year. Attorney Josh Chatten-Brown, representing the Sierra Club, which challenged the countys plan along with the Golden Door luxury spa, said the judge was unwilling to place a wider injunction on projects that were approved this past year or on ones that could come before the supervisors in 2019. This ruling is a clear rejection of the countys halfhearted preparation of a climate action plan, Chatten-Brown said. It was designed to allow developers to continue their business-as-usual approach. Chatten-Brown said should the county decide to process and approve applications, the developments will have to each be litigated separately. Judge Taylor said in his ruling that the Sierra Clubs position is that most of the projects are using the now invalid mitigation measures, but claim not to be based mainly on a few simple word changes. All rely on off-site carbon credit purchases. The judge said he has faith that the issue will not go unnoticed by other judges asked to rule on ongoing and future cases. Certainly, it would be more efficient to simply bar any out-of-county carbon credit mechanism regardless of moniker, Taylor wrote. But efficiency must yield to due process, and the court has complete confidence in the judges to whom the individual cases have been assigned to sort out, with the participation of the affected project proponent, whether the (greenhouse gas) mitigation measure in any individual instance was a wolf in sheeps clothing. Taylor said several projects approved earlier this year can move forward. They include the 2,135-home Newland Sierra development north of Escondido and the Harmony Grove Village South (453 units) and Valiano (377 units) projects in Harmony Grove. Those projects are the subject of separate lawsuits seeking to overturn the Board of Supervisors approval and themselves are on hold until such time as that litigation is complete. Approval of the Newland Sierra project is also the subject of a March 2020 countywide vote. Borre Winckel, the president of the Building Industry Association of San Diego County, said Californias environmental laws have destroyed middle-income housing production. We anticipate that Judge Taylors decision will deal yet another blow to home building by further delaying or potentially blocking critically needed rental and for-sale housing, Winckel said in a statement released Wednesday. Those in need of a new home can expect to pay more to their landlord or through their mortgage, whether they wish to live in the County area or in any of its cities, he said. It is well to remember that this litigation was brought on by the Sierra Club and the Golden Door. Neither parties have any interest in helping out with solving our housing crisis. The county has had two previous incarnations of its climate plan rejected by the courts in legal battles with the Sierra Club dating back to 2012. The county has been forced to pay roughly $1 million in legal fees so far. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones ENCINITAS Religion teacher speaks at world parliament Clayton Payne, a teacher at The Grauer School, recently spoke at the 2018 Parliament of the Worlds Religions in Toronto. Payne, who teaches World Religions, discussed the methods he uses in his high school course, such as inviting local religious leaders into the classroom to answer students questions. Payne led a group of 12 students to the weeklong Parliament. His presentation offered strategies to engage young people in discussions about religion. Payne and the other trip leaders, English teacher Christina Burress and Pastor Bill Harman, a Lutheran minister who is Grauers community liaison, gave their students daily challenges at the event, such as engaging in a conversation with a representative of a spiritual tradition new to them. For example, students spoke with Native Americans about ecological stewardship, learned turban-tying from Sikhs and observed a wiccan ceremony. More than 10,000 people from 80 countries attended the parliament, which is held semiannually. Conway Elementary fifth-graders Adrian Aybar and Camila Leonardo-Chavez took the stage in front of thousands of attendees recently at the EL (Expeditionary Learning) National Conference in Philadelphia. (Courtesy photo) Advertisement ESCONDIDO Conway students speak at Philadelphia confab Conway Elementary fifth-graders Adrian Aybar and Camila Leonardo-Chavez took the stage in front of thousands of attendees recently at the EL (Expeditionary Learning) National Conference in Philadelphia. Adrian and Camila highlighted the fourth-grade Expedition Project for Better World Day, which was held in the spring. Conway students worked all year on projects relating to the importance of clean watersheds to the ecosystem. For one project, Trout in the Classroom, students raised baby trout at school and then released them into the Escondido Creek watershed. For Better World Day, students held a watershed presentation and creek cleanup at Kit Carson Park. Conway was recognized at the annual conference for its transformation on the journey to become a certified EL School, and was one of only three schools that were showcased. Classical Academy wins digital award The Classical Academy was one of 10 innovative schools and districts recognized at the Learning Counsels 2018 Annual Gathering and National Awards event in Houston for their transformational work in creating digital ecosystems. Classical Academy Online is a self-directed digital learning program that provides live collaborative workshops. Students work alongside teachers in an open, flexible learning environment focused on preparing all students to become exceptional thinkers, communicators and achievers. Several Honorable Mentions were also recognized, including St. Katharine Drexel in San Diego. The Learning Counsel is a research institute focused on providing context for the shift in education to digital curriculum.Visit thelearningcounsel.com. NORTH COUNTY Don Diego Scholarships open for applicants The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation begins its annual application process in January. The foundation has awarded nearly $1 million in college scholarships to outstanding students throughout the San Diego area who have excelled in academics, given back to their community and participated in the San Diego County Fair and/or other activities associated with the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Qualifying high school seniors may have participated in an organization such as FFA or 4-H; showing or auctioning animals at the Fair. Students also are eligible if they have worked at the Fair or Fairgrounds, or exhibited or performed at the fair. Recipients are selected in the spring. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000 and support students pursing a bachelors degree as well as an associate degree or related vocational certificate. Find eligibility guidelines at https://dondiegoscholarship.org/scholarships. Students at North Broadway Elementary in Escondido were among many who recently celebrated Red Ribbon Week. ELAC parent volunteers Raquel Hernandez and Maria Hernandez, seen with Marias son, Maximiliano Chavez, created a doorway that tweaked the slogan, Say No to Drugs. (Courtesy photo) Students observe Red Ribbon Week Students at North Broadway Elementary in Escondido were among many who recently celebrated Red Ribbon Week with various activities promoting drug abuse prevention. Raquel Hernandez and Maria Hernandez, parent volunteers with the ELAC Committee, created a doorway that put a twist on the slogan, Say No to Drugs. Their Say Yes to Tacos poster also incorporated Dia de los Muertos imagery, using pasta shapes to create the bones. The students were proud to highlight part of their culture and traditions in the poster. Also, in Vista, the Faulkner Family won Most Educational for their photo entry in the 2018 National Red Ribbon Photo Contest, which involves families and schools in spreading the Red Ribbon Week message in neighborhoods. The family displayed their poster, complete with a large red ribbon bow, on their front gate. Visit https://redribbon.org. Students from High Tech Middle School North County recently completed a series of five hikes along the Coast to Crest Trail, totaling roughly 30 miles. They also participated in other nature activities. (Courtesy photo) SAN MARCOS High Tech MS students complete nature unit Students from High Tech Middle School North County recently completed a series of five hikes along the Coast to Crest Trail, totaling roughly 30 miles. Working with Climate Science Alliance, the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy developed curriculum to go alongside the hikes that educates about climate science/climate change information. The group met at North Beach in Del Mar to celebrate completion of the program. In attendance were representatives from SDG&E, who provided a grant for the program, staff and students from High Tech Middle School, and representatives from the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and the Climate Science Alliance. Please send items to laura.groch@sduniontribune.com at least 10 days before events. laura.groch@sduniontribune.com If you thought last Januarys tour visit of the world-beating Broadway musical Hamilton was destined to steal the thunder of San Diegos theater year, our local stage scene stood ready and eager to prove you wrong. Even for a town with one of the most vibrant theater communities in the country, 2018 was exceptional for the depth and diversity of stage productions here. (And I cant pretend to have made it to everything.) Such riches almost defy ranking but still, a guys gotta try: 1. Vietgone San Diego Repertory Theatre: Qui Nguyens wildly original, stereotype-smashing play based on the odyssey of his own parents as Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s burst from the Rep stage under Jesca Prudencios direction. Advertisement Pomme Koch, Jason Kapoor and composer and musician David Coulter (from left) in the Old Globes A Thousand Splendid Suns. (Kevin Berne) 2. A Thousand Splendid Suns Old Globe Theatre: Ursula Rani Sarma adapted Khaled Hosseinis novel into a tremendously affecting stage piece about injustice, resilience, redemption and the unshakable friendship between two women in war-wracked Afghanistan; Carey Perloff directed a radiant production for the Globe. Sofia Jean Gomez and Rene Thornton Jr. in San Diego Reps A Dolls House, Part 2. (Jim Carmody) 3. A Dolls House, Part 2 San Diego Rep: Sam Woodhouse, the Reps co-founder and artistic chief, directed Lucas Hnaths witty and ambitious play to perfection, and the local premiere of this sequel to an Ibsen masterwork showcased a stunning San Diego debut by star Sofia Jean Gomez. Melissa Miller (left) and Rae Gray in La Jolla Playhouses Queens. (Jim Carmody) 4. Queens La Jolla Playhouse: Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok revamped this tough-minded tale of immigrant women for its quietly gripping Playhouse production, a West Coast debut; and Carey Perloff again directed with a deeply human and masterful touch. The cast of Lambs Players Theatres Once. (Ken Jacques) 5. Once Lambs Players Theatre: The bittersweet, movie-based musical about longing and regret played straight to Lambs Players strengths, with rich ensemble work and beautifully performed songs under Kerry Meads capable direction. 6. Fun Home San Diego Rep: The Rep scored again with the San Diego premiere of this Tony Award-winning show, adapted from Alison Bechdels illustrated memoir of coming out and coming of age; Woodhouses direction and an ace cast brought out all its humor and heart. 7. The Wanderers Old Globe: Anna Zieglers inventively conceived, Globe-commissioned play paired the stories of two very different couples to probe ideas about faith, desire, ambition and unspoken cultural pressures; Globe artistic chief Barry Edelstein directed with a sure feel for the lyrical, multilayered material. 8. A Little Night Music Cygnet Theatre: The Old Town company returned to the sumptuous, deeply romantic Stephen Sondheim musical it first staged 10 years ago, and artistic director Sean Murrays closely observed production boasted a memorable lead performance by Karole Foreman. 9. The Father North Coast Repertory Theatre: With a committed lead performance from James Sutorius, Florian Zellers fascinating and heartbreaking play explored the unnerving experiences of an older man struggling to order his reality; NCRT artistic chief David Ellenstein directed the tricky piece with a deeply sympathetic feel. 10. Men on Boats New Village Arts Theatre: Despite the title, there were no men in director Melissa Coleman-Reeds exhilarating production of the Jacklyn Backhaus play a daringly stylized (and deliberately gender-reversed) chronicle of a real-life 1869 Grand Canyon expedition. 11. Cardboard Piano Diversionary Theatre: By turns graceful and devastating, director Jacole Kitchens hard-to-shake staging of the Hansol Jung play explored the limits of forgiveness, and showcased a particularly searing performance by Wrekless Watson. 12. The Year to Come La Jolla Playhouse: Lindsey Ferrentinos world-premiere work proved to be an involving look at one extended Florida family as a microcosm of our country. Director Anne Kauffman handled the plays reverse chronology (and the complications of an actual onstage pool) with admirable agility. Honorable mentions Hamilton, the Broadway musical juggernaut whose touring visit showed it has earned every bit of its breathless praise. The Heart of Rock & Roll, the much-buzzed Old Globe world premiere of the peppy and polished Huey Lewis musical. Beachtown, a smartly unconventional, San Diego-centric world-premiere work at the Rep. Uncle Vanya, the Globes meticulously observed reconsideration of the Chekhov masterwork, from a brand-new translation. A Jewish Joke, with Roustabouts Theatre co-founder Phil Johnson in a terrific performance of the solo piece he wrote with Marni Freedman. Chicago, whose summer revival was part of an exceptionally strong season at Moonlight Stage Productions. The Loneliest Girl in the World, an impressive and inventive world-premiere musical at Diversionary. Fade, Moxie Theatres well-acted, high-impact local debut of the Latinx-inflected Tanya Saracho play. Red, Oceanside Theatres excellent and hard-hitting production of the play about painter Mark Rothko. The Tempest, with Kate Burton as a commanding Prospera in the Globes Shakespeare Festival. The Wind and the Breeze, Cygnet Theatres meditative, rap-laced world premiere from the gifted playwright Nathan Alan Davis. Avenue Q, New Village Arts winning revival of the puppet-centric Broadway favorite. Young Frankenstein, San Diego Musical Theatres snappy revisit to Mel Brooks movie-based musical. Xanadu, revived in all its sublime 80s silliness at OnStage Playhouse. jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @jimhebert President Trump made a surprise visit Wednesday to a U.S. air base in Iraq to meet with American troops and commanders, and to dispel growing complaints that he had never visited a war zone in his first two years in office. Trump, accompanied by his wife, Melania, left a partially shuttered government in Washington just after midnight, flew all day and landed in the dark at the joint U.S.-Iraqi Asad Air Base west of Baghdad about 7 p.m. local time. Asked why he came, Trump told reporters before a meeting with military leaders on base: Its a place I have been talking about for many years many, many years. I was talking about it as a civilian. He spent about 3 hours at the heavily guarded base before getting back on Air Force One. He then stopped in Ramstein, Germany, to visit troops stationed there before heading back to Washington, where his national security policy appears to be in growing turmoil. Advertisement Last week, Trump blindsided allies and overrode his top Pentagon advisors and military commanders when he abruptly decided to order the withdrawal of all U.S. troops from neighboring Syria. Defense Secretary James N. Mattis resigned in protest and issued a scathing letter that all but accused Trump of endangering U.S. security by undermining alliances and abandoning allies. In response, Trump fired Mattis rather than let him quit. Trump defended his decision on Syria while in Iraq, and suggested he may order other withdrawals. Aides indicated last week that Trump was preparing to draw down half of the 14,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. In comments to about 100 troops, Trump made clear his dim view of Americas military commitments and alliances around the globe, emphasizing the America first policy he has espoused since the 2016 campaign. The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world, Trump said. Its not fair when the burden is all on us, the United States. We are spread out all over the world, Trump added. We are in countries most people havent even heard about. Frankly, its ridiculous. Trump also boasted to the troops that he had delivered them one of the biggest pay raises youve ever received stating, incorrectly, that he had authorized the first military pay increase in a decade. You havent gotten one in more than 10 years, Trump said. More than 10 years. And we got you a big one. I got you a big one. I got you a big one. Military pay, in fact, has risen every year for three decades. It was raised 2.4% in 2018 and will rise by another 2.6% in 2019, due to the National Defense Authorization Act. Inside a khaki-colored tent, Trump, who was accompanied by his national security advisor, John Bolton, was briefed by U.S. military commanders. The U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Douglas Silliman, also took part. Trump then shook hands and posed for selfies with troops. The troops, clad in desert camouflage, applauded and cheered the president and his wife. A few held red Make America Great Again hats for him to autograph. At one point he signed an embroidered patch that read TRUMP 2020. A scheduled meeting with Iraqs prime minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, was canceled. The White House did not give a reason. Trump repeatedly mentioned the heavy security required to get him safely in and out of Iraq. I had concerns about the institution of the presidency, he told reporters. Not for myself personally. I had concerns for the first lady, I will tell you. But if you would have seen what we had to go through in the darkened plane with all windows closed with no light anywhere. Pitch-black. Ive been on many airplanes. All types and shapes and sizes. So did I have a concern? Yes, I had a concern, he said. Trump indicated that he had lost patience with the Pentagon because senior officials there would not devise a plan to withdraw the 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria as he wanted. Our presence in Syria was not open-ended and it was never intended to be permanent, he added. He praised Saudi Arabia for pledging to help rebuild Syria as it enters what could be the final stages of a brutal civil war, and applauded Turkey, a NATO ally, for working with U.S. forces near its border with Syria. Congress recently overwhelmingly passed a resolution to censure Saudi Arabia for its role in killing a Saudi journalist, and lawmakers have sought to constrain the Trump administration from providing further support to Riyadhs military campaign in Yemen. U.S. relations with Turkey have been strained for years, and Mattis and other critics have warned that Ankara will use the U.S. withdrawal from Syria to target Syrian Kurds, who fought as a U.S. proxy force against Islamic State. Trump had been criticized for failing to visit active-duty American troops in a combat zone, a gesture that presidents routinely perform around holidays. The jibes mounted after the White House scrubbed a planned visit to a U.S. military cemetery in France because of rain and after he did not go to Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, as most presidents have done. He made a surprise visit to Arlington several weeks later. In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, President George W. Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq in 2003 in an effort to seize and destroy supposed weapons of mass destruction from Saddam Husseins regime. The intelligence was disastrously wrong, however, and no such weapons were found. The U.S. occupation quickly went sour as a bitter sectarian civil war broke out. President Obama, who campaigned on a promise to end Americas endless wars, pulled most combat troops out in 2011 only to rush some back in 2014 to fight Islamic State. About 5,000 U.S. troops are still deployed in Iraq. Trump said last week that Islamic State had been defeated, a boast that most counter-terrorism experts sharply disputed. The top U.S. diplomat in the battle, Brett McGurk, resigned in protest and warned that thousands of the militants remain and that the group could rebuild itself quickly. Weve knocked them out. Weve knocked them silly, Trump said of Islamic State on Wednesday, repeating his claim at the air base in Iraq. He said other countries must pay more in the aftermath of the war. The nations of the region must step up and take more responsibility for their future, Trump said. And others will do it too. Because we are in their region. They should be sharing the burden of costs and theyre not. For Trump, the visit to U.S. combat troops could help him regain some positive headlines after the political losses of the midterm election and weeks of turmoil, including the government shutdown and a roller coaster in the stock markets. Trumps foreign policy remains muddled and sometimes contradictory, especially in the Middle East. Challenging Iran and supporting Israel are among his most consistent goals. Yet the Syria pull-out benefits Iran and potentially endangers Israel. His withdrawal from Syria has further muddied prospects for peace in the region, including Iraq. The Iraqi government now controls all the countrys cities, towns and villages after fighting its last urban battles against Islamic State militants in December 2017. But Iraqs political, military and economic situation remains tenuous, and Baghdad and other cities still experience sporadic bombings, kidnappings and assassinations. Mattis departure and the recent firing of White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly were deeply unsettling to national security officials who counted on the two retired Marine generals to help check an impulsive president. Trump has seen his support from military veterans decline to 43%, according to a Military Times poll in October. The poll was taken when the president sent about 6,000 active-duty troops to the border with Mexico to help block what he called a looming invasion of Central American migrants. eli.stokols@latimes.com Twitter: @EliStokols tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com Twitter: @TracyKWilkinson In the 1970s, the Ku Klux Klan was operating in the open on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Members of the white supremacist group active duty Marines wore KKK insignias on base, posted threatening flyers in common areas and carried large knives to intimidate black Marines. After a series of altercations on and off base, a group of black Marines responded to a flyer advertising a meeting of the KKK on the base. On Nov. 13, 1976, they barged into the room in which they believed that meeting was taking place and attacked their fellow Marines inside, according to news reports at the time. Only they had the wrong room. The KKK, sitting on a cache of weapons, was actually in the next room. A new podcast, Free the Pendleton 14, by local reporter Steve Walsh, aims to tell the story of this group of black Marines and bring to light a chapter of local military history that he says has almost been forgotten. Advertisement This story was just going to fade into the past, he said. And as we know, just wishing stuff away does not solve the problem. Reports from the time suggest that is just what the Marines attempted to do. While 13 black Marines were jailed and charged with crimes, the members of the KKK were taken into protective custody and quietly shipped off to other bases. The American Civil Liberties Union was involved and worked with both groups the accused black Marines as well as the white KKK members. Membership in supremacist and extremist groups is now against Marine regulations, although in 1976, it was tolerated. Walsh said he became interested in the story after first hearing about it early in 2017. After reporting by ProPublica and PBS Frontline identified a Marine who had participated in the white supremacist riot in Charlottesville, Virginia, the podcast took on a new urgency. This was not a history piece were talking about, he said. This really is a continuation of something thats been happening for a very long time. Every element from the command to the media everybody involved in this case the community as a whole...just simply did not take this stuff very seriously. The only people who took this seriously were 14 African-American Marines. The Marine that participated in the Charlottesville riot, Vasillios Pistolis, was booted from the Corps in July. One of the challenges Walsh faced with this project was finding people to interview. The Marine commanders from the time have since died, and many of those involved have common names, which (with only scant military records to go on) make tracking them down exceedingly difficult. He was also unable to locate any of the KKK members. Walsh did interview one of the accused black Marines Ricky McGilvery, a Dallas-area preacher and some of the attorneys involved in the case. Walsh said he did question whether he a white, middle-aged reporter from the Midwest was the right person to tell this largely an African-American story. That always kind of concerned me somewhat, he said. Should I even be the person telling this story? His concerns were assuaged, he said, when he realized that people needed to face the issue of institutional racism head-on. Its whites, he said. Its us. We need to validate that this is real, this happened. Walsh is a reporter at KPBS but his employer was not involved in the project. Four of the five planned episodes are now available on most podcast apps. Contact Andrew Dyer via email or Twitter. Rural tourism generates 770b yuan in revenue in first half of 2018 From:ChinaDaily | 2018-12-26 21:19 Rural tourism in China saw a boom in the first half of this year, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Wednesday. About 1.37 billion visits were made by Chinese travelers to destinations in the countryside from January to June, accounting for nearly 50 percent of domestic visits, according to the latest official data. The revenue generated by rural tourism in the first six months reached 770 billion yuan ($111.64 billion), accounting for over 30 percent of total revenue for related industries. Shan Gangxin, the ministry's deputy director of resources development, said building quality homestays and B&B accommodation is key to boosting tourism in the countryside. "The number of B&Bs has reached 16,000 in Zhejiang province, bringing 98,000 jobs," he said. "The sector has grown into a strong driver of the rural economy." The ministry, with 16 other central authorities, including the National Development and Reform Commission, released a guideline focusing on sustainable development of rural tourism in November, covering directions on its culture, infrastructure and public services construction. The ministry also said it had launched four training sessions on tourism-driven poverty alleviation work for village cadres in the second half of this year and five more on rural tourism and B&Bs. Over 2,000 trainees were involved in the courses, it said. December 27, 1923 Evening 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. Thursday, December 27, 1923 In 1923, the Tribune reported a church burglary... and used the occasion to highlight on its front page inaccurate reporting from another local newspaper. Here are the first few paragraphs of the story: BURGLAR LOOTS SAFE IN SAN DIEGO CHURCH Gets Small Sum and Leaves Message Expressing Disgust Over Falsehood Foiled in efforts made Tuesday night to blow the safe in the First Presbyterian church, at Third and Date streets, a burglar returned to the scene last night, hammered off the combination knob, opened the door and secured about $10 for his labor. Now, somewhere in San Diego is a yeggman whose sense of humor is exceeded only by his shattered faith in sensational newspaper stories. When the janitor visited the basement yesterday morning he found that a thief had attempted to open the vault in the tool room under the church. The burglar had taken a pick and had attempted to pry off the combination dial of the vault door, but had failed. Then he had turned his attention to the brick work itself, and had dug a shallow hole in it with the pick, only to fail again. Yesterday afternoon there appeared in a local paper (not The Tribune) an account of how a large amount of money had been saved for the church when the brick walls of the vault had foiled the burglars. As a matter of fact, the amount of money had not been reported to the police, it merely being concluded that there was a lot there. Last night the burglar went act to get the riches which the vault contained. With a pick, he hammered off the combination knob and opened the door. About $10 and a hatful of pennies lay inside of the safe. With infinite disgust, he lettered in pencil, on a heavy piece of cardboard, the following message: THE GUY THAT SAID THERE WAS SEVERAL HUNDRED HERE WAS NO CHRISTIAN. The pennies, scorned by the thief, were scattered under foot. The cardboard sign, lettered on the back of a notice of a 35-cent chicken dinner for the brotherhood, was tacked up on the open door of the vault. Aside from the denouncement of the over-rating of the safe contents, the police are without a clue to the identity of the thief. View anniversary front pages online at sandiegouniontribune.com/150-years. For more from the Union-Tribune digital archives, go to newslibrary.com/sites/sdub. Searching is free, with registration. A fee is required to view full stories. A 41-year-old mother was charged with child abuse Wednesday for allegedly abandoning her newborn in a parking lot, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. Dolores Adriana Cruz, a transient, is facing a single felony count and was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday. A good Samaritan heard a baby crying on Dec. 22, near the 11600 block of Washington Boulevard in Whittier. The person discovered the baby naked on the pavement, prosecutors said. Police were called and allegedly located the mother nearby, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Cruz faces a possible maximum sentence of six years in state prison if convicted as charged. The L.A. County Sheriffs Department is investigating the case. brittny.mejia@latimes.com Twitter: @Brittny_Mejia Five former Inglewood police officers who were fired after fatally shooting a couple sitting in a car have filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming they were discriminated against because they are white. During the incident, the officers Sean Reidy, Richard Parcella, Michael Jaen, Andrew Cohen and Jason Cantrell were following orders of the two more experienced Latino sergeants at the scene who were not fired, said their attorney Zorik Mooradian. My question is why the commanding officers at the scene are still serving the Police Department and five young, white officers who were in harms way and acting in conformity with the orders given to them were fired, Mooradian said. Mooradian provided a copy of the lawsuit, which offers a detailed description of the incident, to The Times. Los Angeles Superior Court online records show it was filed on Friday. Advertisement Neither the Inglewood city attorneys office nor the Inglewood Police Department could be reached for comment. The February 2016 shooting led to calls for greater transparency in the agency. The incident began when the officers responded to a report of people unconscious inside a Chevy, according to the lawsuit. Officers found the car stopped in the middle of a street with its engine running, and Marquintan Sandlin and Kisha Michael were unresponsive inside. Officers saw a loaded semiautomatic gun on the womans lap. Over the next 40 or so minutes, the officers tried to wake up the couple. One of the first two officers at the scene knocked on the drivers window. A sergeant showed up and instructed them to check the doors all were locked. Three more officers and another sergeant, a SWAT team member with 17 years on the force, arrived soon after, the lawsuit said. Some of the officers tried yelling commands. The second sergeant, who became the incident commander, instructed one of the officers to turn on his lights and siren to see if the noise would stir the couple. Then the officer was told to bump the vehicle with his patrol car. Eventually the couple woke up, the lawsuit said. Meanwhile, higher-ups in the department were contemplating whether to call the SWAT team to the scene. They noticed Sandlin wake up first, after the incident commander used a public address system to tell the couple to put their hands in the air, the lawsuit said. Sandlin drove his Chevy into the patrol car in front of him, then reversed into the police vehicle behind him. He then reached toward the womans lap, prompting Parcella to fire two rounds with his shotgun, the lawsuit said. Sandlin was struck and later died. Moments later, the passenger door opened and the woman reached for her lap, the lawsuit said. All five officers opened fire. Michael was pronounced dead at the scene. The officers were placed on leave and fired more than a year later. The two supervisors still work for the department, Mooradian said. The lawsuit comes as the city authorized the shredding of more than 100 police shooting and other internal investigation records weeks before a new state law goes into effect that could allow the public to access them for the first time, a move that drew criticism from civil rights advocates. 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. alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek Authorities are trying to determine how a mother and her 13-year-old son were killed after their bodies were found in their apartment in Van Nuys late Wednesday. A man called police about 11 p.m. after he discovered the bodies of his wife, who was in her 40s, and their teenage son in the apartment in the 13800 block of Oxnard Street when he returned home from work. He has been cooperating with police in the investigation, LAPD Det. Meghan Aguilar said. It is not clear how the woman and teen died, but officials said their bodies appeared to have suffered some type of trauma, possibly stab wounds or gunshot wounds. If you dont have a witness and all you have is a bloody wound, it can be very difficult to quickly determine how the injury occurred, said Aguilar, adding that coroners officials will investigate the cause of death. Advertisement Aguilar said Los Angeles Police Department detectives are working to obtain a search warrant for the apartment, which will allow them to look for possible evidence. No arrests have been made, and a weapon has not been recovered, she said. Authorities did not find evidence of forced entry into the apartment. They havent ruled out that the attack was a robbery that turned deadly, but Aguilar said it isnt something detectives are following strongly. Its a 13-year-old boy and his mother, so its very unusual, Aguilar said. Were fortunate that we dont see this very often. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @Hannahnfry A sewage spill closed about 300 feet of Aliso Beach in South Laguna on Wednesday morning, according to a news release from the Orange County Health Care Agency. The 11 a.m. closure affected an area between the Monterey Street parking lot and Country Club Drive, officials said. Blocked pipes at a shopping center in Mission Viejo about eight miles away forced about 150 gallons of sewage into a parking lot before it emptied into a gutter, said Anthony Martinez, the health departments water quality program manager. The waste traveled through the sewer system until it spilled into Aliso Creek and then the ocean, Martinez said. Advertisement Because of the recent rain, the creek is flowing, and so were assuming that some amount of the sewage is gonna make it to the beach, he said. Sunday morning is the earliest the beach can reopen, pending water test results, Martinez said. Pinho writes for Times Community News. On a Friday night in Compton, two cars raced their engines on a dimly lit street behind a warehouse complex. A man stood between the vehicles, pointing to each, calling out small dollar amounts, asking who wanted to put money on the Camaro to his left. The bets closed. The drivers got their signal and each took off, disappearing in a blur of red taillights. The crowd on the sidelines filled the street, some standing on their toes to see who won. That pattern played out for several hours that night. Twice, Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies drove by and flashed their lights, momentarily breaking up the rally. But the group reconvened in two other spots. There was no televised police pursuit. No cars crashed. No fights occurred. No one got hurt. Advertisement This is the way some people hope Southern Californias sprawling street racing circuit can look one day: like a sporting event instead of a crime scene. On TV, they only show the bad parts of it, said the president of the International Brotherhood of Street Racers, one of the citys oldest street racing organizations. They dont show the unity. Members of the International Brotherhood of Street Racers hang out at the L.A. Deuces Motorcycle Clubs clubhouse in South L.A. on Dec. 7, 2017. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) The group is advocating for greater legal avenues for enthusiasts who participate in speed contests that have the potential to turn deadly. Earlier this year, a Los Angeles Times analysis of coroners records, police reports and media accounts found that at least 179 people have died as a result of suspected street racing in Los Angeles County since 2000. Police say the local racing scene has grown stronger in recent years, and many believe the most dangerous incidents stem from spontaneous races in residential neighborhoods and street takeovers that draw hundreds. The California Highway Patrol documented 984 street racing incidents in Los Angeles County last year including spontaneous races and organized events accounting for a little more than 40% of the incidents statewide. The evolving, and increasingly dangerous, nature of such outlaw events has drawn condemnation from police and politicians, but its also aggravated a segment of racers as well. For decades, Los Angeles members of the National and International Brotherhood of Street Racers had organized legal races on a strip of land on Terminal Island with the backing of some police and civic leaders. The legal events ended in the mid-1990s. Members of the brotherhood now organize clandestine races in the middle of the night, in industrial areas where the odds of a pedestrian or uninvolved motorist passing through are minimal. The group discourages people from performing doughnuts or other vehicle stunts, which police say are common at takeover scenes and can endanger nearby spectators. Empty beer bottles and the scent of marijuana are prevalent at their events, but they say they refuse to let anyone who has even sipped a drink get behind the wheel of car. Youre not gonna go ahead and put our lives in jeopardy, said one longtime street racer who, like many at the events, requested anonymity for fear of reprisals from law enforcement. If you cant follow the rules, if you cant follow the code, you cant be out here. Still, one of the groups leaders who asked to be identified by his nickname, Taz said he knows the risks hes taking getting behind the wheel, no matter how many precautions the group takes. We know its a dangerous sport, no matter where you put it, he said. Donald Galaz, another member of the group who is often seen at street racing advocacy events throughout Los Angeles County, said their message is simple: They want to work with local government to find a legal place to race, and they want to end the casualties. This is not a game. The impromptu stuff within the city is the most dangerous stuff that is happening, Galaz, 45, said. A track is not going to stop street racing from happening, but it is going to put a dent in the number of fatalities. Members of the International Brotherhood of Street Racers hang out at the L.A. Deuces Motorcycle Clubs clubhouse in South L.A. on Dec. 7, 2017. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Some officials share that viewpoint. Outgoing Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander, a longtime vocal proponent of stricter enforcement against street racers, suggested during a council meeting last month that the disappearance of nearby legal raceways combined with racers increased use of social media to rapidly organize events has led to a spike in illegal speed contests in the city. Its gotten worse, some would argue. Worse because weve lost the tracks and the opportunity where people can actually gather in safe places and locations, and theres more enthusiasts and aficionados that are changing their vehicles and amending them, and people with social media find it easy to gather, he said. The new owners of Irwindale Speedway, home to the only legal drag strip in Los Angeles County that is both close to the city and palatable to street racers, is trying to prove Galazs theory correct. The speedway nearly went out of business in late 2017, but it was saved by former race car driver Tim Huddleston, who organized a new lease. The track is home to a one-eighth-mile track that street racers can rocket down as often as they want for $20 every Thursday night; starting in 2019, street racers also will be welcome to use the drag strip on Saturdays for the same price. Earlier this year, Irwindale also developed a burnout box an area blocked off by concrete barricades where drivers can perform otherwise dangerous doughnuts without endangering spectators as part of a move to widen its appeal to members of the illegal car circuit. If we can take just one street racer off the street, and get him a legal opportunity, then we are making a difference, said Kevin Stevens, the speedways marketing director. A driver burns rubber in the burnout pad of the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale. The track hosts weekly racing and drifting events on Thursdays, which attract hundreds of car enthusiasts. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Stevens said hes also waded into the Facebook and Instagram pages that are popular among street racing crews and garages and managed to urge a number of competitors to carry out grudge races at Irwindale. Huddleston said that Irwindale offers a combination of safety and easy access that is sorely needed in and around L.A. County. Racers who want to take to the track at Pomona Raceway need to pass an National Hot Rod Assn. inspection and arent likely to get more than one run on a given day, according to Galaz. The next closest location is Buttonwillow Raceway Park in Kern County, which is a long way to travel for 10 seconds of race time, Galaz said. Its a closed course, private property, and its completely K-railed in ... the same barricades as the freeway. Multiple firefighters on staff, Huddleston said of the Irwindale track. Its set up like a regular professional drag race. Founded in the 1960s by local racing legend Big Willie Robinson, the brotherhood has long advocated for safer street racing that would see cars rocketing down empty quarter-mile asphalt strips, far from pedestrians. In 1974, the Brotherhood Raceway Park opened on Terminal Island, a venture then endorsed by Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. But the racing park closed in the 1990s, and the brotherhoods relationships with city officials and police are not as strong as they once were. The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of the groups actions and repeated calls for a legal racing track. But the brotherhood represents only a sliver of the citys much broader, unbridled racing scene, some officials say. A pair of cars jump off the starting line during a drag race at the Irwindale Speedway. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) What they do, though illegal, they do it in a safe manner, said LAPD Capt. Al Lopez, who formerly headed traffic investigations in Central Division. Galaz says the brotherhoods membership is in the hundreds, but unaffiliated racers and members of other car clubs are welcome to take part in their events as long as they follow the rules. At one event near Compton, dozens of drivers who werent sporting the brotherhoods leather cuts could be seen roaming the area, lining up for races and exchanging hugs with Taz. One racer, who asked not to be identified, said most drivers at brotherhood events have a lot of experience behind the wheel, allowing them to course correct and avoid disaster if they lose control. That lack of seat time, he believes, is a major factor in the crashes that occur during spontaneous races, which normally involve younger drivers with little experience handling a lot of horsepower. For many who barrel down the streets of South L.A. or Compton, racing is an obsession. For others, its a job. The racer said he has won as much as $27,000 in a single race, money that goes toward rent or bills. Though hed prefer more legal options, the racer said he would do what he had to do to get his speed fix. Just as bad as we want to breathe every day, he said. Thats how deep this passion is. A pair of late-model Corvettes race at Irwindale Speedway. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Drivers line up to race at Irwindale Speedway. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) A driver burns rubber as a prelude to a drag race at Irwindale Speedway. The track hosts weekly racing and drifting events on Thursdays. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Spectators at the drag races at Irwindale Speedway. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) james.queally@latimes.com Twitter: @JamesQueallyLAT nicole.santacruz@latimes.com Twitter: @nicolesantacruz San Diego-based California Innocence Project has had Kiera Newsome on its list of priorities for more than a decade. Convinced that Newsome was never involved in the south Los Angeles murder for which she was convicted in 2003, the Innocence Project has lobbied for her release from prison. That appears more likely now that Gov. Jerry Brown included her among his 274 Christmas Eve grants of clemency. By commuting Newsomes prison sentence to 20 years to life in prison from the original range of 60 years to life, the governor gives her a chance for early parole, but no guarantee. She has served more than 17 years. Advertisement Kiera Newsome (Courtesy of California Innocence Project) Pardons are issued for those who have already served their prison sentence and been released, while commutations, which reduce the length of a sentence, are for those still in prison. The commutation of Kieras case was a huge victory, said Justin Brooks, director of California Innocence Project and a professor at California Western School of Law in San Diego. In a texted interview Wednesday, Brooks said that with Newsomes original sentence, she would have likely died in prison. Now, she will be able to get paroled and go home. Newsome has been one of the California 12 cases that the Innocence Project considers among the worst examples of wrongful conviction. In 2013, Brooks and others with the Innocence Project walked 800 miles from San Diego to Sacramento to hand-deliver the dozen clemency petitions. Since then, Brooks has been tweeting the governor daily asking him to grant clemency for the California 12, and he has prompted others to send similar tweets. Innocence Project attorneys have won the release of five of the 12 and a sixth person was granted parole this year but still awaits release. Now 35, Newsome was 17 when Christian Henton was fatally shot while he and other suspected gang members stood outside a house on April 16, 2001. The shooter and two other women drove away and shot a second man, who survived. Newsome was convicted two years later on the basis of eyewitness testimony. A Los Angeles County prosecutor argued that, even though Newsomes teacher testified that the teen was in class 13 miles from the shooting, the girl might have slipped out, committed the murder and returned to school, changing clothes along the way, according to the Innocence Project. Newsome is being held at the California Institution for Women in Corona. She was to become eligible for a youthful offender parole in 2027. The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office had no comment on her case, according to a spokesman. The governors statement of commutation of Newsomes sentence noted that she had no prior criminal history and has maintained that she was not involved in the murder. In prison, she earned a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree and took part in many self-help programs. Her family has offered her housing, help finding a job and other support. For all of these reasons, I believe that Ms. Newsome has earned an earlier opportunity to make her case to the Board of Parole Hearings to determine if she is suitable for parole, Brown wrote. Brooks said Brown could have wiped out Newsomes sentence completely or made her eligible for early parole by reducing the length of her sentence, which was the option he selected. Im grateful the Governor is giving her a future, Brooks said. He added that its common for presidents and governors to use their clemency powers at the end of their terms in office. He said he started the California 12 campaign five years ago because Brown was winding down his long career. Once a person becomes eligible for parole, the process of scheduling a parole board hearing, receiving a decision and awaiting a governors approval or denial can take four to five months or more, if there are legal concerns over how the decision is made. Those remaining on the Innocence Projects original California 12 list are: Suzanne Johnson, convicted of assault on a child causing death in San Diego County Dolores Macias, convicted of second-degree murder in Los Angeles County Rodney Patrick McNeal, convicted of two counts of second-degree murder in San Bernardino County JoAnn Parks, convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County Ed Contreras, convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County pauline.repard@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @pdrepard Alabama Atty. Gen. Steve Marshall said Thursday that his office is exploring whether disinformation tactics deployed against Republican Roy Moore during last years special election violated state campaign laws and said he was worried that the operation could have affected the closely fought Senate race. The information is concerning, Marshall, a Republican, said in a phone interview. The impact it had on the election is something thats significant for us to explore, and well go from there. Moore lost the election to his Democratic rival, Sen. Doug Jones. Marshall, who said he learned of the disinformation campaign called Project Birmingham through news reports over the past two weeks, stopped short of announcing a formal investigation but said his office was beginning to gather information about the effort. Advertisement Were planning to explore the issue further, Marshall said. Internet billionaire Reid Hoffman apologized on Wednesday for giving $750,000 to a group, American Engagement Technologies, that allegedly had ties to an effort to undermine support for Moore and bolster Jones. The new senator has called for a federal investigation into Project Birmingham. Hoffman said in his statement Wednesday that he did not know that the money had been used for disinformation tactics, including a reported effort to create fake evidence that automated Russian accounts, called bots, were supporting Moore in the race. Jonathon Morgan, chief executive of Texas-based research firm New Knowledge, has acknowledged being paid by American Engagement Technologies to experiment on a small scale with disinformation tactics, including creating a Facebook page that sought to appeal to Republicans who might not support Moore. Morgan has repeatedly denied that he attempted to affect the outcome of the election or that he had any role in the broader efforts of Project Birmingham. Morgan did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Marshalls actions in Alabama. A spokesman for Hoffman also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hoffman previously said it would be a good idea for investigators to look into what happened in Alabama. We cannot permit dishonest campaign tactics to go unchecked in our democracy no matter which side they purportedly help, Hoffman said in his apology. Dmitri Mehlhorn, a political advisor for Hoffman, declined to comment. Moore, contacted through his former spokeswoman, did not immediately respond. A spokeswoman for Jones did not immediately respond to requests either. Marshall said in the interview that the rapidly changing nature of campaigning on social media has made it difficult for authorities to know how to address disinformation tactics in elections. Technology has put us in a difficult position in many respects in terms of the applicability of our current laws, Marshall said. Timburg and Romm write for the Washington Post. The secretary of Homeland Security said Wednesday she had ordered medical checks on every child in Border Patrol custody and a series of other measures after a boy from Guatemala died in custody on Christmas Eve, the second such death this month. This tragedy, the death of a child in government custody, is deeply concerning and heartbreaking, Kirstjen Nielsen, secretary of Homeland Security, said in a statement. Claiming the immigration system is at a breaking point, she blamed the migrants, Congress and judges, not U.S. border authorities or immigration policies. Smugglers, traffickers, and their own parents put these minors at risk by embarking on the dangerous and arduous journey north, she said. No child had died in the custody of U.S. immigration authorities for more than a decade until December when first a 7-year-old girl and then an 8-year-old boy, both from Guatemala, died in less than three weeks despite receiving emergency hospital care. Advertisement Nielsen said she had asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate whether sick children were crossing the border and to help nearby hospitals to better prepare and treat them. She also asked the Coast Guard medical corps and the Pentagon to provide additional medical help along the border. Nielsen and other officials blamed a dramatic surge of large migrant groups, including children, who have overwhelmed resources in recent months, particularly in the El Paso sector of the Southwest border, which flanks two counties in western Texas and serves the entire state of New Mexico. Officials did not say how many children are in custody. But Border Patrol outposts and processing facilities along the border are on pace to handle nearly 25,000 minors this month, according to Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. What were seeing is more children than ever before coming into our custody, McAleenan said on CBS This Morning. U.S. officials say a detention system designed decades ago to hold adult males cannot handle the influx of unaccompanied minors and families, including young children. Thats an enormous flow, McAleenan said. Thats very different than weve seen before. Fatalities in U.S. immigration custody are relatively rare. Six migrants died in Border Patrol custody in the year that ended Sept. 30, of more than half a million who were apprehended, officials said. Deaths of those who die trying to get into the United States are much higher nearly 300 such migrants died in fiscal 2017, the last year for which data is available. Officials did not release the name of the Guatemalan boy who died, but Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) identified him as Felipe Alonzo-Gomez, and called for Congress to investigate. It wasnt clear why the boy and his father were held for nearly a week. Customs and Border Protection typically detains migrants only a few days at the border before either releasing them or turning them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for longer-term detention. The child died shortly before midnight on Christmas Eve at Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo, N.M. He and his father had crossed the border on Dec. 18 and were taken into custody. Many questions remain unanswered, including how many children have died in Customs and Border Protection custody, Castro, chairman-elect of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said in a statement. Last week, Castro and several other lawmakers traveled to the desert in New Mexico where Jakelin Caal, the girl who died on Dec. 8, was taken into custody by the Border Patrol. Serious concerns were raised about the condition of detention facilities, and the lack of adequate medical supplies, equipment and resources to properly treat migrants and the agents working there, Castro said. Xochitl Torres Small, a Democrat from New Mexico who will take office on Jan. 3, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the childrens deaths and more medical resources along the border. This is inexcusable, she said Wednesday. Instead of immediately acting to keep children and all of us safe along our border, this administration forced a government shutdown over a wall. In the last two months, Nielsen said, the Border Patrol apprehended 139,816 migrants on the Southwest border, compared with 74,946 in the same period last year an increase of 86%. This is a dramatic change from historical trends and has only become starker in December, Nielsen said. Blaming activist judges and inaction by Congress, she added, Our system has been pushed to a breaking point by those who seek open borders. Nielsen said she would travel to the border this week to witness the medical screenings and conditions at Border Patrol stations. The unprecedented number of families and unaccompanied children at the border must not be ignored. I once again ask beg parents to not place their children at risk by taking a dangerous journey north, she said. But other U.S. officials cautioned against linking the childrens deaths until more information is available. It may be weeks before autopsies determine an official cause of death, and the Homeland Security inspector generals office is investigating both deaths to see whether rules were followed by Border Patrol personnel. Weve seen an uptick in the number of individuals in our care and custody with illness, a Homeland Security official told reporters in a conference call Wednesday, speaking on background. We cant say theres a connection or shared illness. Were going to have to wait until the medical teams examining the causes of the deaths get back with the results of their investigations and reports. According to the latest timeline by Customs and Border Protection, Felipe Alonzo-Gomez and his father crossed the border and were apprehended on Dec. 18, a few miles west of the Paso del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso, a far busier area than the desolate desert where the Caals crossed. Officials took the father and son to Paso del Norte about 3 hours later, officials said on the conference call. Authorities provided them with hot food, snacks, juice and water, per agency policy. At noon on Dec. 20, officials transferred Felipe and his father to the larger El Paso Border Patrol station, where they said the father and son were given access to showers, food, juice and water during 17 welfare checks over the next two days. The night of Dec. 22, authorities moved the father and son again, to the smaller Alamogordo Border Patrol station in New Mexico, more than an hours drive north, to prevent overcrowding in El Paso, a Customs and Border Protection official said on the call. They arrived in the early hours of Dec. 23. On the morning of Dec. 24, the Immigration and Customs Enforcements removals office requested the father and son be placed in a family detention facility. A few hours later, an agent noticed the boy was coughing and had glassy eyes. Suspecting influenza, agents took him and his father to the medical center in Alamogordo, less than 7 miles away. Felipe tested negative for strep throat and medical personnel diagnosed him with a common cold, giving him Tylenol about 11:30 a.m. Two hours later they noted he was running a 103-degree fever. Just before 3 p.m., they released him with a prescription for amoxicillin and ibuprofen. U.S. agents then took the boy and his father to a cell at a temporary holding facility at a highway checkpoint, where agents administered the medication and the pair ate a hot meal, officials said. By 7 p.m., Felipe was nauseous and had vomited, but his father declined further medical help, the officials said. At 10 p.m., when the boy appeared lethargic, agents took them back to the hospital. The boy lost consciousness en route and doctors could not revive him. At 11:48 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the hospital declared Felipe deceased. The next morning Felipes father notified the boys mother in Guatemala about his death, as well as the Guatemalan Consulate. Oscar Padilla, the Guatemalan consul in Phoenix, said the boys father told him they had come from their home in Nenton, a village about 280 miles from Guatemala City, according to the Associated Press. They were planning to go to Johnson City, Tenn. Unlike Jakelin Caals father, who was released in El Paso, Felipes father was detained and will be transferred to the custody of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement removals office, officials said Wednesday. His sons body was transferred to Albuquerque for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. On Thursday, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator released preliminary findings indicating that Felipe had a flu virus. Results of nasal and lung swabs have tested positive for influenza B, the office said in a statement. While this result indicates that the child had influenza, determining an accurate cause of death requires further evaluation. A developer plans to replace the Carmel Valley Tio Leos restaurant with a five-story, 127-room Hyatt Place Hotel that will include an outdoor pool and spa, fitness room, meeting spaces and one level of underground parking. A city of San Diego hearing officer recently approved the proposed 106,675-square-foot hotel project, which will be 60 feet tall down from the 72 feet initially proposed by the developer. The Tio Leos occupies a one-story, 8,700-square-foot structure. Because its less than 45 years old, the structure hasnt been considered for historical significance. Three other locations of Tio Leos will continue operating. They are located in Linda Vista, Poway and Grantville. Advertisement The hotel is required to have 127 parking spots, the same number of guest rooms, because it wont have any restaurants or other amenities that serve people other than hotel guests. There will also be three spaces for motorcycles and eight slots for bicycles. The site, 3510 Valley Centre Drive, is located just north of Carmel Valley Road and just east of Interstate 5. Surrounding uses include gas stations, fast food restaurants and other hotels. The site is just south of the San Diego Marriott Del Mar. A Hampton Inn and a Doubletree Hilton are just to the east. The rooms in the hotel will all be suites. The project will include a 2,500-square-foot lobby, 2,500 square feet of bars and restaurants and 1,400 square feet of meeting spaces. The Carmel Valley Community Planning Group unanimously endorsed the project last year, but members expressed concerns that the proposed design wouldnt integrate effectively with the nearby Costa Azul development. That project, also endorsed by the planning group but not yet approved by the city, would include a Westin hotel, an office building and a restaurant at El Camino Real and Valley Centre Drive. The architect on the hotel replacing Tio Leos is W. Scott Ballard of La Jolla. david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick One person had to be extricated Wednesday from the wreckage of a two-vehicle crash at a Chula Vista intersection. The collision was reported around 10:15 a.m. at the intersection of Telegraph Canyon Road and Paseo Ladera, Chula Vista police Sgt. Matt Smith said. Officers believe one of the drivers ran a red light, he said. Firefighters used a hydraulic rescue tool, known as the Jaws of Life, to rescue the driver of the other car, the officer said. Paramedics took that motorist, whose name was not released, to a nearby hospital. The motorist had injuries of unknown severity. Advertisement Dispatchers were initially told both drivers were injured, but the other driver apparently did not need to be taken to a hospital, Smith said. The death of Aleah Jenkins, a 24-year-old woman who went into medical distress in San Diego police custody last month and later died, has prompted questions over how law enforcement agencies go about providing medical care to prisoners. Although procedures vary among departments, judgments made by officers as well as jail nurses who evaluate potential inmates play important roles, according to police policies that touch on the topic. Jenkins was arrested on a warrant for possessing methamphetamine after a traffic stop in La Jolla on Nov. 27. During the arrest, Jenkins vomited. Officers initially called for paramedics, but then canceled the request after Jenkins reportedly said she just had an upset stomach. Officers then took Jenkins to San Diego police headquarters to process her before taking her to jail. While there, an officer noticed she appeared to be in medical distress. She was taken to a hospital where she later died. Advertisement Police investigators suspect the death was caused by a drug overdose and have said theres no indication officers used force on Jenkins. Two weeks later, Keiala Jenkins watched video footage of her daughters arrest. At a news conference, the mother said her daughter should have received help sooner than she did. San Diego police officials declined to comment on the case because it is currently being investigated by the District Attorneys Office as most in-custody deaths are but there are several department policies that discuss medical care for people in the custody of law enforcement. One such policy on emergency treatment says that paramedics are not generally needed when an individual is suffering from minor illnesses or injuries. A different policy on jail booking procedures says arrestees who require immediate medical treatment should be taken to the closest hospital that has an emergency room. But neither policy spells out which conditions are minor and which require immediate treatment. The booking procedures policy seems to suggest that the determination is made by officers. Officers may use discretion in determining the best course of action for the particular situation, without consideration of medical costs, it reads. When asked about providing medical aid to prisoners, officials at other departments also mentioned officer discretion. At the Carlsbad Police Department, officers typically err on the side of caution when handling people in their custody who may need medical aid. Department spokeswoman Jodee Reyes said an officer may go so far as to require an in-custody person to be seen by medical professionals, even if they dont want to, as a precaution. Sheriffs Lt. Karen Stubkjaer said deputies are also encouraged to use their best judgment in cases where medical attention might be necessary. She also stressed the role of jail nurses who evaluate all incoming inmates in diagnosing medical emergencies a deputy may have missed. Deputies will usually proactively take them to a hospital for evaluation if they see something they recognize as a medical emergency, Stubkjaer said. If something is a bit more under the surface, the medical nurse at the jail will be able to identify that. Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com One defendant was a La Jolla resident when he killed his wifes lover. Another had enticed Marines to kill her abusive husband in Oceanside. A third shot and pepper-sprayed her boyfriend in his La Mesa apartment as he played video games. In each case, the accused killer was convicted of murder and sent to prison. This week, those three prison inmates were among 274 people granted clemency in California by Gov. Jerry Brown. Eighteen of the people granted clemency either a pardon or a shorter prison sentence had committed crimes in San Diego County ranging from first-degree murder to drug possession. Among the local cases is a full pardon for a 77-year-old community activist who was caught with heroin back in 1965. Advertisement Five of the cases in which Brown agreed to shorten the sentence involve murder convictions. Longtime area residents may remember the case of Laura Troiani, who convinced five Marines to help kill her husband in 1984. She was serving life in prison without parole when Brown cut her sentence to 35 years to life in prison on Monday. In her commutation, Brown states that he does not discount the gravity of this crime, but that he believes Troianis account of significant domestic abuse by her husband. He also pointed to her exemplary conduct in prison. The Christmas Eve clemency saw Brown pardon 143 people, and commute, or lessen, the sentences of another 131 people. The number of commutations from Brown this week is remarkable. Before Monday, he had issued a total of 152 commutations during his entire eight years since his return as governor in 2011. The latest round of clemency comes as the termed-out Brown winds down his time in Californias highest office. He leaves Jan. 7. In this photo from Jan. 10, 2002, murder defendant Michael Hansen listens as his trial begins in a San Diego courtroom (UT file) On Wednesday, a spokesman for the San Diego County District Attorneys Office noted a record number of requests for clemency this year, both for pardons and commutations. Spokesman Steve Walker said that in this recent clemency round, prosecutors didnt oppose the pardon requests, which came from people who had already served their time for long-ago crimes. However, he said, the office opposed clemency for nearly all of the San Diego defendants who saw their sentences cut on Monday. Pardons are for people who have served their time. Commutations are for people still serving their sentence. A commutation does not mean immediate release for the inmate. Rather, each inmate will get a chance to ask the parole board to consider releasing them at an earlier date than they would have been able to before the grant of clemency. The governor granted pardons this week for 11 people who were convicted in San Diego County at least a decade ago for drug-related crimes or other non-violent offenses. Two others had their sentences commuted for bank robbery and residential burglary. Its been about 54 years since Rachael Ortiz was caught with what she described as a small little bit of heroin. It landed the San Diego woman in prison for nearly a year and on parole for nearly four more. Not long after her release she joined the United Farm Workers as a volunteer and worked for Cesar Chavez. For years, she has been the executive director of the Barrio Station, a nonprofit youth center she founded to help at-risk youth. She also fights to beautify communities including Barrio Logan, and hopes one day for a seat on the California Coastal Commission. On Wednesday, Ortiz said she was brought to tears when the Governors Office called with news of the pardon. It was the best Christmas present that I could have gotten this year, and probably the best in my life, she said. I just feel that its the ultimate forgiveness. Here are the five San Diego murder cases in which Brown granted clemency Monday: Laura Troiani Laura and Carlo Troiani had been married for five years she was his third wife, and he was 14 years older than she when she convinced five Marines to kill him in 1984. In August of that year, she lured her husband to a rural Oceanside road with a tale that her car had broken down. When he arrived, two Marines ambushed and shot him as he called out for help. The three other Marines babysat the couples young children during the killing. In 1987, she was 26 years old when she was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The jury had spared her the death penalty following what was at the time the longest and most expensive trial in county history. In 1993, then-Gov. Pete Wilson rejected Troianis commutation bid. She is now 57 and has been in custody for more than 34 years. According to the Governors Office, six witnesses at trial spoke of abuse. In 2001, an expert on family violence said she was convinced that Troiani and the children were terrorized by her husband, and that Troiani lived in real fear of him. Alvin Timbol In 1995, UC San Diego computer programmer David Hessler interrupted people breaking into his SUV outside of his University City home. As the thieves fled, one of them 19-year-old Alvin Timbol leaned out of the car and shot Hessler in the chest. The case went unsolved for more than 13 years, until fingerprint evidence led investigators to the driver, and then to Timbol. In 2010, Timbol pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. In commuting Timbols sentence, Brown noted the inmates dedication to rehabilitation while in prison. The governor also noted that in 2016, Timbol helped save the life of a prison guard who was choking. Daniel Hopper Daniel Hopper was a 17-year-old gang member when he shot and killed a member of a rival gang in 1999. He was sentenced the following year to 50 years to life in prison. He has been behind bars for approaching 20 years. During that time, he was not involved in gangs and earned the equivalent of a high school diploma. The warden of the prison where Hopper is housed recommended him for commutation, according to the governors statement of commutation. Brown cited Hoppers extraordinary transformation in prison in cutting his sentence to 20 years to life. Michael Hanson In 2001, Michael Hansen waited outside the home of his wifes lover, then shot and killed the man when he got home. A jury found Hansen guilty of second-degree murder, and the trial judge sentenced him to 19 years to life behind bars. But prosecutors balked, arguing he should have received 15 to life for the murder and an extra 25 years to life for using a gun. An appellate court agreed, and Hanson was resentenced this time to 40 years to life in prison. In 2015, the trial judge a former prosecutor wrote in support of commuting Hansens sentence. Brown cited the judges assessment and Hansens behavior behind bars in deciding to cut the sentence to 19 years to life. Geraldine Meyers In 2006, Geraldine Meyers was 45 years old when she shot her boyfriend twice in the head and doused him with pepper spray as he played video games in his La Mesa apartment. At her trial the following year, Myers who was a fitness trainer told a jury that she and Demetrius Warren had been arguing, and she thought he was about to attack her. Meyers had no criminal history when she was convicted of second-degree murder with use of a gun, and was sentenced to 40 years to life. Meyers is now 57 and has been in custody for 12 years. Brown cut her sentence to 15 years to life, giving Meyers a shot at parole in the next few years. He cited her significant transformation while in prison. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT Thousands of federal workers impacted by the partial government shutdown blasted President Trump on Wednesday over his unsubstantiated claim that many of them want their workplaces to remain closed until Congress agrees to cough up taxpayer cash for a border wall with Mexico. The American Federation of Government Employees which represents more than 700,000 federal employees and ranks as the countrys largest federal workers union asserted there should be no confusion about whether its members want the government to reopen. They are eager to get back to work, AFGE President Jeffrey David Cox Sr. said in a statement, as the shutdown entered its fifth day. They unequivocally oppose using shutdowns as a means of resolving policy disputes. This is not about a wall, this is about 800,000 real people with real families and real bills to pay. Nine Cabinet departments including Justice, State and Homeland Security as well as dozens of federal agencies are closed because of the shutdown, forcing some 420,000 employees to work without pay and putting another 380,000 workers out of work. Advertisement Trump could have averted the shutdown by signing a bipartisan bill passed by the Senate that would have kept the government running through February. But Trump refused, affirming he wont approve any spending measure that doesnt earmark at least $5 billion in taxpayer money for the border barrier he previously promised Mexico would pay for. To justify his ultimatum, Trump claimed on Christmas Day that many of the workers impacted by the shutdown told him to stay out until you get the funding for the wall. Trump didnt specify who those workers were, or what agencies they work in. The White House did not return multiple requests for clarification Wednesday. Paul Shearon, president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, called Trumps claim blatantly false. We have not heard from a single member who supports the Presidents inaction, said Shearon, whose organization represents 80,000 federal employees. Most view this as an act of ineptitude. Among others, the IFPTE reps 8,000 NASA scientists who have been furloughed and roughly 400 immigration judges who have also seen their work schedules disrupted because of the shutdown. Ashley Tabaddor, an immigration judge in Los Angeles who cant work because of the shutdown, pointed out the irony in the government shuttering over immigration-related issues. This is going to have a huge impact on the orderly and timely processing of immigration claims, Tabaddor told the Daily News, adding deportation cases could now be pushed back years because of an already overburdened backlog. Every day that we are shut down, the cases that were scheduled for trial are being delayed. As an end to the shutdown appeared nowhere in sight, the Presidents son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and his wife, Ivanka Trump, were spotted by paparazzi at the familys private Florida estate in full vacation mode, wearing light clothes, flip-flops and shades. Just last week, the White House said Kushner was critical to ongoing shutdown negotiations. President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that most of the people not getting paid in the partial government shutdown are Democrats, days after he contended that many federal workers support his call for more border wall funding. Trump made the claim in a morning tweet as the shutdown entered its sixth day, with hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed without pay amid signs pointing toward a prolonged standoff. Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border, Trump said in the tweet. Need to stop Drugs, Human Trafficking, Gang Members & Criminals from coming into our Country. Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats? Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border. Need to stop Drugs, Human Trafficking,Gang Members & Criminals from coming into our Country. Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2018 Advertisement The message contrasted with Trumps claim in an Oval Office appearance on Christmas morning that many of those workers had told him to continue to shut down the government until you get the funding for the wall. These federal workers want the wall, Trump said at the time. About 25 percent of the federal government has been shut down since Saturday, with roughly 800,000 workers affected, including an estimated 350,000 who are on furlough at home without pay. At the heart of the stalemate is Trumps demand for $5 billion in funding for his proposed wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Congressional Democrats have rejected that figure and made counteroffers for border security of as much as $1.6 billion. But the two sides remain deadlocked, and it appears unlikely that a resolution will come before the week is out. The Senate is set to convene at 4 p.m. Thursday, but no votes are scheduled. The House, meanwhile, is out of session until further notice, and the office of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., said Wednesday that it will give lawmakers 24 hours notice of any expected votes in the chamber. A spokesman for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has said Democrats likely plan is to put a bill that funds the government, without money for Trumps wall, on the floor on Jan. 3. That is the first day of the new session of Congress, when Democrats take control of the House. With no end to the shutdown in site, the Office of Personnel Management sent out a Twitter posting Thursday morning in which it shared advice and letter templates for federal workers to use in negotiating for deferred rent and payments to other creditors. As we discussed, I am a Federal employee who has recently been furloughed due to a lack of funding of my agency. Because of this, my income has been severely cut and I am unable to pay the entire cost of my rent, along with my other expenses, one of the sample letters reads. It also suggests the possibility of doing building chores in exchange for reduced payments. Trumps tweet on Thursday prompted criticism from some Democrats who argued that federal workers are not the partisans the president has made them out to be. This is outrageous, Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., said in a tweet. Federal employees dont go to work wearing red or blue jerseys. Theyre public servants. And the President is treating them like poker chips at one of his failed casinos. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., sounded a similar note, saying that federal employees affected by the shutdown work for the FBI & TSA (not GOP or DNC). They signed up to protect us & work for America regardless of party, she said in a tweet. A nationally representative 2010 Gallup survey found that the political leanings of federal employees depended in part on whether they belonged to a union. Among federal union members, 40 percent identified as Democrats, 31 percent said they were independent, and 27 percent identified as Republican. Among federal workers not belonging to a union, 29 percent identified as Democrats, 36 percent said they were independent, and 33 percent identified as Republican. Of the federal employees surveyed, 1,954 were members of a union while 6,607 were not. A more recent survey by Government Executive of 1,791 federal employees from 25 agencies found that 24 percent of federal workers identified as Democrats, with an identical amount identifying as Republicans. Thirty-seven percent of workers in the 2018 survey said they were politically independent. Because the sample of employees was drawn from subscribers to Government Executive magazines, these numbers are not representative of the entire federal workforce. Among federal workers who donated to a presidential candidate in 2016, an overwhelming number gave to Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, according to an analysis of federal campaign contributions by The Hill. A recent CNN poll showed that 61 percent of respondents oppose building a border wall without any funding from Mexico. Only 33 percent of respondents support such a plan, including 75 percent of Republicans, 32 percent of independents and just 4 percent of Democrats. The Washington Posts Jeff Stein and Jenna Portnoy contributed to this report. First published in the Washington Post Since the inauguration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (known as AMLO), the issue of the migrant caravan from Central America has largely disappeared from the media headlines in both countries. A lack of public statements or tweets from the White House has helped a great deal; and the new secretary of the interior in Mexico, Olga Sanchez Cordero, has claimed that we have solved the problem. Related: The real immigration crisis is being ignored But the drama and melodrama of the caravan has left several lessons in its wake, lessons that tell us much about the nature of the bilateral relationship and the politics of both countries. Advertisement First, it is abundantly clear that the politics of migration in the United States have been and will likely continue to be weaponized. President Donald Trumps exaggeration of the threat of a migrant invasion was undertaken to both apply pressure to Mexico, but more importantly to push Congress to fund his pet project, the border wall, which has now led to the partial shutdown of the federal government. Second, the saga of the caravan produced widely diverging reactions within Mexico itself. Although the migrants received a warm welcome from Mexican society as they passed through most of the country, once they reached Tijuana, an ugly outpouring of anti-migrant sentiment appeared in the form of protests and social media campaigns. While it is true that the migrants continued to receive support from the broader community, there was a growing feeling that these migrants were somehow different to earlier groups, that there were darker interests behind them, what locals called a mano negro or dark hand. The third takeaway concerns that final point. While we are not certain who was supporting the caravan, it is clear that it was very well-organized and rather well-funded by the time it reached the Tijuana-San Diego border. Reports of migrants arriving in SUVs and staying in Airbnb accommodation circulated widely, further exacerbating the rumors concerning the true interests behind the phenomenon. Lastly, out of the political crisis surrounding the caravan has emerged an opportunity. An intense and productive dialogue between the U.S. and Mexican administrations has brought about a consensus on the need to address the causes of migration from Central America. This has been a central feature of AMLOs public statements on migration, and he has called for a Marshall Plan for the region that would inject tens of billions of dollars into infrastructure and economic growth. Though these funds are unlikely to come from the U.S. any time soon, there has been a reaffirmation from the Trump administration of the importance of the issue and the critical nature of U.S.-Mexico cooperation on the issue. The recent announcement of $5.8 billion in funding for Central America refers, in fact, to congressional funding that was approved during the Obama administration. However, the involvement of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. governments development finance institution, suggests that the U.S. is willing to support and encourage private sector investment in the region. Despite the lack of a substantial new commitment, this has been hailed as a major diplomatic coup by AMLO and his government. Furthermore, Mexico has promised to issue a large number of new work visas for Central Americans so that they can contribute to the Mexican economy and has also committed to major investments in the southern portion of Mexico to alleviate the need to migrate. President Trumps latest move of forcing asylum seekers to stay in Mexico until their applications have been processed puts the pressure firmly on AMLO. While it seems that the new Mexican administration is going along with the decision for now, pressure will mount on the Mexican president for his apparent acquiescence to Trumps anti-immigrant tactics. The opposition and a number of actors within his own Morena party will call on AMLO to resist Trump and to show solidarity with Central America and its citizens by adopting a less collaborative approach with the U.S. When the next caravan emerges, as it surely will, AMLO will find himself caught between a rock and hard place. Acquiesce to U.S. demands and risk the wrath of the Mexican electorate and his own party or adopt a more forceful attitude and risk a major dispute with Trump. One fears that the next crisis will not be resolved as quickly, and that accusations from the White House that Mexico is not doing enough will draw a more visceral reaction from Mexicos Palacio Nacional. As ever in the bilateral relationship, human migration remains an irritant that will not easily be assuaged. Wood is the director of the Mexico Institute at the Washington, D.C.-based Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The latest government shutdown is a national joke, but heres the bad punchline: The impasse over the proposed wall has little to do with the real issues we are actually facing at the border, and its distracting us from doing something that would matter. You wouldnt know this from the political debate, but we actually dont have an illegal immigration crisis. Far from it. Related: How long will Mexico play ball with Trump? When I first started focusing on this issue in the days after 9/11, the Border Patrol regularly caught nearly 1.7 million people trying to cross every year an era when the border was truly out of control. Advertisement But last year, the Border Patrol apprehended a small fraction of that just more than 300,000. Meanwhile, Mexicos economy has become stronger, so illegal immigration from Mexico has dropped sharply to less than 10 percent of what it was at its peak. Mexicos unemployment rate is low 3.5 percent and there are labor shortages all across the country. There are good jobs available there, so fewer people are coming. As a result, the undocumented population is plummeting down by 1.5 million over the last decade. So, our border is actually more secure than it has ever been, and illegal immigration is at historic lows. Instead of a wall, what should Congress be focused on? First, an exodus of Central American is causing a breakdown of our asylum system. Since 2012, asylum claims by individuals from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras have increased by more than five-fold. The Trump administration has mostly tried to address this challenge through measures aimed at deterring people from coming prosecuting asylum seekers, separating kids from parents, forcing people to apply only at ports of entry, making people wait in Mexico, changing legal standards and forcing people to endure extended detention. But courts have blocked most of these measures, most Americans oppose them, and people are coming anyway. The drivers behind the exodus remain unaddressed. Conditions are still extremely bad; gang and domestic violence continues to terrorize huge numbers of people, and governments are too weak to do anything about it. In turn, this violence has led to economic breakdown made even worse by environmental crises. Meanwhile, our immigration system is breaking down from the flood of people seeking protection. There is currently a backlog of nearly 300,000 asylum cases, and it takes years for an asylum claim to be resolved. The Trump administration has tried to address this by putting obstacles in the way of people applying for asylum, but the reality is that under the law, theres only so much the administration can do. People have a right to claim asylum, and many people have genuine claims. Mexicos new president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has correctly pointed out nothing will change until the governments in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are strong enough to stand up to the gangs, reduce violence and bring prosperity. So he is trying to lead an effort to assist these nations what he is calling a new Marshall Plan. We should be full partners with Mexico on this. Its expensive, but its the only real path to addressing the crisis. We also have to get our house in order by fixing the asylum system. Congress needs to ease the backlogs by hiring more immigration judges and asylum officers, and by changing the law to enable more expedited reviews, consistent with due process, as well as enabling some reviews to be done closer to the problem areas and away from our border. We also need to look at the immigration issue in a broader economic context. Our economy needs immigrants right now. Farms depending on cheap labor from Mexico are facing labor shortages, and construction labor costs are making new homes more expensive than they used to be. In addition, tech companies are starved for the high-skilled foreign workers we need to keep our state on the cutting edge. We may have an immigration crisis, but its from too few immigrants, not too many. Two recent studies by Beacon Economics and UCLA warn that Californias labor shortage threatens our economy. So instead of fighting over how to keep immigrants out, the economists say we should be reforming our immigration laws to help more people to come. Unfortunately, the politics and economic realities of immigration have never been further apart than they are now. Its time to turn the page as the new Congress gets started in the new year. Stodder is a lawyer and served in the Obama administration as assistant secretary of Homeland Security. He previously served in the Bush administration as director of policy for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. As many Americans celebrated a childs birth on Christmas Day, the grim news spread that an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy had died in U.S. government custody, the second child to die in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection this month after none had died in more than a decade. By days end, border agents had adopted new protocols to ensure childrens safety amid a wave of immigrant arrivals at the southern border. The immigration debate has led to a partial government shutdown over border wall funding and new questions about U.S. political, legal and moral responsibilities. As hundreds of thousands of government employees stay home, others will start medical checks on every migrant child in custody. That should already have been mandatory, especially for a government that tore children from parents as a policy matter until judicial intervention this year. Some Democrats have already demanded a congressional investigation into the Christmas Eve death of 8-year-old Felipe Alonzo-Gomez. That should proceed quickly and thoroughly, along with a probe underway within the ranks of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. An independent investigation should be a first order of business for the new Democratic-controlled House when it convenes after the break. History books will be written about this. What they will say is up to politicians and to us. Related: An inside look at the fight to stop family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border Advertisement Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Boosting P.B. density is a very bad decision Re Plan would transform eastern Pacific Beach into trolley-oriented residential village (Dec. 18): As a Pacific Beach resident, I read with horror the utopian and foolish plan to triple the housing in eastern Pacific Beach, this on top of the 172 units under construction where Interstate 5 North feeds into Pacific Beach. Mission Bay Drive at Garnet Avenue is already perhaps the busiest intersection in the county. Its beyond naive to think that most residents in this planned housing would eschew cars for bicycles and a trolley system that stops at just a tiny fraction of the places San Diegans go. This is a recipe for increased gridlock getting into, out of and around in Pacific Beach. Please abandon this madness. Advertisement Gary Kent Pacific Beach I agree with the letter writer in his assertion of so few willing to abandon their cars in favor of traveling by foot in the new mega development at the foot of Garnet and Balboa Avenues in Pacific Beach. I live two blocks away and for the past 51 years have walked that intersection without seeing even one pedestrian excepting the homeless living in the canyon and under the bridge. San Diegans are too lazy to walk and besides its such a privilege to drive a nice shiny car. As for public transit, you must be kidding, does anyone really believe that important residents of this city will submit to second class citizenship? Everybody in this town talks a sweet talk except cant walk a sweet mile or take a sweet bus! Just recently the Metropolitan Transit Service cut back bus service in Clairemont and I have noticed literally tens of thousands more cars on Balboa Avenue. This is not coincidental. Daniel J. Smiechowski Bay Ho Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. Many Rancho Bernardans were among thousands of San Diego water customers who received an unexpected surprise early in the year when their bill suddenly doubled, tripled or even quadrupled from previous billing periods. On Feb. 26, city officials held a town hall meeting at the Rancho Bernardo Library one of several citywide that drew a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100. Attendees expressed their distress and shock of receiving exorbitantly high bills that had spiked from a couple hundred dollars to over $1,000 for no apparent reason within a two-month billing cycle. I apologize for you being here, Kris Michell, the City of San Diegos chief operating officer, said during her opening remarks. A mistake has been made. It has been a challenge ... frustrating. Michell acknowledged how powerless and angry San Diegans had been over receiving the bills and promised to make things right. How we got here is not as important as that we will fix your individual water bill, Michell said, adding, It will not happen again. We will fix your bill and presume you are not the mistake. We are the mistake. At the meeting it was announced that survey of 3,000 customers had found at least 350 meters misread in Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Mira Mesa, Carmel Valley and La Jolla. Officials said the problem was not attributed to the citys transition to smart meters at each home or business, set to be complete by February 2020. The problem for some of the bills was attributed to human error by a single meter reader. But a city audit conducted a few months later revealed issues that by early August led to Mayor Kevin Faulconer calling for sweeping reform within the Public Utilities Department. Per reports by City Auditor Eduardo Lunas office and the business consulting firm West Monroe Partners, meter reading employee errors, lack of oversight and insufficient quality control led to billing complaints, in addition to scheduled rate increases, high water use after drought restrictions were lifted and a longer billing cycle between September and December. The auditors recommended 18 reforms related to strengthening quality control and human meter reader oversight; proactively analyzing billing, water use and call volume data; and improving public communications and customer service attitudes. Percentages dont matter if you are the one that is overbilled even one wrong bill is too many, Faulconer said. ...The department needs to rebuild the trust that has been lost. Per Lunas audit of 1.3 million water bills from 2017, roughly 21,000 1.6 percent showed double or more than double the previous billing periods usage. It did not mean the bills were incorrect. Overall, the department flagged 57,117 potentially irregular bills for additional review, adjusted 18,728 bills before they were sent out and another 2,750 after customers received an incorrect bill. Human error was found to have been the primary cause, with 10 of departments 36 meter readers found to be responsible for more than half the readings corrected before billing and 71 percent of rebillings for 2017. Among other department changes implemented to prevent future errors was the policy of leaving a door hanger on the front door of single-family residences when the meter is read. If a meter cannot be read due to a vehicle parked over it or shrubbery blocking access, for example a note is left so the customer can remove the obstruction and a meter reader can make a return visit instead of estimating water usage. Officials also said technology would be used to notice water usage spikes as they occur so customers can take corrective action before the next bill arrives. City News Service contributed to this article. Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/27/2018 -- Euro Petroleum Consultants is one of the most sought-after consulting companies that hosts Conferences all across the globe to exchange knowledge and experience. Euro Petroleum Consultants hosts a number of renowned conferences including Executive ME-CAT 2018 (Manama, Bahrain), Summit 2019 (Sochi, Russia), GTCC 2019 (Moscow, Russia), RPTC 2019 (Moscow, Russia), RRTC 2019 (Moscow, Russia), IDTC 2019 (Sardinia, Italy), BBTC 2019 (Sardinia, Italy), and many others. Euro Petroleum Consultants hosts 15 conferences annually all over the globe in countries such as Russia, Thailand, Bahrain, United Kingdom, and UAE. The conferences usually gather hundreds of producers, technology providers and suppliers from various industries for knowledge exchange and discussion on different key issues in oil, gas and petrochemical industries. Euro Petroleum Consultants is an independent specialist consultancy and events organisation agency. In addition to hosting conferences, Euro Petroleum Consultants also offers Training Services, Recruitment Services and Consultancy Services. Euro Petroleum Consultants has a team of experts who work closely with each of their customers to thoroughly understand their needs and provide the best consultancy services. Euro Petroleum Consultants has served many world-renowned brands such as Axens Group Technologies, ExxonMobil, ForteInvest, GAZPROM NEFT, KNPC, Lukoil Oil Company, ROSNEFT, Sberbank, Shell Global Solutions, SOCAR, Takreer, Honeywell UOP, and various others. Talking further about their conferences, one of the representatives from Euro Petroleum Consultants stated, "Euro Petroleum Consultants has been producing high-level conferences for the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors since 1999. Euro Petroleum Consultants hosts 15 global events annually and provides a unique platform for producers, technology providers and suppliers to gather and exchange knowledge and experience on all key industry issues." About Euro Petroleum Consultants Euro Petroleum Consultants is a leading independent consulting company with worldwide experience in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. Euro Petroleum Consultants has four primary business lines: Consulting, Conferences, Training, and Recruitment. Euro Petroleum Consultants was founded to provide solid consulting advice and quality assistance to the refining and petrochemical sectors, throughout all the stages of project analysis and implementation. For more information, please visit: https://www.europetro.com/events?event_type=Conference&order_by=begin_date&direction=asc Contact Details: Euro Petroleum Consultants Ltd 44 Oxford Drive Bermondsey Street London SE1 2FB United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0) 20 7357 8394 Email: enquiries@europetro.com Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/26/2018 -- The demand for military helicopter seats is increasing due to rising demand of military helicopters and it is likely to witness high growth due to several reasons such as increasing threats from terrorism and extremism among others. Get more Information about this Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/military-helicopter-seats-market.html Based on product types, the military helicopter seats market is segmented into ejection seats, crashworthy seats and others. In 2015, the ejection seat segment anticipated to be the major market and anticipated to be the same during the forecast period of 2016 2024. The major factor boosting the demand of the market is increasing use of military helicopter in developing regions such as Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East and Africa. Some of the other factors boosting the demand are the raise in the fleet of helicopters. Request a Brochure for Research Insights at @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=16565 Based on the various maintenance types, the military helicopter seats market is segmented into airframe maintenance, field maintenance, engine maintenance, component maintenance and others. In 2015, the component maintenance segment expected to be the most important market and anticipated to be the same during the forecast period. Component segment includes maintenance of foams & fittings, seat actuators and among others. These are very important components of military helicopters seat and should be maintained according to the standards set by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In 2015, the field maintenance and repair market is highly influenced by the growing orders of military helicopters from developing regions. For instance, in 2015, Korean Aerospace Industries to build up next generation light civil helicopter and light-armed helicopter and South Korea awarded a contract to airbus helicopters. Based on the various component types, the military helicopter seats market is segmented into foams & fittings, seat actuators and others. Among different types of components, seat actuator is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2016 2024, due to rise in the designed seats from the actuators. The others segment accounted for highest share in 2015 and expected to be the same during the forecast period of 2016 2020 which includes metals, thermoplastics, plastics and fibres among others. Based on the regions, the military helicopter seats market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East and Africa. North America holds the major market share followed by Europe. In addition, Europe is the second largest market for military helicopter seats market followed by Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America. The U.S. is the key contributors to the military helicopter seats market in North America. Military helicopter seats is high in North America is due to concentrated funding for military helicopter procurement will positively affect growth in the maintenance market. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2016 2024. The demand for military helicopter seats is increasing in developing countries such as India, China and Japan among others due to border problems among countries such as China and India and India and Pakistan among others. One of the major factors fueling the market for military helicopter seats market is Brazilian Army is investing enormous amounts for advancing its military. Get Table of Content @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=16565 The Pumapunku (Gateway of the Puma or Jaguar), a highly damaged pre-Columbian monument at the ancient archaeological site of Tiwanaku, Bolivia, has been reconstructed using 3D printed miniature models of architectural fragments. The ruins of Tiwanaku (500-950 CE) present an archaeological challenge owing to intense looting during the colonial period that effectively demolished the site. One building in particular, the Pumapunku, was described by Spanish conquistadors and travelers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as a wondrous, though unfinished, building with gateways and windows carved from single blocks. Unfortunately, during the last five centuries, treasure hunters have ransacked this building to the point that none of approximately shattered remains of 150 blocks of the standing architecture are to be found in their original place. A major challenge here is that the majority of the stones of Pumapunku are too large to move and that field notes from previous research by others present us with complex and cumbersome data that is difficult to visualize, said Dr. Alexei Vranich, an archaeologist at the University of California, Berkeley. The intent of our project was to translate that data into something that both our hands and our minds could grasp. Printing miniature 3D models of the stones allowed us to quickly handle and refit the blocks to try and recreate the structure. The 3D reconstruction of Pumapunku not only shows possible configurations of what the site may have looked like, but also gives clues about the purpose of the building. One particularly interesting realization was that smashed doorways of different sizes that lay scattered around the site were aligned in a manner that would create a mirror effect; the impression of looking into infinity, when, in fact, the viewer was looking into a single room, Dr. Vranich said. This may relate to the Incans belief that this is the site where the world was created and could also suggest that the building was used as a ritual space. Dr. Vranich and colleagues printed 3D models of a total of 140 pieces of andesite and 17 slabs of sandstone based on measurements compiled by various scholars over the past century and a half of the height, length and width of the blocks found at the site of Tiwanaku. Once modelled on the computer and then made solid with a 3D printer, they then physically manipulated the blocks to reconstruct the site, trying out different ways in which they may fit together. This effort represents a technological step back from recent methods that used computer modelling to recreate structures on screen, but the human brain continues to be more efficient than a computer when it comes to manipulating and visualizing irregular 3D forms, Dr. Vranich said. We attempted to capitalize on archaeologists learned ability to visualize and mentally rotate irregular objects in space by providing them with 3D printed objects that they could physically manipulate. The results are presented in the journal Heritage Science. _____ Alexei Vranich. 2018. Reconstructing ancient architecture at Tiwanaku, Bolivia: the potential and promise of 3D printing. Heritage Science 6: 65; doi: 10.1186/s40494-018-0231-0 This Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon! Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page? The Gazprom board of directors completed a review on the outlook of the LNG bunkering market earlier this week, and confirmed the companys commitment to the sector. Gazprom continues to build the LNG production, storage and shipment complex near the Portovaya compressor station. It is planned to use the plants output to, inter alia, bunker marine vessels in Russia. The core process equipment of the complex is being assembled at the moment, a group statement said. Meanwhile, construction of an onshore LNG storage tank and berthing facilities is underway. The complex is slated to come onstream in 2019. In addition, Gazprom is exploring the possibilities of building plants in the area of the Black Sea and in Russias Far East. Read more: LNG bunkering becoming a global phenomenon Gazpromneft Marine Bunker, the Gazproms single operator for selling LNG to end consumers in the bunkering market, is currently working on a project for an LNG bunkering vessel. Today, only four vessels of this kind exist worldwide, along with eleven small-scale gas carriers some of which are fitted out for LNG bunkering, Gazprom noted. The increased use of LNG as a bunker fuel was triggered by the IMO Marpol Convention. From 2020, a global 0.5% sulphur cap will be enforced. This measure is expected to significantly decrease the use of fuel oil and increase the consumption of LNG as a fuel meeting all of the environmental requirements set by Marpol, Gazprom said. Press Release December 27, 2018 De Lima hits PAO for inaction on 862 detainees Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has chided the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) for neglecting its duty when it failed to act on the immediate release of some 862 detainees from prison under a new law adjusting penalties for light offenses. De Lima, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, said PAO's neglect of its public duties showed its mockery of the Philippine justice system. "Just because no one is watching, just because no one is keeping count, doesn't grant unbridled license to be neglectful of public duties. This is the attitude that we should maintain in government service," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 435. "Apparently, however, some officials in the current administration display a different mindset. Nagpapabaya sa tungkulin. Papetiks-petiks. Dedma," she added. Republic Act No. 10951, which was filed to benefit detainees with petty crimes and long prison sentences, amended the Revised Penal Code and adjusted conditions for the imposition of prison time and fines on criminal offenders. During budget deliberations in the Senate, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon disclosed that 862 inmates who are already entitled to be released remain locked up. "Anong ginagawa ni Atty. Persida Acosta at ng PAO sa kanilang mandato sa ilalim ng RA 10951? How could they sleep at night knowing that only two out of 862 qualified prisoners have been released since the passage of said law a little over a year ago?", De Lima asked. De Lima, a former justice secretary, reminded that prisoners are human being who are entitled to fair treatment, noting that imprisonment is neither a license to have them languish in the dark forever, nor is it a death sentence. "Let us listen to the experts and reform advocates: treat prisoners like the human beings they really are. Rehabilitate them for someday they will be reintegrated back to society," she said. "Babalik sila sa ating lipunan balang araw. Nais ba natin na bumalik sila na nababalot ng poot at dilim at galit sa pagpapawalang-halaga sa kanilang karapatang pantao? Let us then plant seeds of hope and respect in our prisoners and their families. Let us finally uproot the weeds of mistrust and misgivings in our midst," she added. Motivated by the global trend towards restorative justice in the laws concerning crime and punishment, De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1879 which seeks to integrate the management of the country's jails and prisons under one agency tasked to provide better treatment and rehabilitation programs for all detainees and prisoners last July. Last Dec. 10, she also filed SB No. 2130 which seeks to establish prison reform and restorative justice in the country's correctional system, bearing in mind the need to restore human dignity even as to these found to have transgressed our laws. Trans-Tasman Resources has been granted leave to appeal a High Court decision quashing its consent to mine iron sands off the Taranaki coast. The Court of Appeal decided to hear arguments from both the would-be iron sands miner and the environmental and fishing groups that oppose the proposed project. The 35-year consent for the project to extract 50 million tonnes of seabed material a year was granted in August 2017 on the casting vote of the chair of a decision-making committee appointed by the Environmental Protection Authority. The consent included numerous conditions including a requirement for pre-mining monitoring. However, environmentalists, fishing and iwi groups sought to stop the project, and in August, the High Court ruled the committee had been wrong about the way it granted discharge consents for the project in the Exclusive Economic Zone. It sent the issue back to the decision-making committee for reconsideration. The High Court rejected the opponents' other grounds for overturning the consent, these being that the EPA should have rejected the application as incomplete; that the committee had failed to apply the legislation's information principles correctly; that the committee had not properly considered the effects of the proposal on existing interests; that the committee had not taken a sufficiently cautious approach; and that it had failed to observe the principles of natural justice. Justices Christine French, Mark Cooper and Helen Winkelmann granted leave to TTR in a Dec. 19 minute. "The basis of TTRs appeal is that the EPA did follow a legally correct approach in granting a marine discharge consent to TTR - including a comprehensive set of consent conditions specifically designed to protect the marine environment and existing interests, particularly iwi," TTR executive chair Allan Eggers said in a statement. The judges will also let the project's opponents file notices of cross-appeal, although they urged the groups to "focus on matters that are central to the disposition of the case." TTR has faced a number of obstacles in its bid to begin mining. Its initial consent bid for the project was turned down in 2014, largely due to a lack of data on the seabed's untouched state and on the expected impacts of its proposal. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. 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Related News: Property for Industry Limited (NZX: PFI) Strong Valuation Outcome, Penrose Acquisition 3rd December 2021 Morning Report Fonterra Shareholders Fund (NZX: FSF) Fonterra provides Milk Price, earnings and Q1 update Kiwi Property Group Limited (NZX: KPG) Signs Sale and Purchase Agreement with IKEA 2nd December 2021 Morning Report The New Zealand Refining Company Limited (NZX: NZR) Launches Share Purchase Plan Seeka Limited (NZX: SEK) Confirms Market Guidance Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (NZX: ANZ) Acknowledges Class Action Proceedings 1st December 2021 Morning Report Livestock Improvement Corporation Limited (NZX: LIC) Appoints New Chief Executive While players like Huawei, LG, Motorola and Apple secured patents on foldable devices, South Korean giant Samsung took a definitive lead, showcasing a real one in November when Justin Dennison, Senior Vice President of Mobile Marketing, took out a foldable smartphone from his jacket at a New York event. New Delhi: As smartphones went through a couple of noticeable innovations in the hardware department in 2018 -- especially Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven cameras and improved battery -- the rise of 5G-ready and foldable devices stole the limelight. Reports surfaced that Samsung plans to launch its first foldable smartphone in March next year and the shipment volume would be at least one million. The smartphone would fold inward and sport a 7.4-inch screen when unfolded and have a 4.6-inch display like a regular smartphone when folded. When it came to 5G, Samsung again pushed the envelope and announced 5G-enabled smartphones with US telecom carriers Verizon and AT&T that would hit the market in the first half of 2019. Chinese player OnePlus joined the bandwagon in December, announcing it will release a commercial 5G smartphone with carrier network EE in the UK in 2019. According to Tarun Pathak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, 5G devices will soon be a reality. "Form factors like foldable phones along with 5G technology will act as a catalyst impacting the upgrade rate of premium smartphones," Pathak told IANS. "These features will help smartphone original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to differentiate their offerings. One of the aggressive marketing campaign will surely be about to launch the 'first 5G' smartphone in a region/country or price segment," he added. "Smartphones have not seen much disruptive innovations for a long time now -- in form factor and display. Samsung has now achieved a technical breakthrough in display manufacturing," noted Prabhu Ram, Head-Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CyberMedia Research (CMR). Rest of the year saw major innovations in the camera department, with almost every player in the market infusing AI into sensors to do the job of clicking that perfect moment for you. An early innovator in smartphone camera technology, Huawei in April brought a Leica-designed, triple-camera system in P20 Pro smartphone which became its USP. Samsung later announced two smartphones -- Galaxy A7 with three-rear camera and Galaxy A9 with the four-rear camera system -- with AI embedded into it. The year also saw Chinese electronics major Xiaomi's meteoric rise in India, increasing its market share quarters after quarters on the back of its popular Redmi series. In a bid to break the notion that it is just a smartphone brand, Xiaomi also amplified its products portfolio in categories like fitness and health, smart home, smart travel and more -- using AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. OnePlus 6T became the flagship killer of the year in the Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 segment. Topped with a bigger battery and some hardware improvements, OnePlus 6T made for a highly desirable smartphone in the premium category. As smartphones scouted for innovation, data went dirt cheap. Smartphone users in India are now consuming an average 1GB data per day and spending more than 90 minutes on online activities daily across the entry-level, mid and premium segments, revealed a Nielsen India report in September. "The advent of high-speed 4G Internet, less-expensive mobile handsets and a correction in call data charges have encouraged the speedy adoption of smartphones in India," said Abhijit Matkar, Director-Technology IPG - Nielsen India. With a rise in smartphone ownership, India was expected to end the year with over 500 million smartphone users, said US-based media agency Zenith. Beyond smartphones, mobile handset market also saw a mammoth rise and to meet the demand of the mass market, new Chinese and Indian vendors launched affordable handsets with latest features, some even under Rs 5,000. Backed by robust growth in smartphone as well as smart-feature phone categories, an estimated 302 million mobile handsets will be sold in India in 2019 -- the highest ever in a year -- said technology research consulting firm techARC. Of the 302 million mobile handsets, 149 million (49.3 per cent) will be smartphones, 55 million (18.2 per cent) will be smart-feature phones and the remaining 98 million (32.5 per cent) will be feature phones. With data prices breaking all records -- thanks to cheaper plans from carriers like Reliance Jio and affordable yet powerful smartphones now available on shelves -- the smartphone and mobile growth in India would only swell further. (Nishant Arora can be contacted at nishant.a@ians.in) "The Indian IT industry is reinventing for digital. India is seen as a country with huge digital transformation potential globally. Digital business is the next growth engine," K.S. Viswanathan, Vice President of Nasscom, the industry's apex body, told IANS here. Bengaluru: Embracing disruptive technologies to stay ahead of the curve, the buoyant Indian IT industry made digital business its growth driver in 2018, despite facing a shortage of skills and double-digit attrition. With digital business contributing over one-third of the revenue of global software majors like TCS, Infosys, Wipro and HCL Technologies, even mid-size and smaller firms have adopted digital platforms to meet the demand from customers worldwide. "While larger firms have adopted digital and are mentioning revenue from it in their annual reports, mid-tier and smaller firms are also adopting it (disruptive technology), which augurs well for the services-led industry," Viswanathan noted. Recovering from sluggish sequential growth in fiscal 2016-17 and 2017-18, the industry revved up this fiscal (2018-19) to meet the increasing demand for new services in the digital domain, spanning Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, blockchain, Cloud, data analytics or mining, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning (ML) and robotics. "As per global trends, businesses have to be data-driven for efficient and competitive advantage. Digital technologies like AI and ML are key for enterprises to leverage data in smart ways," Srikanth Soundarajan, partner of city-based Venture East, told IANS. Accounting for 37 per cent share of the global outsourcing of software services, the Indian IT-BPM (business process management) industry is set to post $167 billion revenue for fiscal 2018-19 from $154 billion in fiscal 2017-18, including exports, registering around eight per cent annual growth. The resilient industry has been harnessing newer technologies and re-skilling to sustain growth and be competitive. It has been focusing on intelligent operations like process and domain expertise, while marquee firms made strategic acquisitions to arm with digital technology and skilled talent across platforms for diverse verticals. "As digital technologies reshape businesses, the industry has been upskilling, acquiring competencies through mergers and acquisitions or partnerships and building platforms and software products," said Nasscom Vice Chairman Keshav R. Murugesh, In the engineering and design ecosystem, too, many things are moving from services to products and products to platforms, thanks to digital innovation, talent pool and skill sets. "Nasscom and the Indian government have signed an agreement with Japan this year to power its hardware with our software to make a difference to products," Vishwanathan recalled. As the Indian IT industry dominates over 50 per cent of global IT outsourcing, vendors have been forced to invest in digital platforms and reskilling of their techies for the paradigm shift in their service offerings with digital interfaces. With global tech firms like Accenture, IBM and Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) taking the lead in global digital services, Indian behemoths have been investing and hiring to retain their legacy clients and enter new geographies to increase market share. With 17,000 firms across the country, the industry offers a range of services, having built skills and capabilities to address new and developing customer demands. Over the years, IT firms have invested in building capabilities around new technologies, and have set up labs to deliver digital services to customers worldwide. "Businesses are taking advantage of emerging technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA), AI, digital communications, IoT and cognitive computing to improve profitability, collaboration and competitiveness," Murugesh noted. Digital innovation has also been drawing global firms to India owing to the wealth of talent to hone the new skills than cost arbitrage. Around 45 per cent of global data centres are located in India, making the country a major destination for hosting them. Admitting that there is a relevant skill shortage in the country to capitalise on the huge opportunities from digital platforms, Viswanathan said the industry would need around 300,000 engineers for analytics and data sciences over the next five years. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled our programme called FutureSkills in February to reskill 50 per cent of the workforce for future technologies and get the remaining 50 per cent of them skilled for digital jobs," Vishwanathan recalled. As hiring, skilling and re-skilling takes time and resources, top industry leaders made strategic acquisitions to meet the increasing demand for the new-age services. Bellwether Tata Consulting Services (TCS) acquired the London-based W12 Studios on November 1 for an unspecified amount to enhance its digital and design offerings. Similarly, Infosys bought the US-based WongDoody studio for $75 million (Rs 525 crore) in May to provide digital services, while HCL Technologies took over the US-based Actian Corporation for $330 million (Rs 2,310 crore) in July. Wipro bought US-based design consultancy firm Cooper for $8.5 million (Rs 56 crore) in October 2017. According to global research and advisory firm Gartner, discretionary spending by enterprises on digital platforms (Industry 4.0) have been more than in traditional and non-discretionary areas. Though the attrition rate in the industry has reduced over the years, the trend has reversed in this fiscal for various reasons, including inability to adopt to newer technologies and not keeping pace with demand for reskilled techies. (With inputs from Bhavana Akella. Fakir Balaji can be contacted at fakir.b@ians.in) Scandals surrounding Facebook started surfacing in such higher frequencies that industry observers began questioning if the social media giant with over two billion users would be able to survive in the long term. New Delhi: The speed at which global technology giants changed the way people lead their lives -- the way they talk to each other or conduct businesses -- without being concerned about any roadblocks was remarkable. But all that changed in 2018. Leading the charge of the attack on Internet "monopolies" was American billionaire investor George Soros, who warned that social media companies can have adverse consequences on the functioning of democracy and that the days of the US-based IT giants were numbered. Scrutiny of Facebook increased manifold since it revealed earlier this year how a London-based political consultancy, that worked for US President Donald Trump's campaign, improperly got access to data of up to 87 millions users. Appearing before a US Congress Committee in April, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologised for the Cambridge Analytica data leak scandal. In May, he appeared before the European Parliament to respond to questions surrounding the company's business practices, its plans on fighting misinformation on the platform and protecting user privacy among others. While Facebook was slammed for revealing the Cambridge Analytica scandal years after it got to know of it, similar allegations of inaction were also levelled at the social media site for its role in the spread of false and divisive messages by Russian-linked accounts during the 2016 US presidential election. However, the year gave Facebook more opportunities to report fresh incidents of data breaches. In September, it said that a breach had exposed data of 50 million people and then, in December, it reported another security breach where nearly 6.8 million users risked their private photos being exposed to third-party apps. In between, Facebook found itself refuting serious claims of wrongdoings in giving access to user information to certain device makers, including China-based Huawei, and certain large technology companies and popular apps like Netflix or Spotify. Internet giant Google also reported voluminous data leakage this year. In October, it reported that accounts of up to 500,000 users of its social network Google Plus were exposed between 2015 and March 2018. But Google chose not to report the issue partly because it feared regulatory scrutiny and reputational damage, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. For the second time this year, Google said that a bug exposed accounts of 52.5 million Google Plus accounts, prompting the company to shut down the service in April 2019, four months ahead of schedule. Besides, Facebook and Google, a series of data breaches involving other large organisations including Marriott (affecting 500 million guests), Quora (100 million users), Cathay Pacific Airways (9.4 million passengers) gave common and not-so-common people the jitters. But the implementation of the long-awaited General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), designed to give citizens in the European Union (EU) more rights to control their personal information, brought some cheer to users of technology services as non-compliance of GDPR rules can cost a company a fortune -- 20 million Euros or four per cent of its annual turnover. The impact of GDPR implementation, however, did not stay limited to EU citizens alone as it added weight to demands of similar legislation in other countries around the world, including India, which faced criticism from some quarters for using Aadhaar data for delivery of certain services. In an effort to define the legal boundaries of the use of personal data, India had earlier this year brought out the draft of a data protection bill. The Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee submitted the Personal Data Protection Bill 2018 in July, suggesting amendments to the Aadhaar Act to provide for imposition of penalties on data fiduciaries and compensations to data principals for violations of the data protection law. While upholding the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar scheme, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment in September stated that private entities or individuals cannot avail Aadhaar data to provide consumer services, while directing the Centre to bring a robust data protection law. So even as breaches exposed data of millions of users around the world, 2018 gave more voice to demands for greater privacy protection. (Gokul Bhagabati can be contacted at gokul.b@ians.in) Bank staff are protesting the proposed amalgamation on the ground of its likely impact in the form of loss of jobs and closure of branches. The one-day strike was also to press for other demands including wage revision. New Delhi/Kolkata/Chennai: Banking services at branches of state-run banks across the country were hit on Wednesday following the strike by unions against the proposed merger of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with Bank of Baroda. The strike was called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) - an umbrella organisation of all 9 unions including the All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC), the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA), National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE) and the National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW). Wednesday's strike follows the one last Friday by the officers' union of public sector banks (PSBs) to protest against the merger and to demand the immediate settlement of wage negotiations. AIBEA General Secretary C.H. Venkatachalam told IANS from Chennai that the strike call by the unions, which have a combined membership of 10 lakhs, received "very enthusiastic" response. "Reports are reaching us from all the states that the strike has been successful.. Clearing operations were affected because branches are closed and cheques cannot be sent for clearance. Cash transactions have been similarly affected," he said. "Government treasury operations, import and export bill negotiations, money market operations, etc. have also been affected. About 30 lakhs of cheques worth about Rs 23 lakh crore will be held up without clearance due to the strike." Venkatachalam said the protest was joined by unions of 12 private sector lenders like Federal Bank, Dhanalakshmi Bank, Karur Vaishya Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank, Karnataka, Bank, Nainital Bank and Kotak Mahindra, among others. He said that with the last conciliation meeting called by Additional Chief Labour Commissioner not yielding any assurance on the merger, the unions plan to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to "explore convincing the government to stop the merger, or else we will be forced to step up although our aim is not to disrupt banking operations." The government approved this first three-bank merger in September. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh-affiliated NOBW Vice President Ashwini Rana said in a statement: "We also feel strongly that the main issue confronting banks, which is increasing bad loans, will get relegated by bringing proposals of consolidation and merger to the fore." "The nationwide strike in public sector banks against the merger of Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank, is completely successful at least in Kolkata and Delhi as far as I know," said All India Dena Bank Employees Coordination Committee Deputy General Secretary Amitava Ghosh. The strike also affected banking services in Kolkata. "Private and foreign banks' branches'across the city remained shut. Most of the ATM shutters are down, though ATMs located at the hospitals were kept out of the strike. Clearing activities remained closed," United F"rum of Bank Unions' West Bengal Convener Siddhartha Khan told IANS. "We also wish to draw attention to the humongous NPAs (non-performing assets or bad loans) and to press forward the demand of publication of list of skilful and wilful defaulters," All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) Assistant General Secretary Sanjay Das said, adding that a writ petition has already been filed at Delhi High Court challenging the legality of the merger decision. Realty shares are among the worst hit this calendar year. There were some positive spells for these shares at times, but overall, investors appeared extremely reluctant to make significant buying moves in this space, amid rising concerns about the ability of builders to complete projects on time, liquidity issues faced by non-banking finance copanies and growing number of payment defaults by promoters. The demonetisation move by the government in late 2016 impacted land and luxury residential segments and resulted in prices dropping by anywhere between 25 to 40%. The main reason for the correction was the fact that a large chunk of deals in the realty space were done through unaccounted money. Slowly, some recovery could be seen after the government's thrust on its Housing for All scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Awasw Yojana plan resulted in many companies launching their affordable housing projects. However, severe cash crunch in non-banking financial companies and IL&FS group's growing debt took the realty space by storm, triggering a few heavy bouts of selling. The Nifty Realty index has lost more than 30% in the last one year, although in the past one month, the index has gained about 3%. Indiabulls Real Estate, which has gained about 8.25% in the past one month, has shed as much as 61% this year. The next big loser in the Nifty Realty index is Prestige, which is down nearly 31% this year. However, in the past 30 days, Prestige has gained as much as 20%. DLF (down 29%), Sobha (down 28%), Brigade Enterprises (down 26%) and Sunteck Realty (down 16%) are the other big losers in the realty space this year. Phoenix, Oberoi Realty and Godrej Properties have shed between 3.7% and 6%. Brigade Enterprises has notched up over 19% this month, while Oberoil Realty has gained 5.5%. The BSE Realty index, which was hovering around 2828.00 in late January this year, tumbled to 1534.58 by the second week of October, losing about 46% in the process, before edging up slowly to its current level of around 1800.00. Still, the sector holds some promise if one is looking at medium to long term. The grant of infrastructure status to affordable housing and the announcement about Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme that makes available loans at affordable rates for buyers as well as developers are positives for the realty industry. Strict regulations will weed out promoters who seldom comply with rules, but for quality developers and companies adhering to strict governance rules, surviving in the industry will not be a problem. Investors looking for good returns over a long term, can still consider picking up shares of realty firms that have strong fundamentals and rank high in terms of timely completion of projects. New Delhi/Kolkata/Mumbai/Chennai: Banking services at branches of state-run banks across the country were hit on Wednesday following the strike by unions against the proposed merger of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with Bank of Baroda, even as they promised to step up pressure on the government if the decision is not withdrawn. The bank staff are protesting the proposed amalgamation on the ground of its likely impact in the form of loss of jobs and closure of branches. The one-day strike was also to press for other demands including wage revision. The strike was called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) -- an umbrella organisation of all nine unions including the All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC), All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA), National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE) and the National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW). Wednesday's strike follows the one on last Friday by the officers' union of public sector banks (PSBs) to protest against the merger and to demand the immediate settlement of wage negotiations. AIBEA General Secretary C.H. Venkatachalam told IANS from Chennai that the strike call by the unions, which have a combined membership of 10 lakhs, received "very enthusiastic" response. "Reports are reaching us from all the states that the strike has been successful... Clearing operations were affected because branches are closed and cheques can't be sent for clearance. Cash transactions have been similarly affected," he said. "Government treasury operations, import and export bill negotiations, money market operations, etc. have also been affected. About 30 lakh cheques worth about Rs 23 lakh crore will be held up without clearance due to the strike." Venkatachalam said the protest was joined by unions of 12 private sector lenders like Federal Bank, Dhanalakshmi Bank, Karur Vaishya Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank, Karnataka, Bank, Nainital Bank and Kotak Mahindra, among others. He said with the last conciliation meeting called by the Additional Chief Labour Commissioner not yielding any assurance on the merger, the unions plan to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to "explore convincing the government to stop the merger, or else we will be forced to step up although our aim is not to disrupt banking operations". The government approved this first three-bank merger in September. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh-affiliated NOBW Vice President Ashwini Rana said in a statement: "We also feel strongly that the main issue confronting banks, which is increasing bad loans, will get relegated by bringing proposals of consolidation and merger to the fore." "Government wants to divert nation's attention from the increasing bad loans. We want the government to take tough action to recover bad loans," an AIBEA statement said. "If loans are recovered, all banks will be more profitable. Already all the 21 government banks are in operating profit (Rs 1,55,000 crore as on 31-3-2018). Only because of provisions for bad loans (Rs 2,30,000 crore), the banks are in net loss of Rs 85,000 crore," it added. "The nationwide strike in public sector banks against the merger of Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank, is completely successful at least in Kolkata and Delhi as far as I know," said All India Dena Bank Employees Coordination Committee Deputy General Secretary Amitava Ghosh. The strike also affected banking services in Kolkata. "Private and foreign banks' branches across the city remained shut. Most of the ATM shutters were down, though ATMs located at the hospitals were kept out of the strike. Clearing activities remained closed," UFBU's West Bengal Convener Siddhartha Khan told IANS. All banking operations were paralysed in Mumbai with bank staffers responding enthusiastically to the nationwide strike call. The UBFU claimed "100 per cent participation" by the employees and officers from all public sector, old generation private sector and some foreign banks in the strike. In the afternoon, over 5,000 bank employees staged a rally at Azad Maidan and raised slogans opposing the proposed mergers of Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank by the government. "Each public sector bank has its own history, geography and culture in the background. If the government bulldozes the decision of the merger, it will put their customers to great hardships," said UBFU leaders who addressed the rally. Udhayanidhi Stalins Psycho is in trouble as Madras High Court ordered that Mysskin cant make the film with any other actor other than Mythreya. The young actor moved the High Court as Mysskin breached the agreement. According to Mythreya, his dad paid a huge advance to Mysskin to direct a film featuring him in the lead by the director went ahead and announced a new film Psycho with Udhayanidhi Stalin. Aditi Rao Hydari of Kaatru Veliyidai fame and Nithya Menon are the two female leads in the film. Director Ram of Thanga Meenkal and Taramani fame is said to be acting as an investigative cop in Psycho. Ace cinematographer PC Sreeram and veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja are also associated with Mysskins Psycho, the team has also completed almost 60% of the shoot. . 2:3 . , " " , . " , . , " ", ... Page Content POND ISLAND, Sint Maarten The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), recently announced new appointments to the helm of the FCCA effective January 1, 2019. Micky Arison, chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc, has been named the incoming chairman of the association and FCCA Executive Committee, comprised of presidents or above representing FCCA Member Lines, and Albino Supino Di Lorenzo, vice president of cruise operations of MSC Cruises USA, has been named the incoming chairman of the FCCA Operations Committee, which includes numerous high-level operational cruise executives and frequent meetings with destinations and stakeholders. Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson extends congratulations to Arison and Di Lorenzo with respect to their appointments within the cruise body. FCCA Member Lines operate about 200 vessels and 95 percent of the global ocean cruising capacity. The FCCA is the trade association that represents the mutual interests between cruise destinations and stakeholders in the Caribbean and Latin America and FCCA Member Lines. Created in 1972, the FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that provides a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issue and builds bilateral relationships with destinations' private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors. Cruise destination Sint Maarten looks forward to continuing the great strategic relationship we have with the FCCA, and we look forward to working with the Executive Committee and Operational Committee to further strengthen the existing relationship in 2019 and to look at new opportunities despite challenges in this competitive global cruise market. The FCCA and its Member Lines have been an integral part of destination Sint Maartens cruise success. Continuous engagement as has been the approach of Port St. Maarten Management with the cruise industry is a necessity in order to continue with the recovery as cruise passengers continue to rediscover the island. We can look forward to 2019 with much confidence as we work with the FCCA in partnership of continued long-term mutual success, Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson said on Wednesday. Destination Sint Maarten via Port St. Maarten has been part and parcel of the FCCA Caribbean Is Open/Caribbean for Everyone campaign, which began in September 2017 after the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria. The campaign since its establishment has generated more than 5.77 billion impressions and shown a measurable improvement in Caribbean cruise bookings, according to the FCCA. 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Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe3fc6100)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe402d850)', '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(0x7f3fe3fc6100)') 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(0x7f3fe402d850)') 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(0x7f3fe3ed8da8)') 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(0x7f3fe402d850)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe402d850)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe36afdf8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe40217f0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe40217f0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe4054778)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe41c4360)', '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(0x7f3fe4054778)') 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(0x7f3fe41c4360)') 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(0x7f3fe411f518)') 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(0x7f3fe41c4360)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe41c4360)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe36ab6c8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe3eec3e8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe3eec3e8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Britain voices 'grave' concerns over China's Huawei London, Dec 27 (AFP) Dec 27, 2018 British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has warned of his "very deep concerns" about Chinese technology giant Huawei being involved in the use of 5G on Britain's mobile network, The Times reported Thursday. "I have grave, very deep concerns about Huawei providing the 5G network in Britain. It's something we'd have to look at very closely," Williamson was quoted as saying by the newspaper. "We've got to look at what partners such as Australia and the US are doing in order to ensure that they have the maximum security of that 5G network," he said. "We've got to recognise the fact, as has been recently exposed, that the Chinese state does sometimes act in a malign way," he said. Williamson's comments echo similar warnings from MI6 spy agency chief Alex Younger who earlier this year said Britain would have to make "some decisions" about the involvement of firms such as Huawei. Britain's government earlier this year announced the West Midlands region in central England would become the first large-scale testing area for 5G. Fifth-generation mobile networks, or 5G, will have faster transmission speeds and could enable a far wider use of self-driving vehicles and internet-powered household objects. It is expected to be rolled out in Asia and the United States from 2020. Huawei has defended its global ambitions and network in the face of Western fears that the Chinese telecom giant could serve as a Trojan horse for Beijing's security apparatus. The company has been under fire this year with Washington leading efforts to blacklist Huawei internationally and securing the arrest of the company's chief financial officer in Canada. Countries like the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Britain have pulled back from using its products while concerns grow in Japan, France, Germany and even the Czech Republic over security issues. Nations count cost of 2018 climate disasters Paris, Dec 27 (AFP) Dec 27, 2018 Climate change-induced disasters cost nations at least $100 billion in 2018, a watchdog said Thursday, warning the spate of deadly wildfires, floods and superstorms was "a shadow" of things to come if greenhouse gas emissions aren't slashed. This year is set to be the fourth hottest on record and as planet-warming carbon and methane levels in the atmosphere continue to rise, extreme weather events such as the devastating blazes that destroyed swathes of California are likely to become far more common. "2018 showed the catastrophic threat that climate change presents the world. And this was just a shadow of what would come if temperatures continue to rise," said Kat Kramer, global climate lead for the Christian Aid group. Her team compiled a list of 10 climate-linked disasters and used open source data, official estimates and assessments from insurance firms to determine the cost of each. Topping the list were hurricanes Florence and Michael, which caused an estimated $17 billion (15 billion euros) and $15 billion worth of damage, respectively. Michael was the strongest storm to hit the continental United States since 1969, and killed 45 people in the US and at least 13 in Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. This month saw nations agree a common rule book to implement the 2015 Paris climate accord, in which countries committed to limiting global temperature rises to well below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit). But major polluters including the United States and Saudi Arabia disputed a landmark scientific report released in October that suggested nations must slash fossil fuel use by nearly half in a little over a decade in order to achieve the Paris goals. "The only answer is for immediate global efforts to reverse the rise in emissions, to put the world on course for carbon neutrality by the middle of the century," Kramer told AFP. The pledges finalised at the COP24 talks in Poland this month set Earth on a path towards 3C warming -- enough to displace hundreds of millions and tug at the fabric of society. Kramer said governments were still beholden to domestic audiences who rely on dirty energy to heat their homes and power their cars. "Since much of the public's day-to-day life is based around using fossil fuels, governments are often unwilling to make the changes that would be needed to cut emissions." - 'Face of climate change' - 2018 saw at least one major climate-induced disaster on every inhabited continent on Earth. Christian Aid found that four events -- including the California wildfires, drought in southern Europe and widespread flooding in Japan -- cost at least $7 billion each. "The unprecedented floods, droughts, heat waves, wildfires and superstorms we've seen in recent years -- they are the face of climate change," said Michael Mann, distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State University. "The world's weather is becoming more extreme before our eyes -- the only thing that can stop this destructive trend from escalating is a rapid fall in carbon emissions." Christian Aid said the damage estimates were likely to be far lower than the true cost of most disasters as they often only showed insured losses and didn't account for lost productivity associated with closed or damaged businesses and homes. The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2018 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement Trump's surprise troop visit sparks criticism in Iraq Baghdad, Dec 27 (AFP) Dec 27, 2018 President Donald Trump's lightning Christmas visit with US troops in Iraq has triggered questions and criticism in a country deeply divided over Washington's influence since the 2003 US invasion. The Wednesday visit, Trump's first with US troops in a conflict zone since he took office two years ago, came days after a shock decision to pull all American troops from neighbouring Syria. - No visit to PM? - Trump's trip was veiled in such secrecy there was speculation that Iraqi authorities had not been informed, and the US leader did not meet with Iraqi officials. There were no face-to-face talks between Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi due to "differing views on how to organise the meeting", Iraqi authorities said in a statement. The two leaders instead spoke over the phone, the statement added. In Iraqi media, rumours abounded that Trump had asked Abdel Mahdi to meet him at the military base but the premier declined. "What was supposed to pass for a face-saving story -- that Trump refused to meet the PM in Baghdad insisting that the meeting take place at the Ain Al-Asad base -- was viewed by many Iraqis as further proof of Trump's contempt for Iraq," said Fanar Haddad, an Iraq expert at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute. "The excuse made the initial infraction all the worse," said Haddad. Former prime minister Haider al-Abadi said the way in which Trump visited Iraq was "not commensurate with diplomatic norms and relations with sovereign states". "Dealing with Iraq and its sovereignty in this way will harm Iraqi-US relations," he said. - Why now? - Trump's visit follows his surprise decision to withdraw all 2,000 American troops in neighbouring Syria and half of the 14,000 US soldiers deployed in Afghanistan to fight the Taliban. But Trump stressed during his visit that he had no intention of pulling troops out of Iraq, which he said could be used as a future base "if we wanted to do something in Syria". "I think the visit will reassure those fearing that US policy in Iraq will go the way of its policy in Syria," said Haddad. Trump has made disentangling the US from its wars a priority since his 2016 election. The US "cannot continue to be the policeman of the world", he told troops at the Iraqi base. But Iraq is a special case, according to Iraqi political analyst Hisham al-Hashemi. "Iraq is important because of its strategic location. The presence of US forces reassures both Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and strikes a balance between the Kurds and Turkey and the Turkish, Iranian, Iraqi triangle," he said. The US military presence in Iraq also aids "Israel's desire to block the Tehran-Beirut route" and helps offset Iran's strengthening presence in the region, he said. - Iraqi political scene? - Relations between Iraq and the US have seen sizeable shifts since the 2003 US invasion and the overthrow of longtime ruler Saddam Hussein. The US military presence was largely unwelcome for years, until Washington created the international coalition to defeat IS in 2014 and helped erase the jihadists' "caliphate". But Iran's growing influence in the country has worked to diminish pro-US sentiments and pro-Tehran groups now make up a key bloc in the Iraqi parliament. Those groups were angered by Trump's visit. The Iran-backed Harakat al-Nujaba said the presence of US forces in Iraq was a "violation of the country's sovereignty" and it was "now the duty of the government to expel American forces". "Trump's disrespect of Iraq's sovereignty will not go unpunished," it said, adding it would "not allow Iraq to be a base used to threaten other countries". The head of the pro-Iran Asaib Ahl al-Haq group, Qais al-Khazali, tweeted that "Trump's visit to a US military base without regard for diplomatic norms reveals the reality of the American project in Iraq". The Iraqi response, he said, "would be the parliament's decision to remove your military forces" unilaterally. "If you don't withdraw, we have the experience and the ability to remove them in another way," he added. With Abdel Mahdi still struggling to fill key ministerial positions months after his appointment, analyst Hashemi said the "axis close to Iran will seek a parliamentary vote on a timeline for an American pullout from Iraq". These groups and their respective militias play a major role in maintaining security across much of Iraq, especially along the border with Syria. Hashemi said Trump's "disregard for his allies is straining the relationship between Abdel Mahdi and the Iraqi political forces". Trump's ignorance of Iraq's tenuous political scene, he said, may "open the doors for resistance against the American presence in Iraq again". Trump tweets video of secretive SEAL team in Iraq Washington, Dec 27 (AFP) Dec 27, 2018 President Donald Trump may have inadvertently unmasked a Navy SEAL team during his short visit to a US base in Iraq this week. Ordinarily, the whereabouts of special operations forces are a closely held secret. In the rare instances when they are filmed while in a combat zone, their faces and other identifying features are usually blurred out. But after his lightning trip to Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq on Wednesday, Trump tweeted a video of him posing for photos with US troops, shaking their hands and signing mementos. In one scene, he is giving a thumbs up alongside a group of what appear to be special operations forces. According to the pool report of the event, held in a dining hall at the base, a man called Kyu Lee told Trump he was the chaplain for SEAL Team Five. Lee recalled Trump telling him: "Hey, in that case, let's take a picture." While the president has broad authority to declassify information, so his tweet likely didn't run afoul of any rules, some observers called it a breach of operational security. Revealing identities "even if it's the commander-in-chief, would prove a propaganda boom if any of this personnel are detained by a hostile government or captured by a terrorist group," Malcolm Nance, a former US Navy intelligence specialist told Newsweek. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump also drew criticism in the US for repeating a previously debunked claim that he had secured military members a pay raise for the first time in 10 years, when in fact the Pentagon has increased pay each year. In Iraq following the visit, pro-Iran lawmakers called for the government to expel US forces. Suspected killers of Nigeria ex-defence chief arrested: police Lagos, Dec 27 (AFP) Dec 27, 2018 Five suspected killers of a former Nigerian defence chief have been arrested, the police said on Thursday. Retired air chief marshall Alex Badeh was shot dead last week by unknown gunmen on a road outside Abuja, the nation's capital. He was returning from his farm when he was ambushed and shot dead. The police said in a statement they had arrested "two principal suspects who participated in the killing... and three other suspects." "They are now in police custody undergoing investigation." Describing the killing as "very sad and unfortunate," Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari immediately ordered the security forces to arrest the killers to bring them to justice. He also ordered the police to ensure greater security and safety of drivers. Badeh, 61, who served as Nigeria's defence chief under former president Goodluck Jonathan, retired in 2015. He has been on trial since then over allegations of corruption while in office. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is battling a myriad of security problems, from Boko Haram jihadists in the northeast to farmer-herder conflict in the centre and kidnappings for ransom and armed robberies in the south. Buhari who came to power in 2015 and is seeking a second term in February elections, has come under fire for not doing enough to address the security challenges. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. Balearic Islands (Spain), Dec 27 2018 (SPS) -the Frente POLISARIO representative in the Balearic Islands held on Wednesday a sit-in in solidarity with all Saharawi political prisoners in Moroccan prisons. During the said sit-in, which was held in coordination with the Solidarity Association in the Balearic Islands, Sahrawi national flags were raised along with banners in the main square as an expression of solidarity with all Saharawi detainees, calling for their unconditionally release. It should be noted that the sit-in was attended by a number of politicians, jurists and solidarity activists in addition to the saharwi community and representative in the Balearic Islands and the President of the Sahrawi Balearic Friendship Association in the province. SPS 125/090/TRA English26/12/2018 LUKAC: NO MORE PROTESTS AT KRAJINA SQUARE BANJALUKA, December 26 /SRNA/ - Minister of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska Dragan Lukac said on Wednesday a decision was made to ban protests on the Krajina Square in Banjaluka. "For nine months, assemblies were held in Banjaluka which were illegal and were never reported but the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not want to prevent them because they were peaceful and dignified. It has all changed over the past months, Lukac told an extraordinary press conference in Banjaluka. He emphasised that certain politicians used the Justice for David group in a morbid way to pursue their political agenda. "The Krajina Square was calm until opposition politicians led by Branislav Borenovic, Adam Sukalo and Drasko Stanivukovic showed up and started attacking officials of Republika Srpska and police, recalled Minister Lukac. He added that the Justice for David group was abused also by the persons known to the police as perpetrators of criminal offences. The minister noted that members of the group then called for criminal action, made threats and accusations against entity officials including the president of Republika Srpska, certain ministers, and dubbing Ministry of Interior officers accomplices to the murder of David Dragicevic. "The Ministry could not tolerate that anymore, those actions were illegal and a decision was made to ban gatherings at the square. Besides, we had hundreds of calls from citizens to vacate the Krajina Square and restore its original purpose, said Lukac. /end/ds Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. Summer is a busy time on the farm, but its also among the most hazardous periods for accidents. Almost 550 farmers suffered injuries serious enough for them to take at least a week off work over the last summer (December 2017-February 2018) while there were three fatalities on farms. Overall, trips, slips and falls, being hit or bitten by animals, hit by moving objects and incidents involving vehicles were the major causes of injuries, according to data from ACC. The summer is a hugely productive time for farmers, and a time when family and visitors are often on the farm too, says WorkSafes Agricultural lead Al McCone. However, the statistics show that it is also a busy time for accidents, including the most serious. Our research has shown that there is almost always a vehicle involved when someone dies as a result of a farm accident at this time of year. We are encouraging farmers to focus on reducing the critical risk of working in and around farm vehicles. That includes taking a few minutes to think about the best vehicle for the job you or your workers are doing and the terrain you are going to be driving over. Its thinking about the locations of ditches, slopes or furrows. That might mean going back to the shed to switch vehicles, or going on foot. Operator protective devices, like roll over protection and the use of seat belts in vehicles are key areas farmers can reduce the likelihood of an accident. Many tractor fatalities can be prevented by the driver wearing the seat belt. You should also always check around farm vehicles before reversing that is especially important in summer with more children out and about on farms. Sun exposure is also a major summer health and safety hazard for those working in the sector and while the initial impact of sunburn might be some discomfort, the long-term effects can be deadly. New Zealand has the highest overall melanoma skin cancer rate in the world and past research has shown that one in four New Zealand farmers have suffered skin cancer. Farmer, rugby legend and Safer Farms Ambassador Richard Loe says he has changed his behaviours around sun safety and is urging other farmers to follow suit. Sun safety really isnt onerous, he says. Its as simple as slipping on a shirt with long sleeves and wearing a hat with a wide brim or a cap with flaps more people get sunburned on the face and neck than any other part of the body. Slop on plenty of sunscreen at least 20-minutes before going out, use at least SPF 30 and take the bottle with you and reapply every couple of hours especially if youve been doing sweaty work. If youve got jobs you can do in shade or under cover, plan them for the middle of the day, when the suns UV levels are higher and the exposed jobs for early or later. And dont forget to protect your eyes from UV radiation with wrap-round sunglasses with a good sun protection rating. : . : - - - ? : . 90- , , - . . : ? : . 2000 . , , . , . , , . , . , . : ? : , , , . . : , . - ? : , , , , . , , , . : . ? : , , , , . , -, , , . , . : ? : . . , - . Gray outlasts Newberry For the first time in program history the Gray Collegiate War Eagles are heading to the State Championship game following a 35-28 win over the Newberry Bulldogs in the Class... Silver Foxes back in familiar territory The Dutch Fork Silver Foxes earned the chance to play for their sixth straight state title with a 21-14 road win over the Fort Dorchester Patriots in the SCHSL Class... Herman Lohe, 'Waterlilies', 2018 The emotional connection between nature and the body is an important topic of discussion for Lohe. There is a symbiotic relationship between the viewer and the canvas, creating a sacred experience of emotional exchange. The artist believes in the positive impact of nature on people, and the power it has to heal the body and mind. We have probably all felt it when walking in a forest or sitting by the sea, he says, It has a calming effect that clears the mind. The link between nature and the body has been an important factor in the artists personal life, too. I spent a lot of time in the forest as a child, Lohe recalls, playing, exploring and camping, I used to call the forest my very best friend. It still is. Lohes close bond with his surroundings is echoed in his paintings: most of my work relates to man and nature and the unbreakable bond between the two. The intimacy of this relationship is echoed in the connection between artwork and painter. Lohe emphasises the importance of a personal dialogue between the canvas and the paintbrush: I think the important thing is that there is communication between the two. This is one of the beauties of art. Herman Lohe, 'Untitled Summer', 2016 This connection goes beyond using the environment as inspiration for his work: I also want to be able to really spend time in the wild. There is a certain kind of focus that manifests itself when spending time in the wilderness. A feeling of belonging, that you're a part of everything around you.The Swedish artists soothing paintings lend themselves to hectic and emotional environments, with his works offering a space of solace amongst the chaos. Lohe talks of his paintings being a place of refuge in hospitals in particular. I absolutely think art has a place within the health care system, he says, staff, patients and visitors all benefit from an environment enriched by art. Lohe put these ideas into practice in his commissions. He speaks fondly of one of his pieces for an Emergency and Specialist Surgery department in a hospital in Sweden. The 4-metre-long and 2-metre-high work of water lilies in early morning mist opposes the otherwise-hectic environment. I wanted the artwork to express silence and stillnessa brief moment of peace, maybe evoke a memory, perhaps some sort of comfort. Emphasising the importance of his work being universally relatable, the artist claims: I wanted to do something universal and eternal, timeless a feeling that we all can relate to. Nature. Herman Lohe, 'Summer Forest', 2016. The response to this particular work pleased Lohe greatly. One of the hospital staff told me: every time I see this piece of work on my way to the surgery its like taking that deep breath before diving into water, the artist reminisces, that is probably one of the most touching comments Ive been given about my art. The connection between nature and man thrives in Lohes work. Despite producing works that are used to relax people in an otherwise stressful environment, Lohe doesnt look at his relationship with his work in the same way. I personally never create art with the intent to heal or be therapeutic, the artist declares, I merely paint. When asked to comment on his use of universal and relatable human themes, the artist clarified most of my work is really about conveying emotionsit is about how to touch upon the eternal questions of joy, sorrow, life and death. My practice concerns one's existence and basic needs. It is about our primary emotional connection to the natural world, nature and our surroundings. Herman Lohe, 'Trees at Night, The Serpentine', 2017 All images are courtesy of Herman Lohe London Art Fair here That folk can now write Scots as is sounds as opposed to meet deference to Robert Burns with his apologetic apostrophes is a testament to the influence of Leonards disregard for convention. Tom Leonard in 2002. Image: Wikipedia Of course, Leonards poetics did not just philosophise over language in the abstract; he was deeply invested in the material world and spoke with a defiant voice for Scotlands working class. It was power finding expression in language that interested him, not the power of words alone. This power dynamic is expressed in his poem in the beginning was the word, where he exposes the dominant cultures reverence for the linguistically represented idea over the more fundamental vibration of air; for Leonard, in the beginning was the sound. Leonard was deeply sceptical of education and the educated, condemning schooling whose chief purpose seemed to discourage critical thought instead of promoting it. In one of his later poems Skills, he is scathing about schemes involving endless training/to apply for a job/and to be in a job/efficiently/co-operating with management/competing with colleagues/learning the ropes.He was also dismayed by the official acknowledgement of Glasgows deprived areas that went unaccompanied with measures to redress this poverty in his sarcastic liaison coordinator whom he describes as sumdy wia degree/in fuck knows whut/getn peyd fur no known/whut the fuck ti day way it. Leonards directness, clothed in dialect, often takes work to decipher and so defies the unengaged skim-reading of the situation he laments. He is often considered a political poet, and much, if not all of his work is political. This was not, by his own admission, something he consciously cultivated. Speaking in 1998, Leonard said, language itself in Britain is a political issue. It's not that politics is something that I take down from a shelf and do, politics is just part of the process of being. He was keenly aware of the relationship between language and class, demonstrated in his oft-quoted poem Six Oclock News, which satirises the elitist use of BBC RP over regional voices where the speaker says (in his native Glaswegian) that he widny wahnt [] ti talk/aboot thi trooth wia/voice lik/wanna you/scruff. Six Glasgow Poems was first published in 1969 and introduced Leonards biting wit to the world. His signature technique of contrasting standard English titles with heavily Glasgow-inflected content is put to use in one of his shortest poems, Cold isnt it:wirraw init thigither missyz geezyir kross For Leonard, all livin language [was] sacred and his life was a battle to recognise the value of dialect against opposition at every turn. This besieged tone characterises his ground-breaking 1984 collection, Intimate Voices, which attempts to deconstruct the dichotomy of the written and spoken in poetry and in life in general. He scorned the Scottish cringe and denounced Scots dictionaries attempts to put an authoritative stamp on that which is volatile and evolutionary in nature. Spending the 1980s as writer in residence at Paisley Central Library, Leonard championed the voices of the 19th-century working class, whose poetry with the intended audience of the Glasgow workers had been lost to the ages before his work to promote and reinstate its value. This archival digging resulted in the 1990 volume Radical Renfrew, which gathered the writings of ordinary people living in the West of Scotland up until the outbreak of the 1914-18 war. Although often derivative and didactic, these poems are always authentic in sentiment and garnered a positive response when broadcast on the BBC Scotland Forgotten Voices programme created to promote the collection. Leonard was anti-authoritarian in the widest possible sense and this applied to his view of literature and literary criticism as well, which he regarded as largely unhelpful and discouraging of a personal relationship with texts in-keeping with a Calvinist cultural tradition. His political satire was published in the anarchist press on both sides of the Atlantic. Opposing the Gulf War , then the Iraq war, he bitterly criticised the hypocrisy of Britains Scotland-based Trident nuclear missile programmes existence in parallel with claims of the need to intervene on account of Sadam Husseins weapons of mass destruction. During the run-up to the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum, about which he was decidedly ambivalent, Leonard worked on an idiosyncratic translation of Bertolt Brechts Mother Courage and her Children. This is a text that features extensive use of the playwrights native Bavarian idiom and in his translation, the protagonist is reimagined as a Glaswegian working-class matriarch.In his late politics, Leonard was a staunch defender of Jeremy Corbyn, describing his rise as a fluke of democracy in an undemocratic system. His disdain for the institution of Westminster was a specific manifestation of his disdain for institutions in general, which he accused of stultifying discourse. Although an advocate of Scots language, Leonard was no nationalist and did not see salvation in the Scottish nation-state. He was an ardent critic of the SNP. Tom Leonard was a poet of Glasgow, but also a poet of the world. What he had to say about vernacular affects the discussion surrounding dialect to this day. His radical contribution was an orthography that didnt project, nor did it invoke a tradition; he gave voice to a language lived, speaking for a working class excluded from history. Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. Please check our main navigation pages for other content: Home Page You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Logan Ford, a Titusville teenager, will be sending a science experiment up to the International Space Station. Fords project examines the effects of microgravity on algae. If the sub has a separate bluetooth board then the output of that would go to the input of the amp. That is where you would connect a line level subwoofer output. If the sub has one board then you would probably need a schematic to find the right place to wire the input. Solidarity Bahrain, one of the largest insurance companies in Bahrain and a subsidiary of Solidarity Group Holding, said its ratings were reaffirmed by A M Best Europe, maintaining a financial strength rating of B++ (Good) with a stable outlook and issuer credit rating of bbb with a positive outlook. A reputed and leading international rating agency, A M Best said these ratings reflect the Bahraini group's sound level of risk-adjusted capitalisation, niche market positioning and good level of risk profile besides its well diversified investment, strength of balance sheet, and good financial flexibility as a listed company on the Bahrain Bourse. CEO Ashraf Bseisu said: "We are justifiably proud of the continued international recognition and accreditation of our major operating platform. Our organisation has positioned itself as the leading insurer in the kingdom following the successful merger between Al Ahlia Insurance Company & Solidarity General Takaful." "Through our subsidiaries in Bahrain and other key markets, our organisation has managed to establish its position as the leading industry player in the region, setting it apart from all but a handful of regional market players," he added. Bseisu has attributed this milestone achievement to the solid vision and clear strategies of the group, and the devotion and dedication of Solidaritys board, management team and staff, said a statement from the company. CEO Jawad Mohamed said: "We are delighted to announce that our company has had its ratings affirmed by A M Best." We have received issuer credit rating with a positive outlook despite a highly challenging market conditions and operating environment, he stated. Our company has positioned itself as the only rated Takaful company and one of few rated insurance companies operating within the Bahraini market, he added. TradeArabia News Service The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has welcomed May Lyn Ramos Gulmatico as the new director of human resources. With over 15 years in luxury hospitality, Gulmatico will oversee all aspects of the human resource division for the five-star beachfront resort, including the resorts award-winning Community Footprints program, Leadership Voyager program, Talent Acquisition & Management and Employee Relations strategies. Gulmaticos began her career with The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain in 2003 where she worked in several leadership positions from Club Concierge to Guest Relations before transferring within the company for the pre-opening of The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC in 2010. Following this, she joined The Ritz-Carlton, Al Bustan Palace in 2011 where she served as a learning manager and director of talent acquisition and quality. In 2015, her career would lead her to Saudi Arabia to The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah where she continued her role as director of talent acquisition and employee relations and then finally as the assistant director of Human Resources until her transfer to Bahrain this past October 2018. I am very proud and humbled to come back to the very routes that started my career in luxury hospitality. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is one of the finest landmark properties in the Kingdom, and I am excited to lead such a dynamic division where I have the privilege to select some of the finest Ladies and Gentlemen in the field and be a part of their career growth and development within the company and for the resort. Equally, I look forward to supporting the Community Footprints initiatives and playing an active roole in our Lead with Service and corporate Voyager programs which supports rising hospitality talents in Bahrain and from abroad, said Gulmatico. In addition to her long-held career, pre-opening experiences and extensive training with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Gulmatico has received numerous awards and certificates, including the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence nominee, Directorate general for occupational standard and curriculum development of Travel & Tourism/Hospitality Min. of Manpower, and the Sultanate of Oman awardee, amongst many more. - TradeArabia News Service Greenwich Reports The New U.S. Treasury Market Faces Fierce Competition and Change The U.S. Treasury market is changing as competition heats up among rival trading platforms, according to a new report from Greenwich Associates that analyzes the players, practices and technology that are re-making this critical market. Until recently, the market for U.S. Treasuries was actually two: an interdealer market in which intermediaries like banks and broker-dealers traded with each other, and a dealer-to-customer market. New data from Greenwich Associates shows those divisions are breaking down. The interdealer market now includes more volume from principal trading firms than dealers. Banks are taking in pricing directly from other banks, and the buy side is dipping its toe into markets comprised of aggregated pricing streams and anonymous central limit order books or CLOBs. Although these changes have been gradual, they have now become so dramatic that the traditional labels used to describe the market no longer apply and a new market structure is taking shape, said Kevin McPartland, Head of Research for Market Structure and Technology at Greenwich Associates and author of U.S. Treasury Trading No Longer a Divided Market. The Future is Streaming? Despite all the innovation and change, telephone remains the single biggest trading channel for Treasuries, making up nearly 40% of total market volume. This result underscores the fact that customers still place a high value on their direct relationships and interactions with primary dealers. However, a growing portion of trading volume across all channels is being directed to the lowest-cost execution option, as opposed to being routed to dealers who provide high-touch service like market color and balance sheet to support trades. Banks now win 60% of buy-side trading volume based on best execution, up from 48% in 2015. This increased focus on price is opening the door to competition among trading platforms and fueling transformation of the U.S. Treasury market. For example, trading via direct streams now accounts for 8% of the total market volume, or roughly $40 billion daily. We believe that continuous streaming prices aggregated from a chosen group of dealers and market makers will make up an increasing proportion of the electronic market for U.S. Treasuries and, over time, the market as a whole, said Kevin McPartland. 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English French Rueil Malmaison, 27th December 2018 VINCI Airports to acquire the majority shareholding in London Gatwick Airport Signature of an agreement to acquire a 50.01% shareholding in London Gatwick Airport ("LGW") Strategic move into the London airport system, the world's largest metropolitan aviation market Second largest airport in the UK and eighth busiest in Europe, with a total traffic of 45.7 million [1] in 2018 VINCI Airports expands its network to 46 airports in 12 countries, welcoming more than 228 million passengers (2018 figures) VINCI Airports, a VINCI Concessions subsidiary, today signed an agreement to acquire from current shareholders an effective 50.01% stake in Gatwick Airport Limited, a freehold property airport. The transaction is expected to complete in the first half of 2019. The other 49.99% will be managed by Global Infrastructure Partners. VINCI Airports is pleased to partner with Global Infrastructure Partners and to benefit from its deep experience and expertise with the airport since 2009. In the year ended 31 March 2018, Gatwick Airport Group reported total revenue of GBP 764.2 million, with EBITDA of GBP 411.2 million. After the closing, VINCI Airports will be able to fully consolidate the Gatwick Airport. The consideration payable for the 50.01% stake is approximately GBP2.9 billion, subject to closing adjustments. The transaction represents a rare opportunity to acquire an airport of such size and quality and fits extremely well with VINCI Concessions' long-term investment horizon. Gatwick Airport is an outstanding asset with further growth potential. This acquisition represents a major strategic move by VINCI Airports into a strongly performing airport located in a globally significant aviation market. Gatwick will become the largest single airport in VINCI Airports' growing worldwide network. Key strategic highlights include: Second largest airport in the UK: LGW is part of the largest O&D market in the world - London. The airports in the London system handled over 170 million passenger journeys in 2017. LGW is strategically located to the south of London as its second largest airport, handles over 46 million passengers per annum and serves 228 destinations in 74 countries. It has strong relationships with some leading airlines including EasyJet and British Airways, whilst building new relationships with carriers such as China Eastern. Most efficient airport in the world : LGW operates the busiest single runway in the world. In 2017, it hit a world record of 950 flights in a day. The airport constantly innovates in all areas of operations (for example passenger self-baggage drop, aircraft queuing systems, parking products) and reaches very high level of operational efficiency (for example high rates of passenger security screening) Opportunity for further capacity development: LGW has a draft master plan to accommodate growing demand for air traffic through best use of its existing runway, an innovative potential scheme to further utilise its standby runway. Freehold ownership structure : LGW is a freehold airport and such a perpetual property duration regime is extremely valuable for VINCI Airports as a long term strategic investor and operator Commercial opportunities: further opportunities exist to grow the commercial offering to passengers Gatwick Airport has an impressive and highly experienced management team who will continue to manage the business and whom VINCI Airports is delighted to welcome to its global network. Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports: "Creating synergies and sharing best practices being at the core of our values, the whole VINCI Airports network will benefit from Gatwick Airport's world-class management and operational excellence, which has allowed it to deliver strong and steady growth in a very constrained environment. As Gatwick's new industrial partner, VINCI Airports will support and encourage growth of traffic, operational efficiency and leverage its international expertise in the development of commercial activities to further improve passenger satisfaction and experience." The Group will comment this strategic transaction today (Thursday 27 December 2018) at 12.00 Paris time, in a conference call dedicated to financial analysts and investors (See connection details on the following page and presentation available on our website: Investors/ Financial information/Presentations). Conference call: Thursday 27 December 2018 at 12.00 Paris time. To take part, please dial one of the following numbers In French: +33 (0)1 72 72 74 03 - PIN: 83940919# In English: +44 (0)20 7194 3759 - PIN: 83940919# Playback number (available within two hours): In French: +33 (0)1 70 71 01 60 - PIN: 418818076# In English: +44 (0)20 3364 5147 - PIN: 418818076# PRESS CONTACT VINCI Press Department Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 16 31 82 media.relations@vinci.com INVESTOR RELATIONS Gregoire Thibault Tel: +33 (0)1 47 16 45 07 gregoire.thibault@vinci.com Alexandra Bournazel Tel: +33 (0)1 47 16 33 46 alexandra.bournazel@vinci.com About VINCI Airports VINCI Airports, a top 5 global player in the international airport sector, manages the development and operations of 45 airports located in France, Portugal (including the hub of Lisbon), United-Kingdom, Sweden, Serbia, Cambodia, Japan, United States of America, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Chile and Brazil. Served by more than 250 airlines, VINCI Airports' network handled over 180 million passengers in 2017. Through its expertise as a comprehensive integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds and operates airports, leveraging its investment capability, international network and know-how to optimize the management and performance of existing airport infrastructure, facility extensions and new construction. In 2017, its annual revenue for managed activities amounted to 3.2 bn, for a consolidated revenue of 1.4 bn. More comprehensive information is available on www.vinci-airports.com About VINCI VINCI is a global player in concessions and construction, employing more than 190,000 people in some 100 countries. We design, finance, build and operate infrastructure and facilities that help improve daily life and mobility for all. Because we believe in all-round performance, above and beyond economic and financial results, we are committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. And because our projects are in the public interest, we consider that reaching out to all our stakeholders and engaging in dialogue with them is essential in the conduct of our business activities. VINCI's goal is to create long-term value in this way for its clients, shareholders, employees and partners, and for society as a whole. www.vinci.com [1] Source: Gatwick Airport Limited, for the year ended 31 March 2018 Attachment Lithuanian English Decisions made during the The Extraordinar General Meeting of Shareholders o the 21st of December2018: Regarding acquisition of a plot of land, unique item no. 4400-4522-3343, located at the address of municipality of Vilnius, Vilnius, Talino str. 4A. It was decided to approve and authorise the board of the Company and the CEO of the Company to enter into agreement value of which exceeds limits indicated in Article 28 of the Articles of Assotiation of the Company (The Board has the right to decide without the consent of the General Meeting of Shareholders to only conclude transactions (unilateral, bilateral, multilateral) whose value /amount or whose obligations do not exceed EUR 150,000") regarding acquisition of a plot of land, unique item no. 4400-4522-3343, located at the address of municipality of Vilnius, Vilnius, Talino str. 4A. Regarding acquisition of a plot of land, unique item no. 4400-4176-3193, located at the address of municipality of Kaunas, Kaunas, Jonavos str. 41A. It was decided to approve and authorise the board of the Company and the CEO of the Company to enter into agreement value of which exceeds limits indicated in Article 28 of the Articles of Assotiation of the Company (The Board has the right to decide without the consent of the General Meeting of Shareholders to only conclude transactions (unilateral, bilateral, multilateral) whose value /amount or whose obligations do not exceed EUR 150,000") regarding acquisition of a plot of land, unique item no. 4400-4176-3193, located at the address of municipality of Kaunas, Kaunas, Jonavos str. 41A. Change of the number of members of the Board It was decided and to increase the number of the Board members from 3 to 5. The election of the members of the Board Vytenis Labanauskas and Redas Kristanavicius were elected to the Board of K2 LT. Increase of authorized capital by additional contributions of shareholders It was decided to increase the authorized capital of the Company by additional contributions from shareholders from EUR 278 827 (two hundred seventy eight thousand eight hundred twenty seven euros) to EUR 497 577 (four hundred ninety seven thousand five hundred seventy seven euros), issuing up to 218 750 (two hundred and eighteen thousand seven hundred and fifty) ordinary registered shares with a nominal value of 1 EUR (one euro). To determine that by increasing the authorized capital of the Company, the issue price of the newly issued shares is equal to EUR 16 (sixteen euros) per 1 (one euro) share nominal value. The total issue price of all issues issued by the Company is EUR 3 500 000 (three million five hundred thousand euros). To grant the right to acquire newly issued shares in proportion to the nominal value of the shares held by the shareholders to the shareholders of the Company who, at the end of the accounting day of the General Meeting of Shareholders (at the end of the tenth day of the business day after the general meeting), owns the shares issued by the Company. To establish that each shareholder of the Company has a pre-emptive right to acquire the number of shares issued that is proportional to the number of shares owned by the shareholder at the end of the rights accounting day over the period 14 (fourteen) calendar days (counting from of 21st of January 2019). The notice on the offer by using the pre-emptive right to acquire the shares of the Company and the term during which this right may be exercised will be made publicly available in accordance with the procedure established by the Government for publication of public notices published by the Legal Entity Register Manager and will be submitted to the Register of Legal Entities ("the Register") on the same day. After the Register issues the publication of the offer to use the priority right to acquire new shares the 14 (fourteen) calendar days prescribed for subscription will begin. New shares will be issued by the Company directly to the subscribers who have paid for the shares. Deadline for payment for the subscribed shares - no later than 5th of February 2019. To establish that the subscribed shares must be paid by transferring all the price specified in the subscription agreement for the subscribed shares into the Company's bank account specified in the share subscription agreement indicating in the payment order that it is "Payment for subscription new shares of AB K2 LT. New shares will be considered paid if the total amount for the subscribed shares is transferred to the Company's bank account specified in the subscription agreement not later than on the 15th (fifteenth) calendar day after the notice of the offer is published to use the right of pre-emption to acquire the Company's shares in the Register. If before the expiry of the specified time period all of the price specified in the subscription agreement for subscription shares is not transferred to the account specified in the subscription agreement, such subscription agreement is deemed not concluded and the signatory loses all rights to the shares provided for in such agreement and the paid funds shall be returned within 10 (ten) business days in the shareholder's bank account specified in such share subscription agreement. Share subscription agreements shall be signed at the premises of the law firm Dominas LEVIN at Vilniaus g. 31, Vilnius. Shares subscription contracts will be signed directly in the presence of a shareholder or his duly authorized person. Contracts will not be accepted by fax, mail or any other means. Persons authorized by the shareholders of the Company must submit a duly completed and notarized power of attorney (applicable to natural persons and foreign legal persons if such approval is required in accordance with the law of the foreign country concerned). A shareholder may at his or her discretion not to subscribe or subscribe to for any offered shares in any quantity less than the maximum possible number of shares to be subscribed. Shareholders will be granted with all of their subscribed and paid shares, but in any case not more than the maximum amount of subscribed shares. The Board of the Company may cancel this subscription at any time before the expiry of the subscription term foreseen for the shares without giving reasons for such cancellation. In the event of the aforementioned the amounts paid by the shareholders, if any, shall be returned within 10 (ten) business days to the relevant shareholder's bank account specified in the share subscription agreement The shareholders of the Company shall pay for the newly issued shares of the Company in cash. To determine that all subscription terms for new shares will be specified in separate share subscription agreements concluded between the Company and the relevant shareholders who will sign for new shares. If not all of the shares foreseen for the issue are subscribed within the time period granted for subscription the authorized capital of the Company may be increased by the amount of the nominal value of the subscribed shares in accordance with the relevant amendments to be made to the Articles of Association of the Company. Regarding the amendment of the Articles of Association It was decided to amend the Articles of Association of the Company by indicating the amended share capital and the number of members of the Board. To approve the attached new wording of the Articles of Association. Authorize (with the right to sub-authorize) the Head of the Company to sign the amended Articles of Association of the Company, to submit them for notarial approval, register in the Register of Legal Entities and to perform other related actions. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nickel North Exploration Corp. (TSX Venture: NNX) (the Company or Nickel North) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an amendment agreement (the Amendment) with SinoTech (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited (the Lender) to further extend the repayment term of the loan to the Company to March 31, 2019, while also increasing the principal amount of the loan to $892,247.80 (the Principal Amount). The Principal Amount comprises the current principal amount of the loan advanced to the Company to date and accrued interest thereon. The Principal Amount will bear interest at a fixed rate of 10% per annum. All other terms and conditions of initial loan agreement between the Company and the Lender dated November 2, 2016 remain in force and are unamended except to the extent amended by the parties. The proceeds of the Amendment are expected to be used by the Company for the daily operation and paying the current liabilities. The Amendment is considered a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Amendment is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation pursuant to the exemption in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on a specified market, and is exempt from minority shareholder approval pursuant to section 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101, as the Amendment does not have an equity or voting component and is on reasonable commercial terms that are not less advantageous to the Company than if the Amendment were obtained from an arm's length party. About Nickel North Exploration Corp. Nickel North Exploration is a Canadian based explorer focused on defining a NiCuPGE resource at our Hawk Ridge Project in Northern Quebec. The board of directors, advisor committee and management team are experienced, successful mine finders. The property consists of a 50 km long belt of magmatic NiCuPGE occurrences covering over 30,658 hectares. The project is located near tidewater. Quebec is a mining friendly jurisdiction. Nickel North Exploration is a conscientious corporate citizen, maintains good relations with Communities and Aboriginal people, and is committed to sustainable development. For more information on the company, please visit www.nickelnorthexploration.com . About SinoTech (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited SinoTech is a whollyowned subsidiary of Sinotech Minerals Exploration Co., Ltd.. Sinotech owns 48,071,860 common shares of the Company, representing approximately 62.8% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. On behalf of Nickel North Exploration Corp. SIGNED Andrew Lee Smith, Interim President and CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer for ForwardLooking Statements All statements, other than statement of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seek, anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, likely and intend and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements concerning the Lenders advance to the Company under the Amendment and the Companys use of proceeds of the Amendment. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and native groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; and uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Nickel North Exploration Corp. Telephone: 604.609.6182 www.nickelnorthexploration.com info@nickelnorthexploration.com If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Dulles, Virginia, Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freedom Alliance, an organization supporting our nations military families and wounded service members, awarded $1.6 million in college scholarships to 398 students in 2018. Each of the students is the son or daughter of a military hero who lost his life or was severely injured in military service. We must never forget those who give themselves for the defense of our nation, said Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon. Freedom Alliance scholarships accomplish two goals, he explained, they help with the cost of a college education, but more important, each scholarship is a reminder of a fellow American who made an extraordinary sacrifice. The total of 398 students who received scholarships is a 22 percent increase over 2017 when 327 students received scholarships from Freedom Alliance. Overall, Freedom Alliance has provided $14 million in scholarships to the children of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who have been killed or permanently disabled in a combat mission or training accident. There are an estimated 7,000 children who have lost a parent in Operations Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Those under age 26 may be eligible for the Freedom Alliance Scholarship if they choose to attend college. To reach as many qualifying students as possible, Freedom Alliance continues to accept applications. Students interested in applying can find additional details online at www.FAScholarship.com/. This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students once per academic year and is renewable for a total of four terms. The holiday season, said Kilgannon, is a difficult time for the families of the fallen and its important that we recognize that sacrifice. A Freedom Alliance Scholarship is a reminder to Gold Star students that their parents sacrifice will never be forgotten by a grateful nation. About Freedom Alliance Freedom Alliance is a charitable organization which supports wounded troops and military families. Freedom Alliance has awarded more than $14 million in college scholarships to the children of military heroes killed or disabled in military service and spent millions more helping injured veterans and military families with recreational therapy, Marriage Retreats, care packages, mortgage-free homes, all-terrain wheel chairs and much more. You can learn more at www.FreedomAlliance.org. Interested media should contact Kendra Cummings of Vistra Communications at 813.961.4700 ext. 206 or by email at Kendra@ConsultVistra.com. ### Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 26, 2018 | KUTTAWA By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 26, 2018 | 08:46 PM | KUTTAWA If youre wondering what to do with your natural Christmas tree, it can disposed of through the Kentucky Fish and Wildlifes Christmas for the Fishes program, and help create a habitat for fish. WKDZ reports that the donated trees are collected by fisheries personnel and then bundled to create fish attractors that will be submerged in lakes across the state. Officials say these brush reefs provide new cover for all fish and nursery habitat for young fish. They also attract baitfish and algae, providing food for young fish and other aquatic organisms. Officials add the Christmas tree reefs provide new life to lakes whose cover is dwindling because of natural degeneration of existing woody habitat. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources officials say trees must be stripped of lights, ornaments, tinsel, garland, and any other decorations. Natural Christmas trees will be accepted by Fish and Wildlife from Wednesday, December 26th, through January 15th at 39 drop-off locations in 34 counties across the state. Marshall--Kentucky Dam Village Stables, or Kenlake Boat Ramp Calloway--Murray Calloway Co. Parks and Recreation Ballard--Ballard Co. Wildlife Management Area Paducah--Carson Park Graves--Kess Creek Park in Mayfield Livingston--U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Barkley Office Lyon--Old Kuttawa Recreation Area parking lot Trigg--West Cadiz Park day use area Christian--Hopkinsville Walmart Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 26, 2018 | COLLIERVILLE By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 26, 2018 | 07:04 PM | COLLIERVILLE The cause of a deadly house fire in west Tennessee that claimed four lives is still not known, and may not be until sometime in January, according to fire officials. WREG reports that the house was totally engulfed in flames when the Collierville Fire Department arrived on the scene around 11:00 pm Sunday night. The victims were identified as 46-year-old Kari Coudriet, 17-year-old Sharron Naik, 15-year-old Joy Naik, and 14-year-old Aaron Naik. Coudriet's husband, 49-year-old Daniel, and son, 13-year-old Cole were able to escape the burning home, and were taken to Memphis hospitals for treatment of their injuries. They were both released on Tuesday. According to a Facebook post from the Coudriet family's church, the three teen victims were children of missionaries in India, and were being hosted for Christmas by the family. The parents of the children are reportedly on their way to the United States at this time. Collierville Fire Chief Buddy Billings said there was no smoke detector downstairs, but there was one upstairs. The State Fire Marshal's Office is sending two investigators from Jackson to help with the investigation. TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Great Lakes Graphite Inc. doing business as NovoCarbon Corporation (GLK, NovoCarbon or the Company TSX-V:GLK, OTCQB:GLKIF, FWB:8GL) announces today that the Company has refiled its unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the MD&A for the three months ended January 31, 2018 and the three and six months ended April 30, 2018. The Company has also refiled the MD&A for the nine months ended July 31, 2018. This filing, news release and the MCR have been filed in connection with a continuous disclosure review conducted by staff of the Ontario Securities Commission. The MCR was not filed within the prescribed timeframe in accordance with the requirements of Ontario securities law, and it was subsequently filed as a result of such review. The Company has restated its financial statements as at and for the three months ended January 31, 2018 to consolidate the activity of its incorporated subsidiary NovoCarbon Inc. Activity in this subsidiary commenced in November 2017. The adjustments noted below record the effect of consolidating results of operations during the three months ended January 31, 2018, its cash balances and the elimination of applicable intercompany balances. Furthermore, Amounts paid to related parties in note 14 has been amended to include amounts paid by the subsidiary to the Chief Marketing Officer and the Senior Vice President of Sales $38,103 and $38,103, respectively, or $76,206 in aggregate. Additionally, the Company has reclassified its exploration and evaluation assets to exploration and evaluation assets held-for-sale, reflective of the Companys decision to sell its Lochaber property. The Company has amended and restated the managements discussion and analysis for the three months ended January 31, 2018 to include additional detail on corporate development and administration expense, and additional detail on financial variances, and additional disclosure with respect to project activity and their ensuing progress. The impact of this change on the consolidated financial statements as at and for the three months ended January 31, 2018 is as follows; As Previously Reported Adjustment As Restated Statement of Financial Position Restricted Cash $ 173,246 $ 127,584 $ 300,830 Promissory note receivable 406,528 (406,528 ) - Convertible note receivable - 92,824 92,824 Total current assets 853,849 156,545 1,010,394 Exploration and evaluation assets 342,665 (342,665 ) - Exploration and evaluation assets held-for-sale - 342,665 342,665 Total shareholder deficiency (5,110,480 ) (186,120 ) (5,296,600 ) Total equity and liabilities 1,196,514 (186,120 ) 1,010,394 Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income Professional Fees $ 2,383 $ 25,296 $ 27,679 Management and consulting 268,697 120,156 388,853 Corporate development and administration 52,134 34,289 86,423 Interest and bank charges (3,364 ) 6,379 3,015 Net loss and comprehensive loss (1,670,916 ) (186,120 ) (1,857,036 ) Statement of Cash Flows Net loss for the period $ (1,670,916 ) $ (186,120 ) $ (1,857,036 ) Restricted cash (152,096 ) (127,584 ) (279,680 ) Cash used in operating activities (1,791,566 ) (186,120 ) (1,977,686 ) Debenture receivable (406,528 ) 406,528 - Convertible note receivable - (92,824 ) (92,824 ) The Company has restated its financial statements as at and for the three and six months ended April 30, 2018 to correct the presentation in the three months ended April 30, 2018 column statement of loss and comprehensive loss to include the results of operations of the Companys wholly owned subsidiary. This change impacts only the net loss and comprehensive loss for the three months ended April 30, 2018. There is no change in the net loss and comprehensive loss for the six months ended April 30, 2018. Additionally, the Company has reclassified its exploration and evaluation assets to exploration and evaluation assets held-for-sale, reflective of the Companys decision to sell its Lochaber property. The Company has amended and restated the managements discussion and analysis for the six months ended April 30, 2018 to include additional detail on corporate development and administrative expense, and additional detail on financial variances, and additional disclosure with respect to project activity and their ensuring progress. The impact of this change on the consolidated financial statements as at and for the three months and six months ended April 30, 2018 is as follows; As Previously Reported Adjustment As Restated Statement of Financial Position, as at April 30, 2018 Exploration and evaluation assets $ 342,665 $ (342,665 ) - Exploration and evaluation assets held-for-sale - 342,665 342,665 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, 2018 April 30, 2018 As Previously As Previously Reported Adjustment As Restated Reported Adjustment As Restated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income Professional Fees $ 93,786 $ (25,296 ) $ 68,490 $ 96,169 - $ 96,169 Management and consulting 467,279 (120,156 ) 347,123 735,976 - 735,976 Corporate development and administration 161,781 (34,289 ) 127,492 213,915 - 213,915 Interest and bank charges 1,186 626 1,812 4,827 - 4,827 Net loss and comprehensive loss (996,498 ) 186,120 (810,378 ) (2,667,414 ) - (2,667,414 ) The Company has amended and restated the managements discussion and analysis for the nine months ended July 31, 2018 to include additional detail on corporate development and administrative expense, and additional detail on financial variances, and disclosure with respect to project activity and their ensuing progress. The Sale of the Companys Lochaber Project Further to the news release of February 22, 2018 to announce the term sheet to sell the Lochaber Graphite Deposit, located in the Buckingham Region of Quebec, to Saint Jean Carbon Inc. (SJC TSX-V: SJL), the Company indicated that shareholder approval was required for the definitive sale agreement of the Lochaber Property. Upon further analysis and discussion with the Companys legal counsel, Fogler Rubinoff LLP, it was determined that such shareholder approval was not required under subsection 184(3) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and proceeded with the sale of Lochaber in that manner. The Company announced conditional approval of the Lochaber transaction on July 5, 2018 and closed the transaction on July 19, 2018. As previously announced on May 16, 2018, the adoption of our business plan from the conventional junior mining approach to focus instead on upgrading graphite and distributing that material, coupled with the sale of Lochaber will constitute a change of business (Proposed COB ) for the Company within the meaning of the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV Policy 5.2). The Company will hold a shareholder meeting to approve this change of business. Additional information with respect to the proposed COB and legal analysis regarding the Lochaber sale will be provided in the management information circular to be prepared and delivered to shareholders in connection with the Meeting. The Meeting date has not been determined but will be communicated once it has been scheduled. Other The Company announces that it has filed material change reports on December 27, 2018 (the MCR) in respect of certain developments, such developments consisting of the following; Debt Financing previously announced on November 10, 2017 as a material contract Articles of Incorporation and corresponding By-Laws of the Company Articles of Incorporation of NovoCarbon Inc (100% owned US subsidiary) Intercompany note to NovoCarbon Inc. To identify the change of the Lochaber property in Quebec from a significant asset to an insignificant asset of the Company as a result of progress of sales and marketing initiatives and developments announced in news releases dating back to May 26, 2016. About NovoCarbon Corporation: NovoCarbon is a Clean Technology Minerals Processing Company supplying customers with innovative, high quality value-added carbon products. There is no significant graphite production in North America now. As pricing and demand continue to rise, NovoCarbon is one of the first new domestic suppliers to a growing regional customer base. We continually work to deliver products of the best quality with outstanding customer service. The Company is party to an agreement for long-term supply of high quality natural graphite concentrate from Brazil. NovoCarbon is presently working with an established US-based processor for toll micronization services. The Company has partnered with Ashland Advanced Materials for commercial-scale purification operations at Ashlands 110,000 square foot purification facility located in Niagara, New York. Through our partner relationships, NovoCarbon began selling micronized synthetic graphite beginning in 2016 and now supplies micronized and high purity micronized natural flake graphite products to a growing customer base. Further information regarding NovoCarbon can be found on the Companys website at: www.novocarbon.com NovoCarbon trades as GLKIF on the OTCQB market in the US and as GLK on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada. There are currently 132,656,830 shares outstanding. The current legal name of the corporation is Great Lakes Graphite Inc., which is doing business as NovoCarbon Corporation until final approval by the shareholders and the TSX Venture Exchange. For more information, please contact: Paul Gorman Chief Executive Officer Email: pgorman@greatlakesgraphite.com Susan Murphy Manager, Administration Email: smurphy@greatlakesgraphite.com 1-800-754-4510 x101 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information: Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward looking information" which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking information. When used in this press release, such forward looking information may use such words as "may'', "will'', "expect'', "believe'', "plan'' and other similar terminology. Forward looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations relating to the future events and the operating performance of the Company, and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to fulfill the orders and future orders, regulatory requirements, general economic, market or business conditions and future developments in the sectors of the economy in which the business of Great Lakes operates. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Please see the Company's financial statements, MD&A and other documents available on www.sedar.com , for a more detailed description of the risk factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward looking information, whether a result of new information, future results or otherwise, except as required by law. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page English French The Global 6000 aircraft delivers performance, reliability and leading-edge technology With its advanced wing design, the Global 6000 aircraft delivers a smooth ride for exceptional comfort, and boasts the widest cabin in its class MONTREAL, Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier is pleased to announce the sale of four Global 6000 business jets to an undisclosed customer. This transaction is valued at $310 million U.S., according to current list prices and including a contract for services. With its advanced wing design, the Global 6000 aircraft delivers a smooth ride for exceptional comfort, and boasts the widest cabin in its class. The sophisticated and contemporary Premier cabin is available on the Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft, and was inspired by the Red Dot Award-winning interior aboard the Global 7500 business jet. The reliable and flexible Global 6000 aircraft can travel 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 kilometres) at Mach 0.85 with eight passengers,* and can link Moscow to Los Angeles non-stop with eight passengers and four crew members.* The Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft offers the most available electrical power in its category in its standard configuration via four variable frequency generators and an auxiliary power unit for ultimate reliability on long missions. The Bombardier Vision flight deck offers a head-up display with both Enhanced and Synthetic Vision. About Bombardier With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier . Notes to Editors To receive our press releases, please visit the RSS Feed section. *Under certain operating conditions. Bombardier, Bombardier Vision, Global 5000, Global 6000 and Global 7500 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. Be mindful as 999 service gears up for the busiest night of the year This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 27th, 2018 The emergency services 999 line has provided a lifeline for members of the public to contact the Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard for the last 80 years. It is the most memorable number in the UK and provides a vital service. Six BT call centres handle the nations 999 calls in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the North of England, passing calls to the relevant emergency service. In the past year, BTs team handled more than 34 million calls at an average of 93,000 per day. Of those calls connected to the emergency services, 49% were for the Police, 47% Ambulance, 4% Fire and less than 1% for the Coastguard. As most people are winding down to enjoy the festive celebrations, calls to 999 are expected to surge, with teams working around the clock to deal with the demands. Ian Watson, 999 Manager at BT, commented: Our busiest period of the year is from about 9pm on New Years Eve to 3am on New Years morning when we receive almost half a days calls in just six hours with a peak of up to 9,000 calls per hour. Jane Larkin, Control Room Manager at North Yorkshire Police, stresses the demand on the Police service, commenting: During the festive period, the public still need the assistance of the emergency services who are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide a service. Traditionally from the Friday evening before Christmas up to New Years Day police forces deal with many extra calls. The majority of these calls are from people in genuine need of policing services such as reporting people as missing, concern for peoples safety, attendance at serious road traffic collisions and violent incidents where excessive drinking has been a factor. In recent years there have also been requests for assistance caused by extreme seasonal weather patterns, such as flooding and heavy snow conditions. The 999 line handles thousands of critical calls but also some less well-judged requests. Calls that the police have received include: The Off Licence has closed early Requests for instructions on how to defrost a turkey Requests for a lift home from the Police because no taxis are available. What time does Sainsburys close? Can I apply to the Police Station for a licence for Santas sleigh? My mobile phone is not working can you help? A report of someone who is not sleeping very well can the Police recommend a solution? A man woke at home after drinking heavily wearing a pair of handcuffs and wanted to know how to remove them. Jeremy Brown, Head of Emergency Operations Centre at West Midlands Ambulance Service commented: Our staff work incredibly hard to make sure people get the help that they need as quickly as possible. On average they answer the call within just three seconds of it being put through by our colleagues at BT. At this time of year when our teams are dealing with a high volume of calls, we would urge people to think carefully before calling 999. The line exists to help in an emergency and calling unnecessarily distracts from those in need. If you are unsure whether to ring, try the 111 service first as even if you need an ambulance, it wont delay help coming. As the front-line response team at BT and the emergency services gear up for the busiest night of the year, the public are advised to be mindful and only dial 999 in the case of an emergency. Moneypenny receives prestigious three-star accreditation from Best Companies for fifth-time This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 27th, 2018 A Wrexham-based telephone answering service is celebrating after receiving a prestigious three-star accreditation by Best Companies. It is the fifth time that Moneypenny, based on the Western Gateway, has received the accolade. This award is only given by Best Companies to those companies deemed extraordinary. The accreditation adds to what has been an incredible few months for Moneypenny as the company recently received a significant investment from ECI Partners to support their ambitious growth plans in the UK and US. Joanna Swash, Managing Director at Moneypenny, said: We are absolutely thrilled with the result. We always take pride in our team and our workplace and are delighted that we have been recognised for a fifth time. Its wonderful to see so many businesses taking such care and pride in the welfare of their employees. This accreditation will once again have an enormously positive impact on everyone at Moneypenny. Our business is all about keeping our people happy, which in turn keeps our clients happy, and its this ethos which has resulted in our extraordinary growth. Jonathan Austin, CEO and Founder of Best Companies, added: I would like to congratulate Moneypenny on their achievement. Best Companies have been producing the Accreditation standard since 2006 to acknowledge excellence in the workplace. Organisations like Moneypenny have continued to focus on their employees and have been rewarded with an engaged workforce who tell us that this is a great place to work. Police boss asks you to take part in web based survey How much are you prepared to pay for cops? This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 27th, 2018 Self-styled police boss North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones has launched an online poll to gauge how much those who take part are prepared to pay for policing the region. According to Mr Jones, the force is having to cope with a rising tide of new and emerging crimes. Around half the money for the budget comes from the UK Government and the rest comes from Council Tax, with the amount depending on the precept levied by Police and Crime Commissioners. In consultation with the North Wales Police and Crime Panel, Mr Jones will make the proposal to set the level of the precept at a meeting on Monday, January 21st. Last year there was 3.79% increase in the police precept which was among the lowest in Wales, with the survey asking which increase you prefer or a dont know with no option for no increase. The Home Office recently announced a two per cent increase in the money allocated to North Wales Police but our PCC says it is still a real terms cut. Mr Jones said: Last time round with public backing we were able to recruit seventeen extra police officers and an additional six staff. This was due to increasing the investment in community policing which worked out for people as less than the cost of a loaf of bread 76p a month. The commissioner is also looking at adapting his Police and Crime Plan to reflect the changing demands on the police. Its currently focused on tackling domestic abuse, sexual abuse including child sexual exploitation, organised crime, modern slavery, and delivering safer neighbourhoods. He wants to take on emerging threats such as criminal exploitation of vulnerable children and adults. Mr Jones said: The criminal exploitation of the vulnerable has emerged in recent years with evil organised crime groups targeting children, people with mental ill health and those suffering from addiction. The exploitation of the vulnerable is used in organised crime models, child sexual exploitation and modern slavery. Criminal exploitation is a significant factor in each of my policing priorities which is why I want to consult the public about making tackling it an overarching priority. I want the people of North Wales to share their views on police priorities with me so I can then put those views into action to keep our communities safe. The cost pressures means the police will have to change the way they work and we need t relook at our priorities and how they can be delivered. The Police and Crime Plan sets the strategic direction for North Wales Police, Community Safety Partnerships and other organisations dedicated to reducing crime and safeguarding our communities. As police and crime commissioner for North Wales, I have duty to consult local people on policing priorities. This survey is a way of finding out what the people of North Wales think. Listening to local people is one of the most important parts of my role and it is vital that people have a true voice in policing. I will be using the feedback to inform my discussions with the Chief Constable in agreeing the precept with the Police and Crime Panel. The survey can be completed in Welsh by clicking the following link https://bit.ly/2rUf1ry The survey can be completed in English by clicking the following link https://bit.ly/2rXaftp Wrexham JCB apprentices set to showcase outstanding skills on the world stage This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 27th, 2018 The outstanding skills of six local JCB apprentices are set to make an impact on the world stage after it was revealed that a second talented team is bidding for international honours. The two teams from JCB Transmissions in Wrexham are gearing up to represent Wales when they compete for places in the UK teams destined for WorldSkills competitions in Russia and China. The first three-strong team of apprentices Kendal Irvine (20), Dylan Edwards (20) and George Walker (22), is bidding for a Squad UK place in Kazan, Russia next summer, while a new trio of trainees is following in their footsteps to bid for a place in the national squad for Shanghai, 2021. Tooling Engineer Apprentices Alfie Beeson (20) and Tomas Davies (17) and General Apprentice Cameron Pemberton (18) were awarded the silver medal in the Manufacturing Challenge of the WorldSkills UK National Skills Competition Finals in Birmingham, last month. They have now been invited to compete to be members of Squad UK which will participate at WorldSkills Shanghai in 2021. In the lead-up to the qualifying event at WorldSkills UK LIVE in November 2019, the apprentices will receive training from WorldSkills UK funded by the Welsh Assembly Government with JCB giving their full backing. We are the first-ever team to be invited to join the Squad UK long list in its first year of entering the competition, said Alfie Beeson. Managing Director of JCB Transmissions, Robert Owen added: We are immensely proud of the achievements of all six apprentices. The skills they develop in this competition creativity, engineering expertise and attention to detail are vital to our future business success and will stand them in good stead throughout their careers. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - After an election in which voters approved 11 constitutional amendments, legislation has been filed at the state capitol that would make it harder to pass future ballot measures. The proposal would require support from two-thirds of voters for passage of constitutional amendments. That would be up from the current 60 percent threshold. Voters this year approved 11 of 12 proposed constitutional amendments. The only proposal that failed would have increased the homestead property-tax exemption. Republican Representative Rick Roth is sponsoring the measure. He feels amending the Constitution has become too easy. We are out of control. Its really people spending lots of money to change the way we do business with the government in Florida, because they cant get it done through the legislature," said Roth. Roths proposal is filed for consideration during the 2019 legislative session, which starts in March. The current 60 percent threshold for passage of amendments was put into the Florida Constitution by voters in 2006. If approved by lawmakers, Roth's proposal would go on the 2020 ballot. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A Florida man has been charged with arson after police say he screamed about vampires before intentionally setting his own house on fire while a woman was inside. Melvin Weaver, 64, was arrested by the Daytona Beach Police Department. On Sunday at about 7:42 p.m., officers were called to a home in reference to a fire. Dispatched informed officers that Weaver had a large knife and was knocking on doors saying his house was on fire and the victim was inside. As officers were arriving to the scene, Weaver approached a patrol car with the large knife. Officers were able to take the knife away from Weaver and place him into handcuffs. Officers then made contact with the victim, who told officers that she has been with Weaver for 20 years and married 8 years. The victim said earlier that day Weaver had been rambling and began to get worse so she called 911 to Baker Act him. She stated when officers arrived on scene, Weaver was in a sound mind and could not be Baker Acted. She said Weaver acted as if he was okay, even though he did try to let his dog out on the responders. Then the victim said later the same day, Weaver ran out into the street screaming. Not long after, she could hear him screaming, "The vampires are going to defend themselves." When she went to check on him, he grabbed a wooden cane and swung it at her, hitting her in the forearm. The victim told officers that Weaver started to break windows in the house, so she went to her room to pack clothes to leave for the night. When the victim came out of the room, she yelled at Weaver, "You're crazy." According to the police report, when Weaver heard her, he began to tear the insulation from the ceiling. The victim said he then placed the insulation from the ceiling on the stove and cut the stove on. The victim stated the kitchen immediately caught on fire and Weaver grabbed a large knife and ran out of the front door, down the street. According to the victim, Weaver only takes pain medication for his cancer and is not sure if he took any other drugs. She was not sure if he had taken his pain medication that day. WPLG reports the home was completely destroyed in the fire. Weaver is being charged felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and felony arson of an occupied structure. He was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 01:07:35|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government on Wednesday launched a national initiative that aimed to improve the investment climate by spurring opportunities for foreign businesses. The national investment plan mainly identified over 80 distinct actions that would be delivered across operations provided in 10 government agencies. "The reform measures will be monitored by the Policy and Performance Unit of the PM's office and coordinated by the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC)," the office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement on Wednesday. The national initiative, which aimed at improving the East African country's investment climate, was launched by Prime Minister Ahmed, who noted Ethiopia's current investment climate as underperforming. According to Ahmed, the newly launched initiative is an integral part of Ethiopia's Action Plan for Jobs. The initiative "will make Ethiopia a competitive place to start and grow businesses," Ahmed was quoted as saying by his office. "Ethiopia needs job creating economic growth. Successful businesses and entrepreneurs drive jobs growth," he added. The premier also stressed that his government has "an essential role in identifying and addressing constraints that prevent the private sector from growing and generating jobs." The International Monetary Fund (IMF), as part of its economic outlook for Africa that was published in Oct. this year, forecasted that Ethiopia will host Africa's fastest growing economy in 2019, as the country's economy is projected to grow at 8.5 percent during the current Ethiopian fiscal year, which will end on July 7, 2019. The Ethiopian government has plan to set up 15 industrial parks across the country, of which six of the industrial parks have been officially put into use over the past few years, attracting a large number of transnational companies from China, India, South Korea, as well as those from other parts of the globe. Industrial parks construction is part of the Ethiopian government's ambitious plan that will see the country become the manufacturing hub of Africa with a middle income economy by the year 2025. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 01:32:39|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close A tsunami victim receives medical treatment at the Berkah general hospital in Pandeglang of Banten Province, Indonesia, Dec. 26, 2018. The tsunami struck the district of Pandeglang and Serang of Banten province and Lampung Selatan district of Lampung province, killing over 400 people and injuring at least 1,400 others so far. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren) by Abu Hanifah PANDEGLANG, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Entering fourth day after the Sunda Strait tsunami, the hospital receiving bodies of victims killed in the volcanic tsunami has started to make extra moves in securing hygene and health care in relevant facilities. Hospital attendants working at the two facilities receiving bodies in Banten province's Berkah regional hospital in Pandeglang regency had to put on masks. The hospital, which is located in the worst-hit regency of Pandeglang has recently been appointed to receive bodies from several public health centers. It also hosts the identification process of bodies recovered by search teams in several locations alongside the Banten province coastline, which is carried out by the police's Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) unit. Hospital director Firmansyah told Xinhua here on Wednesday that the hospital's mortuary is barely able to store all the several hundreds of bodies sent here in the past few days. Besides, the hospital is also treating 122 patients injured from the tsunami. "Most of the injuries are fracture cases, followed by injuries in the head that hit by stuff," Firmansyah said. "Many of them who are from cities of other provinces were picked up by their families for further treatments in their own cities," he said. Banten Provincial Police Chief Tomsi Tohir who visited the hospital early in the day said that the police's DVI team has so far recovered 238 bodies in Banten province, among which, 21 have not been identified by the unit yet. "The police would work harder to identify those unidentified bodies as soon as possible," he said. The identification process is carried out by steps of analyzing the DNA of the bodies as well as matching the photos or signature marks carried by the victims that fit with the police's documents. As many as 430 people have been confirmed dead from the tsunami as of Wednesday, according to Indonesia National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). The tsunami which was triggered by the eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano in Sunda Strait has also left 1,495 people injured and 159 others missing. It has also displaced 21,991 ones, damaged almost 1,000 houses in the affected areas. Indonesian meteorology, climatology and geophysics agency (BMKG) has issued a warning that a tsunami remains imminent from both volcanic activities and a possible collapse of the volcano's wall which becomes fragile due to frequent eruptions. Intensive rain around the volcano may lead to the collapse of the wall into the sea that could eventually trigger a tsunami, the agency explained. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 02:12:43|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israeli authority approved plans for 2,191 settlement homes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Peace Now, an Israeli non-governmental organization, said on Wednesday. The plans, which include three new settlement industrial zones in the West Bank, were approved by Israel's Higher Planning Committee, a government body in charge of such projects. Some 1,159 housing units were faced with the final major hurdle before the building permits can be issued, and 1,032 other housing units were at the first stage of the approval process. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, met with local council heads from settlements in Jerusalem, who thanked Netanyahu for his actions in strengthening settlement and also discussed advancing other issues. Netanyahu told them that "we'll see an attempt by the left-wing to overthrow our rule with the help of the media and others. They can't succeed because if they do, that will pose a clear danger to the settlement movement." The settlements are an important issue among the right-wing constituency amid the ruling coalition's decision to dissolve the parliament and hold early elections. The settlements are illegal under international law because they are built on lands seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war, where the Palestinians wish to form their future state. A recently arrived Mexican immigrant who was accidentally shot by an NYPD officer in pursuit of a robbery suspect spoke today from her Bronx bed about the incident, and the $10 million notice of claim she has filed against the NYPD and the City of New York. Irene Urena Perez, 46, was shot in the stomach on December 5th by a plainclothes police officer identified as Juan Gomez, 30. Gomez was in pursuit of a suspect who had allegedly robbed a drug dealer inside a building on West 183rd Street, with the chase continuing down Loring Place North. Gomez fired 27 shots during the chase, with some striking parked cars and the walls of apartment buildings on the block, the New York Times reported; one hit Perez, who lives around the corner, in the abdomen, while another hit a nearby 12-year-old girl in the leg. Greeting a small throng of journalists Wednesday morning in the lobby of the victim's building in University Heights, Perez's attorney, Sanford Rubenstein, recounted how Perez had left her job at a daycare center, and was walking a young girl home, picking up her mother at a nearby senior center on the way. "As she entered the street she was shot in the stomach, one of 27 bullets fired by a police officer, who was engaged in a gun battle with an alleged drug dealer, who fired twice at the police officer," said Rubenstein. "Twenty-seven shots. A 12-year-old girl shot. Bullets on the sidewalk, on the buildings, on cars in the vicinity. An unreasonable risk of danger to innocent bystanders." From her bed, Perez told reporters through a translator, "In my life I've never seen something so devastating. I went to get my mother from daycare, I was leaving. I was going down the steps, pushing a carriage and there was a lot of gunshots fired, a lot, a lot of shots." Perez recalled, "I pushed my mother back, I took the carriage with the child and my stomach just got so swollen. I couldn't breathe. All I said was 'Mother, they've killed me.'" (Photo by David Greene / Gothamist) According to Rubenstein, Perez underwent three surgeries over the 13 days she was hospitalized, and more surgeries may be required. "My family is devastated," Perez concluded, "I came here to work. I don't know when. This is a process that is huge. I feel real bad." Perez's mother, Doris Urena, told reporters through a translator that she would be taking her daughter back to the hospital later today. "My daughter's not well, every day is something different," she said. "She's too slim, she's constantly not breathing right. I want justice." "The fact of the matter is the public should not be put at risk by reckless firing by a police officer engaged in a situation in which he very well did not have to fire that many shots," said Rubenstein. He added, "We have filed a notice of claim for $10 million in damages for this victim. The district attorney's office is engaged in an investigation in which Irene is fully cooperating." The shooting in University Heights was the latest in a series of incidents in recent years in which bystanders have been wounded in public gunfire unleashed by NYPD officers. Twenty-two bystanders were struck by police bullets between 2010 and 2016, according to one study; in the most high-profile incident, two officers confronting a gunman outside the Empire State Building fired 16 shots, hitting as many as nine bystanders. A 2008 RAND Corporation study found that on average, 82 percent of shots fired by police missed their targets. In 2012, the NYPD modified its ban on officers firing weapons in such as way as to "unnecessarily endanger innocent persons" by adding the words "in their professional judgment." The NYPD and its law department do not comment on pending cases, but the department reported that it has stripped Gomez of his gun, and he remains on desk duty until an inquiry by the Force Investigation Unit. From her bed, Irene Urena Perez says she came to US to work, now has to go back to the hospital today after an #NYPD bullet struck her in the stomach during a shootout with a suspect Dec 5. Shes had 3 surgeries already and says shes in pain. Suing city for 10 mil. #1010WINS pic.twitter.com/tDsqwm0IVh Samantha Liebman (@SamiLiebman) December 26, 2018 Additional reporting by Neil deMause. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 04:13:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The White House confirmed on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump had traveled to Iraq to visit U.S. troops there. White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders tweeted that "President Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit with our troops and Senior Military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas." This was Trump's first visit with U.S. troops deployed in the Middle East region since he assumed presidency in 2017. The United States reportedly has some 5,000 troops in Iraq. The White House said on Wednesday last week that it had started returning U.S. troops home from Syria after claiming a victory in the fight against the Islamic State. Trump tweeted on Thursday that Defense Secretary James Mattis would retire "with distinction" at the end of February, but changed his decision on Sunday by saying that he had picked Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan as the acting Pentagon chief. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 04:13:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Ye Zaiqi NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Rodrigo Korhonen, a tourist from Europe, was caught off guard by the cancellation of night tours to Alcatraz Island, one of San Francisco's most sought-after tourist destinations. "Alcatraz Day Tours will operate during the government shutdown, but Night Tours will not. The tour operator will automatically refund Night Tour tickets for tour dates cancelled due to the (federal government) shutdown," says a notice on www.alcatrazislandtickets.com. The U.S. government enacted a partial shutdown which took effect on Saturday as U.S. President Donald Trump and the Congress failed to agree on a border wall funding deal. "I've long been told about the breathtaking views of San Francisco as night falls," Korhonen told Xinhua Tuesday afternoon. He originally planned to visit Alcatraz, located in San Francisco Bay and home to the federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963, and experience the intensity of a prison breakout recounted by correctional officers who worked on the Island. "It's frustrating and the closure disrupted my tour plans in San Francisco," Korhonen said. Korhonen was not the only tourist who felt the heat of the U.S. government shutdown that stretched into its fifth day on Wednesday with no signs showing that President Trump and Congress would find a way soon to reopen it. Both the Department of the Interior, which runs national parks, and the Department of Agriculture, which runs national forests, are among the parts of federal government affected by the current shutdown. About 16,000 National Park Service employees - 80 percent of the agency's workforce - are being furloughed. Many national parks are still accessible to visitors, but they will have limited staffing and there will be no National Park Service-provided visitor services, such as restrooms, trash collection, facilities, or road maintenance. In San Francisco, in addition to Alcatraz, the Fort Point National Historic Site, the 150-year-old military building tucked under San Francisco's landmark Golden Gate Bridge, was completely closed to visitors, along with the San Francisco Maritime Museum in Aquatic Park, Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Nike Missile Site in the Marin Headlands. All park facilities in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area were closed for Christmas on Tuesday. Like Korhonen, international tourists were vocal in their disappointment and frustration that the U.S. government shutdown has affected their holiday plans. "I think it's crazy that just one small decision can impact every state in America in this wide range of different activities," Lucas Morondallador, who is visiting Joshua Tree National Park in southern California from Northern Italy, told KESQ News Channel 3, a News-Press-Gazette station. Yutong Yan, who traveled with her family from Singapore, was worried about finding her way around the Joshua Tree park which was characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. "I can't find any maps of this park, because this is my first time visiting here the only thing I can rely on is the GPS," Yan said. Those who visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island were much luckier. The iconic destination was business as usual thanks to funding provided by the New York State. "I would be very much dismayed if it was closed. I planned this trip six month ago," Jenny Chang, who flew to New York City for the Christmas Eve from Beijing, told Xinhua. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said During the shutdown the state will fully fund National Park Service personnel and operational costs of 65,000 U.S. dollars a day, as it has during previous shutdowns, to keep the sites open to visitors. According to an annual report by the National Park Service, 4.5 million people visited Liberty Island in 2016, generating 263.2 million dollars in visitor spending annually and supporting 3,400 jobs, with an economic output of 364 million dollars. Arizona State Governor Doug Ducey also took a similar measure to keep Grand Canyon National Park open and continue services such as shuttles and public restrooms for visitors. The number of visitors to the major tourist attraction amounted to approximately 6.25 million in 2017. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 08:29:56|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Army soldiers patrol a street in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, Dec. 26, 2018. Army troops have been deployed in most parts of Bangladesh to assist the civil administration in ensuring security before the country's general election. (Xinhua/Naim-ul-karim) Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 09:34:25|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close YANGON, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of 100 illegal Myanmar migrant workers detained in Thailand have been repatriated to homeland under the arrangement of the two countries' authorities, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Thursday. The Myanmar migrant workers including 18 women returned to Kawthoung, Kayin state by boat through Ranong, Thailand on Wednesday. The migrant workers, respectively from Tanintharyi, Yangon, Bago and Magway regions and Mon, Rakhine and Chin states, were brought back to their homes after being scrutinized to ensure they are free of drug, non-link to terrorism, non-involvement in making counterfeit kyat notes, non-carriage of weapons or explosive materials and non-criminals, the report said. Last Saturday, some 15 Myanmar illegal migrant workers were also sent back home by the Thai authorities as their border passes expired. They were handed over to Myanmar's Tachileik authorities in Shan state-East through the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge-2 . Moreover, in November, a total of 73 Myanmar nationals, smuggled to Thailand by brokers with illegal jobs offer, were also sent back by the Thai authorities to Myawaddy, a border town with Thailand in Kayin state. A man walks on Anyer beach in Serang, Banten Province, Indonesia, Dec.26, 2018. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain) JAKARTA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Tourists are advised to put option on other than coastal areas visit in some parts of Indonesia or avoid to stay less than one kilometer from coast, the country's tourism ministry said here on Wednesday. The statement came following the issuance of no-go zone of 0.5 to one km from the coast line by the country's meteorology and geophysics agency and the volcanology agency in the wake of Saturday's tsunami triggered by the eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano that killed over 430 people along the coastal areas of Sunda Strait. Most of the casualties are holiday makers spending time along the coast in several tourist resorts, according to the national disaster management and mitigation agency. "We urge tourists not to stay in the radius of less than or at 1 kilometer from coast. Or, it is transiently better to visit other than coastal destinations," Guntur Sakti, chairman of crisis center team of the tourism ministry said in a statement. During their holiday, the official said, tourists should update weather information through social media or the weather agency. The official confirmed that tidal waves with height of 1.25 to 2.5 meters potentially occur in some water from western to eastern parts of Indonesia which is home to over 17,500 islands. Over one million foreign holiday makers visit Indonesia every month, with nearly 600,000 of whom spent their journey in Bali resort island, the center of Indonesia's tourism industry, according to data from the national statistics bureau. The Saturday's tsunami devastated a 312.75 km long of coastal areas along the Sunda Strait, including the province of Banten and Lampung, the disaster agency said. In addition, over 21,000 people were forced to flee homes for fear of a second tsunami after the warning from government agencies. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 11:19:49|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Wednesday promised a transparent investigation into the helicopter crash that killed a couple who were the current and former governors of central Puebla state. Lopez Obrador also urged patience over the investigative process and criticized the allegations from "certain right-wing groups." "Be more responsible and less ridiculous," he said. The helicopter carrying Governor Martha Erika Alonso, in office since Dec. 14, and her husband, Rafael Moreno Valle, who served in the post from 2011 to 2017, crashed on Christmas Eve shortly after taking off in the state capital Puebla. "We are not going to hide absolutely anything so there is no suspicion. We have to find out what caused this accident, this regrettable tragedy," Lopez Obrador said at his daily press conference. On Tuesday, the government announced it had invited international experts to take part in the investigation, including aviation officials from the United States. However, the U.S. federal government shutdown prevented their participation. European and Canadian experts are expected to join in the investigation. Mexican investigators have ruled out any possibility that explosives or fuel tampering played a part in the crash. Officials also confirmed the two pilots were experienced and the paperwork was in order. The tragedy sparked speculations of wrongdoing by political opposition as Alonso's gubernatorial victory was questioned by the ruling Morena party, which alleged the elections had been marred by violence and vote tampering. Alonso and her husband were members of the center-right National Action Party. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 12:45:04|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian government on Wednesday criticized Japan's decision to resume commercial whale hunting. In a statement, Brazil's Environment Ministry described Japan's move as "a great regression in the global scenario" and highlighted that the decision disregards the stance of the majority of countries. Japan announced earlier its decision to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the watchdog in charge of preserving whales, and to resume commercial whaling by next July. The move has been criticized by countries such as Australia. "Brazil has historically postulated for the defense of all forms of life in the seas of the planet, especially cetaceans, which have many species under risk of extinction," said the ministry. "We have much to advance and only through the integrated action of IWC member countries can we succeed in protecting these species and other related agendas, such as tackling issues like sea pollution and global warming," it said. The ministry said that Brazil works hard to protect whales and other sea animals off its coast and has managed to increase sea conservation areas significantly. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 13:00:06|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Photo taken on Dec. 26, 2018 shows a closed door of Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium in Washington D.C., the United States. The impact from a partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government has grown further after Christmas as it stretched into the fifth day on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The impact from a partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government has grown further after Christmas as it stretched into the fifth day on Wednesday. The shutdown, which started Friday midnight, resulted from a budgetary impasse between the White House and Congress over whether to fund the construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall, a plank of President Donald Trump's campaign in 2016. Both chambers of Congress are scheduled to convene on Thursday, but it wasn't clear how much progress can be expected in negotiations. Trump said the shutdown "could be a long stay" and White House budget director Mick Mulvaney said it could drag on to next year. Wednesday is the first working day after the start of the shutdown, with nine of 15 cabinet-level departments and dozens of agencies affected. REDUCED STAFFING AT PARKS Some national parks remained open but operated with reduced staffing. Some of the facilities such as restrooms or information centers are closed. At Rock Creek Park, a national park that bisects the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., runners and hikers found the visitor center closed, with a notice attached to the front door urging visitors to use "extreme caution" as park personnel will not be available to "provide guidance, assistance, maintenance and emergency response" due to the government shutdown. Marc Hample, who was visiting the park with families on Wednesday, said he hasn't felt the impact personally but believes federal workers who depend on the federal paychecks are being affected. The equipment specialist said he is disappointed about the shutdown, blaming it on the "Washington wisdom, or lack thereof." The Mikkelsen family from Denmark, who is in Washington D.C. for a one-week trip, told Xinhua that they were at first "nervous" about the potential impact of the shutdown, but later were relieved to find that the Smithsonian museums are still open. Smithsonian officials announced Friday that the 19 museums in Washington D.C. and New York City will not close in the event of the shutdown with unused "prior-year funds" and that they "will reevaluate the situation" after Jan. 1. The National Gallery of Art, located just a few minutes' walk from the Capitol Hill, will also remain open until end of this year. A security guard at the gallery, who declined to be named, said he had to go home soon if the shutdown extends into January. "What can you do?" he said with a shrug. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES According to an estimate by the Senate Appropriations Committee, more than 420,000 federal employees deemed essential have to work without pay during the shutdown, and roughly 380,000 have been given leave without pay. Nearly 80 percent of federal employees responding to a survey by the U.S. National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) earlier this week said that they were "very concerned" about paying their rental and bills this month, and more than 85 percent said they were tightening their belts. "The anxiety level among federal employees is extremely high and on top of that, there is real anger that they are paying the personal price for someone else's dysfunction," NTEU National President Tony Reardon said in a statement. The shutdown stories remain a trending hashtag on Twitter as government employees and contractors are sharing experiences of inconvenience. John Deal, who said he and his wife both work at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as contractors, tweeted that his employer has halted most of its non-essential activities and that they "have 100% loss of family income." "Thanks to all our gov't representation for doing their job?" said Deal, adding that his son's tuition fee is due in four weeks. IMPASSE OVER BORDER WALL FUNDING In a series of tweets this week, Trump tried to pin the shutdown, the third this year, on Democrats, urging them to provide billions of U.S. dollars for building the border wall, which he and conservatives have viewed as essential to addressing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. "Whatever it takes, we need a wall," Trump said during his unannounced visit to U.S. troops in Iraq on Wednesday. "We need safety for our country." Democrats have strongly pushed back, slapping the Trump proposal as an "inefficient, unnecessary and costly" solution to strengthening border security as well as "a political stunt" to galvanize his base. Analysts and observers have said that it's hard to predict when the political stalemate would end as Republicans and Democrats are still deeply divided over the border wall, which has also torn the public apart. "The shutdown could easily go on for weeks and there will be no winners -- only losers," Mark Penn, former chief strategist on Bill Clinton's 1996 presidential campaign, wrote in an op-ed carried by Fox News. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 13:15:09|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CANBERRA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has condemned Japan's decision to resume whaling for commercial purposes. Japan on Wednesday announced that it had decided to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), meaning the country will no longer be subjected to IWC regulations. The withdrawal will take effect on June 30, clearing the way for Japan to restart commercial whaling from July 2019. Responding to the announcement, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Minister for the Environment Melissa Price said that Australia was "extremely disappointed" with the decision. "Their decision to withdraw is regrettable and Australia urges Japan to return to the convention and commission as a matter of priority," they said in a statement on Wednesday. "Australia remains resolutely opposed to all forms of commercial and so-called scientific whaling. We will continue to work within the commission to uphold the global moratorium on commercial whaling." The IWC introduced its ban on commercial whaling in 1982 but Japan has conducted scientific whaling since 1988. Japan in September called for the commission to lift the ban but was denied. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 13:30:13|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. retail sales registered the strongest growth in six years during the current festive season, driven by strong online sales, according to a report released by MasterCard on Wednesday. U.S. retail sales rose 5.1 percent during the shopping season from before Thanksgiving through Christmas. Meanwhile, online shopping saw a surge of 19.1 percent on year, according to MasterCard's report. During the data collecting period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, MasterCard reported that retail sales in the United States rose beyond 850 million U.S. dollars. Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard, said that the surge in retail sales reflected the confidence of consumers. "From shopping aisles to online carts, consumer confidence translated into holiday cheer for retail," said Sadove. However, MasterCard noted that sales at department stores dropped 1.3 percent on year after two years of humble growth under 2 percent, partly due to closing of stores. Luckily, online sales growth for department stores rose 10.2 percent. Speaking of the sales performance of several major shopping categories, the report noted that sales of total apparel increased 7.9 percent year on year, which was the fastest growth since 2010. Another highlighted category was home improvement spending, which surged 9 percent during this holiday season, according to the report. Sales of electronics and appliances dropped 0.7 percent, and the home furniture and furnishings rose 2.3 percent. Sadove said the increase in retail sales could be attributed to decent inventory management and distribution strategy. "By combining the right inventory with the right mix of online versus in-store, many retailers were able to give consumers what they wanted via the right shopping channels," Sadove said. Moving to a new city can be full of anxiety and excitement. When you feel scared, you cant enjoy the... Most real estate agents have an obligation to market their business to potential clients. You have to make sure that... Were sure you already know, but lets repeat: Burlington is a city located in the Halton, Ontario area. It is... A personal injury occurs when a person's body, mind, or emotions are injured due to the negligence, carelessness, or wrongful... I Agree This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy More than two years after Governor Andrew Cuomo declared victory in the Fight for $15 campaign, an initial group of New York City's lowest paid workers will finally see the promised figure reflected in their paychecks. Starting on December 31st, employees at New York City businesses with more than 10 workers will be the first to reach the full $15 minimum wage, which is being implemented in phases throughout the state. The city's smaller businesses still have another year to offer the hourly wage, while all employers on Long Island and in Westchester get until 2021. The remainder of workers in the state will see the wage floor lifted to $12.50 in two years, at which point the minimum wage will increase at a schedule to be determined by the state, until it hits $15...eventually. (Governor's Office) "With the historic increase in the minimum wage, New York continues to set a national example in the fight for economic justice," the governor, who sneered at a $15 minimum wage increase just three years ago, said in a statement. "In New York, we believe in a fair day's pay for a fair day's work and are proud to be stepping up for hardworking families and making a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers." At businesses that employ tipped workers, employers will be able to apply some tips toward their minimum wage obligation through a formula that varies by industry. Employers will also be required to pay tipped workers overtime hours at time-and-a-half the minimum wage rate. (A proposal to end tips altogether is currently under consideration at the state Labor Department, though it faces opposition from major stakeholders, including the New York City Hospitality Alliance, a coalition of industry business owners.) Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers, December 31, 2018 through December 30, 2019 (Governor's Office) Recent years have brought significant gains across the country for the Fight for 15 movement, which was started by fast-food employees who walked off the job in New York in 2012. As a direct result of that organizing, some 22 million low-wage workers nationwide will benefit from an estimated $68 billion in annual raises, according to a study published last month by the National Employment Law Center. So far, major cities that have implemented the $15 minimum wage, including San Francisco and Seattle, have not seen the significant job losses predicted by some business owners and economists. As Jacob Vigdor, a professor at the University of Washington who studies the impact of wage increases, explained to the Associated Press: The general sense is that the fears of what a higher minimum wage might have done to business were exaggerated. I think its also fair to say the hopes of what a minimum wage might have done to workers were also exaggerated." An earlier analysis from Comptroller Scott Stringer anticipated that raising the minimum wage to $15 in New York City could boost wages by $10 billion a year and benefit nearly 1.5 million workers. The report also predicted that the $15 rate would save taxpayers $200 to $500 million a year in food stamp and Medicaid spending. Alongside the coming wage hike, the governor is also promoting a Wage Theft Hotline (1-888-4-NYSDOL) for workers to report employers who refuse to comply with the new minimum wage. According to a report issued last year by the Economic Policy Institute, New York has the third-highest rate of minimum wage violations of the 10 most populous states, with immigrants and tipped workers among the most vulnerable. As we noted in an investigation published earlier today, nearly 25 percent of New York City diner workers believe their bosses are paying them illegally low wages. Those unsure of whether they've been receiving the legally mandated minimum wage, or how the hike will affect them in the future, can use this state-provided lookup tool to check their legal wage status. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 13:40:17|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close Workers go about their work at the Hisense South Africa household appliance factory in Atlantis, Cape Town, South Africa, May 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Linda Yee) by Xinhua writers Habtamu Worku, Wang Shoubao ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Mastewal Tsegaye, a graduate of the Arba Minch University in Ethiopia, is among the many young Ethiopians working for Chinese companies in Ethiopia's industrial parks. After failing to find a job related to her major for more than a year, Tsegaye was finally employed by the Huajian Shoe Factory in the the Eastern Industrial Zone. As African countries pursue industrialization, the Chinese-built industrial parks and free trade zones have been gaining momentum in the socio-economic drive of the continent, some significantly accelerating the process of industrialization and job creation. PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT, PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT "The factory mainly produces women's shoes, which interested me," Tsegaye told Xinhua. Tsegaye said she is "very grateful" for the Chinese companies that provided her and other youth with jobs. Located about 40 km south of Addis Ababa, the Eastern Industrial Zone (EIZ), built and operated by Chinese companies, is widely viewed as the benchmark for the development of industrial parks in Ethiopia. Earlier this month, upon invitation by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir traveled to Ethiopia's western town of Jimma, where the three leaders inaugurated the Chinese-built Jimma Industrial Park, some 350 km west of capital Addis Ababa. At the ceremony, Ahmed said the park would help with the industrialization process of Western Ethiopia and create a large number of jobs for young Ethiopians. According to Ethiopia's Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), the park, once fully operational, will create some 12,000 direct jobs for Ethiopians. The EIZ, Ethiopia's first industrial zone, has provided more than 10,000 jobs for local people. Thanks to the industrialization driven by industrial parks, Ethiopia's gross domestic product remained at a growth rate of about 10 percent between 2008 and 2017, creating an economic miracle on the African continent. As Ethiopia envisions building 15 industrial parks in the coming few years, it is estimated that the parks alone will produce more than 150,000 direct jobs. Meanwhile, free trade zones and industrial parks in Djibouti, Nigeria and South Africa also created jobs for local citizens and promoted the economic development of these countries. INDUSTRIAL PARKS BOOM IN ETHIOPIA Being Africa's second most populous nation, Ethiopia has an abundant workforce. More than 70 percent of its 100 million population is estimated to be under the age of 30. As the East African country is exploring ways to realize its demographic dividend while transforming its agriculture-dominated economy towards a manufacturing hub of Africa, China's development model of industrial parks has been considered as an option. Currently, 15 industrial parks are in the pipeline across Ethiopia, most of which are being constructed by Chinese companies. Six of the industrial parks have officially gone operational in the past few years, attracting a large number of transnational companies from China, India, South Korea and other countries. Ethiopia now exports shoes produced by Huajian to European and American markets, while many of the taxis on the streets of the Ethiopian capital and other cities are assembled by Lifan Motors. The EIZ is Ethiopia's first industrial zone and has inspired the government to establish more such parks in the country. "These industrial parks are vital elements of the infrastructure supporting the structural transformation in Ethiopia that can attract institutional investors," said Costantinos Bt. Costantinos, an economic advisor to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Costantinos told Xinhua that industrial parks have been built in many countries which believe these parks will bring about employment opportunities and revenues. "As IMF (International Monetary Fund) chief Christine Lagarde said at the Eastern Industrial Park in Addis, 'I saw the dynamism and enthusiasm of the people working there and the commitment of private investors to Ethiopia.' This is extremely encouraging," said Costantinos, who is also a professor of public policy at the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. INDUSTRIAL PARKS, FREE TRADE ZONES TAKE ROOT IN AFRICA Besides Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, Chinese-built industrial parks and free trade zones, which are key to attracting investors, have taken root in many other African countries. The Chinese-built international free trade zone was inaugurated in July in Djibouti, a country with a population of nearly 1 million. At the construction site of the free trade zone, a tall modern office building has been erected. Some 70,000 square meters of warehouses and 65,000 square meters of storage yards have also been completed. With a planned construction area of 48.2 square km, the free trade zone occupies one-tenth of the country's available land area and has attracted more than 20 companies that have decided to settle in the zone. In the Western African nation of Nigeria, the construction of the Lekki Free Trade Zone is also in full swing. The free trade zone is invested, constructed and operated by the Lekki Free Trade Zone Development Company. The zone incorporates, among others, oil and gas warehousing, furniture manufacturing, garment production, trade logistics, engineering construction services, industrial real estate, automobile assembly, steel structure processing and manufacturing, steel pipe production, daily necessities and other industries. South Africa is an important platform for investors to enter the African market because it is one of the most developed countries in the region. In 2013, Chinese consumer electronics company Hisense and the China-Africa Development Fund teamed up to inject 383 million South African rand (about 33 million U.S. dollars) to build a home appliance industrial park in the Atlantis area, about 50 km west of Cape Town. Latest statistics show that the TV sales market share of Hisense in South Africa has reached 25.1 percent, ranking first in the market. It is followed by refrigerator sales which account for 24.2 percent of the total market share. As of July 2018, its annual TV production capacity is about 400,000 units, while the refrigerator production capacity is about 400,000 units annually. Ebrahim Rasool, chairman of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) Western Cape campaign team, hailed Chinese investment in the park. The mutually beneficial cooperation between China and South Africa in the park has impressed everyone, Rasool said. (Video editor: Luo Hui) Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 13:45:19|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close LANZHOU, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- With the sound of an explosion echoing in the valley and smoke floating in the air, Miao Yuhai, 59, carried a radio transmitter on his back and ran across the "battlefield." Miao is in production for another TV drama where he and his fellow villagers work as extras. They have been in this trade for 15 years, and it has changed their lives and brought fortune to their poverty-stricken village in northwest China's Gansu Province. "Since 2004, I have been in more than 20 TV dramas or films," said Miao, who lives in Dashuizha village, Xiquan Town of Jingtai County. Jingtai is a popular shooting location because of its diverse landscapes including rivers, the Gobi Desert, oases and farms. There have been more than 60 films and TV dramas shot in Dashuizha village alone. "I have even played in a movie featuring Jackie Chan," said Miao. Miao's first acting job was playing a monk. He received a free meal and a salary of 20 yuan (2.9 U.S. dollars) each day, a pretty good intake for the farming family back in 2004. In the past, villagers have had to leave their hometown to work in big cities to support their family, but in recent years, more villagers have been raking in money from the acting opportunities. "It is estimated that the production teams recruit more than 1,000 people each year from the village," said Wang Ziji, chairman of the people's congress in Xiquan. Now Miao makes around 5,000 yuan from working as an extra each year. In 2015, he used his earnings to start raising goats. Sometimes, the production teams want to shoot scenes featuring Miao herding the goats, and the use of his livestock can earn him around 100 yuan more each day. Over the years, some of the production teams left their sets and props in the village, which were later used by the local government as tourist attractions. In 2018, the local government spent around 26 million yuan building alleys and street blocks in ancient Chinese styles to further develop local tourism. With more incoming tourists, the once poverty-stricken village with around 800 people is expected to shake off poverty this year, according to Wang. "Next year, I will ask my two sons to return to the village and open a farmhouse resort together for hosting tourists," said Miao. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 14:10:23|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in's approval rating fell this week to 43.8 percent, the lowest since his inauguration in May last year, a weekly poll showed Thursday. According to the Realmeter survey, support for Moon declined 3.3 percentage points over the week to 43.8 percent this week. It marked the lowest since Moon took office about one and a half years ago. The result was based on a poll of 1,003 voters conducted on Monday and Wednesday. It had 3.1 percentage points in the margin of error with a 95 percent confidence level. The negative assessment on Moon's management of state affairs advanced to 51.6 percent, surpassing the positive assessment for the first time. Moon's support scores kept falling for the past months amid the lackluster employment and worry about economic growth. Consumer sentiment rebounded this month as minimum wage would be hiked by a double-digit next year for the second straight year. Support for the ruling Democratic Party shed 1.7 percentage points over the week to 36.3 percent this week. It was followed by the main conservative opposition Liberty Korea Party, of which approval rating rose 0.2 percentage points to 25.6 percent. The minor progressive Justice Party and the minor conservative Bareun Future Party won 8.6 percent and 8.2 percent respectively in approval scores. The center-left Party for Democracy and Peace earned 2.3 percent of support. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 14:20:27|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The spokesman of the Islamic State (IS) group Sultan Aziz Azam has been killed in air raids on the insurgent group in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province, an army statement released here Thursday said. "Acting upon intelligence reports, the unmanned planes targeted the IS hideout in Pachiragam district on Wednesday, killing Sultan Aziz Azam, the mouthpiece of the hardliner group for Afghanistan," the statement added. In addition to serving as a spokesman, Azam was also in charge of recruiting militants to target government employees especially the ranking officials. The extremist IS group has yet to make comments. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 15:15:34|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. top-tier aircraft manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing on Wednesday revealed a newly designed helicopter which could travel twice as fast as conventional ones. Lockheed Martin, the builder of F-35 and F-22 stealth fighter jets, announced that its subsidiary Sikorsky and aircraft maker Boeing provided the first look of their "Defiant" helicopter, which was developed as the U.S. Army's next-generation military helicopter. According to the announcement from Boeing and Lockheed Martin, the "Defiant" was designed to fly "at twice the speed and range of today's conventional helicopters" and offered "advanced agility and maneuverability." The most highlighted feature of the new helicopter is its "pusher propeller," which sits at the aircraft's tail and generates direct thrust to push itself forward. Although such design has been widely used on ships, it could help the aircraft to break the speed limit of traditional helicopters. Besides, the new design puts two sets of rotor blades at the top of the helicopter. One set of blades is mounted above the other set with the same axis of rotation, while each of them turns in opposite directions. According to Lockheed Martin, the helicopter would include four crews on board for the operation of the aircraft, while transporting 12 combat-equipped troops in the cabin. Boeing and Lockheed Martin both said the new helicopter was expected to enter service in the early 2030s. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 15:55:42|Editor: ZX Video Player Close SHENYANG, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Ma Jian, former vice minister of state security, was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for taking bribes. Ma was also punished for forced transactions and inside trading, the Intermediate People's Court of Dalian City, Liaoning Province, announced. Ma's political rights have been revoked for life, with all his personal assets confiscated. Ma pleaded guilty in court and decided not to appeal. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 16:40:47|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles police have stepped up patrols near the Hollywood sign to avoid a repeat of the New Year's Day vandalism that had turned it into "Hollyweed." On New Year's Day 2017, a prankster transformed the sign to read "Hollyweed" by hanging tarpaulins over the Os to change them into Es. A suspect was arrested about a week later and booked for trespassing. Now the Los Angeles Police Department is adding extra patrols and Griffith Park will have another ranger in the area to prevent a repeat, according to media reports. The hiking trails near the sign are particularly popular with visitors at this time of year, although direct access to the sign is not allowed. The Hollywood sign was erected in 1923 and originally said "Hollywoodland," to advertise a new housing development in the hills above Los Angeles. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 16:45:49|Editor: ZX Video Player Close KUNMING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Police in southwest China's Yunnan Province cracked two big drug cases this month, with more than 51 kg of drugs and six suspects caught, police in the city of Zhaotong said. The anti-narcotics police in Zhenxiong County received a tip-off in early December that someone was planning to transport drugs across the border. On Dec. 6, police seized one suspect in the city of Baoshan, confiscating six packages of heroin weighing a total of 20.2 kg. In another case, local police of Zhaotong city caught five suspects on Dec. 14 and seized about 31 kg of methamphetamine in Baoshan and Kunming. The suspects are currently under police custody. The cases are under further investigation. Yunnan is the focal point of the national anti-drug campaign as it borders the Golden Triangle, known for drug production and trafficking. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 16:50:50|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- As many as 35 school students were injured in a bus mishap in India's northern state of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, according to local media. The students were going to attend a public gathering to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The school bus fell into a deep ditch near Lunj area in Kangra district of the state. All the injured have been admitted in a nearby government hospital. According to the local media reports, five students were seriously injured and were referred to the medical college in Tanda area. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 17:11:00|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close NANJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese electronics retailer Suning Holdings Group announced Wednesday its new charity strategy highlighting poverty relief. Zhang Jindong, chairman of Suning, said the company's e-commerce poverty relief project will offer training courses online and offline and set up retail shops to benefit more than 6,000 poor people in 2019. "Our e-commerce training project has already taken roots in 100 poverty-stricken counties, creating 3,500 job opportunities," Zhang said. Meanwhile, Suning will set up 500 smart retail shops next year in 300 Chinese universities, offering more than 3,000 part-time jobs for poor college students. In 2018, the company invested around 500 million yuan (around 73 million U.S. dollars) into poverty-relief projects. Suning ranked Huawei, the second leading telecom equipment giant, on the latest list of top 500 private enterprises in China, which was unveiled in August. Its subsidiary Suning.com was listed on the 2018 Fortune Global 500. China is committed to lifting its entire poor rural population out of poverty by 2020. Over 60,000 private enterprises including Suning have taken part in the poverty relief campaign, named "10,000 enterprises assisting 10,000 villages," since it began in October 2015. After an outcry that a group of homeless men seen in a now-viral video fighting with a police officerwho repeatedly told them to back awayhad not been charged with any crimes, the NYPD announced that they would file more serious charges against three of the suspects, including riot, obstructing governmental administration and, for one of the men, attempted assault. The new charges stem from an incident at the East Broadway subway station on December 23rd. Around 10:30 p.m., Officer Syed Ali was asked to assist a woman who said she was being harassed by a group of men on the platform. Some of the men apparently confronted Ali, and video shows the officer warning them to not approach him and using his baton as well as his feet to fend them off. A bystander is seen trying to prevent the others from going near Ali, but at one point, one of the men tries to charge at Ali. The man ends up stumbling into the tracks: This is what the men and women in uniform sign up to do each day. Face the danger, no matter what type just to make sure people we serve are protected. Great work done by our proud member who showed restraint and bravery. Hes also a ranking member in @USArmy @NYPDTransit @NYCPBA pic.twitter.com/5FWcFWDE24 NYPDMOS (@NYPDMuslim) December 24, 2018 Ali called for power to be cut to the tracks so the man could be pulled up to safety. Police did not initially charge the men; they were instead transported to a nearby hospital "due to their highly intoxicated condition," according to the official NYPD statement. After being released from Beth Israel hospital, the NYPD told Gothamist the group returned to the same station, and were subsequently arrested for being outstretched in a subway station. The Manhattan D.A.'s office declined to prosecute, and a spokesperson said, "When people are arrested for attacking officers, we prosecute them. These men were not arrested for attacking an officer. They were arrested for sleeping on the floor of a subway station a rules violation, not a crime." Nevertheless, the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association and others pounced on the DA for not prosecuting the men, with PBA president Pat Lynch issuing a statement saying, "These men chose to drink to excess and then to attack a police officer like a pack of jackals when given a lawful order to move on. They should be held accountable for their actions. On Wednesday, NYPD Sergeant Jessica McRorie said the men would face more serious charges, announcing that the NYPD "has reviewed the incident that took place in a Manhattan subway station on 12-23-18 with the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. It has been determined that two individuals will be charged with Riot and Obstructing Governmental Administration and one individual will be charged with Riot, Obstructing Governmental Administration, and Attempted Assault." Eliseo Alvarez, 26, was arrested and charged with attempted assault, obstructing governmental administration, riot, attempted criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing. Juan Nunez, 27, was charged with obstructing governmental administration and riot. The third individual is still wanted by the NYPD. Officer Ali had no idea the video was so widely seen. The NY Times reports that he "does not use social media" and "did not know he had even been filmed." But Officer Ali said he was glad it was filmed because it allowed him to reconstruct the episode. The tension and the adrenaline was at full throttle, where I couldnt even tell you the details the video is showing, he said. It may have saved me. Officers get crucified for garbage sometimes. The episode began when a woman at the East Broadway subway station on the Lower East Side told Officer Ali she was scared because a group of people were bothering her. He said he told the men to leave the station. Thats when I saw they started becoming a little aggressive, more combative, he said. The video kind of shows what happened after that. The Times has written about the officer before: In 2017, Ali, who is Muslim, was detained at JFK Airport after being a two-year Army Reserve deployment in Iraq. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 18:01:12|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers have called for swift adoption of a unified foreign investment law to further open the country. The opinion won wide support at a panel deliberation Wednesday on the draft foreign investment law, which was submitted to the ongoing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for the first reading. Xiong Qunli, a Committee member, spoke highly of the contribution of foreign investment to China's development in the past 40 years. He said the formulation of a unified basic law on foreign investment is "timely and necessary." Xiong and many other lawmakers called for prompt deliberation of the draft law and put it to a vote as soon as possible. Once adopted, the unified foreign investment law will replace three existing laws, namely the laws on Chinese-foreign equity joint ventures, non-equity joint ventures (or contractual joint ventures) and wholly foreign-owned enterprises. When introducing the draft to lawmakers on Sunday, Justice Minister Fu Zhenghua said the current laws can hardly catch up with the changing requirements in building a new system of open economy and there is an urgent need for such a unified law. Committee member Li Fei said the State Council (cabinet)'s submission of the draft for review demonstrated China's resolution in deepening reform and further opening itself to the world, as 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of its reform and opening-up. Noting that the existing three laws were adopted by the NPC, Li said the new law replacing them should also be put to a vote at an NPC plenary session. He suggested that the NPC Standing Committee should further review the draft and then refer it to the upcoming NPC plenary session in 2019 for deliberation and a vote following the requirement of the legislation law. Lawmakers also gave their specific suggestions on improving the draft. Committee member Jiang Xiaojuan called for the embedment of the principle of competitive neutrality or fair competition between domestic and foreign companies in the general provisions of the draft law. The draft law highlighted the pre-establishment national treatment and negative list management, equal support policies and equal participation in government procurement. It said conditions of technological cooperation concerning foreign investment should be decided by all parties of investment through negotiation, and government departments and officials cannot use administrative means for forced technology transfers. Cai Fang, another member, said there should be further clarifications on "forced technology transfers." Chen Fengxiang, also a member of the NPC Standing Committee, called for an independent chapter on the admission review of foreign investment. Also on Wednesday, the full text of the 39-article draft was published on the NPC website to solicit public opinion. The public can upload their opinions online or send their suggestions by mail. The deadline for submitting opinions is Feb. 24, 2019. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 18:01:13|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Five Taliban militants who were riding an explosive-laden car lost their lives as the device went off prematurely in the eastern Ghazni province on Wednesday, provincial government spokesman Aref Nuri said Thursday. The insurgents, according to the official, were attempting to explode the explosive laden-car next to the headquarters of Deyak district, when it exploded accidentally on the way to the district killing all five on the spot. Taliban militants who are largely relying on suicide and roadside bombings are yet to make comment. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 18:06:13|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Picture taken on Dec. 11, 2018 shows a specialist working at the foundation of a Neolithic house in the Dahe Village relic site museum in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province. The foundations of a Neolithic house that has stood for over 5,000 years in central China's Henan Province will be examined and reinforced 46 years after they were unearthed. The four-bedroom home is part of the Neolithic Yangshao culture, dating back 7,000 years. (Xinhua/Li An) ZHENGZHOU, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The foundations of a Neolithic house that has stood for over 5,000 years in central China's Henan Province will be examined and reinforced 46 years after they were unearthed. The four-bedroom home that covers nearly 50 square meters in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan, is located in the Dahe Village relic site that is part of the Neolithic Yangshao culture, dating back 7,000 years. The roof is long gone, but the one-meter-high walls still stand, providing a complete spatial layout of the house. Specialists use tools such as brushes and bamboo knives to clean the dust and dead moss accumulated on the surface and inside small cracks before they are reinforced. The Yangshao Culture, widely known for its advanced pottery-making technology, originated on the middle reaches of the Yellow River and is considered an important stream of Chinese civilization. The house was built with wood as its "bones," hay as "muscles," and clay that covered the walls. Fire was then used to burn the entire building, similar to firing pottery, to make it strong enough to stand for thousands of years, according to Hu Jizhong, curator of the relic site museum. More than 50 utensils, including 20 pottery ware were found in the house, along with a can of carbonized food grains. Experts said the four rooms had living and sleeping functions, demonstrating that private ownership and family had budded at the time. The renovation will last about one year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 18:21:17|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close NEW YORK, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Two prominent Chinese Americans were honored on Wednesday with the President's Volunteer Service Award (Lifetime Achievement Award) for recognition of their lifelong service to enhance the life quality of the Asian community in New York City. John S. Chan, chairman of Asian American Community Empowerment (BRACE), and Jack Poon, honorary president of BRACE, were presented the awards by Grace Meng, member of the House of Representatives, at the organization's fifth anniversary gala held in the NYC borough of Brooklyn. "BRACE is a tireless advocate for the Asian American Community and stands unwavering in its mission to represent the interests of its members," said Meng in her congratulatory remarks. "I am sure your efforts will generate many good works and this organization will establish goodwill and cooperation both inside and outside of the Asian American community." Also at the event, four Chinese Americans -- Choi Fook Chen, Daniel Chen, Dianlin Jiang and John Jiang -- received the Volunteer Service Award (Gold); and three others -- Michael Chen, Kenneth Chiu and Jianghua Li -- received the Volunteer Service Award (Silver). The President's Volunteer Service Award is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States. It was established to honor volunteers who devote hundreds of hours per year to helping others. The awards are offered in multiple levels, including bronze, silver, gold and the highest honor, the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime. The Brooklyn-based BRACE was founded by seven Chinese American organizations in 2013. With more than 70 member organizations and a total membership of nearly 10,000, BRACE has the following major agendas: encouraging Asian Americans to run for political offices, defending the rights of Asian Americans, serving the community in collaboration with other organizations and promoting China-U.S. friendship. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 19:21:32|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Syrian capital Damascus will reopen Thursday for the first time in seven years. The Syrian Information Ministry has sent invitation for journalists to cover the opening ceremony on Thursday afternoon. It's not yet clear whether it's a reopening with a full diplomatic representation or a partial one. Local reports said that some maintenance work was carried out inside the embassy ahead of its opening. In his recent remarks, Syria's deputy foreign minister said "we welcome any step for the return of all Arab embassies to Syria." All Gulf states had closed their embassies in Damascus after the Syrian crisis erupted in 2011. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 19:26:33|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said Thursday that China would accelerate developing advanced manufacturing and strengthen its innovation and competitiveness. Miao Wei, minister of the MIIT, said that the ministry would encourage innovation in key areas, strive to make breakthroughs in critical technologies and strengthen the protection of intellectual property. "As for upgrading the traditional industry, China will persist in phasing out outdated capacity," said Miao, adding that the country would launch a new round of innovation to upgrade key technology and promote digitalization in manufacturing. China will continue to upgrade and expand the consumption of information, and support innovation in products, including wearable devices, drones, as well as intelligent service robots, Miao said. Miao also called for stimulating market vitality and fostering more competitive and high-quality companies. Miao made the remarks at a national meeting on industrialization and informatization after an annual key economic meeting of China's leadership put high-quality manufacturing development high on the work agenda of 2019. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 20:11:40|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and Britain signed an agreement Thursday on the transfer of prisoners, according to a statement of the British embassy in Pakistan. The statement from the British High Cimmission to Pakistan said the Britain-Pakistan Prisoner Transfer Agreement was signed on by the British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew and Pakistan Interior Secretary Azam Suleman Khan. The agreement will give prisoners the opportunity to serve their sentence closer to home and allows them to prepare for their reintegration into their home community when they are eventually released from prison. The agreement was approved in principle during the visit of British Home Secretary Sajid Javid to Pakistan in September. "It restores and updates a previous agreement between the UK and Pakistan, and also includes strengthened assurances to ensure all transferred prisoners serve the appropriate sentence before being released," the statement said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 20:31:48|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close RAMALLAH, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian government declared Thursday it is to ban access of Israeli vegetables, fruits and poultry into the Palestinian market in response to an Israeli ban on import of corresponding Palestinian products. The Palestinian government said in a statement following its weekly meeting that "in light of the unilateral Israeli decision to prevent the entry of Palestinian vegetables and fruits into Israeli markets, the government decided to ban all kinds of Israeli vegetables, fruits and poultry." It said that the decision comes "in line with the principle of protecting the local products and Palestinian farmers, and in fulfillment of the government's policy to support the resilience of the farmers." Israel banned Palestinian agricultural products last week after the Palestinians decided to stop allowing into the local markets sheep imported by Israel in order to protect the domestic livestock farmers. According to official data, Palestinian vegetable exports to the Israeli market in 2017 reached nearly 56 million U.S. dollars, and fruit exports hit 5 million dollars. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 20:41:51|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close MOSCOW, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to "sit on two chairs at the same time" by keeping the military base in Iraq as a bridgehead for actions in Syria after withdrawing troops from Syria, a Russian lawmaker said Thursday. "On the one hand, he still wants to demonstrate his intention to abandon the role of the global policeman, which implies shedding the blood of Americans for countries most people have never heard of," Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Russia's Federation Council, said on Facebook. "On the other hand, Trump certainly aims to extinguish the discontent of the Republicans with the decision to withdraw the U.S. troops from Syria," he said. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria has already forced the resignation of Pentagon chief James Mattis, who clearly was more popular in Washington than Trump himself, Kosachev added. Kosachev said he believes it is necessary to remind the United States at all levels that military actions in a neighboring country without the consent of its leadership and the mandate of the United Nations Security Council will mean a coercive intervention in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. In a surprise visit to an Iraqi military base to celebrate Christmas, Trump denied any plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, shortly after he decided to pull U.S. servicemen out of neighboring Syria. File photo shows a train runs out of one station of Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi Railway on May 29, 2017.(Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) recently hailed as "very successful" the meeting with Chinese officials toward the strengthening of mutual partnership in infrastructure development in Africa. The remark was made by Cheikh Bedda, AU Commission Director for Infrastructure and Energy, during a policy dialogue conference on the implementation of the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), which was held at the headquarters of the AU in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. "We've had a very successful meeting with the Chinese through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit held in September 2018," Bedda told African infrastructure sector policymakers and experts. Bedda also revealed that "in the declaration it was made (during the FOCAC Summit) very clear that infrastructure will remain the top priority for the Chinese partners as well as for the African side." "When we talk about infrastructure we are also talking about the rural areas," Bedda added. The AU Commission director also said that African partners, mainly China, have now a better understanding of Africa's agenda and plan towards the continent's development, with due emphasis given to the infrastructure sector. "We note with great deal of satisfaction that the partners have begun to understand this continent has its own approach and its priorities have to be respected as they are anchored on AU Agenda 2063," Bedda. Noting PIDA as "a catalyst for inclusive development on the continent," Bedda also stressed that partners and the African continent "are leaving with a shared conviction that PIDA will constitute the most appropriate framework for inclusive development in terms of the continent's infrastructure." News WHO has no reports yet of Omicron deaths The WHO said it was collecting evidence about the variant of concern (VOC), as countries around the world scramble to stop it from spreading. But despite a growing number of countries registering infections with the new variant, no deaths have yet been reported to the UN health agency. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 20:46:53|Editor: ZX Video Player Close WUHAN, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The first special freight train carrying oranges left Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, for Hanoi, Vietnam on Thursday. The cold-chain train will pass through the border city of Pingxiang in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region before arriving at Hanoi. Hubei is a major orange producer. The province used to export agricultural products to Vietnam mainly through highways or by using highways and sea freight. The cross-border transport will cost 30 percent cheaper than transport by highway and be 50 percent quicker than by sea. The freight train used to transport wine from France and beer from Germany to Wuhan, said sources with the Wuhan Asia-Europe Logistics Co. Ltd., which is in charge of the freight train. The freight train service between Wuhan and Hanoi will open an express route for China's agricultural products export while significantly reducing damage caused by transshipment, the sources said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 20:46:53|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Greek Police close off a street in front of a church after an explosion in Athens, Greece, on Dec. 27, 2018. A bomb device exploded outside a Greek Orthodox Christian church in the center of Athens on early Thursday, injuring two persons, Greek national news agency AMNA reported. The two slightly injured are a church employee who found a suspicious package and alerted the police, and a police officer who rushed to the site. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) ATHENS, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A bomb device exploded outside a Greek Orthodox Christian church in the center of Athens on early Thursday, injuring two persons, Greek national news agency AMNA reported. The two slightly injured are a church employee who found a suspicious package and alerted the police, and a police officer who rushed to the site. No warning telephone call was made before the explosion and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Greek anarchist and terrorist groups who have been operating in the country for decades targeting politicians, police, media and financial targets, usually make warning calls to media outlets to avoid casualties. This was the case on December 17 this year when a bomb blast caused extensive material damages, but no injuries at the headquarters of local media group SKAI. About 15 minutes after the explosion which happened at 7:15 a.m. (local time) there was a scheduled mass, while next to the church is a popular cafe. "It was a loud explosion, but not very strong," Andreas K., a local, told Xinhua. "I heard a deafening sound while I was at home and then sirens of an ambulance and police vehicles...I went outside on the balcony to see what is happening," Evangelia T., a neighbor, added. Attacks on religious buildings (in the overwhelming majority on Greek Orthodox churches) by so-called anti-establishment groups in many cases, are on the rise in recent years, according to a recent report on local "Eleftheros Typos" (Free Press) daily which cited the Education, Research and Religious Affairs Ministry data. In 2017 a total of 556 incidents of vandalisms, burglaries etc. were recorded against places of worship, including 537 against Orthodox Christian churches and cemeteries. A year ago according to the ministry's figures, a total of 215 such attacks on Christian churches, synagogues and other religious sites were recorded. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 20:51:54|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close DUBAI, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reopened its embassy in Syrian capital Damascus on Thursday, the UAE's ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation said in a statement. The embassy has been closed since the eruption of the Syrian crisis in 2011. "The acting ambassador has started his work at the headquarters of the embassy as of Thursday," the ministry said in a statement. It added the move confirmed the UAE's keenness to restore the relations between the two "brotherly countries" to its normal path. "The UAE decisions will promote the Arab role in boosting independence and sovereignty of Syria, unity of lands and regional safety of the country against challenges," it added. The statement reiterated that the UAE looks forward to seeing peace, security and stability prevail in Syria. The Arab League suspended Syria's membership in 2011. But restoring ties with the government of President Bashar al-Assad seemed gradually occurring. Earlier this month, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir became the first Arab head of state to visit Damascus since the start of the Syrian conflict. The border crossing between Syria and Jordan was reopened in October. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 21:11:58|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Iraq, igniting resentment among Iraqi political blocs despite an Iraqi prime minister's statement that Baghdad had been informed about the visit. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, landed at the al-Assad air base in Iraq's western province of Anbar on Wednesday night, in a move to celebrate Christmas with U.S. soldiers in Iraq. The U.S. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on its Twitter account that "Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit our troops and senior military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas." Trump spoke to a group of U.S. soldiers and separately with military leaders before leaving a few hours later. The state-run Iraqiya channel briefly said that Trump "denied any plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq." As for his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from neighboring Syria, Trump said that "a lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking," according to the channel. A statement by Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said that the U.S. authorities had informed the Iraqi authorities about Trump's desire to visit Iraq on Dec. 26 to congratulate the new (formation of) Iraqi government and to visit the U.S. military within the coalition forces supporting Iraq in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group. The statement said that Abdul Mahdi made a phone call with Trump and "talked about the development of situations, especially after the U.S. president's decision to withdraw troops from Syria." Sabah al-Sheikh, an Iraqi political expert, told Xinhua that Trump's surprise visit made a lot of trouble to Abdul Mahdi who has already been accused by some political blocs of being weak and plunged in the chaos of forming his cabinet after two months of taking his post. "Abdul Mahdi's reaction in his statement about Trump's visit was not convincing to many political parties and the public, because the surprise visit of Trump is a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty," al-Sheikh said. "This is not the first time that an American president has entered Iraq surprisingly. We have seen George Bush visited Iraq three times in 2006, 2007 and 2008, while Barack Obama paid a surprise visit to Iraq in 2009," al-Sheikh said. Al-Sheikh predicted that the crisis of Trump's visit in Iraq will develop more. "I believe that this visit will push some of the political blocs in the parliament to further press to enact a draft law to expel the U.S. forces from our territories as long as there is no need for them because the Iraqi forces are capable of defeating IS," al-Sheikh added. However, al-Sheikh sees that Trump will insist to keep his troops in Iraq after his earlier decision to withdraw U.S. troops from neighboring Syria following the defeat of IS militants in eastern Syria. "The U.S. troops need to stay in Iraq and need proxy forces to fight for them inside Syria. This is vital for the Americans to continue monitoring the Iranian influence and the movement of its Shite militias in both countries," al-Sheikh said. Early on Thursday, the Binaa (Building) Coalition, headed by Shiite militia leader Hadi al-Ameri, condemned the visit a few hours after the announcement of Trump's arrival. "Trump's visit is a blatant violation of the diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility when dealing with the government of Iraq. This is unacceptable," a Binaa's statement said. The leading Shiite coalition called on the Iraqi government to "reject this visit, inform the United Nations and summon the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad quickly," the statement said. The Binaa Coalition also called on "all political parties to unite in the demand for national sovereignty and put an end to the U.S. military presence on Iraqi soil," it added. For his part, Sabah al-Sa'idi, head of the Islah and E'imar (Reform and Construction), the largest parliamentary political bloc that includes Sairoon Coalition, called on the parliament to hold an emergency session to discuss Trump's "disrespect for Iraq's sovereignty." "Holding an emergency session of the Council of Representatives (parliament) is imperative to discuss this blatant violation of the sovereignty of Iraq and to stop these acts of agitation by Trump, who must know his limits, because the U.S. occupation of Iraq is over," said al-Sa'idi. Former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi also rejected Trump's visit to Iraq, saying that "dealing with Iraq and its sovereignty in this way will harm U.S.-Iraqi relations." It is Trump's first visit to Iraq since he took office nearly two years ago. Recently, Trump declared a plan to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, citing full defeat of IS militants in the country. The troops were part of a U.S.-led coalition which has been fighting and conducting airstrikes against IS targets in both Iraq and Syria. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 21:32:03|Editor: ZX Video Player Close NANJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Ai Wenli, a former Chinese provincial political advisor, stood trial Thursday for taking bribes of over 64.78 million yuan (about 9.44 million U.S. dollars), at a court in the central province of Jiangsu. Ai, former vice chairman of the Hebei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, turned himself in to the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission in June 2018. He was accused of taking advantage of his positions to benefit others in enterprise restructuring, project development and job providing between 2005 and 2013, and in return accepting money and property personally or through others between 2006 and 2014. Prosecutors, the defendant and his lawyers cross-examined evidence and gave full testimonies. Ai pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in his final statement. More than 50 people, including Ai's family, legislators, journalists and members of the public attended the trial. The verdict will be announced at a later date. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 21:37:03|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close RAMALLAH, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Foreign Ministry on Thursday accused Israel of destroying the two-state solution with continued settlement expansion. The ministry made the comments in a statement in response to the Israeli government's approval of the construction of around 1,500 new settlement units in the West Bank. Israel's escalation of settlement activity in the Palestinian territory has threatened the peace, and has become a "systematic approach" to destroy the two-state solution, said the ministry. Israeli daily Haaretz reported Thursday that the Israeli Civil Administration has approved the construction of 1,450 settlement units in the West Bank, while at least 13 other new construction plans are pending. Israeli settlement activity is considered as one of the thorniest issues that have hindered the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks stalled since 2014. The two-state solution, supported by the United Nations, envisages that Israel and an independent state of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, live side-by-side in peace and security. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 21:52:05|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BEIRUT, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Caretaker Education Minister Marwan Hamade Thursday called upon the Lebanese government to commit Hezbollah to the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 in a bid to gain the support of the international community facing Israel, local media reported. "The Lebanese government need to ensure full implementation of Resolution 1701," Hamade told Voice of Lebanon Radio Channel. On Dec. 4, Israel announced that its army had detected tunnels crossing from Lebanon into northern Israel and the country has started an operation to destroy them. The United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) technical assessments have further determined that at least two of these tunnels cross the Blue Line and constitute violations of UN Resolution 1701. While they are a serious violation of Resolution 1701, the tunnels do not appear to have exit points on the Israeli side so far. UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix announced last week that UNIFIL was acting judiciously to complete its investigations of the tunnels, with technical teams on the ground, and to work with both Israel and Lebanon to ensure that any tunnels that are in violation of Resolution 1701 are disabled decisively and safely. The UN Resolution 1701 called for an end to hostilities between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army along the Israeli border, and the establishment of a weapons-free zone south of the Litani River, an important water resource in southern Lebanon. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 22:37:17|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close The flag of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is seen over the UAE embassy in Damascus, Syria, Dec. 27, 2018. The UAE embassy in Syrian capital Damascus was reopened Thursday afternoon and the UAE flag was raised over it, for the first time in seven years. The reopened embassy marks the first state of the Gulf Cooperation Council to resume diplomatic work in Syria. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) DAMASCUS, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Syrian capital Damascus was reopened Thursday afternoon and the UAE flag was raised over it, for the first time in seven years. The reopened embassy marks the first state of the Gulf Cooperation Council to resume diplomatic work in Syria. Hamzeh al-Dawalibi, drector of Protocol Department of the Syrian Foreign Ministry, as well as Iraqi and Sudanese ambassadors and diplomats from the Tunisian and Algerian embassies, showed up at the embassy where an opening ceremony took place inside. Xinhua reporters on site heard a burst of hand-clapping, which was followed by the hoisting of the UAE flag. Abdul-Hakim al-Nuami, the UAE charge d'affaires, was cited by the pro-government Sham FM radio as saying that the return of the UAE embassy is a prelude for the return of other Arab embassies to Syria. He added that Syria will strongly be back to the Arab world. Iraqi Ambassador Saad Muhammad Rida told reporters upon leaving the opening ceremony that the raising of the UAE flag and the opening of the embassy in Damascus is an invitation to all Arab countries to return to Damascus. "Syria is a country in the heart of the Arab world and it's an indescribable country in the Arab world and this is an invitation to the Arab countries to return," he said. Sources familiar with the situation told Xinhua that the Syrian employees have started their jobs at the embassy on Thursday. Local reports said that some maintenance work was carried out inside the embassy ahead of its opening. In his recent remarks, Syria's deputy foreign minister said: "We welcome any step for the return of all Arab embassies to Syria." All Gulf states had closed their embassies in Damascus after the Syrian crisis erupted in 2011. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 23:12:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid is seen during an interview with Xinhua in Male, Maldives, Dec. 27, 2018. The Maldives' new government is looking forward to strengthening ties with China, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid told Xinhua on Thursday. (Xinhua/Tang Lu) MALE, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives' new government is looking forward to strengthening ties with China, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid told Xinhua on Thursday. The new government's foreign policy is to strengthen relations with all countries who respect the Maldives and its people, and the new administration under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih aims to establish an international system where rules of law and international best practices are respected, said the foreign minister. "The Maldives is a very important country and an ocean state in the Indian Ocean. We have been a friend to all countries in the region as well as outside the region. And we want to continue that policy," Shahid said. Speaking on the Maldives-China ties, Shahid said during his political career, he has seen the relationship between China and the Maldives grow increasingly strong, and he hoped this would continue. "China is the fastest growing economy in the world. All our neighbors are engaging themselves with China. The largest economies in the world are engaging with China. We will not be left behind in engaging with China," he said. Shahid told Xinhua that he attended the opening ceremony of the Maldives' Embassy in Beijing during his term as foreign minister back in 2008. He said even back then, Maldives students who were studying in Chinese universities maintained close relations with the Chinese people. "During that time, China had experienced a devastating earthquake (in Sichuan Province). The Maldivian student body in a Chinese University had initiated a blood donor program where students donated blood to the victims of the earthquake," Shahid said. "Training our young generation in Chinese institutions is important. Because of the technology and economic miracle that we see in China. I think China is a place where Maldives can greatly benefit," he added. Shahid said moving forward, the new government under President Solih will continue with the projects initiated in the Maldives under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. He said the Maldives was grateful to China for being a generous friend and looked forward to greater opportunities between the two countries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 23:12:28|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Commander of NATO's Resolute Support Mission and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan Gen. Austin Scott Miller met with Pakistan army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa Thursday at the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and discussed Afghan reconciliation, Pakistani military said. Issues of mutual interest with particular reference to regional security and ongoing Afghan reconciliation process were discussed during the meeting, according to a statement from the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations. The army said the U.S. commander and the Pakistan army chief expressed unanimity of views on importance of political resolution of Afghan situation and underlined that only an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive process can lead to peace in Afghanistan. "They also reaffirmed the need for continuing harmonized efforts against terrorists and for effective border management," the statement said. Bajwa said Pakistan is committed to efforts for peace in Afghanistan as it is important for peace in Pakistan. Meanwhile Pakistani officials said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi planned to visit Qatar and Turkey as part of his shuttle diplomacy for promoting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. "Strengthening regional consensus on Afghanistan that is the key for medium to long-term sustainability of an Afghan-owned Afghan-led solution," a Foreign Ministry official told Xinhua on Thursday. He said the top diplomat will explore possibilities of a win-win framework for regional connectivity and economic integration to help achieve the ultimate objective of economic growth and prosperity in the region. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 23:17:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MOSCOW, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Russian nuclear forces are ahead of U.S. ones by some 10 to 15 years, Yury Solomonov, general designer of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (MITT), said Thursday. "They will not be able to catch up quickly with the ideas that we have already implemented, although it is not difficult in the modern world to implement them and start production," Solomonov said in an interview with Argumenty Nedeli newspaper. "This does not mean that they will not be able to do the same. But if they start doing it now, they will be able to catch up in 10 to 15 years," he said. The MITT is the designer of Russia's Yars, Topol and Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). Solomonov said that the U.S. nuclear potential remains very powerful, but its weapons modernization system is fundamentally different from the Russian one. For example, the U.S. Minuteman ICBMs created in the 1960s have not been substituted by new ones but upgraded to extend their lifespan to 2030, he said. Russia, however, has created a new generation of land- and sea-based strategic nuclear forces with minimized costs, he said. Speaking about the U.S. ballistic missile defense system being deployed in Alaska and Europe, Solomonov said that Russia should not be afraid of it as its "efficiency is extremely low." But the danger of this system is that its components can be easily transformed into attack weapons, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 23:22:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he has returned to the United States after an unannounced visit overseas to Iraq and Germany. Trump tweeted that he had "just returned from visiting our troops in Iraq and Germany. One thing is certain, we have incredible people representing our Country -- people that know how to win!" During his stay in Iraq, Trump defended his decisions to withdraw troops from Syria and let Secretary of Defense James Mattis leave earlier than scheduled, saying that regional nations in the Middle East shall take responsibility for their security and the United States shall not be "taken advantage of." However, he promised not to pull U.S. forces out of Iraq, saying the country could be used as a place to "do something in Syria." Trump has never been a fan of sending U.S. troops out for battles overseas. During his tour, he said that "we are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people haven't even heard about. Frankly, it's ridiculous." However, Richard Haass, head of the U.S. think tank Council on Foreign Relations, tweeted that it was "wrong to inject domestic politics into remarks, to not meet best-ever leaders of Iraq, and to articulate a vision of U.S. foreign policy that emphasized exit-strategies over all else and costs without mention of benefits." "According to @realDonaldTrump, it is ridiculous U.S. troops are in places Americans have not heard of. I disagree," he said. "Most wars -- from WWII thru war on terror -- are in places that only get well known after the fact. Nothing ridiculous about such commitments." Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 23:27:37|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close JINAN, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese ride-hailing giant DiDi Chuxing has partnered with traffic police and Shandong University in the city of Jinan to use big data and artificial intelligence to ease traffic. An intelligent traffic management system named JTBrain was officially launched Wednesday, equipping the capital of east China's Shandong Province with a self-adaptive traffic-light control system. The system can serve as a decision-making platform to increase traffic efficiency, according to Liu Xianghong, chief scientist of DiDi Chuxing's intelligent transport department. JTBrain was designed to "learn and evolve" by modeling core algorithms and realize real-time control under different traffic conditions, according to Zou Nan, director of Transportation Study Center of Shandong University. Zou added that the brain-like system, which now covers 36 streets and 450 crossroads, uses AI, big data and cloud-computing to search for optimal traffic solutions. "JTBrain makes decisions by crunching data gathered from video footage on streets, and provides live recommendations through mobile phone apps and outdoor LED screens," said Li Yong, deputy director of the Intelligent Traffic System Office of Jinan Traffic Police. In tests lasting over six-months, JTBrain helped cut the average morning and evening commute time by 10.7 percent and 10.9 percent, respectively, according to local traffic police. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-27 23:57:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Israel's army said Thursday it had destroyed "attack tunnels" crossing from a Lebanese village into Israeli territory, sealing it with cement that has flooded some areas in the village. The tunnels stretch from the village of Kafr Kela in southern Lebanon to near the town of Metula in northern Israel, the head of the International Media Branch at the army's Spokesperson Unit, Jonathan Conricus, said in a brief to foreign reporters. Israel accuses Hezbollah, a Lebanese Iranian-backed militia, of building a network of cross-border tunnels allegedly in order to attack Israel. The cement used to block the tunnels was identified flowing from a chicken coop in Kafr Kela in which a tunnels opening was found, as well as from the cement factory the Israeli army had identified as one of the digging sites for a different attack tunnel, Conricus said. "This fact points to Hezbollah's use of civilian structures in the urban areas of southern Lebanon, while blatantly violating UN Resolution 1701 and using Lebanese civilians as human shields," the army said in a statement. "The neutralization of the tunnels lasted for several days and was carried out using an engineering method that included the use of various means," the statement read. Conricus stressed that the army was operating from within Israeli territory without crossing the Blue Line, a border demarcation drawn in 2000 by the United Nations after Israel withdrew its forces from southern Lebanon. The closing of the tunnels was part of Israel's "Northern Shield" operation launched on Dec. 4 to "locate and thwart" cross-border tunnels. According to Conricus, the tunnels are part of Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah's plan from 2013 to conquer the Galilee. The tunnels were supposed to be "a secret component" of the plan, and were supposed to facilitate undetected infiltration of the Radwan Unit, Hezbollah's special forces, along with an attempt to storm into Israel under heavy fire. The army said it holds the Lebanese government "responsible for digging the tunnels and its consequences." Hezbollah has not responded to the Israeli moves. Israel and Hezbollah had a month-long war in 2006 that ended in a cease-fire. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 00:02:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LANZHOU, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The former mayor of a city in northwest China's Gansu Province has been sentenced to 11 years in prison and fined 1 million yuan (145,660 U.S. dollars) for taking bribes, a local court ruled Thursday. Luan Kejun, former mayor of Lanzhou, was convicted of accepting cash, housing, and cars with the total value exceeding 10 million yuan (about 1.45 million U.S. dollars), as well as 110,000 dollars and 22,000 euros between 2002 and 2017, according to a statement by the Intermediate People's Court of Baiyin City. Luan also served as mayor of Qingyang and vice mayor of Zhangye during the period. Luan's illicit gains will be turned over to the state treasury. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 00:07:49|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close ATHENS, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A bomb device exploded outside a Greek Orthodox Christian church in the center of Athens on early Thursday, injuring two persons, Greek national news agency AMNA reported. The two slightly injured are a church employee who found a suspicious package and alerted the police, and a police officer who rushed to the site. No warning telephone call was made before the explosion and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Greek anarchist and terrorist groups who have been operating in the country for decades targeting politicians, police, media and financial targets, usually make warning calls to media outlets to avoid casualties. This was the case on December 17 this year when a bomb blast caused extensive material damages, but no injuries at the headquarters of local media group SKAI. About 15 minutes after the explosion which happened at 7:15 a.m. local time, there was a scheduled mass, while next to the church is a popular cafe. "It was a loud explosion, but not very strong," Andreas K., a local, told Xinhua. "I heard a deafening sound while I was at home and then sirens of an ambulance and police vehicles... I went outside on the balcony to see what is happening," Evangelia T., a neighbor, added. Attacks on religious buildings (in the overwhelming majority on Greek Orthodox churches) by so-called anti-establishment groups in many cases, are on the rise in recent years, according to a recent report on local "Eleftheros Typos" (Free Press) daily which cited the Education, Research and Religious Affairs Ministry data. In 2017 a total of 556 incidents of vandalisms, burglaries etc. were recorded against places of worship, including 537 against Orthodox Christian churches and cemeteries. A year ago according to the ministry's figures, a total of 215 such attacks on Christian churches, synagogues and other religious sites were recorded. Located in the district of Kolonaki, 500 meters from the Greek parliament, the targeted church was inaugurated in 1931, while famous Greek architects, painters, sculptors and other artists contributed in the construction and decoration. On early afternoon Thursday, bomb disposal experts also rushed to the headquarters of the ruling Radical Left SYRIZA party in central Athens for a suspicious package which turned out to be a power bank. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 00:17:53|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua (C Back) speaks at a conference on improving rural environment in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 27, 2018. Hu Chunhua said that local authorities should draw on the experience of east China's Zhejiang Province to improve rural life across the country. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua said Thursday that local authorities should draw on the experience of east China's Zhejiang Province to improve rural life across the country. Zhejiang's practice has proved an effective way of improving the rural environment and will help China to revitalize rural areas, Hu said at a conference in Beijing. "Local authorities should adapt Zhejiang's experience to their own realities and make plans that are in line with their respective stages of development, local cultures, conditions and customs," he said. "Local officials should put the work on top of their agendas, increase input, improve the work mechanism and give full play to the main role and the pioneering spirit of rural residents." Since 2003, Zhejiang has implemented a project to overhaul the living environment in villages. At the end of last year, 97 percent of villages in the province had completed such overhauls. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 00:47:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RIGA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Law enforcement and environmental authorities in Latvia have nabbed several animal smugglers who attempted to sell stuffed and live animals of endangered species, local media reported Thursday. Stuffed crocodiles and a lynx, as well as a live serval and a barn owl were seized from the smugglers during several raids conducted by the economic crime unit of the Latvian state police in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Agency in November and December this year, police officials said. The total value of the stuffed and live animals offered by the illegal traders was an estimated 15,200 euros. The smugglers wanted to sell two stuffed crocodilian reptiles for the price of 100 euros each. For the serval, a wild African cat, they wanted 8,000 euros and asked 6,000 euros for a stuffed crocodile. The stuffed lynx, just like the live barn owl, had a price tag of 500 euros. The persons selling the endangered animals were unable to prove that they had obtained them legally. Like in all other European Union members, trade in wild animals or their products of illegal origin is forbidden in Latvia. Keeping wild animals like primates, crocodiles, snakes and aquatic mammals at home like pets is also banned under Latvia's animal protection law. (1 euro = 1.14 U.S. dollars) Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 00:53:00|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The two-warring Yemeni sides continued Thursday cease-fire breaches in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah despite the presence of a monitoring team led by the United Nations, local sources told Xinhua. Forces loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government blamed the Houthi rebels of launching sporadic mortar shells attacks against a number of residential areas and military sites over the past 24 hours. An army commander told Xinhua by phone saying that the Houthi rebels randomly shelled military sites of the government in Durayhmi and other nearby residential areas with mortar shells. Earlier in the day, the Houthis attacked with rocket-propelled grenades locations of the joint pro-government military forces in alJaah area of Hodeidah, the army commander said. The Saudi-led coalition backing the legitimate Yemeni government said in a statement that "Houthi militias have violated the Hodeidah cease-fire 29 times in the past 24 hours." On the other side, the Houthi rebels accused the government forces of shelling AlShabab neighborhood and the 9th street with heavy gunfire. Residents confirmed to Xinhua that the two-warring sides continued in exchanging heavy gunfire including artillery shelling throughout the day but sporadically. On Wednesday, the UN-led team tasked with monitoring a cease-fire held the first meeting with the presence of retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert, head of the joint committee which includes both government officials and representatives from the Houthi rebel group. Cammaert visited the strategic seaport of Hodeidah and other neighboring areas that witnessed fierce battles between the government forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi rebels over the past months. The cease-fire deal signed between the two-warring rivals last week in Sweden demanded full withdrawal of all armed groups from Hodeidah and its strategic seaports. According to the deal, the UN will manage the port and supervise the re-deployment of neutral forces there to prevent military escalation, while local forces will help maintain law and order in the city. During the first days of the cease-fire that went into effect last week, tense calm was observed in the neighborhoods of Hodeidah despite the heavy deployment of fighters of the two-warring sides inside and around the city. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi rebels overtook the capital Sanaa and toppled the government of President Abd-Rabbuh Mansour Hadi. A Saudi-led coalition has been fighting the Houthis since 2015. The war has killed more than 10,000 people and created a serious humanitarian crisis. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 00:53:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close The flag of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is seen over the UAE embassy in Damascus, Syria, Dec. 27, 2018. The UAE embassy in Syrian capital Damascus was reopened Thursday afternoon and the UAE flag was raised over it, for the first time in seven years. The reopened embassy marks the first state of the Gulf Cooperation Council to resume diplomatic work in Syria. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) DAMASCUS, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The re-opening of the embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Syria is a sign that the long-stranded Arab relations with Syria will resume and that the country is recovering diplomatically, experts say. On Thursday afternoon, the UAE flag was hoisted over the embassy in Damascus for the first time in seven years amid a diplomatic presence of Iraq, Sudan, Tunisia, and Algeria. Hamzeh al-Dawalibi, director of Protocol Department of the Syrian Foreign Ministry, also represented the Syrian government in the opening ceremony of the embassy. The reopening of the embassy didn't come as a surprise as local reports in newspapers have rumored its opening as maintenance work has been going on inside the building for days. Local reports also spoke about the visit of a delegation of UAE businessmen to Syria and the reopening of the embassy. "We welcome any step for the return of all Arab embassies to Syria," Faisal Mekdad, the deputy foreign minister in Syria, said in recent remarks while answering a question about the return of the UAE embassy to Syria. The opening of the embassy is important as it marks the first state of the Gulf Cooperation Council to resume diplomatic work in Syria as all Gulf states had closed their embassies in Damascus after the Syrian crisis erupted in 2011. Abdul-Hakim al-Nuami, the UAE charge d'affaires, was cited by the pro-government Sham FM radio as saying that the return of the UAE embassy is a prelude for the return of other Arab embassies to Syria. He added that Syria will strongly be back to the Arab world. The Iraqi ambassador, Saad Muhammad Rida, told reporters upon leaving the opening ceremony that the raising of the UAE flag and the opening of the embassy in Damascus is an invitation to all Arab countries to return to Damascus. "Syria is a country in the heart of the Arab world and it's an indispensable country in the Arab world and this is an invitation to the Arab countries to return," he said. Sources familiar with the situation told Xinhua that the Syrian employees have started their jobs at the embassy on Thursday. The opening of the embassy comes at a time when the Syrian government forces have captured much of the country amid indications that the more than seven-year war is winding down. Some positive vibes were also seen and noticed ahead of the reopening of the UAE embassy. On Dec. 16, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir arrived in Damascus, marking the first Arab leader to do so since the Syrian crisis erupted in 2011. At the time analysts told Xinhua that the visit could be a prelude to restoring normal Arab relations with Syria. During his visit, the Sudanese president highlighted his country's support to Syria. President Bashar al-Assad said then that al-Bashir's visit will give a strong push toward restoring the bilateral relations to what they were before the war. Analysts agreed that al-Bashir came as several Arab countries are sending signals to Damascus to restore relations and the possible return of Syria to the Arab League. A couple of days later, the pro-government al-Watan newspaper said that Iraqi President Barham Salih will visit Syria soon to discuss opening border between both countries. Earlier this week, al-Watan said that Syrian security services chief Ali Mamlouk visited Egypt over the weekend upon an official invitation of Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and held talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo. The newspaper said the visit comes to "reunite the Arab ranks," citing diplomatic sources as saying that a visit of Egyptian officials to Syria is expected to come next. It noted that both Syria and Egypt aim to reactivate the Syrian-Egyptian relations first and the Arab relations in general. These positive developments in the Arab atmosphere toward Syria come as such relations have largely stranded over the past seven years due to the Syrian war. The war was polarizing in the Arab world with some countries staying on the line with the Syrian government while others such as the Gulf states openly supporting the insurgency. Emad al-Nadaf, a Syrian political expert, told Xinhua that the resumption of the diplomatic relations between the UAE and Syria is an indication about the recovery of Syria, hoping that more countries would follow next. Maher Ihsan, another expert, told Xinhua that despite the fact that no UAE ambassador has yet been named, the opening of the embassy is a fix to the broken relations between both countries. "This means that the relations are being put on the right track and we should look to the bigger image that not only the UAE is fixing the relation, but the other Gulf states as well through this embassy," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 02:48:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIEV, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on Ukraine's crisis has reached an agreement on a fresh ceasefire in eastern Ukraine starting shortly after midnight on Dec. 29, local media reported on Thursday, citing a senior Ukrainian official. Eugene Marchuk, Ukraine's envoy to the TCG, told local TV-channel "Pryamyy" that the truce should be used for the restoration and repair of the damaged vital infrastructure in the conflict-hit region. The planned ceasefire marked the latest attempt to bring peace to eastern Ukraine, where the conflict between Ukrainian government troops and pro-independence armed groups has been under way since April 2014. Previous truce attempts have failed with sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations. The TCG is a diplomatic group of representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe that was formed to facilitate a peaceful solution to the conflict. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 03:33:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIEV, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian government has approved a visa-free agreement with Uruguay during a meeting Thursday, local media reported. The Interfax-Ukraine news agency said that the agreement, which was signed in September, allows citizens of Ukraine to stay in Uruguay for 180 days in a year. Citizens of Uruguay could also travel to Ukraine for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period, according to the deal. Last year, about 14.2 million foreign tourists visited Ukraine, while 26.4 million Ukrainians traveled abroad. Ukraine has signed visa-free agreements with more than 80 countries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 04:53:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MOSCOW, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenia's Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan agreed on Thursday to expand cooperation in various areas. During talks with Pashinyan in Moscow, Putin called Russia-Armenia ties "truly allied relations filled with substantial content," according to a Kremlin transcript. Putin said bilateral trade grew 29.7 percent last year and asked both sides to maintain the good dynamics in trade as well as in security, cooperation within the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union. "I am sure that the dynamics of our relations will continue. And I hope that it will develop further," Pashinyan said. In an October visit to Yerevan, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton demanded that Armenia abandon the "historical patterns" in its international relations. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Bolton was referring to Armenia's traditional friendship with Russia and accused him of driving a wedge between the two former Soviet allies. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 04:58:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RABAT, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's navy coast guards rescued Thursday 367 illegal migrants in the Mediterranean, the Moroccan army said. The rescued were onboard several boats, the army added. The majority of the rescued are from sub-Saharan African nations, the same source said, noting that they included many women and children. The migrants were brought safely to the neighboring ports, the same source added. Morocco has witnessed a significant hike in illegal migration attempts in 2018. According to the Moroccan Interior Ministry, the authorities have foiled over 76,000 illegal immigration attempts between January and November 2018. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-28 05:33:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed on Thursday night to Brazil to participate in the inauguration of Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, saying the visit will boost bilateral economic ties. Netanyahu's office said the prime minister will attend the inauguration ceremony of Bolsonaro and the two leaders will hold a personal meeting. Netanyahu will meet also with the Brazilian defense and foreign ministers and is also due to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez and other leaders, according to the Prime Minister's Office. His itinerary includes also meetings with Brazilian Jewish community leaders. Before his departure, Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office that the meetings will focus on the ties between Israel and Brazil. "Brazil is a huge country with huge potential for Israel, economically, diplomatically and vis-a-vis security," he said, adding "it is a great change declared by Bolsonaro and I am pleased that we can begin a new era between Israel and the major power called Brazil." Bolsonaro, a far-right leader, is known for his pro-Israeli stands. After his election, he declared that he will relocate Brazil's embassy to Jerusalem, a highly controversial move expected to trigger anger among Palestinians. Netanyahu praised the remark and announced a "new era" in the relations between the two countries. Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, is a major economic power with over 200 million people. Trade between Brazil and Israel is currently around 1.12 billion U.S. dollars, according to official figures. Students study at the Free Egypt Experimental School in Monufia Province, Egypt, on Dec. 24, 2018. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo) by Marwa Yahya MONUFIA, Egypt, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian school, built by the Chinese government as a gift, has been a popular attraction for local Egyptian parents when they make school choice for their children. The Free Egypt Experimental School, also known as the Chinese School, is located in Monufia province, 65 km northwest of the Egyptian capital Cairo. Established in 2009 and became fully operational in 2013, the Chinese School is one of the two schools built by the Chinese government under an educational aid program for Egypt. The other one was located in the October 6 City on the outskirts of Cairo. "It is one of the best schools in Egypt without exaggeration. It's fully equipped with interactive smart board, laptops, iPad, electronic books," Zahran Mohamed, manger of the school, told Xinhua. Photo taken on Dec. 24, 2018 shows the Free Egypt Experimental School in Monufia Province, Egypt. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo) The school gate is open to a vast sport yards surrounded by semi-circle buildings. Built on a space of 9,000 square meters, the school boasts a theatre, a library and multimedia labs. Mohamed praised the Chinese builders for building the school with a design that allows sunshine and fresh air into all the classrooms equally. The school, which compromises 34 classes with a population of 1,300 students, has been very attractive among local Egyptian parents, who are in race to enroll their kids in the school that includes all classes from Kindergarten to high school, Mohamed said. Despite its name and the builder, the school doesn't offer a Chinese language course, prompting the parents and school staff to call for help from China to teach Chinese as a second language at the school. "How come a school that is well-known as a Chinese school teaches German and French languages while ignoring the language of the founders?" Mohamed asked. While most of the governmental schools are highly crowded with students with nearly no spaces for activities, 60 percent of the Chinese School is turned into green land and sport courts, said Shadia Abdel Maqsoud, a history teacher at the school. The Chinese side was responsible for the maintenance of the school for one year until 2014, Maqsoud highlighted. "We need the Chinese side to come back and take responsibility of the maintenance to keep the buildings and equipments in best condition," she said. The school is a treasure that should be preserved for the coming generations, the teacher added, demanding the Chinese partners provide the school with materials and devices for teaching the Chinese language. "The Chinese side gifted us with a perfect building, but their supervision on educational materials is also needed in coordination with the Egyptian Ministry of Education," Maqsoud said. "The students are very eager to learn about China," she said, adding that the school needs maps, books, and some educational materials about Chinese history. The Chinese language will open more doors for communication, cultural exchange, and better understanding with the Chinese, Maqsoud added. Ahlam Adel, a mother of two boys as students at the school, said her sons are very happy in the school. "We are envied by our friends to enjoy all those facilities with only 1,300 Egyptian pounds (nearly 73 U.S. dollars) per year (for tuition fee)," she told Xinhua. Adel added that her sons read many books about the history of China and really wish to learn the Chinese language. A sign indicating that the National Archives Building is closed due to the federal government shutdown is seen in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 22, 2018. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The impact from a partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government has grown further after Christmas as it stretched into the fifth day on Wednesday. The shutdown, which started Friday midnight, resulted from a budgetary impasse between the White House and Congress over whether to fund the construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall, a plank of President Donald Trump's campaign in 2016. Both chambers of Congress are scheduled to convene on Thursday, but it wasn't clear how much progress can be expected in negotiations. Trump said the shutdown "could be a long stay" and White House budget director Mick Mulvaney said it could drag on to next year. Wednesday is the first working day after the start of the shutdown, with nine of 15 cabinet-level departments and dozens of agencies affected. REDUCED STAFFING AT PARKS Some national parks remained open but operated with reduced staffing. Some of the facilities such as restrooms or information centers are closed. At Rock Creek Park, a national park that bisects the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., runners and hikers found the visitor center closed, with a notice attached to the front door urging visitors to use "extreme caution" as park personnel will not be available to "provide guidance, assistance, maintenance and emergency response" due to the government shutdown. Marc Hample, who was visiting the park with families on Wednesday, said he hasn't felt the impact personally but believes federal workers who depend on the federal paychecks are being affected. The equipment specialist said he is disappointed about the shutdown, blaming it on the "Washington wisdom, or lack thereof." The Mikkelsen family from Denmark, who is in Washington D.C. for a one-week trip, told Xinhua that they were at first "nervous" about the potential impact of the shutdown, but later were relieved to find that the Smithsonian museums are still open. Smithsonian officials announced Friday that the 19 museums in Washington D.C. and New York City will not close in the event of the shutdown with unused "prior-year funds" and that they "will reevaluate the situation" after Jan. 1. The National Gallery of Art, located just a few minutes' walk from the Capitol Hill, will also remain open until end of this year. A security guard at the gallery, who declined to be named, said he had to go home soon if the shutdown extends into January. "What can you do?" he said with a shrug. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES According to an estimate by the Senate Appropriations Committee, more than 420,000 federal employees deemed essential have to work without pay during the shutdown, and roughly 380,000 have been given leave without pay. Nearly 80 percent of federal employees responding to a survey by the U.S. National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) earlier this week said that they were "very concerned" about paying their rental and bills this month, and more than 85 percent said they were tightening their belts. "The anxiety level among federal employees is extremely high and on top of that, there is real anger that they are paying the personal price for someone else's dysfunction," NTEU National President Tony Reardon said in a statement. The shutdown stories remain a trending hashtag on Twitter as government employees and contractors are sharing experiences of inconvenience. John Deal, who said he and his wife both work at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as contractors, tweeted that his employer has halted most of its non-essential activities and that they "have 100% loss of family income." "Thanks to all our gov't representation for doing their job?" said Deal, adding that his son's tuition fee is due in four weeks. IMPASSE OVER BORDER WALL FUNDING In a series of tweets this week, Trump tried to pin the shutdown, the third this year, on Democrats, urging them to provide billions of U.S. dollars for building the border wall, which he and conservatives have viewed as essential to addressing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. "Whatever it takes, we need a wall," Trump said during his unannounced visit to U.S. troops in Iraq on Wednesday. "We need safety for our country." Democrats have strongly pushed back, slapping the Trump proposal as an "inefficient, unnecessary and costly" solution to strengthening border security as well as "a political stunt" to galvanize his base. Analysts and observers have said that it's hard to predict when the political stalemate would end as Republicans and Democrats are still deeply divided over the border wall, which has also torn the public apart. "The shutdown could easily go on for weeks and there will be no winners -- only losers," Mark Penn, former chief strategist on Bill Clinton's 1996 presidential campaign, wrote in an op-ed carried by Fox News. USR pacient in stare grava. Salvarea Romaniei intarzie Dupa hemoragia interna cu care se confrunta post-fuziune, USR a facut si peritonita dupa ce i-a explodat apendicele. Peste 700 de membrii din filiala Diaspora s-au trezit peste noapte ca nu vor putea vota in alegerile din filiale, dupa votul a 14 membri ai gruparii Barna din [citeste mai departe] New Delhi: The much-awaited trailer of political drama 'The Accidental Prime Minister' starring Anupam Kher in the lead role has been unveiled. The film is based on a book written by Sanjaya Baru by the same name. The film has created an immense buzz amongst the audience owing to its controversial subject. It aims to focus on the tenure of the ex-Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Kher has mastered the mannerisms of the ex-PM quite well and fits perfectly into the shoes of the economist who ruled the country from 2004 to 2014. Sharing the trailer on Twitter, producer Hansal Mehta wrote, "In spite of differing political views of many of us I've never seen #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister as a film that takes sides. I see it as an important cautionary tale, a drama about a democracy that has always been bogged down by personality cults." Inspite of differing political views of many of us I've never seen #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister as a film that takes sides. I see it as an important cautionary tale, a drama about a democracy that has always been bogged down by personality cults. https://t.co/tSVrEqFZvE Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 27, 2018 The film has an interesting star cast and they bear a striking resemblance to the pillars of Congress party Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Actor Akshaye Khanna, who will make a comeback after a long time, plays the role of Sanjaya Baru, who was the media advisor of Manmohan Singh. His character will most likely play the narrator in the film. Apart from Akshaye, Divya Seth essays the role of Gursharan Kaur wife of Manmohan Singh. While German actor Suzanne Bernert essays Sonia Gandhi, 'Lipstick under my burkha' actress Aahana Kumara will play Priyanka Gandhi, Arjun Mathur plays Rahul Gandhi. The film is directed by debutant Vijay Ratnakar Gutte. The Accidental Prime Minister is all set to hit the screens on January 11. Mumbai: JioCinema, Jios digital app and Disney India have tied up for dedicated content vis Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucas film to Jio users across age groups. For the first time ever, the app will host a dedicated Disney branded section on the homepage with content spanning across movies, animation, series and shorts. Disney content is available through an exclusive Disney-Jio section on JioCinemas welcome page. To access Disney content, existing users of Jio, will need to download the JioCinema app and perform a one-time activity of sharing a customizable message with their friends on Facebook, Twitter or Whatsapp. New users will need to buy a Jio SIM and follow the same process to gain this access. Through this association, Jio users can get access to stories ranging from Disney Classics, Pixar animation, movies from Marvel and Star Wars along with a host of international as well as locally created content which they can enjoy on-the-go. With content available for the entire family, the app also offers a diverse collection of series and movies for kids and teens along with Marvel kids animation shows. In addition to this, the app also brings in a unique character customization option where fans can choose from their favourite Disney, Marvel, Pixar or Star Wars character such as Mickey Mouse, Captain America, and Lightening McQueen and browse the entire range of content available on that character. JioCinema is also playing host to over 50 movies that have been nominated for Academy Awards over the last 90 years. Animation delights like Toy Story, Wall-E, Up and more have been included to bring the joy of world-class films to Indian audiences, the company said. JioCinema, the on-demand video streaming platform, has over 1 lakh hours of content. Indra Nooyi exit Indra Nooyi stepped down as PepsiCo chief executive officer in October after 12 years at the helm. PepsiCo has named President Ramon Laguarta as her replacement. Nooyi, 62, who has been with the company for 24 years, will continue as chairman of the board until early 2019. Nooyi, one of the most powerful and influential business leaders in the world, was regularly featured on the power lists compiled by Forbes and Fortune magazines. She was also among the few female executives to lead global corporate giants. Nooyi said she was looking forward to utilising her time writing and visiting as many countries as possible to talk about how to address issues of maintaining work-life balance. Carlos Ghosn exit Nissan Motor Co Ltd terminated Carlos Ghosn from his chairman`s post after finding that he had used company money for personal use and committed several other serious acts of misconduct. The former Nissan boss will be spending Christmas and the beginning of 2019 behind bars after a Tokyo court on Sunday extended his detention through to January 1. The court's decision is the latest twist in a rollercoaster saga that has gripped Japan and the business world since the auto sector titan was arrested out of the blue in Tokyo on November 19. Ghosn`s arrest has marked a dramatic fall for a leader once hailed for rescuing Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy. Jack Ma exit Chinese e-tailer Alibaba's co-founder Jack Ma in September announced his exit from the company. The Hangzhou-based company announced that the group`s Chief Executive Daniel Zhang will be the new chairman, succeeding its Jack Ma from September 10, 2019. Ma, will however, remain as a board member of the Alibaba Group until the annual shareholder meet in 2020, which marks the 21st anniversary of the e-commerce and tech conglomerate. He will also remain a lifetime partner in the Alibaba Partnership and is a member of its partnership committee. Founded in 1999 by Chinese teacher-turned-entrepreneur Ma as a platform to connect Chinese manufacturers with the world, Alibaba stands among one of the largest companies in the world. Chanda Kochhar exit ICICI Bank Managing Director Chanda Kochhar resigned from the bank in October this year, seeking an early retirement. Consequently, ICICI bank appointed Sandeep Bakhshi as the copmany's MD and CEO. She is facing enquiry in a case pertaining to allegations of her and her family members involvement in a loan provided to Videocon group on a quid pro quo basis. It is being alleged that Chanda Kochhar's husband Deepak Kochhar had many business dealings with the Videocon group over the past several years. Besides, Deepak and Videocon chief Venugopal Dhoot were co-founders and promoters of NuPower, besides other associations. YES Bank crisis/Rana Kapoor's impending exit The Reserve Bank of India has asked Yes Bank's long serving CEO and MD Rana Kapoor to resign from his post and appoint his successor latest by February 1, 2019. Though the bank board has sought extension for Kapoor's stay at the bank, RBI has refused it. Kapoor, who owns 10.66 percent share has been in his position since the inception of the bank in 2004. The central bank, however, has not agreed to the suggestion and insisted Yes Bank's board should find his successor within the stipulated time. Kapoor is the second chief executive at a private sector lender after Shikha Sharma of larger rival Axis Bank to face regulatory wrath in terms of extension of CEO's tenure. The RBI has been maintaining a cautious stance with regard to heads of private sector banks in the recent months. New Delhi: In what could bring cheers to lakhs of state government employees, the Maharashtra government has decided to implement the recommendation of the 7th Pay Commission. The decision will benefit close to 20 lakh government employees in the state. The State cabinet has given approval for the implementation of 7th CPC recommendations for which the state treasury will have to bear an additional burden of Rs 20,000 crore. Earlier, in November Minister of State for Finance Deepak Kesarkar made this announcement in the Legislative Council that arrears of Rs 10,000 crore would be paid retrospectively from 2016 over a five-week period, while the dearness allowance would be paid retrospectively for the last 14 months. The Union Cabinet had in June last year approved recommendations of the CPC with 34 modifications, which will mean an additional annual burden of Rs 30,748 crore on the exchequer. The new scales of pay provide for entry-level basic pay going up from Rs 7,000 per month to Rs 18,000, while at the highest level i.e. Secretary, it would go up from Rs 90,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh. For Class 1 officers, the starting salary will be Rs 56,100. The recommendations benefit over 1 crore employees. This includes over 47 lakh central government employees and 53 lakh pensioners, of which 14 lakh employees and 18 lakh pensioners are from the defence forces. New Delhi: India will aim to receive USD 100 billion in foreign direct investments in the next two years and special industrial clusters are being created for countries like Japan, South Korea, China and Russia where their companies can invest and operate, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said. The commerce and industry minister said his ministry has also identified sectors and countries which holds huge potential for investments in India. "I have given a target. USD 100 billion of FDI should come from different sectors into India. It will not happen in one year. We have identified companies, sectors and countries and now we are going for road shows to attract investors," Prabhu told PTI in an interview. He said India would remain a top destination for foreign investors in 2019 and the ministry would look at all sectoral issues that may come come in the way to attracting overseas investments. "For countries like Japan, South Korea, China and Russia, we are creating industrial clusters where they can invest and operate," Prabhu said. The minister said China has agreed to set up industrial parks in India and the Chinese authorities have been asked to give a list of companies that are willing to set up factories in India. Similarly, India would be happy to welcome firms from Europe and the US who want to move out of other countries and set up manufacturing bases in India, Prabhu said. "We will be very happy to give them special status in India," he added. The comments follow several steps taken during 2018 to further liberalise norms and improve business climate in India to attract greater FDI. In the World bank's doing business report, India's rank has improved to 77th from 130th earlier. Earlier this year in January, the government permitted foreign airlines to invest up to 49 percent in debt-ridden Air India, and eased norms for investment in single brand retail, construction and power exchanges. Norms were also relaxed for medical devices and audit firms associated with companies receiving overseas funds. The government permitted 100 percent FDI under the automatic route for single brand retail trading and also in power exchanges that provide an online platform for trading in electricity. This was the second major liberalisation in FDI policy by the NDA government after major changes effected in June 2016. Total FDI in India, including re-invested earnings, rose to USD 61.96 billion in 2017-18, from USD 60.22 billion in 2016-17. In April-June period of the current fiscal 2018-19, the country has attracted USD 16.86 billion of foreign investments. Experts, however, said the government needs to focus on areas like infrastructure modernisation and easing of procedures to attract global investors. "Globally also, FDI inflows have cooled down. India needs to take steps in areas like infrastructure and procedural easing to further attract investments," Professor Biswajit Dhar of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) said. India mainly attracts investments from countries like Mauritius, Singapore, Japan, UK, the Netherlands, the US, Germany, Cyprus, France, and UAE. The sectors that received maximum FDI during 2018 include services, computer hardware and software, construction development, trading, automobile, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and power. To attract overseas companies, several states such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are also organising investors' meet for their respective states. The commerce and industry ministry has also started ranking of states on their ease of doing business. In the last report, Andhra Pradesh topped the chart among all the states and union territories. The ministry has now decided to help the states undertake a similar exercise for their respective districts. New Delhi: Despite the ongoing political battle in India over the Rafale fighter jets deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre has already made 25 per cent of the payment for the same, news agency ANI quoted Indian Air Forces as saying on Thursday. According to ANI, the first Rafale fighter jet will be delivered as per schedule to the Indian Air Force by September 2019. The IAF source further told the news agency that the procured aircraft would undergo extensive testing by Indian pilots to assess their functioning in Indian conditions. This comes almost 10 days after Air Chief Marshal Birendra Singh Dhanoa said that while there was a debate in India over the issue of Rafale deal, rival countries have managed to upgrade their systems. Air Chief Dhanoa had said that there was no iota of doubt that Rafale jets would be a massive shot in the arm for the Indian Air Force. "Who says we don't need Rafale? The government says we need Rafale, we are saying we need Rafale, the SC has given a fine judgement," he said. "It took us so long that our adversaries have already upgraded their system. Rafale is a game changer." Recently, the Supreme Court had dismissed all petitions seeking the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the Rafale deal. Refusing to intervene into the issue of pricing of the jets and the selection of offset partner, the Supreme Court observed that it was satisfied with the process of procurement of the jets. The decision, however, failed to end the war of words between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the former continued its attack on the government. After the verdict, Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed a press conference, questioning the basis of the judgement. He alleged that government had wrongly informed the top court that the pricing details were given to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Later, the government move the apex court, seeking correction in the paragraph which had reference to the CAG and the PAC. It was conveyed to the court that there had been some misinterpretation on the issue of the documents placed in a sealed cover relating to the CAG and the PAC. The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) released the General Studies answer keys for the 64th Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination on its official website bpsc.bih.nic.in. The answer keys have been released for Booklet Series A, B, C, D. The exam was held on December 16, 2018. Here are the answer keys for Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) prelims exam 2018: Candidates interested in raising objection/s to the answers need to submit their claims, if any, by 5 pm, January 7, 2019. Candidates also need to submit/attach the subsequent answer and its proof from authentic source to support the claim. The BPSC civil services prelims 2018 exam was held across 808 centres in Bihar. Nearly 5 lakh candidates appeared for the test. The BPSC had advertised 1400 vacancies across the state. The BPSC civil services Mains exam will be held on January 12, 2019, in a single siting from 1 pm to 4 pm. The fate of 15 miners trapped inside an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills district remains shrouded in mystery even after 15 days of the tragedy. The search operations had been called off by the Meghalaya government as high-pressure pumps to help in the rescue are not available with the state government. However, the ruling NPP-BJP (National People's Party-Bharatiya Janata Party) combine in Meghalaya said the state government was making all efforts to rescue the trapped miners. About 20 miners on December 13 entered a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya that is owned by Krip Chullet, a businessman. After reaching the bottom of the pit, they entered horizontal manholes, often termed as 'rat-holes', as each just about fits one person. Five persons were able to climb out of the flooded mine, leaving the others behind. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma refuted allegations that his government was not proactive and said that the administration along with the NDRF had worked really hard to trace the miners, but unfortunately, the operation did not yield any result. The miners were trapped after water from the nearby Lytein river suddenly gushed into the pit. A senior Meghalaya Home Department official has said the police force in East Jaintia Hills district, where the mine is located, do not have adequate personnel to deal with the problem. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre was helping the state government in its rescue efforts. According to Jayanta Goswami, editor of East Mojo, a Northeast-based news portal, NDRF suspects that the mines are interconnected. As soon as the water is drained out of one pit, it fills the other pits and since the mines are interconnected, so within a few hours all the pits are again full of water causing inconvenience to the rescue teams. Another obstacle for the NDRF is that it can conduct operations up to depth having 30-35 feet but the miners are stuck at a depth of 70 feet. To access such a depth high-pressure pumps are required which neither the Meghalaya government nor the other state governments possess. These types of pumps are available only with Coal India and Oil India Limited. CM Sangma has written to Coal India seeking transportation of their high powered pumps to the mine to help drain the water out. According to The Shillong Times, Sangma asserted that 12 lakh litres of water have been pumped out. "There is no question of calling off the operation and the operation is going to go to a different level now...We will continue trying and give more efforts," The Shillong Times reported quoting Sangma. He also added that the MHA is in touch and is helping the state government. Another hardship that awaits the state government and the rescue team is that the proper metalled roads connecting the site of the mine is 50-60 kms away from the Jaintia hills and the time taken to reach the place is around five to six hours. To top it all, the roads are in a deplorable and condition and to carry the pumps on those roads will be a herculean task, added Goswami. Nearly 100 personnel of the national and state disaster response forces, along with the police, are waiting for the water to recede about 30 feet as divers can do their job once the water level subsides up to that level. Currently, the water level in the mine shaft is about 70 feet. Locals are fearing that a digger may have accidentally punctured the walls of the cave following which the river water would have gushed into it on December 13. The state government on December 22 had announced Rs 1 lakh interim relief to the family members of each of the 15 miners. Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes", as each just about fits one person. According to government reports, the coal mining industry was among the biggest revenue earners for the state, generating about Rs 700 crore annually, prior to its ban in 2014. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned unscientific mining of coal in Meghalaya using small horizontal holes along the coal seams in 2014. However, illegal practices continue unabated in the state, putting lives at risk every day. Transportation of already extracted coal is intermittently allowed for exporting the mineral to Assam and Bangladesh. The NGT had first allowed transportation in 2015 and recently the Supreme Court had allowed transportation of already extracted coal till January 31. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA Tej Pratap Yadav on Thursday staged a demonstration in front of a police station in Patna, accusing the inspector in-charge of having misbehaved with him over telephone upon being asked to lodge an FIR based on the complaint of a woman living in the area. High drama was witnessed at Phulwari Sharif police station on the outskirts of the city, where the mercurial elder son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad sat on a dharna, flanked by scores of supporters and declared, I will write a letter to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar seeking the dismissal of the impertinent police official. The RJD leader told mediapersons, who had rushed to the spot upon hearing about his demonstration, that he had dialed the number of the inspector in-charge Mohammed Qaiser Alam earlier in the day from the RJD headquarters when he was approached by a woman who alleged that her sister was facing dowry harassment by in-laws. After having remained in reclusion for quite some time following a petition he has filed seeking divorce from his wife of six months, Yadav has been back in action for the last few days holding a Janata Durbar at the party office in Birchand Patel Marg of the state capital, listening to complaints of the public and attempting on the spot resolutions, in a style reminiscent of his legendary father in his hey days. When I called the inspector, he misbehaved. He said he did not know who Tej Pratap Yadav was. He appears to be a swollen-headed fellow. A liquor bottle has also been spotted inside the police station despite Nitish Kumar governments ban on liquor. Such police officials must be dismissed, the former state minister alleged amid shouting of slogans by his supporters. The inspector, who was approached by the media for comments, claimed he had never received any call from the MLA and that he was ready to lodge an FIR but could not do so until somebody came forward with a written complaint. The woman, who said her name was Manju Lata, told reporters that she was drafting a complaint to be submitted with the police station but declined to answer queries about whether she had sought the RJD leaders intervention. Interestingly, Yadavs maternal uncle Sadhu Yadav, who enjoyed tremendous clout when Rabri Devi was the Chief Minister but has been estranged from the family for long, also arrived at the spot. He said, I am a resident of this locality. I did not know what is going on but heard that my nephew is staging a protest over some matter, hence I grew curious and came here. Sadhu Yadav is suspected by a section in the RJD of egging on Tej Pratap Yadav to embark on a collision course with younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, who has emerged as the partys de facto leader in their fathers absence. The impression gained strength on Wednesday when Sadhu Yadav told a local news channel the crisis in the RJD can be defused if there is a proper delegation of authority. One of the brothers can be the party chief while the other can become the Chief Minister upon the party gaining power. Tejashwi, who is currently the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, had been named the partys Chief Ministerial candidate in Lalus presence last year. New Delhi: The Islamic State terror module busted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday may have had plans of attacking the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. According to sources, phones seized from suspects arrested during raids in Uttar Pradesh's Jafarabad have revealed controversial chats detailing plans of attacking the Ram Janmabhoomi. It is reported that the WhatsApp chats have revealed that members of Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam were planning to carry out a fidayeen attack on November 29. The NIA had said in a press conference on Tuesday that the terror group was building a network which had the objectives of radicalising people and carrying out a series of attacks across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. 'We conducted searches at 17 locations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in connection with a new ISIS module styled as 'Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam' which was in an advanced stage of carrying out a series of blasts,'' NIA IG Alok Mittal had said. "Their targets were political persons and other important personalities and vital and security installations." The terror module was under NIA surveillance for some time following inputs of their suspicious activities. A number of suspect items have been recovered from the locations that were raided. These include ammonium nitrate, pistols, grenade launchers and jihadi manuscripts. Hundreds of stray cows were kept locked inside a government school and primary health centre in Gorai village near Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh by farmers as the animals were destroying crops. Around 700-800 stray cows were kept locked inside the premises from December 24 to December 25, as reported by news agency ANI. A farmer said, "The cows are destroying crops. We've been demanding cow shelters from the government but no action is being taken." The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aligarh AK Sahni said that at least four people have been arrested and two cases filed for attacking the vehicles of the administration who were transporting the stray cows to shelters. He added that rumours were spread through WhatsApp that cows were being taken to be slaughtered. Further investigation is underway in the matter. "Administration was transporting the stray cows to shelters when few people attacked the vehicles as rumours were spread through WhatsApp that cows were being taken to be slaughtered. 2 cases filed in this regard and 4 people have been arrested. Further probe on," said Sahni. According to District Magistrate CB Singh, the administration has been directed to meet the village heads who will be entrusted to solve the issue. Cow shelters will be constructed in several villages, added Singh. "We've received complaints that villagers locked stray cows in school and health centre. I have directed SDM to visit Gorai. Village heads will be given responsibility to solve the issue. We are in the process of constructing cow shelters in various villages," said Singh. Lucknow: At a time when the opposition has alleged that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh is more focused on cows than human lives, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the officials concerned to make immediate arrangements for proper care of stray cows. He has also ordered clearing of grazing grounds in different parts of the state from encroachments. In a meeting with senior officials, the chief minister told them to set up a committee to consider measures for providing better shelter facilities for stray cows and directed Chief Secretary Anup Chanda Pandey to present recommendations in this regard in a week. Adityanath said in case of encroachments on grazing land for cattle, immediate steps be taken for its removal and strict action be initiated against the accused, according to an official release issued here Tuesday. Besides asking officials to make 750 cows shelters at the Zilla Panchayat level functional, the chief minister told them that proper fodder, shed and drinking facilities should be provided to the bovines both in rural and urban areas, it said. He said the state government has allotted Rs 10 crore to each of the 16 municipal corporations to arrange shelter for stray cows, while Rs 1.2 crore has been given to every district for setting up gaushalas. Funds for providing shelter for cows in 69 civic bodies have been sanctioned and the relative amount has also been released, but, so far, work has been completed only in Bareilly and Lucknow municipal corporations, Adityanath said. The instructions were issued after some BJP MLAs told the chief minister that stray animals, particularly cows and oxen, were damaging standing crops across the state and were also a major reason for road accidents, an official said. After the Bulandshahr violence on December 3 over alleged cow slaughter that left a police inspector and a local youth dead, Adityanath had ordered action against cow slaughter, prompting the opposition parties to accuse him of being silent on the inspector's killing and questioned his priorities. His latest directive on shelter for cows too has drawn fresh flak from the opposition parties, which accused the ruling BJP of trying to milk cow protection for political gains in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Dwijendra Tripathi said cows should be protected, but "humans cannot be killed in the name of cow protection". "There are already defunct cowsheds in the state. The government should have renovated them instead of constructing new ones for political mileage," he said. Samajwadi Party legislator Sunil Sajan said his party is "not opposed to cows" but is against the atmosphere that is being created in the name of saving the animals. "We are not against cows, they should be given proper care and shelter and not left in the open to cause problems not just for people but also for the cattle which often get injured because of the barbed wire fences put up by farmers... There is no one to take care of them," he said. "The value of cows is much more than all others... When there will be no one left, who will be called 'gau mata'?" Sajan posed. Defending the chief minister's stand, BJP MLA Sanjay Sharma said, "Cow is directly related to our religion. It must be protected." Actor Naseeruddin Shah had in a recent video alleged that in many areas "death of a cow is more significant than that of a police officer". He was referring to the December 3 Bulandshahr violence when a police officer and a local youth were killed by a mob after cow carcasses were found in a village field. One of the main accused, Yogesh Raj, the district convener of the Bajrang Dal, and some others are still at large. Opposition parties have alleged that the police have, however, been focusing on who slaughtered the cows. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Thursday organised a protest called Vanchana Pai Garjana over the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. The YSRCP accused the Andhra Pradesh and the central governments for backtracking on the issue. YSRCP leaders staged protest against alleged indifferent attitude of the Centre as well as the state governments over keeping up of promises in Andhra Pradesh (AP) Reorganisation Act. All former Members of Parliament (MPs), Legislators, Party's Regional Coordinators, District Presidents, Coordinators of Assembly and Parliament Constituencies joined the protest sporting black badges and black shirts. According to party leaders, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), hoodwinked the people of Andhra Pradesh, by not according the Special Category Status (SCS). Vanchana Pai Garjana witnessed a massive turn out of people displaying banners, flags, and placards, raising slogans that there will not be any compromise until public interests are fulfilled. Former MP Vijaya Sai Reddy came down heavily on Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for his utter failure to implement various promises made during 2014 polls. Though four years have passed, Naidu never bothered to implement these promises, this was nothing but betrayal (Vanchana). Chandrababu Naidu is not bothered about SCS till date and has settled for Special Package. YSRCP is the only party which is fighting for SCS both in State and Centre. We have given a call to all parties and people to come forward and unitedly protest against the TDP led Government for their utter failure in granting Special Category Status, said Reddy. Former Vara Prasad while speaking at the protest meet said that senior government leaders have put aside Special Category Status for their selfish and political purposes. Former MP Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy cautioned the people of Andhra Pradesh against getting lured by Chandrababu's promises once again. He reminded the huge gathering that Chandrababu was synonymous with drought and scarcity. He further said that in contrast, Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy's tenure was marked by abundance and fertility. Chandrababu was driven purely by an insatiable thirst for power fuelled by a hunger for amassing wealth by looting the state exchequer. YSRCP held many protests over the years seeking Special Category Status. Apart from moving No Confidence Motion against NDA Government, five Party MPs had also submitted their resignations. YSRCP leaders Botsa Satyanarayana, YV Subba Reddy, Vara Prasad, Mekapati Raja Mohan Reddy, Avinash Reddy, Mithun Reddy, Sajjala Rama Krishna Reddy, Uma Reddy Venkateswarlu, Janga Krishna Murthy, Roja, MLAs, MLCs and other senior leaders participated in the protest. Mumbai: As a superstar, Salman Khan turned 53 on Thursday, hoards of heartfelt wishes showered on social media for him from the members of film fraternity. Be it Salman's female co-stars or his friends from the industry, everyone wished Bollywood's 'Bhaijaan' happiness, peace and a long life on his birthday. And in return, the star treated them by throwing a party in his Panvel farmhouse on Wednesday night. Celebrities like Sushmita Sen, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Sajid-Wajid, Ameesha Patel, Sooraj Pancholi, Dino Morea, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahesh Manjrekar, Rajat Sharma, Sohail Khan, Baba Siddiqui, Zaheer Iqbal, Warina Hussain, Dia Mirza, Sonu Sood, Sunil Grover and Mouni Roy attended the birthday bash. Sharing a dancing video with Salman from his birthday celebration on Instagram, the former Miss Universe and actress recalled her memories with the actor, saying " it was a desined journey from falling in love with Prem on screen in 'Maine Pyar Kiya' in 1989 to sharing the screen with him in 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya'." "Happy Birthday to a man who never stopped celebrating Being Human'. Have a blessed year and I will always love you," posted Sushmita. While actress Priety Zinta thanked him for always inspiring her. She said: "Happy birthday to my sexiest, sweetest, maddest and rocksolid friend. Thank you for always inspiring me by being more human than anyone I know and for making this world a better place for people no one else knows..." Salman, the son of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, began his acting career with a supporting role in "Biwi Ho To Aisi" and got his first commercial break in Sooraj Barjatya directorial "Maine Pyar Kiya". He later appeared in movies like "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!", "Karan Arjun", "Biwi No.1" and "Hum Saath-Saath Hain", through which he garnered huge fan base. "Gold" actress Mouni Roy also shared photographs from the party on social media, where she wrote that she is "his fan girl for life", and wished him "happiness and love you bring into everybody's lives." Here's what other celebrities have to say Katrina Kaif: Happy birthday Salman Khan, keep being. Madhuri Dixit: Happy birthday Salman Khan! May you be forever blessed with loads of love and laughter. Have a good one. Neil Nitin Mukesh: Dearest Salman, Here is wishing you a spectacular birthday. God bless you with all the happiness Diana Penty: Happy birthday Salman Khan, Love and laughter, always. Have a blessed one. Sophie Choudhary: Good people are like candles... they burn themselves to give others light...Happy birthday Salman. Stay happy, stay healthy, stay blessed.Feel privileged to know you... Ronit Bose Roy: Here's wishing a very joyful birthday to Salman Khan, Have a super year ahead. Remo D'souza: Happy birthday sir. Anees Bazmee: Wishing inimitable Salman Khan a very happy birthday. One of the finest human being I've met and worked with. Stay Blessed! Mumbai: Actor Ranveer Singh, who is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming film "Simmba", has said that her wife Deepika Padukone is proud of him. Ranveer was interacting with the media at the promotional meet of "Simmba" along with his co-actors Sara Ali Khan, Sonu Sood and director Rohit Shetty on Wednesday in Mumbai. Ranveer plays a corrupt cop named ACP Sangram Bhalerao (Simmba) in the film, who turns over a new leaf after he deals with a rape case. When asked Ranveer what kind of reaction Deepika gave him after watching "Simmba", he said, "She is very proud of me and as well as Rohit (Shetty) sir. She gave so many compliments to Rohit sir. So, I felt that should praise me as well." Adding to Ranveer's statement, Rohit said, "We have an association since the film 'Chennai Express' so, she was very thrilled and very happy." "I don't understand these statistics, number and figures. I am not a businessman. I am an artist so, you should ask me those type of questions," Ranveer said on being about his expectations on box-office opening for his film "Simmba". Apart from Ranveer, Sara Ali Khan, Sonu Sood and Ashutosh Rana in the lead roles, Ajay Devgn will also appear in an extended cameo in "Simmba". The film will release on December 28. Ranveer will next be seen in Zoya Akhtar's "Gully Boy" and Karan Johar's period epic, "Takht". Washington: NASA is likely to continue flying its astronauts on the Russian Soyuz vehicle even after US commercial crew vehicles arrive, media report said. However, nothing has been signed officially yet, an agency spokesperson said. "Bill Gerstenmaier and senior NASA leadership have stated their intention to have US crewmembers on Soyuz vehicles after 2019 and (to have) Russians on US crew vehicles," Stephanie Schierholz, who works in public affairs at NASA Headquarters in Washington, was quoted as saying to Space.com on Tuesday. Gerstenmaier is the associate administrator for human exploration and operations for NASA. The US space agency retired its space shuttle program in 2011 and has relied on Russian vehicles since then to go to the ISS. The US space agency has an agreement with Russia to fly crews on Soyuz through at least 2019, and some of those crewmembers are already announced, the report said. NASA has partnered with two commercial crew providers -- Boeing and SpaceX -- to bring vehicles for crews online. While SpaceX announced its first uncrewed test flight of the Dragon human spacecraft in 2019, Boeing is expected to launch its own uncrewed flight in the following months. Once these vehicles are certified for flight, astronauts will ride them to the ISS. In August, NASA revealed the names of nine US astronauts who will fly on the first certification flights for Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Dragon. NASA said these post-certification flights will be fully operational and will be regular, long-duration rotation missions, just like the missions facilitated by Soyuz today, the report noted. Schierholz added that having Russian and US vehicles flying simultaneously will provide "redundancy in crew transportation" to the ISS. Lucknow: The police on Thursday claimed that they have arrested the man who allegedly shot an inspector dead during the Bulandshahr mob violence. According to police, the arrest of Prashant Nat in connection with the killing of Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh in Siyana area of Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district on December 3, takes the total number of accused held in this case to 29. "During interrogation, he has confessed to his involvement in the violence and also admitted that he had shot the bullet which killed the inspector," said Atul Kumar Srivastava, additional superintendent of police (ASP), Bulandhshahr city. "We are interrogating him further to elicit other details and expect other information to emerge during the probe. Based on that information, we will move ahead with the probe in the case," the ASP said. Nat, a resident of Chingrawathi village of Siyana, was held from Sikandrabad, near the highway that leads to Noida, around 2.30 pm. He works part time as a driver in Delhi and nearby areas and at other times he works locally as a labourer. "With this arrest, the total arrested in the violence case of December 3 has gone up to 29 now," a police official said. Five people were arrested on December 18 for their alleged roles in the mob violence and the cow-slaughtering cases. Three of them - Nadeem, Raees and Kaala - were arrested for their alleged involvement in the cow-slaughtering case, while two accused were nabbed by the state special task force (STF) for the subsequent violence after cow carcasses were found in a field. The trio was not named in the initial FIR, which had seven accused, including two minors, but their names emerged in the case during probe. An FIR against 27 named people and 50-60 unidentified people was registered at the Siyana police station for the violence at the Chingrawathi police post after cattle carcasses were found strewn outside nearby Mahaw village. One of the main suspects among the 27 named in the FIR, local Bajrang Dal leader Yogesh Raj, is still at large, while an Army jawan, Jitendra Malik, has been arrested and remanded in custody. A mob of around 400 people, including right-wing activists, clashed with the police on December 3 in Siana area of Bulandshahr district, after allegedly discovering cow carcasses thrown in a nearby jungle. The angry mob set fire to dozens of vehicles, stone pelted and fired at police who then retaliated with gunfire. Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, the station house officer of Siana who once investigated Akhlaq lynching case, and 20-year-old Sumit Kumar were killed in the incident. (With inputs from PTI) BEIJING: China and the US have made plans for face-to-face consultations over trade in January, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday, as the world`s two biggest economies advanced efforts to resolve a months-long trade war. Consultations through "intensive" telephone calls will continue in the meantime, Gao Feng, spokesman at the commerce ministry, told reporters, adding that talks have been steadily moving forward despite the Christmas break in the United States. "Even as the US side is in the Christmas holiday period, China and US economic and trade teams have been in close communication, and the consultations are progressing in an orderly manner as scheduled," Gao said when asked about progress on trade negotiations. Gao did not comment directly when asked to confirm a media report on a US trade delegation visit scheduled for the week of January 7. "The two sides have indeed made specific arrangements for face-to-face consultations in January in addition to continuing intensive telephone consultations," he said, without elaborating. The US and Chinese officials have spoken by phone in recent weeks, but a meeting next month would be the first in-person talks since US President Donald Trump met his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in Buenos Aires on December 1. Trump and Xi agreed to stop escalating tit-for-tat tariffs that have disrupted the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars of goods between the two nations. The two leaders also agreed to launch new talks while the United States delayed a planned Jan. 1 tariff increase until March. In response, China has resumed purchases of US soybeans for the first time in six months, even though hefty tariffs on US cargoes remain in place. TARIFF SUSPENSIONS China has also said it will suspend additional tariffs on US-made vehicles and auto parts for three months starting Jan. 1, adding that it hopes both sides can speed up negotiations to remove all additional tariffs on each other`s goods. A US trade team will travel to Beijing the week of Jan. 7 to hold talks with Chinese officials, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. A person familiar with the matter told Reuters last week that talks were likely in early January. In yet another reconciliatory sign, China issued on Tuesday a so-called "negative" list that specifies industries where investors - domestic or foreign - are either restricted or prohibited. The unified list is seen as an effort to address concerns from Western investors that there is no level-playing field in China. Investment in key Chinese sectors, however, is still prohibited. DRAFT INVESTMENT LAW On Wednesday, China unveiled the draft of a foreign investment law for public consultation. In it, China has proposed a ban on forced technology transfer and illegal government "interference" in foreign business operations, practices that have come under the spotlight during the trade war. While China has frequently denied accusations of engaging in such practices, it has pledged to improve market access for foreign investors and better protect their rights in the face of growing complaints and reduced foreign investment. In an apparent move to emphasize reciprocity, the draft law said China would reserve the right to retaliate against countries that discriminate against Chinese investment with "corresponding measures". The draft will likely go through several readings before being submitted to China`s parliament for formal approval, which could take another year or more. Heaping some uncertainty in the way of the bilateral trade talks was the recent arrest of the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd in Canada at the request of the US. US prosecutors accuse Meng Wanzhou of misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions, putting the banks at risk of violating US sanctions. Meng, who is the daughter of Huawei`s founder, has said she is innocent. Dhaka: Days before Bangladesh goes for the country's 11th general elections - scheduled to be held on December 30, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the ISI was trying to sabotage the elections with the help of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders. "Why only blame Pakistan and ISI? If at all we have to blame, we should blame the BNP. BNP is taking bribe and money from the ISI to destroy the democratic structure of the country. There is no love for the country and its people. They do not want the country to make any progress," Hasina told Zee Media. She then took another dig at BNP - the main opposition party in Bangladesh, saying that the party leaders were charged with committing war crimes in 1971. "In 1971, they were defeated in the country. They have been charged with war crimes and grenade attacks in the country. People rejected them and brought us to power. They killed our people and intellectuals. People of Bangladesh have not forgotten those days. They are extremely cautious about whom to vote and they are going to reject BNP," added Hasina. BNP and other opposition parties had boycotted the previous general elections held in 2014 and the ruling Awami League had won with more than 150 seats being uncontested. Hasina also affirmed that Bangladesh believes in zero tolerance for terrorism in the country. She even backed India's policy on Pakistan of no dialogue and deliberations till it puts an end to cross-border terrorism. She, indirectly, hinted at Pakistan's soil being misused by terror groups to promote terrorism on foreign land. "There is zero tolerance for terrorism in our country. We are working with other countries, especially with our neighbouring countries, to counter terrorism. Terrorism is a global problem and all stakeholders should work with each other. One thing we are sure of and have taken steps towards is that we are not going to allow our land to promote terrorism on foreign soil," she said. Islamabad: The Pakistani government on Wednesday announced to launch a wide-ranging comprehensive operation to counter-terrorism and target killing across the country in March 2019. Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi told media that the government has decided to launch the National Action Plan, a comprehensive action plan to crack down on terrorism and to supplement the ongoing anti-terrorist offensive. The announcement came after the targeted killing of former parliamentarian and senior politician Syed Ali Raza Abidi who was shot dead by unknown assailants outside his house in Karachi, Xinhua news agency reported. The attack at Abidi is the fourth terrorist attack in Karachi during last one month, which has raised serious concerns over the country`s achievements against the terrorism. The minister said the political and military leadership and key security agencies would sit together to take decisions to bring betterment to the country`s national security plan. The minister said the government will also revive the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), the country`s national organisation established to gather intelligence and disseminate and coordinate between all relevant stakeholders to counter terrorism and extremism. "We shall try hard to eliminate this plague from the country through joint efforts of all stakeholders including provinces and the central government, and those who want to destabilise the country will be identified soon," said the minister. Russia claims to have successfully tested the strategic intercontinental hypersonic Avangard missile system, a highly manoeuvrable gliding nuclear or conventional warhead. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Avangard, which is reportedly capable of flying at a speed of Mach 20, was launched and tested on his instruction. "On my instructions, the industrial enterprises and the Defence Ministry have prepared for and carried out the final test of this system. The test was completely successful, all technical parameters were verified. Starting from next year, in 2019, a new intercontinental strategic system Avangard will enter service in the Russian army and the first regiment in the Strategic Missile Troops will be deployed," Russian news agency Itar TASS quoted Putin as saying during a meeting of government members. Russia has been on an overdrive to build hypersonic weapons in the last few years and Wednesday's test comes just a days after United States of America President Donald Trump announced plans to pull out of the Cold War-era nuclear weapons pact - the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov had said in March 2018 that the deal to produce the Avangard hypersonic missile system had been signed. Itar TASS reported that the Avangard intercontinental ballistic missile system has been codenamed 15Yu71. The Avangard is unlike a traditional intercontinental ballistic missile as the manoeuvering glider warhead is built to fly at an altitude of several dozen kilometres in the dense layers of the atmosphere which allows it to bypass anti-missile defence systems. Although the exact specifications of Avangard are not known, Russia media has reported that the glider vehicle is about 5.4 metres long, can fly at a speed exceeding Mach 20 and is capable to carrying either a nuclear (from 150 kilotonnes to 1 megatonne) or conventional warhead. Russia Strategic Missile Forces Commander Colonel General Sergei Karakaev has claimed that Avangard is made using composite materials, to resist aerodynamic heating of several thousand degrees and protects it from laser irradiation. Putin had during his State of the Nation Address to the Russian Federal Assembly on March 1, 2018, had said that "the vehicle approaches the target like a fireball" while "being reliably guided. Around 32,000 people are making war in the ranks of the pro-Russian militants, as Serhiy Nayev, the Joint Forces Commander, told Interfax-Ukraine. We know about the presence of regular active military of the first and second army corps on the temporarily occupied territory in Donetsk and Luhansk regions numbering around 32,000 people, 11,000 of whom are Russians. Career officers and Russias Armed Forces generals hold leadership positions of these formations, Nayev noted. Joint Forces Commander also told about the arming and military equipment, which these illegal armed formations possess. Soviet equipment is the basis of their armament. There is also modern Russian weaponry on the occupied territories, including electronic warfare Repellent, Zhytel, Shypovnik-Aero. The Russian occupation troops impede the work of OSCE SMM drones with the help of these systems, Nayev added. Open source The militants of occupied Donbas has disrupted the agreed mine clearance near the checkpoint Mariinka as the Headquarters of the Joint Forces Operation reported citing the Ukrainian side of the Joint Coordination and Control Center. It was planned to close the circulation of vehicles and civilians through Mariinka checkpoint at the time of the events on the mine clearance, on December 27, 2018, from 10:00 am until the end of the holding of the works. Moreover, on the eve, it was supposed to warn the civilians who plan to cross the demarcation line at the direction of the territories temporarily uncontrolled by Ukraine through the mass media that they should use the nearby checkpoints Novotroitske and Mayorske, the message said. However, on the evening of December 26, when all organization events were agreed, the representatives of the armed formations of the Russian occupation troops unilaterally disrupted the holding of the planned works. They noted in the letter to the OSCE SMM that they refuse from their commitments and do not guarantee the observing of the ceasefire regime during the works on the de-mining, the Joint Coordination and Control Center added. Earlier UN reported that Donbas is one of the most mined regions in the world and Ukraine ranked first in the world in terms of the number of deaths from mines. In his turn, the Minister of Temporary Occupied Territories Vadym Chernysh asserts that before the end of hostilities in the Donbas region, it is meaningless to take measures to demine the territory. Related video: Since the Anti-terrorist operation began in May 2014, the Ukrainian army managed to liberate two-thirds of Donbas territory Armed Forces of Ukraine took control of almost entire grey zone in Donbas, as Yuriy Biryukov, the Presidents Advisor, said on air of one of the TV channels. He said that since the Anti-terrorist operation began in May 2014, the Ukrainian army managed to liberate two-thirds of Donbas territory. Almost all the grey zone is liberated and control, he stated. As we reported earlier, the actions of the militants on the demarcation line lead to breaks in the operation schedule of the checkpoints in Donbas. As the agency informed, the militants were violating the schedule and thus put lives and health of the civilians under threat. This is due to a considerable threat of the naval invasion from the Sea of Azov, - Commander of Joint Forces Operation Serhiy Nayev A group of anti-airborne defense is deployed in the Mariupol sector of Donbas combat area. Its main objective will be to protect the seashore of the Sea of Azov. This is a restriction measure and the improvement to the defense system due to the major threat of military invasion from the waters of the Azov Sea. Serhiy Nayev, the Commander of Joint Forces Operation reported that on Thursday evening. 'In terms of military, the Ukrainian coast of Azov is protected reliably. In order to prevent the enemy's invasion from the waters of the Azov Sea, the Joint Forces performed a complex of measures to reinforce the defenses in this area, to improve the combat efficiency of units that act in this area', Nayev said as quoted by Interfax-Ukraine news agency. Besides, he said that the newly deployed group duly cooperates with the Ukrainian Navy. The services exchange intelligence data on the current situation on the ground, on the sea and in the air. Earlier on Thursday, Nayev said that since late April 2018, the Ukrainian military has eliminated 450 Russian militants. According to our intelligence, since the Joint Forces Operation began, the enemy sustained 450 fatalities; some 850 were injured. Besides, 28 items military vehicles were destroyed, he stated. Open source The water reserve in Avdiivka, Donetsk region will be enough for four days as Ukraines State Emergency Service reported. On December 25, at 6:00 am, Donetsk Filtration Station ceased operation again due to the loss of power. The water supply to Avdiivka was stopped. According to State Emergency Service, the water supply can be carried round-the-clock if it is needed. It will be possible to do from the reserve stocks by the capacity of 4,000 cubic meters. However, it will be enough only for four days. In the case of the absence of the water in the reservoir, it will be provided to the locals by vehicles. The repair work at the damaged power lines, which stopped the work of Donetsk Filtration Station is taking place from 9:00 am, December 27. Earlier the pro-Russian militants have shelled Zolote city in Luhansk region and it resulted in the damage of the main waterpipe (1200 mm diameter), which led to the leakage of water in the volume of more than 2.000 cubic meters per hour. Besides, Toretsk, Zalizne, Pivnichne and Pivdenne, the four towns in Donetsk region are cut off from the water supply system. Ukraine's state security service detained the leader of the network, the 57-year-old officer of the Ukrainian Navy reserve Open source A network of undercover Russian agents was busted in Mykolaiv region, southern Ukraine. The state security service detained the leader of the network, the 57-year-old officer of the Ukrainian Navy reserve. The man repeatedly visited Crimea for instructions that he received from the Russian supervisors. He passed the data about Ukrainian military units stationed in Ochakiv district and formed the paramilitary groups in Mykolaiv region. The court selected the two-months-long detention as pre-trial restriction measure. Other members of the network are now interviewed as well. Recently, the Russian court sentenced Ukrainian lawyer Ihor Kyiashko to eight years behind bars at a high-security correctional facility under the charge of espionage and military equipment smuggling attempt, Meduza reported. According to the prosecution, Kyiashko tried to buy a blade for the RD-33 engine in Russia and sell it in Ukraine. RD-33 is used in MiG-29 jet fighter aircraft. Russian Security Service controlled the sale process, and he was detained when the money was handed. Kyiashko admitted his guilt, the news agency reads. Besides, Kyiashko was found guilty of attempting to gather data on a radio station used in the S-400 missile system. The detainee insists that somebody planted the secret documents during the arrest. 44 people were kidnapped since the beginning of the occupation of Crimean peninsula, 15 of them are still missing The rally in the support of people affected by the actions of Russia in annexed Crimea takes place near the Russian Embassy in Kyiv as the correspondent of 112 Ukraine reported. The activists of Crimea SOS gathered near the Embassy of the Russian Federation, they hold it thereIt is the 30th monthly rally entitled Where is Ervin?. They hold the plates with the names of the disappeared people in Crimea, which is occupied by Russia, the correspondent noted. It is noted that 44 people were kidnapped since the beginning of the occupation of Crimean peninsula, 15 of them still have not been found. According to the correspondent, people try to draw attention in such way. There is an improvised TV made of cardboard, fur-tree and presents. They sum up the results of the year in such way. About a dozen people have come. The situation is calm. Earlier the rally in the support of the Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia in Kerch Strait took place in Kyiv, at Maidan Nezalezhnosti. The Russian Federation has intercepted the reconnaissance aircraft of United States Air Force (USAF), which departed for the patrolling near annexed Crimea as Aircraft Spots reported. USAF plane RC-135V 64-14841 HARK51 has been intercepted by Russian Air Force over the Black Sea near Crimea, the message said. According to the data of the server, later the U.S. reconnaissance aircraft has continued the patrolling. As we reported the spy ship HMS Echo (H87) of the British Royal Navy entered the Black Sea through the Bosphorus. It was sent to express the support to Ukraine. Later Minister of Defense of Great Britain Gavin Williamson said that the HMS Echo reconnaissance ship of the British Navy is a signal to Russia, indicating support for Ukraine in the face of the threat of aggression. The document was signed in September; it will take effect on the 30th day after both governments inform each other on completion of the domestic procedures of approval Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has approved the decision on the visa-free regime with Uruguay. Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported that, reiterating that the document was signed in the U.S. in September. 'The document's provisions foresee that the Ukrainian citizens will be able to stay in Uruguay for the period of no more than 90 days, and it may be renewed for another 90 days over a year. The citizens of Uruguay can stay in Ukraine for the period of no more than 90 days over the 180-days-long period', reads the message. The document will take effect on the 30th day after both governments inform each other on completion of the domestic procedures of approval. In November, Ukraine's visa-free regimes with Thailand and Qatar took effect. The National Security and Defence Council prolonged the ban on entering the country for Russian males at the age of 16-60 regardless of the fact that the martial law is over, as Sergiy Yarovy, First Deputy of Interior Minister said. Taking into account a very complicated security situation, all the institutions of the Internal Ministry continue working in an enhanced regime. In particular, the National Security and Defence Council decided to prolong the restrictive measures of the Border Guard Service for entering of Russians aged 16-60. Since the martial law was imposed, 1,616 Russians were not allowed to enter Ukraine, including 866 in the regions affected by the martial law. The Russian side returned 351 Ukrainians, he said. As is known, Ukraine banned the entry for male Russian citizens aged from 16 to 60. This is due to the ongoing tense situation, caused by the recent Russian attack on Ukrainian vessels in Kerch Strait. The Ukrainian government reacted to the Russian aggression, imposing martial law in ten of the 24 regions of the country. Ukraine news on 112.international Open source The average age of the planes in Ukraine used by the private air companies for the flights makes 23 years as UNN reported citing the State Aviation Administration. According to the administrations, these aircrafts are put in the State register of the civilian aircraft of Ukraine. It is reported that all planes used by the Ukrainian air companies have the certificates of the airworthiness and review of the airworthiness. The data of the planes certificates were received by the air companies after the check of the aircrafts. According to its results, the technical state of the planes of the civilian airline meets all the requirements of the Rules of maintenance of the airworthiness approved by the Ukrainian Infrastructure Ministry. However, the State Aviation Administration pointed that its workers wrote 279 fines for different violations in the sphere of the civilian aviation in 2018. Earlier Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan stated about the plans to decrease the exploitation term of the civilian aircrafts up to 20 years in 2019. He also emphasized that the planes older than 20 years will be not allowed to fly in Ukraine. The truce will be used for the maintenance works Open source The new, festive ceasefire regime should begin in Donbas from the midnight of December 29. Yevhen Marchuk, the representative of Ukraine at the Trilateral Contact Group made such statement as 112.ua reported. "According to him, the Ukrainian side at the Trilateral Contact Group proposed to establish the ceasefire regime on December 19 in Minsk. We offered to introduce this regime, in other words, the indeterminate ceasefire beginning with tomorrows night. To be precise, from 0:01 on December 29. There were slightly another offers, but in brief, we succeeded to achieve such agreement today. And it is reported today, as I, as the representative of Ukraine at the Trilateral Contact Group participated in this session of the task group and we confirmed today that tomorrow (on December 29, - 112.international) starting from 0:00, Ukraine provide the full-scale ceasefire regime, Marchuk said. According to him, this truce will be maximally used for the repair of the objects of the infrastructure, which are currently damaged. Earlier Serhiy Nayev, the Joint Forces Commander reported that since April 30, 2018, when Joint Forces Operation was launched in Donbas, 450 pro-Russian militants were eliminated. Serving God with all of our hearts no matter where we are Free Wellness Check for All Adopted Cats and Dogs PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) With more than 20,000 participants from over 190 countries, COP24 commenced in the hope that countries will create a rulebook that will turn the Paris climate agreement into reality and hold down rising temperature to well below 2 degrees. During the conference, countries focused on establishing rules, figuring out financing and devising ways to verify that nations are meeting their commitments. "we are in deep trouble with climate change," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his speech at the conference Although climate change is a global issue, the impacts are not felt equally across the planet. The impacts vary in both magnitude and rate of change in different countries and regions. From a historical point of view, developing countries do not contribute to climate change as much as developed countries, but right now their geographical location and economic status make them feel the impacts disproportionately. The capacity to adapt to climate change can influence how climate change affects individuals, communities, countries, and the global population. The Vulnerable Twenty (V20), a Group of finance ministers of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, was formed in October 2015 in Lima, Peru. It formed a new international economic cooperation between 48 countries that are among the list of countries facing some of the severest economic and financial risks arising from climate change. According to a recent report published by Researchers from Imperial College Business School and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London, developing countries will lose an additional dollar for every 10 dollars due to the economic consequences of climate vulnerability. This climate "premium" is adding to vulnerable countries' financial burden, further exacerbating their economic challenges. The report concluded that in the past ten years, climate vulnerability has cost the V20 countries an additional US$62 billion in interest payments, including US$40 billion in additional interest payments on government debt alone. "Climate change is already imposing serious risks to our people and our economies, we need to protect this," said Renato Redentor Constantino of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). Although V20 countries are on top of the list when it comes to climate change impacts, many of the pledges made by those countries rank among the most ambitious and comprehensive ones to date. The African Development Bank has also worked on addressing the issues around climate risk. Last year at COP23 in Bonn, Germany, they launched the Africa NDC Hub, a cooperative initiative to support the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDC) in Africa. The hub focuses on adaptation and private sector engagement, and aims to foster long term climate action, to mobilise resources for implementation and promote coordination advocacy and partnerships to deliver on the Paris Agreement commitments in an effective and efficient manner. "One of the barriers to renewable energy transition are issues around enabling environment and policy framework so the Bank is also investing in addressing these kind of gaps and work with countries to strengthen the policy environments," says Louise Brown, climate change expert in the Bank. "The African Development Bank is one of the biggest players in africa in terms of financing transition towards renewable energy and we have 5 main priorities for the entire Bank and energy is one of the key ones," she adds. The NDC Hub also supports African countries in mobilizing finance at scale to support national sustainable development imperatives. These in turn will promote the development and implementation of appropriate climate actions that allow African countries to achieve the objectives of their NDCs as well as contribute meaningfully to the global effort to combat climate change. African countries made ambitious commitments to respond to climate change in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - a set of commitments necessqry for determining progress and raising ambition since the Paris Agreement came into effect in November 2016. As of November 2018, 189 Parties to the UNFCCC had ratified their NDCs, including 90% of African countries. During the NDC's Implementation Thematic Day at the African Development Bank Pavilion at COP24, a diverse range of sessions were held covering topics such as Integrating Gender into NDCs and National Climate Actions in Africa, Supporting Regional NDC Hubs (Africa, Pacific and the Caribbean NDC Hubs), Communities of Practice, policy formulation & implementation for supporting electrification and implementation of scalable NDC-related interventions and the GGGI/AfDB Green Growth Assessment Report. The urgency of action has become critical as latest scientific findings indicate unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere; the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its recent report, Global Warming of 1.5C, gives the sternest warnings on the urgent need to stem global temperature rise and consequent adverse effects of climate change. The African Development Bank has established the Africa NDC Hub which brings together key partners to support NDC implementation in Africa. This is in line with the Paris Agreement (para 45) which calls for strengthening of regional cooperation and the establishment of regional centres and networks, in particular in developing countries. Most NDCs submitted by African countries were hastily put together and in most cases did not take long term effects on national development goals into consideration. Consequently, they do not truly reflect national needs and potential to fully contribute to global targets for achieving a low-carbon and climate-resilient pathway by mid-century. The Africa NDC Hub particularly focuses on three areas, including fostering long-term climate action, mobilizing means for implementation and coordination, advocacy and partnerships. Anthony Nyong, the African Development Bank's Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, pointed out that there is still a lot of work to be done to make these NDCs effective for Africa: "These NDCs do not address most of what is required for mitigation for poor African countries, most of whom are just not getting the funds they need. Finance is a major issue in the implementation of the NDCs. Africa will need about 3 trillion dollars; how do we make this happen? This money does not lie in the public office. It's money from the private sector. We need to unlock these critical resources to support the development of every African country. We are working to see how we can create an enabling environment to attract the right funding. Partnerships will help us go further, faster - no institution sitting here can do it alone." One particular issue that was highlighted as critical to the successful implementation of the NDCs was gender equality. Mafalda Duarte, Head of the Climate Investment Funds, pointed out that integrating this into all NDC activity is vital if we are going to achieve the change we need to. "We need to recognise in advance the role of women in national climate goals and investment plans and either we integrate this into every single programmme or that we propose, fund, implement and monitor. When we talk about women's leadership, we mean at every level - from communities to national climate negotiations. We need to build up gender-positive practices that extend beyond the life of these programmes." Raymond Kasei of the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES), mentioned that gender inequality still exists in many areas because it is deeply rooted in social systems. Kasei, along with many others during the panel, mentioned the lack of data around gender being a real issue: "If there's no data then there's no baseline or tracking of progress." He concluded by saying that "once gender is put into planning stage and budgeted, action is taken. Otherwise it will be get lost on the way." Across the board, countries admitted that the NDCs could only be achieved if more investment is made available to African countries. Crispin d'auvergne, from OECS wondered : 'How do we incentivise adaptation efforts? We need to convert the NDCs into key bankable projects." The Hub will ensure effective transformation of NDCs into bankable and implementable projects that are underpinned by rigorous analytical work and which significantly draw upon the synergies of ongoing regional, national and sectoral efforts. The Africa NDC Hub builds on the Bank's solid active participation in Africa's development including managing climate initiatives and climate funds. Click here for the best of the day in photos. The African Development Bank Civil Society and Social Innovation Division organized a one- day "Civil Society Awareness Brown Bag Lunch" on 19 December 2018 at the Bank's headquarters. The Bank, under the leadership of President Akinwumi Adesina, has gradually placed African citizens at the centre of its intervention strategy, making civil society a key partner to achieve greater results with lasting impact on the lives of Africans. The meeting was the last of a series of consultation workshops conducted in each of the Bank's regional offices. These workshops aimed at highlighting the need for the Bank to engage Civil Society in its' work through raising greater awareness among Bank Staff around civil society engagement in the Bank's operations and projects. The "Civil Society Awareness Brown Bag Lunch" therefore provided an opportunity for over 30 operations staff and consultants to share experiences with civil society organizations (CSOs) and discuss how they can further incorporate civil society into their projects and policy dialogue in Africa. On behalf of Vanessa Moungar, the Bank's Director for Gender, Women and Civil Society, Zeneb Toure, Manager of the Civil Society and Social Innovation Division, opened the session. "As a key continental institution that contributes to the economic development and social progress of African people, we have a shared responsibility to ensure effective development with lasting impact on the lives of the people we serve," she said. Toure further stressed the necessity of "engaging with vibrant, dedicated and diverse civil organizations" to reach this goal. Round table discussions and brainstorming with operations team members and task managers from the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption (PIAC), the Independent Development Evaluation (IDEV) and the Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (BCRM) provided participants with best practices, challenges and success on ongoing initiatives that engage civil society across the High 5 priorities. Senior Civil Society Officer, Francois Traore, presented the Bank's Action Plan and tools to support mainstreaming civil society engagement (CSE) in the Bank's policies, operations and project cycles. He explained the institutional arrangements for internalization of CSE in the Bank's policies and operations. The need for a collaborative design of the action plan and the tools, and constructive feedback from staff to improve them was emphasized In her closing remarks, Toure highlighted the importance of institutionalizing civil society engagement in the Bank's work to ensure social inclusion and knowledge sharing for effective delivery of its programs and initiatives. An effective engagement with civil society requires internal collaboration and constant dialogue with corporate units, departmental and sectoral experts. Agricultural production will register a 6% increase in 2018, mainly underpinned by agro-exports' good performance , Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Gustavo Mostajo has affirmed.Published: 12/27/2018 YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The healthcare ministry of Armenia says a rise in influenza and acute respiratory infections is observed in the country. The healthcare ministry said the most common flu type currently circulating in Armenia is Influenza A H1N1. It is recorded also among at-risk groups children, pregnant women, people suffering from chronic diseases and others. Medical evaluation of patients under hospital care revealed that delay in seeking medical attention is the primary cause of being hospitalized. Healthcare officials urge citizens to seek medical care even if the symptoms are mild. The ministry also called for preventive vaccinations especially among the at-risk groups. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The US governmental delegation will depart for Beijing in early January to hold trade talks with Chinese officials, sources told Bloomberg. The US delegation will be led by Deputy Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish and will include Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs David Malpass. There are no reports yet on who will attend the talks from the Chinese side. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. At least 35 students have been injured in an accident in Indias Himachal Pradesh province when a school bus ferrying them skidded off the road, the local authorities said, RIA Novosti reported. All students have been hospitalized. Nothing threatens their life. There are no reports about the driver. The causes of the incident are unknown yet. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The government approved the draft law on ratifying the agreement for the creation and activity of an international bureau to investigate aviation crashes and major incidents, reports Armenpress. In September 2017 the Russian ministry of transport came up with such a proposal, and it was approved by several CIS member states, including Armenia. The works on creating this new international structure are in process. The goal of creating this international bureau is to ensure the investigation of aviation accidents and major incidents by a specialized body independent from aviation authorities. Given Armenias lack of resources for conducting investigation of aviation accidents and major incidents, its appropriate to transfer the implementation of this function to the structure which will be created soon, the explanation says. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mher Margaryan on December 26 met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress. During the meeting Rosemary DiCarlo was introduced on the results of the recent snap parliamentary elections in Armenia and the governments formation process. Mher Margaryan reaffirmed that the Armenian authorities are committed to continue the reforms launched in the country, especially in ensuring rule of law, justice, equal opportunities in economic and political fields and fighting corruption. Rosemary DiCarlo congratulated the Armenian side for holding the snap elections in accordance with the highest international standards and praised the close cooperation with the UN structures. Mher Margaryan also introduced the UN representative on the approaches and priorities of the Armenian side over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Both highlighted the importance of forming a favorable environment for the negotiations, as well as the unconditional, continuous support of the UN Secretary-General to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs aimed at peacefully settling the conflict. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. 81,1% of surveyed Yerevan citizens approve the changes that took place within the citys police system. GALLUP International Association asked citizens of Yerevan how they assess the changes of the work of the police after the revolution. 28,9% said completely positive, 52,2% more positive, while 4,8% said nothing has changed, and 3,5% gave a completely negative answer. The poll was conducted among 602 people from December 20 to December 25. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Official Moscow and Yerevan should cooperate in the sphere of security in the sidelines of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and other integration unions, ARMENPRESS reports, citing Ria Novosti, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a meeting with acting PM of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. I think there is a positive dynamic, and it should be preserved. We are ready to do that and will do everything possible to preserve such a high level of relations not only in that sphere (economy), but also other directions. I mean also the security sphere and our cooperation in the sidelines of the CSTO, Putin said. Pashinyan noted that Armenia is interested in developing relations with Russia in all the directions and has positive approach towards integration in the sidelines of the EAEU. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the working visit to Moscow acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the interlocutors discussed issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Greeting Nikol Pashinyan, the Russian President said, Honorable Nikol Vovayevich, honorable friends, we are very glad to see you here in Moscow. This is your fist visit following the impressive victory in the parliamentary elections. I want to wish you success in the implementation of the plans you have set before yourself and your team for the benefit of the Armenia and the Armenian people. There is no need to describe our relations, they are really allied with rather broad content. Its enough to mention only the fact that we confidently preserve the 1st place among Armenias foreign economic partners. Russias share amounts to 25.5%. Over 2000 enterprises operate in Armenia, trade turnover rises. Last year is rose by nearly 30%. In the 10 months of this year it rose by nearly 18%. I think there is a positive dynamic, and it should be preserved. We are ready to do that and will do everything possible to preserve such a high level of relations not only in that sphere, but also other directions. I mean also the security sphere and our cooperation in the sidelines of the CSTO, multilateral economic cooperation in the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union. In short, we have very rich agenda. We are very glad to see you here. Welcome. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said, I am thankful honorable Vladimir Vladimirovich. I am thankful for the invitation. I am also very glad to see you, to see our partners. I have already lost the number of our meetings but I was told by the staff of the ceremony at the airport that I am a one of the foreign leaders to pay most visits to Russia. More precisely, I am in the top 3 list. I am sure this emphasizes our unique strategic relations and I am confident this dynamic of relations will be continued and I hope will further develop. Of course, we expect that you will pay an official visit to Armenia next year. We will be very glad for it. Of course, our political and economic relations develop. We are glad to see the rising interest of Russian tourists towards Armenia and there was a publication in a Russian media outlet that Armenia is the most favored direction of Russian tourists during the New Year holidays and compared to the previous year, the number of tourists will rise by 70%. This can at least mean that people are not only interested, but also that the Russian tourists are very well received in Armenia and they feel very well, which emphasizes the deepness of our relations. These are not only political or economic relations, but are inter-personal relations and I am confident all the mentioned relations will develop. Recently early parliamentary elections were held in Armenia. I am very glad the elections were held in line with the law. They were free elections. I am also very glad that the international observers recorded that, including the observers from the Russian Federation. Quite a lot of observers participated in the elections. We are interested in developing relations in all the directions. I am confident the newly elected parliament will develop also inter- parliamentary relations. We are also optimistic over our future economic relations. We are interested in the further integration in the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union and we take our presidency over the Eurasian Economic Union very serious. I am confident that as a result of our presidency we will have more productive integration in the sidelines of the EAEU. I am also confident that we have a rather expanded agenda for todays discussions and we are in a positive mood. I am confident we will have positive results. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to pay an official visit to Armenia. I have already lost the number of our meetings but I was told by the staff of the ceremony at the airport that I am a one of the foreign leaders to pay most visits to Russia. More precisely, I am in the top 3 list. I am sure this emphasizes our unique strategic relations and I am confident this dynamic of relations will be continued and I hope will further develop. Of course, we expect that you will pay an official visit to Armenia next year. We will be very glad for it, ARMENPRESS reports Nikol Pashinyan said in a meeting with Russian President in Kremlin. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan Landowners were promised royalty payments under an LNG Project Umbrella Benefits Sharing Agreement negotiated in 2009. But the implementation of this agreement has been hampered by the difficulties of identifying the legitimate claimants among contesting groups. The effects of the earthquake exacerbated problems in the Southern Highlands, which faces recurrent intergroup fighting and unresolved socio-economic grievances. Local landowners demanded an investigation into the causes of the earthquake, many believing that oil and gas extraction was responsible. A state of emergency was declared but relief operations were hampered by the remoteness of the affected areas and heavy rains and flooding. The quakes epicentre was in the Southern Highlands in an area of major oil, gas and mining operations, which were forced to close-down and evacuate staff. A 7.5 magnitude earthquake in the Highlands caused extensive landslides early in the year, killing more than 150 people and damaging houses, food gardens, roads, airstrips and buildings. Having returned as prime minister in 2017, Peter ONeill appeared to have consolidated his position, particularly after the supreme court quashed in December 2017 an arrest warrant against him over allegations of corruption. But hostility between ONeill and his opponents dominated national politics this year. Ongoing disputes over the results of the 2017 national election continued to occupy the courts. In June, the dismissal of an appeal against the election of Highlands Provincial MP and Governor William Powi (a member of ONeills Peoples National Congress) led to an angry mob rampaging through the provincial capital, Mendi. The mob set fire to buildings and an Air Niugini aircraft that was parked on the runway of Mendi airport. A second state of emergency was declared in the province for a period of nine months and police and Defence Force personnel were deployed to Mendi. With a referendum on the future political status of Bougainville to be held in 2019, awareness campaigns were stepped up in Bougainville. ONeill promised that his government will honour every word of the Bougainville Peace agreement but at the same time stressed the need to have a united PNG. During the year the government granted autonomy status to East New Britain Province, promised autonomy to New Ireland Province and stated its intention to eventually replicate autonomy arrangements in the countrys other 18 provinces though it might be argued that the 2019 budget further shifted fiscal powers to Waigani. The main focus of Papua New Guineas leaders for much of 2018 was on preparations for the hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders summit in Port Moresby in November. With some 15,000 people from 21 countries attending, the logistical challenges were formidable and Papua New Guinea received substantial support from Australia, China, New Zealand, Indonesia, the United States and members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. The high level of spending (most notably a last-minute purchase of 40 Maserati cars that were air freighted to Port Moresby) was concentrated in the capital at a time when GDP growth forecasts had been downgraded and budget cuts to health and education were impacting the countrys predominantly rural population. These factors contributed to growing criticisms of the government and two nationwide strikes. And in the days following the summit, a group of APEC Security Task Force personnel stormed the National Parliament to protest the late payment of allowances. Chinas support for the Port Moresby APEC summit is in part a reflection of Chinas growing influence in the Pacific and in Papua New Guinea in particular. Chinese investment in and development assistance to Papua New Guinea mostly through concessional loans has increased rapidly in recent years. In late 2017, agreements were signed for Chinese-funded infrastructure projects that totalled US$4.5 billion. And in June this year ONeill led a delegation on a state visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and signed up to the Belt and Road Initiative and a free trade agreement. Chinas increasing engagement with the Pacific is causing concern in Australia (and in the United States) and prompted a new push to maintain Australias influence in the region. The fourth AustraliaPNG Bilateral Security Dialogue took place in Port Moresby in February, and later in the year then Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop and her successor Marise Payne (then defence minister) both visited PNG. Prior to the APEC meeting Australia donated three patrol boats to boost Papua New Guineas maritime security. Around the same time the two countries announced plans to develop a joint naval base on Manus Island. The announcement came after reports that China might be involved in upgrading the strategically based port in Manus (having already worked on an expansion of Papua New Guineas largest port in Lae). In November it was reported that the United States would partner with Australia and Papua New Guinea in the Manus Island base development. But the governor of Manus Province reacted negatively to the proposal. He said there had been no prior consultation with the Manus provincial government and that after Manus bad experience with Australias offshore processing of asylum seekers, the development of the Manus naval base would not be welcome. Ronald May is an Emeritus Fellow at the College of Asia Pacific, The Australian National University From thanking Kanye West to threatening the leader of Iran, here are the 9 most-engaged Trump tweets of 2018 President Donald Trump is no stranger to Twitter. He's been a prolific tweeter since 2009 and attracted attention for using the platform to lob insults at former President Barack Obama, suggest global warming was a hoax created by the Chinese, and criticise his detractors. While Trump's life has changed significantly since he became president, his Twitter habits haven't. Now, he uses it to announce new policies, slam his critics, complain about the Russia investigation, promote business for himself and his supporters, and everything in between. Most recently, he's taken to Twitter to pressure lawmakers to cave to his demands for a border wall and increased border security. The website socialbearing.com analyses the engagement reach of each Trump tweet and according to its data, 9 tweets stood out above the rest in 2018. Here are the 9 most engaged Trump tweets of 2018: Trump's most engaged tweet of 2018 is one where he wished everyone a Merry Christmas. https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1077549301449060352?ref_src=twsrc^tfw The Donald Trump-Kanye West bromance was one of the more bizarre stories of 2018, and Trump's Twitter engagement reflected that. In April, Trump tweeted his thanks to the rapper when West wrote that "you don't have to agree with trump but the mob can't make me not love him." https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989225812166696960?ref_src=twsrc^tfw "They just didn't get it, but they do now!" Trump proudly proclaimed in a July tweet that also featured a video montage of public figures and pundits saying he would not win the 2016 election. https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1077705232665272321?ref_src=twsrc^tfw When Brazil elected a far-right populist as president in October, Trump wasted no time in praising him on Twitter. "Had a very good conversation with the newly elected President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, who won his race by a substantial margin ... Excellent call, wished him congrats!" Story continues https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1056885392522260480?ref_src=twsrc^tfw The president turned heads when he took to his favourite social media platform in July to threaten the Iranian leader in all caps. "WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH," he wrote. "BE CAUTIOUS!" https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1021234525626609666?ref_src=twsrc^tfw Trump also wasted no time when he leapt into the fray earlier this year during the contentious confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1045444544068812800?ref_src=twsrc^tfw In May, he announced on Twitter that the five most-wanted leaders of the Islamic State had been captured. Counterterrorism was a key pillar of Trump's campaign platform. https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/994586105822564353?ref_src=twsrc^tfw In October, Trump took a victory lap after Kavanaugh was confirmed by a narrow margin in the Senate, following a tumultuous scandal involving multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1048668088059584512?ref_src=twsrc^tfw Twitter also apparently can't get enough of Trump's feud with former Vice President Joe Biden. "Crazy Joe Biden ... is weak ... and yet he threatens me, for the second time, with physical assault. He doesnt know me, but he would go down fast and hard, crying all the way. Dont threaten people Joe!" Trump tweeted after Biden publicly criticised him. https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/976765417908776963?ref_src=twsrc^tfw One of tech and media's biggest bankers, Aryeh B. Bourkoff, shared his 2018 reading list in a memo to staff. Bourkoff's reading list is filled with business books on management and investment strategy, as well as a few on tech trends. But there's also quite a bit of history and one piece of fiction. Here's what Bourkoff read. Every year, prominent figures in the tech industry release their predictions for what they see coming in 2019. Aryeh B. Bourkoff, the tech, media, and telecom banker who founded LionTree Advisors, is one of those figures. At the end of December, Bourkoff sent a letter to his staff outlining the trends he anticipates as having a huge impact on the work he and his team does in the upcoming year. This year, that's all against the backdrop of ongoing market volatility, which means bankers need to stay on their toes and be ready to change course at a moment's notice. Still, there are reasons to be optimistic, as we see emerging technologies including 5G in mobile, new tools in the audio space, big developments in space technology, plus brand new industry competition in the direct-to-consumer video space.You can read Bourkoff's full memo here.While working in the tech industry and rubbing elbows with its movers and shakers is certainly one way to keep your finger on the pulse, Bourkoff shared with his staff another big influence on his world view: books.Here are the 20 books (and one speech) that informed Bourkoff's thinking in 2018, along with their summaries from Amazon:See more:The 33-year-old millionaire founder of $US3.75 billion Box thinks everyone needs to read these 2 books "The Messy Middle" by Scott Belsky Summary: "The Messy Middle is the indispensable guide to navigating the volatility of new ventures and leading bold creative projects by Scott Belsky, bestselling author, entrepreneur, Chief Product Officer at Adobe, and product advisor to many of today's top start-ups." Story continues Buy it here >> "Small Wars, Big Data" by Eli Berman Summary: "How a new understanding of warfare can help the military fight today's conflicts more effectively." Buy it here >> "The Billionaire Raj: A Journey Through Indias New Gilded Age" by James Crabtree Summary: "A colourful and revealing portrait of the rise of India's new billionaire class in a radically unequal society." Buy it here >> "The Space Barons: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos" by Christian Davenport Summary: "The historic quest to rekindle the human exploration and colonization of space led by two rivals and their vast fortunes, egos, and visions of space as the next entrepreneurial frontier." Buy it here >> "Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs" by John Doerr Summary: "Legendary venture capitalist John Doerr reveals how the goal-setting system of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) has helped tech giants from Intel to Google achieve explosive growth-and how it can help any organisation thrive." Buy it here >> "The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook" by Niall Ferguson Summary: "A brilliant recasting of the turning points in world history, including the one we're living through, as a collision between old power hierarchies and new social networks." Buy it here >> "The House of Rothschild Vol. 1: Moneys Prophets 1798-1848" by Niall Ferguson Summary: "In his rich and nuanced portrait of the remarkable, elusive Rothschild family, Oxford scholar and bestselling author Niall Ferguson uncovers the secrets behind the family's phenomenal economic success." Buy it here >> "The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea, at the Right Time" by Allen Gannet Summary: "Big data entrepreneur Allen Gannett overturns the mythology around creative genius, and reveals the science and secrets behind achieving breakout commercial success in any field." Buy it here >> "Silicon States: The Power and Politics of Big Tech and What It Means for Our Future" by Lucie Greene Summary: "In Silicon States, renowned futurist and celebrated international think-tank leader Lucie Greene offers an unparalleled look at the players, promises, and potential problems of Big Tech. Through interviews with corporate leaders, influential venture capitalists, scholars, journalists, activists, and more, Greene explores the tension inherent in Silicon Valley's global influence." Buy it here >> "B is for Bitcoin" by Sam Lessin Summary from the website: "A lovingly written and illustrated children's primer on Bitcoin from Algorithm to Zero knowledge proof." Yes, it's a children's book. Buy it here >> "Lexicon: A Novel" by Max Barry Summary: "Stick and stones break bones. Words kill." This one is fiction. Buy it here >> "Mastering the Market Cycle" by Howard Marks Summary: "The legendary investor shows how to identify and master the cycles that govern the markets." Buy it here >> "Edge of Chaos: Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growthand How to Fix It" by Dambisa Moyo Summary: "From an internationally acclaimed economist, a provocative call to jump-start economic growth by aggressively overhauling liberal democracy." Buy it here >> "Verizon Untethered: An Insiders Story of Innovation and Disruption" by Ivan Seidenberg and Ram Charan Summary: "A history of the transformation of Verizon and the telecommunications industry told through the eyes of founding CEO Ivan Seidenberg and his leadership team, with highlights and commentary from bestselling global leadership guru Ram Charan." Buy it here >> "Becoming Ageless: The Four Secrets to Looking and Feeling Younger Than Ever" by Strauss Zelnick Summary: "How would you like to have the mind, body, and spirit of someone half your age, and add more years to your life? Or have people stare in disbelief when they discover how old you really are? How would you like to become...ageless?" Buy it here >> "Churchill: Walking with Destiny" by Andrew Roberts Summary: "In this landmark biography of Winston Churchill based on extensive new material, the true genius of the man, statesman and leader can finally be fully seen and understood-by the bestselling, award-winning author of Napoleon and The Storm of War. " Buy it here >> "Caesar Life of a Colossus" by Adrian Goldsworthy Summary: "Tracing the extraordinary trajectory of the great Roman emperor's life, Goldsworthy covers not only the great Roman emperor's accomplishments as charismatic orator, conquering general, and powerful dictator but also lesser-known chapters during which he was high priest of an exotic cult, captive of pirates, seducer not only of Cleopatra but also of the wives of his two main political rivals, and rebel condemned by his own country. Ultimately, Goldsworthy realises the full complexity of Caesar's character and shows why his political and military leadership continues to resonate some two thousand years later." Buy it here >> "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi Summary: "For readers of Atul Gawande, Andrew Solomon, and Anne Lamott, this inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question What makes a life worth living?" Buy it here >> The Second Mountain: The Next Big Challenge in Your Life by David Brooks This one is actually a presentation Brooks gave at the Aspen Ideas Festival on what comes after you've achieved success.You can watch it here. He included it as a book, though. "Jewish Libya: Memory and Identity in Text and Image" by Jacques Roumani Summary: "Jewish Libya collects the work of scholars who explore the community's history, its literature and dialect, topography and cuisine, and the difficult negotiation of trauma and memory. In shedding new light on this now-fragmented culture and society, this collection commemorates and celebrates vital elements of Libyan Jewish heritage and encourages a lively intergenerational exchange among the many Jews of Libyan origin worldwide." Bourkoff said he read one this "in honour and memory" of his late uncle. Buy it here >> "Leadership and Self-Deception" by the Arbinger Institute Summary: "This third edition of an international bestseller...details how its powerful insights on motivation, conflict, and collaboration can benefit organisations as well as individuals." "I try to re-read this every year as I find its lessons always relevant," Bourkoff wrote in the letter. Buy it here >> Eight people have been charged with allegedly stealing more than a million dollars worth of luxury items from homes across Sydney and sending the ill-gotten gains abroad. The five men and three women, all Chilean nationals, were arrested over the past month following an investigation into 80 aggravated break-ins across Sydney during September and October. Police say the men and women broke into homes across the city, including in Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Five Dock, and Castle Hill, and stole $1.2 million worth of jewellery and luxury items and cash. Its also alleged they stole luxury items from designer stores across Sydney. All the items and cash were shipped to their home country and investigators have been working with Chilean authorities to seize packages believed to contain the stolen items. The five men and three women, all Chilean nationals, have been arrested over the thefts. Source: NSW Police Police will allege that the men and women stole luxury items from designer stores across Sydney before shipping all the items and cash overseas. Source: NSW Police This has been a sophisticated and meticulous investigation; spanning not just across Australia but across the Pacific Ocean, Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty said. We want to hear from anyone who may have information that can assist us in dismantling this syndicate. We are doing everything in our power to bring these no-good thieves to justice, but we are calling on the public to assist us in our investigation. We want to hear from anyone who may have information that can assist us in dismantling this syndicate. Police say the men and women broke into homes across the city and stole $1.2 million worth of jewellery and luxury items, and cash. Source: NSW Police He also reminded the community to properly secure their homes and cars during the holiday season, and have someone check on the property if its left empty. If you are going on holidays and your home is empty, we ask that you have a trusted family member or friend or neighbour stop by to see that the house has not been disturbed, he added. Unsavoury characters will be on the lookout to break in and steal some of your new Christmas presents and will be checking for empty and unlocked homes. If you see something or someone suspicious in your neighbourhood, we urge you to contact police. A Pakistani separatist wanted over an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi in November has been killed in a suicide blast in Afghanistan, his group has confirmed. Aslam Baloch was believed to be one of the leaders of the Balochistan Liberation Army, one of a myriad of insurgent groups fighting in Pakistan's restive southwestern Balochistan province. He was killed on Tuesday along with four others in a blast in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, the group said in a statement issued late Wednesday in which they vowed to continue their fight for Baloch independence. Kandahar police chief Tadin Khan confirmed a suicide bombing had taken place in the provincial capital, killing two civilians. Another Afghan official who spoke anonymously said Baloch and a second member of the BLA were the targets of the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Four people were killed when militants attacked China's consulate in the port city of Karachi in November. The BLA claimed that assault, labelling Beijing an "oppressor" and "making it clear that China's military expansionism on Baloch soil will not be tolerated". It had warned the Chinese to leave or "be prepared for continued attacks". The BLA is just one of the militant outfits operating in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and poorest province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran and is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. Its residents have long complained that it does not receive a fair share of the profits made from its mineral wealth. The Pakistani military has been targeting insurgencies in the province since 2004, and has been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there. China, one of Pakistan's closest allies, has poured billions into the South Asian country in recent years as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure project that seeks to connect its western province of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar in Balochistan. Pakistan sees the project as a "gamechanger", but it presents an enormous challenge in a country plagued by weak institutions, endemic corruption and a range of insurgencies in areas slated to host the corridor. The subject of economic dividends from CPEC is extremely sensitive in some of those areas -- particularly in Balochistan. Since the beginning of the project militants have repeatedly attacked construction sites, blowing up numerous gas pipelines and trains, and targeted Chinese workers. str-us-mak-ga/st/cla/je The Chinese consulate in Karachi was the target of a November attack that killed four US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet Colombian President Ivan Duque in the resort city of Cartagena next week, as tensions flare with neighboring Venezuela. Duque and Pompeo will seek to "continue strengthening the bilateral relationship and discuss the crisis provoked by the dictatorship in Venezuela" of President Nicolas Maduro, a statement from the Colombian president's office said Thursday. The US State Department, in its own announcement, said the two would discuss "the regional crisis perpetrated by the disastrous policies of the Maduro regime." The meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday and comes after Duque asked countries "that defend democracy" not to recognize Maduro's new administration, due to be seated on January 10. The socialist leader, who has overseen Venezuela's descent into the worst economic crisis of its history, will start a second mandate after winning an election earlier this year that was branded a fraud by the US, European Union, opposition groups and the Organization of American States. Colombia, a strategic ally of the United States, is leading the regional opposition to Venezuela, with which it has extremely frayed diplomatic ties. The arrival of Russian strategic bombers in Venezuela to participate in military exercises at the start of December sent tensions soaring. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the economic crisis in their country, many into neighboring Colombia. According to the United Nations, 2.3 million people have left since 2015. Maduro, who frequently denounces plots against him, insisted this month that the United States was planning to overthrow him with the help of Colombia's right-wing government and Brazil's far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro. Pompeo is visiting South America for Bolsonaro's inauguration. The meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, pictured, and Colombian President Ivan Duque comes after Duque asked countries "that defend democracy" not to recognize the new administration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro American Airlines first to register its Flight Symbol (the Work) as a copyrighted work with the US Copyright Office back in 2016. This is a two-dimensional artwork, composed of a small number of elements (one blue and red element conforming to the contours of an aircraft tail and one white and grey triangular element evoking the head of an eagle), with multiple variations in shading: The American Airlines Flight Symbol was initially denied registration in October 2016, on consideration that it lacked the authorship necessary to support a copyright claim. American Airlines unsuccessfully requested the Office to reconsider its decision on two further occasions. However, the airline did not give up. In fall 2018, the US Copyright Review Board elected to reassess its conclusion on the applicants second request for reconsideration of the Work. American Airlines managed to provide a higher-quality, larger-format image of the Work that represented additional details that had not been clear from the previous submissions: The Review Board's assessment Section 906(1) of the Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices the Review Board reiterated that copyright law does not protect basic geometric shapes. Nonetheless, according to Pursuant tothe Review Board reiterated that copyright law does not protect basic geometric shapes. Nonetheless, according to Feist Publications Inc v Rural Telephone Services (499 US 340 (1991)) (Feist) a work that combines non-protectable elements into a larger design may be registered if the overall design is sufficiently creative. Therefore, the US Copyright Office may register a Work comprising merely of geometric shapes and the authors use of those shapes results in a work that as a whole is sufficiently creative. In Prince Group, Inc v MTS Products (967 F. Supp. 121 (1997) (Prince), the District Court for the Southern District of New York found that a polka dot fabric design was sufficiently creative, where dots were irregularly shaped, placed at varying distances and shaded, that is, there [was] a crescent of white around half of the perimeter of each of the dots which [was] different from the standard polka dot. Furthermore, according to Section 906(1) of the Compendium, simple shapes, when selected or combined in a distinctive manner indicating some ingenuity, have been accorded copyright protection both by the Register and courts. For instance, the US Copyright Office would register a wrapping paper design that consists of circles, triangles, and stars arranged in an unusual pattern with each element portrayed in a different colour, but would not register a picture consisting merely of a purple background and evenly spaced white circles. The reason for this is that it goes beyond the mere display of a few geometric shapes in a preordained or obvious arrangement.In), the District Court for the Southern District of New York found that a polka dot fabric design was sufficiently creative, where dots were irregularly shaped, placed at varying distances and shaded, that is, there [was] a crescent of white around half of the perimeter of each of the dots which [was] different from the standard polka dot. In light of the above, the Review Board considered that the Work modifies and combines these elements in a way that provides for the minimum amount of creativity necessary for copyright protection: the aircraft tail element is oriented on an angle (rather than the parallel orientation of a trapezoid or rectangle), and curved. The bird-head element hovers just below the centre of the aircraft tail element. Importantly, and more apparent in the identifying material provided for this review, is the three-dimensional appearance that causes the bird-head element to appear to be above and separated from the aircraft tail. Similar to the polka dot fabric design in Prince, the Work reveals simple shapes that have been slightly transformed by shading. In particular, the axial colour gradients progress at four points from dark blue to royal blue, from burgundy to red, and from grey to white. The shading is more sharply detailed under the bird-head shape than at the edges of the blue and red portions, further heightening the illusion of depth. Additionally, whitespace cuts through the centre of the design to define and elevate the bird-head shape from the rest of the design. Ultimately the design illustrates a creative choice in the shading of the elements in the overall Work, in connection with the combination of various familiar, but slightly adjusted shapes. In Feist, the US Supreme Court reasoned that copyright protection is available so long as there is at least some creative spark, no matter how crude, humble or obvious it might be. The requisite level of creativity is extremely low and even a slight amount will suffice. Thus, considered as a whole, the Work would meet the Feist threshold. The Review Board stated that this assessment varied from lower instances due the fact that the applicant had provided a better higher-quality and larger-format image of the Work. As regard to the scope of protection, the Review Board reasoned that the overall design of the Work is still quite simple, predominated by its two simple elements (the most common depiction of an aircraft tail and a familiar abstraction of a birds head) and familiar colours (the American flags red, white, and blue). Accordingly, the resulting protection is thin, protecting only the Works original and creative elements against only virtually identical copying. In other words, none of the Works individual elements, such as the colours or shapes, are sufficient on their own. The Work can only receive protection for its overall specific appearance. This conclusion excludes any consideration as to the public reception of the Work. The symbolic meaning or impression that conveyed are irrelevant. Comment The United States will take "extraordinary" protective measures to deal with a surge of immigrant children in custody, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has said after a second Guatemalan child died in custody. Nielsen plans to travel later this week to the Mexico border region to witness medical screenings and conditions at Border Patrol stations, she said in a statement Wednesday, as Congress and President Donald Trump remain deadlocked over his demands for billions of dollars to fund a wall along the border. "In response to the unprecedented surge of children into our custody, I have directed a series of extraordinary protective measures," she said in a statement after the "deeply concerning and heartbreaking" death of the child. Nielsen has asked experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate "the uptick in sick children crossing our borders" and to identify what further steps border hospitals should take in preparation, her statement said. Nielsen added that she has asked the US Coast Guard medical corps to assess and "make appropriate recommendations" about Border Patrol medical programs, and has sought additional medical professionals from the Department of Defense. US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan warned Wednesday that the agency was unable to cope with the thousands of arrivals, as most facilities were built decades ago for men arriving alone. "We need help from Congress. We need to budget for medical care and mental health care for children in our facilities," he told CBS News. Eight-year-old Felipe Gomez, who collapsed after running a fever, had traveled with his father Agustin Gomez from the indigenous Chuj Maya community of Nenton, in western Guatemala's Huehuetenango department, near the Mexican border. He was among almost 25,000 migrant children in US custody, according to McAleenan -- the greatest number ever recorded. "That's an enormous flow. That's very different from what we've seen before," he said, adding that the onset of the flu season was putting further pressure on health care services. In the last two months, Border Patrol has apprehended 139,817 people on the southwest border, compared with 74,946 during the same period a year earlier, Nielsen said. More than 68,500 were "family units" while almost 14,000 others were unaccompanied children, she said, and the system has been pushed to "breaking point." Augusto Mendoza, a Guatemalan migrant in El Paso with his one-year-old son, told AFP he would "never" consider making the journey again. "It's been very, very hard. I would never think about doing it again, I regret it for my son," said Mendoza, who was separated from his wife at the border and released from detention on Christmas Day. - 'Increasing' medical challenges - DHS officials said all children in border patrol custody would be given a thorough medical screening, reaffirming McAleenan's commitment to "secondary medical checks" with a focus on those under 10. And Guatemala has called for an investigation into the boy's death, which came just three weeks after a seven-year-old girl from the country died in similar circumstances. Gomez was detained with his 47-year-old father at a crossing in El Paso, Texas, on December 18 and had been transferred to a New Mexico medical center showing signs of sickness on Monday, the CBP said. Staff diagnosed him with a cold but later discovered a fever. He was discharged at midday, with prescriptions for ibuprofen and the antibiotic amoxicillin. The boy was later sent back to the hospital suffering from nausea and vomiting. He died shortly before midnight on December 24. CBP said it had not established the cause of death but would "ensure an independent and thorough review of the circumstances." Nielsen said that in the last fiscal year there were six migrant deaths in custody, but no child had died in Border Patrol custody for more than a decade. "It is now clear that migrants, particularly children, are increasingly facing medical challenges and harboring illness caused by their long and dangerous journey," she said. - 'Disregard for human life' - Opposition Democrats reacted to Gomez's death by accusing Trump -- who has made hardline immigration policies a central plank of his presidency -- of demonizing migrants for political gain. "The Trump administration must be held accountable for this child's death and all the lives they have put in danger with their intentional chaos and disregard for human life," Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico tweeted. Nydia Velazquez, a Democratic congresswoman from New York, demanded "accountability" and an end to the White House's "hateful, dangerous anti-immigrant policies." The boy's death came on the same day that Jakelin Caal, a Guatemalan girl who died in US custody, was buried. Her body arrived on Sunday in San Antonio Secortez, the remote village where her family -- members of the indigenous Q'eqchi' Maya people -- live without electricity and other basic services. A child climbs up the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border fence at Sunland Park, New Mexico, in June 2018 Relatives and friends carry the coffin of Jakelin Caal, 7, a Guatemalan girl who died after being taken into custody with her father by US border patrol agents Map locating dead and missing migrants near the US-Mexico border, from 2014 -2018 A Honduran mother holds her two-year-old as US Border Patrol agents review their papers near the US-Mexico border on June 12, 2018 The white deer of Seneca County are expected to get some national television coverage this weekend. According to a news release, frequent "CBS Sunday Morning" contributor Carl Mrozek recently visited the former Seneca Army Depot in Romulus to shoot video of the area's treasured white deer. According to Seneca White Deer, Mrozek, a 22-year contributor to the program, said he expects the video to air Sunday, Dec. 30. Mrozek was accompanied by Paul Kronenwetter, a tour guide with White Deer Tours, on a full-day expedition. "I always love doing tours for the public in our buses, but it was really something special to spend a full day, just looking at white deer and trying to get that perfect shot," Kronenwetter said in a statement. "It was especially nice because, with the leaves off the trees now, it's much easier to see the deer." According to Seneca White Deer's website, a Lenape Indian prophecy predicts that when a white male and female deer would be seen together, it would be a sign for people to come together. In addition to "CBS Sunday Morning," Mrozek has contributed to television series on the Discovery Channel and PBS. He has also worked with Wild America, Profiles in Nature and The American Sportsman. Mrozek, based in Lancaster, is currently working on a documentary on American wolves and another on wild horses. White Deer Tours offers 90-minute, narrated bus tours of the former Army depot Friday through Sunday throughout the winter. Visitors can find detailed tour schedules and make reservations at senecawhitedeer.org or by calling (315) 759-8220. Seneca White Deer Inc. is a non-profit organization that works to preserve the unique wildlife and military history of the army depot though conservation, ecotourism and economic development. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The news media industry saw a lot of changes and challenges in 2018. We faced new battles on Capitol Hill, like the fight against newsprint tariffs and the push for an anti-trust safe harbor for news publishers. At the same time, we had to contend with an extremely hostile political environment and a digital ecosystem that continues to favor dominant giants and disfavor quality content. But looking forward to 2019, I think it is pretty easy to see that it is shaping up to be an absolutely pivotal year that may well determine the strategic landscape for news publishing for many years to come. First, 2019 is going to be a year of new technological solutions for the news business with proposed debuts of the new Texture app from Apple, Jim McKelveys new advertising and payment system Invisibly, and subscription products from Facebook and Google, to name a few. While it would be nice for one of them to be The Answer, publishers will instead have to wrestle with how these technologies interact and whether some materially change how the public consumes and pays for journalism. The two questions that will always be asked are (1) does the new technological solution produce significant revenue to fund news operations, and (2) over the long-term, will it increase (or decrease) a readers attachment to our news brands? We will need both revenue and brand equity if we hope to maintain sustainable, independent digital news businesses. 2019 will also be a big year for major mergers and acquisitions in the industry. It is easy to anticipate that several big publishers and media chains will change hands throughout the year. Weve already seen major shifts in ownership in 2018, from the Los Angeles Timess sale to Patrick Soon-Shiong, to TIME magazines sale by Meredith Corp., to tronc taking bids from competitors like McClatchy this fall. As we move into 2019, well see M&A accelerate and reveal a wide range of different strategic choices within the industry. Finally, I expect that in 2019 will begin to see rapid consolidation in digital publishing systems like The Washington Posts Arc, New York Medias Clay and new products from WordPress with just a handful emerging as the engines that drive all publishers into the future. There has already been talk this year of the need for a smaller number of digital publishing tools, with some suggesting that having just one digital publishing platform with an integrated advertising marketplace could create a strong counterweight to Facebook and Google. In 2019, well find out which platforms can best serve the needs of publishers and deliver the kind of digital experiences that readers really value. What Im most anticipating for the new year, however, is more opportunities to work with our news media members to find solutions to the industrys problems and answers to the many new challenges that pop up every day. I know that while 2019 will be full of difficulties, it will also bring many new opportunities for our industry, and I look forward to seeing how our members take advantage of each one that comes along. Chavern is president and CEO of the News Media Alliance. Visit newsmediaalliance.org to learn more. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 According to (an article in The Citizen), John Katko is incredibly disappointed with the government shutdown. Im incredibly disappointed as well but not for the same reason. Im disappointed because we see once again John Katko being dishonest. Katko laments failure to fund all those important programs he mentions. If Katko was really concerned about his programs he would understand that his and other Republicans craven capitulation to Trumps childish tantrums is the real reason funding for his critical programs has lapsed. If the House Republicans had rejected naked partisan politics and supported the bipartisan clean funding bill the onus for this shutdown and funding lapse would be on the one responsible for it, namely Trump. There is a great deal of misunderstanding concerning Mr. Trump's wall and the issues surrounding it. Many people keep incorrectly stating that his promise of building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico was a central promise in his campaign for the presidency. They say that his holding the funding of our government hostage to get his five billion dollars is appropriate as it was the most important promise he made during his campaign. Let's forget for a moment that more voters rejected his agenda (including the wall) than accepted it ... to the tune of about 2.8 million votes. Let's also forget the fact that the type of wall he originally promised to have built and the amount of money needed keeps changing. In April, just a week after federal agents raided and seized the online classified ad site Backpage.com, the companys CEO agreed to a plea deal with government prosecutors and pled guilty to conspiracy and money laundering charges, as AVN.com reported, in connection with allegations that the site had facilitated prostitution and sex trafficking with its freewheeling adult classified ad service. Ferrer, the feds also revealed, had agreed to cooperate with investigators and in fact had been doing so since April 5, the day before the federal agents shut down the site. His sentencing hearing had been set for January 17, 2019, according to The Arizona Republic, where Ferrer was based, but for reasons that remain unclear, prosecutors have asked for a delay of six months, to July 19. It was Ferrer who, according to the Republic report, first pitched the idea of the online classified site to Michal Lacey and James Larkin, owners of the Phoenix New Times weekly newspaper, and its nationwide chain of affiliated alternative weekly papers. Lacey and Larkin were also indicted on multiple counts that they laundered hundreds of millions in proceeds from the site, knowing, the accusations said, that the site derived its income from illegal prostitution activities, including the sex trafficking of minors, as AVN.com reported. Court documents filed November 30 by prosecutors stated that the delay in Ferrers sentencing was being requested in the interests of justice, but prosecutors declined to comment any further on the reasons for their request. As has been widely reported in connection with the investigation into Donald Trumps Russia connections, prosecutors often request delays in sentencing when they believe that a cooperating individual has more information to offer investigatorsa possibility that may line up with the lengthy delay in Lacey and Larkins trial date, forcing the Backpage founders to wait two years before they are able to fight the charges against them in court. Photo By Texas Office of the Attorney General DALLASTop natural intimates manufacturer, Sliquid announced they have received five nominations for the 10th Annual AVN O Awards. Sliquids nominations are for Ride BodyWorx Stroke Oil and Buck Angel's T-Lube, both for Outstanding Lubricant, Sliquid Soak Bubble Bath for Outstanding Body & Skin Care Line, Sliquid Shine Toy Cleaner for Outstanding Accessory, and Sliquid 101 for Outstanding Marketing Campaign. Receiving five nominations in four different categories is an honor. We are proud to have Buck Angels T-Lube, the first of it's kind in the marketplace, recognized by our peers in the industry. The partnership with Buck was a natural fit and we are happy to share this honor with him, said Dean Elliott, Sliquid founder and CEO. Sliquid is making waves in the lubricant category with not one but two nominations. Ride BodyWorx Stroke Oil is a super slick, proprietary blend of hand-selected nut and seed oils that is infused with mango and she butter, and silicone. Buck Angel's T-Lube is an aloe vera and carrageenan based personal lubricant and moisturizer, and is the first Sliquid product designed for trans mens daily use, however, doubles as a personal lubricant for all intimate activity. Created for those trans men who are experiencing regular or periodic dryness due to testosterone replacement therapy, or any other reason, T-Lube will provide long lasting, natural comfort throughout the day night. Sliquid Soak is a luxurious, all-natural bubble bath that is nominated for Outstanding Body & Skin Care Line. Soak is infused with natural sea salt, mango and shea butters, as well as decadent cherry blossom and lemon essential oils that create two distinct experiences. Also nominated this year is Sliquid's organic Shine Toy Cleaner. This certified-organic toy cleanser is infused with body- and nature-safe cleansing agents like tea tree oil and castor oil, which have natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Just as great are the nods to our bath product, Soak, toy cleaner, Shine, and our men's masturbation lubricant, Ride Stroke Oil. This particular group of products is a great representation of the diversity of our product range, said Elliott. Sliquid launched their educational marketing campaign in September with an overwhelmingly positive response from their industry peers and customers. The Sliquid 101 campaign was born out of the various questions Sliquids customer service team receives on a daily basis. The Sliquid 101 campaigns main component is an interactive quiz, available at Sliquid.com/sliquid-101/. The quiz consists of five questions that calculate a result based on the answers provided, which will land the customer on a page containing pertinent information about the recommended Sliquid product along with an original, Sliquid-produced video that explains the product in more depth. Regarding the Outstanding Marketing Campaign nomination, Sliquid's Marketing Director Erik Vasquez said, We are extremely proud that our work has been recognized by the fabulous people at AVN. Everyone at Sliquid, from our marketing team to our sales, warehouse, and senior leadership members have contributed to forming and executing the Sliquid 101 campaign. It's truly fulfilling to see our our customers and retailers utilize the different components of the project. We graciously thank AVN for the nomination. The 10th Annual O Awards are scheduled for Jan. 24 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and are open to all trade attendees of the Adult Novelty Expo. AVN selects individuals from various distribution and retail outlets to participate in the voting process. Voting on the O Awards is currently underway and will continue until Thursday, Jan. 3. Follow Sliquid through social media on Twitter @sliquid, on Instagram @_sliquid, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/sliquid. About Me William Kelly I am a freelance writer, journalist and historian whose major interests are music and history, with a special emphasis on the assassination of President Kennedy. View my complete profile Blog Archive Xinhua | English.news.cn Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak (front) is seen in a court in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 26, 2018. Mubarak testified on Wednesday in the retrial of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and others in the case known in the media as the "jailbreak trial," official Ahram Online website reported. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak testified on Wednesday in the retrial of ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi and others in the case known in the media as the "jailbreak trial," official Ahram Online website reported. The case dates back to violent incidents surrounding a jail breakout after Jan. 28, 2011. In June 2015, a Cairo criminal court sentenced Morsi and five other top Brotherhood figures to death over charges of damaging and setting fire to prison buildings, murder, attempted murder, looting prison weapons depots and releasing prisoners while escaping from the Wadi El-Natroun prison, north of the capital Cairo. In November 2016, the Court of Cassation revoked death sentences and ordered retrials for Morsi and other defendants. Morsi was deposed by the army in early July 2013, in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his Muslim Brotherhood. Mubarak, who was ousted during the January 2011 uprising, arrived to the court accompanied by his sons Gamal and Alaa. After swearing the oath, Mubarak asked to be granted permission from the Egyptian president and the commandership of the Egyptian Armed Forces before revealing to the court information related to the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt, so as not to be violating the law, according to Ahram. The prosecution has charged that supporters of the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood and the Palestinian Hamas movement infiltrated the Egypt-Gaza border through tunnels after the outbreak of the January revolution to storm jails and free imprisoned Brotherhood members. However, the head judge told Mubarak that the court is seeking information not related to national security issues, and instructed Mubarak to answer questions. Mubarak, who rarely makes media or public statements since his ouster, told the court that the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt had existed long before the Jan. 25 revolution and that they were mostly used to transfer food commodities and other goods. When asked by the judge whether the tunnels were used during the early days of the revolution, Mubarak declined to answer without permission from the president and the commandership of the armed forces to speak on the matter. Nevertheless, he stated that former head of the general intelligence service Omar Suleiman informed him on Jan. 29 2011 that about 800 militants had infiltrated the eastern border through the tunnels. The 90-year-old former president added that "militants killed policemen and protesters in Tahrir Square, the birthplace of the 2011 anti-Mubarak uprising, creating chaos in the country," and that they broke out Muslim Brotherhood members from jails. He said that he believes there are "lots of plots" but could not address them without a permission from the presidency. Mubarak, who has been receiving treatment in a military hospital in Cairo, told the court that he "handed over the country" to the Egyptian armed forces so "Egypt won't fall." The court adjourned the case to Jan. 24, 2019. In March 2017, Mubarak was acquitted of the charges of killing protesters during the 2011 uprising that led to his ouster. In September, an Egyptian court declined an appeal for reconciliation in a corruption case submitted by Mubarak and his two sons. Mubarak and his two sons were sentenced in May 2015 to three years in prison for embezzling funds meant for maintaining presidential palaces. They were also sentenced to collectively pay a fine of about 126 million Egyptian pounds (7 million U.S. dollars) and return about 21.2 million pounds. Gamal and Alaa were released in October 2015 since their jail term was covered by the years they had already served in provisional detention. Mubarak's two sons, along with other defendants, are also accused of making illegal financial gains of over 493 million pounds by allowing a Cyprus company to acquire a national bank's shares through hidden deals. Cairo Criminal Court decided in September to release Gamal and Alaa on bail of 100,000 pounds. Forrest and Jenny (Curran), played by Robin Wright, who managed her character's wealth of profound inner sorrow - kept it restrained, dormant, yet it still controlled her life. Except the happy moments she spent with Forrest, she experienced much pain as a child and as an adult. Here she slumps before her old tenant home, where so many of her most painful memories were formulated: Above. Young Forrest (Michael Conner Humphreys) meets young Jenny (Hanna Hall) for the first time on the school bus. At this point in time, they become inextricably linked: Below. The semi-tropical Savannah River Delta provided outstanding corresponding settings for the tropical Vietnam scenes: Above and below. Forrest tells the story of his rich, and most unusual life from a park bench on one of the many lovely, Live Oak shrouded public squares on Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia. Forrest is there to visit Ginny Curran, who has sent for him. The telling of his extra-interesting life story to multiple strangers is the basis for the extensive narration by Forrest / Tom Hanks: Above. Forrest is always ready for the 'show and tell' portion of the story: Below. Producer Wendy Finerman discovered the Winston Groom novel. Screenwriter Eric Roth reworked the Groom novel into something withgreat potential. Robert Zemekis agreed to direct the film, and we are all the better for it."Forrest Gump" is one of the top five films ever made. It is the best of American art ... in scope, in tone, in message."Forrest Gump" opens the partly painted window, in the wisp of a distant memory of America's iconic South, and shows the world what is worst, and best of the romantic core of who we are, and who we shall remain.Director Robert Zemekis once remarked: "So much of the history of that period (America's) really revolved around the South. So it was a real journey through our times, especially our times with a Southern perspective."As a Southerner, who lived through Forrest's time, Director Zemekis, who is not a Southerner, nailed that period just as I remembered it: from the Live Oak lined dirt roads, to the elegant white open-porch homes, to the low, warm swampy waters, to the rickety tenant farmer shacks set out in the middle of an intersection of corn and tobacco fields, to real people with nasty cigarettes hanging out of their mouths, to the college campuses that were much less spectacular than today. I lived all of it.With "Forrest Gump," I get to live it again. With this film, I see it through a separate, but similar light. I see it through Forrest's total abject innocence, and it reminds me of a time that I lived, but sadly, will never exist again.Remarkably, "Forrest Gump" was filmed, almost in its entirety, in an area that very much resembles my eastern North Carolina home, uncannily accurate. Actually, much of it was filmed in Beaufort County.But not my boyhood home of Beaufort County, from the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, but Beaufort County (Boofert County), in the Coastal Plains of South Carolina. I actually spent a good number of summers in south Georgia, visited Savannah, and a sleepy pre-developed Hilton Head Island , just across the Savannah River, in Beaufort County, South Carolina.From a purely geographical perspective, the filming location in, and around the Savannah River Delta of South Carolina and Georgia, not only reminded me of my boyhood home, but obviously, must have reminded the producers of this film of a good many other places as well: From Forrest's boyhood home in Greenbow, Alabama, to the city Streets of Savannah, Ga . to the fields and swamps of Vietnam, the Savannah River Delta Region was the perfect backdrop of America's perfect film.The semi-tropical Savannah River region was not the only perspective that lent so much depth to this iconic American film, but the historic testament of will of the present day people, who have inhabited this region, in force, since the late 17th Century.Director Robert Zemekis continued about the South: "There is something about the Gothic South that we depict in the movie. In a strange way, it's sort of the most patriotic part of America in the way it is slow to change. The South was always in the script. It's where these characters came from. The one constant that we had in the movie is that the characters kept coming home (to the South). It (the South) is that one place that seems to never change, when the rest of the world does."Forrest Gump:For me personally, that is the intrinsic theme of Forrest Gump. How we look at the world through the innocent eyes of Forrest Gump. How we see the rest of the world through his staid Southern perspective, as if the world is like this fluid panoramic snow-globe that whirls ever-changing, and Forrest, expressionlessly just watches it, transfixed by its complex ever changing unique beauty.This unique quality of perspective through the story-telling by film images was achieved by every conceivable tool within the director's, the screenwriter's, the cinematographer's, Don Burgess's, and the music director's, Alan Silvestri's, bag of tricks. But first, beyond the familiar tethers of this most remarkable story, there are the characters.Just who is Forrest Gump? As another year draws to a close, a year of Democratic resurgence in both national and local politics, I offer this challenge to incumbent and newly elected lawmakers alike. Do you really want to be leaders? Or do you just want to be politicians?A mastery of politics is required to lead effectively, I grant you. No more how high your ideals and how ambitious your goals may be, you have to win elections and cultivate alliances in order to fashion public policy. But only some effective politicians prove to be effective leaders.In Washington, there is an obvious test of seriousness that, alas, few would-be leaders have been passing lately. Will Congress and the Trump administration do anything of consequence to address the most consequential issue we face, fiscal irresponsibility?The federal budget is wildly, recklessly out of whack . Its massive annual deficits will add trillions more to the federal debt in the coming years. Democrats blame the tax cuts enacted by the Republican Congress in 2017. It's certainly the case that the reductions in personal and corporate income taxes, while growth-enhancing, will lead to lower federal revenues that would otherwise have been collected, at least in the near future. I believe the tax cuts should have been fully offset by budget cuts.But Washington's fiscal irresponsibility didn't begin in 2017, and has little do with the nickel-and-dime stuff we usually hear about on cable networks and talk shows. Nearly three-quarters of what the federal government does can be described as transfer payments . It collects revenue from income and payroll taxes and then sends checks either to households (for Social Security, pensions, and welfare) or to health care providers (for Medicare and Medicaid).The federal government has promised more outflow than can be financed with the projected inflow. Progressives say they want to make up the difference with massive tax hikes - indeed, most want to expand Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and welfare programs even more - while conservatives say they want to control expenditures In truth, neither group seems to have the courage of their purported convictions. Few have offered anything approaching a viable plan for balancing the budget. When progressives claim only the "wealthy" will pay for their grandiose schemes and conservatives claim they can bring spending into line by targeting only "waste, fraud, and abuse," both groups are offering us a governing fantasy, not a governing philosophy. They are being unserious.Here in North Carolina, the dividing line between politician and leader runs directly through the largest-single function of state government: financing education. Democrats have promised vastly larger expenditures for preschool, elementary, secondary, and higher education than the Republican-led General Assembly has yet appropriated. The money can't come from borrowing, and the desired amount is too large to be financed by economizing elsewhere in the budget.Either explicitly or implicitly, Democrats are calling for major tax increases - in the hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars a year. Will Gov. Roy Cooper include them in his upcoming 2019-21 budget proposal? Will Democrats list themselves as sponsors of such a tax hike in the 2019 session? Will the Republicans who have themselves promised much-higher spending levels be willing to sign on, as well?I expect few such profiles in courage. Rather, I think some will be tempted to construct a kind of collusive settlement in the long-running Leandro litigation that would yield an order by the North Carolina Supreme Court to increase state spending - and, in effect, to raise taxes. This would be a thoroughly political gambit, not an exercise of leadership, and provoke a constitutional crisis.If they would truly lead, then policymakers of both parties should be looking for mutually agreeable ways to increase the productivity of the tax dollars North Carolinians already pay into education. States such as Florida, Indiana, and Texas have higher-performing school systems as well as tax burdens comparable or even lower than ours. It can be done.Will serious leaders step forward in 2019? Should Beaufort County elected officials demand that every alleged incident of Child Rape be investigated in Beaufort County? Yes, without fail, irrespective of the parties involved; this heinous crime must be investigated, and the truth be known, and responsible parties prosecuted. On Monday, Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe announced that actor Kevin Spacey has been charged with indecent assault and battery for a crime he allegedly committed in 2016, reports the Associated Press.According to former Boston news anchor Heather Unruh, Spacey violated her 18-year-old son in July 2016 by reaching into his pants and fondling his genitals.During a press conference in November 2017, Unruh detailed the allegations According to Unruh, her son didn't speak with police after the alleged incident occurred because he was afraid. It wasn't until November 2017, following allegations made by actor Anthony Rapp, that Unruh went to the police.Spacey, who disappeared from the public eye approximately one year ago after a glut of allegations were made against him regarding sexual harassment and assault, released a strange video on Monday titled, "Let Me Be Frank," in which he appears to play a hybrid of himself and his character Frank Underwood from Netflix's "House of Cards."In the video, Spacey speaks directly to the camera , and says:Spacey then stops for a moment, and looks back into the camera: "Oh, wait a minute. Now that I think of it, you never actually saw me die, did you?" He then puts a ring on his right hand similar to the one his character wears in "House of Cards." He ends the video by saying: "Conclusions can be so deceiving. Miss me?"It appears that Spacey is using his character as a way to defend himself in real life. Perhaps the most peculiar line from the video is: "If I didn't pay the price for the things we both know I did do, I'm certainly not going to pay the price for the things I didn't do." What Spacey means by this line is unclear.The video has racked up 5.1 million views since it was uploaded on Monday.After actor Anthony Rapp alleged in October 2017 that Spacey had advanced upon him sexually when he was just 14 years old, Spacey attempted to deflect from the news by publicly coming out as gay. This video could be a similar attempt to smoke the air, especially given the timing.Unruh's son's attorney, Mitchell Garabedian, released a statement on Monday in which he said that "the complainant has shown a tremendous amount of courage in coming forward," adding that he hopes to see "a just and fair verdict rendered."Spacey will be arraigned in a Nantucket court on January 7, 2019. In August, I reported on the Florida Bars continued angst about regulating competitive keyword advertising by lawyers. Read my post, The Florida Bar and Competitive Keyword Advertising: A Tragicomedy (in 3 Parts), for the full background. The short story is that in 2013, the Florida Bar considered banning lawyers competitive keyword advertising, but surprisingly concluded the process by blessing it. In 2018, the Florida Bar revisited banning competitive keyword advertisingdespite five additional years of legal and empirical developments demonstrating the complete lack of justificationonly to vote it down a second time. Then, like an immortal zombie, the issue resurrected for a third time. I made two submissions this year to the Florida Bar, in July and November, advocating against a ban. The Florida Bars process is steaming towards a conclusion that ironically appears, once again, to bless competitive keyword advertising by lawyerswith a twist that the advertising lawyer would need to put his/her name in the first line of the search ad (and not place the rivals name in the ad copy, which almost never happens). The current proposed addition to Rule 4-7.13, the rule on misleading and deceptive advertising, would ban: a statement or implication that another lawyer or law firm is part of, is associated with, or affiliated with the advertising law firm when that is not the case, including contact or other information presented in a way that misleads a person searching for a particular lawyer or law firm, or for information regarding a particular lawyer or law firm, to unknowingly contact a different lawyer or law firm. A new comment would add (emphasis add): Implication of Association or Affiliation with Another Lawyer or Law Firm This rule prohibits any statement or implication that a lawyer or law firm is affiliated or associated with the advertising lawyer or law firm when that is not the case. Lawyers may not state or imply another lawyer is part of the advertising firm if the statement or implication is untrue. For example, when a lawyer leaves a law firm, the firm must remove the lawyers name from the firms letterhead, website, advertisements, and other communications about the law firm. An example of impermissible advertising would be including the name of a lawyer or law firm that is not part of the advertising law firm in an Internet advertisement or sponsored link that is displayed when the non-affiliated lawyer or law firms name is used as a search term when the advertisement does not clearly indicate that the non-affiliated lawyer or law firm is not part of the advertising law firm. Another example of impermissible conduct is use of another lawyer or law firm name as an Internet search term that triggers the display of an advertisement that does not clearly indicate that the advertisement is for a lawyer or law firm that is not the lawyer or law firm used as the search term. The triggered advertisement would not be misleading if the first text displayed is the name of the advertising lawyer or law firm and, if the displayed law firm name is a trade name that does not contain the name of a current or deceased partner, the name of the lawyer responsible for the advertisement is also displayed as the first text. The comment bans competitive keyword advertising unless the ad clearly indicates the advertisers name; with a safe harbor if the advertisers name is listed as the first text. The term first text is ambiguous, and it appears that two different items might need to be the first text, a logical impossibility. I assume first text refers to the first line in the typical 3 line search advertising format. On the one hand, a modest mandatory labeling requirement is not as terrible as an outright ban on competitive keyword advertising. Indeed, many attorney advertising rules require ad copy to contain the name of a responsible attorney, though how this applies to a highly space-constrained ad format like keyword ads has not always been clear. Furthermore, in theory, consumers could benefit if the labeling does, in fact, eliminate any possibility of confusion about the advertisers identity. On the other hand, this rule is pointless at best and possibly pernicious at worst. The Florida Bar has no evidence that consumers are currently suffering any detriment from the status quo; nor do they have nay evidence that mandating the disclosure in the first text will resolve any such confusion (if it even exists). Furthermore, given the space constraints of search ads, dictating what must appear in the first text reduces the amount of space for other information, which could make it even more challenging for the ads to impart valuable information to consumers. This could undermine economic returns from search ads, making them a less valuable tool in the attorneys advertising toolkits, and therefore depriving consumers of the valuable information that search ads could provide. For more on why I think the proposed move is unnecessary, see my article, Regulation of Lawyers Use of Competitive Keyword Advertising. According to the Florida Bars ethics counsel, the proposal will be on the Board of Governors agenda for first reading at the February Board of Governors meeting. Well see if this compromise resolution passes in its current form. Given the unnecessary drama on this topic over the past half-decade, it seems like anything could still happen. More Posts About Keyword Advertising * Your Periodic Reminder That Keyword Ad Lawsuits Are StupidPassport Health v. Avance * Restricting Competitive Keyword Ads Is Anti-CompetitiveFTC v. 1-800 Contacts * Another Failed Trademark Suit Over Competitive Keyword AdvertisingJIVE v. Wine Racks America * Negative Keywords Help Defeat Preliminary InjunctionDealDash v. ContextLogic * The Florida Bar and Competitive Keyword Advertising: A Tragicomedy (in 3 Parts) * Another Court Says Competitive Keyword Advertising Doesnt Cause Confusion * Competitive Keyword Advertising Doesnt Show Bad IntentONEpul v. BagSpot * Brief Roundup of Three Keyword Advertising Lawsuit Developments * Interesting Tidbits From FTCs Antitrust Win Against 1-800 Contacts Keyword Ad Restrictions * 1-800 Contacts Charges Higher Prices Than Its Online Competitors, But They Are OK With ThatFTC v. 1-800 Contacts * FTC Explains Why It Thinks 1-800 Contacts Keyword Ad Settlements Were Anti-CompetitiveFTC v. 1-800 Contacts * Amazon Defeats Lawsuit Over Its Keyword Ad PurchasesLasoff v. Amazon * More Evidence Why Keyword Advertising Litigation Is Waning * Court Dumps Crappy Trademark & Keyword Ad CaseONEPul v. BagSpot * AdWords Buys Using Geographic Terms Support Personal JurisdictionRilley v. MoneyMutual * FTC Sues 1-800 Contacts For Restricting Competitive Keyword Advertising * Competitive Keyword Advertising Lawsuit Will Go To A JuryEdible Arrangements v. Provide Commerce * Texas Ethics Opinion Approves Competitive Keyword Ads By Lawyers * Court Beats Down Another Competitive Keyword Advertising LawsuitBeast Sports v. BPI * Another Murky Opinion on Lawyers Buying Keyword Ads on Other Lawyers NamesIn re Naert * Keyword Ad Lawsuit Isnt Covered By Californias Anti-SLAPP Law * Confusion From Competitive Keyword Advertising? Fuhgeddaboudit * Competitive Keyword Advertising Permitted As Nominative UseElitePay Global v. CardPaymentOptions * Google And Yahoo Defeat Last Remaining Lawsuit Over Competitive Keyword Advertising * Mixed Ruling in Competitive Keyword Advertising CaseGoldline v. Regal * Another Competitive Keyword Advertising Lawsuit FailsInfogroup v. DatabaseLLC * Damages from Competitive Keyword Advertising Are Vanishingly Small * More Defendants Win Keyword Advertising Lawsuits * Another Keyword Advertising Lawsuit Fails Badly * Duplicitous Competitive Keyword Advertising LawsuitsFareportal v. LBF (& Vice-Versa) * Trademark Owners Just Cant Win Keyword Advertising CasesEarthCam v. OxBlue * Want To Know Amazons Confidential Settlement Terms For A Keyword Advertising Lawsuit? Merry Christmas! * Florida Allows Competitive Keyword Advertising By Lawyers * Another Keyword Advertising Lawsuit Unceremoniously DismissedInfostream v. Avid * Another Keyword Advertising Lawsuit FailsAllied Interstate v. Kimmel & Silverman * More Evidence That Competitive Keyword Advertising Benefits Trademark Owners * Suing Over Keyword Advertising Is A Bad Business Decision For Trademark Owners * Florida Proposes to Ban Competitive Keyword Advertising by Lawyers * More Confirmation That Google Has Won the AdWords Trademark Battles Worldwide * Googles Search Suggestions Dont Violate Wisconsin Publicity Rights Law * Amazons Merchandising of Its Search Results Doesnt Violate Trademark Law * Buying Keyword Ads on Peoples Names Doesnt Violate Their Publicity Rights * With Its Australian Court Victory, Google Moves Closer to Legitimizing Keyword Advertising Globally * Yet Another Ruling That Competitive Keyword Ad Lawsuits Are StupidLouisiana Pacific v. James Hardie * Another Google AdWords Advertiser Defeats Trademark Infringement Lawsuit * With Rosetta Stone Settlement, Google Gets Closer to Legitimizing Billions of AdWords Revenue * Google Defeats Trademark Challenge to Its AdWords Service * Newly Released Consumer Survey Indicates that Legal Concerns About Competitive Keyword Advertising Are Overblown Jermaine Massey took a seat in a quiet section of the Doubletree hotel lobby he was staying at in Portland to take a call from his mother. But he says he was soon interrupted by a security guard Earl who asked if Massey was staying in the hotel. Massey showed him his key card but couldn't remember the room number off hand. This prompted Earl to call the police. Earl is white and Massey is black. Apparently, Massey was kicked out of the hotel for "trespassing," even though he had paid for a hotel room and already had his belongings in the room. In fact, it wasn't until after the police were called that the manager of the hotel came over to Massey and asked what happened. "Tonight I was racially profiled and discriminated against for taking a phone call in the lobby of my hotel room at the @doubletreepdx @doubletree. The security guard "Earl" decided that he would call the police on me, the exact reason is still unclear to me" Massey says in one of his Instagram posts. And later from his new room at the Sheraton by the airport: "It just goes to show you that racism is still alive and well man. This was a real incident where I could've gone to jail if I responded in a different way." From USA Today: Portland Police told USA TODAY that officers responded to DoubleTree Hotel Portland "regarding a person who hotel staff were (removing) from the property." "The employees, who had authority to (remove) people from the hotel, requested the officer contact a person in the lobby they had reportedly directed to leave the property," the statement reads. Massey said he was forced to gather his items from his hotel room and leave the property or be arrested by the officers for trespassing. He said he was not issued a refund. "I guess because I was dressed kind of casual tonight (in) sneakers and jeans and a hoodie that he profiled me and thought I couldn't afford to stay there and he questioned me thinking I wasn't a legitimate patron at the hotel," Massey said, adding that several white patrons in the lobby area were not asked if they were registered. "It wasn't right." And via OregonLive: "Safety and security of our guests and associates is our top priority at the Doubletree by Hilton Portland," Peralta said in a statement. "This unfortunate incident is likely the result of a misunderstanding between our hotel and guest. We are sorry that this matter ended the way it did. We are place of public accommodation and do not discriminate against any individuals or groups." And no, the DoubleTree didn't even have the courtesy of giving Massey a refund. Until the early 2000s more people lived in villages and small towns than in cities. Population in large cities continues to rise, while the opposite is true in rural areas. This is especially true in Japan, where people are fleeing from their rural homes to live in Tokyo and Osaka. Today 92% of Japanese live in large cities. In this video, Greg Lam, the host of Life Where I'm From, went to Japan's smallest island, Shikoku, to learn what living outside a megalopolis is like. Briefly.co.za continues to reveal many shocking stories involving religious pastors. Now, we review some of those that made headlines in 2018. PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! Its hard to keep track of the numerous religious leaders throughout the country. While many are admired for some incredible work and uplifting communities, others have been heavily criticised for abusing their power. Pastor Penuel Mnguni made news headlines on numerous occasions for his controversial sermons. Mnguni was dubbed the snake pastor as he achieved notoriety for serving serpents to his congregation. In October, Mnguni was in hot water again as he served frogs and rats to unsuspecting members of his church, End Times Disciples Ministries. He was recently also seen doing a Pray Line involving young children at his church. Briefly.co.za reported on how the children seemingly went into a trance as the pastor touched them. READ ALSO: Flaunting their goodies 4 eye-catching celebrity new whips in 2018 Briefly.co.za previously also reported on South Africas gay pastor, Joshua Mosuoe. While his methods arent as controversial as some of the other pastors featured, his sexual orientation and support of the LGBTI are at odds with many South Africans and religious leaders. Pastor Paseka "Mboro" Motsoeneng also made headlines for his controversial methods. In October, Briefly.co.za reported on his lavish lifestyle, which includes a BMW valued at R2 million. Some of his infamous tactics include encouraging couples to kiss and remove their underwear during his sermon. Unfortunately, various criminal charges were laid against pastors this year as well and Briefly.co.za reported on numerous cases. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLYs news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! Source: Briefly.co.za - The Coal Transporters Forum is expected to proceed with an application to have agreements between Eskom and alternative energy suppliers overturned - This comes after Judge Dawie Fourie halted an application from the CTF to prevent the agreements being into - Both parties claim that billion of rands could be lost as well as massive job cuts, irrespective of the decision of the courts PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! The Coal Transporters Forum (CTF) application to have power purchase agreements ( PPAs) between government and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) overturned could cause major job losses and well as extensive damage to IPPs. Brenda Martin, the chief executive of the South African Wind Energy Association, who represents wind energy companies whose main objective is the removal of challenges facing the implementation of wind energy in the country Earlier this year Eskom signed PPAs dealing with Bid Window 4 and the CTF is determined to see this agreement nullified. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app Eskom received approval for the signing of 27 renewable energy contracts as well as the purchase of alternative energy from IPPs after the Gauteng High Court struck an application to halt this process. Judge Dawie Fourie had found that the application launched the the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and Transform RSA to stop the process was not a matter of urgency. The two applicants had hoped for an urgent interdict to stop the signing of there agreements, pending the main application. The main application had been launched by the CTF to finally interdict Eskom from signing these agreements. Seeing as these agreements have already been signed the CTF is expected to proceed with its application to have the agreements overturned. Martin has received permission from the court to file a supplementary affidavit, vehemently opposing the CTFs main application on behalf of the IPPs. She pointed out that, when deciding the main application, the court would have to seriously weigh the consequences of declaring the PPAs null and void. An earlier affidavit on behalf of the IPPs described how they would suffer losses of up to R100 million if the PPAs were not signed and if the IPPs could not reach financial closure. All the opposing IPPs respondents that participated in the Bid Window 4 signed PPAs and have reached financial closure. Having done this, many of them have concluded agreements with contractors, they entered into employment relationships and concluded financial agreements with lenders. READ ALSO: Health Minister Motsoaledi worried about increasing pregnancy rates in teens Martin said that the fallout of terminating the agreements could see the companies losing billions. As it currently stands R4 billion will be lost in agreements with contractors, another R3 billion in loans, and as much as R10 billion for agreements with local manufacturers. Approximately 3000 jobs will be lost in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Effectively the effect of overturning the agreements will place the continued operations of IPPs at risk. It would also put the sustainability of the renewable energy industry and the prospect of South Africa satisfying its national and international obligations towards carbon reduction in peril, Martin said. Numsa and Transform RSA told the court earlier this year that if Eskom and the government entered into these agreements it would result in massive job losses and would amount to economic suicide. Minister of Energy Jeff Radebe announced his decision to sign the agreements, saying that the initiative would enable R56 billion of new investment in the economy as soon as three years from now. Despite this NUMSA remained adamant that allowing for the alternative energy project would lead to massive job losses and the costs associated with alternative power sources would ultimately be carried by taxpayers. Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! Source: Briefly.co.za News / National by Staff reporter A BID by the main opposition MDC Alliance legislators to have the 2% transaction tax cut to 0,5% hit a snag in the National Assembly when Zanu PF legislators used their majority to vote for its implementation.Parliament last Thursday had to sit until the wee hours of morning as MPs debated clause 4 of the Finance No. 3 Bill to do with the 2% transaction tax.However, after a very heated debate, Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (Zanu PF) suggested that the House votes for the fate of the 2% tax.On Tuesday, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube claimed that Zimbabweans had embraced the 2% tax on electronic transactions, a statement which attracted a social media backlash.Dzivarasekwa MP Edwin Mushoriwa (MDC Alliance) said the 2% tax was punitive to the ordinary person, adding the charges for transacting using EcoCash were actually lower than the 2% tax."In my view, the 2% tax should actually be reduced to as low as half percent (0,5%) because 2% is too much, and I believe it is not right and everyone is crying," Mushoriwa said."Schools are complaining, saying the 2% tax is damaging because whenever they transfer money to [Zimbabwe School Examinations Council] Zimsec, they are charged that 2%, and it needs to be modified because we cannot have a blanket punitive penalty like this," he said.Kambuzuma MP Willias Madzimure (MDC Alliance) said the 2% tax was penalising rural people, who mostly use EcoCash to transact."Which people were consulted on the 2% tax, and what did they say? No consultation was carried out, even among the MPs," Madzimure said.Pelandaba Mpopoma MP Charles Moyo (MDC Alliance) said what forced people to use electronic transactions was the cash crunch in the country."Make cash available at banks so that people can withdraw their money rather than using electronic transactions so that you charge them the 2% tax," Moyo said.Harare East MP Tendai Biti (MDC Alliance) said his qualm with the 2% tax was to do with the statutory instrument that sought to introduce the tax as well as seek to amend substantive provisions of the Income Tax Act, which used to charge $0,5 cents per transaction."Section 134 of the Constitution says it is only Parliament which makes the laws, so when the Minister of Finance and Economic Development on October 12, 2018 made law by repealing Section 22(g) of the Income Tax Act Chapter 23:06, he breached Section 134 of the Constitution," Biti said.But Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said if the 2% tax was illegal, it would be dealt with by the Parliamentary Legal Committee.Biti said the bad thing about the tax was that people did not have disposable income, with 95% unemployed, and 79% living in extreme poverty and surviving at less than $1,25 per day.Ncube said MPs had cornered him into approving a $145 million budget for Parliament and so the money would come from the 2% tax."You are arguing for cars and where do you think the monies are coming from? We are allocating $310 million to constituencies and where do you think the money is coming from? It is coming from the 2%," Ncube said. Opinion / Columnist Don Chigumba is a mixed methods research specialist can be found on twitter @Don Chigumba I don't want to blame anyone for causing the death of Cde Josiah Magama Tongogara but I want to blame ZANU and ZANU PF leadership for failing to appoint a commission of inquiry in the post-independence era so that the chapter over his death is closed. I hope that a commission of inquiry will be appointed by the new government when time comes because ZANU PF has failed since independence to neutralize and rest the spirit of our gallant son Cde Tongo.The reports that Muchinguri-Kashiri sobbed tears during the annual commemoration of Cde Tongo's death in December 2018 came to me as a shock. I believe that those were not different from ZANU and ZANU PF's crocodile tears on Cde Tongo's demise. Sobbing tears more than 38 years after the death of Cde Tongo sounds to be a stage managed drama. I may agree with Muchinguri-Kashiri that she may not have been involved in the death of Cde Tongo because apart from being young at the time of his death, Muchinguri-Kashiri seemed to me to have been holy and honest. Cde Tongo was a high profile leader, if there was a foul play, high profile people could have been involved and not the then 'small' and young Oppah.ZANU and ZANU PF party have been using Cde Tongo as their 'inspirational' campaigning tool since independence but they totally failed to appoint a commission of inquiry to explore the mystery behind Cde Tongo's death. Media reports are that, Tongo's family members are being neglected by the government despite (the late) being a champion of the Zimbabwe's struggle.Because ZANU and ZANU PF have refused to appoint a commission of inquiry on the death of Cde Tongo, the party (together with Oppah) should take responsibility of the rumors and accept them pending proper scientific investigation over the mystery. People are making guesses and hypotheses over the death of Cde Tongo because ZANU and ZANU PF governments did nothing to test those hypotheses. ZANU PF and Muchinguri-Kashiri shall continue to cry or sob tears even more than 38 years after Cde Tongo's death as long as a commission of inquiry is not set to find out on what happened.Now, who killed Tongogara? Only God, ZANU and ZANU PF know what happened to Cde Tongo. It is now more than 38 years after the death of Cde Tongo but ZANU and ZANU PF are still silent. Why can't they form a commission of inquiry? It is good that Muchinguri-Kashiri is now the Chairperson of ZANU PF party and a minister of war vets, she is in a good position to ask the government to form a commission of inquiry over Cde Tongo's death. It is the commission of inquiry that can settle down pressure over the death of Cde Tongo and not crocodile tears. ZANU PF should therefore stop sobbing/crying while on top of the mountain.The spirit of Cde Tongo is not yet rested, is hovering across Zimbabwe, hounding innocent people and ZANU PF government has muscles to settle this issue via a commission of inquiry. ZANU PF party should accept the blame for these rumors pending investigations. Ngozi iyi ngai gadziriswe. Babies in Ireland can expect to live much longer than previous generations. Photo: Philip Toscano/PA Archive/PA Images Life expectancy in Ireland has grown by more than 2.5 years in just over a decade, according to new figures. The countrys health ministry said on Thursday that Irish women on average are now expected to live until the age of 83.6, compared to 79.9 years for men. Though women are generally expected to live slightly longer than men across the world, the 3.7-year age gap is a marked decrease in the 5.6-year age difference that the country had seen as recently as 1996. Irish men are now also likely to live longer than their counterparts in other European Union countries. The increase in life expectancy since 2006, the ministry said, was down to a steady reduction in deaths from cancers and circulatory diseases. Though it said that the mortality rate of Irish people has declined by 14.9% in the past decade, it also said that this type of reduction was now slowing in line with other European countries. READ MORE: The alarming problem hidden in Irelands productivity figures The report, however, points to significant challenges within Irelands healthcare system. Doctors have long complained that the system is underfunded, with long waiting lists for operations, staff shortages and obsolete equipment. Every winter, Ireland faces a trolley crisis, which sees hundreds of patients waiting on trolleys in hospital corridors for beds. Still, the figures are a stark contrast to the UK, where figures from the Office of National Statistics this year revealed that life expectancy in the UK had stopped improving for the first time since 1982. Life expectancy had even decreased in some regions of the UK, such as in Scotland and Wales, where it had declined for men and women by around a month, and in Northern Ireland, where men saw a similar decline. Forget about accounting class and marketing 101. Canadian business school leaders say soft skills such as creativity and agility are now cornerstones of business education, as universities and colleges adapt to a world where many of the jobs graduates will hold don't even exist today. They say there's still a role for those business basics, but they're no longer enough to satisfy workplaces that prize employees who can adapt to swiftly changing industries, disruptive technology and the thorny issues facing humanity in the years to come. "The goal of a university education is to teach people how to deal with uncertainty, how to be a critical thinker, how to be okay when things are changing," said Darren Dahl, a senior associate dean at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business in Vancouver. "The notion of going to work for the big corporation, and the jobs that we traditionally do, are evolving and changing," said Dahl. That's put a lot of pressure on business schools to change what and how they teach, he said. To keep on top of what employers are looking for, staff at the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ont., recently completed 250 interviews with leaders in government, business and non-profits around the globe, said acting dean Mark Vandenbosch. Ivey Business School "Although people do need to have technical literacy that's probably higher than before the skills that are really demanded are the soft skills that will allow them to adapt," said Vandenbosch. 'Embracing creativity in a big way' These include the ability to bring alternative viewpoints to a problem, he said, as well as things like creativity, grit, teamwork, communications effectiveness and decision-making skills. At UBC, Dahl said the MBA program includes a required course in creativity. "That surprises some people," he said. "Traditionally, you might think of a business school as beating out the creativity in students." Story continues The creativity class curriculum isn't centred around business innovation, such as coming up with a new product. "It's more base creativity," he said. Creativity is a muscle. How do we strengthen that muscle for you as a leader, whether you work in corporate or a non-profit or your own entrepreneurial venture? - Darren Dahl, associate dean, UBC's Sauder School of Business "Creativity is a muscle. If you stopped exercising it years ago some people say you're the most creative when you're five or six years old and then it's just downhill how do we strengthen that muscle for you as a leader, whether you work in corporate or a non-profit or your own entrepreneurial venture? "That's a fundamental tool in the toolbox, and I think society has just woken up to that in the last five years," said Dahl. Joe Musicco, who teaches at Sheridan College's Pilon School of Business in Toronto, said "business is certainly embracing creativity in a big way." There are a number of factors contributing to the business world's increasing interest in creativity, said Musicco. "You could point to things like technology and AI [Artificial Intelligence]. You could point to things like the changing nature of work and being more of a thinker and a consultant, and expectations of people in general that [graduates] are going to be able to bring innovation and creative problem-solving skills to the table." Students have more diverse goals What students want has changed, too. "The younger generations today are very much interested in having impact," said Dahl. "That could mean anything from having an impact by building their own business, to having a positive influence on society." In the past, most business school students would strive for the same jobs at large, branded international corporations, he said. While some still do, others want to work for non-profits, and some want to be their own bosses, said Dahl. Ivey Business School Preparation for the entrepreneurial world Dahl said there's also been "a sea change in respect to the importance of entrepreneurial activity in the economy." To meet that need, course material is now taught differently, he said, moving away from "the classic lecturing on the stage" to methods that involve more action and applied learning. Business school classes could be challenged to partner up with engineering students on a project, or to work with start-ups, for example. At Ivey Business School, Vandenbosch said "a huge percentage of our graduates run their own businesses." The typical route they take, though, is to work for somebody else for a few years after graduation to get on-the-ground experience, then return to the school to take advantage of the entrepreneurial incubator it offers for alumni, he said. "We provide a lot of support post graduation for those who want to come back at a later time to start a venture two, three or four years later. - Mark Vandenbosch, acting dean, Ivey Business School "We provide a lot of support post graduation for those who want to come back at a later time to start a venture two, three or four years later." One of the ways Ivey prepares graduates for a more entrepreneurial world is by throwing out the traditional undergraduate schedule where students make their own course selections then keep that schedule over a semester. Instead, starting when they join Ivey in third year, students show up at expected times each day, then programming is varied all year long, said Vandenbosch. "Our focus is primarily on building experiences for students so they can build the capabilities to adapt to a future world, rather than, 'Here is what you need to know about subject X.'" A Canadian man living in Japan who has spent years trying to reconnect with his son after a marriage breakdown says under the current system, his best chance at restoring visitation would be to move all the way back to Canada. Tim Terstege, a 44-year-old Barrie, Ont., native, says he last saw his son during a supervised visit three years ago. Today, he doesn't know where his wife and son are but suspects they are in the city of Yokohama, about 40 kilometres south of Tokyo, where his wife took his son after the couple split. When parents divorce or separate in Japan, one parent typically gets custody. Visitation can be part of the arrangement, but parents don't have a lot of recourse if it doesn't happen as scheduled. They're generally sent back to the family court system, where cases can take years to be resolved. Terstege, who is separated but not divorced, says he's found the system almost impossible to navigate. "Everybody knows that family is one of the cornerstones of having a good life," he said. "That's one of the great things that we have in this time, and to lose that is just pretty much for me everything." Terstege says after he and his wife split in 2012, the pair went into a lengthy mediation process that established visitation rights for Terstege. The Canadian says he wasn't allowed to see his son while the mediation was underway, but in the end, he was granted 24 hours of supervised visitation per year. But by the time the mediation was over, his wife had already taken their son to live in Yokohama, a four-hour train ride from where Terstege lives in Himeji. Even though a 2015 Yokohama family court mediation order granted him visitation rights, Terstege says he's only seen his son for a total of an hour-and-a-half since his wife left. He says he's fed up with a system that ignores cases such as his and thinks Japan essentially "condones the abduction of a child." Story continues CBC News has made multiple attempts to contact Terstege's wife's lawyer to get her side of the story but has not received a response. The history of divorce and custody cases in Japan is complex, Tokyo lawer Marie Sasagawa says. After the Second World War, Japanese courts felt it was more important for children to be with their mothers rather than their fathers, who had previously been seen as the unchallenged heads of families. "Traditionally, Japanese have relatively negative images for divorce, so the relationships of couples who have reached divorce mediation are assumed to be very bad," Sasagawa said. That meant joint custody wasn't generally considered an option. Granting custody to mothers by default has been challenged in court in recent years, but the system still favours the mother in most cases. Recent media reports have suggested the Japanese government is considering changing the law to allow for joint custody, but when or if that will happen is not yet clear. Hunting for help Exasperated by the slow process, Terstege reached out to the Canadian government for help. When contacted by CBC News, Global Affairs Canada said it is aware of the case and that "consular officials in Japan are in close contact with the family and are providing consular assistance." A 2016 letter from an official with GAC outlines some steps consular officials have taken, but also notes the limits Canadian officials face working in other countries. Adam Walsh/CBC "We recognize the need to continue to raise the issue of parental child abduction cases with Japanese authorities in an effort to bring some closure to affected parents like you," the letter reads. GAC says it is aware of 24 active consular cases in Japan relating to parental child abductions, noting there could be others who haven't contacted the department. Last year at the UN Human Rights Council's universal periodic review, Canada said what's going on in Japan is contrary to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and called on the country to establish better enforcement mechanisms to allow both parents access to their child. A long shot An official with Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said one possible option for Terstege would be to apply for visitation rights through the Hague. Japan signed the Hague Abduction Convention in 2014. While the treaty provides a structure for the return of children who are abducted internationally, it doesn't apply to Terstege's case because he lost contact with his son within the child's country of residence. The treaty, however, allows Terstege to apply for visitation rights if he makes his case from his home country. 'The courts can order things, they can declare things, but they really don't have a lot of coercive powers in cases involving children.' - Colin Jones, law professor If he were in Canada, Terstege could seek assistance from the Japanese government that is not available to him in Japan, including additional mediation sessions and translation services for court petitions. But even if he moved back to Canada, a country he hasn't lived in for 13 years, and successfully made his case, Terstege doesn't think he'd make meaningful progress in his bid to actually see his child. According to Terstege, moving to Canada would be a high-risk decision with the possible reward being a 30 minute video chat every month or two. His estranged wife would still have a say in how that chat unfolded and could ultimately still cut off contact. Courts lack 'coercive' power Colin Jones, a professor at Kyoto's Doshisha Law School and the author of a recent book on the Japanese legal system, says the current law only frames visitation as something parents have to think about. It leaves it to them to make arrangements. "The courts can order things, they can declare things, but they really don't have a lot of coercive powers in cases involving children," Jones said. Parents who ignore an order may be forced to pay a fine, he says, but in most cases, that is as far as punishment goes. Jones says in the case of marriages involving foreigners and Japanese citizens he hears a lot of stories about fathers being the parent left behind. CBC News has spoken with two other Canadian fathers, as well as an American, who have similar stories as Terstege. They all cite years of frustration, bureaucratic red tape and endless waiting in hope of seeing their children again. Ultimately, they say, it's the children who end up paying the price for an ineffective and unfair system. As for Terstege, he says the last few years have taken a toll on his health. He has gained weight and developed a skin condition that his doctor attributed to stress. He says he is considering his next move but that he won't stop trying to see his son again. "He is my everything." The World Sikh Organization is spearheading efforts to bring 65 refugee families from Afghanistan where Sikhs and Hindus are being persecuted to Canada, and will settle about a dozen of the families in Surrey, B.C. The organization has been raising money to privately sponsor the families and recently found out their applications have been given initial approval from the government. Each family needs between $25,000 to $30,000 for their first year in Canada. The organization put the funds in a trust before the applications were accepted. "In 2015, we got an urgent message a panicking message from someone in Afghanistan saying that the Sikh and the Hindu families there were being targeted by the Taliban," said Gian Singh Sandhu, founding president of the World Sikh Organization of Canada. CBC Sandhu pointed to a suicide bombing three months ago that targeted a group of Sikhs and Hindus on their way to meet Afghanistan's president as just one example of ongoing persecution in the country. "At one time, we had a population of over 200,000 families there and currently there is less than 1,000 they have all fled or many of them have been killed," Sandhu told Laura Lynch, guest host of CBC's The Early Edition. No immigration status in India Some of the families that left ended up in India, where international aid groups like the World Sikh Organization and the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation became involved. But their plight wasn't over even after leaving Afghanistan, Sandhu said, because the families weren't given any immigration status in India and struggled with language and schooling. "The only schooling that they had, if they wanted to go to, was actually to go to the Muslim schools," Sandhu said. The first seven families are expected to arrive in the Lower Mainland in January. At least three people were killed and 10 others wounded following a suicide attack on Libyas Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tripoli on December 25, according to officials cited by local news outlets. Initial reports said at least three gunmen attacked the building on Tuesday, with one detonating explosives inside. The two other attackers were shot dead, according to reports. This footage, filmed by Mohammed Elgotani, shows smoke rising from the building on Ash Shatt Street shortly after the attack was reported. Credit: Mohammed Elgotani via Storyful 2nd suspect freed by DNA report, accuses police of torture Pradip Rawal, the second suspect in the rape and murder of Nirmala Pant, was released on Wednesday after forensic test found that his DNA sample did not match with the victims vaginal swab. CENTURION, South Africa (AP) Dale Steyn became South Africa's leading test wicket-taker while fellow paceman Duanne Olivier took 6-37 as Pakistan was bowled out for 181 on the opening day of the three-match series on Wednesday. Steyn picked up his 422nd wicket, going past Shaun Pollock's record, but it was Olivier who broke the back of Pakistan's batting with career-best figures. Olivier was only in South Africa's team after Vernon Philander and Lungi Ngidi were ruled out by injury. Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed opted to bat after winning the toss and only Babar Azam provided any resistance with 71. He shared a 67-run partnership with Hasan Ali for the ninth wicket to save his team from a complete capitulation. South Africa barely needed Keshav Maharaj, using the spinner for just three overs as the three pacemen did the damage, reinforcing the pre-series predictions that Pakistan's biggest challenge would be standing up to the home team's fast bowlers. Top-ranked test bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed 3-59, including the first strike in the second over when Imam-ul-Haq was lbw for a duck. Steyn then removed the other opener, Fakhar Zaman, when he was caught by Dean Elgar in the slips. Rabada, South Africa's new fast-bowling star, lifted the paceman up on to his shoulders. The standing ovation in the crowd at SuperSport Park, where Steyn began his career, continued well past the on-field celebrations and was still going when he prepared to bowl his next delivery. "I won't lie, when I was standing there at the top of my mark and everyone was standing up, I almost had a tear, I had a lump in my throat," Steyn said. "Very pleased. Very happy." Pollock, who was commentating on television, was one of the first to congratulate him as he came off the field for the lunch break and presented Steyn with a bottle of champagne. "On all different wickets around the world he's been absolutely superb," Pollock said, "and what those figures don't tell is he's a fantastic guy as well." Story continues The 35-year-old Steyn's record was a long time coming, after he sustained a career-threatening shoulder injury in 2016. He has played just four tests in the last two years. Steyn is up to 11th on the all-time list of test wicket-takers, nine behind Richard Hadlee. In an indicator of his quality, his 422 wickets have come in 89 games. One of South Africa's greats, Pollock's 421 came in 108 tests. ___ More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports CAMEROUN :: Cameroon: Dangote Cement Shines at Nguon Festival 2018 Dangote Cement Cameroon participated at the 547thedition of the Nguon Festival, a cultural, and trade forum that held from December 2 to 9 in Foumban, under the theme The Nguon, framework for cultural renewal and strengthening of living-together. The week-long event was organised by His Royal Majesty, the Sultan of the Bamoun, Ibrahim MbomboNjoya, under the high patronage of the Minister of Arts and Culture, Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. As the official sponsor of the 547th of the Nguon, Dangote Cement Cameroon, made a huge impact in the history of trade fairs in Cameroon, with a much talked about stand that kept attracting visitors, making it a sort of touristic site for pictures and selfies in the Village festival. The stand was the DCCs Corporate office, while the second stand close to the podium served as commercial stand. Sales and Marketing Director of DCC, Maurice Diekem in an interview told the press that the festival offered the company the opportunity to show its support for the Cameroonian culture and tradition, which goes beyond selling a quality cement product. Dangote Cements presence was seen months back, when the casting for the Miss Nguon contest, a key activity in the festival, was organised in Douala and Foumban, but no one could imagine the team was preparing it big for the main event: Banners could be seen in Yaounde, Bafoussam, Foumbot, and Foumban, with the caption:Dangote Cement, Offical Sponsor of Nguon 2018. The company came to Foumban fully prepared. Apart two huge inflatable arches, an inflatable huge Dangote cementbag, there weredozens of Dangote branded high flying banners in the Nguon village and other places where activities held could be seen. The event featuredseries of activities like carnival, exhibition, sports, conferences, concerts, and many more. During a brief visit to the stand, His Majesty, the Sultan of the Bamoun, Ibrahim MbomboNjoya commended Dangote Cement Cameroon for its presence in the village festival and huge support for the success of the event. We are looking forward to having you in grant style again for the next edition His Majesty said. Arts and Culture Minister, Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, who was welcomed by Country Manager, Dangote Cement Cameroon, Engr. Baba Abdullahiat the Dangote stand during the official ceremony of the Nguon festival, congratulated the cement maker for its support for cultural matters.Support for culture and tradition is in line with our CSR policy, noted Public Relations Manager, Chief Ness Essombey. Both the corporate and the commercial stands registered numerous visitors throughout the festival, who came to ask questions on the process of cement making, why they should choose Dangote 3 X cement, and information on soon to be officially launched promo tagged Smiling Times and also to play games like shooting arrows or puzzle, branded Dangote, which had t-shirts, pens and key holders as rewards. Christians in Hong Kong are coming to church dressed all in black as a protest against mainland China's crackdown on prominent congregations. Church leaders at the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu including its pastor Wang Yi are the latest to have been arrested by the authorities, who are particularly targeting 'underground' churches which are not part of official bodies. According to the South China Morning Post, the movement has been started by five progressive Christian groups that have launched an internet campaign in support of the action. Organisers said they had reached 47,000 people via Facebook. The Post visited one church in Tai Po where a third of the 500-strong congregation was dressed in black. Next week numbers are expected to rise. Hong Kong, formerly a British colony, experiences greater freedom than mainland China and Christians are more able to voice dissent. According to a prayer letter from Early Rain Covenant Church reported by China Aid, some of those still in custody have been denied access to their lawyers. Around 160 people from the church have now been arrested, some of whom have now been released but some of whom face criminal charges. According to China Aid, preventing prisoners meeting with lawyers is 'a tactic that violates Chinese law but is often employed during procedures targeting prisoners incarcerated for political or religious reasons'. Galatians chapter 5, verses 22-23, where we find the Fruits of the Spirit, uses the Greek word (chara) for joy, which translates almost directly in the Hebrew. It has the same root as Christ in (chairos). In English, it means excited welcoming, a hailing, and in the Greek, inspired in Greek minds pictures of light, leaping, and a bright face. And from these roots I want to draw three QUICK (I promise!) points as we define and secure joy. Joy Is NOT Happiness I hate seeing those words used interchangeably. Its literally like saying that dog and cat are synonyms. Happiness is fed by outside circumstances. Joy is not. It is the expectant, elated, and excited welcoming of whatever comes our way. Not happiness, but excited welcoming. So when Paul in Philippians tells us to Have joy [rejoice] again and again, he is telling us to Have a confident anticipation for what might come, no matter what. Which is darn near impossible to be honest. But our God is the Doer of Impossible Things, and has given us the same incredible power. Joy is Found in Presence Psalm chapter 16 verse 11 tells us that, In Gods Presence there is fullness of joy. Where? In Gods Presence! Where will we find ourselves excitedly welcoming whatever comes? In Gods presence! Why? Because when all hell breaks loose literally God is with us, and nothing can stop us! Because if He is our Strong Tower and Defender, every time the prince of this world [the enemy] treads near us, hell be forced to kneel before the King of Kings, our Father, and we, His kings and priests (Revelation chapter 1 verse 6). So when dark draws near, if we only dwell in the Light through the discipline of the Holy Spirit (seeking Him and imitating Him) well be able to comfortably welcome whatever is thrown before us. Because HE is our Source of Joy. Pictures of Joy Those word pictures light, leaping, and bright faces indicate something powerful. Just like love is more than an internal feeling, JOY is more than an intrinsic quality. It is a fruit. It is supposed to be visible to the world. Were filled and empowered to show Gods presence in our midst! The world MUST see that we are excited about what comes before us because we trust God. Its hard, and it wont always make us happy. I repeat, Life with Christ isnt always happy. C.S. Lewis once quipped If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don't recommend Christianity and he hits the nail on the head. The dead must bury the dead. We must give up everything to gain eternity. It hurts. But we can be assured that in His Presence, the fullness of Joy is fruit for generations people longing for the Source of Living Water, of Love of the Life which flows through our xylems as we advance on the gates of hell victorious with every step. P.S. Xylems are plant veins I had to Wikipedia it. Praise God for Grade 10 Biology! Jak Hardy is the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of WorldChangers Global, an innovative not-for-profit tackling development through education. A leadership, development, and policy consultant, Jak aspires to be the worlds leading voice on the health benefits of Nutella. He holds a Diploma of Ministry, has trekked through a valley discarded degrees in law, theology and politics, and is completing postgraduate business at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Joya de Nicaragua had a very high profile 50th-anniversary celebration throughout 2018. All eyes were on the Cinco Decadas, which was the signature release of the celebration. The cigar made its debut at the 2018 IPCPR Trade Show, and it was one of the cigars that garnered talk among media members of being the cigar of the show. Its one that performs at a high level and its one Id easily reach for again. Wrapper: Not Disclosed Binder: Not Disclosed Filler: Not Disclosed Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua SA El General: 7 x 50 Price: $18.95 Review: Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Decadas El General (11/14/18) Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 3 (2010, 2012, 2018) Coming in at #11 is the Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Decadas El General. This is a limited production cigar that was issued as the signature release for Joya de Nicaraguas 50th anniversary. No doubt, 2018 has been a big year for Joya de Nicaragua. Its the company that has the oldest factory in Nicaragua and has very closely tied its brand to the history and culture of Nicaragua. Late last year, Joya de Nicaragua announced its plans for how it would commemorate its 50th anniversary. It was a year-long celebration that included several cigars and even a book. The centerpiece of the celebration would be the Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Decadas. Cinco Decadas means five decades and is the companys most premium release by Joya de Nicaragua to date. Cinco Decadas El General gives Joya de Nicaragua its second cigar on the 2018 Countdown. Its also the third cigar on the 2018 Countdown to come out of the companys factory. Details of the Cinco Decadas blend have not been disclosed although one could safely assume the blend incorporates Nicaraguan tobacco components. The cigar is produced at the companys factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. Cinco Decadas has been released in two sizes a 6 x 54 Diadem and a 7 x 50 Double Corona known as El General. Joya de Nicaragua says the significance of the sizes is that these were the first ones created at its factory. The Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Decadas El General delivers an amazing mix of natural tobacco, earth, pepper, cedar, and a unique cherry-cream note. This cigar provides medium-bodied flavors. Strength-wise, the Cinco Decadas El General starts out mild to medium before progressing to medium. While this isnt a powerhouse cigar, the profile works beautifully with this blend. The flavors produced are excellent, and its a cigar that can be enjoyed by both novices and experienced cigar enthusiasts. Its a cigar that easily has earned a place on this years Countdown For details of the 2018 Cigar of the Year Countdown, see our 2018 criteria. Photo Credits: Cigar Coop, except where noted Cookie Preferences Cookie List Cookie List A cookie is a small piece of data (text file) that a website when visited by a user asks your browser to store on your device in order to remember information about you, such as your language preference or login information. Those cookies are set by us and called first-party cookies. We also use third-party cookies which are cookies from a domain different than the domain of the website you are visiting for our advertising and marketing efforts. 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Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Long before one of their photographers was harassed on election night in Brazil, the editors at Fortaleza newspaper O Povo were meeting with their readers and staff to discuss the increasingly polarized environment and how to deal with it. The October 28 incident in which a photographer was pushed and manhandled by supporters of newly elected president Jair Bolsonaro served only to confirm what they already knew: the climate for reporters was heating up and, with a peevish extreme-right president in office, it was unlikely to cool down any time soon. For two months before the election we were having constant discussions, O Povos managing editor Ana Naddaf told CPJ. We were meeting with readers in public forums and we were giving presentations to reporters, especially those that cover politics, about how best to use social media, how to spot fake news, and how to cover politics. We were getting a lot of demands, much more than normal, from readers questioning our stance, our headlines, the way we covered stories. It peaked during the election month [October] but we think it will continue for a good time. The press in general is preparing to be taken to task. The hostile atmosphere cooled during the transition period between Bolsonaros election and lead up to his January 1 inauguration. But the vehement campaigns ran by all sides and the effects of Bolsonaro railing repeatedly about fake news have left an indelible mark. As threats and violence against the press mounted, CPJ and other rights organizations called on the electoral candidates to tone down their rhetoric. As of December 19, the Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism (Abraji) had recorded 155 cases of harassment or physical violence against reporters since the start of the year. Local journalists bore the brunt of the rising anger, particularly online, but the hostilities also affected foreign correspondents, some of whom were harassed by Bolsonaro supporters while covering his victory celebrations. During my work as a correspondent I have never experienced a similar level of harassment, Sandra Korstjens, a Dutch reporter with the commercial broadcaster RTL Nieuws, wrote on Facebook. Korstjens said people were suspicious of her when she was covering an event because they saw all traditional media as bearers of fake news, and added that a man followed her and tried to intimidate her. Fortunately, there were some other supporters who defended me in the end. So, to be very clear: this is not a political statement. It goes beyond politics. Its the reality we are living in and working in at the moment, she wrote. The hostile environment between government and the press is not new. In 1990, in the middle of a war of words between the press and then president Fernando Collor de Melo, federal police invaded the offices of the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper. Others trace the start of the current conflict to 2003 when the Workers Party took power. The party hit back at what it saw as a hegemonic press opposing its government, the first leftist administration in Brazilian history, said Pedro Doria, a columnist for the dailies O Globo, Estado de Sao Paulo, and privately owned radio station CBN. The attacks were mostly rhetorical but when millions of people took to the streets to protests a lack of spending on services such as transport, health and education, they turned violent, with dozens of journalists attacked, as CPJ documented at the time. The latest escalation, which grew in 2016 after the Workers Party president Dilma Rousseff was impeached and anti-leftist sentiment took root, has exceeded those conflicts in both frequency and vehemence, Doria said. This rhetoric from the left has not ended and it is now present on the right as well and it is different, its the 4chan kids who are extremely skilled at using the internet and technology to discover emails and dox people and create a climate of terror, he told CPJ. My impression is that it will happen more and more. I think the right are getting more aggressive than the left ever was. Theres a climate of threats and there is no perception or comprehension that the press is part of the democratic system, that their job is to analyze and criticize, he added. The right is much less sophisticated. They think that if you are not for them then you are against them. And if you are against Bolsonaro then you are an enemy of the nation. That sense of us against them has also seeped into journalism. Before the presidential run-off election, the National Federation of Journalists criticized Bolsonaro and said journalists had an ethical obligation to position themselves against a candidate that is an apologist for violenceand lauds torturers, hates blacks, women, LGBTIs, indigenous people, and the poor. Most media organizations have taken pains to remind their staff to stay impartial. They have also doubled efforts to ensure their journalists remain safe, with lessons on how to use social media, a review of safety procedures and equipment, and warnings even over what color of clothes to wear at political eventsavoid yellow for Workers Party events and Socialist red when surrounded by Bolsonaro supporters. Editors at regional dailies such as O Povo and national ones like Folha de S.Paulo played down the threat in conversations with CPJ, saying Brazils always rambunctious environment has inured them to confrontations with both government and the public. But many reporters are less sanguine. Some told CPJ they have changed the settings on their social media to private and taken down pictures of their family. Others have removed their bylines or Twitter handles from their stories to avoid being harassed or doxed. I think a lot of people are intimidated and fearful that they will be attacked, Patricia Campos Mello, a reporter from Folha de S.Paulo who had her phone and social media accounts hacked after writing a story about alleged illegal campaign dealings by Bolsonaro supporters, told CPJ. I am much more careful because they are trying to expose journalists. I am more cautious in my approach to people in the new government because I worry they are going to use it against me. If there is a silver lining to these looming clouds it is the renewed interest in media and their role. Bolsonaro and his backers have railed against the press and made it clear they will govern, like U.S. President Donald Trump, via social media. Bolsonaros acceptance speech was delivered on Facebook and many of his cabinet announcements have come on Twitter. One of his most influential supporters has called journalists the biggest enemies of the people and in comments reminiscent of Trumps repeated attacks on the media, Bolsonaro singled out Folha for particular ire and threatened to review the governments budget for media spending. Folha immediately saw a significant spike in subscriptions, managing editor Vinicius Mota told CPJ. There is a positive reaction in the sense that people are recognizing the value of professional journalism, Mota said in an interview at the Folha offices in Sao Paulo. Like the so-called Trump bump that happened in the United States, there is also a positive reaction here. CPJs journalist safety kit offers advice on physical, digital, and psychological safety. [Reporting from Sao Paulo] Auditor general says tourism minister lied to House panel Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari and Auditor General Tanka Mani Sharma have made different claims regarding the purchase of two wide-body aircraft by Nepal Airlines Corporation. Tamil Nadu: Tsunami victims remembered on 14th anniversary December 27,2018 | Source: Business Standard The tsunami victims of 2004 in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry were remembered Wednesday on the 14th anniversary of the natural disaster. Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar paid tributes in Chennai, while Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy paid homage to the victims in the Union Territory. Floral tributes, prayers and silent processions in the affected districts of Tamil Nadu like Chennai, Cuddalore and Nagapattinam marked the remembrance. Emotional relatives remembered their near and dear ones, 14 years after the giant waves swallowed them on a Sunday morning. In Chennai and Cuddalore, members of various fishemen's organisations and relatives of the victims threw flower-garlands and poured milk in the sea, as a mark of respect for the departed ones. The people of 64 fishing hamlets in Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts observed the day by taking out candle processions and paying floral tributes at memorials. Tamil Nadu Minister for Handlooms O S Manian led the special events in Nagapattinam. When the clock struck 9:17 AM, people rose to observe a minute's silence to pay homage to the 6,065 persons who lost their lives in Nagapattinam in 2004. District Collector C Sureshkumar,Superintendent of Police C Vijayakumar and other officials participated in the silent marches and candle processions. At Velankanni, a special mass was conducted at the Shrine Basilica in memory of the tsunami victims. A silent procession was also taken out. In Puducherry, Narayanasamy and others, including representatives of various fishermen outfits, poured milk into the sea to pay homage to the victims. Sand sculptures, depicting the victims of the killer waves, were also showcased on the sea shore. Punjab: Ban imposed on sale of Magur fish December 27,2018 | Source: The Times of India Police commissioner Sukhchain Singh Gill has banned the sale and breeding of Magur fish (or mangoor) in all areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Ludhiana police commissionerate. As per the ban order issued under Section 144 of the CrPC, for meagre financial gains some anti-social elements have been smuggling Magur fish, which is harmful for health, from other countries. This type of fish preys on its own breed posing a major health risk for humans and animals. If this specie mixes with our natural waters, it can be harmful to insects and other fish. Through another order, the commissioner has imposed a ban on hookah bars operating in the city. Gill said it has come to his notice that some hookah parlours are operating illegally in the city and they are causing serious harm to the residents as hookahs contain tobacco, harmful chemicals etc. Keeping in view the health of the city residents, operating hookah bars in the city has been prohibited. Moreover, Gill has also released an order banning use of loudspeakers from 10pm to 6am in all the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the police commissionerate. The commissioner, while exercising his powers under Section 144 of the CrPC, has said that no person would be allowed to play loudspeakers on high volume from 10pm to 6am. The order stated that when playing loudspeakers on high volume causes noise pollution and affects the common man, animals, birds, sick people etc. Gill said that if someones wants to organize a programme in this period, permission from the concerned authorities would have to be obtained. For about two months, the assembly of five or more persons, carrying of arms and ammunition and flammable materials has been prohibited in the city. Jammu and Kashmir: Samoon inspects facilities at fish marketing complex December 27,2018 | Source: Greater Kashmir Principal secretary animal, sheep and fisheries department, Dr Asghar Hassaan Samoon on Tuesday inspected infrastructure and civic facilities here at wholesale and retail fish marketing complex, Narwal. He was accompanied by deputy commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; Jammu municipal commissioner (JMC), Pankaj Magotra; director animal husbandry, Dr Victor Kaul; director Sanjeev Kumar and other officials of fisheries department. Representatives of fish traders were also present on the occasion. Dr Samoon had a detailed tour of the facility and asked for optimal utilization of its services. He stressed on providing best and satisfactory customer service besides providing best facilities including ice plant for preservation of fish stocks to the sellers. Saying that hygiene shall be priority, Dr Samoon asked for regular monitoring of material being sold in the market. We will ensure that a dedicated team under the supervision of JMC health officer will check the food items being sold here on daily basis. Public health is our priority and it will be maintained as one of the well organized and well maintained fish markets in India, Samoon told officials. He asked officers for segregation and disposal of waste on scientific lines at the facility. The JMC commissioner assured the principal secretary of full support in dealing with the waste and other is-sues at the facility. Fish traders delegation thanked Dr Samoon for coming up with the facility which will help the sector besides boosting economy of the people associated with trade. Andhra Pradesh: Achieves 11% growth in agriculture December 27,2018 | Source: Telangana Today Agriculture and allied sectors in Andhra Pradesh have registered a 11% average growth rate for the past four and half years against 2.4% growth at all India level, despite deficit rainfall. Releasing a white paper here on agricultural growth in the past four and half years, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said his government gave top priority for agriculture growth in the past five years by spending Rs 82,000 crore. He referred to the comments of MS Swaminathan on agriculture in United Nations Organisation and stated that the State faced severe crisis in agricultural sector during 2014 and Anantapur district experienced drought conditions for the last two decades. Despite of adverse situation the State government allotted major chunk of its budget to agricultural sector and doubled the income of farmers in the past four years. The government provided water and seed security to farmers and allotted Rs 19,070 crore for agricultural sector in the 2018-19 budget. The Chief Minister said 103.35 lakh soil health cards were distributed covering 68 lakh farm holdings in the past four and half years. About 1.80 lakh MTs of micronutrients supplied to farmers with 100% subsidy and 4095 MPEOs were appointed for the benefit of farmers. Despite non-cooperation from the Centre, his government had been implementing farm loan waiver scheme and paid Rs 15,147 crore to 58.29 lakh farmers with interest. The Chief Minister said that the mega seed park coming up in 650 acres at Tangadencha agricultural farm in Kurnool district in collaboration with IOWA State University at a cost of Rs 670 crore would distribute quality seeds to the entire nation. To protect the interests of tenant farmers Rs 9411 crore of loans were disbursed among 25.05 lakh tenant farmers and the govenrment procured various agricultural products for the past four and half years at a cost of Rs 3556 crore. The Chief Minister said AP stood first in maize, jowar and rice production during 2016-17. For the first time, the government enhanced input subsidy for paddy, sugarcane, cotton and ground nut crops from Rs 10,000 to Rs15000, for maize from Rs 8333 to Rs12,500 and for pulses and sunflower crops from Rs 6,250 to Rs10,000. AP also was first in zero budget natural farming which was being implemented in 972 villages in 331 mandals covering 1.67 lakh acres, he stated. The ZBNF won global award at Paris peace forum under development and environment programme section. A target was set to extend the ZBNF to 5 lakh farmers this year and the NITI Ayog also praised the efforts of AP in organic farming through ZBNF, he said. Coming to horticulture, the Chief Minister said that AP was in first position in production of chillies, cocoa, lime, oilpalm, papaya, coconutand tomato and second position in production nof cashew, mango, turmeric and sweet organge. He said Anantapur district would emerge as a big horticulture hub. AP also was No.1 in total fish production and value in the country first in aquaculture area, first in Inland fish production, fourth in marine fish production and contributes 22% of total fish production and 65% of shrimp production in India. AP stands as a major exporter of shrimp in India with share of 45%, he said. Child marriage, once rampant, sees decline in a rural community A little over two years ago, Suraj Mali got married. He was 10.Today, when asked about his wife, Mali cannot summon up an answer. He doesnt even know her name. He says that his father made him marry the girl without his consent. Like most people from the Dome community in the region, Mali has never been to school. Bangladesh: A smart device may revolutionise fish farming in ponds by Shykh Seraj December 27,2018 | Source: The Daily Star I remember when I used to tell farmers to do fish cultivation in ponds during the '80s, they used to get surprised. They used to reply, "What do you mean by fish cultivation, rice and jute can be cultivated." Farmers didn't use to think about cultivating anything else beside rice and jute. Ponds were used for bathing and washing clothes only. Yet, fish cultivation in a pond can meet a farm family's health needs and earn some extra money at the same time. To encourage farmers to do fish farming, I made a filler titled, 'Hakim Ali'r Machh Chash' (Hakim Ali's Fish Farming), that went on air on Bangladesh Television. It became very popular. After that, you can say a countrywide fish production revolution took place. Now the country ranks third in fish production globally. On the other hand, due to our scientists' research, new varieties of fish have been introduced. Fish production has developed a lot, thanks to the government's fish production extension policy and awareness campaigns. According to Fisheries Department, Bangladesh has earned self-sufficiency in fish cultivation. In 2017, 41.34 lakh (4.1 million) tonnes of fish were produced countrywide. The total production of fish was 7.54 (0.7 million) lakh tonnes in 1983-84 fiscal year. In 33 years, the production has increased to 41.34 lakh tonnes in 2016-17 fiscal year. Meaning, in this period, the total fish production has increased 5.5 times. According to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, daily fish consumption amount of Bangladeshis has increased as well up to 62.58 gram from 60 gram. Even after such success in fish cultivation, we have learned about some problems from fish farmers recently. Fish farmers also mentioned some problems during this year's Krishi Budget Krishoker Budget (Farmers' Voices in Budget). Some of the main problems are lack of farm labourers, increase of ammonia in water, decrease of oxygen, high price of fish feed, lack of nutrition in feed, etc. 90 percent of the farmers have made such complaints. A farmer's son has brought a solution to these problems. His name is Shafiul Alam. He is a software engineer by profession. I am going to tell his story today, dear readers. In the first week of December, I went to South Korea to visit Asia's biggest yearly innovation fair. Korea's temperature was below minus at that time. It was freezing. The yearly innovation fair took place in the city Gangnam. I am sure you remember the song Gangnam Style which created a stir in YouTube's history. The fair was organised in Gangnam city COEX Hall. Youth, innovation, technological progress and industrial trade -- the fair has it all. Due to the progress of information and communication technology, this year's exhibition has created a stir worldwide. Among 606 innovations of 33 countries, only 40 innovations were selected through various selection processes. Korea's Ministry of Law and Justice is mainly supervising this arrangement. Also, World Intellectual Property Organisation and International Federation of Innovators Association Korea are helping too. In this innovation fair for making life convenient and beautiful, Shafiul Alam is our centre of pride. On the other hand, in this huge arrangement, this is the only agriculture based innovation. It is great news for Bangladesh considering the huge global success of Bangladesh in fish cultivation. The prototype of Shafiul is being demonstrated in the fair. Seeing the prototype, you won't understand the extent of its utility and specialty. I talked to Shafiul in the fair about the details of his invention. He said that his father is a farmer. His grandfather was a farmer too. He is from a farm family. At the same time, watching BTV's Mati O Manush during childhood, he was inspired to dream about agriculture. His wife, Tania Chowdhury is also a software engineer. The result of their combined research is a smart device which works automatically as an aerator (a device which adds oxygen to the water in a fish pond with two propellers). At the same time, it has an auto-feeding system that distributes feed. It also reads the amount of ammonia and fish movements. Due to auto-charging facility, the device is very convenient to use. All these are controlled by internet, either through desktop or through mobile Wi-Fi. The market price has not been fixed yet but it will be a little costly, Shafiul said. Shafiul says fish production will be much higher using the technology. Our fisheries sector has reached a great height holding the hands of numerous young entrepreneur farmers. The credit of being third best in the world for fish production goes to our farmers, scientists, researchers and media. They are overcoming obstacles one after another to make this sector a success. The entrepreneurs in this sector, which has turned into an industry, welcomed technology and inputs all these years. From fish feed, pond renovation, water change to the developed world's modern aerator machine, they are familiar with it all. Along with various technical additions in many sectors of fish cultivation, came automated feed providing system in fish ponds. This project of software engineer Shafiul Alam follows the continuous evolution of technology. For innovating this smart device Shafiul has won the third prize (Bronze) in A Big Think competition and also won a silver medal for the same in the fair. He won the scholarship as international participant of Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA) and Korea Productivity Center (KPC). Korea is looking for developed research and technological success worldwide. They are evaluating naturally creative inventors in many ways. Korea valued Shafiul's innovation, Smart aerator with auto feeding system, with highest significance of course. Specially, Korea's Fisheries Information and Content Technology Association's Director, Park In-Jong, is seeing this project as a huge scientific success. He claimed this innovation of Shafiul is very important for fish farmers all over the world, including South Korea and Bangladesh. The patent of the device will be ready by the middle of next year. Then, commercial production will start. Park told us not only about Korea's fisheries but also about the extension of smart technology in overall agriculture. Specially, they are progressing with a goal of adding smart technology in agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors by 2022. For this, their focus is on the world's young scientists, researchers and their startup initiatives. Developed countries are now involved in collecting talent, scientific excellence, innovation and ideas in a planned manner worldwide. And South Korea is way ahead in this regard. They are investing highest amount of money and focus in many sectors of technology. Thus, they are getting instructional innovation and commercial prospects in new directions of today and the future. There are many exemplary initiatives here for a developing country like ours. Our government's information and communication sector should properly evaluate inventors like Shafiul and their innovations. Even though we are proud claimants of this essential technology for the fisheries sector, yet Korea has gained the hardware rights of this device and the software rights stay with Shafiul. The way the works and ideas of potential young people are being taken towards globalisation successfully, similarly we need policy preparation to keep the country's achievements in the country. People in Bangladesh now face execution for a range of non-violent drug offences. The Narcotics Control Act 2018, which came into effect on 27 December, mandates either the death penalty or life imprisonment for anyone convicted of committing a range of drug offences. Such crimes include trading or producing over 25 grams of heroin or cocaine, and trading or producing over 200 grams of methamphetamine (colloquially known as "yaba"), Dhaka Tribune reports Trading or producing less than 200 grams of methamphetamine, or less than 25 grams of cocaine or heroin, will now be punished by between two and 10 years imprisonment. Under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, "when any person is sentenced to death, the sentence shall direct that he be hanged by the neck till he is dead". Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan claimed that such strict punishments were necessary to dissuade people from drug use; "This youth society loses their ability to work, service attitude, and creativity, due to drug addiction and they become a burden for the nation in the process". He added that the implementation of the new law meant that "We'll surely succeed in controlling drugs". The movement towards implementing capital punishment for drug offences in Bangladesh began in 2017, following an apparent rise in methamphetamine use, and increasingly heated political discussions on the subject. As TalkingDrugs reported, the country's Department of Narcotic Control warned that the country "[needed] to do something drastic without any delay to come out from this evil situation. Otherwise, the whole nation may immediately start suffering so much [that it] will go beyond recovery and repair". In the interim period, between officials voicing their desire for the death penalty and the law coming into effect, authorities seemingly began their own illegal and deadly drug war bearing similarities to the ongoing slaughter under President Duterte in the Philippines. Hundreds of people have been killed by law enforcement in 2018 for alleged involvement with the drug trade. Authorities have claimed that all those killed were shot to death in exchanges of gunfire, but human rights groups and some witnesses claim people are being executed some for political reasons or personal vendettas entirely unrelated to drugs. Khan has warned that this war will continue until we bring [drugs] under complete control. He denounced those killed as not good people, and said there was no question that they all sold illegal drugs. The lack of evidence and oversight in these killings suggests that the state may continue to execute people under the new drug law without sufficient proof of guilt. Executing people for drug offences is a violation of international law. Article 6.2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights reads: "In countries which have not abolished the death penalty, sentence of death may be imposed only for the most serious crimes". In 2017, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recognised that 'the most serious crimes' ... has been interpreted to mean only crimes involving intentional killing. Including Bangladesh, there are 33 countries - including Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and the US - which retain the death penalty for drug offences. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde There are close to 1,300 death row inmates in Malaysia KOTA KINABALU: The families of two convicts on death row are elated with the governments plan to abolish the death penalty, and cannot wait for the law to be passed. Duis Akim and Vincent Gisup were sentenced to death alongside a third person, Hendry Motutud, over the murder of a 7-Eleven clerk at Penampang in 2001. For the families, it has been a living nightmare waiting for the duos execution. Duis younger sister Angelina said the experience had been particularly tough on both families. The trio had been acquitted at the High Court, but this was reversed by the Court of Appeal, who sentenced them to death by hanging. They were free for five years and then jailed again before being sentenced to death, Angelina told FMT. She said the episode was a living nightmare. We are restless, upset, sad and cant sleep much. When we do fall asleep, we wake up thinking about their impending sentence. My mother can suddenly break down just like that because she is so heartbroken. That is why were praying for the abolishment to go through, she said. Were not saying they should be freed, because the court has ruled they are guilty. But please dont take another life. Duis mother Kindayom Jidu, 64, is praying hard the abolition of the death sentence would indeed take place. I actually feel a loss already although the execution has yet to be carried out, said Kindayom, who broke into tears several times during the interview. Imprisonment is enough of a sentence for them, she added. Duis, Vincent and Hendry were first freed of murder on July 10, 2007, after a trial that lasted 22 months, in which 24 witnesses were called. Five years later, on Jan 11, 2012, the Court of Appeal sentenced the trio to death after finding them guilty on a joint charge of murdering Wilfred Thomas, 34, at a 7-Eleven store in Donggongon, Penampang on May 26, 2001. The court allowed the appeal and set aside the High Courts order of acquittal and discharge and substituted it with the three respondents being found guilty and convicted of the murder. They were convicted under Section 302 of the Penal Code which carries the mandatory death sentence on conviction. The Federal Court then upheld the ruling after the trio lost their appeal later in December the same year. They have been waiting for the death sentence ever since. Another sibling of Duis, who declined to be named, said she understood it would be difficult for families of victims to accept the abolishment of death penalties. But our plea is a life has been tragically taken, but why should another life be taken as well? We hope forgiveness is there although we know to forgive is not so easy, she said. A bill to abolish the mandatory death penalty is expected to be tabled at the next Dewan Rakyat sitting. Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Liew Vui Keong said the Attorney-Generals Chambers was currently in the final stages of preparing the legislative papers for this purpose. The Cabinet had decided that the death penalty for 33 offences under eight acts of law would be abolished, including Section 302 of the Penal Code (for murder). The laws are the Firearms (Heavier Penalties) Act 1971, Firearms Act 1960, Kidnapping Act 1961, Armed Forces Act 1972, Water Services Industries Act 2006, Strategic Trade Act 2010 and Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. As of October this year, there were 65,222 prisoners, including 1,281 death row inmates. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde I am a retired newspaperman. I live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 44 years, Lou Ann. I grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather. Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com Oh 'strewth, guv'nor, I been an' gone an' dunnit again! Er, thieving, that is, but in my defence, I usually confine my activities to thieving from first class people with considerable expertise and who know very accurately where-of they write. In this case, Mr. Anthony Browne, former Europe Editor of The Times. At this point I throw myself on the mercy of Mr. Browne and The Spectator and plead the public's, well, my 15 readers anyway, right to be informed. Defence rests, m'Lud! A no deal Brexit would be the EU's fault I stood next to Jean Claude-Juncker, then president of the European Council and prime minister of Luxembourg, when news flashed up on the TV screens of the astonishing rejection by French voters of the draft European Constitution in their 2005 referendum. He could have responded in so many ways, to try to understand why the voters in traditionally one of Europes most Europhile countries emphatically rejected further EU integration. But his immediate response, without drawing breath, was: They will just have to vote again. In fact, the French voters werent trusted to give the right answer second time around, and so the treaty was pushed through the French parliament instead. Dial forward 13 years, and Juncker is now president of the European Commission, and Britains government has been trying to agree a Brexit deal with him in the response to the UKs own referendum. It now seems increasingly likely that the UK and EU will not reach an agreement, and that the UK will leave in March 2019 with no deal. The Government has gone into full no-deal planning mode. Business groups are issuing dire warnings. Conservative MPs are already threatening to resign the Tory whip if we crash out of the EU. The blame game has already started: if we do leave the EU without a deal, whose fault would it be? It is almost certain that many people on both sides of the Channel will point fingers at the UK government, and the PM in particular. The chaos and division on the Tory side has certainly given many reasons to do so. The British chattering classes love nothing better than to blame Britain and even better, the Tories. But it takes two sides to reach an agreement. And this comes back to the instinctive intransigence and unwillingness to compromise of the EU. There is plenty of fault on the EU side, for leaving the UK with a draft treaty so one-sided that it seems inevitable that Parliament will reject it. Even then the EU refused to compromise at all when Theresa May asked for some wiggle room. Many helped push the EU and Juncker in this direction. Some are already pointing fingers at Tony Blair, who has been abusing his position as former prime minister to actively lobby for a second referendum. To the extent he has had any effect, his efforts would have made a deal less likely. Irish diplomats have been quoted as being delighted in how they managed to get the EU and Juncker to weaponise the Northern Irish border. But the Irish government also fears that it may have overplayed its hand that their great triumph could backfire and lead to a no-deal Brexit, of which the biggest victim would be Ireland. Yet there is a problem deeper than this. In twenty years of being involved with EU politics, I have come to realise that, although the EU has many much-publicised flaws and indeed many great strengths there is a fundamental flaw that underlines them all which is rarely mentioned. It is at the root, not just of the troubled Brexit negotiations, but of the EUs mounting problems with the European public. It is the fundamental reason why the UK is leaving in the first place, and why Switzerland and Norway could never join. It is why a prime minister with no democratic mandate was imposed on Italy, whose voters responded by electing populists. It is why Eastern European countries are electing leaders who rail against the EU. It is why the EU hates referendums, and works to overturn them if it gets the wrong answer. It is why the principle of subsidiarity doing things at national level where possible, and only at EU level where necessary is comprehensively ignored. It is why every country that joins the EU is forced by treaty to join the Euro whether or not they want to. It is why national leaders consistently fail to deliver the EU to their citizens, and so end up trying to deliver their citizens to the EU just as David Cameron did after his pre-referendum negotiations, and Theresa May is valiantly trying to do now. Until the EU accepts this flaw, it will fail to address it, and will continue its losing battle with European public opinion. The EU has at its core not a sense of fairness, but of coerciveness. There is a belief not in doing the fair and pragmatic thing, but that building Europe or protecting Europe, justifies forcing countries to do things they dont want to do. I used to speak to British cabinet ministers before and after they went into European Council meetings, and frequently saw them defeated on the most reasonable measures but they felt compelled to claim a completely fictitious victory in public. Every time the Commission forced a country to do something they didnt want to do, officials would see it as a triumph. I remember the delighted face of an EU official who had outmanoeuvred the UK government and forced it to abandon its long held objection to adopting EU crimes. Flush with victory over a democratically elected government, he crowed to me: it is a rules based system. They have to follow the rules. But rather than making the EU stronger with contented members and good friends as neighbours, this coercive attitude risks destroying the EU, and alienating natural allies such as the UK. Negotiations work best, and lead to more sustainable results, if each side has a sense of what is fair for the other side. That is the instinct of many EU member states and politicians that I have spoken to. But the EU as a whole does not operate like that. If the more powerful side of a negotiation tries to force the other side to agree unfair terms, the negotiations either break down or the result is unsustainable. When David Cameron got offered virtually nothing in his negotiations with the EU because they thought they could get away with it, the UK electorate ended up voting for Brexit. Theresa May now faces the same problem. Leaked communications from the EU negotiators saw them boasting they retained all control. Their objective was not a fair deal between partners, but to use their leverage to get what they could. Fair enough you might say, but such an approach risks the outright collapse of the deal, and longer term bitterness. Many on the other side realise that the EUs intransigence risks causing a no-deal Brexit. Yanis Varoufakis, the celebrated former Greek finance minister who carries scars from his struggles with EU negotiators, warned recently that the EU had declared waron the UK, and that You do not negotiate with the EU because the EU does not negotiate with you. The Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki warned just before Christmas that the EUs harsh behaviour would derail Brexit, and urged them to help May. The present existential crisis for the EU is an opportunity for reform, to give up its coercive ways and become more flexible, to focus on serving member states rather than controlling them. To become a club confident enough that it can be generous rather than threatening when people want to leave, to have as its ambition deals with its neighbours that both sides see as fair. But there is little sign that the EU is learning those lessons, with leaders insisting the solution to the crisis is more Europe. Insanity, said Benjamin Franklin, is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. If the EU carries on the same, the results wont be different. It will be more crisis. Anthony Browne is a former Europe Editor of the Times, and director of Policy Exchange Cell phones and bags that two thieves snatched from foreign women in Nha Trang. Photo by VnExpress/An Phuoc Nha Trang police Wednesday arrested two men responsible for dozens of street theft cases targeting foreign women. Vo Van Cuong, 23, and Nguyen Viet Hoang, 19, have been placed under criminal investigation for "stealing properties," a crime punishable by up to three years in jail. Vietnamese law treats theft as a criminal offense if the stolen propertys value exceeds VND2 million ($87). As Cuong and Hoang drove a motorbike at a fast speed on Hung Vuong Street in Nha Trang, a top tourist destination in the central province of Khanh Hoa, police stopped them. Cuong sped up further instead, while Hoang, riding pillion, used a pepper spray to resist the police. However, they were captured and taken to the police station. The duo confessed to the police that they had carried out dozens of robbery cases, preying on foreign tourists, mainly women. Nha Trang is a top holiday destination in Vietnam, helping to draw 2.33 million foreign tourists to Khanh Hoa in the first 10 months of this year, up 41.5 percent from a year ago. Among them, 1.4 million vistiors were from China, and 333,000 from Russia. Vietjet airplane mistakenly lands on an unauthorized runway in Cam Ranh Airport on Tuesday. Photo by VnExpress/Le Van PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc has tasked the transport ministry with ensuring no fatal aviation accident occurs in the country. In a document issued by the Government Office, Phuc expresses concern over recent incidents involving Vietnamese carriers, exposing security and safety. It tasks the Minister of Transport with directly leading the review of all existing aviation procedures, regulations and airport infrastructure, especially flight zones and flight management systems, to prevent any fatal accident from happening. Last month, an aircraft belonging to budget carrier Vietjet Air lost its nose wheels while landing at Buon Ma Thuot Airport in Vietnam's Central Highlands, injuring six passengers. On Tuesday, another Vietjet Air plane was forced to turn back several minutes after taking off from Cam Ranh Airport in the central province of Khanh Hoa due to a technical alarm. However, it mistakenly landed on an unauthorized runway that was yet to become operational. Aviation authorities have since suspended the plane's crew and the Vietjet employee responsible for the flight's operation for investigation. Vietnams aviation industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The country has served 106 million air passengers this year, up 12.9 percent over last year. Congress takes winter session as opportunity to attack government The winter session of the federal parliament is set to turn into a battleground for the government and the opposition, as the Nepali Congress on Wednesday warned that it would not give up unless the Oli administration books the perpetrators of the Nirmala Pant rape and murder case and clears irregularities in the procurement of two wide-body planes for Nepal Airlines Corporation. Two Vietnamese attractions, one natural and the other manmade, have flashed on the giant screens at Times Square in New York, wowing passers-by. The Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, and the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range in Sa Pa were promoted for the first time on December 22 at the world's most renowned public square. Many people stopped and watched the full 60 seconds of the clip and expressed great admiration. Chris (New Jersey) said: "Wow, an incredible bridge. Ive heard about it a few times over the past few months. Ive seen it on CNN, BBC... An impressive construction and its even more amazing it was built in Vietnam." Vietnams most unique bridge has become quite well-known in the U.S. after widespread coverage by major global news agencies since it opened last June. With CNN, the BBC, Reuters, Time magazine and others pulling out all the stops, a steady flow of international tourists is making its way to the Sun World Ba Na Hills, where the bridge is located. The bridge is also a fixture in top news outlets annual awards. It has won among others awards for the World's best travel photos of 2018 (CNN Travel), the World's 100 Greatest Places (Time magazine) and Pictures of the year 2018 (Reuters). The Golden Bridge. Photo by Tony Lee. The New York Times said: "In the mountains of central Vietnam, a colossal pair of hands lifts a golden thread of walkway high above the cliff-tops, as if the mountain itself has sprouted limbs." George (Pennsylvania), another passer-by at Times Square, said: "Ive seen people talk about it on Facebook and Instagram and other American media outlets, and its really beautiful. I think its a place that you want to visit once in your life, especially the Golden Bridge." Hoang Lien Son mountainrange also attracted the attention of New Yorkers with its picturesque rice terraces and dreamy clouds. Last month Hoang Lien Son was voted by travel editors and explorers of National Geographic as one of the worlds most exciting destinations and the most exciting in Southeast Asia. The Fansipan cable car is a great way to enjoy its beauty. It takes visitors on an unforgettable trip over Muong Hoa valley and rolling mountains with their primeval forest to Mt Fansipan, the top of Indochina, where there is a spectacular spiritual complex. In its introduction tothe mountain range, NatGeo said: "Thanks to a new cable car connection, tourist traffic is on the rise at 10,312-foot Fansipan, Vietnams highest peak. Still, much of this northwest mountain region (beyond the busy gateway town Sa Pa) remains rugged, rural and a world away from hectic Hanoi, about 195 miles to the southeast." The people watching the video clip were bowled over by the beauty of Hoang Lien Son. Joyce (Maine) said: "I think for those who like mountain climbing or discovering the real life in Southeast Asia, it will be a must-visit destination. I dont hike but Id love to see it from a cable car. I think it will be a fantastic trip." A man checks roasted coffee beans at a factory in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo by Reuters/Kham Vietnams coffee export volumes for 2018 are expected to increase 20.1 percent from last year, while rice exports are estimated to rise 4.6 percent. Coffee Coffee exports from Vietnam will climb an estimated 20.1 percent this year to 1.88 million tonnes, equal to 31.37 million 60-kg bags, the General Statistics Office said in a report on Thursday. Coffee export revenue for Vietnam, the worlds biggest producer of the robusta bean, will edge up 1.2 percent to $3.54 billion in the year, the report said. December coffee exports were estimated at 160,000 tonnes, worth $287 million. Rice Rice exports in 2018 from Vietnam were forecast to rise 4.6 percent from last year to 6.09 million tonnes. Revenue from rice exports in the period was expected to grow 16 percent to $3.05 billion. December rice exports from Vietnam, the worlds third-largest shipper of the grain, were estimated at 450,000 tonnes, worth $220 million. Energy Vietnams 2018 crude oil exports were seen plunging 39.5 percent from last year to an estimated 4.12 million tonnes. Crude oil export revenue in the year is expected to decline 21.2 percent to $2.27 billion. Oil product imports in the year were estimated at 11.35 million tonnes, falling 12.1 percent from the same period last year, while the value of product imports rose 7.8 percent to $7.61 billion. Vietnams 2018 liquefied petroleum gas imports were seen increasing 4.9 percent from last year to 1.43 million tonnes. Difficult choice to be made: Expert on consequences of potential Nord Stream-2 completion For Germany, it is very important to preserve economic cooperation with the Russian Federation, the expert noted. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter The businessman was corrected by one of the users after misspelling the name of the Ukrainian capital. American businessman and inventor Elon Musk has announced the appearance of Tesla Supercharger stations to recharge electric vehicles in Ukraine next year. "Most people don't know that the Tesla Supercharger network allows easy long distance travel throughout USA, most of Europe, Canada and China," he tweeted, posting a map of the stations' network. Supercharger coverage "will extend to 100% of Europe" next year, including Ukraine, Musk added, answering a question on whether the network would be expanded the following year. According to the map on the Tesla website, Supercharger stations will appear in Ukraine's Rivne and Zhytomyr regions. The businessman was also corrected by one of the users after misspelling the name of the Ukrainian capital. "Kyiv welcomes you, Elon Musk! But it is #KyivnotKiev ! "Kiev" is a wrong name," a user named vAnilla Love t wrote. "Got it," Musk replied, adding a smiley and a Ukrainian flag to his comment. Got it Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 27, 2018 The Boring Company, an infrastructure and tunneling company founded by Musk, earlier opened its first high-speed underground tunnel near Los Angeles. IT specialists begin returning to Ukraine, leaving jobs abroad journalists They were leaving Ukraine en masse in 2014-2015 due to economic instability and a threat of full-scale Russian aggression. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukraine's economy ministry to launch transparent system for state property lease in 2019 This is an area where large corruption risks are hidden, the official stressed. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukraine's GDP may grow by 3.5% in 2019 PM Groysman The consensus forecast assumes a 13% increase in Ukrainian exports in 2019. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter The next loan is expected in the first quarter of 2019. Ukraine on December 27 received a EUR 349 million loan under the Policy-Based Guarantee from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). "Today, the state budget of Ukraine received funds from a EUR 349.3 million Deutsche Bank loan under the Policy-Based Guarantee from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)," Ukraine's Finance Ministry said in a statement posted on its website on December 27. Deutsche Bank provided EUR 349.3 million loan to Ukraine in the form of two tranches: tranche A in the amount of EUR 53.2 million with four-year maturity and tranche B that totals EUR 296.1 million with ten-year maturity and a 4.5-year grace period, the ministry said. "Under this loan, the part of the World bank's Policy Based Guarantee in the amount of euro equivalent of US$375 million out of total amount of US$750 million was used," the statement said. Ukraine plans to get the next loan under the World Bank's Policy Based Guarantee in the first quarter of 2019. Read alsoIMF confirms new US$3.9 bln program approved for Ukraine As UNIAN reported earlier, the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors on December 18 approved a $750 million economic growth and fiscally sustainable services policy based guarantee for Ukraine to support important reforms in banking, anti-corruption, agricultural land, pensions, utility subsidies, and healthcare. These reforms are intended to strengthen the foundations for economic growth and macroeconomic stability in Ukraine. The $750 million guarantee is expected to help Ukraine raise about $1 billion from international markets to finance the country's budget, the World Bank said. UNIAN memo. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. Created in 1944 to help Europe rebuild after World War II, IBRD joins with IDA, a fund for the poorest countries, to form the World Bank. Ukraine joined the World Bank in 1992 simultaneously with jointing the International Monetary Fund and is now a member of all its structures. Since May 2014, the World Bank Group has provided Ukraine with US$5.5 billion and a natural gas payment guarantee worth US$500 million. Dr KC threatens to go on hunger strike from January 1 Senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC has warned of staging another hunger strike from January 1 if his demands are not met. The new speaker of the Andalusian parliament, Marta Bosquet (r), with incumbent regional premier Susana Diaz seated behind. Julio Munoz (EFE) The center-right party Ciudadanos closed a deal on Wednesday with the support of the conservative Popular Party (PP) to take control of the speakers committee in the Andalusian parliament, paving the way for the regional PP leader, Juan Manuel Moreno, to stand as the candidate for premier of the southern Spanish region. The move would see the Socialist Party (PSOE) lose power in the Junta, as the regional government is known, for the first time in 36 years. Talks in Andalusia have been ongoing since regional polls were held on December 2. The PSOE, led by incumbent premier Susana Diaz, had been expected to win the early elections, but in a shock result the party took the most seats in parliament, 33, but fell well short of a majority of 55. It was their worst result in the region since Spain returned to democracy. The PP came in second, with 26 seats, while Ciudadanos were third with 21. The major surprise was the strong performance of far-right group Vox, which won more than 391,000 votes (10.9%), giving it 12 deputies. The anti-immigration group is the first of its kind to win seats in a Spanish parliament since the end of the Francisco Franco dictatorship. It now holds the key to power in Andalusia, given that its votes, added to those of the PP and Ciudadanos, constitute an absolute majority. The move would see the Socialist Party lose power in the region for the first time in 36 years On Thursday, Marta Bosquet of Ciudadanos was voted in as the new speaker of the Andalusian parliament thanks to 59 votes from her party, the PP and Vox. The other candidate, Inmaculada Nieto of Adelante Andalucia, secured 50 votes from her own party and 33 from the PSOE. The speakers role in the parliament is key for the calling of an investiture vote and for the selection of the candidate for premier. Officially, the talks as to the make up of a future government have yet to start, but in reality they are well advanced, according to sources from both the PP and Ciudadanos. The leader of the Andalusian PP is banking on being voted into power around January 16 and wants the majority of his Cabinet to be decided five days before the investiture vote. The speakers role in the parliament is key for the calling of an investiture vote and for the selection of the candidate for premier The PP, which was ousted from power by the PSOE in the national government in June, is keen to take the reins of power in Andalusia as soon as possible. The difficulties that Ciudadanos has faced to justify the necessary inclusion of Vox in the talks, has slowed down progress. Rather than align itself with the far right party, the group which began life in Catalonia in response to the independence drive, but soon launched onto the national stage had sought a deal with Adelante Andalucia. Wednesday was a day of intense talks among the parties in a bid to find a solution that would keep everyone happy. But at 9pm last night, Adelante Andalucia announced that it would not be part of any deal and that would instead vote for its own candidates to the speakers committee in order to face up to the right wing and the extreme right. The PSOE, meanwhile, argues that having won the elections with a seven-seat lead over the PP gives it the legitimacy to aspire to the control of the regional government and the parliament, and to maintain its positions on the speakers committee. English version by Simon Hunter. Fresh batch of Nepalis start jobs in South Korea Nepali migrant workers, who were selected for jobs in South Korean after cracking the mandatory Korean language test under the Employment Permit System (EPS) this year, have started departing to South Korea. The well through which Lorca would eavesdrop when he was a child. The dark reality behind the play The House of Bernarda Alba haunted Federico Garcia Lorca for years before he turned it into literature. It was a story that the poet had stumbled upon during his youth and was to turn into one of Spanish literatures most memorable works years later. In fact, it wasnt until Lorca was asked by actress Margarita Xirgu to write the role of someone wicked for her that he turned the memory of Frasquita Alba and her daughters into a masterpiece. She was an old widow who exercised an inexorable and tyrannical control over her single daughters The House of Bernarda Alba tells the story of Frasquita Alba, her daughters, her servants and Jose Benavides known as Pepe, the Roman, in the play who is married to one of the daughters and marries another years later. The story takes place at the start of the 20th century in the town of Asquerosa in the Granada region, which is now known as Valderrubio. Lorca went to live there as an eight year old in 1906 and stayed until 1907. Subsequently, he would spend a number of summers there with his aunt, Matilde, whose home was separated by a thick wall from the home of Frasquita Alba. Federico Garcia Lorca. As the writer would tell a friend, she was an old widow who exercised an inexorable and tyrannical control over her single daughters. They were private obedient prisoners. I never talked to them, but I saw them go by like shadows, always in silence and always dressed in black. That house, the one belonging to the real-life Frasquita, has now been restored and opened to the public, becoming the latest on the list of Lorca locations in Granada province. The play is based on the conversations that Lorca eavesdropped on in a bid to understand why the Albas lived in a dumb, cold world under an African sun, a tomb of living people under the inflexible splint of a dark three-headed dog, as he would describe the situation to his friend Carlos Morla Lynch. Central to Lorcas espionage was the well that the Albas shared with Aunt Matilde. It was a well without water, according to the poet, and he would go down it when he was young as the conversations held on the other side of the wall were audible from there. To spy on this strange family whose mysterious problems fascinated me, he would explain. Now containing water, this well forms part of the new Lorca center in Valdrerrubio, which was inaugurated by the Andalusian regional premier in the presence of the poets great niece, who was thrilled by the event. Paco Reina, a Valderrubio writer and a Lorca specialist, explains that while the town was not a place with much that could satisfy Lorcas hunger for culture, his cousin Isabel would try to meet his needs by teaching him to play the guitar. And it was during these visits that he would pursue his interest in the neighbors. What he heard down the well must have made quite an impact because he still remembered it 20 years later. When he wrote the play in 1935, Frasquita Bernarda Alba had been dead for more than 10 years. What he heard down the well must have made quite an impact because he still remembered it 20 years later The play was written between the time of his conversation with the actress Xirgu, which took place in December 1935, and the poets death in August the following year the text had been finished at least several weeks earlier. Of course, Lorca never got to see the play performed. Xirgu opened it in 1945 in Buenos Aires to great acclaim, but with unfortunate consequences, opening up a rift between the two families. The granddaughter of Frasquita and the daughter of Jose Benavides sued the poets heirs without success and demanded that the play be withdrawn from theaters and bookshops. It was years before the play was to be performed in Spain. English version by Heather Galloway. OPEC Fund Partners Ameriabank to Address Problems and Help to Improve the Life of People in Armenia. T. Alnassar. Generation A: Edition 14. Exclusive Chance to Begin Your Professional Career with Ameriabank Katna Armenian cheeses enter the market: the new project of Galaxy Group of Companies US$30m OPEC Fund loan to Ameriabank to promote sustainable energy and support small businesses in Armenia Google Ad Black Friday at ucom: up to 70% discount for smart home devices, gadgets and smartphones 116 million AMD assistance to minors with disabilities in Shirak Province from Mikayel Vardanyan Discussion on the topic IT infrastructure as the basis of the digital economy with the participation of the heads of telecommunication companies in Armenia Statement nn the ongoing Aggression by Azerbaijan against the Republic of Armenia "We condemn any attempts at borderisation, as observed since the incursion of Azerbaijani troops into Armenian territory on 12 May" Joint statement The United States is deeply concerned about reports of intensive fighting today between Armenia and Azerbaijan.ANTONY J. BLINKEN Statement of the MFA of Armenia Ookla has awarded Ucom with The fastest fixedline network in Armenia award UCOM keeps on supporting the 42 YEREVAN programming school Recognizing the One-Year Anniversary of the Ceasefire Declaration Between Armenia and Azerbaijan They should not be positioned near civilian communities neither in Armenia nor in Artsakh Humanitarian and human rights protection needed following the 2020 outbreak of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh Google Ad Galaxy Group of Companies expands its activities in Belarus: a new TIME and Pandora store launched I think its a good moment to invest in Armenia. Head of Markets at Symbiotics Vincent Lehner Ameriabank has Raised USD 17.5M Tier 2 Capital UNIGHT TO UNITE. UCOM CELEBRATED ITS REBIRTH Ameriabank and HSBC Armenia to provide their customers access to each others ATMs without additional fees Ameriabank. 62.5% Growth in Taxes YOY Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans have provided 300 million AMD to overcome the infertility in Armenia UCOM has officially launched the sale of IPHONE 13 Six servicemen were wounded by the attack of the Azerbaijani armed forces in Artsakh, two of them in critical condition S&P Improved the Outlook on Ameriabank to Positive Ararat Mirzoyan to visit to Minsk Foreign Minister of India visits the Memorial of Armenian Genocide 1217 new cases NSS: Policeman was arrested while taking a bribe (video) A police officer has been arrested by national security agents while accepting a bribe from a citizen inside his patrol vehicle, the National Security Service (NSS) said. According to the NSS, a citizen whose identity is undisclosed contacted them on December 21 to report that a police officer has demanded 700 dollars in a bribe. The NSS said it revealed that the officer is a community police inspector of the Arabkir department of Yerevan. He demanded the bribe from the citizen in order to drop proceedings of a complaint that has been filed by somebody else against him. The demanded money was negotiated down to 500 USD. The NSS launched an undercover operation in cooperation with the person who reported the crime on December 26. Under control and surveillance of NSS agents, the person went to the rendezvous location with the officer to hand over the bribe inside the cops patrol vehicle. Right after the bribe was given, NSS agents apprehended the officer red-handedly. The office is placed under arrest amid an ongoing criminal case. Rothschild Trust (Schweiz) has decided to pay dividends of over UAH 556.7 million (nearly US$20.4 million) to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko for the first time in three years; the president is due to pay almost UAH 60 million (nearly US$2.2 million) in taxes, according to the Ukrainian presidential administration's press service. "The decision has been made consistent with the trust agreement, which was concluded in 2016 and cut Poroshenko off from managing Roshen. This is the first and only trust agreement in the history of Ukraine based on the international practice. It aims to separate business from politics consistent with the best international standards," the press service said in a statement on Thursday morning. Poroshenko has reported his dividends equivalent to UAH 556,742,460 to the unified state register of declarations of public and municipal officials. "He will pay almost UAH 60 million in taxes to the budget, including about UAH 8 million in the military tax, by the time established by law," the press service said. According to the press service, Poroshenko has not been receiving dividends on the companies, whose ultimate beneficiary he is, for more than three years. "The three-year dividends will be spent by Poroshenko on the financially transparent popularization of the development of statehood, ideas of Euro-Atlantic integration, support for the establishment of the united local Orthodox Church, and the promotion of the Ukrainian language. Poroshenko will also fund political advertising himself, in contrast to many other politicians who pay for commercials and boards from the budget or are unable to explain the source of those funds at all," the press service said. Some of the dividends paid by Rothschild Trust (Schweiz) will be spent on charity. According to the press service, Poroshenko put Roshen into Rothschild's trust after the company failed to find a buyer for objective reasons. The Roshen factory in Lipetsk, Russia, closed early last year. The Ukrainian government on December 21, 2018 approved the national budget spending report for 2019, where revenue from privatization are planned for earlier terms, Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova has said. "I will say more: the Finance Ministry expects that in the first quarter we will finally see the results of privatization," she said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. According to her, this year, instead of the planned UAH 21.3 billion from privatization, the national budget received only revenues from privatization of small companies in the amount of UAH 202.9 million. As a result, on December 18, the government was forced to replace this type of budget financing with borrowings, and the Finance Ministry had to raise rates on government bonds. "We want to see privatization proceeds as early as possible, as now there is a well-established bad practice: we receive assurances all the year before November that it is about to take place, and in November it is too late from the point of view of normal debt management to borrow such a sum. Of course, this is reflected in the price (borrowing)," Markarkova said. "Therefore, next year we will clearly demand the implementation of the budget revenue plan for privatization," she said. She recalled that in 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a list of large facilities, for the privatization of which advisers were selected. "Unfortunately, now some advisers are suing each other... I hope we will soon launch the privatization of large companies, including Centrenergo," the minister said. The national budget for 2019 provides UAH 17 billion of revenue from privatization. Ukraine has attracted a loan of EUR 349.3 million from Deutsche Bank under the guarantee of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the IBRD, the World Bank structure), according to the website of the Ministry of Finance. According to the ministry, the funds were received in two tranches: an A tranche in the amount of EUR 53.2 million with a maturity of four years and a B tranche in the amount of EUR 296.1 million with a maturity of ten years (four years and six months after the funds are raised, the loan is subject to gradual repayment in certain amounts every six months). Part of the guarantee of $375 million in euro equivalent of the World Bank's total guarantee in the amount of $750 million was used for the loan. The Ministry of Finance also said that attracting another loan under the unused part of the World Bank guarantee is expected in the first quarter of 2019. As reported, the World Bank Board of Executive Directors on December 18, 2018 approved the provision of guarantees to Ukraine in the amount of $750 million in support of state policy. According to a press release from the World Bank, this guarantee will help Ukraine attract about $1 billion in international markets to the national budget. KYIV. Dec 27 (Interfax-Ukraine) The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) has launched a criminal investigation into the unlawful actions of members of a military prosecutor's office during the detention of blogger Oleksandr Baraboshko, the victim says. "I have given testimony to the State Bureau of Investigations and, based on what I said and irrefutable facts, they launched a criminal investigation in which I am the victim party. On December 26, I gave comprehensive testimony about the unlawful actions of members of the military prosecutor's office during my detention. I hope this government body will investigate this case in an honest and impartial manner," Baraboshko told a press conference at the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency on December 27. He said that during his arrest on November 29, the members of the military prosecutors office inflicted light bodily injuries on him and tried to obtain evidence by force. "The case must be proved, but it can not be beaten out in any way," the blogger said. Baraboshko believes that the officers of the military prosecutors office exceeded their official authority during his unlawful detention, trying to obtain evidence by unlawful actions, and violated the inviolability of dwelling by conducting an illegal search. He said the members of the military prosecutor's office also broke the privacy of his correspondence and telephone conversations, which are transmitted by means of communication or through a computer, interfering in his private conversations and blocking access to his accounts in social networks by way of changing passwords. As earlier reported, on November 30, the Pechersky district court in Kyiv decided to arrest Baraboshko who is involved in criminal proceedings regarding the interference with a law enforcement officers private life for a period of two months with the right to pay a bail of UAH 3 million. He was later released on bail. As Irans oil exports have halved due to U.S. sanctions, the government has set 1,425 trillion rials income from oil, petroleum products and natural gas exports in the next year budget bill, which indicates a 32% growth year-on-year. Irans fiscal year starts on March 21. The projected increase of oil revenues is odd since Irans exports have decreased in recent months due to U.S. sanctions. Before the reimposition of sanctions, Iran exported 2.5 million barrels per day (mb/d) of crude oil (including gas condensate), but the volume halved and is expected to decrease further in the coming months. President Hassan Rouhani submitted the budget bill to parliament on December 25. The government budget would receive 65.5% of total oil export revenues (including gas condensate), petroleum products (diesel and fuel oil) and natural gas. The rest of the revenues would directly go to National Development Fund (NDFI) and the National Oil Company (NIOC). It is still not clear based on what kind of projections does the budget bill forecast a revenue growth from oil. There are no details about the exact oil export volume, oil price and the rate of the U.S. dollar used to calculate the revenue in local currency. However, according to earlier statements of officials and parliament members, the government forecasts the export of 1.5 mb/d crude oil and gas condensate at $54/barrel, while official USD rate would be 57,000 rials. Currently, the official USD rate is 42,000 rials and this can be part of the explanation as to why more oil income is expected. By simply changing the official currency rate to the higher number of 57,000 rilas to a dollar, the oil income also increases in local currency. Alongside oil and gas condensate, Iran is also exporting about 360,000 b/d of diesel and mazut (fuel oil). It is not clear whether the country can maintain petroleum products export volume under sanctions regime or not. Possible scenarios for budgets oil and gas incomes next year Budget Income Crude Oil export (1.5 mb/d) Petroleum products (260-360 kb/d) Natural gas (30-60 mcm/d) Total Rial-based Income (trillion rials 1,104 170 to 245 76 to150 1,425 USD-based income billion $19.4 $3 to $4.3 $1.3 to $2.6 $25 Each USD rate at 57,000 rials. Why Iran eyes 32% growth in rial-based budget oil income? Besides the arbitrary change in the USD exchange rate, which helps to project higher revenues from oil exports, there are also other factors. One important reason is a higher share from total oil revenues in the new budget plan. In the current year, the National Development Fund receives 32% of oil revenues, but it would receive only 20% next year; the difference going to the budget, increasing oil income by 12% to 65.5% for the operations of the government. This is simply taking from the nations savings account and spending money for current needs. Iran also started limited amounts of natural gas exports to Iraq in July 2017 and the volume has reportedly increased recently to about 28 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d). Baghdad has got sanctions waiver from the U.S. to continue Iranian gas imports until March 2019, but it seems the waiver would be extended beyond that date because a significant part of Iraqs electricity generation depends on Iranian gas. Baghdad recently annouced that Iraq has no choice, but to import Iranian gas for at least the next two years. The country has signed two contracts to reicive 50 mcm/d Iranian gas, but it is not clear when the volume would reach the contractual level. Iran also exports 25-27 mcm/d gas to Turkey. Setting projected oil price at $54 in the budget bill seems quite realistic, though the current Brent benchmark (which is $2-3/barrel higher than Iranian crude) stands at 52.14. However, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administrations latest short-term energy outlook report, Brent spot prices are expected to average $61 in 2019. Not many details about Iran's budget bill for the next year, presented to the parliament on December 25, have been publicly released. However, a few key points about Iran's defense budget for the next year were leaked the day after President Hassan Rouhani presented the bill amid heckling and protests by a group of hard-line MPs. Many Iranians on social media, mainly regime supporters, protested against what they called "a dramatic decline" in Iran's military budget. Iran's defense budget covers spending for the army, the IRGC, the Basij, the Defense Ministry, and the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces. In a series of tweets on December 25, Hossein Dalirian, editor of the IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency's defense desk, presented details about next year's defense budget that while indicating a decline in the budget of the Iranian Army, the budget allocated to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has increased. In one tweet, Dalirian, a reliable source in the past, wrote that the budget allocated to "preserving production capacity of defense industries" for the next year has been reduced to nearly 4 trillion rials from the current year's 7 trillion rials. By the new official exchange rate in the budget, these amounts would translate into roughly $70 million and $120 million respectively. Dalirian wrote that Iran's total annual defense budget for the next year has been deceased by 27.3 percent while the budget for the Defense Ministry, which manufactures hardware such as missiles, has been decreased by 50 percent. The IRGC's overall budget was increased from 202 trillion to 255 trillion rials or $4.7 billion. This comes while the budget for Iran's conventional army (Artesh) was decreased to 102 trillion rials from the current year's 111 trillion rials,or less than half of the IRGC budget, Dalirian tweeted. At the same time, there has been a decline in the Joint Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces budget from this year's 29 trillion rials to 4 trillion rials for next year, from what appears to be a draconian cut. In the intelligence sector, the budget for the Intelligence Ministry's foreign intelligence has been doubled. It has been increased from 400 billion to 800 billion rials, or about $14 million Dalirian wrote. Of course, the IRGC has its own vast intelligence organization with a separate budget. All of the items in the budget bill might be changed or amended during the coming weeks as the parliament debates the bill. Iran's official budget numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, especially when it comes to military and intelligence activities. Given lack of overall transparency, money from various sources can be funneled to clandestine activities. For example, what Rouhani said while presenting the budget can be as important as the official figures. He mentioned that there might be some additions to the budget from other sources. This could be a veiled reference to withdrawing funds from Irans savings. In January 2018, the Rouhani administration withdrew some $4.8 billion from the National Development Fund to amend the budget allocated to the IRGC and state-controlled broadcaster IRIB. It could well be that reductions in some military budget line items in the current bill can be later increased with money withdrawn from the special development fund, which is supposed to help ensure the well-being of future generations. Government to purchase 300 electric buses The government has decided to purchase 300 electric buses in an apparent bid to provide respite to the Kathmandu denizens who are forced to breathe toxic air. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 26 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Dec. 27. The Armenian armed forces were using heavy machine guns. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Samir Ali - Trend: The Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh is ready for constructive talks with the Armenian community, Trend reports citing Chairman of the Azerbaijani community of Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region Tural Ganjaliyev Dec. 27. "We are ready for negotiations. The occupied territories of Azerbaijan must be liberated, 80,000 members of the Azerbaijani community must return to Nagorno-Karabakh. We are ready to live together with the Karabakh Armenians within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, because we do not take a hostile attitude towards anyone. We want to return to our homeland. The Armenian community should understand that their happy future can be secured within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. If they want a happy future, then the return of Azerbaijanis to Nagorno-Karabakh must be ensured. We are ready to return," Ganjaliyev said. Ganjaliyev added that Armenians constantly make provocations on the contact line of troops, trying to prevent constructive negotiations. He underlined that Azerbaijan always demonstrates a constructive position in resolving the conflict, and is ready for negotiations. "Baku always condemns provocative actions and invites the opposite side to negotiations. The Armenian side is making provocations not for the first time; provocations are always expected," Ganjaliyev said. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Samir Ali - Trend: The Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region will appeal to international organizations over illegal actions of Armenians in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, Tural Ganjaliyev, chairman of the Azerbaijani Community of the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan Public Union said at a press conference, Trend reports Dec. 27. He also noted that starting from next year, the Azerbaijani community will participate in international events. We intend to participate in debates with international organizations and be active on social networks, Ganjaliyev said. The Armenian side spreads slander trying to convince international organizations. We will spread the truth through social networks and at international events. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 28 By Rashid Shirinov - Trend: Twenty seven years have passed since the occupation of Khankendi city of Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenian invaders occupied Nagorno-Karabakhs center Khankendi and its Kerkijahan settlement, which had significant strategic importance for the city and surrounding areas, in 1991. Khankendi turned out fully occupied after the capture of the Kerkijahan settlement on December 28. Defense of Kerkijahan was organized by self-defense units formed of villagers, the newly established group of military police and the National Army of Azerbaijan. As a result of Armenians attack with military vehicles and heavy weapons, those who defended Kerkijahan had to retreat. Azerbaijani families who had suffered Armenias attacks left Khankendi and took refuge in Aghdam, Shusha, Khojaly, and other neighboring areas of the country. As a result of the occupation of Kerkijahan by the Armenian armed groups, 34 of 1,796 habitants of the village, including three women and two children, were killed and more than 150 people were wounded. Armenian troops destroyed two schools, a kindergarten, library, club, ATS, 10 shops, a hospital, 15 production facilities, etc. Unlike most other cities in Azerbaijan, Khankendi was one of the youngest cities of the country. Archives say that the city was founded at the end of the 18th century by Karabakh khans. At first, it was a settlement for resting of khans family members and his inner circle. Therefore, the area was called Khanin kendi (Khans village) and then its name was transformed into Khankendi. In the 20th century, Khankendi became one of the industrial and cultural centers of Azerbaijan. Modern enterprises were built in the city, and by the end of the Soviet period in Azerbaijan, a famous silk combine, shoe, carpet and sewing factories, dairy plant, winery and dozens of smaller enterprises were operating in Khankendi. Products of the electrotechnical plant, furniture factory, building materials combine and asphalt plant gained popularity in Azerbaijan and beyond. Today, after more than a quarter-century have passed since the occupation of Khankendi, Azerbaijani internally displaced people still wait for the return to their native places. Regrettably, their desire remains unnoticed by the world community Armenia keeps ignoring four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. Azerbaijan tries to resolve the conflict as soon as possible, while the aggressor Armenia does the opposite by making every effort to preserve the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh. Currently, 20 percent of the Azerbaijani territories remain under Armenian occupation and over 1 million of refugees and IDPs have to live far away from their homes in hope of returning there someday. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: Despite the longstanding negotiations on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan was offering positive proposals, however, unfortunately, Armenia always reacted negatively to them, Tural Ganjaliyev, chairman of the Azerbaijani Community of the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan, told Trend Dec. 27. He was commenting on the words of David Babayan, who calls himself "spokesperson" of the "head" of the separatist regime. Ganjaliyev said that as a result of the conflict, 20 percent of Azerbaijani lands was occupied, more than a million refugees and IDPs, including more than 80,000 Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh, were expelled from their native lands. The four resolutions of the UN Security Council dated 1993 require the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the invading forces from the territory of Azerbaijan and the return of people expelled from these lands, he added. We, the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, are ready to restore contacts with the Armenian community and a constructive dialogue in peace and within the internationally recognized borders and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The time has come to make progress in resolving the conflict. He said that the continuation of the aggression policy towards Azerbaijan left Armenia aside from the projects being implemented in the region. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: Azerbaijan's State Security Service (SSS) continues intensive investigations in connection with the detection and prevention of intelligence activities against Azerbaijan by foreign intelligence agencies, Trend reports referring to the SSS message. As a result of operational investigations carried out according to the criminal case initiated by the SSS, a multistage intelligence work in Azerbaijan of foreign intelligence services representatives, which has been ongoing for many years, the organization of secret meetings in neighboring countries and profound intelligence work, consisting channels for attracting employees of the Azerbaijani SSS to individual cooperation, was exposed. The relevant persons were held criminally liable for high treason in the form of espionage and other crimes, revealed the fictitious and real personalities of the employees of foreign intelligence agencies, intelligence techniques, operational intelligence work was exposed and neutralized right up to the first source. It was established that Zakir Ismayilov, born in 1959, having received a pseudonym, was attracted to secret cooperation by foreign intelligence agencies. He, acting to the detriment of state security and national interests of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during his work as head of the department and in other responsible positions in the former Ministry of National Security of Azerbaijan committed treason against his motherland, regularly providing information to foreign intelligence agencies about his position activities that he was able to obtain, information about personnel and other secret data. Also, being retired in the period from 2015, using old connections and opportunities, he provided information on changes in security agencies, analyzes about possible intelligence methods against the special services of Azerbaijan. Zakir Ismayilovs secret and encrypted correspondence with foreign intelligence services, documents sent to foreign intelligence agencies, electronic media with secretly collected information, audio recordings and other numerous materials of importance in the case were discovered during the investigation. Zakir Ismayilov was prosecuted and arrested under Article 274 of the Criminal Code (treason against the state). It was also revealed that during his visits to foreign countries, Bahruz Yusifzade, born in 1977, after leaving for the reserve in the state security agencies, organized meetings with employees of foreign special services who contacted him through a foreign citizen, whom he had previously attracted to secret cooperation, was attracted to cooperation and was instructed to try to get a position in the Azerbaijani intelligence services. Bahruz Yusifzade was exposed while carrying out activities in this direction. Video and other materials proving the espionage activities of Bahruz Yusifzade and the fact that he received funds from foreign intelligence services were uncovered. Yusifzade was prosecuted and arrested under Article 274 of the Criminal Code (treason against the state). In the course of the ongoing criminal case, cases facilitating the commission of criminal acts were identified, others were prosecuted for various criminal acts, possible results were eliminated, taking into account the importance of information received by foreign intelligence agencies using the already exposed espionage work. Presently, investigative and operational activities related to the criminal case continue. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: Everything is calm at the positions of the Azerbaijani army, and the army units control the operational situation, Trend reports referring to the country's Defense Ministry. The Armenian media had earlier spread information that allegedly there was shooting at the positions of the Azerbaijani army located on the front line. Commenting on the reports, the ministry stressed that this is just cheap propaganda aiming to hide chaos, indiscipline and arbitrariness in the Armenian army from the world community, including diverting attention from the shelling of peaceful Azerbaijani citizens in the direction of the Aghdam district on the front line on Dec. 26. 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. Details added (first version posted on 13:28) Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: Cessation of Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan will remain the most important task of diplomacy in 2019, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys message. This year diplomatic efforts were continued to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within Azerbaijans sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders, the message said. During the CIS summits in Dushanbe and St. Petersburg, talks were held between the Azerbaijani president and the Armenian prime minister. Moreover, three meetings have been held between the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers over the past six months. A joint declaration was adopted by the heads of the delegations of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries, the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers within the ministerial meeting held by the OSCE in Milan on December 6, 2018. An agreement on the continuation of negotiations on just settlement of the conflict peacefully, compliance of the agreement reached in Dushanbe at the level of the heads of the two countries was stressed in the declaration. In 2018, international organizations adopted a number of important documents on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, meeting Azerbaijans interests. In 2019, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry will continue its independent, flexible, pragmatic and multilateral foreign policy to ensure and maintain Azerbaijans national interests at the international level, as well as achieve the objectives of the foreign policy outlined by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: A complex of residential buildings for refugee and IDP families has been inaugurated in the city of Sumgait. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony. Chairman of the State Committee for Refugee and IDP Affairs Rovshan Rzayev informed the president and first lady of the work done there. The construction of the complex, which is in the city center, started in March, 2017. The complex is designed to accommodate 1005 refugee and IDP families. The complex, which occupies an area of 4 hectares, includes 12 buildings. It also houses a school, kindergarten, community center, police station and other infrastructure facilities. President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva viewed conditions created at the apartments and the school. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: An event dedicated to the Azerbaijani Solidarity Day and the first anniversary of the California Azerbaijan Friendship Association (CAFA) was held in the San Diego, California on December 21, 2018, Trend reports referring to the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles on Dec. 27. Organized jointly by the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles and CAFA, the event was attended by members of the Azerbaijani community, representatives of government, culture and media of San Diego. Opening the event, Executive Director of CAFA Kimiya Mammadova welcomed the guests and expressed her appreciation to all for attending this special celebration. On behalf of the community, she congratulated the people of Azerbaijan and 50 million Azerbaijanis living around the world on the Azerbaijani Solidarity Day. Kimiya Mammadova highlighted CAFAs successful first year and noted that the organization will continue its efforts in strengthening the Azerbaijani community in California as well as contributing to advancement of relations between California and Azerbaijan in various fields. Speaking afterwards, the Consul of the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles Orkhan congratulated all our compatriots on the upcoming Azerbaijani Solidarity Day and the New Year and wished every success to CAFA in their future activities. The events speakers also included the Executive Director of San Diego-Baku Friendship Association Martin Kruming and the Chairman of the Los Angeles Interfaith Council Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez. They also congratulated the people of Azerbaijan on this special celebration. Proclamations declaring Dec. 31 as Azerbaijani Solidarity Day in the City and County of San Diego were presented at the event. Following the speeches, Azerbaijani music and dance performances by Laman Musayeva were presented. The guests were also treated to authentic Azerbaijani dishes and pastries prepared by famous Azerbaijani chef of San Diego and co-owner of the citys renowned restaurant Cafe21 Leyla Bayramova. The event was received with much applause and admiration by all attendees. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: A meeting of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Novruz Mammadov, was held in accordance with the Work Plan of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers for 2018, Trend reports citing the Cabinet of Ministers on Dec. 27. Discussions on Azerbaijans Cybersecurity Strategy for 2019-2024 and the Report on the Status of Application of International Financial Reporting Standards in the Structures of Public Importance were put on the agenda of the meeting. Mammadov said that the growth of cybercrime poses a big threat in the modern world, and according to a UN report, every year over 1.5 million people become victims of crimes committed through the internet. This circumstance makes it necessary to improve the cybersecurity systems in state administration, banking and transport, national security system and other areas, expansion of other measures against cybercrime. Then, reports of Azerbaijani Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade and Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov on the issues put on the agenda were heard. Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Elman Rustamov, Head of the State Security Service Madat Guliyev, Acting Chairman of the Board of the Financial Market Supervisory Authority of Azerbaijan (FIMSA) Ibrahim Alishov and others discussed both issues. After views were exchanged, a decision was made that the agreed Cybersecurity Strategy for 2019-2024, taking into account Guluzades report, be submitted for the presidents approval. As for the second issue, taking into account Sharifovs report, a decision was made to prepare a draft order of the Cabinet of Ministers, reflecting important instructions on the issues arising from the joint report of the Finance Ministry and FIMSA, with corresponding structures. In conclusion of the meeting, Mammadov gave instructions to the heads of the corresponding structures. Details added (first version posted on 17:44) Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: A meeting of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Novruz Mammadov, was held in accordance with the Work Plan of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers for 2018, Trend reports citing the Cabinet of Ministers on Dec. 27. Discussions on Azerbaijans Cybersecurity Strategy for 2019-2024 and the Report on the Status of Application of International Financial Reporting Standards in the Structures of Public Importance were put on the agenda of the meeting. Mammadov said that the growth of cybercrime poses a big threat in the modern world, and according to a UN report, every year over 1.5 million people become victims of crimes committed through the internet. This circumstance makes it necessary to improve the cybersecurity systems in state administration, banking and transport, national security system and other areas, expansion of other measures against cybercrime. Then, reports of Azerbaijani Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade and Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov on the issues put on the agenda were heard. Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Elman Rustamov, Head of the State Security Service Madat Guliyev, Acting Chairman of the Board of the Financial Market Supervisory Authority of Azerbaijan (FIMSA) Ibrahim Alishov and others discussed both issues. After views were exchanged, a decision was made that the agreed Cybersecurity Strategy for 2019-2024, taking into account Guluzades report, be submitted for the presidents approval. As for the second issue, taking into account Sharifovs report, a decision was made to prepare a draft order of the Cabinet of Ministers, reflecting important instructions on the issues arising from the joint report of the Finance Ministry and FIMSA, with corresponding structures. In conclusion of the meeting, Mammadov gave instructions to the heads of the corresponding structures. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 Trend: Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted an event to celebrate World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year of 2019. It was attended by the BHOS managers, professors, teachers, administration staff members and students. Before the celebration the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played. Opening the gathering, Higher School Rector Elmar Gasimov extended his congratulations to the whole BHOS family on the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year holidays and wished all every success in their work. He reminded that the history of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day is rooted in late December of 1989 when citizens of Nakhchivan destroyed borders on the USSR-Iran borderline to unite with Azerbaijanis living in the neighboring country. In December 1991, this date was declared the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day, which symbolizes national unity and solidarity of all Azerbaijani living around the world. Elmar Gasimov emphasized that this year was marked for BHOS by important events and new big successes. In his words, the Higher School became a leader among national universities in terms of the number of the Presidents Scholarship holders. BHOS also hit the record for the number of applicants who earned 700 points at the entrance exams in the first specialty group, as they all gave preference to BHOS. At the end of the event, the BHOS students and the students of the Variety Arts' Chair of Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts held a holiday concert. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend: Azerbaijan is indeed turning into an international transport and logistics hub, Azerbaijani national secretary at TRACECA, expert in the field of transport and logistics Akif Mustafayev told Trend. Azerbaijan has become a key country in the region, he said. Without the participation of Azerbaijan, it is impossible to imagine the implementation of any projects in the region. Mustafayev noted that the potential of Azerbaijan in this area is very high. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway provides direct communication from China via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey with access to Europe and transportation along this route will grow from year to year, Mustafayev said. He noted that the Lapis Lazuli corridor was also added to this list, and transportation will be carried out from Afghanistan. The expert noted that the first test motorcade of 15 trucks that left the Afghan province of Herat has already reached Baku. Thanks to the attention paid by the head of state to this area, transport infrastructure in Azerbaijan is at a high level, including highways, modernization of the railway system, construction of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, etc., he added. Further, Mustafayev emphasized that the corresponding infrastructure was created in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and the work is underway in Afghanistan to improve the infrastructure and allocate the appropriate funds. Mustafayev added that tariffs should be attractive in order for more cargo to pass through the territory of Azerbaijan. It is also necessary to simplify customs procedures and pay attention to digital technologies, and the Customs Committee is working on this, the expert said. Mustafayev reminded that in 2019 the cargo will go through the Green Corridor - that is, without stopping. Trucks of those organizations and structures that have gained trust will pass through the Green Corridor, he said. The Customs Committee is already in talks with such organizations. Speaking about the Baku International Sea Trade Port, the expert stressed that high hopes are pinned on this port. A lot of work is being done in the new port, the experience of the advanced seaports is being applied, he said. The European Commission is providing technical assistance to Azerbaijan in this process. He stressed that personnel are being trained, new cranes are being purchased and installed, and the second phase of the port is being built. The TRACECA national secretary stressed that this port is probably the most modern in the Caspian Sea. The expert added that a free economic zone will be created next to this port, and Baku will once again confirm its significant role. Baku will regulate the movement of goods through the territory of Azerbaijan, along the North-South, the West-East, Lapis Lazuli routes, etc., Mustafayev said. All this coordination work will be carried out through Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Various products such as steel, cellulose, cosmetics and detergents, tobacco products are being manufactured with help of foreign investments in the Iranian province of Zanjan,the province's Deputy Chairman of the Organization of Industry, Mine and Trade Ali Kalantari said, Trend reports via IRNA. He went on to add that Irico Abhar and Alborz NAB Arash Steel companies are being established to produce steel ingots with electric arc furnace, through 10 trillion rials (about $238 million) worth of investments from an Iranian investor living in Turkey. Meanwhile, Zanjan Andia Steel Company is producing cast iron ingots thanks to Chinese investment worth 5.6 trillion rials ($133 million), Kalantari said. "Also, Silk Road Steel and Iron Company which will be melting iron into steel, is being created with help of Chinese investment of 3.73 trillion rials (about $88.8 million). Another example is Pars Hayat Company that is operating in the Abhar region, producing cellulose and cosmetic products - though Turkish investment of 2.9 trillion rials (about $69 million)," he added. Kalantari added that Fooka Sanat Saba Company operates with help of German investment of approximately 260 billion rials (approximately $6.19 million) in the recovery of ordinary cars and metal wastes. Meanwhile, Pishro Madankaran Company is also being established for production of copper concentrate, thanks to the Chinese investment of 110 billion rials (about $2.61 million). Kalantari went on to say that another company, JTI Company, has been commissioned last year with a capacity of 30 billion cigarettes per year, with an investment from Japan worth 7.69 trillion rials (about $ 183 million). "In total, foreign investment in our province is 32.5 trillion rials (about $775 million)," he said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend: The International North-South Transport Corridor in its design has indisputable competitive advantage over the traditional route from the Baltic countries to India, Russian economy expert Leonid Khazanov told Trend Dec. 27. He said that this corridor allows reducing the time and cost of delivery of goods by 35-40 percent and the distance twice. Khazanov added that thanks to the North-South project, the cargo turnover between Russia and Azerbaijan may increase. The potential cargo turnover along this corridor can be estimated at 20-30 million tons per year, and Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran will play the main role in it, he said. However, for the practical implementation of the project, it is necessary not only to develop the ports of the Caspian Sea, but also accelerate customs clearance, he noted. The projects being implemented allow looking at the future of the North-South corridor with optimism - after all, it is beneficial to many countries, and Russia and Azerbaijan will be able to greatly benefit from it, said Khazanov. Moreover, the expert noted that the North-South project may have three different routes at once: the western route (actually passing along the historical Caspian trade route), the eastern (via Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan) and the Trans-Caspian route. The North-South corridor is designed for the transportation of goods from India and the Gulf countries to Russia, Western Europe, the Baltic and Scandinavian countries. Cargo transportation by sea through the Persian Gulf, the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea to Helsinki is carried out within 45-60 days, while the North-South corridor decreases the delivery time to 20-25 days. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Rashid Shirinov Trend: Uzbekistan intends to increase exports of textile products to $7 billion by 2025, Trend reports citing Uzbek media. This is noted in the countrys Textile Industry Development Strategy for 2019-2021, presented on December 26. The Strategy was developed by the Cabinet of Ministers, along with the Economy Ministry of Uzbekistan, the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (Switzerland), KOFOTI (South Korea), KITECH (South Korea), KOTRA (South Korea), the Indian Ministry of Textiles, CITI (India), IFC, Gerzi (Switzerland), Rieter (Switzerland), Indorama Corp. (Singapore), and Jinsheng Group (China). The main objectives of the Strategy include improving the technical and technological level; ensuring production efficiency; competitiveness and research intensity of products; export growth, etc. As part of the development of international cooperation, it is planned to establish regional representative offices of Uztekstilprom Association covering the CIS countries (Russia, Belarus, South Caucasus), the EU and Southeast Asia. It should be noted that today in Uzbekistan there are more than 150 joint ventures of the textile and garment industry, of which 50 are with a 100-percent foreign capital. The bulk of the mastered foreign investments accounts for Turkey, South Korea, China, Singapore, Switzerland, Germany, the UK and Russia. The textile and garment industry enterprises account for 4.6 percent of Uzbekistan's GDP. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @ShirinovRashid Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Taleh Mursagulov - Trend: The year 2018 saw a real breakthrough in trade and economy between Azerbaijan and Belarus, Ambassador of Belarus to Azerbaijan Gennady Akhramovich said at a press conference on Dec. 27, Trend reports. He noted that following the 10 months of 2018, the trade turnover between the countries exceeded $400 million, adding that this figure may reach $450-500 million by the end of this year. There are positive statistics on both the increase in Belarus exports to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan's exports to Belarus, he said. The ambassador noted that the economies of Belarus and Azerbaijan are not competitors, but complement each other, and this once again underlines the mutually beneficial cooperation for the countries. Products of the machine engineering industry, petrochemistry, woodworking, pharmaceuticals, military-technical cooperation became the main Belarus export items to Azerbaijan, he said. In turn, Belarus also imported petrochemicals, vegetables, fruits and many other non-oil products from Azerbaijan. He noted that Azerbaijani exports to Belarus increased by 44 percent, and Belarusian exports to Azerbaijan grew threefold compared to last year. He also added that the approximate cargo traffic between Belarus and Azerbaijan amounted to about 400,000 tons this year. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Rashid Shirinov Trend: Kazakhstans GDP growth will decelerate to 3.1 percent in 2019, picking up only slowly to 3.3 percent by 2022, Trend reports citing the World Economic League Table 2019 (WELT) of the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR). In the long run, the country has a higher growth potential of around 4.6 percent, said WELT. The report noted that the growth outlook remains clouded by the economic problems of Russia and especially China, which is battling a downturn. Oil prices remain volatile with the US playing a greater role due to its shale production capacities, said WELT. The report also said that Kazakhstan depends on external demand, especially from China and Russia and is, therefore, vulnerable to oil price volatility and economic and political conditions in its key trading partners. The public finances are relatively stable, with government debt standing at 17 percent of GDP in 2018. Following three years of consecutive budget deficits, Kazakhstan achieved a surplus in 2018, according to WELT. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @ShirinovRashid Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Taleh Mursagulov Trend: A big pharmaceutical enterprise will be built in Azerbaijan, with help from Belarusian investors, Trend reports referring to Belarus ambassador to Azerbaijan Gennady Akhramovich. Akhramovich made the remarks at a press conference in Baku on Dec. 27. The enterprise will provide the Azerbaijani market with the most modern high-tech medicine, he said. First of all, the matter rests in oncology medicine, he said, adding that the enterprise will be one of the most modern in the post-Soviet area. Medicine produced at the enterprise may be exported to other countries, Akhramovich said. Azerbaijan plans to produce pharmaceutical products worth 1.3 million manats in 2019. The production will be expanded in subsequent years. Thus, the output will reach 38.8 million manats in 2020, 39.5 million manats in 2021 and 40.2 million manats in 2022. The reason for the expected sharp increase in production is that pharmaceutical plants will start operating in the country's Pirallahi Industrial Park from 2019. The industrial park, which was established in 2016, specializes in the production of pharmaceutical products. Here, as in other industrial parks, investors are exempted from paying various taxes and customs duties for seven years. ---- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Families file complaints after people go missing from Bomjans ashram Ram Bahadur Bomjan, who in 2005 earned the media moniker Buddha boy for allegedly meditating for months without food, water or sleep, has been accused in the disappearance of four of his followers. Details added (first version posted on 13:37) Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Taleh Mursagulov - Trend: The year 2018 saw a real breakthrough in trade and economy between Azerbaijan and Belarus, Ambassador of Belarus to Azerbaijan Gennady Akhramovich said at a press conference on Dec. 27, Trend reports. He noted that following the 10 months of 2018, the trade turnover between the countries exceeded $400 million, adding that this figure may reach $450-500 million by the end of this year. There are positive statistics on both the increase in Belarus exports to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan's exports to Belarus, he said. The ambassador noted that the economies of Belarus and Azerbaijan are not competitors, but complement each other, and this once again underlines the mutually beneficial cooperation for the countries. Products of the machine engineering industry, petrochemistry, woodworking, pharmaceuticals, military-technical cooperation became the main Belarus export items to Azerbaijan, he said. In turn, Belarus also imported petrochemicals, vegetables, fruits and many other non-oil products from Azerbaijan. He noted that Azerbaijani exports to Belarus increased by 44 percent, and Belarusian exports to Azerbaijan grew threefold compared to last year. He also added that the approximate cargo traffic between Belarus and Azerbaijan amounted to about 400,000 tons this year. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Details added (first version posted on 13:43) Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27 By Taleh Mursagulov Trend: A big pharmaceutical enterprise will be built in Azerbaijan, with help from Belarusian investors, Trend reports referring to Belarus ambassador to Azerbaijan Gennady Akhramovich. Akhramovich made the remarks at a press conference in Baku on Dec. 27. The enterprise will provide the Azerbaijani market with the most modern high-tech medicine, he said. First of all, the matter rests in oncology medicine, he said, adding that the enterprise will be one of the most modern in the post-Soviet area. Medicine produced at the enterprise may be exported to other countries, Akhramovich said. Azerbaijan plans to produce pharmaceutical products worth 1.3 million manats in 2019. The production will be expanded in subsequent years. Thus, the output will reach 38.8 million manats in 2020, 39.5 million manats in 2021 and 40.2 million manats in 2022. The reason for the expected sharp increase in production is that pharmaceutical plants will start operating in the country's Pirallahi Industrial Park from 2019. The industrial park, which was established in 2016, specializes in the production of pharmaceutical products. Here, as in other industrial parks, investors are exempted from paying various taxes and customs duties for seven years. ---- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.27 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), which envisages transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, allows more integration of gas infrastructure, Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) told Trend. Based on projections from GECF GGO 2018, Europe will increase its net imports of natural gas from 278 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2017 to 350 bcm in 2020 and 440 bcm in 2040, said the organization. "With this import prospects, the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) is an important option, in addition to other pipeline sources, that contributes in improving European energy security," said GECF. SGC allows diversification of gas supply sources and routes targeting the European market, and supports the penetration of natural gas in Eastern Europe region, which presents a non-negligible potential of gas demand increase, according to the organization. "SGC allows more integration of gas infrastructure since it offers the possibility to connect with other intra-European pipelines, and this enables to increase the availability of natural gas and its accessibility to European markets," said GECF. Southern Gas Corridor envisages transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe. On May 29, Baku hosted the launch ceremony of the first phase of the Southern Gas Corridor project. The gas from the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field has already gone through the first segment of the Southern Gas Corridor - from the Sangachal terminal to the expanded South Caucasus Pipeline. The Southern Gas Corridor project aims to increase and diversify European energy supply by bringing gas resources from the Caspian Sea to markets in Europe. The Southern Gas Corridor comprises the following four projects: (i) operation of Shah Deniz natural gas-condensate field ("SD1" project) and its full-field development ("SD2'" project), (ii) the operation of the South Caucasus Pipeline ("SCP" project) and its expansion ("SCPX" project), (iii) the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline ("TANAP" project) and (iv) the construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline ("TAP" project) (SD2, SCPX, TANAP and TAP collectively, the "Projects"). The Projects have an estimated investment cost of approximately $40 billion. Upon completion, the SD2 project will add a further 16 bcm of natural gas per annum to 10.9 bcma (maximum production capacity) already produced under SD1 project. Total length of the newly constructed SCPX, TANAP and TAP pipelines will be around 3,206 kilometers. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn There are 17 social stationary institutions in Kyrgyzstan in the system of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Minister Ulukbek Kochkorov told during a press conference at Kabar Agency, Trend reports referring to kabar.kg. According to his data, 2,412 people live in them, 748 of whom are elderly and people with disabilities, 1,664 with a neuropsychiatric diagnosis. Further, the minister noted that at the moment the construction of the republican rehabilitation center for children with disabilities on the basis of Jalal-Abad and Belovodsk children's psycho-neurological institutions is underway. Kochkorov promised that in these institutions all conditions would be created for the rehabilitation of children with disabilities. He also noted that there is only 928 social workers work in the country. Tehran, Iran, Dec.27 Trend: Iran has expressed interest in helping out with reconstruction of Iraq, especially improving the cooperation in the energy sector. "Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate regarding the Iraq reconstruction, particularly in the infrastructure sector," Iran's Energy minister Reza Ardekanian said during his visit to Baghdad, Trend reports via IRNA. Previously, Iraq's Minister of Electricity Luay Al Khateeb has invited his Iranian counterpart to develop cooperation in all sectors, including those of power and energy. Ardekanian, in turn, noted the capacities of Iranian companies to build infrastructure and help with Iraq's reconstruction. Al Khateeb indicated the importance of expanding ties with Iran for the interest of the two countries, especially in the energy sector. "Iraq is interested to continue and develop cooperation with all countries, specially with Iran, regarding gas and power needs of the population," he said. The official noted that Iran is an important source of Iraq's energy needs. Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abd Al-Mahdi said his country would expand relations with Iran in the field of electricity, Trend reports with the reference to IRNA. Al-Mahdi made the remarks in a meeting with Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian in Baghdad on Thursday. Iran's Ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi and Iraq's Minister of Electricity Luay Al Khateeb were also present in the meeting. The Iraqi Prime Minister said Baghdad is ready for cooperation with Tehran to find suitable solution to expand relations with Iran in energy. He said Iraq should succeed in electricity generation. Ardakanian and Al Khateeb on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for energy cooperation after two days of intensive talks. The Iranian minister extended Iranian president Hassan Rouhani's congratulation to Iraqi Prime Minister for formation of new Iraq government. He said Iran is fully ready to supply energy to Iraq, contribute to its power plant establishment and reconstruction projects and train necessary workforce for the purpose. Iraqi political and militia leaders have condemned US President Donald Trump's unannounced trip to Iraq as a violation of their country's sovereignty, Trend reports referring to Aljazeera. In a surprise visit to US troops, Trump on Wednesday landed at an airbase west of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, where he thanked the soldiers for their service. Sabah al-Saadi, the leader of the Islah parliamentary bloc, called for an emergency session of the Iraqi parliament "to discuss this blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and to stop these aggressive actions by Trump who should know his limits: The US occupation of Iraq is over". Islah is headed by Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who has long opposed the US presence in Iraq since a Washington-led invasion toppled the government of Saddam Hussein in 2003 over weapons of mass destruction and ties to al-Qaeda that both proved non-existent. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have died in the conflict, which many analysts call one of the major US foreign policy debacles in recent history and one of the most destructive invasions in modern history. The Bina bloc, Islah's rival in parliament and led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, also objected to Trump's trip to Iraq. "Trump's visit is a flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government," said a statement from Bina. Trump did not meet any Iraqi officials during his three-hour-long stay. A scheduled meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was scrapped and the two leaders talked instead by telephone. Mahdi's office said in a statement that US authorities had informed Iraq's leadership of the president's visit in advance. The statement said the Iraqi prime minister and the US president held a telephonic conversation due to a "disagreement over how to conduct the meeting". Iraqi legislators told Reuters news agency that the two leaders had disagreed over where their planned meeting should take place: Trump had asked to meet at the Ain al-Asad military base, an offer Mahdi declined. Trump's visit to Iraq came a week after his decision to withdraw all US troops from neighbouring Syria despite strong objections from domestic and foreign allies. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis and the US envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group quit shortly after Trump's announcement. At the Ain al-Asad Airbase, Trump defended his decision to pull US soldiers out of Syria while insisting he has no similar plans for Iraq. Falih Khazali, a former militia leader turned politician allied with Bina, accused the US of wanting to increase its presence in Iraq. "The American leadership was defeated in Iraq and wants to return again under any pretext, and this is what we will never allow," he said. Bina said Trump's visit "places many question marks on the nature of the US military presence and its real objectives, and what these objectives could pose to the security of Iraq". Douglas Ollivant, a senior fellow at the New America think-tank and former US national security council director for Iraq, said the US troops were in Iraq "at the invitation of the Iraqi government". "Like all coalition governments, there are factions that say all kinds of things," he told Al Jazeera. "But the fact is that the executive - the last prime minister [Haider al-Abadi] and the new one hasn't done anything to change that - has invited the US troops to be there. So, the legitimate authorities in Iraq have invited US troops." While there has been no full-scale violence in Iraq since ISIL suffered a series of defeats last year, some 5,200 US troops train and advise Iraqi forces still waging a campaign against the group. Iraq's Shia militias, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), many of which are supported by Iran, oppose the presence of US troops in the region. The PMF was made formally part of the security forces this year after helping the military defeat the ISIL in Iraq in 2017. Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the powerful Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, said on Twitter: "Iraqis will respond with a parliamentary decision to oust your (US) military forces. And if they do not leave, we have the experience and the ability to remove them by other means that your forces are familiar with." Al Jazeera's Imran Khan, reporting from Baghdad, said there is a sense of "confusion" in Iraq in regards to the US's policy in the region. "They are very concerned in Iraq about the 2,000 troops pulled out of Syria," he said. "Baghdad is much more safe than it has been for a very long time and the Iraqis are very confident that they can deal with ISIL within their own borders - but what really concerns them is Syria and that's where they are less confident." In Baghdad's streets, meanwhile, Iraqis denounced the US presence in the country. "We won't get anything from America," resident Mohammad Abdullah told Reuters. "They've been in Iraq for 16 years, and they haven't given anything to the country except destruction and devastation." Last month, a study said that hundreds of thousands of people have been killed due to the so-called "war on terror" launched by the US in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The report by Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs stated that between 182,272 and 204,575 civilians have been killed in Iraq. More than 24,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their homes from the territory of Jordan and Lebanon in one month, said head of the Russian Reconciliation Center for the Opposing Sides and Control over the Movement of Refugees Lieutenant General Sergei Solomatin, Trend reports referring to TASS. "The border crossings for refugees continue to operate on a routine basis. Over the past month, 7,420 refugees returned through the Jdidat Yabus and Talkalakh border crossings from Lebanon, and 16,713 people from Lebanon through the Nassib border crossing," the lieutenant general reported at an expanded joint meeting of the interagency coordination headquarters of Russia and Syria on the repatriation of the Syrian refugees. He reported that 9,770 Syrian citizens returned to their permanent places of residence, including 744 people to Eastern Ghouta (Rif Dimashq Governorate). A total of 5,060 people returned through the Al-Salihiyah border crossing to their homes in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate, and 3,966 people returned from the Idlib de-escalation zone through the Abu al-Duhur border crossing, Solomatin said. A Chinese court on Thursday sentenced Ma Jian, the former vice minister of state security, to life in prison, Trend reports referring to Reuters. Ma was convicted of crimes including bribe-taking and insider trading, the Dalian Intermediate Peoples Court said in a statement on its website. Ma was put under investigation for corruption in 2015 and expelled from the Communist Party the following year. Chinas Defence Ministry criticized outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis on Thursday for his false accusations against China, but also offered praise for his efforts to promote Sino-U.S. military ties, Trend reports referring to Reuters. U.S. President Donald Trump said this week he would replace Mattis two months earlier than expected, after he resigned the previous week over policy differences with Trump. Trump on Monday criticized Mattis and his view of alliances, saying the Pentagon chief failed to recognize the true costs of Americas military support around the world. In his resignation letter, Mattis said he believed the United States must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours. He identified Russia and China as countries that want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model. Speaking at a regular monthly news briefing, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian voiced displeasure at Mattis comments. We oppose the false accusations about China in Secretary Mattis resignation letter, Wu said. At the same time, while Secretary Mattis was in office he made positive efforts towards making the China-U.S. military relationship a stabilizer in bilateral ties, he said. Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan will take over from Mattis on an acting basis from Jan. 1. Wu said that under Shanahans leadership, China expected military ties would continue to develop in a healthy and stable way. Relations between the worlds two largest economies have plumbed new depths under Trump amid a bitter trade dispute and disagreements over Chinese-claimed Taiwan, the South China Sea, and other geopolitical flashpoints. Worried that weak ties between major militaries could lead to misunderstandings that snowball into conflict amid tense relations, U.S. officials had said Mattis was attempting to forge a relationship with Chinese military leaders. One Chinese official previously told Reuters that Beijing regarded Mattis as a wise man, experienced enough in war to know it is best avoided. However, as Mattis tried to cultivate ties to contain crises, the Pentagon ramped up activity that irritates the Chinese government, such as freedom of navigation operations in the disputed South China Sea. Still, in a sign China wants its military relationship with the United States to progress, Wu said Chinese naval chief Shen Jinlong had spoken last week with Chief of U.S. Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson and invited him to visit. Anup Ojha is a reporter for The Kathmandu Post primarily covering social issues and human interest stories. Before moving to the social beat, Ojha covered arts and culture for the Post for four years. Chinas first domestically designed and built carrier, the Type 001A, has reportedly begun its fourth sea trial ahead of its anticipated April commissioning. These trials will test its aviation system for the first time, Trend reports citing Sputnik. While no official announcement of the trials have been made, a Thursday statement by the Maritime Safety Administration of China noted that the Bohai Strait and parts of the Yellow Sea have been closed to sea traffic between December 28 and January 4. At the same time, multiple photos and videos show the 70,000-ton, 1,033 foot-long ship putting to sea from its home port of Dalian on Thursday. During this sea trial, the carrier's aviation division will be coordinated for the first time," Wang Yunfei, a naval expert and retired PLA Navy officer, told the Global Times Thursday about the reported tests. He noted the ships would also be running tests on the radar, communication, air traffic control systems, along with its takeoff and landing equipment. The South China Morning Post referenced online photos Thursday showing three blast deflectors on Type 001A's flight deck, further indicating flight ops were likely. The devices are used to deflect jet exhaust in order to avoid injury, damage and general chaos. The carrier's air wing comprises Shenyang J-15s, a cousin of the Sukhoi Su-33 designed and built by China for its own uses. Like the Su-33, the J-15 is built for carrier ops. The Type 001A also carries many helicopters. Although the Type 001A is an indigenously designed ship, it's heavily based on the People's Liberation Army Navy's first carrier, the Liaoning, which was built by the Soviet Union as the Kuznetsov-class carrier Varyag. Ukraine subsequently sold the unfinished ship to Beijing, which refitted it for testing and study. The Type 001A, a full-service carrier, is the ultimate fruit of that endeavor. Like Liaoning, the Type 001A utilizes a ski jump to launch aircraft from its flight deck, as opposed to the steam catapult method favored by the United States' carriers. Fully loaded, it can carry 32 J-15s, eight more than the Liaoning. However, the newer ship's radar and bridge systems are much more advanced, Sputnik reported. Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the Global Times that while Type 001A's flight tests should be easy due to the ship's similarity to the Liaoning, crews would likely be using full-sized models of aircraft while testing loading and maintenance equipment and not real J-15s, of which the PLA-N doesn't even have enough to fill both carriers' hangars, Sputnik reported. The carrier has conducted three past sea trials in May, August and October, and is expected by experts to enter service in time for the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Chinese navy in May, SMCP reported. A group of unidentified assailants attacked a church in the Austrian capital of Vienna on Thursday, Trend reports citing Sputnik. According to the Kronen Zeitung newspaper, two gunmen attacked a Catholic church in the afternoon as gunshots were heard. The EKO Cobra federal police anti-terrorism unit and the SWAT team of the Vienna Riot Squad had arrived at the scene of the incident, the report said. According to preliminary data, from eight to 15 people have been injured in the attack. Local police further said that the attackers may still hide on the premises of the church complex. "We are talking about a large complex of buildings, at the moment it is possible that the criminals and their victims are still on the premises. The crime scene is cordoned off, our colleagues are conducting a search there," Vienna police said in its Twitter blog. US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Israel "will be very good" following Washington's withdrawal from Syria, Trend reports referring to Ynetnews. I spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I told Bibi, you know we give Israel 4.5 billion dollars a year. And they are doing very well at defending themselves," Trump told reporters on his way back from a visit to American troops stationed in Iraq. "Im the one that moved the embassy to Jerusalem. I was the one who was willing to do that. So thats the way it is - we are going to take great care of Israel. Israel is going to be good. We give Israel 4.5 billion a year. And we give frankly a lot more than that if you look at the books. Theyve been doing a good job," he added. Afghanistan's presidential election, initially scheduled for April, will be postponed for several months to allow time to fix technical problems that surfaced during October's parliamentary elections, officials said, Trend reported citing ABC. More time is needed to verify voter lists and train staff on a biometric identification system designed to reduce fraud, said Abdul Aziz Ibrahimi, deputy spokesman for the Independent Election Commission. Parliamentary elections were fraught with delays after the few staff trained on the biometric system did not show up at the polling booths and countless registered voters could not find their names on voter lists. Polling had to continue for a second day after hundreds of polling stations opened several hours late. Several legal complaints have been filed to challenge the results. No new date for the presidential election has yet been set. The last presidential election, held in 2014, was mired in controversy and widespread allegations of fraud. The two leading candidates, Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, fought a tight race that went to a second vote. But before the results of the runoff could be announced, Abdullah alleged massive vote fraud and warned of widespread protests. John Kerry, the then U.S. secretary of state, interceded and helped cobble together a unity government and convinced the election commission to hold off on announcing the results of the runoff, which Ghani seemed poised to win. Ghani was named president and Abdullah was given a newly created title of Chief Executive. The arrangement was intended to last only two years but has continued up to the present, resulting in a government marked by deep divisions that has struggled to combat a resurgent Taliban. The postponement of the election could give more time for U.S. efforts to end the 17-year war. U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has crisscrossed the region several times since his appointment in September, reportedly meeting with the Taliban on several occasions. Khalilzad has said he would like to see the Taliban and the Afghan government devise a "roadmap" before the April vote. Both sides have said that was an unrealistic deadline. Soldiers and police in the Democratic Republic of Congo city of Beni fired in the air on Thursday to disperse demonstrators who barricaded roads and burned tires to protest against the decision to exclude them from a presidential election on Sunday, Trend reports referring to Reuters. The electoral commission (CENI) announced on Wednesday that it was cancelling the vote in Beni, its surrounding areas and the nearby city of Butembo due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak and militia violence. Those places on the eastern DRC are strongholds of opposition to outgoing President Joseph Kabila and local politicians denounced the move as an effort to swing the vote in favor of his preferred candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. There was a group of demonstrators who wanted to enter the CENI office...to demand the withdrawal of the decision, said Giscard Yere, a Beni resident. But the police officers and soldiers who were there fired to disperse the demonstrators. Dozens of protesters waved Congolese flags as they marched down Benis main boulevard. Most shops in the city of several hundred thousand people remained closed, residents said. They went to the mayors office and then the CENI office. There is teargas and gunfire, said Teddy Kataliko, a local civil society leader. Beni, Butembo and the rural areas around them have been dealing with an Ebola outbreak - now the second-deadliest in history - since August, but health authorities had repeatedly said that it would not prevent the vote from going ahead. The CENI also canceled the vote in the western city of Yumbi because of ethnic violence there last week that killed more than 100 people. The election to replace Kabila, who has governed since replacing his assassinated father in 2001, was meant to take place in 2016 but has been repeatedly delayed. That has triggered violent protests in which security forces killed dozens of people. It has also stoked militia violence in Congos eastern borderlands with Rwanda and Uganda as armed groups moved to exploit a perceived power vacuum. Shadary is facing two main challengers in a field of 21 candidates: Felix Tshisekedi, the president of Congos largest opposition party, and Martin Fayulu, a former Exxon Mobil manager and national lawmaker. Russia has conferred Order of Friendship, a Medal for Courage in Salvation and a Medal for the Common Wealth in Rescue, to 10 officers and two soldiers of Pakistan army in recognition of their cooperation, commitment and audacity during search ans rescue operation at Latok-1 to rescue Russian Mountaineer Alexander Gukov from 20650 feet AMSL in July 2018, Trend reports citing Pakistan's Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency. The medals were conferred by the Russian ambassador to Pakistan Alexey Dedov at Pakistans army general headquarters in Rawalpindi on Dec. 27. The Rescue mission, spanned over six days, was carried out by Pakistan Army Aviation under most hostile and challenging conditions. Meanwhile, the Russian ambassador held a discussion with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed matters related to regional security and Pakistan-Russia bilateral cooperation. The Russian ambassador also presented the Medal for the Common Wealth in Rescue and a Letter of Commendation of Russian Mountaineering Federation to the COAS. Earlier the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi accompanied by the Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited the Russian Federation on Dec. 25-26, 2018. The foreign minister led detailed talks with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Moscow on various bilateral and regional issues. Russia and China are successfully developing bilateral ties in all areas of partnership cooperation, but this process should not be suspended and in 2019 will require mutual hard efforts both from Moscow and Beijing, Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov said on Thursday, Trend reports referring to TASS. "Russian-Chinese bilateral relations of cooperation in all areas are successfully developing with high dynamics. However, as possible, in the coming year 2019 both Russia and China should concentrate to galvanize their efforts," he noted at the exhibition in the National Museum of China devoted to the 40th anniversary of Chinas policy of economic openness and reform. "For example, we have rather developed ties in the sphere of mutual cooperation. Another sphere which requires special attention is science and technology." Cooperation between the two countries in the sphere of agriculture is more promising, Denisov said. "I think that with our mutual persistence and efforts, we will be able to considerably increase the level of Russian-Chinese agricultural cooperation in the next two or three years," the ambassador stressed. He reiterated that to bolster bilateral ties Russia and China have to pay great attention to the active development of cultural and humanitarian contacts. The diplomat is satisfied that Moscow and Beijing have a rich experience of many years in this area. Denisov also hopes for successful cooperation with China in the sphere of tourism, inviting Chinese tourists to visit not just traditional venues like Moscow and St. Petersburg, but Siberia, Russias Far East and its southern regions as well. The envoy studied the exhibition in about an hour and a half, paying special attention to stands devoted to the implementation of joint Eurasian transport projects in the sphere of railroad transportation with China. Denisov was followed by Sun Lin Jiang, Director-General of the Department of European - Central Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian diplomats and representatives for the Chinese government of a whole number of mass media. Moscow and Hanoi are actively preparing to hold the Cross Year of Russia in Vietnam and the Cross Year of Vietnam in Russia for the first time in the history of bilateral ties, Russias Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Konstantin Vnukov said on Thursday, Trend reports referring to TASS. "The upcoming year of 2019 will be special for Russian-Vietnamese relations as this will be for the first time in the history of bilateral ties - both during the Soviet and the modern period - when it will be simultaneously the Year of Russia in Vietnam and the Year of Vietnam in Russia," Vnukov said. The events during the Cross Year will encompass both cultural and other areas of cooperation, including politics, economy, security, science, healthcare, tourism and interregional ties, the diplomat stressed. Russian regions have shown great interest in participation in the Cross Year program, including those which have been cooperating with Vietnam and those which have started doing this recently, he noted. The program of the Cross Year will include visits at the highest level, joint business forums, conferences, expositions and the weeks of culture and cinema. Besides, a whole series of events will be devoted to promoting the Russian and Vietnamese languages, enhancing contacts between mass media, youth and student exchanges. "This will be a truly all-encompassing and strategic event, like the level and character of our relations," the ambassador stressed. The idea to hold the Cross Year in 2019 timed for the 25th anniversary of signing the key Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations is a personal initative of the two countries leaders. This October, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on creating an organizing committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Maxim Akimov. A similar body was set up in Vietnam "Im sure that this attention to the Cross Year of the top leadership both in Russia and Vietnam will help ensure exact work of all state agencies and regions and hold it at the highest level," the diplomat said. A United States government delegation will travel to Beijing in the second week of January to hold trade talks with Chinese officials, two people familiar with the matter said, Trend reported citing South China Morning Post. Deputy US trade representative Jeffrey Gerrish will lead the Trump administrations team, which will also include Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs David Malpass, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Neither the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) nor Treasury responded to requests for comment. Next months meeting will be the first face-to-face discussion the two sides have held since President Donald Trump and Chinas Xi Jinping agreed on a 90-day truce in Argentina on December 1. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said last week the US team and its counterparts have held discussions over the phone. The meeting adds to signs that the worlds two largest economies are making progress in cooling trade tensions. Beijing this week announced a third round of tariff cuts, lowering import taxes on more than 700 goods from January 1 as part of its efforts to open up the economy and lower costs for domestic consumers. US stocks extended gains on news of the talks with The Standard & Poor's 500 Index rising 4.96 per cent as of 4pm in New York, after falling within two points of a bear market earlier in the session. Trump has agreed to put on hold a scheduled increase in tariffs on some US$200 billion in annual imports from China while the negotiations take place. He is pushing China to reduce trade barriers and stop alleged theft of intellectual property. Beijing so far has pledged to resume buying American soybeans and to at least temporarily lower retaliatory tariffs on US cars. While it is positive that USTR will be leading the delegation next month, the two sides are not on track to make the kind of large-scale breakthrough that the Trump administration is seeking, according to Derek Scissors, a China expert at the American Enterprise Institute. The failure of cabinet-level officials to even meet in the first half of the 90-day period makes it impossible to anticipate fundamental change on the Chinese side, he said. Trump said after returning from his South American meeting with Xi that US trade representative Robert Lighthizer would be in charge of the China talks. Lighthizer, who is not expected to join the delegation in China in January, left no wiggle room for the two countries to extend talks beyond 90 days, saying this month that March 1 was a hard deadline that had been endorsed by Trump. When I talk to the president of the United States he is not talking about going beyond March. He is talking about getting a deal if there is a deal to be done in the next 90 days, Lighthizer told CBS on December 9. But Trump and other members of his trade team, including National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow, have said they could further delay an escalation in tariffs if the two sides made sufficient progress. ABC/Randy HolmesLars Ulrich is apparently a big fan of Arctic Monkeys. Speaking to Maxim, the Metallica drummer says that the British rockers were his "main musical mainstay" of 2018. "When I'm working out or driving from point A to point B, I listen more to the Arctic Monkeys than anything else," Ulrich says, adding that the group's lounge-y new album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, is "just an incredible record." "It just makes you want to go back and revisit their whole catalog because each record is so different," Ulrich says. "You'd go back and revisit things from previous records and fall in love with them for different reasons than you did five years ago or eight years ago." Ulrich's opinion of Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is apparently shared by the Grammy voters, who nominated the album for Best Alternative Music Album at the upcoming 2019 ceremony, to be held February 10 in Los Angeles. Additionally, the single "Four Out of Five" is up for Best Rock Performance. Perhaps Ulrich's love for Alex Turner and company could lead to a Metallica/Arctic Monkeys tour. While we wait for that to happen, you can catch Metallica touring the U.S. behind their 2016 album Hardwired...to Self-Destruct starting in January, while Arctic Monkeys will kick off 2019 with a tour of Australia. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Sweeping (away) generalisations The mindset that looks upon all NGOs with suspicion must be challenged With this, the number of active COVID cases in the state rose to 44,637. Of the new cases, 4,706 contracted the virus through contact while 33 came from outside the state. Teacher on the run after students death in Kalaiya Police are after a school teacher accused in the death of a student at Kalaiya Sub Metropolis-1 in Bara district. The parents of 13-year-old Ajaya Kumar Mandal has lodged a police complaint, accusing Sonalal Yadav of severely caning their son that led to his death on Monday. Ajith's Viswasam is all set for release in less than two weeks and it is said to be a feast for fans during Pongal 2019. It is directed by Siva. Viswasam will be the fourth collaboration of the actor and the filmmaker. Previously they worked on Veeram, Vedalam and Vivegam. Viswasam will have Ajith donning two different avatars, one - a younger look and other being an elderly look. These 2 looks is now the focal point in Tamil film circles. Reports suggested that the film will have a huge release despite clashing with Rajinikanth-starrer Petta which is expected to release on the same date and that is because Viswasam is set to get an unusual feat by becoming the first film to release in Russia and Ukraine. It is being buzz that the film will have the biggest release ever as compared to any Indian film in these two countries. Viswasam also stars Nayanthara as the female lead actor. She will be seen playing Ajiths love interest in the plot. The film is said to be set in a rural backdrop .It will have Ajith sporting a traditional and massy look. Going by rumors, the film may be hit the big screens on January 10, 2019, which is the Thursday ahead of Pongal. By Moses Kyeyune. The leader of opposition in Parliament Betty Aol Ochan has rejected the request by the Speaker Rebecca Kadaga to extend the tenure of the House Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises. This comes after a request by the committee chairperson also Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu to have him run the committee until the end of the ongoing probe into Bank of Ugandas perceived illegal liquidation of seven commercial banks. The Speaker has already recommended for the extension of the term to February 20, 2019 as opposed to January 13, 2019 expiry. Speaking to KFM, Betty Aol says that extending the tenure for an individual only undermines the decision of the appointing authority. FDC forwarded Kawempe Souths Munywagwa Mubarak and Rubaga Norths Moses Kasibante as new chairperson and deputy, respectively. New Delhi: Bhutan Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering will be on a three-day visit to India from Thursday. During his visit he will hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Monday. This is Tshering's first visit to the nation since taking charge last month. The ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs and other senior officials will be accompanying the Bhutanese prime minister, a statement stated. Worth mention here During the December 27-29 visit, Tshering will plan on ways to step up ties between the two neighbours and also call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will also call on the Bhutanese prime minister, as the statement further said. The two sides are expected to talk about all aspects of bilateral ties, including high-level exchanges, people-to-people contacts, and economic, development and hydropower cooperation. This visit of Tshering will provide an opportunity to the two sides to evaluate the progress in the multifaceted partnership, and thrash out ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation, as the EMA statement said. It is noted that Tshering's visit comes a month after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's official trip to Bhutan. An international team of astronomers using a combination of ground and space based telescopes have reported more than 100 extrasolar planets (here after, exoplanets) in only three months. These planets are quite diverse and expected to play a large role in developing the research field of exoplanets and life in the Universe. Exoplanets, planets that revolve around stars other than the Sun, have been actively researched in recent years. One of the reasons is the success of the Kepler Space Telescope, which launched in 2009 to search for exoplanets. If a planet crosses (transits) in front of its parent star, then the observed brightness of the star drops by a small amount. The Kepler Space Telescope detected many exoplanets using this method. However, such dimming phenomena could be caused by other reasons. Therefore, confirmation that the phenomena are really caused by exoplanets is very important. The Kepler space telescope experienced mechanical trouble in 2013, which led to a successor mission called K2. Astronomers around the world are competing to confirm exoplanets suggested by the K2 data. An international research team involving researchers at the University of Tokyo and Astrobiology Center of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences investigated 227 K2 exoplanet candidates using other space telescopes and ground-based telescopes. They confirmed that 104 of them are really exoplanets. Seven of the confirmed exoplanets have ultra-short orbital periods less than 24 hours. The formation process of exoplanets with such short orbital periods is still unclear. Further study of these ultra-short period planets will help to advance research into the processes behind their formation. They also confirmed many low-mass rocky exoplanets with masses less than twice that of the Earth as well as some planetary systems with multiple exoplanets. Mr. John Livingston, a Ph.D. student at the University of Tokyo and lead author of the papers reporting the exoplanets, explains, "Although the Kepler Space Telescope has been officially retired by NASA, its successor space telescope, called TESS, has already started collecting data. In just the first month of operations, TESS has already found many new exoplanets, and it will continue to discover many more. We can look forward to many new exciting discoveries in the coming years." ### WSJ@ * Glencore has no comment, OSC not immediately available * Settlement could be confirmed as early as this week - sources * Glencore share price rises (Adds share price, context, attempt to contact OSC) Dec 17 (Reuters) - A Glencore-controlled mining company and some of its current and former executives have agreed to pay more than $22 million to settle Canadian allegations they hid the risks of doing business with an Israeli close to Congolese President Joseph Kabila, the Wall Street Journal reported. The expected settlement between the Ontario Securities Commission and Toronto-listed Katanga Mining Ltd is related to the company's business activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2014 and 2016, the Journal reported, citing an anonymous source. A Glencore spokesman declined to comment. The Ontario Securities Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Glencore's share price rose around 1 percent by 0927 GMT, while the broader mining index was 1.4 percent higher. The Canadian regulator is expected to name several of Katanga's current and former executives in the settlement, which industrial sources said could be announced this week. Investigations have included exploring Katangas ties with Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, the report said. The settlement is also expected to allege that Katanga overstated copper production, understated mining costs and lacked proper internal financial controls, it added. A statement from Katanga in 2017 said the OSC was reviewing whether the company's previously filed financial statements "contain statements that are misleading in a material respect." Katanga had said the OSC was also investigating whether Katanga's corporate governance practices were adequate and the "related conduct" of certain unidentified company directors and officers. Glencore has faced a series of legal issues related to its activities in Congo, which is home to almost 60 percent of the world's supply of cobalt, a mineral expected to be in demand for batteries used in electric vehicles. Story continues In July, U.S. authorities demanded Glencore hand over documents about its business in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Venezuela and Nigeria as part of a corruption enquiry. Last year after an internal review into Katanga identified weaknesses in its financial reporting controls, three Glencore executives, including Aristotelis Mistakidis, the head of its copper group, stepped down from the board of Katanga. Mistakidis, one of Glencore's most senior executives, retires at the end of the year, Glencore announced earlier this month. Glencore Chief Executive Ivan Glasenberg, 61, has also said he wishes to retire by the time he is 65. Glencore's shares have fallen around 25 percent so far this year, in part, analysts say, because of concerns about geopolitical risk. Over the two previous years, the miner-trader had led a recovery of the mining sector following a deep crash in 2015-16. (Reporting by Caroline Stauffer and Barbara Lewis; Editing by Paul Simao and Dale Hudson) More From CNBC (Bloomberg) -- India has tightened rules regarding how foreign e-commerce platforms are allowed to sell goods in one of the fastest growing online markets, a potential blow to companies like Amazon.com Inc. and Walmart Inc.s Flipkart. Online marketplaces must treat all vendors equally by providing the same terms, the trade ministry said Wednesday. In practice this means barring e-commerce companies from forcing a seller to feature products exclusively on their platforms, and limiting ownership or control over the marketplaces inventory, This could mean that platforms such as Amazon and Walmart may not offer their own goods -- such as the Echo smart speaker -- at heavy discounts, and be forced to allow rivals the opportunity to sell previously proprietary products. Amazon and Flipkart will make presentations before Indias finance and commerce ministries to contest the new rules, local news channel BTVI said in a Twitter post, citing unidentified people. Read More: Amazon and Walmart Are Spending Billions of Dollars to Win India The rules could be a major blow for U.S. platforms, who have attempted to crack Indias consumer market. Amazon lost an estimated $3 billion on its international efforts last year, and analysts believe most of that was in India. Walmart in May spent $16 billion to acquire Amazons primary rival in India, online retailer Flipkart. Chinas Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has a stake in the countrys largest online grocer, BigBasket, and an investment in popular online retailer called Paytm E-commerce Pvt. Currently, Indias regulation means that foreign investors are prohibited from running online platforms directly, barring them from selling anything other than food directly to consumers. Foreign investors have circumnavigated this rule by investing in joint ventures with local businesses, and everything on Amazon.in marketplace is listed by an independent seller. The new rules are an attempt to stop foreign companies using the existing loophole. Foreign investors that have an equity stake in a platform will also not be permitted to sell their products on it. Story continues The new rules, effective Feb. 1., will help Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party win support of local traders a key voting bloc for the party that suffered defeats in provincial elections this month. The south Asian nation is key to global retailers as it has a billion plus population but only a few million of them own smartphones, offering them the opportunity of exponential growth in online consumption. Its a big achievement after a long struggle, Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general of Confederation of All India Traders, said in a statement. If it is implemented in proper spirit, malpractices and predatory pricing policy and deep discounting of e-commerce players will be a matter of past. (Updates with local media report on Amazon contesting the new rules and company response in seventh paragraph.) --With assistance from Saritha Rai and Ari Altstedter. To contact the reporters on this story: Nupur Acharya in Mumbai at nacharya7@bloomberg.net;Shruti Srivastava in New Delhi at ssrivastav74@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Unni Krishnan at ukrishnan2@bloomberg.net, Giles Turner, Molly Schuetz For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2018 Bloomberg L.P. In a bid to expand in the domestic market, The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated CAKE opened restaurants in Chattanooga, TN, and Lubbock, TX. The restaurants offer over 250 menu items along with more than 50 cheesecakes and desserts. Currently, the company operates 217 full-service company-owned restaurants 201 under The Cheesecake Factory brand, 14 under the Grand Lux cafe brand and two under the RockSugar Southeast Asian Kitchen brand. Notably, shares of the company have declined 3.3% against the industrys gain of 9.6% in the past year. Continual Expansion A Major Growth Driver Cheesecake Factory continues to focus on expanding in domestic and international markets. In 2018, the company plans to open five company-owned restaurants, including one Grand Lux Cafe. In fact, in the third quarter, the company already opened Cheesecake Factory in Lynnwood and a Grand Lux Cafe in Atlanta. Internationally, the company plans to open restaurants in Mexico in the first quarter of 2019. Overall, management believes there is potential for 300 Cheesecake Factory locations in 2019, expecting to drive at least 3% unit growth. The company is known for its innovative menu and fabulous desserts. It further focuses on menu innovation by adding Super Food items and flavors. Meanwhile, in third-quarter 2018, total revenues came in at $580.9 million, up 4.6% year over year on the back of increased comparable sales. Comps at Cheesecake Factory restaurants increased 1.5%, while the same declined 2.3% in the year-ago quarter. However, pre-opening costs of outlets, given the companys unit expansion plans and expenses related to sales initiatives, add to the costs and might hurt profits. Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Cheesecake Factory carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked stocks in the Retail-Restaurants industry are Papa Murphy's Holdings, Inc. FRSH, The Habit Restaurants, Inc. HABT and BJ's Restaurants, Inc. BJRI. While Papa Murphy's and Habit Restaurants sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), BJ's Restaurants carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Papa Murphy's has an expected earnings growth rate of 160% for the current year. Habit Restaurants reported better-than-expected earnings in two of the trailing three quarters, the average being 66.7%. BJ's Restaurants has an expected earnings growth rate of 66.7% for the current year. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (CAKE) : Free Stock Analysis Report BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (BJRI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Papa Murphy's Holdings, Inc. (FRSH) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Habit Restaurants, Inc. (HABT) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Liberty Global Plc LBTYA has had a horrifying year so far, due to continuing subscriber loss in video and cable. Moreover, weakness in countries like Belgium and Switzerland has hurt top-line growth throughout 2018. Notably, Liberty Global provides residential and business-to-business (B2B) communication services in Belgium through Telenet Group Holding, a 57.7%-owned subsidiary. Through UPC Holding B.V. it provides services in Switzerland. Further, Liberty Global is facing regulatory scrutiny. Reportedly, Belgian competition agency will now examine the companys bid for publisher De Vijver Media. Additionally, the companys divestiture of its assets in Germany and Eastern Europe to Vodafone (VOD) is now facing a full-scale investigation (Phase 2 review) by European Union (EU) antitrust regulators. Year to date, the stock has lost 41.1% compared with the industrys decline of 22.7%. Subscriber Loss Hurts Most Liberty Global continues to suffer from a loss of subscribers or revenue generating units (RGUs), primarily due to cord-cutting amid significant competition from streaming providers like Netflix NFLX. In the nine months ended Sep 30, 2018, the company lost 120,100 video RGUs compared with a loss of 55,300 in the year-ago period. Moreover, the company has lost significant number of RGUs in Belgium (99,800 against 41,900 in the year-ago nine-month period) and Switzerland (139,000 against 18,300 in the year-ago nine-month period), primarily due to stiff competition. Liberty Globals decision to raise prices in July in Belgium also negatively impacted churn rate. In U.K./Ireland, where Liberty Global provides services through Virgin Media, the company has gained 262,400 RGUs. However, the gain is much lower than 328,500 RGUs it added in the year-ago period. Continuing CEE (Poland, Slovakia and DTH) is the only region where Liberty Global has gained 4,900 RGUs, against the year-ago periods subscriber loss of 43,600. Can Liberty Global Stage a Comeback in 2019? Liberty Global has been divesting assets to concentrate on smaller number of European markets where it can grow rapidly. Notably, in January 2018, the company completed the spin-off of its Latin American and Caribbean operations into a new, independent, publicly-traded company Liberty Latin America Ltd. On Jul 31, 2018, the company completed the sale of its operations in Austria. Apart from the Vodafone deal, which is under investigation, the company is also selling its DTH satellite TV operations to M7 Group for a total enterprise value of about 180 million (163 million). The companys DTH satellite TV operations serve four east European markets Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. Apart from divestitures Liberty Global is expected to benefit from an expanding subscriber base on its next-generation video platforms, including Horizon TV, Horizon-Lite, TiVo, Virgin TV V6 and Yelo TV. However, these might not be enough to negate a rapid decline in subscriber base. Moreover, Liberty Global has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) that indicates a bleak scenario for 2019. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2019 earnings has also moved down 37.8% to 46 cents over the past 60 days. Hence, investors can only hope for some astonishing turn of events for now. Our Picks Here we pick three cable TV stocks that are expected to outperform both Liberty Global and market in 2019. Apart from having strong fundamentals, these stocks either flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) that offer good investment opportunities. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Calgary-based Shaw Communications SJR flaunts a Zacks Rank #1. The companys wireless business, which covers almost half of the Canadian population, is benefiting from an increase in subscriber base and improvement in average revenue per unit (ARPU). Moreover, Shaw Communications initiative to deploy 700 MHz and 2500 MHz spectrum further improves the network quality. The company delivered average positive earnings surprise of 19.9% in the trailing four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2019 earnings has jumped almost 1% to $1.05 over the past 60 days. Story continues Shaw Communications Inc. Price and Consensus Shaw Communications Inc. Price and Consensus | Shaw Communications Inc. Quote Andover, MA-based Casa Systems CASA has a Zacks Rank #2. The ongoing cable DOCSIS 3.0 infrastructure upgrades are expected to benefit the company in 2019. Moreover, Casa is expected to gain on growing customer demand for bandwidth that is driving software sales. Casa delivered average positive earnings surprise of 29.7% in the trailing four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2019 earnings has remained steady at 95 cents over the past 60 days. Casa Systems, Inc. Price and Consensus Casa Systems, Inc. Price and Consensus | Casa Systems, Inc. Quote Englewood, CO-based DISH Networks DISH focus on acquiring and retaining subscribers that are profitable over the long term is a key catalyst. Moreover, the companys extensive portfolio of spectrum, the most important component of wireless networks, is a positive. This Zacks Rank #2 stock delivered average positive earnings surprise of 10.4% in the trailing four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2019 earnings has increased 4.7% to $2.47 over the past 60 days. DISH Network Corporation Price and Consensus DISH Network Corporation Price and Consensus | DISH Network Corporation Quote In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 top tickers to buy and hold for the entirety of 2019? These 10 are painstakingly handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. They are our primary picks poised to outperform in the year ahead. Be among the first to see the new Zacks Top 10 Stocks >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) : Free Stock Analysis Report DISH Network Corporation (DISH) : Free Stock Analysis Report Shaw Communications Inc. (SJR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Liberty Global PLC (LBTYA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Casa Systems, Inc. (CASA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. 2019 may not be Gaps year. A company spokesperson for the clothing brand confirmed to FOX Business that it plans to close its iconic Fifth Avenue location in New York City a few weeks into the new year. The Gap store on 680 5th Avenue in New York will be closing on January 20, the spokesperson said on Wednesday. The news follows a previous report in November that Gap Inc. the owner of top household clothing brands including Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta plans to close hundreds of its namesake stores with urgency. During a call with investors in late November, Gap Inc. CEO Art Peck said sales at Gap stores have fallen 7 percent over the last 12 months, while other brands like Old Navy and Banana Republic have seen a boost, forcing the company to address the issue. "There are hundreds of other stores that likely don't fit our vision for the future of Gap brand specialty store, whether in terms of profitability, customer experience, traffic trends, Peck said during the call, adding that the company is looking to make decisions about shutting down these locations with urgency, including closing some of Gaps amazing flagships. I plan to exit those that do not fit the future vision quickly. I'm going to move thoughtfully but aggressively, he noted, adding at the same time, he knows that stores are an important part of the customer's journey. While a formal decision has not been made of what locations will close, except for the Fifth Ave store, Peck did reveal the company plans to give more insight next year. Bob Phibbs, CEO of New York-based consultancy firm the Retail Doctor, said the news doesn't look good for the iconic clothing brand's overall future. With such heavy foot traffic in New York City, if Gap was going to make it anywhere, they should have been able to make it here. Now, Gap is cutting off limbs in hopes of survival," Phibbs told FOX Business. "The reality is that the retailer simply cant keep running 40 percent off sales and expect to be a national brand that people go out of their way for," he added, citing its biggest problem is that Gap simply doesnt know its customers anymore. Story continues "Without that understanding of its shoppers, the brand cant expect to be around for much longer. But while Gap, joins a long-list of other iconic retailers such as Lord & Taylor, Ralph Lauren and FAO Schwarz, who have also said their goodbyes to the iconic New York City strip, other big retailers like Nike and discount store Five Below are moving in. Related Articles Motorola Solutions, Inc. MSI has impressed investors with its recent earnings streak, having surpassed estimates in each of the four trailing quarters. Also, the companys leading position as a communications equipment manufacturer bodes well for future growth. The companys share price increase reflects its impressive performance, exhibiting investor optimism over the stock. In the past year, the company has gained 23.9% against the industrys decline of 2.6%. We believe Motorola, which enjoys a strong foothold across markets, has several growth drivers working in its favor. Read on to find out the key catalysts at the moment. Factors to Consider Motorola remains poised to gain from robust organic growth, disciplined capital deployment and a favorable global macroeconomic environment. The company expects to see strong demand across land mobile radio products, services and software while the Avigilon acquisition is likely to continue outperforming expectations. As the leading provider of mission-critical communication products and services for government and commercial customers alike, Motorola has ensured a steady revenue stream from this niche market. In an effort to further expand its public safety measures, the company has also launched new broadband service, high power mobile radio and mobile app solutions, dedicated to public security. Moreover, its competitive position along with attractive portfolio for large addressable markets and healthy balance sheet augur well for future growth. Owing to solid quarterly revenues and earnings growth, management has raised guidance for 2018. Full-year non-GAAP earnings are currently anticipated to lie within the $7-$7.05 per share range on revenue growth of approximately14.5%, up from the previous guidance of $6.79-$6.89. The guidance reflects an expectation of minimal impacts from tariffs, given the companys very limited exposure to China. Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks Story continues The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).Some other top-ranked stocks from the same industry are QUALCOMM Incorporated QCOM, Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. UBNT and Harris Corporation HRS. While QUALCOMM and Ubiquiti Networks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Harris carries a Zacks Rank #2. 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 surpassed estimates thrice in the trailing four quarters, the average positive earnings surprise being 11.30%. Harris outpaced estimates in each of the preceding four quarters, the average earnings surprise being 7.06%. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Harris Corporation (HRS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Motorola Solutions, Inc. (MSI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. (UBNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research JERUSALEM, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Israel Chemicals (ICL) said on Thursday it had signed a five-year supply agreement with Indian Potash Ltd (IPL), India's largest importer of potash. ICL said it expects to supply IPL with 600,000 tonnes of potash per year in 2019 and 2020, with the amount increasing to 650,000 tonnes per year in 2021-2023. "Prices ... shall be determined in accordance with the prevailing market prices in India at the relevant date of supply," the Israeli company said in a statement. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Tova Cohen) North and South Korean officials took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday, signing a wooden railroad tie and linking the tracks of what the nations hope will one day be a train system to bring prosperity to Northeast Asia. However, the railway will not become a reality if U.S.-led sanctions against North Korea persist. Officials had to obtain United Nations approval just to hold Wednesdays ceremony since it required transporting vehicles across the border to the North Korean border town of Kaesong. U.S. President Donald Trump signed a peace pledge with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last summer, where Kim promised to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, but details of the agreement were vague, and actual moves towards denuclearization seem to have stalled. Despite the international concerns over the Norths weapons program, Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have moved towards cooperation over hostility lately, with the railway representing a literal and figurative link between the nations. The railways will not only reduce time and space but also the distance between the hearts of the South and North, South Korean transport minister Kim Hyun-mee said at the ceremony, according to PBS News. Officials conducted a joint survey of North Korean railways this past fall (a trip that also required U.N. approval), with experts saying the northern rail lines will require a massive amount of investment to update. Reports say Seoul plans to conduct further surveys of North Korean railways and roads before creating a detailed blueprint. Actual construction will be pursued in accordance with progress in the Norths denuclearization and the state of sanctions against the North, South Koreas Unification Ministry said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. Government officials and relatives separated by the 1950-53 Korean War were present at Wednesdays ceremony, along with Russian officials, Chinas ambassador to South Korea, and the executive secretary of the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. (Bloomberg) -- Two years after the U.S. Federal Trade Commission sued Qualcomm Inc., unleashing a series of existential challenges to the companys business model, the chipmaker is about to get its chance to square the record. Lawyers for the regulatory agency and the company are set to begin presenting arguments on Jan. 4 in a 10-day non-jury trial over claims that Qualcomm is abusing its strength in the market for smartphone components to force Apple Inc. and others to pay inflated license fees. While the two sides have said theyre in settlement negotiations, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California, refused to delay proceedings and narrowed the scope of Qualcomms arguments in pre-trial rulings. The case challenges San Diego-based Qualcomms business model, casting a shadow over one of the fundamental reasons its been so successful in the smartphone era. Losing to the FTC would threaten billions of dollars the company makes in licensing fees, which have been used to develop better chips and invent technology. Any cut to Qualcomms ability to pay for industry-leading research and design jeopardizes its future competitiveness as well as its current profits. After the FTC filed its complaint in January 2017, Apple quickly followed with a similar suit, accusing Qualcomm of holding the industry ransom with patents that underpin how modern phone systems work. That move spawned a global web of litigation involving the two companies, with Qualcomm saying in October that Apple owed it $7 billion in unpaid licensing fees. Qualcomm has also been subject to regulatory action in other countries, something it says Apple engineered through unfair lobbying. Its appealing a decision in Korea, won a reversal of a judgment against it in Taiwan and paid a fine in China. The European Union also has an open investigation. In the FTC case, Qualcomm argues the U.S. simply has its facts wrong and has failed to demonstrate any evidence of anti-competitive behavior by the chipmaker against its rivals. Story continues Apples Legal Assault on Qualcomm Is Part of Margin Grab Nonetheless, Qualcomm has taken a couple of pre-trial hits from the judge. While a key part of the governments case is its allegation that the company tried to force Apple to use its chips exclusively, Koh ruled that Qualcomm cant point to Apples growing dependence on Intel Corp. to prove otherwise. Currently Qualcomm doesnt give licenses to its chipmaker rivals such as Intel and MediaTek Inc. Qualcomm argues they dont need the licenses because it gets paid by the handset makers and its never sued them for using its technology. The FTC contends that Qualcomms refusal to license patents to competitors including Intel and Samsung Electronics Co. was part of a scheme to maintain its monopoly. Koh concluded in November that Qualcomm is required to license patents under commitments the company made to industry groups to provide them on fair and reasonable terms. Intel, Samsung Intel and Samsung have supported the FTC in friend-of-the-court filings, arguing Qualcomms defense is outdated since its years of dominance through innovation and hard work have been replaced with monopolistic practices. Those practices suppress competition and harm consumers, Intel said in a May 2017 filing. The FTC case and Apples rapid follow-up caused a selloff in Qualcomms stock on concern that its ability to charge for patents was under threat. That in turn led to a hostile takeover bid by Broadcom Inc. that was thwarted by the U.S. government on national security grounds. A key issue in the FTC case is how Qualcomm gets paid for licensing its technology. The company owns the invention by which multiple data streams can use the same set of radio frequencies. None of its opponents deny that Qualcomm came up with innovative technology that is key to industry standards. They challenge the extent to which Qualcomm uses its patents on those inventions to extract fees. Currently the company gets paid a percentage of the total selling price of each phone sold. Even amid non payments and disputes, that revenue totaled $5.2 billion in its most recent financial year. Qualcomms adversaries claim thats unfair because theres so much other technology that makes a phone attractive and useful to consumers that comes from elsewhere. They argue the company should set fees based on the price of the component that uses its technology. Thats a drop to the low tens of dollars from a basis in the hundreds of dollars. The way Qualcomm sees it, without its technology smartphones wouldnt be able to access the internet -- an iPhone would be an expensive iPod. Less Than Stellar Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon said in a research note that the FTC trial has potential to be one of the more important events in Qualcomms broader showdown with Apple, while the chipmakers track record in preliminary skirmishes has been less than stellar. Still, Qualcomm has scored some victories. The chipmaker brought separate patent suits against Apple in Germany and China, winning bans on the sale of some models of the iPhone. Those cases are aimed at forcing Apple to settle the broader dispute. Thats not going to happen until the FTC case is out of the way, according to UBS analyst Timothy Arcuri. The FTC case will likely then drive the Apple-related cases one way or the other, he wrote in a research note. The case is Federal Trade Commission v. Qualcomm Inc., 17-cv-00220, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Jose). (Updates with regulatory actions in other countries in sixth paragraph.) --With assistance from Andrew Pollack. To contact the reporters on this story: Ian King in San Francisco at ianking@bloomberg.net;Kartikay Mehrotra in San Francisco at kmehrotra2@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Elizabeth Wollman at ewollman@bloomberg.net, ;Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Peter Blumberg For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2018 Bloomberg L.P. FILE PHOTO: Oil pours out of a spout from Edwin Drake's original 1859 well that launched the modern petroleum industry at the Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville, Pennsylvania U.S., October 5, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday that oil prices, which fell by more than a third this quarter, would become more stable in the first half of 2019. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other large oil producers led by Russia agreed earlier this month to cut their combined crude output by 1.2 million barrels per day from January in order to stem the fall in oil prices. "I think that during the first half, due to joint efforts, which were confirmed by the OPEC and non-OPEC countries this December, the situation will be more stable, more balanced," Novak said in an interview on Rossiya-24 TV. Novak also said there were no proposals for an extraordinary meeting with OPEC, and he attributed the fall in oil prices to macroeconomic factors. "Those are the fundamental factors: the decrease of demand in winter and, of course, the macro economy as we've been witnessing a decline in global economic activity at the end of the year and a fall on the stock market," he said. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin and Olesya Astakhova; Writing by Polina Nikolskaya; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Gareth Jones) Mazhilis Chairman Nurlan Nigmatulin briefly summarized the activity of the Chamber at the final plenary session of 2018, the Mazhilis of Parliament of Kazakhstan's press office reports. According to the Mazhilis Speaker, the deputies' legislative work is carried out taking into consideration the priorities outlined by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. "The deputies have focused on the draft laws aimed at, firstly, improving the living standards of the entire Kazakh people and increasing the country's well-being," said Nurlan Nigmatulin. The Mazhilis Speaker also noted the intensity of the efforts of the deputies' body since the first day of the session and underlined that the Mazhilis deputies are to deal with a considerable amount of work to legally ensure the implementation of the Head of State's instructions. "Since the beginning of the current session, 7 governmental hours, one Parliamentary hearing, 7 visiting sessions of the Mazhilis's Committees, and 3 international conferences have taken place. In addition, it is essential for us to work with voters, support effective feedback," said Nurlan Nigmatulin. The Mazhilis Speaker also mentioned that after the publication of the recent Address of the President, the Mazhilis deputies left for the regions to hold meetings with the population on the document's key provisions. At the end, Nurlan Nigmatulin thanked the counterparts for the active, joint legislative work, and expressed confidence that quality and effective legislative support for the Head of State's strategic course would be provided in the following year owing to coherent and professional efforts of the Mazhilis deputies. In general, since the 4th session, the Mazhilis deputies approved the draft laws relating to self-employed, a new model of the guaranteed volume of medical care, public procurements and procurements of the quasi-public sector. The draft law "On natural monopolies" has been also passed, as well as the first sectoral law "On cinematography." The law "On the Republican Budget for 2019-21" also envisages a full financial base for implementing the Address of the President approved by the deputies. As of today, the Mazhilis deputies work on the draft law relating to housing and communal services, public services delivery, the agro-industrial complex management. The deputies' legislative work in 2019 will be focused on such areas as the introduction of legislative amendments to reduce the load on pupils and teachers, environmental amendments. In addition, the development of the business environment and the regulation of commercial activities, tourism are in the spotlight. Source: BNews.kz This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today. In a few days, Colorados loneliest grocery store aisles no longer will be haunted by the ghosts of liquor laws past. Say your goodbyes to 3.2 beers, those low-alcohol suds that helped gentle the post-Prohibition population back into big libations and, until the repeal of the states blue laws in 2008, were the only packaged beers you could buy on a Sunday. Sweeping changes to the states 80-year-old alcohol laws take effect Jan. 1, when grocery stores will start selling full-strength beer. Distributors stopped delivering the 3.2 ABV varieties this month, and most stores already have cleared coolers to make way for stronger stock. Last call for near beers is truly upon us, and I, for one, wont be shedding any tears in my real one about it. In truth, such suds might have gone forever untasted by me had I not allowed my father to embark, unprepared, on a grocery store and beer run during my folks visit this year. Being from West Virginia, where grocery store beer is the same beer youd get anywhere else, Dad didnt understand that such a shopping list (from his craft beer-drinking daughter) required visiting two locations in Colorado Springs. When he returned from Safeway with a 12-pack of Fat Tire Amber Ale, I had to break the news. Thats sneaky, said Dad, who ended up having no complaints about the beer, pronouncing it actually not bad, which from him is pretty high praise. After my parents left town, I promptly dealt with the remaining bottles of Fat Tire, mostly to make room in the fridge for beers I actually like. Sure, it was drinkable. But, good? Can water with calories be good? Being delicious was never really part of their job description, though. Mark Robbins hasnt indulged in 3.2 beer in decades (though he came close once, by accident), but the 67-year-old admits it was his drink of choice when the choices were few. You had to be 21 to buy full-strength beer. But when you were 18, you could do 3.2 beer, and there were a bunch of 3.2 bars. Most people turned 18 their senior year of high school, so it was pretty good timing, said Robbins, who is from the Springs and went to college at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. It was a huge part of the social scene at the time, for the 18 to 21 crowd. It was the great equalizer. Back when Robbins was frequenting the areas 3.2 bars, including Giuseppes many popular outposts, the topic of beer quality, or lack thereof, didnt come up. And despite his grown-up affinity for craft suds, Robbins maintains fond memories of those near-beer years. Ive heard all my life that 3.2 beer, you couldnt get drunk on it, it tasted terrible, it was kind of a second-class citizen, he said. But Ive never really found a difference in the taste, and I can tell you from personal experience, yes, you can get drunk off it. In 1987, the states legal drinking age for all alcoholic beverages, no matter their potency, was raised to 21. It took a while to play out, but Robbins figures the death knell for 3.2 beer was that loss of a niche in coming-of-age culture. Once you turned 21, the 3.2 scene was pretty much over with, he said. And since you have to be 21 to buy any beer now, I never really understood why people would go to a grocery store and buy 3.2 when they could buy the real thing elsewhere ... (unless) theyre from out of town and dont know what theyre buying. But is he bummed to see it banished to the great beer fest tent in the sky? Im sad in the nostalgia kind of way because it was a period in my history that made quite an impression on me, Robbins said. I wont miss the beer. Ill miss what it represented in my life. Its been an unprecedented year for Colorado Springs educators. Both the 2018 Colorado Superintendent of the Year and the 2018 Colorado Teacher of the Year are from school districts in the Pikes Peak region. As they wrap up their year of holding the titles, Walt Cooper, superintendent of Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, and Christina Gillette Randle, first-grade teacher at Soaring Eagles Elementary School in Harrison School District 2, reflect on what they did as recipients of the states top honor in their field, what they learned and what they will carry with them. Walt Cooper: Student mental health a nationwide concern Cooper said he liked being enlightened by the work of the 49 other superintendents of the year, each representing one state in the nation, and in turn, enlightening them about whats happening in Cheyenne Mountain D-12. I enjoyed being able to celebrate the Cheyenne Mountain story with peers and others across the country, he said, adding that the award was the result of the outstanding work by our teachers and students. He thought people were impressed that despite Cheyenne Mountain D-12 having just one high school, of about 1,300 students, the district offers a comprehensive approach that covers the arts and cross-curricular programs. Cooper learned about differences in governance and structure of school districts in other states, and best practices in areas such as secondary math instruction. He also made friends and amassed a national network of colleagues he can call on. Cooper traveled to Nashville, Washington, D.C., Boston and San Diego and met superintendents from small rural districts, large urban districts, high poverty districts, affluent districts, and everything in between. It was an interesting mix, he said. We got the opportunity to have some real authentic conversations. The topic that came up the most: student mental health. Its not an anomaly, Cooper said. Its impacting everybody, all over the country. It permeated almost every conversation we had. Depression, anxiety and stress are the main issues students are dealing with. One of the biggest takeaways: Theres no one right answer. No one best way. Resources play a key role in providing assistance, he said. Some school districts have robust community-based mental health services they can rely on, and others have virtually none. Its not just about what the school has or doesnt, but what the community brings to the table, Cooper said. On a parallel path, superintendents discussed the impacts of social media on students, from the amount of screen time children have, to bullying, to the social circles and relationships that are created or destroyed via social media. Superintendents also explored equity in public education, from poor to wealthy. Where students live, the demographics of the community, the states political scene and the community as a whole contribute to the issue of equity, Cooper said. On a number of occasions, I realized how fortunate students in D-12 are compared to many others, he said, and on an equal number of occasions, it was rather depressing to see kids engaged in programs I know well never be able to provide, given our available resources. For example, Illinois Township High School District 214 Superintendent David Schuler, who was named the 2018 National Superintendent of the Year, talked about his districts career and technical education. Not vocational programs, but the experiences kids have in practicums, internships and post-secondary options that really allow them during high school to experience first-hand what avenues are available in terms of careers, Cooper said. Its a completely different structure and environment. It was eye-opening. Christina Gillette Randle: Go make a difference People often ask Randle why her? Why was she chosen as the states best teacher over thousands of others? What are you doing thats so much different? they wonder. Nothing that she doesnt think any teacher can see themselves doing. My hope is that its not why me because Im doing something so different but anything anybody would be able to replicate, Randle said. After 16 years of teaching, she maintains high energy in her classroom every day. Its fast-paced. I joke with my kids. We have humor, love, time to be empathetic, we say our classmates are family, we have high expectations and a balance of social health, Randle said. We learn skills to get along, problem-solving and conflict resolution. Its the whole learner I look at. Thats what she told teachers in training and teachers just ready to lead a classroom in her role as Teacher of the Year. Her message: How fortunate they are because we have the greatest profession in the world. We have the ability to impact their future, to empower kids, motivate them and help them realize their potential, Randle said. That lasts a lifetime. In several public speaking engagements, including at the University of Northern Colorado and Colorado State University, Randle talked about the joy teachers have in doing their job and how her excitement builds her students excitement. And with first graders, I feel like Im their first impression of school. We get to build and lay that foundation of what to expect from school. Randle said she has loved having a voice at the table and the opportunity to learn and grow throughout what she said has been a magical year. Teachers of the Year from each state met with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in Washington D.C. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to share our opinions, Randle said. DeVos asked teachers what barriers existed in their jobs. Randle replied that teachers dont just teach, they also act as counselors, health aides and even parents. We have so many roles, Randle said. The lack of resources means we have one counselor for 500 students, so its all hands on deck. Randle doesnt consider herself to be passing the torch to Colorados 2019 teacher of the year, Margaret Meg Cypress, a fifth-grade teacher from Bradley International School in Denver Public Schools. Im lighting another one, Randle said. Contact the writer: 719-476-1656. Domestic Violence experts discuss a number of ways to help end abuse in Colorado Springs, but argue it will taken cooperation from the entire community to achieve. Our community has stepped up to do that, one official said. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. --- GulfSlope announces preparation for 2019 drilling program and update on drilling at Tau Prospect --- HOUSTON, Dec. 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GulfSlope Energy, Inc. (OTCQB: GSPE) (GulfSlope or the Company) today announced that the Company has successfully completed several operational milestones related to its anticipated 2019 drilling program and prospect portfolio. The Company recently filed an Exploration Plan (EP) with the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) related to Vermilion Area, South Addition Blocks 375 and 376 (Corvette Prospect). The Company has also received notice of award of two offshore lease blocks for which it was the high bidder at the region-wide Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 251 conducted by BOEM. The sum of the awarded high bids was $322,022 on the leases awarded to the Company. The Blocks awarded and the corresponding bonus amounts that have been paid are: Vermilion, South Addition Block 376 $191,011 Eugene Island, South Addition Block 371 $131,011 Both leases have a five-year primary term and carry a 12.5% royalty to BOEM. The EI 371 Block represents a new prospect and has been named Freedom. This Prospect will target subsalt Miocene oil reservoir pay sand objectives and has a trapping style related to salt flanks similar to the existing subsalt prospects in the GulfSlope drilling portfolio. Drilling operations on the Tau subsalt prospect commenced September 13, 2018. The wellbore is designed to test multiple Miocene horizons trapped against a well-defined salt flank, including equivalent reservoir sands discovered and developed at the nearby Mahogany Field. The surface location for Tau is located in 305 feet of water. During drilling operations, the well encountered difficulties associated with shallow faults requiring two additional casing strings prior to setting 13-5/8 inch casing above salt. Drilling is now proceeding in the main salt section and the prospective section below salt is expected to be encountered in January. GulfSlope is the operator of the Tau well with a 20 percent working interest. Delek GOM Investments LLC, a subsidiary of Delek Group Ltd. owns a 75 percent working interest and Texas South Energy Inc. owns a five percent working interest. About GulfSlope Energy GulfSlope Energy is an independent oil and natural gas company focused on exploring offshore U.S. Gulf of Mexico. To learn more, visit the GulfSlope Energy website at www.GulfSlope.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. The Company can give no assurances that the assumptions upon which the forward-looking statements are based will prove to be correct. Because forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of possible risks is included in Risk Factors included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2017. Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligations or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this press release to reflect any change in the Companys expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Contacts Al Petrie Advisors Al Petrie Phone: 504-258-9548 Email: al@alpetrie.com GulfSlope Energy John H. Malanga, CFO Phone: 281-918-4103 Email: john.malanga@gulfslope.com English Danish Gabriel has today signed a share purchase agreement with the owners of the Lithuanian fabric manufacturer UAB Baltijos Tekstile thereby taking over 100% of the share capital. The price for the shares is agreed at EUR 4 million. Gabriel and Baltijos Tekstile (BTC) have worked together since 1999. During the following years until 2003, the partnership was developed and Gabriels looms were transferred to BTC in connection with outsourcing of production from Aalborg. Since then BTC has been the main weaving partner in the European production and has produced the majority of the sales materials that are marketed via Gabriels business unit SampleMaster. The purchase of the shares in the Lithuanian company will support the Groups growth in both the fabric business and SampleMaster and ensure a continued high reliability of supply and competitiveness. BTC, which employs about 117 employees, with a turnover in 2017 of EUR 3.9 million of which the majority was realised with Gabriel as the customer. Profit before tax was EUR 0.5 million Through the acquisition of BTC, the Group is expected to receive an external turnover of around EUR 2 million and a profit contribution of around EUR 0.2 million. The acquisition thus contributes to the company's growth and earnings, but does not change the expectations for the entire financial year 2018/19, for Gabriel Holding A/S, which thus still constitutes a growth in revenue and profit before tax of 10-20%. Attachment SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Philip Locke, a native of Flint who has successfully started businesses in Southeastern Michigan in Bars/Taverns, manufacturing, commercial and residential construction, Pay Day Loans, publishing and pawn shops, is ready to lend his expertise in Michigans Probity, that is, system for licensing trustworthy businesses to the fledgling Marijuana Industry. Locke announced the formation of Michigan Premier Probity Experts, LLC, which will be in Southfield at 810/407-0607. We have assembled a team of professionals in law, real estate, lobbying and finance to assist entrepreneurs in navigating and qualifying for the Michigan system for Probity, Locke said. I also ran an organization of financial business owners called the Michigan Financial Service Centers Association. Since the passage of the Proposal to Legalize Marijuana this past November, some 240 entrepreneurs who were poised to roll out their businesses and obtain licensing were told to stop, he added. And I know there are many more. It can be a complicated procedure, but I have been involved in businesses that require licensing in alcohol, financial lending and others. Also, I have seen situations for other industries where national organizations were given a competitive advantage over local businesses. My goal is to promote Michigan based businesses in this new industry and help Michigan entrepreneurs get in on the ground floor. Locke said he visited Colorado recently to witness first hand legalized marijuana in that state. Michigan, like Colorado, is on the verge of rolling out not just licensed businesses but an industry involved in health care, retail, tourism and food, Locke said. Besides our consulting business, we hope to get involved in some of these related businesses and we can connect entrepreneurs with established sources of private equity and venture capital. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnWave Corporation (TSX-V:ENW | FSE:E4U) (EnWave, or the "Company") announced today that it has signed a Technology Evaluation and License Option Agreement (the "TELOA") with a Simplot Australia (Simplot) to evaluate the use of the Companys Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) dehydration technology for the development of dehydrofrozen vegetables and other applications. During the term of the TELOA, Simplot will have the exclusive option to license REV technology to process their product areas of interest. About Simplot Australia Pty. Ltd. Simplot Australia Pty. Ltd. produces and supplies vegetable, meat, and seafood products in Australia. It also offers chilled, frozen, and shelf stable products to supermarkets and foodservice customers. The company was founded in 1995 and is based in Mentone, Australia with an additional office in Auckland, New Zealand. For more information, please visit www.simplot.com.au . About EnWave EnWave Corporation, a Vancouver-based advanced technology company, has developed Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) an innovative, proprietary method for the precise dehydration of organic materials. EnWave has further developed patent-pending methods for uniformly drying and decontaminating cannabis through the use of REV technology, shortening the time from harvest to marketable cannabis products. REV technologys commercial viability has been demonstrated and is growing rapidly across several market verticals in the food, and pharmaceutical sectors including legal cannabis. EnWaves strategy is to sign royalty-bearing commercial licenses with industry leaders in multiple verticals for the use of REV technology. The company has signed over twenty royalty-bearing licenses to date, opening up nine distinct market sectors for commercialization of new and innovative products. In addition to these licenses, EnWave has formed a Limited Liability Corporation, NutraDried Food Company, LLC, to develop, manufacture, market and sell all-natural cheese snack products in the United States under the Moon Cheese brand. EnWave has introduced REV as the new dehydration standard in the food and biological material sectors: faster and cheaper than freeze drying, with better end product quality than air drying or spray drying. EnWave currently has three commercial REV platforms: nutraREV which is used in the food industry to dry food products quickly and at low-cost, while maintaining high levels of nutrition, taste, texture and colour; powderREV which is used for the bulk dehydration of food cultures, probiotics and fine biochemicals such as enzymes below the freezing point, and quantaREV which is used for continuous, high-volume low-temperature drying. An additional platform, freezeREV, is being developed as a new method to stabilize and dehydrate biopharmaceuticals such as vaccines and antibodies. More information about EnWave is available at www.enwave.net . EnWave Corporation Mr. Brent Charleton, CFA President & CEO For further information: Brent Charleton, CFA , President and CEO at +1 (778) 378-9616 E-mail: bcharleton@enwave.net John P.A. Budreski, Executive Chairman at +1 (416) 930-0914 E-mail: jbudreski@enwave.net Deborah Honig, Corporate Development, Adelaide Capital Markets at + 1 (647) 203-8793 E-mail: dhonig@enwave.net Safe Harbour for Forward-Looking Information Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking information based on management's expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company's strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures, and the expected synergies following the closing are forward-looking statements. All third-party claims referred to in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate. All third-party references to market information in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate as the Company did not conduct the original primary research. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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. CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Its broken, said an infuriated audience member in denouncing Floridas privatized foster care system. On November 29, 2018, to raise awareness of the flaws in the foster care system, The Way to Happiness Association of Tampa Bay held a screening of the documentary Foster Shock, directed by Mari Frankel, to raise awareness of the issue. Tammi Martin, Guardian ad litem, who works directly to represent foster children in the legal system, was present for the showing. Foster Shock is a series of interviews with teens who have aged out of the foster care system, giving you the inside look of what its like to grow up in foster care in Florida. The abuse and neglect of the privatized system was documented in the film, as well as vendors taking advantage of state funding. Were nuts to be doing it, said a parentrequesting anonymitywhos been fostering for 15 years, but we love these kids. We need to be a catalyst for change, Martin told the audience, adding that a way to change the lives of foster kids is by using The Way to Happiness, a non-religious common sense guide, by L. Ron Hubbard. Its their morals and support, said Martin. Ive had more than a few of my kids thank me for giving them the book. Pat Harney Public Affairs Director 727-467-6860 By day, hippos enjoy bathing in water to cool themselves down, which [ #permalink which might have contributed to their reputation for being THERE IS LIKELY A BETTER DISCUSSION OF THIS EXACT QUESTION. This discussion does not meet community quality standards. It has been retired. If you would like to discuss this question please re-post it in the respective forum. Thank you! To review the GMAT Club's Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow these links: --== Message from the GMAT Club Team ==--If you would like to discuss this question please re-post it in the respective forum. Thank you!To review the GMAT Club's Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow these links: Quantitative Verbal Please note - we may remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines. Thank you. By day, hippos enjoy bathing in water to cool themselves down,relatively sluggish and sedentary.(A) which might have contributed to their reputation for being(B) which might contribute to its reputation for being(C) and this might have contributed to their reputation to be(D) a preference that might contribute to their reputation for being(E) a preference which might have contributed to their reputation to be Re: Sunflowers growing in pots were placed, with their roots submerged, in [ #permalink 1 Bookmarks Re: The Tricounty Bridge was supposed to relieve traffic in East Countway [ #permalink 2 Kudos 1 Bookmarks New York State Doula Pilot Program Medicaid Coverage of Doula Services: Final Pilot Design Document is also available in Portable Document Format (PDF) February 2019 New York States Medicaid Doula Pilot On April 23rd, the State announced a comprehensive initiative to target maternal mortality and reduce racial disparities in health outcomes. This initiative includes a Medicaid pilot program to cover doulas. Since then, New York State (NYS) Medicaid has gathered information about coverage of doula services from: Doula programs operating in New York; and Other Medicaid programs that cover doula services (District of Columbia, Oregon & Minnesota). The Medicaid pilot program will be implemented through a phased-in approach in order to ensure access to this new benefit. Phase 1 of the pilot launches Erie County on March 1, 2019. The Department continues to work with doulas in Kings County to enroll as Medicaid providers and Phase 2 of the pilot will launch in Kings County when provider capacity is reached. Purpose of Todays Discussion Doula Pilot Areas What is the setting for the doula pilot? Geographicbased Highest prevalence counties in New York State (Erie and Kings) based on: High maternal and infant mortality rates Significant # of Medicaid Births Pilot will exclude the three zip codes already funded through NYCDOHMHs By My Side program (11207, 11212, and 11233). Maternal https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/birth/b33.htm Infant https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/birth/b27.htm Doula Services Eligibility Who is eligible to receive doula services? Medicaid eligible pregnant women in feeforservice or Medicaid Managed Care who reside in the selected zip codes (Erie and Kings) would be eligible to receive doula services. The Medicaid doula pilot will be implemented through a phased-in approach in order to ensure access to this new benefit. Phase 1 of the pilot will launch in Erie County on March 1, 2019. Phase 2 of the pilot will launch in Kings County when provider capacity is reached. Scope of Services What services will be covered by the pilot? Up to and including 4 prenatal visits Support during labor and delivery Up to and including 4 postpartum visits Enrollment in the Medicaid Program Apply for NPI Number Complete NYS Medicaid enrollment forms Provide an attestation of doula training and proof of doula training Contract with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations To participate in the doula pilot program, a doula must be enrolled as a provider in the NYS Medicaid program. To enroll, a doula must: Apply for a National Provider Identification Number (NPI#) at the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System website Complete and return all required NYS Medicaid Provider Enrollment forms: NYS Medicaid Enrollment Form (Practitioner Enrollment form #436801) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization (Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization form #701101) Electronic Transmitter Identification Number (ETIN) Certification Statement for New Enrollment (ETIN Certification Statement for New Enrollments form #490602) Provide a signed and dated attestation of receiving doula training in the following core competencies: At least 24 contact hours of education that includes any combination of childbirth education, birth doula training, antepartum doula trainings, and postpartum doula training. Attendance at a minimum of one (1) breastfeeding class. Attendance at a minimum of two (2) childbirth classes. Attendance at a minimum of two (2) births. Submission of one (1) position paper/essay surrounding the role of doulas in the birthing process. Completion of cultural competency training. Completion of a doula proficiency exam. Completion of HIPAA/client confidentiality training. Provide a copy of the doula training certificate or an original signed and dated letter from the doula training organization stating the doula has attended and completed their doula training course (this letter must be on the organizations letterhead and signed by the organizations authorizing representative. The doula will be required to return the signed and dated doula training attestation form, proof of doula training, and all completed NYS Medicaid Provider Enrollment forms to: Mailing Address Provider Enrollment Doula Pilot Room A 129 431 Broadway Albany, New York 12204 Medicaid Managed Care Provider Enrollment Once a doula is enrolled as a NYS Medicaid FeeforService provider, they will be eligible to enroll as a provider with each of the Managed Care Organizations (MCO) participating in the pilot (see slide 13). Doulas that are interested in more information regarding the MCOs enrollment process for this pilot must contact the individual plans. Reimbursement for Doulas How will doula services be reimbursed? Depending on the payor, there will be two different ways to bill: FeeForService: Doulas will bill the Medicaid program directly through feeforservice (FFS) via the eMedNY system. Managed Care Doulas will submit a claim to the Managed Care Plan, which will then reimburse the doula. In order to follow federal Medicaid requirements applicable to covered services, doula services will be reimbursed on a FFS schedule. Plans Participating in the Pilot County Plan Name Contact Number Erie County MMC Plans Fidelis Care New York, Inc. (800) 7490820 HealthNow New York, Inc (716) 8876900 Independent Health's MediSource (800) 7365771 United Healthcare Community Plan (877) 8423210 WellCare of New York (800) 2885441 YourCare Health Plan (800) 6833781 Kings County MMC Plans Affinity Health Plan (800) 5538247 Empire BlueCross BlueShield Health Plus (800) 4543730 Fidelis Care New York, Inc. (800) 7490820 HIP (Emblem Health) (646) 4475000 Healthfirst PHSP, Inc. (866) 4636743 MetroPlus (800) 5973380 United Healthcare Community Plan (877) 8423210 WellCare of New York (800) 2885441 *The Medicaid pilot program will be implemented through a phased-in approach in order to ensure access to this new benefit. Phase 1 of the pilot launches Erie County on March 1, 2019. The Department continues to work with doulas in Kings County to enroll as Medicaid providers and Phase 2 of the pilot will launch in Kings County when provider capacity is reached. Doula Fee Schedule (FeeforService) Service Payment Prenatal Care Visit $30 Labor and Delivery $360 Postpartum Visit $30 The total for 8 visits plus labor and delivery is $600 Rationale: The established fee schedule is aligned with the Medicaid fee schedule for professional fees (physicians, NPs, and midwives). Billing Guidance (FeeforService) Visit Type Procedure Code Max Number of Billable Visits Prenatal Care Visit 99600 4 Labor and Delivery 99499 1 Postpartum Visit 99600+ UA Modifier 4 Category of Service: 0464 (Doula) Managed care plans may have different procedure codes depending on their particular systems. Evaluation How will the Medicaid program determine the effectiveness of the pilot? The New York State Department of Health will collect information from mothers on breastfeeding rates, and satisfaction and experience with the pilot via surveys. The Department will also collect information on mothers attendance at postpartum visits via claims. The Department will work with managed care plans on creating a mechanism to identify mothers that are participating in the doula pilot. The Department will also be collecting provider satisfaction information on the doulas via surveys starting at 4 months from the beginning of the pilot and at the end of the pilot. It is the Departments expectation that doulas will complete the surveys to ensure the success of both the pilot and the evaluation. Doula Outreach and Education o The New York State Department of Health will organize a series of webinars and inperson trainings to assist doulas as they become enrolled Medicaid providers and bill the Medicaid program for services. Additional information on trainings can be found here. Resources Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Thread Rating: 9 Vote(s) - 1.89 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 3 4 5 ... 9 Trump's red army of trolls :now supporting genocide in Syria, Mexico border & Yemen spo snouou Vocem sine nomine audivit! User ID: 350320 12-26-2018 02:52 AM Posts: 67,593 Post: #1 Trump's red army of trolls :now supporting genocide in Syria, Mexico border & Yemen Advertisement Pro-tip: If you're claiming that Israel's missile strikes in Damascus are the reason Syrians aren't living in "peace," you're either 1) woefully ignorant or 2) an Assad apologist who is purposefully ignoring the terror and death he inflicts on his own people. Assad is currently massacring political activists and opponents in a systematic extermination operation in Syrian prisons. His guards have shoved metal rods down people's throats to kill them. Does that sound like "peace" to you? And if you think Israel launching air strikes over Damascus on Christmas is an atrocity, what are your thoughts on Assad launching a chemical weapons attack just hours before Christmas Eve in 2012? https://twitter.com/RVAwonk/status/1077719340101836800 and this is not even taking into account abandoning the Kurds to the Turkish. Assad is currently massacring political activists and opponents in a systematic extermination operation in Syrian prisons. His guards have shoved metal rods down people's throats to kill them. Does that sound like "peace" to you?And if you think Israel launching air strikes over Damascus on Christmas is an atrocity, what are your thoughts on Assad launching a chemical weapons attack just hours before Christmas Eve in 2012?and this is not even taking into account abandoning the Kurds to the Turkish. (This post was last modified: 12-27-2018 03:55 AM by spo snouou .) LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 480083 12-26-2018 03:02 AM Post: #2 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria Too bad you're not in a Syrian jail OP. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445472 12-26-2018 03:36 AM Post: #3 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria Who would have thought that the left would be the ones * calling for more war * siding with the military industrial complex * aligning themselves with the corrupt intelligence communities (remember Iraq'sWMD) * supporting the oil corporations who want to put pipelines thru Syria * the bankers who a making a killing (literally) by all the war loans and setting up new banks and * pushing for more death, destruction and forced migration of millions of innocent people. Assad is not perfect but, unlike his father, he is supported by most of the people hence the fake uprising are only on the outskirts and full of foreigner jihadists. How do leftists make a complete 180 degree about face and still think they're peace-loving caring and ethnically sensitive when they are causing so much agony. I honestly respect ultra right-wing thugs more than the left because the violent right-wing thugs don't pretend to care for anyone but themselves. They are, at least, honest. There's another level of sickness when the left does the same thing but pretend they're virtuous. You make me ashamed to be Australian, coward. You are, without doubt, the ugliest person on this board. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 479955 12-26-2018 03:53 AM Post: #4 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria LoP Guest Wrote: (12-26-2018 03:02 AM) Too bad you're not in a Syrian jail OP. Ehh, Trump has been against the illegal war in Syria, as far as we can tell, but forces within the bowels of the bureaucracies, and elements in Congress forced the issue, or so we are told. The Trump administration, has no support from his base in regards to the illegal war carried over from the Obama Administration. There are no great internet warriors leading the vanguard in support of the illegal war being waged in Syria. Foreign and domestic intel, barely even tried to run a campaign to drum up support, because it is that unpopular. Granted, I firmly believe that the State Department needs to be shaken up, as the initial conflict in Syria when Trump came into office, was perfect to force Syria to the table, in regards to it's border dispute with Israel. Now? Israel is too desperate, like a gambler that went all in and lost, so is desperate to pawn what they have left in the hopes of a "big win". America has neither the strength nor will, to engage in more Middle Eastern war's, let alone a major conflict with Russia, or to a lesser degree China. That makes a small regional conflict between Israel and Syria, unavoidable. So it boils down to what Russia and China will do in the region. Will they sit it out, or pick sides? They have as much to gain as to lose, by picking sides, so it is anyone's guess what they will really do. Ehh, Trump has been against the illegal war in Syria, as far as we can tell, but forces within the bowels of the bureaucracies, and elements in Congress forced the issue, or so we are told.The Trump administration, has no support from his base in regards to the illegal war carried over from the Obama Administration. There are no great internet warriors leading the vanguard in support of the illegal war being waged in Syria. Foreign and domestic intel, barely even tried to run a campaign to drum up support, because it is that unpopular.Granted, I firmly believe that the State Department needs to be shaken up, as the initial conflict in Syria when Trump came into office, was perfect to force Syria to the table, in regards to it's border dispute with Israel.Now? Israel is too desperate, like a gambler that went all in and lost, so is desperate to pawn what they have left in the hopes of a "big win". America has neither the strength nor will, to engage in more Middle Eastern war's, let alone a major conflict with Russia, or to a lesser degree China.That makes a small regional conflict between Israel and Syria, unavoidable. So it boils down to what Russia and China will do in the region. Will they sit it out, or pick sides? They have as much to gain as to lose, by picking sides, so it is anyone's guess what they will really do. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 471605 12-26-2018 04:14 AM Post: #5 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria LoP Guest Wrote: (12-26-2018 03:36 AM) Who would have thought that the left would be the ones * calling for more war * siding with the military industrial complex * aligning themselves with the corrupt intelligence communities (remember Iraq'sWMD) * supporting the oil corporations who want to put pipelines thru Syria * the bankers who a making a killing (literally) by all the war loans and setting up new banks and * pushing for more death, destruction and forced migration of millions of innocent people. Assad is not perfect but, unlike his father, he is supported by most of the people hence the fake uprising are only on the outskirts and full of foreigner jihadists. How do leftists make a complete 180 degree about face and still think they're peace-loving caring and ethnically sensitive when they are causing so much agony. I honestly respect ultra right-wing thugs more than the left because the violent right-wing thugs don't pretend to care for anyone but themselves. They are, at least, honest. There's another level of sickness when the left does the same thing but pretend they're virtuous. You make me ashamed to be Australian, coward. You are, without doubt, the ugliest person on this board. AC is Australian? AC is Australian? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 479501 12-26-2018 06:28 AM Post: #6 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria Op... are you Syrian? if not... why do you care? I mean really. Whose side are you on OP? Do you want America to fail? Tell us. :earsListening: LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 372620 12-26-2018 06:30 AM Post: #7 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria Quote: Who would have thought that the left would be the ones * calling for more war * siding with the military industrial complex * aligning themselves with the corrupt intelligence communities (remember Iraq'sWMD) * supporting the oil corporations who want to put pipelines thru Syria * the bankers who a making a killing (literally) by all the war loans and setting up new banks and * pushing for more death, destruction and forced migration of millions of innocent people. Assad is not perfect but, unlike his father, he is supported by most of the people hence the fake uprising are only on the outskirts and full of foreigner jihadists. How do leftists make a complete 180 degree about face and still think they're peace-loving caring and ethnically sensitive when they are causing so much agony. I honestly respect ultra right-wing thugs more than the left because the violent right-wing thugs don't pretend to care for anyone but themselves. They are, at least, honest. There's another level of sickness when the left does the same thing but pretend they're virtuous. You make me ashamed to be Australian, coward. You are, without doubt, the ugliest person on this board. great post. great post. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 479501 12-26-2018 06:31 AM Post: #8 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria Op... if you love Syria so much. why don't you move there? We at LOP can take up a collection for your air-fare.... Let us know. :earsListening: LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 408320 12-26-2018 06:55 AM Post: #9 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria LoP Guest Wrote: (12-26-2018 06:30 AM) Quote: Who would have thought that the left would be the ones * calling for more war * siding with the military industrial complex * aligning themselves with the corrupt intelligence communities (remember Iraq'sWMD) * supporting the oil corporations who want to put pipelines thru Syria * the bankers who a making a killing (literally) by all the war loans and setting up new banks and * pushing for more death, destruction and forced migration of millions of innocent people. Assad is not perfect but, unlike his father, he is supported by most of the people hence the fake uprising are only on the outskirts and full of foreigner jihadists. How do leftists make a complete 180 degree about face and still think they're peace-loving caring and ethnically sensitive when they are causing so much agony. I honestly respect ultra right-wing thugs more than the left because the violent right-wing thugs don't pretend to care for anyone but themselves. They are, at least, honest. There's another level of sickness when the left does the same thing but pretend they're virtuous. You make me ashamed to be Australian, coward. You are, without doubt, the ugliest person on this board. great post. Concur. Concur. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445976 12-26-2018 07:04 AM Post: #10 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria LoP Guest Wrote: (12-26-2018 03:02 AM) Too bad you're not in a Syrian jail OP. Could we start a gofundme account for that? Could we start a gofundme account for that? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 477984 12-26-2018 07:19 AM Post: #11 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria spo snouou Wrote: (12-26-2018 02:52 AM) Pro-tip: If you're claiming that Israel's missile strikes in Damascus are the reason Syrians aren't living in "peace," you're either 1) woefully ignorant or 2) an Assad apologist who is purposefully ignoring the terror and death he inflicts on his own people. Assad is currently massacring political activists and opponents in a systematic extermination operation in Syrian prisons. His guards have shoved metal rods down people's throats to kill them. Does that sound like "peace" to you? And if you think Israel launching air strikes over Damascus on Christmas is an atrocity, what are your thoughts on Assad launching a chemical weapons attack just hours before Christmas Eve in 2012? https://twitter.com/RVAwonk/status/1077719340101836800 and this is not even taking into account abandoning the Kurds to the Turkish. shut up stupid jew cvnt LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 477984 12-26-2018 07:20 AM Post: #12 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria and bolstered the fake gas bull sh*t twice trump is a shill for jews LoP Guest Wrote: (12-26-2018 03:53 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (12-26-2018 03:02 AM) Too bad you're not in a Syrian jail OP. Ehh, Trump has been against the illegal war in Syria, as far as we can tell, but forces within the bowels of the bureaucracies, and elements in Congress forced the issue, or so we are told. The Trump administration, has no support from his base in regards to the illegal war carried over from the Obama Administration. There are no great internet warriors leading the vanguard in support of the illegal war being waged in Syria. Foreign and domestic intel, barely even tried to run a campaign to drum up support, because it is that unpopular. Granted, I firmly believe that the State Department needs to be shaken up, as the initial conflict in Syria when Trump came into office, was perfect to force Syria to the table, in regards to it's border dispute with Israel. Now? Israel is too desperate, like a gambler that went all in and lost, so is desperate to pawn what they have left in the hopes of a "big win". America has neither the strength nor will, to engage in more Middle Eastern war's, let alone a major conflict with Russia, or to a lesser degree China. That makes a small regional conflict between Israel and Syria, unavoidable. So it boils down to what Russia and China will do in the region. Will they sit it out, or pick sides? They have as much to gain as to lose, by picking sides, so it is anyone's guess what they will really do. he bombed the sh*t out of syriaand bolstered the fake gas bull sh*t twicetrump is a shill for jews LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 480076 12-26-2018 08:08 AM Post: #13 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria OP supports never-ending illegal wars. What a piece of crap. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 480057 12-26-2018 08:27 AM Post: #14 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria LoP Guest Wrote: (12-26-2018 08:08 AM) OP supports never-ending illegal wars. What a piece of crap. Probably didn't give a sh it when obombya bombed the hell out of the middle east Probably didn't give a sh it when obombya bombed the hell out of the middle east LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 474439 12-26-2018 08:56 AM Post: #15 RE: Trump's red army of trolls :supporting genocide in Syria LoP Guest Wrote: (12-26-2018 06:28 AM) Op... are you Syrian? if not... why do you care? I mean really. Whose side are you on OP? Do you want America to fail? Tell us. :earsListening: He is paid by some Shareblue type operation. Some global left wing group. Probably funded by either the Tides Foundation or Open Society. Him and He Man. Obsessing about 'russian trolls' is their way of projecting. He is paid by some Shareblue type operation. Some global left wing group. Probably funded by either the Tides Foundation or Open Society. Him and He Man.Obsessing about 'russian trolls' is their way of projecting. Advertisement Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Samantha Bee wants to make you laugh, think and, maybe, take action. The late-night host recently told us that "Full Frontal" is "primarily a comedy show, but if it's not grounded in something we care about, for me, who cares?" Her Christmas Special -- "Christmas on I.C.E." -- was a perfect example of her signature blend of comedy and social activism. Bee featured figure skaters dressed like her in blazers and blonde wigs (and included a cameo with Olympic skater Adam Rippon as a commentator), but the topic of the night was immigration. Part of the special was an in-the-field documentary segment about how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency treats migrants. "I think that comedy can make difficult issues digestible, and it is kind of a spoonful of sugar. You can package a difficult story entertainingly, then people receive it differently," Bee said. "I'm not a journalist. That's not really what I do, but marrying these two worlds is all I really want to do." Then Samantha Bee and her Full Frontal team went one huge step further. They bought, renovated, and furnished a six bedroom house in Lumpkin Georgia, then donated it to El Refugio. That's a charitable organization providing housing for lawyers, friends and family who have to travel long ways to visit with migrants held at Stewart, the largest I.C.E. detention center in the U.S. "The only possible way to do this job is if it can be useful for other people in the long run. Like it's too much of an opportunity to waste." Bee says that the idea was born from feeling helpless. "There's not much you can do personally to change people's outcomes." When they saw that El Refugio had only one house with two bedrooms to serve the many people visiting detainees from out of town they saw a way to help. "With the power of a television network and the money that TBS put forward, that was something that we were able to physically do, on the ground, to create a better outcome for people," Samantha Bee told us. "It doesn't really solve any problem except this one tiny thing but it will be so useful and helpful for people." From El Refugio's website about the donation from TBS's Full Frontal with Samantha Bee: El Refugio provides visitation to immigrants at Stewart Detention Center in the remote town of Lumpkin, Georgia, as well as free lodging and meals to friends and family members visiting their loved ones. The show's donation of a house will enable El Refugio to provide hospitality to even more families separated by I.C.E. Of the house donation, Bee said, that taking this action was her way of making meaning out of her own good fortune. "The only possible way to do this job is if it can be useful for other people in the long run. Like it's too much of an opportunity to waste." Listen to this interview on KPCC's The Frame podcast. You made it! Congrats, you read the entire story, you gorgeous human. This story was made possible by generous people like you. Independent, local journalism costs $$$$$. And now that LAist is part of KPCC, we rely on that support. So if you aren't already, be one of us! Help us help you live your best life in Southern California. Donate now. Righteous Reflection on Being African: A Kwanzaa Meditation During this Kwanzaa, as always and as our ancestors centuries before us, we gather together again to celebrate and share the good weve gained and garnered; to remember in reverence the sacred names, noble deeds and enormous sacrifices of our ancestors; and to recommit ourselves to our highest values and most exalting visions, and to an ongoing practice that proves their worth and brings into being the good they embody and ensure. And we gather too to reaffirm our rootedness in our own culture, to reinforce the bonds between us as African people and to meditate on the expansive meaning and awesome responsibility of being African in the world. As Kwanzaa draws to an end and the old year meets and merges with the new, we are, as always, obligated and urged by ancient custom and ongoing current concerns to sit down and seriously engage in righteous reflection on being African in the world. To speak of righteous reflection is, in an Ebonics sense of the word righteous, to talk of thought that is real, ethical and excellent. That is to say, thought that is free from the artificial, false and formulaic and comes from the heart as well as from the head. What is aimed at here is thought which is informed by an ethical sensitivity to the subject under consideration. And this holds true whether in our concern for each other or for the health and wholeness of the world; for the loss of human life or the mutilation of historical memory; and for the deprivation of material needs or the denial of dignity and rights due everyone. This process and practice of righteous reflection culminates on January 1, Siku ya Taamuli, the Day of Meditation. Here we are to focus even more so and think deeply and continuously about our lives and the world, about critical issues that confront us and the world and our responsibility to understand and engage them. Indeed, we are to measure ourselves in the mirror of the best of our history and culture and ask ourselves where we stand as a representative and embodiment of the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. ADVERTISEMENT This cultural measurement and mirroring is achieved thru asking and answering three fundamental questions. Building on the insights of Frantz Fanon, these are: who am I; am I really who I am and am I all I ought to be? Now to ask who we are is both a personal and communal question which cannot be righteously separated. For we are anchored and embedded in a definite community and culture and reflect the strengths or weaknesses of that community and culture even unintentionally. To answer the question of who am I?, we must embrace an expansive conception of our identity, rejecting racist conceptions that problematize, indict and distort our sense of Blackness or Africanness or diminish or limit its root understanding as an expression of excellence on every level. This means embracing a conception of African that defines our identity way beyond the given names and assigned numbers on our birth certificates, licenses or social security, insurance or other identity cards. It means understanding the personal in the context of the communal and the cultural, for inherent in the history and culture of our community is the source and answer of who we are, who we must become and who we must constantly be. However else we see ourselves, our conception of who we are must include at least three foundational identities forged in the crucible of critical periods of history and struggle. These identities are: fathers and mothers of humanity and human civilization; sons and daughters of the Holocaust of enslavement; and authors and heirs of the Reaffirmation of the 60s, i.e., Reaffirmation of our Africanness and social justice tradition. And each of these decisive periods of our history leave us clear lessons and legacies which stress moral grounding; human dignity, personal and social struggle, durability and adaptive vitality; and a profound commitment to excellence and achievement as indispensable to defining the best of what it means to be African and human in the world. Also, within the context of what we have done and must continue to do to define, understand and express ourselves, we recognize and are compelled to respect the world-encompassing character and responsibility of our lives. Indeed, we realize in thought and practice the teachings of our honored ancestors that we are not only Africans and human beings, but also walimwenguworld beings, and thus responsible in real moral and social ways for the well-being of the world. As Odu Ifa 33.2 says, whenever we can and in the way we can, we should take responsibility for the world, . . .bear the burden well (and) do good for the world. Now, to ask am I really who I am? is to recognize the many ways our identity and the excellence it demands are eroded, undermined and otherwise damaged in the fire and furnace of oppression. Indeed, it is Fanon, again, who reminds us that in the belly of the beast of oppression, those less able to withstand the acidic toll it takes on the human person, often go thru four stages of psychological disintegration. Thus, they doubt themselves; deny themselves, i.e., deny their identity; condemn themselves and then mutilate themselves both psychologically and physically. Fanon notes that in such a context of severe and savage oppression, they wear the mask, desperately seeking relief from the racist reality surrounding and suppressing us. And he rightly argues there is no relief or remedy except in struggle on a personal and collective level to defend ones humanity and free oneself from oppression and from the pathology it represents in the oppressor and reproduces in the oppressed. To ask and answer the question am I all I ought to be? then, speaks to the interrelatedness of our identity as African and human as well as a world beings and the awesome responsibility this places on us to repair and radically reorder society and the world. It is knowing who we are in the most expansive sense and reaffirming it in thought and practice that we can answer the question and honor the ethical imperative of being all we ought to be. Indeed, to be all we ought to be is to join in struggle to create a context of freedom, justice, well-being and peace in the world which aids us in realizing the fullness of our humanity and flourishing as persons and a people and the good of the world. ADVERTISEMENT It is clear from the teachings of our ancestors and our long experience in history that how we conceive and conduct our personal lives shapes and even determines the well-being of our families and people, society and eventually the world. Our responsibility, then, is in expanding concentric circles from family to the whole of humanity and the world. It is in this understanding that the Odu Ifa teaches that doing good worldwide is the best expression of character. And the Husia instructs us that we are morally obligated to seek and speak truth in high and low places; to demand and do justice everywhere; to protect and provide for the poor and vulnerable in every place; to do and spread goodness throughout the land; and to constantly repair and renew the world, making it more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Introduction to Black Studies, 4th Edition, www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org. Is Continuing Injustice Grounds A Call for Arms? We are Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, Ezell Ford, Redel Jones- and numerous others. These may be sincere, but are mostly transient expressions of solidarity by Black people with high profile crime victims of police murder. Of course, they do reflect kindred feelings of loss and outrage over continuing injustice against Black people throughout America. But these feelings have not been sufficiently troubling to cause sustainable, not just temporary or episodic outrage. High profile police (and vigilante) killing unarmed Black men and boys is only the tip of the iceberg. They do, however, highlight an ongoing pattern of injustice, which unfortunately, is reinforced by Blacks conditioned silence. On-going race-based injustice against Blacks, in my opinion, warrants push-back just short of armed resistance. We need sustainable, unapologetic expressions of discontent coupled with concrete plans, proposals and action to effectively challenge the oppressive (for Black people) status quo. Black Lives have always mattered but Black people do not always act like it. Most Blacks know racism still exists but are conditioned to feel inferior to whites and often become complicit in their own oppression. I write about this periodically, because Blacks collective silence reinforces the barriers to their own wellbeing. While high-profile cases grab headlines and heartstrings, temporarily, other less heralded, but equally egregious, ongoing atrocities against Black people have become a crippling norm. (Public educations failure to educate Black students and Black homeowners disproportionately suffering foreclosures as a result of the economic meltdowns, for example, are in some ways just as egregious as high profile cases of police killing unarmed Black men and boys. The implications of systemic race-based injustice and inequity are profoundly troubling and require sustained focus by the Black community and its leadership. It cannot be overly emphasized that collectively, Black silence concerning police violence and political, economic and educational inequities help to perpetuate a status quo that is clearly inimical to our own best interests. Silence on major issues affecting the Black community since the 1960s has seriously crippled Black progress. New thinking, planning and strategic alternatives are indispensable for a safer more prosperous group-oriented (as opposed to an individualistic and materialistic oriented) future. This is an important, though rarely addressed distinction. ADVERTISEMENT Civil rights gains were the culmination of centuries of struggle but for Blacks, the fight for freedom and justice continues. Those gains have, in many ways, proved fleeting and now, a consensus on Blacks progress and status-and what to do about it-no longer exists. Blacks seem to have a hard time understanding that individual attainment, though laudable, does not necessarily improve the condition of Blacks generally. In fact, middle-class Blacks internalization of Whites individualistic and materialistic values has created an ever-growing divide between them and their poorer brethren. Although many may consider this chasm unavoidable, the fact is, collaboration between middle-class and all other Blacks is not only possible, but indispensable for the broad united front needed to achieve lasting positive change. Black unity has evaporated much like the concentration of Blacks in some urban cities. In Los Angeles, the huge immigration of Latinos requires not just rethinking, but a reordering of political priorities to protect and rebuild Black strength commensurate with their numbers in the population. Coalitions and alliances with other racial and ethnic groups are clearly necessary, but it is essential that Blacks participate in such arrangements from a position of strength, not as a footnote to diversity or in any way supportive of a mythical post-racial society. Solutions require unity based on explicit, not assumed, common ground. (Given Blacks conditioning and propensity for accommodation, a trait exemplified by former president, Barack Obama, establishing and maintaining common ground is extremely difficult but critically important.) Blacks reassessing their values and principles is crucial for reframing and reclaiming both cultural and political capital. This requires acknowledging moral and ethical values as fundamental for the Black community, and especially its leaders. This is hard to accomplish because their values now largely mirror those of Americas White majority, which underscores the need for reassessing the performance and accountability of Black leadership, elected and otherwise. It would also be a starting point in crafting a new reality for the community wherein the group, not the individual, is the primary focus. This daunting undertaking requires a sea change in Blacks thinking and behavior; community education, organizing and mobilization are all key ingredients. But a renewed social and political paradigm based on moral and ethical values is most important. All of this is may be foreign and/or sound naive to many Blacks. But think for a moment, what are the alternatives? Continuing current social and political practices that are clearly not in our own best interests? Emulating behavior and standards that perpetuate a status quo that guarantees second-class citizenship? Obviously, Blacks themselves must lead the fight for changes that lead to sustainable justice and equity. Injustice and inequality for Black people continues with only occasional superficial abatement. Yet, increasingly complex 2Ist Century barriers facing Black people warrant action akin to a call to arms. To say We all are the victims in the murderous killing of unarmed Black people by the police is not enough. Real change requires new thinking, new commitment and top-down accountability grounded in moral and ethical standards. Anything less will reinforce conditions that are, by any measure, detrimental to our wellbeing and survival. 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They contend it suffers the same discriminatory flaws as a 2013 voter ID law struck down previously by federal judges. The civil rights groups filed the lawsuit Thursday and announced details at a Raleigh news conference. It came a day after Republican legislators overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto of their voter ID bill. Some voters filed a separate state court lawsuit challenging it right after Wednesdays override. The new law implements details of a constitutional referendum mandating voter ID approved last month. It expands the qualifying IDs compared to the 2013 law and provides exceptions, but NAACP attorney Irv Joyner says the requirements are still tainted by racial animus. ADVERTISEMENT Church building to be converted into Harriet Tubman museum Officials have announced plans to convert a New Jersey church building into a Harriet Tubman museum. The Press of Atlantic City reports developers signed an agreement with the Macedonia Baptist Church in Cape May Sunday to renovate the churchs old parsonage and turn it into a museum honoring the abolitionist. Developer Robert Mullock says Tubman spent time in Cape May during the 1850s. ADVERTISEMENT Church trustee chairperson Lynda Towns says they hope for the project to be complete by 2020 when federal officials plan to release the new $20 bill featuring Tubmans face on the front. The museum will be dedicated to the churchs longtime pastor the Rev. Robert Davis, who died in 2015. Katherine Johnson, at age 100, is telling her life story Retired NASA mathematician Katharine Johnson, who turned 100 last summer, has waited long enough to tell her own story. Johnsons Reaching for the Moon is an autobiography for middle graders that will be published next fall, Atheneum Books for Young Readers announced Thursday. Johnson was one of the pioneering black women featured in the book and film Hidden Figures, in which she was played by Taraji P. Henson. Johnson and such colleagues as Dorothy Vaughan were vital in helping NASA successfully launch flights into space, and eventually to the moon, in the 1960s. Johnson said in a statement that she wanted young people to believe they could do anything, no matter their race or gender. I knew who I was and what I was capable of, she said. ADVERTISEMENT LAX-Bound Green Line Users Encouraged to Allow Extra Time During 16-Day Suspension of Rail Service at Stations West of Crenshaw Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is reminding guests at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to allow extra time when using the Metro Green Line during upcoming construction work that will temporarily suspend rail service at six Metro stations, including Aviation/LAX. Green Line rail service will be unavailable between Hawthorne/Lennox Station and Redondo Beach Station beginning Friday, January 4 at 9 p.m. through Sunday, January 20, 2019, at 3 a.m. Free bus shuttle service connecting those Metro stations will be provided from Crenshaw Station. The LAX G Shuttle, which provides service between the airport terminals and the Aviation/LAX Station, will continue to run from that station between 5 a.m. and midnight during the 16-day closure. Green Line riders can catch the eastbound Metro shuttle at Bay No. 3, and the westbound Metro shuttle at Bay No. 4 at the Aviation/LAX Station. ADVERTISEMENT For guests riding the Green Line from points east of the airport, Metros shuttle will pick up in the Park-Ride Lot at the Crenshaw Station. Riders should follow signs to the boarding location. Airport-bound riders who would normally take the train from Hawthorne/Lennox Station can pick up the westbound Metro shuttle on northbound Hawthorne Boulevard. Airport-bound guests traveling from south of the airport can catch the eastbound Metro shuttle to Aviation/LAX at the following locations: Redondo Beach: Bay No. 3 (below station) Douglas: Douglas Street at Park Place El Segundo: Westbound El Segundo Boulevard at Commuter Express 574 stop Mariposa: Nash Street at Torrance Transit 8 stop LAX officials encourage Green Line riders heading to the airport to allow an additional 30 minutes to reach the airport during the work. Riders can get real-time location information on the G Shuttle by visiting http://www.ridelax.com/ The rail service suspension is part of Metros work to connect the Green Line to the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, which is scheduled to open in 2020. More information is available at metro.net/Crenshaw. For more information on the Green Line service interruption, please visit this website. NAACP Joins Ferguson Activist/Mother in Demanding Answers in Alleged Hanging Death of her Son FERGUSON, MO As the nation moves through the Holiday season, its been a brutal eight-weeks since that dreadful day when Ferguson-based activist Melissa McKinnies found her son Danye Jones hanging dead from a tree in her yard; eight weeks with no answer from the St. Louis County Medical Examiners Office regarding the cause of death. While reports from police say the death was reported as a suicide, McKinnies says no it was a lynching. She believes that she and other activists who have protested police brutality including the deaths of Michael Brown Jr., and Freddie Gray in Baltimore have been targeted and monitored not only by racists and White Nationalists, but also agencies within the US government. She believes there was foul play in the death of her son and is calling on transparency by police. ADVERTISEMENT Danye Jones mother Melissa McKinnies posted pictures of him on Facebook and wrote, I had to let the world see what they did to my baby. My son was murdered, point blank, said McKinnies. We are demanding the Medical Examiners office to release its findings and demanding police investigate his death as a murder, she added. The St. Louis County NAACP is joining the McKinnies family in the call for transparency and justice regarding the murder of Danye Jones. Theres too many unanswered questions that we are demanding answers to, said John Gaskin III, St. Louis County NAACP President. We support Mrs. McKinnies call for justice and transparency in the death of her son. According to a report in the Washington Post several deaths of Ferguson Activists since 2014 have inspired speculation that Ferguson protesters are being systematically murdered While the reports suggests there is no evidence yet regarding this, numerous media reports have confirmed the surveillance of Black activists by Federal agencies. Earlier this year groups Color of Change and the Center for Constitutional Rights filed a lawsuit against DHS and the FBI regarding information on the governments tracking of activists involved in the Movement for Black Lives. For McKinnies, the most pressing matter right now is justice regarding her sons death. ADVERTISEMENT This is about justice! All Black lives matter and so does the life of my son! San Francisco mayor asks for brothers early prison release San Franciscos mayor has joined other members of her family in requesting an early release from prison for an older brother who has served nearly two decades of a 44-year sentence on a manslaughter conviction. Mayor London Breed sent a letter to outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown in late October asking him to consider leniency and commute the sentence of Napoleon Brown, who struggled with drugs from a young age, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday. In a statement on Tuesday, Breed said people who break the law should face consequences, but also have a chance at redemption. ADVERTISEMENT Too many people, particularly young black men like my brother was when he was convicted, are not given an opportunity to become contributing members of society after they have served time in prison, she said. Brown, who is now 46, pushed Lenties White from a getaway car on the Golden Gate Bridge after an armed robbery in June 2000. The 25-year-old woman was struck by an oncoming driver and died. The newspaper reports that documents in Browns commutation application indicate that his attorneys expected to negotiate for a 20-year sentence. But the San Francisco district attorneys office would only consider a package deal, with both Brown and a co-defendant pleading guilty. The mayors letter was first reported Tuesday night by KNTV. The television news station reported that court records say Brown was recently caught with heroin in prison and had two years added to his sentence, a detail not included in the mayors letter to the governor. Sandra McNeil, the mother of the victim, said Brown does not deserve early release. I dont think it would be justice, she said. Shes the mayor, so shes got a little power, so she thinks she can get her brother out. ADVERTISEMENT A spokesman for Gov. Jerry Brown, Brian Ferguson, said Wednesday that the governors office does not comment on individual cases. Breed, 44, has frequently spoken about her rough upbringing in San Francisco public housing. Senate and House Approve Bipartisan Prison Reform Bill Members of Congress from both parties have come together recently, to approve a prison reform bill that will allow for employees to store their firearms securely at federal prisons, restrict the use of restraints on pregnant women, expand compassionate release for terminally ill patients, place prisoners closer to family in some cases, authorize new markets for Federal Prison Industries, mandate de-escalation training for correctional officers and employees, and make improvements to feminine hygiene in prison, among other things. The Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act or FIRST STEP Act was an amended bill passed by the Senate on December 18, 2018. The legislation isnt perfect, say supporters, the reforms are small but they are important. Its not without its problems, said members of the American Civil Liberties Union. It really doesnt help a wide range of people, mostly just those with crack convictions, they said. ADVERTISEMENT It raises serious concerns that it could lead to unconstitutional government spending on religious programming, and the bill precludes individuals from benefiting from some provisions due to citizenship and immigration status. Nevertheless, the inclusion of concrete sentencing reforms in the Senates version of the FIRST STEP Act is an important improvement for advocates and directly impacted communities who have been fighting for sentencing reform for years. The provisions in this bill can directly improve the lives of people harmed by our broken criminal justice system. I applaud the overwhelmingly bipartisan support for, and passage of, the First Step Act by the U.S. Congress, said Congresswoman Maxine Waters. As a lifelong civil rights advocate and a leader in the fight for criminal justice reform, I believe that this bill is one step in a journey of many miles to enacting the comprehensive reforms our country, communities, and citizens particularly people of color so desperately need and deserve. An initial version of the act was passed by the House in May, before the new version was passed then signed by President Donald Trump December 21. But, said Waters, earlier this year, I shared the concerns of almost every criminal justice organization in the country regarding the First Step Act: the bill, as originally drafted, did next to nothing to reform our criminal justice systems draconian sentencing practices and processes. While I applaud my colleagues efforts to amend the bill, there are still provisions within this law that are deeply troubling to me. The First Step Act only applies to the federal system, which imprisons only a small fractionabout 180,000of the 2.1 million people currently incarcerated in the United States. The bill also fails to end life without parole and other extreme sentences for children in the federal criminal justice system a step that a majority of states, including California, have already taken. ADVERTISEMENT The bill also includes a risk assessment system tool that may rely on algorithms to determine which inmates are eligible for earned time credits that can be used for early release. I am concerned that such a tool and algorithm, if created without a strong understanding of the racial inequities in our criminal justice system, could have a discriminatory effect on people of color. Criticisms of the Senate legislation include that it lowers drug offenders sentences during a drug epidemic, and the premise that our system is unfair has not been proven. One senator said that prisoners convicted of failure to register as a sex offender, importing aliens for prostitution, female genital mutilation and first-time assault with intent to commit rape or sexual abuse could be eligible for earned time credits under the legislation. Transformation of Magic Johnson Park to Begin in 2019 Magic Johnson Park is on the verge of a dramatic transformation, after the Board of Supervisors voted to kick off the first phase of a master plan that will add a host of new amenities to this 120-acre community oasis in Willowbrook. Construction will begin in January 2019. The master plan reflects feedback from hundreds of residents and the result is visionary, said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. From a state-of-the-art events center, new water features, upgraded walking paths and play areas, we are building amenities at Magic Johnson Park that everyone will enjoy. ADVERTISEMENT The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation led a comprehensive and community-driven process to prioritize new amenities for the park, and the master plan adopted in 2015 called for several features to be built over the next two decades. The $70-million first phase of the project called for building amenities that do not currently exist in South LA. This includes a 20,000-sq. ft. community events center to host conferences, weddings and other large gatherings. Improvements also include an outdoor wedding pavilion, a splash pad, childrens play areas, better security lighting, walking paths and parking lots. The first phase will be completed in 2020. An innovative project that will address water conservation and water quality goals will also be constructed. Water will be diverted from nearby Compton Creek, cleaned, and then used to fill the lower lake and irrigate 30 acres of the park, creating a wetland experience for park goers. S.J. Amoroso Construction Company has been hired to build the project. As an added benefit to the community, 30 percent of all construction hours must be rendered by local residents living within 5 miles of the park, or those living in zip codes across Los Angeles County that have high poverty rates. Trump Administration Forced to Forgive $150M in Student Loans After a more than year-long delay, the U.S. Department of Education will cancel $150 million in debt owed by defrauded students, the agency announced Dec. 13. Under borrower protection regulation established under President Barack Obama in 2016, former students or parents of students who took loans for colleges that closed between Nov. 1, 2013, and Dec. 4, 2018 would receive debt forgiveness or receive reimbursement. The provision, known as the Automatic Closed School Discharge, was part of the Obama administrations hemming in of for-profit colleges, such as ITT Tech and Corinthian Colleges. Almost half of the 15,000 persons eligible for the debt cancellation attended the latter, which folded in 2015 after being sued by the government for misleading its students, according to CNN. ADVERTISEMENT Those 15,000 students have been forced to wait, however, as Education Secretary Betsy DeVos dragged her feet in implementing the rule, which should have gone into effect in the summer of 2017. In a June statement, DeVos called it: a muddled process thats unfair to students and schools, and puts taxpayers on the hook for significant costs. A judge in October sided with 19 states and the District of Columbia, however, ruling that the department had to immediately enact the rule. This appears to be a positive development, but we will continue pressing the Department to ensure that every single eligible borrower receives the full and complete relief they deserve, said Aaron Ament, president of the National Student Legal Defense Network, which filed a lawsuit in the matter. This automatic discharge rule was put into place because the impact of a school closure is so devastating on students plans and careers, and because many borrowers were not aware of the right to request a discharge. According to data from the Department of Education, almost 48,000 claims, totaling almost $535 million have been awarded to student borrowers seeking loan forgiveness. However, more than 100,000 claimsmany from former students of now-defunct for-profit institutionsare still pending. According to the Department of Education, it began e-mailing students eligible for automatic debt forgiveness on Dec. 14 to begin the process of discharging their loans. Will You Join the Crusade for Bennett? Bennett College for Women is an oasis where we educate and celebrate women and develop them into twenty-first-century leaders and global thinkers. That was my elevator speech in the five years, from 2007 through 2012, when I led the college. It is still an oasis, a safe space for Black women and others who embrace our mission. It still educates and celebrates women. But now, in 2018-2019, my college has challenges. The accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, has said that Bennett College is fiscally unstable. If we cant raise a minimum of $5 million by February 1, 2019, just a few weeks from now, the school will lose its accreditation! How has it come to this? Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have had a tough row to hoe for a plethora of reasons. At Bennett, enrollment has dropped from the historic high I managed of 750 in 2009 to something under 500. Thanks to the efforts of the current president, Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, enrollment rose by 15 percent and by 26 percent with new students this year. Thats good, but weve got to be great. Whats great? Student enrollment of 800 or more. Great is, an endowment that is robust and unique academic programs. Whats great is the preservation of an amazing Black womens history, a history that is too often swallowed. History belongs to she who holds the pen. That was my mantra at Bennett. We need to tell Black womens stories, and this is a place that reflects them. For every woman who embraces #MeToo, there must be another who embraces the swallowed aspects of Black womens history. We dont often hear, for example, of the fantastic legacy of Dr. Willa Player, the first woman President of Bennett College, and the first African American woman to become president of a four-year fully accredited Liberal Arts College. Dr. Player was an amazing grace, a woman who was both a civil rights leader and an excellent educator. She had the audacity to invite Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel when no one else in Greensboro would have him. She supported the Bennett students who took part in the Woolworths sit-ins (a chapter of history not much elevated as the A&T Greensboro Four were the more prominent leaders). Make no mistake. Bennett women were jailed. Bennett women stood up. And Dr. Player stood with them. ADVERTISEMENT Bennett College has a unique history, and it is a history that must be preserved. It will only be maintained if folks who love women, womens history, and the elevation of Black womens voices come together to find five million dollars in just a few weeks. I am writing this column to appeal to those who will help. Heres how: You can make a contribution to the College. Check out our website, bennett.edu/donate. You can tell your friends to contribute. Lets take this column and make it viral. Take it to your church, to your sorority or fraternity, to your club, to your friends. Black folks have more than $1.3 trillion in annual income. Bennett College needs less than four-tenths of one percent of that. Come on, Yall. We can do this. If just 5000 of the high net worth black woman gave a grand, we could do this! Im asking my sisters to join the crusade for Bennett. You can help us find an angel to help, not only with the $5 million that must be raised but also with a long-term contribution. If you have an angel that youd like me, President Worthy Dawkins, or President Emerita Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole to talk with, please reach out to me at [email protected] At this time, we only need unrestricted dollars by February 1, 2019. Please help. Year after year we hear stories of HBCUs that are facing financial challenges. Why is this one different and special, and what will Bennett do to ensure that it does not reencounter some of these challenges? Bennett College is prepared to engage in a strategic planning initiative to move us from surviving to thriving. We are prepared to engage in 21st-century technology to make our campus work. We need resources to move to the next step, and we are ready to raise those funds with just a little help. Are you in? Bennett College President Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins has been bold, firm, and strategic, as she has faced these challenges. She says, We look forward to working with partners who understand that their investment supports the education of deserving young women whose potential is only limited by the opportunities we give them. Our challenge is great. Our time is short. Our resolve is mighty. I #StandwithBennett at www.bennett.edu/donate Will you? Please send your dollars and your ideas. Please help us water the oasis! Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy is available via www.amazon.com for booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit http://www.juliannemalveaux.com/ In 1999, Patrick Dwayne Murphy, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN), attacked another member of the tribe on the MCN reservation in Oklahoma. Murphy stabbed and cut the other man, causing severe wounds. The man later died. A state court found Murphy guilty of murder and sentenced him to death in 2000. Since then, he has attempted to appeal the ruling. He claims that because the crime took place on Indian land and the victim was Native American, the state of Oklahoma did not have the right to try him. In the United States, the federal government has legal jurisdiction over murders carried out by Native Americans on lands in Indian Country. The term Indian Country means land inside federally-recognized reservation borders, dependent Indian communities or areas historically given to tribe members which their families still hold. In time, Murphys case landed in a federal appeals court. After examining historic documents and earlier rulings, judges overturned the guilty finding in August 2017. This meant that Murphy could have a new trial in a federal court, with the tribal court sharing jurisdiction. In federal court, he would likely escape execution because federal law gives tribes the right to decide if they want to execute criminals. MCN rejected the death penalty. Strange Case But that was not the end of the case. In fact, it became stranger. The MCN reservation covers nearly two million hectares of land and 11 Oklahoma counties, with a total population of about 950,000. Recognizing MCNs jurisdiction meant all this land was legally Indian Country. And that, in turn, meant that MCN had civil and criminal jurisdiction over nearly half the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma has taken the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The state argues that MCN stopped existing in 1907 when Congress created the state. MCN says the land is theirs, as established by an 1866 treaty. But there is a problem with Oklahomas argument. The law says only Congress has the power to change reservations and it must do so in very clear language. And in the case of the state of Oklahoma, Congress never did it. Now, the Supreme Court will decide. Economic, legal implications In arguments at the court on November 27, Oklahomas lawyers said if the federal decision that overturned Murphys sentence is accepted, the results would be like an earthquake. Tribe members would not have to pay state taxes and could demand tax money from non-Native business owners. MCN could also write its own land use and environmental laws. Oklahoma also worries that hundreds of jailed Native Americans who were tried in the state system would have to be retried in federal courts. Oklahoma is one of the nations biggest producers of oil and natural gas, and the energy industry is worried about the case. The Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association (OIPA) prepared a friend of the court briefing. It noted that if the federal decision is not overturned, the tribe could rightly take possession of oil and natural gas wells that sit on its land. Considering consequences Robert Miller says the associations concerns are exaggerated. Miller is a member of the Eastern Shawnee tribe in Oklahoma and a professor at Arizona State Universitys Sandra Day OConnor College of Law. The struggle between governments is over money and power, and power means jurisdiction, he said. Oklahoma can still control its non-Native citizens. It just doesnt want to lose environmental control or civil and criminal jurisdiction over the Indians. During spoken arguments, justices questioned the states lawyers about their concerns and about the possible effects of letting the decision stand. Yes, there will be turmoil, said Miller. He believes the Supreme Court should not consider the effects on real life. The Court is supposed to decide the case based only on the law, he said. He talked about the important 1954 court case that ended racial separation in U.S. public schools. That decision led to riots, violence and even murders in the American south. Should the Supreme Court, then, knowing what would happen, not have (made) that ruling? Miller asked. Im Susan Shand. VOAs Cecily Hilleary reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story reservation n. a piece of land that is kept as a place for Native Americans to live jurisdiction n. the power or right to govern an area briefing n. the act of presenting important information exaggerate v. to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is turmoil n. a state of unrest or disorder Japan says it plans to restart commercial hunts for whales in July of 2019. Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga, made the announcement on Wednesday. He also said that his country would withdraw from the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The international agency, based in Britain, was set up to provide for the protection of whales and the orderly development of the whaling industry. Suga said that Japan would restart commercial whaling in keeping with Japans basic policy of promoting sustainable use of sea life based on scientific evidence. He added that Japan is unhappy with the commission. The IWC is based on a treaty designed to represent both environmental concerns and whaling nations. But, he said, environmentalists have the most influence. The chief cabinet secretary also announced that Japanese crews would no longer go to the Antarctic and northern Pacific oceans to hunt whales as it did in the past. Instead, he said, Japanese whale hunts would be limited to the countrys territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. That area extends 323 kilometers from the coast of the island nation. Japans Fisheries Agency said it planned to permit the catch of three kinds of whales: minke, sei whales and Brydes whales. It said that numbers of species have recovered enough to permit whaling. The IWC ordered the ban on commercial whaling over 30 years ago. The move sought to increase the animals numbers in the worlds oceans. Japan continued whaling for scientific research under the IWC rules. Environmentalists criticized the hunts, saying they were commercial because whale meat was sold in Japan. Japanese officials say the country will remain as an observer to the IWC and will take part in the groups scientific meetings and conferences. The environmental group Greenpeace disputed Japans position that whale numbers had recovered. Sam Annesley, head of Greenpeace Japan, said the Japanese announcement was, in his words, out of step with the international community. He called on the country to preserve sea life. The Australian government said it was extremely disappointed about Japans decision to withdraw from the IWC. However, Australia and New Zealands Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Japans halt to Antarctic whaling. In 2014, Japan cut back on whale hunting after the International Court of Justice ruled against its Antarctic whale hunting program. Japan currently hunts about 600 whales each year in the Antarctic Ocean. Suga said Japan would officially inform the IWC of its decision by the end of 2018. Im Anna Mateo. Mario Ritter Jr. adapted this Associated Press story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story commercial adv. related to buying or selling of goods for profit promote v. to help something to happen, develop or increase exclusive adj. limiting or limited use of something sustainable adj. relating to a method of harvesting so that the crop or product is not permanently damaged We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. North and South Korea have held a ceremony to mark the beginning of a project to improve North Koreas railways and connect them with the South. Each side sent representatives to the ceremony, in the border town of Kaesong. Last month, the two Koreas carried out a joint inspection of parts of the Norths railway system, which they hope to connect someday with the South. The goal is to link the countries railroads and thereby increase economic ties. The move is one of several efforts agreed to by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the president of South Korea, Moon Jae-in. Progress linked to nuclear talks Any progress on the project, however, will require changes to United States-led economic actions against North Korea. They are designed to punish the North Korean government for its nuclear activities. The railway inspection had been delayed for months because of concerns about United Nations sanctions on the North. The U.N. Security Council gave the two Koreas special permission for the study. North Korea has voiced displeasure with the slow progress on projects aimed at building ties between the two sides. South Korea hopes to carry out additional inspections before further details of the project are released. Work depends on progress in nuclear talks with the North. The United States and its allies have called for restrictions to remain in place until North Korea takes clear steps toward giving up its nuclear weapons and missiles. For the ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday, a South Korean train traveled to Kaesong. It was carrying about 100 people, including government officials and lawmakers. Members of families displaced by the Korean War in the early 1950s also were on the train. South Koreas unification ministry reported that officials from the United Nations, China, Russia and Mongolia joined the North Korean delegation. After the event, North and South Korea agreed to carry out additional railway inspections. Both Koreas said they would work closely with the United States and the U.N. to gain support for the project and deal with concerns over sanctions. Lee Eugene, a spokeswoman for the unification ministry, spoke with reporters. We plan to hold detailed negotiations with the North to coordinate the specific levels we want to achieve in the modernization of railways and roads and how to carry out the project, she said. However, experts say investment in the project could take time even with steps toward nuclear weapons removal and easing of restrictions. Jung Dae-jin is a professor with the Ajou Institute of Unification in South Korea. He noted that the project would increase exchanges between the two governments. But he said the future of Moons plans for connecting the railways rests with North Korea. We need to see the New Years address by Kim Jong Un, Jung said. He added that the global community needs to see measures taken by the North toward removing nuclear weapons for progress on railways to go forward. Im Mario Ritter, Jr. Mario Ritter Jr. adapted this story for VOA Learning English from AP and VOA News stories. George Grow was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story specific adj. clearly and exactly presented or stated achieve v. to get or reach something by working hard address n. speech thereby adv. by that; connected with We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. United States Customs and Border Protection has announced changes to its official guidance for care of migrant children under 10 years of age. The move comes after two migrant children died of health problems while in U.S. custody. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Border Patrol officials spoke with reporters on Wednesday about the deaths. The officials said that medical workers had carried out new medical exams of almost all the children in the care of the U.S. Border Patrol. They added that the exams are sometimes conducted by individuals that are under contract support services to the Border Patrol. At the U.S. southwestern border with Mexico, there are areas where no medical workers are available. In such places, migrant children are to be sent to medical centers or emergency medical crews for examination. DHS officials did not say how many children are currently held by the Customs and Border Protection. But officials said they have asked the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for help. The announcement comes the same week that eight-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo died at a hospital in the state of New Mexico. Alonzo was taken to a hospital where he showed signs of potential illness. Doctors said he was sick with a cold and a high body temperature. They gave the boy an order for medicines and released him. However, within a few hours he became very sick and was returned to the hospital, where he later died. The cause of death has yet to be announced. Border Patrol officials said they will carry out an independent and thorough investigation. They also said they informed the Guatemalan government and members of the U.S. Congress. Funeral held for Guatemalan migrant girl Also this week, a funeral for seven-year-old Jakelin Caal was held in a small Guatemalan village. She had traveled more than 3,200 kilometers with her father to the U.S. border. But shortly after being detained by U.S. border agents, she developed a high fever and died of shock from sepsis on December 8. Sepsis happens when infecting organisms release deadly substances in the blood and tissue. Customs and Border Protection is part of the Department of Homeland Security. The agency has struggled to deal with a sharp increase in the number of migrants seeking to enter the United States. DHS Secretary Kristjen Nielsen released a statement Wednesday. It said that Border Patrol officials had detained nearly 140,000 people seeking to enter the country illegally in the last two months. That includes more than 68,000 families and 13,981 children who were not with their father, mother or family members. Nielsen also said she had asked Mexican officials to investigate the causes of these illnesses on their side of the border and to provide medical assistance in shelters as needed. The DHS secretary defended Border Patrol officials, saying they had assisted more than 4,300 people in distress along the border. She said that was a 20 percent increase in rescues from the year before. Im Mario Ritter Jr. Aline Barros and Wayne Lee reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter Jr.adapted the reports for Learning English, with additional information from the Associated Press and DHS. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story migrant n. someone who moves from one area to another, usually to find work custody n. immediate control; care; guardianship conduct v. to do, to carry out potential adj. capable of become real illness n. a sickness or medical disorder fever n. a body temperature that is higher than normal distress n. a condition of pain affecting the mind or body We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Goods originating from Hong Kong and Macau that are exported to the Chinese mainland will not be subjected to tariffs from 2019. According to a report by Xinhua news agency, the revised tariff policy is intended to bring new opportunities to companies in the SARs and deepen economic ties among the Guangdong- Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. Starting from January 1, goods of Hong Kong and Macau origin imported into the mainland will enjoy zero tariffs under the framework of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the Department of Customs of the Chinese Ministry of Finance announced this week. Aron Harilela, chairman of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, said the new policy would enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kongs small- and medium-sized enterprises and help to open up more economic and trade opportunities. The new policy will encourage [the] re-industrialization of Hong Kong. It will also promote Hong Kong companies to explore more opportunities in the mainland, said Jimmy Kwok, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. Hong Kong companies can take this chance to take active part in the economic transformation of the mainland. They can also cooperate with their counterparts in the mainland to develop both domestic and overseas markets, said Jonathan Choi, chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. Along with the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and the upcoming land control point at Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai, allowing goods from Hong Kong to be tariff-free when imported into the Chinese mainland will accelerate the flow of factors of production in the Greater Bay Area, which will further facilitate trade and economic cooperation among the Greater Bay Area, said Choi. MDT/Xinhua Chinese state media say eight people were killed after a hijacker with a knife drove a bus into pedestrians in a southeastern Chinese city. The official Xinhua News Agency reported that 22 others were injured, one seriously, in the Tuesday afternoon attack in Longyan in Fujian province, about 1,000 kilometers south of Shanghai. The attacker was captured, a police statement said. It did not say how many fatalities occurred aboard the bus and how many among pedestrians. A video clip on the website of the Beijing News newspaper showed a half dozen police officers wrestling the attacker to the ground in the middle of a street as traffic flowed past. Xinhua said that police have identified the attacker as a 48-year-old unemployed man. The news service said that initial investigation had found that the man had had a conflict earlier in the day with an official of a neighborhood committee with whom he and long been at odds. The investigation was continuing. AP Caritas Macau held a series of Christmas parties for its eight aged care homes, which accommodate some 700 local senior citizens. The non-governmental organization held different events for the senior citizens including lunch gatherings and performances. According to the Secretary-General of Caritas Macau, Paul Pun, the festive season serves as a way to cheer up the senior citizens, particularly those with dementia and Alzheimers disease. Speaking to the Times, Pun commented, they may not be Catholics but they treasure this opportunity to join Christmas activities. We take this opportunity to make them happy, especially those who are deteriorating due to different illnesses. Some [senior citizens] easily forget [but] Christmas events are a bit easier for them to recall because its an event full of happiness, Pun added. Although visiting hours of these aged care homes are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Pun hinted that not many of these residents are being visited by their families on a regular basis. Thus, Pun stressed that Christmas Day is an opportunity for these family members to gather in the aged care homes. [These events] are also an encouragement to family members. Everybody has the opportunity to celebrate but for the elderly homes its difficult, because the staff have to divide work amongst themselves since many are on holidays, Pun explained. According to the secretary-general, the larger aged care homes, including the House of Mercy Elderly Home, had welcomed performances from Caritas Kindergarten and other private individuals. St. Francis Xavier Home for the Aged welcomed a group of doctors who offered Christmas presents, and migrant workers who performed singing and dancing numbers. Aside from the aged care homes, Caritas Macau also held a series of parties to celebrate the festive season for its retired workers and members of the community who are intellectually disabled. Our budget has increased because we have more homes and the number of services recipients have [access to] also increased. Some activities were supported by government, and some are from private entities and volunteers, explained Pun. According to the Caritas head, the festive season serves as a reminder to think of those in need. How we can mobilize people to care for others, especially those who are being neglected; and also think of those who are not able to be with us. Its about sharing our time and lives with others, he said. LV SMC president Ramon Ang San Miguel Corp. said it expects to generate more jobs and revive 12,000 hectares of Bulacan coastline with the implementation of the P754-billion New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan province in 2019. San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang bared plans to protect and revive 12,000 hectares of Bulacan coastline, following the governments approval of the proposed NMIA project in Bulakan town. We thank President Rodrigo Duterte and his economic managers for bringing us another step closer to realizing this dream. Hopefully, once we complete all the government processes, we can begin actual work on constructing this world-class international gateway, capable of serving our nation for many generations, Ang said.This is a major investment for us, and a game-changer for our country. That is why its going to be a sustainable development, he said. The airport, which will be built on a 2,500-hectare coastal property, will be part of an envisioned township that features a residential zone, government center, and a seaport and industrial zone. It will have many sustainable features that our countrymen will also appreciate and enjoy, Ang said. Ang said the biggest sustainability feature would involve protecting and reviving 12,000 hectares of coastal fishing areas around the planned airport to ensure environmental sustainability within and beyond the facility and to revive Bulacans aquaculture industry. Fishing in Bulacan has slowly been dying the last few decades because of pollution from households and industries, Ang said.Our goal is to clean up the coast and make Bulacan a seafood capital. After all, the airport is there to help support the local fishing industry, he said. Among the measures the company plans to undertake are dredging coastal areas and other bodies of water and clearing them of years worth of garbage. The company said it would also work with local government to stop factories from dumping toxic wastes into the water. Apart from protecting coastal areas, Ang said that generating employment and boosting local economies would be another key benefit of the project. He said that once the project was finally approved for implementation, they would immediately hire 100,000 local workers from Bulacan and neighboring provinces such as Bataan and Pampanga. Thats just the beginning. This is a massive project and over the next five years, we estimate that we will generate millions of direct and indirect jobs, to build and operate NMIA, Ang said. While were still going through a long process, hopefully, in 2019, we can hit the ground running on actual construction, he said. Sands China Ltd. recently held a series of parenting seminars for employees, aimed at promoting work-life balance and encouraging healthy parent-child relationships. The four seminars were held between November 20 and 30, with topics covering sex education; parent-child communication skills and discipline; parental emotional management; and managing family and work. The program aims to help employees better anticipate their childrens developmental changes, carry out child-rearing responsibilities and provide positive early learning experiences. The seminars and workshops are part of Sands Chinas care for the well-being of its employees, extending to their families and loved ones. The parenting seminars were held in coordination with the Taipa Education Centre, an initiative of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ). Speakers invited by the DSEJ to conduct the seminars included representatives from the Child Protection Centre, Against Child Abuse Macau Association, the Macau Parenting Association, and the Young Mens Christian Association of Macau. CEM ambassadors team celebrates Christmas with families in need With Christmas approaching, the CEM Ambassadors Team has joined hands with volunteers from the Macau Federation of Trade Unions, General Residents Association of Macau, Womens General Association of Macau, Alianca de Povo de Instituicao de Macau and Caritas de Macau to organize a film screening before Christmas, in a bid to send blessings and care during this festive season. On the day of the event, nearly 200 participants including CEM ambassadors, volunteers and 45 families in need enjoyed a Christmas cartoon movie together at Cinema Alegria. Afterwards, each child received a gift pack from CEM as a token of CEMs wish for progress in their studies and a merry Christmas. The atmosphere was welcoming and harmonious. Cecilia Nip, Director of CEM Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Communications Office, said that since its establishment, CEM Ambassadors Team has been focusing on the needs of people from different social strata. Lawmaker Sulu Sou has asked the government to prevent the African swine fever from spreading to Macau. The lawmaker remarked that many cases of people bringing unquarantined products from mainland China to Macau have been reported. Regarding the case where Taiwan tested positive for the African swine fever [ASF] virus gene in pork sausages coming from Macau, I want to ask the administration authority how the virus-carrying meat product concerned could have passed quarantine and have been imported to Macau? Sou asked. Considering the continuous spread of ASF in Guangdong, what measures will the administration authority take to ensure that the infected pigs and meat products will not be carried and brought to Macau? Sou wrote in his inquiry to the government. What kind of measures does the administration authority have to ensure customers rights in face of the possibility of a price hike due to live pig supply reduction? Sou writes. In early August this year, the mainlands countryside department of the ministry of agriculture reported the first ASF outbreak in Shenyang province, where over 40 pigs died. Since the first cases report, many subsequent African swine fever outbreaks have been reported in mainland provinces, including Fujian and, more recently, Guangdong. The Chinese government has always claimed that the outbreaks are under control. Last week, a case was reported from a farm in Zhuhai. Following this report, Macaus Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) issued a statement clarifying that no live pigs had been imported to Macau from the affected pig farm in Zhuhai. Indian budget airline IndiGo is trialing low-cost flights connecting Hong Kong with the South Asian subcontinent, with a Bangalore route debuting last week. This follows another low-cost airline, Gurgaon-based Spicejet, which launched a route between Hong Kong and New Delhi late last month. Speaking to the South China Morning Post, IndiGo Chief Commercial Officer William Boulter said that the plan for its Bangalore route and other Indian connections was to use smaller planes over longer distances with possible midway refuel stops. The company is also looking to launch longer- haul flights to London using its existing fleet, with possible stopovers at either Baku in Azerbaijan or Tbilisi in Georgia, by the middle of next year. We are in a test phase and to an extent experimenting with some of these routes, Boulter told the SCMP. We pride ourselves on having the lowest cost among operators in India [] and that enables us to always be competitive. Any price that is put into the market, we will match. The SCMP suggests that if IndiGo succeeds with the long-haul flights it is planning, this could open up new routes to other destinations in Europe and Australia, posing yet another challenge to traditional airlines. Before that, the airline needs to prove that its smaller planes requiring refueling can be a competitive alternative to the traditional airlines and local low-budget carriers. One can do market studies, said Boulter, but until you [start] the route and understand the competitive dynamics, its always tough. But that is what makes the airline industry more interesting. We are confident our narrow-body approach will be helpful in terms of profitability, he said. With regards to the Hong Kong route, IndiGo says that sales are growing but still fall short of the airlines average of 84 percent of seats sold. For now, the route is selling about 65 to 70 percent of seats, however Boulter has positive expectations for January 2019. Macau has also been on the radar for direct flights to the Indian subcontinent, with the idea having been discussed several times in recent years. Israeli warplanes flying over Lebanon fired missiles toward areas near the Syrian capital of Damascus late Tuesday, hitting an arms depot and wounding three soldiers, Syrian state media reported, saying that most of the missiles were shot down by air defense units. The TV, quoting an unnamed military official, identified the warplanes as Israeli. Lebanons the state-run National News Agency earlier reported that Israeli warplanes were flying at low altitude over parts of southern Lebanon. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said Israeli airstrikes targeted three positions south of Damascus that are arms depots for Lebanons militant Hezbollah group and Iranian forces. The reported attack near Damascus is the first since U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week that the U.S. will withdraw all of its 2,000 forces in Syria, a move that will leave control of the oil-rich eastern third of Syria up for grabs. Following Trumps announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel would continue to act against Irans attempts to entrench itself militarily in Syria, and to the extent necessary, we will even expand our actions there. Nearly an hour after the attacks began, Damascus residents could still hear the air defense units firing toward targets in the air. The aggression is still ongoing, said a presenter on state TV, which interrupted its programs to air patriotic songs. Later the TV quoted an unnamed military official as saying that Syrian air defenses shot down most of the missiles before reaching their targets and the aggression damaged an arms depot and wounded three soldiers. It added that the Israeli warplanes fired the missiles from Lebanese airspace. Israels military spokesmans unit did not confirm the raids, but said in a statement that an aerial defense system was activated against an anti- aircraft missile launched from Syria. No damage or injuries were reported by the Israeli military. Israel is widely believed to have been behind a series of airstrikes in the past that mainly targeted Iranian and Hezbollah forces fighting alongside the government in Syria. Tuesdays attack is the first since a missile assault on the southern outskirts of Damascus on Nov. 29. Russia announced it had delivered the S-300 air defense system to Syria in October. That followed the Sept. 17 downing of a Russian reconnaissance plane by Syrian forces responding to an Israeli airstrike, a friendly fire incident that stoked regional tensions. Bassem Mroue, Beirut, AP North and South Korea broke ground yesterday on an ambitious project to modernize North Korean railways and roads and connect them with the South, but without progress in nuclear negotiations, regular trains wont be crossing the border anytime soon. The ceremony at the North Korean border town of Kaesong came weeks after the Koreas conducted a joint survey on the northern railway sections they hope to someday link with the South. Its one of several peace gestures agreed between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and liberal South Korean President Moon Jae-in as they push ahead with engagement amid a stalemate in larger nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang. But beyond on-site reviews and ceremonies, the Koreas cannot move much further along without the removal of U.S.-led sanctions against the North. A South Korean train carrying about 100 people including government officials, lawmakers and aging relatives separated by the 1950-53 Korean War rolled into the North Korean border town of Kaesong, where they were greeted by North Koreans including Ri Son Gwon, who heads an agency dealing with inter-Korean affairs. North and South Korean officials signed a concrete railroad tie, unveiled a new signboard and observed a ceremonial connecting of northern and southern tracks at Kaesongs Panmun Station, according to South Koreas Unification Ministry. Officials from China and Russia were also invited to witness the symbolic start of an ambitious project Seoul hopes will one day link South Korea with the Trans-China and Trans-Siberian railways. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, also attended, according to the South Korean ministry. The railways will not only reduce time and space but also the distance between the hearts of the South and North, South Korean transport minister Kim Hyun-mee said at the ceremony. While stressing the importance of the project, Kim Yun Hyok, the North Korean vice railways minister, added an apparent jab at Seoul by saying that the Koreas should push further with engagement instead of wobbling on the path while listening to what others think. North Korea has repeatedly voiced displeasure about the slow progress in the reconciliatory projects agreed between their leaders. Seouls enthusiasm for inter-Korean engagement has also created unease with Washington, which has called for its allies to maintain pressure until Kim takes firmer steps to irreversibly and verifiably relinquish his nuclear weapons and missiles. The Seoul government plans to conduct further surveys on North Korean railways and roads before drawing up a detailed blueprint for the project. Actual construction will proceed depending on the progress in the Norths denuclearization and the state of sanctions against the country, the ministry said. We plan to hold detailed negotiations with the North to coordinate on the specific levels we want to achieve in the modernization of railways and roads and how to carry out the project, said Eugene Lee, the ministrys spokeswoman. Even if the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearization and gains sanctions relief, some experts say updating North Korean rail network could take decades and massive investment. Seoul said it received an exemption to sanctions from the U.N. Security Council to proceed with yesterdays ceremony as it involved South Korean transport vehicles and goods. The Koreas joint survey of North Korean railways in November, which also required U.N. approval, marked the first time a South Korean train traveled on North Korean tracks. The Koreas in December 2007 began freight services between South Koreas Munsan Station in Paju and the Norths Panmun Station to support operations at a now-shuttered joint factory park in Kaesong. The South used the trains to move construction materials north, while clothing and shoes made at the factory park were sent south. The line was cut in November 2008 due to tensions over North Koreas nuclear ambitions. The Kaesong factory park was shut down under the Souths previous conservative government in February 2016 following a North Korean nuclear test and long-range rocket launch. Kim Tong-Hyung, Seoul, AP Lawmaker Lam Lon Wai has asked the government to implement measures to deal with the overload of tourists. In his written inquiry to the local government, Lam pointed out that a 9.1 percent growth in the number of tourists during the first 11 months of 2018 has been recorded, and that the Public Security Police Force has also predicted a new record of crossings for the upcoming Chinese New Year. [The number of crossings] has posed several kinds of pressure across all Macaus ports, and transportation and tourism networks. [] The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is unable to distribute the human flow around the border gate. Indeed, on the contrary, it [the bridge] has increased the number of crossings at the border gate and, in turn, has deteriorated the transportation situation in the northern district, Lam wrote in his inquiry. Faced with this overload of tourists, what measures does the authority have to ensure the residents normal life and the tourists tourism experience? What mandatory or encouraging measures does the authority have aiming at diverting the tourists and the tourism industry to use other ports [rather than the border gate] to reduce pressure across the border gate? Lam asked. According to PSP statistics, a total of 575,000 crossings were recorded on Christmas Day. Of those, 390,000 were recorded from the border gate, 60,500 of which were from HKZMB. Of the latter, 43,000 were from the outer harbor ferry terminal. As of 5 p.m. on Christmas Day, a total of 347,000 crossings were recorded. Some 314,000 crossings were registered during the same period (until 5 p.m.) on Christmas Day, 2017. The PSP also reported that 42 taxi overcharging infractions were recorded on December 24 and 25. Turkey said it is working with the United States to coordinate the withdrawal of American forces but remains determined to clear U.S.- allied Kurdish fighters from northeastern Syria. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters that if Turkey says it will enter, it will, in comments carried by private DHA news agency. His comments came amid reports that Turkey-backed Syrian rebels are getting ready to begin a military operation in and near the northern town of Manbij that is controlled by Kurdish-led fighters. For weeks, Turkey has been threatening to launch a new offensive against the Kurdish fighters, who partnered with the U.S. to drive the Islamic State group out of much of northern and eastern Syria. Ankara views the Kurdish forces as terrorists because of their links to an insurgent group inside Turkey. President Donald Trump announced the planned withdrawal of U.S. forces after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this month. The minister also said Ankara and Washington have agreed to complete a roadmap on Manbij until the U.S. withdraws. Under the June deal, Kurdish forces would leave Manbij, in the western Euphrates valley, but delays have infuriated Turkey. Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters have been moving to the outskirts of Manbij and the Turkish army continued to dispatch tanks, artillery and other equipment to the border and an area administered by Turkey in northern Syria, according to Turkish media reports. Maj. Youssef Hammoud, of the Turkey-backed Syrian rebels known as the National Army, said the military operation against Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria is near but has not started yet. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said Turkey has ordered rebels it backs to begin a military operation in Manbij in the coming hours. It is crucial that the U.S. doesnt appear as not having kept its promises, Cavusoglu said. He argued that Turkey has the strength to neutralize IS on its own and criticized France, which has promised to stay in Syria despite the U.S. decision. Cavusoglu warned it would not benefit France if it was staying in Syria to protect the YPG, the main Kurdish militia in Syria. Erdogan, speaking to reporters in Ankara, said Turkey was taking into account Trumps announcement on Syria rather than French President Emmanuel Macrons decision. The future of the international coalition against IS, which includes Turkey, the U.S. and France, remains unclear. The Turkish president also announced that a delegation was heading to Moscow and that he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Turkey has been negotiating on behalf of the Syrian opposition with Russia and Iran, which support the Syrian government, as part of efforts to end the nearly 8-year civil war. Trump announced last week that the U.S. will withdraw all of its 2,000 forces in Syria, a move that will leave control of the oil- rich eastern third of Syria up for grabs. Russia launched its military operation in Syria in 2015 to back its longtime ally President Bashar Assad. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryakov said Tuesday in an interview with the RIA Novosti news agency that it would be a big mistake to dismantle a hotline that Russia and the U.S. use to prevent potential clashes in Syria, despite the U.S. withdrawal, and said he sees no indications the Americans would do that. Zeynep Bilginsoy, Istanbul, AP Thailands legislature on Tuesday agreed to amend the countrys drug law to allow the licensed medical use of marijuana, as well as kratom, a locally grown plant traditionally used as a stimulant and painkiller. Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia to take such action, which is also under consideration in neighboring Malaysia. New Zealands government earlier this month enacted a law liberalizing the medical use of marijuana, which had previously been tightly restricted. The Thai legislation passed its final reading at the National Legislative Assembly by a vote of 166-0 with 13 abstentions. Recreational use of the drugs remains illegal and subject to prison terms and fines commensurate with the quantities involved. Public hearings showed overwhelming support for the measure. Protests erupted Tuesday in Tunisia after the death of a journalist who set himself on fire to protest economic problems in the North African nation, prompting clashes with police and nationwide concern. Journalist Abderrazak Zorgui posted a video online before his self-immolation in the struggling provincial city of Kasserine describing his desperation and calling for revolt. He expressed frustration at unemployment and the unfulfilled promises of Tunisias 2011 Arab Spring revolution. Authorities said Zorgui died of his injuries Monday soon after being taken to the hospital. His actions prompted a protest Monday night in Kasserine that degenerated into violence, with police firing tear gas to disperse protesters who blocked roads and threw stones at police. Interior Ministry spokesman Sofiane Zaag said Tuesday that six police officers were injured and several people arrested in the protest. A new protest was held Tuesday night in Kasserine, with new tensions with police, and other actions were reported elsewhere. A similar self-immolation by a street vendor lamenting unemployment, corruption and repression led to nationwide protests fueled by social media that brought down Tunisias long-time authoritarian president in 2011. That ushered in democracy for Tunisia and unleashed similar movements around the Arab world. Tunisian reporters expressed solidarity with Zorgui, lamenting precarious conditions for freelancers with no legal protections and low pay amid Tunisias struggling economy. MDT/AP In this Oct. 17, 2018, file photo, people hold up a Canadian flag with a marijuana logo on it outside a government cannabis store in Montreal. California became America's largest legal marketplace in 2018, while Canada became the second and largest country with nationwide legal recreational marijuana. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP, File) It took less than a week for the Trump administration to kill the considerable buzz created Jan. 1 when California's broad marijuana legalization law took effect, creating the largest legal U.S. cannabis marketplace . Then-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded a policy shielding state-licensed medical marijuana operators from federal drug prosecutions. The move sent a chill through the nascent legal industry. But ultimately it had little impact because federal prosecutors around the country showed little interest in going after legal operators. Sessions, a staunch marijuana opponent, later lost his job and the cannabis industry thrived in a hugely significant year for the legal pot movement, in the United States and beyond. Here are some highlights: Jan. 1: California's law takes effect, allowing people 21 and older to use marijuana. Jan. 4: Sessions rescinds policy. Jan. 22: Vermont's Legislature legalizes recreational marijuana. It's the first time a state legislature, rather than voters, approved such a law. June 25: U.S. health regulators approve the first prescription drug made from marijuana. The medication, Epidiolex, is used to treat two rare forms of epilepsy in young children. June 28: Oklahoma becomes the 30th state to legalize medical marijuana use. In this Jan. 6, 2018, file photo, customers line up to buy cannabis at The Apothecarium during the store's first day of recreational marijuana sales in San Francisco. California became America's largest legal marketplace, while Canada became the second and largest country with nationwide legal recreational marijuana. (AP Photo/Noah Berger,File) July 19: A Canadian company, Tilray Inc., is the first marijuana business to complete an initial public offering on a major U.S. stock exchange, raising $153 million as it began trading on the Nasdaq exchange. Aug. 15: Constellation Brands Inc., the parent company of Corona beer and other alcoholic drinks, makes a $4 billion investment in Canopy Growth Corp., a major Canadian pot producer. Oct. 17: Canada legalizes marijuana use for people 19 or older in most provinces. It's the second country after Uruguay to legalize marijuana, and its First-World nation status adds greater credibility to the global marijuana marketplace. Oct. 31: Mexico's Supreme Court rules individuals can use marijuana under their right to decide their own recreational activities. The decision puts the country a major step closer to broad legalization. Nov. 7: Voters make Michigan the first Midwestern state and 10th overall to legalize recreational marijuana use. Missouri and Utah approve medicinal marijuana. Dec. 7: U.S. cigarette maker Altria invests $2.4 billion in Canada marijuana company Cronos Group. This Sept. 11, 2018, file photo shows blankets of frost known as trichomes on a budding marijuana flower at an artisanal cannabis farm SLOgrown Genetics, the coastal mountain range of San Luis Obispo, Calif. Liberal California became the largest legal U.S. marketplace, while conservative Utah and Oklahoma embraced medical marijuana. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel,File) Dec. 10: New Zealand passes a law making medical marijuana widely available. A nationwide referendum on recreational pot is planned within two years. Dec. 20: President Donald Trump signs into law a farm bill that removes hemp, the cannabis plant cousin to marijuana, from the list of federally controlled substances. Explore further A look at where companies stand on marijuana business 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Credit: CC0 Public Domain We know a good meal can stimulate the release of the feel-good hormone dopamine, and now a study in humans from the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Germany suggests that dopamine release in the brain occurs at two different times: at the time the food is first ingested and another once the food reaches the stomach. The work appears December 27 in the journal Cell Metabolism. "With the help of a new positron emission tomography (PET) technique we developed, we were not only able to find the two peaks of dopamine release, but we could also identify the specific brain regions that were associated with these releases," says senior author Marc Tittgemeyer (@tittgemeyer), head of the Institute's Translational Neurocircuitry Group. "While the first release occurred in brain regions associated with reward and sensory perception, the post-ingestive release involved additional regions related to higher cognitive functions." In the study, 12 healthy volunteers received either a palatable milkshake or a tasteless solution while PET data were recorded. Interestingly, the subjects' craving or desire for the milkshake was proportionally linked to the amount of dopamine released in particular brain areas at the first tasting. But the higher the craving, the less delayed post-ingestive dopamine was released. "On one hand, dopamine release mirrors our subjective desire to consume a food item. On the other hand, our desire seems to suppress gut-induced dopamine release," says Heiko Backes, group leader for Multimodal Imaging of Brain Metabolism at the Institute, who is co-first author on the study with Sharmili Edwin Thanarajah. Suppression of gut-induced release could potentially cause overeating of highly desired food items. "We continue to eat until sufficient dopamine was released," Backes says but adds that this hypothesis remains to be tested in further studies. Earlier experiments have demonstrated gut-induced dopamine release in mice, but this is the first time it has been shown in humans. Explore further Study finds GABA cells help fight alcoholism More information: Cell Metabolism, Thanarajah and Backes et al.:" Food intake recruits orosensory and post-ingestive dopaminergic circuits to effect eating desire in humans." DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.12.006 Journal information: Cell Metabolism , Thanarajah and Backes et al.:" Food intake recruits orosensory and post-ingestive dopaminergic circuits to effect eating desire in humans." www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/f 1550-4131(18)30743-5 (HealthDay)From 2007 to 2017 there was an increase in drug-use associated infective endocarditis (DUA-IE) hospitalizations and valve surgeries, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Asher J. Schranz, M.D., from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and colleagues examined hospitalization trends for DUA-IE in a 10-year analysis of a statewide hospital discharge database for North Carolina hospitals. The authors sought to identify annual trends in IE admissions and IE hospitalizations with valve surgery, stratified by patients' drug use status. The researchers found that 11 percent of the 22,825 IE hospitalizations were for DUA-IE. Valve surgery was performed in 7 percent of 1,655 IE hospitalizations, including 285 (17 percent) for DUA-IE. There were increases seen in annual DUA-IE hospitalizations (from 0.92 to 10.95 per 100,000 persons) and DUA-IE hospitalizations with surgery (from 0.10 to 1.38 per 100,000 persons). Forty-two percent of IE valve surgeries were performed in patients with DUA-IE in the final year. Patients with DUA-IE were younger, more often female and white, and were mainly insured by Medicaid or uninsured, compared with other surgical patients with IE. "Drug use-associated IE is a critical, emerging public health issue that is affecting the lives of young persons, burdening health systems and public insurance payers, and fundamentally reshaping the epidemiology and management of endocarditis," the authors write. Two authors disclosed financial ties to the biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries. Explore further Infective endocarditis increases more than tenfold in North Carolina Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Credit: CC0 Public Domain We are constantly exposed to the facial expressions of the people around us, expressions that reflect their emotions. But do we interpret them correctly? And do we trust our own judgment? This trust is essential for avoiding misunderstandings or even potentially dangerous situations. That is the reason why researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), Switzerland, have been testing how confident we feel when judging other people's emotions, and what areas of the brain are used. These resultswhich you can read all about in the journal Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience - demonstrate that beliefs of our own emotional interpretation stem directly from the experiences stored in our memory. In other words, our past life influences our interpretations... and sometimes leads us astray. Our daily decisions come with a degree of confidence, yet confidence doesn't always go hand in hand with decision's accuracy. We are sometimes wrong even when we are entirely confident in having taken the right decisionas, for instance, when making a poor investment on the stock market. The same goes for our social interactions: we are constantly interpreting the expressions on the faces of those around us, and the belief we have in our own interpretations is paramount. "Take the case of Trayvon Martin in the US, which is a perfect illustration of this," suggests Indrit Begue, a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Psychiatry in UNIGE's Faculty of Medicine and a doctor in the Adult Psychiatry Service in the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at HUG. "Trayvon was a 17-year-old African-American teenager who was shot dead by George Zimmerman, despite being unarmed. Zimmerman thought the young boy "looked suspicious," an altercation broke out with the fatal outcome that we're all familiar with." But why was Zimmerman so sure that Martin "looked suspicious" and thus, was dangerous, when all he was actually doing was waiting in front of his father's house? It is in an attempt to answer this type of question that the UNIGE and HUG researchers were so keen to test the level of confidence we have in our interpretations of the emotional behaviour of others, and to discover which areas of the brain are activated during these interpretations. Emotion recognition: overconfidently wrong The scientists decided to measure confidence-related behaviour by asking 34 participants to judge emotional faces displaying a mix of happy and angry emotions, with each face being framed by two horizontal bars of varying thickness. Some of the faces were very clearly happy or angry, while others were highly ambiguous. The participants first had to define what emotion was represented on each of the 128 faces that flashed up. They, then, had to choose which of the two bars was thicker. Finally, for every decision they made, participants had to indicate their level of confidence in their choice on a scale ranging from 1 (not at all sure) to 6 (certain). "The bars were used to evaluate their confidence in visual perception, which has already been studied in depth. Here it served as a control mechanism," says Patrik Vuilleumier, a professor in UNIGE's Department of fundamental neurosciences. The results of the tests surprised the researchers, to say the least. "Strikingly, the average level of confidence in emotional recognition was higher (5.88 points) than for visual perception (4.95 points), even though participants made more errors in emotional recognition (79 % correct answers) than with the lines (82% correct answers)!" says Indrit. In fact, learning emotional recognition is not as easy as for perception: our interlocutors may be ironic, lying or prevented from expressing their facial emotions due to social conventionsif their boss is present, for instance. It follows that it is more difficult to correctly calibrate our confidence in recognising other people's emotions in the absence of any feedback. In addition, we have to interpret an expression very quickly because it is fleeting. So, we feel that our first impression is the right one, and trust our judgment about an angry face or mouth. On the other hand, judging perception may be more attentive and benefits from direct feedback about its accuracy. If there is hesitation, confidence is lower than for emotions, because we know that we can easily be wrong and be contradicted. Confidence based on memory As for the brain correlates, the UNIGE and HUG researchers examined the neural mechanisms during this process of confidence on one's emotional recognition by providing participants with a functional MRI. "When the participants judged the lines, the perception (visual areas) and attention (frontal areas) zones were activated. But when assessing confidence in recognising emotions, areas linked to autobiographical and contextual memory lit up, such as the parahippocampal gyrus and the retrosplenial/posterior cingulate cortex," points out professor Vuilleumier. This demonstrates that brain systems storing personal and contextual memories are directly involved in beliefs on emotional recognition, and that they determine the accuracy of the interpretation of facial expressions and the trust placed in them. "The fact that past experiences are so fundamental to govern our confidence may cause problems in our day-to-day life, because they can skew our judgment, as happened in the Trayvon Martin case, when Zimmerman didn't see just an impatient young man waiting outside his home, but an angry black man lurking in front of a house," explains Indrit. "That's why it's crucial to give feedback about our emotions early on, so we can teach children to interpret them correctly." Explore further Babies make the link between vocal and facial emotion More information: I Begue et al, Confidence of emotion expression recognition recruits brain regions outside the face perception network, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (2018). Journal information: Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience I Begue et al, Confidence of emotion expression recognition recruits brain regions outside the face perception network,(2018). DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsy102 (HealthDay)Genes are responsible for approximately one in 10 cases of chronic kidney disease in adults, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Emily E. Groopman, from Columbia University in New York City, and colleagues conducted exome sequencing and diagnostic analysis for 3,315 patients with chronic kidney disease (two cohorts). A total of 3,037 patients were over age 21 years and 35.6 percent were self-identified as non-European ancestry. The researchers detected diagnostic variants in 9.3 percent of patients, encompassing 66 different monogenic disorders. Overall, 59 percent of the disorders detected were found in only a single patient. Across all clinically defined categories, diagnostic variants were detected, including congenital or cystic renal disease (23.9 percent of 531 patients) and nephropathy of unknown origin (17.1 percent of 281 patients). Overall, 1.6 percent of the 2,187 patients assessed had genetic findings for medically actionable disorders that would lead to subspecialty referral and inform renal management, even though they were unrelated to nephropathy. "Our findings support the diagnostic utility of exome sequencing across different clinical categories of kidney disease and highlight the potential of genetic testing to accurately direct patients to relevant clinical trials and targeted therapies, encouraging similar investigations across other subspecialties," the authors write. Several authors are employees of AstraZeneca, which partially funded the study. Explore further Diagnostic mutations ID'd in chronic kidney disease patients Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Scabies lesions on hand. Credit: Lucia Romani, 2018, CC BY 4.0 For years, the diagnosis of scabies has relied on time-consuming and intrusive full-body examinations. Now, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have found that an exam of just a patient's hands, feet and lower legs may have the potential to catch more than 90 percent of all scabies cases, regardless of severity. These speedier exams may be useful in public health assessments on the prevalence of scabies. Scabies, a skin condition caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income tropical settings. There is no laboratory test for infestation and diagnosis is almost always made with clinical examination. Scabies control relies traditionally on diagnosing individual patients, however there is increasing use of mass drug administration programs. For mass drug administration to be a viables approach surveys of communities to gauge scabies prevalence will be needed. In the new work, Michael Marks of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and colleagues analyzed data from three recent large population-based surveys of scabies in the Solomon Islands and Fiji. In all three surveys, examinations of covered the arms, legs, face and torso. If patients reported itching in the groin, buttocks or breasts, these areas were also examined. Exams in children under 1 year covered the whole body. Reports of scabies in examined patients included which of nine body regions lesions were found in. Based on the information where lesions were found, the team concluded that exams of exposed body regionsthe hands, feet and lower legs had close to 90 percent sensitivity for detecting scabies compared to a whole-body exam. Further restricting exams limited sensitivity, however, with a sensitivity of only 51.2 percent for exams of the hands alone. "Our study adds valuable data to the development of a simplified diagnostic process for scabies that may be applied to guide decisions about future public health interventions," the authors say. Explore further Mass-drug administration curbs scabies for asylum seekers in the Netherlands More information: Marks M, Engelman D, Romani L, Mason D, Sokana O, et al. (2018) Exploration of a simplified clinical examination for scabies to support public health decision-making. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 12(12): e0006996. Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Marks M, Engelman D, Romani L, Mason D, Sokana O, et al. (2018) Exploration of a simplified clinical examination for scabies to support public health decision-making.12(12): e0006996. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006996 (HealthDay)Undergoing health care screening practices is associated with an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with skin cancer, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in JAMA Dermatology. Aaron M. Drucker, M.D., from the University of Toronto, and colleagues examined data from 77,736 women from the Nurses' Health Study with 1,388,523 person-years of follow-up and from 39,756 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study with 635,319 person-years of follow-up. The researchers observed positive correlations between various screening practices and diagnoses of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with similar directions of association seen with melanoma. The multivariable hazard ratio associated with undergoing a physical examination was 1.46 (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.30 to 1.64) for BCC, 2.32 (95 percent CI, 1.41 to 3.80) for SCC, and 1.66 (95 percent CI, 0.85 to 3.22) for melanoma in the Nurses' Health Study. The results were similar in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, with multivariable hazard ratios of 1.43 (95 percent CI, 1.26 to 1.63) for BCC, 1.85 (95 percent CI, 1.17 to 2.92) for SCC, and 1.04 (95 percent CI, 0.64 to 1.69) for melanoma in association with undergoing a physical examination. "Previous studies have found associations between various medical conditions and skin cancer risk without accounting for detection bias; these previous publications should be considered in that light because the associations might be confounded by health screening behavior," the authors write. Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry. Explore further Type 2 diabetes linked to colorectal cancer risk in men Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. (HealthDay)The scourge of opioid addiction and related deaths cut through American society again in 2018, capturing headlines and making it the year's top health story. Rates of opioid-linked fatal overdoses have nearly doubled over the past decade and topped 70,000 in 2017, according to data released in November by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of those tragic deaths occurred among young adults and were linked to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that's 50 times more potent than heroin. All of this means that for three years in a row, U.S. average life expectancy reversed a long-term upward trend and actually droppedfrom nearly 79 years in 2014 to 78.6 years now. "We've been talking about the fact that our children will live less long than we will, and that's clearly coming to pass," said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. Other top health stories of 2018, as compiled by editors at HealthDay: Vaping rates soar among the young Even as smoking rates fell to all-time lows among teens, another form of addictive nicotine intake, the e-cigarette, was poised to take its place. The latest federal data on youth behaviors found vaping among American teenagers rising dramatically in 2018, with nearly two of every five high school seniors (37 percent) reporting they've tried an e-cigarette during the past year. That's up from 28 percent the year before. Many worry that the sleek "cool" factor of the leading e-cigarette brand, Juul, may be luring the young to take up vapingwhich many experts worry is a merely a bridge to traditional smoking. Seeking to reverse these trends, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November announced that it would take steps to limit or ban access to flavored e-cigarettes, much favored by teens. A deadly flu season A virulent dominant strain of influenza, relatively low uptake of the flu shot, and a poor match between the vaccine and the dominant strains of virus combined to make 2017-2018 one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory. Over 80,000 peoplemany of them the frail elderly or the very youngdied from complications of flu, the CDC reported, and hospitals were jammed with patients battling the virus. So far, the new season seems milder, but CDC experts warn that influenza can still bring surprises, so they urge vaccination. With growing acceptance, marijuana use rises By 2018, 33 U.S. states had legalized marijuana for medical use, and neighboring Canada also legalized the drug for recreational use. Aging baby boomers seemed to embrace pot, and in a HealthDay/Harris Poll conducted in July, 85 percent of U.S. adults agreed that pot should be allowed for medical purposes, while 57 percent supported recreational use. One legal marijuana derivative product, medicinal CBD oil, became hugely popular in 2018. A form of CBD liquid, Epidiolex, became the first marijuana-derived drug ever approved by the FDA. It is used to help ease certain forms of epilepsy. Not everyone was happy about widening access to marijuana, however. "The problem here is we're at the beginning of this massive experiment with unknown outcomes," said Fred Muench, president and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Obamacare holds on another year Despite promises by the Trump White House and Republicans in Congress to repeal it, the Affordable Care Act (ACA)also known as "Obamacare"kept providing health care to Americans in 2018. In fact, despite pessimistic mid-year predictions, ACA sign-ups for 2018 held steady at near 12 million, and were only down slightly for 2019. However, threats to the program remained: In December, a federal judge in Texas deemed the ACA unconstitutionala ruling that could end up before the Supreme Court. Gene-targeted 'personalized' medicine brings new hope against cancer When former President Jimmy Carter announced that a gene-focused immunotherapy drug called Keytruda had pushed back his metastatic brain tumor, Americans began to understand the potential of this new generation of medicines. Drugs like Keytruda, Yervoy, Opdivo and others target genes specific to an individual patient's tumor. This greatly improves treatment success rates while minimizing side effects. The field is expanding to a wide range of drugs fighting a host of tumor types, said one oncologist. "I'm a lung cancer doc. We just had our fifth drug for a specific genomic driver in lung cancer approved last week. That started out from zero in 2004," noted Dr. Bruce Johnson, past president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Tainted lettuce puts a damper on Thanksgiving Americans sitting down for their Thanksgiving dinners had to forgo Caesar salads this year. That's because E. coli contamination in irrigation water at one California farm (but possibly more) caused the FDA to urge Americans to avoid the leafy green. The outbreak caused 59 illnesses so severe that dozens were sent to the hospital, although no deaths were reported. Big changes to common cancer screens In May, expert cancer panels made two big revisions to screening protocols used by millions. First, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) re-opened the door for men to once again use the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test for prostate cancer, saying that men aged 55 to 69 should decide for themselves whether to undergo the test. Next, the American Cancer Society lowered the starting age for colon cancer screening from 50 to 45, citing a rise in the cancer among the young. Finally, in August, another USPSTF panel said that women over 30 now have a range of cervical cancer screening options. These include an HPV (human papillomavirus) test just once every five years dispensing with the traditional Pap test. Mysterious 'polio-like' illness strikes kids Cases of a rare but devastating illness called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) grew among U.S. children again in 2018, with numbers affected by the paralyzing illness approaching 300 by year's end. The condition appears linked to infection with enteroviruses, which typically cause only mild illnesses such as common colds. For now, AFM's origins and treatment remain unclear, the CDC has said. Explore further Teens using vaping devices in record numbers Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. (HealthDay)The return of measles made headlines in recent years, but it's not the only disease that poses a particular threat to kids that has experienced a resurgence. Another is pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough because of the distinctive sound it causes as people experience severe coughing bouts. An infection of the respiratory system, pertussis jumped from fewer than 2,000 cases in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s to more than 48,000 in 2012, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although the number of cases is down from that peak, it's nowhere near the lows of earlier decades following the introduction of the pertussis vaccine. A review of studies on both measles and pertussis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that parents who intentionally keep their children from being vaccinated contribute to outbreaks. But there are other factors in play as well, such as under-vaccination. That's when not enough people are given recommended vaccines. For example, adults getting booster shots for diphtheria and tetanus aren't always given the combination vaccine that includes pertussis. Pertussis numbers could also be up because more people are going to their doctor and getting a diagnosis when they get sick. Vaccination Calendar Through the Years: Babies should get a series of shots with a combination vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis starting at 2 months of age. In general, adults should get a booster shot every 10 years. Pregnant women should get one dose of the vaccine during every pregnancy to protect baby. Talk to your doctor about the right schedule for you. Recognizing pertussis can be difficult until it advances. It usually starts with symptoms that could be mistaken for a cold. Pertussis is most dangerous for babies. About half of those under one year of age will need to be treated in a hospital. Early symptoms last one to two weeks and may include: Runny nose. Low-grade fever. Mild, occasional cough. Apnea (pauses in breathing) in babies. Symptoms progress to: Coughing fits followed by a "whoop" sound. Vomiting during or after coughing fits. Exhaustion. The infection is generally milder in teens and adults, especially those who have been vaccinated, which is why vaccination and booster shots are so important. Explore further Protecting newborns from pertussis More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detailed information on Journal information: Journal of the American Medical Association The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detailed information on pertussis Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. My wife and I recently saw a movie titled At Eternitys Gate. The film, which was directed by Julian Schnabel, was about Vincent van Gogh. It focused on two periods in the artists life: first, when he left Paris and moved to Arles in the south of France where he roomed with fellow painter, Paul Gaugin; second, when he stayed at a hospital at Arles and was later transferred to an asylum in nearby Saint-Remy. The movie starred Willem Dafoe, who played Van Gogh, and Oscar Isaac, who played Gaugin. It was apparent that each actor had been selected because of his resemblance to the artist he portrayed. This was not the first movie or documentary made about Vincent van Gogh, nor will it be the last because of the artists extraordinary paintings, tragic life story, and the questionable circumstances surrounding his death. In the mid-1950s, I saw another film about Van Gogh titled Lust for Life. It starred Kirk Douglas as Van Gogh and Anthony Quinn as Gaugin. Again, each actor appeared to have been selected because of his resemblance to the painter portrayed. This article compares the two movies and comments on Van Gogh, the man, and his artistic legacy. The Movies After watching At Eternitys Gate, I concluded it was a noble, but flawed, effort, although favorably reviewed by most critics. I say noble, because Van Goghs life was a tragedy of Greek proportions. As such, each retelling on film becomes an act of discovery and, therefore, a worthy effort. I say flawed because I found the directors use of visual and auditory effects, intended to be suggestive of Van Goghs troubled state of mind, more jarring than revelatory. Specifically, I objected to the jerky camera work in the opening scene and the discordant piano music that punctuated the musical score. While Dafoe and Isaacs performances were credible, the actors were handicapped by the script, parts of which appeared to have been lifted from the text of letters written by Van Gogh and Gaugin. While these brief monologues provided valuable insights, they were inconsistent with the live action scenes of which they were a part. Transferring prose to the screen, no matter how well written the original, is difficult because film is its own medium with its own requirements and limitations which the scriptwriter ignores at his or her peril. The monologues were used to differentiate the painting philosophies of the two artists. While Van Gogh looked to his external surroundings for inspiration, Gaugin believed the artist should look within and paint his emotional response to things of this world. As Van Goghs painting evolved, it increasingly expressed his inner vision much as Gaugin had encouraged him to do. Van Gogh acknowledged this when he said: I am my paintings. As one biographer remarked: To see Van Goghs paintings is to see the man. It is this human dimension that makes his paintings timeless. Despite my reservations, At Eternitys Gate is worth seeing because it successfully communicates Van Goghs conflicted sense of alienation and compassion. In this regard, the movie is more successful than Lust for Life, which was based upon Irving Stones 1930s novel by that name. Consistent with the practice at the time, studio stars Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn who largely played themselves and, therefore, come across as modern Americans in period costume rather than 19th century European artists. With a change of costume, Douglas Van Gogh could easily have passed for Spartacus in another one of his roles. Yet, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated Douglas for Best Actor and awarded Quinn the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. In expressing these opinions, I must admit to certain prejudices. For the most part, I often find the dialogue in older movies wooden and unconvincing because of their theatricality and ping pong banter in which the actors, dressed in their best studio personas, simply mouth the script to the accompaniment of an overblown musical score. I find this especially true of the so-called classics that were filmed before the introduction of method acting when actors were still emoting as if on stage and the movies were typically filmed on the studio lot without the benefit of computer graphics. As one might expect, Lust for Life suffers from many of these shortcomings and does not stand up well, in spite of its recognition by the Academy. The Man Some months before seeing At Eternitys Gate, I had written an essay on Vincent Van Gogh, which explains why I believe Vincent van Gogh is the greatest painter of all time. I based my opinion on Van Goghs poetic spirit, which enabled him to transfer his raw emotion directly onto the canvas as if squeezed from a tube. I defined the poetic spirit as a romantic way of looking at the world that interprets lifes experiences in a coherent, meaningful, and therefore more memorable way by seeing the miraculous in small things and everyday events. The poetic spirit doesnt just see; it feels. I believe Vincent van Gogh is the best example of this spirit at work in the visual arts. As a consequence, he sets a high bar for anyone telling his story. Van Gogh was not attempting to create great art, as now certified by the art-investment houses of New York. Instead, he was a deeply religious man who wanted to bear witness to the miraculous he found in everyday things and places, such as a pair of old shoes, a vase full of sunflowers, a wheat field, and the night sky. Ray Bradbury, the American fantasy and science fiction writer, got it right when one of the characters in The Martian Chronicles said of art: Science is the investigation of a miracle we can never explain, and art is an interpretation of that miracle. Van Gogh was an interpreter of miracles that less sensitive souls fail to see. Anyone who has closely examined his paintings can only marvel at their brushwork and use of color. Van Goghs greatness does not lie in his exceptional technique but rather in the sharing of his intimate feelings as a man who spent his entire life searching for the truth. His paintings have an integrity and coherence that make them reassuring and restorative in our reductionist scientific age that has digitized our reality and set us apart from the analog world in which Van Gogh lived. Upon viewing his paintings, one feels refreshed and hopeful, in spite of the artists personal despair, for they appear to be living things that vibrate and dance within their gilded 19th-century frames. One has to put van Goghs works in a historical context to appreciate their contribution to painting as an art form. In the ancient world, painting spoke a coded language that gave expression to otherworldly ideals, the Egyptians being the best exemplars. The Ancient Greeks continued the practice in a more representational style. Religious paintings continued this formalism. With the growth of the merchant class in Europe, artists turned their attention to more worldly matters as they followed the money and began to paint physical things as they saw them or at least as they thought they saw them even when depicting mythological or biblical subjects. During the Renaissance, that realism was enhanced by the introduction of visual perspective, which created the illusion of solidity in three dimensions. Painting continued in this manner until the Impressionists realized that we do not actually see the physical world, which the philosopher Immanuel Kant called the thing in itself. Instead, we see reflected light. By painting the light, the Impressionists created airy scenes that depicted everyday people, places, and things with which people could readily identify. Hence, the continuing popularity of Impressionist works. Cezanne, Gaugin, and van Gogh were the most prominent figures in what followed, now referred to as the Post-Impressionist Period. They ushered in the painting movements known as Cubism, Symbolism, and Expressionism, respectively. Van Goghs choice of direction was no doubt influenced by Gaugin, while his friend chose a divergent yet related path. As Van Goghs mental state continued to deteriorate, the inner vision expressed in his paintings became increasingly abstract yet paradoxically more alive. After moving to the sunnier climate of Arles in southern France, his palette brightened with salutary effect. When viewing his painting of a wheat field at mid-day, we enter the emotional state of van Gogh when he first gazed upon that light-filled landscape with its circling murder of crows. While van Gogh had no intention of starting an art movement, he laid the foundation for one and remained to latter-day Expressionist painters what Beethoven was to the romantic composers who followed in his footsteps but were never his equal. In my opinion, Vincent van Gogh is the most painterly of painters and, as previously said, the best example of the poetic spirit at work in the visual arts. Anyone who has read his letters to his brother, Theo, recognizes that the poetry of his prose is as vibrant as his paintings. For Van Gogh, poetry was a distillation of prose and painting a distillation of poetry. In other words, he possessed a range of talents rare among painters. Vincent was a Christ-like figure who suffered for our benefit. In his youth, he aspired to become a parson like his father, but his compassion was simply too uncompromising for the practical Dutch Reformed Church. After failing to become a clergyman, he turned to painting the divine he found in abundance in the world around him. All the while, he remained, as Jesus said of Himself, in the world but not of it. Lance Burris is a writer and artist who lives in Napa. The Napa County District Attorney has charged a Martinez man with pimping two teenagers. Law enforcement officials wrote in court documents that the Napa Police learned two 17-year-old women were victims of human trafficking. A detective with the Napa Special Investigations Bureau said that Marquez Jiron Thomas, 20, would tell the victims where to go, how to act and how much to charge for acts of prostitution, according to a court document. He drove an older, silver Honda Civic with tinted windows and would take the victims to places in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Reno, Nevada, according to the detective's account. One of the teenagers said he groomed her through social media, taught the women how to create prostitution ads and took half of the money they earned, law enforcement wrote in a court document. Thomas contacted one of the victims on Dec. 21 to demand half of the payment she earned on an occasion that he drove her to San Francisco, according to a court document. Thomas headed to the victims home in Napa County, where detectives arrested him, according to the document and a report filed by the arresting officer. Thomas admitted to driving the teenagers to places for prostitution and said he accompanied one of them to Reno, Nevada, according to the police report. He admitted to having sex with one of the victims, but said one of them told him that she was 19 years old, according to the police report. Thomas also admitted to making deals with the victims to take half of their money, but he said he never collected it, court documents show. On Dec. 21, Judge Scott Young approved a request by the Napa County District Attorney to increase Thomass bail to $2.5 million from $50,000, the standard amount for such charges, because of the gravity of the allegations levied against Thomas. As of Thursday, Thomas remained in jail, where he faced bail of $2.5 million. Law enforcement also requested that Thomas provide proof of the source of any bail money posted on his behalf. Thomas is charged with eight felonies related to trafficking minors for a sex act, pimping minors older than 16 years, persuading minors to engage in lewd acts, and taking money from minors older than 16 years who were paid for prostitution. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of illegal sexual intercourse. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A growing number of local hotels jobs and high prices for local housing continued creating an unwanted dynamic in 2018. The situation in a nutshell: a boom in new hotels is creating jobs that pay too little for employees to comfortably afford Napa County housing prices. Civic leaders and housing advocates expressed concern. A study done for the city of Napa in 2018 said that building 60 percent of the 2,112 new hotel rooms proposed in the city would create 630 jobs. City hotel-based businesses would then employ 3,700 workers and produce $456 million in annual economic output. But the median housing value in the county is more than $650,000 and monthly rents in 2017 averaged about $1,700 for a one-bedroom apartment. More hotel workers raised the specter of a bigger influx of people commuting from counties with cheaper living costs, adding to traffic woes. Any new hotels, in my view, will have to show how they deal with housing for the workforce they bring in, Napa Mayor Jill Techel said in May. In July, the City Council approved a new Marriott in the southern part of town. The developers agree to build 12 rental dwellings with affordable rents on a -acre property along Old Sonoma Road. Were committed to this path because its the right thing to do, developer representative and attorney Anthony Zand told the City Council. Another idea bubbled up in early 2018 ask voters to raise the transient occupancy tax by 1 percent, from 12 to 13 percent. That would bring in an estimated $5 million annually countywide to spend on affordable and workforce housing. My intention is to jump-start the conversation, working with Visit Napa Valley and the cities to look at the possibilities of creating a regional solution to this, Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza said. A higher tax would mean prices at hotels and lodges would rise, possibly putting Napa Valley at a disadvantage with other tourist magnets. The local hotel and tourism industry decided it could weather the change. There are other destinations in California that have higher rates than we do right now, Clay Gregory, CEO of Visit Napa Valley, said in May. We wouldnt want to go up any further than 1 percent, but were comfortable with that number. Joelle Gallagher of the Napa Housing Coalition said the results need to be housing that local workers can afford, not something like the new Register Square development in downtown Napa with units at around $800,000. I dont want to see $800,000 condos going in and claiming those are for people who make $16 an hour cleaning hotel rooms, she told county supervisors in May. Supervisor Diane Dillon said she wants to make certain the tax money creates housing for Napa County residents, not people who lost Santa Rosa homes in last years wildfires, as much as her heart goes out to them. I think that local-jobs-to-local-housing is a really important piece of this, Dillon said. The city of Napa would receive an estimated $2.1 million from the tax, city Housing Manager Lark Ferrell said in May. It could use the money to buy land for future developments or bolster a down-payment assistance fund for first-time home buyers. Ferrell saw a chance to help families who have incomes between 60 and 120 percent of the median and often miss out on housing assistance. A potential difficulty involved the mechanics of the election. To achieve a countywide increase, each city and the unincorporated county would have to pass its own measure. Debate arose in American Canyon. That City Council wanted to explore using the extra transient occupancy tax money for traffic solutions. It opted for housing after hearing that local hotels would oppose any other path. The matter was settled Napa County, American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena and Yountville each created ballot measures for the Nov. 6 election. Because they sought a special tax dedicated to housing, the measures each needed a two-thirds vote to pass. On Nov. 6, the voters spoke. Measures passed for the unincorporated county and every city except American Canyon, where Measure H garnered 66.4 percent of the vote, just short of the 66.6 percent needed. That means the county, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena and Yountville will receive the new tax money for housing and American Canyon will not. Each jurisdiction will decide how to spend its own revenue. Next comes the challenge of spending the money in ways that will at least make a dent in the local housing affordability problem. Thats a story for 2019 and beyond. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Editors note: Jerry Brown and Dan Walters arrived in Sacramento at the same time in 1975. Brown was a new governor and Walters was a reporter at the Sacramento Union. More than any other journalist, Walters has followed Browns career ever since. This four-part series is his inside look at the politician he has watched so closely for so long. Jerry Brown closed a cosmic circle this month when he inducted actor Robert Redford into the California Hall of Fame. Forty-six years earlier, Redford had played a fictional version of Brown in the widely acclaimed political film The Candidate, centering on the complicated relationship between a young, idealistic candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in California and his father, a former governor. The 1972 movies screenwriter, Jeremy Larner, and its director, Michael Ritchie, drew on their personal experiences in political campaigns to depict the title characters quest to unseat a popular senator. However, the fictional Bill McKays ambivalence about his back-slapping politician father attracted to political office but repelled by the gritty work of winning it reflected Browns clearly mixed feelings about his father, Pat Brown. Jerry Browns meteoric rise from community college board member to secretary of state and then to the governorship in just six years would probably have been impossible if he hadnt been carrying his fathers name. As writer Richard Reeves put it in an early profile: Nobody ever gave Jerry Brown a free hot lunch at school, but he practically inherited the governorship without political trial or conditioning. Houston Flournoy, Browns Republican opponent in his first race for governor in 1974, told him during a joint appearance, If your name was Jerry Green, you wouldnt be here today. Six years earlier, when Brown was just 30, he had decided after giving up early plans to become a Catholic priest and getting a law degree to follow his father into politics and sought the counsel of Joe Cerrell, one of the states top campaign managers who had advised Pat Brown, about running for the Los Angeles Community College District board. As later recounted by Reeves, Cerrell laughed and said, With your name on the ballot, you could sit in that chair from now until April and still win. What do you really want? Reeves wrote that Brown replied, I want to make a name for myselfso I want to run for something where Ill win and win big. Brown won that community college board seat in 1969, and a year after that ran for secretary of state, only to immediately begin plotting a 1974 campaign for governor to succeed Ronald Reagan, who had denied Pat Brown a third term in 1966. As secretary of state, Brown seized on the Watergate scandal then consuming Washington to portray himself as a political reformer and proposed a ballot measure, Proposition 9, that he said would clean up the corrupt relationships between Sacramento politicians and special interest lobbyists. He also sought to distance himself from the father whose name and political network had played such important roles in his sons rapid political rise. Although Brown had begun his 1974 campaign with a very strong lead, it largely evaporated and he wound up with a paper-thin victory over Flournoy. Instead of acknowledging Pat Browns help, on election night he turned to his father and said, I almost lost because of you. People remembered you as such a big spender, while publicly crediting his mother, Bernice. Jerry Browns efforts to set himself apart from Pat Brown continued into his new governorship. The archives of Browns first term contain letters from Pat Brown urging his son to take particular actions or appoint particular people to positions in the new administration. However, the pleas arent addressed to the new governor, but rather to Gray Davis, his chief of staff. Sometimes, father and son would make appearances at the same political event, stand a few feet from one another and never acknowledge each others presence. The elder Brown took to asking others, even reporters, about his progeny. Hows Jerry doing? he would ask acquaintances from Sacramento almost exactly the same words that the former governor in The Candidate, played by Melvyn Douglas, uttered in one scene. Jerry Brown also set himself apart from his father by scorning the sort of the public works projects, particularly highways, that Pat Brown had championed and by shunning political insiders in staffing his new administration. He brought in people from academia and civil rights, farm labor and social welfare groups who were accustomed to being on the outside looking in, including former college and law school chums. Some of those appointments were more successful than others. One that spectacularly backfired was Jim Lorenz, who had worked on Browns campaign and was tapped to head the Department of Employment with instructions to develop a program to put more people to work as an antidote to welfare. Lorenz drafted a proposal, but someone leaked it to the Oakland Tribune, a very conservative newspaper in those days, which described it in a front-page headline as Browns secret worker state, implying that it was incipient socialism. Brown panicked and sacked Lorenz, who later wrote a book, The Man on the White Horse, about his experiences inside the young governors administration that portrayed Brown as a political trickster consumed with ambition the finest political sleight-of-hand artist of his generation and enamored of symbolic buzzwords. Lorenz quoted Browns self-praise of a 1974 campaign ad about crime, featuring him talking to elderly Californians: That ad has five buzzwords in it. I sound tougher than Flournoy, and I havent proposed anything the liberals can criticize me for. I havent committed myself to do anything at all. Even adjusting for Lorenzs bitterness, he had it right about Browns ambition; scarcely a year into his governorship, he launched the first of three campaigns for the White House. And Lorenz accurately described Browns use of symbols and media stunts to promote a positive image for himself a tendency that drew graphic scorn in a series of Doonesbury cartoon panels by Garry Trudeau. The new governor abolished the cheap plastic briefcases issued to state bureaucrats, slept on a mattress in a bare apartment near the Capitol instead of the new governors mansion that Reagan had built and had himself driven around in a plain blue Plymouth sedan rather than a limousine all to convey the image of an austere, money-saving politician. Browns symbol manipulation backfired one day in 1977 when he called a news conference to announce that as a monstrous blizzard enveloped New York state, including Buffalo, he had called President Jimmy Carter and pledged that California would forego natural gas deliveries to assist the stricken communities. Brown, who had donned a sweater that winter to symbolize energy conservation, was hit by a barrage of reporters questions about his authority to order gas shipment diversions, which had already been arranged voluntarily by the states natural gas utilities. The more Brown stubbornly tried to undeservedly claim credit, the sharper the reporters questions became until the young governor lost his cool and began berating them for doubting his word. People are dying in Buffalo, Larry, a red-faced Brown shouted at one newsie, the San Francisco Chronicles Larry Liebert. It wasnt the first or last time Brown had tried to steal the political scene with symbolic acts as he attempted to raise his national political profile, and it wasnt the first or last time it backfired. By then, Browns first governorship had already evolved into a continuous campaign operation. He ran for governor in 1974, president in 1976, re-election in 1978, the presidency again in 1980 and, finally, the U.S. Senate in 1982. With campaigns his preoccupation, Brown only occasionally engaged in governing California and had precious little on his gubernatorial record of lasting importance when he departed. The day after being forced to concede the Senate seat to Republican Pete Wilson, Brown told reporters: I believe the people of California would like a respite from me and in some ways I would like a respite from them. But the mutual respites would not be permanent. 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. A portrait of Armando Reyes harvesting merlot grapes in a Carneros vineyard earned Andrew Lincoln of Napa the grand prize in the 37th annual California Farm Bureau Federation photo contest. Lincoln, who received $1,000 in prize money, also won the contests Grand Prize in 2016. A winery employee and son of a vineyard manager, he is always out with a camera during harvest because of the people who make it happen. Napa Valley would not be what it is without them, Lincoln said. When youre photographing harvest, there are certain people that youre just drawn to, because of their charisma. This gentleman was one of those people. Lincoln also earned third place and an additional $100 for a photo that captured two snowy egrets in flight. This years CFBF Photo Contest attracted hundreds of entries from amateur photographers who are members of county Farm Bureaus or supporters of the California Bountiful Foundation. Andrea Traphagan of Ravendale won first place and $500 for a photo of her tractor-driving husband preparing a Lassen County field at sunset. Second place and $250 went to Angels Camp resident Mindy Rasmussen for her shot of a late-summer cattle drive. Six photos earned honorable mentions and $50 each, submitted by Celeste Alonzo of La Quinta, Chelsea Davis of Fresno, James Durst of Esparto, Nicole Andreini of Orland, Wendy Sylvester of San Luis Obispo and Traphagan. In the Budding Artists category for photographers ages 13 and younger, 10-year-old Dottie Davis of Orland claimed first place and $250 for a serene landscape of her familys hay farm. A curious goat peered closely into the lens of Kyle Radichs camera to earn the 13-year-old Point Arena resident the second place prize of $100. Both awards were presented by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. The winning photographs may be viewed at www.cfbf.com/photocontest, and will also be posted on the Ag Alert and California Bountiful websites. As the new year approaches, vinophiles look forward to choosing special wines for our holiday celebrations. This is also a good time to look back on the year just passed, not only to remember great bottles enjoyed but to take note of events that might affect the taste of wine in the year to come. Here are a couple of stories from 2018 that I did not cover in this column but that will probably reverberate in 2019 and beyond. The Court of Master Sommeliers lost some of its luster with a major cheating scandal. Over the past decade, the court enjoyed a wave of celebrity, typified by the movie Somm and its sequels (the third installment was released this autumn). The movies lionized the courts rigorous certification program and the three teststheory, service and tastingcandidates must pass to earn the coveted red lapel pin of a master sommelier. The court came to symbolize the rising professionalism of the sommelier trade at a time when Americas restaurants were experiencing a renaissance and diners were becoming increasingly savvy about their vino. In October, a few weeks after heralding its largest-ever class of new master sommeliers, the court announced that an exam proctor had revealed information on some of the wines in the tasting exam to an unknown number of the candidates. The courts board decided to strip all 24 of its new masters of their titles; the offending proctor was excommunicated from altogether. Six of the defrocked somms passed the tasting test again in December and had their titles restored. The court said its drastic response to the cheating was necessary to preserve the integrity of the certification process, but we may never learn how many of the candidates who took the test in September were privy to the leaked information about the wines in the blind tasting. Ultimately, the sommelier scandal wont directly affect our restaurant dining experiences. But it could tarnish the luster of the master sommelier title, with the professional and financial benefits it conveys. Younger somms could be less inclined to pursue the title, or the profession itself. And that would be unfortunate. Another controversy that stirred the lees of wine lovers this year brought attention to arcane labeling laws and the difficulty of knowing sometimes exactly where the wine in your bottle comes from. The story features Joe Wagner, the California vintner who created the wildly successful Meiomi label of pinot noir and chardonnay, then sold it in 2015 to Constellation Brands for $315 million. The deal shocked the wine world, especially since Wagner was just selling a brand, without vineyards or a winery. Skip ahead to September, when Oregon vintners and state officials claimed that Wagner, through his current company, Copper Cane Wines and Provisions, was putting deceptive labels on two brands of his wine, called Elouan and Willametter Journal. The wines were made with Oregon grapes that were trucked to Wagners facility in Californias Napa Valley. Federal law requires that such wines be labeled simply Oregon, without use of more specific and prestigious American Viticultural Areas such as Willamette Valley. Wagners critics claimed he was pulling an end run around the regulations with the name Willametter Journal (an exclusive label for Total Wine & More stores) and its obvious reference to the Willamette Valley. They also objected to references to the Willamette, Rogue and Umpqua valleys on labels and marketing materials for Wagners Elouan pinot noir. Wagner dismissed the complaints as sour grapes over the market success of his brands. In November, the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau sided with Oregon and revoked its prior approval for Wagners labels, ruling he could no longer refer to Oregon appellation names on his 2018 Oregon wines. The brouhaha didnt have the sensationalism or national cultural ramifications of the rose scandal, in which French authorities last spring cited unscrupulous merchants for passing off cheap Spanish rose as the real deal from France. But it illustrates why we consumers should know the rules so we can be confident we are getting what we think we are paying for. As the controversy raged, Wagner rejected $4 million worth of grapes he had contracted from vineyards in Oregons Rogue Valley, claiming the fruit was tainted by smoke from the regions wildfires over the summer. While his critics were quick to link the rejection to the labeling controversy, Wagners concern over smoke taint is shared by many growers in California, the Pacific Northwest and even Australia as wildfires become more prevalent. And that leads to another story we will no doubt hear more about in 2019 and for years to come: the effects of climate change on wine, in the vineyard and the bottle. Stay tuned. McIntyre blogs at dmwineline.com. It also does not reflect the views of the Firm of which the Author is working for. Since the inception of this blog, the Author has avoided writing views and opinions of his clients or views and opinions which third parties has paid him to write. The Author has maintained editorial independence since Day One. Any individual or group affected by the opinions and views of the Author can write the author thru mangubat.patricio@gmail.com. Opinions and views expressed in this blog are personal views of the Author and does not involve organisations and companies being serviced by the Author as part of his profession as a Strategic Communications professional. Lebanon will file a complaint to the United Nations Security Council over alleged Israeli overflights during airstrikes in Syria attributed to Israel, the countrys official news agency reported Wednesday, The Times of Israel reported. The decision was agreed on during a phone call between Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Transportation Minister Youssef Fenianos, according to the National News Agency. Fenainos was quoted telling Hariri a real humanitarian catastrophe was averted, referring to accusations made earlier by Russia that the strikes endangered two civilian airliners landing at the time one in Damascus and the other in Beirut. Lebanons foreign ministry also condemned the reported Israeli actions and called on the international community and Security Council to do the same. ccording to Syrian state media, the strikes began around 10 p.m. Tuesday and were carried out by Israel from Lebanon. It said Syrias air defenses opened fire on enemy targets, shooting them down. Azerbaijanis kill Nagorno-Karabakh resident captured today Armenia deputy FM: Azerbaijan blatantly ignores core principles of international law (PHOTOS) 2-day workshop on Inclusive Development kicks off in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General to head for Egypt Dollar ascent continues in Armenia Union Against Genocide founder, chairman Ali Ertem dies in Germany Karabakh resident captured by Azerbaijan is cattle breeder Writer, statesman Vano Siradeghyans wake is held in Yerevan The Packaging of ARARAT Nairi Wins a Master Medal on a Famous British Competition Armenia official on unblocking: Routes, procedures for crossing border still being discussed at this phase Azerbaijan takes Karabakh citizen captive Armenia President, Russia ambassador discuss regional security, stability Canada FM expresses solidarity with Armenian people EU envoy to Armenia on another Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting: We are in touch with both sides UAE signs contract for 80 French Rafale fighter jets Statements on Armenia army falsification of wartime orders to be sent to the investigative body Armenia FM briefs Netherlands colleague on situation as result of Azerbaijan military aggression Protest staged outside Armenia consulate in Los Angeles (PHOTOS) Benny Gantz believes US will support Israel in attack on Iran Armenia MFA spokesman: FMs Mirzoyan-Bayramov meeting possible in Stockholm today Armenia appoints permanent representative to Council of Europe Passenger, 53, dies in hospital after accident on Goris-Stepanakert motorway Young Karabakh filmmakers movie wins at Cannes Film Festival President: 178 births registered in Artsakh in November 9th Khachaturian International Festival to be held in Yerevan 1 more person dies of coronavirus in Artsakh Switzerland launches reform project for modernization of Armenia Vocational Education System in Agriculture Nikol the traitor banner is placed on gate of Armenia consulate general in Los Angeles Armenia, Greece FMs discuss need for returning all Armenian captives in Azerbaijan 399 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia PM makes new appointment Large fire breaks out in Armenias Charentsavan, burnt body of elderly woman found in apartment (PHOTOS) Artsakh President meets with relatives of soldiers who died in 44-day war last fall Armenias Mirzoyan briefs Croatia FM on latest developments in Karabakh peace process Armenia FM lauds Austria position on comprehensive settlement of Karabakh conflict (PHOTOS) London Christmas tree becomes subject of ridicule Newspaper: Armenia parliament ruling majority faction holds night meeting Newspaper: What did Armenia ex-President Kocharyan discuss with his political teammates? Twitter removes over 3,000 foreign country-related accounts Blinken discusses with Bayramov situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border Armenian FM: Determination of Nagorno-Karabakh's status is subject to negotiations EU fines four major banks totaling $390 million Lavrov: Russian mediation on Karabakh settlement is welcomed by OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Armenian defense minister discusses Washington's role in OSCE Minsk Group Armenian PM discusses Sochi meeting with defense minister and ruling party MPs Mirzoyan and Blinken discuss settlement of Karabakh conflict Armenia and Lithuania sign military cooperation program Israel calls on to stop Iran nuclear talks Taliban assures Iran border incident will not happen again Lavrov and Cavusoglu discuss South Caucasus situation Almost 9% of infected with COVID-19 in Armenia are vaccinated NEWS.am daily digest: 02.12.21 Armenia premier confers on proposals for large-scale investment programs in urban development Sebastian Kurz announces decision to quit politics President, those in charge of several NGOs discuss Artsakh programs Blinken: US hopes to work with Russia to resolve Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict Armenia President lauds dynamically developing relations with UAE Dollar still going up in Armenia Artsakh ombudsman: Azerbaijan shooting in direction of Karmir Shuka village lasted 10-15 minutes Christmas tree to be installed at Republic Square of Yerevan this year Armenia Security Council chief on deputy PMs Moscow meeting: Agreements not managed to be formulated yet Biden urges Congress to approve nuclear force data transfer to Australia Trump complains about loss of respect for the US Hajiyev: Azerbaijan ready to start talks with Armenia on signing peace agreement Ivan Aivazovsky bust unveiled in Stepanakert Armenia electricity tariffs may increase as of February 2022 Exchange of fire occurs in area of Karabakhs Karmir Shuka village Ardshinbank named the Best Bank of the Year by The Banker international magazine Ex-President Kocharyan chairs meeting of opposition Armenia Faction in parliament 3 more die of coronavirus in Artsakh Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan deputy PMs to continue work in coming days to open regional communications Armenia to get EU assistance to improve its aviation safety Armenia revenue committee ex-chief is appointed Armavir Province governor 40% of Armenia adults have received first dose of Covid vaccine, 23.9% got second dose World oil prices going up 558 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia humanitarian mission medical team delivers healthcare supplies to Aleppo medical facilities (PHOTOS) Russia peacekeepers in Karabakh conduct training Armenia FM in Stockholm, underscores proper, targeted response from international community (PHOTOS) Blinken, Cavusoglu discuss situation in Armenia, Azerbaijan Senator Markey expresses readiness to work in US Senate to facilitate release of Armenian POWs in Azerbaijan Newspaper: Armenia police continue inspections regarding health ministers voyages Newspaper: Armenia PM-Artsakh President tandem devises another operation Travelers to face stricter Covid test rules when visiting US UN Secretary-General urges to increase testing, and not to ban travel due to omicron strain Castro becomes the first female president in Honduras Lavrov: Russia is making efforts to resolve controversial issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan EU Representative: Bayramov and Mirzoyan to meet in Stockholm on December 2 European Commission unveils its alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative Macron says UK PM Boris Johnson is a clown NEWS.am daily digest: 01.12.21 Embassy in Armenia: This year 16 Days of Activism align with US Summit for Democracy US envoy: Armenia has some of the best produce in the world Turkey already assessing economic benefits of opening Nakhichevan corridor Dollar continues increasing in Armenia All Armenian Fund: Working Group reported they received no credible evidence that funds were misappropriated Luc Pierre Devigne: EU discussing with Russia conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan Armenia former President Sargsyan: Artsakh issue is not resolved Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan deputy PMs to meet in Moscow today Russia MFA: OSCE plays useful role in promoting settlement of Karabakh conflict The Russian Investigative Committee has completed the investigation of the case involving Ukrainian Armenian businessman Oleg Mkrtchyan, the founder of Industrial Union of Donbass corporation, Kommersant reported. Mkrtchyan is accused of embezzling 85 billion rubles (approx. $1,232,500,000) when carrying out a contract with Vnesheconombank. In February, when Mkrtchyan was arrested in Moscow, he was charged with taking 1 billion rubles (approx. $14,500,000) out to offshore. The Vnesheconombank representatives, however, refuted the embezzlement and did not consider themselves the injured party. Mkrtchyans attorney Aleksandr Kostanyants told RBC that the businessman had not embezzled, but a corporate dispute had taken place. That dispute cant be regarded as fraud, since in this case there has been no embezzlement by way of deceit, the attorney explained. They are free economic relations, and Oleg Mkrtchyans arrest was premature. Turkey will intensify military operations after American troops leave Syria, which will jeopardize the safety of the Armenian population, expert in Turkic studies Karen Hovhannisyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am. He is convinced that Ankara will try to strengthen its influence in the region, which is fraught with escalation of conflicts. What could be the reason behind this decision by the United States in this particular period? The decree to withdraw troops from Syria that was signed by U.S. President Donald Trump is not new in terms of its content. Such decisions were made in the past, but they lead to nothing. This decision is not an exception, as the decree does not mention the timeframe for the withdrawal. At the moment thee is no movement of the American troops. Around 2,000 American troops are still in Syria. In this case we can talk about a deal between Turkey and the U.S. And, the leverage on Turkey is the lack of precise timeframe for the withdrawal of troops. The U.S. State Department approved the sales of Patriot systems to Ankara. Can we assume that the United States are trying to pull Turkey on their side and keep it from further deepening relations with Russia? Yes, there is a certain selling-buying. The decision to supply Ankara with the Patriot missile defense system is most likely tied to preventing Turkey from buying the Russian S-400 missile defense system. It should be noted that such trade diplomacy between Turkey and the United States has been held for three years now. Starting from 2015 the United States has been declaring the withdrawal of its troops from a particular region or a city of Syria. However, this has not happened yet. In addition to the arms sales, the issue of Syria refugees, as well as the safety of the oil pipeline from Iraq passing through Turkey are key issues for bargaining. Apparently, there are certain backstage games and arrangements. The processes definitely need to be considered in a wider context rather than confrontation on a specific issue. This confrontation will be exacerbated artificially, and Turkey will try to take advantage. Does the decision to withdraw troops have any relation to the chill in Israel-Turkey relations? Interestingly, every time Turkey tries to improve or deepen its relations with the United States, Israel, as a close ally of the United States, activates anti-Turkish rhetoric. This is due to the reluctance of strengthening Turkey in the region at the expense of the United States. In this case, the US is expecting a response from Turkey in the framework of the agreements reached behind the scenes. Israel will strengthen its anti-Turkish rhetoric if Ankara violates some points of the agreement. YEREVAN. Armenias acting minister of transport and IT Hakob Arsahkyan met with the representatives of the companies dealing with cargo transportations who are holding a protest action near the governments building on Thursday. Arshakyan offered to meet in January to discuss the problems, but the protesters said they had already lost a year while waiting for a formal response. However, later they agreed to wait till January, Representatives of cargo companies are protesting against tax changes that will come into effect from January 1. The meeting between acting Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan and Russian president Vladimir Putin has kicked off in Moscow. During the meeting, Putin noted that Moscow and Yerevan should maintain cooperation in the field of security, through the CSTO and other integration associations, RIA Novosti reported. I think the dynamics is good, and it should be maintained. We are ready to do this, we will do our best to ensure that this level of relations is maintained not only in this area (in the economy), but also in other areas, Putin said referring to the security sphere and cooperation within CSTO. According to him, the leaders will talk about planned cooperation in the economy within the Eurasian Economic Union. Welcoming Pashinyan in Kremlin, Putin noted that this was the first visit of the acting Prime Minister to Russia after the victory of his party in the snap elections. Pashinyan, in his turn, confirmed that Armenia intends to develop relations with the Russia in all areas, and is positively set to integrate within the Eurasian Economic Union. We are also waiting for your official visit to Armenia next year, Pashinyan said at a meeting with Putin in Kremlin. Posted by Mark Williams | December 27, 2018 By Brian Wong and Mark Williams We gave the newly reborn 2019 Ford Ranger a positive early review, but you know that's not good enough for Pickuptrucks.com we wanted to see how the Ranger measures up to the most popular mid-size pickup trucks. We already broke down how the Ranger and Toyota Tacoma's specs/trims measure up, so now it was time to test these two in the real world. That meant a head-to-head comparison with the reigning mid-size sales king, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, a formidable opponent with a reputation that sets a high bar for the 2019 Ford Ranger to surpass. We tested these two trucks on a long on-road drive to test fuel economy, at an off-road park and did a quick jaunt with both trucks filled to their maximum payload capacity all in the Los Angeles area. Our Ranger was a 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat and the Tacoma was a 4x4 TRD Sport Double Cab, giving both trucks some common ground right out of the gate. Both had 5-foot beds and four-door cabs with wheelbases that were only 0.6-inch apart. And both these trucks run ahead of the pack on safety features as they had forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control among other safety technologies. Despite these congruencies however, the two pickups quickly distinguished themselves in both philosophy and execution especially under the hood. The Toyota is powered by a 278-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 265 pounds-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger is only offered with a 270-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, but at 310 pounds-feet of torque it has a significant torque advantage and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Also found on the Ranger was a more robust off-road setup, thanks to the FX4 Off-Road Package that added a locking rear differential and Ford's Trail Control system neither of these features are offered on the TRD Sport we tested. There were also some interior differences in both features and technology that ended up making a big difference in our scoring. Judges were PickupTrucks.com Editor Mark Williams and Cars.com Los Angeles Bureau Chief Brian Wong; we scored the trucks on a scale of 1-10 across 10 categories, giving each truck a potential total of 200 points. Powertrain Winner: Ranger (18 points; Tacoma 14 all scores out of 20) Mark Williams: The more I drive the Ranger, the more I'm surprised at how powerful the four-cylinder feels, especially when you knock the shift lever down into Sport mode; the revs stay up, throttle response gets more sensitive, and when you want to jump into or out of traffic, you practically just think and it happens. Of course, transmission mapping is the key here and obviously the Ford engineers understood this mid-size class is suffering, with no one providing a real sport player. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the new Ranger is pretty light. I also like that it offers a separate Sport mode and Tow/Haul setting. As much as I like the Tacoma electronically controlled transmission power button mapping for the transmission (which makes the shifting feel stronger) and the knock-up/knock-down shifter, the Ranger makes better use of all the power and torque. Brian Wong: The Ranger's powertrain makes it a legitimately fun truck to drive around, even in town. Whether it's in Drive or Sport, the engine is eager to rev and quick to get into the power, and that's in stark contrast to the Toyota's V-6, which needs to be poked and prodded. The Toyota's Atkinson cycle might be good for efficiency, but it also comes with throttle delays that I couldn't get over. I much prefer the Ranger's ability to feel lively in all of its drive modes. On-Road Drivability Winner: Ranger (16 points; Tacoma 14) BW: The Ranger's powertrain quickness teams with solid road manners. The Ranger we tested had the FX-4 Off-Road Package with the off-road tuned suspension. Though it's set up for off-road, I found it to be pretty good on pavement as well; its tuning isn't so soft that you get too much body roll. The Tacoma was by no means a poor-driving truck, but it seemed to struggle on inclines, not because it lacked power but because the engine just takes longer to get into the power, and it feels like your foot is in the floormat all the time. I was also perplexed by the Tacoma's steering, which seems to have its priorities reversed it's too heavy at low speeds and too light at high speeds, and that led to a bit of vagueness I didn't like on the mountain roads. MW: This felt pretty close to me because you really have a lot of flexibility with how you choose to drive the Tacoma. It feels readier to rumble, with the tap-up/tap-down shifter knocked over to Sport, if that's what you want. I'm not crazy about the little thumb shifter on the Ranger's gear selector but it's hard to argue when you feel the quickness of the throttle when you want to merge into a small gap on the freeway. Add to that the firmness and flatness of the front-end handling and this was the favorite for me running up and down the mountain roads outside Los Angeles. Off-Road Capability Winner: Ranger (16 points; Tacoma 12) MW: I can't really say the Ranger sets a new standard in this area, but it does offer some impressive features that matched up pretty well with the standard four-wheel-drive system in the Tacoma TRD Sport. When in low range, the extra gearing advantages of the Ranger's 10-speed really helped on the rocky hill climbs with the better low-range gear (2.72:1 versus 2.57:1). Trail Control is pretty interesting technology designed to turn over throttle and braking duties to the computer, but we did find it had some trouble keeping engine revs up and modulating braking. In fact, there were a few situations where we rolled backward during some challenging climbs, which was not fun. Still, it's technology and capability the TRD Sport couldn't match it will be interesting to see the Tacoma TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro compared against the Ranger's Trail Control later. The Tacoma did well but with its seemingly street-biased 265/65R17 Firestone Destination tires, it had some gripping issues. The Ranger was equipped with 265/60R18 Hankook DynaPros. BW: I agree wholeheartedly; both of these trucks could have used a more aggressive tire though it's interesting that the Tacoma offers two models with good all-terrains, but the FX4 package is it for the Ranger. The Ranger's 10-speed transmission turned out to be quite good off-road after its impressive on-road showing, and for a turbocharged engine, the torque curve wasn't as peaky as I feared. It's got good dexterity for crawling and good power output for running faster in the dry riverbeds we found. Though the Tacoma's tires didn't fare well, I thought the rest of it did quite nicely. There's some great articulation in the rear axle; low range helps keep the engine in a spot where the power output is a little more predictable. Payload Winner: Ranger (18 points; Tacoma 14) BW: We weighed both trucks with full tanks of gas and they were remarkably close with only a 20-pound difference. The Tacoma tipped the scales at 4,540 pounds and Ranger at 4,560. To get a true payload rating, we subtracted those numbers from the factory gross vehicle weight rating and the Ranger crushed the Tacoma, 1,490 pounds to 1,060 pounds. That's a large difference when it comes to hauling, and I would have offered a bigger gap in the scoring to reflect this, but I thought the Toyota drove a bit better with a load in the back. This is due in part to the Ranger's brakes; they are a bit soft at the top end of the brake pedal. Usually that doesn't bother me too much, however, with almost 1,500 pounds in the back that vagueness was unwelcome. While we didn't get a chance to tow, it's worth noting that the Ranger's maximum tow capacity of 7,500 pounds outpoints the Tacoma's maximum of 6,400 pounds (in the configurations we tested). MW: This was probably one of the easier categories to score for me. It's astonishing, to say the least, that Ford built the Ranger to be just as light as the other players in the class (with the help of aluminum doors, hood and tailgate), yet it's able to carry more than any other mid-size pickup (Ford rates it at 1,860 pounds max). Here, specifically, the Ranger is rated to carry over 40 percent more weight than the Tacoma. We found the four-cylinder Ranger did pretty well with the progressive bump-stops carrying some of the load. The V-6 Tacoma, on the other hand, felt the least taxed at max payload, as though it could handle more weight if it needed to. Scale weights being close, we vote for the pickup with the bigger GVWR: The Ranger is rated at 6,050 pounds and the Tacoma at 5,600. MPG Winner: Tacoma (20 points; Ranger 18) BW: The expectation was the Ranger would win this, given its recently released EPA ratings of 20/24/22 mpg are the highest for a gas-powered 4x4 in the class. Our Tacoma came with the 3.5-liter V-6, and one would think its EPA ratings of 18/22/20 mpg would put it at a disadvantage to the Ranger's turbocharged four-cylinder. However, the Ranger missed its fuel-economy targets and finished slightly behind the Tacoma. The Tacoma checked in at the end of our loop with a 21.4 mpg average, edging out the Ranger's 21.3 mpg. Our 250-mile loop around Southern California covered a variety of driving styles, from city driving to mountain roads with big elevation changes and desert highways. With an average speed of 42 mph, we had hoped to see both trucks edge up near their estimated highway mpg figure, but only one truck did that: the Tacoma. Both trucks were filled at the same pump prior to and after the drive for accuracy. MW: I have to say this was a bit of a surprise definitely something we'll have to revisit in upcoming fuel-economy tests. Our measured efficiency of the Tacoma's Atkinson cycle V-6 engine is impressive compared to the Ranger's stronger and more powerful inline-four-cylinder with almost twice as many transmission gears. The problem is that to have any fun with the V-6 Tacoma you have to do your own shifting and make sure you have the ECT Power button engaged and that can really cut into your fuel-economy numbers. Of course, that's not how we drove during our fuel economy loop. Bed Technology Winner: Tacoma (17 points; Ranger 15) MW: The Ranger has a standard deep steel bed with three strong mounting tie-down points near the floor, while the Tacoma uses a composite bed to save weight and prevent scratches from showing, but it also offers two lockable storage spaces tucked into the walls and ours came with the 400-watt three-prong outlet for outdoor electrical jobs (we should note the Ranger also has a three-prong 110-volt outlet, but it is inside the cab at the feet of the rear passengers). I like having the outlet in the bed and a place to hold my gloves, a strap and some small tools. BW: The Tacoma's lower load-in height to get things over the tailgate gets a nod here. It also offered dampers when lowering the tailgate so it doesn't bang down when you open it. One positive note about the Ranger is that the tailgate is aluminum and very light, so it's super easy to close, and you can easily lift it even with only a few fingers. Interior Quality Winner: Ranger (15 points; Tacoma 11) BW: Though the seat materials were close in quality, the front seats of the Ranger were much more comfortable. The Tacoma lacks a height adjustment for its front seats (across all trim levels), which made finding a good driving position more difficult having it would help mitigate some of its headroom issues. I kept bumping my head against the fabric near the side window while driving, which got annoying. Both trucks had excellent side visibility, but the Ranger's larger windshield and copious headroom made it feel more spacious. It's also a more modern cabin, while the Tacoma opts for a rugged look that felt like it needed updating. MW: This category is a big separator. This is where the Tacoma is showing its age the Ranger Lariat has plenty of soft padding in the center console, door arm rests and wrapped along the entire dash. It also offers a large touchscreen, plenty of cubby storage, along with two USB ports in front and two in back. Tacoma TRD Sport has hard plastic everywhere, the space feels more cramped, and vents and charging ports are nonexistent in the backseats. Technology Winner: Ranger (16 points; Tacoma 12) MW: Our Ranger's multicolored information screen in the instrument cluster shows all the engine, fuel-economy and four-wheel-drive data you could want, much of it selectable with a button on the steering wheel. After that, the center dashboard touchscreen and updated Sync 3 setup makes controlling music, street info and climate quick and intuitive. Toyota has done well adding technologies to the Tacoma during the last few years, but the smaller display screen and low button location, not to mention the small info screen between the large tachometer and speedometer, make hunting for info or buttons more difficult. BW: When it comes to connectivity options, the Ranger pulls away from the Tacoma again, offering Android Auto/Apple CarPlay with a screen that responds faster and is simpler to use. The angle of the screen in the Ranger is a bit weird at first it's tilted back slightly, but I got used to it during our three days with the truck. Four USB ports, two 12-volt ports and a household outlet in the cabin give the Ranger copious charging options. The Tacoma? It has one lonely USB port and a 12-volt outlet up front, though the Tacoma did have a nicely sized wireless charging pad, which was its only interior technological advantage. Safety Features Winner: Ranger (20 points; Tacoma 18) BW: Both trucks came with an impressive array of safety features, which is not surprising given that Ford has offered these technologies in the F-150 and Toyota remains committed to making them standard on the majority of its vehicles. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning systems were offered on both trucks, along with parking sensors (the Ranger had front and rear, while the Tacoma had only rear). MW: The top-of-the-line Ranger Lariat we tested came with a bevy of advanced safety features and given all the traffic issues (and unpredictable drivers) we had around Los Angeles, I experienced the collision warning and auto braking a few times. That'll wake you up. The Ranger's softer brake pedal feel took me a while to get used to but did eventually get me to do some earlier, harder braking. Radar cruise control settings are pretty easy to set up as well. Comparable equipment in the Tacoma did not feel as well integrated, nor were these features easily visible for adjustments or turning off (where possible). Value Winner: Tacoma (17 points; Ranger 14) MW: The value category long has been controversial because there are those who believe the least expensive should always win. Others argue that bang-for-the-buck is the priority, while still others defend whichever player best checks the most boxes for their specific needs, no matter what the cost. In some ways I fall into all three categories, giving the nod to the Tacoma TRD Sport that costs almost $4,000 less than the Ranger Lariat yet is still fun to drive and returns decent power and fuel economy for a V-6. And I choose to believe the Toyota engineers have built a sizable cushion into their max payload number. BW: I look at the Ranger's $44,855 price tag and the Tacoma's $40,670 and try to figure if you get $4,000 more truck with the Ranger. I do think mid-size pickups have a tendency to be slightly overpriced, but these both offered a good amount of features (especially on the safety front) and capability. I think the Ranger comes close to offering enough in terms of better on-road and off-road drivability, technology and interior quality to make up some of that difference in price, but not all the way. An interesting comparison would be to redo this test against a Tacoma TRD Off-Road, which has a more aggressive tire setup to give the Tacoma more off-road edge. Overall Winner: Ford Ranger (166 points; Tacoma 149) The Ford's powertrain advantages and interior quality and technology really carried the day for it here. At the end of our test, both trucks handled all aspects of the testing quite well, but the ease at which the Ranger went about it stuck out to us. It has the advantage of being the newer truck, and the Tacoma's issues will likely be addressed when it gets a redesign, but for the time being, we are comfortable saying that the Ranger was the clear winner of this competition. It looks like Ford's time away from the mid-size class in the U.S. didn't prevent it from making a high-quality entrant in its return. Cars.com photos by Evan Sears PRESIDENTIAL SYMPATHY. President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with Gertie, widow of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, as the Chief Executive attends Wednesday the solons wake at the Bicol University in Daraga, Albay. Duterte raised the bounty from P30 million to P50 million for the arrest of the suspects. Malacanang Photo President Rodrigo Duterte hinted at knowing the mastermind of the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe saying it could be a mayor even as he raised the reward to P50 million for information leading to the arrest of the killers after visiting the lawmakers wake Wednesday evening.I almost forgot... The reward [for the capture of Batocabes assailants] is at this time is P30 million . Im raising the ante. Im putting it at plus P20 million to P50 million, Duterte told reporters. You only need to tip us. Just give a tip. You dont need to expose them. Dont even give names, he said, adding that one only need to buy an outdated and cheap phone and prepaid sim to tip the government off about the assailants. Duterte was originally scheduled to visit Batocabes wake Wednesday afternoon but arrived midnight. The President said the police already have some leads but declined to offer any details. It could be anybody. When I say politically motivated, it could be the mayor, governor. But my favorite name now is the mayor . But Im not saying who that mayor is, he said. The President said he would not allow political terrorism, oppression, and intimidation to persist in the country as the 2019 midterm elections draw near. Furious about the incident, Duterte warned the perpetrators that he would personally confront the person behind the killing. If we did not meet halfway, I will slap you. If I have evidence, I will really drag you. You better behave, act like an angel. Dont you ever threaten or kill people because I will not allow it, he said, emphasizing that all the locals in the whole Bicol region and the congressmans widow know the man behind Batocabes death. I have my reasons to suspect the guy. Dont do that because you cannot threaten all the people with that. So, when this incident backfired at you, I will come back here to humiliate you. You know what, I will go to your house and slap you. If you want to try it, do one more of your mischief. If I got infuriated, f*** *** I will shoot you, Duterte warned. Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde said they already have six persons of interest , but none of them have been arrested. READ: Cops claim break in Batocabe slay Batocabe, 52, was distributing Christmas gifts in his hometown of Daraga, Albay when he and his police escort were gunned down by still unidentified assailants. The slain politician was planning to run for mayor in the upcoming elections. Duterte on Wednesday called on the Commission on Elections to place Daraga town in Albay under its control following the murder of Batocabe. To ensure peace and order amid the lawlessness and violent crimes during the election period, Duterte said he phoned Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas to implement his directive. The President said he told Abas to impose a two-bodyguard limit for each politician, a policy enforced by former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan. Lets go back to the Alunan doctrine that no candidate should strut around with bodyguards with long firearms. Thats prohibited. Only the police and the military. All others, none. Except when you are granted a permit to carry by the Comelec, he said. He also ordered the Armed Forces to set up checkpoints in the area to provide security during the election season.My directive to the police and military is f*** it, kill them. Lets try. Make my police and soldiers look dumb and oppose the checkpoints because youre a governor or mayor, then f*** ***, he said. When they defy the order to stop at checkpoints, shoot them. Thats it, its simple, he continued. So, we will provide security for everybody, including the people whod be attending rallies and meetings. The President then reiterated his warning to politicians against resorting to violence to get rid of their political opponents. Among the opponents, Batocabe was supposed to face in the mayoralty race are incumbent town Mayor Carlwyn Baldo and Vice Mayor Victor Perete. UNTV, meanwhile, reported that police who revisited the crime scene said Batocabe was shot at close range, and that the gunmen used two types of firearms, caliber 40 and caliber 45 handguns. A congressman on Thursday warned that the failure of law enforcement agencies to immediately arrest Batocabes killers would result in more political killings as the midterm elections draw near. Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, chairman of the House committee on public order and safety, added that even if the killers were to be arrested now, the snail-paced judicial process in the country will further encourage or give confidence to criminals to target more politicians. If they [guns-for-hire] can get away with the murder of Congressman Rodel and his security aide, this might embolden them to assassinate more politicians, including well-known political leaders. They would think its easy to kill a congressman, Acop, a retired police director, said. Unfortunately, criminals have taken advantage of the failure of our authorities to bring immediate justice to most of the victims of criminal activities, Acop added. The House led by Visayan Bloc leader, Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez, issued a statement, saying the act of violence inflicted on Rep. Batocabe is an assault on Congress itself as an institution and those involved must not go unpunished. We express our collective outrage not only in behalf of the family of Rep. Batocabe and SPOI Diaz, but also in the name of all citizens who are victims of heinous crimes, the House members said. Senator Richard Gordon urged the police to act swiftly. There is a culture of violence and impunity that must be stopped immediately by ensuring that the police and the people are reminded that we are a country that follows the rule of law. Such appears to have been forgotten as shown by violent events that occurred in the past 10 days, Gordon said. The senator was referring to the series of shootings and killings reported across the country starting Dec. 14, such as the ambush of Councilor Ricardo Tan and his wife in Negros Occidental on Dec. 14; an attack on lawyer Erfe del Castillo and Elfren Palmares while they driving along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road also in Negros Occidental on Dec. 22; the killing of Ariel Vicencio, son of former Malabon Mayor Amado Vicencio, and the wounding of two of his companions by a gunman who escaped on board a motorcycle at 3 a.m. in Malabon City; and Batocabes murder on Dec. 22. The House minority block appealed for sobriety and honest, violence-free elections. The blocs leader, Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, made the call in light of Batocabes murder on Saturday. Congressman Rodel was set to run as mayor in Daraga in the coming 2019 elections. In this context, the minority states that there is no place for violence in the exercise of suffrage and democracy, Suarez said at a news conference Thursday. Founded in 1924, MFS had nearly $256 billion in assets under management as of Jun 30, 2018. MFS deals in more than 60 portfolios, which invests in both domestic and global stocks as well as in fixed-income debt securities. The company focuses on providing a wide variety of financial products and services to fulfillthe needs of investors as well as 10,000 investment professionals. MFS is headquartered in Boston, MA and has investment offices in Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Toronto, London, Mexico City, Sydney and Tokyo. The company has 1,700 employees dedicated to address clients' needs. Its investment approach includes integrated study, international cooperation and effective risk management. Below we share with you four top-rated MFS mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and is expected to outperform its peers in the future. MFS Core Equity R6 MRGKX seeks appreciation of capital by investing 80% of its assets in equity securities. MRGKX invests in growth or value companies, or a combination of both. MFS Core Equity R6 has three-year annualized returns of 12.9%. Joseph G. MacDougall is the fund manager of MRGKX since 2008. MFS Mid Cap Growth R6 OTCKX seeks capital growth by investing 80% of its assets in mid-cap businesses. According to MFS, companies that have market capitalization similar to those of Russell Midcap Growth Index over the past one year and one month at the time of buying can be defined as medium market capitalization issuers. MFS Mid Cap Growth R6 has three-year annualized returns of 12.5%. As of November 2018, OTCKX held 105 issues, with 3.54% of its assets invested in Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. MFS Research A MFRFX generally invests primarily in equity securities that can result in capital appreciation. MFS Research A has three-year annualized returns of 11.6%. MFRFX has an expense ratio of 0.81% compared with the category average of 0.96%. Story continues Want key mutual fund info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing mutual funds, each week. Get it free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (MFRFX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (MRGKX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (OTCKX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Whether a stock has the potential to offer considerable returns is determined primarily by its earnings and valuation ratios. Simultaneously, it is important to check whether its price performance exceeds its peers or the industry average. On such comparison, if we find that a stock is unable to match up to wider sectoral growth despite having impressive earnings momentum or valuation multiples, it may be better to avoid it. However, those outperforming their respective industries or benchmarks should be included in your portfolio, since they have a higher chance of securing significant returns. Picking a stock that outperforms its peers ensures that you have a winning option on your hands. Then again, it is imperative that you determine whether or not an investment has relevant upside potential when considering stocks with significant relative price strength. Stocks delivering better than the S&P 500 over a period of 1 to 3 months at the least and having solid fundamentals indicate room for growth and are the best ways to go about this strategy. Finally, it is important to find out whether analysts are optimistic about the upcoming earnings results of these companies. In order to do this, we have added positive estimate revisions for the current quarters (Q1) earnings to our screen. When a stock undergoes an upward revision, it leads to additional price gains. Screening Parameters Relative % Price change 12 weeks greater than 0 Relative % Price change 4 weeks greater than 0 Relative % Price change 1 week greater than 0 (We have considered those stocks that have been outperforming the S&P 500 over the last 12 weeks, four weeks and one week.) % Change (Q1) Est. over 4 Weeks greater than 0: Positive current quarter estimate revisions over the last four weeks. Zacks Rank equal to 1: Only Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks that have returned more than 26% annually over the last 26 years and surpassed the S&P 500 in 23 of the last 26 years can get through. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Story continues Current Price greater than or equal to $5 and Average 20-day Volume greater than or equal to 50,000:A minimum price of $5 is a good standard to screen low-priced stocks, while a high trading volume would imply adequate liquidity. VGM Score less than or equal to B:Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of A or B when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 (Buy) offer the best upside potential. Here are five of the seven stocks that made it through the screen: Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ANF: Abercrombie & Fitch, headquartered in New Albany, OH, is a specialty retailer of premium, high-quality casual apparel for men, women, and kids in the United States and across Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The firm has a VGM Score of A and an excellent earnings surprise history. It has a 100% track of outperforming estimates over the last four quarters at an average rate of 88.6%. La-Z-Boy Incorporated LZB: La-Z-Boy is a leading global producer, importer, and marketer of residential furniture. The FY 2019 Zacks Consensus Estimate for this Monroe, MI-based company is $2.11, representing some 16.6% earnings per share growth over FY 2018. Next fiscal years average forecast is $2.30 pointing to another 9.3% growth. La-Z-Boy has a VGM Score of A. Crocs, Inc. CROX: A designer, manufacturer and marketer of footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Crocs has a VGM Score of B. Over 30 days, the Niwot, CO-based company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 and 2019 increase 32.4% and 29.6%, to 45 cents and $1.05 per share, respectively. Spirit Airlines, Inc. SAVE: Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier that provides travel opportunities principally to and from South Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America. Sporting a VGM Score of B, this Miramar, FL-headquartered companys expected EPS growth rate for three to five years currently stands at 28.5%, comparing favorably with the industry's growth rate of 13.7%. PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust PMT: Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Westlake Village, CA, PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust is a specialty finance company that primarily invests in residential mortgage loans and mortgage related assets. The mortgage REIT has a VGM Score of A and an enviable earnings surprise history having surpassed estimates in three of the last four quarters. You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge. The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out. Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Spirit Airlines, Inc. (SAVE) : Free Stock Analysis Report La-Z-Boy Incorporated (LZB) : Free Stock Analysis Report PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust (PMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Abercrombie & Fitch Company (ANF) : Free Stock Analysis Report Crocs, Inc. (CROX) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research New York (AFP) - A young man who accused Kevin Spacey of sexually assaulting him at a seaside restaurant near Boston in 2016 filmed part of the incident, according to court filings obtained by AFP. The 59-year-old star of the "House of Cards" series, who has won two Oscars, is due to be formally charged on January 7 on the island of Nantucket with "indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age." If found guilty, Spacey could face up to five years in jail. The young man, identified as William Little and aged 18 at the time of the alleged assault in July 2016, told police he had sent messages, including a video, to his girlfriend via the Snapchat app from the "Club Car" restaurant in Nantucket, where he was working as a bus boy for the summer, according to the court filing. He had remained in the bar after his shift had finished to see Spacey, of whom he was a fan. After meeting the actor and telling him he was 23 years old -- the legal drinking age is 21 in Massachusetts -- he started drinking first beer and then whiskey with Spacey. Spacey then allegedly invited him back to his place, along with some other friends. The young man declined, suspecting the actor was trying to seduce him. But he stayed in the bar in the hopes of getting a picture with Spacey. "Will only lingered around because he wanted a picture with Spacey, something for Instagram," the filing said. "Spacey had told him, if you come back with me, I will take a picture with you." That was when Spacey began sexually molesting the young man, the filed charges said. "Will tried to shift away with his body and move Spacey's hands away with his hands but Spacey kept reaching down his pants," it said. "Will said his girlfriend did not believe him so that's when he Snapchatted the video," it said. He then left the bar on the advice of a woman who reportedly saw "he was in distress." He returned to work the next day and informed the owner of the bar of the incident, the court documents said. Story continues The filing said that police had retrieved the footage and shown it to the young man, who confirmed it showed him and Spacey. Spacey, who was forced out of public life by accusations of sexual misconduct in 2017, has not yet commented on the latest charges. But this week he posted a video online of himself speaking about allegations of sexual abuse in the character of Frank Underwood, the scheming politician he played in House of Cards before the show dropped him. Spacey's lawyer did not respond immediately to an AFP request for comment. Spacey was considered one of the finest actors of his generation but his career nosedived following allegations of sexual misconduct by more than a dozen men in the United States and Britain. The first public report of alleged abuse by him came from actor Anthony Rapp, who claimed that Spacey sexually abused him when Rapp was 14, in 1986. Large Cap Growth fund seekers may want to consider taking a look at American Funds Growth Fund of America C (GFACX). GFACX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. Objective GFACX is part of the Large Cap Growth section, and this segment boasts an array of other possible options. Large Cap Growth mutual funds purchase stakes in numerous large U.S. companies that are expected to develop and grow at a faster rate than other large-cap stocks. Companies are usually considered to be large-cap if their market capitalization is over $10 billion. History of Fund/Manager American Funds is based in Los Angeles, CA, and is the manager of GFACX. The American Funds Growth Fund of America C made its debut in March of 2001 and GFACX has managed to accumulate roughly $4.95 billion in assets, as of the most recently available information. The fund's current manager is a team of investment professionals. Performance Investors naturally seek funds with strong performance. GFACX has a 5-year annualized total return of 10.4% and is in the middle third among its category peers. If you're interested in shorter time frames, do not dismiss looking at the fund's 3-year annualized total return of 11.48%, which places it in the top third during this time-frame. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. Compared to the category average of 8.69%, the standard deviation of GFACX over the past three years is 11.25%. Looking at the past 5 years, the fund's standard deviation is 11.11% compared to the category average of 8.83%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Risk Factors One cannot ignore the volatility of this segment, however, as it is always important for investors to remember the downside to any potential investment. In GFACX's case, the fund lost 49.3% in the most recent bear market and underperformed comparable funds by 0.52%. These results could imply that the fund is a worse choice than its peers during a sliding market environment. Story continues Even still, the fund has a 5-year beta of 1.03, so investors should note that it is hypothetically as volatile as the market at large. Because alpha represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which is the S&P 500 in this case, one should pay attention to this metric as well. The fund has produced a negative alpha over the past 5 years of -0.87, which shows that managers in this portfolio find it difficult to pick securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns. Holdings Investigating the equity holdings of a mutual fund is also a valuable exercise. This can show us how the manager is applying their stated methodology, as well as if there are any inherent biases in their approach. For this particular fund, the focus is largely on equities that are traded in the United States. Right now, 90.33% of this mutual fund's holdings are stocks, which have an average market capitalization of $245.35 billion. The fund has the heaviest exposure to the following market sectors: Technology Other Finance Retail Trade Turnover is 28%, which means this fund makes fewer trades than comparable funds. Expenses As competition heats up in the mutual fund market, costs become increasingly important. Compared to its otherwise identical counterpart, a low-cost product will be an outperformer, all other things being equal. Thus, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is vital for investors. In terms of fees, GFACX is a no load fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.42% compared to the category average of 1.10%. Looking at the fund from a cost perspective, GFACX is actually more expensive than its peers. While the minimum initial investment for the product is $250, investors should also note that each subsequent investment needs to be at least $50. Bottom Line Overall, American Funds Growth Fund of America C ( GFACX ) has a neutral Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively similar performance, average downside risk, and higher fees, this fund looks like a somewhat average choice for investors right now. Don't stop here for your research on Large Cap Growth funds. We also have plenty more on our site in order to help you find the best possible fund for your portfolio. Make sure to check out www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds for more information about the world of funds, and feel free to compare GFACX to its peers as well for additional information. If you are more of a stock investor, make sure to also check out our Zacks Rank, and our full suite of tools we have available for novice and professional investors alike. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (GFACX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Lordstown, Ohio, was defined by its General Motors plant. Now workers say job cuts threaten the lives theyve built A mural in Lordstown, Ohio. The GM plant here employs 1,600 workers. Photograph: Tony Dejak/AP Theres a sign outside the General Motors assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio, that reads: GM, We Invested in You. Now Its Your Turn to Invest in US. Ever since the USs largest car companys immense assembly plant opened here 52 years ago, it has dominated this blue-collar town. Now GM workers here are furious that the automaker plans to idle and perhaps permanently close the plant. GM stunned its workforce on 26 November, the Monday after Thanksgiving, by announcing it would cut roughly 14,000 jobs and idle five factories in North America, including the Lordstown plant, which employs 1,600 workers. One factor stoking the workers ire is that GMs move came after American taxpayers rescued it from bankruptcy with a $49.5bn federal bailout in 2009. While some have blamed Trump policies for the closure, or at least for his inability to stop them, its the company that workers hold most responsible. Their announcement was really a kick in the stomach, said Danny Adams, who has worked at the plant since 1996. Its not woe is me. Its woe is us. Like many GM workers here, Adams, 53, is worried and bitter, not knowing where he might find a new job and wondering whether hes too old to train for a new career. Adams could perhaps transfer to another GM plant, but he fears that such a move would be hugely trying for his 15-year-old son. This is devastating. This is our livelihood, said Stephanie Allein, 40, who began working for GM in 2000 and was transferred to Lordstown in 2010. Reactions at a union meeting in Oshawa, Ontario, one of the regions also affected by the layoffs. Photograph: Lars Hagberg/AFP/Getty Images This isnt my first rodeo, Allein said. This is my third GM plant. Id like to be able to plant my roots somewhere. I feel like a gypsy. Allein, who helps assemble dashboards, transferred to Lordstown when her GM plant in Shreveport, Louisiana, closed. Before Shreveport, she worked at a GM-owned Delphi auto parts plant in Lockport, New York, which laid her off in 2006. Story continues When I came here, Allein said, there was this feeling this plant has been around forever, that this plant wasnt going anywhere. You felt a security coming here. People bought houses. The Lordstown facility occupies over 900 acres and has produced more than 16m vehicles, including Pontiac Firebirds and Chevy Cavaliers and Vegas. Last year, it generated $250m in wages, money that was the engine of Lordstowns economy. GMs decision left people fuming, but not without hope, because it didnt say the plant was closing. Rather, it said the plant was unallocated. That day, GM announced it was ending production of the Chevy Cruze in the US thats the car the Lordstown plant makes (although GM will continue to produce the Cruze in Mexico along with several crossover vehicles). GM was responding to a slowdown in sales of smaller cars, like the Cruze, and to Trumps easing fuel economy standards, a move making it easier for automakers to focus on producing larger cars and trucks. This is devastating. This is our livelihood Stephanie Allein, autoworker GM said it was idling Lordstown and four other plants in Detroit; Baltimore; Warren, Michigan; and Oshawa, Ontario to cut costs and free up money to invest in electric and autonomous cars. The Lordstown workers hope GM will opt to assemble another car, perhaps an electric car, here. We should be building the next-generation car here, Allein said. We should be building the crossovers here, not in Mexico. The workers are also angry that GM, helped by the $1tn corporate tax break enacted last year, has spent nearly $14bn on stock buybacks since 2015, money that could have been invested in developing next-generation vehicles. Theres a bipartisan push to save the plant. Governor John Kasich, a Republican, Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, and Senator Rob Portman, a Republican, have pressed GMs chief executive, Mary Barra, to find a way to keep the plant open. Brown, who is contemplating a presidential run in 2020, has urged Trump to back legislation he has introduced that would give consumers $3,500 rebates on American-made cars. Mary Barra, the chief executive officer of General Motors, speaks to reporters in Washington. Photograph: Drew Angerer/Getty Images United Auto Workers Local 1112 here has mounted a letter-writing campaign including hundreds of letters from children to urge Barra not to shutter the plant. Jake Shevetz, a second grader, wrote: I dont want to move and the families that have to move probably dont want to. But my mom says if they get something new, we wont have to move. Cheryl Jonesco, who was laid off in early 2017 when the Lordstown plant cut its third shift, said: Theyre receiving our taxpayer dollars and investing in these other countries. I dont know how Barra can lay in her bed and sleep at night. Dave Green, president of UAW Local 1112, said his goal wasnt just to persuade GM to keep the plant open, but to make sure the workers have alternatives. His local has created a transition center that workers stream into day after day, to ask for help finding another job or getting retraining. GM is betraying the American worker, the American taxpayer, Green said. Chevrolet is apple pie. Its an American icon. What disturbs me is GM is going to exit this entry-level segment. If theres no entry-level cars, what are they going to put people in? Are we going to see Toyota, Honda and Kia gain market share and GM throwing in the towel? Inside General Motors Lordstown assembly plant. Photograph: Mark Duncan/AP Last April, Ford announced it was eliminating traditional sedans from its US lineup, except for the Mustang, ending production of the Focus, Fusion, Fiesta and Taurus. That came after Fiat Chrysler cut the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 to concentrate on more profitable Ram pickups and Jeep SUVs. Adams says GM is making a strategic mistake by ending US production of the Cruze and several other sedans: the Chevy Impala, Chevy Volt and Buick LaCrosse. GM had the perfect opportunity to say, We are the only American car manufacturing company that is building cars in the USA. They could have been like Harley-Davidson. They missed it right there because they want their pockets full of money. In a speech in nearby Youngstown in July 2017, Trump promised to bring back auto jobs. Theyre all coming back, he said. Dont move, dont sell your house. Trump has criticized GM about layoffs, but the Lordstown workers say he hasnt done enough. If youre going to make promises, you got to keep your promises, Adams said. Im sorry. Were blue-collar. You shake my hand. Its a promise. Many workers suspect that GM announced that it was leaving Lordstown unallocated rather than closing it outright in order to pressure the UAW to grant some concessions in next years contract negotiations to help persuade GM to keep the plant open. If thats GMs tactic, Adams isnt buying it. Thats 100% union-busting, he said. Theyre just trying to make us beg. While the workers feel anger, they also feel a lot of pride. Theyre proud that the Cruze and the high marks it received helped restore GMs reputation after the 2009 bankruptcy. When we heard the news in November, we went right back to our jobs, Allein said. We give 100%. We didnt give up. I dont think anybody is ready to give up. No one wants to believe that this is it for Lordstown. Steven Greenhouse is the author of the book, Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of America Labor, which will be published in August 2019 Tripoli (AFP) - Suicide attackers stormed the Libyan foreign ministry in the capital Tripoli on Tuesday, killing at least three people including a senior civil servant in an attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. Twenty-one other people were wounded in the attack, authorities said. A car bomb exploded near the ministry, prompting security forces to rush to the scene, said special forces spokesman Tarak al-Dawass. A suicide bomber then blew himself up on the second floor of the building while a second attacker died when a suitcase he was carrying exploded, he said. A third assailant, who was unarmed and wearing a bulletproof vest, was killed by security forces outside, Dawass added. At least three people were killed and 21 wounded, according to the health ministry. Foreign Minister Tahar Siala said one of the dead was senior diplomat Ibrahim al-Shaibi who headed a department in his ministry. Plumes of smoke were seen rising from the building as ambulances, paramedics and security forces gathered outside. IS claimed the attack in a statement distributed on social media, saying that it was carried out by three "soldiers of the caliphate" who were armed with suicide belts and automatic weapons. Interior Minister Fathi Bash Agha admitted during a news conference that "security chaos" reigned in Libya and was "out of our control". He said this was creating a "fertile ground" for IS to operate in the North African country. Torn apart by power struggles and undermined by chronic insecurity, Libya has become a haven for jihadists since the ouster and killing of Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. - Jihadist foothold - Two competing administrations, rival militias, tribes and jihadists have been vying for control of territory and the country's vast oil wealth. IS took advantage of the chaos to gain a foothold in the coastal city of Sirte in 2015. Forces loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) regained control of Sirte in December 2016 after eight months of deadly fighting. Story continues Since then, some jihadists have returned to the desert in an attempt to regroup and reorganise. The interior minister said his department lacked the equipment necessary to restore law and order in Libya. Bach Agha said he found "zero weapons and zero vehicles" in the ministry's warehouses when he took up his job in October. "Weakness and a security breakdown" allowed assailants to attack the foreign ministry, he said. The foreign minister said the UN should lift an arms embargo it has imposed on Libya since the 2011 uprising. "Stability cannot be restored... without a partial lifting of the embargo. It is needed to guarantee security and combat terrorism," Siala told reporters. - Envoys denounce attack - The head of the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) denounced the "cowardly terrorist attack" in a statement. Ghassan Salame also pledged to work with Libyan people "to prevent terrorist groups from turning Libya into a haven... for their crimes". Frank Baker, Britain's ambassador to Libya, also denounced an "appalling terrorist attack" and tweeted his condolences to the families of the victims. Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi joined the chorus of condemnation in a statement reiterating Rome's "solidarity with the Libyan people and their just aspiration to real security". In September, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the headquarters of Libya's National Oil Company in the heart of Tripoli which left two dead and 10 wounded. Four months earlier, it claimed an attack on the electoral commission's headquarters which left 14 dead. In April, the GNA launched an operation to track down IS fighters operating in areas of western Libya under its control. Last month IS claimed responsibility for an attack on militia forces in southeastern Libya in which at least nine people were killed. The US military has regularly carried out strikes on jihadists in Libya, particularly south of Sirte. The GNA was set up under a 2015 UN-brokered deal, but a rival administration based in the country's east aligned with military strongman Khalifa Haftar refuses to recognise its authority. Rival Libyan leaders had agreed to a Paris-brokered deal in May to hold a nationwide election by the end of the year. But instability, territorial disputes and divisions have delayed plans for elections. If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider Banc of California (BANC). This company, which is in the Zacks Banks - Southwest industry, shows potential for another earnings beat. When looking at the last two reports, this banking service and lending company has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by -7.62%, on average, in the last two quarters. For the last reported quarter, Banc of California came out with earnings of $0.22 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.21 per share, representing a surprise of 4.76%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $0.20 per share and it actually produced earnings of $0.16 per share, delivering a surprise of 20%. Price and EPS Surprise For Banc of California, estimates have been trending higher, thanks in part to this earnings surprise history. And when you look at the stock's positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), it's a great indicator of a future earnings beat, especially when combined with its solid Zacks Rank. Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven. The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier. Story continues Banc of California currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.47%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on January 24, 2019. When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss. Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate. Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Banc of California, Inc. (BANC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Bitmain Reportedly Will Sack Up to 85 Percent of Workforce The Chinese crypto mining company Bitmain has apparently been hit hard by the bear market and is looking to sack more than half of their entire workforce. Credible rumors of this story first began to circulate on Maimai, Chinas equivalent to LinkedIn, as anonymous sources on a site frequently used by Bitmain employees began reporting that the company was looking at massive layoffs in the next several days. Some reports were even claiming that the company was looking to shed 50 percent of all employees. These rumors first began to circulate on December 22, 2018. The very next day, Samson Mow, the chief security officer of Blockstream and CEO of Pixelmatic, began to post more evidence of these layoffs from Chinese sources. He tweeted a series of messages from employee conversations, which claimed that Bitmain had just laid off its entire team for Copernicus, a Bitcoin Cash Go client. UPDATE [December 28] A Bitmain spokesperson told Bitcoin Magazine: There has been some adjustment to our staff this year as we continue to build a long-term, sustainable and scalable business. A part of that is having to really focus on things that are core to that mission and not things that are auxiliary. As we move into the new year we will continue to double down on hiring the best talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. Bitmain also responded to these allegations in Chinese media sources, claiming that this is a normal staff adjustment at the end of the year based on business development. Bitmain has recently fallen onto especially hard times with the recent crypto crash, so it is more than plausible that they would begin cutting back on their operations in a large way. Just weeks prior, for example, Bitmain was forced to shutter all operations in the entire state of Israel, which had been active since 2016. Still, the shutdown in such a peripheral sphere as that pales in comparison to some of the rumors that have circulated about Bitmains main offices. Story continues After these rumors first began circulating, an anonymous source within the company confirmed that Bitmain was going to begin the process of much more serious layoffs. Cutting back on foreign offices or new software development would not be sufficient to keep the company solvent, as it is apparently struggling to remain afloat. A point of interest to several of these reports is that Bitmain was allegedly attempting to conduct layoffs on a grand scale before Christmas. In light of media coverage of the first set of rumors, Mows sources said on Christmas Day that the company was looking to drop all non-essential employees. The initial reports of 50 percent of the workforce being sacked are now looking exceedingly conservative, as new reports claim that up to 85 percent may be shown the door. This article originally appeared on Bitcoin Magazine. Black Christmas as Brazilian Bitcoin Exchange Loses Founder in a Car Crash Luis Augusto Schiavon Ramos, known as Guto Schiavon, the founder of one of Brazils largest bitcoin exchanges, was killed in a car accident in Sao Paulo. A report by local Brazilian news outlet revealed that the accident happened after Schiavon lost control of his vehicle in the rain, before hitting a cargo truck. Prior to his death, Schiavon was the founder of Foxbit, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in Brazil. The exchange was launched back in 2014 as a result of a partnership between FoxBit Servicos Digitais and BlinkTrade Inc., a technology provider, and it rose rapidly among the ranks of bitcoin exchanges in Brazil. The Foxbit team has been commended on its work to help give Brazilians a working knowledge of cryptocurrencies. We are a family united for an objective: to revolutionize the financial market and to contribute to the growth of the crypto-economy, Schiavon wrote in his personal bio page on the Foxbit website. In a statement, Foxbit described Schiavon as an instrumental figure that helped the company to grow into "the largest exchange of Bitcoins in Latin America with more than 400,000 clients and R $ 5 billion transacted." "We communicate with deep regret the death of the founder and director of Foxbit Operations, Luis Augusto Schiavon Ramos, Guto, at the age of 24, on the afternoon of this Tuesday, December 25th, a victim of an automobile accident on the Joao Ribeiro de Barros -294), in Marilia (SP)." Before the death of Schiavon, Foxbit had its fair share of challenges in 2018. Back in March, the exchange's servers were infected with a bug that allowed users to duplicate their withdrawals, leading to a downtime of 72 hours and a loss of 30 BTC. Foxbit has also had to fight against oppressive behavior from the financial sector, alongside other Brazilian-based crypto exchanges. One of the country's most prominent exchanges, Mercado Bitcoin, filed a lawsuit against the Itau Unibanco for closing its bank accounts abruptly. The bank had noted that the company's accounts were opened without adhering to the country's anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. As such, they had the power to discontinue the accounts. The Superior Court of Justice, the second highest court in the country, noted in a landmark judgment that financial institutions have the right to close cryptocurrency-related accounts without explanation. This article originally appeared on Bitcoin Magazine. The United States Department of Homeland Security on Thursday issued advisory warning travelers about the security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. In a statement published on its website, the DHS said the airport does not maintain and carry out effective security consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. But the authorities in Manila assured air travelers they were giving utmost priority and attention to the implementation of strict security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The Manila International Airport Authority, the Office for Transportation Security and the Department of Transportation gave their assurances following the DHS advisory. There is no cause for alarm even as we put in place enhancements following the recommendations of the US Transportation Security Administration. There is nothing among these recommendations that cannot be addressed, said MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal. Rest assured these improvements are not intended to put a burden on the passengers. These are being done to ensure a secured flight for everyone. The DHS said its findings were based on the assessments by a team of security experts from the Transportation Security Administration.The DHS has instructed the airlines that issue tickets between the US and Manila to notify passengers about their advisory in writing. It has also required the display of the advisory in US airports with regularly scheduled flights to Manila and based on a GMA News report, some airports have already started to do this. According to the report, a Filipino posted a photo on social media that shows the advisory in an airport in Hawaii. The DHS statement says it, together with the Department of State, Department of Transportation and TSA representatives have been working with the Philippine government to improve security at the NAIA. The Philippines Department of Transportation has also issued a statement about the DHSs travel advisory. The department says it is giving priority to the implementation of strict security measures at the NAIA. The Boeing Company BA recently secured a five-year, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee contract (HQ0147-19-C-0001). Boing to provide the Missile Defense Agency support by performing highly complex technical systems engineering and integration requirements related to the Ballistic Missile Defense system. Total value of this contract comes in at $240.2 million and is awarded by the Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, AL. Work related to the deal will be performed at Huntsville, AL and is expected to be completed by Dec 14, 2023. What Favors Boeing? Increasing geo-political tensions across the globe have prompted nations to strengthen respective defense arsenal with technologically advanced ballistic missile systems. With these significant advancements, missile defense has steadily emerged to play a pivotal role in a nations defense strategy. To this end, the Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) segment has been clinching frequent awards from the United States and international customers. Notably, the companys BDS segment recorded third-quarter 2018 net sales of $5.73 billion, reflecting a 13% improvement from the year-ago period. The segment contributed nearly 23% to total net sales in the reported quarter. Considering this, we may assume notable contracts like the latest one to fuel further growth in this segment. Budgetary Advancements to Aid Boeing Per Markets and Markets, rocket and missile market is projected to reach $70 billion during the 2017-2022 period at a CAGR of 4.74%. President Donald Trump had proposed Pentagon fiscal 2019 defense budget in February 2018 that provisioned investments of $717 billion for rebuilding the U.S. military into a more capable, lethal and geared up Joint Force. Moreover, the defense budget provisioned a major war fighting capex of $21.7 billion for aircraft that further included an investment plan of $2 billion for procuring 24 F/A-18 Jets. Such inclusions reflect solid growth for Boeing's BDS segment, which in turn, are likely to boost the companys profit margin. Other companies, namely Lockheed Martin Corp LMT, Northrop Grumman Corp NOC and Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc HII are also envisioned to benefit from this budget revision. Price Movement Boeings stock has gained 5.9% in the past 12 months versus the industrys decline of 15.1%. Story continues Zacks Rank Boeing currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Boeing Company (BA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Animal talent expert Nancy Novograd began explaining how to handle ostriches on a production set: Well, their brains are very small. Novograd, who works in New York City, helped provide amazing animals to shows including Late Night with David Letterman, The Colbert Report, and The View. Its an odd job, but she loves it. The animal show business industry is booming, largely thanks to the internet. Last year, Grumpy Cat earned about 12$ million collectively through appearances and merchandise sales and his dog counterpart Doug the Pug earned about $400,000. But thats Instagram. What about traditional media? Best animal talent? I always love working with Donkeys All Tame Animals, Novograds agency, works with pet owners and production companies in the East Coast to get animals working in musicals, plays, and films. According to Novograd, the most common animals to work with are dogs, cats, and horses. Although, she told Yahoo Finance in the video above, Im partial to donkeys, I always love working with Donkeys. Animal talent expert Nancy Novograd. (Photo: Yahoo Finance) Of course, animal stardom is nothing new. Animals appearing on screen is almost as old as film itself. The first animal to appear on the silver screen was Cecil Hapsworths personal dog Blair, who starred briefly in the 1905 film Rescues by Rover. The business has gone upward ever since. The crow that lands on Scarecrows shoulder in the Wizard of Oz was actually Jimmy the Raven, which made appearances in over a 1000 films throughout his life; including an appearance in Capras famous Its a Wonderful Life. Novograd noted that some animals on set are certainly easier to work with than others. The more intelligence [the animal] has, the more vocabulary and training, but it also has the ability to get out of things it may not want to do, she explained. And with less intelligent animals, like an ostrich? Its less about training and more about simply managing behavior, she said. WATCH MORE: Odd Jobs: What its like to be a mermaid Weve lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So well take a look at whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Santana Minerals Limited (ASX:SMI). Do Insider Transactions Matter? Its quite normal to see company insiders, such as board members, trading in company stock, from time to time. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information. We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. For example, a Colombia University study found that insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own companys stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers. See our latest analysis for Santana Minerals The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Santana Minerals Terrence Kahler made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for AU$129k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.011 each. So its clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price. Its very possible they regret the purchase, but its more likely they are bullish about the company. That purchase may suggest an expectation of positive returns over the long term. Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 21.85m shares worth AU$201k. In total, Santana Minerals insiders bought more than they sold over the last year. The average buy price was around AU$0.0092. This is nice to see since it implies that insiders might see value around current prices (around AU$0.005). You can see the insider transactions over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! Story continues ASX:SMI Insider Trading December 26th 18 I will like Santana Minerals better if I see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying. Insider Ownership Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon its a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Its great to see that Santana Minerals insiders own 31% of the company, worth about AU$869k. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders. What Might The Insider Transactions At Santana Minerals Tell Us? There havent been any insider transactions in the last three months that doesnt mean much. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. Insiders own shares in Santana Minerals and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. To put this in context, take a look at how a company has performed in the past. You can access this detailed graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow . If you would prefer to check out another company one with potentially superior financials then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. The Daily Beast Photo Illustration by The Daily BeastOXFORD, MichiganDetailed descriptions of a wish to massacre classmates on his cellphone and in a journal. At least one social media post pointing to elation at access to a handgun bought by his dad. A mom who thanked Trump for my right to bear arms. And a meeting between his parents and school administrators about his conduct just hours before the attack.Authorities on Wednesday identified the teenage suspect in the mass shooting a day earlier at Michigan CarMax (NYSE: KMX) can't seem to keep its recovery rolling. After returning to sales growth in the second quarter, the used-automobile retailer announced that revenue just slipped back into negative territory. In a conference call with investors, CEO Bill Nash and his team explained how demand trends were better than they might appear at a glance. CarMax's management also issued an update on their push into e-commerce sales, which they're hoping will help return the company to its long-term growth targets over time. Below are a few highlights from that discussion. A male customer shakes hands with a car salesman. Image source: Getty Images. Houston is to blame While we are disappointed to report negative comps in the quarter, they were materially affected by the dynamics and the six Houston area stores following Hurricane Harvey. -- Nash CarMax's sales gains slipped into negative territory for the third time out of the retailer's last four quarterly outings, with comparable-store sales falling 1.2%. That recent track record is weak enough that it could call into question the company's broader growth targets. Management said an unusual regional sales spike in the prior-year period, tied to disruptions from hurricanes that struck the southeastern U.S., hurt results this time around. After accounting for that event, comps would have risen 2.3% in the third quarter, or at roughly the same pace as in the prior quarter. Executives said the results were also held back by continued pricing challenges that are making some used cars less attractive when stacked up against new vehicles. CarMax's percentage of sales tied to vehicles between zero and four years old fell to 77%, management said, from 81% a year ago. This shift contributed to falling customer traffic across its store base, which was only partially offset by an improved conversion rate. E-commerce wins Customers are looking for an experience that gives them more control and independence in buying and selling a car. However, they also want advice and guidance at any point in the journey. That is why we've developed the omnichannel experience that delivers upon this unmet customer need. -- Nash Story continues CarMax has been active in developing its e-commerce selling infrastructure, having just opened a fully online selling process in Atlanta, its oldest market. While cautioning that it's too early to make sweeping judgments, management said they're happy with the feedback they're getting from customers. Their confidence in this maturing into a significant growth avenue is bolstered by the fact that CarMax's website traffic is still rising at a double-digit pace even though shopper visits to its lots are trending lower. Nash and his team believe the company, because of its national store footprint, is uniquely positioned to deliver a full spectrum of shopping options to customers, including a mix of in-store interactions and online processing. Costs are rising In terms of cost implications, we will continue to invest but still expect to leverage SG&A at the upper end of a mid-single-digit comp range. While there are incremental costs and inefficiencies in the near-term, we've also identified potential cost savings through process changes and other improvements that can help offset these expenses over time. -- Nash CarMax implied that the new e-commerce capabilities, which the company hopes to roll out to its national base by early 2020, will require elevated spending and pressure profits in the short term. It's also unclear at this point whether that sales channel will ultimately deliver profitability that's on par with what the retailer achieves through its physical sales. But the good news is that online shopping is making car buying a simpler experience, which syncs up well with CarMax's overall value proposition. Thus, it's an ideal avenue for the chain to use to increase its market share and return to a steadier sales growth pace in the coming quarters. More From The Motley Fool Demitrios Kalogeropoulos has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends CarMax. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. By Rodi Said TEL NASRI, Syria (Reuters) - The one family still living in a Christian village devastated by Islamic State is working to revive Christmas traditions that have brought at least a few of its people home for the holiday. Tel Nasri was one of dozens of Assyrian Christian villages in northern Syria targeted by the jihadist group when it was near the peak of its power. They blew up its 80-year-old church on an Easter Sunday and abducted hundreds of people. Kurdish forces and local fighters seized the village a few months later, in May 2015, but nobody has returned. "I was born and raised in Tel Nasri, I'm still here and I'm staying," said Sargon Slio, 51, a farmer who stayed on with only his brother and two cousins. Before the fighting, the village was home to nearly 1,000 people, he said. Some 265 Assyrians were kidnapped from Tel Nasri, Slio said, and on their release, like the rest of the villagers, they fled. "There used to be hundreds of people celebrating. You'd see dancing and hear singing. Everyone decorated the houses and Christmas trees," Slio said. "Now we are four people." His mother, Zekta Benjamin, 73, has returned from Belgium for Christmas - the second time since she left in 2015. Another relative has come from Australia. "I miss a lot the life of the village and my neighbors and relatives and everything in this place," said the mother of 11, most of whom now are in Europe and the United States. Along with his relatives, Slio tends to farms and makes repairs to a small church. He runs the abandoned village as part of a committee to protect the properties of minorities, which the Kurdish-led authority in the north set up. "Being here in the village ... it's my moral duty to protect these homes as much as I can," he said. He hopes to get funding from Syria's Assyrian Church and aid agencies to rebuild the big 80-year-old church of the Virgin Mary which the militants leveled. He is also trying to encourage others to come home. "These are our families, our loved ones ... They say when the region becomes stable, we will all return." (Reporting by Rodi Said in Syria; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) "Time to take the guilt out of this holiday." "Time to take the guilt out of this holiday." Christmas in the Philippines is an exuberant display of human ingenuity, capitalist productivity, and the enjoyment of life. Yet, all of these are castigated as materialistic; the real meaning of the holiday, we are told, is assorted Nativity tales and altruist injunctionslove thy neighborthat not too many, in reality, take seriously. In fact, Christmas, as we celebrate it today, is a 19th-century American invention. The freedom and prosperity of post-Civil War America created the happiest nation in history. The result was the desire to celebrate, to revel in the goods and pleasures of life on earth. Christmas (which was not a US federal holiday until 1870) became the leading American outlet for this feeling. Historically, people have always celebrated the winter solstice as the time when the days begin to lengthen, indicating the earths return to life. Ancient Romans feasted and reveled during the festival of Saturnalia. Early Christians condemned these Roman celebrationsthey were waiting for the end of the world and had only scorn for earthly pleasures. By the fourth century, the pagans were worshipping the god of the sun on December 25, and the early Christians came to a decision: if you cant beat em, join em. They claimed (contrary to known fact) that the date was Jesus birthday, and usurped the solstice holiday for the early Church. Even after the early Christians took over Christmas, they were ambivalent about it. The holiday was inherently a pro-life festival of earthly renewal, but the early Christians preached renunciation, sacrifice, and concern for the next world, not this one. As Cotton Mather, an 18th-century clergyman, put it: Can you in your consciences think that our Holy Savior is honored by mirth [joy]? . . . Shall it be said that at the birth of our Savior . . . we take time . . . to do actions that have much more of hell than of heaven in them? Then came the major developments of 19th-century capitalism: industrialization, urbanization, the triumph of scienceall of it leading to easy transportation, efficient mail delivery, the widespread publishing of books and magazines, new inventions making life comfortable and exciting, and the rise of entrepreneurs who understood that the way to make a profit was to produce something good and sell it to a mass market.For the first time, the giving of gifts became a major feature of Christmas. Early Christians denounced gift-giving as a Roman practice, and Puritans called it diabolical. But Americans were not to be deterred. Thanks to capitalism, there was enough wealth to make gifts possible, a great productive apparatus to advertise them and make them available cheaply, and a country so content that men wanted to reach out to their friends and express their enjoyment of life. The whole country took with glee to giving gifts on an unprecedented scale. Santa Claus is another thoroughly American invention. There was a St. Nicholas long ago and a feeble holiday connected with him (on Dec. 5). In 1822, an American named Clement Clarke Moore wrote a poem about a visit from St. Nick. It was Moore (and a few other New Yorkers) who invented St. Nicks physical appearance and personality, came up with the idea that Santa travels on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, comes down the chimney, stuffs toys in the kids stockings, then goes back to the North Pole. Of course, the Puritans denounced Santa as the Anti-Christ, because he pushed Jesus to the background. Furthermore, Santa implicitly rejected the whole Christian ethics. He did not denounce the rich and demand that they give everything to the poor; on the contrary, he gave gifts to rich and poor children alike. Nor is Santa a champion of Christian mercy or unconditional love. On the contrary, he is for justiceSanta gives only to good children, not to bad ones. All the best customs of Christmas, from carols to trees to spectacular decorations to gift-giving, have their root in pagan ideas and practices. These customs were greatly amplified by American culture, as the product of reason, science, business, and worldlinessthe pursuit of happinesswhich, as Americas colonial and adopted child, the Philippines inherited. Americas and the Philippines tragedy is that their intellectual leaders have typically tried to replace happiness with guilt by insisting that the spiritual meaning of Christmas is religion and self-sacrifice for the poor. But the spiritual must start with recognizing and co-existing with reality. Life requires reason and production; that is what Christmas should celebrateand really, underneath all the pretense, that is what it does celebrate. It is time to take the guilt out of Christmas, and turn the holiday into a guiltlessly pro-reason, this-worldly, commercial, and also spiritual celebration. [email protected] Investing legend Peter Lynch once noted that executives can sell company stock for many reasons, but they typically buy it for only one: They think it is going up. Although there are a bunch of caveats to that truism, it is seen as a bullish signal. Since the chairman of Diageo (NYSE: DEO) plunked down almost $1.3 million to buy the distiller's stock the other day, perhaps investors should take a look at whether they should follow his lead and buy in themselves. Diageo's first Johnnie Walker flagship retail store Diageo's first retail store for its Johnnie Walker scotch whisky brand. Image source: Diageo. Swinging for the fences Chairman Javier Ferran has a history of buying big tranches of Diageo stock, purchasing tens of thousands of shares at a time. Because he came to the distiller with a distinguished pedigree in the spirits business, one can assume he has an intimate knowledge of he business toggle him insight. Prior to becoming chairman of Diageo's board in January 2017, he served as managing director of vermouth maker Martini & Rossi, president and CEO of rum giant Bacardi, and also serving as a non-executive director at SABMiller before it was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev. His stock purchases are made on London's FTSE exchange, so they're not completely analogous to how Diageo's U.S.-listed shares would perform, but below are the returns he would have generated based on the distiller's stock price on the NYSE. Date of Purchase No. of Shares Stock Price at Purchase Approx. Amount Spent Gain/(Loss) October 4, 2016 18,500 $116.33 $0.52 million 21.3% November 15, 2016 13,000 $100.97 $0.32 million 39.7% August 15, 2017 65,000 $131.36 $2.07 million 7.4% January 26, 2018 30,000 $145.02 $0.97 million (2.7%) October 12, 2018 30,000 $133.76 $0.97 million 5.5% December 19, 2018 35,000 $140.71 $1.24 million 0.3% Data source: Shares Magazine. It's clear that Ferran has not been shy when betting on Diageo's future, and there are a number of other, smaller share amounts he's purchased along the way, too. These are just his biggest bets. Story continues A premium point of view Shares of Diageo are down almost 5% year to date, which would make Ferran's purchase timely, but simply because a stock is down doesn't make it a buy. The distiller's attempt to dominate the premium and above spirits category, though, just might. Diageo owns the world's biggest scotch whiskey in Johnnie Walker, from which it makes most of its $16 billion in total annual sales, but it has recently heavily invested in tequila, including its purchase of actor George Clooney's Casamigos brand, as well as a number of premium vodka labels such as Ciroc and Smirnoff. While vodka has been a weak category for the distiller, whiskey has never been more popular, and with its offshoot Jane Walker brand, Diageo is attempting to take a leadership position in the growing women demographic. Diageo also just finished selling off its value brand of spirits to Sazerac, which may be best known for its cinnamon-flavored whiskey Fireball, but the divestiture gives Diageo greater focus on its top-shelf portfolio. Nielsen data shows that high-end spirits now account for 55% of total industry spirits volume and 62% of dollar sales, but it is the ultra-premium spirits segment that is growing the fastest. Considering how the distiller is positioning itself in this lucrative market, and that its chairman is making another big buy bet on the company's stock, it might not be the worst investment to buy your own stake in Diageo. Key investment takeaway Insiders aren't always right on the direction their company's stock will take, but when one with specialized knowledge of his industry who has a pretty good track record of choosing his entry points drops over $1 million on its shares, it's definitely a noodle point that investors should consider. More From The Motley Fool Rich Duprey has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV and Diageo. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The goal of this article is to teach you how to use price to earnings ratios (P/E ratios). To keep it practical, well show how Banca Mediolanum S.p.A.s (BIT:BMED) P/E ratio could help you assess the value on offer. Based on the last twelve months, Banca Mediolanums P/E ratio is 10.04. That is equivalent to an earnings yield of about 10.0%. Check out our latest analysis for Banca Mediolanum How Do I Calculate A Price To Earnings Ratio? The formula for P/E is: Price to Earnings Ratio = Share Price Earnings per Share (EPS) Or for Banca Mediolanum: P/E of 10.04 = 5.1 0.51 (Based on the year to September 2018.) Is A High Price-to-Earnings Ratio Good? A higher P/E ratio implies that investors pay a higher price for the earning power of the business. That isnt a good or a bad thing on its own, but a high P/E means that buyers have a higher opinion of the businesss prospects, relative to stocks with a lower P/E. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios If earnings fall then in the future the E will be lower. That means even if the current P/E is low, it will increase over time if the share price stays flat. So while a stock may look cheap based on past earnings, it could be expensive based on future earnings. Banca Mediolanum had pretty flat EPS growth in the last year. But over the longer term (5 years) earnings per share have increased by 5.4%. And it has shrunk its earnings per share by 5.6% per year over the last three years. This growth rate might warrant a low P/E ratio. So we might expect a relatively low P/E. How Does Banca Mediolanums P/E Ratio Compare To Its Peers? We can get an indication of market expectations by looking at the P/E ratio. As you can see below Banca Mediolanum has a P/E ratio that is fairly close for the average for the diversified financial industry, which is 9.6. BIT:BMED PE PEG Gauge December 27th 18 Banca Mediolanums P/E tells us that market participants think its prospects are roughly in line with its industry. If the company has better than average prospects, then the market might be underestimating it. Further research into factors such asmanagement tenure, could help you form your own view on whether that is likely. Story continues A Limitation: P/E Ratios Ignore Debt and Cash In The Bank Its important to note that the P/E ratio considers the market capitalization, not the enterprise value. That means it doesnt take debt or cash into account. Theoretically, a business can improve its earnings (and produce a lower P/E in the future), by taking on debt (or spending its remaining cash). Such expenditure might be good or bad, in the long term, but the point here is that the balance sheet is not reflected by this ratio. How Does Banca Mediolanums Debt Impact Its P/E Ratio? Banca Mediolanums net debt is considerable, at 166% of its market cap. If you want to compare its P/E ratio to other companies, you must keep in mind that these debt levels would usually warrant a relatively low P/E. The Verdict On Banca Mediolanums P/E Ratio Banca Mediolanum trades on a P/E ratio of 10, which is below the IT market average of 14.2. The meaningful debt load is probably contributing to low expectations, even though it has improved earnings recently. Investors have an opportunity when market expectations about a stock are wrong. As value investor Benjamin Graham famously said, In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run, it is a weighing machine. So this free visualization of the analyst consensus on future earnings could help you make the right decision about whether to buy, sell, or hold. But note: Banca Mediolanum may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a P/E ratio below 20). To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. A geologic mystery is stumping scientists after a new seismic study revealed the Earth's crust is swallowing three times the amount of sea water as originally thought. The study, which was published in Nature last month, sheds new light on Earth's complex water cycle, a subject that is still shrouded in mystery. When Earth's tectonic plates converge, one of the plates moves beneath the other, or subducts. The deepest subduction zone, lying nearly 7 miles below sea level, is the Mariana Trench, which was the prime location for the study. Cloudy ocean sunrise Cloudy ocean sunrise in Stamford, Connecticut, taken by "mynovels" on Sept. 30, 2017. The trench itself is the result of the western Pacific Ocean plate subducting beneath the Mariana Plate. "The water cycle at subduction zones remains poorly understood, although subduction is the only mechanism for water transport deep into Earth," according to the study. Over the course of a year, researchers listened to ambient noise from earthquakes by utilizing a seismograph network deployed across the Mariana Trench and additional seismographs located along seven nearby islands. "People knew that subduction zones could bring down water, but they didn't know how much water," lead author Chen Cai told Washington University's Source. The researchers were able to determine the different types of rocks that can hold water and at what capacity. As the ocean water gets sucked into Earth's crust and upper mantle at the subduction zone, it gets trapped and is subjected to the planet's immense pressure and temperature. Through these extreme conditions, chemical reactions force the water into a non-liquid form dubbed "wet rocks." The study's results revealed that for the Mariana Trench alone, four times more water subducts than previously thought. Researchers then used their results to extrapolate the conditions of other oceanic trenches across the world, but will be conducting further study in the future, according to Source. Story continues "Then estimates of the global water flux into the mantle at depths greater than 100 kilometres must be increased by a factor of about three compared to previous estimates," the study authors wrote. With such an increase in estimates, researchers are not quite sure where the water goes once it has been sucked into the crust and upper mantle. While much of the water is thought to be expelled in volcanic eruptions into Earth's atmosphere, the estimates "greatly exceed the amount of water coming out," Source reported. "The estimates of water coming back out through the volcanic arc are probably very uncertain," Professor in Earth and Planetary Sciences Douglas Wiens told Source. AP Hawaii Volcano In this photo released by U.S. Geolgogical Survey, a plume of ash rises from the Puu Oo vent on Hawaii's Kilaueaa Volcano after a magnitude 5.0 earthquake, Thursday, May 3, 2018 in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. (U.S. Geolgogical Survey via AP) Wiens, along with a team of researchers, are currently deploying a network of seismographs in Alaska to conduct a similar study, according to the report. It is unknown whether or not water intake varies from one subduction zone to another based on variances in the plate boundaries, he added. "There's been suggestions of that in Alaska and in Central America, but nobody has looked at the deeper structure yet like we were able to do in the Mariana Trench," Wiens told Source. Khartoum (AFP) - Egypt's foreign minister on Thursday voiced support for Sudan's embattled government, as Khartoum grapples with demonstrations against price hikes in which a disputed number of protesters have been killed. Cairo's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and intelligence chief General Abbas Kamel arrived in Sudan's capital on Thursday for talks with President Omar al-Bashir and other officials at a time when angry crowds have held anti-government rallies in Khartoum and other cities. "Egypt is confident that Sudan will overcome the present situation," Shoukry told reporters after he met Bashir at the presidential palace in Khartoum. "Egypt is always ready to support Sudan and the ability of Sudanese people as per the government of Sudan's vision and policies," he said. The "stability of Sudan means (the) stability of Egypt," Shoukry said in what were the first remarks by a top regional Arab official in support of Bashir's government since protests began on December 19. The visit of the two Egyptian officials comes after the protests evolved into deadly clashes between riot police and protesters angered by a trebling of bread prices to three Sudanese pounds (about six US cents). Sudanese authorities say eight demonstrators have been killed, but Amnesty International has put the death toll at 37, citing "credible reports". Cairo and Khartoum have recently sought to iron out their differences in a bid to improve relations roiled by a longstanding border dispute and an impasse in talks over Ethiopia's Nile dam. In October Sudan lifted a ban on agricultural imports from Egypt during a visit to Khartoum by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Samuel C. Stretton. Samuel C. Stretton. If you disagree with decisions made by your corporation's president, before taking action, review Rule 1.13 first. I represent a corporation and disagree with certain decisions of the president of the corporation. What obligation do I have to go to the corporation's board? To answer this question, Rule of Professional Conduct 1.13 has to be reviewed. That rule indicates quite clearly that a lawyer who is employed or represents a corporation or organization represents it through its duly authorized constituents, i.e., the president or officers. The answer to the question is found in Rule 1.13(b). It places a duty for a lawyer to proceed in the best interest of the corporation if the action of the president is in violation of the legal obligation to the corporation or a violation of the law, which could reasonably be imputed to the corporation, and is likely to result in substantial injury to the corporation. If those conditions are met, the lawyer still has to decide how to proceed. The first step is to evaluate the seriousness of the violation and its consequences, the responsibility of the corporation, the motivation of the people involved and policies. Then the lawyer has several options. These options are to ask the president to reconsider under Rule 1.13(b)(1). The lawyer could also ask for a separate legal opinion to be presented to the appropriate authority. A third option, is for the lawyer to refer the matter to a higher authority in the organization, i.e., the board of directors. That should be done only if warranted by the seriousness of the issue. As mentioned above, it is clear that only when the conduct at issue is likely to cause substantial harm to the corporation is there a duty for the lawyer to act. Further, the injury or problem must be substantial. Minor disputes or minor disagreements are not ones under Rule 1.13 that would trigger the right to take the above-referenced steps. An example of when a lawyer has a duty to act is seen in Pennsylvania Bar Associations Informal Opinion 2016-013. That case involved a lawyer who represented a nonprofit corporation. Apparently, the lawyer discovered income was being not properly reported. Failure to do that could create a serious problem for the nonprofit corporation because it may affect its nonprofit status. Under those circumstances, there would be a mandatory duty to go to the corporations board if the officers would not reconsider their refusal to deal with this issue. Of course, what happens if the corporation still refuses to deal with the issue? That answer is found in Rule of Professional Conduct 1.13(c). That provision notes that if despite the best efforts of the lawyer, the highest authority refuses to act, the lawyer has the right to resign using the requirements of Rule 1.16. Rule 1.16 is the withdrawal of representation rule and one has to be careful not to cause prejudice to the client. Rule 1.16 under Subsection B allows a lawyer to withdraw if the withdrawal can be done without adverse effect on the interest of the corporate client. Under Rule 1.16(d), the lawyer shall take steps that are reasonably practical to protect the corporations interest and give reasonable notice. It is important to note that the lawyer doesnt have to withdraw under Rule 1.13, but can and that is within the lawyers discretion. The question is often asked, can there be a noisy withdrawal, i.e., for the lawyer to go public. But there is nothing in Rule 1.13 that allows the lawyer to make complaints or do what is called a noisy withdrawal. This is an interesting contrast to the American Bar Associations Model Rule of Professional Conduct under Rule 1.13 that does allow what is called a noisy withdrawal. But there are other times when a lawyer can reveal information, particularly if the lawyers services are attacked. Under the Rule of Confidentiality, Rule 1.6(c), there are circumstances where there can be exceptions to the attorney-client privilege. But to answer the question, the bottom line is that in representing a corporation, the lawyer must always remember who he represents. If those persons arent doing what the lawyer thinks is right, the lawyer has to do the analysis under Rule 1.13(b) and there has to be substantial injury and harm as part of that analysis for the lawyer to go forward. Even then there are options before going to the board of directors. If there are serious problems, then the lawyer can resign, but its not mandatory. But, the lawyer, unless it fits into one of the exceptions under Rule 1.6(c), cannot make these complaints public. Story continues A judge cannot delegate their judicial duties no matter how routine it might be. I was before a district judge and worked out a summary plea with the police officer. I advised the court clerk that we had a plea deal before the district judge when the judge was available. Instead, the clerk said that she had the authority to accept a plea for the judge. The officer amended the criminal complaint to reduce the plea to a summary and a minor fine was imposed and the clerk accepted the plea. Is this proper? This is highly improper. If a judge is allowing the clerk to accept pleas at the counter that are negotiated, the judge is giving up his professional responsibility to adjudicate matters. A guilty plea is a judicial act and must be adjudicated by the judge. First, if a judge is taking pleas, they should do it in a courtroom with the judge having their robe on. There should be no trying of cases at the counter, whether it is a trial or just a negotiated plea. The dignity of the court requires the same. District judges are required to wear their robes in court and all pleas and trials should be held in the courtroom. A judge cannot delegate their judicial duties no matter how routine it might be. There may be some reason a lawyer or lawyer does not want to accept a negotiated plea. But, clearly, the judges clerks, no matter how experienced and knowledgeable they are, should not be handling pleas at the counter. This could be a serious violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct or the Judicial Code for a magistrate district judge. Similar types of conduct resulted in a major trial involving a district judge in 2017 and early 2018. All district judges who are indulging in allowing their staff to do their judicial duties, i.e., adjudication, ought to be put on notice that this would be treated as a very serious violation and could result in their removal from the bench and a finding of bringing disrepute. A finding of disrepute, unfortunately, has the consequence, if a judge is removed, of taking away their pension also under the Pennsylvania Constitution. One can understand at times why a judge doesnt feel like taking negotiated pleas, but thats part of the job duties. If one doesnt want to be a judge, then they can resign and there will be many people running for the office. Under the rules governing magisterial district judges, under Rule 1.1, a judge has to comply with the law. That means doing their duties and not delegating their duties to nonjudicial officers. Under Rule 1.2, a judge has to give confidence in the judiciary and avoid the appearance of impropriety. There is nothing worse than a judge having someone else, who doesnt have their power or authority, to be adjudicating matters. Under Rule 2.1, a magisterial district judge has to give precedence to their judicial duties. If a judge is too busy to adjudicate and has to send their clerks to do so, then there is a serious problem. A judge, under Rule 2.2, has to uphold the law and perform all duties of the judicial office fairly and impartially. Allowing clerks to do adjudications violates these rules. The judge has to give everyone the right to be heard under Rule 2.6 and its hard to do that if the judge is having their clerk handle the matter. Hopefully, the practice described in the question is not widespread because it would create serious problems. A judicial officer has to respect the position and the office. Allowing their clerks, no matter how trusted and excellent, to do adjudications and accept pleas is wrong, in violation of the Code of Magisterial Judges, and could result in substantial discipline. Chester County lawyer Samuel C. Stretton has practiced in the area of legal and judicial ethics for more than 35 years. He welcomes questions and comments from readers. If you have a question, call Stretton directly at 610-696-4243 or write to him at 301 S. High St. P.O. Box 3231, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19381. BERLIN (Reuters) - European Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said on Thursday there is still a chance that Britain's parliament will vote in favor of the Brexit agreement in January and that there was no public support for a disorderly Brexit or another referendum. Prime Minister Theresa May has struck a withdrawal agreement with Brussels but she was forced to postpone a parliamentary vote on it earlier this month after admitting she would lose by a large margin. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. "It is not entirely unlikely that the British parliament will vote for the divorce agreement in January," Oettinger told Funke Media Group in an interview. "There is certainly no majority for a disorderly Brexit or for a new referendum." Oettinger said that the likelihood of Britain remaining in the EU had increased slightly over the past few months. "Nevertheless, I assume that it will come to an exit at the end of March," said Oettinger, the EU's budget commissioner. (Reporting by Michael Nienaber, Editing by Kirsten Donovan) Attractive stocks have exceptional fundamentals. In the case of China Everbright Water Limited (SGX:U9E), theres is a company with a an impressive history of performance, trading at a great value. Below, Ive touched on some key aspects you should know on a high level. For those interested in digger a bit deeper into my commentary, take a look at the report on China Everbright Water here. Solid track record and good value U9E delivered a bottom-line expansion of 43% in the prior year, with its most recent earnings level surpassing its average level over the last five years. In addition to beating its historical values, U9E also outperformed its industry, which delivered a growth of 15%. This paints a buoyant picture for the company. U9Es shares are now trading at a price below its true value based on its PE ratio of 6.93x, compared to the industry and wider stock market ratio, which means it is relatively cheaper than its peers. SGX:U9E Income Statement Export December 26th 18 Next Steps: For China Everbright Water, there are three fundamental aspects you should further research: Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for U9Es future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for U9Es outlook. Financial Health: Are U9Es operations financially sustainable? Balance sheets can be hard to analyze, which is why weve done it for you. Check out our financial health checks here. Other Attractive Alternatives : Are there other well-rounded stocks you could be holding instead of U9E? Explore our interactive list of stocks with large potential to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Car buyers crave reliability: 95 percent of new- and used-car shoppers rank it high when choosing a car, according to a national survey conducted by Consumer Reports. But for many shoppers, even knowing which cars are trustworthy isnt enough. They want protection. Vehicle service contracts, often referred to as extended warranties, are a tempting option for consumers who buy a used car or for those who want to extend the bumper-to-bumper coverage on a new car. No matter the exact type, extended warranties are an investment in peace of mind that limits financial risk for a set period of time. But beware: A CR member survey conducted in 2013 showed that car owners typically paid more for the coverage than they got back in direct benefits. This isnt surprising, because extended warranties make a lot of money for those who sell them. The fact is, extended warranties are overpriced. Thats the reason people sell them, because they make a bundle on them in commissions, says a money expert and radio talk show host, Dave Ramsey. I dont recommend buying extended warranties, ever. If you cant afford to repair your car, then you cant afford the car. Instead, Ramsey recommends that owners create an emergency fund for repairs that they can tap into when needed. And if that money isnt needed for repairs, it can go toward the purchase of the next car. If you do want to purchase an extended warranty, remember that the price can be negotiated, just like the purchase price for the car. Extended warranties may reduce financial stress for those who own models from unreliable brands. Theyre available through dealerships, auto clubs, and insurance companies (which sometimes call them mechanical breakdown insurance). The plans can vary in length of time, what they cover, and price. And the small print truly matters, because aftermarket programs have specific limitations on what repairs are covered and where the work can be done. The best time to purchase protection for newer vehicles is while they're still under the original factory warranty, according to AAA. This helps keep the cost down, and you can get a greater selection of longer coverage terms. Story continues For those driving used vehicles, usually the best coverage options are for vehicles with under 80,000 miles. The club recommends that used-car buyers factor in how long they plan to keep the car; how many miles they drive annually, and whether they can afford to pay for repairs out of pocket. AAA's average claim is $850. The national auto club offers a vehicle service contract that combines warranty protections with extra services, such as battery replacement, trip reimbursements, and rental-car coverage. AAA told CR that 30 to 40 percent of their customers require at least one covered repair. From a pure numbers standpoint, the smart money is on skipping the protection and instead focusing on buying a model with better-than-average predicted reliability, and then properly maintaining it. Before buying a new or used car, check our reliability ratings. If you do want to buy an extended warranty, be sure to purchase one from a company with a long history, such as through an automaker, and understand the small print. There are often many restrictions with extended warranties, including what's covered and where the vehicle can be serviced. Robocalls pitching extended warranty services are rampant. We recommend being skeptical of any cold call offering such protection. Editors Note: This article has been updated since it first published on Dec. 27, 2018, in the February 2019 issue of Consumer Reports magazine. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. "Whats important is that the mouth be connected to the brain, and the brain be in good working order that it chooses words that uplift and inspire, rather than demean and belittle." "Whats important is that the mouth be connected to the brain, and the brain be in good working order that it chooses words that uplift and inspire, rather than demean and belittle." Having once instructed the military to shoot women rebels in the vagina, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte now tells them this: Lalaki tayo. Pagkatapos ng operation, kailangan natin ng babae. The President said this when he visited soldiers of the 10thInfantry Division at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley Province last Dec. 22. Both men and women members of the audience laughed at Dutertes remark. In his informal talk, the President discussed military operations against the rebel left, saying that soldiers should not let themselves be captured by the enemy and they should eat their gun instead. Let them realize na di tayo duwag, lalaki tayo, he said, segueing from there into his remark. Its most likely he said this for a laugh, which he did get from the soldiers he addressed. Humor is an effective public speaking device to get the audiences attention. But this is not funny. From kailangan ng babae we infer that women are to be used after military operations for sexual gratification, as parausan, a term that exists in the language precisely because of occurrences in history that necessitated such a word to describe them. Dutertes humor is the toilet kind. If what he says offends his audience or the public in general, he or his spokesman passes it off as a joke. But we shouldnt get used to it, because to do so is to reinforce the systemic misogyny and toxic masculinity in our culture. Words have power. This belief is held in many cultures, and it is expressed this way by the writer of the Gospel of John: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [John 1:1]. Here the Word is identified as the same as the Greek Logos, a philosophical and religious term meaning word, speech, account, reason, discourse. In John, the Word has such tremendous power that it is divine, existing from the beginning, resident in God, and physically manifested as Jesus Christ. God spoke the whole of material existence into being when He said, Let there be light. Prayers, spells, and invocations harness this creative power of words, trusting they will go, as a Jewish saying goes, from your mouth to Gods ear.So when the president of the country and the commander of the armed forces mocks womens condition in society by making coarse sexual innuendoes, it is inevitable that there are those who will come to believe, or have their current beliefs strengthened, in the inferiority status of woman in society and of male privilege over womens bodies. This is not to say that the wives or girlfriends of soldiers should not offer intimate comfort; it is their choice. The point here is that the Presidents words reduced all women in general to objects, to required equipment after a battleKailangan natin ng babae. It is a statement that reeks of contempt. It could also be misconstrued as a license to rape. It is also disturbing that Duterte advocates suicide for soldiers caught by the enemy. Falling on your sword is a stupid, outdated, macho concept. Life is precious and the reasons why men fight wars are often petty and meaningless, and to remain alive is no dishonor nor an act of cowardice. Rather, it shows respect for the profession, faith, and country. And a soldiers family only wants him back home alive under any circumstances. There are no points for being dead. The President, whether he likes it or not, is a role model and example to young people and those whom he leads. It would lead to less discord and a little more harmony in the country if he would watch his words and weigh them carefully before he speaks. He would have more supporters and less detractors in that regard at least. I hope the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines understands whats going on here and ensures that this verbally expressed misogyny and machismo does not reinforce similar attitudes in the military. Instead, they should take this as an example of what not to do and enjoin their soldiers to exhibit respect and compassion for everyone. It is as easy to say positive words as negative words you just open your mouth and make the sounds come out. Whats important is that the mouth be connected to the brain, and the brain be in good working order that it chooses words that uplift and inspire, rather than demean and belittle. *** Dr. Ortuoste invites you to join her in dismantling the patriarchy, one jerk at a time. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO An anti-Nazi sign (seen here censored) sparked on-campus controversy at UMass Amherst. (Photo: Getty Images/The Independent) Emotions are heightened at the University of Massachusetts Amherst just days after one of the universitys residence directors emailed a student to request the removal of a F*** Nazis sign that had been hung in a dormitory window. After students accused resident hall staff of being Nazi sympathizers, the university released a statement granting permission to reinstate the sign. The incident came to light on Dec. 19 when a student at UMass Amherst tweeted an email sent to an on-campus classmate by residence director Eddie Papazoni. Papazoni said he was reacting to a phone call from someone concerned about the handwritten anti-Nazi sign that could be seen from the ground below. From this conversation it appears to be that the sign in mention can be paraphrase as; Nazis are not welcome here,' Papazoni wrote. Though this sign is permitted under Freedom of Speech, I would also like to discuss the impact on the community that this sign has had. He continued that the sign has created for students and faculty mixed emotions on how to proceed, issues of inclusion, and the ability to be active members of their community. He wrote in the email that some are calling for removal of the sign, and ultimately concluded, While Residence Education cannot force you or your roommate to take the sign down, I am asking you or your roommate take the sign down so that all students can be part of an inclusive residential experience, as well as having a respectful environment to be part of here on our campus. The resident hall staff at umass amherst are nazi sympathizers and aims to make an environment which includes them pic.twitter.com/nEBjQUDp9f mCherry (@lamejourneyman) December 20, 2018 The student who tweeted Papazonis note wrote, Nazis dont deserve a place here on campus, in the U.S., and in this world. They dont deserve the air in their lungs. Then he referred to recent incidents of white supremacy and neo-nazis on campus, which he called absolutely terrifying. Story continues In total, 19 hate crimes have been reported at UMass Amherst since mid-September, according to Boston.com. Yahoo Lifestyle reached out to Papazoni for comment, but he was out of the office. Instead, Ed Blaguszewski, executive director of strategic communications at UMass Amherst, tells Yahoo Lifestyle, UMass Amherst emphatically rejects anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of bigotry, including Nazism, a view expressed in the students sign, which was displayed in a residence hall window. An email from a university employee to the student requesting that she take down the sign should never have been sent and does not represent the universitys values. The university respects the students right to display the sign. Representatives for UMass Amherst also responded to the situation in a statement shared on Facebook Dec. 20. In it, they distanced themselves from the email sent by Papazoni and condemned hate groups. A poorly worded email from Residence Life staff asking students to take down the sign does not reflect the values of the campus, and it should not have been sent, the statement reads. UMass Amherst emphatically rejects Nazis, and any other hate group, a view expressed in the students sign. They concluded by giving students their blessing to hang the sign, however, the statement noted, we are sensitive to the use of profanity, which some could find inappropriate. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. The Fryer family were left stunned after this fox sneaked in to the family home in Mitcham, presumably entering through a cat flap. He was nursed back to full health at the RSPCAs shelter in Putney. (RSPCA) Its not unusual to come face to face with nature even in a city but you dont expect it to drop in for a visit. But one family came face to face with a fox after it sneaked in to their home through an open catflap. Animal love Kate Fryer was at home in Rawnsley Avenue, Mitcham, London, on December 15 when her daughter called out in surprise from the kitchen after going to the kitchen for her breakfast. The critter had left a trail of destruction and left a trail of muddy footprints charting his journey after sneaking in through the family catflap so Kate called the RSPCA unsure of what to do. Urban foxes are increasingly common but the Fryer family found one courageous cub had taken a nap on top of their microwave. Stock image. Kim said: My daughter found him at 7am and called up to me. I came down and spotted this little fox curled up on top of the microwave! I have five cats and a dog so obviously I have a cat flap. He must have crawled under the gate and through the cat flap. A couple of my plants were smashed and there was mud everywhere! She put the light on and one eye opened but he didnt move. We could tell there was something wrong with him. They called the RSPCA and Inspector Phil Norman attended to collect the fox. He was taken to the charitys Putney Animal Hospital where vets checked him over and monitored him. While he seemed extremely weak and lethargic to begin with he soon perked up and staff could find nothing wrong with him. A hospital spokesperson said: He had got in through the cat flap and found a nice warm spot to sleep in. He was quite happy to be brought in to the hospital for a health check but was understandably not keen on being in a cage. Fortunately he was quite healthy with a beautiful fluffy coat, so after a thorough check over he was released back to the area he was found in by one of the hospital staff. Mr Fox was just one of the 10,000 animals the RSPCA expects to rescue this winter as a result of the 55,821 calls the animal welfare charitys 24-hour cruelty hotline receives over Christmas. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Anjelica Houston in John Wick 3 (Credit: Lionsgate/Empire) Here she is screen legend Angelica Houston glides into the John Wick universe as The Director in this first look at her character from John Wick: Chapter 3. Sat across a desk, it appears she and Keanu Reeves (mostly) reluctant hit man may have themselves something of a complex relationship. Director Chad Stahelski has already hinted on how the two fit together in the John Wick story. Anjelica Huston is playing this Roma Ruska character, Stahelski told Empire, where the pic has been unveiled. [Shes] someone who was responsible for [Wicks] upbringing and his protection. He adds that this third movie is a little bit of an origin story. The shot follows our first glimpse at new star Halle Berry as Sofia, another fellow assassin set to appear in the next instalment. As we saw in John Wick 2, Reeves assassin is on the run after being forced into breaking crime hotel The Continentals golden rule by murdering a member of the High Table on the premises. Keanu Reeves and John Wick 3 co-star Halle Berry (Credit: Lionsgate/Entertainment Weekly) Now with a $14 million bounty on his head, his task is to somehow escape New York. Per the official synopsis: John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is on the run for two reasons hes being hunted for a global $14 million dollar open contract on his life, and for breaking a central rule: taking a life on Continental Hotel grounds. The victim was a member of the High Table who ordered the open contract. John should have already been executed, except the Continentals manager, Winston, has given him a one-hour grace period before hes Excommunicado membership revoked, banned from all services and cut off from other members. John uses the service industry to stay alive as he fights and kills his way out of New York City. Also on the bill are Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick, Ruby Rose, Jason Mantzoukas and Common. Its due to hit UK screens on May 17, 2019. Read more Macaulay Culkin reprises Home Alone role for new ad Worst movie plot holes of 2018 The stars we lost in 2018 Paris (AFP) - France's Vinci Airports on Thursday sealed a deal to acquire a majority share in London's Gatwick airport, Britain's second biggest, for 2.9 billion pounds (3.22 billion euros, $3.67 billion). Vinci said it would hold a 50.01-percent stake in Gatwick, which is Europe's eight biggest airport with a total passenger traffic of 45.7 million in 2018, by the first half of next year. The other 49.99 percent will be held by Global Infrastructure Partners, the current owners. Gatwick was forced to close its only runway repeatedly between last Wednesday and Friday due to reports of mystery drone sightings nearby, impacting nearly 140,000 passengers. "The transaction represents a rare opportunity to acquire an airport of such size and quality and fits extremely well with Vinci Concessions' long-term investment horizon," a company statement said. Gatwick "operates the busiest single runway in the world. In 2017, it hit a world record of 950 flights in a day. The airport constantly innovates in all areas of operations (for example passenger self-baggage drop, aircraft queing systems, parking products) and reaches very high level of operational efficiency," the statement said. "The whole Vinci Airports network will benefit from Gatwick Airports world-class management and operational excellence, which has allowed it to deliver strong and steady growth in a very constrained environment," Nicolas Notebaert, Vinci Airports chief said. With the latest acquisition, Vinci Airports will control 46 airports in 12 countries with a total traffic of 228 million passengers a year. The French firm recently acquired airports in Brazil, Japan and Serbia. Mohammed Aquib Imran, 22, who has been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism abroad and of possessing a terrorist handbook. (PA). A friend of an Islamic State terrorist who plotted to assassinate the Prime Minister has been found guilty of preparing to join terrorists abroad. Mohammed Aqib Imran, 22, made arrangements to travel for jihad, around the time Naaimur Zakariyah Rahman, 21, was set on a suicide attack on the heart of Government. Rahman, from Finchley, north London, helped his like-minded friend by recording an IS sponsorship video for him, the Old Bailey heard. The pair were snared by a network of online role-players from the Met Police, MI5 and the FBI. Mohammed Aqib Imran, 22, made arrangements to travel for jihad, the Old Bailey heard. Rahmans plans to kill Theresa May were scuppered when undercover officers handed him a jacket and rucksack packed with fake explosives. Following a trial in July, Rahman was convicted of preparing acts of terrorism and Imran was found guilty of possessing a terrorist handbook. Rahman also pleaded guilty during his trial to assisting Imran in the preparation of terrorist acts by recording a sponsorship video. Following a retrial, former student Imran was further found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism abroad on or before November 28 2017. Mohammed Aqib Imran, 22, made arrangements to travel for jihad, the Old Bailey heard. Prosecutor Mark Heywood QC told jurors: At the heart of this case is a developing radicalisation in the minds of two men who came to know each other online and afterwards met and began to collaborate. Both thought about travelling abroad to further their cause, going to a conflict zone such as Syria to lend support to violence. Each also contemplated carrying out terrorist acts of violence here in the UK. Mohammed Imran he elected to travel and set about assembling money, acquiring a fake passport, engaging in research and otherwise equipping himself with the information and means to travel aboard for violence for terrorist purposes In the case of the other, Naaimur Rahman, his conclusion was that lethal violence here, directed at the very heart of the UK Government, was the only effective way to pursue his intentions. Story continues Before his arrest prevented it, he was, he believed, just days away from his objective, which was no less than a suicide attack by blade and explosion, on Downing Street and, if he could, upon Prime Minister Theresa May herself. The court heard how Imrans preferred destination was Libya or possibly Jordan with a view to onward travel to Syria and he had researched travel options as well as saving for a fake passport, the court heard. He downloaded the manual How to Survive in the West a Mujahids Guide 2015 with a view to joining IS, the jury was told. Imran, from Sparkhill in Birmingham, denied the charge against him, claiming he only wanted to get married to a woman in Denmark he had met online. The jury deliberated for just under 18 hours to reject his explanation and find him guilty of preparing to engage in acts of terrorism. In August, Rahman, who is originally from Birmingham, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years. Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC, the recorder of London, requested a report from the probation service before sentencing on any potential future risk from Imran, as it was a really important question, the safety of the public. Imran is due to be sentenced on January 25. Following the verdict, Jenny Hopkins, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division in the CPS, said: Mohammed Imran was desperate to join Daesh rather than remain in the UK. He was ready to give up everything to kill in the name of a warped world view. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK A couple set to be married at the end of the month was forced to scramble and find a new location due to the most recent government shutdown. Amanda McLearn-Montz and her finace, Ian Buchta, were ready to say their vows on Dec. 29 during an intimate ceremony on the cliffs of Cabrillo National Monument Park in San Diego, California, they told INSIDER. However, the couple's plans were disrupted after Congress failed to approve a spending bill that included $5B in funding for Trump's proposed border wall, resulting in a partial government shutdown on Dec. 22. National parks across the country, including Cabrillo, have been closed in wake of the move, leaving McLearn-Montz and Buchta with just seven days to find themselves a new wedding venue. "During all of this, I've felt stressed and disappointed," McLearn-Montz told INSIDER via email. "I'm still disappointed we will not exchange vows at Cabrillo. Cabrillo is a beautiful place; its gorgeous cliffs and wildlife fit my fiance and me so well and would have been the perfect setting to make our promises to each other." Luckily, McLearn-Montz's said her parents were able to find a church where they could hold their ceremony. The restaurant where they planned to hold their reception was not affected by the shutdown. But despite the last-minute shakeup, the bride-to-be told INSIDER she is still eagerly anticipating her big day. "It'll be the happiest day of my life whether I'm on cliffs overlooking the ocean or in a Christmas decorated church," she said. "The most important thing is that I get to marry my best friend." A man pushes a rickshaw through the flooded area effected by the tsunami on December 26, 2018 - Getty Images AsiaPac Indonesian search and rescue teams on Wednesday plucked stranded residents from remote islands and pushed into isolated communities desperate for aid in the aftermath of a volcano-triggered tsunami that killed over 400. But torrential rains hampered the effort and heaped more misery on the region, as officials warned another killer wave could hit the stricken area. The disaster agency cautioned residents to stay clear of the coast, as fresh activity at the Anak Krakatoa volcano, which sits in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands, threatened to spark another tsunami. A section of the crater - which emerged at the site of the legendary Krakatoa volcano, whose massive 1883 eruption killed at least 36,000 people - collapsed after an eruption and slid into the ocean, triggering Saturday night's killer wave. Residents evacuate from Sebesi Island at Tennis Court Kalianda in South Lampung, Indonesia on December 26, 2018 Credit: Andalou The disaster agency slightly raised the death toll on Wednesday to 430, with 1,495 people injured and another 159 missing. Medical workers have warned that clean water and medicine supplies were running low - stoking fears of a public health crisis - as thousands of displaced survivors cram shelters and hospitals. The co-ordinator of the Indonesia Red Cross, Ridwan Sobri Carman, called on the government to do more. [People] need tents, vitamins, blankets, clean and drinking water and better food, he told the Daily Telegraph. We provide those materials, but clearly that is not enough. In the Pandeglang area of Banten Province the Head of Red Crescent Indonesia said that local health centers needed more surgeons and orthopedic specialists, as well as general practitioners and paramedics. Health centers lack essential medical equipment even body bags, Mangaradja Victor told teh Daily Telegraph, adding that the area is in dire need of disease prevention support as refugees are camped out in exposed areas on the sides and terraces of local mosques. Many of an estimated 22,000 displaced people fear going back to their communities. Story continues I'm here because people said there could another tsunami, Etin Supriatin told AFP from an evacuation centre in shattered Labuan. The disaster agency dispatched helicopters to drop supplies into hard-to-reach communities, while hundreds of residents on tiny islands in the Sunda Strait were airlifted or taken by boat to shelters. Sniffer dogs are being used to find those still missing as grief-stricken relatives lined up at identification centres. But hopes of finding any survivors beneath the rubble have dwindled. Tubagus Cecep, 63, waited nervously at the area's main identification centre to see if a body was that of his missing son. I'm scared my son is dead, but if I keep my faith in God maybe he could have been swept away somewhere and is still alive, he told AFP. "Why do we continue to operate our decrepit airport?" "Why do we continue to operate our decrepit airport?" The Philippines is losing the tourism race in the region, largely because Manila continues to operate the decrepit Ninoy Aquino International Airport, an airport that it should have discarded five years ago, or converted its space into an entirely new business district. These days, NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are utterly hopeless as far as rendering decent service for departing and arriving passengers is concerned and no matter how mightily furious its officials try to do their best. The terminals lack enough clean toilets, enough CCTV cameras, enough baggage carousels, enough immigration counters, enough check-in counters, and enough airline gates. Coming in early this December from Doha, I was surprised that even the supposedly new NAIA Terminal 3 had become a bedlam. Greeters are allowed into the main terminal building. They block the exit of arriving passengers, resulting in confusion. Inside the terminal arrival area, there are still colorum taxi drivers offering rides to arrivals. At the baggage carousel, a group of airport helpers have secured the trolleys for themselves, claiming they have reserved them for a particular airline. Trolleys are free. They cannot be sequestered by the baggage boys for themselves in anticipation of clients. The helpers give the impression you must give them tip or something for securing trolleys on your behalf. Exiting from the airport is only part of an arrivals problem. Traffic from NAIA to home, like Mandaluyong or San Juan, can take at least two hours. In peak hours, your flight to Manila from say Hong Kong or Bangkok or Tokyo is probably faster than the 12-km ride from NAIA to EDSA-Shaw. The Philippines attracts only seven million visitors, a third of whom are Filipinos, meaning not tourists. With 110-million population, the Philippines should be able to attract 100-million visitors easily. Singapore, an island you can sink in the middle of Laguna Lake and still have 24,000 hectares to spare, has 5.6-million people. It gets 20-million tourists, 3.6 times its population, meaning they dont even have enough people to attend to or service their visitors. With one attraction, Angkor Wat, Cambodia will also get seven million visitors. To think that Cambodia is new to the tourism game. This 2018, the Philippines is likely to miss its arrivals goal of 7.4 million. The Department of Tourism blames Boracays closure. The more likely reason is the decrepit NAIA. If you love yourself, you wont want to fly out or fly in through NAIA. But Filipinos have no choice. It is the only airport they have got near their place of work or residence. The government offers Clark. Driving from Makati to Balintawak takes three hours. From Balintawak to Clark is another hour. You have spent four hours and you havent checked in yet In the tourism game, the Philippines has had a 45-year headstart, since Margie Moran won the 1973 Miss Universe, since Manila hosted the 1974 Miss Universe, built the cavernous Philippine International Convention Center that can seat 5,000 delegates, and feted the 1976 World Bank-IMF delegates that prompted the feverish construction 14 new five-star hotels in just two years. Thanks to Imelda. With those efforts, tourism flourished. Arrivals hit a record 1.008 million in 1980, from only 243,000 in 1973. In the 1980s, Vietnam was still reeling from 20 years of war against the colonial powers, from 1955 to 1975, and the reunification efforts after that. Included in that war were the Cambodian Civil War and the Laotian Civil War.Today, Vietnam and. Cambodia have overtaken Philippine tourism in arrivals. Vietnam drew 12.92-million tourists in 2017; Cambodia 5.6 millionwhich is actually bigger than Philippine arrivals if you remove the more than two million Filipino balikbayans who are counted as tourists by the Department of Tourism. From 1981 to 1987, tourism arrivals in the Philippines collapsed, to 773,000 in 1985, the height of the Philippine political crisis spawned by the 1983 Aquino assassination. From 1981, it took another eight years before arrivals returned to the one-million level1.043 million in 1988. And it took another eight years before arrivals reached a new high2.049 million in 1996. And 11 years to reach the three-million level3.092 million in 2007, under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, then five years to reach four million 4.273 million in 2012, also under Arroyo, and three years to make it to five million5.361 million in 2015 (still under Arroyo). Finally, the Philippines needed just two years to reach six million 6.62 million in 2016, despite the illegal drugs killings under President Duterte. Still, six million is a pittance when our neighbors are doing double-digits in arrivals. In the 1980s through 2000s, the Philippines attracted only 2 percent of the about 180 million tourists who visited the Asia Pacific yearly. China was No. 1 with 29 percent share; Malaysia No. 2 with 12 percent, Hong Kong No. 3 with 10 percent, Thailand No. 4 with 8 percent, and Macau No. 5 with 6 percent. The Philippines has been a poor No. 14 among Asian destinations. The world has one-billion tourists. China alone sends out 100 million tourists a year. Manila captures only one million of them, and half of them are gamblers. San Miguel Corp. President Ramon S. Ang thinks the Philippines can easily get 20-million tourists yearly, with his P800-billion brand-new airport on 2,500 hectares of mostly flat lands in Bulakan town, Bulacan. The NEDA board of cabinet members approved the airport last Dec. 21, 2018 but withheld guarantees given previous infra projects secured by private companies. Despite that, RSA is making sure travelers using the future Bulacan airport wont be hampered by traffic. He completes in December 2019 the 14-km Magallanes-Balintawak connector road at a cost of P55 billion, to reduce travel time from more than two hours to just ten minutes. For passengers from northern Philippines (which has a population of 30 million), RSA is completing the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway to Rosario, La Union at a cost of P29 billion. From Rosario, La Union, RSA plans to extend TPLEx to San Juan, La Union by 56 kms; San Juan to Vigan by 150 kms, and Vigan to Laoag by 250 kms. Total cost: P208 billion all in the name of connectivity, faster travel, and yes, avoiding NAIA when taking flights. [email protected] The Internet software industry primarily comprises software infrastructure and application providers. The industry is currently benefiting from continued strong digital transformation demand. MobileIron, Inc. MOBL has turned out to be one of the best performers in the Internet software industry this year. The companys shares has surged 11.9% in the past year against the industrys decline of 9.4%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings and revenues for current year 2018 is pegged at a loss of 4 cents and $193.5 million, representing 80.9% and 9.6% year-over-year growth, respectively. This positive trend signifies bullish analysts sentiments and justifies the companys Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). It also indicates robust fundamentals and the expectation of outperforming its industry in the near term. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Whats Favoring MobileIron? MobileIron delivered third-quarter 2018 earnings of 2 cents per share against the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 2 cents per share. Notably, the company reported a loss of 7 cents per share a year ago. The company reported revenues of $49.25 million during the third quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.69%. The figure also surpassed year-ago revenues of $42.72 million. Moreover, the company surpassed earnings estimates in three of the trailing four quarters, recording average beat of 85.7%. MobileIron appears to be benefiting from growing clout of its UEM solution, which was recently recognized as a leading solution in the market by Gartner and Forrester, among other research firms. The growing focus on client satisfaction is increasing mobility among employees of an organization. The job requires employees to switch between client site and office which in turn leads to increased use of devices including smartphones, enabling employees to access client data on the go. Story continues The aforementioned factors increase the risk of losing or compromising valuable client data to unsecured networks, for instance. This calls for a secure platform ensuring seamless access to client data irrespective of employee location and time, which is where MobileIrons UEM solutions come handy. The companys products, particularly MobileIron Cloud and MobileIron Access enjoy steady demand particularly from federal governments worldwide. Previous contract wins from Slovenian railways and the Public Health Agency of Sweden bode well for the companys growth prospects. Robust adoption of UEM suite of solutions is anticipated to favor top-line growth, going ahead. Moreover, MobileIron continues to gain from its product selections by wireless carriers like Verizon Communications and T-Mobile. Additionally, the companys strength in UEM solution is enabling it to rapidly penetrate into high growth Enterprise Mobile Management (EMM) and Cloud Security markets. Per a Stratistics MRC report as revealed by Reuters, worldwide enterprise mobility market is envisioned to witness a CAGR of 21.9% to reach approximately $1225.8 billion in 2026 from $206.13 billion in 2017. Furthermore, per ReportsnReports estimates, the cloud security market will witness a CAGR of 25.5% to reach around $12.73 billion by 2022 from approximately $4.1 billion in 2017. Apart from the aforementioned reports, increasing IT management spending indicate strong growth prospects for MobileIron. Other Stocks to Consider Some top-ranked stocks in the broader technology sector are Upland Software UPLD, Marvell Technology Group Ltd. MRVL and Infineon Technologies AG IFNNY, all flaunting a Zacks Rank #1. Long-term earnings growth rate for Upland Software, Marvell and Infineon Technologies is currently pegged at 20%, 9.4% and 8.6%, respectively. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report MobileIron, Inc. (MOBL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Upland Software, Inc. (UPLD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (MRVL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Infineon Technologies AG (IFNNY) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research The Staffordshire bull terrier was found abandoned at the roadside in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent (RSPCA/PA) Hundreds of potential owners have offered to adopt a dog which was seen being abandoned in heartbreaking footage. CCTV from Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, last week showed the Staffordshire bull terrier jumping up at the drivers window of a car after its passenger left a dog bed at the side of the road. Millions of people watched the video and hundreds have since come forward offering to adopt him. But the white dog, nicknamed Snoop by veterinary staff, will not be rehomed while the investigation into his abandonment is ongoing, the RSPCA said. The Staffordshire bull terrier, who has been named Snoop, that was abandoned at the side of the road in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent on Monday December 17. (PA). He was found on December 17, sitting in the bed, by a passer-by during the following hour and was taken to a vet, who called the RSPCA. Inspectors continue to appeal for information after the driver and passenger were filmed at the corner of Timor Grove and Pacific Road at around 5pm. A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: We are so grateful to everyone who has shared Snoops story. Millions of people across the world have viewed the heartbreaking footage of him being abandoned, which shows that even at Christmas we deal with heartbreaking incidents like this. Our investigation is ongoing and we continue to urge people who have any information to contact us on 0300 123 8018. Described by vets as a friendly, lovely boy, the dog is currently being cared for at a private boarding kennels. Among those who has offered to help Snoop was TV presenter, and former Sunday Times editor, Andrew Neil. He took to Twitter where he said: I say to rspca. If you have trouble rehoming this little dog. I will take it, gladly. So disturb by this footage. I say to rspca. If you have trouble rehoming this little dog. I will take it, gladly. https://t.co/gG723A1zrw Andrew Neil (@afneil) December 24, 2018 The spokeswoman continued: At the moment Snoop isnt up for rehoming while our investigation into his abandonment is ongoing. We have had hundreds of people wanting to adopt him and when he is available for rehoming our experienced staff will look into the best option for him. We have many dogs like Snoop who are looking for loving new homes, who are all on our online Find A Pet database. If you have been looking for Large Cap Blend funds, a place to start could be JPMorgan Disciplined Equity A (JDEAX). JDEAX possesses a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 2 (Buy), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. Objective We note that JDEAX is a Large Cap Blend option, an area loaded with different options. More often than not, Large Cap Blend mutual funds invest in companies with a market cap of over $10 billion. Buying stakes in bigger companies offer these funds more stability, and are well-suited for investors with a " buy and hold " mindset. Additionally, blended funds mix large, more established firms into their portfolios, giving investors exposure to value and growth opportunities. History of Fund/Manager JDEAX finds itself in the J.P. Morgan family, based out of Boston, MA. Since JPMorgan Disciplined Equity A made its debut in January of 1997, JDEAX has garnered more than $247.19 million in assets. A team of investment professionals is the fund's current manager. Performance Investors naturally seek funds with strong performance. This fund has delivered a 5-year annualized total return of 9.58%, and it sits in the top third among its category peers. But if you are looking for a shorter time frame, it is also worth looking at its 3-year annualized total return of 10.47%, which places it in the middle third during this time-frame. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. The standard deviation of JDEAX over the past three years is 10.23% compared to the category average of 8.89%. Looking at the past 5 years, the fund's standard deviation is 10.56% compared to the category average of 9.11%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Risk Factors One cannot ignore the volatility of this segment, however, as it is always important for investors to remember the downside to any potential investment. In JDEAX's case, the fund lost 50.7% in the most recent bear market and underperformed comparable funds by 1.1%. This makes the fund a possibly worse choice than its peers during a sliding market environment. Story continues Nevertheless, investors should also note that the fund has a 5-year beta of 1.04, which means it is hypothetically more volatile than the market at large. Alpha is an additional metric to take into consideration, since it represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which in this case, is the S&P 500. JDEAX's 5-year performance has produced a negative alpha of -1.69, which means managers in this portfolio find it difficult to pick securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns. Holdings Examining the equity holdings of a mutual fund is also a valuable exercise. This can show us how the manager is applying their stated methodology, as well as if there are any inherent biases in their approach. For this particular fund, the focus is primarily on equities that are traded in the United States. Right now, 88.69% of this mutual fund's holdings are stocks, with an average market capitalization of $217.77 billion. The fund has the heaviest exposure to the following market sectors: Technology Finance Turnover is 45%, which means, on average, the fund makes fewer trades than its comparable peers. Expenses Costs are increasingly important for mutual fund investing, and particularly as competition heats up in this market. And all things being equal, a lower cost product will outperform its otherwise identical counterpart, so taking a closer look at these metrics is key for investors. In terms of fees, JDEAX is a load fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.60% compared to the category average of 0.98%. Looking at the fund from a cost perspective, JDEAX is actually cheaper than its peers. Investors should also note that the minimum initial investment for the product is $1,000 and that each subsequent investment needs to be at $50. Bottom Line Overall, JPMorgan Disciplined Equity A ( JDEAX ) has a high Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively strong performance, average downside risk, and lower fees, this fund looks like a good potential choice for investors right now. For additional information on this product, or to compare it to other mutual funds in the Large Cap Blend, make sure to go to www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds for additional information. And don't forget, Zacks has all of your needs covered on the equity side too! Make sure to check out Zacks.com for more information on our screening capabilities, Rank, and all our articles as well. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (JDEAX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research JPMorgan JPM became the latest bank to be fined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for allegations related to improper handling of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The company will be paying $135.1 million to settle the charges. Of the total amount, JPMorgan will pay $71 million in disgorgement, $14.4 million in prejudgment interest and the remaining $49.7 million in fine. Notably, the company neither admitted nor denied the SEC findings. Andrew Gray, a JPMorgan spokesman said, Were pleased to have resolved this matter, which is related to an industry practice we voluntarily ended a few years ago. In August, the company disclosed that it was under investigation for the handling of ADRs. Per the findings of the SEC, JPMorgan wrongly provided ADRs to brokers in several pre-release transactions when both brokers and their clients did not have the requisite number of foreign shares needed to support new ADRs. This inflated the number of foreign companys tradeable shares, which can result in inappropriate short-selling and dividend arbitrage. Notably, this improper conduct occurred between 2011 and 2015. Sanjay Wadhwa, senior associate director of the SECs New York regional office said, With these charges against JPMorgan, the SEC has now held all four depositary banks accountable for their fraudulent issuances of ADRs into an unsuspecting market. Our investigation continues into brokerage firms that profited by making use of these improperly issued ADRs. Earlier this month, BNY Mellon BK agreed to pay $54 million to resolve similar allegations, while in November, Citigroup C agreed to pay $38.7 million and Deutsche Bank DB nearly $75 million in July. Shares of JPMorgan has lost 8.5% over the past six months compared with the industrys decline of 19.1%. Currently, JPMorgan carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Citigroup Inc. (C) : Free Stock Analysis Report Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (DB) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Doctors have been permission by a judge in a specialist court to perform a Caesarean section on a heavily-pregnant woman with learning difficulties. Mr Justice Cohen heard that the woman, who is in her 20s, does not understand the process of labour, finds it hard to endure pain and has communication difficulties. The judge concluded that allowing medics to control the birth by carrying out a Caesarean under general anaesthetic would be in her best interests. He said the woman could be restrained as a last resort if necessary. Mr Justice Cohen ruled doctors can perform the procedure on a woman with severe learning difficulties. Stock image. PA. Mr Justice Cohen made the ruling on Wednesday December 19 after analysing evidence at a public hearing in the Court of Protection, where issues relating to people who lack the mental capacity to make decisions are considered, in London. But he had placed an embargo on reporting until after the child had been born. He said nothing could be reported, including the name of the hospital authority involved, which might lead to the womans identity being revealed. The judge was not asked to make any decision about the childs future care. Lawyers representing the hospital authority had asked the judge to approve a Caesarean section. Barrister Sophia Roper, who led the hospital authoritys legal team, outlined detail about the womans learning difficulties and the judge heard evidence from specialists. Lawyers acting on the womans behalf, and her mother, agreed that a Caesarean section was the best option. Staff at the office of the Official Solicitor, who help vulnerable people involved in litigation, represented the womans interests and barrister Parishil Patel led her legal team. Kevin Spacey (Credit: AFP) A police report of an alleged assault by Kevin Spacey on a teenager states that there was video evidence of the incident recorded on Snapchat. Spacey has been accused of groping the teenage boy, the son of former Boston TV news anchor Heather Unruh, at a bar in Nantucket in 2016 when he was 18. The report, which was obtained by MassLive.com, says that the teenager sent footage of Spacey to his girlfriend on the social media platform to prove he was telling the truth about it. His girlfriend then confirmed to Police that shed seen the video Spacey is facing a charge of indecent assault on a person over the age of 14 over the alleged encounter at The Club Car Bar, where the teenager was working as a bus boy. [Unruhs son] said the whole thing was embarrassing and has not had a profound emotional effect on him, attending Trooper Gerald F. Donovan wrote in the official report. [He] called the police because he doesnt want what happened to him to happen to anyone else. Unruh publicly accused Spacey of molesting her son last year. Kevin Spacey bought him drink after drink after drink and when my son was drunk, Spacey made his move and sexually assaulted him, she said during a televised press conference. The reports details that the teenager told police that hed been plied with drinks by Spacey, who then asked him to come back to his house. Though he refused, he claims that Spacey then began rubbing his thigh in the crowded bar, and unzipped his trousers and touched him without his consent. [Unruhs son] didnt know what to do. He didnt want to get in trouble at work or get his work in trouble, the report continued. He knows hes only 18, hes not supposed to be drinking, and hes not supposed to be drinking at work. The claims come after Spacey, who has been out of the public eye ever since the first accusations of sexual assault were levelled against him in 2017 by actor Anthony Rapp, released a bizarre video entitled Let Me Be Frank on his YouTube channel on Christmas Eve. Story continues In it, he has assumed his character of Frank Underwood from House of Cards, and embarks on a monologue. You trusted me even though you knew you shouldnt. So were not done, no matter what anyone says, and I know what you want, he says. You want me back. Spacey was accused by Star Trek: Discovery actor Rapp of assaulting him at a party when he was 14, and Spacey was 26. It was followed by dozens of other accusations dating back decades. Spacey was later fired from House of Cards, and was recast in the movie All The Money In The World by director Ridley Scott. A planned biopic of Gore Vidal was later scrapped by Netflix too. Read more Macaulay Culkin reprises Home Alone role for new ad Worst movie plot holes of 2018 The stars we lost in 2018 It is not uncommon to see companies perform well in the years after insiders buy shares. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So before you buy or sell Kitex Garments Limited (NSE:KITEX), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling. What Is Insider Selling? Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock on the market. However, most countries require that the company discloses such transactions to the market. Insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Harvard University study found that insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year. Check out our latest analysis for Kitex Garments Kitex Garments Insider Transactions Over The Last Year Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Chairman & MD Sabu Jacob for 5.7m worth of shares, at about 103 per share. That implies that an insider found the current (approximate) price enticing. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. We generally consider it a positive if insiders have been buying on market, even if the share price has increased a bit since then. In the last twelve months insiders paid 12m for 366.24k shares purchased. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Kitex Garments insiders. Their average price was about 32.46. It is certainly positive to see that insiders have invested their own money in the company. However, we do note that they were buying at significantly lower prices than todays share price. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! Story continues NSEI:KITEX Insider Trading December 27th 18 Kitex Garments is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Kitex Garments Insiders Bought Stock Recently Over the last three months, weve seen significant insider buying at Kitex Garments. Specifically, Sabu Jacob bought 5.7m worth of shares in that time, and we didnt record any sales whatsoever. That shows some optimism about the companys future. Does Kitex Garments Boast High Insider Ownership? Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon its a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Kitex Garments insiders own about 3.6b worth of shares (which is 49% of the company). Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders. So What Do The Kitex Garments Insider Transactions Indicate? Its certainly positive to see the recent insider purchase. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. Along with the high insider ownership, this analysis suggests that insiders are quite bullish about Kitex Garments. Thats what I like to see! Of course, the future is what matters most. So if you are interested in Kitex Garments, you should check out this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. UK-headquartered InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with Mohammed AbdulAziz Al Rajhi & Sons Investment to bolster its presences in the Middle East country as two hotels controlled by the Saudi holding will use the hospitality groups new brand, voco. Saudi Arabia has always been a key market for IHG, and we have built a strong portfolio of brands across the country over the years. We are delighted to be continuing our expansion across the country, in partnership with Mohammed AbdulAziz Al Rajhi & Sons Investment Co. This agreement is particularly exciting as we are debuting voco in Saudi Arabia in line with our ambitious plans to accelerate the growth of the recently-launched upscale brand across the region, said Pascal Gauvin, managing director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG. As per the agreement, Coral Hotel will turn into voco Al Khobar while Holiday Inn Al Khobar Ulaya, also owned by the Saudi group, will undergo relooking works to become the first managed Holiday Inn in Al Khobar. Voco Al Khobar will open in 2019 and will offer guests the informality and charm of an individual hotel, with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. Holiday Inn Al Khobar Ulaya will open its doors 2020 and will provide hospitality services targeting corporate and leisure travelers. IHG has a long history in the kingdom and in the region through five brands namely InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites. The group is expected to add 30 other hotels in the near future. Brexit Lawyer, Geraint Thomas, who was found dead on December 18. (LinkedIn) A partner at a global law firm has been found dead at a beach in South Wales. Geraint Thomas, 47, worked for multinational law practice Eversheds Sutherland as a Brexit lawyer, giving advice to business owners ahead of the UKs exit from the EU. An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned during a brief hearing at Pontypridds coroners court on Christmas Eve, six days after Mr Thomass body was found at Southerndown in the Vale of Glamorgan. Police are not treating his death as suspicious. South Wales Police said Mr Thomas death is not being treated as suspicious. Stock image. PA. A spokesman for South Wales Police said: South Wales Police is investigating the sudden death of a 47-year-old man from Cardiff who was discovered at Southerndown in the early hours of December 18. The death is not being treated as suspicious. Next of kin have been informed and a file of evidence is being prepared for HM Coroner. Lee Ranson, chief executive of Eversheds Sutherland International, described Mr Thomas as a truly exceptional lawyer and said staff at the law firm would be offered support. Mr Ranson said: On behalf of the firm, I can confirm with great sadness that Geraint Thomas, a partner in our commercial team, was found dead on 18 December 2018. Details surrounding his death are unclear, and we are currently liaising with his family and the police. Geraint was a highly respected and esteemed lawyer who, having joined the firm in 1994, spent his entire career at the firm. A truly exceptional lawyer, he will be remembered for his dedication to his clients and to the firm in equal measure. He will be greatly missed. Our sincere sympathies and thoughts are with Geraints wife, family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time. Many of Geraints colleagues have also been deeply affected by this tragic news. We are working with everyone to ensure they have appropriate, professional support in the coming weeks and months. As this is an ongoing investigation I am unable to provide further comment at this time. Mr Thomass LinkedIn page states he studied at Jesus College at Oxford University between 1989 and 1992, before gaining a BA and a Masters degree in History. Story continues A professional biography on his law firms website said he had worked there since 2003 and specialised in retail finance. The website listed his expertise in consumer credit, mortgage regulation and savings and deposit products. He was also one of the firms Brexit lawyers, who worked with clients to plan ahead of Brexit. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK By Ellen Francis BEIRUT (Reuters) - Alarmed by a U.S. decision to leave Syria, Kurdish leaders who run much of the north are urging Russia and its ally Damascus to send forces to shield the border from the threat of a Turkish offensive. Their call for a return of Syrian government forces to the border, which Kurdish fighters have held for years, points to the depth of their crisis in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to withdraw forces. While little has changed on the ground yet - U.S. forces are still deployed and Trump says the pullout will be slow - Kurdish officials are scrambling for a strategy to protect their region from Turkey before the United States leaves. Talks with Damascus and Moscow appear to be the focus for the Kurdish leadership. Their worst fear is a repeat of a Turkish attack that drove Kurdish residents and the YPG militia out of Afrin city in the northwest earlier this year. They are also trying to convince other Western countries to fill the vacuum when Washington withdraws some 2,000 troops whose presence in northern and eastern Syria has deterred Turkey so far. The territory at stake spans about a quarter of Syria, most of it east of the Euphrates River, controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an umbrella group dominated by the Kurdish YPG. The area borders Iraq to the east and includes three major cities - Qamishli, Hasaka and Raqqa. (Syria areas of control: https://tmsnrt.rs/2RgCxxb) The SDF has been Washington's main Syrian partner in the fight with Islamic State, but Turkey views the YPG fighters that form its backbone as a threat and has vowed to crush them. Officials from northern Syria, who went to Moscow last week, will soon make another trip, hoping Russia will push Damascus to "fulfill its sovereign duty", top Kurdish politician Aldar Xelil told Reuters. "Our contacts with Russia, and the regime, are to look for clear mechanisms to protect the northern border," said Xelil, an architect of autonomy plans in northern Syria. "We want Russia to play an important role to achieve stability." ISLAMIC STATE THREAT President Bashar al-Assad, already in command of most of Syria with help from Iranian and Russian allies, has vowed to recover the SDF territory. The region, rich in oil, water and farmland, is seen as important to Syria's reconstruction. Although the autonomy they seek is at odds with Damascus, Kurdish forces have largely avoided direct conflict with the government during the war, at times even fighting common foes. They held political talks this summer that went nowhere. But with their negotiating position severely weakened by Trump's move, Kurdish authorities may be in a race against time to cut a deal as Turkey threatens to launch its offensive east of the Euphrates River. Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the outlawed Kurdish PKK movement which has been waging a 34-year-long insurgency in southeastern Turkey. Ankara has drawn on Syrian rebel proxies to help fight the YPG in the north. Fearing the U.S. announcement could open the way to the Turkish attack, the SDF has been warning of the threat Islamic State still poses. It has cautioned European states that foreign Islamic State jihadists in its prisons could escape and return to mount attacks at home. "To repel a Turkish attack, we are discussing various options ... We have made contact with Russia, France and European Union countries to help," said Badran Jia Kurd, a senior Kurdish official who went to Moscow last week for talks with Russian foreign ministry officials. "It is the responsibility of the Syrian government to protect the borders of this region and this is under discussion," he told Reuters. POLITICAL SETTLEMENT In Turkey's last assault in Afrin earlier this year, the SDF felt let down by Russia, believing it had given assurances that Turkey would not attack the region. Turkey-backed Syrian rebels say they have been mobilizing to launch the next offensive, with their first target the town of Manbij that borders the territory under their control. U.S. forces are still patrolling near Manbij and nothing has changed so far, said Sharfan Darwish, spokesman for the SDF-allied Manbij Military Council that holds the town. But in coordination with the council, the government and Russia sent forces near the town on Tuesday, he said. Top Syrian Kurdish politician Ilham Ahmed, who held talks with Damascus earlier this year, said contacts with the state had never stopped. "We are now in the phase of launching a new initiative," she told a tribal meeting in Raqqa on Wednesday. "We will try by all means to put pressure on this regime to carry out a political settlement so that we preserve the dignity of Syrian citizens." (Additional reporting by Rodi Said in Syria and Tom Perry in Beirut; Editing by Tom Perry) Lockheed Martin Corp. LMT recently won a $462-million contract for offering sustainment support to the control segment of Global Positioning Systems II. The contract was awarded by the Space and Missile Systems Center, Peterson Air Force Base, CO. Details of the Deal Per the deal, Lockheed Martin will provide depot-level software maintenance, integration of GPS Acquisition Category III programs onto the operational control system platform, systems engineering and technical order management agency support. The company will also offer maintenance and sustainment of the consolidated test environment and non-recurring engineering and studies. Work related to the deal will be performed in Colorado Springs, CO and is expected to get completed by Dec 31, 2025. What Favors Lockheed Martin? Due to rising global geo-political tensions in recent times, strengthening a nations satellite communication by incorporating advanced technology has become an essential requirement. In modern age, military intelligence, navigation & positioning, and digital video Broadcasting (DVB) are the few demanding applications of satellite communication. These satellites significantly help strengthen a nations military prowess. As a result, with rapidly rising demand for new-age satellite communication, satellite developers like Lockheed Martin have increased their focus in innovating even more advanced military satellites and associated equipment. To this end, it is imperative to mention that Lockheed Martin has recently launched GPS III satellites, the most powerful GPS satellite ever built for the U.S. Air Force. These satellites have three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities. Spacecraft life will extend to 15 years, 25% longer than the newest GPS satellites on-orbit today. Surely, these developments will usher in more contracts, like the latest one, for this defense major in coming days, thereby boosting its profit margin. Per Markets Research Future, the Global Military Satellite market is projected to see a CAGR of more than 6% during 2018-2023. Thus, we may expect the aforementioned developments to play in favor of Lockheed Martin and enable the company to capture more shares in the expanding Military Satellite market, going ahead. Price Movement Lockheed Martins stock has declined 21.2 in the past year compared with the industrys fall of 14.6%. The underperformance may have been caused by the intense competition the company faces in the aerospace-defense space for its broad portfolio of products and services, both domestically and internationally. Story continues Zacks Rank & Other Stocks to Consider Lockheed Martin currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). A few top-ranked companies in the same sector are Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings AJRD, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated TDY and The Boeing Company BA. While Aerojet Rocketdyne and Teledyne Technologies sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Boeing carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Aerojet Rocketdyne came up with average positive earnings surprise of 19.27% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 earnings has increased 43.3% to $1.82 in the past 90 days. Teledyne Technologies came up with average positive earnings surprise of 12.92% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 earnings has increased 6% to $8.75 in the past 90 days. Boeing delivered average positive earnings surprise of 28.01% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 earnings has moved up 3% to $15.05 in the past 90 days. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Boeing Company (BA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (AJRD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Raytheon Company (RTN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research (This December 1 story is refiled to fix typographical errors in paragraphs 16 and 22.) By Shoon Naing and Poppy McPherson YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar youth activist and television host Thinzar Shun Lei Yi would once have called herself one of Aung San Suu Kyi's greatest fans. Now, she is one of her most vocal critics. The 27-year-old belongs to a small but high-profile group of liberal activists, many former die-hard Suu Kyi supporters, who are growing increasingly disillusioned with the administration they voted into power with sky-high hopes three years ago. "I lost my idol, I'm confused, frustrated and lost," said Thinzar Shun Lei Yi, who hosts an 'Under 30' talk show on a popular local website. "Most of the activists and youths are now thinking: 'What is next', 'What will happen?', 'What can we do?' At this stage, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is going her own way and nobody can intervene, and she won't listen to civil society organizations," she said, using the honorific for women in Myanmar. While Suu Kyi continues to inspire devotion among many ordinary Burmese, the emergence of a dissenting youth movement driven by anger over her handling of ethnic minorities, including the Muslim Rohingya, as well as curbs on the media and civil society presents a new challenge for her administration. At stake is the future of Myanmar's transition toward democracy after years of military rule. With a general election looming in 2020, the country's first civilian government in decades is confronted by growing divisions among activists who once coalesced around her National League for Democracy party. NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the party was trying to win over young people, increasing the budget for education and supporting vocational training programs. "The youth and the people expected a lot from our government," he said. "We couldn't live up to their expectations, we admit. But we are doing our best." Suu Kyi took power in 2016 after a landslide election win, vowing to continue democratic reforms and end the country's long-running civil wars. Since then, the administration has come under pressure over its response to a military crackdown against the Rohingya minority that the United Nations has described as "ethnic cleansing" with "genocidal intent", as well as faltering peace talks with ethnic armed groups and a stagnating economy. FREE SPEECH Activists say the civilian government has also become increasingly authoritarian, failing to use its overwhelming parliamentary majority to scrap colonial-era laws used to stifle dissent, while tightening restrictions on civil society. In recent months, they have staged several protests, including an anti-war march in the commercial capital of Yangon in May that ended in scuffles. A total of 17 people were charged with unlawful protest, including Thinzar Shun Lei Yi. Their trial is ongoing. "Sensitive issues are banned, and protesters arrested and beaten," she said. "The National League of Democracy, the party using the name of democracy, must respect democracy and human rights." According to free speech organization Athan, which means 'Voice' in Burmese, 44 journalists and 142 activists have faced trial since the Suu Kyi government took power. They include Reuters reporters Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, who were sentenced to seven years in prison in September after being convicted of breaking the colonial era Official Secrets Act. The journalists are appealing their conviction to the country's High Court, citing evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime. Suu Kyi said in September their jailing had nothing to do with freedom of expression. The government says Myanmar's courts are independent. Athan's founder, poet and activist Maung Saung Kha, was among the protesters charged alongside Thinzar Shun Lei Yi in May. Four months later, in September, they both helped organize another demonstration, this time for free speech. Facing the crowd, Maung Saung Kha who is still an NLD member donned the orange shirt traditionally worn by his party's lawmakers and draped a green jacket resembling military garb over it. Armed with a copy of the state-run daily newspaper The Mirror, he began beating journalists gathered nearby. "The government has failed to use its power to protect people's rights," he told Reuters. Myo Nyunt, the party spokesman, said the government was cooperating with non-governmental organizations, but their activities needed to be examined case-by-case. "If it is not related to security or not a divisive issue among ethnics, we accept them," he said. "We are going forward to democracy so we acknowledge the role of NGOs, but we have concerns that NGOs are being influenced by sponsors instead of being independent." "ACKNOWLEDGE ROHINGYA" While she has no control over the military, Suu Kyi has faced international criticism for failing to defend the Rohingya, more than 730,000 of whom fled a sweeping army crackdown in western Rakhine state in 2017, according to U.N. agencies. The operation was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces. Myanmar denies almost all the allegations of atrocities made by refugees, saying the army was carrying out a legitimate campaign against terrorists. While many among Myanmar's Buddhist majority revile the Rohingya, the young activists offer a rare sympathetic voice. "We acknowledge Rohingya. We totally denounce the fact that they are referred to as 'Bengali'," said Maung Saung Kha, referring to a term commonly used in Myanmar to imply the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh, despite a long history in the country. "We haven't seen any acknowledgement or punishment for the things that happened," he said. "The refugees will not come back as long as these people think of them as less than humans, and that it is not a crime to kill them." Khin Sandar, another young activist facing unlawful protest charges, spent months campaigning for the NLD ahead of the 2015 election but lost faith in Suu Kyi over her handling of the Rakhine crisis. Her family was affected in a wave of communal violence in 2012, when not only Rohingya but members of the Kaman Muslim minority, who also face discrimination but unlike the Rohingya are considered Myanmar citizens, were driven from their homes. They live in crowded internal displacement camps outside the Rakhine state capital Sittwe and are subjected to severe restrictions on movement. In a speech after last year's violence, Suu Kyi said all residents of Rakhine "have access to education and healthcare services without discrimination". "My own nephew and nieces are still living in the Sittwe camps and they don't have those rights," said Khin Sandar. "I was shocked. How can she say that in her speech?" Afterwards, she said, she quit her job as researcher for an NLD lawmaker. While the youth activists represent only a small segment of Myanmar society they are increasingly influential in the grassroots activism scene, while their protests and public comments have attracted significant attention from media and from their vast social media followings. Mostly in their 20s and 30s, they highlight the gulf between Myanmar's young population the median age is 27 and its aging leadership, comprised of mostly men in their 60s and 70s. "Myanmar is a very conservative country, these young people especially from Yangon are now challenging that," said Myat Thu, a political analyst from the Yangon School of Political Science. "In order to have a revolution of ideas, not many people need to know. They will spread it gradually." (Reporting by Shoon Naing and Poppy McPherson; Editing by Alex Richardson) When it comes to the love one man has for his daughter, the skys the limit. Pierce Vaughan, a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, had to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So her father, Hal Vaughan, used his airline benefits to snag tickets on the flights she was working to spend the holiday with her zipping across the country. The adorable duos story went viral on Monday, after Mike Levy, a passenger who sat next to Hal Vaughan on a flight from Fort Myers, Florida, to Detroit, posted about it on Facebook. Mike Levys pictures from Facebook. Hal Vaughan and Levy sitting in first class and Pierce Vaughan working a flight for Delta. (Photo: Mike Levy) Levy told HuffPost that his seatmates travel plans came up casually in conversation as the two were discussing where they were headed. I thought it was so amazing for a father to do that for his daughter on Christmas, Levy said. According to Atlantas WXIA, Hal Vaughan scored six tickets and flew from New Orleans to Detroit, to Fort Myers, back to Detroit, then to Hartford, Atlanta and Denver. Pierce Vaughan told the news station that this was her dads first time flying on any of her flights. He broke his neck shortly after she graduated from flight attendant school. (He was the one who pinned her wings on her uniform.) When she found out she had to work this holiday season, the family came up with the plan for her now recovered dad to fly free on standby. Id just never been without my parents on Christmas, so my mom took one for the team and stayed home with all of the pets so he could take his first trip since the accident with me, Pierce Vaughan said. On Christmas Day, Pierce Vaughn shared Levys photos on Facebook and added a few details about her dads flights. Dads first trip using his benefits was a success! she wrote on Facebook. A special thanks to all of the patient, wonderful gate agents around the country and my perfect crew. He made it on every flight and even got first class RSW-DTW (Christmas miracle). She also included a sweet shout-out to Levy for being a great first class passenger & helping us to understand how cool this actually is! Story continues Delta Airlines released a statement, obtained by NBC Chicago, that said, We appreciate all of our employees for working during the holidays to serve Delta customers, and love seeing this awesome Dad having the chance to spend Christmas with his daughter even while crisscrossing the country at 30,000 feet. Even after all the attention for his post, Levy is still in awe about how he stumbled upon a real-life holiday tale. Its just an amazing Christmas story about a father and his daughter, he said. I was happy to share the experience. Pierce Vaughan and Hal Vaughan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi political and militia leaders condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's surprise visit to U.S. troops in Iraq on Wednesday as a violation of Iraq's sovereignty, and lawmakers said a meeting between Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was canceled due to a disagreement over venue. Sabah al Saadi, the leader of the Islah parliamentary bloc, called for an emergency session of parliament "to discuss this blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and to stop these aggressive actions by Trump who should know his limits: The U.S. occupation of Iraq is over." The Bina bloc, Islah's rival in parliament and led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, also objected to Trump's trip to Iraq. "Trump's visit is a flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government," said a statement from Bina. Abdul Mahdi's office said in a statement that U.S. authorities had informed Iraq's leadership of the president's visit ahead of time. The statement said the Iraqi prime minister and U.S. president talked by telephone due to a "disagreement over how to conduct the meeting." Iraqi lawmakers told Reuters that the pair had disagreed over where their planned meeting should take place: Trump had asked to meet at the Ain al-Asad military base, an offer which Abdul Mahdi declined. Trump's visit comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, as Washington seeks to counter Iran's sway in the Middle East. The formation of Iraq's government has stalled as well amid intensifying discord between the Islah and Bina blocs. Falih Khazali, a former militia leader turned politician allied with Bina, accused the United States of wanting to increase its presence in Iraq. "The American leadership was defeated in Iraq and wants to return again under any pretext, and this is what we will never allow," he said. Bina said Trump's visit "places many question marks on the nature of the U.S. military presence and its real objectives, and what these objectives could pose to the security of Iraq." While there has been no full-scale violence in Iraq since Islamic State suffered a series of defeats last year, some 5,200 U.S. troops train and advise Iraqi forces still waging a campaign against the militant group. Islah is headed by populist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. Sadr has long opposed the U.S. presence in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. He led two uprisings against U.S. forces in Iraq and is one of the few Shi'ite leaders to also distance himself from Iran. Iraq's Shi'ite militias, also known as the PMF, many of which are supported by Iran, oppose the presence of U.S. troops in the region. The PMF was made formally part of the security forces this year after helping the military defeat Islamic State in Iraq in 2017. Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the powerful Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia said on Twitter, "Iraqis will respond with a parliamentary decision to oust your (U.S.) military forces. And if they do not leave, we have the experience and the ability to remove them by other means that your forces are familiar with." Some Iraqis, however, were less concerned with the U.S. president's visit. "We wont get anything from America," said Baghdad resident Mohammad Abdullah. "Theyve been in Iraq 16 years, and they havent given anything to the country except destruction and devastation." (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed and Raya Jalabi; additional reporting by Maher Nazih; editing by Chris Reese) Unsplash A mom from San Antonio is warning other parents to be vigilant about a toy that could be dangerous for kids. Maria Rendon says she bought a laser gun set for her son for Christmas, and within moments of use, the toy heated up and exploded. They had barely started playing with them, Maria Rendon told News 4 San Antonio. "Hes like Mom, the gun's real hot. I said, Let me see. So he brought it over and this right here [the handle] is what was super, super hot." Rendon explained to the news outlet that she turned the gun upside down and one AA battery popped out, while the other stayed put. She says when she turned it upside down, one battery popped right out but the other stayed put. "It just squirted all that. It made a popping noise and it squirted black stuff all over me, Rendon says. "My face, my eyes, everywhere."The batteries were new, so it seems as though the problem originated with the laser tag set, which was Sharper Image brand. Rendon contacted Sharper Image after the incident, and they told her to contact the manufacturer of the toy, which is MerchSource. According to ABC13, MerchSource told Rendon that they'll replace the toy and inspect the old one to better understand the root cause of the explosion. Nonetheless, Rendon is urging people to do safety checks on toys before gifting them to their L.O.s. Make sure to check the toys and everything before they put them [under the tree], the mother recommends. News 4 San Antonio reports that there doesn't appear to be a current Consumer Product Safety Commission recall on the toy, but there's also a notice on the website that the commission is closed as a result of the partial government shutdown. Concerned consumers can try the toll-free consumer hotline on (800) 638-2772. Rabat (AFP) - Morocco's navy on Thursday rescued 367 mostly sub-Saharan migrants in the Mediterranean sea after they attempted to reach Spain, a military source told AFP. The rescued migrants included women and children who were "in difficulty on board several makeshift vessels", the source said. "They were all brought back safely by navy units to the nearest ports." Morocco stopped 68,000 attempted illegal migrants and dismantled 122 "active criminal networks" in the first nine months of 2018, according to a recent official count. Alongside migrants arriving from sub-Saharan Africa, an increasing number of young Moroccan citizens have attempted to leave the country on board inflatable dinghies in recent months. At least 769 migrants have died attempting to cross the western Mediterranean since the start of the year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), after 224 died on this route in 2017. Spain has become the main point of entry into Europe for illegal migrants this year, ahead of Greece and Italy. The IOM says that more than 55,000 migrants have arrived in Spain by sea this year. Archer Welcomes Five New Associates Archer & Greiner brought on five new associates to various practice groups: Najah A. Jacobs, Kenneth Ling, Jennifer N. McCracken, Anthony Paolini III, and Reginald L. Streater. Archer Welcomes Five New Associates Najah A. Jacobs Photo Credit: David Michael Howarth Photography.Jacobs joined the environmental law practice group in the Haddonfield office, specializing in complex environmental litigation, products liability claims, and toxic torts. Jacobs concentrates on pursuing and defending complex environmental matters, including cleanup and response costs, soil and groundwater contamination, and natural resource damage claims. Jacobs graduated from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, where she served as the executive symposium editor of the Drexel Law Review and president of the Black Law Students Association. Jacobs was a Law School Ambassador, Diversity and Inclusion Fellow, and Marshall Brennan Constitutional Literacy Fellow. She also served as a judicial extern for U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler of the District of New Jersey. She is a former Archer summer associate. Archer Welcomes Five New Associates Kenneth Ling Photo Credit: David Michael Howarth Photography.Ling is a member of the real estate and business counseling practice groups in Haddonfield. He represents clients in corporate, business and real estate matters, including entity formation and dissolution, corporate governance, and public contracting, as well as purchase and sale transactions and leases. Ling graduated from Rutgers Law School, where he served as articles editor and staff editor for the Rutgers University Law Review. Ling also served as the treasurer for the Asian-Pacific American Law Student Association, and was the recipient of the Deans Academic Excellence Scholarship. Ling served as a judicial extern in U.S. Court for the District of New Jersey for District Judge Robert B. Kugler and Magistrate Judge Karen M. Williams. He is a former Archer summer associate. Story continues Archer Welcomes Five New Associates Jennifer N. McCracken Photo Credit: David Michael Howarth Photography.McCracken is a member of the real estate tax appeal group in Archer's Princeton office, litigating complex commercial and industrial property tax appeals. McCracken advises clients on property tax issues, liabilities, and valuation. Jennifer graduated from Widener University Delaware Law School, where she was a member of the Transactional Law Honor Society, Delaware Bankruptcy American Inn of Court, Alternative Dispute Resolution Society, and the Jessup International Moot Court. She also served as the American Bar Association liaison. McCracken was a Widener Law Scholar, as well as the recipient of the Honorable Rosalie B. Cooper Fellowship Award, the Honorable Nathan C. Staller Scholarship, and the Honorable Rudolph J. Rossetti Memorial Award. Following law school, McCracken clerked for New Jersey Tax Court Judge Michael J. Gilmore. Archer Welcomes Five New Associates Anthony Paolini III Photo Credit: David Michael Howarth Photography.Paolini is a member of the family law and matrimonial practice group, handling divorce, adoption, parental rights, custody, support, and domestic violence. He is resident in the firms Haddonfield office. Paolini is a graduate of Rutgers Law School, where he was a staff member of the Rutgers Law School Civil Practice Clinic. Following law school, Paolini served as a law clerk to Burlington County Superior Court Judge John J. Burke III in the Family Part. He is a member of the Thomas Forkin American Inns of Court, and a member of the Burlington County Bar Association. Archer Welcomes Five New Associates Reginald L. Streater Photo Credit: David Michael Howarth Photography.Streater is a member of the business litigation group in Haddonfield and focuses on commercial and complex litigation, handling contract disputes, federal claims, federal civil rights claims, insurance matters, labor and employment claims, fraud claims, and tort claims. He graduated from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he served as president of the Student Bar Association, president of the Black Law Students Association, and as an advisor for the Affinity Group Coalition. Streater was a Rubin Public Interest Law Honor Society Fellow, as well as a member of the National Lawyers Guild Temple Law Chapter, and Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity. During law school, Streater served as a legal intern for the Theodore A. McKee, former chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He is a former Archer summer associate. US President Donald Trump made a surprise visit Wednesday to American troops in Iraq, the first ever by the US leader to US overseas military base since assuming office in 2016. The supreme US armed forces commander visited Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq. He was accompanied by his wife Melania Trump. President Trump and the First Lady travelled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit with our troops and Senior Military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders Twitted. The visit came as Trump seeks to reduce US troops presence in the region, where, he said, America no longer has a major role to play. Last week, President Trump ordered the withdrawal of American forces in Syria where they have been since 2014 fighting the Islamic State group (ISIS). Trump is also mulling plans to cut down US troops in Afghanistan. As Trump orders troops thorough pullout from Syria and a slash in soldiers levels in Afghanistan, an Iraqi official has revealed that the Pentagon has established two new military bases in Iraq. Farhan al-Duleimi, a member of Anbars provisional council, told Turkish Anadolu Agency that the US has established a military base in the northern Rumana subdistrict (in Anbars Al-Qaim district) near the Syrian border. A second base, he said, has been set up in the east of the city of Al-Rutbah, about 310 kilometers west of Ramadi and less than 100 kilometers from the Syrian border. The facilities will host scores of US troops including drones and other equipment that will be used to thwart the infiltration into Iraq of ISIS fighters. There are currently around 5,000 American boots in Iraq. Weve lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. The flip side of that is that there are more than a few examples of insiders dumping stock prior to a period of weak performance. So before you buy or sell Boss Resources Limited (ASX:BOE), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling. Do Insider Transactions Matter? It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, most countries require that the company discloses such transactions to the market. We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. For example, a Harvard University study found that insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year. View our latest analysis for Boss Resources The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Boss Resources Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider sale was by Non-Executive Director Grant Burnaford Davey for AU$9.5m worth of shares, at about AU$0.07 per share. Although we dont gain confidence from insider selling, we note that this large sale was at well above current price of AU$0.045. So it may not tell us anything about how insiders feel about the current share price. Grant Burnaford Davey was the only individual insider to sell shares in the last twelve months. Notably Grant Burnaford Davey was also the biggest buyer, having purchased AU$44k worth of shares. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions over the last 12 months, below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! ASX:BOE Insider Trading December 27th 18 If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Story continues Insider Ownership Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. I reckon its a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Boss Resources insiders own about AU$17m worth of shares (which is 23% of the company). I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders. So What Do The Boss Resources Insider Transactions Indicate? It doesnt really mean much that no insider has traded Boss Resources shares in the last quarter. Our analysis of Boss Resources insider transactions leaves us cautious. But we do like the fact that insiders own a fair chunk of the company. Therefore, you should should definitely take a look at this FREE report showing analyst forecasts for Boss Resources. If you would prefer to check out another company one with potentially superior financials then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. By Richard Cowan and Susan Cornwell WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday was nominated as expected by fellow Democrats to be speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, but her level of support may fall short of what she needs for a sure win in January's election for the top job in the chamber. Pelosi, who made history as the first woman to hold the post when she was speaker from 2007 to 2011, won the Democratic nomination by a vote of 203-32, putting her in contention in the early January contest in which both Democrats and Republicans will vote. She will need about 218 votes to claim the job as Democrats take control of the House in January after their gains in the Nov. 6 congressional elections. Pelosi is attempting the rare feat of securing the speaker's gavel for a non-consecutive term. After the secret-ballot voting concluded, Pelosi said: "I'm proud to be the nominee of the House Democratic caucus once again for speaker of the House." Pelosi's top lieutenants, Representatives Steny Hoyer and James Clyburn, were chosen by their fellow Democrats to be House majority leader and majority whip respectively in 2019-2020. The full House does not vote on those appointments. The small faction of Democrats opposing Pelosi, a 78-year-old San Francisco liberal, has argued that the party needs new, younger leadership, but the anti-Pelosi group has failed to produce a rival candidate to challenge her. Over the next few weeks, Pelosi will try to win over enough naysayers to nail down a victory in January. On Wednesday, she made progress when she secured the support of a small group of centrist Democrats belonging to the bipartisan "Problem Solvers Caucus" by agreeing to back reforms in how the House operates. "We're in pretty good shape" for January, Pelosi said. But at a meeting Pelosi held with other dissenters before her nomination, their concerns were "dismissed outright," Representative Kathleen Rice said in a statement afterward. Rice told reporters that the members of the Democratic leadership team needed to provide a time frame for when they would retire - a move that could weaken their effectiveness while they serve as leaders. If Pelosi does come up short, Democrats will have to scurry before the January House vote to find an acceptable replacement and avoid a messy floor fight at the start of the year. Republicans, who next year will be in the minority in the House for the first time in eight years, are expected to vote against any Democratic nominee for speaker. TAKING ON TRUMP Pelosi, currently the House Democratic leader and a national political fixture for decades, wants to lead the party's challenge to Republican President Donald Trump's political and legislative agendas. The powerful House speaker sets the chamber's legislative agenda and is second, behind the vice president, in the line of emergency succession to the president. Representative Gerry Connolly said Pelosi's opponents lacked a game plan for vanquishing her. "Meanwhile, we have a very skilled, tested experienced leader who doesn't need on-the-job training," he said, referring to Pelosi. Her detractors have argued that they could control just enough votes to topple Pelosi during the vote by the full House. When the new Congress convenes in January, Democrats will hold at least 233 of the House's 435 seats. Assuming that all Republicans oppose Pelosi for speaker, just 17 or 18 Democratic opponents could be enough to block her from becoming speaker. Democrats clamoring for fresh faces in leadership got a boost on Wednesday when Representative Hakeem Jeffries, 48, beat Representative Barbara Lee, 72, to head the Democratic caucus. Pelosi has pledged to pursue an agenda next year that includes investing in infrastructure projects, lowering prescription drug prices and changing campaign finance laws to give small donors more sway in elections. She also has promised to hold investigations into Trump administration activities following two years of lax oversight by Republicans who will still hold their majority in the Senate. (Reporting by Richard Cowan and Susan Cornwell; Additional reporting by Amanda Becker and Ginger Gibson; Editing by Bill Trott and Peter Cooney) Jerusalem (AFP) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to head Thursday on the first trip by an Israeli premier to Brazil, where he will attend the inauguration of incoming president Jair Bolsonaro. Netanyahu will also hold talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of the January 1 inauguration in Brasilia, an Israeli official told AFP. Netanyahu is due to meet Bolsonaro on Friday afternoon in Rio de Janeiro, the official said on condition of anonymity. "This visit to the biggest country in Latin America will strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. He will also hold talks with the presidents of Chile and Honduras while there, among other officials, and meet with members of the Jewish community and a pro-Israel Christian group. He will fly back after the inauguration in the early hours of January 2, the official said. Bolsonaro has said he wants to follow in the footsteps of United States President Donald Trump and move his country's Israel embassy to Jerusalem. Netanyahu welcomed the announcement and called it "historic" -- though Bolsonaro later backtracked by saying "it hasn't been decided yet". Doing so would please his evangelical Christian support base, but would run the risk of provoking commercial retaliation from Arab states, some of which are major importers of Brazilian meat. Trump's move broke with decades of precedent that the status of the disputed city should be negotiated between the Israelis and Palestinians. Netanyahu's meeting with Pompeo is sure to include discussions on Syria following Trump's decision to withdraw the 2,000 US troops there. Israel is concerned that its main enemy Iran will have a freer hand in the neighbouring country following the withdrawal. Iran is supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in his country's civil war, and Netanyahu has pledged to stop Tehran from entrenching itself militarily next door. Story continues Netanyahu, who also serves as foreign minister, last year made the first trip by a sitting Israeli prime minister to Latin America, visiting Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. He has sought to expand Israel's diplomatic reach through technology and defence exports, and has worked to persuade more countries to vote in his country's favour at the United Nations, where it faces frequent criticism over its treatment of the Palestinians. The Brazil trip comes at a sensitive time domestically for Netanyahu after Israel's parliament on Wednesday approved his government's decision to call early elections for April 9. He is looking to extend his long reign at the top of Israeli politics, but a slew of corruption investigations have cast a cloud over his future. If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider NextEra Energy (NEE). This company, which is in the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, shows potential for another earnings beat. When looking at the last two reports, this parent company of Florida Power & Light Co. Has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 1.20%, on average, in the last two quarters. For the last reported quarter, NextEra came out with earnings of $2.18 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.17 per share, representing a surprise of 0.46%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $2.07 per share and it actually produced earnings of $2.11 per share, delivering a surprise of 1.93%. Price and EPS Surprise For NextEra, estimates have been trending higher, thanks in part to this earnings surprise history. And when you look at the stock's positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), it's a great indicator of a future earnings beat, especially when combined with its solid Zacks Rank. Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven. The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier. Story continues NextEra currently has an Earnings ESP of +4.89%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on January 25, 2019. When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss. Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate. Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research We all know that feeling. Youre tearing through your handbag, searching for your keys, your wallet, your phone, and all you wind up with is a heap of frayed tissues and a leaking, icky lip gloss. Nicole Richie, style icon, founder of the lifestyle brand Honey Minx, mother of two has been there. And then some. I, like a lot of women, always tend to have anything I might need during the day in my bag, says Richie. From jewellery to sunglasses, hand lotions, to tea bags and reusable cups and being the Virgo that I am, I need organisation in my life. So Richie took matters into her own hands, so to speak. To keep track of her never-ending bag stuffers, Richie created a series of smaller bags for Honey Minx shown in the video above which she fills with various essentials and then tosses into her larger bag. My phone is out, and I have my keys out. Thats fine. Then I have a bag for anything, especially if Im traveling, any sort of cords, any chargers, electronics, and anything like that, I have that bag. Then I have a self-care bag for my essential oils and hand lotion, along with a bag for my jewellery, too. Shes on the go all day, heading from work meetings to school pickups, to dinner. Being that organised, especially when youre a busy working parent, is the best, most exhilarating feeling. It really is, says Richie. Richies fabulous scarves she admits to having to have one on her at all times have their own little pouch to call home and if shes traveling, her PJs and pillowcases go into a really nice and beautiful bag to keep them fresh and cute. I just like feeling organised, and I like feeling like my bag is clean, she says. Consider us sold! This article was paid for by Working Sundays, the parent company of Honey Minx, and created by Yahoo. The editorial department of Yahoo did not participate in the creation of this content. Nicole Richie gives a demo, below, of our Style NowWith video series, which lets you shop for her Honey Minx line as you watch. See all of Richies videos, here. Story continues About Honey Minx Inspired by her love of California, Nicole Richies new lifestyle collection, Honey Minx, integrates Nicoles passion for living her true self and expressing creativity through fashion and beauty. This collection highlights her love of eclectic pieces and soothing textures and celebrates the energy that we are given by the sun. Nicoles iconic style is translated into a full range of beauty and fashion designs, including bohemian-styled jewellery, gem-infused essential oils, dream-inducing sleepwear, luxurious skincare and, of course, accessories. Never known to shy away from something a little wild, Nicole has artfully blended her unique expression of beauty, healthy living and L.A.s laid-back artistic fashion with the ultimate in cosy luxury and style. Honey Minx is available on WorkingSundays.com. Nicole Richie wears a headband, necklace and pajamas from her new line, Honey Minx, launching exclusively on NowWith on Yahoo Lifestyle. (Photo: Courtesy of Honey Minx) Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK. Lagos (AFP) - Ada became a surrogate mother after her landlord threatened to evict her family from their apartment in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos, two years ago. But her husband wasn't open to the idea when she first brought it up. "He was like, 'What's that? Why on earth would you think of something like that? Please don't even go there'," she recalled. Ada became intrigued about surrogacy when she heard about it on a US reality television show, but thought it was only for Westerners. Then a colleague revealed that she had done it. But in a religiously conservative nation, many Christians and Muslims alike are sceptical of surrogacy -- even though the practice has historic roots. Some polygamous ethnic Igbo or Yoruba clans used surrogates when a wife was unable to conceive. In some Igbo villages, certain women could "marry" another woman. Any child born from the marriage would take the name of the "female husband" and the male donor's identity was never divulged. - Social pressure - But as years pass, traditions fade. In their place, a relatively lucrative but murky and secretive system has developed. Ada, for example, was paid two million naira (more than $5,500, nearly 5,000 euros) to be a surrogate. Key to her involvement was the surrogacy agency's provision of decent accommodation for her, her husband and their own two children while she was pregnant. "That was what attracted me to the project," she told AFP. "We had a pressing need to move out of our place and when I showed (my husband) the accommodation fee, he started looking at it differently, even though he was scared." Her husband's fears were justified even if he finally relented: Nigeria is the fourth most dangerous country in the world to give birth. According to the World Bank, 814 women die for every 100,000 births -- four times more than the global average and 100 times more than in the European Union. Story continues Ada eventually gave birth to twins. So as not to arouse suspicion and to avoid the stigma attached to surrogacy, Ada told her friends she lost the babies. - Huge taboo - The taboo surrounding surrogacy is even greater for the women who have to turn to it. Infertility is sometimes seen as divine punishment and most often the woman is blamed when couples are unable to conceive. "When you go to church and you see couples praising God for giving them a child after 15 or 20 years, they say it's a miracle but often it's IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) or surrogacy," said a surrogacy agent, who gave his name as Chike. "Most people in Nigeria can't afford the cost of IVF or a surrogate mother, so there is not an extensive market for it in Nigeria. "There are a lot of stereotypes around surrogacy because of the 'baby factories'. People don't know the difference." "Baby factories" are illegal maternity units where many young women and girls give birth anonymously after getting pregnant accidentally -- sometimes as a result of rape -- or go there to sell the newborn. Huge social and religious pressure forces many infertile couples without means to go in desperation to these units, which are prevalent in southeast Nigeria and are often raided by police. - Surrogacy abroad - Toyin Lolu-Ogunmade knows the pain of not being able to have children but didn't want to use a surrogate. "I wanted to carry a baby myself," she said. "My thinking was, 'If you can't carry a pregnancy, then how are you a woman?' That is the essence of femininity and it's being taken from me." "Most people want to have children that are from their own genes, adopted children are not biologically linked to you," she explained, "with surrogacy, they are related." Lolu-Ogunmade's 12-year struggle with infertility was due to uterine fibroids and post-surgery complications. Doctors told her the only chance of becoming a mother was by using a surrogate. "I didn't know where to start," she recalled. After discussing the matter with her husband and their pastor, the couple travelled to India where surrogacy is legal. They eventually returned to Nigeria in 2012 with twins and the idea of setting up an agency to help women with fertility problems. - Risky business - In Nigeria, there are no laws governing surrogacy. Lack of legislation leaves parents and the surrogate vulnerable to inadequate medical screening, a lack of psychological support and excessive use of Caesarean sections. Ayo Sogunro, a human rights lawyer, said Nigerian courts were likely to follow common law precedents recognising the rights of both parties in a surrogacy contract. For Chike, the lack of proper legislation was too much of a risk and last month he closed his online agency after five years. "We will not respond to any surrogacy requests. We thank you very much for your support," a message reads on the firm's Facebook page. Chike said his involvement in commercial surrogacy has left him facing possible legal action for human trafficking -- and it was not worth the risk. "Nigeria is not ripe enough (for surrogacy) until there's legislation in place," he added. Bigstock On Nov. 16, 2018, the New Jersey Appellate Division issued an opinion in the matter of Investors Bank v. Torres, Docket No. A-3029-16T4, which involved the appeal of an order granting summary judgment in a residential foreclosure matter. The Appellate Division affirmed the trial courts order granting the plaintiffs motion for summary judgment. The issue on appeal was whether standing could be established through a lost note affidavit when the note was lost prior to the assignment to the plaintiff. The court concluded that the holder of a lost note affidavit has standing to commence a foreclosure action, as long as the lost note affidavit was executed by the entity that was entitled to enforce the note when the loss occurred. The facts of the case were as follows. The loan at issue was originated by ABN AMRP Mortgage Group (ABN). CitiMortgage (Citi) acquired the note and mortgage through its merger with ABN and subsequently assigned the note to plaintiff Investors Bank (Plaintiff). Citi lost the note before it was assigned to Plaintiff, and a Citi representative executed a lost note affidavit which stated that the note was misplaced, lost, or destroyed after execution by the defendant and after the original note was delivered to Citi (the Lost Note Affidavit). The language of the Lost Note Affidavit specified that, after a thorough and diligent search, which consisted of searching loan files and imaged documents, the original note could not be found. The Lost Note Affidavit was executed more than a year before the loan was assigned to Plaintiff. On appeal, the borrower argued that Plaintiff lacked standing to commence the foreclosure action as it never owned or controlled the underlying debt because, in part, the note was lost before it was assigned to Plaintiff. The court rejected this argument and found that the Lost Note Affidavit, executed prior to the assignment to Plaintiff, was sufficient to establish Plaintiffs standing in the foreclosure action. In reaching that conclusion, the Appellate Division relied on N.J.S.A. 12A:3-309, which provides: Story continues (a) A person not in possession of an instrument is entitled to enforce the instrument if the person was in possession of the instrument and entitled to enforce it when loss of possession occurred, the loss of possession was not the result of a transfer by the person or a lawful seizure, and the person cannot reasonably obtain possession of the instrument because the instrument was destroyed, its whereabouts cannot be determined, or it is in the wrongful possession of an unknown person or a person that cannot be found or is not amenable to service of process. (b) A person seeking enforcement of an instrument under subsection (a) of this section must prove the terms of the instrument and the person's right to enforce the instrument. If that proof is made, 12A:3-308 applies to the case as if the person seeking enforcement had produced the instrument. The court may not enter judgment in favor of the person seeking enforcement unless it finds that the person required to pay the instrument is adequately protected against loss that might occur by reason of a claim by another person to enforce the instrument. Adequate protection may be provided by any reasonable means. In interpreting this statute, the Appellate Division determined that, under N.J.S.A. 12A:3-309, a person who was both in possession of a note and entitled to enforce it when the loss occurred may enforce that note and may transfer that right to another. (Citations omitted.) The subsequent transferee only needs to prove the terms of the instrument and the right to enforce it, under N.J.S.A. 12A:3-309(b). The court went on to hold that the transferee of a lost note has standing under subsection (a) of 3-309, as long as the entity which claims to have lost the note possessed it and was entitled to enforce it when the loss took place. In arriving at this holding, the court considered the legislative intent of N.J.S.A. 12A:3-309, and found that its holding was consistent with other New Jersey Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) provisions. The court noted: permitting the transfer of a lost note promotes New Jerseys UCCs purpose of expanding commercial practices of contract-parties such as Citi and plaintiff, which intended the transfer of rights to enforce the lost note along with the assignment of defendants mortgage and it is also consistent with equitable principles that guard against unjust enrichment. The Appellate Division observed that, when drafting N.J.S.A. 12A:3-309(b), the legislature did not require the entity attempting to enforce the note to prove its possession of the note, as is required under N.J.S.A. 12A:3-309(a), thereby supporting the courts holding that a lost note may be transferred by a person who meets subsection (a)s criteria, and that instrument may be enforced by a transferee who meets subsection (b)s requirements. This interpretation of the statute is also consistent with the general principles of assignments of mortgages, which allow the assignor to transfer the totality of its rights, including its right to enforce the note, to the assignee. The court acknowledged that Section 3-309 of the UCC, on which New Jerseys statute is based, was amended in 2002 to expressly state that a person who has directly or indirectly acquired ownership of the instrument from a person who was entitled to enforce the instrument when loss of possession occurred has the right to enforce the instrument, thereby eliminating the possession requirement. U.C.C. 3-309(a)(1)(B). The court did not interpret the New Jersey Legislatures failure to adopt the amendment as a signal of legislative intent to preclude a transferee of a lost note from enforcing the note itself. In reaching its holding, the court further reasoned that to adopt the borrowers argument would not only deprive foreclosure plaintiffs of their bargained for benefits, but would produce an absurd result as it would allow borrowers to stay in mortgaged premises without making their required payments. The court concluded that it would be unjust to preclude Plaintiff from enforcing the borrowers obligations, which the borrower had already disregarded for more than eight years. The court also rejected the defendants attacks on the sufficiency of the Lost Note Affidavit and concluded that it was, in fact, admissible and properly authenticated because it was signed before a notary public. The Lost Note Affidavit was also qualified as a business record because it was reviewed by Citis vice-president who was an individual familiar with the business records maintained by Citi and certified that the pre-requisites under N.J.R.Evid. 803(c)(6) were met to qualify it as a business records. The borrowers remaining arguments regarding the trial courts application of the summary judgment standard and any issues regarding alleged discrepancies in an interrogatory response provided by Citis predecessor were also rejected. The Appellate Division ultimately concluded that the borrower failed to present any evidence of a genuine issue of fact for trial. Courts in other jurisdictions are divided on this precise issue of whether a current plaintiff must have been the entity that lost the note in order to enforce the mortgage. Given the New Jersey Appellate Divisions holding in this case, lenders seeking to enforce mortgages in New Jersey now have clarity as to where New Jersey courts stand in that divide. Joy Harmon Sperling is a partner with Day Pitney in Parsippany, chairing the firm's Consumer Finance and Creditors' Rights group. Christina Parlapiano is a partner whose practice spans a wide range of litigation. Michelle Moshe is a staff attorney who represents mortgage and loan servicers in complex consumer finance litigation. (This December 17 story has been refiled to fix typographic error in paragraph 44) By Ju-min Park and Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) - When Choi Ba-da pitched his car-sharing firm Luxi to Hyundai Motor officials in 2017, he told them there would be no future for South Korea's top automaker if it failed to embrace emerging technologies. His pitch worked: Hyundai agreed to buy a 12 percent stake in Luxi for $5 million, its first investment in a car-sharing firm as it joined rivals in the race for new-age transportation. But about six months later, Hyundai sold its stake after thousands of angry taxi drivers, worried about their jobs, threatened to boycott Hyundai cars, Choi told Reuters. Hyundai officials say they were also wary of laws limiting car sharing in South Korea. Hyundai's breakup with Luxi illustrates how rigid regulations, strong labour unions and a risk-averse culture among South Korea's giant family run conglomerates, or chaebol, have hindered the growth of start-ups in Asia's fourth-largest economy. President Moon Jae-in's administration says the country's decades-old growth model, powered by a handful of large exporters such as Hyundai and Samsung, has reached its limit in the face of Chinese competition and rising labour costs. To offset slowing growth in sectors such as autos, ships and chips, it created a new ministry for start-ups last year and has boosted funding to cultivate new technologies. (GRAPHIC: No Uber, No Airbnb: South Korea strangles startup - https://tmsnrt.rs/2PwwoYL) But the government has been too slow to remove cumbersome regulations for start-ups, wary of upending the country's economic order or upsetting powerful labour unions, according to interviews with a dozen entrepreneurs, investors and executives. That has left South Korea surprisingly resistant to disruptive technologies despite its tech-savvy image, they say. "After agonising, Hyundai officials told me that they had to go slow with the service, before eventually pulling out," Choi told Reuters. "But how on earth can a startup go slow?" Story continues In a statement to Reuters, Hyundai said it sold its stake in Luxi as the investment "did not fit a business model the company pursued", without elaborating. Hyundai's chief innovation officer Youngcho Chi also said South Korean restrictions on ride-sharing to unspecified "commuting hours" as one reason and said the automaker had concluded that Luxi was not going to work out. Instead, Hyundai pumped $275 million into Singaporean ride-hailing firm Grab this year. MOST STARTUPS ILLEGAL Hyundai and Samsung say they invest in both local and overseas startups. Close to the company's headquarters, South Korean startups are easier to communicate with, Hyundai said. Samsung told Reuters it has been running a startup support programme for five years to raise local entrepreneurs. Still, some say chaebol are moving too slowly. "The Korean success has been built on a fast-follower strategy, but Chinese rivals are catching up very fast," said Hwang Sungjae, a co-founder of Fluenty, a South Korean artificial intelligence startup acquired by Samsung Electronics last year. "Companies now have no choice but to innovate and work with start-ups, but they are not investing quickly enough." "I think Korean companies are at a great risk of falling behind." Regulations are another challenge. South Korean laws would entirely or partially block about 70 percent of the worlds top 100 startups by investment size from bringing their services to the country, according to joint research by Google Campus Seoul and the Asan Nanum Foundation. Those include giants Airbnb, Uber, and China's Ant Financial. In February, top South Korean mobile messaging operator Kakao Corp bought Luxi for $25 million, but it remains stymied by carpooling regulations, and has yet to launch amid fierce protests from taxi drivers. One protesting taxi driver set himself on fire and died last week, and unionised drivers say they plan a huge rally this week. Kakao said it pushed back the launch schedule of its carpool service in the wake of the suicide. South Korea's transport ministry declined to comment. Regulations also prohibit venture capital funds from investing in financial, real estate, accommodation and restaurant sectors in South Korea. The government has proposed a new law to lift those restrictions, but a senior government official acknowledged it would be neither easy nor quick. "The bottom line is that we have to move toward innovation, but it takes a lot of time and is a difficult process to mediate existing interests, the government official at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups told Reuters. Realistically, we cant simply ignore existing interests. Theres no clear answer." He declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. 'ARE YOU DREAMING?' Many Korean ventures are focused on applications that would only apply locally, making them a hard sell for global companies, a Samsung Electronics executive told Reuters, asking not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media. Since 2016, Samsung Electronics has acquired minority stakes in nine startups, only one based in South Korea, according to corporate research firm CEO Score. Hyundai Motor has invested a total 85 billion won ($75.11 million) worth of minority stakes in 15 foreign startups over the last three years, compared to 28 billion won spent on five local ventures over the same period, CEO Score said. San Francisco-based venture fund 500 Startups, one of the early investors in Grab, said it had looked at Korean ride-sharing firms for a possible investment, but decided against it because of legal restrictions. "The regulatory environment hasn't been favourable to the investors like us," Jeffrey Lim, who heads 500 Startups's Korea office, told Reuters. There were, however, Korean industries offering interesting opportunities, such as pop music, online games, and cosmetics, Lim said. 500 Startups has invested 6.5 billion won in 30 South Korean firms since 2015, including radio app Spoon which is now available in Southeast Asia and Japan. Other established foreign rivals have also backed South Korean start-ups despite the challenges. Japan's Softbank has invested in more than 20 tech companies in South Korea since 2012, according to venture capital data provider CB Insights, including a $2 billion stake in online retailer Coupang in November. South Korean startup Viva Republica, which operates money transfer app Toss, last week raised $80 million from U.S. investors including Kleiner Perkins and Ribbit Fund, valuing it at $1.2 billion. Korean conglomerates' tendency to avoid risk and shun outside partnerships makes them slower than foreign rivals to adapt to fast changing technologies, said Rhee Moo-weon, a management professor at Seoul-based Yonsei University, who advises Samsung, Hyundai and the South Korean government. In 2003, Samsung missed the opportunity to acquire the then small maker of the Android smartphone operating system, just two weeks before Google bought it for $50 million plus incentives, according to a 2013 book by Fred Vogelstein "Dogfight: How Apple and Google Went to War and Started a Revolution". When Android creator Andy Rubin pitched his firm to Samsung, a Samsung executive told him, "Are you dreaming? You and what army are going to go and create this? You have six people. Are you high?," according to the book. Samsung said it could not confirm the content of the book. (GRAPHIC: South Korea falls behind in product innovation - https://tmsnrt.rs/2Sb6EUd) THINK OUTSIDE KOREA As cash-rich conglomerates remain reluctant buyers, only 3 percent of South Korean startups were able to recoup their investments through trade sales in 2017, according to the Korean Venture Capital Association. That leaves IPOs as one of a few exit options, but it takes about 12 years for South Korean startups to go public - "an eternity" compared to Silicon Valley where it typically takes six to seven years, according to consulting firm McKinsey & Co. Only last year, South Korea introduced the so-called "Tesla listing rule" which allows loss-making startups to list on its junior, tech heavy Kosdaq market. It's named after the U.S. electric carmaker that remains loss-making eight years after going public in 2010, but is worth $63 billion. So far, only e-commerce platform Cafe24 Corp has used the Tesla rule to go public. Since its February listing, its shares have risen 25 percent. South Korean entrepreneurs say there is a long way to go. Government officials are trying to meet every stakeholder's demands in a way that doesnt lead to a solution," said Seo Seung-woo, a professor and entrepreneur who moved his self-driving start-up to Silicon Valley last year. I say, dont think about doing a startup in South Korea. Think outside Korea." (Reporting by Ju-min Park and Hyunjoo Jin; Additional reporting by Heekyong Yang; Editing by Soyoung Kim and Lincoln Feast.) Qatar has launched a cruise, called Grand Ferry, that will connect the tiny Gulf country and its regional neighbors, Oman and Kuwait, which have not severed ties with Doha like Bahrain, KSA, and UAE. Grand Ferry will be first of its kind in the region to travel passengers on the sea. The 145 meter-long cruise ship will launch its first trip in January to Oman then to Kuwait. We want to contribute to strengthening the relationship between the three countries by carrying more people. It has not been used in the Gulf before, and its the first for the region, Faisal al-Sulaiti, owner of the ship told local media. Al-Sulaiti believes Qatar is filling a gap in the market: There is a huge demand for this kind of service, he said. He told the media that Grand Ferry may be extended to Iran if there is enough demand for it. Qatar has found itself isolated by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt after the four accused Doha in June last year of supporting terrorism and defending regional arch enemy Iran. The boycotting countries also imposed a sea/air/ground blockade on Qatar. Doha has denied any wrongdoing and castigated the Saudi-led team of waging a smear campaign against it. The cruise can carry 870 passengers and 670 vehicles. The trip from Qatar to Oman will take 20 to 25 hours, and same time for the return to the Qatari capital. Investors in NVIDIA Corporation NVDA need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Dec 28, 2018 $11.00 Put had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today. What is Implied Volatility? Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy. What do the Analysts Think? Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for NVIDIA shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, NVIDIA is a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) in the Semiconductor General industry that ranks in the Bottom 14% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, no analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while 11 analysts have revised their estimates downward. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from $2.03 per share to $1.41 in that period. Given the way analysts feel about NVIDIA right now, this huge implied volatility could mean theres a trade developing. Often times, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected. Looking to Trade Options? Each week, our very own Dave Bartosiak gives his top options trades. Check out his recent live analysis and options trade for the NFLX earnings report completely free. See it here: Bartosiak: Trading Netflix's (NFLX) Earnings with Options or check out the embedded video below for more details: Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Investors are always looking for growth in small-cap stocks like PJSC Russian Aquaculture (MCX:AQUA), with a market cap of RU12b. However, an important fact which most ignore is: how financially healthy is the business? Assessing first and foremost the financial health is essential, as mismanagement of capital can lead to bankruptcies, which occur at a higher rate for small-caps. Here are few basic financial health checks you should consider before taking the plunge. However, since I only look at basic financial figures, I recommend you dig deeper yourself into AQUA here. How does AQUAs operating cash flow stack up against its debt? AQUAs debt levels surged from RU1.4b to RU3.3b over the last 12 months , which accounts for long term debt. With this increase in debt, AQUA currently has RU207m remaining in cash and short-term investments for investing into the business. Moving onto cash from operations, its small level of operating cash flow means calculating cash-to-debt wouldnt be too useful, though these low levels of cash means that operational efficiency is worth a look. For this articles sake, I wont be looking at this today, but you can take a look at some of AQUAs operating efficiency ratios such as ROA here. Does AQUAs liquid assets cover its short-term commitments? At the current liabilities level of RU691m, it seems that the business has been able to meet these obligations given the level of current assets of RU4.2b, with a current ratio of 6.03x. Having said that, a ratio above 3x may be considered excessive by some investors, yet this is not usually a major negative for a company. MISX:AQUA Historical Debt December 27th 18 Can AQUA service its debt comfortably? AQUA is a relatively highly levered company with a debt-to-equity of 89%. This is not uncommon for a small-cap company given that debt tends to be lower-cost and at times, more accessible. We can test if AQUAs debt levels are sustainable by measuring interest payments against earnings of a company. Ideally, earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) should cover net interest by at least three times. For AQUA, the ratio of 7.19x suggests that interest is appropriately covered, which means that lenders may be less hesitant to lend out more funding as AQUAs high interest coverage is seen as responsible and safe practice. Story continues Next Steps: Although AQUAs debt level is towards the higher end of the spectrum, its cash flow coverage seems adequate to meet obligations which means its debt is being efficiently utilised. Since there is also no concerns around AQUAs liquidity needs, this may be its optimal capital structure for the time being. I admit this is a fairly basic analysis for AQUAs financial health. Other important fundamentals need to be considered alongside. You should continue to research PJSC Russian Aquaculture to get a more holistic view of the small-cap by looking at: Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for AQUAs future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for AQUAs outlook. Historical Performance: What has AQUAs returns been like over the past? Go into more detail in the past track record analysis and take a look at the free visual representations of our analysis for more clarity. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Shoppers will have to pay 10p for a carrier bag at all stores across England. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty Images The 5p charge for a carrier bag in England will double to 10p under proposals by environment secretary Michael Gove. The doubled charge will also now apply to all retailers, including small shops. The current 5p levy, introduced in 2015 and aimed at reducing plastic use, only applies to large retailers. Trade bodies representing 40,000 small retailers have already launched a voluntarily approach to a 5p charge, but this is less than one-fifth of Englands estimated 253,000 small and medium-sized businesses. The changes could come into effect in January 2020, with a consultation launched by the government. Mr Gove said: The 5p single-use plastic carrier bag charge has been extremely successful in reducing the amount of plastic we use in our everyday lives. Between us, we have taken over 15 billion plastic bags out of circulation. But we want to do even more to protect our precious planet and todays announcement will accelerate further behaviour change and build on the success of the existing charge. READ MORE: 2019 may be year of improving not moving for housing market Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: We welcome the governments plans to extend carrier bag charging to all shops. This has been shown to be highly effective at reducing waste, whilst also raising money for local, national and environmental charities. Around half of small shops in England already charge for plastic bags voluntarily, with wider support for a mandatory charge. Oceanographer Dr Laura Foster, head of Clean Seas at the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), hoped there would be support for the move. The MCS has been monitoring the impact of the 5p charge since it was introduced in October 2015 and regularly provides evidence for government consultations. READ MORE: What the average house price in London can buy you elsewhere Dr Foster said: We are able to measure the impact of legislation and weve seen that since the introduction of the plastic bag charge in the UK the amount we find on the beaches has gone down. Story continues Thats also been replicated by studies that have been done offshore theyve also seen a reduction in the amount of plastic bags they find. So we do know that legislation can directly impact on the amount we find on our beaches and in our oceans. Meanwhile, schools are also being urged by the government to end the consumption of single-use plastics by 2022. PNM Resources PNM announced that its New Mexico utility subsidiary has implemented an innovative leading-edge technology on its high-voltage transmission lines. A new type of protective relay, developed by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), provides significant enhancements to the reliability and functionality of the PNM grid. The ultimate objective of introducing the new technology in its transmission lines is to strengthen infrastructure and provide better services to customers at a lower cost. The new relays have been implemented on a 345kV transmission line in New Mexico. This system will help in the detection of outage and restoration of power at a faster pace, much to the satisfaction of customers. Courtesy of the above-mentioned factors, the company is still providing electricity to customers at a price that is much lower than the monthly average utility bill in the United States. Long-Term Plans PNM Resources has plans to invest $2.6 billion in the 2018-2022 time frame, reflecting growth of $229 million from the prior investment plan. The aim of the company is to completely remove coal from generation mix by 2031 and replace it with some other cleaner sources. The company is carrying out regular investment to strengthen its existing infrastructure for meeting the increasing customer demand resulting from strong economic growth in its service territories. Use of Technology for Offering Better Services Utility companies are investing regularly to provide safe, clean and reliable services to customers. Additionally, the companies are adopting new technologies to maintain and inspect their expansive infrastructure. Usages of drones are yet to become common among all utility service providers in the United States. However, we have seen Xcel Energy XEL, FirstEnergy Corporation FE and PPL Corporation PPL, among others, to use drones for inspection and proper maintenance of infrastructure. Zacks Rank and Price Movement PNM Resources currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Story continues In the past 12 months, shares of PNM Resources have gained 0.1% against its industrys decline of 3.3%. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report PNM Resources, Inc. (Holding Co.) (PNM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) : Free Stock Analysis Report FirstEnergy Corporation (FE) : Free Stock Analysis Report PPL Corporation (PPL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Bogota (AFP) - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet Colombian President Ivan Duque in the resort city of Cartagena next week, as tensions flare with neighboring Venezuela. Duque and Pompeo will seek to "continue strengthening the bilateral relationship and discuss the crisis provoked by the dictatorship in Venezuela" of President Nicolas Maduro, a statement from the Colombian president's office said Thursday. The US State Department, in its own announcement, said the two would discuss "the regional crisis perpetrated by the disastrous policies of the Maduro regime." The meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday and comes after Duque asked countries "that defend democracy" not to recognize Maduro's new administration, due to be seated on January 10. The socialist leader, who has overseen Venezuela's descent into the worst economic crisis of its history, will start a second mandate after winning an election earlier this year that was branded a fraud by the US, European Union, opposition groups and the Organization of American States. Colombia, a strategic ally of the United States, is leading the regional opposition to Venezuela, with which it has extremely frayed diplomatic ties. The arrival of Russian strategic bombers in Venezuela to participate in military exercises at the start of December sent tensions soaring. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the economic crisis in their country, many into neighboring Colombia. According to the United Nations, 2.3 million people have left since 2015. Maduro, who frequently denounces plots against him, insisted this month that the United States was planning to overthrow him with the help of Colombia's right-wing government and Brazil's far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro. Pompeo is visiting South America for Bolsonaro's inauguration. When President Donald Trump met Lt. Gen. Paul LaCamera, the commander of U.S.-led military forces fighting ISIS during a surprise visit to Iraq on Wednesday, it was the first time the Commander in Chief had spoken directly to a military commander on the ground in a combat zone since taking office nearly two years ago. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made the trip to Al Asad Air Base, a joint U.S.-Iraqi military base west of Baghdad, the day after Christmas. I want to come and pay my respects, most importantly, to the great soldiers, great troopers we have here, Trump told reporters after landing at the base. Trumps visit was colored by his unexpected and controversial decision last week to pull all 2,200 troops from neighboring Syria within 30 days. In announcing the order, Trump declared victory in the war against ISIS, or Islamic State. LaCamera and many of the service members stationed at Al Asad Air Base currently battling ISIS in the region will likely face additional challenges in the fight against the terrorist organization as a result of Trumps unilateral order. During the brief visit to Iraq, Trump and the First Lady met inside a tan domed tent with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman and National Security Advisor John Bolton, as well as LaCamera and other U.S.officials. A scheduled in-person meeting with Iraqs prime minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi was cancelled without explanation. US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump take photos with members of the US military during an unannounced trip to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq on December 26, 2018. After brief remarks to officials and reporters, Trump and the First Lady visited with U.S. troops at a dining facility decorated for Christmas with bells, foil balls and red, green and blue-colored lights. The Trumps made their way through the crowd for about 15 minutes, taking photos and selfies with service members. Trump stopped several times to sign service members red Make America Great Again hats and at one point autographed an embroidered patch that read TRUMP 2020. In explaining his decision to withdraw troops from Syria, Trump told reporters in Iraq on Wednesday that he had repeatedly directed the generals to get out of Syria, but that they asked for multiple six-month extensions. I said, Nope. You cant have any more time. Youve had enough time. Weve knocked them out, he said, referring to ISIS. Weve knocked them silly. Story continues Trump suggested that regional U.S. allies, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, would take up the fight against remnants of ISIS in the U.S.s absence from Syria, describing the ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis as a regional problem. We are in their region, he said of other Middle Eastern nations. They should be sharing the burden of costs and theyre not. Trump relayed his recent conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: In Syria, Erdogan said he wants to knock out ISIS, whatevers left, the remnants of ISIS, Trump said. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they are going to pay for some economic development. Which is great, that means we dont have to pay. The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world, he said. He went on, We dont want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them. They dont pay for it, and theyre going to have to. U.S. generals and advisers have been sharply critical of Trumps decision to pull out of Syria. Some say the order could destabilize the region, increase the likelihood of future terrorist attacks, and result in the Turkish military slaughtering the Kurds, longtime U.S. allies in the fight against ISIS and other terrorist groups in the region. In Iraq, where ISIS once controlled large swaths of territory, U.S. forces have aided Iraqi troops in a protracted and grinding battle against the terrorist group that began under President Barack Obama in 2014. In December 2017, the Iraqi government officially declared victory over ISIS after a ground war that killed thousands of Iraqis, devastated rural towns, obliterated major cities, and destabilized the government in Baghdad. Trump has said repeatedly that ISIS has been defeated. The terrorist group has lost roughly 99% of its territory in Iraq and Syria and is no longer in control of any major city. On Wednesday, Trump downplayed the possibility that a vacuum of U.S. military power in Syria could allow ISIS to rebuild. If we see something happening with ISIS that we dont like, we can hit them so fast and so hard they really wont know what the hell happened, he said, adding that he has no plans to withdraw troops from Iraq. But U.S. military officials say ISIS still poses a significant security threat, both in the region and worldwide. In August, the Pentagon published an inspector generals report that estimated as many as 30,000 ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria. A United Nations report published that same month made a similar assessment. Roughly 5,000 U.S. troops are still deployed to Iraq in a campaign called Operation Last Warning. The U.S.-led military coalition continues a daily battle against the remaining ISIS fighters holed up in a stretch of desert along the Middle Euphrates River Valley, near the Iraq-Syria border. On Tuesday, British Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, one of the top commanders of the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS, reiterated the need to continue to fight ISIS on the ground. ISIS presents a very real threat to the long-term stability in this region and our mission remains the same, the enduring defeat of ISIS, he said in a statement. The U.S. military said Tuesday that coalition warplanes and artillery guns launched airstrikes against ISIS fighters inside Syria between Dec. 16 and 22. The strikes hit ISIS logistics facilities and staging areas and killed several hundred ISIS fighters from the battlefield. Trumps decision to pull all troops from Syria was widely condemned by U.S. generals, leading to the resignations of both Defense Secretary James Mattis, and Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy to the global coalition fighting ISIS. With American forces leaving neighboring Syria, U.S. service members in Iraq will likely take on more responsibility to fight ISIS in the region. A new NATO-led mission in Iraq is also working to develop security institutions and structures within Iraq. Trumps first visit to U.S. troops deployed abroad came during the ongoing government shut-down in Washington, which began last week after the Trump Administration and Congress failed to agree over funding for a wall at the U.S. border with Mexico. Trump told reporters in Iraq that hes willing to allow the government to remain shutdown for whatever it takes. We need a wall. We need safety for our country, he said. The details of Trump and the First Ladys surprise trip to Iraq were embargoed on Tuesday and Wednesday for security reasons until the President had finished giving remarks to troops. In the final hour of their visit in Iraq, Trump and the First Lady addressed more than a hundred service members. Im very proud of you, Melania told the crowd. The President then channelled the familiar energy of one of his campaign rallies. We like to win? Do we like to win? Trump said, his voice rising over the troops prolonged cheers. W.J. Hennigan contributed reporting from Chicago. Paul Secunda. A well-known labor and employment expert has been removed from the classroom at Marquette University Law School amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student. The university removed Paul Secunda from the classroom two weeks before the end of the fall semester, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Thursday. University officials told the Journal that the decision was the result of information developed from an investigation that began last May. They declined to offer more details on the investigation or its origins, and a campus spokeswoman did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. However, Secunda issued a statement to the Journal through his attorney, Jennifer Walther, saying that Marquette is acting to protect itself. I cannot stand by idly in the face of what I believe to be an injustice. I have confidence in the process Marquette and the faculty have established to protect tenured professors in these circumstances, and believe I will clear my name at the end, Secunda said in his statement. Reached Thursday, Walther said she was not at liberty to comment on the situation beyond the statement Secunda issued to the Journal Sentinel. According to the Journal, Secundas case will now be handled through Marquettes Faculty Hearing process. Secunda has taught at Marquette Law since 2008. Prior to that, he was on the faculty at University of Mississippi School of Law and an associate in the labor and employment practice at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. Secunda is just the latest legal academic to come under scrutiny for alleged misconduct with students and staff. Yale Law School is reportedly investigating high-profile professor Jed Rubenfeld for allegedly crossing lines with female students he taught and mentored. Meanwhile, Indiana University is investigating new professor Ian Samuel for possible violations of Title IX, which prohibit gender discrimination and sexual misconduct on campus. And University of Illinois law professor Jay Kesan is on a yearlong leave of absence resulting from an earlier investigation into ongoing inappropriate conduct with female students and fellow faculty members. (The universitys investigation found that Kesans behavior violated the campus code of conduct but did not rise to the level of sexual misconduct. But students called for his dismissal once word of the 2017 investigation went public.) Secunda is a prominent academic and lists employment discrimination law and education law among his areas of expertise. He has chaired three different Association of American Law Schools sections: employee benefits and executive compensation; labor relations and employment law; and employment discrimination law. Moroccos House of Representatives has approved a bill reinstating compulsory military service in the country, after it was abolished in 2006. The aim of the service is to strengthen social cohesion, to ease professional and social integration and to instill a military culture based on discipline, courage, commitment and responsibility. The Moroccan Constitution states that all citizens must contribute to the defense of the homeland and its territorial integrity against any attack or threat. The Government rejected a proposal making military conscription optional for Moroccan women, saying such a proposal is against equality principles set by the Constitution and would be discriminatory. The government also turned down an amendment promising jobs to those enlisted and reducing prison sentences for deserters. However, the government endorsed an amendment affirming that the applicants with disabilities caused during the period spent in the military service camps will be compensated as any other soldiers. Implemented for the first time in Morocco in 1966 and banned in August 2006 through a royal decree, compulsory military service will be reinstated again, twelve years after its abolition. The new measure will target young people aged between 19 and 24 years old, except those who are still studying and others who are physically challenged In his address made last October at the opening of the parliamentary fall session, King Mohammed VI has stressed the importance of military service for the young people, saying the conscription enhances the sense of belonging to the homeland. The Moroccan Sovereign made it clear that the compulsory military service, to enter into force in 2019, will concern all Moroccans without exception and regardless of social background, diploma or education. The draft gives access to training which opens up opportunities for the professional and social integration of qualified conscripts who demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, had said the Monarch. Raytheon Companys RTN Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) business division recently secured a $72.5-million contract for the production of Fire control system (FSC) MK 99 equipment for the Advanced Electronic Guidance and Instrumentation System (Aegis) Weapon System along with other associated engineering services. The deal was awarded by the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC. Work related to the deal will be majorly executed in Andover, MA, while the remaining work will be carried out in Marlborough, MA, and Chesapeake, VA, along with various other locations across the United States. The entire task is expected to get completed by April 2022. A Brief Note on AEGIS and FCS MK 99 Aegis is an integrated missile guidance system used by U.S. Navy and allied ships to shield the fleet against aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. It is also capable of simultaneously launching attacks on land targets, submarines and surface ships. The FCS MK-99 is a major component of the AEGIS Combat System, which controls the loading, arming and launching of the selected weapon, and provides terminal guidance for Anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) missiles. FCS controls the continuous wave illuminating radar with a very high probability of kill. The MK-99 FCS also controls the target illumination for the terminal guidance of Ship Launched SM-2 Anti-Air Missiles. What Favors Raytheon? Increasing geo-political tensions across the globe have prompted nations to strengthen their arsenal with technologically advanced missile defense systems. To this end, Raytheons advanced IDS segment has been clinching pivotal contracts from the United States and overseas customers, owing to its high-end, missile defense systems. Furthermore, Raytheons IDS segment also benefits from providing product modernization requirements, engineering services and other technical assistance for the Aegis Combat System. Notably, the company benefits a great deal from the Aegis systems strong demand worldwide. Price Movement Raytheons stock has lost 20.4% in the past 12 months compared with the industrys decline of 9.6%. The underperformance may have been caused by the tough competition the company faces in the defense market. Story continues Zacks Rank & Other Stocks to Consider Raytheon currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked companies in the same sector are Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings AJRD, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated TDY and The Boeing Company BA. While Aerojet Rocketdyne and Teledyne Technologies sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Boeing carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Aerojet Rocketdyne came up with average positive earnings surprise of 19.27% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 earnings has increased 43.3% to $1.82 in the past 90 days. Teledyne Technologies came up with average positive earnings surprise of 12.92% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 earnings has increased 6% to $8.75 in the past 90 days. Boeing delivered average positive earnings surprise of 28.01% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 earnings has moved up 3% to $15.05 in the past 90 days. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Boeing Company (BA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (AJRD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Raytheon Company (RTN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Ingevity Corporations NGVT stock looks promising at the moment. The chemical makers shares have gained around 13% year to date. If you havent taken advantage of the share-price appreciation yet, the time is right for you to add the stock to portfolio as it looks promising and is poised to carry the momentum ahead. What Makes Ingevity an Attractive Pick? Solid Rank & VGM Score: Ingevity currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of A. Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of A or B combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2, offer the best investment opportunities for investors. Thus, the company appears to be a compelling investment proposition at the moment. An Outperformer: Ingevity has outperformed the industry it belongs to over the past year. The companys shares have gained 12%, as against the roughly 13.9% decline recorded by the industry. Positive Earnings Surprise History: Ingevity has an impressive earnings surprise history, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering a positive average earnings surprise of 19.8%. Upbeat Outlook Ingevity, in October, increased the mid-point and narrowed the range for its 2018 guidance for adjusted EBITDA to $306-$314 million from $302-$314 million. The company reaffirmed its sales guidance of between $1.10 billion and $1.13 billion for the year. Sales growth in the oilfield industry backed by higher U.S. drilling and production is driving revenues and margins in the companys Performance Chemicals division. Ingevity is poised to benefit from an expected rise in activated carbon demand on the back of the anticipated early adoption of Chinas new gasoline emission standards (the China 6 national standard) by some municipalities and regions. The company is also well placed to benefit from its buyout of Georgia-Pacifics pine chemicals business. The acquisition is expected to create net synergies of roughly $11 million through manufacturing optimization, lower logistic costs and leveraged procurement costs. Recently, the company agreed to acquire the Capa caprolactone division of Perstorp Holding AB. The acquisition is likely to be accretive to Ingevitys earnings immediately in the first full year. The Performance Chemicals segment should also benefit from higher adoption of tall oil fatty acid (TOFA)-based products. Healthy TOFA pricing is also providing support to the margins of the division. Strong Earnings Growth Prospects The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 earnings is currently pegged at $3.85, reflecting expected year-over-year growth of 49.2%. The same for 2019 stands at $4.67, indicating 21.5% year-over-year growth. Moreover, earnings are expected to register 73.3% growth in the current quarter. The stock also has a long-term expected earnings per share growth rate of roughly 12%, higher than the industry average of 11.4%. Rising Estimates Earnings estimate revisions have the greatest impact on stock prices. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 for Ingevity has moved up around 2.1% over the past two months, reflecting analysts confidence on the stock. Story continues Ingevity Corporation Price and Consensus Ingevity Corporation Price and Consensus | Ingevity Corporation Quote Other Stocks to Consider Other top-ranked stocks include Verso Corporation VRS, The Mosaic Company MOS and Cameco Corporation CCJ. Verso has an expected earnings growth rate of 570% for the current year and flaunts a Zacks Rank #1. The companys shares have appreciated 32% in the past year. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Mosaic has an expected earnings growth rate of 75.2% for the current year and a Zacks Rank #2. The companys shares have gained 14.7% in the past year. Cameco has an expected earnings growth rate of 66.7% for the current year and a Zacks Rank #2. Its shares have rallied 20.8% in a years time. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ingevity Corporation (NGVT) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Mosaic Company (MOS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Cameco Corporation (CCJ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Verso Corporation (VRS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. In the world of a child, knocking huge icicles hanging from a roof is the most fun game the winter can provide. But to the wallets of a homeowner, knocking huge icicles hanging from a roof can be a costly catastrophe. Many roofing and gutter companies around the country tell clients to leave the icicles hanging and wait for warmer weather, provided they aren't in danger of falling on a dangerous location, like a doorway or driveway. While a damaged gutter can sometimes be covered by insurance, shingles and other roofing materials can also be ripped off, causing bigger issues. Icicles roof A frosty sunset is seen through icicles in Peremilovo village, 65 km (40,6 miles) north of Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Another important precaution to remember is that added weight to any roof can cause extra, unexpected problems. For this reason, it is advised that homeowners never go up on shingled roofs to shovel off snow. "It's not recommended for a typical homeowner to remove icicles because it could cause damage to spouting and roofing," Brian Groover, the owner of Groover Roofing and Siding, told vindy.com. "There's always a risk factor to the house and person (when you knock down icicles.) If there's nothing coming in the house, I'd let Mother Nature run its course, even if you have a massive amount of icicles." However, business owners or homeowners with flat roofs face different factors. According to icedamremovalguys.com, a flat roof covered in snow is more likely to be damaged than a sloped one. "A flat roof is often times more susceptible to collapse than a sloped roof, simply because a sloped roof disperses weight whereas a flat roof cannot," icedamremovalguys.com said. With lighter, fluffier snow, a leaf blower can be a useful tool for blowing the snow off the top of a flat roof. For heavier snow that can't be blown off, a plastic shovel is recommended, as a metal-tipped shovel could easily scrape or damage the roofing material. Story continues While it may be tempting to save a few dollars by doing the snow removal yourself, it is always recommended to hire a professional team. Not only is that the safer option, but professionals have a greater range of more effective tools to use and can remove the snow without risking roof damage. Shoveling snow from roof Swiss police officer shovels snow on a roof top of a hotel, the day before the opening of the 42nd Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 . Davos saw 16 inches (40 centimeters) of fresh snow overnight, with roadside mounds already reaching heights of more than eight feet (about 2.5 meters). (AP Photo/Michel Euler) Different state laws also may dictate what is required with snow or icicle removal and who is responsible or liable for such removal. Most cities and states require property owners to remove snow and ice from properties. In Massachusetts, property owners are required to remove snow and ice from any area where visitors, tenants or the general public might travel frequently. In Maine, a law was passed in the city of Bath that required downtown business owners to remove icicles from buildings at the threat of fines. The city reasoned that the ice chunks could become a hazard if they fell on people or vehicles below. "The ordinance also requires that owners and/or occupants keep the sidewalk safe by removing ice that may form, or treating it with salt/sand so that footing is secure, and seeing that there are no dangerous icicles hanging from their buildings over the sidewalk," the City of Bath said in a reminder statement. "The purpose of the ordinance is to help keep the sidewalks safe and convenient for those using them." For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/ready. It doesnt look like Marcus Stroman heading to San Diego is going to be a thing. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) Theres no need to worry any longer Blue Jays fans: Marcus Stroman isnt going anywhere. Well, hes not going to San Diego. Rumours began to fly last weekend that the Toronto pitcher may be heading to California next season. Based on his reaction on Twitter, the 27-year-old righty was as concerned as most fans were. Kevin Acee, a Padres beat writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune, tweeted a little something on Wednesday night that should put all of that talk to rest, though. Among hundreds of conversations #Padres have had with other teams are ones about deals that would include Corey Kluber and Marcus Stroman. While the Padres could still add a starting pitcher for 2019, it won't be one of those two. Priority is third baseman. Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) December 27, 2018 Talk about a nice late Christmas gift for Toronto lovers of #HDMH. Its likely that trade talks will continue to swirl around Stroman up until the first pitch of the 2019 season. Wherever he plays, hell definitely be looking to improve on the 4-9 record and 5.54 ERA he put up last season. More Blue Jays coverage on Yahoo Sports Like most tobacco companies, it has been a tough year for Philip Morris International PM. This renowned tobacco stock has lost 33.2% on a year-to-date basis compared with the industrys plunge of 37.9%. Matters look grim due to declining cigarette sales volumes stemming from stern government regulations and consumers rising health consciousness. Amid such hurdles, the reduced risk products (RRPs) platform has emerged as the much-needed ray of hope for tobacco companies. In fact, Philip Morris e-cigarettes are performing well in several key markets. Moreover, higher pricing strategies bode well for the company. Lets take a closer look at the companys efforts to stay afloat and see if there are any chances of revival ahead. Impressive Strides in RRPs Space With dim prospects in the cigarette category, Philip Morris is exploring opportunities in e-cigarettes. Notably, the company is pioneering the radical shift from harmful tobacco products to scientific and low-risk alternatives by undertaking investments for research and development. The companys flagship brand IQOS, a heat-not-burn product, is among one of the leading RRPs in the industry. Recently, the company launched additional versions of IQOS in Japan. These next generation devices are backed by substantial scientific insights and research. The company expects such advanced and high-quality products to facilitate adult smokers to switch from traditional cigarettes to less harmful options. Further, to cater to rising demand for such products, Phillip Morris is undertaking plant conversions, transforming them from cigarette to RRPs manufacturing facilities. Also, the companys marketing and technology sharing agreement with Altria MO, which is currently under FDAs review, is likely to enable the companies to tap greater opportunities in this space. We note that e-cigarettes and similar RRPs are viewed as the future products for tobacco companies. However, the FDA is keeping close tab on the manufacturing and marketing policies of RRPs to regulate usage among youths. Other tobacco companies such as British American Tobacco BTI and Vector Group VGR have been expanding their presence in this arena Higher Pricing Aids Growth Apart from declining volumes, rising taxes on cigarettes are also a worry. To counter such limitations, Philip Morris is resorting to higher cigarette pricing. Evidently, higher pricing in the combustible tobacco portfolio drove year-over-year net revenue growth during the second and the third quarters of 2018. Story continues Moreover, the price hikes enable Philip Morris maintain margins at the desired level. As smokers tend to absorb price increases due addiction, this strategy could be of some help in the near term. Can Efforts Shield Against Hurdles We note that Philip Morris cigarette shipment volumes have declined 1.7%, 1.5% and 5.3% during the third, the second and the first quarters of 2018, respectively. Going ahead, management anticipates tobacco industry volumes to decline almost 2.5% in 2018. This is likely to dent the companys overall shipment volumes. In fact, Philip Morris total cigarette and heated tobacco unit shipment volume are expected to drop 2% in 2018. With increasing vigilance on tobacco products, it is hard for Philip Morris to escape from the impacts of deteriorating cigarette sales. Against such backdrop, RRPs have emerged as a game changer and are expected to support the companys growth in some of the key international markets. However, it has yet to be seen if such strategies can help this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company to make a comeback in 2019. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Vector Group Ltd. (VGR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) : Free Stock Analysis Report British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BTI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Altria Group, Inc. (MO) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Every investor in I G Petrochemicals Limited (NSE:IGPL) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. Institutions often own shares in more established companies, while its not unusual to see insiders own a fair bit of smaller companies. Companies that have been privatized tend to have low insider ownership. I G Petrochemicals is not a large company by global standards. It has a market capitalization of 13b, which means it wouldnt have the attention of many institutional investors. In the chart below below, we can see that institutions own shares in the company. Lets delve deeper into each type of owner, to discover more about IGPL. See our latest analysis for I G Petrochemicals NSEI:IGPL Ownership Summary December 26th 18 What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About I G Petrochemicals? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. I G Petrochemicals already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own 13% of the company. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of I G Petrochemicals, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. NSEI:IGPL Income Statement Export December 26th 18 We note that hedge funds dont have a meaningful investment in I G Petrochemicals. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too. Insider Ownership Of I G Petrochemicals The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. Story continues Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. We can see that insiders own shares in I G Petrochemicals Limited. As individuals, the insiders collectively own 618m worth of the 13b company. It is good to see some investment by insiders, but I usually like to see higher insider holdings. It might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying. General Public Ownership The general public holds a 11% stake in IGPL. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Private Company Ownership We can see that Private Companies own 55%, of the shares on issue. Private companies may be related parties. Sometimes insiders have an interest in a public company through a holding in a private company, rather than in their own capacity as an individual. While its hard to draw any broad stroke conclusions, it is worth noting as an area for further research. Public Company Ownership It appears to us that public companies own 13% of IGPL. This may be a strategic interest and the two companies may have related business interests. It could be that they have de-merged. This holding is probably worth investigating further. Next Steps: Its always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand I G Petrochemicals better, we need to consider many other factors. I always like to check for a history of revenue growth. You can too, by accessing this free chart of historic revenue and earnings in this detailed graph. But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Royal Dutch Shell plc RDS.A recently achieved a milestone by commencing production yesterday from its flagship project, Prelude floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility in Australia. However, the timing of first LNG export from Prelude is still uncertain. Notably, the project is a joint venture among Shell, Inpex Corporation, Korea Gas Corporation and Taiwans CPC Corporation, with Shell being the chief operator, owning a 67.5% stake in the project. Prelude, which is the worlds biggest floating gas-export vessel, is likely to further solidify Australias position as the top LNG exporter. Markedly, Australia recently overtook Qatar as the worlds biggest LNG exporter, courtesy of the start-up of various export projects in the past three years, including the Ichthys project that shipped its first cargo in October 2018. Notably, the Prelude project has been grappling with ballooning capital cost due to challenges and delays in the construction of the complex vessel since 2012. Nonetheless, final preparation for the project to come online has been ongoing since June 2018, when Shell introduced gas to the FLNG unit as part of the cooling process. Prelude to Further Bolster Shells LNG Business Prelude will handle the production, liquefaction, storage and transfer of LNG at sea, as well as processing, exporting along with condensation of liquefied petroleum gas. The facility has a production capacity of around 5.3 million tons per annum (mtpa) of liquids, with LNG accounting for 3.6 mtpa or 68% of the total capacity. The $12.5-billion project is expected to generate cash flow from the next year and boost Shells Integrated Gas business. Being a significant project in the portfolio of Shell, Prelude FLNG is a path-breaking facility for the emergence of floating LNG. Notably, it is also the first and the most versatile in the line of projects planned by the company. The facility will enable Shell to unlock new offshore energy sources and provide LNG around the world. As it is, the $50-billion buyout of BG Group has diversified Shells portfolio, making it one of the leading producers of LNG. With LNG demand likely to rise to around 500 million tons per annum by 2030 on the back of strong consumption from Asian importers like China, South Korea and India, Shells position as a major supplier of LNG should help the company meet the fuels growing demand and allow cash flow to grow further. In this regard, the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company made its final investment decision on the LNG Canada project this year. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Shells Green Initiatives to Get Bigger In another update about the company, Shell is reportedly set to double its investments in renewables to $4 billion. Notably, in line with climate change concerns, Shell had earlier announced its decision to invest up to $2 billion per year till 2020 in its New Energies division, which will serve as a hedge for reduced gasoline and diesel fuel demand. The company now intends to further ramp up its clean energy investments (which account for one third of the companys top line) and has thus doubled its maximum annual spending quota in the New Energies division. Shell has been on an acquisition spree of late, having collaborated with IONITY, New Motion, First Utility, Silicon Ranch and Cleantech, as it attempts to diversify its portfolio beyond oil and gas. With renewable energy becoming affordable, the oil conglomerate sees immense potential in developing projects like hydrogen fuel-cells, alternative energies, liquefied natural gas and next-generation biofuels. As the company sharpens focus on renewables and biofuels, Shell has pledged to lower its carbon emissions by 50% over the next five decades. Recently, Shell announced the decision to link remunerations of its executives with targets for carbon reduction initiatives. This step of fixing high-level employees compensations is the first time by any energy company to combat climate change. Amid climate change concerns, other big oil companies like TOTAL SA TOT, Equinor ASA EQNR, BP plc BP, Exxon Mobil Corporation and Chevron Corporation have also started reorienting their strategies to de-carbonize the energy system via increasingly shifting to alternative fuels. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BP p.l.c. (BP) : Free Stock Analysis Report TOTAL S.A. (TOT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A) : Free Stock Analysis Report Statoil ASA (EQNR) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research WASHINGTON Theres much talk about the partial government shutdown. But if you stop by your local Post Office, you can still mail those holiday returns. There could be a problem, though, if you look for a National Park Service ranger at one of the monuments on the National Mall. In the sixth day of the partial shutdown, negotiations over fully funding the federal government are still stalled. Even though the Senate is slated to open for business late Thursday afternoon, no votes are scheduled a sign theres no major movement in the budget talks. The shutdown, which began Saturday, came in the wake of the Senate adjourning without taking up action on a House spending bill that included $5 billion for the controversial border wall pushed by President Donald Trump. Tourists look at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Dec. 22, 2018, as the government continues in a partial shutdown. And while three-fourths of the federal government remains funded (Congress had already approved funding for most other federal agencies), programs at some agencies have been put on hold and some have shuttered their doors. But even the impacted agencies have back-up plans. In all, nine federal departments and smaller agencies have closed their doors, putting more than 380,000 federal workers on furlough and forcing another 420,000 employees to work without pay. The agencies impacted by the shutdown include Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, State, Transportation, and Treasury. A Transportation Security Administration agent screens passengers at O'Hare International Airport, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018, in Chicago. Already crowded airports this week are expected to face weather related delays. Agency leaders said most essential functions, including screening at airports, are still happening, but other activities such as some research and grants will be temporarily shelved. The partial shutdown means all but essential operations in those departments will be closed and some 800,000 federal employees will be furloughed or forced to work without pay until the standoff is resolved. Before the government shutdown, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue outlined a long list of department programs and services that would keep running at least in the short-run until Congress and the White House agree on a funding bill. Story continues Among the activities: meat, poultry, and processed egg inspection services, Forest Service law enforcement, emergency and natural disaster response, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for January, the Child Nutrition Programs, including School Lunch, School Breakfast, Child and Adult Care Feeding and the USDAs Market News Service, which provides market information to the agricultural industry. There may be a lapse in funding for the federal government, but that will not relieve USDA of its responsibilities for safeguarding life and property through the critical services we provide, Perdue said in a statement. He noted that 61 percent of department employees would be exempted or excepted from shutdown activities during the first week of the shutdown. If the shutdown continues, this percentage would decrease, and activities would be reduced as available funding decreases," he said. At the Commerce Department, law enforcement officials will still protect marine fisheries and weather warnings will still be in effect. Most research, however, will be halted along with help to grant recipients. The Justice Department will continue to operate with criminal litigation still being carried out, but some civil cases may be postponed. Federal prisons will also be operating. Congress had already approved spending bills for many federal agencies and departments so they are still running as normal. They include Defense, Education, Veterans Affairs, Energy, Labor, Health and Human Services, Legislative branch and the Bureau of Reclamation. It's not clear when the entire federal government will be back up and running. Rhetoric between lawmakers is still heated. Republicans defend the push for border wall funding, saying its important to protect the nations borders. "Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border," Trump tweeted early Thursday. Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi and the incoming chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, slammed Trump for trying to blackmail Congress to fund the wall. "Congress must not allow him to waste $5 billion in American taxpayer money on this completely unnecessary and wasteful border wall which will not secure the border, Thompson said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shutdown puts some programs on hold, but most government agencies continue running By Chen Aizhu and Florence Tan SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Sinopec <600028.SS> has suspended two top officials at its trading arm Unipec and is evaluating the details related to certain crude oil transactions that have incurred some losses, the Chinese state oil company said on Thursday. Unipec's President Chen Bo, an industry veteran who helped the company become one of the world's largest oil traders, has been suspended along with the senior Communist Party representative at the company, Zhan Qi, Sinopec said in a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange. "The Company was informed that Unipec incurred some losses during certain crude oil transactions due to the oil price drop. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the details of such circumstance," Sinopec said. Reuters earlier reported Chen Bo and Zhan Qi had been suspended after Unipec suffered losses, citing five sources. Neither Chen nor Zhan could immediately be reached for comment. Vice president Chen Gang has been appointed to handle the company's administrative work, Sinopec added in the filing. "The government inspectors were looking into the company's operations for the past few years ... one of the problems they found was the severe trading losses in the second half of this year because of wrong market judgment," one of the sources said. The sources did not refer to any wrongdoing on the part of the two men. Benchmark Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices have fallen by about 40 percent since hitting their highest in four years in October, amid oversupply concerns as major producers ramped up output while the United States unexpectedly issued waivers that allowed countries to continue importing Iranian oil despite sanctions. A sudden widening of WTI's spread with Brent earlier this year also led to hefty losses at major traders. Chen Bo, who rose through the ranks to take on Unipec's top role, started the company's liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading desk. Story continues He also advocated boosting China's crude oil imports from the Americas to help the world's largest oil importing country to diversify its suppliers. Oil traders said Chen's removal could create uncertainty at Unipec. "He's been a key man in the oil trading industry in the past decade," said a veteran oil trader in Asia. Shares in Sinopec <600028.SS> closed at 5.25 yuan ($0.76) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the lowest in two years and down 6.7 percent from Wednesday. "Sinopec's stock has been performing badly in the fourth quarter," said a Beijing-based equity analyst who cannot be named due to local stock exchange rules. The news today caused "a selloff and decline in prices," the analyst added. In October, Sinopec reported that third-quarter net profit fell from the previous quarter, after rising for five consecutive quarters. For the first nine months of 2018, the company reported a loss of 5.47 billion yuan ($794 million) from foreign exchange rate changes and holdings in derivative financial instruments, according to financial reports issued in October. In the first nine months of 2017, the company reported a gain of 1.13 billion yuan. Of the 2018 losses, 4 billion yuan occurred in third quarter, according to Reuters calculations based on the financial reports. Sinopec does not provide a breakdown for revenues at its trading unit. (Reporting by Chen Aizhu and Florence Tan in SINGAPORE, Olga Yagova in MOSCOW, Meng Meng in BEIJING and Meg Shen in Hong Kong; Editing by Richard Pullin, Christian Schmollinger and Mark Potter) Bithumb A South Korean court has acquitted Bithumb from all wrongdoings after the company was accused by one of its clients in a hacking incident that saw the customer lose thousands of dollars, according to a report filed earlier this week, in the Korea Economic Daily. The customer who brought the lawsuit against the exchange was 30-year-old Ahn Park, who alleged his Bithumb account was hacked on November 30, 2017. The customer had claimed Bithumb had allegedly giving hackers the ability to steal his funds, totaling about 400 million Korean won (the equivalent of $355,000). Park claimed that a lack of proper security measures on the Bithumb platform was the reason why the unidentified hacker was able to gain access to his cryptocurrency account and drain it of all the funds in it- save for a few cents. The hacker was able to gain access to Parks crypto account for just a few hours, but that amount of time was enough to use of all Parks cash holdings to purchase Ethereum and then transfer the tokens to separate wallets, owned by the intruder. At the end of the hack, Parks account was left with Ethereum worth just 121 won (11 cents). A point of interest is the fact that the security of the exchange was compromised before Parks incident. In an earlier incident back in July 2017, hackers had gained access to Bithumbs employee records as well as the private information of about 30,000 users. Since the security of the exchange had been compromised before, Park argued that there were some underlying issues with the servers that hadnt been fixed, and these made it easy for the hackers to gain access to his funds. Comparing the Korean exchanges services to that of a financial service, Park insisted Bithumb should be subject to the similar security requirements that apply to such firms. However, Bithumb argued that it wasnt liable for any compensations as it isnt an electronic financier, a financial company or an electronic financial assistant. Eventually, the court sided with the exchange and cleared it of any charges relating to the theft, agreeing with its argument that it is indeed not a financial company. Story continues The judge also ruled that Bithumb had carried out its fiduciary duty by sending him 10 SMS messages notifying him of the transactions that had taken place on his account. He also said that since cryptocurrency is majorly used as a speculative means, it cant be regarded as an electronic means of payment. This ruling sets a dangerous precedent for the foreseeable future, signaling trouble for potential cryptocurrency investors who have concerns over losing their assets and having no legal resort. The post South Korea: Dangerous Precedent Set Court Finds Bithumb Not Financially Responsible for Crypto Exchange Hack appeared first on CCN. (Photo: Shutterstock.com) The decision to conduct an internal investigation is frequently driven by an unexpected event that imposes risk to a company. A shareholder composes a demand letter alleging breaches of fiduciary duty by the board of directors. A whistleblower claims that senior management is overriding internal controls to prevent the disclosure of related-party transactions. An outside auditor uncovers a persistent pattern of prematurely recorded revenues seemingly designed to inflate earnings. A rogue employee engages in misconduct under the pretense of corporate authority. The government contacts the company with precisely crafted requests for informationor, the FBI shows up with a search warrant. Once confronted with these types of unwelcome events, companies need to promptly consider the credibility of the underlying accusations and prudently determine whether an internal investigation is warranted. Internal investigations are traditionally favored when the activity in question may be prevalent or flagrant, or result in substantial financial harm to the company, especially if it raises the possibility of participation or acquiescence by senior officers or directors. This urgency becomes even greater when the conduct at issue is brought to a companys attention by a governmental authority, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or Internal Revenue Service, whether via telephone inquiry or formal subpoena, thus placing it on notice of active and ongoing regulatory scrutiny. Here, a company finds itself at a significant informational disadvantage with no reasonable certainty what documents the government staff has reviewed, with whom they have spoken or what preliminary theories are being developed. It becomes critical under these formidable circumstances for a company to attempt to close the informational gap as quickly as possible. Even when the immediacy and severity of the threat is less evident, there are numerous advantages in conducting an internal investigation. Most obviously, it provides a company with an opportunity to discover the relevant facts, determine whether misconduct occurred, identify possible wrongdoers and detect procedural deficiencies that potentially enabled the wrongdoing. Armed with this information, a company is able to develop and implement well-designed internal controls to prevent the misconduct from reoccurring and avoid the prospect of greater civilor, even criminalliability, had the misconduct continued. An effective internal investigation may also position a company (after careful consideration of any collateral impact) to pursue various forms of credit available to those who self-report quickly and cooperate fully. Among the factors that regulatory agencies consider when granting cooperation credit are whether the company has voluntarily conducted an investigation, stopped the wrongdoing, taken remedial actions, disclosed the misconduct to the appropriate authorities and provided a comprehensive written report supported by relevant documents and witness testimony. In exchange, the regulatory authorities may be convinced to forego any enforcement proceedings or actions or otherwise agree to various forms of legal and financial relief, including reduced charges, waived or decreased penalties and disgorgement, and softened factual findings. Given the potential advantages from a well-conducted internal investigation, it is crucial for a company to avoid missteps at the outset that could undercut the investigations ultimate value. This article focuses on three fundamental questions pertaining to the structure of an investigation that a company must resolve before it commences. Story continues Who Should Oversee an Internal Investigation? It is essential that those tasked with supervising an internal investigation are able to objectively assess the relevant facts and appropriately remediate any significant deficiencies. If the conduct at issue exclusively involves lower level or non-executive personnel, senior management often fill this role. Otherwise, this type of oversight customarily falls within the fiduciary responsibilities of the companys board of directors, subject to any conflicts of interest that may exist. Some conflicts are readily apparent from the start. Directors who are specifically named in the alleged wrongdoing or believed to have been actively involved in the conduct at issue should be excluded from the investigation. Other conflicts may be less obvious, such as pre-existing personal or business relationships between individual directors and persons potentially involved in the alleged misconduct. These relationships should also be vetted to gain assurance that the investigation is overseen only by directors who are disinterested in both fact and appearance. There are additional practicalities that may limit director involvement. Internal investigations routinely require a significant investment of time and flexible availability, which can make it impossible for all directors to participate. There may also be certain directors whose professional backgrounds are better suited to serve in this capacity. As such, many boardsand especially larger onesdecide to create special committees, which are comprised exclusively of disinterested directors. Through formal resolution, these directors are delegated the authority to conduct the investigation (the purpose and scope of which is described in the resolution) and either report their findings and recommendations for board approval or make final determinations on the boards behalf. Should Counsel Assist in an Internal Investigation? When investigations are board-driven, this formal resolution should also authorize the committee to select and retain legal counsel (along with other advisors and consultants), to perform services as it deems appropriate. While the committee may prefer to delay judgment on whether any subject matter experts are required until the investigation unfolds, it is most advisable to include counsel at the beginning. Counsel can offer the Special Committee valuable assistance in preserving potentially relevant materials and developing a strategy to realize the investigations objectives in a comprehensive and efficient manner. In addition, counsel is commonly tasked with performing, at the committees direction, many of the integral aspects of the internal investigation, including document reviews, witness interviews and report drafting. The benefits of involving counsel are not limited to these assigned duties. A Special Committee is confronted with a variety of legal concerns that are inherent to any investigation, such as interpreting the accumulated evidence to determine whether any violations of law transpired, assisting in the development of an action plan to correct any violations, and assessing whether any corporate directors, officers or employees participating in the conduct may require separate legal representation. The inclusion of counsel when conducting the investigation (as opposed to utilizing internal auditors or compliance teams) also allows communications between the committee and counsel to be protectable under the attorney-client privilege. Likewise, the committee would be able to safeguard work generated by counsel throughout the investigation under the work product doctrine. Should Independent Counsel Be Retained for an Internal Investigation? Since investigations are typically expensive and time sensitive, there may be a natural inclination for a Special Committee to rely upon in-house attorneys, who already possess a widespread understanding of the company. And while it is true that internal counsel is a valuable resource to enhance efficiency and cost effectiveness during an investigation, there are practical disadvantages to their active involvement. In-house attorneys are employees of the company and may report to individuals who are (or later become) focal points of the investigation. This dynamic not only places in-house counsel in an awkward situation, but it could also hinder the fact finding mission since employees may be fearful of, and less forthcoming with, someone they view as an extension of management. Perhaps most importantly, government attorneys are pre-disposed to discount the meaningfulness of any conclusions reached. The companys customary outside counsel might also be viewed as an attractive option, as committee members often have confidence and comfort with these attorneys through previous interactions as well as their overall achievements on the companys behalf. Unfortunately, this pre-existing relationship may damage outside counsels perceived objectivity, even when the advice they have provided the company is wholly unconnected to the alleged conduct under investigation. Although outside counsel does not work at the company, they still work for the companyand, integrity notwithstanding, may be viewed by regulators as a biased advocate motivated to preserve the client and the potential for future business. As with the selection of the Special Committee, the specter of a conflict of interest by counsel can undermine the potential benefits of an investigation as much as an actual one. To avoid this potential drawback, it is often preferable to retain counsel that has no material prior relationship with the company, board, management or persons central to the investigation. This degree of independence signifies, in both fact and appearance, that counsel is beholden only to those persons directing the investigationand is dedicated solely to an objective assessment of the accumulated facts. Another advantage is that it allows the Special Committee to retain independent counsel that is uniquely qualified to meet its specific needs. This includes not only vast expertise in conducting internal investigations, but also specialized knowledge of the pertinent area of law and unique skills needed to capably detect and decipher the relevant information. Further, attorneys who have worked for the government agency conducting the investigation (or the agency to which the company reports in the ordinary course of business) will have established credibility with these regulators and can provide an added dimension of insight. In sum, the credibility of an internal investigation hinges on the diligence of the work and the objectivity of those who perform it. Investigations that are guided by senior management or disinterested directors with the learned assistance of independent outside counsel provide an optimal framework to demonstrate the importance a company places on compliance. Under this framework, a company is well positioned to perform a thorough investigation, provide reasoned corrective actions and obtain a more favorable regulatory outcome. Mary Hansenis a partner at Drinker Biddle and co-chair of the firms white-collar defense and corporate investigations practice. She can be contacted at mary.hansen@dbr.com or (215) 988-3317. Stephen G. Stroup serves as counsel at the firm and is a member of thenwhite-collar defense and corporate investigations practice. He can be contacted at stephen.stroup@dbr.com or (215) 988-2547. Over the past 10 years Super Retail Group Limited (ASX:SUL) has been paying dividends to shareholders. The company is currently worth AU$1.3b, and now yields roughly 7.0%. Lets dig deeper into whether Super Retail Group should have a place in your portfolio. Check out our latest analysis for Super Retail Group 5 checks you should use to assess a dividend stock If you are a dividend investor, you should always assess these five key metrics: Is its annual yield among the top 25% of dividend-paying companies? Has it paid dividend every year without dramatically reducing payout in the past? Has dividend per share amount increased over the past? Is its earnings sufficient to payout dividend at the current rate? Will it have the ability to keep paying its dividends going forward? ASX:SUL Historical Dividend Yield December 26th 18 How does Super Retail Group fare? The current trailing twelve-month payout ratio for the stock is 75%, which means that the dividend is covered by earnings. However, going forward, analysts expect SULs payout to fall to 66% of its earnings. Assuming a constant share price, this equates to a dividend yield of 7.8%. However, EPS should increase to A$0.77, meaning that the lower payout ratio does not necessarily implicate a lower dividend payment. When considering the sustainability of dividends, it is also worth checking the cash flow of a company. A business with strong cash flow can sustain a higher divided payout ratio than a company with weak cash flow. If there is one thing that you want to be reliable in your life, its dividend stocks and their constant income stream. SUL has increased its DPS from A$0.13 to A$0.49 in the past 10 years. During this period it has not missed a payment, as one would expect for a company increasing its dividend. This is an impressive feat, which makes SUL a true dividend rockstar. Compared to its peers, Super Retail Group produces a yield of 7.0%, which is high for Specialty Retail stocks. Next Steps: With this in mind, I definitely rank Super Retail Group as a strong dividend stock, and makes it worth further research for anyone who likes steady income generation from their portfolio. Given that this is purely a dividend analysis, you should always research extensively before deciding whether or not a stock is an appropriate investment for you. I always recommend analysing the companys fundamentals and underlying business before making an investment decision. Below, Ive compiled three important aspects you should further research: Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for SULs future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for SULs outlook. Valuation: What is SUL worth today? Even if the stock is a cash cow, its not worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether SUL is currently mispriced by the market. Other Dividend Rockstars: Are there better dividend payers with stronger fundamentals out there? Check out our free list of these great stocks here. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced yesterday on Twitter that Tesla Supercharger coverage "will extend to 100% of Europe next year." Tesla's CEO-influencer Elon Musk has a habit of making major announcements on social media, particularly via Twitter, and yesterday was no different. Musk told his 23.4 million followers yesterday that Tesla EV charging stations will expand to cover all of Europe, "From Ireland to Kiev, from Norway to Turkey." Further down in the thread, he even announced that the station expansion will make its way into Africa in 2020. Yes. Supercharger coverage will extend to 100% of Europe next year. From Ireland to Kiev, from Norway to Turkey. https://t.co/7FQZgLCTVJ Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2018 The original tweet came as a response to one complaining about the lack of stations out in Dublin, Ireland. Since the company announced in November that they're preparing the European release of the Model 3 which will come with ports compatible with the Combined Charging System (CCS), all existing Superchargers on the continent will be upgraded with the fast-charging CCS plugs before the Model 3 makes it to European streets. And given this plan, it's likely that the new Superchargers will come with the CCS already installed. Because this type of tech is so popular throughout the continent, the question of whether or not Tesla will open up these stations to other brands' EVs with compatible ports remains unanswered, though it seems the company has been discussing the matter with other car manufacturers. More than 3,000 patients of an outpatient New Jersey hospital have been warned that they may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. The patients received care at HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook between January and Sept. 7, the New Jersey Department of Health said in a statement. The alert follows unspecified infection control breaches. All of the patients who were potentially exposed to infections have been notified, the department added. The patients had been treated at HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, between January and Sept. 7, 2018. (Photo: Google Maps) Although the risk of infection is low, out of an abundance of caution, HEALTHPLUS and the New Jersey Department of Health recommend patients get blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, spokeswoman Dawn Thomas said in an email obtained by HuffPost. The facility was shut down from Sept. 7 through Sept. 28 following the discovery. Its instruments have all been cleaned and repaired and its infection control and medication dispensing procedures improved. It has also hired new staff and trained them on sterile processing, CBS News reported. As of Wednesday, there are no known illnesses that have resulted from the infection control issues. Anyone affected can call 1-888-507-0578. HealthPlus is paying for affected patients to be tested, Thomas said. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Felipe Gomez Alonzos final days, according to Customs and Border Protection, included patrol station transfers and hospital visits On 24 December, according to Customs and Border Protections timeline, Felipe Gomez Alonzo and his father arrived at the hospital at 11.07pm, where staff were unable to revive the eight-year-old. At 11.48pm Felipe was pronounced dead. Photograph: Bill Wechter/AFP/Getty Images Eight-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzos first week in the US ended up being the last week of his short life. With his father, he had traveled 2,000 miles from his home in Guatemala to reach the US border, where the pair were apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Just 12 minutes before Christmas Day, and after 155 hours in US custody, Felipe died, becoming the second child to die in US custody this month. This is a tragic loss. On behalf of US Customs and Border Protection, our deepest sympathies go out to the family, Kevin McAleenan, the CBP commissioner, said in a statement released late Christmas Day. It is not yet clear what caused Felipes death in the final moments of Christmas Eve. CBP says Felipes father has spoken to the consulate and his wife back in Guatemala after the childs death. Guatemalas government will request a clear investigation and safeguarding due process in this case from the US authorities, a statement from the ministry of foreign affairs said. Felipe whose full name has been released to news agencies by Guatemalan officials as Felipe Gomez Alonzo but who the Texas Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro identified as Felipe Alonzo-Gomez is the second Guatemalan child to die this month in the custody of US immigration officials this month. Jakelin Caal, a seven-year-old girl, was buried on Christmas Day in her hometown of Raxruha, after she fell ill in US custody and died on 8 December. This is a timeline of Felipes final hours, according to details released CBP: Tuesday 18 December 2018 1pm : Felipe and his father are apprehended near the US border just a few miles away from the Paso Del Norte port of entry in El Paso, Texas, along with his father. 4.39pm: Though the distance between where Felipe was stopped and the detention center should only take 15 minutes to travel in a vehicle, he arrives at the center nearly four hours later. Thursday 20 December Story continues 12pm: Two days later, Felipe and his father are transferred to the El Paso border patrol station, where they spend another two days in detention. According to the CBP, agents logged 17 welfare checks with Felipe and his father in this time. Saturday 22 December 11.17pm: Felipe and his father are transferred for a third time in four days to the Alamogordo border patrol station for processing because of capacity levels at the El Paso station, according to the statement. Monday 24 December 9am: A processing agent at the Alamogordo border patrol station notices Felipe is coughing and has glossy eyes. Half an hour later Felipe and his father are transferred to a medical center. The child is exhibiting possible influenza symptoms, the statement reads. 11 .30am: Felipe is checked for strep throat, a bacterial infection. A little more than an hour later, he is diagnosed with a cold and given Tylenol. 1pm: As he is about to be released from medical care, hospital staff notice he has a 103F (39.4C) fever. He is held for continued observation. 2 .50pm: With prescriptions for amoxicillin and Ibuprofen, Felipe and his father are released from hospital and driven back to a temporary holding facility at a Highway 70 checkpoint. They had a hot meal, according to CBP. By 5pm, Felipe took the medicines prescribed. 7pm: Felipe vomits. According to the CBP statement, his father declined medical assistance because Felipe had been feeling better. 10pm: Felipe is nauseous again. Because an EMT is not on duty, agents take father and son back to the hospital. As they make their way there, Felipe vomits again and loses consciousness. 11 .07pm: Felipe and his father arrive at the hospital, where staff are unable to revive the eight-year old. 11:48pm: Felipe is pronounced dead. CBP has now ordered medical checks on every child in its custody, though it declined to release figures for the number of children detained. Squire Patton Boggs has made a double hire from the Royal Bank of Scotland, including the bank's former head of transaction management for real estate and housing finance, Nick Bell. Bell is joining Squires' Leeds office as a partner, and is joined at the firm by RBS colleague Leanne Keyte, a senior director in the real estate finance transaction management team. Bell advises on acquisition finance and cross-border corporate transactions, refinancing and restructurings, with a focus on property investment, development finance and PFI projects. He is a former partner at Lupton Fawcett and Ward Hadaway. Keyte, meanwhile, spent 17 years at RBS, advising on syndicated, development and investment deals. She is joining Squires' London office as a director. Shoosmiths has hired Dechert City corporate partner Simon Briggs to its Milton Keynes office. Briggs has been a partner at Dechert since 2012, having previously been at Dewey & LeBouef's London office. He specialises in public and private M&A as well as joint ventures. Gowling WLG has hired Stephenson Harwood head of environment and planning Ben Stansfield to its City office. Stansfield has advised on a wide range of complex issues such as the development and consenting of renewable energy projects and other infrastructure, environmental permitting and licensing, and international environmental law. Bates Wells Braithwaite has boosted its public and regulatory group with the addition of Pennington Manches professional regulation team. The group is led by partner Nicole Curtis, who advises on regulatory, disciplinary and public law. Consultants Geoffrey Hudson and Katrina Wingfield and associate Neil Wilks will also be making the move alongside Curtis. Bird & Bird has boosted its continental European offering with the hire of two partners. White collar crime partner Jean Tamalet joins the firm's Paris office from his firm Tamalet & Associes, a corporate crime boutique he founded and has run since 2011. He has a particular focus on matters relating to financial offences and criminal liability in France and internationally. The firm has also hired Simmons Amsterdam partner Michiel Wurfbain to its corporate practice. He has experience advising on cross-border M&A, private equity, venture capital matters. Eversheds Sutherland has added a partner to its commercial team in Paris with the hire of Hogan Lovells senior associate Vincent Denoyelle. Denoyelle, who specialises in internet and IT law, joins the firm after eleven years at Hogan Lovells. He is also a former in-house lawyer at London-listed staffing service SThree. Mason Hayes & Curran has appointed Daragh OShea as a partner in the financial services team, reappointing him after a period of time spent working as legal counsel with Black Sea Trade and Development Bank. TLT has hired corporate partner Damien Bechelli as a partner in its Glasgow. Bechelli moves to TLT from DWF, where he had been a partner for 17 years. He specialises in providing corporate and commercial advice to local, national and international clients including PLCs, investment funds, financial intermediaries and owner-managed businesses. The move follows TLT's recent acquisition of Glaswegian real estate firm Leslie Wolfson & Co. Qatars Amir, Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, has pledged to provide every possible support to Sudan as anti-government protests in Sudan entered their second week. The Amir made the pledge during a telephone conversation with the President of Sudan Omar Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir, Sudan official news agency SUNA reported. During the phone call, President al-Bashir briefed the Amir on the developments in Sudan. In this regard, the Amir affirmed Qatars support for Sudan and its readiness to offer help to overcome these conditions, reiterating the importance Qatar grants to Sudans security and stability. For his part, Al-Bashir thanked the Qatari Emir and assured him that the situation in the country is stable, saying the government seeks to address the causes of the current crisis. Since last week, different Sudanese cities across the country witnessed spontaneous demonstrations denouncing the price hikes and demanding removal of the regime of President Omar Al-Bashir. Qatar and its regional rivals have increasingly vied for influence in Sudan and other countries on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Qatar has been one of the few countries where the government of President al-Bashir enjoys relatively warm relations. For years, the rich Arab Gulf state has hosted peace talks between the Sudanese government and Darfur rebel groups. Bashar al-Assad (left) is being slowly welcomed back into the fold by Arab leaders - SANA The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has re-opened its embassy in Syria, taking a major public step towards welcoming Bashar al-Assad back into the fold of Arab leaders after years of estrangement. Syria was suspended from the Arab League shortly after the Syrian war broke out in 2011 and most Arab states closed their embassies in Damascus in protest at Assads violent crackdown against the opposition. However, as it has becoming increasingly clear that Assad is likely to stay in power and prevail over downtrodden rebel forces, Syrias Arab neighbours have begun moving to restore diplomatic ties with the former pariah. The re-opening of the UAEs embassy in Damascus is the most significant public step so far towards Assads rehabilitation in the Arab world. The move is likely to have been coordinated with Saudi Arabia, the UAEs more powerful neighbour and close ally. Syria state media reported that Bahrain may re-open its own embassy in Damascus next week. One complicating factor is the role of Iran, which has strongly supported the Syrian regime throughout the seven-year war but is considered a major enemy by Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab allies. Pictures circulating on social media purportedly showing the (defunct) UAE Embassy in Damascus being renovated ahead of a potential resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries #Syria#UAEpic.twitter.com/5cdwC9nwx6 Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) December 26, 2018 In a statement, the UAE presented the embassy re-opening as a part of an effort to bring Syria back into the orbit of its fellow Arab states as opposed to its Persian Iranian allies. Story continues The UAE said said it was keen to restore relations between the two brotherly countries to their normal course and wanted to enhance the Arab role in supporting Syrias independence and sovereignty. This move will also prevent the dangers of regional interference in Syrian affairs, the UAE foreign ministry said, in a veiled reference to Irans role in Syria. The UAE helped finance some anti-Assad rebels in the early stages of the the war but played a smaller role than Qatar, Saudi Arabia or Turkey. Much of the Gulf funding for rebel groups has now dried up. Jalel Harchaoui, a lecturer in geopolitics at Versailles university, said both the UAE and Egypt had grown sceptical about overthrowing Assad because they saw him as a bulwark against their shared Islamist enemies. As Assads survival in Damascus is now an indisputable fact of life, and as the Wests 2012 bet appears as a miserable failure, the ideological stance of the UAE and Egypt is being largely vindicated. Both states will now lead the campaign consisting in having the rest of the Arab world embrace that reality, he said. Omar Bashir, the president of Sudan, this month became the first Arab leader to travel to Damascus since 2011. His visit was hailed by regime media as sign that Syria was being welcomed back in from the cold. There also appears to be increasing momentum for Syria to be re-admitted into the Arab League. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Egyptian who serves as the Leagues secretary general, said earlier this year that Syrias suspension had been hasty. The next meeting of the Arab League will take place in Tunisia in March. Thursday also saw the first commercial flight from Damascus to Tunisia since 2011. "This trip is the reopening of tourism links between Syria and Tunisia," said Moataz Tarbin, the head of the tourism firm that organised the flight. Syrian state media said earlier this week that Major General Ali Mamlouk, one of Assads top security officials, had visited Cairo to discuss terrorism issues with his Egyptian counterparts. The UAEs charge daffaires at the embassy resumed work on Thursday as the UAEs red, black, and green flag was hoisted for the first time in seven years. Syria regime media showed last-minute construction work to restore the UAEs state seal on the embassys outer wall. The UAE expressed its wish that peace, security and stability would prevail throughout Syria, the foreign ministry said. Damascus (AFP) - The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold. The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war. Nearly seven years later, the Emirati flag was raised again during a ceremony attended by diplomats and journalists. An acting charge d'affaires has already started working, an Emirati statement said, stressing that the UAE was "keen to put relations back on their normal track". It said that the resumption of ties aimed to "support the sovereignty and independence of Syria" and face "the dangers of regional interferences". Rumours of the Emirati embassy reopening had circulated in recent days as renovation work was spotted getting under way at the building. A visit to Damascus by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir earlier this month had been interpreted by some observers as a sign of regional efforts to end Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's diplomatic isolation. A few hours after the UAE's announcement, Bahrain signalled its intention to reopen its embassy in Damascus, which has been closed since March 2012. The Gulf state's foreign ministry said it was "anxious to continue relations" with Syria and wants "to strengthen the Arab role and reactivate it in order to preserve the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and prevent the risk of regional interference in its affairs". - Pariah no more? - Syria was suspended from the Arab League in November 2011, as the death toll was escalating and several regional powers bet on Assad's demise. The conflict has now killed more than 360,000 people. Assad's seat at the helm, which he inherited from his father in 2000, appeared to be hanging by a thread until Russia's 2015 military intervention turned things around. Story continues Government forces and allied militia have since steadily regained significant ground. They now firmly control the Damascus region and several key trade routes in the country. The past few days have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity that looks set to continue until the next summit of the Arab League, due in Tunis in March. "Recent discussions on this issue have not yielded a consensus," Hossam Zaki, the League's deputy secretary general, told reporters in Cairo on Monday. "This does not rule out a possible change of the Arab position in the future," he added. Ali Mamluk, Syria's intelligence chief and a key figure in the Assad regime, travelled to Egypt last week on an official visit. With military operations winding down in several parts of the country and the capital fully secure, Damascus is also working on breaking its physical isolation. - Saudi money - Trade with Jordan resumed in recent weeks after the reopening of a border crossing and Thursday saw the first commercial flight to Tunisia in years. A Cham Wings Airlines jet completed the first flight between the two countries since 2011. "This trip is the reopening of tourism links between Syria and Tunisia," Moataz Tarbin, the head of the tourism firm that organised the flight, told AFP. It is not yet clear if more Arab countries, several of which were accused by Assad of once supporting jihadists and rebels, will follow in the UAE's footsteps. The UAE and Bahrain are two of six Gulf Cooperation Council nations that took a tough stance on Damascus in 2012 and eventually recognised an opposition umbrella group as the representative of Syria. Warming up to Assad is seen by some regional powers as a way of luring Syria away from the exclusive regional influence of Iran. "An Arab role in Syria has become even more necessary to face the regional expansionism of Iran and Turkey," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter. Tehran has been a staunch supporter of Assad's government and has expanded its military footprint in Syria throughout the course of the conflict. Last week's announcement by the White House that US troops would be pulled out also cleared the path for Turkey to muscle in on Kurdish areas in northeastern Syria. US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional arch foe, had agreed to finance Syria's huge reconstruction needs. "Saudi Arabia has now agreed to spend the necessary money needed to help rebuild Syria, instead of the United States," Trump said on social media. Manila (AFP) - The United States has warned its citizens that security at the Philippines's main airport does not meet international standards, urging travellers to exercise "increased caution". The US Department of Homeland Security issued a travel advisory on Wednesday saying security at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport was not "consistent" with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. "Exercise increased caution when traveling to or from Ninoy Aquino International Airport," the US embassy in Manila said on its website citing the advisory. The advisory was based on an assessment by security experts from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the US homeland security department said without specifying the findings. Once derided as the world's worst airport due to leaking toilets and creaking facilities, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary gateway to the Southeast Asian nation. A statement on the US homeland security department website said that the agency had directed airlines issuing tickets for travel between the two nations to notify passengers of the assessment. It added that TSA representatives have been working with the Philippine government "assist airport and transportation authorities in bringing (the Manila airport) up to international security standards". Manila International Airport general manager Ed Monreal said on Thursday the Philippines would adhere to international aviation security standards. "All points raised by the transportation security administration TSA auditors have either been addressed or are in the process of being addressed," Monreal told reporters, adding that Manila airport was "very, very safe". Monreal said TSA auditors were in the Philippines in September and had observed that the Manila airport had some gates with faulty locks while security checkpoints were inconsistent. Story continues He added the Philippines had hired additional guards and would procure x-ray machines to comply with the TSA recommendations. The Manila airport topped the list of worst airports on the travel website "The Guide to Sleeping in Airports" from 2011-2013, causing the government to make major renovations. The airport is notorious for flight delays and its security personnel had faced allegations of extorting money from passengers. In 2013, a gunman opened fire outside the airport, killing four people including a town mayor. Lawmakers then criticised the lack of functioning CCTV cameras in the area. Photo credit: Covert Shores From Popular Mechanics The K-2 submarine, designed as the Soviet Unions next generation heavy submarine, would have combined many of these technologies into a weapon worthy of a James Bond villain. From V-2 rockets to tank-carrying midget submarines, the super sub could have done it all. Although the K-2 class was never built, it remains a window into the triumphant visions of the Soviet Union and Stalin itself in the aftermath of the most destructive war in history. In the aftermath of World War II, both the U.S. and the Soviet Union raced to recover Germany technology in a variety of military fields, including submarines and rocketry. The American effort, known as Project Paperclip, followed the Allied forces on the Western Front as they swept into France, the Low Countries, and eventually Germany itself, capturing technical documents, working equipment, and even the scientists and engineers that worked on these secret projects. In an article on his Covert Shores website, submarine expert HI Sutton explains the Soviet effort to use many of these captured technologies to build a super submarine. Photo credit: HI Sutton/Covert Shores In 1949, Soviet designers proposed a submarine that incorporated a number of these technologies. The sub, known as K-2, would be 367 feet long, 41 feet wide, and displace approximately 5,360 tons, making it easily ten times larger than wartime submarines constructed just four years before. K-2 had a crew of 100, a maximum operating depth of 656 feet, and a maximum speed of 17 knots underwater. The K-2 itself, Sutton explained to Popular Mechanics, was heavily influenced by the revolutionary German Type-XXI U-boat of World War II. The Type XXI was the most advanced submarine fielded by any country during the war, and details of the submarine had fallen into Soviet hands. K-2 was also armed to the teeth, almost comically so. The submarine was massive for the time, Sutton says, with sixteen torpedo tubes in three separate torpedo rooms (two forward, one aft), all with reloads. This compared to ten on U.S. Navy fleet submarines of this time, and just four on later U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines. Story continues Each fired ET-46 torpedoes. It also featured two pairs of anti-aircraft guns, both 57-millimeter and 25-millimeter, for fending off sub-hunting aircraft. All of this was pretty standard for submarines of the late 1940s. Photo credit: Fox Photos - Getty Images Amazingly, the torpedoes and guns were actually K-2s secondary armament. Primary armament consisted of no less than 12 R-1 (NATO code name: SS-1 SCUNNER) ballistic rockets, copies of the German V-2 rocket , in a large payload bay. Alternately, the payload bay could accommodate up to 41 10X (SWALLOW) cruise missiles, copies of the German V-1 cruise missile . Alternately, for a completely different role it could nine midget submarines, each carrying tanks for amphibious invasions. P2 was the height of ambition of Stalin's navy, Sutton explained. It combined the latest submarine design learnings from World War II with the latest missiles. Until the Soviets captured Nazi German technologies at the end of World War Two, they did not have access to such advanced missile concepts. Photo credit: Keystone-France - Getty Images Why would Russia build a submarine suitable for wildly different goals as bombarding countries with rockets and cruise missiles versus landing amphibious forces? The ability to depot tank-carrying midget submarines shows the confused state of Soviet requirements," says Sutton. "Transport submarines and use of submarines firing amphibious operations was seriously considered on both sides of the iron curtain, but mixing amphibious transport and missile strike capabilities in a single submarine is difficult to explain. One possible explanation for the do it all super sub: Stalin himself. The Soviet leader, like Adolf Hitler, had a tendency to meddle in military decision making, and his megalomania could have persuaded him to pursue such an idea. Alternately, the Soviet Navy could have pitched the submarine as a wonder weapon to help ensure it was funded. The more useful a weapon is in a variety of roles the more likely it will stand out as worthy of state funding. Photo credit: DEA PICTURE LIBRARY - Getty Images But for whatever the reason, the K-2 was never built. Russia later built separate ballistic missile submarines and cruise missile submarines," Sutton told PM. "No amphibious transport submarines were ever built. Soviet progress in missile submarines wisely went a more incremental route, leading to monsters such as the Typhoon and Oscar classes in the 1980s-submarines that were several times bigger than K-2. Source: Covert Shores ('You Might Also Like',) Shares of Verisk Analytics, Inc. VRSK have gained 12.2% on a year-to-date basis against 5.5% decline of the industry it belongs to and 12.3% decline of the Zacks S&P 500 composite. Catalysts Behind the Upside Solid Organic Growth Verisk continues to witness organic revenue growth driven by increase in new customers for existing solutions, cross-sale of its existing solutions to current customers and the sale of new solutions. In the first nine months of 2018, total revenues grew 7% organically and 6.3% on an organic constant-currency basis. This marks an improvement from 2017 when total revenues grew 4.5% organically and 5.3% on an organic constant currency basis. Acquisitions Boosting Service Offerings Acquisitions have been one of the key growth catalysts for Verisk. The company has been continuously acquiring and investing in companies globally to expand its data and analytics capabilities across industries. On Dec 3, Verisk inked a deal to acquire business intelligence and software solutions provider for the London insurance market, Rulebook for $87 million. We believe that the buyout will boost the companys Insurance segment, be accretive its adjusted EPS in 2019 and generate an attractive return in excess of the company's cost of capital. Verisk acquired three other companies in 2018 Validus-IVC Limited on Jun 20, Business Insight Limited on Feb 21 and Marketview Limited on Jan 5. While the buyout of Validus will help improve and automate the claims settlement process, the other two acquisitions will help Verisk in its predictive analytics and consumer spending analytics decision making.The company completed 21 acquisitions from 2015-2017. Data Analytics Suite Verisks expertise in providing predictive data analytics decision by using advanced technologies to collect and interpret different types of data sets is impressive. The company mainly uses advanced technologies such as latest remote sensing and machine learning along with cloud computing. The majority of the technologies used by Verisk are developed, maintained and supported by almost 20% of its employees. Its efforts to stay technologically updated to meet varying client demands and its technical prowess in analytics and Big Data provide Verisk an edge over its competitors. Story continues Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Verisk currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Some better-ranked stocks in the broader Zacks Business Services sector are Interpublic IPG, Automatic Data Processing ADP and Navigant Consulting NCI, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Long-term expected EPS (three to five years) growth rates for Interpublic, Automatic Data Processing and Navigant are 7.4%, 12.5% and 13.5%, respectively. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (The) (IPG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NCI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Here are the companies the Yahoo Finance team is watching for you today. A big deal for Visa (V). The credit card processor is paying $250 million to buy Earthport. The British company helps process international transactions for banks and businesses. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) is paying $135 million, to settle federal claims over how it handled ADRs. The SEC said JPM improperly provided depositary receipts for some foreign shares, which it didn't have in its custody, and that inflated the number of tradeable shares. JPMorgan said it voluntarily ended the practice years ago which was once common in the industry. Our parent company, Verizon (VZ), is warning Fios customers that Disney's ESPN and other channels could go dark on New Year's Eve. The two companies are stuck in a dispute over a new carriage agreement. Verizon said Disney (DIS) is asking for hundreds of millions of dollars and demanding Fios carry the ACC network. Disney said they remain optimistic they'll reach a deal. Tesla's (TSLA) network of superchargers is getting larger. Elon Musk revealed the network will cover all of Europe next year. In fact, he said it would stretch from Ireland to Kiev, from Norway to Turkey." No word yet on how much that would cost or whether they plan to share charging stations with other automakers. Some big changes are coming to Chinese shopping giant JD.com. (JD). The Wall Street Journal said the company is restructuring its JD Mall into three business units. This as it tries to calm investors, amid a recent stock plunge. It also plans to repurchase about a billion dollars worth of shares. Turtles left stranded inland near Tanjung Lesung Beach after a tsunami hit the western coast of Java, Indonesia, on December 22, were returned to the sea by authorities and animal welfare volunteers between December 23 and 26. Pramuka Sahabat Satwa, an Indonesian animal welfare organization, told Storyful that they found 21 turtles washed ashore about a kilometer inland from the nearest beach, and were able to return 18 of them to the sea alive. The group said that they were unable to save the largest turtle and that a blacktip shark was also found washed ashore. This footage shows the rescue of a number of the turtles by Indonesian government and volunteer groups. The dead blacktip shark and one of the dead turtles can be seen towards the end of the video. Credit: Pramuka Sahabat Satwa via Storyful A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of two young children in Margate, Kent Police said. At around 3.35am on Thursday police were called to a property in Castle Drive, Margate, after receiving a call for concern for the welfare of the occupants. The South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended and two young children were taken to hospital, where they were later declared deceased. On Thursday afternoon Kent Police remained at the scene. A force spokesperson said a 37-year-old woman from Margate has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The woman was involved in a road traffic collision on the A299 Thanet Way at around 2.50am and was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police said she was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK French investigative magistrates have dropped charges against nine Rwandan officials investigated over the death of the countrys president in 1998. French judges have dropped the long-running investigation into the shooting down of a plane carrying the former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana. A judge accused Tutsi rebels, led by the current president, Paul Kagame, of the attack; arrest warrants were issued for a number of people close to him. A French prosecutor had recommended in October that the charges should be dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Rwanda said on Dec. 24 that it welcomed the definitive end of what it called a politically motivated investigation. Rwandan-French relations have been strained in recent years over Rwandas accusations of French complicity in the 1994 genocide. France has had no ambassador in Rwanda since the diplomatic tensions peaked in 2015. Rwanda released a report last year accusing France of complicity in the genocide that killed 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus. France has previously admitted making mistakes but never apologized for its role. French President Macron said he would not appoint a French ambassador to Rwanda for now, calling it too early. But he said France was working to declassify key archives of the genocide, and that French and Rwandan researchers would work together in documenting a collective memory of the killings. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL December 27, 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: Twitter, Inc. TWTR, TripAdvisor, Inc. TRIP, Costco Wholesale Corp. COST and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. CMG. Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog: 4 Stocks That Made the Biggest Comebacks in 2018 Stocks have more or less gained in 2018, courtesy of tax reforms, a stronger economy and confident consumers. However, things havent been looking up for investors over the past few months. Trade-related issues between the United States and China and a slowdown in the housing market have pushed Wall Street into a bear market, with major indexes remaining in the red for the year. Things have, in fact, gone from bad to worse as the Trump administration continues to blame the Fed for raising rates too fast, with Trump openly criticizing its chairman, Jerome Powell. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchins phone calls to major banks to assess their financial health are doing no good either. Thanks to the odds, companies like Facebook have lost considerably. General Electric is another company that took beating due to weakness in its power division and major mistakes by former CEO Jeff Immelt. While Facebook is down nearly 32% so far this, General Electric has tanked more than 60% on a year-to-date basis. But, there are certain companies that have made rather surprising turnarounds and have defied the downside in the broader market. Let us take a look Twitter After several disappointments, Twitter, Inc. a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company has finally emerged as a profit making company. Year to date, the global platform where any user can create a Tweet is up 10.2%, in contrast to the Internet - Softwares decline of 8.7%. Story continues Even though its monthly user numbers have declined, the daily user growth continues to remain solid, up double digits. This, undoubtedly, shows that involvement with the social media site is gradually increasing. Twitters revenues continue to grow and the company has seen four straight quarters of GAAP profits. Trumps use of the platform to connect to the broader public and an active news scenario is surely working in favor of Twitter. The company has taken enough measures to negate abuses on the platform, something that bodes well for users. TripAdvisor TripAdvisor, Inc. a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company seems to have left a bad spell behind. Lest we forget, a failed launch of its Instant Booking platform and lowered monetization rates from mobile instead of desktops have wiped off almost 75% of its stock price. Now, the travel-recommended engines focus on restaurants and other sorts of amusements other than its core hotel segment has worked wonders. Trimmed marketing and advertising expenses have also helped the company double it profits in the most recent quarter. The stock has outperformed the broader Internet - Commerce industry so far this year (+49.8% vs -13.9%). Costco At the beginning of 2018, talk of the retail apocalypse was pretty common with many traditional retailers shutting down thousands of stores. Retail heavyweights like Costco Wholesale Corp. a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company werent spared either. But, by the end of this year, Costco has come up with the best comps and traffic growth in a decade, helping the stock make a stellar comeback. This can be attributed to record Black Friday sales. Mastercard reported total Black Friday spend (online and offline) of $23 billion, up nearly 9% from last year. It projected a 5% rise in holiday sales from November 1 through Christmas Eve this year from last year. Costco just ended a fiscal year with a 7.4% rise in U.S. comps. The stock has outperformed the broader Retail - Discount Stores industry so far this year (+2.1% vs -0.2%). Chipotle Mexican Grill Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. a Zacks Rank #3 company was looking forward to put a rough two-year patch behind while entering 2018. The company that serves a focused menu of burritos, tacos, and burrito bowls and salads was hopeful that the new CEO Brian Niccol will be able to put memories of the E. coli crisis on the back burner, restoring investor confidence. And Niccol definitely didnt disappoint. He brought in a flurry of new executives, moved the head office to his hometown, launched an ad campaign focusing on real ingredients and in the process helped Chipotle Mexican Grill post double-digit comparable-store sales growth so far this year. The stock has outperformed the broader Retail - Restaurants industry on a year-to-date basis (+33.5% vs -1.1%). In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 top tickers to buy and hold for the entirety of 2019? These 10 are painstakingly handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. They are our primary picks poised to outperform in the year ahead. Be among the first to see the new Zacks Top 10 Stocks >> Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report TripAdvisor, Inc. (TRIP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Twitter, Inc. (TWTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) : Free Stock Analysis Report Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research For Immediate Release Chicago, IL December 27, 2018 Zacks Market Edge is a podcast hosted weekly by cks Stock Strategist Tracey Ryniec. Every week, Tracey will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds and ETFs and how it impacts your life. To listen to the podcast, click here: Stock Investors: How to Prepare for a Recession in 2019? Welcome to Episode #160 of the Zacks Market Edge Podcast. Every week, host and Zacks stock strategist, Tracey Ryniec, will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds and ETFs and how it impacts your life. In this episode, Tracey is joined by Zacks Chief Equity Strategist John Blank to discuss the outlook for 2019. In past episodes, the two have discussed whether or not a recession was coming in the following year. Starting in 2016, there were many predictions of an impending recession, none of which have panned out. Remember, the technical definition of a recession is two or more quarters in a row of negative GDP growth. Will 2019 finally be the year that a recession happens? And if so, what do you want to be invested in? From Reflation to Financial Deflation Since the Great Recession, the worlds central banks have gone to great pains to reflate the global economy but we could be approaching an era of deflation, as the banks withdraw their support. What stocks do you want to be in when borrowing becomes more expensive? The high growth stocks that often dont have earnings might not be the place. https://www.zacks.com/registration/pfp/?ALERT=ZR_LINK&adid=PR_3_BB&d_alert=rd_final_rank&t=mu Look for blue chips with share buyback programs, dividends and solid cash flows like Micron MU and Qualcomm QCOM. What about FAANG? Some of the FAANG stocks pay a dividend and are doing share buybacks like Apple AAPL but others like Amazon AMZN arent doing either and still have big spending budgets. Other growth names are also devoid of shareholder friendly programs such as Twitter TWTR. Story continues Will value return to the spotlight as investors seek out security and fundamentals? Is growths dominance coming to an end? Find out the answer to all of these questions and more on this weeks final 2018 podcast. Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates. Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com/performance Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Twitter, Inc. (TWTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Apple Inc. (AAPL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Solar makes sense. Its cost efficient, its eco-friendly and has no carbon footprint, electricity is generated in the same grid where it is consumed, and the price of installing panels on residential rooftops is a fraction of what it cost just ten years ago, even after Donald Trumps prohibitive tariffs slapped on imported solar panels earlier this year. So why hasnt it taken off? According to opinion polls the majority of homeowners in the United States like the idea of rooftop solar and love the idea of seeing their electricity bills drop. And indeed, in 2017 overall rooftop solar gigawatts of capacity were almost ten times higher in 2017 than they were in 2010, with more than 2 million US homes now sporting solar panels. However, despite these considerable gains, residential rooftop solar panels still account for less than 1 percent of the United States total electricity, and growth has slowed considerably in recent years, with volumes actually dropping by 15 percent in 2017. While volatility is nothing new for the solar industry, the peaks and valleys of recent years are particularly marked thanks for unpredictable regulation and the inconsistent if not erratic business models of solar energy firms. In some cases regulation has been extremely friendly to solar. Just this month the California Building Standards Commission gave final approval to a mandate requiring new homes to include rooftop solar panels starting in 2020, which will provide a big uptick in demand. This is on top of sizable subsidies, just one of which is a 30 percent federal tax credit. Related: The Biggest Oilmen Of 2018 These generous subsidies, however, are a big part of what makes demand for solar panels so variable. This year the solar industry was confronted with the unpredictable spectre of tax reform and considerable uncertainty of how it would impact the solar sector on the whole. This is compounded by the fact that solar regulations vary greatly state by state, not to mention that the fact that sunlight itself is not a constant. Solar panels may be cleaner, greener, and cheaper than almost all of the alternatives, but not everyone is happy with that. As homeowners are able to create their own energy and even their excess, the very same diminishing electricity bills they are celebrating are being lamented by the power companies that used to provide that energy for them. Big power companies are losing out on profits thanks to rooftop solar panels, but still bearing the costly burden of maintaining the power grids. However, if these power companies then raise their rates in an effort to make up for the money lost to solar, they will be punishing those without solar panels, therefore pushing more of their customer base away from traditional power and toward installing solar panels themselves, a classic catch-22. Related: ExxonMobil Faces Off With Venezuelas Navy In addition to rankling traditional power companies, rooftop solar incentives and mandates like Californias are not universally popular among energy economists either. To be clear, everyone is in agreement that this will help California make good on its extremely lofty goal of dropping their carbon footprint for energy usage to zero by 2045. Homes built under the new mandate will use approximately 53 percent less energy than homes built under the 2016 standard, and could cut the states greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 700,000 metric tons over the next three years, according to projections made by the CEC. This is all good news, but it will not be cheap, and its still not enough. 700,000 metric tons is less than 1 percent of the Golden States annual emissions. Furthermore, other green ventures like building more solar and wind farms would be more cost efficient--up to three times cheaper if done correctly and developed in ideal locations--and just as effective. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: OPEC has come through some turbulent times in the last few years as oil prices fell to decade lows. It has implemented production cuts, has rallied Russia to climb onboard the production cut train, has weathered the rise of US shale to never-before-seen highs, has extended those production cuts, has lifted production to quell a nervous market post-Iranian sanctions, and then has managed to pull a rabbit out of a hat by agreeing to yet another production cutand OPEC is not finished yet. As we approach the new year, the 15-member-strong OPEC is facing another set of challenges. Here are some of the challenges they will face in 2019: Manuel Quevedo: OPECs leadership is crucial to its success. It operates under a rotating presidency, and for 2019, that honor is bestowed upon none other than Venezuelas Manuel Quevedo. Manuel Quevedo has zero oil industry experience, taking over Venezuelas crisis-stricken PDVSA and oil minister of the nation (which is pretty much the same thing). Instead, Quevedos experience is with the military, serving as National Guard major general prior to his position as insta-oil czar in a country that is falling apart at the seams. Quevedo was appointed in late 2017 to right the wrong ship that is PDVSAand was given extra powerslets call it a special dispensationto create, annul or modify deals involving PDVSA its subsidiaries. His reign dispensed with nearly 70 PDVSA executives in a massive anti-corruption sweep that some have labeled a mere power grab, despite Maduros insistence to the contrary. Quevedo has been, so far, unable to right the ship, with Venezuelas oil production and oil revenues falling at unprecedented rates, even when oil prices rallied mid-year. Quevedo has instead instilled fear into PDVSA workers and has implemented some policies that some argue have brought PDVSA closer tonot further fromthe brink of ruin. A Maduro loyalist through and through, Quevedo will now take over not only PDVSA and Venezuelas oil industry, but will assume the rotating presidency of the most influential oil industry body in the world. But his lack of experience is only part of the trouble. OPEC has been the target of Tweets by US President Donald Trumpadd to that President Trumps vehement opposition to Madurothe subject of US sanctionsand OPEC may find itself even more of a target. The worst thing for OPEC would be for Venezuelas tenuous relationship with Washington to mar OPECs already tenuous relationship with Washington. Related: UBS: Expect $80 Brent Next Year Quevedo is also strongly backing El Petroits alleged oil-backed cryptocurrencyand has supposedly been invited by OPEC to speak about the rise of El Petro sometime in 2019. NOPEC: Another hurdle OPEC faces in 2019 is the proposed US legislation that would allow legal claims against OPEC for manipulating oil prices, called the No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act (NOPEC) In mid-2018, OPEC advised its members to stop referring to oil prices specifically, instead urging them to use phrases such as balanced market and the like. OPECs preemptive strike speaks to the plausibility that this legislation could be passed, as President Donald Trumps strained relationship with OPEC plays out on Twitter and in the legislative branch. Qatar walked out of OPEC just one month ago, potentially distancing itself from this legislation that if passed, would open up a whole can of legal issues for the cartel as it would end anti-trust laws, revoking the sovereign immunity that until now has protected OPEC members from legal actions regarding price fixing. Libya: Libya managed to secure an exemption from the OPEC production cuts that will go into effect on January 1, 2019, allegedly due to its unstable oil production that ebbs and flows as infighting continues to batter its oil industry like a plague. But this exemption, and its chronic outages of its largest oilfield, Sharara, poses a challenge to OPEC, who is struggling to balance production with demand. As Libyas production increases and decreases, OPEC has difficulty responding immediately to offset the ebbs and flows, and no single country has been fingeredat least not to our knowledgeto increase or decrease production to offset Libyas production. The unknowns with Libya create an unknown for all of OPEC. Russia, et al: The non-OPEC signees of the deal to cut production expose OPEC to a greater risk. OPEC needs heavyweight Russia on board with the production cuts. Russia has agreed to cut production, along with several other lesser non-OPEC producers. But it has also said that it will be a gradual production cut, beginning in January but not reaching full cut volumes until March. Here, Russia holds some sway, exacerbated by its cozy relationship with Venezuela and major general Quevedo, who has been the recipient of substantial loans courtesy of Russias generosity. OPEC has recruited Russia out of necessity, and being in bed with Russia exposes OPEC to greater risks. Should Russia renege on the deal with OPEC, the production cut agreement would be largely toothless. Related: Canadas LNG Dream Just Turned Into A Nightmare Speculators: Oil prices still respond to OPEC chatter, leaked information, statements to the press, and monthly production figures that either show OPECs success in hitting professed production targets. But the latter half of 2018 saw the beginning of a partial immunity to such news, and as the oil market continues its recently acquired anxiety disorder, 2019 is unlikely to look much different. What OPEC could previously achieve with a mere promise to curb production (or increase production), will now be met with increasing apathyshow, dont tell will be the new norm for the oil market as traders work against OPEC, albeit unconsciously. US Shale: The United States shale industry has been a thorn in OPECs side since the cartels initial pump oil until we crush them policy rolled out prior to its first round of production cuts in 2017. The rise of US shale will continue to be so throughout 2019 as production increases continue unabated. Unlike OPEC members, US shale producers are only inhibited by price, and even that has proven to be a nondeterrent to increasing production. For every barrel that OPEC doesnt produce, oil producers in the United States will happily export in its stead. The United States entry as top dog when it comes to oil production at 11.7 million bpd toward the end of 2018 has taken much wind out of OPECs sails, making it more difficult for OPEC to manipulate the market. This will continue throughout 2019. OPEC will have an uphill battle in 2019, but its influence as a cartel should not be dismissed entirely. The oil market in 2019 will be largely affected by OPECjust not single-handedly by OPEC as other major players rise to sway the market as well. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: OPEC and Russia-led non-OPEC oil producers are highly unlikely to create some kind of a formal joint organization for managing the oil market, due to the additional bureaucracy and to the risk of falling prey to a proposed U.S. legislation that could open the cartel and allies to antitrust lawsuits, Russias Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday. Although Russia and OPEC have been touting in the past the idea of institutionalizing their cooperation in the oil market by forming some kind of organization, Novak said the idea had now been discarded. There is a consensus that there will be no such organisation. Thats because it requires additional bureaucratic brouhaha in relation to financing, cartel, with the U.S. side, Reuters quoted Novak as saying at a briefing with reporters. Its not only Russia that has been concerned with the possibility that the U.S. could pass this time around the so-called No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) Act that could pave the way to antitrust lawsuits in the U.S. against the cartel and its national oil companies. According to analysts, the NOPEC Act has been a big concern for OPEC members lately. Forms of antitrust legislation aimed at OPEC were discussed at various times under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, but they both threatened to veto such legislation. President Donald Trump, however, has been openly critical of OPECs market-management efforts over the past year. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Russias Novak said I think, non-OPEC (countries) will not agree as they dont want to be hit by sanctions. Related: Looking Back On A Wild Year For Oil Prices Yet, Novak insists that Russias cooperation with OPEC and its largest producer Saudi Arabia will continue, one way or another, even without a formal institution or organization. Referring to the cooperation with OPEC, the Russian energy minister said that This wont be an organisation, this is some mechanism of cooperation: to convene, to discuss, adopt some memorandums, joint resolutions. Commenting on oil prices, Novak said today that the unpredictability of the U.S. Administration, as well as protectionism and trade wars, have contributed a lot to the oil market volatility over the past two years. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: For much of 2018, the internal situation of Russias oil market was remarkably peaceful no hostile takeovers and no overt antagonization. To a significant degree, this was the result of U.S./EU sanctions which have indiscriminately left all major oil companies in a somewhat constrained position. This meant they would cooperate much more willingly against external pressure rather than bickering amongst themselves. Yet events unfolding in the past few weeks point to the possibility of a clash between ministerial offices in lengthy judicial battles. Rosneft is, as usual, involved in these developments, while Transneft is on the other side of the court. First lets analyze the two companies involved. Both are under the control of the Russian government albeit to a different extent (the Russian state owns 78.55 percent of Transneft and 50 percent + 1 share of Rosneft). Both are controlled by people quite close to the Russian President Vladimir Putin, therefore, at least in principle, should count as equidistant to political decision-making authorities. Yet the similarities pretty much end there Transnefts actions are controlled and dictated by the Anti-Monopoly Service, whilst Rosneft can act freely, be it in cases of investing in a new endeavor or crashing the Russian ruble with one of its currency machinations. Controlling 46 of Russian crude production (as of December 2018), Rosneft is by far the most newsworthy Russian company, to put it mildly. The first official shot in the Rosneft-Transneft standoff was fired in early 2017 when Rosneft and its newly acquired subsidiary Bashneft filed a claim against Transneft for process losses during pipeline transportation. In it, Rosneft stated that up to 0.7 million tons of crude were illegally misappropriated by Transneft although other producers were roughly on equal footing and lost 0.13-0.15 percent of the crude transported, no one apart from Rosneft took the issue to court. The second point of contention emerged shortly thereafter when Transneft started to complain about deliberately low pipeline transportation tariffs (which supposedly were set by the Russian authorities with substantial backing, or lobbying you might say, from Rosneft) instead of the 692 RUB per ton suggested by Transneft, the 2017 tariff was set by the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAMS) at 399 RUB per ton. Related: Mnuchins Bizarre Statement Rattles Markets Rosneft was the only oil-producing major to refuse to sign a transportation contract with Transneft for quite some time, supposedly in a bid to carve out personal preferences. In the end, thanks to the mediation of the Russian Energy Ministry, the sides managed to resolve the case with a multi-faceted out-of-court settlement. Transneft vowed to bring down process losses to a level of approximately 0.1 percent by 2020, whilst Rosneft agreed to stick to the Russian process loss calculation standard and signed the 2017 transportation tariff agreement, reportedly on the same basis as every other Russian company did. In the end Rosneft did pull off a tour de force late 2017 when FAMS lowered the Russia-China tariff via Kazakhstan by 16.7 percent, even though all the other pipeline tariffs in Russia and Kazakhstan rose. The latest confrontation took place just two to three weeks ago when Transneft signaled that it would seek damages from Rosneft due to the latters non-performance on using the new 8mtpa pipeline to its Komsomolsk Refinery in Russias Far East. The transportation company calculated that maintaining the pipeline in an idle condition from April 2018 to the current day cost it 1.5 billion rubles (roughly 25 million USD). Moreover, Transneft built the pipeline in a hurry and now its final ownership structure as well as its tariff regulation is still not settled. Rosneft stated that if it is to take part in the financing of the pipeline, it would want to take respective ownership of the pipeline. One way or another, the underlying current in all the above-mentioned cases was Rosnefts discontent with having to deal with a pipeline operator other than itself. This resentment has now finally emerged in public, with Rosneft pushing for a federal law amendment that would allow oil companies to own trunk oil and product pipelines. This might come across as a banality for the U.S. reader, yet amounts to a revolution in Russia, given that all the trunk pipelines are owned and operated by Transneft (companies only deal with tie-ins from and to those trunk pipelines). The proposal was already discussed when Dmitry Kozak, deputy prime minister in charge of supervising the oil sector, convened a meeting with representatives of relevant ministries, yet the meeting reached no consensus on the topic. Related: The Biggest Oilmen Of 2018 Testifying to the complexity of managing an oil sector in which monopolies antagonize to become ever-powerful, the federal law on the trunk pipeline transportation of crude oil and oil products is still obscure. Its first edition was prepared in July 2015 by the Russian Ministry of Energy, however, heretofore it was stalled pretty much everywhere it could be. After Rosnefts ambitious move to rewrite the rules of the Russian energy game, any decision on the law would be pushed further back in time. Now the Ministry says discussions will continue in January, yet those talks would be anything but pleasant. The latest row would most likely result in yet another Ministry-brokered truce. Moreover, once adopted, the federal law is generally expected to bring about an important distinction it would differentiate between public and non-public pipelines. The former would remain Transneft-operated and would include all the major transportation conduits ESPO, the trunk pipelines to Russias ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, as well as the Druzhba pipeline. The latter would comprise, as the name suggests, those that serve a single purpose for one exclusive partner tie-ins from and to large production clusters of a particular company or single-use connections to refineries. The Komsomolsk Refinery is one such example the tie-in has no other use than to connect it to the ESPO pipeline. Go figure who would be to profit from this. By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Ethiopias parliament on Tuesday approved the creation of a reconciliation commission to tackle intercommunal ethnic violence. The objective of the Commission is to maintain peace, justice, national unity and consensus and to foster reconciliation among Ethiopians. The commission would also identify the reasons for disputes and violations of human rights, state-run Fana radio said. There were opposing voices in Ethiopias 547-seat parliament as some saw the idea of establishing a National Reconciliation Commission as irrelevant on grounds that no Ethiopian entity or entities are in conflict and hence in need of reconciliation. On the other hand, there were those who emphasized the idea that reconciliation is even more important than justice if the approach to it is right. At least 2.4 million people have been displaced inside Ethiopia by intercommunal violence, according to UN figures. Ethiopia has more than 80 ethnic groups. Despite recent improvements, it also has a weak economy and an overwhelmingly poor citizenry. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has won international praise for his reformist agenda since coming to power in April, including allowing the return of exiled opposition figures. Ethnic intolerance grew and gained momentum, and ethnic violence became a permanent fixture of Ethiopian politics in recent years. Ethnic Amharas, for instance, have claimed ownership of the Wolqait and Raya territories in northwestern Ethiopia, leading to tensions with the Tigray region, which currently administers these areas. Violence has often erupted over the claim. Ethiopias Somali and Oromo communities have also seen their fair share of violence over ownership of ancestral and pastoral land. Last Friday, the Guyanese government fell after a no-confidence vote, a move that likely was viewed as an opportune moment of weakness in Caracas. A day later, Venezuelas navy approached two Norwegian vessels conducing seismic work in Guyanese waters on December 22, forcing the ships to flee to safer waters. The ships, under contract by ExxonMobil, are surveying the area and working to develop massive oil discoveries that could transform Guyana. Venezuela says the activity is illegal because it is in disputed territory, but Guyana, and much of the world, views the harassment by Venezuelan ships as illegitimate. Guyana rejects this illegal, aggressive and hostile act, Guyanas foreign ministry said in a statement. Venezuelas incursion demonstrates the real threat to Guyanas economic development by its western neighbor and violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, the ministry said. The U.S. State Department said the Venezuelan navy had behaved aggressively, a statement that Venezuelas foreign ministry criticized on Tuesday as being interventionist and disrespectful. Venezuela said Exxons contractors were in areas under undoubtedly Venezuelan sovereignty. It is evident that the U.S. government is interfering in a matter that is not at all incumbent upon it, with the goal of promoting corporate interests closely linked to the Washington ruling elite, the Venezuelan foreign ministry said in a statement. The move comes as ExxonMobil and its partner Hess Corp. are spending heavily to develop a string of oil discoveries off the coast of Guyana. The discoveries encompass some 5 billion barrels of oil reserves, and offshore Guyana has quickly jumped to the top of the priority list for ExxonMobil. As such, Guyana a very small and poor country on the northern coast of South America is home to one of the most active and attractive offshore plays in the world. Related: Looking Back On A Wild Year For Oil Prices In early 2018, Exxon unveiled a spending plan that would allow the company to significantly increase oil production by 2025, after years of stagnating output. Exxons sterling reputation among shareholders has taken a hit in recent years as it has struggled to grow, and some of its peers have caught up to the supermajor. In fact, many analysts now see some of Exxons rivals as a much more compelling investment. Exxons strategy to boost profits and expand production hinges on two key upstream targets. The first, the Permian basin, comes as no surprise because every other oil company seems to be betting their fortunes on Texas shale. The second, however, is offshore Guyana. The fact that Guyana stands at the center of one of the largest oil companies in the world illustrates the size of the prize. Over the past half-decade, Exxon has made discovery after discovery in Guyanese waters, repeatedly revising up its estimate for how much oil might lie beneath the seabed. As recently as early December, Exxon and Hess hiked their estimate for Guyanas offshore reserves by 25 percent after announcing their tenth discovery. That has the Maduro regime seething. Venezuelas oil production has been in freefall for more than a year and the economic crisis has only grown worse with time. Venezuela claims ownership over some of the maritime territory in which ExxonMobil is working, but Guyana says that the territorial dispute was settled over a century ago. To be sure, Venezuela has held outstanding claims over some territory in Guyana for quite a long time, but the disagreement was dormant for decades. That is, until Exxon started poking around for oil. ExxonMobil was forced to suspend exploration activities after the move by Venezuela and Guyana has referred the case to the United Nations. As of Tuesday, the foreign minister of Guyana said that it was in discussion with ExxonMobil on when it might resume operations, according to Reuters. Related: Looking Back On A Wild Year For Oil Prices Despite the attempt by Venezuelas navy to disrupt drilling operations in Guyana, the move is unlikely to have a lasting impact on Exxons developments in the country. Indeed, on Wednesday, Exxon said that its operations were unaffected, despite the retreat by the seismic ships a few days earlier. Exploration and development drilling is continuing in the southeast area of the Stabroek Block, the company said in a statement. The episode is mostly a distraction from the larger story unfolding in Venezuela. On December 26, Reuters published a special year-long investigation into the demise of PDVSA at the hands of the companys military leader, Major General Manuel Quevedo. In 2017, Maduro handed over PDVSA to Quevedo in what was widely interpreted as a move to bind the military closer to the regime. As Reuters details, the results have been disastrous. Quevedo has presided over a vertiginous decline in oil production, and the company has seen a worker exodus that has not abated. Oil export revenues fell by a fifth in 2018 from a year earlier and are likely set to continue to decline. Harassing oil vessels in neighboring waters wont change that dynamic. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Cold weather and Chinas consistent gasification efforts pushed liquefied natural gas imports into Northeastern Asia to a record-high, Reuters reports, citing data from its Refinitiv Eikon service. Since the start of December, LNG imports into China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea have reached 20.5 million tons, breaking the previous record of 19.5 million tons, set last January, the data revealed. LNG imports into China alone reached 6.5 million tons this month, up by 6 percent from November, when liquefied natural gas imports soared by 48.5 percent from November 2017, as China continues to have parts of the country switch to natural gas from coal for heating. LNG imports into China in the first eleven months of this year jumped by 43.6 percent compared to January-November 2017, to 47.52 million tons and on course to easily beat the full-year LNG import record of 38.13 million tons from 2017, according to the customs data. China is pressing ahead with a switch from coal to gas to reduce pollution levels and this switch last year caused massive heating outages in northern China as well as a spike in natural gas imports, both by pipeline and as LNG. This winter season, Chinese authorities are determined to avoid another severe natural gas supply shortage. And they are handling supplies much better than past winterdomestic natural gas production is rising, state energy giants are boosting gas pipeline infrastructure and connectivity, and the coal-to-gas switch is more measured and moderate, taking into account expectations of demand. The Reuters data also showed LNG shipments to Japan and South Korea rose this month, partly because of the colder than expected weather and partly because of maintenance season for the nuclear reactors in South Korea. Also, the startup of new nuclear power facilities has been delayed, contributing to stronger LNG demand in South Korea. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Exxon is still drilling offshore Guyana despite a run-in with the Venezuelan navy last weekend, the company said, as quoted by Reuters. Initial reports from earlier this week said the company has suspended exploration activities in the area where the interception occurred. The Venezuelan navy intercepted two exploration vessels commissioned by Exxon who is developing the prolific Stabroek block offshore Guyana. The Venezuelans, however, claimed the vessels had entered Venezuelan territorial waters, which the Guyanese foreign ministry slammed as an illegal, aggressive and hostile act. The ministry also said it will report the case to the United Nations. Exploration and development drilling is continuing in the southeast area of the Stabroek Block, Exxon said in a statement, although a spokesperson for the company declined to respond to a Reuters question about the two vessels and whether they will continue their exploratory mission. The run-in, which the Venezuelan side said it had already reported to the UN, relates to a long-running maritime border dispute between Caracas and its tiny eastern neighbor. The dispute had been simmering for decades, but Exxons discovery of abundant oil and gas reserves in the Stabroek block heated up the situation. The next nine discoveries only served to intensify Venezuelas disgruntlement: to date, Exxon estimates Stabroeks reserves at more than 5 billion barrels of crude oil and natural gas. This makes ten sizeable discoveries in the three years since Exxon won the rights to develop Stabroek, together with its partner Hess Corp. There are another 17 prospects yet to be drilled, which could boost the reserve estimate for Stabroek even further. Commercial production from Stabroek is slated to begin in 2020 at the first production well, Lisa-1, which is expected to pump 120,000 bpd of crude and natural gas. For the supermajor, Guyana is a top priority after all these discoveries and a recent report by Wood Mackenzie says the tiny nation could become the second-largest oil producer in South America, behind only Brazil, surpassing Venezuela. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Colombia's last remaining Marxist rebel group, the ELN on Thursday released a hostage held for almost a year, the country's ombudsman's office said on Twitter. Engineer Rafael Andres Riano Ravelo was 41 when he was captured close to Colombia's border with Ecuador on January 13. His release comes during a 10-day Christmas truce called by the ELN and due to last from December 23 to January 3. Riano Ravelo, who was handed over to a humanitarian mission jointly run by the government and the Catholic church, was one of 10 hostages the right-wing government of President Ivan Duque believes the ELN is currently holding. The hostage issue is one of the main stumbling blocks to kick-starting peace talks between the government and the ELN that have been on hold since Duque assumed office in August. His predecessor, Juan Manuel Santos failed in a bid to sign a disarmament deal with the ELN, similar to the one that saw FARC rebels lay down their arms in 2016 and form a political party, before he left office. Duque has favored a much harder line towards the leftist guerrillas and insists that peace talks can only resume once all hostages have been released and the ELN ceases its "criminal activities." The ELN, which is considered the last active rebel group in Colombia and numbers around 1,800 fighters, has rejected those demands as "unacceptable." Colombia has been beset for more than half a century by a multifaceted armed conflict mostly carried out in lawless jungle regions and involving Marxist guerrillas, paramilitaries and drug traffickers, as well as government forces. PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, December 26, directed Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano to file appropriate charges against an Iloilo town mayor and his son, a lawmaker, for mauling a police PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, December 26, directed Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano to file appropriate charges against an Iloilo town mayor and his son, a lawmaker, for mauling a police officer. After visiting the wake of slain Ako Bicol Representative Rodel Batocabe, Duterte told reporters in Daraga, Albay that Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin and his son, Iloilo First District Representative Richard Garin, should face charges over the incident. "Well, kung may kasalanan man ang pulis, its not a reason, especially a police officer na bugbugin mo (If the policeman did something wrong, it's not a reason to maul a police officer)," Duterte said in an interview. "So they will have to file the case. Direct assault. So again, you could file charges. I will ask General Ano to take a look bakit nagkaganun (why it happened). Investigate. But I Im not urging him. Im ordering him to file a case against the two, 'yung mag-ama (the father and his son)," he added. The Garins reportedly summoned Police Officer 3 Federico Macaya, who is assigned at the Guimbal Municipal Police Station, early Wednesday morning and beat the police officer up for undisclosed reason. Macaya was allegedly struck in different parts of his body, "disarmed, body-searched, and handcuffed at gunpoint." In a statement, Western Visayas Police director Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said Garin and his son would face charges of physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault against an agent of person in authority, and grave coercion. The younger Garin, husband of former Health secretary Janette Garin, already issued an apology and assumed full responsibility for his actions. "I sincerely ask for your forgiveness of what I did. I reiterate my apologies for my actions, which I take full responsibility. However, I just would like to clarify that my actions are not directed to the PNP (Philippine National Police) as an institution, or against its officers and personnel," he said in a statement. "My actions were merely display of extreme frustration towards one, single PNP personnel, which to my judgment committed a great disservice to the people of Guimbal," he added. (SunStar Philippines) Top Chinese leaders have been forced to undergo a self-criticism session, state media said Thursday, in a further sign of President Xi Jinping's efforts to enforce party loyalty amid signs of internal dissent over his handling of a trade war with the United States. A tool highly favoured by Mao Zedong and taken to extremes during the Cultural Revolution, self-criticism sessions are back in favour under Xi's presidency as he seeks to consolidate power and tighten discipline in the upper party echelons. Members of the Politburo "were asked to conduct criticism and self-criticism in light of work experience," at a meeting held on Tuesday and Wednesday, state news agency Xinhua reported. The were also questioned on "how they have taken the lead to implement Xi's instructions and key Party regulations and policies," it added. The centre of power in China lies with the 25-member Politburo, though its role has lessened since Xi got the top job in 2012 and started concentrating powers in his own hands. Analysts however say the president's authority has been contested over the last few months due to an economic slowdown triggered by an ongoing trade war with the US. Xinhua's report of the meeting does not say what self-criticisms the members of the Politburo were expected to make. Self-criticisms were regularly carried out during the Cultural Revolution -- a period of intense social and political upheaval launched by Mao from 1966-76 -- and have returned under Xi. - 'Tension in the ranks' - Experts said top officials appear to have wavered from the political line imposed by the strongman president. Willy Lam, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, described the meeting as "extraordinary" because the leadership is "admitting there is tension within its ranks". "It means some of the Politburo members have done or said things contrary to Xi Jinping's interests," he added. Lam said Xi was being challenged for underestimating US President Donald Trump's determination and failing to see the tariff increases that particularly penalise the export regions in the south and east and the country's high-tech industries. Xi "is under tremendous pressure to come to a compromise with Trump" before the deadline in early March, he said. The date coincides with the annual plenary session of the Chinese parliament, during which Xi risks criticism from the representatives of the regions and sectors most affected by the trade tensions. In the trade negotiations, "Donald Trump is in a good position to benefit from Xi's weak position," Lam said. Xi reportedly made a speech at the meeting, during which he lauded "democratic centralism" -- one of the founding principles of Leninism in which the top leadership is all-powerful -- and called for unity within the party. Xi is considered the country's most powerful leader since Mao. However he lacks the prestige of the founder of the people's republic, "so he doesn't feel secure, and to be frank, this also shows a lack of self-confidence," said Beijing-based independent political commentator Hua Po. "He always suspects that someone wants to rebel," Hua said. "So for Xi Jinping, strengthening the centralised system and absolute obedience to his leadership is now the only way to face these internal and external challenges." Since he came to power, Xi has waged a campaign against corruption, punishing more than 1.5 million officials. Some observers however say the crackdown has targeted his internal opponents in particular. Credit: CC0 Public Domain If you just got a new smart speaker from Amazon or Google, you'll be barking commands out loud, and people around you may wonder what's going on. You'll be engaging in the next step of computing, voice style, using Google or Amazon speakers to ask for a specific music selection or playlist, the weather, latest news or podcast, the answer to a math problem or how to spell a word. The smart speaker market is dominated by Amazon and Google, so we'll focus here on those two. They were among the most heavily marketed during the holidays, with massive discounts for the entry-level Echo Dot and Google Home Mini at under $25, so we expect them to be under many trees. So now what? Start by getting ready to download an app for setup and learning some basic, useful commands. Setup: The process for both Google Home and Amazon Echo (the two main players) are identical. Plug them in for power, and download the Amazon Alexa smartphone app or the Google Home app. From there, input the WiFi credentials. You will need to sign in with your Google or Amazon account, for access to Google services like calendar and YouTube and Amazon shopping. Choose your music Google works with Google Play Music, YouTube Music, Spotify and Pandora. Choose the one (or ones) of your choice to associate with the speaker. This way, you can say "Hey, Google, play 'Thank You, Next' by Ariana Grande on Spotify." Or YouTube. Amazon and Google are in the midsts of a corporate spat, so don't look for YouTube or Google Play Music with Alexa. The music selections include Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora and TuneIn. Speaking of music, one cool new command for Alexa is asking it to "Play music for me." It acts as DJ by going through your music history to make suggestions and play automated playlists. Pick Your News "Alexa, play my flash briefing," or "Hey, Google, play the latest news" commands will update you with the latest headlines or podcasts. But first, you'll have to select your choices within the app you downloaded to your smartphone earlier for your device. Amazon offers news updates from USA TODAY, CBS, CNET, BBC and others, while Google's choices include the Wall Street Journal, CNN, NPR, New York Times, Fox News, USA TODAY and others. Skills/Apps There will be many things you'll want to do with Alexa, but first, you'll have to download the "skill," and "enable" it via the Alexa app. Thus, if you wanted to listen to Apple Music on your Echo speaker, play Jeopardy! or connect your August Home lock to Alexa, first you'll need to download the skill (Amazon has over 50,000 of them) from within the Alexa app, and enable it. You'll also want to note the commands associated with the skill, like "Alexa, play 'Jeopardy!'" "Alexa, play music by Bruno Mars on Apple Music" or "Alexa, unlock the front door." With Google, you make choices from within the Home app, under Assistant, for languages, how your assistant's voice will sound (male, female, British, Australian or domestic accents) and "routines" that dictate for Home to tell you about the weather and commute when you say "Good Morning," or turn out the lights (after you've connected your smart home) when you say "I'm leaving." Explore further Apple Music comes to Amazon's Alexa devices 2018 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers A novel additive manufacturing platform was used for the digital fabrication of transparent glass at industrial scale. The G3DP2 platform, developed by MIT scientists and used to turn molten glass into 3-meter tall columns, is described in an article published in 3-D Printing and Additive Manufacturing. In the article entitled "Additive Manufacturing of Transparent Glass Structures," Chikara Inamura, Michael Stern, Daniel Lizardo, Peter Houk, and Neri Oxman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA discuss the early G3DP2 printer, which was used to provide proof of concept of the feasibility of creating transparent objects through the deposition of molten glass. The researchers then describe the complete redesign of the system, upgrading it to an industrial platform capable of achieving architectural output. The four objectives of the upgraded G3DP2 platform were increased speed and scale and improved repeatability and reliability. The scientists report on how to understand and control the behavior of the printed glass, the specifications, engineering and control of the platform, and the product design space. Explore further Molten glass 3-D printer produces optically transparent glass More information: Chikara Inamura et al, Additive Manufacturing of Transparent Glass Structures, 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing (2018). Chikara Inamura et al, Additive Manufacturing of Transparent Glass Structures,(2018). DOI: 10.1089/3dp.2018.0157 Historical collections of eastern gorilla specimens spanning the last 100 years were used to provide a glimpse into the recent past of this critically endangered species. Credit: Katerina Guschanski The critically endangered Grauer's gorilla has recently lost genetic diversity and has experienced an increase in harmful mutations. These conclusions were reached by an international team of researchers who sequenced eleven genomes from eastern gorilla specimens collected up to 100 years ago, and compared these with genomes from present-day individuals. The results are now published in Current Biology. Many wild animals have declined in numbers over the past century, and scientists have long worried that these declines have resulted in losses of genetic diversity, increased inbreeding and an accumulation of harmful mutations. Although this could lead to an even higher risk of extinction in threatened species, investigating recent changes in genetic viability has been difficult. In a new study, a team led by scientists from Uppsala University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History has used specimens stored in museum collections to analyse changes in eastern gorilla genomes over the past 100 years. "We found that the genetic diversity in Grauer's gorilla has declined significantly in just a few generations," says Tom van der Valk, a Ph.D. student at Uppsala University in Sweden. Grauer's gorillas are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and have declined by 80 per cent in recent decades due to poaching and habitat destruction. The results from the comparison of historical and modern genomes show that this decline has led to increased inbreeding and a loss of genetic variation. This in turn means that Grauer's gorillas have likely become less able to adapt to future disease outbreaks and changes in their environment. In addition, the scientists identified several mutations that are probably harmful and that have increased in frequency over the past four to five generations as a consequence of the decline in population size. In the closely related mountain gorilla, however, the scientists did not discover any significant genetic changes, suggesting that its genetic viability has remained stable over the past 100 years. The magnificent Grauer's gorillas have experienced severe population declines in the last two decades. This population loss has left a deep mark in the genomes of this critically endangered great ape. Credit: Damien Caillaud, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. "This recent increase in harmful mutations really emphasises the need to reverse the ongoing population decline in Grauer's gorillas," says Love Dalen at the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Some of the potentially harmful mutations that have increased in frequency were found in genes that affect disease resistance and male fertility. In addition, the researchers identified mutations leading to loss of function in genes associated with finger and toe development, which likely explains why present-day gorillas sometimes have fused digits. "Our study highlights that historical museum specimens constitute a unique resource for monitoring recent changes in the genetic status of endangered species," says Katerina Guschanski at Uppsala University. The magnificent Grauer's gorillas have experienced severe population declines in the last two decades. This population loss has left a deep mark in the genomes of this critically endangered great ape. Credit: Amy Porter, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Interestingly, the reason why Grauer's gorillas have been more severely affected than mountain gorillas may lie in their deeper history. While Grauer's gorillas went through a major increase in numbers between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago, mountain gorillas have been rare for several thousands of years. This long-term small population size may have enabled natural selection to remove harmful mutations before mountain gorilla numbers started to decline in the 20th century. Explore further Population analysis suggests Grauer's gorilla is Critically Endangered More information: van der Valk T, Diez-del-Molino D, Marques-Bonet T, Guschanski K, Dalen L. Historical genomes reveal the genomic consequences of recent population decline in eastern gorillas. Current Biology (2018). Journal information: Current Biology van der Valk T, Diez-del-Molino D, Marques-Bonet T, Guschanski K, Dalen L. Historical genomes reveal the genomic consequences of recent population decline in eastern gorillas.(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.11.055 An artist's illustration of New Horizon at Pluto. Credit: NASA. Three and a half years after giving humanity its first close-up view of Pluto, and almost 13 years after launching from Earth, the New Horizons spacecraft will explore another new frontier: a reddish hunk of rock and ice known as Ultima Thule. The objector, perhaps, pair of objects (it's so far away astronomers aren't sure) - is thought to be a pristine remnant of the early solar system, untouched for billions of years. Its nickname conveys its significance, meaning "beyond the known world." Ultima Thule is 4 billion miles from Earth. New Horizons will reach it as the new year arrives on Jan. 1, with a mission to collect as many images and as much data as possible while speeding past at 32,000 miles per hour. "This is pure exploration," said Alan Stern, the mission's principal investigator. "We are really flying toward something completely unknown, unlike any other object we've studied in the past." The Ultima Thule fly-by is an encore for the New Horizons mission, led by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. The baby grand piano-sized spacecraft designed and managed for NASA on the lab's Laurel, Md., campus zipped past Plutoits primary missionin July 2015, revealing craggy, icy surfaces and a wisp of an atmosphere around the dwarf planet. It will capture similar images and data as it passes even closer to Ultima Thule, itself just about 20 miles across. But even though it's technically an add-on phase of a mission whose main focus was Pluto, the examination of Ultima Thule could prove even more revelatory. "It could potentially be the most primitive object ever encountered by a spacecraft," said Hal Weaver, the mission's project scientist. "By examining what it looks like now, we are looking back at the time of planetary formation." Ultima Thule is in a region at the edge of the solar system known as the Kuiper Belt. Scientists suspect the region is home to hundreds of thousands of asteroid- or cometlike objects at least as big as Ultima Thulewhich is officially known as 2014 MU69. At such a distance, the sun provides barely a glint of light, yet its influence is still feltUltima Thule is among a group of Kuiper Belt objects that orbit the distant star in almost a perfect circle, instead of an ellipse like most planetary objects. That suggests it has avoided any major collisions in the 4.6 billion years since the solar system formed. New Horizons makes historic fly-by of Pluto While Pluto and its moons are also part of the Kuiper Belt, Ultima Thule is about a billion miles farther from Earth. It took New Horizons nearly a decade to reach Pluto, even though it rocketed from Earth at up to 36,000 mph, faster than any mission before it. Nearly 3 { years more will have passed by the time the spacecraft makes it to Ultima Thule. As dramatic and illuminating as the Pluto fly-by was, scientists know even less about what to expect from Ultima Thule. Because it's so far away and so dim, they aren't even sure if it's a single mass. They suspect it is made up of two lobes, but it also could be two separate objects orbiting around each other. "We were already getting hints of what Pluto was going to be looking like well in advance of the day of closest approach," Weaver said. "This time, everything is going to be pretty much a mystery, we think, until the last hour or so." That hour is expected to come around midnight Jan. 1, when scientists predict New Horizons will begin observing Ultima Thule in earnest. The spacecraft's moment of closest approach to the object is expected around 12:30 a.m. The fly-by itself is a complicated and extremely risky process, but one that is run completely on auto-pilot. Scientists have spent more than a year fine-tuning a flurry of commands New Horizons will follow to capture images and spectroscopic data, which together will show both what Ultima Thule looks like and what it's made of. Scientists faced the same sort of challenge when observing Pluto, but it's even more difficult this time because Ultima Thule is so much smaller and farther away. It takes an hour and a half longer to send and receive messages to and from New Horizons than it did in 2015a six-hour wait, each way. New Horizons' speed, coupled with Ultima Thule's size, also poses problems. If the spacecraft weren't flying so fast, it wouldn't reach its target in any reasonable time. But because of that speed, the scientists must perfectly time the pre-programmed sequence of observations to ensure Ultima Thule is literally in the frame of New Horizons' cameras. "The object's so small that if you're off, you could miss the whole thing," said Alice Bowman, the New Horizons mission operations manager. The scientists hope to fly the spacecraft within about 2,200 miles of Ultima Thule, four times closer than its encounter with Pluto, to capture images and other data with as much resolution as possible. But that could depend on what, if anything, New Horizons spots in its path as Ultima Thule gets closer and brighter. Mission engineers were preparing for the possibility they would have to steer the speeding spacecraft as far as 6,200 miles from its target, if that means avoiding any bits of debris in space. "A rice-sized pellet hitting the spacecraft in the wrong place could destroy it," Weaver said. The first signal back from New Horizons is expected about 10 a.m. New Year's Day, with the best images and data from Ultima Thule expected to come down later that day and on Jan. 2, the scientists said. Any good data would be the first collected from a planetary object so far from Earth. Only the Voyager and Pioneer missions have traveled farther than New Horizons, but they were taking relatively more crude observations of plasma and particles in space. When they launched in the 1970s, Weaver said, scientists "didn't even know what existed out there." Stern, who is based at the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado, credited the scientists at the Hopkins lab for their pioneering planetary research. The institution previously managed only one planetary mission, to a near-Earth asteroid known as Eros in the 1990s. Now, its team has taken New Horizons 100 times farther. And Ultima Thule may not be the end of the mission. While the primary goal of New Horizons was to explore Pluto, NASA always intended the mission to go on to explore more of the Kuiper Belt. Stern said the scientists' attention will turn to finding a new target for exploration in 2020. The spacecraft is estimated to have enough power to keep running into the mid-2030s. "We'll see what we find," he said. "We have a long way to go." In the meantime, the horizons keep expanding. This month, researchers confirmed discovery of the farthest object in the solar system to be observed by humans, more than 3 { times farther from the sun than Pluto. Its name is "Farout." Explore further New Horizons spacecraft takes the inside course to Ultima Thule 2018 The Baltimore Sun Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. David Gilbert, the J. Herbert Taylor Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology, published a paper today in the journal Cell that showed there are specific points along the DNA molecule that control replication. Credit: Bruce Palmer/FSU A team of Florida State University researchers has unlocked a decades-old mystery about how a critical cellular process is regulated and what that could mean for the future study of genetics. In cells, DNA and its associated material replicate at regular intervals, a process essential to all living organisms. This contributes to everything from how the body responds to disease to hair color. DNA replication was identified in the late 1950s, but since then researchers across the globe have come up short trying to understand exactly how this process was regulated. Now they know. David Gilbert, the J. Herbert Taylor Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology, and doctoral student Jiao Sima published a paper today in the journal Cell that showed there are specific points along the DNA molecule that control replication. "It's been quite a mystery," Gilbert said. "Replication seemed resilient to everything we tried to do to perturb it. We've described it in detail, shown it changes in different cell types and that it is disrupted in disease. But until now, we couldn't find that final piece, the control elements or the DNA sequences that control it." Notably, Gilbert's professorship is in honor of a former Florida State professor named J. Herbert Taylor. Taylor demonstrated how different segments of chromosomes duplicate in the late 1950s and published more than 100 papers on chromosome structure and replication. Roughly 60 years later, Gilbert determined how replication was regulated. Sima had been working with Gilbert in the lab and ran close to a hundred genetic mutations on DNA molecules, hoping to see some sort of result that would better explain how the replication process worked. At a point of frustration, Gilbert said they came up with a "hail Mary" attempt. Gilbert and Sima examined a single segment of the DNA in the highest possible 3-D resolution and saw three sequences along the DNA molecule touching each other frequently. The researchers then used CRISPR, a sophisticated gene editing technology, to remove these three areas simultaneously. And with that, they found that these three elements together were the key to DNA replication. "Removing these elements shifted the segment's replication time from the very beginning to the very end of the process," Gilbert said. "This was one of those moments where just one result knocks your socks off." In addition to the effect on replication timing, the removal of the three elements caused the 3-D structure of the DNA molecule to change dramatically. "We have for the first time pinpointed specific DNA sequences in the genome that regulate chromatin structure and replication timing," Sima said. "These results reflect one possible model of how DNA folds inside cells and how these folding patterns could impact the hereditary materials' function." Greater understanding of how DNA replication is regulated opens new paths of research in genetics. When replication timing is alteredas it was in Gilbert and Sima's experimentit can completely change how the genetic information of a cell is interpreted. This could become crucial information as scientists tackle complicated diseases where the replication timing is disrupted. "If you duplicate at a different place and time, you might assemble a completely different structure," Gilbert said. "A cell has different things available to it at different times. Changing when something replicates changes the packaging of the genetic information." Explore further New understanding of genetic replication could help in the fight against cancer 3 hours ago The 6 Biggest Issues with Early Retirement: Will These Happen to You? When you're slogging away in a cubicle at work, it might sound like a dream to wake up when you want, read a book in a hammock, putter around in the yard, etc. (You know, the things that retired people do.) Almost half of Americans (49.9%) expect to retire before they turn 62, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Read Article Cubans arent as fed up with communism as one might think, despite decades of media opening to the effect that its a system preferred only by the ruling elite. While drafting the countrys new constitution in July, a special commission left out the word communism, but they put it to a nationwide public debate afterward that lasted for three months. According to Cubas state media, thousands of citizens at community-level meetings called for communism to be re-inserted in the constitution. So, its back in a draft now being debated by the national assembly. At issue was an initial draft of the constitution that left out a clause from the 1976 version that noted the ultimate aim of building a communist societyas opposed to just focusing on socialism. If the new draft passes through the national assembly, it will go up for a referendum vote in late February. The communism bit is only one of 760 changes to the first draft. They also dropped same-sex marriage language after Church cried foul. But perhaps it will be communism light because the new draft also recognizes the very capitalistic right to private property. The constitutional commission, led by the head of the ruling Communist Party and former President Raul Castro, has also done away with new restrictions on entrepreneurs that had been widely criticized by the public. That means that all those micro businesses that started to sprout up after economic reforms in the post-Fidel era should have an easier time of growing and attracting investment. It means a true private sector could potentially emerge. So while Cubans have shown that they arent ready to give up entirely on communism, or its general ideals, theyre also not looking for a rerun of the failed state-run experiment. They welcome the burgeoning private sector. Indeed, the number of people employed by the private sector in Cuba had grown from 157,000 in 2010, when the government expanded private business in a limited number of sectors, to 588,000 at the end of this October--about 13 percent of the working population. Most private businesses concentrate on transport, housing rentals and the preparation of food and meals, in part to serve the more than 4 million tourists who visit Cuba every year. However, with economic growth barely registering at 1.1 percent in the first half of 2018, the government seems increasingly interested in foreign investment. Cuban authorities say they need up to 7 percent annual growth to fully recover from the fall of communism and the infectious spread of the crisis in Venezuela. Just to break even, they estimate they need 3 percent annual growth. Related: Bad News Builds For Global Markets Theyre hoping this will help: In March 2014, the government implemented generous tax cuts for foreign investors, promising marked improvements in the investment climate and investment security. For now, Cubas investment portfolio boasts over 450 projects worth close to $11 billion, primarily centered around its emerging special economic zone, Mariel. Just this year, Cuba managed to lure in $2 billion in investment, largely focused on tourism and energy, with China and Spain leading the charge. The U.S., while Obama played a key role in opening up this market, has not been keen to pour money into Cuba over fears that Trump could set this clock back at any time. Indeed, in 2017, he tightened the economic embargo on Cuba, restricting US citizens from access to hotels, stores and other businesses tied to the Cuban military. By David Craggen for Safehaven.com More Top Reads From Safehaven.com The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] A new sample of Shamoon 3 was uploaded on December 23 to the VirusTotal platform from France, it is signed with a Baidu certificate. A new sample of the dreaded Shamoon wiper was uploaded on December 23 to the VirusTotal platform from France. This sample attempt to disguise itself as a system optimization tool developed by Chinese technology company Baidu. The new variant is signed with a digital certificate from Baidu that was issued on March 25, 2015 and that expired on March 26, 2016. AThis sample was packed using the commercial packing tool Enigma version 4. Researchers from Anomali Labs have analyzed the latest variant of the wiper and discovered that it uses an image of a burning US Dollar as part of its destructive attack and includes the text WE WILL TAKE REVENGE ON THE BLOOD AND TEARS OF OUR CHILDREN. In the attempt to deceive the victims, attackers used the internal file name Baidu PC Faster and the Baidu WiFi Hotspot Setup in the description of the file. The newest Shamoon sample was uploaded from France on December 23, 2018 and utilizes the commercial packing tool Enigma version 4 as a means of obfuscation. As observed in previous Shamoon samples the internal file name invokes a known PC tool, likely as a lure to allay initial user suspicion. reads the analysis published by Anomali Labs. In this case the malicious internal file name is Baidu PC Faster and uses the description Baidu WiFi Hotspot Setup. A closer inspection of the file resources utilized by the sample reveals similarities with Shamoon V2 malware. Specifically, the resource GRANT is included which indicates that this sample was like compiled based on the second version of the codebase. Experts speculate the Shamoon 3 sample was compiled based on the second version of the codebase, it has many similarities with Shamoon 2. Experts at Anomali Labs has not confirmed that the latest sample has been used in attacks in the wild, they pointed out that threat actors could be active during western holidays exists as happened in 2016 with Shamoon 2. Anomali Labs experts believe the Shamoon 3 sample was not necessarily created by the original threat actor, instead, it may be a Shamoon 2 variant modified by a threat actor. According to the malware researchers at McAfee that analyzed the three Shamoon samples recently discovered, the latest variants may be attributed to the Iranian hacker group tracked as APT33. Pierluigi Paganini (SecurityAffairs Shamoon 3, hacking) Share this... Linkedin Share this: Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On Storyful The Atlanta Police Department released aerial footage showing the successful detaining of a suspect who attempted to carjack an unsuspecting bystander while fleeing police in another stolen vehicle on Thursday night, December 2.Video from a police helicopter shows ground units pursuing the driver in southeast Atlanta when a tire on the stolen car they were driving appears to blow, leaving them running on rims that begin sparking against the road surface, according to a helicopter crew member speaking over radio in the footage.Police said the suspect then attempted to carjack a bystander at a gas station, but said the car owner ran him off. Officers then pursued the man on foot and took him into custody. Credit: Atlanta Police Department via Storyful Dec 27 (Reuters) - Evergreen Products Group Ltd: * REFERS TO BANGLADESH EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE AUTHORITY'S DIRECTIVE ON MINIMUM GROSS WAGE FOR WORKERS AND APPRENTICES * FROM 1 DEC MINIMUM GROSS WAGE OF CO'S WORKERS WITHIN UTTARA EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE IN BANGLADESH INCREASED TO 8,650 TAKA PER WORKER * GROUP INTENDS TO PASS PART OF INCREASE IN LABOUR COSTS TO CUSTOMERS BY ADJUSTING SELLING PRICES OF ITS EXISTING & NEW PRODUCTS Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: (Reuters.Briefs@thomsonreuters.com) US$17 billion Thomson Reuters deal: In the biggest leveraged buyout of the year, and among the biggest deals since the financial crisis, a consortium including sovereign wealth fund GIC acquired a 55% stake in Thomson Reuters Financial and Risk business, now known as Refinitiv. The Blackstone-led consortium, which also included the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, paid Thomson-Reuters about US$17 billion (S$23 billion) in gross cash proceeds. Reuters News remains part of Thomson Reuters, together with its accounting, and legal and tax divisions. Ant Financial CEO Eric Jing speaks at the fifth World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, China. (Photo: REUTERS/Jason Lee 2. US$14 billion Ant Financial deal: Chinas Ant Financial has become the biggest unicorn company in the world, after successfully raising US$14 billion (S$19 billion) in a funding round in which GIC and Temasek Holdings were among the main investors. Ant Financial operates Alipay, Chinas biggest third-party payment provider. The stake acquired was not disclosed. Other main investors in the private funding round included US equity firm Warbug Pincus, Malaysias Khazanah Nasional Berhad and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Dulux paint cans are filled on the production line inside AkzoNobels new paint factory in Ashington, Britain. (Photo: REUTERS/Phil Noble) 3. 10.1 billion Akzo Nobel deal: To refocus its businesses, Akzo Nobel, the maker of Dulux paints, sold its specialty chemicals business for 10.1 billion (S$15.7 billion) to GIC and the Carlyle Group, an American private equity firm. The Amsterdam-based Akzo Nobel is one of the biggest paints and coatings businesses in the world. The logo sign of Accor Hotels, a French multinational hotel group. (AP Photo/Francois Mori) 4. 4.6 billion AccorInvest deal: As part of an international consortium, GIC acquired a 57.8% stake in AccorInvest, the property business of mega French hotel chain AccorHotels, for 4.6 billion (S$7.2 billion). Consortium members include Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund PIF, Credit Agricole Assurances, Colony NorthStar, and Amundi. AccorInvest has a portfolio of nearly 891 hotels, mostly in Europe, and operates the Novotel, Mercure and Ibis hotels. Employees of German drugmaker Bayer AG that bought U.S. seed company Monsanto protest against plans to sell several business divisions and chop some 12,000 jobs at a Bayer plant in the city of Wuppertal, western Germany. The placard reads Good work! Are we!. (Photo:REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay) 5. 3 billion Bayer deal: Temasek Holdings bought a 3.6% stake in German drug maker Bayer for 3 billion (S$4.7 billion), raising its total stake in the pharmaceutical giant to about 4%. Temasek agreed to raise its shareholding to help Bayer raise funds for its proposed acquisition of Monsanto, a producer of genetically modified crops. AFPTV When six-week-old Zubair arrives at a clinic for malnourished children in Afghanistan, doctors initially give him only a few hours to live. And as he battles under a survival blanket his mother looks on -- her feelings swinging desperately between fear and hope. The Doctors Without Borders-run facility in the Afghan city Herat seeks to help the community cope with a public health system on its last legs, hobbled by the withdrawal of donor aid. The UN's children's agency UNICEF estimates that some 3.2 million Afghan children under the age of five will suffer from malnutrition this winter. Four supermaxis were Thursday neck-and-neck in a fierce battle to cross the finish line first in what organisers said was the closest contest in the history of the Sydney to Hobart race. Just five nautical miles (nine kilometres) were separating the mega-yachts as they raced down Australia's east coast, with defending line honours champion Comanche slightly ahead of Black Jack, Wild Oats XI and Infotrack. The lead had been switching regularly between 100-footer Comanche and fierce rival Wild Oats XI since a fleet of yachts departed a sunny Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day on Wednesday at the start of the 628-nautical mile (1,163-kilometre) race. "It is by far the closest race ever," skipper Mark Richards of eight-time line honours Wild Oats XI said from the boat Thursday. His yacht was first to Hobart in 2017 but was stripped of the win after being handed a one-hour penalty over a near-collision. "I think it will go all the way to the finish line." The yachts were off the record pace of one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds set by Comanche last year, amid lighter winds. The breeze in the notoriously wild Bass Strait between Tasmania and the Australian mainland varied on Thursday, with the vessels supported by 15-25 knot north-easterly winds that weakened at times to six knots. "It's not usual to have four quite different boats all in the same patch of water," said Black Jack navigator Tom Addis from his yacht. "These boats are all very different. They all have different strengths and weaknesses. This is the most interesting race in the 100 footers... There's a good chance that we're all going to be together (near the finish)." - 'Cat and mouse' - TP52 Ichi Ban -- last year's handicap honours winner -- was favourite again to be the vessel that performs best according to size, but dropped off the lead Thursday afternoon. Smaller boats were in the handicap lead, with Kayimai ahead of Midnight Rambler and Grace O'Malley. Richards said he expected to cross the finish line in Hobart on Friday morning, but could be slowed if the breeze weakens. The Commodore of organiser the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Paul Billingham, told national broadcaster ABC earlier that the wind was dying amid the "cat and mouse game" between the supermaxis and the close handicap contest. "The handicap lead is changing every five minutes. There's probably 10 boats that are within an hour of each other on corrected time," he said. The fleet in the gruelling contest is down to 81 from 85, after Hong Kong supermaxi Scallywag retired early with a broken bowsprit, followed by Zen, Patriot and M3 Team Hungary. The crews on Thursday afternoon marked the 20th anniversary of the 1998 edition of the race, where a fatal storm saw six sailors lose their lives, with a moment of silence and the reading out of a commemoration message. A Chinese court will hear an appeal by a Canadian citizen against a drug smuggling conviction on Saturday, mainland media reported, in a case that could further test the tense relations between Beijing and Ottawa. The man is the fourth Canadian to be either detained or named in connection with a legal matter in China since the arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Sabrina Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on December 1. China has previously announced the detention of two Canadian citizens on December 10, accusing them of activities that endanger Chinas national security, and a Canadian teacher last week over a visa irregularity. The high court in the northeast province of Liaoning announced in a brief online notice that Robert Lloyd Schellenberg will have a public appeal hearing on Saturday at 2pm. Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig detained in China after arrest of Huawei CFO Sabrina Meng Wanzhou in Canada Liaoning online news portal runsky.com said Schellenberg was found to have smuggled an enormous amount of drugs into China. His age and further details of the case were not known, but government-run tabloid Global Times said on Thursday that he is Canadian. The Canadian embassy in Beijing could not be reached to confirm the details on Thursday. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she did not have further details about the case other than what was reported, and could not confirm the mans identity. She added that if he is a foreign citizen, China would inform the relevant consular service. On the relations between China and Canada, I believe everyone is clear about the cause behind [the tension], Hua said on Thursday in a daily briefing. China has already expressed a strong position multiple times. The timing of the drugs case could intensify Sino-Canadian tensions after Canadas allies called on China to release the three detained Canadians following Mengs release on bail. Meng awaits a hearing for extradition to the United States. Story continues Beijing was infuriated by Mengs arrest, warning that Canada would face grave consequences if she was not released. Detained Canadian in China Michael Spavors friends raise cash to help him after his release Hua said in a press briefing on Tuesday that the arrest in China of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig was different in nature to the arrest in Canada of Meng, and that China resolutely refused and opposed international calls for their release. Their detentions were widely seen as retaliations for Canadas part in arresting Meng at the request of the United States, but Hua said the Chinese authorities had taken compulsory measures because of the mens illegal actions. Kovrig is a former diplomat who is a senior adviser on Northeast Asia for International Crisis Group, while Spavor is a businessman based in the city of Dandong, in Liaoning, who facilitates visits to North Korea. Last week, the Canadian embassy in China confirmed that teacher Sarah McIver had been detained for working illegally. Chinese law states that anyone convicted of smuggling, selling, transporting or producing more than 1kg of opium, or 50 grams of methamphetamine or heroin, or a larger amount of other drugs, could face the death penalty. China executed a Briton caught smuggling heroin in 2009, prompting a British outcry over what it said was the lack of any mental health assessment. In 2014, a Japanese man convicted of drug trafficking was also executed despite the Japanese governments disapproval. This article China announces Canadians drug smuggling appeal as row continues over detained trio first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang Chi-wai denies he was drink-driving when he crashed in Japan on Christmas Day Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang Chi-wai has denied drink-driving in Japan after his car crashed head-on into a van carrying a top policeman from the city. The accident happened at noon. I had not had any alcohol, comedian Tsang, 65, said in a Thursday statement carried by local media. He did not take a breathalyser test after the crash but reports about him drink-driving were untrue, he added. I have already given my statement and the Japanese police said I can leave the country anytime. After my holiday, I will return to Taiwan to continue my movie shoot, Tsang said. I am now most worried about the injured senior police officer. I wish him a speedy recovery. That is my biggest wish. Tsang was travelling with friend and make-up artist Vanus Li in Hokkaido on Christmas Day when the car he was driving crashed into another vehicle carrying Li Chi-hang, the Hong Kong police forces director of crime and security, and Lis family. All seven people in Lis car were injured while comedian Tsang was said to be fine after a check-up at hospital. Li was also sent to hospital before being transferred to another facility by helicopter for surgery on Wednesday. He was said to be conscious but numb in the lower half of his body. A government source on Thursday said Li had regained feeling in his lower limbs after the operation and his condition was improving. His hands and legs can now move and he can talk to his family and police welfare officers, the source said. But doctors had advised it would still be unsafe to transfer Li back to Hong Kong for treatment, the source added. He believed Li would have to remain in hospital in Japan for a few weeks. Another source said it would be at least five weeks before he could return home. It was understood the condition of Lis wife, who required immediate surgery, was also improving. The other five people in the seven-seater car suffered minor injuries. Story continues Lis family were on a holiday road trip when the accident took place in Otaru, a port city to the northwest of Hokkaidos capital, Sapporo. It was understood three Hong Kong immigration officers and officers from the police welfare services unit had flown to Japan to help. The Japan Meteorological Agency had warned of gales and snow in the northwestern part of the island. Otaru recorded 23cm (nine inches) of snow on Tuesday, with temperatures ranging from minus 3.5 degrees Celsius to a maximum of just 0.2 of a degree above freezing (25.7 to 32.4 degrees Fahrenheit), according to official statistics. Li joined the police force in 1988. He previously served as assistant commissioner and was promoted to his current post earlier this year. Several Hong Kong tourists have died navigating the mountainous roads of Hokkaido, one of Japans most popular holiday destinations. In 2016 a three-year-old boy was killed when a rental car driven by his father slammed into a lamp post on a highway in Iwamizawa, about an hours drive from Sapporo. There have been 9,680 traffic accidents in Hokkaido this year, injuring 11,191 people and causing 139 fatalities. This article Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang Chi-wai denies he was drink-driving when he crashed in Japan on Christmas Day 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: Taiwans Kuomintang bigwig Eric Chu has announced his intention to run for president in 2020, but analysts believe there are at least five major hurdles in his way. Chu, 57, stepped down as mayor of New Taipei City on Tuesday, after serving the maximum two four-year terms, and said he would immediately begin an island-wide tour to better understand public opinion and to seek solutions for Taiwans problems. My goal is clear, which is to fight for Taiwan in 2020, he said when asked about his next step. Analysts said Chu, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Tsai Ing-wen, was not the only KMT aspirant to the top post. They pointed out that a number of party heavyweights had been boosted by the KMTs landslide victory in last months local government elections, and were looking towards the 2020 polls with renewed confidence. The unexpected win saw the KMT take control of 15 of the 22 local cities and counties, including Kaohsiung traditional stronghold of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party. It was a remarkable turnaround, following the mainland-friendly KMTs humiliating defeat in the 2014 local government polls, followed by Chus loss to Tsai in the presidential race of 2016. But for Chu to have a chance of regaining the self-ruled islands top post, he needs to start by overcoming the first and most important hurdle the KMT primary for the presidential elections, expected to be held between March and April next year. We respect the decisions of any qualified KMT members to express their intent to run for the post, but they need to take part in the party primary and win the presidential nomination, said Hung Meng-kai, deputy director general of the KMTs culture and communications committee. Other KMT heavyweights with an interest include incumbent chairman and former vice-president Wu Den-yih, and former speaker of the legislature Wang Jin-pyng. Story continues Wang, with his strong influence in two major political cliques in Kaohsiung, was key to the recent win in the southern municipalitys mayoral race by KMT candidate Han Kuo-yu who surprised his own party with his victory in what was regarded as an unwinnable election. Taiwan media reports have even suggested that former president Ma Ying-jeou may be considering a run because of his growing popularity in the past two years. If he can win the KMT nomination, Chu must also do all he can to boost his popularity and influence, without the advantages of heading a local government or holding any party position, analysts said. Of all the KMT aspirants, Chu is the most popular so far, according to public opinion polls, but such popularity builds on the fact he was rated as one of the best mayors and that he is the youngest among all KMT aspirants, said Wang Kung-yu, professor of political science at Chinese Culture University in Taipei. Now that he has stepped down as mayor, he no longer enjoys any government power and is away from the KMT power core, making it difficult for him to compete with Wu or Wang, both of whom have support from either the KMT central or local factions, Wang said. This explains why Chu declared his bid right after he stepped down and announced an island-wide tour to garner support, and the establishment of an office so that the news media will continue to report about him, Wang said. According to local news media, Chu intends to visit the United States in March after his island-wide tour, where he will face his third hurdle in his bid for power in 2020. Any KMT presidential hopeful must be able to convince the US that the KMT is merely friendly to the mainland rather than siding with the mainland, said KMT legislator Johnny Chiang who recently returned from a visit to the US. Chiang said Washington had mistakenly regarded the KMTs victory in last months local polls as a victory for Beijing. This is a very dangerous signal to the KMT, which must have a thorough and comprehensive view and theory to tell the Americans about the KMTs position in US-Taiwan-mainland relations, Chiang said. During the local elections, Washington had strongly backed the Tsai government in its accusations that Beijing was spreading misinformation to try to disrupt the outcome. Chus fourth hurdle is to persuade the Taiwanese public that he can manage cross-strait relations effectively. Hung Yao-nan, president of Taiwan Asian Network for Free Elections, said any presidential hopeful must be able to convince the public of their ability to deal with Beijing or face continue suppression from the mainland a grim situation the Tsai government has faced but can do little to offset. Since taking office in 2016, Tsai has refused to accept the 1992 consensus, an understanding which allows the two sides to continue to talk as long as they agree there is only one China, though either side may have its own concept about China. Beijing, which considers Taiwan a wayward province awaiting reunification, if necessary by force, has suspended official talks and exchanges with Taiwan, staged a series of war games around Taiwan to put pressure on Taipei, and poached five of the islands diplomatic allies. The impact of Beijings stance towards the Tsai government has been seen as a factor in the self-ruled islands poor economic performance, and a contributor to the KMTs landslide victory in the local polls. Analysts said Chus final hurdle was a need to convince the public he could do better at managing the economy than Tsai if elected, especially after he lost at least 3 million votes to her in their last contest, in the 2016 presidential elections. This article Taiwan presidency in KMT Eric Chus sights but its a long way to 2020 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: President Donald Trump used a lightning visit to Iraq -- his first with US troops in a conflict zone since being elected -- to defend the withdrawal from Syria and declare an end to America's role as the global "policeman." Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, landed late Wednesday at Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq after what he described as a stressful, secrecy shrouded flight on a "pitch black" Air Force One. He spoke to a group of about 100 mostly special forces personnel and separately with military leaders before leaving a few hours later after a visit that sparked controversy in Iraq. A planned meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi was scrapped and replaced by a phone call, the premier's office said. Trump invited Abdel Mahdi to visit Washington and he accepted, according to the White House. The president was seen shaking hands with camouflage-clad personnel, signing autographs and posing for photos at the base. Morale-boosting presidential visits to US troops in war zones have been a longstanding tradition in the years following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Trump has been soundly criticised for eschewing such a trip in the first two years of his presidency. But speculation had been mounting that he would finally make the gesture following his controversial plan to slash troop levels in Afghanistan and his order to withdraw entirely from Syria. Trump sought to defend his "America First" policy of pulling back from multinational alliances, including what to many Americans seem like the endless wars in the Middle East. "It's not fair when the burden is all on us," he said. "We don't want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them. They don't pay for it and they're going to have to." "We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people haven't even heard about. Frankly, it's ridiculous," he added. - 'Enough time' - Trump told reporters he had overruled generals asking to extend the Syria deployment, where about 2,000 US forces, joined by other foreign troops, assist local fighters battling the Islamic State jihadist group (IS). "You can't have any more time. You've had enough time," he said he told the top brass. Trump's visit appeared to take Iraqi authorities by surprise and prompted criticism including from former prime minister Haider al-Abadi. The way in which Trump visited was "not commensurate with diplomatic norms and relations with sovereign states", Abadi said. "Dealing with Iraq and its sovereignty in this way will harm Iraqi-US relations," he said. Iran-backed groups that make up a key bloc in the Iraqi parliament reacted angrily. Shiite movement Harakat al-Nujaba said the presence of US forces in Iraq was a "violation of the country's sovereignty" and it was "now the duty of the government to expel American forces". "Trump's disrespect of Iraq's sovereignty will not go unpunished," it said, adding it would "not allow Iraq to be a base used to threaten other countries". The head of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq pro-Iran paramilitary group, Qais al-Khazali, tweeted that "Trump's visit to a US military base without regard for diplomatic norms reveals the reality of the American project in Iraq". The Iraqi response, he said, "would be the parliament's decision to remove your military forces" unilaterally. - Disentangling America - Trump's troop drawdowns -- and the abrupt way that they were announced -- helped trigger the resignation of his defence secretary, Jim Mattis, who has been one of the administration's heavyweights. But the president has made disentangling America from its wars a priority since his 2016 election and he said in Iraq that the US would no longer be treated as "suckers." IS, which once controlled swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria, has been driven mostly into hiding. On Wednesday, Trump said "we've knocked them out," although he added Iraq might be used as a future base "if we wanted to do something in Syria." According to a transcript released by the White House, he thanked troops for the "near-elimination" of IS, and said some US troops from Syria "will come here for a stay, but a lot of them are going to be going back home". According to Trump, the flight into Iraq was unlike anything he'd previously experienced. "If you would have seen what we had to go through in the darkened plane with all windows closed with no light anywhere -- pitch black," he said. After departing Iraq, Trump stopped over at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, before flying on to the United States, with Air Force One touching down early Thursday at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington. Page Content The problem of death by overwork is so prevalent the Japanese have created a word for it: karoshi. This year Japan passed the "Work Style Reform Law" to address some of these issues. Several provisions take effect April 2019. Currently, Japanese law permits employers to enter into special agreements with employees that require employees to work an unlimited number of overtime hours. The law, however, generally will limit overtime work to 45 hours per month with a maximum of 360 hours in a year. During busy periods, the overtime limit will be relaxed, allowing for up to 100 hours of overtime not to exceed a maximum of 720 hours in a year. In addition, employees may not work, on average, more than 80 hours of overtime per month. This figure will be averaged over a period of two, three, four, five and six consecutive months. These overtime provisions will go into effect in April 2019 for large employers and April 2020 for small and mid-sized employers. Violation of these provisions will subject employers to financial penalties. Highly skilled professional workers, however, are exempt from the protection of these overtime provisions. Under the law, highly skilled professional workers must: work a job requiring specialized skills and earn an annual salary of 10.75 million yen or more (roughly $95,000). Labor reform supporters have sharply criticized this exemption as a license to continue the practice of overwork. Meanwhile, supporters of the law have characterized the exemption as a nod to the working style of professionals where hours and results do not necessarily correlate. Future administrative guidelines will provide employers insight as to what jobs fall into the exemption. The exemption will take effect in April 2019. In addition, the law will require employers to treat regular and fixed-term employees equally. Although further administrative guidelines will be issued regarding this provision, employers should: Prepare to provide increased compensation and benefits for fixed-term and other nonregular employees. Begin reviewing the compensation differences between their regular and fixed-term employees to identify any disparities. Enforcement of this provision will likely involve disclosure requirements for employers. This provision will take effect in April 2020 for large employers and April 2021 for small and mid-sized employers. The law also contains provisions mandating the use of paid time off. Japanese labor culture has long led to a chronic and voluntary underusage of paid time off by employees. The law addresses this issue by requiring that employees entitled to 10 days of annual paid leave or more use at least five of those days each year. The use of a work-interval system is also encouraged under the law. The law notes that employers should make efforts to ensure that there is a minimum interval between the end of a day's working hours and the beginning of the next day's working hours. This provision will take effect in April 2019. Erika C. Collins is an attorney with Proskauer Rose LLP in New York City. Daniel Ornstein is an attorney with Proskauer Rose LLP in London. Tony S. Martinez is a law clerk in Newark, N.J. 2018 Proskauer Rose LLP. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission of Lexology. Why did the alien go to Saturn? To go ring shopping. Why did the multimillionaires go to space? Because they could. Today, countless millionaires and billionaires are lining up to get themselves or, more accurately, their money, into space. Stop all the blogs; cut off the PBR. Hipster as a search term in the United States was finally surpassed by millennial in 2018. Yes, I know that hipster describes a Brooklyn-born subculture character circa 2002 and millennial is the term for the 73 million Americans between the ages of 22 and 37. (It should be no contest!) But for many news readers, each word has functioned as a catchall to describe whatever it is kids these days are up to. Now one era of trend pieces has finally, firmly yielded to the next. Advertisement The changing of the guard also feels long overdue. It has been 3 years since the word millennial became so ubiquitous in media coverage that a popular browser extension replaced millennials with snake people. (The extension also produced a memorable New York Times correction.) It has been five years since the writer Tom Hawking astutely identified the shift in culture writing, noting that millennials have replaced hipsters as the mainstreams cultural punching bag of choice. But it takes a while for the observations of media professionals who spend their entire waking lives online to filter into American reality as its reflected in Google Trends data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avocado toast was once the tip of the hipster spear. Now its a global meme about millennial financial problems. Other trends made the jump: Craft beer. Beards. Not having a career. Did hipster culture just go mainstream? More likely, hipster, as an adjective, long ago ceased to connote anything beyond a thing that young people are doing. (Im not sure how precise a meaning it conveys, the New York Times copy chief wrote in 2010.) Therefore, its late-period uses are in many ways interchangeable with those of millennial, which describes by definition things that young people are doing. Coffee, for example, was hipster. Now its millennial. Advertisement One type of hipster trend piece took something that was actually very common, like wearing Chuck Taylors, and declared it and its adherents hipster. (The other type talked up things that nobody, except poor Justin Peters, actually did.) Afterward, people who did the extremely normal thing would defend themselves against the charges of hipsterfication. Advertisement Millennial trend pieces, by contrast, take something niche and pretend its universal. Like Gatsbying. Most of these pieces are negative: Millennials are killing exorcisms and boxes and the middle child. Millennials dont have can openers. They dont go running. Or buy cars. Advertisement Advertisement And so, where once a young person nervously sought to exempt his own good taste in coffee from the hipster pejorative (I was drinking good coffee before it was cool!), today we marshal routine defenses of our 70-million-odd peers from the insults of internet trend pieces aimed at millennials. Its nice to see the generation coming together! Nobody was a hipster, but theres no getting away from tens of millions of young people who love to dunk on social media. In the end, its pretty hard to generalize about Americas most diverse generation, except to say that we are worse off financially than our parents and grandparents. Its no fun, but thats the millennial trend piece. This article originally appeared in Vulture. If the original Richard Donner Superman film promised that youd believe a man can fly, James Wans Aquaman is dedicated to making you believe a man can swim really fast. The film follows the trials and tribulations of Jason Momoas Arthur Curry, a half-Atlantean hunk who spends much of the movie interacting with other children of Atlantis, all of whom primarily conduct their business underwater. The film thus lives or dies based on whether it can make the aquatic sequences seem natural and smooth. This was no easy task, as it turns out. Advertisement The underwater world encompasses around two-thirds of this particular film, Wan tells Vulture. So we had to get it right technically so that it would be at least somewhat believable and so that it would look cool and so that you would actually be able to buy something that makes up such a huge chunk of the movie. If we didnt get that right, it was going to be a problem in a big, big way. To make matters more difficult, Wanbest known for his work on intimate horror pictures like Saw and The Conjuringwas an amateur with this sort of thing. As he readily admits, Aquaman is really my first visual-effects-heavy movie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To begin, well before principal photography, Wan and his team just observed how things look under the sea. We started by looking at humans swimming underwater, he recalls. We would put wigs and stunt doubles and props underwater just to see what they would look like. Data thus accumulated, they got to work on re-creating that imagery on dry land, which is where the film was mostly shot. Advertisement Advertisement We had to make these rigs that would allow for our actors and stunt doubles to look like they were swimming, Wan says. It was a totally laborious process that involved putting these actors through some really uncomfortable situations. Not only are they having to act while theyre on a wire rig, almost all of them were having to do it while wearing these really outlandish costumes. And on top of that, they had to look like they were moving elegantly, you know? Moving around in the water is this very graceful and elegant thing for these characters. Its a really uncomfortable thing to do as an actor. Because the actors were above the depths, there was all kinds of CGI mishegoss required to make their accoutrements look like they were swaying in the currents. It was months and months and months of trying to develop the physics, trying to get the CGI to look believable, the movements of things like capes and costumes and hair, Wan recallsemphasis on hair. And in the case of Jason Momoa, there wasnt just the hair on his headwe had to figure out how to make his beard look like it was underwater, as well. And when youre doing that, youre actually physically affecting the actors face and how their performance comes across so that just took months and months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hair-replication process was agonizing. Sometimes, the effects house would come back with something that got the physics perfectly but didnt make the actors look cool, Wan says. Other times, it just wouldnt look right, it had to be redone. Wed have to go back to the drawing board and re-render every single strand of hair. Were talking, like, hours to render one shot that could only maybe be a couple of seconds long. There was also the matter of not falling into the trap of turning the Atlanteans into Superman. I learned very early on that actors could look like they were flying rather than floating in water, so that was something we had to be mindful of as well, says Wan. We had to figure out ways to remind the audience that they were underwater, which we did by developing these simple but effective visual cues, like adding bits of floating particulatesomething that weve all seen in swimming pools before. We added in little bits of debris, just as a way to remind people that, Right, yeah, this is all happening in water. And, of course, bubbles and stuff. Advertisement Advertisement There was actually an entire approach to the swimming effects that Wan used, then discarded at great expense during the production process. We think about people swimming, and theres this very slow-motion quality to it, Wan muses. I shot a lot of the movie like that before I ultimately realized that that was just not correct for the look of the film. Atlanteans would not be moving in slow motion, despite being underwater. Through the course of research and development and principal photography, we realized it was just not the right look. The whole movie would have been just way too slow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The finished product is definitely not sloweveryone zips around beneath the waves like they have bubbly Saturn V rockets on their feet. The whole movie is something of a visual marvel, and Wan hopes to take the hard-won lessons forward as he swims through Hollywood. Now I know how long these things take, the processes involved, he says. I learned even just giving notes on a shot can have an unraveling effect to all the stuff that had been done before. It can have a kind of snowball effect. Thats something that Im definitely going to take with me down the line. See also: See Aquaman for Its Trippy Undersea Visuals and You Wont Be Disappointed If it surprised you when Sen. Orrin Hatch said he didnt care that prosecutors had determined that the president was implicated in a crime; if it startled you to see Rudy Giulianiwho tackled threats to society like turnstile jumpers and squeegee menso sweatily downplay Donald Trumps illegal conduct in an interview with Chris Wallace; if you noticed Jerome Corsi doubling down on birtherism, Trump acting like Jamal Khashoggis murder was NBD, Alan Dershowitz insisting that Michael Flynn lying to the FBI is not a crime, Rep. Steve King endorsing white supremacists, Arnold Kopelson saying we all did that to a woman who claimed Les Moonves accosted her and masturbated in front of her, and Minnesota state Sen. Scott Newman dismissing Brett Kavanaughs alleged assault of Christine Blasey Ford with even if true, teenagers!, then congratulations: Youve made it to the end of 2018 without becoming irreversibly jaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankly, I thought I was. I didnt think much could stun me. But then the Miami Herald published Julie Browns expose of how prosecutors cozily negotiated with Jeffrey Epsteins defense team to minimize his punishment for raping and trafficking underage girlsand presiding over a sex ring of sorts that he allegedly shared with powerful friendsand my depleted capacity for shock was refreshed. The case is exceptional, and though its about a decade old, you might not have heard about it. We were better, we casual American consumers of news, at not quite absorbing things like this back when the story first broke. In a way, the fact that we still had a functional gossip industry (including Gawker, which reported on Epstein) made ignoring stories like these easier; one could lump horrifying networks that trafficked and abused underage girls into the unreliable and thrilling category of scandal. Gossip used to serve that digestive function in media, I thinkit whispered true things but also sanitized them by mixing up the frivolous with the criminal. Advertisement Advertisement But the Epstein case has resurfaced at a moment characterized as much by open corruption as it is by queasy moral reckonings. Trump and #MeToo, Paul Manaforts ostrich jacket, and children in cagesthose are jarring juxtapositions. Theyve ushered in a kind of context collapse whose effects it will likely take decades to fully understand. But heres one: though things might seem dirtier than ever, many once-sheltered Americans are also finally equipped to lookwith some clarity, and with appropriate horrorat awful situations that passed mostly unremarked in more decorous (if equally decadent) times. Like Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement What America glances away from is as important as what it sees. The #MeToo movement confronted unsavory behaviors and patterns that the public spent decades strenuously joking about and normalizing until they were functionally invisible. It was hard work to not see it allthe abuse, the harassment, the professional sabotagebut most of us managed it. For the most part, we let boys be boys and raised eyebrows at women we suspected of getting ahead on casting couches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent unsealing of those secretsthe magnitude of the sexual abuse, the sheer scale of the damage powerful people have inflicted on their victims with malice and calculationhas had plenty of effects, and plenty of those are positive. Les Moonves is out. Harvey Weinstein is gone. It is a good thing that people who have languished in wounded humiliation, unheard and unavenged, have gotten to finally say what happened to them. It is good, too, that they have not, at this particular moment in history, been instantly ostracized, intimidated, and disbelieved. (There are exceptions.) It is progress, of a kind, that bad men are no longer being universally excused on the grounds that theyre geniuses. (It is progress, too, that many people are finally recognizing that some of these men are simply not geniuses at all.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other effects of this great national unbottling have been less positivesenators claiming they dont care if the president committed felonies, men dismissing the sexual assault of teenage girls as collateral damage of normal, healthy male adolescence. A backlash to #MeToos insistence that there be accountability for men as well as women was to be expected, but I was still surprised at the form it took. Some men started needlessly defending sexual assault. They started denying that crimes committed by menparticularly white, rich onesdeserved any punishment at all. They werent even crimes! As Doreen St. Felix put it, this is the patriarchy testing how far its politics of resentment can go. And there is no limit. Advertisement Male malfeasance obviously isnt new. Neither is old-boy solidarity. What is new is that Omerta has become overt. Its like the fellas have forgotten how to code-switch and conceal. These days, whole groups of men are downplaying monstrous conduct to the public in just the way they might laughingly do among themselves. Its startling, this plague of so whating malefactors bellowing boys will be boys in an effort to downplay the severity of everything from sexual assault to murder, education scams, bank fraud, theft, lying, money laundering, and kidnapping (to name a few). But its not just the conduct thats shocking; its the lazy lack of discretion, the tendency to excuse obvious criminality without any sign of embarrassment. It used to be that you had to at least keep your criminal side secretor at least profess to condemn anti-social conduct. Those days are gone. Advertisement Advertisement Now the full horror of the Epstein caseand the networks he relied onhas been revealed and recontextualized. Again, it was possible to look away from Jeffrey Epstein in 2008. There was in theory a case that Epstein had done his timeeven if he pleaded to a mere two counts of prostitution (when the case involved a 14-year-old who could not consent) and served a few months in a cushy prison that he left every day for some 12 hours, since he had work release. He got plenty of people to play along with the idea that trafficking underage girls and sharing them with his friends made him interesting and a bit of a scamp. You could squint at the case and figure that there must have been some legal basis for this, some sensible explanation for why Epsteins houseman served more time (18 months) for stealing his little black book than Epstein did for raping girls. What did we know? That one of Epsteins apparent accomplices wasnt prosecuted seemed like it might be OKhed referred to her as his sex slave and said he bought her from her family in Yugoslavia. Perhaps shed been through enough? Maybe everything shook out as it should? Advertisement But now, the full horror of the Epstein caseand the networks he relied onhas been revealed and recontextualized, and its stunning. It feels like the end of a thriller about heinous bureaucratic corruption, the realization that Trumps Labor secretary, Alexander Acostathen a U.S. attorneysealed a 53-page federal indictment that could have landed Epstein in prison for decades; that he cut the victims out of the negotiations and cozily negotiated with Epsteins defense team, letting them set terms; that he later tried to justify these decisions by saying that Epsteins defense team was an army whose assault disturbed some of his prosecutors. (That same defense team was scraping the Myspace pages of Epsteins teenage victims to paint them as liars). And when you realize that years later, the Manhattan D.A. not only accepted Epsteins defense lawyers account of what hed donethere are no real victims herebut requested in January 2011 that his status as sex offender be downgraded from the most-dangerous Level 3 to Level 1. Thats right: The prosecutors were arguing that he wasnt much of a threat to the public. I have never seen the prosecutors office do anything like this, said the Manhattan Supreme Court justice presiding over the case in 2011. I have done many [cases] much less troubling than this one where [prosecutors] would never make a downward argument like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horrifying, too, to realize that there are at least 80 victimsat least one of whom has died from a drug overdoseand that Epstein doesnt care. He has never shown a glimmer of understanding that a high-school girl could be damaged by a powerful 50-year-olds demands, or that some of the girls were already emotionally damaged, Philip Weiss has written. Throughout his ordeal, Epstein maintained the air that there was nothing sordid about his actions. His wealth seems to have endowed him with utter shamelessness, the emperors new clothes with an erection. Its a good analogy: Epstein turns out to have been one among many naked emperors hanging out together in clubs or on islands, and theyve spent so long complimenting each others outfits that they fully expected the rest of us to concur when they stepped outside. For a long minute we obligednot by praising them, but by looking away. Not anymore. If Epstein is a decent measure of how public tolerance of and alertness to this kind of thing has changed in 10 years, its partly because the damage hes done has finally become sayable and clear. Advertisement Advertisement Its obviousas network after network of enablers gets exposedthat something awful has been happening among male in-groups, particularly powerful ones. Thats not exactly surprising; American homophobia makes male-male friendship much more complicated than it has to be, and that difficulty only increases in group situations. Typically, the boys clubs have solved that problem by orienting intimacy around private law breaking. Whether its hazing, or toxic homosociality, or even just a heist movie or The Hangover, Americas formula for male bonding revolves around the antisocial violation of pro-social codes. The formula requires that men who gather together find a way to degrade society at largewhere that society is construed as female, or at least feminizedin order to obtain one anothers approval. Boys club intimacy has historically required that there be a standard for them to violate, a stultifying feminine consensus against which they could manfully rebel. Advertisement Advertisement The violations have long had to remain privateor at least semiprivatefor this whole thing to work. Thats why Kavanaugh and his buds called themselves Renate Alumni in his yearbook: to humiliate and brag about the woman in a semipublic context shed never see that made them feel brave and cool. The private airplane on which Epstein ferried rich men and trafficked underage girls was dubbed the Lolita Express by the press. Open secrets are still, at least in a technical sense, secretsthey just have a veneer of jokey stealth. Advertisement Advertisement Gender equality definitely isnt where it should be, but the feminized world the boys club needs in order to be meaningful no longer really obtains. In pop culture and in the public sphere, lots of women are about as foul-mouthed as men, and as ambitious. Plenty of men are nurturing or neurotic or gentle or kind. Men, women, and others have discovered that they can have friendships and professional relationships with each other that dont depend on the fact of gender difference; the culture has changed enough that the question driving, say, When Harry Met Sally (could a man and a woman be friends?) feels a little antiquated and beside the point. The structuring dichotomy that America relied on is, however slowly, dissolving. Advertisement Its obvious that something awful has been happening among powerful male in-groups. So is the secrecy. Remember: Acostas key intervention in the Epstein case was that he kept the plea agreement (which he worked out with plenty of input from Epsteins lawyers) secret from the victims themselvesin whose interests he was supposedly acting. Julie Brown reported that the police investigating Epstein found thenPalm Beach State Attorney Barry Krischer strangely evasive about the case, as was Assistant State Attorney Lanna Belohlavek. They seemed to be dodging calls from the investigators. Early on, it became clear that things had changed, from Krischer saying, well put this guy away for life, to these are all the reasons why we arent going to prosecute this, former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter said. Thats the network operating as it should: keeping the seedy underbelly protected so no consequences can arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump arguably helped spoil the thrilling secrecy of the taboo-busting club by saying all the antisocial stuff out loud. He never quite fit, reallytoo weird, too desperate for approval. His solution was to make the world his boys club: Rather than stick to winks and elbow nudges, he would minimize everything the cool bad boys did, and not just privatelyhed up the ante and do it in front of the world. When Bill OReilly called Vladimir Putin a killer, Trump stood up for his would-be buddy. There are a lot of killers. We have a lot of killers. Well, you think our country is so innocent? When Flynn was discovered to have been an unregistered foreign agent, Trump called him a good guy. And heres what he said about Jeffrey Epstein to New York magazine back in 2002: Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about itJeffrey enjoys his social life. He almost said the thing out loud, except back then, nobody cared. He made all the private agreements the boys had with each otherand the taboos they broke with each otherexplicit. And then he became president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, when Trump defends Roy Moore or Brett Kavanaugh or Mohammed bin Salman or Putin himself on the grounds that they personally deny what theyre accused of, when Virginias Republican candidate for Senate Corey Stewart defends the Confederacy, when Roger Stone doubles down on the lie that Ted Cruzs father killed Kennedy, and when Alex Jones own legal defense is that no one would believe what Alex Jones says, its clear that their strategy isnt limited to laughing off attacks on women. Its about pooh-poohing malfeasance of all kinds. Advertisement Its true, of course, that just because the toxic mechanics of male in-groups are now out in the open doesnt mean those mechanics are going away. But they are now harder to deny. We cant pretend this is not a problem anymore, or that these ugly alliances dont exist. And Epstein is an extremely instructive example of one of these exposed male networks: Hire enough lawyers that the U.S. attorney in charge of your case wants to impress, and youll likely come out of your sex trafficking enterprise serenely convinced you did nothing wrong. Advertisement There may be no remedy for rich and powerful men who have been praised and praised by their cohort until their capacity for genuine understanding, or empathy, or integrity, collapses. That this happens is clear: Dershowitz, who has since been accused of having sex with two of Epsteins victims himself (he denies it), has called Epstein brilliant. Back in the early aughts, Gerald Edelman commended Epsteins ability to pick up on quantitative relations and psychologist Stephen Kosslyn said, He is amazing. Like a honeybeehe talks to all these different people and cross-pollinates. Advertisement But when you read Epsteins own words, you start to see that some of that legendary cross-pollination was also an exercise in personal projection. He once wrote a letter to a scientist friendsummarized in this 2002 profile of him from New York magazinethats ostensibly about termite society, but what it really describes, with uncanny insight, are the sticky, subrational alliances of the puerile ultra-rich. The behavior of termites, together with ants and bees, is a precursor to trust, Epstein wrote, because they have an extraordinary ability to form relationships and sophisticated social structures based on mutual altruism even though individually they are fundamentally dumb. You may nod at this, thinking of the soft and crumbly tunnels the Trumps and Epsteins and Cohens and Giulianis and Stones have gnawed for mutual comfort into the societies others have built. Boys club behavior requires accepting in advance that anything goes; that is, indeed, a precursor to trust. Epsteins interest in that carte blanche arrangement turns out not to be scholarly but entirely profit-driven. If we can figure out how termites come together, Epstein writes, then we may be able to better understand the underlying principles of market behaviorand make big money. Here, in plain daylight, in Epsteins own words, is the dynamic that shaped the secret underground networks that have weakened a societys foundations. Termites do come together, and its not pleasant to see the walls crumbling. But as gruesome as these societies have turned out to be, were lucky their inner workings are finally out in the open. In a small development that could have potentially huge implications, four sources tell McClatchy that Michael Cohens cellphone appears to have been briefly around Prague in late summer of 2016. That was at the height of the presidential campaign and around the same time when President Donald Trumps longtime lawyer and fixer allegedly met with Russian officials there. That at least was a key contention of the infamous dossier by former British spy Michael Steele that detailed the supposed collusion between Trump and the Kremlin. The dossier claimed Cohen met with Russian officials in Prague to try to limit the information that could be made public of Kremlins ties to Trump. Advertisement According to McClatchy, the cellphone signal is not the only thing that suggests Cohen was indeed in or near Prague. During late August or early September, an Eastern European intelligence agency was eavesdropping on a conversation among Russians in which one said that Cohen was in Prague. All this information has been shared with special counsel Robert Mueller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These revelations are particularly significant because Cohen has long denied he had ever been to Prague and his lawyer, Lanny Davis, categorically denied the claim earlier this month. Never, never in Prague, Davis said in a television interview. Never ever in Prague, Davis continued when he was pressed on the issue. And the reason, just to let your viewers know what were talking about, is that the dossier, the so-called dossier, mentions his name 14 times. One of which is a meeting with Russians in Prague. 14 times. False. Advertisement Advertisement Cohen also vehemently denied a visit to Prague and even criticized McClatchy for an earlier story that claimed Mueller had obtained evidence that Cohen had traveled to Prague, although it did not detail that evidence. Bad reporting, bad information and bad story, Cohen wrote on Twitter in April. No matter how many times or ways they write it, I have never been to Prague. Bad reporting, bad information and bad story by same reporter Peter Stone @McClatchyDC. No matter how many times or ways they write it, I have never been to Prague. I was in LA with my son. Proven! https://t.co/ra7nwjUA0X Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) April 14, 2018 If McClatchys information is correct it could show that Cohen was lying all along. But there is also a possibility that Cohen is telling the truth and McClatchys report is correct. After all, Cohen has always specifically said he never went to Prague itself, but McClatchys report leaves open the possibility that Trumps former lawyer was in or near Prague. After 17 years, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is no longer the woman that Americans admire the most. This year, the honor went to former first lady Michelle Obama, according to an annual Gallup poll. Michelle Obama, who is currently touring the country as part of a hugely successful book tour, had come in second to Clinton in the Gallup poll three times. But now it wasnt even close. When pollsters asked Americans an open-ended question to name the women living anywhere in the world that they admire the most, 15 percent mentioned Michelle Obama. Oprah Winfrey came a distant second with 5 percent, followed by Hillary Clinton and Melania Trump, who tied at 4 percent. Both Clinton and Winfrey have a long history of appearing among the top 10 most admired women. Winfrey has appeared in the list 31 times, while Clinton has made it 27 times. But while Winfrey has never come out on top of the list, Clinton has done so a whopping 22 times, which is more than any other man or woman, notes Gallup. When it comes to the men that Americans admire, there are no big surprises. President Barack Obama was the most admired man in 2018for the 11th consecutive yearwith 19 percent. President Donald Trump comes in second place for the fourth year in a row with 13 percent. Former President George W. Bush was in a distant third place with 2 percent, which ties him with Pope Francis. The First Step Act, the federal prison reform bill that President Donald Trump signed into law on Friday, represents a bipartisan and major effort at making the criminal justice system fairer. This step will only be a baby step, however, if the engine that drives the entire piece of legislationrisk assessments of federal prisoners likelihood to reoffendis not used carefully and with sound scientific and public oversight. The statute embraced two main types of interventions designed to reduce federal reliance on incarceration. The first increases judges discretion to impose shorter prison sentences. Time will tell whether they use it consistently and fairly. Advertisement The second allows federal prisoners, who now number about 180,000, to earn credits toward early release based on rehabilitative programs and their risk of reoffending. The statute states that an algorithm will be used to score every prisoner as minimum, low, medium, or high risk. But the legislation does not say how this algorithm will be designed. The final version of the First Step Act, which refers to risk 100 times, calls for a risk and needs assessment system to be developed in 210 days, and then made public and administered to every federal prison within the following 180 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That may not be nearly enough time to carefully study all of the questions raised by creating such a massive system. Take as an example the experience in Virginia, which has been hailed as a national model and leading innovator by the American Law Institute for using risk assessment to divert low-risk offenders from prison. Virginia spent several years developing its risk assessment system. The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission carefully obtained public input, scientific evaluations, and pilot studies, before implementing it statewide. Advertisement Advertisement The hard work that went into the First Step Act should be followed by serious scientific and public deliberation. But in a recent series of studies of the effort to divert prisoners in Virginia, John Monahan, Alexander Jakubow, Anne Metz, and I have found that there is wide variation in how courts and judges apply this risk assessment. In 2016, for example, 42 percent of low-risk offenders received alternative sentences and 58 percent did not. Most of those who were diverted from prison still received jail time. Why did this occur? We surveyed the Virginia judges and found that many appreciate risk assessment as, in the words of one, another tool that aids but does not supplant judicial judgment. However, others expressed extreme distaste. One wrote: Frankly, I pay very little attention to the [risk assessment] worksheets. I also dont go to psychics. Many judges correctly noted that they cannot easily divert offenders from prison when there are not adequate resources available for rehabilitative programs. Advertisement Advertisement People are not algorithms. The statutes fairness will hinge on the discretion that prison officials exercise, informed by the scores from a risk assessment but also by their own judgment. The First Step Acts success will similarly depend on resources for real rehabilitative programs. It calls for evidence-based evaluation of such programs, but that research will also take time. While using an evidence-informed tool can be better than simply leaving everything to prison officials discretion, there needs to be more than buy-in by the decision-makersthe right tools need to be used. Michelle Alexander and others have raised concerns, for example, with risk assessments that rely on information about prior arrests or neighborhood information that can produce stark racial bias. The final version of the act speaks to the potential for bias and asks the comptroller general to conduct a review after two years to identify unwarranted disparities. The act also calls for an independent review body that includes researchers who have studied risk assessment and people who have implemented it. These are important steps. Involvement of scientists and the public will be needed to consider whether invidious and potentially unconstitutional discrimination resultsotherwise, protracted constitutional litigation challenging these risk assessments will be a foregone conclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, there is much that is positive about the bills many provisions dealing with risk. The First Step Act emphasizes not just recidivism but also programs that support rehabilitation. It is noteworthy that the legislation calls for re-evaluation of prisoners each year so that risk scores are not set in stone. All prisoners are able to reduce their classification. This should be taken seriously. The risk of any person may decline dramatically over time simply as a matter of age, as the U.S. Sentencing Commission documented in a study last year. The statute also makes the attorney general the risk assessor in chiefwith input from the independent scientific reviewersof the risk assessment used on 180,000 prisoners each year. That scientific input is critical, and it should be solicited from the broader scientific community. Its also worth noting that the Department of Justice has recently shut down key science advisory groups; this law hopefully takes an important first step toward bringing science back in. The hard work that went into the First Step Act should be followed by serious scientific and public deliberation about the sound use of risk-based evaluation. The act will not do justice to the needs of our federal criminal system if the first step results in a hasty sprint to uncritically embrace risk assessment. A promising program designed to remove big money from politics and increase the impact of small donors on elections may be careening toward catastrophe in the courts. Last Monday, the Washington Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Seattles democracy vouchers, an innovative public financing scheme thats already spreading to other cities. The measure has already allowed more young people, women, racial minorities, and low-income voters to contribute to candidates. But state courts have taken the constitutional challenge to the program seriouslyand the U.S. Supreme Court may eventually conclude that the law violates the First Amendment. Indeed, this case could test how much damage the courts decision in Janus v. AFSCME will do to campaign finance reform. Advertisement Passed in 2015 via ballot initiative, Seattles Democracy Voucher Program marks an effort to amplify the voices of nonwealthy Americans in city elections. The law imposes a tax on Seattle homeowners (which costs the average household about $11.50 a year), then places the money in a pot used to fund campaign finance vouchers. Each election cycle, every voter receives four $25 vouchers that they can contribute to certain candidates. (Citizens and green card holders who do not vote can also obtain vouchers.) To qualify for voucher funding, a candidate must first gather $10 donations from at least 400 Seattle voters to prove their candidacy is viable. They must then commit to accepting no cash donation over $250. (Candidates who eschew voucher funding can take donations up to $500.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of the program is to democratize campaign spending without running afoul of the First Amendment. Thanks to Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United and McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, affluent citizens and corporations can flood elections with huge sums of cash, leading lawmakers to prioritize their interests over those of ordinary Americans. Reformers hope that democracy vouchers will make politicians more responsive to average voters, since everyone in the electorate is a potential contributor. So far, the program has been a moderate success, according to a study by the pro-voucher nonprofit Every Voice. In 2017, the first election cycle using the new scheme, 18,000 Seattle residents gave candidates about 70,000 of the $25 vouchers. The number of new donors skyrocketed: 84 percent had not donated to a campaign in the previous two elections, and among the new donors, 71 percent used vouchers. At least 25,000 Seattleites provided donations, about three times more than the 8,200 residents who donated in 2013. Women, young people, people of color, and non-affluent residents were more likely to contribute through vouchers. The only hitch is that an enormous number of voters96.7 percentdid not use their vouchers, suggesting that the city needs to do a better job educating residents about the program. Advertisement Advertisement If its allowed to continue, that is. In June 2017, the libertarian Pacific Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit in state court to block the measure, asserting that it infringes upon the First Amendment. A superior court dismissed the suit in November 2017, but PLF appealed. In an unusual move, the appeals court declined to rule, instead sending the case directly to the Washington Supreme Court, declaring that it presented a fundamental and urgent issue of broad public import requiring swift resolution. The justices agreed and took the case, Elster v. City of Seattle; they will hear arguments in the new year. Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Supreme Courts apparent desire to decide Elster ASAP should be troubling for reformers. As one of the PLF attorneys on the case, Ethan Blevins, has noted, it seems likely that the justices are concerned that the U.S. Supreme Courts Janus decision could render the vouchers constitutionally suspect. In Janus, the court ruled that states may not compel non-union members in the public sector to help finance collective bargaining. These mandatory dues, Justice Samuel Alito wrote, compel nonmembers to subsidize private speech on matters of substantial public concern in violation of the First Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PLF asserts that Seattles Democracy Voucher Program similarly compels property owners to bankroll speech they do not wish to support. It adds that the law disfavors minority viewpoints by distributing money at the whim of majoritarian interests. And, PLF insists, the law discriminates against voters who support candidates who will not or cannot accept voucher funds. These arguments have a major flaw: In 1976s Buckley v. Valeo, the U.S. Supreme Court held that public finance systems are constitutional, since they enlarge public discussion and participation in the electoral process, First Amendment values that are vital to a self-governing people. The court permitted a plan that, like Seattles, gives more money to candidates with robust grassroots support. Since then, federal courts have upheld comparable city and state laws that provide public financing to candidates who meet a donation threshold independently and agree to certain conditions, like refusing large contributions. No court has ruled that such a scheme disfavors minority viewpoints. Advertisement That doesnt mean Seattle is off the hook. In Janus, after all, the Supreme Court overturned a precedent nearly as old as Buckley. And PLF clearly wants to frame Elster as a Janus-like attack on public financing. The group claims that the Democracy Voucher Program compels landlords to subsidize the speech of renters, much like the law in Janus compelled nonmembers to subsidize the speech of unions. A majority of Seattle residents rent their property, yet only landlords must pay the tax that funds the voucher scheme. As a result, PLF writes, Seattle imposes the burden of funding renters political speechin the form of voucherssolely on the shoulders of landlords and other property owners. Advertisement The conservative justices could use Elster to chip away at public financing much as they used Janus to kneecap labor rights. There are, however, key distinctions between the Seattle law and the union dues cases. In Janus, nonmembers had to pay money directly to the union; here, the government collects a tax, then lets voters decide how to use the funds. And while the dues in Janus exclusively subsidized union representation, the voucher tax subsidizes a broad array of political speech. The Seattle program does not favor or disfavor any viewpoint; all voters obtain the same number of vouchers, and all candidates are free to compete for them. If the Seattle law is unconstitutional, then so is any public finance scheme that awards money to candidates whove demonstrated more popular support. That includes the presidential public finance law, which matches small contributions a candidate receives during the primary and gives more money to major party nominees than third-party candidates. Advertisement But this Supreme Court is not afraid to overturn precedent, no matter what Susan Collins thinks. Just days after deciding Janus, the court indicated that it might overturn a unanimous 1990 decision allowing private bar associations that regulate the legal profession to collect dues from lawyers. If the progressive Washington Supreme Court upholds the Democracy Voucher Program, PLF will surely appeal to SCOTUS, where theyll have better odds. The conservative justices could use Elster to chip away at public financing much as they used Janus to kneecap labor rights, preserving wealthy Americans ability to drown out small donors with a torrent of cash. Advertisement Advertisement The First Amendment was meant for better things. Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Austin, Texas, are already planning to implement democracy vouchers via ballot initiative, and reformers have embraced the idea as a response to big money corrupting politics. Voters who use the vouchers seem to like them; one told the Seattle Times, It feels like Im more a part of the system. People like me can contribute in ways that we never have before. The Democracy Voucher Program isnt about discriminating against landlords. Its about improving self-governance by helping more Americans participate in elections. If the Supreme Court thinks thats unconstitutional, it has forgotten why the First Amendment exists in the first place. When President Donald Trump made his first visit to a conflict zone Wednesday, he got a warm reception from troops in Iraq. But some servicemembers may have given him too warm of a reception that could have veered into campaigninga big no, no for the military. Photos from Trumps visit shows that he signed Make America Great Again hats and even a patch that called for his reelection, reading Trump 2020. What commander allowed that to really happen? CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr asked Wednesday night. Troops are not supposed to be involved in political activities, the U.S. military is not a political force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems many of the troops had the hats on hand. Bloomberg White House reporter Jennifer Epstein posted a photo to Twitter showing servicemembers with MAGA hats waiting for the president to arrive. She also posted someone holding up a Trump banner, which she allegedly drooped after she saw me taking a photo. Advertisement Advertisement Trump flag (she dropped it after she saw me taking a photo) pic.twitter.com/LhPwUNdEK3 Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) December 27, 2018 Who brought the hats though is irrelevant, according to CNN analysts. It is in fact a campaign slogan, that is a campaign item, and it is completely inappropriate for the troops to do this, Retired Rear Adm. John Kirby, a former Obama administration spokesperson and a CNN analyst, said. Some also expressed concern that Trumps speech to the troops sounded more like a campaign rally than a commander in chief going to visit servicemembers. The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world, Trump told troops at one point. Its not fair when the burden is all on us, the United States We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people havent even heard about. Frankly, its ridiculous. If you cant travel to be with family and friends at the holidays, phone and video calls are the next best thing. When youre watching a niece or nephew open up presents via Skype, its easy to take for granted the degree to which access to reliable, affordable phone and internet service makes staying in touch with family possible. But for far too many households, these telecommunications necessities must be weighed against many others such as food and electricity, decisions that are particularly challenging against the backdrop of other holiday expenses. Advertisement Fortunately, the Lifeline program at the Federal Communications Commission helps to bring these services within financial reach. Lifeline was initiated under President Reagan to provide modest subsidies to low-income households for landline telephone service. Under President George W. Bush, Lifeline expanded to include cellphone and mobile internet service. Then, during the Obama administration, the program was modified to support stand-alone broadband service. Today, the program provides a $9.25 monthly subsidy for qualifying households to purchase broadband, phone service, or wireless phone and data service. (It can be slightly more under some circumstances, but the vast majority of people get the $9.25.) While that amount may not seem like much, it can often go a long way in making service affordablesome budget, Lifeline-focused cellphone plans are even designed so that the subsidy covers or nearly covers the fee for service. Across the country, approximately 10 million low-income families rely on Lifeline to ensure that they can stay connected to their loved ones and access critical tools and resources that have increasingly moved online. But now this literal lifeline is at risk of being cut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2017, the FCC proposed sweeping reforms that would effectively gut the Lifeline program. These changes include removing support for prepaid wireless providers (which serve about 70 percent of all Lifeline subscribers and operate using a completely different business model than postpaid providers like Verizon and AT&T), ending support for stand-alone broadband, limiting the length of time households could stay a part of the Lifeline program, and placing an arbitrary and overly restrictive cap on the funds available. These reforms could leave millions of people without basic communications services. Many wireless providers would be forced to exit the market, meaning many communities would find themselves without any Lifeline-supported voice options. The reforms would also cement the FCCs 2017 decision to repeal net neutrality and abdicate its oversight of the broadband industryleaving the Lifeline program with only a limited number of voice-only providers, and Lifeline users with increasingly few options. Advertisement These reforms could leave millions without basic communications services. While critics often claim that the program is rife with fraud as a justitfication for shrinking the program, Lifeline is notably underutilized by eligible households, and the FCCs proposal would worsen this problem by drastically capping the amount of funds allocated to it through what the FCC calls a self-enforcing budget cap. In its 2016 reforms to the program, the FCC imposed a modest cap of $2.25 billion, which the commission reasoned would be sufficient to allow new households to connect to the program. The proposed change would ratchet that budget down if expenditures were predicted to be rising in a given year, creating an inherent disincentive for signing up new, eligible customers. Besides worsening the low adoption rates of the program, a budget cap is a classic example of a solution in search of a problem, as annual Lifeline expenditures have actually been falling for years. The FCC should be working to bring on more qualifying Americans who cannot afford communications services as subscribers to Lifeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unsurprisingly, the proposal faced swift backlash from public interest groups. Perhaps more surprising, the proposal faced backlash from nearly everyone, including some of the countrys largest wireless providers, including Verizon, Sprint, and wireless-industry trade associations. Thats because the proposal would destroy the Lifeline market by prohibiting certain types of wireless providers from being eligible for participation. It would instead shift the program to rely solely on what the industry calls facilities-based providers, despite the fact that those providers have largely exited Lifeline because participation in the program would require them to serve populations that dont fit into their current business model. Facilities-based providers are the big names youve almost certainly heard oflike AT&T and Verizonand they dont tend to participate in Lifeline because it doesnt fit well in their business model. Another type of providers uses a different model for offering service. They are called wireless resellers because they lease spectrum from the big providers, rather than acquiring their own spectrum directly, and they tend to be the providers that offer prepaid service, where customers can buy their minutes and data as they go, rather than pay a flat monthly fee after the fact. Remember those budget plans that are essentially covered by the $9.25 Lifeline subsidies? Its the wireless resellers that are offering them, and the FCC is proposing to eliminate them from the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the proposal would turn Lifeline from a consumer-centric affordability program into an industry-centric infrastructure program that supports the biggest phone providers, against the explicit directive of Congress in the FCCs governing laws. Leave it to this FCC to turn a pro-consumer subsidy into an industry welfare program for an industry that doesnt seem all that interested in the program in the first place. Advertisement Nonetheless, the proposal remains active at the FCC, with rumors circulating each month about an imminent vote. Even a pared-down version of this proposal would be dangerous, as any one of the proposed reforms could prove devastating for low-income families. Happy holidays, America! Fortunately, the proceeding is still open for public comment, which means that anyone (including you!) can submit a comment telling the FCC to reject this harmful proposal. And with a new Democratic majority in the House with an already-evident appetite for oversight hearings, committees like the House Energy and Commerce Committee are well-suited to hold the FCCs leadership accountable. I hope they do. And as we cross items off our shopping lists and check in for our cross-country travel, I hope we dont forget that for many, the ability to simply make a phone call home may be simply out of reach. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman apologized Wednesday for funding a group that reportedly helped to wage a disinformation campaign on social media aimed at harming Republican Roy Moores candidacy during Alabamas special Senate election in 2017. Hoffmans statement to the Washington Post marked the first time that he has acknowledged financial ties to the operation since the New York Times named him as a funder last week, though he claims that he was not aware that the group, American Engagement Technologies, was using his funds for disinformation purposes. Advertisement I find the tactics that have been recently reported highly disturbing, Hoffman said in the statement. For that reason, I am embarrassed by my failure to track AETthe organization I did supportmore diligently as it made its own decisions to perhaps fund projects that I would reject. Hoffman has contributed millions of dollars to Democratic campaigns and organizations since Trumps election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Times and the Post, a group of Democratic tech experts from various organizations, such as AET, worked together on an effort called Project Birmingham to experiment with disinformation tactics similar to those employed by Russian operatives during the 2016 presidential election. An employee from Investing in Us, a company partly funded by Hoffman, was also reportedly working on the effort. Internal documents show that those involved in the project used Facebook and Twitter to attempt to enrage and energize Democrats and depress [Republican] turnout. Advertisement Advertisement Some of the methods they tested included creating false evidence that Moore was being supported by a Russian botnet and posing as Alabama conservatives with misleading Facebook pages that encouraged Republicans to vote for a write-in candidate. Hoffman describes the botnet false flag as the most disturbing aspect of the project. Facebook has suspended five accounts associated with Project Birmingham, including one belonging to prominent social media researcher Jonathon Morgan, for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behavior. Morgan is the chief executive of the firm New Knowledge, which was a lead author of a major Senate report released last week on Russian disinformation efforts during and after the 2016 election. The research project was intended to help us understand how these kind of campaigns operated, Morgan told the Times when it uncovered the existence of the project. We thought it was useful to work in the context of a real election but design it to have almost no impact. Project Birmingham had a $100,000 budget, presumably part of the $750,000 that Hoffman gave to AET, in a race that costed an estimated $51 million. Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, who ultimately beat out Moore, has called for a federal probe into the project. What is obvious now is that we have focused so much on Russia that we havent focused on the fact that people in this country could take the same playbook and do the same damn thing, the senator said in a statement. Id like to see the Federal Election Commission and the Justice Department look at this to see if there were any laws being violated and, if there were, prosecute those responsible. The Apollo 11 spacecraft on the moon bears a plaque stating, We Came in Peace for All Mankind. So far, four spacecraft have left our solar system, and each has carried a greeting from humanity to any extraterrestrials they might encounter in their endless trek through our vast and beautiful Milky Way Galaxy, shown in my painting above. The two Pioneer ships had their iconic plaques complete with drawings of the human body, and the two Voyagers had their legendary Golden Records. I worked with astronomers Carl Sagan and Frank Drake on that last project, where we created a message describing our world in music, sound, and images crafted in a way that ETs might understand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But NASAs latest interstellar mission says only Made in USA. The New Horizons spacecraft, launched in 2006, continues to exit the solar system. In January, it will fly past a small icy world dubbed Ultima Thule. But New Horizons will then wander forever among the stars without a message for anyone. Advertisement Advertisement It could have been different. The One Earth Message, a private initiative I started in 2012, aimed to create a 150 MB digital message intended for upload and permanent storage in the spacecrafts onboard computer. Unlike the previous messages, made by a very small group of Americans, the OEM would have been crowdsourced, created by many people around the planet. But OEM failed to gain NASAs support and was never implemented. Instead, the only nonfunctional cargo is a handful of context-free symbolic items that would be, to put it mildly, a challenge for any ET to understand. Even more disappointing: All of the objects are from the United States. There is no hint there is any other culture on Earth. There are American stamps and American coins, two American flags, and a piece of another American spacecraft. All the examples of writing are in English. Unlike Voyagers Golden Record project, these tokens are not from the entire human species. In a strange premonition of Trumpism, this spacecraft was launched representing only one nation. Nothing could be further from Sagans belief that spacecraft going to the stars should speak for all of humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Here are the objects the spacecraft contains, how they fall short, and how ETs might interpret them (or try to). Two CD-ROMs. One contains photos of the mission team, the other the names of space fans who sent in their names. But without some guide to the software, these will forever be unreadable. Unlike the analog format of the Voyager Records, the digital formats are impossible to decode, though ETs might conclude a laser was involved. But since the files themselves are based on arbitrary principles and without instructions (not provided), ETs can never see them. They wont even know they are pictures. And without knowing what ASCII files are, there is no way the names could be even displayed. How frustrating for our distant alien friends 1 million years from now! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A piece of SpaceShipOne. SpaceShipOne was part of an unsuccessful private initiative in the mid-2000s to launch people to low Earth orbit. There is no particular connection to Pluto or planetary science. Its just a nod from one mission to another. To ETs, its merely a simple piece of hardware, meaning unknown. Two U.S. postage stamps and quarters. Neither the mission nor the Guinness Book in which they appear give the names of the artists for the stamps or coins, but kudos to them. Their work is going to the stars! But will any of the images on the stamps remain visible after many millennia? Cosmic rays will take their toll on most chemical dyes. Perhaps ETs can reconstruct the images from remaining traces. If so, the sunlit planets may be recognized, since ETs will certainly have seen other sunlit worlds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They may be able to glean a bit of information from these objects. The characters on the stamp are the same as those used elsewhere, possibly a confirmation that they are language. On the coins, some words are repeated. Will the different fonts make compared identification more difficult? ETs may argue over whether the repeated word Pluto is our worlds name or this spacecrafts destination. The edges of the stamps are scalloped, a result of detachable stamps being sold in sheets. Will ETs compare it to the ridged edges of the two coins? Will ETs guess that both are functional? Advertisement Advertisement The two coins represent the states where the spacecraft was built and launched. Metal disks make durable artifacts, though ETs might wonder why they are so thick. Perhaps this is a clue to the coins having some other function. The coins are identical on one side and different on the other. Each shows George Washington, the only image of a human being aboard. Will he be recognized as a living being? At least the coin is in bas-relief, handy for blind ETs. Advertisement The coin from Maryland, home to the Applied Physics Lab that built and currently operates the spacecraft, shows the Old State House flying two flags.* Will this be recognized as a building? Is architecture universal? Will the flags provide a clue to the function of the real flag aboard? There are two sprigs of white oakMarylands state treeperhaps identifiable as a plant by ETs. Advertisement Advertisement The Florida coin shows a 16th-century Spanish galleon, NASAs Space Shuttle, and a strip of land with Sabal palm trees. If alien life-forms can recognize any of these, theyll get a little idea of what else humans have made and where we live. Advertisement Advertisement ETs may struggle to understand the purpose of the ridged edge of the coins. At first they might be mistaken for gear teeth, a logical explanation. As I discovered in a boring 10th-grade class, lay two quarters side by side and they make an amusing two-gear train. (Try it!) The spacecraft contains other gears aboard, perhaps even similar in size. Maybe the coins will look like spare gears? This will be a rich blind alley for ET interpreters. Coins were originally ridged to deter thieves from paring the silver edges of coins. You can also tell them apart in your pocket. ETs will only guess this if they have faced an identical problem. Maybe they have. Money, theft, and pockets may be universal. Whatever the result, one thing is undeniable: On Voyager we sent Mozart and Chuck Berry. On New Horizons we sent small change. Advertisement A nylon American flag. As an example of a fundamental human invention, fabric is not a bad choice. Cloth made it easier for our ancestors to protect skin. Clothing and fashion were not far behind, as well as diapers, carpets, sails, and the ever-useful rag. Eventually cloth hybrids would even protect spacecraft from heat and cold. New Horizons itself is wrapped in high-tech foil blankets. And fans of Douglas Adams classic Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy will recall that the vital equipment for interstellar travelers is a towel! Advertisement Perhaps the Maryland coin will provide the clue to the function of this flag. But there is nothing to explain the symbols, even if they remain visible after many millennia in space. The 13 stripes are a prime number, perhaps a misleading nonclue. And each five-pointed shape is unlikely to be recognized as a symbolic star, though this pentagram does have some interesting and irrelevantgeometrical properties. Advertisement Advertisement There is nothing special mathematically about 50. The array of 50 identical stars is unlikely to be languageand the stars do not appear on either stamp or coin. ETs are as unlikely to guess that there are 50 States as they are to guess that 50 is the jersey number of Boston Red Sox great Mookie Betts. All ETs can conclude is it must have meant something to us, something important enough for it to appear twiceonce on fabric and once as a decal on the spacecraft. That brings us to the most important thing contained on the spacecraft: the ashes of Clyde Tombaugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930 when he was 24. He lived to see the Voyager spacecraft fly past Neptune in 1989. In a noble gesture, the mission carries some of his ashes aboard and flew them past his planet. No astronomerno Pharaohever had as spectacular a tomb. Of course, ETs wont know what these ashes are until they analyze any microfragments of bones and teeth that remain after cremation. How much might ETs learn, or even create, from that? In my own lifetime, I have seen the biologically impossible become realfor example, when the DNA of the extinct quagga was recovered from a desiccated skin fragment in 1984, something flat-out impossible a decade earlier.* Now there are serious conversations about using cloning to bring back extinct species. How much of Tombaughs DNA is recoverable? If ETs cant even figure out an image file, cloning might seem like a stretchbut unlike JPGs, biochemistry follows laws that are universal. Amino acids and other organic molecules form naturally everywhere. But without knowing what they are cloning, ETs might well expect the ashes to come from the white oak or Sabal palm trees on the coins. Washingtons head is the only clue to what we looked like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If ETs could clone Tombaugh, he might be the loneliest human ever, unless they make duplicates. Perhaps some version of the great astronomer will walk again one day. Hell wonder about these few tokens of his home planet. The odds against it are millions to one. But the odds of New Horizons being found are at least that long. And it still might happen someday. Without any real message provided for ETs, the items described here are the only message ET will get. These few tantalizing fragments may be all that will speak for Earth. I wish we had told them more. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now... Surveys show young people are more prone to falling for extremism. A project by several participants of the For a Decent Slovakia initiative now want to change this. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Quick solutions and no regard for their consequences is what young people often fall for when deciding what parties to vote for. Some people from the For a Decent Slovakia initiative in the regions plan to change the way the younger generation thinks about politics, and involve them in open discussion. They are especially focusing on vocational schools. The Slovak Spectator spoke about the project with teacher and translator of Norse literature, Eva Lavrikova, who helped organise the For a Decent Slovakia gatherings in Banovce nad Bebravou. In this interview, Eva Lavrikova talks about: -the popularity of conspiracy theories among students in secondary schools -why it is important to talk with young people about the importance of politics in their lives The Slovak Spectator (TSS): How did you come up with the idea to launch the project in secondary vocational schools? Slovak university student won the photo contest with his Aurora Borealis picture. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Erik Malicek is a university student from Zvolen, central Slovakia, who spent his summer working in Alaska. It was the place where he took up photography, rediscovered nature and saw the Aurora Borealis. The picture he took won the US Embassy's Work and Travel Photo Contest this year. The Slovak Spectator: What made you spend the summer in Alaska? Erik Malicek: Initially, my friend and I were considering California. Yet, all the vacancies were already occupied. I then caught sight of Alaska on the agency's offer, which I knew well from a programme like the Deadliest Catch, aired on Discovery Channel. I simply told myself that I would travel there, with or without my friend. TSS: You found yourself to be the only Slovak in Alaska over the summer? EM: I was the only one at the hotel where I worked as a dishwasher and assistant cook. But at the consulate in Anchorage, I met a Slovak girl who was working in Seward, 40 miles away from my place. I think we met twice. Another Slovak found a job in Denali National Park & Preserve, but I met him only after my return to Slovakia. At my place, I worked with six Czechs. TSS: Alaska must have been a bold change compared to your high-school year in Virginia, or your previous summer job at an amusement park in Ohio. EM: Alaska is not for everyone. Anything can kill you there. It is a completely different country, which has not got very much in common with the rest of the USA. Plenty of young people go to the USA, especially to Ocean City, to enjoy a social life. They have two jobs and party all week long. In Alaska, you come out of your comfort zone. A relationship with nature is important there. Although I come from Zvolen, surrounded by hills, I found a way back to nature thanks to Alaska. I really wanted to strengthen the bond with nature as well as abandon social life. My friends wed and I was there fishing for fresh salmon in its season. New Years Eve festivities include a run, fireworks, light-laser-music show and much more. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Bratislava will welcome the New Year with fireworks on the Danube River. There will also be a light and music show on the rivers embankment followed with a disco in the centre of the Old Town. Sport lovers can start the last day of the year with the New Year's Run over the bridges of Bratislava. The 30th edition of this traditional running event will start from the University of Economics in Bratislava in Petrzalka at 10:00. The 11.5-km long track will go via Pristavny Bridge, Apollo Bridge, Old Bridge and Lafranconi Bridge. SNP Bridge was excluded from the track due to technical reasons. Those interested can register online by December 27, while they can register in the morning before the start of the race, from 8:30 to 9:30. New Years Eve programme Celebrations of the arrival of the New Year in Bratislava will be similar to last year as the city continues to invest in modern technologies. People can experience such a combination of lights, lasers, fireworks, music and an imposing exterior only during New Years Eve in Bratislava, said Pavol Murin from the Hlava 98 civic association. The association is co-organising the programme with the Bratislava city council, as cited by the Bratislavske Noviny newspaper. The programme will start with a warm-up disco with DJ Hruska on Hviezdoslavovo Square at 22:00. Some Christmas market stands with refreshments will remain on the square. For visitors of the citys festivities, it will be a short walk to the Danube embankment to watch a large countdown timer on L. Stur Square. The fireworks will be traditionally fired from a ship in the middle of the river, accompanied by Strausss waltz, The Blue Danube. Like last year it will be interconnected with a light-music show on L. Stur and Razusovo Squares, by the organisers of White Night. In case of good weather the fireworks will be visible from the Razusovo Embankment, as well as the Tyrsovo Embankment on the Petrzalka side of the city. After midnight, the festivities will continue on Hviezdoslavovo Square until 2:00. Security matters The city council promises that enforced patrols of municipal and state police along with security guards, firefighters and paramedics will ensure security. Read also: Read also: Amateur pyrotechnics prohibited in Bratislava, also on New Years Eve Read more Due to security reasons, people will be able to enter Hviezdoslavovo Square only via six checkpoints. Here guards will check people to ensure they are not taking prohibited items into the central zone. These include glass bottles, knives or other sharp or dangerous items, as well as pyrotechnics. Bratislava councillors banned the latter, except for small sparklers and other less dangerous fireworks, as of November 1. There is no exception for New Years Eve celebrations. The entry points into the central zone on Hviezdoslavovo Square will be at the crossroads of Laurinska and Rybarska Streets (close to the Cumil sculpture) and on the crossroad of Mostova and Medena Streets. Another one will be at Palackeho Street from Kupelna Street. Guards will also check visitors at Jesenskeho Street next to the Slovak National Theatre and on Gorkeho Street next to Postova Banka. An entrance to the central zone will be located close to the US Embassy and Strakova Street. The rest of the city centre will be guarded but not fenced. Strengthened city transport Organisers call on those planning to attend the celebrations in the city centre to leave their cars at home and instead use city transport. This is also because Vajanskeho Nabrezie and L. Stur Square will be closed for transport from 22:00 until 2:30 the following day. The Bratislava City Transport company promises to add buses and trolleybuses on all lines heading into each district as of 23:30 until 4:30. They will run in 15- to 30-minute intervals until the morning. Trams N5, N8 and N10 will run in 30-minute intervals. For detailed timetables, please go to the website of Bratislava city transport. During Tuesday, January 1, the public transport will run according to the weekend regime. Firefighters stopped it after several hours. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled A floating pontoon with the popular restaurant Knajpa, situated on the Danube between the Eurovea shopping centre and Apollo Bridge, broke loose on December 25 and drifted downriver for eight kilometres. After hitting a Romanian ship, it split into two pieces. At the same time, a mass of drift wood got stuck between the helm and the propeller, which only complicated the work of about 20 firefighters who tried to stop the pontoon. They succeeded only after several hours. Firefighters managed to catch and anchor both parts of the pontoon on the left bank close to the Jarovecke Rameno river arm, said Zuzana Farkasova from the Fire and Rescue Corps Presidium (HaZZ), as quoted by the TASR newswire. The police have not launched any criminal prosecution yet, as Lucia Mihalikova, spokesperson for the Bratislava regional police department, told TASR. The accident could have been caused by some object floating in the river, as some media outlets reported. Michael Cohen. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images In 2016, British investigator Christopher Steele collected a dossier of unverified intelligence tips related to Donald Trumps secret connections with Russia. Nobody outside (and, for all we know, inside) the Mueller investigation knows exactly how many of his allegations are true. It would be surprising if all of them were, and Steele himself has estimated that roughly 7090 percent of the claims are correct. From the beginning, the pushback against the dossier centered around one allegation. It claimed that Trump Organization lawyer Michael Cohen travelled to Prague in August to meet secretly with representatives of Russian intelligence. The agenda, Steeles source alleged, comprised questions on how deniable cash payments were to be made to hackers who had worked in Europe under Kremlin direction against the CLINTON campaign and various contingencies for covering up these operations and Moscows secret liaison with the TRUMP team more generally. Cohen, Trump, and their mouthpieces all insisted Cohen had never visited Prague in his entire life. Their firm denial formed the foundation for the general skepticism with which mainstream news has treated Steeles allegations. 5/ Donald denied it as well, defending Cohen, and made up an entire story about how it was another Michael Cohen that went to Prague, and used that as a way to say the dossier was a total fabrication. pic.twitter.com/8tapM4rkcM Justin Hendrix (@justinhendrix) October 10, 2018 In April, Peter Stone and Greg Gordon reported for McClatchy that Robert Mueller had obtained evidence that Cohen did indeed visit Prague. Today the pair have a new report with much more detail. Cohens phone pinged off cell-phone towers in Prague during that period, according to four sources. Also during that period, an Eastern European intelligence agency electronically surveilled a conversation in which one Russian said that Cohen was in Prague, according to two more sources. The reporting is the opposite of thin. If the conclusion is wrong, it is a massive journalistic error. It is possible, of course, that all these sources are wrong. It is also possible that Cohen did visit Prague, and either did not meet with Russia, or met to discuss innocuous topics, and then lied about it. But the more probable explanation by far is that Cohen did visit Prague and did meet with Russian agents. What would all this mean? Well, it would mean just about the worst possible thing for Trump. Theres no chance Cohen took such a meeting without Trumps direction. As Cohen told George Stephanopoulos earlier this month, nothing at the Trump organization was ever done unless it was run through Mr. Trump certainly an international trip to covertly meet Russian intelligence officials would qualify as a matter Trump had to approve. As the previous McClatchy report indicates, Mueller has the evidence of Cohens visit to Prague. Cohen denies ever having visited Prague: I hear #Prague #CzechRepublic is beautiful in the summertime. I wouldnt know as I have never been. #Mueller knows everything! Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) December 27, 2018 Its hard to figure out what his motive to lie would be at this point. However, Cohen has previously admitted to visiting Prague. Shortly after the election, he told David Corn, I havent been to Prague in 14 years. I was in Prague for one afternoon 14 years ago. In January, 2017, he told the Wall Street Journal he he hadnt been to Prague since 2001. So his current, vehement insistence he has never been to Prague, or any location in the Czech Republic, in his life contradicts his previous statements that he has. And Cohen is cooperating with Mueller on questions related to Russia. Cohen provided the SCO with useful information concerning certain discrete Russia-related matters core to its investigation, asserted Cohens sentencing document. There are multiple channels through which Trump possibly or probably colluded with Russia during the campaign: Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, Donald Jr. But none of them may pose as dire a threat to the president as his fixer turned prize-witness for the prosecution. The Ohio River -- on it, in it, over it, beside it. No politics. The run up to the New Year is certainly not the way global retail giants Amazon and Walmart (who have aggressive plans for the Indian market) would have wanted it to be. The Government of India in its recent amendment to the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy for the e-commerce sector has disallowed e-commerce market places such as Amazon and Flipkart to give preferential treatment to a certain vendor or brand as well as promote businesses in which they have a stake. The government had earlier disallowed e-commerce marketplaces to have inventory-led business models and now comes the norm of marketplaces not having exclusive rights to sell certain brands. In a country where e-commerce sales account for just 2 per cent of overall retail sales, will a marketplace having exclusive tie-ups with a brand or an entrepreneur actually impact lives of the traders at large? After all, market places are increasingly becoming sought after platforms for start-ups to distribute their products to a much wider audience, and more importantly get consumers to sample their products. ALSO READ:FDI in e-commerce: Why new policy won't stop Amazon, Flipkart from offering discounts As per the new regulation, a brand being sold exclusively on Amazon or Flipkart would no longer be allowed to do so. However, the same brand can retail out of multiple e-commerce platforms. The government's argument for the same is to protect the interest of traders and smaller retailers. But selling exclusive brands is a popular concept with many physical modern retailers too. Retail brands such as Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle have a considerable portion of their revenue coming through sale of exclusive brands. These are brands which are available only at their stores and nowhere else. "The government has no clue what retail is about. Each time a policy comes out, it is to benefit certain lobbying entities," says Arvind Singhal, Chairman of retail consultancy, Technopak. He firmly believes that e-commerce marketplaces should be allowed to flourish so that smaller entrepreneurs can reach out to a wider audience. ALSO READ:The government's love-hate relationship with e-commerce "E-commerce as of today is really small and will not impact smaller entrepreneurs," agrees Anil Talreja, Partner, Deloitte India. Talreja, however, feels that the decision to ban deep discounting could bring about healthy competition between the smaller retailers and the e-commerce giants. Singhal of Technopak has a contrary point of view. "If the small shopkeepers are really hurt, then there is a problem. But India doesn't have a situation like that. The big and the small are thriving and continue to do well." According to Arvind Mendiratta, MD, Metro Cash & Carry, the smaller retailers in urban areas are definitely facing the heat of e-commerce bulk discounting. "The share of e-commerce is bigger in urban areas and I can see lot of the small traders facing the heat. This regulation will go a long way in ensuring a level playing field for the kirana stores." Mendiratta feels that banning deep discounts is a temporary relief for the kirana stores. "The government should incentivise them to get digitised. That is when there will be level a playing field," he adds. ALSO READ:Flipkart says e-commerce will create millions of jobs, govt's policy will have long-term impact HUL has an exclusive Brylcreem store on Amazon, where it sells high-end male grooming products, which are not available at the traditional stores, or ITC Foods recently partnered with Big Basket to roll out new range of Sunfeast noodles. Will these kind of tie-ups be allowed going forward? The analyst community is still figuring out. But will norms such as not allowing a FDI-led marketplace to sell exclusive brands impede the next round of FDI investments in the country? It could. A recent article in the Saarland edition of the popular German tabloid newspaper Bild.de, the online newspaper ventured a glimpse into the Grand Duchy and its most famous fictional character. The article by Luxembourger Lisa Goedert, who is based in Frankfurt and writes for the Saarland edition of the Bild newspaper is titled "Six issues, in which tiny Luxembourg sees the bigger picture" ("Sechs Dinge, die Klein-Luxemburg groer denkt!). The journalist from Luxembourg argues that even though Luxembourg and the Saarland region in Germany are approximately the same size, Luxembourg tends to think bigger. In her article, Goedert lists six things the citizens of the Saarland region could copy from their neighbours to the north-east. The lists includes things such as free public transport, which is set to be available across Luxembourg from 2020, and the funicular railway in Luxembourg City, which connects the Kirchberg plateau to the Paffenthal valley. Luxembourg's fuel prices are also listed as something to strive for, along with the country's minimum wage of 11.84 for unskilled workers and 14.21 for skilled workers. In Germany, the minimum wage is currently at 8.84 but it will increase to 9.91 in January. Other enviable items on the list include Luxembourg's space mining programme and even Luxembourg's famous super hero "Superjhemp", who gets his superpowers from consuming Cancoillotte cheese (Kachkeis). The slightly out of shape super hero has been making "Luxurybourg" a safer place since 1988 by catching political terrorists and other nefarious characters. In 2018, the fictional character created by comic artists Roger Leiner and Lucien Czuga even made it to the big screen. More than 50,000 tickets have been sold so far, making it the number one at Luxembourg's box office ahead of Hollywood blockbusters such as the Avengers. Following reports of smoke, passengers who had boarded a Jet Airways flight were deboarded and moved to another plane. The Jet Airways flight, 9W 713, was scheduled to fly from Bengaluru to Mangalore on December 27. As per the website, the alternate aircraft took off with 71 passengers. The ATR plane has been grounded for repair work following the incident, as per reports by ANI. Jet Airways issued an official statement regarding the incident and said that the delay was due to a technical snag. The airline also mentioned that the plane was stationed at its bay and the incident took place before its departure. "Our flight, 9W 713, from Bengaluru to Mangalore of 27th December was delayed due to a technical snag, while parked at bay, prior to departure. An alternate aircraft was immediately arranged and the flight departed with 71 guests. We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests," Jet Airways said in a statement. A few days ago, a Colombo-bound Jet Airways flight had to return to the Mumbai airport due to some technical issues. The airline had issued a statement said that the commander of the flight, 9W 252, which departed from Mumbai for Colombo executed a turn back and landed safely in Mumbai. The airline also mentioned that an investigation was being carried out. Jet Airways had, following the incident, arranged an alternate flight with a revised departure time. Guests were also being looked after at the Mumbai airport. (Edited by Anwesha Madhukalya) Also read: Air traffic controllers were working endless hours a day, risking lives; now 12 is the limit Christian Social People's Party MP Serge Wilmes asked the government to be more transparent on the issue of state participation. The coalition agreement for the first government made up of the DP, the LSAP and the Greens (2013-2018) included a proposition to streamline state participations and state-owned companies. The proposal to move these under a single institution would make management easier and allow the government's dealings to be more transparent. CSV MP Serge Wilmes asked, in a parliamentary question, Luxembourg's minister for finance, Pierre Gramegna, to tell the Chambre des Deputes more about where the government currently stands on that issue and whether their party programme has become a reality. Tax & Dividends Resulting tax revenues and dividends should be invested into Luxembourg's economy. Wilmes also wanted to know in which companies the government had invested so far and how high the returns are. In response to Wilmes' questions, minister for finance Pierre Gramegna simply referred to a website. The treasury collects information on all state participations and the returns on the government's investments. In 2014, investments brought in a return of 193 million. In 2015 201 million, in 2016 205 million and a whopping 224 million in 2017. This year, the total amount is closer to 192 million. The ministry of finance is also currently working on a coordination committee, to make state participation analysis and management easier. On Wednesday afternoon, a man stole from a pharmacy on Avenue de la Gare in Luxembourg City - but was arrested shortly afterwards. The man entered the pharmacy twice on Wednesday afternoon. In his first visit, he was likely scouting out the shop, as he looked around and left shortly after. Afterwards, the man returned to the pharmacy and stole several items from shelves. In the search operation that followed in the immediate area, police officers knew who to look for due to the pharmacy's CCTV. Police officers spotted the man outside the pharmacy later on and arrested him. Another arrest At 1.40am on Thursday morning, police officers discovered an individual who should have been serving a prison sentence on Rue Joseph Junck in Luxembourg City. The officers brought the man to the local police station and then escorted him to the prison in Schrassig. If you want to get more information about the blue bicycles dotted around Luxembourg City, the phone number on the internet page linked to the Vel'OH bikes connects to a Belgian call centre. Many people have complained about the administrative running around involved when trying to enquire about a Vel'OH bike subscription. Currently, you can take out a bike for one day or sign up for an annual subscription. Anyone who wants more information about subscriptions can the website printed on the bikes, which then leads you to a phone number, which goes to a JC Decaux call centre. This is effectively a collaboration between Luxembourg City and JC Decaux, but even Luxembourg City councillor for mobility, Patrick Goldschmidt, expressed his surprise that the call centre was based in Belgium. Some customers feel that the call centre should be based in Luxembourg, especially as customers are not informed that they are calling a foreign number. Customers reported administrative issues as well, especially in cases where someone wants to purchase multiple subscriptions and gift one to someone. In this case, the person in question would have to sign up for three new subscriptions with three different email addresses, as JC Decaux would not allow multiple subscriptions using one email address. Goldschmidt confirmed that the collaboration with JC Decaux is a relatively new venture and improvements would be on the agenda for the new year. Luxembourg City signed the contract with JC Decaux a year ago. As Goldschmidt confirmed, the partners would work together to make it as easy as possible for those wanting to make the most out of the rental bikes. The US military is investigating a car crash that killed a French soldier in Niger, including whether alcohol was a factor and whether an American service member was driving, a US official told AFP on Wednesday. The crash happened late Saturday in northern Niger, where French forces operating under the anti-jihadist Operation Barkhane are deployed. An American soldier was in the car and a US defense official said both the French and US militaries are probing the incident. The official could not speak for the French investigation, but said the US probe would look at who was driving and if they had been under the influence of alcohol. "We are investigating all circumstances," the official said. In a statement, US Africa Command said the "accident was not related to combat or to any active operations." The US service member, assigned to US Special Operations Command, was medically evacuated to Europe for treatment. Citing anonymous Pentagon officials, the New York Times on Tuesday reported the American is a Green Beret and he had been behind the wheel. France's 4,500-member Barkhane anti-terror force in West and Central Africa has intervened mainly in Mali, while focusing on training in Burkina Faso and the other nations of the G5 Sahel military alliance -- Chad, Mauritania and Niger. But in recent weeks operations have also extended to Burkina Faso. US troops work across Africa with partner militaries to provide training, intel sharing and support. The Pentagon last month announced it would trim about 10 percent of the 7,200 US troops in Africa as part of a broader shift in focus towards "Great Power" competitors such as China and Russia. Silva: The players and fans deserved this win Wednesday, 26 December, 2018 Marco Silva praised his players for the manner in which they bounced back from Sunday's humiliation by Tottenham and thanked the fans for their support after today's thrashing of Burnley at Turf Moor. Everton registered what was, statistically speaking, their biggest away win since 1985 when they hammered the Clarets 5-1 thanks to a brace from Lucas Digne, a penalty by Gylfi Sigurdsson, Yerry Mina's first goal for the club and a stoppage time, cherry-on-the-cake strike from substitute Richarlison. Silva was asked in the tunnel afterwards whether he agreed that you can learn a lot from you players in how they respond to such a bad result but the Portuguese insisted that life in the Premier League is a continuous education. We learn every time, not just when we have a bad result, Silva explained. We had a really tough result in the last game and even today we won the match clear but we learned as well, for sure. It's part of our process as a team. My first words are for our fans and for our players The fans welcomed our players before the match [which was] fantastic after a really tough result. And our players deserved this win and the three points. It was a good win for us. We got three important points for us and now is the time to rest and prepare for the [next match]. "I think the best solution for us to the last result was you want to play as quickly as you can. Luckily for us we played after three days, so quickly, and [we produced the response]. We should [have won] and we did. We showed our quality and I don't have doubts, our players don't have doubts about our quality or our attitude as a team. Our last game wasn't a normal one from us but we are here to fight, to compete and to show the ambition we have as a club." Silva was asked specifically about Bernard and Digne who played particularly prominent roles in the win. The Brazilian had perhaps his best all-round display since arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk, weighing in with two assists, while the French fullback scored another stunning free kick before rattling home a brilliant 30-yard strike with 20 minutes to go to make it 4-1. It was a fantastic performance from Bernard, Silva said. Bernard and Theo (Walcott) did really well this afternoon. Bernard showed his qualities and his confidence is growing. He's a player who needs confidence to take the right decision on the pitch because his attitude and commitment is always 100%. I know him very well and he's growing as a team [player]. He had a very good performance and he showed his quality in important moments of the match and this is Bernard. I think the credit has to go to all of our squad, not just one or two or three but, of course, Lucas did really well. He has settled fantastically well at our club and in the Premier League but we didn't have doubts about that when we signed him. Now he can show his quality, his personality and his character he never gives up, he's always fighting, and his left foot is fantastic. About these ads The banking sector was in the news in 2018 for all the wrong reasons. While the challenges from digitisation and fintech players remained, what created more trouble was the deteriorating asset quality. The performance also took a beating because of stricter provisions. The governance issues in some of the private banks also created a flutter in the market, leading to exits of star CEOs. So, what is in store for the banking sector in 2019? PSB consolidation After the merger of State Bank of India (SBI) with its five associates, all eyes are now on the merger of three PSBs -- Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank. Unlike SBI, this merger is going to be challenging because there is no associate-parent relationship. All the three banks have different geographic presence, wok culture, IT platforms etc. The BoB, where the government had earlier experimented with outside professional, has taken a leap in many of the ways its business was conducted earlier. The best possible route for this merger would be to adopt the business practices of BoB and integrate others. ALSO READ:Bank employees' union proposes another strike on 8, 9 January 2019 New private bank CEOs There are new CEOs in some of the large private banks. Sandeep Bakhshi is now leading the ICICI Bank after ex-CEO Chanda Kochhar left due to governance issues. Amitabh Chaudhry is leading the Axis Bank after ex-CEO Shikha Sharma left because of poor performance of Axis Bank. YES Bank will also see a change from founder professional Rana Kapoor to a professional. HDFC Bank also has to speed up its succession process as Aditya Puri would be retiring soon. The successor in the private banks will be in the news and also the succession planning in some of the banks. ALSO READ:Inspection of six firms linked to ICICI Bank controversy at 'advanced stage' Corporate banking to make a comeback In the last few years, the retail engine was growing robustly. There are now expectations of corporate lending to make a comeback. Infrastructure (especially roads, metro etc), commodities (steel, cement etc) and consumption companies are set to see action. Peaking of NPAs The NPAs are almost peaking. As the banks have made huge provisions for stressed assets, year 2019 may see writing back of some profits as resolution of assets will also gather steam. More realisation through IBC In the last two years, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) saw a lot of action in terms of amendments, challenges and counter claims. The law is now stabilising and could see more cases coming out of it. This will help the banks recover good value. Vietnams Bamboo Airways will yet again delay its first commercial flight until next year as the new airline has not obtained all necessary licenses from local authorities. Bamboo Airlines maiden flight will be launched in mid-January, its chief executive officer Dang Tat Thang said on Thursday in an emailed statement. Airline chairman Trinh Van Quyet told Reuters in an interview last month that it aimed to launch the first domestic flight on December 29, after failing to launch services in October as previously planned. A company source told Reuters this week that the airline is still waiting for the issuance of an Air Operator Certificate by the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. We are closely coordinating with the authorities so that the preparations for the first flight can be done in a prudent and accurate manner, and therefore changing the date for the first flight is necessary and requisite, Thang said in Thursdays statement. Bamboo Airways, Vietnams fifth airline, signed a provisional deal to buy 20 Boeing 787-9 wide-body jets worth $5.6 billion at list prices in July, as well as a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for up to 24 A320neo narrow-bodies in March. Thang said Bamboo would have a fleet of 20 planes within the first quarter next year, with expansion to 40-50 by end-2019. Ban on import of furnace oil The Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE), which met here at the PM Office on Wednesday with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair, decided to immediately notify a ban on import of furnace oil. Besides the import of furnace oil, the issue of production and storage of furnace oil by the local refineries was also discussed during the meeting. Underscoring the need for improved coordination among relevant departments and addressing governance issues in the energy sector, the prime minister emphasized upon the need for timely and accurate estimations about demand and supply in the energy sector so as to avoid any interruption in energy supply. He said that a detailed plan, in consultation with refineries, regarding up-gradation of existing facilities and export of surplus furnace oil should be worked out on priority. He further said that policy on renewable energy should be finalized by January-end. The prime minister was briefed in detail about demand and supply situation in the power sector, the projections of petroleum and power division for the next six months, the existing energy mix, availability and utilization of indigenous as well as imported gas and way forward towards addressing various issues related to the energy sector. The meeting was also briefed about gas management plans of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) for the winter season. It was informed that despite sudden drop of temperature and increased demand for gas, uninterrupted supply to domestic, commercial and zero-rated industries would be ensured during the current season. Efforts were also being made to curtail the duration of gas load-shedding to other sectors such as compressed natural gas and captive power plants of general industries, the PM was told It was decided that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) would be briefed in its next meeting, about the availability of urea stocks in the country and its pricing. It was also decided that a detailed plan would be worked out to ensure optimal utilization of RLNG terminals. It was further decided that the Power Division would submit a monthly report to the CCoE about transmission and distribution losses and update on recoveries of receivables. The Ministry of Petroleum was directed by the CCoE to submit a detailed plan on reduction of losses due to the Unaccounted For Gas (UFG). Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday inaugurated a newly established shelter home in Islamabad. As per the details, prime minister after inaugurating the shelter home inspected the facilities available there for the deprived section of the society. The PM also ordered authorities concerned to start transportation facility in order to provide relief to the poor. It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday inaugurated a shelter home in Peshawar. The prime minister also inspected different sections of the shelter home which has a capacity to provide roof to 150-200 people. The premier was told that uninterrupted supply of electricity had been ensured in the shelter home. Your browser does not support the audio element. Released from prison 11 years ago, abandoned by his wife, and flat broke, Tran Van Dan now sits on a small fortune he has made out of his dragon fruit plantation in south-central Vietnam. Eighteen years in prison is a long time by any standard, but when you are only 23 years old and just beginning to build a life, it is an eternity. Tran Van Dan realized that pretty quickly after being convicted of murder in 1997 and sentenced to 18 years behind bars. I just had a new house built. The builders and I were throwing a party at a karaoke bar and a stranger stormed in and tried to take the karaoke room from us, he explained. Little did he know that the celebration would lead to divorce and more than a decade of separation from his three-year-old son and newborn baby. There was a big fight and the builders beat up the guy," Dan said. "I backed off and was cheering on the builders. "I didnt get involved in the fight itself. "Who could have imagined the man would get killed? Dan was convicted of murder for his role in the incident and found himself in Z30D prison in Binh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam. I felt awful for my children. Their father was in jail and their mother left them. They were abandoned, Dan said. Good conduct, perseverance, and dragon fruit Dan was known to the officials at the Z30D prison as a trustworthy and well-behaved inmate. His good behavior eventually helped him get promoted to the head of a team of inmates, and contributed to the prison board choosing to reduce his sentence on three separate occasions. All in all, he spent ten years of his 18-year sentence behind bars and was released in October 2007. Only his mother, younger sister, and youngest son greeted him upon his return to home. His sole assets were the piece of land with his deserted house on it and VND2.9 million (US$124) given to him by his former employer. Tran Van Dan stands in his dragon fruit plantation in Binh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Determined to find his feet, Dan spent VND2 million ($85) clearing all the debris from his land and asked his sister-in-law to take out a VND10 million ($430) bank loan on his behalf. By day he planted the 400 dragon fruit stems he had bought with the money from the loan and by night he worked in sand mines located in nearby mountains where he was paid VND45,000 ($1.93) for every three cubic meters of sand he dug. Such exhausting work for such a low income sent him into frequent states of depression, but Dan always made sure to keep himself together and stay on track. He eventually married Nguyen Thi Hang, a widow with two sons who contributed 600 stems to their dragon fruit business. This merger put the couple on course for big earnings. We were meant for each other. He really is a family man. He works hard and never parties. He loves my children as his own, Hang said. Currently, they own a 5.5 hectare dragon fruit plantation boasting 3,500 stems. At times, when dragon fruits are in demand, we can get as much as VND30,000 per kg. That comes to about VND2 billion [$85,800] in net revenue per year and a net income of approximately VND1.3 billion [$55,700], Dan said proudly. Tran Van Dan and his son take care of dragon fruit trees in Binh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre A caring man Dan does not care about himself or his family alone, but values his employees as well. He even set up a house for the workers on his plantation and built a small bungalow to offer free accommodation to an elderly couple he met in the hospital. Occasionally, he returns to the Z30D prison to attend meetings and give talks about rebuilding life after prison. We should only err once. The first time can be a slip, but a second or a third time means its your nature. Youll lose respect from everybody, he said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read whats in the news today, December 27! Society -- Competent Vietnamese agencies are working with authorities in Taiwan are searching for 152 Vietnamese tourists who have been nowhere to be seen after entering the island in four separate groups on December 21 and 23 to the great surprise of their tour operator. -- A speedboat capsized off an islet in Nha Trang Bay on Wednesday, killing a Vietnamese and Chinese tourist and leaving a four-year-old Chinese in critical condition. -- A fierce fire completely consumed a textile factory in the southern city of Can Tho on Wednesday night and took around 20 fire engines and 200 firemen more than three hours to extinguish. No estimates of damage have been given. -- Police in Ho Chi Minh City said Wednesday they had arrested two men in their early 20s on charges of trading firearms, stun batons and pepper spray. -- A concert headed by famed Japanese conductor Honna Tetsuji and featuring musical pieces of the world and Vietnam is scheduled for January 1 at the Hanoi Opera House. The performance is planned to be broadcast live on state television. -- Rainfall of 20-30 millimeters is forecast to hit multiple southern Vietnamese areas on Thursday and Friday as a result of a tropical low-pressure system in the East Vietnam Sea, according to a hydrometeorology agency. Business -- Hanoi will transform two of its major open run-off ditches into underground pipes to make way for the route to be constructed for the maiden Formula One race Vietnam is set to host in 2020. -- Vietnams leather and handbag exports reached US$19.5 billion this year as shoe and handbag companies are predicted to keep shifting their sourcing from China to Vietnam in 2019 to take advantage of upcoming free-trade agreements, said the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association. -- Vietnam has designated around 760 hectares of the 4,000-hectare Dankia-Suoi Vang forest and lake area in the Central Highlands as the national tourist attraction by 2030. Education -- Three seniors of Quy Nho University in the south-central province of Binh Dinh brought home the grand prize of a provincial startup contest for their voice control device that turns lights on and off without using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A legal debate has erupted in Vietnam after a hospital denied a woman access to her dead sons sperm, claiming that reproductive cells are not inheritable property. The deceased man, T.D.T., deposited his sperm at Tu Du Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City when he was still alive. His mother, Vong Ngoc Huyen, now wants to withdraw the sperm so that her sons girlfriend, V.T.B.D., can be artificially inseminated. D. and T. lived together as a couple and even held a wedding ceremony to cement their love, but they never registered their marriage with local authorities. According to Vietnamese regulations, only the legal spouse of a sperm depositor has the right to decide what to do with their sperm after the donor passes away. In the event that there is no living legal spouse, the deposited sperm must be destroyed for ethical reasons, according to a 2015 government mandate. Vong Ngoc Huyen (L) cries as she details the legal challenges she faces trying to get access to her dead sons sperm. Photo: Tuoi Tre Huyens lawyer said she is mulling a lawsuit against Tu Du Hospital for denying her access to her sons sperm, claiming she is the legal inheritor of her sons property due to the fact that he had no spouse or children. Nguyen Duc, a lawyer based in Ho Chi Minh City, said he doubts the lawsuit would end up in the grieving mothers favor as Vietnamese laws do not recognize sperm as inheritable property. Sperm is part of the human body, so its tied to ones personal rights, Duc said. However, legal experts argue that exceptions can, and should, be made in specific cases where it is morally acceptable. If D. has proof of the time she spent living with her deceased husband, it can be ruled out that the mans sperm be will used for commercial purposes, which is essentially what current laws and regulations are trying to prevent. D. and Huyen can send a letter to the government, the health ministry, and the justice ministry asking for consideration in resolving the legal deadlock, Duc said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A 43-year-old man from northern Vietnam has turned his death into the ultimate gift of life by donating his organs to save five others and helping Vietnamese doctors perform the countrys first renal transplant for a minor patient using a kidney from a brain-dead donor. Duong Hong Quy, 43, a father of two, was diagnosed with a rare brain condition known as cerebrovascular malformation in November. Cerebrovascular malformation is a deadly disease which affects the blood vessels and blood flow in the brain. Upon learning that his condition was getting worse and that he did not have long to live, Quy made up his mind to become an organ donor, a decision his family wholeheartedly supported. At first his wife didnt agree to it, but she changed her mind during his last days because she couldnt live with the fact that her husbands dying wish was not fulfilled, an official at the National Coordination Center for Organ Transplantation said. Doctors at Viet Duc Hospital in Hanoi declared Quy brain dead on December 9 and an urgent protocol was immediately activated to quickly reach prospective candidates in need of the mans organs, including his heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. One of Quys kidneys was quickly sent by airplane from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on December 12 and delivered to Childrens Hospital 2 in District 1. A 15-year-old male patient suffering end-stage chronic renal failure was already waiting in the hospitals operation room with leading doctors preparing for the historic surgery the first renal transplant using a kidney from a brain-dead donor to be performed on an underage patient in Vietnam. Le Hong Quy, donor of six organs that were used to save the lives of five other patients. Photo: Tuoi Tre The operation began at 9:00 pm on December 12 and was successfully completed six hours later. After two weeks of recovery, the kidney recipient is now fully awake and shows stable vital signs and normal renal functions. Doctors expect him to be well enough to go back to school in six months. On the same day of the historic operation, four other patients also underwent surgeries at Viet Duc Hospital to receive the remaining five of Quys donated organs. All operations were successful, including a lung transplant for a 17-year-old recipient that marked the first time a medical procedure of its kind had been performed by an entire team of Vietnamese doctors. I will forever remember the way [Quys wife] held his hand before their last goodbye, an official at the National Coordination Center for Organ Transplantation said. She loved him and hoped a miracle would come to her husband, but it didnt. Instead, the couple brought miracles to five other families. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese authorities have declared their willingness to assist Taiwan in an ongoing search for 148 Vietnamese tourists who went missing in southern Kaohsiung City between Sunday and Tuesday, amid reports by Taiwanese media that the group had come to the island to work illegally. The tourists were issued visas under an initiative launched three years ago to attract more visitors to Taiwan from South and Southeast Asia. A total of 153 Vietnamese nationals arrived in Kaohsiung over the weekend and only one has been tracked down, according to Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA). The NIA originally said 152 Vietnamese tourists went missing. In an announcement on Thursday, the agency said it had established contact with one who was previously reported missing, while another three had already left the country, bringing the number of missing Vietnamese tourists to 148, according to Taiwans Central News Agency. The agency has set up a taskforce and is working with police to investigate the tourists who are unaccounted for and the group behind them, AFP quoted the agency as saying in a statement, without elaborating. Taiwanese media speculated that the Vietnamese tourists may have come to Taiwan to work illegally. They face deportation and a three- to five-year ban from the island, the immigration agency said. About 150 tourists have gone missing since the program first started in 2015, according to the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan, though it is not clear how many of them have been found. Meanwhile, Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday that it had instructed the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei to get in touch with Taiwanese authorities for clarification on the case. Vietnam is ready to coordinate with Taiwan to prevent the incident from affecting bilateral tourism and exchange programs, the foreign ministry said. The visas of the missing Vietnamese have been revoked and Taiwan's representative office in Vietnam has stopped issuing tourist visas to another gruop of 182 Vietnamese whose applications were approved by the Tourism Bureau, Taiwan's foreign ministry said. The tourism program is part of Taiwan's southbound policy," which targets 16 South and Southeast Asian countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, in a bid to boost tourism as arrivals from mainland China decline, according to AFP. Taiwans issuance of regular visas as well as e-visas for individual travelers from Vietnam remains unaffected by this incident, according to the Tourism Association of Ho Chi Minh City. Taiwanese media reported that the 152 Vietnamese tourists arrived in Kaohsiung in four groups between Friday and Sunday. The first group of 23 tourists arrived at 6:00 pm on Friday, while the remaining three groups, consisting of 130 tourists in total, came at 6:00 pm on Sunday. All but one of the 153 tourists gradually went missing between Sunday and Tuesday, as footage from CCTV cameras installed outside their hotels in Kaohsiung show them leaving the venues and embarking on small passenger buses, SUVs, and taxis after check-in. The 148 Vietnamese nationals who remain unaccounted for as of Thursday comprise 102 men and 50 women, according to Taiwans National Immigration Agency. Taiwanese police suspect the case to be the work of an organized human trafficking ring. Officials from the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department (R) work with representatives from International Holidays Trading Travel on December 26, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre Visa agency suspended Taiwan-based tour operator Etholiday, the company in charge of the four groups of Vietnamese tourists, said all of them had purchased round-trip air tickets. Etholiday said it partnered with two Hanoi-based Vietnamese travel agencies, Golden Travel Trade and Services Ltd. and Twin Bright Ltd., to operate the tour. However, the tourists Taiwanese visas were acquired through a third company, International Holidays Trading Travel, which is based in Ho Chi Minh City. The Ho Chi Minh City tourism department said it had temporarily revoked International Holidays Trading Travel's license to offer international travel services due to the companys failure to provide legal documents proving its partnership with Etholiday and the two Vietnamese tour agencies. Its also against existing regulations [for International Holidays Trading Travel] to provide visa services without actually operating a tour, said Ngo Viet Anh, head of a travel management authority under the municipal tourism department. Etholidays said in a statement they were surprised by the unexpected incident, as it was the first time they had partnered with Vietnamese companies to bring tourists to Taiwan. Meanwhile, International Holidays Trading Travel director Phan Ngoc Hanh said on Wednesday the company had not received payment for the visa services they offered to the two other Vietnamese companies, which cost US$10 per applicant. In the latest development, Taiwans National Immigration Agency said in a statement on Thursday that it had found three of the missing Vietnamese tourists in Chiayi County, Changhua County, and Hsinchu County on Wednesday. They are being investigated by the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office for alleged violations of the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, the Immigration Law, and the Employment Services Act, it said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! "The Russian Federation has allegedly warned Turkey to stay out of Syria and to let the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad retake the entire country. According to a report from the Associated Press, the Russian Federation warned Turkey against capturing the territories that were under the control of the U.S.-backed forces in northern Syria. Despite these claims by the AP, the Russian Federation has yet to issue any statement warning Turkey against launching their offensive against the Kurdish-led Peoples Protection Units (YPG). Instead, the Russian Foreign Ministry has reiterated that they are working closely with Turkey in Syria, adding that all activities are discussed prior to being conducted." AP and MN https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russia-allegedly-warns-turkey-to-stay-out-of-syria-let-assad-take-back-country/ ------------- If this is true it is a major development that will serve to constrain Turkish ambitions from Manbij to the east all the way to the Iraqi border. The Russian Foreign Ministry is understandably silent about such a statement to the Turks preferring to discuss such matters in private so as to not humiliate the other side in such a way as preclude agreement. pl "The U.S. military has established two new bases along the Iraqi-Syrian border, the Turkish state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Tuesday. Citing an Iraqi official, the Anadolu Agency said the U.S. military established the two bases in the western countryside of the Al-Anbar. The U.S. Army has established two new military facilities in uninhabited parts of the province, Farhan al-Duleimi, a member of Anbars provisional council, told Anadolu Agency. The first base, he said, had been set up in the northern Rumana subdistrict (in Anbars Al-Qaim district) near the Syrian border, roughly 360 kilometers west of provincial capital Ramadi. The second base, he added, had been set up east of the city of Al-Rutbah, roughly 310 kilometers west of Ramadi and less than 100 kilometers from the Syrian border. According to al-Duleimi, the twin bases are intended to help Iraqi forces secure the countrys borders and prevent infiltrations by the Daesh terrorist group. Scores of U.S. soldiers are currently stationed at the two bases, along with drones and other equipment, al-Duleimi said without elaborating." https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-builds-two-military-bases-along-syrian-border-map/ ------------ The generals' club is probably at work in this, seeking to limit the effect of Trump's order for US forces to withdraw from Syria. The one in roumana sub-district is the location from which US Army 155mm artillery is firing in support of continuing SDF attacks against the hajin pocket in the SE corner of Syria. There will be US Army GBs with the SDF adjusting these fires. IMO those GBs will be left in Syria to do what only they do best, keep the locals in the fight. This base will be useful as a forward staging point for any raids that SOF forces might want to make into Syria (kill Baghdadi, etc.) The other base is at rutbah and is positioned astride the highway from al-tanf in Syria. In this position it will continue to obstruct the Damascus-Baghdad-Iran main ground route. These two facilities will surely be supported and supplied from the al-asad air bast which Trump visited. pl Google is dramatically expanding its European headquarters in Dublin. Pic: PA Brexit has turned Asian property investors off London. Now, theyre reappearing in Dublin. For the first time ever, Asian investors accounted for three of the top five investments in office buildings in the Irish capital in 2018, according to estate agents Knight Frank. This included the biggest deal, the 176m (158m) sale of one of the citys largest office developments to Hong Kong-based CK Properties Ltd. Across the board, analysts have been suggesting that London would see a Brexit-related dent to its property market. Earlier this year, a report from Savills indicated that Asian-based investors interest in the capital had tailed off, falling behind the level of demand among UK-based buyers. It is of course no secret that many of the UKs large financial services firms have decided to move some of their operations from London to elsewhere in Europe because of concerns over Brexit. Dublin has been a big winner in this respect, and now it seems to be benefitting from top-line investment, too. READ MORE: Barclays seeks court approval to move 224bn assets to Ireland According to Knight Frank, when all of the years transactions are completed, the overall value of commercial property deals will have jumped from 2.5bn (2.25bn) in 2017 to 3.5bn (3.15) in 2018. The office market accounted for the biggest share of transactions, something the firm said was due to strong occupier demand and competitive pricing compared to other European capitals. Around 25% of Brexit-related relocation announcements between June 2016 and September 2018 involved moves to Dublin, according to Knight Frank putting the city ahead of Luxembourg, Paris and Frankfurt. Bank of America and Barclays, which has rented prime city-centre real estate a stones throw from Irelands parliament, are two high-profile banks that chose Dublin for their post-Brexit European Union hubs. But Dublins real estate market has also long benefitted from its thriving technology district, known as Silicon Docks. Story continues In May, Google announced it would spend 300m on the purchase and redevelopment of a series of warehouses in the district, dramatically expanding its existing European headquarters. And Facebook, which also has its European headquarters in Dublin, announced it was set to quadruple its office space in the city, with room for 5,000 extra staff, by signing a long-term lease for a new 14-acre campus. READ MORE: Facebook to quadruple Dublin office space, with room for 5,000 extra staff Knight Franks report also points to a big increase in Dublins private rental market, with several global institutional investors spending upwards of 1bn (899m) in the sector. Favourable long-term demographics, rising rents, and new investment-grade properties coming on stream are three of the main factors that encouraged the growth, the report says. Five African heads of state on Wednesday voiced strong concern over the violence during the presidential campaign of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where voting has been postponed until March in ... Clashes in some locations are enough to compromise voter's peace of mind, said a statement issued at the end of a summit hosted by President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville. South Africas president, Cyril Ramaphosa and the Namibian president Hage Geingob, who also heads the Southern African Development Community (SADC) joined him around the table in Brazzaville along with Zambias president Edgar Lungu and his Botswanan counterpart Mokgweetsi Masisi. President Joao Lourenco of Angola, which shares a 2,500 kilometre border with the DRC, also attended. However a DRC representative was not present at the talks but summit leaders decided that a delegation of foreign ministers would present their conclusions to DRC President Joseph Kabila on Thursday. About a dozen people have died in DRC campaign violence according to various sources. The DRC government has disputed the figures. Martin Fayulu, presidential candidate for the opposition Lamuka party, claims that he was prevented from visiting three cities, Kindu, Kolwezi and Kinshasa, during the campaign. "The Congolese people are asking for help because we are living under the rampant dictatorship of Mr. Kabila," Fayulu told RFI. "We think these heads of state will take the misery endured by the Congolese people into account, he added. The DRC elections will choose a successor to Kabila who has been in charge for nearly 18 years. The 47-year-old was supposed to step down at the end of 2016 after reaching the end of his second term in office. But he stayed on after invoking a caretaker clause in the constitution. The elections were initially postponed until the end of 2017 under a deal brokered by the Catholic church. They did not take place and a date at the end of 2018 was set. The country's election commission then moved the date from 23 to 30 December after a fire destroyed voting equipment stored in a warehouse in Kinshasa on 13 December. Despite the postponements in Beni-Butembo and Yumbi, the timetable for the presidential elections, has not changed. The next head of state is scheduled to be sworn in on 18 January. Benazir Bhutto 11th anniversary today All arrangements have been finalized to commemorate the 11th martyrdom anniversary of slain PPP chairperson Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bux on Thursday. PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and his two daughters Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari have reached Bhutto House in Naundero. The day will begin with Quran Khwani at the Bhutto family residence in Naundero and at SMBBs mausoluem in Garhi Khuda Bux. Afterwards, langar (free meal) will be distributed among the attendants. At 1pm, a poetry recital, or mushaira, will be held by Peoples Cultural Wing which will conclude at around 3pm. A public meeting will then be held where the PPP chairperson and co-chairman as well as other top leaders of the party, including former PMs Yousaf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Aitzaz Ahsan, Syed Khursheed Shah, Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah, will address party workers. PPP leaders and activists from across the country have left for Garhi Khuda Bux. Meanwhile, the provincial Police Department has finalised arrangements for provision of foolproof security at the venue. Over 25 walk-through gates have been installed on gate nos. 8, 9 and 10, and over 7,000 officials deployed to ensure security throughout the day. French jihadist Peter Cherif, a close associate of the Charlie Hebdo attackers, was transferred overnight to the Paris prosecutor's office to face new charges and finally begin a five-year prison term handed down in 2011. The 36-year-old Frenchman fled on the last day of his March 2011 trial in Paris, where he was set to be jailed for five years for fighting with al Qaeda in Iraq. He had been on the run ever since. He was re-arrested in Djibouti on 16 December and expelled to France, where he was immediately taken into custody and charged upon his arrival at the capital's Charles de Gaulle Airport. French authorities brought new preliminary charges against him on Thursday, placing him under formal investigation for "terrorist conspiracy". Cherif is suspected of fighting US forces in Iraq and helping to organise the 2015 shooting at satirical French newspaper Charlie Hebdo that left 12 people dead and rocked France to its core. France's defence minister said he played an "important role in organising" the Charlie Hebdo attack, though his specific role as yet remains unclear. Cherif is a prime example of the French Muslim youths who travelled to war zones from Afghanistan and Iraq to Yemen and Syria. Cherif went to Iraq in the early 2000s and was arrested in Fallujah in 2004 and held for 19 months by US troops. Also known as Abu Hamza, he later travelled to Yemen, where he was believed to have joined al Qaeda's fighters there. >> How France was forced to reassess its ideas about radicalised youth He was a close friend of brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi, the brothers who killed 11 people at Charlie Hebdo's offices and a policeman outside in January 2015. In the following days their associate, Amedy Coulibaly, killed a policewoman outside Paris and four people during a hostage-taking at a kosher supermarket. All three attackers were later killed in shootouts with police. Fourteen other people charged with providing assistance to the Kouachi brothers or to Coulibaly are also scheduled to go on trial over the 2015 attacks. (FRANCE 24 with AP) In 2018, we produced 30 episodes of our weekly show. That's nearly 90 reports from our Observers around the world. Here are three of them. Djibouti to Saudi Arabia: a little-known migrant route In October 2018, we received a rare first-person account from an Ethiopian hoping to cross the Red Sea to a better life in Saudi Arabia. Tens of thousands of East Africans attempt the dangerous passage every year, many of them not knowing that to get to Saudi Arabia they must pass through Yemen, which is embroiled in war. The man who spoke to our Observer was stranded in Djibouti before even reaching the Red Sea, abandoned by the human smugglers who had been transporting him. On a skyscraper in Malaysia - with no harness In May 2018, a video showing workers on a skyscraper in Malaysia went viral. They were putting up scaffolding with no safety harnesses. Sumitha Kishna, of the Malaysian NGO Migrant Worker Group, told us about the unsafe conditions faced by many migrant workers from countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh. The rate of accidental workplace deaths in Malaysia is 4.8 per 100,000 workers - four times higher than in neighbouring Singapore . In Gaza, amputees form a football team The "team of champions" in Gaza is made up of players who have lost an arm or a leg to Israeli bombardmenbts. They meet every Monday at a municipal football ground to practise. Since the summer, two other amputee teams have formed in Gaza. The founders of the "team of champions" hope one day to create a Palestinian team to participate in international tournaments. They were hoping to register at the Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico in November, but were unable to get a visa. In 2018, we produced 30 episodes of our weekly show. That's nearly 90 reports from our Observers around the world. Here are three of them. Djibouti to Saudi Arabia: a little-known migrant route In October 2018, we received a rare first-person account from an Ethiopian hoping to cross the Red Sea to a better life in Saudi Arabia. Tens of thousands of East Africans attempt the dangerous passage every year, many of them not knowing that to get to Saudi Arabia they must pass through Yemen, which is embroiled in war. The man who spoke to our Observer was stranded in Djibouti before even reaching the Red Sea, abandoned by the human smugglers who had been transporting him. On a skyscraper in Malaysia - with no harness In May 2018, a video showing workers on a skyscraper in Malaysia went viral. They were putting up scaffolding with no safety harnesses. Sumitha Kishna, of the Malaysian NGO Migrant Worker Group, told us about the unsafe conditions faced by many migrant workers from countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh. The rate of accidental workplace deaths in Malaysia is 4.8 per 100,000 workers - four times higher than in neighbouring Singapore . In Gaza, amputees form a football team The "team of champions" in Gaza is made up of players who have lost an arm or a leg to Israeli bombardmenbts. They meet every Monday at a municipal football ground to practise. Since the summer, two other amputee teams have formed in Gaza. The founders of the "team of champions" hope one day to create a Palestinian team to participate in international tournaments. They were hoping to register at the Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico in November, but were unable to get a visa. FILE PHOTO: Chinese and U.S. flags are set up for a signing ceremony during a visit by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao at China's Ministry of Transport in Beijing, China April 27, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo By Yawen Chen and Adam Jourdan BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China has proposed a ban on forced technology transfer and illegal government "interference" in foreign business operations, practices that have come under the spotlight in a trade dispute with the United States. A draft foreign investment law, the full text of which was published by the top legislature on Wednesday, comes as China tries to resolve its protracted standoff with the United States, which accuses it of unfair trade practices including intellectual property (IP) theft and forced IP transfer. While China has frequently denied such accusations, it has pledged to improve market access for foreign investors and better protect their rights in the face of growing complaints and slower foreign investment. The final draft law, with 39 articles, was far shorter than a version released in 2015, but took a notably stronger line on IP protection. "Official authorities and their staff shall not use administrative means to force the transfer of technology," the draft says. That compares with a general statement that foreign firms' IP rights would be protected, in 2015. As trade tension flares, there has been growing caution in countries like the United States and Germany about Chinese companies - backed by the state and flush with cash - obtaining advanced foreign technology through aggressive acquisitions abroad. In an apparent move to emphasise reciprocity, the draft law said China would reserve the right to retaliate against countries that discriminate Chinese investment with "corresponding measures". 'AS SOON AS POSSIBLE' The draft law - the first of its kind - has been submitted to the National People's Congress Standing Committee, which began a session on Sunday, and will hold public consultations until Feb. 24. Once adopted, the law will replace three existing ones that regulate joint ventures and wholly foreign-owned enterprises, although it will likely go through several readings before being submitted for formal approval, which could take another year or more. Story continues However, state news agency Xinhua said on Thursday that many lawmakers were calling for a prompt deliberation of the draft to put it to "a vote as soon as possible". Committee member Li Fei, however, suggested it should be put before the full session of the largely rubber-stamp assembly when it convenes its annual session in March, the news agency reported. Cai Fang, another member, said there should be further clarification on "forced technology transfers", Xinhua said, suggesting the law may still need more discussion. Some law experts and business consultants remained sceptical about how far the law would protect foreign firms' interests, given a lack of rule of law in China. "Laws in China on something like forced technology are paper; the reality may or may not match that paper," said Dan Harris, Seattle-based managing partner of law firm Harris Bricken, which helps firms navigate legal issues overseas including in China. "I generally think that on something like this, past history is the best predictor of future performance, and few dispute that China has for the last 10 years been saying it would open up and it all but stopped about five years ago." (Reporting by Adam Jourdan in Shanghai and Yawen Chen in Beijing; Additional Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel) Did South Africa's Gupta Brothers also "capture" the bankrupt SABC? The names of the powerful Guptas at the center of the State Capture scandal which caused the downfall of ousted President Jacob Zuma have emerged in the list of businessmen who fed fat on the bankrupt public SABC broadcaster. City Press says the footprints of the Guptas appear in a trove of documents gathered during an audit carried out by the companys board in 2017. According to the newspaper, investigators are in possession of e-mails showing that the Gupta family had a substantial interest in the controversial 62 million-rand (3.7 million euros) Lornavision contract, awarded by the SABC without a tender in 2015. Marianne Thamm is deputy editor of the South African Maverick newspaper based in Johannesburg. She told RFI that the rot at the embattled public broadcaster dates back to Hlaudi Motsoenengs time as CEO. Motsoeneng left behind a deep financial hole which has forced the bankrupt SABC to shed almost 900 permanent jobs, while thousands working as freelance with the company havent been paid, Thamm said. BusinessDay noted in an earlier report that the broadcaster, which recorded yet another staggering loss of R622m in the financial year, spends about R3bn a year to pay the salaries of just more than 3,000 employees. Bankruptcy Several South African media outlets blame flagrant spending on vanity projects, during Motsoenengs time for tipping the company over its assets by R1.8 billion. The SABC is currently facing civil claims worth some 366 million rand (21 million euros) following its inability to settle its short-term obligations. Even the Guptas Lornavision company was reportedly preparing to launch a counterclaim of R500 million (30 million euros), for lost income, defamation and theft of its intellectual property. City Press says the companys finances were in such shambles that the board had written to Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba to ask if they can partially pay their electricity bill so they can keep the lights on. Story continues Earlier this month, Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams confirmed that the SABCs new managers had applied for a R3 billion government guarantee and a R1.2 billion loan facility from Treasury. The SABCs new management informed the government early this month that they needed about R600 million to run the place until January when the board is due to vote on a new budget. Organic intellectual Meanwhile, in a damning editorial, Mail and Guardian holds that when Hlaudi Motsoeneng branded as an organic intellectual was ejected as the SABCs CEO a decade ago, many though it was the signal that the company had turned the corner. But as the publication puts it, what the country has witnessed since then is an experience in continued encroachment and total capture of the public broadcaster by corporate and political elite, a trend that has all but brought the SABC to its knees. Santa Zuma Another story trending in South Africa is about ex-President Jacob Zuma criticized by Times Live for not putting a damper on Nkandla festivals as his supporters scramble to raise funds to pay the massive legal bills of his graft trial. Zuma hosted Christmas bashes near his KwaDakwadunuse private homestead in the village of KwaNxamala, including a party for senior citizens, followed by a shindig for children. The wives of two British brothers have died, along with a child, after the 4x4 they were in crashed off a bridge in Iceland, local media is reporting. Four other people - said to be the two men and two more children, aged seven and nine - were seriously injured, police said. Those involved in the crash are from two British families, and a number of them are thought to be of Indian heritage. India's embassy in Iceland confirmed the car contained two brothers, their wives and families, Iceland's national broadcaster, RUV, said. Iceland Monitor said the embassy had also confirmed the wives' deaths, along with that of a "very young child". The crash took place on the route 1 road which runs for 830 miles and connects coastal towns and villages on the volcanic island of 350,000 people. It occurred at around 9.30am on Thursday when the vehicle slammed through a railing while crossing a high single-lane bridge at Skeidararsandur, a vast sand plain in southern Iceland. The Toyota Land Cruiser rental car fell at least six metres (20ft) onto the rocky river bank below, on its side. While officers doubted the road had been icy, they said humidity could have made the surface slippery. They are waiting to question the injured, who were airlifted to hospital in Reykjavik. The Indian Ambassador to Iceland, T Armstrong Changsan, is believed to have visited them. The crash site was described as "horrifying" by tour guide Adolf Erlingsson, who was among the first on the scene with two police officers. He told Sky News: "It was quite a horrific scene. The car went off the bridge and just crashed down - I would guess five or six metres - and was really badly damaged. "When I got there, there were four people out of the car - one of them deceased. "Three more were trapped inside, two of them probably deceased, and the other trapped under the dashboard." Police said it remains unclear what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Story continues The Foreign Office is "supporting the family of several British nationals" and is in "close contact with the Icelandic authorities", a spokesperson said. Mr Erlingsson said that he can't understand how the accident happened and had not noticed any ice on the bridge. "The conditions this morning were not bad at all. The temperature was a little bit above freezing point and I didn't detect any ice. "For some reason the driver lost control of the car, hit the railing and plunged down." He said he was transporting 19 tourists around south Iceland in his own vehicle, at the time. The accident occurred hours before the North Atlantic island saw sunrise, which reached the capital, Reykjavik, at 11.23am. Johann K Johannsonn, a journalist from Iceland, told Sky News the bridge is "really narrow". He said the vehicle rolled over in the middle of the bridge and the four people who were seriously injured were rushed to hospital in helicopters. The bridge over Nupsvotn was built in 1973 and is 420 metres in length. It is expected to be replaced in the next few years by a shorter bridge of around 100 metres long, according to information from the Road Administration department. Japan to resume commercial whaling after pulling out of IWC By Linda Sieg and Kiyoshi Takenaka TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan will resume commercial whaling from July in its waters and exclusive economic zone while ending its controversial hunts in the Antarctic, it said on Wednesday, as it announced its withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Australia and New Zealand welcomed the decision to abandon the Antarctic whale hunt, but expressed disappointment that Japan would engage in any killing of the ocean mammals. The decision, some experts said, allows Japan to save the money it spends to support Antarctic whaling while taking a tough pro-whaling stance - a matter of national pride for some conservatives. But doubts exist about whether Japanese commercial whaling can be economically viable, especially as fewer people than ever are eating whale meat, they said. "From July 2019, after the withdrawal comes into effect on June 30, Japan will conduct commercial whaling within Japans territorial sea and its exclusive economic zone, and will cease the take of whales in the Antarctic Ocean/the Southern Hemisphere," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said in a statement announcing the decision. "The whaling will be conducted in accordance with international law and within the catch limits calculated in accordance with the method adopted by the IWC to avoid negative impact on cetacean resources," Suga said. Japan, which says most whale species are not endangered and that eating whale is part of its culture, has long campaigned without success for the IWC to allow commercial whaling. Some influential lawmakers' constituencies include whaling communities, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's election district is home to the whaling port of Shimonoseki. The decision to withdraw from the IWC followed its latest rejection of Japan's bid to resume commercial whaling at a September meeting, which Suga said showed it was impossible to bridge the gap between whaling advocates and anti-whaling members. Story continues The resumption of commercial whaling is an unusual decision for Japan, which stresses multilateralism in its diplomacy, and it sparked swift criticism from environmental groups and others who believe all whales should be protected. For a graphic on International Whaling Commission, see - https://tmsnrt.rs/2SbaooD 'OUT OF STEP' "The declaration today is out of step with the international community, let alone the protection needed to safeguard the future of our oceans and these majestic creatures," international conservationist group Greenpeace said. "The Japanese government needs to recommit to the IWC and prioritise new measures for marine conservation." Yoshie Nakatani, an official at the foreign ministry's fisheries division, said Japan would still attend IWC meetings. "It's not like we are turning our back on the IWC and abandoning international cooperation," she said. "There is no change to our country's respect for the rule of law and multilateralism." New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Japan's decision to halt Antarctic whaling but said he was disappointed with the decision to resume any commercial whaling. Whaling is an outdated and unnecessary practise. We continue to hope Japan eventually reconsiders its position and will cease all whaling in order to advance the protection of the oceans ecosystems, Peters said in a statement. Australia urged Japan to return to the IWC. "Australia remains resolutely opposed to all forms of commercial and so-called scientific whaling," its environment minister, Melissa Price, and foreign minister, Marise Payne, said in a statement. For a graphic on Whales hunted, see - http://tmsnrt.rs/2iwNhlM Japan has long defied such protests to conduct what it calls scientific research whaling, having repeatedly said its ultimate goal was to whale commercially again. In 2014, the International Court of Justice ruled that Japan should halt its Antarctic whaling. Japan suspended its hunt for one season to re-tool its whaling programme with measures such as cutting the number of whales and species targeted, but resumed hunting in the 2015-2016 season, capping its Antarctic catch with a quota of 333 whales annually. Japan began scientific whaling in 1987, a year after an international whaling moratorium began. Its aged whaling mothership is in need of a costly replacement or refit. Much of the meat ends up in shops, even though most Japanese no longer eat it. Whale consumption accounted for 0.1 percent of all Japanese meat consumption, according to the Asahi newspaper. That works out to 35 grams per person per year, according to a whale meat shop owner Koichi Matsumoto. "We ate whale meat in the old days but there are lots of other things to eat now," said a 75-year-old woman shopper. "But if we don't explain internationally that whales are increasing ... people won't understand," she added. The ever-dwindling demand means an uncertain outlook for Japan's whaling. "It could persist as a small-scale activity. There are still whale meat restaurants and I think some people will keep eating a small quantity," said Yoichiro Sato, a professor at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. "(But) if it's too expensive, people will not eat it. As an industry, its prospect is very grim." (Additional reporting by Mayuko Ono and Kaori Kaneko; Writing by Linda Sieg; Editing by Darren Schuettler, Robert Birsel) Villagers in Koyandy, north of Kazakhstans capital of Astana, are forced to melt snow for water as potable water is inaccessible to those without cars, according to Current Time. Suyumjan Dusenov, a resident of Koyandy, told Current Time that he transports between 100 and 150 liters of water each day for his home and that of his neighbors who dont have the means to travel. Additionally, water is consistently dirty, prompting resident to strain it through gauze before use. Another resident, Bakhyt Ayaganov, reports that water is often salty and potentially polluted with sewage. The head of the village has said the issues stem from residents decisions to build on areas not intended for development. The water infrastructure will be improved, but not until 2021. See shot list and translations below: 00:15 Tleuzhan Kuat, Resident of Koyandy The waters never clear even though we try to strain it through a gauze. But its still not clear. 00:42 Suyumjan Dusenov, Resident of Koyandy Every day, I bring home 100 to 150 liters of water, not just for myself but also for the neighbors. They dont have a car, so I bring water for them, too. 00:58 Bakhyt Ayaganov, Resident of Koyandy The water is salty. It has some other impurities. It may have been mixed with sewage. We dont have spring water here, only ground water. The well is just five or six meters deep, and the sewage water gets in. 1:31 Aibek Yeseyev, Head of Koyandy Local inhabitants have seized land [to build on] and are now asking for water, roads, and electricity. If this land had been granted as part of the general development plan, the way it should have been done legally, all these things would have been provided. Credit: Current Time via Storyful Several heads of state from southern and central Africa are due to meet in Congo Brazzaville this evening. With three days until the presidential elections in the DRC, Brazzaville is concerned by the risk of post-election violence and the potential fall-out for the wider region. I want to send a message of appeasement to all actors in the electoral process in the DRC, President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville and the meeting host said. Key presidents Five heads of state have confirmed they will participate, according to the Congolese minister of foreign affairs. South Africas president, Cyril Ramaphosa will attend with Namibian president Hage Geingob who also heads the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Zambias president Edgar Lungu, who heads the SADCs defence and security arm, will also be present along with his Botswanan counterpart Mokgweetsi Masisi. President Joao Lourenco of Angola, which shares a 2,500 kilometre border with the DRC, will also be present. Rwanda and Uganda plan to send their ministers of foreign affairs. What remains unclear is whether DRCs president Joseph Kabila will turn up, or if he plans to send a representative. Kabilas diplomatic adviser, Barnabas Kikaya, complained that his country was only formally invited yesterday afternoon. "A summit of this magnitude cannot be improvised, Kikaya told RFI. Mistrust and concern Even before the summit begins, its preparation reflects a climate of mistrust and concern between the countries of the region according to one diplomat speaking on the condition of anonymity. "The campaign sparked some violence and the postponement of the polls also created trouble," the diplomat added. Jean-Claude Gakosso , Congo Brazzavilles minister of foreign affairs, said he wants to extend a fraternal hand to his larger neighbour while respecting its sovereignty. African affairs Growing concern over the potential for violence in the DRC elections is the driving force behind todays summit. Western governments that are anxious not to appear to be interfering in African affairs are expected to watch todays proceedings. For opposition candidates in the DRC, todays meeting is welcome if it goes some way to ensuring credible, democratic and independent elections. "The Congolese people are asking for help because we are living under the rampant dictatorship of Mr. Kabila. We think these heads of state will take the misery endured by the Congolese people into account, Martin Fayulu, presidential candidate for the opposition Lamuka party told RFI. MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian court has sentenced a Ukrainian man to eight years in a maximum security prison for espionage and trying to illegally obtain and export military goods, Russia's Kommersant newspaper reported on Wednesday. Kommersant said Igor Kiyashko, a lawyer from Ukraine, had been found guilty of trying to purchase engine parts for MiG-29 fighter jets and of collecting classified documents related to the S-400 surface-to-air missile system at the request of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the daily reported. The Nizhegorodsky Regional Court, which Kommersant said had delivered the verdict against Kiyashko, did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Reuters on Wednesday. Kommersant reported that Kiyashko did not plan to appeal the verdict. It said he had not admitted to collecting information about the S-400 system, but had not denied his intention to pass on the MiG-29 engine parts to the SBU. Russia last month deployed S-400 battalions to Crimea, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014. (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Andrew Osborn) See Also: The Defence Secretary has said he has very deep concerns about Chinese technology firm Huawei being involved in upgrading the UKs mobile network. Gavin Williamsons comments came after some of the UKs closest allies banned or restricted the use of the firms network products because of security concerns. Australia, New Zealand and the US have restricted use of Huawei technology in 5G mobile networks and Mr Williamson said the UK would look at their example. I have grave, very deep concerns about Huawei providing the 5G network in Britain. Its something wed have to look at very closely, Mr Williamson said in comments reported in The Times. Weve got to look at what partners such as Australia and the US are doing in order to ensure that they have the maximum security of that 5G network and weve got to recognise the fact, as has been recently exposed, that the Chinese state does sometimes act in a malign way. Huawei was founded by a former officer in the Peoples Liberation Army and questions have been raised about the firms links to the Chinese state. The head of MI6, Alex Younger, recently said the UK would have to make some decisions about such firms after other governments had taken steps to block Huawei. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the UK would look to its allies (PA) The firm has strongly rejected any suggestion that it poses a security threat and said in a statement that it had never been asked by any government to build any backdoors or interrupt any networks, and we would never tolerate such behaviour by any of our staff. Concerns over Chinas activities have been heightened in recent weeks, with Britain accusing Beijing of a massive programme of industrial espionage in a widespread and significant campaign of cyber intrusions against the UK and its allies. The Foreign Office said hackers acting on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of State Security were stealing commercial secrets from firms in Europe, Asia and the US. Officials said their activities were so extensive, they were putting at risk economic growth in the UK and the wider global economy. Indian released two jailed Pakistani nationals Indian authorities on Wednesday released two jailed Pakistani nationals, Abdullah and Mohammed Imran Qureshi Warsi, through the Attari-Wagah border. Abdullah was detained from Attari in 2017 while Warsi spent 10 years in Bhopal jail on charges of forgery and spying after coming to India in 2004. Warsi had gone to India to meet his Kolkata-based relatives. He stayed on for four years despite the expiry of his visa. Furthermore, he also got a ration card and a PAN card made during his stay. In fact, he was on his way to Bhopal to get a passport made when he was arrested by the police. The man, who has been freed after 14 years, told Indian media that he couldnt be happier to see his mother, father and siblings who all reside in Karachis Gulshan Iqbal area. He has an Indian wife and two children from the marriage, whom he plans on taking to Pakistan through proper legal recourse. The release of Pakistani nationals come in the wake of the release of Hamid Nehal Ansari, an Indian national who was detained and jailed in Pakistan for six years. He was repatriated to India after the completion of his prison term on December 15. Ansari had illegally crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, and was convicted for spying and forging documents in December 2015. He told court officials that he came to the country to see a girl he befriended on Facebook in the countrys north, according to his lawyer. Susan West Marmagas, director of Virginia Techs Master of Public Health (MPH) program and associate professor of practice in the Department of Population Health Sciences, died on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. She was 51. Born and raised in Blacksburg, Marmagas joined the Virginia Tech faculty in 2008 and played a significant role in the establishment of the universitys public health program and Center for Public Health Practice and Research (CPHPR). She served as assistant director and interim director of the MPH program before being named director in 2017. We are saddened by Susans passing but also celebrate her commitment and optimism that were essential in the founding, accreditation, and advancement of our public health program, said Laura Hungerford, head of the Department of Population Health Sciences in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, which serves as the academic home of the program. She was an accomplished educator and leader as well as a passionate advocate for students and for the field of public health. In addition to teaching community health education courses in the public health program, Marmagas led an interprofessionalism course on public health and medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. She also conducted interdisciplinary research on human and environmental health in Central Appalachia and beyond. Susans brilliant vision and unwavering commitment to community outreach, research and student engagement were the guiding force for establishing the Center for Public Health Practice and Research (CPHPR), said Kathy Hosig, CPHPR director and associate professor of population health sciences. She has touched the lives of so many. In addition to devotion to her work with students and colleagues, she has contributed to advancing the health of individuals and communities. We will miss her beyond words. Marmagas had more than 15 years of experience in the national public health field, most notably addressing how environmental factors affect the health of women and children. She held leadership positions with the Collaborative on Health and Environment at Commonweal, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the National Environmental Education Foundation, and the Childrens Environmental Health Network. Her career focused on engaging health professionals and scientists in protective public policy, facilitating strategic planning discussions across the health field, and implementing evidence-based policy campaigns. Marmagas testified before the U.S. Congress and served as media spokesperson on national issues such as health risks from fish consumption, mercury pollution, and childrens health. She served on the American Public Health Association's Joint Policy Committee/Science Board from 2014-2017 as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Childrens Health Protection Advisory Committee, co-chairing its Regulatory Work Group. She also served as a site visitor for the Council on Education for Public Health and a Fellow with the National Public Health Leadership Institute. Marmagas received her bachelors degree from Earlham College and her MPH degree with a concentration in community health education from University of California at Berkeley. Marmagas is survived by her loving husband, William, and daughters, Tasia and Elektra, of Blacksburg; her brother Roger and wife, Deborah, of Silver Spring, Maryland; her sister-in-law Katherine Hood, of Brooklyn, New York; and canine companion Duke. A public visitation with the Marmagas family was held on Friday, Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the McCoy Funeral Home at 150 Country Club Drive in Blacksburg. A celebration of life service was held on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, beginning at 2 p.m. at Edges Church at 706 Harding Avenue in Blacksburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Blacksburg Battles Cancer, 1064 Clubhouse Road, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, or the Community Health Center of the New River Valley, 215 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg, Virginia 24073. Maryam Nawaz Sharif returns to political front As Maryam Nawaz Sharif returns to the political front, veteran Nawaz League leader known for his closeness to the security establishment says she may steer the party but all important decisions will be taken by her father Nawaz Sharif himself. The option is available to have Maryam Nawaz take the party forward. Whenever she is ready, she can join the ranks of the party, said Raja Zafarul Haq, leader of the opposition in the Senate, in a TV interview at Geo News. The statement comes in the wake of elder Sharifs imprisonment for a seven-year term in Al-Azizia reference. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to 10 years in prison by an accountability court in July last year. In the same ruling, the Supreme Court ousted and disqualified Sharif and barred him from holding political office in the future. In February this, the PML-N elected Sharif as its quaid (leader) for life, while his younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, was voted in as the president. Now with both brothers behind bars in what the party says are politically motivated cases, the PML-N faces a leadership crisis of sorts. In this backdrop, Maryam Nawaz has returned to the political front with a recent tweet remember her deceased mother and applauding her fathers efforts for democracy in the country. In the interview, Zafarul Haq said Maryam Nawaz could steer the party forward, but all internal decisions will be taken by the elder Sharif himself. 2018 findings: cold turkey trounces Nicoderm CQ, Chantix, Nicorette and e-cigs How are most smokers quitting and which stop smoking method is most effective? Although fundamental questions, the initial problem is, who to believe. Should smokers blindly trust winner proclaiming headlines atop articles such as this, or engage in a bit of digging, reading, fact checking and reflection? For example, the next Nicoderm CQ nicotine patch commercial you see is likely to shout "DOUBLES YOUR CHANCES OF QUITTING" across the screen at the 23 second mark. But is it true? What GlaxoSmithKline's Nicoderm commercials don't share is an asterick following their "double your chances" claim. But, guess what? Under the FAQ heading "Why not quit cold turkey?" the Nicoderm CQ and Nicorette websites both do. There, it states "*Doubles your chances of quitting vs. placebo." Which is more honest and reflective of quitting, defining "your chances" as a product's clinical efficacy versus users of a placebo look-a-like, or how it performs under real-world conditions against all other quitting methods, by all types of smokers? In other words, the method's population-level effectiveness. Current Chantix commercials go beyond "your chances" word games. During 2018, Pfizer hired Goodfella's star Ray Liotta, one of America's toughest tough-guys, to openly admit that, prior to Chantix he wasn't tough enough to quit on his own. The ad campaign's message is simple. If tough guy Ray couldn't quit without Chantix, then how in the world can you? But did Ray really quit smoking by using Chantix? Ray Liotta's 2016 Facebook and Instagram posts claim that he quit smoking when his daughter was four, which occurred in 2002. The problem is, how could Ray have taken Chantix in 2002 when it wasn't approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for sale until 4 years later in 2006? 2018's Overall Winner: Cold Turkey Clearly, 2018s most intensely researched quit smoking issue was whether e-cigarettes are more effective than NRT (the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge) or prescription pills (Chantix or Zyban). Surprise! The 2018 quitting method study winner was once again cold turkey, the undisputed real-world quitting champ since invention of the cigarette-making machine in 1847. In fact, cold turkey prevailed in the only two 2018 quitting studies in which it was allowed to participate: Weaver et al and Benmarhnia et al. Weaning only half as effective as abrupt cessation Among unassisted quitters, the 2018 Weaver study found abrupt smoking cessation was twice as effective as gradual weaning or cut-down approaches. While the Benmarhnia study waters down cold turkey's success rate by combining it with less effective gradual weaning under the heading "No Aid Used," it still prevails over all other quitting methods. Abrupt cessation's superiority over weaning is a critically important recurring fact. Why? Because, crave reduction aside, stepped-down nicotine weaning is presented as the scientific basis as to how replacement nicotine (NRT) works. But, again, don't take my word for it. Visit GlaxoSmithKline's Nicorette.com website. Click on "How does Nicorette work?" There, it states, "As your body gradually adjusts to getting less nicotine, youll step down the amount you take until the day when you dont need any at all." Although less delivery control than when using nicotine gum, the lozenge, or e-cigs, the nicotine patch is a weaning scheme too. At NicodermCQ.com, click on Nicorette CQ FAQ (upper right) and then question #2. There, we read: "If you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, follow the 10-week plan. Use NicoDerm CQ Step 1 (21 mg) for 6 weeks, NicoDerm CQ Step 2 (14 mg) for 2 weeks and NicoDerm CQ Step 3 (7 mg) for 2 weeks. If you smoke 10 or fewer cigarettes a day, follow the 8-week plan. Use Step 2 (14 mg) for 6 weeks and Step 3 (7 mg) for 2 weeks." 2018's Effectiveness Champion: Cold Turkey Cold turkey not only clobbered cigarette weaning in Weaver, it doubled Chantix and e-cigarette rates, while tripling nicotine patch, gum,and lozenge performance. And in Benmarhnia, not using any quit smoking aid was twice as effective as e-cigarettes or NRT in helping quitters end all tobacco use. 2018's Productivity Champion: Cold Turkey Effectiveness aside, what about productivity? Which method generated the most successful quitters? The winner again, cold turkey. In Weaver, cold turkey generated 10 times as many ex-smokers as NRT, twice as many as e-cigarettes or gradual weaning, and 10 times as many as prescription medications (Chantix and Zyban combined). Cold turkey productivity was even higher in the Benmarhnia study where Table 5 indicates that roughly 80 percent of 283 smokers who successfully ended all tobacco use, did so without resort to e-cigs or any approved stop smoking aid. Making Sense of Contrary Clinical Trial Findings So, why does cold turkey demolish the competition in real-world quitting yet fail to prevail inside randomized clinical trials? A large and extremely loyal group of pharma-funded university PhD cessation researchers have devoted decades to helping GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer make billions off of placebo-controlled smoking cessation trials. Never biting the hand that feeds them, having tied their research reputations to pharma, what they've kept silent about for decades is the fact that their placebo-controlled studies were not blind as claimed, that their studies did not recruit or include smokers wishing to quit cold turkey, and that their findings are in serious conflict with how approved products are used and performing under real-world conditions. And then, along came an unlikely benefactor, the e-cigarette. Fueled primarily by the lure of billions in profits, the e-cigarettes exploding popularity demanded and forced head-to-head quitting method comparisons. The problem? While pharma and its PhD army had successfully attacked or helped suppress scores of cold turkey victories over the years, what possible explanation could they invent for continuing to ignore the entire real-world quitting picture? Let's start with the basics. Ask yourself, if you wanted to quit smoking cold turkey, would you join a formal clinical study dangling free NRT, Chantix or Zyban as study recruiting bait? Neither did they. If you were an experienced quitter whod become expert at recognizing full-blown withdrawal within 24 to 48 hours of quitting, if you had joined an NRT study, would you have been able to quickly tell whether or not the nicotine gum youd been given was instead a nicotine-free placebo? So could they. And how would you have felt as you came to realize that the timing and content of counseling and support within the clinical trial was tailored to help NRT or Chantix users succeed, not to benefit the dopamine deprived placebo group? Sadly, thirty-three years of randomized clinical trials had absolutely nothing to do with "your chances" and everything to do with an addict's expectations. Surveys Need Correcting Smokers deserve richer population level quitting data. Whats needed is for unbiased and independent researchers to go back and repair all quitting method surveys in which its becoming glaringly obvious that pharma-influence had a hand. Knowing that most smokers quit cold turkey, if you were writing a quitting method survey, would one of your many quitting method questions ask participants if their last quitting attempt was cold turkey, defined as the abrupt and complete end of use of all nicotine or tobacco products, without use of any quitting medication? Look closely at the U.S. Department of Healths 944 page 2018 PDF version of the U.S. Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) survey. Also examine the 2015 Word version of England's Smoking Toolkit survey. Written by university researchers beholden to pharma-funded research, search either document for any reference to cold turkey, abrupt cessation or unaided or unassisted quitting. Now search for questions about the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, Chantix, Zyban or e-cigarettes. Why zero mention of cold turkey while filled with questions about other quitting methods? Because a complete and accurate quitting picture would devastate pharmas cessation financial interests, demolish the Food and Drug Administration's quitting product approval reputation, suggest that the CDC has spent three decades promoting failure, relapse and disease, and possibly cause Parliament to consider defunding NHS Stop Smoking Services, where participants are all but force fed quitting products. Ask yourself, like gradual weaning schemes generally, if the only thing over-the-counter replacement nicotine products double is relapse, during the 33 years since the FDA first approved Nicorette gum, how many millions of smokers have lost their lives by repeatedly buying into the NRT lies that nicotine is "medicine" and its use "therapy"? It's why, sadly, the PATH and Toolkit surveys must continue to ignore the giant turkey in the room. It's why Philip Morris has long proclaimed that NRT is the key to quitting. And it's why, with Big Tobacco buying up the e-cig industry, studies like Weaver and Benmarhnia will become rarer and rarer. I, John R. Polito, am fully and solely responsible for the content of this article. Any factual error will be promptly corrected upon notice emailed to john@whyquit.com How to Quit Smoking Our Free E-books Read both & destroy fear driven anxieties! Discover Smart Turkey Quitting WhyQuit.com - WhyQuit is the Internet's oldest forum devoted to the art, science and psychology of cold turkey quitting, the stop smoking method used by the vast majority of all successful long-term ex-smokers. - WhyQuit is the Internet's oldest forum devoted to the art, science and psychology of cold turkey quitting, the stop smoking method used by the vast majority of all successful long-term ex-smokers. Nicotine Addiction 101 - WhyQuit's basic guide to understanding nicotine dependency. - WhyQuit's basic guide to understanding nicotine dependency. Nicotine Cessation Topic Index - An alphabetical subject matter index to more than a thousand nicotine cessation articles, videos and support group discussions. - An alphabetical subject matter index to more than a thousand nicotine cessation articles, videos and support group discussions. Joel's Library - Joel Spitzer began presenting stop smoking clinics and seminars in 1976. Joel's Library is home to his life's work. It includes Joel's "Daily Quitting Lesson Guide," more than 100 original stop smoking articles, his free ebook "Never Take Another Puff," and to his ever growing collection of more than 400 stop smoking videos. - Joel Spitzer began presenting stop smoking clinics and seminars in 1976. Joel's Library is home to his life's work. It includes Joel's "Daily Quitting Lesson Guide," more than 100 original stop smoking articles, his free ebook "Never Take Another Puff," and to his ever growing collection of more than 400 stop smoking videos. "Freedom from Nicotine - The Journey Home" - Written by John R. Polito, a former 30-year heavy smoker and WhyQuit's 1999 founder, Freedom from Nicotine shares the science underlying nicotine dependency and successful abrupt nicotine cessation. - Written by John R. Polito, a former 30-year heavy smoker and WhyQuit's 1999 founder, Freedom from Nicotine shares the science underlying nicotine dependency and successful abrupt nicotine cessation. Turkeyville - Imagine surrounding yourself with more than 10,000 cold turkey quitters. Turkeyville is a Facebook support group exclusively for cold turkey quitters. - Imagine surrounding yourself with more than 10,000 cold turkey quitters. Turkeyville is a Facebook support group exclusively for cold turkey quitters. Freedom - Freedom was WhyQuit's original 1999 stop smoking support group. No longer accepting members, its 453,000 archived posts continue to share recovery insights. Knowledge is a Quitting Method FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Many seminaries have roots in only one spiritual tradition. The Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminary has its roots in interfaith work as its own spiritual path. Reverend Lori Cardona and Reverend Dr. Grace Telesco founded the Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminary and now serve as its Co-Executive Directors. They began developing the curriculum in 2013 and ordained their first students in 2016. Cardona distinguishes interfaith work as a spiritual path from interfaith work as a dialogue amongst people of different religions. Cardona said that this interfaith work as spiritual path is to clergy as spiritual but not religious is to lay people. The Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminary is located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. According to Cardona, it is the only seminary of its kind in the southeastern US. It has a two year course of study with four areas of concentration. These four areas consist of wisdom, energy, reflection, and ritual. This allows a student to learn both beliefs and their expression in practice. The seminary requires students to visit services of different religious and spiritual traditions. Cardona stressed that all paths lead to higher consciousness. She believes that it is essential in this time of history to not put God in a box. Cardona continued, Our students are not expected to pick one particular path, but to have a basic understanding of as many [paths] as possible so that they can expand their mind and their hearts around all cultures and faiths. Cardona stressed that we are all obligated to find our way on that sacred path. She continued, Sacred Service means that we can assist people as ministers without having a dogmatic approach. At present, the Sacred Journey lacks an on-line program. Students must attend in person, and many travel varying distances to do so. Cardona reported that a woman traveled monthly to South Florida to study with them. Another woman flew in from the Bahamas every month. Currently, one man flies in monthly from Colorado. The Sacred Journey is currently developing a scholarship fund. In their first year, students examine faith practices, rites, and rituals. Each class session includes a ritual. The first years curriculum covers the major world religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Abrahamic faiths. That curriculum also studies minority religious and spiritual traditions. These minority religious and spiritual traditions include indigenous practices, Goddess worship, Wicca, African spirituality, Sufism, Kabbalah, Gnosticism, [and] the Vedas among others. When studying religions of the world, the issue of cultural appropriation arises. The Sacred Journey does not ordain or certify people in any given tradition other than Interfaith. Cardona said, We advise against them [the students] trying to do something that is outside an interfaith ministers role. If they can officiate alongside a rabbi or a Hindu priest, then that is what they do. But they are never to take on the role of an ordained cleric that is beyond their field. She continued, Anyone who is already ordained in their field of expertise can continue as such. But it doesnt work the other way around. The list of required religious traditions does not include some Pagan traditions such as Druidry and Heathenism. Cardona said Its almost impossible to teach every single religion or every single aspect of every religion that is available. The seminary requires that all the students have to choose one religion that is not covered in class and then they themselves present that religion to us. That requirement would give them the opportunity to explore further and investigate other aspects of religions. The second year of study stresses how to be of Sacred Service. Each student leads rituals and worship services. They will learn how to perform interfaith weddings, memorial services, and baby blessings. Students also learn how to lead guided meditations and how to pray in spiritually diverse groups. More religiously, racially, and ethnically mixed marriages occur today than ever before. Cardona continued, Its not always easy to find someone who would officiate their marriage in a way that is inclusive and comfortable for both parties. This maybe a critical niche for interfaith clergy. Graduates of The Sacred Journey are not automatically certified as chaplains. They would still need to obtain their chaplaincy certification elsewhere. The seminary draws a diverse set of students. Two graduates identified as Pagan. One student was an ordained Hindu Swami. Another was a Baptist preacher. Cardona said that more women than men have enrolled in the seminary. She said the women came from multiple ethnic and religious backgrounds. Cardona felt that this gender imbalance resulted from the failure of mainstream religion to provide female clergy with leadership positions. She also said that the seminary has a mix of students with different sexual orientations. Cardona identified the seminarys major strength as the expansion of minds and consciousness. That strength involves expanding what religion is, what culture is, what faith is, and what it means to be of service. Sankranthi season is getting hotter with the release of Ajiths Viswasam. The film is releasing in a maximum number of screens and will be out in countries like Russia and Ukraine. This clearly shows the craze of Ajith and how he is being followed all over the world. Viswasam has Nayanthara as the female leads and Ajith will be seen in two different age groups. Ajiths favorite director, Siva is directing this film which will be out on 14th of January. Articles that might interest you: Shah Mahmood Qureshi held meeting with Russian counterpart Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on his trip to Moscow. The ministers discussed various bilateral and regional issues, including recent developments concerning the Afghan peace process. Both sides agreed to continue efforts, including through Moscow Format of Consultations, for supporting reconciliation under an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, said a press release issued by the Foreign Office. It quoted the Russian foreign minister as having acknowledged Pakistans efforts to achieve a political settlement in Afghanistan. He also offered his countrys support to bring stability in the region, according to the statement. The continued that the meeting underscored that being the most important stakeholders, Pakistan and Russia have shared interests and concerns in Afghanistan. They also have a common goal of supporting all efforts to restore peace and stability to the country, it said. Bilateral relations between Russia and Pakistan and developments in the regional situation also came under discussion, with Qureshi stating that Islamabad greatly values its relations with Moscow. He also expressed government of Pakistans desire to forge a long-term, multidimensional partnership and friendship with Russia, the FO statement said. Both sides expressed satisfaction on the upward trajectory of bilateral relations [between the two countries], it read. They also exchanged views on supporting each others positions at multilateral forums Qureshi, who was accompanied at the meeting by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and senior officials of the foreign ministry, was received by Pakistani Ambassador to Russia Qazi Khalilullah upon his arrival in Moscow earlier in the day. Both Russia and Pakistan have been actively trying to revive the peace process in war-torn Afghanistan. In order to kickstart direct negotiations between the Afghan Taliban and the Afghan government, Moscow had last month hosted peace talks that were attended by delegations of the Taliban, the Afghan government and global stakeholders. A Pakistani delegation had also attended the peace talks. Last week, Pakistan brokered a meeting between the United States and the Taliban in Abu Dhabi in a bid to pave the way for reviving the peace process that has remained stalled since 2015. The talks were arranged after the US President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking Pakistans help in mending Afghan peace process. The overture came after a patch of tense ties between the US and Pakistan since President Trump last year announced his Afghanistan and South Asia strategy in which Islamabad was accused of not acting against terrorist safe havens. In the first two days of his three-day trip, the foreign minister visited Kabul, Tehran and Beijing, where he met his counterparts and other high-ranking officials. He discussed regional peace and stability and matters of mutual interest with the three neighbours. During his trip to Kabul on Monday his third since he became foreign minister in August Qureshi met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani. During his meetings, the foreign minister stressed the importance of peace in Afghanistan for regional stability and renewed Pakistans commitment to assist in the process. With his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on his trip to Tehran on the same day, the foreign minister discussed bilateral relations and regional situation. Both officials agreed on the importance of improved bilateral relations between the two countries. He visited Beijing on Tuesday, where he met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two discussed bilateral and regional issues, especially peace in Afghanistan, according to Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal. The US decision to pull nearly half of its troops from restive Afghanistan was high on the agenda at the meeting between the Pakistani and Chinese foreign ministers. China has not announced an official stance on the US troop pullout, but Pakistan on Saturday welcomed the decision to slash US troop numbers calling it a step towards peace in war-torn Afghanistan. In recent months, China has played a more active role in brokering peace in the region as stability in Afghanistan is critical to its Belt and Road policy of expanding trade links across Asia. John Griffin in Harvard Magazine: WHEN Harvard president Lawrence S. Bacow stressed the vital role of immigrants in both higher education and the economy during his October installation address, economist William R. Kerrs research team cheered. The DArbeloff-Class of 1955 professor of business administration, Kerr studies the future of work, with a particular focus on high-skilled immigrants and their impacts on the U.S. economy. At a time when immigration provokes fierce debate in American public life, he argues in The Gift of Global Talent (Stanford) for reforms to streamline the U.S. immigration system and attract more overseas talent. Using databases of Nobel Prize-winners, inventors, and college graduates, Kerr has found that immigrants contribute an outsized portion of U.S. innovation. Since 1901, for example, 33 percent of the countrys Nobel laureates have been immigrants. In 2014, 40 percent of Americas doctoral degrees were awarded to noncitizens. Data from the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamic database suggest that more than a quarter of U.S. entrepreneurs were born overseas, this number having risen steadily since at least 1995. Such patterns are more difficult to discern among inventors (patents do not list the holders immigration status), but Kerr uses algorithms to approximate inventors ethnicities from their first and last names, yielding insights into workforce patterns within firms even when immigration patterns cannot be observed directly. Using this method, Kerr estimates that likely immigrants accounted for roughly 29 percent of U.S. patents in 2017, up from just 9 percent in 1975. Immigrant output has increased faster than immigration itself, and this growth is clear across sectors. Kerr writes that powerful ideas are the main force behind long-term economic growth and presents evidence that high-skilled immigration is crucial to this process. Such powerful ideas are especially likely to emerge in what he calls talent clusters, places like Cambridge or Silicon Valley, where specialized industries congregateand where immigrants often come to work. More here. Matt Levin at The Paris Review: Vienna as a bourgeois, democratic city was never a stable entity. The liberal bourgeoisie came to municipal power in Vienna in the 1860s, yet the authority of the monarchy and aristocracy persisted, though in a weakened form, and, unlike the partial integration of the bourgeoisie into the social world of the British and French aristocracy, it kept its doors barred to the newcomers. And almost as soon as the liberals gained a foothold, a third element asserted itself, a gathering din of nationalist agitations from the patchwork of ethnicities that constituted the Habsburg Empire, each growing restless in the dilapidating imperium. The Liberals, never fully in control, saw their influence hedged and threatened almost immediately. By 1895, the populist, nationalist, and viciously anti-Semitic politician Karl Lueger had been elected mayor of Vienna, and liberals cheered as Emperor Franz Joseph undemocratically canceled the election. Nevertheless, Lueger was elected again and finally seated in 1897, canceling any hope of liberalizing even their own home, let alone the empire. more here. Located only 30 minutes northeast of the Emerald City, Woodinville is home to 120 wine tasting rooms, a dozen or so breweries and distilleries, and 30 restaurants. The Washington wine scene has exploded in recent years, but unlike Napa and Sonoma, the vineyards are not easy to get to, planted about a four-hour drive from Seattle. Enter the idyllic town of Woodinville. You won't find stunning vineyard landscapes here, but instead a bounty of friendly, low-key tasting rooms pouring delicious and most importantly, affordable vino. Get a crash course in Washington wine in just 48 hours. Simply fly into Sea-Tac and either rent a car or Uber/Lyft up to Woodinville, where for the most part, you can get around on foot. Wine + Some Beer & Spirits The Warehouse District. (Courtesy of Visit Woodinville) Chateau Ste. Michelle Washington's founding winery can't be skipped. Chateau Ste. Michelle celebrated 50 years in 2017 with the opening of a brand new visitor center at their French-inspired estate, though the original 1923 manor built by a lumber baron remains on the grounds today. They host a bevy of experiences, from classic tastings to food and wine pairings to a Winemaker for a Day adventure. // 14111 NE 145th Street (Woodinville), ste-michelle.com Matthews Winery Matthews is the coolest kid in town. They transformed their old production warehouse into a contemporary tasting barn with roll up doors for totally-chill indoor and outdoor sipping. We suggest making this an after-dinner stop on Friday, as they stay open late for live music and dancing. From a rich sauvignon blanc that can age to the sexy Claret blend (their best seller), the wines here show the true potential of Washington to craft premium Bordeaux-style wines that can compete with Napa. Situated on eight acres, Matthews also works double duty as an organic farm, which you can tour, and a farmhouse bed and breakfast. There are only two rooms, but try to snag one if you can. // 16116 140th Place NE (Woodinville), matthewswinery.com DeLille Cellars At 26 years old, DeLille was one of the first to set roots down in Woodinville. The winery played a huge role in bringing traditional Bordeaux blends in Washington, sourcing from some of the oldest vines in the state (their D2 and Harrison Hill are the best examples of this). DeLille has built a loyal following via tastings on the intimate patio of their tiny Carriage House Tasting Room, but is finally getting the digs it deserves in 2019. The new, three-story facility, complete with winery production, a roof deck, and fire pits, is set to open in the former Redhook Brewery mid-year. // 14421 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE (Woodinville), delillecellars.com Novelty Hill-Januik This is one of your only wineries in Woodinville with a production facility, as most make their wine elsewhere. At Novelty Hill-Januikthe space is shared by two wine brands, Novelty Hill and Januik (pronounced Jan-ickthey have a catwalk bar overlooking the cellar, providing a birds-eye view of all the action. It's first come, first serve, but your other options aren't too shabby; if it's too cold for the outside deck, grab a seat by the fireplace in their glass-walled hospitality center. Taste a wide array of wines, from sauvignon blanc to cabernet, but whatever you do, ask for their merlot. On weekends, Novelty Hill-Januik is known to serve up brick oven pizzas. // 14710 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE (Woodinville), noveltyhilljanuik.com Warehouse District Located a few minutes from the center of town, Woodinville's Warehouse District may not look like much, but it's full of energy on the weekends. Dozens upon dozen of concrete-walled production facilities roll up their garage doors and organic block parties unfold, accompanied by live music and food trucks. You can spend an entire day here hopping from one door to the nextWoodinville claims the district is home to more boutique wineries per square foot than any other wine region in the worldand there's more to taste than wine. You'll find tea-infused spirits at Four Leaf (they donate a portion of proceeds to cancer research) and craft brews at Triple Horn Brewing and Dirty Bucket. Locust Cider has both classic and cocktail-inspired ciders on tap, like a Mule and Mohito. Where to Eat in Woodinville The Commons. (Courtesy of The Commons) The Commons Though open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this place is positively buzzing on weekends for brunch, which may have something to do with their signature boozy milkshakes. Try The Grasshopper, made from mint schnapps, meletti cioccolato, fernet, and vanilla bean ice cream. The Commons churns out fresh-baked pastries from their Bake Shop and serves up classic breakfast dishes made for fighting off wine-induced hangovers, like biscuits and gravy, french toast, and eggs benedict. If all else fails, they have four kinds of Bloody Marys as backup. // 14481 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE (Woodinville), thecommonscafe.com Purple Purple is not your standard stuffy wine bar. The large industrial space consists of brick, wood, and steel elements, plus giant walls of wine from their 40 page list featuring selections from all over the world. Pair a flight or bottle with hearty, comfort dishes like Maine lobster baked mac and cheese, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and sweet potato pie for dessert. // 14459 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE (Woodinville), purplecafe.com Heritage Restaurant|Bar One of Woodinville's newest restaurants, Heritage has quickly become a favorite among locals. It's also the perfect lunch spot if you're looking for something healthyish to offset all the wine. Woodinville resident, chef, and owner Breanna Beike has designed an approachable, seasonal, and fresh menu of salads, sammies, and small plates; try the Roasted Tomato & Bell Pepper sandwich (with whipped goat cheese, basil, and caramelized onions on griddled olive bread). Just in case you miss lunch, Heritage has you covered with their Mid-day Munchies Menu (Monday-Friday) featuring tasty, pre-dinner snacks like sweet corn and Dungeness crab hush puppies. // 14450 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE #101b, heritagewoodinville.com Barking Frog This longtime Woodinville staple is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, offering simple and seasonally-driven dishes, like huckleberry pancakes to kickstart your day. The four-course tasting menu at dinner is a steal; for just $85, you can choose from items like Hawaiian ahi and short rib, grilled octopus, and the Farmers Bounty (herbed almond ricotta with squash, turnip peppers, beets, red onion, and carrots). Barking Frog exudes an upscale ski lodge vibe in the winter and the best seat in the house is a round table with a fireplace at its center. // 14580 NE 145th St. (Woodinville), willowslodge.com/barking_frog The HerbFarm If you're down to splurge, The HerbFarm is Woodinville's version of The French Laundry. No Michelin Star, but they do have plenty of other accolades for their epic nine-course meal with wine pairings (go in January for a truffle-themed menu). Make sure you make a trip to the bathroom, even if you don't need to; on the way, you'll pass their mammoth, 26,000-bottle wine cellar. // 14580 NE 145th St., (Woodinville), theherbfarm.com US offering job opportunities for Taliban WASHINGTON: Eager to persuade Taliban to join the Afghan peace process, the United States is offering them a safety network that includes creating job opportunities for the insurgents. As the United States, Pakistan, China, Russia and other world powers expedite efforts to encourage the Taliban to join the Afghan peace process, the US Defence Department has also outlined a plan for rehabilitating the rebels in a new Afghanistan. Although some members of the Taliban may be weary of fighting and ready to lay down their weapons, they will only rejoin society if they believe their safety and the safety of their families are guaranteed, and if they have an opportunity to earn enough money to provide for their families, says the plan that the Pentagon sent to Congress this week, along with proposals for addressing US security concerns and the interests of Afghanistans neighbours. The Pentagon, however, notes that while local leaders are developing programmes that may offer a path to peace on a small scale, the Afghan government has not developed a national reintegration programme. While the Trump administration appears keen to start withdrawing US forces from Afghanistan, the Pentagon advocates maintaining enough troops in Afghanistan to force the Taliban to join peace talks. Over the past 16 months, the United States and its partners have used military force to drive the Taliban towards a durable and inclusive political settlement. The Pentagon report claims that this selective use of force persuaded the Taliban to accept the Eidul Fitr ceasefire in June. Even though the Taliban did not publicly accept the second ceasefire offer, therere indicators of support within the Taliban senior leadership and a desire to pursue negotiations, it adds. The Pentagon also supports the peace process initiated by US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation (SRAR), Ambassador Zalmay Khalilizad, who has already held a series of meetings with Taliban in Qatar and the UAE and regularly visits Afghanistan and its neighbouring states, like Pakistan and India. Increased military pressure on the Taliban, international calls for peace, and the new SRARs engagements appear to be driving the Taliban to negotiations, says the Pentagon report. Five things to know before applying for a medical marijuana license Thinking about applying for a medical marijuana license in Aberdeen? Here's what to know. The Albuquerque Police Department has identified the two men killed by officers in separate shootings Sunday and Monday as Jason Perez and Abdias Flores. APD spokesman Gilbert Gallegos identified the two men in an emailed statement Wednesday but did not give any more details. No officers were injured in either incident. The shootings happened over a 24-hour period. Gallegos said the first shooting occurred Sunday around 7 p.m. after officers pulled over a stolen vehicle near Pennsylvania and Copper NE. He said the driver, identified as 36-year-old Perez, shot at police before at least one officer returned fire. Police tried to save Perez but he died at the scene. Gallegos said Perez has a Roswell address and has previously lived in Springfield, Mo. The second shooting erupted Monday around 11 a.m. when officers responded to a shots fired call at a Motel 6, near Carlisle and Interstate 40. Gallegos said 35-year-old Flores had already shot a rifle into hotel rooms and the front office by the time officers arrived. He said a witness heard Flores fire at police before officers shot back. Gallegos said Flores was transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. There have been 10 police shootings in 2018, with seven of them proving fatal. Flores family declined to comment. Perezs fiancee, Allison Curtis, said she holds no ill will toward the police. Theyre doing their job to take care of the community, she said. Its just a bad situation. Curtis said Perez suffered with mental health issues and stopped taking medication when he left their home in Roswell for Albuquerque around August. He said we need a little bit of time,' she said. Curtis said since then Perez, who previously served over a dozen years in prison, had fallen in with old habits, the wrong crowd and drugs. He had the potential to do good, but the road he knew was the wrong road, she said. And he kept falling back to it. Curtis said there were still glimmers of hope up until the last time they spoke, two weeks before police shot him dead. He would call and ask for help. I told him, Just tell me where to go and Ill be there,' she said. I didnt get the call until yesterday. Curtis said it was a detective who called, taking her through the steps of identifying Perez over the phone, by his tattoos. She said when he was on medication Perez was an entirely different person who enjoyed tattooing, loved his dogs and spending time with Curtis and her 11-year-old son Joshua. He was loving. He was a good person, he just Curtis said, her voice trailing off. Mental illness and addiction can kill a person. Authorities say a former security guard is facing federal charges after he stole bank cards from an Albuquerque ATM more than a dozen times and used them to spend thousands on a shopping spree over several months. FBI spokesman Frank Fisher said Manuel Iturralde-Carrizalez, 45, was taken into custody on charges of bank larceny. Court records show he is already serving five years probation after being convicted of stealing over $35,000 in cash from a Rio Rancho ATM in 2015 and had bounced among security companies in the area that left him with experience servicing ATMs. According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, the Washington Federal bank near Osuna and Jefferson NE received numerous complaints in the past few months of customer cards being retained by the ATM and later having fraudulent charges put on them. Agents say the ATM at the branch was accessed 23 times between Nov. 4 and Dec. 16 to steal cards and, afterward, fraudulent charges were racked up on eight bank accounts totaling $3,800. According to the complaint, security footage at the branch showed Iturralde-Carrizalez using a key to steal cards from the ATM while wearing a security uniform. Fisher confirmed that Iturralde-Carrizalez did not work for the bank, but would not say if he was an employee for a different security company. Agents say officers caught Iturralde-Carrizalez in the act on Dec. 21, arresting him at the Washington Federal branch after watching him access the ATM. Iturralde-Carrizalez told agents he went to the ATM to get bank cards and had done so many times over a period of four to five months before using the cards to shop at Walmarts across the Albuquerque area. Court records show Iturralde-Carrizalez was sentenced to five years probation after being convicted of larceny over $20,000 in 2017, after he stole over $35,000 in cash from a U.S. Bank ATM on N.M. 528 in late September 2015. Osama bin Laden predicted it, and his prophecy appears to be coming true. In his book, The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11, Lawrence Wright quotes bin Laden as saying: Look at Vietnam, look at Lebanon. Whenever soldiers start coming home in body bags, Americans panic and retreat. Such a country needs only to be confronted with two or three sharp blows, then it will flee in panic, as it always has. With President Trumps announcement before Christmas that the United States would leave Syria and withdraw substantial numbers of its forces from Afghanistan, which have been fighting the Taliban for 17 years, that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. It was President George W. Bush who, after sending more troops to Afghanistan, said, We are taking the fight to the enemy abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. The question then becomes for President Trump since he no longer wants to fight them there will we at some point have to fight them again on U.S. soil or, to be more precise, will more terrorist attacks occur in New York, Washington and other major American cities as our enemies regroup? The terrorist organizations never give up and are sure to see Americas retreat as weakness and surrender, enlisting more recruits for their cause. In large part, this is due to their religious motivation and belief that Allah has directed them to kill infidels and even fellow Muslims who dont practice their radical brand of Islam. As Caroline Glick writes in The Jerusalem Post, Despite their relatively small numbers, the U.S. forces in Syria have had a massive strategic impact on the power balance in the country. Deployed along the border triangle joining Syria, Iraq and Jordan, the U.S. forces in Syria have blocked Iran taking over the Iraq-Syria border and so forging a land bridge linking Iran to the Mediterranean through Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. U.S. forces at the border have also prevented Iranian-controlled forces from attacking Jordan. Americas military brass and Defense Secretary James Mattis are opposed to unilateral withdrawal from Syria. In a resignation letter, Mattis strongly suggested he is leaving because of the presidents decision. So is Brett McGurk, special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. At a minimum in Syria, we should provide a way out for the persecuted Christians and do something to help the Kurds, who will again be primary targets of Bashir al-Assads regime, Islamic fanatics and Turkish troops. Then there is the question about our allies, who have contributed troops and money for the war effort in Syria, and especially in Afghanistan. They apparently werent consulted by the president in advance of his announcement and are entitled to feel disrespected. On the other hand and there is always another hand do we stay forever? Is ours the only military force that can successfully deter terrorists? What is the end game as Syria and Afghanistan appear to be endless conflicts that military force has been unable to resolve? Stay, or leave? Either choice is a bad choice, but unilateral withdrawal is the worst choice. Watching Russia and Iran applaud ought to be evidence enough that the presidents choice is the worst choice he could have made. That other applause you hear is coming from Osama bin Laden. Email tcaeditors@tribpub.com. (c) 2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.* For the third time, a convicted killer has been denied parole, 37 years after he kidnapped two University of New Mexico students, raping and killing one of them and nearly killing the other. But why Michael Anthony Guzman has any chance of parole still outrages and re-traumatizes family and friends of his victims including the one who lived. I did not ask for this, Colene Bush said Friday in a phone call, her voice steeped in disgust. I did not ask to go to war. I was forced to be at war, and I was left to die and my friend did die. What he did to her was horrid. What he did to Bush was horrid, too. Guzmans night of savagery happened in April 1981, so you would be forgiven if his name or his crime isnt familiar. He was an 18-year-old dishwasher when he abducted Bush, 20, and Julie Jackson, 19, at knifepoint near the Frontier restaurant, where the two friends had been studying and talking over cinnamon rolls and coffee. He forced the women into the back seat of a car rigged with no door handles and no escape and drove them to a dark and steep arroyo in Tijeras Canyon. There, he stripped, stabbed, raped and killed Jackson, smashing her face into the dirt as she struggled to breathe. He left Bush fighting for her life after stabbing her 33 times and slashing her throat. A psychologist testified at his trial in 1982 that Guzman was insane, abused as a child and unable as an adult to control his impulses. Guzman testified he was scared, out of control, possessed by the devil that night. Bushs chilling testimony convinced jurors that Guzman should be put to death for his crimes. For four years, Guzman was death rows youngest inmate. But in 1986, he was among the five convicted killers to have their death sentences commuted by then-Gov. Toney Anaya, who declared weeks before his term ended that government-sanctioned execution was inhumane, immoral, anti-God and incompatible with an enlightened society. Anaya later told the Journal it was unlikely any of the inmates would ever walk free, given the hefty penalties for the additional convictions in their cases. That, as it turns out, is not a guarantee. A life sentence in New Mexico is essentially 30 years, the minimum time that must be served before parole is considered. For Guzman, those 30 years were up in 2011. That February, he turned 48. That April, the parole board denied his parole. The board also denied parole to Guzman in 2015. Since then, his case is supposed to go before the board every two years, though his 2017 hearing was inexplicably skipped, parole board Executive Director Jo Ann Martinez said. His hearing Tuesday was perhaps an effort to catch up. Bush said that her statement was read to the board by speakerphone the day before the hearing Tuesday and that she received a call Friday telling her Guzmans parole had been denied. Martinez confirmed the denial. You people are paying taxes to support this man in prison and all these hearings and appeals, Bush said. We are all still paying for what he did. And I am still angry. The details of what happened to her that night replay in her mind ceaselessly how she tried to talk Guzman out of hurting them, how he threw her in the trunk of his car because she wouldnt stop talking, how she clawed her way out of the trunk through the back seat to escape, how she tried to run away despite having a stress fracture to her foot, how she pretended to be dead so he would stop stabbing her, how he kicked her as she lay quiet, how after he had gone she crawled out of the arroyo to the shoulder of Interstate 40 with one hand inserted in the gash in her throat to stem the bleeding, how she flat-lined twice before arriving at the hospital. She has every right to be angry. Should Guzman ever be granted parole, it would last indefinitely and be reviewed after five years, Martinez said. Guzmans time behind bars has been punctuated by his four marriages (three divorces, one annulment); siring three children, thanks to the now-discontinued conjugal visit program; his frequent transfers from prison to prison; and his repeated attempts to have his conviction overturned. In 2011, he was beaten and nearly killed by other prisoners. He is housed now in the relatively cozy geriatric unit at the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas. He is 55. Bush, meanwhile, struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and many physical ailments. She no longer lives in Albuquerque. She is determined, her friends say, to keep speaking out against Guzmans freedom and to remind others that life is worth fighting for. The story needs to be kept out there; it needs to be kept alive, Bush said. It needs to never be forgotten. Even if you dont remember Guzmans name, I hope you remember hers. 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. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal A former Western New Mexico University administrator is suing the institution, claiming she was fired after reporting financial improprieties and misconduct by the president. But university President Joseph Shepard denies those allegations, saying he terminated Brenda Findley, the one-time vice president for business affairs, because her competency didnt match what we needed. Findley, who worked at WNMU from early 2015 until late 2016, is suing under the states Whistleblower Protection Act. WNMU and Dr. Shepherd (sic) retaliated against Dr. Findley and terminated her because she had reported her good faith belief regarding unethical and improper behavior and/or because she had refused to participate in or tolerate practices she believed in good faith constituted unlawful or improper acts, according to the suit, filed earlier this month in state District Court in Silver City. Findley alleges in her lawsuit that Shepard had the university janitorial staff clean his home and do personal errands; gave an employee a $1,000 bonus; and directed what she claims was an unfair $5,000 raise to a top administrator to cover rent payments for a house on the presidents compound where the employee previously had been living for free. Findley claims she was fired a few weeks after a meeting in which she asked Shepard to change revenue coding to provide more specificity in reporting. Shepard denied the allegations in an interview. He said university staff does help clean his home, because it is university-owned property and frequently open to the public for events. He said he has never had employees handle his personal errands. The $1,000 bonus cited in Findleys suit was tied to the universitys annual staff member of the year program, Shepard said, calling it part of the compensation here at the university. As for the raise, the president said it went to the head of maintenance and operations to compensate him for having to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Shepard said the university had charged the employee rent to live in the house, though he did not know whether the employee had ever lived there rent-free. He said Findley was not terminated in retaliation but rather because she wasnt compatible with our university. Findleys attorney, Samuel Wolf, said in a statement, We stand by our claims and look forward to the facts coming out. Findley is asking the court to force WNMU to pay her what she would have earned had she not been fired her contract was through mid-2019 with interest, plus twice the amount of her back pay, legal fees and compensation for special damages sustained. Court records show that Findley in 2017 filed a discrimination claim against WNMU with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau, but the state found no probable cause for her claim. She has a pending lawsuit against the agency alleging it has violated the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act request by not providing her documents related to the investigation. 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 Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal EL PASO The Border Patrol is performing medical checks on all children in custody, with an emphasis on those younger than 10 years old after the death of a second migrant child in New Mexico. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen announced the new measures in response to the unprecedented surge in children in our custody in a statement released Wednesday. I have personally engaged with the Centers for Disease Control to request that their experts investigate the uptick in sick children crossing our borders and identify additional steps hospitals along the border should be undertaking to prepare for and to treat these children, Nielsen said. Additionally, she said the U.S. Coast Guard Medical Corps will provide an assessment of Customs and Border Protections medical programs and make appropriate recommendations for improvements. The new measures were put in place after the death of an 8-year-old boy in Alamogordo on Christmas Eve. Felipe Alonzo Gomez and his father were in temporary holding cells at the Border Patrol U.S. 70 checkpoint in Alamogordo when the boy became deathly ill on Christmas Eve. The child and his father were transferred because of capacity levels at the El Paso Station, according to a timeline provided by CBP. The timeline also lists numerous welfare checks by Border Patrol agents, which are defined as an agent directly observes all detainees are safe and secure, and attends to any issues observed or relayed by those detained, according to CBP. There were multiple welfare checks from Dec. 18, when the father and son were taken into custody in El Paso, to Christmas Eve, when the child received treatment, reportedly for a cold, at the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center. The hospital released the boy back to the holding facility with a fever of 103 degrees that evening, prescribing an antibiotic and ibuprofen. But when the boys condition deteriorated in the holding facility, Border Patrol agents took the child back to the hospital, where he died. The Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque will perform an autopsy. These detention facilities are no place for children, said Cynthia Pompa, advocacy manager for the ACLU Border Rights Center. The fact remains that there is no way to humanely detain children; the agency should seek proven alternatives to detention models to minimize the time any child remains in their custody, Pompa said in a statement released Wednesday. Congresswoman and New Mexico Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday that she is examining how the state can help protect families and children arriving at the border and taken into custody. States are going to have to step up, she told reporters in Albuquerque. People need to be held accountable. Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who takes office as governor on Tuesday, said she is looking into the states licensing and oversight authority. We must protect these children, she said. Federal agents, she said, are failing to adequately assess the health care needs of people they take into custody. Those individual agents should be held personally liable for these kids, Lujan Grisham said. The boys father remained at the Alamogordo station pending transfer to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The man and his young son had turned themselves in to Border Patrol agents a week before Christmas after crossing the border illegally in El Paso about three miles west of the Paso del Norte international bridge. Officials did not say whether the father and son were seeking asylum, like the vast majority of Central Americans showing up at the border. The Administrations policy of turning people away from legal ports of entry, otherwise known as metering, is putting families and children in great danger. We learned this first-hand last week during our Congressional oversight trip to Lordsburg Station, said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, said in a statement released after the boys death. Castro, chairman-elect of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, led a delegation that toured Border Patrol facilities in New Mexico after the death of Jakelin Caal Maquin, a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl who died in Border Patrol custody Dec. 8. After the second childs death, CBP said it was considering options for surge medical assistance from interagency partners including the Coast Guard, the Department of Defense, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Health and Human Services. CBP is also reviewing all available custody options to relieve capacity issues at Border Patrol stations and checkpoints in the El Paso sector, which includes all of New Mexico, according to CBP. Migrant shelters on both sides of the border are coping with an influx of asylum seekers. This week, ICE released hundreds of families onto the streets of El Paso near the Greyhound bus station. Most migrants stay on the border briefly until relatives elsewhere in the country send them bus tickets. Adult asylum seekers are usually set free wearing ankle tracking devices with orders to appear for court hearings. Annunciation House, which works to provide temporary shelter for migrants and refugees with help from churches in El Paso and Las Cruces, is struggling to find space for Central American parents and kids as temperatures drop and rain is forecast in the region. The Trump administration said last week that it reached an agreement with Mexico for Central American asylum applicants to remain in Mexico until they appear before an immigration judge who decides their case. Across the border in Ciudad Juarez, Casa del Migrante has stopped accepting new arrivals. The migrant shelter affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Ciudad Juarez can house up to 1,500 but is struggling to feed the 400 who remain at the facility, Rosa Maria Parra, a shelter worker, said Wednesday. ALAMOGORDO Since 1915, the world has seen immense wars, commercial flight, mankind on the moon, countless fashion crazes, and the onset of the digital era. Alamogordo resident Gladys Mattison, who is turning 103 on Saturday, Dec. 29, has seen all of this take place. Mattison has lived at the Aristocrat, an Alamogordo retirement community, for a little less than a year, and is given to reflection as she celebrates her long life. To me, its just another day and an awakening as to what God would want me to do, (and) why is he keeping me here these many years, she said. Thats my biggest question as I turn 103. Mattison was born in Anderson, South Carolina, the granddaughter of slaves and one of five boys and seven girls who grew up working on a farm. Her youth was filled with hard work but also the makings of an idyllic childhood in the country. We raised everything we ate except coffee and sugar, she said. Everything was fresh eggs, chicken, vegetables, fruits. You could go out in the orchard and find a tree with something to eat on it any time of year. Mattison married her late husband James Wilmore Mattison who passed in 2011 after exactly 65 years, 3 months, and 19 days of marriage and worked as a seamstress doing custom upholstery. The couple had three boys and one daughter, and the Mattisons moved to Alamogordo in 1979 from South Carolina after her husband retired to be closer to her sons stationed at Holloman Air Force Base. When I came here in 63 in the third week in July, stepping out of an air-conditioned car, it felt like I was entering a furnace. And I told my husband, never, but I learned never to say never, because I ended up where I never thought Id be, Mattison said. I ended up here in 79 and Ive been here ever since. One of the most difficult parts of her life was when her three sons were all serving in Vietnam at the same time, Mattison said. Two had been drafted and one volunteered, and she said her sons suffered serious health problems from the chemicals used in the war. She wrote to her sons every week, she said. Then communication was nothing like it is now, she said. Sometimes it was three months that I didnt know if they were dead or alive. Id call the Red Cross and the Red Cross would say, they must be still alive because we havent gotten a body bag yet. Though many celebrate technology as something that has made life easier, Mattison said her heart is heavy when she sees the ways in which smartphones and technology have taken over childrens lives. People today dont know how to drive a nail or change a tire or know how to work, Mattison said, and people didnt throw away a piece of furniture because there was a tear in the upholstery they repaired it. It hurts my heart now to see what the youth are missing, Mattison said. I thought it was a chore but it was a blessing to learn to use our hands and minds and body. Though Mattison noted that one positive benefit of technology has been the ease with which she is able to stay in touch with her many relatives around the country. Mattisons family has grown to eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, she said. You dont find many states that I dont have family, she said. Mattison used to go back to South Carolina once a year to visit her hometown, with a big family reunion happening every few years. She didnt visit this year but hopes to make the trip in 2019, she said and, overall, hopes that humanity can re-emphasize the importance of family and being together. Ruminating on her longevity, Mattison said at the very least she is here to spread the good news. Shes tried to trust and love mankind as best as she knew how, she said. That is our task to spread the news of God and his creation to mankind the world over, Mattison said. I thank God I was able to do what was needed. It was hard, but I leaned upon his promises and I had a husband that supported me through all of it. 2018 the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.) Visit the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.) at www.alamogordonews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Chris Lang, a Las Cruces businessman, took the unusual step of meeting with Zia Pueblo leaders before using the tribes iconic symbol in his companys products. He got their permission along with a potential partnership with the pueblo northwest of Albuquerque. The Zia symbol has long been used without the pueblos permission, from the state flag to alien stickers, pueblo Gov. Anthony Delgarito said in an interview. Our ancestors didnt know about patent laws and trademark laws years ago, Delgarito said. Although the symbol is used on a regular basis for different things, we consider it sacred. Lang, who relocated to his wifes hometown of Las Cruces and started Organ Mountain Outfitters in 2016, said among his most requested items are T-shirts, caps and other apparel sporting the Zia symbol. But growing up on Cherokee land in Oklahoma, Lang said he was sensitive about showing respect to Native American culture and feared the Zia symbol was being exploited. When the pueblo did not respond to his phone calls and emails seeking permission, Lang said he made the decision a few months ago to visit with the pueblo face-to-face. I was asked to join the Zia Council for their morning meeting the next day and presented our products and talked about who we are and what we are about, he said. Lang said the council asked him not to alter the image or change it in any way because of how sacred the symbol is. Delgarito said the tribal council recently voted to register the sun-like image as a trademark in the hopes of gaining control of its use. The symbol means so much to us, too much for me to explain and for that matter, holds many secrets that are for our people only, he said. The center circle, for example, is a key component, he said. The center is where we are born and where we return to after this life, he said. So when I see the symbol added to with art covering (it) up or inside the circle, it frustrates me. In 2000, the pueblo asked the New Mexico Legislature to pay it $74 million for appropriation of the symbol on the states flag and license plates, among other uses. The Legislature didnt award the Zia any money, though a 2012 memorial later acknowledged the state had appropriated the image without permission, including on the states flag beginning in 1925. Delgarito said the council was pleased that Lang sought its permission. We are pleased with the outcome and look forward to working with Chris next year, Delgarito said. Lang said after the meeting, he struck up a partnership with the pueblo under which his company will donate 10 percent of gross sales to the pueblo and provide a screen-printing apprenticeship for pueblo youths. Also, he said he would help the pueblo build an e-commerce site for promotional purposes. We are happy we can help our customers with New Mexico pride, but for the long-term we would love to be the only official outlet for the Zia symbol, he said. BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea's popularity has soared following his leadership during the Camp Fire. With the sheriff's approval, the clothing company Fifth Sun has created a "Honea is my Homie" t-shirt to raise money for Camp Fire relief efforts. The company is donating 100 percent of the proceeds to the North Valley Community Foundation. So far, sales from the company's Camp Fire-related t-shirts have raised $120,000 and the company has donated an additional $300,000 to the relief efforts. To purchase a t-shirt, CLICK HERE. MAGALIA, Calif. - The town of Magalia now has a new sign to greet those returning home. The old sign was burned down in the Camp Fire. The sign was first seen on Dec. 23. The words "Welcome to Magalia" are painted on wood in white. Swede Hanski, the owner of Swede Small Engine Repair, came forward as the designer. He told Action News Now that he built it without anyone knowing as a surprise to those returning to the area for the holidays. Naresh Gupta, Managing Partner and CSO, Bang in the Middle, sums up the year 2018 in advertising and how runaway growth eluded the industry. He also expects the business to change structurally in 2019. We will not remember 2018 for the work it produced, or the awards we won at the global stage, or for the account movements. We will remember the year as the one that was full of turmoil. Maybe this was also because we were coming out of a really tough 2017, where the brands were recovering from the impact of external factors. 2018 by any stretch has not been the year of runaway growth. We will remember the year for Mr Piyush Pandey and his elevation to global CCO. By any stretch of imagination this is as big a role as it gets. Its not that Indian Ad Executives have not moved into global roles, but never has an Indian had the opportunity that is in true blue leadership role of a true blue creative agency. His elevation will open the doors for more talent from India to move into global roles. Rajasthan is the land of fierce warriors, and it has added one more to its long list of acclaimed winners. The biggest news of 2018 is not Mr Pandeys elevation, but Sir Martin Sorrells exit and the trouble that WPP is in. If Sir Martins exit was massive news, the subsequent reorganisation of JWT is even bigger news. For a large holding company to merge its really large traditional creative agency with a much smaller digital agency is a major move. Especially when the smaller digital agency will now have its name in front of the larger traditional agency. JWT, as we know, is no longer there, the famed Thompson Way will also see retirement. The issue here is deeper. We are seeing a massive churn in the holding company models of large creative and media shops. There is a struggle to stay relevant for the stand-alone specialist global agencies. There is a struggle even with fully integrated holding companies. There is a new competitor around, the consulting companies. Its the pressure from consulting companies that is forcing the holding companies to relook at the whole structure of the business. There is greater turmoil that the industry will face. The holding companies will not find it easy to survive. The clients also will not find it easy to push the agencies for discounts. The whole process of pitching will change; the new age consulting companies will not follow the existing precedents. 2019 comes with the promise of truly disrupting the communication business. This year also saw the continuation of rise of Digital as a medium. Content has started to become an important driver of engagement, digital is now at the forefront of brand building, its even being used for driving brand awareness. Interestingly, the growth is not at the cost of TV, both mediums are finding their own place in consumers lives. This means that the big flat panel at home has not lost either importance or relevance. Just that the panel now is being used for both streaming and broadcast. This year also saw more and more celebrities become a brand. They are no longer content being a face for brands; they are now owners of brands. What started as a move in Hollywood has now landed on our shores. I will remember the year for Nike and how it took a contra pop culture icon to create a brand message. Nikes use of Colin Kaepernick created a storm. In times of aggressive hyper nationalism, this was a bold move. We may like it or dislike it; I dont think we will ever see something like this even by Nike in India. 2019 is going to be a tough year. May be a year where the business changes structurally. We havent had a time when the ad industry competed with consulting companies on home turf, that year has arrived. With the new tariff regime mandated by The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) coming into effect from December 29, 2018, broadcasters have been announcing their new channel pricing clubbed under different bouquet packs. The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) along with some major broadcasters have been asking viewers to switch to the new tariff rates before the deadline via TV ads, even as channels, too, have come out with ads to announce their new pricing. With all such noise in trade media, one would have expected TV viewers to have gone for the new tariff rates en masse by now. But with just a couple of days to go before the new tariff regime kicks in, the ground realities are far different. Adgully spoke to a cross-section of TV viewers across India in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Indore, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Dehradun and Assam. The common response was We are not aware of any new channel pricing. While people in the metros like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru have seen the promos on TV regarding the new tariff rates coming into effect from December 29, everyone is clueless as to how to go about subscribing to the new channel packs announced. So far, viewers have chosen the channel bouquets offered by the DTH service providers or cable operators at the quoted price, along with the FTA channels. The people Adgully spoke to said that so far they have not received any kind of communication from their DTH service provider or local cable operator to choose one of the offered channel pack. All of them wanted to know what would happen to the payment made in advance to their service providers for their existing packs. The TV viewers are wondering whether their screens will go blank post December 29 if they do not buy one of the channel packs as per the new tariff rates. Anticipating such a scenario, TRAI has issued a notification asking broadcasters and cable operators to continue to telecast the channels that the subscribers are watching currently even after December 29. The regulator has asked the broadcasters and cable operators to give sufficient time to the subscribers to make the switch. TRAI, meanwhile, is in the process of formulating a detailed migration plan for the subscribers. A quick glance (as on December 27, 2018) of the websites of leading DTH service providers such as Tata Sky, DishTV, Videocon d2h, Airtel DTH, reveals that they are continuing to display their own channel pack offerings with no information on how a subscriber can migrate to the new tariff regime. Though there is mention about TRAIs new tariff regime on the anvil. So, what happens to the FTA channels under the new tariff regime? As informed by broadcasters, the FTA channels would now be part of the paid packs, but one could continue viewing them as free on the DD FreeDish platform. Technically, FTA means the broadcaster has to be free across platforms, it cant be free on FreeDish and payable model on Hathway or DTH platforms. Vikas Khanchandani, CEO, Republic TV said, Republic TV is a free to air channel and has the widest reach in its genre. Republic Bharat will also be a free to air channel. We are a strong Pro-nationalist news platform and hence we must be accessible to the entire nation. The advertisers and agency partners are going to benefit immensely from our consumer centric approach and wide distribution. Its a wait and watch till December 29, 2018, before a clearer picture emerges. ICICI Bank Limited organised a conclave for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Ghaziabad to discuss the role of digital banking in enhancing ease of doing business for the MSME segment. The conclave is part of a pan-India initiative undertaken by the Bank to reach out to MSME companies. Organised in collaboration with industry associations such as Sahibabad Industries Association and Patparganj FIE Entrepreneurs Association, the conclave saw participation from around 150 promoters and CFOs from various industries based in Delhi and across the NCR region. Mr. Atul Arora, Retail Business Head, ICICI Bank said, We at ICICI Bank aim to offer innovative solutions to the help the MSME industry do business with ease as well as scale up their operations. The MSME Conclave at Ghaziabad resonates our effort in offering solutions that cater to all business needs of MSME customers. We are delighted to be engaging with industry leaders and highlighting our digital banking services that provide the highest level of convenience to our customers. The conclave witnessed an engaging panel discussion with experts from industry associations, leading industrialists of the city along with senior officials of ICICI Bank. The topics covered in the panel discussion included emerging opportunities and challenges faced by MSMEs, future course of the forex market and the need for digital banking platforms for the MSME segment. Panelists comprised of representatives from the industry associations in the city, including Mr. N K Chopra, MD, ICCH Global Consulting Private Limited; Mr. Amit Priyadarshi, MD, Egate and Mr. Kamal Jhunjhunwala, a Charted Accountant, along with the ICICI Bank officials. ICICI Bank also showcased an array of digital banking facilities that have been exclusively crafted for the MSME segment. The Bank is the first in the country to have introduced a multitude of digital innovations for MSMEs, which provides them with a state-of-the-art digital facility right from the stage of initiation till maturity. These key tailor-made products and services for MSME businesses include: Digital opening of current account in a few hours: Indias first digital application form for opening current accounts that enables account opening in a few hours using tablets and smartphones. The facility enhances convenience as it captures information about the customer and the business digitally, and verifies KYC documents in real-time, at the premise of the customer. Fully digital platform for export import transactions: The Bank has introduced Trade Online , a compelling digital banking platform that enables large, medium and small sized corporates as well as MSMEs to undertake almost all their export-import transactions online, eliminating the requirement of physical documentation. It brings in significant convenience for customers as they are no longer required to visit a bank branch to initiate a trade transaction. They can now do so from anywhere, anytime in a secure manner. Trade Online a compelling digital banking platform that enables large, medium and small sized corporates as well as MSMEs to undertake almost all their export-import transactions online, eliminating the requirement of physical documentation. It brings in significant convenience for customers as they are no longer required to visit a bank branch to initiate a trade transaction. They can now do so from anywhere, anytime in a secure manner. Mobile app for collecting payments from customers: The Bank introduced Eazypay - the countrys first mobile app for merchants, professionals and traders among others that enables them to accept payments through multiple digital modes. The Bank introduced Eazypay the countrys first mobile app for merchants, professionals and traders among others that enables them to accept payments through multiple digital modes. Connected Banking: ICICI Bank has partnered with several ERP service providers with a view to bring in the concept of Connected Banking for MSMEs. These partnerships resonate the Banks efforts at co-creating solutions that amalgamate services like banking, accounting and reconciliation on a single platform. ICICI Bank has partnered with several ERP service providers with a view to bring in the concept of Connected Banking for MSMEs. These partnerships resonate the Banks efforts at co-creating solutions that amalgamate services like banking, accounting and reconciliation on a single platform. Quick working capital facilities: The Bank has recently introduced a slew of innovative services such as instant overdraft facility of up to Rs. 15 lakhs as well as business loans based on GST returns for its MSME customers. These propositions have been specifically designed to enable MSMEs fulfill their working capital requirements. The Banks techno savvy services like 24X7 available cash acceptance machines and cash management solutions were also discussed in detail at the event. ICICI Bank has nearly 200 branches and around 1000 ATMs in the Delhi region. For news and updates, visit www.icicibank.com and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ICICIBank Note: Many of our readers will scoff at this article below. We're skeptical as well. Is there any such thing as a fully safe vaccine? Here in America, where manufacturers are indemnified from any lawsuits and liability, the answer is "no." There is not way a profit based company is not going to cut corners, bend rule and outright lie to sell more product when they know that they are protected and that their products are required by stringent laws. To think otherwise is folly. What's particularly ironic is that we know that many Chinese products are tainted and unsafe. How many of you will buy toothpaste at a Dollar Store? Or pet food? And yet here is China trying to make safer vaccines and pass tough punishments while America simply smiles and takes the needle. ### Shaken by a scandal over the summer, authorities move to pass new laws A draft law that aims to impose "the strictest" regulations on vaccines to ensure their safety and quality was submitted to China's top legislature for review on Sunday. The draft vaccine management law, which was released by the State Administration for Market Regulation in November, had been approved by the State Council. Elaborating on the draft for members of the National People's Congress Standing Committee on Sunday, Jiao Hong, chief of the National Medical Products Administration, said it imposes the strictest regulatory system to date on vaccines, including on research, development, production, distribution and use. The draft was made to improve China's vaccine management system and eliminate regulatory loopholes exposed by the scandal involving Changsheng Bio-technology Co in Changchun, Jiao said. The vaccine manufacturer, which is based in Jilin province, was found to have committed serious law violations by China's drug authorities in July and August in connection with the production of a rabies vaccine. The violations included fabricating production records and using expired ingredients. Under the draft released on Sunday, health and drug authorities will supervise the entire production chain of vaccines. Drug authorities should also be more thorough in inspecting vaccine production sites, it says. Manufacturers must digitally record data related to production and inspection of vaccines, and must also certify the authenticity, integrity and traceability of the data, according to the draft. Approval procedures and inspections must cover every batch of vaccines before they enter the market. Authorized institutes must inspect and approve vaccines, and report to China's top drug authority and provincial-level drug authorities if there are any major safety or quality risks found, so that they can be dealt with immediately. Serious violations of the law, such as producing fake or substandard vaccines, will receive harsh penalties. According to the draft, senior executives and those involved in the violations will have all their pay confiscated and will be fined as well. They may also be banned for life from conducting business in the pharmaceutical industry. Read more here. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg The streets of Cairo should soon have a new ride-hailing service to rival Uber and Careem, but with a few twists. The new entrant is based locally, will serve only women and hire female drivers only. Fyonka (Ribbon) is scheduled to officially launch Dec. 28. Since the company's soft launch of its app on Nov. 15, it has logged more than 400 rides. We aim at providing a safe means of transportation for girls and women whether they are clients or drivers, Fyonka co-founder Abdullah Hussein told Al-Monitor. Through market research, the Fyonka team found that there are 400,000 drivers working for the US-based Uber and Dubai-based Careem, which began operating in Egypt in 2014. Among them only 10,000 are women. There is an issue of the lack of opportunity for women in this profession, Hussein said. He hopes that Fyonka will reduce the gender gap among ride-hailing drivers overall by attracting more women to the industry. Hussein said the dearth of female drivers in part stems from women's parents or husbands objecting to them riding with male customers. Some women are apprehensive about having to drive passengers to destinations where they might not feel safe. Fyonka is not only about providing a safe environment for clients and drivers, but also empowering women in other ways. To this end, the company will allocate a share of its profits to help promote small businesses run by women as well as to fight illiteracy among women in rural villages. Hussein explained that Fyonka has formed relationships with the New Woman Foundation, a non-governmental organization that focuses on women's rights and other issues, and the National Council for Women. Through these partnerships, Fyonka organizes workshops for women making handcrafts, such as educating them on how to market their products from their homes, and it sponsors classes in rural areas to help those who cant read and write overcome their illiteracy. There are currently 150 drivers, or partners, signed up to work for Fyonka. That two men Moustafa el-Kholy along with Hussein have established a female-only ride-hailing operation has raised eyebrows, but the co-founders are ready with an answer when asked about this. We know that European women have pursued their rights and have the same job opportunities as men do, Hussein said. There is a big gap between women from European countries and Egyptian and [other] Arab women. Thus, we thought about helping through this app, which will provide a safe environment for women and fill the gap between male and female drivers with Uber and Careem. Manar, a Fyonka driver who preferred not to provide her last name, was unemployed before joining the service. I read an ad on their Facebook page asking for female drivers to join them, she told Al-Monitor. I liked their idea. Manar further remarked, My husband was working as a driver with Uber. His car has been damaged from driving in unpaved and narrow alleyways in poor areas of the city. Fyonka will offer service only on paved and main routes in order to protect our cars. She added that such routes are also safer for clients and drivers than secluded backstreets and alleyways. Manar added that she had some friends working as drivers for Uber, and she has encouraged them to join Fyonka. They are now being trained by the team, she said. Reactions have been mixed about the female-only service. What will they do better than Uber and Careem? asked Sara Mohamed, who uses the two ride-hailing apps daily for getting to and from work. I use Uber, Careem and local taxis, and I rarely have a problem with them, Mohamed told Al-Monitor. Most of their drivers are helpful, as if they were family members. If I have a problem, I easily contact the company, which responds quickly and resolves my issue. Seham Taha, a daily Careem user, told Al-Monitor, We are a family of a husband and two children. When we want to go somewhere together, how can we use this new service that blocks males from riding, she asked. It will serve only a few people, not the entire community. Reham Mahmoud, who has never tried Uber or Careem for personal safety reasons, is eagerly awaiting Fyonka's launch. It is great to ride with a woman, she told Al-Monitor. There is no expected harassment. I hope they will expand to all of Egypt soon. Ghada Fishawy's position is similar to Mahmoud's. It is suitable for all women, Fishawy told Al-Monitor. I am taking this step to help women who are taking advantage of job opportunities as well as providing a safe environment for clients. CAIRO A police sergeant tasked with guarding a Christian church has been charged with premeditated murder in the shooting deaths of a Coptic man and his son who had been working nearby. The inhabitants of Minya governorate in southern Egypt awoke Dec. 13 to the news that the evening before, Sgt. Rabie Mostafa Khalifa had allegedly opened fire on the men when a dispute erupted as the sergeant was guarding Nahdet al-Qadasa Church. Dead are Emad Kamal Sadiq, 49, and his son David, 21. The father and son were contractors removing the ruins of a demolished house facing the church when an altercation broke out between Sadiq and Khalifa, witnesses said. Khalifa allegedly shot the men around 6 p.m. Dec. 12, according to a statement by the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Minya and Abu Qurqas. Coptic activist and Minya citizen Mina Bashay told Al-Monitor by phone that the sergeant had told the workers to steer clear of the area he was patrolling around the church, and the three of them got into an intense brawl that later resulted in the shootings. Bashay added that the argument doesn't justify the policeman's alleged premeditated murder of the two Copts using a machine gun a weapon meant to protect Christians, not kill them. Bashay said anger has been rising in church circles, especially in the Minya and Abu Qurqas diocese, but this anger remained muffled due to intensified security measures that prohibited discussing the incident in an attempt to contain the situation and ward off sectarian strife. Bashay ruled out the possibility of the government taking action to curb aggression against Copts because it classifies such incidents as personal and believes they don't reflect persecution against a vulnerable minority. The Minya prosecutor's office issued a decision Dec. 14 to jail the accused sergeant for four days for investigation purposes. Before issuing the decision, a prosecution team had headed to the church that day and retrieved surveillance footage to review. Initially the sergeant had been accused of simple murder, but on Dec. 17, the prosecutor amended the charge to premeditated murder, rights activist Mohammed Hamed told Al-Monitor. Khalifa could be sentenced to death by hanging, as per the Egyptian Criminal Code. On Dec. 19, the prosecutor's office issued a statement detailing the latest developments, which appear to show that the sergeant had actually been waiting to see the victims with the intent of killing them. Minya Bishop Anba Makarios told Al-Monitor by phone that in the past, he had repeatedly asked officials for comprehensive security. Copts frequently are attacked and killed in Minya. According to Makarios, such incidents sound the alarm for the state to revisit the services it offers to the governorate and to focus on education and awareness for citizens to avoid such painful occurrences. Makarios said the slayings of Sadiq and his son are even more disturbing than a Nov. 2 incident, when armed men attacked a bus carrying Copts who were on a visit to St. Samuel Monastery in Minya governorate. Eight of the Copts died as a result of the attack. He said the St. Samuel Monastery attack was committed by Islamic State members who are enemies of all Egyptians. The recent attack, he noted, was perpetrated by a policeman who was meant to guard churchgoers, not kill them. Makarios called on President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to intervene to deal with the repeated attacks on Copts. A source from the Egyptian Ministry of Interior told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that security forces arrested the accused policeman as soon as they learned of the shooting and put him in solitary confinement until the prosecution began questioning him the next day. The source added that the prosecutor is investigating the incident impartially and transparently, asserting that it is a heinous personal incident whose motives can only be explained by the involved police sergeant. The source refused to blame the Ministry of Interior for what happened, saying, The Ministry of Interior has taken several measures to ensure the ... safety of individuals and soldiers. But it cannot detect the movement of each person and know what is going on in their heads. Whether the victims are Christian or Muslim, this is a crime a heinous one at that. CAIRO An Egyptian court rejected Dec. 17 the appeal of lawyer Mohammed Ramadan against a 15-day detention sentence for incitement to demonstrate, disorder and wearing a yellow jacket. Egyptian police arrested Ramadan Dec. 11, accusing him of promoting false news and using social networking sites to promote the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group that was designated as a terrorist organization following the ousting of President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. He was apprehended after he published a picture on social media in which he was wearing a yellow jacket in solidarity with the French protests. According to press reports, Egyptian authorities demanded stores not to sell yellow jackets to individuals unless they have security approval. The state-owned newspapers condemned the French protests as chaos. Private newspapers also focused on the news from a similar perspective, publishing photos of the destruction near the Arc de Triomphe and confrontations between police and protesters, stressing the decline of tourism in the French capital. Egyptian media drew an analogy between what is happening in France to the Egyptian January 25 Revolution, stressing that protests are the gate to spreading chaos. Ammar Ali Hassan, a political sociologist, said the Egyptian regime fears the French protest fever might spill into Egypt and inspire Egyptians to go down the same path, particularly since most Egyptians suffer from the high cost of living. Hassan told Al-Monitor in a phone interview that the Egyptian security institutions fear and panic is exaggerated. The Egyptian regime has been oblivious to the fundamental differences [between] the political and social systems in Egypt and France. What is happening in France is not applicable in Egypt, he said. I do not think the Egyptian media was successful in undermining and distorting the image of the French protests, just as it failed to do so in the January 25 Revolution, he concluded. Writer and publisher Hisham Kasem said Egyptian media coverage has been excessive in analyzing the developments to the extent that it distorted any attempt of expression of opinion, even in free democratic societies such as France. Kasem told Al-Monitor via telephone that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is a military man who does not understand the mission of the media. The media in Egypt is floundering, as it does not know what the president wants exactly. Although all the media are under the regimes control, the president is always critical of the media outlets, Kasem said. Kasem said Sisi wants to reinvent the media to his liking, which is not going to happen in this age of social media. The Egyptian regime not only prodded the state media into covering certain angles of the French protests, but it has gone as far as to stifle any attempt to express any opinion to this effect. Security services arrested Dec. 11 a writer for inciting to demonstrate through social media. The regime has a problem in how it views the world and the region. When you underestimate or regard with superficial disdain such large demonstrations that have major popular support, you are living in a conspiracy theory, journalist Abdullah al-Sanawi told Al-Monitor via telephone. He added, The security apparatus acted in a frantic manner, which suggests that the regime is afraid that the developments in Europe could impact Egypt. The excess panic reflects weakness and lack of political reasoning. Things did not stop at the security institutions, as the presidency was keen on delivering a message along the same lines to the people. A presidential statement Dec. 12 said that during his meeting with a delegation of leaders and representatives of several major international and regional investment funds, Sisi praised the Egyptian peoples will, awareness and understanding of the need to bear the burdens that come with the bold economic reforms. It appeared that Sisi was still not reassured about the Egyptian media covering the French protests, so he chose to address Egyptians in a telephone intervention Dec. 13 during a television talk show, saying, When you show these photos [of the demonstrations in Europe] to the people in Egypt, talk to them about the reality of these states. I wonder how much is the price there [in Europe]. How much will the fuel tax be? This was in a bid to draw an analogy in favor of Egypt. Parliament member Haitham al-Hariri believes the way the news covered the French protests was a bid to distort any attempt to express any opinion. Although the current political system came as a result of the June 30 [mass protests in Egypt], the regime issued a law of protest that is in direct conflict with the freedom of expression and opinion, Hariri told Al-Monitor via telephone. Hariri condemned the security services handling of the repercussions of the French protests inside Egypt, linking them to security concerns ahead of the anniversary of the January 25 Revolution. He said the state of panic and fear gripping the security institutions prompted them to curb any attempt at expressing opinions. Hariri noted also that Sisi is seeking to amend the Egyptian Constitution in a way that enables him to remain in power, and thus he will oppose any attempts at a demonstration. Egypt's security services have been waging a repressive campaign since Sisi came to power, arresting thousands of dissidents, suspected Islamists and human rights activists. President Donald Trumps surprise decision Dec. 19 to pull US forces out of Syria has sparked different reactions, both inside and outside the United States. US allies France and Britain expressed their dissatisfaction over the move, emphasizing that the Western mission in Syria is still far from accomplished. Russia and Turkey, as two pillars of the Astana framework, welcomed the decision, seeing it as a positive step toward resolving the Syrian crisis. At the same time, American lawmakers from both ends of the US political spectrum interpreted the move as a mistake that would empower Iran and Russia in Syria. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic was largely silently, observing all these debates and not adopting an official position on the development. Irans first official reaction came three days after the US decision, on Dec. 22, when Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said, From the start, the entry and presence of American forces in the region has been a mistake and a main cause of instability and insecurity. He stopped short of elaborating Tehrans view on the implications of the US move on the political and military equations in Syria. Instead he reiterated the Islamic Republics general viewpoint toward the US presence in the Middle East. In explaining Tehran's cautious approach, it could be said that Iran is not yet sure if the move will lead to any changes in the US strategy of minimizing Irans activities in the region, including in Syria. Just one day after Trumps decision, Rodney Hunter, the political coordinator of the US mission to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council that Washington will use all instruments of [its] national power to press for a withdrawal of Iranian-backed forces from Syria. To Iranian officials, this statement is just a rephrasing of what US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey said Nov. 15, that forcing Iran out of Syria is not a military goal of the United States, but should instead come as a result of a political process. Mindful of this persistent element of US Syria policy, Iran has, in the past several weeks, been busy working on its own plans to preserve its interests in Syria. At the political level, weve witnessed increased Iranian efforts within the Astana framework to accelerate the formation of a Syrian Constitutional Committee, as was agreed to at the Syrian National Congress in the Russian city of Sochi in January 2018. On Dec. 17, Hossein Jaberi Ansari, senior assistant to Iran's foreign minister, visited Damascus to hold talks with senior Syrian officials, including President Bashar al-Assad. At the meeting, Assad hailed Irans efforts in forming the constitutional committee. Jaberis visit came just a day before a meeting between the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey in Geneva, in which they reportedly reached an agreement on the makeup of the constitutional committee, as well as on setting the first meeting of the committee in early 2019. The Geneva meeting was particularly important. Just two weeks before, on Dec. 5, Jeffrey had criticized Tehran, Moscow and Ankara for failing to form the constitutional committee, calling for an end to the work of the Astana format. The US view is, lets pull the plug on Astana, said Jeffrey, suggesting that the UN-led Geneva talks should replace the Astana initiative. As such, it could be said that Jaberis meeting with Assad was aimed at persuading him to show more cooperation in forming the constitutional committee or even to agree with giving some concessions in this regard in order to deprive Washington of any excuse to justify its attempts to weaken the Astana format and thereby Irans role in the Syrian political process. At the same time, Iran has so far been silent on Turkeys persistent threats to conduct a military operation against the armed Kurdish groups in eastern Syria. Kurdish forces, which constitute the main part of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Washingtons main ally in fighting the Islamic State in Syria, are deemed terrorists by Turkey. While the Islamic Republic does not officially share this view with Ankara, it has been worried that close ties between the Syrian Kurds and Washington, as well as the existence of centrifugal tendencies among them, could become a danger for Syrias territorial integrity. Tehran has been in favor of a compromise between Assad and the Kurds, whereby Damascus could regain control over the areas currently under Kurdish control east of the Euphrates. Now it seems that, after the Kurds and Damascus have failed to reach a compromise, Tehran thinks Ankara putting real pressure on the Kurds would probably work. In other words, either the Kurds under the pressure of Ankaras threats of military intervention will finally agree to a compromise with Assad, or Turkey will go ahead with the military option, which would once and for all deprive the United States of its most powerful asset in Syria. In return, Turkey has recently shown more openness toward accepting Assad in power in Syria. As such, Tehran assesses the current state of affairs in the eastern Euphrates as a win-win situation. However, as the US pullout would deprive the Kurds of their main protector in the face of an imminent Turkish invasion, the first scenario now appears more likely. Iran, Russia, Syria and Iraq are working on developing their cooperation within the framework of their joint command center, according to reports. This means that Iran is also working on the ground to make sure that its interests in preserving a land connection between Iraq and Syria would remain intact in the face of any unfavorable development, such as the revival of the Islamic State in eastern Syria as a result of the US withdrawal. Therefore, its safe to argue that not only does Iran not see Trumps decision as a total victory, but it is in fact trying to widen its space for maneuvering in Syria to not get hit by the negative implications of the US withdrawal. QAIM, Iraq As minor pockets of Islamic State (IS) territory in eastern Syria are treated as of little consequence following the entrance of US-backed fighters into the long-besieged Hejin region, Iraqs western Anbar province is facing up to emboldened pro-Iran armed groups nearby. The surprise announcement Dec. 19 that the United States plans to pull its roughly 2,000 troops out of eastern Syria strongly suggests that the already heavy influence of Iran-backed armed groups near the border will rise. Much of IS-held Hejin east of the Euphrates River was retaken in December by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the international coalition. Villages and areas near the town remain under IS control, however, according to locals contacted by Al-Monitor. Following President Donald Trump's announcement, the SDF was said to be talking to the pro-Iran Syrian government and considering the release of more than 1,000 IS fighters it is holding. The Kurdish-led forces have repeatedly been accused by other Syrian opposition groups of collaborating with the regime. Hejin and the Deir ez-Zor region are predominantly Sunni Arab but the United States has long favored supporting Kurdish-led fighters from farther north over local opposition combatants. Meanwhile, reports of cross-border drug smuggling in the desert south of Qaim, with proceeds presumably topping up the coffers of armed groups on both sides of the border, warrant attention. The road from Qaim to Rutba in the western part of Iraqs Sunni-majority Anbar province across the border from Syrias Deir ez-Zor region is controlled by non-local Shiite Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs), reportedly with a heavy presence of Kataib Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist group by the United States but long active in the fight against IS in Iraq and on the side of the regime in Syria. The group is known for its secrecy but is closely linked to Iran and has fighters on both sides of the border. The desert town of Rutba often called "the most isolated town in Iraq" is allegedly at the center of cross-border drug smuggling, including a major trade in the illegal amphetamine Captagon, Al-Monitor was told by Anbar security officials this month. Rutba lies on an international highway, around 110 kilometers (68 miles) east of the Jordanian border and 300 kilometers (186 miles) west of Anbar's capital, Ramadi. It is also about 110 kilometers north of the Saudi border. The US decision to pull its troops out of Syria is likely to affect the small contingent at the al-Tanf base well to the west of Rutba in Deir ez-Zor, near the border crossing with Iraq. It was in that area that 300,000 Captagon pills were seized in May by Maghawir al-Thawra, a Free Syrian Army group in Deir ez-Zor. The commander of the opposition group, defected officer Mohanned al-Talaa, told Al-Monitor that an Iraqi and a Syrian smuggler had been caught with an estimated $1.4 million worth of illegal substances. Reports in recent years have held that the pro-Iran Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah and its allies are behind a regional rise in the production and distribution of Captagon. Proceeds from the lucrative trade can be used to buy weapons and pay fighters salaries. Stories abound, meanwhile, that even high-ranking army officials, including the head of the Badiya and Jazira (western Anbar) area, Staff Maj. Gen. Qassem al-Mohammadi, have been refused access to the Qaim-Rutba road by the non-local Shiite PMUs in control of it. Several security officials told or confirmed to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that generals southbound vehicle was turned back at a checkpoint in the desert below Qaim in recent months in a show of power by the PMUs. Though "security reasons" are often cited by default, the perception voiced by the officials Al-Monitor spoke with is that the military commander of western Anbar is significantly weaker than the non-local Shiite PMUs, including Kataib Hezbollah. Two attacks in October on the Akkaz gas field south of Qaim shortly after their handover from the PMUs to the army led local security officials to claim to Al-Monitor that the non-local PMUs were actually behind the attacks. But the western Anbar commander for the PMUs, Qassim Musleh, told Al-Monitor in an interview Oct. 11 that the fault lay with the armys weakness. Speaking about non-local Shiite PMUs linked to Iran in the area, Col. Moussa Hamad al-Karbouly, the commander of the local Sunni PMU Aaly al-Furat Brigade, told Al-Monitor in an interview at his Qaim headquarters, "This is bigger than the Iraqi government. It cant control this." The Aaly al-Furat Brigade works closely with the Iraqi army in maintaining security in parts of the city and flanks the military's operations in the desert area north of the Euphrates River. The river cuts through Qaim. Karbouly posited that a return of IS is likely if the root causes of ISs initial rise are not addressed. In mid-December, there were more women and children shopping and playing in Qaim's streets than there had been in previous months. While the city seems safe, the persistent lack of electricity a year after it was retaken from IS and a dire lack of jobs may pose significant risks if not dealt with. The unclear chain of command and proliferation of various security forces in the city also continue to create confusion, local residents told Al-Monitor. Many say IS cells are likely simply "sleeping" for strategic reasons international coalition airstrikes continue on IS logistics bases in the desert but garner little media attention. Though its ranks of foreign fighters have been decimated, territory lost and original support base eroded, IS retains the capacity to conduct a resurgence of some sort, experts say. A Pentagon report from August estimated the number of IS fighters still active in Syria to be between 13,100 and 14,500. The latest geopolitical shifts in eastern Syria mean that pro-Iran groups are likely to gain more control there. What effect this will have on the potential of IS or other terrorist and insurgent groups to regroup and regain local support is unclear. Despite extensive advance publicity and meticulous planning, just over 200 Israelis showed up for a demonstration on the evening of Dec. 22 opposite the government compound in Tel Aviv. Many of these protesters wore bright yellow vests in an effort to gain momentum from the successful social protests in France. But this failed in Israel, at least in terms of the protests strength. Though some of the price hikes were overturned, this has more to do with the near-hysterical response of Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, who is operating under the shadow of an impending election sometime in 2019. The Israeli protests were instigated by an announcement from the Electric Corporation Dec. 11 that rates would go up by 6-7%. In addition, about 10 major food producers announced over the past few months that their prices would go up. The rising costs in products by Tnuva, Tara and Gad Dairies, which dominate the dairy products and cheese markets, as well as by Osem, Unilever and Coca Cola, which dominate most other branches of the food industry, also resulted from the anticipated hike in the cost of electricity. This was further compounded by a seven-year freeze in food prices in Israel, in response to the economic and social protests in the summer of 2011, which drew their inspiration from similar waves of protests in Europe and the United States. Back then, the protests forced the government to appoint a committee of experts and even to adopt some of its recommendations. But the main impact of the cottage cheese protest was on sales by food manufacturers and on consumption in general, which declined noticeably. Since then, almost no significant price rises of food products in Israel were recorded. At the same time, the cost of electricity for consumers dropped by 10%, thanks in part to the transition from coal to natural gas. Compared to other countries in the West, electricity rates in Israel remained low, or at least relatively so. It seemed as if the latest rise in prices would incite a new wave of mass protests. The first demonstration took place Dec. 15, but despite all the publicity just a few dozen people attended. It is best remembered for a photograph taken by journalist Tal Schneider of Globes, which showed a protester wearing what looked like a fur coat and carrying a designer handbag. While Schneider was quick to clarify that these were cheap knockoffs, the demonstration was quickly branded as the Louis Vuitton protest. But what hurt the protest even more was a report just a few days later that many of the organizers are active in the Labor Party and Meretz. In other words, the organizers are people on the left and serial protesters such as Eldad Yaniv, who has been a leading figure in anti-government protests for the last few years. It appeared later that among the groups that contributed to the organization of these protests, including the purchase of the yellow vests, were political organizations on the left and particularly groups aligned with the Labor Party. Demonstrators carried signs attacking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government: Crime Minister, Government of the Corrupt and Netanyahu, Resign! The organizers made a point of placing activists who are not identified with them on the front lines, facing the press. These included David Mizrahi, who spoke about the growing crisis caused by the rising cost of living. Nevertheless, the organizers fingerprints were all over the protests. One activist actually quit, writing anonymously, Like anything that could be good, they immediately started pushing the issue of right versus left and waving signs against Netanyahu. Eldad Yaniv and his gang have ruined any chance of change. The organizers insistence that this was an authentic consumer protest untinged by politics, rather than admitting that it was run by left-wing organizations and politicians from the opposition eliminated any credibility it might have had. The public voted with their feet. Shoshi Cohen, a resident of Dimona, said as much in a public radio interview. While she admitted that she supports protests against rising prices, she will not participate in them herself, because she votes for the right and does not want to join a call to bring down the government. We need to pressure the finance minister to take more extensive action against the big companies, which act like monopolies. On the other hand, that does not mean that everything the government does is bad, she said. As the head of a minority party whose chance of succeeding in the next election is unclear, Kahlon was terrified. Perhaps it was because of all the attention the protest got in the media, but he was quick to announce the formation of a new committee to investigate the cost of living, even though findings from previous similar committees were already on his desk. He then announced that he would stop a rise in the tax on coal, which is still used in part to produce electricity, and that this, in turn, would moderate the anticipated rise in rates. What he ignored was the fact that this tax was intended to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, to which Israel is committed by international agreements. He then met with the heads of Osem, one of Israels biggest food manufacturers, and managed to convince them to postpone their price hike in exchange for the possibility that tariffs on raw materials to produce food would be canceled. The cost of the measures, such as reducing tariffs and taxes on the major corporations, could make the hole in the budget even deeper and ultimately fall on the taxpayer. Prices will only go up moderately in the near term, or at least until the election, but this will come at the expense of future costs and an increased burden on the citizens. Unlike Kahlon, Netanyahu barely addressed the entire issue. He simply promised that electricity rates would not go up sharply, immediately adding that prices have gone down over the past few years, while wages have risen. Wages in Israel are, in fact, rising. At least this is true of the average wage, which has increased to 11,000 Israeli shekels ($2,900) per month and has risen by 3-4% in each of the last four years. Similarly, the international Gini Index, which looks at income inequality, has found that the income gap in Israel has declined over the last few years, even if it is still among the highest of the developed nations. These figures can be added to other factors, which impacted what now looks like a failed new wave of protests, certainly when it comes to bringing the masses out onto the streets. Nevertheless, as new elections approach, opposition groups are likely to increase their attacks on the government in an effort to remove the Likud and the right from power. Israels foreign relations are flourishing and have hit an unprecedented all-time record, boasted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a Dec. 17 meeting of his Likud partys Knesset members. We have tremendous accomplishments [from] around the world, including the Arab world, which we never had before, bragged Foreign Minister Netanyahu. We are protecting Israel as an island of calm, continued Defense Minister Netanyahu in the same vein. Netanyahu's remarks were prominently reported the following day by Israel Hayom, the newspaper owned by the family of American casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and distributed free on every street corner in Israel. Given all this, how is it possible that 52% of Israelis do not want such a successful prime, foreign and defense minister to lead them for another four-year term, as revealed a Hadashot TV poll conducted Dec. 25? How does one explain the fact that only 37% of the public thinks that such an outstanding leader is fit to rule them, as found a poll conducted the same day by Kan TV, Israels public broadcaster? Who are the mean-spirited people turning the public against a man who dedicates his life to defending them and also against his party even as a Dec. 25 Channel 10 poll gives the Likud 30 Knesset seats? Judging by Netanyahus past statements, the list of usual suspects certainly includes the American Hungarian liberal billionaire George Soros and the New Israel Fund, left-wing Israeli organizations, the European Union, jurists and purists. Topping the list are the media. The media print and online newspapers, television and radio have plotted, Netanyahu claims, to mislead the public. They have joined forces to conceal from Israelis the abundance endowed upon them by Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, and turned them against the couple with tall tales of non-existent corruption. This will probably be the Likud partys primary narrative in the upcoming election campaign. Netanyahu treated members of the Likuds Knesset faction to generous helpings of this murky stew at their Dec. 17 meeting. Netanyahu waxed poetic about his travels to international summits and how his listeners would not hear a word about it in the press. Netanyahu said that 300 foreign dignitaries prime ministers, presidents, foreign ministers, senators, leading lawmakers visit Israel every year. Its a flood. How much does one hear about it? Have you heard of Japan? Sure, if a shoe is placed on the table, said Netanyahu, referring to an unusual desert in the shape of a shoe served at an official May 2 dinner for visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It takes a shoe on the table for you to hear that it was Prime Minister Abes second visit to Israel and that Japanese investments in Israel have increased over a thousand fold, Netanyahu added. Netanyahu complained about several journalists who criticized and slandered the Dec. 10 visit by my wife, Sara to Guatemala, a visit that made a significant contribution to Israels public diplomacy. And what did you hear here? Netanyahu whined to his adherents. Zilch. Almost zero. Netanyahu not only moaned about the media ignoring his and his wifes diplomatic achievements, but also knew in advance that the media would conceal from the Israeli public his visit to Brazil, scheduled to begin Dec. 27. The media ignores us, Netanyahu said, summing up the diatribe against his imaginary enemy. After a similar complaint in 2016, the veteran Israeli journalist Dan Shilon said, I can attest from the pinnacle of my experience that never was there a prime minister treated so well by so much media. He has his own newspaper [i.e., Israel Hayom], he has television and radio channels that for the most part do his bidding. Indeed, most of the media devote considerable coverage to Netanyahus journeys and meetings with VIPs. After listing the sins of the media at great length and denouncing its blatant disregard of his accomplishments, the politician who spends his time delegitimizing journalists who refuse to toe the line ended his by saying, And we ignore the media. Interesting. Is that what he told the police working Case 4000 who heard dozens of taped conversations of Netanyahu demanding favorable coverage by the Walla news site from Shaul Elovitch, the sites biggest stakeholder? To underscore Netanyahu's we ignore the media declaration, one should also recall his phone conversation with the publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, Arnon Mozes, part of Case 2000, the investigation into whether Netanyahu conspired with Mozes for favorable coverage. Then there was Netanyahus 2014 decision to dismantle his previous government over a proposed bill curtailing the free distribution of the pro-Netanyahu freebie newspaper. Less than a week after blasting the media, Netanyahu announced that he had decided to sue our colleague Ben Caspit over a news item he had written for Maariv. Netanyahu and his wife, who ignore the media, have since his first term (1996-1999) filed at least seven libel suits against journalists and media outlets totaling some NIS10 million ($2.65 million). Most of the suits were dismissed or resolved without compensation being paid, but media researchers have found that such tactics are generally effective in muzzling the media and in certain cases taking out rivals. Netanyahu had a good mentor in this regard. In 2012, Adelson had filed a $60 million libel lawsuit against the National Jewish Democratic Council, and although the courts dismissed the case, it almost led to the organizations collapse. On Dec. 26, Netanyahu told settler leaders, In the next elections we will see an attempt by the left to overrule the government by mobilizing the media and other entities, clearly suggesting an alleged conspiracy by the press, the police and state prosecutor's office to topple the incumbent prime minister. In addition to trying to erode the influence of traditional journalism on voters by delegitimizing journalists who refuse to toe the line, Netanyahu is also intensifying his penetration of every Israeli household through social media. He reportedly ordered Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and the chair of the Knessets Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, Nissan Slominski, to suspend all work on election campaign reform that would require identifying the candidates and political parties or other organizations paying for campaign ads on television, radio and the internet. Current law only requires such information for election ads in newspapers. Netanyahu said he wanted to study the proposed law, although he himself is a leading expert on how to exploit commenters and opinion columnists. As was the case in the 2015 elections, in the elections scheduled for April 9, 2019, Israelis will have to choose between occupation and peace, between freedom of religion and rule by rabbis, and between liberal democracy and nationalist conservatism. In addition, they will have to choose between a regime that encourages a combative, independent media and one that turns the media into a disciplined propaganda tool. The Gaza-Israeli border has been relatively calm for the past seven weeks, but the quiet appears about to end. Over the weekend of Dec. 21-22, four young Palestinian protesters were killed in clashes with Israeli troops along the border and Hamas' military leadership held back from responding. During last month's violence, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exercised restraint after hundreds of rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, his sights set on the planned operation to expose and block the Hezbollah tunnels on Israels northern border. Despite domestic criticism of his decision on Gaza, Netanyahu decided to give the arrangement with Hamas a chance. Given the tensions in the south of Israel and the complex set of clashing interests there, Hamas and Israel are occasionally forced to restrain themselves, not always successfully. Back in Jerusalem Dec. 26, the Knesset voted to disband and the next elections were pushed up from November 2019 to April 9. The Hamas leadership understands that the cease-fire arrangement reached with Israel in November could collapse if a campaigning Netanyahu faces heavy election pressure on the issue. The Israeli political system might not accept Netanyahu conducting business as usual with Hamas. The organization is therefore preparing to challenge Netanyahu so that he does not renege on the deal that has already yielded a series of achievements for them. I can testify firsthand to the extent that Israeli politics affect decisions by Hamas. On the eve of Operation Cast Lead in late December 2008, I covered the voyage of a small aid vessel that departed from Limassol in Cyprus bound for Gaza. The winds of war were already buffeting the Strip. When the boat docked in Gaza on Dec. 20, Abed Haniyeh, the son of Ismail Haniyeh, who was at the time the prime minister of Gaza and currently heads the organizations political bureau, approached me. He wanted to know whether I thought Israel was heading for war against Gaza with the 2009 elections two months away. Are Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert planning a war on Gaza to improve their standing within their parties? he asked. The younger Haniyeh displayed an impressive understanding of political developments in Israel and knew that Barak, then Labor chair, was lagging behind in the polls. Like other top Hamas figures, he figured that Barak might want to improve his ratings by going to war and shifting the agenda in his favor. A week later, the Israel Defense Forces launched a wide-scale operation in Gaza, not necessarily to help Baraks ratings but rather because Hamas' armed wing unleashed a massive rocket attack on Israel. Israels decision-makers saw a military strike as the only way to stem the rocket fire. Hamas, playing with fire, had sparked a war that cost the lives of over 1,000 Palestinians and wounded thousands. Now the Hamas leadership is again following the political drama in Israel, seeking to prepare for whatever the future holds. Hamas assumes that implementation of the cease-fire arrangement is at risk, and with it its hold on power in Gaza. Even before the early elections were announced, Hamas was concerned that Israel would block Qatari financial aid after Netanyahu was harshly criticized for agreeing to the funding. Now Hamas fears, and rightly so, that Netanyahu might seek an excuse to suspend the cease-fire deal, including the flow of Qatari money, to placate his critics ahead of the elections. Hamas is facing other difficulties. On Dec. 26, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas decided to disband the moribund Hamas-controlled Palestinian legislature elected in January 2006, in which Hamas holds 74 seats and its rival Fatah 45. Does that mean Abbas has decided to sever all ties between the PA and Gaza and to give up on ever joining forces with Hamas and controlling the Strip? Absent a reconciliation between the two factions, it is hard to see how new parliamentary elections can take place in the West Bank and Gaza at the same time. The dissolution of the Legislative Council, headed by senior Hamas official Aziz Dweik, sent the Hamas leadership into a spin. Uncertainty is their greatest fear. When Abbas dissolves the Palestinian Parliament and the Knesset dissolves itself in the same week, Hamas smells trouble. Add in the repeated PA criticism of Qatars funding, with Abbas accusing Netanyahu on Dec. 22 of paying Hamas in Gaza to carry out terror attacks in the West Bank. If elections for a new Palestinians legislature are scheduled in six months, the Hamas leadership would not want to be perceived as laying down the weapon of jihad in return for suitcases of Qatari cash with the consent of the Zionist enemy. After all, if it does not wage an armed struggle against Israel and is not considered a militant alternative to Fatah, Hamas has no raison detre. Israeli defense officials also realize that the relative calm could end at any moment. An Israeli defense source told Al-Monitor that Israel assumes Hamas is gearing up for another round of widespread violence. Indications of such plans were evident at a conference held this week in Gaza with the participation of all the Palestinian factions, who were briefed about the latest developments and asked to prepare in case the demonstrations along the Israeli border fence curtailed in recent weeks under the cease-fire deal are resumed in force. Netanyahu will try again to avoid a military operation against Gaza. Three months prior to elections is obviously not the right time for upheavals. As both prime minister and minister of defense, all the responsibility rests on Netanyahu, obliging him to swallow any insults that Hamas feeds him. Meanwhile, according to London-based Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Netanyahu conveyed to Hamas that he was interested in reaching a long-term cease-fire but would do so only in April. But if Hamas chooses to escalate the security situation, it should expect consequences. The Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza warned Gaza residents from the Civil Administration's Facebook account Dec. 26, "The IDF will not tolerate events at the fence. We also want a Friday with no casualties among you, but it depends only on you." It is doubtful that Hamas will prefer to follow the quiet path and wait for April to make a move, even though the movement has learned the hard way that playing with fire could end in a war with thousands of dead and wounded. Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war, Lebanese policymakers have echoed a common refrain also self-evident among the public: coping with the presence of some 1.5 million Syrian refugees is a struggle. Lebanon implemented a few measures to stanch the flow and decrease the number of refugees, such as closing the border in October 2014 and encouraging Syrians to return home, yet it also recently voted in favor of two landmark UN resolutions supporting the rights of migrants and refugees. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), adopted Dec. 10 and 17, respectively, were the result of 18 months of international negotiations following the UN General Assembly's adoption of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants in September 2016. Inspired largely by the Syrian refugee crisis, the compacts serve to standardize best practices among the worlds nations in dealing with migration flows. The provisions, however, are nonbinding. Hadi Hachem, chief of cabinet for the Lebanese foreign minister, whose office has been working to define Lebanons position toward the compacts, told Al-Monitor that Lebanons approval was rooted in its support of the Lebanese diaspora. The GCM is a universal declaration, and Lebanon is a country that has 14 million Lebanese abroad, so we are interested in migration because we are a country where we export migration, said Hachem. We want to give a legal frame for migration movements. A number of Lebanese civil society organizations were involved in advising on the creation of the GCM. The Insan Association, which advocates for the rights of migrants, organized the Middle Easts regional civil society consultation, held Aug. 24-25, 2017. The purpose was to identify humanitarian priorities and then pass them along to the UN Secretariat overseeing the drafting of the resolution. Roula Hamati, head of research and advocacy at Insan, explained that Lebanons need to grease the inflow of remittances also pushed the country to support the GCM. Lebanons position in the negotiation was basically that [politicians] would want to see more on the question of remittances, on [support] of the diaspora and some of the things that they have taken on as good practices, Hamati told Al-Monitor, explaining that the government hopes to see reduced fees for transferring funds to Lebanese bank accounts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, despite its endorsement of the GCM, had reservations about some aspects of the compact, leading the ministry to submit a letter to the UN Secretariat outlining the governments concerns. According to Hachem, these included objectives 16 and 22, which call for member states to empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion and to establish mechanisms for the portability of social security entitlements. Hachem stated, We have reservations about these two objectives. We have a reservation about everything that touches the sovereignty of the country because the declaration is non-binding and abides by local laws. According to Nasser Yassin, director of research at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University in Beirut, these grievances are rooted in the governments fear of any demographic changes that could upend Lebanons sectarian balance of power as well as a desire to reduce so-called pull factors thought to encourage migration. Lebanon also deliberated before voting in favor of the GCR, the worlds most significant document concerning refugees since the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 protocol, which defined refugee status and countries obligations to refugees. Lebanon is not a signatory to either document. Speaking to Al-Monitor, Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams, head of the Global Communications Desk for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in New York, said of the resolution, [It focuses on] how to build a holistic response for both refugees and the host community, really focusing on education and livelihood and these types of longer-term solutions and interventions that will help entire generations. The Lebanese government ultimately decided to back the GCR because of its principles of international cooperation in dealing with refugee crises. Hachem asserted, The refugee system is a big issue now, and we need to have the burden shared among and between all countries who face this [issue]. In drafting the GCR, the United Nations also recommended interventions in 14 countries, including in Jordan. In an email to Al-Monitor, Anne Rummery, senior regional communications officer for UNHCR in Geneva, wrote that Lebanon did not express any interest in participating in the program. It did, however, agree to share its experience and has taken part in UNHCRs Regional Refugee Response Plan for the Syrian refugee crisis, which informed the objectives of the GCR. The GCR includes provisions for increasing job opportunities and furthering the local integration of refugees. Yassin believes that Lebanon must do more in this regard if it is to fully comply with the two new compacts. In 2019, the United Nations will hold a conference during which member states are expected to announce concrete pledges and contributions towards the objectives of the global compact. Experts are skeptical that the compacts will do much to improve the daily quality of life for Syrians in Lebanon due in part to the way Lebanon classifies them. The Syrians in the country are neither migrants nor refugees, the Syrians are displaced, Hachem said. We [the government] gave them the status of a displaced person, and this is because its a temporary situation. It has to be solved when the situation in their own country is better. The situation in Syria is better now security-wise, so we ask the displaced people to head back to their own country. Without a binding resolution, Lebanon may pick and choose which objectives to implement based on its national interests. I think it might again provide some avenues for collaboration and perhaps some South-South collaboration on certain issues, said Yassin. It might provide some new way for UNHCR to bring in new actors to collaborate and offer more shared responsibility here and there. But I dont see it as a game changer in Lebanon because the positions in particular on the refugee question in Lebanon are written on the wall. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Russia has expressed its readiness to host meetings between Fatah and Hamas to overcome the obstacles impeding Palestinian reconciliation. The divide between the two started following armed clashes between members of the Palestinian security services and Fatah gunmen on the one hand and Hamas gunmen on the other in mid-June 2007. Hamas ended up taking control of the Gaza Strip, with a state of political divide persisting between the two sides. Various efforts by Arab states have thus far failed to achieve reconciliation. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and special presidential representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov said in a press statement on Dec. 21 carried by RT news website that Russia was willing to host a meeting of Fatah and Hamas representatives in Moscow to support reconciliation efforts between the two parties. We invited [head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh], and he accepted the invitation with gratitude, Bogdanov said, adding that the meeting being arranged between Hamas and Fatah would probably be held in early 2019. Now we will need to consider dates that suit both parties and form delegations. We have already made some suggestions and are waiting for a confirmation, he noted. The Russian initiative has rekindled hopes of resuming the faltering Palestinian internal reconciliation. In March, a bomb attack that targeted the convoy of Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and the director of Palestinian intelligence Majid Faraj at Beit Hanoun crossing on their way to visit the Gaza Strip impeded all reconciliation efforts. The Palestinian Authority accused Hamas of being behind the attack. Hamas denied. Russias initiative comes in tandem with the visit of Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki to Russia to discuss with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, the situation in Palestine, the peace process and the internal reconciliation issue. In a press conference with Lavrov on Dec. 21 in Moscow, Maliki said that the Palestinian leadership welcomes Russian efforts as a complementary role to the Egyptian role to achieve reconciliation and end the division. Maliki called on Lavrov to get Moscow to persuade Hamas to adhere to previously signed agreements to end the division and prepare for the Palestinian presidential and legislative elections. Several Palestinian figures and delegations from various parties had visited Russia in recent months. Most recently, director general of the PLO political department in Syria Anwar Abdel Hadi visited Russia on Nov. 10 to discuss the situation in Palestine. A delegation of the Islamic Jihad discussed the situation in Gaza with Bogdanov upon an official invitation on Aug. 7. A delegation of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinian was also in Moscow on July 11 following a Hamas delegation visit on June 25. Al-Monitor spoke to Azzam al-Ahmad, a member of Fatah's Central Committee and the PLO's Executive Committee, who said, We welcome any effort to pressure Hamas to complete the reconciliation deal in the hope of preserving the Palestinian cause at a critical juncture. Hamas has failed to take any step toward reconciliation. He asserted that Fatah is ready to implement the agreement signed with Hamas in Cairo in October 2017 and resume the reconciliation agreement efforts halted in the wake of the attack on Hamdallahs convoy during his visit to the Gaza Strip. Ahmad, in charge of the reconciliation issue, affirmed that the Russian Foreign Ministry did not send Fatah an official invitation to Moscow to discuss the Palestinian reconciliation, pointing out that the last telephone conversation between him and Bogdanov was Dec. 20. We did not talk about an invitation to Fatah to visit Moscow, he said, noting that Fatah was informed Nov. 28 by Haydar Rashid, the diplomatic representative of Russia in Ramallah, of an invitation sent by the Russian Foreign Ministry to Haniyeh. The Russian Foreign Ministry sent Haniyeh an official invitation to Moscow on Nov. 28, and the invitation was officially denounced by Israel. Haniyeh is expected to arrive in Russia in early 2019. Hamas, for its part, welcomed the Russian initiative. Hamas leader Hamad al-Rakab told Al-Monitor, We appreciate any initiative aimed to end the internal Palestinian division, most recently Russias diplomatic efforts. He hoped Fatah would respond to the Russian initiative to end the Palestinian divide. Rakab asserted that Hamas is maintaining contacts with the Egyptian authorities to allow Haniyeh and his delegation to leave the Gaza Strip to visit Moscow, but he refused to give a specific date for the visit. He revealed that Hamas expected visit would shed light on the ongoing Israeli attacks on Jerusalem and the West Bank, the ongoing settlement construction and the Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip since 2007. He also noted that Hamas would request Moscow to offer political and financial support for the Palestinian people. The recent Russian desire to host internal Palestinian reconciliation talks is not the first. Russia offered to mediate talks between the two movements on June 8, 2015, but its efforts did not bear fruit at the time due to the widening dispute between them. For Talal Okal, a writer for the Palestinian Al-Ayyam daily, it is unlikely that Russias efforts to achieve the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation will succeed. Moscow could play an auxiliary role along with the Egyptian role in the reconciliation, he told Al-Monitor. Russia, however, does not have any pressure cards against Fatah and Hamas to make a breakthrough in the internal reconciliation. Egypt, which sponsors internal reconciliation talks, and which has several pressure cards against both Palestinian movements, has not succeeded in ending the Palestinian division. For his part, professor of international relations at the Islamic University Taysir Moheisen told Al-Monitor, The expected Russian reconciliation efforts represent a step that Russia wants to achieve in anticipation of playing a greater role in the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. He added that Russia enjoys a strong presence in the Middle East and was engaged in a tug of war with the United States in many regional issues. At the military level, Russia and the US-backed rivaling factions in Syria before Trumps decision to withdraw troops from Syria. In the Palestinian-Israeli conflict at the end of July, Russia had a failed attempt to hold a meeting in Moscow between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who refused the meeting. The striking and increasing Russian role in the Palestinian issue emerges after the rupture between the Palestinian leadership and the US administration following Trumps declaration in December 2017 of recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the subsequent US halt of financial aid to the UNRWA and the transfer of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14. Russia hosted Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki in Moscow on Dec. 21 for talks focusing on bilateral relations, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks mediated by Egypt. There hasn't been much progress on the latter two issues, and Israel is less than enthusiastic about Russian efforts in regard to them. A reconciliation between Hamas, which controls Gaza, and Fatah, which dominates the Palestinian Authority (PA), which controls the West Bank, appears to be dead in the water despite Egypt's efforts to keep it alive. Russia has also reached out to both parties. Visits by high-ranking PA officials to Russia have become routine. PA President Mahmoud Abbas himself has been to the Russian capital twice this year, and Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau, is set to visit early next year. Israel has lambasted Russias outreach to Hamas. The Israeli ambassador to Russia, Harry Koren, reportedly protested the planned Haniyeh visit in a Dec. 19 meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. The Russian diplomat responded by reminding Koren that Israel itself has been negotiating with Hamas, to reach a formal truce. As for Russian-Palestinian bilateral links, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at his meeting with Maliki that trade between Russia and Palestine remains modest. In 2017, they traded $3.04 million worth of goods, with Russian exports totaling $2.67 million and imports $373,900. In November, Russian Minister of Labor and Social Development Maxim Topilin reported year-on-year growth in trade of 61% for the first eight months of 2018, totaling $3.6 million. Topilin attributed the increase to Russia exporting more flour, sunflower oil and construction materials. Lavrov has voiced hope for closer bilateral relations with Ramallah. He referred to potential trade in a range of agricultural projects and implementing joint ventures in industrial zones in Bethlehem and Jericho, in the West Bank. He believes that the Eurasian Economic Commissions decision last year to extend tariff preferences to Palestine will result in stronger economic ties and increasing trade. Moreover, Lavrov mentioned the increasing number of Russian tourists, including pilgrims, visiting the holy places in Palestine. Last year, 360,000 Russian citizens went to Palestine and, above all, to the holy sites, a nearly 20% increase from the previous year, Lavrov said. Solidifying gains in trade and tourism, however, will require durable peace and stability. Lavrov recalled Moscows initiative from 2016 to host a meeting between Palestinian and Israeli leaders. The proposal has not been withdrawn, but Israel sees no reason to pursue it at this point. First, Israeli leaders today view direct talks with the Palestinian leadership as unnecessary in light of the expectation of the United States unveiling a new peace plan. The much-touted plan is much in doubt by many Arabs, who expect it to favor Israel. Second, the Israelis think Moscow is biased in favor of the Palestinians when it comes to the conflict. This perception was not helped when on Dec. 6 Russia voted against a US-sponsored resolution in the UN General Assembly to condemn Hamas for firing rockets at Israel. At the official level, however, Israel decided against publicly condemning the Russia vote, coming as it did amid the two countries' fragile relations stemming from an incident in September when Russia blamed Israel for Syria accidentally downing a Russian military aircraft, killing 15 people. The plane was hit during an Israeli aerial attack near Latakia. Dec. 26 brought a new round of criticism from Russia following an Israeli air strike on Damascus that Moscow said endangered civilian flights trying to land in Damascus and Beirut. In November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin met briefly in Paris at a World War I-related event. About a week before Lavrov spoke with Maliki, the Russian foreign minister had hosted Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog in Moscow. While there, Herzog delivered an invitation to Putin from Israeli President Reuven Rivlin about a visit to Jerusalem in 2020, during a conference dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz from the Nazis by Soviet troops. The occasion itself and Putins focus on acknowledgment of the Soviet role in World War II would make it difficult for the Russian president to decline the invitation. At Lavrov's meeting with Maliki, the Russian foreign minister voiced his readiness to organize talks in Russia between the rival Palestinian parties. Even if such talks were to take place, they would be quite challenging, as evidenced by Cairo not being able to get Hamas and Fatah to respect past reconciliation agreements. Moscow is unlikely to suggest anything different from what Egypt has already tried. Moreover, Russia has no intention of bearing the brunt of sole responsibility for any inter-Palestinian or Israeli-Palestinian settlement. Rather, Moscow stands in solidarity with Cairo with which Moscow sees eye to eye on much of the Middle East and wants to keep abreast of developments in the region's various conflicts and maintain relations with all parties. Russia clearly understands that progress necessitates Palestinian unity, a point Lavrov reiterated to Maliki. ANKARA, Turkey Turkey is going to negotiate with Russia over whether it can march into northern Syria to crush the Kurdish militia as soon as the United States has completed its withdrawal. Russia holds that when the Americans leave, northern Syria should return to the control of the government in Damascus. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, national intelligence chief Hakan Fidan and presidential adviser Ibrahim Kalin will fly to Moscow on Saturday to discuss the issue with their Russian counterparts, Turkish media reported today. Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin are expected to meet at a later date, presumably to finalize the issue, NTV reported. Erdogan has said repeatedly that Turkish forces and their Syrian Arab allies will cross into Syria to clear the militia known as the People's Protection Units (YPG) from the north-central town of Manbij and the northeast region of Hasakah-Qamishli. The Americans have a working relationship with the YPG as it is the principal component in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the main US ally in the battle against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. The SDF drove the IS out of Manbij in 2016 and has run the town, which had a prewar population of 100,000, with US support since. Turkey has long protested the US alliance with the SDF, as the YPG is the sister organization of the Turkish insurgent group, the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. This week the media has shown a flurry of pictures and videos of Turkish tanks, artillery guns and armored personnel carriers heading to the Syrian border by road and rail. Reports say a Turkish ally the Free Syrian Army and the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad are building up their forces on the outskirts of Manbij, ready to dash in as soon as the Americans leave. An essential question arises, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters in Moscow. Who will inherit control of the territories vacated by the Americans? Obviously, that should be the Syrian government, in accordance with international law and considering the path that Syria and the Syrian people have traveled down. A reporter for NTV, Oguz Haksever, gave the Turkish reply when he told viewers, The Russians want the regime to fill the gap, but Ankara thinks that is risky because of the threat of the YPG-PKK. Russia does not regard the YPG as a terrorist group. Its troops in Syria have gotten along with the YPG, whose political wing, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), has offices in Moscow. There are other reasons why Ankara needs to talk with Moscow. When the Americans leave, the airspace of northern Syria will be dominated by the Russian air force, stationed in northwest Syria. Also, when President Donald Trump discussed the prospects of a US withdrawal from Syria with Erdogan in a phone call Dec. 14, Erdogan assured him that Turkish forces could wipe out the remainder of IS. The last pocket of IS territory is in the east-central region of Deir ez-Zor. To reach it, Turkish forces would have to go as far as 200 kilometers (125 miles) into Syria and pass through areas under Syrian government control. It is extremely doubtful that Assads government, riding a wave of victory in the civil war, would allow a column of Turkish tanks or Free Syria Army rebels to penetrate that deep into Syria. All in all, it seems more than likely that when they meet in Moscow this weekend, the Turkish Cabinet ministers will not change Russias opinion about who should fill the gap when the Americans leave, expected in March or April. The Russians will want the Syrian government to take over Manbij and the Hasakah-Qamishli region. And while this would disappoint Erdogan, he is politically capable of getting his voters to accept such a compromise. The Turkish columnist Cengiz Candar wrote in Al-Monitor this week: The deployment of the Syrian army in the Kurdish regions, where there has been self-rule since 2012, is not Turkeys priority, but it is a conclusion that Ankara can live with, as long as Kurdish governance ends on its frontier. What Erdogan cannot live with is criticism from the Turkish intelligentsia. On Thursday, the 11 doctors on the central council of the Turkish Medical Association stood trial in Ankara for making terrorist propaganda and inciting enmity and hatred. When Turkish troops and the Free Syrian Army marched into Afrin in January, the government managed to generate a wave of nationalist support. The ostensible target of the operation was the YPG, but government critics said that what Ankara really sought was to end Kurdish control in northwest Syria. The Turkish Medical Association posted a statement on its website titled War is a public health problem. Each armed conflict, each war, brings human tragedy by causing irremediable problems in terms of physical, mental, social and environmental health. As members of a profession who have taken an oath to save lives, we constantly keep in mind our first and foremost duty is to defend life and to maintain an environment of peace. Two days later Erdogan said the statement was issued by terrorist lovers in a so-called Turkish Medical Association. My citizens have been martyred, the president continued. Have we heard the slightest word (from the TMA) about these terrorist incidents? They are in the same boat. Prosecutors took their cue and today the doctors went on trial. Foremost among them is the TMA chairman, professor Sinan Adiyaman, a surgeon at Ankara University. A similar process occurred this past weekend. Two elderly but well-loved actors, Metin Akpinar and Mujdat Gezen, appeared in a talk show on Halk TV, a pro-opposition channel whose audience is ranked fourth in prime-time viewing. Akpinar, who is 77, said the answer to the strife and polarization in Turkey today was democracy. If we cant reach that point, then perhaps the leader will be hanged from his feet like it happened in all other fascisms of the past Very pointedly, he added that previous Turkish leaders who turned toward Russia had been overthrown by the military, giving prime ministers Adnan Menderes and Suleyman Demirel as examples. Gezen, 75, attacked the president for rebuking everybody. He calls on people to know their limits. Look, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, you cannot test our patriotism. You should know your limit, Gezen said. The program was broadcast Friday. Erdogan reacted Sunday, and hours later Istanbul prosecutors who dont usually work on Sundays declared they were investigating the actors for insulting and threatening the president. Erdogan said in a speech, They say they will take me to the gallows. These are so-called artists. You think you can hang the president of this country? Now go and pay your price at the judiciary. Turkey is already known for having more journalists in jail than any other country in the world. The government argues that because the journalists face charges such as making terrorist propaganda, they are actually criminals rather than journalists. Journalists, doctors, actors the prosecutors net widens. And it seems strangely at odds with Erdogans having been re-elected with 52.6% of the vote in June, and his Justice and Development Partys (AKP) having a commanding position in parliament. Erdogan knows that [Akpinar and Gezen] have no influence on AKP voters, Meral Cildir, an executive of the Human Rights Association, told Al-Monitor, but he believes it is useful to threaten everybody in the country. By doing this to 70-year-old actors and comedians, the government is creating an atmosphere of general fear. People will say 'If it can happen to them, it can happen to me as well,' Cildir said. CAIRO The Egyptian governments repeated pledges for action to preserve the countrys Jewish heritage have started yielding fruit, the head of the countrys miniscule Jewish community told Al-Monitor. The government is getting really serious about Jewish heritage, said Magda Haroun, head of the Jewish community in Cairo and president of the Drop of Milk association. She explained that the governments registration of Jewish artifacts and other valuable pieces in Egyptian synagogues will help prevent them from being damaged, lost or stolen. Earlier in December, the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities announced it had registered 500 Jewish artifacts collected from the countrys synagogues. Haroun said that the artifacts, which have been carefully inventoried since July, include some valuable candlesticks, cups, chandeliers and lamps. We are now in talks with the Ministry of Culture to turn Jewish synagogues into cultural centers and we are also planning to cooperate to restore Jewish cemeteries, Haroun said. She has long advocated opening up the synagogues to the public to keep Jewish heritage alive in Egypt. In September 2017, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced that the state had allocated 1.27 billion Egyptian pounds ($71 million) to restore eight archaeological sites in Egypt, including in Alexandrias Eliyahu Hanavi, the countrys oldest synagogue, which dates to the 14th century. On Dec. 9, Minister of Antiquities Khaled el-Anani said that Jewish heritage restoration is one of the priorities of the government just like Pharaonic, Roman, Islamic and Coptic heritage. These are big moves that have long been delayed, Egyptian archaeologist Ali Abu Dasheesh told Al-Monitor. Abu Dasheesh called Egypt's Jewish heritage an abandoned golden goose. This heritage is part of Egyptian history. However, it is neither well preserved nor well utilized, he noted. Abu Dasheesh said that the registry of Jewish artifacts and restorations, beginning with the Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue in Alexandria, signal a significant shift in the governments approach. I think that the Egyptian government is now adamant about renovating synagogues and Jewish sites, he said, pointing out that about 60% of the restoration work on Eliyahu Hanavi had been completed. These are real steps that are moving forward in contrast with previous governments that announced plans and paid lip service without implementing anything on the ground," he said, adding that the current leadership is fully aware of the importance of Jewish heritage. "It will not only send a message about tolerance and acceptance of others, it could also be used as a way of attracting more tourists to Egypt and therefore boost the Egyptian economy," he explained. According to Drop of Milk, there are 19 synagogues in the Egyptian governorates of Cairo, Alexandria and Gharbia. The capital Cairo alone has 11 synagogues, some in poor condition. One of the most prominent synagogues, Shaar Hashamayim literally Gate of Heaven on Adli Street is the venue for most of the activities of the small community in the capital. Haroun invited a group of Jews, Christians and Muslims to mark the Jewish festival of Hanukkah in a joint celebration at the downtown synagogue Dec. 6. We have a vast heritage and as an individual I am not worried about it because the youth of Egypt will preserve it, Haroun said during the first-ever such ceremony. The event was attended by members of Drop of Milk and a 24-member American Jewish delegation as well as Egyptians interested in Jewish heritage. Drop of Milk has started to renovate some synagogues itself. We renovated the Meir'enaim Synagogue in Maadi and Vitali Madjar in Cairo to be used for cultural activities. We also equipped the Maadi Synagogue for theater and musical performances, Haroun said. Egyptian economists believe that promoting Jewish heritage can increase the countrys tourism revenues and thus bolster the national economy. Opening Jewish sites to tourists and local visitors can provide additional revenues for the government, Ahmed el-Shami, an economist and professor of feasibility studies at Ain Shams University, told Al-Monitor. Jews from all over the world can come and visit Egypt to see its Jewish heritage if it is well preserved and promoted, he added. Ahmed Ismail, a middle-aged Muslim engineer in Cairo, said that he has always wanted to get to know Jewish culture and traditions. He explained to Al-Monitor, But in Egypt we are not exposed much to this culture. I think that restoring Jewish heritage and opening synagogues to the public whether they are Muslims or Christians or Jews would foster values of tolerance and acceptance of the other in the Egyptian society. In the past, we used to face the challenge of a lack of awareness about Jewish heritage. Now, this challenge is disappearing at the government and public levels, Haroun concluded. By Bart Barnes Oatsie Charles, who died Dec. 5 at age 99, was among the last of the grande dames of Georgetown and Newport, R.I., a socialite whose circle of friends included the prominent, the wealthy, the literati and the glitterati. She broke bread with President John F. Kennedy and drank with spy novelist Ian Fleming. Over bourbon whiskey and sugar cubes, theater star Tallulah Bankhead - who, like Charles, had Alabama roots - counseled her on the techniques of sex and the expectations of the bridal bedroom on the eve of her wedding. She taught me the facts of life, Charles said years later in an interview for photographer Bruce Webers All-American arts journal series. A paragon of hostesses to the powerful and influential, she was the last survivor of a Washington quintet that also included Susan Mary Alsop, Evangeline Bruce, Pamela Harriman and Katharine Graham, the last a Georgetown neighbor of Charles on R Street NW and the onetime publisher of The Washington Post. Charles served on the board of directors of the charitable foundation of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, a Newport neighbor. She was a frequent luncheon companion of first lady Nancy Reagan, fashion designer Bill Blass and authors Truman Capote and Gore Vidal. Charles was a tart-tongued Southerner, born into wealth and status, and she married into more wealth and status, with multiple homes and multiple servants. She had one daughter. But, she told Womens Wear Daily, I never changed a diaper. Never. Later generations left her wondering, How can young people do it all without help? According to her grandson, Desmond Butler, she died of chronic kidney disease at her home in Newport, the historic seaside vacation capital of the nations business and financial elite, where 70-room houses were routinely referred to as cottages. Newport is a place where you go to be naughty, Charles was widely quoted as having said. She lived for years in the Newport mansion that once belonged to Edith Wharton, the novelist of the moneyed class of American aristocracy. Several years ago, she turned the main house over to her daughter and moved into a remodeled garage on the estate. It was an eight-car garage. Marion Saffold Oates was born on Sept. 29, 1919, in Montgomery, Ala. Her grandfather, William C. Oates, was a colonel in the Confederate army during the Civil War. At Gettysburg in 1863, Oates led a failed assault on Little Round Top that helped turn the tide of the battle in the Unions favor. A year later, he lost his right arm in fighting near Petersburg, Va. After the war, he served seven terms in Congress and then was Alabamas governor from 1894 to 1896. He then practiced law with his son, Oatsies father. She was raised from birth to be a society hostess and attended the Margaret Booth School for girls in Montgomery, where her distaste for math, she said, provoked no concern. I was told I didnt have to take mathematics because Id never need them, she recalled to author Bob Colacello for the All-American interview. Oatsie went to a boarding school in Brussels and then to an all-girls Catholic school in Bavaria after the Nazis rose to power in Germany. There was a picture of Hitler in every classroom, but the image was turned to face the wall. Whenever a Nazi officer visited, the school bell was rung in a special way, and one of the girls would turn the picture around. Back in the United States, she settled in New York, where she was a debutante at a lavish ball covered by Life magazine. She was a brunette with captivating brown eyes that were sometimes referred to by friends as high beams. In 1942, she married Thomas Leiter, the grandson of a Chicago real estate and retail baron and the son of a businessman who once tried to corner the U.S. wheat market. They lived in Washington in what was said to have been a most glorious apartment built inside what had been the horse stables of the Leiter family mansion near Dupont Circle. During World War II, she made a passing acquaintance of Fleming, the future author of the James Bond British spy novels. They met again in Jamaica in the winter of 1949 during the social season there. Id gone to a party, and a great friend of mine was very much in love with Ian, or thought she was, she recounted to a Fleming website. "And he was treating her in the most atrocious way. And with the arrogance of youth, I walked up to Mr. Fleming when I was introduced to him and said, Mr. Fleming, I consider youre a cad. "And he looked at me and said, Mrs. Leiter, youre indeed right. Shall we have a drink on it? " She said she was taken aback by his charm, and they became friends. When Fleming published his first Bond novel, Casino Royale, in 1953, he partially named the CIA agent, Felix Leiter, after her husband. Through neighbors in Newport, the socially prominent Auchincloss family, she became friendly with then-Sen. John F. Kennedy, D-Mass., and his wife, Jacqueline. In 1954, when the future president was hospitalized after having had back surgery, he phoned her. Oates, Im sick, the Fleming website quoted Kennedy as having said. Have you got anything to read? She sent him a copy of Casino Royale, which he loved. A few years later, she was encouraged to bring Fleming, then visiting Washington, to the Kennedy house for dinner. A year later, after Kennedys inauguration, Life magazine published a story on the presidents reading habits, reporting, He has a weakness for detective stories, especially those of the British author Ian Fleming and his fictitious undercover man, James Bond. There was an immediate spike in sales of Flemings Bond novels in the United States. Her marriage to Leiter ended in divorce. In 1968, she married Robert H. Charles, an assistant secretary of the Air Force. He died in 2000. There will be a graveside service for Oatsie Charles at 11 a.m. on Jan. 5 at the Governor Oates monument in Montgomerys Oakwood Cemetery. It will be followed by a reception. St. Johns Episcopal Church in Montgomery is hosting the ceremony at the cemetery. Charless survivors include her daughter, Victoria Leiter Mele of Newport; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. In 2007, Charles sold her home on R Street in Georgetown for $7 million and moved full-time to Newport. At a luncheon there not long after, she offered a glass of wine to a journalist. He declined, saying he was working. You mean you cant drink and work? she said. Thank God I never had to work. Democrats have a political incentive to reach an agreement with President Donald Trump over the construction of a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne said Wednesday. Byrnes comments come as recent polling suggests that slightly less than half of Americans believe President Donald Trump is at least somewhat responsible for the shutdown, and as Republican analysts like Karl Rove say that Democrats have no incentive whatsoever to negotiate for the construction of a wall. The commenting comes on the fifth day of a government shutdown that is based on Trumps wishes to add $5 billion for border security and wall funding. Democratic leaders support $1.3 billion for border security that does not include the construction of a wall. The longer this plays out, this is something that may bite them, Byrne said while speaking to the media outside of Daphne City Hall. I would think there is a political incentive to do that. Put yourself in their shoes, wouldnt they not want to deal with an issue holding over from the old Congress? I got to believe there are people in their rank and file who want to get this over with as well. Polling shows that Americans are more likely to blame Trump and the Republicans for the shutdown. According to a USA Today/Suffolk University poll taken ahead of Fridays shutdown, 43 percent of respondents say they would blame the president and the GOP, while 24 percent would hold congressional Democrats responsible. That poll was recited by Rove, the former White House deputy chief of staff under President George W. Bush, during an appearance on Fox News Monday. Rove said Trump hurt himself by making comments about owning the government shutdown when he met with incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer during a televised encounter December 11 inside the Oval Office. They want him to suffer a political wound, Rove said. Byrne, who is weighing a 2020 run against Democratic Senator Doug Jones, said hes supportive of Trumps approach in negotiations with Pelosi and Schumer. Said Byrne, Hes willing to take less than $5 billion and has said, come sit with me and lets negotiate this out. Senator Schumers position is I wont negotiate with you. I dont know what more the president can do other than to say, come negotiate with me. He doesnt have a good negotiating partner on the other side. Democrats believe they have polling on their side when it comes to opposing the border wall. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, called the backing to secure $5 billion for the wall something that the American public does not want. Her office, in a news release, cited a November 2016 Gallup analysis which showed 57 percent of the American public opposed construction of walls along the nations Southern border. Republicans, overall, favor the wall and a recent Morning Consult/Politico poll showed that 60 percent of GOP voters believe its important enough to shut down the government. Byrne, and other Alabama Republicans like Rep. Mo Brooks of Huntsville, supported a House-approved measure to dedicate $5.7 billion of federal funding for a border wall. The measure, however, did not clear the Senate where 60 votes are required to pass legislation and where nine Democrats would need to back the funding. To threaten thousands of workers and shut down the government before the holiday is just wrong," Jones said last week before the government shutdown. He called Trumps position against the wall as a political ploy." Said Jones, " We should not be shutting down the government on this type of issue. More than 40 residents of Fairfield gathered outside the citys Jerry D. Coleman Community Center to pray for the health of former Fairfield and Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford and for Langford to return home from a federal prison, where he was denied compassionate release despite being in failing health. Fairfield residents pray for the health and release of Larry Langford outside the Fairfield Community Center. We want him to make sure that he knows and his family knows that the citizens of Fairfield are here to lift him up, said Fairfield City Council President Eddie Penny. Langford is serving 15 years on bribery and public corruption charges at a Kentucky federal prison stemming from his tenure as mayor of Birmingham. He is not due to be released until May 2023, but his attorney said Langford became critically ill earlier this week and was denied compassionate release last month. Fairfield residents who attended the prayer vigil focused on the positives of Langfords public service to the city. Cynthia Cooper said she supported Langford through his legal troubles because she could never forget how the then-Fairfield mayor personally endorsed her bid to run a daycare at her home after being denied twice by the citys zoning board. Every time one of my friends do something that I dont agree with or maybe agree with, am I going to kick them to the curb? No, because God forgave me one day of my sins and I know he wouldnt do less for Larry than he did for me, she said. Cooper said she was asking God to just bring him home. If you see fit that his time is near, bring him home so we can be there to tell him thank you for one more time. The Rev. O.C. Odom of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Fairfield led the vigil in prayer. He also said that Langford called him Tuesday night and that he FaceTimed and prayed with Langford. He was very upbeat, Odom said, adding that he also talked to Langfords family Wednesday morning and Langfords wife said he was in a similar mood in the morning. A female Langford family member said the former Fairfield mayor would be joyfully pleased at the prayer vigil. Of the Federal Bureau of Prisons decision not to grant Langford compassionate release, she said, This has been something that is really heartbreaking for us because he really wants to come home. He said that if the hatred is that strong, maybe he shouldnt be there. But he loved each and every one of you. Langfords attorney, Tiffany Johnson Cole, said he held out hope that he could return to Alabama. At the end of the day, God has the final say so, she said, and its our hope that something changes. A newly released study shows that Alabama students who attend the states First Class Pre-K program are more likely to be proficient in reading and math in later grades. The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education released the results of the study from researchers at the UAB School of Public Health, UAB School of Education and the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. The study tracked about 39,000 students who attended First Class Pre-K between 2009 and 2014. Researchers examined their performance on the state assessment tests, called ACT Aspire, in 2014-2015, 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. Compared to the 567,000 students who did not attend First Class Pre-K, the former First Class Pre-K students were 1.6 percent more likely to be rated proficient in reading at 3.2 percent more likely to be proficient in math. Previous reports had shown that First Class Pre-K participants fared better on assessments after entering school. The new report says research has suggested that the benefits of some prekindergarten programs tend to fade as students get older. But in this study, researchers reported they saw no indication of that. Read more about the study. Alabamas First Class pre-kindergarten program started in 2000 and operates in public schools, private schools, child care centers, faith-based centers, Head Start programs, military child care centers and in other settings. The state funds the programs with competitive grants that require a local match. The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education opened the grant application process for the 2019-2020 school year on Wednesday. The process remains open until March 19. Read more about the grant process. The National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University has recognized Alabamas First Class Pre-K for its quality standards for the last 12 years. First Class Pre-K has consistently met the institutes benchmarks in categories like teacher qualifications, class sizes and effective curriculum. The voluntary program for 4-year-olds has grown over the last few years with increased funding. This year it was available to about one-third of the states 4-year-olds, according to the Alabama School Readiness Alliance, which promotes the program. The Legislature provided $96 million this year, an $18.5 million increase over last year. The niece of Larry Langford is reaching out to TV reality star Kim Kardashian West in hopes she can help get the ailing former Birmingham mayor released from federal prison before he dies. Beverly Lillian Langford, niece of the 72-year-old federal inmate, sent out a tweet Thursday to Kardashian West asking her to intercede on his behalf. Im praying with all my heart that this works. Im sorry to bother you Mrs. West. Im hoping you get this in time. My name is Beverly Langford. Im from Birmingham, Al. My uncle Larry Langford is dying in federal prison. Help for compassionate release please. The plea isnt without precedence. Kardashian West earlier this year met with President Trump on behalf of Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year-old woman who spent more than two decades serving life without parole. On June 6, 2018, following Kardashians appeal, Trump commuted Johnsons sentence, and Johnson was released. The commutation was one of a series of acts of clemency made by Trump in a few high-profile cases brought to him by associates and allies. She was released hours after the White House announced that Trump had commuted her sentence, running from the federal prison in Aliceville, Alabama, to greet her family with her arms opened wide for a group hug. Langford is in critical condition, and the family has been called to the federal prison in Kentucky where he is serving 15 years for bribery and public corruption, according to Langfords attorney Tiffany Johnson Cole. He was sentenced in 2010 and is not scheduled to be released until May 1, 2023. His attorney said Langford became critically ill earlier this week. "We were told he may not last through the end of the week, " Johnson Cole said. @KimKardashian Im praying with all my heart that this works. Im sorry to bother you Mrs. West. Im hoping that you get this in time. My name is Beverly Langford. Im from Birmingham, Al. My uncle Larry Langford is dying in federal prison. Help for compassionate release please? Beverly Langford (@Cornerstone2926) December 27, 2018 In November, Langford was denied a compassionate release by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In the denial, the bureau detailed the extent of Langfords deteriorating health, yet somehow asserted that he posed a danger to the safety of the community. In a document obtained by AL.com, the bureau said: Mayor Langford...has a history of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and and emphysema. pulmonary hypertension, right-heart failure, sickle-cell trait, plantar fascial fibromatosis, bursitis, esophageal reflux, dysphagia, hypertension, sensorineural hearing loss, pterygium and anemia. He was issued an oxygen concentrator and nebulizer and ambulates with the use of a wheelchair....However...his release at this time would minimize the severity of his offense and pose a danger to the safety of the community. Efforts, led by Alabama state Representative Juandalynn Givan, have been made to reach out to President Trump to obtain executive clemency for the former Fairfield and Birmingham mayor. Langfords niece told AL.com Thursday the family has not yet received a response from the Trump administration on their requests. But we are hopeful still and believe that somehow help will come, she said. Beverly Langford said they are hoping Kardashian West will help them. We believe that Mrs. West may be a voice that can reach the president sooner. Due to my uncles critical condition, we are in a race for time, she said. Trying to reach out to Mrs. West is out of desperation at this point. We know that she has had favor with the president before, she said. We are praying that she will consider speaking to the president once more. Langfords other family provided this statement: We have sent direct messages to people working in the White House and are working with as many state and federal officials as possible. The hope is that all efforts, including those that may be non traditional will work together for the good of the cause. Customers of a North Alabama business are demanding answer on Christmas gifts they say werent delivered. The Facebook page Redline Steel Rip Off has picked up more than 170 followers in recent days, many complaining the orders they placed with guaranteed Christmas delivery never arrived. The orders included home decor items from Redline Steel in Tanner, which produces all kinds of home wall decorations made from steel, wood and canvas. The company, owned by military veteran turned fitness model and entrepreneur Colin Wayne Erwin, also operates Redline Candles and Redline Canvas. All of the companies are frequent advertisers on social media. Absolute disappointment. Placed order Nov. 16 and still have not received confirmation of order being sent, one reviewer said. This was a Christmas gift that unfortunately will never make it. And the order was assured to be delivered by Christmas for any order placed before Dec. 5. Redline failed all around. Other complaints cited similar delays and lack of information on orders as well as difficulty receiving refunds. Some customers were also sent an email shortly before Christmas saying Redline highly advised customers to have a backup gift readily available" in case their orders didnt arrive. In the last four days, Redline has picked up numerous poor reviews on Google, as well as customers who said theyve made complaints to the Better Business Bureau and Alabama Attorney Generals Office. The companys Facebook page is no longer accessible and Redlines order inquiry phone line said the company is no longer accepting calls. In a Thursday morning interview with AL.com, Erwin said the company is committed to doing everything it can to rectify the situation. We are actively working to make this right. We made an error and we are correcting this error and making refunds, Erwin said. Erwin said all customers who ordered before Dec. 5 are being offered a full refund. All orders will be filled, he said, unless customers ask for their money back. Other customers will be offered gift cards and Redline has has created a customer complaint form that you can access here. Erwin said his company has experienced rapid growth in the past three years and aims to be a contributing member of the business community. He said many of the complaints on the Facebook page and other reviews come not from customers but from competitors and former employees and that most of their buyers understand the challenges of a growing business. Its really the loud 1 percent. They 99 percent they understand we are a small growing business. With all growing businesses there are hiccups along the way. Were really trying, Erwin said. In an online video posted shortly before Christmas, Erwin, who also goes by the name Colin Wayne, said the company is receiving about 30,000 emails a week and is rightfully getting beat up. Were going to be late on a lot of peoples orders against my will, Erwin said, adding a key piece of equipment failed, delaying manufacturing. Were not trying to avoid anybody. I can assure you my team is working around the clock. Please be patient. This isnt the first time concerns have been raised about the company. In December 2017, the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama issued an alert about the company, citing 132 reportable complaints and 89 negative customer reviews from 34 states. Most of the complaints were due to delivery issues, BBB said. Story updated Dec. 27 at 10:30 a.m. to include comments from Colin Wayne Erwin. The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating an increased number of suspected hepatitis A cases in northeast Alabama. The outbreak is feared in Jackson County, but officials say it may have spread to surrounding counties, according to a statement issued Wednesday. We are in the early stages of this investigation, but we need to make sure everyone knows the importance of getting vaccinated and taking health precautions including good hand-washing, said Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers. After exposure, symptoms may not appear until 15 to 50 days later. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or jaundice. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. Persons at highest risk for hepatitis A include users of illegal substances, homeless persons and men with same sex partners. Here are some ways to prevent the spread and exposure to hepatitis A: Get vaccinated. Wash hands after using the bathroom, before preparing or eating meals, and after touching anything unclean. Do not share food, drinks, eating utensils, cigarettes, towels, toothbrushes or drug paraphernalia. For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/assets/hepatitisaflyer.pdf or contact the ADPH Immunization Division at (334) 206-5023 or toll free at 800-469-4599. President Trump and first lady Melania Trumps surprise holiday visit to Iraq had a dose of University of Alabama spirit. Photos posted to the Facebook page of the 375th Engineer Company out of Huntsville shows the soldiers posing with the president and first lady with a University of Alabama flag. A video released by the White House shows the president signing the flag. Congrats to our guys who got to meet the President Trump and our first lady Posted by 375th Engineer Company Knights on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 .@FLOTUS Melania and I were honored to visit our incredible troops at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq. GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.! pic.twitter.com/rDlhITDvm1 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 26, 2018 The Trumps made a previously unannounced visit to Iraq on Wednesday. Speaking at Al Asad Air Base, the president praised the troops for their service and said theyve helped elevate Americas status in the world. Were no longer the suckers, folks. And people arent looking at us as suckers, Trump said. The president later tweeted he and the first lady were honored to visit our incredible troops at Al Assad Air Base in Iraq. Police are looking for a suspect in an early-morning shooting that sent a man to Huntsville Hospital in critical condition. The shooting happened just after 3:30 a.m. at Ashford Terrace Apartments on Wynn Drive. The apartments are northwest of the intersection at Sparkman and University drives. A 27-year-old man was in critical condition and going into surgery, according to police. The suspect is an unidentified black man who was wearing a red hoodie and black jeans, Lt. Michael Johnson said. The injured man told officers he was in his girlfriends car when he picked up an unknown male at a nearby gas station and agreed to drive the male to an undisclosed location, according to a police report. The injured man told police his girlfriend needed her car back to go to work, so he and the unknown male headed to the apartments on Wynn, the report states. According to the report, the suspect refused to leave after an argument broke out. The Victim stated that he told the Offender that he wasnt going to drive him anymore, the police report says. They began to argue and thats when the Offender shot the Victim and fled on foot from the area. Police searched for the suspect with a K9 team. Anyone with information can contact Huntsville police at 256-722-7100. A search is underway for a man suspected in holdups at two Birmingham businesses. Birmingham police on Thursday released surveillance photos of the suspect. They are asking for the publics help identifying him. The first robbery happened Monday, Dec. 10, about 4:30 p.m. Sgt. Johnny Williams said officers from the East Precinct responded to the ABC store located at 7600 Crestwood Boulevard to investigate a report of a robbery. Officers arrived to find the suspect had entered the business and took several bottles of alcohol. While fleeing, the suspect threatened to shoot the cashier. Birmingham police are trying to identify a man who is suspected in holdups at an ABC Store and a Hibbett's. On Monday, Dec. 24, there was a robbery at Hibbetts in the 300 block of Palisades Boulevard. South Precinct officers responded to the store. Workers told police the suspect took several clothing items and again threatened to shoot the employees. Anyone with information on the suspects identity is asked to call robbery detectives at 205-254-1753, Tipster can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. If the tip to Crime Stoppers leads to an arrest, Crime Stoppers will provide a cash reward. A group of young people in Indian-administered Kashmir start wall where residents can donate clothes for those in need. Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir A sweater hanging on a fence in Indian-administered Kashmirs Srinagar caught Ali Mohammads attention. It was a cold day, the start of Kashmirs harsh winter, and most people were bundled in a traditional Pheran, a thick cloak worn by Kashmiris to stay warm. Mohammad, who was in his 60s, walked up to those standing nearby. Son, how much for this sweater, Mohammad said. Uncle, these are not for sale, but they are free for anyone in need, a young man replied. Mohammed, surprised, said: Who can be needier than me? His eyes began to water. I have three daughters with no source of income at all, I am very poor. Mohammad then picked out a jacket, other sweaters and shoes before leaving with a smile. It is really good to have clothes here, he said. People like me [now] dont need to buy the clothes this winter. May God bless those who contribute these items. In Srinagar, a young Kashmiri man hangs clothes for people in need [Sameer Mushtaq/Al Jazeera] The wall of clothes is part of a new initiative called the Wall of Kindness, started by a group of young people who took inspiration from similar experiments in Iran and Turkey. There are many needy people who dont have warm clothes to wear as there is the sub-zero temperature in Kashmir these days, said Abrar Ali, one of the organisers. After this wall got fame over social media we have witnessed many people contributing wholeheartedly, he told Al Jazeera. We wanted the message to spread across the Kashmiri society and young boys to come forward and establish more walls like this in their localities and I think we are successful. Harsh winter The Wall of Kindness initiative is particularly well timed. Kashmirs harshest winter period, known as Chilai Kalan, began on December 21 and will last through the end of January. Temperatures can dip as low as minus eight degrees and heavy snow is common. According to the 2014-2015 economic report by the government of Jammu & Kashmir, about 21.6 percent of Kashmiris live below the poverty line. Many simply cannot afford the clothes needed for the winter. The success of the wall in Srinagar has inspired young people in other parts of the Kashmir Valley to undertake similar experiments. Places like Budgam in central Kashmir, Baramulla in the north and Anantnag in the south now have similar walls. We felt this is a good move to serve the humanity, Jasif Mir, one of the volunteers in Anantang told Al Jazeera. Inspired by the Srinagars Wall of Kindness, young boys established similar wall in Anantnag, South Kashmir [Sameer Mushtaq/Al Jazeera] Some hope to see the initiative expand even further. These units should be established in educational institutions like colleges and universities, where students or outsiders can contribute books or electronic items like used laptops and mobile phones for students who come from low-income groups, said Zareef Ahmad Zareef, a famous poet and social activist. But some pointed out the limitations of such projections. Kashmiris have been already donating silently, said Yusuf Jameel, a journalist based in Srinagar. Take the example of floods of 2014 or at the time of any natural calamity, people have helped each other open-heartedly, he told Al Jazeera. This wall is a good inspirational move, but not many poor people can go and take these items openly. Despite the limitations, Ali, the volunteer in Srinagar, said the group plans to set up more walls throughout the city. He, like many of those who have supported the wall, has been inspired by the number of people who have turned out to donate. Among them is Fida Hussain who contributed jackers and footwear. I felt satisfied to see that people are coming to taking the clothes from the wall, he said, adding it is the best way to help needy people who suffer due to the cold. Its 4am in a tiny village in the province of Reggio Emilia and 38-year-old Kloty Jaswantsing is already working hard on the farm. He feeds the cows. He milks the cows. He cleans the cows. Twice a day, every day. A decade ago, when Jaswantsing imagined his future, he saw himself working as a computer engineer in his native Punjab province in India. But at home, there are more computer engineers than there are jobs. Others from his village had already made their way to Italy they said the pristine farms along the Po Valley looked just like home. The difference was that in Italy there was work and the possibility to provide some financial security for his wife and two daughters, now aged eight and 11. So, eight years ago, Jaswantsing followed the Sikh Road to Italy to work in the milk factories. He arrived at the Catellani Gianni Farm in the village of Masone. 180816105826047 At first, the language and culture felt unfamiliar. But Jaswantsing was determined to learn both. For years, he toiled on the farm while his family remained in India. It was a difficult time. But six months ago, his wife and daughters joined him in Italy. Now, his children attend the local school and Jaswantsing says he feels as though he has finally established a sense of home. Jaswantsing and his family are part of a growing community from India who now reside in the Parma and Reggio Emilia regions of Italy, aptly named the Food Valley. The migration of Indians to the area began in the 1980s and has continued ever since. Now, more than 45,000 of the roughly 170,000 Indians who live in Italy work in 4,000 Food Valley farms and cheese factories. They work closely with their Italian coworkers and many Italian cheese-makers say they admire the newcomers work ethic and their affinity for the livestock. The flat plains with their sweltering summers have become home and the Italian villagers have become their neighbours. In breaks from work, they play cards together at the village bar and discuss local news stories. During traditional village parties, they celebrate together. But now, with xenophobia rising across much of Europe, Jaswantsing and his compatriots worry that their close ties to the local community and their years of hard work may be at risk. They read about the wave of populism sweeping through Italy and, although it hasnt reached their villages, they worry about what might happen if it does. Still, Jaswantsing says there is a part of him that refuses not to hope for the best and which believes he and his family will primarily be judged on how hard they work. We are an honest family and we are [here] to work and to integrate in[to] this small community, he says. The fear of growing racism and xenophobia is just as real for Indians who migrated to Italy decades ago and now have Italian citizenship. Before he came to Italy, Lal Madan, 57, was a farmer in Punjab. He now works on a farm in the village of Gainago Torrile in Parma province. For decades, he and his wife Kumari Sudesh, 46, have worked 365 days a year as cheese-makers. Their 20-year-old son has followed in their footsteps. Madan says he is proud to make Parmesan cheese and that it has taken him more than 20 years to learn how. People eat this cheese in every corner of the planet, he says proudly. But working in a small traditional Parmesan cheese factory is not easy. The factory where he works produces 5,000 handmade wheels of Parmesan cheese each year and there is no time for a vacation. But the payoff is that everyone in his family now has an Italian passport. Madan shares a similar view on the challenges facing Italy as many of his Italian-born neighbours. Taxes, he says, are too high and he worries that the continuing migration to Italy may upset Italians. But what concerns Madan the most is that racism and xenophobia are on the rise not only in Italy but across Europe. While some like Madan and Jaswantsing are nervous, many newer arrivals say they are willing to risk racism and discrimination if it means a future in Europe. Sinsh Gursharn, 25, arrived in Italy a year ago. He now lives in Sant Ilario in Reggio Emilia and drives 60km to work his 10-hour shift at a cheese factory seven days a week. While he hears about xenophobia and populism on the local news, he says no news is bad enough to deter him from his objective: for him and his wife to be able to have a baby, buy a house and live their Italian dream. Across Europe, the far right is on the rise and it has some of the continents most diverse communities in its crosshairs. To the far right, these neighbourhoods are no-go zones that challenge their notion of what it means to be European. To those who live in them, they are Europe. Watch them tell their stories in This is Europe. The year 2018 is about to end with seemingly little having been achieved to resolve major crises around the world. Syrians continued to try to flee their country as conflict raged on. Over the summer, millions faced a potential offensive on Idlib province, which could have resulted in a major humanitarian catastrophe. In Africa, South Sudans peace deal sparked a moment of joy for civilians, but its provisions are yet to be implemented. Further east in Bangladesh, close to a million Rohingya refugees were trapped in limbo, too scared of persecution to return to Myanmar. The year also witnessed large waves of people forced to flee their homes in Ethiopia, Venezuela, Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). And as we look ahead into 2019, there are at least three major crises that are likely to get a lot worse. Continuing displacement in Cameroon For a long time, Cameroon has been providing a safe haven for people fleeing conflicts in neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR) and Nigeria, but the country has its own simmering crisis. Several armed groups have sprung up to fight for independence in English-speaking parts of Cameroon since October 2017, which has resulted in severe security clampdowns in these areas. The situation deteriorated rapidly during the last six months, partly because of the 2018 presidential elections and movement restrictions on civilians. The displacement of more than 400,000 people attracted little international media attention and there was little diplomatic effort to ease the tensions. A disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration committee has been set up by the Cameroonian government, and a presidential decree has been issued authorising the release of some people detained during the clashes. But the upcoming local elections in 2019 could see the crisis escalate further. It could also spill over to neighbouring Nigeria a dreadful scenario. At the same time, given that Cameroon is not identified as a hotspot by the international community, little funding will be committed to addressing the crisis, which would affect not only Cameroonians but also displaced people from CAR and northeast Nigeria. Yemens looming famine This year saw the war in Yemen hammer civilians harder than ever, after three years of armed conflict had already decimated infrastructure, public services and uprooted two million people from their homes. We, the agencies on the ground in Yemen, warn collectively of an impending famine. This mass starvation will not be caused by failed harvests or natural disasters. In Yemen, civilians are being slowly starved to death by a man-made catastrophe. The warfare, access restrictions and sanctions imposed on the civilian population by the warring parties and the nations propping them are solely to blame. Peace talks in Stockholm earlier this month led to a long overdue ceasefire agreement for the crucial port city of Hodeidah. However, millions of women, men and children in dire need are yet to see the effects of the agreements on the ground in Yemen, where clashes are still ongoing. The UK, United States, France, Iran and other powers that support parties to the conflict in Yemens must use their influence to bring about a permanent end to the violence. Parties to this conflict already have blood on their hands. Next year, they risk bearing responsibility for a famine that could affect millions, if the agreements made in Stockholm are not put into effect immediately. The DRCs forgotten crisis The Democratic Republic of the Congo saw pockets of insecurity spread like wildfire to entire regions in 2018. Inter-communal violence escalated in the previously peaceful province of Ituri. Countless armed groups continue to fight each other and attack civilians in the east and central parts of this vast country. In the few cases when families were able to return to their homes, they face such destruction that they need aid to survive. In addition to spiralling violence, hunger levels soared this year. In 2018, DRC saw a 100 percent increase in food insecurity compared with 2017. Global attention will momentarily shift to the troubled nation on December 30 as the Congolese people head to the polls to elect a new president, but the country will not stay under the media spotlight for long. The DRCs mega-crisis is likely to go largely underreported in 2019, as the situation continues to deteriorate. Countless more people will edge towards starvation. Unless violence and displacement end and the humanitarian response is strengthened, many parents will watch their children die from malnutrition and preventable diseases. Humanitarian aid can somewhat alleviate the suffering of Congolese, Yemeni and Cameroonian people, but only if donor countries step up their funding and warring factions give us access to communities caught up in conflict. That said, only political solutions to these conflicts can really prevent the impending human catastrophes. It is unthinkable that so many people can starve to death in a world that has the means and the technology to feed everyone. These are all preventable deaths in a world of plenty and it will weigh on our conscience if we dont prevent them. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Last week marked the 153rd anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1865. Rightly celebrated as a milestone for the black American community, the 13th Amendment led to the eventual liberation of all African Americans enslaved in the United States of the late 19th century. But the 13th Amendment did not free all black enslaved people in the boundaries of modern-day US. Members of five Native American nations, the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole Nations (known as the Five Tribes), owned black slaves. Then located outside the territorial boundaries of the US in a region known as Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma), these sovereign nations were not affected by proclamations or constitutional amendments. Instead, separate treaties had to be made between the US and these Native American nations not only to free enslaved peoples, but also to formally end the American Civil War battles and antagonism between American and Native American troops. The fact that by the time of the Civil War black chattel slavery had been an element of life among the Five Tribes for decades is rarely discussed. It is, however, an important aspect of US history which serves to remind us of the complexity of colonialism, exploitation and victimisation that laid the foundations of our country. Captivity and slavery among Native Americans The indigenous peoples of North America had utilised a form of captive-taking and involuntary labour long before European contact. But this form of bondage was neither trans-generational nor permanent. Captive-taking was most often used to replace a dead loved one within the family with a new person. The captive would then take on this deceased persons sexual or labour-related capacities. Through various avenues, such as sexual relationships, adoption, hard work, military service, or escape, captives could enhance their status or even assume new identities. After European contact in the 1500s, white Europeans persuaded Native Americans to enslave members of other Native American tribes using the European method of slave-trading, which focused on the accumulation of captives for sale and thus, profit, rather than for population augmentation. The Native American slave trade thrived for over a century, but began to be largely phased out in the early to mid-18th century. An important factor in its decline was the Yamasee War of 1715-1717. After colonists in the English colony of Carolina began defaulting on some of their trade agreements and enslaving even members of their ally tribes, the Yamasee Nation began to question its own alliance with Carolina. Along with the Lower Creeks and the Savannahs, the Yamasees declared war on Carolina, killing 400 colonists, approximately seven percent of the white population. The Carolinian colonists put together a force of black slaves, militiamen, volunteers and friendly Native American nations, which defeated the Yamasees and their allies. While the Yamasees lost, they succeeded in forcing European colonists to reconsider the risks inherent in the system of Native American enslavement. If Native Americans became angry at the terms of enslavement or allied Native Americans were accidentally enslaved, they might once again retaliate militarily. In addition, enslaved Native Americans often successfully escaped from their owners, as they were familiar with the geography and could elude slave catchers and return to their homelands. Therefore, after the Yamasee War, the African transatlantic slave trade to the North American colonies drastically increased to account for the loss of Native American slaves. Some members of the Five Tribes became owners of enslaved black women and men themselves, as they increasingly adapted to Euro-American norms, such as style of dress and governmental structure. Beginning in the late 1700s and intensifying in the early 1800s, members of the Five Tribes used enslaved black women and men as domestic and agricultural labourers. For example, Chickasaw planters exported an estimated 1,000 bales of cotton in 1830; this cotton was picked and processed by black slaves. Comparatively, in 1826, the state of Georgia produced 150,000 bales of cotton. In 1860, about 30 years after their removal to Indian Territory from their respective homes in the Southeast, Cherokee Nation citizens owned 2,511 slaves (15 percent of their total population), Choctaw citizens owned 2,349 slaves (14 percent of their total population), and Creek citizens owned 1,532 slaves (10 percent of their total population). Chickasaw citizens owned 975 slaves, which amounted to 18 percent of their total population, a proportion equivalent to that of white slave owners in Tennessee, a former neighbour of the Chickasaw Nation and a large slaveholding state. This made the Chickasaws the largest slave-holding nation of the Five Tribes, in proportion to their population. National laws restricted the movement of enslaved people, preventing them from learning to read and write, and prohibited interracial relationships. However, as in the US, the majority of people in these nations did not own slaves. Large-scale crop production and the system of slavery that made it possible and lucrative were mainly adopted by wealthier Native families, whose prosperity allowed them to influence the political, social, and economic affairs of their nations. Thus, an influential proportion of tribal citizens stood to lose a vital part of their economic resources if emancipation took place. The Five Tribes involved themselves in the Civil War militarily to preserve their practice of slavery and to fight for political autonomy. Members of all nations served on both the Union and Confederate sides of the war, and a number of battles took place within Indian Territory. After the war, the treaties signed between the US and all five of these slaveholding Native American nations, called the Treaties of 1866, ended wartime hostilities and freed and enfranchised people of African descent. These treaties were part of a larger American mission to take over Native American land, and also included land cessions and American settlement and railway construction in Indian Territory. Citizenship rights While the former slaves of the Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, and Choctaw Nations became tribal citizens due to the Treaties of 1866, throughout the 20th century, all of the Five Tribes eventually rescinded the tribal membership of these freedpeople and their descendants. Although their former slaves had lived among them for generations, sharing land, history, and trauma with them, the Five Tribes claimed that they were interlopers who had no place among them because they had no Native ancestry. The descendants of these former slaves fought back, filing several lawsuits. On August 31, 2017, the descendants of people enslaved by members of the Cherokee Nation were victorious. The US District Court in Washington ruled that these descendants should have citizenship rights in the Cherokee Nation. Now the descendants of people enslaved by the Creek Nation have filed a similar suit, hoping to find commensurate validation. So, when we observe and honour the anniversary of the 13th Amendment, let us remember that not all people of African descent had the same experience of freedom. Those African Americans living among western indigenous nations waited until the summer of 1866 to gain their freedom, and even then, they fought to find true liberation from economic, social, and political duress. Just as our current moment sees white and black Americans arguing over the memory of the Civil War and the removal (or not) of Confederate monuments, so discussions of slavery in Native American nations and the historical relationships between the Five Tribes and people of African descent are also fraught with many difficult issues. The story of the people of African descent owned by Native Americans is unique, but also simply another tale of coercion and community in the diverse African American experience. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. While many displaced Syrians will likely return to their homes this year, safety and stability is still a long way off. Political and militia leaders condemn President Trumps unannounced visit to US troops as a blow to Iraqs sovereignty. Iraqi political and militia leaders have condemned US President Donald Trumps unannounced trip to Iraq as a violation of their countrys sovereignty. In a surprise visit to US troops, Trump on Wednesday landed at an airbase west of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, where he thanked the soldiers for their service. Sabah al-Saadi, the leader of the Islah parliamentary bloc, called for an emergency session of the Iraqi parliament to discuss this blatant violation of Iraqs sovereignty and to stop these aggressive actions by Trump who should know his limits: The US occupation of Iraq is over. Islah is headed by Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who has long opposed the US presence in Iraq since a Washington-led invasion toppled the government of Saddam Hussein in 2003 over weapons of mass destruction and ties to al-Qaeda that both proved non-existent. 180320095532244 Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have died in the conflict, which many analysts call one of the major US foreign policy debacles in recent history and one of the most destructive invasions in modern history. The Bina bloc, Islahs rival in parliament and led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, also objected to Trumps trip to Iraq. Trumps visit is a flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government, said a statement from Bina. Trump did not meet any Iraqi officials during his three-hour-long stay. A scheduled meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was scrapped and the two leaders talked instead by telephone. Mahdis office said in a statement that US authorities had informed Iraqs leadership of the presidents visit in advance. The statement said the Iraqi prime minister and the US president held a telephonic conversation due to a disagreement over how to conduct the meeting. Iraqi legislators told Reuters news agency that the two leaders had disagreed over where their planned meeting should take place: Trump had asked to meet at the Ain al-Asad military base, an offer Mahdi declined. Syria withdrawal Trumps visit to Iraq came a week after his decision to withdraw all US troops from neighbouring Syria despite strong objections from domestic and foreign allies. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis and the US envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group quit shortly after Trumps announcement. 180318143521793 At the Ain al-Asad Airbase, Trump defended his decision to pull US soldiers out of Syria while insisting he has no similar plans for Iraq. Falih Khazali, a former militia leader turned politician allied with Bina, accused the US of wanting to increase its presence in Iraq. The American leadership was defeated in Iraq and wants to return again under any pretext, and this is what we will never allow, he said. Bina said Trumps visit places many question marks on the nature of the US military presence and its real objectives, and what these objectives could pose to the security of Iraq. Douglas Ollivant, a senior fellow at the New America think-tank and former US national security council director for Iraq, said the US troops were in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government. Like all coalition governments, there are factions that say all kinds of things, he told Al Jazeera. But the fact is that the executive the last prime minister [Haider al-Abadi] and the new one hasnt done anything to change that has invited the US troops to be there. So, the legitimate authorities in Iraq have invited US troops. US only given us destruction and devastation While there has been no full-scale violence in Iraq since ISIL suffered a series of defeats last year, some 5,200 US troops train and advise Iraqi forces still waging a campaign against the group. Iraqs Shia militias, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), many of which are supported by Iran, oppose the presence of US troops in the region. The PMF was made formally part of the security forces this year after helping the military defeat the ISIL in Iraq in 2017. Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the powerful Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, said on Twitter: Iraqis will respond with a parliamentary decision to oust your (US) military forces. And if they do not leave, we have the experience and the ability to remove them by other means that your forces are familiar with. Al Jazeeras Imran Khan, reporting from Baghdad, said there is a sense of confusion in Iraq in regards to the USs policy in the region. They are very concerned in Iraq about the 2,000 troops pulled out of Syria, he said. Baghdad is much more safe than it has been for a very long time and the Iraqis are very confident that they can deal with ISIL within their own borders but what really concerns them is Syria and thats where they are less confident. In Baghdads streets, meanwhile, Iraqis denounced the US presence in the country. We wont get anything from America, resident Mohammad Abdullah told Reuters. Theyve been in Iraq for 16 years, and they havent given anything to the country except destruction and devastation. Last month, a study said that hundreds of thousands of people have been killed due to the so-called war on terror launched by the US in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The report by Brown Universitys Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs stated that between 182,272 and 204,575 civilians have been killed in Iraq. Aslam Baloch, top Balochistan Liberation Army commander, was blamed for deadly attack on Chinas consulate in Karachi. A Pakistani separatist leader wanted over an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi has been killed along with five others in a suicide blast in Afghanistan, his group has confirmed. Aslam Baloch, a top commander of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), was accused by Pakistani authorities of masterminding the November attack which left seven people dead. He was killed on Tuesday along with five associates in a blast in Afghanistans southern Kandahar province, the Associated Press news agency reported, citing a statement issued by the BLA late on Wednesday. The group, one of the various armed groups fighting in Pakistans restive Balochistan province, has vowed to continue its fight for Baloch independence, AP reported. 180427074300008 Kandahar police chief Tadin Khan confirmed to the AFP that the suicide bombing took place in Kandahar. Another Afghan official who spoke anonymously told the agency that Baloch and a second member of the BLA were the targets of the attack. Pakistans Samaa Television reported that Aslam was killed along with a number of his commanders in the suicide attack in Aino Maina. Last month, three attackers stormed the Chinese consulate in Karachi, killing four people, including two policemen and as many civilians. Security forces killed the three attackers, who carried explosives. The BLA claimed the attack, labelling Beijing an oppressor and making it clear that Chinas military expansionism on Baloch soil will not be tolerated. It had warned the Chinese to leave or be prepared for continued attacks. China, one of Pakistans closest allies, has poured billions of dollars into the South Asian country in recent years as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure project that seeks to connect its western province of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar in Balochistan province. Pakistan sees the project as a gamechanger, but it presents an enormous challenge in a country plagued by weak institutions, endemic corruption and with a range of armed groups operating in areas hosting the corridor. The subject of economic dividends from CPEC is extremely sensitive in some of those areas, particularly in Balochistan. Since the beginning of the project, fighters have repeatedly attacked construction sites, blowing up numerous gas pipelines and trains and targeted Chinese workers. Balochistan, on the borders of Afghanistan and Iran, has rich mineral and natural gas reserves but is Pakistans poorest province. Detention of fourth Canadian in recent weeks could further test already difficult relations between Beijing and Ottawa. A Chinese court will try a Canadian citizen on drugs charges on Saturday, a government-run news portal said, in a case that could further test already difficult relations between Beijing and Ottawa. The two countries have sparred over the fate of two Canadian citizens detained in China on suspicion of endangering state security and over the arrest of a high-ranking Chinese executive by Canada at the request of the United States. The high court in the northeastern province of Liaoning said on Wednesday a man it identified as Robert Lloyd Schellenberg would be tried on drug smuggling charges in Dalian city on Saturday. A Dalian government news portal reported late on Wednesday Schellenberg was a Canadian and that this was an appeal hearing after he was found by an earlier ruling to have smuggled an enormous amount of drugs into China. There was no immediate response from the Canadian government. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she did not have a grasp on the situation, but added that China had repeatedly made its solemn stance clear to Canada. Drug offences are routinely punished severely in China. China executed a Briton caught smuggling heroin in 2009, prompting a British outcry over what it said was the lack of any mental health assessment. Canada has pressed for the release of the two Canadians detained in China earlier this month. The two were detained after Canadian police arrested Huawei Technologies chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on December 1. Neither country has drawn a direct connection between the cases. China demanded the release of Meng, who is fighting extradition to the US. She was granted bail on December 11. If extradited to the US, Meng faces fraud charges that carry a maximum sentence of 30 years jail for each charge. The US is engaged in a trade war with China. Court sentences Ma Jian to life in prison for corruption offences, including accepting bribes and insider trading. A Chinese court has jailed for life a former high-ranking intelligence official for taking bribes, coercive business deals and insider trading. Ma Jian, previously the vice minister of the state security bureau, is one of the most senior security officials to be jailed since the former domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang was ensnared in a corruption scandal and jailed for life in 2015. Ma Jians behaviour constituted the crime of accepting bribes, forcing others to trade and insider trading, the Dalian Intermediate Peoples Court in Liaoning province announced in a statement on Thursday. He was also ordered to pay more than $7.26m in penalties. The court said Ma, who was tried behind closed doors, used his political power to aid the business operations of Guo Wengui, a real estate billionaire wanted by Chinese authorities. The New York-based Guo has published a slew of online videos in which he makes sensational allegations of corruption in the upper echelons of Chinas ruling Communist Party. The court said it reached the verdict on the grounds that Ma had taken a particularly enormous amount of bribes, and that his collaboration with Guos company was particularly serious. Ma had used his position to conspire with Guo and to help businesses Guo controlled by using threats to bring about illegal transactions such as compelling individuals to transfer company shares, the court said. Ma had received more than 100m yuan ($14.56m) in property for his work and earned nearly 5m yuan ($728,248) from trading stocks based on insider information, it added. Ma pleaded guilty and has decided not to appeal, the court said in its statement, adding that his political rights have been revoked for life and all his personal assets confiscated. It was not possible to contact Ma for comment. Guo could not immediately be reached for comment. According to the South China Morning Post, Ma worked at the spy agency for more than 30 years and was promoted to deputy minister of counter-intelligence operations in 2006. Ma was put under investigation for corruption in 2015 and expelled from the Communist Party the following year after prosecutors accused him of interfering in unspecified law enforcement activities Dozens of senior officials have been investigated or jailed since President Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012, vowing to root out corruption and warning that the problem threatens the Communist Partys grip on power. The initiative has won Xi broad popularity among the general public, but his critics Guo included have called the crackdown a convenient way to eliminate political enemies. China says it has made plans for trade talks with the US in January following intensive telephone calls. Trade negotiators from the United States and China are planning to meet in early January for talks, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday, as the worlds two largest economies advance efforts to resolve a months-long trade war. Intensive telephone calls will continue in the meantime, Gao Feng, the ministrys spokesman told reporters, adding that consultations had been progressing steadily despite the Christmas holiday in the US. Even as the US side is in the Christmas holiday period, China and the US economic and trade teams have been in close communication, and the consultations are progressing in an orderly manner as scheduled, Gao said. 181130130736067 The comments come a day after Bloomberg reported the US planned to send a delegation to Beijing in early January. The team will be led by Deputy US Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish and include David Malpass, the Treasury undersecretary for international affairs, according to the report. The meeting, thought to be scheduled for the week of January 7, will be the first face-to-face talks between US and Chinese officials since US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day truce in their tariff war, following a meeting at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 1. The two sides have indeed made specific arrangements for face-to-face consultations in January in addition to continuing intensive telephone consultations, said Gao, without confirming the date of the planned meeting. Ceasefire called The US-China trade war was one of the key issues at Decembers G20 summit [File: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters] For months Washington and Beijing have exchanged tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $300bn in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits and contribute to stock market plunges. Trump initiated the initial tariffs because of concerns shared by others including the European Union and Japan over Chinese trade practices. Following the meeting in Buenos Aires, Trump and Xi agreed to stop escalating tariffs and to launch new talks aimed at resolving the dispute and the US delayed a tariff increase planned for January 1 until March. 181201104525238 In response, China said it will suspend additional tariffs on US-made vehicles and car parts for the same period and has resumed purchasing US soybeans for the first time in six months, even though hefty tariffs on US cargoes remain in place. On Tuesday, another conciliatory sign came in the form of a so-called negative list, issued by China. The list specifies industries where investors domestic or foreign are either restricted or prohibited. The unified list is seen as an effort to address concerns from Western investors that there is no level playing field in China. Investment in key Chinese sectors, however, is still prohibited. Foreign Investment A day later, Beijing unveiled a draft of a foreign investment law for public consultation, which proposes a ban on forced technology transfer and illegal government interference in foreign business operations practices that have come under the spotlight during the trade war. While China has frequently denied accusations of engaging in such practices, it has pledged to improve market access for foreign investors and better protect their rights in the face of growing complaints and reduced foreign investment. 181207184836739 The draft law said China would reserve the right to retaliate against countries that discriminate against Chinese investment with corresponding measures. It will likely go through several readings before being submitted to Chinas parliament for formal approval, which could take another year or more. Heaping some uncertainty in the way of the bilateral trade talks was the recent arrest of the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies in Canada at the request of the US. US prosecutors accuse Meng Wanzhou of misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions, putting the banks at risk of violating US sanctions. Meng, who is the daughter of Huaweis founder, has said she is innocent. In interview with Al Jazeera, Kabila rejects opposition claims that he is delaying polls to extend his stay in office. Kinshasa, DRC Joseph Kabila, the outgoing president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has said long-delayed polls will happen on Sunday even as uncertainty remains over how prepared the vast country is to hold the vote. The presidential elections, which were first scheduled to take place in 2016, have been repeatedly postponed over the past two years, angering opposition supporters and, at times, sparking violent anti-government rallies during which security forces killed dozens of protesters. Last week, the countrys electoral commission (CENI) pushed back the planned December 23 vote by a week following a fire at one of its main warehouses in the capital, Kinshasa, as well as the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC. The date has now been fixed, the 30th of December, Kabila told Al Jazeera on Thursday, in an interview at the presidential palace in Kinshasa. I believe that elections will take place on that particular date. In August, the presidents ruling coalition named Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a die-hard Kabila loyalist and former interior minister currently under sanctions by the European Union, as its candidate in the upcoming presidential election. Kabila, who has ruled the vast mineral-rich country for more than 17 years, denied claims by the opposition that polls have been delayed to extend his stay in office. The composition of the electoral commission does not give any advantages to any one component meaning you have the majority [ruling party], you have the opposition which is represented in the commission, and of course the civil society, he said. The issue (that) the electoral commission (had) been biased is nonsense, added Kabila, 47. Elections have previously been delayed because the registration of the more than 46 million voters took two years to complete, the president added. His comments came a day after CENI said voting would not take place until March next year in at least three cities, citing the Ebola outbreak and ethnic violence. In the eastern city of Beni, in North Kivu province, protesters angry with the latest postponement burned tyres, ransacked an Ebola centre and blocked the main road. Voting has also been delayed in Butembo, in the same province, due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which is the second deadliest in the countrys history and has claimed the lives of more than 320 people. Voting has also been delayed in the western city of Yumbi in Bandundu province due to ethnic violence that has left more than 100 dead in the last month. Despite the violence, Kabila said campaigning has been largely peaceful. An electoral process is always a sensitive issue. During an electoral process you have tensions, the most important thing is to have the necessary police force that is well equipped in order to deal with that. At one given time we did not have that capacity but we have been building that capacity, he said. Kabila succeeded his father a former rebel leader who was assassinated in 2001 by one of his bodyguards. As many as 21 candidates are competing for the countrys top job. The electoral commission said official results of the presidential poll will be announced on January 15. The DRC, a country of more than 80 million people, has not seen a peaceful transition of power since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the central African country said it would expel EU Ambassador Bart Ouvry after the bloc renewed sanctions against government officials. 181227132321220 Earlier this month, the EU renewed sanctions against 14 officials, including Shadary. Sanctions were first placed two years ago after a violent crackdown on street protests and repeated delays to the elections. Kinshasa has refused to accredit election observers from the European bloc. 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Doha, Qatar U Kyaw Hla Aung is a well-known lawyer and activist who has been fighting for the rights of the Rohingya ethnic group in Myanmar for decades. The 78-year Rohingya man was awarded this years Aurora Prize by the Armenia-based Aurora Humanitarian Initiative for his advocacy of rights for the persecuted mostly Muslim minority. He donated the $1m he received in prize money to humanitarian organisations providing medical aid and assistance to Rohingya refugees. Nearly a million Rohingya were forced to take shelter in neighbouring Bangladesh after Myanmars army, responding to attacks by an armed group, launched a brutal campaign against the minority in the countrys western Rakhine state last year. The Rohingya have faced persecution in Myanmar for decades. The military government, which took power following a coup in 1962, stripped the Rohingya of citizenship in 1982. Since 2012, following deadly riots between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya, tens of thousands of people from the minority have been forced to live in squalid internment camps. Hla Aung, who was born in the city of Sittwe in Rakhine state, spent more than 12 years in jail for his political work on behalf of the Rohingya people. Al Jazeera caught up with the veteran activist in November in the Qatari capital, Doha, where he was invited to attend a global health conference. Al Jazeera: Why have Rohingya been denied citizenship in Myanmar? What are the criteria for citizenship? Hla Aung: According to the 1948 citizenship law, a person who lived in Myanmar for 10 years and eight years continuously was eligible for citizenship. They are denying us citizenship since 1982. A person who shows he owns land, should be accepted as citizen. But thats not happening. In 1964, Myanmars ruler General Ne Win nationalised all the shops, farms and companies owned by Indians, Pakistanis and the Chinese. He drove all the foreigners from Myanmar. At that time they didnt drive out the Rohingya people. Rohingya belong to this land, they were recognised by the previous democratic governments, including under Prime Minister U Nu. But after the military coup [of 1982], they said Muslims were not a people of Myanmar. My father owned land and I have documents but they [government] do not recognise it. In 1959, the government issued National Registration Cards to all the people, including Muslims. I also got my National Registration Card. After driving all the Rohingya out they will go after all Muslims from across Burma [Myanmar]. They have a plan to drive out all the Muslims from this land. Al Jazeera: What do you think about the planned repatriation of Rohingya? Hla Aung: I do not trust Myanmar officials on the repatriation issue because they have not taken action against people who looted Rohingya property and cattle. So how can these people go back? Also, there is no protection [for the returnees] by law or by the government. Al Jazeera: Can you tell us about the situation on the ground for the Rohingya in Myanmar? Hla Aung: The government is biased against Muslims. Earlier, Rohingya people were represented in government departments such as the police, military, administration, education etc. But this has changed over the years. Successive governments have gradually denied Muslims jobs. I worked for a government company for over 20 years. I was jailed for writing a petition to General Ne Win against forced confiscation of lands belonging to Muslims in 1986. Al Jazeera: You have lived in Rakhine state for more than 70 years. How were relations between Muslims and Buddhists when you were young? Hla Aung: Before 1960, we lived together, we had very good relations. We could apply for jobs and thats how I was appointed as a stenographer. I got a promotion and faced little discrimination because of being a Muslim. Now, even judges discriminate between Muslims and Buddhists. Al Jazeera: Why do you think there is so much anti-Muslim sentiment in Myanmar? Hla Aung: They say that they are afraid of Muslims because they believe Muslims are spreading in the country. The anti-Rohingya campaign has high-level political backing. But very few people are friendly. Buddhist people hate Muslims. The majority are against Muslims, only a tiny minority want to live together. Al Jazeera: What are the issues facing the Rohingya community? Hla Aung: Our people are not well educated. I want to give them education so they can know about their rights. I organise our people to be educated so that they will have courage to fight for their rights. In my opinion, education is the first priority for me. Due to the lack of health facilities 500 to 1,000 will die but without education, the whole community will die within 10 years. 180825080417120 Al Jazeera: Tell us about the education initiatives you have undertaken in Rakhine state? Hla Aung: We have opened schools and appointed nearly 121 teachers since 2012. We are reaching more than 10,000 students in villages. Rakhine teachers do not come to Muslim villages. We collect some donations from our people to run the schools. I also approached Nobel laureate Shirin Abadi to help get funds. I was arrested for my education initiatives. President Thein Sein granted me a pardon after one and a half years in prison. I was released on October 7, 2014. Al Jazeera: Tell us about the democratic transition project pushed by Thein Sein? Hla Aung: Thein Sein started the process of driving out Muslims from their land. He is the man behind the anti-Muslim policies. Al Jazeera: You contested elections in 1990. Why didnt you win? Hla Aung: I could have won but they didnt allow me. I was a candidate in 1990 parliamentary election. I was the vice president for National Democratic for Human Rights party. Before the election, the western commander arrested me. I was imprisoned by a court-martial. Al Jazeera: Tell us about your family. Hla Aung: My parents were from Mrauk U but I was born in Sittwe during World War II. We fled from one village to the other as the fighting raged. At that time my father was head clerk of the state court. Our house was destroyed by the Japanese army. In 2012, my house was destroyed by Rakhine terrorists. I have not been able to go back to my own house since then. I worked for MSF for 14 years until 2012. MSF was kicked out by Rakhine terrorists and the government because the medical charity did not discriminate between Rakhine, Hindu and Muslims. Al Jazeera: You spent more than a decade in jail. Why? Hla Aung: I was in jail from 1986 to 1988, another eight years between 1989 and 1997. I was imprisoned for two months in June 2012. My last stint in jail was from July 2013 to October 2014. The first one was for writing a petition in support of Rohingya farmers. Then I was accused of organising people to set fire to houses. In the 2013 case, I was blamed for stone-throwing incident against government officials. Al Jazeera: Do you think Myanmar will accept the Rohingya? Hla Aung: They will never accept us. They deny our existence, they consider us as illegal immigrants. Al Jazeera: What is the future of the Rohingya people? What are your hopes from the international community? Hla Aung: The future is dependent on the international community, including the UN. We have to organise the international community to back the Rohingya cause at the UN. When I went to Armenia to receive the Aurora award, their government assured me that they will help us. I asked them to stand behind Rohingya at the UN. Al Jazeera: Are the Rohingya facing genocide? Hla Aung: It is indeed genocide because government does not accept the word Rohingya. The government is not allowing the investigations of cases from the scene of the crimes. The International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar formed by the UN has not been allowed to enter Myanmar. On Sunday, Bangladesh will vote in its 11th general elections, which will be held amid widespread violence, deep mistrust and wrangling between the government and the opposition. Despite earning global plaudits for sheltering nearly a million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, the decade-long tenure of incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was marked by allegations of creeping authoritarianism, crushing of political rivals and a gag on media freedom. Hasina, 71, is seeking a record fourth term. Her party, the Awami League (AL), leads the Grand Alliance coalition, which is pitted against the Jatiya Oikya Front (or National Unity Front), led by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). BNP chief and two-time prime minister, Khaleda Zia, 73, is languishing in a jail in the capital Dhaka and banned from contesting over corruption charges she says are politically motivated. Both Hasina and Zia belong to political families, share a long rivalry and have alternated in power for most of the past three decades in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. In Zias absence, the National Unity Front alliance is being led by Kamal Hossain, 82, an Oxford-educated jurist and former law minister. Hossain, however, is not contesting and therefore, it is not clear who will be the prime minister if the opposition alliance wins. Hasina and Zia have alternated in power for most of the past three decades [Al Jazeera] What makes it a high-stakes election The Bangladesh parliamentary elections are being seen as a litmus test for the future of democracy in the worlds eighth-most populous country of over 170 million people. The last election in 2014 was boycotted by the BNP and shunned by international observers as an electoral farce. More than half the seats remained uncontested that year, giving Hasinas party a walkover. 181105083725516 A repeat of the one-sided 2014 election is being feared this year amid the oppositions allegations of attacks on its candidates and harassment by the government. Ali Riaz, professor in the department of politics and government at Illinois State University in the US, told Al Jazeera that the election is significant for two reasons. One, this is a moment to change the countrys direction away from authoritarianism, which saw a shrinking of democratic space, decimation of the opposition, gagging of the press and a general culture of fear, he said. For Riaz, the other reason is Bangladeshs history of anti-incumbency. Bangladesh has never seen a situation where the incumbent has returned to power, except in 2014, which was anyway not a participatory election [because of the BNP boycott], he said. Therefore, Bangladeshis have to decide whether they want to see change or continuity. Will the election be free and fair? This is going to be the biggest question on the minds of over 100 million voters until Sunday. The BNP claims half of the oppositions 300 candidates were attacked while campaigning, while more than 11,500 of its members, including over a dozen contenders, have been detained in the past month. 181224182635053 Authorities last week blocked the BNPs website, claiming it contained indecent and obscene material. Even its Facebook page was down for days. Violent campaign clashes have claimed at least six lives so far four BNP supporters and two from the Awami League. Riaz said he is seriously worried and deeply concerned that there will be a free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in Bangladesh. Even the election commission is turning a blind eye, he told Al Jazeera. The opposition alliance even demanded the resignation of chief election commissioner K M Nurul Huda, accusing him of bias. But the ruling AL has rejected allegations of intimidating the opposition, blaming the BNP instead of carrying out vandalism to delegitimise the vote. Their strategy of boycotting the 2014 election failed. So they changed their strategy and are now raising unnecessary and illogical allegations against the administration and the election commission, ALs Mahbubul Alam Hanif told Al Jazeera. Bangladeshis have to decide whether they want to see change or continuity. Ali Riaz, Illinois State University Amid international concern over the events in the past weeks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections. The United States called off an observer mission it was financing because of delays in issuing visas, while Human Rights Watch said the election was being conducted in a repressive political environment. INTERACTIVE: Understanding Bangladesh elections 2018 [Al Jazeera] What are the main issues? There are four major issues deciding the contentious election: the countrys economy, Hasinas alleged authoritarianism, the gag on media freedom, and 1971 war crimes. Economy Despite allegations of an authoritarian regime, Hasina succeeded in making notable economic progress during her tenure. 20119411515723874 Estimates suggest that at the current rate of nearly 8 percent growth, Bangladesh would cross the per capita income of its more powerful neighbour, India, by 2020, and is expected to turn into a middle-income economy by 2024. Export of ready-made garments constitutes nearly 82 percent of the countrys economy, with the output in 2017 slated at over $28bn. In its election manifesto, the ruling AL has vowed to increase Bangladeshs gross domestic product to 9 percent from the 7.8 percent reported in 2017-18. The opposition Jatiya Oikya Front, on the other hand, has promised to raise the minimum wage of garment workers, freeze gas and electricity prices, and give the central bank more autonomy. Yes, Bangladesh has succeeded in terms of its economic growth, but there are spots and blemishes in that record. Disparity has increased, banking sector is in shambles, Riaz told Al Jazeera. Authoritarianism and attack on rivals Observers say Bangladesh under Hasina turned into a de-facto one-party state, where the ruling party has usurped the constitutional rights of its opponents and common citizens. 180404082024893 Hasinas regime saw a near decimation of the opposition, with her chief political rival, Khaleda Zia, sentenced to 10 years in jail for corruption and banned from contesting the election. Zia faces more than 30 other charges, including sedition, which her party has denounced as politically motivated. Recently, former chief justice Surendra Kumar Sinha the first Hindu to hold the post wrote in his memoir, A Broken Dream: Rule of Law, Human Rights and Democracy, that the country was under an autocratic government. A rattled opposition, in its poll manifesto, has promised changes in the law that would limit a person from holding the prime ministers post for more than two terms. It has also vowed to reform the judiciary. Jatiya Oikya Front has committed to make changes such as balancing the power between the president and the prime minister, said Riaz. Gag on media freedom Bangladesh is ranked 146 out of 180 countries in media freedom, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). According to RSF, at least 25 journalists and several hundred bloggers and Facebook users were prosecuted in 2017 under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act a broad law against any electronic communication that tends to deprave or corrupt the image of the state. Last month, award-winning photographer and activist Shahidul Alam was released on bail after spending 107 days behind bars under the ICT Act. 181123112844245 Earlier this month, Alam was named by Time magazine as one of a group of journalists, including slain dissident Jamal Khashoggi, as the Person of the Year for 2018. The draconian Digital Security Act (DSA) further spread a climate of fear for penalising obtaining papers, information or pictures from government offices without official consent. The BNP has promised to scrap the controversial law. 1971 war crimes The war of independence with Pakistan remains Bangladeshs most divisive political issue. Since coming to power in 2009, Hasina used the emotions surrounding the 1971 war to justify her move towards an authoritarian rule. The Awami League projects itself as the party of liberation, painting the opposition mainly the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned in 2013 as pro-Pakistan and therefore, dangerous and disloyal. 2014113171545161152 An international crimes tribunal set up by Hasina in 2010 sentenced dozens of top Jamaat and BNP leaders to death and jail on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. Riaz thinks the Jamaat needs to reinvent itself and take responsibility for its role in 1971. They should have done it long time ago. It is long overdue, he said. Despite a ban, many leaders of the Jamaat are contesting Sundays elections in alliance with the BNP. Israels offensive on the Gaza Strip on December 27, 2008, began with targeting a graduation ceremony for police cadets. It has been 10 years since Israel launched its massive offensive on the Gaza Strip, which sparked global outrage as the worlds fifth-strongest army pounded the tiny blockaded enclave and its 1.6 million residents. The 22-day land, naval and air bombardment saw some 1,400 Palestinians killed, thousands injured, and massive damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of 3,540 homes, 268 factories and warehouses and 18 schools. Thirteen Israelis were also killed in the offensive, including four in friendly fire. White phosphorus, which is illegal in populated areas, was fired at a central United Nations compound in Gaza City, as well as at least two other hospitals. The first air raids targeted an outdoor graduation ceremony for cadets at the Arafat Police Academy in Gaza City. At 11:25am, Israeli air jets violently bombed the academy as well as tens of police stations across the Gaza Strip at the same time, Ayman al-Batniji, spokesperson for the Palestinian Police Force in Gaza, told Al Jazeera. I was only a few metres away from the scene where a number of new cadets were rehearsing for their graduation ceremony when the first strike hit, he recalled. Around 251 policemen were killed in the first few hours of the attack and more than 700 injured, including those who lost their legs and other limbs and could never return to work, al-Batniji said. Among the people killed was Tawfiq Jabber, the Gaza chief of police at the time. Relatives of Palestinian police chief Tawfiq Jaber, who was killed in an Israeli air raid, hold pictures of him at his funeral on December 28, 2008 [File: Getty Images] Unforgettable scenes The bloody images are seared in the minds of the surviving police officers as they remember ambulances and private cars rushing to the site to evacuate the dead and wounded against a backdrop of fumes and rising dust. Hanadi Karsou, 29, was among the first cohort of women hired as police officers at the time and the only female officer at the scene. I was in my office when the air attacks began, she said. I went outside to see that the entire place was burning. There were bodies of young officers on the ground, torn to shreds. Those were unforgettable scenes, she said. Students and children running in the streets crying families trying to enter the academy to see what happened to their sons. Karsou said she lost many colleagues who treated her presence on the force with respect. Today, the academy has more than 200 policewomen. Another police officer, Issa Abu Khater, was also present the day the academy was bombarded and recalled the sight of blood and torn body parts in the courtyard. Many of them took their last breaths in front of me, he said. The 35-year-old spent the rest of the day at Gazas Shifa Hospital where he saw his wounded colleagues and identified the bodies those killed. My family was looking for my body in the morgue, he said. My brother and uncle found me and held me tight, relieved to see I was alive. Abu Khater was in shock and had to take sedatives in order to absorb the horrors of that day. Sense of horror The attacks on December 27, 2008, occurred a week after Egyptian authorities brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian armed factions in the Gaza Strip, following a short flare-up between the two sides. The bombings occurred very close to an area that had university buildings and schools, al-Batniji said. I remember the sense of horror that had prevailed among the students there, he said. F-16 warplanes and reconnaissance drones were firing missiles at the academy compound. They even targeted policemen at the entrances, he said. They meant to kill more. Al-Batniji stressed that the police service, as a civil body, was unaffiliated to any of the Palestinian factions. We provide civil services to people as a way to maintain security here and to maintain the execution of civil law, he said. Why were we targeted in this way? I lost many of my friends and best colleagues in the blink of an eye. It was a haunting day and can never be forgotten. Gaza police spokesperson Ayman al-Batniji says the police, as a civil service, is not affiliated with Palestinian factions [Maram Humaid/Al Jazeera] Various human rights bodies condemned the targeting of police officers in Gaza during the offensive. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) pointed out in a report that the 251 non-combatant policemen were not members of an armed group and were not participating in hostilities; their targeting and willful killing constitutes a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions. The centre called for those responsible for committing the crime to be investigated, tried and prosecuted in accordance with international standards, though it also acknowledged the unlikely probability of it. If the occupation has taught us anything, it is that as long as Israel is granted impunity, it will continue to violate international laws [and] Palestinian civilians will continue to suffer the horrific consequences, PCHR said. The police academy was rebuilt in 2010, new cadets were recruited and another generation graduated. The total number of police officers in the academy now numbers 7,800. Al-Batniji said that after the 2008-2009 offensive, the academy now acknowledges that it is within the open circle of Israeli targets. On the tenth anniversary of the war, our message to the world is to separate us from the conflict between the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian factions, he said. Despite the heavy losses incurred a decade ago, the police spokesperson maintains that the academy has returned stronger with nothing to lose. Protesters call on parliamentary speaker and others accused of selling government positions to step down. Tens of thousands of Mongolians have taken to the streets to protest against corruption in the top echelons of politics, braving temperatures that dropped below minus 20 degrees Celsius in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Organisers estimated nearly 25,000 people turned out for the protest on Thursday. Local media described the gathering as the second largest after a riot in 2008. Protesters focused their anger on Mongolias parliamentary speaker, Enkhbold Miyegombo, and the two main ruling parties, the Mongolian Peoples Party and the Democratic Party. There has been rising anger over a long-running corruption case related to allegations that Enkhbold and other political figures had looked to raise 60 billion tugriks ($23m) by selling off government positions. Enkhbold has denied the allegations. A cross-party group of politicians who are boycotting the parliaments plenary sessions has signed a letter demanding Enkhbolds resignation. The group, the Mongolian Peoples Union, opposes the two main parties, together known by the abbreviation MANAN. We will not allow the situation where the MANAN faction gets all the wealth and resources, while people remain with nothing, member of parliament Ayursaikhan Tumurbaatar told media. The air pollution, peoples poverty, wealth inequality all started with Enkhbold since he was the mayor of Ulaanbaatar city, he said. Mongolia, for years a satellite of the Soviet Union, transitioned to parliamentary democracy in 1990. At the Thursday protest, people held up placards with messages such as We Demand Enkhbold Resign. Protester Dejid Avirmed, 61, told the Reuters news agency that people were fed up that in a mineral-rich, democratic country like Mongolia many still lived in poverty. 200871125117265987 Mongolians are very patient, but now we lose our patience, she told Reuters at the protest in the central square in front of parliament. Enkhbold should resign. A shame on him that he makes this many people protest in this mid-winter cold. Thursdays regular session of parliament was delayed for a seventh time because of the boycott by the members demanding Enkhbolds resignation. The last scheduled parliament session for 2018 is due on Friday. Parliament members should solve the problem not by appealing to protests, but by coming to the parliament session hall. This is the law, said Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren, deputy speaker of parliament. Asif Ali Zardari is among 172 people linked to cases of money laundering, Pakistans information minister says. Pakistans former president Asif Ali Zardari will be banned from travelling abroad following allegations of money laundering, according to the countrys information minister. Fawad Chaudhry told reporters in Islamabad that Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur were among 172 people involved in cases of money laundering and use of fake bank accounts. All the 172 names will be added to the ECL [Exit Control List], he said. Zardari, co-chairman of the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party and president from 2008 to 2013, has long been the subject of corruption allegations and is widely known in Pakistan as Mr Ten Percent. The announcement coincided with the 11th anniversary of the death of his spouse and two-time former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed in a gun and suicide bomb attack during an election rally in the garrison town of Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007. Earlier this week, Chaudhry said a joint investigation team (JIT) had found evidence of how Zardari allegedly laundered money through fake bank accounts and companies. I hope Zardari will now take the JIT seriously, he said on Thursday, adding that his government would not spare anyone involved in plundering national wealth. But Zardari dismissed the allegations, branding the government an instrument of the powerful military and calling Prime Minister Imran Khan the armys blue-eyed boy at a rally marking his wifes death in the Bhutto familys ancestral town of Larkana, in southern Sindh province. They know nothing but how to appear on TV channels and make absurd comments and speeches. They lack even basic intelligence, he said of Khans government in unusually fiery comments. Khan, who came to power in July, has vowed to end rampant corruption and recover billions syphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistans deteriorating finances and fast-depleting foreign exchange reserves. Sharifs sentence Zardaris travel ban comes days after former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption on Monday, the latest in a long string of court cases against him. Pakistans Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from politics for life over corruption allegations in 2017, ousting him from power. His Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was defeated by Khan in the July polls. A Pakistani court established a commission in September to investigate corruption, finding that at least $400m had passed through thousands of false accounts, using the names of impoverished people. The commission said about 600 companies and individuals are associated with the scandal. Countrys constitutional court has nine days to declare final results, which may be challenged by Ravalomanana. Former Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has beaten his rival and predecessor Marc Ravalomanana in the presidential election beset by allegations of fraud from both sides. Announcing the full provisional results on Thursday, the African countrys electoral commission said Rajoelina got over 55 percent of the votes against Ravalomananas 44.34 percent. The Indian Ocean island nations constitutional court has nine days to declare the final election results, which may be contested by Ravalomanana. Just over 48 percent of the countrys 10 million registered voters cast their ballots in the December 19 runoff between the candidates, both former heads of state and bitter rivals. 181106153544927 Ravalomanana has denounced what he called massive fraud in the runoff and urged his supporters earlier this week to defend their votes. Only Rajoelina attended Thursdays announcement, with the president of the electoral commission, Hery Rakotomanana, noting Ravalomananas absence with regret. The two former presidents faced off for the first time since political turmoil in 2009 forced Ravalomanana from power. Arch rivals Both had said they would accept the runoff elections results, though Ravalomanana specified that the voting should take place in good conditions. Rajoelina, 44, who was president from 2009 to 2014 during a transitional government, had campaigned on his youth while 69-year-old Ravalomanana, who led from 2002 to 2009, pointed to his experience. 181217095423818 Ravalomanana had to quit the presidency in 2009 after a series of military-backed challenges supported by Rajoelina, who was mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, at the time. Campaigning was largely peaceful in this former French colony, which the World Bank ranks as one of the worlds poorest nations, though rich in ecological diversity. More than two-thirds of the islands 25 million people live in extreme poverty, while corruption is said to be widespread. Electoral commissions decision to delay presidential vote in Beni over the outbreak prompts attack on Ebola centre. Kinshasa, DRC Protesters angry over a delay in the presidential election in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congos (DRC) Beni city have ransacked an Ebola centre, according to residents. The centre housed patients suspected of having the deadly viral disease before the confirmed cases are transferred to an isolation centre. The protesters have attacked the Ebola centre in the town. This is serious because the epidemic can spread, Matthieu Kamble, a resident, told Al Jazeera by telephone. 181224090825920 The demonstrators were unhappy with the electoral commission (CENI) after it delayed Sundays election in three DRC cities. On Wednesday, CENI said voting in Beni and Butembo in the eastern North Kivu province and Yumbi in western Bandundu province will take place in March next year instead. The commission said it delayed the poll in North Kivu because of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region, the second-worst in history. The latest outbreak, which started in May 2018, has left more than 320 people dead. We have to vote The electoral commission is responsible for whats happening. We dont accept the delay, we have to vote, Kambale said. Another resident, Justin Safari, said the situation in the city will not change unless people are allowed to cast their ballot. Delaying over the Ebola outbreak is not good enough a reason. They cant use it to leave us behind while other Congolese vote on Sunday. It doesnt make any sense, Safari said. Residents in Beni told Al Jazeera that security forces used tear gas and fired in the air to disperse protesters, who burned tires and blocked roads to express anger at their exclusion from the polls. Protesters blocked the main road and destroyed the Ebola centre. They are chasing the volunteers fighting the disease. Nobody wants to accept an election delay here, Kizito Bin Hangi, president of Beni Civil Society, told Al Jazeera. The DRC was scheduled to have its election in 2016, but the electoral body kept delaying, citing a lack of resources to hold the polls in the vast country which is roughly five times the size of France. CENI scheduled the vote for December 23, but that again was extended by a week after voting machines were destroyed in a fire at the electoral bodys main warehouse in the capital, Kinshasa. More than 46 million Congolese are registered to take part in the polls. Twenty-one candidates are competing to succeed President Joseph Kabila, who is stepping down after more than 17 years in power. The DRC has never had a peaceful transfer of power since the mineral-rich country gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Former Finance Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf appointed to lead foreign ministry in first shake-up since Khashoggi killing. Saudi Arabias King Salman has appointed a new foreign minister as part of a major cabinet reshuffle, according to state media. A royal decree on Wednesday demoted outgoing chief diplomat Adel al-Jubeir to the position of minister of state for foreign affairs and named Ibrahim al-Assaf as his replacement. Thursdays shake-up is the first since the October 2 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdoms consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul by a Saudi hit squad. The murder, as well as the Saudi governments shifting narratives, sparked international outrage and jeopardised Riyadhs relations with its Western allies. Turkey and Western intelligence agencies have either hinted at or directly named King Salmans son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as the mastermind behind the Saudi journalists murder but the monarch left his heirs portfolios unchanged in the latest reshuffle. Marwan Kabalan, head of policy analysis at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, said the move did not come as a surprise given that al-Jubeir was seen as a leftover from the [late] King Abdullah era, referring to the former Saudi monarch who died in 2015. Weve been expecting al-Jubeir to be out for some time. Even before the Khashoggi affair, Kabalan said in reference to the journalists killing. But I now think hes been used as another scapegoat in this issue. 181207124452605 Authorities in Riyadh admitted to the killing of the government critic in an operation they described as being undertaken by rogue elements. I think he [al-Jubeir] is out now perhaps at the right time for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As I said, the crown prince wanted to use somebody as a scapegoat and also hold him responsible, Kabalan added. Because the Saudi consul general in Istanbul was very much involved in the killing of Khashoggi and that would fall under al-Jubeir. Rami Khouri, a journalism professor at the American University of Beirut and a senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, said the reshuffle appeared to be merely an image makeover. I think this is more process of changes being made to show the world that changes are being made probably without any real change in policy, but well have to wait and see. Khouri added that the decision-making currently in Saudi Arabia is like the Soviet Union in 1960s. You really dont know whats going on until a few weeks or months down the road when a decision is made, he said. Referring to al-Jubeir being stripped of his post, Khouri noted that the move seemed to not be a real demotion, since the former chief diplomat was not fired, but a sharing of responsibility. They needed a more experienced fellow at the top and they brought in al-Assaf who served for decades in Saudi Arabia. A former finance minister, al-Assaf was among dozens of royal family members, government officials and top businessmen detained during an anti-corruption purge in November 2017 that Prince Mohammed had engineered. Al-Assaf was released two months later, reportedly without penalty. He returned to his roles as a board member at state oil giant Aramco and an adviser to King Salman. Other notable cabinet changes include the appointment of Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz as chief of the National Guard, replacing Prince Miteb bin Abdullah. General Khalid bin Qirar al-Harbi was also named general security chief, while Musaed al-Aiban was appointed national security adviser. Inspired by Frances yellow vest movement, thousands in Taiwan turn out for third protest demanding tax reform. Thousands of Taiwanese protesters, taking a page from Frances yellow vest movement, marched on Thursday for the third time this month, demanding lower taxes and the fair handling of tax disputes. Wearing yellow vests, the demonstrators shouted slogans and blared air horns outside the Ministry of Finance in the islands capital Taipei, and waved banners calling Taiwans tax collection policies illegal. This is about our futures, said Joanna Tai, a 23-year-old English-language graduate student who plans to teach after graduation next year. We look at wages in Hong Kong and mainland China. We want to know why theres so much of a gap with Taiwan, she said. Then a lot of my classmates want to start companies and be their own bosses but, because of taxes, a lot of small businesses have folded. The Tax and Legal Reform League, an activist group founded in 2016, called the protest after marshalling about 20,000 people outside the presidential office in an initial demonstration a week ago, and another 10,000 on Saturday, according to organisers and local media. Some 20,000 people attended the first protest on December 19 [File: Hsu Tsun-hsu/ AFP] Organisers said they were inspired by the success of the recent French protests, which were sparked by tax increases on petrol and diesel. The protests, which led to rioting in the French capital, Paris, forced the countrys President Emmanuel Macron to scrap the planned fuel tax rise, and announce a series of other concessions, including increasing the minimum wage for full-time workers. We saw Macron and he wanted to soften up, so that gave us some encouragement to protest, so we hope the president here can hear our voice, said Wang Chih-lan, the media liaison for the Reform League. Transparency Protesters said they had received tax bills sent in error or asking for too much tax. An appeal costs too much, they said, and tax collectors sometimes keep hounding them for taxes even after losing in court. Income taxes add hardship to young people in low-paid, entry-level jobs, some said. Speaking to the crowd, Tze-lung, a retired law professor and protest organiser, said reform was needed for a more equitable and transparent system. 181130230129683 The entire system will have to follow the law [if tax laws are formed]. People will have a fair and transparent system. And people will not have to worry that their money might disappear. Janey Lee, a volunteer for the Reform League, said appeal fees can be a huge emotional burden, and called for transparent handling of taxpayers money to attract more foreign investment. The average monthly wage in Taiwan is $1,364, and the minimum wage is set to rise to $750 in January. Earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Finance Ministry said anti-tax activists have been pushing for lower taxes for about 20 years. Tsai Meng-chu said that the ministry has responded to some of their complaints on its website, including a rebuttal to allegations that the tax system contributes to poverty. Their complaints are just that theyre not satisfied with the tax system, she said, noting that Taiwan offers payment deferrals to low-income individuals. During her campaign, President Tsai Ing-wen said she would work on wages and welfare for youth. Taiwanese who earn less than 2.42 million new Taiwan dollars (about $78,500) a year pay no more than 20 percent in taxes, according to data compiled by professional services firm KPMG. The yellow vest movement has then spread to several countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Egypt, Spain, Lebanon and Israel. Move seen as boost to Syrian government from an Arab country which once funded opposition fighters. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reopened its embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in a move that is seen as a diplomatic boost for President Bashar al-Assad from a regional adversary that once backed rebels fighting against his forces. The UAE recalled its ambassador from Syria after the start of a popular uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011, which escalated into a brutal and multifaceted war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people, forced millions from their homes and destroyed the countrys infrastructure. Nearly seven years later, and with government forces having regained control of the majority of Syria, the UAE flag was raised again at the building in the Abu Rummaneh district of central Damascus during a ceremony on Thursday attended by diplomats and journalists. An acting charge daffaires has already started working, an Emirati statement said. The UAE said the reopening was intended to normalise relations with Syria and curb the risk of regional interference in Arab, Syrian affairs, according to Saudi-owned TV channel Al Arabiya. The UAE decision came after a conviction that the next stage requires the Arab presence and communication in the Syrian file, Anwar Gargash, the UAE minister of state for foreign affairs, wrote on Twitter. The UAEs move, which follows a visit to Damascus by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir earlier in December, is seen as another step in efforts by Arab countries to bring the Assad government back into the fold after years of diplomatic isolation. 181219143708576 Rumours of the Emirati embassy reopening had circulated in recent days as renovation work was seen at the building. Previously, the UAE was one of several regional powers that backed opposition fighters in Syria, though its role was reportedly less prominent than those of Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Turkey. Assads forces, meanwhile, have been supported by Russia, Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, among others. Military advances gathered pace this year following the defeat of the last sizeable rebel enclaves near Damascus and the recovery of the southwestern region at the border with Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Rejoining the Arab League? Syria was expelled from the 22-member Arab League in 2011, and Arab countries have sanctioned Damascus and condemned its use of military force against the opposition. However, Thursdays event, along with al-Bashirs visit and the reopening of the border crossing between Syria and Jordan, have prompted speculation that relations between Syria and its US-allied, Arab regional neighbours may be beginning to thaw. The Arab League is set to meet in Tunisia in March, with member state Egypt calling for Syria to be reinstated and the secretary-general, veteran Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Aboul Gheit, saying in April that the decision to suspend Syria had been hasty. Recent discussions on this issue have not yielded a consensus, Hossam Zaki, the Leagues deputy secretary-general told reporters in Cairo on Monday. This does not rule out a possible change of the Arab position in the future, he added. Gargash told Al Arabiya TV that Syrias readmission would require Arab consensus. Kathmandu, Nepal: The 13th meeting of the Power Exchange Committee (PEC) held in the Indian capital New Delhi on Thursday agreed on banking energy. According to the agreement a technical committee will be formed to prepare the draft of the directive of energy banking and its guideline. Unanswered questions about the death of David Dragicevic, 21, have sparked anti-government protests across the country. Bosnian Serb authorities have released from detention the man who has sparked anti-government protests with his demands for the truth about his sons death. Police arrested Davor Dragicevic on Tuesday over allegations that he threatened the security of Interior Minister Dragan Lukac. He was freed on Wednesday after being questioned by prosecutors in Banja Luka, the main city in Republika Srpska, Bosnias Serb-run entity. The prosecutors office said the legal proceedings against Dragicevic will continue but that there was no reason to keep him in detention. Hours later, Dragicevic led more than 1,000 people to a protest march in Banja Luka as riot police blocked a central square barring the demonstrators from gathering there. Dragicevic took the crowd to the spot where he says his son David Dragicevic was killed in March. No incidents were reported on Wednesday following a day of scuffles between police and Dragicevics supporters on Tuesday. Several other people were also detained on Monday, including some opposition politicians and briefly Dragicevics ex-wife. The familys supporters rallied in protest, scuffling with the police in the city. I welcome Davor Dragicevic and other supporters of the #JusticeforDavid movement being released from custody in Banja Luka yesterday afternoon and this morning. Any new demonstrations should continue to be peaceful and non-violent. RS authorities need to show restraint. Lars-Gunnar Wigemark (@LarsGWigemark) December 26, 2018 They claim I threatened someone and I did not, Dragicevic said upon his release. I will never give up! For the past nine months, Dragicevic has been protesting daily at Krajina Square in Banja Luka, now known as Davids Square, demanding justice for his 21-year-old son who was found dead in a shallow river. Police initially said the death was a suicide, but the young mans family insists he was killed by someone else. Prosecutors have opened a homicide investigation, which is ongoing. Dragicevic has accused top police officials of covering up his sons slaying and protecting the killers. Authorities deny the allegations. The Justice For David movement has been demanding information about the death. It has inspired months of anti-government protests that have reflected wide popular discontent over corruption in the Balkan nation. When a legally elected MP gets arrested twice in the same day, and very violently just because he participated in peaceful protests demanding justice for someone's murdered child, people, what you live in is a dictatorship. No question about it. https://t.co/hFvx3AcprO Aleksandar Brezar (@brezaleksandar) December 25, 2018 International officials in Bosnia have expressed concern over the situation and urged restraint. Republika Srpskas Interior Minister Dragan Lukac said at a press conference on Wednesday that they will not allow gatherings to take place at Krajina Square as it is a public space and should be accessible for all residents. He added that the Justice For David group had used opposition politicians for their own political goals and that calls for taking down the police and other institutions are inappropriate. On December 14, Judge Reed OConnor of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled that ObamaCare is unconstitutional, despite the fact that the Supreme Court had twice ruled that the ACA is constitutional. Whats changed is that the 2017 tax law eliminated the Individual Mandate. And because the mandate is its central funding mechanism and is not severable from the rest of the act, the whole shebang must be tossed on the scrapheap of history. However, those who think the ACA a very bad piece of legislation shouldnt get their hopes up. Because of the way Congress dealt with the mandate in 2017, OConnors ruling will be overturned on appeal, after which the high court will refuse to take up the case and let the reversal stand. You read it here, folks. Although its seems unlikely that the OConnor ruling will result in the demise of ObamaCare, this writer was curious about the ruling. Other than two iterations in footnote quotations, words that contain ambig, such as in unambiguous, occur three times in the text of OConnors ruling, on pages 37, 41, and 51: Applying these standards, the Court finds the 2010 Congress expressed through plain text an unambiguous intent that the Individual Mandate not be severed from the ACA On the unambiguous enacted text alone, the Court finds the Individual Mandate is inseverable from the Act to which it is essential Based on unambiguous text, Supreme Court guidance, and historical context, the Court finds it is evident that the Legislature would not have enacted the ACA independently of the Individual Mandate. Judge OConnor may think that Congress clarion clarity on severability makes ObamaCare unconstitutional, but it was precisely the laws alleged lack of clarity, i.e. its ambiguity, that allowed the Fourth Circuit to save ObamaCare in King v. Burwell. Had the Supreme Court then found the language in question to be unambiguous, they should have found the ACA unconstitutional. If it seems wacky that a law could be upheld because of its ambiguity, its lack of clarity, then thank a doctrine in American jurisprudence called the Chevron deference. In June of 2015, just after the ruling in King v. Burwell, the Washington Post ran On Obamacare, John Roberts helps overthrow the Constitution by George Will. Some readers may be down on Mr. Will due to his anti-Trumpism, but they should put that aside and read this 2015 article. Will wrote that the Chief Justice created a corollary to Chevron deference, dubbing it the Roberts Doctrine. Named for a 1984 case, Chevron deference has become central to the way todays regulatory state functions. It says that agencies charged with administering statutes are entitled to deference when they interpret ambiguous statutory language. While purporting to not apply Chevron, Roberts expands it to empower all of the executive branch to ignore or rewrite congressional language that is not at all ambiguous but is inconvenient for the smooth operation of something Congress created The Roberts Doctrine facilitates what has been for a century progressivisms central objective, the overthrow of the Constitutions architecture. A recent case that the Supreme Court has agreed to review could have far more momentous implications than the King ruling. The case is Kisor v. Wilkie and it also concerns the practice of granting deference to administrative agencies, the issue in King. But whereas King dealt with ambiguity in legislation, Kisor deals with ambiguity in agency rules and regulations. King rested on the Chevron deference, and Kisor is testing the lesser known Auer deference. On December 11, the day after the Supreme Court granted Kisor certiorari, National Review ran The Boring Supreme Court Case That Could Help Make America Great Again by David French, who writes this about Auer deference: Its the Little Satan that works with the Great Satan -- Chevron deference -- to fuel the explosive growth in the power of executive-branch agencies Auer builds on the Chevron framework by requiring courts to defer to the agency when even its own regulation is ambiguous. The result is a regime of deference upon deference that gives regulatory agencies enormous authority to craft and then interpret their own regulations. This deference permits executive-branch agencies to expand their constitutional role and essentially combine all three constitutional functions under a single bureaucratic tent. Its the lawmaker as it drafts regulations, the judge as it interprets its own laws, and the executive as it enforces the laws that it has drafted and interpreted. Deference supercharges the executive branch. Its a cornerstone of the imperial presidency and the root of much modern presidential authoritarianism. French is referring to the administrative state. Theres a study focusing on such un-American regimes at Ballotpedia, the Administrative State Project, and it features a useful little entry on Kisor. On March 11, the Volokh Conspiracy at Reason ran What Do Judges Think of Chevron? by Jonathan Adler, who reports on a survey of federal judges and what they think of Chevron. Adler opines that Auer deference should definitely be abandoned. Adler begins his article by noting Justice Gorsuchs disdain for Chevron. Recently, American Thinker ran an article about Justice Kavanaughs skeptical position on Chevron. (Given Robertss rulings, Id say we need an additional conservative on SCOTUS.) Ambiguity itself is a problematic concept. In fact, in the entry for Ambiguity in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Adam Sennet writes: Fun fact: the word ambiguous, at least according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is ambiguous between two main types of meaning: uncertainty or dubiousness on the one hand and a sign bearing multiple meanings on the other. Sennet then informs that his entry deals only with the second type of ambiguity, language that supports multiple interpretations, i.e. the equivocal. As for the first type, we could also describe it as vague, indefinite, and unclear. I mention the ambiguity in ambiguity because some folks seem to see ambiguity everywhere. Linguists can tie themselves in knots trying to make the unambiguous ambiguous, but then fail to see ambiguity when its apparent. Its odd that ambiguity has been given such a central role in American case law and jurisprudence. If ambiguity can save a law, then why cant incoherence? The courts could say: Well, this law is incoherent; therefore we must defer to the agencies and let them interpret it however they please. How is that any more pathetic than whats been going on in courtrooms since 1984? If a law is ambiguous or incoherent or self-contradicting or in any way illogical, then what the courts should do is strike it down. Congress could then rewrite the misbegotten mess, (right after they hire a logician). American conservatives look at the European Union and are aghast that entire nations have ceded power and self-determination over to unelected bureaucrats in Belgium; its why we cheered the Leave side in Brexit. But we allow the same sort of thing here when unelected judges defer to unelected bureaucrats. Ambiguity empowers the administrative state, and it does so by means of the Chevron and Auer doctrines. If one had to choose between knocking down ObamaCare on one hand or knocking down the Chevron and Auer doctrines on the other, I say choose the latter alternative. May you have an unambiguously Happy New Year! Jon N. Hall of ULTRACON OPINION is a programmer from Kansas City. Right from the start, violent jihad served as the engine of Islam under the command and supervision of Muhammad himself. To understand how quickly Islam spread around the world, we must see the timeline of Islam. After Muhammad's death in 632 A.D., his friend Abu Bakr was named caliph and ruler of the Islamic community, or Ummah. Muhammad's followers in a short time occupied a vast geographic area; conversion to Islam was heightened by Islamic missionaries, who intermingled with local populations to promulgate the Islamic teachings. It resulted in Islam's spread outward from Mecca toward both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the creation of the Muslim world. In no time at all, Islam spread like a pandemic. Once it attacked the mind of its victims, this debilitating disease was capable of transforming them into helpless pawns that had no choice but to execute what they were directed to do. Here is the truth, as bitter as it may be. Islam is the culprit. Islam is anything but a religion of peace. Violence is at the core of Islam. Violence is institutionalized in the Muslim's holy book, the Qur'an, in many verses: Qur'an: 9:5: "Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war." Qur'an: 9:112: "The Believers fight in Allah's cause; they slay and are slain, kill and are killed." Qur'an: 8:39: "So fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief [non-Muslims]) and all submit to the religion of Allah alone (in the whole world)." Qur'an: 8:65: "O Prophet, urge the faithful to fight. If there are twenty among you with determination they will vanquish two hundred; if there are a hundred then they will slaughter a thousand unbelievers, for the infidels are a people devoid of understanding." Qur'an: 9:38: "Believers, what is the matter with you, that when you are asked to go forth and fight in Allah's Cause you cling to the earth? Do you prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? Unless you go forth, He will afflict and punish you with a painful doom, and put others in your place." That's what the Qur'an commands the believer repeatedly to make jihad on even the people of the book, Jews and Christians. Islam essentially invented the idea that Christians, Jews, and pagans are an abomination and offensive to Allah and that their very existence represents an attack upon the self-defined Islamic right to reign over the world. Allah thus enlists Muslim believers to eradicate by force those who offend him and, by disbelieving, prevent his rule. True Muslim believers therefore become the enforcers, hit men and mercenaries for their god, in order to establish a global caliphate for their parasitic clergy. Their targets are artificially constructed adversaries. Muslim believers hence are instructed to fear the "great Satan" and are told that if they do not live up to Allah's calls to jihad, they themselves are offensive to Allah and to their families. Now, the only question that remains is the extent of a Muslim's obedience to the Qur'an and the Sunna, the life examples of Muhammad. To be sure, a great many Muslims are not following the dictates of the Qur'an verbatim, as they should, since they consider it to be the literal immutable perfect words of Allah. Furthermore, nowhere do I say all Muslims believe in shedding the blood of others. Yet the commandments of the Qur'an to believers are clear and emphatic. It is for this reason that an innumerable number of Muslims do engage in jihad and suicide volunteers vie with one another to offer their services to their handler leaders. A true Muslim does not and cannot believe in freedom of choice. In the religion of Islam Submission everything is up to Allah, as clearly and repeatedly stipulated in the Qur'an. The raison d'etre for the Muslim is to be unconditionally submissive to the will and dictates of Allah. Everything a "good" Muslim does is contingent upon the will and decree of Allah, he is indoctrinated to believe. To cut to the chase, we need to eliminate some disinformation and myths about the "war on terror." We are not fighting terrorism. We are engaging in an ideological battle between freedom, conservatism, democracy, individual rights, capitalism, and "Christian" ethics and Islamofascism, communism-socialism, theocracy, and tyranny. There are also internationalist, dictatorial, globalist forces that seek to use the conflict to create an international government and the unification of all religions by the destruction of nationalism, patriotism, individual rights, and sectarianism. It is not "fanatical," "radical," or "extreme" Islam that we are fighting, but normal, orthodox, canonical, typical, accepted, traditional Islam, straight from the mouth of Muhammad. Islam is violent in direct proportion to its mission and scripture. The so-called fanatics and terrorists are only upholding the truth of their principles. In short: We must begin to declare Islam evil, not from a sectarian perspective, but from a universal, humanist one. Every encroachment of Islam as a religion must be rejected and discouraged by all people everywhere. Any leftist who attempts to give aid and comfort to this religion of hate must be denounced and frustrated at every turn. Otherwise, get used to your radioactive suit and your fallout shelter, a standard of living and a level of freedom one tenth of what you have today. Catholics are the sole remaining group that it is politically correct to slander and denigrate and nowhere is that clearer than in the consideration of nominees for court vacancies, particularly for the next Supreme Court vacancy, which, judging by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs age and frailty, may come sooner than we think. Democrats in the Senate, members of the so-called party of tolerance and diversity, are no longer hiding their anti-Catholic bigotry but are putting it on display during the Christmas season confirmation hearing of Omaha lawyer Brian C. Buescher, nominated by President Trump to represent the District of Nebraska on the United States District Court: In the true spirit of the holiday season, Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) showed their true colors of bigotry and bias against Catholicism in a recent judicial confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill Buescher is also a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, an iconic service group of nearly two million Catholics, worldwide, that recruits members for volunteer work and fundraising for charitable causes Originally founded in 1882, the Knights of Columbus started as a society benefitting poverty-stricken Catholic immigrants; now, the organization donates nearly 200 million dollars per year from approximately 15,000 chapters across twelve countries Sen. Harris described the Knights as an all-male society and asked if Buescher was aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed a womans right to choose and were against marriage equality when he joined, the Catholic News Agency reported. Of course he is, as is the Catholic Church the Knights of Columbus were formed to serve in its religious and charitable functions. It is ironic that as the nation observed the birth of Jesus Christ, Democrats in the Senate were busy attacking the tenets of the church He founded -- that life begins at conception, as did the life of Jesus, and ends at natural death and that marriage is a union of one man and one woman. But then it is typical of Democrats to respect lifestyles and not religious liberty and not believe that personal religious beliefs, as Buescher testified, can be kept separate from court decisions: In response to a written question, per CNA, Buescher defended his judicial impartiality: ...there is a difference between taking political positions as a candidate for elective office and serving as a federal judge. I believe a judges role and obligation is to apply the law without regard to any personal beliefs regarding the law. We saw the Democrats anti-Catholic bigotry on full display earlier with the confirmation hearing of Justice Amy Coney Barrett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. Just as John F. Kennedy was said by some to be a stalking horse for the Vatican who would clear each major decision with the Pope, Barrett a practicing Catholic who actually gets it right, was charged with embracing Catholic dogma so tight that there is no room left for the Constitution and those emanations from a penumbra that sanctified Roe V. Wade. Catholic League President Bill Donahue addressed the issue on "The Ingraham Angle" on Fox: Senate Democrats grilled Barrett over how her Catholic faith would affect her views on court precedents concerning abortion cases during her confirmation process after Trump nominated her as a circuit judge in 2017. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), in particular, showed what Catholic League President Bill Donahue called anti-religion animus during their questioning of her religious beliefs "Lets remember... the seminal statement by Sen. Feinstein -- she said the dogma screams loudly in you," Donahue told Ingraham. "Thats coming awfully close to establishing a religious test." Feinstein received intense backlash after she told Barrett during her confirmation hearing, "Dogma and law are two different things. And, I think whatever a religion is, it has its own dogma. The law is totally different. And I think in your case, professor, when you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you." Let us hope so. The Bible, the same one liberals are waving lately, says Christians, and Catholics, are the light of the world and are to place their light, not under a bushel, but on a night stand where the light can lead all to the ultimate truth. It is unlikely Feinstein would tell a Muslim nominee, The Sharia dogma lives loudly within you. Note the use of the word dogma in a pejorative sense, as if the Catholic Church was a cult like the Druids chanting around a fire waiting for the human sacrifice to arrive. In fact, Barrett has in fact been slandered as a member of a cult which is in fact a legitimate Catholic faith group: Ingraham agreed that she saw "a very strong anti-Catholic bias running through all of this" outrage against Barrett's Catholicism and her membership in the conservative Christian People of Praise enclave. Donahue replied, "I think I know what a cult is. This certainly is not a cult. Its a charismatic renewal group, which is a family-oriented Catholic organization. And in fact, the pope -- whos hardly considered a man of the Right -- welcomed them just last year at the Vatican." The Catholic Church is not a cult, and neither is the Knights of Columbus a collection of all-male bigots, despite the attempt by Harris, Hirono, Feinstein, Durbin et all to portray them as such. The views and actions of the Knights of Columbus and non-cafeteria Catholics are no different than that of the twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to lead His ministry in the Catholic Church He founded despite the attempts of Democrats in the Senate to slander them and their adherents: This isnt just about the Knights of Columbus or Catholics, this is an ongoing attack from the extremist left of the Democratic Party to silence people of faith and run them out of engaging in public service based on their religious beliefs, Penny Nance, the president of Concerned Women for America, a Christian womens activist group, said in a written statement. It is pure and simple religious bigotry, Nance added "This is the kind of thuggish behavior we expect from third world dictators, not United States Senators," Ken Blackwell, a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, said in a statement. "That this attack on Catholics comes from the party of John F. Kennedy, who was proudly a Knight of Columbus, is particularly shocking and egregious. There should be no religious test in America, and I call on my Democratic friends to end this tactic of engaging in religious discrimination to destroy people nominated for public office." Indeed, what Senate Democrats are trying to impose amounts to a religious test for nominees by asking the McCarthyite question -- are you now or have you ever been a practicing member of the Catholic Church: Sens. Mazie Hirono and Kamala Harris, in written questions to District Court judge nominee Brian Buescher, challenged his suitability for the bench because he belongs to this charitable Catholic group. Hirono claimed that the Knights have taken extreme positions such as affirming Catholic belief in traditional marriage and even asked Buescher, If confirmed, do you intend to end your membership with this organization to avoid any appearance of bias? In todays Democratic Party, the new McCarthyism asks, Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Knights of Columbus? The Catholic Church and its doctrine, which dates back to the first Christmas, are extreme? The Knights of Columbus, known to conduct those conspiratorial conclaves known as pancake breakfasts, were founded in response to bigotry similar to that of Harris and Hirono: Kathleen Blomquist, a spokeswoman for the Knights of Columbus, blasted the questions by Hirono and Harris as a throwback to past anti-Catholic rhetoric. Our countrys sad history of anti-Catholic bigotry contributed to the founding of the Knights of Columbus, and we are proud of the many Catholics who overcame this hurdle to contribute so greatly to our country, she told the CNA. Catholics like John F. Kennedy, a member of the Knights of Columbus. He would be ashamed of his party. Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. The open-borders lobby thought they had a live one. An eight-year old Guatemalan boy, traveling with his wannabe-illegal immigrant father, died in Border Patrol custody as the two crossed illegally from Mexico into the New Mexico badlands. It's the second child death for the month as migrants move to dangerous areas to cross over illegally. Yes, it's very sad. And lefties have had a field day, pinning the whole thing on the Border Patrol. There's just one problem: The migrant child's father refused free medical care, courtesy of the Border Patrol. That certainly messes up the narrative the left has put out there. Here's the lefties trying to make political hay from it: Democratic lawmakers pushed back on Wednesday. Representative Nancy Pelosi, the speaker-designate of the House, deemed the death of two children in United States custody unconscionable and called on Congress to investigate. Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the incoming chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said, There is no question that the system is not working. Mr. Thompson said he would immediately call department officials to testify after he takes up the committee gavel in January. Here's the New York Times headline, touting 'breaking point' and conveniently leaving off that the words were those of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen from its headline. Nielsen. after all, is someone whose words the Times pooh-poohs and buries otherwise: Here is what she really said, well buried in the piece: Our system has been pushed to a breaking point by those who seek open borders, she said. Smugglers, traffickers, and their own parents put these minors at risk by embarking on the dangerous and arduous journey north. The aim of publicizing the death, of course, is to stop all Border Patrol apprehensions of illegals at the border. If a kid is apprehended, sick, and somehow dies (and it's a given that with 600,000 illegal border crossers each year, statistically some are going to die) the Border Patrol is always to blame. The kid after all, was being used as a chit to avoid border detention, given the leftist yelling about separation of families at the border. That's the perverse incentive for bringing families and shipping unaccompanied youths over the border, who now account for 60% of apprehended illegal entries - the law says those people have to be let out after just a few days, and not await the consequences of their illegal border breaching in detention the way single crossers must do. Lefties can stand up and take a bow for that one. But the issue here is not that the Border Patrol killed the kid, which is what the lefties had been trying to push as the new media narrative, and will probably keep trying to do, given their belief in the vote-rich potential of championing illegals. The problem is that the kid was sick, the kid was offered medical care, and according to the Border Patrol, the father said no. If I had to guess, it was quite possibly out of ignorance about the boy's grave condition (the guy was a peasant), and motivated by a desire to just get let out. The Border Patrol didn't kill the kid, the father did, turning down free medical care for the kid. Nielsen says the Border Patrol will start ignoring the wishes of parents now on the issue, and of course, that will raise new crocodile tears from the left about parental rights and "separations of families." Some sort of 'abuse' could happen, too. What the story shows is that the perverse incentives the left has set up to encourage illegal immigration with kids in tow is actually killing a certain number of kids, who don't fare well on dirty, extended, desert-badland journeys in high heat without water, and it's likely this one won't be the last. They yelled and yelled about 'family separations' and this is what it's leading to. What's far more humane is a policy of sending all illegal border crossers back over the Mexican border for their own good. I imagine implementing such a policy would be impossible without some creative and progressive judge-proof legislation, but it would end the desert deaths the Border Patrol is constantly blamed for. For now, the news that the father refused medical care has left the open borders lobby with another dry hole. Image credit: Screengrab from San Diego Union-Tribune, via YouTube As the saying goes, "there's an app for that" unless you're trying to get away from abhorrent sins of the flesh. An organization called Living Hope Ministries ran afoul of Apple or rather, ran afoul of about 350 shrieking activists, who proceeded to shriek to Apple for propagating an app suggesting that sodomy is anything but a sparkling gift to humanity. The BBC reported Monday that Apple has heard the pleas of the group and removed an app produced by Living Hope Ministries from its app store. Google and Amazon are being encouraged by activists to follow suit. A download of the app reveals that its contents are essentially the same as what can be found on the Texas-based ministry's website. The ministry describes itself as a "Christian ministry focused on sexual wholeness." ... An article found on the Living Hope Ministries website titled "How Do I Help My Gay Friend?" addresses the ministry's stance on how Christians can help their gay friends. It emphasizes a focus on Jesus and that all humans are sinners in need of salvation. It's worth emphasizing that Living Hope's message is a kid-glove, even milquetoast manifestation of the Christian stance on sodomy. The Catholic Church, whence the Christian stance comes, recalls Scripture's condemnation of sodomitical acts as "acts of grave depravity" and insists that "under no circumstances can they be approved." St. Peter Damian fulminated that sodomy "expels all the forces of virtue from the temple of the human heart, and, as if pulling the door from its hinges, allows the entrance of every barbarity of vice." St. John Chrysostom, referring to Sodom and Gomorrah, said, "Consider how great is that sin, to have forced hell to appear even before its time!" Christians cannot escape the truth of their faith that those in thrall to sodomy desperately need to repent that this sin is especially destructive to self and neighbor. Ricky Chelette, who runs Living Hope Ministries and himself struggled with this sin, said in his organization's defense, "We love gay-identified individuals." Makes sense: The best way to love someone who's hurtling toward the edge of a cliff is to pull him back from the edge or, at the very least, politely request that he consider ceasing to hurtle. Walking a tightrope of super-politeness might keep the crocodile focused on others for a while, but, as Living Hope Ministries is discovering, even super-polite disagreement will only infuriate the LGBT movement's dictators. Nor will cowed silence satisfy them. No, you need to don your pom-poms and cheerlead for sodomy, promiscuity, and self-mutilation in pursuit of the "sex change" delusion before you'll be left alone. Once you're deconstructed and built back up in the LGBT image, then maybe you'll get some peace maybe, if the enforcers decide not to obliterate you pour encourager les autres. The forces behind this app crackdown have had decades to amass power and influence. Those of us on the side of right reason will therefore have to suffer a lot in standing up to them. The more we cringe from these trials, professional and personal, the longer the tyranny will last, and the worse off our children will be. Drew Belsky is the American Thinker's deputy editor. Contact him at drew@americanthinker.com. It is now an established practice in roughly 90% of the American media that anything that President Trump does is wrong, and usually an outrage. Thus, when he and Melania flew to Iraq and Germany for a post-Christmas visit to the troops deployed there, it had to be bad, a transparently craven reaction to criticisms that had started appearing in lefty media that he had not yet visited troops in a war zone as all his recent predecessors had done -- as his first term in office neared its halfway point. Brit Hume, the senior commentator at Fox News, and a man who has seen it all in the DC swamp over the last several decades, was not an early Trump supporter, but over the last couple of years, seems to have had his fill of TDS-addled media figures hyperventilating about everything Trump does. Soledad OBrien has not been around the media as long as Brit Hume, but her background includes stints at a number of the major Trump-hating broadcast outlets, including MSNBC, CNN (where she anchored the morning show Starting Point) and HBO. Now she runs a company called Starfish Media Group, whose website describes its role as writing material for corporate and nonprofit clients to make them look good (my paraphrasing of this): Starfish Media Group partners with some of the worlds leading brands, agencies, non-profit groups, and organizations to produce non-fiction programming, profiles, and stories that resonate with global audiences across multiple platforms. Our clients rely on our journalism and storytelling to amplify their brand messages, and together, we create memorable campaigns. [Cough!] If it is written at the behest of the subject who is paying you, it ain't properly called "journalism." The charitable term is "PR" and less charitable ones include "propaganda" and "flackery" among others. Ms. OBrien had the bad idea of responding to a tweet from Hume making fun of former star Alyssa Milano (hat tip: Don Surber) Not having made a fool of herself sufficiently, she had the even worse idea of attempting a riposte, showing off her Harvard vocabulary, calling him an "a**hole." It did not end well for her: I notice that Fox Nation, the online subscription service that debuted recently is featuring Brit Hume as one of its attractions. If they were to give him an hour a day of commentary, Id be tempted to subscribe. An Oregon man became the first person to traverse Antarctica alone without any assistance on Wednesday, trekking across the polar continent in an epic 54-day journey that was previously deemed impossible. Colin OBrady, of Portland, finished the bone-chilling, 930-mile (1,500-kilometer) journey as friends, family and fans tracked the endurance athletes progress in real time online. I did it! a tearful Brady said on a call to his family gathered in Portland for the holidays, according to his wife, Jenna Besaw. It was an emotional call, she said. He seemed overwhelmed by love and gratitude, and he really wanted to say Thank you to all of us. OBrady was sleeping near the finish line in Antarctica late Wednesday and could not immediately be reached for comment. The 33-year-old OBrady documented his nearly entirely uphill journey which he called The Impossible First on his Instagram page . He wrote Wednesday that he covered the last roughly 80 miles (129 kilometers) in one big, impromptu final push to the finish line that took well over an entire day. While the last 32 hours were some of the most challenging hours of my life, they have quite honestly been some of the best moments I have ever experienced, OBrady posted. The day before, he posted that he was in the zone and thought he could make it to the end in one go. Im listening to my body and taking care of the details to keep myself safe, he wrote. I called home and talked to my mom, sister and wife I promised them I will stop when I need to. Though others have traversed Antarctica, they either had assistance with reinforced supplies or kites that helped propel them forward. In 2016, British explorer Henry Worsley died attempting an unassisted solo trip across Antarctica, collapsing from exhaustion toward the end of the trek. Worsleys friend and fellow English adventurer Louis Rudd is currently attempting an unaided solo in Worsleys honor and was competing against OBrady to be the first to do it. Besaw said OBrady plans to stay on Antarctica until Rudd finishes his trek, hopefully in the next few days. Its a small club, she joked. His intention is to wait for Louis and have kind of a celebratory moment with the only other person on the planet to have accomplished this same thing. OBrady described in detail the ups and downs along the way since he began the trek on Nov. 3. He had to haul 375 pounds (170 kilograms) of gear largely uphill and over sastrugi, wave-like ridges created by wind. Not only am I pulling my sled all day, but Im pulling it up and over thousands of these sastrugi speed bumps created by the violent wind, he wrote in an Instagram post on Nov. 12. Its a frustrating process at times to say the least. On Nov. 18, he wrote that he awoke to find his sled completely buried from an all-night blasting of wind and snow. That day he battled a 30 mph (48 kph) headwind for eight hours as he trudged along. There were several times I considered stopping, putting my tent back up and calling it a day, he wrote. I wanted so badly to quit today as I was feeling exhausted and alone, but remembering all of the positivity that so many people have been sending, I took a deep breath and focused on maintaining forward progress one step at a time and managed to finish a full day. On Day 37, or Dec. 9, OBrady wrote about how much hes changed, along with a selfie in which he looks almost in pain, snow gathered around his furry hat. Im no longer the same person I was when I left on the journey, can you see it in my face? he wrote. Ive suffered, been deathly afraid, cold and alone. Ive laughed and danced, cried tears of joy and been awestruck with love and inspiration. Though OBrady had initially thought hed want a cheeseburger at the end of his nearly impossible journey, Besaw said her husband has been fantasizing about fresh fish and salad because he has mostly been eating freeze-dried foods. As for whats next for OBrady, who also has summited Mount Everest, Besaw said shes not entirely sure. Citing "high costs and insufficient volunteer hours," the Chicago chapter of Women's March has canceled its rally planned for January 19 next year, the anniversary of the original nationwide Women's March in 2017. The Hill: The Chicago chapter of the Womens March has canceled its rally planned for January, citing high costs and insufficient volunteer hours, the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday. The newspaper noted that the cancellation of the event, which in the past drew hundreds of thousands of people to the city, comes amid growing controversy surrounding the groups national leaders and their ties to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has made several anti-Semitic comments in the past. Marches and rallies in Washington, D.C., and in cities across the country are still planned for Jan. 19, including several in Illinois. The Chicago chapter has said it will commemorate the anniversary of the national march in other ways but hasn't yet released details. The blatant and nauseating anti-Semitism of two of the founders of the March, Linda Sarsour, and Tamika Mallory, has no doubt scared donors away and dampened enthusiasm for the march from volunteers. Both women have praised Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. In a February speech in which he praised Womens March co-founder Tamika Mallory, Farrakhan said that the powerful Jews are my enemy. The national movement denounced the comments in March but faced criticism for waiting too long. Mallory has also applauded Farrakhan on social media. Teresa Shook, a co-founder of the national movement, in November called for national leaders to step down, after having allowed anti-Semitism, anti-LBGTQIA sentiment and hateful, racist rhetoric to become a part of the platform by their refusal to separate themselves from groups that espouse these racist, hateful beliefs. The Washington state chapter announced earlier in December that the group would dissolve in protest, and the Rhode Island chapter declared it is separating from the national movement. Every member of our movement matters to us including our incredible Jewish and LGBTQ members. We are deeply sorry for the harm we have caused, but we see you, we love you, and we are fighting with you, Womens March National Organizer Linda Sarsour said in a November statement, referencing homophobic remarks Farrakhan has also made. It's good to see the group paying a price for tolerating haters like Farrakhan. But many in the movement have gone to incredible lengths, twisting themselves into knots trying to defend Sarsour and Mallory. That hasn't sat well with some feminists and it certainly hasn't helped their cause with the vast majority of women who may support most of their agenda, but totally reject the hate. For many in the Women's March movement, playing the "guilt by association" game only goes one way - their political enemies. It now appears that many ordinary women and those who back abortion on demand and other feminist issues, simply can't stomach the hypocrisy. Apple may have forbidden a Christian app regarding homosexuality, but its Silicon Valley neighbor and smart phone competitor Google is fine with offering an app enabling Muslims to report blasphemy to the police. Perhaps it has escaped the notice of the powers that be at Google that Islamic doctrine is even harsher toward homosexual acts than Christianity. For example, this scripture from the Hadith (officially recognized stories about the Prophet Mohammed that are sacred scripture: Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: If a man who is not married is seized committing sodomy, he will be stoned to death. Abu Dawud said: The tradition of 'Asim proved the tradition of 'Amir b. Abi 'Amr as weak. Or this, which does not even require sexual acts: Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet cursed effeminate men (those men who are in the similitude (assume the manners of women) and those women who assume the manners of men, and he said, "Turn them out of your houses ." The Prophet turned out such-and-such man, and 'Umar turned out such-and-such woman. Google has officially approved an app for use in Indonesia enabling blasphemy, including about homoseuxality, to be reported: A new Android app has launched with the focus of allowing Muslims to report individuals who commit blasphemy, or insult Islam. No, this is not a joke. The app, Smart Pakem, which launched in Indonesia last month at the request of the Indonesian government, will allow users and government officials to uphold Sharia law and target and report people who hold misguided beliefs in violation of Islamic law, which forbids insults of Islam, insults against the Prophet Mohammed, or the recognition of any other religion besides Islam. You can view the app on a Google site, so apparently this is not fake news: Source Here is Google Translates version of the official explanation offered on the Google page: SMART PAKEM, an application to make it easier to find information and manage religion, belief flow and community organizations in the jurisdiction of DKI Jakarta Indonesia, where this app is now available, is one of the more permissive Muslim-majority countries when it comes to homosexuality. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association reports: Same-sex relations are not prohibited according to the national Penal Code. The only provision to deal with such relations is article 292 which prohibits sexual acts between persons of the same sex, if committed with a person under the legal age.38 However, in 2002 the national parliament gave the Aceh province the right to adopt Islamic Sharia laws. Such laws do apply to Muslims only. Moreover, for example the city of Palembang in South Sumatra has introduced jail time and hefty fines for same-sex relations.39 So, if and when the Indonesian police receive reports of homosexual activity via this app, its only in a few areas of the country that people have anything to worry about. It never ceases to amaze me that most American gay rights crusaders are so indifferent to the actual persecution of homosexuals in Muslim countries. The same report quoted about Indonesia list many counties in which the death penalty applies. Hat tip: James Lewis President Trump ran on an agenda of lowering tax rates, reducing federal regulations, ending unfair trade practices, appointing judges who apply the Constitution as written, and most importantly building a wall on the Mexican border to protect Americans. It is difficult to imagine that any Republican would oppose this agenda. Yet the NeverTrump gang, from National Review to the Weekly Standard to the Bushies at Fox News, do nothing but attack President Trump as bad as the Schumer-Pelosi Democrats and the Hate Trump Media. The best example of this NeverTrump derangement is the opposition to the wall. In 2006, Congress passed the Secure Fence Act, which was to provide for over 700 miles of double-link fencing. It passed the House 283 to 138 and the Senate 80 to 19. But now the Dems who supported the Fence Act oppose a wall. The difference between a fence and a wall is a distinction without a difference. So why the opposition by the Dems and the NeverTrumps? I received as Christmas gifts and started to reread Homer's Iliad and Dante's Inferno. There are two passages that describe the weak, spineless supposedly Republican NeverTrump senators who refuse to support President Trump's call to get rid of the cloture to allow a vote in the Senate on the funding of the wall. They are Senators Jeff Flake, Lamar Alexander, and Orrin Hatch, and probably others not yet identified. In Canto III, Dante describes a room reserved for the Opportunists, who in life stood neither for good nor for evil, but for themselves. They did not take a position in life and are unworthy of either Hell or Heaven. These worthless, spineless NeverTrumps refuse to take a stand on voting to fund the wall and instead hide behind a rule that requires 60 votes, which means that at least ten Democrats would have to support a vote on the wall. The Dems will not support funding the wall. Dante describes such people as follows: These are the nearly soulless Whose lives concluded neither blame nor praise. They are mixed here with that despicable corps Of angels who were neither for God nor Satan, But only for themselves. The High Creator Scourged them from Heaven for its perfect beauty, And Hell will not receive them since the wicked Might feel some glory over them. This band of so-called Republicans will not allow a vote on funding the wall, which means they will not fight to protect the safety of Americans by stopping drug-smuggling and illegal aliens. In Book 8 of the Iliad, King Agamemnon tries to rally his Greek army that is running away in a battle against the Trojans by shaming them: "Shame on you, Argives disgraces, pretty boys, frauds! What happened to our boasts about being the bravest of men? (See, Homer,The Iliad, translated by Stephen Mitchell, Weidefeld & Nicolson, London, 2011.) In 2006, they boasted about securing the border. Now they oppose it because they hate President Trump. They are disgraces, frauds, pretty-boys, who do not support the president and leader of their party in the most important issue and battle: building the wall. We expect such disgrace and fraud from the Schumer-Pelosi Democrats whose sole interest is opposing President Trump, regardless of the cost to the safety of Americans. But Republican senators should support our president. They do not, and they have no shame. Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn and a major Democratic party donor, apologized yesterday for helping to fund a "false flag" operation against former GOP Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore. Essentially, a firm that Reid contributed to set up thousands of fake Twitter accounts that made it appear Russia was backing Moore. American Engagement Technologies (AET), run by former Obama appointee Mikey Dickerson, received $750,000 from Hoffman and was part of the effort to falsely portray the Republicans senate bid as being supported by the Kremlin. Fox News: Democratic operatives then created thousands of fake Russian accounts on Twitter and began following Moore, prompting attention from local and national media that falsely suggested Russia is backing Moores candidacy. The project also involved creating a Facebook page and imitated conservative Alabamians who werent satisfied with the Republican candidate while encouraging others to write in another candidate. The disinformation campaign was first revealed by the New York Times that obtained an internal report detailing the efforts. We orchestrated an elaborate false flag operation that planted the idea that the Moore campaign was amplified on social media by a Russian botnet, the internal report said. Hoffman was contrite: I find the tactics that have been recently reported highly disturbing. For that reason, I am embarrassed by my failure to track AET the organization I did support more diligently as it made its own decisions to perhaps fund projects that I would reject, he said in a statement provided to the Washington Post. I want to be unequivocal: there is absolutely no place in our democracy for manipulating facts or using falsehoods to gain political advantage, he added. That's a sanctimonious bunch of bull. Both sides manipulate facts and tell lies about the other. It may have "no place in our democracy" but it's always been so. There's no law against lying about your opponent, or even setting up fake Twitter accounts to make it appear a candidate is backed by a foreign power. One strange note: One participant in the project was Jonathon Morgan, the chief executive of New Knowledge, a firm that wrote a report released by the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this month about Russias social media operations in the 2016 election and its efforts to hurt Hillary Clinton and help Donald Trump. The Russian "effort" to influence the election made little difference. Democrats continue to blame the Russians for Clinton's defeat because they simply can't face the fact that their candidate was the worst major party presidential candidate in history. Hillary lost to Trump because she was incoherent, untrustworthy, and un-believed. She had nothing to say except she was going to make history by being elected the first woman president. Similarly, Roy Jones did not lose because he had fake Russians following him on Twitter. Jones was a fatally damaged candidate because he couldn't keep his hands off of little girls. That much should have been clear on election night. As the Russian collusion narrative fades away, the idea of Russians influencing our politics will also disappear. Blaming the Russians for your electoral defeats - something politicians in Europe are starting to do - is a ruse, a political gambit. If you want to see how to influence an election, read about the CIA machinations in Guatamala and Panama back in the day. I can guarantee you they did a helluva lot more than print false ads in newspapers. The silliness of Democrats grows by the day. Now, a couple of Democrat Senators object to a Trump appointment because of his association to the Knights of Columbus. Let's check the story: In a series of questions sent to Buescher, Hirono asked whether his membership in the Knights of Columbus would prevent him from hearing cases fairly and impartially and, if confirmed, whether he would end his membership in the organization. The Knights of Columbus has taken a number of extreme positions, Hirono said in the questionnaire. For example, it was reportedly one of the top contributors to Californias Proposition 8 campaign to ban same-sex marriage. Harris meantime, in her questions to the nominee, called the Knights of Columbus an all-male society and asked the Nebraska lawyer if he was aware that the group was anti-abortion and anti-gay marriage when he joined... The Knights of Columbus does not have the authority to take personal political positions on behalf of all of its approximately two million members, Buescher wrote in reply to the queries. If confirmed, I will apply all provisions of the Code of Conduct for United States Judges regarding recusal and disqualification. Prominent Republicans and religious leaders backed Buescher in the face of the questions. As a member of the KoC, I wonder what charitable cause do the senators want us to shut down? We do a lot more than speak against abortion or same-sex marriage. The two lady senators should come to our charitable activities. This is really another attack on Catholics. The attacks on Buescher are ridiculous. Like me, and millions of others, Mr. Buescher joined the KoC because he is a Catholic man who wanted to be around others with whom he shares values. Are these two Democratic senators disqualifying every person who opposes Roe as extreme? Does that apply to Senator Bob Casey, a pro-life Democrat from Pennsylvania? Or President Carter, who has spoken against abortion? By that standard, half of the country, according to polls, would be rejected to any appointment to the federal bench. I've argued over the years that Roe was a terrible opinion. Once again, we see how Roe has poisoned our political debate by demonizing differences. Here is my advice to Senators Harris & Hirono: Call for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution and involve the Congress and state legislatures. Let U.S. voters decide whether or not abortion should be legal. Of course, the two lady senators don't want that. They just want another opportunity to raise money on the backs of the so called a "woman's right to choose", a right not afforded to the girls aborted. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. The Washington Free Beacon has combed through the MSNBC archives to come up with the most hilarious, most maddening, most shocking, most wrong-headed moments from the network in 2018. Needless to say, it was a target rich environment. In the second year of the Trump administration, there were Russia conspiracies galore (John Heilemann asked if Devin Nunes was a "Russian agent"), insults to throw around ("Morning Joe" host Mika Brzezinski called the secretary of state a "wannabe dictator's buttboy") and fates to ponder (Katy Tur wondered if her entire life was "pointless" because of climate change). Nicolle Wallace hoped she wouldn't jinx Andrew Gillum in Florida and wondered how an NBC reporter resisted wringing Sarah Huckabee Sanders' neck at the podium. Steve Schmidt declared Russian election interference and potential collusion with Trump to be perhaps the "greatest crime in American history" and found plenty of things to be vile and disgusting. Malcolm Nance said the Russians had successfully brainwashed the American public into welcoming an invasion, which Brian Williams said was some "scary stuff." Donny Deutsch said Brett Kavanaugh would never reach the Supreme Court. Lawrence O'Donnell called the U.S. Senate an "unfixable crime against democracy" because it confirmed Kavanaugh. Chris Matthews melted down over Anthony Kennedy's retirement from the Supreme Court and yelled at Steve Kornacki. Michael Steele warned viewers "your kids could be next" to go into "concentration camps" at the southern border. Stephanie Ruhle mocked midwesterners who don't like socialism and admitted she yells curse words at Trump in the shower, while Ali Velshi posed a conspiracy theory that the National Rifle Association includes him as a member in their "secret records" and told a progressive politician that her platform was "normal" and she was preaching to the converted. This is the sixth year that WFB has dug through the network's broadcasts so you and I don't have to. It's a thankless job, I'm sure, but a necessary one. Even more than CNN, MSNBC's unabashed, virulent, hysterical anti-conservative bias (and pro-Democrat/socialism) colors our politics and and the news in ways that are detrimental to democracy and individual liberty. Yup, the Russians. And alongside them, the Chinese, who are taking the earnings. Oil is the only thing that keeps Venezuela's economy afloat, and guess who's gotten their hands on it? Here's an excellent report from the Washington Post on the extent of the problem: In exchange for modest loans and bailouts over the past decade, Russia now owns significant parts of at least five oil fields in Venezuela, which holds the worlds largest reserves, along with 30 years worth of future output from two Caribbean natural-gas fields. Venezuela also has signed over 49.9 percent of Citgo, its wholly owned company in the United States including three Gulf Coast refineries and a countrywide web of pipelines as collateral to Russias state-owned Rosneft oil behemoth for a reported $1.5 billion in desperately needed cash. Russian advisers are inside the Venezuelan government, helping direct the course of President Nicolas Maduros attempts to bring his failing government back from bankruptcy. They helped orchestrate this years introduction of a new digital currency, the Petro, to keep oil payments flowing while avoiding U.S. sanctions on the countrys dollar transactions. Venezuelas still-formidable defense force, once an exclusively U.S. client, is now equipped with Russian guns, tanks and planes, financed with prepaid oil deliveries to Russian clients. So in exchange for a lot of Russian guns, Venezuela has turned over a lot of its oilfields and their earnings. In exchange for loans, Venezuela is turning over even more oil earnings to China. It's not as bad a problem for us as Hot Air's Jazz Shaw argues, given that the U.S. fracking revolution has made America the world's largest oil producer, self-sufficient in energy production, and a net energy exporter. But it's plenty bad for Venezuela, a socialist hellhole that not too long ago loudly touted its "resource nationalism," self-sufficiency, and energy "independence" from the yanqui gringo neo-colonialist embrace. Yeah, sure. These days they don't have any of that. Their future is now mortgaged to Russia's will. And what isn't Russia's, is pretty much China's. Here's China's dibs from the Post story: A major Venezuelan creditor, China has shown little interest in accumulating Venezuelan assets or strengthening political ties with Maduros failing regime. For the most part, it has concentrated on trying to get its loans repaid. Russia, in contrast, has repeatedly restructured, refinanced or taken in-kind payments from Venezuela. What does this mean? It means the nation has probably lost its independence as well as its future economic development based on its penurious situation and sellout to bigger and less friendly powers. Most everything they earn is headed for the coffers of the Russian empire, and the Chinese empire, ironically the home of much-complained-about "unequal treaties." Like Ecuador, described here, they are going to get a whiff, or rather, deep gulp, of "unequal treaties" up close. And they can kiss any possibility of rebuilding themselves and crawling out of poverty, even with a regime change to end socialism, goodbye. Seriously, they won't crawl out of this hole even if they hang Venezuela's dictator, Nicolas Maduro, up from a dictator's meat hook. They've been sold out to Russia and China, and their only hope for getting out of it now is maybe regime change in those countries. The Russian bear doesn't play around. If shaking off Uncle Sam's "yoke" was tough in the minds of these socialist idiots, wait till they try to shake off the Russian bear's yoke. It's not going to happen. What they have now is self-colonization - to two of the world's most oppressive states. Who would have thought ten years ago as Hugo Chavez danced around and touted his oil card at summits that it would now come to this? Once again, America stands as a shining city on the hill, rejected by Venezuela as the hellbound reject God, and now the consequences are to be paid. A few hundred miles off the west coast of Africa, in the Gulf of Guinea, a lonely weather buoy bobs up and down the ocean waves. Code named Station 13010-Soul, this moored observation buoy is one of numerous that make up the Prediction and Research Moored Array in the Tropical Atlantic, in short PIRATAa system developed jointly by the US, Brazil and France to study ocean-atmosphere interactions in the tropical Atlantic. Data collected by the PIRATA array helps scientists better understand the climate of tropical Atlantic which in turn helps them improve weather forecasting and climate research worldwide. Alongside the RAMA array in the Indian Ocean and the TAO/TRITON network in the Pacific Ocean, PIRATA forms part of the worldwide system of tropical ocean observing buoys. National Data Buoy Centre weather buoy Station 13010-Soul. So whats special about Station 13010-Soul? Station 13010-Soul is moored exactly where the Equator intersects the Prime Meridian. Its coordinates are therefore 0,0zero longitude and zero latitude. This place has actually little geographic significance because there is nothing out there except water, but as far as digital geospatial data is concerned, coordinates 0,0 may be one of the most geo-tagged places on Earth. When addresses are added to a map, a program called a geocoder translates the physical address into its geographic coordinates, which allows the location to be easily mapped. But sometimes due to human typos, bad data or even bugs in the geocoder itself, the geocoding program fails to run correctly and the output of the program becomes 0,0or no information. You might have come across this bug more often than you realize, for example, while taking a photo with your smartphone camera. If the camera software has the geo-tagging feature disabled, it will tag the photo with null values for both latitude and longitude. Trouble begins when another program tries to read this data. A properly designed software will identify the values as invalid and ignore them, but badly written ones will map them to this lonely spot hundreds of miles from the shores of Africa. Because there are scores of badly written software using map data, an unbelievably large number of addresses get mapped to this fictional place called Null Island out in the Atlantic. The term was coined in 2011 by authors of Natural Earth, a public domain map dataset, describing it as a one meter square island. Since then, Null Island has become a geographers inside joke. Later, someone put up a websitewww.nullisland.com (its unavailable now) for the Republic of Null Island and gave it a fictional history, a flag and a map. Null Island isnt the only product of geocoding errors. Nathaniel Vaughn Kelso and Tom Patterson, the original discoverers of Null Island, noted that Null Island-like anomalies exist for all local coordinate reference systems besides WGS 84. Kenneth Field, a British cartographer, hunted down all Null Islands, Null Lakes and even Null Black Holes (coordinate pairs that fall outside of the coordinate domain) for more than 5,700 different coordinate systems and plotted them on a single map to explore. He collectively refers to them as Nill Points. Interests in Null Island, however, is more than academic. A cautionary tale about creating custom Null Islands once made the news when developers of the Los Angeles Police Departments crime mapping software created a default address around the corner from the City Hall. This caused all undecipherable addresses to be mapped to that particular location, thus artificially boosting crime rates in the area. The issue went on for years until it was fixed in 2011. Those of you who read what I write know what I have written about the political conundrum in Malaysia these last many months. You know I have written not... With so many different phone manufacturers in the world, how do you know which can be trusted to deliver a quality device with support for the foreseeable future? Were going to take a look at every major manufacturer of Android smartphones and see how each company fared throughout 2018, from trivial problems to major blunders, innovative technologies and solid update schedules, everything counts toward to overall score for each company. Who delivered the best results in 2018? Lets take a look. Asus Advertisement Asus went largely unnoticed this year, part of that owing to the fact that they fully embraced the notch as part of their 2018 smartphone identity but failing to realize that every other OEM would seemingly do the exact same thing. Thats not to say that Asus doesnt make some good devices, as our reviews of the Zenfone 5Z and the Zenfone 5Q show, but theres little to nothing that sets Asus apart from the pack aside from a slightly lower price. Thats not without some big concessions though, including lower quality displays than the competition, and the fact that some of the Zenfone 5 lineup still ships with the 2 year-old Android 7.1 Nougat as well. The shining beacon in Asus 2018 lineup is, undeniably, the ROG Phone. Asus has created a truly unique and lovable device thats not just worth taking a look at, its really one worth owning for more than just a handful of reasons. Plenty of actually useful gaming accessories are available for the device, and even if you dont want to lug around a portable controller, the AirTouch points on the phone deliver a new method of input that we havent seen from any manufacturer yet. Judging on the resignation of Asus CEO and the subsequent announcement of focusing future products on power users, its likely well start seeing more ROG-type phones and less of what Asus has been making up until now. Theyve stated that the ZenFone lineup isnt heading to pasture which means were likely going to see plenty of budget-minded flagships from the company. Lets just hope its better than this year, because Asus focus this year was a bit on the odd side. Focusing on the notch as some sort of selling point during the ZenFone 5 announcement felt out of touch, and while the phones themselves were good enough, it wasnt until much later in the year that Asus seemed to get a handle on where it needed to go, and it looks like the ship is being steered in the right direction for 2019. As for this year its definitely been a disappointment. Taking everything into account, Asus products were strong enough to help make up for the companys lackluster performance this year, but only just barely. The promise of more ROG phones and other specialized phones next year is big, but 2018 barely made a blip on the radar for Asus. Product Grade: D Advertisement Company Grade: D Overall Grade: D Advertisement BlackBerry BlackBerry made quite the comeback with this years KEY2, a phone experience thats wholly unique across the board. While BlackBerry didnt release the sheer number of devices that some other manufacturers on this list, its devices show a level of devotion and focus to a brand and image that is clearly making a resurgence after a decade of declining mindshare. While the BlackBerry KEY2 is clearly different from most other flagship smartphones on the market, namely in its processing performance and screen size, the abilities of the phone are not to be discounted in any way. The KEY2 is simply one of the finest phones for power users who love to multitask and have, quite literally, everything at their fingertips thanks to a powerfully redesigned keyboard whose keys can all be used as quick shortcuts to launch anything on the phone. The KEY2 LE is unfortunately a less impressive phone simply because its missing two of the most important features from the KEY2; keyboard shortcuts and the ability to use the keyboard as a trackpad. Advertisement Parent company TCL has made a name for itself for several reasons over the past few years, but its not just for the excellent budget-minded TVs they make, its also for the brands theyve helped resurrect and grow. BlackBerry, in particular, has had a strong showing in both innovation and initial sales, and 2018s impressive release of the KEY2 is an important view into how BlackBerry is continuing to make a comeback as a relevant player in the market, offering something others simply dont. Still theres really only two products to speak of in 2018, and while they were both solid devices with great user feedback and support, this is a surprisingly low number of devices given how big BlackBerry used to be. BlackBerry has momentum going for it, coming off the positive release of the KEY2 and even after the surprisingly drab release of the KEY2 LE, setting expectations high for 2019. BlackBerry needs to work on their support and update schedule, particularly when it comes to OS updates, as the KEYOne only just received Android 8.0 Oreo nearly a year after its initial release, and there are seemingly no concrete plans for an Android 9 Pie update for any of BlackBerrys phones. While OS updates like this are less important for OEMs who include swaths of additional features over stock Android, theres still a certain negative image that slow OS updates create, regardless of whether theyre rooted in fact, and BlackBerry needs to make sure to control this image for the future. Product Grade: C+ Advertisement Company Grade: C Overall Grade: C Advertisement Google The Pixel 3 family of devices, particularly the Pixel 3 XL, has been a big letdown in many key areas. Google certainly improved some areas of these devices by providing higher quality screens when compared to last year, and the finest vibration motors in the industry. Theyve also added wireless charging and a brand new Titan M security chip. But they made some seriously bad decisions in other areas like the inclusion of a giant notch on the Pixel 3 XL that impedes upon content, removal of choice features like navigation buttons and quick settings buttons in the notification shade, performance issues with multitasking, quality issues with audio recording, and a slew of other problems that you can read about in our review. All this while charging more money than ever for these devices. Advertisement These issues have been passed down to previous Pixel family phones too, much of which comes in the form of Android Pies questionable navigation changes, as well as a slew of updates for all three generations of Pixel that have regularly caused issues. These issues range from not being able to properly charge a device, cameras being rendered unusable, photos being randomly deleted, severe issues with sound recording, memory management problems, and even bad audio feedback when making phone calls. Long story short, Googles Pixel line is a family of buggy devices that often face updates with several problems, many of which can are game-breaking for the users that are affected. Its clear Google has some serious work to do on quality control for not just its hardware, but for the updates delivered to said hardware as well. Googles choices as a phone maker this year have shown signs of being out of touch in some areas, while being perfectly in line with expectations elsewhere. The feedback from users about notches and headphone jacks has been pretty clear, and while few manufacturers listened to the headphone jack situation, Google at least included an excellent pair of USB Type-C earbuds with every Pixel 3 to help rectify the situation a bit. The did quite the opposite with the notch though, something many people have been very outspoken against, and not only made the largest notch on any Android phone, but even modified Androids handling of notches in order to facilitate it. There are plenty of other facets to Googles actions in 2018 that we wont cover here because they fall outside of the scope of being just a phone maker, but they all add up to a Google that feels like its following others rather than leading and innovating. Googles Pixel line is the place to go for the absolute fastest updates on any phone, but its becoming increasingly clear that Google has a quality control problem in more than one area. Both on the hardware and the software side, Google has faltered in its ability to provide upgrades without big problems across all three generations of its Pixel line, and while theyve cleaned up some problems, plenty of them are still big issues for customers. Product Grade: D- Company Grade: F Overall Grade: F+ HTC HTCs fall from grace has been pretty monumental over the past few years, and its really a shame given how good their phones used to be. The HTC U12+, despite the highpoints in video recording, was a mess of a phone when it launched, and continues to underwhelm in a number of key areas when compared to the competition. HTC also announced the rather good-looking budget-minded HTC U12 Life, which unfortunately saw an extremely limited release only in the UK, artificially limiting HTCs ability to sell anything worth measuring. HTCs blockchain phone, the Exodus 1, made no dent in the companys mindshare, brought on in a big way by only allowing the phone to be purchased with cryptocurrency. Its really a shame how things turned out too, as HTCs designs and ideas are all solid, its just the execution that doesnt always seem to pan out so well. It seems most of HTCs efforts are now gearing toward Googles Pixel line of devices since Google bought out much of the engineering staff at the beginning of this year. The loss of talent seems somewhat obvious with this years showings, and while the company has been having a hard time for a while now, their focus on products that consistently dont sell well is a bit puzzling. This on top of the odd U rebranding over the past year and a half and you end up with a consumer market that doesnt know what to pick up from the once-great smartphone giant, and you end up with a failure on every front. Couple this with the dissolving of one of the best reasons to buy an HTC phone, the Uh-Oh Protection, and youd got a company that makes products seemingly geared toward no one in particular. Overall its pretty clear HTC is a failing company, and while we arent trying to dogpile on them and make things harder, its clear HTC needs a reinvention in a big way, not just in order to stay relevant in todays smartphone market but to stay afloat as a company. Thankfully for consumers, the minds behind the once-booming company are hard at work with a possible big rebranding in 2019. For now though, its seemingly impossible to recommend anything HTC made in 2018 for a swath of reasons, not the least of which are the culmination of many errors along the way. Product Grade: D- Company Grade: F Overall Grade: F+ Huawei Huawei feels a bit like the underdog right now, a ridiculous notion given that its currently the number 2 smartphone vendor in the world. Theres no denying the allegations levied against Huawei could land a huge blow on the company, but despite the hardships its faced throughout 2018, Huawei has come out swinging with the absolute best devices theyve ever made, and the best mobile cameras in the industry by a fair margin. We already crowned them the new camera champs when the P20 Pro launched in the Spring, and while nothing is perfect, the level of innovation and quality the P20 Pro delivered were unrivaled. Huawei then doubled down on their efforts with the Mate 20 family of devices, improving everything you could think of on these devices, including a brand new third wide-angle camera on all three phones, faster processors and interesting new materials in design. Huaweis dedication to the Leica brand, and all that such a name implies in the world of photography, is something to be applauded. Huawei has pushed the envelope for available focal lengths on a smartphone, delivering a wider range of available zooming options than any other smartphone on the market by a wide margin. The Mate 20 Pro and Mate 20x, in particular, provide an unheard of 16-270mm focal length range equivalent, which is something most phones cant even achieve with specialty add-on lenses and cases. This is all built into Huaweis jam-packed software, and their work with AI, as it relates to photography, is nothing short of ground-breaking. Its not all about cameras though, as the rest of Huaweis flagships are jam-packed with features, excellent performance, and designs worth looking at again and again. Its no secret that Huawei is in a world of trouble across the globe, and those looking to buy any of the companys smartphones, especially in the US, are going to have a harder time than ever going forward. Countries that are part of the Five Eyes intelligence group have all banned Huawei device sales from their countries, either in part or in full. The US sees the largest full ban on Huawei sales across the country, and while you can still easily get one from an import shop or a third party seller on a site like Swappa or eBay, Huawei wont be seeing any substantial sales in the US any time soon. This is a particularly difficult thing for a company that, as of CES 2018, had huge plans to launch on AT&T and Verizon in the US officially, and since then has been involved in a downward spiral that has culminated with the arrest of its CFO in Canada. Still, the company dares anyone to prove its been spying for the Chinese government, a fact that has yet to be made public by any country or agency worldwide despite politicians claiming otherwise, but Huawei could have handled this so much better all year. Now were left with a tainted brand that makes amazing products that people are becoming increasingly wary of buying. Product Grade: A Company Grade: F Overall Grade: C+ HONOR As Huaweis sister company, HONOR typically provides high-performance phone at entry-level to mid-range prices, and this year has been a real showcase year for how far HONOR can stretch components on a budget price. While HMD Global seems laser-focused on its Android One strategy with the Nokia brand, HONOR is focusing on delivering phones with more features and performance than you would ever imagine at the same price points, and its doing so without sacrificing camera quality either. Two of HONORs biggest splashes this year include the HONOR 8X and the HONOR 10, two phones with the same processor as the considerably more expensive Huawei P20 family. The HONOR Magic 2, once again, offers the same processor as the considerably more expensive Huawei Mate 20 family and not only does it in a cheaper package, but with an incredibly innovative truly bezel-less design. Every one of these phones comes with Huaweis EMUI 8 or 9, a fork of Android that features its own look and set of unique features and additions over stock Android, similar to OEMs like Samsung or LG. EMUI has come a long way in just the last year alone, and its not only fast and stable but offers tons of useful quality of life features and customizations, including a robust theme store. HONORs focus on camera quality in 2018 has mirrored Huaweis, and while HONOR doesnt boast the same Leica partnership as its sister company, theyve been pushing AI-based photography in the same way Huawei has, resulting in a significant increase in overall quality and options. The future is looking bright for HONOR as it continues to innovate through several technologies, including a 48-megapixel camera on the back, in-display camera on the front, and several other breakthrough ideas in the upcoming HONOR View 20. HONOR is most certainly the place to look for high-value, high-performance, and feature-rich devices without compromising the experience. HONORs biggest issue is, of course, its direct association with Huawei. As Huaweis subsidiary, anything the parents company does or is involved in will, of course, directly implicate HONOR as well. While virtually no one has mentioned HONOR in any of the political peril surrounding Huawei right now, theres no escaping the truth that theyre largely the same company. This will be off putting for some, but HONOR has gone out of its way for quite some time to associate itself as its own brand and typically doesnt market itself as a Huawei-owned brand. The company still uses Huaweis own version of Android, EMUI, and all HONOR phones are also powered by Huawei-built Kirin processors as well. While it doesnt seem fair to ding HONOR for the negative publicity against Huawei, theres little separating the two outside of daily operations staff, and as such they suffer a similar fate to their sister company. Product Grade: A Company Grade: D Overall Grade: B Lenovo Lenovos phone division feels like it fell off a cliff in 2018, and the sales of Lenovo smartphones certainly reflect that. Part of this is due to a lack of enthusiasm for new devices, while the general lack of devices didnt help much either. Lenovo was also a bit dishonest in its teasers, especially for the Lenovo Z5, which was teased multiple times showing no bezels, with the VP of Lenovo even stating that it was a bezel-less handset, yet the phone ended up debuting with a rather large notch in its display while still sporting a noticeable chin. Lenovos phone business seems to be going by the wayside to make room for other divisions within the company if sales and number of devices are any indication, but theres still some sort of hope on the horizon for something big and groundbreaking. If it ever shows up, that is. Lenovos product announcements this year, as stated before, have been made with a bit of perceived deception. Whether or not this deception was intentional or not is another story, but theres been a regular pattern of trying to make headlines without any real product showing to match said headlines. The standard Z5 that was mentioned earlier was just the start, but even recently we saw Lenovo conveniently delay their announcement showcase for the Z5s and Z5 Pro GT after first saying that they would beat Samsung to the punch with the first punch hole smartphone. This particular announcement of an announcement, just a day before Samsungs actual announcement of a product, felt like yet another time where Lenovo purposefully tried to make headlines without an actual product to show. The Z5 GT Pro certainly looks like it could be an excellent device and could actually be the device weve been waiting for since the Summers original teaser. For now though, theres little to nothing worth noting about Lenovos 2018 performance, but the 2019 debuting seems like it could be considerably stronger out of the gate. Product Grade: D Company Grade: F Overall Grade: F+ LG LGs showing in 2018 was quite solid, with devices for every price point that often met or exceeded expectations in most ways. The LG G7 ThinQ is easily one of the best value flagships to buy at this point in 2018, and the LG V40 ThinQ is among the absolute best smartphones made all year. LG has significantly improved their hardware over the past 18-24 months, coming from a generation of phones with huge hardware issues just 2 and 3 years ago to delivering some of the finest hardware youll find anywhere. LG even offers a 2-year warranty with its flagship devices; double that of any other OEM on the market. LG is also one of the few remaining companies that makes flagships with 3.5mm audio jacks, and on top of that packs in the absolute best quality DACs in the business, ensuring the highest quality sound on any flagship smartphone, and its also got the best vibration motors next to Googles latest Pixel 3 phones, meaning your phone will feel as high quality as it looks while using it. LGs biggest issues still come in the form of timely updates and overall camera quality though, and while theyve made significant improvements in both areas, they cant be called the best in either category. Where LG really shines is in its powerful manual camera modes, of which the LG V40 ThinQ shines the brightest. We use the V40 as our main video camera for the YouTube channel here at Android Headlines, as it offers an incredibly versatile way to film video in extremely high quality without having to lug all sorts of equipment around with it. LGs use of wide-angle lenses has been unparalleled until the recent release of the Mate 20 family from Huawei, and a solid set of new features and additions to the latest updates for the G7 and V40 show that LG is working to better their devices, even after releasing them. LGs two biggest problems are in the general watering-down of the brand, as well as the general slow nature of LGs updates and software upgrades. If LG can put that new Software Upgrade Center to better use, itll most certainly continue to move up in the rankings, especially if these upgrades can provide meaningful features and additions instead of just visual tweaks. There are signs of improvement though, and while the V40 and G7 are both still running Android 8 Oreo, both phones have seen regular security updates since launch, and even last years flagships have received regular security updates too. Brand new functions have been added to the camera software since the G7 and V40 launches, and that Android 9 Pie update is already in beta in South Korea. Its slow, but there are definitely improvements versus previous years. Theres no shaking the cheap brand image that LG continues to hold in the US, in particular, where many prepaid phones are less than great experiences and tend to water down the brand image as a whole. Product Grade: B+ Company Grade: C- Overall Grade: C+ Motorola Motorolas showings this year are almost all focused on the low to mid-range pricing tier, and as such are pretty run-of-the-mill devices. Motorola has had a tough time selling its flagship-tier phones in any substantial numbers in recent years, despite serious innovation on its Moto Z series with Moto Mods. Even without a truly flagship-tier phone this year Motorola has shows its continued support for Moto Mods with the release of the Moto Z3 family, which are more of redesigns of last years product than significant upgrades. This is semi-excusable because of the pricetag the phone launches at, as it still provides a high-performance device for the price of a mid-range phone. All of Motorolas entry-level priced phones are exceedingly solid too, including the Moto G6 family, the Moto X4 and even the Motorola One, all of which are priced appropriately for their specs, yet deliver an experience thats generally better than you might imagine at said price ranges. Motorolas continued support for software updates, including the recently released Android Pie updates for several phones, show a solid dedication to its users and the ideas put forth in previous phones, even keeping compatibility for original Moto Mods on its latest Z-series phones as well. Motorolas as a company has been more impressive than its actual products, particularly because of their support on both the software and hardware fronts. Owners of any Moto Z device can use any Moto Mod on the market, meaning three generations of devices can use the same Mods without issue. While many frown on companies using near-identical designs throughout the years, Motorolas isnt due to laziness or lack of vision, rather the opposite. Motorolas design was clearly future proofed from the beginning, and the companys engineers did an impeccable job of making sure these products would work for many years to come, and have given plenty of support to developers and other companies on how to create successful mods that people truly want to buy. Theyve also been good about software updates on phones, and while some will certainly question the purpose of stock Android nowadays, Motorola continues to use its near-stock nature to the best advantage it can. Product Grade: D+ Company Grade: A- Overall Grade: C Nokia Its been quite some time since Nokia was relevant, but like BlackBerry, 2018 has been a pivotal year for the once-dominating brand. HMD Global relaunched the brand last year with a new focus and has been slowly ramping up its efforts since then. The Nokia 6.1 marked the beginning of Nokias rise in 2018, with a $229 price tag, great performance and an oh-so-gorgeous metal build. The Nokia 7.1 followed a few months later, introducing a beefed up phone with its own design language, albeit one thats not at all unique in 2018, but delivers solid performance and specs for just over $300. The recently announced Nokia 8.1 once again raises the bar and the price by about $100, delivering even better performance in every area and an incredibly well-rounded mid-range offering by any stretch of the imagination. Nokias ability to be available at the biggest retailers across the US in such a short time is nothing short of impressive. Most companies take years to get these sorts of spots, yet HMD Global has achieved all but carrier availability in less than 2. This includes Amazon, Best Buy and B&H, and helps consumers easily find solid, affordable unlocked devices. Every one of these phones are enrolled in the Android One program, meaning they deliver the pure Android experience, all while ensuring that they are getting updates to the latest OS within just a few weeks of release of finalized software by Google, not months.The upcoming announcement of the Nokia 9.1 has been generating excitement for a few months now, with diehard Nokia fans salivating at the idea of a proper PureView camera, powered by the excellent Carl Zeiss lenses, making a huge return with the best operating system a Nokia flagship has ever seen. 2018 has been an awesome year for HMD Global and the Nokia brand, and 2019 certainly seems poised to amplify that even further. Product Grade: B Company Grade: B Overall Grade: B OnePlus OnePlus had both a monumentally good year, and one that shows worrying patterns across the board. Up until 2018, OnePluss motto of Never Settle was always a bit curious, as theres always a level of settling when choosing a device thats significantly cheaper than the competition, but 2018 also brought question to the OnePluss secondary motto of by the fans, for the fans that OnePlus has hinged its success on over the years. Starting with the OnePlus 6 we saw the addition of a display notch to help reduce bezels on most edges of the phone, much to the chagrin and outcry of users leading up to the release of the phone. Despite overwhelming unfavorability on official polls run by the company on social media, which asked users if they want a notch on their new phone, decisions seem to have been made before this ruse was even put forth. To further malign the hard line position fans took in favor of important features like the 3.5mm audio jack, OnePlus bowed to pressure from the component industry and removed the 3.5mm jack on the Fall 2018 release of the OnePlus 6T. Then theres also the questionable change from metal to glass-backed phones, as OnePlus has yet to release a device thats IP-certified for water and dust resistance, or even one with wireless charging. These two key factors are typically the reason for switching to a more fragile material like glass, but OnePluss decision seems to be completely done from an aesthetics standpoint. Aside from hardware issues, OnePlus redesigned the multitasking carousel in its Android 9 Pie update to mostly coincide with what Google is pushing on its Pixel line of phones, once again going against the grain of what its users specifically requested in OnePluss popular forums. OnePlus still seems to tout speed as one of its biggest selling points, yet this redesign is anything but fast, and significantly slows down the multitasking experience. Then, of course, was the release of the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition, which took place not a month after the OnePlus 6T went on sale. This angered fans who had just purchased the regular OnePlus 6T, as it offered even more ram, a special edition design, and a new Warp Charge ability for only about $50 more than the top-end OnePlus 6T. Outside of these clear blunders, OnePlus still delivered two extremely worthy devices for the price point, but that price has increased over the previous generation with each release. All this sounds pretty negative, but most of it is related to OnePluss handling of matters rather than them delivering sub-par products. Taking the competition into account shines a very different light on these two phones though, and its clear that OnePlus is still dedicated to providing a high-value experience to customers for less money than the competition, even if it means conceding some features. OnePlus still consistently delivers a lower price than rivals while oftentimes delivering the same or better specs, especially in the case of RAM and storage, all while beefing up their custom OxygenOS version of Android with new features and a great new look. They were also one of the first OEMs to update to Android 9 Pie, and have delivered fantastic support for previous generation devices in the form of meaningful software updates as well. Making a deal with T-Mobile is easily the biggest win for the company this year too, as it provided a truly significant way to get into the US market; something most Chinese OEMs have been trying and failing to do for years. Product Grade: B Company Grade: D- Overall Grade: C- OPPO OPPO is the sister company of OnePlus, and it shows in nearly every way for the companys flagship designs. Most OPPO and OnePlus phones look incredibly similar, and in some cases nearly identical, but OPPO has branched out onto a path that differentiates it from OnePlus and many other OEMs in pretty significant ways. OPPO released many solid devices this year, including the R15 and R17, the latter featuring some significant innovations in two key areas: a TOF 3D camera and SuperVOOC charging. While a TOF 3D camera isnt exactly a household name, it represents an important new technology thats aiming to make cameras better by providing focal and depth perception in nanoseconds, not milliseconds. SuperVOOC made its debut on the Lamborghini Edition of the Find X, an incredibly expensive device by any measurement, but is now also available on the far less expensive OPPO R17 Pro, which retails for about $500. This tech charges the R17 Pro from 0-40% in just 10 minutes flat, with a full charge in a whopping 25 minutes. OPPO has also been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to bezel-less designs and intriguing colors. This Falls OPPO Find X is easily among the most beautiful devices ever created, and while the slider mechanism wont be practical for everyone, the unique style exuded from the Find X is unmistakable in a world where most smartphones look nearly identical. OPPOs got plans to keep this design around for the foreseeable future too, judging on the 5G Find X prototype, and it makes sense too considering how amazing it is to use. This all while significantly improving its own ColorOS version of Android, which features one of the only power user-friendly horizontal Overview multitasking carousel designs, and youve got a selection of phones that cover all the bases, from the fast and affordable to the ultra stylish and ritzy. OPPOs biggest problems comes in pricing, where it often prices itself about the same as OnePluss nearly identical looking phones, but often features slightly worse specs. This is more apparent on the R series, where the same price will often net you a Snapdragon 845 on a OnePlus device, while the comparable OPPO device only features a Snapdragon 670 or 710. While the real-world performance of these component changes isnt always noticeable, its more of the principal for these sorts of changes while not offering any real reason for the decision. OPPO cant even claim software superiority either, as OnePluss OxygenOS or HydrogenOS (depending on region) is the fastest version of Android on the market and doesnt skimp on features either. Then theres the Find X, which is extremely expensive but features top-end components and design, leaving OPPO fans with no middle ground to run to when it comes to price and specs. Product Grade: B Company Grade: A Overall Grade: B+ Razer The Razer Phone 2 feels like more of a missed opportunity than anything. Its a capable phone in most ways, including a 120Hz display thats truly unique among any other phone on the market and some seriously unique looks. As a gaming device, however, its difficult to recommend over something like the Asus ROG Phone, which features plenty of unique customizations for games, while the Razer Phone 2 ships with what could almost be considered stock Android. While this sounds great for performance, the reality is that stock Android hasnt meant performance for quite some time now, and youll find theres no performance distinction between this and another high-end phone, only a distinct lack of features. The Razer Phone 2 is a solid device that certainly looks cool and has one of the best displays and speakers on the market, but its a pretty safe move on Razers part, mostly improving upon hardware elements but not providing much in the way of unique software or extra features that would truly make this feel like a gaming phone outside of sheer looks and a liquid smooth display. Its true that Razer is still new to the phone game and cant release more than one or two products to start with, but its the lack of compelling features on the Razer Phone 2 that make it a hard sell as a gaming device. Theres no doubt its a solid phone and a good buy, especially at the price the Razer Phone 2 is selling for at many retailers, but the brand has been defined by products for hardcore gamers, and this phone simply doesnt offer enough in the way of unique gamer options or features to make it stand out as it should. Product Grade: C- Company Grade: C- Overall Grade: C- Samsung Just about everything Samsung did in 2018 shows a company at the top of its game, one thats unwilling to compromise when industry trends clearly are unfavorable, and one that appears to be listening to its base in every perceivable way. We saw every single major manufacturer bow to the notch trend in 2018, much to the chagrin of outspoken users everywhere, and many also removed the much-loved 3.5mm headphone jack from their phones; all except for Samsung, who held true to their word and delivered devices with options for every preference imaginable. Samsungs initial release of the Galaxy S9 was a bit underwhelming, but as the market worsened around them, it became clear why Samsung kept last years design language and, more or less, added features and speed to what were already excellent designs. Samsungs release of the Galaxy Note 9 brought back the insane amount of customization present in the Samsung Experience with the return of Good Lock, a curiously named app thats a collection of several other apps, all designed to allow users to completely customize the user interface, navigation, look and feel, and everything else you could possibly think of to create the ultimate pair of devices. Samsung also has the entire ecosystem experience down pat, from the excellent, industry-leading Samsung Pay, to deep integration with its smart TVs, smart watches, appliances and everything in-between. Match this with timely updates that deliver an incredibly well-balanced camera experience and a breath of features and support that actually warrant the relatively high price tags of flagship devices, and youve got the most consumer-friendly set of devices released by any company in 2018. Looking forward, 2019 is looking a little more cloudy. Its clear Samsung is on the cusp of something big with its foldable device announcement a few weeks ago, but the direction its taking in regards to notches and headphone jacks is a bit murky. Its clear were going to see smaller bezels with a camera cut-out in 2019 Samsung phones, as seen with the recent announcement of the Galaxy A8s. The biggest problem with this announcement is, of course, the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack, aside from having a display cut-out of any kind. Both of these selling points have been a staple of the Samsung brand in 2017 and 2018, and to see both of them go by the wayside at the same time is a bit concerning. To further muddy the waters, Samsungs new OneUI redesign of the Samsung Experience Android skin is most certainly going to be a controversial update, not just because of the radical visual design changes throughout the UI, but also because of the big navigational changes in Android 9 Pie that have become such a sore spot for Googles latest big Android update. Much of Samsungs winnings in 2018 can be attributed to the ideology of delivering something for everyone without compromise, and a lot of what will ultimately give Samsung another perfect year ultimately hangs in the balance of whether or not theyll continue to deliver on their promises as they have in 2018. Product Grade: A+ Company Grade: A+ Overall Grade: A+ Sony Its taken several generations for Sony to finally get its act together, but 2018 spelled a rebirth for the ailing mobile division of the famous Japanese electronics giant. The announcement and launch of the Xperia XZ2 marked a big change to the companys design language for its devices. The old designs didnt age very well against many phones released in 2017, but the new Ambient Flow design language looks modern and fresh, with smaller bezels and taller aspect ratios in 2018. The removal of the 3.5mm audio jack felt like a huge blow to the companys otherwise respectable Hi-Res Audio movement that its been pushing for years though, and was a bit of a confusing move for Sony fans as a whole. Despite this setback, the Xperia XZ2 went on to be one of our favorite phones of the year, even going on to win runner-up for best battery life on any flagship for the year. This combined with the sheer speed of the device and the excellent price tag that you can find it for today makes it an easy recommendation to anyone looking for a solid flagship-level device. Sonys follow-up to this, the Xperia XZ3, was launched just recently and was among the first phones to ship with Android 9 Pie. Despite most other OEMs following suit with what is quickly being called one of the worst redesigns ever, Android 9 Pies multitasking screen, Sony seems to have decided this new design wasnt up to the task for a fast phone and opted to keep Oreos design instead. That highly criticized gesture navigation style that Google also introduced in Pie is gone as well, and Sony has instead seemingly kept all the good designs and features of Pie without introducing any of the controversial or flat-out bad ones. This, on top of further tweaking the new Ambient Flow hardware design language by introducing curved edges to the brand new OLED display panel, makes the Xperia XZ3 feel like one of the most premium devices in recent memory. The biggest disappointment is not seeing the dual camera setup from the XZ2 Premium make its way to the similarly priced Xperia XZ3, but its highly likely well see Sony push that to next years flagships instead. Sonys huge changes are all for the better, with the exception of the 3.5mm jack removal, and the inclusion of a working fingerprint scanner in the US, coupled with everything else this years flagships bring, put Sony closer to the top of its game than its been in a very long time. Product Grade: B Company Grade: A Overall Grade: B Vivo Vivo had quite a number of firsts in 2018, most notably beginning with the in-glass fingerprint scanner announced at CES right in the very beginning of the year. Since then, weve seen a slew of phones from the company make their retail debut, many of which featured hit-or-miss performance on those cutting-edge fingerprint scanners, but being the first to market almost always means quality is going to suffer a bit. Since then, Vivo has significantly improved the quality and performance of its in-glass fingerprint scanners, starting with the Vivo NEX S, a phone that packs incredible technology inside and a quality user experience, all while sporting a truly bezel-less design and a massive display to boot. Vivo is already following this up with the NEX Dual Display Edition, showcasing yet another gorgeous design thats uniquely unparalleled in the smartphone world. Whats impressive about the NEX Dual Display Edition isnt just the truly bezel-less, sleek design, its almost all found on the back of the phone. An entire second screen sits underneath the gorgeous coat of paint as well as a wholly unique ring flash configuration for better lighting in dark environments. It also functions as a touchpad on the back for apps and games that support it, bringing functionality similar to what Sony offered on the PS Vita a few years ago. Vivo has been the showcase pioneer of several technologies this year, and this is part and parcel to the score theyve been given here. Many OEMs this year seem to have let design take a back seat, especially when it comes to camera configurations and display notches, while Vivo has consistently shown up almost everyone in both regards, offering compelling alternatives for almost every taste. Even Vivos cameras have been excellent this year, offering a huge step up in quality and features over previous generations of phones, and rivaling even the biggest of big-name manufacturers in this area. Vivo is good about keeping their phones updated with regular security patches and bug fixes, but the FunTouch OS skin is still too heavy for its own good and requires quite a bit of tweaking to get it working well. The worst offense is the overly aggressive RAM and battery management, which regularly pauses apps in the background or even removes them from RAM altogether, requiring a full reload of apps while simply multitasking during a regular days use. Its also extremely iOS inspired and looks like it was ripped straight from an iPhone a year or two ago. Theres certainly a market for this, but it doesnt have the international appeal or ease of support and updating that other OEMs have. Product Grade: B+ Company Grade: A Overall Grade: B+ Xiaomi Last, but certainly nowhere near least, is Xiaomi. Xiaomi has consistently delivered solid flagship phones for significantly less than the competition, owing in part to their commitment that they wont make more than a 5% profit on all devices sold. This has allowed the company to deliver consistently innovative, attractive smartphones and devices as prices that seem impossible to deliver on, yet never relax their quality control or design standards either. Xiaomi quite literally has something for everyone, from the near-bezel-less Mi MIX 2s to the unbelievable value-focused Pocophone F1. They even debuted the truly bezel-less Mi MIX 3 at the tail end of the year, showcasing a brilliant slider design and the fully developed vision of what they started with the original Mi MIX just 2 years ago. Xiaomis own version of Android, dubbed MIUI, showcases the best mix of speed and features, all while constantly innovating with new quality of life features like that amazing new multitasking Overview interface thats a huge step in the right direction in the mobile world. MIUI offers an unparalleled update schedule that gets weekly bug fixes and often major updates and changes for several generations of Xiaomi phones at a time. This long-term support of products is another incredible value-added portion that makes Xiaomis already affordable prices seem almost unreal, as they both regularly offer the lowest prices for a comparably powered flagship all while offering a better update schedule and feature list than competitors. Even folks who prefer stock Android can check out the super affordable Xiaomi Mi A2, a phone thats part of the Android One program thats designed to run stock Android with little to no customizations, offering a pure experience with fast updates from Google. Xiaomis only odd release this year was the flagship Mi 8, which had a very limited release worldwide and wasnt as innovative as many had initially expected. Its not a bad smartphone by any means, and at the price, represents exactly what Xiaomi stands for as a whole; value without compromise. If theres a true flagship killer in the land, its coming from the offices of Xiaomi without a doubt. Product Grade: B+ Company Grade: A+ Overall Grade: A- Conclusion 2018 has been a surprising year in many ways, from the ultra-quick adoption of the notch, to a series of bizarre design changes and even the deaths of quite a few much-loved services. But 2018 also represented one of the most innovative years in half a decade, from the adoption of in-glass fingerprint scanners, truly bezel-less designs from several manufacturers, and cameras that are once again changing the paradigm of what we expect from a smartphone. There were certainly some upsets, with companies that moved from hero to zero in just a scant few months, while others appear to have gone by the motto of pulling oneself up by ones bootstraps and succeeded wildly. Whats certain is that tech enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in 2019. United States President Donald Trump is pondering the idea of dealing another massive blow to Huawei and ZTE as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to rise, a new report indicates. The White House is currently understood to be considering a new executive order that would prevent American companies from purchasing or licensing any kind of telecommunications technologies from the two Chinese firms, several insiders claim. Given the limitation of executive orders, the move would have to be formally justified with a national emergency, with President Trump being likely to cite national security threats as the main reason for banning the Chinese telecom tech from the U.S. market, as was the case with the tariffs he imposed on many Chinese goods and services over the course of this year. The development isnt entirely new as the executive order in question has been the subject of White House talks for over eight months by this point, as per the same sources. The draft of the directive has yet to be finalized and isnt expected to directly name any particular company, though it will almost certainly be worded in a way that would essentially put an end to their stateside ambitions. As the U.S. and China are presently entering a new phase of their trade conflict, the ban of Huawei and ZTEs equipment could now arrive as early as next month. The powers vested in the Presidents office prevent the administration from issuing a direct ban but the end result of the move should be nearly identical as the White House can simply use such a directive to instruct the Department of Commerce to fulfill its policy agenda. As has been the case with other recent blows the U.S. government dealt to the two telecom juggernauts, the potential executive order is likely to be framed as an attempt at reducing the risk of Chinese spying. More specifically, the directive is reportedly based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, a piece of legislation the Trump administration already used extensively to justify the enforcement of its policies in the past. The ban has already been discussed with select executives from the American wireless industry, the new report suggests. The final nail in the telecom coffin Advertisement Neither Huawei nor ZTE currently have a significant presence in the U.S. wireless market, at least partially because American companies are already fearful of government retribution should they partner with major players from the Far Eastern country. The last major firm that attempted doing so was AT&T, the second-largest network operator in the U.S. that agreed on a limited product distribution partnership with Huawei late last year but was pressured to drop it mere hours before the collaboration was planned to be announced at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this January. The company was reportedly threatened with having its lucrative federal contracts revoked if it goes through with the idea of deepening its relations with Huawei, the largest telecom firm in China by headcount. The annual spending bill passed by Congress this summer contains a provision that prevents federal agencies from purchasing or licensing any kind of technologies manufactured or merely associated with ZTE or Huawei. The legislation specifically names the two companies and has already caused anger from Beijing which claims the U.S. is looking to skew the playing field in order to account for the fact its own firms simply cannot compete with Chinese telecom juggernauts. Washington previously dismissed the allegations, whereas Chinas opponents often ironically argue Beijing should open its own telecom market to foreign players like Nokia and Ericsson if nurturing a competitive economy based on free trade principles is something its truly concerned about. Between the aforementioned federal ban and the newly reported executive order aimed at the private sector, the U.S. now appears to be on the verge of completely killing off any kind of stateside wireless ambitions Huawei and ZTE had. An exercise in finger-pointing Advertisement And as the American and Chinese governments continue to point fingers at each other in regards to trade and technology, the Western intelligence community remains adamant that even if Huawei or ZTE never spied on their customers on behest of Beijing in the past, they could easily be compelled to do so in the future and hence cannot be trusted. ZTE has been labeled a liability primarily due to its ownership despite being publicly traded, its controlled by a state-owned company. Huawei is technically owned by its employees but has a rather opaque structure that revokes share rights after employment ends and has a complex voting system that makes it unclear who is actually pulling the strings. This lack of transparency and its close ties to Beijing that go all the way to its founder Ren Zhengfei a former Peoples Liberation Army official are some of the main reasons why the Shenzen-based conglomerate continues to face distrust in the U.S. That lack of credibility is now also hurting it in other markets as the U.S. is now ramping up its efforts to lobby against Chinese telecom tech with its allies; Australia already banned Huawei from its 5G project and South Korea, Japan, and Canada are reportedly close to doing the same. Huaweis long history of issues with the U.S. government is hence likely to significantly limit its 5G ambitions, with Europe remaining the only major Western market thats still willing to accept its solutions, at least do a degree. Even the Old Continent isnt as receptive to its products as it once was seeing how telecom juggernaut Deutsche Telekom dropped its tech just earlier this month as part of its negotiations with American regulators probing the proposed merger of its subsidiary T-Mobile and SoftBanks Sprint. With its Chief Financial Officer (and founders daughter) Meng Wanzhou currently also fighting extradition in Canada after the U.S. Justice Department accused her of fraud and a conspiracy to violate trade embargoes imposed on Iran, Huawei appears to be in for a rough 2019 regardless of how innovative it manages to be in the near future. An inspection of the One UI firmware for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 reveals that Verizon may sell two 5G handsets from the South Korean tech firm in the near future. The firmware reveals two device codes believed to be denoting Samsungs 5G smartphones. The first code, beyondxqsq_vzw, likely alludes to the 5G version of the companys upcoming Android flagship, the Galaxy S10. An earlier report mentioned that Samsung internally refers to the 5G model of the Galaxy S10 as the Beyond X. On the other hand, the letters vzw in the device code likely stands for Verizon Wireless. Meanwhile, another code, boltq5gvzw, could refer to the second 5G product from Samsung that Verizon may sell. Recent reports claim that the handset will include a Snapdragon chipset from Qualcomm, and given the different code, the second 5G device may have substantial hardware or design differences compared to the 5G model of the Galaxy S10. Background: Samsung has closely collaborated with Verizon on the development of devices and services that take advantage of the carriers 5G network. At an event that took place in Hawaii earlier this month, Samsung announced it will supply a 5G-capable smartphone to Verizon, confirming the gadget will become available to consumers as soon as the service provider begins the commercial deployment of its mobile 5G network. Aside from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T will likely sell the 5G model of the Galaxy S10, and the device maker is also working with carriers in South Korea on the initiative. While multiple leaks already supplied details about the specifications and design of the 5G Galaxy S10, there is little information available about the second 5G device from Samsung. However, both handsets will likely feature the Snapdragon x50 5G modem from Qualcomm. This modem is compatible with 5G networks running on both the sub-6GHz and mmWave frequencies. Furthermore, at least one of the two handsets, the 5G Galaxy S10, may sport the Snapdragon 855 chipset. Rumors also mention that the 5G version of the Galaxy S10 will feature a 6.7-inch screen, and include two display cutouts that host the handsets dual front-facing cameras. The back panel of the phablet will supposedly have up to four rear cameras, and the handset reportedly includes 12GB of RAM and 1TB of flash storage. Furthermore, recent reports also state that the 5G model of the Galaxy S10 will feature an in-display fingerprint sensor. Advertisement Samsung will reportedly launch the Galaxy S10 lineup at Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona, and the company will likely reveal three variations of its flagship smartphone range at the Barcelona event. However, there is conflicting information about the actual release date of the 5G version of the Galaxy S10. Some reports indicate that Samsung will also reveal the handset during MWC 2019, while other rumors suggest the tech giant will unveil the handsets at a later date. On the other hand, there is no available information about the launch date of the possible second 5G device from Samsung. Impact: The discovery of a possible second 5G device shows the extent of collaboration between Samsung and Verizon in terms of 5G development. Samsung is a major supplier of 5G equipment to Verizon, and the South Korean tech juggernaut played a crucial role in the service providers 5G Home initiative launched this fall. It is not yet clear what separates the second device from the Galaxy S10 lineup, although its possible the Android smartphone in question is meant to be a Verizon exclusive. Seguin, TX (78155) Today Showers early, then partly cloudy for the afternoon. High near 80F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. The event brought together over 35 airport HR professionals from 15 Airports to Abu Dhabi Airports facilities in the capital, allowing them to discuss emerging HR trends, new technologies and case studies. The meeting provided attendees with human capital development insights from the host, Abu Dhabi Airports, as well as case studies from Cambodia, Oman and Bahrain. Topics covered include Digitalization in HR, to the relevance of 70-20-10 principle in 2019, and competency frameworks and e-learning. Kevin Caron, Director, Capacity Building Programmes, ACI World, also gave delegates an overview of ACI learning development initiatives globally. Zamzam Al Hammadi, general manager GCAS, said It was a privilege for Abu Dhabi Airports & GCAS to be able to host this regional meeting, and bring the collective human resources experiences from across the Asia Pacific region here to the UAE Such conferences are an excellent opportunity for industry peers to share and review experiences and challenges, as well as best practices within the aviation industry, towards ensuring our human development initiatives are aligned with the requirements of the new mega structure the Midfield Terminal Project. It was a true reflection on the interconnectivity within the aviation industry across borders, which is the base and engine of this dynamic business. TheDesignAir Awards have been running for six years and celebrates the very best in aviation design across the globe. The judging panel, made up of eight aviation and design experts, awarded Oman Air with the accolades following the unveiling of the new lounge at Muscat Airport and the launch of the three-class Dreamliner earlier this year. The award acknowledges the carriers commitment to offering the very best in design and customer experience to its guests. Oman Air CEO, Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, said: Oman has such a rich heritage and inspires us through design and also an inherent sense of hospitality and service. It is a great honour to receive such positive feedback from our guests and industry experts alike. Xia Cai, senior vice president of guest experience & branding, said: We are delighted to be recognised as the leading airline in design. Oman Airs guest experience, brand, and product development teams worked collaboratively to create our bespoke First Class cabin and lounge offerings, and we were delighted with the results. Saleem Amanulla, vice president, airport operations, Oman Air said: It is indeed an honour to be recognised with a design award for our lounges at the new passenger terminal. We have integrated in the design element of the premium lounges the influence of the desert and mountains found in Oman and this inspiration has produced a beautiful area for guests to relax before boarding. Apart from receving appreciation from our guests, such awards are also hugely motivating. Jonny Clark, founder of TheDesignAir, said: "Oman Air has long been on our radar as a leading carrier in the Middle East. With these two new leading products, the airline has reaffirmed its position as a design-led airline with a focus on the passenger experience. These culturally sensitive, delightful products on the ground and in the air bring design touches that truly represent Oman's rich and diverse culture. Onboard the new First Class suites are elegant, refined and paired back, while the lounge in Muscat's new terminal are rich, luxurious and intricately detailed, creating an opulent space to relax between flights. Authorities on Wednesday released these surveillance images of three men suspected in the theft of an estimated $800,000 worth of jewelry from a display case near the lobby of The Little Nell hotel on Friday afternoon. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on December 27, 2018 2018/12/27 At the invitation of the Brazilian government, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Ji Bingxuan, as President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy, will travel to Brasilia to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Jair Bolsonaro on January 1, 2019. Q: According to reports, Russia's Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov said on December 26 that Russian President Vladimir Putin will become a key guest and participant of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held in April next year. President Xi Jinping will visit Russia next year. The 24th regular meeting between the Chinese Premier and Russian Prime Minister might be held earlier next year in Russia. Russia will also hold celebratory activities for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China next year. Can you confirm that and provide us more details? A: On December 21, Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Hanhui held consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Morgulov in Beijing to have an in-depth exchange of views on high-level exchanges between the two countries next year. The two sides agreed that under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, this year's China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has achieved great development while operating at a high level, and cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful outcomes. As China and Russia mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, the two sides will continue to work together to make good preparations for a series of important high-level exchanges centered around the exchanges between the two heads of state. We all know that China and Russia have a tradition of supporting each other in hosting major international events and making mutual visits by the heads of state every year. In their bilateral meeting at the G20 Buenos Aires Summit not long ago, President Xi Jinping and President Putin have extended invitations to each other and agreed to attend each other's major international events in the first half of next year. The two presidents also agreed to hold grand celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. China and Russia will also organize various events among different departments at the national and sub-national levels for the 70th anniversary to consolidate the time-honored friendship between the two peoples, promote bilateral relations to achieve more outcomes in the coming year and join hands to make greater contributions to safeguarding international fairness and justice and world peace and stability. Q: Sources said that the Trump administration is considering an executive order that would probably come in January, 2019 to declare a national security emergency that bars US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by Huawei and ZTE. Does China have any response to it? A: What you mentioned has not been confirmed. I do not want to officially comment on the news that has not been confirmed. However, recently, there have been indeed a lot of discussions in this regard. Officials, scholars and media from many countries, including many people in the US as well as the US media, sharply pointed out the essence and nature of the problems facing the development of Chinese high-tech companies overseas. We'd better let facts speak for themselves when it comes to the issue of security. Despite not having any evidence, certain countries have politicized the normal exchanges and cooperation in science and technology and even obstructed and restricted the normal operations of Chinese businesses on unwarranted charges and under the pretext of national security. This actually amounts to shutting their own door to openness, progress and fairness. Q: You just announced that Special Envoy Ji Bingxuan will travel to Brazil for the inauguration ceremony of the new President. Could you offer us more details? A: China and Brazil are both major developing countries and important emerging markets. In recent years, China-Brazil relations have been growing rapidly in an all-round manner as evidenced by fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation across the board. Developing China-Brazil ties has become the widespread consensus of people in all sectors in our two countries. After his election, the incoming Brazilian President Bolsonaro said that Brazil views China as a great cooperative partner and will actively develop its cooperation with China. China always attaches importance to developing its relations with Brazil from a strategic and long-term perspective. We stand ready to join hands with Brazil to maintain and ensure the sound growth of our comprehensive strategic partnership in an effort to deliver more benefits to the two peoples and make due contributions to upholding the common interests of developing countries and safeguarding peace and stability of the region and beyond. Q: It is reported that a cruise ship with 21 Chinese citizens on board capsized in the waters near Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam on December 26. Can you provide further details? A: On the afternoon of December 26, a cruise ship with 21 Chinese tourists on board capsized in waters near Nha Trang, Vietnam. Nineteen of them have been rescued, one was killed, and one is in critical condition. The Chinese Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City activated the emergency response mechanism immediately, dispatching staff to the scene and urging the Vietnamese side to make their best efforts at rescue. The Chinese Consulate-General will continue to coordinate with the Vietnamese side to ensure proper treatment for the injured and settlement for the rescued and provide the necessary assistance for the involved Chinese tourists and their families. The New Year's Day holiday is approaching, and we want to take this opportunity to remind the Chinese citizens who are planning to travel overseas to raise their risk awareness, carefully arrange the itinerary, and always take safety as the top priority. Q: The Chinese media reported that a Canadian citizen would be tried and an appeal would be heard on Saturday on drug-smuggling charges and the individual's name as reported is Robert Lloyd Schellenberg. Can you confirm it and are you in contact with the Canadian side over this case? A: I am not aware of the specifics of this case and I would refer you to the competent authority. If foreign citizens are involved, I believe that the relevant Chinese authority will conduct consular notification in a timely manner. Q: The Chinese-funded drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation center in Sarangani was recently inaugurated after its construction was completed ahead of schedule and handed over to the Philippines last week. The Sarangani Governor lauded the project and said that this would be one that will really reform the patients. What is China's comment on this? Can you further introduce China's efforts to help the Philippines to cope with the drug problem? A: As the Sarangani Governor said, after its completion, the drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation center in Sarangani will help local people who have suffered drug abuse embrace normal life again. As far as I know, another Chinese-funded drug rehabilitation center in Agusan del Sur in the region of Mindanao is also under construction. At present, China-Philippines relations continue to develop steadily. The Chinese side attaches importance to the development of China-Philippines relations and supports the Philippine government in carrying out anti-drug, anti-terrorism and other just causes under the leadership of President Duterte. In addition to aiding the construction of drug rehabilitation centers, China also conducts extensive cooperation with the Philippines on anti-drug training, intelligence sharing and joint investigations. China is willing to continue to assist the Philippines in solving the drug problem and improving the people's livelihood as its capacity allows. Q: Can you confirm the report that the relevant US government delegation is travelling to China in early January next year? If so, can you share more details about this meeting? A: With regard to the specifics of the China-US trade talks, I would refer you to the Commerce Ministry. According to my information, the economic teams of the two sides maintain close communication on the arrangement of the trade negotiations. Q: Could you just confirm that the foreigner who will be tried is Canadian? Would the current diplomatic tensions between China and Canada have any impact on the outcome of this case? A: Like I said just now, I am not aware of the specifics of the case. As to the diplomatic tensions between China and Canada, I think you are very clear about the reason for that. I have made clear China's solemn position on it many times before. Q: The tsunami casualties in Indonesia this time have been huge, highlighting the growing importance of disaster management cooperation between regional countries. What cooperation has China and ASEAN countries carried out in this regard? A: Indeed, the major casualties caused by the Indonesian tsunami further illustrated the necessity and urgency of strengthening disaster management cooperation among regional countries. China and ASEAN countries are actively engaged in disaster management cooperation and are negotiating to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Disaster Management Cooperation. China conducts annual dialogues and exchanges with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) and engages with six ASEAN countries including Indonesia to discuss the earthquake and tsunami monitoring and early warning system. Under the framework of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), China and ASEAN countries have jointly held seminars on the Asia-Pacific ocean disaster management, earthquake disaster response and urban search and rescue capacity building, and regional climate change and coastal disaster relief, made the initiative to issue the Statement on Strengthening Disaster Management Cooperation, and explored the establishment of regional early warning mechanisms. Taking the East Asia Cooperation as a platform, China is willing to carry out disaster management cooperation and share disaster relief experience, ideas and technologies with regional countries to further enhance regional disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities. Q: Reports say that two Chinese fishing ships barged into Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone for fishing last month. After that, the Japanese fisheries agency officials boarded the ships to carry out inspection. The Japanese government has protested to the Chinese government on this. What is your comment? A: As to the report you mentioned, I have checked the relevant situation with the Chinese competent authority. According to the Chinese competent authority, it has been 50 days since this incident happened. China and Japan have exchanges views on it. The Chinese ships did not engage in "trans-boundary fishing" as the Japanese side claimed. We are dissatisfied with the co-called "boarding the ships to carry out inspection" on the part of the Japanese fisheries agency. We urge the Japanese side to observe the China-Japan Fisheries Agreement, earnestly respect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese fishermen and refrain from obstructing the normal operation of Chinese fishing ships. Q: This upcoming January 1 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US. How do you describe the China-US ties in the past forty years? A: This year marks the 40th anniversary of the joint communique on establishing China-US diplomatic relations. Over the past four decades, China-US ties have achieved far more growth than erstwhile predictions. Ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius observed that "when reaching the age of forty, one should have no more doubts." If the past four momentous decades of China-US engagement were any guide, it boils down to the conclusion that our two countries stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Although China-US relations are about to reach the age of forty, we can see that some people in the US still have doubts and perplexities. Today, we believe that people of vision from both sides must see through the mist and reconfirm this valuable consensus: cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation makes no one a winner. The two sides should expel various disturbances and show the wisdom of "having no more doubts". In their recent meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump had an in-depth strategic discussion. They agreed to pursue a China-US relationship defined by coordination, cooperation and stability, and charted the way for addressing the existing issues between the two countries and promoting the healthy growth of China-US relations. We hope that the US side could meet us halfway and follow the spirit of mutual respect and win-win cooperation to continuously promote the sound and steady development of China-US relations in the right direction as this serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and meets the shared aspirations of people from all over the world. For Christmas, the Burbank, California garage was transformed into a kitten wonderland. Leno agreed to move some of his classic cars out, to make room for hundreds of kittens and the good people from Luxe Paws Rescue, an organization that operates in the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park, and addresses the issues of kitty overpopulation.Videos and photos of the kitten wonderland were posted to social media, with Luxe Paws praising Leno for being so generous to offer them his space. Leno himself was at the event, cuddling kittens and doing his best to raise awareness on the importance of having stray cats caught, neutered and then released or TNR, as the organization calls it.For the event, an entire area was cleared and surrounded by white fence. Inside, kittens had their playing ground, complete with toys and humans to operate them, Christmas tree and lights, and plenty of treats.So Jay Leno decided to play Santa Claws & transform his classic car airplane hanger in Burbank into kitten wonderland, the organization says in one caption on the official Instagram Our good friend & writer, director of the documentary, Cat People @asako3856 helped us wrangle the kittens & the whole event was organized by Karn Myers of @fixnation. We were honored to celebrate Christmas with Jay, Mavis & their closest friends & family all to shine the spotlight on the best way to #savekittens is spay/neuter & #TNR, the post further says, declaring this holiday season the #catmas2018.Its not uncommon for celebrities to do nice things for stray animals around the holidays: Howard Stern, the often-times controversial SiriusXM host, often uses his homes in Manhattan and the Hamptons to foster cats. So far, he and his wife have taken hundreds of them under his roof. Two people aboard a pressurized Beech Baron were killed but there were no injuries on the ground when the twin crashed into a residential area of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, late in the afternoon of Christmas Day. The Baron, which is registered to retired plastic surgeon Dr. Vaughan Meyer, was on final for the Sioux Falls Airport when it crashed about three miles southeast of the airport. At least two houses were damaged and four more were evacuated when the aircraft went down just after 5 p.m. Neighbors grabbed fire extinguishers and were able to get the fire under control as first responders dispatched. The body of the pilot was found immediately but it took several hours to find the body of the passenger, which was trapped in the wreckage. The plane was on a flight from Grand Rapids, Michigan, had been cleared for landing and was on final. The tower controller noticed the aircraft was low and ordered the pilot to break off the approach and to climb and maintain 3,000 feet. There was no response and the controller asked other aircraft to monitor 121.5. The NTSB has dispatched investigators to the scene. The Democratic Republic of the Congo will go to the polls next Sunday in what should be the countrys first ever peaceful transfer of power. Why it matters: The DRC is a massive country at the heart of Africa. Its already facing an Ebola epidemic and dozens of armed rebel groups. And as Congolese officials have told me, every election carries the risk of war. The latest: In recent days, an apparent arson attack destroyed 80% of the voting machines that were to be used in the capital, Kinshasa, and police reportedly killed two opposition supporters and injured 40 more. The electoral commission says elections will go ahead. Catch up quick ... Joseph Kabila took office 18 years ago following the assassination of his father during the Second Congo War, the deadliest since World War II. Kabilas latest term ended in 2016, but he didn't step aside. His henchmen brutally cracked down on the ensuing protests. Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister sanctioned by the EU for his role in suppressing those protests, is now Kabilas pick to succeed him after two years of electoral delays. Kabila recently said he wont rule out another run in 2023, leading to speculation that hes attempting a Putinesque maneuver by using Shadary as a human seat warmer. In an interview with Foreign Affairs, Kabila said his biggest success as president has been keeping the country from splitting apart. Asked about human rights abuses, Kabila was defiant: I am not going to say that I regret any of that. Kabila bemoaned the international criticism with each and every step we take toward election day, noting that critics first said elections wouldnt be held, then that he wouldnt step aside. We intend to make these elections well organized, he said. I use the word 'perfect. The man tasked with overseeing the elections, Corneille Nangaa, is less confident. Im a little bit afraid. Imagine if voters are on the line and terrorists go with a machine gun and shoot everybody, he told reporters on Saturday, per the Washington Post When I interviewed Nangaa last summer and tried out one of the controversial voting machines he noted that a lot can go wrong even without the threat of violence when holding an election across such an impoverished and geographically enormous country. What to watch, per the Economist: Incoming House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said on Wednesday that Democrats plan to investigate the deaths of 8-year-old migrant Felipe Gomez Alonzo and 7-year-old Jakelin Caal in Customs and Border Patrol custody once Democrats take control of the House next month. Why it matters: Felipe had been held in detention long past CBP's stated limit of 72 hours, and Jakelin was held in a center without running water, AP reports. But Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen blamed the deaths on "a system that prevents parents who bring their children on a dangerous illegal journey from facing consequences for their actions." Another House Democrat from Texas, Rep. Henry Cuellar, told AP the U.S. should examine funding more detention alternatives, like ankle bracelets. Outgoing Defense Secretary James Mattis rejected a request from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to soften the United States' conditions for a $500 million arms deal between Israel and Croatia for the sale of 12 F-16 fighter jets, an Israeli official told me. Why it matters: Mattis' position practically killed the deal, according to the Israeli official, who is involved in the negotiations. In order to give a green light to the deal, the U.S. demanded that Israel remove the Israeli systems installed in the F-16s and return the jets to their original condition before transferring them to Croatia. The Croatians responded that they would cancel the deal if they couldn't get the "upgraded" Israeli version of the F-16s. The Israeli official told me Netanyahu called Mattis two weeks ago before the latter's resignation and asked him to soften the U.S. terms for the deal. Mattis told Netanyahu he had gone a long way for Israel on several issues but couldn't show any flexibility regarding this deal. Netanyahu considered calling Marilyn Hewson, the president and CEO of Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the jets, to ask for help in getting the deal approved but ultimately decided it was a lost cause, according to the Israeli official. What they're saying: The Israeli official told me, "For reasons we don't fully understand, the Americans hardened their conditions and, apparently, we misread their position on the deal. Practically, the F-16 deal with Croatia is dead and we don't think it is possible to get an agreement that will reconcile the U.S. conditions and the Croatian demands in the tender." The official added that Israel will have no other choice but "to apologize to Croatia for the deal falling apart and move on." Netanyahu's office didn't comment. The Pentagon and the State Department also didn't respond to emails with requests for comment. Go deeper: Russian energy chief Alexander Novak said its unlikely Russia and OPEC will create a formal, institutional structure for their ongoing crude oil supply management efforts, Reuters reports. Why it matters: Novaks comments signal headwinds facing discussions of formalizing the 2-year-old OPEC+ initiative between the cartel and allied producers, notably Russia, that jointly limits output in order to tighten the market and bolster prices. What they're saying: Per Reuters, Novak cited concerns about red tape and the risk of drawing U.S. sanctions. " There is a consensus that there will be no such organization," Novak said. There is a consensus that there will be no such organization," Novak said. OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo had previously said the producers planned to create some form of permanent, institutional structure. Legislation has been rattling around Congress for almost 2 decades that would target OPEC using U.S. anti-trust laws, but its been getting more attention lately. Be smart: Oil analyst Ellen Wald tells Axios that the ad-hoc nature of the existing agreement better suits Russias interests. "Russia is in the best situation now, where it is clearly the power broker in OPEC ... but it doesn't have real commitments beyond what it commits in terms of production every 6 months or so," Wald said. Where it stands: Most recently, the OPEC+ group agreed to jointly curb output by 1.2 million barrels per day for 6 months beginning in January. A bitter fight between YouTube and the European Union over a controversial copyright law could have major implications for how we think about balancing free speech and access with consumer freedoms here in the United States. Why it matters: The debate in Europe is revealing that consumers may not support drastic measures that restrict their favorite social media platforms. The Copyright Directive, which is expected to be finalized in January, includes two provisions that would devastate YouTube's business if passed in its current form: "The Link Tax," known formally as "Article 11," forces companies like Google and Facebook to pay publishers every time content is linked to on their platforms. Google argues it would be difficult for platforms to do that without engaging in some sort of content censorship up front. known formally as "Article 11," forces companies like Google and Facebook to pay publishers every time content is linked to on their platforms. Google argues it would be difficult for platforms to do that without engaging in some sort of content censorship up front. "The Meme Ban," known formally as "Article 13," requires user-generated content companies to take measures to prevent illegal use of copyrighted postings. YouTube argues this would force it to restrict most content from being uploaded, due to the legal risk of being responsible for copyright infringement. Europe's creative industries, like record labels, songwriters and publishers, support the proposed Copyright Directive, which has passed five parliamentary committees and was approved by the full Parliament in September. Creative representatives like The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), argue YouTube is using scare tactics to put pressure on policymakers to help protect their profits, and that the Directive doesn't target memes. YouTube has set up one of its most aggressive consumer-facing lobbying efforts ever to fight the law, and has managed to negotiate the language down to be less drastic. In a blog post to creators, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki asked YouTube creators to "take action immediately" and to spread the word about the bill's effects on the creative community through their own platforms on social media. YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki asked YouTube creators to "take action immediately" and to spread the word about the bill's effects on the creative community through their own platforms on social media. The campaign so far has been somewhat successful. Through aggressive lobbying efforts and consumer pushback, the current bill is less drastic than what policymakers first proposed in June. Yes, but: There's a chance consumers don't fully appreciate the societal impacts of some of these provisions. While Article 13's impacts are fairly obvious (consumers won't be able to upload some of their favorite videos), the implications of Article 11, which tackle fake news and copyright, are a little more obscure. "They do care about their local citizenry and local coverage and that's what wont be covered if we don't cover pay our news outlets, particularly local news." Danielle Coffey, SVP and Counsel, News Media Alliance Lawmakers in the United States are more open than ever to changing a provision of federal law that shields platforms from liability for the things their users post, having already weakened the protections when it comes to platforms that knowingly facilitate sex trafficking. Protections for platforms were built into the new North American trade agreement, which hasn't yet been ratified by Congress. "In the U.S., theres still been a pretty strong defense for intermediary liability. I think that will continue to be upheld at least for a while. But I think there's a growing interest here in finding the right balance in having more responsibilities for platforms to make decisions around content." Daniel Castro, VP at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) The bottom line: Restricting popular products or services for the sake of fixing other problems, like hate speech or piracy, is proving to be difficult in the EU, and suggests the U.S. will have to eventually confront similar dilemmas. Editor's note: This piece has been clarified to include more points of view from the creative community. Vincent Edward Baldacchino, 62, of Great Mills, MD passed away on December 22, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 14, 1956 in Frederick, MD to the late Joseph F. Baldacchino and Sarah Elizabeth (McIntyre) Baldacchino. Vincent earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and taught middle school math for Calvert County Public Schools for a short time. He went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at University of Maryland University College. He was a thesis statement away from earning his Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. He was currently employed by the government at Patuxent River Naval Air Station for over 17 years as a dedicated Systems Safety Engineer. He was very handy and had a unique ability to fix almost anything. He was a good cook and was known for his delicious spaghetti sauce. His children and grandchildren were his greatest love and he enjoyed spending time with them. He recently enjoyed a family vacation with them to Florida. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Lynn (Crowner) Baldacchino; his children: Naomi Green (David) of Lexington Park, MD, Joseph Baldacchino of Great Mills, MD, Ester Baldacchino of Great Mills, MD, Daniel Baldacchino (Katelynn) of King George, VA, and Sarah Baldacchino of Great Mills, MD; his brothers, Joseph Baldacchino (Nell) of Bowie, MD and Phil Baldacchino of FL; his grandchildren, Foster and Shepherd Green; and many extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his son, Timothy Baldacchino. Family will receive friends on Friday, December 28, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m., at Grace Chapel Ministries, 39245 Chaptico Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Interment will be held on Monday, December 31, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., at Southern Memorial Gardens, 10155 Ward Road, Dunkirk, MD 20754. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Chapel Ministries, 39245 Chaptico Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. Armenias ambassador to Iran has reportedly discussed with a senior Iranian official ways of reducing the impact of U.S. sanctions against Tehran on bilateral commercial ties. According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Artashes Tumanian briefed Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on recent political developments in Armenia and his governments foreign policy priorities when they met on Wednesday. A statement released by the ministry on Thursday said they then discussed Armenian-Iranian relations. In particular, they spoke about deepening the political dialogue, developing economic cooperation in the conditions of American sanctions, organizing high-level mutual visits and a number of other issues, added the statement. It gave no other details. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian made clear on December 22 that his government intends to deepen not only economic but also political relations with Iran despite the U.S. sanctions that have been re-imposed by President Donald Trump. He spoke at the official opening of an Armenian-Iranian joint venture in the northern city of Vanadzor. Pashinian said last month the United States understands Armenias desire to maintain a special relationship with the Islamic Republic. Earlier in November, a team of U.S. officials visited Yerevan to explain the sanctions to Armenias government and private sector. Iran was also high on the agenda of U.S. National Security Adviser John Boltons October trip to Armenia. Bolton said after talks with Pashinian that commercial and other traffic through the Armenian-Iranian border is going to be a significant issue for Washington. With Armenias borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey closed due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Iran as well as Georgia serve as the sole conduits for the landlocked countrys trade with the outside world. Armenia also imports Iranian natural gas and other fuel. The gas supplies should increase significantly after the ongoing construction of a third power transmission line connecting the two countries is completed next year. According to official Armenian statistics, Armenias trade with Iran soared by 40 percent, to $297 million, in the first ten months of this year. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of a good dynamic in Russias relationship with Armenia as he met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian in Moscow on Thursday. The two men discussed what the Kremlin described as key topics of the bilateral agenda. Those most probably included a new agreement on the price of Russian natural gas supplied to Armenia and the thorny issue of who should be the new secretary general of the Russian-led Collective Security Organization (CSTO). Neither leader made any public statements immediately after the talks held in the presence of other senior Russian and Armenian officials. Nor did their aides or press offices report any agreements reached by them. Armenia pays $150 per thousand cubic meters of Russian gas under a bilateral deal that runs until the end of this month. The Armenian government hoped in the run-up to Thursdays talks that the Russians will at least not raise this price. But some officials in Yerevan did not rule out the possibility of a price rise. Armenia also hoped for Russian support in its dispute with Belarus over the vacant post of CSTO secretary general which was held by a retired Armenian army general, Yuri Khachaturov, until last month. Khachaturov was sacked after being controversially charged by Armenian authorities in connection with the 2008 post-election violence in Yerevan. Moscow strongly criticized the charges. Pashinian has been trying to ensure that another representative of Armenia is allowed to complete Khachaturovs three-year tenure which was due to expire in 2020. However, at least four other CSTO member states -- Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan -- want a Belarusian nominee, Stanislav Zas, to become the next secretary general. A CSTO spokesman said earlier this week that Putin also supports Zass candidacy. Moscow did not confirm that claim, however. Putin began his latest meeting with Pashinian by congratulating the latter on his My Step alliances convincing victory in the December 9 parliamentary elections. I want to wish you success in the realization of all objectives which you set for yourself and your team to the benefit of Armenia and the Armenian people, he said. Putin has still not congratulated Pashinian in writing, fuelling Armenian media speculation about his discontent with the new authorities in Yerevan. In his opening remarks publicized by the Kremlin, Putin also praised truly allied relations between the two nations and growing trade between them. I think that the dynamic is good, he said. It must be maintained. We will do everything in our power to maintain this level of our relations not only in this sphere but also in other directions, he added, referring to the CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union. We intend to deepen our relations in all directions, Pashinian said, for his part. He invited Putin to pay an official visit to Armenia next year. By Narmina Mammadova The transport sector has a direct impact on the development of other sectors of the economy, contributes to the growth of tourism opportunities. Thus, the Azerbaijani government pays great attention to this area, aiming to become the key link in any transport and logistics projects of regional and international importance. Large-scale works on the improvement of roads of international and republican importance with the use of modern technologies are ongoing in Azerbaijan. In the field of road transport, work is underway to update the freight and passenger vehicle fleet, strengthen the position and technical equipment of national carriers, improve the methods of organizing international transportation, introduce digital tachographs and apply a single window system. At the same time, the modernization of the country's railway transport is underway. The great importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway should be noted in this regard. 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 the International North-South Transport Corridor project. In fact, the BTK railway route is the shortest way to deliver cargo from the Russian regions located in the Volga, Ural and Siberian Federal Districts to the Mediterranean ports of Turkey, and further to the countries of Africa and the Middle East. At present, the BTK provides transportation from Kazakhstan to Mersin port. Some cargoes are delivered from Russia to Turkey and Europe. The BTK railway has been constructed on the basis a Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. The project implementation began in 2007 and construction began in 2008. The line is intended to transport one million passengers and 6.5 million tons of cargo at the first stage. This capacity will then reach 3 million passengers and 17 million tons of cargo. The main purpose of the project was to improve economic relations between the three countries and attract foreign direct investment by connecting Europe and Asia. The organization of passenger transportation on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route is planned for the third quarter of 2019 as well. Another important route is Lapis Lazuli transport corridor. Afghanistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia signed an agreement on the creation of the Lapis Lazuli transport corridor which is set to connect the five countries on November 15, 2017. The first transit cargo arrived to the Baku International Sea Trade Port via the Lapis Lazuli international route on December 25. The Lapis-Lazuli route will allow the participating countries to diversify their access to regional and continental markets. This, in turn, will lead to the economic development of the countries lying along this corridor. Azerbaijan, for instance, will get huge benefits being a transit country. The trans-regional corridor encompasses mainly railways and highways, which connect the city of Torghundi in the Afghan province of Herat with the port of Turkmenbashi on the shore of the Caspian Sea via Ashgabat. From Turkmenbashi, goods travel further by ferry to Baku, where they are placed on train cars and continue westward to Europe across the South Caucasus via the newly launched Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Further, the corridor passes through Tbilisi to Ankara with branches to Poti and Batumi, and, then, from Ankara to Istanbul. Consultations on the creation of the transport corridor began back in 2012. The initiative seeks to improve transport infrastructure and procedures (including for road, rail, and sea), increase exports, and expand the economic opportunities of citizens in countries benefiting from this new transport corridor. Barriers to regional trade and transit and transaction costs will be reduced, in part, through a new Custom Integration Procedure and, between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, a new Cross-Border Transport Agreement. Its projected impact is considerable not only because most of the needed infrastructure is already in place, but also because most of the investment required will focus on improving policy and governance. The name Lapis Lazuli is derived from the historic route that Afghanistans lapis lazuli and other semiprecious stones were exported along, over 2,000 years ago, to the Caucasus, Russia, the Balkans, Europe, and North Africa. Azerbaijan is interested in the development both the "North-South" and "West-East" Transport Corridors. The country is a central territory in both cases. TRACECA is an international cooperation program in the field of transport between the EU and partner countries in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia. The program was established at the Brussels conference on 3 May 1993 which was attended by the ministers of transport and trade of eight states -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. The Europe-Caucasus-Asia Transport Corridor (TRACECA) is involved in gradually developing trends of trade and economic development. Major traffic flows passing through a corridor formed on the one hand, in Western and Central Europe, and on the other - in Central and South-East Asia. Two very important international transport corridors pass through Azerbaijan - the international North-South corridor connecting India, Iran, Azerbaijan, North-West Russia and the Baltic sea region, as well as the transport corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia TRACECA, which is a part of the new Silk Road and creates a strategic link between the Caspian and the Black seas. In this regard, Azerbaijan has excellent prospects for the development of freight transport. The development of railway communication with Iran will strengthen the North-South corridor, and the recently opened Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line will develop freight traffic in the East-West direction. Work to update the navy is also carried out regularly. For the widespread use of multimodal transport in the Caspian region, to facilitate and increase the volume of maritime transport in general, new tankers and ferries are purchased. Azerbaijan pins great hopes on the Baku International Sea Trade Port. This port is probably the most modern in the Caspian basin. The port, construction of which began in 2007, is expected to become one of the leading trade and logistics hubs of Eurasia. President Ilham Aliyev laid the foundation stone for the new port on November 3, 2010. The implementation of all three phases of construction is projected to increase the capacity up to 7,660 tons on a daily basis. Port of Baku will trade & become the major centre for consolidation, concentration and distribution, providing a wide range of value-added services in the region to the markets of the South Caucasus, Central Asia, Iran, southern Russia and Turkey. Also, the creation of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) that will ensure a wider transit and transport potential of the country is envisaged on the territory of the port. Azerbaijani national secretary in TRACECA, expert in the field of transport and logistics Akif Mustafayev tol Trend that Azerbaijan is indeed turning into an international transport and logistics hub. The expert noted that Azerbaijan has become a key country in the region. It is impossible to imagine the implementation of any projects in the region without the Azerbaijans participation, he said. Mustafayev added that in order to make more cargo pass through the territory of Azerbaijan, tariffs should be attractive. We also need to simplify customs procedures and pay attention to digital technologies so that all documentation comes electronically. The Customs Committee is working on this, the expert said. Mustafayev recalled that in 2019 the cargo will pass through the Green Corridor - that is, without stopping. And if there are stops, they will be short-term. Trucks of those organizations and structures that have already won confidence will pass through the Green Corridor. The Customs Committee is already negotiating with such organizations, Mustafayev explained. On May 21, 2016 the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed order on using the Rules of Green Corridor and other release systems for conveyance of the goods and means of transport across the customs border. According to the amendments to the Customs Code of Azerbaijan, introduced in line with President Ilham Aliyevs decree, dated November 30, 2016, in order to simplify the customs registration of goods and vehicles passing through customs border crossing points, green, blue, yellow and red systems can be used on the basis of a short import declaration. Green corridor constitutes immediate release of goods without examination based on the customs control and the risk assessment conducted in accordance with the short import declaration which is submitted in electronic form in advance. The main goal is to reduce the interaction of citizens with officials. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova A big pharmaceutical enterprise will be built in Azerbaijan through Belarusian investments, Ambassador of Belarus to Azerbaijan Gennady Akhramovich said at a press conference on December 27. He noted that the enterprise will provide the Azerbaijani market with the most modern high-tech medicines. First of all, the matter rests in the production of oncology medicines, he said, adding that the enterprise will be one of the most modern in the post-Soviet area. Akhramovich also underlined that the medicines produced at the enterprise may be exported to other countries. Touching upon the bilateral trade relations he said that the year 2018 saw a real breakthrough in trade and economy between Azerbaijan and Belarus. He noted that following the ten months of 2018, the trade turnover between the countries exceeded $400 million on 370 commodity items, adding that by the end of the year, this figure will reach approximately $ 450-500 million. Belarusian exports to Azerbaijan increased by almost three times, while exports from Azerbaijan increased by 44 percent. There are positive statistics on both the increase in Belarus exports to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani exports to Belarus, he said. Belarus mainly exports to Azerbaijan the production of machinery, woodworking, tires, foodstuff, medicine, household appliances, dishes and other goods, meanwhile Azerbaijan exports to Belarus the products made of aluminum, products of petrochemistry, engineering and agriculture. The ambassador noted that the economies of Belarus and Azerbaijan are not competitors, but complement each other. Products of the machine engineering industry, petrochemistry, woodworking, pharmaceuticals, military-technical cooperation became the main Belarusian export items to Azerbaijan, he said. In turn, Belarus also imported petrochemicals, vegetables, fruits and many other non-oil products from Azerbaijan. The ambassador emphasized that Belarus is negotiating with Azerbaijan to increase the number of regular flights. "We want to use Azerbaijani aircraft to establish international flights, for example, Minsk-New York," Akhramovich said, adding that Belarus also plans to increase cargo turnover on air routes from Baku. Akhramovich went on to say that Belarus is interested in the North-South project and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and Belarus aims to create a railway route Minsk-Baku. The ambassador reminded that in Alat there is a powerful logistic center, the capabilities of which can be used by Belarus to supply its goods to Georgia, Turkey via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route. He noted that this year the cargo traffic between Azerbaijan and Belarus will amount to 400,000 tons. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1993, but cooperation in the economic sphere has been developing dynamically in the past decade. Today, a legal and organizational framework has been set up that allows the implementation of joint projects. The Agreement on Investment Promotion and Mutual Protection between the Governments of Belarus and Azerbaijan came into force in 2011. A store of Belarusian goods is expected to open in Ganja, the second biggest city of Azerbaijan, while similar sale points are already operational in the capital city Baku. More than 10,000 Belarusian tractors and their specialized equipment have been assembled at Ganja automobile plant over the years. Moreover, Azerbaijan and Belarus had plans to supply tractors to Turkey. The Minsk Tractor Works (MTW) OJSC signed a new contract with Ganja Automobile Plant in Azerbaijan on September 22, 2017, for a supply of tractors to Azerbaijan along with an additional protocol on jointly entering the Turkish market. Azerbaijans first ever Trade House was opened in Belarusian capital Minsk on May 26, 2017, that presents Azerbaijan's domestic products. Recently, Belarusian Railways and the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC signed an agreement on mutually beneficial cooperation for the interaction of the railways of the two countries to contribute to the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova The event titled "Once upon in Karabakh" has been held in Baku. The project was organized by the State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Refugee and IDP Affairs with the assistance of the International Mugham Center, Trend Life reported. The event aims at demonstrating and promoting the historical traditions of the culture of Karabakh, as well as enhancing and stimulating the creative possibilities of internally displaced persons and refugees. An exposition reflecting the cultural and material heritage of Karabakh opened in the center as part of the event. Samples of folklore, carpet weaving, national cuisine, works of masters of folk arts and crafts were showcased at the exhibition. A great interest was aroused by the performance of actors from the Shusha State Musical Drama Theater, as well as sand drawings by young artist Aydin Ragimov. Among the guests were the Chairman of the State Committee for Refugee and IDP Affairs Rovshan Rzayev, public figures, representatives of culture and science, etc. Chairman of the culture committee of the parliament, academician Rafael Huseynov spoke about the state policy on culture in general, and in particular among refugees and internally displaced persons, about measures taken to integrate this part of the population into the public environment, about the early return of the occupied territories and the return of residents to their homes in Karabakh. Guests were presented a concert program with the participation of students of the Karabakh mugham school - folk artists Nazaket Teymurova, honored Firuz Sakhavet, Anar Shushaly, Ehtiram Huseynov and others. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated World Azerbaijanis on the occasion of 31 December the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis: Dear compatriots! Dear countrymen! My warm greetings to you on the occasion of 31 December the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, which we widely celebrate every year as a symbol of our national unity. I am wishing you all happiness and prosperity! Our independent state, which develops the ideas of Azerbaijanism of national leader Heydar Aliyev, attaches particular importance to strengthening national accord and takes consistent measures to further strengthen the cultural and spiritual unity of Azerbaijanis of the world. We always support rational initiatives aimed at deepening the relations of our compatriots living in foreign countries with native Azerbaijan and ensuring their direct participation in national matters. Year 2018 will be remembered for the broad celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which has a glorious place in the history of our people. The official celebration of such a significant anniversary strengthens in the hearts of our compatriots the sense of freedom, independence and justifiable pride for the rich history of our country. We can say with confidence today that the dreams of the founding fathers of the Republic, who were forced to live in emigration 100 years ago, and their followers to see Azerbaijan as an independent and powerful state have already become a wonderful reality. Despite the complex geopolitical developments unfolding in the world, wars and armed confrontations, problems of refugees and internally displaced persons, global economic difficulties, the Republic of Azerbaijan is confidently pacing towards its big goals. This once again confirms the high assessment by influential international organizations of the successes our country has achieved in the socioeconomic sphere. In the World Bank's Doing Business 2019 report, Azerbaijan has climbed 32 steps compared to last year to 25th place among 190 countries and has been included in the list of 10 most reformist countries around the world. On the initiative and with direct participation of our country, large-scale transnational projects have been successfully implemented. The Southern Gas Corridor, which plays an important part in expanding the energy map of Eurasia, and its component, the TANAP pipeline, commissioned in 2018, as well as the completion of all the work on the North-South international transport corridor project on the territory of Azerbaijan after the opening of the Alat-Astara highway, are of particular importance in terms of the growth of the economic potential of our state, its transformation into a transit and logistical center of the region and strengthening of its geo-economic positions. The launch of another telecommunications satellite Azerspace-2 into orbit this year also serves as a clear manifestation of the success our country has achieved in the field of modern communication and information technologies. As our country develops, the opportunities for addressing tasks of a more global nature are growing. We are faced with such a fateful task as the liberation of our lands occupied as a result of Armenian military aggression. Azerbaijan pursues a consistent and purposeful policy towards restoring its violated territorial integrity. Our compatriots, in turn, should also be active in drawing the attention of the high circles of their countries and influential international organizations to the just settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and communicate historical realities to the broad public. To develop Azerbaijan and strengthen its positions in the world community, all our compatriots need to rally closely around national goals, and diaspora organizations should coordinate their activities more flexibly. I am convinced that all our compatriots and countrymen, regardless of where in the world they may live, will rely on these principles and apply all their efforts and skills to address the tasks before them in the coming years. I sincerely congratulate you on the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis. I am wishing you happiness, well-being and success in your activities! Happy holidays! --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Russian-Azerbaijani relations have developed very rapidly this year, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he was interviewed by Rossiya-24 TV channel. In principle, our relations are characterized by dynamic development, stability and predictability. We are good neighbors and reliable friends. This has been proven more than once, and this high level of trust and, first of all, political interaction contributes to the implementation of many projects, said President Aliyev. President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and I have met six times this year, including during my official visit to Russia and his visit to Azerbaijan. We have also met at international events. Each of these meetings produced results. We approach the issue of increasing our turnover very seriously and have adopted roadmaps for the development of different areas of cooperation. I am glad that both Azerbaijani and Russian business people are investing in the economies of our countries. Favorable conditions are being created for increasing the turnover and for the creation of joint productions. Russian banks are financing important industrial projects in Azerbaijan worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This is an indicator of our relations and also of the fact that Azerbaijan is a country in which banks are not afraid of losing money. We always honor our obligations, the head of state said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Russian audience always showed interest in modern Azerbaijan and various aspects of its policy and this interest is growing day by day, editor-in-chief of the Baku xeber newspaper, political analyst Aydin Guliyev told Trend on Dec. 26. Stressing that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has recently given an interview to the Russia-24 TV channel, Guliyev added that the presidents statement will be interesting to the multi-million Russian TV viewers. "President Aliyev fully used the opportunities to inform the Russian public and the country's elite about the success achieved by Azerbaijan, as well as the upcoming economic and political tasks, he said. The presidents interview to the Russian TV channel is extremely important from the point of view of the country's propaganda, Guliyev said. Russian TV viewers heard Azerbaijans concept. The opinions of Russian officials and the Azerbaijani president about the upcoming changes in the process of settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2019 fully coincide and this was interesting for the Russian public, he said. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. He stressed that the Russian society was once again convinced of the irreversibility of the intensification of the Azerbaijan-Russia relations and that the Azerbaijan-Russia tandem is crucial for the calm and sustainable development of the region. The Russian society has received new and valuable information about Azerbaijan, Guliyev added. The information that Azerbaijan has closer relations with the absolute majority of the Eurasian Economic Community member-states than Armenia has become new and important for the Russian public and political circles, he said. The information that Azerbaijan is the only country actively participating in the implementation of the North-South and East-West transit corridors was also valuable for Russian analysts, Guliyev said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend A meeting of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Novruz Mammadov, was held in accordance with the Work Plan of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers for 2018, Trend reports citing the Cabinet of Ministers on Dec. 27. Discussions on Azerbaijans Cybersecurity Strategy for 2019-2024 and the Report on the Status of Application of International Financial Reporting Standards in the Structures of Public Importance were put on the agenda of the meeting. Mammadov said that the growth of cybercrime poses a big threat in the modern world, and according to a UN report, every year over 1.5 million people become victims of crimes committed through the internet. This circumstance makes it necessary to improve the cybersecurity systems in state administration, banking and transport, national security system and other areas, expansion of other measures against cybercrime. Then, reports of Azerbaijani Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade and Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov on the issues put on the agenda were heard. Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Elman Rustamov, Head of the State Security Service Madat Guliyev, Acting Chairman of the Board of the Financial Market Supervisory Authority of Azerbaijan (FIMSA) Ibrahim Alishov and others discussed both issues. After views were exchanged, a decision was made that the agreed Cybersecurity Strategy for 2019-2024, taking into account Guluzades report, be submitted for the presidents approval. As for the second issue, taking into account Sharifovs report, a decision was made to prepare a draft order of the Cabinet of Ministers, reflecting important instructions on the issues arising from the joint report of the Finance Ministry and FIMSA, with corresponding structures. In conclusion of the meeting, Mammadov gave instructions to the heads of the corresponding structures. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Iran will host the first competition for young professionals to submit their innovative researches and ideas. The 1st Iran WPC Young Professional Awards will be held in January 2019, Trend reports citing the Iran Offshore Oil Company. The aim of the competition is to find innovative solutions for Iran's oil industry that would be affordable and feasible. The subjects that would be reviewed in the competition include energy management, nano technology, IOR/EOR, project management, drilling and wells. Participants will be students, young professionals. The participants should be below the age of 38. The shortlisted and winners will be presented international awards, including FLF awards and WPC excellence awards. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz On December 21, 2018, Thomas "Toss" Farnsworth, loving husband and father of three, passed away at age 75. Tom was born on April 20, 1943 in Portland, Maine to Richard Farnsworth and Diane Turner Roberts. Tom received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Maine Maritime Academy and served as a Merchant Marine for about five years. He then moved to Maryland, where he transitioned into a career with NAVSEA focused on Naval Ship design projects for the next 28 years. On July 13, 1968, he married Carol Taute, the love of his life, and they raised three children in White Plains, Maryland. In retirement, he and Carol moved to Cobb Island and enjoyed 14 years of quiet mornings on their front deck drinking coffee and admiring the waterfront view. Tom was preceded in death by his parents but is survived by his wife Carol; his kids, Brooks, Wendy and Brad; his brothers, Richard and David; and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Raymond Funeral Service, 5635 Washington Avenue in La Plata, Maryland at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at a later date. By Trend Iran has expressed interest in helping out with reconstruction of Iraq, especially improving the cooperation in the energy sector. "Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate regarding the Iraq reconstruction, particularly in the infrastructure sector," Iran's Energy minister Reza Ardekanian said during his visit to Baghdad, Trend reports via IRNA. Previously, Iraq's Minister of Electricity Luay Al Khateeb has invited his Iranian counterpart to develop cooperation in all sectors, including those of power and energy. Ardekanian, in turn, noted the capacities of Iranian companies to build infrastructure and help with Iraq's reconstruction. Al Khateeb indicated the importance of expanding ties with Iran for the interest of the two countries, especially in the energy sector. "Iraq is interested to continue and develop cooperation with all countries, specially with Iran, regarding gas and power needs of the population," he said. The official noted that Iran is an important source of Iraq's energy needs. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov The statement by the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministrys that Baku is ready to give Armenians in Karabakh the right of self-government at a high level within the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan, has caused a stormy rejection in Armenia. The Armenian Foreign Ministry in a media statement hurried to reassure the Armenian public and assure that Yerevan "reaffirms its position on the priority status of Nagorno-Karabakh and its security." So, Armenian Foreign Ministry tried to teach Baku how to build a diplomatic dialogue, accused him of incontinence and pointed to the inadmissibility of "presenting their own one-sided point of view". However, Baku continues its hard stance in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and does not pay attention to the empty statements of Armenian FM. The granting of an independent status to a self-proclaimed entity created by Armenia in the occupied Azerbaijani territories has never been the subject of discussion. Azerbaijani side has never concealed that there will be no "independent Karabakh", but there can be autonomy with a high degree of self-government within the borders of Azerbaijan. If Armenia continues its occupation policy, war is inevitable and in this case, Nagorno-Karabakh region will not receive the autonomy at all. The first option for the Armenian side would be beneficial, and it should put aside fantasies and unrealistic dreams and think about it. This is the biggest concession that Baku is ready to make, given the enormous evil that Armenia brought to the region and the amount of innocent Azerbaijani blood, shed during the occupation. Karabakh Armenians themselves, remember very well what luxurious life was in Azerbaijan, which was destroyed by the nationalists with the beginning of the conflict. Such a panic reaction in Armenia can be regarded as a demonstration of the fears existing in Armenia about the Karabakh Armenians, who can suddenly come to their senses and realize the realities. First Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that the "inalienable right" of the Armenians of Karabakh, who "will determine their own destiny." It is worth remembering that the nationalists during the conflict did not allow the Armenians of Karabakh to decide their own fate and attributing to them, who lived well in peace and harmony alongside the Azerbaijanis, the desire for "independence." And Karabakh Armenians for more than 25 years of conflict already understood that the temporarily occupied region has no prospects for any future. Hysterical warnings about any threats to the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in the event of the surrender of the territories are completely untenable. The greatest threat to the Armenians of Azerbaijan is the ongoing conflict, which, due to the fault of Yerevan, may at any time enter a hot phase. Armenian authorities perfectly remember April 2016, when residents of front-line villages and soldiers of the Armenian army fled to Yerevan. The voluntary return of occupied Azerbaijani lands will return the peace and prosperity that local Armenians used to have until 1988. Hope, the Armenian society will understand this in 2019. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov Tajikistans main export partners are Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, Tajik media reports. In the export of goods, Kazakhstan accounts for 28.3 percent of total exports. This indicator for Turkey is 25.5 percent. Non-ferrous products - primary aluminum and cotton fiber are mainly exported to this country. In total, in January-November 2018, the amount of exports of goods to Kazakhstan totalled to more than $ 281 million, while the amount of imports for the specified period amounted to over $ 487.8 million. The volume of trade with Turkey in the reporting period amounted to more than $ 370 million. Of these, more than $ 252.3 million were exports of goods and more than $ 117.7 million imports of various products. A significant excess of exports over imports in a trade with Turkey amounts to $ 134.6 million. The list of the main exported goods abroad includes primary aluminum, cotton fiber, precious metals and dried fruits. Imports of goods to Tajikistan were carried out from Russia - 30.6 percent of the total imports, Kazakhstan - 17.1 percent and China - 18.8 percent. In January-November of 2018, the amount of exports of goods amounted to $ 991.2 million, while imports amounted to more than $ 2.8 billion. The economy of Tajikistan, undermined by the civil war of the early 1990s, has undergone a period of rehabilitation for a long time, until finally, in the second half of 1997, macroeconomic stability was established. Trade was liberalized, state control over prices was cancelled, the budget deficit was reduced to a minimum, regular currency trading was resumed. Today, as a result of all economic reforms, the country's economy is gradually recovering. For example, today the share of non-state sector in the total volume of gross agricultural production is more than 80 percent. Support and development of medium and small businesses is an essential component of economic reforms and one of the priorities of the Tajik Government. The state budget provides funds for the formation and development of investment and market structures to support small and medium-sized businesses. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov From a geographical, energy, logistic and transport, trade and even political point of view, Turkmenistan should be seriously considered in the context of the initiative to revive the new Silk Way, the official website of the oil and gas complex of Turkmenistan. There are three important events that occurred in Turkmenistan in 2017-2018, which allow Turkmenistan to become a valuable participant in the new Silk Road and an attractive investment, trading and business partner for European and Swiss companies. Among them are the opening of the modernized International Sea Port in Turkmenbashi in May 2018, the adoption of the law of Turkmenistan on free economic zones in October 2017 and the signing of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea on August 12, 2018. Taking into account these events, new prospects are opening up for Swiss business in Turkmenistan. The international sea port in Turkmenbashi, one of the largest in the Caspian Sea, claims to become an important link between Europe, the Middle East, the Black Sea region, South and Southeast Asia. It is intended to intensify the development of trade not only from Turkmenistan but also from landlocked neighboring countries - Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The Turkmenbashi port acquired a number of new facilities, including a shipyard, a ferry and passenger terminal, a container terminal, a general cargo terminal, a bulk cargo terminal, and a polypropylene terminal. The Law on Free Economic Zones (FEZ), signed on October 10, 2017, by the President of Turkmenistan, opens the way to creating safe, transparent and competitive legal, tax and business conditions for attracting foreign companies and investors to Turkmenistan. It is a fact that the Caspian Treaty eliminates legal barriers to the construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan. Officially, bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Swiss Confederation date back to May 8, 1992, when the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations was signed. The Embassy of Turkmenistan operates in Switzerland, as well as the Permanent Mission at the UN Office in Geneva. Turkmenistan and Switzerland are building their foreign policy with regards to their continued commitment to the principles of permanent neutrality. At the same time, both countries are adapting their neutrality to new international conditions, actively speaking in support of the interested political dialogue, which does not accept any violent measures or any kind of aggression. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) on Wednesday continued his one-man effort to block the nomination of lesbian attorney Chai Feldblum to a third term on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In a Dec. 19 Senate floor discussion on the Feldblum nomination, Lee invoked a longstanding Senate rule that gives a single senator the ability to indefinitely hold up and potentially kill a presidential nomination for a non-judicial appointment by declaring an objection to the nominee. In keeping with another longstanding tradition of bipartisan cooperation in approving nominees to the five-member EEOC, President Donald Trump earlier this year agreed to a request by Senate Democrats that he nominate Feldblum for a third term on the EEOC. At the same time, Trump nominated two others to the EEOC at the request of Senate Republicans. Trump was following a tradition carried out by nearly every U.S. president since the EEOC was created by Congress in 1965 to enforce the employment nondiscrimination provisions of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964. Since that time three of the five commissioners have been selected for a four-year term by the party that holds the presidency while the other two have been selected by the minority party. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who has led efforts in support Feldblums nomination, pointed out in remarks on the Senate floor on Wednesday that the Senate has approved nearly all EEOC nominees by a unanimous consent. When she asked for unanimous consent for the confirmation of Feldblum along with GOP nominees Janel Dhillon and Daniel Gade, Lee objected. Among other things, Lee accused Feldblum of being a strong and unreasonable opponent of religious freedom and claimed Feldblum has stated openly that in employment discrimination cases, an employer cannot cite religious beliefs as a legal ground for refusing to hire someone. Ms. Feldblum has written that she sees a conflict between religious belief and LGBT liberty as a zero-sum game where a gain for one side necessarily entails a corresponding loss for the other side, Lee quoted Feldblum as saying. These are not the words of an open-minded lawyer, he continued. These are the words of an activist intent on stamping out all opposition to her cause. Lee also said he opposes Feldblums nomination because of her longstanding and active role in pushing for legalizing same-sex marriage, something Lee said he strongly opposes because its at odds with his religious beliefs. Murray disputed Lees interpretation of Feldblums statements pertaining to the issue of employment discrimination. She also pointed out that by blocking a resolution for the joint approval of Feldblum and the other two nominees, Lees action would result in the lack of a quorum on the EEOC because there would be just two of the five commissioners in office beginning on Jan. 1. Such a development could prevent the EEOC from deciding on important employment discrimination and sexual harassment cases expected to be brought before the commission in 2019, Murray said. I come to the floor today to raise concerns about the unprecedented and partisan obstruction of a highly qualified nominee to a critical agency, Murray said in her remarks on the Senate floor. In this country it is illegal to discriminate against someone in the workplace because of the traits that make them who they are their race, religion, sex, disability, and more and it is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions responsibility to enforce those laws and give every person the opportunity to make a living for themselves without fear of discrimination or harassment, Murray said. She and others supporting Feldblums nomination have also noted that Feldblum played a key role in persuading the EEOC to interpret existing federal laws to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Lee has cited Feldblums actions along those lines as among the reasons why hes opposing her nomination for a third term on the commission. Right now, a single Republican senator is threatening to derail the confirmation of Ms. Feldblum for another term on the EEOC, Murray said. Ms. Feldblum has served two terms on the EEOC, where she has earned the respect of her professional colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Murray said. She has strong support from Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, and she has been confirmed by this Senate twice. The New York-based national LGBT advocacy organization GLAAD is among the organizations and individuals supporting Feldblum that are calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to use his authority to release the Feldblum nomination from Lees hold and bring it to the Senate floor for a vote. Commissioner Feldblum has served the EEOC with integrity and is experienced and highly qualified for the job, said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. With many Americans seeking justice and surviving discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace, its imperative that the countrys top political reporters cover this alarming problem, said Ellis, who was referring to GLAADs concern that mainstream media outlets have not reported the holdup of Feldblums nomination. One anti-LGBTQ activist should not silence many people seeking justice under the law, Ellis said. Also expressing support for Feldblums nomination this week was Jerri Ann Henry, who earlier this month assumed the role of executive director of the national LGBT group Log Cabin Republicans. Log Cabin Republicans is disheartened to hear that Republican Senator Mike Lee is delaying the bipartisan confirmation of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) nominee Chai Feldblum over her support for same-sex marriage, Henry said in a statement. Marriage equality is the law of the land, and a right supported by the vast majority of Americans, Henry said. Members of the EEOC have an obligation to uphold established law to ensure no American faces wrongful workplace discrimination for their gender, race, religion, or the gender of their spouse, she said. In this regard, Ms. Feldblum has carried out her role with distinction, added Henry. If Sen. Lee wants to better represent Republicans on this issue, he should do so by supporting marriage, not by playing politics over settled law, she said. When asked by the Blade at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday for further comment on his opposition to the Feldblum nomination, Lee declined to comment and referred the Blade to his remarks on the Senate floor on Wednesday. A seven-year-old boy was transported to the hospital after being shot in south Houston Wednesday evening. Houston police received a report of a shooting around 6 p.m. at 1300 S. Loop West. Officers said two adult men were in a verbal confrontation. One got into his vehicle with his child. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy renewed its recognition of Memorial Hospital Belleville's Gastroenterology/Endoscopy Center for three more years, the Metro East Sun reports. Here's what you should know: 1. ASGE initially recognized the center through its ASGE Endoscopy Recognition Program, which honors centers that follow and exceed ASGE guidelines. 2. The center is one of only 25 in Illinois to hold the distinction. 3. Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Teri Halloran, RN, said, "We are honored to be recognized once again by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit. Through ongoing education and continued compliance with the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program requirements, we demonstrate our dedication to the delivery of high-quality patient care." Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates and private equity group Frazier Healthcare Partners closed a deal Dec. 17, marking the third ever major private equity investment in the gastroenterology space. Similar to Southlake-based Texas Digestive Disease Consultants' November 2018 deal with Waud Capital Partners, AGA and Frazier formed a gastroenterology-focused practice management company, United Digestive. United Digestive CEO Mark Gilreath spoke to Becker's ASC Review about the partnership and how the resulting practice management group will impact the current market. Note: This piece has been lightly edited for style. Question: Why did Frazier seek out AGA for an initial investment? Mark Gilreath: Frazier Healthcare Partners is unique among leading private equity firms due to its heritage of partners with exceptional talent and experience in the [gastroenterology] community. With unique insights into the GI space, the Frazier team met with many GI groups around the U.S. AGA really stood out due to their 40-year history of providing high-quality digestive healthcare services, as well as their established business infrastructure, breadth of ancillary services and award-winning clinical team. It's clear that Steven Morris, MD, has been a visionary leader, and most groups simply havent had 40 years to develop such a robust platform for sustainable growth. Q: How will United Digestive impact the GI space in Atlanta? MG: Over the years, AGA expanded steadily throughout the state of Georgia, yet many small groups still remain in this fragmented market. With the increasing demands of our dynamic healthcare system, it has become more difficult for small groups to maintain their independence. United Digestive offers an opportunity for clinicians to benefit from our operational infrastructure and stability, while still allowing them to retain their independence and continued emphasis on high-quality patient care. And, beyond the state of Georgia, we have been actively discussing opportunities with other GI groups across the U.S. Q: As CEO, what's your ultimate vision for the company? MG: The U.S. healthcare industry is seeing tremendous consolidation with increasing demands for management and technology to meet the daily complex needs of a quality practice. The challenges are tremendous, and the GI community is in the early stages of a significant transformation. We can make a significant difference in the GI community by partnering with like-minded practices and physicians who share our commitment to high-quality care, with a sustainable economic model. United Digestive is the engaged advocate for the independent GI physician. Q: How will United Digestive compete against other GI management companies and existing ASC management companies in the space? MG: The GI community across the U.S. is very large and fragmented, with more than 2,000 GI groups. Many of these groups are struggling with overwhelming administrative burdens and physician recruiting challenges. For GI groups with a collaborative spirit and an unequivocal focus on quality patient care, we believe that United Digestive will be the clear partner of choice. Keith Berend, MD, is a hip and knee surgeon and founding physician of Joint Implant Surgeons in New Albany, Ohio. Joint Implant Surgeons is one of the clinical trial sites for the newly launched Zimmer Biomet-Apple collaborative app, MyMobility. Here, Dr. Berend outlines the challenges his practice faces and where he sees the big opportunities in the future. Question: What are the top challenges you're facing heading into 2019? Dr. Keith Berend: The routine answers are declining reimbursement, increasing regulatory and governmental issues, and increasing cost of running a practice. However, these challenges can also be opportunities for new ideas and new ways of doing things. Increasing efficiencies, careful oversight with hands-on leadership, novel marketing and public relations efforts are important. One such effort is to actually return to the 'old school' practice of meeting with referral sources, providing real education about musculoskeletal care and offering streamlined care for their patients. Q: What technology are you most excited about in the future? KB: I'm excited about the Zimmer Biomet MyMobility Apple Watch platform. Not only is the technology exciting, but the data being collected on more than 10,000 arthroplasty patients will provide predictive analytics that will try to change outcomes. Q: What is your best opportunity for growth? KB: At our ASC, White Fence Surgical Suites in New Albany, Ohio, we have performed more outpatient joint replacements than any other freestanding center in the world. We believe that this trend, which is now become the norm, will and should influence CMS to allow Medicare patients to have their procedures done at these facilities. This is a great opportunity for growth but also creates value, savings and better outcomes. To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com. For a deeper dive into the future of orthopedics, attend the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC in Chicago, June 13-5, 2019. Click here to learn more and register. In its annual roundup of the best and worst physicians of the year, Medscape recognizes medical professionals who represented the brightest and darkest of their profession, and made news for these reasons in 2018. Below is a sampling of physicians named to the best and worst categories in 2018. To review the full 2018 class for Medscape's series, click here. Best Arti Hurria, MD: Dr. Hurria was seen as a "towering" and pioneering figure in geriatric oncology. Among her many titles and appointments, she served as the George Tsai Family Chair in Geriatric Oncology and director of the Center for Cancer and Aging at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. Dr. Hurria died in an automobile accident in California in November. Dr. Hurria was seen as a "towering" and pioneering figure in geriatric oncology. Among her many titles and appointments, she served as the George Tsai Family Chair in Geriatric Oncology and director of the Center for Cancer and Aging at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. Dr. Hurria died in an automobile accident in California in November. 17 former U.S. Army psychiatrists: In November, 17 former U.S. Army psychiatrists gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for a ceremony hosted by the American Psychiatric Association. The ceremony honored them and nearly 200 of their peers for their service in the Vietnam War. The service served as a memorial and an apology to mental health professionals who had been overlooked during and after the war. In November, 17 former U.S. Army psychiatrists gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for a ceremony hosted by the American Psychiatric Association. The ceremony honored them and nearly 200 of their peers for their service in the Vietnam War. The service served as a memorial and an apology to mental health professionals who had been overlooked during and after the war. Daniel Christidis, MD, PhD: Dr. Christidis was a trainee urologist at Austin Hospital In Melbourne, Australia. He died in November in a shark attack when on a sailing trip with 10 friends, most of whom were fellow medical professionals. Dr. Christidis was a trainee urologist at Austin Hospital In Melbourne, Australia. He died in November in a shark attack when on a sailing trip with 10 friends, most of whom were fellow medical professionals. Three clinicians on a Delta Airlines flight: Aditya Shah, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.; Anne Hanson, a retired nurse; and Blake Tyra, an emergency medical technician, were all on a Delta Airlines flight from London to Minneapolis in March when the flight crew announced need for medical professionals. Each clinician helped a passenger who was experiencing a corneal melt and tended to him before the plane made an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland, where he was taken to a hospital for emergency surgery. Aditya Shah, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.; Anne Hanson, a retired nurse; and Blake Tyra, an emergency medical technician, were all on a Delta Airlines flight from London to Minneapolis in March when the flight crew announced need for medical professionals. Each clinician helped a passenger who was experiencing a corneal melt and tended to him before the plane made an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland, where he was taken to a hospital for emergency surgery. Paul Farmer, MD, PhD: The National Academy of Sciences honored the physician and humanitarian with the Public Welfare Medal for his advancement of community-based treatment strategies that enable high-quality healthcare in resource-poor settings nationally and internationally. The National Academy of Sciences honored the physician and humanitarian with the Public Welfare Medal for his advancement of community-based treatment strategies that enable high-quality healthcare in resource-poor settings nationally and internationally. Nunilo Rubio, MD: The Chicago endocrinologist was killed in a van crash just before a medical mission in the Philippines to bring surgical, medical and optical care to the poor. Dr. Rubio contributed to the Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Care at Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in Chicago, where he served as medical director for more than 25 years before retiring in 2015. The Chicago endocrinologist was killed in a van crash just before a medical mission in the Philippines to bring surgical, medical and optical care to the poor. Dr. Rubio contributed to the Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Care at Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in Chicago, where he served as medical director for more than 25 years before retiring in 2015. Milton Edgerton, MD: The surgeon who advanced plastic surgery for children and transgender patients died in May at age 96. A founder of the Plastic Surgery Research Council, he took on cases that other colleagues considered too risky or controversial, and he served as a teacher and mentor to scores of younger students as the top plastic surgeon at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and then the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Worst A lawsuit filed against Dothan, Ala.-based Flowers Hospital involving a 2014 data breach was dismissed in a settlement, according to Alabama CBS-affiliate WTVY. The lawsuit against the hospital stems from a 2014 data breach, in which a former employee stole patient information from the hospital's laboratory to file fraudulent federal income tax returns. The employee was arrested in 2014 and served a prison sentence. The lawsuit claimed the hospital did not take adequate measures to prevent the incident. Under the approved settlement, Flowers Hospital agreed to appropriate $150,000 to about 1,200 patients possibly affected by the breach. The maximum award is $5,000 per person, but most patients are expected to receive no more than $250. Patients who filed claims will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket credit monitoring costs, receive up to four hours in lost wages and be paid interest on delayed tax refunds, according to the report. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: 9 latest healthcare industry lawsuits Owner of medical equipment company sentenced to 3 years for billing fraud Healthcare accounted for bigger portion of 2018 DOJ false claims recoveries A nurse at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Ill., collected $7.2 million from a lawsuit settlement with Kane County, Ill., after she was held hostage and sexually assaulted by a hospitalized inmate, according to the Chicago Tribune. The lawsuit, which four nurses joined, claimed Kane County, a corrections deputy and a private security firm were at fault for the hostage standoff. The settlement totals $7.9 million, according to court documents and a police report obtained by the Chicago Tribune. Another nurse taken hostage received $650,000, while two other nurses involved collected $25,000 each. The hostage incident occured on May 13, 2017. While hospitalized at Delnor Hospital, Tywon Salters took a handgun from a correctional officer with the Kane County Sheriff's Department. He then took two nurses captive and sexually assaulted one of them, according to the report. SWAT officers fatally shot Mr. Salters about five hours after the ordeal began, and one nurse was struck in the arm by the bullet that first hit Mr. Salters. The nurses' lawsuit alleged the sheriff's officers and private security guards failed to follow proper procedures while guarding Mr. Salters during his hospital stay. While federal court records don't indicate if the lawsuit was dismissed, the nurses and their spouses agreed to dismiss the suit in the settlement, according to the report. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: 9 latest healthcare industry lawsuits Owner of medical equipment company sentenced to 3 years for billing fraud Healthcare accounted for bigger portion of 2018 DOJ false claims recoveries Becker's Hospital Review named the following female leaders to its annual list of 143 women hospital and health system leaders to know. These women are hospital and health system executives for institutions across the nation. Whether they lead multistate health systems or 25-bed critical access hospitals, these leaders face the challenges of running healthcare organizations head-on. Many wear multiple hats within their health system to promote organizational growth and drive innovation. The leaders on this list were selected based on editorial judgment after evaluation of their management and leadership skills, as well as career accomplishments. Becker's Healthcare accepted nominations for this list. Note: Individuals cannot pay for inclusion on this list. Names are presented in alphabetical order. Please contact Laura Dyrda with questions or comments on this list at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com. You can find the nomination form for our 2019 "Women hospital and health system leaders to know" here. Josie Abboud, BSN, RN. President and CEO of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women's Hospital (Omaha, Neb.). Ms. Abboud joined Methodist Hospital as a critical care nurse in 1996 and has worked her way through the ranks over the past two decades. A member of the Medical Group Management Association and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Ms. Abboud has been recognized for her outstanding leadership over the years. In 2017, she received the American College of Healthcare Executives' Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Award and the American Cancer Society's National St. George Award, which recognizes individuals for outstanding service to the community in support of the society's mission to save lives from cancer. Nancy Howell Agee. President and CEO of Carilion Clinic (Roanoke, Va.). Since 2011, Ms. Agee has served as president and CEO of Carilion Clinic, a seven-hospital system with more than 13,000 employees. Ms. Agee, who is chair of the American Hospital Association, has received several leadership awards in recent years, including being named the Virginia Business Person of the Year in 2017. Dawn Ahner. Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Renown Health (Reno, Nev.). Ms. Ahner is responsible for Renown Health's nonclinical services, including human resources, marketing and communication. Ms. Ahner, who joined Renown Health in 1993, also oversees the health system's transitional services division. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Ahner helped launch Transformation Health Care at Renown, a model of continuous improvement based on lean methodology, in 2010. Lisa Allen, PhD. Chief Patient Experience Officer of Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore). With more than 25 years of healthcare industry experience, Dr. Allen served in leadership roles at several nonprofit and for-profit healthcare systems before becoming Johns Hopkins Medicine's first chief patient experience officer in 2014. Before joining Johns Hopkins Medicine, Dr. Allen was the vice president for quality, patient experience and patient safety at Boston-based Steward Health Care. Gina Altieri. Enterprise Senior Vice President and Chief of Strategy Integration at Nemours Children's Health System (Jacksonville, Fla.). Ms. Altieri has been with Nemours Children's Health System for 22 years, and she is responsible for guiding the health system's strategic planning process and corporate services, which include IT, health informatics and enterprise intelligence. In 2017, Ms. Altieri was named to Connect World's annual Women of M2M list, which recognizes a group of internet of things executives who are helping drive the industry forward. Rhonda Anderson. Senior Vice President and CFO of Ascension (St. Louis). Ms. Anderson was named senior vice president and CFO of Ascension in 2014, and she has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare finance. She previously served as president of business development and CFO of Columbia St. Mary's in Milwaukee. Before that, she spent 20 years at Saint Agnes Healthcare in Baltimore, where she served in financial management roles. Suzanne Anderson. President of Virginia Mason Medical Center and Executive Vice President of Virginia Mason Health System (Seattle). Ms. Anderson oversees all patient care services at Virginia Mason Medical Center and holds responsibility for a variety of other areas, including finance, human resources and information systems. She joined Virginia Mason in 2007 and served as CFO and CIO of the medical center until she was promoted to president in 2016. Ms. Anderson is chair of the executive board of the National Board of Medical Examiners and has held volunteer positions at several organizations, including chair of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. Jean Anthony, RN. President and CEO of Hills and Dales General Hospital (Cass City, Mich.). Ms. Anthony has been with Hills and Dales General Hospital for more than four decades, serving as the hospital's COO for 14 years before she was promoted to president and CEO in 2014. In her current role, Ms. Anthony oversees operations of the 25-bed hospital. Under Ms. Anthony's leadership, Hills and Dales General Hospital embarked on a $6 million expansion project in 2017. Pamela Arora. Senior Vice President of Information Services and CIO of Children's Health (Dallas). Ms. Arora, who has more than 30 years of experience in IT, joined Children's Health in 2007. A member of the Children's Hospital Association, CHIME and HIMSS, Ms. Arora previously served as senior vice president and CIO of Worcester-based UMass Memorial Health Care and CIO of Dallas-based Perot Systems. She was named the 2016 John E. Gall Jr. CIO of the Year by CHIME and HIMSS. LaVone Arthur. Chief Strategy Officer of Baylor Scott & White (Dallas). Ms. Arthur, who has been part of the Baylor Scott & White team for more than three decades, was named chief strategy officer in November 2017. Before her promotion, Ms. Arthur served as chief integration officer. In that role, she oversaw the formation of Baylor Scott & White through the 2013 merger of Baylor Health Care System and Scott & White Healthcare. Kathy Bailey, PhD, BSN. President and CEO of Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge (Morganton, N.C.). Dr. Bailey helms Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge, a community health system with physicians in more than 30 specialties. Before taking over as CEO in 2013, Dr. Bailey was COO of Blue Ridge HealthCare. She also served as the inaugural CEO of The Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, N.C. Elaine Batchlor, MD. CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital (Los Angeles). Dr. Batchlor has led Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital since the private, nonprofit safety-net facility opened in 2015. She played a key role in the opening of the 131-bed hospital, which serves 1.3 million residents in South Los Angeles. Before taking on her current role, Dr. Batchlor was CMO of L.A. Care Health Plan, one of the largest public health plans in the U.S. Amy Beiter, MD. President and CEO of EvergreenHealth (Kirkland, Wash.). Dr. Beiter helms EvergreenHealth, a health system based in the Pacific Northwest with nearly 3,000 staff members, 950 physician partners, and 1,100 volunteers. A senior physician executive, she brought 25 years of healthcare experience to EvergreenHealth in August. She previously served as president and CEO for Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Ariz. Cynthia Bentzen Williams. Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and President of Mercy Health Foundation (Chesterfield, Mo.). Ms. Bentzen Williams became senior vice president of human resources in January 2011 and her role was expanded to include chief administrative officer responsibilities in 2013. She is responsible for government relations, community relations and workforce health of Mercy Health Foundation. Prior to joining Mercy, Ms. Bentzen Williams was chief human resources officer for Ameristar Casinos, a national gaming and hospitality organization. Karima Bentounsi. CEO of DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital (Commerce Township, Mich.). Ms. Bentounsi is the CEO of DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, where she is responsible for strategic, operational and clinical activities. In 2018, she earned the Female CEO of the Year Gold award at the CEO World Awards, a testament to her leadership abilities. The hospital has improved quality performance under her leadership. Prior to joining DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Ms. Bentounsi served as COO and then CEO of Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Josette Beran. Chief Strategy Officer for Cleveland Clinic. Ms. Beran holds a master's degree in executive healthcare business administration from Berea, Ohio-based Baldwin Wallace University and has worked at Cleveland Clinic for 17 years. In that time, Ms. Beran served as an administrator in the neurology and infectious disease departments and as the director of cardiothoracic affiliate programs. From 2008-11, she served as senior director of clinical operations and executive director of medical operations. From 2011-14, Ms. Beran served as the executive administrative officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where she built an operating model for executive administration from the ground up. Ms. Beran returned to the Cleveland Clinic's main campus in 2014 as executive director of strategic partnering and network integration. Jan Bergen. President and CEO of Lancaster (Pa.) General Health. Ms. Bergen is president and CEO of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, a 786-bed nonprofit health system and part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. She joined Lancaster General Hospital nearly two decades ago after serving as senior vice president of Jefferson Health's 400-bed Bryn Mawr (Pa.) Hospital. Ms. Bergen also helmed Main Line Health System's Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital in Malvern, Pa. Syd Bersante. Market President of CHI Franciscan Health, Pierce County Region (Tacoma, Wash.). Ms. Bersante has more than 35 years of healthcare management experience. She is currently the market president of CHI Franciscan Health, Pierce County Region, where she oversees three hospitals and 2,724 team members. She is also responsible for the health system's cardiovascular, neurosciences and women's and children's systemwide strategic service lines. Prior to her current role, Ms. Bersante was president of St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash. Leslie Bingham. CEO of Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville (Texas). Ms. Bingham has more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience. She has led Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville for more than 12 years as CEO. During her tenure, the hospital was designated a Texas Ten Step Program facility by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. This means the hospital has implemented the World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund's Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a group of evidence-based practices designed to improve maternity care. Before starting her current role, Ms. Bingham was COO of the hospital. Mary Blackburn. Vice President for Growth and Market Development and Chief Nursing Officer of Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital (Elkin, N.C.). Ms. Blackburn joined Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital in 2007 as the medical/surgical unit manager and then became the chief practice officer in 2008, playing an integral role in expanding the hospital's four outpatient locations to now include 27 locations. In her current role, as vice president of growth and market development, Ms. Blackburn is the senior executive with overall responsibility for the heath system's strategic plan development and implementation. She is also CNO, overseeing the department of nursing and clinical ancillary departments. Colleen Blye. Executive Vice President and CFO of Montefiore Health System (New York City). Ms. Blye oversees financial aspects of the 11-hospital Montefiore Health System, as well as its affiliated medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. During her tenure, she has played a key role in Montefiore's healthcare reform leadership, including expertise in relevant policy considerations such as funding to address social determinants of health. Ms. Blye previously served as executive vice president and CFO of Catholic Health Services of Long Island, an integrated healthcare delivery system based in Rockville Centre, N.Y. She also spent time as executive vice president for finance and integrated services at Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives. Adrienne Boissy, MD. Chief Experience Officer of Cleveland Clinic. In her role as chief experience officer, Dr. Boissy leads Cleveland Clinic's office of patient experience and its initiatives. She also serves as a staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis. Ethical issues in neurological disease are part of her clinical focus. Dr. Boissy previously served as medical director of Cleveland Clinic's Center of Excellence in Healthcare Communication and is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Patient Experience. Mary Boosalis. President and CEO of Premier Health (Dayton, Ohio). Ms. Boosalis is responsible for leading Southwest Ohio's largest health system, which includes Miami Valley Hospital, the flagship facility. In this role, she is instrumental in ensuring the health system's financial stability, enabling Premier Health to carry out its mission. Ms. Boosalis is the first female president of Premier Health. Ms. Boosalis has experience serving on the University of Dayton Board of Trustees, where she was named chair-elect, and the Dayton-based Sinclair Community College Board of Trustees. Marna Borgstrom. President and CEO of Yale-New Haven Hospital and Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health System. Ms. Borgstrom has had a 30-year career with Yale New Haven Health. She was appointed president and CEO of Yale-New Haven Hospital and the health system in 2005. In this role, she helms an organization with 25,000 employees. Outside of Yale-New Haven, she serves on national boards of the Council of Teaching Hospitals and Healthcare Executives Study Society and Irving, Texas-based group purchasing organization Vizient. Tammie Brailsford, RN. Executive Vice President and COO of MemorialCare (Fountain Valley, Calif.). Ms. Brailsford was named executive vice president and COO of MemorialCare Health System in 2003. In this role, she is responsible for clinical, quality, financial and operational performance of the health system's Southern California hospitals, numerous outpatient care locations and the MemorialCare Medical Foundationall of which have appeared on many best of lists, including Best Hospitals and Top Workforces. Ms. Brailsford holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Pacific Union College in Angwin, Calif., and a master's degree in healthcare management from California State University in Los Angeles. Ruth Williams-Brinkley. President of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of the Northwest (Oakland, Calif.). Ms. Williams-Brinkley is responsible for Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente's care delivery and health plan operations in Oregon and markets in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Longview/Kelso, Wash. She was previously CEO of Louisville-based KentuckyOne Health, a division of Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives. She also served as president and CEO of Carondelet Health Network in Tucson, Ariz., and as president and CEO of Memorial Health Care System in Chattanooga, Tenn. Katherine Bunting-Williams, PhD, MSN, RN. CEO of Fairfield (Ill.) Memorial Hospital. For nearly the last two decades, Dr. Bunting-Williams has served at the head of Fairfield Memorial Hospital. She is a past president of the Illinois Hospital Association and currently serves on the IHA Small and Rural Hospital Steering Committee. Dr. Bunting-Williams recently added to those accolades in 2018 with her election to the Illinois Health and Hospital Association Board. She is also an American College of Healthcare Executives member. Carol H. Burrell. President and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System (Gainesville). Ms. Burrell became president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System in 2011 and has lead the organization to achieve national recognition. She oversees the nonprofit community health system's three hospital campuses that include 713 beds and more than 700 medical staff members. She earned the 2018 Atlanta Business Chronicle's Women Who Mean Business recognition. Debra Canales. Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Providence St. Joseph Health (Renton, Wash.). As a leader of the country's third largest health system, Ms. Canales is responsible for creating a stable work environment, and her efforts have been successful. In a 2017 survey, 84 percent of the system's 119,000 employees said they planned to stay with Providence St. Joseph. Ms. Canales has implemented several initiatives during her tenure, notably increasing the frequency of employee surveys, which has lowered the health system's nurse turnover rate and creating $10.4 million in savings. Paula Carynski, BSN, MSN. President of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (Rockford, Ill.). Ms. Carynski joined the health system in 1985, and OSF saw her early on, awarding her a spot in the OSF Leadership Academy where she was recognized for demonstrating superior leadership characteristics and a capacity for growth. During her career, she served as vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer before ascending to the president role in July 2013. Illinois Nurses Association District Three awarded Ms. Carynski its Distinguished Nurse Advocate Award. Joan Coffman. President and CEO of St. Tammany Parish Hospital (Covington, La.). Ms. Coffman became president and CEO of Tammany Parish Hospital in June 2018 after serving 10 years as president and CEO of HSHS St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, Ill. A native of New Orleans, Ms. Coffman began her hospital career as assistant administrator of Lindy Boggs Medical Center in New Orleans, which she moved on from when the hospital closed in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Ms. Coffman is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Karen Collins, BSN, RN. CEO of Lady of the Sea General Hospital (Cut Off, La.). Ms. Collins stands at the helm of the 25-bed critical access, nonprofit Lady of the Sea General Hospital. She joined the hospital in 1982, rising through the ranks until she became CEO in 2013. Ms. Collins was recognized at the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce's Best of Lafourche Excellence in Healthcare awards in April. Amy Compton-Phillips, MD. Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Providence St. Joseph Health (Renton, Wash.). Joining Providence in August 2015, Dr. Compton-Phillips brought a wealth of experience with her from her time at Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente, where she held various roles before ending her tenure as chief quality officer of the Permanente Foundation Dr. Compton-Phillips now oversees and improves the care process for Providence's entire five-state system as executive vice president and chief clinical officer. Susan Davila. CEO of Desert View Hospital (Pahrump, Nev.). Ms. Davila joined Desert View Hospital when it opened over a decade ago and rose in the ranks to eventually serve six years as CEO. Ms. Davila also served as CEO of Gardnerville, Nev.-based Carson Valley Medical Center for a brief period. She is a former chair of the Nevada Hospital Association and has held multiple board positions with the American Hospital Association. Leslie Davis. Senior Vice President of UPMC and Executive Vice President and COO of UPMC's Health Services Division (Pittsburgh). Joining UPMC in 2004, Ms. Davis has accumulated a wealth of knowledge from her more than 30 years in healthcare. She helps lead the entire UPMC portfolio as senior vice president of UPMC and executive vice president and COO of the health system's health services division. Along with her time at UPMC, Ms. Davis was president of Philadelphia-based Graduate Hospital and COO of Philadelphia-based University of Pennsylvania Hospital. She started her career at New York City-based Mount Sinai Medical Center. Takeisha Davis, MD. CEO of New Orleans East Hospital. Dr. Davis leads New Orleans East Hospital, a hospital opened in 2014 and managed by New Orleans-based LCMC Health. In her current role, she oversees hospital operations for the facility, which includes more than 120 physicians and nearly 300 employees. Under her leadership, the hospital achieved financial stability and expanded services to the New Orleans East area. She also launched a dedicated physician group to serve the 90,000 residents of the area. Dr. Davis serves on the mayor's healthcare advisory board and earned the City of New Orleans Women in Leadership recognition. Pam Delagardelle, BSN, RN. President and CEO of UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital (Waterloo, Iowa). Beginning her career in healthcare in 1983, Ms. Delagardelle rose through the ranks from director of patient care all the way to president and CEO. In addition to overseeing UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital, she has also served as an assistant professor at Waterloo-based Allen College. Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based Mount Mercy University, where Ms. Delagardelle received her bachelor's in nursing, awarded her its Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and a spot in its "Success Follows" alumni outcomes project. Patti DePompei. President of University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's and MacDonald Women's Hospitals (Cleveland). Ms. DePompei is responsible for the growth of University Hospitals Rainbow & Babies Children's and MacDonald Women's hospitals as president of the organizations. Under her leadership, UH Rainbow expanded to offer services at six community hospitals and 20 health and surgery centers. Ms. DePompei also leads a team of more than 2,800 physicians and clinical staff members, and she works closely with the department chairs, clinical directors and nurse leaders. Crain's Cleveland Business named her among the Notable Women in Healthcare for 2018. Lani Dickinson. CEO of Emanuel Medical Center (Turlock, Calif.). Ms. Dickinson maintains a commitment to quality, patient experience and evidence-based best practices as CEO of Emanuel Medical Center. She joined the hospital in March and has already made significant changes, including improvements to the emergency department. She previously served as CNO of Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare's former Western Region and COO of Lakewood (Calif.) Regional Medical Center. Lori Donaldson. CFO of UC San Diego Health System. Tasked with the financial decisions for the entire UC San Diego Health System, Ms. Donaldson oversees a budget of more than $1 billion. Under her leadership, UC San Diego Health consistently exceeds industry standard margins. Because of her exceptional efforts, the San Diego Business Journal bestowed its CFO of the Year award on her in 2015. Ms. Donaldson joined UC San Diego Health in 1990, becoming CFO in July 2010. Kelly Driscoll, RN. President and CEO of Faith Regional Health Services (Norfolk, Neb.). Promoted to the CEO position in September 2018, Ms. Driscoll has more than 23 years of experience in healthcare and has held senior leadership positions for more than 20 years. Ms. Driscoll joined Faith Regional in 2011 as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services, rising through the ranks until her permanent appointment as CEO. She is an American College of Healthcare Executives fellow. Aphreikah DuHaney-West. CEO of Teche Regional Medical Center (Morgan City, La.). Ms. DuHaney-West manages the day-to-day operations of Teche Regional Medical Center as the 167-bed hospital's CEO. She is in charge of ensuring patient safety, promoting quality and patient satisfaction. As a certified professional in patient safety and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Ms. DuHaney-West has become a champion of patient engagement and involving communities in their healthcare. She previously served as COO of Mercy Regional Medical Center in Ville Platte, Calif. Liz Dunne. President and CEO of PeaceHealth (Vancouver, Wash.). Ms. Dunne oversees operations for PeaceHealth, a nonprofit health system in the Pacific Northwest that includes around 16,000 caregivers and a multispecialty medical group practice with more than 900 physicians. Her leadership focus is addressing social determinants of health and removing barriers to wellness for patients at PeaceHealth's 10 hospitals and other facilities. She also serves on the American Hospital Association board of directors and the Oregon Business Council. Paige Dworak. CEO of East Orange General Hospital (Orange County, N.J.). Ms. Dworak oversees hospital activity and community integration at East Orange General Hospital as its CEO. She took the helm of the 211-bed acute care hospital in 2017 after spending time as interim CEO and COO of the organization. She has more than 20 years of leadership experience, previously serving as vice president of operations improvement for Waterbury (Conn.) Hospital and Manchester-based Eastern Connecticut Health Network. In 2017, NJBiz honored Ms. Dworak with the 40 Under 40 Award. Melinda Estes, MD. President and CEO of Saint Luke's Health System (Kansas City, Mo.). Dr. Estes held executive healthcare leadership positions long before she became president and CEO of Saint Luke's Health System in 2011. A board-certified neurologist and neuropathologist, Dr. Estes previously served as CEO and president at Burlington, Vt.-based Fletcher Allen Health Care, as well as CMO and then CEO at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston. In 2018, the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees selected Dr. Estes as its chair-elect designate, which is a three-year commitment. Dr. Estes will begin her term in 2019 as chair-elect before becoming chair in 2020 and immediate past chair in 2021. Gabrielle Finley-Hazle. CEO of St. Mary's Medical Center and Palm Beach Children's Hospital (West Palm Beach, Fla.). Ms. Finley-Hazle became CEO of the 464-bed St. Mary's Medical Center in January 2016, and currently also oversees Palm Beach Children's Hospital. Under her leadership, the hospital achieved several recognitions for it's stroke and heart care, including the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines awards. The hospital also expanded its level 1 trauma center and became the first Palm Beach County hospital to earn Joint Commission certification for spine surgery. Teri Fontenot. President and CEO of Woman's Hospital (Baton Rouge, La.). Ms. Fontenot serves as president and CEO of Woman's Hospital, which is home to the largest birthing and neonatal intensive care health system in the state of Louisiana. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Ms. Fontenot has been the recipient of numerous business leadership awards, including Baton Rouge Business Report's Businesswoman of the Year in 2013 and the Louisiana Hospital Association's Golden Pelican President's Award in 2010 and 2016. Ms. Fontenot currently serves on the boards of publicly traded companies Amerisafe and Landauer, as well as the Louisiana Healthcare Quality Forum and Louisiana Hospital Association Professional and General Liability Trust Funds. Laura Forese, MD. Executive Vice President and COO of NewYork-Presbyterian (New York City). Dr. Forese joined NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in 2003 as vice president of medical affairs. Since then, she has taken on various leadership roles within the organization and currently serves as vice president and COO. Dr. Forese is responsible for achieving NewYork-Presbyterian's operating targets as well as implementing the organization's patient-centered strategic vision and culture. Dr. Forese also serves as an associate clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University in New York City. Mary Ann Fuchs, DNP, MSN, RN. Vice President of Patient Care and System Chief Nurse Executive at Duke University Health System (Durham, N.C.). Ms. Fuchs was promoted to chief nursing and patient care services officer of Duke University Hospital in 1999, and in September 2001, her role was expanded to vice president of patient care and system chief nurse executive of the entire Duke University Health System. In this role, Ms. Fuchs led Duke University Health System's endeavor to achieve Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2014. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the Wharton Fellows Program in Management for Nurse Executives, and is a Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse fellow. In 2007, Ms. Fuchs was one of 25 women on the Triangle Business Journal's Women in Business list. Nancy Gaden, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Boston Medical Center. Ms. Gaden joined Boston Medical Center in 2014 after having served as system vice president and patient care services/chief nursing officer at Hallmark Health System in Medford, Mass. While at Hallmark, Ms. Gaden led the health system to achieve Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Ms. Gaden previously served in patient care services and chief nursing officer roles at Boston-based Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and Milton (Mass.) Hospital. Kristi Gatrell. CEO of Big Horn County Memorial Hospital (Hardin, Mont.). Ms. Gatrell became CEO of Big Horn County Memorial Hospital in 2014 and has since helped the hospital grow and scale. A long-time resident of Big Horn's community, Ms. Gatrell led efforts to expand the hospital's emergency department to meet the increased demand from patients in the high trauma region. Kris Gaw. COO of Maricopa Integrated Health System (Phoenix). Ms. Gaw joined Maricopa Integrated Health System, one of Arizona's only public healthcare systems, in 2016. Ms. Gaw arrived at Maricopa with previous health leadership experience, including executive vice president and chief administrative officer of hospital operations at Dallas-based Parkland Hospital and Health System and a six-year COO tenure at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev. In 2018, Ms. Gaw was named to AZ Big Media's list of Most Influential Women in Arizona. A member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Ms. Gaw is a certified Rapid Process Improvement Workshop Leader and a member of the executive leadership team of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign to end heart disease and stroke among women. Maggie Gill. CEO of Palm Beach Group for Tenet Healthcare and CEO of Delray Medical Center (Delray Beach, Fla.). Ms. Gill joined Dallas-based Tenet as CEO of its Palm Beach Group and Delray Medical Center in September. She previously served as CEO of Novant Health UVA Health System in Culpeper, Va., where she designed and implemented the functional organization of the system, including cultural integration, branding and financial turnaround. She also has experience developing long-term strategic quality and growth plans and establishing regional payer partnerships to create opportunities for value-based care. Laurie Glimcher, MD. President and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston). Dr. Glimcher oversees the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as president and CEO. She is also president of Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care and the principal investigator of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. She is a passionate advocate for researchers and physicians and has mentored several post-doctoral students who have achieved distinction in academic medicine and cancer treatment. Dr. Glimcher has achieved several distinctions throughout her career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Immunologists. Audrey Gregory, PhD, MSN, RN. President of Saint Francis Healthcare Memphis Market. Dr. Gregory serves as Memphis market president and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare, part of Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare. With more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, Dr. Gregory has held various positions within Tenet, including chief nursing officer and department director. An active member of her community, Dr. Gregory is a member of her community's chamber of commerce, which she works with on support services such as nursing retirement. Dr. Gregory has recruited more than 50 registered nurses from the Caribbean with valid work visas to the Memphis market, and in 2017, she was awarded the Diversity Champion Award by the Tennessee Hospital Association. Lisa E. Harris, MD. CEO of Eskenazi Health (Indianapolis). Dr. Harris has practiced medicine for 30 years at Eskenazi Health. As CEO, she has remained engaged in patient care, research and training in the health system as well as her local community. Dr. Harris serves as president of the board of directors of the American Red Cross of Indiana, and she is a member of the board of directors for the Regenstrief Institute, Julian Center, Second Helpings and Managed Emergency Surge for Healthcare. In 2015, Dr. Harris was chair of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative. Margot Hartmann, MD, PhD. President and CEO of Nantucket (Mass.) Cottage Hospital. Before becoming president and CEO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital in 2010, Dr. Hartmann worked as an emergency physician at the health system for more than a decade. As the sole medical provider on Nantucket, an island located 30 miles out to sea, the hospital expanded its care services under Dr. Hartmann's leadership to include a partnership with Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. In February 2018, Dr. Hartmann announced she will retire in summer 2019. Jill Hoggard Green, PhD, RN. COO of Mission Health and President of Mission Hospital (Asheville, N.C.). Dr. Hoggard Green began her career in healthcare as a registered nurse and went on to receive a doctorate in healthcare leadership and quality from Salt Lake City-based University of Utah's College of Nursing. Dr. Hoggard Green now oversees physician practice at Mission Hospital and Mission Medical Associates in addition to overall system operations. She first joined Mission Health from Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth, where she served as COO for the Oregon region. Previously, she led Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare as an assistant vice president. Diane Holder. Executive Vice President of UPMC, President of UPMC Insurance Services Division, and President and CEO of UPMC Health Plan (Pittsburgh). Ms. Holder is the executive vice president of UPMC, president of the UPMC Insurance Services Division and CEO of the UPMC Health Plan, which oversees health coverage and manages benefits for 3.2 million people. The division includes UPMC Health Plan, UPMC for You, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization and WorkPartners, which manage benefits for CMS, behavioral health and workers compensation programs. Prior to her current role, Ms. Holder spent time as CEO of UMPC's Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Ms. Holder was also the founding CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health Organization. Tasha Hopper. CEO of The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus (El Paso, Texas). Ms. Hopper has served The Hospitals of Providence for more than 20 years and currently serves as CEO of the system's Transmountain campus. She oversaw construction of the hospital and was the associate administrator when it opened in January 2017. Previously, Ms. Hopper served as assistant CNO of THOP's Memorial Campus in El Paso, where she implemented the GetWellNetwork and achieved Pathway to Excellence designation for the hospital's nursing department. Cynthia Hundorfean. President and CEO of Allegheny Health Network (Pittsburgh). Ms. Hundorfean joined Allegheny Health Network in 2016 after spending around 30 years at Cleveland Clinic. Since her arrival, the health system has made several high-profile capital investments, including five new hospitals that will be built in the next three years. She also launched several services unique to the market, including micro-hospitals and a same-day appointment initiative. Under her watch, the health system has undergone a dramatic turnaround and now reports financial stability. Charlotte Ipsan, DNP, RN. Chief Administrative Officer of Norton Women's & Children's Hospital (Louisville, Ky.). Ms. Ipsan has more than 30 years of experience in maternal/child and pediatric healthcare. In 2009, Ms. Ipsan was named the vice president of Norton Children;s Medical Center and was promoted to system vice president of pediatric services in 2011. Ms. Ipsan also served as a course director for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Tract at the University of Louisville Graduate School of Nursing and as the manager of the advanced neonatal nurse practitioner team for the university's pediatrics department. Ms. Ipsan was also named the University of Louisville School of Nursing's Alumni of the Year and in 2014 was recognized for being among the Top 40 University of Louisville School of Nursing Outstanding Alumni. Ms. Ipsan was named the chief administrative officer of Norton Women's & Children's Hospital in 2012, participating in the creation of the region's first women's and children's hospital. In 2013, Ms. Ipsan was named the Most Admired Woman in Healthcare by Today's Woman magazine. Catherine Jacobson. President and CEO of Froedtert Health (Milwaukee). Ms. Jacobson spent more than 20 years with Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center before joining Milwaukee-based Froedtert Health as executive vice president of finance and strategy, CFO, and chief strategy officer in 2010. In 2011, she was named president, and she took on the CEO role in 2012. Ms. Jacobson currently holds board appointments at the United Way of Greater Milwaukee, the Greater Milwaukee Committee, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and the Wisconsin Hospital Association Board, among others. In 2013, the Milwaukee Business Journal named Ms. Jacobson in its Women of Influence series. Ms. Jacobson earned an honorary doctor of healthcare leadership degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2015. Cristina Jimenez. CEO of Coral Gables (Fla.) Hospital. As CEO of Coral Gables Hospital, Ms. Jimenez is responsible for all strategic, operational and clinical initiatives. She first joined the hospital more than 30 years ago as a phlebotomist and worked her way up to serve as COO and then CEO in 2017. Under her leadership, the hospital earned The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for total hip and knee replacements as well as recognition among Dallas-based Tenet's 2018 Circle of Excellence. Barbara Joers. President and CEO of Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare (St. Paul, Minn.). Ms. Joers became the president and CEO of Gillette Children's in 2013. Previously, she served as the vice president of Milwaukee-based Children's Hospital of Wisconsin from 2010-13 and held various executive roles at Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Gaye Jolly. President and Chief Administrative Officer of LeConte Medical Center (Sevierville, Tenn.). Ms. Jolly was appointed CAO at Roane County, Tenn.-based Roane Medical Center in 2012 while the facility was under construction to add 54 more beds before joining LeConte Medical Center in 2017. Ms. Jolly is respected for her innate ability to lead change and facilitate process improvements. Ms. Jolly oversaw the hospital's conversion of IT systems and implementation of Chicago-based Covenant Health's computerized physician order entry system. Previously, Ms. Jolly served as Covenant Health's vice president for corporate materials management, where she oversaw centralized purchasing, contracting and database management. Laura Kaiser. President and CEO of SSM Health (St. Louis). Ms. Kaiser joined SSM Health as the president and CEO in 2017, providing more than 30 years of experience in healthcare strategy, improving clinical quality, fueling innovation, managing operational performance and growth, and leading and facilitating healthcare integration. Previously, Ms. Kaiser served as the executive vice president and COO for Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare and served at St. Louis-based Ascension Health in several leadership roles. Ms. Kaiser is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Pat Keel. Senior Vice President and CFO of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, Tenn.). Ms. Keel was appointed senior vice president and CFO of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in February 2016. Previously, Ms. Keel served as senior vice president and CFO of Christus Schumpert Health System in Shreveport, La., and held leadership roles at Longview, Texas-based Good Shepherd Health System and Mokena, Ill.-based Provena Health, now Presence Health. Ms. Keel holds a master's degree in healthcare administration from San Antonio-based Trinity University. Kathleen Kinslow, CRNA, EdD. Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer of Jefferson Health and Aria Health-Torresdale (Philadelphia). Ms. Kinslow was named CEO and executive vice president and chief integration officer of Jefferson Health and Aria Health-Torresdale in 2010. Before Ms. Kinslow joined Jefferson Health and Aria Health-Torresdale, she served as CEO and executive director of Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Hospital. In 1992, she joined the Pennsylvania Hospital as a director of the School of Nurse Anesthesia and rose to other leadership positions, including vice president, chief nursing officer and COO. Jan Kleinhesselink, RN. Chief Quality Officer of Lincoln (Neb.) Surgical Hospital. As chief quality officer, Ms. Kleinhesselink oversees the leadership of Lincoln Surgical Hospital's medical records department and EHR, as well as its laboratory services, quality improvement, safety, risk management, infection prevention, credentialing and regulatory compliance. Before joining the hospital, Ms. Kleinhesselink served as director of quality services for the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Surgical Center and Surgical Management Professionals. She is a member of the National Association for Healthcare Quality, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Debra Knapheide. CEO, CNO and COO of Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital (Nogales, Ariz.). Ms. Knapheide is CEO, COO and CNO of Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital, where she is responsible for operations, executive planning, clinical services and medical staff direction. She had a 30-year career in nursing, working for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. During her time at Holy Cross, the hospital earned recognition for innovative emergency medical services and received the Critical Access Hospital Recognition Certificate from the National Rural Health Resource Center. Carolyn Koenig. Chief Administrative Officer of SSM Health (St. Louis). Ms. Koenig is responsible for the direction and oversight of SSM Health's human resources, governance and marketing and communications team as the chief administrative officer. She has more than 30 years of experience in business and human resources, having overseen global HR for publicly traded organizations. She previously led the human resources efforts during SSM's integration with Fond du Lac, Wis.-based Agnesian Healthcare and Monroe (Wis.) Clinic in 2018. June Komar. Corporate Executive Vice President, Strategy and Administration of Scripps Health (San Diego). Ms. Komar joined Scripps Health in 1997 as vice president, and she has held numerous leadership roles since, including senior vice president of strategic planning and business development. She has held her current role corporate executive vice president of strategy and administration since 2010, and is charged with supervising strategic planning, government and community relations and information services. Before joining Scripps, Ms. Komar served as director of strategic planning at Mercy Health in Cincinnati. Sue Korth, PhD, RN. Former Vice President and COO of Methodist Women's Hospital (Omaha, Neb.). In 2007, Dr. Korth was appointed vice president and COO of Methodist Women's Hospital, a 162-bed facility of which she oversaw the construction, implementation of services and hiring of personnel. She recently retired from her role. Her efforts to establish Methodist Women's Hospital earned her the 2010 Woman of Distinction Award presented by Midlands Business Journal, an award that recognizes exceptional contributions from one local businesswoman each year. Dr. Korth has more than 30 years of clinical and medical management experience, including a five-year stint as a clinical supervisor in high-risk OB/GYN at Methodist Hospital. Sarah Krevans. President and CEO of Sutter Health (Sacramento, Calif.). Before joining the Sutter Health network in 1999 as senior vice president of managed care, Ms. Krevans served as senior vice president and area manager at Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente and as acting director of Medicaid, health planning and licensure programs for the state of Maine. She become president and CEO of Sutter in 2016, after holding various leadership roles, including regional executive officer and president of Sutter's multicounty Sacramento Sierra region and systemwide COO. JoAnn Kunkel. CFO of Sanford Health (Sioux Falls, S.D.). Ms. Kunkel has been with Sanford Health for 25 years, starting as a budget analyst and working her way up to CFO, a position she assumed in 2012. As the system's CFO, Ms. Kunkel supervises the financial operations of Sanford's 45 hospitals and hundreds of clinics. Under her leadership, Sanford has grown from a $300 million hospital into a $4.5 billion system. Phyllis Lantos. Special Adviser to the President and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian (New York). Ms. Lantos serves as special adviser to the president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian, where she previously served as executive vice president, CFO and treasurer. Ms Lantos served as CFO for 18 years. As special adviser, Ms. Lantos collaborates closely with President and CEO Steven Corwin, MD, on topics related to public policy. Additionally, she is the chair of the board of trustees of MCIC Vermont, NewYork-Presbyterian's malpractice captive. Brittany Lavis. CFO of Michigan/Illinois Group of Tenet Healthcare (Dallas). Ms. Lavis was promoted to CFO of the Michigan/Illinois Group of Tenet Healthcare recently, after having served as the group CFO in Southern California since 2015. She is currently responsible for the operations of Tenet facilities in Michigan and Illinois. Her previous experience includes working with physicians and clinical teams to improve total joint care under the CMS Comprehensive Joint Replacement program. Jacklynn Lesniak, BSN, RN. Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer of Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Zion, Ill.). Since 2013, Ms. Lesniak has served as senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, where she is responsible for providing strategic leadership for nursing and other patient care areas. Her leadership helped the hospital receive a five-star Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and System score from CMS in its most recent review. Before assuming her current role at the cancer treatment centers, Ms. Lesniak served as CNO and COO for Watertown (Wis.) Regional Medical Center. Lee Ann Liska. CEO and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at Augusta (Ga.) University Medical Center. As the first female CEO of Augusta University Medical Center, Ms. Liska took the helm in August 2016 and led the hospital to achieve several recognitions. During her time as CEO, Augusta-based Children's Hospital of Georgia experienced its highest year of growth in clinical revenue under her leadership and increased its bed capacity by 29 beds. She previously served as president and CEO of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Carol Lovin, MSN, RN. Executive Vice President and System Chief of Staff of Atrium Health (Charlotte, N.C.). Ms. Lovin brings more than 30 years of experience to Atrium Health, where she serves as the executive vice president and system chief of staff. Ms. Lovin is responsible for strategic planning and business development processes, which include corporate communications, marketing and outreach, innovation and strategy execution. Before taking her current role, Ms. Lovin served as chief strategy officer, executive vice president of planning and communications, and president at NorthEast Medical Center, which integrated with Atrium in 2007. Ann Lucena. CEO of San Ramon (Calif.) Regional Medical Center. Ms. Lucena became CEO of San Ramon Regional Medical Center after serving as a senior director within Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare and chief of staff for the system's president of hospital operations. She was instrumental in executing Tenet's vision and strategy and ensured the team followed through with strategic initiatives. She currently oversees all hospital operations at San Ramon, engages in executive planning and directs medical services, challenging her team to think creatively about resource utilization. Stacey Malakoff. Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Hospital for Special Surgery (New York). Ms. Malakoff joined Hospital for Special Surgery as director of reimbursement in 1990. She was promoted in 1998 to her current role, executive vice president, treasurer and CFO, but held numerous administrative positions in the interim, including controller and vice president of finance. Hospital for Special Surgery is the oldest orthopedic hospital in the U.S. and completes more than 30,000 surgical procedures each year. Marcia Manker. CEO of MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center (Laguna Hills, Calif.) and MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center (Fountain Valley, Calif.). Ms. Manker serves as CEO of both MemorialCare Saddleback and Orange Coast Medical Centers, which have a combined 470 beds and 6,500 employees. Under her leadership Orange Coast and Saddleback have established prominent outpatient facilities, developed new models of care and named several years as the two best Orange County hospitals by Orange County Register readers. In 2016, Ms. Manker earned the title of Woman of the Year from California State Assembly and Soroptimist International, and Orange County Vietnamese American Lions Club Business Leader of the Year. Patricia Maryland, DrPH. Executive Vice President of Ascension and President and CEO of Ascension Healthcare (St. Louis). Dr. Maryland became the president and CEO of Ascension Healthcare and the executive vice president of Ascension in July 2017. She brought her expertise in strategic planning, patient care operations and service line management to her new position. Before taking on her current role, Dr. Maryland served as the president of St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital and executive vice president and COO of St. Vincent Health, where she helped to create six centers of excellence and an agreement with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to bolster the pediatric subspecialty services to St. Vincent Childrens Hospital. Mary Lou Mastro, RN. President and CEO of Edward-Elmhurst (Ill.) Health. Ms. Mastro initially joined Edward-Elmhurst Health as the director of cardiovascular services. From 2002 to 2013, she was president of Linden Oaks at Edward (now Linden Oaks Behavioral Health), and for two years she served as president and CEO of Elmhurst Hospital, where she contributed to record volume growth and financial stability. Ms. Mastro is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, where she advocates for the rights of people with mental illness. Tara McCoy. CEO of Good Samaritan Medical Center (West Palm Beach, Fla.). Ms. McCoy is CEO of 333-bed Good Samaritan Medical Center, a role she took on in October 2017 after spending six years as service line administrator focused on heart and vascular programs for Dallas-based Tenet's South Florida hospitals. She has a strong background in physician development and recruitment as well as experience in integrating strategy and vision. Under her leadership, the hospital opened a step-down unit to reduce burden on the intensive care unit and improved on-time starts with a consistent run rate of over 85 percent. Margaret McKenzie, MD. President of Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital (Warrensville Heights, Ohio). Dr. McKenzie became president of Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital in 2017, and made her first priority to grow patient volume. In her current role, she developed a leadership team and transformed hospital culture. She joined Cleveland Clinic's OB/GYN & Women's Health Institute in 1995 and became section head of general obstetrics and gynecology in 2008. Betsy McVay. Vice President and Chief Analytics Officer of UnityPoint Health (West Des Moines, Iowa). Ms. McVay focuses on partnering with business and clinical leadership to solve healthcare challenges. She splits her time between UnityPoint's locations in Madison, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, working with her team to use predictive and descriptive analytics to shape UnityHealth's performance measures. Ana Mederos. CEO of Palmetto General Hospital (Hialeah, Fla.). Ms. Mederos has spent 10 years as CEO of Palmetto General Hospital, responsible for strategic, operational and clinical initiatives. In 2018, the hospital earned a place among Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare's Circle of Excellence. Ms. Mederos has a clinical background as a nurse, and she believes in creating a strong, supportive environment for employees and patients. She previously served as CEO of North Shore Medical Center in Miami. Rhonda Medows, MD. President, Population Health, Providence St. Joseph Health, and CEO, Ayin Health Solutions (Renton, Wash.). Dr. Medows oversees the Providence Health Plan, payer strategy and contracting and population health informatics. She also serves as a member of the Physician-focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee that makes recommendations to the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services on current and future physician payment models. Before joining Providence Health, Dr. Medows was executive vice president and chief medical officer of UnitedHealth Group, and she previously practiced medicine at Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic. Anne Meisner, RN. President and CEO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (Newnan, Ga.). Ms. Meisner has worked for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America for over 20 years and serves as chief hospital operations officer for the organization a and president and CEO of the treatment centers in Atlanta. During her tenure at the treatment centers , Ms. Meisner has grown patient services and introduced patient-centric programs in advanced radiation therapies, cell therapies and immunotherapies for the health system's Midwestern locations. The Atlanta hospital has achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission, Commission on Cancer and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Redonda Miller, MD. President of the Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore). Dr. Miller is the first woman to hold the position of president of the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Prior to taking on her current role, Dr. Miller served as vice president of medical affairs for Johns Hopkins Hospital and senior vice president of medical affairs for Johns Hopkins Health System. During that time, Dr. Miller collaborated with the vice presidents of medical affairs and other health system colleagues on credentialing, medical staff, peer review, health information management and formulary processes. Sheri Milone. CEO of Lovelace Women's Hospital (Albuquerque, N.M.). Ms. Milone joined Lovelace Health in 1992, and previously served as CEO of Lovelace Westside Hospital in Albuquerque before becoming CEO of Lovelace Women's Hospital. Under her leadership, Lovelace Women's Hospital added a maternal-fetal program for high-risk pregnancies, natural birthing center, minimally invasive robotic surgery program and a breast cancer center. Jennifer Mitzner. CEO of Hoag Orthopedic Institute (Irvine, Calif.). As a veteran healthcare executive, Ms. Mitzner has served on the Hoag Orthopedic Institute's board of directors since its inception. Prior to her current role as CEO, Ms. Mitzner was the senior vice president and CFO of St. Joseph Hoag Health. She also served in an executive capacity on several governance committees, including the finance committee and the audit and compliance committee. Cynthia Moore-Hardy, BSN. President and CEO of Lake Health (Concord Township, Ohio). Ms. Moore-Hardy became president and CEO of Lake Health in 1997. In her role, she has grown the health system from six to 14 facilities. Ms. Moore-Hardy started a lean program in 2012, which has saved over $11 million and saved $2.5 million in extral construction costs by improving patient flow. In 2016, she was elected board chairwoman of the Ohio Hospital Association after serving as the board's chairwoman-elect and chairwoman of the board's governance committee. Sheri Montgomery. CFO of Tenet Palm Beach Group and Delray Medical Center (Delray Beach, Fla.). Ms. Montgomery has been CFO of Delray Medical Center since 2014, responsible for overseeing financial operations of the 493-bed institution. She has more than 20 years of experience in financial healthcare, previously serving as CFO of Coral Gables (Fla.) Hospital. Elizabeth Nabel, MD, President of Brigham Health (Boston). Dr. Nabel has served as president of Brigham Health since 2010. In her role, she is leading the development of a model of academic medicine dedicated to restoring health through leadership in scientific discovery, education and compassionate care. A translational research and clinical facility and a $1.5 billion campaign to further lifesaving breakthroughs are part of the initiative. Dr. Nabel is a cardiologist and professor of medicine at Boston-based Harvard Medical School. Janice Nevin, MD. President and CEO of Christiana Care Health System (Wilmington, Del.). Under Dr. Nevins leadership, Christiana Care Health System developed CarelinkCareNow, an award-winning data-driven care coordination platform designed to address patients social, behavioral and medical needs. Dr. Nevin led Christiana Care to a founding partnership in eBrightHealth, a first-of-its-kind health system alliance, and eBrightHealth ACO. She was inducted into the Delaware Womens Hall of Fame in 2017. Robin Norman. Senior Vice President and CFO of Virginia Hospital Center (Arlington). Ms. Norman has served Virginia Hospital Center in a financial capacity since 1979. During her tenure as CFO, the hospitals operating margins have improved from minus 4.2 percent to 7.2 percent, and its market share has grown from 26 percent to 33.5 percent, leading the hospital to earn AA- bond ratings. The Washington Business Journal named Ms. Norman a 2014 CFO of the Year. Sharon O'Keefe, BSN, MSN. President and COO of UChicago Medicine. Ms. OKeefe oversees a $1.5 billion clinical enterprise. She has more than 30 years of healthcare experience and previously served as president of Hines, Ill.-based Loyola University Medical Center, executive vice president and COO at Boston-based Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and as senior vice president for operations at the University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore, where her efforts led to the system becoming the first healthcare organization to receive the State of Maryland Quality and Productivity Award. She also served as senior manager for healthcare at the accounting firm Ernst & Young and chaired the American Heart Associations Go Red for Women campaign. Christina Oh. CEO of Placentia-Linda Hospital (Placentia, Calif.). Ms. Oh is responsible for hospital operations, executive planning, clinical services and medical staff direction at Placentia-Linda Hospital. In 2017, she was instrumental in turning around the hospital's emergency department with a new program that attracted more than 1,200 patients, over 40 percent of whom were new to the hospital. She took on the CEO role in 2016, with the goal of reducing employee turnover and improving patient satisfaction. The hospital is now among Dallas-based Tenet's top five most improved facilities for inpatient satisfaction. She previously served as COO of Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, S.C. Susan Peach, BSN. Market President of HighPoint Health System and CEO of Sumner Regional Medical Center (Gallatin, Tenn.). Under Mrs. Peach's leadership, Sumner Regional Medical Center earned chest pain center accreditation, became certified as a primary stroke Center, achieved a provision level 3 trauma designation and was twice recognized as a top performer by the Joint Commission. Mrs. Peach spearheaded the successful implementation of more than $60 million in capital projects at the medical center and was recognized for her efforts with LifePoint Health's CEO of the Year award in 2013. Amy Perry. CEO of the Hospital Division and Leader of Integrated Care Delivery for Atlantic Health System (Morristown, N.J.). Ms. Perry oversees Atlantic Health Systems six hospitals and develops and manages strategic growth initiatives for specialty service lines and more than 400 ambulatory and post-acute care sites. She previously served as executive vice president of LifeBridge Health and president of Sinai Hospital, both based in Baltimore, and spearheaded the launch of Sinai Hospital's BioIncubator, an innovation hub designed to grow Marylands regional biotechnology community. In 2013, The Baltimore Sun named her one of its 50 Women to Watch, and she was spotlighted in a local ABC News series about women advancing in the workforce. Kelli Powers. CFO of Huntsville (Ala.) Hospital System. Ms. Powers is CFO of Huntsville Hospital System, which includes 1,800 beds and 12,000 employees. Ms. Powers is responsible for uniting systemwide business offices and has consolidated payroll for all hospitals into a single system. She brings a personal approach to leading team efforts and aims to create an environment where employees are most valued. Prior to her current role, Ms. Powers served as CEO of Athens (Ala.) Limestone Hospital. Marsha Powers. Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for Tenet Healthcare (Dallas). Ms. Powers joined Tenet in 2007 and has previously served as CEO of it's Florida Region and Eastern Region-Coastal Division, where she oversaw direction and strategy for 17 hospitals. In her current role as senior vice president and chief strategy officer of Tenet Healthcare, Ms. Powers oversees the health system's telemedicine initiatives, Tenet Physician Resources and service line development. Gemma Rama-Banaag, BSN, MSN, RN.CNO of Paradise Valley Hospital (National City, Calif.). Ms. Rama-Banaag joined Paradise Valley Hospital as a nurse in 2002, gaining experience as a nurse educator, nurse liaison and nurse manager. She served as director of nursing and director of clinical services at San Diego-based Promise Hospital, she returned to Paradise Valley as CNO in 2011. Ms. Rama-Banaag is an active member of the Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego. Marsha Rappley, MD. Vice President for Health Services at Virginia Commonwealth University and CEO of VCU Health System (Richmond, Va.). Dr. Rappley previously served as dean of Lansing-based Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine for 10 years. Under her leadership, NIH and other federal research funding doubled, and endowments grew by 80 percent within four years. She was recently elected chair of the Association of American Medical Colleges' board of directors and serves on its research advisory panel. A pediatrician by training, she has been recognized for distinguished service by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Doris Rindels. Vice President of Operations at UnityPoint Health-Grinnell (Iowa) Regional Medical Center. Ms. Rindels began her career as a staff nurse in 1972 and devoted her career to achieving the best outcomes for patients. In her current role as vice president of operations for UnityPoint Health-Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Ms. Rindels is responsible for several hospital departments and is a senior administration team member. She serves on the advisory boards for Marshalltown-based Iowa Valley Community College and Marshalltown (Iowa) Community College nursing programs. Kim Roberts. Chief Strategy Officer of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and Stanford Children's Health (Palo Alto, Calif.). Ms. Roberts joined Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in 2010 as vice president of network development and management before becoming chief strategy officer in 2014. She spearheaded development of the Packard Children's Health Alliance, the nonprofit community practice arm of the Stanford Children's Health Physician Network, and received the YWCA Silicon Valley 2015 Tribute to Women award. Robin Rose, BSN, RN. COO and Chief Clinical Officer of Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services (Gibson City, Ill.). Ms. Rose previously served as CNO at Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services before becoming COO and chief clinical officer. A passionate advocate of healthcare access for underserved rural communities, she is a past president of the Illinois Rural Healthcare Association and became the first woman to receive the Rural Illinois Champion award from the governor's Rural Affairs Council in 2014. Ms. Rose also serves on the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network and the National Rural Health Association's Rural Health Congress. Pamela Rudisill, DNP, MSN, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Community Health Systems (Franklin, Tenn.). Dr. Rudisill develops and shares best clinical practices for Community Health Systems, providing leadership to nursing executives and supporting nurses at affiliated hospitals. She directs the Survey Management/Survey Readiness team, which helps affiliates with regulatory, accreditation and certification surveys. Before joining Community Health Systems in 2014, she served as the vice president and CNO at Health Management Associates and is a past president of the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Dawn Rudolph. President and CEO of St. Vincent's Medical Center (Bridgeport, Conn.). Ms. Rudolph assumed the president and CEO role at St. Vincent's Medical Center in March. She was previously chief experience officer for St. Thomas Health in Nashville, Tenn. She also the former president and CEO of St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville and was CEO of St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind., before that. In 2012, Ms. Rudolph served as chair of the Nashville chapter of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign, which focuses on heart disease among women. She is a board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Valinda Rutledge. Vice President of Public Payor Health Strategy of the Care Coordination Institute at Greenville (S.C.) Health System. Ms. Rutledge oversees the strategic advisory services related to public payer health strategy for the Care Coordination Institute at Greenville Health System. She has a particular focus on value-based payment reform initiatives such as MACRA and MIPS, bundled payments and alternative payment models. Ms. Rutledge also provides expertise on clinically integrated network and accountable care organization development and supports policy development and advocacy both locally and nationally in her current role. Cheryl Sadro. Executive Vice President and Chief Business and Finance Officer of The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Ms. Sadro joined the $2.2 billion academic medical center in October 2014. During her tenure, the organization has developed its first enterprise data warehouse and finished building f a $438 million, 765-square-foot replacement hospital. She serves on several of the medical center's committees, including the executive committee for institutional planning and clinical leadership committee. She previously served as senior vice president for finance and market CFO at CHI's Memorial Health Care System in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ninfa Saunders, DHA, MSN. President and CEO of Navicent Health (Macon, Ga.). Prior to her current role as president and CEO of the five-acute care hospital Navicent Health, Dr. Saunders was president and COO of Marlton, N.J.-based Virtua Health. She previously served on the governor's Georgia Cancer Coalition, an initiative to build a statewide network of people and organizations to provide exceptional cancer treatment. She has won several awards, including the American Red Cross' 2012 Outstanding Citizenship and Good Neighbor award and the 2014 Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals' CEO of the Year award. Dr. Saunders is a board member for the American Hospital Association's Institute for Diversity. Phyllis Sherard, PhD. Chief Strategy Officer and Vice President of Population Health of Cheyenne (Wyo.) Regional Medical Center. In her role as chief strategy officer and vice president of population health at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Dr. Sherard has spearheaded several strategic partnerships, including a recent management services agreement affiliation with Denver-based UC Health. She also oversees the Wyoming Institute of Population Health, a division of the health system that includes its community health and benefit program as well as palliative care and rural community outreach services. Dr. Sherard is responsible for Wyoming's only Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. In 2012, she won an Innovation Advisor Fellowship from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation for a successful patient-centered medical home pilot proposal. Lynn Simon, MD. President of Clinical Operations and Chief Medical Officer of Community Health Systems (Franklin, Tenn.). Dr. Simon joined Community Health Systems in 2010, prior to which she was vice president of medical affairs at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Ky., then senior vice president and CMO of Louisville-based Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare after the organizations merged. She serves as chair of the Federation of American Hospitals' Quality Committee and as a member of the Center for Medical Interoperability's Technical Advisory Committee. In 2012, Dr. Simon helped develop a federally listed patient safety organization, CHS PSO, one of 86 patient safety organizations nationally. A neurologist by training, she previously practiced in Louisville. Maureen E. Sintich, DNP, RN. Chief Nurse Executive of Inova (Falls Church, Va.). Dr. Sintich, chief nurse executive of Inova health system, has 20 years of healthcare experience, during which she has focused on nursing strategy, including models of care and staffing standards. She was the senior vice president and network chief nursing officer for Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health. She now oversees Inova's nursing professional practice team and six CNOs at five hospitals and nursing informatics. Johnese Spisso, RN. President of UCLA Health, CEO of UCLA Hospital System and Associate Vice Chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences (Los Angeles). Ms. Spisso became president of UCLA Health, CEO of UCLA Hospital System and associate vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences in 2016. She has previously served as chief health system officer at UW Medicine in Seattle and vice president of medical affairs for Seattle-based University of Washington. While at UW, she helped develop a statewide trauma system. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters on leadership in healthcare. Julie Sprengel. President of Dignity Health Southern California Service Area (Southern California). Ms. Sprengel oversees operations at six acute care medical centers where she directs multiple initiatives and manages relationships with physicians and external partners. As president of Dignity Health Southern California Service Area, Ms. Sprengel sought to increase productivity, HCAHPS and overall service line quality in 2018, boosting patient safety as well as staff and patient experience. Business Life Magazine has named Ms. Sprengel a Women's Achiever Award winner for her dedication to excellence and helping others. She previously served as chief executive of Providence Burbank, Calif.-based Saint Joseph Medical Center and vice president of physician integration at Dignity Health Southern California in Los Angeles. Bernadette Spong. CFO of Orlando (Fla.) Health. As CFO of Orlando Health since 2015, Ms. Spong oversees a health system that includes eight hospitals, a medical school, research centers, about 2,200 physicians and multiple joint venture organizations. Ms. Spong was previously senior vice president and CFO of network hospitals for the University of North Carolina Health Care in Chapel Hill and CFO of UNC Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, N.C. Rebecca Starck, MD. President of Cleveland Clinic Avon (Ohio) Hospital. Dr. Starck oversees the 212,000-square-foot Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital, which opened in 2016 as Cleveland Clinic's first internally built regional hospital. Dr. Starck led the design, programming and construction of the hospital and is responsible for developing practice culture. She previously served as chair of the department of regional oncology at Cleveland Clinic's Women's Health Institute. Jennifer Strickland, PharmD. Vice President of Operations at Tenet Healthcare (Dallas). Dr. Strickland has extensive experience as a pharmacy clinician and administrator, bringing that background to her current role as vice president of operations at Tenet Healthcare. She is responsible for implementing best practices in labor management, optimizing performance in ancillary services and ensuring consistency when investing in new technology solutions. She previously served as Tenet's vice president of ancillary services. Nancy Susick, MSN, RN. President of Beaumont Hospital-Troy (Mich.). The 520-bed Beaumont Hospital-Troy named Ms. Susick president in 2012, prior to which she served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. She retired from the Navy Reserve as captain after 24 years of service. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and president of its local chapter. She has won several awards during her career, including the ACHE Regents Award and the Spirit of America award from the city of Troy. Luanne Thomas Ewald. CEO of DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan (Detroit). Ms. Thomas Ewald has spent her entire career at Detroit Medical Center and currently serves as CEO of DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan. She oversees the hospital's initiatives to fight hunger during the summer months, raising close to 6 million servings of cereal for the local food bank. She was appointed to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder's Early Childhood Investment Corporation in 2017, which aims to provide information about and invest in early childhood programs. Elaine Thompson, PhD. President and CEO of Lakeland (Fla.) Regional Health and President of Lakeland Regional Health Foundation. Dr. Thompson came to Lakeland Regional Health in 2010, and during her tenure at the helm, the health system has established affiliations with Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic Care Network; Tampa, Fla.-based USF Health and Jacksonville, Fla.-based Nemours Children's Health System. She spearheaded the development of the eight-story Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children and implementation of a single EHR. Dr. Thompson serves on the Florida Hospital Association's Board of Trustees. Karen Teitelbaum. President and CEO of Sinai Health System (Chicago). As president and CEO of Sinai Health System, Ms. Teitelbaum oversees a four-hospital system that also includes an epidemiological research institute, a community institute, 800-plus medical staff members and 4,000 employees. In the last year, she oversaw the expansion of the Chicago's first crisis stabilization unit at Holy Cross Hospital. She was recently selected as one of 11 mentors invited to participate in America's Essential Hospitals' Essential Women's Leadership Academy, a new program for female healthcare executives. She has also served on the American Hospital Association Task Force on Ensuring Access for Vulnerable Communities and the American Hospital Association Council on Maternal Fetal Health. Karen Testman, RN. CFO of MemorialCare (Fountain Valley, Calif.). Ms. Testman has more than 20 years of leadership experience. Prior to becoming CFO of MemorialCare in 2013, she was senior vice president of financial operations for the four-hospital health system. She originally joined MemorialCare in 1998 as CFO of the system's MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif., and Laguna Hills, Calif.-based MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. Throughout her time at MemorialCare, Ms. Testman has advanced the health system's ambulatory growth and joint venture strategy which includes more than 200 care locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties. Diemlan "Lannie" Tonnu. Senior Vice President of Finance and CFO of the Orthopaedic Institute for Children (Los Angeles). Ms. Tonnu became CFO of the Orthopaedic Institute for Children and Orthopaedic Institute for Children Foundation in August 2016. In this role, she oversees the organization's financial affairs and staffs the finance, investment and audit committees of the institute's board. She is responsible for strategic and financial projection, decision support, investment and IT for the institute. Ms. Tonnu has previous experience as senior vice president of finance and CFO for Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where she spent more than 25 years of her career. Peggy Troy, MSN, RN. President and CEO of Children's Hospital and Health System of Wisconsin (Milwaukee). Ms. Troy, who was the first female president and CEO of the nearly billion dollar pediatric health system, has leadership experience in adult and pediatric health systems. Before joining Children's Hospital in 2009, she was executive vice president and COO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and president and CEO of Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, both based in Memphis. She also was president of Fort Worth, Texas-based Cook Children's Medical Center. Ms. Troy serves on the national board of the Children's Hospital Association and regularly meets with public and elected officials in Washington, D.C., to discuss pediatric healthcare policy. Monica Vargas-Mahar. Market COO for the Hospitals of Providence and CEO of THOP East Campus (El Paso, Texas). Ms. Vargas-Mahar is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of The Hospitals of Providence East Campus as its CEO. She also serves as market COO of The Hospitals of Providence network, overseeing operations and strategy at the system's Sierra campus in El Paso and outpatient locations. She previously served as COO of the system's Memorial campus and Providence Children's Hospital, both in El Paso. Elizabeth Vilardo, MD. CEO of Foundations Sutter Health Bay Area (Sacramento, Calif.). With more than 25 years of experience as a practicing physician leader, Dr. Vilardo has gained significant experience as a healthcare provider as well as leader. In her position as CEO of Foundations Sutter Health Bay Area, Dr. Vilardo oversees operations for 114 clinics that include about 2,000 physicians and around 6,000 employees. She previously served as CEO of Palo Alto (Calif.) Medical Foundation and before that, chief of medicine for El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, Calif. Dr. Vilardo is an active community leader and has served on the boards of several nonprofits for women and children, such as Youth Outside, Healthier Kids and Women's Achievement Network and Development Alliance. Deborah Visconi. President and CEO of New Bridge Medical Center (Paramus, N.J.). Ms. Visconi is the president and CEO of New Bridge Medical Center, overseeing daily operations and the budget. She led the facility's transition from a for-profit to nonprofit hospital model and built a senior leadership team. During her tenure, she improved employee morale and engagement while also transforming the hospital into a competitive community health provider. Nancy Vish, RN, PhD. President and CNO of Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital (Dallas). Dr. Vish was the first vice president of clinical operations and CNO for the Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital when it opened in 2002 and has over two decades in nursing and management. She joined the health system in 1996 as a program manager and director at Baylor University Medical Center. In her time as president, Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital has received the Press Ganey Summit Award for three consecutive years and achieved Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Dr. Vish is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nursing and previously served as president of its Dallas Chapter. Vivian von Gruenigen, MD. Regional CMO of University Hospitals of Cleveland Ahuja Medical Center (Akron, Ohio). Before joining the 144-bed community hospital in May, Dr. von Gruenigen was medical director of women's health services for Summa Health System and chair of its OB-GYN departments at the Akron City and St. Thomas hospitals. Previously, she was director of robotic surgery at Cleveland-based University Hospitals Case Medical Center. She has been named one of the best doctors in America by the Consumers Research Council of America and one of America's top oncologists by Cleveland magazine. Dr. von Gruenigen has served as an editorial board member for Gynecologic Oncology and board member of the Foundation for Women's Cancer. Melissa Waddey. President of Ambulatory and Operations Services at LifePoint Health (Brentwood, Tenn.). Ms. Waddey joined LifePoint Health in 2010 and is responsible for leading the multiple departments that drive operations strategy, organic growth and integration of new facilities. As the president of ambulatory and operations services at LifePoint Health, she also oversees physician services for the organization. As an executive leader, Ms. Waddey serves as a mentor to emerging leaders and has played an integral role in LifePoint's expansion into new markets. Annette Walker. President of City of Hope Orange County (Duarte, Calif.). Ms. Walker comes to the cancer research and treatment center from Renton, Wash.-based Providence St. Joseph Health, where she served as president of strategy and CEO of St. Joseph Health. Ms. Walker developed centers throughout Orange County focused on medical care and services for helping people adopt healthy lifestyles. In 2017, Ms. Walker was named Los Angeles Business Journal's executive of the year and won the Orange County Catholic Foundation's Bishop's Award for exemplary business integrity. Beth Walker. COO of Ochsner Medical Center-Jefferson Highway (New Orleans). Ms. Walker joined Ochsner Health System in 2002 as an operations fellow and has since served in several leadership roles in physician practice management. She took on the COO role in 2013, where she has administrative responsibility for the hospital's ambulatory clinics and physician group practice. Ms. Walker previously served as vice president of operations for women's and children's services at the medical center and oversaw the relocation of that department to a new $40 million women's pavilion at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center in New Orleans. Andrea Walsh. President and CEO of HealthPartners (Bloomington, Minn.). Ms. Walsh is president and CEO of HealthPartners, a nonprofit healthcare organization, where she leads a team of 26,000 people. In her current role, Ms. Walsh is responsible for operations of the system's eight hospitals, 55 primary care clinics, 22 urgent care locations and several other specialty practices. She became CEO in 2017, after spending more than 20 years as part of the health system's executive team, including 15 years as executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Kate Walsh. President and CEO of Boston Medical Center. Before becoming president and CEO of the 567-bed academic medical center, Ms. Walsh served as executive vice president and COO of Boston-based Brigham and Women's Hospital. She also previously held positions in several New York City hospitals and Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital. Ms. Walsh is a member of the Boston Public Health Commission, the Massachusetts Hospital Association and the AAMC Council of Teaching Hospitals. Elizabeth Ward. Executive Vice President and CFO of Tidelands Health (Murrells Inlet, S.C.). Ms. Ward, who joined the three-hospital system in 2017, is a certified public accountant with over 30 years of experience in healthcare finance. She previously served as CFO of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's University Hospitals and Clinics in Dallas. Before that, she was executive vice president and CFO of Kingsport, Tenn.-based Wellmont Health System and CFO and treasurer of Greensboro, N.C.-based Moses Cone Health System. Ms. Ward also held financial management positions at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and University on North Carolina Hospitals. Katy Welkie, BSN. CEO of Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital (Salt Lake City). Before becoming CEO of the 289-bed pediatric teaching hospital and level 1 pediatric trauma center in 2012, Ms. Welkie was the hospital's COO, CNO and nursing director of the pediatric intensive care unit. She leads the hospital's Zero Harm patient safety initiative to reduce and eliminate medical errors, which has expanded to Intermountain's 22 other hospitals. Ms. Welkie has received the Excellence in Nursing Leadership award from the Utah Organization of Nurse Leaders and Osler's Cloak for Excellence in Caring and Curing. Penny Wheeler, MD. President and CEO of Allina Health (Minneapolis). Prior to her appointment as CEO of the 12-hospital system, Dr. Wheeler served as Allina Health's chief clinical officer. A board-certified OB-GYN, Dr. Wheeler has served patients at Women's Health Consultants in Minneapolis, was the president of Minneapolis-based Abbott Northwestern Hospital's medical staff, chaired the Allina Health Quality Committee and served on Allina Health's board of directors. Additionally, Dr. Wheeler has chaired a regional health quality collaborative and has presented nationally on Allina Health's success in quality advancement and outcomes-based quality payment models. Cynthia Williams. Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Mercy Health; President of Mercy Health Foundation (Chesterfield, Mo.). Ms. Williams began her tenure at Mercy in 2011 as senior vice president of human resources. She went on to become Mercy's chief administrative officer in 2013 and president of Mercy Health Foundation last year. Before joining Mercy, she was chief human resources officer for Ameristar Casinos in Las Vegas. Are you lost in the wild? Sorry, but the page you're looking for has not been found Try checking the URL for errors, goto home or try to search below. A patient died after jumping from a window at Chicago-based Mercy Hospital Dec. 26, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The 47-year-old man was a patient who broke the window at the hospital before jumping, a police source told the publication. In a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times, hospital officials said: "On the morning of Dec. 26, 2018, an individual was found deceased on the grounds of Mercy Hospital. The cause and circumstances of the individual's death are under investigation." A hospital spokesperson did not provide the publication anymore details. According to police, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. No further information has been released by the Cook County medical examiner's office regarding the death. Pennsylvania senators and representatives have written to CMS to see if the agency can give more information to patients who will be affected in six months by a split between Pittsburgh-based Highmark and UPMC, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Starting July 1, 2019, approximately 175,000 Highmark Medicare Advantage plan members in the greater Pittsburgh and Erie, Pa., areas will lose in-network access to 11 UPMC hospitals and "most UPMC doctors," according to a UPMC spokesperson cited by the Post-Gazette. The Highmark-UPMC consent decree, struck in 2014, expires June 30. In the state-mediated consent decree executed in summer 2014, Highmark and UPMC agreed to terms of their breakup after several years of conflicts related to coverage and reimbursement rates. Earlier this month, two senators and three representatives wrote to CMS Administrator Seema Verma describing "significant confusion among beneficiaries" during the latest Medicare open enrollment period. Their letter follows a November 15 report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that noted the confusion patients, especially the elderly, face in navigating in- and out-of-network providers. UPMC physicians do not need to provide termination letters to Highmark until 60 days before the consent decree expires. This means elderly patients lacked clarity during the 2019 Medicare open enrollment period about whether they needed to switch health plans to keep their providers. In their letter, the lawmakers did not ask Ms. Verma or CMS to take any specific action, but did ask Ms. Verma to "provide information on what CMS may be able to do or has done to ensure that both parties have provided beneficiaries in Western Pennsylvania with the information necessary to appropriately plan for their care for the entirety of plan year 2019. Read the full Post-Gazette report here. Two Duke LifePoint hospitals are no longer in UnitedHealthcare's network and three other hospitals owned by the Brentwood, Tenn.-based health system are at risk of being out of the insurer's network Jan. 1, according to North Carolina Health News. Here are four things to know: 1. At least five Duke LifePoint hospitals are in contract negotiations with UnitedHealthcare. Two of the hospitals Maria Parham Medical Center in Henderson, N.C., and Person Memorial Hospital in Roxboro, N.C. are already out of network with UnitedHealthcare after their contracts expired earlier this month. 2. The hospitals say UnitedHealthcare's reimbursements are too low. "Our current contract is not sustainable," a spokesperson for Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, N.C., one of the hospitals included in the negotiations, told North Carolina Health News. "UnitedHealthcare pays Frye Regional below market average for hospital and physician services." 3. UnitedHealthcare says meeting the hospitals' demands would increase costs by $11.3 million over three years for employer-sponsored and individual plans. That amount doesn't include additional costs associated with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, according to the report. 4. The hospitals have notified patients that they could be out of network for UnitedHealthcare Jan. 1. More articles on payer issues: Judge won't halt most integration between CVS, Aetna during merger review Envision reaches in-network agreement with New Jersey's Horizon Healthcare Meet the 1st hospitals to join Humana's national value-based network New York health officials are investigating potential Legionella exposure Dec. 23, at Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, according to 4 NBC New York. The hospital has restricted its water use to prevent additional cases, Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital stated via a news release. "The department will continue to work with the hospital to ensure patient safety," the news release stated. More articles on clinical leadership and infection control: Miami Transplant Institute performs rare 5-organ transplant 3,700+ patients at risk of HIV, hepatitis B and C exposure in New Jersey Michigan, Arkansas confirm 1st pediatric flu deaths Nineteen people were murdered in Northern Ireland this year, according to provisional PSNI figures. This is four more than were killed in 2017. The victims included a family of four who died in a house fire in the Fermanagh countryside in February. Five of the reported murders took place within the last two-and-a-half months. According to police, some cases classified as murder can later change to charges of manslaughter, while others thought to be suspicious may change after extensive enquiries and post-mortem examinations. According to the provisional list, the first murder victim of 2018 was Mark Ponisi, who died on January 20 in east Belfast. The father-of-two (53) was killed in a flat off the Ravenhill Road. On January 28 retired maths teacher Robert Flowerday (64) was found dead at his home on Mill Road in Crumlin. The following month, on February 13, Raymond Johnston (28) was shot in front of his partner and her 11-year-old daughter while at home in Glenbawn Avenue, west Belfast. Police believe he was killed by dissident republican group Arm na Poblachta. Four of the murders resulted from a blaze in Derrylin on February 27. Denise Gossett (45) died along with her teenage children Roman Gossett (16), Sabrina Gossett (19) and Sabrina's infant daughter Morgana Quinn, who was just 16 months old. On March 4 father-of-five Karol Kelly (35) was stabbed to death outside a house at Grafton Street in the Rosemount area of Londonderry. Two people were murdered in April. Piotr Krowka (36), a Polish national, had been sleeping rough in a derelict parochial house on the Glen Road near Maghera, Co Derry. His body was found on April 3. Brian Burke (29) was stabbed on Titania street in east Belfast on April 8 and died in hospital. On May 24 Romanian fisherman Stefan Zait (45) died in hospital two days after being allegedly kicked about the head in Ardglass, Co Down. On June 28 Lurgan-born father Robert Molloy Jones (30) was fatally injured at Parkmount Street in north Belfast and died in hospital. The following month saw the death of Richard Gerard Scullion (55) in Banbridge. His body was found at a property at Millmount Court in the town on July 9. Also in July, father-of-two Brian Phelan (33) from Bessbrook, Co Armagh, died in what police called an "unprovoked" knife attack. It took place at a rural spot along the Carrivejeeney Road on the outskirts of Newry. Police figures show a violent end to 2018, with five reported murders since mid-October. Ryan Macrae (32), a labourer and musician from Killyleagh, Co Down, died on October 14, nine days after an assault. On November 13 Enniskillen was left stunned after the death of shop worker Pauline Kilkenny (59) in her home. She was described by colleagues as a "caring and beautiful co-worker". In Derry the body of Eddie Meenan (52) was discovered off Creggan Street in the early hours of November 25. Detectives said he had suffered "significant" head and body injuries. On December 4 children were among those who witnessed the shooting dead of Jim Donegan (43) outside a west Belfast school. He had been waiting on the Glen Road in his red Porsche to pick up his 13-year-old son when a lone gunman shot him in cold blood. Police said a dissident republican element is the main line of investigation. Four days later, on December 8 in Newcastle, the body of Padraig Fox (29) was found inside a flat at Burrendale Park Road. He was described by neighbours as a "very vulnerable young man". Emma Little-Pengelly has accused Alliance leader Naomi Long of being "petty" and trying to score political points over the DUP MP's support of a review into how the UK helps persecuted Christians around the world. South Belfast MP Ms Little-Pengelly welcomed news that Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has ordered a review into the plight of Christians around the world. Read More "Persecution of Christians across the globe is on the rise," she tweeted. "Jim Shannon MP has been at the forefront of this campaign as Chair of the APPG [All-Party Parliamentary Group] at Westminster on Religious Tolerance. Welcome news." In response, East Belfast MLA Mrs Long noted two countries on the Open Doors World Watch List top 50 where Christians face "the most extreme persecution" - the Maldives at number 13 and Sri Lanka at number 44. DUP MP Ian Paisley has faced criticism for taking holidays in both countries, and lobbying on their behalf. Open Doors is an international ministry which serves persecuted Christians around the world, supplying Bibles and support. Mr Paisley was recently suspended from the Commons for 30 sitting days for serious misconduct. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards had found that he had failed to properly declare two family holidays to Sri Lanka in 2013 and engaged in paid advocacy for the Sri Lankan government. More recently, he has denied any wrongdoing after it was reported that he was given a complimentary holiday at a luxury Maldives resort months after advocating on behalf of its government. Mr Paisley claimed the trip in 2016 was a private family vacation paid for by himself and a close friend unconnected to his work. He has said he is satisfied that he did not have to declare the holiday. Read More Referring to Mrs Long's tweet, Ms Little-Pengelly said she had been "100% consistent" and had supported Open Doors. She added: "I feel deeply passionate in this cause. You are making a petty political dig against the wrong person here. We should all be welcoming this news, not trying to score political points..." Mrs Long has not yet responded to Ms Little-Pengelly. However, asked if she supported the review, the former East Belfast MP said she was a parliamentary representative for Open Doors and was vice chair of the APPG for Freedom of Religion and Belief for four years. "I take freedom of and freedom from religion and belief extremely seriously, whether abroad or at home," she said. The Foreign Office review comes as reports of violence against Christians are rising, with an average of 250 killed a month. Mr Hunt said the UK "must do more" and the review will make ambitious policy recommendations. It comes after outcry over the treatment of Asia Bini, a Christian woman who faced death threats after being acquitted of blasphemy in Pakistan. Welcoming the review, DUP MP Jim Shannon said: "In a country where we have religious liberty to practice our faith, it seems unimaginable that in 2018 people are put to death just because they worship the Lord Jesus Christ." Extensive damage was caused to the frontage of the building. Credit: Alan Lewis A car has crashed into the front window of a restaurant in Co Tyrone. At around 11.25pm on Wednesday the vehicle crashed into the Pizzarack restaurant on Loughview Road near Coalisland, causing extensive damage to the building as a result. A 37-year-old man was arrested a short time later but has now been released on police bail pending further enquiriries. A post on Pizzarack's Facebook page said no staff members or customers were in the shop at the time of the incident and that the restaurant will be closed for a few weeks. A total of 1,258 refugees from Syrian have made Northern Ireland their home (John Stillwell/PA) More than 1,200 Syrian refugees have been resettled in Northern Ireland, new government figures have revealed. The latest group of refugees, consisting of 77 people from 21 families, arrived in Northern Ireland on December 13 this year. This is the eighteenth group of refugees from the war-torn country given sanctuary here. In total, 1,258 Syrians now live in the province. The latest group will be settled in Antrim and Newtownabbey, Belfast, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon, Newry and Mourne, Ards and North Down and Fermanagh and Omagh Council areas All of the families are receiving support from community and voluntary groups in partnership with statutory organisations. A report by the Department for Communities said there has been "overwhelming support" from communities throughout Northern Ireland to provide assistance to the refugee families. Syrian refugees coming to Northern Ireland are resettled under the UK Government's Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme. The scheme resettles refugees who have fled from the conflict to the countries bordering Syria. It does not involve the relocation of refugees who have arrived in other EU countries. The Northern Ireland Executive offered to receive groups on a phased basis from early 2016. Those granted refugee status are entitled to work, access a range of benefits given to people on low incomes, as well as housing support. Certain family members can apply to resettle with the person granted refugee status. Emails of Northern Ireland civil servants have revealed "concern" over EU proposals to ditch the bi-annual time change, it has been reported. But if it does go ahead, Stormont officials would prefer it to be summer time all year round. The European Commission is proposing to end the practice of putting the clocks forward in spring and back in the winter. Members states are considering which time zone they would prefer with the potential it could be introduced in 2019. The UK Government is "actively working" to convince the EU to block the proposal. Read More The Daily Mail reports of "concern" in the corridors of power in Northern Ireland and Westminster over the move with Stormont officials saying travellers may have to adjust their time when they cross the border. Emails obtained by the paper reveal that although the UK would be under no obligation to adopt the measure after Brexit, it may well fall into line with the new directive. A senior official in Stormont's Department for Economy said officials would likely advise in favour of adopting summer time all year round. Outlining the time zone changes, Euro chief Jean-Claude Juncker told German broadcaster ZDF earlier this year: "We carried out a survey, millions responded and believe that in future, summer time should be year-round, and that's what will happen." There has, however, been criticism of the survey carried out by the commission after it was revealed the vast majority of responses received were from Germans. There has long been calls for the UK to drop the 'spring forward, fall back' time change in a bid to improve safety levels allowing more daylight in the winter evenings. A Government spokeswoman said: "Ministers are actively working to convince other member states to block this proposal. The Department for the Economy has also been asked for a comment. New-York based award-winning photographer Mariette Pathy Allen has been documenting transgender lives across the world for decades. For one of her latest projects, she trekked through Cubas historic streets in 2012 and 2013 where the LGBT community has lost the extreme shackles it once had. Allens project, TransCuba, consists of over 30 intimate portraits of transgender mens and womens home lives across Cuba. The exhibit, a collective effort with The Box Gallery in Palm Beach, proudly lines the walls of Compass, the LGBT Community Center of the Palm Beaches, through the end of December. The Box Gallery owner and Compass volunteer Rolando Barrero meticulously curated the exhibit, which was unveiled at Compass PUSH! PhotoFest as part of Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20. Hopefully [TransCuba] will normalize the idea of transgenders in other countries, Barrero said. Allen seamlessly amplifies the message that transgender people arent unique to the United States, he said. The photos are part of her TransCuba publication. In her book, she accompanies her photographs with detailed interviews with dozens of transgender Cubans. The book also features a portion written by Mariela Castro, who is director of Havanas Cuban National Center for Sex Education and daughter of Cuban leader Raul Castro. The government-funded organization has pushed for LGBT rights and HIV prevention education since 1989. Forty years ago, Allen took a group photo of crossdressers at a hotel in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. This sparked her interest in following the LGBT community, her websitereads. When I took a group picture, I was moved by the experience of looking into the eyes of one of the people in the group, she said. I felt as if I was looking at the essence of a human being rather than a man or a woman. TransCuba is her third book, along with three others: Transformations: Crossdressers and Those Who Love them, The Gender Frontier and her latest, Transcendents: Spirit Mediums in Burma and Thailand. Cuba has taken strides in granting LGBT rights since the 1960s and 70s. During Fidel Castros reign, gays and lesbians were imprisoned, fired and sent to forced labor camps called re-education camps, according to BBC. But Raul and Mariela Castros influence has opened new doors for the trans community. The Cuban government offered its first free transition surgeries in 1997 while 13 people were allowed to change their names and photos on their IDs that year, according to the International Journal of Cuban Health and Medicine. Despite these steps forward, the trans community still faces discrimination and poverty in some areas. On Tuesday, Cuba announced they would not include same-sex marriage language in their new constitution draft after widespread popular rejection of the idea, the Associated Pressreported. Barrero said Allens photos portray these areas as a world of humbleness and acknowledges their thorny uphill battle fighting for LGBT equality in a country thats still struggling for basic human rights. The TransCuba exhibit pushes the limit, Barrero said. Generally, [people] dont document this community... TransCuba humanizes transgenders instead of placing a label on them. Erasmus grants provide for educational opportunities for young people, as well as enabling teachers, youth workers and academics to teach and train abroad. Erasmus funding awarded to Northern Irelands educational, training and youth work organisations has reached more than 38m (34.2m) since 2014, according to new figures. The figures, released by the British Council and Ecorys UK, the National Agency delivering the EU scheme in the UK, show that in 2018 alone a record-breaking 10.1m (9.1m) was awarded. This represents an increase 1.3m (1.2m) from last year, a figure which is set to rise in 2019 as there is 187m (168m) reserved for UK schools, colleges, universities and youth organisations in the coming year an increase from 170m (153m) in 2018. Erasmus grants provide for educational opportunities for young people, as well as enabling teachers, youth workers and academics to teach and train abroad. Between 2014 and 2018 a total of 283 projects led by organisations in the educational and training sectors were funded. The monies were awarded as follows: 12.6m (11.4m) to universities 14.3m (13.2m) to organisations working in vocational education and training 4.7m (4.2m) to schools 4.1m (3.7m) to youth work organisations 2.2m (2m) to organisations working in adult education Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council Northern Ireland, said Erasmus will enable around 250,000 young people from the UK to explore new countries and cultures, develop new skills and boost their employability. In 2019, 187m (168m) will be available to the UK, so that more young people benefit from international experiences," he added. "The funding will also help organisations to form partnerships across Europe and beyond, to internationalise education, training and youth work and address common issues such as youth unemployment and social integration. The Moy Road outside Armagh, where a pedestrian was knocked down and killed in the early hours of Thursday morning. A man killed in a crash in the early hours of Thursday morning in Armagh has been named by police as 46-year-old Terence Fox. The 46-year-old, who was from the Armagh area, had been walking in the Moy Road area at around 5am when he was hit by a car. The road was later closed while police carried out their investigations, but has since reopened. In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: "Police can confirm that the man who died as a result of a fatal one vehicle road traffic collision at the Moy Road area of Armagh on Thursday 27th December was 46-year-old Terence Fox. Terence was from the Armagh area. "Enquiries are ongoing and police would continue to appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam footage available to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 447 27/12/18." The crash happened at the Caw roundabout. Pic PSNI Police have blamed drink driving for a crash which left a car on its roof in Londonderry. No one was hurt in the incident on the Caw roundabout. Posting on Facebook on Thursday, police said: "This is another bad collision due to drink driving in the city in less than a week. "It's shocking and an absolute disgrace. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs and aren't sure about calling police, just remember this image. It could have been much worse. "The sooner you tell us, the sooner we can be there." Any driver stopped over the Christmas period - no matter the reason - is being tested for drink driving as part of the PSNI's annual festive crackdown. In the first two weeks of the operation over 150 people were charged with drink driving. Police can be contacted on 101. Award-winning Belfast poet Michael Longley has urged unionists to embrace the Irish language. Speaking to the BBC, the former Professor of Poetry for Ireland said to do so would be a sign of a "healthy society" and a "healthy political scene". Mr Longley was born just off Belfast's Malone Road in 1939 to an English father who fought in World War One and said the Good Friday Agreement allowed him to feel "both British and Irish" for the first time. "Ireland has given me most of the data out of which I make sense of life but at the same time I am loyal to the Britannic side of my background," he said. "I'm very proud of my father and what he stood for and when the Belfast Agreement was signed it was a kind of relief for me because it allowed me to be both British and Irish. "It obliged me to think: 'What's the point of having only one cultural allegiance?'" The poet went to the Royal Belfast Academical Institution before studying classics at Dublin's Trinity College and went on to become one of Northern Ireland's most successful wordsmiths. Mr Longley said people on the island of Ireland are "very lucky" to have two languages and stated he regretted never learning Irish. "It should be something that unionists should embrace and indeed they did - the United Irishmen, the northern Presbyterians in the 1790s were among the most vigorous promoters of the language," he added. "I think a lot of anti-Irish language unionists don't know what they're missing." Mr Longley also criticised the DUP's Gregory Campbell for "his mocking of this beautiful language" in the Assembly in 2014. The then-DUP MLA angered nationalists and Irish speakers alike when he addressed the speaker saying "curry my yoghurt can coca coalyer", parodying the Irish phrase "go raibh maith agat, Ceann Comhairle" - meaning "thank you, speaker" "A healthy society, a healthy political scene would celebrate Ulster Scots and especially the Irish language," Mr Longley said. Health Minister Simon Harris said people were living longer but we need to ensure they live well (Niall Carson/PA Wire) Irish people are living longer, healthier lives but access to healthcare remains an issue, a new report has found. Figures published by the Department of Health indicate life expectancy has increased by almost two-and-a-half years since 2006. Over the past decade, three months per year on average has been added to Irish life expectancy. The average age is now 83.6 years for women and 79.9 years for men. The life expectancy gap between men and women has narrowed from 5.6 years to 3.7 years. People are living longer, but we need to ensure they live wellSimon Harris, Health Minister The report also found Irish men are living longer than their European counterparts. Much of the improvement in life expectancy has been attributed to significant reductions in major causes of death such as circulatory system diseases and cancer. Since 2008, mortality rates from stroke and pneumonia have each dropped by almost 40%, while deaths by suicide have reduced by 26% and from breast cancer by 16%. Overall, the countrys mortality rate has reduced by almost 15% in the past 10 years. The survey, which tracks key health trends, also found waiting times for operations and procedures were down. The number of patients waiting for more than nine months for an in-patient or day-case procedure has fallen by 5,300 or 24% since October 2017. Some 15,538 people are now waiting for such procedures. But it also highlighted the challenges that persist in the timely and efficient access to healthcare across the population. Health Minister Simon Harris said: People are living longer, but we need to ensure they live well. In order to be able to provide high quality services as our population continues to age, we need to have the ability to assess the performance of the health system in a way that ensures that valuable and finite health care resources are used in the most efficient way possible, and that people can access high quality care in a reasonable time. The main aim of any performance assessment should be to improve the health status of the population, with people continuing to live longer, healthier lives. He added: These reports help us shape the way we plan our health service into the future. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has ordered a review into the plight of persecuted Christians around the world and how much help they get from Britain, saying "we can and must do more". The independent global review will look at the UK's efforts to help some of the 215 million Christians worldwide the Foreign Office says faced discrimination and violence last year. Read More It follows what officials said was a "dramatic rise in violence" against followers of the religion, with an average of 250 killed each month. The review will be led by the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Reverend Philip Mounstephen, and report back around Easter. The review should "consider some tough questions and offer ambitious policy recommendations" that would allow the UK to offer the same backing to Christians as it does to groups like the Kurdish Yezidis who faced extermination by Islamic State, the FCO said. Mr Hunt said: "Britain has long championed international religious freedom and the Prime Minister underlined our global leadership on this issue when she appointed my excellent colleague Lord Ahmad as her Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or belief. "So often the persecution of Christians is a telling early warning sign of the persecution of every minority. "Today I have asked the Bishop of Truro to look at how the British Government can better respond to the plight of persecuted Christians around the world. "We can and must do more." The intervention comes after a large-scale outcry over the treatment of Asia Bini, a Christian woman who faced threats to her life after being acquitted of blasphemy in Pakistan. Ms Bibi was held for eight years under a death sentence for supposed blasphemy after she drank from the same well as Muslim colleagues. Her conviction was reversed by Pakistan's supreme court earlier this year. Large crowds took to the streets to protest against the court's decision and the Government was accused of not doing enough to help her. The review will have three aims: Mapping the persecution of Christians in "key countries" in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Provide an "objective analysis" of the level of UK governmental support on offer, and Provide recommendations for a "cohesive and comprehensive policy response". Bishop Philip said that the plight of persecuted Christians is "an issue close to my heart". He said: "Part of the Christmas story tells how Jesus was himself the victim of persecution so it seems particularly timely to launch this review at this season. "I'll be taking an objective look at how the British Government can better respond to the pressing plight of persecuted Christians around the world." Police said the children were found in Margate A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering two children. Police said the children, who the force described only as young, were discovered at a property in the Kent coastal town of Margate in the early hours of Thursday. Less than an hour before they were found and taken to hospital, the woman was involved in a car crash and taken to hospital. A Kent Police spokesman said: At around 3.35am on Thursday 27 December 2018 officers attended a property in Castle Drive, Margate, due to concerns for the welfare of the occupants. The South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended and two young children were taken to hospital, where they were later declared deceased. Police remain at the scene and a 37-year-old woman from Margate has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The woman had been involved in a road traffic collision on the A299 Thanet Way at around 2.50am and was taken to hospital with minor injuries. She has now been discharged and taken into custody at a police station. Expand Close Police outside the house (Kirsty OConnor/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police outside the house (Kirsty OConnor/PA) Two uniformed police officers stood outside the terraced house in Castle Drive, which is on a new-build estate on the outskirts of Margate. Forensics officers were earlier seen at the address. It is believed they had not been living at the house very long, according to neighbours who said they did not know them. Local priest Father John Taylor, who did not know those involved, said: As a priest and as a parent, when I heard I was shocked, very disturbed and saddened. He added: I came down to see if I could help and will say a prayer for the children. Something like this affects the whole community just imagine how the neighbours feel and the rest of the family. A family were taken aback to find a fox curled up asleep on their microwave as they came downstairs for breakfast one morning. Kim Fryer, from Mitcham in south London, explained that her daughter found the furry creature early in the morning on December 15 after it came through the cat flap. She said: My daughter found him at 7am and called up to me. I came down and spotted this little fox curled up on top of the microwave. I have five cats and a dog so obviously I have a cat flap. He must have crawled under the gate and through the cat flap. A couple of my plants were smashed and there was mud everywhere! She put the light on and one eye opened but he didnt move. We could tell there was something wrong with him. An RSPCA inspector came to collect the fox, who was taken to the charitys Putney Animal Hospital. Vets checked over the animal, who was then released into the wild. A hospital spokesman said: He had got in through the cat flap and found a nice warm spot to sleep in. He was quite happy to be brought in to the hospital for a health check but was understandably not keen on being in a cage. Fortunately he was quite healthy with a beautiful fluffy coat, so after a thorough check over he was released back to the area he was found in by one of the hospital staff. Good luck Mr. Fox! US president Donald Trump has returned to the US from an unannounced trip to Iraq, his first visit to a danger zone abroad. Mr Trump had been hearing from critics that it was past time for him to go abroad and see troops in harms way. With secrecy typical of such presidential visits, the presidents plane flew into Iraq on Wednesday with the lights out, coming overnight from Washington. Mr Trump stopped in Germany on his way back to greet troops at a US air base. The US president defended his decision to pull forces from neighbouring Syria, declaring of Islamic State militants: Weve knocked them out. Weve knocked them silly. Expand Close President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit a US airbase in Germany (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit a US airbase in Germany (AP) Meanwhile, Iraqi MPs have seized on Mr Trumps visit to demand the withdrawal of US troops from the country. Politicians from both sides of Iraqs political divide are calling on parliament to vote to expel US soldiers. Approximately 5,000 US troops are stationed in Iraq as part of the coalition against Islamic State. Foreign influence has become a particularly controversial issue in a year which saw supporters of populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr win the largest share of votes in May elections. Mr al-Sadr has called for curbing US and Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs. MPs have decried Mr Trumps visit as arrogant and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. There is always a plethora of Christmas messages from religious and political leaders, with most of the media focus in the United Kingdom on those delivered by the Queen, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Prime Minister and the Pope. The medium is certainly a factor here, in that Buckingham Palace, Canterbury Cathedral, Downing Street and the Vatican provide impressive backgrounds which fit well with the demands of 24-hour television news. As a result, most of the messages issued at this time of year receive very little media attention, no matter how important they may be, and a message tweeted out by Guy Verhofstadt MEP on December 23 was almost entirely overlooked. Verhofstadt was prime minister of Belgium from 1999 to 2008, has been a member of the European Parliament since 2009 and, in September 2016, was named as the European Parliament's co-ordinator on all matters relating to Brexit. As a fervent advocate of European integration and an opponent of Brexit, he must have relished that appointment. He has certainly taken a particular interest in the land border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic and is a staunch defender of the notorious backstop, which is being used by Dublin and Brussels to frustrate Brexit. However, his recent seasonal tweet made no mention of the backstop. Instead, he tweeted out a photograph of a new building with the words "The future of Europe" emblazoned on a gable wall. With the photograph, he said: "In a world full of uncertainty, the European Union has been, is and will be a rock of stability. European unity now!" So, thank you, Mr Verhofstadt, for reminding us that your vision for the "future of Europe" is "European unity", a United States of Europe, and that you want it now. Of course, Verhofstadt has long been committed to greater EU integration, leading to a federal United States of Europe. He was a co-founder of the Spinelli Group, which was founded in the European Parliament in Brussels in 2010 and which campaigns for a federal United States of Europe through a network of politicians, think-tanks and academics. He is also an honorary president of the Union of European Federalists in Belgium and the author of a book titled United States of Europe. Guy Verhofstadt and many other key figures at the heart of the European Union want to see it evolving into a federal United States of Europe, a European superstate, and they are determined to let nothing stand in their way. That has been and remains my primary reason for being opposed to the European Union. I do not want to see the United Kingdom absorbed into some European superstate, surrendering all its sovereignty to a United States of Europe. That is why I opposed membership of the European Community in 1975 and why I and many others still oppose membership of the European Union. On Christmas Day 1939, the Second World War was underway and King George VI closed his radio broadcast with some words from a poem by Minnie Haskins, a Sunday school teacher in a Congregational church in Bristol and later a lecturer at the London School of Economics. "I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown'. And he replied, 'Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.'" Guy Verhofstadt tried to sell the EU project as a "rock of stability", but Minnie Haskins had a better grasp of the key to stability than Guy Verhofstadt. Nevertheless, we should be grateful to Verhofstadt for that pre-Christmas tweet. The news in 2018 has been dominated by Brexit and it is almost certain that it will dominate much of the news in 2019. However, the focus has been and will be very much on the "how" of leaving. That is the way that Remainers like it, because it diverts attention away from the reasons for leaving. Guy Verhofstadt has certainly reminded us of the "why" of leaving. Judicial Watch and Allied Educational Foundation File Supreme Court Brief Objecting to Utah Power Grab at the Expense of Grassroots Activists Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch, 202-646-5188 WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2018 /Standard Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch today announced it joined with Allied Educational Foundation (AEF) in filing an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in an effort to overturn a decision of the Tenth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upholding a Utah law engineered by Republican legislators to compel Republican Party members to change the way they choose their political candidates. Until 2014, GOP party members, meeting in neighborhood and local caucuses, elected delegates to represent them at the party nominating convention, which then selected candidates to appear on the general election ballot. That changed when the Utah legislature enacted into law SB 54, which effectively compels parties to hold primary elections. The law was challenged in the courts, was upheld by the Tenth Circuit, and is on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court (Utah Republican Party v. Spencer J. Cox, et al. (No. 18-450)). Judicial Watch argues that... Read more... Watch Night, which takes places on the night of New Years Eve, is a church service and is a time of deep reflection and introspection. It provides Christians the opportunity look back over the year that has passed, make confession and prepare for the year ahead. These services originated through John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church. They were also referred to as Covenant Renewal Services. Watch Night services gave Methodist Christians a godly alternative to the drunken madness that occurred in the secular community on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. According to Rev. J. Edgard Boyd , senior minister of First AME Church, at the first watch night service, The people met at half-past eight. The house was filled from end to end, and we concluded the year wrestling with God in prayer. These services now include singing, prayers and testimonies, along with scriptures read silently and out loud. Those who attend this service have the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with Christ throughout the year, share their testimonies with others and look inwardly in anticipation of the year ahead. While the Watch Night service has its roots in the Methodist church, these services have a particular significance in the African-American community and black churches. For African-Americans, it a celebration of Emancipation. Many slaves gathered in churches on New Years on Dec. 31 1862 1862 to await confirmation of their freedom through the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln. On that first Watch Night, abolitionists and others waited for word via telegraph, newspaper or word of mouth that freedom had been issued. Lonnie Bunch, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History explained Watch night in this way: "A lot of it, at least the initial Watch Night, was really many of the free black community. Yet for a people largely held in bondage, freedom is a powerful idea and that's what the Watch Night tradition embodies. After that night, people talked about how they were going to stay up for the New Year because they were celebrating the freedom of African-Americans. The night symbolizes not only freedom, but also real hope and change. More than one hundred and fifty years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, thousands of Christians will join family and church members to pray and thank God for another year. In the past, it was traditional to hear an anthem, a spiritual or a gospel at these services. It has now become a tradition for men, women and children to spend five minutes before midnight kneeling, holding hands and praying to God not only for the present but also for the New Year. They will pray away the old, and bring in the new. The Watch Night service is particularly relevant now for people in the black community because of the stuggles they still face and endure. This service allows reflection and release. The significance of Watch Night for people of faith, particularly African-American people of faith cannot be denied. Whats so beautiful about the Watch Night tradition is what it embodies. For a group that was previously in bondage and is largely marginalized, the idea of freedom is powerful. This night provides a space for many to be reminded of their freedom and the significance behind it. It also serves as a reminder that there is still a long for us to go to get where we need to be. But on this night, we are reminded, there is hope. If you havent before, think about attending a Watch Night service. If your church doesnt have one, you can search online for churches in your area that have them. Thank God not only for allowing you to wake up another day but also for the freedoms that have been bestowed upon you. Without God, nothing is possible and with God all things are possible. Age gives things a certain level of authority especially when it comes to advice and morals. While there will always be people who think that newer is better, many people at least recognize and respect the weight that is given to advice or traditions that have survived for hundreds of years. As such, religious ideas that can trace their origins back to ancient times are far more difficult to dismiss than more recent thoughts that popped up only a few years back. This means that there is a great deal more than bragging rights involved with the title of Worlds Oldest Religion. Neopaganism Islam Christianity Judaism Taoism Buddhism Zoroastrianism Hinduism Animism Obviously, dating each faith on the planet would be the work of a lifetime. As such, not every faith is listed here. Instead, the ages of some of the more common religions are examined. Also, since every religion insists that it can trace its origins back to time immemorial through creation stories, a religions age is based on either the life of its founder or when the beliefs most commonly and strongly associated with the religion began and continued more or less without interruption.Neopaganism is one of the youngest religions in the world. Wicca, arguably the best known Neopagan religion today, developed in England during the first half of the 20th century. It was not until the 1950s that the movement became known to the general public.Neopagan beliefs and practices are derived from and based on the religions of the ancient Greeks, Celts, Egyptians and Mesopotamians. Contemporary Neopaganism, however, differs greatly from its ancient ancestors. Modern Druids, for example, often see themselves as peacekeepers and work to live lives that avoid violence of any kind. Ancient Celtic Druids most likely participated in human sacrifice.Islam is the youngest of the major world religions. Its founder, Muhammad, was born in Mecca in A.D. 570. When he was an adult, Muhammad received a series of revelations from the angel Gabriel. These revelations would become the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and Muhammads followers would come to be known as Muslims.The early Muslims emigrated from Mecca to Medina in A.D. 622. It is in this year that the Muslim calendar begins. Either this year or the year when Muhammad is said to have received the first vision from Gabriel would be best considered to be the birth date of Islam.The Gregorian calendar, the calendar most commonly used in the world today, is based on the birth of Jesus Christ. As such, Christianity is almost painfully easy to date. Christ was born in the year 0 A.D. Christians tend to hold this as the beginning of Christianity because Christs birth on Earth was the beginning of the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies. In reality, however, Christianity would be best dated to be a little younger than the current calendar year. While the birth of Jesus of Nazareth would be an event that would come to shape the modern world, Christianity did not truly begin until the death and resurrection of Christ in A.D. 30. Without that event, Christ would have remained a powerful, charismatic prophet. It was His resurrection that forever separated Christianity from Judaism. As such, Christianity would be just under 2,000 years old.The older religions are, the harder they tend to be to accurately date. As Judaism lacks a single founder as is found in Christianity and Islam, Judaism has to be dated through other means. While there is considerable debate about what should be considered the beginning of Judaism, most scholars place the religions birth in the Bronze Age. This would make Judaism more than 3,000 years old. Depending on how one dates the religion, however, it could be markedly older.Taoism is a religion that was begun in China in the late 4th century B.C. by a man named Lao Tzu. Also spelled Lao Tsu and Laozi, Lao Tzu is believed to have been a great philosopher and writer of the Tao Te Ching. Taoists and scholars disagree on when exactly Lao Tzu lived. Most Taoists believe that Lao Tzu was a contemporary of Confucius. This would place Taoism as beginning in the 6th century B.C. Most historians, however, believe that Lao Tzu was born during the Warring States period in the early part of the 4th century.Rather like Christianity, Buddhism can be dated from either its founders birth or from the event that would come to define the religion. Siddhartha Gautama, who would come to be known as Gautama Buddha or simply the Buddha, was born in Nepal in the 6th century. The actual date of his birth is widely debated, but the general timeframe would place Buddhism as being around 2,600 years old.Buddhism can also be dated from the moment when Gautama Buddha became enlightened. Like Christs crucifixion, this was the moment that defined Buddhism. This event took place in the same century as the Buddhas birth, so it does not change the age of Buddhism by much.Zoroastrianism or Mazdayasna is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is a monotheistic religion that is believed to have begun between 2,000 and 1,000 B.C. but would not be mentioned in surviving records until the mid-5th century B.C. The founder of Zoroastrianism, Zoroaster or Zarathustra, is believed to have lived between 1200 and 1500 B.C.Zoroastrianism is still practiced today. This would make this ancient monotheistic religion one of the oldest continuously practiced religions in the world.Hinduism is often considered to be the oldest of the world religions with a history stretching back over 5,000 years. This would make Hinduism the oldest major religion by far. Unfortunately, there is no proof that Hinduism as it is known today was practiced in the lost culture of the Indus River Valley Civilization. Many of the carvings from that period resemble more contemporary depictions of Hindu gods, and it appears the ancient people worshiped a pair of male and female deities who are often associated with early depictions of Shiva and Shakti. There is a great deal of writing that survived from this society, and those texts may have the answers scholars seek.Unfortunately, no one alive knows how to read the ancient language. As such, a better date for the beginning of Hinduism would be in 1500 B.C. when what is known as the Vedic period began. This still makes Hinduism noticeably older than most other religions, but it is in serious competition with Zoroastrianism.Animism is the oldest religion on Earth. Still practiced today, this ancient way of thinking has roots in the earliest religious thoughts of mankind. Animism is the belief that all things, from animals to rivers, are alive and animated. It dates back to the Paleolithic Age, far before organized religion was ever even considered. Frankly, animism predates organized society, much less organized religion. It was the belief system of hunter-gatherers who were still far from becoming the dominant species on Earth. The sheer age of the religion, however, goes to show that even when humans were struggling to survive, they believed that there was something more to this world.The age of religions is often simply a question used for adherents to win bragging rights or to help students create a timeline for religious thought. The question, however, deserves more attention than it receives. After all, how does one decide when a religion truly began? Is it with the birth of a founder such as Lao Tzu? Is it when a defining event occurred such as Christs resurrection? Is it when a religion takes on the form that it follows in the modern day? The age of religion is a fascinating subject because the question is not really about dates at all. When a person considers the age of a religion what they are forced to confront is a different question entirely: what makes a religion a religion? Crystals and stones have been used since the beginning of time to aid in healing and in everyday life. Ancient Egyptians used crushed malachite and lapis lazuli for eyeshadow and makeup. They also often buried their dead with a quartz crystal on the forehead to aid in the deceaseds transition to the afterlife. Many ancient Egyptians wore crystals over the heart to attract love or on their heads to stimulate enlightenment and awaken the third eye. Ancient Romans wore crystals as amulets and talismans to enhance health, attract desires and provide protection in battle. Ancient Chinese culture commonly incorporated crystals into their medicinal practices including acupuncture, reiki and Pranic Healing, using crystals for their healing properties in treatment methods. The ancient Greeks rubbed crushed hematite onto their bodies before battle with the belief that it made them invincible. Ancient Indian medicine utilized healing crystals to help heal emotional and spiritual issues and to bring the individual being healed into balance. Today with the breakthroughs in the field of quantum physics we know that everything and everyone vibrates at a certain frequency. When two frequencies occupy the same space each has the ability to shift and alter the frequency of the other object or body occupying that same space. This is the physical Law of Resonance. When a crystal is within our energy field, through the law of resonance, the frequency of the crystal vibrating within our energy field can have and affect on the nervous system and the information being transmitted to the brain. Through these energetic connections crystals can contribute to harmonizing and amplifying the positive frequencies around us in order to stimulate biochemical shifts in our physical and emotional states. There are so many different crystals and so much symbolism related to each crystal it is easy to become overwhelmed. To help you find the right crystal for you, the following are 12 popular crystals and their meanings. Activists from the Jatiya Party, a member of Bangladeshs ruling coalition, beat up Salah Uddin Ahmed, a candidate from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in Dhaka, Dec. 25, 2018. Bangladesh will hold its first competitive election in a decade come Sunday, but the government is under scrutiny from home and abroad over whether the polls will be free and fair, amid reports of deadly political violence and intimidation during the final stretch. More than 100 million voters are eligible to cast ballots in the Muslim-majority nations 11th general election, but the polls will have a sharply reduced presence of neutral election monitors both foreign and domestic compared with 2008, according to figures from the Election Commission. And this could lead to vote-rigging, analysts say. The number of election observers will be least this time. Polls observers, mainly foreign polls observers, contribute hugely to stop manipulation of elections, Dr. Sakhawat Hossain, a Bangladeshi former election commissioner, told BenarNews. Those who plan to rig the polls think twice when polls observers visit the election centers. According to the latest information from the commission on Wednesday, only 176 foreign observers and some 26,000 domestic ones have been accredited for the parliamentary polls. So far, we have approved 176 foreign observers from 18 organizations and foreign missions in Bangladesh, S.M. Asaduzzaman, the Election Commissions chief of public affairs, told Benar. The numbers reflect a sharp drop from the 593 foreign representatives and nearly 160,000 domestic observers who were accredited to monitor Bangladeshs last contested general election, in 2008, according to commission records. The Awami League has repeatedly been assuring that they would hold a free and fair election. The BNP also demands more observers. So, the election commission should ensure presence of more election observers, Nizam Uddin Ahmed, a political science professor at Chittagong University, told BenarNews. He was referring to the ruling party and the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The people want to know about the standard of election from the polls observers, he added. More than 207 incidents of political violence have marred the campaign period, which began Dec. 10, leaving six people dead and hundreds injured, according to Agence France-Presse and Prothom Alo, a leading Bangladeshi newspaper. Disappointed In Sundays election, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is going for a record fourth term in office, while arch rival and BNP leader Khaleda Zia is in jail, where she has been disqualified from the race as a result of a corruption conviction. Meanwhile, an alliance headed by her BNP has joined forces with a new coalition, the National Unity Front (NUF), in a bid to block Hasina from securing a third consecutive term. The NUF is led by Kamal Hossain, an octogenarian who has vowed to restore democracy in Bangladesh. Hossain has not registered as a candidate in the parliamentary polls, and neither the BNP nor NUF have revealed who they would pick as prime minister should their bloc defeat the ruling coalition. In total, 299 parliamentary seats are up for grabs, after one contest was postponed due to the death of a candidate. Among foreign countries monitoring the polls, the U.S. is deploying the largest contingent of 65 observers, and U.S.-based NGOs are sending additional monitors, according to the Election Commission figures. But the United States criticized Bangladeshs government after a Thai-based and U.S.-funded group, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), announced it was cancelling its plans to send 32 election observers due to significant delays in the accreditation process. Washington was disappointed by Bangladeshs inability to grant credentials and issue visas within the timeframe necessary to conduct a credible international monitoring mission, the State Department said in a statement Friday. We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to uphold its commitment to a democratic process by ensuring all Bangladeshis are free to peacefully express themselves and participate in December 30 election, the statement went on to say. Bangladeshs Ministry of Foreign Affairs fired back two days later, saying it was disheartened by the U.S. statement, and defending its accreditation process. ANFRELs decision to terminate the mission was entirely their own, it said, adding that a Bangladeshi NGO linked to ANFREL, Odhikar, was widely known for its disproportionate bias and prejudice against Bangladesh, in particular the government of Awami League. As one of the largest democracies in the world and mutually respectful to others, Bangladesh would expect and welcome constructive statements towards its democratic process from its friends and partners, the ministry said. Nasrul Hamid Bipu (right), a parliamentary candidate from the ruling Awami League, visits with Goyeshwar Chandra Roy (center), a rival candidate from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who was injured in an attack ahead of upcoming national polls, in Dhaka, Dec. 26, 2018. [Megh Monir/BenarNews] Restrictions Sundays poll will take place amid a tense atmosphere and restrictions imposed by Bangladeshi authorities, such as a move to slow internet broadband speeds down to 2G from 4G in order to prevent fake news and propaganda from being spread online. In November, local newspapers quoted election officials as saying poll watchers would be instructed to stay at polling stations like statues and not speak to reporters or issue statements while performing their duties. In addition, the Election Commission announced earlier Wednesday that campaigning would end at 8 a.m. Friday instead of the previously scheduled time, 12 a.m. Saturday. The High Court has disqualified 19 opposition candidates, including Zia, from contesting the election. No politicians from Awami have been disqualified. Opposition leaders meanwhile allege that police have carried out mass arrests of thousands of opposition supporters. Late Tuesday, representatives of opposition parties walked out of a meeting with chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda, accused him of bias and demanded that he be replaced. It is not possible to get a non-partisan and neutral election from him and there is no possibility of fair treatment from him, AFP quoted opposition spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as saying. The government blamed the opposition for political violence in recent days. The government of Bangladesh supports and strives to conduct free, fair and safe elections. It hopes that the upcoming elections scheduled for December 30 will remain peaceful. Unfortunately, certain opposition factions have begun to instigate conflict, it said in a statement this week. Demolished homes portray the devastation caused by a tsunami in Way Muli village in Indonesias Lampung Province, Dec. 25, 2018. Indonesian authorities have warned residents to stay away from beaches along the Sunda Strait, saying extreme weather and volcanic activity could generate another devastating tsunami in areas where more than 420 people were killed over the weekend. The warning came as the nation marked the anniversary of the 2004 tsunami in which 130,000 Indonesians died most of them in Aceh after a magnitude 9.1 quake in the Indian Ocean spawned giant walls of water that killed 230,000 across 14 countries. Extreme weather could increase the potential of the Anak Krakatau landslides to the sea, said Dwikorita Karnawati, chief of Indonesias Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), referring to the volcano that has been erupting since June. We are afraid that could trigger a tsunami. Scientists said satellite images showed that a 64-hectare (158-acre) chunk of the crater of Anak Krakatau collapsed after an eruption on Saturday night, sliding into the ocean to produce a deadly wave that swept beachfront homes and hotels in coastal areas of Banten Province in West Java and Lampung Province in Sumatra. It was a very big and fast (landslide), Widjo Kongko, a tsunami researcher with the Indonesia Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), told BenarNews on Wednesday. Since the collapse, I assume that the slope is now steeper and the rain has made it more fragile, he said. The volcano, which sits in the middle of the Sunda Strait, about 25 to 30 miles (40 to 50 kilometers) from the Java and Sumatra coastlines, remains active, authorities said, urging residents to observe a 1-kilometer (0.62-mile) exclusion zone, the distance from coastlines that residents must avoid. Widjo said heavy rains could make the volcanos crater susceptible to another collapse. I can't predict whether [the tsunami] would be bigger or smaller. But the risk is there, he said. Especially since last night the escalation of the eruption has started to be more frequent. Police have been patrolling the beaches, urging people to stay away from battered coastal villages. Emergency crews expect to find more bodies as they press into remote villages clobbered by the tsunami, officials said. The death toll climbed slightly to 430 on Wednesday, with at least 159 people still missing and around 1,500 injured, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). Almost 22,000 were left homeless, it said. Rains hamper evacuation efforts Soldiers and volunteers were seen carrying body bags on Wednesday as they searched along beaches cluttered by debris, local reports said. But bad weather was hampering rescue efforts in other areas where roads had been cut off, BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told a news conference in Jakarta. Heavy rains make the river overflow and block access, such as in Labuan, Pandeglang Regency, Banten, said Sutopo, referring to the place that bore the brunt of the disaster. Many roads that were damaged by the tsunami have now become increasingly difficult, he said. The government has started using helicopters to distribute aid in several areas, Sutopo said. A state of emergency has been declared until Jan. 4 in affected areas of Banten Province to make it easier to deploy assistance, he said. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of Indonesias National Disaster Management Agency, answers questions from reporters in Jakarta, Dec. 26, 2018. [Arie Firdaus/BenarNews] Foreign assistance Several countries have offered assistance in the wake of the disaster, which also destroyed more than 900 houses, 73 hotels and lodging units and hundreds of boats and vehicles. "Saddened by the loss of lives and destruction in Indonesia caused by tsunami. Condolences to the bereaved families," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Sunday. India is ready to assist our maritime neighbor and friend in relief work, he said. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also expressed his condolences on Monday. A very difficult day for our friends in Indonesia, Morrison tweeted. Our thoughts go out to all those who have lost loved ones, the injured and all of their families. As always we stand ready to assist as needed. The European Union and the United States earlier also offered their assistance. But Sutopo on Wednesday told reporters that Indonesia could still handle relief and rescue without foreign help. "Our national potential is sufficient to handle the Sunda Strait disaster, he said. Little warning It was the second time in three months that a tsunami has clobbered Indonesia. On Sept. 28, a tsunami spawned by a major quake slammed Sulawesi island, killing more than 2,000 people. The tsunami on Saturday roared ashore with little warning, officials said, acknowledging that no alert had been sounded in advance because the nations warning system detects only tsunamis spawned by temblors. Indonesia, home to about 260 million people, is located in the tectonically active Ring of Fire an area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean and frequently suffers earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. On Dec. 26, 2004, about 130,000 people died in the nations westernmost province of Aceh when a magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck off the west coast of Sumatra, spawning a series of devastating tsunamis. Guerrillas provide security for Jaime Padilla (center), a leader of the Maoist-inspired New Peoples Army rebels, in the Sierra Madre mountain range, east of Manila, July 30, 2017. At least six people were killed Thursday as security forces launched a massive drive against alleged supporters of communist guerrillas in the central Philippines, police said. Police officers, backed by the army, were serving arrest warrants in the towns of Guihulgan and Mabinay in Negros Oriental province, but the suspects fought back, leading to gunbattles, officials said. We followed the process in the implementation of search warrants and service of arrest warrants, but they resisted arrest, Senior Superintendent Raul Tacaca, provincial police chief, told reporters. But Karapatan, a human rights NGO, claimed that the slain men were civilians, not rebels. A local unit of the communist guerrilla group New Peoples Army (NPA) also said the dead were not among its members. The violence took place a day after the 50th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Wednesday. The CPP is the mother unit of the NPA, which has been waging one of Asias longest-running rebellions. Karapatan said police served 82 search warrants and arrested the captains of three villages Kasingan, Banwage and Tacpao and also a couple whose son was among the five fatalities. Tacaca earlier told reporters there was also another fatality in Sta. Catalina town. Military spokesmen were not immediately available to comment. The alleged firefight came a day after suspected NPA rebels set off a homemade bomb in the southern province of Compostela Valley, wounding 11 soldiers. Combined troops under 10th Division Reconnaissance Company and the 25th Infantry Battalion were conducting patrol operations in the village of Tinago in the town of Monkayo after officials received intelligence reports that the rebels were planning to mount attacks to mark their anniversary. Civilians told our men on the ground they were conducting recruitment in the area and forcing civilians to attend the rebel groups anniversary, local army spokesman Capt. Jerry Lamosao said. We dispatched a team and they [the rebels] detonated an improvised bomb. He said troops were on heightened alert because guerrillas attacked troops elsewhere in the south on Christmas Day, although there were no reported casualties on either side. The incidents occurred while the NPA was celebrating its half-century. The NPA earlier declared a five-day unilateral cease-fire for Christmas Day and New Year. President Rodrigo Duterte had ruled out declaring a traditional cease-fire with the insurgents this year, and three days prior had ordered the military to instead destroy the rebel infrastructure. We do not subscribe to their ceasefire. We are ready for anything and I said change your paradigm. Do not fight them. Destroy them. Destroy them. Kill them, Duterte said during his visit at the military camp of 10th Infantry Division in Compostela Valleys Mawab town. "Law and order means you have to destroy, not really fight, but destroy the Communist Party of the Philippines, including its legal fronts and infrastructure," Duterte said. But Sandra Sidlakan, a spokeswoman for the NPAs Guerrilla Fronts 21 and 30 in the south, belittled Dutertes directive as mere posturing. This enabled us to still commemorate our 50 years, as well as share to our comrades our achievements and milestones throughout the campaign, further strengthening the morale in our ranks, Sidlakan said in statement. In his anniversary message, exiled communist party leader Jose Maria Sison said Filipinos had the right to overthrow Duterte, whom he alleged has become increasingly tyrannical. "Duterte is the abominable No. 1 violator of human rights and is the precise target of the Filipino peoples exercise of their sovereign right to free themselves from tyranny and to undertake all necessary actions to oust him from his position," Sison said from the Netherlands. "He has brazenly used his armed minions to commit mass murders and other human rights violations," Sison said. He has arrogantly pushed his scheme of fascist dictatorship. The NPA has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside during the past five decades. Military estimates placed the NPA strength at more than 5,000 men scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts throughout the country. I f you have news from the Jamestown area, send it in to Monica Nixon at monicanixon@hotmail.com by Wednesday. 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 An engineering report deemed the steep ramp a public safety hazard. It will be closed for two years, during which time, officials hope to make it ADA compliant. For Immediate Release, December 26, 2018 Contact: Taylor McKinnon, (801) 300-2414, tmckinnon@biologicaldiversity.org Bernhardt Uses Shutdown to Block Public From Environmental Reviews Chaos at Interior as Planning Websites Deactivated, Reactivated WASHINGTON The Trump administrations Department of the Interior has taken down environmental review websites for many of its key agencies, a step that violates its own policies for government shutdowns and stymies public involvement in decisions like fossil fuel leasing and wildlife protections. Among the sites abruptly taken down are those that provide planning information and ways for the public to comment on key decisions. The Trump administration is cynically using the government shutdown as a flimsy pretense for locking the public out of environmental decisions, said Taylor McKinnon with the Center for Biological Diversity. This goes right along with Deputy Secretary David Bernhardts pattern of denying public involvement to help fossil fuel companies pillage our public lands. The Bureau of Land Managements environmental planning webpage was blocked as early as Monday. As of midday Wednesday, environmental-planning websites for the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were still blocked, but the Bureau of Land Managements site had been reactivated. Public involvement is one of the hallmarks of environmental policy in the United States. Interior agencies such as the National Park Service, BLM and Fish and Wildlife Service have websites through which the public can review and provide comment on proposed agency actions and policies. These websites have been taken down and replaced with a message referencing the government shutdown, despite an Interior policy document that explicitly instructs agencies to leave their websites up during shutdowns. Interiors agencies avoiding public involvement in policy-making has been a recurring theme during the Trump administration, but such moves have been struck down by the courts. In Western Watersheds v. Zinke, the Center and allies won a preliminary injunction against a BLM policy that a federal judge in Idaho ruled substantially and unlawfully impeded public participation in environmental review. There are numerous public comment or administrative protest periods that are ongoing right now, including for the BLMs controversial greater sage grouse land-use plan amendment revisions and several oil and gas lease sales. This is just another move by Interior to shut the public out of policy-making in order to promote the fossil fuel industry, said McKinnon. Bernhardt is an oil-industry lobbyist doing the bidding of Trumps campaign donors. Well continue to fight against this administrations attacks on our public lands and wildlife. The Center has submitted a letter to Deputy Secretary Bernhardt requesting a blanket extension on any environmental review comment or protest period for a duration as long as the government shutdown lasts. For Immediate Release, December 27, 2018 Contact: Sarah Baillie, (520) 623-5252 x 308, sbaillie@biologicaldiversity.org New Year's Resolution for New Orleans: Reduce Carbon Footprint City in Top 10 U.S. Emitters Per Capita, Mayor Gets Letter Urging Change NEW ORLEANS New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell today received a letter from the Center for Biological Diversity calling on her to make a New Years resolution to reduce the citys carbon footprint. New Orleans was among the top 10 biggest emitters per capita in the United States, according to research released earlier this year that took into account regional carbon footprint estimates, consumption patterns and economic data. Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Kansas City, Grand Rapids, Cincinnati and Tulsa also made the list. Mayors from these cities were also urged to resolve to take action in 2019. New Orleans needs to ring in the New Year by making meaningful changes to shrink its oversized carbon footprint, said Sarah Baillie, a campaigner with the Centers Population and Sustainability Program. American cities are burning fossil fuels and bulldozing wild spaces, and the Earth cant keep up. We need leadership from cities like New Orleans to curb the climate crisis. The letter outlined three resolutions that New Orleans can make to reduce its impact on the climate: Energy: Update the citys energy and climate action plan to transition to 100 percent renewable energy, with an emphasis on social equity and racial justice. Update the citys energy and climate action plan to transition to 100 percent renewable energy, with an emphasis on social equity and racial justice. Transportation: Increase investment in car alternatives such as bicycle lanes and public transit to reduce per-capita vehicle miles traveled. Increase investment in car alternatives such as bicycle lanes and public transit to reduce per-capita vehicle miles traveled. Population: Protect reproductive rights and ensure access to affordable contraception for all residents by working to keep publicly funded clinics open and supporting health education that helps everyone better understand contraceptive options and where to find family planning services. In the United States, 45 percent of all pregnancies are unintended. When combined with the highest consumption rates in the world, population growth is a significant threat to wildlife. In fact, choosing to have one fewer child is the most effective action to reduce an individual's carbon footprint and saves nearly 60 metric tons of carbon emissions per year, according to a 2017 study. The good news is that New Orleans can make a difference, said Baillie. It can help fight climate change by making sustainability more accessible to everyone and setting an example for other cities. The Center's Population and Sustainability program advocates for rights-based, common-sense solutions, including universal access to contraception, reproductive healthcare and family planning services, education and equality for women and girls, and reducing our environmental footprint. For Immediate Release, December 27, 2018 Contact: Nathan Donley, (971) 717-6406, ndonley@biologicaldiversity.org Trump EPA Proposes Expanded Use of Antibiotic as Citrus Pesticide in Florida, California SACRAMENTO, Calif. The Trump administration has proposed to greatly expand spraying of streptomycin an antibiotic often used with people as a pesticide on citrus fruits like grapefruits, oranges and tangerines anywhere they are grown. Earlier this month the Trump administration approved the use of another antibiotic, oxytetracycline, on the nations citrus groves. Trumps Environmental Protection Agency has yet to fully analyze how these changes might affect wildlife, people and waterways. The EPAs latest proposed decision, issued late last week, paves the way for up to 480,000 acres of citrus trees in Florida to be treated with more than 650,000 pounds of streptomycin per year to combat citrus canker and citrus greening disease. Estimates also indicate 23,000 citrus acres are likely to be treated each year in California. The EPAs push to approve widespread use of the antibiotics as pesticides comes as the rise in human deaths due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria has spurred leading researchers to caution against expanding use of antibiotics like streptomycin, which is used to treat bacterial infections such as tuberculosis. Trumps EPA is taking us in a dangerous new direction, said Nathan Donley, a senior scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity. Researchers have been telling us for decades to curb the use of antibiotics in agriculture or risk losing them forever. The Trump administration has chosen to ignore the science and blindly sprint down a path that could dead-end at bacterial resistance. In addition to increasing the risk of antibiotic-resistance, the EPAs own analysis also indicated that the widespread use of streptomycin could have negative long-term effects on all mammals that forage in treated fields, including chipmunks and rabbits. The EPA has not analyzed how this proposed decision could impact endangered and threatened species that forage or nest in these citrus groves, or rely on waterways contaminated by the antibiotic. As was the case with oxytetracycline, the EPAs proposed approval comes despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration expressing numerous concerns about the risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 2 million people are infected with antibiotic-resistant organisms each year, leading to an estimated 23,000 deaths. Due to rising consumer outcry and warnings from leading researchers, antibiotic use has fallen in animals on factory farms. The Trump EPA is once again bowing to the pesticide industrys wishes, with no regard for the consequences to human health, wildlife or the environment, said Donley. Spraying antibiotics on fruit to fight citrus greening is a short-term fix with dangerous, long-term consequences. Both the European Union and Brazil have banned the use of oxytetracycline and streptomycin for use as a pesticide on agricultural plants. The researchers found that when proteins in mitochondria at the ends of neurites were damaged by normal wear and tear, newer ones werent coming in to replace them as quickly as they did for mitochondria near the nucleus. This made them function less efficiently, which activated executioner enzymes called caspases and ultimately led to neurites withering away. A hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Huntingtons is the progressive death of nerve cells in the brain. The cells dont die quickly, though. They first start to disconnect from each other because their neurites long finger-like extensions that make connections all through the brain become smaller. Now, using animal models and nerve cells grown in the lab, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggest a new mechanism dubbed neuritosis that might explain neurons shrinking in Huntingtons and other neurodegenerative diseases, opening new targets for therapy. The study is published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Neuritosis is a process that hasnt been recognized or described until now and could play a very important role in normal brain development, aging and neurodegenerative disease, said senior author Robert Friedlander, M.D., chair and Walter E. Dandy Professor of Neurosurgery and Neurobiology at Pitts School of Medicine. It all started when Sergei Baranov, Ph.D., a staff scientist in Friedlanders lab, noticed an interesting phenomenon in mouse nerve cells that he was growing in the lab. Their mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses, werent working as well at the neurite ends said Baranov. Then, when the researchers looked at neurons in the spinal cords of mice, they found the same phenomenon. Other researchers must have noticed this as well, but we were able to visualize it and suggest the potential cause as well as outcome, he noted. The researchers found that when proteins in mitochondria at the ends of neurites were damaged by normal wear and tear, newer ones werent coming in to replace them as quickly as they did for mitochondria near the nucleus. This made them function less efficiently, which activated executioner enzymes called caspases and ultimately led to neurites withering away. Friedlander and his team called this neuritosis, a variation on apoptosis, the cell death process that involves caspase activation. Its quite intuitive, once we discovered how it works, said Friedlander. Neuronal projections are really long and the farther you are from the nucleus, which is the central factory, the harder it gets to repair and replenish the cellular machinery, making the ends more vulnerable to even small stresses. The researchers then wanted to understand whether neuritosis plays a role in neurodegenerative disease, and they had reason to suspect that it does. Previous work in Friedlanders lab showed that mutations in huntingtin, the protein linked to Huntingtons, interferes with the same protein supply chain that breaks down in neuritosis. To test their hunch, Friedlanders team used genetically modified mice that carried a mutant version of the human huntingtin protein. These mice exhibit symptoms of the disease, including accelerated neuronal death. Their findings were similar to what they had seen in the cells, but more pronounced. There were fewer mitochondria at the ends, and what remained was more dysfunctional than in normal neurons. There was also more activation of caspases, and increased levels of cell death. Its quite likely that neuritosis happens in nerve cells normally and doesnt result in cell death, but in neurodegenerative diseases, there are higher levels of stress to the already vulnerable neurite ends, which could push neuritosis over the edge and lead to cells dying, said Friedlander. If we can somehow find a way to keep mitochondria at nerve ends healthy, it may be beneficial in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Additional authors on the study include Oxana V. Baranova, Svitlana V. Yablonska, Ph.D., Yalikun Suofu, Ph.D., Alberto L. Vazquez, Ph.D., Takashi D. Y. Kozai, Ph.D., X. Tracy Cui, Ph.D., Lisa M. Ferrando, Timothy M. Larkin, Yulia Y. Tyurina Ph.D., Valerian E. Kagan, Ph.D., D.Sc., Diane L. Carlisle, Ph.D., all of Pitt, and Bruce S. Kristal, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School. The research was funded by National Institute of Health grants R01NS089688, R01NS039324, R01NS077748 and R01NS100743, the David Scaife Family Charitable Foundation, the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, and the Walter L. Copeland Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation. Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste was an excessively dominant, forceful and feared boss. Shutterstock Shaky foundations Lessons Its a buddy-buddy system, a bunch of people who know each other and have worked together for years. It strips them of their capacity to question things that dont make sense. Up there with the worst The companys history, and its subsequent evolution and demise, are skillfully told in a new book Steinhoff: Inside SAs Biggest Corporate Crash, by former journalist James-Brent Styan. It is the story of a bold vision and ambition, entrepreneurial grit and guile, continuous innovation, relentless risk-taking, corporate hubris, and friendship betrayals.The extraordinary way in which Steinhoff grew from being a modest firm with a footprint only in Germany and South Africa to becoming a multinational behemoth straddling sectors such as furniture manufacturing, retail, logistics, consumer finance, building material, wood and vehicles with a global presence, is impressive.In its pursuit of growth, Steinhoff employed a two-pronged strategy. The first focused on creating a low-cost manufacturing base. This enabled the business to supply products at cheap prices to its target market of lower-to-middle income groups.The second pillar consisted of an aggressive acquisition of companies. A great deal of the acquisitions took place in European countries such as Germany, Poland and France but also extended to Australia, New Zealand, Britain and the US.The acquisitions were costly and the conglomerate paid above the market value for the shares. The rapid spate of takeovers saw the group expand to 12 000 stores across the world, employing 130 000 people. Ultimately, Steinhoff became a fully vertically integrated enterprise it was involved in all the value chain links from sourcing raw materials, to manufacturing and finally to distribution and sale of products.At the pinnacle of its success, the international business giant became the darling of investors, asset managers, analysts and financial journalists. They all feted its expansion into new ventures and countries. But, as it later turned out, its success was built on shaky foundations epitomised by unfettered greed as well as dodgy and unethical practices, including alleged accounting irregularities, tax evasion and lax corporate standards.The day before the Steinhoff groups precipitous crash, the corporation was worth R193bn. On the following day, its market value was decimated by a staggering R117bn. Among the victims of the financial carnage were financial South African services giants Coronation Fund, Foord Asset Management, Sanlam, Investec, Liberty, Old Mutual, Allan Gray, Discovery and the Nedgroup.The biggest losers were key investor and Pepkor chairman Christo Wiese (R37bn) and the Public Investment Corporation (R14bn), which manages the Government Employees Pension Fund. Overnight, millions of South Africans had lost billions of rands in pension funds.The book encompasses a diverse range of themes and proffers a number important business lessons. Some bear mentioning.The case of Markus Jooste, then Steinhoff CEO, shows that the cult of personality and Big Man syndrome is as ubiquitous in the corporate world as it is in politics. He comes across as an excessively dominant, forceful and feared boss. He brooks no dissent and only those subordinates who obsequiously defer to him benefit from his extensive patronage. To the detriment of the business, his leadership style fostered an institutional culture of uncritical subservience and self-censorship.A recurring question in the book is: Despite occasional red flags how could the analysts, investors, asset managers, directors and the Johannesburg Securities Exchange have been oblivious to the wrongdoing at Steinhoff?Part of the problem was the dominant view that the company could never go wrong. As long as the share price kept rising, and the good news kept flowing, there was nothing to worry about. There were, of course, some skeptical and dissenting voices, but they were too few to upend the prevailing consensus.The crucial lesson here is that the share price is not the only indicator of corporate performance; fundamental governance issues are equally, if not more, important.As Steinhoffs global expansion accelerated, its business model and structure became more complicated. Some market analysts have argued that the firms increasingly complex structure, coupled with the groups continual acquisitions, made it nearly impossible to analyse its books and to do year-on-year comparisons.Even so, there was a belief that as long as strong, charismatic and venerated business personalities such as Jooste and Wiese, Steinhoffs chairman at the time, were at the helm the business was in safe hands. This trust in Jooste and Wiese, as well as in management and directors, proved to be misplaced. As Warren Buffett has wisely counselled , never invest in something you dont trust.The Steinhoff board of directors, long viewed as one of the strongest and most dependable, has come under fierce criticism for failing to exercise its fiduciary duty. Describing the board, one fund manager stated that it was ineffective, not independent and was overwhelmed by Joostes strong personality.Criticism has also been directed at Deloitte, the firm that audited the companys statements for 20 years, for disregarding the irregularities and the danger signs preceding the crash. It is this milieu that prompted an analyst to describe what happened at Steinhoff in the book as follows:Styan must be commended for producing a cogently written and thoroughly researched book. In terms of its drama and catastrophic impact, the Steinhoff scandal is up there with the likes of Enron, Worldcom, Tyco, Freddie Mac, Bernie Madoff and other world infamous episodes of business malfeasance. As such, the book provides valuable insights and lessons that are universally applicable and comparable. It must be made compulsory reading in corporate boardrooms and business schools.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article PR Newswire COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 27, 2018 COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP Ohio commends Representative Robert Cupp and Representative Jeff Rezabek for sponsorship and the Ohio General Assembly and Governor John Kasich for passage of House Bill 595, legislation that will strengthen protections for individuals who must rely on the care of a guardian and further simplifies probate and trust laws in Ohio. When an adult becomes incapable of managing his or her personal decisions or property, a court may appoint a guardian to make decisions on behalf of that individual. These decisions can be related to property, medical care, living arrangements, and financial issues. Obtaining adult guardianship orders can be expensive, time consuming and complex. But if done correctly, they can help prevent elder abuse and financial exploitation. The lack of court monitoring in guardianship can often lead to abusive situations and/or the court losing track of a ward, their money, or the guardian. State courts are responsible for monitoring guardians' performance and ensuring that individuals under guardianship are protected and treated appropriately. However, with the overload of cases on the system, AARP has found that follow-up with reporting requirements and accounting required by guardians is lacking in many states across the country. "Ohio is one of many states that has taken significant steps to update guardianship policies and practices to prevent abuse and has developed standards for guardians and state guardianship programs," said AARP State Director Barbara A. Sykes. "HB 595 takes another important step to strengthen protections for individuals who must rely on the care of a guardian and further simplifies probate and trust laws in Ohio." The new law will allow a county probate court to establish an adult guardianship services board and funds to provide for the oversight of services and care for individuals under guardianship. This streamlined approach is aimed at improving coordination within the state and assisting overburdened courts. "Cutting red tape for county courts to work together to provide services to individuals under guardianship could save time, money for the individual, their families/caregivers, and the state. Additionally, when state courts work together on such cases they could not only be more efficient and effective, but they could also potentially detect signs of abuse and exploitation earlier in the legal process," said Sykes. Since 2012, AARP has been a key player in more than 200 new laws and reforms regarding issues of probate and guardianship. Ohio is one of many states that has taken significant steps to update guardianship policies and practices to prevent abuse and has developed standards for guardians and state guardianship programs. "Our organization fights to protect individuals who rely on their guardians for vital decision-making and support, as well as to make sure guardians have the necessary training and tools to take on their important responsibilities, " said Sykes. "HB 595 takes another important step to strengthen protections for individuals who must rely on the care of a guardian and further simplifies probate and trust laws in Ohio. " AARPAARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aarp-applauds-ohios-new-guardianship-law-fights-elder-abuse-financial-exploitation-300771165.html SOURCE AARP Ohio Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION PR Newswire AUGUSTA, Ga., Dec. 26, 2018 AUGUSTA, Ga., Dec. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Since joining his medical practice in 2003 as a Medical Oncologist, Dr. David Squires has established himself as an illustrious professional in the field. Throughout his career, Dr. Squires has gained expertise in the many different types of cancer and blood disorders. As a cancer survivor (leukemia '93-96), Dr. Squires offers his patients medical oncology services with compassion and empathy. Dr. Squires holds dual Board Certification in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. After graduating from Brigham Young University as valedictorian in 1993, he attended the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1997 and during which time he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Utah in 2000. Thereafter, Dr. Squires completed his fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health and earned his Master of Health Sciences degree in Clinical Research from Duke University as part of the NCI Clinical Scholars Program in 2003. To further enhance his professional development, Dr. Squires is an esteemed fellow of several elite organizations including the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Charitable to various organizations, Dr. Squires has served as the president of the Augusta Georgia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since 2012 and dedicates a lot of time and resources to various non-profit organizations that focus on helping the rising generation and revitalizing inner cities. He founded a non-profit organization, Camp Helaman Inc., which provides free outdoor recreational facilities for local youth groups, churches, and schools (thecamphelaman.org). He also works with Laney Walker Development Company, an inner city non-profit organization that helps low and middle income residents with housing (www.lwdc.co). When he is not working, Dr. Squires enjoys spending quality family time, volunteering for his church and his community and taking part in scouting activities. Married with five children, Dr. Squires dedicates this recognition to his parents, wife, and children for all their love and support. For more information, please visit https://www.augonc.com/ Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/david-r-squires-md-is-recognized-by-continental-whos-who-300770862.html SOURCE Continental Who's Who PR Newswire LAS CRUCES, N.M., Dec. 27, 2018 LAS CRUCES, N.M., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In January 2019, over 200,000 people from around the world will converge onto the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada for the Consumer Electronics Show. Known as the creme de la creme of technology and new product debuts, CES will host exhibitors covering a wide array of product categories from home electronics, audio, smart TVs, connected home, health and fitness devices, mobile, connected home, robotics, computers, virtual reality, car audio and even smart commodes. The event boasts extravagant exhibits representing the biggest and most recognized brands in the world including, Amazon, Panasonic, Microsoft, and even superbike manufacturer, Yamaha. This year's show will run from January 8-11, 2019 at the Sands Convention Center and includes a multitude of other events and exhibits throughout the city. This year's show promises to debut some of the most advanced new technologies the world has ever seen, and products designed to transform the world, home and workplace. One of the most anticipated and ambitious technologies will be Addison Care -- the world's first Virtual Caregiver by electronic caregiver, a division of SameDay Security, Inc. Noted as Addison's first public appearance, CES will host the labor of love which includes millions of dollars in research and development and creative process spanning 7 years. Addison Care is named after its ambient augmented reality virtual caregiver, Addison. She's a state of the art, 3D animated caregiver designed to engage aging and chronically ill clients throughout the home to supplement their care and to provide various health and safety features. Appearing on 15-inch monitors strategically placed throughout the residence, she carries on two-way conversations, and she is programed for a user's personal needs and plans of care. Addison's capabilities include 24/7 in-home checkups! Addison monitors your activity, reminds you to take medications and verifies adherence and provides real-time assessments if a client develops evidence of increased risk of falling or health decline. She measures health performance, rewards her users for making progress, collects vitals and conducts in-home examinations. Addison may just be the technological breakthrough our rapidly aging population needs in order to help them stay in the homes they love at a fraction of the cost. Anthony Dohrmann is the Founder and CEO of SameDay Security and the visionary behind Addison. "The aging population commonly lives with comorbidities (multiple chronic diseases). Approximately 100M Americans are living with a chronic illness; managing diabetes, respiratory disease, heart disease or other illnesses require follow through and accurate scheduling. There is a lot of pressure for patients and families and adherence to treatment regimens are often difficult to manage at home. Patients are often confused about their care instructions and non-adherence with care plans and medications schedules is estimated to cause 50% of all treatment failures." "Only 3% of the US population can afford live caregiving," Dohrmann said. "We are bringing affordable, effective care alternatives to the world through Addison. Working with Home Care Providers and Hospitals across America, we will provide service and product line extensions to serve market need, while delivering alternatives individuals and families can afford. Our goal is to cut costs, improve care and extend functional independence." Why is Addison Care so ambitious? The company says Addison requires a complex array of devices, configured for instant and easy implementation, involving technologies such as Bluetooth, cellular, internet, cloud computing, edge Machine Learning processing, complex visual sensing, clinical interfaces, conversational speech, augmented reality, robust security, and a dynamic user interface. The corporate-built Addison on AWS is credited with providing incredible solutions and the support needed to make Addison possible. Addison will be featured in a 60 ft. exhibit at the Sands Convention Center. She'll demonstrate capabilities for respiratory, heart, diabetic and orthopedic patients. Addison can be seen at CES 2019 Exhibit: Sands Convention Center Halls A-D - 42142 About SameDay Security, Inc. SameDay Security (SDS) is one of the fastest growing monitored technology providers in the US and one of only a handful of nationwide service providers. Known as the Electronic Caregiver Company (trademark) and founded in 2009, SDS currently provides automated home care solutions and safety devices nationwide to thousands of clients. SDS has developing contracts with hundreds of home care partners across America who will participate in Addison Care marketing to their clients. New clinical trials are scheduled with G60 Trauma of Phoenix Arizona involving 500 patients over 3 years to determine the impact on patient outcomes, cost reduction, lower hospitalization, chronic disease management and long-term care. The company occupies 20,000 square feet of space for innovation, customer service, dealer support and accounting, with 4500 square feet of warehousing in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The tallest building in the city hosts their sign at the top and the company employs over 70 employees and is currently negotiating for another 6,000 square feet of operational space. www.electroniccaregiver.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electronic-caregiver-announces-addison-care---the-worlds-first-virtual-caregiver---the-most-ambitious-tech-at-ces-300771158.html SOURCE Electronic Caregiver Concern flared on ebrandon.ca yesterday that not everyone who requested a Christmas dinner from the Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner received one. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/12/2018 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Concern flared on ebrandon.ca yesterday that not everyone who requested a Christmas dinner from the Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner received one. I have an elderly friend, wheelchair bound, and she had requested one meal delivered a few days in advance of the 25th, a poster said. When I talked to her in the evening to see how she liked her Christmas dinner, she said it never arrived. But thats not the case, said Kris Heinrichs, a board member with the Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner. The dinner was held this year at the Victoria Inn to bring people together in the community who might have otherwise had to spend the holiday alone. Everyone got food that had ordered food, Heinrichs said. Anybody who had phoned in received their meals. They did run out of certain items, he said, but they still had enough food to create all the dinners. However, he declined to comment on what items they ran out of. The numbers at the annual dinner were up from last year, he said, which was a contributing factor in them running out of certain items early. There was definitely a need in the city for it, he said. We didnt have any terrible weather conditions so people wanted fellowship, they wanted to get out, they wanted to see people, and thats what the dinner was about. Every year, he said there are always people who come up and share their gratitude with them. The biggest thing they say is I wouldnt have been able to get through Christmas without you guys, because somebody died, or somebody is missing from their life, he said. So, if we can bring that little bit of hope and a little bit of light to brighten their day, thats what the dinner is about. The Brandon Sun Two women who had never met before spent their Christmas Eve together in Killarney, cooking up three turkeys and all the trimmings. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/12/2018 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Two women who had never met before spent their Christmas Eve together in Killarney, cooking up three turkeys and all the trimmings. Stephanie Braun and Tari Conrad worked side by side to cook and deliver the finished holiday meals to people in the Westman area, free of charge. Tari Conrad and Stephanie Braun work together to make a Christmas dinner for people in the Killarney and Ninette area. Most of their customers this year were seniors. (Submitted) "In smaller communities theres nothing really like this, (so its nice) that nobody has to leave their house, and just for older people," said Braun, who lives in Ninette. The idea was started last year by Brauns friend Kristina Deleurme, and although Deleurme wasnt able to be involved this year, Braun decided to keep it going. She created a post on Facebook, which Tari Conrad from Killarney saw and responded to. "Its something that I always wanted to do," Conrad said. "I just basically sent her a message and asked her if she needed help, and she said Yes." I had never even met her before, but we just kind of connected and got the ball rolling." Conrad lent her commercial kitchen space at The Grind restaurant that she owns in Killarney to do the preparations. Her husband, mother, father, two sons and her sons wife all came to help out. She was inspired to volunteer her time by the creator of the Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner, Rocky Addison, who her family knew growing up, she said. "I think I was about 13 or 14 when my parents used to know Rocky, and they told us what he was doing with his family," she said. "I think at a young age I remember thinking Wow, I hope I can do that some day. Now, here I am." It was a busy week for both of them, as they advertised what they were doing with flyers and on Facebook, and then got all the ingredients and supplies together, Braun said. "People were donating different things and contacting us, and we had to pick up the containers and all of the extra little details that we would need to create the meal." They started cooking in the morning, and were all ready to go by 1 p.m. There were six different volunteer drivers working to help them out. Most of the customers they had were senior citizens, who wouldnt cook a turkey for themselves, and who maybe didnt drive, Conrad said. When the evening was over, they had made and delivered 51 Christmas dinners, up from the 17 they took care of last year. The containers, packed with turkey, mashed potatoes, peas, corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, a butter tart and a bun were dropped off at homes in the Ninette and Killarney area on Dec. 24. They also included a Christmas card with each delivery, Conrad said. Some of the recipients got emotional when they received their Christmas delivery. "They teared up," she said. "Some of them had actually they wanted us to come inside and eat with them because they were by themselves." Braun said she plans on making it an annual event, and it looks like she will have plenty of help. "My whole family said we would do this again for sure," Conrad said. "Honestly, even if we never had any kind of get together or any kind of Christmas, this was the best Christmas ever." mverge@brandonsun.com Twitter: @Melverge5 VICTORIA - It was one of the happiest days of his life, but Sharmarke Dubow says he was paralyzed with emotion the day he was sworn in as a member of Victoria city council. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/12/2018 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Sharmarke Dubow a former Somali refugee who was recently elected to Victoria city council is photographed at City Hall in Victoria on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito VICTORIA - It was one of the happiest days of his life, but Sharmarke Dubow says he was paralyzed with emotion the day he was sworn in as a member of Victoria city council. Dubow said he couldn't smile and his words were a barely audible mumble as he reflected back on his journey from Somalia's civil war to a refugee camp in Kenya and finally to Victoria City Hall. Now, Dubow, 35, who was born on Christmas Day, can't stop smiling or talking. He became a Canadian citizen on July 1, 2017, Canada's 150th anniversary, and was elected to city council in November. It was the first time he'd voted, anywhere. "I was holding myself to cry," he said in a recent interview. "The reason why I was not smiling is there were so many emotions. I could not believe to be the voice for people in Victoria and to represent them." Dubow is six-foot-four and thinly built. He smiles broadly and laughs joyously as he retraces his journey from a refugee camp to city council at a downtown coffee shop. He gets up to hug people who offer him their best wishes and gushes about meeting Canadian figure skating icons Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir earlier in the day at a Salvation Army Christmas fundraising event. "Tessa told me I should write a book," said Dubow. He said Canada gave him a home and his election to council gives him the chance to give back. "When I became a Canadian citizen I felt I have a home, I have rights and responsibilities," said Dubow. "It was all about me having a second chance at life, belonging to a country and being a proud Canadian. But when I'm elected, it's not about me. It's holding a huge responsibility and knowing I have a huge curve of learning." He was eight years old when his mother put him and his sister on a boat fleeing strife in Somalia. Dubow said they crossed the Indian Ocean by moonlight and landed at Mombasa, Kenya, where he lived in a tent and camp for five years with hundreds of others. "I remember my mother putting two jackets, two trousers in a case and telling me to hold my sister's hand. I remember looking back at my mother," said Dubow, whose mother was able to join them in the camp after a later boat voyage. Dubow said he built a bed of bamboo sticks and recalled camp life being one of daily struggles and of frightened people looking for their next meal and trying to make a living. He said the United Nations stepped in to ensure the camp was permitted to exist. Dubow said his life as a refugee and stateless person influenced him to become an advocate for human rights across Africa and ultimately brought him to Canada where he took a job at the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society. "In Kenya, I was in a camp. In Ethiopia I was undocumented, meaning I was not registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or the Ethiopian government," he said. "In Egypt I was a refugee. I wasn't in a camp but I was a refugee under the UN HRC. They never gave me a chance to become a citizen and be part of the society." Dubow said he was an outsider without rights, until he came to Canada in 2012. "Canada gave me that chance," he said. "Victoria lifted me up. People have lifted me up and given me that chance." Dubow said Canada gave him a safe home after 20 years of being homeless. "We have a system that works, that will protect my rights regardless of my sexuality, my race, my background," he said. "I am able to sleep and not worry about bullets coming through my wall." Dubow said it may sound like a contradiction, but despite having spent much of his young life in a refugee camp, one of his favourite things to do in Canada is pitch a tent and sit around a campfire. "Living in Canada, and camping for leisure, for a date, it's a different lifestyle brother," he said. "When you wake up, all the grass is high and it reflects the sun, and sometimes I don't want it to, but it takes me back and reminds me of who I am." Dubow said he is still a newcomer to the workings of municipal politics. After years of challenging governments on refugee issues, he wants to use his new position as an elected councillor to give back and bring people together. "The best way is having tea and sitting with people from all walks of life." Plans by Dublin City Council to pedestrianise part of College Green in Dublin would be more likely to receive support if they carry out a trial of their proposals. That is the view of the business representative group, Dublin Chamber, which says 72% of 400 its members are in favour of the College Green Plaza being trialled. The Criminal Assets Bureau has almost 1,000 targets who, it believes, are benefiting from the proceeds of crimes including drug trafficking and burglaries. The number of targets has risen by 60% to now stand at 973, according to CAB. Its statistics show that while Dublin would have by far the biggest number of targets - west Dublin has 177 - alone, Limerick has the next highest at 72, followed by Meath, Wexford Kildare and Louth. The figures emerged in an interview carried out by RTE with the head of the bureau, Detective Chief Superintendent Pat Clavin. Our targets would be the biggest level of national figures who are involved in criminal feuding around Dublin, he said. We have international cases, but we also have local cases and the reason we do this is to try to stop them from becoming bigger criminals, to catch them earlier. He said the great majority of cases involve drug trafficking, followed very closely by people who are involved in burglaries and robberies. Certainly outside of Dublin, we find that people are very concerned about the burglary and robbery gangs, he said. In order to identify potential targets CAB has a network of 350 asset profilers around the country studying the activities of potential suspects. But Det Chief Superintendent Clavin wants the public to play a more active role. We are asking for people to look out for people with unexplained wealth that have lifestyles that are beyond their obvious earnings and to contact us and we will conduct confidential enquiries, he said. They might see someone who changes their car every year, who takes a number of expensive holidays to places like Las Vegas, to the States, Dubai and that always appears to have spending which is not in keeping with their earnings. There have been calls for a full review of security on the grounds of a fire-damaged former psychiatric facility in Cork city after another suspicious fire. Several wheelie bins were set alight close to the former St Kevins building on the grounds of the former Our Ladys Mental Hospital on the Lee Road in Cork on St Stephens night. The landmark St Kevins building has been boarded up since it was gutted in an arson attack in July 2017. Video by Evan Shelly The alarm was raised just after 9pm on Wednesday when onlookers on the other side of the river Lee spotted flames to the left of the listed building. Two units of Cork City Fire Brigade were tasked to the scene where they found several wheelie bins ablaze in a covered walkway. They contained the fires quickly. Sinn Fein Cllr Thomas Gould, who has repeatedly called for the site to be used for housing, described the latest incident as a worrying development. The HSE has spent tens of thousands of euro on security since the fire in 2017 to protect what is an asset of the state. That security needs to be reviewed, he said. The 19th-century red-brick building had fallen into dereliction since it became vacant in 2002 before a devastating fire ripped through the structure in July 2017. It was subsequently boarded up and made secure before it, 14-acres of surrounding land and associated buildings, were offered for sale by the HSE on the open market last March. But in October, the newly established Land Development Agency (LDA) confirmed that it was in talks with the HSE to acquire the site for housing. Cllr Gould said that process must now be fast-tracked. We are in the midst of the worst housing crisis in the history of the state and yet we have places like this lying idle, with no plan in place, he said. It highlights the governments slow pace of delivery on housing - especially in relation to landbanks like this. The St Kevins building has been boarded up since it was gutted in an arson attack in July 2017. Realistically, I cant see anything happening with this site for five to 10 years - unless someone is given sole charge of bringing it online for housing. And I think UCC and CIT should be brought in on this given the issue of student accommodation. This site could be perfect for mixed tenure, with a mix of social, affordable, private rented and student accommodation. Elevated and set directly opposite the Kingsley Hotel, the site is within 2.5km of the city centre, and within a kilometre of the Apple HQ at Hollyhill. An application to build the Dublin Metrolink rail line is unlikely to be made until 2020. It is down to delays in determining a revised route for the line. Transport authorities had been due to announce the redesigned route last August, but that was pushed back to November. It was further delayed to allow time to design an extension of the underground section past Ranelagh. However, the Irish Times reports that the revised plans will not be ready until February at the earliest, with the planning application to An Bord Pleanala pushed out to 2020. Construction of the line was due to start in 2021 for completion in 2027 It is not yet known if this schedule will be affected. A spokesperson for the National Transport Authority said there are a number of public concerns and engineering elements which it is working to resolve. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says he cannot rule out a general election next year, despite Fine Gael and Fianna Fail extending the confidence and supply deal until spring 2020. Mr Varadkar said that while he is not planning one, the reality is circumstances may arise that could force the deal to collapse and trigger a general election. He said the threat of a no-deal Brexit meant it was vital Fine Gael and Fianna Fail extend the confidence and supply arrangement. However, asked twice if he can guarantee an election will not happen before 2020, Mr Varadkar said I cant give an absolute guarantee, adding circumstances may arise. Im not planning one. What I sought was that we agree an election date in 2020. Fianna Fail decided not to accept that and proposed an alternative which was that we negotiate one more budget. So we could have had that, but we dont have an agreed election date. I wouldnt be honest if I was giving you an absolute guarantee, because circumstances may arise. And you cant predict some circumstances, Mr Varadkar said. Mr Varadkar said while it is his intention not to call a general election until spring 2020 at the earliest, a number of unforeseen issues could change that plan. Outlining a series of potential difficulties which could collapse the Government before the confidence and supply deal extension runs out, he said: We could lose members from the Government, were losing a number of votes at the moment even with Fianna Fail abstaining, so if you got into a position where we werent able to get our legislative programme through because we lose votes or lose members of our own Government [that could cause an election]. People might get elected to the European Parliament for example, and that would be a vote gone. Sadly, politicians on occasion become sick and die, you know, sorry to be so morbid, but the fundamental question when youre in Government is: are you able to govern? Are you able to get your legislative programme through? Are you able to implement your policies to the benefit of the Irish people? And thats the fundamental question. Im not going to rush into an election for opportunistic reasons... But the key test is: can you actually deliver? Can you get your legislative programme through? Can you get your policies implemented? And so far, in co-operation with Fianna Fail, weve been able to do that. But there are many reasons why that may change. After weeks of talks between the parties, Mr Varadkar and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin agreed to extend the confidence and supply deal by 12 months until spring 2020 due to the threat Brexit poses. Three British tourists, including a child, have died after the 4x4 they were in crashed off a bridge in Iceland. The accident happened at around 9.30am today when the Toyota Land Cruiser carrying seven passengers crashed through a railing of a one-lane bridge in the south of the country before falling around eight metres onto a river bank. Police said one child was among the dead and two among the injured in the crash which took place on a 200-300 metre bridge on the national Route 1 road near Skeidararsandur, a vast sand plain in southern Iceland. The four injured were airlifted to hospital in the capital Reykjavik with serious injuries and police are not sure when they will be able to quiz them about how the driver lost control of the vehicle. Police said the road was not thought to be icy but humidity could have made the surface slippery for the SUV, which was driving eastbound over the bridge in Nupsvotn, just south of the Vatnajokull glacier. The bridge at Skeidararsandur. Pic via Wikipedia/Laurent Deschodt Chief Superintendent of south Iceland Police Sveinn Kristjan Runarsson said the four injured have been taken to hospital with serious injuries, but added that "we haven't been able to talk to them about what happened". He said it was not clear whether the seven people were related. A number of those involved in the crash are thought to be of Indian heritage. The Indian Ambassador to Iceland, Mr T. Armstrong Changsan, is believed to have visited the survivors in hospital. Tour guide Adolf Erlingsson, who was among the first on the scene, told the Associated Press: "It was horrible. The car seemed to have hit the ground many metres from where it stopped. We struggled to get everyone out." Speaking to the BBC, Mr Erlingsson said the SUV was a "total wreck" when he arrived at the crash site. He said: "Four people were out of the car, one of them deceased. Then there were three people trapped in the car and I think two of them were deceased. "The driver was alive and trapped more or less under the dashboard. "It was a horrible sight to come there and see the wreckage and people there." He said rescuers used a winch and another SUV to lift the car up and try to save the driver. Mr Erlingsson added: "We were trying to get the people out of the car and helping them. It was a very difficult situation. "Soon after I arrived, we had an SUV with a winch and we used it to lift the car up a little bit to alleviate the pressure on the driver and to try and get him out." He said he spoke to some people who were "semi-conscious" outside the vehicle, and added: "I tried to talk a bit to the driver to calm him down. He was trapped inside the car." Mr Erlingsson said the crash occurred in an area that was "the most popular destination on the south coast". The crash happened just south of Skaftafell National Park, part of the Vatnajokull National Park, which was nominated for inclusion in Unesco's World Heritage List in 2018. The Vatnajokull glacier is the largest in Europe, covering 8% of Iceland's landmass including the island's tallest peak Hvannadalshnjukur at 2,200 metres tall (7,218ft). Tourists flock to the area to enjoy hiking, camping and sightseeing flights. South of the national park is the Skeidararsandur, a vast sand plain formed from alluvial deposits, with little vegetation, with the Nupsvotn glacial lakes on its western boundary. A man has died after a house collapsed following an explosion in England. Gas engineers are at the site of the blast which shook surrounding houses in Andover, Hampshire, in the south of England during the early hours this morning. Andy Phillips, 44, who lives close to the house which has been completely destroyed, said: "We live about 100 yards away, the sound was like a huge clap of thunder that shook and rattled ours and many other houses, damaging some of them. "The debris covers about a 25-metre radius." He said the property on Launcelot Close was a shared house for people "getting back on their feet after hard times". Engineers for gas distribution firm SGN said it was working with emergency services to identify the cause and is seeking to isolate gas supplies. A spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said fire crews have now left the scene. He said: "We had the one fatality and other persons were soon accounted for. Fire crews have now left the scene and the search and rescue is now finished. "It is being handed over to police and the gas board are continuing their investigations." Housing association Aster Group said: "We're aware that there has been an explosion at a property in Andover which we understand has resulted tragically in a fatality. "We're working closely with the emergency services as they carry out their investigations. "Our senior team is attending the incident and our neighbourhood teams on the ground are already onsite offering help and support to the residents involved." Neighbouring properties were also evacuated as a precaution. Nine migrants, including three children, have been intercepted on a beach in England after crossing the English Channel in a small 13ft (4m) inflatable boat. A further rescue operation was also underway at around 8am today after up to eight people were believed to have been spotted on an inflatable vessel near Dover in Kent. It comes after more than 40 migrants, presenting themselves as Iraqi, Iranian and Afghan, tried to crossed the Channel towards England on Christmas Day. Littlestone lifeboat station manager Matt Crittenden said they were called at around 12.40am on December 27 to reports of people in a small inflatable boat, three miles (4.8km) off the coast at Sandgate. "There were very scant details. We launched at around 1am and headed down and Rescue 163, the rescue Coastguard helicopter from Lydd, joined us," he told the Press Association. "They managed to locate the boat, which was empty at that stage, and very, very near the shore." He said the Littlestone lifeboat crew did a shoreline search before the migrants were discovered on the beach at Sandgate by the rescue helicopter. It is understood UK Border Force officials were deployed, and that all nine migrants - five adult males, a woman, two boys and a girl - were detained. Mr Crittenden described the boat the migrants used to cross the Channel in as 13ft (4m) long with a very small 10-horsepower engine on the back. "I am sure it won't be the last that we go to ... they are very desperate people," he added. A crew from Dover lifeboat station was also despatched after up to eight migrants were spotted on a craft by the Spirit of Britain ferry. It is understood Border Force officials are also assisting with that operation. The UK's Home Office said earlier this week that "organised criminal gang activity is behind illegal migration attempts by small boats across the Channel". The crossings follow a number of migrant rescues in recent months involving people trying to reach Britain via the Channel. Authorities were called to five separate incidents on Christmas Day, with some of those rescued including young children. A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering two children in England. Police said the children, who the force described only as young, were discovered at a property in the Kent coastal town of Margate in the early hours of this morning. In order to maintain this blog I have to pay for its upkeep including a hosting company, support services, virus and other malicious hackers. If you appreciate what I write please make a donation. Amid this sense of caution, Healy is likely to face pressure from financial markets in 2019 to boost profits from NAB business bank, while also navigating the changes that come out of the commission's final report, due by February. So, what's his plan for running NAB's "jewel in the crown"? And how will this core part of NAB navigate the potential headwinds thrown up by the royal commission? 'Determined' to keep the tap open After a tumultuous year for banks, 2018 ended with growing concerns from regulators that banks were getting "overly cautious" in their lending decisions, and that this might damage the economy. Healy stresses that he is "absolutely determined" to make sure the credit tap does not get turned off to small and medium enterprises (SMEs)- often seen as the economy's backbone. He is equally firm that the bank has not tightened access to business loans. Loading I can tell you, Im not tightening credit. NAB's not tightening credit to SMEs," he says. Even so, his cautious tone on the sentiment of SME clients points to how the royal commission is casting a shadow over the outlook for growth across Australia's banks - even the bits of the banks that are not expected to face much in the way of new regulation. The commision's hearings on lending to SMEs, unlike those on consumer lending, financial advice, and super, did not recommend greater regulation in this part of finance. Healy is not prepared to speculate about what changes the royal commission might bring in SME credit when commissioner Kenneth Hayne delivers the final report by February. Specialised bankers The bank does, however, have several initiatives under way to boost the performance of its business banking division. One is a push to have more bankers who are specialists in priority industries, such as education, health care and agriculture. In the latest results we were at 27 per cent of business banks revenue coming from specialised bankers and the target is to get to 50 per cent in three to five years, and were well on track for that, Healy says. He has also introduced a model from NZ whereby the bank has 135 "managing partners" in regions around the country. These bankers have more authority in terms of spending and credit approvals, and he says the model has helped put some fuel under the fire of growth. And he is keen to bring to Australia the United Kingdom's model of a "business growth fund," which would help plug a gap in the SME finance market by providing equity finance between about $2 million and $20 million. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg last month said the government would "encourage" the finance sector to establish such a fund. Weve just got to work out how big is the fund that we need, and then well contribute our fair share, he says. 'Back the bold' Healy, who's married and a father of two children, has also been part of some more philosophical soul-searching within NAB about its purpose. Surprisingly, the bank told the royal commission it did not officially have a specified purpose until work led by chairman Ken Henry and chief executive Andrew Thorburn in recent years. The purpose NAB settled on was "to back the bold who move Australia forward. Mining giant BHP has settled a racial discrimination case brought against its US subsidiaries by an employee who alleged colleagues left nooses and Ku Klux Klan symbols around the workplace to taunt him. Former BHP employee Terry McGeachy, of Arizona, alleged he was harassed due to his race while working as a truck driver at Pinto Mining from 2012. A defaced poster from the offices where an African-American employee at BHP's Pinto Mining Group was greeted with Ku Klux Klan symbols and nooses while working at the facility, it is alleged. Mr McGeachy, an African-American, had alleged in a court case filed in Arizona in 2016 that he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder from his treatment by his employers and was seeking general damages and punitive damages. He resigned before filing the court action. BHP had at first vigorously defended the matter along with co-accused US miner Capstone Mining, but recently settled the matter for what is believed to be a low seven-figure sum. An Australian commodities trader has pleaded guilty to market manipulation in Chicago, after being caught out as part of what the US Justice Department says is the largest legal action of its kind in history. Jim Zhao, who was arrested in Australia in January and extradited to the US, on Wednesday admitted to manipulating futures contracts through "spoofing", according to reports. Sydney trader Jim Zhao, 31, has pleaded guilty to "spoofing". Credit:Facebook/Jim Zhao Spoofing is the act of placing and quickly cancelling orders to trigger a rise or fall in prices, and then capitalising on that price change by simultaneously placing genuine orders to buy or sell. The 31-year-old's Chicago lawyer, Theodore Poulos, told the court Zhao made US$21,000 ($30,000) from the illegal trades. Arsalan Khawaja, the brother of Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja, has been re-arrested for breaching his bail conditions by allegedly trying to influence a witness in his criminal case. Mr Khawaja was originally charged on December 4 with framing a colleague from the University of NSW to make it look like the colleague was planning to carry out a terrorist attack. Police sensationally dropped the charges against UNSW PhD student and employee Mohamed Nizamdeen, after a handwriting expert could not prove he wrote material contained in a diary about killing senior politicians. It's alleged that Mr Khawaja set up his colleague when the two were fighting over a woman. Beni, Congo: Congo's march toward Sunday's election took a nasty turn on Thursday as the government ordered the European Union ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours after the EU prolonged sanctions against the ruling party's presidential candidate. Elsewhere, police fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse more than 100 people protesting against an election delay in the east, blamed on a deadly Ebola outbreak, that means more than a million votes will not count. Protesters set up blazing street barricades and some attacked an Ebola response centre, with more than 20 patients fleeing. Protesters set up a barricade in the Eastern Congolese town of Beni on Thursday after elections were delayed. Credit:AP The opposition accuses the government of trying to ensure that the preferred candidate of departing President Joseph Kabila is elected, with many Congolese believing Kabila will continue to wield power behind the scenes. The foreign minister's order called the EU ambassador's comportment "reprehensible" and came after weeks of pressure by Congo's government to have the EU sanctions lifted on Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. The order asks the European Council "urgently" to recall its envoy. Nenton, Guatemala: Migrant children will receive more thorough medical checks after an eight-year-old Guatemalan boy died in US custody this week, the US government said on Wednesday, and his mother expressed grief and despair over his death. Felipe Gomez Alonzo, who died on Monday, and his father, Agustin, 47, came from the western municipality of Nenton in Huehuetenango province, Guatemalan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marta Larra said. The pair trekked to the Mexico-US border, joining thousands of others who have left their remote area. Gomez, who belonged to a family of indigenous Maya, was the second child to die this month in US custody after crossing from Mexico, following the December 8 death of Jakelin Caal, a seven-year-old girl also from Guatemala. "I'm sad and in despair over the death of my son," the boy's 32-year-old mother, Catarina Alonzo, told Reuters by phone from her home in the tiny village of Yalambojoch, speaking through a translator because of her limited Spanish. The US Coast Guard is continuing a frantic search for a British dancer and crew member who went overboard from a Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean on Christmas Day. Arron Hough, 20, went overboard about 430 kilometres off the north-west of Puerto Rico on Tuesday, a spokesman for the Coast Guard 7th District told Reuters. Arron Hough, a British dancer and crew member, appeared to revel in his job aboard the Harmony of the Seas cruise ship. Credit:Facebook/Arron Hough At the time the Coast Guard became aware of the incident, the Harmony of the Seas ship was travelling from its home port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to its first stop of St Maarten island on its seven-day Caribbean itinerary, the Miami Herald reported. Hough's social media profiles show that he was a dancer and singer who performed in the cruise ship's nightly performance of Grease. Latest News Westpac CEO Peter King appointed ABA chair Major move atop banking industry peak body New 'instant mortgage' product promises home loan approval in 60 minutes Meet the mortgage offering that has seen $1bn in originations in just three months Compared to 2017, home values across the capitals declined over the year but Canberra and smaller capitals such as Hobart, posted some of the strongest growth nationwide at 4% and 9.3% respectively, according to Tim Lawless, research director, APAC, CoreLogic. Sydney values have declined by 8.1% from their peak in July 2017 and Melbourne by 5.8% from a peak in November 2017 further declines are likely in 2019 with prices in Sydney on track to fall 15% in total. There are some mainstream economists who are suggesting Sydney and Melbourne could be down by as much as 20% from peak to trough but Im a little more optimistic than that, Lawless says. I wouldnt say that would be a worst-case scenario, more a realistic case. We have already seen Sydney dwelling values fall by around 9.5% peak to trough, so it isnt that much of a stretch to see the overall market fall another 5% over the year, he continues. Looking ahead, Lawless adds, The best case outlook would be that conditions start to level out; we start to see a rate of decline easing off and then the market finding a floor. Under a worst case scenario, we would see credit tightening further, economic conditions slowing down and potentially mortgage rates starting to rise as well, he continues. In reality, Lawless says it is most likely the actual outcome will fall somewhere between the two extremes, with the bad news concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne and steady conditions in the other capitals. It is also likely that Hobart will see a slow down in its rate of growth. We also expect some of the smaller capital cities like Brisbane and Adelaide will continue to show growth and particularly parts of Queensland, on the back of migration rates that are really ramping up interstate, Lawless says. Auction clearance rates will also show some recovery, although mostly due to a lower number of properties being listed. Latest News Westpac CEO Peter King appointed ABA chair Major move atop banking industry peak body New 'instant mortgage' product promises home loan approval in 60 minutes Meet the mortgage offering that has seen $1bn in originations in just three months Getting financially fit and on the front foot should be top of the list of New Years resolutions for brokers and those in the finance industry, according to one finance group. A spokesperson at Chartered Accountants Australian and New Zealand has listed five ways brokers can meet their professional goals and make sure their professional endeavours stick. Here are five fool-proof tips to get financially fit and on the front foot from 1 January: 1. Improve your digital presence. How long has it been since youve updated your website? Added to your LinkedIn profile? Engaged with followers on your business Facebook page? Published a new blog update? Creating a strong digital presence allows you to identify who your online audience is. And with any luck, convert this audience into clients! Having a solid online brand can also help you establish yourself as a subject-matter expert, share insight and expertise via social media, and generate exposure for you and your business. And what better way to kick off 2019 than giving your digital assets a fresh coat of paint. 2. Implement cloud-based accounting technology. If you havent yet, why not? Shifting your business to the cloud can often boost productivity and significantly trim down your administration time by managing workflow. Not all cloud-based technology services are the same; they may include hardware, software or some combination of the two. However, embracing the cloud will enable you to speed up both internal and external business processes, so that you and your customers can make real-time decisions. 3. Plan in advance for key financial deadlines. Setting timely goals means giving yourself a realistic timeframe to achieve them. You can proactively break down the year into incremental milestones, with goals for each key financial deadline. This can help make your milestones more concrete, helping you create a sense of urgency to simply begin. 4. Connect with colleagues Join a professional network. Like any industry, if you want to stay relevant you need to keep up to date with the latest discussions and trends. Professional member bodies like Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand provide access to networking events and current thought leadership and news across the business landscape. Regardless of which professional network you join, by making the step to connect with like-minded individuals, you are guaranteed to expand your current professional footprint. 5. Put yourself first - Invest in your professional development. Finally, put your professional development first instead of last. Too often gaining that new skill, course, or qualification is the thing you put on the backburner but take that time to expand your capabilities and broaden your scope. Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal has urged employees to take a relook at all costs and strengthen revenue in the face of unknown challenges next year. In a New Year mail to employees, Goyal also said the airline would rationalise operations and open new routes. This is a time when there is a global pause to take stock, chart fresh resolves and shore up courage to face the unknowns of the New Year. There are bound to be many (unknowns) in an industry as dynamic and globally competitive as ours. Stronger then, should be our resolve to relook at all costs and rebuild our yields and ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar is likely to surrender before a court in New Delhi on December 31 to undergo life imprisonment awarded to him in a as the Delhi High Court rejected his plea to extend the deadline for surrender. Kumar's lawyer said options are running out for him as the is not likely to grant hearing to his appeal against the high court verdict during the vacation, which is ending on January 1. "We will comply with the high court's judgment," his counsel Anil Kumar Sharma told PTI. The 73-year-old former Congress leader was sentenced to life for the "remainder of his natural life" by the Delhi High Court on December 17 in a In its judgement, the high court had noted that over 2,700 Sikhs were killed in the capital during the 1984 riots which was indeed a "carnage of unbelievable proportions". It also said riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency. The court had further said that there has been a familiar pattern of mass killings since the Partition, like in Mumbai in 1993, Gujarat in 2002 and Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh in 2013, and the "common" feature of each was the "targeting of minorities" with the attacks being "spearheaded by the dominant political actors, facilitated by the law enforcement agencies". The case in which Kumar was convicted and sentenced related to the killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar part-I area in Palam Colony in South West Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar part II. ALSO READ: 1984 anti-Sikh riots: Sajjan Kumar moves SC against life imprisonment The riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her two Sikh bodyguards. The high court had on December 21 rejected Kumar's plea seeking extension till January 30 to surrender. The former Congress leader had sought more time to surrender, saying he had to settle the family affairs related to his children and property and also needs time to file appeal in the against the high court verdict. Sharma said they have removed the objections in their appeal filed in the apex court but since the court was on vacation till January 1, it was not likely to be taken up for hearing by December 31 and also the chances of mentioning for urgent listing of the appeal was not there. The will open on January 2 after the winter break. "We have removed the objections and the appeal in the apex court has been numbered. Presently, there are no benches in the Supreme Court. Even if we mention the matter for urgent hearing, the registrar will decide whether it will be heard by the bench. No time is left now," Kumar's counsel said. He said they are yet to engage a senior counsel who would represent Kumar before the apex court. ALSO READ: Sajjan Kumar resigns from Congress after conviction in 1984 riots case The former Congress leader had on December 22 approached the Supreme Court challenging the high court's judgment. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who is representing the riots victims, had earlier said that they had already filed a caveat in the apex court to pre-empt any ex-parte hearing in favour of Kumar. The high court had set aside the trial court's 2010 verdict which had acquitted Kumar in the case. The six accused, including Kumar who was a Member of Parliament at that time, were sent to be tried in 2010. The high court had also upheld the conviction and varying sentences awarded by the trial court to the other five -- former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former MLAs Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar. All six, including Kumar, were directed by the high court to surrender by December 31, and not leave Delhi in the mean time. The police claimed to have arrested on Thursday the man who allegedly shot an inspector dead during the Bulandshahr mob violence early this month. The arrest of Prashant Nat, around 26, in connection with the killing of Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh during the violence in Siyana area of Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district on December 3, takes the total number of accused held in this case to 29, police said. "During interrogation, he has confessed to his involvement in the violence and also admitted that he had shot the bullet which killed the inspector," said Atul Kumar Srivastava, additional superintendent of police (ASP), Bulandhshahr city. "We are interrogating him further to elicit other details and expect other information to emerge during the probe. Based on that information, we will move ahead with the probe in the case," the ASP said. A police official said Nat, a resident of Chingrawathi village of Siyana, was held from Sikandrabad, near the highway that leads to Noida, around 2.30 pm. He works part time as a driver in Delhi and nearby areas and, at other times, he works locally as a labourer, the official told PTI. "With this arrest, the total arrested in the violence case of December 3 has gone up to 29 now," he said. Five people were arrested on December 18 for their alleged roles in the mob violence and the cow-slaughtering cases. Three of them -- Nadeem, Raees and Kaala -- were arrested for their alleged involvement in the cow-slaughtering case, while two accused were nabbed by the state special task force (STF) for the subsequent violence after cow carcasses were found in a field. The inspector and a youth had died during the violence. The trio was not named in the initial FIR, which had seven accused, including two minors, but their names emerged in the case during probe. An FIR against 27 named people and 50-60 unidentified people was registered at the Siyana police station for the violence at the Chingrawathi police post after cattle carcasses were found strewn outside nearby Mahaw village. One of the main suspects among the 27 named in the FIR, local Bajrang Dal leader Yogesh Raj, is still at large, while an Army jawan, Jitendra Malik, has been arrested and remanded in custody. The stink from a coal mine in Meghalaya where 15 diggers have been trapped for nearly a fortnight could be of stagnant water, said rescuers on Thursday, rejecting media reports that the men could have died. Rescuers from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Coal India are expected to reach the 370-foot-deep illegal mine in East Jaintia Hills district on Friday and they will be aided by two teams from Kirloskar Brothers Ltd, a pipe company. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor The on Thursday said it has filed a charge sheet against a Vadodara-based electric cables and equipment making company in connection with a money-laundering probe in an alleged bank fraud case worth over Rs 26 billion. The agency said in a statement that it has filed the charge sheet or the prosecution complaint against the firm Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd (DPIL) and 14 others, including its directors and executives Amit Bhatnagar, Sumit Bhatnagar and Suresh Bhatnagar, before the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court of A C Joshi here. "In the prosecution complaint, a prayer has been made under section 4 of the for the confiscation of attached assets as well punishment for directors of DIPL, its directors and other accused persons involved in the case," the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said. The agency, in April this year, had attached assets worth over Rs 11.22 billion, including windmills and an under-construction hotel, of the company. DPIL is accused of cheating various banks to the tune of Rs 26.54 billion. The central probe agency had filed a criminal case against the firm and its promoters under the after taking cognisance of a CBI FIR. The Bhatnagar trio was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April. While Suresh was granted bail recently, his two sons -- Amit and Sumit -- are still lodged at the Sabarmati central prison here. The agency had said the company, DPIL, through its related entities, was able to gain funds "fraudulently" to the tune of Rs 2.61 billion by twisting and manipulating the facility of Letter of Credit (LC) from the banks. "When the banks conducted stock audits of DPIL it was found that a large part of the stock of goods was missing from their premises. The total of such missing stock during 2008-2018 is about Rs 4.5354 billion," the said. DPIL diverted Rs 58 million to UAE-based Diamond Power Global Holding Ltd., and about Rs 440 million to group company Northway Spaces Ltd, it said. The agency alleged in the charge sheet that "DPIL also diverted about $4,032,000 (approx Rs 210 million) to group company Mayfair Leisures Ltd through a series of UAE-based firms." DPIL also showed excess sales of about Rs 2.7 billion and false trade receivables to the tune of Rs 3.84 billion, it alleged. The agency had earlier said the promoters through a web of companies and cross holdings were found to be the "main decision makers", controllers and thus, the beneficial owners of the company and all the related companies. "Therefore, it appears there was little genuine business activity done by the Diamond group of companies and most of the business shown on records was from such fictitious transactions and this has resulted into default of Rs 26.544 billion to banks," the had said. The ED, which said the probe in the case is still under progress, had taken up the case to investigate if the alleged defaulted loans were laundered to create illegal assets and black money by the accused. The CBI had said DPIL, which manufactures electric cables and equipment, is promoted by S N Bhatnagar and his sons Amit Bhatnagar and Sumit Bhatnagar, who were also the executives of the firm. The loan amount of Rs 26.54 billion of the firm was declared a non-performing asset in 2016-17. The Goods and Services Tax department on Thursday said it has attached the bank accounts of Telugu superstar to recover dues from him. According to a press release issued by the Hyderabad Commissionarate, has not paid the during 2007-08 for the taxable services he rendered as brand ambassador, appearance money and advertising for promotion of products among others. "The total tax due from him was Rs 1.85 million. Today, the department has attached his bank accounts in Axis Bank and ICICI Bank for an amount of Rs 7.35 million, which includes tax, interest and penalty," it said. When contacted, a senior official of the department said failed to get any reprieve from any appellate authority on this issue. "We have attached the bank accounts and started recovering... We have recovered Rs 4.2 million from Axis Bank today. Balance, ICICI bank has to pay by tomorrow." Otherwise, action will be taken against ICICI Bank. Under section 74 of the Finance Act 1994, the bank is responsible for payment, sources told PTI. They further said the 43-year-old actor cannot operate the bank accounts until he settles the tax dues with the department. Private airline IndiGo is the "worst performing" carrier for consumers, while carrier has the best luggage policy, said parliamentary panel on civil aviation chairman Derek O' Brien. TMC MP O'Brien, who heads the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tourism, Culture, Road, Shipping and Aviation, Thursday said the panel had taken strong note that during festive season some were charging 8-10 times more than the normal fares. Addressing a press conference on the panel's latest report, he said,"Our committee is very clear that the worst performing airline for consumers is IndiGo. All 30 members agreed on this. IndiGo has not responded despite many complaints. The way they behave with consumers and charge for just one kg or two kg overweight of air baggage..." "Every single member (of the panel) is disgusted with the way some private are operating but more so with IndiGo, it is discourteous. The airline is very rigid, IndiGo even charges for one-two kg overweight, this has not been taken very well and the committee is looking into the matter seriously," he said. O'Brien asserted these were not only his views but of all members of the panel who are from different parties. Underlining that there were many problems in the aviation sector, the TMC leader said, "The committee has recommended that cancellation charges can't be more than 50 per cent of basic fare. Tax and fuel surcharge collected should be refunded to passengers. are charging too much." On the luggage policy, Brien said the carrier had the best luggage policy and the other private airlines should also enhance the baggage limit. " has best luggage policy...the maximum luggage limit prescribed by the airlines, except Air India, should be enhanced," he said, adding that baggage charges are also on higher side. Brien said there are five ministries under the purview of the standing committee unlike other panels, where there is only one ministry. He also applauded Nitin Gadkari, who is heading the Shipping Ministry for improvement in cargo handling in India. Jet Airways on Thursday shifted 71 Mangalore-bound passengers to another flight after detecting smoke in an aircraft in Bengaluru, said a source in the airline. The plane was parked in the bay when someone spotted smoke at around 7 am. Jet said it arranged another aircraft to operate its flight to Managalore from Bengaluru due to a "technical snag." "There were fumes due to heating up of the brakes. As a result, all passengers were deplaned and shifted to another aircraft," the source said. Due to the incident, the flight was delayed by an hour and 20 ... It was hardly surprising that right wingers would get outraged about Naseeruddin Shahs recent comments about growing instances of mob violence and how the death of a cow was given more importance than the killing of a policeman. Hindutva warriors see, in every critical remark about what is happening in India at the moment, an indictment of their idol Narendra Modi. In their worldview, such criticism is conflated as being somehow anti-Hindu; add cow to the mix, and their anger becomes incendiary. Besides, Shah is a Muslim and to them, a Muslim speaking his mind is nothing ... A local leader said on Thursday that no other film will be allowed to clash with the biopic of Sena founder Bal Thackeray, set to release next month. The party, however, distanced itself from the threat. Bala Lokare, secretary of Chitrapat Sena, a Sena-affiliated film workers' union, said in a social media post that the party will not allow any other film to release on January 25. If anyone tried to release a film on that day, he will get a reply in "the Sena's style", he said. The biopic "Thackeray", produced by Sena MP Sanjay Raut and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, is slated for release on January 25. Raut clarified that Lokare was not articulating the party's position. "This was the Shiv Sainik's (Sena worker's) personal stand. This stand has not been adopted by the party," Raut said. The film's trailer was launched Wednesday. According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification has taken exception to certain scenes in the film referring to Babri Masjid and the south Indian community in Mumbai. The government has been asking WhatsApp, Facebook and other messenger services to store their data in India; there is also a new telecom policy on the cards that aims to regulate how data is transmitted. WhatsApp has also limited the number of forwards of a text to five at one time, to check false messages from going viral, and has also started ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor With the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in mind, the government is looking at a sort of income support scheme for farmers, along with tweaking some existing programmes, to make them more beneficial and improve their acceptability among growers. On account of this, the exchequer could take a hit of Rs 600-700 billion a year and the is looking at options to share the burden with states, officials said. Free crop insurance and tweaking the credit schemes are also being considered as part of the measures. The Central government is under pressure to do something for farmers, following the ruling BJP's defeat in three big states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. An option to incorporate income support schemes into the ongoing umbrella programme PM-ASHAA could be considered. Officials in the know said hectic parleys had been held on the broad contours of the proposals in the past few days among Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and senior bureaucrats of the ministries concerned along with the new chief economic advisor, Krishnamurthy Subramanian. Some sort of consensus seems to building towards following the Telangana model of Rythu Bandhu nationally but on a scaled-down version in the initial stages, targeting the most marginal farmers, initially those owning land. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who pioneered the Rythu Bandhu scheme, met Prime Minister Modi recently and explained the finer points of the scheme to him. Of late, Odisha, along with BJP-ruled Jharkhand, had announced their own income-support schemes on a per-acre and per-family basis, on the lines of Rythu Bandhu. ALSO READ: Lok Sabha polls 2019: Drop in crop prices can wilt Modi's re-election bid Officials said rough estimates showed 90-110 million extremely small and marginal farmers, largely those who owned land, could be targeted nationally. However, before the national roll-out, the first phase could be started in the form of pilot in select districts. Tenant who are not part of the parent scheme could get into it at a later stage. Officials, however, have strongly discounted any proposal of a blanket nationwide loan waiver for as being demanded by the Congress on the grounds that it isnt on the agenda of the government. They say the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is exploring two timelines: Either to announce a package in the upcoming 2019-20 budget, to be presented on February 1, or announce something before that after the Winter Session of Parliament ends. A number of officials are learnt to have advised the PMO to announce a package in the next three weeks. Currently, under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), are charged a premium at the uniform rate of 2 per cent for all Kharif crops, 1.5 per cent for all Rabi crops, and 5 per cent for commercial and horticulture crops. Telangana model To prevent farmers from falling into a debt trap, Telangana govt started the agriculture investment support scheme 'Rythu Bandhu' on May 10 Under the scheme, a grant of Rs 4,000 per acre is given to eligible farmers in each season (kharif and rabi) for purchase of inputs like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and labour as investment support Estimates show that 5.9 million farmers are covered under the initiative, and the total burden on the exchequer is around Rs 120 billion Main criticism of the scheme is that around 1.5 million tenant farmers aren't covered under it. Besides, experts say it remains to be seen whether direct income support compensates for fall in prices Even this could be waived to make insurance free for farmers, a senior official privy to the discussions said. That apart, officials said another proposal being considered was expanding the ambit of short-term crop loans so that more farmers were encouraged to join the formal credit structure. Mandi receipts could be accepted as valid documents for small loans. The is working on permutations and combinations as to whether the expenditure (Rs 600-700 billion) would be shared in the ratio of 70:30 between the Central government and states, or 60:40 or 50:50 as is the case with various existing programmes, the senior official commented. Officials of other ministries said several drawbacks of the scheme had been pointed out and the highest authorities were considering them. Meanwhile, critics say simply adopting the direct income support scheme nationally will not solve all the problems of the agriculture sector and there should be state- and crop-specific solutions. If the onion price crashes to Rs 1 per kg, what can a direct income support scheme like Rythu Bandhu do? asked former agriculture secretary Shiraz Hussain. BS POLL Do you think govt's new e-commerce guidelines preventing deep discounts and regulating prices make online shopping less attractive? Yes No Can't Say Submit VIEW ALL POLLS A day after the government tightened norms for foreign direct investment (FDI) in e-commerce, highly placed sources said a new draft policy, to be announced in a few weeks, would plug some of the loopholes that still weigh in favour of major players such as Amazon and Flipkart. E-commerce firms still have deep discounting and predatory pricing on their platforms. Many also have subsidiaries via which they source most of the goods sold online. During the past one year, the department has received several complaints from trader bodies, retailers as well as consumer ... The new changes to (FDI) policy for e-commerce will bring in a level playing field for brick-and-mortar retailers, said domestic retailers Business Standard spoke to. The Union government announced new changes to the FDI policy for e-commerce, aimed at checking predatory pricing and deep discounting. The government barred e-commerce players from forcing vendors to have exclusive deals on its portals. The government also aimed at enforcing a cap of 25 per cent on the inventory that a marketplace entity or its group companies purchases from a vendor. The FDI-funded discounting was making it difficult for offline retailers and other players to sell effectively. These (new changes) will bring a level playing field in many categories, said Rakesh Biyani, joint managing director, Future Retail. Biyani said the new policy changes will help domestic companies to build a robust business model. The decision came in the backdrop of several complaints being flagged by domestic traders on heavy discounts being given by e- commerce players to consumers. Many sellers had flagged concerns that the e-commerce giants were using their affiliates and exclusive sales agreements to create an unfair marketplace and offering some products at deep discounts. Kumar Rajagopalan, chief executive of Retailers Association of India, an industry body of retailers, said Indian companies would get opportunities similar to what Chinese companies had received initially, which led to the building of Chinese giants such as Alibaba, Tencent, and JD. The government should appoint agencies to ensure compliance of norms and probe any flouting of norms and initiate action against such marketplaces, Rajagopalan said. With the new changes, marketplaces will remain marketplaces and not act as sellers, he said. According to the FDI policy on e-commerce sector, while 100 per cent FDI under automatic route is permitted in the marketplace model of e-commerce, FDI is not permitted in inventory-based model of e-commerce. The new changes will definitely help multi-channel retailers, said Vasanth Kumar, managing director of Lifestyle, a department store chain. A move to create a registry of serial offenders, who dupe the general insurance companies with fraudulent claims, is a welcome step but the authorities should not go on an overdrive, say experts. The initiative, which is at an initial stage of discussion, will protect the good customers and also keep the premiums at a moderate level, they say. But, there are some concerns on its implementation. Experts believe that in order to make this initiative work, the authorities should take precautionary measures to ensure that the process is foolproof and no genuine customer gets ... The banking industry has yet to recover from its crisis of stressed assets and it faces a new situation, of a spate of strikes by bank unions. The first strike took place on December 21, and the next is scheduled for December 26. Both crises demonstrate that bank managements do not learn from the past. The principal issue for the first strike was the refusal of bank managements, led by the Indian Banks Association (IBA), to include the entire officers class in the ambit of bipartite wage negotiations on the grounds that five out of 20 public sector ... On Nov. 6, 2017, at least 20 people trying to reach Europe from Libya drowned in the Mediterranean, foundering next to a sinking raft. Not far from the raft was a ship belonging to Sea-Watch, a German humanitarian organization. That ship had enough space on it for everyone who had been aboard the raft. It could have brought them all to the safety of Europe, where they might have had a chance at being granted asylum. Instead, 20 people drowned and 47 more were captured by the Libyan Coast Guard, which brought the migrants back to Libya, where they suffered abuse including ... President Trump visited American military forces on Wednesday in Iraq, making his first trip to troops stationed in a combat zone only days after announcing his intention to withdraw the United States from foreign wars in Syria and Afghanistan. The trip, shrouded in secrecy, came during a partial government shutdown and less than a week after Mr. Trump disrupted the military status quo and infuriated even some of his political allies by announcing plans to withdraw all troops from Syria and about half from Afghanistan. The presidents decision on Syria led to the resignation ... Triple Talaq Bill ensures the right of women and justice, said Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad after tabling the Bill in the Parliament. While addressing the house, Prasad said, "This bill is not against any community, religion or belief. This bill is for the rights of women and about justice." The fresh Triple Talaq Bill intends to make the practice of instant Triple Talaq among Muslims an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with the provision of three-year jail for the husband. The Bill, earlier introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, will replace the ordinance issued by the Central government in September this year, banning the instant triple talaq. The Bill was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed unconstitutional the law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession. Prasad further advocated the Triple Talaq Bill, by highlighting that 20 Islamic states have banned it. "20 Islamic nations have banned Triple Talaq, then why can't a secular nation like India? I request that this should not be looked through the prism of politics," he said in the Lok-Sabha. Treading a similar path BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi questioned politicos opposing the Bill, saying "those against the Triple Talaq Bill here that in which suraa of the holy Quran is talaq-e-biddat mentioned? This is not he versus she, these are issues of human rights violation." Meanwhile, the Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) demanded that the Bill be sent to Joint Select Committee for thorough study. "This is a very important bill which needs detailed study. It is also a constitutional matter. I request the bill be sent to joint select committee" said Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. "We also request the Triple Talaq Bill be sent to joint select committee, all opposition is of the same opinion," Sudip Bandyopadhyay of TMC said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal threatened to smash the head of a journalist, who asked him about the prospects of an alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Assam, the 68-year-old leader on Thursday apologised to the scribe, asserting that it was a "mistake". "I have been in for the last 13 years, it never happened. That was a mistake, please forgive me. I accept that I should not have done it," Ajmal, who is an MP from Dhubri, told ANI. During a press conference in Guwahati on Wednesday, the journalist had asked Ajmal if he would ally with Congress or BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Instead of responding to the question, Ajmal lost his cool and threatened the journalist saying he would smash the scribe's head. He allegedly tried to hit the journalist too, while his supporters forced the scribe to tender apologies publicly. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Myanmar is a multi-ethnic country which is enriched by all kinds of delicious dishes and here 'Ajinomoto' products are so popular that they have become an essential part of everyone's food. The Ajinomoto group produces and sells various seasonings and processed foods in more than 130 countries and regions globally. Their products are used and loved by several countries, especially Myanmar. "Ajinomoto is the only MSG product in Myanmar which uses Thai MSG. We only deliver the most reliable and safest seasoning to the Myanmar people, in other words, we deliver only real 'Ajinomoto' to every market in Myanmar," said Katsutoshi Saito of Myanmar Ajinomoto Foods. Katsutoshi further mentions that Ajinomoto is made in the "most sophisticated factory" in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone. "The factory is clean, hygienic, and organised, in order to make pure products which are safe and trustworthy," Katsutoshi Saito added. "I promise, in order to contribute to the Myanmar people, we Myanmar Ajinomoto Foods Company will never deceive the consumers and we will do our best to deliver our products to all people in Myanmar," he added. Myanmar Ajinomoto Foods was established in February in 2016. "There are strict standards and rules for producing safe and high-quality products around the in the Ajinomoto Group. Because we, Myanmar Ajinomoto Foods, use those same standards, we are able to produce safe and high-quality products for the people of Myanmar," Khaing War Htun, another official from the group stated. "The company lives up to their corporate motto - "Eat well, live well" - and all of the employees are working hard to deliver deliciousness to people," the official added. Khin Thu Thu Zaw from the sales team at Myanmar Ajinomoto Foods said, "My job is to support the sales teams, but not only that, I cooperate with other departments in the company. I am happy to feel great teamwork between departments, and I'm very satisfied to work as a team member." Myanmar Ajinomoto Foods also opened two new sales stock points in Mawlamyaing and Magwe, in order to deliver delicious tastes to more people throughout the country. "I feel very happy when I see consumers buying many of our products. There are times when I feel a bit tired, but the feeling of happiness blows them away in seconds. The strong feeling of workers to deliver good quality products to more people and places continue to contribute to social life in Myanmar," a salesman said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of the trailer launch, Anupam Kher thanked Akshaye Khanna and the team of his much-awaited film 'The Accidental Prime Minister'. Reflecting on his journey with Akshaye, the 'A Wednesday' actor called him the most giving co-actor in a heartfelt note on his Instagram account. Anupam shared a video featuring him with Akshaye dressed up as their film characters. The two can be seen walking together. "Dear @akshaye_khanna!! I know I will get many opportunities to thank you but today being the release of our trailer of #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister I want to say that you have been an amazing and most giving co-actor. Your brilliance rubbed on me and it helped me bring out my best. You are an inspiration. See you at the trailer launch. Jai Ho," he wrote. Sharing his excitement, he also thanked the entire team of the biographical drama film. The 63-year-old actor posted two pictures alongside a caption which read, "Wishing the entire team of #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister good luck on the release of our trailer today. It has been great but tough journey. Thank you @vijay.gutte @sunil_s_bohra @akshaye_khanna #JayantiBhaiGada #HansalMehta #AshokPandit #SachinKrishn and the complete cast and crew for your love and support. We have all really worked very hard on the film. Lets hope our hard work reaches out to the world." Based on the 2014 memoir of the same name, written by Manmohan Singh's media adviser Sanjay Baru, 'The Accidental Prime Minister' revolves around Singh's life, the economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Anupam is portraying the role of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the film. It also stars Akshay Khanna as Sanjay Baru, Arjun Mathur and Aahana Kumra as Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi, respectively. Suzanne Bernert is essaying the role of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Helmed by debutant Vijay Gutte and written by Hansal Mehta, the flick is slated to release on January 11, 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) If you are a Netflix subscriber and have received a strange email, it is likely to be another phishing scam. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning for a reported email phishing scam targeted at users of the streaming service. In a phishing scam, scammers can use fake emails to pose as authentic company in order to steal personal data of the users such as account numbers, social security numbers, even passwords. According to Mashable, FTC has warned Netflix users to avoid clicking on a suspicious email that asks for personal information to be sent over an email over 'some trouble' with the current billing information. Netflix clarifies that it never asks for any personal information to be sent over email. If you have received the email, the first thing to do is not to click on anything within the email and look for signs of suspicious emails such as bad grammar and spelling error or if there is no user name. Users are encouraged to report such email to Netflix's Help Center or forward it to phishing@netflix.com. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, who is on his maiden visit to India after assuming office last month, met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale here on Thursday. The meeting took place at Hotel Taj Mahal. Earlier in the day, Tshering arrived in India on a three-day visit to the country at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. His state visit to India is happening during the golden jubilee year of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan. On Friday, the Bhutanese Prime Minister will receive a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. He will also lay a wreath at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Rajghat. Tshering is slated to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, following which he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for delegation-level talks. The two sides are expected to discuss economic cooperation, strategic cooperation and defence among other issues. Following the deliberations, press statements by the two prime ministers would take place. Tshering is also scheduled to meet various ministers during his visit, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu and Union Minister (Independent Charge) of Power and New and Renewable Energy Raj Kumar Singh. On Saturday, the Bhutanese Prime Minister will meet President Ram Nath Kovind before emplaning back to his country after the completion of his engagements. "India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, based on utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels. The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in our multifaceted partnership and to discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples," read a statement from the External Affairs Ministry. In the third general elections in Bhutan in October, Tshering-led Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) swept the polls, garnering at least 30 seats, with royalist Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) winning the remaining 17 in the 47-member lower house of the country's Parliament. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The mechanical branch of Central Railways' Nagpur division has introduced a new state-of-the-art technology called Automated Train Examination System (ATES) for the enhancement of train safety. The system, developed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, eliminates manual examination of trains and measures axle box temperature, wheel disc temperature and records the under-gear of rolling stock of running trains through infrared and other cameras. ATES also checks every train passing through the track on which it is installed and immediately warns about hot axle and brake binding cases. In the first phase, this system has been installed in Ajni. "Total two units have been installed in Ajni at two places on the railway track, one near Ajni Railway 'A' Cabin which covers all down direction trains coming from Chennai and Mumbai to Nagpur and the other near Ajni Basic Training Centre, which covers up direction freight trains coming in Ajni Yard. Each unit has two cameras and four sensors, which are installed on both sides of the track. As soon as the train passes through this track, all the sensors and cameras get activated and monitor every movement of the train," a press statement read. The sensors record the temperature of the axle box bearings of the train and the wheel. As soon as the temperature exceeds its threshold limit, alert messages are generated by the system indicating the excessive temperature of bearings and/or brake binding. After the alert message is received, the Railway engineers examine the train in the yard and attend the fault, thus avoiding potential danger. "Similarly, cameras record video of the fast-moving train and by watching this recording in 'slow motion' any defect can be identified and the potential danger can be avoided," the statement added. The video recordings and temperature sensor record can be kept stored for a long time. The ATES was inaugurated remotely by General Manager Central Railway Devendra Kumar Sharma at Betul station, on December 18, during the annual inspection of Itrasi- Amla section. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The decision on the granting of consular access to the British High Commission for Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland scam, has not been taken yet, sources confirmed. This comes after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), on December 10, agreed to the British High Commission's request for consular access to the Britain. Sources added that Michel has access to his legal counsel and has been speaking to his family, in line with the orders from a Delhi court on December 11. On December 22, a Delhi court sent Michel to the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) custody for seven days, while also dismissing his bail plea. Michel was arrested on December 5 after being extradited to India from Dubai. He was later sent to CBI custody. The Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal, finalised during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's tenure, was mired in allegations of kickbacks. 54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with former India's Air Force Chief, Air Marshal SP Tyagi, among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Congress MP in a major embarrassment on Thursday goofed up between Meghalaya and Mizoram while moving an adjournment motion in Parliament over miners trapped in a north-eastern state. Congress MP from Shillong Vincent H Pala moved the adjournment motion stating that there is a need to rescue miners trapped in East Jaintia Hills of Mizoram whereas the incident has happened in Meghalaya. Around 15 miners have been trapped in an illegal coal mine at Kasan village of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district for the past two weeks. Congress president Rahul Gandhi took a swipe earlier at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to rescue the miners and tweeted, "15 miners have been struggling for air in a flooded coal mine for two weeks. Meanwhile, PM struts about on Bogibeel Bridge posing for cameras. His government refuses to organise high pressure pumps for the rescue. PM please save the miners." Gandhi also pointed out that the Modi government has failed to provide sufficient equipment, including high-pressure pumps for the rescue mission of miners. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma earlier said that rescue teams have been facing challenges to evacuate the trapped miners stating that the high water level is making the operation difficult. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday demanded the Triple Talaq bill to be sent to the Joint Select Committee, saying that the bill is against the Constitution and the fundamental rights. "The bill which has been presented is against the Constitution. It is against fundamental rights. We have asked for the bill to be sent to Joint Select Committee to get justice for Muslim women. They (BJP) wanted to pass it as the Lok Sabha polls are approaching," Kharge told ANI. A number of opposition parties, including the Congress, AIADMK and TMC, staged a walk out of the House just before the bill was put to vote as their demand for sending it to a Joint Select Committee was not accepted. The legislation, which makes the practice a criminal offence with a provision of a three-year jail term for the erring husband, replaces an Ordinance issued by the government in September. It was passed by the Lower House of Parliament after the government asserted that it should not be seen from the prism of as 20 Islamic countries have already banned the practice and not secular India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Japan will soon negotiate a logistics sharing deal that would allow their armed forces to share military facilities, sources said here on Thursday. The logistics pact, called Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), is expected to enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two countries. The deal is also seen as a way to counter China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean. Negotiations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the logistics agreement took place during the former's visit to Japan in October. While the deal will not only allow the navies of the two nations to cooperate with greater interoperability, it will also allow them to have access to their respective ports and bases. In November, India and Japan conducted their first land-based joint military exercise. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary Bhaiyaji Joshi on Thursday said that India never considered Pakistan its enemy whereas Islamabad has always treated New Delhi as its foe. "The problem increases several folds when our bordering states look at us as an enemy. India has never considered Pakistan as its enemy while Pakistan has always considered India as its enemy," said Joshi while speaking at an event on security here. He further said that Bangladesh government has resorted to "passive attack" through infiltration. "We may not have war with Bangladesh but there is a kind of passive attack through infiltration. I am not saying that Bangladesh government is doing this but it is a fact that the government there doesn't worry about it at all," he added. Joshi also said that China considers India as its enemy. "We have never considered China as our enemy but China always behaved with us in such a manner that it appears that it stands in front of us as our enemy," said the RSS leader. The RSS leader opined that the huge amount of expenditure incurred on the defence sector could be saved if these neighbouring countries become India's friend. "In budget, we have to spend a huge amount on our Army. If these countries become our friend then that amount could have been saved and invested in development," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's manufacturing-based export of leather, leather products, and footwear increased by 5.25 per cent in terms of the rupee during Aril-October period of the current fiscal as compared to the last corresponding period, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday. "As per the information received from Council for Leather Exports (CLE), the manufacturing based export of leather, leather products and footwear from India increased. During the current year, exports showed an increase of 5.25 per cent in rupee terms as compared to the same period last year," stated Minister of State of Commerce and Industry C R Chaudhary in a written reply. India exported leather, leather products and footwear of Rs 217505.94 million in April-October period of 2017, which went up to Rs 228929.42 million during the current year's corresponding period, thus registering a growth of 5.25 per cent. "Leather industry occupies a prominent place in the industrial map of the country. India is the second largest producer of footwear, second largest exporter of leather garments, the fifth largest exporter of leather goods and third largest exporter of saddlery and harness items," said the minister in the written reply. According to the minister, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are major production and export centres of leather, leather products, and footwear. As per the membership records of CLE, Uttar Pradesh contributed a share of 31.35 per cent in total exports of leather, leather products and footwear from the country while Maharashtra contributed 2.28 per cent during 2016-17. As per information received from Council for Leather Exports (CLE), the manufacturing based export of leather, leather products and footwear from India increased from USD 5.65 billion in 2016-17 to USD 5.74 billion in 2017-18, growing by 1.65 per cent. "The exports showed a decline of 9.84 per cent and 3.56 per cent in dollar terms during 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively," he further said. "The major reasons for the decline in exports are due to external factors, namely, recession in the major market of European Union, to which about 55 per cent of exports are directed, instability in middle-east, stiff competition from polyurethane garments to the leather garments segment, decrease in demand of non-leather footwear in African countries due to emergence of production centres in those countries and competition from China and decrease in global imports of finished leather," added the minister in the reply. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The identity certificate of the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who has been out of India and residing in the US since May 2017, is invalid and he has not applied for Indian visa, it has been learnt. It was also learnt that the Karmapa holds a Dominican passport, which he never revealed to the Indian authorities. According to the procedure, the identity certificate, which is issued to stateless citizens, gets cancelled once they get a foreign passport. It is learnt that India is ready to give him a visa and he is free to come and reside in India. The Karmapa, who is the head of the powerful Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, was expected to return to India to participate in 13th Religious Conference on Tibetan Buddhism that was to be organised at Dharamshala from November 29 to December 1. However, it was indefinitely postponed due to the sudden death of Kathok Getse Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma Council, in an accident. According to reports, the Karmapa had travelled to the US on an identification certificate. He has, however, acquired the nationality of Dominican Republic. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after Gordhan Zadafia was appointed by the BJP as an in-charge of Uttar Pradesh for next year's general elections, the former Gujarat minister said he was "touched" by the responsibility given to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I am touched by responsibility given by the Prime Minister to me. I have worked with him for almost three decades. What happened earlier is past, I had merged my party again in BJP in 2014 realising personal egos should be kept aside for sake of nation," Zadafia told ANI. On Wednesday, the BJP handed over the 2019 Lok Sabha election responsibility of the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh to Gordhan Zadafia, a former Gujarat minister who had fallen out with Narendra Modi when he was the Chief Minister of the state. Zadafia, a 64-year-old RSS veteran, was given the charge of UP as part of organisational changes made by the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Considered close to sidelined BJP leader Sanjay Joshi, Zadafia had turned a Modi-critic after being dropped from the Gujarat Cabinet in 2002. He had subsequently left the party and floated Maha Gujarat Janata Party, which even contested polls against the BJP in 2007 but failed to make any mark. Later, he merged his party with Gujarat Parivartan Party headed by another disgruntled BJP leader Keshubhai Patel and contested polls against the BJP, but again failed to make any impact. In 2014, he returned to the BJP, which made him in-charge of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday along with the party's Vice President Dushyant Kumar Gautam and Madhya Pradesh leader Narottam Mishra, for the Lok Sabha elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Solar farms installed by Japanese Company 'Kyocera' and Thai Company 'SPCG Public Company' are attracting attention nowadays as a source of renewable energy. Solar panels lined up on the roof of factories are called 'solar farms'. At the 'Aman Nakkorn Industrial Estate' in Thailand, many factories belonging to Japanese companies are using 'solar farm'. SPCG is equipped with solar panels manufactured by Kyocera and manages the power supply by solar farms. Wandee Khunchornyakong Juljarern, the CEO of SPCG Public Company says, "SPCG is the first company that started solar energy business in Thailand back in 2010 with great support from Kyocera Corporation. We have also improved solar roof business for Japanese industry in Thailand with great support from the Thai government's Board of Investment (BOI)." She further mentioned, "That helped reduce 50% of investment from corporate tax, so right now we are heading for solar roof business for Japanese industry in Thailand with 7,000 companies and BOI privilege is up to 2018, so we would like to expand as much as possible for the benefit of the companies by using clean energy and helping in fighting climate change." The SPCG CEO is a well-known expert in renewable energy in Thailand. Meanwhile, Kazunori Minamikawa from Kyocera Asia Pacific highlights, "A very important point is a high-quality solar panel, long-term reliability and after-sales service. We can provide one-stop service with our strong local partner, SPCG." Kazunori goes on to give the example of Honda Lock Thai, a company that manufactures automotive parts, which has a solar farm installed on the roof of its factory. Sanya Pha-ngern from Honda Lock Thai outlines, "Our company aims to help the by energy saving. At the request of our customers, we set a goal to reduce CO2 emissions to 1% or less. Hence, by introducing the solar cell project, our electricity usage has decreased, and this has also helped us in reducing cost." Climate change is an important global issue and Kyocera's effort to spread renewable energy in Southeast Asia is achieving success through deep partnerships with local companies like SPCG. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant on Wednesday urged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government to be "daring" enough to implement a legislation for the construction of the Ram Temple, like it has done on the triple talaq issue. Addressing the debate on the Triple Talaq bill in the Lok Sabha today, Sawant said that despite the Supreme Court's verdict, the government implemented a legislation to abolish a practice of triple talaq. "Similarly, the Supreme Court is saying that the Ram Temple issue is not urgent. But we can't stay quiet for long. The whole country is yearning for the construction of the temple. The daring you are showing in the triple talaq issue, show the same there (Ram Temple issue)," Sawant said. The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit till January 2019. However, pressure is being mounted on the BJP to initiate construction of the temple in Ayodhya. While saying that "Justice delayed is justice denied," Sawant said his party, an ally of the BJP-led NDA, had given assurances to people that they will ensure the construction for the temple starts as soon as their government is elected to power. He further stated that his party had promised that the Article 370, which gives special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, will be abolished as soon as their government is elected to power. "You listen to these demands, the Shiv Sena is with you," Sawant said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid a walkout by some Opposition parties, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed a bill which proposes to make the practice of instant Triple Talaq an offence under the Indian Penal Code with the provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband. The bill legislation, which replaces an Ordinance issued by the government in September, was passed by after the government strongly defended the measure, asserting that it should not be seen from the prism of as 20 Islamic countries have already banned the practice and not the secular India. Some Opposition parties, including the Congress, AIADMK and TMC, however, kept insisting on sending the bill to a Joint Select Committee and walked out of the House just before the bill was put to vote as their demand was not accepted. Opposition parties like RSP, AIMIM and BJD did not walk out of the House but moved some amendments which were negated. The Bill was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed unconstitutional the law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering the word "talaq" three times in quick succession. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's manufacturing sector growth as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with the base year 2011-12 has been consistently increasing over the past three years, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday. During 2015-16, growth rate in manufacturing sector as per IIP was 2.8 per cent, 4.4 per cent in 2016-17, 4.6 per cent in 2017-18, while 5.6 per cent (provisional) during April-October in the current fiscal, as per the information given by Minister of State for Commerce an Industry CR Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. "Overall performance of the manufacturing sector is an interplay of several factors like domestic demand, demand for exports, level of investment and prevailing prices. Several steps to boost domestic manufacturing are being taken as part of schemes such as Start-up India, Ease of Doing Business, Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme, Reform Action Plan and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy," said Chaudhary. "Further, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy and procedures have been simplified and liberalised progressively. The Government has notified North East Industrial Development scheme (NEIDS) to continue benefits for the industrial units in North Eastern Region and Industrial Development Schemes for J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand," he further said. "The scheme for budgetary support to the eligible units located in the States of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, North-Eastern States including Sikkim under GST regime has also been notified," the minister further added. The minister said that 'Make in India' initiative was launched in 2014, which "aims at promoting India as an important investment destination and a global hub in manufacturing, design, and innovation. This initiative also aims to create a conducive environment for investment, development of modern and efficient infrastructure, opening up new sectors for foreign investment and forging a partnership between the government and industry through a positive mindset. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Martial Law was lifted in Ukraine on Wednesday, a month after Russia seized three of its naval ships in the Kerch Strait last month, announced President Petro Poroshenko. An emergency was imposed in 10 regions of Ukraine along the Black Sea and Ukraine's borders with Moldova and Russia, reported Euronews. Martial Law had prohibited Russian men of combat age from entering the country. It also allowed the authorities to ban public gatherings and put security forces, including reservists, on high alert. Sanctions against Russia are in talks in Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, stated Poroshenko. Tense relations have prevailed between Russia and Ukraine since November 25, when Russia impounded two small gunboats and one tugboat belonging to Ukraine, along with the detaining the Ukrainian crew on board. Russia has since stated that Ukraine provoked the country by crossing the Russian maritime border despite Russia's warning to stop. Both the European Union and the United States have supported Ukraine amid the row and have slammed Russia while calling for the immediate release of the detained crewmen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India believes that by releasing Indian Hamid Ansari, Pakistan has not done any favour, sources said. Ansari was detained and arrested six years back after he went to Pakistan to meet a woman whom he had befriended through social media. He returned to India on December 18 after completing a three-year prison sentence in a Pakistani jail. Responding to the same, sources said: "Hamid Ansari's sentence was three years so it is not that Pakistan has done any favour." Regarding Kulbhushan Jadhav case, India is not very optimistic and it is a matter of concern, sources further said. Pakistan has claimed that Jadhav was arrested from Balochistan for alleged involvement in espionage and subversive activities for India's intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). India has rubbished all allegations and charges laid down by Pakistan and maintains that Jadhav was a former naval officer, and after retiring from the Indian Navy, he was in Iran for business interests when he was kidnapped. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April last year. Subsequently, India approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May, following which the ICJ passed an order obligating Islamabad not to carry out the death sentence awarded to Jadhav. The proceedings regarding Jadhav's case are ongoing in the ICJ, with a public hearing scheduled in February next year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pakistani intelligence agencies are behind the murder of Mohajir political leader, Ali Raza Abidi, claimed the chairman of Voice of Karachi and Mohajir leader, Nadeem Nusrat, on Wednesday. "I would like to say categorically that Abidi's assassination was masterminded by Pakistani Intelligence agencies. I am 100 per cent confident that mercenaries hired by them killed Abidi, despite what is being portrayed by the intelligence agencies and the Pakistani media under compulsion," Nusrat said in a video message. Abidi was killed in Karachi, a Mohajir majority city, on Sunday, by two gunmen riding on a motorbike outside his doorstep when he was returning from his office, a statement issued by Voice of Karachi mentioned. "This has been the practice of the Pakistani Intelligence agencies - To hire hitmen, give them 9mm pistols with some level of training and some amount and the assurance that they would never be harmed or tried. This is how they actually use and radicalise unemployed youth to carry out their sinister motives in Karachi," Nusrat said in the statement. He also said that the slain former legislator was a fierce critic of Pakistani deep state's undemocratic policies and their blatant interference in civilian affairs, particularly their role in creating various factions within Mohajirs' representative political party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). "He was also a known critic of Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who was brought into power by Pakistan's powerful military establishment through a heavily rigged election in July this year," the statement added. Nusrat, in his video message, also talked about the treatment of minorities in Pakistan asserting, "Abidi was also a Shia Muslim and we all know that in a very radicalised environment in Pakistan how people from the Shia, Hindu and other communities including Christians, Ahmadis are being targetted. The treatment of the Hazara and the Pashtun and people from Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan - it's evident. Everybody knows about it." "It is not a secret that Pakistan is run by its military establishment whose almost all hierarchy hails from Punjab. This Punjabi elite uses Pakistan, Karachi in particular, as a money-making machine and treats non-Punjabi ethnic groups and religious minorities as if they are subjects of Punjab," Nusrat added. According to the statement, since 2016, many officials of Pakistan's powerful military intelligence agencies, including Pakistan's Inter Service Agency (ISI), had repeatedly warned Ali Raza Abidi to stop using social media platforms, or at least stop criticising establishment's policies directly or indirectly. Ali, who firmly believed in what he was doing, refused to be deterred and was killed. Nusrat further said that he doesn't have any high hopes that justice will be served. "We don't have any hope that the system in Pakistan would provide Mohajirs with any justice. The killers of Pakistan's first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, were never apprehended, never caught, never tried. The killers behind the massacres in Karachi, in which tens of thousands of Mohajirs were killed were never actually arrested or tried. So we don't have any high hopes," he stated. He also urged the United Nations (UN) to intervene in this "serious" matter and demanded Pakistan to allow a UN-led team of experts to investigate this murder, and similar cases of murder in the past. US Congressman Thomas Garrett also condemned Abidi's killing and tweeted, "Targeted killings of political leaders are a leading indicator of an oppressive society. Whether government sanctioned or internal dispute, the killing of Ali Raza Abidi doesn't bode well for the present, the future, or minority rights in South Asia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has kept nine departments with himself including Finance, Excise, Home, and Legal, while Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot has got Public Works Department (PWD), Rural Development (RD), Statistics, and Science and Technology, Panchayati Raj Institutions. Governor Kalyan Singh, on the recommendation of Chief Minister Gehlot, on Wednesday night allocated to the Council of Ministers, comprising 13 Cabinet ministers and 10 Ministers of State. The 23 newly inducted ministers including one from the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) took oath at Raj Bhavan on Monday. Among the Cabinet ministers, BD Kalla has been allocated four departments including Power, while Shanti Kumar Dhariwal will look after the responsibilities of Parliamentary Affairs along with two other portfolios. Parsadi Lal Meena is the in-charge of Industries including one more department, while Master Bhanwar Lal Meghwal has been given the responsibility of Disaster Management and Relief Department, and Social Justice and Empowerment Department. Lal Chand Kataria has got Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Departments while Raghu Sharma has been given the charge of Health Department among others. Among Ministers of State, Govind Singh Dotasara will look after Primary and Middle Education Department (independent charge) besides Tourism, and Devsthan Department while Mamta Bhupesh has been given the charge of four portfolios including Waqf Board, and Women and Child Development (Independent charge). RLD's Subhash Garg has been assigned six portfolios including Technical Education and Department of Information and Public Relations. In Rajasthan where the Assembly poll was held in 199 seats out of 200, the Congress bagged 99 seats, and the BJP 73. BSP got 6, CPM 2, Bharatiya Tribal Party 2, Rashtriya Lok Dal 1, Rashtriya Loktantrik Party 3, and Independents 13. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Facing massive international pressure over the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Thursday rejigged his government, appointing a new foreign minister and reshuffling other top posts. Amid a global fallout, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir was demoted to minister of state for foreign affairs and named a new minister, Ibrahim Al-Assaf, who previously served in the finance ministry, CNN reported citing a royal decree. The Saudi monarch also appointed Prince Abdullah bin Bandar as the new head of the National Guard. The prince is the son of Bandar Al Saud, who was formerly the country's envoy to the United States from 1983 to 2005. Apart from the high-profile reshuffle, King Salman also appointed several security intelligence officials. The move by Saudi Arabia comes days after a committee led by the Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Salman, gave their nod to the creation of three departments in the kingdom's intelligence service. The restructuring was necessitated by King Salman, following the demise of Khashoggi. On October 2, Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi regime, 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 uncertainty, Khashoggi was killed in the consulate premises in what Saudi Arabia's then Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir had described as a "rogue operation" led by two officials - the Deputy Intelligence Chief Ahmad al-Assiri and the Royal Court Adviser Saud al-Qahtani - who have since been sacked. Investigations into Khashoggi's killing are still going on in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report inferred the Crown Prince to be behind the scribe's death - the allegations of which have been repeatedly and strongly refuted by Riyadh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Journalists staged a protest here on Thursday against All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief and Member of Parliament Maulana Badruddin Ajmal for threatening a journalist with dire consequences. During a press interaction on Wednesday, the journalist asked him if he would ally with Congress or BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Instead of responding to the question, Ajmal threatened the journalist saying he would smash the scribe's head. He also tried to hit him. The journalist of United Television Media Association said that the act of MP is unbecoming of a Parliamentarian and he behaved like a "terrorist". Ajmal who represents Dhubri Lok Sabha seat in Assam allegedly tried to hit the journalist too, while his supporters forced the scribe to tender apologies publicly. "Badruddin Ajmal behaved like a terrorist. It is our constitutional right to ask questions. How can he stop us?" said Shymol Chakraborty who joined the protest. "This is not Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan. We will report it to the Home Ministry and Election Commission," said Dipak Choudhary, another journalist. "We have given him 24 hours for saying sorry publicly," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Smriti Irani, who is known for her witty and funny comments, is once again breaking the internet with her amusing antics. Smriti recently met Janhvi Kapoor, who made her Bollywood debut with 'Dhadak' this year. The former television actor took to her Instagram account to share a 'someone shoot me' moment with the debutante. She posted a video which features her standing next to Janhvi and captioned it as, "The someone shoot me moment -When #jahnvikapoor sweetly apologises for continuously calling you aunty & you say " koi baat nahi beta " #totalsiyapa, ye Aaj kal ke bachche #auntykiskobola." Smriti's hilarious spin to her meeting with Janhvi amused the minister's followers. In the comments, several Instagram users posted funny emoticons and added remarks like, "you have an amazing sense of humour." While sometimes it gets a tad too difficult to relate to the social media feed of famous personalities, especially ministers, Smriti Irani's Instagram account is proof she doesn't take herself - and the criticism directed at her - too seriously. The hilarious memes on her feed include common man's woes such as eagerly waiting for the weekends to hating Mondays, among others. Apart from poking fun at herself and sharing her weight loss struggles, Irani also gives regular glimpses into her personal life as a wife and mother with photos featuring her husband Zubin Irani and their two children. Smriti Irani is followed by 302k people on Instagram and each of her posts successfully collects 4,000 to 10000 likes. Meanwhile, Janhvi will next been seen in Karan Johar's 'Takht'. It also stars Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Bhumi Pednekar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hours after the Triple Talaq bill was passed in Lok Sabha, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday voiced his dissent, claiming that the proposed legislation will be misused. Owaisi alleged that Triple Talaq will bring Muslim women to the roads and will ruin them and to put Muslim men behind the bars. "This law is to bring only Muslim women to the roads, to ruin them and weaken them, and to put Muslim men in jail. The law will be misused, you will see," Owaisi told reporters here. The bill, known as Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill is a watered down version of the one which was passed by the Lok Sabha earlier and had got stalled in the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha passed the Triple Talaq bill which makes the practice a criminal offence with a provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband. It will now have to be passed by the Rajya Sabha to become a law. The legislation, which replaces an Ordinance issued by the government in September, was passed by the Lower House of Parliament after the government asserted that it should not be seen from the prism of politics as 20 Islamic countries have already banned the practice and not secular India. Among the various changes made in the initial bill, the new legislation has a provision for bail and mandates that an FIR should be filed only by the aggrieved woman or a blood relative. The bill makes the offence of instant Triple Talaq compoundable, which means that the case can be withdrawn if the man and his estranged wife reach a compromise, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said while piloting the legislation. The instant triple talaq was taken up in Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional a law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession. In the landmark 3-2 verdict, the apex court found the practice un-Islamic and "arbitrary", and disagreed that Triple Talaq was an integral part of religious practice. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United Nations (UN) has called on all stakeholders in Bangladesh to "ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections" on December 27. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General, released a statement on Thursday which mentioned, "All Bangladeshi citizens, including minorities and women, must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process." "The Secretary-General reiterates the continued commitment of the United Nations to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," the statement added. The call for peace and free, fair and inclusive elections comes in the midst of continuing violence across the state before the 11th General Elections in Bangladesh which are scheduled for December 30. There have been attacks on party leaders across party lines during campaigning for Sunday's elections which will see the ruling Bangladesh Awami League-led Grand Alliance locking horns against the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led Jatiya Oikya Front (National Unity Front) and Left Democratic Alliance. Around 300 constituencies of the 350-member Parliament are up for grabs. Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking to win a third term during the elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US is offering Taliban militants a safety network that includes job opportunities to persuade insurgents to join the Afghan peace process. "Although some members of the Taliban may be weary of fighting and ready to lay down their weapons, they will only rejoin society if they believe their safety and the safety of their families are guaranteed, and if they have an opportunity to earn enough money to provide for their families," reads the proposed Pentagon's plan to Congress for addressing US security. According to the Dawn, the US Defence Department has also outlined a plan for rehabilitating the Taliban rebels in a new Afghanistan. The development comes days after the Pentagon announced the withdrawal of around 7,000 troops from Afghanistan. For the past several years, Washington has been trying to persuade the Taliban to come to the negotiating table and formulate a peace process to end the 17-year-old conflict in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban asserted that the presence of foreign troops in the war-torn nation was a hindrance to achieving long-lasting peace On December 19, the US attended a peace talk with the Taliban in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the talks, the US delegation had proposed that the Taliban conclude a truce for a period of six months, join the government of national unity and become part of the political system of Afghanistan. Washington has also appointed Zalmay Khalilzad as Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador in order to initiate talks with the Taliban. Till now, Khalilzad has held a series of meetings with the group in Qatar and the UAE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India cannot sign an agreement with the United Kingdom (UK) on the deportation of illegal immigrants as the proposed MoU does not facilitate the extradition of fugitive economic offenders, sources told ANI. India has been pushing for the extradition of absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is wanted by India for loan frauds, money laundering and other economic offences. A major breakthrough was achieved on December 10 when the Westminster Magistrate's Court found merit in the charges registered against Mallya in India and approved his extradition. The matter now lies with the UK's Secretary of State, with Mallya having the option of moving higher courts. Meanwhile, India is also pursuing the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is reportedly in the UK. Along with his uncle Mehul Choksi, Modi is accused of having duped the Punjab Bank of nearly USD 2 billion. Sources said that while India has no objections in taking back illegal immigrants, an unrealistic timeframe set by the UK is another factor preventing India from signing the agreement. India will need more time to review the records of the alleged illegal immigrants due to its federal structure. The Indian Cabinet had agreed to the MoU before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK in April, with the agreement set to be signed during the Prime Minister's visit to the island nation. However, India pulled out of the agreement due to the MEA's apprehensions after India were given a period of 15 days to confirm the nationality of a migrant. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Headline shares of the Mainland China equity market closed lower on Thursday, 27 December 2018, after erasing early gains late afternoon, dragged down by Sinopec which fell after reports that the state-owned oil giant had suspended two top executives at its trading arm. The sudden suspensions erased the optimism in the morning session, when expectations of policy support and buoyant global stock markets led local stocks higher. Local market gained in early trade on tracking Wall Street's overnight surge, where all three main benchmarks advanced at least 5% after strong retail sales data and White House reassurances that Fed Chair Jay Powell won't be fired and as reports stated Financial Stability and Development Committee under the State Council are studying plans to help banks replenish capital as they look to continue with their crackdown on financial risk without hurting credit growth. At closing bell, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.61%, or 15.21 points, to 2,483.09, marking lowest close since November 2014. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, declined 1.22%, or 15.56 points, to 1,264.23. The blue-chip CSI300 index was down 0.38%, or 11.52 points, to 2,990.51. The Dow surged more than 1,000 points for the first time overnight, leading a broad Wall Street rebound after a report of robust holiday sales helped mollify concerns about the health of the US economy. Sales in the 2018 US holiday shopping season rose 5.1 per cent to more than $US850 billion, the strongest in six years, according to a Mastercard report. The S&P 500 retailing index jumped 7.4 per cent, while shares of online retailer Amazon, which touted a "record-breaking" season, climbed 9.5 per cent. Also helping sentiment somewhat was White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett responded to a question about whether Jerome Powell's job as chairman of the Federal Reserve was safe: "Yes, of course, 100 per cent." The Financial Stability and Development Committee under the State Council said it is seeking to help commercial banks replenish capital via various channels, with the aim of allowing them to issue perpetual bonds as soon as possible. The committee met Tuesday to study the plans to allow banks to sell perpetual bonds. Many Chinese banks need to replenish capital to meet increasingly stringent capital rules as they face growing pressure to write off bad loans and heed government calls to aid the economy amid a Sino-U. S. trade war. A perpetual bond is a fixed income security with no maturity date, and the principal will not be repaid. The move to promote sales of perpetual bonds as soon as possible came as new regulations on asset management force banks to absorb off-balance-sheet debts. Swelling soured loans and a slump in share prices are making it harder for banks to raise money. Stronger capital buffers also put the banks in a position to increase lending to private companies and help meet the government's promise to support the sector. Sinopec, officially known as China Petroleum & Chemical Corp, , Reuters reported on Thursday. Shares of Sinopec, officially known as China Petroleum & Chemical Corp, dropped 6.8% after the news that the Asia's largest refiner suspended two top officials for inflicting severe losses in trading. NEWS FROM THE PRESS: 1) The country's top economic planner said late Tuesday it has approved a high-speed railway project in the northwestern province of Shaanxi with a total investment of 55.16 billion yuan (US$8.01 billion). China has increased infrastructure spending in recent quarters to spur slowing growth in the world's second-biggest economy. 2) CHINA'S soybean imports from the United States plunged to zero in November, marking the first time since the trade war started that China, the world's largest soybean buyer, has imported no U. S. supplies. China brought 5.07 million tons of soybeans from Brazil in November, up more than 80 percent from 2.76 million tons a year ago, data from the General Administration of Customs showed. Meanwhile, U. S. imports plunged from 4.7 million tons in November 2017 and were down from 67,000 tons in October. The United States was the second-largest supplier of soybeans to China and the trade was worth US$12 billion in 2017. CURRENCY NEWS: China yuan weakened against greenback on Thursday, as central bank set softer mid-point rate. Prior to market opening, the People's Bank of China set the midpoint rate at 6.8894, softer by 49 basis points from previous day's central parity rate of 6.8845. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hindustan Unilever rose 1.02% to Rs 1,809.40 at 10:23 IST on BSE after the company said it is considering legal options after GST authority found it guilty of not passing on rate cut benefits to consumers. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 26 December 2018. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 248.33 points, or 0.7% to 35,898.27 On the BSE, 14,000 shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 3.17 shares in the past two weeks. The stock had hit a high of Rs 1,811.90 and a low of Rs 1,801.20 so far during the day. In clarification to media report indicating GST authority has found Hindustan Unilever (HUL) guilty of profiteering Rs 383 crore, HUL clarified that the National Anti Profiteering Authority (NAA) has passed an order against the company on 24 December 2018 for depositing an amount of Rs 223 crore. Hindustan Unilever has always maintained that the GST is a progressive reform which will benefit consumers and the industry at large. In the absence of set rules and guidelines on profiteering, HUL has gone by the spirit of the law, and passed on the entire benefit received under GST to consumers - either through reduction in prices or through increase in grammage. In addition, HUL had taken many steps as a matter of good governance and by keeping consumers interest in mind. HUL kept the Government informed of the approach and the manner that it had adopted in passing on the GST benefits to consumers. The NAA order refers to the need to pass on the benefit of reduction in rates to consumers which is fully consistent with HUL's stand and actions. However, it makes a narrow interpretation of the law and does not take into account well established industry practice backed by law. Also, no methodology has been determined by NAA as required under law to determine if benefit has been passed or not. Given there is divergence on some basic issues, HUL will, consider legal options available to it. There is no material impact of the demand and as well as this article on the company, HUL said. HUL is India's largest fast moving consumer goods company. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ladderup Finance has acquired 75001 equity shares of face value of Rs 10 each of Godland Resorts (Target Company) for a total consideration of Rs 2.73 crore, which represents 50.0006% of the total equity share capital of the target company as on date. Accordingly, the target company has become subsidiary of the company as on date. Further, the company also acquired by way of allotment 54947 fully paid up optionally convertible preference shares of face value of Rs 10 each of target company for total consideration of Rs 2 crore along with other investors With the option to convert each OCPS into one equity shares of the Target Company. If, the Company along with other investors opt to convert the OCPS into equity, then on conversion, the stake of the Company shall stand reduced from 50.0006% to 30.60% of the expanded Equity Capital of the Target Company. Further, we hereby inform that the Target Company holds 100% Equity Shares of Water Proof Corporation having business of manufacturing and trading of gummed paper tapes, including veneer tapes and packaging tapes under the brand name 'WACO' as well as trading in Cello tapes. Accordingly, Water ProofCorporation has become step down subsidiary of the Company. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Key equity indices firmed up once again in mid-morning trade amid fresh buying support. At 11:22 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 267.12 points or 0.75% at 35,917.06. The Nifty 50 index was up 71.60 points or 0.67% at 10,801.45. The sentiment was strong amid positive global cues. The Nifty was trading a tad above 10,800 mark after opening above that level. The Sensex was trading below 36,000 mark after opening above that level. The key indices jumped at opening trades and advanced further. However, the indices came off day's high in morning trade as profit selling emerged at higher levels. The indices firmed up once again in mid-morning trade amid fresh buying support. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.31%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.66%. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1393 shares rose and 556 shares fell. A total of 113 shares were unchanged. Shares of the state-run oil marketing companies (PSU OMCs) fell after Brent crude prices bounced back overnight. BPCL (down 2.17%), HPCL (down 1.93%), and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) (down 0.97%) declined. In the global commodities markets, Brent for February 2019 settlement jumped $4 a barrel or 7.93% to settle at $54.47 a barrel during the previous trading session. Higher crude oil prices could increase under-recoveries of public-sector undertaking oil marketing companies (PSU OMCs) on domestic sale of LPG and kerosene at controlled prices. The government has already freed pricing of petrol and diesel. Auto shares were in demand. Escorts (up 2.25%), Mahindra & Mahindra (up 1.19%), Eicher Motors (up 0.97%), Tata Motors (up 0.85%), Maruti Suzuki India (up 0.61%), Ashok Leyland (up 0.53%), Bajaj Auto (up 0.21%) and Hero MotoCorp (up 0.08%), edged higher. TVS Motor Company was down 0.62%. FMCG major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) rose 0.61% after the company said it is considering legal options after GST authority found it guilty of not passing on rate cut benefits to consumers. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 26 December 2018. In clarification to media report indicating GST authority has found HUL guilty of profiteering Rs 383 crore, HUL clarified that the National Anti Profiteering Authority (NAA) has passed an order against the company on 24 December 2018 for depositing an amount of Rs 223 crore. HUL has always maintained that the GST is a progressive reform which will benefit consumers and the industry at large. In the absence of set rules and guidelines on profiteering, HUL has gone by the spirit of the law, and passed on the entire benefit received under GST to consumers - either through reduction in prices or through increase in grammage. In addition, HUL had taken many steps as a matter of good governance and by keeping consumers interest in mind. HUL kept the Government informed of the approach and the manner that it had adopted in passing on the GST benefits to consumers. The NAA order refers to the need to pass on the benefit of reduction in rates to consumers which is fully consistent with HUL's stand and actions. However, it makes a narrow interpretation of the law and does not take into account well established industry practice backed by law. Also, no methodology has been determined by NAA as required under law to determine if benefit has been passed or not. Given there is divergence on some basic issues, HUL will, consider legal options available to it. There is no material impact of the demand and as well as this article on the company, HUL said. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday constituted an expert committee to review the extant economic capital framework of the central bank. The committee will be headed by Bimal Jalan, former RBI governor, while Rakesh Mohan, former deputy governor and former DEA (Department of Economic Affairs) secretary, is the vice chairman of the committee. Overseas, Asian shares rose across the board on Thursday following an overnight surge in stocks on Wall Street. In US, the Dow logged a 1,000-point gain as equities roared back from oversold conditions. Shoppers delivered the strongest holiday sales increase for US retailers in six years, according to Mastercard Spending Pulse, which tracks online and in-store spending with all forms of payment. On the US data front, the Case-Shiller 20-city price index rose a seasonally adjusted 0.4% in October, while the year-over-year advance fell to 5% from a revised 5.2% in September. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday set up an expert committee, headed by its former governor Bimal Jalan that will recommend the appropriate size of reserves the central bank should maintain and the dividend it should give to the government. The committee, which has been formed to review the existing economic capital framework (ECF), will have former RBI deputy governor Rakesh Mohan as its vice chairman. Other members are RBI central board directors Bharat Doshi and Sudhir Mankad; deputy governor N. S. Vishwanathan; and economic affairs secretary Subhash Chandra Garg. The panel will submit its report within 90 days of its first meeting. The government has been insisting that the central bank hand over its surplus reserves amid a shortfall in revenue collections. The Jalan panel will decide whether RBI is holding provisions, reserves and buffers in surplus of the required levels. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after abusing a journalist, and threatening him of "smashing his head", MP Moulana Badaruddin Ajmal expressed his apologies on Thursday, saying he respects persons. Ajmal, a MP from Assam's Dhubri constituency, landed himself in a controversy on Wednesday over the episode. Ajmal, who leads the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), faced condemnation from from different sections over the incident. Several organisations have threatened to file FIRs against him. Apologising over the episode, Ajmal, who is also a perfume trader, wrote on Twitter: " is the fourth pillar of democracy and I have always respected and everyone knows that. I have sincere regards for them. The Mankachar incident was an unintentional aberration and I sincerely apologize for that to all concerned." Guwahati-based Digital Media Association of (DiMJAA) has said it will file an FIR against Ajmal on Thursday. Members of the also staged a protest on Thursday at Dispur Press Club, wearing black badge. The AIUDF chief got agitated on Wednesday when a asked him if he will side with the party that comes to power in He was addressing a press conference at Mankachar to honour the AIUDF leaders who won in the recently held rural polls in Ajmal not only verbally abused the but also asked him to get out of the venue. "I'll smash your head," he said, while snatching the boom of the journalist. --IANS ah/pgh/vm (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.) Over 82 per cent of around 85,000 voters on Thursday cast their votes for the by-polls to the 8 municipal councils and Agartala Municipal Corporations (AMC) in Tripura, officials said. Though the officials of the State Elections Commission claimed the polling was peaceful and incident-free, opposition Congress and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) alleged that the elections were "completely rigged by ruling BJP leaders, workers and their goons as they captured most polling booths". The CPI-M in protest against the "farcical elections" withdrew its candidates from 35 seats in six civic bodies while the Congress demanded a re-poll to 50 per cent of the total of 67 seats for which by-elections were held on Thursday. The State Elections Commission last month declared by-elections to the 158 seats in 14 municipal bodies including the AMC. However, candidates of rulling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were elected unopposed in 91 seats. CPI-M state secretary Gautam Das told the media that their candidates could not submit nominations for most seats. "Even though where some candidates submitted their candidature, BJP and their hoodlums attacked them, their houses and properties while the police and the State Elections Commission remained as onlookers," he told the media on Thursday. "In allmost all places, most of the polling agents including women, were forced out from polling booths to turn the balloting a total farce. Not only the workers and their goons, BJP leaders including its MLA Dilip Das attacked the Left party workers and agents," Das said. He said that the BJP workers also physically assaulted former Finance Minister and incumbent Public Accounts Committee Chairman Bhanulal Saha in Bishalgarh in Western Tripura. "With the active connivance of the officials of the State Elections Commission and security personnel, the elections were rigged in Udaipur, Belonia, Santir Bazar in southern Tripura and Kumarghat, Kailashahar, Panisagar in northern Tripura besides in Agartala," said Das, a member of the CPI-M central Committee. Congress leader Harekrishna Bhowmik told the media that the party has demanded a re-poll in almost half of the total of 67 seats as the BJP members have totally controled the elections with the help of the administrations. BJP spokesman Nabendu Bhattacharjee rejected the allegations, saying that "people have already turned their face away from these parties as they lost the public support in the assembly polls." --IANS sc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unidentified miscreants put black paint on a direction board carrying the name of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on Panjab University campus here. The direction board of the Rajiv Gandhi College Bhawan was vandalized. Officials said that the paint was applied on the name of 'Rajiv Gandhi' late on Wednesday. National Students Union of India (NSUI) activists later removed the black paint from the board. This follows Tuesday's incident of vandalizing Rajiv Gandhi's statute by two activists of the youth wing of the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal in Ludhiana. Both activists were later arrested by Punjab Police. The state's ruling Congress and opposition Shiromani Akali Dal were on Tuesday involved in a bitter war of words after the statute was vandalized. Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu had cleaned the statute with milk. --IANS js/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Embracing disruptive technologies to stay ahead of the curve, the buoyant Indian IT industry made digital business its growth driver in 2018, despite facing a shortage of skills and double-digit attrition. "The Indian IT industry is reinventing for digital. India is seen as a country with huge digital transformation potential globally. Digital business is the next growth engine," K.S. Viswanathan, Vice President of Nasscom, the industry's apex body, told IANS here. With digital business contributing over one-third of the revenue of global software majors like TCS, Infosys, Wipro and HCL Technologies, even mid-size and smaller firms have adopted digital platforms to meet the demand from customers worldwide. "While larger firms have adopted digital and are mentioning revenue from it in their annual reports, mid-tier and smaller firms are also adopting it (disruptive technology), which augurs well for the services-led industry," Viswanathan noted. Recovering from sluggish sequential growth in fiscal 2016-17 and 2017-18, the industry revved up this fiscal (2018-19) to meet the increasing demand for new services in the digital domain, spanning Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, blockchain, Cloud, data analytics or mining, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning (ML) and robotics. "As per global trends, businesses have to be data-driven for efficient and competitive advantage. Digital technologies like AI and ML are key for enterprises to leverage data in smart ways," Srikanth Soundarajan, partner of city-based Venture East, told IANS. Accounting for 37 per cent share of the global outsourcing of software services, the Indian IT-BPM (business process management) industry is set to post $167 billion revenue for fiscal 2018-19 from $154 billion in fiscal 2017-18, including exports, registering around eight per cent annual growth. The resilient industry has been harnessing newer technologies and re-skilling to sustain growth and be competitive. It has been focusing on intelligent operations like process and domain expertise, while marquee firms made strategic acquisitions to arm with digital technology and skilled talent across platforms for diverse verticals. "As digital technologies reshape businesses, the industry has been upskilling, acquiring competencies through mergers and acquisitions or partnerships and building platforms and software products," said Nasscom Vice Chairman Keshav R. Murugesh, In the engineering and design ecosystem, too, many things are moving from services to products and products to platforms, thanks to digital innovation, talent pool and skill sets. "Nasscom and the Indian government have signed an agreement with Japan this year to power its hardware with our software to make a difference to products," Vishwanathan recalled. As the Indian IT industry dominates over 50 per cent of global IT outsourcing, vendors have been forced to invest in digital platforms and reskilling of their techies for the paradigm shift in their service offerings with digital interfaces. With global tech firms like Accenture, IBM and Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) taking the lead in global digital services, Indian behemoths have been investing and hiring to retain their legacy clients and enter new geographies to increase market share. With 17,000 firms across the country, the industry offers a range of services, having built skills and capabilities to address new and developing customer demands. Over the years, IT firms have invested in building capabilities around new technologies, and have set up labs to deliver digital services to customers worldwide. "Businesses are taking advantage of emerging technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA), AI, digital communications, IoT and cognitive computing to improve profitability, collaboration and competitiveness," Murugesh noted. Digital innovation has also been drawing global firms to India owing to the wealth of talent to hone the new skills than cost arbitrage. Around 45 per cent of global data centres are located in India, making the country a major destination for hosting them. Admitting that there is a relevant skill shortage in the country to capitalise on the huge opportunities from digital platforms, Viswanathan said the industry would need around 300,000 engineers for analytics and data sciences over the next five years. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled our programme called FutureSkills in February to reskill 50 per cent of the workforce for future technologies and get the remaining 50 per cent of them skilled for digital jobs," Vishwanathan recalled. As hiring, skilling and re-skilling takes time and resources, top industry leaders made strategic acquisitions to meet the increasing demand for the new-age services. Bellwether Tata Consulting Services (TCS) acquired the London-based W12 Studios on November 1 for an unspecified amount to enhance its digital and design offerings. Similarly, Infosys bought the US-based WongDoody studio for $75 million (Rs 525 crore) in May to provide digital services, while HCL Technologies took over the US-based Actian Corporation for $330 million (Rs 2,310 crore) in July. Wipro bought US-based design consultancy firm Cooper for $8.5 million (Rs 56 crore) in October 2017. According to global research and advisory firm Gartner, discretionary spending by enterprises on digital platforms (Industry 4.0) have been more than in traditional and non-discretionary areas. Though the attrition rate in the industry has reduced over the years, the trend has reversed in this fiscal for various reasons, including inability to adopt to newer technologies and not keeping pace with demand for reskilled techies. (With inputs from Bhavana Akella. Fakir Balaji can be contacted at fakir.b@ians.in) --IANS bha-fb/vm/hs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A meeting of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers will be convened by Union Water Resources Ministry to discuss the issue of controversial Cauvery river project at Mekedatu, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said on Thursday. Talking to reporters here, he said this assurance was given by Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari when he met him and made a request in this regard. Kumaraswamy said the irrigation ministers of the two states will also be part of the meeting which may be convened in 10 to 15 days. He said he has suggested that the matter be resolved through mutual discussion as a legal approach may not be able to solve the issue. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with him for the clearance given by the Central Water Commission for the detailed project report (DPR) on the reservoir which, he said, would benefit Tamil Nadu more than Karnataka. Karnataka has sought the Central government's approval to build a dam at Mekedatu on the river near Kanakapura in Ramanagaram district, about 100km southwest of Bengaluru, for storing and supplying its water to the parched districts of Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts. Objecting to the project fearing denial of its share of the river water, Tamil Nadu has also petitioned the Central government and the Supreme Court not to allow Karnataka to build the balancing reservoir at the goat's leap gorge. As sharing the river water for agriculture and drinking in the state's old Mysuru region became contentious, leading to the apex court modifying the inter-state dispute tribunal award, storing it (water) at Mekedatu for drinking only has turned into a protracted legal and political battle. The project is estimated to cost the state a whopping Rs 5,192 crore. Tamil Nadu has also disputed Karnataka's claim on the project's purpose, as storing the river water will allow it generate hydel power and thus restrict its flow into its delta region. Kumaraswamy also sought Gadkari's intervention to make Goa allow Karnataka utilise the Mahadayi river water for drinking purpose in the four drought-prone districts in the state's northwest region. --IANS vv-vsc/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Newly-elected Chief Minister and all the 12 ministers in his cabinet are multimillionaires, while two of the ministers face criminal cases including on charges of forgery and cheating. According to an analysis by election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)released on Thursday, all the cabinet ministers are multimillionaires, with their average assets pegged at Rs 471.3 million. The average assets of the ministers in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister Raman Singh's cabinet in 2013 stood at Rs 30.4 million, with 11 of the 12 ministers being multimillionaires while that of the 2008 cabinet was merely Rs 8.1 million, with only four of the 13 ministers declaring properties in excess of Rs 10 million. The richest Minister is T. S. Singh Deo, who possesses assets in excess of Rs 5 billion, followed by Chief Minister Baghel with properties worth over Rs 230 million. As regards criminal background, two ministers Korba lawmaker Jaisingh Agrawal and Baghel face criminal cases that include charges of forgery, cheating and rioting. Much like in 2008 and 2013, the current cabinet has a solitary female minister. Baghel, who was sworn in on December 17 as the state's 3rd Chief Minister, on Tuesday inducted nine new ministers to expand the cabinet to 12. China's former intelligence chief Ma Jian was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for crimes, including taking bribes and insider trading. Ma, a former vice Minister in China's powerful Ministry of State Security which oversees foreign and counterintelligence operations, pleaded guilty and will not appeal, said the Intermediate People's Court of Dalian in Liaoning Province. His case is linked to that of one of China's most wanted fugitives, exiled property tycoon Guo Wengui, who published a series of allegations of corruption among top members of the Communist Party. Between 1999 to 2014, Ma used his position to help Guo Wengui, who now lives in New York, further his business interests, the court said. He took more than 100 million yuan ($14.5 million) in bribes and profited by trading stocks based on insider information, it added. "The defendant Ma Jian's bribery amount was extremely large and the national and people's interests suffered a particularly heavy loss, which seriously infringed on the integrity of civil servants," the court said. Ma was put under investigation in 2015 and expelled from the Communist Party one year later. The court on Thursday revoked Ma's political rights and ordered confiscation of all his personal assets. It said Ma was given a lenient sentence, given that he honestly and voluntarily confessed to his crimes, showed repentance and was cooperative in returning all his illegal gains. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese former vice Minister of State Security Ma Jian was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for taking bribes. Ma was also punished for forced transactions and insider trading, the Intermediate People's Court of Dalian, Liaoning Province, announced. From 1999 to 2014, Ma was found to have taken advantage of his various positions including vice Minister of State Security to help the fugitive Guo Wengui and Beijing Zenith Holdings, a company which was actually controlled by Guo, and accepted money and valuables worth over 109 million yuan ($15.8 million) personally or through his relatives. During 2008 to 2014, Ma conspired with Guo and threatened, forced others to transfer shares, give up pre-emption rights or withdraw from specific business activities, making Beijing Zenith Holdings the official holding company of China Minzu Securities, Xinhua news agency reported. Ma was also found to have instructed his relatives to buy and sell shares of the Founder Securities and earned 49.3 million yuan after he received inside information about a major asset reconstruction between Founder Securities and China Minzu Securities in 2013, the report said. His political rights were revoked for life, while all his personal assets were confiscated. Ma pleaded guilty in court and decided not to appeal. The court said Ma was given a lenient sentence, given that he honestly and voluntarily confessed to his crimes, showed repentance, and was cooperative in returning all his illegal gains. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has successfully tested the sophisticated S-400 air defence system bought from Russia, a missile for which India struck a deal with Kremlin risking the US sanctions. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) tested the system last month, successfully shooting down a "simulated ballistic target". China had received the last shipments of the weaponry from Russia in July under a $3 billion contract signed in 2015, becoming the first country to import the advanced missile system from Moscow. In October, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to acquire the air defence system despite the looming threat of sanctions by the US. The system is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles and it can be used against ground objectives. It is also able to intercept cruise missiles out to a range of about 40 km due to their low altitude flight paths. A report in the South China Morning Post quoted analysts as saying that Russia appeared to have publicized the test last week to highlight closer military ties between Moscow and Beijing and to promote its S-400 system. The story was first reported in the Russian media. Beijing-based military expert Li Jie said the reports showed that Moscow wanted to underscore the relationship at a time when the US was at loggerheads with both Russia and China. "Despite pressure from the US, the Russian military will increase its cooperation with the PLA in areas such as missiles, shipbuilding, and other sectors," the Post quoted Li as saying. --IANS gsh/soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Coal India Limited (CIL) on Thursday said it is preparing to launch a rescue operation at the coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills to rescue the 15 trapped miners. The miners have been trapped in the mine since December 13 after it got flooded. General Manager of CIL's Northeastern Coalfields, J. Borah said the operation will be launched soon after all the equipment and manpower arrives at the site. "We have received a request from the Meghalaya government to help carry out search and rescue operations in the coal mine where some miners were trapped. Immediately we have mobilised the manpower within the organisation so as to reach the site as soon as possible," said Borah, who will arrive at the site on Thursday along with two other top officials of CIL. He said a 10-member team, including four engineers and six surveyors, is arriving at the spot on Thursday. However, the equipment including pumps, pipes and survey tools will take some time to arrive as those are being sent by road from different CIL establishments. The National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Rescue Force (SDRF) and the district administration have been trying to rescue the trapped miners but to no avail as the water level in the mine remained very high despite pumps being used to flush out the water. Mining expert Jaswant Singh Gill had also visited the mine recently at the request of the Meghalaya government and suggested plugging the water entry points to the mine and using powerful pumps to drain out the water from the rat hole mine. On Wednesday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident. Although Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju replied to Gandhi's tweet saying that the government in association with the Centre is doing its best to rescue the miners, criticism poured in from different sections for the failure of the government to rescue the trapped miners. --IANS ah/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Credit: Andreas TerlaakIn January of 2018, Neil Diamond shocked and saddened fans when he announced that he had to retire from touring immediately due to being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. As part of the January 22 announcement, which came two days before the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's 77th birthday, Diamond revealed that he was canceling the third leg of his 50th Anniversary tour, which was to have visited Australia and New Zealand in March. In his statement, Diamond told fans, "I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come. My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been 'so good, so good, so good' thanks to you." Neil did make a number of special appearances during 2018. In June, he received the Songwriters Hall of Fame's highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award, at a ceremony in New York City. Diamond was presented the honor by his producer Bob Gaudio, who also was a member of The Four Seasons. Neil closed the event by performing "Sweet Caroline." In July, Diamond was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the Recording Academy's 2018 Special Merit Awards gala, held in Los Angeles. During the ceremony, Diamond duetted with The Monkees' Micky Dolenz on a rendition of the Neil-penned Monkees smash "I'm a Believer," and then performed "Sweet Caroline" solo. At the end of July, Diamond gave a surprise performance for firefighters who had battled the wildfires that caused severe damage in the Lake Christine area of Colorado, where Neil has a residence. Not surprisingly, Diamond again sang his classic hit "Sweet Caroline" for the firefighters. 2018 also brought the release of Diamond's Hot August Night III, a live album documenting a 2012 performance at the Green Theater in L.A. The show marked the 40th anniversary of the shows Neil played at the Greek Theatre in L.A. in 1972, which were recorded for his legendary Hot August Night album that same year.. In an interview with Billboard in June, Diamond said he still was holding out hope that he'd one day be able to tour again, while revealing that he'd been writing songs for a new project. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Actor Ranveer Singh, who is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming film "Simmba", has said that her wife Deepika Padukone is proud of him. Ranveer was interacting with the media at the promotional meet of "Simmba" along with his co-actors Sara Ali Khan, Sonu Sood and director Rohit Shetty on Wednesday in Mumbai. Ranveer plays a corrupt cop named ACP Sangram Bhalerao (Simmba) in the film, who turns over a new leaf after he deals with a rape case. When asked Ranveer what kind of reaction Deepika gave him after watching "Simmba", he said, "She is very proud of me and as well as Rohit (Shetty) sir. She gave so many compliments to Rohit sir. So, I felt that should praise me as well." Adding to Ranveer's statement, Rohit said, "We have an association since the film 'Chennai Express' so, she was very thrilled and very happy." "I don't understand these statistics, number and figures. I am not a businessman. I am an artist so, you should ask me those type of questions," Ranveer said on being about his expectations on box-office opening for his film "Simmba". Apart from Ranveer, Sara Ali Khan, Sonu Sood and Ashutosh Rana in the lead roles, Ajay Devgn will also appear in an extended cameo in "Simmba". The film will release on December 28. Ranveer will next be seen in Zoya Akhtar's "Gully Boy" and Karan Johar's period epic, "Takht". --IANS iv/vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a move to combat rising pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government on Thursday flagged off an electric bus between Anand Vihar ISBT to Mehrauli. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot flagged off the trials of zero emission and noise-free Olectra-BYD's 12 Meter electric bus, eBuzz K9 with a 35+1 (driver) seating capacity. "We are very concerned about the health of our people. We are doing everything possible within our control to reduce pollution in Delhi. I have seen many conscious Delhiites doing their bit too. All of us together can make it happen," said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The 'Make in India' eBuzz K9, driven by Lithium-ion Iron Phosphate battery providing an ability to run up to 300 km on a single recharge, will run on route number 534 between Anand Vihar ISBT to Mehrauli Terminal. "The trials, which will be conducted for three months, will enable the authorities to evaluate the efficiency of the buses in the standard road conditions of Delhi. To promote usage of zero-emission electric vehicles, Delhi government aims to induct electric buses in the public transport system," the company said in a statement. A.N. Naga Satyam, Executive Director, Olectra Greentech Limited said: "As a part of our commitment to contribute to the efforts of ensuring a healthy to the public, these Delhi trials are yet another step towards conversion of fossil-fueled vehicles into a zero-emission transport option. Olectra BYD electric buses were commercially running in four states." electric buses from Olectra-BYD are already running in Himachal Pradesh, Mumbai, Telangana and Kerala, the company said, adding that "Olectra-BYD buses have completed more than 5,00,000 km on Indian roads and have so far reduced CO2 emissions up to 524 tonnes which would have required 2,619 trees instead". The Delhi government in July gave in-principle approval for the hiring of a consultant to run 1,000 electric buses, estimated to cost Rs 2,500 crore, in the national capital as promised in its 2018-19 "green" budget. As per a 1998 order of the Supreme Court, Delhi should have a fleet of 10,000 buses for public transport but currently, it has only 5,815 buses. --IANS nks/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Continuing with its effort to cleanse the system of political funding, the government on Thursday announced the sale of seventh tranche of electoral bonds at 29 notified State Bank of India (SBI) branches during January 1-10. "The SBI, in the VII phase of sale of electoral bonds, has been authorised to issue and encash electoral bonds through its 29 authorised branches w.e.f. 01.01.2019 to 10.01.2019, the Finance Ministry said in a statement. The government launched the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018 in January this year to provide a transparent alternative to cash donations to political parties. The sale of first batch of electoral bonds took place between March 1 and 10, 2018. The electoral bonds will be valid for 15 calendar days from the date of issue and no payment will be made to any payee political party if the electoral bond is deposited after expiry of the validity period, the Ministry said. "The electoral bond deposited by an eligible political party in its account shall be credited the same day," it noted. The bonds can be encashed only at the authorised branches. These SBI branches are in cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Gandhinagar, Bhopal, Raipur, Jaipur, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Chennai. As per the provisions of scheme, the bonds can be purchased by a person who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. The person can buy bonds either individually or jointly with other individuals, it said. Political parties that secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last general election to the Lok Sabha or a state's Legislative Assembly are eligible to receive the bonds. --IANS mgu/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 40 people were injured after an air-conditioned rake of a metro train in Kolkata caught fire on Thursday evening disrupting metro services partially for four hours. However, no casualties were reported, West Bengal ministers and police said. Panic gripped the passengers as thick smoke was seen coming out of the second compartment of a Dumdum-bound metro rake between Maidan and Rabindra Sadan metro station around 5 p.m. on Thursday. "We saw a fire on the track outside the rake. The compartment was filled with smoke. The train was moving in that condition. It was like the film Burning Train (a 1980 Bollywood action thriller in which the Super Express catches fire on its inaugural run and continues to move at full speed)," said a passenger. Senior officials of Kolkata Metro, city police and personnel of West Bengal fire service and the disaster management team rushed to the spot and carried out immediate evacuation of the stranded passengers. The metro authorities have ordered a high-level probe. "Forty (passengers) were brought to the hospital for treatment. Five of them were admitted in the SSKH Hospital," state public works minister Aroop Biswas said. But an official of the hospital said seven people have been admitted. Biswas said chief minister Mamata Banerjee, now on tour at Gangasagar in South 24 Parganas district, was monitoring the situation. "One passenger has a fracture in his leg. Some others are under oxygen support," said city mayor Firhad Hakim. A Kolkata police officer said all the passengers and staff have been evacuated from the rake. The metro authority confirmed the fire has been successfully put out and urged people not to panic. "We disconnected the power supply on the track and the train and stopped the train inside the tunnel as soon as we heard about the smoke. The fire on the outside was put out. Some glass window panes had to be broken to rescue the passengers. We are happy that a major accident could be averted," Kolkata Matro CPRO Indrani Banerjee said. The official said the metro railway was running a truncated metro service between Noapara and Central and New Garia to Tollygunge. She said the evacuation was started at 5.20 p.m. and completed by 5.50 p.m. However, many commuters who were evacuated from the train, complained that they were stranded for more than half-an-hour after the fire broke out while some alleged no announcement was made by the motorman of the train. They claimed some of the passengers fell ill due to the smoke and alleged that the rescue operation was delayed. "According to primary investigation, it seems that a spark in the TRCC third rail that supplies power to the trains might have caused the fire. The situation is under control. We are probing the matter," said Jag Mohan, Director General of West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services. State Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose claimed that the metro railway's alarm system did not function causing panic among the passengers. --IANS mgr-ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) France has dropped a long-running investigation into the shooting down of a plane carrying former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana, whose death in 1994 was a trigger for the genocide in the country. Over one million Tutsi people were killed by the then Hutu majority government in the course of 100 days. "We have to interpret this decision by French judges as a form of resignation faced with a political context which prosecutors did not know how to fight," the BBC on Wednesday quoted a French lawyer as saying. "Rwandan authorities have never sought to help bring the truth to light," he added. A French inquiry began in 1998 at the request of relatives of the French crew members who died. In 2006, a French judge had accused Tutsi rebels, led by current President Paul Kagame, of the attack. Arrest warrants were issued for a number of his aides. French prosecutors had recommended in October the charges be dismissed because of insufficient evidence against the suspects. The charges were dropped on December 21, a judicial source said on Wednesday. The plane carrying Habyarimana was shot down by a missile in April 1994, triggering the Rwandan genocide. Habyarimana -- a Hutu who had signed a peace deal with Tutsi rebels -- was flying into the capital, Kigali, when a missile brought the plane down, killing all on-board. The investigation was a major source of tension between France and Rwanda. President Kagame described it as being politically motivated and accused France - which supported the former Hutu regime - of having played a direct role in the genocide. Relations between the two countries later improved. In 2012, a report by a French judge cast doubt on the idea that the rebels had shot down the plane, and suggested that Hutu extremists could have been responsible. An inquiry by Kagame's government said the missile that brought down the jet had been fired from an army camp controlled by Hutus. --IANS mag/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has prepared a revival plan for Air India, comprising a comprehensive financial package and sale of non-core real estate assets. "The government has prepared a revival plan of Air India which focuses on building a competitive and profitable airline group," the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. According to the minister, the plan comprises several major elements such as a comprehensive financial package including transferring of non-core debt and assets to a SPV (special purpose vehicle) and strategic disinvestment of subsidiaries. The plan also envisages higher levels of operational efficiency being attained by the airline by strengthening its management and adopting differentiated business strategies for each of the airline's core businesses. Answering another question in Lok Sabha the minister stated: "The government remains committed to the disinvestment of Air India (AI). In this regard, AISAM (air india specific alternative mechanism) has directed to separately decide the contours of the mode of disposal of the subsidiaries." "Further, AISAM has, inter-alia, approved the contours for sale of subsidiaries of AI and directed to expedite the sale of AIATSL." The revival plan comes after government's efforts to off-load a majority stake in the airline failed. On May 31, 2018 "no response" were received by the government. On December 20, 2018, the Centre sought Parliament's nod to infuse Rs 2,345 crore into the financially strained national carrier under its 'Turn Around Plan'. Further, the government sought the Parliament's nod for providing Rs 1,300 'Grants-in-Aid General' to Air India Asset Holding which is a Special Purpose Vehicle on to which AI's debt worth Rs 29,000 crore will be loaded. In addition, an inter-ministerial panel has decided to divest the government's stake in AIATSL. --IANS rv/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Thursday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official and lodged a strong protest over the incidents of infiltration of terrorists across the Line of (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces. "Pakistan High Commission official was summoned today and a strong protest was lodged at the incidents of cross LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on December 21 and 26, 2018, leading to loss of lives on the Indian side," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "Our grave concern was conveyed at Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces," it stated. "This year, despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquility, Pakistan forces have carried out over 1962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians have lost their lives." According to the statement, Pakistan was once again asked to fulfill its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner. --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid speculation of return to India of Ogyen Trinley Dorje, one of the two claimants to the title of 17th Karmapa Lama, it is now reliably learnt that New Delhi is willing to issue a visa to him if he applies for it. Dorje, who has been living in the US since May 2017, was supposed to attend the 13th Religious Conference on Tibetan Buddhism that was scheduled to be held at Dharamsala from November 29 to December 1. However, he did not come and the conference has also been indefinitely deferred resulting in much speculation about whether his absence had anything to do with the postponement. However, those familiar with the development said on Thursday that though the Indian government does not recognise Dorje as the 17th Karmapa Lama, New Delhi is not averse to issuing a visa if he applies for it. But Dorje, who now holds a passport of the Commonwealth of Dominica, a small island nation in the Caribbean, has not even applied for an Indian visa, it is learnt. The recognition of the 17th Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, has been the subject of much controversy. Since the death of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, in 1981, two candidates have been put forward: Ogyen Trinley Dorje, born in 1985, and Trinley Thaye Dorje, born in 1983. Both have already been enthroned as 17th Karmapa, and both independently have been performing ceremonial duties in the role of a Karmapa. While China and the 14th Dalai Lama have given recognition to Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje was enthroned as the 17th Karmapa at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in New Delhi. Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who was enthroned as the 17th Karmapa at Tsurphu Monastery in Lhasa when he was aged seven, in December 1999, eluded his Chinese minders and escaped over the Himalayan mountains to live in exile in India. As the Indian government saw him as a normal Tibetan refugee in India, he was issued an identity certificate (IC) whenever he wished to travel abroad. However, after having acquired a Commonwealth of Dominica passport, he did not inform the Indian government and the IC issued by India has also become invalid. Now, if he wants an Indian visa, he will have to apply for it through his Commonwealth of Dominica passport. It is also learnt that Indian missions abroad have been directed to issue him a visa if he applies for it through that passport. --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian-origin police officer was shot and killed by an unidentified man during a traffic stop in the US state of California, officials said. Officer Ronil Singh, 33, had been working with the Newman Police Department since July 2011. He was shot and killed during a traffic stop when he was "working overtime on Christmas night to provide the best for his family", police officials said. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department, leading a probe into Singh's death, said that the incident took place when he called in a traffic stop at Merced Street and Eucalyptus Avenue in Newman. "Moments later, he called out 'shots fired' over the radio. Multiple officers responded and found that Singh had been shot." He was taken to a hospital, where he later died, the Sheriff's Department said, adding that the suspect fled the scene in a grey, extended cab Dodge Ram pickup before responding officers arrived. His truck was later found on River Road, just outside of Newman. The Department released surveillance photographs of the suspect, asking for any information about his identity. The suspect purchased two 12 packs of beer along with a pack of cigarettes, according to the convenience store where his picture was captured on surveillance tape. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) described him as Hispanic. "Suspect is considered armed and dangerous and may be in possession of a firearm," the CHP said. Singh was a native of Fiji and had immigrated to America, KCRA3 reported. He was a veteran of over 7 years at the Newman Police Department and was assigned as a canine officer. He earlier served with the Merced County Sheriff's Department. "He was living the American Dream. He immigrated here from the Fiji Islands, just like my parents did, and was definitely enjoying the American Dream," said Sheriff's Department spokesman Raj Singh. Corporal Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and 5-month son. "Our Newman Police family is devastated by the loss of Ronil," said Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson. Flags at the California Capitol flew at half staff in honour of Singh. "On behalf of all Californians, I extend our condolences to Corporal Singh's wife, young son, loved ones and colleagues. Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers who risk their lives to protect and serve the people of California," Governor Jerry Brown said in a statement. The New York City Police Department said: "We mourn the loss of this hero and send our condolences to his friends, family and colleagues." The Indian Officers' Society at the NYPD tweeted that Singh was killed in the line of duty and recalled his service to the community. The Stanislaus Sworn Deputies Association established a memorial fund for Singh. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The NITI Aayog on Thursday ranked Jharkhand's Pakur district the worst and Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar the best among the nation's 111 backward districts. The second "delta ranking" of backward districts -- which the NITI Aayog has dubbed as aspirational districts -- was released on Thursday by its CEO Amitabh Kant, reflecting the incremental progress made by the districts between June and October. Seven districts of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Jharkhand -- Pakur (111th), Chatra (109th), Giridih (108th), Sahibganj (104th), Latehar (103rd), Hazaribagh (102nd) and West Singhbhum (97th) -- figured in the worst 20 districts this time around, compared to five districts the last time. Janata Dal-United (JD-U)-ruled Bihar, which had nine districts in the bottom 20 in the June rankings, showed a marked improvement, with only one of its districts (Katihar at 93rd place) among the worst 20 this time. Notably, Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara, which was at the bottom of the ranking of 108 districts released in June, jumped the maximum number of spots to reach 7th place this time. Other districts which made significant jumps include Jharkhand's Ranchi (from 106th spot to 10th), Uttar Pradesh's Siddharthnagar (101st spot to 3rd) and Bihar's Jamui (99th spot to 9th). Apart from Pakur, Assam's Hailakandi, Jharkhand's Chatra and Giridh, and Nagaland's Kiphire fared the worst rankings from the bottom, respectively, this time. Districts which fared well include Odisha's Nuapada, Uttar Pradesh's Siddharthnagar, Bihar's Aurangabad and Odisha's Koraput which secured second, third, fourth and fifth spots, respectively. The government think-tank said the second delta ranking measured the incremental progress made by districts between June 1 and October 31 across six developmental areas of health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, skill development and basic infrastructure. "The ranking factors in validated data from household surveys conducted by NITI Aayog's knowledge partners, namely TATA Trusts and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The surveys were carried out in all aspirational districts during the month of June covering more than 1,00,000 households," an official statement said. Releasing the rankings, the NITI Aayog CEO said: "We have constantly endeavoured to ensure transparent, real-time measurement of qualitative development in aspirational districts through the use of third-party validated data. This will strengthen the spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism on the foundations of evidence-based policy making." Kant had last year said that districts in a few eastern Indian states were holding the country back and there was a need to "name and shame them". He had then said there was a need to create a baseline survey and monitor these states and districts on a regular basis and put it all in the public domain. "We need to name and shame these states and districts. We must bring it out that these are the states which are holding India back," he had said. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January, the "Transformation of Aspirational Districts" programme aims to quickly and effectively transform some of the most underdeveloped districts of the country. After several rounds of consultations with various stakeholders, 49 key performance indicators were chosen to measure progress of the districts. "Districts are prodded and encouraged to first catch up with the best district within their state, and subsequently aspire to become one of the best in the country, by competing with and learning from others in the spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism," the NITI Aayog said. --IANS vv/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. Karnataka wants the Central government to extend compensation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the state till 2025 from 2022 as stipulated, said Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday. "Kumaraswamy asked Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi to extend the GST compensation to the state till 2025 from 2022, as revenue deficit against protected revenue may continue," said the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in a statement in Bengaluru after their meeting in New Delhi. As an indirect tax regime, GST was introduced on July 1, 2017 across the country in lieu of various levies like central sales tax, commercial tax, value added tax and octroi for transfer of goods through inter-state goods transport. "Compensation to the state for the first 5 years, as envisaged in the GST Act, will limit fund allocation to various welfare schemes for the people and infrastructure projects in the state," said the CM0 statement. Although GST collection in the southern state has improved in fiscal 2018-19 over the previous fiscal (2017-18), the gap between actual and protected revenues is substantial and may continue beyond 2022. Apprising Jaitley of the situation in Karnataka, the Chief Minister said the state's revenue from indirect taxes like VAT grew 10-12 per cent annually. "Post-GST, the state has 20 per cent revenue deficit as against its protected revenue since the new tax regime since July 2017," said the statement. While Karnataka is making efforts to minimise revenue leak, the state has cited structural reasons for the revenue deficit from the present GST rates and due to lower contribution by the services sector. "As the state government has social schemes and infrastructural projects to improve the quality of life of its people, the Chief Minister sought extension of the compensation tenure by another 3 years," it added. According to the state Finance Ministry sources, Karnataka received Rs 7,535 crore as compensation for fiscal 2017-18, one of the highest among the states. After the compensation extension figured in the December 22 meeting of the GST Council, Jaitley in a blog on Monday admitted that the GST targets were steep for the states to achieve. "The targets set for the states in the GST regime are high. Even though GST commenced on July 1, 2017, the base year for revenue increase calculated is 2015-16. For each year, a 14 per cent increase is guaranteed," said Jaitley in the blog. With three 14 per cent increases compounded annually over the base year (2015-16), which is closer to a 50 per cent being reached in the second year, it is almost an unachievable target. As many states struggle to achieve the collection targets, the Central government has been mulling extending the compensation period against the revenue loss by three more years from 2022. --IANS bha-fb-som/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday urged Union Minister for Coal Piyush Goyal to rush coal blocks for three thermal plants in the state, said an official. "Kumaraswamy sought Goyal's intervention to rush coal blocks to Raichur, Ballari and Yarmarus thermal plants in the state's northwest region, as stocks were dwindling in them due to shortage," said a statement from the chief minister's office in Bengaluru. The chief minister also urged Goyal to direct the state-run Coal India Ltd in Kolkata and its subsidiary Western Coalfields Ltd at Nagpur in Maharashtra to supply coal to Raichur thermal power plant, about 500km from Begaluru. "The coal stock at the Raichur plant is very low needs replenish it at the earliest," added the statement. The 1,725mw Raichur plant has 8 coal-fired power generating units, including 7 units with 210 megawatt (mw) and one unit with 250 mw capacity, while Ballari plant has two units of 500 mw each and one unit of 700 mw capacity and Yarmarus plant in Raichur district has two units of 800 mw each. As Goyal also holds the Railways portfolio, the chief minister urged him to build a new railway line from Bidar in the state's northern region to Nanded in the Maratwada region of neighbouring Maharashtra. "As Bidar is a pilgrim centre for Sikhs and others with Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib shrine (gurudwara), the 154km track will help the railways run special trains for pilgrims and local people to travel in the Nanded circuit," said the statement. Kumaraswamy's father and former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda and his elder brother and state PWD minister H.D. Revanna were present at the meeting. As Gowda is a Lok Sabha member from Hassan, about 180km southwest of Bengaluru, the chief minister urged Goyal to speed up pending rail projects in the region, connecting Mysuru and Mangaluru. --IANS bha-fb/vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rishi Raj Singh, Director General of Police often referred to as a 'super cop,' on Thursday filed a complaint with the Hitech Cell of the state police that a fake news item with his picture was being circulated in social media, showing him participating at BJP-supported 'Ayyappa Jyothi', held yesterday. Speaking to IANS, an official attached to the Hitech Cell confirmed Singh has registered a complaint. "His complaint says that a fake news item with his picture is being circulated showing him standing in a queue along with others to take part in the 'Ayyappa Jyothi' event. We have started our probe into his complaint," said the official. The 'Ayyappa Jyothi' campaign was held across Kerala and was organized by the Sabarimala Karma Samithi with the support of the state BJP, RSS and Sangh Parivar outfits to protest the Pinarayi Vijayan government's attempt to dilute the traditions of the Sabarimala temple. --IANS sg/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday dismissed reports of a rift between coalition partners Congress and the JD-s, saying the two parties would contest the next year's Lok Sabha elections together. He added there had been no discussions on the seat-sharing arrangement between the two sides so far. Kumaraswamy's remarks come amid reports of a rift between the two parties who share power in Karnataka with the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) hinting at going it alone in the next year's general election. Talking to reporters here on his two-day visit to the national capital, the Karnataka Chief Minister said while there had been no talks of seat-sharing with the Congress, the alliance of the two parties was strong and would continue. "There has been no discussion on seat-sharing with the Congress so far. When the discussion has not taken place, how can there be any question of a fight?" he said. Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party claimed that it would form the new government in Karnataka by next week as it was in talks with 15 disgruntled MLAs from the ruling coalition. "The alliance is strong and we will contest the Lok Sabha polls together," Kumaraswamy said. The Karnataka Chief Minister met Water Minister and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Coal and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal and discussed various issues related to development of the state. He also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the drought situation and various irrigation projects for the state. --IANS vv/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed a controversial bill that criminalises the practice of triple talaq among Muslims, amidst walkout by the Congress and the BJP ally AIADMK as opposition parties attacked the government saying the measure was aimed at political gains in view of the coming general elections. The bill, which provides for up to three years' imprisonment for invoking instant divorce by uttering talaq thrice in a single sitting, was passed with 245 in favour and 11 against in a division after rejection of all opposition amendments, after the government turned down demands for referring the bill to a joint select committee for detailed consideration. The Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also joined the walk out. Strongly defending the bill after a four-hour discussion that broke the impasse in the House over the Rafale deal and other issues, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the bill should not be looked at from the prism of but was meant to ensure gender justice and will have a deterrent effect. "Do not look at it from the prism of but from that of humanity. It is aimed at giving justice, respect," he said. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 replaces an ordinance issued in September after the government failed to get the bill passed in the Rajya Sabha earlier this year. A similar bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in December last year but could not clear the Rajya Sabha where the opposition managed to stall it. The present bill contains safeguards brought in by the government which makes it clear that only the affected woman or her blood relative can file a complaint with police against the husband instead of anyone lodging a complaint as provided in the previous version of the bill. The improved legislation also provides for easier bail conditions and makes the offence compoundable by a magistrate after hearing the wife. The bill will now go to the Rajya Sabha where the government may still find it difficult to push it through. Opposition members, especially the women MPs belonging to the Congress, NCP and other parties, said that the government had brought the bill with political motives and there was no need to criminalise divorce which is a civil wrong and a social issue. AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi said while the Supreme Court is decriminalising adultery and same sex relationships, the government was intent on criminalising triple talaq because "you want to send Muslims to jail". At the same time, he said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was not bothered about social problems faced by Hindu women. Referring to the BJP stand on the Sabarimala verdict, he said while the ruling party opposed it saying it is a matter of faith, the same principle is not applicable to a matter of faith for Muslims. Before leading a walkout of his party ahead of the voting, leader of the Congress group Mallikarjun Kharge said most of the parties -- including AIADMK, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and left parties -- have demanded that the bill be sent to a joint select committee and the government should accept it. "It is a divisive bill, against the Constitution and violates Muslim personal laws and the right to equality," he said. He was followed by the AIADMK whose leader P. Venugopal said his party would also walk out of the House since the government has rejected its demand for a joint select committee. The AIADMK, which has been supporting the government and may even tie up with the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, attacked the bill calling it "unconstitutional", against "natural justice" and one of the most "barbaric" laws to have ever been introduced against the Muslim community. CPI-M member Mohammed Salim said: "The question is if you want to give justice to Muslim women... You are naming this bill as protection of rights of Muslim women, but there would be no protection of rights of Muslim women because Muslim women are part of the Muslim community." Prasad said the main objection of opposition was that the bill seeks to criminalise triple talaq and noted that the same House had passed laws with tough provisions to prevent incidence of rape. "When these laws were made, no one said what will happen to the family members of the culprits," he said. Replying to the debate, Prasad said penal provisions of laws such as dowry prohibition Act and domestic violence Act were applicable to all citizens and no one had any objection. "Why this objection is only for triple talaq. Behind it is political motive of vote bank," he said, adding that the bill had not been brought to treat any community as a vote bank. He said that 22 Muslim countries had banned triple talaq or codified it but there was objection to this being done in a secular country like India. The Minister said the Congress had supported the bill when it was passed in the Lok Sabha in 2017 but was now raising objections. Prasad said the government had addressed the concerns of members by bringing a new bill and was still willing to consider constructive suggestions but nothing came. Referring to a media report, he said Pakistan was also considering to criminalise triple talaq. "The whole world is looking at India," he said. Prasad said the person against whom a complaint was made would get jail term only after a trial and there was provision of settlement in which the magistrate would record statements. "Deterrence is always important. If you commit a crime, you will go to the jail," he said. Targeting the Congress, he said its government had brought legislation to negate the Shah Bano judgement. Prasad cited the Supreme Court judgement and rejected opposition's contention that there was no need for the bill in view of the verdict. He said one of the judges had said that "what is bad in theology, bad in law also" and the judgement also mentioned that a law should be enacted. BJP's sulking ally Shiv Sena, which vociferously supported the bill, utilised the debate to criticise the government for not being equally pro-active on the issue of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Party member Arvind Sawant said: "If there can be a law for triple talaq, why not bring a bill for Ram temple?" The government fielded ministers Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Smriti Irani, both members of Rajya Sabha, during the debate in which they attacked the Congress. Naqvi likened the practice of triple talaq with long abolished "Sati Pratha", saying the practice of divorce among Indian Muslims was not related to Islam but was a social evil. --IANS bns-rak-mak/ps/vsc/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday paid homage to the first public singing of India's national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', saying the composition by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore is a tribute to Bengal's leading role in the freedom struggle. "Jana Gana Mana was first sung on this day in 1911. Our National Anthem has united us and inspired the nation over the years," Banerjee tweeted. Taking pride in Bengal's leading role in country's freedom struggle, she wrote: "A song composed by Rabindranath Tagore to be chosen as the National Anthem, is also a tribute to #Bangla's leading role in the freedom movement." The first stanza of the song 'Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata', composed by Tagore in Bengali was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India as the National Anthem on January 24, 1950. It was first publicly sung on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta (now, Kolkata) Session of the Indian National Congress. --IANS bnd/pgh/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday laid foundation stone for a steel plant in Kadapa district on Thursday even as the Centre blamed the state government for not providing required information on availability of the mines and iron ore. With the Centre not giving its approval for the plant as committed at the time of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the state government decided to go ahead with the work on its own. After laying the foundation stone for the plant at Maremma Kambaladinne village, Naidu said he wanted to demonstrate the state's capabilities to the Centre. He slammed the Centre for going back on all the commitments made in Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) pulled out of NDA earlier this year over the latter's failure to keep the promise of special category status to the state, said the state repeatedly took up the issue of steel plant with the Centre but there was no response. Earlier, the state Cabinet approved the setting up of the steel plant named Rayalaseema Steels on 3,500 acre land. The plant requires an outlay of about Rs 18,000-20,000 crore and it will have capacity of three million tonnes per annum. Hours after Naidu laid the foundation stone, the Centre blamed the state government for not providing required information on availability of the mines and iron ore for the proposed plant. A detailed statement issued by the Steel Ministry recalled that the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) had found the project not feasible. However, the ministry appointed a high level Task Force, which has been holding meetings periodically. "The State Government itself had engaged Geological Survey of India (GSI) for doing the exploration work of Obulapuram Mines (G2 Survey: for ascertaining iron ore resource availability) which is a pre-requisite for finalization of the feasibility report. However, in spite of several reminders and reviews of the Task Force, this information has not been given by the State Government so far," it said. "MECON, a premier steel consulting company, has been engaged by the Task Force to prepare the draft feasibility report and it has been struggling to get this information in order to finalize the draft report which is almost final except for the information on mines and the iron ore availability," it added. The ministry reiterated that once the state government furnishes the information, the feasibility report will be prepared by MECON within the shortest possible time and thereafter the modalities of investment will be finalized. --IANS ms/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday warned that his government will not tolerate any attempt to create a rift between communities and will deal with anyone trying to disturb the state's secular fabric with an iron hand. Following a recent incident of vandalizing a statute of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) youth wing activists in Ludhiana, the Chief Minister warned the Akalis "against repeating such incidents", and pointed out that there were statues of several senior Akali leaders also in various parts of the state. "My government would protect each and every one of them too, just as it was committed to protecting the statues of senior leaders of other political parties," Amarinder asserted while interacting with media on the second day of the 3-day Shaheedi Jor Mela in this Sikh holy city, around 45 km from Chandigarh. Amarinder said the Sikh religion propagated communal harmony, which nobody would be allowed to disturb. Recalling the supreme sacrifice of 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh's youngest sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, and his mother, Mata Gujri, Amarinder said the peace for which they laid down their lives would be sustained at all costs. Referring to the "frustrated attempts being made by the Akalis to spread communal hatred by fanning the flames of the 1984 riots and dragging the Gandhi family into the case", the Chief Minister said Rajiv Gandhi was not even there when the violence erupted. "In fact, Sukhbir Singh Badal was studying in the United States and Bikram Singh Majithia was studying somewhere in state or Patiala at the time of the riots and were not even in the know of the developments, which they were not trying to exploit in the name of religion to gain political mileage," he added. He said that it was evident that the Akalis were indulging in petty and trying to disrupt harmony between communities in the name of 1984 anti-Sikh riots. About Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed political rally at Gurdaspur on January 3, the Chief Minister said that Modi was holding such rallies in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. --IANS js/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There cannot be a restriction on 'prasad' being offered to the Gods, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Civil Aviation Nand Gopal Gupta said on Thursday, when asked if the government would continue to allow the use of marijuana during the 2019 Kumbh Mela celebrations. "Where is any restriction when it comes to offering 'prasad' to God," Gupta asked at a press conference here. He was in Goa on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, to invite Governor Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and the people of Goa for the congregation in Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad. Earlier, when asked if the Uttar Pradesh government endorses the use of banned narcotics substances, routinely consumed by ascetics during the mammoth event, Gupta said: "It is an event of religious faith. Our government is committed to ensuring that no one is discomforted. We are ensuring that Kumbh will be grand and great. And no religious sentiment would be hurt." The Kumbh Mela, which attracts thousands of pilgrims, both from India and abroad, was last held at Prayagraj in 2013. It will be held from January to March, 2019. --IANS maya/mag/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pakistani government on Wednesday announced to launch a wide-ranging comprehensive operation to counter-terrorism and target killing across the country in March 2019. Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi told media that the government has decided to launch the National Action Plan, a comprehensive action plan to crack down on terrorism and to supplement the ongoing anti-terrorist offensive. The announcement came after the targeted killing of former parliamentarian and senior politician Syed Ali Raza Abidi who was shot dead by unknown assailants outside his house in Karachi, Xinhua news agency reported. The attack at Abidi is the fourth terrorist attack in Karachi during last one month, which has raised serious concerns over the country's achievements against the terrorism. The minister said the political and military leadership and key security agencies would sit together to take decisions to bring betterment to the country's national security plan. The minister said the government will also revive the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), the country's national organisation established to gather intelligence and disseminate and coordinate between all relevant stakeholders to counter terrorism and extremism. "We shall try hard to eliminate this plague from the country through joint efforts of all stakeholders including provinces and the central government, and those who want to destabilise the country will be identified soon," said the minister. --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on Thursday decided to ban former President and PPP co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and another 171 people from leaving the country over a money laundering case being probed on the orders of the apex court. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said in a press briefing here that the Cabinet decided to include the Pakistan Peoples Party leader and another 171 people in the Exit Control List, which prevents those on it from leaving the country, Geo News reported. "He (Zardari) does not take it (the investigation) seriously. Hopefully, after today he will take it seriously," Chaudhry said after a Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan. "This is not Purana Pakistan... Now, each and every penny will be accounted for," he said. Hitting back, Zardari vowed to fight his political opponents "in court and everywhere else". "Today, the thugs of the ladla have challenged us. We are not afraid of their tactics," he said, referring to the PTI government led by Imran Khan. Criticizing the incumbent government, Zardari said: "They did nothing in their (first) 100 days... They will be unable to run the country despite foreign support by friendly countries." Zardari's son and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto said: "The country's rein has been handed to an inexperienced PM. He has drowned the public in a sea of inflation within his first 100 days. He has brought the economy to a point from where there is no return." Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur and former Pakistan Stock Exchange chairman Hussain Lawai are among those being investigated by a joint commission comprising members of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and intelligence services, by order of the Supreme Court, for allegedly laundering money through at least 29 fake accounts. According to a report published by the commission recently, Zardari, along with his accomplices, laundered 4.2 billion rupees ($30 million) in the name of other people. The report also asserted that the former President did not reveal all his assets in the declaration to the Election Commission during the July polls, which could lead to him being disqualified from for life. Zardari, who was President of the country between 2008 and 2013, has denied any criminal activity and called the probe politically motivated. The widower of the assassinated former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, who was killed 11 years ago, Zardari has faced several graft cases over the years and was also imprisoned for eight years in several cases. --IANS soni/ (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.) The head warden of the Pratapgarh jail in Uttar Pradesh was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants at a busy market on Thursday, police said. The 55-year-old Hari Narayan Trivedi was buying vegetables at the Jail Road crossing when two assailants on a bike came from the railway crossing side and opened fire on him. He was shot thrice. The assailants then waved guns, fired blanks in the air and threatened to harm the crowd before fleeing the crime scene. The prison official had returned from his home after a two-day leave. He was rushed to a nearby medical facility where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Senior police officials, including Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Avanish Kumar Mishra, rushed to the crime scene as a forensic team was pressed into service to collect evidence, an official told IANS. Mishra said teams have been asked to crack the case and arrest the culprits quickly. Officials said the motive of the attack was not clear. The family of the deceased prison official has been informed. His body has been sent for post-mortem. --IANS md/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The speed at which global technology giants changed the way people lead their lives -- the way they talk to each other or conduct businesses -- without being concerned about any roadblocks was remarkable. But all that changed in 2018. Scandals surrounding Facebook started surfacing in such higher frequencies that industry observers began questioning if the social media giant with over two billion users would be able to survive in the long term. Leading the charge of the attack on Internet "monopolies" was American billionaire investor George Soros, who warned that social media companies can have adverse consequences on the functioning of democracy and that the days of the US-based IT giants were numbered. Scrutiny of Facebook increased manifold since it revealed earlier this year how a London-based political consultancy, that worked for US President Donald Trump's campaign, improperly got access to data of up to 87 millions users. Appearing before a US Congress Committee in April, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologised for the Cambridge Analytica data leak scandal. In May, he appeared before the European Parliament to respond to questions surrounding the company's business practices, its plans on fighting misinformation on the platform and protecting user privacy among others. While Facebook was slammed for revealing the Cambridge Analytica scandal years after it got to know of it, similar allegations of inaction were also levelled at the social media site for its role in the spread of false and divisive messages by Russian-linked accounts during the 2016 US presidential election. However, the year gave Facebook more opportunities to report fresh incidents of data breaches. In September, it said that a breach had exposed data of 50 million people and then, in December, it reported another security breach where nearly 6.8 million users risked their private photos being exposed to third-party apps. In between, Facebook found itself refuting serious claims of wrongdoings in giving access to user information to certain device makers, including China-based Huawei, and certain large technology companies and popular apps like Netflix or Spotify. Internet giant Google also reported voluminous data leakage this year. In October, it reported that accounts of up to 500,000 users of its social network Google Plus were exposed between 2015 and March 2018. But Google chose not to report the issue partly because it feared regulatory scrutiny and reputational damage, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. For the second time this year, Google said that a bug exposed accounts of 52.5 million Google Plus accounts, prompting the company to shut down the service in April 2019, four months ahead of schedule. Besides, Facebook and Google, a series of data breaches involving other large organisations including Marriott (affecting 500 million guests), Quora (100 million users), Cathay Pacific Airways (9.4 million passengers) gave common and not-so-common people the jitters. But the implementation of the long-awaited General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), designed to give citizens in the European Union (EU) more rights to control their personal information, brought some cheer to users of technology services as non-compliance of GDPR rules can cost a company a fortune -- 20 million Euros or four per cent of its annual turnover. The impact of GDPR implementation, however, did not stay limited to EU citizens alone as it added weight to demands of similar legislation in other countries around the world, including India, which faced criticism from some quarters for using Aadhaar data for delivery of certain services. In an effort to define the legal boundaries of the use of personal data, India had earlier this year brought out the draft of a data protection bill. The Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee submitted the Personal Data Protection Bill 2018 in July, suggesting amendments to the Aadhaar Act to provide for imposition of penalties on data fiduciaries and compensations to data principals for violations of the data protection law. While upholding the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar scheme, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment in September stated that private entities or individuals cannot avail Aadhaar data to provide consumer services, while directing the Centre to bring a robust data protection law. So even as breaches exposed data of millions of users around the world, 2018 gave more voice to demands for greater privacy protection. (Gokul Bhagabati can be contacted at gokul.b@ians.in) --IANS gb/vm/hs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a probe against personal secretaries of three senior ministers after a sting operation conducted by a TV channel showed them seeking bribes against favours like transfers, winging contracts in their favour, an official said on Thursday. Additional Chief Secretary (Secretariat Administration) Mahesh Gupta has ordered the probe and in all likelihood they would be suspended anytime now, the source said. In the sting operation, Om Prakash Kashyap, personal secretary of backward welfare minister Om Prakash Rajbhar is shown allegedly seeking Rs 40 lakh for a transfer. There are also alleged recordings of the secretariat staff assuring the reporter posing as a contractor that a school bag and uniform contract would be swung in his favour and for the deal, talks will be held with the husband of minister of state for basic education Anupama Jaiswal. The secretary of the minister is shown seeking commission in the tender of socks and shoes. The minister who is from the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) has clarified that he has nothing to do with the whole incident and has asked principal secretary of his department to order a probe into the whole issue. In the same sting operation, secretary of MoS (Mining) Archana Pandey, is shown striking a deal with the reporter for getting him mining contracts in about half-a-dozen districts. The secretary SP Tripathi will be investigated by a special investigation team (SIT), the minister said adding that stringent action will be taken against her PS. Santosh Awasthi, personal secretary to the MoS Basic Education, Sandeep Singh, is also seen in the sting operation "working out a deal" on a books contract and seeking his own cut in the deal. Sandeep Singh is the grand son of former UP chief minister and currently the Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh. The sting operation has come has a rude shock to the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in UP which has often spoken of probity and good governance. On many public platforms, chief minister Adityanath has claimed that graft has been eradicated from the system under his watch. The sting operation however has exposed his claims and could add to the ever growing woes of the BJP government. --IANS md/vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Designer Raghavendra Rathore will host a three-day pop-up of Indian menswear starting on January 5 at Shop Qatar, a shopping festival in Doha. Known for bringing the classic bandhgala back into men's wardrobes, the designer will present his eponymous label at the pop-up, said a statement. His special capsule collection features kurtas, jodhpuri bandhgala jackets, breeches, festive sherwanis, embroidered achkans and waistcoats, alongside accessories such as custom buttons, cufflinks, pocket squares and neck scarves. Handcrafted immaculately, using the finest heritage textiles in silks and brocades, the collection exudes elegance and royalty. "We're looking forward to showcasing everything classic that the brand has to offer with just the right amount of contemporary and transitional outfits for our UAE customers. The clients here have a similar sartorial aesthetic to us Indians, when it comes to special occasions and festivals. "The beauty of the bandhgala is that it is a versatile garment with its inherent lineage of Indian heritage. The bandhgala has the ability to fit into any gentleman's wardrobe and what also makes it interesting is that it can be worn differently, in different parts of the world - with breeches, or with denims," said Rathore in a statement. The designer-led brand already serves a global clientele including people from Singapore, UK, Middle East and India. --IANS nv/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Meghalaya government on Thursday said it will not call off the rescue operation to evacuate the 15 miners trapped inside a coal pit for the last 15 days in this remote Ksan mining area in East Jaintia Hills district. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said Coal India Limited and Kirloskar Brothers' Limited have offered their support to draw out the water from the 370-ft coal pit so that the rescuers can locate the trapped miners. A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official, who is supervising the rescue operations, said that rescue team comprising NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are waiting for the 100 horsepower machines each to be deployed at the site. Education Minister Lakhkmen Rymbui and Disaster Management Minister, Kyrmen Shylla also visited the accident site and took stock of the ground situation. The ministers accompanied by district police chief Sylvester Nongtnger also interacted with the rescuers besides family members of the trapped miners. "We are expecting that the Coal India Limited (CIL) will airlift their water pumps to the accident site by tomorrow (Friday). Their (CIL) team of engineers and surveyors arrived in the state and meeting the government officials," Sangma told IANS. "The main challenge that the state is facing now is how to get the logistics. Nonetheless, we are in touch with the central government and we have been assured of all their support," the Chief Minister said. The district administration has temporarily suspended pumping of water from the coal pit since December 24. NDRF rescuers team dived inside the main shaft of the coal pit but could not locate any of the miners. "There is nothing in the main shaft of the coal pit. We have used all our equipment with us including SONAR to find out if any of the miners are trapped in the main shaft," Assistant Commandant NDRF, Santosh Kumar Singh, told IANS. "There is no sign of receding or increasing of the water level (in the pit). We didn't even find anyone floating on the water surface. We have analysed the oxygen permissible on the surface of the water and the quality of the water. The water is stagnated for the last two three days," he said. Asked if the rescuers have lost hope to evacuate the trapped miners over ground, Singh said, "Rescuers never lose hope. We are all putting our best efforts to rescue them. We are waiting for the desired pumps to be in place and the state government is doing its best with all its resources. Therefore, we are very hopeful." However, the relatives of the trapped miners are losing hope and are expecting a miracle to occur. "It has been fifteen days since December 13 when they got trapped inside the pit without air. If God is willing, they may come back alive," said Adil Hussain, who was camping at the mining site seeing the rescuers doing whatever they can to bring the miners out. --IANS rrk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Calling the Triple Talaq Bill passed by the Lok Sabha as "arbitrary, excessive, and violative of fundamental rights", rights activists and organisations on Thursday appealed to Rajya Sabha members to "withdraw the Bill and significantly redraft" it in the interest of Muslim women. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 which criminalises the practice of triple talaq among Muslims, was passed in the Lower House after rejection of all opposition amendments, and the government turning down demands for referring the bill to a joint select committee for detailed consideration. In a statement, 40 rights activists and organisations opposed the Bill, calling it arbitrary, excessive, and violative of fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. "Overall, if this Bill is passed it would make Muslim women more vulnerable to violence, as well as harm their economic, household and social security," they said. Arguing that there was "no rationale to criminalise the practice of talaq-e-biddat", they said that if the Bill was passed, Muslim men will be incarcerated violating their rights of conjugality and would also lead to unwanted separation of the couple, against the wishes of the wife. "Since Muslim marriage is a civil contract between two adult persons, the procedures to be followed on its breakdown should also be of civil nature. Penal action to discourage the practice of instant triple talaq is a myopic view as it leaves many other issues of economic and social security of women unaddressed," they said. They also called the Bill which prescribes imprisonment up to three years and makes the offence a cognizable and non-bailable one, as "draconian and disproportionate". "Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that the practice is still "continuing unabated". He has pegged the number of divorce cases pronounced by way of triple talaq to 400 in 13 months. This data, for a country as large as India, is not enough to draw conclusions and create a criminalising bill. Moreover, the statement seems to be based on popular beliefs or perception rather than corroborated by any material evidence," claimed the activists. "The move to imprison Muslim men will add to the prevailing insecurity and alienation of the Muslim community. Criminalisation of instant triple talaq will further stifle the voices of Muslim women instead of offering them avenues for justice," they added. --IANS and/prs/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Some years ago, at a South Delhi eatery that grandly announced it served "Chinese, Japanese, Mughlai" cuisine, I came upon a young Oriental couple and their two small children with the man muttering and gesticulating at the order-taker, who too was doing the same. Sensing help was needed, I walked up to him and asked if I could be of assistance. "Oh, thank God, you speak English," he said, getting up and bowing. "This man, he tell me, Japanese, that this is Japanese food. This is good food, not Japanese food." The point being made is that in those days and, indeed, even to the present day, you could pass off virtually anything as "Chinese food" but you certainly can't do that with Japanese cuisine, which is far more elaborate. Thus, when, in 2000, the 74-cover Sakura fine diner opened its doors at the Metropolitan Hotel and Spa in the vicinity of Connaught Place, positioning itself as a speciality Japanese restaurant, arguably the national capital's first, there were many who wondered whether it would work. It did work -- and how. Those were the days when the Indian economy was slowly opening up and increasing numbers of Japanese expatriates, led by car-maker Suzuki, were increasingly making New Delhi their home for varying periods of time. Over the years, nationalities from other countries began coming in and Sakura saw the opportunity to reinvent itself as a heightened pan-Asian eatery. "We have incorporated dishes from other Asian regions mixed with Japanese spice and herbs to create an extraordinary fusion of taste for our customers. The idea is to amalgamate expertise with novelty to create something magnifique," the Metropolitan's Head Chef, Swapnadeep Mukherjee, explained as a Wasabi Martini, a delectable combination of vodka, lemon juice and wasabi paste, arrived at the table. "Also, when Japanese ingredients are mixed with pan-Asian dishes they truly elevate the palate, giving our customers something unique -- like salsa, mixed with Thai, Chinese and Japanese spices and herbs, helped us create a range of pan-Asian salads," Mukherjee continued as on cue a Som Tam salad appeared. With raw papaya and long beans as the base, cherry tomatoes, palm sugar, lemon, roasted peanuts, chilis and garlic created a joyous cacophony of lingering flavours. "We wanted our pan-Asian menu to be not a regular Asian menu and wanted to have a touch of our Sakura in it, so we infused Japanese herbs and spices after lot of R&D. Detailed trials were done before dishes from different Asian regions went into the final menu. Hence, the new pan-Asian menu is a fusion of dishes from Asian countries blended with Japanese spices to create a unique taste and flavour for our well-travelled guests," Mukherjee explained. Proof of this was in the Wasabi Martini, the vodka blending seamlessly with the other ingredients. For the main course, I decided to be a little adventurous and nibble at a combination of Prawn Schezwan, Foojing Rice, Geang Keaw Wan Pak (veg Thai curry) and stir-fried Chinese greens in black bean sauce; but before that there was to be a change in the cocktail -- this time an Orange Martini comprising vodka, orange juice and lemon juice. Martinis are generally clear drinks but the different hues of the two served, combined with the greenery outside the restaurant's huge bay windows on a Sunday afternoon, made for an absolute sense of peace and tranquility. The Prawn Schezwan was grilled to perfection, accompanied as it was by the martini. It was then time to dig in to the Foojing Rice -- chicken, green peas and scallion fried rice -- lay out some of the Thai curry and sprinkle on the greens. Each of the flavours came through, robustly complementing each other and not clashing. Surprisingly, there was still room for more and up came a Kung Pao Chicken -- the magic lying in the sauce that was a combination of wine, soy sauce, sugar, onions, garlic, water chestnuts, peanuts, vinegar and chilli paste. It made the tongue tingle, but ever so lightly and the martini served to enhance the experience. Not surprisingly, the desert was a three way offering -- litchi with ice cream, date pancake with ice cream and coconut custard -- all unique in their own ways and had to be delved into one at a time so as not to muddle the flavours. The ice cream provided the ideal accompaniment to the litchis and the date pancake was an interesting case of blowing cold and hot but then, dining out is all about what you make of the experience. The coconut custard was rather unusual, one having never come across such a combination before and it more than passed muster. Was the proof of the pudding in the eating? It definitely was. Kanpai to that! FAQs: What: Sakura at The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa Cost for two (without alcohol): Rs 3,000 plus tax Timings: Lunch 12 noon-2.30 p.m.; Dinner6 p.m.-11 p.m. (Vishnu Makhijani visited Sakura at its invitation. He can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in) --IANS vm/soni/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari said on Thursday that the kingdom will remove the travel ban on Lebanon upon the formation of a Lebanese government, the media reported. "We are working on strengthening Lebanese-Saudi ties in different areas," Bukhari was quoted by the National News Agency as saying. Bukhari's remarks came during his meeting at the embassy with a delegation from the Lebanese Business and Investment Council headed by its President Mohamad Chahine, Xinhua news agency reported. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait in last November warned their citizens against travelling to Lebanon, amid a Lebanese-Saudi crisis sparked by Prime Minister Saad Hariri's controversial resignation announcement in Riyadh which he rescinded soon after. The warning affected the tourism sector in Lebanon as the number of Gulf tourists in the country dropped by 40 per cent, according to Caretaker Tourism Minister Avedis Guidanian. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud reshuffled his cabinet on Thursday, appointing a new foreign minister less than three months after an crisis was unleashed by the murder of Saudi journalist in the country's consulate in Turkey's Istanbul. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, who was finance minister until 2016, was chosen by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also the prime minister at the same time, as the new minister of foreign affairs, replacing Adel Al-Jubeir who was demoted to the post of minister of state for foreign affairs, according to a royal decree. Al-Assaf was among dozens of detainees in the huge operation against corruption carried out by Saudi authorities in November 2017 in which princes, politicians and powerful business leaders were detained for weeks in a luxurious hotel in Riyadh before reaching financial agreements with the government, Efe reported. Shortly after he was released, Al-Assaf was appointed as a minister of state and a member of the Council of Ministers, and led the Saudi delegation that attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January 2018. The outgoing foreign minister, Al-Jubeir, was during recent years one of the main exponents of the Middle Eastern kingdom's policies as well as a staunch defender of the war in Yemen and his country's role in the case. The prominent Saudi Arabian journalist, a Washington Post columnist, was killed on October 2 inside his country's consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul where he had gone to fill out the paperwork needed for his upcoming marriage. was a member of the Saudi elite, however, he fled his country in September 2017 and became renowned for his criticism of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's administration. 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. The Shiv Sena on Thursday welcomed the triple talaq bill but also reminded the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of its core ideological issues asking the government to bring a law on the same lines for the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya. Participating in the debate on Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, Shiv Sena'a Arvind Sawant also sought abrogation of Article 370 and the Uniform Civil Code. "This Bill has preventive measures and also penal provisions. We welcome it," he said, adding that the government should also remember its other promises made to the people of the country. "Supreme Court can say that the construction of Ram temple is not an issue of priority but we can't remain silent. The country is waiting for the construction of Ram temple. Don't delay. Bring a legislation at the earliest. We are ready to welcome," he said. "Besides that, you abrogate Article 370 and enforce uniform civil code. We will support," he added. The three issues are the core resolutions of the BJP. The Lok Sabha earlier took up the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 for discussion and passage amid protests by the opposition which demanded that the proposed legislation be sent to the select committee for detailed deliberations. --IANS bns/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gurugram-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) start-up Staqu Technologies on Thursday announced the launch of Trinetra, an AI-based application for the Uttar Pradesh Police Department. The application digitises and searches records using AI and assists police forces at ground zero with real-time information retrieval during investigations, regular checks, verifications, and at police checkpoints, Staqu said. "This is the era of incredible technology and we are happy that young ventures like Staqu are deploying their expertise to make this world a safer space," O P Singh, Director General of Uttar Pradesh Police, said in a statement. With this application, police personnel can easily register or search for criminals via simple biometric features, such as images or videos. The app is powered by facial recognition, visual search, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning technologies that work well with low resolution images and videos, Staqu said in a statement. With AI-powered gang identification technology, Trinetra not only identifies a criminal but also their associates active in different districts and part of the states, it added. "It is the first police app carrying records of around five lakh criminals that are active in different districts and parts of the state," the statement added. --IANS gb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lovers of Urdu poetry on Thursday evening fondly remembered Mirza Ghalib, who was born in Kala Mahal area of Agra, in 1797. At a function at Goverdhan hotel, organised by Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society, speakers recalled Ghalib's contribution to enrich Urdu literature. They demanded a fitting memorial to the doyen of Urdu 'adab' in the Kala Mahal area, in the heart of the city. Society president Surendra Sharma said the Agra University should start a Mirza Ghalib research chair to promote Urdu literature. In a resolution, members demanded the renaming of Bhagwan Talkies crossing as Mirza Ghalib Circle. Speakers lamented the falling standards of Urdu literature, which has unfortunately been aligned with a particular community. However the patronage the Urdu poetry has received from Bollywood has indirectly helped to revive interest in the language. --IANS bk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Technology was a game-changer in the arts landscape in 2018, pushing the limits of approach and aesthetics -- and even the creators -- while there was also a visible shift from just seeing art to experiencing it. Creating multiple copies of an art object using technological "reproduction" was a question dealt in much detail in the writings of leading cultural theorists, but this eventful year showed us how technological "production" itself is making its presence felt in the arts ecosystem. Delhi-based art gallery Nature Morte's "Gradient Descent" could have easily been just another exhibition, but the human-machine collaboration made it stand out. Created using algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the artworks in India's first ever commercial AI contemporary art expo led the viewers to rethink human creativity and labour. "While the visual side of the creative task is now shifted to an algorithm -- a machine -- the machine can only create works based on its own experience and its exposure to visual languages. "It is here, in the art of teaching the machine and in designing the humanly interpretable concept of the artwork, that the locus of the human's creativity lies within this genre," the gallery had said in a note on the exhibition. In another event, a dancing AI robot-artist performed in Gurugram and Delhi. The AI-created artworks came into the limelight as leading global auction house Christie's sent a work under the hammer in one of its October sales. The "Portrait of Edmond Belamy", created using an algorithm defined by an algebraic formula, sold for $432,500 (roughly Rs 3 crore), which Christie's saw as a signal of "the arrival of AI art on the world auction stage". What also caught attention was major cultural hubs in the capital designating exclusive spaces for arts experimentation. The Art Heritage gallery and Kaleidoscope Digital Art (KDA) gallery emerged as experimental platforms for artists in the year's latter half. Asked if we were shifting from just seeing art to experiencing art, the Art Heritage gallery associate director Tariq Allana had earlier, during the opening of artist Abhijit Pathak's show, told IANS: "There are a lot of art installations happening. I recently went to three biennales in Korea, and the Indian artists there are creating experiences even on an international level. Some of the installations in Jaipur's Indian Ceramics Triennale were imposing too". Pathak, who works in traditional media and had never done installations, was commissioned to create a multimedia experience "Sensorium" in a small gallery space, where he ventured into the third dimension, using fabric, metal, light, sound and the moving image. The KDA gallery, too, featured several digital artists who worked with digital photography, videos, films, sound and animation, on varied themes: Life around a sacred river, photographic archives, and more recently the cinematic form. Earlier this year, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) also presented "Delirium/Equilibrium", an exhibition of video, virtual reality and kinetic artworks, featuring artists who push the boundaries of traditional, static forms to introduce visual experiences that engage the audience. Dharti Arts Residency, an annual event of the non-profit Serendipity Arts Foundation, also saw four major works that went beyond the concept of artworks hung on walls, but entered the realm of experiential and experimental. The Foundation's just-concluded Serendipity Arts Festival also saw many installations and digital works, including an interactive game and an augmented reality experience on Goan heritage. On the global stage, 2018 saw artist Charlotte Prodger bagging the prestigious Turner Prize for her film shot entirely on an iPhone; and auctioneers at Sotheby's being left perplexed when phenomenal street artist Banksy's painting shredded itself after being sold. The work was renamed "Love is in the Bin" and was bought by the original bidder as her "own piece of art history". Chinese phone brand Honor too recently unveiled an art installation made from 2000 phone glass-backs, in Hong Kong. It may thus seem a year of significant deliberation in the realm of art and technology but it is not the first. The writings of cultural theorists like Walter Benjamin and John Berger remind us that technological reproduction was seen as a threat to art, which thrived on individuality and uniqueness. Tech interventions, nonetheless, seemed to have surfaced more than any previous year in the arts domain. What remains to be seen is how enduring this seeming "paradigm shift" would be. (Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in) --IANS sj/ss/vm/hs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said those who were in the habit of looting money were now afraid of the country's 'chowkidar'. Like the soldiers earlier, the Congress "is now befooling the farmers". "Those who were in the habit of looting, they are now feeling afraid of the country's 'chowkidar' and are now abusing him," Modi said, without naming the Opposition Congress. He said they were now befooling the farmers in the name of waiving farm loans. In his nearly one hour-long address to the public here, marking the first anniversary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule in the state, he said his government at the Centre has given Rs 12,000 crore to soldiers in four instalments under the One Rank, One Pension scheme. "For the last 40 years, this country's soldier was demanding the One Rank, One Pension scheme. The then government fooled our soldiers and kept only Rs 500 crore for it. When we came to power, I called for the file and officers were left stunned." "We realised there was Rs 12,000 crore required for it. It's difficult for the government to take out Rs 12,000 crore in one go so I called soldiers and asked them to give it in four-five instalments and they agreed. Today I am happy, we gave it in four instalments," he said. Batting for the promotion of tourism and horticulture in the Himalayan state, the Prime Minister, donning a Himachali cap, said: "I called people from Pepsi, Cola, Fanta and other types of aerated drinks and asked them to include five per cent of natural fruit juice in these drinks." "Many companies are coming forward to do so. It is going to generate a good market for our farmers in coming days." Comparing the financial incentives extended by the previous United Progressive Alliance-led Congress government at the Centre with his present government, Modi, in his speech in Hindi, said during the previous government, Himachal Pradesh used to get Rs 21,000 crore. "When the BJP government came to power, I was given a chance to serve you all, and Himachal is being given Rs 71,000 crore. It has only become possible because the government of India believes that each and every penny from this amount will be spent by the Himachal government judiciously for the state's development." Congratulating Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on completing one year in office, Modi said: "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work." Referring to the accident in which nearly 43 persons, including 40 students, who were on their way to attend Modi's rally, were injured when their bus skidded off the road in Kangra district, Modi asked the state government to ensure adequate relief measures. He also appealed to the rally participants to take precautions while going back to their homes. Meanwhile, the Congress on Thursday submitted a charge-sheet to the office of the Governor against one year of the BJP government. --IANS vg/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday likened the practice of triple talaq with long abolished 'sati-pratha', saying the practice of divorce among Indian Muslims is not related to Islam but is a social evil. "This (triple talaq) is not related to Islam. It is a social evil like sati-pratha, the abolition of which was also opposed by many then in the name of religion. But through the will of the people, we were able to abolish it," Naqvi said in the Lok Sabha in support of the the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, introduced earlier in the day. He argued the contention made by other parliamentarians, who expressed concern about the rights of Muslim men against whom there is a provision in the Bill of a jail term of three years if they indulge in the practice. "It seemed to me that some of the people are standing with the accused instead of the victim. If you are afraid of the punishment, why commit the crime in the first place?" he said. He said despite a long debate on the practice decades back in the Shah Bano case, such incidents have been occurring in the country. He cited a number of Muslim majority countries where the practice of 'triple talaq' has been abolished or criminalised, naming Iran, Pakistan, Cyprus, Qatar, Bangladesh, Syria, and Brunei, among others. "This law is not to victimise anyone... The law had to be brought because despite such an extensive debate on the practice during the Shah Bano and Shayara Bano case, such incidents keep occurring. "This country is not run through 'shariyat' (Islamic law), it is run through Constitution... This Bill will be in favour of the country and of the women," he said. At one point during his argument, Naqvi was countered by several protesting voices from oppostions leaders over his use of the word "kathmullah", which he immediately clarified had meant "fanatic," and that he did not mean to disparage the Muslim community. -- IANS vn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CPI-M Lok Sabha Member Mohammed Salim on Thursday said the Narendra Modi government is using the triple talaq bill as a political tool and in reality, it is not sincere towards the welfare of the Muslim community. He emphasised that the Bill must be sent to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament for scrutiny as it is "based on false premises". "If you do not do justice with the country, with its citizens, if there are human rights violations... Muslims are also part of this society (and hence suffer). "If you will make Muslim men second class citizens, you will take away their right to speak, right to eat, right to pray, such as (recent police order barring Namaz in parks and other public spaces) in Noida, you are snatching these rights and saying that you want to do justice to Muslim women. These are crocodile tears," Salim said. Taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs, he said he would not speak on Quran, hadith, shariat as the "BJP people are sufficient for that". "But the question is, if you want to give justice to Muslim women...you are naming this bill as protection of rights of Muslim women, but there would be no protection of rights of Muslim women because Muslim women are part of the Muslim community," he said. "All this discussion is being done to divert attention from the real issues," he said, and demanded to know as to why the present government had pushed the Sachar Committee recommendations for the uplift of minorities to back burner. "Daman par lahu ke dagh jhoote ashko se dhule nahi jayenge (The stains of blood on your sleeve will not be washed away with false tears)," Salim said. --IANS mak/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defending the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 in the Lok Sabha, BJP member Meenakshi Lekhi on Thursday questioned if 'Triple Talaq was part of the Quran and asserted that the issue was not about "he versus she," rather it was about human rights violation. Countering Congress' arguments that the Bill primarily sought to criminalise only Muslim men, Lekhi citing matrimonial laws especially those governing maintenance, said non-Muslims were liable to be penalised for not giving maintenance to their wives or mothers. "I will like to ask those opposing the Bill, that in which 'suraa' of the Quran is 'talaq-e-biddat' mentioned? This is not he vs she, these are issues of human rights violation," she said. "Our constitution talks about a uniform civil code and not a uniform religious code. Do we want to create a society where men have the sole right to divorce women whenever they want, a society where men can change wives like clothes," she asked. Flaying the Congress for its "politics of appeasement", Lekhi said the proposed law was not just punitive but "equally restorative and reformative," pointing out that the offence under it was compoundable or that which can be compromised by the victim and offender, with or without the permission of court. Claiming that as many as 50 schemes of Narendra Modi-led Central government focused on women empowerment, Lekhi said the proposed law was aimed at gender justice and asserted that no gender war could ever be won unless men stood with women because (men) continued to be in a state of dominance. She also said all personal laws were different and could not be compared. "The difference between Congress and us (BJP) is that they talk about divorce and we talk of marriage, we talk about rights of marriage, about sustaining a marriage and empowering women," she added. Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha took up the Bill for discussion and passage amid protests by the Opposition which demanded that the proposed legislation be sent to the select committee for detailed deliberations. Moving the Bill for passage, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Bill was not against any community, religion or belief, rather it would ensure justice to women. --IANS and/pgh/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress MP Sushmita Dev said on Thursday that the triple talaq Bill was not about empowering women and tat it seeks to penalise Muslim men. Participating in the debate on the Bill in the Lok Sabha, she said Congress opposes criminalisation of triple talaq. "This law is not about empowering a Muslim woman, it's a Bill that only penalises a Muslim man. In the name of power [empowerment], you are giving the Muslim women nothing but a criminal case," she said. The Bill seeks to replace an ordinance issued earlier for protecting the rights of married Muslim women and prohibiting divorce by pronouncing "talaq" by their husbands. The ordinance was promulgated in September, making the practice of instant triple talaq an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with a three-year jail term. "As per the new amendments that the government has introduced in the Bill, a Muslim man can walk away with a diluted subsistence clause and escape huge punishment or compensation that he is supposed to give to his wife. We oppose a matter which is clearly and purely a matter of civil jurisdiction that it is being criminalised," Sushmita Dev said. "If this government truly believes in empowering women, they should send the Bill to a joint parliamentary select committee," she added. --IANS som/ps/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump could not meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdelmahdi on his recent surprise trip to the Middle Eastern country because for "security reasons" the premier was only informed of the president's visit two hours earlier, the White House said on Thursday. In remarks to reporters who travelled with the US president, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that for "security reasons" the White House could only invite the Iraqi premier to meet with Trump two hours prior to the time that could be scheduled for the meeting. Abdelmahdi was elsewhere in Iraq and could not rearrange his schedule to meet with Trump on such short notice, Sanders said, Efe reported. Given the US announcement, the Iraqi premier's press office issued a statement saying that the meeting could not be arranged due to a lack of agreement regarding how to conduct it and so the two leaders spoke on the phone instead. During that telephone conversation, Trump invited Abdelmahdi to visit the White House and the prime minister accepted, Sanders said. In addition, she said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet with Abdelmahdi in Baghdad on January 11. Trump and his wife Melania on Wednesday made a surprise visit to US troops deployed in Iraq, the first time the president has visited soldiers stationed abroad. The first couple visited the US Ain al Asad base in Iraq's western Al Anbar province, and on their return to Washington aboard Air Force One they stopped in Germany to spend 45 minutes with US soldiers at the Ramstein military base. Last week, Trump announced that he was withdrawing from Syria all 2,000 US troops stationed there to fight the Islamic State as part of an international coalition. According to local media, the president also ordered the withdrawal of 7,000 of the 14,000 US troops stationed in Afghanistan, although this has not been officially confirmed. The Pentagon has about 5,200 soldiers deployed in Iraq as part of the coalition fighting the IS. Last week, Pompeo assured Abdelmahdi that the US remains committed to the "sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Iraq and promised that the international coalition will continue working closely with the Iraqi military to destroy the remnants of the Islamic State. --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump visited the US troops in Iraq to celebrate Christmas, the official Iraqiya television reported on Wednesday. The state-run channel briefly said that Trump "denied any plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq," reports Xinhua news agency. As for his decision to withdraw US troops from neighbouring Syria, Trump said that "a lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking," according to the channel. The channel said that Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived earlier at Ayn al-Asad airbase in Iraq's western province of Anbar after an overnight flight, where hundreds of US troops are stationed. Trump left Iraq to Washington after the surprised two-hour visit without meeting with any Iraqi leaders, it added. The US House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on its twitter account that "Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit our troops and senior military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas." Trump's visit to Iraq is his first since taking office nearly two years ago. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said that the US troops' withdrawal from Syria would have negative impact on Iraq. "We have discussed... the US decision to withdraw troops from Syria, because this has great repercussions on Iraq," Abdul Mahdi told a press conference after a weekly cabinet meeting. "If there is a security tension in Syria (by the US pullout), there will be a wave of migration, and Iraq will be one of the first countries to be exposed to such issue," Abdul Mahdi said. "The terrorists may leave the Syrian territory and try to go to Iraq, and this also would have repercussions on our country," Abdul Mahdi added. He stressed that Iraq needs to take precautions from now so that it will not be affected. The prime minister mentioned that the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had informed him of the pullout of the US troops before the implementation of the decision, asserting that Pompeo confirmed that the US will continue to support Iraq in its war against terrorism. Abdul Mahdi's comments came two days after he held a phone call with Pompeo, who explained the details of the scheduled pullout from Syria. Recently, Trump declared a plan to withdraw all US troops from Syria, citing the full defeat of IS militants in the country. These troops were part of a US-led coalition which has been fighting and conducting airstrikes against IS targets in both Iraq and Syria. --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday took a grim view of a sting operation report aired by a private TV channel against three secretariat employees and ordered their suspension, an official said. Adityanath has also ordered forming a Special Investigation team (SIT), to be headed by the Additional Director General (Lucknow Zone) Rajeev Krishna, to probe the matter. Inspector General (Special Task Force) and senior officials of the Vigilance Department will be the other members of the SIT. Special Secretary (IT) Rakesh verma will extend his help to the SIT. The Chief Minister has asked the SIT to begin the probe immediately and record the statements of all parties involved in the matter. The SIT has been asked to complete its investigations in ten days. The Chief Minister has also instructed the Secretariat Administration department to review all other such incidents. In the sting operation, Om Prakash Kashyap, personal secretary of Backward Welfare Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar is shown allegedly seeking Rs 40 lakh for a transfer. There are also alleged recordings of the secretariat staff assuring the reporter posing as a contractor that a school bag and uniform contract would be swung in his favour and for the deal, talks will be held with the husband of Minister of State for Basic Education Anupama Jaiswal. The secretary of the minister is shown seeking commission in the tender of socks and shoes. The minister, who is from the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), has clarified that he has nothing to do with the whole incident and has asked principal secretary of his department to order a probe into the matter. In the same sting operation, secretary of MoS (Mining) Archana Pandey is shown striking a deal with the reporter for getting him mining contracts in about half-a-dozen districts. The secretary S.P. Tripathi will be investigated by an SIT, the minister said, adding stringent action will be taken against her PS. Santosh Awasthi, personal secretary to the MoS Basic Education, Sandeep Singh, is also seen in the sting operation "working out a deal" on a books contract and seeking his own cut in the deal. Sandeep Singh is the grandson of former UP chief minister and currently the Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh. The sting operation has come has a rude shock to the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh which has often spoken of probity and good governance. --IANS md/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a freak accident, two Naval officers were killed here on Thursday after getting trapped beneath the iron shutter of the helicopter hangar, police said. According to police, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. at the Southern Naval Command's headquarters here. "The Navy is conducting their probe. Two Chief Petty Officers who were standing in front of the helicopter hangar were seriously injured when the hangar door fell on them. The Naval officials immediately took them to hospital, but their lives could not be saved," a police officer told IANS on the condition of anonymity. The Naval authorities are yet to disclose the names of the deceased. Their families have been informed. An official statement of the Indian Navy is awaited. --IANS sg/pgh/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The spokesperson for the Islamic State militant group in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region has been killed in an airstrike by the US forces, the Afghan Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Sultan Aziz, the outfit's spokesperson for the so-called Khorasan province -- which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of Iran -- was hit in Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, the Ministry's 201st Selab Military Corps said in a statement. "(He) was killed in Pachir-Agam district of Nangarhar province two days ago by the US drone strike," said the statement cited by Efe news. Aziz was also in-charge of recruiting fighters to carry out "deadly terrorist attacks against civilians". Nangarhar, bordering Pakistan, has been a known bastion of the Islamic State since the group sprung up in Afghanistan in 2015. Although over the last two years, the presence of its fighters has considerably reduced in other Afghan provinces, the group continues to remain active in Nangarhar and has claimed among the bloodiest attacks in the country. According to the latest UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan report, between January 1 and September 30 this year, Nangarhar, for the first time, overtook Kabul as the province with the highest civilian casualties with 554 dead and 940 wounded. Across the country, 25 per cent of all casualties during this period were attributed to the Islamic State, while the Taliban was held responsible for 35 per cent. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was discharged from hospital following a surgery to remove cancerous growths found on her left lung, the court has said. Ginsburg was released from hospital on Tuesday and is now "recuperating at home", Xinhua news agency on Thursday quoted a statement by the court. The nodules were found during tests to diagnose and treat rib fractures she sustained during a fall on November 7, the court had said in a statement. There was no evidence of any remaining illness and no further treatment is planned, the court said last week after Ginsburg's surgery at a cancer centre in New York City. The 85-year-old, who is the most senior justice in the court's liberal wing, has previously been treated for colon and pancreatic cancer. Appointed by then US President Bill Clinton in 1993, she was the second female justice to be confirmed to the court after a career devoted to feminist causes and civil rights. She has garnered huge public support, earning her the nickname "Notorious RBG". Supporters fear that if Ginsburg leaves the Supreme Court, her replacement will be chosen by President Donald Trump to expand the conservative majority of the highest court in the country. The Supreme Court is composed of nine justices holding lifetime positions. Currently there are five conservatives and four progressives. The justices are appointed by the President and then confirmed by the Senate, where the Republicans have a majority. Trump has nominated two judges in less than two years. --IANS mag/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Comedian-actor Vir Das, who is currently working on his next film titled "Happy Patel", says he is excited about it as it is "uniquely different and has great sense of comedy". Written by Vir, the film draws inspiration from Hollywood films "Austin Powers" and "Johnny English". "It's 'Austin Powers' meets 'Johnny English', both of which are iconic spy agent comedy films. It's a new edge to comedy and something that hasn't been done before in India and I have seen these films do well and go on to become successful franchises," Vir said in a statement. Though the film is inspired by the Hollywood movies, Vir said his film is a "completely different project and story." --IANS sim/nn/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid speculations that the Narendra Modi government could announce a major relief plan for farmers ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, former Union Minister and Congress veteran P. Chidambaram on Thursday asked how the government will fund the new plan. On a day when Modi accused the Congress of "deceiving farmers" with promises of loan waivers, Chidambaram took to Twitter to ridicule the Prime Minister's mega relief plan for farmers. "Prime Minister says that Congress governments' loan waivers are only to win elections. So, shall we assume that PM's 'Farmers' Relief Plan' is intended to lose elections? "Eight months' revenue collection is less than 50 per cent of target, fiscal deficit is 115 per cent of estimate. Where is the money for the new plan," asked the former Finance Minister. "BJP government's plan will imitate the previous Madhya Pradesh government's plan of paying the farmer the difference between MSP and market price. Remember, the MP Govt plan brought no relief to the indebted farmers. "The 'pay the difference' plan will help only the farmer who has a marketable surplus. What about the farmer who has no marketable surplus? He is also in debt," he added. Chidambaram's remarks come a day after Modi held consultations with top BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on issues concerning farmers amid indications that agrarian problems could be a factor in the BJP's ouster from three Hindi heartland states in the recently concluded Assembly elections. --IANS and/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The new year has an exciting and eclectic slate of films lined up for Sonakshi Sinha, who says she would love to work in a movie aimed at entertaining children. "I feel it is very crucial to keep the kids entertained in every household as it keeps them occupied and also aids them in learning new things. I hope to see more films which are made by keeping kids in mind as an audience and more engagement events to be held," Sonakshi told IANS via email. The actress joined in a bit of kiddie fun in Mumbai earlier this month at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, which will be aired on Nickelodeon on January 6, 2019. Anything specific that she would like to do in the children's genre? "I would love to. I do feel I have a very strong connection with kids, could be because we're on the same wavelength (laughs). "Kids are just drawn to me and I just enjoy being around them, so I feel it would be wonderful if I was able to work on a film that is all out just for kids," she said. In 2019, Sonakshi has films like "Kalank", "Mission Dangal" and "Dabangg 3" to look forward to. "I feel blessed that I have such wonderful projects coming my way and it is truly thrilling to work on them. I cannot wait for all of them to hit the theatres," she said. There is also news that she may be seen in Nikkhil Advani's "Snow". But Sonakshi steered clear of confirming. "The best people to give out any details of a film are either the producer or the director. I prefer not to speak about any films until I've actually signed on the dotted line," she said. --IANS rb/nv/pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eleven students were injured when a school bus overturned in Jawali sub-division of Kangra district on Thursday, a district official said. The injured students were being attended to, he said. The incident occurred at a time Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the district to address a Jan Abhar Rally in Dharamshala to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 14 Nigerian nationals were arrested for drug peddling and contraband worth Rs 21 lakh and a pistol were seized from them, police said Thursday. Some of the had illegally entered India from Bangladesh, they said. A raid was carried by the Byculla police on the railway tracks of Chinchpokli in Central Mumbai in which they caught seven Nigerian nationals with narcotics on December 15. After interrogation, police got information about more Nigerian nationals, who are into drug peddling and hiding at Mira Road in neighbouring Thane district, said Dinesh Kadam, senior inspector, Byculla police station. Acting on the information, a police team later arrested seven other Nigerians who had fired on cops, injuring four of them, he said. The police recovered drugs worth Rs 21 lakh, a 32 bore pistol and Rs 41,000 in cash from the arrested Nigerians, Kadam said. The seized drugs included 550 grams of MD (is a common recreational drug), 110 grams of brown sugar and 55 grams of cocaine, he said. They police also recovered 10 cartridges, seven passports whose visas had expired, USD 200, a button knife, a digital weighing machines and two mobile phones, he added. A scrutiny of the passports revealed their holders had landed in Bangladesh and then illegally entered India, Kadam said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Clashes between Sudanese anti-riot police and protesters in demonstrations against a rise in bread prices have killed 19 people, including two security force personnel, the government said Thursday. "Nineteen people lost their lives in the incidents including two from security forces," government spokesman Boshara Juma said on state television, adding that 219 people were wounded. Sudanese authorities had previously said that eight people have been killed in clashes in Khartoum and several other cities since the protests began on December 19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar is likely to surrender before a court here on December 31 to serve the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. "We will comply with the high court's judgment," his counsel Anil Kumar Sharma told PTI. The counsel said Kumar's appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the high court verdict is not likely to be taken up for hearing before December 31. The 73-year-old former Congress leader was sentenced to life for the "remainder of his natural life" by the Delhi High Court on December 17 in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The case relates to killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar part-I area in Palam Colony in South West Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar part II. Riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her two Sikh bodyguards. The high court had on December 21 rejected Kumar's plea seeking extension till January 30 to surrender. The former Congress leader had sought more time to surrender, saying he had to settle the family affairs related to his children and property and also needs time to file appeal in the Supreme Court against the high court verdict. Sharma said they have removed the objections in their appeal filed in the apex court but since the court was on vacation till January 1, it was not likely to be taken up for hearing by December 31 and also the chances of mentioning for urgent listing of the appeal was not there. The Supreme Court will open on January 2 after the winter break. "We have removed the objections and the appeal in the apex court has been numbered. Presently, there are no benches in the Supreme Court. Even if we mention the matter for urgent hearing, the registrar will decide whether it will be heard by the bench. No time is left now," Kumar's counsel said. He said they are yet to engage a senior counsel who would represent Kumar before the apex court. The former Congress leader had on December 22 approached the Supreme Court challenging the high court's judgment. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who is representing the riots victims, had earlier said that they had already filed a caveat in the apex court to pre-empt any ex-parte hearing in favour of Kumar. The high court had set aside the trial court's 2010 verdict which had acquitted Kumar in the case. The six accused, including Kumar who was a Member of Parliament at that time, were sent to be tried in 2010. The high court had also upheld the conviction and varying sentences awarded by the trial court to the other five -- former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former MLAs Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar. All six, including Kumar, were directed by the high court to surrender by December 31, and not leave Delhi in the mean time. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thirty-five students on their way to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Dharamshala were injured when their bus overturned in Kangra district on Thursday, an official said. The students from a computer training centre were heading towards Dharamshala's Police Grounds in a private school bus when the accident took place in the district's Jawala sub-division. Modi addressed a rally to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh. The condition of five of the injured is said to be critical, the district official said. Congress president Rahul Gandhi expressed concern, saying on Facebook that he was saddened to hear the "I pray to God that those who are injured get relief as soon as possible. I express my deepest sympathy with the parents of the children," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 35 students of a computer training centre, on their way to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Dharamshala, were injured when their bus overturned in Jawali sub-division of Kangra district on Thursday morning, a district official said. They were on their way to Police Grounds, Dharamshala, in a private school bus to attend Modi's 'Jan Abhar Rally' being organised to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh. Among the injured, the condition of five is stated to be critical and they have been admitted to hospital, the district official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An eight-year-old girl, student of a private school in Bhopal city, was allegedly raped by her classmate, police said Thursday. According to the complaint filed by her parents, another unidentified boy was also involved in the crime. While the police were yet to receive the girl's medical report, a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe the shocking incident. The alleged incident took place near the girl's house Tuesday. The case was registered Wednesday after the girl's parents approached police. Additional Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kaushal said that as per the complaint, an eight-year-old classmate of the girl and another unidentified boy raped her. "The police are interrogating the boy and his parents. ....No arrest has been made as the accused too is a minor," he said. Superintendent of Police (Bhopal South) Rahul Lodha has constituted an SIT headed by a woman police officer for further probe, Kaushal added. Detailed medical report of the girl is awaited, he said. A case of rape under IPC section 376 and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been registered at Govindpura police station. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a major decision ahead of the and state Assembly polls next year, the government Thursday approved the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations from January 1, a move that will benefit more than 2 million employees and pensioners. The approval to the pay hike of government employees, which will cost the state exchequer Rs 386.55 billlion, was given by the Cabinet at its meeting here and comes just months ahead of the elections. The state will face Assembly polls in the second half of 2019. Finance Mungantiwar, speaking to reporters at Mantralaya (secretariat), said the Cabinet has approved the 7th Pay Commission's implementation from January 1, 2019 with retrospective effect from January 1, 2016. The New Year-eve bonanza will also bring cheers to more than 360 retired government employees who are over 100 years of age. All employees will get salaries as per the revised scales from their February 1 pay packets, he said. Mungantiwar said the decision will put an additional burden of Rs 386.55 billion on the state exchequer and the government will spend a total of Rs 77.31 billion annually over the next five years. "The decision will be benefit officers, employees, teachers from aided schools and those from Zilla Parishad institutions. This will benefit as many as 20,50,000 government employees," the minister said. He said employees will get arrears retrospective from January, 1 2016 for the period of 36 months and it will be given in five instalments. The minister the arrears will be credited directly to the (GPF) account of the employees. Mungantiwar said with the new pay scales coming into effect, a Group 'D' employee will get Rs 15,000 basic salary per month, while a Group 'C' staffer will take home Rs 18,000 per month in basic salary. He said retired employees in the age of 80-85 years will get a hike of 10 per cent in their monthly pension, 15 per cent for those in 85-90 age bracket, 20 per cent for 90- 95 years and 50 per cent hike for those who are 100 and above. "There are 362 retired government employees, who are over 100 years of age," he said. A senior Congress leader in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered a major controversy in the state with his statement that if his party comes to power, it will pay Rs one crore and give a government job to the kin of those killed in Kashmir in the name of terrorism. Sounding sympathetic to Kashmiri militants, Haji Sagheer Saeed Khan, a minority cell observer of the All India Congress Committee, also promised Wednesday the release of militants after withdrawal of cases against them, if the Congress comes to power. Asserting that Kashmir has become a killing field under the BJP rule, Khan also said "a new law would be made to hang BJP leaders, involved in killings of the people (in Kashmir)". Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), however, rejected Khan's statement, saying he had no mandate of the party to make any statement on its policy matter without consulting the JKPCC. Disowning Khan's statement, JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, in a statement, said the Congress party's stand is clear that terrorism has to be dealt with sternly and there cannot be any compromise on the issue of security and safety of the people. Attacking the Congress party over the Khan's pro-terror statement, the BJP's J&K unit spokesperson, Brigadier (Retd) Anil Gupta Thursday asserted that AICC minority cell observer Khan has the blessing of Rahul Gandhi and he needed no mandate of the JKPCC to make any statement. Pointing out that Khan had made the statement at the JKPCC's official press conference at its JKPCC at Shaheedi Chowk, Jammu in presence of a JKPCC general secretary, Brig (Retd) Gupta the Congress party has sought to disown the statement as "an afterthought". "Can anyone believe that a guest from New Delhi would make a statement against the party ideology, in its official press conference in the presence of a JKPCC general secretary?" Gupta asked. "Does he (Khan) need any mandate from the JKPCC when he enjoys the blessings of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the AICC? he asked. He said "it is a clear-cut face saving exercise but is deemed to fail because the people are convinced of pro-terror and pro-Pak mindset of the Congress." Desperate to return to power, the Congress can go up to any extent including the appeasement of terrorists and supporting Pak-sponsored jihadi terror in the state, said Gupta. There is nothing new in Khan's statement as various Congress leaders have been speaking in different voices and making pro-Pakistan statements in the past, he said. Hafiz Saeed, the dreaded Pakistani terrorist and the Mumbai terror attacks mastermind has repeatedly praised the Congress party and its leaders, said the BJP spokesperson, recalling the terror mastermind's recent appreciation for senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's statement in June this year that the Army under the BJP has killed more civilians than terrorists. Hafiz praises the Congress and its leadership for their soft approach towards the terror and for their deeds through which they do much more than what Hafiz Saeed wants. In Samjhauta Blast case, they let the real terrorists flee and arrested some Hindu preachers and Army men to coin terms like 'Saffron Terrorism'. There can't be better friends of Hafiz in the entire world than the Congress party," said Gupta. The Congress is responsible for spread of terrorism in India due to its weak, anti-terror policies, he said, adding the Congress has always followed the policy of appeasement rather than dealing terror with an iron hand. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) All motor vehicles will come fitted with tamper-proof high security registration plates (HSRPs) from April 1 to protect against counterfeiting, Parliament was informed Thursday. "The ministry has notified ... mandating that HSRP including the third registration mark, wherever required, shall be supplied by manufacturers along with the manufactured on or after April 1, 2019 to their dealers," Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari told Lok Sabha in a written reply. Gadkari said the proposal to amend the concerned rule in Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and revision of the HSRP Order, 2001 was placed in the public domain for soliciting objections/suggestions and was discussed in a meeting on June 5, 2018. He said transport department officials of states, representatives from testing agencies like Automotive Research Association of India, Central Institute of Road Transport, Central Road Research Institute, and Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures, attended the meet and supported the proposal. "HSRPs have certain security features and are protected against counterfeiting. The plates are fastened with non-removable/non-reusable snap lock fitting system," Gadkari said. Manufacturers or suppliers of HSRPs, if so authorised by the state concerned, may also supply the HSRP for old vehicles after placing the registration mark, he said. An HSRP is a chromium-based hologram applied by hot stamping on the number plates both at the front and back besides laser-branding of a permanent identification number, an official said. Third registration mark refers to a chromium-based hologram sticker affixed on the inner side of the vehicles' windshield which will have the details of registration, the official added. America cannot be the policeman of the world, US President has said during his first visit to Iraq as he urged other countries to share responsibilities. Trump, on a surprise visit to US troops stationed in Iraq, defended his decision to pull American troops out of war-torn Syria, saying there would be no delays. "The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world," Trump told reporters at a military base west of Baghdad, soon after he addressed American soldiers. This is his first visit to Iraq as the US President. He is accompanied by First Lady Melania. Trump vowed for a "harsh response" from his administration if there was to be another terrorist attack on America. "If anything should happen at all, nobody will ever have suffered the consequences they had suffered," Trump told American troops at a military base west of Baghdad. "It's not fair when the burden is all on us, the United States," he said, as he defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria and let regional countries, Turkey in particular, to complete the work of finishing the remnants of the ISIS terror group and Saudi Arabia to invest in development of the war-ravaged country. In his interaction with reporters, Trump described how he gave "the generals" multiple six-month "extensions" to get out of Syria. "They said again, recently, can we have more time? I said, 'Nope'. You can't have any more time. You've had enough time. We've knocked them out. We've knocked them silly. "I will tell you that I've had some very good talks with (Turkish) President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan who wants to knock them out also and he'll do it. And will do it too. Because we are in their region. They should be sharing the burden of costs and they're not," the US President said. Last week, Trump surprised the world and his country as well when he suddenly announced that the US is pulling out its troops from Syria. The US currently has some 2,000 troops in Syria, which are now gradually headed home. US Defence Secretary resigned in protest. Trump has argued that the US now no longer needs to be present in Syria now that ISIS has been defeated. "We don't want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them. They don't pay for it, and they're going to have to. "In Syria, Erdogan said he wants to knock out ISIS, whatever's left, the remnants of ISIS. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they are going to pay for some economic development. Which is great, that means we don't have to pay. We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people haven't even heard about. Frankly, it's ridiculous," Trump added. US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to withdraw troops from the war-torn Syria, saying America cannot be the world's policeman, as he made his first unannounced trip to Iraq. President Trump and First Lady Melania secretly left Washington on Christmas night and visited Iraq on Wednesday to deliver holiday greetings to US combat troops. "President Trump and the First Lady travelled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit with our troops and Senior Military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a tweet. Trump delivered a speech to around 100 uniformed service members at an air base west of Baghdad where he defended his decision to pull American troops out of Syria. "The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world," Trump told reporters soon after he addressed American soldiers. He said the US could use Iraq as a regional launching pad to carry out operations against the ISIS and Syria. Trump vowed that his administration will give a "harsh response" if America faced another terrorist attack. "If anything should happen at all, nobody will ever have suffered the consequences they had suffered," Trump said. "It's not fair when the burden is all on us, the United States," he said, as he defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria and let regional countries, Turkey in particular, to complete the work of finishing the remnants of the ISIS terror group and Saudi Arabia to invest in development of the war-ravaged country. In his interaction with reporters, Trump described how he gave "the generals" multiple six-month "extensions" to get out of Syria. "They said again, recently, can we have more time? I said, 'Nope'. You can't have any more time. You've had enough time. We've knocked them out. We've knocked them silly. "I will tell you that I've had some very good talks with (Turkish) President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan who wants to knock them out also and he'll do it. And others will do it too. Because we are in their region. They should be sharing the burden of costs and they're not," the US President said. Last week, Trump surprised the world when he suddenly announced that the US was pulling out its troops from Syria. The US currently has some 2,000 troops in Syria, which are now gradually headed home. US Defence Secretary James Mattis resigned in protest. Trump has argued that the US now no longer needs to be present in Syria as the ISIS terror group has been defeated. "We don't want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them. They don't pay for it, and they're going to have to. "In Syria, Erdogan said he wants to knock out ISIS, whatever's left, the remnants of ISIS. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they are going to pay for some economic development. Which is great, that means we don't have to pay. We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people haven't even heard about. Frankly, it's ridiculous," Trump added. The US has kept a sustained military presence in Iraq since the 2003 invasion launched by former President George W Bush. Trump had come under intense criticism for not visiting US troops fighting overseas, even though he speaks frequently about his support for the military. Before heading to Florida for Thanksgiving, Trump vowed he would visit troops, but did not specify a date or specific location. "I'm going to a war zone," he had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal apologised Thursday for abusing and threatening a journalist amid state-wide protests condemning his comments. Journalists' associations, political parties and several outfits took on Ajmal who threatened to smash the local television reporter's head for asking a politically loaded question on next year's general elections. In a tweet, Ajmal said, "Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and I have always respected media persons and everybody knows that I have sincere regards for them. "The Mankachar incident was an unintentional aberration and I sincerely apologise for that to all concerned (sic)." In another tweet, he said, "The incident which took place today was not intentional. The concerned reporter used to ask silly question every time (sic)." The Wednesday incident was condemned by the ruling BJP, its ally AGP and the opposition Congress. The parties said Ajmal had not only insulted the particular journalist, but the fourth pillar of democracy and the people of Assam as a Parliamentarian. The influential All Assam's Students Union (AASU) and All Assam Minority Students' Union (AAMSU) demanded the Dhubri lawmaker's arrest over the incident. The journalist who was threatened by Ajmal has already registered a police case. In Nalbari district's Tihu, journalists and members of Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) staged a protest and burnt Ajmal's effigy. Members of United Television Media Association wore black badges and staged a sit-in at the Dispur Press Club premises. Referring to Ajmal's apology on twitter, they said since he abused the reporter at a public event, he should hold a press conference and apologise rather than posting messages on social media. Assam State Journalists Association chief Jitu Sarma condemned the incident and said, "He should learn how to talk to journalists as media is the fourth pillar of democracy." In a statement, the Journalists' Forum Assam or JFA said, "It is a matter of shame for a lawmaker in the world's largest democracy that he could not digest a question in a formal press conference." The forum urged all media persons to unite against such "unruly behaviour of men in power in the spirit of authentic journalism for the benefit of our great nation and also survival of the medium". Activist Akhil Gogoi of Krishak Mukti Sangram Parishad demanded Ajmal's arrest in attempt to murder case and also asked the state government to provide him security. "He (Ajmal) had snatched away the boom. Ajmal's supporters present at the spot also threatened to attack the journalist. The scribe is at risk as he is now known to the supporters of Ajmal. At any given point of time, he might face death threat," Gogoi said. On Wedneday, Ajmal was talking to reporters after a function at Mankachar in South Salmara-Mankachar district when the journalist asked him about AIUDF's alliance plans for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He refused a direct reply and said, "We are with Mahagathbandhan (opposition) in Delhi." The journalist then persisted and asked whether AIUDF would change its position after the polls depending on which party won. To this, Ajmal lost his temper and said, "How many crore will you give? (abuse)... Is it journalism? People like you are demeaning journalism. This man is against us from earlier on." Ajmal then rained more abuses, snatched the mike of another journalist and tried to hit the scribe who had asked the question. "He is asking for how much money will I be sold to BJP? His father will be sold. Go from here or else I will break your head. Go and file a case against me...(abuse)... I have my men in court...you will be finished. You have done this earlier also," the leader said. The journalist was then made to apologise by Ajmal's men for asking the question. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) IndiGo has grounded an A320 neo aircraft after mid-air shut down of a Pratt & Whitney engine this week, a source said Thursday. The plane, which was flying from Port Blair to Kolkata, returned to Port Blair and made an emergency landing. The incident happened on December 23, the source added. The no-frills airline has been grappling with P&W engine problems for quite sometime. According to the source, the pilot of the aircraft reported failure of one of the engines and sought a turn back. This was the fourth incident of an IndiGo plane facing technical glitch mid-air since December 10. An IndiGo spokesperson said the aircraft returned to Port Blair after the pilot observed low oil pressure in one of the engines. "On December 23, an IndiGo A320 aircraft (VT-ITE) operating flight 6E-6616 from Port Blair to Kolkata returned to Port Blair. During the flight, the pilot observed low engine no 2 oil pressure. The pilot followed his procedures and landed back to Port Blair," the spokesperson told PTI. The aircraft is withdrawn from service for further checks at Port Blair, she added. IndiGo, however, did not respond to a query on whether it was mulling stopping the deliveries of the A320neos till the engine issues are fixed permanently. It also did not reveal how many of its A320 neo's were out of operations due to the engine issues. P&W did not respond to similar queries. Significantly, both the aircraft maker and the engine maker have been monetarily compensating the two domestic carriers -- IndiGo and GoAir -- for each grounded plane. IndiGo and GoAir operate P&W engine-powered A320 planes. Both airlines have been facing problems with P&W engines powering their A320 family planes and there have been many instances of mid-air engine shutdowns. On December 10, IndiGo's A320 neo plane made an emergency landing in Kolkata after smoke filled the plane's cabin. It was also the first incident globally where smoke was detected from a P&W engine. Later on December 21, one of the engines of an IndiGo aircraft, flying from Udaipur to Hyderabad, suffered mid-air shutdown. The next day, the airline's Hyderabad-bound plane from Mangalore had to reject take off at the last minute after severe damage warning in engine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Assam Rifles, which guards vast stretches of the Indo-Myanmar border in the north east, is in the process of occupying a number of additional locations along the frontier, officials said on Thursday. The paramilitary force has taken a number of steps to increase its presence in the remote border areas of the north east, the officials said. "Assam Rifles is now in the process of occupying number of additional locations all along the Indo-Myanmar Border," a Defence release said. The move is aimed at keeping a strict curb on illegal trans-border activities like smuggling of drugs, weapons and contraband items, and also to check unauthorised crossing of civilians in the border areas, it said. The large stretch of the border along the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram is manned by the Assam Rifles, known as the sentinels of the north east. The Army, through its Eastern Command, is responsible for the operations in the north east and coordinates the operations of Assam Rilfes along this border. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The launch of Ayushman Bharat, aimed at achieving universal health coverage, and revision of the MBBS curriculum after a gap of 21 years, stood out for the health ministry in 2018, even as instances of contaminated polio vaccine and faulty Johnson & Johnson hip implants put it on the dock. The ministry also kicked off the process of restructuring of the scam-tainted Medical Council of India (MCI) and constituted a board of governors to run the regulatory body without waiting for Parliament's nod to the National Medical Commission Bill which seeks to replace the body to check on the corruption in medical education. The NMC bill is currently pending in Parliament. The new MBBS curriculum finalised by the Medical Council of India Board of Governors this month includes modules on ethics and communication and will be followed from the 2019-20 academic session. The passage of the surrogacy bill by the Lok Sabha, despite opposition from some quarters, came as a shot in the arm for the health ministry, which wanted to regulate surrogacy in India by prohibiting its commercialisation and allow only close relatives to act as surrogates to needy infertile couples for "altruistic" reasons. The ministry launched Ayushman Bharat programme for affordable healthcare in India. It has two pillars. The first is Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) that aims to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) providing coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. Since its launch on September 23, more than six lakh people have availed treatment under the scheme across India. The second pillar - nearly 1.5 lakh sub-centres and primary health centres will be transformed as health and wellness centres by 2022 to provide comprehensive and quality primary care close to the community while ensuring the principles of equity, affordability and universality. The year also saw the Cabinet approving the Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 for regulation and standardisation of education and services provided by professionals in the healthcare sector. On the flip side, the outbreak of Nipah and Zika virus cases in some states kept the ministry on its toes. Further, some vials of oral polio vaccines contaminated with type-2 polio virus administered to children in Maharashtra and Telangana, besides Uttar Pradesh, caused lot of embarrassment to the health ministry which ordered immediate withdrawal of the particular manufacturer's vaccine and also initiated measures to control the situation. The case of faulty J&J hip implants drew a lot of criticism forcing the ministry to take action. The year also saw the ministry notifying the enforcement of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 that aims to end the epidemic by 2030 and safeguard the rights of people living with HIV and affected by HIV by addressing HIV-related discrimination by bringing in legal accountability and establishing mechanisms for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances. Also, after a long time, the supervisory visit charges for ASHA Facilitators were increased from Rs 250 per visit to Rs. 300 per visit. With this increase, they will receive about Rs 6000 per month against Rs 5000 per month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A court in Srinagar issued a bailable warrant against Peoples Conference leader and former MLA Zadibal Abid Ansari Thursday in a defamation case filed by senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar. The court of Chief Judicial Magistrate issued the warrant against Ansari after he failed to appear before the court in connection with the criminal defamation case. Akhtar had filed the case against Ansari and BJP leader Khalid Jehangir in November after the duo did not tender a public apology for levelling allegations against the PDP leader which the complainant claimed were baseless. The PDP leader has also filed a complaint against three journalists -- Arnab Goswami and two of his colleagues for airing the "baseless allegations" and defamatory report on his channel. Khalid Jehangir appeared before the court and submitted bail bonds. The court has directed all the defendants to be present on the next date of hearing on February 9, 2019. Ansari, who was a PDP MLA from 2014 till the dissolution of the assembly last month, and Jehangir had separately levelled allegations against Akhtar that he had indulged in malpractices during his tenure as the Public Works minister in the PDP-BJP government. Jehangir, who was vice chairman of Projects Construction Corporation, wrote a letter to the Governor levelling allegations of malpractices in allotment of works by the minister. Without naming Akhtar, Jehangir alleged that then Public Works Minister had allotted prestigious projects to his blue-eyed persons on verbal directions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock steered South Africa to a first-innings lead on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan at SuperSport Park on Thursday. Bavuma made 53 and De Kock hit 45 before South Africa were bowled out for 223, a lead of 42. Lunch was taken when the final wicket fell. Left-arm fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi took four for 62 and four for 64 respectively. Runs were again at a premium on a pitch which has helped the fast bowlers throughout. Nightwatchman Dale Steyn hit 23 off 23 balls and Kagiso Rabada made 19 off 25 balls as the tail provided support to Bavuma and De Kock. Bavuma moved to an assured half-century off 66 balls but was then tied down by some accurate bowling before edging Afridi to wicketkeeper and captain Sarfraz Ahmed for 53 off 87 balls with nine fours. De Kock made his runs off 53 balls with five fours before he was last man out, driving Amir to cover. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kuwait has announced plans to launch six new projects with a focus on developing bachelor cities (mainly for company labourers) in co-ordination with the Partnership Projects Authority in the capital city, reported Arab Times, citing a senior official. These cities for labourers is being built with the financial backing from the private sector, noted Ahmad Al Manfouhi, the director-general of Kuwait Municipality. "These labourer cities will aim to provide all health, security, recreational and commercial services to low-income residents residing in Kuwait without their families," stated Al Manfouhi. Kuwait Municipality has already started allocating sites for the establishment of labour housing projects and 'bachelor cities' in various governorates of the country, he added. The power grid project in South 24 Parganas districts Bhangar is likely be commissioned by the end of January next year, a senior official of the Power Grid Corporation of India said on Thursday. Enquired by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about the progress of the work at the proposed power grid in Bhangar, the official of the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd informed that work was about to be completed and the plant would be commissioned by next month-end. "Why is the work delayed at the power grid? If you need employ more workmen to complete it. We have solved the problem," Banerjee told state Power secretary Sunil Gupta at the meeting. "The work is going on and we are hopeful that we will be able to commission it by January-end," the official of the PGCIL informed the chief minister. The work at the Bhangar power grid project started last August 14, but it was halted in early 2017 after protests by villagers in the area. Five people were killed and several were injured during protests that broke out against the power grid project in 2017. The state government has agreed to shell out an extra Rs 12 crore to compensate the villagers. Banerjee asked the officials to speed up the work before any further problem emerge in the area. "Please see that no further problem arises and try to complete the project before any new problem arises," she said. Later speaking to PTI, the official said the project was stalled following protests by villagers and there were some technical damages. "Some technical damages caused the delay. We hope that by January-end we will be able to start flow of power through the grid through transmission lines," he said adding that the power would be supplied from Farakka Super Thermal Power Plant. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It is a big day for Muslim women with the Lok Sabha set to discuss the bill on instant triple talaq, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel said on Thursday as the government struggled to get consensus on the issue. Leaders from various parties spoke on the issue of the proposed law that will make instant triple talaq illegal and void and attract a jail term of three years for the husband. "It is a big day for Muslim women. They have been facing injustice for the past 1,000 years. "The Modi government is going to pass the bill against triple talaq. It could have happened in 2017, but certain state Congress governments were opposing the decision. The Cabinet passed an ordinance and now the government is going to free all Muslim women from triple talaq," Goel told reporters outside Parliament. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to the government to refrain from interfering in religious matters. "We will discuss the bill. The government shouldn't interfere in religious matters," Kharge said, citing Article 25 of the Constitution on 'freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion'. The government, he said, is interfering in every religious matter. "Hence, we're fighting it. We will ask all parties about the bill, on whether there are problems with it. We will see if sending it to a parliamentary committee is the solution," said the Congress leader. CPI leader D Raja told reporters that the bill should be sent to a select committee for further deliberations. According to Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, the husband should not directly be sent to jail. "That needs to be figured out," he said. The Lok Sabha last week decided to take up the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, on December 27 after the Congress agreed to participate in the debate. The fresh bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House but amid opposition by some parties in the Upper House, the government cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. As the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP and the Congress traded barbs on Thursday over the passage of the triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha, with the ruling party demanding its rival's apology for "decades of injustice" towards Muslim women and the opposition party alleging that the legislation was passed in haste keeping in mind the 2019 polls. Lok Sabha Thursday passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, which criminalises the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. The opposition, including the Congress, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government. Soon after the bill was passed in Lok Sabha, BJP president Amit Shah hailed it as a historic step to ensure equality and dignity of Muslim women, and demanded an apology from the Congress for "decades of injustice". In a series of tweets, Shah congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for successfully passing the bill in Lok Sabha. "This is a historic step ensuring equality and dignity for the Muslim women. Congress and other parties must apologise for decades of injustice towards Muslim women," he said. The Congress accused the NDA government of getting the triple talaq bill passed in haste in the Lok Sabha keeping in mind the 2019 general elections and said its provisions were against the Constitution as well as fundamental rights. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge claimed the BJP was desperate to get the bill passed in Lok Sabha with political gains in mind in view of the impending polls. He also said stringent provisions like criminalisation of a civil offence were not there in any other law applicable to other religions as were there in the triple talaq bill. "The triple talaq bill is against the Constitution. It is also against fundamental rights. They got the bill passed in haste in Lok Sabha as general elections are approaching," he told PTI after the bill was passed in Lok Sabha. Kharge said the bill was similar to the one which was brought earlier by the government, which had not listened to the Congress's demand for sending the proposed legislation to a joint select committee of both Houses of Parliament. Reacting to the passage of the bill, All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that it will become a source of injustice against Muslim women. CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat said her party has opposed the bill as it criminalises an essentially civil matter. "For no other community law, desertion is a ground for arrest. The bill is a masquerade by the Modi government to conceal the reality that its agenda is not the protection of the rights of Muslim women but the promotion of its sectarian anti- minority policies," she said. "I support the Supreme Court judgment for the end of arbitrary and instant triple talaq, but nowhere has the court given sanction for criminalisation," she said. The Aam Aadmi Party accused the BJP of seeking to make political gains by posing itself as the champion of Muslim women's cause. Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, said it is beyond comprehension why the BJP was "bent" on penal provision for triple talaq when the practice had already been ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. "The BJP is seeking political gains through this bill by posing itself as a champion of Muslim women's cause. What about the large number of Hindu women who face rape, murder and dowry death across the country," Singh told PTI. The passage of the bill drew mixed reactions from Muslim bodies, with some terming it "very dangerous", while others welcoming it. S Q R Ilayas, member of working committee of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), said there was no need for this bill and it has been brought keeping in mind the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "It is a very dangerous bill that will make a civil issue a criminal offence. Who will take care of the wives and children once the husband goes to jail?" he said. Maulana Mahmood Daryabadi, General Secretary of the All India Ulema Council, said when the Supreme Court has declared triple talaq unconstitutional, why is it even being discussed here. However, Zakia Soman, member of the Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, welcomed the bill. The National Commission for Women also welcomed the passage of the bill in Lok Sabha. Reacting to the bill being passed by the Lower House, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said she has seen the sufferings of the Muslim women due to absence of this legislation. However, several women activists Thursday criticised the passage of the triple talaq bill, saying it was a "political move" aimed at polarising the country before the Lok Sabha polls. Secretary, All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA), Kavita Krishnan, asked how the law can be different for different communities. "Why such an offence (abandoning wives) when committed by a non-Muslim man is considered to be a civil offence and the same is being criminalised when committed by a Muslim man?" she asked. President, All Indian Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), Malini Bhattacharya also termed the bill as politically motivated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP was seeking to make political gains by posing itself as the champion of Muslim women's cause, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh charged Thursday, after the Lok Sabha passed a bill criminalising the practice of instant Triple Talaq in the community. The Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill which criminalises the practice, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, said it is beyond comprehension why the BJP was "bent" on penal provision for triple talaq when the practice had already been ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. "The BJP is seeking political gains through this bill by posing itself as a champion of Muslim women's cause. What about the large number of Hindu women who face rape, murder and dowry death across the country," Singh told PTI. This bill will end all possibilities of reunion of a broken family as a man sent to jail for divorcing through instant triple talaq will never go back to his wife, he said. The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government is batting for the triple talaq bill in Parliament to push its Hindutva agenda in the country, the CPI(M) alleged on Thursday. CPI(M)'s politburo member and its deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Md Salim said the main concern of the opposition parties regarding the bill was that it criminalises triple talaq. "The Supreme Court order does not put it in the category of a crime... The judgement of the SC was being forcefully passed by the government to push its political Hindutva agenda," he said, adding that it was an attempt of the government to divert attention of the public from the failed promises made by the BJP before the elections. He also said this was being done even as a Rajya Sabha committee was deliberating on the issue. "The government should wait for the report. Instead of trusting parliamentary procedure, the government has introduced the bill in Lok Sabha. This shows that it has no trust in such processes. It just wants to use tactics to scare society and use divisive forces to further its Hindutva agenda," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP workers Thursday interrupted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by imitating coughing action as he started speaking at an official event here, prompting two Union ministers to intervene. The action by the BJP workers ridiculing Kejriwal for the bouts of coughing he suffered from till 2016, left the AAP leader in an awkward position at the Vigyan Bhawan event as he asked for some silence from the audience. The programme was jointly organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Delhi Jal Board to launch projects to clean the Yamuna River. It was attended by Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari and Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Minister of State for Water Resources Satyapal Singh, and BJP MPs from Delhi and workers were also present. The BJP workers started mocking Kejriwal by coughing as he began his speech. As the heckling became louder, Vardhan and Gadkari asked the workers to stop. "Please keep quite. This is an official event," Gadkari said. Kejriwal was known to suffer from chronic coughing during the winters and also underwent a surgery to address the problem in September 2016. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A sublime six-wicket haul by Trent Boult and half centuries from Tom Latham and Jeet Raval gave New Zealand a vice-like grip on the second Test against Sri Lanka in Christchurch on Thursday. At the close of the second day, New Zealand were 231 for two, holding a commanding 305-run lead in their second innings with eight wickets in hand. Sri Lanka's hopes of taking the series-deciding Test were severely dented in a 15-ball masterclass of swing bowling from Boult when he took six wickets for four runs. It gave New Zealand a 74-run first-innings lead, which Latham and Raval extended to 195 with a century opening stand. Kane Williamson and Latham added a further 68 for the second wicket until Williamson played a lazy shot to Lahiru Kumara and was caught at first slip for 48. At the close of the second day, Latham was on 74 with Ross Taylor on 25. Latham, who starred in the first Test with an unbeaten double century, has faced 213 deliveries. He received a life on 32 when he top-edged Suranga Lakmal to fine leg where the ball slipped through the fingers of a diving Dushmantha Chameera. Patel, who worked with Latham to produce the first wicketless session in the Test when they batted from lunch to tea, was out in the second over after the resumption for 74 when he edged Dilruwan Perera to Kusal Mendis at short leg. Sri Lanka resumed at 88 for four harbouring thoughts of overhauling New Zealand's first innings 178. But nine overs and 16 runs later their last six wickets were gone, all taken by Boult, who finished with a career best six for 30. Only Angelo Mathews was able to keep Boult out and he was unbeaten on 33 at the close of the innings. Boult triggered the collapse when he had Roshen Silva caught by Tim Southee at third slip for 21. A diving Southee produced a spectacular one-handed catch in Boult's next over to remove Niroshan Dickwella for four. Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Chameera and Lahiru Kumara all misread Boult and went quickly leg before wicket without scoring to end the innings. Perera and Lakmal fell in consecutive deliveries with Chameera blocking the next ball to avoid a hat-trick before he was removed with the second ball he faced. There was movement off the seam for Suranga Lakmal and Kumara when New Zealand began their second innings, but the Sri Lankan quicks did not manage the kind of sudden movement in the air that Boult had found. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A British-Pakistani man who made plans to join the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group is facing a lengthy jail term after he was convicted of preparing an act of terrorism by a court here on Thursday. Mohammad Aqib Imran, a 22-year-old from Birmingham, was arrested after an investigation into his friend, 20-year-old British- Bangladeshi Naa'imur Rahman, who was earlier this year convicted of a plot to kill Prime Minister Theresa May. While Imran was not charged in relation to that assassination plot, police identified that they had been interacting online and met on two occasions. Rahman recorded a "sponsor" video and sent it to Imran to show terrorists when he arrived in Libya. "The idea was that Rahman would kill the Prime Minister and Imran would subsequently have a video from a martyr recommending he be accepted into the terrorist organisation. Such a video would have held weight with Daesh (ISIS)," said Acting Commander for the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, Alexis Boon. "Of course, this was never going to happen because MI5 and the Counter Terrorism Command had been investigating the pair for some time and in fact a covert police officer had been meeting with Rahman to establish how serious his plans were," he said. The Met Police detectives subsequently arrested both men in November last year. They seized Imran's phone and Kindle electronic reader, and forensic specialists sifted through the media files on the devices. They recovered Rahman's video message from a phone belonging to Imran, and from Imran's Kindle they recovered a terrorist guide book. On July 18 this year, in a trial with Rahman, Imran was found guilty of collection of information useful to terrorism in relation to the eBook. The jury was unable to reach a verdict in relation to a charge of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, which related to Imran's plan to travel to join ISIS, but he was found guilty this week of the offence following a retrial. "I am pleased with this result. Our police investigation has stopped Imran from joining Daesh (ISIS) on the ground in Libya, where his subsequent actions could have assisted the terrorist organisation to further their aims," Boon added. Rahman previously pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct in assisting the preparation of terrorist acts, for the sponsorship video he filmed for Imran. He was jailed for 30 years for this and the plot to kill Theresa May. Imran will be sentenced for his offences on January 25 next year. The jury was told that Imran had learning difficulties and his college had provided him with a dedicated assistance teacher to help him complete a course which would lead to work in social care. But after meeting Rahman online, Imran went on to reveal his plans to travel to Libya to fight but was unwittingly revealing his plot to undercover investigative officers from the FBI in the US and MI5 in the UK. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Border Security Force (BSF) seized 13 packets of heroin weighing over 5 kilograms in Amritsar sector along the Indo-Pak border, an official said Thursday. BSF troops, who were on patrol duty at Border Out Post in Bharopal village during the night hours on Wednesday, noticed suspicious movement of Pakistani smugglers, he said. The jawans challenged the smugglers, but they managed to escape towards Pakistani side taking advantage of dense fog and undulating ground, the BSF official said, adding the area was cordoned off immediately by the troops. Early in the morning, extensive search and combing operation was launched in the area and 13 packets of heroin weighing 5.610 kg, which were hidden in a plastic bag and tied to a brick, were recovered, the official said. He said the Pakistani smugglers wanted to push the consignment of the contraband items into the Indian territory. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Campaigning ends tomorrow for Bangladesh's general election on December 30 with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League seeking a third straight term in office even as main opposition BNP is in a crippled state as its leader and former premier Khaleda Zia remains in jail for corruption. The BNP has alleged that the Awami League government is trying to push it out of the electoral fray. "The government is applying all its power to oust us from the election," Bangladesh Nationalist Party spokesman Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said. Kamal Hossain, convenor of opposition National Unity Front (NUF) in which BNP is a key partner, called an emergency meeting of the alliance to decide their next course of action. Rizvi claimed that over 9,200 of BNP activists were arrested since the declaration of the election schedule on December 4 saying "our activists were sued in 806 ghost cases since then to create an atmosphere of fear". Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, on the other hand, said NUF was trying different "tricks and instigations" to upset the polls and urged people to "beware of their trap and work for the next three days for holding the election with patience". Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar earlier said he was concerned about increasing violence amid reports that at least six people including Awami League activists were killed in the run up to the election. "Ensuring all parties take part in the election is not the only issue, the election should also be fair, free and be conducted with due legal process," he said. Another election commissioner Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury however, said "the situation is under control" hoping that Sunday's polls would be free, fair and peaceful. UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres, meanwhile, called on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the election in Bangladesh. Electioneering across the country reached its peaked on Thursday as the campaign is set to end tomorrow in line with electoral laws as 1,848 candidates are contesting in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies. Awami League party activists were parading in the streets with leaflets and while opposition activists appeared to have largely kept their campaign limited to social media. Zia, 73, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting the polls. Her son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists. The absence of the two top Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders has pushed the party into a state of disarray. The BNP had boycotted the previous 2014 polls demanding an election time neutral non-party government, and instead waged a violent street campaign in subsequent years. Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the EC as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time even as it faces structural erosion from within. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UAEs Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) signed an agreement with Zayed University to develop a framework for joint cooperation in research activities, conducting research in the field of health, and studying the economic indicators of the health sector in the country. The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was held at the Ministry's office in Dubai. The Ministry was represented by Alya Zaid Harbi, director of the Statistics and Research Center, while the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Zayed University was represented by Dr Michael Allen, research assistant. The two sides agreed to carry out joint research activities, share statistical data related to health, participate in conferences organized by the ministry and the university, and support the research committees of the ministry with regard to health sciences and training in research methodology, statistics and vital statistics. Alya Harbi stressed the importance of the MoU with Zayed University in establishing cooperation between the two sides, exchanging experiences, facilitating training, data and studies related to the development of the health situation in the country, improving the level of health research in the country, and promoting innovation and research to make the UAE one of the leading countries in the field of health research. She underscored the Center's keenness to cooperate with universities and specialized colleges locally and internationally, associate with organisations interested in medical and health research for preparing research and studies, work on the exchange of research and medical studies, and develop health services and raise the level of health services in the country. In addition, she said the Center also sought to implement regular health surveys at the country level in cooperation with the World Health Organization or any other local or international entity, in the fields of medicine and public health. Michael Allen said the initiative consolidated the general and comprehensive framework for coordination of efforts and visions that help government decision makers find sustainable solutions to health issues by developing strategic partnerships in specialized research. Allen also noted the Universitys keenness to participate in studies, scientific research, surveys and statistics, as well as facilitate the exchange of experiences to strengthen strategic partnerships between the two sides and carry out research work in accordance with best global practices. TradeArabia News Service Cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, 1987 Hashimpura killings and the burning live of a man and her teenage daughter in Haryana's Mirchpur in 2010 were handled with an iron hand in 2018 by the Delhi High Court, which dubbed these as "targeted" violence, and it also remained busy with matters related to CBI affairs and National Herald among others. At the fag end of the year, the ghost of 1984 anti-Sikh riots returned to haunt the Congress with the conviction and life sentencing of its veteran leader Sajjan Kumar. His conviction was first of any big politician keeping in view that names of other Congress leaders also had cropped up in connection with the riots in which the high court said that a minority group was "targeted" by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency. Not only the leaders but their followers also had to face brunt for the anti-Sikh riots when the high court awarded five-year jail term for rioting, burning houses and violation of curfew to 70 rioters involved in east Delhi. Before this, the high court held guilty 16 Uttar Pradesh policemen for "targeted massacre" of a minority section in Hashimpura in Meerut district. Dalits also felt vindicated when the high court in August awarded life term to 12 Jats and varying jail terms to 21 others of the same community for their "deliberate targeting" of the Balmikis at Mirchpur in Hisar district of Haryana where a 60-year-old Dalit man and his physically-challenged teenage daughter were burnt alive in 2010. There was more bad in store for the Congress as immediately after the decision against Sajjan Kumar, Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), publisher of Congress mouthpiece National Herald, was directed by the high court to vacate the premises at ITO from where it was running. While asking the publication to vacate the building, the high court said AJL was "hijacked" by Young Indian (YI) Ltd in which party chief Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi are majority shareholders. The Gandhis too got no relief from the high court in an income tax case regarding reopening of their tax assessments for 2011-12 and have rushed to the Supreme Court in appeal. The tax case against the Congress leaders arose from the investigation into the private criminal complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy before a trial court in connection with the National Herald case. While its initial attempt to save Herald House failed in the high court and an appeal is expected, the Congress is battling an eviction notice sent by the BJP government to Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) to vacate its premises at the Teen Murti Estate here. The ugly fight between top brass of the CBI also reached the high court with Special Director Rakesh Asthana and DSP Devender Kumar seeking quashing of an FIR lodged against them on bribery allegations with the approval of agency chief Alok Kumar Verma. The high court has reserved its verdict on the issue. Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sanjay Nirupam, BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Smriti Irani and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal were also in in 2018. Chidambaram was in the high court seeking protection from arrest by the CBI and the ED in the INX media case in which his son Karti is also facing prosecution. The high court granted him the relief. Nirupam, however, failed to get any relief from the high court which refused to quash the defamation case filed against him by Irani. It instead quashed the defamation case he had filed against the BJP leader. Kejriwal, meanwhile, cut a sorry figure in the high court as he had to apologise to Jaitley, for the allegations made against the BJP leader in connection with irregularities in DDCA, who then agreed to settle the defamation dispute between them. Apart from Jaitley, the AAP convenor had to tender apology in several other defamation cases as well. Kejriwal, however, had some reason to cheer after the high court early this year quashed the disqualification of 20 of his party MLAs for holding office of profit when they were appointed as parliamentary secretaries. Former youth Congress leader Sushil Kumar Sharma and ex-TV anchor Suhaib Ilyasi, both in jail for the murder of their wives, got reprieve from the high court. Sharma was granted pre-mature release after having spent over 23 years in prison for the murder of his wife Naina Sahni in the famous Tandoor case and Ilyasi was acquitted of having killed his wife Anju Singh. Apart from Ilyasi, another media person who was in the high court was journalist and human rights activist Gautam Navlakha, who along with several others, was arrested by Maharashtra Police in connection with an FIR lodged over the violence at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state. After the high court ordered his release from house arrest, Tamil Nadu-based journalist-cum-economist S Gurumurthy posted comments on social media against the judge who had passed the order. This led to contempt of court proceedings being initiated against him by the high court. The other developments in the high court included CBI's closure report in the JNU student Najeeb Ahmed disappearance case after it failed to find him, decriminalising begging in Delhi, putting on hold Centre's plan to redevelop seven south Delhi colonies over concerns of large scale tree felling and dismissing a plea for re-election in DU after elected DUSU president Ankiv Baisoya's degree was found to be fake. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to summon Tamil Nadu DGP T K Rajendran and former commissioner of Chennai S George for questioning in connection with gutka scam, officials said Thursday. The agency has called seven police officials, including a DCP-rank officer, for questioning this week, they said. Two officers were questioned Wednesday, two have been quizzed Thursday, while three will appear for questioning Friday, they added. Once the questioning of these officers gets over, the agency is likely to send summonses to Rajendran, a 1984-batch IPS officer, and George, the officials said. The Tamil Nadu government had banned gutka (a concoction of tobacco and pan masala) in 2013, and it is being alleged that bribes were paid to bureaucrats, ministers and politicians to allow its manufacturing and sale. The scam came to light on July 8, 2017 when income tax sleuths raided the godown, offices and residences of a Tamil Nadu-based pan masala and gutka manufacturer who had been facing charges of tax evasion to the tune of Rs 250 crore. The promoter-directors of Jayam Industries -- A V Madhav Rao, Uma Shankar Gupta and Srinivas Rao -- allegedly sold MDM brand gutka by influencing officials, politicians and regulatory authorities, the agency officials said. Jayam Industries was rechristened Annamalai Industries to continue the sale, they said. During the raids, the department had seized a diary containing names of those who were allegedly paid bribes by the gutka manufacturers. On a plea filed by a DMK leader, the Madras High Court had sent the case to the CBI in April. This was challenged in the Supreme Court by a Tamil Nadu health official but the apex court sided with the order of the Madras High Court and asked the agency to register a case. The agency had registered an FIR against unidentified officials of the Tamil Nadu government, the Central Excise Department and the Food Safety Department in May this year, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cell phone records show that was near Prague during the summer of 2016, supporting claims that Donald Trump's former attorney met there with Russian officials during the presidential election campaign, McClatchy news service has reported. Cohen, who was sentenced to three years in prison this month after pleading guilty to tax evasion and other crimes, has denied ever visiting Prague. Since then, however, Cohen has turned on his former boss and has been cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who is investigating whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia to get him elected to the White House. Details of Cohen's cooperation with the Mueller probe have not been publicly revealed and Trump vehemently denies any collusion with Russia. The purported meeting between Cohen and Russian government officials in Prague was first reported in a document with compromising material on Trump compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele. According to what has become known as the "Steele dossier", Cohen had a clandestine meeting with Kremlin officials in Prague in August 2016 to discuss hiding links between members of the Trump campaign and Russia. McClatchy, publisher of the Miami Herald and other newspapers, said a mobile phone traced to Cohen had briefly sent signals off cell towers in the Prague area in late summer 2016. "The brief activation from Cohen's phone near Prague sent beacons that left a traceable electronic signature," it said. Citing "four people with knowledge of the matter", McClatchy said that the electronic record supports "claims that Cohen met secretly there with Russian officials." "During the same period of late August or early September (2016), electronic eavesdropping by an Eastern European intelligence agency picked up a conversation among Russians, one of whom remarked that Cohen was in Prague," McClatchy cited "two people familiar with the incident" as saying. "The new information regarding the recovery of Cohen's cell phone location doesn't explain why he was apparently there or who he was meeting with, if anyone," McClatchy said. "But it adds to evidence that Cohen was in or near Prague around the time of the supposed meeting," it said. McClatchy said the intelligence pointing to the presence of Cohen near Prague had been shared with the Special Counsel's office. Among the crimes Cohen pleaded guilty to was lying to Congress about the status of a Trump real estate project in Moscow. Cohen acknowledged that the talks to build a Trump Tower in Moscow continued until at least June 2016 -- six months longer than he had told Congress. has successfully tested the advanced S-400 air defence system imported from for which also signed-up recently despite concerns over threat of sanctions from the US. It was the first time the People's Liberation Army (PLA) tested the system since it received the last shipments of the weaponry from in July under a $3 billion contract signed in 2015. China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force last month tested the S-400 Triumf air defence system successfully shooting down a "simulated ballistic target" almost 250 kilometre away and moving at the supersonic speed of 3 kilometre per second, Hong-Kong based South Morning Post reported on Thursday, quoting Russian media reports. Details of the location of the test have not been disclosed. signed a USD 5 billion deal with to buy the same system in October this year despite concerns over threat of sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia. wants the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along the 3488 km-long Sino-India border. S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system. has already started delivery of an undisclosed number of the S-400 missile systems to Russia says the S-400 is a cutting-edge air defence system that can detect and shoot down targets including ballistic missiles, enemy jets and drones up to 600 kilometre away at an altitude between 10 metres and 27 kilometres. The system can simultaneously shell 36 targets moving at a speed of up to 4,800 metres per second with 72 ground-to-air missiles. Commenting on the China's first test, Beijing-based military expert Li Jie said the reports showed that wanted to underscore the relationship at a time when the US was at loggerheads with both Russia and China. "Despite pressure from the US, the will increase its cooperation with the PLA in areas such as missiles, shipbuilding and other sectors," he said. China and Russia have significantly boosted their military ties in the past decade as both the countries compete with the US for regional and global influence. Song Zhongping, a Hong Kong-based military expert with a focus on the PLA, told the Post that the test was an "advertisement" by the to promote its S-400 system. "But it's also clear that the PLA's Rocket Force is proficient in using the S-400 air defence system because they are already familiar with its predecessor, the S-300, which China has used since the '90s," Song said. He said it was important to differentiate between "simulated ballistic target" and real hypersonic missiles. "Hypersonic weapons boast features such as manoeuvrability gliding, for example and they are almost impossible to intercept because they are travelling at such high speed," Song said. The managing director of a chit fund company in Odisha's Ganjam district was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for five years by a special court here Thursday for duping investors. The judge of the designated court handling chit fund cases, Dipti Ranjan Kanunngo also convicted six others associated with the company -- SS Credit Cooperative Private Limited -- and pronounced two years jail term for each of them. The court also slapped a fine of Rs 11.5 lakh on the company's managing director Santosh Kumar Tiwadi and Rs 2 lakh each on six others. The convicted in the case included the company's directors Soudamini Tripathy, Sekhar Suman Tripathy, partners P Sanjeev Patra and T Rajiv Patra and two agents - Sushant Satapathy and Kuna Behera. The court sentenced all the seven accused persons holding them guilty under the Odisha Protection of Interest of Depositors (OPID) Act after examining at least 24 witnesses, special public prosecutor Bijay Kumar Pradhan said. Tiwadi had collected around Rs 50 lakh from at least 43 people in the area with assurances of giving them double the amount of their deposits, police said. As the ponzi scheme company did not refund the money to the depositors, one of them had lodged an FIR with police at Buguda on December 5, 2014, police added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rubbishing BJP's claim that the coalition government in Karnataka would collapse due to an internal rift, Congress leader on Thursday said the Congress-JDS alliance was strong and they would contest the Lok Sabha polls together. The leader of the Congress- coalition coordination committee also ruled out any differences between him and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara over portfolio allocation to newly inducted ministers. "They (BJP) don't want to sit in the Opposition and work. By using some wrong means, they want to form the government," said. He was reacting to senior (BJP) lawmaker Umesh Katti's claim that 15 disgruntled MLAs from the ruling coalition were in touch with him and that the saffron party would form the new government in Karnataka by next week. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, said, "Nothing will happen, the government will not fall. Government will complete its term; there is no problem at all." Reacting to the views of JDS leaders that the party should contest the Lok Sabha polls alone, the veteran Congress leader said both the parties had fought the by-elections together and the alliance will remain intact for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls as well. "I don't know what you are saying... (JDS wanting to go alone) is news for me," the former Karnataka chief minister said, adding that the seat-sharing formula was yet to be finalised. "About the number of seats, all those things we have not been discussed, it will be discussed when we will sit together, which has not yet happened," he said. Unhappy with the Congress' "big brother attitude" in the ruling coalition in Karnataka, JD(S) workers and local leaders have apparently asked the leadership to contest all 28 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 general elections alone. Congress and JD(S) had earlier announced that they would fight the polls together. Expressing confidence that former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, sulking over being dropped from the ministry, would not quit as party MLA, Siddaramaiah said, "He is basically a Congress man, he will stay with us." "He may be upset that he was removed from the ministry, so he has gone incommunicado, I also tried, but could not speak to him... As I understand him, he will remain and work for the Congress," he added. Jarkiholi has threatened to quit as Congress lawmaker and is likely to announce his decision soon amid reports that he might join the BJP. Siddaramaiah also said that portfolios to eight newly inducted ministers would be announced after approval from Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Terming reports about the rift with Parameshwara as "totally false", he said, "We haven't spoken at the meeting, as reported." According to reports, the meeting between top party leaders on Wednesday to decide on portfolios was not cordial, as Parameshwara expressed displeasure after Siddaramiah asked him to give up some key portfolios. Parameshwara currently holds the departments of home, Bengaluru city related affairs, youth affairs and sports. Also, hitting out at media reports about a rift with Siddaramaiah, Parameshwara said, "It is all your creation, which is false. By giving false news... You will lose the credibility." "There is no issue of giving up any ministry and it is applicable to everyone... Everything will be decided by the high command," he added. Describing the passage of the Triple Talaq bill as a historic step to ensure equality and dignity of Muslim women, BJP chief Amit Shah Thursday demanded apology from the Congress for decades of injustice. Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill which criminalises the practice of instant Triple Talaq with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. In a series of tweets, Shah congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the govt for successfully passing the bill in Lok Sabha and said it is "a historic step to ensure equality, dignity of Muslim women". He further said Congress and other parties must apologise for decades of injustice towards Muslim women. The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha when its demand was rejected. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A separate High Court notification for Andhra Pradesh brought cheers to Telangana advocates even as those belonging to the neighbouring state working here felt it was "unfair" to ask them to relocate in less than a week's time. President Ram Nath Kovind Wednesday issued orders for a separate high court which would function from Amaravati, the new capital of AP, from January one. As a mark of protest, advocates belonging to Andhra Pradesh boycotted cases in the Hyderabad High Court, which has had the jurisdiction over the two Telugu states since bifurcation of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh in 2014, Thursday. President of the Andhra Pradesh High Court Advocates Association (APHCAA), K B Ramanna Dora said it would be very difficult for them to go "lock, stock and barrel" in less than a week to Amaravati where the new High Court is set to function. "There is difficulty everywhere. As per the notification there shall be a separate high court from January one at Amaravati. But there is no enough infrastructure there ( in Amaravati). Construction (of High Court) is not over. There should have been some time given. Is it possible for any human being to shift in a week's time? They should give us some breathing time," Dora told PTI. Noting that they were not against shifting to Amaravati, he alleged that there was no "prior information" to the APHCAA on setting up new High Court for AP. Dora recalled that they had submitted representations to the Centre saying they were willing to move to AP once the construction work for the court was completed. On the other hand, Telangana advocates who have been demanding separate High Court for the country's youngest State are in a jubilant mood. President of the Telangana High Court Advocates Association, C Damodar Reddy said they held a cake-cutting ceremony marking the "victory for their struggle" for separate High Court. He said there may be some teething problems initially for Andhra Pradesh High Court advocates but they would be overcome over a period of time. According to sources, there are about three lakh cases currently pending in the Hyderabad High Court of which about 60 per cent belong to AP region. About 1,600 employees were currently working in the court and options are being sought for their placement between AP and Telangana, they said. "... the President hereby constitutes a separate High Court for the State of Andhra Pradesh, namely, the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, from the 1st day of January, 2019 with the principal seat of such High Court at Amaravati in the State of Andhra Pradesh. the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad shall become the High Court for the State of Telangana," the President said in his orders issued Wednesday. Senior advocate and member of Bar Council of India N Ramchander Rao said they welcome the creation of a separate HC for AP. "It is the long pending aspiration of Telangana advocates and people," Rao, a BJP MLC in Telangana, said. He, however, expressed concerns that judicial officers working in Telangana may not get elevation to the HC until 2030 as per the Supreme Court's earlier Order. There is a need for the review of this Apex Courts order, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police in western Maharashtra have identified five members of a radical group which attacked a Christian gathering in Kolhapur district, an official said Thursday. The group members hail from Belgaum city and rural area in Karnataka, police said. "We have identified at least five members of the group with the help of CCTV footage. We have their names and addresses and are search for them," Superintendent of Police, Kolhapur, Abhinav Deshmukh, told PTI. Police formed several teams, including one from the crime branch, to investigate the case, Deshmukh said. "We are seeking help of the Karnataka police as well," he added. A Christian gathering was attacked on December 23 during Sunday prayers in a small village in Kolhapur district. The incident took place at the New Life Church in Kowad village ahead of Christmas. A group of around 40 people was offering prayers when around 15-20 people barged into the church. With their faces covered, they threatened the victims and attacked them. Twelve people were injured in the attack. Armed with swords, iron rods and glass bottles, the group pelted stones at those attending the prayer.Some women, who were part of the prayer meet, forced the attackers to back off by throwing chilly powder on them, an official said. A delegation of Christian community members Wednesday met Deshmukh and the resident district collector, demanding that security of the community be ensured. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hyundai Motor, country's second largest car maker, has contributed Rs one crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund towards rehabilitation work in cyclone Gaja-affected districts of Tamil Nadu. Hyundai Motor India managing director S S Kim along with senior colleagues handed over the cheque of Rs one crore to Chief Minister K Palaniswami at the Secretariat, a company statement said. The cyclone hit the coast near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district on 16 November, claiming over 50 lives besides leaving a trail of destruction in 10 districts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pharmax Pharmaceuticals, a recently launched UAE-based pharmaceutical manufacturing company, has announced ambitious growth targets for 2019, including diversification of therapeutic areas, an increase in product lines and expansion into key markets. Pharmax Pharmaceuticals will increase the range of targeted diseases for which it manufactures medicine, with the focus for the first quarter of the year on drugs for the treatment of mental health conditions, such as mood disorders, depression, bipolar disease and general anxiety disorders, in addition to neurological illnesses, such as migraine, neuropathic pain, epilepsy and Alzheimers, a company statement said. The second quarter of 2019 will see further expansion into the manufacture and commercialisation of medications for the treatment of cardiological and gastroenterological illnesses. Drugs indicated for the treatment of metabolic disorders, such as high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes will be launched in the latter half of 2019. Pharmax also plans to expand production out of its state-of-the-art facility located in Dubai Science Park, increasing its current annual capacity of over 300 million tablet and capsule dosage forms, to over 900 million within the next few years. Madhukar Tanna, CEO of Pharmax Pharmaceuticals, said: Within the next twelve months, Pharmax will have registered and commercialised ten new products in the UAE, spanning a range of chronic illnesses. Our focus will remain on increasing the availability of locally-manufactured, high-quality, affordable generic and complex generic drugs. Further diversifying, Pharmax will begin exporting its branded generic medication into key export markets. We are already in talks with a number of countries in the GCC, including Saudi Arabia. We aim to be able to distribute medication within the region, outside the UAE, within the first half of the year. We are also very close to signing a distribution agreement in Erbil, Iraq. Our target is to secure at least two long-term distribution agreements for Pharmax branded generic drugs in the region in 2019,Tanna said. Further afield, Pharmax has set its sights on Europe, which, according to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, imported pharmaceuticals valued at Dh1.2tn in 2017. The Pharmax facility and equipment meet global stringent regulatory standards, including those that are set by the EU, Tanna said. We are currently exploring a number of options with the goal of securing a partner in Europe through whom we can distribute our branded generic medications into Europe by the end of the year. The ambitious growth targets will be supported by a number of new appointments, including a new sales manager, product manager and product specialists in January. Tanna added: The Pharmax team will increase by 30 per cent in 2019 and all staff will be based out of the Dubai headquarters, from where they will serve other key markets. Tanna concluded: We are confident we can achieve our business expansion goals in 2019. While ambitious, they are achievable. We have received a tremendous level of support from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, government authorities and Dubai Science Park. This has allowed us to position ourselves for significant growth in 2019. Business Monitor International research forecasts the UAEs pharmaceutical and healthcare sector is expected to grow by over five per cent by the end of 2018 to Dh65.68 billion, reaching Dh78.13 billion by 2021. According to the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers Association Gulf Forum, the pharmaceutical market alone in the UAE is expected to grow from Dh9.61 billion ($2.61 billion) in 2016 to Dh14.11 billion by 2020, driven by the countrys growing population, changing morbidity, increased healthcare spend, mandatory health insurance and growing medical tourism. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, in association with JAFZA, has set a target of attracting more than 75 major pharmaceutical firms by 2021, with investments of up to Dh2 billion annually. In 2017, almost 90 per cent of pharmaceuticals were imported and 60 per cent of those were generic drugs according to Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, managing director of Dubai Science Park and Chairing Member of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Taskforce of the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, which seeks to reduce the countrys reliance on imports of pharmaceutical products. TradeArabia News Service When temperatures dip and nights turn frosty, a group of cooks in Delhi's walled city carry cauldrons of milk into the open and begin churning under the moonlight, hour after hour as dewdrops fall gently on the froth that is formed and carefully ladled out in a separate container. Blending in romanticism and legend in equal measure, the cloud of creamy goodness that is the 'daulat ki chaat' can be found only in winter months. Visit the winding lanes of Chandni Chowk to sample the sweet delicacy, which is mixed with cardamom powder and saffron and topped with powdered sugar, dry fruits and lashings of brown, roasted milk. Every winter, vendors carrying large platters, or khumchas as they call it, filled with the dessert atop wicker stands return to the crowded streets of Old Delhi, doling out portions to hungry customers. It is called 'daulat ki chaat' in Delhi, 'malai makkhan' in Kanpur, 'malaiyu' in Varanasi and 'nimish' in Lucknow. Carrying forward a legacy of almost 40 years, Aadesh Kumar, standing next to his platter of daulat ki chaat in the famous Parathewali Gali, proudly shares the recipe of the dessert spread in the 'khumcha'. The process begins on a cold winter night under the moon and continues till dawn as the dew falls on the milk, a labour of love that has probably been made the same way, year after year, decade after decade. "After keeping raw milk outside for two-three hours in the night, we churn it till the morning. All the while, we separate the froth in a separate vessel, mix cardamom powder and saffron in it. Then we start setting it in a flower shape in the platter till it is full," Aadesh told PTI. It may sound easy but it is not, he said, adding that they get to sleep only four hours each night during the 'daulat' season. Aadesh, his father Khemchand and younger brother Ravi take turns to churn the milk for around seven hours starting. Does this hard work pay enough? "I have brought up five children, four boys and one girl. All of them are educated. The oldest one just completed his BTech. So I guess, you can say the earnings are enough to run the household. But it is obviously not enough to own a shop to sell 'daulat ki chaat'," Khemchand said. One bowl of the 'chaat' is priced at Rs 50 and a day's sale can yield between Rs 1,500-2,500. Weekends get better with earnings doubling to Rs 4,500, Aadesh said. To prepare two platters of 'daulat ki chaat', the family buys around 40 kg milk every day. Aadesh's cousin Vijay said it costs around Rs 900 to get a platter full. The origins of the name are as interesting as the making of it. While the name may suggest that it must have been started by someone named 'Daulat', Khemchand said it is an Arabic word which means money or fortune, indicating that only rich people could afford it. "Since it is made with milk and garnished with dry fruits, there was a time when only rich people could afford to eat it. It is so light that no matter how much you consume, you can never have enough of it," he said. While the word 'chaat' is commonly used for the tangy, spicy range of savoury dishes made with tamarind and yoghurt, in the case of this dessert it also probably means finger licking good after the Hindi word. Khemchand, who has prepared and sold the winter dish for over 30 years, plans to continue doing so for the rest of his days. "I know only this work, what else can I do? As far as my children are concerned, all of them are educated, they can choose to do this or whatever they seem fit. There is no pressure," he said. Khemchand and Aadesh, a bachelors in arts, put up stalls every day in different parts of Chandni Chowk, while the youngest Ravi, who is still in school, manages the business on Sundays. Several members of the extended family can also be found in the narrow bylanes of Maliwara, Dareeba Kalan, Nai Sadak and Chhipiwara Kalan in the area. Originally from Muradabad in Uttar Pradesh, the family sells the regular 'chaat' -- 'golgappas' and 'chaat paapdi' during the rest of the year. Khemchand said he learned the art of churning out 'daulat ki chaat' from his "ustaad", Jaimal. "He passed away some 20-22 years ago. I learned from him. You will find people saying my father used to do this same business but that's only for publicity and not true," he said. As the evening darkens, the rush in the cramped alleyways increases with curious people stopping to look at the white and yellow mound of fluff. Aadesh resumes his work, deftly scooping the snowy nothingness into bowls and sprinkling it with crushed pistachio, powdered sugar and chocolaty brown scrapings of roasted milk. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DR Congo on Thursday told the EU to recall its envoy in retaliation for sanctions against 14 figures, including President Joseph Kabila's champion in elections three days away. "The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo urges the European Council to proceed without fail in recalling its head of mission within 48 hours," Foreign Minister Leonard She Okitundu said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Plans were on to more than triple the bilateral trade between and to $30 billion by 2025, a Russian diplomat here said Thursday. The bilateral trade grew by 21 per cent to $9.3 billion in 2017 as against $7.7 billion in the previous year,Consul General of the Russian Federation in Chennai Oleg N Avdeev said. "A plan has been set to increase (bilateral) trade to $30 billion and the volume of mutual investment to $15 billion by 2025", he told reporters here. Replying to a question, he said the consulate issued 4,433 tourist visas. "The number of student visas we issued increased. More and more young Indian students are willing to go to for higher studies", he said. On the Indo-Russian joint venture Kudankulam Nucler Power Plant in Tamil Nadu, he said the construction work on the third and fourth units was progressing. The first unit of KKNPP commenced operation on December 31, 2014 and the second on March 31, 2017. Egyptian authorities Thursday released a prominent activist who had criticised the government and decried sexual harassment after more than seven months of detention, her lawyer said. Lawyer Doaa Moustafa said her client, Amal Fathy, was freed from a police station in the capital Cairo, more than a week after a court ordered her conditional release. Fathy must report to a nearby police station every week and is under house arrest, allowed only to leave for medication or visiting a police station or court, Moustafa said. Her husband, activist Mohammed Lotfi confirmed her release in a Facebook post. Police arrested Fathy in May after she posted a video online criticising the state for deteriorating public services and not taking measures against sexual harassment. She cited alleged harassment at the branch of a local state-owned bank. The video also shows her using profanities to describe her experience at the bank and repeatedly insult the state. Fathy faces charges of disseminating false and joining an outlawed group. "Membership in an outlawed group" is Egyptian government parlance for having ties to a range of groups that it has outlawed, including the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organisation that authorities have banned and labelled a terrorist group. Najia Bounaim, Amnesty International's North Africa campaigns director, said earlier this month when the court ordered Fathy freed that conditional release was "not enough." "The Egyptian authorities must now drop all charges against her, quash her earlier conviction and two-year prison sentence and ensure she doesn't face any further reprisals for freely expressing her opinions," she said in a statement then. Separately, Fathy received a suspended two-year prison sentence in September for insulting employees in a bank and using abusive language to criticize state institutions and decry sexual harassment against women. She awaits a scheduled December 30 ruling on her appeal in that case, her lawyer said. President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has overseen a crackdown on dissent, jailing thousands of Islamists and secular, pro-democracy advocates and imposing tight control on the media while rolling back freedoms won in a popular 2011 uprising. El-Sissi says his government's top priorities are security and overhauling the battered economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Illegal occupation on 5,400 square metres of land, estimated worth Rs 25 crore and belonging to the Noida Authority, was removed on Thursday, officials said. The anti-encroachment drive was undertaken in Bakhtawarpur village in Sector 127, said Rajesh Kumar Singh, the authority's officer on special duty. During the drive, the officials had to face stiff resistance by the locals who had erected temporary settlements and small kiosks, food joints, he said. The police force was used to control the situation after which the land, which was allotted to a company, was reclaimed, he said. "The encroachers had occupied the land in 2009. Before the demolition, notice was issued on November 20 to the people here and also pasted at various places in the area," Singh said. He said the encroachers had moved the Allahabad High Court to get stay on the demolition order, but were denied relief by the judiciary. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital here has now decided to pay a full Rs 10 lakh compensation to the kin of two victims of last week's fire. Both these victims had died after the December 17 fire at ESIC Hospital in suburban Andheri here. The parents of an infant girl who died four days after the blaze had alleged that they were paid less compensation. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, additional commissioner, ESIC, said Thursday that the balance amount would be paid by Friday. Anil and Lalita Logavi, the girl's parents, alleged that the authorities reduced the compensation amount from Rs 10 lakh payable to the deceased's family to Rs 2 lakh because "the premature baby was anyway going to die naturally". Hospital authorities, however, rejected this claim and said the compensation was being disbursed on the basis of reports of the tehsildar (revenue officer). "The first instalment was given in this case after the first report was received from the tehsildar. As per the procedure, it was required to tally with the records of the hospital where the victim was treated," said Sinha. "Since we wanted to disburse the amount at the earliest, we distributed the cheques based on the first report finalised at that stage," Sinha said. The Union Labour ministry had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured. Sinha also said that the case of Logavi girl was not singular. "One more such case (where full compensation was not paid at one go) was found. Necessary formalities are being completed to ensure that full compensation is paid in that case too latest by Friday," he said. All those who suffered injuries and have not received compensation yet will get the cheques soon, he added. Anil Logavi said the hospital authorities had finally done them justice. "We feel a bit relieved. They have done justice to us, though a bit late. But it is alright now," said Logavi, who works as an AC mechanic. His wife Lalita had delivered twins, a boy and a girl, three days before the fire broke out at the hospital. While the girl died four days after the fire, the boy is undergoing treatment. BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who had taken up the issue, said, "As chairman of a parliamentary committee on labour, I suggested that if a victim dies after a fire or accident, during treatment, it must be treated as a death due to the fire or accident and full amount of compensation should be paid." The deadly blaze on December 17 killed 11 people and injured 176 others. According to another senior ESIC official, ten injured victims are still admitted at Intensive Care Units while as many others have been shifted to general wards at six hospitals across the city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday said it was societys collective responsibility to inspire the younger generation to take up innovative research as evolution of better technologies in every field was needed to enhance the quality of life. "Technology plays a very important role in improving the quality of our lives. The progress of science has led to the evolution of better technologies in every field, especially in the areas of health and environment," Patnaik said. Inaugurating the five-day 26th National Childrens Science Congress (NCSC-2018) here, he said "I think it is our collective responsibility to inspire the younger generation to take up innovative research in this direction. Patnaik said the state government was focusing on development of scientific temper among the children through different science based programmes at various levels and establishment of science parks and planetariums at the district level to generate interest among children in various aspects of science and technology. Referring to the theme of NCSC this year, 'Science, Technology and Innovation for a Clean, Green and Healthy Nation', Patnaik said "it has been aptly chosen as environment and health have emerged as two major concerns of our times." Nearly 800 children from all over the country, including 10 ASEAN nations and five Gulf countries, besides around 400 scientists, evaluators, and mentors are attending the conference. The conference will continue till December 31. Patnaik congratulated the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) for organising the event and Siksha O Anusandhan (SOA) for playing host. The chief minister said Bhubaneswar had emerged as the knowledge hub of Eastern India with world class educational and research institutions like IIT, AIIMS, NISER, Institute of Physics and Institute of Life Sciences coming up in the city. Patnaik also released a special postal cover to mark the occasion presented to him by G Gurunathan, Director of Postal Services (HQ) in Bhubaneswar. School and Mass Education, Science and Technology, Minister Badri Narayan Patra, said a nations progress was invariably linked to science and technology which has helped raise the quality of life. Dr Sujit Banerjee, National Programme Coordinator of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, said around 56 per cent of the participants in the NCSC this year were girls while attempts were being made to bridge the rural-urban gap with 40 per cent of the children being from rural areas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Madagascan president Andry Rajoelina has returned to power after beating rival Marc Ravalomanana in last week's highly contested run-off vote, according to results published Thursday by the electoral commission. Rajoelina won 55.66 per cent against 44.34 per cent for Ravalomanana, it said. The results may be contested after Ravalomanana claimed fraud. The electoral commission chief Hery Rakotomanana said "efforts were made to respond" to concerns raised by both candidates which included a review of the counting software. The two-round election was plagued by mutual accusations of vote-rigging in a country with a long history of instability. Rajoelina and Ravalomanana are former presidents and long-time rivals. They each spent lavishly on campaigning, with promises and handouts distributed liberally to voters, who are among the poorest in Africa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Slain journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh'ssister Kavitha Lankesh Thursday came out against any move to handover the probe in the case to the CBI, saying the Special Investigation Team of the Karnataka police had made a lot of progress, arresting 16 suspects. Kavitha said if the state government agreed to the CBI probe, she would seek to implead herself in the matter in the Supreme Court and oppose it. Her comments come in the backdrop of the apex court recently favouring CBI probe into the murders of Gauri Lankesh, rationalist M M Kalburgi and social activist Govind Pansare if there was a "common thread" in these incidents which occurred over the last five years. "The SIT led by IG B K Singh and investigation officer M N Anucheth did a brilliant work byarresting the accused in the case. It filed two charge sheetsalso. When there is so much headway, it does not make anysense to hand over the case to CBI," she told PTI here. However, Kalburgi's son Sreevijaya said he was having faith in judiciary and whatever it did will be in the best interest of his family. "We will go by whatever judiciary feels good. At the end of the day we want justice in the case," he said. On December 11, a bench of justices U U Lalit and Navin Sinha of the Supreme Court had asked the CBI, already probing the killing of social activist Narendra Dabholkar, to inform it by January first week whether it would like to investigate the three other cases also. It observed that one probe agency should investigate all the four cases, if prima facie it appears that there is a "common thread" in the murders. Earlier, the Karnataka police in its status report told the top court that there appears to be an "intimate connection" between the murders of Kalburgi in 2015 and Gauri Lankesh in 2017. Gauri Lankesh was shot dead in front of her house here on September 5, 2017 and the SIT has so far arrested 16 people for their alleged involvement in the killing while two others are still at large. Some of the people arrested in the case are allegedly linked to Sanatan Sanstha and its allied outfit Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government has prepared a revival plan for that provides for a comprehensive financial package, differentiated strategies for each of the airline's core businesses and robust organisational reforms, Union Minister said Thursday. Various initiatives to turnaround the national carrier, which is staying afloat on a bailout package extended by the previous government, including monetisation of real estate assets are progressing. Sinha told the Lok Sabha that the government has prepared a revival plan for which focuses on building a competitive and profitable airline group. A comprehensive financial package, including transfer of non-core debt and assets to a Special Purpose Vehicle, implementation of a robust organisational and governance reforms by the board and differentiated business strategies for each of the core businesses of are part of the plan. "Higher levels of operational efficiency by strengthening management and implementing best business processes," are among the major elements of the plan, Sinha said. The Minister of State for also said that Air India has planned to monetise its unutilised and surplus immovable real estate assets over the next few years. "Till date, Air India has realised an amount of Rs 4.1 billion through sale of its non-core assets in various cities in India and abroad. "Air India has also realised a rental income of Rs 3.14 billion approximately," he said during the Question Hour. The minister also said that amount of revenue likely to be generated from monetisation of land and properties depends on the bid process and subject to no-objection certificates from authorities concerned. Air India is estimated to have a debt worth over Rs 550 billion. Industrial inputs imported to Abu Dhabi will be immediately exempted from customs duties effective January 15, a media report said. Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the General Administration of Customs in Abu Dhabi announced the tax waiver at a media briefing yesterday (December 26) as part of a stimulus provided by ADDED to the industry sector in the emirate, reported Emirates News Agency Wam. The exempted imports include raw material, machinery, equipment and spare parts. Ali Al Humami, Director of the Industrial Organisation Department at the ADDED Industrial Development Bureau, and a number of officials from the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs announced the development. Ali Al Humami said that immediate waiver relies upon the annual balance system of beneficiaries via direct e-connection between the systems used by the General Administration of Customs in Abu Dhabi and Industrial Development Bureau. He said the volume of transactions pertaining to exempting industrial inputs from customs duties received by the Bureau in 2017 amounted to 26,000 transactions with a total value of Dh1.5 billion ($408 million), noting that the total amount has been waived. Under attack for the agrarian crisis, the government is contemplating several incentives, including a big financial package, to woo farmers ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, according to sources. The government's likely announcement of incentives to boost rural income will come following feedback given by BJP leaders and MPs, besides other stakeholders, they added. Sources said the Agriculture Ministry has prepared a road map and made a presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting both short and long term "sustainable" solutions to various issues that are impacting farmers and causing agricultural distress in the country. BJP President Amit Shah had met Modi earlier to discuss the farmers' issues. The ministry has studied various state models, including loan waiver announced in seven states, input subsidy being given in states such as Odisha and the 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme of Telangana, among others. "In the meeting with the PM, the ministry made a presentation and the discussions revolved around the key issues facing the farming community and the possible solutions that can be provided before general elections," a highly placed source said. The ruling BJP was defeated in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in the recent state polls, where rural distress was a key factor. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government plans to put in place an "enabling regulatory ecosystem" for aircraft financing and leasing at international financial service centres in India amid domestic airlines placing large orders for planes, according to Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu. India is the fastest-growing domestic aviation market in the world and many of the local carriers are to induct a substantial number of planes into their respective fleets. Currently, there are around 600 aircraft operated by domestic scheduled airlines and firm orders have been placed for another 1,000 planes to be taken in the next five to six years, as per official estimates. Against this backdrop, Prabhu has said that the Civil Aviation Ministry is proposing to have an enabling regulatory ecosystem for aircraft financing and leasing business. This business is dominated by entities based out of foreign countries, including Ireland and China, while India's role is not significant in this segment. In a communication, Prabhu said aircraft financing and leasing is a "highly profitable business proposition" that has provided double-digit returns to investors globally even during the financial crisis. Considering the air passenger and air cargo growth in India, Prabhu said aircraft financing and leasing provides attractive opportunities for generating new business in the country. "The ministry proposes to populate the enabling regulatory ecosystem in the offshore International Financial Service Centre (IFSC) in India, the Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City in Ahmedabad. "It is also expected that the IFSC coming up in Mumbai will also benefit enormously after it becomes operational," the minister said. Earlier this month, aircraft maker Boeing projected that Indian carriers would need 2,300 planes worth USD 320 billion in the next 20 years amid unprecedented domestic passenger growth. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government is likely to infuse Rs 28,615 crore into seven public sector banks (PSBs) through recapitalisation bonds by the end of this month, sources said Thursday. The amount infused will help the banks meet regulatory capital requirement, and its disbursement might take place before December 31, sources said. Out of these seven PSBs, Bank of India is likely to get the highest amount of Rs 10,086 crore, followed by Oriental Bank of Commerce, which might get Rs 5,500 crore through recapitalisation bonds, sources added. Other banks that are likely to receive capital infusion in this round included Bank of Maharashtra which may get Rs 4,498 crore, UCO Bank (Rs 3,056 crore) and United Bank of India (Rs 2,159 crore). The government had earlier announced an infusion of Rs 65,000 crore in PSBs in 2018-19, of which Rs 23,000 crore has already been disbursed, while Rs 42,000 crore is remaining. Earlier this month, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government would put an additional Rs 41,000 crore in PSBs over and above what was announced earlier. On December 20, the government sought Parliament's approval for infusion of an additional Rs 41,000 crore. The recapitalisation, the finance minister said, would enhance the lending capacity of PSBs and help them come out of the Reserve Bank of India's Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework. Eleven out of the total 21 PSBs are under the RBI's PCA framework, which imposes lending restrictions on weak banks. These are Allahabad Bank, United Bank of India, Corporation Bank, IDBI Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Dena Bank and Bank of Maharashtra. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court Thursday dismissed an association's petition days after it sought quashing of a state government order banning plastic, which would come into effect from January 1. The Tamil Nadu Plastics Manufacturer's Association (TNPMA) had challenged the June 25 order imposing a total ban on the manufacture, storage, supply, sale and use of "use throwaway plastics" such as plastic sheets used for food wrapping, spreading on dining table, plastic plates, among others. A Christmas vacation bench of Justice S Vaidyanathan and Justice P T Asha declined to stay the government order and also pass any interim order. "The government shall in the long run consider phasing out plastic of any kind in the market, including the plastic that have been referred to in the exempted provisions of the government order," the bench said in its order. The petitioner claimed that the state had exceeded its jurisdiction by passing the order, which comes under the purview of the central government. "Therefore, on the face of it, the government order is liable to be quashed for want of jurisdiction and authority," the petitioner added. The Tamil Nadu government had in June announced that it would ban the use of plastic items, including non-biodegradable carry bags, from January 2019 to "gift a plastic-free" state to future generations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu (on its own) notice of an incident where a sessions court judge was allegedly assaulted by an assistant public prosecutor on the court premises. Vacation judge Justice R K Deshpande of the high court's Nagpur bench said Wednesday that such incidents are a "threat to independence of the judiciary". Assistant public prosecutor Dinesh Parate allegedly slapped senior civil judge K R Deshpande outside a lift on the seventh floor of the Nagpur District and Sessions court around noon Wednesday. According to the police, the lawyer was miffed over the judge's decision in a case. Parate tried to run away after the incident but was caught by the police personnel present there. Justice Deshpande of the high court noted in his order that it was a serious matter where personal security of a judge was under threat. "It is a threat to independence of the judiciary. The rule of law is being undermined. Such outrageous conduct needs no tolerance," the high court said. "It causes or tends to cause obstruction or interference in the administration of justice, as it is the result of adjudication by the judge which has gone against Dinesh Parate," Justice Deshpande said. The high court issued a notice to Parate, seeking response from him within six weeks as to why action for criminal contempt of court should not be taken against him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court Thursday took suo motu cognisance of an incident in which a pregnant woman in Virudhunagar district contracted HIV after transfusion of contaminated blood and directed the state government to file an action taken and status report by January 3. When the vacation bench comprising Justice S Vaidyanathan and Justice PT Asha commenced proceedings, two advocates made a mention of the case. The advocates -- George Williams and Krishnamoorthy -- moved an urgent motion about the blood transfusion and sought the court to take suo motu cognisance of the issue. Williams submitted he would like to bring the matter to the notice of the court and was not willing to file any petition. The Bench then said it would like to take suo motu cognisance and issued notice to the health secretary seeking a status report on the incident and action taken against the errant officials by January 3. On December 3, the woman visited the Sattur government hospital for antenatal checks where she was advised blood transfusion as she was anaemic. Four days after the procedure, it came to light that the blood transfused was HIV positive and was negligently labelled safe by the hospital's lab technicians. Originally, the blood was donated by a teenager which was meant to be transfused to his relative. But, since it was not used, it was stored in the blood bank. Immediately after the issue was brought to the notice of the authorities, three health workers of the blood bank at the government hospital in Sivakasi were placed under suspension for labelling the HIV positive blood as safe. On further inquiry, it was found the hospital authorities had found that the donor was affected by HIV as early as 2016 when he donated blood at a camp in Sattur. But as the teenager was out of town when a counsellor phoned him to inform, he was asked to report to the hospital as early as possible. On December 27, the donor had attempted suicide by consuming rat poison as his family struggled to deal with the issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla Thursday said research in science and social sciences should reach the grass-root of the country. Inaugurating the 42nd Indian Social Science Congress (ISSC) at the KIIT campus here, she said all the branches of science and social sciences should be brought together under one umbrella. "Scientific temperament should be there in social sciences. The result of research in science and social sciences should reach the grass-root of the society," she said urging social scientists to spread the knowledge and technology to every nook and corner of the country. The theme of the congress is 'Human Future in Digital Era'. Indian Social Science Congress is the annual meet of social scientists organised by Indian Social Science Academy (ISSA). More than 400 research papers will be presented during the five-day meet from December 2631, while 28 subject research committees and 21 interdisciplinary thematic panels representing all disciplines will discuss on various aspects of the human future in digital era. Prof Binod C Agrawal, President, Indian Social Science Academy and 42nd Indian Social Science Congress delivered the presidential address on the theme during the inaugural session Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director, IBSD, Imphal, Manipur said: "Science and social science should blend together, because we need to learn from each other. Scientists and social scientists should work together for the betterment of the society. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said on Thursday that he has served a defamation notice to Cooperatives Minister Manish Grover who accused him of playing a key role in the violence that erupted in Rohtak during the Jat agitation in 2016. Grover had alleged that Hooda could not digest party's loss in the 2014 assembly polls from Rohtak and in the garb of the Jat stir, he got his men to target shops of a particular community to avenge his defeat. "I have served a defamation notice. I will be seeking Rs 50 crore as damages for Grover's false and baseless utterances aimed to tarnish my image," Hooda told reporters here. Rohtak is considered as a stronghold of the Hooda family, but in the 2014 elections, the assembly seat was won by the BJP. Hooda hit out at the BJP government in the state alleging that it had failed on all fronts. He said before coming to power they made tall promises, but failed to fulfill them. Giving some examples of such "unfulfilled promises", Hooda said, "They promised to set up two institutes on AIIMS pattern, international level universities, broadband facilities in villages, extend loan at nominal rates of interest to small traders, but none of these promises were kept." "They are experts in drumbeating whereas performance on ground remains non-existent," he claimed. On Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's recent claims that corruption in the state reduced to 19 per cent from 51 per cent in 2014, the senior Congress leader wondered "as to where the chief minister got this figure from". He promised that if the Congress comes to power, loans of farmers, taken from cooperative and nationalised banks, will be waived. "Within six hours of the Congress forming the government, this decision will be taken," he claimed. Hooda further added that "within 12 hours, we will announce the decision to increase old age pension to Rs 3,000 (from the present Rs 2,000)". Replying to a question about the INLD, the Congress leader said earlier also he had maintained that the party will be "decimated" and the recent split in the outfit had proved that. "Everyone knows that the INLD has been playing second fiddle to the BJP. They already stood exposed before the public and now with the split, their own leaders have started saying the same thing. By the time of polls, this party will be completely finished," he claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said Union minister Nitin Gadkari has showered more love on the Delhi government than maybe on his own partymen, and hoped the AAP dispensation would have the same working relations with the Centre that it shared with the BJP leader. Speaking at an event where nine projects were launched for the cleaning of Yamuna river, Kejriwal said it was "an important step for the federal structure of the country". A few years back Gadkari had slapped a defamation case against Kejriwal who this year apologised to him. The AAP government in Delhi and the Centre have perennially been at loggerheads over a range of issues and have had acrimonious exchanges in the past. "Nitin Gadkari ji has never made us feel that he belongs to a rival party. I don't know about others, but the way he has showered love on us, I don't think the BJP people have got that much love," Kejriwal said. Besides Gadkari, who is the water resources minister, the event was attended by environment minister and BJP MP from Chandni Chowk Harsh Vardhan, Minister of State for Water Resources Satyapal Singh and Kejriwal's deputy Manish Sisodia. BJP MPs from Delhi Udit Raj, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly Vijender Gupta were also present on the occasion. Kejriwal said politics should only be restricted to polls and once a party emerges victorious, the focus of the state government and the Centre should on work. He said to combat air pollution, it was important to take steps jointly by his government and the Centre. "The spirit in which we have gathered here together, the spirit in which we have worked with Gadkari sahab, I hope we get to work with the Centre in the same spirit. "The Delhi government wants to work with other departments of the Centre and I hope we will get the opportunity to work with the same positive spirit," the chief minister said. On the cleaning of Yamuna, he said the river was he city's lifeline and just a 22 km stretch between Wazirabad and Okhla adds to maximum pollution to the water body. The nine projects for which foundation was laid today include eight sewerage infrastructure projects under Yamuna Action Plan-III The sewerage projects are being taken up in four packages of Kondli (K1, K2, K3, K4), three packages of Rithala (R1a, R1b, R2) and Okhla zone (O). Of these, seven of the projects are in various states of implementation and the project at Okhla zone is under tendering process. In addition, foundation was also laid for one project of nine decentralised STPs (total 2.25 crore litres per day) and water bodies rejuvenation at Chattarpur at a cost of Rs 65.24 crore. These projects are being implemented by the Delhi Jal Board in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Assistance (JICA). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Eknath Khadse Thursday said he was not unhappy with his party and would not leave it. Khadse's assertion came in the wake of his statement that permanent loyalty to a party can not be taken for granted in He had made the statement at an event in Bhusawal in Jalgaon district Tuesday. The BJP leader, who had quit the Devendra Fadnavis Cabinet in June 2016 over allegations of impropriety in connection with a land deal in Pune, said if he feels unhappy at any point, he will convey the same to the party president. The veteran politician from Jalgaon in North Maharashtra was seen as No. 2 in the Cabinet when he was its member. Khadse's Tuesday statement had come after Congress leader Ulhas Patil gave an open invitation to him to join his party, claiming the BJP has done "injustice" to him. Khadse's comment triggered speculation he was on his way out of the saffron outfit and may join the Congress. However, the BJP leader claimed he was not going anywhere. "I am not going to quit BJP and I am not unhappy. If I am unhappy about something, I will speak with the party president," Khadse maintained. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE Federal export credit company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support the local business community, particularly those from the trade and export sectors. Coinciding with this, the duo has successfully conducted a focus group workshop, aimed at giving its members a key understanding of the benefits and advantages of utilising trade credit solutions, and driving in an increase in trade activity of local businesses, said a statement from the company. The MoU was signed by Mohammed Hassan Al Sabab, acting director general of RAK Chamber, and Massimo Falcioni, chief executive officer of ECI, in the presence of ECI and RAK Chamber senior officials, it said. Mohammed Hasan Al Sabab, acting director general of RAK Chamber, said: We are helping exporters find solutions to the challenges they face in the export process in order for them to expand their business, increase their sales, and secure their exports, which in turn will enhance the revenues of foreign trade. The co-operation with ECI represents the support for UAE exporters, and the role of the chamber to assist the private sector in increasing their contribution to the local economy, he added. Massimo Falcioni, chief executive officer of ECI, said: We take pride in collaborating with RAK Chamber in supporting the non-oil sectors, especially the industrial and trade sectors, as a key player in driving sustainable economic development in the emirate. We join the chamber in assisting local companies to accelerate export activity worldwide by providing intelligence and information on commercial and political trade risks, as well as trade credit, surety bonds and trade finance solutions, he said. Exports and re-exports, from the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah reached Dh5.4 billion ($1.47 billion) in 2017. While Oman, Kuwait, India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kenya, Yemen, Iraq, Madagascar and Djibouti were amongst the top destinations for Ras Al Khaimah exports last year. "Ras Al Khaimah represents a diversified non-oil economy, making it an ideal location that we should be working in as an export credit company," noted Falcioni. "ECI is committed in supporting Ras Al Khaimahs initiative geared towards attracting more foreign direct investments. Likewise, we endeavour to assist UAE businesses to penetrate new markets including the GCC, Asian and African regions," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Union minister Smriti Irani Thursday said if Parliament can enact laws to ban dowry and the practice of sati, it can also approve the bill to ban instant triple talaq. Intervening in the debate in Lok Sabha on the bill to penalise the practice of instant triple talaq, she slammed the Congress saying it missed opportunities to bring a similar law when in power. She said there were suggestions that dowry is a social issue between two parties. "Still Parliament enacted a law against it ... it brought law against (the practice of) sati," she said. Referring to a verse of the Holy Quran, she said the issue of instant triple talaq was also dealt by a 'khalifa'. When Mohd Salim of CPI-M wanted her to name the 'khalifa' she was referring to, Irani said she can even take the name of Hazrat Sahib but would want the opposition leader to chant 'Hanuman Chalisa'. She also said the 1986 law to protect Muslim women enacted after a Supreme Court order was not strong enough. "Hence", she said, there is a need for the bill," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) IIT Kharagpur will set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence shortly here, the institute's programme manager Utkarsh Prasad said Thursday. In the long run, the institute plans to set up a Research Park in subjects such as AI, cyber security, robotics and advanced manufacturing, he said, adding, it was at the discussion stage. He said IIT Kharagpur was working with the Telangana government to setup, in the short term, a Centre of excellence in artificial intelligence. The function of the Centre would be two-fold, training of professionials in AI and taking up research and industry projects from industry and government, Prasad told PTI. Telangana Principal Secretary IT and Industry Jayesh Ranjan said the government has already identified 2000 sqft in Kukatpallya for setting up the AI centre andwill soon enter into an MoU with IIT-Kharagpur. The Centre of Excellence for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CoEDS and AI) by Nasscom here will start functioning from February 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has consistently conveyed its concerns over the Bramhaputra river to China and urged the country to ensure that interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in the upstream areas, the government informed the Lok Sabha Thursday. Minister of State for Water Resources and River Development Arjun Ram Meghwal was replying to a question on whether the water of Brahmaputra was being diverted towards Xinjiang province by construction of a 1,000 km tunnel by China. "As per the information provided by MEA, government has seen media reports in this regard. The government has also noted that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a public statement rejected such media reports as untrue," he said in a written response. "As a lower riparian State with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, including at the highest levels, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream States are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas," Meghwal said. He said the Chinese side has conveyed to India on several occasions that they are only undertaking run-of the-river hydropower projects, which do not involve diversion of water of the Brahmaputra. Various issues relating to trans-border rivers, including construction of hydro-power dams, are discussed with China under the ambit of an institutionalised expert level mechanism which was established in 2006, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India Thursday summoned an official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over incidents of cross border terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians by Pakistani forces in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistani forces were involved in 1,962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians have lost their lives this year. "Pakistan High Commission official was summoned today and a strong protest was lodged at the incidents of cross-LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on 21 and 26 December 2018, leading to loss of lives on the Indian side," the MEA said. It said India's "grave concern" was conveyed over Pakistan's continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces. Two Army officers were killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on December 21. On December 26, a 55-year-old civilian was killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Kashmir's Rajouri district. "This year, despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquility, Pakistan forces have carried out over 1,962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians have lost their lives," the MEA said. It said Pakistan was once again asked to fulfil its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The country's automobile sector, which attracted $16.5 billion in FDI between April 2000 and December 2016, is expected to attract $8-10 billion more in local and foreign investments by 2023, the government said on Thursday. The Year End Review 2018 of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, which made the projections, said the growth of the industry in India since the early 1990s is an example of how industrial prowess supported by progressive policies and national economic growth can yield rewards to all stakeholders. The government and the automotive sector articulated their objectives for the future of the industry through the Automotive Mission Plan 2016-26. "The plan envisions that by the year 2026, India will be the third in the world after China and USA in engineering, manufacturing and export of vehicles and auto components," the ministry said. Besides, it said collective efforts of all central public sector enterprises will help India become a $5-trillion economy in the next five years. Bengaluru-based Saankhya Labs Wednesday unveiled the first indigenously developed electronic chipset that can be used for functions like direct TV broadcast on mobile devices, curbing call drops and 5G connections. "Saankhya Labs, a Bengaluru-based company is launching its indigenously designed and developed, the world's first and most advanced multi-standard next-generation TV system on the chip," Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said after unveiling the chipset. All electronic chipsets, considered as the heart of modern devices, have been developed by foreign companies so far. None of them is made in India because there is no modern semiconductor manufacturing plant in the country. Electronic chipsets of Saankhya Labs are also being manufactured at Samsung facility in South Korea. "I am also told that this broadband-broadcast convergence technology has great potential to minimise or eliminate call quality issues faced by telecom operators today," Sinha said. Saankhya Labs co-founder and CEO Parag Naik said the chipset will help in separating video content from a mobile network and hence reduce the load on the spectrum for improving call quality. Saankhya's Pruthvi-3 chipset will facilitate direct transmission of video on mobile phones and can also help convert an Android-based smartphone into a satellite phone. The company expects to launch its chipset-based mobile phone accessories in the form of a dongle and mobile phones within a couple of years, Naik said. "Semiconductor technology takes time in maturing and adoption. Original design manufacturers will incorporate our chipsets into various products. We will try for getting certain standards based on our technology incorporated in 5G services. Our chipsets are 30 per cent more efficient in output compared to our nearest competitor and 50 per cent cheaper too," he said. The company already has clients in the US and China and bagged orders to supply 5 million chipsets for various kinds of devices. "We are looking at 50 per cent year-on-year growth in business. In this financial year, we are expecting sales of around USD 14-15 million (Rs 98-105 crore). We have advance orders for supplying 5 million chipsets to companies in the US that they will use in tablets (PCs), television gateways etc. This order will be completed by the first quarter of 2020," Naik said. Saankhya Labs has started a pilot for rural broadband services in Scotland and Africa and received a request for the project in the Philippines, Brazil and the US. "We are in talks with an Indian firm to start rural broadband trials in the country," Naik said. He said that in the next two years TV gateways, rural broadband technology, satellite communications and defence will be the main contributor to the business. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 33-year-old Indian-origin police officer in the US state of California has been killed after being shot by an "armed" unidentified gunman while he was conducting a traffic stop. Corporal Ronil singh of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop when he was "working overtime on Christmas night to provide the best for his family." "A few moments later he called out 'shots fired' over the radio," the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department said in a statement, which is leading the investigation. "Multiple agencies responded to assist, and Singh was found at the scene with gunshot wounds." He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, the department said. It said the suspect had fled the scene in his vehicle before the police arrived. The department is leading the investigation and have released surveillance photographs of the suspect and vehicle, asking for any information on the identity of the suspect. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) described him as Hispanic. "Suspect is considered armed and dangerous and may be in possession of a firearm," the CHP said. Singh was a more than 7-year veteran of the Newman Police Department and was assigned as a canine officer. Prior to joining the Newman Police Department, he served with the Merced County Sheriff's Department. Corporal Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and 5-month son. A report in KCRA3 said that Singh was a native of Fiji and had immigrated to America. It quoted Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department spokesman Raj Singh as saying that he knew the slain officer. "He was living the American Dream. He immigrated here from the Fiji Islands, just like my parents did, and was definitely enjoying the American Dream," Deputy Raj Singh said. Tributes and condolence messages for Singh poured from police departments and officials across the country. California Governor Edmund Brown extended his condolences to Singh's wife, their young son and colleagues. "Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California," Brown said. In honour of Singh, Capitol flags in California will be flown at half-staff, the Governor's office said. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner James P O'Neill tweeted that the entire New York Police Department is "thinking of the family, friends and colleagues of Corporal Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department (CA), who was murdered early this morning while conducting a traffic stop just hours after taking Christmas photos with his wife and son. #NeverForget." The New York Police Department, in a separate tweet, said after years of service with the Newman Police Department, "Singh was shot & killed while conducting a traffic stop shortly after Christmas day. We mourn the loss of this hero and send our condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues." The Indian Officers' Society at the NYPD expressed sadness at Singh's death, tweeting that Singh was killed in the line of duty and recalled his service to the community. Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said the Newman Police family is devastated by Singh's death. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indians along with other black and Asian minorities in the UK face an unfair in comparison to their white counterparts, according to a new report released on Thursday. The Resolution Foundation report says overall Britain's 1.9-million ethnic minority workers have lost out on 3.2-billion pounds a year due to this "pay penalty" suffered as a result of their background. "We find that between 2007 and 2017 the total annual cost of pay penalties experienced by black, Indian and Pakistani/Bangladeshi men and women would amount to 3.2 billion pounds per year, says the report. "That's a staggering amount of lost pay across the economy to account for unexplained pay penalties facing Britain's 1.9 million Black, Indian and Pakistani/Bangladeshi employees, it notes. The research by the UK-based think-tank found that average hourly pay for some ethnic minority groups, such as Indian and black women without degrees, did not differ from white non-graduate women's pay in a "statistically meaningful way". However, once background factors such as where someone lives or the role they do were factored in that seemingly non-existent becomes a statistically significant pay penalty. "All things held equal, Indian non-graduate women earned 44p an hour and Black non-graduate women 61p an hour less than their white counterparts, it found. Kathleen Henehan, research and policy analyst at the think tank, said: "Black, Asian and minority ethnic workers have made important gains in the labour market in recent years. A record number of young BAME workers have degrees, and a record number are in work. "However, despite this welcome progress, many of Britain's 1.6 million black, Asian and ethnic minority workers face significant disadvantages in the workplace. Black and ethnic minority workers still suffer significant pay penalties compared to white men and women doing the same types of jobs, and are collectively losing out on 3.2 billion pounds a year. The report found that while adjusting for background factors served to reduce the pay gaps experienced by Indian and Pakistani/Bangladeshi women graduates, it does not have the same effect for black women graduates. In the main, they earn on average 1.56 pounds less than white women graduates; and with control for background factors that 1.56 pounds becomes a 1.62 pounds pay penalty. Pay gaps refer to the average difference in pay that exists between groups and pay penalties cover the average difference in pay that persists after personal and work-related characteristics are accounted for. The Resolution Foundation concludes that both taken together represent a significant living standards issue for individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds. Among its findings, the report found the biggest impact was on black male graduates, who were paid 17 per cent or 3.90 pounds an hour, less compared to their white peers. Pakistani and Bangladeshi male graduates earned an average of 12 per cent less an hour. Among non-graduates, Pakistani and Bangladeshi men were reported to be the worst affected. The research said they earned 1.91 pounds an hour, or 14 per cent, less than white colleagues, with black male non-graduates 1.31 pounds an hour, or 9 per cent, worse off. The Resolution Foundation said it used data from a survey of 100,000 people over 10 years for its report. Legislation which came into effect in April this year requires employers in the UK with 250 or more employees to publish annual calculations showing how large the pay gap is between their male and female staff. In the wake of the gender reporting laws, the British government also launched a consultation on whether it would also force businesses to disclose disparities between the pay packets of black, Asian and ethnic minority employees and white counterparts. A UK government spokesperson said "diversity is good for businesses" and it is committed to ensuring the workplace "works for everyone". "We have introduced new laws to help companies ensure the make-up of their boards and senior management is representative of their workforces and we're currently consulting on proposals for mandatory ethnicity pay reporting as part of a series of measures to help employers tackle ethnic disparities in the workplace," the spokesperson said. (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.) The Corporate Affairs Ministry's inspection of the books of six linked to the controversy is at an "advanced stage", according to a senior official. On April 23, the ministry ordered inspection of six companies, including There are allegations of involvement of former chief and her family members in a loan provided to Videocon Group on a quid pro quo basis. It was alleged that Videocon pumped money into NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar, husband of Amid the raging controversy, stepped down as the bank's Managing Director and CEO in October. When asked about the inspection of the six with regard to the controversy, Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas said it is at a "very advanced stage". The inspection is being carried out by the Regional Director (Western Region) under Section 206 (5) of the Act, 2013. "I think they (RD) have completed their inquiries, they have taken the depositions from whomever they want to take and I think they are preparing the report," he told PTI. Section 206 provides powers to call for information, inspect books and conduct inquiries. As per Section 206 (5), the central government may, if it is satisfied that the circumstances so warrant, direct inspection of books and papers of a company by an inspector appointed by it for the purpose. Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, which is on an expansion spree, ended nearly 1 per cent higher Thursday. The scrip ended at Rs 1,161.35, up 0.26 per cent on BSE. At NSE, shares of the company rose 0.65 per cent to close at Rs 1,163.80. Meanwhile, NSE had sought clarification from InterGlobe Aviation with respect to announcement regarding IndiGo and Turkish Airlines codeshare agreement. The airline had announced its plans to launch services to Istanbul and had signed a code-share pact with Turkish Airlines for seamless connectivity to 20 global destinations for its passengers from Istanbul and onwards. In a clarification Thursday the company said, "the disclosure made on December 21, 2018 was in relation to a proposed codeshare arrangement between lnterGlobe Aviation and Turk Hava Yollan A.O. (Turkish Airlines). The codeshare and mutual cooperation agreement is purely a commercial arrangement between the parties." The principle underlying such arrangement is in relation to the increased network of services proposed to be offered by the two carriers, and does not have any impact on the shareholding pattern of both parties, the filing said. IndiGo is likely to induct its first long range jet A321 neo (new engine option) in its fleet Saturday, after a delay of almost one month, which will pave the way for the airline to launch its much-awaited medium-haul international operations, a source had said Tuesday. Besides Istanbul, the budget carrier also reportedly plans to launch services to Gatwick (London), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Yangon (Myanmar) as part of its international network expansion plans. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover has announced a new exclusive feature, Book Services Online!, on its website which allows customers in the region to peruse through a wide range of services provided and make instant appointments. The Euro Motors websites, www.jaguar-bahrain.com and www.landroverbahrain.com, allows customers to make service appointments from any location through their personal electronic devices. In order to ensure complete sense to control, customers will be able to choose the type of service required followed by the date and time and make the bookings at their own convenience. Furthermore, customers will also be able to select their preferred mobility solution, view the prices for the various services available and peruse through the many offers and campaigns that are introduced throughout the year, said a statement from Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover. Consistently striving to provide the best in customer service, the company will also be providing complimentary valet and drop off services to its customers. The service booking feature is also available on the Jaguar and Land Rover Total Care app which is available for download on iOS and Android, making the feature all the more accessible to its customers, it stated. Elaborating on the websites, Stephen Lay, the General Manager of Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover said: "As part of our efforts to provide unrivalled customer experiences, we at Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover are delighted to provide an innovative feature such as this that gives our customers complete control of their service visits." "Our capacity to provide such customized offerings reiterates our status as the most customer-oriented dealership in Bahrain, both in terms of accessibility on our digital domain and our physical presence," he added. The innovative websites include a customer friendly user interface with highly interactive content that allows users to experience dynamic and personalised specs and pricing. Jaguar Land Rover is the first manufacturer to introduce a detailed pricing configurator across nine countries in the region with local currencies on their websites. The websites integrate this highly beneficial facility and allows customers to purchase vehicles online through Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover, while being able to view the latest financial offers available in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Visitors to the sites can engage with different digital tools such as a consistently updated vehicle price configurator, through which they can opt to purchase their selected vehicle online as well as book both their vehicle service appointments and test drives through the websites. They can also browse through the whole range of Euro Motors Approved Pre Owned vehicle inventory and check the latest promotions Euro Motors Jaguar and Land Rover has to offer. This gives prospective customers the opportunity to book their vehicles, for either purchase or test drive purposes, and offers current owners the option to book their vehicles service appointment online as well, all from the comfort of their homes.-TradeArabia News Service Iraqi lawmakers Thursday demanded US forces leave the country in the wake of a surprise visit by President Donald Trump that politicians denounced as arrogant and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Politicians from both blocs of Iraq's divided Parliament called for a vote to expel US troops and promised to schedule an extraordinary session to debate the matter. "Parliament must clearly and urgently express its view about the ongoing American violations of Iraqi sovereignty," said Salam al-Shimiri, a lawmaker loyal to the populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. Trump, making his first presidential visit to troops in a troubled region Wednesday, said he has no plans to withdraw the 5,200 US forces in the country. Containing foreign influence has become a hot-button issue in a year that saw al-Sadr supporters win the largest share of votes in May elections. Al-Sadr has called for curbing US and Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs. US troops are stationed in Iraq as part of the coalition against the Islamic State group. American forces withdrew in 2011 after invading in 2003 but returned in 2014 at the invitation of the Iraqi government to help fight the jihadist group. But after defeating IS militants in their last urban bastions last year, Iraqi politicians and militia leaders are speaking out against the continued presence of US forces in Iraqi soil. Qais Khazali, the head of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia that fought key battles against IS in north Iraq, promised on Twitter that Parliament would vote to expel US forces from Iraq, or the militia and others would force them out by "other means." Khazali was jailed by British and U.S. forces from 2007 to 2010 for managing sections of the Shia insurgency against the occupation during those years. His militia is represented in Parliament by the Binaa bloc, a rival coalition to al-Sadr's Islah. Binaa favors close ties with Iran and is aligned with Tehran on regional political issues. Trump spent three hours at a US air base meeting with American troops during his visit. The president defended his decision to withdraw 2,000 US forces from neighbouring Syria, saying the US military had all but eliminated IS-controlled territory there. He left without meeting any Iraqi officials, though he spoke to Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi by phone. The prime minister's office said in a statement after Trump's visit that "differences in points of view" over arrangements led to a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders to be scrapped. Al-Shimiri said Trump's visit "violated several diplomatic norms. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court on Thursday allowed 12-day custodial interrogation by NIA of 10 people arrested on the suspicion of being members of an ISIS-inspired group who were planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians as also government installations, in Delhi and other parts of north India. NIA had sought 15-day custodial interrogation of the arrested, saying it needed to unearth the entire conspiracy for which there were intelligence inputs. The agency's plea was opposed by advocate M S Khan, appearing for all the accused, on the ground that NIA has already unearthed everything involving the case as they had held a press conference on Wednesday to make public the outcome of their investigation. After their custodial interrogation, they will be produced before the court on January 8. The 10 accused, including a 'mufti', were produced amidst tight security and with covered faces before Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey who carried out in-camera proceedings in the case. The accused were arrested from various parts of the national capital and Uttar Pradesh after searches carried out on Wednesday. Those arrested are: Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath (29), Anas Yunus (24), Rashid Zafar Raq alias Zafar (23), Saeed alias Sayeed (28), Saeed's brother Raees Ahmad, Zubair Malik (20), Zubair's brother Zaid (22), Saqib Iftekar (26), Mohammed Irshad (in late 20s) and Mohammed Azam (35). After the proceedings, the judge allowed family members of some of the accused to have a meeting with them in the court room as they had produced their identity proofs. The accused were arrested after NIA carried out searches, in coordination with Special cell of Delhi Police and Anti-Terrorism Squad of Uttar Pradesh Police, at six places in Jafrabad, Seelampur in Delhi, and 11 places in Uttar Pradesh -- six in Amroha, two in Lucknow, two in Hapur and two in Meerut. The searches and the arrests came a month before the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. According to NIA, a locally-made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 112 alarm clocks to be used as timers were recovered from the searches. The agency also said it recovered 25 kg of explosive material -- Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate and Sulphur. The group allegedly had also purchased remote control cars and wireless doorbells to use their circuits in assembling remote controlled improvised explosive devices. Besides, the NIA also recovered steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, ISIS-related literature during the searches. The probe agency had initially rounded up 16 persons of the group 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam', which loosely translates into war for the cause of Islam. Of the 16 detained, 10 were later arrested - five from Amroha, in UP and five from Seelampur and Jafrabad localities in north-east Delhi, the agency had said. Those arrested include the alleged mastermind, 29-year-old Suhail, a 'mufti', or a Muslim legal expert empowered to give rulings on religious matters, from Amroha in western Uttar Pradesh, an engineering student in a private university in Noida and a third year graduation student in humanities in a university in Delhi as well as two welders, NIA had said on Wednesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "We could not say anything to our son when we met him in court. What do we tell you?" said Gulzar Ahmed, father of Zaid and Zubair Malik, who are among the 10 people arrested on suspicion of being members of an ISIS-inspired group allegedly planning suicide attacks in Delhi and other parts of north India. Ahmed, sitting inside the chamber of his sons' lawyer at the Patiala House court on Thursday, refused to talk anymore to reporters scrambling to get his byte. "We don't know what or how it happened. Yesterday, these people came, asked women to assemble in one room, picked them up. However, they did not misbehave with us," a relative accompanying Ahmed said, explaining the circumstances under which Zaid and Zubair were arrested by NIA on Wednesday. "We know as much as you know through the We could not say anything to them (the investigators) as we are working people," the relative added. Relatives of other people arrested in connection with the terror plot also seemed clueless why their loved ones were being treated as "terrorists". They said there was an atmosphere of fear in their locality in Zafarabad in Delhi. A neighbour of Anas Yunus, a civil engineering student arrested on Wednesday, accompanied his family to the court. He said, "We were woken up around 5 am due to the commotion in the locality as hundreds of men marched through the area. Their vehicles had been parked on the main road. After the raids, our children are scared whether they will also be arrested like this. Ek darr ka mahaul hai." The relatives of most of the accused said their children are "innocent" and were living a normal life until now. Zafar, another accused, is unmarried and was in the garment business, his uncle Iqrar Ahmed said. "All we know is none of them are involved in any such activity as specified by them (NIA). What more can I say? All we know is that the raid started around 4 am. They came inside the house, picked him up without telling us anything. "It was shocking. It's better to remain silent. We have been consulting lawyers. We will go by what lawyers and the court say. Rest is fate," he added. Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath, who has been identified as the group's founder by the NIA, married in August last year. He had been working as a cleric at a madrasa on Hakim Mahtab Uddin Hashmi Road in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, said one of his uncles. "A lot has been said about Suhail's involvement. Unfortunately, he has been highlighted the most. It is also being said that he went to Syria. He has never stepped outside Amroha. We have copies of his passport and he has never travelled abroad. He has no such involvement. There is no truth to what they (the investigators) have claimed," said his uncle. Suhail's cousin said they have been asked by their lawyer to not talk to the media and they are scared after the raids on Wednesday. "Police just barged into the home, broke open the doors. All members of the family were sent outside. They started their search early in the morning around 4 am. They continued searching till 12 noon. The house was completely tuned upside down by them but they did not find any substantial evidence," he said. His uncle said, "We could just see him for seconds inside the courtroom. Through hand gestures we asked him if he was fine; he signalled us in affirmation." The relatives had arrived much before the scheduled court hearing at 2.30 pm and were waiting anxiously to get a glimpse of their loved ones. After the court proceedings, the judge allowed family members of seven accused Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath (29), Anas Yunus (24), Rashid Zafar Raq alias Zafar (23), Zubair Malik (20), Zubair's brother Zaid (22), Saqib Iftekar (26), and Mohammed Azam (35) to meet them in the courtroom. However, Raq's family could not meet him due to a lack of original identity proof while all others produced the documents. The NIA has said it busted a suspected ISIS-inspired terror group with the arrest of the 10 persons. It has said the suspects were planning suicide attacks and serial blasts targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India. A locally made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 100 alarm clocks, to be used as timers, were seized during the searches in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Five of the accused have been arrested from Amroha and five from two areas in Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Patiala House court complex in the heart of the national capital turned into a fortress on Thursday when 10 people arrested on the suspicion of being members of an ISIS-inspired group and allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, were produced in the court amidst tight security. The security was tightened since afternoon and around 20-25 personnel of the CRPF were deputed in the court complex along with a number of Delhi Police officials, said one of the police officers. At 2:35 pm, the police force brought the accused with muffled faces to the court complex along a makeshift passage made with ropes and by creating a human wall between them and others. During their way to the court room from the lock up situated inside the court complex, some security officials were also seen video recording it. The force included women officials as well. Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey, who ordered in-camera proceedings in the case, allowed 12-day custodial interrogation of the accused by National Investigation Agency (NIA). After the proceedings, the court allowed the family members of seven accused -- Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath, Anas Yunus, Rashid Zafar Raq alias Zafar, Zubair Malik, and his brother Zaid, Saqib Iftekar, Mohammed Azam -- to have a meeting with them. The family members of six were allowed inside the courtroom, one at a time after frisking and producing original identity proofs. Zafar's father was not allowed to have the meeting as he failed to produce his original identity proof. The accused were arrested from various parts of the national capital and Uttar Pradesh after searches carried out on Wednesday. Those arrested are: Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath (29), Anas Yunus (24), Rashid Zafar Raq alias Zafar (23), Saeed alias Sayeed (28), Saeed's brother Raees Ahmad, Zubair Malik (20), Zubair's brother Zaid (22), Saqib Iftekar (26), Mohammed Irshad (in late 20s) and Mohammed Azam (35). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finance Minister Thursday lauded the NIA for busting an alleged Islamic State terror plot, and defended a recent government order authorising investigative agencies to monitor any computer. "Well done NIA for cracking the dangerous terrorist module," he tweeted. "Would this crackdown of the terrorist module by NIA have been possible without interception of electronic communications?" The Investigation Agency (NIA) Wednesday arrested 10 persons after raids at 17 locations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi for allegedly being part of a module of the IS. Jaitley hit out at the Congress, which along with other opposition parties, has attacked the government for "snooping on citizens" through its order authorising investigative agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt information stored in any computer. "Were the maximum intercepts done during the UPA Government? Surely George Orwell was not born in May 2014," he said in another tweet. He was responding to senior leader P Chidambaram's attack on the government saying, "If anybody is going to monitor the computer, including your computer, that is the Orwellian state. George Orwell is around the corner. It is condemnable". president too had attacked the order saying, "It's only going to prove to over 1 billion Indians what an insecure dictator you really are". The order, Jaitley had last week stated, was under a 2009 rule and the opposition was "making a mountain where even a molehill doesn't exist". " security and sovereignty are paramount. Life and personal liberty will survive only in a strong democratic nation not in a terrorist dominated state," Jaitley said Thursday. The NIA Wednesday said the group self-appointed and financed was in an "advanced stage of carrying out a series of blasts" across the country and had "vital installations and important personalities, including politicians" on their target. Private carrier Jet Airways Thursday deplaned 71 Mangalore-bound passengers and shifted them to another flight after 'smoke' in the aircraft, an airline source said. The airline said the plane was stationed at bay. The incident took place around 7 am, it said. Jet Airways said it arranged an alternate aircraft to operate its flight to Managalore from Bengaluru due to a "technical snag." "There were fumes due to heating up of the brakes. As a result, all passengers were deplaned and shifted to another aircraft," the source said. Due to the incident, the flight was delayed by an hour and 20 minutes, the source said. "Jet Airways flight 9W 713 from Bangalore to Mangalore of December 27 was delayed due to a technical snag, while (the aircraft was) parked at bay," a Jet Airways spokeperson said in a statement. Another aircraft was arranged and the flight departed with 71 'guests' on board, the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Patients at the Centre-run JIPMER here would now be monitored using drones. The premier institute has procured a nano drone that could be used for various medical purposes including monitoring patients in ICUs'. Director of JIPMER R P Swaminathan commissioned the service recently, a release from the institute said Thursday. JIPMER is the first government medical institute to introduce the innovative and unique service, it said. Head of the IT wing Dr Ravi Kumar Chittoria, who is in charge of medical drone service said, "adoption of medical drones are well established in European countries whereas in India, it is still in the preliminary stage." He said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has defined five categories of drones including 'nano drones,' which weigh less than or equal to 250grams. Drones weighing more than 250 gms should be registered with the DGCA. The institute has already placed orders for micro drones weighing over250 gms and would get it registered, he said. Nano drones can be flown into an ICU ward to check on patients without entering the ward to avoid spread of infection. The drone could also be used to monitor large crowd of patients in Out Patient wards, which would be useful during emergencies. It could be operated using internet connectivity provided by National Knowledge Network available from the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Puducherry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Thursday said Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were not "Indo-Pak enemies" and the states can resolve the matter of proposed Mekedatu project on Cauvery River amicably. The Centre is expected to call a joint meeting of the heads of both the states in the next 10-15 days to iron out the differences. Kumaraswamy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here Thursday and thanked the Centre for giving clearance to the state government for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Mekedatu project. The two main Tamil Nadu parties-- AIADMK and DMK-- have been opposing the project and disrupting proceedings in both Houses of Parliament for more than a week. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned Thursday over the issue. To counter the protest, Karnataka MPs, cutting across the party lines, staged an agitation in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Parliament complex. Speaking to reporters after meeting the prime minister, Kumaraswamy said, "Yesterday, I had requested Union Water Resources Minister (Nitin Gadkari) to convene a meeting of chief ministers of the two states to resolve the matter. He agreed and directed his officials to fix a meeting". "In another 10-15 days, he may call a meeting," the Karnataka chief minister said and appealed Tamil Nadu to resolve the matter amicably instead of fighting in courts. "The fight is going on. This will not be solved legally. We have to resolve it amicably. Facing a legal battle is different. We are not Indo-Pak enemies, we are brothers. We have to discuss and resolve," he said. The JD(S) leader added the proposed Mekedatu project would be more beneficial to Tamil Nadu and requested the AIADMK and DMK not to make the issue a political one. "I request political parties not to make it a political issue. We can sit and solve. It is not a big issue," he said, adding the Karnataka government was abiding with the Supreme Court order. "The state (Karnataka) is proposing to construct the Mekedatu dam to ensure that surplus water does not flow from Cauvery into the sea. Please accept our project," Kumaraswamy said. He asserted that his state had released more than 390 tmc of water from Cauvery to Tamil Nadu during the monsoon season. "Has it been kept in Mettur dam or released into sea?" he said. Besides the vexed Mekedatu project, the Karnataka chief minister also discussed with Modi the release of drought relief to the state, declaration of Upper Krishna Project Stage-III as a project of national importance and gazette notification of the award of Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II and of Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal. Kumaraswamy met several Union ministers during his two-day visit to Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Union Coal Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday here and demanded the Centre to ensure immediate supply of coal to Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS). RTPS, Yermarus Thermal Power Station and Ballari Thermal Power Station are facing coal shortages for quite some time. "During the meeting, the chief minister requested him (Goyal) to allot coal blocks for RTPS, BTPS and Yaramaras plants," said an official statement issued by the Karnataka government. Kumaraswamy also requested the Centre to direct state-run Coal India and its subsidiary Western Coalfields to supply coal immediately to RTPS which has low stock. Besides coal, the chief minister also discussed a railway-related project with Goyal, who also holds the charge of the railways ministry. Kumaraswamy sought the Centre to take up construction of a new railway line from Bidar to Naded. Bidar is one of the most backward districts in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region and it also a pilgrimage place for Sikhs and included under the Nanded pilgrimage circuit. A survey on the 154-km new railway line is complete and submitted to the Railway Board. The chief minister sought to implement the project soon. Kumaraswamy has lined up a couple of meetings with Union ministers to discuss pending state issues. Earlier during the day, he met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and sought extension of GST compensation period beyond 2025. He is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later during the day to discuss drought relief fund. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari Thursday slammed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of being an "egoist" and depriving people of the city benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme. Tiwari urged Kejriwal to implement the scheme in Delhi. "Kejriwal is not implementing Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi due to his ego. He thinks if implemented it will add to popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Tiwari said at a press conference here. Union Health Minister J P Nadda Thursday also urged the Delhi government to implement the Centre's ambitious Ayushman Bharat scheme, saying not only the people of the national capital but those from other states who live in Delhi are also not getting health benefits under the initiative. The Union government on September 23 launched the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which aims to provide a cover of Rs five lakh per family per year and is likely to benefit more than 10 crore poor families across India. Tiwari hit out at the Kejriwal government, saying it had "no vision". He said the Delhi government had no plan to check alarming pollution levels in the city. "Arvind Kejriwal says that air has no boundaries. Does it mean that it is not possible for him to control air pollution. Kejriwal government is visionless and has no plan to check air pollution," he charged. He demanded the Delhi government tell the people what steps it had taken to address the problem of air pollution. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Drydocks World, a leading marine, onshore and offshore service provider to the shipping, oil, gas and renewable energy sectors, has completed the Rashid D Wellhead Platform jacket and topside for TechinpFMC and end client Dubai Petroleum. The topside is an oil and gas processing module weighing 950 tons, designed for unmanned offshore operation with a life span of 25 years. It contains advanced piping and control systems, which were entirely fabricated, integrated and precommissioned by Drydocks World. The 500 ton jacket structure is designed to support the topside offshore in Dubai at a sea depth of 31m. The scope of work also includes pile fabrication, oil, water injection and gas risers fabrication as well as subsea spools for connecting the platform to Dubai Petroleums existing offshore subsea network. This unmanned platform has the ability to handle oil, gas lift and water injection. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group chairman and chief executive officer of DP World and chairman of Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, said: The completion of the flagship platform Rashid D culminates Drydocks Worlds position as a provider of the best maritime services that support performance in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Drydocks World is an innovation leader that ensures efficient services for customers in order to optimize satisfaction and attract more investments in the shipping and energy sectors, contributing to the economic growth of the UAE which is on the way to achieve the strategic objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021. We are pleased to be working with TechinpFMC, as Rashid D marks the 4th project we have built together for Dubai Petroleum, said Capt Rado Antolovic, CEO & managing director of DP Worlds Maritime Services Division. The platform will be part of the Jalilah and Rashid field developments, and we are proud to provide our services to such an important offshore infrastructure project. We are devoted to delivering all our projects to the highest quality and safety standards, and during this project the yard has achieved over 700,000 LTI free man-hours, which is a testament to the strong safety culture adopted throughout our organization. Using our integrated services to deliver expertise for further advancement of the UAEs offshore industry, is a priority for us at Drydocks World and we look forward to constructing more projects in our Dubai facility for the UAE, Capt Antolovic added. The Rashid D project marks another fast track achievement performed by the joint efforts of Dubai Petroleum, Drydocks World Dubai and TechnipFMC to deliver this project in less than 10 months after award said Nabil Aouad, vice president Subsea for TechnipFMC. The path to such successful delivery was paved with many challenges, which were overcome thanks to the dedication of our women and men who fought tooth and nail in their daily progress, quality and safety battles. TradeArabia News Service Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal Thursday sought votes for party's South Delhi Lok Sabha seat in-charge Raghav Chadha, even as the party is yet to announce its candidates in Delhi for the 2019 general elections. The Delhi chief minister also promised houses to the people in the Rajokari area of the constituency as he asked them to vote for the AAP national spokesperson. "There are elections in April-May. This is Raghav Chadha. Vote for him in the elections and giving pucca houses to you all is my responsibility," Kejriwal said. The AAP has appointed in-charges for six out of total seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi for the 2019 polls who are yet to be declared official candidates of the party. The party had appointed Rajpal Solanki as in-charge of West Delhi constituency who resigned from the post citing health issues. AAP leaders had earlier said that the party candidates would be announced after a review of the preparations done by the in-charges in Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. According to party sources, the in-charges are learnt to be ultimately declared as AAP candidates in 2019 polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The Kerala Child Rights Commission Thursday criticised the High Court's order that children below 18 years should not participate in the "Women's Wall" being organised by the LDF government on January 1 and said it was a violation of their fundamental rights. Children have a right to express their opinion and the Kerala High Court verdict of December 20 was a violation of the fundamental rights of children, Commission chairman B Suresh said in a statement here. Following the massive protests against the entry of young women to the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala, the government had decided to organise the 620 km long 'Women's wall' from the northern district of Kasaragode to the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram on January 1 to demonstrate the state's "secular and progressive mindset". The commission made it clear that the participants, however, cannot hold infants in their arms while taking part in the programme. A division bench of the Kerala High Court,headed by Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy, had directed the state government to ensure that children below 18 years of age do not participate in its January 1 'Vanitha Mathil' (Wall of Women) programme. The direction came after the government had submitted that all departments had been requested to participate in the event, "which in no way makes or construed as compulsory participation of its employees". It had also stated that no employee or beneficiaries under different schemes or programmes of the government would be compelled to participate in the campaign. No penal provision would be imposed if the employees or beneficiaries do not participate,the government had submitted. Suresh said the court should have taken the opinion of children and the commission before arriving at such a decision. Describing the high court verdict as "undemocratic" and "unconstitutional", the chairman said that children also have a right to gather and protest as per as the International convention on child rights, of which India is a signatory. "The verdict is a violation of the fundamental rights of children conferred by the Constitution", he said adding the bench should rectify its decision. Meanwhile, to counter the women's wall, the Opposition Congress led UDF has said that it would organise a secular women's meet on December 29 at 3 PM in all the 14 districts. Mahila congress state president and 'Vanitha Ekopana Samithi' chairperson Lalitha Subash said in the state capital, the meet would be held in front of the Secretariat and be inaugurated by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala. On Wednesday, the Sabarimala Karma Samithi, the BJP, Nair Service Society and right wing outfits had organised "Ayyappa Jyothi" (lighting of lamps) from Kasaragode to Kanyakumari to 'protect the customs and traditions' of Sabarimala temple. The temple had witnessed protests from frenzied devotees after the government decided to impelement the Apex court verdict, allowing women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The can bid for operating and managing the Thiruvananthapuram airport at the time of leasing out the aerodrome, the Civil Aviation Ministry said Thursday. The Centre's decision to lease out the Thiruvananthapuram airport on public private partnership basis has been opposed by the In November, the central government approved leasing out six airports for operation, management and development under public private partnership. These are Airports Authority of India (AAI) aerodromes at Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru. Minister of State for Civil Aviation told the Lok Sabha that the can be a bidder for the Thiruvananthapuram airport. To a query on whether the Kerala government has requested the Centre to re-consider the decision and allow forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to run the airport, Sinha replied in the affirmative. "In response to the same, the government has offered State Government of Kerala to be one of the bidders," the minister said. Earlier this month, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appealed to the Centre not to lease out the Thiruvananthapuram airport and requested it to entrust the aerodrome's management with the state government. The six airports are to be leased out through the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC). "An Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) has been constituted under the chairmanship of CEO, NITI Aayog to decide on any issue falling beyond the scope of PPPAC," Sinha said in the written reply. Expressing concern over their decreasing population, the Kashmiri Pandit leadership impressed upon the youth to go beyond the "one child syndrome" affecting the ethnic minority community of Kashmir. The community, which is set to enter 30 years of exile next year, also asked the youth to return to the corridors of democracy and academics to serve the country. The points were raised at the two-day brainstorming session organised by the All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS). Making data banks on the culture, academics, literature, history, language, religious places, sages and icons of Kashmiri Pandits to reach out to the youth were also suggested at the session. K L Chowdhary, chairman, Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) called for increasing the population of the community. He talked about 'Jiyo Parsi' - mission to arrest the decline in Parsi population - to drive home his point. "This initiative is about how Parsis support their community to increase the population base by providing funds to couples with two or more children and also support those who need fertility treatment," Chowdhary said. "Our population is rapidly decreasing as young couples prefer one child. If this is the state, our ethnic minority community of Kashmir will face extinction," entrepreneur Rajiv Pandita said at the session. Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit vice president Ajay Bharti said there was a need to get back to the corridors of democracy and academics by the youth of the community. "There is a need to come back to areas of legislature, executive, judiciary, media besides academics. It is a matter of pride that 106 Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) were recently elected in Kashmir. Some of the youth have also passed the civil services examination," A K Raina, former director of state school education department, said. Top legislators, political leaders, bureaucrats, police officers, academicians, journalists, doctors and entrepreneurs of the community took part in the session. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maha Kumbh Mela represents the glorious traditions of India and modern facilities are being set up for the upcoming mega event which will see participation of people from India and abroad, a Uttar Pradesh minister said Thursday. The upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela, "world's largest congregation of religious pilgrims", will start in Uttar Pradesh's sacred city of Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad) from January 15. Talking to reporters here, Uttar Pradesh Civil Aviation Minister Nand Gopal Gupta said the kumbh represents glorious traditions of India. "The Prayagraj kumbh has been accorded the status of World Heritage by UNESCO owing to efforts by the Prime Minister. Also, historical and mythological prestige has been restored by changing its name to Prayagraj as per people's sentiments and with Chief Minister's efforts," he said. "The people will get an opportunity to get connected with their celebrated past through the kumbh at Prayagraj," Gupta said. "This holy event is organised at four places in the country, but the event held at Prayagraj in itself is a subject of special curiosity and attraction for the country and the world," the minister added. Gupta credited Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for changing the name of Allahabad and said it restored the historical and mythological importance of the holy city. "The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, is making elaboratearrangements for successful organisation of the Prayagraj Kumbh 2019. "The state government is endeavouring to provide a devotionally and spiritually changed atmosphere to pilgrims coming to the kumbh," he said. The minister said over 5,000 NRIs will also visit the maha kumbh, held every 12 years, owing to joint efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Adityanath. "At the world's largest human congregation, people from over 6 lakh villages of India along with overseas devotees will participate," Gupta added. Under the kumbh-related works, 671 projects were completed during the last one-and-a-half years, he said. Gupta said for convenience of tourists and devotees visiting the kumbh, the state government has provided modern facilities. Nine flyovers were constructed in the last one-and-a- half years for smooth traffic movement in and out of Prayagraj, the minister said. "Bridge Corporation created a record by constructing, in a short period of 14 months, a four-lane wide and 1,325 metre longflyover on a single pillar in front of the Hon High Court in the Prayagraj city area," he said. The mega event has attracted world-wide attention, Gupta said. "The whole world is participating inthe event. Ambassadors of about 71 countries have witnessed the preparations for this grand event. "They have unfurled the national flag of their countries on the bank of Triveni (confluence of three rivers) in the kumbhmela area," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Thursday said its construction arm of has won orders worth Rs 23.57 billion in the domestic market. L&T's water and effluent treatment and transportation infrastructure business has secured order worth Rs 12.81 billion from Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), the engineering and construction major said in a regulatory filing. The order is for activities including investigation, design and construction of roads, bridges, storm water drains, culverts, water supply systems, sewerage systems for the villages of Kurugalla, Nidamarru in Zone 12A area at Amravati Capital City, Andhra Pradesh. The company said its water and effluent treatment business has also secured orders worth Rs 10.76 billion from the Madhya Pradesh Jal Nigam Maryadit (MPJNM). The order is for the execution of multi village rural water supply schemes in Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Seoni and Damoh districts of Madhya Pradesh. Shares of were trading 0.32 per cent up at Rs 1,427.05 apiece on BSE. It is unlikely that there will be any major initiative to improve ties between India and Pakistan until Lok Sabha elections are held, official sources said Thursday. However, they did not "definitively" rule out any positive development. Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, while calling for bettering ties between the two neighbours, had said that he was willing to wait for New Delhi's response till general elections are held in India. The Lok Sabha polls are due in April-May. Asked about the latest episode of harassment of staff at Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the sources said India is not contemplating scaling down its strength in mission. They said Pakistan is yet to grant gas connections to the new residential building of its mission in Islamabad despite repeated requests by India. "Our diplomats are facing harassment on multiple counts. Our High Commission buildings and projects in Islamabad are stalled for last 10 years. We moved people in the High Commission building with no gas supply," said a source. They said furniture for new buildings are held up at the border and no telecom connections have been granted by Pakistan. Recalling the "unprecedented levels" of harassment of officials of Indian mission in Islamabad earlier this year, the sources indicated that India had given a tit for tat response. "That resulted in them backing of real fast," said a source. On the Kartarpur corridor project, the sources said it was a cultural initiative and not a diplomatic or political one. They said Kartarpur corridor initiative does not mean India was going to open dialogue with Pakistan on larger issues. The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. Pakistan has been projecting the initiative as its major diplomatic coup. On Thursday, Pakistan described it as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Manali Petrochemicals Ltd has stopped operations at one of its plants here following a directive from Central Pollution Control Board citing "certain shortcomings." The city-based company, in a filing to the stock exchanges said it received a notice from the Central Pollution Control Board under the Protection Act, 1985 seeking to stop operations of plant 1 "citing certain shortcomings". "The company is addressing the issues and also has taken necessary actions for suspension of the order," it said. Following the initiative to suspension of the order, the operations of the have been stopped in compliance with the notice sent by CPCB, it added. However, the operations of the Plant II remain "unaffected". The company's plant one is located at Ponneri High Road, Manali while the unit II at Sathangadu village, Manali, Chennai. Manali Petrochemicals produces propylene glycol and related chemical substances. It is the only Indian manufacturer to produce propylene oxide, the input material used for the derivative products, the company website said. Propylene glycol is commonly made use in pharmaceuticals, food and flavour and fragrance industries and also in production of polyester resins, brake fluids in automobiles. Shares of Manali Petrochemicals ended at Rs 32.30 a piece up by 0.62 per cent over previous close in BSE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A major pump manufacturing company has volunteered to provide equipment to drain out water from the mine in Meghalaya, where 15 diggers have been trapped for nearly a fortnight, to facilitate resumption of the halted search and rescue operation in the rat-hole coal pit. Pumping of water out of the mine was suspended on Saturday last after there were no visible results of the water levels receding. The district authorities have also written to the state government seeking high power pumps as the two 25 hp pumps were inadequate, said NDRF Assistant Commandant S K Singh, who is heading the force in the operation. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Thursday contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying the trapped minors were suspected dead on the basis of the "foul odour" the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine. A statement from the NDRF battalion based at Guwahati, which is carrying out the rescue operation, said the statement of its Assistant Commandant Santosh Kumar Singh on "foul smell" had been "misinterpreted and he was misquoted as saying that foul odour could indicate that the miners were dead and the bodies are beginning to decompose." It explained the foul smell could have been due to the stagnated water. "The fact is that the pumping process has been halted for more than 48 hours. The foul smell detected by the divers may be due to stagnant water. The same has been misinterpreted and newspapers quoted it saying the odour could indicate the miners are dead and bodies are beginning to decompose," the statement issued by Commandant of Guwahati-based NDRF Battalion S K Shastri said. He said two teams of NDRF are engaged in the search and rescue operation. Meanwhile, sources said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital on Thursday over the coal mine disaster. The details of the meeting were not available. Heavy pumps manufacturer Kirloskar Brothers Ltd has announced help in the search for the 15 miners who were trapped in the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine. "We are deeply concerned about the trapped miners in Meghalaya and are ready to help in whichever way possible. We are in touch with the officials of the Government of Meghalaya to offer our assistance in this regard. We hope all miners are rescued safely," Kirloskar Brothers Ltd said in a statement late Wednesday night. A team from Kirloskar and Coal India will assess the situation at the site on their arrival anytime now. They will report back to their respective offices with all inputs required, a senior government official said. Senior Minister Lakmen Rymbui and Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla were scheduled to visit the site on Thursday. The visit comes after the Opposition Congress accused the ruling coalition and Sangma of being insensitive in the entire issue. Meghalaya is ruled by NPP-BJP coalition government. Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday had attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the mine mishap. Congress party sources said a group of INC MLAs have scheduled their visit to the accident site at Lumthari village on Friday. Rebuffing the charge of inaction, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told a television channel, "It's not the time to play politics. There is no question of calling off the operation. The operation is going to go to a different level now." He said the Home Ministry is in touch and helping the state. The National Green Tribunal had put a blanket ban on unscientific and unsafe mining of coal in Meghalaya since 2014 based on a petition filed by an NGO, alleging a river in Assam had become acidic due to the unregulated mining of coal here. But, illegal practices continue unabated in the state, putting lives at risk, said locals. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor came out with two tweets on the subject on Thursday. "Have been speaking to Sanjay Kirloskar, chief of @KBLPumps, about helping in the crisis in Meghalaya. He has rushed a team to assess the actual needs: what kind of pumps would best work in local conditions. meanwhile his pumps used for the #KeralaFloods cld be diverted if suitable (sic)," said one of his tweet. The other message on the micro-blogging site read, "2 things are clear: (1) request has come unconscionably late. Govt seems to have been v.slow off the block. (2) We need better preparations & standby equipment for water-related disasters, whether floods or rains. The National Disaster Relief Force should have pumps at the ready". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka MPs cutting across party lines on Thursday staged a protest inside Parliament complex seeking construction of the Mekedattu dam on the Cauvery, an issue opposed by Tamil Nadu's DMK and AIADMK that have been disrupting proceedings in both Houses. To counter the protest by the Tamil Nadu parties, MPs from Karnataka, including from the Congress and the BJP, came together and demonstrated in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Parliament complex. The two Tamil Nadu parties have been holding placards and protesting in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to voice their opposition to the Mekedattu project, for which the Centre has already given Karnataka clearance to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). The parties have been stalling Parliament proceedings for more than a week, demanding justice for farmers who are expected to be affected by the proposed construction of Mekedattu dam. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday. Outside, MPs from Karnataka shouted slogans like "We want Mekedattu project" and held up placards that read "Karnataka wants discussion not disruption", " create problem, Mekedattu gives solution" and "We want Government of India to respect Supreme Court verdict". Over a dozen MPs participated in the agitation, including Shobha Karandlaje, Prahlad Joshi and G M Siddeshwara from the BJP, Jairam Ramesh, D K Hariprasad, Rajeev Gowda, D K Suresh and Dhruva Narayan from the Congress as well as JD(S)' Shivarame Gowda. Union Ministers Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Seetharaman, Ananth Kumar Hegde and Ramesh Jigajinagi were not present in the protest. "Our Tamil Nadu friends should show some sympathy towards us. We are asking for surplus river water from Cauvery that gets wasted flowing into the sea. That water will be stored for the drinking water purpose only. It is Karnataka's legitimate demand," former prime minister and JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda told reporters after the protest. Deve Gowda, who could not join the agitation due to a prior engagement, said Karnataka MPs were forced to stage a protest to counter the agitation being carried out by Tamil Nadu parties for last few days. On Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy discussed the Mekedattu project with Union Water Resources Miniser Nitin Gadkari, who assured him that a meeting of chief ministers of both the states to resolve the issue at the earliest would be called. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Falconcity Markets has opened its first hypermarket branch within the Falconcity of Wonders residential community in Dubai, UAE, with an aim to offer a unique shopping experience to residents. With a Quality Comes First approach, the hypermarket will cater to the Falconcity residents and neighbouring communities by providing daily essentials and household items, bringing together nearly 15,000-20,000 items under one roof. The new hypermarket offers a convenient lifestyle to Falconcity residents and will ensure the very best quality of daily essentials and household items within an easy reach. Besides, the home delivery option allows shoppers to call, place orders and get the essentials delivered to their door steps. Unlike other supermarket brands that take a standard approach towards their customers, Falconcity Markets will deliver a personalized experience with a variety of goods that are catered towards the community needs and wants. Salem Almoosa, chairman of Falconcity Markets LLC, said: We are confident that the new facility, will make lives easier for the residents by eliminating the need to venture out of the community to get daily essentials and household items. Furthermore, an even larger number of residents will benefit from the home delivery option. The hypermarket has been designed to cater to the diverse needs of both residents and neighbouring communities. Built over an area of 2,330 sq m, more than 600 households at FCW community in Dubai will benefit from the facility, a statement said. TradeArabia News Service Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday inspected a beautified water body in southwest Delhi's Rajokri area and said mini sewage treatment plants (STPs) will be built across the national capital. Talking to reporters after the inspection, the chief minister said a walking track has been built around the beautified water body in an eco-friendly manner and the government will soon make available swings for the children and an open gym in the vicinity. He said there are many slum colonies around the water body and all the dirt, mud, sewer of these settlements used to accumulate there, causing breeding of flies and mosquitoes in the entire area. "The water body is now rejuvenated and beautified. A mini waste STP has been built which treats the generated waste water. Its daily-treating- capacity is 6 lakh litres," he said. Kejriwal, who is also the chairman of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), said the government's focus is on creating mini STPs across the city. "In view of the waste water network within Delhi, it is better to have mini STPs according to the needs of the residents than spending thousands of crores of rupees on large STPs in specific areas within the city," the chief minister said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With opposition Congress and BJP demanding his resignation, Odisha Agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathy Thursday said "sorry" over his remark on the acquittal of accused persons in the sensational Pipili rape and murder case. "I am sorry if anyone is hurt over my statement. I have no intention to hurt anyone. I am an open minded persons," Maharathy told reporters after the activists of Mahila Congress demanded his resignation and BJP members sought a CBI probe into the rape and subsequent death of the 19-year old dalit woman in Pipili area of Puri district. On December 24, the court of additional district judge court in Bhubaneswar had acquitted the two accused persons arrested in the case. On his reaction over the court judgement, Maharathy had said: "I welcome the court judgement. It is victory of the truth. The victim girl got the justice." Maharathy's statement irked the opposition parties as well as the victim's family who are demanding stringent action against the accused persons. "How come the victim got justice when the accused persons are acquitted," asked Odisha Mahila Congress president Sumitra Jena. Meanwhile, the ADG Crime Branch S K Upadhay in Cuttack said that the investigating agency will move the Orissa High Court challenging the judgement of the lower court verdict. Earlier in the day, opposition Congress and BJP demanded the resignation of Maharathy for his comments on the acquittal of two persons arrested in connection with the case. Denouncing Maharathy's comment, senior BJP leader and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said his statement indicated the "flawed policies" of the state government on women and scheduled castes. Congress women activists on Thursday staged demonstration before the Agriculture minister's official residence here and hurled eggs and tomatoes at his house, while the BJP Mahila Morcha demanded that Maharathy be dropped from the ministry and the case handed over to the CBI. Police arrested about 40 activists of Odisha Mahila Congress as a preventive measure as they had assembled before the minister's house and attempted to barge into its premises, said Bhubaneswar assistant commissioner of police Sanjay Singh. "We will continue agitation till the minister is expelled from the ministry," the Odisha Mahila Congress chief said. Maharathy's comment has hurt the sentiment of women, she said. The BJP threatened to take to the streets if Maharathy is not removed from the state cabinet in next 24 hours. A 19-year-old woman was found unconscious and semi- naked in a paddy field in Pipli on November 28, 2011. She succumbed on June 21, 2012 after remaining semi-comatose in SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Maharathy had to resign from the ministry in 2012 in the face of a statewide hue and cry for allegedly sheltering the accused persons. Maharathy again became a minister in 2014. BJP activists across all urban centres in the state held candle light rally demanding resignation of Maharathy and handing over the case to CBI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Modern facilities armed with basic amenities will be available at the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, to be held in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj from January 15 to March 4, 2019, UP minister Srikant Sharma said. This time, the Mela will be spread over an area of 45 km from the earlier 20 km radius. Speaking to reporters here, Sharma noted that 3,000 tents having the capacity of accommodating 6,000 people, 1.42 lakh toilets, more than 40,000 LED lights, a modern control and command centre and 1,400 CCTV cameras to monitor the crowd were some of the key facilities planned for the Maha Kumbh. "Elaborate arrangements are being made for the Maha Kumbh. People from 192 countries will participate in the event organised by the Uttar Pradesh government. We are inviting people from across the country to attend the function for which arrangements are being made on a large-scale," he said. The Uttar Pradesh power minister also met Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh and invited him to the Mela. The Kumbh Mela draws lakhs of pilgrims over the course of approximately 55 auspicious days to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The Mela is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. The geographical location of Kumbh Mela covers four locations in India with the mela site rotating from Haridwar (Uttarakhand) on the Ganga, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) on Shipra, Nashik (Maharashtra) on Godavari to Prayagraj at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The passage of the triple talaq bill drew mixed reaction from Muslim bodies Thursday, with some terming it "very dangerous", while others welcoming it. S Q R Ilayas, member of working committee of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), said there was no need for this bill and it has been brought keeping in mind the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "It is a very dangerous bill that will make a civil issue a criminal offence. Who will take care of the wives and children once the husband goes to jail," he said. He also said that instead of gender justice, the bill would prove to be a "punishment" for men and women from the community. "Four crore women signed a petition saying they do not want the bill then who are these Muslim women who want it," he questioned the government. Maulana Mahmood Daryabadi, General Secretary of the All India Ulema Council, said when the government has scrapped triple talaq, why is it even being discussed here. "The government should be focussing on fund for Muslim women and children who will be left without any source of income once their husband goes to jail," he said. Zakia Soman, member of the Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, welcomed the bill and further demanded the Muslim Marriage Act on lines of the Hindu Marriage Act that would deal with other issues like polygamy and child guardianship. The Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill which criminalises the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government. Just before the bill was to be passed by a voice vote, the opposition sought a division and the bill was passed by 245 votes in favour and 11 against it. Several amendments moved by opposition were negated by a division that was insisted by opposition members. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Health Minister J P Nadda Thursday urged the Delhi government to implement the Centre's ambitious Ayushman Bharat scheme, saying not only the people of the national capital but those from other states who live in Delhi are also not getting health benefits under the initiative. The Union government on September 23 launched the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which aims to provide a cover of Rs five lakh per family per year and is likely to benefit more than 10 crore poor families across India. Delhi is one the three states that are yet to sign an MoU with the Centre to implement the scheme, over its naming and discussions between the city government and the National Health Agency are on, a health ministry official said. A Delhi government official, on the condition of anonymity told PTI, "The issue has been due to naming of the scheme for Delhi. The city government wants it to be 'Mukhya Mantri Aam Aadmi Swasthya Bima Yojana Ayushman Bharat' but the Centre wants Ayushman Bharat first in the name. We have had correspondences with the Health Ministry on this issue, so that's the situation," he added. "I request Delhi Gov again to implement PMJAY scheme in entire delhi. Delhi is the Heart of the Country, home to people from various states. By not implementing PMJAY, not only the people of Delhi but people from other states are also not getting the health benefits (sic)," Nadda tweeted. He said nine prominent private hospitals have signed pacts with NHA, the apex body responsible for implementing the scheme. "This will be very helpful for poor and deprived families of Delhi. Now people from any part of the country can avail benefits in empanelled hospitals," he said in another tweet. The nine hospitals are Cygnus Sonia Hospital, Dr Shroffs Charity Eye Hospital, Cygnus MLS Super Speciality Hospital, Life line Hospital, Kalra Hospital SRCNC Pvt Ltd, Centre for sight, Tarak Hospital, Bhatiya Gloval Hospital & Surgery Institution, and Kukreja Hospital and Heart Centre Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi. Besides Delhi, Telangana and Odisha have also not signed MoUs with NHA for the scheme. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A key organiser of Friday prayers in Noida's Sector 58 Thursday appealed to Muslims not to gather at a park, which was declared off-limits to religious gatherings by the police, as permission has not been granted for holding prayers there. The 45-year-old Adil Rashid, one of the organisers of the Friday namaaz at the park, told PTI he did not want to "whip up" any further controversy on the issue. Police said they will be monitoring the situation tomorrow. Early this month, the Nodia Police had issued orders stating that Friday prayers cannot be held at the government plot as there was no requisite permission. "I had made an application to the administration for permission to allow namaaz in the park and it has been denied. So I want to appeal to the people who may not be aware of this that please do not come to that park tomorrow, and find other appropriate place for offering namaaz," Rashid told PTI. The 24-year-old Cleric Noman Akhtar, who claimed to have been leading the prayers in the park since 2013, said he won't be going there for the namaaz Friday. Rashid and Akhtar were taken into preventive custody on December 18 for the "unauthorised" use of the park for prayers and then jailed for three days, they said. Akhtar said he was only aware that the organisers had written to the authorities concerned for the permission, and he was asked by the organisers to come and lead the prayers, which is a usual practice. "After the controversy erupted, I was asked on December 17 to come to the police station the next day for a meeting. I had no idea that I would be detained and then sent to jail," he told PTI. "Now, I am getting calls from relatives and acquaintances asking me about the incident... I feel ashamed," he said. "Now I will be cautious of reading prayers even in authorised public places." Both said the prayers have been held in the park since 2013 and never did anyone have any problem with it, and neither did the Noida Authority, on whose land the park is located, raised any objections. "Neither I want to be a hero, nor whip the controversy up any further on this issue. I am a simple man so I won't go the park tomorrow and request others also not to come there," Rashid said in his appeal. Noting that a complaint was made to the local police that "outsiders" come and use the park without permission, he said most of the people offering prayers were workers of private companies and it was obvious for them to come from far off places. "I have been living in Noida for last 33 years and even have a Noida Authority flat which was allotted to me in Sector 82 in 2004. I rent out RO filters and have a contract with two firms in Sector 58. I also sell small RO units locally. If I have work in this area, it is obvious that I'll find place for prayers in this area only," Rashid said. He said the administration had cited a Supreme Court order to disallow the religious gathering in the public park, but asked if the apex court has also directed that the community not be provided space for offering namaaz when required. Rashid said there are no mosques nearby and for reaching the nearest one also people would have to travel at least 7 to 8 kms. "Most of the people who gathered here (in the park) are private company employees and it is not possible to manage to go there given the limited duration of lunch time. While in the park, it was only a matter of 10 minutes," he said. He claimed that a mosque was to come up in Sector 12 but the matter has been pending for long with the communications between the administration and the Noida Authority not yielding any result. "There are lakhs of Muslims in the district but very few mosques. There are two in Sector 8. Then in Khoda colony, which is not even in Noida, has small mosques where some people go. But it becomes difficult for so many people with limited designated places for prayers. This leads them to using streets and roads also," he said. Akhtar said that in 2013 there would be lesser number of people attending the prayers and last Friday the number would have been around 1,500. He said people from other nearby sectors also used to join them in the park. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday praised the ABVP, the RSS' student wing, for taking up issues related to national interest and those concerning youths in a vocal and constructive manner. In a written message to the 64th national conference of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) that began here, he congratulated its delegates for "being a part of building a New India". Former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar inaugurated the four-day conference in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. During the December 27-30 meet, being held at Sabarmati Riverfront, ABVP delegates from across the country will discuss various social and educational issues, said a release by the student body. In his inaugural address, Kumar highlighted the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and called upon youths to contribute towards nation building, said the release. In his message, Modi appreciated the ABVP for "taking up various issues related to national interest, youths and students and discussing them in a vocal and constructive manner". Apart from around 3,700 ABVP delegates from across India, 45 delegates from Nepal are also participating in the conference. In his address, Rupani recalled his days as a student activist and said he is a member of the ABVP first and chief minister later, said the release. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to depart later Thursday for the first trip by an Israeli premier to Brazil, where he will attend the inauguration of incoming president Jair Bolsonaro. Netanyahu will also hold talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of the January 1 inauguration in Brasilia, an Israeli official told AFP. Netanyahu is due to meet Bolsonaro on Friday afternoon in Rio de Janeiro, the official said on condition of anonymity. He will also hold talks with the presidents of Chile and Honduras while there, among other officials, and meet with members of the Jewish community and a pro-Israel Christian group. He will fly back after the inauguration in the early hours of January 2, the official said. Bolsonaro has said he wants to follow in the footsteps of United States President Donald Trump and move his country's Israel embassy to Jerusalem. Netanyahu welcomed the announcement and called it "historic" -- though Bolsonaro later backtracked by saying "it hasn't been decided yet". Doing so would please his evangelical Christian support base, but would run the risk of provoking commercial retaliation from Arab states, some of which are major importers of Brazilian meat. Trump's move broke with decades of precedent that the status of the disputed city should be negotiated between the Israelis and Palestinians. Netanyahu's meeting with Pompeo is sure to include discussions on Syria following Trump's decision to withdraw the 2,000 US troops there. Israel is concerned that its main enemy Iran will have a freer hand in the neighbouring country following the withdrawal. Iran is supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in his country's civil war, and Netanyahu has pledged to stop Tehran from entrenching itself militarily next door. Netanyahu, who also serves as foreign minister, last year made the first trip by a sitting Israeli prime minister to Latin America, visiting Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. He has sought to expand Israel's diplomatic reach through technology and defence exports, and has worked to persuade more countries to vote in his country's favour at the United Nations, where it faces frequent criticism over its treatment of the Palestinians. The Brazil trip comes at a sensitive time domestically for Netanyahu after Israel's parliament on Wednesday approved his government's decision to call early elections for April 9. He is looking to extend his long reign at the top of Israeli politics, but a slew of corruption investigations have cast a cloud over his future. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Thursday asserted there were no differences within the state Congress over portfolio allocation, and said the newly-formed Cabinet will meet in Jaipur on December 28, the foundation day of the party. He justified the allocation of portfolios, saying it was a "well-thought out" exercise and has been "welcomed" by the people. The newly inducted Rajasthan ministers were allocated portfolios, with Chief Minister Gehlot keeping nine departments, including the key finance and home, with himself, in an exercise late Wednesday night. Speaking to mediapersons here, Gehlot said, "The first meeting of new Rajasthan state Cabinet will be held on December 28, which is the Congress foundation day, and the new government would make a good start on this day." He also rejected claims that there were differences within the state Congress over portfolio distribution and said a united Congress will help provide good governance in the state. "We have taken a well-thought out decision, which the people have welcomed," he told reporters when asked about alleged differences within the state Congress over portfolio allocation. He also brushed aside criticism over alleged delay in Cabinet formation, saying "It takes two-three days in Cabinet formation and the portfolios were handed over within two days in the state" In Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra when the BJP came to power, it took them seven-nine days to announce chief ministers, he said. "We will provide good governance, improve law and order and move towards fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the youth, which are some big challenges before us," he said. The BJP government, he alleged, had "blocked" several big decisions of the previous Congress government and said his party would not emulate them. "We won't block any good decision of the outgoing Raje government. The good work of the Vasundharaji's government, we will not block them in public interest." He said his government will take up all projects that can improve infrastructure and address problems of water, electricity, education, health and road. "Our endeavour would be to provide growth in the state at a fast pace." The Rajasthan chief minister said the Congress government in the state has taken a big decision by waiving farm loans and it has been welcomed by all. He alleged the state suffered due to "mis-governance and misrule" of the Raje government, which, he claimed did not deliver any development work despite getting a huge mandate. Gehlot said the state Congress had already started preparations for the Lok Sabha elections and a meeting with PCC chief Sachin Pilot and AICC general secretary in-charge for the state Avinash Pande has already taken place. He also expressed hope that a 'maha gathbandhan' (grand alliance) of opposition parties would soon be formed to take on and defeat the BJP, which he claimed was working to satisfy "public perception" and not doing any sincere and concrete work. "Rahul Gandhi ji has said that we will exert pressure on the prime minister to waive farm loans as farmers were the most harassed, besides the youth of the country, whose aspirations were left unfulfilled. "If this government comes again, then there is a threat to the country, the country's democracy and its Constitution. All opposition parties feel this and we are hopeful the 'maha gathbandhan' will be formed soon and will be successful," he said. Gehlot said the Modi government will be remembered as a "jumlon ki sarkar" (a government of rhetoric) as it has only made promises and not fulfilled any, "which the people have realised now". Prime Minister Modi has been claiming that farmers' income will be doubled by 2022, but his mandate is only till May 2019, Gehlot said. "And it (the farmers' income) should have risen by at least three-fourths by now." Referring to Nitin Gadkari's recent remark that the BJP "leadership" should own up to "defeat and failures" also, days after his party lost polls in three states, Gehlot said, "Maybe some more BJP leaders should speak their hearts out in the party's interest before the NDA government goes out of power," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday met a top US commander in Afghanistan and discussed the regional security and ongoing reconciliation process in the war-torn country. General Bajwa and General Austin Scott Miller, the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, underlined the importance of political resolution of Afghan situation and that only an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led inclusive process can lead to peace in Afghanistan. During the meeting at the military headquarters in Rawalpindi, they agreed on the importance of a political solution to the Afghan conflict. General Bajwa said that Pakistan is committed to efforts for peace in Afghanistan as it is important for peace in Pakistan. During the meeting matters of mutual interest with particular reference to regional security and ongoing Afghan reconciliation process were discussed. Both expressed unanimity of views on importance of political resolution of Afghan situation and underlined that only an Afghan owned and Afghan led inclusive process can lead to peace in Afghanistan. They also reaffirmed the need for continuing harmonized efforts against terrorists and for effective border management. The meeting came days after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi visited Kabul and held talks with Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani and President Ashraf Ghani. Afghanistan has long had troubled relations with Pakistan, which Kabul and Washington accuse of harbouring the Taliban leadership, a claim Islamabad has denied. Pakistan, which has influence over the Taliban, is taking part in the latest US effort to revive the Afghan peace process ahead of next year's withdrawal of 7,000 American troops. Islamabad has welcomed President Donald Trump's decision to pull around half of the 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Flag carier Royal Jordanian celebrated its 55th anniversary today in style by offering customers an exceptional, online sales promo with 55 per cent off on all its destinations across the globe. The offer was valid for only 24 hours under which travellers could book their tickets on RJs global route network at very attractive fares, for travel to take place next year between January 11 and May 22, with the exception of Easter time, between April 12 and May 5. Those taking advantage of this sales promo can enjoy a maximum stay of 30 days and a minimum stay of three days at their destinations, said a statement from Royal Jordanian. This one-day sales campaign also gave Royal Club members the possibility to add a percentage of tier miles and flight segments to their accounts, part of the added benefits offered by the new Royal Club program, it stated. President/CEO Stefan Pichler said: All our customers are now used to the RJ trend that special occasions mean sales promos, and todays occasion is not like any other, it is our birthday! So, we invite you to seize the opportunity of the 24-hour offer and book your seats with us wherever you wish to travel on our route network. "Allow me to congratulate Royal Jordanians customers and staff members on the airlines 55th anniversary, wishing RJ further success and prosperity," he added.-TradeArabia News Service About 200 writers and poets from India and abroad will participate in a three-day Parallel Literature Festival (PLF) to be held here from January 27, it was announced on Thursday. President of Rajasthan Progressive Writers Association (PWA) Rituraj said that the objective of the event was to create a positive environment for literature and culture in the city. The authors of different languages including Punjabi, Sindhi, Urdu among others will come together on one platform and will exchange their views at Ravindra Manch from January 27-29, he said. The PLF will coincide with the 2019 edition of the popular Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) that will take place from January 2428 at the Diggi Palace Hotel in Jaipur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi over the issue of unemployment, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Thursday said even people from his Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh come to the state for work. Gujarat is a "land of opportunity" which gives employment to people from across the country and people from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh are no exception, he said. "Gujarat is a land of opportunity. Apart from locals, large number of people from other states are working here. It shows that ample number of employment opportunities are available in Gujarat," said Rupani. He was speaking at a function organised to hand over appointment letters to youths as part of an 'employment fair' organised in the Sarthana area of Surat city. "Even people from Rahul Gandhi's Amethi seat (in Uttar Pradesh) come to Gujarat for work. Despite that, you question us about employment scenario (in the state)," said Rupani, who completed one year in office this week. As many as one lakh youths were given employment in various government services during the last one year, claimed the chief minister. Notably, Gandhi had taken up the issue of unemployment in a big way during his campaigning in Gujarat ahead of the last year's assembly polls. The Congress chief had accused the BJP government of failing to provide jobs to youths. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Crime Branch of Odisha Police Thursday said it would move the High Court challenging a trial court order acquitting the two accused in the rape and murder of a woman at Pipili in Puri district. A trial court in Bhubaneswar on Monday had absolved the two accused of the 2011-12 rape and murder of the 19-year-old woman of Pipili. "As per the established procedure, we will write to the Director of Public Prosecution so as to prefer an appeal before the High Court to challenge the verdict delivered by the Bhubaneswar-based court of first additional session judge," said Crime branch ADGP Santosh K. Upadhaya here. Addressing newsmen, the ADGP said after going through the court documents, including the written arguments and depositions of the APP, the public prosecutor has given his opinion suggesting that there are strong and valid grounds to prefer an appeal challenging the acquittal verdict. Prashant Pradhan of Pipili, who allegedly had a relationship with the victim, and his younger brother Sukant were arrested in connection with the case. The woman was allegedly raped and an attempt was made to kill her by strangulation on November 28, 2011. The incident had triggered massive public outcry following allegations that local BJD MLA and then minister Pradeep Maharathy had "sheltered" the accused. The state government handed over the case to crime branch police to investigate and Maharathy was asked to put in his papers. The victim slipped into comatose state while undergoing treatment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital here and she died on June 21, 2012. Meanwhile, opposition Congress and BJP Thursday demanded resignation of Maharathy, who is now Agriculture minister after he allegedly issued a controversial statement saying that "the victim girl got justice even as the accused persons are acquitted in the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A homemade explosive device went off early Thursday in front of a church in central Athens injuring a police officer but there were no immediate claims of responsibility. The explosion happened at 7:10 am (0510 GMT) in the upmarket Kolonaki area, police said, adding that an arterial road had been sealed off. The police officer was hospitalised with minor injuries. Non-fatal attacks targeting centres of power and embassies have been common in Greece in recent years, often blamed on anarchists or far-left groups. Ten days ago, a homemade bomb exploded outside the headquarters of the Skai media group in a seaside Athens suburb causing major damage. There have been no claims of responsibility. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A court in Bhopal on Thursday issued a bailable warrant against BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, accused in a case of violation of the model code of conduct in Madhya Pradesh. Judicial Magistrate Prakash Kumar Uike issued the warrant against Patra as the BJP leader did not attend the court despite a summons Thursday. MP Nagar police here have filed a charge sheet in the case. BJP leader S S Uppal, a co-accused, remained present and was given a bail on a personal bond of Rs 5,000. Police registered a case against Patra and others on a complaint filed by the Election Commission. On October 27, Patra held a press conference by the roadside in MP Nagar area here, following which the Congress, which was then in the Opposition, filed a complaint of violation of the model code of conduct with the poll body. EC officials said in the FIR that holding a press conference by blocking a road without due permissions was violation of the poll code. Organisers of the press conference had sought permission to hold it between 1 pm and 3 pm but held it earlier at 12 noon, which too was a violation, the EC had said. The FIR did not have Patra's name initially. It was added later following a report from the returning officer. The Congress ousted the BJP from power in the elections held in the state last month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) segment can grow around nine-fold to become a Rs 180 billion industry by 2025 and create 80,000 jobs if right policies are implemented, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said Thursday. The ICEA has proposed to bring power banks under phased manufacturing plan scheme, which if accepted, will lead to imposition on customs duty on imported power banks. "Given the right policy prescription, by 2025 the Power Banks can be built into Rs 180 billion industry, generate 80,000 jobs in India and exports can touch Rs 58 billion," ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo told PTI. According to the mobile phone and component industry body, India consumes about 33 million power banks a year worth about Rs 20 billion. "Currently, most of the power banks are imported and can be easily substituted by power banks made in India," Mohindroo said. He appreciated government's recent clarification to bring power banks under 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax category which the authorities were earlier insisting to classify them under 28 per cent slab. "It has been ICEA's technical interpretation that Lithium-ion merits classification under Lithium-ion accumulator and GST at the rate of 18 per cent is applicable, although it was attempted to misclassify Power banks under 28 per cent GST rate. At least now the path for the future is clear and this will allow the industry to function smoothly," Mohindroo said. Protection of freedom of faith, freedom of expression and freedom from fear is the most important duty of police at this "critical juncture" in our history, Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy has said. It won't be possible for citizens to work to create a prosperous India without enhancing the confidence and trust of Indians of every faith, he said, addressing police officers at an awards event here Wednesday night. A secular democracy, as defined by former US president Franklin Roosevelt, guarantees freedom of faith, freedom of expression, freedom from fear and freedom from want, he said. "The objective of India at this time is to accelerate our economic growth so that the poorest of the poor have decent access to nutrition, education, health care, shelter and a better opportunity for their children," he said. "Without enhancing the confidence, hope, trust and enthusiasm of the 1.3 billion citizens of our country, whether they worship Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva, Allah, Jesus, Ibrahim, Buddha, Mahavira, Guru Nanak, or Zarathustra, I do not see how every citizen can work hard and happily to create a happy, harmonious, peaceful, sustainable and prosperous India," he said. "Therefore, at this critical juncture in the history of our country, protecting the first three freedoms - freedom of faith, freedom of expression and freedom from fear - for every citizen is the most important responsibility of the police force," Murthy said. "This is your sacred duty. I hope you will shoulder it with unflinching commitment," he said. Tata Sons chairman emeritus Ratan Tata and Mumbai police commissioner Subodh Kumar Jaiswal attended the Police Jeevan Gaurav Awards 2018, hosted by a foundation named after former director-general of Maharashtra police Arvind Inamdar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday expressed sadness over the bus accident in Himachal Pradesh in which 35 students were injured when their bus overturned and called for immediate relief for them. Gandhi, in a Facebook post, said he was very sad to hear the of the bus accident. "I pray to God that those who are injured get relief as soon as possible. I express my deepest sympathy with the parents of the children," he said. As many as 35 students of a computer training centre were injured when their bus overturned in Jawali sub-division of Kangra district on Thursday morning. They were on their way to Police Grounds, Dharamshala, in a private school bus to attend Modi's 'Jan Abhar Rally' being organised to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday interacted with youth as part of the NSUI's 'Behtar Bharat' campaign and urged them to join the movement. He also said the attempt is that the youth should together create the country's agenda for tomorrow. "Dreams are good when seen together. Today, I met youth in National Students' Union of India's 'Behtar Bharat' (Better India) programme. Our endeavour is that the youth together should today create the agenda for tomorrow. Join us in this campaign," he said in a Facebook post in Hindi. The students wing of the Congress party has launched the 'Behtar India programme' saying the students are the nation builders and they deserve respect and support. "Be a part of Behtar Bharat, where students will set the national agenda," the campaign says. "Join the 'Behtar Bharat' programme and get a chance to speak directly with the Congress leadership and set the national agenda," the it says. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Thursday mocked Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying his dream of becoming the prime minister will never come true. "We all know that there is a Pappu at the Centre who is dreaming of becoming the next prime minister," he said. Gandhi has often been mocked by the BJP and his opposition parties as 'Pappu', a colloquial sneer. "But I want to tell him that his dream will never be fulfilled as India will again choose Narendra Modi," Vijayvargiya told a rally here held against the state government's denial of permission to the BJP's proposed Rath yatra. The BJP leader ridiculed the Trinamool Congress too, saying that there is also a Pappu in West Bengal who is dreaming of becoming the chief minister of the state but did not name anyone. "Modi is the best PM the country ever had," he asserted. Listing the achievements of the Modi government, Vijayvargiya expressed confidence on its returning to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. He accused the TMC government in the state of giving away doles to infiltrators to secure its vote bank and depriving its citizens. "The TMC government is giving away doles and several other benefits that are meant for the citizens of this country to infiltrators to secure its vote bank in the state. It is a shame that the TMC government is trying to help infiltrators, who should be thrown out of this country," Vijayvargiya told the rally. "The TMC government has crossed all limits of undemocratic practices. We wanted to take out a 'Save Democracy' rally across the state but we were denied permission by the state government just on the basis of apprehensions," he added. The three-phased Rath yatra, also being called the 'Save Democracy Rally', was scheduled to be held this month from December 7 and cover all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. The rallies were to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah. But the state government declined permission to the programme, citing intelligence reports of possible communal violence in areas where the party is planning to hold the yatra. The BJP, after the state government's denial of permission, has been organising protest rallies and "law violation" programmes in various parts of the state. BJP state general secretary Raju Banerjee and several other state leaders were Thursday detained by the police during a "law violation" programme in the Behala area of the city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Thursday said the state government will work in a collective leadership and a 100-day action plan will soon be rolled out. Pilot, who took charge of his office at secretariat here on Thursday after allocation of portfolios, said the decision of portfolio allocation was taken after discussion with Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The allocation of portfolios were done late Wednesday night after Chief Minister Gehlot and Pilot held meetings with Gandhi in New Delhi that day. "People gave the mandate and now the government will deliver. We will work in a collective leadership. Ours is a balanced cabinet with new, young and experienced members," the deputy chief minister said. Pilot, who has been given the charge of public works, rural development, panchayati raj, science and technology and statistics departments, arrived in Jaipur from New Delhi in the morning and took charge of his office in the secretariat. Portfolios were allocated two days after 13 cabinet and 10 ministers of state took oath on Monday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and most members of the council of ministers took charge of their departments Thursday. Portfolio allocation was done late Wednesday night, two days after Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expanded his cabinet by inducting 23 legislators.Gehlot and Pilot had taken the oath of office on December 17. Gehlot has kept nine departments, including the key finance and home, with himself. Pilot arrived here Thursday morning and took charge of his office at the Rajasthan secretariat. "People have given their mandate, and now the government will deliver. We will work as a collective leadership. Ours is a balanced cabinet with new, young and experienced members," he told reporters after taking charge. The deputy chief minister has been allotted five departments, including public works, rural development and panchayti Raj. The government will release a 100-day action plan.The challenges before the government will be dealt with and "we will move ahead with a positive approach", Pilot said. He said the decisions by Congress president Rahul Gandhi regarding portfolio allocation were taken after feedback and suggestions. These are balanced decisions, the deputy chief minister said. "I want to thank Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, other leaders and chief minister who took all (everybody's feedback and suggestions) and formed the new government," Pilot said. He left for his assembly constituency, Tonk, after paying floral tributes at a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the secretariat. Raghu Sharma, who was allotted the health portfolio, after taking charge, said, "I have listed my priorities to officials and zero-tolerance for corruption tops my list." Several other ministers, including UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal, Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh, Revenue Minister Harish Chaudhary, took charge of their departments. Thirteen cabinet ministers and 10 ministers of state were sworn in on Monday and portfolios were allocated late Wednesday night. Sources said due to reported disagreement between Gehlot and Pilot over the allocation of key portfolios the decision had been pending. B D Kalla has been given energy, public health engineering, ground water, art, culture and archeology departments, Parsadi Lal was named industry minister, and Master Bhanwar Lal Meghwal is in charge of social justice and empowerment department. Agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries departments are with Lal Chand Kataria while pramod Bhaya is the mines minister. Ramesh Chand Meena was given food and civil supply deaprtment. Besides being made the cooperative minister, Anjana Udailal was also given the Indira Gandhi canal project department. Pratap Singh was given the charge of transport and soldier welfare departments while Shale Mohammad was made minority affairs and Waqf minister. The portfolios, which are yet to be allocated will remain with the chief minister for now. Among the ministers of state, Govind Singh Dotasara was given education (independent charge), and was also given tourism and devsthan departments. Mamta Bhupesh was given women and child development department (independent charge) along with minority affairs and Waqf. Other ministers of state Arjun Singh Bamnia, Bhanwar Singh Bhati, Sukhram Bishnoi, Ashok Chandna, Tikaram Jully, Bhajan Lal Jatav, Rajendra Singh Yadav and RLD's Subhash Garg were also given portfolios. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The was Thursday adjourned for the day without transacting any business after ruckus in the House over issues ranging from construction of a dam on the Cauvery River to violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district. While slogan shouting members of Tamil parties -- AIADMK and DMK trooped -- into the well of the House over construction of Mekadatu Dam on Cauvery River, Samajwadi Party and BSP members raised the issue of mob violence in Bulandshahr that left two dead, including an inspector rank police officer. A couple of members from Andhra Pradesh too were in the well of the House demanding special status for the state. Chairman M said nothing that the protesting members were saying would go on record and then adjourned the proceedings for the day. "As nobody seems to be interested I have no option but to adjourn the House for the day," he said before adjourning the proceedings till Friday. The trouble started soon after the House mourned the death of its former members N Rajangam and Jai Narain Prasad Nishad and listed papers were presented to the House. Members of Tamil parties shouted slogans from the well of the House seeking justice for the state over the Cauvery issue while SP and BSP members stood in their places raising the issue of TMC leader Derek O'Brien too was up on his feet trying to a raise an issue but could not be heard in the din. Thursday was the first sitting of the House after the four-day Christmas break. Defeated Madagascar presidential candidate Marc Ravalomana has appealed the election's result to the country's top court, his campaign director said Thursday. Anisoa Tseheno Rabenja told media that he and Ravalomana filed papers with the Constitutional Court just hours after the electoral commission announced complete results from a run-off vote held last week. The commission named Andry Rajoelina as the winner. "We have filed several petitions today ...which concern anomalies and flaws at the level of the CENI (the electoral commission) during this election," Rabenja said. The court has nine days to formally name the new president after it has reviewed the petitions. Rabenja accused the electoral commission of a "premeditated act" in helping Rajoelina commit "massive fraud". "The electoral commission facilitated the fraud committed by candidate 13, Andry Rajoelina," he said after results showed that Rajoelina had won 55.66 per cent of the vote against 44.34 per cent for Ravalomanana. The results were announced under high security at the electoral commission headquarters during a ceremony that Ravalomana boycotted. He has complained about missing serial numbers on some ballots, among other irregularities cited in the court papers. Commission chief Hery Rakotomanana said earlier that "efforts were made to respond" to concerns raised by both candidates, including a review of the counting software. The two-round election was marred by mutual accusations of vote-rigging in a country with a long history of instability. Rajoelina called for unity and a peaceful transfer of power, saying the eyes of the world were on the island nation. The candidates, both of whom are former presidents, have two days to file complaints. They were both banned from running in a 2013 election as part of an agreement to end recurring crises that have rocked Madagascar since it gained independence from France in 1960. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two teams of a private pump manufacturing company, which has volunteered to provide equipment to drain out water from the rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya where 15 diggers have been trapped for nearly a fortnight, arrived at the site Thursday. Rescuers from the Indian Air Force and Coal India are expected to reach the mine in East Jaintia Hills district Friday. Superintendent of Police Sylvester Mongtynger said two teams from Kirloskar Brothers Ltd arrived Thursday to help in rescuing the miners trapped in the 370-foot-deep illegal mine. "We are deeply concerned about the trapped miners in Meghalaya and are ready to help in whichever way possible. We are in touch with the officials of the Government of Meghalaya to offer our assistance in this regard," Kirloskar Brothers Ltd said in a statement late Wednesday night. Indian Air Force spokesperson Ratnakar Singh said the National Disaster Management Authority has requested the IAF to airlift rescuers from Bhubaneswar to either Guwahati or Shillong airport Friday. Sources in Coal India Ltd said Thursday officers and surveyers are on their way to the site. A senior government official said they will assess the situation including the road condition leading to the mine in a remote area in the district and accordingly report to their office, which will then take a call on what equipment are required to launch a rescue operation. The search-and-rescue operation was suspended on Saturday after water pumped out of the mine did not lead to a drop in the water level. On Thursday, the National Disaster Response Force contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying that the trapped minors were suspected to be dead on the basis of the "foul odour" the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine. The NDRF battalion based in Guwahati, which is carrying out the rescue operation, said the statement of its Assistant Commandant Santosh Kumar Singh on "foul smell" had been "misinterpreted and he was misquoted as saying that foul odour could indicate that the miners were dead and the bodies are beginning to decompose." The NDRF explained the foul smell could be of the stagnant water. "The fact is that the pumping process has been halted for more than 48 hours. The foul smell detected by the divers may be due to stagnant water. The same has been misinterpreted and newspapers quoted it saying the odour could indicate the miners are dead and bodies are beginning to decompose," the statement issued by Commandant of Guwahati-based NDRF Battalion S K Shastri said. He said two teams of NDRF are engaged in the search and rescue operation. Meanwhile, sources said Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma discussed the incident with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi Thursday. The details of the meeting were not available. Senior state minister Lakmen Rymbui and Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla are scheduled to visit the site on Thursday. The visit comes after the Opposition Congress accused the ruling coalition and Sangma of being insensitive to the plight of the miners. Meghalaya is ruled by NPP-BJP coalition. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help rescue the miners. He had also attacked him, saying while Modi was strutting on a bridge, the trapped miners were struggling for air. Congress party sources said a group of MLAs have scheduled their visit to the mine in Lumthari village Friday. Rebuffing the charge of inaction, Chief Minister Sangma told a television channel, "It's not the time to play politics. There is no question of calling off the operation. The operation is going to go to a different level now." He said the Home Ministry is in touch and helping the state. The National Green Tribunal has banned unsafe coal mining in Meghalaya since 2014 based on a petition by an NGO, which had alleged that a river in Assam had become acidic due to unregulated mining of coal. But illegal mining continue in the state, putting lives at risk, say locals. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted on the accident Thursday. "Have been speaking to Sanjay Kirloskar, chief of @KBLPumps, about helping in the crisis in Meghalaya. He has rushed a team to assess the actual needs: what kind of pumps would best work in local conditions. meanwhile his pumps used for the #KeralaFloods cld be diverted if suitable (sic)," he said in a tweet. In another tweet he said, "2 things are clear: (1) request has come unconscionably late. Govt seems to have been v.slow off the block. (2) We need better preparations & standby equipment for water-related disasters, whether floods or rains. The National Disaster Relief Force should have pumps at the ready". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has been transferred yet again by the Maharashtra government, barely a month after his previous posting. A government release said Thursday that Mundhe has been posted as Project Director at the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society, Mumbai. Mundhe had been shunted out as Nashik municipal commissioner and posted as Joint Secretary (Planning) in Mantralaya (state secretariat) on November 22. The 2005 officer, known for his no-nonsense ways, has often clashed with public representatives in his previous postings and faced at least a dozen transfers so far. In the latest reshuffle, Rubal Prakher-Agarwal (2008 batch), currently Chief Executive Officer of the Saibaba temple trust at Shirdi, has been posted as Additional Municipal Commissioner, Pune, the release by the General Administration Department said. Agarwal will replace Sheetal Telhi-Ugale (2009), who has been transferred as Chairman, Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority. Balaji Manjule, an Andhra Pradesh-cadre IAS officer of the 2009 batch, has been posted as Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. When Mundhe was removed as Nashik commissioner, people had staged a protest seeking cancellation of his transfer. When he was Navi Mumbai commissioner, the NCP-headed civic body had passed a no-confidence motion against him in October 2016. He had ordered a crack-down on unauthorised constructions in Navi Mumbai, a satellite city of Mumbai. In early 2017, he was transferred from Navi Mumbai and posted as Chairman and Managing Director of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMPML), a civic transport body. In February this year, Mundhe took charge as Nashik commissioner. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday the JD(S), an alliance partner of the Congress in Karnataka, has not yet discussed with the national party about the seat-sharing formula for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The JD(S) leader's comment came in the wake of Congress leader Siddaramaiah in Hubbali on Thursday rubbishing BJP's claim that the coalition government in Karnataka would collapse due to an internal rift. "There has not been any discussion on this (seat sharing) with the Congress so far. When the discussion has not yet taken place, then there is no question of any fight," Kumaraswamy told reporters when asked if the two parties have reached a seat-sharing formula for the 2019 polls. The Congress-JD(S) alliance is strong and it would contest the Lok Sabha polls together, he said. Siddaramaiah, who is the leader of the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition coordination committee, ruled out any differences between him and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara over portfolio allocation to the newly-inducted ministers. He was reacting to senior BJP lawmaker Umesh Katti's claim that 15 disgruntled MLAs from the ruling coalition were in touch with him and that the saffron party would form the new government in Karnataka by next week. "They (BJP) don't want to sit in the opposition and work. By using some wrong means, they want to form the government," Siddaramaiah told reporters in Hubbali. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Some unidentified men defaced a sign board bearing former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's name on Thursday, police said. The sign board of college bhawan at the Panjab University was defaced with black paint, they said. A case was registered against unknown persons in the matter, police said. The Chandigarh unit of Congress and the party's youth wing National Students Union of India (NSUI) strongly condemned the act. The incident comes a few days after a statue of Rajiv Gandhi was defaced in Ludhiana allegedly by members of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reflecting 'frictions' with the BJP, Apna Dal(S) leader and Union minister Anupriya Patel Thursday said she stood by the remarks of her husband and party president Ashish Patel, who had voiced frustration with the saffron party over its "treatment" of smaller NDA allies. Ashish had recently alleged at a press conference in Mirzapur that smaller parties were feeling "ignored" by the bigger NDA partner -- the BJP. "My party's president has already expressed the sentiments of the party. I stand by it," Anupriya said outside the Parliament here. Her husband had earlier said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should learn from the recent losses (in assembly elections). The SP-BSP alliance is a challenge for the NDA, whose allies in Uttar Pradesh are upset. The leadership at the Centre must do something, else the NDA would suffer in UP, Ashish had told reporters. BJP leader and Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, however, sought to downplay the husband-wife duo's comments. He said there was no "anger" or "ill will", adding there may have been some misunderstanding whose solution will be arrived at. "Koi narazgi nahi hai. Hum roz milte hai. Anupriya ji bohot intelligent hai, jankar hai. Is kam umra me unhone bohot achi cheez hasil ki hai. Unki pratibha ka samman BJP ne kiya hai. Kahi koi narazgi nahi hai. Thodi bohot apas me misunderstanding kabhi kabhi, UP sarkar me halki phulki hui, samadhan bhi ho jata hai," Choubey said. The remarks can be loosely translated as "There is no ill will. We meet everyday. Anupriya Ji is very intelligent and knowledgable. She has achieved a lot. The BJP has respected her talents. There may have been some misunderstanding, but solutions also come about". Anupriya had on Wednesday given a miss to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's programme in Deoria district of the state. The Union Minister of State for Health was also not present at a function attended by the chief minister in Siddharthnagar on Tuesday, the same day when Ashish hit out at the BJP. Ashish Patel's outburst came days after Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RSLP) Chief Upendra Kushwaha walked out of the NDA. He was upset with the BJP after it asserted that the RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Earlier in March, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ended its four-year-old alliance with the NDA over the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. A DR Congo opposition bloc called Thursday for a nationwide stoppage and police clashed with demonstrators in two eastern cities after upcoming elections were placed on hold in their region. Lamuka, a coalition of parties supporting opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, called for cities to be brought to a standstill on Friday, two days before polling day. On Wednesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo's national election panel announced the thrice-delayed vote would be postponed in several troubled areas until March. But it said the vote would continue to take place in the rest of the country as scheduled on December 30, and the next president will be sworn in on January 18. Sunday's election will be the DRC's first presidential ballot in seven years. Legislative and municipal elections are being held at the same time. In the province of North Kivu, the region most affected by the delay, several hundred demonstrators gathered on Thursday in the administrative district of the city of Beni. Gunshots were heard over a roughly hour-long period, apparently fired by police to disperse protestors. In Goma, the provincial capital, demonstrators set up barricades in the districts of Majengo and Katimbo and at the entrance to the university. Police fired teargas and made at least half a dozen arrests, said an AFP reporter at the scene. The vote should have been held in 2016 when President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001, reached a two-term limit set under the constitution. But he remained in office, invoking a caretaker clause under the constitution. The election postponement applies to the cities of Beni and Butembo in North Kivu, as well as to the territory of Yumbi in the southwestern province of Mai-Ndombe. Around three per cent of some 40 million registered voters will be affected by the delay. But opposition parties described the delay as a ploy to gag a stronghold of support. At a press conference, Lamuka called for cities around the DRC to be brought to a standstill on Friday but said it would still contest the poll. The election commission "has crossed a red line," said Lamuka, which is backed by two of the DRC's powerbrokers -- former warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba and the ex-governor of Katanga, Moise Katumbi. The other main opposition party, the veteran Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) also said it "condemned" the new delay but confirmed on Wednesday it would not boycott the elections. The announcement by the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) blamed militia violence and an outbreak of Ebola in North Kivu, and inter-communal clashes in Yumbi. But a specialist in DRC law said the decision was flawed. "It's unconstitutional," the expert said. "It deprives part of the electorate of its constitutional right to elect the leaders of their choice." Three men are heading a field of 21 candidates in Sunday's presidential race. They are Kabila's hand-picked successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a hardline former interior minister; Fayulu, a little-known legislator and former oil executive; and UPDS chief Felix Tshisekedi. The elections were twice postponed until a new date was set for December 23 -- and were then delayed by another week. CENI blamed a warehouse fire that destroyed election equipment. The mineral-rich giant of central Africa has an entrenched reputation for political turmoil, corruption and poverty. It has not had a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. In 1996-1997 and 1998-2003, the DRC became the theatre of two wars that left millions of dead and homeless and sucked in countries from around central and southern Africa. The UN and western powers have repeatedly urged the DRC to have peaceful, transparent and free elections -- a call echoed on Wednesday by the presidents of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and the neighbouring Republic of Congo. The five leaders said they would send envoys to Kinshasa on Thursday. Despite the problems, the head of the UN's mission to Congo, Leila Zerrougui, said this year's elections compared favourably with the 2011 ballot, marked by bloodshed and allegations of vote-rigging. "I think this campaign has proceeded somewhat more smoothly," she said in an interview with Jeune Afrique (Young Africa) magazine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) More than 50 youth movements, student unions and organisations on Thursday came together to form the Young India National Coordination Committee, said JNU Students Union president N Sai Balaji. The Committee was formed after a meeting at the Jawaharlal Nehru University here. the membrs members have fought against anti-youth, anti- policies of the Modi government, said Balaji. "The youth of the country from all parts of the country will march on the streets of Delhi on February 7, 2019. We demand Modi government to stop harassing workers and withdraw anti-worker reforms imposed to benefit corporates," he added. Youth movements, union members and organisations from across India, including Film and Television Institute of India, IIT-Madras, Panjab University, JNU, BHU, AMU, are part of YINCC. The Committee has demanded that vacant government posts be filled and the number of government jobs be increased. "End the regime of paper leaks and corruption in recruitment. Spend at least 10 per cent of the budget on Stop the policy of school closure, seat-cut, fund-cut, fee-hike in higher "End gender discriminatory rules and ensure girls hostel and effective anti-sexual harassment cells. End saffronisation of education and fulfil constitutionally mandated reservations," YINCC demanded. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The warned the United States on Thursday it would face the same fate as the Soviet Union in the 1980s if it did not leave Afghanistan, as Washington considers slashing troop numbers. In a taunting message sent on the 39th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of the war-torn country, the said US forces faced "humiliation" and could "learn a great deal" from the experience of their Cold War foe. The Soviets pulled out of Afghanistan in 1989, ending a decade-long occupation and precipitating a bloody civil war and the emergence of the "Take heed from the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan and abandon thoughts of testing the mettle of the already proven Afghans," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement in English, Dari and Pashto. Mujahid said any future relations between the Taliban and the United States should be based on "sound diplomatic and economic principles" rather than conflict. The Taliban have not formally responded to the news that Trump had decided to withdraw roughly half of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan. But a senior commander told AFP that the group was "more than happy". The Taliban have long insisted on the withdrawal of foreign troops as a condition for engaging in peace talks. The White House has so far not confirmed the widely-publicised move that left foreign diplomats and Afghan officials in Kabul stunned and dismayed. It came last week as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul. That was the latest in a series of meetings between US officials and representatives of the Talian that began in the summer. There are fears Trump's decision could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are suffering record losses. NCP leader Ajit Pawar said Thursday that alliance talks with the Congress over eight of the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra including Pune and Ahmednagar are yet to be concluded. The Congress and NCP have decided to form an alliance of like-minded parties to take on the BJP in Maharashtra in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Asked at a press conference here about a reported statement of Sujay Vikhe Patil, son of Congress leader Radhkrishna Vikhe Patil, that he (Sujay) may contest the Lok Sabha election from Ahmednagar on some other party's ticket if the Congress does not nominate him, Pawar refused to comment. "Since the talks between Congress and NCP are still going on, it is not right to comment. Eight seats are contentious, while understanding has been reached on the rest 40 seats," the senior NCP leader said. The seats where the two parties are yet to reach agreement are Pune, Ahmednagar, Nandurbar, Raver, Yavatmal-Washim, Jalna, Aurangabad and Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, he said. Raver and Ahmednagar were in the NCP quota while remaining seats were in the Congress quota, as per the previous alliance formula. Pawar expressed confidence that the talks would conclude in an amicable manner. Asked about speculation that NCP supremo and his uncle Sharad Pawar may contest the election from Pune, Ajit Pawar said, "Pawar saheb's domain is not limited to any particular constituency. If he wishes he can contest from any seat. The question is whether he is willing." He lashed out at the ruling BJP for trying to divert people's attention from pressing issues. "Farmers are in trouble as milk and farm produce are not getting good price. Despite promises, the government has not been able to give a good price to farmers. Those who want to protest when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is touring are detained by police," Pawar said. Commenting on Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Kapil Patil's open letter to him and to state Congress chief Ashok Chavan where he complained that the alliance of anti-BJP parties was declared without any discussion on common issues, Pawar said the letter was unwarranted.' "When one has joined hands with like-minded parties for a common cause of taking on the Shiv Sena-BJP, some flexibility is needed. One may not agree 100 per cent with all that is decided. I called him and said when discussions are in progress, what is the need to write open letter," Pawar said. About his son Parth who is seeking ticket from Maval Lok Sabha seat, Pawar said, "Discussions are on regarding which seats NCP will contest. Candidates will be finalised later." When asked if the Shiv Sena will take advantage of coming biopic on Bal Thackeray ahead of elections, Pawar said the film has been produced by a Sena MP (Sanjay Raut). "Surely there is a political motive," he added. Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil who was present at the press conference said the party will embark on a month- long 'Parivartan Yatra' campaign from January 10 to "highlight the failures of the Central and state governments led by the BJP". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP's newly-appointed Lok Sabha election in-charge for Uttar Pradesh Gordhan Zadafia on Thursday said his goal will be to win all 80 seats in the state and dismissed any grand alliance of opposition parties against the saffron party as an "exercise for survival". Opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress will come together due to their fear of the BJP, said Zadafia, who once was a bitter critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their Gujarat days. Now as a chosen man by Modi and the party's president Amit Shah to deliver a rich harvest of seats from Uttar Pradesh, politically most crucial state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha, the influential Patel community leader from Gujarat told PTI, "My goal is to win 80 out of 80 seats in the state, nothing less than it". He also hoped that Modi would again contest Lok Sabha election from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Incidentally, it was Shah who was the state's in-charge during the 2014 general elections and engineered the BJP's win in an unprecedented 71 seats. Asked about his bitter relations with the party in the past, Zadafia said, "Individual can be played but individual's ego should not be bigger than the nation. Past have to be forgotten and it's now time to look ahead." The party is like a mother and if one goes away from it and comes back it will embraces you like a mother only, said Zadafia, who was the minister of state for home during the 2002 riots. During the riots, he had faced allegations of partisan behaviour. After Modi won the 2002 Gujarat elections with a thumping majority, Zadafia refused to become a minister, citing at that time the then chief minister's alleged high-handed ways. Zadafia, who had revolted against Modi to form his own party before the 2007 assembly elections in Gujarat, said such ups and downs are parts and parcel of political life. "Such ups and downs are part and parcel of political life. What is important is my commitment to the ideology. I was a swayamsevak (RSS volunteer), I am a swayamsevak and I will remain a swayamsevak," Zadafia said. He was always seen as a Hindutva leader and even when he was not in the BJP, he was known for his proximity to the RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, including its then firebrand working president Pravin Togadia. Before the 2007 elections, he had formed his own MahaGujarat Janata Party (MJP) and tried to influence many BJP leaders against Modi. However, it failed to make much mark in the polls. Before the 2012 elections, Zadafia joined --Gujarat Parivarthan Party-- an outfit floated by his mentor and former chief minister Keshubhai Patel. However, GPP managed to win only two seats in those polls and Keshubhai Patel merged his party with the BJP. Subsequently, Zadafia also re-joined his original party. Being a Patel, he had also closely worked with former VHP president Pravin Togadia, another critic of Modi, and even quota leaders like Lalji Patel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RJD MLA Tej Pratap Yadav on Thursday staged a demonstration in front of a police station here accusing the inspector in-charge of having misbehaved with him over telephone upon being asked to lodge an FIR based on the complaint of a woman living in the area. High drama was witnessed at Phulwari Sharif police station on the outskirts of the city, where the mercurial elder son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad sat on a dharna, flanked by scores of supporters and declared I will write a letter to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar seeking the dismissal of the impertinent police official. The maverick leader told media persons who had rushed to the spot upon hearing about his demonstration that he had dialed the number of the inspector in-charge Mohammed Qaiser Alam earlier in the day from the RJD headquarters when he was approached by a woman who alleged that her sister was facing dowry harassment by in-laws. After having remained in reclusion for quite some time following a petition he has filed seeking divorce from his wife of six months, Yadav has been back in action for the last few days holding a Janata Durbar at the party office in Birchand Patel Marg of the state capital,listening to complaints of the public and attempting on the spot resolutions, in a style reminiscent of his legendary father in his hey days. When I dialed the inspectors number, he misbehaved. He said he did not know who Tej Pratap Yadav was. He appears to be a swollen headed fellow. A liquor bottle has also been spotted inside the police station despite Nitish Kumar governments ban on liquor. Such police officials must be dismissed, the former state minister alleged amid shouting of slogans by his supporters. The inspector, who was approached by the media for comments, claimed he had never received any call from the MLA and that he was ready to lodge an FIR but could not do so until somebody came forward with a written complaint. The woman, who said her name was Manju Lata, told reporters that she was drafting a complaint to be submitted with the police station but declined to answer queries about whether she had sought the RJD leaders intervention. Interestingly, Yadavs maternal uncle Sadhu Yadav who enjoyed tremendous clout when Rabri Devi was the Chief Minister, but has been estranged from the family for long also arrived at the spot saying I am a resident of this locality. I did not know what is going on but heard that my nephew is staging a protest over some matter, hence I grew curious and came here. Sadhu Yadav is suspected by a section in the RJD of egging on Tej Pratap Yadav to embark on a collision course with younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, who has emerged as the partys de facto leader in their fathers absence. The impression gained strength on Wednesday when Sadhu Yadav told a local channel the crisis in the RJD can be defused if there is a proper delegation of authority. One of the brothers can be the party chief while the other can become the Chief Minister upon the party gaining power. Tejashwi, who is currently the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, had been named the partys Chief Ministerial candidate in Lalus presence last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three men and a baby have been killed in a Christmas day shooting in the Mexican resort city of Acapulco. Police in the Pacific coast state of Guerrero said Wednesday that the men and 1-year-old boy were found shot to death at a home in the Arboledas neighbourhood. A fourth man suffered a bullet wound to the head in the Tuesday attack and was taken to a local hospital. Witnesses told police that the victims were drinking outside the home when armed men pulled up in a taxi and opened fire. The neighbourhood is far from the city's beaches and tourist zone. Acapulco has been overcome by gang violence. A level four "do not travel" advisory has been issued by the US State Department for the entire state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's relations with have returned to a "normal track" and there have been positive developments like giving market access to Indian products, but much is yet to be done in addressing the widening trade deficit, official sources said. India's relationship with was severely hit by the 73-day face-off between armies of the two countries at the strategically sensitive Doklam tri-juction in the sector last year. The sources said the political relationship between the two neighbours has just not only been restored but heightened in the past one year. At the same time, they said was seriously concerned over China's Belt and Road Initiative and the way international norms and standards in giving contracts under the project were being flouted. The sources also said expects to walk the talk on the issue of giving market access to Indian products. "The positive development is that relations with China have returned to the normal track," said an authoritative source, while summing up India's diplomatic engagement in 2018. Calling Indo-Pacific as a major area of India's interest, the sources said the country was keen to talk about it with China and the issue was likely to figure regularly in bilateral talks between the two nations. They said there was no total unanimity between and the US on all issues relating to the Indo-Pacific and that wants all major powers to be engaged over key matters. Prime Minister and Chinese have held bilateral meetings three times and held an informal summit in Wuhan this year, which the sources described as "unprecedented". They said the second informal summit between leadership of the two countries is likely to be held in the second half of 2019. On partnerships with leading powers, the sources said India's ties with the US proceeded on a positive track, while "significant trust" has also been built with The sources said the China- Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a a direct challenge to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity and that it is for dual use, including for military purposes. India has been strongly opposing the CPEC, which is part of the BRI, as it passes through Pakistan-occupied- On BRI, they said it should follow international norms, ensure transparency and most importantly, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries. Though China has been saying that BRI will ensure economic benefit for the region, the sources said India feels it could destabilise the region. The sources said contracts are being awarded under the BRI flouting laid down international norms and rules which was a matter of great concern. "You now have a situation where an entirely different set of rules have been put in place. Technical specifications and customs rules are being changed," a source said. They said the narrative on BRI is changing as some countries have started talking about the debt problem arising from the initiative. Asked whether India would rethink on joining BRI if its concerns are addressed, the source said, "There is no change in our position. Hypothetically, if they were to address these concerns, how we would react is something I can't say." On market access to Indian products, the sources said some positive developments are taking place on allowing market access for certain agri products. "We are seeing unblocking of applications and requests for market access for a number of our products, including Basmati and non-Basmati rice, sugar among others," said the source. Bilateral trade between India and China rose by 18.63 per cent year-on-year and reached a historic high of USD 84.44 billion last year. However, the trade deficit continues to remain high at USD 51.75 billion in 2017. India has been voicing its concerns to China over the huge trade deficit for several years. Both sides have held several rounds of talks on the issue in the last few years. Unhappy over stray cows destroying their crops, farmers in the district are driving them away and locking them up in government buildings, especially in Iglas and Khair tehsils. The development comes at a time when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the officials concerned to make immediate arrangements for proper care of stray cows. He has also ordered clearing of grazing grounds in different parts of the state from encroachments. During the last 48 hours, the district authorities have had to deal with locals, mostly belonging to villages falling under Iglas and Khair tehsils, driving away the stray cattle to compounds of different government buildings,including schools and hospitals. Unconfirmed reports said several schools in the area have been closed as farmers turned the compounds into temporary cow shelters. District Magistrate Chandra Bhushan Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Kumar Sahni held an emergency meeting of district officials to take stock of the situation and prevent it from going out of hand. "We have held meetings with farmers' representatives and cautioned them against taking law in their hands by forcibly shepherding their cows into government buildings," the DM said. "We will take punitive action against any person who displays cruel behaviour towards these stray animals or tries to confine them in any unauthorised area," he warned. Arrangements for establishing cow shelters in every village panchayat are being taken up on a war footing, he asserted. The SSP has announced that FIRs will be lodged against anyone who abandons his/her cattle after it crosses its milk production stage. In a related incident earlier this week, several Gau Rakshaks had attacked and pelted with stones government contract vehicles which were transporting the stray cattle from temporary shelters to the main government cow shelter at Tappal. SP Rural Mohanlal Patidar told PTI that one cow which was being transported in a truck had died after some youths forcibly stopped the truck by indulging in brick batting along Aligarh-Tappal highway. Despite efforts to convince them that these cows were being transported officially and were not being taken for slaughter, the youths continued with their violent protest. The district authorities here have tightened security arrangements following reports of escalating tension between farmers and local authorities over stray cattle which according to the farmers are now posing serious threats to their crops. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday defended penal provision in the triple talaq bill saying it is important to instil fear in the minds of those still practising it and rejected suggestions that it was against any religion. Intervening in the debate on the bill in the Lok Sabha, the Minority Affairs Minister said acts like murder are against the law but people still commit such crime and hence there is provision for punishment. This is not to victimise anyone but to provide safety and protection to Muslim women, he said, adding, Muslim Personal Law Board and Ulemas are also against triple talaq. Terming triple talaq as a social evil, he said, the time has come to abolish it. Many Islamic nations have already made it illegal, he said citing example of countries like Pakistan that made it illegal in 1956 and Syria in 1953. Pointing out that the country runs on Constitution not by Shariat, he said the religious sentiment was also raised at the time when the practice of Sati and Child marriage were abolished. Since most of the concerns of political parties have already been incorporated in the bill, there is no need for sending it to Joint Select Committee, he said. The Congress had this opportunity in 1986 but the then government did not take the bold step and rather indulged in appeasement politics, the minister said. Mallikarjuna Kharge (Cong) interrupted him saying there is no such thing in Hindu and Christianity then why there should be discrimination against Muslim men. To this, Naqvi replied that there is no such thing called triple talaq being practiced in those religions. BJD leader Bhartruhari Mehtab asked the minister to explain the due process of law. To this Naqvi said that the Law Minister will give reply on this. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has said that he plans to visit the country's southwestern border with Mexico early next year for groundbreaking. Trump has made securing the southern border a focal point of his presidency, with plans to beef up border security and create a wall as key components. In an interaction with reporters during his surprise visit to Iraq with First Lady Melania, Trump said he wants to visit the border wall before the State of the Union Address next year. This is his first visit to Iraq as the US President. Trump said he is planning on "going to the wall" on the Southwest Border of the US early next year for a "groundbreaking". Trump made these remarks while taking questions from reporters during a briefing with US military leaders shortly after landing in Iraq. Trump indicated that he will not budge from his position on border wall. With the opposition Democrats refusing to approve the necessary funds, the federal government has been under a partial government shutdown for four days now. "Whatever it takes. We need a wall. We need safety for our country. Even from this standpoint. We have terrorists coming in through the southern border," Trump said when asked how long this shutdown would last. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a freak mishap, two Navy personnel were killed Thursday when a door of an aircraft hangar collapsed at the naval base here, the Navy said. The two, sailors attached to the aviation electrical branch, were "tragically killed when one of the hangar doors of the Indian Naval Air Squadron 322 collapsed at INS Garuda," a defence statement said. Naveen (28) and Ajeet Singh (29) were passing by when the door was "dislodged from its supporting rails above" and fell on them, it said. Initial reports had said the two were killed when the hangar collapsed on them. "Both the sailors were rushed in a critically injured state to the naval hospital, INHS Sanjivani, where despite best efforts of the doctors to resuscitate them, they succumbed to their injuries at about 9.40 am," the statement said. ALSO READ: Indian Navy keen to have third aircraft carrier A board of inquiry has been ordered into the cause of the accident, it said. Naveen, from Bhiwani district of Haryana, had joined the in 2008 and is survived by wife and two-year-old daughter. Ajeet Singh, belonging to Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, had joined the Navy a year later and leaves behind wife and five-year-old son, the statement added. Hundreds of activists under the banner of United Arunachal Indigenous Peoples Forum (UAIPF) Thursday staged a protest rally here demanding the state government to withdraw its recent announcement to grant PRC to non-tribal communities in Namsai and Changlang districts. The Arunachal Pradesh governments decision to grant permanent residency certificate (PRC) to six non-tribal communities along with people from Gorkha community residing in both the districts had evoked strong resentments among various community based organisations (CBOs) including students bodies of the state. The activists demanded that the state government withdraw the statements made by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein for granting PRC to non-Arunachalees residing at Lekang in Namsai district and Vijoynagar in Changlang district. The forum also demanded the state government to strengthen the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873 for better and stronger protective measures for the welfare of the indigenous people of the state. It also demanded for maintaining transparency in the Joint High Powered Committee by including more members from community based organisations. The state government had constituted the committee under Environment and Forest Minister Nabam Rebia to study the issue and to submit its report to the government for further action. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UN chief Antonio Guterres has asked all stakeholders in Bangladesh to ensure that the upcoming general elections are held in an environment free of violence and intimidation, amid reports of arrests and targeted attacks carried out by the ruling party activists. General elections will be held in Bangladesh on December 30. It will be the 11th election held in the country. In the run-up to the general elections, UN Secretary General Guterres reiterated the continued commitment of the United Nations for a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh. "All Bangladeshi citizens, including minorities and women, must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process," a statement issued Wednesday by the Secretary General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. He "calls on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections, so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive poll," it said. Last week, Dujarric said the UN was concerned by incidents of electoral violence and arrests of opposition members in Bangladesh just days ahead of the general elections and had called on all stakeholders to ensure the election is inclusive and transparent. "We are all following these developments very closely and we're concerned by the reports of incidents of electoral violence and arrests of opposition members and we call on all stakeholders to do their part to make sure that the election is inclusive and transparent," Dujarric had said Friday. He said it is very important that the security forces act to ensure free and unhindered campaigning by all candidates. At least six people have been killed and several hundred injured in election-related violence since December 10 when the campaigning began for the polls. Both opposition and the ruling Awami League blame each other for the attacks. According to media reports, most attacks were carried out by the ruling party activists who were often backed by the police. The opposition allege that police have arrested some 10,500 of their activists in a crackdown ahead of elections with an intention to create a "climate of fear". The police, however, said no one has been arrested without specific charge and warrant. Rights group Human Rights Watch has said a repressive political environment in Bangladesh ahead of the national elections was undermining the credibility of the process. It said widespread electoral violence started as soon as the candidate lists were formally approved, and campaigning began. Much of the campaign violence has targeted the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and the opposition coalition Jatiya Oikya Front (National United Front). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three United Nations human rights experts expressed "deep concern" Thursday over a citizens register in India's Assam, warning it could inflame ethnic tensions in an already fractious region. A draft Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state announced in July left off four million people, leaving them potentially stateless and facing an uncertain future. "We are... seriously concerned about the lack of clarity regarding what will happen to those left out of the finalised NRC," said a joint statement from the UN special rapporteur on religious freedoms, Ahmed Shaheed, the rapporteur for minority rights, Fernand de Varennes and an expert on arbitrary detentions, Seong-Phil Hong. "There is a risk that persons not part of the could become stateless, be at risk of deportation, or be subject to large-scale migration detention," they said. "It is feared that this entire process is increasing inter-ethnic tensions in a region that has already experienced a tumultuous history of identity-based conflicts," de Varennes said. The United Nations has "unequivocally condemned" the recent attack on a government compound in Afghanistan's heavily populated capital city of Kabul, in which more than 40 people were killed. Expressing their sympathy and concern, the Security Council issued a statement underlining that the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism needed to be held accountable and brought to justice. They also urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Afghan Government and all other relevant authorities to this end. "The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," said the statement. Moreover, they reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. The Council also reaffirmed the need for all States to combat "by all means," in accordance with the UN Charter and other obligations under international law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. Dozens were injured during the attack Monday night on a government ministry building that trapped hundreds of employees. The incident started with a suicide car bomb blast near the building's entrance, before gunmen stormed inside. The UN said while it is not yet known who carried out the attack, similar assaults have been waged by both ISIS and Taliban fighters. "These attacks cause untold human suffering to Afghan families," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA said on Tuesday. "The United Nations unequivocally condemns them, as there is no justification whatsoever for such attacks," Yamamoto said. The UN maintained that those who have organised and enabled such attacks must be brought to justice and held accountable, and also called again on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm. The world organization said it continues to stand in solidarity with all Afghans and remains committed to an Afghan-led peace process to end the ongoing war and enable the government to allocate more resources to protect all its citizens from such atrocities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unidentified miscreants allegedly broke into a locked house of a doctor in the posh Tagore nagar area, police said Thursday. The doctor, who was staying with his wife, was not at home when the incident took place. When they returned on Thursday, they found the main door of their house broken open, they said. A complaint was registered with police in Lawspet block here, police said. The miscreants had decamped with gold jewellery worth Rs 4 lakh, they said. A case was registered in this regard, police said, adding that forensic experts also visited the spot to probe the crime scene. An investigation is underway, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a fresh twist to a rape case allegedly involving BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, an FIR has been lodged on court orders against the victim, her mother and an uncle for producing a forged age certificate to prove she was a minor. The court ordered registration of a case against the three on a complaint by the father of another rape accused Shubham, who is in jail, said SP Harish Kumar Thursday. He said complainant Harpal Singh had alleged that the victim, her uncle and mother had procured a forged age certificate to implicate his son Shubham in the rape case, said Kumar. The police said the case was registered at the Makhi police station on court's December 17 order against the family members for various alleged offences of cheatring and forgery. Complainant Singh had moved the court saying the school transfer certificate, purportedly made by Raebareli school and produced as the age certificate, was forged to frame his son, police said. The victim's uncle is presently in jail in connection with another case. Harpal Singh's wife Shashi and son Shubham are accused in the rape case and have been in jail since April along with the main accused, BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Sengar, a four-time MLA, was charged by the CBI with raping the girl at his residence in Makhi village on June 4 last year. The girl was again abducted and raped by a separate group of accused, allegedly including Harpal Singh's son Shubhan Singh, his driver Naresh Tiwari and one Brijesh Yadav between June 11 and June 20, 2017. But in his complaint, Harpal Singh alleged that the victim had an affair with a man named Awadesh Tewari, with whom she had eloped in September 2017, only to return sometime later. After her return, her family had begun persuading his son Shubham to marry her, alleged Harpal Singh in his complaint. When Shubham refused to marry her, the family filed a case against him and his mother on charges of kidnapping as well as various offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, alleged Haripal Singh. He also alleged that the victim's kin had forged her age certificate with a fake date of birth, purportedly issued from a school in Raebareli as proof. The certificate purportedly had the signatures of the Basic Shiksha Adhikari of the district and the school principal. Singh claimed both the education department official and the school principal have denied signing the certificate. The victim had alleged that she was raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar at his residence on June 4, 2017, when she had gone there to meet him along with Shashi Singh, Shubham's mother, to seek a job. In February, the girl's family had moved the court for inclusion of the MLA's name in the case. The state police registered a case on April 12, 2018, on the day of handing over the probe to the CBI. Meanwhile, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 and put in jail on April 5 where he died on April 9, 2018. A video, purportedly showing the victim's father before his death accusing the MLA's brother of assaulting him had then gone viral. Sengar's brother Atul Singh, was arrested along with four others, by the UP Crime Branch, for allegedly thrashing the victim's father. Frustrated with the alleged police inaction and coercion from influential people, the minor victim had attempted self-immolation in front of Chief Minister yogi Adityanath's residence on April 8, 2018. The Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government's "inaction" against the party MLA had drawn scathing criticism from the Allahabad High Court. The state government had subsequently transferred the case to the CBI nearly 10 months after the commission of the alleged crime. Sengar was arrested by the CBI on April 13 and has been in judicial custody since then. A second arrest in the case was made on April 14 when Shashi Singh, who had taken the victim to Sengar's house, was held. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttar Pradesh government has invited the people of Arunachal Pradesh to attend the Kumbh Mela, scheduled to be held at Prayagraj from January 15 to March 4 next year, officials said. UP's Minister of State (Independent) for Rural Development Mahendra Singh on Thursday extended the invitation on behalf of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "Over 5,000 NRIs will visit the Kumbh owing to the joint efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and people from six lakh villages across India along with the overseas devotees from 92 countries will participate," he said at a press conference here. The minister said the state government has set up 5,000 camps, to accommodate the devotees. "The objective of the event is to make efforts to familiarise the world with the high quality life, conduct and thoughts of Indian culture through Kumbhs," the minister said. Earlier in the day, the minister called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra at Raj Bhawan here and Chief Minister Pema Khandu to invite them for the event. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Minister Surya Pratap Sahi Thursday invited the people of Jharkhand to participate in large numbers in the Kumbh Mela which is beginning on January 15 next year at Prayagraj. He claimed it will be for the first time in about 450 years that devotees can have darshan of "Akhsaya Vat" (sacred fig tree) during the Kumbh mela. A sacred fig tree located within the Patalpuri Temple at the Allahabad Fort is worshipped as the 'Akshaya vat' described in ancient texts. The devotees can also have darshan of 'Saraswati Kup', the UP Agriculture minister told a press conference here. He said "we are expecting a congregation of over 12 crore from all over the world between January 15 and March 6." The UP minister said Ambassadors of 71 countries have made visits to see the preparations ahead of the Kumbh Mela. The area of Kumbh Mela has been increased from 1400 hectare to 3100 hectare, Sahi said, adding that foolproof security arrangements have been made with integrated control and command centre and CCTV as part of elaborate security arrangement. Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi efforts and the subsequent declaration of Kumbh Mela as cultural heritage by the UNESCO, Shahi said the UP government has extended invitations to President Ram Nath Kovind, Modi and other dignitaries of the country. The minister also met Jharkhand Governor Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Raghubar Das Thursday and extended invitations to them to visit the mela. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States has warned its citizens that security at the Philippines's main airport does not meet international standards, urging travellers to exercise "increased caution". The US Department of Homeland Security issued a travel advisory on Wednesday saying security at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport was not "consistent" with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. "Exercise increased caution when traveling to or from Ninoy Aquino International Airport," the US embassy in Manila said on its website citing the advisory. The advisory was based on an assessment by security experts from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the US homeland security department said without specifying the findings. Once derided as the world's worst airport due to leaking toilets and creaking facilities, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary gateway to the Southeast Asian nation. A statement on the US homeland security department website said that the agency had directed airlines issuing tickets for travel between the two nations to notify passengers of the assessment. It added that TSA representatives have been working with the Philippine government "assist airport and transportation authorities in bringing (the Manila airport) up to international security standards". Manila International Airport general manager Ed Monreal said on Thursday the Philippines would adhere to international aviation security standards. "All points raised by the transportation security administration TSA auditors have either been addressed or are in the process of being addressed," Monreal told reporters, adding that Manila airport was "very, very safe". Monreal said TSA auditors were in the Philippines in September and had observed that the Manila airport had some gates with faulty locks while security checkpoints were inconsistent. He added the Philippines had hired additional guards and would procure x-ray machines to comply with the TSA recommendations. The Manila airport topped the list of worst airports on the travel website "The Guide to Sleeping in Airports" from 2011-2013, causing the government to make major renovations. The airport is notorious for flight delays and its security personnel had faced allegations of extorting money from passengers. In 2013, a gunman opened fire outside the airport, killing four people including a town mayor. Lawmakers then criticised the lack of functioning CCTV cameras in the area. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- Vakrangee Limited to launch its 3,300+ Nextgen Vakrangee Kendras across Pan India on 14th January 2019. After successful launch in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) & National Capital Region (NCR), the company has now announced the pan-India rollout of these outlets. These Nextgen Vakrangee Kendras offer a comprehensive range of products and services across banking, insurance, ATM, assisted e-Commerce, e-Governance, Financial services and Logistics. These Nextgen outlets are spread across 20 states, 350+ districts and 2,000+ postal codes of the country, out of which 70% outlets are from Tier 5 and Tier 6 cities. Overall in the pilot phase, the company plans to have 4,000+ Nextgen Vakrangee Kendra stores. Since 2011, the Vakrangee Kendras have evolved from being a non-exclusive store with a single line of service to Nextgen Vakrangee Kendras. These Nextgen outlets are based on an exclusive digital convenience store model providing access to multi line of services spread across Banking, ATM, Insurance, Financial services, e-Commerce, e-Governance and Logistics. The Nextgen Kendras boast of a modern and standardized format with a uniform look and feel in all the outlets aimed towards building consistent service levels and uniform consumer experience. Commenting on the same, Mr. Dinesh Nandwana, MD & CEO further said, "This is a big milestone towards our consolidation exercise to upgrade and standardize all our existing Vakrangee kendras to the Nextgen model. We have already successfully launched these Nextgen outlets in the MMR and NCR Region and we are further launching 3,300 stores all over the country. Overall our pilot phase would entail 4,000+ Nextgen outlets." He further added, "We have initiated the process of upgradation of the rest of the stores and we plan to upgrade these entire stores by CY2019. We are aspiring to be the most trustworthy physical as well as online convenience store across India, positively moving towards Vakrangee Kendra's new brand philosophy of 'AB Poori Duniya Pados Mein'." This Nextgen model also embodies technological advancements such as mandatory ATMs that enable the ease of financial transactions; centralized monitoring with the help of CCTV Cameras which would provide remote assistance to the pan-India Kendras, digital advertising through digital signage for brand partners, along with biometric and pin pad devices to enable all kind of payments mechanisms. In its pursuit of bringing about a revolution in the 'Rutail' (rural-retail) sector of India; Vakrangee, with this launch of Nextgen outlets, also aims to create a distinct stronger brand identity across India. Vakrangee which is considered a pioneer of asset-light franchisee-based business model in the country intends to upgrade its network of Nextgen Vakrangee Kendras to 45,000 Kendras by 2019 and further increase it to 75,000 by 2020. About Vakrangee Ltd.: Vakrangee Limited (BSE: 511431) (NSE: VAKRANGEE), incorporated in 1990, is the unique technology driven company focused on building India's largest network of last-mile retail outlets to deliver real-time banking & Financial Services, ATM, insurance, e-Governance, e-Commerce and logistics services to the unserved rural, semi-urban and urban markets. The Assisted Digital Convenience stores are called as 'Vakrangee Kendra' which acts as the 'One-stop shop' for availing various services and products. Vakrangee is currently operating more than 45,000 'Vakrangee Kendra' outlets across India. The company has plans to setup and manage a total of 75,000 'Nextgen Vakrangee Kendra' outlets across India by 2020 and covering the presence in all Postal code of the country. Vakrangee has been at the forefront in financial inclusion space in India. It has signed 'Common BC' and 'National BC' agreements with various public sector banks for offering real-time banking to unserved and underserved rurban population. Banking at 'Vakrangee Kendra' outlets is a unique experience with disruptive technology like APS, e-KYC, inter-operability and real-time transactions. In addition to banking 'Vakrangee Kendra' outlets also provide insurance products, e-governance services and ecommerce products. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil downplayed on Thursday his son Sujay's statement that he will contest Lok Sabha election from Ahmednagar even if the Congress denies him ticket. "He is a young man. He hasn't discussed his future plans with me. I am confident that he will remain in the Congress and contest the Lok Sabha election on Congress ticket," Vikhe Patil told reporters here. Sujay Vikhe Patil had said Wednesday that he will contest the election from Ahmednagar even if the Congress does not nominate him from there. "My parents are in the Congress, which does not mean I should remain in the party," he was quoted as saying. Ahmednagar in central Maharashtra and seven other seats have become a bone of contention between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress who have decided to form an alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. Since 1999, NCP had contested the Ahmednagar seat. Vikhe Patil also alleged Thursday that several illegal amendments have been made to the Mumbai Development Plan for the benefit of builders' lobby. If Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis does not scrap these amendments, he will file a public interest litigation, the Congress leader said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday said his government will not tolerate anybody trying to create a rift between communities and disturb the state's secular fabric. His reaction comes in the background of a statue of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi being vandalised in Ludhiana by some persons on Tuesday. Singh had claimed that the vandals owed allegiance to opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and had asked its chief Sukhbir Singh Badal to apologise to the people of Punjab for the incident. In an informal interaction with reporters on the second day of the three-day Shaheedi Jor Mel here, he said Sikh religion propagated communal harmony, which nobody would be allowed to disturb. Recalling the sacrifice of 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, his youngest sons -- Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh -- and his mother Mata Gujri, the chief minister said the peace for which they had laid their lives will be sustained at all costs. He was responding to questions on the incident in Ludhiana. Amarinder Singh accused the SAD for the Ludhiana incident and warned it to not to repeat such things, saying there were statues of several senior SAD leaders in various parts of Punjab. The present Punjab government is committed and will protect statues of all leaders, he asserted. The Congress leader alleged that the SAD was making "frustrated attempts" to spread communal hatred by fanning the flames of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and dragging the name of the Gandhi family. Rajiv Gandhi was not even there when the violence erupted, he said. The chief minister claimed that Sukhbir Badal was studying in the US and former SAD minister Bikram Singh Majithia somewhere in Punjab during the time of the riots, but they were not in the know of things. Now, they are trying to exploit it in the name of religion to gain political mileage, Amarinder Singh alleged. It is evident that the SAD was indulging in petty and trying to disrupt the harmony between communities, he said, adding that he would not allow anyone to indulge in such of hate. In response to another query regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed political rally at Gurdaspur on January 3, the chief minister said the PM is holding such rallies in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. But, the state Congress leadership is geared-up to once again wipe out the SAD-BJP alliance from Punjab, he asserted. On the overall development of historic city of Fatehgarh Sahib, the chief minister announced that a chowk (intersection) will be soon constructed in the memory of legendary Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Amarinder Singh, who earlier paid obeisance at the historic Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara and later partook the langar, expressed happiness that no political conference was taking place during the mela, which was not an occasion for such rallies. The lakhs of people who have congregated for the Shaheedi Jor Mela have come here not to listen to political speeches but to pay their respects to Guru Gobind Singh's martyred sons, whose sacrifice can never be forgotten, the chief minister said. Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, located 5 km north of Sirhind where the Sahibzadas were killed on December 26, 1705, marks the site of their live entombment and is a revered Sikh religious site. The Shaheedi Jor Mel, being held here since time immemorial, is a mark of respect to remember the supreme sacrifice of the sons and mother of the 10th Sikh Guru. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Arpan VargheseBENGALURU (Reuters) - Rice export prices in India rose for a second straight week to the highest in four months on higher procurement costs for paddy, while Thai rates eased with no fresh demand in sight.Top exporter India's 5 percent broken parboiled variety was quoted around $378-$384 per tonne this week, up from last week's $375-$382. The central state of Chhattisgarh, a leading rice producer, recently raised minimum paddy buying price to 2,500 rupees per 100 kg from 1,750 rupees earlier.Demand is negligible due to higher prices and as most traders are on vacation, said an ... By Valentina ZaMILAN (Reuters) - The top investor in Carige will discuss the future of the troubled Italian bank at a meeting with European Central Bank supervisors on Thursday after blocking a vital cash call, a source close to the matter said.Carige on Saturday failed to win approval for a 400 million euro ($455 million) cash call that was part of a rescue plan financed by Italian lenders to shield the industry from the risk of another banking collapse.Italy's Malacalza family holds 27.6 percent of Carige after investing more than 400 million euros to prop up the ailing Genoa-based bank. ... By Valentina ZaMILAN (Reuters) - The top investor in Banca Carige met European Central Bank supervisors on Thursday to explain why he did not back a vital cash call at the troubled Italian lender, a source close to the matter said.Carige on Saturday failed to win approval for a 400 million euro ($455 million) share sale that was part of a rescue plan financed by Italian lenders to shield the industry from the risk of another banking collapse.Italy's Malacalza family holds 27.6 percent of Carige after investing more than 400 million euros to prop up the ailing Genoa-based bank. Their stake is ... BEIJING (Reuters) - Annual earnings at China's industrial firms in November dropped for the first time in nearly three years, as slackening external and domestic demand left businesses facing more strain in 2019 in a sign of rising risks to the world's second-largest economy. The gloomy data points to a further loss of economic momentum as a trade dispute with the United States piles pressure on China's vast manufacturing sector and as firms, bracing for a tough year ahead, shelve their investment plans, executives say. Industrial profits fell 1.8 percent in November from a year earlier to ... (This story corrects typographical error in headline.)By Aftab Ahmed and Sankalp PhartiyalNEW DELHI/MUMBAI (Reuters) - India will ban e-commerce companies such as Amazon.com and Walmart -owned Flipkart Group from selling products from companies in which they have an equity interest.In a statement, the government also said that the companies will be prevented from entering into exclusive agreements with sellers. The new rules will be applicable from February 1."An entity having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its inventory by ... Apple Inc will begin assembling its top-end iPhones in India through the local unit of Foxconn as early as 2019, the first time the Taiwanese contract manufacturer will have made the product in the country, according to a source familiar with the matter. Importantly, Foxconn will be assembling the most expensive models, such as devices in the flagship iPhone X family, the source said, potentially taking Apple's business in India to a new level. The work will take place at Foxconn's plant in Sriperumbudur town in Tamil Nadu, this source added. Foxconn, which ... (Reuters) - France's Vinci is paying about 2.9 billion pounds ($3.7 billion) for a majority stake in Gatwick, adding the second busiest airport in Britain to its portfolio despite the shadow of Brexit.Expected to close by June next year, the deal to acquire a 50.01 percent stake would make Gatwick the single largest asset in Vinci's airport network, which would grow to 46 airports spanning 12 countries, the French company said on Thursday."The transaction represents a rare opportunity to acquire an airport of such size and quality," it said in a statement.Vinci has been expanding into faster ... HONG KONG (Reuters) - Huawei Technologies' rotating chairman Guo Ping said in his new year's address that the Chinese tech giant's revenue in 2018 is expected to be $108.5 billion, up 21 percent year-on-year. Guo said Huawei has secured 26 5G contracts. Smartphone shipments in 2018 are expected to surpass 200 million units. Huawei is the world's largest telecom equipment maker and the second largest smartphone seller. It has come under international pressure this year after the United States and its allies including Australia and New Zealand started barring its equipment on security concerns. ... By Tetsushi KajimotoTOKYO(Reuters) - It's a rite of spring in Japan: Major corporations hire fresh university graduates en masse every April, starting them all at the same salary with assurances of rising pay and lifetime employment.But lately, some companies, including Rakuten , SoftBank and Line Corp , are breaking with that tradition, signing up new employees with coveted technical skills months earlier - and paying them more than other new recruits.As competition for workers grows in Japan's shrinking labour pool, traditional seniority and group dynamics are giving ground to the more ... (This Oct 31 story has been refiled to add dropped word in paragraph 16)By Ju-min Park and Heekyong YangSEOUL (Reuters) - For Hyundai, the South Korean conglomerate, North Korea has been a story of lost opportunities - and tragedy.In 2003, months before Hyundai was set to open an industrial complex in North Korea, the executive behind the project committed suicide amid accusations his company had made a secret $500 million payment to the North. Five years later, a Hyundai-run resort in the North was closed after a North Korean soldier shot a South Korean tourist.Both projects have long been ... By Taiga UranakaTOKYO (Reuters) - Nomura Holdings Inc aims to increase its share of business arranging foreign exchange hedging, acquisition finance and other deal-related services for corporate clients in the United States, the CEO of Japan's biggest investment bank said.The bank is in the process of re-allocating global resources to shift its growth focus to the Americas, which has the world's largest pool of investment banking fees. It is trying to build up businesses there without taking on bigger risks."Our key words are 'America', 'corporate clients' and 'solutions business'," Koji ... Oil prices fell on Thursday after rebounding 8 per cent in the previous session, as worries over a glut in crude supply and concerns over a faltering global economy pressured prices even as a stock market rally offered support. Brent crude oil dropped $1.67 a barrel, or 3.1 per cent, to a low of $52.80 before recovering to around $53.45 by 1205 GMT. U.S. light crude oil slipped $1.30 to $44.92 and was last 80 cents lower at $45.42. Oil prices reached multi-year highs in early October but are now approaching their lowest levels for 18 months. Both crude oil benchmarks have ... PARIS (Reuters) - France's CGT union has called for more transparency at Renault and its Dutch holding company and asked the French government, one of the carmaker's shareholders, to try to shed light on its workings, a CGT representative said on Thursday. Renault, and its alliance with Nissan Motor Co , has been in the spotlight after the partnership's architect Carlos Ghosn was arrested in mid-November in Japan amid allegations his Nissan income was understated. The CGT wrote to French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire in early December questioning the way Renault had handled the affair and ... By Vladimir Soldatkin and Olesya AstakhovaMOSCOW (Reuters) - Rising protectionism and trade wars and the unpredictability of the U.S. administration have greatly contributed to global oil price volatility over the past two years, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday.Oil prices have been volatile, falling by more than a third this quarter, partly due to rising oil production in the United States."All these uncertainties, which are now on the market: how China will behave, how India will behave... trade wars and unpredictability on the part of the U.S. administration... ... By Heekyong YangSEOSAN, South Korea (Reuters) - South Korea's SK Innovation , a supplier of electric vehicle (EV) batteries to Daimler and Volkswagen , aims to boost production capacity more than tenfold by 2022, betting on global demand.The company expects the battery business to break even in 2020, a senior manager said at a news conference on Wednesday at the company's plant in Seosan, a three-hour drive from Seoul.The outlook comes days after Mercedes maker Daimler said it would buy battery cells worth more than 20 billion euros ($23 billion) by 2030 as it readies mass production of ... (Reuters) - The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) is examining accusations that an employee leaked information to a suspect for money, undermining a probe into a network of insider trading suspects in Europe, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. The NCA, which usually focuses on tackling serious and organised crime, is investigating whether a government translator with access to wiretap recordings tipped off the target of an insider-trading investigation, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.The NCA and Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) markets watchdog ... The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) is examining accusations that an employee leaked information to a suspect for money, undermining a probe into a network of insider trading suspects in Europe, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. The NCA, which usually focuses on tackling serious and organised crime, is investigating whether a government translator with access to wiretap recordings tipped off the target of an insider-trading investigation, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Britain's markets watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ... Cheteshwar Pujara scored his 17th hundred as reached 277 for 2 at lunch on day two of the third Test against here on Thursday. At the break, Pujara was batting on 103 runs while skipper was giving him company on 69, as the duo put on 154 runs for the unbeaten third wicket. Starting from overnight 215/2, looked ready for another hard day's grind, with Kohli reaching his half-century, off 110 balls, in the very first over of the day. The two batsmen scored quickly in the first hour and kept the scorecard ticking over, before went back to their tactic of cutting runs. Pat Cummins (2/46) bowled another wonderful spell, extracting most out of the pitch than any other Australian bowler, and he beat the edges of both batsmen on a couple occasions but without any luck. Nathan Lyon (0/80) bowled with a predominantly leg-side field and into the batsmen. His duel with Pujara was quite remarkable, as the batsman kept turning him to the onside again and again. On the rare occasion, Lyon pulled his length back and Pujara used his feet well and drove him to the offside against the turn. He played a couple of brilliant cover drives in this method and sped to his hundred in the second hour of play. At the other end, Kohli had his moments. After being dropped on 47 on day one, he rode his luck flashing through the gap between slips and gully. He was beaten more than Pujara, but also mixed it with glorious drives, particularly one down the ground onside. kept a tight leash on the scoring rate as 62 runs came from 28 overs in this morning session. Even so, they could not deny Pujara who reached his second hundred of this series off 280 balls just before to lunch. In doing so, he went past his previous best tally of runs scored in an overseas Test series. He had scored 309 runs in Sri Lanka in 2017, and currently has 325 runs in this ongoing series. On day one, Mayank Agarwal (76) scored his maiden Test half-century after won the toss and opted to bat. The four-match series is pegged at 1-1, after India won the first Test in Adelaide by 31 runs and Australia took the second Test in Perth by 146 runs. E-commerce firms and trade groups on Wednesday appreciated the new rules for the sector, noting that the norms would help create level playing for all sellers. But small vendors are a worried lot over the condition on vendors to sell only 25 per cent of their products through an e-commerce platform. Commending the new guidelines, Snapdeal founder and CEO Kunal Bahl in a tweet said, "Snapdeal welcomes updates to FDI policy on e-commerce. Marketplaces are meant for genuine, independent sellers, many of whom are MSMEs. These changes will enable a level playing field for all sellers, helping them leverage the reach of e-commerce." While there was no comment from Flipkart, e-commerce firm Amazon India said, "We are evaluating the circular". A senior executive of an e-commerce firm, who did not wished to be identified said the move could adversely impact investments being made to bring new sellers on board. The monitoring and compliance mechanism of the new policy has been questioned by All India Online Vendors Association as the existing policy already bars e-commerce companies with foreign ownership from selling its own inventories and influencing pricing of products on its platform. "Instead of investigating violations by particular companies in existing Press Note 3/2016, government has washed their past sins and formed new policy. It will be years before government investigates or penalises them. Now this compliance is conveniently postponed to September 2019," a spokesperson of All India Online Vendors Association said. Small and medium-sized vendors appreciated the norm barring e-commerce firms from discrimination among vendors in any form but questioned the feasibility of its implementation by platforms. Also read: Flipkart, Amazon may not be able to offer big discounts as govt tightens e-commerce norms "Rule directing e-commerce companies to end discriminatory practice is highly appreciable. They either promote their products, firms owned by them or big brands that can pay well. Government should clarify on how will it ensure compliance of these rules," Kavi-The Poetry Art project co-founder Amit Singh said. He, however, said government should re-think on posing restriction on vendors from selling only 25 per cent of product from an e-commerce platform. "We are in home decor segment. Most of our products are sold through e-commerce specialising in home decor compared to sale on general e-commerce platform like Flipkart and Amazon. Government should think about segment specific sales and re-think on imposing 25 per cent restriction," Singh said. Children accessories maker Nappy Monster's co-founder Sumantha Rathore said that 25 per cent sales restriction will be deterrent for small vendors who work from home and are entirely dependent on sale from a specific category website. "Small vendors like us will need to enhance production capacity, investment in inventories to meet the requirement. With 25 per cent sale restriction, a small handicraft vendor selling 1,000 units through a nice commerce platform will need to invest in inventory to produce 4,000 units. This will deter entrepreneurship that e-commerce firms have created by blocking capital," Rathore said. The revised norms are aimed at protecting the interest of domestic players, who have to face tough competition from e-retailers having deep pockets from foreign investors, according to the ministry of commerce and industry. The policy would be effective from February 2019. Traders body CAIT said if the steps are implemented in proper spirit, mal-practices and predatory pricing policy and deep discounting of e-commerce players will be a matter of past. The CAIT also demanded introduction of an e-commerce policy and a regulator to monitor the sector. Also read: HUL says considering legal options against GST anti-profiteering authority order Also read: Expert panel formed to determine size of RBI reserves, Bimal Jalan named chairman Kishore Biyani, the founder of India's biggest offline retail company Future Group, has hailed the government's decision to tighten the FDI norms for e-commerce companies. Biyani said it is now clear that the online marketplaces will have no option but to stick to just linking buyers and sellers on their platforms. Biyani, whose brick-and-mortar group is facing tough competition from e-retail giants like Walmart-backed Flipkart and Amazon India, said that the move could prove to be a game changer for offline retail companies. The government on Wednesday issued new guidelines for online companies having foreign investments, thereby stopping them from selling products of companies in which they hold stakes. Biyani said that there is finally an opportunity for Indian retailers like Future Group to build India's very own Amazon or Alibaba, the Economic Times reported. "It's a game-changer for us. This is not really a policy but more of a clarification and every retailer will have to adhere to it. They can't build brands now," said Biyani told the daily. Biyani thinks the new FDI norms has provided a lease of life for the offline retailers who can't always offer huge discounts on products like the well-funded online marketplaces who have a strong balance sheet. The new norms will also force many companies, including a lot of "online groceries", to shut shops, said the billionaire businessman. In a notification, the commerce and industry ministry said: "An entity having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its inventory by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, will not be permitted to sell its products on the platform run by such marketplace entity." Also read: E-tailers, traders welcome new FDI policy; small vendors say 25% limit will deter entrepreneurship Also read: Flipkart, Amazon may not be able to offer big discounts as govt tightens e-commerce norms Besides, the commerce and industry ministry also prohibited e-commerce companies from entering into an agreement for the exclusive sale of products. All online companies will have to file a certificate along with a report of the statutory auditor to the RBI, confirming compliance of guidelines by September 30 of every year for the preceding fiscal. These changes will come into effect from February 1 this year. The decision comes in the backdrop of several complaints being flagged by domestic traders on heavy discounts being given by e-commerce players to consumers. Also read: Kishore Biyani's Future Lifestyle Fashions acquires minority stake in fashion etailer Koovs Edited by Manoj Sharma Markets regulator Sebi on Wednesday imposed a fine totalling Rs 40 lakh on five entities for engaging in fraudulent trade in the shares of Pressman Advertising Ltd. The regulator conducted an investigation from April to August 2013 regarding the trading in the shares of the firm. During the probe, Sebi found that the entities who were part of a group executed reversal trades through a combination of on-market and off-market transactions which led to artificial volume, thereby creating a false and misleading appearance of trading in the scrips. The five were part of a group of 29 entities that allegedly indulged in reversal trades, Sebi said. However, out of the total 29, adjudication proceedings have been disposed of under the settlement mechanism in respect of 15 entities, it added. The act of creating artificial volume by the entities violated PFUTP (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices) Regulations, Sebi said. Also read: Sun Pharma arm gets relief from US court in patent infringement case In five separate but similarly-worded orders, the regulator said the entities along with the group had created artificial volume by way of reversal of trades and without change in beneficial ownership and thus are liable for monetary penalty. Accordingly, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) fined Shree Aeran Marketing Pvt Ltd Rs 24 lakh, while Rekha Mishra and Vivek Sharma were fined Rs 4 lakh each, Varun Agarwal HUF and Ranjana Agarwal were fined Rs 7 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. Also read: Expert panel formed to determine size of RBI reserves, Bimal Jalan named chairman Also read: HUL says considering legal options against GST anti-profiteering authority order Also read: Flipkart, Amazon may not be able to offer big discounts as govt tightens e-commerce norms India's financials seem to be steeping deeper in trouble as the fiscal deficit went on to race past the designated target despite government assurances. The fiscal deficit stood at Rs 7.17 lakh crore ($101.93 billion) by the end of November 2018. This amounts to 114.8 per cent of the budgeted target for the current fiscal year, government data showed on Thursday. The fiscal deficit for the correspondig period last financial year stood at 112 per cent. Government had already breached the fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent of the GDP back in October. Net tax receipts in the first eight months of the fiscal year that ends in March 2019 were Rs 7.32 lakh crore, government data showed. Revenue receipts ended at Rs 8.7 lakh crore by end of November this year. This is a touch ahead of half of the Budget Estimates for this financial year. ALSO READ: Expert panel formed to determine size of RBI reserves, Bimal Jalan named chairman Revenue expenditure climbed to Rs 14.21 laakh crore or over two-thirds of the Budget Estimates. During the April-November period, the loans disbursed crossed Rs 14,400 crore, which is 66.2 per cent of budgetary estimates. Significant rise was recorded in subsidies given for petroleum products and urea, with each reaching 93 per cent and 74 per cent respectively of their Budget Estimates. The same for the corresponding period last fiscal was at 86 and 64 per cent respectively. The overall expenses on major subsidies came up to Rs 2.19 lakh crore by April-November period, which is 83 per cent of the budgetary estimates. The government is widely expected to miss its fiscal deficit target in the current fiscal year, or announce spending cuts in the last quarter. It has already cut its fiscal deficit target to 3.3 percent of the GDP from 3.5 per cent last year. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has stood by the target unwaveringly. ALSO READ: 5 factors that affected Indian currency in 2018 Edited by Vivek Punj The SBI Life Insurance Company stock closed higher today amid a media report that US-based private equity giant The Carlyle Group and Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC will jointly buy a 10% stake in SBI Life Insurance Company from insurer BNP Paribas Cardif. International insurance firm BNP Paribas Cardif is selling the stake in the homegrown life insurer to meet regulatory norms for a public float. Also read: Sensex rises 157 points, Nifty closes above 10,750; Reliance Industries, Infosys, HUL top gainers The SBI life Insurance stock rose up to 5.08% to 603 level intra day compared to its previous close of 573.85 on the BSE. The stock rallied in last 30 minutes of trade and closed 2.67% or 15 points higher at 589.20 on the BSE. The stock opened at a loss of 3.46% at 573.85 level on the BSE. 8 of 19 brokerages rate the stock "buy" and 11 'outperform', according to analysts' recommendations tracked by Reuters. The large cap stock has lost 15.78% during the last one year and fallen 15.05% since the beginning of this year. The stock closed above its 50 day moving average of 573.81 but below its 200 day moving average of 619.24 on the BSE. According to an Economic Times report, a consortium of Carlyle and GIC will purchase shares at Rs 510-520 apiece. The total deal size would be Rs 5,100-5,200 crore. The proposal for the stake sale deal is awaiting nod for the insurance regulator Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), the report added. BNP Paribas, Kotak Mahindra Capital and Citigroup will manage the share sale. BNP Paribas Cardif is the life, property and casualty insurance subsidiary of French bank BNP Paribas. Currently, it holds 22% stake in SBI Life. State Bank of India holds a 62.1% stake in SBI Life. The insurer made its stock market debut in October 2017. SBI Life Insurance Company offers a range of services, such as premium calculator, retirement planner, child education planner and tax calculator. Its individual plans include unit linked plans, child plans, retirement plans, protection plans and savings plans. Its group plans include corporate solutions, group loan protection products and group micro insurance plans. Edited by Aseem Thapliyal Financial services firm Anand Rathi Wealth Services, which had filed Rs 425-crore IPO papers with Sebi in September said it has decided to withdraw its proposed initial share-sale. The company said it filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) towards the end of September when the markets were doing well. However, with the IPO markets entering a 'wait-and-watch' mode, the firm has decided to explore the IPO at a later stage. "Anand Rathi Wealth Services Ltd has decided to withdraw its proposed IPO and has made an application for the same to Sebi through BRLMs (book running lead managers) to the issue," the firm said in a statement. Speaking on the development, Amit Rathi, managing director of Anand Rathi Wealth Services, said the business is doing well and the company is witnessing unprecedented traction in its target markets. However, a large part of the IPO proceeds were in nature of offer-for-sale by the holding company, and in light of the difficult market conditions, the group has decided to pursue other avenues to raise the requisite funds, he added. According to the draft papers, the firm's proposed IPO comprises fresh issue of equity shares by Anand Rathi Wealth Services aggregating up to Rs 125 crore and an offer-for-sale of up to Rs 300 crore by the promoter Anand Rathi Financial Services. The firm proposed to use the IPO proceeds to purchase and furnish office premises in Mumbai. Also, it planned to invest in its subsidiaries -- ARWMPL and FIINFRA -- for upgrading and enhancing softwares, and for other technology-related expenses. The trailer for Anupam Kher's The Accidental Prime Minister has been released today. Anupam Kher who plays the lead role of former PM Manmohan Singh has been praised on social media for his performance. Based on Sanjaya Baru's book The Accidental Prime Minister, the trailer of the movie adaptation starts off with the dialogue: "Mujhe toh doctor saab Bhishm jaise lagte hain, jinme koi burai nahin hain but family drama ke victim ho gaye." (I feel doctor saab is like Bhishm, who had no flaws but became the victim of a family drama). This dialogue signals the audience of what is to come. The trailer of The Accidental Prime Minister seems to suggest that the former prime minister was cornered to take the blame for the scams and scandal during the UPA era. Anupam Kher, who has tried to copy the mannerisms of Manmohan Singh, seems to have got it right for the most part. Social media has mostly come out to congratulate the veteran actor for his performance. Inspite of differing political views of many of us I've never seen #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister as a film that takes sides. I see it as an important cautionary tale, a drama about a democracy that has always been bogged down by personality cults. https://t.co/tSVrEqFZvE - Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 27, 2018 Can't wait to watch this in 2019. First look but I don't think anyone else could have done the role of Mr. Singh better than Anupam Kher. https://t.co/4ZnD3azRGQ - Amol Sehgal (@amolsehgal) December 27, 2018 @AnupamPKher Not only appearance even voice, even manmohan jee cant recognize who's who. Too good #AccidentalPrimeMinister - Rajesh (@rajeshry7) December 27, 2018 Sir, you have got into Dr. Singh's character with such accuracy that I'm sure it will be difficult for the next generation to know who among you two was the real Dr. Manmohan Singh. Hats-Off to your acting skills. - Umesh Jethwani (@UmeshJethwani) December 27, 2018 The depiction of the Gandhi family and the timing of the film's release just a few months before the general elections has raised eyebrows but Anupam Kher has dismissed the issue. "Everyone is free to interpret in their own ways. Patriotic films are released on 15th August or 26th January, similarly this is a political film and we would like to release this film in political time. We are very proud of the product. People would want to view it as a political film, but I have always supported my country, if that goes in favour of any particular party that's a different issue" Anupam Kher said. The Accidental Prime Minister is slated to release on January 11. Also read: Simmba Box Office Prediction: Ranveer Singh's movie likely to push Shah Rukh Khan's Zero out of theatres By Charlotte Yang / Dec 27, 2018 12:24 PM / Economy A city in Hubei province has completed its full withdrawal from coal mining after 200 years in the industry, local authorities announced yesterday. Yichang, the second-largest city in Hubei, closed its last 38 coal mines this year as the local government steps up effort to cut overcapacity and encourage the industrial transformation of coal enterprises. Local authorities say that from 2006 to 2017, Yichang shut down 239 mines. The city also introduced a series of measures to guide the exit of debt-ridden and zombie mines. Related: China's Carbon Footprint Swells to Record Size Local governments are approving more wind farms as less wind-generated electricity has gone to waste in China this year. The energy watchdog of East Chinas Anhui province has approved dozens of new wind farms this month, amounting to more than 1,000 megawatts of new installed capacity, according to Caixins calculation based on multiple announcements on a government website. Earlier this month, Hubei province, Anhuis western neighbor, gave the go-ahead to a handful of new wind power projects with investments of over 2.4 billion yuan ($350 million), according to Caixins calculations based on government data. The approvals come as China has cut down on the amount of electricity that goes to waste at its wind farms. The country has pushed onward with a campaign to build up more efficient renewable energy infrastructure. In the first three quarters of this year, 7.7% of all wind-generated electricity nationwide went to waste, down from 12.4% during the same period in 2017, according to data (link in Chinese) from the National Energy Admission (NEA). In 2018, the operations of wind power plants have greatly improved, Ren Yingjie, an analyst at Kaiyuan Securities, said in a research report released this week. In March, the NEA lifted a ban on building new wind power projects in Heilongjiang province, as well as in the Inner Mongolia and Ningxia Hui autonomous regions. The NEA instituted the ban because so much wind power had gone to waste in those areas. In the first three quarters of this year, Chinas new wind capacity connected to the grid rose 30% year-on-year to 12,600 megawatts, according to the NEA data. Like many Western countries, China has embarked on a major campaign in recent years to build up its renewable energy infrastructure as it seeks to curtail its dependence on fossil fuels. However, that campaign has been hampered by poor planning and other issues that cause solar- and wind-generated electricity to go to waste. In the first three quarters of 2018, a total of 22.2 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of wind-generated electricity was wasted, down 25% year-on-year, according to NEA data. Waste occurs when generators cannot send the electricity they produce to the power grid. The reasons for this vary, but can include inadequate transmission lines or a refusal by the grid operator. Wasted electricity means wasted money. A total of 33.9 billion kWhs of electricity went to waste nationwide in 2015, leading to an estimated economic loss of more than 18 billion yuan, the official Xinhua News Agency reported in 2016 (link in Chinese). As Chinas economy slows, policymakers are also willing to boost infrastructure projects, especially those connected with renewable energy. Over the past few months, growth in Chinas infrastructure investment has been basically been on a downward trend due to a previous clampdown on local government borrowing. Contact reporter Timmy Shen (hongmingshen@caixin.com) comment P. Wilson (Letters, December 27) writes that Anak Krakatau ("child of Krakatoa") "in the last 72 hours ... has poured out more gunk into the atmosphere than a million chimneys." Mr Wilson is clearly inferring that this "gunk" includes large quantities of greenhouse gases when he goes to write that "climate evangelists" should "admit that their claims are worthless". For the information of Mr Wilson and other like-minded people, gaseous emissions from Anak Krakatau consist largely of water vapour (because much of the volcano is submerged), plus some sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide is a much less potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour because it reacts with the water vapour to form minute droplets of sulfuric acid, which reflect sunlight back into space. This reaction will be quite rapid in the case of Anak Krakatau because the water vapour is abundant and hot. The water vapour does not remain in the atmosphere in the longer term, as do carbon dioxide and methane, and soon falls as rain, removing the last of Anak Krakatau's greenhouse gas emissions. Mr Wilson's argument does not hold water. Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin I was one of the lucky teachers who worked a double load in 1975, teaching full-time in a six-year high school while writing the curriculum for the new Secondary College system, opening in 1976. I have met people in Canberra recently who do not know that we made our determined bid to have our schools run by us, long before self-government, instead of being outsourced to the Sydney-centric NSW Department. I very much appreciate the article by Roberta McRae "ACT's school system can handle Gonski 2.0" (December 19, p17) because she shows how far ahead of the rest of Australia we were then, and still are. In setting up the ACT Schools Authority, staffed by seconded teachers, under the imaginative and intellectually rigorous direction of Hedley Beare, we were able to search the world for best practice. As McRae has written: "Policy and practices underpinning our system are future-focused and prize flexibility, adaptability, collaboration and [to use a Malcolm Turnbull-exciting motto] agility." I feel proud to have spent the last two-thirds of my teaching career in the ACT school system and look forward to "Gonski 2.0's discussion on educational directions [which] affirms the vision" we pioneers had. Frank McKone, Holt The report "Green light for Anzac Park East building demolition" (canberratimes.com.au, December 26) contained one predictable announcement, "The developer has also been granted permission to rip up the site's trees and car park". We can expect that what remains of the oak plantation between APE and the spooks' haunted house is doomed. There was a good giggle in the closing words, "The developer is required to lodge separate plans for its proposed housing and commercial complex, which will be subject to further round of public consultation." Public consultation? That's a standard punchline in the ACT. In this case the cynical snorts of derision are enhanced by the fact that the developer bought it last year "from the federal government for $34.3 million." The site, being in the parliamentary triangle falls under the purview of the National Capital Authority. That makes any involvement by our town council in the exercise no more than a moot point as the pseudo-democracy foisted upon us by the federal government once again rubber-stamps another theft from ACT residents of their standards of living, yet another sale of their treasured environs. G. Wilson, Macgregor The Canberra Times editorial of December 4 is entitled 'Going green comes at a cost' . Of course saving the planet from the impacts of climate change and other human interventions comes at a cost. But if people are happy enough to pay for eating out, travel, shopping for the latest gadget etc surely they will pay for saving the planet for their children and grandchildren? Or are they? I sometimes wonder with the media and politicians' fixation on energy costs that it is the only thing they think people care about some hip pocket thing to the detriment of the obvious benefits of keeping temperature rise below 1.5degrees. Sure, as the editorial points out, Canberrans are discriminated against because of the lack of co-ordinated national energy policy. One solution change the national government. Also, as noted in the editorial, poorer people are impacted more by rising energy costs. The solution give these people financial support. The previous Labor government's carbon-trading scheme did this, but Tony Abbott abolished this program. The Times editorial should have been entitled 'Going green comes at a cost but with long-term benefit'. Rod Holesgrove, O'Connor It should come as no surprise to anyone (other than to the gullible and the suborned) that agents of the Chinese Communist Party have long been brazenly and criminally stealing the most critical and sensitive of the intellectual, commercial and technological sweat and enterprise of others globally. I have heard worthy commentators say this criminality does not constitute espionage. In my view, it does. You simply cannot disentangle nowadays the commercial and technical from the political and the military. Simply, the CCP is manoeuvring to be, sooner rather than later, the dominant hegemon. It is in a hurry, so all ethical gloves are off. We grass eaters will be punished for our sloth. To those former politicians and senior bureaucrats who have, in lucrative retirement, taken the 30 pieces of yuan, I say weigh carefully the value of the coin against whatever stock you put in your legacy. A. Whiddett, Forrest We read almost daily about the declining value of Australian and overseas equities. Superannuation is compulsory for workers in Australia but how many realise their superannuation savings could be being eroded? Many workers may be able to take remedial action to preserve superannuation savings by opting for less risky investment options. When stormy weather approaches, the Bureau of Meteorology issues weather warnings. The federal government gave us compulsory superannuation. Why not draw workers' attention to possible actions? Richard Hogg, Curtin Re: "Healing Farm's future in doubt", December 22, p8. A review is being undertaken into the operation of the Bush Healing Farm just 12 months after it began operations. The Bush Healing Farm, which cost more than $12 million to construct, is effectively unused, with the eight residences within the centre having been mothballed. ACT Health is reported by The Canberra Times as claiming that it was never the intention that the Bush Healing Farm would operate as an Indigenous residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. That claim is incorrect. The Bush Healing Farm was agreed to and funded in 2007 when I was chief minister and minister for Indigenous affairs. I was responsible for that decision. The Bush Healing Farm was intended, at the time it was agreed to fund its construction and operation, to be an Indigenous-specific residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Jon Stanhope, Bruce Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, but it is hard to see anything magnificent in the London plane tree in Manuka to which Derek Wrigley (Letters, December 26) refers. The tree is stuck down an alleyway with its trunk barely visible from the street and its crown draped over adjacent rooftops. It presents a sad spectacle, out of scale with the other 28 trees that form a beautiful streetscape along this stretch. London planes are falling out of favour in other cities as their link with bronchial problems becomes more widely reported. The hybrid imported species does not form part of the local ecosystem, and already exists in abundance around Canberra. The case for deregistration of the tree is sound. Karin Fisher, Griffith M. Silex's defence of the refund of excess dividend imputation credits (Letters, December 23) fails to identify the main beneficiaries of current government policy. They are wealthier households, and wealthier superannuants who pay no tax on their post-retirement super fund earnings. Recent analysis by the Parliamentary Budget Office showed that in 2014-2015 more than 80 per cent of excess franking credits claimed by self-managed super funds went to funds with balances above $1million, and more than 50 per cent to funds with balances above $2.44 million. Although 49 per cent of the individuals who claim excess franking credits have a taxable income under $19,000 a year, a fair proportion of these are likely to be wealthier than their low taxable income suggests. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that 85 per cent of shares are owned by households worth more than $1.3 million. The Labor Party proposes to exempt certain categories of shareholders from its policy to cease the refund of excess imputation credits. Among these, M. Silex singles out trade unions, but in fact the exemptions extend to pensioners and part-pensioners. These possibly represent most of the genuinely needy low-income individuals currently getting refunds. Valid criticisms of the Labor Party's policy might well emerge, but they are not to be found in the partisan analysis offered by M. Silex. Paul Feldman, Macquarie When Julie Bishop was the (only) woman on the federal government frontbench she never uttered a word for women's causes. In fact, there was a noticeable silence. Nor did she work for the environment or take on the men in her party who shouted the cause for coal. When she was unceremoniously dumped from the frontbench her reaction was to wear a pair of what she claimed were symbolic red shoes and then donate them to the Museum of Democracy, as if anyone could afford the shoes or care that she donated them. She was also seen greeting women MPs and making an ostentatious display of sitting next to them on the backbench. Bishop has displayed the utmost hypocrisy about just about everything and now we read how she is going to jump off the back of Wild Oats X as she is "passionate about the health of the oceans". At the next election perhaps she should jump off the back of the sinking Liberal Party boat. E. Moffat, Weston R. Baczynski (Letters, December 26) asks how much longer will relevant agencies ignore the potential for disaster, before banning all drones, particularly over densely populated areas. Another example is the aircraft water bombing of a Christmas Day bushfire on Bruny Island in Tasmania, which had to be called off because of a drone flying in the area. There are calls from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for those who got drones as Christmas presents to obey the rules, which include not flying drones higher than 120 metres above the ground, not flying within 30 metres of people, not flying at night, and not flying over or above people e.g. at festivals, sporting ovals, populated beaches, parks, busy roads and footpaths. As with smartphone use while driving a vehicle, this is doomed to fail. Who will monitor it all? Is CASA hiring extra staff? Murray May, Cook I have the perfect solution for Donald Trump, who felt forced to close down his government because he was not given the funds to build the Mexico/American border wall. All he need do is let out a tender to a reputable Mexican building/engineering firm to build it for him. Obviously there would be American supervision, but a reputable company would have no trouble with that. Trump would no doubt save thousands (or millions) of dollars because of the cheaper labour costs. It would probably be done sooner. The Mexicans would be proud to have contributed to border peace. The Americans would be relieved knowing it is happening without conflict. And the American government shutdown would cease, meaning hundreds of Americans would be on wages again instead of being out of work. Everyone would be happy. G. Barker, Flynn PM'S INSENSITIVITY When did the Prime Minister last go shopping on Christmas Eve with a long list, little money and worries about having to live from pay day to pay day with only uncertain work hours on offer from his employer ('Get shopping for Christmas': PM" , canberratimes.com.au, December 23)? Let's not forget that retailers aren't the only ones who may have had a "torrid year" and would love to experience a miraculous turn-around in their circumstances. Sue Dyer, Downer RERUNS RANKLE In 2019 will the ABC change its name to the GDN (the "Grand Designs Network")? T. Puckett, Ashgrove SIGN OF BAD TIMES AHEAD Dr Johnson famously wrote that "patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel". What a tragedy he isn't alive today, to observe politically nosediving heads of state like Scott Morrison and Donald Trump make "spontaneous surprise visits" to war zones and be filmed backslapping the chaps in uniform. He would revise his dictum to a less snappy but even more precise "war zone troops' meeting-and-greeting is the last recourse of a failed leader". A. Mattea, Sydney, NSW US NEEDS NELSON I notice the US has not yet built a national memorial in Washington to commemorate their participation in World War I. Could I respectfully suggest that we send Brendan Nelson over to sort them out? Maggie Watts, Calwell THANK YOU TO NURSES The nurse is the backbone of the health system. Imagine a hospital run without nurses, it would not happen. To all the nurses out there, I want you to know we admire you, and look up to you, you are a credit to humanity. Thank you for everything that you do. Richard Ryan, Summerland Point, NSW G-G CRITERIA ScoMo mistook the intent of the hyphen in Governor-General. He thought 'Governor' and 'General' were prerequisites for the job. Hurley's appointment satisfies these criteria. Simples. Peter Snowdon, Aranda RIGHT CALL BY SCOMO It's unfair to criticise Scott Morrison for not moving into The Lodge. He's simply acknowledging that by the time the removalists had finished unpacking and arranging the furniture, it would be time to pack up again. Peter Dark, Queanbeyan, NSW HIGH-RISE WOES Can Andrew Barr state categorically the high-rise buildings springing up all around the ACT, particularly those in Gungahlin, will not be subject to the dangers experienced by residents in the Opal building in Sydney? N. Bailey, Nicholls Email: letters.editor@canberratimes.c om.au. Send from the message eld, not as an attached le. Fax: 6280 2282. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Canberra Times, PO Box 7155, Canberra Mail Centre, ACT 2610. Keep your letter to 250 or fewer words. References to Canberra Times reports should include date and page number. Letters may be edited. Provide phone number and full home address (suburb only published). /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/a17b084e-a7a3-439b-9ba8-b455598401c7/r0_152_3000_1847_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg If this is your first time reading a story from The Manny Posts series, then you might want to start by first reading about Manny HERE. Then you can read the first Manny post HERE. Writing Prompt: Have you ever been cheated on? Ahhhh. Yes. Let me tell you all about it. If I did not have this writing prompt, this story would have alternatively been titled: Let Me Tell About When I Was Cheated On. I suppose I can still tag it as such. So, the year was 2007. I was dating a Yoruba demon guy, and I had been dating him for two years at this point. I know what some of you are thinking: Vera, you and these Yoruba guys! I know, I know. I always try to run away, but na dem dey rush me. Even the women sef dey rush me. Hi, Funmie! Lets call him Sam. Sam and I had started off having a good relationship. I had not had many relationships, so I didnt have a high standard (although I thought I did). Honestly, Sam was nice. We had good conversations and good laughs, and he got along very well with my friends. Sam was quite a jealous lover. It was cute at first till it became bothersome. He was convinced that every guy wanted me. I mean, I know Im hot *fans self* but I did not think I was that hot. Still, Sam was sure they all wanted me. By the way, all you male readers and male bloggers were a problem too. People like Boorish Male, NaijaBloke, and Guy Horny topped the list; they didnt even know the wahala they were causing in my life. And it did not help that Boorish Male wrote me a whole love post on his blog. Im still sweating from it. Link below. Related: My Love Letter From Boorish Male If he called me and I did not pick up, Sam would call again. And again. And again. And again. Then hed block his number and call. Several times. Then hed call from another phone. Several times. When we eventually spoke, the conversation would start with Where were you? What were you doing? Who were you with? . So that was our relationship. At some point, Sam told me about a female friend of his. He said she reminded him of me, that she was funny and an only child. Those were the only details I remembered, and I never really thought much of it. Then one day, Sam said he needed to talk to me. He said he had a confession. His confession was that someone was pregnant for him. That was definitely shocking to me. Then about a week later, Sam recanted his story. No, no one was pregnant for him, he said. He said he had only said that someone was pregnant so that when he actually confessed the real truth, I wouldnt be as mad at him. The real truth, he said, was that he cheated, but that no one was pregnant. I did not believe him. At the very least, I was confused. Then he came to my house one day and asked for my bible. I gave it to him. He placed his right hand on it and swore on his mothers life that no one was pregnant for him. We broke up. He spent the next couple of months chasing me hard. He called my friends (Funmie and Uju) all the time, begging them to beg me, said he was sorry and that no one was pregnant. For Valentines Day in 2008, he wanted us to hang out. I said no because we were not together. That became a big fight. Eventually, a child was born. That was when I knew for sure that he lied. I still do not understand why he did that the lie, I mean. We were already broken up after he told me that he cheated, so he did not need to come back and untell the truth he had told. He was free as a bird to go on and live his life. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had gone back to him. His mother is still alive, by the way I think. He ended up marrying his baby momma, and Ive met her several times, and shes quite lovely actually. In another life, wed be friends. I dont think she knew the status of our relationship when they got together. I think he was playing us both. In fact, even as of today, I dont think she knows the full story, but she wont be hearing it from me. Theres so much else I could write here things that happened as recently as this year but I wont. This is an open space, and I have learned that ANYONE can be reading. It will never be said that Vera broke Sams marriage. Nope. So, thats my cheating story. Thats the one I know of anyway. One never knows everything these days. Oh, and full disclosure: At the time Sam was getting someone pregnant, I was talking to someone else too. But in my case, he was based in Europe, and that came with its own set of challenges. I liked him a lot, but nothing ever came of it. He was Igbo, older, and hella funny. And I liked his Igbo name. I wonder how hes doing these days. P.S. I met Boorish Male in Nigeria in 2016. He was still smooth. His voice was still sexy. And I still wont be left alone with him in a room. So, what about you? What is your most interesting/unbelievable cheating story and how many nonexistent babies were born from it? Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. Maria Vullo is stepping down as head of New Yorks banking and insurance regulator, she said in an interview last week, after three years in which she created a national model for cybersecurity regulations at banks and fought back against federal attempts to chip away at Obamacare and payday-lending rules. Vullo, the superintendent of New Yorks Department of Financial Services, will leave on Feb. 1. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo hasnt chosen a successor, although hes considering his chief of staff, Linda Lacewell, for the job, according to the Wall Street Journal. Its been a great three years, Vullo said in the interview. I am immensely proud of the depth of the work done in every division of this agency. After taking office in early 2016, Vullo prioritized consumer protection and implementing rules requiring banks to keep cybersecurity defenses up to date. After Donald Trump was elected president with a promise to roll back the Affordable Care Act and loosen financial regulations, she channeled her efforts into protecting health-care access and enforcing state restrictions on payday lending. As head of DFS, Superintendent Vullo has been a fierce advocate for New Yorkers at a time when the federal government has chosen to put corporations before people, Cuomo said in a written statement. Trump Election The morning after the election, Vullo, a Democrat, convened an executive meeting at DFS. We took that moment, which could have been crisis, and determined that we were going to protect New Yorkers in the face of what the federal government was going to do, she said. Vullo collected more than $2.8 billion from enforcement actions against financial institutions, mostly foreign banks, for violations of U.S. sanctions, anti-money-laundering laws and the Bank Secrecy Act. She maintained positive ties with New Yorks business community in contrast with her predecessor, Benjamin Lawsky, who drew banks ire as he tallied $6 billion in penalties over four years. The business community generally and the financial industry in particular has really greatly appreciated the expertise and the balance that Maria has brought to that job, said Kathryn Wylde, chief executive officer of the Partnership for New York City, a advocacy group for businesses. She has enforced laws fairly but not punitively. Shell be very much missed. Fixing Strains Vullo also formed strong working relationships with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Reserve and the Manhattan district attorneys office. Some of those ties grew strained under Lawsky, who sometimes moved before his fellow regulators on enforcement actions. Maria has taken a broad view, said Brad Karp, chairman of Paul Weiss, where Vullo worked before joining DFS, building much-needed bridges with other regulators and enforcement agencies, successfully working with (and not against) the industry to address conduct-related issues, and focusing on long-overdue initiatives, including in the area of cybersecurity. Not all those relationships were smooth. DFS is currently litigating a case involving Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFG, which converted its state license last year to a federal charter issued by the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The OCC approved the application for transfer in eight days, catching the New York regulator by surprise. A similar approval for UBS AG took months. In court filings involving the bank, Vullo objected to the removal of the outside monitor she appointed to oversee Bank of Tokyos sanctions compliance program. The litigation is pending. Vigorous Enforcement I believe in vigorous enforcement of the law, Vullo said of the Bank of Tokyo/OCC battle. An institution should not be able to flip a charter for purposes of evading enforcement by state regulators. The bank and the OCC say the conversion was done to simplify the banks regulatory structure in the U.S., where it had multiple state licenses and one national charter for its consumer bank in California. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Photo: CTV News UPDATE 1:50 p.m. Police have identified the victim of a fatal Christmas Day shooting in North Vancouver as 25-year-old Rock Habib-Joumaa. The local man was found dead of gunshot wounds when police arrived at the apartment building on the 600 block of Seylynn Crescent around 8:15 p.m. Habib-Joumaa was known to police but did not have a criminal record. While the investigation is in its infancy, police say it appears the shooting was targeted. Detectives are looking for two people who were in the area that may be connected to the homicide. This shooting violated the tranquility of the holidays. There are people out there who knew of Mr. Habib-Joumaas activities or have seen the two persons of interest says Cpl. David Lee of IHIT. We ask anyone with information, or video in the area of 600 block of Seylynn Crescent, to contact IHIT immediately. ORIGINAL 12:10 p.m. Homicide detectives have been called to North Vancouver after a fatal incident at an apartment building on Christmas Day. The North Vancouver RCMP were first called to the highrise in the 600 block of Seylynn Crescent at around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, reports CTV News. There are few details available about what took place or how many people were involved, but witnesses told CTV they heard gunfire and saw a vehicle peppered with bullet holes. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was on scene Wednesday morning but declined to comment. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: CTV News Police are investigating how a barge loaded with shipping containers mysteriously came unmoored and drifted into Vancouvers Coal Harbour this morning. CTV News reports the barge was noticed in Coal Harbour at about 6:30 a.m. "It took a couple of seconds to make sense of it," Annelies Bertrand told CTV, who saw the rogue vessel. "I was biking around the cornerhead down, pitch blackand I look up and it's a wall of containers where it doesn't belong. It threw me right off." The Port of Vancouver says the two linked North Arm Transportation barges parked on the North Shore became adrift sometime Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. The port authority deployed tugboats immediately after it was noticed, clearing the scene by 8 a.m. The drifting barge caused visible damage to two yachts, part of the Harbour Air terminal as well as the waterfront patio at Lift restaurant. But it could have been worse, with two lighthouses and a floating gas station also in the area. The Vancouver Police Department is now looking into how the barge came free in the first place. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: The Canadian Press Kevin Spacey presents an award in Beverly Hills, Calif. A Massachusetts man who says he was groped by Kevin Spacey at a Nantucket restaurant in 2016 caught part of his encounter with the actor on video, according to court records. The then 18-year-old man sent a video via Snapchat to his girlfriend that allegedly showed Spacey touching the front of his pants, according to a state police report filed in Nantucket District Court and obtained by the Cape Cod Times . Spacey's lawyers said at a show-cause hearing last week the video shows someone's hand touching another person's shirt, but does not show anyone being groped, according to The Boston Globe , which obtained an audio recording of the hearing. Spacey, 59, faces arraignment Jan. 7 on a charge of indecent assault and battery. The case came to light in November 2017 when former Boston news anchor Heather Unruh announced that Spacey had groped her son. In trying to get a court clerk magistrate to rule there wasn't enough evidence for Spacey to be charged, Los Angeles-based attorney Alan Jackson pointed out that Unruh's son did not report the allegations to police right way, lied about his age saying he was 23, and said he was so intoxicated he may have blacked out shortly after Spacey allegedly groped him. Jackson also said Unruh's son made no effort to move away from Spacey. Unruh said in a news conference last year that her son didn't go to authorities sooner because of fear and embarrassment. The alleged victim told police that it was hard to move away in the crowded restaurant, where he worked as a bus boy but was off duty at the time. Neither Spacey nor his lawyers have addressed the allegation publicly, but Spacey did release a video Monday in the voice of Frank Underwood, his character on Netflix's "House of Cards" in which he said, "I'm certainly not going to pay the price for the thing I didn't do." It was unclear whether he was addressing the criminal charge. If convicted, Spacey faces up to five years in prison. The share of Europeans who think that terrorism is one of the two most important issues facing the EU has dropped substantially in the past two years. EU Observer reports in its article Europeans worry less about terrorism, more on migration that some 20 percent of respondents to the latest Eurobarometer poll mentioned terrorism, down from 44 percent in early 2017. The main concern now is immigration, which was mentioned most often (by around 40 percent of respondents), in the three most recent Eurobarometer polls. The state of member states' public finances (19 percent) and the economic situation (18 percent) were also issues whose importance was rated by a similar share of EU citizens in the past two years. The share of people who think climate change is one of the EU's two biggest challenges was at its highest point yet: 16 percent gave this response, up from 11 percent six months ago. While immigration is mentioned first in almost all 28 EU member states, around 46 percent of Swedish respondents mentioned climate change first. In Portugal, terrorism was mentioned most frequently (35 percent). As always, the poll shows large divergences between member states when respondents are asked to judge the situation of the economy in their countries. Citizens in Malta, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands were most positive, with more than 90 percent saying the situation was good. In Greece however, which this year exited the EU bailout programme, only six percent of respondents said the Greek economy was in a good state. Some 94 percent said the situation was bad. Similar low levels of appraisal of the national economy were found in Croatia, Spain, and Bulgaria. Looking ahead, some 44 percent of respondents said they thought the "worst is still to come" in terms of economic crisis - a similar share thought the impact of the crisis on jobs had reached its peak. France (67 percent) and the UK (60 percent) were among the countries where respondents thought the worst still laid ahead. Chile's Colbun to supply renewable power to Polpaico 27 December 2018 Cemento Polpaico SA (Chile) has signed a long-term renewable power supply contract with local power company Colbun. Through the agreement, Colbun will supply a total of 183GWh of renewable electricity per year to Polpaico. The contract, will run for a term of 10 years starting from January 1, 2019. Initially, Polpaico will receive power for its Cerro Blanco and Coronel plants, that represent 93 per cent of its total demand. In 2022 more facilities will be added, thereafter fulfilling 100 per cent of its energy needs. Published under Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will pay a working visit to Moscow today, where he will be received by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Due to a number of circumstances, some tension has arisen between Armenia and Russia in recent months, and Pashinyans visit is obviously intended to help overcome it. It's safe to say that the uncertain future price for Russian gas will be the central topic on the agenda of Pashinyan's talks. This issue is extremely important not only for Armenia's economy, but also in the context of the Armenian population's evaluation of their new government's performance. After the 'My Step' bloc, easily winning an absolute majority in the National Assembly, won the parliamentary elections, the burden of responsibility for the republic's socio-economic situation has been imposed on the Pashinyan government. "Tame opposition" in the person of Prosperous Armenia party and Armenian Renaissance party cannot interfere with government initiatives even theoretically. The extra-parliamentary opposition in the person of the discredited Republican Party of Armenia would be even less able to influence the government's actions - these are "political dead bodies", as the Armenian Prime Minister says. Thus, only the 'My Step' bloc and personally Nikol Pashinyan will be accountable - ultimately, the PM's block gained over 70% of the vote in the last election precisely because his personal rating. In order to understand the importance of Russian gas for the Armenian economy, let's look at some data of the Armenian Energy Ministry for 2017. Then the volume of Russia's gas imports to Armenia increased by 7% and amounted to 1 billion 996 million cubic meters, while Iran's imports - by 2.9% and amounted to 382 million 700 thousand cubic meters by the end of the year. In 2017, total gas consumption increased by 5.3% in Armenia. Now Gazprom-Armenia, a subsidiary of Russia's Gazprom, receives gas at the Armenian border at the price of $150 per 1000 cubic meters, but the current agreement expires on December 31, 2018. Taking into account Gazprom-Armenia's extra charges and VAT, households (and others consuming up to 10 thousand cubic meters per month) pay $290 per 1000 cubic meters of gas. On the whole, considering benefits for socially disadvantaged groups of the population, large consumers and agricultural enterprises, the average gas price is $255 per 1000 cubic meters in Armenia. On the eve of Pashinyan's trip to Moscow, Armenia's 168 Zham wrote that Russia plans to increase the price to $215 per 1000 cubic meters citing the alleged letter sent by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak to his colleague Tigran Avinyan. It was refuted by Avinyan's office. In fact, such a sharp increase in price seems unlikely. However, the fact that the office of Armenia's Deputy Prime Minister didn't rule out the possibility of increasing gas prices is interesting. In general, a certain rise in Russian gas prices for Armenia seems likely against the background of a sharp drop in world oil prices. It is difficult for Russia to be generous when its own revenues decline. Especially is the light of some allies' inadequate behavior, like Armenia in the CSTO, which initially discredited the organization by arresting its secretary general, and now blocking the appointment of his successor, effectively opposing its ambitions to the demands of all the other participants of the bloc. It is noteworthy that against the background of the Russian-Armenian gas negotiations, Armenian Ambassador to Iran Artashes Tumanyan said that Armenia plans to import more gas from Iran. It is technically possible, since only 20% oft he Iran-Armenia gas pipeline's capacity is used now. But is it beneficial for Yerevan in economic and political terms? In May, Armenia's Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources Artur Grigoryan said that Iran is ready to offer Armenia the gas price of $165 at the border. Grigoryan recalled that Russian gas is 10% cheaper. "In addition, Gazprom Armenia annually invests $27-28 million in the modernization of the network," Grigoryan said. There is also a geopolitical factor: a significant increase in Iranian gas imports to Armenia, especially in the context of U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton's statements regarding Armenias cooperation with Iran, will be very negatively perceived overseas. Washingtons opinion cannot be ignored by the Armenian leadership, especially when we talk about the Nikol Pashinyan team, which has a soft spot for the West. Finally, the extent to which Iran is ready to increase gas supplies to Armenia is still unknown. First, Tehran has much more attractive markets, for example, Turkey, which buys gas at a price of $400 per 1000 cubic meters. Second, it is far from certain that, given the high demand for gas in the domestic market, Iran would decide to increase gas exports to Armenia dramatically, thereby interfering in the sphere of Russian interests. Thus, half blockaded Armenia does not have any real alternatives to the Russian gas, and Irans assistance is not forthcoming. Nikol Pashinyan can keep talking about the "Armenia's independent policy" and the need for Russia to "adapt to new realities". But in Moscow he will listen to Russian conditions and will be forced to agree to them, since the Kremlin still has key leverage over Armenia's politics and economy. The agenda is broad - Armenia's actions in the CSTO Secretary Generals issue, resembling outright sabotage, flirting with NATO, artificially inflated hysteria around the 102nd Russian base, trying to disown the agreement on prohibiting foreign military access to biological laboratories in the country, and even the closure of the last Russian-language program on Armenian television. All these negative trends have begun eight months ago, and they cannot but cause growing concern in Russian society. In Moscow, Nikol Pashinyan will have to give convincing answers to a number of delicate questions. Russia warned the U.S. against any effort to influence the royal succession in Saudi Arabia, offering its support to embattled Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whos under continuing pressure over the killing of a government critic. President Vladimir Putins envoy to the Middle East said Prince Mohammed has every right to inherit the throne when the ailing 82-year-old King Salman dies. Of course we are against interference. The Saudi people and leadership must decide such questions themselves, Mikhail Bogdanov, who is also deputy foreign minister, said in an interview in Moscow on Tuesday. The King made a decision and I cant even imagine on what grounds someone in America will interfere in such an issue and think about who should rule Saudi Arabia, now or in the future. This is a Saudi matter. Fortune reports in its article Russia Warns U.S. Against Interfering With the Saudi Royal Succession that senior U.S. lawmakers have blamed the crown prince the murder of columnist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey, a conclusion they said was backed by the Central Intelligence Agency. The Saudi government has repeatedly denied the princes involvement and said he was killed by government agents in a botched plan to force his return home. Russia says it accepts the Saudi account. Russia has built increasingly close ties to Saudi Arabia since King Salman appointed Prince Mohammed as his heir, turning the 33-year-old into the oil-rich kingdoms de facto ruler. The two countries have cooperated in limiting oil production to support prices under the OPEC+ arrangement and Putin is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia next year. Last month at the G-20 summit in Argentina, Putin and Prince Mohammed greeted each other with broad grins and a high five handshake even as the Saudi crown prince faced a chilly reception from other leaders in the wake of the Khashoggi killing. After the only surviving full brother of King Salman, Prince Ahmed, returned to Saudi Arabia from London in late October, speculation emerged that disgruntled members of the Saudi royal family might seek to install Ahmed, the crown princes uncle, instead of him as king. Prince Mohammed has steadily amassed more power since he became the heir to the throne in 2017, sidelining his rivals. Senior U.S. officials indicated they might back Prince Ahmed as king, Reuters reported last month, citing unidentified people close to the Saudi court. While President Donald Trump has sought to emphasize the importance of the U.S. alliance with Saudi Arabia, prominent senators have come out against the crown prince, with one, Republican Lindsey Graham, describing him as crazy and dangerous. Asked if Prince Mohammed has the right to succeed his father, Bogdanov said: Of course. Its all been decided, its all absolutely clear. We are in contact with the Saudis and we dont see any particular concerns about this. Here is the latest jail booking report from Hamilton County: ALVEY, SHANA DIANE 5066 SOUTH PITTSBURG MOUNTAIN SOUTH PITTSBURG, 37380 Age at Arrest: 30 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County ALTERING, FALSIFYING OR FORGING EVIDENCES OF TITLE THEFT OF PROPERTY POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE VIOLATION OF PROBATION (THEFT OF PROPERTY) --- AMBROCIO, EDILBERTO Y 7245 E BRAINERD RD CHATTANOOGA, 37421 Age at Arrest: 30 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE --- CARLTON, JACOB ALEXANDER 7600 MEADOW STREAM LOOP APT 103 CHATTANOOGA, 37421 Age at Arrest: 29 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN SCHEDULE II-METH CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN SCHEDULE II-CRACK COCAINE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA REGISTRATION, DRIVING UNREGISTERED VEHICLE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE --- CLEMENTS, TRINITY 2121 OCOEE STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37406 Age at Arrest: 19 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga THEFT OF PROPERTY --- COTTON, JEFFERY GLEN 360 MEADOW CREEK DR ONIEDA, 37841 Age at Arrest: 42 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga AGGRAVATED ARSON --- FRANKLIN, CHINA 1108 GROVE STREET APT C CHATTANOOGA, 37402 Age at Arrest: 20 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga THEFT OF PROPERTY --- GOODNER, MICHAEL CASEY 3047 NEW YORK AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37404 Age at Arrest: 28 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT W/DAMAGE TO VEHICLE RECKLESS DRIVING DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IMPLIED CONSENT LAW - DRIVERS FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE --- HAMILTON, DARYL MICHEAL 1312 LYNNHAVEN CIR HIXSON, 37343 Age at Arrest: 60 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga RECKLESS DRIVING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY VIOLATING AUTO REGISTRATION LAW DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE --- HENLEY, ASHLEY ELISABETH 100 DORO LANE CHATTANOOGA, 37415 Age at Arrest: 21 years old Arresting Agency: East Ridge Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) --- HONEYCUTT, DARIN GREGORY 6537 ROLLING RIVER ROAD HARRSION, 37341 Age at Arrest: 39 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County AGGRAVATED ASSAULT DOMESTIC ASSAULT --- HOOVER, LULUKI 105 BATTLEWOOD DR FORT OLEGTHROPE, 30742 Age at Arrest: 23 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga POSSESSION OF XANAX --- HUNTER, ANGELA JUANITA 113 LAUREL DRIVE RED BANK, 37415 Age at Arrest: 33 years old Arresting Agency: Red Bank SIMPLE DOMESTIC ASSAULT --- INCE, YASIN 7255 LEE HWY APT 206 CHATTANOOGA, 37421 Age at Arrest: 22 years old Arresting Agency: East Ridge DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE --- KIDD, TREMAYNE MONTRELL 5298 USHER DR CHATTANOOGA, 37410 Age at Arrest: 41 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga DOMESTIC ASSAULT --- KOCINCKI, CHARLES STEPHEN 611 BITSY LANE RED BANK, 37415 Age at Arrest: 40 years old Arresting Agency: Tenn Highway Patrol DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT OF A CHILD DRIVING ON SUSPENDED LICENSE --- LEFFEW, WILLIAM THOMAS 10323 HAMBY RD SODDY DAISY, 37379 Age at Arrest: 39 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY FRAUDULENT USE OF CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD AGGRAVATED BURGLARY (OCCUPIED HABITATION) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA --- LOVE, RONALD DALE 17115 MCKINNEY LN SALE CREEK, 37323 Age at Arrest: 43 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County VIOLATION OF PROBATION (FAILURE TO APPEAR) --- MAPLES, DEREK SHAUN 5840 LAKE RESORT TERRACE CHATTANOOGA, 37415 Age at Arrest: 31 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga DOMESTIC ASSAULT --- MAUK, ROBERT LAWRENCE 809 WINDING HILLS LN HIXSON, 37343 Age at Arrest: 47 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga DOMESTIC ASSAULT --- MERRITT, JOY DAWN 41 ROWDY RD DUNLAP, 37327 Age at Arrest: 52 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga VIOLATION OF PROBATION (FAILURE TO APPEAR) --- METCALF, RELL H 3608 FOUNTAIN AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37412 Age at Arrest: 77 years old Arresting Agency: East Ridge DOMESTIC ASSAULT --- PAYNE, KAYLA EVONNE 2902 DODSON AVE APT B CHATTANOOGA, 37403 Age at Arrest: 20 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County THEFT OF PROPERTY --- SEE, DONALD ALLEN 5148 EAGLEFEATHER LN OOLTEWAH, 37363 Age at Arrest: 58 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE --- SIMONSON, SHERRY DENISE 7326 SAWYER PIKE SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, 37377 Age at Arrest: 55 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County DOMESTIC ASSAULT --- SNEED, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 11257 S OAK ST SODDY DAISY, 37379 Age at Arrest: 43 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING)POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA---TATUM, KAREN ANN5301 MARION AV EAST RIDGE, 37412Age at Arrest: 41 years oldArresting Agency: East RidgeDOMESTIC ASSAULTASSAULT ON POLICE---VERDUGO-SOTO, YIMMY2727 ROSSVILLE BLVD CHATTANOOGA, 37404Age at Arrest: 23 years oldArresting Agency: ChattanoogaPUBLIC INTOXICATION---WEBB, LATISHA FAYE1150 GREEN GROVE DR HIXSON, 37343Age at Arrest: 37 years oldArresting Agency: ChattanoogaCRIMINAL CONSPIRACYFRAUDULENT USE OF CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDAGGRAVATED BURGLARY (OCCUPIED HABITATION)POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA---WEBB, WENDY LEIGH198 HUTTON CT DAYTON, 37321Age at Arrest: 48 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE SECOND OFFENSESPEEDINGOPEN CONTAINER LAW Here are the mug shots: ALVEY, SHANA DIANE Age at Arrest: 30 Date of Birth: 07/07/1988 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): ALTERING, FALSIFYING OR FORGING EVIDENCES OF TITLE THEFT OF PROPERTY POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE VIOLATION OF PROBATION (THEFT OF PROPERTY) CLEMENTS, TRINITY Age at Arrest: 19 Date of Birth: 09/28/1999 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): THEFT OF PROPERTY COTTON, JEFFERY GLEN Age at Arrest: 42 Date of Birth: 01/15/1976 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): AGGRAVATED ARSON FRANKLIN, CHINA Age at Arrest: 20 Date of Birth: 06/07/1998 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): THEFT OF PROPERTY HAMILTON, DARYL MICHEAL Age at Arrest: 60 Date of Birth: 11/03/1958 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): RECKLESS DRIVING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY VIOLATING AUTO REGISTRATION LAW DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE HENLEY, ASHLEY ELISABETH Age at Arrest: 21 Date of Birth: 04/22/1997 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) HONEYCUTT, DARIN GREGORY Age at Arrest: 39 Date of Birth: 03/08/1979 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): AGGRAVATED ASSAULT DOMESTIC ASSAULT HOOVER, LULUKI Age at Arrest: 23 Date of Birth: 11/17/1995 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF XANAX INCE, YASIN Age at Arrest: 22 Date of Birth: 04/18/1996 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE KIDD, TREMAYNE MONTRELL Age at Arrest: 41 Date of Birth: 07/02/1977 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT LEFFEW, WILLIAM THOMAS Age at Arrest: 39 Date of Birth: 03/28/1979 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY FRAUDULENT USE OF CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD AGGRAVATED BURGLARY (OCCUPIED HABITATION) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA LOVE, RONALD DALE Age at Arrest: 43 Date of Birth: 04/18/1975 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION (FAILURE TO APPEAR) MAPLES, DEREK SHAUN Age at Arrest: 31 Date of Birth: 03/08/1987 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT MAUK, ROBERT LAWRENCE Age at Arrest: 47 Date of Birth: 01/27/1971 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT MERRITT, JOY DAWN Age at Arrest: 52 Date of Birth: 01/25/1966 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION (FAILURE TO APPEAR) METCALF, RELL H Age at Arrest: 77 Date of Birth: 05/04/1941 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT PAYNE, KAYLA EVONNE Age at Arrest: 20 Date of Birth: 05/19/1998 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): THEFT OF PROPERTY SIMONSON, SHERRY DENISE Age at Arrest: 55 Date of Birth: 12/14/1963 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT SNEED, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Age at Arrest: 43 Date of Birth: 01/08/1975 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA TATUM, KAREN ANN Age at Arrest: 41 Date of Birth: 12/05/1977 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 12/25/2018 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT ASSAULT ON POLICE WTCI, the Chattanooga 2.0 Early Matters Coalition (ACEs Public Training Workgroup) and United Way of Greater Chattanooga (UWGC) will host a two-day screening workshop event on Jan. 25 and 26 that will engage, educate and inspire educators, service providers and caregivers through documentary screenings of Building Strong Brains: ACEs, The Tennessee Story. Hosted at WTCI, this 2-day opportunity will engage up to 140 guests in screenings and guided breakout sessions that will further educate the public on the impact of ACEs on families and the community. Participants will engage in discussions about the content of the screenings and their work in the community in order to help Chattanooga grow as a trauma-informed community. Space is limited and reservations are available online at https://tinyurl.com/ybt6tz4x. This community event is made possible through the support of UNUM, one of the worlds leading employee benefits companies. Building Strong Brains: ACEs, The Tennessee Story was produced by WCTE in collaboration with agencies, organizations, and other communities across the State, and funded by a grant from the State of Tennessee as a part of an initiative by Governor Haslam that deals with changing the conversation about early childhood trauma, its impact on the brain-building process and what communities can do to assure success for every child born in Tennessee. Lesley Scearce, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Chattanooga, said We are proud allies in the local conversation around ACEs, its crucial to connect different sectors of the community around the important question of how we can protect and support Chattanoogas children through trauma intervention. Paul Grove, president and CEO of WTCI, said, Working with these partners to make this powerful series available to educators and service providers is an important part of our mission to serve as a hub of discourse. WTCI has proudly served the Tennessee Valley for nearly 50 years and as our community changes, we are honored to share meaningful conversations. Early Matters Chattanooga is an action team of the Chattanooga 2.0 coalition and is made up of over 30 local organizations working together to ensure access to high-quality resources that support optimal development of children ages birth through five in Hamilton County. It strives to engage and mobilize the community through advocacy, communication and education and this screening and workshop will continue their work to educate the public on the impact of ACEs and toxic stress in the hopes that Chattanooga will become a more trauma-informed community. The Walker County Fire Department requested Red Cross assistance for two families displaced by a devastating house fire at 1477 Dry Valley Road in Rossville on Wednesday. The fire claimed the lives of two people, and also left both families looking for places to stay. According to reports, the duplex unit shared by the two families was fully engulfed by flames Wednesday afternoon. American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia dispatched a team of DAT (Disaster Action Team) volunteers to assist the families. It is always difficult to see families displaced by fire but even more so when fatalities are involved, said Bill Leiper, DAT Team supervisor. Mr. Leiper was accompanied by Rita and Richard Fletcher, the three residing in neighboring Catoosa County. Mr. Leiper has been volunteering with Red Cross since 2011, while the Fletchers have been volunteering since 2016. American Red Cross will provide temporary housing and other essentials for the families over the next few days. Assistance can also include referrals to other agencies offering aid depending upon need. This assistance usually provides the families some time to get their bearings after a disaster, said Larry Brooks, American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia executive director. The Walker County fire marshal is still investigating the cause of the fire and investigators say neither residence had a working smoke detector. This is part two of a series on criminal justice reform. Read part one here. For many, crime and criminal justice are not obvious economic issues, despite their effects on public budgets due to the cost of courts, policing, investigating crimes, and much more. Private efforts impose significant costs, as well, whether from house alarms, flood lights, or door locks, not to mention the costs incurred by victims. But costs such as these are not the primary source of economic interest in crime and criminal justice. If economics is a study of human behavior, the economic way of thinking can inform our understanding of the causes and effects of criminal activity and help us predict the consequences of public policy aimed at criminal justice. Therefore, economic literacy is key to contemplating the recent criminal justice reform debate and the First Step Act, which the House passed and President Trump signed into law just last week. While the applicability of economics to crime is now readily accepted by todays economists, this has only been the case for about 50 years. In a 1968 article, Nobel Laureate Gary Becker made a critical contribution to our understanding of crime, arguing that criminal activity could be modeled like so many other behaviors, based on the consideration of costs and benefits. Beckers work was groundbreaking in that it provided a way for thinking about criminal activity and the people who commit crime within a generalizable model. What provokes a person to commit a crime? The prevailing notion before Beckers work was that crimes are committed by those of a criminal type. Becker proposed something differentthat the higher the cost of crime or the lower the benefit of crime, the less likely an individual would be to commit a crime (and vice versa). That is, even those who commit crimes are likely to respond in predictable ways to changes in costs and benefits. For example, a person who has meaningful employment faces a higher cost of incarceration in the form of foregone wages and fulfillment than does a similar individual without such employment. We would predict, then, that the former is less likely to commit a crime, other things held constant. Similarly, an individual who would have to separate from family if incarcerated would incur a greater psychological cost of crime, and be less likely than an individual with fewer interpersonal connections to commit a crime. As another example, the longer the probable sentence associated with a crime, the higher the cost to the potential offender and the less likely that person is to commit a crime. The length of criminal sentences has attracted a lot of attention as part of the debate about criminal justice reform. Some advocates assert that there are victimless crimes that are overcriminalized by the harshness of the sentences they receive. While many advocacy groups work for reducing or eliminating so-called mandatory minimum sentences, most are not entirely opposed to sentencing guidelines. Guidelines provide a predictability that some advocates consider consistent with justice, because a potential offender would know the likely consequences and understand that they should be applied impartially. The economically literate might also think that a potential offenders understanding of the consequences of his criminal activity is important in the calculation of the net benefit of crime through the thought process modeled by Becker. A Beckerian framework is not just helpful in predicting who might commit a crime or who will become a criminal. It is also helpful predicting recidivism risk for the already incarcerated, who will one day reenter society. Imagine a former offender who returns to society and finds a set of family, community, and employment attachments that are meaningful and rewarding. His likelihood of recidivism should be less than a similar person who finds himself with nothing to lose when faced with the prospect of another criminal act. This suggests that prison and sentencing reforms should be made with an eye toward re-entry. The provision in the First Step Act that would require placing a convicted offender in a prison within 500 miles of his primary residence would likely help to maintain family and community ties for incarcerated people. If an institution with appropriate security is available closer to an offenders home, this is an appropriate investment in the offenders wellbeing, his familys wellbeing, and his later reentry prospects. In the final post of this series, I will detail more of the provisions of the First Step Act and the effects that economics would predict. Building on Beckers seminal work, a large literature within economics has identified causal connections between policy and criminal activity. With Dr. David Phillips of the University of Notre Dame, I coauthored an article on sentencing guidelines using a large dataset on two common crimes in Michigan. Our goal was to determine whether longer sentences always reduce future criminal activity. With data on retail fraud (including high-value shoplifting) and repeated drunk driving (third offense or more), we found that a more severe sentence did reduce recidivism for retail fraud offenders but not for those convicted of drunk driving. This result is consistent with a concern suggested in the first post in this seriesthat, where substance abuse or addictive behavior is involved, incarceration may not reduce recidivism as well as rehabilitation. In general, economists have an important contribution to make to the discussion of criminal justice reform. First, economists are aware of the common social scientific adage that correlation does not imply causation. In the context of my coauthored research, it meant that we were not easily convinced that longer sentences were the cause of crimes later in life, even though people who received longer sentences did, on average, commit more crimes later in life. We suspect that judges see more serious crimes or more troubled offenders as indicating a higher risk of criminal activity in the future and respond rationally to that risk by lengthening the sentence. Economists are aware of this kind of challenge but also equipped to handle it with tools of statistical analysis less often employed by other disciplines or practitioners. Second, economists and the economically literate more broadly are aware that good intentions are not synonymous with achieving the desired results. Human behavior is both complex and rooted in self-interest, making it difficult to predict the full set of consequences for a policy, for example. The tough-on-crime era that preceded todays popular smart justice movement was well-intended. Its harsh sentencing regime also might have increased criminal activity through recidivism by reducing former offenders connections at home and in the labor market, creating the revolving door effect. Another example of an unintended consequence is found in many states that have made it illegal for employers to inquire about an applicants criminal history in the early stages of job application. The intention of these ban the box laws is to increase opportunity for former offenders by allowing them to get further along in an application process before disclosing their relevant history and, in some cases, reduce racial disparities in employment. As a forthcoming article by economists Jennifer Doleac and Benjamin Hansen finds, the result is far from what was intended. Specifically, African American and Hispanic men are less likely to be moved through the application process. The basic explanation is that, when employers wish to avoid interviewing former offenders but they cannot identify who has a criminal history, they will select for further consideration fewer applications from populations with higher average criminal history. These lessons of economic literacy should inform the response to the First Step Act in its call for evidence-based programming in prisons. First, the prevalence of unintended consequences backs up the demand for a solid basis in evidence. Second, to tackle the causality challenge, evidence must be high-quality, based on large datasets, and discovered through the best statistical techniques available. It should also be rooted in solid economic theory that recognizes that incentives matter to peoplewhether former offender or not. Image: Barbed Wire Chain Link Smuggling of goods from China and Turkey through Kyrgyzstan didn't decrease in 2018, which causes concern in the Eurasian Economic Union countries. In order to prevent mass smuggling of goods, anti-corruption public fund Transparency Kazakhstan proposes to introduce joint customs control at the customs posts of the EAEU countries. Authorities of Kazakhstan have repeatedly accused Bishkek of mass smuggling of goods from China and Turkey into the EAEU countries, which includes both republics, as well as Russia, Belarus and Armenia. This problem first caught attention of authorities in 2017, when then Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev accused head of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, of interfering with election campaign in Kyrgyzstan. Deterioration of relation between two countries resulted in strengthening of border control and accusations of smuggling of Chinese goods. According to estimates of Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev, the EAEU lost $1.8 billion from smuggling. Kazakhstan in particular suffered biggest losses in the amount of $212 million. In addition, Kazakh Prime Minister criticized Bishkek for actions that resulted in reduction of imports from China. As evidence, he cited difference in economic performance of the two countries: "According to China's foreign trade statistics, exports from China to Kyrgyzstan in 2015 amounted to $4.3 billion. Whereas according to statistics from Kyrgyzstan, imports amounted to $1 billion. Discrepancy is $3.3 billion, and in 2016 it amounted to $4,1 billion." Kyrgyz officials explained this discrepancy by difference in counting methods. According to the Transparency Kazakhstan press service, since Kyrgyzstans accession to the EAEU and up to 2020, republics share in the EAEU customs duties will be around 1.9%. This figure is higher than tariffs paid by Kyrgyzstan, so it seems that Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus sponsor Kyrgyz budget at the expense of their own customs earnings. This, as Kazakh experts emphasize, doesn't prevent Kyrgyzstan from concealing part of its own customs earning, which it got thanks to massive smuggling from China and Turkey. Head of the Eurasian Analytical Club, Nikita Mendkovich, told Vestnik Kavkaza that introduction of cross-border control is a relevant idea, which has been long overdue. "This decision was discussed a year ago, during border crisis between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. During negotiations in Minsk presidents of the two countries had an oral agreement on implementation of such measures. Initiative was also supported by head of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, who spoke in favor of creating joint customs control systems at the borders of the Union. From practical point of view, this will be a very helpful step, which will allow to prevent smuggling at the borders of Kazakhstan, as well as Kyrgyzstan's borders with China, Turkey and a number of other states," expert stressed. According to him, scale of this problem was discussed in detail in the Transparency International report. "Indeed, according to estimates of foreign researchers, in Kazakhstan, goods worth up to $50 billion aren't regulated by Kazakh Customs Service. Kyrgyzstan's losses also reach tens of billions of dollars. This problem must be dealt with, especially since it affects economies of both states," expert noted. He recalled that Kyrgyzstan is experiencing difficulties with state budget, and introduction of more thorough and more complete control would help at least partially help to deal with current situation. "In addition, such initiative would only strengthen the EAEU, allowing it to make trade flow transparent and equal," Mendkovich said. On the other hand, Kazakh political analyst Aydos Sarym believes that problems like current one will undermine legitimacy and necessity of the EAEU. In reality, no one is interested in breaking existing balance. Without it, there will be new political shocks in Kyrgyzstan, Aydos Sarym told Vestnik Kavkaza. According to him, similar problems existed everywhere, including in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. During creation of the EAEU, there were proposals to jointly install necessary equipment, conduct joint customs control. But at that time it seemed irrelevant. Kyrgyzstan joined the EAEU later, it's a new and less disciplined member of the organization. I'm absolutely sure that they knew what kind of problems will Kyrgyzstan bring. Usual model is being broken today. It will continue to break until Kyrgyz authorities improve customs system and so that partner countries won't have to deal with issues like that," he said. In his opinion, introducing cross-customs control in current conditions of populism in Kyrgyzstan will be problematic. "If there was an internal request for construction of proper economy, then there would be elites who would fulfill this request. But I'm afraid that populist slogans will prevail, so we shouldn't expect anything," expert noted. Prince Charles likes to keep his family close especially when it comes to his immediate family and sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. But, William and Harry arent Charless only children. In addition to his sons, Prince Charles also has stepchildren through Camilla Parker Bowles, which means Prince William and Prince Harry have step-siblings. Who are Prince William and Harrys step-siblings? Find out more about Camilla Parker Bowless children, ahead. Who are Prince William and Harrys step-siblings? Prince William and Prince Harrys immediate family is a lot bigger than the public perceives. In addition to each other and their wives and children Prince William and Harry have step-siblings that they see from time-to-time. Who are Prince William and Harrys step-siblings? Find out, ahead. Camilla Parker Bowless children Before having an affair and then marrying Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles was married to Andrew Parker Bowles and together they had two children, a son, and a daughter. Both of which are much older than their step-siblings, Prince William and Harry. Tom Parker Bowles On December 18, 1974, Camilla Parker Bowles welcomed her first-born into the world. Tom Parker Bowles spent much of his childhood at Bolehyde Manor in Allington, Wiltshire and Middlewick House in Corsham, Wiltshire. Today, Tom Parker Bowles is a food writer and critic, as well as a broadcaster. The step-royal has appeared on various televised programs and works extensively as a restaurant critic for The Mail and a food editor at Esquire. He also contributes to various other outlets in both the United States and United Kingdom. Some of his work has been published in Conde Nast Traveller, Departures, Country Life, Harpers Bazaar, and Town and Country. In addition to his career as a restaurant critic and food editor, Prince William and Harrys stepbrother has authored seven cookbooks, including E Is For Eating An Alphabet of Greed, The Year of Eating Dangerously: A Global Adventure in Search of Culinary Extremes, and Full English: A Journey Through the British and Their Food. He has won several awards for his work, including the 2010 Guild of Food Writers award for best work on British food. Tom Parker Bowles is married to Sara Buys and they have two children together, making Prince Charles a step-grandfather. Laura Lopes Tom Parker Bowless younger sister, Laura Lopes (born Laura Parker Bowles) was born on New Years Day in 1978 and, like Tom, grew up at Bolehyde Manor and Middlewick House. She studied History of Art and Marketing at Oxford Brookes University and works as an art curator today. Laura Lopes married Harry Lopes (who comes from an aristocratic family) in 2006 just one year after her mother married the future King of England. The nuptials took place in Wiltshire, near where she grew up, and hundreds of people (as well as thousands of well-wishers in the streets) were present. The couple has three children together, a daughter named Eliza and twin boys named Gus and Louis (which means Prince Charles has two grandsons named Louis). Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Less than a week ago, Ross Inia from Below Deck was arrested for disorderly intoxication and a slew of other charges. Inia, along with Joao Franco from Below Deck Mediterranean and another friend were involved in a fight in the early hours of Saturday, December 22. When officers tried to diffuse the fight, Inia punched the officer, according to the Sun-Sentinel. According to Francos Instagram story, which was quickly deleted, he and his friend were told theyd have to wait up to 10 hours to be reunited with Inia. Eventually, Inia was released on $15,000 bond late that Saturday. Since his release, both Inia and Franco have been relatively quiet about the charges. However, Inias Instagram shows he is in a reflective mood. Meanwhile, another cast members cryptic Instagram story about Inia left everyone scratching their heads. Did Inia return to New Zealand? On Christmas Day, Inia included a video of his adorable son Kai dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Carribean. He seemed happy and relaxed as he played with Kai and enjoyed the day. Since then he uploaded a photo that implied he had gone back to New Zealand for a vacation. A trip back home is just what the heart needs. I hope everyone had a safe and lovely holiday with friends and family. The image produced a flood of well wishes but also advice. My motherly advice. Get a really good lawyer. Life happens. No judgments, but you need this dropped. Citizenship, jobs, passports, entry into places all depend on no record. Be smart, pay for a competent lawyer who understands the stakes. However, one comment Inia certainly appreciated from was from Below Deck BFF, Ashton Pienaar, My bro!!! He doesnt seem ready to talk about the arrestyet Inia has yet to speak publically about the arrest. However, he shared a sweet image sitting on the floor with his son, putting together a pirate ship. How many of you were up all night putting toys together? All worth it the next day for sure!! he wrote. Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas. thank you for all the kind words sent my way. Its been a hell of a weekend with many speculations, its not the time to speak about it, but I do appreciate all the love and support! Have a wonderful rest of your holiday. The arrest may have truly taken him off guard. According to a recent interview with The Cheat Sheet, Below Deck Med cast member Colin Macy-OToole wondered if Inia and Franco were surprised by the police response that night. We didnt really talk about what happened but Joao is from Zimbabwe, Macy-OToole said regarding the arrest. Hes told me some insane stories that if you get arrested in Zimbabwe and you give the police officer $100, theyll let you go. Unfortunately, though America is tougher with the law. Is the fire still going? Shes been relatively quiet since his arrest but deckhand Rhlyee Gerbers Instagram story was dedicated to Inia. Her story contained several parts starting with her driving and singing along to the Fine Young Cannibals She Drives Me Crazy. Which she dedicated to Inia. This ones for you Ross Inia, she wrote. The video is followed by a few images of Inia and Gerber, including one of the infamous kiss. Next was a snap of the song Cum On Feel the Noise by Quiet Riot. And her story ends with a video walking along a dock and the words, West Palm Beach, Florida and a bunch of animated popping hearts. Say what? Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Dallas school bus driver on 'mission from God' buys Christmas gifts for all 70 kids on his route 27 December, 2018 by Jeannie Law , | A school bus driver in Texas bought Christmas gifts for every child on his route by using money that he saved as a way of fulfilling his "mission from God." Curtis Jenkins surprised students from Lake Highlands Elementary School in Dallas the last day before winter break with a bus filled with Christmas presents. Overwhelmed by what they saw, one student asked if he was Santa Claus. "I'm not at a job, I'm on a mission from God," Jenkins told the Dallas-Fort Worth NBC affiliate. "I don't say anything about religion to the kids. I just let them know whatever they love is fine with me, just love somebody on the way." Jenkins said his job also gives him an opportunity to show each child that they have value and are loved. The gifts he gave the students included electronics, puzzles, games and even a bike. "Seeing the faces of those kids was more than anything that I could ever do with the money," Jenkins exclaimed. "We talked about the things that they would want and I made a mental note of it and wrote it down," he said. Eleven-year-old Ethan Ingle, one of the 70 children who received a gift from Jenkins, was elated to receive a pair of headphones in red, his favorite color. "It makes me feel like I belong and I mean something to this community," said Ethan's mom, Katrina Clift, in response to Jenkins' gift to her child. The generous bus driver also gifted their family a turkey for Thanksgiving. Lake Highlands Elementary School PTA President Jennifer Wilcox said Jenkins heart to give is rubbing off on others. She said families across the district are now inspired by his Christmas giving. Jenkins' co-worker chipped in to buy the bike and another parent gave $100. Read more about Christmas on The Christian Post. Notorious 'career criminal' now preaches Jesus to prisoners: 'Abundant life can be found in the jailhouse' Christian Post Contributor | 27 December, 2018 by Leah MarieAnn Klett A former drug addict-turned-pastor who was arrested 35 times and sentenced to prison five times for eight felony convictions has opened up about the series of events that led him to Christ and why his mission is to tell others that abundant life is possible, even in prison. The first time Scott Highberger got arrested he was just 12 years old. Growing up in Michigan City, Indiana, he was surrounded by dysfunction and substance abuse from a young age and it wasn't long before he began to adopt the habits surrounding him. "I was a really angry kid who learned how to solve my problems through violence and fighting, and I ended up in a juvenile detention center at 12 years old," he told The Christian Post. "Around that time, I started drinking, and that started a domino effect of committing crimes and abusing drugs and alcohol." Unable to stay out of trouble, Highberger dropped out of school in the ninth grade. By the time he was 17, he'd been arrested so many times that authorities placed him in an adult prison instead of trying him as a child. From there, he became trapped in a constant cycle of drinking, drugs, and prison stints, culminating in a 12-year sentence for selling drugs. "I lived a very haphazard life with no real target or purpose," he said. While living in a halfway house following his release from prison, Highberger began dating a woman who eventually gave birth to their son. One time, the couple went to a movie theater to watch "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," a film about a demon-possessed girl. Shortly into the film, Highberger said he experienced the "fear of God" for the first time in his life. "I didn't know anything about God, but I knew it was God and it was just really crazy," he said. "I ended up going out in the parking lot, breaking down, crying my eyes out. I went home and got the Yellow Pages and started looking around for a church." But God had different plans for Highberger's life: The very next day, he was arrested on a warrant he didn't even know about and found himself in prison yet again. This time, Highberger spent two weeks studying the Bible and eventually gave his life to Christ during a church service conducted in prison. "I thought everything would change once I got out," he said. "I thought, 'I'm born again, things are going to be different. I'm going to marry my girlfriend, and we're going to have this incredible life together.'" After returning home, however, Highberger's girlfriend told him she was leaving him and taking their son with her. Devastated, Highberger returned to his former lifestyle, looking to drugs and alcohol for comfort. He ultimately attempted to kill himself, ending up with 40 stitches in his arm. But the lowest point of his life, Highberger said, was the night his ex-girlfriend allowed him to take care of their son by himself. "I had begged her to let me take him for a night, and she finally let me," he recalled. "He was about 1-and-a-half years old. I got drunk and ended up driving to the ghetto to a crack house. I locked him in the car and got drugs, got back in the car, and drove home, smoking crack the whole way home with him in the backseat." "She found out about it, and was understandably livid," he continued. "She told me I could never see my son again." With multiple charges pending against him and nowhere to turn, Highberger once again attempted to kill himself by taking over 100 sleeping pills. When that proved unsuccessful, he fled the state and wound up homeless, traveling from Florida to Arizona. "I would sleep in dumpsters and on the street and just beg for change to buy the next drug," he said. "I'd hit rock bottom. I was just so tired of my life." Eventually, he returned to Indiana where he was once again arrested. But this time, things looked different. "Jeremiah 29:13 says, 'If you seek me with your whole heart, you'll find me,'" he said. "At my lowest, I sought God and I found Him in prison, and He just began to radically change my life." Highberger developed an overwhelming thirst for the Bible, and after his release from prison would bike through sleet and snow to attend church services, volunteering wherever he could. Determined to save others from the life that nearly destroyed him, Highberger approached church leaders about starting a prison ministry. Read more from "Notorious 'career criminal' now preaches Jesus to prisoners: 'Abundant life can be found in the jailhouse'" on The Christian Post. When the boy in drag danced at the gay bar and the gay community did not protest Christian Post Contributor | 27 December, 2018 by Michael Brown If there is one thing that upsets the gay community, it's the accusation that most (or many) gay men are pedophiles. Closely related to this accusation is the charge that they're grooming boys for sex. Every gay man with whom I've ever interacted about these subjects has categorically denied them, and to a man, they seemed as repulsed at the idea of pedophilia as I was. And personally, I believe them. It's true that "man boy love" was often celebrated in gay circles throughout recorded history. It's true that, to this day, there is more "intergenerational" dating among gay men. (For Michelangelo Signorile's defense of this, see here. For a very different gay take, see here.) It's also true that infamous pedophile groups like NAMBLA were at the forefront of the modern gay activist movement. And it's true that some of the most celebrated gay icons, including Allen Ginsberg and Larry Kramer, spoke sympathetically of NAMBLA and the like. (To be clear, they endorsed "fully consensual man-boy relationships," as if such a thing were morally possible.) But, to repeat, if there's one thing I've heard consistently from the gay community it is that they deplore the concept of man-boy relationships. Because of that, when I wrote a lengthy chapter in A Queer Thing Happened to America comparing the arguments of pedophile activist with the arguments of gay activists, I was very careful to state (in caps and in bold, in the original): MICHAEL BROWN IS NOT EQUATING HOMOSEXUAL PRACTICE WITH PEDOPHILIA. MICHAEL BROWN IS NOT CALLING ALL HOMOSEXUALS PEDOPHILES. I even encouraged readers to repeat these lines every few paragraphs if they found themselves getting upset. I was comparing the arguments, not the acts. I still believe this statement is true, and I'm sure there are plenty of gay men in consensual, even committed relationships with other gay men who would vomit at the thought of man-boy relationships. (Of course, I believe their relationship is still illicit in God's sight, just as I believe many other relationships are illicit, including a guy sleeping with his girlfriend or a man who divorces his loyal wife and marries his adulterous lover.) At the same time, I believe that the connection between homosexuality and "intergenerational intimacy" remains alive and well, as it has through gay history. There's no denying it now. For years, MassResistance has documented the abuses taking place between gay adults and minors, especially in school-based GSA's (Gay Straight Alliances; see here and here and here). Yet there has been no protest from the larger gay community about these things. More recently, in the wake of the new perverted fad of drag queens reading stories to toddlers and little children, one of the readers, Dylan Pontiff (aka Santana Pilar Andrews) made this stunning statement at a city council meeting: "This is going to be the grooming of the next generation. We are trying to groom the next generation." (By the way, if you were in the least bit offended by this statement as a parent, that proved you were a hater.) Yet as this new fad spreads across the nation, there is still no protest from the larger gay community. Silence, if not celebration, rules the day. (Assuming he meant emotional "grooming" rather than sexual "grooming" barely improves the statement.) Even when little boys become celebrity drag queens overnight, there is no discernible gay protest. Instead, it's a sign of progress, of tolerance, of enlightenment. (As of this writing, the YouTube video "Meet the 8-Year-Old Boy Who Transforms Into a Drag Queen Named Lactatia" has over 9-million views. Yes, this is happening on our watch.) But now another step has been taken. A step that is impossible to justify. A step that should certainly merit a universal gasp of horror from the gay community nationwide. As reported on the Daily Wire, earlier this month, "an 11-year-old boy dressed in drag danced on stage in a sexual manner at a gay bar in Brooklyn, NY, called 3 Dollar Bill. The child, Desmond Napoles, was dressed as a Gwen Stefani-lookalike full drag make up, a blonde wig, and crop top included as he bounced around onstage to No Doubt's 'Like a Girl' and collected dollar bills from male adults viewing the number." An online ad promoting the event read: "Only in New York... a nightclub that makes you go WHOA!!! FEATURING: Upcoming Legend from Television and the Runway: DESMOND IS AMAZING!!! PERFORMING LIVE! ... This stage, this dance floor, this house... is ours as long as we protect it." In vain have I searched online for the massive gay protest, for the outrage, for the cries of child exploitation. If there are voices of protest, they are few and far between, and they are muted. Why? Because if it's gay, it's OK. If it's gay, it's moral. And to criticize is to stand with the religious fanatics. Read more about "When the boy in drag danced at the gay bar and the gay community did not protest" on The Christian Post. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu assured the Russian ambassador to Ankara, Alexei Yerkhov, that Ankara would not provide the United States with the opportunity to study Rusia's S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry said. Cavusoglu tweeted yesterday he had met with Yerkhov, but did not provide details on the agenda, Sputnik reported. Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Ankara had allegedly offered Washington to explore the S-400 air defence system, which Russia is set to deliver in the near future under the contract. Last May, Gerson Moreno-Riano was appointed as the 12th president of Cornerstone University, a small, Christian liberal arts school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The day before his formal installation in October, Cornerstones faculty voted no confidence in his ability to lead as president, citing a culture of fear and suspicion and the last-minute departures of at least eight faculty and staff. Before working at Cornerstone, Moreno-Riano served as Regent University's executive vice president. Now, several former Regent employees are calling the pattern at Cornerstone eerily familiar. TIZI-OUZOU, Algeria, December 26, 2018 (Morning Star News) Five Christians in Algeria were acquitted on Tuesday (Dec. 25) of the charge of inciting a Muslim to change her religion, sources said. A judge at the court of Bouira acquitted Rachid Ouali, whose Muslim wife had filed the charges against himOuali, his friend Ali Laarchi, Laarchis wife and daughter, and a Christian identified only as Mohand were acquitted, Oualis attorney said. Laarchi told Morning Star News by phone that he was happy and grateful for his lawyer, a practicing Muslim. My family and I, and our beloved brothers Mohand and Rachid, are very happy to see this mishap come to an end, he said. We are happy that everything ends so well. The Lord is good. Oualis wife, whose name is withheld, had earlier told him that she filed the charge under pressure from Muslim relatives, Ouali said. Bouira, in Kabylie Region, is 62 miles southeast of Algiers. Residents of Lekser, 19 miles southeast of Bouira, Ouali and his wife had visited Laarchis family for a meal at their home in nearby Bechloul in late June. Oualis wife became incensed at the talk of Jesus she overheard during the lunch and left for her parents home, where she told relatives, including two brothers, about the visit. The two brothers, both policemen, demanded that she go to the National Gendarmerie to file a complaint against her husband and his friend, Ouali said. She filed a complaint on July 2 accusing her husband, Laarchi and the other Christians of having brought her to a church service and trying to persuade her to leave Islam and become a Christian. Algerias Law 03/2006, commonly known as Law 03/06, calls for a prison term of two to five years and a fine of 500,000 to 1 million dinars (US$4,343 to US$8,687) for anyone who incites, constrains, or utilizes means of seduction tending to convert a Muslim to another religion, or using for this purpose the institutions of education, health, social, cultural, or educational institutions, or other establishment, or financial advantage; or makes, stores or distributes printed documents or films or other audiovisual medium or means intended to undermine the faith of a Muslim. The Christians attorney, Badjib Sadek, said the five defendants were acquitted of worshipping in an unauthorized place and inciting a Muslim to leave his religion because the judge strictly followed the law. The law has been applied and justice done, Sadek told Morning Star News. The law, by the way, gives the prosecutor the right to appeal this judgment. So, in theory she can do it. This is her right, in addition to the fact that she has requested [financial] penalties against the defendants. In practice, the case being empty of any evidence that could support the charges, the appeal from a purely legal point of view would not be judicious. At a Nov. 27 hearing, he said, the accuser was accompanied by four lawyers, including three women in hijab, and an imam as a prosecution witness. They presented no evidence, however, as they accused Laarchi and his wife of opening their home as a place of worship without permission and trying to force Oualis wife to give up Islam to become a Christian, he said. Advocacy group Middle East Concern (MEC) said in a statement that prosecutors have 10 days to appeal and urged prayer that no appeal is filed. Christian leaders say the 03/06 law is unconstitutional, citing the Algerian constitutions Article 42, which guarantees freedom of belief, opinion and worship. Bookshop Re-Opened In Oran city, a provincial government order to close a Christian bookshop in November 2017 has been canceled, bookshop owner and pastor Rachid Seighir told Morning Star News. Pastor Seighir said a judge in Oran, a port city 268 miles (416 kilometers) west of Algiers, on Dec. 4 canceled the closure order but without compensating a years worth of losses. He added that salesman Noah Hamimi has been unemployed since it closed. The most important thing is that we won, and we can finally reopen and allow Noah to work and earn a living, Pastor Seighir said. He is pastor of one of three churches in the Oran area that the government has shut down, and he has six other cases outstanding because of his faith, he said. MEC has noted increased harassment of Christians in the past year. Islam is the state religion in Algeria, where 99 percent of the population of 40 million are Muslim. Since 2000, thousands of Algerian Muslims have put their faith in Christ. Algerian officials estimate the number of Christians at 50,000, but others say it could be twice that number. Algeria ranked 42nd on Christian support organization Open Doors 2018 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved. If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/donate/? This article was originally published by Morning Star News. Used with permission. Photo courtesy: Pixabay Sexual assault: Houston ministry leader on how churches can help those hurting Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Houston's First Baptist Church is offering a support group on sexual assault to help victims recognize what was done to them, and free themselves from shame. The counselor-led group, which is due to begin in January at the Texas megachurch, also seeks to offer a Biblical perspective on how the life and ministry of Jesus Christ can help those in pain. Adam Mason, Minister of Counseling Services, and Cynthia Barkley, Counseling Ministry Associate, spoke on the phone Monday with The Christian Post about the objectives and aspirations of the support group. I think the main thing that we want to demonstrate to our church members is that the church sees and cares about all sorts of pain that they are going through. [With] this particular topic coming to the forefront, and not just in the national news and media the popular culture as well [it] seems like the church should have a response, Mason said. If the church is going to be relevant to modern culture, then we need to have our finger on the pulse of society. We need to be able to respond in a compassionate way, in a way that is Christ-centered, in a way that is loving, but also in a way that is clinical and competent as well, he added. Mason, who is both an ordained minister of Christian counseling in the Southern Baptist church and a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas, indicated that the purpose of the group is to show that the church cares and has the resources to serve as an entry point for victims of sexual assault The church can serve as a referral source both to additional groups, or individual counseling. We are fortunate that our church does have a professional counseling center that we can refer folks to. But we also have strong relations with Christian counselors in the community and can refer people to them as well, he explained. Mason pointed out that the support group is open to anyone in the community, though it is targeted toward women. Although we recognize that men are also victims of sexual assault, this initial group is going to be targeted at women who identify themselves as the victims of some form of sexual assault. Whether they are Christian or not, whether they are church members or not, we dont care, he added. The Minister of Counseling Services revealed that it was his conversation with Gregg Matte, the senior pastor of First Baptist Houston, which launched the idea for the support group. He said that Matte was really disturbed by the amount of sexual abuse that was being uncovered in society, and approached him during the hearings for now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Matte was concerned what effect the public hearing was having on women who had been the victims of sexual assault, he noted. The two discussed if it was relevant for the church to address topics of sexual abuse, and if so, what that would look like. It was through that conversation that they decided the best way with the resources they had was to offer support, therapy groups, and start conversations. As the website notes, part of the support group will make use of the 2011 workbook Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb, which tackles the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual pain victims of assault suffer. Mason explained that the group will walk through the book, but added in a caveat that the book has a strong emphasis on forgiveness. While it would be the Christian goal to always be in a place to forgive, we want to be careful about requiring that too early in the process, he explained. When a woman is telling someone for the very first time they are a victim of sexual assault and for your response to be well you need to forgive the person it seems incredibly uncompassionate, and really un-Christian even. While that is a conversation we will have at some point for their benefit, we want to be able to present that conversation in a way that is more compassionate than perhaps the book might give at first glance. Sexual assault continues being exposed throughout multiple industries and places in society, affecting many churches as well, both Catholic, and Protestant, and others. The #ChurchToo movement online, along with #MeToo, has seen thousands of women and men share their stories of rape and other forms of assault they have suffered at the hands of church leaders and other members of the Christian community. I dont know if you can separate this particular sin or grievance from any other sin or grievance in human nature prior to this point. Man has shown the capacity through the inspiration of God of accomplishing great and noble things, Mason reflected, pointing to technology, music, artwork, and enterprises like hospitals, seminaries, colleges and universities. Man through the inspiration of God is capable of accomplishing some amazing, amazing feats, but that is almost masked by the capacity of man to do evil, Mason continued. He said that when it comes to sexual assault, the Church needs to have a response that is Godly, Biblical, and relevant. I dont know if any particular generation has had it more difficult than the next. I know from a personal perspective I am more grieved by the current trend of abuse among church leadership. [But] to say that that is more difficult than the abuses of the Middle Ages that took place in the Church, I dont know if we can say that realistically. At the same time, it is a huge cause for distress for those of us in ministry to acknowledge that the very place where people should be coming for healing and for hope is the source of pain, he added. It is tragic that that happens, but we cannot let the fact that there are a few folks, and sometimes quite a few folks, who are erring, somehow communicate that the Church has lost its ability to minister, lost its ability to be a part of the solution, he insisted. The Church has to own up to its responsibility, it has to be accountable for whatever role [it has] within a culture that allows that to happen." Mason urged that weve got to be transparent, we have to be honest, we have to be open." We cant change the fact that we contributed in some factor to that causation, but we can contribute to the healing. Healing people in a way that takes them to God, instead of away from God. Part of that healing is recognizing common misconceptions about sexual assault. Mason said that one of the main misconceptions that counselors hear is that somehow, the victim is at fault for what happened to them. Somehow the way they dressed, the way they acted, the fact that they were drinking that somehow that gives permission to the abuser because they didnt say no, because they didnt fight enough, he listed out. Looking back at his experience of serving as a Christian counselor for 30 years, and Barkley for 10, he said that both of them have had occasions where they would speak to a woman about her experience, and realize she has yet to label it as sexual assault. She is not at that point identified that she is a victim of sexual assault, because she is carrying so much blame and shame for that, Mason said of some examples, adding it is important to help victims realize what happened to them, and free them from that shame. The support group will also examine how Jesus Christ responds to the pain of people's past, and the pain they are going through now. Barkley said that the focus on the Gospel is about allowing them (people) to walk through the grieving process. And being with them, and knowing that Jesus is there with them, carrying them through the whole stages of that grieving process, and laying that down for the Father. She added that the groups are about being non judgmental, and offering a place where they can come and feel safe, be safe, and talk about hard topics. The Counseling Ministry Associate shared her hopes that people will walk away with an understanding of what happened to them, and be able to walk in grace and freedom through Christ. She said she hopes that they can begin their healing journey, whatever that looks like. Mason concluded with his hopes that the group can offer people the courage to acknowledge what had happened to them, the courage to cast aside any shame associated with that. The courage to embrace the hope that they were not, are not, and will not be defined by what happened to them, because it is what happened for them through the Gospel message that matters. Anti-Catholic bigotry? Judicial nominee grilled by Senate Democrats over Knights of Columbus ties Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Senate Democrats recently questioned a federal judicial nominee over his ties to the noted Catholic charity the Knights of Columbus, an act which some have described as anti-Catholic. Brian C. Buescher, an Omaha-based lawyer, was nominated by President Donald Trump to sit on the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska. Earlier this month, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee sent on-the-record questions to Buescher on a variety of issues. Senator Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii, the Senate's first Buddhist, took issue with the fact that Buescher had been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1993, stating that she believed that the Catholic organization had taken a number of extreme positions. For example, it was reportedly one of the top contributors to Californias Proposition 8 campaign to ban same-sex marriage, explained Hirono, referencing Californias 2008 referendum in which a majority of state voters passed an amendment to their state constitution defining marriage as being between a man and a woman. If confirmed, do you intend to end your membership with this organization to avoid any appearance of bias? Buescher responded that the Knights of Columbus are an international Catholic service organization and that he has not drafted any policies or positions for the national organization. If confirmed, I will abide by the Code of Conduct of United States Judges and will not affiliate with any organization in violation of the Code, he added. When Hirono asked Buescher if he will recuse himself from any cases tied to the Knights of Columbus, the nominee replied that the Catholic organization does not have the authority to take personal political positions on behalf of all of its approximately two million members. Hirono also questioned whether Buescher can be expected to deal with reproductive rights and abortion issues fairly and impartially given his membership in this organization. Senator Kamala D. Harris of California, a potential 2020 presidential candidate, also questioned the appointee over his ties to the Knights of Columbus, asking questions regarding the Catholic organizations stated opposition to abortion and gay marriage. Were you aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed a womans right to choose when you joined the organization? Sen. Kamala asked. Were you aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed marriage equality when you joined the organization? Kathleen Blomquist, spokesperson for the Knights of Columbus, denounced the line of written questions in an interview with the Catholic News Agency that was published last Friday. Our countrys sad history of anti-Catholic bigotry contributed to the founding of the Knights of Columbus, and we are proud of the many Catholics who overcame this hurdle to contribute so greatly to our country, said Blomquist. We were extremely disappointed to see that ones commitment to Catholic principles through membership in the Knights of Columbusa charitable organization that adheres to and promotes Catholic teachingswould be viewed as a disqualifier from public service in this day and age. Also in response, Cardinal Patrick OBoyle of the Washington, DC Knights of Columbus sent an open letter to Harris, Hirono and their staff, inviting them to join in one of its charitable endeavors in order to learn more about the organization. "We wish to formally invite you all to join us for any social or charitable event. In fact, this February we are doing the Polar Plunge to raise funds for DC Special Olympics. You and anyone you know are more than welcome to join us either jumping in the cold water or sponsoring our team," the letter stated in part. In an op-ed for National Review, Ramesh Ponnuru urged Harris and Hirono to simply state the true intent of their questioning. "Among the many stupidities of this campaign against the Knights is its superfluity. Buescher is voluntarily affiliated with two even larger organizations that are on record in opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage: the Catholic church; the Republican party. When running for attorney general of Nebraska in 2014, he called himself an avidly pro-life person. If Harris and Hirono want to maintain that all judicial nominees must support abortion, beyond just saying that they will respect existing law, then they should just say that there are scores of millions of Christians they would never allow on the federal bench on account of their beliefs. There is no need to launch an attack on the Knights," he wrote. Senate Democrats were also accused of expressing an anti-Catholic bias during the confirmation hearing for Amy Coney Barrett, who now sits on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. "I think in your case, professor, when you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you, and that's of concern when you come to big issues that large numbers of people have fought for years in this country," Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said in reference to Barrett's faith commitments. Hirono followed Feinstein with a similar line of questioning, suggesting that Barrett's Catholic beliefs disqualified her. Hirono also made controversial remarks amid the contentious hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, now a Supreme Court judge. Kavanaugh was accused of attempted rape. In an interview with CNN, Hirono suggested that his judicial philosophy made it more likely that he was guilty. "I put his denial in the context of everything that I know about him in terms of how he approaches his cases," she said. Most White Evangelicals Say Immigration, Increasing Racial Diversity Harms America Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment White evangelical protestants are the only religious demographic in the United States in which the majority views immigrants as a "threat" to American values and sees the country's increasing racial diversity as a bad thing, a new survey has found. A little over a week before the 2018 midterm elections, the Public Religion Research Institute on Monday released its 9th annual American Values Survey. The research shows that white evangelical Protestants are at odds with all other identified religious groups on many questions relating to immigration, race, the #MeToo movement and President Donald Trump. "To understand white evangelicals here in the U.S., we really need to look beyond the hot-button traditional religious views of abortion and same-sex marriage," Janelle Wong, professor of American Studies at the University of Maryland, said during a Brookings Institution panel discussion on the new survey in Washington, D.C. The survey featured responses from 2,509 adults (338 self-identified white evangelical Protestants) across 50 states and contained a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points. While a majority of all other religious demographics have unfavorable views of President Donald Trump, 68 percent of white evangelicals hold a favorable view of the Republican president. Meanwhile, 80 percent of black Protestants, 75 percent of religiously unaffiliated, 74 percent of Hispanic Catholics, 73 percent of non-Christian religious Americans, 52 percent of white mainline Protestants and white Catholics hold a negative opinion of Trump. While white evangelicals are known for having strong conservative stances on issues like same-sex marriage and abortion, the survey showed that white evangelicals are the religious group most opposed to immigrants and immigration. As data shows that the U.S. will become a minority white nation by the year 2045, the survey asked respondents whether or not the nation's ethnic and racial "realignment" is positive or a negative thing. The majority of all major religious demographics surveyed said they see the realignment as positive thing except for white evangelicals. Fifty-four percent of white evangelicals surveyed said they see the U.S. becoming majority non-white as a mostly negative trend. By comparison, 81 percent of Hispanic Catholics, 80 percent of black Protestants, 51 percent of white Catholics and white mainline Protestants see the trend as mostly positive. When asked about the growing number of "newcomers" to the United States, white evangelicals (57 percent) were the only major religious group to have a majority say that immigrants "threaten traditional American customs and values." By comparison, 47 percent of white Catholics and 48 percent white mainline Protestants also said that the growing number of immigrants threaten the United States. Sixty-three percent of Hispanic Protestants, 67 percent of black Protestants and 76 percent of Hispanic Catholics said the immigration growth is strengthening the country. Only 43 percent of white evangelicals said the same thing. PRRI also found that although most Americans oppose a hypothetical law to ban refugees around the world from being able to come to the United States, about half of white evangelicals (51 percent) would support such a law. Almost as many white mainline Protestants (47 percent) said they support a refugee ban. The data also finds that white evangelicals were the group least likely to oppose a policy of separating immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. A majority (56 percent) of white evangelicals opposed such a policy while 68 percent of white mainline Protestants, 69 percent of white Catholics and 71 percent of Hispanic Catholics, 81 percent of Hispanic Protestants and 85 percent of black Protestants said the same. When it comes to a "temporary travel ban for people from some majority-Muslim countries," 72 percent of white evangelicals favor such a policy. Meanwhile, 63 percent of white mainline Protestants and 60 percent of white Catholics also favor a temporary travel ban. Hispanic Protestants were more divided with 46 percent favoring a ban and 54 percent opposing. Thirty-four percent of Hispanic Catholics and black Protestants also favor a temporary ban on travel from some majority-Muslim countries. In the panel discussion, Wong admitted that she had to make some changes to her new book Immigrants, Evangelicals, and Politics in an Era of Demographic Change following the outcome of the 2018 election. "When you look at the [PRRI] report, [marriage and abortion] are a very low priority for Republicans and for white evangelicals. The real key to understanding white evangelicals is through their anti-immigrant attitudes and fear of demographic change," Wong explained. "They are the group that is most conservative on the travel ban. They are also the most conservative of family separation, which to many people is a moral issue." "They are also the only religious group to contend that immigrants threaten American values," she added. "It is really this potent mix of nativism and racial anxiety and white Christian nationalism that underlines many of the other policy attitudes that you see presented in this report." While 69 percent of Americans feel that Trump has "damaged the dignity of the presidency," White evangelicals are the only religious group to have a majority (53 percent) that says that Trump has not "damaged the dignity of the presidency." "Why do they stick with Trump?" Wong asked during the panel. "Because Trump's immigration agenda is the white evangelical immigration agenda. I think that has become very clear." PRRI CEO Robert Jones, who authored the 2016 book The End of White Christian America, opined during the panel that Trump has turned the "vales voters" wing of the Republican Party into the "nostalgia voter wing." "That brought together that old kind of Christian Right coalition, it pulled in the Tea Party folks as well," Jones said. "And that white working class voter kind of fell under that rubric as well." White evangelicals are also the only religious group to have a majority of respondents (60 percent) that believe that churches and houses of worship are responding "well" to issues of sexual harassment and assault. Sherri Shepherd says Jehovah's Witness religion broke up her family Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Before she became a Christian, Sherri Shepherd, a former co-host of The View, says she was forced to stop talking to her father, whom she dearly loved, because he questioned Jehovahs Witness leaders about their policies after she was punished by the church for committing a sin. I was told as a young girl we had to stop talking to my dad even though he lived in our house," Shepherd said in an interview with ABC News correspondent Paula Farish on the "Journeys of Faith" podcast. He worked three jobs to take care of us and I remember my two sisters telling him, We cant talk to you anymore. I saw him breaking down and crying, Shepherd said. Her father had been disfellowshipped from the religion because he questioned their practices and admittedly didn't believe all of their teachings. Shepherd recalled having two different lives as a teenager: one as a girl who went to Kingdom Hall and the other as a young Sherri who was living a worldly life. One of her sisters read her diary and found out that she had lost her virginity. Her sister tore out the scandalous pages to show them to her mother and church leaders. After being questioned extensively by three men in front of her father about losing her virginity, Shepherd was put on reproof for six months and everyone she knew was barred from talking to her because she had committed sexual sin. And my parents got divorced because of that, and that was another thing that kind of drew me away from the Jehovah's Witnesses," she said. I think that was the last straw because in the Bible it says, the greatest of these things is love, and you telling me that the man that I love, who's giving everything to take care of me, I cant talk to? she questioned. Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their door-to-door evangelism, and growing up in that faith Shepherd also went out on field service every Saturday. "It was a very strict upbringing that I had," she said, reflecting on her life from the ages of 11 to 18. In her late teenage years, she stopped being a Jehovah's Witness and got saved at a black Pentecostal church. She said she found it fascinating because of how strict her former religion was. When you're a Jehovah's Witness you don't go into churches because churches are of the devil, she said she was taught to believe. But I tell you, I had such a sense of peace when I was in that [Pentecostal] church. Shepherd said she really needed the peace she received from going to the Pentecostal church because her mother was battling type 2 diabetes at the time and later died from the disease. Reflecting on the differences between the Jehovahs Witness religion and Christianity, Shepherd said Jehovahs Witnesses believe 144,000 chosen people will be going to Heaven to help Jesus rule. They also don't celebrate holidays or birthdays and don't believe in blood transfusions. Whereas "Christians," she said, "believe in the Trinity: Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, three individuals but they are all one. Jehovah's Witnesses, she added, don't believe in the Trinity in the same way as Christians. At age 19, after her mothers death, she became a Christian. Shepherd said she loves being a Christian girl and is no longer living two different lives. She was most compelled by the fact that God still loved her despite her past sins. While Shepherd admits she's not perfect and still curses at times, she knows God is working on her. The entertainer says her goal in life now is to reflect her faith in Christ in everything she does. I pray that every day you see Jesus in me, Shepard said. Your life is ministry! Shepherd concluded the interview by saying that shed be dead without her faith because she would have succumbed to drugs or illicit sex. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Dear brothers and sisters in the US, The US has been the one force that saved our people from ISIS. We are proud that we can say that we as Syriac-Assyrian Christians have fought side by side with the US. Our Syriac Military Council has been part of every battle against ISIS in North-East Syria. The reality is that we could not have won and protect our people without the US forces. Now Turkey wants to destroy all of us. 100,000 Syriac and other Christians will be killed or driven away if Turkey invades. Turkish jihadists hunted down the Christians and Yazidis of Afrin in Northwest Syria. They will do the same again but at a much wider scale. The very same Turkish jihadists are standing ready and are waiting for the US to leave so that they can kill us and destroy our communities and Churches. This disaster against our people will happen while the USArmy will be standing by in Iraq at a few hours driving distance. Basically, the US Army will be looking on at a very short distance while Turkish-backed jihadists commit exactly the same crimes as ISIS. Our Syriac Military Council is a founding member of the Syrian Democratic Forces. The Syrian Democratic Forces and the people of North and East Syria have been loyal friends, through the hardest of times. Despite their limited means, the men and women of the SDF, from all religious and ethnic backgrounds, have joined together to defend the world and the values of freedom at great cost to our own communities. Now, the Self Administration of North and East Syria continues to build in one-third of Syria a strong democratic system based on the values of freedom, equality, democracy and tolerance. These are the values we share with the US. We want to continue to defend these values together with the US. What happened in North-East Syria is a similar experience as the founding of the US. We came together around the same core fundamental freedoms and we defended them against all the odds. If Turkey is allowed to destroy us, America will be standing by as the only glimmer of hope in the Middle East is crushed. All the gains of US effort will be lost and two thousand years of history of Christianity in North-East Syria will be erased forever. Continuing support to us means that the US will have a steadfast ally with the same values. Despite PresidentTrumps claims, ISIS is far from dead. The terrorist organization has been hurt, it is true, thanks to the ongoing efforts by America, the SDF, and other allied western forces, but by no means have they been vanquished for good. If the US pulls out now and Turkey invades, ISIS will return. We accept that the US cannot stay there as only force forever. All we ask for is to postpone the departure of US Forces until the security of the Syriac-Assyrian Christians and all other peoples has been secured. We thank President Trump and the US for all help given. By securing our security, this help will have a real long-term result. We ask you urgently as our brothers and sisters not to abandon us. We urge you to stand with us and ask President Trump to allow us just the time to find other reliable partners to secure our long-term security and avoid a Turkish jihadist invasion. Finally we ask you to pray for us in these testing times. Together with you in spirit we will celebrate Christmas. The Christmas lights are already on in Qamishli in Northern Syria. We ask you to help us to save Christmas in North-East Syria. On behalf of your brothers and sisters in North-East Syria, Sanharib Barsoum, president of the Syriac Union Party Indonesia: 90,000 soldiers to guard Christians in 50,000 churches for Christmas services Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment As many as 90,000 soldiers will be guarding more than 50,000 churches across Indonesia in an effort to thwart terror attacks during Christmas. Francis Xavier Ping Tedja, security coordinator at Santa Maria Church, told UCA News earlier this week that 70 police officers and members of Banser the youth wing of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest moderate Muslim group in the country, will guard the church for Christmas services. "We have coordinated with police, military, and Islamic groups to maintain the security, so that Catholics can attend Christmas masses comfortably and safely," Tedja said. We hope Catholics will not be afraid to attend Christmas masses at the church, he added. The church in Surabaya, East Java, was attacked by suicide bombers in May. The terrorists, linked with the Islamic State terror group, targeted three churches in the world's most populous Islamic nation, killing 18 people. Father Antonius Suyadi, chairman of the Jakarta Archdioceses Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Commission, added that the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral Church in Jakarta will be secured by 300 police and military personnel. Besides the cathedral church, police and military forces will also guard other Catholic churches in the archdiocese, Suyadi explained. As police combat terrorist threats, the nation's leaders continue to work on reconciliation efforts that include terror attack survivors meeting face-to-face with people who've carried out bombings. A three-day first-of-its-kind event was staged in March in Jakarta, where 124 convicted terrorists met 51 survivors of attacks and their family members. One former Islamic radical who killed three people in 2002 spoke of his regret for what he did. "I have repented and I will help the government educate others not to follow a radical path as I did," Mokhtar Daeng Lau said at the time. Another man by the name of Sumarno, who took part in 2002 Bali bombings where Islamic radicals killed over 200 people, added: "I deeply regret what I have done. I did not expect that so many victims were our brothers and sisters." "It's hard and saddens me to see survivors who are now suffering from permanent disabilities," the man added. "I had not imagined the impact would be like that. I am sorry and have apologized to them." IS, which in the past couple of years has lost significant territory in Iraq and Syria, has been escalating attacks into other nations with large Islamic majorities, such as Egypt and Indonesia. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. troops will leave Syria, declaring that the terror group has been defeated. Johannes de Jong, a Netherlands-based director of Sallux, an association that serves as the political foundation for the European Christian Political Movement, told The Christian Post that IS is not yet defeated, however. [The U.S. withdraw] means basically that you sacrifice the Christian community of northeast Syria for the Jihadists. If that happens, it is the end of the ten thousands of Christians in Northeast Syria," he warned. Similarly, one of the nations leading Christian conservative advocacy groups that has been supportive of the Trump administration has also warned that Trumps plans for a full and rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria will put Christian communities in mortal danger. In an op-ed co-written by Lt. Gen. William "Jerry" Boykin, the organization's executive vice president, and Travis Weber, a former Navy pilot and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who serves as FRCs vice president for policy, argue that withdrawing troops wont result in Trumps stated campaign promise to defeat the Islamic State. While ISIS has suffered, it is not finished, the men wrote, adding that reports show that the terrorists still control territory with forces capable of mounting another insurgency in the future. Viral online film argues Exodus went into Saudi Arabia, Mt. Sinai located in Muslim nation Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A new online documentary video has argued that Moses and the Hebrews went into Saudi Arabia during the Exodus, with the famous Mt. Sinai being in the Arabian Peninsula. Ryan Mauro, a national security expert, director of the Clarion Intelligence Network and former professor at Liberty University, uploaded a nearly 25-minute long film to YouTube on Dec. 17. Created with The Doubting Thomas Research Foundation, Mauros film argues that Mt. Sinai is the modern day Jebel al-Lawz. For generations, we have been taught we had to believe the story of the Exodus on faith alone. We were taught that Mount Sinai was located in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, but there was barely any evidence found there to make the story of Moses and the Exodus believable, reads the videos description. A new theory has emerged in recent decades that the real Mount Sinai is actually in Saudi Arabia, along with other stunning evidences Now, unprecedented footage has been acquired from within Saudi Arabia, bringing the Exodus story to life as never before and potentially shaking up the Middle East. Mauro narrates the video, interviewing multiple individuals ranging from a former member of a Jihadist organization to an American pilot who served in the Second World War, who argue that the Saudi Arabian mountain is the biblical Mt. Sinai. He points to evidence such as a shallow underwater land bridge, called the Nuweiba Land Bridge, leading from Egypt to the Arabian Peninsula that could have been used by the Hebrews when, according the biblical account of the Exodus, the Red Sea parted. Mauro also noted that the area around Jebel al-Lawz included some archaeological evidence indicating an ancient Jewish presence, such as artwork depicting a Menorah and calves. According to Mauro, the area is fiercely guarded by Saudi officials and is hard to access. There are also plans by the Saudi government to construct a major city in the area, threatening the site and any further evidence that could be discovered. The Saudis are constructing a super-city that is planned to be 33 times the size of New York. If all of us dont take action, Saudi construction in the area may destroy key evidence and prevent excavation for the foreseeable future, Mauro said in the video. To try and stop the construction project, Mauro has helped set up a website called sinaiinarabia.com, as well as a nonprofit, to spread awareness. The claim that Saudi Arabia has the real Mt. Sinai has been around for the past several years, going at least as far back as the 1980s and has many critics. Gordon Franz, a Bible teacher who holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Columbia Biblical Seminary, is one of the critics of the Exodus-Saudi Arabia theory. In a paper published on Biblical Archaeologys website in 2007, Franz argued that there is no credible historical, geographical, archaeological or Biblical evidence to support the thesis that Mt. Sinai is at Jebel al-Lawz in Saudi Arabia. In his lengthy paper, Franz pointed to apparent contradictions between how the Bible described the Exodus and the features of the alleged Saudi Arabian site. He also noted chronological issues with some of the on-the-ground evidence purporting to show that Moses and the Ancient Israelites went into the area. First, the Sinai Peninsula was not part of Egypt proper, but out of Egypt. Second, Biblically, Mt. Sinai is not in the Land of Midian, yet Jebel al-Lawz is in Midian territory (northwest Saudi Arabia), wrote Franz. The proponents also need to face up to the archaeological evidence at their site. The petroglyphs of bovine existed long before Moses ever lived. The so-called Cave of Moses at el-Bad were not hewn until long after Moses lived. Franz also explained that the Nuweiba land crossing was problematic as the terrain of the underwater bridge would have been challenging for the Hebrews to cross, especially in the time explained by the Bible. From Nuweiba the land bridge slopes down to 850 meters (2,790 feet) but then comes up sharply on the east side as it gets to the shore of Saudi Arabia. This sharp incline would make the ascent extremely difficult, if not impossible for the Israelites to cross in one night, noted Franz. Britain commissions review of Christian persecution worldwide Britain has commissioned an independent review into the persecution of Christians to find practical steps to support followers of a religion that it said has been subject to a dramatic rise in violence worldwide. Some 215 million Christians worldwide faced persecution for their faith last year, it said, with Christian women and children particularly vulnerable and often subject to sexual violence as a result of their beliefs. Last year, on average, 250 Christians were killed very month because of their faith, it said. 'So often the persecution of Christians is a telling early warning sign of the persecution of every minority,' Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement on Wednesday. 'Today I have asked the Bishop of Truro to look at how the British government can better respond to the plight of persecuted Christians around the world. 'We can and must do more.' The review will map Christian persecution in key countries across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, analyse British support and recommend a comprehensive policy response, the government said. The Bishop of Truro is Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen, who was until recently the head of Church Mission Society with a wide experience of international Christianity. He said: 'This is a vital piece of work and I'm honoured to be able to serve persecuted Christians around the world in this way.' Among the high-profile victims of anti-Christian persecution is Asia Bibi from Pakistan, who has been cleared of blasphemy charges after years in prison but who still faces death at the hands of vigilantes. The British government is believed to have declined to offer her asylum. Addtional reporting by Reuters. Armenia's government authorized the 2018-2022 master plan for Zvartnots and Shirak international airports of Yerevan and Gyumri. The plan was presented today at the Cabinet's meeting by acting Minister of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies Hakob Arshakyan. In line with this master plan, around $38.2 million investments are planned to be made, News.am reported. As a result, it is expected to ensure the International Civil Aviation Organization safety standards at these airports, have their capacity correspond to the expected increase in passenger flow, reach the International Air Transport Association Level of Service 'C', and make the security level at these airports meet the new international standards. Going to the movies and museums cuts risk of depression Older people who regularly go to the movies and other cultural events are nearly a third less likely to have depression. Researchers at University College, London, looked at 2,000 British men and women over the age of 50 and found that the more they went to events like plays, movies, concerts or museum exhibits, the less likely they were to become depressed. The participants were part of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and were tracked over 10 years. None had depression at the start of the study, which compared levels of cultural engagement to experiences of depression. Researchers found that the risk of developing depression among those who regularly attended cultural events was 32 per cent lower than those who did not and that this reduction was common across age groups, gender, levels of health and income, educational attainment, and exercise habits. Lead author of the study, Daisy Fancourt, said cultural engagement could trigger the release of dopamine, the part of the brain that gives positive feelings of 'reward' after certain actions. Fancourt added that the positive 'side effects' of taking part in cultural activities were also likely to play a part in reducing the risk of depression. 'For example, going to concerts or the theater gets people out of the house, which reduces sedentary behaviors and encourages gentle physical activity, which is protective against depression,' she said. 'It also provides social engagement, reducing social isolation and loneliness. Engaging with the arts is stress-reducing, associated with lower stress hormones such as cortisol, and also lower inflammation, which is itself associated with depression.' The researchers also speculated that the lower risk of depression was likely to correspond to a lower risk of dying early and developing dementia or chronic pain. Just as eating five-a-day of fruit and veg can be good for the body, Fancourt said people should consider building cultural engagement into their schedules to support healthy ageing. No forgiveness for Asia Bibi in her old home town Former neighbours of Asia Bibi say the Christian woman freed from blasphemy charges should be executed. Bibi spent eight years on death row but was acquitted at the end of October and later freed from prison. She and her family are now staying in a secret location after Muslim hardliners called for her death. Nearly 10 years after she was accused of blasphemy by colleagues on a farm in Ittan Wali, Punjab, her old neighbours show no signs of wanting to forgive the mother-of-five. Speaking to The Telegraph, Bibi's old neighbours remain unsympathetic. Mohammad Bota, the older brother of the farm owner on whose land Bibi was first accused, said there could be no forgiveness for blasphemers. 'She confessed her crime in front of them, how can they forgive her?' he said. Other villagers share the same view. Local farmer Shawkat Ali said: 'I would die in the name of my religion and if someone has committed blasphemy, then they are not forgiven. 'If the Supreme Court has some faith in religion and if they are Muslims, they should execute her.' Bibi was accused of blasphemy after drinking water from the same vessel as her Muslim colleagues. The women were offended and complained to local cleric Qari Salam that she had blasphemed against the Prophet Muhammad. Salam told The Telegraph that October's acquittal was 'very disappointing' and that the women in the village share the anger over her release. 'We believe that our case was on merit and she deserves the death sentence according to the law,' he said. 'Many women of the village, when they heard about this judgment, they were in shock. This is how strongly people feel, because this incident was so strong and so clear and in front of so many people.' The risk to Bibi still looms as the Supreme Court is to review the acquittal at a hearing in January. Christian supporters are praying that the Supreme Court will uphold its original verdict and free Bibi to seek asylum abroad. The family has asked several countries, including the UK, to grant asylum but no offer has been made yet. Wilson Chowdhry, chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association, has been campaigning for an offer of asylum. He said: 'There can be no bystanders; everyone must offer asylum. We must ask ourselves the difficult questions which tell us who we are. No country that says they believe in democratic values can leave Asia Bibi at their gates.' Now and Not Yet: What the Bible says about the Kingdom of God Recently I received two e-mails within hours of each other. In the first, I learned of the tragic death of a young boy, whose parents and many others, including me had prayed faithfully for many months for healing from cancer... and who had died. In the second, I read the testimony of another young man, not yet a Christian, living on another continent, prayed for that week by his sister's Alpha group. This young man had just attended a hospital appointment at which confirmation of the original diagnosis of a similar tumour was expected... only to find he was completely in the clear! Why was one miraculously healed and not the other? Why did the believers' child die, and the (as yet) unbelieving brother live? Why did a day or two's prayer from a few people yield amazing results, but not months of faithful intercession from many? Nothing illustrates both the challenge, and the fundamental importance, of developing In-tension-al Faith more than those words 'now' and 'not yet'. It is, arguably, the central tension we live with as Christians: I have been saved, I am being saved, I will be saved. Which is it? Can it be all of them? Why do I already have 'every spiritual blessing in Christ' (Ephesians 1:3) and yet need to keep being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)? How can I have died to sin (Romans 6:2) and yet find that 'sin living in me' (Romans 7:20) still keeps doing bad things? How much is 'now' and how much 'not yet'? How near is 'near'? This central tension is aptly illustrated by Jesus' own teaching on this subject. 'The time has come. The kingdom of God is' ....what? If you read The Message, you'll find it's 'here'. In the New King James it's 'at hand', and in the NIV or NRSV, you'll find it's 'near'. Here or near? Even more intriguingly, in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus refuses to indicate whether the kingdom has come or will come, he simply says 'Come your kingdom' (that's the literal translation of Matthew 6:10). So it's no wonder that we struggle. I want to suggest that the 'Both/And' approach of In-tension-al Faith calls us fully to embrace both: the kingdom is now and the kingdom is not yet. And not just a bit now properly now. And not just a bit yet to come, either. Over-realised thingymajig But embracing both has tended to be a challenge for the church right from the very beginning. In Corinth, for example, the first Christians reckoned it was all 'now'. The extravagant outpouring of spiritual gifts which they had experienced led them to believe that heaven was their present reality. They spoke in the 'tongues of men and of angels', they possessed great knowledge (or so they thought), they lacked no spiritual gift. Everything was permissible now... including divisions, immorality, legal disputes, intellectual pride and demeaning of the Lord's Supper. The theologians call it 'over-realised eschatology', which is a fancy way of saying they thought they had it all already. As Belinda Carlisle might have sung if she'd lived in 1st-century Corinth, heaven was indeed a place on earth. Consequently, sin wasn't sin any more, they could do what they liked with their bodies because otherwise God wouldn't keep giving more of his Spirit to them, right? Wrong. As Paul took 29 chapters across two letters to spell out by far the longest of his recorded missives to any of the churches he communicated with they hadn't grasped the fact that the kingdom was both now and not yet. The fervent spiritual atmosphere of their meetings couldn't disguise the fact that they lacked maturity: he even called them 'children', and not in a positive way. They might speak in tongues but in so many other areas they didn't walk the talk. God was graciously blessing them in spite of their behaviour, not because of it. They were still on the journey nowhere near as far along, in fact, as they supposed. Pie or steak? On the other hand, many churches through the ages have tended to focus largely on the 'not yet'. This is entirely natural in contexts where tiny groups of Christians experience real persecution, but we also find it throughout the Western church, a byproduct either of Enlightenment rationalism (denying spiritual reality), resurgent Greek dualism (debasing the material world) or a theology that insists that we are so irredeemably corrupt that any real transformation is unlikely, we just have to cling on to God's grace until we die. But what's missing here is that when Jesus called us to believe the good news, he also called us to repent, a word which often gets a bad press but basically means to change the way we live: not just at some unspecified point in eternity, but now. We often couch repentance in negative terms: but it is not just what we turn from but what we turn to. To holiness, yes, but also to fullness of life, to transformation, to an extraordinary adventure with Jesus. Jesus lived and demonstrated the breaking in of the kingdom that he preached, but he did not reserve this privilege for himself. He sent his disciples out to do the same things (Matthew 10:8), and later promised that 'anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing' (John 14:12). Steak first, pie later: what could be better than that? Experiencing the now So it is not just helpful to retain a strong sense of the 'now' of the kingdom. Discipleship requires it, in fact. As Dallas Willard helpfully summarised: 'Discipleship is learning how to live in heaven before you die.' God is not just keeping us alive until he decides to take us to heaven, he is equipping us to be ready for it. Heaven is not meant to be a terrible shock for us, like some celestial holiday resort which looks nothing like the photos, a place where we wake up and find ourselves saying: 'Ooh, I never thought it would be like this!' It will of course be utterly wonderful, better than we can possibly imagine, but the point is: its values are ones we should be trying to live now. I have to confess I'm no fan of the carol Away in a manger. However, it does have at least one thing bang on the nail. Can you remember the last line? 'And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.' How good a definition of the now of the kingdom is that? We are being 'fitted' for heaven. Why? Because when we finally get the awesome, unutterable privilege of living with Jesus eternally, we will in some sense already be 'fitted' for it, we'll have some idea of what that looks like. It's not just about us, either. The rest of the world needs an idea of what heaven looks like as well. How on earth literally are they to do that? Most of the time, through us. To most of society, we are God's billboards for what life in heaven might look like. It makes intuitive sense: if you want to know what a country is like before you've been there, the best way is to meet its citizens. You can read guidebooks, visit websites, learn hundreds of words and phrases from a dictionary: but there's no substitute for personal contact. You can tell a culture by its people. Christians are citizens of heaven. We have dual passports now, which is just as well for those of us with embarrassing real-life passport photos. And we have to admit that a theology which sees followers of Jesus essentially as grimly hanging on and waiting for death is profoundly unattractive to anyone who wants to experience hope as a present reality and not just a future payback. We need a bit of sizzle with our sausage, even if we retain a healthy realism about our human frailty and capacity to suffer this side of the grave. Ultimately the 'now' of the kingdom is the outworking of what we pray every time we say the Lord's Prayer: 'Your kingdom come... on earth as in heaven.' That transformation is personal, social, even ecological. The 'now' of the kingdom affects every dimension. Retaining the tension But of course, there is the danger that those first Christians in Corinth fell into. If it's all 'now', how do we deal with unanswered prayer, sickness, suffering, and ultimately physical death? The answer is, surely, not to abandon the 'now' altogether. Poverty of expectation might allow us to cope with these challenges, but it is hardly the abundant life that Jesus promises. Rather, I would suggest three approaches which help us to honour the 'not yet' even as we strive passionately for the 'now'. Through a glass darkly I doubt St Paul ever experienced frosted glass on his bathroom window, but that's the sort of image he's getting at in 1 Corinthians 13. When we stare at heaven, we're looking through frosted glass. We get some idea of the contours, and the possibility of what the image might really look like is fantastically exciting but, but... the fullness remains tantalisingly vague, just out of reach. Imagine your greatest experience. And your most intimate relationship. Multiply it by 10. And extend it forever. That's what heaven will be like. Put like that, believing that the limit of what we experience now is close to our future 'fullness' sounds (a) arrogant and (b) dangerous. God is way bigger than that. Contented and discontented ...which is not a bad way to describe the spiritual life at any given point in time. Contentment is a key by-product of the Christian life. As we experience the 'now' of God's kingdom, we see wonderful fruit like peace and joy flourishing within us, even in difficult circumstances. We strive for less, we envy less, we breathe more. But that's not the whole story, is it? We also hope, which, Paul Wallis noted pithily, 'is a decision for discomfort and frustration'.Hope implies that things are not as they should be. Hope is an outworking of discontentment. But how we need it! Hope is also 'a decision to channel what makes you truly alive.' In specific terms, Bill Hybels writes about 'holy discontent', which crystallises perfectly what the contented, discontented life looks like in practice. It's not that God hasn't given you a deep peace. It's not that your spiritual life is deficient, either. You can be full of peace and making good progress. But it asks a vital question: where is God at work in you now? What makes you put your packet of peanuts down, jump off the sofa and shout, 'it shouldn't be like that!' If you've got a holy discontent at the moment: embrace it. Make it a cup of tea, take it out on a date, buy it a big fluffy bear with a sign round its neck saying something like 'forever yours'. Don't run from discontent, let God use it for His glory. Being and becoming I cannot stress strongly enough that God loves you as you are. He made you that way like it or not and like any master craftsman, when he stepped back, he took one look at you and went 'wow'! He also made you with a soul and a conscience, so that you, quite literally, are. A human being. But, as we are all painfully aware, our being is not perfect, not even close. The major task of walking with Jesus through the rest of our lives is simply to become what we already are. We are already 'seated with Christ' as a spiritual reality, but the physical reality of our lives often does not reflect that. And so we are not just human beings, we are human becomings living, little by little, more of the 'not yet' in the 'now'. Or, to return to where we started, slowly learning to live in heaven before we die. Rev Matt Trendall is Rector of Walton Churches Partnership, Milton Keynes. Tributes paid to Sister Wendy Beckett, hermit and art historian Tributes have been paid to Sister Wendy Beckett, the nun and art historian who became an unlikely television star in Britain in the 1990s. She died at the age of 88 on Wednesday, the Carmelite monastery at Quidenham in Norfolk. Born in South Africa, she studied English at Oxford and was awarded a congratulatory first-class degree. She taught in convent schools in South Africa for 20 years before her health broke down. She returned to the UK and was living as a hermit in a caravan in the Quidenham monastery when she began studying art in the 1980s. She was spotted by a film crew at an exhibition and commissioned by the BBC to make a 1992 documentary Sister Wendy's Odyssey about paintings and sculpture in six British museums. She was an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional presenter, known as 'one-take Wendy' by production staff. Beckett wrote around 25 books, which included collections of poetry and meditations, and made a dozen documentaries. She continued to make programmes for the next decade, speaking directly to the camera while wearing her black nun's habit and winning fans in Britain and in the United States, where the programmes aired on public television. Tributes to her poured in from writers and art historians. Author Sarah Bessey said her 'enthusiasm for art history was such a gift'. Salt, an independent publishing house, said she was 'brilliant at conveying complex ideas with lucidity, enthusiasm and charm'. Her Christian faith was at the core not only of her personal life but of her experience of art; she believed art, and not just religious art, was a way of encountering God. She gave up her TV work in 2001 and returned to her hermitage, though she continued to write. Additional reporting by Reuters. Ronald Zak, STR / Associated Press Crudes recent sell-off is a grim reminder that OPECs management of the oil market isnt foolproof. The groups Dec. 7 decision to curb output among members and allied producers was supposed to prop up sinking prices. Instead, it resulted in the worst post-cut price decline in a decade. Global marker Brent has fallen as much as 16 percent, or nearly $10 a barrel, following the cartels announcement that it would trim production by 1.2 million barrels a day. Thats only pressured crudes nearly 40 percent slide from an October high. Tea With the Dames, playing this weekend at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is a real tonic. If you have any love for the art of acting, this filmed conversation among four eminent women veterans of Britains film and stage scene will banish the blues. The quartet are Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright. The titular dames is not used loosely all four have had the honorific officially bestowed on them. The director, Roger Michell (Notting Hill), obviously realized what he had on his hands gold and opted to keep it simple by turning a camera on the women as they sat at a table and just letting them go. Some film clips and archival footage of stage work are included, but mostly its conversation of an intensely entertaining kind. The women, all in their 80s, are still working, except for Plowright, whose vision is impaired. Their continued employment sparks a bit of teasing directed at the very busy Dench, for snagging all the parts left for older actresses. Other topics include health issues, as you might expect, problems women face in showbiz (such as coping with beauty expectations) and noteworthy, and often comical, incidents that have happened on stage and on the set. Surprises emerge, such as Smiths admission that she has never seen Downton Abbey, though she acted in it. Some of the most intriguing material comes from Plowright and involves Laurence Olivier, to whom she was married (the film was shot at the country estate they shared). She also recalls being told by a director early in her career that she cant play queens. Atkins talks about turning down the role of Cleopatra four times because she didnt feel she was good-looking enough and how she would advise her younger self to be less bad-tempered. All the women are good company, but in some ways Dench is the star of the show. She laughs often as she kibitzes with the others and seems not at all in awe of herself. Theres a great, all-too-brief bit of footage of her playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret in 1968. We also see her in green makeup for a role in A Midsummer Nights Dream that same year. The temptation in reviewing Tea With the Dames is simply to reprint verbatim snippets of their marvelous conversation, but you need to see these amazing women deliver their verbal sallies: You will be reminded why they are dames. I guarantee that the appearance of the end credits will leave you wanting much more. A man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to kidnap a teenage girl in Dickinson. Dickinson police were called around 1 a.m. Wednesday to Paul Hopkins Park where a 16-year-old girl said that she was assaulted and dragged through the park by a stranger. Upon searching the area, officers found suspect Bryan Ford, 24, 100 yards from the park. A hotel employee died Wednesday after being shot during an armed robbery in Texas City over the weekend. Teresa Custer, 37, died at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston Wednesday morning, police said. The U.S. oil industry is delivering a one-two punch to Middle East producers already reeling from a collapse in prices. A tussle is playing out in the market for so-called light oils, which have a lower sulfur content and are less dense than heavier varieties. When processed, these grades typically yield a higher amount of fuels like gasoline and naphtha. And now, American supplies are weighing on prices for such crudes as well as fuels made from them. Light oil pumped in U.S. shale fields is increasingly making its way to Asia, undercutting sales by the likes of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, America is exporting a record amount of refined fuel, contributing to a global glut in gasoline and naphtha. Thats hurting some of the biggest members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries as they prepare to curb crude output in a bid to stabilize the market. Middle East producers -- still the dominant suppliers to Asia -- are being forced to tackle American crude competition by lowering their oil pricing to defend their market share. The refiners, meanwhile, are contending with booming U.S. fuel shipments dragging down their returns from making processed products. It is no surprise that Middle Eastern producers are having to cut light crude prices, said Virendra Chauhan, an analyst at industry consultant Energy Aspects Ltd. Over the course of 2018, the key sources of global oil-output growth have included light crude from U.S. shale fields and Saudi Arabia, he said. While Middle East producers such as Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi are reducing the pricing for their lighter crudes, American exports to Asian nations such as India and South Korea are surging. Even a temporary halt by China due to its trade war with the U.S. hasnt significantly dented overall flows this year. While the rivalry between Middle Eastern producers and sellers of U.S. oil has intensified since 2016, with even relatively heavier American crudes such as Mars and Poseidon coming to Asia, the competition is particularly stiff for lighter grades. Abu Dhabis Murban and Saudi Arabias Extra Light have similar fuel yields and chemical characteristics as shale crude. State-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. cut the premium for 2019 term supplies of Murban crude to 16-18 cents a barrel over its monthly official selling prices, down from about 25 cents in 2018. Government-run Saudi Aramco slashed the premium of its Arab Extra Light grade over Middle Eastern benchmarks to the lowest level in 16 months. They are not only competing with shale flows, but also with new regional varieties such as Umm Lulu and Kuwait Super Light. Despite the recent price reductions, Middle Eastern light crudes remain relatively handicapped versus American oil ahead of 2020, when new international rules mandating the use of less-polluting fuel in ships take effect. The sulfur content in grades such as Arab Extra Light and Murban is still higher than levels in U.S. crude, meaning they need to be processed a bit more to yield cleaner fuels. Shrinking Profits On the refined products front, rising shale production and its use in U.S. refineries are leading to a domestic surplus of fuel that either gets exported to international markets, or displaces cargoes that move from Asia to buyers elsewhere such as Latin America. Average U.S. exports of oil products have risen 7 percent so far this year, data from the Department of Energy show. Americas surplus of gasoline is estimated to swell by 80,000 barrels a day in 2019 as demand plateaus and domestic output climbs, according to ESAI Energy LLC, pushing daily exports of finished and blending material to over 1 million barrels next year. Excess U.S. gasoline volumes will face stiff competition in an oversupplied global market, Ian Page, an analyst at industry consultant ESAI Energy, wrote in a Dec. 19 note. These barrels are expected to find their way to Latin America and other markets, displacing the imports from Europe and Asia, he said. Refining margins in Singapore, Asias trading hub, fell to the lowest level in over 4 years earlier this month, according to data from Oil Analytics, due to factors including a rise in oil-product supplies in the Atlantic Basin as well as higher exports from China and South Korea. Returns from making fuels were at 77 cents a barrel as of Dec. 21, compared with an average of $2.71 over the past 12 months. Average monthly flows of U.S. light distillates such as naphtha and gasoline components to Asia were at about 552,000 metric tons this year, almost triple the volume over the last two years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Oil-product markets have felt the ill effects of more light crude supplies for some time, with gasoline margins under-performing, said Energy Aspects Chauhan. Thats limiting the ability of refiners to process incrementally lighter barrels. Armenias healthy ministry reported the growing number of people who have caught the flue and called on risk-category people not to avoid vaccination. "Armenian laboratories identified (H1N1), a variety of flue which targets especially children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses," ARKA cited the statement as saying. The ministry added that flue course can be either light or heavy, and therefore even sniffles should prompt people to visit doctors, especially those from in risk groups, no ward of complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The health ministry is calling on people to visit medical centers for vaccinations. Houston City Councilman Dave Martin said the city is monitoring potential flooding as water levels continue to rise in the West Fork San Jacinto River after rain storms last night. Showers and thunderstorms Thursday morning produced rainfall at up to 1.5 inches per hour. Tide levels are above normal, and streets could be slow to drain, meteorologists said. The West Fork San Jacinto River could exceed the top of its bank by Saturday evening and cause minor lowland flooding in the Lake Houston area, according to National Weather Service. Martin said city officials have been releasing water from Lake Houston since Christmas Eve in anticipation of Thursday mornings storm. However, the top of bank of the river is 49.30 feet and the water level is still expected to reach 51.3 feet by this weekend. TURN AROUND: Streets that flood most often during heavy rain in Houston The Harris County Flood Control District advises that that heavy rainfall of 3-4 inches overnight across a large portion of the San Jacinto River watershed on top of wet grounds will lead to significant rises along the East Fork of the river from Plum Grove downstream to south of FM 1485 and low lying areas along the West Fork downstream from U.S. Hwy 59 to West Lake Houston Parkway. The river is expected to rise to flood threshold levels by Friday morning at both FM 1485 and U.S. 59 near Humble and Kingwood and may remain near or above the flood stage into early next week. City officials ask residents to be alert and use extreme caution when traveling. The City of Houston and Harris County will continue to monitor and provide updates as they become available. kaila.contreras@chron.com A formerly homeless family in northwest Houston recently learned they would celebrate the New Year in a new home. Cy-Fair Helping Hands rounded out 2018 by announcing that the family received permanent housing and were slated to be in their new apartment in time for the holidays. The nonprofit, which works to alleviate homelessness and poverty in the Cy-Fair area, currently operates out of facing storefronts in a strip center on Cherry Park Drive. The doors of Cy-Fair Helping Hands seem to be constantly swinging as clients, volunteers and donors stream in and out. Cy-Fair Helping Hands has come a long way since Jean Dreyer and her husband John Dreyer sold their antique shop about eight years ago and started operating the nonprofit out of their garage-turned-food-pantry; using their pickup truck to provide additional services. Then we just kept growing and growing and now we have this food pantry that serves over 300 families a month and we continue our street outreach and work with various agencies trying to get (people) housed and jobs and rehab when they need it, Jean Dreyer said. Dreyer, who serves as the executive director of homeless initiatives, said Cy-Fair Helping Hands future plans include creating a transitional housing community for homeless individuals and families in northwest Harris County. Were just in the talking and beginning-to-plan stage, but we want to provide transitional housing for those who are working to become permanently housed and we want to provide housing for the disabled homeless, Dreyer said. Although the transitional housing project may not come to fruition for several years, Cy-Fair Helping Hands marked quite a few successes and firsts in this past year alone. 2018 was the first year that the organizations Fill-a-Bin program was offered at every Cy-Fair ISD high school. We take big totes fill of quick meals, snacks, toiletries and school supplies and we have those in high schools and the alternative learning centers, Dreyer said. Helping Hands Homeless Teen Initiative, done in a partnership with Cy-Fair ISD, is one of the organizations largest programs. The Homeless Teen Initiative includes several subprograms that provide resources to homeless students, like the Fill-a-Bin program. Another Homeless Teen Initiative, the Cards of Hope program, grew by more than 20 percent from 2017 to 2018. We provide gift cards to the holidays for all the homeless teens plus their siblings, Dreyer said. We ask them to give their three top choices of places to get gift cards from. I was surprised when I was looking through how many were asking for Kroger gift cards because if theyre asking for Kroger gift cards, you know theyre buying food for the family, or for themselves not just looking to get a gift. Cy-Fair Helping Hands provided support for 400 homeless teens in Cy-Fair ISD in 2018, according to Patricia Hudson, executive director of community outreach. Hudson oversees efforts to help people in need of food, clothing and other resources. It started with homelessness, but obviously the need was to also serve those in need that their refrigerators empty, they dont know how to financially keep themselves together, lost a job, etcetera, Hudson said. One of the firsts celebrated by Cy-Fair Helping Hands in 2018 was the inaugural Client Family Christmas Party, which featured games, gifts and food aplenty, not to mention one-on-one chats with Santa himself. Hudson coordinated the event Its the first time weve done it here, Hudson said. Basically, were trying to give them an opportunity to just come in and enjoy themselves. Walking through the organizations food pantry, she explained that the community outreach operation relies heavily on Helping Hands community partners. Helping Hands is associated with the Houston Food Bank, Hudson said, and also receives regular donations from other organizations, like the local Kroger, Aldi and Sprouts. Helping Hands food pantry can now accept donations of fresh food thanks to the pantrys upgrade from household refrigerators to a commercial fridge and freezer. We provide for about 300 clients and their families, Hudson said. In 2018, she estimates that the Cy-Fair Helping Hands Food Pantry gave food and resources to over 1,200 impoverished people each month. However, continuing to grow the nonprofits reach and services may require upgrades beyond that of a commercial freezer. Were a very small organization and weve outgrown this space, Hudson said. Thats why were subleasing (another space.) Jeans trying to talk to homeless individuals and were trying to talk to clients. We cant see everybody. Financially, we could use help to get a bigger space. In the longer-term, the organization plans to continue exploring options for the future transitional housing initiative. Dreyer said she and her husband tried this concept on a smaller scale years ago and found the program was largely successful. Several families are still self-sufficient after staying in the transitional RV housing, she said. If they were in a transitional unit, they could live in it for a few months and save up the money for their own apartment, Dreyer said. Thats the trap that happens when theyre underemployed and just cannot make enough money to get ahead. So, were working on plans to develop a way that we can house them for less than they can be housed by staying in an extended stay hotel. Dreyer estimates the homeless transitional housing initiative is still about five years out. Its going to take a lot of community partners and its going to take a lot of money to get started, Dreyer said. We may start on a small scale with just trying one or two families in RVs and then work our way up to it. mfeuk@hcnonline.com In Conroe Independent School Districts 348-square-mile area, district faculty, staff and administrators serve just under 63,000 students on 63 campuses. And while the district is only halfway through the 2018-19 school year, these past 12 months have brought about many news-worthy developments. Longtime leader retires Don Stockton, who spent 32 years in the district and 15 as superintendent, retired at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Curtis Null stepped into the district superintendent role in June. It was inspiring to hear the impact he made. He helped me understand the importance of this role and appreciate the opportunity the board has given me, Null said of Stockton. New schools opened and principals named The district did something this year that Null said they dont often do they opened a new high school. Null said it has been fun to establish the Grand Oaks feeder zone with Grand Oaks High School, and in doing so give the community there an identity. Christopher Povich was brought from York Junior High to be the principal at Grand Oaks. But that wasnt all. The district also opened Katherine J. Clark Intermediate in the Grand Oaks feeder zone. Three other high schools received new principals during 2018: Hauke Academic Alternative High School, Conroe High School and The Woodlands High School all had leadership changes. Null said all the transitions have gone well. Board of trustees change-up Melanie Bush, who was serving as board president for the district, did not run for re-election in November as she was campaigning for the Montgomery County treasurer position. In her place, Dale Inman was elected as a trustee. The other two open board positions were kept by incumbents Skeeter Hubert and Ray Sanders. Datren Williams follows Bush as board president. Continued growth shown Null highlighted the continued growth of the school district. In an overview of a demographic study, one firm projected that the district will add 1,350 students per year for the next 10 years, estimating that it will serve more than 76,000 students in 2028. We live in a great community. People want to live in Montgomery County and want to be part of our school system, and we appreciate that, Null said. Looking forward Null said the district wants to maintain the momentum created with the first semester of the 2018-19 school year. In this next semester, students will partake in state and college standardized testing. Null said he hopes the results are reflective of what happens in the classrooms every day. Also, district leaders are already looking forward to opening Suchma Elementary, a new K-6 facility that has capacity for 1,000 students. The school is slated to open in August. Another big topic of 2019 may be a potential bond. The facilities planning committee recommended an $827.5 million bond, which may be put before voters in May or November if the board moves forward. jane.stueckemann@chron.com To help prevent crashes and traffic-related deaths, the Montgomery County District Attorneys office and local and state police will be amping their DWI-monitoring No Refusal Operations from Friday through New Years Day. Celebrate responsibly, warned Vehicular Crimes Chief prosecutor Andrew James. The measures are being funded through the Texas Department of Public Safety grant which helps medical personnel and law enforcement obtain blood evidence when a DWI suspect refuses to provide a sample and probable cause has been determined. Since Dec. 14, the Montgomery Sheriffs Office has been on the lookout for impaired or intoxicated drivers with additional resources throughout county roadways. The effort will last through to New Years Day and is being funded through a Texas DPS grant, according to the sheriffs office. James recommends people who may be impaired take a cab or ride-booking services like Uber or Lyft. Theres other things out there that people can take to responsibly get home from their destination without putting themselves and putting others in danger by getting behind the wheel, James said in an interview. Just last year, Montgomery County had the second highest rate of DWI fatalities per population for Texas counties with populations exceeding 500,000, according to the DAs office. Most crashes took place between on a Sunday between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Additionally, between Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 22, 2017 and Jan. 1, there were 322 DWI arrests made in Montgomery County. There is no excuse to get behind the wheel impaired, James said in a statement. If you dont plan ahead, you end up putting yourself in a situation where you may kill yourself or someone else. No one needs to start 2019 with a tragedy. The Salvation Army in Conroe that serves Montgomery County may have to make some difficult budget decisions for 2019. Major Don Wildish reported the Salvation Army had planned to serve about 4,500 children and seniors for Christmas. However, this year it served a total 4,628 resulting in a $70,000 shortfall of its $425,000 goal to raise by Dec. 31. That is a sizeable amount of money at this point, Wildish said. It would force us to begin looking and possibly adjusting our budget for the 2019 year and certainly I dont want to do that because we are into our new facility, The Center of Hope. We have increased our population in the facility, so we need as much support that we can get for the Center of Hope. I just certainly dont want to begin the 2019 year in the hole of $70,000. The Salvation Army has two different programs that Wildish described as working hand-in-hand to serve Montgomery County. One is serving the homeless, such as providing a warm bed and hot meals three times a day. That is something we are going to continue to provide, that is something that is going to continue to be a necessity, Wildish said. The other program focuses on preventing homelessness such as when individuals seek rental and utility assistance. One of our goals in the salvation army is to bring homeless to a close, Wildish said. We are wanting people who come to our shelter to go to work and save money. However, Wildish said program that aims to prevent homelessness could be affected. While he said the Salvation Army is currently flexible by allowing people who have found work to stay so they can save money to be able to afford to move out into a new apartment and overcome homelessness in life, the length of stay and where individuals can stay might also come into jeopardy if the Salvation Army is forced to adjust the budget. As budget shortfalls, all of these types of programs come into question, Wildish said. Adjustments like these are not easy decisions to make as you assist people who have no home and also assist people who have homes and try to keep them in their homes. So I would just ask Montgomery county if they could assist Salvation Army, we certainly dont want to begin the year with a shortfall. We are asking people that are considering possibly a tax write off that we just have a few more days left in 2018, Wildish said before falling silent. The Salvation Armys new Center of Hope has 72 beds. Wildish reported the center has been housing well over 110 people each night since the middle of October. Weve been bringing in cots that has increased our population in the facility, Wildish said. Soon, we will have to probably consider adding additional beds to The Center of Hope. When we do that, it is going to also add to the overall cost to the operation. Before I can consider increasing the bed count in the center of hope we first have to address this $70,000 short fall. Certainly the need is here for additional beds for increase population in our shelter but I first have to take care of what I have to take care of, he added. Its not the first time for The Salvation Army in Conroe to face budget adjustments. Last year, The Salvation Army in Montgomery County, which is not the only Salvation Army facing a similar deficit this Christmas fundraising season, reported it dealt with a similar shortfall when it fell short $80,000 of its $400,000 goal to buy and deliver 5,000 children and 600 senior citizens Christmas gifts. We did have some donations that came in right before the New Year that did bring us to meet our goal last year, Wildish said. Im hoping the same thing will happen here, if I am able to express my need in the county, I am certainly hopeful that there are friends of The Salvation Army that will certainly respond to our need we have. For more information, contact the main office at 936-760-2440. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 897, Conroe, Texas, 77305. mellsworth@hcnonline.com The murder trial against a Sugar Land man for the shooting death of his Spring wife is getting underway in January. Jury selection begins Jan. 18 and first witness testimony is slated for Jan. 22, according to the Montgomery County District Attorneys office. Austria believes that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project will be successfully implemented, Russian Ambassador in Vienna Dmitry Lyubinsky said. "Nord Stream 2 is, of course, the most promising initiative of our energy partnership with Austria They believe here that this project will be successfully implemented," he said When asked whether there was the possibility that Gazprom and the OMV energy company would sign new bilateral agreements, Lyubinsky responded in the affirmative. "In the outgoing year, partner energy companies have significantly expanded the package of bilateral agreements, and as for the question about the perspective of signing new agreements, there is definitely [such a possibility]," Sputnik cited the ambassador as saying. The Nord Stream 2 is a joint venture of Russias Gazprom with France's Engie, Austrias OMV AG, UK-Dutch Royal Dutch Shell, and Germany's Uniper and Wintershall. It aims to deliver 55 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas a year to the European Union. Gang members, rapists and sex offenders topped the list of the states most dangerous fugitives who were captured in Houston this year. More than two dozen of the Texas Department of Public Safetys top fugitives were captured in 2018, several of whom were arrested in Harris County. Anybody whos shown a history of violent crime and, of course, are violating the conditions of their parole, we need to get them off the street immediately, said Joe Gamaldi, president of the Houston Police Officers Union. We know these are our crime drivers. These are the people that are going to continue to victimize the people of our community. To be placed on the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, a suspect must be wanted for a violent, aggravated or sexual crime. Other factors are also considered such as ties to cartels or gangs, violence along the Texas/Mexico border, violent sex offenses, recidivism and if they are wanted for a parole violation, according to the department. Texas gangs are responsible for high levels of violence throughout the state, such as murder, sex trafficking, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, the agency said in a threat assessment released in November. Gangs are a significant threat to public safety in Texas. At least two of the fugitives who are back behind bars are career criminals who are both sex offenders and violent gang members. Donald Lynn Gay, a 57-year-old member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texasa well-known prison gangwas arrested July 19 for violating parole on two convictions: murder and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. In 1978, he was convicted of rape and multiple counts of armed robbery in Bexar County and sentenced to 40 years in prison. While locked up in the mid-1980s, Gay was convicted of murder in Brazoria County for his involvement in the stabbing death of an inmate inside prison, according to the DPS. Gay was released on parole in 1997 and was required to register as a sex offender for life. He had been wanted since February for violating parole and was arrested after a tip to Texas Crime Stoppers. He remains in the Harris County jail in lieu of a $50,000 bail. The second member of the Aryan Brotherhood on the departments Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list to be apprehended in Houston this year was Michael Roy Plumlee, Jr., a 49-year-old who goes by Wizard. He was arrested in October. During an investigation by the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force, which included U.S. Marshals and Department of Public Safety Special Agents, police caught Plumlee in Cypress. He had been on the run since February 2016. In April 1999, Plumlee was convicted in Bexar County of indecency with a child by sexual contact after an incident involving a 6-year-old girl. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and was released in August 2015, with the requirement that he register as a sex offender for life. He apparently stopped reporting to authorities in 2016 and was arrested for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. He was sent back to Bexar County where he made a $10,000 bail and is awaiting trial. A third gang member who was considered armed and dangerous and arrested this year is Rolando Tomas Mendez, a 28-year-old member of Tango Blast Houstonea decentralized gang made up of members of other gangs. With an estimated 22,000 members, the gang dwarfs many other well-known groups like MS-13 and the Mexican Mafia. Mendez was arrested in Houston on Oct. 14 on three counts of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. In the days before his arrest, police alerted Houston media that they were searching for him and suspected he was using Uber to get around town undetected. Police canvassed the area along the Westpark Tollway looking for Mendez with the help of a helicopter and K-9 unit. It was the third time Mendez made the news. A month earlier, police said Mendez was suspected of being the triggerman in a drive-by shooting outside a Mexican restaurant in north Houston. A 65-year-old Huffman businessman sitting in his truck Labor Day morning was hit once in the chest and survived. The driver was arrested within days and police caught Mendez in October. Before that, Mendez made headlines in 2011 when he was arrested for poisoning his girlfriends four-year-old son by pouring a large amount of salt down his throat. Doctors later told police that the boy was poisoned with salt and/or had water withheld and that [his] condition would have been life-threatening had he not been taken to an emergency room, according to court records. Mendez later admitted guilt in exchange for 10 years of deferred adjudication probation. If a judge finds that he violated probation, he faces up to life in prison for the first-degree felony. Mendez remains in the Harris County Jail without bail. The DPS top fugitive list is constantly updated throughout the year as suspects are taken off the streets. Earlier in the year, police arrested three convicted rapists in Houston for either failing to register as sex offenders or failing to keep in touch with their parole officers. Albert Lerose Turner Jr. was arrested on April 23, for violating parole after being convicted and sentenced to prison in 1978 for aggravated rape and aggravated robbery. In November, the 59-year-old admitted that he stopped reporting as a sex offender in 2016 and was sent back to prison for three years. On June 19, law enforcement caught 41-year-old Christopher Michael Dominguez in Houston for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements and aggravated sexual assault of a child, a crime he was convicted of when he was 20. He was transferred to the Montgomery County jail, where is awaiting trial, accused in a different case of aggravated sexual assault of a child, court records show. Anthony Fitzgerald Turner was arrested on July 15 for similar charges out of Harris County and Galveston: failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements and a parole violation for aggravated sexual assault. He was convicted of two rapes, the first in 1984 and the second in 2008, court records show. In August, the 54-year-old was sent back to prison for five years. Houston police officers are investigating the discovery of a body inside a southeast side park Wednesday, officials said. A man walking his dog in the park spotted the body in Sims Bayou near Milby Park around noon. WANTED: Police seek man sought in shooting of girlfriend on Christmas night The Houston Police Department Dive Team helped officers recover the body. The body was not immediately identified, although police said the body appears to be that of a white or Hispanic female. HPD's homicide detectives are investigating. Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message On Jan. 18, Andrew Walters and his wife of 13 years, Cora, will pack up whats left of their belongings, drive the 415 miles north to Oklahomas Citizen Potawatomi Nation and begin their life anew. Walters, the city of Oak Ridge Norths police chief of 20 years its third chief and longest-serving top officer will hand over the reins of the small police force on New Years Eve. Ive had the honor of serving and protecting these families and businesses, Walters said. Im blessed to leave on my own terms. The Oak Ridge North where Walters began working bears little resemblance to todays city. Originally a section of unincorporated Montgomery County covering a 3-mile swath straddling what was then a two-lane Interstate 45, the citizens of the northeastern section of the area voted to incorporate in 1979 to avoid annexation by Houston or Conroe and maintain control over city services primarily to create the citys own police department. We have not adjusted, we are adjusting, Walters said. The city is adjusting to its new position in the larger community. As small cities and housing developments keep rising up around it, Oak Ridge North has worked to maintain its own identity as a small hometown in the middle of a booming metroplex. In the new city, the police staff was tasked with deterring crime and engaging the community in keeping itself safe with the support of law enforcement. Ten years after the city incorporated, Walters was approached by then-police chief George Biernesser to perform law enforcement duties on a part-time basis. In 1999, when Biernesser announced his retirement, Walters became chief of police of a force that has more than tripled in size since he took over. Its like boiling a frog, Walters said. I dont know that Ive noticed a lot of the change its grown, but weve grown with it. For his officers, Walters July announcement that he was retiring was disheartening, but not a surprise. Oak Ridge North has seen a slow, but steady, rise in crime in the decades since a development boom put a target on affluent neighborhoods petty thieves and burglars will sometimes come up, burglarize homes and attempt to flee to the relative leniency of Harris County, Walters explained. Were losing years of experience and expertise in this area in law enforcement, Officer Brandon Rogers said of Walters departure. To hear Walters tell it, hes seen it all the car wrecks along I-45, the deaths, the homicides, the robberies are all in a days work. But, Officer Ralph Craig said, throughout it all, Walters remained the stoic and supportive head of his department, a model for all of his officers to follow. No matter what it is work-related, personal hes always there for you, Craig said. He has a way of being able to correct us and guide us without us feeling like hes coming in and taking control of stuff. As is often the case in small police departments like that of Oak Ridge North, Walters had a hand in picking his successor. In an oft-repeated anecdote, around 10 years ago, Walters sat then-Officer Tom Libby and asked him where he wanted to be in the future. Libby replied he wanted to be right where Walters was. (Libby) has always shown an aptitude and ability to be a good chief, Walters said. Even at the end of a 20-year legacy, Walters is hesitant to brag, always humble about the impact he as chief of police had on the town. On New Years Day, Libby will take over the staff of 17 and the responsibility of the safety of the residents of Oak Ridge North. To Walters, hes merely passing on the torch. This place isnt mine, Walters said. I think what Im proudest of is that the city and its citizens have honored me allowing me to keep them safe. mrincon@chron.com Big news out of Thailand. The country's National Legislative Assembly made an amendment to the country's constitution that legalizes the use of cannabis for medical and research purposes. The vote wasn't even close: 166-0. Related: Uruguay Legalized Marijuana and the Crime Rate Has Plummetted Somchai Sawangkarn, one of the lawmakers who helped write the legislation, said it was a New Years gift from the National Legislative Assembly to the government and the Thai people." Thai farmers are stoked about the decision. "I expect Thailand can make 100 billion baht a year ($3.07 billion) from growing cannabis and selling the raw material and cannabis oil," chairman of The National Farmers Council of Thailand, Prapat Panyachartrak, told Agence France Presse. But don't go lighting up a celebratory spliff in Bangkok just yet. The recreational use of marijuana is still highly illegal in the country -- and could lead to 15 years in a Thai prison and stiff financial fines. Related: This Is Non-Negotiable: Cannabis Legalization Must Include Restorative Justice Related: 'A New Year's Gift:' Thailand Approves Medical Marijuana India Inc: A One Stop for Global Start-Up After a Chance Meeting on the Beach These Entrepreneurs Built a Company Based on Respect for Global Artisans Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton will visit Turkey in early January, Justice and Development (AK) Party spokesman Omer Celik said at a press conference in the capital Ankara. Celik said that the visit comes in the wake of last weeks surprise announcement from U.S President Donald Trump that Washington will withdraw all its troops from Syria, Anadolu Agency reported. Last week, Trump announced a surprise decision to withdraw all his troops from Syria in the wake of a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The volume of trade between Russia and the European Union (EU) has been steadily growing since the beginning of 2017 despite mutual sanctions introduced almost five years ago, said Russian ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov. "Since the beginning of 2017, mutual trade between Russia and the European Unions countries showed a tendency towards dynamic growth, which consolidated this year, the envoy told the Izvestia newspaper. Chizhov cited statistics that in the first three quarters of 2018, trade turnover between Russia and the EU increased by 21.5% compared to the same period of the previous year. Russian exports to the EU countries increased by 29% while imports are up by 7.4%, he noted. The Russian ambassador stressed that the trade volume has already exceeded 2014 figures when the anti-Russia sanctions were introduced. "The current growth, in fact, shows mainly recovery. Meanwhile, Russia's trade with a number of EU member states, such as Portugal, Belgium, Ireland, Cyprus, Denmark, Romania, has already exceeded the figures for 2012," RT cited Chizhov as saying. The rising prices for energy commodities, which form the basis of Russian exports to the EU, as well as currency fluctuations were among the major factors of positive dynamics, he noted. However, the main prerequisite is a "natural return of EU-Russia trade" to a "level that corresponds to the degree of interpenetration of our economies, in accordance with normal commercial logic and despite the rash political demarches of the West," the Russian ambassador to the EU concluded. Everything is calm at the positions of the Azerbaijani army, the army units control the operational situation, the republic's Defense Ministry said, commenting on the Armenian media reports that allegedly there was shooting at the positions of the Azerbaijani army located on the front line. The ministry explained that this is just "cheap propaganda" aiming to hide chaos, indiscipline and arbitrariness in the Armenian army from the world community, including diverting attention from the shelling of peaceful Azerbaijani citizens in the direction of the Aghdam district on the front line yesterday. A complex of residential buildings for refugee and IDP families has been inaugurated in Sumgayit today. The ceremony was attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and first Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva. Chairman of the State Committee for Refugee and IDP Affairs Rovshan Rzayev informed them of the work done there. The complex also houses a school, kindergarten, community center, police station and other infrastructure facilities. Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva viewed conditions created at the apartments and the school. An event dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Centers activities will be held at the International Mugham Center in Baku on December 27. The event will feature an exposition of ancient musical instruments, then interactive screens will be presented in the foyer in front of the busts of prominent mugham masters ('Interactiv lovhalar'), AzerTAc reported. Modern musical instruments will be demonstrated. The ensemble 'esrlerin sedas' ('Resound of the Ages') will perform within the framework of the event as well. The anniversary event will continue in the Center's hall, where a concert will take place. Anderson Todd, who influenced generations of architects as an educator at Rice University and was largely responsible for introducing the modern style to the institution and to the city of Houston, died Friday. He was 97. As a professor, director and acting dean at Rices School of Architecture, Todd relentlessly challenged students to develop their own style instead of leading them to it, former students and colleagues recalled. "Really what he wanted was to train people to have opinions themselves," said Sarah Whiting, the dean of the architecture school. His ideas of modernism weren't one-dimensional in saying, here's a formula for you to follow. Instead, it was part of a cultural worldview that he was trying to open students up to." Ron Witte, a Rice architecture professor, characterized Todds teaching techniques as judgment calisthenics intended to strengthen the discretionary muscles of students who were about to face the relentless onslaught of decisions that come with being an architect. For instance, Todd once presented students with a set of 20 nearly identical white mugs and instructed them to explain why one mug was superior to the others setting off what Witte described as hours of hairsplitting adjudication. Other than my parents and my wife, nobody had more influence on my life than Andy did, said Raymond Brochstein, a former student and longtime friend. He was really the first modernist on the architectural faculty at Rice. Todd received mentorship from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a German architect Todd met as an undergraduate architecture student at Princeton. He also was taught at Princeton by French architect Jean Labatut, described by Todd in a 1996 profile as the greatest teacher who meant everything to me. Labatuts wide-ranging and illusionist style and and Mies strict, rigorous, and methodical tendencies merged to influence Todds methods as a teacher and architect, author Frank Welch wrote in the profile. But before that, Todds greatest influencer was his father, Rear Adm. Forde Anderson Todd, a Naval aide to Woodrow Wilson who taught his then-13-year-old son to sail by bringing him aboard his battleship for four months. Todd, following in his fathers footsteps, put his architecture career on hold after graduating from Princeton to serve in the Navy from 1943 to 1946, commanding a submarine chaser in the South Pacific during World War II. Soon after Todd returned to Princeton following his service, William Ward Watkin, the founding director of Rices architecture department, recruited Todd to teach at the school. There, he played a major role in transitioning the school from its focus on the more decorative beaux-arts to modern architecture. Todd also designed his own house in Houston, famously described by New York architect Philip Johnson as more Mies than Mies. Decades before he retired from teaching in 1992, Todd recruited Mies to Houston to design the Cullinan Hall and Brown Pavilion additions to the Museum of Fine Arts. Todd is survived by his wife, Iris Todd, and children Emily Leland Todd and David Anderson Todd, both from his previous marriage with Lucie Wray Todd. They divorced in 1987. Todds interests extended far beyond architecture. He loved cars, including his Mercedes-Benz 300SL, and was reportedly capable of completing Sunday crossword puzzles. He drew cartoons and habitually sketched people as he listened to them deliver lectures. He also served on the board of Planned Parenthood of Houston. Todd had an impeccable memory, friends said, and a dry sense of humor that Whiting described as mischievous. He was the kind of professor that had a presence throughout the school, said Rob Rogers, an architect who received instruction from Todd in the 1980s. Even though he may have had specific students under his direct instruction, he was always one of the major influential educators." If Todds teaching approach did not connect with every student, it greatly influenced those who went on to careers in architecture. He didn't lead you. You had to fight through information and find a path that you believed in yourself, Rogers said. It's when you began to fight for your own understanding that you realized how suddenly he was guiding that opportunity. I think that the biggest thing that came out of that is that you developed a sort of fundamental integrity in your own process. jasper.scherer@chron.com twitter.com/jaspscherer Two MS-13 gang members are charged with murder in the shooting death of a 16-year-old in Houston, according to court documents. Melvin Josue Salvador, 18, and Celso Onelio Sandoval, 25, are accused of shooting Edwin Trigueros, 16, on Dec. 16. They're both currently in Harris County Jail on Thursday. Trigueros was shot in the mid-afternoon after he was seen talking to a man in a red sedan in the 5300 block of De Soto, police said. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, and died two days later, according to Houston police. Salvador and Sandoval are both as MS-13 gang members who "assasinated [sic] a 16 year old who was just walking down the street, and then committed an aggravated robbery right afterwards," according to court documents. They were charged with murder Wednesday. Police believe there might be others involved in the shooting and urge anyone with information to call Houston Police Department homicide detectives at 713-308-3600 or Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Prosecutors fret that the upcoming four-day weekend could prove to be an especially deadly one for drunk drivers and innocent motorists alike due to a quirk in the calendar, prosecutors say. With many workers taking Friday and Monday off, prosecutors with the Harris County District Attorney's Office say the holiday weekend could cause more drivers to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. "What we're dreading is a long and bloody weekend," First Assistant District Attorney Tom Berg told Chron.com Wednesday. CRASHES: See some of 2018's most heartbreaking fatal wrecks in Houston Each year, more than 600 people die on roadways throughout the Houston region, many of which are at the hands of intoxicated drivers, according to a recent Houston Chronicle analysis. That same analysis lists the Houston region as the deadliest for motorists in the country. "This is an unbelievable crisis that we're facing," Vehicular Crimes Division Chief Sean Teare said on Wednesday. "We lead the nation, year-in, year-out in fatalities on our roadways, specifically attributable to DWI. We're not anywhere near the size of Los Angeles or New York, and we're not as big as Chicago and we blow them away every year. It's inexplicable." The upcoming weekend will likely not be any different, Teare said. HoustonChronicle.com: Carpool lanes may require another passenger "It's a calendar quirk that could prove to be extraordinarily dangerous and deadly," Teare said. "You have Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to the two days that everyone is off. You've got five days of drinking leading up to New Year's Day." Every law enforcement agency in Harris County from the Houston Police Department to smaller jurisdictions is upping the number of officers on the streets to help nab intoxicated drivers. But the legwork behind the scenes will also be robust, Teare said. Prosecutors, nurses and judges are all going to be on standby to help build a case against suspected drunk drivers. Once the officers make an arrest, they will perform field sobriety tests and ask suspects to voluntarily give a blood sample to test their blood-alcohol concentration a standard technique for law enforcement across the region. If a suspected intoxicated driver refuses to volunteer a blood sample, officers work closely with on-call prosecutors to review probable cause and file for a blood warrant. Once that warrant is filed, an on-call judge reviews and signs off on it, allowing the on-call nurses to draw blood from the suspect. Prosecutor Berg urged Houstonians ringing in the new year to have a plan to get home safely, such as hailing a ride-share or taxi. Law enforcement already has an alternative for those who don't heed the advice, he said. "We have a plan for you," Berg said, "which involves getting evaluated and then probably going to jail." Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message It's been such an eventful year for Houston politics filled with notable deaths, stunning election victories and public spats that one might almost forget President Donald Trump labeled himself a nationalist in the city just two months ago. RELATED: 'I am a nationalist,' Trump proclaims at Houston rally Or maybe you didn't forget, as thousands of people attended his rally in October at the Toyota Center downtown. Either way, the midterm election results re-captured many Houstonians' attention the following month, when Democrats dominated even the strongest GOP candidates in local offices. Ed Emmett's defeat served as the centerpiece to an election in which Democrats swept all 59 judicial seats on the ballot. And the political highlights didn't stop there. The mayor and the city's police union challenged the legality of the voter-approved Prop B, which gives Houston firefighters pay parity with police. A juvenile court judge who lost his seat also released his juvenile defendants the day after the election, asking them whether they promised not to kill anyone. View the slideshow above to revisit all of the most captivating moments from Houston politics in 2018. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Showers and thunderstorms Thursday morning produced rainfall at up to 1.5 inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service. Tide levels are above normal, and streets could be slow to drain, meteorologists said. The Harris County Flood Control District said the east and west forks of the San Jacinto River would rise, causing street flooding and limiting access to elevated structures. When we think of the concept economic freedom we often think about essential liberties and the factors that make them possible (e.g., free markets, the rule of law, and property rights). But for Christians economic freedom is not an end unto itself but the means for freeing our resources to use in ways that God intends. Being free of the bonds of economic statism is therefore useless if we use our liberty to enslave ourselves. As Kevin DeYoung asks, Do you want to be radical in your devotion to Christ? Do you want your life to count and not be a waste? Do you want to see the nations come to Christ and the world changed for the better? Well, heres one practical thing you can do right now on your way to those lofty ambitions: pay down your debt. There are 610,000,000 credit cards in the United States, and every household with at least one carries an average debt of $16,000. Total U.S. consumer debt is more than $2.5 trillion. Think of all the money Christians have tied up in late fees and financial commitments that cant be spent on the work of the gospel in the world. How will you ever give sacrificially to your church if you are swamped in credit card debt? How can you even consider doing missions overseas if youre swallowed up in student loans? What sort of flexibility will you have to go anywhere and do anything if your house is worth half of what you owe on your mortgage? What will you have to give to support a new church plant in your city or the crisis pregnancy center down the street or the seminary overseas if you have two car payments, two mortgages, and twenty thousand dollars in consumer debt? I love the emphasis in our day on doing hard things. I love the passion for a big God and big causes. I love the gospel-centered enthusiasm and idealism. But more often than not new dreams dont come true without old-fashioned virtues like temperance, frugality, and hard work. Heartfelt passion wont change the world. But passion plus prudence plus perseverance just might. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with his Armenian counterpart Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in Moscow, according to the Armenian Foreign Ministry's Facebook page. The ministry added that at the meeting the diplomats discussed a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda. Requirement will come into effect December 31 for these regions Canadas biometric rule extending to Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas Canadas biometric rule extending to Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas Requirement will come into effect December 31 for these regions Canadas biometric rule extending to Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas Requirement will come into effect December 31 for these regions Canadas biometric rule extending to Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas Requirement will come into effect December 31 for these regions Eman Katem Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A On December 31, Canadas mandatory fingerprints and photo requirement, known as biometrics, will apply to people from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas. This is the second phase of Canadas biometrics expansion, which started late July, when the requirement was implemented for applicants from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The submission of fingerprints and photo is used by the Government of Canada for identification purposes of anyone applying for a Canadian visitor visa, work or study permit, permanent residence, including Express Entry candidates , or asylum in Canada. This means anyone between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide biometric information, except in asylum cases, for which there is no upper age limit. Travellers from visa-exempt countries , who are visiting Canada as tourists with a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) , will not be required to provide biometrics. For a full list of exemptions, please visit this page . Why do applicants need to give their biometrics? Biometrics data collection enables the Government of Canada to facilitate application processing and simplify entry into Canada for low-risk travellers. Visa officers can use biometrics data to confirm travellers identity. Biometric verification also helps to make it more difficult for someone to forge, steal or use another persons identity, resolve problems or errors that may happen if a persons name, date of birth and/or place of birth are similar to those of someone else, and confirm a persons identity the next time they apply, so it is easier to re-enter Canada. Where can applicants provide their biometrics? Biometrics data can be processed at any Government of Canada-authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC) and only takes a few minutes to process. It costs first-time applicants CAD $85 or CAD $170 for those applying for a family. Biometrics processing can only be done if an application is submitted at a VAC and the biometrics payment has been made or if an applicant received a Biometrics Instruction Letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after applying online or by mail. In an effort to facilitate the biometrics program, the Government of Canada established new VACs in various regions and set up transitional biometrics collection service points in Europe . Canada plans to have at least 149 VAC locations in 99 countries by November 2019. Individuals residing in the United States with legal status can submit their biometrics at any authorized Application Support Center . If applying in person in Canada, applicants will be able to give their biometric information at select Service Canada locations in 2019. Until then, IRCC exempts anyone applying for a visa, study or work permit or permanent residence in Canada from the biometrics requirement. However, some international students or temporary workers may be eligible to apply and provide their biometrics at specific Canadian ports of entry . Applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only be required to submit their biometrics once every 10 years. Privacy Concerns Biometric identification helps the Government of Canada prevent: identity fraud and theft; known criminals from entering Canada; deportees from re-entering Canada without permission; and failed refugee claimants from re-entering Canada using false identity documents. Fingerprints are kept on record for 15 years from the time applicants provide them, after which they are deleted. The Canadian government states that biometrics information is handled with the highest level of security and privacy using encryption. IRCC may disclose biometric information to the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. This is done in accordance with Canadas privacy laws and civil liberties and human rights commitments, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For more information on Canadas biometrics program, visit our dedicated Canada Biometrics Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) . Find out if you are eligible for Canadian immigration by completing our online assessment now. A police officer was detained in Yerevan over bribe-taking, the press service of the National Security Service of Armenia reported. An Armenian citizen reported that the policeman demanded a bribe in the amount of about $700 to resolve the complaint in his favor. The National Security Service employees detained a police officer yesterday at 12:00 local time, News,am reported. A criminal case has been launched as a result of the incident. This was the year Facebook finally faced its reckoning, not just for its role in distributing misinformation, but also for its arrogance in refusing to confront the problematic use of its platform earlier in its history. The drumbeat started In November 2017, when the company was called before Congress to answer for its role in the activity of Russian trolls during the election. Those recriminations would only grow louder as 2017 became 2018. Whether it was avoiding hearings designed to hold the social network to account or responding to leaked emails about its data-handling policies, Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent most of the year on the defensivea place some firmly believe they deserve to be. Facebooks Russian misadventures were the most prominent example of what researchers call automated propaganda, or misinformation that benefits from algorithms. But there were other examples: A former YouTube engineer told CJR about how the Google-owned video platforms recommendation engine often provides fake news and conspiracy theories in an attempt to boost engagement. And while it may not be driven by an algorithm, Facebook-owned WhatsApp spent much of the year under fire for helping to spread conspiracy theories that led to dozens of brutal killings in India. Facebook has also been criticized by the UN for helping to fuel violence against the Rohingya in Myanmar, something that helped push the company into admitting that connecting people via social media isnt always good. Early in the new year, the social network was rocked by a different scandal, this one about data privacy. Thanks in part to reporting from the Guardian, it emerged that a data analytics company called Cambridge Analytica had improperly acquired personal data on more than 50 million Facebook users, thanks to a (now closed) access feature. Like the Russian troll scandal, this would also haunt the social network throughout much of the year, leading to lawsuits and eventually a hearing before the UK parliament. Meanwhile, the company continued to try and assure both politicians and the media that it was taking action to combat misinformation, including a plan to rank media outlets on the basis of trust. The new year also saw yet another change to Facebooks algorithm, something media companies have learned to fear (and with good reason, since those changes often involve a dramatic loss of traffic, and therefore also a loss of revenue). The change in January was designed to emphasize personal sharing, and to de-emphasize posts from professional news outlets. Did this change help some media companies wean themselves off Facebook? Perhaps. But others have seen their traffic and revenue slump as a result, and this has undoubtedly increased the pressure on some digital-media outlets to the point where several have shut down entirely, like Mic.com, which was sold in November for a fraction of its previous value. Facebook touched off another round of media criticism when it said in May that as part of its plan to index all political advertising on the platform, it was going to include any promoted news story if it was about a political topic. This plan was roundly criticized by media outlets, including The New York Times, but Facebook remained steadfast. Towards the end of the year, however, the social network said it was doing a trial in the UK that would exclude accredited news organizations from the index, and eventually planned to roll that out to the US as well. Europe, meanwhile, launched the General Data Protection Regulation in May, which requires any online service to handle personal data in certain waysa backlash in part against Facebook. Sign up for CJR 's daily email As the year drew to a close, there was one last Facebook drama, this time sparked by a UK committee looking into the companys role in misinformation and its data handling practices in the Cambridge Analytica case. Using a little-known feature of British law, the committee forced an American businessman involved in a lawsuit with Facebook to turn over copies of email discussions and other documents, many of them featuring comments from senior Facebook executives. The committee then took the unprecedented step of publishing 250 pages worth of the files, a kind of early Christmas present for journalists. While year-end forecasts bring with them the inevitable risk of being wrong, it seems fairly easy to predict that 2019 will see a continuation of Facebooks ongoing struggle to convince both users and the US government that it can be trusted. During this past year, several prominent members of Congressincluding Senator Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committeemade it clear they have lost patience with Facebook. It is beyond obvious that social media platforms are simply not up to the task of voluntarily ensuring the privacy and security of their users. Congress must step in, Warner said on Twitter as the year drew to a close, and The New York Times reported on more Facebook data-privacy violations. Those and other similar comments suggest regulations of some kind are on their way. Will Facebook be required to open up its algorithm, or increase the transparency around its decision making? Both are possible, as is a weakening of the protections that Facebook and other platforms have under Section 230, the safe harbor clause in the Communications Decency Act that makes them immune from prosecution for content posted by their users. As attention focused on Facebooks enabling of Russian trolls and other bad actors, the number of voices in Washington calling for changes to Section 230 continued to increase. Any of these measures could put pressure on Facebook, making it harder to maintain the growth that made it a favorite for investors for so many years, growth that had already begun to slow even before the Russian revelations. And if all of these things come to pass, the social network could close out 2019 a very different company than it was even two years agoperhaps not any more humble, but likely weaker and less flexible. ICYMI: The Facebook Armageddon Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg. A Delaware judge has ruled that a medical marijuana user fired from his factory job after failing a drug test can pursue a lawsuit against his former employer. Jeremiah Chance was fired in 2016 from his job as a yard equipment operator at the Kraft Heinz plant in Dover. He claims his termination violated an anti-discrimination provision contained in Delawares Medical Marijuana Act. Chance also claims he was targeted for retaliation after pointing out safety issues with the facilitys railroad ties. The company argued that the anti-discrimination provision in Delawares law is pre-empted by the federal Controlled Substances Act, which defines marijuana as an illegal drug and contains no exception for medical use. In a case of first impression, Superior Court Judge Noel Primos ruled Monday that Delawares medical marijuana law is not pre-empted by federal law. The medical marijuana law not require employers to participate in an illegal activity but instead merely prohibits them from discriminating based upon medical marijuana use, Primos wrote. Primos also rejected the companys argument in ruling that the medical marijuana statute carries an implied private right of action allowing a citizen to file a lawsuit seeking enforcement of his rights under the law. The judge noted that the no state agency or commission has been tasked with enforcing the laws anti-discrimination provision, and that a medical marijuana cardholder fired for failing a drug test has no remedy other than a private lawsuit. The fact that an anti-discrimination provision was included in the DMMA demonstrates legislative intent to remedy the problem of discrimination based upon ones cardholder status, Primos wrote. Kraft Heinz spokesman Michael Mullen said in an email Friday that the company had no comment on the pending litigation. The lawsuit comes as medical marijuana use, and complaints that employers are mistreating employees who use medical marijuana, are on the rise in Delaware. Its coming up repeatedly, employers trying to terminate folks who either have a card, and they know it, or who test positive for marijuana, said Chances attorney, Patrick Gallagher. According to its most recent annual report, the state Office of Medical Marijuana issued 6,625 registration cards in fiscal 2018, an 85 percent increase from the 3,588 cards issued the prior year. Of the cards issued last year, 4,389 were for new patients, more than double the number of new patient cards issued in fiscal 2017. According to court records, Chance, who suffers from back problems and other ailments that have caused him to make frequent use of medical leave, obtained a medical marijuana card in 2016. In August 2016, according to the lawsuit, Chance submitted an incident report to Kraft Heinz management regarding unsafe conditions of railroad ties at the Dover plant. The following day, after meeting with a maintenance supervisor and warehouse supervisor, Chance was operating a shuttle wagon on the railroad tracks when it derailed. He was asked to undergo a drug test, which was inconclusive, and underwent a second test a couple of days later. After being told that he tested positive, Chance informed a medical review officer that he had a medical marijuana card. He was fired 10 days later. He claims his firing violated the protections of the medical marijuana law, which says an employer cannot discriminate against a person based on his status as a medical marijuana cardholder, or against a cardholder who tests positive for marijuana, unless the person used, possessed or was impaired by marijuana while on the job. While allowing the lawsuit to proceed, the judge dismissed Chances claim that the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and Delawares employment protection law for persons with disabilities. He said there was no legal authority for suggesting that a person who is a medical marijuana cardholder has a disability under state or federal law. The judge refused, for the time being, to dismiss Chances claim that he was targeted for retaliation in violation of Delawares Whistleblowers Protection Act for pointing out safety issues. He noted, however, he may grant Kraft Heinz summary judgment on that issue if Chance is unable to provide evidence to support his allegation. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The National Transportation Safety Board has been blocked by the local district attorneys office from accessing a limousine that crashed in New York state in October, killing 20 people, and other key pieces of evidence, the agency said. In a letter to Susan Mallery, the district attorney of Schoharie County in New York, the federal agency said she was keeping it from completing an investigation. The delays you imposed have denied the NTSB access to the primary, essential evidence, resulting in safety-critical evidence being lost, NTSB General Counsel Kathleen Silbaugh wrote in the three-page letter, which was dated Dec. 14 and posted Thursday on the agencys website. Silbaugh wrote that Mallery has been unresponsive to repeated NTSB requests to access evidence. A message seeking comment from Mallery wasnt immediately returned. On Oct. 6, a white stretch Ford Excursion limousine lost control, barreled through a stop sign and slammed into an unoccupied SUV in the small town of Schoharie, New York, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Albany, the state capital. The crash was the deadliest U.S. transportation accident since 2009. Negligent Homicide Prosecutors charged the operator of the limousine service with criminally negligent homicide, the Associated Press reported in October. In areas such as aviation NTSB has been granted legal authority to control how investigations are conducted. But in highway accidents, the safety board cant dictate how local authorities operate at time leading to tensions such as in the current case. In the two months that the NTSBs been sidelined, key perishable safety investigative information may have been lost, Silbaugh wrote to Mallery. For example, NTSB investigators may no longer be able to evaluate corrosion on the vehicle or its parts that existed at the time of the crash, which is critical when examining brakes, or the state of the vehicles electrical system, Silbaugh wrote. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. When drones buzzing over the runway forced Londons busy Gatwick Airport to shut down, many travelers wondered why its so hard for authorities to stop such intruders. Shoot them down, some said. Jam their signals, others suggested. Experts say its not that easy. Britain and the U.S. prohibit drones from being flown too high or too close to airports and other aircraft. In Britain, it is a crime punishable by up to five years in prison. Still, there is little to stop a drone operator bent on disrupting air traffic, which British officials say was the case with the Gatwick incident that began Wednesday evening. The number of close calls between drones and aircraft has increased dramatically in recent years as the popularity of drones has soared. Basic models for amateurs sell for under $100; larger, more sophisticated ones can cost hundreds more. Britain had 120 reports of close encounters in 2018, up from 93 last year. In 2014, there were six, according to the U.K. Airprox Board, which catalogs air safety incidents. In the United States, there were nearly 2,300 drone sightings at airports in the year ending June 30, according to Federal Aviation Administration records. Runways have been temporarily closed, but an FAA spokesman said he could not recall drones ever leading to the shutdown of a U.S. airport. A drone hit a small charter plane in Canada in 2017; it landed safely. In another incident that same year, a drone struck a U.S. Army helicopter in New York but caused only minor damage. This has gone from being what a few years ago what we would have called an emerging threat to a more active threat, said Patrick Smith, an airline pilot and author of askthepilot.com. The hardware is getting bigger and heavier and potentially more lethal, and so we need a way to control how these devices are used and under what rules. Even small drones could cause severe consequences by damaging a helicopters rotor or getting sucked into a jet engine. A drone could also crash through a windshield, incapacitating the pilot, though thats mainly seen as a risk to small aircraft. On an airliner, because of the thickness of the glass, I think its pretty unlikely, unless its a very large drone, said John Cox, a former airline pilot and now a safety consultant. Drones that collide with planes could cause more damage than birds of the same size because of their solid motors, batteries and other parts, according to a study released by the FAA. Authorities could capture drones with anti-drone net guns that fire lightweight netting, but such equipment can be pricey and have limited range, and it is not widely used. As for taking one down with a rifle, hitting a small, fast-moving object like a drone would be difficult even for a marksman, and the bullet could hit someone, experts say. Theres also the risk of damage or injury from a falling drone. Jamming systems could disrupt the signals between drone and operator, but that could interfere with the many vital communication systems in use at an airport, said Marc Wagner, CEO of Switzerland-based Drone Detection Sys. Local laws might also prevent the use of such electronic countermeasures. Wagner said it is OK in Switzerland to use jamming systems, while Britain and the U.S. prohibit them. Dutch police experimented with using eagles to swoop down on drones and pluck them out of the sky over airports or large events, but ended the program last year, reportedly because the birds didnt always follow orders. The only method is to find the pilot and to send someone to the pilot to stop him, Wagner said. That can be done with frequency spectrum analyzers that can triangulate the drone operators position, but the technology is new and its not commonly used, said Wagner, whose company sells such gear and other counter-drone technology, including radar, jammers and powerful cameras. Chinas DJI Ltd., the worlds biggest manufacturer of commercial drones, and some other makers use GPS-based geofencing to automatically prevent drones from flying over airports and other sensitive locations, though the feature is easy to get around. DJI also introduced a feature last year that allows authorities to identify and monitor its drones. It wasnt clear what brand was used in the Gatwick incident. British authorities are planning to tighten regulations by requiring drone users to register, which could make it easier to identify the pilot. U.S. law already requires users to register their drones and get certified as pilots. But Wagner warned: If somebody wants to do something really bad, he will never register. AP Business Writer Cathy Bussewitz in New York contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. BROOK PARK, Ohio -- Suspicion, Sheldon Road: A woman called police at about 8:40 p.m. Dec. 18 after finding a half-eaten cookie in her apartment at The Acadian Apartments, 21478 Sheldon. The woman had left her apartment, and when she returned, she noticed that her apartment door was unlocked. The half-eaten cookie was either on her table or counter. She hadn't left the cookie there and she didn't know who did. The woman told police that after she had stepped out of her apartment, she sent her grandson back inside to fetch her cell phone. She said it's possible that her grandson ate half the cookie but she didn't question him before calling police. Police checked the area of the apartment but didn't find any clues. Breaking & entering, Smith Road: Two unidentified males broke into Quick State Liquor, 5945 Smith, at about 2 a.m. Dec. 16. The break-in set off the store alarm. Security video showed two males wearing hoodies using a crowbar to pry open the business door, then trying unsuccessfully to break into a safe. They left without stealing anything. Possession of controlled substance & drug-abuse instruments, Brookpark Road: A Cleveland man, 41, and a Cleveland Heights man, 26, were arrested at about 9 p.m. Sept. 8 after police found syringes and unidentified pills in their car. Earlier that day, on Brookpark near Smith Road, the two men had attacked and fought another man over property allegedly taken from either the Cleveland man or the Cleveland Heights man. The victim, who suffered minor injuries, called police. Police found the car belonging to the Cleveland man and Cleveland Heights man on Commerce Park off Smith. Theft, Snow Road: A Cleveland woman, 57, was arrested at about 3:15 p.m. Dec. 15 after she stole groceries from Giant Eagle, 14650 Snow. The woman entered the self-checkout line, scanned and paid for some items but not for others. She placed both the scanned and unscanned items into the same bag and left the store. Store security guards saw it happen and held the woman until police arrived. Theft, Snow Road: A rib roast, shrimp and a DVD were reported stolen at about 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13 from Giant Eagle, 14650 Snow. Store workers saw a man, later identified as a 26-year-old Brook Park resident, place the items in his coat. The theft was also captured on store security video. Disturbance, Middlebrook Boulevard: Three males in a vehicle exchanged harsh words with a 54-year-old Berea man at about 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in McGovern Park, 5955 Middlebrook Boulevard. The Berea man was upset because the vehicle, as it pulled into the park, almost hit his car door. The driver of the vehicle said the Berea man pulled out a gun, but police didn't find a gun. The Berea man said the three males - later identified as a 19-year-old Middleburg Heights man, a 19-year-old Strongsville man and a 17-year-old Strongsville boy - threatened him but didn't act. No one was arrested. HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio Menacing, Interstate-271: A Cleveland man reported at 12:46 a.m. Dec. 24 he had his semi-truck off the roadway and his girlfriend was threatening him with a knife because he was refusing to allow her to have crack in the vehicle. Responding officers subsequently arrested the Cleveland woman, 51, for aggravated menacing. Harassing communication, Bishop Road: The owner of a landscaping business reported Dec. 18 a former employee is threatening him, the business and its clients. The suspect told officers the man is misinforming unemployment services and keeping him from receiving his benefits. The incident is part of an ongoing dispute. Telecommunications fraud, Miner Road: A woman said Dec. 19 she was trying to make an online purchase and was being told her Paypal account was not good. She called a number on the website and was told she would need to purchase Google Play gift cards to help settle the matter. She realized it was a scam and did not follow through on the request. Disturbance, Bishop Road: A local business reported Dec. 20 a vendor was arguing over a price and would not leave the facility. The vendor left prior to the arrival of officers and the staff indicated they will decide if the vendor is allowed back on the property. Impaired driving, Bishop Road: A 61-year-old resident was arrested for OVI and obstructing official business Dec. 21 after his vehicle was seen weaving and driving erratically. Disturbance, Miner Road: A resident reported Dec. 22 his nine-year-old and 14-year-old neighbors were riding an ATV on his property. Officers spoke to the children's parents and advised them of the complaint and the city ordinance regrading ATVs. Theft, Wilson Mills Road: A Cleveland Heights man, 56, was arrested for the theft of shoes from Kohl's Dec. 22. He had left the store and entered a vehicle driven by another man. He was also cited for open container and marijuana possession and had an active warrant with the Lake County Sherriff's Office. The warrant was confirmed, and deputies said they would pick him up from the station. The driver of the vehicle was also cited for open container. General assistance, Wilson Mills Road: Denny's management reported at 1:45 a.m. Dec. 25 three customers attempted to leave without paying their bill because they were unhappy with the food and service. Before officers arrived, it was reported they returned and had paid the bill but one of the women pushed a register and other items to the ground. Officers stopped their vehicle in the area and found one of the suspects had a warrant out of Shaker Heights. They were sent on their way after being advised of the warrant and Denny's management wished no further police action. See more Highland Heights news at Cleveland.com/hillcrest. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio A 25-year-old man is charged in connection with the deadly home-invasion attack on a sleeping 94-year-old woman from Honduras who was visiting her family in Cleveland. Cornelius Pames Jr., 25, is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 17 death of Eucebia Garcia Gutierrez. Pames is jailed on $50,000 in connection with a separate case in which he is accused of trying to get a 13-year-old girl to have sex with him for money, according to court records. That incident happened on Sept. 12 on Gertrude Avenue in the citys Slavic Village neighborhood, about one block away from where Garcia Gutierrez was killed, according to police. Garcia Gutierrez was in Cleveland visiting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was sleeping in a home next door to her daughters. Pames broke into the home abut 1:45 a.m. by pulling out a window air-conditioning unit and climbing through the window, according to police. He attacked Garcia Gutierrez and her 74-year-old daughter, Marina Garcia, as they slept in their beds, court records say. Marina Garcia was severely beaten during the home invasion and was in intensive care for several days with bleeding on her brain. She eventually recovered and was released from the hospital, but had lasting emotional and psychological damage from the beating, family members said. Pames ransacked the home and stole an iPad, iPhone and jewelry and change, court records say. Garcia Gutierrez is the oldest person to be killed in Cleveland in 2018. Garcia Gutierrez and her daughter visited their family in Cleveland every year, typically for about six months, in order to spend time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were set to return to Honduras about two weeks after Garcia Gutierrez was killed. Pames had been out of prison for about five months at the time of the slaying. He served 3 years of a nearly four-year prison sentence for felonious assault in Lorain County. Pames propositioned the 13-year-old girl for sex on Sept. 12, five days before the slaying, court records say. He told her I want you. I need you. Put a price on it, according to police reports. The girl told police she woke up that morning and Pames was sleeping on her floor. Her mother reported the incident to police. The girl told police that Pames frequently hugs her, stares at her and has told her that he likes her better than the other girls in the house, police reports say. He was arrested on Oct. 15 and has pleaded not guilty to charges of importuning, gross sexual imposition and kidnapping. A psychiatrist is to examine Pames to see if he was legally sane at the time of the crime and to see if he is eligible for his case to be sent to the mental health docket, records show. For that to happen, the psychiatrist would need to find Pames either has a mental illness or an IQ of below 75, court filings say. He also faces charges of escape after he failed to comply with the terms of his parole stemming from the 2014 felonious assault conviction in Lorain County, court records say. Pames was convicted in a 2012 burglary in Cleveland and was sentenced to 2 years in prison. He was also convicted as a juvenile of rape, aggravated robbery and kidnapping, according to Ohio prison records. WADSWORTH TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A United States Postal Service worker was struck and killed Wednesday afternoon while on his mail route in Wadsworth Township in Medina County, according to the State Highway Patrol. Ryan L. Irwin, 59, of Macedonia, was driving north on Ohio 94 just after 4 p.m., when his mail truck was struck from behind by a 2016 Dodge Caravan driven by a 31-year-old Doylestown woman, State Highway Patrol Lt. M. Neff said in a news release. The mail truck overturned and Irwin was partially ejected as the truck went off the west side of the road, north of Eastern Road, Neff said. Irwin died at the scene. Irwin was brought to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office, according to Neff, who said Thursday he was unsure why Irwin was transported to a different county. The Medina County Coroners Office did not immediately respond to an inquiry on the matter. The other driver suffered minor injuries and was brought to Wadsworth Rittman Hospital, Neff said. Investigators do not suspect alcohol or drugs to be a factor in the crash, Neff said. The driver of the Dodge Caravan was wearing her seat belt at the time, but Irwin was not. The incident remains under investigation. Troopers from the Medina Highway Patrol Post, Medina County Sheriffs deputies and Wadsworth Township firefighters and paramedics were on the scene. To comment on this story, visit Thursdays crime and courts comment section. COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Senate failed to get enough votes on Thursday to override a Gov. John Kasich veto of a bill banning abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected. Abortion rights supporters cheered in the gallery after the vote was announced. But shortly after, Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof -- who wanted to override Kasichs veto -- told reporters the victory will be short-lived. We will have a supermajority that is pro-life in both chambers and the next General Assembly that will be sworn in in less than two weeks, and we have a governor coming in who has said he will sign that bill, Obhof said. Gov.-elect Mike DeWine, a Republican, said on the campaign trail he would sign a heartbeat bill into law. The vote in the Senate was 19 to 13 -- one short of the constitutionally required 20 votes needed to override a veto. Several Republicans -- including Sens. Matt Dolan of Chagrin Falls, John Eklund of Geauga County and Gayle Manning of North Ridgeville -- joined Democrats in supporting Kasichs position on the bill. Earlier Thursday in the House, the veto override had enough votes -- 61 to 28. Heartbeats can be detected as soon as six weeks into a pregnancy, a time when some women dont know theyre pregnant. The bill was called by critics a first-trimester abortion ban. House Bill 258 contained some exceptions for the life of the mother but nothing for rape or incest. Soon most second-trimester abortions will be illegal, as Kasich signed a different bill last week prohibiting dilation and evacuation procedure, known as D&E, which is used in most abortions between 13 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. Last week, Kasich vetoed the heartbeat bill on the grounds that it would be struck down as unconstitutional in court. He vetoed a similar abortion heartbeat ban in 2016. The bill was championed by anti-abortion groups, although Ohio Right to Life had been neutral. On Thursday Ohio Right to Life issued a statement saying it now it supports it, in part due to the appointments of conservative U.S. Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsu ch and Brett Kavanaugh. The Senates vote came with little debate. Typically, if a measure is going to fail, legislative leadership wont bring it to the floor for a vote. Obhof, the Senate president, declined to explain whether the vote was a surprise. In the House, there was more debate on the bill. History will long remember who was on the side of children with beating hearts, said sponsor Rep. Christina Hagan, an Alliance Republican. Rep. Nickie Antonio, a Lakewood Democrat, disagreed. Our own expertise should be in public policy, not medical procedures, she said. Russia thanked Iran for active participation in the 2018 International Army Games and invited Iranian service members to take part in the 2019 Games, Russian Defense Ministry said. The Russian delegation led by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff Igor Osipov arrived in Iran on December 24 to attend the second meeting of the Russian-Iranian working group implementing the intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation. "The talks touched upon a wide range of aspects of Russias military cooperation with Iran, including interaction between different forces. Particular attention was drawn to navy cooperation," TASS cited the defense ministrys statement as saying. "During the visit, Vice Admiral Igor Osipov held a several meetings with the military leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran, exchanging views on regional and global security, the current situation and prospects for bilateral cooperation in the military sector," the statement says. The ministry added that the meetings were held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and confirmed mutual determination for further development of Russian-Iranian military cooperation. Republicans will enter next session continuing to hold supermajorities both in the Ohio House and Senate, but there will be a lot of new faces on their side -- at least, in the House, where a quarter of the 61 Republicans are first-time lawmakers. Its a different story in the Senate, though: of the 24 Republicans there, the only newbie is Michael Rulli, who unexpectedly flipped a Democratic seat in the Youngstown area. Michael Rulli Senate District 33 (Mahoning and Columbiana counties) Age: 49 Hometown: Salem Occupation: Director of operations for Rulli Bros. grocery stores Education: Bachelors degrees in communications and speech from Emerson College Previous political experience: Served on the Leetonia School Board from 2009 until 2017, including two years as board president Bill Roemer House District 38 (Western Summit and Stark counties) Age: 62 Hometown: Richfield Occupation: Substitute math teacher; vice president, Summit Educational Service Center; retired AT&T sales director and certified public accountant Education: Bachelors degree in accounting and an M.B.A in finance, both from Case Western Reserve University Previous political experience: Former Summit County Councilman Phil Plummer House District 40 (Northern Montgomery County) Age: 54 Hometown: Dayton Occupation: Montgomery County sheriff Education: Associates degree in criminal justice from the University of Toledo; Bachelors degree in business management from the University of Phoenix; attended the FBI National Academy Previous political experience: Has served as sheriff since 2008; chairs the Montgomery County Republican Party Reggie Stoltzfus House District 50 Age: 38 Hometown: Minerva Occupation: Owns several small businesses, Paris Township trusteeEducation: Attended Malone University, where he studied political science Previous political experience: Elected Paris Township trustee in 2015 Sara Carruthers House District 51 Age: 56 Hometown: Hamilton Occupation: Philanthropist (she is a descendant of a Procter & Gamble founder) Education: Attended Miami University, where she studied voice performance and theater Previous political experience: None Don Manning House District 59 Age: 51 Hometown: New Middletown Occupation: Quality and compliance analyst, Youth Intensive Services; New Middletown Village Councilman Education: Bachelors degree in social and criminal justice from Ashford University Previous political experience: Served on New Middletown Village Council since 2017. Ran unsuccessfully for House District 59 in 2016, Mahoning County commissioner in 2010, and for Ohios 17th Congressional District in 2006. Jamie Callender House District 61 Age: 53 Hometown: Concord Township Occupation: Attorney, Kent State University professor Education: Bachelors degree in history from Cleveland State University; law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Previous political experience: Served in the Ohio House from 1996 until 2004. Jena Powell House District 80 Age: 25 Hometown: Arcanum Occupation: Vice president of sales and marketing, Huntington Outdoor Advertising Education: Bachelors degree in business marketing from Liberty University Previous political experience: None Jon Cross House District 83 Age: 38 Hometown: Kenton Occupation: Director of economic development, Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance Education: Bachelors degree in political science from Ohio State University Previous political experience: None Susan Manchester House District 84 Age: 31 Hometown: Lakeview Occupation: Community outreach director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Ohio Education: Bachelors degree in political science and psychology from Ohio State University; Masters degree in political management from George Washington University Previous political experience: Former legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, ex-field organizer for the Ohio Republican Party Tracy Richardson House District 86 Age: 54 Hometown: Marysville Occupation: Marysville City Councilwoman Education: Bachelors degree in engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point Previous political experience: Served on Marysville City Council since 2010. Brian Baldridge House District 90 Age: 50 Hometown: Cherry Fork Occupation: Farmer, Adams County Commissioner Education: Attended Shawnee State University and Southern State Community College Previous political experience: Former Wayne Township trustee Don Jones House District 95 Age: 46 Hometown: Freeport Occupation: High-school agricultural education teacher, co-owner of a farm equipment store Previous political experience: None Brett Hillyer House District 98 Age: 32 Hometown: Uhrichsville Occupation: Law director for the city of Uhrichsville Education: Bachelors degree in accounting from the University of Akron; law degree from Ohio Northern University Previous political experience: Elected Uhrichsville law director in 2016. COLUMBUS, Ohio The Republican-led Ohio House has overridden GOP Gov. John Kasichs veto of legislation imposing one of the most far-reaching abortion restrictions in the nation. The House also overrode Kasichs veto of a bill broadening gun-owner rights. And a disputed bill that increases death benefits and insurance coverage for slain public safety officers' families while also providing pay raises to Ohio elected officials has become law over the governors objections. The House eked out its 60-28 override of the abortion bill Thursday over strong objections by Democrats, who argued Ohio is leading a charge against women and the bill is unconstitutional. The vote sent the so-called heartbeat bill to the waiting Senate. The measure bans abortion after the first fetal heartbeat is detected. That can be as soon as six weeks into pregnancy, before most women know they are pregnant. The term-limited governor, who leaves office next month, said in a veto message that the bill is unconstitutional and he wanted to avoid a costly and unsuccessful court battle. It was his second veto of similar legislation since 2016. House members voted 67-22 Thursday to reject Kasichs decision to strike down the gun legislation. It would expand gun access for off-duty police officers and at subsidized housing complexes and allow pre-emption of local gun restrictions, among other things. The measure headed immediately to the Senate, which had hoped to appease Kasich by previously stripping the measure's so-called stand-your-ground language. But he vetoed the legislation anyway, citing a provision that shifts the burden of proof in self-defense cases from defendants to prosecutors. Kasich also scolded lawmakers for refusing to even debate a "red flag" law allowing gun rights to be temporarily stripped from people who show warning signs of violence. The House overrode Kasichs veto of the pay raise legislation 70-16 on Thursday. Its action followed a successful veto override in the Senate earlier in the day. In his veto message Friday, Kasich called the bill's intent to help police and firefighter families "praiseworthy." But he said he couldn't support "the last-minute rush to include a controversial pay raise" without adequate public debate. Kasich had urged lawmakers to send the original bill to his successor, Republican Gov.-elect Mike DeWine, when the new legislative session begins in January. One fellow Republican lawmaker called the veto hypocritical and Grinch-like. COLUMBUS, Ohio Ohio Speaker Ryan Smith was re-elected to the top GOP House position for the next two years but his ultimate victory is far from assured. Only 34 Republicans who were elected to the 133rd General Assembly, which begins Jan. 7, showed up for the leadership elections. The vote for Smith was unanimous. Another 26 Republicans didnt show up including Rep. Larry Householder, Smiths main opponent in the race. There will be 61 Republicans in the next session. The Ohio House has 99 members. One seat is vacant. Smith said in an interview with reporters he wished everyone would have been present. He said he intends to court the votes of the 26 representatives who didnt show up. Im hopeful theres some supporters in there who just didnt make the vote today, he said. On Jan. 7, the speaker will be officially voted in, after lawmakers take their oaths of office. Smith said he doesnt want a prolonged speaker vote on that day. The election that made him speaker in June was drawn out over several rounds of votes until enough people put their support behind him. Family and friends and dignitaries are there, children and grandchildren on your lap," Smith said about Jan. 7. "Its a special day. And we dont need it to be gummed up with a lot of different votes. Other Republican lawmakers were elected into leadership positions Thursday: Speaker pro tempore: Rep. Rick Carfagna of Delaware County Majority floor leader: Rep. Bill Seitz of Cincinnati Assistant floor majority leader: Rep. Sarah LaTourette of Chesterland Majority whip: Tom Patton of Strongsville Assistant majority whip: Bill Reineke of Tiffin Householder did not return a call inquiring about why he wasnt present. Jim Butler, dean of the House Republican caucus, was in charge of scheduling the leadership election. He has not yet scheduled it, which has made lawmakers, lobbyists and members of the public antsy about who the next leader would be. Many people called for an immediate vote, including Rep. Jim Hoops, a Napoleon Republican who wrote a letter saying he had asked Butler twice to schedule an election. Butler said in a statement that Thursdays election didnt count because Rep. Kirk Schuring, the caucus chairman, called it and not him. Butler called the Thursday meeting a Ryan Smith campaign event. To describe an illegitimate meeting of 34 people as anything else is quite a stretch when it takes 50 votes of the 99-member House to become Speaker, he said. The actual vote for the next Speaker of the House with all 99 Representatives present will take place on January 7th. Smith, however, said Butler wasnt doing his job. The matter of him not calling a vote is dereliction of his duties as a dean, he said. Someone needs to do that. Jamie Callender, an incoming lawmaker from Lake County, said in an email to Schuring that he wasnt going to attend because he thought caucuses were public meetings. Public meetings can only be called by members of the public body. Schuring will not be a member, since he is going to the Senate. Seitz, who like Callender is an attorney, said that public meetings law specifically exempts caucus meetings. As you know, the open meetings law only applies when a majority of the public body meets, Seitz wrote in email to Callender. Therefore, even if caucus meetings were not expressly exempted, this would not require that it be open to the public. We moved forward because we needed to, Smith said. This should have happened six weeks ago. We have tried to be patient to allow this to play out. But we cant go into Jan. 7 not knowing." Rep. Niraj Antani, a Dayton-area Householder supporter, said that even though the speaker is often chosen informally before the first day of session, its not a rule in stone. This year, more time is needed to build consensus around one of the candidates, he said. Antani chose not to attend the Thursday election, which he called a political event. I understand that traditionally there has been a vote and to come to a consensus (within the caucus,) he said. "Unfortunately for various reasons I dont think thats going to happen. I think the best thing is to hope for a vote on Jan. 7 and let the best candidate win. Russian companies plan to construct an airport in the Syrian coastal city of Tartus as well as a joint plant producing vaccine within a framework of agreements signed during the latest session of the bilateral Intergovernmental commission, a Syrian official said on Wednesday, Sputnik reported. "A project to build an airport in Tartus at the site of an agricultural airfield within the framework of the Build-operate-transfer cooperation There are two more projects in the field of health care, the most significant of them is the project on building the Russian-Syrian vaccine production plant," Imad Sabuni, the head of the Syrian Planning and International Cooperation Commission, told the al-Watan newspaper. Other notable bilateral projects include rebuilding the car tires' factory and construction of a new cement plant, the official noted. Russia and Turkey will hold high-level talks on Syria in Moscow in the near future, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, TASS reported. "The meeting with a representative Turkish delegation is in the works. The high-level contacts on Syria might be held in Moscow in the near future," the ministry said. Indeed, Delaney has been the one and only declared Democratic candidate for the last 17 months. After just four years on Capitol Hill, Delaney launched his bid in July 2017 in hopes of overcoming his absence of any national base or profile whatsoever. It hasn't worked yet; despite frequent visits, Delaney received his 1 percent support among Iowa Democrats in a recent Des Moines Register poll. John Delaney leaves Congress in a few days, but not in defeat like so many of his colleagues. The wealthy former financial executive is leaving to ramp up his campaign for president. Listen to this episode and more of Speakeasy on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen. Yet Delaney offers the brains and savvy that took him from a blue-collar upbringing to becoming the youngest CEO on the New York Stock Exchange in 1995. Now 55, he also brings a checkbook that permits him to finance his campaign at least through the earliest 2020 contests. He brands himself a practical problem-solver, capable of bringing both parties together to deliver on progressive goals such as universal health care and reductions in the carbon emissions that cause climate change. Delaney sat down with CNBC Editor-at-Large John Harwood in Chevy Chase, Maryland, at Mei-Wah, an Asian restaurant near the offices of the finance firm for midsize businesses he ran before first running for Congress in 2012. What follows is a condensed, edited transcript of their conversation. John Harwood: What is that makes you a Democrat? John Delaney: I have a real social justice orientation. It probably comes from my roots and my faith. My wife and I are active Catholics. We identify very much with the social justice mission of the church and I think that has made me much more oriented to the Democratic Party. I also am somewhat, even though I'm a capitalist and I've spent most of my career in the private sector as an entrepreneur starting businesses, I believe strongly that there's a role for government to prepare our citizens for the world and to create a safety net for those that are inevitably left behind. Harwood: You say you're a capitalist. Do you get the feeling that the drift of your party is in a different direction, or not? Delaney: Not necessarily. I actually think the Democratic Party is pretty aligned on most things. Just like any political party though, it's big and there are people who align more with the democratic socialist part of our party and while I share some of the goals that they're trying to achieve like universal health care and making sure college is affordable and things like that, I happen to believe that private economy is an amazing innovation machine. And has really been one of the things that have absolutely distinguished our country from other countries around the world. I think it's somewhat of a false choice to have to choose between capitalism and supporting the private economy but also having government have a role in helping people's lives. Harwood: There's a whole bunch of people thinking about running for President on your side, but you're the only one who's actually declared and done it. Why? Delaney: I think I'm the right person for the job and have the right vision for the country, but not enough people know who I am. That's why I had to declare early. To make sure I could get out there and introduce myself to the key voters in Iowa and New Hampshire. Harwood: How would you describe the shape of the field and your place in it? Delaney: I don't really think about it in those terms, in part because I'm a different kind of Democrat. If you look at the things I've worked on in the Congress, they've been progressive, they've been big ideas that I think will really change this country and make the future better, but I've consistently worked on finding common ground to get them done. Harwood: Was that a deliberate evocation of Bill Clinton when you said a "different kind of Democrat"? That's the phrase he used in 1991 when he was trying to redefine the Democrat party as somewhat more moderate. Delaney: No, it's not purposeful. I didn't actually realize he had said that. People try to often label me and because I worked with the other side I was ranked as the third most bipartisan member of Congress and because of my business background they assume I'm a moderate and centrist. I am, to some extent, because I think the power in this country is really in the center. Harwood: Do you want to be known as a pro-business Democrat? Delaney: Listen, I'm a pro-jobs Democrat and if you want to be pro-jobs, you, to some extent, have to be pro-business. Because business creates all the jobs in this country. I think about this notion of capitalism and trying to make it more just and inclusive over time. I'm hugely supportive of the private economy, which makes me pro-business, but I actually want it to work for workers. Harwood: Do you think the current level of regulation of Wall Street and American business is adequate? Delaney: I think in some ways it is and in some ways it isn't. I think our efforts to put protections on our natural world in a classic sense, have been good and appropriate. But have we done enough to deal with what's happening to carbon and what's going to lead to climate change? Absolutely not. Do I think we've done things to strengthen the financial system and make it so that we can withstand another significant downturn in the economy? Absolutely, the banks are much stronger than they were. Harwood: What do you make of the big gyrations we've seen in financial markets over the last several weeks? Delaney: I don't read too much into it. Markets go up and down because of how people think about the future, but also how they think about how things are priced. Right? I look more at what's happening to people. What's happening to our citizens. I mean last year the Federal Reserve said that half of our country, if presented with a $500 surprise expense meaning they wake up, something happens to their car, their house, or their health, their health care, and they need $500 they don't have the savings or they don't have the capacity on their credit card. That, to me, is a much more worrisome statistic than what's happened with the stock market. Harwood: After 2020 when you hope to be president, what are the two or three most urgent things for Democrats to do? Delaney: I think we should build infrastructure. I think we should raise the earned income tax credit, put more money in people's pockets. I think we should fix our broken immigration and criminal justice systems. Harwood: How do we pay for the first two things that you just mentioned? Delaney: I had a proposal to build $1 trillion of infrastructure, fully paid for, 40 Democrats, 40 Republicans, head of Freedom Caucus, head of Progressive Caucus, and I paid it for it by tying it to international tax reform. Which they did in the last tax bill, but they didn't pair it with infrastructure. How much better would that tax reform, if within it Harwood: That's water under the bridge. Delaney: But you can re-reform it, and pay for infrastructure. So instead of cutting corporate tax rates from 35 percent to 21 percent, if you cut it to 25 percent, which is what the business community asked for, you could've had a $1 trillion infrastructure plan. Harwood: So you'd like to take that corporate tax rate up a few points. Delaney: As part of launching a trillion-dollar infrastructure program? Absolutely. I'd like more earned income tax credit. What I'd like to do is reform the capital gain system; I think capital gains and ordinary income rates should be the same unless you own the asset for a very long time. So I'd like to create incentives for people to own assets for seven or 10 years, because that means they'll invest in start-ups, they'll invest in infrastructure, the kind of stuff we need that has a much longer payback. Harwood: What should the top personal rate be? Delaney: Where it was before this last tax bill was what? Harwood: 39.6 percent. Delaney: Yeah, that was fine. Harwood: Where does strengthening the ability of workers to organize, and what workers can do once they are organized, fit into your agenda? Delaney: I'm pro-union. I think unions are the only people who wake up every day and actually fight for workers. They just don't fight for the workers in the unions, they fight for all workers. So I want to create a dynamic where it's a level playing field and unions have the right to organize. But I also realize a lot of the economy is not unionized right now. Harwood: Should it be? Delaney: I don't think things should or shouldn't be. I think people should have the right to organize, and if it's make sense for them and the company, they should do it. But neither of my businesses were unionized. Harwood: You've been at this a year and a half. You got a very nice column from George Will about your candidacy, but you're at 1 percent. What conclusions do you draw right now about the viability of this enterprise? You know that people are going to watch this and say, "Come on, he doesn't have a chance." Delaney: We have a great chance. I've been to all 99 counties. We've got 25 people on the ground in Iowa. I've got six offices open. I've got about 40 people on the team. We're going to run a major campaign in 2019. I'm going to be all over Iowa and New Hampshire. Harwood: You're self-financing? Delaney: I have the ability to finance my campaign through Iowa and New Hampshire. Harwood: Is the only measure of the success of what you're doing now if you become president? Delaney: So when my wife and I decided to do this, which is a leap of faith by definition Harwood: Absolutely. Delaney: right, where you have to say, are we doing it for the right reasons? Do we think we have something to say? Do we see a path to viability? And the answers to all of those questions were yes. And as long as I stay true to what I believe, which is this message of unity, common purpose and actually looking at the facts, being honest with the American people about our problems, being honest about the solutions and bringing people together to get those things done as long as I stay true to that, there's no way this could be a bad experience. Mike Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City, speaks to media after touring the Wind Technology program at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa, December 4, 2018. Billionaire Mike Bloomberg is prepared to spend well over the $100 million he put into his last campaign for New York City mayor if he runs for president in 2020. And he does not plan to accept any outside money from political action committees if he jumps into the race, CNBC has learned. Howard Wolfson, Bloomberg's top political advisor, in an email hinted at how much his boss would look to invest into his own potential campaign for president. "Mike spent more than $100 million in his last mayor's race. Last time I looked, NYC is a fraction of the size of the country as a whole," he explained. The last time he ran for public office was in 2009, when he ran for re-election as mayor for a third term and pulled off a victory as an independent. Bloomberg spent more than $110 million backing Democrats during the 2018 congressional midterm elections. When asked if he would spend at least that on his own campaign, Wolfson replied, "Whatever is required." If the former New York City mayor contributes that much to his own coffers, he will have one of the largest 2020 war chests and a stark advantage over other potential Democratic hopefuls, such as former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris and Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke. Still, being a successful businessman may not be what voters are looking for as an alternative to Trump, especially as the party veers toward a progressive platform. In the latest Quinnipiac University poll, Bloomberg had an overall unfavorable rating of 32 percent, and 19 percent of Democrats participating viewed him negatively. However, 44 percent of those who were asked about their perception of Bloomberg said they haven't heard enough to make a decision. Meanwhile, Biden led in the poll, with 84 percent of Democrats saying they favor him over other candidates. The 2018 congressional midterms were also, in part, a reflection of the shifting landscape for the Democratic Party as liberal congressional candidates such as Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez swept away establishment Democrats in primaries and others unseated Republicans in the general election. Queen Elizabeth II is catching flak on Twitter and in the press for being "out of touch" after delivering her annual Christmas address at Buckingham Palace with a lavish gold piano behind her. "Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding," the Queen said during the speech. "Even the power of faith, which frequently inspires great generosity and self-sacrifice, can fall victim to tribalism. But through the many changes I have seen over the years: faith, family and friendship have been not only a constant for me, but a source of personal comfort and reassurance." The 91-year-old monarch's words seem pretty benign: She doesn't actually scold viewers or tell anyone to, say, put on a sweater, as President Jimmy Carter once did with disastrous results. But the juxtaposition of her speech and the piano, a symbol of her substantial wealth, seems to have been enough to unsettle citizens who are already on edge about Brexit. "Privileged wealthy hereditary monarch bunged 76m a year, sitting in front of a golden piano in the palace she's billing taxpayers 369m to tart up, kills satire by lecturing the nation to pull together," wrote Kevin Maguire, associate editor at the Daily Mirror, in a tweet that has since been liked 12,000 times. TWEET "Ah the Queen's message. I love getting yelled at by an old publicly-funded billionaire with a gold piano that we should all be happier and less angry," wrote a resident of New Zealand. TWEET Others poked fun at the outrage. "Oh no, they're going to find out the Queen is a wealthy hereditary monarch," wrote Josh Barro, a columnist for New York Magazine. TWEET The Queen's personal wealth totals at least $520 million, which is the most of anyone in the family, Wealth-X estimates. The private wealth of all of the family members together would top $1 billion. The royal family cost Britain roughly $96 million in 2018 through the Sovereign Grant. That's not a hefty individual burden it comes out to less than a pound per taxpayer per year but it can still rile people up. The Grant currently includes $38 million for the renovation of Buckingham Palace, which has 775 rooms. The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May was estimated to cost a whopping $40 million, including security. The campaign group Republic, which calls for abolishing the monarchy, circulated a petition calling on the government to disclose how much taxpayer money would be spent on the wedding. "Taxpayers should not be funding a private wedding, no matter who is getting married," the petition stated. It garnered over 35,000 signatures. Supporters of the royal family argued that, considering the attention and tourism that the wedding attracted, the event would pay for itself. Indeed, the consultancy firm Brand Finance estimated in 2017 that the family brings in $2.27 billion to the U.K. economy each year. Regardless of the overall effect the monarchy has on the country, it's clear that not everyone appreciates its existence, and the royal family may have less leeway to make mistakes or come off as tone deaf. As the feminist website The Mary Sue puts it, "The Queen and the monarchy are filthy rich, and many, many people are struggling. Once we might have gazed on the piano with admiration as a symbol of power and riches, but in our current environment it feels obscene." Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook! Don't miss: This mom hopes an iPhone photo of the royal family pays for her daughter's tuition These trolls also known as patent assertion entities acquire patents for the sole purpose of suing other companies for money. They cost companies $80 billion in lost wealth every year, and are responsible for over 85 percent of U.S. high-tech patent litigation . So-called "patent trolls" may not be top of mind for the public, but they're certainly on the mind of technology innovators. Nine out of the top ten global internet companies including Amazon , Facebook , Alibaba and Google and hundreds of other companies (including mine) have joined forces against them. The United States Patent and Trademark Office as a distinct bureau dates from the year 1802 when a separate official in the Department of State who became known as Superintendent of Patents was placed in charge of patents. Many of the world's top companies who have spent billions on research and development, and hundreds of millions creating their patent portfolios have taken a stand. Companies like Microsoft , Red Hat , Tesla , eBay , and Tencent have joined forces with competitors and partners alike to address this issue. Anyone can be a target of patent aggression, regardless of whether they own patents. In a business, the owners might use software that relies on technology a patent aggressor wants to target in a lawsuit. These lawsuits don't even need to make sense. When they target smaller companies, patent aggressors benefit because many of these targets don't have in-house counsel or the estimated $3.2 million required to defend themselves , so they pay the aggressors to go away. This doesn't just matter to lawyers. Engineering teams, developers, and inventors care too: companies that fight patent aggression are finding they're more attractive to talent, particularly software engineers. Many software developers are instinctively opposed to patents: software engineers generally dislike patents, and believe in the open source community and collaboration unhindered by patents. Given my company's commitment to open source development, many of our employees feel the same way. Often, companies struggle to convince their engineers to file patents, because the inventors worry the patents could fall into the wrong hands. An engineer whose patent is used in a frivolous patent suit risks harming his or her reputation. In an increasingly competitive market for talent, employees are selective and choose employers based on a variety of factors, including philosophical alignment. One thing we've found that makes us an attractive employer is our membership in the LOT Network. If their patents fall into the hands of a patent assertion entity, the other members of the community get a free license to those patents. The licensed patents can then no longer be used against any company in the network. Because many of the world's top patent holders are members, the LOT Network protects those in the group from over 1.4 million patents. As more companies join, those protections increase. Companies that participate in organizations like the LOT (License-on-Transfer) Network can assure their engineers their patents won't be used to harm innovation. Ultimately, that's what it's all about. In a world where competition is stiff and the pressure to innovate is intense, taking a stand against patent aggression and engaging in good corporate citizenship is an investment. It pays returns not just to the bottom line, but to our company's ability to hire and keep the best talent on the market. By David Perry, senior patent lawyer at Red Hat, which IBM recently announced its intention to acquire in a $34 billion deal An attendee holds a Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta SpA pistol at the company's booth during the National Rifle Association annual meeting in Dallas, May 5, 2018. Daniel Acker | Bloomberg | Getty Images More than a dozen new gun laws passed by California lawmakers go into effect in 2019, including a lifetime gun ownership ban for those involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility. There's also a bill in California to add new protections for survivors of domestic violence. In addition, California and at least five other states (Washington, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois and Vermont) and the District of Columbia passed laws in 2018 that raised the minimum age from 18 years old to age 21 for the purchase of long guns, and many of those laws take effect Jan. 1, 2019. Many of those laws were acted on after the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people. At least a dozen other states already restrict ownership or possession of long guns to individuals under age 21. Federal law currently prohibits the sale of handguns from a licensed retailer to people under age 21. Several national retailers also have moved to curb sales of certain guns to customers younger than 21, including Dick's Sporting Goods, Kroger-owned Fred Meyer superstores as well as Walmart. Some of those under-21 policies also restrict ammunition sales and have led to lawsuits. California In California, Assembly Bill 1968 mandates a lifetime ban on the ownership of firearms for individuals if they were involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility more than once within a one-year period because they were deemed a danger to themselves or others. The individual could appeal the ban every five years. The bill becomes operative at the end of 2019. At the same time, California Assembly Bill 3129 puts a lifetime ban on gun ownership or possession for individuals convicted on or after Jan. 1, 2019, of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense or for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or person the defendant currently or previously dated or engaged in a relationship. Current state law requires a 10-year ban on possessing a firearm or ammunition for those convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. "A big trend you're seeing now isn't just getting laws on the books, but ensuring that there is funding attached to actually be able to implement the law," said Kyleanne Hunter, vice president of programs at the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, an advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. She said a case in point is California's laws involving gun violence restraining orders. Hunter said she expects more gun legislation to be proposed at a federal level in 2019 since there will be "a pro-gun violence prevention Congress. You'll see early on an introduction of a background check bill that will close the loopholes and hopefully expand the definition of prohibited purchases to include" abusers who victimize nonspouse partners. Gun taxes California already is known for having one of the toughest sets of gun laws in the nation. On the first day to introduce bills for the 2019-20 legislative session, Assembly Bill 18 was proposed to place a new excise tax on gun sales and use the money to fund violence intervention and prevention activities. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who takes office Jan. 7, vowed last month to "raise the bar" on California's gun control laws after the Nov. 7 mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks in which 12 people were killed and the suspect also died. Newsom also has said he will take a second look at some bills that current Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed. In September, Brown vetoed Assembly Bill 2888, a bill that would have expanded the list of people who can get a gun violence restraining order to co-workers and employers as well as teachers. "We have no doubt that the anti-gun governor, Gavin Newsom, will aggressively pursue legislation to further infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens in the state of California," said Larry Keane, senior vice president and general counsel of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a pro-gun lobbying group based in Connecticut. Keane contends that anti-gun legislation from California have not reduced crime in the Golden State. The Brady group counters that the state's gun laws save lives. Oregon and Washington In Oregon, the state's so-called intimate partner loophole or boyfriend loophole bill House Bill 4145 goes into effect Jan. 1 and bans the ownership or purchase of guns by domestic abuse offenders or people under restraining orders. At least 29 other states have similar laws that put curbs on the ownership or purchase of guns for convicted domestic abusers or stalkers. The Oregon law was signed by Democratic Gov. Kate Brown less than a month after the Feb. 14 shooting in Florida. The bill was proposed at the request of the governor. Meantime, in Washington state voters passed ballot Initiative 1639 in November, which sets into motion several new gun regulations, including raising the legal age to buy semi-automatic assault rifles from 18 years old to 21. It also requires the purchaser to provide proof they completed firearms safety training. In addition, at least a dozen other states already restrict ownership or possession of long guns to individuals under age 21. Federal law already prohibits the sale or transfer of pistols by a federal firearms licensee to people under age 21; the law doesn't apply to shotguns or rifles. Also, other changes under the voter-approved initiative include enhanced background checks, waiting periods and increases secure gun storage for all guns to prevent them from getting in the hands of children. Washington's law raising the age to buy a semi-automatic assault rifle takes effect Jan. 1, 2019, while the other new rules in Initiative 1639 take effect July 1, 2019. Illinois and Florida In Illinois, a new law goes into effect next year that allows authorities to seize guns from someone determined to be a danger to themselves or others. House Bill 2354 was signed in July by Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican who was ousted last month by Democrat J.B. Pritzker. At least seven other states passed similar so-called red flag laws this year. Also, another gun law passed by Illinois this year extends the 72-hour cooling-off period for the purchase of all firearms. Similarly, Florida state lawmakers responded to mounting pressure to act on gun control after the Parkland massacre by passing a three-day waiting period on most firearms purchases and outlawing bump stocks, which can make semi-automatic rifles fire faster. New Jersey and Ohio British Prime Minister Theresa May departs after speaking at a press conference after attending a special session of the European Council over Brexit on November 25, 2018 in Brussels, Belgium. Business leaders' confidence in the British economy has sunk to its lowest level in more than 18 months as the risk of a no-deal Brexit in a little over three months grows, the Institute of Directors (IoD) said on Thursday. The group, which represents business directors and leaders, said its confidence tracker briefly reached positive territory earlier this year when there was agreement on a Brexit transition period, but had fallen steadily since April and hit its lowest level this month. Prime Minister Theresa May faces deep opposition from both her own lawmakers and opposition parties to the divorce agreement she has negotiated with the EU, raising the risk of a "no-deal" departure, something that could hurt the economy. IoD senior economist Tej Parikh said there was no doubt that the tumultuous Brexit process was having a damaging impact on firms' outlooks. "Business leaders are looking ahead to the new year with trepidation about the economy," he said. "While we saw cautious optimism emerging when the Brexit talks appeared to be moving towards a transition period after March 2019, that has utterly dissipated now. "The prospect of a no-deal in the near future will be weighing heavily on directors' minds." WATCH: Brexit explained: 3.3 million jobs, EU immigration, the Irish border and everything else about the UK's big gamble It's a rite of spring in Japan: Major corporations hire fresh university graduates en masse every April, starting them all at the same salary with assurances of rising pay and lifetime employment. But lately, some companies, including Rakuten, SoftBank and Line Corp, are breaking with that tradition, signing up new employees with coveted technical skills months earlier - and paying them more than other new recruits. As competition for workers grows in Japan's shrinking labor pool, traditional seniority and group dynamics are giving ground to the more individualized, merit-based employment system found in the West. It is a welcome sign for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government and the central bank, which have been pushing for a more flexible labor market that would boost wages and revive consumption. Takashi Murakami, a 23-year-old producer at Mercari, which developed a popular flea market app, says seniority-based pay and lifetime employment are relics. "I'm grateful that the company seems to value me with pretty good pay," he said. "I already got a pay hike after joining the company, which motivated me to work even harder. Merit-based pay is more fitting to the times." In recent years, Mercari said, it has been hiring college students throughout the year to grab workers with needed skills. The company even offers jobs to some second-year or third-year students. Mercari also has a programme called "Mergrads" to provide internships and training to improve new graduates' skills. And since April, it started offering higher pay to some job candidates with skills in information technology engineering and computer programming, said Ayano Okuda of Mercari, who is in charge of hiring new graduates. She declined to discuss the company's pay scale. Instagram users found a surprising update when they went to check out some holiday photos Thursday morning: They now need to scroll or tap through their feed horizontally. Shortly after the release, Instagram's Head of Product Adam Mosseri tweeted that it was meant to be "a very small test but we went broader than we anticipated." Many Instagram users reported that their feeds went back to the original vertical scrolling. Tweet The Facebook-owned photo-sharing service introduced the feature Thursday morning with instructions in the app to "Tap through posts, just like you tap through stories," referring to the Snapchat-style sharing feature where photos can disappear after 24 hours. Like many major updates to popular technology, this one faced quick backlash from users, even if it lasted only briefly. On Twitter, #instagramupdate was the No. 1 trending hashtag in the U.S. on Thursday morning, where people complained that the new feature makes it harder to scroll past posts they don't care about, including advertisements. In a statement, Instagram said, "Due to a bug, some users saw a change to the way their feed appears today. We quickly fixed the issue and feed is back to normal. We apologize for any confusion." Many compared the update to the ill-fated Snapchat redesign that even inspired a petition of over 1 million signatories earlier this year. Snap, the company that owns the app, actually ended up redoing its redesign shortly after the release, and CEO Evan Spiegel later acknowledged that the entire project was "rushed" in a memo to employees. Tweet Tweet Tweet Tweet Tweet Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Watch: Social media detox why quitting Instagram and Facebook made me happier Most retail stocks rallied the day after Christmas, on the heels of early sales data that showed the industry is on track to have its best holiday shopping season in six years. But not all retailers have a reason to celebrate, and J.C. Penney is one of those with a bleaker outlook. The day after Christmas, Penney shares dipped below $1 hitting 99 cents for the first time ever. After struggling to stay above $1 for most of Thursday morning, the stock tumbled to a fresh low of 97 cents, bringing Penney's market cap to roughly $310 million. Shares have lost more than a quarter of their value since Penney reported disappointing third-quarter earnings last month and are down more than 68 percent from a year ago. While many retailers are heading into 2019 on a high note including some of Penney's department store chain peers Penney is still struggling to turn things around. The company lost its CEO, Marvin Ellison, to Lowe's in July. It didn't name a replacement until October the former Joann Stores chief, Jill Soltau. One of Penney's biggest challenges has been dealing with a pile-up of unsold inventory. While other retailers, including Macy's and Kohl's, have made improvements in managing their merchandise in 2018 and are expected to head into the new year on a good footing, Penney still has work to do. Having a backlog of inventory means more pressure on profits, as the company will be forced to slash prices to clear shelves. The company also has struggled to sell trend-right apparel, at a time when the apparel industry as a whole is going through somewhat of a renaissance with clothing sales climbing again. "I would say [Penney] definitely wasn't a winner this holiday season," Retail Metrics founder Ken Perkins told CNBC. "People think of J.C. Penney and unfortunately they don't think of anything trendy. ... They've had an image problem for some time." Perkins said most of the Penney stores he visited over the past few weeks weren't nearly as busy as a retailer such as Marshalls, where there would be upwards of 75 people in line to buy something. Instead, he said, Penney's home departments a category where the company has been trying to invest looked empty of shoppers. "I think they struggled across the board," he said. Penney has, meanwhile, argued it will benefit from Sears filing for bankruptcy and shutting stores in malls. But Perkins said he thinks former Sears shoppers instead are turning to Kohl's and off-price chains such as Burlington. With more than 860 stores open across the U.S. today, Penney will likely need to shut more locations to focus on a "core group" of assets before things get better, Perkins added. With low unemployment in the U.S. coupled with high consumer confidence, many analysts agree the backdrop couldn't be better for retailers as 2018 comes to an end. But what does that mean for Penney, still scrambling to grow same-store sales? "The biggest issue for [Penney] is this is as good as it gets," Stacey Widlitz, president of consulting group SW Retail Advisors, told CNBC. "Gas prices are low. ... You have all the tailwinds in the world," and the company is still struggling, she said. "The older generation is finding less value at J.C. Penney over the years." On a recent call with analysts, Soltau pointed to women's apparel, activewear, special sizes and fine jewelry as being key growth categories for Penney in the future. But the company will surely be met with heightened competition from the likes of Target, Lululemon and TJ Maxx along the way. Even Nike, a brand that sells items within Penney stores, is increasingly taking the route of selling directly to consumers and is investing in its own standalone shops. A spokesperson for Penney didn't immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on this story. When shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange like Penney's close below $1 for 30 consecutive trading days, then the exchange has the ability to initiate a delisting process, according to its website. A delegation of the Russian Defense Ministry led by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff Igor Osipov discussed naval cooperation at talks with Iranian counterparts, according to the ministrys spokesperson. The delegation arrived in Iran on December 24 to attend the second meeting of the Russian-Iranian working group implementing the intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation, RT reported citing TASS. Particular attention was drawn to navy cooperation, the ministrys statement said. Russias military also thanked Tehran for active participation in the 2018 International Army Games and invited Iranian service members to take part in the 2019 Games. Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Bandar Algaloud | Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court | Reuters The king of Saudi Arabia announced Thursday that he is shaking up his Cabinet, capping a tumultuous period that has plunged the kingdom into its biggest international crisis since King Salman took the throne nearly four years ago. The royal family has endured three months of intense scrutiny after Saudi agents killed and dismembered Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in October. The CIA has reportedly concluded that King Salman's successor, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was complicit in the slaying. The incident has drawn international condemnation and raised questions about Crown Prince Mohammed's ability to shepherd the kingdom through a period of far-reaching social and economic reform. It has also renewed attention on the Saudi-led war in neighboring Yemen, which has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia announced former Finance Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf would succeed Adel al-Jubeir as the nation's foreign minister. Al-Jubeir, the public face of Saudi Arabia during the Khashoggi crisis, was appointed minister of state for foreign affairs. The king also appointed a new national security advisor and head of the National Guard, and named new ministers for education, media and the sports authority. King Salman also issued a royal decree to restructure the Political and Security Affairs Council helmed by Crown Prince Mohammed. Thursday's reshuffling elevates members of Saudi Arabia's old guard who had been marginalized after King Salman took the throne and consolidated power under Crown Prince Mohammed. The move, which projects an image of stability, was widely expected throughout the rumor mill that constantly buzzes around the Saudi royal family. It is unlikely though to silence critics of the regime or make any real difference in policy. The reshuffling actually empowers some of Crown Prince Mohammed's closest allies, who have been appointed to Cabinet positions, according to Ali Shihabi, founder of the Arabia Foundation. Shihabi, who has at times defended the government during the Khashoggi crisis, cautioned against linking the incident with Thursday's decree. "The recent restructuring of the intelligence agency was a direct result of the Khashoggi murder but otherwise today's changes also address structural issues (like the need to increase the senior bandwidth in the foreign policy space) that have been on the table for a while," he said Thursday on Twitter. Incoming Foreign Minister Al-Assaf is best known for his role as finance minister, a post he held for 20 years under former King Abdullah. At that time it was an extremely powerful position, with oversight of several portfolios, including management of sovereign wealth fund assets that would eventually become the Public Investment Fund, as well as approval for many of the megaprojects championed by the former king. Barring quick and unexpected progress, the stalemate will likely last into the new year, and potentially until after Democrats take a House majority on Jan. 3. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise advised GOP members Thursday not to expect a vote this week, according to NBC News. The Senate will not hold another session with the potential for votes until Jan. 2. Lawmakers will get 24 hours notice before any vote on a deal to end the shutdown. Only some lawmakers returned to Washington from their holiday break Thursday, when the Senate convened briefly at 4 p.m. ET. But Congress has so far failed to break an impasse over the president's demand for $5 billion to build the barrier, and no votes are scheduled yet. President Donald Trump scolded Democrats over his proposed border wall Thursday as a partial government shutdown carried into its sixth day with no signs of a deal to end it. The White House and congressional leaders still appear far from ending the stalemate even as hundreds of thousands of federal workers face furloughs or temporarily work without pay. After he returned to Washington from a surprise visit to U.S. military service members in Iraq and Germany, Trump quickly turned his attention back to the immigration fight. In a tweet, he questioned whether Democrats have "finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border." He suggested federal workers damaged by the shutdown support Democrats, asking: "Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats?" Trump tweet It was unclear what evidence exactly Trump was using to show federal employees are Democrats. But 95 percent of campaign contributions from federal employees in the 2016 presidential election went to Trump's Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, according to The Hill. In subsequent tweets Thursday, Trump accused Democrats of "obstruction" in blocking money for the wall. He also contended that the party wants an "Open Southern Border" which Democratic leaders have repeatedly said they do not want. The comments Thursday, combined with remarks the president made Wednesday, indicate he has little desire to back down from his demand even as nine federal departments remain unfunded. With Democrats pledging not to put money toward a project they call immoral and ineffective, the impasse looks no closer to breaking. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a Thursday statement that Trump "does not want the government to remain shut down, but he will not sign a proposal that does not first prioritize our country's safety and security." She argued that the White House offered a "reasonable, common sense solution" to Democrats on Saturday a proposal that reportedly came out of a meeting between Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The Democratic leader rejected an offer that reportedly included more than the $1.6 billion for border security he has publicly said he would accept. Responding to the White House on Thursday, Drew Hammill, a spokesman for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, said Democrats offered the GOP three options to keep the government running. He said they "all include funding for strong, sensible and effective border security" but not Trump's "immoral, ineffective and expensive wall." Democrats "will act swiftly to end the Trump Shutdown" when they take the majority, he said. House Democrats have promised to pass a short-term spending bill to reopen the government, without wall money, after Jan 3. But Trump could threaten to veto it, jeopardizing the chances of it getting through the GOP-held Senate. Amid the border wall spat and furor over the death of an 8-year-old Guatemalan child in U.S. custody, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen will visit the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday, according to NBC News. Asked Wednesday in Iraq how long he would hold out to see his demands met, Trump responded: "Whatever it takes." He said Pelosi, who will likely become speaker in January, is "calling the shots." Democrats appear uncertain about exactly how the president wants to spend that $5 billion. While Trump as a candidate called for a concrete barrier funded by Mexico, his demands have shifted. He has recently called for a wall, a "steel slat" barrier or a fence, "whatever [Democrats] want to call it." Pelosi mocked the president's shifting descriptions in an interview with USA Today published this week. "First of all, the fact ... that he says, 'We're going to build a wall with cement, and Mexico's going to pay for it' while he's already backed off of the cement now he's down to, I think, a beaded curtain or something, I'm not sure where he is," she told the newspaper. As the impasse continued Thursday, Sen. Dick Durbin an Illinois Democrat and the No. 2 senator in his party said he saw "no end in sight." In a tweet, he argued Trump has "taken our government hostage" over the wall, which he called "both wasteful and ineffective." Durbin tweet Britain's defense minister has reportedly voiced "grave" concerns over Huawei's role in the rollout of the U.K.'s 5G network. Gavin Williamson is the first U.K. cabinet minister to speak out against the telecoms giant, according to British newspaper The Times, which reported Thursday that he believed using Huawei's 5G equipment may enable Chinese espionage. "I have grave, very deep concerns about Huawei providing the 5G network in Britain. It's something we'd have to look at very closely," Williamson reportedly said. "We've got to look at what partners such as Australia and the U.S. are doing in order to ensure that they have the maximum security of that 5G network and we've got to recognize the fact, as has been recently exposed, that the Chinese state does sometimes act in a malign way." A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence confirmed Williamson's comments to CNBC over the phone. Superfast 5G mobile internet is expected to revolutionize the digital economy by enabling new technologies such as self-driving cars and the internet of things. A spokesperson for Huawei told CNBC via email: "Cybersecurity is Huawei's number one priority, and an area in which we are investing heavily. We fully agree with the need to ensure the security and integrity of national networks. As a responsible company and a significant investor in the UK, we welcome dialogue with the British government and with the rest of the industry, as long as it is based on facts and on demonstrable evidence." 'Risks to consider' James Chappell, co-founder and chief innovation officer at analysis firm Digital Shadows, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Thursday that the EU would eventually be pulled into the debate. "As countries become manufacturers of devices and technologies themselves, those technologies get pulled into these geopolitical debates, so this will continue," he said. "America exports a large amount of telecoms equipment, as does Europe, so I expect we'll see places where American and European equipment is affected by these geopolitical movers. We haven't seen Europe get so involved in (these) decisions, but someone's going to have to decide at some point what they're going to do because there are some risks to consider." Meanwhile Pelham Smithers, managing director of Pelham Smithers Associates, told "Squawk Box Europe" Thursday that it was "very dangerous" to put Huawei equipment into 5G infrastructure. "It's less of a problem at the consumer side, but at the service provider end everyone's worried," he said. "Maybe the problems will be resolved with Huawei, but for the time being I think telco companies are going to invest and they are going to be looking to providers like Nokia, NEC and Samsung." Following suit Williamson's comments to The Times came as reports emerged that President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in 2019 to ban U.S. businesses from buying equipment made by China's Huawei and ZTE. Like Huawei, ZTE has also previously denied allegations its products are used to spy. The U.S. was the first of the Five Eyes security alliance to ban Huawei from providing equipment for its national 5G rollout. Australia and New Zealand have since made the same decision, leaving Canada and the U.K. as the only members not to have done so. However, the U.K.'s spy chief said in a speech this month that the inclusion of Chinese telecoms firms in 5G networks needed consideration. Earlier this month, British telco firm BT said Huawei would not be eligible to provide equipment for its core 5G network although a spokesperson told CNBC this was not related to security concerns. World's biggest 5G provider President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in the new year to declare a national emergency that would bar U.S. companies from using telecommunications equipment made by China's Huawei and ZTE, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters. It would be the latest step by the Trump administration to cut Huawei Technologies and ZTE, two of China's biggest network equipment companies, out of the U.S. market. The United States alleges that the two companies work at the behest of the Chinese government and that their equipment could be used to spy on Americans. The executive order, which has been under consideration for more than eight months, could be issued as early as January and would direct the Commerce Department to block U.S. companies from buying equipment from foreign telecommunications makers that pose significant national security risks, sources from the telecoms industry and the administration said. While the order is unlikely to name Huawei or ZTE, a source said it is expected that Commerce officials would interpret it as authorization to limit the spread of equipment made by the two companies. The sources said the text for the order has not been finalized. The executive order would invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States. The issue has new urgency as U.S. wireless carriers look for partners as they prepare to adopt next generation 5G wireless networks. The order follows the passage of a defense policy bill in August that barred the U.S. government itself from using Huawei and ZTE equipment. Huawei and ZTE did not return requests for comment. Both in the past have denied allegations their products are used to spy. The White House also did not return a request for comment. The Wall Street Journal first reported in early May that the order was under consideration, but it was never issued. Bazaar Corporate Radar | Feb 22, 2021, 12:00 AM IST Bazaar Corporate Radar Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar. If Syrian sovereignty and territorial unity is re-established then there will be no reason for Iran to be there, Russian Presidents envoy to the Middle East Mikhail Bogdanov said in an interview with Bloomberg. The senior Russian diplomat downplayed concerns about the growing role of Iran in Syria, saying that Iranian-backed forces would leave the country once the government re-establishes full control of all territory. In addition, Bogdanov added that Russia is ready to mediate between Damascus and the Syrian Kurds in the northeast who have been under U.S. protection, to allow for the return of Syrian government troops and the eventual withdrawal of Turkish forces. Singapore to introduce bill on deliberate online falsehoods in 2019: Edwin Tong To control the spread of online misinformation, a bill on deliberate online falsehoods could be introduced in the first half of 2019 in the Singapore Parliament, said Senior Minister of State for Law Edwin Tong. The draft legislation could be tabled then, the Minister told Channel NewsAsia. Edwin Tong said the objectives of the law include disrupting the use of tools that amplify falsehoods like inauthentic accounts run by bots or trolls, and to break the virality of published falsehoods. A Select Committee on the issue of controlling deliberate online falsehood was formed in Singapore to deliberate and suggest measures. The Committee submitted its 317-page report to Parliament in September emphasising the need for a multi-pronged approach and highlighted both legislative and non-legislative measures. A Select Committee on the issue of controlling deliberate online falsehood was formed in Singapore to deliberate and suggest measures which submiited its report in September. Photo courtesy: PAP There are obviously different types of information out there, and there are also different types of deterrent effects we want to achieve. For a falsehood that has gone out, there's not much that you can do by way of criminalising conduct that can affect the falsehood (itself) You can then use the fact that you have sanctions and legislation as a deterrence for future purveyors of falsehood, said Tong who is also one of the members of the Select Committee. The role of social media including Facebook and Twitter have been central to the discussion on the proliferation of deliberate online falsehoods as their platforms have been used to spread misinformation. Tong replied that the aim of the legislation is to set parameters where such companies can operate. Because they play such a dominant role in this entire issue, and carry with them so much of the control being the people who run the platformswe want to see what we can do to ensure that we can level off that position, he said. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to empower Singaporeans to identify online misinformation. A national framework for media literacy is set to be launched in 2019. Luis C.deBaca is the Robina Fellow in Modern Slavery at the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition, of Yale Universitys MacMillan Center. He served in Barack Obamas Administration as Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. A few years ago, survivors of the largest slavery prosecution in U.S. history invited me to commemorate the tenth anniversary of their case with them, which I had prosecuted in court. They were no longer the scared and hungry workers we had found behind garment factory fences, but were small business owners, college students, mothers and fathers, joined in America by their families and thriving in their new home. Such an emotional and inspirational reunion could not have happened in the United Kingdom, because the victims wouldnt have received long-term care, their family members would never have joined them, and they themselves would have been likely to be sent home long before. As Home Secretary, Theresa May recognised that modern slavery strikes at the heart of our commitment to human dignity, and made combating trafficking her signature issue. As Prime Minister, she again vowed to fight the great human rights issue of our time. That mantle of leadership, however, is at risk. As US anti-trafficking Ambassador under Barack Obama, I was honored to testify before the Parliamentary inquiry that resulted in the 2015 Modern Slavery Act. Its supply chain transparency provisions and new criminal tools are a global example. But the same cannot be said for the UKs victim protection regime, which is rendered almost meaningless by the lack of long-term care and alternatives to removal. Put simply, a country cannot long be a global leader against modern slavery when its own official determination that someone is a victim is undercut by artificial deadlines, lack of services, or even deportation. Thats why the Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Private Members Bill, currently in Parliament is so important. This Bill, tabled by Ian McColl and Iain Duncan Smith will ensure that official recognition that someone is a trafficking victim will result in a year of specialist support and an alternative to deportation. Lord McColls proposal would not only bring the UK into compliance with UN and global standards of victim care, but would result in more effective prosecutions, as victims would know it is safe to come forward. I saw this directly as a prosecutor and diplomat. In the US, trafficking victims can seek immigration status (the T-Visa) if they are willing to cooperate with an investigation. They arent just used as witnesses, but are recognised for their bravery and protected for speaking out, often at great risk. Family members can join them, escaping retribution in their home country and knowing that there is a chance to make a new life in America. Before the T-Visa was introduced, some had concerns that it would lead to false claims. These concerns have been unfounded, because each victim goes through a careful review by investigators at each step of the way. In contrast, the current system in the UK offers no comfort or security to victims once they have been identified. While it is possible for victims identified in the UK to be granted a residence permit (including for working with the police), that appears to have happened for only 12 per cent of confirmed victims. Instead, victims who are officially recognised by one part of the Home Office often find themselves pursued by another arm of the same Ministry for deportation. Immigration issues aside, those who are identified by UK authorities as trafficking victims lose all government-funded specialist support two weeks later. This makes no sense. The Home Office promises to increase this to 45 days, but that is insufficient. Trafficking victims are still in direct trauma at that stage, and need long-term care if they are to recover. With support cut off at this crucial point it is no surprise that, rather than beginning a healing journey and cooperating with authorities, victims in the UK often return to the shadows, and even re-exploitation, to avoid destitution. Our latest ConservativeHome survey responded to by around 1,200 Party members has found 71 per cent of members still do not support the Prime Ministers Withdrawal Agreement, with 25.9 per cent in agreement with her proposal. That result shows remarkable consistency from the November survey, which found 71.7 per cent against and 24.94 in favour. An optimist might see a very slight improvement there for Theresa May, with one per cent switching their view in her favour. But realistically that is such minimal movement that it would be reasonable to declare nothing has changed in members views on the principle of the matter. Of course, disagreeing with the Prime Ministers deal and wanting it voted down are not necessarily one and the same view. In Novembers survey we asked a supplementary question did respondents think MPs should vote for the deal or not and doing so identified a gap between principle and practice. While around 25 per cent of members supported the deal, around 30 per cent thought MPs should vote for it. That phenomenon offered Downing Street a slim hope, but a hope nonetheless, that if outright support was too much to ask then it might be possible to build at least some kind of reluctant acceptance among Eurosceptic Party members. Weve seen the Government press hard on exactly that angle since then. The deal is not perfect, ministers concede. Indeed, the Prime Minister openly seeks to secure additional reassurances about the limitations of its most glaring flaws. But it is the best deal available, and whats more the alternatives would, we are told, be worse. The choice would be between no Brexit at all and a no deal Brexit, as Theresa May told the Conservative Friends of Israel. Whitehall has produced doomsday scenarios to raise alarm about No Deal, big Tory beasts have been wheeled out to denounce disloyalty and encourage unity, and even the spectre of a Corbyn government has been raised. In short: having implicitly accepted that it is a tall order to encourage people to learn to love the deal, the Prime Minister and her advisers have put a lot of effort into the less demanding (but also less compelling) line of appealing to begrudging practicality. A bird in the hand, and so on. Particularly after the failed attempt by MPs to unseat May, Downing Street hoped a good number of critics would accept that she had asserted a right to fulfil her programme and duly come back into line. Among our panel of Conservative Party members, however, that approach has produced only limited change. 30.8 per cent of Party member respondents are now of the view that MPs should approve the deal a rise of 1.1 percentage point on last month, while the proportion who believe MPs should not approve it stands at 65.1 per cent, down 2.7 percentage points since November. So the lead of opponents of the deal has narrowed slightly, to a still large 34.3 per cent, and Dont Know gained more ground than the idea of MPs approving the deal. The numbers still imply that only about five per cent of members occupy that interesting space of not supporting the deal but wanting MPs to vote for it. Thus far, the Governments campaign does not appear to be working very well among its own grassroots. What change there has been is nowhere near fast enough to reverse the situation by March. U.S. President Donald Trump has no plans to nominate a replacement for Defense Secretary James Mattis any time soon. Trump added that acting secretary Patrick Shanahan may remain in the post for the foreseeable future, Army Times reported. Shanahan currently serves as the deputy secretary of defense at the Pentagon, the No. 2 civilian position there, which has traditionally focused more on the internal workings and business practices of the Defense Department. Trump announced on Sunday via Twitter that Shanahan would immediately replace Mattis after the departing defense chief released a public resignation letter last week citing his differences with the administrations security policies. Instead, Shanahan will immediately take the reins and Shanahan "could be there for a long time" in the acting defense secretary position, Trump said, according to Reuters, during his surprise visit to Iraq yesterday. We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds.. 100% Website jailbaitgallery.me uses latest and advanced technologies. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 54934 bytes (53.65 kb uncompressed) and 10242 bytes (10.00 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2019-09-28, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkish officials had stopped a cyber-attack aimed at the Turkish military thanks to a locally-developed software, Hurriyet Daily News reported. The software named Octopus that we have developed has stopped a cyberattack on a military command headquarters and it has been incorporated in a NATO drill, Erdogansaid on Dec. 26 at an award ceremony of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) and Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA). We need to show the sensitivity that we show for the protection of our borders similarly to the data that our country produces. Today, cyberattacks and [technological] shortfalls are the biggest threats that violate the states security and an individuals privacy, Erdogansaid. Turkey no longer knows any bounds regarding scientific researches. We are running [scientific] works in every area, from space to the poles. Two weeks ago, we realized a dream and set up [national] Space Agency. This way we have taken a step to take our country to a super league in terms of space works and technology, Erdogan said. The United Arab Emirates will reopen its embassy in Damascus, which has been shut since 2011, the Syrian information ministry said. There was no immediate comment from officials in the UAE. A Syrian information note to journalists invited them to cover the event at 1:30 p.m. (1130 GMT) today at the embassy located in the capitals Abu Rummaneh district, Reuters reported. The UAE was one of several regional states that backed groups fighting Assad, though its role was less prominent than Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Turkey, rebel sources have said. Earlier this month, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir became the first Arab head of state to visit Damascus since the start of the Syrian conflict. The Arab League suspended Syrias membership in 2011. Security teams are constantly trying to stay one step ahead of phishing email scammers. What pitches are they using? Who are they targeting? What strings are they pulling to get people to click on malicious links? One way to gain that insight is to study the email messages that the scammers send. Gary Hayslip, CISO at cybersecurity and threat intelligence services firm Webroot, has been collecting phishing email samples for the last four years, starting when he was CISO for the city of San Diego. I started noticing the spam I was getting was not the usual prince from Nigeria, please respond. Instead, some of these [scammers] have done some research on the accounts receivable department or on specific managers, and the emails were tailored towards them, he says. I thought it was interesting and started saving copies of them. You see some really weird stuff at times. Those emails became a valuable research tool, especially after Hayslip realized that other CISOs were also collecting them. Another CISO might send him a phishing email sent to their organization to compare notes. I could show [the CISO], yeah, we got something very similar about 18 months ago and its coming back again. He adds that knowing changes to, say, the sender or how they create a sense of urgency allows him and his peers to better identify and block variations on that phishing campaign. Having that record on hand is also good training for his staff. That training is important, because Hayslip sees criminals becoming much more targeted with their phishing campaigns. They are targeting specific groups where they know everybody in the group, or they are targeting specific people and the email is written towards them. That relevancy to the recipient makes the phishing email a lot more destructive if successful, either in terms of damage to the network or size of the financial fraudfor example, getting an executives administrative assistant to approve a large fraudulent payment. Below are eight of the phishing emails that Hayslip has collected. He weighs in on why they are or are not effective, and what gives each one away as a phishing scam. Phishing email examples 1. Your account has been hacked Webroot The person sending this phishing message found a group email that was publicly available on the Webroot website. Using that list to target the message was smart. Not so smart was the content of the message, with lines like Its useless to change the password, my malware intercepts it every time. When you see postings like that, thats someone who really doesnt understand how malware works, says Hayslip. Professional cyber criminals dont talk that way. Theres a way in which they talk, and they are very professional about their tools and the way they discuss things. I knew right away that this was crap. Each year a few hackers do something new that begs further examination. The general public and Hollywood paints most hackers as these uber-smart people who can take control of entire citys infrastructure and crack any password in seconds. The reality is that most hackers are fairly average people with average intelligence. Most dont do anything new. They just repeat the same things that have worked for years, if not decades, using someone elses tool based on someone elses hack from many years ago. [ How much does a data breach cost? Here's where the money goes. | Get the latest from CSO by signing up for our newsletters. ] The stuff that we need to pay more attention to are the new, evolutionary or revolutionary hacking methods that gave hackers access to something they didnt have before. Maybe it isnt exactly new, but its being used more or in more innovative ways than in the past (like ransomware did a few years ago). With that said, here are my choices for most interesting hacks of 2018. Increase in internet-of-things hacks Though no surprise, the increase in hacks against IoT devices is coming on strong as long predicted. IoT devices are invading both our personal and professional lives and are getting hacked to attack us and our organizations. Even the devices placed in our companies and homes that are supposed to provide us more security are being used against us. Here are two representative examples: When the U.S. special prosecutor put a specific Russian company and specific Russian names in one of his indictments this year, it wasnt a guess. Turns out that the Dutch intelligence agency had hacked into the video cameras that monitored the Russians, revealing everything they did in detail. While Im not against this particular hack, it is a cautionary warning to any company or person who has IP-connected devices in the buildings where they are conducting sensitive activities. A Bloomfield-based nonprofit that works with more than 100 fuel banks around Connecticut to help the states less fortunate keep their homes warm during the winter has come up with a novel way to illustrate what it feels like if where you live has no heat. Operation Fuel is arranging for a small ice house to be built on the grounds of the Old State House in Hartford on Jan. 24. The house, a 15-by-17-foot room, is being built by Ice Matters, a Cheshire company that makes sculptures out of ice blocks. Kim Green, Operation Fuels director of development, declined to say how much money was being spent on the ice house, which will only be in place for one day. But Green said similar fundraisers done by regional fuel banks in Maryland and New Jersey have proven to be successful. Were expecting that about 500 people to visit the day of the event, but because its a first-time event, we dont know what to expect in terms of the fundraising, she said. We hope it will get the word out, not only that were here to help, but how we go about helping. Were hoping the impact will last well beyond the day of the event. There are 500,000 households in Connecticut that cant afford the cost of basic needs, including energy , according to Operation Fuel officials. Brenda Watson, executive director for the nonprofit, said that by having people sit on blocks of ice, inside walls of ice, members of the public are going to feel what it is like not to have the heat and lights on. The Ice House will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 24. The Old State House grounds will have food trucks and music as well as information on energy assistance programs. There is no charge to the public to participate, but a donation of $5 per person is encouraged, according to Watson. Eversource Energy is the presenting sponsor for the event and Rod Powell, the utilitys president of corporate citizenship, said company officials are always mindful of the effect the price of power has on our customers, particularly those who are facing difficult financial circumstances. Like our customers, we have no control over fluctuating energy prices, but we do all we can to help them save energy where they can, Powell said in a statement. Partnering with Operation Fuel on events like this and the very successful Add-a-Dollar program, were helping to bridge the gap for struggling families. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com As the West continues to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas which extend into the New Year, some 215 million Christians worldwide face violence or repression. On the day after Christmas, the British government launched a review of Christian persecution in key countries especially in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa and to seek ways the UK can help those who are suffering. Christianity is on the verge of extinction in its birthplace, said Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who ordered the report. So often the persecution of Christians is a telling early warning sign of the persecution of every minority. Bishop Philip Mounstephen, the Anglican bishop of Truro, will lead the effort to uncover the scale of the problem and offer ambitious policy recommendations to the government. Globally, 250 Christians die for their faith each month. We are seeking to identify additional practical steps to help stop the appalling levels of violence that saw 3,000 Christians murdered last year because of their faith, said Lord Tariq Ahmad, the prime ministers special envoy on religious freedom. I am absolutely committed to not only standing up for the persecuted, but protecting and strengthening this fundamental human right of religious liberty. The report is scheduled to be completed by Easter. It comes as Prime Minister Theresa May faces public backlash at refusing to grant asylum to Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman sentenced to death for converting to Christianity. Although Pakistans supreme court overturned the conviction, Bibi and her family remain in hiding for fear of their lives. Bibi put a face on the governments seeming indifference to Christian suffering. Of the 1,112 Syrian refugees who settled in the UK in the first three months of 2018, not a single one belonged to the Christian faith. Christians made up 0.23 percent of all Syrian refugees accepted by the UK in 2017, according to the Barnabas Fund. The government must do more for persecuted Christians, Hunt said this week. In addition to government-sanctioned persecution or government-tolerated mob violence, Christians also face a loss of civil and human rights, including their right to hold certain jobs, educate their children in their religion, or own private property on equal terms with others. Fr. Gregory Jensen has detailed how the Guatemalan government tried to undermine property rights in order to crack down on Hogar Raphael Ayau, an orphanage run by Eastern Orthodox nuns, usufruct). Property rights indivisible from religious freedom. A report on Christian persecution conducted by the international monitoring group Open Doors confirmed that economic liberty and religious liberty are correlated. It named North Korea as the most repressive anti-Christian nation in the world. The worst offenders also have a low regard for property rights as measured by the Fraser Institutes Economic Freedom Report, which ranks nations from one to 162. North Korea is followed in repression by Afghanistan (unrated), Somalia (unrated), Sudan (153), Pakistan (unrated), Iraq (152), Yemen (117), Iran (130), Saudi Arabia (102), Egypt (147), Nigeria (118), Libya (161), and India (95). Meanwhile, in China (ranked 105 by Fraser), police raided evangelical house churches on Christmas Eve to prevent Christians from holding Christmas services; the city of Langfang barred all residents from any kind of Christmas display; and the Communist Partys disciplinary arm likened celebrating Christmas to spiritual opium. Rick Plasterer at Juicy Ecumenism warns that Chinas totalitarian social credit scheme has dire implications for religious freedom in the worlds most populace nation. Thankfully, the West has been spared this fate in part due to physical money: Western societies are far removed from the personal, status-based, ideological allocation of resources practiced or planned in China and North Korea. The availability of resources is instead based on highly impersonal money, which can be used by anyone who has money to spend. Money, wrote Fyodor Dostoyevsky, is coined liberty. Totalitarians fear religion, especially Christianity which teaches that there is another King, one Jesus (Acts 17:7). Similarly, they hate the free market, which gives its would-be slaves the resources and autonomy to live for their own ends rather than those decreed by the ruler. The UK government, and all Christians, must recognize the inherent link between freedom of conscience and the right to own property in a free economy. (Photo credit: Pictured, Asia Bibi with her husband, Ashiq Masih, in 2013. HazteOir.org. CC BY-SA 2.0.) Ukraine has received a loan of EUR 349.3 million from Deutsche Bank issued under a World Bank guarantee, the press service of the Ukrainian Finance Ministry has said, Ukrinform reported. "Today, Ukraine's state budget received funds from the loan in the amount of 349.3 million euros provided by Deutsche Bank under a guarantee in support of state policy in the field of economic growth and fiscally sustainable services from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)," the statement reads. According to the ministry, Deutsche Bank granted a loan of EUR 349.3 million in the form of two tranches - Tranche A of EUR 53.2 million with a maturity of four years and Tranche B of EUR 296.1 million with a maturity of ten years and a grace period of four-and-a-half years. The ministry said that part of the World Bank's $750 million guarantee, in the amount of $375 million, had been used for this loan. It also said that the next loan under the remainder of the World Bank guarantee is to be obtained in the first quarter of 2019. Nod Hill Brewery, Ridgefields microbrewery, wants to expand its current space at 137 Ethan Allen Highway to add storage and accommodate corporate parties, birthdays, and weddings. We want to have a space for private parties to hold 75 to 100 people, explained Nod Hill co-founder Robert Kaye at the Planning and Zoning Commissions recent meeting. Weve had a lot of requests that we cant take because we cant close our taproom. Is there a demand for brewpub weddings? asked Chairwoman Rebecca Mucchetti, after Kaye mentioned them offhand. There is now, Kaye said. The addition will not add to the buildings footprint. Kaye plans to add the event room from space currently used by Riverside Fence, which occupies the space to the left of the main entrance to the brewery he is the property owner of that 32,000-square-foot building. The new addition would take up about 3,000 square feet. Its all within our building, Kaye said. The addition would be adjacent to the brewery itself. Kaye presented the idea as a pre-submission concept to the commission a sort of informal chat to gauge whether the commission will support a plan once a developer submits a formal plan. He also has plans to add an array of solar panels to the brewery, which he hopes to have up and running in the new year. I think well be the first fully solar brewery in the state, he said. If approved, the event space will be the third expansion of the brewerys offerings in a little over a year of operation. In July, residents voted to allow the brewery to have food trucks on the premises. In April, the commission voted in favor of expanding the brewerys hours and allowing Kaye to add a deck to the building for patrons to use. Quite honestly I didnt expect to come back so quickly, said Kaye. Youre doing that well, huh? said Mucchetti. Planning and Zoning Director Richard Baldelli said the renovation will need to come before the commission for approval because its a significant change from the brewery the commission originally approved. Adding the room is sort of expanding the umbrella of the activity that the commission originally approved for the brewery, Baldelli said. Initially, when the brewery went in, it didnt include this event room, Baldelli said. If youre going to have weddings, if youre going to do all these different things, we then would have to look at it in that regard, he said. Some members of the commission raised parking as a potential issue. I think the biggest issue would be the parking, said Vice Chairman Joe Fossi. This may come as a surprise to everyone in this room but Ive been to your brewery and it was jammed and it was wonderful, and there was no parking issue According to Kaye, the brewery currently has 71 parking spaces. He said the addition of the event room will mean the brewery will have to add more parking. I approve of this thing so long as the parking works out, said Commissioner John Katz. Mucchetti asked if the expansion will include a kitchen. Kaye said it will not. I dont know how anyone could object to a bigger brewery, said Fossi. BRIDGEPORT In one week, juveniles were arrested in connection with two unrelated shootings one fatal, one not that involved two minors from the same family. The fatal shooting on Willow Street on Dec. 18 left 12-year-old Clinton Howell dead from a gunshot to the chest. He was shot outside his home. Police said he was not the intended target. Four people have been arrested in connection with Howells death. Then, on Tuesday, three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a minor opened fire during an iPhone purchase that went bad, Police Chief Armando Perez said. A juvenile has been charged in connection with the triple shooting. A note of significance is that this juvenile perpetrator is the brother of a juvenile male who was recently arrested in connection with the death of Clinton Howell, said Police Capt. Brian Fitzgerald. On Wednesday, one of four people charged in connection with Howells killing faced a judge for his role in the fatal drive-by 16-year-old Alexander Bolanos. More than a dozen members of Howells family sat grim-faced in the back of the courtroom as Bolanos was led in by a half-dozen judicial marshals. The chains around his ankles jingled as he rocked side-to-side and stared up at Superior Court Judge Tracy Lee Dayton. Although a minor under the law, the judge announced Bolanos was being treated as an adult because of the severity of the charges, which included conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree larceny and carrying a pistol without a permit. Supervisory Assistant States Attorney Cornelius Kelly urged the judge to impose a high bond, pointing out that Bolanos had been wearing an electronic monitoring anklet on Dec. 18. He is accused of handing the gun that shot Howell to the alleged gunman, 18-year-old Tajay Chambers. Chambers is set to be arraigned Thursday. Bridgeport police have also charged a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old in connection with Howells murder. Their cases are being processed in state juvenile court. The challenge According to the warrant affidavit, the four were in a stolen sport utility vehicle hunting members of the BGs the Blitz Gang on Dec. 18. Police said they had never met the members of the supposed rival gang, only traded insults over Facebook and Snapchat. Police said Howells older cousin, who is not being identified, told detectives he and Howell were walking home from the corner store when an SUV drove by three times. The cousin pulled out a pellet gun and fired at the SUV, which turned around and headed back toward Howell and his cousin, police said. As it got close, a witness told police, someone in the SUV fired at Howell and his cousin. Police said the cousin told them he had an ongoing dispute with Bolanos, who he had never met but had communicated with through social media. According to the affidavit, Chambers, who police said confessed to killing Howell, told them that he got a Snapchat video on his phone that night from Howells cousin, a member of the rival BGs gang. In the video the cousin showed the Willow Street sign, which Chambers told police he took to be a dare or challenge. After the cousin shot at them with the pellet gun, police said Chambers told others in the stolen SUV to hand him a 9mm pistol. I extended my hand out the rear passenger window and fired twice, police said he told them. One of the shots fired from that weapon hit and killed Howell. Chambers later told detectives he didnt know Howell was 12 and he didnt know Howell was not a member of any gang. On Wednesday, the judge ordered Bolanos held in lieu of a $1 million bond. He (Bolanos) is treating this like a joke, Howells father, Carlton Howell, said later in the lobby of the Golden Hill Street courthouse. He was smirking; he looked around and was smiling and thats not funny. Howells mother, Cynthia Dawkins, appeared on the verge of tears. We just want the justice he deserves, she said. Similar siblings Prior to Bolanos arraignment Wednesday, police issued a statement about a shooting Tuesday night near a gas station and convenience store at 915 North Ave. that left three people hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. A juvenile male was arrested on weapons charges and the Detective Bureau expects to file further charges in the near future as the investigation continues, Fitzgerald said. Police did not disclose which of the other juveniles accused of Howells death the juvenile arrested for Tuesdays shooting was related to. Despite the familial relation, the two shooting incidents do not appear to be related, Fitzgerald said. He said six gunshots were fired in Tuesdays incident. It was unclear how many of those shots hit the victims. Although three people were struck with gunfire, the juvenile shooter was released from custody Tuesday night. The judge released the young man to the family, Police Chief Armando Perez said. Were pretty upset about that ... This kid shot three people and hes released to the parents? This falls in line with what Bridgeport police officials have said: that the system is catch and release when it comes to most juvenile offenders. Back in November, Bridgeport Police Sgt. Jason Amato said that police have to prove several things to keep a juvenile in custody, among them that the minor could be a threat to the public or has access to weapons. Typically a situation like this (Tuesdays shooting) would warrant that hes held in custody, Perez said. He said the rise in serious crimes being committed by juveniles, especially in the weeks around Christmas 2018, is alarming. These are groups of kids that are violent and theyre causing havoc in the city, Perez said. We have a task force that is looking into it. But these kids, they dont care. Its so disheartening. WASHINGTON - In one of his final acts before leaving office next week, Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., blocked a bill intended to improve the federal government's response to violence against Native American women. A spat between the congressman, whose district is home to the largest Indian tribe in Virginia, and the bill's sponsor, outgoing Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D.-N.D., has played out publicly over the last week. In a tweet, Heitkamp, who narrowly lost her bid for reelection, urged people to ask their representatives to pressure Goodlatte to clear the way for the bill, which the Senate passed unanimously earlier this month. It stalled in the House because Goodlatte, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, declined to bring it up for a vote. House Republican leaders could directly bring Heitkamp's measure to the floor, bypassing Goodlatte, but so far have declined to do so. A spokeswoman for Goodlatte did not respond to a message seeking comment on Thursday. But Goodlatte told The Roanoke Times he supports the intent of the bill but objects to a provision that would give preference to certain law enforcement agencies to apply for grants to try to reduce the number of missing and murdered Native women. The congressman, who did not seek reelection this year after 13 terms in office, said Heitkamp's attempt to pressure him was "just ridiculous." The bill's apparent demise comes days after another debacle for the Republican-led Congress on the issue of protecting abuse victims. Last Friday, a deadlock over President Trump's border wall plunged the federal government into a partial shutdown, leading to the expiration of the Violence Against Women Act, the 1994 law that provides funding for programs that help victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse and stalking. With the House adjourned until further notice, it appears unlikely that Heitkamp's measure, known as Savanna's Act, will receive a vote before the new session of Congress begins on Jan. 3. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, D-Alaska, has said she would reintroduce it then. "It's disappointing that one Republican member of Congress blocked Savanna's Act from passing this year," Heitkamp said in a statement. "But fortunately, Rep. Goodlatte won't be around to block it in the new Congress." The offices of House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday. Heitkamp's bill is named after Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a 22-year-old pregnant woman killed by a woman who wanted to abduct her baby. It would direct the Department of Justice to boost data-collection efforts on crimes against Native Americans; expand tribal access to federal crime information databases; and establish guidelines for law enforcement in responding to cases of missing or murdered Native Americans. In a statement earlier this month, Heitkamp said she aimed to "spark a nationwide call to action against the growing crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls," calling the Senate's passage of the bill "a major step in raising awareness about this growing epidemic." Goodlatte told the Roanoke Times he objects to a provision in the bill that he said would reduce the overall amount of U.S. Department of Justice money available to law enforcement agencies that don't qualify under Savanna's Act. The bill gives preference to grant applications from tribes, states or local law enforcement agencies that take steps to lessen violence against Native American women. "The problem is that the way that law was written, it took existing funds available to law enforcement organizations and used it as a reward for people who complied with provisions of the reporting requirements of Savanna's Act," Goodlatte told the newspaper. Goodlatte, who will be succeeded by Rep.-elect Ben Cline, a Republican who has frequently raised the ire of Democrats, including when he tried to strip the House ethics office of its independence and ability to investigate anonymous claims in 2017. Years ago, he questioned efforts to give federal recognition to six Virginia Indian tribes. But he but didn't fight the measure when it made it through Congress earlier this year and was signed by President Trump. The change in status affected the 4,400 members of the Chickahominy, the Eastern Chickahominy, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan and the Nansemond tribes. The Monacan tribe is located in Goodlatte's district, which stretches from the Shenandoah Valley to the Roanoke Valley and east to Lynchburg. Karenne Wood, an anthropologist and member of the Monacan tribe, said Goodlatte's decision to block Heitkamp's bill suggests that he believes "these women don't matter." Chickahominy Indian Chief Stephen Adkins echoed her concerns. "I am disappointed at his position and I hope he takes another look at his last opportunity to do the right thing for America's Indigenous Peoples," he said. MIDDLETOWN Young people studying criminal justice or a related field are getting on-the-job experience with local police sometimes culling data or offering a fresh point of view that has allowed detectives to enhance their own investigations. Since fall 2015, Middletown Police Capt. Gary Wallace has overseen about 25 college students who have completed three-month internships in the detective bureau working in conjunction with Middlesex Community College Criminal Justice Program coordinator, Rebecca Rist-Brown. A number of other colleges and universities have partnered with the department, among them Tunxis Community College, Three Rivers Community College and Hessen University in Friedberg, Germany. One assignment involved gathering information on burglaries, larcenies and robberies that took place over a certain period of time, and creating a spreadsheet. They broke down each case to see which officers worked on which cases. They looked for methods of operation. It it were a burglary how did someone break in? If you look at all those specific cases, and you find some similarities, you might be able to figure out some of the unsolved cases. A lot of times, people do things in a pattern once it works, Wallace said. Young, eager students in the beginning of their careers can bring a unique perspective to police work. We dont know everything. Some of these interns are the next generation of officers, and a lot come with different skill sets. Some are tech-savvy, some know software applications better than we do, he said. Wallace said he is often surprised, after assigning a project he expects to take a week to accomplish, to receive a report in a couple days. They catch on very easily, he said of students, and have few preconceptions. Its always good to have someone like that looking at cases with a fresh set of eyes. Im not saying they solved any of the big ones, but they gave us good ideas and asked questions about who or why we questioned someone, he said. Were always open to new ideas and new ways of doing things, Wallace said. Charlotte Schroeter, 22, of Wiesbaden, Germany, spent three intensive weeks 120 hours learning the departments functions on a full-time basis. Usually, the program requires 15 weeks of study, but Germany only allows college students a visa to complete their education in short span of time, she said. The former exchange student, who lived with a family in Marlborough in 2011, finished her sophomore year at RHAM High School in Hebron. Because she had kept in contact with her hosts, Schroeter returned after seven years to complete her study in early December. I knew the people, I have some friends here, so I knew the area. I could see a difference (in her perspective) from a 15-year-old to a 22-year-old. My point of view changed, so I can see it with different eyes, explained Schroeter, now in the midst of a three-year stint at the police academy in Germany, pursuing her bachelor of science degree. Preserving crime scenes and collecting evidence are just a few of the aspects of police work she picked up in Middletown. Policing in some ways is really similar, and in some ways totally different, because of the different mentality, and the culture is a bit different, Schroeter said, noting her countrys strict gun laws and the way in which police departments are organized in Western Europe. Law enforcement officers there are hired by the state, and the jurisdiction of each force is much larger, she said. Schroeter spent time in every division in Middletown, working alongside officers in narcotics, major crimes, and taking part in ride-alongs with canine officers. One thing she noticed was that Americans have use of a wide variety of and more advanced equipment. Its much better that you have a computer in your car, so you can check things right away. It makes the police work much easier, she said. At first, Schroeter was a little confused to see only one officer per cruiser. In her country, such officials work in pairs. I feel safer if I know Ive got backup right away, she said. Interns get practical, hands-on experience. Theyre in and around conversations with the detectives, and theyre able to ask questions. That makes it as real as possible, Wallace said. Many city officers take a certain liking to a particular individual and will take the intern her under is or her wing. Its not unusual for these pairs to have lunch or breakfast together to build a rapport. Its very close-knit, Wallace said. Middletown Officer Kyle VanAlmkerk, a city native and graduate of the University New Haven, was hired by the department two years ago after finishing his 200-hour internship. He always wanted to join the MPD after serving in the Marine Corps. The detectives got me involved as much as they possibly could: from when we got a call, to the end of the investigation, including accompanying personnel to crime scenes and help writing warrants. Overall, it was a great experience. It really allowed me to apply what I was learning at school and see how it works in the field, VanAlmkerk said. Another intern, OBrian Sinclair of Hartford, grew up in Middletown. He wrapped up his time at MPD in August while working part-time and taking a summer class at Central Connecticut State University, where he earned a degree in criminology. Sinclairs perception of law enforcement changed during his training. I learned police officers are people as well, he said. He recalled witnessing autopsies and finding evidence on a crime scene during which a suspect robbed a tanning salon on Newfield Street. Wallace said one project involved compiling statistics on the instances of suicide attempts on the Arrigoni Bridge. Data they gathered on netting, fencing, suicide hotline phones and other measures worldwide was a part of a grant funding request for safety improvements through the state Department of Transportation. President Donald Trump said he has no plans to withdraw American forces from Iraq, a week after announcing a surprise pullout of troops from Syria and ordering the Pentagon to bring home roughly half of the American forces deployed to Afghanistan. The decision allows the United States to maintain a presence in the heart of the Middle East and a bulwark against Iranian influence, while also keeping a nearby staging ground should American forces be forced to reenter Syria and engage a resurgent Islamic State. A longer-term presence in Iraq provides Trump with a hedge against his withdrawal from Syria, a decision that was widely opposed by his advisers and which led to the resignation of his defense secretary, retired Marine Corps general Jim Mattis. The development also suggests that Trump's proclamation of victory over the Islamic State in a video message from the White House lawn last week had been overstated. Trump said during a visit to Iraq Wednesday that a presence in the country would enable the United States to reenter Syria if need be, suggesting that concerns persist about the possibility of the Islamic State regrouping there. "In fact, we could use this as the base if we wanted to do something in Syria," Trump said during the visit to Al Asad Air Base, situated in western Iraq between Baghdad and the Syrian border. The decision to remain in Iraq, which was reported by Reuters and Bloomberg journalists on the trip, also highlighted a contradiction in Trump's messaging about the broader U.S. military presence in the Middle East. He said last week that U.S. troops would be coming out of Syria because victory had been achieved over the Islamic State. But the mission of the roughly 5,200 U.S. troops deployed to Iraq is to support government forces in their fight against the Sunni extremist group, which wouldn't need to continue if a lasting victory had been achieved. U.S. forces remain in Iraq with the permission of the government, unlike in Syria, where the presence of American troops has been complicated by an alliance with a local militia. Trump's announcement about Iraq comes at a moment of deep uncertainty at the Pentagon, which was thrown into turmoil last week by the president's surprise decisions on the future of American involvement in the Middle East and South Asia, as well as Mattis's resignation. The Defense Department has declined to offer details about the timing of the Syria withdrawal or whether the air campaign against the Islamic State in that country will continue apace. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has made an announcement about Trump's order to withdraw roughly half of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. On a trip to the region over the holidays, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., dismissed reports of the order as "rumors." After pulling U.S. forces out of Iraq in 2011, President Barack Obama ordered them back to the country at the Iraqi government's request in 2014, when the Islamic State was seizing cities across the nation and sweeping toward Baghdad. Since then, U.S.-backed coalition forces have successfully rolled back nearly all of the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in Syria and Iraq, including the key cities of Raqqa and Mosul, which served as the group's main power centers. Still, worries about an Islamic State comeback are pervasive. Official assessments from the U.S. government and the United Nations have indicated that some 30,000 Islamic State fighters may still remain at large in Syria and Iraq. The group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, hasn't been caught and is presumed to be alive. Iraqi security forces have been conducting frequent raids and arresting alleged members and leaders of the Islamic State in recent months, underscoring how the fight against the militants has shifted from combat to intelligence operations. The group has still been able to mount low-level bombings and attacks, largely outside major cities. Iraqi military officials say the threat is contained but express concern that any reduction in coalition support could give the militants an opening to reemerge. Iraq's previous prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, was a strong supporter of the American presence in Iraq - a view shared by the top leadership of Iraq's security forces. His successor, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, has not said explicitly that he wants U.S. forces to stay but also hasn't indicated that he would support a reduction in troop levels. Trump's decision not to meet any Iraqis during Wednesday's visit risks jeopardizing support for the U.S. troop presence, which faces opposition in particular from pro-Iran elements within the country. In a statement issued following Trump's appearance, Abdul-Mahdi said his office had been informed of the president's desire to arrange a visit, which was supposed to include a formal meeting between the two leaders. He said "a divergence of views" on organizing the meeting led to its replacement by a telephone conversation. A person familiar with the planning, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the president's schedule, said the White House gave the Iraqis no advance notice and asked Iraqi officials to meet Trump at the air base - a request the Iraqis balked at. Tension over the U.S. troop presence in Iraq has been exacerbated by the increasing influence of Iran in the country, particularly after Iranian-backed militias played a role in the rollback of the Islamic State and won a significant number of seats in parliament this year. Sabah al-Saedi, head of a parliamentary bloc backed by Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, called for an emergency session of the legislature to condemn Trump's "blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty." In a statement, he said Trump was "acting as if Iraq is a state under his authority" and must be informed "of his limits. The U.S. occupation of Iraq is over." Saedi added that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria is not a justification to keep American troops in Iraq. Sadr, whose militia was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops at the height of the Iraq War, won the most seats in Iraq's election for his movement earlier this year and is a frequent critic of both American and Iranian involvement in Iraq. - - - The Washington Post's Mustafa Salim in Baghdad contributed to this report. Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has left for a working visit to Moscow, where he will be received by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The politician has posted on Facebook his photo from on board the plane. According to the Hraparak newspaper, Yerevan shouldn't expect a lot from today's meeting with the Russian leader. The newspaper recalls that no agreement was reached during Putin's 4-hour meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. At the same time, a source from the Armenian Foreign Ministry told the newspaper that the meeting will be "held as normal," because Nikol Pashinyan has not taken any step which would move Moscow's concern, in contrast to Serzh Sargsyan, who awarded Mikheil Saakashvili in 2008, or Robert Kocharyan, who was promoting the Meghri swap. Hraparak noted that the statements of Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovs and his deputy Grigory Karasin suggest something else. The newspaper believes that Russias only concern is that there will be no change in political course in Armenia. The Kremlin reported yesterday that Putin and Pashinyan will discuss key issues on the bilateral agenda, and prospects for cooperation in Eurasian integration associations. The writer, journalist, Vesti FM radio station host Armen Gasparyan, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that in Moscow Pashinyan will have to face the harsh realities of the Russian-Armenian relations. "Its one thing when Pashinyan makes statements while being a member of parliament - it was pure populism. But now he became the head of state and its time to realize that what he said in parliament is not possible. Russia has been Armenia's main strategic partner, whatever they say in Yerevan," he stressed. "That is, in fact, now things are about the same as they were before the change of power. Armenia will continue to cooperate with Russia as the main military and economic partner, so Pashinyan left for the talks to finally fix this point. The parliamentary elections were held, and it is time to move on to solving challenges currently facing the republic. One of them is a new gas discount, and I admit that some compromise solution is possible," Armen Gasparyan said. The issue of the new CSTO Secretary General will also be discussed. "The CSTO story is a clear indication that Pashinyan tried to realize his populist statements and then faced harsh reality. When the intent to arrest Khachaturov was announced, the CSTO member countries were greatly surprised. I think that after the talks and numerous consultations, Armenia will agree with appointing the representative of Belarus as CSTO Secretary General," the expert suggested. Once upon a time, Brent Rempe was a bit of a black sheep among the finance majors at Oklahoma State University. A lot of the other students in the business school were there to maximize their personal status and net worth. Rempe, however, knew he didnt want to follow the herd to a high-powered, high-paying job on Wall Street. Instead, he wanted to use his financial knowledge and business acumen in service of others. He just wasnt sure how. Upon graduation, he joined the public service AmeriCorps program, which took him to a high school in Portland, Ore. It was there, while serving as a corporate internship program assistant director, he discovered a passion for education and an interest in fostering ties among businesses, civic organizations, and schools. Throughout the past year, NAFCUs award-winning advocacy team regularly met with top industry regulators and administration officials, while also attending events covering critical issues impacting credit unions. See what issues are on the industrys Washington Watchdogs agenda heading into the new year. Current expected credit loss (CECL) standard As credit unions wait for substantive guidance on the CECL standard, NAFCU has attended Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Transition Resource Group for Credit Losses meetings, including one in October to gain insights on issues that might arise when companies and organizations implement the standard. FASB recently finalized NAFCU-sought changes, including a delay in the standards effective date for the industry. NAFCU has also attended previous transition resource group meetings on CECL, including one earlier this year, where the board first indicated it would issue guidance to clarify the standards implementation dates. Recently, NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin outlining credit unions concerns regarding the standard. Housing finance reform This month, NAFCU testified for the 12th time during the 115th Congress, offering credit unions perspective on housing finance reform. NAFCU witness Rick Stafford stressed the importance of credit unions unfettered access to the secondary mortgage market and need for affordable housing options to members of the House Financial Services Committee. Last month, NAFCU also met with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson to discuss credit unions priorities in the housing finance market. HMDA We recently updated our S. 2155 summary chart, which includes a note about the CFPBs final rule to implement and clarify a provision that exempts certain credit unions from collecting and reporting on certain data points added to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) by the Dodd-Frank Act. The bureau has also released its filing instructions for HMDA data collected in 2019. NAFCU has a host of HMDA compliance resources available to association members, including charts and guides, articles, webcasts and blog posts. The bureau indicated it will likely review the 2015 HMDA rule in 2019; NAFCU will keep credit unions updated on any proposed changes. Fintech Last month, NAFCU Senior Counsel for Research and Policy Andrew Morris attended various sessions at DC Fintech Week, during which Office of the Comptroller of the Currencys Joseph Otting said the agency would likely reveal special-purpose national bank charter applications from fintech companies by the end of the year or early 2019. This is a move supported by NAFCU, which has advocated for a smart regulatory framework for fintech companies. NAFCU acknowledges that fintech can produce real benefits to consumers, including increased speed, convenience and new product offerings that make it easier for them to manage their financial lives. However, the association has urged lawmakers and regulators to ensure that when fintech companies compete with regulated financial institutions, they do so on a level playing field. In a letter cited by the Senate Banking Committee, NAFCU expressed concern that certain fintech companies may be able to exploit supervisory gaps to obtain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Although non-bank lenders are subject to the enforcement and rulemaking authority of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, they are not supervised in the same way as credit unions or banks, which could create cybersecurity risks in a data-rich banking environment. NAFCU has also advocated for agencies interested in fintech to focus on ways to encourage innovation within the credit union industry. In response to proposals issued by the bureaus Office of Innovation, NAFCU has urged development of more streamlined policies related to no-action letters and waiver programs, which could help credit unions test new products, disclosures or services. In addition, NAFCU recently expressed its support for the Federal Reserves proposal to develop a new, real time settlement service and potential directory to link credit unions and other institutions to a future, faster payments system. Data Security NAFCU continues to share with Congress credit unions principles for data security. The association recently sent a letter to House leaders on the issue following the release of a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee report on the Equifax data breach, which determined that the incident could have been prevented. NAFCU has long been active with lawmakers on this issue, and was the first group after the massive 2013 Target data breach to call for a legislative solution to reform the nations data security system. The association is currently engaged as Congress considers a bill that would require data breach notifications for financial entities akin to what is in place for financial institutions under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Faster payments NAFCU has been active in collaborating with the Federal Reserve on faster payments. NAFCU Senior Counsel for Research and Policy Andrew Morris attended DC Fintech Week where Treasury Department Counselor Craig Phillips indicated that the department is coordinating with other regulators to develop cryptocurrency policy and reiterated the importance of the U.S. modernizing its payment systems. Phillips referenced the Federal Reserves proposal to develop a 24/7/365 RTGS (real-time gross settlement) service to facilitate interbank settlement of faster payments (read more about the proposal here). A Fed rep also gave an update on the initiative to the NAFCU Cybersecurity and Payments Committee. The U.S. Faster Payments Council (FPC) also launched recently, which NAFCU previously offered recommendations to strengthen. NAFCU is in close communication with the Federal Reserve as it works to make the payments system faster and more secure. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) NAFCU continues to stand by credit unions facing meritless lawsuits due to unclear guidance for website accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). NAFCU Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel Carrie Hunt and I attended oral arguments for the industrys first case at the appellate level: a hearing held by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in the case against the Department of Labor Federal Credit Union (DOLFCU). NAFCU has also filed an amicus brief in support of DOLFCU, and also stood by the credit union during its first hearing earlier this year. Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) Following a meeting in October with the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau, NAFCU Senior Regulatory Affairs Counsel Ann Kossachev reiterated to the FCC NAFCUs request for more flexibility under the TCPA to ensure credit unions can contact their members with important information without fear of violating the law. Small business loans NAFCU Regulatory Affairs Counsel Kaley Schafer is actively working on the associations goal of improving access to credit union small-dollar loans to small businesses across the nation through various meetings with the Small Business Administration (SBA). Recently, Schafer attended a small business roundtable to discuss the SBAs proposed changes to 7(a) Express loans. Schafer also recently met with the SBAs Office of Capital Access to discuss credit unions participation in SBA programs. As these topics will remain relevant in 2019, NAFCU will continue to monitor and advocate for regulatory relief for the credit union industry. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili congratulated her Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on his birthday. "It is my great pleasure to extend to you my sincerest and warmest congratulations on your birthday. On this notable day, I am pleased to emphasize that under your leadership, the Republic of Azerbaijan has witnessed advancement, prosperity as well as favorable development in political, economic and cultural terms," the telegram says. Zurabishvili also stressed that Georgia attaches the highest importance to the advancement of friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Azerbaijan. "I am confident that through our joint efforts, the long-lasting friendship and strategic partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan will be further strengthened and deepened for the mutual benefit of our two nations," she said. Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my gratitude for your steadfast support of Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Georgian president wished Ilham Aliyev happiness, health and greater success in all his important endeavors for peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Azerbaijan. Erie has a child care 'crisis.' But help could be on the way Will there ever come a time when highly paid bureaucrats dictate the size of food portions in restaurants and on the supermarket shelves so that we dont eat too much? It sounds ridiculous, doesnt it? But actually were already there. Yesterday it was revealed that a quango called Public Health England (PHE) pays 266 of its staff more than 100,000 a year. The number has risen by nearly a fifth in three years. So PHE is steadily becoming fatter as it doles out usually presumptuous and often irritating advice about how we should all become thinner by eating and drinking less. Leaked new proposals show how this bossy and increasingly intrusive organisation is now planning to impose calorie limits on thousands of foods sold in shops and restaurants. Leaked new proposals show how the organisation is now planning to impose calorie limits on thousands of foods sold in shops and restaurants. (Stock image) Binge A limit of 550 calories is suggested for sandwiches and main meal salads. A pizza, whether sold in a restaurant or a supermarket, should not exceed 1,040 calories, a good deal less than many of those now served at pizza chain restaurants. There are also glaring disparities. In a supermarket, portions of coleslaw or vol-au-vents, onion bhajis, Yorkshire puddings or prawn cocktails, will be capped at 134 calories. But in restaurants the proposed limit for the same food is 555 calories. Beware going to a restaurant if you are feeling peckish, though. If PHE gets its way, there will be a limit of 951 calories for most main courses. Put that roast potato back! Remove that extra slice of meat! Should we laugh or cry? The case for laughing is the absurdity of these overpaid bureaucrats dreaming up an impractical and unenforceable plan brimming over with anomalies. Has it occurred to them that if someone feels hungry after eating one of the new reduced-in-size vol-au-vents, he or she will simply eat another? But the case for crying is also a strong one. How can PHE or the Government standing behind it think that it has the right to micro-manage our food intake in this way? Nor do I suppose that these zealots have spared a thought for all the time-consuming red tape which would be involved in ensuring that calorie limits are not breached. Imagine your local Italian restaurant trying to calculate the calorific value of Saltimbocca alla Romana. Should it take account of bread sticks? My biggest worry and this is cause not just for crying but for tearing out ones hair is that the State should now presume to make decisions on our behalf, and allegedly in our best interests, in matters that used to be the preserve of individual choice. Needless to say, I appreciate there is an obesity problem in this country. Two-thirds of adults and one-third of children are judged to be overweight. The possible consequences for peoples health need hardly be stated. The proper role of government, though, is not to seek to control what we eat, but to provide information, and even a little judicious advice, so that we can make up our own minds like the grown-up people we are. Two-thirds of adults and one-third of children are judged to be overweight in the country. (Stock image) How terrifyingly far we have travelled from the traditional concept of freedom, as described by the philosopher John Stuart Mill in his famous 1859 essay On Liberty. Mills essential argument was that unless we intend to do harm to others we should be free to act without interference. For Mill and indeed for almost any sentient being until the recent past the idea that the State could barge into our lives and dictate what we should eat and drink would have seemed preposterous. He did, though, make one notable, and just, exception children. Mill wrote that they must be protected against their own actions as well as against external injury. So, although it may seem paradoxical, I think he would have sympathised with the Chief Medical Officer and self-declared chief nanny, Professor Dame Sally Davies, when she inveighed last week against the high amount of sugar and salt added by manufacturers to baby food. Of course, we should normally depend on parents not to buy food that might harm their children. But what if the parents are unaware? Or negligent? Then, it seems to me, the State should take protective measures on behalf of children by putting pressure on manufacturers to reduce salt and sugar content. Risks The trouble is the modern State treats us all as children and it must be said that Dame Sally is sometimes guilty of this fault, as when in 2016 she suggested all women should, like her, think about the risks of breast cancer every time they reach for a glass of wine. Such advice is overbearing. An insidious idea is gathering force that the State should not only do its best for all citizens obviously it should but that in some way it is also responsible for their lives, as a nanny is responsible for her charges. Its not, or at any rate it shouldnt be. If government thinks it has the right to regulate the amount of food we eat, where will it end? In forced exercise for those stubborn souls who insist on second helpings? In a special supplementary tax on clothes above a certain size? I agree education is important. Advice, so long as it is not bellowed from the rooftops, can be useful. But in contemplating coercion and compulsion, PHE is heading towards perilous waters. For this is an argument far more important than the exact calorific value of vol-au-vents or onion bhajis. If government wins here, it will move to try to assert control in other areas of our lives which we had previously assumed to be our own concern. Grim What is depressing is that PHEs ideas are under consideration by a Conservative Government, though its true there are reports of disquiet at No 10. I had always imagined that Tories valued individual liberty over State control. And I had also foolishly believed that on the whole they dont like the idea of secretive and unaccountable bureaucrats being paid vast sums of money for dreaming up policies designed to undermine peoples freedom. By the way, wouldnt it be interesting to know the weight and body mass index of the panjandrums at PHE who are so eager to lay down the law about what we can and cant eat? I wonder whether they practise what they preach. The TaxPayers Alliance has just produced an analysis of what a Christmas lunch might look like if PHEs official guidelines were followed. A few thin slices of turkey, a couple of sprouts, tiny servings of potatoes, parsnips, carrots and red cabbage all washed down with a quarter of a glass of red wine! It will be a grim and austere world if Public Health England gets its way far worse than the worst outcome foreseen by extreme Brexit doom-mongers and I hope the Government finds the good sense to reject these daft and dangerous proposals. Temora Aviation Museum Warbirds Down Under Air Show 2018 by Phil Buckley The weekend of 12-13 October 2018 witnessed the eagerly awaited Temora Aviation Museums Warbirds Down Under Airshow in Temora, New South Wales. This year it comprised a Friday afternoon/evening performance and a full-days air show on the Saturday. 2018 also saw the show moved to October, a much welcomed change as November is seriously hot summer weather in this part of Australia. Octobers weather was mild and far more acceptable for most. The weather was beautiful on Friday, with sunny skies followed by a nice sunset, which provided excellent photographic opportunities. A variety of warbirds managed to get airborne on both days, which gave the crowd a good view of the types which have served in various conflicts over the years from WWII onwards. These included. Trainers CAC Wirraway, DH-82A Tiger Moth, Ryan STM and Ryan PT-22. Fighters CA-13 Boomerang, P-51 Mustangs, Spitfire Mk XVI, P-40 Kittyhawks, Spitfire Mk VIII and Hawker Hurricane. Bombers and Seaplanes Lockheed Hudson and PBY Catalina. Korean War era Jets Gloster F.8 Meteor. Vietnam era T-28 Trojans, Cessna O-2A, Cessna O-1 Birddogs, DHC-4A Caribou and Cessna A-37B Dragonfly. RAAF trainers CAC Winjeels and CT-4s. Foreign Trainers Yak-52s and CJ-6 Nanchangs. Present-day RAAF RAAF Roulettes demonstration team (using their PC-9/As for their last ever PC-9 display), Hawk 127s, Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, F/A-18A Hornet, C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster. FRIDAY EVENING AIRSHOW The Royal Australian Air Forces aerobatic display team, The Roulettes opened the Friday show. This performance marked their final public outing flying the Pilatus PC-9/A. The last of the Roulettes operational PC-9s included A23-012, 025, 027, 046, 050, 052 and 063. Currently, the RAAF is retiring their PC-9 fleet. Six of these aircraft will be allocated for heritage preservation, with ten further examples going on to training and research purposes. The military will sell off the remainder, potentially in 2019, to other governments and/or private buyers. Up next on Friday were familiar WWII-era trainers which included a Ryan PT-22, Ryan STM S2 and Vultee BT-13 Valiant. The next act displayed a little bit more power with a heritage flight featuring WWII-era fighters alongside two Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18As. The formation included Doug Hamiltons Curtiss P-40N Warhawk 42-104986, Fighter Pilot Adventures North American P-51D Mustang 45-11526 and Ross Pays Curtiss P-40E 41-25109. After the flight split up, each of the aircraft gave separate displays, thrilling the crowd. The next warbird taking part gained many peoples attention as it is the only airworthy Hawker Hurricane in Australia, the Scone-based example operated by Pays Air Service for a local owner. The Canadian-built Hawker Hurricane Mk.XII (RCAF 5481) flew in formation with two of the Temora-based Spitfires (Mk.XVI TB863 and Mk.VIII A58-758), providing an interesting comparison between the two most famous British-designed WWII fighters. The WWII fighters then departed the scene, and in came the RAAF trainer flight comprising of the RAAF Museums North American Harvard alongside assorted CAC Winjeels and CT-4 Parrots. Shortly afterwards, the Temora Aviation Museums CA-13 Boomerang A46-122 made an appearance. This type was an RAAF stalwart in the early, dark days of WWII in the Pacific, albeit as a stop-gap fighter of indigenous design and manufacture. The Boomerang did prove itself capable in the ground-attack role later in the war. Once nearly extinct in preservation, the Boomerang is making a strong come-back with ten or so potential flyers presently under restoration, and possibly more to come. Next up, one of the rarest of flying jet warbirds, the Temora Aviation Museums Gloster Meteor F.8 VZ467, made an appearance to pay homage to the RAAFs participation in the Korean War. She currently flies in the markings of the RAAFs most famous Korean War pilot Sgt. George Hale. Hale engaged a pair of MiG-15s on one of his combat sorties in a 77 Squadron RAAF Meteor. He reportedly scored hits on both aircraft, being credited with one shot down, and the other damaged on 27th March 1953, the last time an RAAF aircraft officially engaged in air-to-air combat. The RAAF supplied a few big items to the air show with No.2 Squadron flying one of their E-7A Wedgetails down from RAAF Base Williamtown for a few passes. Next up was a C-17A Globemaster III from No.35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley which undertook a few passes before departing north for home. As the sun settled into the country paddocks, a few Vietnam War-era Cessna O-1 Birddogs did some flying displays, showing off the capabilities of this small but nimble and often overlooked type. They were outdone though when Temoras recently-repainted Cessna A-37 Dragonfly ripped up the sky in a memorable and noisy display, complete with smoke-trails. The well known Southern Knights Formation Aerobatic Team concluded the air show with assorted formation passes in their fleet of North American T-6 Texan/Harvards. SATURDAY FULL AIRSHOW The Saturday show was slightly longer and took place under cloudy skies for most of the event, but the sun showed up towards the end. The RAAF Roulettes opened the days action and then the rumble and roar of mighty V12s followed when four WWII fighters took off; a Kittyhawk, Hurricane, Spitfire and Mustang showing the elegant, yet deadly designs upon which Allied victory had depended. After the heavy iron, the vintage trainer trio again took to the skies, followed by the RAAF trainer flight featuring CT-4s, CAC Winjeels and the RAAF Museums Harvard in a nice and noisy display. Once this formation concluded, a T-6 and CT-4 made solo performances. The Southern Knights took to the air again and thrilled the crowd with their dynamic formation passes over the airport. They were succeeded by the Temora-based CA-16 Wirraway and CA-13 Boomerang made formation and solo displays. For a short time, these two types formed essential elements of RAAF front line defense of Australia. The Historical Aircraft Restoration Societys beloved Black Cat PBY Catalina then took to the skies. The Temora-based Lockheed Hudson, the sole airworthy example of her kind, joined the Black Cat in the skies soon after. A growing crowd favorite in Australia is a focus on RAAF and USAF aircraft from the Vietnam War. The O-1 Bird Dog, 0-2 Skymaster, T-28 Trojan, DHC-4 Caribou and A-37 Dragonfly are some of the regular performers from this era, all of which were on hand at Temora. Up next was another formation flight of iconic World War II fighters with both of the Temora-based Spitfires flying with the Scone-based Hawker Hurricane. Unfortunately, the Hurricane experienced a problem and had to land quickly, but the two Spitfires continued their performance, finishing the display. The next aircraft up was a fast one, and fast it was! This special Yak-3U, nicknamed Steadfast well it really movesand this is amply proven by the 9 world records it has won. The aircraft has a spectacular high-energy aerobatics routine. Intriguingly, her wingtip smoke generators frequently end up forming smoke circles despite them initially coming out as two independent smoke trails. This high speed act was complemented by the much slower Russian Roolettes display team putting their Yak-52 and Nanchang CJ-6s through various formation aerobatics. The RAAF were involved next with their BAe Hawk 127 trainer: noisy, fast and effective. Now nearly 18 years into service, RAAF Hawks have trained hundreds of students in the art of fast-jet flying. Another C-17 then contributed some noise and grey metal to the event with a few regal passes. Mixed in next came more vintage V12 piston power with two Spitfires, two Kittyhawks and two Mustangs all flying a series of trail formation passes. A Heritage Flight ended the show with a formation flight from the Temora-based Gloster Meteor accompanied by an RAAF F/A-18 Hornet. The Hornet closed out the event with a fine solo handling display from her pilot, Squadron Leader Phil Eldridge. WRAP UP When asked for comment on how the show faired, representatives from the Temora Aviation Museum reported to your author, It was a huge success, with crowd numbers similar to the 2015 event, with just under 20,000 spectators. The Friday crowd was large, but the Saturday crowd was a bumper crowd. Thanks to the many thousands of spectators who attended Warbirds Downunder 2018, the move to October seemed to be well received, and although the winds proved challenging on Friday, Saturdays weather was favorable for such a memorable event. We would like to thank all of the warbird aircraft owners for bringing their assets along to Temora, and the RAAF for turning out in numbers. We have received an overwhelming response of positive comments and are already debriefing, analysing feedback and planning for a bigger and better Warbirds Downunder 2020. Warbird Digest and Down Under Aviation News would like to thank the TAMs General Manger Peter Harper for the media access and the opportunities given to us to cover this event. Also sincere thanks to all the warbird owners and organisations, TAM volunteers, RAAF and other support personnel across the airport who helped make the event worthwhile to attend. As some may know, this is the premier Australian warbird event, and for those wanting to attend the 2020 show, we recommend you start planning once the dates are finalized. Visit the Temora Aviation Museum website at www.aviationmuseum.com.au for more information and to keep up to date with their news and information. An app helping families to find instant childcare without having to have a rigid plan in place is being praised as a virtual 'Tinder for parents'. 'Motherhood' is such a success that the women who have met through the mobile app have become firm friends or even business partners as a result of meeting through the platform. The app, developed by Sydney-based friends Alice Pritchard-Davies, 33, and Millie Zinner, 32, aims to 'solve the childcare crisis', by allowing time-strapped parents to post on-the-spot jobs when they need a nanny - whether it's during a gym trip, shopping outing or night out with girlfriends or husbands. Lisa Wipfli, wife of Nova breakfast presenter Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli, is one major fan of the platform - and she has even met her business partner Olivia Bates through Motherhood. An app helping families to find instant childcare without having to have a rigid plan in place is being praised as a virtual 'Tinder for parents' - it was founded by Alice Pritchard-Davies, 33, and Millie Zinner (both pictured) Lisa Wipfli, wife of Nova breakfast presenter Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli, is one major fan of the platform - and she has even met her business partner Olivia Bates through Motherhood (both pictured with the founders) The app (pictured) aims to 'solve the childcare crisis', by allowing time-strapped parents to post on-the-spot jobs when they need a nanny 'It's funny how things in life play out,' Lisa told FEMAIL. 'Liv and I became great friends when she was doing some nannying work for me and when we started talking about things outside of nannying, she told me about her venture to launch a baby food business. 'Liv showed me the packaging and her thoughts behind the product and I fell in love with it straight away. 'When she asked me to be her business partner for the project, I was super keen to get involved.' Having met through Motherhood, Lisa and Olivia now run Nourishing Bubs together, a healthy convenient baby food business to help parents to start their babies on solids. Having met through the app, Lisa and Olivia (pictured) now run Nourishing Bubs together, a healthy convenient baby food business to help parents to start their babies on solids. Every minder is verified with a Working With Children Check, and there is also a rating and review system in place (pictured: co-founder Millie Zinner) Lisa and Olivia's tale is also just one of many success stories from Motherhood, whose high-profile client list also includes Phoebe Burgess, wife of Rabbitohs star Sam, and Benji Marshalls wife Zoe. 'I was so cautious to start with about hiring someone I didn't know to look after my children, but so far I'm yet to have a bad experience on the app,' Lisa explained. 'All of the women I've hired have been so kind, caring, friendly, experienced and utterly divine humans. It may sound ridiculous, but it's really restored my faith in community.' Olivia added: 'Motherhood is great for so many things. For parents in need of a last minute sitter. For carers looking for some ad hoc, casual work. 'It's also great for people looking for a more permanent option and is ideal for busy professionals who don't have time to sift through endless websites.' Lisa and Olivia's (pictured) tale is also just one of many success stories from Motherhood, whose high-profile client list also includes Phoebe Burgess 'Daycare is pricey - it can cost as much as AUD $200 a day and often has huge waiting lists,' co-founder Alice (pictured) said Motherhood co-founder Alice Pritchard-Davies explained every minder is verified with a Working With Children Check, and there is also a rating and review system in place. She and Millie Zinner revealed they aim to 'put the spontaneity and me-time back into being a mum'. 'Daycare is pricey - it can cost as much as AUD $200 a day and often has huge waiting lists,' Alice said. 'We realised there is no solution for that at the moment and so wanted to create something which will give the flexibility back to parents. 'Say, if you have a last-minute board meeting or just want to go to a yoga class. You can hire some trusted childcare for an hour instantaneously. 'Motherhood aims to put the spontaneity and me-time back into being a mum, while also connecting local supportive communities and allowing other mums to make some money.' 'If you're a mother at home with your kids, you can earn money too by looking after a neighbour's children at the same time as your own,' Alice said (pictured: Lisa and Olivia) What is some of the feedback on Motherhood? 'When I first heard about the Motherhood App, I knew I had to join. I love the idea of helping out other mothers. Flexible income options are so important to me now that I am a mum. I love being able to choose the hours of when I'm going to work and base it around my kids and their needs.' Kate McMillan, Motherhood Minder 'Motherhood app has built a community at a time when most people are separated by distance from those they know. They fulfilled a human need for connection and support for mothers which then has a positive ripple effect on those around them - their children, their family, their friends and their colleagues. The owners are professional and passionate about their cause. I appreciate and am impressed at how they not only provide for profit but also give back to those mothers who most need support but cannot afford it. The Motherhood is a community and an organisation that I back with heart and soul. I cannot wait to see what they create next to benefit our community and bring more connection back into the world.' Shannon Young, Motherhood Customer and Pay it Forward Minder Advertisement The Motherhood app works in several quick and easy steps. If you are a mum or a childminder, you simply download the free app, set up a profile and post or respond to a job. 'Motherhood connects mothers and others in the area,' Alice said. 'If you're a mother at home with your kids, you can earn money too by looking after a neighbour's children at the same time as your own.' A mother who is looking after another person's child with their own kids can earn $18 an hour, while a woman without children can earn $25. Since the app launched at the beginning of 2017, it has hugely taken off in Australia. The childhood friends - who quit the corporate world in order to go into nannying while they developed the app - are now aiming to roll it out worldwide: 'We're really enjoying how many people are using the app, as prior to launching, we continually heard about the financial struggles, the impact on the social life and sense of self from our mumma friend,' Alice said. 'People don't always have a 9-5 job now and they need a flexible, affordable childcare option. Hopefully Motherhood can help with that.' Motherhood is free to download and costs $5 to post a job. The minder gets paid $25 an hour, which is all paid through the app. For more information, please click here. The husband of late BBC radio presenter Rachael Bland has shared a glimpse inside the first family Christmas without her. Steve Bland, from Cheshire, took to Instagram over the festive period to share a sweet picture of him and their three-year-old son Freddie in matching onesies. The proud father put on a brave face with the little boy as he thanked his sister for making them look like the 'coolest family in the whole of the north', thanks to the patterned pyjamas. In another snap, he revealed he was enjoyed a glass of wine while he listened to the Girls vs Cancer podcast, presented by Rachel's friend Lauren Mahon, by the fire, his wedding ring clearly visible in the post. Rachael, presenter of award-winning podcast You, Me and The Big C, which documented her battle with breast cancer, tragically died in September, aged just 40. Steve Bland, the husband of late BBC radio presenter Rachael, has shared a glimpse at his first family Christmas without her, posting a sweet picture of him and their three-year-old son Freddie in matching onesies Spending the festive period at home in the Lake District, Steve posted a snap as he enjoyed a glass of wine while he listened to a Girls versus Cancer podcast by the fire, his wedding ring clearly visible in the post. Steve kicked off the festive week with a visit to Manchester's indoor ski slope Chill Factore, writing: 'What a brilliant afternoon we had meeting Santa and playing in the snow'. He then revealed he was driving home to the Lake District for Christmas, and shared a snap as he packed up the car with their Labrador dog Lord Bodie. And on Christmas Day he posted a picture of their pet pooch enjoying a walk on Tan Hill, North Yorkshire, captioning the snap: 'Poser! Nowhere Id rather be at Christmas. Scenery like nowhere else in the world.' The proud father finished the day by cosying up with Freddie in the onesies, writing: 'Matching PJs for us this Christmas. Thanks to little sister for making sure we are without doubt the coolest family in the whole of the north'. And sharing a snap as the little boy built a castle, he joked: 'Playmobil have got a lot to answer for. Took me bloody ages to build this castle! Im pretty sure Fred will destroy it before the week is out.' Steve kicked off the festive week with a visit to Manchester's indoor ski slope Chill Factore, writing: 'What a brilliant afternoon we had meeting Santa and playing in the snow' Rachael, Steve and Freddie seen inset bottom celebrating Christmas 2017. This was Steve and Freddie's first Christmas without her after she lost her battle with cancer in September 2018 Sharing a snap as the little boy built a castle, he joked: 'Playmobil have got a lot to answer for. Took me bloody ages to build this castle! Im pretty sure Fred will destroy it before the week is out' Kicking off the week Steve had revealed he was driving home to the Lake District for Christmas, and shared a snap as he packed up the car with their Labrador dog Lord Bodie. On Christmas Day he posted a picture of their pet pooch enjoying a walk on Tan Hill, North Yorkshire, captioning the snap: 'Poser! Nowhere Id rather be at Christmas. Scenery like nowhere else in the world' The more upbeat posts came as he shared a snap of Freddie in front of their tree in mid-December, admitting their annual tradition of picking out the festive fir had been tough. He wrote: 'Missed Rach more than ever today. We went to the same farm where every year the three of us - and before that, the two of us - used to go. 'Didnt feel the same. There were no arguments about what size to get or whether the one I liked was too bushy at the bottom and too sparse at the top. He added: 'This little guy helped and between us we figured out how to decorate it too! So, the Bland family Christmas is well and truly on, just as Rach would have wanted.' The post came just weeks after Steve shared his sadness at picking their Christmas tree without Rachael for the first time, as he faced the first festive season without her Despite what undoubtedly be a tough first Christmas for Steve and little Freddie, they will be looking forward to the New Year when Rachael's memoirs are to be released as a book Despite what undoubtedly be a tough first Christmas, Steve will be looking forward to the New Year when Rachael's memoirs are to be released as a book. Throughout her journey Rachael had been keeping a memoir including letters for her young son to open on milestone days such as his eighteenth birthday. Last month Steve took to Rachael's Instagram to share a picture of Rachael raising a glass of champagne, revealing her memoir would be published in February 2019. He wrote: 'Hi folks, its Steve. Just wanted to share some wonderful news with you all. 'Were raising a glass to our beautiful girl today because we have found a fantastic publisher for her book.' 'Putting the Can in Cancer': Rachael Bland's battle with deadly disease November 22 2016: Rachael Bland is diagnosed with primary triple-negative breast cancer that had spread to four lymph nodes under her right arm December 28 2016: She begins four and a half months of chemotherapy May 2017: She has a lumpectomy and auxillary node clearance July 2017: The mother-of-one undergoes a mastectomy August 2017: Bland has a re-excision of her lumpectomy and starts 15 sessions of radiotherapy October 2017: CT and biopsy shows cancer had spread to the lymph nodes under her arm on the opposite side to the primary cancer May 2018: She is told the cancer is terminal and she has 'less than a year to live' September 2018: Bland announces she has just days to live in a poignant social media post. She died today. Advertisement Shortly before her death Bland poignantly revealed she had wrapped 18 years worth of birthday presents for three-year-old son Freddie so he had a gift from her until he was 21. The BBC 5 Live newsreader had also built up a collection of handwritten notebooks, perfume and other personal items so the little boy would grow up knowing how his mother wrote, smelled and sounded once she was gone. Just six weeks after she passed away, Rachael's podcast won the Best New Show award at the Audio, Radio and Industry Awards (ARIAs). Steve collected the award on her behalf and said it would have 'meant the world to her' in an emotional speech. Joining Steve on stage were Rachael's show co-hosts Lauren Mahon and Deborah James, as well as the show's producer Mike Holt, who touchingly dedicated the award to Rachael's husband and their three-year-old son Freddie. Rachael had won praise for You, Me and the Big C and its honest portrayal of the realities of living with cancer. Alongside friends Deborah James and Lauren Mahon, Bland documented her cancer from first discovery, to being told it was incurable in May of this year, to finally being warned there were just days left. She spoke to HuffPost UK before her announcement at the beginning of September which confirmed she only had a few days to live. Rachael died at the beginning of September aged 40, following an inspirational two-year public battle with cancer. The mother from Cheshire, who had triple negative breast cancer, moved thousands of people who hailed her bravery and dignity as she fought terminal illness. Mary is nervous. Shes an 85-year-old widow and this is the first time shes had a manicure. It wont hurt will it? she asks. I reassure her and take her hands in mine. Her fingers are tightly curled together, but as I start to massage them gently, they slowly loosen. I lay them down on the table and begin painting them in the Chanel pale pink shes chosen. As I give Mary her manicure, she relaxes and starts to talk to me about her childhood growing up on a farm in Ireland, how she came to England to work as a nurse (its why she could never have painted nails), and her gorgeous grandchildren. Im on her second coat when she pauses and talks about living alone. She loves her children but theyre busy. Sometimes, she admits quietly, she feels lonely. This is the reason Im here. I am a volunteer working with charity Age UK Camden, and have set up a nail bar in their local day centre. Every few weeks, I come in with friends, and we give manicures to elderly, isolated women, to try to brighten up their days with a bit of glamour. We arent professional nail therapists were just everyday millennials trying to do a good turn. Freelance journalist Radhika Sanghani, 28, (pictured left) set up a nail bar in her neighborhood as a volunteer for Age UK Camden last month A manicure might not sound like the obvious cure for isolation and loneliness, but the physical contact and meticulous care involved make it a powerful gesture. Any woman who has had her nails done knows how good it can feel to let someone take your hands in theirs and spend 15 minutes focusing solely on you. Its even more important for older women who may never be touched unless its in a practical way by a carer. I set up the Nail Bar last month, and my friends and I are now painting dozens of womens nails in our neighbourhood. Weve met women like Jane, who used to be a volunteer when she was our age, and Elaine, whose hands were shaking from Parkinsons until we took them in our own. As we gave her the manicure, her hands slowly relaxed and fell still. Alot of the women Ive met say that little moment of female connection over a manicure helps with their loneliness. But the truth of it is, it also helps me with mine. Im 28 and, on the surface, I probably dont look lonely at all. Im a successful freelance journalist and author, I have more than 14,000 social media followers, and my diary is always full. Im a sociable, friendly person and I dont find it hard to make new friends. But on the inside, Im lonely. Yes, I have plans and people to talk to, but I cant shake the feeling that Im lacking meaningful connections in my life. Though I love my friends, I dont feel like I have anyone I can call in a crisis; theyre too busy with their own lives. Radhika (pictured centre) became a befriender for Age UK last year following the Government campaign to end loneliness Im at an age where friends are starting to settle down and build their own families, while others are so busy with their careers that they can only slot me in for a dinner planned three weeks in advance. Im also currently single, which means I dont have a plus one to take to all the weddings Im invited to. I am dating, but mainly via online apps so Im spending even more time making connections in front of a screen when Id much rather be doing it face-to-face. Ive done as much as I can over the past year to combat this loneliness. Ive taken up new hobbies, from dance classes to rock climbing, and Ive made a bigger effort to see work friends outside the office. It has made a big difference but still on a Saturday night when I dont have plans to look forward to, the loneliness creeps back in. We may think of loneliness as just affecting older people, but Im proof thats not true. In fact, one in five people in the UK suffer from loneliness, according to an ONS report, and younger adults aged 16-24 report feeling lonely three times more often than those over 65. Modern life doesnt prioritise communities, families and connections the way it used to. More than half of 65-year-olds admit to feeling lonely, meanwhile young adults aged 16-24 are three times more likely than those over 65 to suffer from loneliness But while young people may report feeling lonely more often, loneliness is still a huge problem for older people. More than half of 65-year-olds admit feeling lonely, and for those in poor health or who arent mobile, it can have impacts far beyond isolation. Last year, the Government launched the Campaign to End Loneliness to try to improve the situation for elderly people feeling forgotten by society. I was so moved and I could identify with it on more levels than I cared to admit that I decided to try to help. I called up my local Age UK branch in North London to volunteer as a befriender, visiting an elderly person in need in my neighbourhood. I was paired with Alison, an 85-year-old with disabilities meaning she cant walk or hear well, who had never married and lived round the corner from me, alone, with her cat Pepper. I popped in to visit her one Sunday in May last year, and within minutes shed asked me why I wasnt married, and started giving me some of the best advice Ive ever received (dont date such wet men, and why do you wear so much black? You need colour in your life.) Ive been visiting her weekly ever since, for a tea, a chat, and a manicure. It all started because Alison talked about how much shed loved dressing up in her youth, and so one day I decided to bring in some polish for her nails. She had carers who made sure she was clean and dressed, but no one to give her that extra attention. Radhika (pictured right) says Alison inspired her to set up the nail bar as speaking to her made her realise she has opportunities to do something about feeling lonely I noticed how much she perked up during a manicure. If she was tired and down, she would quietly let me massage her hands. If she was feeling more upbeat, Id tease her, and try to convince her to break away from her beloved pinks and embrace a glittery varnish instead (absolutely not, was her response though she did agree to an elegant red.) I would leave our Sunday afternoon teas feeling warm, energised and tired from laughing. While I was brightening Alisons day with my dating dramas, she was doing the same to mine. I was hooked on her stories about growing up in the Thirties, about air raids in the war, and working for the opera as a costume designer. Her clear distaste at my weekend uniform of trainers and athleisure gear as well as the number of holidays I go on (you greedy little shrimp) was so opposed to my own generations views that I found it refreshingly hilarious. Over time I realised how much spending time with her helped me, both because I fostered a real connection with someone, and gained perspective on my own troubles. Alison is largely housebound now, and talks wistfully about how shed love to go for a walk on Hampstead Heath something I do all the time. Hearing all the little things she misses makes me realise that I might feel lonely, but I have the youth, health and opportunities to do something about it. Its partly down to Alison that I decided to try harder to make new friends. And its entirely down to her that I set up the nail bar to help more women in the area. Nikki Morris says although people can appear to be have a full and busy life, we don't know how their feeling and with loneliness it's the smallest of things such as smiling Nikki Morris, CEO of Age UK Camden, says: Beauty treatments can have such a big impact because theyre one-to-one. Its all about making somebody matter as an individual, and its also about the personal conversation and touch that goes along with it. Something like a manicure also really helps with self-esteem and making people feel theyre expressing who they are. With loneliness a particular issue during the winter months, Nikki says there are plenty of ways to help whether its donating to organisations like Age UK, or volunteering on the frontline. But she also points out that we can all help battle the loneliness problem. Sometimes with loneliness, its just the smallest of things, she says. Its smiling at someone in the street or having a conversation on the bus. Loneliness doesnt come with a label. People can appear to have a full and busy life, but we dont know how theyre feeling. So its really important to be open with people. For me, the nail bar has been a way of doing that. Its impossible to help someone so closely without experiencing the benefits yourself, and Ive loved every minute of it. To find out how you can support Age UK Camdens vital work please visit ageuk.org.uk/camden/get-involved and in other areas visit ageuk.org.uk With the new year mere days away, many will be thinking about the career goals they want to achieve in 2019 - and how they need to get there. With this in mind, the millionaire Australian entrepreneur and CEO of Business Chicks Emma Isaacs has revealed exactly how to hone and perfect your CV. Speaking to FEMAIL, Emma shared the four things all the best CVs have in common - and the one addition that will make yours stand out from the crowd. Millionaire Australian entrepreneur and CEO of Business Chicks Emma Isaacs has revealed exactly how to hone and perfect your CV (stock image) Emma (pictured) shared the four things all the best CVs have in common - which include keeping it short and snappy 1. Keep it short and snappy What are Emma Isaacs' top tips for women in business? * Skills are important, but relationships are more so. Call it networking, call it relationship building, but the key thing here is that people see relationships as highly valuable and worth spending time on. * Do the things that others don't in the office, whether it's saying hello in the elevator, following up on a conversation had in the lift and being prepared for every meeting. * Own up to your mistakes and learn from them. * Stay away from office gossip. Be known as a person of integrity and get known as someone who supports others, always. * Volunteer for jobs outside of your department and become a mentor to others. * Sharing knowledge not only helps you to stand out and get liked, but it's very satisfying to support others and see them succeed. Advertisement You might have plenty of experience and want to convey that, but Emma explained that employers don't have time to read through every single little thing you've achieved in your life. 'Before Business Chicks, I owned a recruitment company, so I've read my fair share of CVs over the years,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'A good CV is short and snappy and one or maximum two pages.' Focus in on the things that you think the employer will value, and delete everything else. 2. Get the details right It's an obvious one, but still so many CVs come into companies with key details about the business and the CEO that are wrong. 'Get all of the small, but important details right, like the spelling of someone's name,' Emma explained. Rid your CV of any spelling mistakes, which often mean your letter will end up straight in the bin. 3. Get your experience right For Emma, while experience is important, the more vital thing is showing how useful your experience can be. 'The most relevant thing is showing how your experience will help to solve problems,' she said. For Emma (pictured), while experience is important, the more vital thing is showing how useful your experience can be 4. List your top achievements Lastly, you should write down your top achievements - across a professional level. 'Make it easy for an employer to say yes to an interview,' she added. 'If you really want to improve your CV in the New Year, the number one thing you'll want to consider is beefing out the extra curricular things you're involved in,' Emma (pictured) said What is the Four Burners theory? Emma wrote about an idea in her book, Winging It, called the Four Burners theory. The way the theory works is that you imagine your life as a four-burner stove. Each burner represents friends, family, health and work. It has been said before that if you want to be successful, you should turn off at least one of your burners. And if you want to be super successful, you should turn off two. Advertisement The extra thing that makes all the difference While the best CVs will be free from mistakes, full of detail, relevant experience and relatively short and snappy, Emma also said that there is one thing that will set yours apart. 'If you really want to improve your CV in the New Year, the number one thing you'll want to consider is beefing out the extra curricular things you're involved in,' Emma said. 'This could be mentoring others or joining the office netball team.' You might not think it, but the award-winning CEO said that often it's 'these things that differentiate you from another candidate. 'They demonstrate your genuine interest in supporting others and working as part of a team,' she said. Emma Issacs mentors regularly via MyRoad, an initiative from Coca-Cola and the Beacon Foundation. She said she 'loves it because it's online (so easy to do whether at home or the office) plus it supports young girls with their transition to the workforce, which is something I'm very passionate about. If you're not already involved in a mentoring program, Id highly recommend it'. Everybody craves a holiday but not everyone has the budget to fly off to exotic locations at the drop of a hat. Luckily some of the best countries and most memorable experiences can be easily accessed even if you are travelling with a budget. To make everything easier travel website Traveller has revealed the top 10 affordable countries all Australians should visit in 2019. Here are the value-for-money destinations you'll want to be adding to your bucket list as soon as possible. To make everything easier travel website Traveller has revealed the top 10 affordable countries all Australians should visit in 2019 (Georgia pictured) South Africa It states on the Traveller website that South Africa is 'seriously cheap', and that is not only when you get there - as flights to the destination are also affordable. Although it used to cost more than $3,000 to fly to Johannesburg these days travellers can get their hands on tickets for $1,500 or less if they keep an eye out for sales. Once there the country proves how affordable it is as one Australian dollar buys more than 10 South African rand. This means those who want to travel here will be able to afford to stay in pleasant, if not luxurious, accommodation, eat out most nights, and even hire a car so they can easily see the sights. It states on the Traveller website that South Africa is 'seriously cheap', which includes the cost of the flights to the destination Georgia Georgia boasts natural beauty as it is filled with green sweeping valleys and vineyards and is also the home of great wine, high-quality food and old churches, making it one of the most beautiful countries on the list. It accepts travellers of all kinds as it is a great spot for those who like to walk, horse ride, cycle and ski. Visitors could very easily get away with a budget of $30 to $40 a day which will provide a comfortable bed, delicious meals throughout the day and plenty of things to do. Georgia boasts natural beauty as it is filled with green sweeping valleys and vineyards and is also the home of great wine, high-quality food and old churches Bolivia Although Bolivia isn't necessarily the easiest country to get to, once there it is completely worth it. Adventure-seekers won't be paying more than $10 a night for a dorm bed, $3 to $5 for a local meal and $1 to $2 for a short taxi trip. Some of the must-see cities are La Paz, Cochabamba, Salar de Uyuni and Potosi as this is where indigenous culture still thrives. 'Superlative in its natural beauty, rugged, vexing, complex and slightly nerve-racking, Bolivia is one of South Americas most diverse and intriguing nations,' it reads on the Lonely Planet website. Although Bolivia isn't necessarily the easiest country to get to, once there it is completely worth it Adventure-seekers won't be paying more than $10 a night for a dorm bed, $3 to $5 for a local meal and $1 to $2 for a short taxi trip Indonesia When Indonesia comes to mind most people think of Bali, but this country is more than this popular island. 'For real value for money in this huge and diverse country, however, as well as an escape from the touristy hordes, focus your attention on the likes of Sumbawa, Raja Ampat, Tanjung Puting, Flores and Sumatra, where you'll get hotel rooms for less than $20, and meals for $2 to $3, plus all the hiking, scuba-diving, surfing and exploring you can handle,' Traveller reveals. You will also benefit from avoiding the hoardes of people in Bali. When Indonesia comes to mind most people think of Bali, but this country is more than this popular island 'For real value for money in this huge and diverse country, however, as well as an escape from the touristy hordes, focus your attention on the likes of Sumbawa, Raja Ampat, Tanjung Puting, Flores and Sumatra,' it reads on Traveller Italy Although many may balk at the idea of Italy being an affordable holiday destination, it can be if you know where to go. For those who are going to be counting their pennies as they travel, they should avoid cities like Rome, Florence, Milan and the Amalfi Coast. Instead they should venture to places like Naples, Verona, southern Sicily, Puglia and Calabria. This is because travellers will most likely find cheap accommodation, affordable food and fewer tourists. Although many may balk at the idea of Italy being an affordable holiday destination, it can be if you know where to go Vietnam Vietnam is another holiday spot where visitors can get their hands on a cheap meal as they usually only cost $2. This country has always been popular among budget travellers, which doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. Even if people have been before it is recommended that they return and 'dig a little deeper'. The writers at Traveller recommend heading out into the Mekong Delta, checking the highlands around Dalat and visiting Bong Lai Valley. Vietnam is another holiday spot where visitors can get their hands on a cheap meal as they usually only cost $2 This country has always been popular among budget travellers, which doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon India India is a very large country with 29 states, seven religions and 23 official languages, which means there are many different areas to explore. Due to its size travellers are able to customise their trip entirely so that it suits what they want perfectly. It will be easy enough for people to get a room in a guesthouse for $10, find a restaurant meal for $3 and take a long-distance train ride for $8. 'A land of remarkable diversity from ancient traditions and artistic heritage to magnificent landscapes and culinary creations India will ignite your curiosity, shake your senses and warm your soul,' it reads on the Lonely Planet website. India is a very large country with 29 states, seven religions and 23 official languages, which means there are many different areas to explore Due to its size travellers are able to customise their trip entirely so that it suits what they want perfectly Turkey Travel experts consider 2019 to be the best time to visit Turkey as its tourism industry has been hit hard recently by things such as isolated terror incidents and the country's proximity to humanitarian disasters. Now it is slowly rebuilding itself which means tourists are being encouraged to visit by the country's low prices. 'Get in now for great deals on hotels, for cheap cruises in the Aegean, for affordable transport and high-quality, cheap local cuisine,' it reads on Traveller. Now it is slowly rebuilding itself which means tourists are being encouraged to visit by the countries low prices Mexico Mexico is brimming with passionate people, exciting nightlife and delicious food but tourists need to play it smart if they want to avoid high costs and lots of other people. This means it is best to avoid Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cabo. The best countries for people to visit if they want to make the most of their money is Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca City. It is in these areas it's possible to find tacos for 50 cents, beers for $2, and guesthouse beds for $20 or less. Mexico is brimming with passionate people, exciting nightlife and delicious food but tourists need to play it smart if they want to avoid high costs and lots of other people The best countries for people to visit if they want to make the most of their money is Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca City Bulgaria If keen travellers are after real value for money while travelling Europe they should add Bulgaria to their list. It is extremely affordable and is a great location to ski in winter if people want to avoid paying the ridiculous prices that they would in places such as France. Posh girls dont have too many qualms at the thought of getting their kit off. Its just not such a big deal for a confident upper-class person to disrobe at home, with friends, for a stylishly-lit Instagram selfie and certainly not for a glossy magazine shoot so long as its arty, cheeky and, crucially, for a good cause. Country Life has the latest example, this time with just some carefully strewn leaves preserving the subjects modesty. Twenty years after it pictured socialite Sophia Burrell as Botticellis Venus, the top-drawer magazine has published a photo in its Girls In Pearls section of Atlantic rower Kiko Matthews, 37, who lives with Cushings disease after a nearly fatal pituitary tumour back in 2009. Miss Matthews said that she found the shoot empowering: Country Life said wear whatever you like and my wardrobe did not have any Girls In Pearls appropriate clothes. Then they mentioned they had girls who do it naked, and I thought I am never going to have the opportunity to do a naked photoshoot again. So I thought lets go for it. Stopping traffic: High society model Cara Delevingnes Instagram shot of herself in Bali nude with two torches and a road sign A bubbly personality: It-girl Lady Mary Charteris put this racy shot onto Instagram Miss Matthews added: I actually prefer myself with no clothes on. I like the human form and I think we should embrace our bodies whatever they are like. But of course shes only the latest in a long line of gals to pose this way. As a writer, dog rescuer and former It Girl, who once posed naked, I have some insight as to why. One reason toffs dont mind being photographed in the altogether is that they are often secretly proud of their bodies. Generations of good breeding and hours spent riding, swimming and stalking through their acreage mean they are long of limb, fit and carry themselves well. They can afford to eat better and have enough land and help to grow their own food. I spent my youth going to the same parties as Lady Victoria Hervey and the late Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, both of whom, like me, took their clothes off for classy magazines. As did Petrina Khashoggi and her half-sister Ali Aitken the daughters of Jonathan Aitken. Room with a view: Model Suki Waterhouse, who is a member of one of the UKs poshest families My big reveal took place back in the Nineties, in Tatler magazine I doubt I would have stripped for the Sun or Playboy, but they never asked anyway, besides, I wasnt nearly voluptuous enough! I appeared completely starkers except for a body-painted apron holding some vegetables very carefully over my crucial bits. I was 32 and in my prime. I was doing it to illustrate an article Id written about the evils of factory farming and it is a beautiful photo. I must confess I also enjoyed the attention because, like many posh girls, I had been bought up to be seen and not heard, taught not to take myself too seriously or to assume people would want to look at me. Even the famous beauty Diana Mitford was put in her place when she was getting dressed for her wedding by her nanny, who famously told her: Dont worry dear. No one will be looking at you anyway. Naturally, I had been sent off to boarding school where we were all thrown in the showers together and slept in dormitories. We lived a life where there was no privacy at all, so we never bothered hiding behind towels and fishing bras out from under T-shirts. We just didnt care. Jilly Cooper once wrote that posh people never lock the door when theyre in the loo. I dont. I dont always even completely shut it. Who cares anyway? Its just not important. And while Im not the sort to streak through Waitrose, when Im on my own, or in front of people I know very well, Im happy to wander round naked. I dont even think about it. Kiko Matthews in Country Life. She is following in the footsteps of Dorothy Scott who famously posed naked, cuddling a pig called Ginger in 2015 Birthday suit: Blueblood models Edie and Olympia Campbell (left) at a society party for Edies 27th. While tycoons granddaughter Alice Dellal (right) on the catwalk Its not because I want people to look at me, it just doesnt cross my mind that anyone would pay much attention I adore wild swimming, and I wouldnt wear anything if there was no one around. Its not exhibitionism. Besides, now Im middle-aged Im invisible anyway. I think its odd when people wear their swimsuit in a same-sex sauna as well as being terribly unhygienic. And theres this terrible prudish British thing when you go for a massage or a facial and they tell you to take your clothes off and get under a towel then leave the room for ten minutes while you undress. Its not like they havent seen it all before! But I will never understand these people who visit nudist colonies. I think its absolutely disgusting. I suspect the young beautiful people stay away and nudist colonies are a refuge for those who cant find anyone to look at them in private. Naturists make such a song and dance about something as natural as taking your clothes off, but generally after a certain age we all look better with our kit on than off. As a naked Country Life Girl In Pearls, Kiko Matthews is following in the footsteps of Dorothy Scott who famously posed naked, cuddling a pig called Ginger in 2015. And then there were beauties featured in Tatler in 2014, fantastic figures draped over urns at Alnwick Castle and leaning against Gothic arches and languishing on waterfalls at Castle Howard. They werent even body painted. They were literally in the altogether and looked wonderful. Good for them. I certainly would never regret stripping off for Tatler. The pictures were beautiful though Im not sure I would have dared do a full frontal without the protection of the body paint (but I seem to remember a discreet pair of knickers that were painted over). And how nice to have a lovely picture you can stick up on your wall and remind yourself in your middle-aged dotage, Gosh, I looked really good then! Its a lovely photographic record. Particularly now when I prefer my body with my clothes on. Lady Mary Charteris is pictured at the Burberry 'Her' fragrances launch in London. She has previously posted racy shots on Instagram Pink and perky: Pig farmer Dorothy Scott (left) posed for the magazine in 2015 with a porker called Ginge. COUNTRY Lifes last issue of 2018 is available now (right). Visit countrylife.co.uk And of course we were doing it for a good cause. Fortunately my family were quite laissez-faire about the episode, but then it was for Tatler Im not sure they would have been as sanguine if Id been on Page Three of the Sun. These days, however, theres so much nudity everywhere that a few discreetly placed leaves or strawberries or poppies for a good cause, mind are not going to shock anyone any more. Today, most parents I know would happily hang an artfully-lit posed photograph on their wall they are far more worried about their children taking drugs than posing nude and arent remotely hung up about sex, either. (All the time we spend with our dogs and horses we become a bit more relaxed and natural about it all.) Of course, people will always be drawn to look at a naked body. Thats why the Naked Strewth column in The Field magazine featuring a different charity calendar each month is so popular. Naked fly fishing anyone? A spot of nude llama grooming, perhaps? Its fun and naughty and about not taking yourself too seriously, because posh people have always been less prudish and enjoyed dirty jokes and ribaldry more than the middle class, who worry about what the neighbours are thinking. Country Lifes Girls In Pearls section used to feature girls who had recently got engaged, but now it seems to welcome anyone. The photos of Kiko are neither sexually titivating nor smutty. Theyre artistic and rather lovely. After all, weve all got a body. Weve all got two arms and two legs, or the lucky ones have. So whats wrong in celebrating it? A former sperm donor has spoken of the 'profound and shocking' moment he found out he was a dad to more than 24 children. Divorcee Peter Ellenstein, 57, from Los Angeles, has spent the past year meeting the children he unknowingly fathered by donating sperm at two California labs over seven in the 1980s and 1990s, while struggling to make ends meet as an aspiring actor. Ellenstein appeared on Good Morning Britain on Thursday with daughter Rachel White - who kick-started the conversation which led to a family reunion in October 2017 - to reflect on the year that changed his life forever. Recalling the first time he met his children, the theatre producer said: 'For me it was really profound and shocking. 'I felt so much that I was looking back at a part of myself, and it opened up an entirely different part of my heart and my brain. Los Angeles resident Peter Ellenstein (fifth right) has fathered at least 24 children but he only learned of their existence last year. He is pictured here with just some of his growing brood including Rachel White (far left) who appeared on Good Morning Britain this week Former sperm donor Peter Ellenstein, right, appeared on Good Morning Britain on Thursday with his daughter Rachel White, who helped him reconnect with his 24 'lost' children 'If I was told a year and a half ago that this was going to happen, and it was going to be a good thing I would have said no, no thank you, I don't want that to happen. 'But having had it happen, it's the best thing that's ever happened to me in that it opened me up to a whole new experience of what being alive is. 'Certainly I'm not [my children's] parent, they were raised by mostly very good parents. 'But I'm really enjoying getting to know them all and there's certainly a connection that's different than a young friend who I might meet or someone who I might mentor.' Among Ellenstein's 24-plus children are a Malibu musician, a New Mexico astrophysics major, an aspiring Los Angeles voice-over actress, a cybersecurity expert in Detroit. On October 5, 2017, Ellenstein was divorced and childless, an actor turned producer who was bankrupt and hadn't held a steady job for a year. Ellenstein appeared on Good Morning Britain on Thursday with daughter Rachel White, left - who kick-started the conversation which led to a family reunion in October 2017 - to reflect on the year that changed his life forever when he learned he was a father to at least 24 children Ellenstein, right with daughter Rachel, on GMB this morning. Reflecting on his journey, he said: 'It's the best thing that's ever happened to me in that it opened me up to a whole new experience of what being alive is' The next day, he found out out he had a daughter; and three weeks later, he found out she wasn't his only child. Ellenstein wasn't exactly surprised to discover he had children; his sperm, which he donated over seven years at two California labs, had been described as 'very potent'. But Ellenstein was still shocked when he found out that even one of his children wanted to meet him - much less dozens of them. The first Facebook message came on that fateful day in October from Rachel White, the 24-year-old musician raised in Malibu by a single mother. It said: 'Hi Peter, I hope all is well with you. I am messaging you under very strange circumstances and I want to prematurely apologize if I have been led to the wrong person. The siblings had worked together to try and figure out the identity of their dad, who they have been told was a Los Angeles actor (pictured at a theatre event in 2014 in New York City) Ellenstein was shocked when he received this message in October 2017 from one of his daughters, Rachel White, the first child who would try to make contact with him 'This is a very sensitive subject for us all and I can understand the surprise it might bring. To give you a bit of my background, I was born in 1994 due to in-vitro fertilization.' 'My mother had always wanted a kid and with this new technology was able to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a parent. So, the reason I am messaging you is that I believe you may have been the donor.' 'I don't know what the proper protocol is in this situation, I am still just stupefied. If you choose not to maintain contact or even respond, I understand completely and will not hold it against you. I just want to say thank you.' 'If you want to go down this crazy rabbit hole, I am here and would love to keep exploring.' What Ellenstein didn't know is that Rachel had already found 11 of his children. The half-siblings discovered each other through the donor register and the DNA testing site 23andMe. The siblings then worked together to try and figure out the identity of their dad, who they were told was a Los Angeles actor. Ellenstein with some of his children who he is still getting to know. The half-siblings had been linked through the donor register and the DNA testing site 23andMe Ellenstein, fourth left, wasn't surprised to discover he had children. His sperm, which he donated for seven years at two California labs, had been described as 'very potent' When Rachel typed 'Peter Ellenstein' into the movie database IMDB, a picture of her father was staring back at her. Ellenstein knew the likelihood that Rachel was his biological daughter was high. From the years of 1987 to 1994, Ellenstein had been a frequent donor for two Los Angeles sperm banks, making quick cash to try and support his acting career. He could earn upwards of $900 (712) a month for his sperm, sometimes donating five times in a single week. At first Ellenstein was nervous to make contact with Rachel. But eight hours after he first received her message, he agreed to meet her the next day. Ellenstein asked her to come to his friend's house on Rodeo Dr in Beverly Hills, hoping to impress his offspring. When the pair finally met, they hugged for a long time as tears streamed down their faces. 'A different part of my brain opened up,' Ellenstein told Los Angeles Magazine. 'I felt like I owed her something - my best self.' Ellenstein pictured with some of his 24 children. It all began when Rachel got in touch to announce that he had at least 11 more children. Within a year that number more than doubled 'It was a profound feeling looking at someone who so clearly resembled me and some of my mannerisms. And it turned out we had all kinds of things in common.' Three weeks later, Rachel told Ellenstein she had some news. He had 11 more children. Within a year that number more than doubled. Dexter Elliot is the astrophysics major, pursuing his degree at the University of New Mexico. Alana Shannon, 24, is the aspiring voice-over anime actress with a twin sister named Bridget. Jamie is the cyber-security expert in Michigan. There's also Melanie Sulkin, 27, a Denver attorney, Natalie Jones, 19, a child psychology major at Arizona State University, and Tyee Williams, who is studying environmental science in Ecuador. From the years of 1987 to 1994, Ellenstein had been a frequent donor for two Los Angeles sperm banks, making quick cash to try and support his acting career There's also Michael, a Navy sailor in Guam that Alana says is 'the only Trump voter in the group', and Courtney and Brittany, who are studying zoology and environmental science at UC Santa Barbara and UC Davis, respecitvely. Also in the group is Jeremy, 29, a comedian based in Ventura who also works as an English and SAT tutor in Shanghai, and Laine Hammer, 26, an Encino copywriter. 'Now we just need a doctor, banker, mechanic, electrician...' Ellenstein joked in one of his texts in a group chat with his growing brood. Sidney Weisberg-Sweetman, 17, is the youngest of the clan. The high school athlete only found out about Ellenstein after taking a DNA test for 23andMe. 'I have two moms, so I always knew I had a donor father but he was completely anonymous,' Sidney told The Sun earlier this year. 'Then I took the test and got connected with my sister Rachel and brother Peter and we kept growing.' Sidney said that people don't believe him when he says he has 23 siblings, but that he loves having so many people he can now call brother and sister. 'It's great for me because I'm an only child so I haven't grown up with brothers or sisters,' he said. 'So it's nice now to get to go out and hang out with my siblings.' Ellenstein pictured enjoying a meal with some of his children. Now Ellenstein - who dubbed himself the 'Sperminator' - and his children try to get together at least several times a month The children have plenty of names for Ellenstein, depending on who you ask. Some call him Peter, some call him 'donor father', and some simply call him dad. Here he is with Rachel White, who started it all, and who appeared with him on Good Morning Britain this week 'It's weird to say that you have become friends with your siblings because usually you grow up with them, but in the past year that's what's happened to me.' Now Ellenstein - who dubbed himself the 'Sperminator' - and his children try to get together at least several times a month, doing everything from dinner to bowling and even taking international holidays. They even have a special Facebook group and spreadsheet to help keep everyone organized. The children have plenty of names for Ellenstein, depending on who you ask. Some call him Peter, some call him 'donor father', and some simply call him dad. But Ellenstein had made a point to make sure he has his children's parents' support. 'Most of the real parents have been supportive,' he said. 'Some have felt a little concerned but they've soon come around when they've seen the benefits for their kids having so many siblings.' Ellenstein pictured with two of the 24 children with whom he recently reconnected. They even have a special Facebook group and spreadsheet to help keep everyone organized Ellenstein, pictured with one of his many children, is even filming a potential docu-series about his journey to fatherhood thanks to the help of two television producers Although all 24 siblings have yet to be in the same room together at the same time, they hope to make it happen one day. And Ellenstein is even filming a potential docuseries about his journey thanks to the help of two television producers. Ellenstein, who now also drives cars for Uber, credits his children with giving him purpose. 'I feel an incredible responsibility to all these people,' he said. 'This was what was lacking in my life. It's the perfect thing to have come along.' 'When I firsts saw Rachel, part of my brain and a part of my heart opened up that I didn't know that I had before. And I can't really explain what it is.' 'It was a mixture of sort of a sense of longevity, of purpose, wonder. I'm really just feeling things that I'd never experienced before.' 'I can't believe I was a part - even a small part - of creating all these wonderful kids. I feel like I get to be a part of 24 different adventures.' Jo Wood may have revelled in the finer things in life for many a decade...but the 63-year-old admits she's now more thrilled by things that won't hurt the planet. The former wife of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood has revealed that she 'cancelled' Christmas this year in favour of spending the festive season in an eco-lodge in far-flung Brazil with her 35-year-old son Tyrone. Instead of enjoying a slap-up Christmas dinner in luxurious surrounds, the mother-and-son duo have been preparing their own food on a beach bonfire. Scroll down for video Eco-warrior: Jo Wood, 63, has revealed that she's spending the festive period with her son Tyrone, 35, in a far-flung corner of Brazil in an eco-lodge 'Christmas is cancelled' Jo, who has two children with ex husband Ronnie Wood, says she decided to say no to the 'obscene consumption' that goes hand-in-hand with the festive season - and is hoping her Brazilian eco-lodge doesn't even have electricity Speaking to the Telegraph, Jo shared that she'd kicked Father Christmas to the kerb in favour of a more eco-friendly yuletide. She said: 'I cancelled Christmas this year. No tree, no baubles, no obscene consumption. 'We will be the only guests at a brand new eco-lodge in Bahia, where they dont have a chef or any staff - Im hoping they dont have electricity either, because I do love adventure.' The celebrity, who has three children, two - Leah and Tyrone, with her former rock-star husband, clearly got a taste for stripping back life's frivolities in favour of helping to preserve the environment while appearing on Celebrity Island with explorer Bear Grylls back in September. Awakening: In September, Jo travelled to a remote island off the coast of Panama to appear on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls Jo, pictured with, from left, James Cracknell and Martin Kemp, says seeing the plastic waste washed up on the beach while appearing on the island reality show made her consider the damage we're doing to the environment The mother-of-three, married to Ronnie for 34 years, said seeing the effects of plastic waste while she appeared on the show, filmed off the coast of Panama, has made her turn her home into a plastic-free zone. Not only did her grandchildren not see her on Christmas Day but she gifted them presents made only with recyclable materials including wood and fabric. Earlier this year, Wood said she was tired of being constantly asked about her marriage to the Rolling Stone. She told the Daily Mail: 'Ronnie and I have a great friendship and he has a new wife and two beautiful little girls, who are gorgeous, [but] Im so bored of talking about Ronnie. She added: 'Hes married, he has his wife, he doesnt go around talking about me, so I shouldnt talk about him. I dont want to be banging on about him ten years later.' Advertisement Crown Princess Mary has stunned in scarlet as she and the Danish royal family attended a Christmas Day church service. Australian-born Mary, 46, was joined by her husband Crown Prince Frederik, their four children and extended royal relatives for the service at Aarhus Catheral in the country's north. Donning a knee-length scarlet overcoat, the mother-of-four matched a white collared shirt with a crew neck-style grey pullover to complete the polished look. Scroll down for video Crown Princess Mary has stunned in scarlet as she and the Danish royal family attended a Christmas Day church service Australian-born Mary, 46, was joined by husband Crown Prince Frederik, their four children, Queen Margrethre, Fredrick's brother Prince Joachim, his wife Princess Marie, their children Prince Henrik Carl, Princess Athena and the 49-year-old's elder sons Prince Nikolai, 19, Prince Felix, 16 Traditionally, the royals congregate at nearby Marselisborg Palace to celebrate the major holidays including Christmas and Easter The couple's children Prince Christian, 13, Princess Isabella, 11, and seven-year-old twins Josephine and Vincent, also rugged up in a bid to battle the Scandinavian winter. While all four youngsters sported black ankle boots and warm winter coats, the girls opted for skirts and tights as opposed to the navy pants chosen by the couple's sons. Also in attendance was Queen Margrethe who typically arrives in Aarhus for the festive season on December 21. So too were Fredrick's brother Prince Joachim, his wife Princess Marie, their children Prince Henrik Carl and Princess Athena and the 49-year-old's elder sons from his previous marriage Prince Nikolai, 19, Prince Felix, 16. The couple's children Prince Christian, 13, Princess Isabella, 11 (left), and seven-year-old twins Josephine (centre) and Vincent, also rugged up in a bid to battle the Scandinavian winter Officially the Queen's summer residence, the nearby Marselisborg Palace offers relative privacy for the extended clan since it was built in 1902 Traditionally, the royals congregate at nearby Marselisborg Palace to celebrate the major holidays including Christmas and Easter. Officially the Queen's summer residence, Marselisborg offers relative privacy for the extended clan since it was built in 1902. Earlier this month, Mary made headlines when she offered a glimpse into the family's festive celebrations at the palace with a social media snap of its Christmas tree. While all four youngsters sported black ankle boots and warm winter coats the girls opted for skirts and tights as opposed to the navy pants chosen by the couple's sons (pictured with their father) 'Christmas party in the Knights Hall in Frederik VIII's Palace, Amalienborg, here on the third Sunday in advent,' the caption read. The photo showed a huge Christmas tree adorned with an array of colourful baubles and stars. Also seen in the shot were scattered festive pine cones, gold decorations atop a marble table and a dramatic chandelier hanging overhead. And while the festivities have so far appeared jubilant, this year's Christmas celebrations will be tinged with sadness for the famous clan. It marks the first since the death of the Queen's husband and Fredrick's father, Prince Henrik who died after suffering from a pulmonary infection at the age of 83 in February. With the big day all over and done with many of us will be entering the Christmas comedown, but these snaps might just put it into perspective. In a new gallery compiled by BoredPanda have shared photos of their Christmas calamities and they are enough to make you say Bah Humbug. In many cases families have had their holidays ruined by wayward pets including one dog who mistook a pile of gifts for a chew toy. And another playful pooch took down the family Christmas tree before promptly savaging his bed. Meanwhile poor gifts were also enough to put a downer on the day with one man less than impressed with a framed snap of his ex-girlfriend and his dead dog. Elsewhere someone got an unwanted surprise when she received a chocolate penis from an unknown sender. Suffering from the festive blues - scroll down to regain some festive cheer! A new online gallery compiled by BoredPanda has revealed the calamities families faced this Christmas including this family whose glass table gave way at just the wrong moment This beagle mistook presents under the tree for a chew toy, much to the despair of his owers One mother left $300 unattended only to return to find her nephews had shredded it mistaking the notes for ordinary paper It was the trimmings without the turkey for one family when the cook forgot all about the poultry There was to be no Christmas feast in this house when the owner of this hoverboard drove it into the oven Not only did this dog tear down the Christmas tree but he also decided to savage his bed to add to the mess Allison joined her husband and his family for the first time this year and they were sure to include a stocking for her on the fireplace Christmas got off on the wrong foot for this woman when she stepped straight through the ceiling This family decided they might skip Christmas next year after this decoration disaster Jenn found out the hard way that her aunt had gone off piste when it came to her Christmas present this year His ex-girlfriend and his dead dog immortalised in a picture frame was almost definitely not on this man's Christmas list One man witnessed his neighbour throw their Christmas tree out of his window The family dog clearly did not approve of his owner's brand new Christmas decoration This family said goodbye to their Christmas ham when the glass table shattered on the big day This woman placed her ham on a plastic cutting board in the oven to keep it away from her dog - and forgetting she had done so preheated the oven leading to a melted mess One person received a chocolate penis with a rather rude message, and had no idea who had sent it This would be this family's final real fir tree after having to clean up a deluge of needles This man was left stranded when putting up Christmas lights on his roof when his ladder was blown over by a gust of wind This ginger Tom appeared to show no remorse despite destroying the Christmas tree Spending Christmas with his Australian girlfriend turned out to have a few surprises for this man - not all welcome ones After not a needle was left on their real tree, this family are sure to be sticking to faux fir from now on Bottomless drinks took on a new meaning when the eggnog smashed at the dinner table in this house Immediately after opening this drone it flew straight into the dogs water bowl with the recipient hoping to recover it in a bag of rice We have escaped the clutches of the Bahamas, and are finally back home in Tucson, Texas. The return home included a total of 5 hours of flight delays, one missed flight, and we subsequently missed the entire town of Charlotte, North Carolina. We did however gain an extra night, at our expense in Miami, Florida, all of which was in the dark, so I could not even run out and put a couple of birds on a Florida State List. We also got an extra stop in Dallas, Texas (Hey wasnt I just here) but again no birds could be added, unless I count the House Sparrow flying around inside the terminal. All in all, twenty six airplane flights this year, traveled around the world, to 11 countries, and not one single delay, or interruption of service, until the Bahamas. Despite their every effort to accumulate every bit of money that was in my wallet, and available on my credit card, this island group totaling more than 700 islands does have some nice birds. After running around by myself the first few days, I was finally able to spend part of a day with Carolyn Wardle, the renowned and preeminent bird guide for New Providence Island. I was joining in with a couple who booked a trip with her, from one of the many cruise ships that arrive on the island every day. We got a bit of a late start as the cruise ship does not unload its guests until about 9-9:30. Our first stop was the Lakeview Drive Ponds, Coreys primary birding location when he and his family visited the island a few years ago. You can read his account of the birding on New Providence Island, and the small connected island where most tourists stay, Paradise Island here. After that we visited a small remote site of an abandoned resort that is going back to the jungle quickly, and a water front location for shorebirds and gulls. Next we traveled thru one of the neighborhoods looking for a specific pigeon, before stopping at what turned out to be one of my favorites, the Bahama National Trust Retreat. The Retreat served as the headquarters for the Bahama National Trust (BNT) since the mid 1980s, before they moved into an office in the downtown Nassau area. This 11 acre site holds more imported and exotic palms than anywhere in the world, and has become a real gem for birders who get a chance to visit. The next day Jeanne and the family rented a van and did a circumnavigation of the island, with a few bird stops along the way. Many of the sites I had hoped to visit were either closed, or still showing the incredible carnage that was inflicted on the island by Hurricane Matthew, almost two years ago. By the time we had ended our visit on the island, I had racked up a total of 58 birds species, with 27 of them new birds on the Little Big Year list. Now, I have 8 days left, in order to find 9 new bird species, somewhere in the state of Arizona, to total an amazing 1300 birds for the year. Now, I am going to be hitting the road, in a week of Twitches, I really want that number! The Little Big Year species 1291 eBird Submissions 429 Bahamas Species 58 Now to the fun part, a few of the bird pictures!! When I was doing some very quick, last minute research on the area, a photo of the beautiful Pied-imperial Pigeon popped up on one of the eBird.org pages. When I noticed that the photo was taken by none other than our own Corey Finger, well, I knew that the bar had been set. I could not visit this island with our finding that bird. His posting on the bird is here. Carolyn was able to get us into the right area, but was afraid that we were so late in the day, it was not likely that we would be able to find this rare bird. Just about the time we were going to give it up, I spotted a single Pied-imperial Pigeon, in the top of a tree. I quickly jumped out, and got some photos just to make sure it didnt fly away. Right after those photos were taken, 8 more of these beautiful birds flew in and joined the first one, affording me a bit of a better photo. A popular bird for these islands, the White-cheeked Pintail is a full time resident at the Lakeview Drive Ponds. A new, and very exciting Lifer for me, was the Ovenbird that I found digging thru the leaves at the Retreat. While we are in the Retreat area, I also found this Northern Parula, as well as this Greater Antillean Bullfinch. This is not one of my best images, but I was so happy to even get this picture of the Worm-eating Warbler, that I am posting it any way. One of the more common birds when we were in Costa Rica, the Bananaquit popped up in a couple of the locations we birded while in the Bahamas. Our visit to the abandoned resort had a bunch of nice birds, but the highlight was a male Western Spindalis. And our final bird that I am going to feature in this posting is the wonderfully colorful Cuban Grassquit. Cooks across the country are currently desperately trying to make the most of the leftovers, and it turns out that the Duchess of Sussex was no different back when she was cooking her own Christmas dinner. In a newly resurfaced interview, Meghan Markle revealed her own delicious tip for making the most of festive leftovers. The pregnant duchess, 37, who has spent the past two Christmases with the royal family, shared her own guide to the perfect festive season with Grazia before she started dating Prince Harry. Scroll down for video Meghan Markle revealed her delicious tip to making the most of Christmas leftovers in a newly resurfaced interview - seen in November cooking for her Hubb Community Kitchen charity cook book Meghan, who at the time was starring in legal drama Suits and running her lifestyle site The TIG (named after one of Markle's favourite wines, tignanello), revealed how she often made 'way too much' food during the holidays, and used her leftover sweet potatoes to make maple syrup-glazed potato wedges. Sharing her simple four-step guide to creating the tasty treats, the crafty cook's recipe also costs less than 5 to make. Speaking to the publication at the time, Meghan said: 'If you're like me, you end up buying way too much of everything for holiday meals. 'So whether you have leftover sweet potatoes or simply want to revamp the classic holiday side, these maple glazed potato wedges are crave-worthy. 'With the slight kick from cayenne and the brightness of the added lemon, they will be a crowd favourite.' Showing her flair for design, the Californian also shared her tips for Christmas decor and the table design, advising to 'keep it simple with white table runners and napkins', and add a traditional garland with a 'twist' such as magnolia branches around the home. Meghan, seen on Christmas Day this week, previously revealed how she often made 'way too much' food during the holidays, and used her leftover sweet potatoes to make maple glazed potato wedges Meghan Markle's glazed potato wedges recipe Ingredients Two medium sweet potatoes 1 Two tbsp of olive oil c. 75.6p per 100ml One tbsp of maple syrup c. 1.94 per 100ml Himalayan sea salt c. 1.99 for 140g *Handful of pepitas c. 2 for 150g Directions 'Slice the potatoes into wedges a coat with the mixture of oil, lemon juice and maple. 'Toss and then coat with the sprinkle of cayenne and salt to your liking. 'Lay onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for a half hour at 425 Fahrenheit (220 Celsius) for 30 minutes. 'At the 15 minute mark, toss the potatoes and add the handful of pepitas for crunch and texture. 'They will be beautiful, browned and crisp and ready to devour', Meghan concluded in her interview with Grazia Advertisement Meghan proved her love for cooking again this year, when she created a charity project with community members affected by the Grenfell Towers disaster. The book, Meghan's first solo royal project, features 50 of the Duchess' favourite recipes created by women from Grenfell's 'Hubb Community Kitchen', set up in the wake of the devastating blaze in June last year. Meghan met women from The Hubb Community Kitchen who were using recipes passed down through generations to cater for families made homeless by the fire. It was this which gave her the inspiration for the book. Meghan, seen in her Toronto pad at a time where she was starring in legal drama Suits and running her lifestyle site The TIG, shared her recipe to Christmas leftovers Showing her flair for design, the Californian also shared her tips for Christmas decor and table design, advising to 'keep it simple with white table runners and napkins, and add a traditional garland or magnolia branches around the home (her old Toronto pad is seen) Of her first visit, she said: 'An apron was quickly wrapped around me, I pushed up my sleeves, and I found myself washing the rice for lunch.' Together: Our Community Cookbook was released in September Sales of the cookbook reached number one on the Amazon chart within hours of its publication. A report at the end of November found that the 9.99 collection of recipes had already sold 38,811 copies since it was published in late September, totaling 372,374, according to figures obtained by data analyst Nielsen. And just last week the book, set up to benefit victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster was nominated for a prestigious book prize. Together: Our Community Cookbook is among nine food titles shortlisted for the Andre Simon Food & Drink Book Awards, with the winner due to be confirmed in February 2019. The sun had yet to rise with Melania Trump touched down in the US on Thursday morning, but the first lady still hid behind a pair of dark sunglasses as she and her husband walked off Air Force Once. The first lady, 48, stepped out into the still-dark morning in a double-breasted green coat, brown leather leggings, and shades dark enough for the sunniest of days. But if seeing in front of her was an issue, Melania didn't show it, holding her husband's hand as she walked across the South Lawn and into the White House before sunrise this morning. Home again! Melania Trump arrived back in Washington, DC with her husband on Thursday morning Dressed up: The first lady wore a pair of brown leather leggings as she got off the long flight In the dark: She also hid behind a pair of dark sunglasses, despite the fact that it was still totally dark out when they landed in the US It's possible the first lady was just tired and didn't want to bother touching up her makeup when they arrived back in the US on Thursday after a super-speedy trip halfway around the world. On Wednesday, she had accompanied the President on an unexpected trip to Iraq, their first trip to a combat zone in Trump's two years in office. After greeting soldiers and military leaders in the Middle East Wednesday morning, they headed out but made yet another stop in Germany to wish the servicemen and women their happy holidays. They touched down at Ramstein Air Base at 4am local time to refuel and meet with US military there, before hopping back on Air Force One to head back to DC. Almost there! They disembarked from Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before taking Marine One to the White House Need help navigating? The 48-year-old gripped her husband's hand as they walked down the stairs and across the lawn Designer: She bundled up in a $2,480 Prada wool coat she also wore last winter Seeing eye: She wore flats and relied on her husband, holding his hand, as she likely had limited vision with sunglasses on On the go: The two had just come off a speedy trip that landed them all the way in Iraq, with a brief stop in Germany Pit-stop: They made a quick stop in Germany to refuel and pose for a few pictures, landing there at 4am local time So it's no surprise that Melania may have been a bit jet-lagged as the plane landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday morning, and again after taking the hop to the white house in Marine One. She held her husband's hand tightly as she descended the stairs and continued to let him guide her as they walked across the grass. She also kept her feet steady in a pair of pointy-toe tan flats. Though she shaded her face behind sunglasses, she still dressed the part for the cameras, keeping warm in a $2,480 Prada wool coat that she was also spotted in last December. When she wore it then, it was at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, DC, where she promoted the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. Surprise! The couple's trip to Iraq on Wednesday was unannounced and unexpected She appeared to be dressed casually but took up a military theme for her look Dressed up: She wore a $995 Victoria Beckham jacket for the occasion Doesn't miss a beat: The 48-year-old's outfit was certainly on theme for the military event Not used to it? Though she wore a pair of flat hiking boots, she seemed unaccustomed to being out of heels and stood on her toes for a picture For the short stop in the Middle East on Wednesday, the first lady embraced the mission of the trip by dressing up in an on-theme outfit. to wear an on-theme outfit to an engagement, and this week she stayed on course. She and her husband flew into Iraq and met with members of the military, posing for selfies and wishing them a Merry Christmas. While the soldiers they posed with wore fatigues, Melania still looked like she fit right in, dressed in a saffron-colored military-style jacket not so dissimilar from the Army's dress uniforms. Melania appeared to be in great spirits for the meet-and-greet, and stood beside her grinning husband as they took selfies with a handful of service members. She wore her hair down around her shoulders, a pink lip, and plenty of bronzer and eye makeup for the event. Melania clearly chose her outfit carefully for the occasion, dressing up plain black pants with the sunny military coat, a $995 Victoria Victoria Beckham find. She shook hands with service members while her husband wore his own military look Mwah! The two also shared a quick air kiss on stage in front of the crowd A first: This was the couple's first trip to a war zone in Trump's two years in the White House The first lady looked stoic as she sat next to her husband during a meeting with military leaders Rallying the troops: She even spoke at a hanger rally at Al Asad Air Base Listening: Her husband defended his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria Instead of heels, she favored a pair of flat, practical Timberland hiking boots but seemed a tad unaccustomed to holding her feet in that position, and stood up on her tip-toes in the shoes for some pictures. This wasn't the first time that Melania looked to uniforms for inspiration for visits with the troops. In September of 2017, she joined her husband as he addressed members of the military to Joint Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. There, she wore a $595 army-green military-style Veronica Beard camp jacket with khaki-colored trousers. And in April of last year, she turned to the style for a non-military matter, wearing a $4,100 military-inspired suit by Altuzarra to meet with Argentine President Mauricio Macri and his wife Juliana Awada. Flashback: Melania is no stranger to military-inspired fashion choices Tough: She wore a $4,100 military-inspired suit by Altuzarra to meet with Argentine President Mauricio Macri and his wife Juliana Awada in April of 2017 The style: She also wore a $595 army-green military-style Veronica Beard camp jacket with khaki-colored trousers in September of 2017 On Wednesday, though, the first couple's secret trip took many by surprise, coming amid speculation that President Trump was not at the White House because he had not tweeted for hours and the Marine that stands guard when he's in the Oval Office was not outside the West Wing. President Trump had said he would visit Afghanistan soon and chose Iraq for his very first visit to a war zone in his two years of presidency. In a statement posted on Twitter, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed the visit in a tweet shortly after Reuters shared the photos of the two in Iraq. 'President Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit with our troops and Senior Military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas,' she said. No matter the religion, no matter the house of worship, one thing remains true: Kids get antsy during services. But for one American girl attending church in the South, there was a rhythm to her fidgeting a very distinct rhythm. In a video that has now gone viral on Twitter, the unidentified youngster is seen not quite participating in the Sinner's Prayer as the preacher recites it but rather, she slowly, deliberately does the Macarena. Heyyyy Macarena! A little girl was caught dancing the Macarena during the Sinner's Prayer at church Photographer Christian Suddreth shared the now-viral video recorded at his parents' church, where his father is a preacher And the boys they say que soy buena! No one seemed to notice as she carefully did each of the motions of the iconic dance Close enough: She seemed to be imitating how the preacher and congregants held their hands in the air Photographer Christian Suddreth shared the clip, which he said was taken in the church where is father is a preacher. 'Heres a girl doing THE MACARENA during the sinners prayer at my parents church,' he tweeted. As the preacher recites the prayer, he and the congregants raise their hands to the sky, a move that seems to have inspired one sassy girl to imitate it. But she does more, slowly putting her hands in front of her, flipping them, and putting them on her shoulders, head, hips, and waist before moving her hips. The clip has quickly gone viral, being viewed five million times since it was uploaded on December 23. Like wildfire: The video has been viewed five million times since December 23 Love it! Episcopal priest Broderick Greer found the humor in it, writing: 'The best thing Ive ever seen I am dead like literally I am not alive' Disapproval: But Pastor Paul Richard Carley wrote, 'Heres a video taken by an adult who is not paying attention to the preacher either' Same! Some saw themselves in the spunky little girl Deliberate: Others just found it funny how slowly and elegantly she did the dance Aha, the signal! One joked that the dance is how atheists identify each other Really? One joked that they pray like that in Spain. Interestingly, there is a church called the Basilica de la Macarena in Seville 'That Macarena was delivered savagely with delicacy and style,' wrote one fan, while another called it 'tender'. 'We pray like that in Spain,' joked yet another Twitter user, as someone else quipped that this is 'how us atheists identify each other.' 'Wwwooowwwwww how did you find footage of me at every service Ive ever attended,' someone else wrote. A few religious leaders chimed in, too though they had vastly different takes on the video. 'Heres a video taken by an adult who is not paying attention to the preacher either,' scolded pastor Paul Richard Carley. But Episcopal priest Broderick Greer found the humor in it, writing: 'The best thing Ive ever seen I am dead like literally I am not alive.' Ironically, the lyrics for the song that accompany the dance would actually fit right in alongside the Sinner's Prayer, since they tell the story of a promiscuous girl named Macarena who cheats on her boyfriend when he is out of town. A sick dog who lost his nose after being attacked by other dogs is desperately in need of a home and now, thanks to a local news story, he has tons of interested dog-moms and dog-dads. Sniffles the dog has had a rough life so far, abandoned in Puerto Rico where he was attacked by other strays and picked up a whole host of health problems. But since he came to the US for medical care and a Florida-based animal rescue spread his story, Sniffles is beginning to do much better and may soon find a home. Scroll down for video His luck is changing! Sniffles the dog has had a rough life so far, abandoned in Puerto Rico where he was attacked by other strays and picked up a whole host of health problems Playful pup: He needs serious dental work and is being treated for multiple parasites Poor baby: Other strays that attacked him left him with lots of injuries, the worst of which being the loss of his nose Sniffles is believed to have lived in very poor conditions back in Puerto Rico. He contracted several parasites, including hookworms and whipworms, and is in serious need of dental work. What's more, he no longer has a nose, after he was seemingly attacked by other stray dogs who left him with several wounds and other injuries. After he was discovered in Puerto Rico by a local animal rescue agency, he was eventually adopted out to a family in the US, where it was believed he could get better medical care. But his placement didn't last long. Sniffles kept running away, and because he needs ongoing medical attention, this put him more at risk. Eventually, he was taken in by Poodle and Pooch Rescue in Florida, a volunteer organization that rescues 500 to 600+ dogs every year. The rescue took him in on December 19, and quickly got to work trying to find him a home, landing him a December 24 profile on WESH, an Orlando news station. Things are looking up! He was adopted by a family in the US but was eventually taken in by Poodle and Pooch Rescue in Florida Getting better: There, he has received medical attention and went to the dentist Since then, Sniffles' luck has changed. At least 100 people have contacted the shelter to express interest in adopting him, and his story continues to spread. 'Hell need an adopter that is committed to cleaning his nasal passage twice each day and someone that will give him eye drops each day for a condition called dry eye,' Rebecca Lynch, a spokesperson for the shelter said, said in a statement to DailyMail.com 'He is full of parasites, both hook worms and whip worms, indicative of unsanitary living conditions prior to coming into our care. 'He also tested positive for Ehrlichia, a tick born disease. We are treating him and he should make a full recovery. But despite his illnesses and hardships, Sniffles is tough and still likes people. 'Sniffles is a resilient little guy,' said Lynch. 'Despite his past, and after some initial timid nature and confusion, Sniffles has really started to come out of his shell. So popular! Since a local news feature aired on Christmas Even, the shelter has fielded dozens of calls inquiring about Sniffles Careful! Whoever adopts him will need to clear his nasal passages and give him eye drops Good doggo: The shelter says that even though things haven't been easy for Sniffles, he is loving and friendly 'He likes to snuggle, wags his tail, enjoys time outside, does well with other dogs and he makes adorable little snorting noises due to his condition. 'Hes a lovable and happy dog and were thrilled that hes received so much attention since his story aired locally in Central Florida. 'While Sniffles look is unique, his story, sadly, is not. Sniffles is just one of many special needs dogs that we accept into our rescue every week. While the rescue is now exploring some of the great options they have for Sniffles, they hope those who don't take him home will adopt another special needs pet, donate, or foster animals. In the meantime, a local woman named Genesis Diaz has been fostering Sniffles. 'This morning I woke up and he was at the edge of my bed, staring at me, and he ran over and did a little twirl and started licking my face,' she told WESH. The animal rescue workers are smitten, too. 'He's just a precious old man. Everyone at the vet's office has fallen in love with him,' said Michelle Wacker, the medical director at Poodle and Pooch Rescue. 'He's a healthy dog. He just looks a little funny.' A groundbreaking treatment for cancer which uses immune cells from strangers could save millions of lives in the future, scientists believe. The treatment, still in its early days, will strengthen the immune systems of patients while avoiding toxic side effects such as those caused by chemotherapy. The team at the Francis Crick Institute in London now want to set-up the first immune banks which will store the 'Natural Killer' cells. This would allow oncologists to order a batch of immune cells to be delivered to clinics in a matter of hours to then be infused into patients. Once in the body the cells would join forces with the patient's own immune system to fight off tumours using a natural 'DIY' approach. A groundbreaking treatment for cancer which transplants disease-fighting immune cells, which attack cancer cells, into the body of a patient from a stranger could save millions of lives Professor Adrian Hayday, group leader of the Immunosurveillance Lab at The Crick, told The Telegraph: 'We're not quite there yet. 'But that's what we're trying now. There is every capability of getting cell banks like this established.' Professor Hayday added that 'even a few years ago' there was little belief cancer could be tackled in any other way than attacking the disease itself. But now there is a growing field of research and experimental treatments focusing on training patients' bodies to fight off cancers by themselves. Experts say this could become more effective than traditional treatments because bodies can adapt faster than medicine companies. Professor Hayday described the concept as 'radical' but added 'that is what's happening' now, with the cells not doing anything other than ramping up the immune system. Cancer patients will begin to receive pioneering infusions of the so-called natural killer cells as early as next year, according to the researchers. Professor Charlie Swanton, of Crick's Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory said: 'The future is incredibly bright.' The treatment was developed by scientists, led by Professor Adrian Hayday, at the Francis Crick Institute in London He added: 'Using the body's own immune cells to target the tumour is elegant because tumours evolve so quickly there is no way a pharmaceutical company can keep up with it. 'But the immune system has been evolving for over four billion years to do just that.' Until now, the idea of injecting someone's immune cells into another person was dogged by fears the body would reject them. But this year, in a medical breakthrough, scientists discovered they survive well in the body and are unlike other cells. The Crick team are now seeing impressive results, particularly because the cells aren't being rejected by the body, as is the case with some forms of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy drugs help the immune system work harder to find and kill cancer cells. But there can be side effects because they attack healthy cells, too. The treatment is said to be the ultimate 'do-it-yourself approach' because it uses the patient's own immune system and relies on no drugs. In England and Wales, survival rates for ten or more years after cancer are 50 per cent, according to Cancer Research UK. The team at The Crick want to make that figure rise to 75 per cent in the next 15 years, and they claim advances in technology will make that possible. In the US, the five-year survival rate for all cancers combined is improving, and was 69 per cent between 2007 to 2013, according to the American Cancer Society. Turkey, chocolate and cheese will have most people feeling full around the middle this week. But scientists may have found a way to burn off your belly without lifting a finger in future - using only an injection. Researchers discovered a protein which is naturally boosted during a workout and may be a trigger for the fat burning process. And they now hope to try injecting the protein named interleukin-6 to see if it can burn off flab without any exercise at all. Researchers compared the effects of exercise between people who were given interleukin-6 blockers and those who weren't. They found people without the drugs lost eight per cent of the fat around their organs, whereas those taking the protein-blocker gained fat instead Scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark said interleukin-6 is a 'signalling molecule', which helps the body's cells to communicate. It is thought to be what tells the body to start burning energy stored in fat when someone is exercising. When study participants took a medicine to stop the action of interleukin-6, it stopped their bodies burning belly fat during exercise. So the researchers suggested injecting the molecule to raise levels of it the effect working out has could trigger fat burning, even if someone is sitting on the sofa. 'We need a more in-depth understanding of this role of interleukin-6,' said study author and PhD student Anne-Sophie Wedell-Neergaard. The fat studied by Ms Wedell-Neergaard and her team was visceral fat that which builds up around the internal organs and can trigger disease. People taking the interleukin-6 blocking drug ended up with higher cholesterol, suggesting the protein could also be used for people with high cholesterol levels. But the researchers said their discovery was no excuse for people to sit around waiting for a miracle jab, and urged people to be active. 'The take home for the general audience is "do exercise",' Ms Wedell-Neergaard said. Scientists have found a protein which, they believe, might be able to trigger the body's fat burning process when it is injected, even if the person isn't doing any exercise WHAT IS THE GLOBAL OBESITY CRISIS? Almost a quarter of the world's population will be obese in less than 30 years, according to research published in May. If obesity trends continue, 22 per cent of people around the world will be severely overweight by 2045, up from 14 per cent last year, a study found. One in eight people, rather than today's one in 11, are also expected to develop type 2 diabetes, the research adds. Lead author Dr Alan Moses, from the Denmark-based pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, said: 'These numbers underline the staggering challenge the world will face in the future in terms of numbers of people who are obese, or have type 2 diabetes, or both. 'As well as the medical challenges these people will face, the costs to countries' health systems will be enormous.' People with type 2 diabetes have an average life expectancy of just 55 due to them being at a much higher risk of heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease. Tam Fry, a health campaigner from the National Obesity Forum said the findings were 'desperately sad'. Advertisement 'We all know exercise promotes better health, and now we also know regular exercise training reduces abdominal fat mass and thereby potentially also the risk of developing diseases.' The scientists suspected interleukin-6 was involved in losing fat because it regulates energy metabolism. It also stimulates the breakdown of fats in healthy people, and is released from skeletal muscle during exercise. But unhealthy people such as those with severe obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease also have naturally higher levels of interleukin-6. And it is believed to be a trigger of painful swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting it has negative effects on the body as well as fat loss. 'The pathways in immune cells versus muscle cells differ substantially,' added Ms Wedell-Neergaard. 'So interleukin-6 may act differently in healthy and diseased people.' In the 53-person study, the researchers compared the effects of exercise between people who were given interleukin-6 blockers and those who weren't. They found people without the drugs lost eight per cent of the fat around their organs, whereas those taking the protein-blocker gained fat instead. The researchers want to, in future, test if interleukin-6 decides whether the body burns fat or carbohydrates for energy. The study was published in the journal Cell Metabolism. Earlier this year, Apple and Google announced features in their forthcoming mobile operating systems designed to 'reduce interruptions and manage screen time.' Android and iOS users alike will soon be able to guard their sleep against digital temptations, easily activate 'Do Not Disturb' mode when needed, and get prompted to stop when they have used their favorite apps beyond a personally chosen time limit. As a psychological scientist who has been studying the effects of mobile technology on well-being for the past five years, I can only welcome these new tools. Indeed, a great deal of research has documented how smartphones might be harming people's sleep quality or distracting them from nondigital activities. In my own experimental research, my collaborators and I have found consistent evidence that smartphones can also distract users from the family and friends right in front of them, such as when sharing a meal or spending time with their children. In situations that clearly call for limiting digital distraction like playtime with kids Apple's and Google's new tools will offer a convenient solution. Yet, my research suggests that smartphones may be making us less happy in a much wider range of social situations than we might expect. Social media allows us to connect at any time. But psychologist Kostadin Kushlev of George Washington University warns it is not a substitute for real connections - quite the opposite The limitations of choice The crux of the matter is that people, as it turns out, fail to judge what economists call 'opportunity costs' the value of what someone gives up when they make a choice to do one thing and not another. For example, in a series of studies I conducted with Jason Proulx and Elizabeth Dunn at the University of British Columbia, we found that people neglect a key side effect of relying on their phones for information: They miss out on chances to boost their sense of social connectedness. Using a mobile map app, for example, obviates the need to rely on other people, removing the opportunity to experience the kindness of a stranger who helpfully provides directions to a store or movie theater. Just put the phone down It is easy to see how completely forgoing social interaction for technological convenience can hurt someone's social well-being. But most people use their phones precisely to socialize often while simultaneously socializing with others in person. Perhaps it's having a drink with a co-worker while also Snapchatting with a friend, texting with a partner, or even setting up a new date through Tinder or Grindr. One may think that socializing with more people simultaneously is better. But my collaborator, Samantha Heintzelman, and I recently found that combining digital and face-to-face socializing is not as enjoyable as putting down the phone and just spending time together. In a study at the University of Virginia, we tracked the social behavior and well-being of 174 millennials over the course of a week. At five random times each day, we sent each person a one-minute survey to complete on their mobile phone. We asked what they had been doing in the previous 15 minutes, including whether they were socializing in person or digitally (such as by texting or using social media). We also asked how close or distant they were feeling to other people, and how good or bad they were feeling overall. We weren't particularly surprised to find that people felt better and more connected during times when they only socialized face-to-face, as compared with when they weren't socializing at all. This fit with decades of existing research. We didn't find any benefits of digital socializing over not socializing at all, though our study wasn't designed to explore that distinction. We did find, however, that when socializing face-to-face only, people felt happier and more connected to others than when they were socializing only through their phones. This is notable because the people in our study were the generation of so-called 'digital natives,' who had been using smartphones, tablets and computers to interact since very young ages. Even for them, the benefits gleaned from good old face-to-face talking exceeded the well-being of digitally mediated communication. Most critically, people felt worse and less connected when they mixed face-to-face with digital socializing, compared to when they solely socialized in person. Our results suggest that digital socializing doesn't add to, but in fact subtracts from, the psychological benefits of nondigital socializing. Giving people a fighting chance As people's useful digital devices start to provide more and better options for limiting screen time and staving the flow of digital interruptions, deciding when to use those powers is neither obvious nor intuitive. Behavioral science provides some promising solutions to this predicament. Rather than having to decide activity by activity when not to be interrupted, people could make Do Not Disturb the default, only seeing notifications when they want to. My recent research with Nicholas Fitz and Dan Ariely at Duke University's Center for Advanced Hindsight suggests, however, that never receiving notifications hurts well-being by increasing fear of missing out. The best way is the middle way: We found that setting the phone to deliver batches of notifications three times a day optimized well-being. To set their users up for optimal psychological benefits from both their digital and nondigital activities, Google and Apple could make batching notifications easier. Google and Apple should also expand their proactive recommendations for managing interruptions. The iPhone, for example, already offers the option to automatically turn on Do Not Disturb while driving, and in the forthcoming features, while sleeping. The growing evidence on how smartphones are compromising well-being during social interactions suggests that social and family time also warrants protection from digital disturbance. People spend more time in the company of their digital gadgets than with friends and even romantic partners. It is only fair that these devices should learn more about what makes people happy, and provide a chance to reclaim the happiness lost to digital activity and from the companies that need people's attention to thrive. A chemical found in birch bark helps wounds heal faster and with less scarring than ordinary creams, researchers say. Tests on a gel, which contains betulin, showed it healed burn wounds quicker in 86 per cent of patients, compared to a typical gel used for burn treatment. The extract of birch bark - used for centuries as a natural remedy - has previously been shown to help with skin wounds. The new study was led by a team at the St Andrews Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns at the Mid Essex Hospital NHS Trust. Patients that used the birch-bark gel said it was 'much better'. Picture shows the treatment of the wound over ten days. It is split in half, with the left side being treated with the standard gel and the right side being treated with the birch-bark gel The gel, called Oleogel-S10, is produced by a German pharmaceutical company Birken AG now owned by Amryt Pharma. Scientists have now proven its healing effects in a phase three trial, which was funded by the drug firm. Patients that used the birch-bark gel said it was 'much better'. The product will now be submitted for approval in the US and Australia. The gel has already been approved in Europe for use in the treatment of partial thickness wounds (PTW) in adults. However, it won't be available to buy in Europe and the UK until at least the end of 2019. Previously, the gel has been found to speed up wound healing in patients who had patches of skin cut out for surgical graft procedures. It is being developed as a prescription medicine for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), rare inherited skin disorders that cause the skin to become very fragile and blister. For this condition, as well as wounds from burns, there are very limited treatment options, the creators said. The team, led by Quentin Frew, recruited 57 patients with superficial burn wounds - which usually take no more than three weeks to heal. The burns had been caused by fire, scalding or touching hot objects within two days of the trial starting. Each patients applied the birch-bark gel to one half of the wound, and a standard gel to the other half at least once every two days until their skin had healed. After three months (pictured bottom) and 12 months, the appearance of the birch-bark treated skin (left) was more like that of healthy skin in its texture and pigmentation compared to the standard gel treated skin (right) WHAT IS EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA? Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a general term used to describe a group of rare, inherited disorders that cause the skin to become very fragile. Any trauma or friction causes patients' skin to blister. It affects around one in every 50,000 people worldwide. Around 40 per cent of sufferers do not survive the first year and most do not live beyond five years old. The three main types of the disorder include: EB simplex - where blistering occurs in the upper layer of skin. This affects 70 per cent of sufferers Dystrophic EB - where blistering occurs in the upper layer beneath the skin's surface, which affects 25 per cent of patients Junctional EB - where blistering occurs in the lower layer of the inner skin, which is usually the most severe form of the condition Most cases are obvious from birth. EB occurs due to faulty genes, which can be inherited or occur spontaneously. There is no cure. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and treating complications, such as infections or skin cancer. Source: NHS Choices and the National Organization for Rare Disorders Advertisement The half treated with the birch-bark gel showed significantly better improvements than the standard gel, New Scientist reports. At a three and 12 month follow up, the appearance of the birch-bark treated skin was more like that of healthy skin in its texture and pigmentation. The slower a burn wound takes to close, the more visible scars may be. Therefore, the fact the wound closed a day earlier when treated with the birch-bark gel may explain why it looked better many months later. Wounds treated with Oleogel-S10 took an average of 7.6 days to heal, compared to 8.8 days with the standard gel. The main ingredient in birch bark a chemical called betulin appears to be the key ingredient in birch bark, Mr Frew said betulin appears to be the key ingredient causing the effects. However, he added several other molecules, including oleanolic acid, have also been shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could also make an impact. The topical product is formulated with the betulin chemical from the bark and sunflower oil. It works by causing the keratinocytes - cells that regenerate the outer layer of the skin - to migrate and to branch the tissue between the wound and skin around it. 'The goal in treatment of superficial partial thickness burns is wound healing without complications,' the authors said in the report in Burns Journal. 'In particular to avoid infections, to reduce the pain associated with these wounds, and to achieve a good long-term outcome in skin appearance.' A previous trial of the product followed a similar method of treating half a wound with Oleogel-S10 and half with just a dressing. Ten patients were enrolled who had EB, with 12 wounds, either recent or chronic, to be treated between them. The gel was said to significantly accelerate the healing in eight wounds, with four left 'undecided', but none in favour of only dressing. Taking too many selfies could leave you with a painful nerve condition, a California doctor is warning. The digital age's latest hazard has been dubbed 'selfie wrist', a numbing and tingling sensation experienced in the wrist and fingers. Dr Levi Harrison, an orthopedic surgeon based in San Francisco, told KABC News he is seeing a rise in patients with the condition, which he describes as a form of carpal tunnel syndrome. Even Kim Kardashian revealed this September that her doctors had diagnosed her with 'selfie wrist'. Dr Harrison says that as photo-editing technologies and apps become more accessible, the number of cases will increase, particularly among young women and teenage girls, who are the targets of these products. Dr Levi Harrison, an orthopedic surgeon based in San Francisco, says he is seeing a growing number of patients with 'selfie wrist', a numbing and tingling sensation experienced in the wrist and fingers (file image) 'It's a form of carpal tunnel,' Dr Harrison told KABC. 'What happens is the nerve becomes inflamed and angry.' Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed, creating a burning, tingling or numbness. The median nerve spans from the forearm to the palm of the hand - and runs through a narrow passage in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. Dr Harrison said hyper-flexing the wrist inwards can cause a tingling sensation or even a sharp pain. Kim Kardashian, who published an entire book of selfies, revealed in a June interview with ITV's This Morning that she wasn't taking them anymore because she 'doesn't really like them'. But on a September episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the 38-year-old reality star admitted her doctors ordered her to stop taking them because she had developed carpal tunnel syndrome. However, unlike Dr Harrison, Kardashian's doctors said her 'selfie wrist' was from holding her cellphone for too long without moving. Dr Leon Benson, a hand surgeon at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, told Yahoo Lifestyle, that he agreed with this explanation. 'Your elbow is not designed to be flexed for an hour at a time,' he said. 'Movement is life, and your body is designed to be moved around. Even when you sleep and you're unconscious, your brain has a way of making you move around periodically so you don't stay in one position all night.' In 2017, the Irish Medical Journal published a paper of four case reports of patients who were diagnosed with 'selfie wrist'. However, in each of those cases, an injury occurred to the selfie-taker, such as a 13-year-old girl who fractured her wrist after she attempted to take a selfie while jumping on a trampoline. The authors of the paper blamed the injuries on a lack of spacial awareness and proprioception, which is a sense of the position and movements of the body. Dr Harrison says holding your cellphone without too much bend in the wrist or using a selfie stick can ease the pain. Kim Kardashian revealed on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians that her doctors ordered her to stop taking selfies because she had developed carpal tunnel syndrome. Pictured: Kim, left, takes a selfie with a fan in Costa Mesa, California, on December 4 He also recommends exercises including rotating the wrist with an open palm and a closed fist and waving the hand back and forth. But the obsessive need to capture the perfect picture at any moment can cause more than just wrist problems. An August 2018 paper from Boston Medical Centers said selfie filters were driving teen girls to plastic surgery by making them hyperfocused on their appearance despite the fact that photo apps create false sense of reality. A July 2018 study from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Dehli, India, found that more than 250 people worldwide died taking selfies between October 2011 and November 2017. The highest number of deaths was reported in India followed by Russia, the US and Pakistan, respectively. The authors called selfie-deaths an 'emerging problem' and recommended having 'no selfie zones' declared across tourist areas Release: Greg Kelly, former deputy of ousted Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, is driven away from the Tokyo detention centre A former Nissan director and alleged co-conspirator of former chairman Carlos Ghosn was released on bail on Christmas Day. Greg Kelly, 62, was detained in Japan for five weeks and has been barred from leaving while police investigate claims he helped Ghosn, 64, hide his true income from authorities. American Kelly said he believed he would be found innocent in any trial. He added: 'I would like to have a judgement of non-guilty and restore my impaired reputation, and then return to my family.' The price of Kelly's bail was nearly 500,000. Ghosn is expected to be held until at least the New Year. Kelly was being examined in a hospital yesterday. Dec 27, 2018 | By Cameron We cover heaps of research and development concerning the 3D printing of bone, and while the technologies of the field are advancing at a rapid pace, most of the techniques and materials are years away from being applied. Thats why its especially exciting when we get to report on present-day applications of 3D printed bone, like the 3D printed rib that was recently implanted into 35-year-old Ivaylo Josifov. Josifov went to the doctor for tonsillitis, but a chest X-ray revealed a growth on his fifth rib caused by a congenital defect. That type of growth could worsen and cause pulmonary problems later in life, so his doctors decided the rib should be removed. The surgery that replaced the tumorous rib with a 3D printed rib took place at Tokuda Hospital in Bulgaria, a first for the country. The rib needed to have exactly the same dimensions as the original rib, so 3D printing was chosen due to its ability to accurately reproduce organic shapes. Our 3D printers ensure high 3D dimensional accuracy which was crucial in this particular medical procedure, commented Filip Turzynski, Quality Development Manager at 3DGence. Individually designed rib model allowed for very accurate implementation of the new element in place of the removed bone. Replacing the missing rib with a 3D printed segment with the same shape, curve, width, and thickness was possible with the use of 3DGence 3D printer. Maintaining dimensional accuracy is important, but equally important is matching the specific flexibility of a rib. When we had the first model ready, we started working on its sturdiness, remarked Georgi Tolev of 3dbgprint. Each consecutive model was analyzed and improved until we attained the perfect 3D print of the rib. The rib was first 3D scanned. Its 3D model was sent to 3dbgprint where it was 3D printed on a 3DGence printer. After being sanitized with ethylene oxide, gamma radiation, and an autoclave, small holes were drilled into the rib to facilitate broaching and proliferation of connective tissue. Whats most impressive, though, is that the rib came out of an FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printer. 3DGence makes premium FDM 3D printers that can handle very high-temp materials like the FDA-approved semi-rigid polyamide used for the rib, but its still basically the same technology behind every RepRap and MakerBot. The surgery went well and the doctors are planning next to create an implant of three ribs connecting to a sternum. Professor Minchev, Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Tokuda Hospital related, This is a new era in thoracic wall reconstruction for patients with tumors that require bone-cartilage structures to be removed. The material used has proven tissue compatibility and the accuracy of reproduction allows for large chest wall resections and their single substitution with individually designed implants. Josifov is in good health so far, which is amazing when considering theres a rib in him that could have come out of a 3D printer in someones garage. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Windfall: City grandee Sir David Clementi collectively owns more than half of WorldFirst Two former City traders and their families stand to make as much as 285million after their payments company fell into the crosshairs of a Chinese tech behemoth. Jonathan Quin and Nick Robinsons WorldFirst is said to have been in talks about a sale to Ant Financial for several months, with a deal potentially valuing the London-based firm at 550million. If agreed, the takeover would be the biggest raid yet on Britains thriving financial technology sector by a Chinese rival. And it would mean a bonanza for Quin, Robinson, their families and WorldFirsts chairman, City grandee Sir David Clementi, who collectively own more than half the business. Quin, 44, owns nearly 21 per cent and would pocket around 115million from a sale, with his wife Alexia, 44, listed as holding another 10 per cent, worth 55million. Robinson, 45, could rake in 65million from his 12 per cent stake and his wife Catherine, 40, around 50million from her 9.1 per cent holding. Clementi (pictured) is the current BBC chairman and former Bank of England deputy governor. He could make 14million from his 2.5 per cent stake. WorldFirst did not respond to a request for comment yesterday. It was founded in London by Quin and Robinson, who both previously worked at investment bank Citi, in 2004. It now employs 600 people, processing tens of billions of pounds in currency exchange transactions. WorldFirst is the latest pioneer to attract a foreign predator, with the fall in the value of the pound after the EU referendum partly blamed for making UK companies cheaper. It has attracted the attention of Ant Financial, which was spun out of Jack Mas Alibaba, as the Chinese firm expands in the UK. However, any potential takeover of WorldFirst could raise privacy concerns. In the US, Ant Financial was barred from buying rival Moneygram, as the powerful Committee on Foreign Investment probed whether data held by the firm could be used to identify American citizens. Investors hoping for a bounce today following a 1,000 surge on Wall Street have been left disappointed as the FTSE 100 sunk deeper into the red. A 50.01 per cent stake in Gatwick Airport has been sold to French firm Vinci for 2.9billion, just days after after reports of drone sightings caused chaos for thousands of passengers. Meanwhile, credit card giant Visa has penned a deal to buy London-listed Earthport in a 198million deal. Earthport provides cross-border payment services to banks and businesses. To view on the This is Money app, click here. French firm Vinci has penned a deal to buy a controlling stake in Gatwick just days after after drone sightings at the airport caused chaos for thousands of passengers flying before Christmas. Vinci, which boasts a portfolio of over 40 airports globally, will pay 2.9billion for a majority 50.01 per cent holding in the UK's second biggest airport. That's more than double the amount its current owners a consortium led by US investment fund Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) paid for Gatwick ten years ago. Vinci Airports has agreed to pay 2.9billion for a 50.01% stake in Gatwick Airport (above) Under the terms of the deal, GIP will retain a 49.99 per cent interest in the airport, and the management team will stay in their roles. Gatwick was heavily disrupted in the run up to Christmas after reports of drone sightings in its airspace closed its runway. Around 1,000 flights were cancelled or diverted ruining the travel plans of tens of thousands of people. Commenting on the deal, GIP partner Michael McGhee said: 'We expect the transaction to be completed by the middle of next year, with the senior leadership team remaining in place. 'Their focus, along with everyone at Gatwick, obviously remains on doing their very best for customers over the busy holiday period after the challenges of recent days.' Thousands of travellers were disrupted last week as drones were spotted near Gatwick The GIP consortium acquired Gatwick in 2009 for 1.5billion. Nicolas Notebaert, president of Vinci Airports, said: 'As Gatwick's new industrial partner, Vinci Airports will support and encourage growth of traffic, operational efficiency and leverage its international expertise in the development of commercial activities to further improve passenger satisfaction and experience. Advertisement The Curragh in Kildare is known for the folk music it inspired and the flat grassy plains which produce such excellent racehorses. But it has a less salubrious claim to fame: as the temporary home of hulking, scar-faced Nazi commando Otto Skorzeny. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Otto Skorzeny - commando, famed rescuer of Benito Mussolini, alleged lover of Eva Peron and alleged war criminal - lived openly in the little town 40 miles west of Dublin. Residents could hardly miss the distinctive former SA officer, standing 6ft 4in, weighing 18 stone and sporting a five-inch scar across his left cheek from a university fencing duel, as he shopped for groceries. The unrepentant Nazi was even 'feted' by some local politicians, according to one Dublin-based journalist, but despised by others concerned he might use his base in Ireland to foment neo-Nazi movements in Western Europe. By 1959 when he bought his Irish farmhouse, Skorzeny had already lived an extraordinary life. General Eisenhower had at one point called the huge man nicknamed Scarface 'the most wanted man in Europe', and his biographer Charles Whiting named him 'the most dangerous man in Europe.' The highlight of his military career was his role in the rescue of jailed Italian fascist leader, Benito Mussolini. In 1943 after the Allied invasion of Sicily the king of Italy ordered Mussolini arrested. The dictator was imprisoned at Campo Imperatore Hotel, a redbrick ski resort, 2,000m up in the Apennine Mountains overlooking L'Aquila. Skorzeny led a high-risk glider plane mission which freed Il Duce, and the commando was feted by prominent Nazis Heinrich Himmler and propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. Afterwards Adolf Hitler told Skorzeny, then 35: 'You have performed a military feat which will become part of history.' Otto Skorzeny (left) was Hitler's (right) favourite commando and saved Mussolini from imprisonment in 1947. Hitler himself told Skorzeny after freeing Italian fascist leader Mussolini from imprisonment : 'You have performed a military feat which will become part of history.' Winston Churchill even called it a mission 'of great daring', despite being an enemy of Skorzeny Skorzeny was a distinctive character, standing at 6'4 inches tall and weighting over 250 lbs. He also had a large scar on his cheek that he sustained while jousting in a university fencing match, he came to be known as 'Scarface' for this feature Otto Skorzeny was born in 1908 in Vienna into a middle-class Austrian family with a long history of military service. In 1931 he joined the Austrian Nazi organization and soon became a member of the Nazi SA, after a stint in university in Vienna that left him with his distinctive scar on his left cheek. It was the result of a fencing duel and it eventually earned him the nickname Scarface. The year after his daring rescue of Mussolini, in 1944 at the Battle of the Bulge, Skorzeny's English-speaking troops were charged with infiltrating American lines disguised in American uniforms in order to produce confusion to support the German attack. The battle, one of the defining moments of the final year of the war, was ultimately won by Eisenhower's forces and Skorzeny was arrested. Hitler's right hand man dwarfing him in stature, pictured in 1943. Scorzeny actually tried to join the infamous bombing squad, the Luftwaffe, but was told, among other reasons, he was too tall for the planes Otto Skorzeny pictured in his SS 'Hauptsturmfuehrer' uniform, this is a rank that means he was a mid-level commander at the time of the portrait that appeared in German newspaper 'Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung' in September 1943 The Dachau trials The Dachau trials (19451947) were held for all war criminals caught in the United States zones in occupied Germany and Austria. Smaller than the more famous Nuremberg trials of major Nazi war criminals, they were also specifically for individuals accused of committing war crimes against American citizens and its military personnel. Skorzeny was tried for allegedly violating the laws of war during the Battle of the Bulge. Advertisement Skorzeny was interned for two years before being tried as a war criminal at the Dachau Trials in 1947 for allegedly violating the laws of war during the Battle of the Bulge. Detained in an internment camp at Darmstadt, awaiting the decision of a court over his improper use of American uniform, he escaped. On 27 July 1948 he fled the camp with the help of three former SS officers dressed in US Military Police uniforms. They entered the camp and claimed that they had been ordered to take Skorzeny to Nuremberg for a legal hearing. After hiding out for a time in Bavaria, he was pictured outside a cafe on Paris's Champs Elysees. The photo appeared in the French press the next day, causing him to flee to Salzburg to evade capture. After a short while he moved to Madrid. Spain was still in the grip of fascist dictator Francisco Franco and Skorzeny was among many former Nazis to find comfort and respite there. In 1952 he was 'denazified' in absentia by a West German court like many former low-ranking Nazis, which allowed him to travel freely outside of fascist strongholds like Spain. From Madrid he moved to Egypt for a stint in training the Egyptian army, and then he followed a well-travelled NAzi route to Latin America, and Juan Peron's Argentina. He acted as bodyguard - and allegedly had an affair with - Eva Peron, before arriving in Ireland in June 1957. A considerably older Otto Skorzeny outside his property, Martinstown House, in the Curragh in Kildare with his dog Otto Skorzeny, the Austrian Nazi officer who freed Mussolini, photographed during his lawsuit in Nuremberg - 1947 He was invited to Portmarnock Country Club hotel in County Dublin after the first of two visits. Kim Bielenberg, a Dublin-based journalist whose grandfather was part of an anti-Nazi offensive against Hitler, has written of an extraordinarily warm welcome for the former Nazi commando. He said: 'He was feted by the Dublin social glitterati, including a young politician, Charles Haughey, who was later to become Ireland's most controversial prime minister. 'According to the Evening Press account, "the ballroom was packed with representatives of various societies, professional men and, of course, several TDs [parliamentary representatives]".' Bielenberg said the welcome may have been instrumental in Skorzeny's decision to buy Martinstown House, a 160 acre farm and mansion in the Curragh, County Kildare, in 1959. At the time TD and former health minister Dr Noel Browne expressed concern that the commando might use Ireland as a base for 'furthering Nazi or Neo-Nazi resurgent movements' in Germany and elsewhere. Waffen-SS Obersturmbannfuhrer Otto Skorzeny, who rescued Benito Mussolini from imprisonment after his overthrow. Gran Sasso, Italy - 12 Sep 1943 World War II, Hitler commended Skorzeny for this daring glider-plane mission Otto Skorzeny portrait as part of an auction of an album containing Nazi war criminals mugshots and signatures in Kent in 2016. The unique album helped bring scores of Nazi war criminals to justice, it was unearthed more than 70 years after Mussolini's liberation by Skorzeny and his team Mr Bielenberg told Mail Online: 'Skorzeny lived not far away from my family in Ireland, but they never mentioned him to me. 'I only discovered it when I visited Martinstown House, which had been turned into an upmarket guesthouse after Skorzeny left. 'My mother came to live in Ireland and married the son of Peter and Christabel Bielenberg, associates of senior resistance figures. She lived in the same county as Skorzeny. 'It was regrettable that Skorzeny and quite a number of Nazis were welcomed after the war - while during the war, so many Jewish refugees were turned away.' Skorzeny was present at the interrogation of Mr Beilenberg's grandfather, who was involved in the 1944 plot by German military officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler and later executed. He said: 'After the bomb exploded at Wolf's Lair, my grandfather and other conspirators were at the military offices at Bendlerstrasse in Berlin. 'That is where the main plotter Stauffenberg, who placed the bomb, was shot. 'My grandfather was held prisoner in the Bendlerblock with others. 'Skorzeny arrived with an SS unit, having been called to Berlin. 'He approached the prisoners, and tore off their medals, tossing them into a steel helmet. 'The captured plotters then had to listen to a radio broadcast of Adolf Hitler delivering a speech. 'My grandfather was executed in Berlin in August 1944.' Pictured in 1943, the year before Kim Bielenburg's grandfather was executed in Berlin by Skorzeny and his men. He tore off their medals and threw into a steel helmet. The captured plotters then had to listen to a radio broadcast of Adolf Hitler delivering a speech Reggie Darling, a local historian and former barber at the Curragh Camp army base and military college in Kildare, told Mr Bielenberg how his path crossed Skorzeny's in Curragh in the 1960s. He said: 'He was a big man and he certainly stood out because of the scar across his face. Everyone knew who he was. I wouldn't say he was particularly friendly. He didn't really mix with local people.' 'Skorzeny liked to drive up to Dublin and park his car outside the Gresham Hotel on O'Connell Street. He considered the parking fines of 1 to be good value.' According to Mr Darling, Irish army officers even planned to ask Hitler's former henchman to give a talk at the Curragh Camp - but it was cancelled when senior officials got wind of it because of the obvious diplomatic sensitivities. He said Skorzeny said he would like to buy horses and wanted one day to retire to Ireland, but concerns in the Dail - the Irish Parliament - were strong enough that he was never granted a permanent Irish visa. It is estimated that as many as two hundred Nazis made their way to Ireland in the wake of the Second World War. 'They must have felt reasonably welcome, and were probably left alone, or even feted, as Skorzeny was,' Mr Bielenburg explained in an interview with the BBC. 'I am not sure that the full horror of Nazi atrocities had sunk in in Ireland. There also may have been an attitude among certain nationalists that "my enemy's enemy is my friend". 'Irish attitudes to Nazis changed from the 1970s on, as issues such as the Holocaust entered public consciousness. The farm that was nearly the permanent home of the millionaire Nazi was eventually sold in 1970 to the Long family. It is now run by Mrs Meryl Long as an upmarket guesthouse. Otto Skorzeny rarely visited the island after 1963 and sold Martinstown House in 1971. He lived out his remaining years in Madrid. Despite having been officially 'denazified' by a West German court in 1952, Skorzeny never denounced the Third Reich's hideous and hateful ideology. He died of cancer in 1975 and was buried by his former comrades with his coffin draped in the Nazi colours. Advertisement From the streets of Eastern Europe to the pockets of gang members in British cities, an illegal trade in firearms is supplying the UK's increasingly violent criminals with the weapons they need to wreak havoc. In the last five years, the annual number of recorded crimes involving firearms has risen from just over 5,000 to more than 6,600 in figures released earlier this year. The National Crime Agency has now revealed the typical route taken by a firearm from its production in the former Soviet bloc, through ports either side of the English Channel, to the housing estates of British cities, where they claim the lives of warring gangs and innocent people caught up in the carnage. A map from the National Crime Agency shows the typical route of the guns smuggled into Britain from Eastern Europe. The guns are typically brought in after being produced in Eastern Europe. The machine guns pictured at stage 1 on this map, which were later intercepted in the UK, were produced in Slovakia Blank-firing weapons and deactivated or modified weapons can be bought legally in EU countries. Police recently uncovered Scorpian machine guns which had been purchased legally by criminals in Slovakia. Criminal gangs then use their contacts to then get the weapons reactivated, often in other eastern European countries, before they are smuggled into Britain. The National Crime Agency say the Netherlands is a hub for the illegal firearms trade, with Dutch gangs often selling weapons on to British criminals. From Holland, the guns are then smuggled into the UK, either in private boats crossing the channel at night or concealed in cars or lorries driving through Dover or other ports. Even British border officials have been found to be behind the trade. In November, corrupt border guard Simon Pellett was jailed after he tried to smuggle three holdalls containing eight pistols, two revolvers and a large quantity of ammunition in the back of a rented van. These deactivated Scorpian machine guns and Czech VZ-58 assault rifles were purchases legally in Slovakia by a British gang The most common type of firearm seized in the UK are Baikal pistols which have been converted from blank-firing weapons Criminals have found a number of ways of getting guns across the channel. This one was hidden in a car dashboard Once inside the UK, the guns are sold on to criminal gangs, often ending up in the hands of young drug gangs in big cities like London, Manchester or Sheffield. Earlier this month, police in Birmingham revealed they had seen nine reported shootings in as many weeks - all of which in the same area and believed to be from competing drugs gangs. The guns that do get into the UK after used in more than one crime. One weapon, dubbed 'Gun No 6', is said to be Britain's deadlist weapon after it to used to take three lives and was linked to at least 11 shootings in six years. After being brought to Britain, it was first used in a Birmingham nightclub on February 23 2003 in a feud between the Johnson Crew gang and their rivals, the Burger Bar Boys. It went to claim the lives of nightclub bouncer Ishfaq Ahmed in 2004, Kemar Whittaker in 2005 and postmaster's son Craig Hodson-Walker in 2009. This imported Czech gun, capable of being turned into a lethal weapon, was seized in the West Midlands in November Other guns are simply posted into the UK, disguised as other items. This weapons was hidden inside the radio Bouncer Ishfaq Ahmed and postmaster's son Craig Hodson-Walker were shot dead by the same gun in completely separate incidents, five years apart, showing how one gun which crosses the border can claim many lives The weapon is an example of how just one gun being sold on by hitmen and gangs over a number years, can claiming an ever-rising toll. Yet the trade continues. In November, West Midlands police seized a freshly-imported pistol from the Czech Republic. It was the 114th firearm seized by the force this year. The National Crime Agency said: 'A wide variety of such criminal groups operate throughout the UK, exercising varying degrees of discipline and sophistication, with many methods of obtaining, storing, sharing and using firearms. 'In general, the victims of firearms crime in the UK are other criminals, who are targeted in revenge, to enhance respect and to collect debts owed. 'Firearms are obtained through criminal networks, cultural connections and from criminal armourers who supply across groups.' A mother whose ice-addicted boyfriend killed her and two of her children had a destructive meth habit that left 'the devil inside her' before she died, according to the children's grandmother. Adeline Yvette Wilson-Rigney and her daughter Amber, six, and son Korey, five, were killed by Steven Graham Peet at their Adelaide home in May 2016. The children's paternal grandmother, Janet Wells, told Daily Mail Australia the drug ice was at the centre of the tragedy. Adeline Yvette Wilson-Rigney and her two young children - Amber, six, and Korey, five (pictured) - were brutally killed at their Adelaide home in 2016 The bodies of Ms Wilson-Rigney (pictured) and the children were all found hidden under clothes and bedding with cable ties around their necks Methamphetamine, known as ice in Australia, is a highly addictive drug that has spread across the country in the last decade. A report by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission revealed that methylamphetamine is the most widely used drug in the country. Shocking figures from the report showed one in 10 people in Adelaide had at least one dose of the drug every day in October last year, helping make South Australians the nation's highest users of meth per capita. Ice is what caused Ms Wilson-Rigney's life to unravel, Ms Wells said. 'We look back now and I think she was dabbling in it. I know she must've been because of the way she changed. 'She was a whole different person to what she was before. Her eyes just weren't the loving eyes they were before. She looked like she had the devil inside of her. 'It was just not her. Her priorities just weren't there, yet she loved her children, I can't say she didn't love her children but she just acted different.' Six weeks before the trio died, Ms Wells was handed paperwork from the South Australian Department of Child Protection revealing the tragic circumstances the children had been exposed to. The children's grandmother, Janet Wells (pictured) has spoken to Daily Mail Australia about the suffering the family still struggles with every day The documents confirmed her fears - Ms Wilson-Rigney had been a daily ice user. Ms Wells had thought the children's mother was against hard drugs but at some point and for some reason, that changed. For years Ms Wells and her partner Steven Egberts had helped care for the children. Korey, Amber and the eldest child, who Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to identify, had spent most weekends at their grandparents' home in Adelaide. They were their first grandkids, and Ms Wells had been in the hospital with Ms Wilson-Rigney as they were born. She watched them grow into 'beautiful, well-mannered children'. Steven Graham Peet (pictured) was sentenced in April and will spend at least 36 years behind bars for the murders The family of Korey and Amber (pictured) are still shattered after the pair and their mother were brutally murdered by Steven Peet Police were confronted by a horrific crime scene when the trio's bodies were discovered in their Adelaide home (pictured) in May 2016 Ms Wells believes if Ms Wilson-Rigney had not been on ice she would have never allowed her children to be in that environment. Ms Wilson-Rigney was beaten with a crowbar by Peet. He strangled her with a cable tie and left her under a mattress in the laundry. Peet strangled both the children with cable ties. Amber was hogtied, had adhesive tape wrapped around her head and a sock had been stuffed into her mouth. She was dumped under a pile of laundry. Korey's body was left under a child's play tent. He had managed to remove the sock that had been stuffed into his mouth. Peet originally denied responsibility for killing the children, claiming he was in 'a disassociative state' at the time. For years Ms Wells and her partner Steven Egberts (pictured) had helped care for the children. She says they grieve every day He was sentenced in April and will spend at least 36 years behind bars. Ms Wilson-Rigney's eldest child had been in Ms Wells and Mr Egbert's care when his family were killed. They now have custody of him. 'Our family's basically been torn apart. Every day is a struggle,' Ms Wells said. 'We grieve every day. I grieve every day over those children. 'I know Yvette. If she had have got off of it (ice) she would have been okay. She would have been alright. I do believe that's where all this stemmed from,' Ms Wells said. A grieving mother, whose daughter was kidnapped, hogtied and suffocated to death while being held in a dungeon hidden in her attacker's home for three days, has bulldozed the property in her late daughter's memory. Sheila Vaculik, was granted James Worley's dilapidated property in a wrongful death suit after he was found guilty of her daughter 20-year-old Sierah Joughin's violent murder in Delta, Ohio in July 2016. Sierah, a University of Toledo student, was out bike riding with her boyfriend of seven years, Josh Kolasinski, before she was snatched by her killer, then 57, and held in a secret room in a barn on his secluded farm surrounded by cornfields for three days. Scroll down for video The Ohio house where kidnapped Sierah Joughinr was kept hogtied in a dungeon for three days before being suffocated to death, has been bulldozed after her mother inherited the property Sheila Vaculik (right, with her daughter Sierah, left), was granted James Worley's dilapidated property in a wrongful death suit after he was found guilty of her daughter 20-year-old Sierah Joughin's (left) violent murder in Delta, Ohio in July 2016 James Worley, 57, of Delta, Ohio pictured above. Worley committed an eerily similar crime against a 26-year-old woman in 1990. Authorities have found him guilty of aggravated murder and abduction in Joughin's killing Police found a torture chamber hidden behind hay bales inside the property. Restraints lined the blood-stained walls and handcuffs, zip ties, rope, weapons and a ski mask were found inside. Video recording equipment and a secret nanny cam was also discovered alongside Sierah's pink underwear, a mattress covered in her DNA and a freezer lined with blood-stained carpet. Worley's recent internet searches were focused on pornography alongside the terms hitchhiker, helpless, gag, rape and hogtied, while a meat hook, chains and ropes were found elsewhere on the property. Police believe the property had been designed to kidnap, hold and sexually assault multiple women. When Sierah's body was eventually discovered in a shallow grave near Worley's home, it was determined she had choked to death on the large two inch by three inch plastic gag that Worley had used to silence her cries. During his March trial, prosecutors showed the court pictures of the interior of Worley's home (pictured) Evidence photos included a picture of a heavy black boot, recovered from his home 'There is a release of anger and frustration that is part of my healing process,' Valik told dailymail.com, after the house was torn down (left and right) Joughin was held at Worley's home for three days, where she was tortured until she choked to death on a plastic gag Worley, 57, had been released from prison in 1993 for abducting cyclist Robin Gardner - forcing her off the road just 20 miles from where Sierah was taken and dragging her into his van. She managed to escape and Worley served just three years. He is now awaiting execution for Sierah's killing and appealing his case. Earlier this month, grieving Ms Vaculik began the process of clearing the 'dark piece of land' where he daughter spent her terrifying final hours. 'There is a release of anger and frustration that is part of my healing process,' she told dailymail.com. 'Some have asked if it has brought closure; again, there really will never be closure when it comes to losing someone you love in such a thoughtless and violent way.' Bulldozers started tearing down the dilapidated farmhouses where Worley lived alongside a disabled brother and their elderly mother and ran an engine repair shop. Vaculik shared the videos online with supporters of her fight for justice, celebrating the moment that the monster's lair was going to be destroyed for good. The remains of University of Toledo student (left and right) went missing in July 2016 while riding her bicycle on a rural county road Vaculik (with Sierah in 206, left, and with her as a child, right) hasn't decided what will become of the cleared three acres of land but is hoping it can be something positive in Sierah's memory rather than an eyesore reminding the community of the heartbreaking case The pretty, 20-year-old student was last seen by her boyfriend of seven years, Josh Kolasinski, before she was snatched by her killer When Sierah's body was eventually discovered in a shallow grave near Worley's home, it was determined she had choked to death on the large two inch by three inch plastic gag that Worley had used to silence her cries 'Closed for business! Permanently!!!', the nurse posted. Frustratingly Vaculik has to wait until March to remove the barn due to Worley's court appeal. If it's removal goes ahead it will bring a new comfort to Sierah's family. 'The barn unfortunately does have to stay up until March 2019, but once that comes down it will defiantly change the look and the feel of the property,' she continued 'I'm not going to lie, there is an emotional gratification in tearing down and burning something you loathe so much,' Vaculik told ABC 13. 'We look forward to removing the darkness and opening it up and letting the light shine in.' She hasn't decided what will become of the cleared three acres of land but is hoping it can be something positive in Sierah's memory rather than an eyesore reminding the community of the heartbreaking case. Meanwhile, family and friends are supporting a new law in Sierah's memory in the hope it will prevent monsters like Worley from striking again. Sierah's Law which is currently awaiting approval by Ohio governor Josh Kasich would allow police to interview potential suspects within the first 24 to 48 hours after a person is reported missing. 'The sad realization is that at some point, another family will experience what my family went through, and I can only hope that by having a database with released violent offenders they may find their love one alive,' Ms Vaculik continued. 'I think if there had been a database and Worley was in it then law enforcement would have questioned him Wednesday instead of Thursday. Would that have saved her? I do not know we do not have a time of death; of course, I would like think so.' Worley, 57, (pictured in court in March this year) is now awaiting execution for Sierah's killing and appealing his case Advertisement A photographer has taken a series of searing aerial photos revealing gross inequality across America where rich and poor live side-by-side. Johnny Miller, who was born in the States but now lives in South Africa, has captured pockets of disparity across the country. His photos capture LA's skid row, homeless camps that exist alongside the dizzying luxury of Silicon Valley and RVs housing families priced out of the Bay Area. The stark drone photos show areas of gross inequality across LA, Detroit, Baltimore and San Francisco among others. This picture of Detroit's Woodward Avenue shows the sharp contrast between the large homes of the wealthy, many with pools and big backyards on one side, compared to the much more modest houses on the left Johnny Miller has taken a series of searing aerial photos revealing gross inequality across America where rich and poor live side-by-side. Pictured here, surrounded on either side by nice, expensive homes, sits Seattle's Tent City Miller, who was born in the States but now lives in South Africa, has captured pockets of disparity across the country. Pictured are homes on opposite sides of the street in Baltimore, where one apartment building has been completely gutted, leaving nothing more than its outer shell He captures The Wall which historically separated white and black neighborhoods in Detroit (the remnants of the wall can be seen at the end of the backyards of the line of homes in center, separating the yards from the field) Another angle of Woodward Avenue, in Detroit, shows a clear dividing line between spacious greenery on one side, and homes packed in together on the other In Richmond, Virginia, he captures Gilpin Court - the citys largest and oldest public housing project where 96% of the population is African American and the average income is $9357, way below the poverty line. In Detroit, he photographs Grosse Point which is the city's richest neighborhood and is separated by a canal from the rest of the city and Black Bottom which was once a vibrant black suburb but now lies in ruin. He also captures The Wall, a poignantly significant symbol of American apartheid running along 8 mile that used to separate white and black districts. His photos capture LA's skid row, homeless camps that exist alongside the dizzying luxury of Silicon Valley and RVs housing families priced out of the Bay Area. Pictured here, tents of homeless people line the streets in Oakland, California, overlooked by commuters going from their homes to work In Long Beach, Southern California, oil refineries make for 'uncomfortable bedfellows' for the neighboring working class areas Seattle's spiraling homeless problem has led to homeless encampments nestled in former parking lots or empty building lots, overlooked by expensive apartments The heart of LA's notorious Skid Row, named as such because it was where people went when their life 'hit the skids' sits in the shadows of LA's financial and theater district San Francisco has some of the steepest contrast between rich and poor on the United States, thanks to Silicon valley's tech boom and spiraling property prices. In this picture, the multi-million dollar Palo Alto Facebook H, sits across from a homeless encampment In Detroit, he photographs Grosse Point which is the city's richest neighborhood and is separated by a canal from the rest of the city and Black Bottom which was once a vibrant black suburb but now lies in ruin He also turns his camera to crime-ridden Baltimore where entire blocks have been left to collapse into ruin and the 'Road to Nowhere' highway (pictured) which displaced thousands of the city's poorest residents but was never completed He also turns his camera to crime-ridden Baltimore where entire blocks have been left to collapse into ruin and the 'Road to Nowhere' highway which displaced thousands of the city's poorest residents but was never completed. Millers drone aerials are not just limited to the U.S. The artist earned a global reputation for his series Unequal Scenes which investigates inequality across the world, starting in his home city of Cape Town. He told Dailymail.com: 'I knew that inequality wouldn't look the same in the US as in other parts of the world, especially the Global South. 'So I chose to look at themes - how homelessness relates to inequality, how infrastructure divides us, how historical decisions still affect us today; and some crazy juxtapositions with the tech industry. 'I think in the Bay Area in particular the fact that there are homeless encampments right next to these incredibly valuable companies is very telling about our values.' 'I have been interested in social documentary work for quite some time. It was a natural fit, using a drone to look at inequality in Cape Town because you really get a good sense of the divisions between neighborhoods, race, and class from above. The intent was always to provide a new perspective and get people talking about inequality. I did not expect how popular the project would become.' A New Hampshire prep school graduate convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old classmate reported to jail Wednesday to begin serving the remaining 10 months of his jail sentence. Owen Labrie, 23, turned himself in to the Merrimack County jail Wednesday morning, more than a week after a judge refused to shorten his sentence. Reporters waiting outside the jail did not see him enter. Labrie, of Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate Chessy Prout as part of 'Senior Salute,' a game of sexual conquest, at St. Paul's School. But a jury found him guilty of misdemeanor sexual assault charges and endangering the welfare of a child. He also was convicted of using a computer to lure an underage student for sex, requiring him to register as a sex offender. Owen Labrie, 23, turned himself in to the Merrimack County jail Wednesday morning, to finish out his 10 month stint in jail Labrie, of Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate Chessy Prout as part of 'Senior Salute' at St. Paul's School Labrie had been free pending appeals, other than the two months he served for curfew violations in 2016. Merrimack County jail Supt. Ross Cunningham said Labrie was undergoing a medical checkup and other assessments and would move to the general population when that is completed. He said there have been 'no issues' so far with Labrie. 'Over time, he will transition to general housing unless something comes up,' he said. Labrie's attorney, Jaye Rancourt, said she talked to his family earlier in the week and said they are worried about him spending time behind bars. It was unclear whether any family members accompanied Labrie to jail. But a jury found him guilty of misdemeanor sexual assault charges and endangering the welfare of a child 'They're disappointed that he has to go in. But they are looking forward to the passing of the time and hope to see him soon,' Rancourt told The Associated Press. 'Like anybody who has family member who goes into jail who has never been in trouble before, there is obviously a lot concern.' Prout's father, Alex, said Labrie is finally paying for the crimes he committed. He also was convicted of using a computer to lure an underage student for sex, requiring him to register as a sex offender 'Today, the perpetrator who sexually assaulted our then 15-year-old daughter will finally be held accountable for his crime and sent to jail to serve his sentence,' Prout said in a statement. 'To date, he has shown no remorse nor accepted any responsibility for his actions. We hope he never sexually assaults another person in the future.' Last month, the state Supreme Court upheld Labrie's convictions on the computer charge. The court dismissed arguments by Labrie's lawyers that prosecutors had failed to prove intent in his use of the computer and that the law was meant to be used to target internet predators and pedophiles, not cases like this. The court is also considering a separate appeal in which Labrie's lawyers argue he deserves a new trial over ineffective counsel. His lawyer argued his original counsel in the 2015 case failed to mount a defense against the computer charge or effectively communicate that Labrie had no intention of having sex with Chessy Prout when he sent her the messages. The lead trial lawyer, J.W. Carney Jr., is a well-known defense attorney whose clients included the late Boston gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger. The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, as Prout has done. Three men have been arrested in connection to a 2017 shooting in Ohio that left one woman dead and eight people wounded at a gender reveal party for another woman who had faked her pregnancy. A grand jury earlier this month indicted 28-year-old Roshawn Bishop, 23-year-old James Echols and 21-year-old Michael Sanon on 22 criminal counts, including murder, aggravated robbery and cruelty to animals, leading to their arrests this week. The gunfire that erupted on July 8, 2017, at a home in Colerain Township, about 20 miles northwest of Cincinnati, killed Autum Garrett, a 22-year-old mother-of-two from Andrews, Indiana. Police in Ohio have arrested and charged (L to R) Roshawn Bishop, 28; James Echols, 23, and Michael Sanon, 21, in the July 2017 mass shooting that killed a woman The suspects are accused of gunning down 22-year-old Autumn Garrett at her cousin's bogus gender reveal party Garrett's relative Cheyanne Willis, then 21 (far left), had falsely claimed that she was pregnant Three children and a dog were among the wounded. Police determined the shooting was targeted and drug-related after connecting multiple witnesses to drug rings. Authorities said it took almost a year and a half to make arrests in the case because detectives looked into several false leads. Colerain Township Police Chief Mark Denney said uncooperative witnesses provided misinformation that 'hindered the investigation, no doubt.' 'From the very beginning of this investigation, we met significant resistance that is uncommon from victims of crime wanting a resolution,' Denney told the Cincinnati Enquirer. Witnesses told police about 30 people attended the gender reveal party for then-21-year-old Cheyanne Willis, but only about a dozen stayed into the night to watch a Spider-Man movie. Willis and a dozen guests were watching a movie inside her home in Colerain Township on July 8, 2017, when two armed men walked in and opened fire Eight people, including Willis (pictured in a grey T-shirt), were wounded. Garrett (pictured right in denim shorts) died where she sat on the couch Two armed men burst into the home on Capstan Drive through an unlocked door around 11pm and sprayed at least 14 rounds of bullets into the living room before fleeing. Autumn Garrett died on the couch where she sat. Her obituary later described her as a devout Christian and a hard worker who enjoyed being outdoors. Willis claimed to have suffered a miscarriage after being shot in the thigh. Investigators later found that she was not pregnant at the time of the shooting. The young woman was the subject of a brutal attack on Christmas Eve 2014 where she was beaten up by another woman in a parking lot. The assault was captured on video and shared on social media. It showed Willis' attackers writing the words 'I got my a** whooped' on her forehead. Her ex-boyfriend Quincy Gardner, then 20, and a woman, 21-year-old Cheyenne Fisher, were charged with robbery in connection with the incident. On Christmas Eve 2014, Willis, then 19, was filmed being attacked (left) by two people, who wrote on her forehead, 'I got my a** whooped' (right) Fisher later said in a Facebook post that she 'slapped her up' because she believed Willis had stolen her car. Weeks after that incident, a grand jury decided not to indict Gardner and Fisher. Garrett was Willis' cousin. Her husband, Bryan, and two children - son Bryan Jr and Layia - were injured in the shooting. Police said they have found no evidence to suggest that the Garrett family had anything to do with the drug trade. Autumn's brother, who described himself as the victim's best friend, told WLWT that news of the suspects' arrests brought 'tears of joy' to their mother's eyes. Bishop, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence on an unrelated drug trafficking conviction stemming for the sale of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, was charged with two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault and attempted murder. Echols (left) was previously named a suspect in a 19-year-old man's shooting death, but was never charged. Sanon's (right) criminal record includes charges of burglary, auto theft and receiving stolen property Echols and Sanon were each charged with aggravated murder and aggravated burglary, two counts of murder, nine counts of felonious assault, eight counts of attempted murder and cruelty to animals. Echols was previously named a suspect in a 19-year-old man's shooting death in Columbus, Ohio, which took place less than 24 hours after the deadly incident in Colerain Township. The 23-year-old was never formally charged with murder in that case. Local12 reported that Sanon's criminal record includes charges of burglary, auto theft and receiving stolen property, which are still pending in Franklin County. A stunning sunrise greeted Melbourne residents on Thursday, with sweltering conditions across the nation set to bring temperatures not seen for 90 years. Temperatures across a chunk of Australia will soar to 45C through to Sunday, with towns and cities in every mainland state and the Northern Territory to bear the brunt of the extreme heat. The temperature is expected to be 10C to 14C higher than usual for late December. An apocalyptic sunrise greeted Melbourne residents on Thursday morning, with fishers at Altona Pier vying for an early morning catch before the extreme heat sets in Melbourne is heading for a top of 36C on Thursday but temperatures will exceed 40C in other parts of Victoria Weatherzone meteorologist Jacob Cronje said a high-pressure system was trapping the heat. 'This heat has started to build-up over the north-western parts of the country and that's extended all the way down to the south-east,' he told the Today Show. 'That's all been kept in place by a high-pressure system to the east of the country, effectively blocking and trapping this heat over all of us.' While there is some relief in sight for parts of Australia from early next week, other areas will not be spared from the stifling heat until mid-January. 'Over South Australia, a cool change is set to come through that really will translate mainly to cooling South Australia and Victoria,' Mr Cronje said. 'We really won't see significant cooling over New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory for the foreseeable future and the heat could even extend, although to a lesser degree, well into the New Year and even into the second week of January.' Parts of Victoria are set to experience a heatwave not seen since 1920. Pictured, sunrise in Melbourne's Altona on Thursday A cool change is expected to bring temperatures down in South Australia and Victoria after the New Year. Pictured, sunrise in Melbourne's Altona on Thursday The top of the Northern Territory, meanwhile, is in the midst of the monsoon season, with showers expected through to the New Year. 'It reminds us all that Australia is a continent with very significant varying atmospheric conditions,' Mr Cronje said. In Altona, west of Melbourne, fisherman and joggers hit the pier for an early morning cast on Thursday before the inevitable crowd surge. They were welcomed by a magnificent sunrise that looked like it was straight from a Star Wars movie. Temperatures in Melbourne will reach 36C on Thursday but for the rest of Victoria, things will be much worse. Bureau of Meterology Forecaster Kevin Parkyn said Victoria's Mallee region was expecting a heatwave not seen since 1920. The pink shading shows where surface temperatures are expected to exceed 40C between Thursday and Sunday 'This heat has started to build-up over the north-western parts of the country and that's extended all the way down to the south-east,' Weatherzone meteorologist Jacob Cronje 'We're looking at five consecutive days above 40 degrees in [Kerang] and we have to go back to about 1920 in the record books when we saw four consecutive days in December,' Mr Parkyn said. Sky News senior meteorologist Tristan Meyers said the national heatwave would challenge the record books. 'This is not only due to how hot individual days are going to be - for example 45C, 46C, and potentially 47C in parts of western, southern New South Wales, northern Victoria and South Australia - but also how prolonged it's going to be,' he said. 'For some areas we're going to see a week or more of 45C-plus temperatures and that hasn't ever happened before -particularly in December, but potentially all time.' Central Victoria is forecast to reach blistering temperatures above 40C by the end of the week, with Mildura - in the state's north-west - expecting a top of 46C on Sunday. Australians are set to swelter through a record breaking heatwave into the New Year with temperatures in some towns expected to soar above 45C Temperatures in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales are set to skyrocket over the coming days Blistering temperatures have already seen beaches fill to the brim across the country. Pictured, Bondi Beach, in Sydney's eastern suburbs Temperatures in parts of Western Australia will exceed 45C on Thursday. For areas of inland South Australia, temperatures are not expected to fall below 40C over the coming days, peaking at 41C on Thursday. The only part of the country not closing in on record-setting temperatures is coastal Queensland, parts of which are still recovering from ex-Tropical Cyclone Owen. New South Wales will experience stifling heat only a week after two supercell storms battered Sydney. Temperatures will reach 41C in Cobar and 44C in Deniliquin on Thursday. Western Sydney could even see four consecutive days of 40-plus degrees, starting from Friday, when temperatures in Penrith are forecast to hit 41C. Beachgoers are seen at Henley Beach in Adelaide on Thursday. The temperature is expected to reach 41C in the city Henley Beach proved a popular place to be for Adelaide residents looking to cool off from the extreme heat Adelaide is expected to reach a high of 39C on Friday before a cool change which will bring the temperature down to a maximum of 30C on Saturday The sweltering weather has led to warnings from health authorities to limit sun exposure. New South Wales Health said in a statement residents should expect 'high heat and ozone pollution' over the coming days. 'People can be unprepared for the first real heat of summer, so this is a reminder of the safety measures we can all take to limit overheating and sun exposure,' New South Wales Health Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said. 'It's important to keep up water intake, stay cool and avoid strenuous physical activity in the heat of the day because heat places a lot of strain on the body and cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.' Dr McAnulty said the ozone pollution was of particular concern for asthma sufferers. 'As ozone can irritate the lungs, people with asthma need to follow their Asthma Action Plan and take their relieving medication where necessary. If symptoms get worse, they need to seek medical advice,' he said. Tragedy has struck a family during the Christmas holidays after their son was allegedly bashed to death. A 19-year-old man died on Christmas night after allegedly being savagely beaten in Borroloola, roughly 1,000 kilometres east of Darwin, on Saturday, NT News reported. A 23, 24, and 27-year-old have been charged with serious harm over the alleged assault and will appear in Darwin Local Court on Thursday. A 19-year-old man was bashed in a Borroloola, about 1,000 kilometres east of Darwin (pictured) on Saturday The death is only one incident in a series of attacks that rocked the state during the Christmas holidays. A second man was taken to hospital after he was seriously assaulted near the corner of Smith and Peel streets in Darwin on Saturday. A 28-year-old and 43-year-old have been charged with unlawfully causing serious harm. On the same day, police intervened in an alleged aggravated assault in Katherine. Following a police search through bushland, the 29-year-old pregnant victim was found with the alleged offender 'in dark and boggy conditions.' The man was charged with breaching a domestic violence order. A 23, 24 and 27-year-old will front Darwin Local Court (pictured) on Thursday for the Borroloola bashing The man will appear in Katherine Local Court in January. Another man, 21, was charged with aggravated assault after threatening police and terrorising a victim at Peppimenarti on Sunday night. In a separate incident on Christmas Eve, a 68-year-old man died at a residence in Humpty Doo. A 48-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter. Almost half of NHS hospitals have put up parking fees despite ministers vowing to end rip-off charges. Prices have even doubled at some sites with staff, patients and their families forced to pay as much as 4 an hour. Jeremy Hunt ordered hospitals four years ago to set reasonable fees, to limit fines and to offer discounts to relatives of the gravely ill. Jeremy Hunt, then health secretary vowed in 2014 to clamp down on unfair hospital parking charges although it seems almost half of NHS hospitals have increased the fees Current health secretary Matt Hancock, pictured, has failed to stop the increase in the price of hospital parking since his elevation by Prime Minister Theresa May The Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford had the most expensive parking on the list at 4-an-hour - 60p more expensive than parking at a unit in nearby Frimley But it is clear the crackdown by the former health secretary has failed 43 per cent of NHS trusts in England raised their parking fees in 2017/18. At the same time the charges have been scrapped in Wales and most of Scotland. Last night MPs and campaigners demanded action and health unions pointed out that NHS staff were suffering, especially night workers. Rachel Power of the Patients Association said parking fees generated vital revenue at a time when hospital budgets were under immense pressure. But she added: They are a charge on people who are unwell. Patients should not be charged effectively for being ill. Tom Sandford of the Royal College of Nursing said: For staff working shifts public transport is often not an option, so nurses and support workers have no choice but to pay parking charges that rise year on year.Struggling hospitals should not try to make money from their staff. Their goodwill wont last forever. Trusts should provide reasonable car parking with affordable charges. Requests for data on parking were made to 150 NHS trusts and 124 replied. Of these, 53 trusts 43 per cent said they had increased prices in the last year for visitors, for staff, or for both. At the Airedale NHS trust in West Yorkshire, a stay of four to 24 hours now costs 8, up from 3.50 the year before. The trust made 1,287,322 from parking in 2017/18. At Shrewsbury and Telford hospital trust, which is subject to scrutiny over baby deaths, the cost of a five-hour stay has more than doubled since October last year. Patients and their families should not have to deal with the added stress of unfair parking charges, at what is already an extremely difficult time. These clear ground rules set out our expectations, and will help the public hold the NHS to account for unfair charges or practices. Jeremy Hunt, then health secretary, August 23, 2014 Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool has scrapped its 2 flat rate for a full day and introduced a raft of new charges, tripling the cost of a stay longer than eight hours. Parking for up to two hours now costs 2.50, while six to eight hours is 4.50 and eight to 24 hours is 6. The new figures show that Frimley Health in Surrey, one of the highest earning health trusts in England, made 4.5million charging staff, patients and visitors in 2017/18, up from 4.1million the year before. University Hospitals of Leicester made 4.4million from parking, a 13 per cent rise on 2016/17. Many car parks are run by private contractors on behalf of NHS trusts. But the rules introduced by Mr Hunt, who is now Foreign Secretary, say trusts should still take responsibility for the actions of firms working on their behalf and that any fines should be proportionate and fair. 18 hospitals on the list charged at least 3-an-hour increasing to 4-an-hour in Guildford Some hospitals have defended making money from parking charges, saying some or all of the money is put back into patient care or is spent on maintaining car parks. Recent figures showed that NHS trusts across England took more than 226million in parking fees in total in 2017/18, of which 157million was contributed by patients and visitors and 69million by staff. Hospital chiefs argue that cutting the charges at a time of squeezed budgets in the health service would mean diverting money away from frontline services. But Labour health spokesman Jon Ashworth said: These car parking charges are a tax on the sick. The next Labour government will axe them. Judith Jolly, health spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, said: While it is clear to all that hospitals are struggling to cover their costs against a backdrop of financial pressures and overcrowding exacerbated by the Tories, that is not a green light to charge patients. Dr Moira Fraser-Pearce, of Macmillan Cancer Support, urged families to check what discounts were available for cancer patients. Sara Gorton, of public service union Unison, said: If the Government put more money into the Health Service, charges could be scrapped, and nurses, porters and their NHS colleagues would no longer have to pay through the nose simply to park at work. In July 2014, an investigation by the Daily Mail revealed some cowboy operators were targeting car parks at cancer wards with huge fines for minor infringements because patients were likely to be distracted and therefore late returning to their cars. A Department of Health spokesman said: We have made it very clear that patients, their families and our hardworking staff should not be subjected to unfair parking charges. NHS trusts are responsible for these charges and ensuring revenue goes back into frontline services, and we want to see trusts coming up with options that put staff, patients and their families first. Schools have been told to eliminate all single-use plastics by 2022. Education Secretary Damian Hinds said he wanted headteachers to phase out plastic bags, bottles and food packaging in favour of sustainable alternatives. It would see the straws used by children to drink milk ditched with youngsters using reusable beakers instead. Mr Hinds called on schools to start a conversation with pupils about the effects discarded plastics have on the environment and wildlife. Schools have been told to eliminate all single-use plastics, including bags, bottles and food packaging, by 2022. Stock pic And he said schools across the country should follow the lead of Georgeham Primary School in Devon which is the first school in the UK to achieve single-use plastic-free status. He said: On my first school visit as Education Secretary almost a year ago, the very first question I was asked by a pupil was what we can do to limit the damage of plastic on the environment. Reducing our use of plastic clearly is an important and timely issue which has captured the interest and the imagination of everyone in society. Plastic can harm our precious environment and be lethal to wildlife. The leadership shown by schools like Georgeham Primary in going single-use plastic free is an impressive example for us all and I want to work to support every school in the country following their lead by 2022. Its not always easy but we all have a role to play in driving out avoidable plastic waste, and with more schools joining others and leading by example, we can help to leave our planet in a better state than we found it. Education Secretary Damian Hinds called on schools to start a conversation with pupils about the effects discarded plastics have on the environment and wildlife. Stock pic Georgeham Primary was awarded the single-use plastic-free accolade by Surfers Against Sewage, a marine conservation charity. Among the most common uses of single-use plastic are the straws and packaging from the cartons of milk provided to reception pupils. After agreeing a deal with their suppliers, Georgeham School now has its milk delivered in recyclable containers and the children drink out of washable beakers. Julian Thomas, headteacher at the school, said: We are thrilled to hear the Education Secretary is calling on all schools to become single-use plastic free by 2022. All of our pupils enthusiastically played their part in helping the school reduce excessive single use plastic consumption. I am confident children across the rest of the country would also welcome the challenge. Mr Hinds said: Plastic can harm our precious environment and be lethal to wildlife'. Stock pic By making relatively minor changes, such as replacing cling film for foil in the canteen we were able to significantly reduce our plastic use. Were a small school but we think big and Im very proud of everyone at Georgeham for what weve achieved. Last night the Department for Education said there were no plans yet to make the eradication of single-use plastics in schools mandatory. A spokesman said: At the moment this is about asking schools and school leaders to look at what role they can play in driving out avoidable plastic waste, and can then lead by example. Mr Hinds has asked officials to speak to school suppliers regarding the plastic packaging of milk cartons and other day-to-day supplies for schools. Supermarkets handed out 1.2billion bags for life in a year undermining their claims to be reducing waste. It means the average household used 44 of the heavy duty bags last year. Bags for life cost between 5p and 10p and typically contain more than twice as much plastic as single-use ones, on which the Government has imposed a 5p charge. Environmental campaigners called on retailers to increase the cost of bags for life to at least 1. The price of single-use plastic bags could be doubled from 5p to 10p as 250,000 corner shops are banned from handing the bags out for free. Currently, only supermarkets and large stores are forced to apply the charge. But the Environment Secretary Michael Gove has said it will now be extended to smaller shops, where some 3.6billion bags are handed out every year. Mr Gove last night put forward the plans first mooted in August in a consultation document. He wants the changes to come in by January 2020. The price of single-use plastic bags could be doubled from 5p to 10p as 250,000 corner shops are banned from handing the bags out for free It is another significant victory for the Daily Mail, which has campaigned against the scourge of plastic for more than a decade. Government scientists believe plastic in the sea is set to treble in a decade unless marine litter is curbed with one million birds and more than 100,000 sea mammals dying every year from eating and getting tangled in plastic waste. Currently, the 5p charge applies only to big business, but it will now be extended to shops with fewer than 250 employees. Trade bodies representing around 40,000 small retailers have already launched a voluntary 5p charge, but this accounts for less than one fifth of Englands 253,000 small shops. Mr Gove last night put forward the plans first mooted in August in a consultation document. He wants the changes to come in by January 2020 Mr Gove said: The 5p single-use plastic bag carrier charge has been extremely successful in reducing the amount of plastic we use in our everyday lives. Between us, we have taken over 15billion plastic bags out of circulation. But we want to do even more to protect our precious planet and todays announcement will accelerate further behaviour change and build on the success of the existing charge. While the consultation document suggested the charge could be increased to 10p, this was only mooted as one possible option, meaning the price could end up being lower than that. It is another significant victory for the Daily Mail, which has campaigned against the scourge of plastic for more than a decade The progress was welcomed by the Association of Convenience Stores. Chief executive James Lowman said: We welcome the Governments plans to extend carrier bag charging to all shops. This has been shown to be highly effective at reducing waste, whilst also raising money for local, national and environmental charities. Samantha Harding, litter programme director at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: Its great to see the Government using its initiative to take the bag charge one step further. Business leaders have expressed concern about Theresa May's failure to clarify whether Britain will be leaving the European Union with a deal Business leaders' confidence in the British economy has plummeted as uncertainty about Brexit continues ahead of the March 29 withdrawal date. The cautious optimism shown by company bosses earlier in 2018 has entirely gone, according to a survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD). Overall optimism, which had briefly reached positive territory following the initial agreement of a Brexit transition period, has fallen steadily since April and hit its lowest point in December. All regions and nations of the UK are now reporting a pessimistic outlook for the 12 months ahead. Directors remain confident in the future for their own organisations with a net 30 per cent positive rating, but the response for the economy overall was a net minus 38 per cent, the lowest for 18 months. The IoD's findings are based on 724 total respondents, with work conducted between December 5-20. Studies in previous months have involved between 700 and 1,000 bosses. The main concerns highlighted by IoD members were general economic conditions, the trading relationship with the EU and skills shortages. The lack of clarity about whether or not the UK will leave the European Union with a Brexit deal - and the crucially important transition period to avoid a sudden change in trading conditions - appears set to hold back investment. The IoD's findings indicated that a net balance of just 7 per cent of business leaders expected to invest more in the next year. Tej Parikh, senior economist at the Institute of Directors, said: 'Business leaders are looking ahead to the new year with trepidation about the economy. 'While we saw cautious optimism emerging when the Brexit talks appeared to be moving towards a transition period after March 2019, that has utterly dissipated now. 'There can be no doubt that the tumultuous Brexit process is having a damaging impact on firms' outlooks. The prospect of a no-deal in the near future will be weighing heavily on directors' minds. 'Uncertainty is already causing businesses to delay investment, hiring decisions and product launches, which also acts to weaken our international competitiveness further down the line. 'The longer this state of affairs continues, the more we lose by it, even if these effects aren't apparent in the here-and-now.' Company bosses have very little confidence in the economy due to to the uncertainty surrounding whether Britain will crash out of the European Union in March without a deal A survey by the Institute of Directors predicts that France will overtake the UK next year to become the world's sixth biggest economy as a result of a Brexit slowdown The IoD survey comes after an economic think tank suggested France will overtake the UK to become the world's sixth biggest economy next year. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) said 'disruption' to the British economy was inevitable due to lower inward and business investment. However, the CEBR's World Economic League Table report says post-Brexit Britain will return to the sixth spot by 2020 - a position it is expected to retain through to 2033. A furious driver has allegedly threatened a couple with a meat cleaver in a shocking road rage attack. Kyle McKay claims the man ran at him and his girlfriend near Dandenong Road in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon, The Courier Mail reported. 'He started running at us with the knife (holding it above his head) like he was getting ready to swing it at someone,' the shocked 18-year-old said. Kyle McKay claimed the man (pictured) ran at him and his girlfriend near Dandenong Road in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon Kyle McKay (pictured) and his girlfriend had gone grocery shopping earlier that day 'We just ran and my girlfriend was a bit afraid he might throw it.' Mr McKay and his girlfriend had gone grocery shopping earlier in day. The pair were driving home along the busy road at 4pm when they were confronted by the angry driver. Mr McKay claims a blue Toyota Corolla abruptly pulled out in front of him from a side street. He said he overtook the car after honking the horn at the reckless driver. Mr McKay claims that's when the Carolla driver started to abuse him. The Corolla tailgated the pair for three kilometres before Mr McKay pulled over near Darra Station Road. Mr McKay claimed the Carolla driver then pulled a meat cleaver out of the back of the car and chased after him. 'It was pretty scary at the time,' he said. A terrified Mr McKay hotfooted fled the area. A 40-year-old man miraculously survived a 15 metre down a cliff face on Thursday. New South Wales Ambulance were called to Elenora Heights in Sydney's north at 9am after reports a man had lost his footing and fell through several trees before landing on rocks at the base. A NSW Ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia it was amazing the man survived. New South Wales Ambulance were called to Elenora Heights in Sydney's north at 9am after reports a man had lost his footing and fell through several trees before landing on rocks at the base (pictured) A NSW Ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia it was amazing that the man didn't suffer any life threatening injuries (pictured) A NSW Ambulance rescue helicopter was sent to winch the man to safety before transporting him to the Royal North Shore Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. A number of ambulances were also called to the scene to render assistance. The ambulance spokesman said the man was very lucky he didn't suffer any life-threatening injuries. Three drunk homeless men who attacked a cop on a New York City subway platform in a viral video are now facing riot charges after union outcry when they were initially released without charge. Eliseo Alvarez, 36, has been charged with attempted assault, riot, menacing, and other charges. Juan Nunez, 27, was also charged with obstructing governmental administration and riot charges. A third will face those counts and attempted assault. The men were among five vagrants who attacked NYPD Officer Syed Ali, a combat veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, at the East Broadway subway station on Saturday night. Video of the incident, which has since been viewed more than 4.75 million times on social media, showed Ali using a baton and kicking at the men as they come at him. One of the men who charged at the officer missed and fell onto the tracks. Two other men in the video appeared to be trying to break up the scuffle. They haven't been charged. The homeless men that were involved in the attack on Officer Syed Ali were initially arrested on illegal sleeping charges, but not for assaulting the cop earlier Video shows a group of five homeless men in a confrontation with a NYC cop Sunday Councilman Chaim Deutsch (2nd from right) visits NYPD Transit Task Force to thank Officer Syed Ali (2nd from left) for his quick action to defend civilians and himself The NYPD initially only sent the men to the hospital for signs of extreme drunkenness, but after they were released, they returned to the East Broadway station to sleep. Police then only initially cited the men for sleeping on the station floor. The Manhattan District Attorney's stopped prosecuting such violations in 2016. The charges announced Wednesday come after criticism from a police union. A New York City police union was upset that prosecutors did not bring criminal charges against the homeless men attacked the officer on a subway platform. The officer kicks one man and swats the baton at another when they approach One of the vagrants lunged toward the officer, missed and fell on the tracks The Manhattan District Attorney's office blames police, saying the men 'were not arrested for attacking an officer' in Sunday night's incident at the East Broadway station. A spokesman for DA Cyrus Vance Jr. said that the office would not have declined to prosecute the men if it had known about the other allegations, the New York Post reported. Police only cited the men for sleeping on the station floor, and the DA stopped prosecuting such low-level violations in 2016. Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch says the DA's job 'is to prosecute crimes, not to act like a social advocate.' Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen on Wednesday blamed opponents of President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the migrants themselves for the deaths of two children who crossed the border this month. Democrats who are set to take control of the House of Representatives in the New Year are demanding an investigation into the deaths, which have sparked outrage. 'Our system has been pushed to a breaking point by those who seek open borders,' Nielsen said in a statement on Wednesday. 'Smugglers, traffickers, and their own parents put these minors at risk by embarking on the dangerous and arduous journey north.' The Secretary said she will pay a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border later this week in response to the two deaths. Nielsen says she's ordered 'extraordinary protective measures', including manadatory checkups of migrant children, after the death of an 8-year-old Guatemalan child in immigration custody. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen (seen above last week in Congress) says she's ordered 'extraordinary protective measures', including manadatory checkups of migrant children, after the death of an 8-year-old Guatemalan child in immigration custody She said in a statement Wednesday that she had asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate what she says is an 'uptick in sick children crossing our borders.' 'This tragedy, the death of a child in government custody is deeply concerning and heartbreaking,' Nielsen wrote. 'In the last 24 hours, I have ... directed a series of additional actions to care for those who enter our custody.' She also wants the U.S. Coast Guard to examine the medical programs offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency that detained the 8-year-old and his father for a week. Nielsen also pledged that all children in the future will receive a 'more thorough' medical screening after they are apprehended. 'Moving forward, all children will receive a more thorough hands on assessment at the earliest possible time post apprehension - whether or not the accompanying adult has asked for one,' the Homeland Security Secretary said. The boy, identified by Guatemalan officials as Felipe Gomez Alonzo, was the second child to die in CBP custody this month. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who will likely be House Speaker in days after the new Congress is sworn in after the New Year, said on Wednesday that lawmakers will investigate deaths of migrant children who cross the border. Democrats will also demand that the Homeland Security Department's inspector general investigate the deaths of Gomez Alonzo and seven-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin, the Guatemalan girl who died earlier this month in the custody of Customs and Border Protection, Pelosi said in a statement. Nielsen says that the American immigration system has been been 'pushed to a breaking point by those who seek open borders.' The image above shows migrants from Honduras trying to reach the United States as they approach the border fence in Tijuana, Mexico on Wednesday Jakelin's father remains in the United States, where the father and daughter turned themselves in to U.S. border agents on Dec. 6, hoping they could find a way of staying to start a new life. After falling ill, Jakelin died from a combination of cardiac arrest, brain swelling and liver failure, U.S. officials said. The head of CBP says the recent deaths of the two migrant children are 'an extraordinarily rare occurrence' that is 'devastating' to the agency. Speaking Wednesday to CBS This Morning, CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan says that before this month, it had been more than a decade since a child died in the agency's care. Democrats are demanding an investigation into the deaths of two migrant children. One of them, Jakelin Caal Maquin, is seen in the above file photo McAleenan says officers have been conducting medical checks and doing 'dozens of hospital trips every day' for ill children. He says the agency is seeing more children than ever in its custody. The father of the 8-year-old boy, Agustin Gomez, said his son had shown no signs of illness before falling sick Monday, the same day he died. That's according to Oscar Padilla, the Guatemalan consul in Phoenix, who met with Gomez on Wednesday. Padilla says Agustin Gomez told him Felipe wasn't sick when they were detained at the U.S.-Mexico border on Dec. 18 or in the five days to follow. Felipe was hospitalized Monday after a border agent noticed he was coughing. He was released from the hospital Monday afternoon, but taken back that night. Gomez told the consul that he carried Felipe in his arms as they were taken to the hospital for the second and last time. The housing market in the Greater Toronto market becomes increasingly costly by the day. Both buyers and sellers have naturally become extra frugal with their expenditure: each dollar justifies its expenditure. In part, the value of land and speculation has increased the prices of homes within the area. However, people often downplay the significant brokerage commission fees as a subset of the greater scheme of things: its final price. According to Urban Toronto, The typical commission paid to agents of both buyers and sellers averages at 2.5%, typically totalling 5% of the home's selling price, and adding thousands of dollars to the cost for both parties. Fortunately, we live in interesting times; with the help of burgeoning disruptive technologies like Uber, Airbnb and a plethora of others before them that are shaking up traditional industries by providing low-cost alternatives, Justo Inc.has borrowed a leaf and is using it to shakeup the real estate industry. Justo Inc. is a new Brokerage firm in Toronto that employs technology to efficiently and effectively manage the transactional processes of buying and selling a house, all the while slashing the costs of commission by half. Reporting for Urban Toronto, Jack Landau writes, Where a traditional brokerage would keep the entire commission, Justo splits the commission with the buyer, each taking an even 1.25% of the purchase price. With the halved fees, a home priced at $600,000 could save a seller up to $10,500, with the purchaser saving as much as $9,000. Homes priced at $1M could save sellers up to $16,500 and buyers up to $14,000. Justo Inc. states on its website, Justos team of local agents provide all-inclusive services that harness innovative technology and put extra cash in your pocket. Using data-driven business intelligence, we lower our costs and pass the savings on to our customers. Access to our platform, tools and experts is completely free - with no commitments or contracts whatsoever. To take away the jargon, Justo executes its vision by lead generation, and not only enabling, but allowing agents to work on a volume basis and oversee the reduction in commission rates by increasing the deals to a number that exceeds what most realtors take on. Justo offers everything under one roof and is doing more than what a traditional brokerage firm does. These include professional photography, virtual 3D tours, architectural plans, staging, and property marketing that go a long way in saving costs. Justo is bent on having a huge piece of the cake. This, they are doing under the leadership of CEO Daphne De Groot who believes the traditional brokerage model hasnt been keeping tabs with recent technological advancements. He said in a recently released statement, With the housing boom over the past 15 years, today, agents are making multiple times the commissions for half of the work. There is still a lot of expertise provided by agents, but we felt there was a need for some adjustment to the current norms. We dont believe it should cost someone the equivalent of a years salary to sell their home. Justos innovation is a big plus to the two most important stakeholders in the real estate industry: the buyer and seller. The reasons are, as explained above, clear as day. Their owners feared they might never see them again. But these three dogs have been reunited with their families years after they were snatched from their homes thanks to microchip technology and the unstinting efforts of charity volunteers. Bella, Barney and Scampi are among the thousands of dogs stolen every year. Many enter into a miserable existence at the hands of crooked breeders and sellers. Bella, an eight-year-old blue roan cocker spaniel, was stolen from a kennel at her familys farm in October 2015. Bella, an eight-year-old blue roan cocker spaniel, with her owner Francesca Sharp (pictured) was stolen from a kennel at her familys farm in October 2015 She was dumped on the streets three years later having been treated terribly by breeders, riddled with mange and showing signs of having nursed countless litters of puppies. Luckily for her she was still fitted with a microchip when she was discovered in a country lane in Kent two months ago, miles from her home in Braintree, Essex. And because owner Francesca Sharp had kept the chips details up to date with the Kennel Club it meant that, with the help of pets rescue community DogLost, she could be returned swiftly home. HR coordinator Miss Sharp, 25, who now lives with her boyfriend in Solihull, West Midlands, said: We never thought wed find her again. We were overjoyed when we realised she had been found, but she was in a complete state. Nicola Phillips (pictured), 35, had her beloved Scampi stolen from his locked kennel in Coleford, Somerset, in August 2013 Nicola Phillips, 35, had her beloved Scampi stolen from his locked kennel in Coleford, Somerset, in August 2013. She combed the streets for five years and put up adverts appealing for help. A few months ago, she got news Scampi had been seen in Islington, north London. The admin worker said: I never expected to see my boy so old and frail and he didnt recognise me straight away, but after a while when he looked into my eyes I knew he remembered me deep down. Black and tan Yorkshire terrier Barney disappeared from his home in Coventry a year ago. He was reunited with owner Terri Harman (pictured) after being found 40 miles away Black and tan Yorkshire terrier Barney disappeared from his home in Coventry a year ago. He was reunited with owner Terri Harman after being found 40 miles away in Wolverhampton in October. Miss Harman said: He was in a cage and he looked awful. We called his name, he looked up, saw it was us and went mental. It was lovely. Justine Quirk, a volunteer at DogLost, urged people to microchip their pets and keep their details updated. She added: These stories are heart-warming and testament to the fact families should never give up. Britain is completely and institutionally ageist, the head of one of the countrys biggest care providers claims. Professor Martin Green said it was a national scandal the issue had not been tackled like racism and homophobia. The chief executive of Care England criticised institutions such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the NHS for not dealing with the problem. Professor Martin Green said it was a national scandal the issue had not been tackled like racism and homophobia (stock image) He told The Guardian: The EHRC is ignoring the elephant in the room in such a determined way I can only assume theyre part of the problem that theyre imbued with the same institutionalised ageism as the rest of society. You hear those in the NHS say, That person is too old for an operation but they never say they are too black or too gay for treatment. The EHRCs chief legal officer Rebecca Hilsenrath said: Professor Green is entirely wrong to say we do not take age discrimination extremely seriously. Much of our work speaks to this. Black and ethnic minority workers may be losing out on 3billion a year. A study by the Resolution Foundation found that 1.9million black, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi staff earn less than white colleagues in the same jobs. The think-tank called on ministers to push forward with plans to make large firms reveal their ethnic pay gaps. Theresa May announced in October that she was considering the idea. A study by the Resolution Foundation found that 1.9million black, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi staff earn less than white colleagues in the same jobs. Stock pic Kathleen Henehan, an analyst at the Resolution Foundation, said: After the successful steps taken to expose and tackle the gender pay gap in 2018, we now need greater accountability on the ethnic pay gap in 2019. 'The Government can make this happen by requiring large firms to report their black and minority ethnic pay gaps alongside the reporting theyre already doing on gender. The results should give firms an extra incentive to tackle these issues. The think-tanks calculations exposed a gap of as much as 3.90 an hour in pay rates and showed that having a university degree did not allow ethnic minority workers to sidestep the problem. Worst affected among non-graduates were Pakistani and Bangladeshi men. Gavin Williamson has grave and very deep concerns about Chinese tech giant Huawei operating high-speed mobile internet networks in Britain. The Defence Secretary said the issue must be examined very closely because the Chinese state can act in a malign way which could impact national security. Huawei is among a small group of companies which has developed superfast mobile 5G internet. But there are fears the technology could be used by the Chinese state to hack in UK systems and spy on Britons. Mr Williamson spoke out just a week after Britain blamed China for a campaign of global cyber attacks aimed at stealing business secrets from the UK and allied countries. Gavin Williamson has expressed 'grave' concerns at the prospect of the Chinese telecom giant Huawei being involved in the UKs new 5G network Mr Williamson said: I have grave, very deep concerns about Huawei providing the 5G network in Britain. Its something wed have to look at very closely. Weve got to look at what partners such as Australia and the US are doing in order to ensure that they have the maximum security of that 5G network and weve got to recognise the fact, as has been recently exposed, the Chinese state does sometimes act in a malign way. What is the 'five-eyes' intelligence alliance which Britain is a member of? The 'five eyes' intelligence alliance is made up of the UK, US, Canada, Austrialia and New Zeland. The group shares a massive amount of intelligence in one of the world's closest intelligence sharing alliance. The group has its roots in the intelligence pact Britain struck with the United States at the end of the Second World War. The two countries had been the closest of allies during the war, and after peace was declared worked together to track down and uncover Soviet spies as the Cold War kicked in. The five eyes alliance is one of the closest intelligence sharing pacts in the world - surpassing the information shared within Nato members. It has been cemented by a shared languages and trust forged over many decades of working together. But the alliance took a knock last year when key details of the investigation into the Manchester bombing were leaked to the American press. Donald Trump has restated his commitment to the alliance and announced an investigation into the leaks. Advertisement China is currently a world leader in developing the next-generation mobile internet technology that promises to deliver much faster download speeds and could revolutionise connectivity. But Australia and New Zealand have both recently banned Huawei from providing 5G equipment on national security grounds. Both the countries are part of the five-eyes group - Britain's leading intelligence alliance which also includes the UK, US and Canada. And their intervention could pave the way for the other partners in the intelligence alliance to impose a similar ban. The Australian government said there were concerns about the countrys internet networks being provided by companies likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government. The technology, which will supersede 4G, could speed up the creation of smart cities with linked networks of everything from traffic signals to driverless cars. Earlier this month, in a rare public appearance, the head of MI6 said Britain will have to decide how comfortable it would be with the Chinese owning its future 5G infrastructure. Alex Younger said: Weve got some decisions to take. This is about how 5G will, by and large, be based on Chinese technology. We need to decide the extent to which we are going to be comfortable with Chinese ownership of these technologies and these platforms in an environment where some of our allies have taken quite a definite position. Supporters say not only could 5G transform consumer connectivity with download speeds up to 100 times faster than today, it could be worth 200billion to the UK economy over the next decade. Huawei chairman Liang Hua said this week the company would continue to push on with 5G development despite more bans against the company. He said: In the face of a crisis of confidence from the West, we must do our own work well, and continue to build Huaweis competitiveness in the field of 5G. The Government has talked up the so-called 'diamond era' in relations between Britain and China in recent years. Huawei is one of a handful of firms which has developed the next generation of super fast mobile internet known as 5G But the relationship has come under major strain in recent months as the UK has blamed China for cyber hacking to steal commercial secrets in Britain. Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt blamed Beijing for the 'one of the most significant' cyber attacks ever made against the UK and its allies. The 'sustained' campaign has tried to steal secrets from global companies based in Europe, Asia and the United States. British spies have assessed 'with the highest level of probability' that China is to blame for the hacking of corporate giants - warning the attempts to breach security are 'almost certainly' continuing. Mr Hunt demanded the Chinese offensive action 'stop', warning they breach international agreements made at the G20. A group called APT10 that is linked to the China's Ministry of State Security is responsible for the attacks, Mr Hunt said. Advertisement President Trump and Melania made their second unannounced visit to US troops abroad around 8pm ET as they visited troops on the German base of Ramstein. The First Couple were on their way back from meeting troops in Iraq when Air Force One stopped to refuel and meet service members carrying MAGA hats who had waited up until around 4am local time. Trump and Melania landed safely back in the US in the early hours of Thursday morning as they waved to the crowds following their visit. Upon his return, the President tweeted: 'Just returned from visiting our troops in Iraq and Germany. One thing is certain, we have incredible people representing our Country - people that know how to win!' It came hours after President Trump's first visit to a war zone with his three-hour trip to the Al Asad airbase, west of Baghdad. The president delivered a speech to the rank and file, took selfies with the troops and met with military leaders in Iraq. He did not meet with the country's prime minister but spoke to him over the phone. Back home: Donald Trump and his first lady Melania arrived back to the White House early Thursday morning after visits to Iraq and Germany to visit U.S. forces Marine One has landed: Melania Trump wore sunglasses as she arrived with her husband on the South Lawn of the White House The President was pictured waving to the crowd at the airbase as he got off Air Force One and into his private helicopter Touch down: The Trumps walk off Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland after their plane landed from Germany On the way home: The Trumps left Air Force One hand in hand after their trip to see the troops, which began late on Christmas evening President Trump and Melania made their second unannounced visit to US troops abroad around 8pm ET as they visited troops on the German base of Ramstein. The Trumps received a warm welcome at the German airbase The First Couple were on their way back from meeting troops in Iraq when they stopped to refuel and meet service members carrying MAGA hats and had their phones prepped for selfies. They had waited up until around 4am local time Trump and Melania held hands as they walked across the South Lawn of the White House after the surprise visit earlier in the day Trump took to Twitter after returning to the White House calling the troops he met on his surprise visit 'incredible people' Abdul-Mahdi's office said in a statement that 'differences in points of view over the arrangements' prevented the two from meeting face-to-face, but they discussed security issues and Trump's order to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. The White House said security concerns and the short notice of the trip prevented them from meeting. Iraqi lawmakers told Reuters that the pair had disagreed over where their planned meeting should take place: Trump had asked to meet at the Ain al-Asad military base, an offer which Abdul-Mahdi declined. The President offered the Iraqi leader to meet in D.C. at a later date. 'I want to come and pay my respects most importantly to the great soldiers,' Trump said on the visit. 'Great troopers we have here.' Trump announced last week that he's pulling American troops out of neighboring Syria, because the U.S. had 'defeated ISIS' in the nation that's also mired in a civil war. 'We've knocked them out. Weve knocked them silly,' he said of the U.S. assault on ISIS in Syria on Wednesday. He claimed that in Iraq that the terror group had been 'very nearly defeated' altogether and Turkey and other regional powers will finish the job. 'We're no longer the suckers, folks,' the president said of the decision to start packing up. 'We're respected again as a nation.' Trump's Press Secretary, Sarah Sanders, tweeted a photo of the President meeting with senior military brass aboard Air Force One on Wednesday President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump made a surprise visit to Iraq on Wednesday their first visit to a war zone U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greet military personnel at the dining facility during an unannounced visit to Al Asad Air Base The secret trip came amid speculation that President Trump was not at the White House He had not tweeted for hours and the marine that stands guard when he's in the Oval Office was not outside the West Wing President Trump had said he would visit Afghanistan soon but visited Iraq over the Christmas holiday, instead, several days after announcing that he will be pulling U.S. troops out of Syria U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greet military personnel at the dining facility during an unannounced visit to Al Asad Air Base President Trump said he does not plan to withdraw troops from Iraq, however, and could use the site as the home base for future operations in the region, according to Bloomberg News. 'If we see something happening with ISIS that we dont like, we can hit them so fast and so hard they really wont know what the hell happened,' he proclaimed. Al Asad is roughly 185 kilometers outside of Syria, where the president last week initiated a withdrawal of 2,000 U.S. troops. It is west of Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, which is approximately 220 kilometers to the base's east. Trump never served in the military, having received a medical diagnosis that he had bone spurs. It helped him receive an exemption from mandatory service during the Vietnam War. The daughters of the doctor who provided the medical excuse came forward before the president was known to be in Iraq on Wednesday to claim that their father offered the diagnosis as a favor to the Trumps. Never before had President Trump been to a war zone before his secret trip at Christmas that followed announcements that his secretary of defense and ISIS point man were leaving the administration. Both General James Mattis and Brett McGurk tendered their resignations after Trump's realignment of the United States' military posture in the country that's closely aligned with Iran and Russia. Trump said Wednesday that his 'generals' had received multiple six-month 'extensions' to get out of Syria. 'They said again, recently, can we have more time? I said, "Nope. You cant have any more time. Youve had enough time. Weve knocked them out. Weve knocked them silly," ' he said of ISIS' operations in Syria. 'I will tell you that Ive had some very good talks with President Erdogan who wants to knock them out also and hell do it. And others will do it to. Because we are in their region. They should be sharing the burden of costs and theyre not.' The president had spoken to Turkey's Recep Erdogan prior to his Iraq trip and was invited on the call to visit Ankara. He did not appear to have taken the leader who has begun amassing tanks on his border with Syria up on the offer before leaving the Middle East for a second undisclosed destination. President Trump was several hours outside of Syria and Baghdad during his trip to Iraq on Wednesday President Donald Trump holds a red hat and pen to sign it with on Tuesday at a U.S. base in Iraq The Trumps took photos with U.S. forces before the president delivered a speech to troops stationed at the base in Iraq President Donald Trump waves as he leaves a dining hall after visiting members of the military at Al Asad Air Base President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet members of the military as they arrive for a hanger rally In Iraq, the president described an odd-couple coalition of Turkey and Saudi Arabia that he says will finish ISIS off and rebuild Syria. 'The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world,' he said. 'Its not fair when the burden is all on us, the United States.' Trump said he didn't want the U.S. to be 'taken advantage of any more by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them' as he complained that 'they dont pay for it, and theyre going to have to.' 'In Syria, Erdogan said he wants to knock out ISIS, whatevers left, the remnants of ISIS. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they are going to pay for some economic development. Which is great, that means we dont have to pay,' he rejoiced. 'We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people havent even heard about. Frankly, its ridiculous.' Lawmakers on Capitol Hill had been highly critical of Trump's sudden withdrawal from Syria and have promised vigorous oversight of the policy he elected to share with the world before alerting them. They worry that he's making a mistake yanking U.S. forces at a time that generals like Mattis and people close to the situation like McGurk say is too early. Still, Trump confidently told reporters Wednesday, 'Its time for us to start using our head. We dont want to be taken advantage of anymore.' Legislators wouldn't have been alerted that Trump was traveling to Iraq this week, either, as the trip demands absolute secrecy to keep the president and his entourage safe. The president told reporters that he had actually planned previous trips to the region that had to be canceled 'because people were finding out' and it created a dangerous situation for the instiution. 'Pretty sad when you spend 7 trillion dollars in the Middle East and going in has to be under this massive cover with planes all over and all of the greatest equipment in the world and you do everything to get in safely. Pretty sad when you spend 7 trillion dollars and you have to come in through military escorts and all of the other incredible things that they did,' he griped. US President Donald Trump kisses First Lady Melania Trump as he speaks to members of the US military during an unannounced trip to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq Trump had reportedly avoided a trip to the region out of fear that he could be killed, but he said Wednesday that he was afraid for his wife and not himself Members of the military wait outside facilities where President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited Al Asad Trump had reportedly avoided a trip to the region out of fear that he could be killed, but he said Wednesday that he was afraid for his wife and not himself. 'I had concerns about the institution of the presidency. Not for myself personally. I had concerns for the first lady, I will tell you,' he said. 'But if you would have seen what we had to go through in the darkened plane with all window closed with no light anywhere. Pitch black. Ive been on many airplanes. All types and shapes and sizes.' The president and first lady posed for selfies with the troops before President Trump delivered a speech to U.S. forces stationed there. President Trump said one of the young men told him in the dining hall that he'd left the military and reenlisted because of the current commander in chief. 'He came back into the military because of me,' Trump repeated. The president turned back to the soldier to tell him, 'And I am here because of you.' Before the president addressed the troops in a hangar rally, the first lady greeted soldiers, telling them, 'I am proud of you.' Her husband told the United States will defeat the terrorists. 'If anything should happen at all, nobody will ever have suffered the consequences they had suffered,' he asserted. U.S. President Donald Trump, flanked by National Security Adviser John Bolton, meets political and military leaders Trump did no military service and claims to have opposed the original war in Iraq The president was in Washington, D.C. this week, because of a government shutdown He made surprise visit to a U.S. Air Base admit the shutdown that was expected to last until the New Year First lady Melania had been in Florida but returned to Washington to be with her husband on Christmas President Trump had said a month ago that he would visit Afghanistan at some point but visited Iraq first. 'Its a place I have been talking about for many years, many many years,' he told journalists on Wednesday in a reference to his past claims that the U.S. shouldn't have waged war in Iraq after 9/11 and that it should have taken the oil as restitution. 'I was talking about it as a civilian,' he reminded. The secret trip came amid speculation that President Trump was not at the White House, because he had not tweeted for more than 12 hours and the marine that stands guard when he's in the Oval Office was not outside the West Wing. In a statement posted on Twitter, Sanders confirmed the visit in a tweet shortly after the wire service Reuters published photos of the president. 'President Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit with our troops and Senior Military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas,' she said. President Trump suggested last month that he could visit a 'war zone' soon after a report claimed that he was avoiding Afghanistan out concern for his personal safety. 'No, I'm going to a war zone,' the president told reporters as he left the White House over his Thanksgiving break. He didn't say whether he intended to visit troops in Iraq or Afghanistan, or when he might do so. He said in an interview that he hadn't taken the trip yet because he'd been so busy his first 22 months in office. 'Ive been very busy with everything thats taking place here,' he explained. Previous presidents have scheduled closely-held surprise trips to war zones to visit with U.S. troops stationed overseas, sometimes timed to the holidays, including George W. Bush. The former Republican president made history when he visited the country in 2003 at Thanksgiving. Former President Barack Obama made his first and only trip to Iraq three months after taking office in 2009. He made also surprise visits to Afghanistan in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Obama's first Afghanistan visit came over Memorial Day weekend under the cover of darkness roughly 15 months into office. His White House claimed that he was spending the holiday at Camp David, only to gather reporters in secret at Andrews Air Force Base for the covert trip. President Trump also left overnight from Andrews under a cloud of secrecy. Reporters traveling with him were barred from sharing their whereabouts until he had left the conflict zone. Credible reports on social media that Air Force One had been spotted in foreign air space, though, tipped off some that a secret trip was afoot. The president's national security adviser, John Bolton, and Sanders were traveling with President Trump. Senior White House policy adviser Stephen Miller, social media director Dan Scavino, spokeswoman Lindsay Walters and Melania Trump's chief of staff Lindsay Reynolds and spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham were also aboard Air Force One. Outgoing White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, a retired marine general whose final day working for Trump is next week, did not join his boss on the unannounced trip abroad. Incoming chief Mick Mulvaney, who wears two hats now as Office of Management and Budget head and head of the West Wing, did not make the trip, either. Mulvaey's office oversees the shutdown that affects a quarter of the federal government. SWIFT EXIT: Trump announced this past week that he was pulling troops out of neighboring Syria immediately Trump is seen right signing a red 'Make America Great Again' hat brought to him by a soldier at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany The President and First Lady take a selfie with troops stationed at the Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany on Wednesday Soldiers lined up to greet the Commander in Chief at Ramstein Air Force base in Germany on Wednesday Meanwhile some of Iraqi political and militia leaders condemned Trumps surprise visit as a violation of Iraqs sovereignty. Sabah al Saadi, the leader of the Islah parliamentary bloc, called for an emergency session of parliament 'to discuss this blatant violation of Iraqs sovereignty and to stop these aggressive actions by Trump who should know his limits: The U.S. occupation of Iraq is over.' The Bina bloc, Islahs rival in parliament and led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, also objected to Trumps trip to Iraq. 'Trumps visit is a flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government,' said a statement from Bina. The head of a powerful Iraqi militia that enjoys backing from Iran is threatening to expel U.S. forces from Iraq after Trump's unannounced visit. The troops seemed excited to hear the President speak at the hangar at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq on Wednesday The First Lady took a seat and looked attentive as her husband spoke to the troops on Wednesday Melania Trump also addressed the troops in Iraq on Wednesday, thanking them for their service Mrs. Trump appeared dressed for the occasion, wearing military-colored light brown top and dark green pants The President and First Lady depart the stage after delivering remarks at the hangar rally during their unannounced visit to the Al Asad Air Base on Wednesday The President greeted the soldiers at the Al Asad Air Base in Iraq on Wednesday An Army enlistee poses with the President for a selfie at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq on Wednesday First Lady Melania Trump shakes hands with soldiers while President Trump acknowledges them as they arrive at the hangar National Security Adviser John Bolton (center) listens as President Trump speaks at the hangar rally on Wednesday Qais Khazali, the head of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, promised on Twitter that Iraqs parliament would vote to expel U.S. forces from Iraq, or the militia and others would force them out by 'other means.' Khazali is an avowed opponent of the U.S. who rose to prominence as a leader in the Shiite insurgency against the U.S. occupation. He was detained by British and U.S. forces in Iraq from 2007 to 2010. A woman has suffered serious injuries after she was mowed down by an out-of-control sedan. The 35-year-old had just dropped off her own car at a dealership in Tuggerah, on the New South Wales central coast, when she was struck about 8.40am on Thursday. She was left with serious head and internal injuries as well as fractures to her arms and legs, police said. The vehicle also slammed into parked cars, with one vehicle flipping onto its back. A woman suffered serious injuries after a sedan rammed into her and several parked cars at a dealership on the New South Wales central coast One car was hit with such impact that it flipped onto its back The woman was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition, police said in a statement. The male driver and his female passenger were both taken to Gosford Hospital for treatment to minor injuries. The 35-year-old woman was rushed to hospital in a serious condition, New South Wales police said in a statement, having suffered head and internal injuries The woman was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. Careflight helicopter on right The driver will also undergo mandatory blood and urine tests. An investigation is underway. Swimmers have been warned to not swim at 12 beaches due to human and animal faeces contamination. A high public risk alert has been issued by Auckland Council's water quality monitoring system for eight beaches in West Auckland, two in central Auckland, a beach on the North Shore, and one on Waiheke Island, Stuff.co.nz reported. Contamination on the beaches includes human and animal faeces from properties that have no or illegal connected wastewater drains and leaking septic tanks. Swimmers have been warned to not swim at 12 beaches due to human and animal faeces contamination (pictured Te Henga) A high public risk alert has been issued by Auckland Council's water quality monitoring system The Safeswim program manager Nick Vigar has asked beachgoers not to swim at any of the listed locations. 'There are Safeswim long-term water quality warnings in place, and a high risk of illness if you swim at any of these 12 sites,' he said. Contaminated beaches Wood Bay Laingholm Beach Fosters Bay Titirangi Beach Green Bay Piha Lagoon South Piha Lagoon North Te Henga (Bethells) Lagoon Cox's Bay Little Oneroa Lagoon Meola Reef Wairau Outlet Advertisement Other contaminated materials which have made their way into the water may be from metals and chemicals that made their way through the stormwater drain when it rained. Three of the listed beaches were named as having high contamination levels. The Safeswim website contains advice on beach conditions that helps Auckland beach users to make informed decisions about when and where to swim before heading to the beach, their website reads. 'It provides real-time data on the performance of the wastewater and stormwater networks, forecasts of water quality, and up-to-the-minute advice on swimming conditions at nearly 100 sites around the Auckland region.' The Safeswim program manager Nick Vigar has asked beachgoers not to swim at any of the listed locations (pictured Cox's beach) Mr Vigar told the publication data collection has improved in the last couple of months which has allowed them to inform swimmers of where they should or shouldn't swim. He also said the website updates based on swimming locations which are also affected by the weather. There are still 86 beaches and swimming outlets where people can attend to and enjoy a swim. Safeswim lists most of the clean beaches on the North Shore and south Auckland. Mr Vigar advises that all swimmers check the Safeswim website before hitting the water. A teenager has been hit in the face with the butt of a rifle after she refused to hand over her car keys to a would-be carjacker. The 19-year-old had stopped her car outside a home in Goskar Avenue in Alderley, Brisbane's north, on Monday night when the vicious assault unfolded. The teenage girl, identified by Nine News as Jess Mackie, was approached by a man about 6.15pm after he jumped out of a black Mazda CX5. Scroll down for video A 19-year-old woman, identified by Nine News as Jess Mackie (pictured), was assaulted in Brisbane's north on Monday night Ms Mackie (pictured) was approached by an unknown man after parking outside a home in Alderley The vehicle had stopped near her car, before the man got out of a passenger door. He demanded Ms Mackie hand over her car keys and when she refused, she was attacked with the butt of the gun. Ms Mackie's father ran out of the house and told the man, who is not known to her, to leave. But the man threatened her father with the rifle, before the driver of the Mazda reversed into him. Ms Mackie was rushed to Wesley Hospital with eye and face injuries but she has since been released. Her father suffered minor injuries to his legs. Police said the Mazda had been stolen hours before the assault. Queensland Police have released CCTV footage of man detectives believe could assist with their inquiries 'The CX5 was stolen from a Fitzgibbon residence at 11.15am on Monday and at 12.45pm the same vehicle left a service station on Great Barrier Road at Brisbane Airport without paying for fuel,' Queensland Police said in a statement. Police have now released CCTV footage of a man who could assist detectives with their inquires. The man was captured on camera at the Great Barrier Road service station. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A terrified Opal Tower resident says she is hundreds of dollars out of pocket and terrified to return home to the Sydney apartment block that was evacuated on Christmas Eve. Four days after she was evacuated, Delsa Daryaei told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday that despite her constant attempts, she had been given no information as to what exactly was wrong with the building or when she could go home. She said she had been living in a hotel at her own expense, with vague promises of remuneration, and had only just convinced the builder, Icon Construction, to book and pay for her hotel room directly. But Ms Daryaei, a building designer herself, said even with her room paid for, there were exorbitant extra costs she and the other residents would have to cover, and she simply couldn't afford it. Ms Daryaei (pictured with her mother Mojgan) said she had been living in a hotel at her own expense, with vague promises of remuneration, and had only just convinced the builder, Icon Construction, to book and pay for her hotel room directly Delsa Daryaei said despite her constant attempts, she had been given no information as to what exactly was wrong with Opal Tower or when she could go home The building, which has sold 151 of its 392 apartments and contains a childcare centre, reportedly suffered a crack to a pre-cast panel, which left some units at 'high risk', though the builders maintain the tower is safe to inhabit 'If the situation continues for a month, what will happen to us,' she said. 'Yeah they're paying for a hotel, but what about the food? There are no cooking facilities at the hotel. 'I've run out of money.' Ms Daryaei says she also has to pay for parking at the hotel, and has been told she will need to pay rent on her unlivable apartment as well. 'We rent the house, and the real estate agent called me today, telling me he "just saw the news" and asked if there was anything he could help me with,' she said. 'I said "can you help me move out", but he said I have to call fair trading to break the lease. 'I said I couldn't pay the rent until they can clarify what would happen, because we are paying for hotels, and he said "no, you have to pay rent".' Residents from 51 units in a brand new sky-rise apartment block have been left displaced after a panel on the building cracked on Christmas Eve (pictured: An apartment on level 10 of the building, where plaster has cracked off the wall and a notice of evacuation has been placed on the door) Another shot of a collapsed panel on the outside of the tower - one of 16 affected One of the units marked as off limits with police tape in the hall and a notice on the door When she was evacuated, Ms Daryaei says she was directed from her 32nd floor apartment to the fire stairs, which were 'full of crying residents'. 'It was packed with people, and everyone was crying,' she said. 'Some people had to leave pets inside.' Even if Ms Daryaei was to return home, she says she would not be comfortable. The Sydney woman says when she returned to her apartment to collect some belongings, a fireman had to exert extreme force to open her front door. 'Once we got inside the building, we couldn't open the front door. The fireman who escorted us had to push the door so hard,' she said. Ms Daryaei says she also has to pay for parking at the hotel, and has been told she will need to pay rent on her unlivable apartment as well Ms Daryaei was only of dozens of angry residents who crashed a press conference or vented their issues as Icon's NSW Director Julian Doyle (right) addressed the media 'When I tried to come out, I couldn't open the door to get out. Now I wonder, if anything else happened to the building, how would we get out?' Ms Daryaei lives with her mother Mojgan, and says the woman is so overwhelmed by the situation she is in tears and refuses to talk about it. Only 51 of the tower's 392 units were evacuated, meaning many residents have still been living inside the building, as their apartments are not considered 'high risk'. Opal Tower is only months old The 117m Opal tower has 392 apartments over 38 storeys along with a childcare centre and other businesses and amenities. Brand new high rise was built alongside numerous other similar blocks in Olympic Park as it transforms into a major population centre. The building was only completed in March and opened in August, and cost $165 million to build by developer Ecove, which built many of the others nearby. Two-bedroom apartments are on sale for $934,000 and one bedrooms for $620,000. Advertisement 'People inside the building are really really scared. I'm really worried for them. If there's a risk, surely it is for everyone,' Ms Daryaei said. 'If it's cracked, it won't just collapse on one side, the whole thing will collapse. How can you risk people's lives?' On Thursday, Icon Construction announced all residents would be 'relocated' from the building 'to enable comprehensive investigations to continue into the cracking of a pre-cast panel that occurred on Christmas Eve'. The company assured residents the building, which cost $165million to build, was safe, but moving everyone out would allow engineers to repair any issues in 'the quickest time possible'. Ms Daryaei was only of dozens of angry residents who crashed a press conference or vented their issues as Icon's NSW Director Julian Doyle addressed the media. 'No, I can't guarantee the residents will be back in 10 days,' he admitted. Mr Doyle insisted the tower's construction was not rushed and kicking residents out was simply to 'expedite' investigations and repairs. 'If we leave the residents in place then we'll be still trying to get access to various areas of the building for the next three months,' he said. On Christmas Eve, as many as 3,000 people were evacuated from the building and its surrounds, and many are still without a home 'We're spending a lot of time and energy with a team of the country's best engineers to try and understand why this actually took place 18 months after it was installed. 'Getting it right is most important and looking after the residents is most important.' Mr Doyle said the same panels were in use in 16 other areas where the crack was running through the wall. But Ms Daryaei was not impressed by Icon's promises and was fearful that the building was still not safe. 'Of course I'm scared, everyone is scared,' she said. 'They forced the people on the first night to move in and today they said 'no, everyone has to move out'. You cannot be calm. It's not normal.' Ms Daryaei said although the building company was doing its best to keep residents calm, 'people are angry here'. It's unknown when the residents from the 51 units deemed unsafe will be allowed to return after they were escorted to their homes early on Christmas Day to collect their belongings One woman who has remained inside Opal Tower is reportedly unable to sleep, and her husband was forced to wait 25 minutes one morning for a lift to come to his floor, as only two are currently in operation. Top architects are 'bewildered' as to how cracks formed in the wall of the brand new tower block on Monday. Residents said they heard loud cracks coming from the 10th floor through the morning and raised the alarm about 2.45pm. Firefighters and public works engineers found a large crack along an internal support wall after the building moved one to two millimetres. A shocking photo from inside the building showed a plaster wall collapsed in a heap and a crack down the length of the wall. Yellow tape was on the door handle. On Thursday, waterproofing consultant Ross Taylor wrote in an opinion piece for the Sydney Morning Herald that the Opal Tower disaster was reflective of issues that had plagued other new high-rise buildings. He said other structures had experienced similar issues, though because they had been more gradual, they had not made headlines in the same way. In some buildings, Mr Taylor claims buildings have sagged nearly two centimetres, causing cracks and water pooling. On Thursday, Icon Construction told residents everyone would be evacuated from the building for up to 10 days 'Such stories are being lived throughout our apartment boom-burdened major cities by owners who suspected nothing when they bought,' he wrote. 'Culprits and scapegoats for these and other defects are sometimes found but root causes are rarely identified.' Opal Tower is one of several new apartment towers in Olympic Park and cost $165 million to build. It was developed by Ecove, which also built many other new towers in the suburb along with One30 Hyde Park tower in the Sydney CBD. Two-bedroom apartments are on sale for $934,000 and one bedrooms for $620,000. 'We are deeply sympathetic for the concern and anxiety of residents and owners and are actively following up the builder and the builder's engineers to hopefully provide residents and owners with further information,' Ecove said. The tower was designed by architecture firm Bates Smart and built by Icon Construction. A man allegedly told police he had been dealing drugs for a number of years after they pulled over the car he was a passenger in. Police said they stopped a driver on the Gold Coast in relation to other matters when the passenger in the car allegedly admitted to his illegal activity without any prompting. The Southport Magistrates Court was told that he had allegedly said he'd been selling cocaine and ecstasy for two years, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. It was also alleged that he would use encryption messaging service Wickr to conduct his illegal business. Police allege they pulled over a man on the Gold Coast in relation to other matters when the and passenger in the car admitted to his illegal activity without any prompting (file photo) Police told the court they searched the man's phone and allegedly found messages about drug deals he hadn't deleted. Wickr is an application which allows users to send encrypted messages which once deleted are irretrievable. After his appearance in the Southport Magistrates Court he was granted bail with strict conditions by Magistrate Gary Finger. The strict bail conditions included ceasing all activity on Wickr, to make no contact with the friend he was with at the time of his arrest and to report regularly to Robina police. His lawyer also argued that his client did not live exclusively off the proceeds of his alleged illegal drug dealing. Instead the lawyer claimed his client lived off of his Newstart allowance from Centrelink. After being granted bail the matter was adjourned and will continue on January 22, 2019. Under the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 the maximum penalty for trafficking drugs is 25 years imprisonment. While receiving or possessing a trafficked substance carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment. Bill Gates and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg are competing to build the most lavish horse farms for their showjumping star daughters - and North Salem, in Westchester County, New York, has become their battleground. But the cost of keeping up with the Joneses - or in this case the Bloombergs - is a heavy one. Not only have both billionaires, who rank in the Forbes top 11 richest people in the world list, each shelled out multiple millions on their daughters' horse farms, but locals complain that their small town has seen so much construction and heavy trucks that 'it looks like they are building another World Trade Center,' according to Richard Johnson of the New York Post. Both Georgina Bloomberg and Jennifer Gates are keen horse riders and compete in the expensive, exclusive and hyper-competitive world of equestrian sport. Bill Gates (pictured with his daughter Jennifer in June) and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg are competing to build the most lavish horse farms for their showjumping star daughters Both billionaires, who rank in the Forbes top 11 richest people in the world list, each shelled out multiple millions on their daughters' horse farms (pictured is Michael Bloomberg with daughter Georgina) So when Georgina, 36, moved to the town in 2012, her father, the former Mayor of New York City, spared no expense in building her a first-class equestrian facility. Michael, 76, paid $4.55 million for a 33-acre farm adjacent to 20 acres he already owned for the facility. Then in spring 2018, Jennifer decided she wanted to move to the same town and so tech giant Bill, and wife Melinda, shelled out $15.8 million for a 124-acre farm as a graduation gift after she finished her studies at Stanford. The Gates' farm is still under construction but it looks set to be even more impressive than Bloombergs' with barns, paddocks and dorms for stable hands. But the cost of keeping up with the Joneses - or in this case the Bloombergs - is a heavy one. Both billionaires have shelled out multiple millions on their daughters' horse farms. Pictured is a property on the Gates farm in North Salem In spring 2018, Jennifer decided she wanted to move to the same town and so tech giant Bill, and wife Melinda, shelled out $15.8 million for a 124-acre farm as a graduation gift after she finished her studies at Stanford The Gates' farm is still under construction but it looks set to be even more impressive than Bloombergs' with barns, paddocks and dorms for stable hands One of Jennifer's multiple horses is stabled at the horse farm in North Salem in New York The land also boasts an impressive property at its center for the 22-year-old Michael, 76, paid $4.55 million for a 33-acre farm adjacent to 20 acres he already owned for the facility (pictured) Meanwhile, Georgina reportedly shares her horse farm with at least six horses and many other animals including rescue dogs, a got and two mules. The professional equestrian also has a three-year-old son named Jasper with Argentine horseman Ramiro Quintana and is dating hunting enthusiast Carlos Arruza Jr. The media and tech heiress has been showjumping for more than a decade, while Jennifer is relatively new to the sport. Speaking to Glamour magazine in 2013, Bloomberg said: 'After graduation it would have been easy for me to get a typical boring desk job or work with my dad. 'But I would've hated it. Like any career, riding's about taking risks, hard work, and sacrifice, and with show jumping, you take risks - I've fallen and fractured my spine twice - it develops character.' In April this year, Jennifer, 22, who bears a striking resemblance to her mother Melinda Gates, competed against Georgina, and a number of other heiresses, as a nationally ranked professional show-jumper at the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour stop in Miami Beach. Jennifer Gates, left and Georgina Bloomberg, right, are both keen equestrians Media and tech heiress Georgina has been showjumping for more than a decade, while Jennifer is relatively new to the sport 'There are heavy trucks going in and out all day,' one local told Page Six. She finished 46th in one of the competition phases, while Georgina was ranked 21st. Jennifer Gates began riding at the age of six. In 2016, her Microsoft founder dad bought an entire street for $35million in Florida's equestrian capital of Wellington, where the family had moved in 2013 to help Jennifer pursue her show-jumping dreams. However, even with her parents' generosity towards her passion, the Gates are not in danger of violating their pledge to donate almost all their fortune to charity. In 2010, Bill and Melinda started the Giving Pledge, which is a commitment by wealthy individuals and families to give away more than half of their fortune to charitable causes. Jennifer, who is ranked 19th in show jumping by The United States Equestrian Federation, has competed all over the world in equestrian sports. She is dating Nayel Nassar, a native of Egypt who was raised in Kuwait, and is also a well-known show-jumper. During the elite, show jumping events, they mingle with the offspring of other fabulously rich or famous parents, such as Eve Jobs, daughter to late Apple founder Steve, and and Destry Allyn Spring, daughter to Hollywood supremo Steven. MISS GATES AND A VERY EXPENSIVE ANSWER TO DAD'S PLEDGE Bill Gates famously declared that he would not leave his billions to his children after they died, so they could achieve something for themselves. Delivering a TED talk he said: 'We want to strike a balance so they have the freedom to do anything but not sort of a lot of money showered on them so that they can go out and do nothing'. He added that Jennifer and siblings Phoebe and Rory 'won't have anything like' a billion dollars spent on each of them. However, Jennifer's choice of horse-riding as her 'anything' does require a certain amount of investment from her parents - including horses worth in excess of $100,000 each, pricey riding gear and extensive travel. He has also rented properties to enable her dream, and in 2012 the total bill stood at more than $1million for just that year. Advertisement According to experts, the exclusivity of the event and the fact that it is far removed from any of their father's pursuits means that horse-riding is the perfect escape for the young women. Olivia Mellan, a psychologist who focuses on the super-rich, told the New York Times last year: 'Kids of famous parents who develop a passion for riding can build self-esteem and pride in their own autonomous accomplishment in a domain separate from their parents fame. 'Girls especially benefit from this opportunity to shine'. Susan B. Schoellkopf, a horse trainer, noted that the cultured crowd in which they move also mean the women's fathers won't be gawked at should they choose to watch their offspring from the sidelines. However - it has also been pointed out that the rarefied atmosphere can mean that the heiresses end up even further removed from real life. A former rider who moved in the same circles as Gates, Jobs and Springsteen told Forbes: 'Its a crazy group of people... its well off people who grow up together. Its a very unrealistic view of the world. Iraqi political and militia leaders condemned President Donald Trumps surprise visit to U.S. troops in Iraq on Wednesday as a violation of Iraqs sovereignty, and lawmakers said a meeting between Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was canceled due to a disagreement over venue. Sabah al Saadi, the leader of the Islah parliamentary bloc, called for an emergency session of parliament 'to discuss this blatant violation of Iraqs sovereignty and to stop these aggressive actions by Trump who should know his limits: The U.S. occupation of Iraq is over.' The Bina bloc, Islahs rival in parliament and led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, also objected to Trumps trip to Iraq. 'Trumps visit is a flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government,' said a statement from Bina. Iraqi political and militia leaders condemned President Donald Trumps surprise visit to U.S. troops in Iraq on Wednesday as a violation of Iraqs sovereignty. The President is seen giving a speech to troops at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq on Wednesday Abdul Mahdis office said in a statement that U.S. authorities had informed Iraqs leadership of the presidents visit ahead of time. The statement said the Iraqi prime minister and U.S. president talked by telephone due to a 'disagreement over how to conduct the meeting.' Iraqi lawmakers told Reuters that the pair had disagreed over where their planned meeting should take place: Trump had asked to meet at the Al Asad military base, an offer which Abdul Mahdi declined. Trumps visit comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, as Washington seeks to counter Irans sway in the Middle East. The formation of Iraqs government has stalled as well amid intensifying discord between the Islah and Bina blocs. Falih Khazali, a former militia leader turned politician allied with Bina, accused the United States of wanting to increase its presence in Iraq. 'The American leadership was defeated in Iraq and wants to return again under any pretext, and this is what we will never allow,' he said. Bina said Trumps visit 'places many question marks on the nature of the U.S. military presence and its real objectives, and what these objectives could pose to the security of Iraq.' While there has been no full-scale violence in Iraq since Islamic State suffered a series of defeats last year, some 5,200 U.S. troops train and advise Iraqi forces still waging a campaign against the militant group. Islah is headed by populist Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. Lawmakers said a meeting between Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi (center) was canceled due to a disagreement over venue Sadr has long opposed the U.S. presence in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. He led two uprisings against U.S. forces in Iraq and is one of the few Shiite leaders to also distance himself from Iran. Iraqs Shiite militias, also known as the PMF, many of which are supported by Iran, oppose the presence of U.S. troops in the region. The PMF was made formally part of the security forces this year after helping the military defeat Islamic State in Iraq in 2017. Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the powerful Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia said on Twitter, 'Iraqis will respond with a parliamentary decision to oust your (U.S.) military forces. And if they do not leave, we have the experience and the ability to remove them by other means that your forces are familiar with.' Some Iraqis, however, were less concerned with the U.S. presidents visit. 'We wont get anything from America,' said Baghdad resident Mohammad Abdullah. 'Theyve been in Iraq 16 years, and they havent given anything to the country except destruction and devastation.' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released 522 migrants in New Mexico and Texas on Wednesday evening - bringing the total number of asylum seekers dropped off by the agency this week to more than 1,000. ICE dropped off 186 people on Christmas Day and 400 in the two days preceding the holiday, according to CBS News. The migrants were dropped off at locations in El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. El Paso straddles the U.S.-Mexico border, while Las Cruces is just 45 miles north of El Paso. Earlier this week, ICE, without warning, dropped off the migrants at a Greyhound bus station in El Paso, Texas - leaving them with no food, money, or shelter. But on Wednesday local charitable groups were more prepared to absorb the released migrants and immediately take them off the streets for placement into temporary shelters, Ruben Garcia told the El Paso Times. Augusto Mendoza from Guatemala and his one-and-a-half-year-old son Dillon make their way to the Greyhound bus station in downtown El Paso on Wednesday El Paso resident Mario Rodriguez (center) assists a Guatemalan father and son who couldn't find the Greyhound bus station in downtown El Paso on Wednesday El Paso resident Michael Patino (right) escorts Ramon Poppcus and his 15 year-old son, Henri Giovanni, both from Guatemala, to an art gallery he opened to aid migrants over the Christmas holidays in El Paso on Wednesday Marijke van Roojen, a volunteer who came from Wisconsin, says farewell to Central American asylum seekers she escorted to the Greyhound bus station after they spent a night in a local shelter in El Paso on Wednesday The migrants were dropped off at locations in El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. El Paso straddles the U.S.-Mexico border, while Las Cruces is just 45 miles north of El Paso Garcia is the head of Annunciation House, an El Paso-based shelter for migrants that coordinates with local authorities. Nonprofits say that the federal government has been releasing the migrants due to overcapacity at the detention facilities, some of whose conditions are quite harsh. "They're coming from immigration cells so they're coming hungry, they're coming thirsty, most haven't bathed in a long time,' Dylan Corbett, executive director of the Hope Border Institute, said. 'The situation is really difficult for them.' City officials in El Paso were left scrambling on Tuesday to provide a place to stay for the migrants, most of whom were planning to travel to another destination so they could stay with a sponsor while the government reviews requests for asylum. The chaos along the border has been exacerbated by the news of the deaths of two migrant children - the latest of which happened on Tuesday. U.S. Customs and Border Protection ordered medical checks on every child in its custody after an 8-year-old boy from Guatemala died, marking the second death of an immigrant child in the agency's care this month. Earlier on Tuesday, Jakelin Caal, a 7-year-old girl from Guatemala who died after she and her father were arrested after crossing the border, was laid to rest in her native village of San Antonio Secortez. The deaths of young migrant children has sparked outrage over the administration's policies toward asylum seekers. Migrants are seen above lining up for food after they were dropped off in El Paso on Tuesday Migrant children are seen above reaching out for candies from a volunteer while waiting for transportation to emergency shelters on Tuesday Central American migrants, who were dropped off at a bus station by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), wait to board a bus to take them to emergency shelters in El Paso, Texas, on Christmas Day, Tuesday The released migrants, mostly from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, were found by asylum officers to have a credible fear of persecution if they were to be repatriated. So they have been permitted to stay in the U.S. while pursuing the uphill legal battle of obtaining asylum. ICE usually has coordinated with local groups, charities, and nonprofits to arrange the orderly handover of migrants so that they could be housed in shelters. But the agency gave no explanation as to why it dumped scores of migrants on the streets of El Paso earlier this week without any food or shelter in 40-degree weather. Generous Good Samaritans have stepped up and provided food to the migrants while local groups have arranged for temporarily shelter. Because of the government shut down, ICE would not comment. 'All of ICE's public affairs officers are out of the office for the duration of the government shutdown,' the agency said. 'We are unable to respond to media queries during this period because we are prohibited by law from working.' Customs and Border Protection said it would conduct medical check-ups on all migrant children in its custody after the death of two kids this month. Jakelin Caal, 7, is seen in a casket as friends and family attend her funeral in the Guatemalan village of San Antonio Secortez 'ICE gave us a heads up about an hour or two ago that we were going to get 200 folks Downtown,' Corbett told the El Paso Times. 'This group right now is about 100, so we don't know if we are going to get another 100 or if this is it for the day.' U.S. Rep.-elect Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, called the government's action 'unacceptable.' Jakelin is seen pictured above in this undated file photo taken before her death 'The federal government has an obligation to assist and not just leave people out in the cold, which is what they did yesterday and what they did the day before when they left people at and around the Greyhound bus station and that is what they did in October. That is unacceptable. Simply ridding itself of migrants is not a solution,' he told the Texas Tribune. Federal law enforcement officials said the reason they no longer create temporary housing was because 'it was too difficult,' Escobar said. 'If they are able to create tent cities to jail children, then they should absolutely be able to construct the same kind of facilities as they did in 2016 to assist the migrants,' Escobar said. 'The federal government needs to step up and dumping people out on the streets is not stepping up,' Escobar said. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials dropped off about 200 migrants Sunday at the Greyhound bus station at 200 W. San Antonio Ave. On Christmas Eve, small groups were left at the station throughout the day and night. More than 200 migrants were left at the bus station Monday. Migrants are seen above lining up for food as they wait for transportation to emergency shelters Some of the migrants described the difficulty of their journey from Central America, which included days of travel by foot with little to no food ICE dropped off the migrants without warning. In years past, it would coordinate with local officials so that shelter can be arranged Migrants are seen above receiving food from volunteers in El Paso on Tuesday 'Right now, we are trying to find them space for the night. 'A place where they can sleep, make phone calls to their contacts or relatives in other parts of the country. 'Most of these folks are on route to another part of the country. 'They are not staying here in El Paso. 'They want to go to their sponsor or family members in other parts of the country. 'They just need a place for the night.' The Hope Border Institute describes itself as an 'independent grassroots community organization' that advocates on behalf of migrants. Some of the asylum seekers described the difficult journey they made from their native countries. One woman, Juana Juan Diego, said she and her 1-year-old daughter, Dulce, traveled by foot for 20 days from Guatemala City. Most of the migrants will be in El Paso temporarily. They will eventually be housed with relatives while the government reviews their requests for asylum Migrants are seen above being transported by bus to emergency shelters in El Paso on Tuesday A migrant child holds his father's hand while they line up for food with other newly arrived Central Americans in El Paso on Tuesday Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic Congressman, asked the public to make a donation to help care for the arriving migrants Juan Diego said her daughter has been suffering from diarrhea and headaches after going days with little to no food. 'It has been very difficult,' she told the El Paso Times. She said she has come to America because of the lack of jobs in her country. She said her final destination is Tennessee, where she will stay with relatives while her asylum case is pending. Corbett said that the group of migrants has been checked and that no one is in need of immediate medical attention. Hours earlier, U.S. immigration authorities said an eight-year-old boy from Guatemala has died in government custody, the second immigrant child to die in detention this month. U.S. Customs and Border Protection say the boy died shortly after midnight Tuesday. A Guatemalan official says he was told by the father of an 8-year-old boy who died in U.S. custody that the two had been traveling from their home in the Central American country to Tennessee, and that his son had been in 'perfect health.' Oscar Padilla, the Guatemalan consul in Phoenix, also confirmed Tuesday that the boy's name was Felipe Gomez Alonzo. The consul says he interviewed the father, 47-year-old Agustin Gomez, by telephone. On Sunday, hundreds of migrants were dropped off at a Greyhound bus station A local man is seen above handing out hamburgers to Central American migrants outside the Greyhound station in El Paso on Sunday An additional 500 migrants are expected to be dropped off in El Paso in the coming days, according to immigration advocates The group of around 200, mostly made up of Central Americans, were left without money, food and means of communication Volunteers from Annunciation house and other local churches came to aid and find a place to house them for the night Annunciation House, a charity that has provided shelter to migrants, asked the public for donations in housing some 200 migrants who were dropped off by ICE at an El Paso bus station on Sunday and Monday Asylum seekers board a bus stop after they were dropped off by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sunday O'Rourke, who has emerged as a possible 2020 presidential contender after his near-upset of incumbent Texas Senator Ted Cruz this past November, said he was told by ICE that the unannounced releases were a mistake U.S. Customs and Border Protection says the boy died shortly after midnight on Christmas. CBP says the boy was taken Monday with his father to a hospital in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where he was diagnosed with a cold and a fever, and released. The agency says the boy was returned to the hospital Monday evening with nausea and vomiting. He died hours later. Earlier this month, a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl died while in custody of border authorities. Annunciation House asked the public for donations in housing some 200 migrants who were dropped off by ICE at an El Paso bus station on Sunday and Monday. Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic Congressman who represents the El Paso area, was seen at a park near the bus station handing out food. O'Rourke, who has emerged as a possible 2020 presidential contender after his near-upset of incumbent Texas Senator Ted Cruz this past November, said he was told by ICE that the unannounced releases were a mistake. 'ICE made a mistake yesterday,' O'Rourke told the El Paso Times. 'I don't think it was intentional. I think they made a mistake in not alerting the community.' The group of migrants included many women and children who made the long journey to the U.S. A migrant holds a young child in his arms at the Greyhound bus station in downtown El Paso on Sunday Another 500 migrants are expected to be dropped off over the course of Wednesday and Thursday A young child is carried on the arms of a newly arrived migrant at the Greyhound bus station in El Paso on Sunday The agency typically coordinates with local shelters to make sure there is space for them to stay. But U.S. Rep.-elect Veronica Escobar, O'Rourke's successor, tells The Associated Press that ICE officials dropped people off at the bus station after Annunciation House said it didn't have enough space. Escobar called ICE's action 'really alarming.' 'I have a number of concerns,' Escobar said Tuesday. '[Customs and Border Protection] back in 2016 used to create temporally holding facilities that were humane, safe and clean, so that migrants during times of a surge wouldn't be left on the street. 'Federal law enforcement has long collaborated with the Annunciation House, so they know exactly what the capacity is here in the community.' ICE did not respond to a request for comment. President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in the new year to declare a national emergency that would bar U.S. companies from using telecommunications equipment made by China's Huawei and ZTE, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters. It would be the latest step by the Trump administration to cut Huawei Technologies Cos Ltd and ZTE Corp, two of China's biggest network equipment companies, out of the U.S. market. The United States alleges that the two companies work at the behest of the Chinese government and that their equipment could be used to spy on Americans. The executive order, which has been under consideration for more than eight months, could be issued as early as January and would direct the Commerce Department to block U.S. companies from buying equipment from foreign telecommunications makers that pose significant national security risks, sources from the telecoms industry and the administration said. Scroll down for video President Trump is said to be considering a ban on the sale of Huawei phones amid fears they could be used to spy on US firms The United States alleges that Huawei and ZTE Corp work at the behest of the Chinese government While the order is unlikely to name Huawei or ZTE, a source said it is expected that Commerce officials would interpret it as authorization to limit the spread of equipment made by the two companies. The sources said the text for the order has not been finalized. The executive order would invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States. The issue has new urgency as U.S. wireless carriers look for partners as they prepare to adopt next generation 5G wireless networks. The order follows the passage of a defense policy bill in August that barred the U.S. government itself from using Huawei and ZTE equipment. Huawei and ZTE did not return requests for comment. Both in the past have denied allegations their products are used to spy. The White House also did not return a request for comment. The Wall Street Journal first reported in early May that the order was under consideration, but it was never issued. Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver on an American warrant accusing her of a scheme to sell U.S. equipment to Iran in violation of sanctions law, and of falsifying bank records to cover up the transactions The Chinese state, under Xi Jinping (pictured), is accused of using devices to hack into sensitive information in the US Rural operators in the United States are among the biggest customers of Huawei and ZTE, and fear the executive order would also require them to rip out existing Chinese-made equipment without compensation. Industry officials are divided on whether the administration could legally compel operators to do that. While the big U.S. wireless companies have cut ties with Huawei in particular, small rural carriers have relied on Huawei and ZTE switches and other equipment because they tend to be less expensive. The company is so central to small carriers that William Levy, vice president for sales of Huawei Tech USA, is on the board of directors of the Rural Wireless Association. The RWA represents carriers with fewer than 100,000 subscribers. It estimates that 25 percent of its members had Huawei or ZTE equipment in their networks, it said in a filing to the Federal Communications Commission earlier this month. The RWA is concerned that an executive order could force its members to remove ZTE and Huawei equipment and also bar future purchases, said Caressa Bennet, RWA general counsel. People hold a sign at a Vancouver, British Columbia courthouse prior to the bail hearing for Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer It would cost $800 million to $1 billion for all RWA members to replace their Huawei and ZTE equipment, Bennet said. Separately, the FCC in April granted initial approval to a regulation that bars giving federal funding to help pay for telecommunication infrastructure to companies that purchase equipment from firms deemed threats to U.S. national security, which analysts have said is aimed at Huawei and ZTE. The FCC is also considering whether to require carriers to remove and replace equipment from firms deemed a national security risk. In March, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said 'hidden 'back doors' to our networks in routers, switches - and virtually any other type of telecommunications equipment - can provide an avenue for hostile governments to inject viruses, launch denial-of-service attacks, steal data, and more.' In the December filing, Pine Belt Communications in Alabama estimated it would cost $7 million to $13 million to replace its Chinese-made equipment, while Sagebrush in Montana said replacement would cost $57 million and take two years. Sagebrush has noted that Huawei products are significantly cheaper. When looking for bids in 2010 for its network, it found the cost of Ericsson equipment to be nearly four times the cost of Huawei. A man has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing a homeless man to death on a busy Sydney street in front of Christmas shoppers. The 30-year-old got into a fight with Mark Thomas, 60, outside a KFC outlet on Oxford Street near Vernon Street in Bondi Junction after 8pm on Saturday. At least one of the men produced a knife and both were allegedly stabbed several times in the struggle. A man has been stabbed to death on a busy street in Sydney's Bondi Junction front of Christmas shoppers CCTV footage showed the two men, one shirtless, arguing before one man threw his backpack to the ground before a knife was produced. 'There was an English chap who got there and tried to help and tried to put pressure on the wounds but there was a lot of blood,' witness John Stewart told 7 News. The 30-year-old was allegedly filmed walking across Oxford Street after the brawl brandishing the knife. Police and paramedics tried to revive Mr Thomas with CPR but he bled to death at the scene. Both men suffered stab wounds in the ensuing melee, and although paramedics arrived quickly, 60-year-old Mark Thomas, died from stab wounds at the scene Footage has emerged of the moment a man was fatally stabbed on a street in Sydney's eastern suburbs after a violent argument as shocked bystanders rushed to help The other man was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital where he was treated under police guard for a wound to the abdomen. On Thursday he was charged with murder and refused bail to face Parramatta Bail Court on Friday via videolink from his hospital bed. Oxford Street runs through the heart of the eastern Sydney suburb's retail district where hundreds of people were doing last-minute Christmas shopping. Australia's most notorious serial killer has sent a number of chilling letters from behind bars. Ivan Milat is currently locked up at Supermax jail, in Goulburn, 200km south-west of Sydney, but remains stumped as to why people remain interested in him. In the letters he expressed surprise that his correspondence with strangers has made national news and is debated on chat shows. Milat, now aged 74, was convicted and given seven life sentences in 1996 for the murders of seven young travellers and the robbery and attempted abduction of British man Paul Onions. Australia's most notorious serial killer can't understand why the nation is so fascinated by him Milat, now aged 74, was convicted and given seven life sentences in 1996 for the murders of seven young travellers In a letter obtained by True Crime Australia, Milat seems bemused but rather pleased at the media attention he still receives. 'They appear on breakfast TV and display my letters around as if it was something akin to getting a message from God,' he wrote. 'I watched one of those morning programs, the TV breakfast personality (sic) a handful of pages written by me, such a quizzical expression on her face as she reads stuff that would not raise her grandmother's eyebrows.' The backpacker killer, who is kept in solitary confinement, also blamed the media for reporting on him unfairly. The backpacker killer (pictured) is kept in solitary confinement and does not mix with his fellow prisoners The letter also revealed Milat had not developed relationships with his fellow inmates, who he sees rarely due to his solitary confinement. 'No friendships developed with fellow prisoners,' he wrote. 'My program does not permit, plus they, fellow prisoners, are terrorists or alleged ones, government policy does not permit my contact, though we (are) all in proximity of each other. 'They mix and appear quite friendly with each other.' Inmates in the prison, which has the official name of the High Risk Management Correctional Centre, include killers, rapists, convicted terrorists and the Australian men recently accused of planning ISIS -inspired terrorist attacks. Milat's victims were Australians Deborah Everist and James Gibson, Britons Joanne Walters and Caroline Clarke, and German backpackers Anja Habschied, Gabor Neugebauer, and Simone Schmidl. The remains of all Milat's victims were found in the Belanglo Forest north of Goulburn. They had been bound, beaten and then stabbed or shot, their bodies placed face down and covered in mounds of leaves and twigs Milat has been housed in Supermax, which has 171 surveillance cameras and 24 hour monitoring of inmates in and out of their 3m by 4m cells. The last time he was outside the facility was in 2009, for a hospital visit after he sawed off his little finger with a plastic knife. Milat's victims included Australians Deborah Everist and James Gibson (pictured) as well as Britons Joanne Walters and Caroline Clarke, and German backpackers Anja Habschied, Gabor Neugebauer, and Simone Schmidl The remains of all Milat's victims were found in the Belanglo Forest north of Goulburn (pictured: Joanne Walters) It emerged in 2016 That Milat refuses to listen to Radio Triple M's breakfast show because he finds it 'distasteful'. When Triple M producer Max Dudley asked the Supermax prison guard whether the Grill Team's captive listeners included the Belanglo Forest killer, the officer said: 'No, he refuses to listen to it. He finds it distasteful'. An Indian woman allegedly cut off the penis of a man who had been stalking her, before rushing him to hospital to save his life, police said. The 47-year-old married woman and two men lured her neighbour to an isolated spot near some railway tracks in Mumbai, tied him to a tree before hacking off his genitals, police said today. The 27-year-old neighbour had sought sexual favours from the woman and told the her husband he was in love with her, which led to a fight between the couple. The woman, who is a mother-of-two, then allegedly sought help from two young men in the neighbourhood. The 47-year-old woman allegedly attacked her 27-year-old neighbour after he made sexual advances towards her They contacted the victim and lured him to an industrial zone in Dombivli, a suburb of Mumbai, on Tuesday, an officer added. The woman then took the lead in cutting off the stalker's genitals in the street before rushing him to hospital. The woman and her alleged accomplices were arrested by Manpada police later on Tuesday on suspicion of attempted murder. Senior Inspector Gajanan Kabdule, said: 'We have arrested the woman and two accomplices and she has accepted it was her plan to chop off the stalker's penis because of his constant harassment. 'We recovered the knife and genitals and all three accused are in police custody.' Local media reported that the woman told police she did it to 'teach a lesson'. Police have not officially named the woman or the stalker but confirmed an investigation is underway. The 47-year-old woman and two men lured her neighbour to an isolated spot in Mumbai before hacking off his genitals A police source told the Times of India: 'Pujare was in love with the married woman and had been pest her for sexual favours. He had been stalking her despite his advances being rejected.' Media reports also said the injured man underwent life-saving surgery. 'The man is stable now and recuperating in hospital but his family is in shock,' Kabdule said. In 2017, an Indian woman cut off a man's penis after he tried to rape her at her house in the southern state of Kerala. India has a grim record of sexual violence. On average, more than 100 rapes were reported each day in 2016, according to the most recent official figures. The husband of a woman missing for more than 36 years says he can't afford to help police search for body. Roxlyn Bowie, then 31, vanished from her marital home in the town of Walgett in north-west New South Wales on June 5, 1982. All she left behind was a note to her husband John Bowie which said she was 'leaving him with the kids for good' and not to look for her because 'she would never come back'. John Bowie (right), the husband of a Roxlyn Bowie (left) who has been missing for more than 36 years has admitted he can't afford to help police search for body The mother-of-two has not been seen since. Now, John Bowie has revealed to The Courier Mail he'd 'love to' join police in the recently resumed search for her body - 'if (he) could get some money' together. 'I'm a pensioner, I'm living from pay day to pay day,' he told the publication. However, when asked why he would want Ms Bowie's remains to be found, Bowie revealed it was for one reason only. Roxlyn Bowie, then 31, disappeared from her marital home in the town of Walgett in north-west New South Wales on June 5, 1982 'I hope they find her, one way or the other,' he said. 'Because, my daughter wants her mother to be buried next to my (already deceased) son. That's it.' In November, new information suggesting Ms Bowie could have been buried in a dam led to police commencing a forensic search and excavation at two locations in Walgett. In November, new information suggesting Ms Bowie could have been buried in a dam led to police commencing a forensic search and excavation at two locations in Walgett The State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad's Strike Force Maluka are in the process of forensically examining the dam and an industrial site. Six days after Ms Bowie vanished in 1982, her husband applied for a transfer to Sydney and remarried the following year before pawning off his ex-wife's jewellery. The Vietnam veteran, who now lives in Toowoomba, said he 'has come to a dead end' as to why his former wife would have abandoned their two children, then aged 18 months and six. A retired doctor who allegedly sexually assaulted victims during medical consultations dating back almost 50 years has been charged with rape. Dr Con Kyriacou, 75, was charged with 35 offences after police executed a search warrant at his home in Balwyn North, Melbourne, on Thursday morning. The doctor, who voluntarily withdrew from the medical practitioners register in August 2017, was later granted bail, The Age reported. Dr Con Kyriacou, 75, was charged with 35 offences after police executed a search warrant at his home in Balwyn North, Melbourne, on Thursday morning (stock image) Three of Dr Kyriacou's alleged victims came forward with their claims in November, amid fears the national health regulator was not taking action. At the beginning of 2016, the trio independently reported Dr Kyriacou to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Reports suggest the retired doctor was aware of the investigation, opting to voluntarily withdraw from practice, claiming he had a brain injury. Allegations against Dr Kyriacou, which date back to the late 1970s, claim he inappropriately touched clients or made inappropriate comments. An initial complaint was lodged to the Medical Board of Australia in 2004 but the former patient, now 49, later withdrew the complaint fearing she wouldn't be believed. She then filed a formal complaint in July 2016 with AHPRA. The doctor, who voluntarily withdrew from the medical practitioners register in August 2017, was later granted bail (stock image) Another alleged victim who made an official complaint in August 2016 claims she notified the police and the board in 2004 and 2008. Police said the case was weak, according to the patient. AHPRA received a sworn statement in January 2018 from a third patient. The Age reported on the allegations in November and it is understood numerous other alleged victims have come forward to report similar stories of abuse. These reports led to an investigation by Victoria Polices sexual offences and child abuse investigation team (SOCIT). More than 20 ex-patients have reportedly made statements. Dr Kyriacou is expected to appear in early January at the Melbourne Magistrates Court. A Chinese court will try a Canadian citizen on drugs charges on Saturday, according to a government-run news portal. The case could further test the relations between Beijing and Ottawa, which have seen escalating tensions lately. The two countries have sparred over the fate of two Canadian citizens detained in China on suspicion of endangering state security, and of Canada's arrest of a high-ranking Chinese executive at the request of the United States. Tensions have escalated between China and Canada since Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of tech giant Huawei, was arrested in Vancouver on December 1. Ms Meng, pictured arriving at a parole office in Vancouver on December 12, is fighting extradition to the U.S. The high court in the north-eastern province of Liaoning said in an announcement on Wednesday that a man it identified as Robert Lloyd Schellenberg would be tried on drugs smuggling charges in Dalian city on Saturday. The trial will be held at the No. 6 courtroom in the Dalian Intermediate People's Court at 2pm. Dalian government news portal Runsky.com said late on Wednesday Schellenberg was Canadian and that this was an appeal hearing after he was found by an earlier ruling to have smuggled 'an enormous amount of drugs' into China. Runsky is a news website affiliated to the Dalian Radio and Broadcasting Station. The trial will be held in the Dalian Intermediate People's Court (pictured) on Saturday Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, reported to be a Canadian citizen, is said to have smuggled 'an enormous amount of drugs' into China. In the file photo above, a large quantity of illicit drugs are being laid out to be destroyed in Shanghai on June 26, 2004 There was no immediate response from the Canadian government. China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said today she did not have a grasp on the situation, but added that China had repeatedly made clear to Ottawa its 'solemn' stance regarding its relations with Canada. Drugs offences are routinely punished severely in China. Beijing and Ottawa have sparred over the fate of two Canadian citizens detained in China on suspicion of endangering state security as well as the arrest of Meng Wanzhou China executed a Briton caught smuggling heroin in 2009, prompting a British outcry over what it said was the lack of any mental health assessment. Canada has pressed for the release of the two Canadians who China detained this month. Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Canadian businessman Michael Spavor were accused of endangering the state security by Beijing. A third Canadian citizen - school teacher Sarah McIver - was detained in China for allegedly working illegally in the country. However, her case is said to be separate from the former two due to its 'different nature'. Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig (left) and Canadian businessman Michael Spavor (right) were accused of endangering the state security and have been detained in China Mr Kovrig and Mr Spavor were detained after Canadian police arrested Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on December 1 at the request of the United States. Neither country has drawn a direct connection between the cases. Ms Meng is accused by the United States of misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions, putting the banks at risk of violating U.S. sanctions. China has demanded Canada free Ms Meng, who is fighting extradition to the United States and could face fraud charges that carry a maximum sentence of 30 years jail for each charge. She was released on bail in Vancouver, where she owns two homes, while waiting to learn if she will be extradited to the United States. She is due in court on Feb. 6. This is the adorable moment a grieving grandfather is surprised with a Labrador puppy by his thoughtful granddaughter. Sophie Roulston, 21, wanted to make her grandfather Patrick O'Goan, 68, smile after he lost his wife of 50 years, Marian, only one month ago. Mr O'Goan's black Labrador also died earlier in 2018 and his family had been searching for a new pet for a while, reports the Belfast Telegraph. An adorable video filmed at their home in Strabane, Northern Ireland, shows the moment Mr O'Goan meets his new puppy Buddy for the first time on Christmas Eve. Patrick O'Goan, 68, walks into the room (left) and heads straight over to little Buddy who is sitting in his dog bed (right) and picks him up at the surprise in Northern Ireland Buddy is calmly sitting in his dog bed, wearing a cute Christmas pudding jumper, when his new owner walks through the door. Mr O'Goan, a retired coalman, quickly walks over the the pooch and picks him up as Buddy wags his tail. The pair share a nose rub before Mr O'Goan, who cannot stop smiling, holds Buddy close and gives him a cuddle. Miss Roulston, who thinks her grandfather looks like Granpa Carl from the film Up, said: 'The pup was just wagging his wee tail like mad from the very first moment he caught sight of Granda. 'It was so strange. Buddy just lay there, and when Granda came in his tail started going as if he knew he was for him.' Mr O'Goan rubs his nose against Buddy (left) and cuddles him in close (right) The heartwarming video, which was shared on Twitter, has now been viewed more than five million times and thousands of people have commented on the post. Sharing the footage, Miss Roulston wrote: 'Grandas dog died a few months back and he asked nanny to let him get another one. 'Nanny passed away a month ago and he has been so lost since, we surprised him with a pup for Christmas today and he is so in love already. He is so precious and deserves the world.' One person wrote: 'That's so sweet, Happy Christmas to your granda, you'll have made what could have been a very difficult day for him so much better.' And another said: 'I love the puppys tail starts wagging really fast as soon as he sees him. Aw.' A man who was killed in a gas explosion in Andover has been named locally as Jamie Kirkby by his distraught housemate who said he was 'suicidal' and was a regular drinker. Outside the scene of the wreckage in Hampshire a shaken Liam Robinson revealed this morning how he he returned home after a late night out to find his house blown apart. Mr Robinson lived with Mr Kirkby and another woman in the housing for vulnerable adults on Launcelot Close. Jamie Kirkby (pictured above) was killed in a gas explosion in Andover Jamie Kirkby (left and right) was described as 'suicidal' and a 'bit of a downer' The house was ripped apart, wrecking cars and destroying other buildings in an explosion around 2.30am. Describing his housemate, Liam said: 'Jamie was drinking all the time. I think he may have been a bit suicidal and depressed. He he needed more support than he got. He needed a lot more support.' Glancing over the cordon at the collapsed home, he said: 'I'm just shaken up - that's my house. It's all gone.' Another resident of King Arthur's Way, which adjoins Launcelot Close and who did not want to be named, said: 'He was suicidal - a bit of a downer.' Mr Kirkby shared multiple posts about depressions, anxiety and loneliness on his Facebook account. His last post seemed to be a cry for help. He shared an image with the words: 'The person who tries to keep everyone happy and always cares for everyone is always the most lonely person. Strange but true.' A tent has been set up after a man's body was found and emergency teams rushed in to secure the building An aerial shot of the wreckage in Andover following an explosion in the property (pictured above) It is believed the property which was at the centre of the explosion was for vulnerable adults Clothes were flung high into the air and were in the trees (right) and police and sniffer dogs (left) were deployed to search the area The blast - feared to have been caused by a gas leak - destroyed the home and shook others around it. Surrounding houses in Launcelot Close, off King Arthurs Way, were evacuated after the explosion while 'an incredibly strong smell of gas' lingered in the air and gas engineers have now arrived at the site. Neighbour Joshua Hough said the explosion was the 'worst thing he had ever heard', adding debris had been 'scattered' across the street while others reported their cars being smashed into by flying debris. Horrifying pictures show the end-of-terrace home has completely collapsed, with rubble across the road. Jess Thompson said 'her entire house shook' when the explosion happened as a window pane catapulted across the road and smashed her car windscreen. The explosion sent a window panel catapulting over a house before smashing into the windscreen of her Vauxhall Zafira. Another panel hit her house just inches below her sleeping son's bedroom window 'It must have gone flying when the explosion happened and hit my car when we heard the loud bang because I didn't even hear it hit the car. 'Another window panel hit just below my son's bedroom window - we are very lucky it didn't go in. 'I've never heard a noise like that before - it was just so loud.' Andy Phillips, 44, who lives close to the house which has been completely destroyed, said: 'We live about 100 yards away, the sound was like a huge clap of thunder that shook and rattled ours and many other houses, damaging some of them. 'The debris covers about a 25-metre radius.' A gas engineer passes a vehicle crushed by debris in Launcelot Close, Andover A mattress can be seen in the middle of the street after the home explosion. Neighbours reported smelling gas Cars were battered by a part of the window pane which flew from the house and hit them The ruins of a house are seen in Andover, Hampshire where a body has been pulled from wreckage Recalling the chaos after the explosion, the 31-year-old said: 'We heard an enormous bang and the whole house shook. 'We heard car alarms and me and my husband ran downstairs because we thought we were being broken into. 'When we got outside we saw all of the other car alarms were going off too and a window panel had smashed the windscreen of my car. He said the property on Launcelot Close was a shared house for people 'getting back on their feet after hard times'. Engineers for gas distribution firm SGN said it was working with emergency services to identify the cause and is seeking to isolate gas supplies. Cars outside the home were covered in debris while the side of a block of flats was torn off A statement from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary said: 'The body of a man has been found after an explosion in Andover at about 2.30am this morning (December 27). 'The explosion caused a building collapse in Andover. 'Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and its Urban Search and Rescue teams are continuing to search the scene. A huge pile of debris can be seen where the house once stood after a devastating gas explosion 'Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service worked closely with colleagues from Hampshire Constabulary and South Central Ambulance Service. 'A joint fire and police investigation is under way.' One witness who did not want to be named ran into the home which has been severely damaged from a suspected gas explosion. He said: 'I heard a bang, it was just before I was about to go to bed. A search of the rubble has begun in Andover after the explosion in the middle of the night 'Me and a lad from down the road ran into the building. We had to push the doors in, I went in and he looked out for me, we had each other's backs. It was a mess in there. 'I didn't see the explosion, just heard the bang and just a boom. 'When we came out we saw the fire brigade and said there was no one in the second house. All morning they have been pushing us back.' Launcelot Close in Andover on Thursday, where the body of a man has been found after an explosion caused a building to collapse Neighbour Steven Cooke said: 'At first I heard a bang then heard a car alarm go off. 'I got up to make sure that no one was mucking about with the car. Then my wife went into the other room and said there had been a big explosion. We then got on the phone to the emergency services. 'It is numbing. I still can't believe what I was looking at. It is just a shock.' An emergency centre has been set up to provide food and warmth for those who cannot get in their homes, at the top of the road. Pictures of the devastation can be seen on the street off King Arthurs Way in Andover. Fire crews found one man dead The homes on King Arthurs Way were evacuated after a suspected gas explosion killed a man Sanjay and Sanika Adav, who live close by, added: 'We heard a loud noise so we woke up and thought something had happened in our house as our house had shook a little. Then I saw the house over there totally destroyed. 'Everything had collapsed and people were out there with torches searching to find out what happened.' Piles of broken bricks, masonry and other rubble lie scattered round the house, with some walls still standing. Neighbours in Christmas pyjamas were seen standing out in the street after the explosion One resident, Liam Johnson, 33, said: 'I live about quarter of a mile away and there was this terrific explosion. 'It was like a bomb going off and me and my wife and two kids all woke up - we were terrified. 'A few minutes later you could hear sdirens and see blue lights flashing as police and fire engines raced past.' Cars were covered in debris as police evacuated scared neighbours from their homes Dan Brown, a spokesman for gas distribution company SGN, said: 'Following reports of an explosion in Launcelot Close, Andover, our engineers joined the emergency services on site in the early hours of the morning. 'We understand an occupant in the property at the time of the explosion has died and our thoughts are with them and their family. 'While it is too early to speculate as to what has happened, we're working closely with the emergency services to help identify the cause. In conjunction with the authorities, we're currently working to isolate gas supplies to property numbers one and two for safety. 'We'll remain on site to support the emergency services to help discover the cause of the explosion.' The world's first set of twin pandas with a captive mother and a wild father received their names in a special ceremony yesterday in China. Elder brother He He, or Harmony, and younger sister Mei Mei, or Beautiful, are named after two panda characters in popular Chinese cartoons. The five-month-old baby pandas are the cubs of 16-year-old Cao Cao, which mated with wild male pandas after being released from captivity in February. A breeder carries He He and Mei Mei during the naming ceremony today at the Shenshuping Panda Base, which is a part of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda The cute cubs are the world's first set of twin pandas with a captive mother and a wild father He He and Mei Mei were born at the Hetaoping Panda Base in Wolong, south-west China's Sichuan Province, on July 25. At birth, the big brother weighed 215 grams (7.6 ounces) while the little sister weighed 84 grams (3 ounces). Their naming ceremony was held today at the Shenshuping Panda Base which is a part of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda, reported China News citing Huaxi Urban Newspaper. The elder brother and younger sister were born in July to 16-year-old mother Cao Cao, which mated with wild male pandas on two occasions after being released from captivity in February He He means 'harmony' in Chinese while Mei Mei means 'beautiful'. The names were inspired by two panda characters from popular Chinese cartoons 'Krtek a Panda' and 'Animal Chorus' He He's name means 'harmony' in Chinese, and it comes from a popular cartoon called 'Krtek a Panda'. The cartoon tells the story of how a mole from Czech Republic travels to China to find its best friend, a stuffed toy panda called He He. While Mei Mei's name, meaning 'beautiful' in Chiness, is inspired by another cartoon, 'Animal Chorus'. In the cartoon, an outgoing and clever female panda guitarist is called Mei Mei. The birth of He He and Mei Mei marked the success of China's back-to-wild panda breeding programme, which started in 2003 and aims to increase the genetic diversity of its captive bear population. He He, the elder brother, weighed 215 grams (7.6 ounces) when it was born on July 25 He He was named after a character, a stuffed toy panda, from cartoon 'Krtek a Panda' (above) The younger sister Mei Mei was much smaller at birth, weighing just 84 grams (3 ounces) Mei Mei was named after an outgoing and clever female panda guitarist in Animal Chorus Female pandas are only in heat for up to 48 hours a year, which makes their pregnancy particularly difficult and rare. But Cao Cao has managed to conceive without human intervention two years in a row. An experienced mother, Cao Cao was released from captivity on February 12 this year - ahead of panda's mating season in spring. She was given a GPS in her collar to help keep a record of her activities. Records showed that Cao Cao had two mating sessions which lasted 16 minutes and 18 seconds in total during her time in the wild, according to China Conservation and Research Center for The Giant Panda. A video released by Xinhua shows Cao Cao giving birth to one of the cubs on July 25 at the Hetaoping Panda Base in Wolong. The female panda conceived while living in the wild Cao Cao (pictured in nature) mated twice with wild pandas in the spring this year Last year, Cao Cao gave birth to a male cub after spending the mating season in the forest for the first time. The cub was the world's first baby panda to be born to both captive and wild parents. Cao Cao's three youngest cubs are considered a breakthrough achievement in the breeding and protection of the iconic Chinese animal species. Zhang Hemin, director of China Conservation and Research Center for The Giant Panda, commented on the birth of Cao Cao's cub last year: 'We hope this will kick-start more efforts of releasing more pandas into the wild in the future.' The confidence business leaders have in the UK economy has sunk to an 18-month low amid growing fears of a no deal Brexit. A poll of 700 company directors found that confidence in the economy has slumped to minus 38 points. It is lower now that in the political turmoil which followed last year's snap election, which saw the Tories lose their majority and have to enter a confidence and supply deal with the DUP to hang on in power. The survey by the Institute of Directors said one of the biggest concerns among bosses are the uncertainty around the UK's future trading relationship with the EU. They are also concerned about skills shortages as the UK prepared to impose new, stricter immigration rules on post Brexit Britain. The alarming results come amid fears that political deadlock in Westminster could send the UK hurtling towards a no deal Brexit. Theresa May had to delay the crunch vote on her Brexit deal, admitting that she would have lost it by a massive margin. And her MPs and ministers remain bitterly divided over what should happen if her deal is rejected next month - with some calling for a managed no deal and others noisily demanding a second referendum which could stop Brexit altogether. The confidence business leaders have in the UK economy has sunk to an 18-month low amid growing fears of a no deal Brexit, a new poll by the Institute of Directors has found Tej Parikh, Senior Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: 'Business leaders are looking ahead to the new year with trepidation about the economy. 'While we saw cautious optimism emerging when the Brexit talks appeared to be moving towards a transition period after March 2019, that has utterly dissipated now. 'There can be no doubt that the tumultuous Brexit process is having a damaging impact on firms' outlooks. The prospect of a no-deal in the near future will be weighing heavily on directors' minds. 'Uncertainty is already causing businesses to delay investment, hiring decisions and product launches, which also acts to weaken our international competitiveness further down the line. 'The longer this state of affairs continues, the more we lose by it, even if these effects aren't apparent in the here-and-now.' He said that despite the gloomy outlook about the economy in general, company bosses continue to be optimistic about their own company's bosses. He said: 'Firms are clearly facing a challenging environment, but our members are still optimistic about their own companies, indicating that the weakness is in politics rather than inherent in British business. 'Politicians must not forget that every day of Brexit confusion is a day we aren't focused on the long-term. Leaving the EU has consumed the political agenda since the referendum, deflecting attention from critical challenges we face, including boosting growth across the UK and addressing widening skills gaps.' The alarming results come amid fears that political deadlock in Westminster could send the UK hurtling towards a no deal Brexit. Theresa May (pictured with her husband Philip heading to church in Maidenhead on Christmas Day) is facing massive opposition to her deal from both Remainers and Brexiteers The IoD survey comes after an economic think tank suggested France will overtake the UK to become the world's sixth biggest economy next year. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) said 'disruption' to the British economy was inevitable due to lower inward and business investment. However, the CEBR's World Economic League Table report says post-Brexit Britain will return to the sixth spot by 2020 - a position it is expected to retain through to 2033. The crunch vote on Mrs May's Brexit deal is due to take place in three weeks' time. But over 100 Tory MPs have warned they could vote against the plan while the DUP - the Northern Irish party propping Mrs May up in No10 - have vowed to vote it down in its current form. The PM embarked on a last-ditch flurry of EU-diplomacy to try to get Brussels to abandon the hated Irish backstop which is threatening to torpedo the entire package. But her pleas were snubbed by EU leaders. This is the bizarre moment a mud-covered man staggers onto a porch and body slams a front door before slumping over the railings. Savannah Brotherton shared the footage recorded on her doorbell camera in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and said the man was trying to 'break' the door down. In the short clip the man, wearing a t-shirt and jeans, walks towards the door and hits it with his fist before slamming his shoulder into it multiple times. The mud-covered man walks towards the door in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and rams it with his shoulders three times The man steps back before ramming the door again but on his third attempt his arms appear to go floppy and he stumbles backwards. He slumps over the porch's railings, knocking an item from a table, and his arms stay wide open. The man appears to try and get up but cannot pull his torso back up over the railings to standing. Ms Brotherton said: 'I was baking cookies in the kitchen and this man tried slamming his body into my door to break it down. After his third body slam the man goes floppy and stumbles backwards towards the railings He slumps over the railings and cannot lift himself back up to standing on the porch 'On his third attempt, he knocked himself out and collapsed on the railing. He ran away after he was able to pull himself up. 'The police found him in a ditch and an ambulance took him away.' She also told CBS 17 that the man 'looked like the walking dead.' Cpl. Thomas Vest with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, said police decided that 'seeking medical attention for him was the best course of action' for the man and that he hasn't been charged with any crime. The latest statistics from the Ministry of Defence have revealed that crews at RAF Lossiemouth have launched more QRA (quick reaction alert) missions from January to November 2018 than they have done for the last three years while patrolling the sky. A 400million expansion project is currently under way at the base, and during a visit to launch the work Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson described an 'increasing' threat from Russia. During 2020, nine submarine-hunting P-8 Poseidon spy planes will join the fight to track submarines lurking under the surface of the North Atlantic. An RAF Typhoon fighter jet taking off from RAF Lossiemouthon loaded with a Meteor Missile Moray MP Douglas Ross said: 'The fact that this has been the busiest year since 2015 with six call-outs shows how vital this facility is to the safety and protection of the UK. 'This reiterates the crucial role Moray and RAF Lossiemouth play as a major part of the UK defence footprint. 'It's a role that will continue to grow with the significant investment at the base by the UK Government in the months and years ahead.' Bombers from Russia approaching are routinely spotted by UK radar before QRA orders are given. Typhoon crews are scrambled for the launches in order to determine the identification of an aircraft approaching - or within - Nato airspace without approval or without identifying themselves. Personnel at RAF Lossiemouth, Moray, are tasked with monitoring the north of the country while maintaining a constant state of readiness 24 hours a day to deter intruders. Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster said that crews in Moray played a critical role in protecting the UK. Earlier this month RAF Typhoons launched from RAF Lossiemouth for the first time with the Meteor Air-to-Air missile in defence of UK airspace during a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) mission Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster said that crews in Moray played a critical role in protecting the UK 'As we've seen in recent years our world-leading RAF stand ready to protect our sky at a moment's notice,' he said. 'Be it intercepting Russian aircraft probing the boundary of our airspace or responding to a potential terrorist threat - their rapid response ensures our airspace and our people are safe.' The new squadron of P-8s at RAF Lossiemouth will also be armed with anti-submarine torpedoes and will also be capable of launching search and rescue operations. A hanger to house up to three of the aircraft as well as a tactical operations centre, training simulators and squadron accommodation is currently under construction at the base. The first of the planes will enter service for the RAF at Kinloss in 2020. An engine-revving, convicted stalker is tormenting his neighbours by repeatedly revving his deafening motorbike. 'Wild' Wayne Reynolds, who lives in Sarina Beach, Queensland, has been accused of causing havoc as other locals battled the threat of bush fires. In footage captured by A Current Affair, Reynolds is shown firing up and revving his motorbike in the otherwise quiet street. Scroll down for video Engine-revving, convicted stalker Wayne Reynolds has been labelled Australia's worst neighbour by his recently bush fire-stricken community The vision shows Reynolds' drive way billowing with smoke as the bike's engine made an unmissable roar. 'If I want to sit there and bang the a** out of my b****, which I call her, I will,' he told the program in reference to his bike. The behaviour is said to have continued well into the night as neighbours tried to sleep after banding together to fight the fires. According to one fearful neighbour, the 50-year-old has angered residents across the neighbourhood. '(He) jumps on his bike randomly and does burnouts up and down the street in his driveway all the time I've had enough, I'm sick of it,' she said. And with a previous criminal rap sheet, locals have reason to be afraid. Reynolds' past offences include stalking and placing a homemade bomb in an ex-girlfriend's front yard Reynolds' past offences include stalking and placing a homemade bomb in an ex-girlfriend's front yard. When confronted by A Current Affair's camera crew, he also reacted with a fiery temper, telling its reporter to 'he'll find out exactly who rang (the program)' . This feeling of animosity was compounded when neighbours called police with allegations he was drink driving the much-loved motorbike. The action eventually led to police taking him away for further testing and he is set to face court for the charge in February. A Russian man who killed a Swiss air traffic controller he blamed for the loss of his wife and two children in a 2002 midair collision has become the father of twins. Vitaly Kaloyev's story, including his time in jail for murder, has become the subject of several films, including one - 2017's Aftermath - starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. After announcing the birth of twins, a boy and a girl, the 62-year-old said: 'Life has turned out so that I have children once more. And I have meaning in my life again.' In February 2004, grief-stricken Kaloyev tracked down and killed air traffic controller Peter Nielsen, 36, at his home near Zurich airport. He plunged a 5.5 ins knife into Mr Neilsen's stomach in revenge for the death of his wife Svetlana, 44, and children Konstantin, ten, and Diana, four. They were among 71 who died in the tragedy over Uberlingen in Germany on July 1 2002. Vitaly Kaloyev (centre), who killed a Swiss air traffic controller he blamed for the loss of his wife and two children (left and right) in a 2002 midair collision, has become the father of twins In 2013, Kaloyev married engineer Irina Dzarasova (pictured), believed to be 22 years his junior, and the couple have since had twins Neilsen (pictured) had been alone in the air traffic control room in Zurich when he gave 44 seconds' warning to the Russian passenger jet on which the family was flying that it was too close to a cargo aircraft Neilsen had been alone in the air traffic control room in Zurich when he gave 44 seconds' warning to the Russian passenger jet on which the family was flying that it was too close to a cargo aircraft. In the mountainous mainly Muslim region of Ossetia in southern Russia, Kaloyev was hailed as a hero when he returned from his jail term in Switzerland. In 2013, Kaloyev married engineer Irina Dzarasova, believed to be 22 years his junior. The retiree, who could never forget or forgive over his family being wiped out, expressed his delight at having new children 16 years after the loss of his wife, son and daughter. 'Doctors say that everything is fine with the babies,' he said. 'They were born healthy, all is okay. My wife is feeling good too. There were no complications. We haven't given them names, but there is time.' Kaloyev had been in Barcelona waiting for his family to arrive when they perished in the air disaster. Their Bashkarian Airlines Flight 2973 from Moscow collided over southern Germany with DHL flight 611 which was on its way to Belgium from Italy with a load of cargo. The crash killed 45 children, 15 adults and nine crew on the Russian plane, and the two pilots on board the DHL aircraft. Kaloyev went on a personal search for his family and found the body of daughter Diana - still intact after trees broke her fall two miles from the main plane wreckage. In February 2004, grief-stricken Kaloyev tracked down and killed air traffic controller Peter Nielsen, 36, at his home near Zurich airport after blaming him for the deaths of his family. Kaloyev is pictured by the grave of his family - wife Svetlana, son Konstantin and daughter Diana Kaloyev (left) plunged a 5.5 ins knife into Mr Neilsen's stomach in revenge for the death of his wife Svetlana (right), 44, and children Konstantin, ten, and Diana (centre), four His wife landed in a corn field and son in front of a bus shelter - both had fallen 36,000 ft. Kaloyev had sought by legal means a meeting with the air traffic controller - but received no reply. He also spurned an offer of 130,000 compensation. He then hired a private detective to track down Neilsen who died in the arms of his wife and children. While Nielsen was blamed by bereaved families, he was due to be cleared of any charges of negligence. Kaloyev was sentenced to eight years in a Swiss prison but served only three years after it was found his mental trauma from the case had not been taken properly into account. He was released in 2007 and after a hero's welcome in Ossetia was made deputy minister of construction in his region. He refused to express regret for his action. Kaloyev had sought by legal means a meeting with the air traffic controller - but received no reply. He also spurned an offer of 130,000 compensation. He then hired a private detective to track down Neilsen who died in the arms of his wife and children Vitaly Kaloyev's story, including his time in jail for murder, has become the subject of several films, including one - 2017's Aftermath (pictured) - starring Arnold Schwarzenegger 'Killing him didn't make me feel any better,' he said later. 'Even in the Swiss jail nobody ever condemned or reproached me. 'After the first two years I got into the medium-security jail where I could communicate with other convicts, and when I went out for a walk into the prison yard for the first time, almost everybody there came up to me to express their respect for what I did. 'Life is more complicated than the law. I only speak for myself - I had exhausted all legal ways to find justice. 'I believe any person in such a situation gets the right to be the law and perform justice.' Schwarzenegger starred in the 2017 movie Aftermath based on the tragedy. A 2018 Russian film, Unforgiven, starring Dmitry Nagiyev is also about the case. A couple have been charged with suffocating their four children moments after they were born and hiding their bodies in a stove and under a tree. The pair, named only as Aleksandra J and Dawid W by Polish police, were arrested after neighbours reported seeing the woman pregnant four times but never seeing any children. The bodies of the four babies were found by police on a farm in the village of Ciecierzyn in Opolskie Voivodeship in south-western Poland. An investigation began after local residents told the police that the 27-year-old female suspect had been pregnant four times in the last five years but the babies had never been seen. The house where Aleksandra J lived with her life partner Dawid W and the couple allegedly suffocated their four children to death moments after they were born Aleksandra J is facing a life imprisonment after being charged with four counts of murder Police officers then began searching the property owned by her and her partner, Dawid W, and are said to have found the bodies of three of the babies hidden in a stove and the remains of the other youngster buried under a tree. Aleksandra J has been arrested and charged with four counts of murder whilst her 37-year-old partner was arrested and charged with four counts of accessory to murder. According to the investigators, the couple's alleged murders followed the same pattern. Aleksandra J gave birth to children at home in the bath and reportedly raised one of her children, now six years old. Immediately after the birth, she is alleged to have put her newborns into a plastic bag where they suffocated to death. Dawid W being arrested by the police. He is accused of helping his partner, Aleksandra J, to suffocate their four babies with plastic bags The house where the bodies of four babies were found by police on a farm in the village of Ciecierzyn in Opolskie Voivodeship in south-western Poland Dawid W is alleged to have exerted psychological pressure on Aleksandra J not to report her pregnancies to the healthcare system as he did not want to have more children with her. One of the neighbours told reporters: 'I can't say a bad word about her. She took care of her son, she was very social. 'The child was well-dressed, nice looking. What happened under the roof of their home is terrible.' When residents would ask Aleksandra J if she was pregnant, she is believed to have told them: 'I just have problems with my stomach, I'm not pregnant.' Both suspects face life in prison if they are found guilty. The investigation is ongoing, police said. Australia's hottest town recorded a whopping 49C as the nation battles a blistering heatwave. Marble Bar, north-western Western Australia, has built its reputation as one of Australia's hottest towns - which was literally the case on Thursday. The minuscule town with the population of 174 residents recorded 48.4C at just 11am. The Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures peaked at 49.1C in Marble Bar, while large parts of the country continue to swelter through heatwaves. Australia's hottest town recorded a whopping 49C as the nation battles a blistering heatwave Marble Bar, north-western Western Australia, has built its reputation as one of Australia's hottest towns - which proved to be correct on Thursday Australians are set to swelter through a record breaking heatwave into the New Year with temperatures in some towns expected to soar above 45C 'Heatwave conditions occur when both maximum and minimum temperatures remain well above average for the time of year,' the Bureau said. Western Australia was not the only state to stretch over the 40C mark, with a number of other locations bracing the unrelenting temperatures. The mercury hit 46.8C in Port Augusta and Whyalla, South Australia's mid north region. Alice Springs rose to 44C and Adelaide recorded 43.7C. Tennant Creek, in the Northern Territory, is about to head into the 28th day where temperatures have risen above 40C. Forecaster Bradley Wood from the Bureau said the town 'completely smashes their previous record'. The Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures peaked at 49.1C in Marble Bar 'Heatwave conditions occur when both maximum and minimum temperatures remain well above average for the time of year,' the Bureau said (pictured: man swims with dogs at St Kilda Beach, Melbourne, on Thursday) Woman enjoy the warm weather at Balmoral Beach, Sydney, on Boxing Day 'Previously the most they'd had in a month was 20 (days) in January 2008,' Mr Wood told the ABC. In 1972, Tennant Creek recorded 16 days of heat over 40C. Mayor Steve Edgington said residents were avoiding stepping outside and their was a strain on air conditioners. 'A lot of people are staying indoors, and it's certainly had an impact on Christmas Day,' Mr Edgington said. Temperatures in Victoria also soared above 40C with the Bureau recording 40.3C at Essendon Airport and 39.8C at Tullamarine Airport on Thursday afternoon. In northwest Victoria, Mildura hit 43.8C and Swan Hill reached 43.6C at 3pm. Temperatures in Victoria also soared above 40C with the Bureau recording 40.3C at Essendon Airport and 39.8C at Tullamarine Airport on Thursday afternoon (pictured: woman skateboards at St Kilda on Thursday) There was a total fire ban for Mallee and Wimmera, Victoria, on Thursday and warning for Mallee has been issued for Friday 'A hot day in Melbourne today but the weak seabreeze is keeping things a little milder around the Bay,' the Bureau said (pictured: St Kilda Beach) The Bureau shared a map of the Melbourne area which showed the intense temperatures surrounding the city The CBD lingered near the 40C mark, recording a sizzling 39C. The Bureau shared a map of the Melbourne area which showed the intense temperatures surrounding the city. 'A hot day in Melbourne today but the weak seabreeze is keeping things a little milder around the Bay,' the Bureau said. There was a total fire ban for Mallee and Wimmera, Victoria, on Thursday and warning for Mallee has been issued for Friday. Amid the intense conditions, Melbourne residents were greeted by a stunning sunrise on Thursday morning. The high temperatures across the country are anticipated to continue through to Sunday, with temperatures expected to be 10C to 15C higher than usual for late December (pictured: St Kilda Beach) Weatherzone meteorologist Jacob Cronje said a high-pressure system was trapping the heat (pictured: beachgoers tan) 'We are seeing maximum temperatures up to 15C above average for December and this heatwave is not over yet,' said Sky News chief meteorologist Tom Saunders The high temperatures across the country are anticipated to continue through to Sunday, with temperatures expected to be 10C to 15C higher than usual for late December. Sky News chief meteorologist Tom Saunders said the conditions will continue for about another week, news.com.au reported. 'We are seeing maximum temperatures up to 15C above average for December and this heatwave is not over yet,' he said. 'In fact, it's only just got started. 'It started on Monday and it's forecast to continue until at least the middle of next week. We are perhaps, in some areas, expecting a heatwave which will last at least 10 days or so.' An apocalyptic sunrise greeted Melbourne residents on Thursday morning, with fishers at Altona Pier vying for an early morning catch before the extreme heat sets in Adelaide is expected to reach a high of 39C on Friday before a cool change which will bring the temperature down to a maximum of 30C on Saturday While there is some relief in sight for parts of Australia from early next week, other areas will not be spared from the stifling heat until mid-January (pictured: beachgoers in Sydney) Weatherzone meteorologist Jacob Cronje said a high-pressure system was trapping the heat. 'This heat has started to build-up over the north-western parts of the country and that's extended all the way down to the south-east,' he told the Today Show. 'That's all been kept in place by a high-pressure system to the east of the country, effectively blocking and trapping this heat over all of us.' While there is some relief in sight for parts of Australia from early next week, other areas will not be spared from the stifling heat until mid-January. 'Over South Australia, a cool change is set to come through that really will translate mainly to cooling South Australia and Victoria,' Mr Cronje said. 'We really won't see significant cooling over New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory for the foreseeable future and the heat could even extend, although to a lesser degree, well into the New Year and even into the second week of January.' Henley Beach proved a popular place to be for Adelaide residents looking to cool off from the extreme heat Sydneysiders flocked to Bondi Beach (pictured) to enjoy the warm weather The top of the Northern Territory, meanwhile, is in the midst of the monsoon season, with showers expected through to the New Year. 'It reminds us all that Australia is a continent with very significant varying atmospheric conditions,' Mr Cronje said. In Altona, west of Melbourne, fisherman and joggers hit the pier for an early morning cast on Thursday before the inevitable crowd surge. They were welcomed by a magnificent sunrise that looked like it was straight from a Star Wars movie. Bureau of Meterology Forecaster Kevin Parkyn said Victoria's Mallee region was expecting a heatwave not seen since 1920. The pink shading shows where surface temperatures are expected to exceed 40C between Thursday and Sunday 'This heat has started to build-up over the north-western parts of the country and that's extended all the way down to the south-east,' Weatherzone meteorologist Jacob Cronje 'We're looking at five consecutive days above 40 degrees in [Kerang] and we have to go back to about 1920 in the record books when we saw four consecutive days in December,' Mr Parkyn said. Sky News senior meteorologist Tristan Meyers said the national heatwave would challenge the record books. 'This is not only due to how hot individual days are going to be - for example 45C, 46C, and potentially 47C in parts of western, southern New South Wales, northern Victoria and South Australia - but also how prolonged it's going to be,' he said. 'For some areas we're going to see a week or more of 45C-plus temperatures and that hasn't ever happened before -particularly in December, but potentially all time.' Central Victoria is forecast to reach blistering temperatures above 40C by the end of the week, with Mildura - in the state's north-west - expecting a top of 46C on Sunday. Temperatures in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales are set to skyrocket over the coming days Blistering temperatures have already seen beaches fill to the brim across the country. Pictured, Bondi Beach, in Sydney's eastern suburbs The only part of the country not closing in on record-setting temperatures is coastal Queensland, parts of which are still recovering from ex-Tropical Cyclone Owen. New South Wales will experience stifling heat only a week after two supercell storms battered Sydney. Western Sydney could even see four consecutive days of 40-plus degrees, starting from Friday, when temperatures in Penrith are forecast to hit 41C. The sweltering weather has led to warnings from health authorities to limit sun exposure. New South Wales Health said in a statement residents should expect 'high heat and ozone pollution' over the coming days. Beachgoers are seen at Henley Beach in Adelaide on Thursday. The temperature is expected to reach 41C in the city New South Wales Health said in a statement residents should expect 'high heat and ozone pollution' over the coming days (pictured: Bureau warns air quality in Sydney is poor) The warm weather was made the most of on Christmas Day with some Aussies choosing to hit the beach to celebrate 'People can be unprepared for the first real heat of summer, so this is a reminder of the safety measures we can all take to limit overheating and sun exposure,' New South Wales Health Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said. 'It's important to keep up water intake, stay cool and avoid strenuous physical activity in the heat of the day because heat places a lot of strain on the body and cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.' Dr McAnulty said the ozone pollution was of particular concern for asthma sufferers. 'As ozone can irritate the lungs, people with asthma need to follow their Asthma Action Plan and take their relieving medication where necessary. If symptoms get worse, they need to seek medical advice,' he said. People living in areas consumed by the high temperatures have been told to drink plenty of water and to care for those most vulnerable. Beachgoers keen to make use of the sun are also urged to be careful in the surf amid a number of drownings, including four deaths on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Police came in for fresh criticism today over the faltering investigation into the drones which brought misery to air passengers at Gatwick. It has been eight days since drones flying over the London airport grounded hundreds of flights, wrecking the pre-Christmas travel plans of more than 100,000 people. But the operator of the drone remains at large and, despite widespread criticism today, Sussex Police said they had no update on the probe. It came as Britain's most senior police chief has admitted authorities need to 'up their game' in the wake of the drone chaos at Gatwick airport. Sussex Police at Gatwick Airport. The force said there was no update in the investigation today, eight days after drones grounded scores of flights Police have come under fire over the time it took to get the situation under control and the chaotic investigation which followed. Sussex Police were criticised after claiming their may not have been a drone, before saying there had been 37 reports of sightings. After a couple were arrested and then released without charge, bosses of Gatwick Airport stepped in to offer a 50,000 reward for information. MP John Woodcock told The Sun today that he was 'flabbergasted' by the lack of information. He said: 'Its like a motorway being brought to a standstill by a couple of kids with remote control cars while the Keystone cops scratch their head.' Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick today resisted calls for Scotland Yard to take over the probe, but admitted police must learn from the incident. Cressida Dick has said authorities need to 'up their game' following the drone farce at Gatwick Drone sightings that brought Gatwick to a standstill Sussex Police have released details of the sightings that took place on December 19 to December 21. 9am, 19 December: The first report was made when an airport security officer finishing work reported seeing two drones flying near Perimeter Road South, describing their cross shape and flashing lights. Gatwick suspends all flights. The first report was made when an airport security officer finishing work reported seeing two drones flying near Perimeter Road South, describing their cross shape and flashing lights. Gatwick suspends all flights. 9.30am, 19 December: Half an hour later, six people, including five police officers, reported within 15 minutes of each other seeing a drone, with white and red lights, near the runway. Half an hour later, six people, including five police officers, reported within 15 minutes of each other seeing a drone, with white and red lights, near the runway. 1.15am, 20 December: Early the next morning, six people three airport workers and three police officers reported over 30 minutes seeing a drone near the runway. Early the next morning, six people three airport workers and three police officers reported over 30 minutes seeing a drone near the runway. 3am, 20 December: Gatwick re-opens Gatwick re-opens 3.45am, 20 December: Gatwick suspends all flights again amid reports of another drone sighting. It remains closed all day. Gatwick suspends all flights again amid reports of another drone sighting. It remains closed all day. 6am, 21 December: Flights resume Flights resume 5pm, 21 December : Six people a member of the public and five police officers reported seeing a drone near a hangar. It forces Gatwick to temporarily close before flights resumed less than 90 minutes later. : Six people a member of the public and five police officers reported seeing a drone near a hangar. It forces Gatwick to temporarily close before flights resumed less than 90 minutes later. 7.15pm, 21 December: A pilot reported seeing a drone near a stand on the airfield. The account was corroborated by a member of staff. Advertisement She told Radio Four's Today programme: 'I think the whole country and certainly the government will have watched what's gone on and said; 'We need to up our game here'. 'We need to work even more closely with the private companies, we need to work even more closely with the military. We need to try to prevent the criminal use of drones for whatever motivation near our airports. 'If somebody does do that, we need to be able to find them as quickly as possible, get the drone under control and bring the people to justice.' Politicians yesterday called for the Met to take over the probe, due to their greater number of experts and resources. But Ms Dick today insisted Sussex Police should carry on investigating. She said: 'The Met has been there, we have been supporting, with officers, people who work in airports and people with technological capability. 'But Sussex Police have been, as the local police force, in command. So we've just been there to support them. 'I think if anybody was to suggest we took over now that would be a very odd thing to do. Sussex are an enormous way down on a large and complex investigation. 'For the Met to walk in and try to take that on would cause a hiatus in an investigation, so we will support them. 'From the first day of the investigation, I was on the phone to the Chief Constable; How can we help them? What can we do? And we've sent lots and lots of resources, we'll continue to do that.' Passengers trying to get home for the festive season were trapped in the airport for hours Military equipment was eventually brought in to try to prevent drones being able to fly Police concerns over no-deal Brexit Ms Dick today suggested Brexit could put the public at risk if security cooperation with the EU is weakened. She said she hopes police will have 'as much as possible of the instruments' they currently have, such as database access, or something very similar as quickly as possible after Brexit. She added there would be cost and public safety consequences of having to replace such systems. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'If we come out without immediately obvious replacements for those instruments, that will undoubtedly mean we will have to work incredibly hard on a bilateral basis with countries to try to get in place some kind of way of working together.' Advertisement Sussex Police were criticised after Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Tingley said it was a 'possibility' there may never have been any drones in the area, despite scores of sightings which led to the closure of the airport for three days and caused massive disruption for passengers. Mr Woodcock MP, a member of the Commons home affairs committee, said there was a 'gap in expertise' which needed to be filled. He said: 'This whole sorry episode shows why we need a nationally agreed and understood robust procedure for dealing with incidents like this. 'The country has been caught on the hop. There may be a case for a different police force [to get involved].' A 50,000 reward is now being offered by Gatwick Airport to help catch those behind the chaos. Paul Gait, 47, and Elaine Kirk, 54, were held for 36 hours by Sussex Police and said they were 'completely violated' when their home was searched. Mr Gait had an alibi in that he was at work and his employer said officers were told, but refused to listen. Michael Asiamah (pictured) is suing the military for 150,000 after accusing them of failing to protect him from the British winter An African soldier is suing the military for 150,000 after accusing them of failing to protect him from the British winter. Michael Asiamah says he suffered from a 'cold-related' condition after officers neglected to supply him with warm clothing during an 18-hour exercise in the freezing wind. The 36-year-old, who served with the Adjutant General's Corps, said the army exposed him to the cold despite knowing that people of black Caribbean and African origin are more susceptible to cold injuries. Mr Asiamah, who was born in Ghana, told the High Court the exercises on Salisbury Plain and Naseby Battlefield in Leicestershire left him with numbness and pain. He claims that superiors failed to warn him to bring kit such as gloves, winter socks and boots for the exercise in March 2016, and when he told them about his susceptibility to the cold he was told to carry on. The ex-trooper, who now heads an evangelical church near his home in Tidworth, Wiltshire, had served in the army until October 2016. He was part of the Adjutant General's Corps, which is responsible for the British Army's many general administrative services such as HR, finance, accounting and IT. In court papers, Mr Asiamah claims he is at risk of aggravating his symptoms if he leaves his home in temperatures under 15C (59F), reports the Daily Express. British Army personnel are pictured as they carry out exercises on Salisbury Plain in October 2016 (stock image) He says he was first made to attend five hours of lectures in the cold while dressed in civilian clothing at Naseby. That was followed a week later by manoeuvres on Salisbury Plain, which took place from the early morning until midnight. His court writ quotes a study carried out in 2009 that claims back British Army soldiers were 30 times as likely as their white colleagues to get a cold weather injury. The ministry's own protocol for non-freezing cold injury states that those suffering from the condition should be evacuated immediately. Army officials maintain that Mr Asiamah was given the appropriate clothing for the exercises and are expected to contest the ex-soldier's claim. A top lawyer who specialised in Brexit was found dead at the foot of a 150ft cliff hours after being accused of behaving inappropriately towards female colleagues at an office Christmas party. Geraint Thomas was a partner at law firm Eversheds Sutherland and specialised in offering Brexit advice to businesses as well as mortgage regulations and consumer credit. The 47-year-old was found dead on December 18 after female colleagues had complained about his behaviour during an office Christmas party at the firm's offices in London. It is understood two women workers at the legal firm had made complaints about Mr Thomas. Both were later described as being 'devastated' at hearing of his death. Geraint Thomas (right) pictured with his wife Rebecca (left). The father-of-two was a partner at a law firm The married father-of-two was summoned to the firm's central London head office where he was informed about the complaints on Monday December 17. The Oxford University graduate then travelled home to Cardiff where he was often based in the company's other office in the Welsh capital. Mr Thomas then drove to a clifftop carpark at Southerndown, near Bridgend. A teddy bear belonging to his daughter was found at the top of the cliff. A police spokesman said: 'South Wales Police is investigating the sudden death of a 47-year-old man from Cardiff who was discovered at Southerdown. 'The death is not being treated as suspicious. Next of kin have been informed and a file of evidence is being prepared for H M Coroner.' An inquest into Mr Thomas' death was opened and adjourned at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Christmas Eve. Geraint Thomas (left and right) was found dead at the foot of a 150ft cliff hours after being accused of behaving inappropriately towards female colleagues Fellow workers at global law firm Eversheds Sutherland were sent an email telling them of Mr Thomas' death and offering them 'support and advice' if needed. A specialist counsellor has been appointed for staff at the firm. A colleague said: 'It is a terrible tragedy and a shocking waste of life. The staff involved are terribly shocked and traumatised.' Southerdown Cliff tops near Bridgend (pictured above) where Geraint Thomas was found dead Mr Thomas is understood to have had two daughters, the youngest aged five. He worked three days from the legal firm's HQ in London and two days in Wales. A profile on the company website says Mr Thomas had been a partner since 2003 specialising in consumer credit and mortgage regulations. The fluent French-speaker was also part of Eversheds Brexit advisory team 'working with a number of clients to help them with Brexit planning' and 'helping them take steps to put themselves in the best possible position'. Lee Ransom, CEO of Eversheds Sutherland, said: 'On behalf of the firm I can confirm with great sadness that Geraint Thomas, a partner in our commercial team, was found dead on 18 December 2018. 'Details surrounding his death are unclear and we are currently liaising with his family and the police. 'Geraint was a highly respected and esteemed lawyer who, having joined the firm in 1994 spent his entire career with the firm. 'A truly exceptional lawyer, he will be remembered for his dedication to his clients and to the firm in equal measure. He will be greatly missed. The Eversheds Sutherland offices in Cardiff where Geraint Thomas worked 'Our sincere sympathies and thoughts are with Geraint's wife, family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time. 'Many of Geraint's colleagues have also been deeply affected by this tragic news. 'We are working with everyone to ensure they have appropriate, professional support in the coming weeks and months. 'As this is an ongoing investigation I am unable to provide further comment at this time.' The lawyer is the second employee working at Eversheds Sutherland this year to have taken their own life. Solicitor Imogen Evans, 28, was an accomplished athlete who had discovered she was two months pregnant Imogen Evans was found dead at her home on June 22. An inquest at Pontypridd Coroners' Court earlier this year revealed that she had suffered with various eating disorders. In a statement at the time her mother said that Miss Evans would talk about 'not being supported' enough at her work place. Miss Evans had previously represented Wales in netball and rowing and was expecting a child when she took her own life. Miss Evans qualified from Cardiff University to become a a solicitor - and the hearing was told she was 'extremely happy' to find out she was pregnant But she quit rowing after struggles with eating disorders while trying to 'keep her weight down.' Miss Evans took time off work due to her mental health issues. She attended therapy at the Priory Centre in Bristol. Mrs Evans said: 'It was often the small things that stressed and overwhelmed her.' Coroner Andrew Barkley recorded a conclusion of suicide. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or see samaritans.org for details. Paul Edwards, pictured with his ex-fiance Teri Shurety, who he was due to marry in March The ex-fiancee of a Bumble date who wed a stranger on Christmas Day told of her excitement at marrying him a year before allegedly calling off their nuptials, MailOnline can reveal today. Paul Edwards, 36, of Chichester, West Sussex, said it had taken him 'quite a while to get back to who I am' after he was said to have been jilted by Teri Shurety, 29, a month before their planned wedding in March - allegedly leaving him 20,000 out of pocket. Miss Shurety, who runs a pet services firm in Farnham, Surrey, had posted on Facebook on March 10 last year: 'A year to the day I get to marry my best friend!' But their wedding never took place - and Mr Edwards has now found love through the Bumble dating app with Sarah Elliott, 34, with them deciding to get hitched in Las Vegas on Christmas Day within days of meeting. Talking about his previous bad experience, Mr Edwards claimed: 'My fiance left me four weeks before the wedding so that was 20,000 down the drain and I didn't get a penny of it back. It's taken me quite a while to get back to who I am.' Miss Shurety, who runs a pet services firm in Farnham, had posted on Facebook on March 10 last year: 'A year to the day I get to marry my best friend!' But the wedding never happened Sarah Elliott, 34, and Mr Edwards, 36, got married in Las Vegas on Christmas Day just days after meeting through the dating app Bumble Meeting for the first time at Gatwick Airport on Christmas Eve, the duo boarded a plane in full wedding gear and jetted off to Las Vegas to get married When contacted by MailOnline to ask if she was aware of her ex-fiance's wedding, Miss Surety said: 'I am. I'm not interested. Thank you... have a nice Christmas.' The new Mr and Mrs Edwards say that after making contact on a dating website and then chatting on the phone, they decided to meet for the first time at Gatwick airport two days later, on Christmas Eve to fly to Las Vegas and get married. Despite the unusual courtship and the disapproval of some friends, Mrs Edwards said she was determined to make the marriage work. The 34-year-old nanny has been married before but it lasted only six months, while Mr Edwards, 36, was allegedly jilted by his previous fiancee. Mrs Edwards said that because those relationships hadn't worked out, they wanted to try something different. Incredibly, she is still living with her ex and neither she nor her new husband have told their families, including his two teenage daughters from a previous relationship, that they have got married. The couple after their wedding, posing in front of a fountain at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas The couple take a selfie with the ring on the flight from London Gatwick to Las Vegas The new Mrs Edwards, who is from New Zealand but lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, said: 'We get on so well and just thought, 'Why not have that commitment to actually making a marriage work from the very start?'. 'It's traditional older generations might have met their partner only once or twice before getting married.' The couple were matched on dating app Bumble on December 15 and instantly hit it off. They exchanged messages and then spoke on the phone for the first time on December 22, before talking for several hours the next day. Mrs Edwards said: 'I can't remember who brought it up, but one of us said, 'We get on so well maybe we should get married?'. ' The couple are pictured meeting in public for the first time at Gatwick Airport (left) and with their luggage (right) as they prepare to board a flight to Las Vehas Mr Edwards places the engagement ring on his soon to be wife's finger. He told how he was due to marry in March last year, but his fiancee left him four weeks before the wedding Mr Edwards said: 'I think the whole idea came about because I asked her what she was doing for Christmas. 'I said to her, 'How about we have our first date on Christmas Day? I'll come and meet you'. 'Then I had another lightbulb moment and suggested, 'How about we go away on holiday for our first date?'. Life's too short. 'The subject of marriage came up and Sarah said, 'I have always thought about going on that programme where couples get married at first sight'. I laughed and said, 'Let's get married then'.' He said she called him later to tell him she had bought a wedding dress, when he asked: 'Are you serious?'. He said he later started having doubts but spoke to Sarah on the phone. 'Within ten minutes she had calmed my anxiety down to the point it disappeared no one has ever been able to do that before,' he said. The couple get to know each other after their first meeting at London Gatwick Airport The newlyweds both met at the airport before boarding a plane to Las Vegas (left) and (right) one of the early messages between the pair in which one writes: 'Let's get married then' 'Our tastes are different for example, I get most of my clothes from Next and she says it reminds her of her ex and has told me, 'You can never buy anything from there again'. 'I know she was mostly joking but I really don't mind I'm easygoing. I just think, what have I really got to lose? If we split up in six months, a week, a day what have I lost in the grand scheme of life? Nothing.' The pair booked their venue, the Bellagio hotel and casino, and met for the first time at Gatwick on Christmas Eve. He said it was her idea to meet in their wedding clothes. 'I did warn her it's a ten-hour flight and her dress might get a bit crumpled.' Mr Edwards surprised Mrs Edwards with a watch, a ring and flowers. Mrs Edwards sits down for a drink after meeting her soon to be husband at Gatwick Airport The duo, seen here chatting before they boarded the plane, say they couldn't be better suited The new couple are pictured moments after they tied the knot. They are now hoping to move in together when they get back to the UK - but she still lives with her ex partner She said: 'I know it's totally crazy a lot of my friends are disowning me. I haven't told my family yet. As they're on the other side of the world, we don't talk as often as we should.' Mr Edwards said he planned to tell his daughters aged 13 and 15 over lunch when he returned, adding that his friends were glad he was happy again following his jilting. 'They have said, 'You are absolutely nuts, but we love you and we want you to be happy. She sounds amazing and we can't wait to meet her'.' They hope to move in together once Mrs Edwards and her ex have sold their house and plan to marry every year afterwards in a different country as they love travelling. The wedding was conducted by Roland August, who bills himself as Vegas's 'mobile minister'. He said it was a 'wonderfully romantic occasion', adding: 'They explained that they had only just met, but the way they were with each other, it was like they had been together for ever.' Friends reacted with surprise to the quick marriage, with one saying on Mr Edwards's Facebook page: 'That's crazy what you've done, hope it all works out for you - congratulations.' Another added: 'You got married?! Where the f*** was the stag do?' ** Do you know the couple? Please email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk ** Three airplane passengers were injured in the air over Texas on Wednesday as Storm Eboni caused treacherous flying conditions across the US. The Dallas-bound American Airlines flight managed to land safely at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Wednesday night, despite initial reports suggesting it had been damaged by ferocious winds. A passenger and a flight attendant were hospitalized with complaints of knee pain and neck pain, and one other person was treated at the scene - a spokesperson for the airline revealed. Storm Eboni is the first wave of heavy snow and rain expected to strike the US through the end of the holiday weekend. Scroll down for video Three airplane passengers were injured in the air over Texas on Wednesday as Storm Eboni caused treacherous flying conditions across the US, in the first wave of weather expected to impact travel over the end of the holiday week. Several ambulances (shown) were on the scene at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Wednesday night A passenger and a flight attendant were hospitalized with injuries and one other person was treated on the scene The 75 passengers on board the flight, which was returning to the US from Mexico, stayed in a hotel in Austin on Wednesday night, to be transferred back to Dallas on Thursday. Thousands of flights were grounded in Midwestern airports over Christmas due to heavy snowfall, with forecasters warning the worst is yet to come as the storm sweeps across the country. Airlines are waiving ticket change fees for passengers due to fly to, from or through several airports in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Horrifying footage posted on Twitter by a passenger on another Texas-bound flight, Jen Vaughn, showed huge lightning storms turning the sky purple as she flew just hours after the American Airlines plane was forced to land in Austin. Heavy snow and rainstorms from Storm Eboni are also predicted to create dangerous road conditions for millions of travelers heading out after Christmas. Footage posted on Twitter by another passenger, Jen Vaughn, showed scale of the huge lightning storms from the window of another Texas-bound flight Storm Eboni has caused freak weather conditions across the US with massive thunderstorms and up to a foot of snow leading to travel disruption for millions Winter Storm Eboni brought both rain and snow to the Wyoming-Kansas- Missouri-Nebraska area on Thursday morning Severe storms are expected to hit the south and other areas of the US, with heavy snow anticipated in the north, as the week goes on, according to Yahoo! News. The same storm system that dropped two inches of rain in Southern California and up to two feet of snow on parts of the West Coast over Christmas weekend is now moving out of the West, into the Plains. As a result, 15 states between Arizona and Michigan have been under winter storm warnings and advisories. Starting in Texas, the severe weather is expected to pass through Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee in the early hours of Thursday morning, according to CNN. Severe storms are expected to move into the eastern Gulf Coast and Deep south as well, bringing damaging winds and flash flooding. From Nebraska to Minnesota and Wisconsin, heavy snow and strong winds will continue to batter the area. The same storm system that dropped two inches of rain in Southern California and up to two feet of snow on parts of the West Coast over Christmas weekend is now moving out of the West, into the Plains. Snow and rain forecasts for midday Thursday are shown Severe storms are expected to move into the eastern Gulf Coast and Deep south by Thursday, bringing damaging winds and flash flooding. From Nebraska to Minnesota and Wisconsin, heavy snow and strong winds will continue to batter the area By Friday, the weather system will bring heavy rain and strong storms to the eastern Gulf and the Southeast, before moving up the I-95 corridor, from Raleigh, North Carolina, into Washington, DC, and north to Boston By Friday, the weather system will bring heavy rain and strong storms to the eastern Gulf and the Southeast, before moving up the I-95 corridor, from Raleigh, North Carolina, into Washington, DC, and north to Boston. Western Nebraska and eastern Colorado are expected to receive 8-12 inches of snow, with the weather system anticipated to pivot into northern New England as millions head back to work. Large hail, strong gusts and isolated tornadoes could tear through that part of the country in the afternoon and evening on Friday. Some flash flooding will be possible, with the South and the East Coast likely to see between 2-4 inches of rain throughout the duration of the week. By Friday, the weather system will bring heavy rain and strong storms to the eastern Gulf and the Southeast, before moving up the I-95 corridor, from Raleigh, North Carolina, into Washington, DC, and north to Boston CNN estimates that up to four million people could be stranded because of the post-Christmas blizzard conditions. The outlook for New Year's Eve is shown New England may also see some snow, and snowfall totals in the Northern Plains and upper Midwest could surpass a foot. CNN estimates that up to four million people could be stranded because of the post-Christmas blizzard conditions. The number of people traveling is up 4.4 percent for 2018 a record increase according to the American Automobile Association. A whopping 102.1 million people will be driving or riding in a car, approximately 6.7 million were believed to be traveling via an aircraft and the remainder are expected to make their way to where they need to be on buses or boats. Snow accumulation is shown on the day after Christmas at Big Bear Lake in California South Jordan (left) and Salt Lake City (right) in Utah were affected already by Wednesday 4 million people traveling after Christmas could be affected by the weather in the center of the country Large hail, strong gusts and isolated tornados could tear through the South Britain's most senior police officer has suggested a no-deal Brexit could put the public at risk if security cooperation with the EU is weakened. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said she hopes police will have 'as much as possible' to Europe-wide database access, as quickly as possible after Brexit. She added there would be cost and public safety consequences of having to replace such systems. Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has warned of the consequences of a no-deal Brexit Ms Dick said: 'The consequences are that we will have to replace and of course if there was a no-deal scenario that would be very difficult to do in short-term some of the things we currently use in terms of access to databases, the way in which we can quickly arrest and extradite people, these kind of things, we will have to replace as effectively as we can. 'That will be more costly undoubtedly, slower undoubtedly, and potentially yes put the public at risk no doubt about that. 'But I understand that this is just one of many things that the politicians who are deciding what to do next have to think about.' Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted her Brexit deal protects security although MPs have raised concerns over the level of UK access to European security measures. Theresa May insists her deal protects security as she tries to get it through Parliament Asked about a no-deal Brexit, Ms Dick said the UK works closely with the EU at the moment. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'If we come out without immediately obvious replacements for those instruments, that will undoubtedly mean we will have to work incredibly hard on a bilateral basis with countries to try to get in place some kind of way of working together.' Ms Dick said talks are ongoing, adding: 'We've set up an EU co-ordination unit, absolutely. 'That is to help local forces to understand to how to work most effectively across Europe after we exit the EU, under whatever circumstances. 'Of course, we would hope we will have as much as possible of the instruments we currently have or something very similar as quickly as possible in order to be able to keep our public safe and at the same sort of cost.' Anandkumar Sivapragasam was denied bail, will appear in court via video link A man suspected of snatching a girl from her home was just trying to teach the family a lesson because they were too sociable, a court has heard. Anandkumar Sivapragasam, 37, allegedly barged his way into his neighbour's Perth unit while wearing a motorcycle helmet to conceal his face, Perth Magistrates Court heard. He has since been charged with several offences including assault and going armed to cause fear, ABC News reported. Anandkumar Sivapragasam, 37, stands trial at Perth Magistrates Court (pictured) for allegedly barged his way into his neighbour's Perth unit while wearing a motorcycle helmet to conceal his face. Sivapragasam allegedly turned up at his neighbour's unit in Forrestfield on December 19 in a borrowed car with a concealed number plate. A 67-year-old woman, two girls aged eight and six and a four-year-old boy were home when Sivapragasam stormed in, a police prosecutor alleged in court. He allegedly held a toy gun to the 67-year-old's face and pushed her, before attempting to tape her mouth shut. He allegedly held a toy gun to the 67-year-old's face and pushed her, before attempting to tape her mouth shut (stock) The prosecutor claimed Sivapragasam had done this because the family were too sociable and he 'wanted to scare the family into keeping to themselves more', as they were 'engaging with too many people in the units'. The man was denied bail, with the magistrate saying it would be 'inappropriate', citing the 'brazenness' of the incident and the prior thought that had gone into it. He will reappear in court via video link on January 24. Russia has told Turkey to let the Syrian government take back areas vacated by US troops with Ankara preparing to clear Kurdish fighters from a town in the war-torn country. The Kremlin's Foreign Ministry said it expects the territory to be handed to Assad's forces after US president Donald Trump announced a pullout from the country last week - a move that surprised allies and sparked the resignation of two of his top aides. Turkey has said it is working with Washington to coordinate the withdrawal of US forces but remains 'determined' to clear US-allied Kurdish fighters from Manbij in northern Syria. Pictures have emerged today showing Turkish armoured military vehicles and troop carriers being dispatched to the border with Syria. However, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's troops and Russian forces have also started deploying to the front lines around the town. Russia has told Turkey to let the Syrian government take back areas vacated by US troops with Ankara preparing to clear Kurdish fighters from a town in the war-torn country. Pictures have emerged today showing Turkish armoured military vehicles (pictured) and troop carriers being dispatched to the border with Syria today Turkey has said it is working with the US to coordinate the withdrawal of US forces but remains 'determined' to clear US-allied Kurdish fighters from Manbij in northeastern Syria. Turkey has been amassing troops at its border with Syria (pictured) Syria has been locked in a brutal civil war for eight years in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands. Battles still rage for control of large areas of the country Yesterday, Moscow's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasised that territories in eastern Syria should be handed over to the Syrian government in line with international law. She said Moscow was unaware of any details of the planned US withdrawal from Syria, but added that the move would help peaceful settlement in Syria if implemented. 'If the troop withdrawal happens, it would have a positive impact on the situation,' Ms Zakharova said at a briefing. US president Donald Trump announced the pullout from Syria last week, surprising allies and sparking the resignation of two of his top aides. The US backed the Kurdish-led forces in oil-rich eastern Syria for four years in the fight against ISIS militants, and its withdrawal will leave the area up for grabs. Asked about Turkey's plans to launch an attack on the area, Ms Zakharova answered that Russia and Turkey had closely coordinated their actions in Syria, 'including military counter-terrorist operations', but would not elaborate further. The Turkish army continues to dispatch tanks, artillery and other equipment to the border and an area administered by Turkey in northwestern Syria, according to Turkish media reports Turkish military vehicles and personnel carriers are being dispatched to support units at the Syrian border A spokesman for Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters said that his fighters would not accept the return of government forces to areas in eastern Syria, including Manbij town, after US forces withdraw. Youssef Hammoud, spokesman for the Syrian National Army (SNA), which is expected to be a core force in a Turkish campaign in eastern Syria, said the return of government forces to the area would trigger 'a disaster and a catastrophe' with a new wave of refugees and the displaced people. Mr Hammoud said one main aim of the Turkey-led operation to reclaim eastern Syria was to create the conditions and space for the return of refugees and displaced persons, who fled the Syrian government. The SNA said up to 15,000 of its fighters were prepared to enter the areas once the US pulled out. For weeks, Turkey has been threatening to launch a new offensive against the Kurdish fighters, who partnered with the US to drive ISIS out of much of northern and eastern Syria. Ankara views the Kurdish forces as terrorists because of their links to an insurgent group inside Turkey. Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters have been moving to the outskirts of Manbij and the Turkish army continues to dispatch tanks, artillery and other equipment to the border and an area administered by Turkey in northwestern Syria, according to Turkish media reports. A 71-year-old Frenchman has set sail across the Atlantic in a barrel-shaped orange capsule, hoping to reach the Caribbean within three months using ocean currents alone. Jean-Jacques Savin set off from El Hierro in Spain's Canary Islands for a three-month voyage he hopes will take him to Barbados, Martinique or Guadaloupe. The former paratrooper had worked on his vessel for months in the small shipyard of Ares on France's southwest coast. Measuring 10ft long and nearly 7ft across, it is made from resin-coated plywood, heavily reinforced to resist waves and potential attacks by orca whales. Frenchman Jean-Jacques Savin (pictured), 71, has set sail across the Atlantic in a barrel-shaped orange capsule, hoping to reach the Caribbean within three months using ocean currents alone Measuring 10ft long and nearly 7ft across, it is made from resin-coated plywood, heavily reinforced to resist waves and potential attacks by orca whales Inside the capsule, which weighs 990 lbs when empty, is a six-square-metre living space which includes a kitchen, sleeping bunk and storage. A porthole in the floor allows Savin to look at passing fish. 'The weather is great - I've got a swell of one metre and I'm moving at two or three kilometres an hour,' he told AFP by telephone after setting off from El Hierro in Spain's Canary Islands. 'For the time being my capsule is behaving very, very well and I've got favourable winds forecast until Sunday.' A former military parachutist who served in Africa, Savin has also worked as a pilot and a national park ranger. He has stowed away a block of foie gras and a bottle of Sauternes white wine for New Year's Eve, along with a bottle of red Saint-Emilion for his 72nd birthday on January 14. Savin hopes currents will carry him naturally to the Caribbean without the need for a sail or oars - 'maybe Barbados, although I'd really like it to be a French island like Martinique or Guadaloupe,' he quipped. Inside the capsule, which weighs 990 lbs when empty, is a six-square-metre living space which includes a kitchen, sleeping bunk and storage. A porthole in the floor allows Savin to look at passing fish Savin has stowed away a block of foie gras and a bottle of Sauternes white wine for New Year's Eve, along with a bottle of red Saint-Emilion for his 72nd birthday on January 14. Jean-Jacques Savin set off from El Hierro in Spain's Canary Islands for a three-month voyage he hopes will take him to Barbados, Martinique or Guadaloupe 'That would be easier for the paperwork and for bringing the barrel back.' Along the way, Savin will be dropping markers for the JCOMMOPS international marine observatory to help its oceanographers study the currents. And he himself will be the subject of a study on the effects of solitude in close confinement. Even the wine onboard will be studied: He is carrying a Bordeaux to be compared afterwards with one kept on land to determine the effects of months spent tossed on the waves. Savin has a budget of 60,000 euros (54,000) for his expedition, covered in part by barrelmakers and a crowdfunding campaign. Paul Farhad, from Eastleigh, Hampshire lost his job and his home was attacked after he was wrongly accused of 'grooming' A man who was falsely accused of being a paedophile has opened up about how the online witch hunt against him destroyed his life as he lost his job, and friends. Trolls threatened to attack Paul Farhad's girlfriend and even rape his cat after the 42-year-old was accused of 'grooming' youngsters. Mr Farhad from Eastleigh was the victim of a false allegation which was viewed by thousands of people over Facebook. His home was spray painted and a brick was thrown through his window - despite him being innocent. The vicious rumour was started by self-styled paedophile hunter Stephen Dure. Dure apparently hit out in retaliation to a remark Paul posted online about the paedophile hunter's sister. Mr Farhad told Sun Online: 'I was furious, I couldn't comprehend it. 'He kept all the people on there who were making it worse. 'I saw some of the comments and people [colleagues] said 'I wondered why he was always quiet' - I was just getting on with my job. The post which falsely accused Mr Farhad landed Stephen Dure in jail while his victim was trolled online by vicious posters who threatened his family 'My girlfriend was really scared, someone said they were going to throw acid in her face. They were saying 'let's kills his cat', they had pictures of my cat, saying 'let's rape his cat'. 'I thought 'you're talking about raping my cat on a site on people grooming children, you're talking like a rapist yourself'.' Stephen Dure, 34, claimed Paul Farhed, 42, (pictured) was 'psychopath' who 'grooms teens' Dure, from Southampton was jailed for 15 weeks Stephen Dure, 34, who carried out sting operations against alleged offenders was jailed for 15 weeks after falsely claiming Paul groomed teenagers Dure was jailed for 15 weeks by District Judge Lorraine Morgan in September for the false accusations. Self-styled vigilante Stephen Dure wrongly claimed on the social media site Paul Farhad was a 'violent psychopath' who 'grooms teenagers'. Dure, 34, runs TRAP, an online group which uses sting operations to catch alleged paedophiles trying to meet up with underage children - and sometimes posed as kids on the internet in a bid to catch the sex offenders. His Facebook page has around 230,000 followers and videos showing him confronting sex offenders have been watched millions of times. A court heard Dure's post spuriously accusing Mr Farhad, 42, of being a paedophile had been viewed by 111,000 people. Mr Farhad said the inaccurate post, which also claimed he was a 'massive danger' to society, caused him to lose his job and as a result he lost earnings. Southampton Magistrates' Court, in Hampshire, also heard that after the outrageous claim he was threatened in the street, a brick was thrown through his window and paint was sprayed on his door. Mr Farhad said he has lost friends of more than 20 years as his life fell apart before his eyes. He added: 'You can't accuse someone unless you have proof of something like this. ''He had no intention of pleading guilty. He thought he was untouchable.' Sir David Attenborough (pictured last month) still has 'hope' for the future of the planet Sir David Attenborough has insisted he still has 'hope' for the future of the planet - but urged humans to turn their gaze away from themselves. The Blue Planet and Dynasties narrator was asked whether society would exist on Earth in just a few hundred years. 'I don't think it will be uninhabitable,' the 92-year-old naturalist and broadcaster tells The Arts Hour on BBC radio. 'Almost certainly it won't be as rich as it was. The question is, how poor will it be. ' Sir David tells the World Service show to be broadcast in nine days' time: 'Human beings are the most adaptable organism that has ever appeared on the planet and is extraordinarily resourceful, and very good at looking after itself. 'If it turns its attentions to looking after other things as well, which it is equally good at, if it bothers to do so, then there is hope.' But he adds: 'I think it's unlikely that my great grandchildren will ever see what I was able to see when I was wondering around the Earth in Borneo or wherever else 50 years ago.' Sir David is pictured with gorillas in Rwanda while making the 1979 documentary Life on Earth Sir David, pictured in 1956 with bear cub Benjamin which he brought back from Borneo, said: 'I think it's unlikely that my great grandchildren will ever see what I was able to see when I was wondering around the Earth in Borneo or wherever else 50 years ago' The much-loved broadcaster said that children's innate curiosity was a 'precious treasure'. 'There is not a child born that, if it sees a snail for the first time crawling up a window pane, doesn't think, what on earth is that? How does it stick on? What does it feed on? Look at the underside... What is it doing? 'Of course every child born is born with a curiosity for the natural world. If you lose that thing that you started off with, you've lost really one of the most precious treasures you have. Your life is the poorer.' And he says: 'The paradox is, that we may be the most overcrowded people that have ever lived in history but in fact we get a wider view of the world than ever before. The world now on television is viewed all the time.' The Arts Hour with Sir David Attenborough airs on January 5 at 8pm on the BBC World Service. A no deal Brexit could leave Europeans having to fork out billions more to plug the gaping hole in the EU's budget, the bloc's finance chief has warned. Gunther Oettinger said the remaining 27 member states will face a hefty bill if the UK does not pay the 39billion divorce bill it has promised. The money covers the UK's contribution to EU annual budgets up to the end of 2020 - when the Brexit transition period is due to end. And it also covers ongoing costs Britain has agreed it owes, including a contribution to the pensions of EU workers and the cost of staying in some EU agencies. It means that if Britain decides to tear up the divorce cheque then Brussels will suddenly face a big hole in its finances. Mr Oettinger warned that Germany alone could have to cough up hundreds of millions of euros more to fund the shortfall. Quizzed on the possible fall-out of a no deal Brexit, Mr Oettinger, EU Commissioner for the Budget, said it could mean Europeans having to pay more. Gunther Oettinger (file picture) said the remaining 27 member states will face a hefty bill if the UK does not pay the 39billion divorce bill it has promised He told the German newspaper Westfalische Rundschau: 'It depends on whether, following a disorderly Brexit, the British would be prepared to fulfill their rights and obligations as contributors by the end of the financial year 2019. 'If this is not the case, next year a medium three-digit million amount will be added to Germany.' His comments suggest that the EU 27 member states left in the bloc could have to pay billions more into the Budget. Brexiteers including Boris Johnson have urged Theresa May to refuse to hand over all of the divorce bill until the EU agrees to a trade deal - warning that Britain risks throwing away its trump card in talks if it signs over the cash earlier. Appearing on the BBC's Andrew Marr show earlier this month, Mr Johnson said: 'Unless they help us then there is a risk of no deal, and to incentivise them further we should say that we will delay the payment of at least half the 39 billion until they've done a free trade deal by the end of 2020. 'And that is the way to I think put a bit of a tiger in the tank and to get these talks moving.' But Remainers have said that it would be impossible for Britain to walk away from its financial commitments. Peter Kyle, a Labour MP and supporter of the anti Brexit group the People's Vote, said: 'Those who claim we can walk away and pay nothing are selling yet another Brexit fantasy. 'The bulk of the divorce bill represents unavoidable legal obligations. But however much we pay it will be money spent for nothing in return.' The precise details of what the 39bn divorce bill will go on have not been spelt out by either the UK or the EU. The Office for Budget Responsibility said that while most would be paid over the next five years, the UK will be paying some money into the EU budget until 2064. The EU's Budget cycle runs in six-yearly cycles, and the next Budget - which is being thrashed out currently - runs from 2021 to 2027. If the UK decided to renege on its promise to pay the bill then Brussels would be left with a hole to fill. While the EU could try to slash expenditure on future projects to rein in spending, it would probably ask for more cash from the remaining member states. The PM has thrashed out a Brexit deal with the EU - but her plan has been plunged into turmoil and her authority dealt a hammer blow by the troubled talks. She delayed a crunch vote by MPs on her deal after admitting that she would have been defeated by a massive margin. The humiliating admission dealt a major blow to her authority and triggered an attempt to oust her as leader by her Brexiteer backbenchers. Theresa May (pictured with her husband Philip heading to church in Maidenhead on Christmas Day) is facing massive opposition to her deal from both Remainers and Brexiteers Mrs May survived the dramatic confidence vote and clung on in No10, but only by promising to return to the negotiating table to convince the EU to scrap the controversial Irish backstop. The backstop - a plan B which comes into force if no trade deal is done in time, is deigned to prevent a hard Irish border from emerging after Brexit. It keeps the UK tied to the EU customs union and would impose extra single market checks in Northern Ireland. But the plan has sparked fury from politicians across the political spectrum who have warned that it undermines the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom. The PM's pleas to the EU to change the backstop in order to give her deal a fighting chance of getting passed by MPs have so far been snubbed. The PM's deal is widely expected to be voted down by MPs when the Commons votes on it next month, after over 100 Tories voiced grave concerns over the blueprint and the DUP vowed not to back it. But Mr Oettinger said he believes that Britain could back the Brexit deal - despite the fierce criticism it has sparked. He said: 'It is not entirely unlikely that the British Parliament will vote for the divorce treaty in January. 'For a disorderly Brexit or for a new referendum there is certainly no majority.' The family of a baby girl whose legs were almost amputated after she contracted a life-threatening disease were left devastated after thieves stole their Christmas presents. Nine-month-old Lilliana Sheridan was recently released from hospital in good health after being struck down with deadly meningococcal, in Thailand, earlier this year. Her parents, Elisha Robinson and Jai Sheridan, were keen to put a terrifying few months behind them and enjoy Christmas together. But their special day was ruined when heartless thieves stole presents from their home in Nerang, on the Gold Coast, on Christmas Eve. Nine-month-old Lilliana Sheridan (pictured with mother Elisha Robinson) was recently released from hospital in good health after battling deadly meningococcal Ms Robinson revealed the family was robbed on Christmas Eve in emotional Facebook update 'On Christmas Eve someone broke into our house and stole all the presents in my sister's car,' Ms Robinson wrote on Facebook. 'We have a large electric fence that was locked and shut and he car was also locked.' 'We don't live on or near a main road and we have lived here for over 20 years with nothing like this ever happening before.' Ms Robinson's daughter Lilliana contracted meningococcal in Thailand earlier this year and doctors were fearful she would lose both of her legs to the disease. 'My family did not deserve this to happen to us, especially after all we have been through this year,' Ms Robinson said. 'There is a sick little girl who was looking forward to Christmas and luckily wasn't old enough to understand what had happened.' Mr Sheridan said they discovered the theft after visiting his mother-in-law's home to open presents under her tree, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. Ms Robinson's daughter Lilliana contracted meningococcal in Thailand earlier this year and doctors were fearful she would lose both of her legs 'My family did not deserve this to happen to us, especially after all we have been through this year,' Ms Robinson said He said the presents probably cost about $1500 and put a 'dampener' on their Christmas celebrations. Ms Robinson pleaded that the person who stole the presents would return them. 'Please if you stole the presents or somehow know who did please have it in your heart to return them,' she wrote. The family have reported the theft to the police who said a number of incidents were reported in the area over the holiday period. Donald Trump said Thursday afternoon that his dispute with Democrats isn't actually about a border wall it's about their refusal to give him a victory. He predicted that he'd be the one to come out on top, though, when he's back on the ballot in 2020. 'This isnt about the Wall, everybody knows that a Wall will work perfectly (In Israel the Wall works 99.9%). This is only about the Dems not letting Donald Trump & the Republicans have a win,' he proclaimed. 'They may have the 10 Senate votes, but we have the issue, Border Security. 2020!' The president spent the afternoon haranguing Democrats for the 'stupidity' that he said was driving them to oppose his strategy for keeping out illegal immigrants via a wall that he says he needs at least $5 billion to finish. 'They dont have much to campaign on, do they? An Open Southern Border and the large scale crime that comes with such stupidity!' he wrote in one of several tweets that he sent over a three-hour period. Donald Trump said Thursday afternoon, as the Senate was poised to reconvene, that Democratic 'obstruction' was not only forcing a government shutdown but a historically-long waiting list for his federal nominees He also put the blame for the current situation on the 9th Circuit, which he said blew up a deal that might otherwise have been struck earlier in the year He harangued Democrats several minutes later for the 'stupidity' that he said was driving them to oppose his strategy for keeping out illegal immigrants A statement from the White House press secretary sent concurrently to the first set of tweets claimed that Democrats are the cause of the partial government shutdown that's on its sixth day. Sarah Sanders did not mention the president's wall at all in a long paragraph that talked about a potential border security arrangement. Instead, she said, 'The President has made clear that any bill to fund the government must adequately fund border security to stop the flow of illegal drugs, criminals, MS-13 gang members, child smugglers and human traffickers into our communities and protect the American people. 'The Administration understands this crisis and made a reasonable, common-sense solution to Democrats five days ago - we've not received a single response,' she claimed. 'The President and his team stayed in Washington over Christmas hoping to negotiate a deal that would stop the dangerous crisis on the border, protect American communities, and re-open the government. The Democrats decided to go home.' Democrats have responded to the president. Party leaders blasted him for 'chaos' in the market in a Christmas Eve statement that said they were frankly confused about border security request that began with a $5 billion demand for a wall and moved to somewhere in the ballpark of $2 billion. Trump confused the ask further when he said in a tweet this week that said the ask was in addition to $25 billion that he claimed had already been approved by Congress. The money he was referring to was part of a dead bill. A spokesman for Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday afternoon that Trump's comments didn't pass the 'laugh test' as he mocked the president's wall funding request. The Senate gaveled in and out at roughly the same time for the week in an acknowledgement that there was no deal to be had in the post-Christmas workdays. Rules Committee Ranking Member James McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, said in a statement that his own attempt to bring up a bill in the House to fund the government through February 8 was also shot down. 'It is outrageous that Republicans once again blocked our attempt to debate a bill to end the Trump Shutdown and reopen the government,' he said. 'Federal workers should not be held hostage by the presidents demand for a useless and offensive border wall that he promised Mexico would pay for.' He pledged that House Democrats would move swiftly on January 3 when they are in the majority to reopen it. Until the Republican-held Senate agrees to open to the government, though, the closure will remain in effect. McConnell has said that he will not hold another vote on a spending bill until Democrats and the White House hash out an agreement. The White House didn't outline its current request in Sanders' statement or in Trump's tweets on Thursday. A request for clarification on whether Trump wants the $5 billion his incoming chief of staff has used as a price point or the $5.7 billion that's in a House-passed bill went unanswered earlier in the day. In Sanders statement, she said that the president does not want the government shut down but will not sign a bill that doesn't put Americans' safety first, without defining what he'd like to see in proposed legislation. 'The only rational conclusion is that the Democrat party is openly choosing to keep our government closed to protect illegal immigrants rather than the American people. The President does not want the government to remain shut down, but he will not sign a proposal that does not first prioritize our countys safety and security.' In addition to turning up the heat on Democrats after letting the fire dwindle while he recovered from a covert trip to Iraq, Trump seemed to be putting new pressure on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to throw out the rules requiring 60 votes and go 'nuclear' so that he can force through his border wall with a simple majority. A tweet that came after nearly seven hours of silence after Trump returned to the White House said: 'The Democrats OBSTRUCTION of the desperately needed Wall, where they almost all recently agreed it should be built, is exceeded only by their OBSTRUCTION of 350 great people wanting & expecting to come into Government after being delayed for more than two years, a U.S. record!' Earlier in the day, he fired a new shot across Democrats' bow claiming that they should feel motivated to end a six-day-old partial government shutdown because most of the out-of-work federal employees are part of their political base Trump claimed in another message that had been sent just prior that judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals were also to blame for the stalemate in Washington that has forced a partial government shutdown that could last for more than two weeks. 'The reason the DACA for Wall deal didnt get done was that a ridiculous court decision from the 9th Circuit allowed DACA to remain, thereby setting up a Supteme Court case. After ruling, Dems dropped deal - and thats where we are today, Democrat obstruction of the needed Wall.' Nine minutes later he sent the message out again with 'Supreme Court' instead of 'Supteme Court' in a correction. He wasn't done there, though. He went on the attack again in a tweet that claimed Democrats 'don't have much to campaign on' other than an alleged desire to get rid of the federal immigration agency. 'Border Patrol Agents want the Wall. Democrats say they dont want the Wall (even though they know it is really needed), and they dont want ICE. They dont have much to campaign on, do they? An Open Southern Border and the large scale crime that comes with such stupidity!' he claimed. Earlier in the day, he fired a shot across Democrats' bow in a tweet that claimed they should feel motivated to end the six-day-old partial government shutdown, because most of the out-of-work federal employees are part of their political base. President Donald Trump, pictured at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on his way back from Iraq, tweeted upon his return to Washington that his congressional adversaries should give him billions of dollars to fund his U.S.-mexico border wall because the federal employees affected by a partial government shutdown resulting from the funding statement are mostly Democrats The president tried to set the news agenda by putting pressure on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi as the partial shutdown entered its dixth day Trump hosted Pelosi (left) and Schumer (right) in the Oval Office last week for what turned out to be a public airing of resentments about border security that served to harden positions on both sides of the standoff Trump claim that most federal employees furloughed in the partial government shutdown are Democrats is borne out by campaign contribution records Even in the Defense Department, 6 out of 7 dollars donated by employees in 2016 went to Hillary Clinton; the Education Department's lopsided ratio was 332-to-1 against Trump Trump had just made an early-morning return to the White House after visiting Al Asad Air Base in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was busy tweeting an hour and 16 minutes later before the silence that lasted until two hours before the markets closed. 'Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border. Need to stop Drugs, Human Trafficking,Gang Members & Criminals from coming into our Country,' Trump tweeted. 'Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats?' He first praised America's troops in the Middle East, saying the Iraq-based servicemen and women he visited are 'incredible people' who 'know how to win!' It's unclear what percentage of furloughed federal workers are registered Democrats. But a late 2016 analysis of political donations among self-identified federal government employees, conducted by The Hill, showed that about 95 per cent of their presidential campaign contributions went to Hillary Clinton. Friday night's partial shutdown, the third since Trump took office in January 2017, came after the White House and congressional Democrats reached a stalemate over funding for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump and the first lady made an unannounced trip late on Christmas Day to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq Trump vowed in Iraq that he would stick to his guns in order to resolve the shutdown in Republicans' favor, telling reporters that hell do just about anything to secure funding for his wall. He declined to say how much he would accept in a deal with congressional Democrats and how long he would wait to get it. 'Whatever it takes. We need a wall. We need safety for our country,' he said. He said on the ground at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq, 'You have to have a wall, you have to have protection.' Many parents encourage their children to play outside to get some fresh air and keep active. But calls are now growing for one playground-favourite to be scrapped from Australian parks entirely. Worried parents say monkey bars should be banned as they are too 'dangerous'. Scroll down for video Many parents encourage their children to play outside to get some fresh air and keep active but some people believe current playground equipment is unsafe Results of a 10 year study show that 686,409 children were taken to hospital with injuries, costing $2.1 billion. A whopping 38.4 per cent of the injuries were caused by falls, often from playground equipment, with monkey bars deemed the most dangerous. Concussions and broken bones are just some of the injuries emergency department nurse, Professor Kate Curtis, has seen children incur while playing on playground equipment. Professor Curtis told 9News the worst injuries can be life-changing or even fatal. 'A lot of people say that kids getting injured is just part of life,' she said. 'While that may be true, and they should learn from life, kids can't learn if they've got a major head injury and can't learn if they're dead.' Concussions and broken bones are just some of the injuries emergency department nurse, Professor Kate Curtis (pictured) has seen children incur while playing on playground equipment Melbourne mum Sophia Galousis recounted her devastation when her precious six-year-old daughter Maria slipped from monkey bars at their local park. Her daughter fell and fractured her arm, causing her intense pain. Ms Galousis admitted she had to lock herself in the bathroom that night so she could cry: 'Even a scratch breaks your heart so having her in that much pain, yeah it's the hardest thing you have to do.' She added: 'I keep more of an eye on her which it shouldn't be. 'You should be able to go to the park, sit back, keep an eye on them but let them run around.' Callum Warren (pictured in a blue suit above) worked as a researcher for a Tory minister A Tory minister's researcher has appeared in court after he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the Houses of Parliament. Callum Warren worked as a researcher for Chris Skidmore who represents the constituency of Kingswood, South Gloucestershire and was recently appointed Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. Warren allegedly committed the offence last summer in the The Grade I listed Norman Shaw North building - the original New Scotland Yard - now part of the Parliamentary Estate. The 26-year-old from Bristol, is charged that on July 12 he sexually assaulted a female in Room 220, of the Norman Shaw North building. Today (December 27) at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Warren spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and nationality during the short hearing and was dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and blue patterned tie. Chris Skidmore (pictured above) had employed Callum Warren as a researcher Warren was notified of today's court date by postal requisition and his lawyer Tom Warden indicated the charge would be fought. 'There was no penetration and any sexual contact was consensual,' he told District Judge Nina Tempia. The judge told Warren not to contact the complainant, directly or indirectly by phone, email or social media to prevent further offences or interference with the witness. He was bailed by Westminster Magistrates' Court to appear at Southwark Crown Court on January 24. Chris Skidmore was first elected first elected in 2010 as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Kingswood, South Gloucestershire, and became Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party for Policy in 2018. In the last 10 years he has worked as a member of the member of the education committee as well as a member of the heath and social care committee. A hitman for Pablo Escobar has told how he was part of a plot to assassinate a Colombian presidential candidate by blowing up a plane and killing 110 people in 1989. Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez, nicknamed 'Popeye' due to his time in the navy, previously confessed to murdering 300 people and ordering hits on another 3,000 targets during his time as the drug lord's top enforced in the 1980s. After serving 22 years in prison he was released in 2014 and then re-arrested this year as part of an investigation into extortion. During the 56-year-old's time as Escobar's top sicario, or hitman, Velasquez was part of the operation to assassinate presidential candidate, Cesar Gaviria, over his support for extraditing Colombian cartel members to the U.S. to face prosecution. In November of 1989, the cartel blew up an Avianca airlines plane in mid-air travelling from Bogota to Cali, killing all 107 people on board and three more victims on the ground by falling debris. 'Popeye' Vasquez (right) killed more than 300 people and ordered the death of 3,000 to enforce Pablo Escobar's (left) reign of terror The site where an Avianca jet liner crashed in the unpopulated outskirts of Bogota, Colombia, after exploding in the air, November 27, 1989 Gaviria was supposed to be on the flight but after his chief of security raised concerns about him travelling, the politician was stopped from boarding. As president Gaviria became a thorn in the cartel's side, allowing the U.S to extradite drug traffickers and clamping down on Escobar's operation. For decades low-ranking sicario, Dandenys Munoz Mosquera, known as 'The Fat Girl', was sentenced to multiple life sentences for the bombing, until Velasquez's testimony to the Colombian District Attorney led to Mosquera being exonerated. Velasquez has now told how the cartel's plan to smuggle the device in a briefcase using an unsuspecting young man who thought he was merely recording some DEA agent's conversations on board. As he opened the briefcase the bomb detonated, which Velasquez described as a 'work of art'. Cartel member Carlos Urquijo, lnown as 'El Arete' or The Earring, worked with Carlos Castano Gil and the bomb was set by their explosives expert, Cuco Zabala, according to Velasquez. Jairo Velasquez, known more famously as Popeye, is considered to be the world's most notorious assassin from his time as one of Pablo Escobar's most trusted lieutenants He told the Daily Beast from inside prison: 'That briefcase was a work of art. Castano deceived a young man and told him that he should open his briefcase in the air when the plane took off and began to climb. 'He told him that the briefcase held a tape recorder and that when he opened it the device would be activated to grab the conversations of certain passengers. 'That there were some Americans aboard, and the mafia needed to know about an extradition case they were carrying out. 'The dupe had already held a briefcase with a complex recorder in his hands and saw how it worked. 'Castano had already given him several examples, to deceive him more easily. When the briefcase opened in the air, the bomb was activated. Velasquez also described how the cartel used bomb-making experts from Britain, Israel and Spain as well as paramilitaries to instruct their hitmen. He told the Daily Beast: 'Cuco, an electronics engineer, had learned that trick from an explosives designer of the [Basque separatists] ETA. 'Carlos knew Id bought the ticket for the duped young man and got him just the right seat. 'We were all aware that if the bomb exploded in the wrong place it wouldnt ignite the planes fuel tanks, and the captain could save the plane. 'So we created a domino effect with the fuel stored in the wings of the plane, the dynamite in the briefcase and the pressurisation of the aircraft - a lethal composition. Jhon Jairo 'Popeye' Velazquez in handcuffs and escorted by armed guards on his way to appear before a judge earlier this year Velazquez, seen here at a court hearing on Friday, served 22 years in prison before his release in 2014 'The plane was totally destroyed, but the candidate lived. Maybe his guardian angel saved him that night.' Colombian police re-arrested Velasquez as part of an investigation into extortion in July. The chief prosecutor's office said Velasquez was arrested in Medellin after he was paroled in 2014 after spending 22 years in jail for plotting the assassination of the former Colombian presidential candidate. While working for the Medellin Cartel, Velazquez, by his own confession, killed over 300 people with his own hands, and helped to plan the murders of some 3,000 more, including the woman he loved who was also seeing Escobar. While he has since said he regrets killing so many people, he has always stayed very loyal to Escobar, the drug kingpin who died in 1993. As he was getting out of prison he told El Tiempo that 'If Pablo Escobar were to be reborn I'd go with him without thinking.' Since his release from prison, Popeye has gained notoriety as a YouTube star who espouses conservative political views and hate-filled diatribes against leftist rebels and Venezuela's socialist government. Velazquez, seen here visiting the tomb of Pablo Escobar, has said he regrets the killing, but not working for the drug kingpin He has criticised Colombia's leftist presidential candidate Gustavo Petro, warning that his 'rifle will speak for me.' In his channel description he writes: 'I started this channel in order to tell the day to day process of reintegration into society. 'I have had the opportunity to be born again after 23 years and three months of the worst punishment a human being can afford.' Velasquez previously told the New York Times that he wasn't cashing in on his notoriety and said: 'Its not about monetizing my life story but about telling the stories, the things that happened Pablo Escobar, seen here in a file photograph was killed in 1993 in a shootout with police 'Ive been famous for 30 years. I only want to have an opinion because I am an activist. 'I am against the Venezuelan and Colombian government. I am against Donald Trump because of his hatred of Latinos. I just want my opinion heard.' Velasquez was given his 30-year sentence in a maximum security jail in Bogota for plotting the murder of a former presidential candidate. The slaying of the cartel-fighting politician Luis Carlos Galan during the 1990 presidential campaign he was heavily favoured to win marked the apex of drug violence that engulfed Colombia two decades ago. In a bid to fight extradition to the United States, Escobar ordered scores of assassinations - of judges, cabinet ministers and journalists. The cartel waged a bombing campaign across Bogota, Medellin and Cali, with many of the explosive devices planted by Velasquez. Escobar downed the Avianca commercial jetliner in 1989 because he believed Galan's political heir, then President Cesar Gaviria, was aboard as part of this escalation of violence. A family had quite the shock when they came down to the kitchen for breakfast to discover a fox asleep on top of the microwave. Kim Fryer was at home in Mitcham, south west London, on 15 December when her daughter discovered the fox early in the morning. Although having knocked over a few plant pots and a speaker the animal seemed quite calm and didn't open its eye until Ms Fryer's daughter turned on the light. Kim Fryer discovered the fox on her microwave at home in Mitcham, south west London Ms Fryer said: 'My daughter found him at 7am and called up to me. I came down and spotted this little fox curled up on top of the microwave. 'I have five cats and a dog so obviously I have a cat flap. He must have crawled under the gate and through the cat flap. 'A couple of my plants were smashed and there was mud everywhere. 'She put the light on and one eye opened but he didn't move. We could tell there was something wrong with him.' They called the RSPCA and Inspector Phil Norman attended to collect the fox. He was taken to the charity's Putney Animal Hospital, in London, where vets checked him over and monitored him. While he seemed extremely weak and lethargic to begin with he soon perked up and staff could find nothing wrong with him. A hospital spokesperson said: 'He had got in through the cat flap and found a nice warm spot to sleep in. After a medical check at the RSPCA's Putney Animal Hospital the healthy and fluffy animal, who wasn't so keen on his temporary cage, was released back into the same area of London 'He was quite happy to be brought in to the hospital for a health check but was understandably not keen on being in a cage. 'Fortunately he was quite healthy with a beautiful fluffy coat, so after a thorough check over he was released back to the area he was found in by one of the hospital staff. Good luck Mr. Fox.' Mr Fox was just one of the 10,000 animals the RSPCA expects to rescue this winter as a result of the 55,821 calls the animal welfare charity's 24-hour cruelty hotline receives over Christmas. This year the charity's fundraising appeal hopes to raise money to help cover some of the costs over the festive period. The charity is asking the public to make donations by visiting their website. Authorities in West Virginia have arrested the two men and two women who snuck into an idle coal mine earlier this month, allegedly to steal copper wire, and then found themselves stranded. Kayla Williams, 25, and Erica Treadway, 31, surrendered to authorities Wednesday on charges including entering without breaking. According to law enforcement officials, they made their way inside the inactive Rock House Powellton Mine along with Kayla's cousin, 43-year-old Eddie Williams Jr, and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Cody Beverly. Scroll down for video Eddie Williams Jr, 43 (left), and his girlfriend, 31-year-old Erica Treadway (right), have been charged with entering a West Virginia coal mine earlier this month Eddie's cousin, Kayla Williams, 23 (left), and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Cody Beverly (right), are facing charges of conspiracy, destruction of public property and entering without breaking Williams Jr left the mine two days later to get help, leaving his three companions behind. It took first responders two more days to rescue the other three. Eddie Williams and Beverly surrendered to authorities on Friday. Williams Jr has been charged with breaking and entering, felony conspiracy and giving false information to law enforcement officers, reported ABC News. Kayla Williams, Treadway and Beverly are facing charges of conspiracy, destruction of public property and entering without breaking. A criminal complaint filed in Raleigh County Magistrate Court says the four entered the mine on the morning of December 8, allegedly with the intention of stealing valuable copper wire. According to court documents, Kayla and her boyfriend Beverly, and Eddie and his girlfriend Treadway, split up and headed in opposite directions to have sex. Beverly has told The Register-Herald that their lights went out shortly after entering the mine and chaos ensued, eventually prompting Eddie to leave in search of help. Beverely and his girlfriend, Kayla, were rescued by first responders on December 12, four days after they entered the idle mine Treadway is pictured being placed on a stretcher in soaking-wet pants and without shoes The mine is located in the mountains near Clear Creek which is around 50 miles southeast of Charleston The complaint says Eddie initially told authorities the others went in without him and he went in search of them when they didn't come out the next day, but later said the four entered the mine to look for 'copper to steal.' He said he left the mine alone December 10, got a ride to Whitesville where family was waiting and later spoke to law enforcement. Kayla, Beverly and Treadway were rescued December 12 by a team from West Virginia Office of Mine Health Safety and Training, Contura Energy and the National Guard. In an interview on the Today show, Beverly denied that he and the others had gone into the abandoned mine looking for copper to steal and sell, instead insisting that they were 'just exploring.' Beverly recounted how he and his companions survived by drinking water from a stream in the mine and praying that it was not contaminated. In an interview on the Today show, Beverly denied that he and the others had gone into the abandoned mine looking for copper Not his first rodeo: Eddie (left and right) was indicted in May on charges including trespassing and grand larceny related to the theft of copper wire from an Alpha Resources mine The group had some snacks when they ventured into the mine to look for copper on Friday but their supplies quickly ran out. Treadway, who emerged the mine barefoot and with soaking trousers, said it was 'dark and dangerous'. 'Its a whole nother world down there... I am just grateful for everybody,' she said. The Register-Herald reported Eddie was indicted in May on charges including trespassing and grand larceny related to the theft of copper wire from an Alpha Resources mine. The office of Prime Minster Scott Morrison reportedly knew about legal proceedings between a senior MP and a woman he met on a 'sugar daddy' website two weeks before the story became public. Assistant Minister Andrew Broad resigned from parliament on December 17 after New Idea published an article revealing the married father had met up with the woman in Hong Kong and sent her a stream of racy messages. Weeks before the resignation, the woman, Hong Kong based Irish national Amy Keating, allegedly demanded he pay her more than $1,450 to keep her quiet. Broad reportedly told Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack about the alleged blackmail in early November and he advised that he inform the Australian Federal Police. Following the release of the scandal, Mr Broad announced his resignation from the front bench and later said he would not re-contest his seat at the next election so he could focus on his family - his wife of 19-years Rachel (left) and their new foster child After investigating the issue the AFP reportedly advised that they have no jurisdiction over texts sent from Hong Kong. Scott Morrison's office were informed of the legal proceedings on December 3, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, although the Prime Minister himself was not aware of the case until it became public. The New Idea article ran a number of explosive claims by Ms Keating including that Mr Broad, 43, had sent her a number of lewd messages, referring to himself as 'James Bond', while bragging about his 'important job'. The article did not, however, mention the blackmail attempt that was carried out over text messages from Ms Keating, who went by the online alias 'Sweet Sophia Rose.' Amy Keating (pictured), a 'sugar baby' known online as 'Sweet Sophia Rose', told New Idea earlier this month she had been texting the 43-year-old married man In new text messages shared with the Herald Sun, the 'sugar baby' at the centre of sexting scandal tried to get political Andrew Broad to buy her silence (pictured) 'I have all your seedy messages and will go public with more story if you don't transfer the allowance of 8000 HKD ($A1450) into my PayPal account by the end of the day,' one message said. 'And believe me, I'm fully aware of how much more I could get if I went public to the papers with my story.' Mr Broad met the Irish national who is based in Hong Kong at Aqua, an exclusive restaurant in Hong Kong where she claims her made her feel 'uncomfortable'. Ms Keating said she was 'happy to leave' the dinner where she felt like she couldn't be herself. Mr Broad (pictured) met the Irish national who is based in Hong Kong at Aqua, an exclusive restaurant in Hong Kong where she claims to have felt 'uncomfortable' In screenshots of what Ms Keating claims are text messages sent between the pair, Mr Broad, a former farmer, appears happy to capitalise on his Australian upbringing (pictured) According to Ms Keating's texts, the Victoria MP gave off a 'good guy' image but was actually the opposite. After the scandal was made public, Mr Broad announced his resignation from the front bench and later said he would not re-contest his seat at the next election so he could focus on his family - his wife of 19-years Rachel and their new foster child. In screenshots of what Ms Keating claims are text messages sent between the pair, Mr Broad, a former farmer, appears happy to capitalise on his Australian upbringing. 'I pull you close, run my strong hands down your back, softly kiss your neck and whisper, 'G'day mate',' he wrote. Advertisement Three British tourists including a child were killed when the SUV they were inside plunged off a bridge in Iceland today after it was driven 'wildly', it's been claimed. A further four Britons - two of them children - were critically injured in the incident, which took place at the road crossing over Skeidararsandur, a vast sand plain in southern Iceland, at around 9.30am. The seven-seat Toyota Land Cruiser was carrying four adults and three children, thought to be from two families, when it crashed through barriers and fell more than 26ft off the bridge in freezing temperatures nearly two hours before sunrise. The SUV is said to have overtaken cars at above the 50mph speed limit as it drove towards the single-track bridge. Tour guide Adolf Ingi Erlingsson found the ruined Toyota 4x4 on the river bank following the smash. He told The Sun: 'People say they had been overtaken by the Toyota being driven wildly at very high speed.' The victims of the crash were of Asian origin and British nationals, according to authorities, who said they were two couples, an eight-year-old girl, a nine-year-old boy and an infant. It is not yet clear which of the passengers died. Tour guide Adolf Erlingsson was among the first on the scene in a barren, rocky area of the country known as the black desert. He said four people were outside the car, one of whom was dead. Another three were trapped inside, only one of whom was alive. 'It was horrible,' he said. 'The car seemed to have hit the ground many meters from where it stopped. We struggled getting everyone out.' Scroll down for video. Three British tourists including a child were killed after the SUV they were in plunged off a bridge in Iceland today. All of the injured have been transported from the scene in a Coast Guard helicopter (pictured) and taken to a hospital in the capital Reykjavik Emergency services personnel are pictured at the scene near the crumpled remains of the Toyota Land Cruiser, which was carrying seven people Witnesses described horrifying scenes at the crash site, where a silver-coloured SUV lay crumpled on its roof beneath the bridge Tour guide Adolf Erlingsson was among the first on the scene, and said it appeared the car (pictured) had hit the ground several yards from where it stopped A further four Britons - two of them children - were critically injured in the accident, which took place at Skeidararsandur, a vast sand plain in southern Iceland, at around 9.30am (file picture shows the bridge where it is understood the crash happened) Mr Erlingsson told a local newspaper: 'I was driving when just before I got to the bridge I saw a flashing light and then a police car arrived. 'I went to check to see if I could help, and with the two policemen went into the car to try and pull people out. It was naturally horrific - there was a man with two little children lying on either side of him, who were still conscious. 'The man thought he was dying and could not move. One of the officers was trying to calm him down, give him a drink, and get him to stay awake.' Mr Erlingsson said the driver was stuck under the dashboard. 'He was talking so I told him to save his energy and be quiet,' he said. Skeidararsandur sand plain: A huge, barren wasteland surrounded by glaciers and volcanoes This morning's crash, which killed four people, happened in freezing conditions nearly two hours before sunrise. It took place on a bridge over Skeidararsandur, a vast sand plain of 808 square-miles. The area was formed by deposits carried in melt water from the nearby Vatnajokull glacier. Virtually nothing grows on Skeidararsandur, which has a rocky terrain by the glacier itself before becoming sandy and muddy towards the sea. It was a major barrier to Iceland's Route 1, leading to the bridge where this morning's incident took place being built in 1973. The structure was badly damaged in 1996 after flood water and debris cascaded through its base in 1996 following an eruption of the nearby Grimsvotn volcano. Advertisement Police said the road was not thought to be icy but humidity could have made the surface slippery for the SUV, which was driving eastbound. The vehicle slammed through a railing on the 46-year-old, one-lane crossing, before landing on a rocky river bank. Indian ambassador Armstrong Changsan visited the survivors in hospital and said: 'The situation is very bad. Three people have died and one of them is an infant. 'There were seven people. Two couples in their thirties and three children. The other two children are aged 8 and nine and are a girl and boy. The girl is in surgery.' He said it was too early to establish the cause of the tragedy, and police had given him no indication of what had happened to cause the vehicle to go off the road. He added: 'I believe the family had come to Iceland to see the glaciers. There is a popular tourist site there.' Chief Superintendent Sveinn Kristjan Runarsso said the four injured have been taken to hospital with serious injuries, but added that 'we haven't been able to talk to them about what happened'. All of the injured have been transported from the scene in a Coast Guard helicopter and taken to a hospital in the capital Reykjavik. The bridge was built in 1973 and is 420 yards long, making it the second-longest in the country. Mr Erlingsson said the crash occurred in an area that was 'the most popular destination on the south coast'. The crash happened just south of Skaftafell National Park, part of the Vatnajokull National Park, which was nominated for inclusion in Unesco's World Heritage List in 2018. Casualties from this morning's crash arrive in an emergency helicopter at a hospital in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik Police say it remains unclear what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Pictured: One of the casualties arrives at hospital in Reykjavik One of the casualties is wheeled over the tarmac and into the hospital as Coast Guard officers brief medics on the situation The Vatnajokull glacier is the largest in Europe, covering 8% of Iceland's landmass including the island's tallest peak Hvannadalshnjukur at 2,200 metres tall (7,218ft). Tourists flock to the area to enjoy hiking, camping and sightseeing flights. South of the national park is the Skeidararsandur, a vast sand plain formed from alluvial deposits, with little vegetation, with the Nupsvotn glacial lakes on its western boundary. MailOnline has contacted the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for comment. Tourists are urged to monitor the country's road safety and weather websites due to often difficult conditions, the Foreign Office adds. Officials say 18 people have died on Iceland's roads this year, half of them foreigners. A police vehicle at a roadblock on Route 1 in Iceland, near the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, near where today's incident took place Hordes of baby formula buyers are making a joke of supermarket tin limits by simply handing off their loot and going back inside for more. More than a dozen 'daigous' hit Woolworths at Sunnybank Hills, Brisbane, this week and staff appeared powerless to stop them. The tins cost just a few dollars but can sell for more than five times that in China where they are highly-sought after in black market online sales. An army of baby formula buyers made a joke of Woolworths' two tin limit by simply handing off their loot and going back for more They showed an employee their receipt for only two tins and immediately ran to bags and trolleys waiting outside and dumped them in In one of the most organised efforts to strip supermarket shelves bare ever captured on film, the group bought their two tins and hustled to the exit one-by-one. They then showed an employee their receipt for only two tins and immediately ran to bags and trolleys waiting outside and dumped them in. The crafty entrepreneurs then ran to the entrance and returned to the shelves - the whole route looking like a an oval jogging track. A man filming the comical display from a balcony at the major shopping centre in Brisbane's south was unimpressed. In a second video, he ventured downstairs for a closer and revealed many trolleys packed with numerous tins of baby formula. The crafty gang then ran to the entrance and returned to the shelves - the whole route looking like a an oval jogging track In a second video, the man filming the comical display ventured downstairs for a closer and revealed many trolleys packed with numerous tins of baby formula Woolworths wasn't the only store hit at Sunnybank Hills days before Christmas as another video showed shoppers piling their trolleys at the Coles there. Like at Woolworths, the buyers at Coles circumvented the two-tin limit by dropping off the items then running back to repeat the process. For several years, Australian parents have been outraged at the practice by Asian 'daigous', as few tins are left for their own children. Daigou is the Chinese word for a shopper who buys something on behalf of a third party. Baby formula is lucrative market, with some people earning in excess of $100,000 per year after shipping off the tins to willing buyers in China. Australia's tough regulations mean the formula is of higher quality and well-off parents are willing to pay more than five times the supermarket price. Americans buoyed by a strong economy have pushed holiday sales growth to a six-year high. Retail sales rose 5.1 per cent between November 1 and December 24 from a year ago, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracked spending online and in stores across all payment types, including those who paid by cash or check. Total sales topped $850 billion this year, Mastercard said. 'From shopping aisles to online carts, consumer confidence translated into holiday cheer for retail,' said Steve Sadove, a senior adviser at Mastercard and the former CEO of the department store chain Saks. A shopper pays for a last-minute gift on Christmas Eve in a Vera Bradley store in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Retail sales grew the most in six years, in a sign of consumer confidence 'By combining the right inventory with the right mix of online versus in-store, many retailers were able to give consumers what they wanted via the right shopping channels.' Online sales continued to grow, up more than 19 per cent from a year ago. Last week, Mastercard said online sales made up 13 per cent of total retail sales. Clothing sold well this year - up nearly 8 per cent from last year, the biggest growth for apparel sales since 2010, Mastercard said. Home furniture sales rose 2.3 per cent, while electronics and appliances slipped 0.7 per cent. Shoppers spent less at department stores, which Mastercard said was partly due to store closings. But shoppers did head to the websites of department stores, where sales rose 10.2 per cent, Mastercard said. Traditional retailers have been updating their websites and smartphone apps, as well as making it easier for shoppers to buy online and then pick up their items in store. Nearly 80 years after it was written, a 99-year-old great-grandmother has received a hand-written love letter from her soldier fiance which went to the bottom of the ocean when the cargo ship transporting it to Britain was sunk off the coast of Galway by German U-boats in 1941. Phyllis Ponting, from Devizes in Wiltshire, gave up hope of ever hearing from her beloved Bill Walker, serving with the Wiltshire Regiment, after he was posted to India and he never answered her letter accepting his proposal of marriage. It is not known whether Mr Walker survived the conflict, although there does not appear to be a listing for a William Walker of the Wiltshire Regiment on the Commonwealth Graves Commission having died during the Second World War. Heartbroken Phyllis, whose maiden name was Aldridge, went on to find happiness with Jim Holloway, whom she married, and the couple had four children. After his death she wed Reginald Ponting. For all these years she wondered whatever happened to Bill Walker, telling the BBC he couldn't have survived, 'otherwise he would have been straight round to my address. We would have been married. He loved me a lot'. But the letter was one of 700 to survive in the wreck, three miles under the waves, in conditions likened by marine archaeologists to 'like putting them in a tin can, sealing it up and putting it in a fridge freezer.' Delivered at last: Phyllis Ponting with the love letters from Bill Walker which were lost at sea after his boat was torpedoed in World War Two Phyllis Ponting, now 99, never knew whether her wartime sweetheart Bill Walker, pictured above, survived the war. But she said she had always presumed he had given his life for his country because 'Otherwise he would have been straight round to my address. We would have been married. He loved me a lot' Phyllis Ponting as a teenager before the war, when she met Bill Walker who proposed to her The message of love from the smitten young soldier has now, incredibly, been recovered with around 700 other letters from the wreck of the SS Gairsoppa, a steam-powered cargo ship. She has been tracked down as the 'Phyll' in the letters after a feature on BBC's The One Show and been visited by a representative of the London Postal Museum and given copies of Bill's letter. 'I can't believe the letter was at the bottom of the sea and now I can read it' said Phyllis, who has four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 'I don't think Bill can have survived the war, otherwise he would have been straight round to my address in Roseland Avenue. We would have been married. He loved me a lot,' the 99-year-old said. They met in Devizes when Bill was stationed at the Wiltshire Regiment's barracks in the town. In the letter, he writes about reading her acceptance of his marriage proposal. He said 'I wish you could have been there when I opened it. I wept with joy. I could not help it. If you could only know how happy it made me, darling.' It was among 700 personal letters, many from servicemen, which were being transported on the vessel and which were lost when the steam cargo ship was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland. Museum curator Shaun Kingsley said that after the letters were recovered and treated in a conservation lab, including Bill Walker's final letter to Phyllis, pictured above, 'slowly and suddenly words started to appear' The ship, which was also carrying a huge haul of 48 tons of silver, sank almost 4,700 metres (about 15,400ft) to the bottom of the Atlantic, killing 83 of the 84 crew members, about 300 miles off the coast of Galway. Incredibly, the poigant collection of letters from India - many to sweethearts back home - has been recovered in almost pristine condition from the wreck on the seabed. They are now part of a heart-rending exhibition called Voices from the Deep, being staged at London's Postal Museum. Work to recover the cargo, including the letters, began in 2011. Marine archaeologists wanted to find the silver, which was being sent from colonial India to Britain to help fund the war effort, but they discovered the letters too. Museum curator Shaun Kingsley said 'It's the largest collection of letters since people started to write to survive any shipwreck, anywhere in the world. 'It shouldn't have been preserved, but because there was no light, there was no oxygen, it was darkness, it was like putting a collection of organics in a tin can, sealing it up and putting it in a fridge freezer. 'And in the conservation lab, slowly and suddenly words started to appear. Some 700 letters written from British India in 1940.' American-backed salvage firm Odyssey Marine Exploration say the bringing to the surface of the silver bullion is the heaviest and deepest recovery of precious metals from a shipwreck ever made. The company, under contract to the British Government, will get to keep 80 per cent of the haul after expenses. The remaining 20 per cent will go to the Treasury. The first 1,200 silver bars, or about 1.8 million troy ounces, was worth about 23.7 million (about $37 million). Laden with 1200 silver bars, the SS Gairsoppa (pictured) had to burn too much fuel to keep up with the Navy convoy which was offering the steam-powered cargo vessel some protection from German U-boats. The skipper received permission for the ship to strike off on its own towards Galway in Ireland rather than its original destination of Liverpool, but a U-boat torpedo killed 83 of its 84 crew SS Gairsoppa, built at the Jarrow shipyard in 1919, was steaming home to Liverpool from India in 1941 while in the service of the Ministry of War Transport when she was forced to break away from a Merchant Navy convoy, protected by Royal Navy destroyers, and was torpedoed. She sank in British waters and the 412ft-long steamship has remained sitting upright on the seabed with her holds open, nearly three miles under water. The ship, recognisable by the red-and-black paintwork of the British-India Steam Navigation Company and the torpedo hole in its side, was sailing in a convoy from Calcutta in 1941. Buffeted by high winds and running low on coal, the captain decided he would not make it to Liverpool and broke from the convoy to head for Galway. A single torpedo from U-101 sank her in 20 minutes, on February 17, 1941. Three lifeboats were launched, but only Second Officer Richard Ayres made it to land, reaching the Cornish coast after 13 days. During World War II, Britain, cut off from occupied Europe, was utterly dependent on supplies reaching her by sea. But Hitler was determined to force Britain to her knees by cutting off these supplies. He ordered his U-boat captains to hunt down and destroy Allied shipping. In February 1941 alone, 38 British ships were sunk. Many of the ships were old and heavily laden, so they could travel no faster than eight knots, making them an easy target for U-boats. The Gairsoppa, with its heavy load of almost 7,000 tonnes which included the silver, as well as iron and tea, was forced to burn more and more fuel to maintain her speed in the stormy seas as they journeyed north. Fearing that he did not have enough fuel to make it to Liverpool, her skipper, Captain Gerald Hyland, asked permission to break away from the convoy and make instead for Galway on Ireland's south-west coast, and on February 14, 1941, the Gairsoppa left the convoy. The U-101, captained by Ernst Mengersen, headed towards the Gairsoppa, hoping to make a 'kill', and at 2230 hours a massive explosion blew apart the ship's Number Two hold. Such was the impact of the single torpedo that the foremast snapped and crashed to the deck, taking with it the radio antennae, so the crew were unable even to send a distress signal. They were alone and sinking fast. As fire and smoke ripped through the Gairsoppa, Captain Hyland gave the order to abandon ship and the men made for the lifeboats. This picture from marine archaeologists shows the SS Gairsoppa on the seabed, nearly three miles down Then bullets ripped through the darkness, forcing them to throw themselves down. The U-boat had surfaced and sprayed the deck with machine-gun fire. Some of the bullets cut through the ropes of one lifeboat, sending it crashing into the freezing sea. Dozens of men leapt overboard and swam towards it, including Second Officer Richard Ayres. They began pushing away from the stricken vessel to avoid being sucked down as it sank, and had to paddle frantically to get clear of the spinning propellers. Somehow they pulled away and watched as just a hundred yards from them, the Gairsoppa disappeared under the waves, within 20 minutes of being hit. Of the other two lifeboats, there was no sign. They were alone in icy seas, hundreds of miles from land. There were 31 men in the lifeboat - eight Europeans and 23 Indian seamen, known as Lascars, all of whom began immediately suffering badly from the cold, so they were given all the blankets and some canvas for shelter. The only man skilled at sailing a small boat, was 31-year-old Second Officer Ayres who immediately took command and set sail eastwards, steering with an oar because the rudder had been lost. Their food supplies consisted of some tins of condensed milk and dry biscuit, so hard it could barely be swallowed. Ayres resisted the crew's pleas for extra water rations to soften the biscuit, because they were desperately short of water. Each man was limited to half a pint of water a day and half a pint a night. But the Lascars began drinking salt water, which made them go mad and fight each other. Men began to die. Then, on the eighth day, water ran out. There was no sign of land and little chance of rescue: no one knew their fate or whereabouts. Men become delirious and 'had barely enough hope and heart to carry on,' according to Ayres. A couple of rain showers gave some relief from the thirst that burned their throats, but in the cold air, their hands and fingers became swollen with frostbite, making it impossible to grip the oars. Over the next few days, their strength and spirit ebbed away. But Ayres, determined, fit and strong, was resolved to save the lives of the remaining men. He sailed the little boat through towering waves and fierce gales, snatching little sleep as only he, the Gairsoppa's radio officer, 18-year-old Robert Hampshire, and a gunner named Norman Thomas, 20, from Chatham, Kent, had the strength left to man the rudder. Then, 13 days after the sinking, with only seven men surviving, many barely clinging to life, one man croaked out the word they all longed to hear: 'Land'. At first the others thought it was just a cloud, but then they made out a lighthouse. It was the Lizard lighthouse on the southernmost tip of Cornwall, 300 miles from where the Gairsoppa had sunk. Ayres began sailing towards a rocky cove. Just as they were nearing its entrance, a huge wave cruelly smashed on to the small boat, capsizing it. In their weakened state, all but three of the men drowned - so near yet so far from safety. Another wave righted the boat and Ayres managed to drag himself, Hampshire and Thomas on board, only for another breaker to capsize them again. They clung to the keel, but as more waves crashed violently over them they lost their grip. Hampshire was washed to his death, but Ayres and Thomas made it to nearby rocks. Then another icy wave knocked Thomas backwards, drowning him just yards from safety. Exhausted and alone, Ayres felt 'the fight for life was not worthwhile'. Then, as he surrendered himself to his fate, he heard voices urging him not to give up. Three young girls, Betty Driver, Olive Martin and her sister, evacuees from Tottenham in London, had been walking along the cliffs when they spotted the boat flip over in the stormy seas below. One ran across the fields to fetch help from a nearby farm. The other two raced down to the beach and shouted to the men, begging them to keep swimming. Eventually, the first girl returned with a coastguard, Brian Richards, who threw Ayres a rope and pulled him ashore. The bodies of Hampshire, Thomas and two Lascars were recovered and buried in a nearby cemetery. It later transpired that the place where Ayres had come ashore, at Caerthillian Cove, was just a few miles from his home. He was awarded an MBE in recognition of his heroic efforts to keep fellow survivors alive, as well as a War Medal for bravery at sea. Ayres returned to sea just nine months later, and spoke little about it after the war, during his years in the Royal Naval Reserve. He died in 1992, but the citation on his MBE will forever celebrate the extraordinary efforts of a brave man: 'It was only the cruelty of the sea that robbed him of the fruits of his labour.' Casey Anthony's father George is seen for the first time returning from hospital to his Orlando, Florida home almost a month after suffering serious spinal injuries from a near-fatal crash. The pain on 67-year-old George's face was clear as he shuffled up the driveway to his house, his head encircled in a halo brace, with the help of a medical assistant and using a walker. The halo brace is used to keep the bones in his neck from moving, while pins screwed into his forehead keep it in place. George was greeted inside by wife Cindy, 60, who has set up a GoFundMe page to raise $100,000 for his medical expenses. On November 24, Anthony was driving Cindy's green 1999 Toyota 4Runner west on Interstate 4 in Daytona Beach, Florida when it went into the right shoulder. According to the Florida Highway Patrol accident report, Anthony then swerved left to get back onto the road but lost control and his car rolled over three times across three lanes of highway. George Anthony (right), 67, arrives at his Orlando, Florida home with his head in a halo brace after suffering spinal injuries from a November 24 car accident George Anthony (right) needed a medical assistant and a metal walker when he arrived at his Orlando, Florida home on December 24 following a car crash Casey Anthony, 32, has not visited her father and instead spent Christmas partying at her home in West Palm Beach, Florida. She is seen here dressed in an elf costume Anthony was airlifted to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, 50 miles north of their home. Cindy put the blame for the accident on the car, claiming one of its wheels came off. On her twitter page, she told followers: 'Well, has anyone been hurt by their Toyota 4runner wheel coming off?? 'The left rear axle broke on ours nearly killing and leaving my husband seriously injured. I bought the vehicle brand new, low miles and well maintained. No recalls on this type of issue. Anthony suffered spinal injuries when his Toyota 4Runner rolled over three times across three lanes of highway in Daytona Beach, Florida on November 24 George Anthony recovers from his November 24 car accident in a photo taken at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida Cindy posted on her twitter page the reason for her husband George's November 24 car accident was because the left rear axle broke 'I loved my 4runner but I love my husband more!!!. Dont (sic) want anyone else to be injured. Thank God no one was in his path when the car flipped 3 times across 3 lanes of busy interstate Thanksgiving weekend. 'Everyone check you (sic) auto coverage. Unless you take out special insurance coverage as a driver in a single car accident if you are injured you are not covered under your pip [Personal Injury Protection]. Florida no fault only pays $10,000. Very deceptive how they make you feel protected.' Casey Anthony, 32, at her West Palm Beach home looks towards a photo of her daughter Caylee. Anthony was acquitted of the two-year-old's murder in 2011 Casey Anthony, 32 (pictured with her late daughter Caylee) was branded the most-hated mom in America during the six-week trial for Caylee's murder The accident report gave a different theory for the car losing control, stating Anthony had a medical issue that may have caused him to drive off the road. It did not detail what the medical issue was. Cindy's GoFundMe Page, which shows a photo of her husband in hospital, has currently raised $660. Cindy and George Anthony are now estranged from their daughter Casey It states: 'On George's way back from a car show in Daytona, 11-24-18, the left rear axle broke on his 1999 Toyota 4runner, causing him to roll his car several times. George suffered serious injuries, including to his spinal cord. He will have a long recovery ahead.' The medical expenses the Anthonys face could not have come at a worst time as the couple face eviction from their $200,000 home. US Bank National Association filed a case against the couple in May, claiming in court documents filed in Florida's Ninth Circuit Court they never made a single payment on a 2010 loan against the property for $121,160. Their next hearing is March 2019. The crash occurred almost 10 years to the date that officials discovered the bones of Anthony's granddaughter Caylee, who many believed was killed by her mother Casey. Anthony, 32, was branded the most-hated mom in America during the six-week trial for Caylee's murder. She was found not guilty. The trial destroyed her relationship with her father, who the defense claimed had sexually abused his daughter from a young age. The defense also claimed that it was George, a former police detective, who was responsible for Caylee's death, arguing that he hid the body after she drowned in his pool. That was enough to set Casey free, but her father was never tried, charged or convicted of a crime in the case. Unsurprisingly Casey, has not been one of the well-wishers to visit George since he returned home on Christmas Eve. Casey was seen 180 miles south, dressed as an elf as she left the West Palm Beach home she shares with private investigator friend Pat McKenna who worked on her defence case. Carrying a vase containing an orchid, Casey is believed to have gone to a Christmas Eve party with pals including West Palm Beach bartender Antony Karagiannis, 38, whom she has been dating since October. DailyMail.com last week revealed Casey is considering starring in a reality show called 'Casey Moving Forward' which may feature her relationship with Karagiannis. And she believes the show would work after comparing herself with the Kardashian family who 'made it big with so much hate.' George and Cindy Anthony face being evicted from this $200,000 home in Orlando, Florida She told friends on a private twitter account seen by DailyMail.com she has until February to make a decision. Anthony posted, 'I am degraded no matter what I do..may as well live up to the names everyone has for me. I am more than positive it would be a hit, 'Casey moving forward'... She added, 'A reality show would be awesome right now.. I was approached about it, Still thinking...I have until February 2019 to decide. What do you think?' Her friends have urged her online to go ahead with the project, with one telling her 'For sure it'd be a hit. People who show hate will watch as well as the rest.' Anthony replied, 'The very ones that say they wouldn't watch my parents interviews are the very ones that talk about their every move in the interview. I can handle bad attention, and I know..the privacy thing still has me thinking. But she added, 'My life is pretty weird, never a dull moment!' The show is also expected to feature the rift she has with her parents. Anthony blasted George and Cindy on her twitter page for giving an interview to 'The Dr Oz Show' in October. George told the show his daughter 'doesn't need to exist anymore as far as I'm concerned.' On December 4 Anthony tweeted, 'Seems everyone wants to make money off of my case..lol My parents.....I'm the only one not wanting $' Anthony said, 'I am content in my life..I am not my family, I will not use my daughters untimely death to make $. People want me to get a job then they boycott potential employers if they hire me..how hypocritical can one be? I pray for my miserable enemies, as they need it more than I.' This is the out-of-control dog which savaged a 38-year-old babysitter and was later shot dead by armed police following the attack. The husky, known as Storm, was shot by police officers after they discovered the seriously injured woman and felt they had 'no other choice'. Emergency services were called at around 1.30am today after the victim was viciously mauled at a house in Rednal, Birmingham. The woman suffered multiple injuries and was rushed to hospital, where she is described as being in a serious but stable condition. The Husky, named Storm - pictured with one of his owners - was shot by police officers after they discovered the seriously injured woman and felt they had 'no other choice' West Midlands Police said armed officers arrived at the property on the residential cul-de-sac but were forced to shoot the dog dead. The dog owner's father told BirminghamLive she had come to watch the children as a babysitter while his daughter had a rare night out. He said the eight-year-old Husky, who the family had owned since he was a puppy, was locked away in the kitchen when the woman arrived to babysit. The grandfather said: 'She had locked him away behind double doors - which close themselves - in the kitchen. Emergency services went to the scene in Rednal, Birmingham (pictured) at around 1.30am, after a victim was mauled by a dog 'But somehow he got out, even though it was only three of them in the house and the kids were upstairs asleep. 'He jumped straight for her face and she fell to the floor, he got hold of her arm and there was a struggle. 'The kids were in bed and heard her screaming so rushed down to help her. They managed to get him off her and put him away in the kitchen. 'I used to walk the dog every two days, three-and-a-half miles as I know young families are busy. We are all upset.' The dog had only ever once shown aggression towards people, he added. He said the family was 'always cautious' and never introduced the dog to anyone new. 'We've always been very cautious and never introduced any strangers to the dog,' he said. 'They're pack animals, they will protect the family furiously.' A nearby resident said the incident was the 'most horrific' thing she had ever heard. She wrote on a community group: 'Can someone please confirm the early hours of this morning wasn't a dream? Gunshots, police in a house..? 'This morning there's nothing, like it never happened. Was the most horrific thing I have ever heard in my life.' Another added: 'Was few doors down from me, someone taken off in an ambulance, loads of police. A third resident told how she saw at least five officers armed with guns. She said: 'A lot of police presence for that surely? I counted at least five armed police.' A neighbour said that the dog was 'brilliant' and doesn't think that the police needed to shoot it and could have taken it to the vets instead, reports the Sun. They said: 'They shot it once and obviously it started howling. It was disgusting. I don't think I'll ever forget the sound. 'It made me sick to my stomach, I nearly cried my eyes out. ' 'We don't know about the woman's injuries we didn't really see much.' A force spokeswoman said: 'Police received a call at around 1.45am this morning from ambulance colleagues following reports that a dog had attacked a woman. 'A 38-year-old woman was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. 'Officers attended the address and due to the circumstances they were faced with had no choice but to put the dog down. 'The owner of the dog is assisting police with their enquiries.' A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: ''We sent two ambulances and treated a woman for multiple injuries, not believed to be life-threatening. 'She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.' The body of a driver was found in the wreckage of his car 15ft down an embankment on Christmas Eve, just two days after he had gone missing. Matthew Tomlinson had been visiting the north of Scotland when his family in York contacted police to say he hadn't been in contact. Searches started on Saturday 22 December and the wreckage of his car was found two days later on Christmas eve, down an embankment in the highlands at about 8.50am. Matthew Tomlinson (pictured above) had been visiting the north of Scotland when his family became concerned about his whereabouts It is believed Mr Tomlinson was travelling between Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh on the A87 when the accident happened on Friday 21 Dec. It is understood that about an hour into the journey, his phone dropped off the map through an apparent loss of mobile signal. Concerned members of his family travelled north from York to join searchers before the black Vauxhall Insignia was found about five miles north of Invergarry, 15ft down an embankment in a burn. In an online post on Facebook, Mr Tomlinson's brother Josh thanked searchers for their efforts whilst confirming his brother had been found. He wrote: 'Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know we've found Matt and it's not good news. Unfortunately, he's died from a car accident on Friday night. Sorry for anyone who's had to read this without getting a call. Thanks for everyone's efforts.' Tributes flooded in for Mr Tomlinson, who was described as a 'funny and bright' with 'a heart of gold.' The body of a driver was found in the wreckage of his car, 15ft down an embankment on Christmas Eve Sam Hamill wrote: 'Matt was an amazing guy, such a big loveable character.. My thoughts are with all the family.' Mike Thomas said: 'This is heart breaking, Matt was a true gent who inspired so many great memories.' Phoebe Senara added: 'Every time I spoke to Matt he never failed to make me smile, he will be so missed by so many people.' Police and emergency services closed off the road after Matthew's body was found Friends from the frisbee team he played with also expressed their condolences to his family. Natasha Lee said: 'Matt has been a huge influence on Stirling Uni and the Scottish Ultimate Community and he will be sorely, sorely missed. Sending love to you and all the family.' Catrin Jones said: 'Matt was an amazing guy and will be remembered and missed by so many people.' A police spokeswoman said: 'As part of efforts to trace missing person Matthew Tomlinson, 29, police found a serious one-vehicle road traffic collision in the Glengarry area at around 8.45am on Monday, December 24. 'A man was found deceased within the vehicle.' Collision inspectors were at the scene for much of Monday, with a 30-mile diversion in place for motorists. Vehicle recovery specialists and a fire crew from Fort Augustus also worked to recover the car. 1 Video shows well-known American Bitcoin trader Troy Woody, Jr., 21 (right), who has been arrested after allegedly murdering his girlfriend Tomi Michelle Masters, 23 (left), with a friend then dumping her naked body in a river, loading a large box said to contain her remains into the back of a taxi Video shows a well-known American Bitcoin trader, who has been arrested after allegedly murdering his girlfriend with a friend then dumping her naked body in a river, loading a large box said to contain her remains into the back of a taxi. Troy Woody Jr., 21, had been on an extended stay with partner Tomi Michelle Masters, 23, and mutual friend Mir Islam, 22, in the Philippines. But friends said the couple fell out earlier this month and Masters made a desperate plea to return home to Indiana. Woody and Islam, who are believed to be business partners, later allegedly suffocated Masters then wrapped her naked body in duct tape before stuffing it into a brown box. The two men - who boast online about taking cocaine and spending vast sums on luxury goods - ordered a Grab taxi on a phone app and then are believed to have hurled the box into the Pasig River in Manila, Philippines, on December 23 in the early hours of the morning at 2.40am. Both Woody and Islam returned to the taxi and continued to their destination, a large shopping mall called Robinsons Place. Cab driver John Kenneth Quimba later reported the suspicious passengers to local police who searched the river and found Masters' body covered in scratches, inside of a garbage bag. Woody, who had been living in California before coming to the Philippines, and Islam, who is from Brooklyn, were arrested later that afternoon and are being detained by the Manila Police District force at the headquarters. Police station head Superintendent Igmedio Bernaldez said both men are blaming each other for killing Masters, but they each admit dumping the body. Woody Jr (left) is accused of strangling Masters to death with their roommate Mir Islam (right) Masters (pictured) is said to have wanted to return home to Indiana before she was killed Supt Bernaldez said: 'We have yet to establish the motive. The three were here on vacation. 'If you ask the boyfriend, he will point to his friend as the killer. But if you ask the other suspect, he will say it was his friend who killed her. 'They are being questioned and the home they were staying at is being searched for evidence.' Video showed Woody and Islam loading a brown box believed to contain Masters' remains into a taxi they allegedly took to dump her body Islam and Woody can be seen here handling the large brown box before placing it in the cab Friends of the couple said that Masters had become tired of 'the scene' and deleted all pictures of her and Woody together from social media. She then expressed online her desire to return home. According to Senior Supt. Moises Villaceran Jr., Mandaluyong police chief, the autopsy result showed that suffocation was the cause of death. Police said that Masters and the two alleged killers had arrived together in Manila during a vacation earlier this year and stayed in the city. Masters was believed to have been killed inside the condominium unit she was sharing with her boyfriend in Mandaluyong City. The two men were arrested at a condominium unit in Ermita, Manila shortly after the body was found. Islam and Woody are shown placing the brown box into the cab they took to the Pasig River, where Masters' body was found, after their driver called authorities and reported their suspicious behavior An autopsy showed that Masters (pictured) was strangled and may have died before she was thrown in the river Masters' father, Shawn Masters, said that he will bring his daughter's body back to Indiana where they will arrange her funeral. Islam has a long criminal history of swatting, which is the false reporting of a serious incident such as a bomb threat, murder, or hostage situation, to bring a large number of emergency responders to a designated area, according to KrebsonSecurity. He was sentenced in 2016 to one year in jail for reporting phony bomb threats and fake hostage situations at the homes of celebrities and public officials, as well as stalking people online and posting their personal data on the Internet. Earlier in 2018, Islam filed a handwritten lawsuit from jail against Woody, referring to him as 'TJ,' and accused him of 'typosquatting.' 'Typosquatting' is a specific form of cybersquatting where a person obtains URLs that are similar to URLs owned by others, effectively stealing the other person's web traffic. It works by taking advantage of common typos made by internet users who are trying to reach a specific website. When the incorrect information is entered it would otherwise result in an error screen, but doesn't because the 'typosquatter' has created a website at that address instead. In 2012, Islam was also implicated in an FBI sting called Operation Card Shop, where the intelligence agency busted a group of nearly two dozen people for allegedly trafficking in stolen credit card information. The operation was run by a group called carders[dot]org, which Islam is believed to have founded, and collectively possessed information for more than 50,000 credit cards. Islam is believed to be the co-founder of UGNazi (Undergound Nazi Hacktivist Group), a hacking group thought to have hacked many high-profile websites, including those of the CIA, the Department of Justice, Twitter and UFC.com. Woody is also said to have been a member of the group, which according to Wikipedia, became a white hat security research group in 2018. White hat security and research are commonly used generic terms to describe ethical hacking. The group is not to be confused with WhiteHat Security, which is a private company that tests the security of websites and applications. Both suspects told police they were from Luxr LLC, a Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency trading firm registered in Lewes, Delaware. Woody, who has gone by 'MrOsama' and 'Everlife,' describes himself online as an 'Early Crypto Investor.' He has 17,000 followers on Twitter and 250,000 followers on Instagram. Islam, who refers to himself online as 'Josh the God,' has 18,000 followers on Instagram. Senior MPs today called for Britain to ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from working on the 5G mobile internet upgrade amid fears of cyber espionage. Julian Lewis and Bob Seely urged the government to follow its Five Eyes intelligence partners Australia and New Zealand and stop the firm from working on critical infrastructure projects. Huawei is one of the companies which has developed the 5G technology, but there are fears it could be used by China to hack into companies and even spy on Britons. Dr Lewis, Tory MP and chairman of the defence select committee, said ministers were warned of the dangers of Huawei a decade ago and there is 'no excuse' for ignoring them. He told MailOnline: 'What we have to remember is despite their protestations of independence, there is no such thing as an independent enterprise under a Communist regime. 'And until such time as China ceases to be a dictatorship of the Communist party in China then there can be no meaningful claim to independence by enterprises. 'We should definitely follow Australia's and New Zealand's example.' And Mr Seely, a Tory MP and defence expert, warned China may be able to discover the UK's vulnerabilities if its firms are given the crucial contracts. Their intervention comes after Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said he had 'grave concerns' about Huawei. Huawei strongly denies any suggestion that it could be used as a backdoor for the Chinese state to glean secrets from Britain. Julian Lewis (pictured left) and Bob Seely (pictured right) urged the government to follow its Five Eyes intelligence partners Australia and New Zealand and stop the firm from working on critical infrastructure projects. Gavin Williamson (pictured in Ukraine last week) has expressed 'grave' concerns at the prospect of the Chinese telecom giant Huawei being involved in the UK's new 5G network Britain and its allies have become increasingly alarmed at the growing cyber espionage threat posed by China. And last week Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt took the remarkable step of publicly blaming China for being behind hacks on UK companies to steal commercial secrets. Two of Britain's closest allies, New Zealand and Australia - who along with the UK, Canada and the US are part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance - have banned the Chinese firm amid national security fears. And there is growing pressure on Theresa May to follow their lead and do the same. Dr Lewis pointed out that ministers were warned as long ago as 2005 /2006 about the dangers of letting Huawei work on vital infrastructure projects in the UK when it bid for a BT contract. A report into the controversy by the Intelligence and Security Committee of MPs - which can see classified information - in 2013 blasted the lack to safeguards to protect vital infrastructure projects from foreign state actors. Dr Lewis said that five years on from that report, Britain risks repeating the mistake by again letting Huawei take part in a sensitive project. He said: 'Since at least 2013 they [ministers] have had no excuse for being unaware of the dangers of involving corporations of state adversaries in critical infrastructure of this character. 'They have been warned time and time again.' Dr Lewis said Chinese companies have benefited from lots of Western technological advances which they have gained access to via dubious means. This saves them billions in research and development - allowing them to undercut Western firms in bidding for technology contracts such as the 5G upgrade, he said. The Tory MP said this creates a 'viscous cycle' which allows Chinese firms to win contracts which they can then, potentially, glean new sensitive and secret information from. What is the 'five-eyes' intelligence alliance which Britain is a member of? The 'five eyes' intelligence alliance is made up of the UK, US, Canada, Austrialia and New Zeland. The group shares a massive amount of intelligence in one of the world's closest intelligence sharing alliance. The group has its roots in the intelligence pact Britain struck with the United States at the end of the Second World War. The two countries had been the closest of allies during the war, and after peace was declared worked together to track down and uncover Soviet spies as the Cold War kicked in. The five eyes alliance is one of the closest intelligence sharing pacts in the world - surpassing the information shared within Nato members. It has been cemented by a shared languages and trust forged over many decades of working together. But the alliance took a knock last year when key details of the investigation into the Manchester bombing were leaked to the American press. Donald Trump has restated his commitment to the alliance and announced an investigation into the leaks. Advertisement He said: 'At some point we need to break that cycle.' He added: 'There is a classic statement by Lenin - the architect of the 1917 Russian revolution - the west will sell us the rope with which to hang them. 'And this is a perfect example of a continuing reliance of that cynical prediction, because Communist regimes are only too well aware of the vulnerabilities in the competitive capitalist system to strike good commercial deals. 'But this is a commercial deal that serves the interests of an advanced power that has interests that are not ours.' Similar warnings were voiced by Mr Seely, a Tory MP and expert and cyber security and defence. He praised the Defence Secretary for warning of the dangers of letting Chinese firms take the reins on the critical projects, with all the confidential information that would give them. He told MailOnline: 'Gavin Williamson is right to be concerned. More of our political leaders should be thinking about the problems of cyber security. 'Several allied states around the world, including the US, Australia and New Zealand, have blocked the use of Huawei technology in their critical infrastructure due to the company's close links to the Chinese military. 'Their actions are sensible pre-cautions, not overreactions. 'Should Britain do the same? Yes we should.' He added: 'Cyber infiltration is about finding vulnerabilities in our systems to gain power or potential power over the state in times of conflict or threat. 'We need to make sure our own systems, in the energy grid, in the NHS, in Defence and Security are robust to be able to operate. We need to have confidence in them.' Nia Griffith MP, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, said: 'It is not good enough for Conservative Ministers simply to express concern about very serious potential cyberthreats. Warm words won't protect our critical infrastructure from cyberattack. 'The government has a responsibility to make sure that any multinational which operates in the U.K. is abiding by the highest standards. If there are credible allegations of wrongdoing then the government should take action immediately.' Their interventions come after Mr Williamson took the unusual step of voicing his 'grave concerns' at Huawei being given the sensitive contract. Mr Williamson said: 'I have grave, very deep concerns about Huawei providing the 5G network in Britain. It's something we'd have to look at very closely. 'We've got to look at what partners such as Australia and the US are doing in order to ensure that they have the maximum security of that 5G network and we've got to recognise the fact, as has been recently exposed, the Chinese state does sometimes act in a malign way.' Huawei is one of a handful of firms which has developed the next generation of super fast mobile internet known as 5G China is currently a world leader in developing the next-generation mobile internet technology that promises to deliver much faster download speeds. But Australia and New Zealand have both recently banned Huawei from providing 5G equipment on national security grounds. The Australian government said there were concerns about the country's internet networks being provided by companies 'likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government'. The technology, which will supersede 4G, could speed up the creation of 'smart cities' with linked networks of everything from traffic signals to driverless cars. Earlier this month, in a rare public appearance, the head of MI6 said Britain will have to decide how 'comfortable' it would be with the Chinese owning its future 5G infrastructure. Alex Younger said: 'We've got some decisions to take. This is about how 5G will, by and large, be based on Chinese technology. 'We need to decide the extent to which we are going to be comfortable with Chinese ownership of these technologies and these platforms in an environment where some of our allies have taken quite a definite position.' A spokesperson for Huawei said: 'Cybersecurity is Huawei's number one priority, and an area in which we are investing heavily. 'We fully agree with the need to ensure the security and integrity of national networks. 'As a responsible company and as a significant investor in the UK, we welcome dialogue with the British government and with the rest of the industry, as long as it is based on facts and on demonstrable evidence.' 'Huawei is a global leader in 5G technology, providing customers with access to a new generation in mobile internet capabilities in many different countries around the world. 'We have operated in the UK since 2001, partnering with all of the leading UK telecoms providers. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt (left with the PM earlier this month) blamed Beijing for the 'one of the most significant' cyber attacks ever made against the UK 'Our innovative, industry-leading products can help the UK maintain global leadership in 5G for the long-term benefit of consumers, businesses and the British economy.' The Government has talked up the so-called 'diamond era' in relations between Britain and China in recent years. But the relationship has come under major strain in recent months as the UK has blamed China for cyber hacking to steal commercial secrets in Britain. Earlier this month, Mr Hunt blamed Beijing for the 'one of the most significant' cyber attacks ever made against the UK and its allies. The 'sustained' campaign has tried to steal secrets from global companies based in Europe, Asia and the United States. British spies have assessed 'with the highest level of probability' that China is to blame for the hacking of corporate giants - warning the attempts to breach security are 'almost certainly' continuing. Mr Hunt demanded the Chinese offensive action 'stop', warning they breach international agreements made at the G20. A group called APT10 that is linked to the China's Ministry of State Security is responsible for the attacks, Mr Hunt said. A Chicago college student who was reported missing by her family has walked into a police station to explain that she was never in any danger. University of Illinois at Chicago freshman Shalyha Ahmad, 18, told police that 'she was safe and never missing', Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said on Thursday in a statement. The department has closed the missing persons case on the teen, Gugliemi said. It followed her family's desperate televised appeal for her safe return at a press conference on Wednesday. University of Illinois at Chicago freshman Shalyha Ahmad, 18, says she was never missing When Shalyha's family arrived to pick her up from the student center, she was not there The missing teen's family (above) made an emotional appeal for her return on Wednesday Family members said they hadn't been able to contact Shalyha since dropping her off at the Jefferson Blue Line station on Chicago's northwest side on December 14. There were reports that students sighted her around 11am that day on the school's campus on the near west side of the city, but she hadn't been spotted publicly since. When Shalyha's family arrived to pick her up from the student center later on December 14 as planned, she was nowhere to be found. The family tried tracking the teen's Samsung phone and her Chrome book, but both devices were turned off, WLS-TV reported. Back at home, the family found that none of Shalyha's personal items were missing, including her passport, which was still in her room. The teen also did not respond to messages her family sent her on Facebook, which they normally used to keep in touch. Shalyha's mother said she received an anonymous tip that her daughter may be with friends from the Filipino community at UIC. 'We are really worried about her at this point,' her mother Shetti Fatima Ahmad said in an emotional appeal at a press conference on Wednesday. 'We are hoping that she is safe wherever she is.' The family showed pictures of Shalyha at the press conference and asked the public to help Shalyha is described as five-foot-three, 110 pounds, with long black hair and dark brown eyes Shalyah's mother (above) made a direct appeal to her daughter in Tausug, a language spoken in the Filipino village where the family is from, urging the teen to return home 'I'm just trying to appeal to all the people to help us finding our daughter,' the mother said. 'Any information would really help us. We are really worried about her at this point. Call us or call 911 or call the TV stations, if you have any information.' At times overcome by tears, the mother made a direct appeal to her daughter in Tausug, a language spoken in the Filipino village where the family is from. 'You can come home when you're ready, just try to call us and... tell us that you're safe,' the worried mother said. A suspected burglar trying to steal from a hotel in China was caught because his feet were apparently too smelly. The man, identified by his surname Yang, had removed his shoes before entering the premises hoping it could help him move around without making any sound, according to the police. As he tiptoed through the hotel lobby, he was noticed by the owner of the hotel who smelt Yang's feet from another room, the police said. Suspect Yang tiptoes in the lobby of a hotel in China after entering it with his shoes off The owner of the hotel catches Yang in the car park. Police from Wuhu county in eastern China said the owner noticed Yang who was in the lobby after smelling his feet from another room Yang quickly ran out of the lobby, and the owner chased after him. He was later caught by the owner in the hotel's car park. The incident took place in the town of Wanzhi in Wuhu county during the wee hours of December 19, the Wuhu Donghu Police Station yesterday said in a statement released on its official social media account. The police also published CCTV footage of the incident. The suspect removed his shoes in hope of moving around the hotel without making any noise Officers from the Donghu Police Station take Yang back to the station for questioning The video shows Yang walking across the lobby carefully before realising that he has been discovered. The clip also shows the man leaving the hotel before being caught by the owner. Yang has been detained by the Wuhu police. He confessed to the officers that he had stolen from several hotels on the same night because he was short of money. The case is under further investigation. Michelle Obama is America's 'Most Admired Woman' - knocking Hillary Clinton off the perch she held for 17 years. Clinton sank down to Number 3 on Gallup's list of 'Most Admired Man and Woman, 2018,' after Oprah Winfrey, tying with current first lady Melania Trump. Obama, who is in the midst of book tour for her memoir 'Becoming,' won big time. She came in first with 15 percent - a whopping 10 points ahead of Winfrey at number two. Clinton and Trump both garnered 4 percent. Michelle Obama was named American's 'Most Admired Woman' Hillary Clinton (left) came in third with Melania Trump (right) fourth After a long career in the public eye as first lady, senator, secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, Clinton has stepped back from the spotlight. Obama, meanwhile, has seen her book sky rocket up the best seller list. It was the best-selling book of 2018. The former first lady also has been on a nationwide book tour in theaters and concert venues in addition to making multiple media appearances to tout her memoir. Clinton had a long run atop the list. She finished first 22 times - more than any other man or woman - according to Gallup, including in 1993 and 1994, 1997 through 2000, and 2002 through 2017. Oprah Winfrey (left) came in second and Queen Elizabeth II (right) came in fifth Queen Elizabeth II of England rounded out the Top Five. The queen placed in the top 10 for a record 50th time. Most Admired Women Michelle Obama Oprah Winfrey Hillary Clinton Melania Trump Queen Elizabeth Angela Merkel Ruth Bader Ginsburg Ellen DeGeneres Nikki Haley Malala Yousafzai Nancy Pelosi Advertisement On the male side, former President Barack Obama is the 'Most Admired Man' for the 11th year in a row. President Donald Trump came in at number two for the fourth year in a row. Obama topped his successor by 6 points, coming in with 19 percent to Trump's 13 percent. George W. Bush, Pope Francis, and businessman Bill Gates rounded out the top five. Former President Bill Clinton came in a distant seventh - after Sen. Bernie Sanders who took the number six slot. Bill Clinton, Gates and Sanders all garnered a scant one percent. Gallup asks Americans - in an open-ended question - to name the living man and woman they admire the most. The rise of the Obamas indicates they are seen as the head of the Democratic Party after the Clintons ruled for more than 25 years. Former President Barack Obama (left) came in first for the 11th year in a row while President Donald Trump (right) came in second for the fourth year in a row In the poll, Democrats, by large margins, named the Obamas the most admired man and woman. Most Admired Man Barack Obama Donald Trump George W. Bush Pope Francis Bill Gates Bernie Sanders Bill Clinton Dalai Lama Joe Biden Elon Musk Mike Pence Advertisement Republicans picked the Trumps but independents went with the Obamas, putting them over the top. President Obama is now just one first-place finish short of tying Dwight Eisenhower for the most times being Most Admired Man. Eisenhower took the nod 12 times. This year marks the 13th times in the 72 years Gallup has polled this subject that the incumbent president did not win. Usually, the president does not win, Gallup notes, when he has subpar job approval ratings, as is the case with Trump, who has an average approval rating of 39 percent in Gallup's polling. There are also two notable men missing from the list who typically make the Top Ten: Sen. John McCain and the Rev. Billy Graham, both of whom died in the past year. McCain finished in the top 10 six times, while Graham had more top 10 finishes than any man or woman at 61 times. Donald Trump attracted criticism Wednesday on CNN for autographing red 'Make America Great Again' hats during a high-profile visit to a U.S. military base in Iraq. Trump's role as president also makes him commander-in-chief of America's armed forces. Since he's a civilian, the military's rules barring active duty servicemen and women from some political activity don't apply to him. But he may have put soldiers and airmen at risk of violating the regulations by jovially signing the hats that some men and women in uniform brought with them when they heard they would meet the president. A pool reporter on the scene noted that Trump also 'signed an embroidered patch that read "TRUMP 2020"' a seemingly direct endorsement. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told DailyMail.com on Thursday that the soldiers brought their own souvenirs for autographs. 'We didnt bring any of the items with us. They were personal items of the service members,' she said in an email. Sanders had blasted CNN on Twitter for airing segments about the controversy. 'CNN will attack anyone who supports President Trump, including the brave men and women of our military who fight everyday to protect our freedom,' she wrote. President Donald Trump signed campaign hats for members of the military during an unannounced trip to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq on Wednesday Trump critics are seizing on the blurred line between official government business and campaign activity to say Trump broke military rules by putting his signature on something bearing his 'Make America Great Again' slogan White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders blasted CNN for what she said was an attack on U.S. troops CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr said it makes a difference whether Trump's aides brought the hats to the military base or whether the soldiers had their own on hand; it turned out the latter was true Former Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, a CNN analyst, said it was 'completely inappropriate for the troops to do this' Politicizing events that feature men and women in uniform 'puts the soldiers truthfully, all of the military personnel in a very bad position,' retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling said during one CNN broadcast, 'because the military has regulations against doing exactly that.' In an earlier broadcast, CNN White House Correspondent Jim Acosta played the unusual role of devil's advocate for the Trump White House. 'Is this just, a soldier is there and he's got a hat in his locker, and he runs over and says, "Hey, when am I going to have another chance for the president to sign one of these things"?' Acosta asked. The network's veteran Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr suggested that if the soldiers already had the hats, it would be a less serious situation than if the White House had passed them out. the former turned out to be the case, Sanders said. But still, Starr claimed, senior officers in Iraq should have prevented it. 'What commander allowed that to really happen?' Starr asked. 'Because this is very much against military policy and regulation. Troops are not supposed to be involved in political activities. The U.S. military is not a political force.' The president signed one hat after another on Wednesday Trump hsa a disproportionate number of fans in the military, including one soldier who told the president that he came back to active duty because of him Politicizing events that feature men and women in uniform 'puts the soldiers truthfully, all of the military personnel in a very bad position,' retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling said Retired Rear Admiral John Kirby, a former Defense Department spokesman and a paid CNN military analyst, said a hat bearing Trump's slogan 'is a campaign item, and it's completely inappropriate for the troops to do this. Not supposed to do this, and I'm sure that their boss is seeing that. They're not going to be happy about it.' Kirby claimed Trump 'has to take some ownership of this too. Every time he's around military audiences, he tends to politicize it.' A 79-year-old federal law called the Hatch Act prohibits using an official office for political purposes, but it explicitly carves out exemptions for the president and vice president. Still, according to Air Force Lt. Col Reggie Yager, deputy director of legal policy for the Pentagon's office of under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, the president should be concerned that he's encouraging the rank and file to break their own rules. An Army Lieutenant Colonel whose specialty is legal ethics warns that presidents who politick on base could be opening up the rank and file to military discipline 'It would be imprudent, Yager wrote in a presentation hosted on the Pentagon's website, 'for a sitting president to campaign on a military installation as it would expose individuals to violations of [military] rules.' The military's regulations, however, are unclear about how those rules might apply. They say the Department of Defense's policy is to 'encourage' servicemen and womn 'to carry our the obligations of citizenship.' That includes specific permission to put political bumper stickers on their cars, sign nominating petitions, make political donations, write letters to the editor in support of candidates, and attend fundraising meetings and political conventions. All those activities and others like them are allowed as long as 'no inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement can reasonably be drawn.' Military rules against engaging in partisan politics are by no means hard and fast; this list shoes what men and women in uniform are allowed to do, as long as they don't give anyone the idea that the Pentagon officially shares their endorsements It's not clear from video footage that the base command or the Pentagon did anything to publicly endorse Trump, or that the soldiers who brought their red caps believed they would be shown doing it publicly in a way that would create that perception. But the regulations direct that '[a]any activity that may be reasonably viewed as directly or indirectly associating the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security (in the case of the Coast Guard) or any component of these Departments with a partisan political activity ... shall be avoided.' The Pentagon did not respond to a request for information on Thursday about whether any of the uniformed personnel photographed and videotaped with Trump slogan hats on Wednesday would be disciplined. A pilot drone delivery project in Australia has come underfire amid claims the flying devices are creating a constant buzzing noise and frightening pets. Project Wing first started trials on burrito-deliveries in Virginia in 2016 and then moved its testing site to southeastern Australia last year. But while the scheme has proved a hit with many, neighbours of some customers in Bonython, a suburb of the capital Canberra, have complained about the impact the drones are having on their day-to-day lives. Some have complained about the noise, others say the drones scare their dogs and one woman said she returned home to find hot chocolate she had not ordered outside her home after a customer entered the wrong address for a delivery. A pilot drone delivery project in Australia has come underfire amid claims the flying devices are creating a constant buzzing noise and frightening pets. The firm's promotional footage shows one of its drone lowering a delivery in Australia Some have complained about the noise, others say the drones scare their dogs and one woman said she returned home to find hot chocolate she had not ordered on her doorstep after a customer entered the wrong address for a delivery. Pictured: A drone makes a delivery in Bonython, a suburb of the capital Canberra Robyn McIntyre, who lives in Bonython, told the Wall Street Journal that she was indoors when she heard what sounded like a 'chainsaw gone ballistic'. It turned out to be a drone on a delivery as part of another test by the company, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. The 64-year-old complained that she had recorded ten flights over her house in just 2.5 hours on a recent occasion - making it hard to concentrate on her work. A local dog club said some members were steering clear of an area close to where the drones take off because their pets become nervous. The strength of feeling has led to the setting up of the Bonython Against Drones group. A woman called Coleen, quoted in a bulletin on the website, said: 'I was home on Sunday and absolutely horrified at the fear my dog showed when a drone came over the house and this occurred numerous times during the day. 'He frantically raced around the yard and became oblivious to anything in his way and I was unable to distract him as he was so terrified. If he had been able to escape the yard he would have been gone. 'I investigated on google what they were doing and I learnt that Project Wing is trialling a delivery service in Bonython and this will avoid 'traffic congestion' and allow faster delivery of your food - in this instance burritos!' She added: 'I also believe there are major privacy issues with these drones flying over and then hovering in suburbs especially when the majority of residents would have no interest in this unnecessary "delivery service". Such a service may be useful in a high density area such as Sydney or a remote area but definitely not in the Canberra region.' Local politicians have voted to launch a probe into such deliveries and the trial's impact on the environment and economy. Project Wing first started trialing burrito-deliveries in Virginia in 2016 and then moved its testing site to southeastern Australia last year A drone is pictured flying over a house in Australia in promotional footage released by the firm Packages are stored in the drone's 'belly' then dropped on a string before being gently lowered to the ground One woman told WSJ she came home to find hot chocolate had been mistakenly delivered to her home after a customer selected the wrong address when ordering. It had leaked over her driveway from an aerodynamically shaped box in front of her home. Wing says it aims to improve its service with quieter drones and changes in is flight paths. Deliveries are currently free. The drones have a wingspan of about 3,5ft and have a top speed of about 78mph. Orders are prepared in containers near the test area with the drones flying autonomously using GPS and a camera. It can take off or land without a runway, and can hold its position hovering in one spot to gently drop packages. Packages are stored in the drone's 'belly' then dropped on a string before being gently lowered to the ground. The eight-year-old Guatemalan boy who died while in the custody of United States immigration officials has been pictured for the first time. Felipe Gomez Alonzo's mother, Catarina Alonzo, 32, shared a photograph of her son and revealed she had allowed him to join his father Agustin Gomez, 47, on the journey through Mexico with the hopes of being granted asylum at the US border. The distraught mother-of-five now wants her son's remains to be repatriated to the indigenous Mayan family's village as soon as possible. 'I want my son to be brought home soon,' Catarina told Prensa Libre on Wednesday. 'I need to see him soon and I'm very sad.' 'I need help to bring my son so that I can be at peace and so that this sadness in my heart can pass,' she added. Felipe Gomez Alonzo is the second migrant child to die in the custody of immigration officials this month. He and his father illegally crossed into El Paso, Texas, on December 18 Catarina Alonzo (pictured with three of her other children) hopes to have her son, Felipe Gomez Alonzo, flown back home to Guatemala soon Catarina revealed she thought Felipe would have helped her husband's chances of being allowed into the US, according to Guatemalan news outlet Prensa Libre. She recalled previous stories of children accompanied by their parents who received favorable treatment from immigration officials. The shot at the American Dream turned tragic when Felipe passed away at Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo, New Mexico, on Christmas Eve after falling ill. It was just six days after he and his father crossed into the United States without legal documentation. They were detained 3.29 miles from the port of entry in El Paso, Texas, on December 18. The eight-year-old boy showed possible signs of influenza the morning of Christmas Eve and died shortly before midnight after he was taken to a local hospital for the second time during the day Catarina Alonzo, seen with four of her six children, said she allowed Felipe to join her husband on the journey Jakelin Caal Maquin is one of two migrant children who have died in the custody of U.S. border officials this month On Monday morning, Felipe was transported to a local hospital after showing possible signs of influenza. He was given Tylenol and developed a 103 degree fever. The boy was released at 2:50pm. He was removed from the detention facility at 10pm to be taken back to the hospital after he appeared weak and nauseous. He got to the medical center at 11pm and was declared dead 48 minutes later. 'They said they are doing everything possible to send him back but we want them to hurry up,' Felipe's sister told Prensa Libre. Mired in 50,000 quetzals ($6,500) of debt and poor living conditions, Catarina's pleaded with immigration officials to allow her husband to remain in the United States. 'Let my husband enter the United States so he can work and we can get out of debt. We do not anything have to eat,' she said. 'We can't go any longer eating tortillas with salt, beans and herbs. I need someone to to help us us because we can no longer bear the poverty.' Oscar Padilla, the Guatemalan consul in Phoenix, said he was told by the boy's father in a telephone interview that the two had been traveling from their home in Nenton, a village about 280 miles from Guatemala City. They were planning to go to Johnson City, Tennessee. Felipe's father is currently being detained at the Alamogordo Station pending transfer to the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. The sister (right) of Felipe Gomez Alonzo says the family has been told effort is being made to return her brother's body as soon as possible The grieving Guatemalan mother (pictured holding her toddler) is asking U.S. immigration officials to allow her husband to stay in the country so that he can find work to support the family Felipe is the second migrant child to die in the custody of U.S. border authorities this month. Jakelin Caal Maquin, 7, was laid to rest in her home village of San Antonio Secortez, Guatemala on Tuesday. Caal Maquin crossed the U.S, border with her father on December 6 and were detained by officials in New Mexico. She came down with a fever while in custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities, and died in an El Paso hospital on December 8. On Tuesday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that it would be focusing its medical examinations on children under the age of 10. The agency 'is considering options for surge medical assistance' from the Coast Guard and may request help from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Hundreds of staff members have been made redundant at a disposal company after it was accused of piling up human body parts. Healthcare Environmental Services (HES) became embroiled in a clinical waste stockpiling controversy earlier this year with the NHS, and has denied claims that human body parts were among items caught up in a backlog at its sites. Based in North Lanarkshire, the company had contracts with the NHS in England and Scotland. However it has now informed staff at its Shotts depot that it is to cease trading. A whistleblower at the company's Tyneside base had previously revealed that huge bags of clinical waste were being dumped at the site, causing an unbearable stench. Waste (pictured above) was piled up at the firm's Tyneside depot which was at the centre of the scandal Healthcare Environment Services (HES) allowed hundreds of tonnes of waste from hospitals, including human body parts, to pile up at its facilities (pictured above is the firm's Wakefield depot) The towers of waste (pictured above) that caused an 'unbearable' stench at Tyneside's Healthcare Environmental Services (HES) base HES is thought to employ 150 people in Shotts and 350 across the UK. A letter from HES managing director Garry Pettigrew said: 'I apologise that there have been no previous consultations on this matter, however there are unforeseen circumstances that have proven to be out of our control.' The company claimed that a shortage of incinerators had led to the backlog problem and it blamed 'unfair Government pressure' on the business for the redundancy notices. The letter, which was shared on social media, claimed a bank had withheld funds 'due to pressure from political and market perception of our company'. Managing director Garry Pettigrew (pictured) is alleged to have allowed the waste to pile up It read: 'As a company, we have been exploring all avenues, both politically and commercially, through enterprise schemes and sales of parts and the whole of the business to try to secure the future of the employees and the company. 'We have been given no assistance at any time, from the politicians or enterprise bodies in England or Scotland, we have been unable to resolve matters, and accordingly the company will cease trading on December 27, 2018.' In November, HES said it was to sue the NHS organisations which terminated their contracts. Health officials insisted the waste would not pose a threat to patients or the wider public, adding that contingency plans were being put in place (pictured above a HES lorry in Normanton) This is while The Environment Agency had previously said the firm was found to be in breach of permits at four of its six sites in England which deal with clinical waste, and a criminal investigation was launched. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency also previously confirmed it had issued enforcement notices at sites in Dundee and Shotts. In the redundancy notice, HES said it was unable to make payments but it directed staff to the Redundancy Payment Service to claim money owed. Mr Pettigrew's letter said: 'The company very much regrets that it has become necessary to make redundancies and that you have been affected. 'I would like to offer my sincere apology in this regard and to thank you for your hard work and contribution to the company during your employment.' Airdrie and Shotts SNP MP Neil Gray said: 'It seems clear that this situation could have been avoided but actions at a UK Government level have made it unavoidable. 'It is time UK ministers took some responsibility and also agreed to an independent inquiry into their handling of this whole affair. 'Alex Neil MSP and I have already written to the Scottish and UK governments asking for urgent intervention.' After having his reputation schmeared because of a poppy-seed bagel, a New York City corrections officer has finally been reinstated to his job at Rikers Island. Eleazar Paz, a 49-year-old married father-of-two, went back on the New York City Department of Corrections' payroll on Christmas Eve, nearly two years after he scarfed down the fateful breakfast treat on the day of a random drug test. When the results came back nine days later, they showed that the jail guard had tested positive for 522 nanograms per milliliter of morphine and 358 nanograms per milliliter of codeine. Christmas miracle: Eleazar Paz, pictured above with wife Cristina, has been reinstated to his job as a New York City corrections officer after being fired because of a poppy-seed bagel Seedy situation: Paz, a 10-year veteran of the department, failed a random drug test in 2016, which was administered after he wolfed down a poppy-seed bagel Paz, who had never failed a drug test before in his 10 years of working as a guard, was suspended from his $82,000-a-year job, and later reinstated on modified duty after secondary tests came back negative for traces of narcotics, reported the New York Post. When his case went to trial before the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings in April of this year, toxicology expert Williams Sawyer testified in Paz's defense, saying that that his breakfast bagel containing poppy seeds caused him to fail the drug test. Sawyer explained that a person addicted to morphine and codeine would have had thousands of nanogrpams per milliliter of the substances in his urine, not hundreds like Paz, according to the Washington Post. Opiates like morphine and codeine are extracted from poppies. If poppy seeds used in food preparation are not carefully washed, they can result in false positives during drug testing. Unlike federal agencies, which use a higher standard of 2,000 nanograms per milliliter in drug tests, New York Citys Department of Corrections uses a lower threshold of 300 nanograms per millilieter. The federal government raised the bar in 1998 to help weed out false positives caused by unwashed poppy seeds commonly found in baked goods like bagels, muffins and cakes. Paz was temporarily reinstated on modified duty at the Rikers Island jail (pictured), but earlier this year he was terminated, despite and administrative judge's recommendation to drop the case against him In June, New York City administrative Judge John Spooner recommended that Paz be reinstated. But the Department of Corrections ignored the judge's decision and fired Paz after calling into question the notion that a handful of poppy seeds baked into a bagel can cause someone to fail a drug test. Determined to clear his name, Paz appealed his firing with the City Service Commission - a move that paid off last month, when the panel reversed his termination. In the wake of Paz's reinstatement, the Corrections Department said the jail guard wont be eligible to receive back pay for the months he'd been out of work, but his attorney is prepared ot challenge that decision. As for Paz, the newly rehired jailer has vowed to stay away from all baked goods containing poppy seeds, just to be on the safe side. He is not the only person who has found himself on the wrong side of the law because a handful of black seeds. Paz, a married dad-of-two, appealed the decision, and a city commission ruled in his favor, ordering the corrections department to take him back In 2014, 31-year-old Rachael Devore, from Pennsyvlania, failed a drug test while in labor with her daughter after she had a poppy seed bagel for breakfast. Hospital staff then turned over her positive drug test result to county caseworkers, raising the possibly that she would be stripped off her parental rights. Elizabeth Eden, from Maryland, found herself in a nearly identical situation in April of this year, when she went to a hospital to give birth to her daughter. That morning, the mom-to-be had eaten a poppy-seed bagel, which caused her to test positive for opiates. Eden's name was cleared only after a case worker assigned by the state determined that poppy seeds were to blame for the false positive. In a similar case from 2010, another Pennsylvania mother ended up getting a $143,000 settlement from James Hospital after her newborn baby was taken away from her for five days because of a failed drug test caused by a poppy seed bagel. Police are hunting a man who is in the US illegally and is accused of killing a California police officer on Wednesday. Newman Police Department Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, was making a traffic stop early in the morning when he called 'shots fired' over his radio, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. Singh had pulled over a gray pickup truck in Newman, a small town 100 miles south of San Francisco, after noticing it had no license plate as part of a DUI investigation, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson said on Thursday. Signh fired back to defend himself, Christianson said. Authorities have found the truck believed to belong to the suspect, who has not been named publicly, and remains at-large. Police are hunting a man who is in the US illegally and is accused of killing a California police officer on Wednesday, after finding the truck believed to belong to the suspect (pictured) Authorities released surveillance images of the suspected gunman sought in the shooting death of Newman Police Department Corporal Ronil Singh, 33 The vehicle, believed to have been the one stopped by Singh, was found in a garage in a mobile home park about 4 miles (6 kilometers) away from the scene of the shooting. The silver, extended-cab Dodge Ram 1500 pickup was seen in the area at the time of the shooting, and had paper plates on the vehicle, which read 'AR Auto.' Working off several tips from the public, the vehicle was discovered about 13 hours after the shooting at a River Road mobile home park just south of Azevedo Road, where law enforcement officers were serving a search warrant. Police confirmed the pickup was the one believed to have been driven by the suspect. Crime scene tape was seen inside the mobile home park, where several media outlets, including some from the Bay Area, Sacramento, Salinas and Fresno, converged late on Wednesday afternoon. 'There's lots of potential evidence,' a police spokesperson said. 'Fingerprints, DNA, gunshot residue and physical evidence. We'll be processing the truck to get any evidence to help in the prosecution.' Police investigate the scene of a shooting that took the life of Newman Police Officer Singh The unidentified suspect, who was pictured on CCTV entering a store shortly before the fatal shots were fired, remains at large. Officer Singh was found with multiple bullet wounds, and was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The sheriff's office released surveillance footage stills of the suspect and the gray, extended cab Dodge Ram pickup truck found near the location of the shooting that is believed to be the gunman's vehicle. The suspected gunman appears in the images in an unzipped hooded sweatshirt and gold chain while purchasing items in a store. Ronil Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and a 5-month-old son, authorities said Singh was a native of Fiji and the father of an infant son. He joined the Newman police force in 2011. Earlier in his career, Singh worked as a deputy with the Merced County Sheriff's Department. 'He was living the American dream,' said Stanislaus County sheriff's Deputy Royjinder Singh, who is not related to the slain officer but knew him. 'He loved camping, loved hunting, loved fishing, loved his family,' the deputy said. On his Facebook page, Singh posted pictures on Christmas Eve from a deep-sea fishing trip that produced a big haul of crabs and fish. The profile picture shows him smiling as he stands at a patrol car with a dog - the same photograph of the officer released by the Sheriff's Department. The slain officer, who lived in Modesto, is survived by his wife, Anamika, their 5-month-old son, his parents and a brother. Outgoing California Gov. Jerry Brown offered condolences to Singh's family and said flags at the Capitol would fly at half-staff in his honor. 'Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California,' Brown said. Billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson advised the Saudi crown prince to release female activists in the wake of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Virgin founder told Mohammed bin Salman that if he pardoned imprisoned women's rights activists it would help the oil-rich kingdom be seen in a better light after the killing of the Washington Post columnist in the country's consulate. In the days flowing Khashoggi's disappearance after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, Branson announced he was pulling out of the Davos in the Dessert conference later that month. Google Cloud CEO Diane Greene, Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, a company in which Saudi Arabia has invested billions of dollars, JPMorgan Chase & Co chief executive Jamie Dimon and Ford Motor Company executive chairman, Bill Ford, also pulled out of the high-profile meeting. Branson also announced he was suspending talks with Saudi Arabia over $1billion investment in his Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit space ventures amid claims that the kingdom murdered Khashoggi. Sir Richard Branson advised Mohammed bin Salman to free female activists in the wake of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi Talks over Saudi investment in Virgin Galactic were suspended amid claims the regime ordered the killing of Jamal Khashoggi 'What has reportedly happened in Turkey around the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, if proved true, would clearly change the ability of any of us in the West to do business with the Saudi Government. 'We have asked for more information from the authorities in Saudi and to clarify their position in relation to Mr Khashoggi', Branson said in a statement on October 11. But days later he text Mohammed bin Salman to advise him how he could 'change people's view' of Saudi Arabia, the Wall Street Journal reports. According to the newspaper, the text read: 'If you were to pardon these women and a number of men too, it would show the world the Government is truly moving into the 21stCentury. 'It won't change what happened in Turkey but it would go a long way to start and change people's view.' The crown prince was said to have politely thanked Branson for his advice and told him he is still welcome in the country. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a text from Branson after the billionaire businessman halted talks over Saudi investment in Virgin Galactic Publicly bin Salman denied involvement in the murder and called it a 'heinous crime', but the CIA has since concluded bin Salman was likely to have ordered a hit squad to carry out the killing. Khashoggi visited the Saudi consulate to collect marriage papers and has not been seen since. His Turkish fiance, Hatice Cengiz, was waiting for him outside. Audio recordings 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, according to documents released by the Turkish authorities. The Saudi government last year announced its intention to invest $1billion into Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit, which are under the umbrella of Branson's Virgin Group. Dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi has not been seen since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 Last month human rights groups claimed Saudi activists, including a number of women, who have been imprisoned for the last six months, have been tortured and sexually harassed in jail. Several activists being detained in Saudi Arabia's Dhahban Prison, have reportedly faced sexual harassment, torture and ill-treatment during interrogation, Amnesty International said. Those currently detained in the country's infamous Dhahban Prison include Loujain al-Hathloul, Iman al-Nafjan, Aziza al-Yousef, Samar Badawi, Nassima al-Sada, Mohammad al-Rabe'a and Dr Ibrahim al-Modeimigh. More small businesses could be slapped with a VAT bill if Theresa May's Brexit deal is approved by MPs in next month's crunch vote, campaigners today warned. Proposed changes to EU rules would cut the threshold for small business exemption from charging VAT from an annual taxable turnover of 85,000 to 76,700. Anti Brexit group, The People's Vote, said the change would force hundreds of thousands of traders to put VAT on their products and services for the first time. A parliamentary report, slipped out on Christmas Eve, warned if the PM's Brexit deal is approved, the UK would be forced to lower the threshold even after Brexit. The report, by the Commons EU Scrutiny Committee, said the UK will lose its veto over any change if it leaves the EU as planned on March 29. Britain will be required to implement the directive at least until the end of the proposed transition period, which could last until December 2022. While the hugely controversial Irish 'backstop' in Mrs May's deal could require Northern Ireland to remain aligned with EU VAT law 'indefinitely'. This could mean the new threshold could stay in place in the region after the transition is over, the committee warned. More small businesses could be slapped with a VAT bill if Theresa May's Brexit deal is approved by MPs in next month's crunch vote, campaigners today warned (file picture of a plumber) This would have 'significant implications' for thousands of small businesses, many of which would have to charge VAT for the first time. Labour's former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie, a supporter of the People's Vote campaign, said: 'Nobody put 'Pay More Tax' on the side of their bus in the referendum campaign. 'This is another thing that none of us could possibly have known about back in 2016 and whatever way you voted then you weren't voting for more taxes and bureaucracy on small business and the self-employed. 'The Prime Minister's plan makes the UK a rule-taker and removes our say round the table.' Mr Leslie added: 'The real choice now is whether to go ahead with a Brexit deal or stick with the deal we already have as members of the EU. 'Now we know what Brexit looks like, the public should be given the opportunity to decide in a People's Vote - is this the kind of deal we want, or is the deal we already have in the EU better? In the end, only the people can sort this out.' Under the EU's current VAT directive, individual EU countries have the option of exempting smaller companies from charging the sales tax to customers. In the UK, the small business exemption is applied to firms with an annual taxable turnover below the 85,000 maximum permitted by EU law. This threshold is currently frozen until 2022. Under the changes tabled in Brussels in January 2018, the threshold would be reduced to 85,000 euros - currently around 76,700. The report stated: 'Having to transpose the directive could mean that the Government would be under a legal requirement to lower the VAT registration threshold for SMEs by nearly 10,000, as the UK limit is currently above the upper threshold of 76,700 proposed by the European Commission (and to which, so far, the remaining Member States have not objected). Labour MP Chris Leslie (pictured in Parliament last month) said the revelations proves that the PM's Brexit deal is a bad one because it leaves Britain a rule taker 'Any new EU legislation would, for the duration of the transition, override the UK's discretion to legislate in breach of the directive.' The committee said the rise would not come into force if the UK crashed out of the bloc with no deal. It said if this happens, Britain would be 'free to amend or repeal elements of its VAT law' from March 30 2019. But it warned: 'Without a Withdrawal Agreement, UK exports would face the immediate re-imposition of VAT controls on goods destined for the EU, as the latter has refused to copy the UK's approach of deferring VAT controls at the border in a 'no deal' scenario.' National chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses Mike Cherry said: 'VAT is the hardest, most time-consuming tax for small businesses to administer, typically taking more than a working week a year. 'Dragging more small firms into this bureaucratic regime would take hard-working entrepreneurs away from running and growing their businesses. 'FSB campaigned hard to stop a wholesale expansion of VAT domestically, persuading the Chancellor against such a move which he announced at the Spring Statement and reconfirmed at the Autumn Budget. 'Now is not the time for it to be brought in via a different route, so we will be using our influence in the EU and elsewhere to stop it.' Clark County District Judge Stefany Miley, 47, was arrested on Saturday in Las Vegas A judge in Las Vegas has been charged with domestic battery for allegedly punching her 18-year-old son in the mouth. Clark County District Judge Stefany Miley, 47, was arrested on Saturday evening after the incident, which occurred at about 6.45pm in a residential area near downtown Summerlin, a suburb of Las Vegas, police said. At 7.06pm, the teen boy sent a frantic text message to his father, who is in the midst of a divorce battle with Miley, according to the father's lawyer. 'Call me now,' the message read, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. It continued: 'I need help. Mom punched me in the mouth and hit me in the head while I was driving. I (am) bleeding and need you to pick me up. She started screaming around the neighbors and tried falling on me to make it look like I was hurting her.' Miley was first elected to Family Court in 2004, before being elected to District Court in 2008 The couple's eight-year-old son was also in the car at the time of the incident, the father's attorney said. The attorney reported the incident to police around 11pm after consulting with the father. Miley was first elected to Family Court in 2004, before being elected to District Court in 2008. Her husband Edward Miley, a family law and criminal defense attorney, filed for divorce earlier this year, claiming 'catastrophic health issues' and requesting 'spousal support.' The husband claimed in the divorce filing that the couple have irreconcilable differences, and that the judge had 'conducted herself in such a manner, and taken certain actions, that are improper and inappropriate to the harm and detriment of Edward.' A response from the judge's attorneys blasted the husband's 'false and defamatory allegations,' which were not further elaborated on in the court filings. Husband Edward Miley (left at work and right in 2009 mugshot) is a criminal defense attorney who also faced charges after at 2009 arrest on domestic abuse allegations Stefany Miley (above) is in the midst of a contentious divorce battle with her husband, who has accused her in court filings of 'improper and inappropriate' conduct, without elaborating The couple were married in 1997 in Austin, Texas, court records show. In 2009, Stefany Miley was granted a temporary order of protection against Edward Miley after he was arrested on domestic abuse charges, court records show. The judge claimed at the time that her husband had been drinking and was abusive to her, a police report stated. The court papers stated Edward Miley became abusive with the family dog, grabbing the dog by the throat and threatening to kill it. As Edward Miley was being arrested, he told a police lieutenant that he 'would like you to arrest better looking hookers because I am tired of defending ugly ones.' He could not be reached for comment. Defense attorney David Chesnoff will represent Stefany Miley against the domestic battery charge. He said on Wednesday afternoon that he had not seen the police report. 'We look forward to representing Judge Miley, who intends on vigorously defending herself against these mere allegations,' Chesnoff said in a statement. Miley was booked under her maiden name, Stefany Tewell. She is next due in court on January 22. Rudy Giuliani reemerged this week to attack the special counsel and demand a probe of Robert Mueller and his investigators. Giuliani had claimed in tweets that the real crime that took place was not alleged Russian collusion, it was Mueller's erasing of 19,000 texts between former FBI agent Peter Strzok and ex-Department of Justice attorney Lisa Page. The allegation that began with President Trump has been debunked, but Giuliani repeated it in an interview that surfaced on Thursday with The Hill.TV anyway. 'Mueller should be investigated for destruction of evidence for allowing those text messages from Strzok to be erased, messages that would show the state of mind and tactics of his lead anti-Trump FBI agent at the start of his probe,' Giuliani said in a phone interview that aired on the program. Rudy Giuliani reemerged this week to attack the special counsel and demand a probe of Robert Mueller and his investigators President's attorney had claimed in tweets that the real crime that took place was not alleged Russian collusion, it was Mueller's erasing of 19,000 texts between former FBI official Peter Strzok and ex-Department of Justice attorney Lisa Page The charge started with Trump, but Giuliani took it a step further and claimed that Mueller was behind it The president's attorney had been lying low over the holidays after a series of verbal gaffes related to the Russia probe and the sentencing of Trump's former fixer and lawyer Michael Cohen. Giuliani was last seen on television claiming that 'no one' ever signed a letter of intent to build one of the president's signature towers in Moscow. When evidence to the contrary came out, he told a reporter that he never said that. His tweets since then have been aimed at undermining Mueller, who's investigation into Russian election meddling in 2016 is still active. Mueller was rumored to be in the report writing stage of the probe that was said to be wrapping up. As such, Giuliani and Trump ramped up their own rhetoric against the special counsel and his team of prosecutors. The president in a Dec. 18 tweet claimed that 19,000 texts between Strzok and Page were 'purposely & illegally deleted' that would have explained the 'hoax' of an investigation into alleged collusion. 'Biggest outrage yet in the long, winding and highly conflicted Mueller Witch Hunt is the fact that 19,000 demanded Text messages between Peter Strzok and his FBI lover, Lisa Page, were purposely & illegally deleted,' he said. 'Would have explained whole Hoax, which is now under protest!' The next day, Giuliani repeated the charge -- and claimed that Mueller was behind it. In between the two tweets, Politifact explained that the 19,000 texts Trump was referring to were ones that were not captured by the FBI's data collection tools. Some of the texts were recovered after the fact and sent to Congress. They are the ones that have been published. Other text messages that Strzok and Page may have sent each other later, when they were on Mueller's team and using a different set of phones. Those have been reset, however, an inspector general reviewed those messages and concluded that they did not contain anything that needed to be disclosed, Politifact reported. The fact-checking site deemed the president's claim that the original messages were deliberately destroyed false. Particularly as the inspector general report explicitly said: 'The OIG investigation determined that the FBl's collection tool was not only failing to collect any data on certain phones during particular periods of time, it also does not appear that it was collecting all text messages even when it was generally functioning to collect text messages.' Giuliani said the explanation doesn't pass the sniff test in his interview with Hill.TV. 'That should be investigated, damn it, that should be investigated fully. You want a special counsel, get one for that,' Giuliani exploded. His tweet comes a day after former FBI director James Comey blasted Republicans for not standing up to the president Trump was railing against the text messages between former FBI agent Peter Strzok (left) and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page (right) The president's lawyer also said the FBI should be probed for relying on that 'piece of garbage' dossier that ex-British spy Christopher Steele put together on behalf of opposition research firm Fusion GPS. That dossier claimed Moscow had salacious information about Trump's sexual conduct. It has never been verified and the president and his legal team say it's a hunk of junk. Giuliani said the FBI should have disclosed in a warrant request that Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party initially paid for it. 'Do I think that is improper? Yeah, that borders on, that sounds to me a lot more like a false statement than some of the ones they charged,' he said. In the interview Giuliani also went on a rampage against Cohen for admitting that he lied to the feds when he said his former client stopped pursuing a Trump Tower deal in Moscow early in the primaries when the conversations actually continued into the summer. Trump's current attorney, Giuliani, says the lying is evidence that Cohen, who once said he'd take a bullet for the president, cannot be trusted. 'He just lied the other day. He told the judge, "I was fiercely loyal to Donald Trump." No, he wasnt,' Giuliani contended. 'He taped him surreptitiously while he was fiercely loyal. He hid it. And he disclosed it.' Mueller should have called Cohen out on his lies, Giuliani said, and the fact that he didn't was another in a long list of alleged abuses the former federal prosecutor says the special counsel has waged on the system. After claiming that a special counsel should be hired to probe the special counsel, Giuliani was asked whether Mueller's conduct has made him question whether such an appointment should ever be allowed again. 'I never like to say never but I must say I have great pause after seeing the abuses in this investigation,' he said. A couple broke into a home in Ohio, took belongings and decided to settle in with a pot of coffee and a shower before the homeowner's relative stopped held them at gunpoint. Police say Richard R. Nippell, 38 of Plaintownship, and Camri D. Cantwell, 20, who is listed in Stark County Jail records as homeless, broke into the home in the 11000 block of Cleveland Avenue NW on Monday, according to the Canton Rep. After they allegedly took belongings out of the home and loaded them into their truck, they went back inside and did their laundry, took a shower and made a pot of coffee. Richard R. Nippell, 38 of Plaintownship, and Camri D. Cantwell, 20 (left, right) who is homeless, were arrested after police say they broke into a home, took belongings but also showered, made coffee and did their laundry hen the homeowner returned she saw a truck in her driveway and called police and then called her relative who brought his gun The homeowner arrived at her home and saw a truck in her driveway, so she called the police. She then called her relative who lives nearby, who arrived with his gun, before the police did. When police arrived at the home, the relative had the two alleged burglars lying on the ground in the garage at gunpoint. Police found the victim's jewelry, computer, credit cards and house and car keys inside the truck. Uniontown Police, Officer Elizabeth Salewsky said that 'They took the time to make a pot of coffee and did their laundry.' Cantwell (pictured) is listed as homeless in Stark County jail records Nippell also had taken a shower. He allegedly had 0.7 grams of crystal meth on him when he was arrested. Nippell and Cantwell were each charged with burglary. Nippell was additionally charged with aggravated drug possession. Both remained in jail Wednesday. Nippell was held in lieu of $50,000 and Cantwell in lieu of $100,000, each pending Canton Municipal Court hearings. A married Indiana woman has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a teenage boy. Kendra Lynn Wilson, 33, of Evansville, was booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail at noon on Wednesday on four counts of child seduction. According to the Evansville Police Department, Wilson is accused of 'coming onto' the victim and initiating a sexual relationship with him. Kendra Lynn Wilson (left and right), 33, of Indiana, was arrested the day after Christmas and charged with four counts of felony child seduction Wilson, who is believed to be married with two children of her own - a son and a daughter - allegedly had multiple sexual encounters with the victim over the course of several weeks. Investigators said Wilson at one point told the boy that if their affair was discovered, they would both be killed, reported 14News. It's unclear what she meant by that. Under state law, child seduction is a class D felony punishable by up to 1.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. According to her Facebook page, Wilson's husband is a retired US Army sergeant. The 33-year-old wife and mother remained jailed without a bond Thursday. Jeremy Corbyns handling of Labours anti-Semitism crisis has been ranked forth in a list of the worlds biggest threats to Jews last year by a leading human rights organisation. The Simon Wiesenthal Center ranked him three spots below the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooter, Neo-Nazi Robert Bowers, and warned the Labour leader posed an existential threat to Jews in the UK. It featured him at number four in their top ten list and called him directly responsible for injecting the worlds oldest hatred into the mainstream of society. The US group, named after the Holocaust survivor turned Nazi hunter, published its top ten list of the worst outbreaks of anti-Semitism in 2018. Also in the top ten list of anti-Semitic incidents were swastikas being daubed around US university campuses and Airbnbs refusal to list rooms in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Jeremy Corbyns (pictured in Parliament earlier this month) handling of Labours anti-Semitism crisis has been ranked forth in a list of the worlds biggest threats to Jews last year by a leading human rights organisation Mr Corbyns entry quoted Jewish MP Dame Margaret Hodge, who this summer branded Mr Corbyn an anti-Semitic racist. She told him: You have proved you dont want people like me in your party.... It is not what you say but what you do, and by your actions you have shown you are an anti-Semitic racist. It also cited an unprecedented intervention by Britains three leading Jewish newspapers which warned of the existential threat to Jewish life in this country that would be posed by a Corbyn government. The entry also noted Mr Corbyns attendance in April at a Passover event by the controversial group Jewdas which mocks Israel. It also referred to multiple photos of Corbyn embracing members of Middle East terrorist groups adding to fears of many Brits well beyond the Jewish community. It also stated that allegations of anti-Semitism by key Labour members and officials had piled up in recent years as well as criticising Mr Corbyn for his initial refusal to accept the internationally-recognised definition of anti-Semitism. The Metropolitan Police is currently conducting a criminal inquiry into allegations of anti-Semitism in the Labour party. Commissioner Cressida Dick said officers were assessing online material because it appears there may have been a crime committed. Mr Corbyn has been struggling to get a grip on a wave of allegations about anti-Semitism by left-wing activists in Labour since he became leader. The Labour leader faced a difficult summer as the party battled to combat anti-Semitism accusations. The leadership caused controversy after initially refusing to adopt in full the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition and examples of anti-Semitism. Labour has been dogged by claims of anti-Semitism since Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader, and the scandal got so bad that Jewish groups organised a rally outside Parliament (pictured - in March this year) to demand he finally take action The party brought disciplinary action against Dame Margaret after she reportedly called Mr Corbyn an anti-Semite and a racist. Labour MP Frank Field quit the party after saying the leadership has become a force for anti-Semitism in British politics. And Mr Corbyn himself faced criticism after a video emerged in which he said a group of British Zionists had no sense of English irony. The Labour leader also came under fire over his presence at a ceremony in Tunisia in 2014 which is said to have honoured the perpetrators of the 1972 Munich terror attack, during which 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and killed. Brandon Lewis MP, Conservative Party Chairman, said: This is an utterly shocking indictment of just how bad anti-Jewish racism has become in Labour under Corbyns leadership. It starts at the very top, and Corbyns promise of a kindler gentler politics lies in tatters. 'His complete failure to deal with anti-Jewish racism in his party illustrates why hed be unfit to govern the country. A Labour Party spokesman said: Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party are fully committed to the support, defence and celebration of the Jewish community. We are taking action against antisemitism, standing in solidarity with Jewish communities and rebuilding trust. Patrick Boothroyd, of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, plunged to his death while climbing Britains highest mountain An inquest has opened into the death of a young man who died in a freak climbing accident on Ben Nevis. Patrick Boothroyd, of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, plunged to his death while climbing Britains highest mountain. He was near the top of Tower Gully on Sunday, 16 December, with a friend and co-climber in his 20s, when an overhanging ledge of snow collapsed on them. Bradford Coroners Court heard the Cardiff University student, who had climbed all over the world, fell 500 metres (1,640ft) with a friend who miraculously escaped almost unscathed. Mountain Rescue were called and Patrick was taken to Belford Hospital, Fort William, Inverness, for treatment but despite the best efforts of medics his injuries proved insurmountable and a post mortem revealed he died from multiple injuries. Bradford Coroners Court heard the Cardiff University student, who had climbed all over the world, fell 500 metres with a friend who miraculously escaped almost unscathed. Mr Boothroyd is pictured on another climbing trip His mother Nicky, a married primary school teacher from Honley, who also has a 16-year-old daughter and a 23-year-old son, previously told ExaminerLive that her son was an amazing individual. She said he had travelled all over the world and did a lot for charity including sleeping out on behalf of the homeless. And senior staff at Greenhead College and Holmfirth High School gave glowing tributes to him saying he had been a pleasure to teach. Police say there were no suspicious circumstances and the inquest has been adjourned to a date to be fixed. Leo Grabowski, 28, (above) miraculously escaped almost unscathed after falling more than 1,600ft with Mr Boothroyd near the top of Tower Gully on Sunday, 16 December. Mr Grabowski is pictured on another climbing trip President Donald Trump will go to Texas at the end of January for a ground breaking ceremony to construction a section of his border wall as he vowed that part will be completed by Election Day in 2020. Trump made the announcement over Christmas. Meanwhile, the government shutdown entered day six on Thursday as he and Democrats battle it out over funding for his $5 billion wall. The president also announced the government has awarded a contract to build a 115 mile section of the wall. No further details were given - including the bidding process, the amount and the contractor who won the award. President Donald Trump will go to Texas at the end of January for a ground breaking ceremony to construction a section of his border wall President Trump also announced a new contract was awarded to build a section of the wall Trump spent his Christmas at the White House and doubled down hard on his border wall. He waxed on about a stretch of the wall between the Mexico and Texas in a conversation with reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. 'That's a big stretch, because we're talking about 500 to 550 miles. It's a 2,000-mile border but much of it has mountain and region where you can't get across,' Trump said. 'So we're getting it between 500 and 550 (miles). And we gave out 115 yesterday, and we gave it out (the contracts) at a great price. So we're going to have great wall there and we have other sections to give out.' He added: 'I'm going there at the end of January for the start of construction.' The president noted there is some border wall built already and that parts of the barrier merely need to be renovated while other portions will have to be built from scratch. There is 653 miles of border fence along the nearly 2,000 mile U.S.-Mexico border in place, built under the Secure Fence Act passed in 2006. 'The new piece the new section - is very very exciting. And you'll see what's going on there. Because in January I'm going there. We're almost having a ground breaking because it's such a big section,' Trump said. He noted his goal for that 500 mile section 'to have it renovated or brand new by election time.' Presumably he meant the next general election, which will be in November 2020 when he is on the ballot for a second term. The president also announced a new contract had been awarded to build a portion of the Texas border wall. 'I am in the Oval Office & just gave out a 115 mile long contract for another large section of the Wall in Texas. We are already building and renovating many miles of Wall, some complete. Democrats must end Shutdown and finish funding. Billions of Dollars, & lives, will be saved!,' he tweeted on Monday. He told reporters he had signed a contract to build a large portion at a 'great price,' but he declined to give additional details. And he did not offer specifics when asked who was rewarded the government contract. 'Different people, different people,' he responded. 'Highly bid.' In March, Congress approved funding to construct a 33-mile wall in South Texas Rio Grande Valley President Trump promised his wall would be so strongly built only an Olympic champion could get over it. It's unclear if this is a new contract or if the president is referring to an already existing one. In March, Congress approved funding to construct a 33-mile wall in South Texas Rio Grande Valley. In early November, Customs and Border Protection awarded $145 million to build about six miles of border wall in Texas. The agency also awarded a second contract for $167 million to build 8 miles of the wall. Galveston, Texas-based construction firm SLSCO won both contracts. Additionally, the government awarded contracts earlier this year to build sections of the wall in Arizona and California. Montana-based Barnard Construction won the $324 million contract to build in Arizona with work expected to begin in April. But SLSCO also won the $287 million to build a section of the wall in California with work scheduled to begin in July. Construction on the Texas portions of the wall is expected to begin in February. The timing of the Texas trip suggests Trump could be referring to that contract. Trump also promised his wall would be so strongly built only an Olympic champion could get over it. 'Now there may be the case of an Olympic champion who can get over the wall but for the most part you are not able to do it. Very high. It's gonna be 30 feet. Much of it is 30 feet high. Some if it's low. But in some areas we have it as high as 30 feet. That's like a three-story building,' he said. Bradley Fuller, pictured, was jailed for four years by Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after he admitted meeting with a 12-year-old girl he had groomed using a fake Facebook account A paedophile on bail for grooming a 'vulnerable' 12 year-old girl drove 250 miles to kidnap her from home before taking her to hotels for sex. Bradley Fuller met youngster on an online chat group and they moved to private messaging, a court heard. He told her he was 23, but despite knowing her age they began texting each other, exchanging naked pictures of themselves and sending each other underwear in the post. Fuller used a fake Facebook identity to avoid detection, but a teacher at the girl's school found out about the relationship and told police who arrested him. But while he was under investigation the Fuller drove to her home in Devon and abducted the girl, then took her to hotels in the Midlands where they did 'sexual stuff'. Now Fuller has been jailed for four years at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after admitting sexual activity with a child and abducting the youngster. Prosecutor Nick Tatlow said the met the 12-year-old girl online and, after she was given a mobile phone for her 13th birthday, they began exchanging texts. Mr Tatlow said: 'The exchanges became sexual in nature. He used a false Facebook profile. They exchanged parcels including underwear.' On April 23 the girl's safeguarding officer became aware of the relationship and Fuller was arrested and Fuller was arrested a month later. Mr Tatlow said: 'The girl said she was in love with him. The safeguarding officer saw sexual messages, photos and videos on the phone.' In his police interview Fuller admitted he had been in contact with the girl and they were boyfriend and girlfriend. He said he sent images of himself naked and received nude pictures of her. He said he knew her age, but did not consider what he was doing was wrong. Fuller admitted sending her naked pictures of himself and receiving naked photographs from the girl despite known she was only 12. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, pictured, heard that Fuller drove to Devon to pick up the girl to bring her to hotels in the Midlands despite being on bail at the time for grooming the youngster But while he was on bail Fuller travelled from his home in Stockport, Greater Manchester, to Devon and took the schoolgirl from her home. She was reported missing on the evening of August 30. He drove up to Birmingham where they spent a night in a hotel before moving on to Stoke-on-Trent and booking into Hanley's Quality Hotel. They were tracked down there on September 1 through the teenager's phone activity. The girl told police they did 'sexual stuff' in the Birmingham hotel. They then travelled to Stoke-on-Trent the next day where they engaged in sexual activity. Fuller pleaded guilty to abducting a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two offences of making indecent photographs of a child and two charges of sexual activity with a child. Barry White, mitigating, said the defendant has no previous convicitons. He added it was the girl's suggestion to run away. Mr White said: 'He is a loner. He knows he will receive a lengthy sentence.' Judge David Fletcher made Fuller the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years and placed him on the sex offenders' register for life. 'She was a 13-year-old child. She had convinced herself she was in love with you,' Judge Fletcher added. 'She was encouraged to take part in sexual activity. These are serious matters. There was targeting of a vulnerable child.' A young man's mugshot has sparked a social media frenzy as the alleged offender has been ridiculed for looking far older than his listed age of 19. Murad Mansurovich Kurbanov was arrested for the theft of a rental vehicle, failure to obey police commands, and reckless driving according to Fox 13 Salt Lake City. But while his crimes failed to grab national attention, his mugshot did after it was posted to the network's Facebook page. 'Where's the 19 yr old?? I only see the 40 yr old,' wrote one commenter, who was taking aim at Kurbanov's prematurely receding hairline. Murad Mansurovich Kurbanov is 19-years old, according to his arrest report from Murray, Utah Murad Mansurovich Kurbanov's listed date of birth is November 3, 1999 Murad Kurbanov, 19, was booked in Murray, Utah on Christmas Day after allegedly stealing a rental car that was supposed to be returned on December 14 Murad Kurbanov's height and weight were not listed on the arrest report One commenter posted a picture of actor Steve Buschemi from an appearance on NBC's 30 Rock in which he dressed like a teenager and asked, 'How do you do, fellow kids?' 'This dude really makes me feel good about being in my 40's,' added another critic. 'If that dude is 19 then I'm 12,' wrote another. The post had hundreds of comments as of Thursday. Police allegedly saw Kurbanov driving a U-Haul through a series of red lights while illegally passing vehicles in Murray, Utah. Kurbanov did not stop for police, prompting his arrest. An eyewitness statement ultimately helped the police locate Kurbanov. The car was supposed to be returned on December 14, which made it officially 'stolen' under Utah state law. Kurbanov claimed he had been visiting a friend, but could not find any corroborating witnesses. A state-funded Kremlin TV channel has sent out chocolate replicas of the Salisbury Cathedral in an apparent mocking reference to the GRU agents' novichok attack that killed a British mother this year. One of the models was sent to independent news outlet Dozhd, which in the past has been critical of Russia's involvement in the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal. Dozhd shared an image on Twitter of the novelty confectionery in an RT-branded box. A state-funded Kremlin TV channel has sent out detailed chocolate replicas of the Salisbury Cathedral as Christmas gifts RT Russian made the model in an apparent mockery of the Salisbury novichok attack on Sergei Skripal. Pictured: The cathedral in the Wiltshire city One of the models was sent to independent news outlet Dozhd, which tweeted 'RT Russian sent us a chocolate Salisbury Cathedral with the spire! Thank you!' 'Come for tea, we're afraid to eat it alone,' Dozhd tweeted to RT's official Twitter account. Social media users blasted the move as 'sick' as it comes just months after 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess was killed as a result of the poisoning. She came into contact with the deadly nerve agent weeks after Russian agents attempted to assassinate former spy Skripal. A spokesperson for RT confirmed the photo was genuine and said the chocolate models had been sent to multiple media outlets. British mother Dawn Sturgess, 44, was killed as a result of the novichok poisoning in Salisbury GRU agents used the nerve agent in a failed assassination attempt on former spy Sergei Skripal (pictured with his daughter Yulia, who was also hospitalised as a result of the attack) Salisbury councillor Jo Broom said the city was 'sad and angry' over RT's stunt. 'They would consider it in very poor taste and rather disrespectful to the people caught up on the attack,' she told The Independent. 'It's very unfortunate that someone would begin thinking that was amusing. Someone lost their life and some people are still very ill. 'That makes me very sad that it's been done and the community would be the same. They will be sad and angry.' Former Donald Trump lawyer Michael Cohen issued new denials on Thursday that he was in Prague, in the Czech Republic, during a period of time in 2016 when an anti-Trump intellignce dossier's author wrote that he met there with Russian agents about how to interfere with the presidential election. 'I hear #Prague #CzechRepublic is beautiful in the summertime. I wouldnt know as I have never been. #Mueller knows everything!' Cohen tweeted. His flat rejection came after McClatchy reported that a cell phone belonging to him was detected near Prague during the late summer months before Trump beat Hllary Clinton. The story was based on four separate sources with independent contacts in unnamed intelligence circles. Asked by a pair of skeptics if he had ever been inside the Czech Republic for any reason, Cohen replied to each: 'NO.' Intercepts from an Eastern European intelligence service have reportedly established that around the same time Cohen-linked phone signals were pinging among Czech cell phone towers, a group of Russians noted Cohen's presence in Prague. McClatchy didn't explore in print the possibility that a Cohen adversary might have obtained the unique digital ID of his phone and put it on another one, a simple task for the technically inclined. A new report based on four separate intelligence sources suggests that a phone traced back to former Donald Trump lawyer Michael Cohen was turned on near Prague, in the Czech Republic, in the fall of 2016 despite his insistence that he's never been there It's relatively easy to change the International Mobile Equipment Identity number of an Apple or Android phone; that raises the possibility that someone could have 'cloned' his phone and switched it on somewhere in order to simulate him being there Free online tools are available to change Android (above) and iPhone (top above) devices' digital 'fingerprints' Cohen tweeted Thursday after McClatchy published its story that he's maintaining he has never visited Prague Every phone carries an International Mobile Equipment Identity number, or IMEI, an electronic fingerprint that can be altered. Instructions for the hack are readily available online, covering both Apple and Android devices. That raises the possibility that a foreign agent who obtained the ID number of Cohen's phone could have cloned it and switched it on somewhere in order to suggest he was present. Democratic fundraiser Scott Dworkin blasted Cohen on Twitter, attracting the first of his two 'NO' denials. 'Cut the s**t, Michael,' Dworkin tweeted. 'You think its cute to say youve never been to Prague when it could be a suburb of Prague or on the outskirts. Answer this question, smart guy: Have you ever been in the Czech Republic ever? For any reason? At any time? Ever?' Vermont Law School professor Jennifer Taub challenged him separately and got the same answer: 'Quick follow up if I may. Have you ever been to any location within the Czech Republic? Asking for several hundred million friends.' Cohen's never-in-Prague statement drew sneers from liberals who thought he was dodging the possibility he had visited other parts of the Czech Republic an idea that brought two separate responses of 'NO' Cohen faces three years in prison for a range of crimes including tax and bank fraud, campaign finance law violations and lying to the FBI about a Trump Tower deal proposed for Moscow while Trump was running for president. That sentence was the product of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. It's unknown whether he has told Mueller anything significant about a Prague meeting. But the infamous Steele dossier, a collection of unproven allegations about links between the Trump campaign and Russian agents, included a claim about Cohen meeting in Prague with a Kremlin agent to discuss Russia's plan for U.S. election-meddling. The intelligence operation that produced the dossier, it was revealed last year, was funded by the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's presidential capmaign. Cohen denied ever being in Prague after an anti-Trump intelligence dossier described a secret meeting there between him and a Kremlin-connected agent during the 2016 campaign a get-together that included discussion of how to pay hackers to interfere with the U.S. election Cohen has gone after the McClatchy news service in the past, insisting that its reporting about a potential Prague tie was false McClatchy pointed in April to Konstantin Kosachev, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the likely Moscow agent Cohen allegedly met in Prague. The Trump administration slapped Kosachev with stern sanctions this year for his role in Moscow's plan to destabilize Election Day in America. Kosachev and Cohen have flatly denied being in Prague during the relevant time period. Cohen has gone further, saying he has never been inside the Czech Republic. Both men have denied having anything to do with a plot to monkey-wrench the 2016 U.S. elections. The dossier alleged that Cohen and Kosachev, and other people they met with, talked about 'how deniable cash payments were to be made to hackers in Europe who had worked under Kremlin direction against the Clinton campaign.' Cohen allowed a Buzzfeed reporter to photograph his passport in May. It showed no evidence that he entered that country. It also suggests that, at least since 2009, he has not been to Germany, something the Steele dossier included among its list of purported facts. Christopher Steele, the former British spy who compiled the dossier, wrote that Cohen entered the Czech Republic from Germany. Investigators working with Special Counsel Robert Mueller (center) reportedly have evidence that Cohen entered the Czech Republic through Germany in August or September of 2016; Cohen provided information to Mueller in advance of a plea deal for bank and tax fraud and campaign finance violations, cooperation that limited his prison sentence to three years Cohen has repeated his never-in-Prague insistence a half-dozen times since early 2017 when Buzzfeed first published the dossier. 'I have never been to Prague. Get over it,' he tweeted at CNN anchor Chris Cuomo in January 2017. This spring he lashed out at the McClatchy reporter who wrote the April article and the one published Thursday. 'Bad reporting, bad information and bad story by same reporter Peter Stone @McClatchyDC. No matter how many times or ways they write it, I have never been to Prague. I was in LA with my son. Proven!' he wrote on Twitter. Cohen spokesman Lanny Davis told McClatchy on Thursday that the disgraced former Trump insider was sticking to his guns. He insisted that Cohen 'has said one million times he was never in Prague.' 'One million and one times. Hes never been to Prague. Hes never been to the Czech Republic,' Davis said. When Democrats take over the House of Representatives in January, they are almost certain to pursue an investigation into Cohen's explanations for his whereabouts when the Prague meeting was reportedly held. He has claimed that during the entirety of August 2016 he was only in New York and Los Angeles, where he visited with his son. Court documents in the criminal case against Kevin Spacey that have been obtained by DailyMail.com detail how the actor allegedly assaulted his teenage victim. Spacey will appear in court next month to be arraigned on a charge of Indecent Assault & Battery that stems from an incident that allegedly occurred in the early morning hours of July 8, 2016 at The Club Car in Nantucket. The then-18-year-old-man accusing Spacey claims in court documents that this is where the actor tried to 'jack him off' after the Oscar winner allegedly unzipped this fly, stuck his hand in his pants and began to rub his penis. He shared the alleged details of this encounter with multiple people at the time but not police, citing his embarrassment about being sexually assaulted by a famous man as the reason for his silence. Spacey is now facing up to five years in jail, a sentence he is preparing to fight as was evidenced in court last week when his lawyers argued that the teenager who made these allegations was a drunk sycophant who has no proof of any inappropriate contact. Scroll down for videos DailyMail.com has obtained the criminal complaint and police report in the Kevin Spacey sexual assault case (Spacey above with the bouncer at The Club Car, who introduced the actor and the alleged victim) At the scene: Spacey, 59, allegedly unzipped the fly of an 18-year-old worker at The Club Car in Nantucket and then tried to 'jerk him off' according to a police report (Spacey above at an event in Nantucket later that same week with his manager Evan) Location: The teen said that he believes Spacey was groping him for three minutes and told police he was on Snapchat and Instagram during that time (exterior of The Club Car in Nantucket, where the alleged assault took place) The teen told police that he met Spacey at the end of his shift on July 7, and was introduced to the actor by his friend, the doorman at the club. The two shared some small talk before the actor bought him a beer and later whiskey, declaring: 'Let's get drunk.' The teen, who was working at The Club Car in Nantucket for the summer, told Spacey about his girlfriend he claimed, but soon after was told to 'stop talking to her' by the actor. 'Spacey then asked [redacted] what he was packing...' reads the police report, which goes on to note that 'Spacey told [redacted] his d*** was 8 inches long.' The teenger told police that this remark was a 'red flag,' and the reason why he repeatedly refused Spacey's invitations to return to his home on the island. Those offers to return to Spacey's home came while the two men were outside smoking a cigarette, the teenager told police, and it was after that when they returned to the bar from outside that the alleged assault took place. 'Spacey used his left hand and started rubbing [redacted]'s thigh. Spacey worked his way up to [redacted]'s zipper. [Redacted] said this happened quickly. Spacey unzipped his pants,' states the police report complied after interviewing the teen. 'While Spacey is touching his penis, [redacted] was texting and snapchatting. [Redacted] thinks the touching went on for about three minutes.' It is later noted: '[Redacted] described it as Spacey trying to jack him off, the way Spacey was playing with his d***, but [redacted] wasn't erect.' '[Redacted] didnt know what to do. He didnt want to get in trouble at work or get his work in trouble,' wrote Trooper Gerald F. Donovan. 'He knows hes only 18, hes not supposed to be drinking, and hes not supposed to be drinking at his work.' He later told his sister about the incident that night, and co-workers the following day. The teen also allegedly snapchatted as Spacey groped him and sent that image to his girlfriend, according to court filings. The alleged victim's mother, Heather Unruh, said last year that her son was eventually able to get away when a woman walked over to him while the actor was in the bathroom and said: 'Run!' House of cards: Spacey will be arraigned on one count of Indecent Assault & Battery when he appears in a Nantucket courtroom early next month (Spacey above in his now-cancelled Netflix show House of Cards) Emerging: Spacey popped up on social media just as the charges were made public on Monday (the actor's tweet above) At the same time as the charge was announced, Spacey released a bizarre video on Monday suggesting that he was preparing to make a comeback. In the video, entitled Let Me Be Frank, Spacey acknowledges the charges which have been made against him and suggests he will overcome them and revive his career. He then makes a number of cryptic statements, at one point stating: 'If I didn't pay the price for the things we both know I did do, I'm certainly not gonna pay the price for the things I didn't do.' Spacey then closes out the video by stating: 'I feel surprisingly good and my confidence grows each day that soon enough you will know the full truth. 'Wait a minute, now that I think of it, you never actually saw me die, did you? Conclusions can be so deceiving. Miss me?' That last comment seems to be a reference to Frank Underwood, the character he played on House of Cards. The lawyer for the victim gave a brief statement on Monday, saying: 'The complainant has shown a tremendous amount of courage in coming forward. Let the facts be presented, the relevant law applied and a just and fair verdict rendered.' The family has yet to speak out, but at a press conference last year Unruh declared: 'I want to see Kevin Spacey go to jail. I want to see Kevin Spacey see the hand of justice come down on him not just for my son, but every victim who speaks the truth.' DailyMail.com uncovered multiple photos of Spacey from that week in Nantucket back in 2016, including one taken with a co-worker of the victim at the Club Car, where the alleged assault took place. Another shows the Oscar winner, 58, with his constant companion, manager and former pop star Evan Lowenstein while one posted by the actor himself shows him flying in a private plane to an event in nearby Boston. Reps for Spacey have not responded to multiple requests for comment. Trying time: The alleged victim's mother, Heather Unruh (above), said last year that her son was eventually able to get away when a woman walked over to him while the actor was in the bathroom and said: 'Run!' Spacey may also be under investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. A spokesperson for the organization spoke with DailyMail.com back in August and said: 'A sex assault case was presented yesterday to our office by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department involving Kevin Spacey. It remains under review.' This is now the second case under review by the special task force that was set up by the agency earlier this year. This all comes a little over one year after the two-time Oscar winner was accused of sexually assaulting a then-underage Anthony Rapp at his Manhattan apartment. Spacey responded by coming out as gay and entering a rehab facility in Arizona, where he remained for weeks. The incident that spurred Spacey's downfall allegedly took place at Spacey's apartment in 1986 when the actor invited Rapp to a party while they were both appearing on Broadway. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Rapp said that he found himself alone in the apartment at the end of the night and that Spacey then began to make his move. 'He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. But I don't, like, squirm away initially, because I'm like, 'What's going on?' And then he lays down on top of me,' said Rapp, who detailed being pressed up against the bed before being able to squirm away and ultimately leave the house without being assaulted by Spacey. Spacey made the decision to come out of the closet in a statement apologizing to actor Rapp, who said in an interview that the actor attempted to sexually assault him in 1986, an incident Spacey says he does not remember. Rapp was 14 at the time while Spacey was 26. Spacey is also under investigation in London for incidents that occurred there while he was the artistic director at the esteemed Old Vic theater. Dawn Diimmler, 44, a married, former assistant principal in Columbia, South Carolina has pleaded guilty to harassment after being charged with sexual battery A disgraced assistant principal and mother-of-three in South Carolina has pleaded guilty to a harassment charge in Richland County after being accused of having sex with a 19-year-old male student. Former Airport High School Assistant Principal Dawn Diimmler, 44, who was accused of having sexual intercourse multiple times with a 19-year-old student over the course of three months in 2017, pleaded guilty on December 21 to second-degree harassment. Diimmler originally faced the charge of sexual battery with a student 18 years of age or older in Richland County. With her guilty plea, should be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail or a $200 fine. She also faces sexual charges in Lexington County, where the school is located in the city of Cayce, which are still pending. The Cayce Department of Public Safety issued the following statement on February 24: 'In a collaborative effort and investigation between the Cayce Department of Public Safety and the Columbia Police Department, Dawn P. Diimmler will face charges of sexual battery in both jurisdictions. 'Between the dates of March 10, 2017 and June 2, 2017, Dawn P. Diimmler was engaged in an alleged relationship with a 19-year-old student enrolled at Airport High School while she was assigned as the school's Assistant Principal. 'Dawn Diimmler further had direct supervision over the student as part of her duties and engaged in sexual intercourse with the student on two (2) occasions while at the school which is located at 1315 Boston Avenue in the City of Cayce.' Diimmler was also accused of having sex with the student at least on other time, in a hotel room she rented on April 28, 2017 in the Harbison area, according to an incident report recorded by Columbia Police. Diimmler turned herself in to face charges of sexual battery related to having intercourse with the student in February. Even though the student allegedly involved in a sexual relationship with Diimmler was 19 at the time of the accused activity, she still faced felony charges based on her position of power over the student, under South Carolina law. Diimmler is seen here with her husband and children On February 26, Lexington School District Two released three letters from school district officials to Diimler, dated earlier this year, that claimed the authority figure was heard on a recording telling the student's mother that she was in love with her son. Diimmler was then charged with felonies of sexual battery in the cities of both Columbia in Richland County and Cayce in Lexington County, City of Cayce spokesperson Ashley Hunter confirmed to DailyMail.com in February. Diimmler was fired from Airport High School back in February. The high school released a statement on February 13 regarding its termination of Diimmler. 'Ms. Diimmler was terminated following the districts investigation into allegations that she might be involved in an unprofessional relationship with a student,' school spokeswoman Dawn Kujawa said in the statement. 'During that investigation, the district became aware of facts indicating the possibility of criminal activity. In response, the district notified law enforcement that same day, January 30, 2018, of those facts and has continued to cooperate with law enforcement during its investigation.' Even though the student allegedly involved in a sexual relationship with Diimmler was 19 at the time of the accused activity, she still faces felony charges based on her position of power over the student, under South Carolina law. Her official charges were for 'sexual battery with a student 18 years of age or older, where there is direct supervisory authority, no aggravated force or coercion.' Diimmler is a mother of three. She is seen here with her husband and their children Diimmler had worked at Airport High School since 2012. She is currently married with three children. The school's principal, Brad Coleman, resigned in June, according to the State. David Damm is now listed on the online staff director as principal of Airport High School. If convicted of the outstanding felony in Cayce, Diimmler could face a potential penalty of up to five years in prison in addition to the sentence imposed in Richland County. An amateur photographer and aviation enthusiast managed to reveal Donald Trump's secret trip to Iraq. Alan Meloy, from Sheffield, was peering up at the sky, from the front step of his home when he managed to photograph Air Force One. He told CNN: 'I literally stepped out, and I could see a trail coming towards me and thought let's have a look at what's on the end of that. Alan Meloy, from Sheffield, was peering up at the sky, from the front step of his home when he managed to photograph Air Force One (pictured) A map showing the trajectory of the plane going from Joint Base Andrews to Ain Assad Air Base in Iraq The IT Project manager, said he was 'amazed' when the plane flew over and spotted it was one of only two VC-25s in the world, due to the distinct colour scheme. The VC-25 is a modified Boeing 747-200 and is used to fly the US President. Mr Meloy snapped a picture of the plane and it quickly went viral online, with speculation spreading on where the President was heading. At this point Mr Trump's Iraq visit was still top secret - he and First Lady Melania had left Washington DC without fanfare in the middle of the night. In his post Mr Meloy said: 'So all I said was I know what I've seen, it's a VC-25 there's only two of those in the world -- that's all I can tell you. There's my photograph.' President Trump and first lady made a surprise visit to Iraq on Wednesday their first visit to a war zone since the sitting president took office nearly two years ago. The secret trip came amid speculation that President Trump was not at the White House They left from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland shortly after midnight with a small group of journalists and aides in tow. Trump was in the country for roughly three hours before the White House confirmed his whereabouts. The president delivered a speech to the rank and file at Al Asad Airbase, took selfies with the troops and met with military leaders in Iraq. 'I want to come and pay my respects most importantly to the great soldiers,' he said of the visit. 'Great troopers we have here.' President Trump was several hours outside of Syria and and Baghdad during his trip to Iraq on Wednesday Trump announced last week that he's pulling American troops out of neighboring Syria, because the U.S. had 'defeated ISIS' in the nation that's also mired in a civil war. 'We've knocked them out. We've knocked them silly,' he said of the U.S. assault on ISIS in Syria on Wednesday. He claimed that in Iraq that the terror group had been 'very nearly defeated' altogether and Turkey and other regional powers will finish the job. 'We're no longer the suckers, folks,' the president said of the decision to start packing up. 'We're respected again as a nation.' President Trump said he does not plan to withdrawal troops from Iraq, however, and could use the site as the home base for future operations in the region, according to Bloomberg News. 'If we see something happening with ISIS that we don't like, we can hit them so fast and so hard they really won't know what the hell happened,' he proclaimed. Al Asad is roughly 185 kilometers outside of Syria, where the president last week initiated a withdrawal of 2,000 U.S. troops. It is west of Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, which is approximately 220 kilometers to the base's east. Trump never served in the military, having received a medical diagnosis that he had bone spurs. It helped him receive an exemption from mandatory service during the Vietnam War. The daughters of the doctor who provided the medical excuse came forward before the president was known to be in Iraq on Wednesday to claim that their father offered the diagnosis as a favor to the Trumps. Never before had President Trump been to a war zone before his secret trip at Christmas that followed announcements that his secretary of defense and ISIS point man were leaving the administration. Both General James Mattis and Brett McGurk tendered their resignations after Trump's realignment of the United States' military posture in the country that's closely aligned with Iran and Russia. Trump said Wednesday that his 'generals' had received multiple six-month 'extensions' to get out of Syria. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump made a surprise visit to Iraq on Wednesday their first visit to a war zone 'They said again, recently, can we have more time? I said, 'Nope. You can't have any more time. You've had enough time. We've knocked them out. We've knocked them silly,' he said of ISIS' operations in Syria. 'I will tell you that I've had some very good talks with President Erdogan who wants to knock them out also and he'll do it. And others will do it to. Because we are in their region. They should be sharing the burden of costs and they're not.' The president had spoken to Turkey's Recep Erdogan prior to his Iraq trip and was invited on the call to visit Ankara. He did not appear to have taken the leader who has begun amassing tanks on his border with Syria up on the offer before leaving the Middle East for a second undisclosed destination. More Americans blame President Donald Trump than congressional Democrats for the partial U.S. government shutdown, a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday found, as lawmakers returned to Washington with no quick end to the shutdown in sight. Forty-seven percent of adults hold Trump responsible, while 33 percent blame Democrats in Congress, according to the Dec. 21-25 poll, conducted mostly after the shutdown began. Seven percent of Americans blamed congressional Republicans. The shutdown was triggered by Trump's demand, largely opposed by Democrats and some Republicans, that taxpayers provide him with $5 billion to help pay for a wall he wants to build on the Mexican border. Its total estimated cost is $23 billion. Not cutting through: Trump's tweets on the shutdown are in contrast to a poll finding that more people blame him than blame Democrats in Congress Just 35 percent of those surveyed in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they backed including money for the wall in a congressional spending bill. Only 25 percent said they supported Trump shutting down the government over the matter. The shutdown, now in its sixth day, has a had limited impact so far, partly due to vacations for the 800,000 federal workers affected, though that could change soon. Government agencies began notifying the public on Thursday about service disruptions. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said the shutdown means it cannot process new flood insurance policies, possibly disrupting home sales. The Office of Personnel Management, which oversees the federal workforce, offered advice to government employees on staving off creditors if paychecks lapse. On Capitol Hill, the Senate and House of Representatives were set to reconvene late on Thursday, but no prompt action by them was expected. The lack of urgency fueled speculation among analysts that the shutdown could drag on well into January. The wall dispute coincided with the expiration of funding for about 20 percent of the government. The remaining 80 percent is fully funded and is unaffected by the shutdown. The departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce and other agencies, shut down 'non-essential' operations on Saturday after a tentative funding deal collapsed over Trump's renewed insistence that wall funding be provided. The House has approved a shutdown-ending spending measure that includes Trump's demand for $5 billion, but its prospects in the Senate were seen as poor. Trump argues that his wall is needed to stem illegal immigration and drugs entering the country - a key plank in his 2016 presidential campaign. Not getting the blame: Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, who lead the Democrats in the House and the Senate, are less blamed than Trump for the shutdown in a new poll Re-election campaign: Trump argues that his wall is needed to stem illegal immigration and drugs entering the country - a key plank in his 2016 presidential campaign which he is expected to focus on for 2020 Earlier this month, he said he would be 'proud to shut down the government' over wall funding. On Twitter, since the shutdown started, he has tried to blame the Democrats. In a tweet on Thursday, he framed the shutdown as a partisan issue, saying, 'Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats?' The assertion, for which Trump provided no evidence, drew immediate criticism from Democrats. 'Federal employees dont go to work wearing red or blue jerseys,' Democratic Senator Mark Warner wrote on Twitter. 'They're public servants. And the president is treating them like poker chips at one of his failed casinos,' Warner said. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English across the United States. It gathered responses from 2,440 adults, including 946 Democrats and 846 Republicans. It has a credibility interval, a measure of the poll's precision, of two percentage points for the entire sample and four points for members of either political party. The wife of a former police detective was found dead on Christmas Day, leaving him to face fraud charges over their alleged scam alone. The tragic death of Zoei Charissa Keong, 35, is not being treated as suspicious, but has shocked her partner Mick Featherstone, 38. The Gold Coast couple were being investigated by the Crime and Conduct Commission (CCC) and were charged with fraud offences for their alleged involvement in a $20million scam involving two fake companies in 2015. Zoei Charissa Keong, 35, tragic death is not considered suspicious but has shocked her partner Mick Featherstone, 38 (pictured together) Ms Keong also denied the allegations where police said the pair were key players in the scheme where they manipulated vulnerable people The commission alleges the pair were employed by Mr Featherstone's Phoenix Global private investigation firm when they were allegedly involved in a scam which led to investors in a company named 'Tropical Point' - collectively losing over $700,000. Featherstone's defence lawyer Daniel Hannay told the court that his client 'fundamentally denies the allegation' and will fight the charges, Courier Mail reported. Ms Keong also denied allegations the pair were key players in the scheme where they manipulated vulnerable people. Police told the courts that Ms Keong and Featherstone would show potential investors fake profits and convince then to sign on for 12-month contracts. Right before the contract was up the companies would allegedly disappear. Featherstone's defence lawyer Daniel Hannay told the court that his client 'fundamentally denies the allegation' and will fight the charges A close friend of Ms Keong described her as 'a devoted, sensitive and beautiful person who would help anyone in difficulty'. She said Ms Keong suffered 'cruel mental torture' at the hands of the justice system due to the constant court delays. 'The relentless behaviour of the CCC and the years of delays by our courts in the way they have handled the case means that justice delayed is justice denied and in this case led to a death,' the friend said. 'It should be of concern to the Premier and the Attorney-General in how these government departments prosecute these cases and treat people who have not been convicted and who should be afforded a fair go'. For 24 hour anonymous help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. A grieving mother faced off with the man accused of killing her daughter in a Colorado courtroom on Thursday. Cheryl Berreth appeared at the Teller County Courthouse for an emergency custody hearing regarding her granddaughter Kaylee, whose mother Kelsey has been missing since Thanksgiving and is presumed dead. She was joined by Patrick Frazee, the former fiance of her daughter and Kaylee's father who on Friday was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Kelsey Berreth. The judge ultimately awarded custody of Kaylee to the maternal grandparents on a temporary basis and set a pre-trial conference for next week. Court records filed after the hearing also revealed that a custody battle could be brewing between the families. 'Paternal grandmother file a motion to intervene. The parties agreed to reserve for later hearing paternal grandmothers motion to intervene and placement request,' read a summary of the hearing. 'The court continued the temporary custody of the minor child with maternal grandparents.' Difficult day: Kelsey Berreth's mother Cheryl and father (above in foreground) were both in court on Thursday for an emergency custody hearing regarding their granddaughter Kaylee Unwelcome sight: The couple was forced to come face-to-face with their daughter's fiance and accused killer Patrick Frazee (above), less than a week after he was charged with murder Shackled: Frazee was the first to leave after the hearing, exiting the building shackled and in cuffs before being whisked off in a police car (above) Frazee arrived in the courtroom wearing his prison clothes and looking disheveled while a steely Cheryl kept her composure as she at one point stared down the accused killer. She arrived in court with her husband by her side as the couple prepared to take custody of their granddaughter. Images of the Berreths and Frazee inside the courtroom were captured by KOAA reporter Rob Quirk. Video of the accused killer was captured by KKTV. Frazee was the first to leave after the hearing, exiting the building shackled and in cuffs before being whisked off in a police car. The Berreths left a short time later and remained silent about the proceedings despite being surrounded by members of the media. Frazee remained silent throughout the hearing, refusing to speak even during the few times he was directly addressed by the court. His mother Sheila, who was briefly detained on Friday during her son's arrest, was also in attendance. Court documents show that Frazee will be fighting the charge of first degree murder as he has asked that all evidence in the case be turned over to his legal team and filed a motion asking to limit pretrial publicity. He has also been forced to replace his lawyer with a public defender ahead of the trial. Frazee is next due in court on December 31 and then again on January 3 for a pre-trial hearing. New development: Idaho police revealed over the weekend that had obtained vital evidence in the Kelsey Berreth (left) case, hinting that the woman's cell phone has been found (accused fiance Patrick Frazee right) Suspect: Police served an arrest warrant on Frazee early Friday morning (above being cuffed) in Colorado, one month after his fiancee went missing The Twin Falls Police shared news of their role in the investigation over the weekend. 'Detectives from the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office and Twin Falls Police Department worked with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and the FBI to prepare and serve several search warrants as well as processing some items of evidence with the assistance of Twin Falls County and Twin Falls City Evidence Technicians,' read the statement. Berreth's cell phone pinged off a tower in Gooding, Idaho three days after she went missing, around the same time her employer received a text stating that she would not be in for work that week. There has still been no body found in the case, but that did not stop authorities from charging Frazee with first-degree murder. He had previously been working with a private lawyer on the case, but records now reveal he has been assigned a public defender. Frazee was served with an arrest warrant early in the morning on Friday and then walked away in handcuffs to be charged with first-degree murder as well as solicitation of murder. Berreth was last seen on Thanksgiving day entering a supermarket near her home in Woodland Park with her infant daughter Kaylee before handing over the girl to Frazee. Authorities also said on Friday that they believe Berreth was killed in her home based on evidence they uncovered during their search of the property. Away he goes: He was transported to the Teller County Jail, a source with knowledge of the investigation told DailyMail.com, and the FBI searched his property Patrick Frazee, the fiance of missing Colorado mother Kelsey Berreth, was arrested for murder Friday morning and taken to the Teller County jail, nearly one month after Berreth vanished. https://t.co/v1AD1Unjb5 pic.twitter.com/EgUoQac1pY ABC News (@ABC) December 21, 2018 Police arrived at the Teller County home of Frazee before daybreak on Friday morning and were seen cuffing Frazee at dawn in images obtained by ABC News. He was transported to the Teller County Jail, a source with knowledge of the investigation told DailyMail.com, and the FBI and members of the CBI searched the property. Sheila Frazee, the mother of the suspect, was briefly detained by authorities but not placed under arrest. The divorced mother-of-four, who is a registered nurse, lives with her youngest son at the ranch, which she outright owns according to public records. She also owns two additional properties in the area. Her son meanwhile attends to the ranch and also breeds dogs. That same source said that Frazee's arrest came after authorities obtained new information about Berreth that has lead them to believe she is no longer alive. Frazee was arrested after cell records and data provided new details regarding Berreth's disappearance, according to officials. The solicitation charge was also addressed at a news conference on Friday, with officials saying that Frazee asked someone to commit some sort of crime but refusing to elaborate beyond that at this time. On Friday, Frazee appeared at Teller County court via video conference where the judge read him his charges - first-degree murder as well as solicitation of murder. The audience at court was unable to see the screen. None of his relatives were present during the hearing. He will be held without bond pending his next court appearance on December 31. As for where the body may be, police told residents of Woodland Park that they should expect an increase in police activity around the area in the coming days. Agents are also at Berreth's home looking for evidence. Last image: She was last seen at a supermarket on Thanksgiving with her daughter Kaylee, 1, (above) but Frazee previously told authorities he saw his fiancee later that day Mommy dearest: Sheila Frazee, the mother of the accused murderer, was also led off in handcuffs (right) and is being detained Avoiding the spotlight: Berreth's family will not be speaking to the press authorities said on Friday (mother Cheryl berreth above) This now the second high-profile case to emerge from Colorado involving the murder of a partner in just the past six months. In August, Chris Watts killed his wife, unborn son and two young daughters just 150 miles north in Weld County. It was also revealed early on in the investigation that authorities believed Frazee was the last person to see Berreth before she disappeared on Thanksgiving. She was last seen on surveillance video entering a grocery store on Thanksgiving Day with her daughter. Frazee later told police that the couple met later that afternoon so that he could pick up the couple's daughter. The two did not live together despite being engaged, a fact that many on social media suggested was a bad omen after learning of the disappearance. It was Berreth however who had been hesitant to move in with her fiance because he still lived with his mother. The investigation continues: Law enforcement at the home of Berreth on Friday after Frazee's arrest (above) Ranch: The property where Frazee lives with his mother, which authorities have searched multiple times (above) She instead decided to get her own home after moving to Colorado from Washington to be with Frazee. In May, Berreth paid $184,900 for a two-bedroom home in Woodland Hills, where she lived with her daughter. A family member claimed soon after Berreth went missing that she had split with Frazee on the day she was last seen, but that has never been confirmed by investigators. There were a number of details that had puzzled the public in the wake of Berreth's disappearance, including the fact that she had just baked fresh cinnamon buns before she went missing. Frazee managed to turn heads as well when he made a trip to the local waste management facility on Wednesday. Britain's tallest bridge is being lit up like a Christmas tree over the holidays thanks to new architectural lights funded by taxpayers. The new lighting system has been installed on the flagship Queensferry Crossing, which links Lothian and Fife in Scotland. The decorations are being tested along the structure - which cost 1.35 billion and took a decade to make - but are not fully operational. Architectural lights are being installed on Britain's tallest bridge - the Queensferry Crossing The decorations are being tested along the 1.35 billion structure and will be paid for by the taxpayer The plan is to have automatic lights turn on at night on the main towers and have a strip of lighting along the deck edge of the bridge. MailOnline has approached Transport Scotland for figures on how much the lights will cost taxpayers. Taxpayers have already this year paid 22million on repairs to the Forth Road Bridge - which was supposed to be replaced entirely by the new neighbouring crossing. That figure comes despite the fact only 700 vehicles on average travel along the 54-year-old structure each day. The bridge (pictured under construction) is the tallest in Britain and connects Lothian to Fife It was finished in August last year, but critics say it was opened 'prematurely' The Transport Secretary said he was 'disappointed' that difficulties with resources has led to snagging repairs on the Forth Road Bridge being delayed. Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Jamie Greene said: 'Commuters will see news of more repairs needed and conclude that the SNP is now playing catch-up after hurrying to open the bridge triumphantly, at the expense of commuters and drivers. 'The fact the bridge is architecturally impressive does not excuse any disruption that will be caused to drivers due to its premature opening.' A 911 dispatcher has helped save the life of a one-year-old boy by talking a neighbor through CPR after the toddler nearly drowned in a pool. The desperate 911 call came at about 3pm on Christmas Day, after one-year-old Connor fell into the pool behind his parents' home in Orlando, Florida. 'My 1-year-old just fell in the pool. He's not responding,' the boy's mother wailed on the call. Connor is seen with his father after nearly drowning in the family's pool on Christmas The boy fell into the backyard pool (above) and was pulled out not breathing The boy wasn't breathing and they couldn't find a pulse. 'His color's not right,' the mother said. A neighbor was attempting to give CPR but didn't know how, the mother said. As paramedics rushed to the home on the 400 block of Bonifay Avenue, the dispatcher relayed CPR instructions to the neighbor during the five-minute call. 'Pinch his nose closed and completely cover his mouth with your mouth,' the dispatcher instructed. 'And then blow two regular breaths into the lungs.' Connor was revived by a neighbor using CPR after the dispatcher explained the procedure Connor is alert and recovering in the hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery During the call, a man could be heard wailing in the background: 'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.' Soon Connor began breathing again. Firefighters arrived and took over the life-saving measures, and rushed the boy to Arnold Palmer Hospital. Connor is alert and recovering in the hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery. An attorney is facing felony charges after he allegedly threw his family's dogs from his home's balcony, killing one Chihuahua, during a fight with his wife in Chicago. Jerald Jeske, 51, got into a heated argument with his 55-year-old wife on Christmas Eve, allegedly slapping her twice inside a vehicle, according to police reports. 'You love those dogs more than you love me. Im going to kill those dogs,' the enraged husband after they had left a holiday party, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Jeske was charged with aggravated animal cruelty. Chicago attorney Jerald Jeske (left) allegedly beat his wife (right) during an argument in her car 'Flo', a 14-year-old chihuahua and daughter of a 16-year-old dog that was killed during a violent spousal dispute, ran away after she was thrown from balcony on Christmas Eve Jeske refused his wife's request to get out of the car before they arrived at the house following a Christmas party. The suspect then grabbed the keys from his frightened wife of 18 months when they arrived at the home and barged inside the house, leaving her locked outside. Jeske then threw her two pet Chihuahuas from the balcony in the back of the home, it is claimed. Jeske took his wife's house keys and locked her out of the home before he allegedly threw the dogs from a balcony Jeske faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty and is being held on a $10,000 bond One dog - a 16-year-old - died from the impact, while another, 14-year-old 'Flo', ran away from the west side neighborhood home, according to WGN-TV in Chicago. The shocked wife went to the home's backyard and found her injured dog crying. According to an Assistant State Attorney Erin Antonietti, the incident was captured by the residence's security cameras. The Chihuahua was bleeding and one of its eyes was displaced from its eye socket after it was thrown. The woman then took her dog inside the home and placed it on her bed. It had already passed away by the times cops arrived. A German Shepherd was unharmed. Jeske was arrested inside the home and is currently being held at Cook County jail on a $10,000 bond. He told the judge he only had $80 to pay towards the $1,000 payment to secure his release. Jeske is due in court December 31. If he is able to post bond, then he will not be allowed to have contact with his wife, and any animals, at least until his next court hearing on January 31. The Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan (AFRK) have received a batch of Sukhoi Su-30SM (NATO reporting name: Flanker-H) multirole combat aircraft, the country`s Ministry of Defense (MoD) said in a statement. A KADF Su-30SM fighter jet (Credit: Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense) "The Kazakh military has taken the delivery of new Su-30SM supermaneuverable fighter jets. The Su-30SM of the Kazakh Air Defense Force [KADF] have already shown strong performance. The air platforms are involved in various exercises, including those of international scale The Su-30SM fighter jets can accomplish a wide range of missions at long ranges," said the MoD. In May, Russia and Kazakhstan signed a contract for eight Su-30SM fighter jets. The KADF is set to receive a total of 31 Flanker-H multirole combat aircraft. The country`s MoD is planning to procure 36 Su-30SMs through 2020. The Su-30SM (SM standing for serial-produced, upgraded) multipurpose fighter jet is designed both to gain air supremacy and attack ground-based and seaborne targets. The fighter jet has canards and swiveling-nozzle engines, which makes it supermaneuverable. The Su-30SM fighter jet is equipped with the Bars multipurpose fire control radar. The fighter jets weapons suite comprises a wide range of munitions, including air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface precision-guided weapons. The Su-30SM plane can be used to train pilots to operate perspective single-seat fighter jets. The production of the Su-30SM fighter jet for the Russian Air Force began in 2012. A father-of-three has slammed the justice system for the 'pathetic' 70 fine which was handed to a teenager who stabbed him on his own doorstep. Andy Holding, 47, was knifed in the arm and punched in the face by the juvenile after he tried to break up a clash outside his home between two teenagers. During the attack Mr Holding's wife and young daughters aged 10 and 11 were inside the property in the early hours of December 21, 2017. After the stabbing Mr Holding required an operation on his right forearm as well as several stitches, time off work and counselling. Andy Holding, 47, was knifed in the arm and punched in the face by the juvenile after he tried to break up a clash outside his home in Oxon between two teenagers Mr Holding, from Wantage in Oxon, said the fine was 'absolutely pathetic' for the gravity of the crime, after the judge sentenced the youths, then 15 and 16. He said: 'My guess is you'd probably be punished and fined more for driving in a bus lane. It makes a mockery of our criminal justice system.' Mr Holding said the attack followed a night of threats and anti-social behaviour outside his home in Wantage, Swindon, Wiltshire, in which one of the youths had sent threatening messages to his 15-year-old son. These threats included threatening to kill Mr Holding, as well as spitting at his son and kicking cars and the door of the family home. In October this year, the two youths were sentenced at Oxford Magistrates' Court, and forced to pay 220 between them. The boy who stabbed Mr Holding was fined just 70, with a 50 compensation cost - and he said that, a year later, the boy still has yet to pay any of his 50 compensation. Mr Holding said: 'Personally I believe the sentence is absolutely pathetic for the crimes which were committed, especially the knife crime offence of stabbing and having a knife in a public place. During the attack Mr Holding's wife and young daughters aged 10 and 11 were inside the property (pictured) in the early hours of December 21, 2017 'The only thing I can be grateful for is that he was found guilty in court of stabbing me and that I have partially recovered from my stab wound and psychological injury. 'But I'm very disappointed in the British criminal justice system, and especially the judge who sentenced the youth who committed very serious crimes.' The boy who stabbed Mr Holding was sentenced on five counts, including common assault, assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty, criminal damage to property, affray, and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He was also sentenced for inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, which he denied. Legal experts say a youth court can impose a maximum of 24 months detention and training in such cases. The boy was also given a two-year restraining order and youth rehabilitation order. The conditions of his order are to 'participate in reparation' for 10 days, be monitored by an electronic device and told to participate in a 'weapon intervention tool kit'. A standard penalty charge notices for driving in a bus lane are 90 - 20 more than the fine the youth who stabbed Mr Holding was told to pay. Russell Hayes, a spokesman for the judiciary office which represents judges, said the organisation would not comment on individual cases. But he added: 'Every case will have different circumstances and the judges explain these in court. 'They sentence according to the individual facts of each case and within the relevant sentencing guidelines.' He said that victims unhappy with sentencing can complain to the Attorney General. President Donald Trump on Thursday seized on the case of an illegal immigrant cop-killer to renew his argument that the U.S. should erect a wall on its southern border. 'There is right now a full scale manhunt going on in California for an illegal immigrant accused of shooting and killing a police officer during a traffic stop,' Trump tweeted. 'Time to get tough on Border Security. Build the Wall!' Police corporal Ronil Singh, 33, was making a traffic stop in the town of Newman early in the morning when he called 'shots fired' over his radio, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. Singh had pulled over a gray pickup truck in the small town 100 miles south of San Francisco, after noticing it had no license plate. Sheriff Adam Christianson said the stop was part of a DUI investigation. Signh fired back to defend himself, Christianson said. Police are hunting a man who is in the US illegally and is accused of killing a California police officer on Wednesday, after finding the truck believed to belong to the suspect (pictured) President Donald Trump used the manhunt to argue for his border wall Authorities released surveillance images of the suspected gunman sought in the shooting death of Newman Police Department Corporal Ronil Singh, 33 Trump also quoted a 2011 tweet from former President Barack Obama, who was repeating a line from his State of the Union address when he wrote: 'I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration.' 'I totally agree!' Trump added Thursday, before tying Singh's murder to the hot-button issue. Christianson has flown in Trump's orbit before. He sat next to the president during a May 16 event at the White House focused on opposition to 'sanctuary city' policies that prohibit law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. 'There shouldn't be anybody interfering with a sheriff's ability, a chief's ability, or anybody in this room at this table today from defending people against those who exploit and victimize them,' he said then. 'There should be no interference in our ability to protect our communities, to protect our national security.' Authorities in California's central valley have found the truck believed to belong to the unnamed suspect who remains at large. The vehicle, believed to have been the one stopped by Singh, was found in a garage in a mobile home park about 4 miles away from the scene of the shooting. The silver extended-cab Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck was seen in the area at the time of the shooting, and had paper plates on the vehicle, which read 'AR Auto.' The president is facing a short window of time to secure border wall funding before the next Congress is seated and Democrats take over the House of Representatives on January 3 Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson (left) identified the fugutive suspect as an illegal immigrant. Christianson sat next to Trump in May at the White House during a roundtable event focused on opposition to 'sanctuary city' policies Police investigate the scene of a shooting that took the life of Newman Police Officer Singh Working from several tips from the public, police discovered it about 13 hours after the shooting at a River Road mobile home park just south of Azevedo Road, where law enforcement officers were serving a search warrant. Police confirmed the pickup was the one believed to have been driven by the suspect. Crime scene tape was seen inside the mobile home park, where several media outlets from surrounding counties converged late Wednesday afternoon. 'There's lots of potential evidence,' a police spokesperson said. 'Fingerprints, DNA, gunshot residue and physical evidence. We'll be processing the truck to get any evidence to help in the prosecution.' The unidentified suspect, who was pictured on security camera footage entering a store shortly before the fatal shots were fired, remains a fugutive. Singh was found with multiple bullet wounds, and was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The sheriff's office released surveillance stills of the suspect and the gray pickup truck found near the location of the shooting. The suspected gunman appears in the images in an unzipped hooded sweatshirt and wearing a gold chain while purchasing items in a store. Trump also quoted a 2011 tweet from Barack Obama, who sounded Trumpian in his opposition to illegal immigration during his 2011 State of the Union address Ronil Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and a 5-month-old son, authorities said Ronil Singh of Newman Police Department was killed by an unidentified suspect early on Wednesday morning Singh was a native of Fiji and the father of an infant son. He joined the Newman police force in 2011. Earlier in his career, Singh worked as a deputy with the Merced County Sheriff's Department. 'He was living the American dream,' said Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Royjinder Singh, who is not related to the slain officer but knew him. 'He loved camping, loved hunting, loved fishing, loved his family,' the deputy said. On his Facebook page, Singh posted Christmas Eve pictures from a deep-sea fishing trip that produced a big haul of crabs and fish. The profile picture shows him smiling as he stands at a patrol car with a dog the same photograph of the officer released by the Sheriff's Department. The slain officer lived in Modesto. He's survived by his wife, Anamika, their 5-month-old son, his parents and a brother. Outgoing California Gov. Jerry Brown offered condolences to Singh's family and said flags at the state Capitol would fly at half staff in his honor. 'Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California,' Brown said. Banks axed more than 750 branches this year as they continue to abandon the high street. On average, two shut each day in 2018, leaving some towns and villages with no access to basic financial services. A total of 774 branches were closed by eight of Britains biggest banks, analysis by the Mail has found. On average two bank branches a day have closed in Britain during 2018, leaving some areas with little access to financial services The same lenders got rid of a record 802 in 2017 and the number owned by the biggest banks has more than halved since its peak two decades ago. Campaigners said banks were giving up on swathes of the country, cutting vulnerable and elderly people off completely. Most closures hit small towns, the coast and deprived areas because branches there tend to be less profitable. As a result, customers must travel miles to make deposits or speak to staff, with those who cant drive hit hardest. Small firms suffer, too, because they have to shut while owners go to a bank in another town. Losing the last branch can be fatal for a high street because it gives shoppers a reason not to visit, triggering a drop in footfall. Labour MP Wes Streeting, who sits on the Commons Treasury committee, said: Branches are closing at an alarming rate, causing real problems particularly for older people, small businesses and disabled people. Banks provide a crucial public service and bosses must start showing they understand this. Mike Cherry, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: The frightening pace of branch closures is damaging local communities, hurting vulnerable consumers and stifling business growth. Lenders often hassle customers to sign up for online banking when a branch shuts. But pushing less web-savvy customers into using the internet for sensitive financial transactions can put them at risk of fraud. Caroline Abrahams, of the charity Age UK, said: Closing branches cuts costs, but its at best an inconvenience and at worst a serious blow for millions of older people who are not online or au fait with mobile banking. Years of cuts have devastated the network of branches. Britains largest banks operated 11,240 branches in the late Nineties but the top five have just 5,073 between them today. NatWest owner Royal Bank of Scotland shut the most this year, closing 431 a third of its network. It had nearly 2,300 in 2008, when taxpayers rescued it from collapse with a 46billion bailout. Today, it has just 899. Labour MP Wes Streeting, who sits on the Commons Treasury committee, said: Branches are closing at an alarming rate, causing real problems particularly for older people, small businesses and disabled people' Barclays shut 150 to give it 1,058, Lloyds axed 108, Santander ditched 46 and the Co-op shed 27 branches. CYBG, which owns the Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks, shut ten while TSB closed two. HSBC actually gained one branch, beginning the year with 625 and ending it with 626. Banks justify closures by claiming that customers prefer online banking. Critics say many only switch to web services because lenders leave them with no other option. Justin Modray, of the advice website Candid Money, said: There is a shift to online banking, so its natural to expect closures. But the rate at which theyre closing is leaving too many customers stranded. There are also fears for the cash machine network in towns with no bank left, after a cut to the fees paid by banks to independent operators when money is withdrawn. Some 2,200 free ATMs shut from January to October after their operators decided they were no longer profitable. Trade association UK Finance said: Bank branches play an important role in the life of communities and decisions to close them are never taken lightly. Consumers are choosing newer ways to help them with their banking, using technology to check balances and make payments or even speak to your bank 24/7. But technology is not for everyone, so the major banks have made arrangements for customers to do their day-to-day banking at over 11,500 Post Office branches. Guns from Eastern Europe and the Balkans are fuelling a dramatic rise in the number of illegal weapons in the UK, a senior policeman has warned. The national police lead for serious and organised crime, chief constable Andy Cooke, said the number of guns on the streets rose this year and officers fear it will continue to go up in 2019. Border officials and police are struggling to hold back the tide of weapons entering the country, he told The Guardian. Merseyside Chief Constable Andy Cooke, pictured, warned that Eastern European crime gangs are trying to smuggle guns and ammunition into the UK Corrupt UK Border Force agent Simon Pellett, 37, attempted to smuggle this pistol into the UK The newspaper said the situation is so serious that the National Crime Agency has used its powers to demand all police forces do more to tackle illegal guns. Mr Cooke, chief constable of Merseyside, said: We are doing all we can. We are not in a position to stop it any time soon. Law enforcement is more joined up now than before but the scale of the problem is such that despite a number of excellent firearms seizures, I expect the rise in supply to be a continuing issue. Many of the weapons on British streets come via the Netherlands, which the NCA says is a hub for gun smuggling. Organised criminal gangs are finding new ways to beat security. In November, corrupt British border guard Simon Pellett was jailed for trying to smuggle three holdalls containing eight pistols, two revolvers and ammunition. Corrupt UK Border Agency officer Simon Pellett, pictured, was caught trying to smuggle eight pistols, two revolvers and ammunition into the country Mr Cooke said rising numbers of parcels being processed with the explosion in online shopping make it much easier for criminals to send firearm parts through the post. Some criminals are also turning to the dark web to buy illegal guns. The last set of official figures showed a 5 per cent fall in gun crime in the year to June, but this is seen as a blip in an upward trend. Earlier statistics for 2017/18 showed gun crime was up 11 per cent. The NCA said: A wide variety of criminal groups operate throughout the UK, exercising varying degrees of discipline and sophistication, with many methods of obtaining, storing, sharing and using firearms. Firearms are obtained through criminal networks, cultural connections and from criminal armourers who supply across groups. It comes as government figures show the number of knives seized at UK ports and airports has more than doubled in a year to almost 8,000. Border Force officials confiscated 7,668 bladed items in the 12 months to September, up from 3,800 the year before. There was also a 61 per cent rise in the number of other offensive weapons seized, from 4,056 to 6,534. Tales of vicious Vikings may be greatly exaggerated according to a Danish academic who believes disgruntled English monks spread 'fake news' about his ancestors. The earlier Anglo-Saxons carried out 'ethnic cleansing' against native Britons, while the Vikings ushered in a Scandinavian multi-cultural society, he claims. Traces of Viking influence on the language can be found in modern English, for example the use of 'bairn' to refer to a child in the North. However, the Anglo-Saxons worked hard to wipe out all trace of the earlier Celtic language in the same way American English replaced Native American dialects. Scroll down for video Tales of vicious Vikings may be greatly exaggerated according to a Danish academic who believes disgruntled English monks spread 'fake news' about his ancestors. The earlier Anglo-Saxons carried out 'ethnic cleansing' against native Britons, while the Vikings ushered in a Scandinavian multi-cultural society, he claims (stock image) Traces of Viking influence on the language can be found in modern English, for example the use of 'bairn' to refer to a child in the North. However, the Anglo-Saxons worked hard to wipe out all trace of the aearlier Celtic language in the same way American English replaced Native American dialects WHO WERE THE ANGLO-SAXONS? The Anglo-Saxons were a people who inhabited Great Britain from the 5th Century AD. They were made up of Germanic tribes who emigrated from continental Europe, as well as indigenous Britons who adopted their cultural practices. The Anglo-Saxons were fierce warriors, and tribes often battled one another for territory. They ruled over Britain from 500 years until 1066 when they were conquered by the Normans. Advertisement The claims are made by Mads Ravn, head of research at Vejle Museums in Denmark in an in-depth article for ScienceNordic. Dr Ravn traces the beginnings of scholarly hyperbole over Viking raids to 793 AD. In that year a Northumbrian monk named Alcuin described a raid on Lindisfarne, a holy island off the northeast coast of England. He wrote: 'The heathens poured out the blood of saints around the altar, and trampled on the bodies of saints in the temple of God, like dung in the streets.' Despite this reputation for ferocity, Dr Ravn believes it is undeserved. Writing in ScienceNordic, he said: 'The reported plundering and ethnic cleansing are probably overrated. 'The Vikings simply had worse "press coverage" by frustrated English monks, who bemoaned their attacks.' Dr Ravn claims modern studies of DNA, archaeology and linguistics depict a more complicated Viking history. 'They indicate that the Vikings were not the worst invaders to land on English shores at that time. That title goes to the Anglo-Saxons, 400 years earlier,' he added. The Sutton Hoo helmet is a decorated Anglo-Saxon helmet which was discovered during the 1939 excavation of the Sutton Hoo ship-burial. This image shows a recreation made in the 1970s This image shows a British Museum recreation of the Sutton Hoo helmet The Anglo Saxons were a people who inhabited Great Britain from the 5th Century AD until 1066 when they were conquered by the Normans. This map shows where they invaded from The Anglo-Saxons were a people who inhabited Great Britain from the 5th Century AD. They were made up of Germanic tribes who emigrated from continental Europe, as well as indigenous Britons who adopted their cultural practices. The Anglo-Saxons were fierce warriors, and tribes often battled one another for territory. Dr Mavn says their reign, which he compares to an apartheid against the celts, was far more brutal than that of the Vikings. Evidence of this can be found in their attempts to eradicate the languages they encountered. WHAT WAS THE VIKING GREAT ARMY? The Viking Great Army, also known as the Great Heathen army, was a coalition of Norse warriors originating from Denmark, Norway and Sweden. They came together under a unified command to invade the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that constituted England in AD 865. They came to avenge the death of Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Danish and Swedish Viking hero and ruler, in 816 AD. Thousands of them arrived in East Anglia in 865 AD and quickly overran Northumbrian forces. They then spread across the country, wreaking havoc as they went during the 14 year long campaign. Thousands of them arrived in East Anglia in 865 AD and quickly overran Northumbrian forces. They then spread across the country, wreaking havoc as they went during the 14 year long campaign Repton was a significant royal and ecclesiastical centre in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom Mercia. However, it became a Viking stronghold for the army after they seized it. Historical records state the Viking Great Army wintered in Repton in 873 AD and drove the Mercian king into exile to Paris. Guthrum, King of the Danish Vikings, made several attacks on Wessex from 875, and by early 878, his army occupied parts of the east and north east of England. In Spring 878 AD, King Alfred marched to Edington with West Saxon soldiers to take on Guthrum. The West Saxon troops won the battle and King Alfred cut off supplies to Guthrum's army who had taken refuge in Chippenham. The Vikings asked King Alfred for a truce, which was granted as long as they left his kingdom immediately. This later became known as the Peace of Wedmore. This is when Viking leader Guthrum was baptised and accepted King Alfred as his adoptive father. King Alfred accepted Guthrum's surrender. Advertisement 'In the 5th and 6th centuries, old English wiped out the earlier Celtic language in a similar way that modern English eradicated the language of the Native Americans in US in the 19th and 20th centuries,' he added. 'The Vikings impact was significantly less. Linguists do see some influence from the old Norse of the Vikings in old English. But it doesnt come close to the eradication of Celtic by the Anglo-Saxons.' DNA studies also suggest that the Anglo-Saxons came over in large numbers and contribute a large part of the genetic inheritance of British people. The Vikings, however, settled in smaller numbers and likely married with Anglo-Saxons, rather than replacing them. They also left their own mark on the language, with the word 'bairn' from the Old Norse barn, meaning child, still used widely in the North of England. Other similarities include armhole, from the Danish armhole, for armpit and hagworm from the Danish hugorm, meaning adder, which can be found in Old English. Appealing to rich people's desire to control events is a better tactic to get them to donate to charity, rather than their community spirit. That's the finding of a psychological study building on previous research which found that the wealthy value control more than people on lower incomes. Donations from high earners were 1.5 times larger when researchers tailored the wording of letters requesting financial support to play on this desire. Scroll down for video Appealing to rich people's desire to control events is a better tactic to get them to donate to charity, rather than their community spirit. That's the finding of a psychological study building on previous findings that the wealthy value control more than people on lower incomes (stock image) Experts from Harvard University wrote to 12,000 alumni of an Ivy League business school - who were earning $100,000 (80,000) per year or more - asking them to donate to the school. Two sets of letters were sent out one saying the community needed to take action, while the other called on individual action. The letter were phrased respectively as 'Sometimes, one person needs to come forward and take individual action' or 'Sometimes, one community needs to come forward and support a common goal.' Respondents to the second letter gave $432 (340) on average compared to the $270 (215) average from the first group, around $162 (130) or 1.5 times more. Speaking to New Scientist Ashley Whillans, who led the research, said of the findings: 'We think that giving high-income earners a sense of control makes them want to give more. 'Charities often use messages that highlight how positive the action is, like, "its so important to help the environment", but they may benefit from tailoring their messages to peoples self-interested motivations instead.' Donations from high earners were 1.5 times larger when researchers worded letters requesting financial support to play on this desire. Respondents gave $432 (340) on average, compared to the $270 (215) average from people who received letters playing on their sense of community spirit (stock image) A recent Harvard study found that no matter how much money you have you are never happy with the amount. Researchers at Harvard Business School quizzed 2,000 millionaires for the paper, which is considered to be the first of its kind to focus solely on this level of wealth. One quarter of millionaires worth $1.5 million (1.18 million) said they'd need eleven times more money to be perfectly happy, while one quarter said they would need six times as much. Another quarter said they would need twice as much money to finally be happy. Interestingly, this 'did not differ by wealth' and the perceived need that more money equates to more happiness was expressed even by those with a net worth of more than $7.6million (6 million). The full findings of the latest study were published in the journal PLoS One. The spacecraft team that brought us close-ups of Pluto will ring in the new year by exploring an even more distant and mysterious world. NASA's New Horizons spacecraft will zip past the scrawny, icy object nicknamed Ultima Thule (TOO-lee) soon after the stroke of midnight. One billion miles beyond Pluto and an astounding 4 billion miles from Earth (1.6 billion kilometers and 6.4 billion kilometers), Ultima Thule will be the farthest world ever explored by humankind. That's what makes this deep-freeze target so enticing; it's a preserved relic dating all the way back to our solar system's origin 4.5 billion years ago. No spacecraft has visited anything so primitive. Scroll down for video The spacecraft team that brought us close-ups of Pluto will ring in the new year by exploring an even more distant and mysterious world. NASA's New Horizons spacecraft will zip past the scrawny, icy object nicknamed Ultima Thule (TOO-lee) soon after the stroke of midnight 'What could be more exciting than that?' said project scientist Hal Weaver of Johns Hopkins University, part of the New Horizons team. Lead scientist Alan Stern of Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, expects the New Year's encounter to be riskier and more difficult than the rendezvous with Pluto: The spacecraft is older, the target is smaller, the flyby is closer and the distance from us is greater. NEW HORIZONS NASA launched the spacecraft in 2006; it's about the size of a baby grand piano. It flew past Pluto in 2015, providing the first close-up views of the dwarf planet. With the wildly successful flyby behind them, mission planners won an extension from NASA and set their sights on a destination deep inside the Kuiper Belt. As distant as it is, Pluto is barely in the Kuiper Belt, the so-called Twilight Zone stretching beyond Neptune. Ultima Thule is in the Twilight Zone's heart. ULTIMA THULE This Kuiper Belt object was discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2014. Officially known as 2014 MU69, it got the nickname Ultima Thule in an online vote. In classic and medieval literature, Thule was the most distant, northernmost place beyond the known world. When New Horizons first glimpsed the rocky iceball in August it was just a dot. Good close-up pictures should be available the day after the flyby. ARE WE THERE YET? New Horizons will make its closest approach in the wee hours of Jan. 1 - 12:33 a.m. EST. The spacecraft will zoom within 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) of Ultima Thule, its seven science instruments going full blast. The coast should be clear: Scientists have yet to find any rings or moons around it that could batter the spacecraft. This composite image made available by NASA shows the Kuiper Belt object nicknamed 'Ultima Thule,' indicated by the crosshairs at center, with stars surrounding it on Aug. 16, 2018, made by the New Horizons spacecraft WHERE IS NEW HORIZONS? The spacecraft that gave us the first close-up views of Pluto now has a much smaller object in its sights. New Horizons is now track to fly past a recently discovered, less than 30-mile-wide object out on the solar system frontier. The close encounter with what's known as 2014 MU69 would occur in 2019. It orbits nearly 1 billion miles (1.6 billion kilometers) beyond Pluto. Nasa and the New Horizons team chose 2014 MU69 in August as New Horizons' next potential target, thus the nickname PT-1. Like Pluto, MU69 orbits the sun in the frozen, twilight zone known as the Kuiper Belt. This illustration provided by NASA shows the New Horizons spacecraft. The probe whipped past Pluto in 2015 and is headed to 2014 MU69 for an attempted 2019 flyby of the tiny, icy world on the edge of the solar system MU69 is thought to be 10 times larger and 1,000 times more massive than average comets, including the one being orbited right now by Europe's Rosetta spacecraft. On the other end, MU69 is barely 1 percent the size of Pluto and perhaps one-ten-thousandth the mass of the dwarf planet. So the new target is a good middle ground, according to scientists. The spacecraft was recently approved for its extended mission, allowing it to continue on its path toward the object deeper in the Kuiper Belt. It's expected that New Horizons will make its approach to the ancient object on January 1, 2019. Advertisement New Horizons hurtles through space at 31,500 mph (50,700 kph), and even something as minuscule as a grain of rice could demolish it. 'There's some danger and some suspense,' Stern said at a fall meeting of astronomers. It will take about 10 hours to get confirmation that the spacecraft completed - and survived - the encounter. POSSIBLY TWINS Scientists speculate Ultima Thule could be two objects closely orbiting one another. If a solo act, it's likely 20 miles (32 kilometers) long at most. Envision a baked potato. 'Cucumber, whatever. Pick your favorite vegetable,' said astronomer Carey Lisse of Johns Hopkins. It could even be two bodies connected by a neck. If twins, each could be 9 miles to 12 miles (15 kilometers to 20 kilometers) in diameter. MAPPING MISSON Scientists will map Ultima Thule every possible way. They anticipate impact craters, possibly also pits and sinkholes, but its surface also could prove to be smooth. As for color, Ultima Thule should be darker than coal, burned by eons of cosmic rays, with a reddish hue. Nothing is certain, though, including its orbit, so big that it takes almost 300 of our Earth years to circle the sun. Scientists say they know just enough about the orbit to intercept it. The NASA image shows Pluto illuminated from behind by the sun as the New Horizons spacecraft travels away from it at a distance of about 120,000 miles (200,000 kilometers) A combination of images captured by the New Horizons spacecraft with enhanced colors to show differences in the composition and texture of Pluto's surface. The images were taken when the spacecraft was 280,000 miles (450,000 kilometers) away. COMPARING FLYBYS New Horizons will get considerably closer to Ultima Thule than it did to Pluto: 2,220 miles versus 7,770 miles (3,500 kilometers vs. 12,500 kilometers). At the same time, Ultima Thule is 100 times smaller than Pluto and therefore harder to track, making everything more challenging. It took 4 hours, each way, for flight controllers at Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, Maryland, to get a message to or from New Horizons at Pluto. Compare that with more than six hours at Ultima Thule. WHAT'S NEXT It will take almost two years for New Horizons to beam back all its data on Ultima Thule. A flyby of an even more distant world could be in the offing in the 2020s, if NASA approves another mission extension and the spacecraft remains healthy. At the very least, the nuclear-powered New Horizons will continue to observe objects from afar, as it pushes deeper into the Kuiper Belt. There are countless objects out there, waiting to be explored. Compromise is at the heart of any successful family holiday, and Toulouse has the solution. The cradle of European aviation offers thrills to rival a theme park - with superior food on the side. The children can pilot a virtual biplane, walk through the Mir space station and ride on a giant Minotaur while you dine on cassoulet and a Languedoc red. At the headquarters of jet manufacturer Airbus, take a tour of the plant at Blagnac to see the double-decker A380, the world's largest passenger airliner, being built Pioneers of Flight: A new exhibit commemorating Toulouse's trailblazers of long distance flight The city's connection with flight began in 1917, when planes for the French military were manufactured there. When peace came, aeronautical pioneer Pierre-Georges Latecoere used the aircraft and aviators - including the aristocratic author Antoine de Saint-Exupery - to carry mail to the French colonies in Africa and South America. A new museum commemorating these trailblazers of long-distance flight opens this week on the site of the former aerodrome at Montaudran. At Flight of the Pioneers, actors playing the historic pilots tell of their exploits, and from May, a custom-designed simulator will allow you to fly a Breguet 19 biplane over the desert where Saint-Exupery crashed, inspiring him to write Le Petit Prince. Compromise: If museums are not your thing, take in the city which sits on the River Garonne At the headquarters of jet manufacturer Airbus, take a tour of the plant at Blagnac to see the double-decker A380, the world's largest passenger airliner, being built, then pop next door to the Aeroscopia aeronautical museum and climb into the cockpit of a Concorde. Toulouse is a centre of space exploration. At cosmos-themed Cite de L'espace, walk through a full-size prototype of the Mir space station, climb into a Soyuz launch capsule and even learn how astronauts go to the loo. Street theatre company La Machine spectacularly parade their creations through the city Back at Montaudran, where Latecoere dreamed of transatlantic flight, more fanciful engineering is bringing ancient legends to life. Street theatre company La Machine has built a home for its giant creations, so you can ride the former runway on the back of a 50ft-tall, 50-ton mechanised Minotaur. Base yourself in an equally quirky hotel. The new Mama Shelter has a vast ceiling mural, lampshades like Darth Vader's helmet, and recent film releases offered free. Advertisement Paphos is the cheapest destination for Brits looking for a winter sun New Year break, new research has revealed. In a survey of 12 winter sun resorts, the town in Cyprus is where British holidaymakers will see their pounds stretch further. In second place is the Canary island of Lanzarote, while the most expensive place to holiday in early 2019 is Mauritius, the study showed. Paphos, pictured, in Cyprus is the cheapest destination for Brits looking for a winter sun New Year break, according to new research The survey was carried out by Post Office Travel Money with researchers looking at the price of a one-week package holiday (based on two sharing) at the beginning of January and the weekly cost of evening meals including wine plus coffee and beers. For cheapest destination Paphos, the weekly cost is just under 382 per person - at least 17 per cent cheaper than Lanzarote (461.86) and third place Tenerife (469.48). Further afield, researchers compared costs in nine long haul resorts and found Orlando (651.31pp) to be the cheapest option for a New Year getaway, despite the continuing strength of the US dollar against sterling. Although a week in the world's theme park capital is 70 per cent more expensive than in Paphos, the Post Office says this is mainly because of the cost of a transatlantic air fare. The second cheapest place is Lanzarote, with a week there at the start of January including meals and drinks costing 461 per person When compared with its long haul competitors, Orlando is less than half the price of Montego Bay, Jamaica (1,346.89), and Grand Baie, Mauritius (1,600.35), the two most expensive destinations. Bali emerges as the cheapest long haul beach resort at 785.82 per person for a week's holiday. Its cost of living total (176.82) is second lowest among the 12 resorts surveyed and 6.9 per cent less than in Paphos, while its currency, the Indonesian rupiah, is also slightly weaker against the pound than a year ago. UK visitors will get around one per cent more cash to spend than a year ago, compared with over seven per cent less in Kenya. A table produced by Post Office Travel Money that shows the cost of an average holiday for Brits to 12 destinations at the beginning of January Although Mombasa is rated as having the cheapest cost of living (149.73), the higher package price meant that Kenya's overall total of 1,141.73 per person is 45 per cent more than in Bali. Cancun in Mexico is another bargain for UK tourists at around 829 per person and a cheaper choice than either of the Caribbean resorts surveyed. While cheaper than Jamaica, Rodney Bay in St Lucia (1,180.26) is still 42 per cent more expensive than Cancun. Although the cost of a holiday package to Dubai is the second-cheapest after Orlando for a long haul resort at 590 per person, the high price of meals and drinks in Jumeirah Beach - 471.80 for one week - made it 35 per cent more expensive than Bali at 1,061.80. In the Far East, a week's holiday in Phuket totalled 1,075.35 combining a package deal and local meal and drinks costs. This made the Thai resort over a third pricier than its Far East competitor Bali. The most expensive destination on the list is Mauritius, pictured. A week there will cost 1,600 per person, the research shows Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: 'Sterling's continuing volatility means it is more vital than ever for holidaymakers to be aware just how much the cost of their winter sun trip can escalate once the cost of meals and drinks is added to the package price. 'The clear message for bargain-hunters is to do their holiday homework to find the destination that will give them the best overall value once all these elements are combined. 'In places like Dubai where meal and drinks prices are high, booking all-inclusive packages will keep their costs down.' Advertisement These are some of most spectacular private islands that went on sale in 2018. From a treasure island just 75 miles from New York City where Scottish pirate Captain Kidd was said to have buried his loot to the stunning Horse Island off the coast of Ireland, 2018 had it all as far as gorgeous specks of land were concerned. Wheelers Island, where Kidd was supposed to have left his treasure before being executed in Wapping in 1701, went on sale for $2.9million (2.3million). The 34,000-square-foot island is located just 14 miles from the exclusive Hamptons. The unique 0.8-acre island of Cut in Two Island West, pictured, in Connecticut, hit the market for $2.8million (2.2million) Cut in Two Island West (interior of the property on it pictured) is the counterpart to Cut in Two Island East. They are two separate islands - but strangely look like one land mass that's been cut in half. Victor Island, pictured, in the Great Barrier Reef was listed for just over 1.8million (AUS$3.2million) Victor Island comprises 7.75 acres, a four-bedroom property (pictured) and white sand beaches Then theres the 157-acre Horse Island at Roaring Water Bay, West Cork, Ireland. The peaceful retreat went on sale for a whopping 6million but the amazing images show it was well worth it. But it wasnt the most expensive island. The Shelter Island Estate in Montana, USA, hit the market at just over $13.2million (10.5million). The 22-acre island features over 32,000 square feet of structures and commands 7,000 feet of prime lakeside frontage on Montanas Flathead Lake. Fabled for its connection to Thimble Islands where Scottish pirate Captain Kidd was said to have buried his treasure before being executed in Wapping in 1701, Wheelers Island is located just 14 miles from the exclusive Hamptons on Long Island. It went up for sale for $2.9million (2.3million) Cheery: The bright and colourful interior of the huge property on Wheelers Island The Shelter Island Estate in Montana, USA, hit the market at just over $13.2million (10.5million) The grand interior of one of the incredible properties on Shelter Island. The 22-acre island features over 32,000 square feet of structures and commands 7,000 feet of prime lakeside frontage on Montanas Flathead Lake Horse Island at Roaring Water Bay, West Cork, Ireland. The peaceful retreat (pictured) went on sale for a whopping 6million Horse Island isn't cheap, but it does come with a stunning property, as this image shows Kaulbach Island in Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia, Canada, was listed for CAD$6million (3.5million) The 11-bedroom main residence on Kaulbach Island offers plenty of room for guests Another unique island to go on sale was Cut in Two Island West, with the 0.8-acre island costing around $2.8million (2.2million). It can be found in Long Island Sound, Branford, Connecticut, and is the counterpart to Cut in Two Island East. They are two separate islands - but strangely look like one land mass that's been cut in half. An amazing private island also went on sale in the Great Barrier Reef. Victor Island was priced at just over 1.8million (AUS$3.2million) for 7.75 acres complete with a four-bedroom property and white sand beaches. Belden Island in Connecticut is a one-acre private island available for around $1.4million (1.1million) Belden Island could be the perfect property for a homebody. Inside the house is a beautiful living room with a roaring fire (pictured) and there are amazing views from the porch Lataro Island, meanwhile, located off the coast of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, in the Pacific Ocean, is one for history buffs. The tropical 800-acre island lies just 25 miles from Million Dollar Point, where America dumped its military material at the end of the Second World War. It was put up for sale for 7.7million. Lataro Island in the Pacific Ocean is one for history buffs. The tropical 800-acre island lies just 25 miles from Million Dollar Point, where America dumped its military material at the end of the Second World War Lataro Island is located off the coast of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. It was put up for sale for 7.7million They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder - but who wouldnt love Kaulbach Island in Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia, Canada, which was listed for CAD$6million (3.5million)? The 11-bedroom main residence offers plenty of room for guests. Belden Island rounds off the list with the luxurious one-acre private island available for around $1.4million (1.1million). It could be the perfect property for a homebody, offering amazing sea views from the porch. It is located in Long Island Sound, Branford, Connecticut. Lisa Wilkinson, 59, will mark her one-year anniversary working at the helm of Ten's The Project in January. However, New Idea magazine have made shock claims that she is poised for a 'shock return' to Nine's Today show. The publication alleged on Monday that Nine bosses are considering forming an all-female panel starring Lisa and Georgie Gardner for the network's breakfast program, following the departure of Karl Stefanovic, 'Today viewers loved Lisa. So when she left, a lot of the viewers left too': New Idea reported this week that Lisa (L) is poised for a 'shock return' to the Today show in the new year, hosting the show alongside Georgie Gardner (R) 'Today viewers loved Lisa. So when she left, a lot of the viewers left too,' a New Idea 'insider' alleged. 'Having both Lisa and Georgie (Gardner) at the helm of Today would be a genius move,' they added. Lisa hosted the program alongside Karl from 2007, before sensationally quitting in 2017 amid an alleged pay dispute with network bosses. Former co-hosts: Lisa and Karl hosted the breakfast show together from 2007, until Lisa quit in 2017 following an alleged pay dispute with network bosses When contacted for comment about this story, The Project's Executive Producer Craig Campbell told Daily Mail Australia: 'The story published in this weeks Woman's Day about Lisa Wilkinson is completely false and misleading.' 'Lisa is an integral part of the The Project team and, of course, will continue her on air hosting duties in 2019. Reports to the contrary are inaccurate,' he continued. While Lisa appears very much at home at Channel Ten, she wasn't afraid to reflect fondly upon her time at Nine in a gushing Instagram post on Saturday. The Project host was the face of Nine's Carols By Candelight, and in her absence this year she said: 'It was always such an honour to be welcomed into, literally, millions of Aussie homes on such a special family night.' Popular host: 'Today viewers loved Lisa. So when she left, a lot of the viewers left too,' a New Idea 'insider' alleged 'For almost a decade at this time of the year I was heading to Melbourne for Carols by Candlelight, still one of the greatest thrills I had during my time at Nine,' she reminisced. Despite the demanding role, Lisa said she loved celebrating the Christmas holiday with millions of viewers watching from home. 'It did mean being away from Pete and the kids and our crazy big extended family on Christmas Eve and then crawling into bed at 3AM on Christmas morning.' She went on to say how much she missed it: 'The truth is, I loved it.' Married At First Sight star Telv Williams has been caught up in a fight with former co-star, Ryan Gallagher. And now, the father-of-two, 34, has taken another swipe at the aspiring comedian. Telv told Woman's Day magazine on Monday that he believed his former fun-loving pal has got caught up in 'fame' after appearing on the Channel Nine reality show. Scroll down for video 'I feel like the fame has definitely gone to his head': Married At First Sight star Telv Williams has been caught up in a fight with former co-star, Ryan Gallagher 'I feel like the fame has definitely got to his head,' he said, confessing he has been 'worried' about Ryan for a while. 'He's definitely not the same person he was when he went on the show [earlier this year]. The publication went on to report that Telv claimed Ryan 'owes him money' for appearing in one of his recent comedy shows. 'He's definitely not the same person he was when he went on the show [earlier this year]': Telv told Woman's Day magazine on Monday that he believed his former fun-loving pal has got caught up in 'fame' after appearing on the Channel Nine reality show They also claimed that former co-star Dean Wells said Ryan owes him money too. Despite Telv, Ryan and Dean all being good pals after appearing on the show - Ryan has had a high-profile falling out with both of them. The reality stars were at odds after Dean and Telv attended an x-rated party at the Candy Shop Mansion on the Gold Coast, earlier this month. Fallout: Despite Telv, Ryan and Dean Wells all being good pals after appearing on Married At First Sight together - Ryan has had a high-profile falling out with both of them At the wild party, Dean was pictured alongside Ryan's former flame Ayla Browne - the same day Ryan found out his mother had cancer. After footage emerged of Ryan's friends dancing and socialising with his ex-girlfriend, Ryan furiously texted Dean directly. 'What the actual f***', Ryan wrote to Dean, followed by a photo of Alya partying with his friends. The bro code? The reality stars were at odds after Dean and Telv attended an x-rated party at the Candy Shop Mansion on the Gold Coast, earlier this month. At the wild party, Dean was pictured alongside Ryan's former flame Ayla Browne (pictured here in happier times)- the same day Ryan found out his mother had cancer. In the message exchange obtained by Daily Mail Australia, Dean then responded: 'Ha I wouldn't worry about it too much mate. 'That party was so loose. Everyone was dancing and hooking up with everyone.' In his own Instagram video days later, Dean went on to allege that Ryan was in talks to be The Bachelor, which saw him dump his former girlfriend Ayla. Ryan confirmed he blocked Dean and Telv on Instagram earlier this month, to prevent himself seeing more content of his ex-girlfriend with his friends. Blocked! Ryan confirmed he blocked Dean and Telv on Instagram earlier this month, to prevent himself seeing more content of his ex-girlfriend with his friends Ryan spoke out about the issue, which he had previously wished to keep private, after fellow co-star Matty Lockett shared a video blog aimed at him. In a furious rant posted to Instagram this month, Matty claimed that 'some people' from his season 'let [fame] go to their heads'. 'I think we're starting to see Ryan's true colours,' he said, before criticising the former reality star's stand-up comedy career. 'If you want to be a comedian, actually be funny. And if you're gonna give it, make sure you can take a beating,' Matty finished. Lisa Oldfield, 43, has said her time on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! this year helped her troubled marriage to husband, David. Despite their rather tempestuous relationship on the show, Lisa told New Weekly magazine the South African jungle breathed new life into their marriage. 'David discovered a newfound respect for me,' Lisa told the publication on Monday. Scroll down for video 'He thought I would fall into a heap': Lisa Oldfield, 43, (pictured) has said her time in the jungle on I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! helped her troubled marriage to husband David She continued: 'He honestly thought I would fall into a heap. I was thrilled that he was proud. I think it made us stronger for sure.' The couple share two young children, Albert, five, and Harry, seven. Lisa and her One Nation founder husband David, 60, entered the show back in February, with David being evicted after one week. Tumultuous: 'I was thrilled that he was proud. I think it made us stronger for sure': Lisa said she liked that David (pictured right), 60, was surprised with how long she lasted on the reality show Lisa, meanwhile, was booted a week later with the rambunctious couple being accused of being too 'disruptive' with their camp mates. The couple have a famously troubled marriage. Despite Lisa saying it made the couple's marriage stronger, Lisa shocked viewers by admitting she wanted a divorce in her March eviction. During her chat with hosts Chris Brown and Julia Morris after her elimination, Lisa said she 'blossomed' after David left. Divorce? 'He's a twat I will be speaking to a divorce lawyer': Lisa said she was contacting a divorce lawyer after she was evicted from the jungle back in February 'He's a twat I will be speaking to a divorce lawyer,' Lisa said. She continued: 'I feel like he is a boat anchor around my neck and after 17 years I've had a revelation.' The Real Housewives Of Sydney star, however, went back on her claim while speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O show shortly after. 'After I had my roast chicken dinner my first call was to my divorce lawyer. We actually decided I'm better off being a widow rather than a divorcee,' she said in a matter-of-fact manner. It was not the first time Lisa threatened to divorce David, as she vowed to end her marriage in May last year. She's had a tumultuous year in the celebrity spotlight, after rising to fame on Channel Nine's Married At First Sight. And now Tracey Jewel has reminded fans that no matter how hard Christmas time can get, everything will be okay. 'If youre finding this time of year tough... remember you're not alone,' Tracey wrote in her heart-warming post encouraging people to seek help if they are struggling during the festive season. 'You're not alone': Taking to Instagram the 36-year-old shared a heart-warming post, acknowledging that this could be a difficult time of year for some 'In the words of Danielle LaPorte: "You will get through this, its going to be okay, so much more than okay" sending abundance and love this Christmas.. merry everything!' Acknowledging that this could be a difficult time of year for some, the star also tagged lifeline in the post, Australia's most prominent suicide prevention and crisis support agency. Earlier this week Tracey announced her retirement from reality television. Seems so long ago! Tracey soared in popularity on MAFS after her 'husband' Dean Wells (pictured) was embroiled in an 'affair' with bride Davina Rankin back in February on Nine After becoming one of Married At First Sight's breakout stars, the 36-year-oldtold her fans she would not be appearing on any future shows. 'I don't have any regrets but I have certainly had my time on reality TV,' Tracey said in an Instagram Q&A on Thursday night. 'And I certainly won't be doing [MAFS] again. Once is enough.' Tracey's decision comes after she has gradually built up her media profile across Australia following her rise to fame on the Nine show in January. 'I have certainly had my time': MAFS' Tracey Jewel announces retirement from reality TV after turbulent rise to fame on the Nine show With appearances on ABC Perth and Foxtel in recent months and a book release, it seemed certain she would make an explosive return to reality in 2019. Tracey soared in popularity on MAFS after her 'husband' Dean Wells was embroiled in an 'affair' with bride Davina Rankin. With Davina showing little sympathy and Dean's efforts to win her back unsuccessful, the brunette became a firm fan favourite. Recently reflecting on her journey since then, Tracey wrote online: 'It's been a hell of a year.. an intense year of growth, amazing new friends, memories and experiences.' If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit: www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support Renee Bargh was confirmed to be dating Set It Up star Glen Powell last month. And now the couple appear to have enjoyed a short getaway together in Mexico ahead of the festive season. The Extra host shared snaps from Hotel San Cristobal in Baja, with the 32-year-old Australian captioning one photo 'date night'. 'Date night!' Extra TV host Renee Bargh (pictured) goes on romantic Mexican holiday with boyfriend ahead of the festive season While neither half of the couple shared social media posts with each other, it's believed the pair were together. In Renee's 'date night' Instagram post, she wore a figure-hugging black mini-skirt with red flowers on it, which was liked by her beau Glen. She paired the look with a black blouse with a deep V-neck with puffy sleeves. Renee accessorised with a thick gold chain necklace and a shoulder bag, completing the look with sandals. Official! The 30-year-old actor (left) has been dating host Renee (right), Us Weekly confirmed in November The tanned beauty styled her blonde hair in loose waves around her shoulders. She shared other snaps from the lavish holiday, but her boyfriend was never pictured with her. The 30-year-old actor has been dating host Renee, Us Weekly confirmed in November. Where's Glen? She shared other snaps from their holiday, but her boyfriend was never pictured with her The duo have been together for 'six months' according to an insider. It seems that things are comfortable for the pair, as another source close to the situation revealed that 'Renee has been staying at Glen's place'. Renee and Glen have now returned to California for Christmas. As a practicing Muslim, Waleed Aly does not celebrate Christmas. However, The Project host revealed on Monday's episode that he is hosting an event at his house for the Christian holiday. The 40-year-old asked for advice on what to make for the festive gathering, as he was not sure on what would fare best on the traditional day. 'I don't know how that happened!' The Project's Waleed Aly (L) has plans to host a Christmas gathering despite not celebrating the Christian holiday as a practicing Muslim After a package ran featuring Project star's advice on surviving Christmas and their memories of the day, Waleed's co-host Gorgi Coghlan said: 'I know you don't celebrate Christmas but you're actually hosting Christmas tomorrow.' 'I know, I don't know how that happened,' Waleed replied in disbelief. After the package showed a consensus that Turkey was an unfavourable option to serve on Christmas Day, Waleed looked worried. 'After watching that, I'm starting to reassess. Is turkey really that bad?' he asked. Getting into the Christmas spirit! The Project host revealed on Monday's episode that he and his Islam convert wife Susan Carland (R) are hosting the Christmas event at their home 'I'm starting to reassess. Is turkey really that bad?' Waleed appeared nervous as he asked for advice on how to prepare his Christmas meal for the couple's guests Waleed also said he will be making dessert for the Christmas gathering with his Academic and Islam convert wife Susan Carland. Raised a Christian, Susan switched to the Baptist Church as a teenager, but later became a Muslim when she was 19. Susan met Waleed when they were both 16, and the couple tied the knot in 2002. When Waleed, 39, won the coveted Gold Logie in 2016 for Best Personality On Australian Television, he thanked his wife during his acceptance speech. Susan and Waleed share two children, daughter Aisha, 14, and son Zayd, 10. Schapelle Corby appears to have reunited with her Bali jailbird boyfriend Ben Panangian just in time for Christmas. The convicted drug trafficker, 41, shared a selfie to Instagram of the pair cuddling up on Christmas Eve, which she simply captioned 'my love'. While it is unclear if the photo was taken on December 24, Schapelle and Ben were wearing festive hats which suggests they have been spending the holidays together. It's a Christmas miracle! Schapelle Corby appeared to spend the holidays with her Bali jailbird boyfriend Ben Panangian - after fears their drug convictions would keep them apart forever The couple's love story started in 2006 in Kerobokan Prison, where they met while both serving sentences for drug-related crimes. However, their criminal pasts and visa restrictions in their respective home countries - Australia and Indonesia - have mostly kept them apart since Schapelle was deported from Bali in May 2017 after three years on parole. It was previously speculated that the couple would never be reunited, as Balinese Ben would likely not be allowed into Australia because of his criminal history. They found love in a hopeless place! The couple's love story started in 2006 in Kerobokan Jail, where they met while both serving sentences for drug-related crimes. Pictured left: Ben's mugshot, and right: Schapelle in Denpasar District Court on August 25, 2006 Tough times: It was previously speculated that the couple would never be reunited, as Ben would likely not be allowed into Australia because of his criminal history. Likewise, Schapelle is unlikely to be allowed back into Indonesia after her 2005 drug smuggling conviction Likewise, Schapelle is unlikely to be allowed back into Indonesia after her thwarted attempt to import 4.1kg of marijuana via Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport in October 2004. 'It is lonely with her not here,' Ben told New Idea in June 2017 following his girlfriend's deportation. 'We dream of getting back together.' But in a move that delighted her 175,000 Instagram fans in June 2018, Schapelle defied the odds by meeting up with Ben in Vietnam. Going strong! In a move that delighted her 175,000 Instagram fans in June 2018, Schapelle defied the odds by meeting up with Ben in Vietnam Romance: Ben (pictured) told New Idea in June 2017 following his girlfriend's deportation to Australia that he was feeling 'lonely' and hoped the couple would one day 'get back together' Woman's Day reported at the time that they initially met in Singapore, before then flying to Vietnam for a romantic two-week break. During their trip, Schapelle hinted that she was feeling clucky as she fawned over the local children. The former beauty student beamed as she filmed an Instagram video with a group of giggling youngsters at the beach. Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso are reportedly planning a 'Byron Bay baby'. NW magazine claimed on Thursday that the actor, 48, and his wife, 42, are hoping to 'expand their brood' after spending so much time in Australia with the Hemsworths. The couple, who are close with Chris Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky, have four daughters, with the publication alleging they have their 'fingers crossed for a son'. Are Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso planning a 'Byron Bay baby'? Rumours are swirling that the Hollywood couple (pictured last year) are hoping to have another child in Australia A 'source' reportedly said: 'They've become accustomed to raising a big family and reckon the other kids would benefit from another sibling.' The magazine further claimed that Matt and Luciana would 'most likely' turn to adoption if they could not conceive a fifth child naturally. 'They think adding a boy to the mix would make their family complete,' the supposed 'insider' added. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Matt Damon for comment. Ready for another? NW magazine claimed on Thursday that Matt and Luciana are hoping to 'expand their brood' after spending so much time in Australia with the Hemsworths. Pictured: Matt and daughters in Byron Bay with Chris Hemsworth earlier this year 'They think adding a boy to the mix would make their family complete': Matt and Luciana would like their four daughters to have a younger brother, according to an 'insider'. The couple are pictured with daughters Isabella and Gia in New York on October 28, 2012 Matt and Luciana are proud parents to daughter Alexia, 19, Isabella, 12, Gia, 10, and Stella, eight. During their frequent trips Down Under, the family are often found relaxing in Byron Bay, alongside Chris, Elsa and their three children. Earlier this year, a Byron rental property that Matt and his family often stay at - which is known in the area as 'Matt Damon's house' - sold for $3.8million. In May, a representative for the Good Will Hunting star denied widespread reports he was planning to move to Australia permanently with his family. Despite this, rumours continue to circulate that the Hollywood actor is considering uprooting his family and leaving California for good. Famous friends: During their frequent trips to Australia, the Damon family are often found relaxing in Byron Bay alongside Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky. Pictured: Matt and Chris on a press trip to Spain in July 2018 Lindsay Lohan's stepmother probably didn't imagine her Christmas would be spent behind bars. Yet that's exactly where Kate Major Lohan ended up after she was booked on Tuesday for DUI and assault. The 36-year-old wife of Michael Lohan, 58, allegedly assaulted a bus driver and then drunkenly commandeered the vehicle, according to The Blast. Nasty Christmas: Kate Major Lohan was booked on Tuesday for DUI and assault. The 36-year-old soon-to-be former wife of Michael Lohan allegedly assaulted a bus driver and then drunkenly commandeered the vehicle, according to The Blast; a previous mugshot from July Kate was a passenger on a Beiber Tourways bus driving through Allentown, Pennsylvania, when she accused the bus driver of missing her spot. The former celebrity journalist was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the incident. Kate had been traveling by bus for the holidays. She told police that the bus driver had assaulted her after she got up to complain about the missed stop. Short temper: Kate was a passenger on a Beiber Tourways bus driving through Allentown, Pennsylvania, when she accused the bus driver of missing her spot. The former celebrity journalist was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the incident; shown with husband Michael Lohan in 2017 Her side: Kate had been traveling by bus for the holidays. She told police that the bus driver had assaulted her after she got up to complain about the missed stop; mugshot from Kate's 2012 arrest in Boca Raton, Florida The bus driver's account of the incident is starkly different. The driver claims that Kate 'became verbally abusive' after missing her stop and having to go on to the next town. The bus driver says that Kate pulled at her coat until she managed to kick her off the bus, though the intoxicated woman made her way back on. Kate then 'got into the driver's seat, and pushed various buttons, while appearing to want to move the bus,' according to the police report. 'There were several passengers on the bus at this time and the bus engine was running. One passenger physically removed Lohan from the driver's seat at this time.' The police charged Kate with public drunkenness, driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, disorderly conduct and harassment. Big mistake: Kate 'got into the driver's seat, and pushed various buttons, while appearing to want to move the bus,' according to the police report; mugshot from a 2014 DUI arrest in Boca Raton, FL Serious trouble: The police charged Kate with public drunkenness, driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, disorderly conduct and harassment; pictured in New York City in 2010 The troubled celebrity wife has been tailed by a string of arrests and domestic violence, with at least seven arrests in the last five years. She was arrested earlier in 2018 for throwing a glass candle holder at her husband, Michael, who suffered a laceration to his arm. In 2017, Kate went on a racist and homophobic tirade after being taken into custody for a mental health evaluation. She was arrested in 2016 for battery against a law enforcement officer. In 2015, Kate was arrested for scratching her husband Michael with her long acrylic nails. She has already spent time in prison for a 2014 DUI arrest. Michael filed for divorce from Kate in September of this year. The couple were engaged in 2010 and married in 2014. Her step-daughter, Lindsay, has had her share of alcohol- and substance-related legal trouble. Same struggles: Kate's step-daughter, Lindsay, has had her share of alcohol- and substance-related legal trouble; pictured in Bilbao, Spain in November The ABC Murders featured supposedly the most appalling crime ever seen in all the Agatha Christie films and TV dramas through the years. More shocking than any of her surprisingly violent, brilliantly twisted, killings. Yes, Hercule Poirot being portrayed without his trademark, dye-black, twiddly moustache. Sacrilege! At least as far as crime fiction/Christie purists were concerned. Shocking: The ABC Murders featured supposedly the most appalling crime ever seen in all the Agatha Christie films and TV dramas through the years Their pain was compounded when instead the legendary detective appeared sporting a grey goatee! Quelle horreur! Poirot fans worst fears had been realised. They must have deduced that the prospect of John Malkovich playing the hero, aided and abetted by scriptwriter Sarah Phelps would mean trouble. In her previous adaptation for the BBC earlier this year, Phelps had changed the denouement of Ordeal By Innocence so that Christies mystery had a different culprit to the one conceived by the undisputed Queen of the genre herself. (Their outrage at her audacity grew when the former EastEnders writer revealed she hadnt read any of Christies novels until recently or watched the TV dramas, preferring Masterchef or Nigella.) As for John Malkovich, the Hollywood maverick (the star of hit movies Con Air, The Man In The Iron Mask, etc) is notorious for his aversion to convention and penchant for conveying characters via extravagantly unorthodox touches/flourishes. In his break-out film Dangerous Liaisons (set in 1790s Paris) playing the incorrigible seducer Valmont, Malkovich exited one scene with a moon-walk. A good one at that! he once told me. Inevitably the directors expert on 18th century etiquette objected to the way Malkovich was bowing He said that he knew 2000 bows from the period. I said, well now you know 2000 and one... So while the purists were bridling about Poirots goatee, the rest of us just gave a Gallic shrug (or the Belgian equivalent anyway) and enjoyed The ABC Murders as a typically chilling, gripping, grisly, piece of Christie Grand Guignol with a certain je ne sais quoi. Still drama filled: Apart from the fact that, call me crazy, it was only a moustache (or not), Poirots goatee made a change if nothing else This was of course down to Malkovich who played Poirot as, well, a Belgian version of John Malkovich mostly: gliding around the streets of 1930s England, exuding an elegant, intelligent, authority and sporting a goatee not wildly unlike his own! Apart from the fact that, call me crazy, it was only a moustache (or not), Poirots goatee made a change if nothing else. After 487 ITV dramas the sight of David Suchets Poirot waddling about like a cross between a penguin and Humpty-Dumpty had become a cliche and just really irritating. Malkovichs Poirot was never less than entertaining (or interesting), although Poirots characteristically awkward accent wandered around Europe at times. The word weapon was mangled into way-purn and his pledge to the killers victims came out as the promise to find zis pair-son. I give you my solemn wurd. Sacrilege! Hercule Poirot being portrayed without his trademark, dye-black, twiddly moustache. Sacrilege! At least as far as crime fiction/Christie purists were concerned Then again this could be how the Belgians speak for all we know, or how Poirot would. It didnt take long for sensible viewers to stop worrying about Poirots moustache and become rapt by the genius of Christies storytelling: approximately 10 seconds of the opening credits. Are you lonely? the close-up of a typewriter hammered out. Dont be lonely. I am here. Watching you. Chin-chin. A.B.C. Agatha Christie is so popular its easy to forget she was such a sicko. What followed, with the atmosphere and the music in particular was more like Luther than the cosy ITV series. The author of the letter was Alexander Bonaparte Cust, a thin, fish-faced, figure in a brown mackintosh whose pallor made him look not so much like a killer but a corpse. (An excellent performance by Eamon Farren resembling Rodney Trotter inhabited by the sadistic, psychotic, spirit of Pinkie in Brighton Rock.) As Cust started typing his next (daily) letter, we saw the recipient: retired Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. He entered the scene in slow motion, head bowed, hidden by his Homberg hat as Custs voice read: I followed you the other day. You looked old and tired. You walk as if your feet hurt. I was rather concerned for you. I stood so close behind you. Could you feel my breath on your neck Hercule? Mixing things up: Apart from the fact that, call me crazy, it was only a moustache (or not), Poirots goatee made a change if nothing else Malkovich turned to reveal for the first time that sharp gaze and stylish grey goatee. It didnt take long or take much for the Hollywood maverick to dispel any idea of his Poirot being portrayed like Suchets facile, supposedly comical, caricature. Instead, when we came to the Belgians penchant for dying his facial hair Malkovich used it to evoke pathos, treating Poirot more as a tragic fool than a figure of fun. His black ink dripped into the sink as Custs voice-over commented: plenty will say that its vanity. That puffed-up pompous peacock Poirot, theyll say. Theyll laugh at you behind your back. But Im not laughing. I think youre trying to roll back time to when you were a famous detective. When you were wanted. When you were loved. I have never been loved. But I will be feared. I will be a faceless beast, leading lambs to the slaughter. And so we were hooked and their deadly dance began. Poirot soon found he was as ever an outcast. The new, younger, officers at Scotland Yard mocked both Poirots reputation and its decline into celebrity. He had become reduced to hosting murder parties for society figures and tourists - playing at death, as Inspector Crome (Rupert Grint) scoffed. Caricature: It didnt take long or take much for the Hollywood maverick to dispel any idea of his Poirot being portrayed like Suchets facile, supposedly comical, caricature Crome dismissed his concerns about Custs letters because of the apparent lack of action accompanying them. No corpse in the library? he jeered. No silver candlestick rammed into some heiress eye socket? It all forced Poirot, inevitably, into solving the case himself after Custs next letter read: Im excited. Im all of a dither. Im ready. I hope youre ready too. 31st March. Andover. IT BEGINS. Poirot found Alice Asher of Andover with her throat cut and her head nearly severed, lying next to a bloody page from The ABC Railway Guide, shortly after Cust had visited her shop in the guise of a salesman selling ladies stockings. Hello Hercule, what did you think of Mrs Asher? Cust wrote in his next letter. She made a terrible mess. You know whats next? B. But which B? Chin-chin. ABC. Betty Barnaby, a flirtatious waitress from Bexhill, was promptly found with Page B from the ABC Railway Guide and stockings tied round her neck. Betty was a pretty girl wasnt she? Custs next missive mused cruelly. There was a moment when she realised that death was waiting with open arms. She surrendered to me, and I leaned over her and inhaled her last breath. I felt my blood sing with its sweetness. Im tired. So well have a little rest and well pick up where we left off. Chin-chin Shocking: Poirot found Alice Asher of Andover with her throat cut and her head nearly severed, lying next to a bloody page from The ABC Railway Guide Part One ended with Poirot being persecuted not just by the killer but Inspector Crome who raided his home, seizing what he called the fan letters from Cust. Crome also eventually revealed the reason for Scotland Yards antipathy, and the under-current of racism/xenophobia directed at Poirot that (in the years to come after 1933) would mutate and surface in support for Hitler or Tommy Robinson today. People dont like it when the Force are made to look like half-wits by a foreigner! Crome snarled at Poirot. Its out of step with the public mood. It transpired Cromes predecessor at Scotland Yard, Inspector Japp had banked his reputation on Poirots credentials and lost. So although Crome was now taking the letters seriously he refused to let Poirot assist in the case. Dont visit any more crime scenes! he ordered him. You will not catch ABC without me! roared Poirot with a passion Suchet certainly never mustered. I gave my word to the dead inspector. I cannot abandon them. I must not. Your word is worthless! Youre not who you say you are! Who the hell are you! stormed Crome. You were looked into. No-one had ever heard your name. Theres no record of Hercule Poirot registered with the Belgium police before 1914! We had already seen the childhood memories that still plagued Poirot. You are lucky that you never lived through an invasion, he told the Inspector quietly. Things are burned. Buildings, people, records...Turned to ash. So OK, yes sure Poirot had a goatee. But thanks to John Malkovich he also finally had some gravitas. Shannon Beador's divorce from her estranged husband, David Beador, has reached a standstill. The Real Housewives of Orange County star, 54, believes that her ex is intentionally dragging out the divorce process in order to get back at her, according to Us Weekly. Earlier in December, David, 54, filed an order requiring Shannon to abstain from drinking alcohol in the presence of their children. Lovers no more: Shannon Beador's divorce from her estranged husband, David Beador, has reached a standstill. The Real Housewives of Orange County star, 54, believes that her ex is intentionally dragging out the divorce process in order to get back at her, according to Us Weekly; shown in Los Angeles in 2017 The website reports that the star is 'upset' about it. 'David's filing is just another example of how low he can go. Shannon is frustrated and just wants this divorce to be over,' said a source close to the reality star. 'But he is dragging it out and doing whatever he can so he doesn't have to pay her out.' Shannon has three children from her marriage to David: Sophie, 17, and twins Stella and Adeline, 14. In his court filing, David claimed that Shannon's behavior is 'detrimental to the children.' Her ex claimed that Shannon and her legal team have rebuffed multiple offers for a resolution to their divorce. Bitter relationship: 'David's filing is just another example of how low he can go. Shannon is frustrated and just wants this divorce to be over,' said a source close to the reality star. 'But he is dragging it out and doing whatever he can so he doesn't have to pay her out'; pictured in Costa Mesa, California in November Shannon has three children from her marriage to David: Sophie, 17, and twins Stella and Adeline, 14. In his court filing, David claimed that Shannon's behavior is 'detrimental to the children'; shown in Los Angeles in 2017 with (L-R) daughters Sophie, Stella and Adeline His request for no drinking around the children excludes even a glass of wine with dinner, and also requires Shannon to abstain from alcohol for eight hours prior to spending time with the children. 'I am informed and believe based on his communication with me (and sometimes his refusal to communicate) that the Respondent is deeply angry with me and was looking to hurt and embarrass me,' wrote Shannon, according to Us Weekly. 'His Request for Order was apparently designed to attract media attention and assert control.' The reality couple announced their separation in October 2017 and both filed for divorce in December of that year. No drinking: David request for abstention around the children excludes even a glass of wine with dinner, and also requires Shannon to abstain from alcohol for eight hours prior to spending time with the children; shown in Costa Mesa in November with her RHOC castmates (L-R) Tamra Judge, Kelly Dodd and Gina Kirschenheiter David partly based his court filing on footage from a Real Housewives of Orange Country season 13 reunion episode. Tamra Judge, 51, admitted during the taping that she believed Shannon 'self-medicated herself many times and it's a depressant,' according to People. 'Oh absolutely,' Shannon said. 'And I admit it.' On Thursday, the reality star posted a photo to Instagram of her and her daughters from Christmas night, plus their dog Archie. 'Perfect Christmas night watching movies in our matching pajamas!' she wrote, followed by multiple hashtags: '#lovemygirls, #andArchie and #myfavoritetimeofyear.' Christmas cheer: On Thursday, the reality star posted a photo to Instagram of her and her daughters from Christmas night, plus their dog Archie. 'Perfect Christmas night watching movies in our matching pajamas!' she wrote, followed by multiple hashtags: #lovemygirls, #andArchie and #myfavoritetimeofyear Amid a tough time, Pete Davidson is sticking with his pals. The Saturday Night Live star, 25, kept company with comedian Dave Chappelle prior to Christmas on Tuesday, an insider told US. The Staten Island, New York native 'spent a few days before Christmas hanging out with Dave Chappelle in Ohio,' as 'they have been friends through the comedy world.' Confidantes: Pete Davidson, 25, kept company with comedian Dave Chappelle, 45, prior to Christmas on Tuesday, an insider told US The bonding between the comedians came after Pete wrote in an Instagram post on December 15 that he doesn't 'want to be on this earth anymore,' spurring an out-pour of concern about his well-being from fans and friends. Davidson 'wanted to get away for a few days to feel better, so Dave invited him' to his secluded Ohio home, which is 'somewhere in the woods.' Davidson was spotted Saturday in Cleveland, Ohio at the Wolstein Center, taking in his friend Machine Gun Kelly's show from a platform on the stage. Davidson was in New Jersey for the holiday, according to the magazine, while Chappelle headed to the West Coast, attending the luxe bash tossed by Kim Kardashian and Kanye West in Calabasas, California. Hanging in there: After posting a troubling message on social media December 15, Pete appeared on that evening's edition of Saturday Night Live In the limelight: Davidson dominated the headlines for his whirlwind romance from songstress Ariana Grande throughout much of the year. They were snapped in August in NYC In the aforementioned social media post, Davidson wrote, 'i'm doing my best to stay here for you but i actually don't know how much longer i can last. all i've ever tried to do was help people. just remember i told you so.' He went on to appear on that evening's edition of Saturday Night Live, introducing the night's musical guests Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson. It's been a whirlwind year for Davidson, who dominated the headlines for his whirlwind romance from songstress Ariana Grande following her split from rapper Mac Miller in May (months before his fatal overdose in September). Davidson and Grande struck up their relationship in June, culminating in a brief engagement before the pair split up in October. EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite has revealed she won't let her children watch Mel Owen's wedding revenge, as fans got their first look at the explosive New Year storyline. The soap star told Digital Spy that her daughters Florence, ten, and Marnie, six, won't be watching the dramatic scenes, when Mel finally gets her revenge on bigamist fiance Ray. It comes as fans have been left wondering whether Mel's revenge against Ray will turn deadly, after recent snaps were revealed showing a bodybag being pulled from the woods. Explosive: EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite has revealed she won't let her children watch Mel Owen's wedding revenge, as fans got their first look at the dark New Year storyline In the first look snaps, Mel can be seen sporting her full wedding gown, though it looks to be a far from joyous occasion as another snap shows her alongside Ray in the woods in the dead of night. The iconic character - who made a sensational return to Albert Square this year after 15 years away - has been plotting her revenge after discovering Ray had two other wives. So far little has been revealed about the dramatic wedding episode - but it has been confirmed that the fallout will mean devastation for one Walford family. This seemed further implied when recent filming snaps showed a bodybag being dragged from the woods, though it remains unclear whether this is connected to Mel's big day. Dark: Tense scenes will see Mel finally get here revenge on bigamist fiance Ray at their wedding day Speaking about the storyline, Tamzin admitted that some of the night scenes she filmed would be too scary for her two daughters - who she shares with ex-husband Tom Ellis. She said: 'Well they don't watch it because they're young. 'I'm not sure I'd want my children to watch it, if you know what I mean, it's like a horror, or it's like the darker side of EastEnders. 'It can be scary. I haven't seen it but I know when we were doing it I was scared.' Too much: The soap star told Digital Spy that her daughters Florence, ten, and Marnie, six, won't be watching the dramatic scenes as they're 'too scary' Tamzin had also previously teased the upcoming storyline during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, where she appeared alongside Sean Mahon, who plays Ray. He teased: 'It starts off well and then it kind of goes down a very dark rabbit hole.' Tamzin then added: 'It's like a horror. 'There's a lot of foreboding, a lot of action, a lot of stunts, a lot of outdoor running around.' EastEnders airs these scenes on New Year's Day at 8pm on BBC One. Jasmine Yarbrough is continuing to put on a brave face after her husband Karl Stefanovic embarrassed himself by raging at a photographer on Christmas Day. Just two days after Karl's meltdown at Gold Coast Airport, Jasmine was pictured smiling at a beachside bar in a photo shared to Instagram by her sister Jade. The Mara & Mine co-founder, 34, looked radiant in a summery frock as she soaked up the sun with her friend, model Emily Baker. What meltdown? Jasmine Yarbrough resurfaced at a beachside bar on Thursday (left, with her friend Emily Baker) two days after her husband Karl Stefanovic's shocking airport rant (right) Jasmine looked glamorous in the photo, accessorising her frock with gold jewellery and round-rimmed sunglasses. Her blonde locks were styled away from her face as she smiled happily for the camera. A day earlier, Jasmine took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with Karl, 44, and her extended family during a festive gathering. Nothing but love! A day earlier, Jasmine took to Instagram to share this photo of herself with Karl and her extended family during a festive gathering 'Merry Christmas from the Stefanovic/Yarbroughs and our Queen, Nana Isabelle,' Jasmine captioned the holiday snap. Clad in a white dress and a yellow party hat, the former model beamed as her new husband affectionately draped his arm around her. Meanwhile, a relaxed-looking Karl appeared to have calmed down after losing his temper at a photographer at the airport the previous day. 'Take your f**king camera and get out': Karl launched into a bizarre rant at Gold Coast Airport on Christmas Day, lashing out at a photographer who was taking photos of him and Jasmine Indeed, Karl's cheery disposition was completely at odds with footage of him captured on Tuesday shortly after arriving on the Gold Coast. The sacked Today host launched into a bizarre rant inside the airport terminal, lashing out at a photographer who was taking photos of the newlyweds. 'Take your f**king camera and get out that f**king door, it's f**king Christmas,' Karl yelled in front of horrified onlookers, including children. 'It's Christmas Day and you're taking photos on Christmas Day,' he continued. 'Why are you shaking? Have you got some disease, are you sick in the head? [Have] you got a s**t job? 'It's Christmas day. Go home!' Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth said 'I do' in a private ceremony on December 23. And while many superstar couples may spend the days leading up to their wedding stressing over final details, the couple took a far more laid-back approach. The newlyweds enjoyed low-key dates at a Nashville wine bar and bowling alley, and Liam was even spotted browsing a local shopping mall shortly before his nuptials. EXCLUSIVE: How Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth prepared for their secret wedding in Nashville - including a romantic date at a wine bar and even a trip to the local bowling alley Miley, 26, and Liam, 28, turned heads when they arrived at the Barcelona Wine Bar in Nashville on December 17, Daily Mail Australia can reveal. Despite their Hollywood star status, the down-to-earth couple sat down and ordered some food at a table with other members of public. Liam kept his arm firmly placed around his bride-to-be during the outing, which took place just days before they became man and wife. They're just like us! Miley and Liam turned heads when they arrived at the Barcelona Wine Bar in Nashville on December 17, just a few days before tying the knot It's a strike! During their evening out, Miley and Liam were also spotted at Pinewood Social, where visitors can sip cocktails and enjoy ten-pin bowling During their evening out, Miley and Liam were also spotted at Pinewood Social, where visitors can sip cocktails and enjoy ten-pin bowling. The pair happily greeted starstruck fans while making their way through the venue. Later, on December 21, Liam was spotted strolling a Nashville shopping centre where he took some more pictures with fans. 'I got the opportunity to meet @liamhemsworth he was a really cool dude and was nice enough to let me take a picture with him,' one person wrote on social media. Surprise! Miley took to social media on Wednesday to share the first pictures from the couple's private wedding at their Tennessee home on December 23 Miley took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the first official pictures from the couple's private wedding at their Tennessee home. '10 years later,' she captioned one picture, which appeared to be a reference to how long they have known each other. 'This is probably our one millionth kiss,' she wrote alongside another. Ruby Rose seems to have forgotten just how harsh the Australian sun can be. The 32-year-old Aussie expat - who now spends most of her time in the US - showed off her epic sunburn on Instagram on Thursday after returning home to Australia for the Christmas holidays. 'I'm so burnt, help!' she captioned a video with her proclaimed 'bestie', businesswoman Christina Lovric. Scroll down for video Ouch: Ruby Rose showed off her epic sunburn on Instagram on Thursday after returning home to Australia for the Christmas holidays In the video, Ruby can be heard commenting on how tanned Christina is while comparing her own sunburnt skin. 'Severe burn... And then pasty white,' she said, showing off the front and back of her legs. And it appears the sunburn wasn't just limited to her legs, with another photo showing off her severely sunburnt chest. 'Never going outside again,' she captioned the painful-looking photo, adding a sad face. All covered up: The Aussie expat seems to have forgotten just how harsh the Australian sun can be Two-toned: 'Severe burn... And then pasty white,' she said in a video posted to Instagram, showing off the front and back of her legs Prior to getting burnt, the pair appear to have enjoyed a day outdoors, riding bicycles down by the water. Despite her sun mishap though, Ruby has previously said she's actually super attentive when it comes to caring for her skin. 'I'm pretty pedantic when it comes to my skin,' she told InStyle Australia back in June. Fun in the sun: Prior to getting burnt, Ruby and her proclaimed 'bestie', businesswoman Christina Lovric, appear to have enjoyed a day outdoors, riding bicycles down by the water Get glowing: Despite her sun mishap though, Ruby has previously said she's actually super attentive when it comes to caring for her skin 'On a daily basis I make sure my skin is clean and I use sheet masks and mist.' In a 2011 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Ruby said she spent large amounts of time outdoors while growing up in Melbourne. 'I loved that I was a bit of a gypsy kid,' she told the newspaper. 'I broke arms, fell out of trees, boogie-boarded, went camping and rode animals.' Kate Beckinsale cut a svelte figure as she made a trip to the gym Wednesday afternoon in Beverly Hills. The Underworld star, 45, was dressed in a hoodie and leopard print leggings. Kate, who flaunted her toned form in the skintight bottoms, also had a busy day full of errands after her gym stop. Stylish workout: Kate Beckinsale cut a svelte figure as she made a trip to the gym Wednesday afternoon in Beverly Hills. The Underworld star, 45, was dressed in a hoodie and leggings The London-born actress departed the gym in a pale pink hoodie and cheetah print leggings. She also wore a ferocious pair of knee-high black leather boots with multiple large buckles. Presumably, she kept her workout shoes in the bag. Kate carried her large black gym bag over her shoulder and wore a pair of wayfarer-style sunglasses. She kept her brunette locks done up in a messy bun. Later the British actress picked up two additional bags for her errands. Casual day out: Kate carried her large black gym bag over her shoulder and wore a pair of wayfarer-style sunglasses. She kept her brunette locks done up in a messy bun Stunning: In November, the Love & Friendship star made headlines for sharing a kiss with British comedian Jack Whitehall, 30; pictured in London in September In November, the Love & Friendship star made headlines for sharing a kiss with British comedian Jack Whitehall, 30. Kate divorced her previous husband, director Len Wiseman, in 2016. The two first met while filming Underworld in 2003, and went on to collaborate on the 2006 sequel, Underworld: Evolution. The smiling exes: The Last Days of Disco actress shares a child with Welsh actor Michael Sheen. The pair were a couple from 1995 through 2003; shown in Los Angeles in 2016; pictured with Michael and Sarah Silverman on May 3, 2016 in LA Modern family: Kate and Michael continue to be close friends even after their separation, especially when it comes to their daughter Lily, 19; pictured in Hollywood in October The Last Days of Disco actress shares a child with Welsh actor Michael Sheen. Kate was in a relationship with the Masters of Sex actor from 1995 through 2003. The couple continue to be close friends even after their separation, especially when it comes to their daughter Lily, 19. They've made a habit of posing in humorous social media photos, including one from 2016 where the parents recreated a photo of their daughter's birth, this time with the then-17-year-old. Flamboyant medical entrepreneur, Geoffrey Edelsten, 75, and his wife, Gabi Grecko, 29, reportedly reunited in Melbourne last month to renew their vows. However it appears the New York-based personality spent Christmas away from the millionaire medic as she was reunited with her mum, Kathy, and her mother's husband, Brian Deering, in the Big Apple. The aspiring rap artist, known as 'GLittA FoXX,' took to Instagram on Wednesday to serenade her 76,100 followers with a Christmas tune as she spent quality time with her 'folks' at her apartment in New York. Scroll down for video Where's Geoffrey? Gabi Grecko, 29, spends Christmas away from millionaire husband Edelsten, 75... as she's reunited with her family in New York (pictured with her mother's husband, Brian Deering) 'When your (sic) too f**king blessed to need a filter or likes, just love and gratitude this year to be with my folks,' (sic) Gabi captioned the clip. She continued: 'Family is everything... be grateful for who you've still got.' In the short clip, Gabi was seen seen singing Merry Christmas to her fans as she donned a festive green ensemble consisting of a beanie and a T-shirt. Later in the video, Gabi was seen panning the camera lens to her mother and Brian, who was were resting on the couch - however Geoffrey was no where to be seen. 'Family is everything...be grateful for who youve still got': The aspiring rap artist, 'GLittA FoXX' (left) took to Instagram on Wednesday to serenade her 76,100 followers with a Christmas tune as she spent quality time with her mother (right) and her mother's husband, Brian Long-distance lovers? Later in the video, Gabi (right) was seen panning the camera lens to her mother and Brian, who was were resting on the couch - however Geoffrey (left) was no where to be seen In March 2015, Gabi, who has a younger step brother and sister from her mother's second marriage to Brian Deering, revealed she is estranged from her siblings but remains close to her mother, Kathy. In the same year, Gabi told Penthouse magazine her celebrity hairdresser father, Michael died from a fatal cocaine overdose when she was just 12 years of age. Meanwhile Gabi, who has been in the US pursing a rap career, was poised to move back in with her millionaire husband Geoffrey upon her planned return to Melbourne in November. Big day: The couple, who are 46 years apart, tied the knot at an Asian registry in Melbourne in 2015 (pictured) Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in October, Geoffrey said the public interest surrounding their marriage is still strong and he is stopped by fans everywhere he goes. 'People stop me all the time, just this morning... a guy came up and said "You're a rockstar!" and asked me for a picture,' he said at the time. 'It happens a lot [and] it is flattering. They admire everything I've done. Eccentric: The couple were once staples on the red carpet. Pictured at Maxim Australia's fourth birthday bash in Sydney in 2015 He continued: 'I was the first doctor to open a 24 hour medical clinic... I've won awards.' Geoffrey's long list of accomplishments aren't the only achievements he's proud of, with the wealthy businessman also applauding the feats of Gabi. 'I think she's very talented,' he said of the budding rapper. 'Her [music] videos are great.' PDA: Gabi once told the Sydney Morning Herald that when they aren't together, they engage in 'sexting' to keep the romance alive Gabi has been living in New York since they separated in 2015, however, Melbourne-based Geoffrey has made sure to visit her at least twice. Gabi previously told the Sydney Morning Herald that when they aren't together, they engage in 'sexting' to keep the romance alive. Geoffrey has also been receiving help in the love department by taking a new erectile dysfunction tablet that he developed. The eccentric pair met on a sugar daddy website when Gabi was 25. The on-and-off couple, who tied the knot at an Asian registry in 2015, split after just five months but never divorced - and have since reconciled. They announced their engagement on Christmas Eve. And on Wednesday, Heidi Klum and her new fiance Tom Kaulitz continued to celebrated their engagement. The 45-year-old model shared a video of her 29-year-old rock star beau making an extravagant dinner for her to her Instagram Story. Scroll down for video Celebration continues: On Wednesday, Heidi Klum and her new fiance Tom Kaulitz continued to celebrated their engagement In the clip, Tom dons a white t-shirt and light grey jeans and keeps his head warm with a cream-colored beanie. The meal consisted of a variety of dishes, which looked like they were all being cooked by the Tokio Hotel guitarist. Dishes consisted of a bratwurst, a creamy yellow entree, and cucumbers. Chef: The 45-year-old model shared a video of her 29-year-old rock star beau making an extravagant dinner for her to her Instagram Story Sausages: In the clip, Tom dons a white t-shirt and light grey jeans and keeps his head warm with a cream-colored beanie The healthy stuff: The meal consisted of a variety of dishes, which looked like they were all being cooked by the Tokio Hotel guitarist On Monday, Heidi revealed she accepted Tom's proposal with a gushing announcement showing off her beautiful diamond ring. 'I SAID YES', she captioned the photo with a heart emoji. A second ring on the same finger was a simple diamond band. It's only been nine months since Heidi confirmed her romance with the German guitarist, after the couple were pictured sharing a kiss on the set of America's Got Talent. Yes! On Monday, Heidi revealed she accepted Tom's proposal with a gushing announcement showing off her beautiful diamond ring She recently gushed to People of Tom: 'He is the kindest, sweetest, most caring, loving person. I feel so lucky. I dont know the last time I was this happy in my life.' Tom and his twin brother Bill Kaulitz are founding members of the rock band Tokio Hotel. Since the band's formation in 2001, Tom has played the guitar while his brother provided vocals. The engagement comes four years after she officially divorced Seal, following nearly 10 years of marriage. Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell have been at the centre of engagement rumours for months. And in a video for their cover story with People magazine on Wednesday, the daughter of the late Steve Irwin set the record straight. In the clip shared to Instagram, the 20-year-old said they're in no rush to wed. Scroll down for audio 'He's the love of my life': Bindi Irwin, 20, set the record straight on whether she and longtime beau Chandler Powell, 22, [both pictured] are set to tie the knot 'We do get asked on a daily basis whether we are married, whether we're engaged, what's happening,' Bindi began. 'For us at the moment, I think it's just been about enjoying life,' she continued. Chandler, 22, who also appeared in People magazine's cover story added: 'It's really great just to slow down and enjoy the ride.' Taking to her Instagram account to promote the interview, Bindi described the former professional wakeboarder as the 'love of her life.' Content: In a preview for their cover story with People Magazine, Bindi said: 'For us at the moment, I think it's just been about enjoying life.' Pictured in April this year In the video's accompanying caption, she wrote: 'I feel so blessed to have found the love of my life so early on. Check out the new issue of People Magazine for all the latest on our family.' The lovebirds first met in November 2013, when Bindi gave Chandler a tour of Australia Zoo. And throughout their union, fans have often questioned when the pair will walk down the aisle, thanks to their very gushing Instagram posts. Enjoying the ride: Chandler who also appeared in People magazine's cover story added: 'It's really great just to slow down and enjoy the ride.' Pictured in November 2018 Bindi once again told The Australian Women's Weekly in November 2017 that she has 'found the one' in Chandler. 'I'm lucky I have found the one, the person I want to spend all my time with,' she told the publication. 'We're both lucky to have found that person, because that doesn't always happen for people and we're still so young,' Bindi added. Bindi's father Steve tragically died when she was just eight years old. The Crocodile Hunter was fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray barb in 2006. Elle Fanning was feeling blue on Wednesday while shopping with big sister Dakota in Beverly Hills. The 20-year-old actress wore a baby blue sweater over a long matching dress for the shopping excursion. Elle completed her outfit with white boots and wore her blonde hair up in a messy knot. Shopping time: Elle Fanning joined her older sister Dakota on Wednesday for a shopping session in Beverly Hills, California She let her natural beauty shine without makeup and accessorized with blue sunglasses. Dakota, 24, meanwhile wore a long black shirt-dress with a frilly hem. The Alienist star finished her ensemble with white trainers and had her long blonde hair down. She accessorized with sunglasses and a few bracelets. Simple style: Dakota, 24, kept it simple in a long black shirt-dress and trainers Elle flew back home to Los Angeles last week to be home with her family for the holidays. Despite their young ages, both sisters already have impressive Hollywood resumes. Dakota has starred in popular films such as Sweet Home Alabama (2002), Man on Fire (2004), War Of The World's (2005), Charlotte's Web (2006), and all three of the hugely popular Twilight films beginning in 2009. Star siblings: The 24-year-old actress and her little sister Elle shopped at high-end stores in Beverly Hills Most recently she starred in Ocean's 8 (2018) and on the TNT series The Alienist. She also has a role in the much anticipated Quentin Tarantino crime mystery Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, which stars Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. The list of big productions for Elle include Deja Vu (2006), Babel (2006), Reservation Road (2007), Somewhere( 2010) and Super 8 (2011) and Maleficient (2014). She has been in London in recent months filming the follow-up, Maleficent II, alongside Angelina Jolie, 43. It's one of the longest running BBC crime drama series. And now first look pictures of series 22 of Silent Witness have been released as Emilia Fox returns as Dr. Nikki Alexander. In one picture ahead of its debut in January, it sees the forensic pathologist putting on a cosy display with her love interest Matt Garcia, played by Michael Landes. They're back!: First look pictures of series 22 of Silent Witness have been released as Emilia Fox returns as Dr. Nikki Alexander The two can be seen gazing into each other's eyes as they sit on the beach, with the scenes being aired in storyline three's To Brighton, To Brighton. During the two episodes, it sees Nikki and her team investigate an unusual case after dismembered body parts with Japanese tattoos get discovered in the seaside town's waste dump. While a different picture sees Nikki and forensic scientist Jack Hodgson, played by David Caves, team together once again to inspect some evidence on a crime scene. Sweet: In one picture ahead of its debut in January, it sees the forensic pathologist putting on a cosy display with her love interest Matt Garcia, played by Michael Landes Gripping TV: Silent Witness follows a team of forensic pathologists as they investigate different crimes and murders usually based in London and returns Tuesday 8 January 2019 Season 22 will be quite the star-studded TV watching as EastEnders star Samantha Womack will be making a guest appearance in storyline two called Lift Up Your Hearts. The two episodes focus around the death of a teenage boy who dies after a meth lab explosion, with his headteacher Noah Taylor confronting the drug dealers. Former soap star Samantha will be starring in the storyline with Black Mirror's Dan Li and The Crouches' Jo Martin. Dream team: While a different picture sees Nikki and forensic scientist Jack Hodgson, played by David Caves, team together once again to inspect some evidence on a crime scene Star-studded: Season 22 will be quite the star-studded TV watching as EastEnders star Samantha Womack will be making a guest cameo in storyline two called Lift Up Your Hearts Meanwhile, series' regulars Clarissa Mullery, played by Liz Carr, and Dr Thomas Chamberlain, played by Richard Lintern, will also be returning. Silent Witness is one of the longest running BBC crime drama series after first being broadcast almost 22 years ago in 1996. It follows a team of forensic pathologists as they investigate different crimes and murders usually based in London. Silent Witness series 22 airs on Tuesday 8 January at 9pm on BBC One. She joked she 'ate her body weight in sugar over Christmas.' And on Thursday, Australian model Erin McNaught looked absolutely exhausted as she completed her first training session at the gym after indulging over the silly season. The 36-year-old stunner took to Instagram to reveal she performed a gruelling workout routine following days of festive feasting and 'eating c**p.' 'Who else ate their body weight in sugar over Christmas?' Erin McNaught performs gruelling workout routine after indulging over Christmas - then treats herself to whipped cream 'First day back training after days of eating c**p has made me pull all kinds of faces. Who else ate their body weight in sugar over Christmas???' she captioned the image. Dressed in activewear, Erin was seen poking her tongue out of her flushed visage as she collapsed on the floor. However it appears the health kick didn't last long as Erin was seen treating herself to whipped cream from an aerosol can shortly after her intense fitness session. Post-workout treat! However it appears the health kick didn't last long as Erin was seen treating herself to whipped cream from an aerosol can shortly after her intense fitness session In a video shared to the Instagram account of Erin's husband, British DJ Example, the brunette beauty was seen squirting the canned cream into her mouth before bursting into fits of laughter. 'How was your workout?' the UK rapper Example, whose real name is Elliot Gleave, asked his wife off-camera in the clip. 'It was a tough one,' Erin replied before she scoffed the whipped cream. 'Post workout treats (laughing-crying emoji) Erin McNaught...you BOGAN!' Elliott captioned the image. Loved up! Erin is pictured with husband Example, whose real name is Elliott Gleave Smitten: Last month, DJ Example gushed over his wife of five years in a sweet Instagram post Last month, DJ Example gushed over his wife of five years in a sweet Instagram post. He shared a video of his Australian wife walking on the street while they headed to an event held in London. 'Excuse me,' the rapper said to his brunette lady love in the clip, who looked stunning in a low-cut dress. 'What planet are you from?' he added, sounding amazed and delighted. The cute video post comes after the loved-up couple celebrated their seven year anniversary last month. Where it all began! Erin marked seven years since meeting rapper husband Example sharing a photo of herself with the musician from their first meeting in 2011 In early November, Erin took took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with the musician in 2011, when she interviewed him for MTV Australia. In the caption she wrote: 'Seven years ago today!!!!' I'd been in the U.K. 3 days (my first ever trip to Europe)'. Erin explained of their romance: 'I'd interviewed him for @mtvaustralia then hung out briefly a few days later. [It was a] proper whirlwind thing.' She has been dating her boyfriend Jon Yunger since May, recently gushing she hopes he will propose in the near future. And Corinne Olympios looked utterly loved-up as she celebrated Christmas with Jon on Tuesday in Miami. The Bachelor star, 26, lovingly wrapped her arms around her beau as she soaked up the sun at the beach. Sweet: Corinne Olympios looked utterly loved-up as she celebrated Christmas with her boyfriend Jon Yunger on Tuesday in Miami Corinne displayed her incredible physique in a pale bikini, flashing a hint of cleavage due to its low-scoop neckline, while the bikini briefs accentuated her tanned pins. She wore her blonde locks in a messy ponytail and opted to go make-up free for her beach jaunt. Corinne later took to Instagram to share a sizzling bikini-clad snap, captioning the post: 'Twas a sandy Xmas morning'. Throes of love: The Bachelor star, 26, lovingly wrapped her arms around her beau as she soaked up the sun at the beach Jon meanwhile rocked a pair of salmon pink board shorts and a silver chain necklace. Corinne - who was on season 21 of The Bachelor as well as on the most recent season of Bachelor In Paradise recently gushed about her relationship with Jon, to Us Weekly and why she sees an engagement in their future. 'If I know youre the one, then youre the one, and you can do it whenever you want. If you know Im the one, then great,' she said. Stunning: Corinne displayed her incredible physique in a pale bikini, flashing a hint of cleavage due to its low-scoop neckline, while the bikini briefs accentuated her tanned pins Were so good. So good. Were spending the holidays in Miami, and then were going to Aruba. So excited.' Bachelor in Paradise USA abruptly ceased filming after an alleged sexual misconduct incident involving misuse of alcohol during last year's season in Mexico, with producers releasing an official statement explaining the decision at the time. 'We have become aware of allegations of misconduct on the set of Bachelor in Paradise in Mexico,' the statement read. Producers supposedly witnessed contestants Corinne Olympios and DeMario Jackson 'getting extremely sexual in the swimming pool'. Beach babe: Corinne later took to Instagram to share a sizzling bikini-clad snap, captioning the post: 'Twas a sandy Xmas morning' It was later alleged that Corinne was drunk while naked in the island's hot tub. 'They could have seen that she was drinking too much and that (DeMario) was taking advantage,' a contestant of the show reportedly said. Olympios and Jackson have apparently moved past what happened over the summer, forming a friendship and happily hanging out on occasion. Home Alone is one of the most watched films over Christmas. And Seth Rogen, 36, couldn't keep quiet when he found out that Angels With Filthy Souls the film Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) watches isn't a real old movie. Despite admitting the slew of stars and fans of the movie deserved to find out a better way, the actor mercilessly took to social media to share his revelation. The truth is harsh: Seth Rogen mercilessly ruined Home Alone as he disappointed fans with a jaw-dropping discovery about Macaulay Culkin (pictured) watching THAT gangster movie He uncovered the truth with a simple tweet: 'My entire childhood, I thought the old timey movie that Kevin watches in Home Alone (Angels With Filthy Souls) was actually an old movie.' The Canadian-American star later confessed to the devoted fans and handful of stars following him 'deserved to find out in a better way than this'. He added: 'Yeah man. You deserved to find out in a better way than this.' Who knew? Despite admitting the slew of stars and fans of the movie deserved to find out a better way, the actor mercilessly took to social media to share his revelation Heartless: The Canadian-American star later confessed to the devoted fans and handful of stars following him 'deserved to find out in a better way than this' Disappointed stars were hot on responding to the post to share their disbelief at Seth's jaw-dropping discovery about the film within the Christmas flick. Chris Evans questioned his comments: 'IT'S NOT????' Rodney Rothman added: 'I didn't know it until you just said this.' Keith Landry quipped: 'Im gonna give you til the count of 3 to take this back!' Donny DiMarco said: 'I was today years old when I found out that the old gangster movie that Kevin watches in Home Alone, isnt a real movie. 'Angels With Filthy Souls is a fictional movie within a fictional movie. Merry Christmas, YA FILTHY ANIMALS!!!' She has embraced the Australian way of life since marrying Chris Hemsworth and relocating to Byron Bay, NSW. But it seems Elsa Pataky hasn't quite got her head around some of the local lingo. In a promotional clip for Netflix series Tidelands posted to Facebook on Tuesday, the Spanish mother-of-three and her Brazilian co-star Marco Pigossi were asked to identify some rather obscure Aussie slang terms. 'I should know these!' Tidelands star Elsa Pataky (left) was left dumbfounded by Australian slang terms this week - despite being married to Chris Hemsworth (right) 'I should know these!' Elsa, 42, laughed while struggling through a selection of colloquialisms including 'a fair suck of the sav' (a reasonable opportunity to participate) and 'knock the tops off some frothies' (drink a few beers). In the game of 'Slang or S**t' - for which Australian actress Charlotte Best played quizmaster - Elsa was able to pick out a few fake slang terms thrown in as red herrings, however. She correctly pointed out that 'tighter than a wallaby's smile' is not a commonly used Australian idiom. 'Slang or s**t'? In a promotional clip for Netflix series Tidelands, the Spanish actress and her Brazilian co-star Marco Pigossi (left) were asked to identify some rather obscure Aussie slang terms, with actress Charlotte Best (centre) playing quizmaster But she found success with the popular term, 'My dad was ropeable last night', meaning 'my dad was very angry last night'. 'I've heard this before,' she chuckled. Elsa recently admitted that she always fantasised about relocating to a small town by the ocean while growing up in the busy city of Madrid. And after marrying Thor star Chris in 2010, all of her dreams came true when the pair relocated to Byron Bay from Los Angeles five years later. Her wish came true! Elsa previosuly said she 'always dreamt of living' in a place like Byron Bay while growing up in Spain. Pictured with her husband Chris Hemsworth 'I always dreamt in my head l would live in a place like Byron Bay,' she told Who magazine earlier this month. 'I achieved what I wanted, because I think a connection to nature is something you really need.' Elsa previously told the Sydney Morning Herald she would 'never live in LA again' and hoped her children would grow up to appreciate how amazing their home is. She and Chris share three children together - daughter India Rose, six, and twin sons Tristan and Sasha, four. Australian model, Bambi Northwood-Blyth appears to be practically living in her swimwear this summer. The 27-year-old stunner, who stepped out in a barely-there black bikini on Wednesday, was seen donning another scanty swimsuit on Thursday. The brunette model took to her Instagram story to showcase her very trim physique in a white triangle bikini as she posed on an Australian beach. Scroll down for video Bit of all white! Bambi Northwood-Blyth displayed her very trim physique in a barely-there string bikini during a sunny summer day off at the beach on Thursday Bambi, who has type one diabetes, also offered her legion of fans a glimpse at her black glucose monitoring system which was tucked into the side of her bikini bottoms. 'G6 right into summer =miss congeniality,' she captioned the image, clearly referencing the diabetes device. Bambi recently divulged on the photo-sharing app that she wanted to receive some BETA cells, which are responsible for producing insulin, as a Christmas present. 'Good vibes to everyone': Bambi (pictured) showed off her trim figure in a bikini on Wednesday...after speaking about having Type One diabetes 'How do you control your blood sugar levels over break?' Bambi took to her Instagram to ask her followers a serious question 'All I want for Christmas': She said she would like some BETA cells, which are responsible for producing insulin, as her Christmas gift In November, her mother Jill spoke openly about the fashion star's battle with the disease, in a blog post for Beyond Type One last month. 'I had to urgently FedEx some diabetes supplies to Stef (Bambi's real name) in New York, as they were neither readily accessible nor affordable where she was,' she said. Jill went on to describe how the condition affected Bambi's early rise in the modelling industry. 'We wanted Stephanie to be able to participate in anything she wanted to and she was determined to do so,' she said. Advertisement Candice Swanepoel has slipped into a white swimsuit just after Christmas. The supermodel was showing off her very toned figure in one of her Tropic Of C designs this week on Instagram. This comes just six months after the blonde bombshell from South Africa welcomed her second child, Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli. White magic: Candice Swanepoel has slipped into a white swimsuit just after Christmas. The supermodel was showing off her very toned figure in one of her Tropic Of C designs this week on Instagram A 10: The star was in a desert setting as she flaunted her 5ft10in frame. She is as lean as can be and has said she is an impressive 119lbs The star was in a desert setting as she flaunted her 5ft10in frame. She is as lean as can be and has said she is an impressive 119lbs. The suit was from resort 2019 and is called the Ripple. It has a halter front and has strings in the back that nicely criss cross and tie up. Knockout look: The suit was from resort 2019 and is called the Ripple. It has a halter front and has strings in the back that nicely criss cross and tie up Lean: This comes just months after the blonde bombshell from South Africa welcomed her second child, Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli Earlier this month 30-year-old Victoria's Secret alum wore a color she called 'sage.' She had on a low cut one piece swimsuit that fell of her tanned shoulders. The suit also made the most of her long, lean legs as she added a smart wide-brimmed hat on. And she was also seen in a two piece that fit her perfectly. She looked every inch the lingerie model as she sizzled in a skimpy bikini during her scintillating seaside frolic. Lovely to look at in swimwear: Leggy Swanepoel is seen here in a light blue two piece suit Toned to perfection: Her tummy was put on display making it obvious she has been working out nonstop since welcoming her second child Her toned tummy and sculpted abs were on center stage as she posed on big boulders. Candice walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - which aired this months - after welcoming her son in June. The model - who also has son Anaca, two - has revealed the secrets to her pre-show preparations, saying she combines a strict fitness regime with the everyday stresses of parenting. A little 1950s vibe: She had on a low cut one piece swimsuit that fell of her tanned shoulders. The suit also made the most of her long, lean legs as she added a smart wide-brimmed hat on Candice quipped: 'Taking care of two kids will get you in shape real quick.' On top of looking after her children, the South African star also did about three to four workouts per week - which included training with ankle weights and doing squats - in preparation for this year's show. Candice is now a veteran of the runway and even though deep breathing techniques have helped to calm some of her nerves, she still feels anxious before a big show. One of the most elegant models in the business: The pinup wore large double hoop earrings and elegant makeup with red lips She told E! News: 'I'm a ball of nerves before the show. I feel like each year I get more and more nervous - I don't know why. 'But nerves are healthy. You need a little adrenaline to really kill it.' Meanwhile, Candice previously admitted that raising two young children is 'pretty intense' - but it's also an experience she's relishing. She has a look that sells: Here she is seen in a black bikini as she models her Tropic Of C line Her pride and joy: Here is a photo of her two children that are relatively close in age She said: 'It's pretty intense, but it's amazing. To see the love between them is amazing. It's a lot, I'm not gonna lie. The second one is a lot easier, but the situation of having two makes it harder.' Despite the challenges, Candice insisted she dreams of one day having a 'bunch of kids'. She said: 'I don't plan too much into the future. 'I believe a lot in destiny and that what happens - you can try to manifest certain things, but I definitely do want to continue having a great career and building my family as well because I'm really loving that. I definitely want to have a bunch of kids.' Catwalk time: Candice walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - which aired this months - after welcoming her son in June. The model - who also has son Anaca, two - has revealed the secrets to her pre-show preparations, saying she combines a strict fitness regime with the everyday stresses of parenting Disney is introducing its first openly gay character in the upcoming Jungle Cruise movie, which will feature a big coming out scene. But there's one important word that's missing. When Jack Whitehall's character McGregor comes out to Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's burly Frank he doesn't use the word gay, sources at a test screening last week revealed to TMZ. Snakes alive! Jack Whitehall looked less than happy as he held the end of a snake wrapped around Dwayne Johnson in Disney's Jungle Cruise. His gay character's coming out scene with the Rock in the movie has surprised test viewers by not using the word gay Apparently the pair have a heart-to-heart about dating and McGregor makes it very clear he isn't into ladies. McGregor explains to Frank his family had tried arranging marriages for him with several women, but he didn't want to tie the knot with any of them - or any woman, for that matter. He also explained that his sister Lily, played by Emily Blunt, was the only one in his family to accept him and support him regardless of whoever he loves. In the movie, Jack. 30, and Emily, 35, hire Dwayne, 46, to take them into the jungle to find a tree that reportedly has healing powers. On set: He also explained that his sister Lily, played by Emily Blunt, was the only one in his family to accept him regardless of whoever he loves, making it clear that he wasn't straight It's set in the early 20th century when admitting to being gay would have been socially unacceptable and may even have landed you in jail, so McGregor's reticence make sense. The scene was apparently well-received by the audience, but the lack of the word to describe McGregor's love interest did not go unnoticed. Whether it will make the final cut is another matter but the chances are high that it, or something very similar, will be in the movie given how significant it is for Disney to include a gay character in an action blockbuster. Water trip: The action-adventure movie is the latest to be based on a classic Disneyland ride However, there has already been backlash from the LGBTQ community over Disney casting Jack, a straight actor, to play a gay. Disney still has time to sort the whole thing out. Jungle Cruise was originally due out on October 11, 2019, but Disney has pushed it to July 24, 2020. Ryan Thomas has finally broken his social media silence following girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh's video scandal, as he took to Instagram Stories on Thursday after staying quiet over the festive season. The 34-year-old soap posted a black and white selfie of him sporting a low-key black hoodie, as fans also took to Twitter to share snaps of the star performing at the pantomime. This comes following reports that Ryan was 'in pieces' after girlfriend Lucy was spotted putting on a cosy display with a mystery man in Dubai, while he remained at home in the UK. Back to reality: Ryan Thomas has finally broken his social media silence following girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh's video scandal, as he took to Instagram Stories on Thursday Ryan made a return to social media after posting nothing of his festive celebrations, leaving many fans questioning whether or not he marked the occasion with girlfriend Lucy. However the actor had been hard at work playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Beck Theatre, as some fans tweeted about getting to meet Ryan and his ten-year-old daughter Scarlett. One tweet said: '@ryanjamesthomas just seen the panto #hayespanto amazing show lots of laughter and Christmas joy and had the privilege of sitting with your beautiful daughter she was so proud of you!! telling me that's my dad on the stage #beautiful my daughters loved the show too.' Another also shared a selfie with Ryan in his Hook costume, adding: 'Thank you for the photo @ryanjamesthomas! Lovely to meet Scarlett - what a beautifully behaved young lady.' Silent: The actor has been hard at work playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Beck Theatre, as some fans tweeted about getting to meet Ryan and his ten-year-old daughter Scarlett Controversy: This comes as both Ryan and his girlfriend Lucy (above) stated quiet on social media over the festive season after her Dubai video scandal earlier this month It remains to be seen whether Ryan is still dating Lucy, as neither posted any snaps together over Christmas. The ex-TOWIE star had recently admitted she was broody after meeting her friend's new baby, as she remains defiant in the face of her recent video scandal surrounding her. On Sunday, the stunner took to Twitter to share a snap with her friend's newborn after which she liked a tweet from her fan reading: 'Adorable I bet it's making u broody I've 2 teenage kids and that is seriously.making me.broody so sweet'. Taking to Twitter, the star 'liked' the tweet about feeling broody, yet continues to dismiss the scandal while Ryan has been mysteriously removed from Twitter and Instagram for a week amid the ongoing scandal. Days before, the brunette beauty continued to like tweets, including one in which she insisted the video was taken out of context and 'not that bad'. Lucy took to Twitter to like a series of messages including a note reading: 'The video wasnt even that bad.. mad how people are so quick to jump to conclusions'. Ryan is said to be 'in pieces' after his girlfriend Lucy was pictured putting on a cosy display with a mystery man in a Dubai nightclub on December 7. Sweet: Lucy has hinted she is broody after meeting her friend's new baby, as she remains defiant in the face of the video scandal she was hit with Up close: The reality star, 27, was filmed partying with pals at The Penthouse, Five Palm on December 7 before getting extremely close to the fellow partygoer, while her boyfriend Ryan remained at home during her girls' holiday Insiders revealed to MailOnline the former Coronation Street actor, 34, is devastated by her actions yet believes her version of events that she was merely saying goodbye to a pal and was overly tactile due to drink. A source said: 'He is in pieces over the video really upset. He's a pretty forgiving guy and knows how tactile Lucy can be but this footage seems a little more than someone saying goodbye.' Lucy has insisted she was just saying 'goodbye to a friend' after video footage emerged of her very cosy night out in Dubai with a mystery man. Whispered words: It has now been claimed that Adam and Love Island star Scott, who are famously close to Ryan, have pledged allegiance to their 'embarrassed' sibling following the release of the scandalous clip In footage obtained exclusively by MailOnline, Lucy was seen planting a kiss on the mystery man's cheek, holding his hand and caressing his back, while sources claimed she was 'rubbing the inside of his leg' and they later left 'two minutes apart'. After the video of Lucy's nightclub moment appeared, the star took to Twitter to claim she was bidding farewell to a friend in the clip - yet the point was met with ridicule from Twitter users, who insisted the exchange was suspicious. She furiously wrote: 'Since when has saying goodbye to a friend turned into a cosy night out?! #ridiculous' - however sources now claim Ryan is less than pleased. A source close to Ryan said: 'He is in pieces over the video really upset. He's a pretty forgiving guy and knows how tactile Lucy can be but this footage seems a little more than someone saying goodbye. Up close and personal: Lucy insisted she was just saying 'goodbye to a friend' after video footage emerged of her very cosy night out Shock: Lucy jetted to Dubai with pals earlier this month, where she kept the trip intricately documented on social media with a host of bikini and outfit images sitting alongside a shot taken on the day of her outing to The Penthouse 'He's been asking his friends and brothers what they would think and how they would react if it was their wife or partner in the video and pretty much universally, they've all said they wouldn't be happy. 'But at the moment he's taking Lucy's word at face value because he loves her and he wants to believe she's telling the truth. He's also had tons of support on social media from fans though a fair few haven't had such kind words for Lucy.' The Sun later reported that the couple are having furious phone conversations. Insiders said: 'Ryan burst into tears when he watched the video of Lucy with the mystery man and feared the worst... 'She explained he's just a friend and said she would never be so silly as Ryan's mate was in Dubai at the same time. Ryan is a very emotional person who wears his heart on his sleeve.' Having none of it: She furiously wrote: 'Since when has saying goodbye to a friend turned into a cosy night out?! #ridiculous' - however sources now claim Ryan is less than pleased' Happy days: Ryan, 34, admitted that the couple are looking for the perfect home for them to raise children in: 'We want to find a family home that we can stay in for a long time' (pictured with his daughter Scarlett) Ryan is also said to be red-faced by the awkward timing of the video, which came just days after the couple posed for a cosy magazine shoot. In the accompanying interview, the pair declared their intentions to get engaged and buy a family home together next year, with Lucy warning: 'You'd better get saving because I want a really heavy left hand.' The source told MailOnline: 'Ryan is also pretty embarrassed that the footage emerged the same week as they appeared on the cover of OK! mag gushing about how much they love one another. 'But for now, his main focus is putting on a good show in panto for the people of Uxbridge rather than worrying about Lucy. She's told him that nothing happened with the guy and he's just trying to put that to the back of his mind.' Catherine Zeta-Jones shared some fun photos this week on her Instagram account. The Oscar-winning actress was posed up with her husband Michael Douglas as well as their two children Dylan and Carys as they were on the beach. And also with the famous family were some unusual furry friends: monkeys. Fun in the sun: Catherine Zeta-Jones shared some fun photos this week on her Instagram account. The Oscar-winning actress was posed up with her husband Michael Douglas as well as their two children Dylan and Carys as they were on the beach Creatures: And also with the famous family were some unusual furry friends: monkeys At first look they aren't really noticed. But on closer inspection, one can be seen around Dylan's neck with another on Cary's leg. Catherine captioned the photo, 'Loveto you and yours from us.' And before that she shared a photo with the monkeys all over her: 'Merry Christmas one and all.' Monkey business: And before that she shared a photo with the monkeys all over her: 'Merry Christmas one and all' This comes after the family celebrated Kirk Douglas. He looked as besotted as ever with Anne Buydens, after 64 years of marriage, as they celebrated his 102nd birthday earlier this month. The screen legend posed for pictures outside his Beverly Hills home alongside Anne, as he appeared to greet well-wishers. Happy Birthday! Kirk Douglas looked as besotted as ever with Anne Buydens, after 64 years of marriage, as they celebrated his 102nd birthday on Sunday Kirk looked alert and happy as he chatted outside his abode, which was adorned with a giant flower arrangement of while roses, spelling out his age. The star - who uses a wheelchair since suffering a stroke - held hands with his lady love. Anne looked proud of her veteran actor husband, as she jazzed up a comfy pink two-piece with jewellery. The acting legend - who was born the same year that the world saw the Battle of the Somme, the first ever successful blood transfusion and Woodrow Wilson winning his second term as President of the United States - was wearing a black fleece and dark trousers. His daughter-in-law Catherine Zeta Jones paid tribute to the veteran star, calling him the 'most beautiful man.' She shared a video of her father-in-law - who is considered to be a living legend - captioned: 'Happy 102nd Birthday to the most beautiful man. We love you Kirk.' Heart of gold: Cameron Douglas - Kirk's grandson and Michael's son from his first marriage to Diandra Douglas, shared a sweet post praising his grandfather on his 102nd birthday Beautiful man: His daughter-in-law Catherine Zeta Jones also paid tribute to the legendary actor Catherine is married to Kirk's son, actor Michael Douglas, 74, and together they have two children. He's seen in her video dancing with her son Dylan, while daughter Carys is playing a piano and singing Christina Aguilera's Beautiful. Cameron Douglas - Kirk's grandson and Michael's son from his first marriage to Diandra Douglas, also shared a sweet post praising his grandfather. 'Happy Birthday to a gentleman's gentleman, with a true heart of gold,' he captioned a picture of the pair. Cameron, 39, is seen as a baby in the shot, with his adoring grandfather looking on. Kirk has gone from centurion to centenarian, crafting a sparkling career as one of Hollywood's greatest leading men, and is one of the industry's most-loved figures. Acting dynasty: Kirk joined son Michael Douglas and grandson Cameron (left), along with Michael's wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, for Michael's star being awarded on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last month However, he came from humble beginnings - born Issur Danielovitch Demsky on Dec 9, 1916 to Jewish immigrants in Amsterdam, NY. Kirk also held a series of odd jobs such as selling snacks and a paperboy to help support his family as they struggled with poverty during his childhood. He found a love for acting at an early age and was offered a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts where he was classmates with Lauren Bacall. Iconic: He's well known for playing the titular role in the star studded historical epic Spartacus After graduating, Douglas made his Broadway debut in Spring Again, playing a telegraph boy. He then put his acting aspirations to the side to enlist in the U.S Navy following the outbreak of WWII, as a communications officer before being discharged on medical grounds in 1944. Douglas made his feature film debut in 1946, in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers opposite Barbara Stanwyck and Van Heflin. He first teamed with Burt Lancaster in his next film I Walk Alone - they worked together on screen a total of eight times. Douglas starred in film noir Champion in 1949, as the unscrupulous and egocentric boxer Midge Kelly for which he received his first Academy Award nomination. His second Academy Award nomination was for 1952 classic, The Bold and Beautiful. Douglas suffered a debilitating strokes in 1996, impairing his ability to speak. which forced him to suspend his acting career. That same year, Douglas was presented with an honorary Oscar by the Academy and made emotional acceptance speech despite his impaired ability to talk. Kirk has been married to second wife Anne Buydens, 99, since 1954 and toigether they had two sons - Peter, 63, and Eric, who sadly he died of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 46 in 2004. Michael's mother is Diana, to whom Kirk was married from 1943 to 1951, they also had son Joel, 71. Diana Douglas passed away on July 3, 2015. She recently revealed she had split from her fiance Andrew Brady following an on-off nine month romance. But Caroline Flack was keen to put her mind on more important things, as she shared a sweet throwback image with her dad Ian on Instagram. Taking to her social media platform on Thursday, the Love Island host, 39, wrote: 'When I was 15....Love you dadda flack' Sweet: Caroline Flack shared a cute throwback snap with her dad Ian on Thursday... following Andrew Brady split The presenter looked unrecognisable as she beamed in the picture, and sported a clear complexion as she opted not to wear any make-up. Caroline proved she was just as stylish in her teens as she is now, as the host paired a simple red crop top with a pair of black trousers. She completed the look with a simple silver pendant, while she wore her brunette locks in a sleek and straight style. The model was in high spirits as she wrapped her arms around her dad's waist for the photo, while he had a hand on her shoulder as he raised the other in the air. Family matters: The presenter was keen to put her mind on more important things, as she gushed about her dad (pictured together in March 2017) Caroline's appearance comes as she is reportedly set to ditch alcohol in a bid to focus on her West End role. According to The Sun, the presenter's New Year's resolution will help her maintain a 'clear head' following her tumultuous love life with Apprentice star, Andrew, 28. A source told the publication: 'Caroline is on a mission for a new year, new start. She wants everyone to get back to talking about her for all the right reasons, rather than her rollercoaster love-life. New year, new me: According to The Sun, the presenter's New Year's resolution will help her maintain a 'clear head' following her tumultuous love life with Andrew Brady Impressive: The TV star made her West End debut earlier this month at the Phoenix Theatre in London as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago 'Shes staying completely sober so she can focus on her leading role as Roxy in West End show Chicago, which comes shortly after she filmed the Strictly Christmas Special. 'It means that she can have a clear head and put perspective on everything', they added. MailOnline contacted Caroline's representatives for further comment at the time. Moving on: Of her resolution, a source told The Sun: 'Caroline is on a mission for a new year, new start. She wants everyone to get back to talking about her for all the right reasons' The TV star made her West End debut earlier this month at the Phoenix Theatre in London, just two weeks after announcing she had taken on the lead role of Roxie, replacing Alexandra Burke in the role. She is performing alongside American YouTube star Todrick Hall until the musical's close on January 5. Meanwhile, Caroline recently insisted she 'won't go back' to former beau Andrew as she confirmed that they no longer live together after officially ending their volatile romance. Out with the old: The presenter revealed earlier this month that she's split from her fiance following an on-off nine month romance Last week, she told The Sun: 'I'm on my own now. So I'm sorting myself out, I'm doing what I want to do. I'm putting my head into this, into work and focusing on acting. After confirming that they are now living apart, Caroline confessed that, although the split necessary, she is still fond of her ex, and indeed wouldn't be drawn into bad-mouthing him. Caroline also insisted that their relationship is over for good. When asked if she will go back to her ex, she simply responded: 'I'm not going to.' She is known for her rather risque outfits. And even dressed down, Iggy Azalea certainly knows how to grab attention. The 28-year-old rapper turned heads in a very bright neon green hoodie while touching down in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Thursday. Ms. Brightside: Iggy Azalea turned heads in a very neon green hoodie while touching down in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Thursday The top is a favorite in the hip-hop community as artists such as Drake, Lil Yachty and Skepta have all been seen wearing a similar hoodie with 'PSYCHWORLD' printed at the chest. She teamed the on-trend top with a pair of baggy sweatpants with a pair of black low-top Off-White 'arrow' sneakers. The Fancy hitmaker accessorized with a pair of brow designer shades as her luggage was being pushed around by a bodyguard. Her signature blonde locks were worn in a ponytail as she let her natural looks show by going make-up free. Vibes: The 28-year-old rapper She teamed the on-trend top with a pair of baggy sweatpants with a pair of black low-top Off-White 'arrow' sneakers Iggy has been keeping busy and it seems to have already taken it's toll on her new relationship with rapper Playboi Carti. Earlier this month she posted a candid photo of the couple on a night out in Los Angeles, which she simply captioned: 'I miss you'. Iggy and Playboi Carti, whose real name is Jordan Terrell Carter, went Instagram official in September by sharing a photo of themselves canoodling on a couch. As she is five years older than the 23-year-old rapper, the couple have faced criticism for their age gap. In response to one negative comment, the Mo Bounce rapper wrote: 'He just turned 23, he's five years younger than I am. 'I miss you': Iggy has been keeping busy and it seems to have already taken it's toll on her new relationship with rapper Playboi Carti as she posted this Instagram earlier this month 'Is that unusual to you? Because almost everyone I know isn't the exact age as the person they date. 'You all act like he's some little kid that just left school or I'm some old ass woman. We are both in our twenties, get off my nuts.' Meanwhile, Iggy (real name Amethyst Kelly) is enjoying her newfound independence after parting ways with major music label, Island Records. Last month, she claimed on Twitter to have signed a new '$2.7million deal' that included her owning the rights to her back catalogue. Holly Willoughby has admitted she's been inspired to learn to skate for the new series of Dancing On Ice. The 37-year-old presenter confessed she would be open to taking to the ice as her co-host Phillip Schofield did in 2014, but joked that she might skate a little faster than he did. It comes as the first six celebrities set to make their skating debut were revealed ahead of the Dancing On Ice launch in January, including Gemma Collins, James Jordan, Didi Conn and Saara Aalto. Get your skates on! Holly Willoughby has hinted that fans might see her learn to skate for the new series of Dancing On Ice When asked whether she would ever be open to learning to skate, Holly said: 'Do you knowI would! I'd absolutely love to learn to do it but it's finding the time to do it properly. You can't just go and have a one-hour lesson. 'Phil really committed to that! In his head he thought was going really fast but then he watched it back and he said he was really slow, I thought he did amazingly. 'I think it's finding the time to do it properly but yes, I would love toone day!' Hint hint: The presenter admitted she would be open to taking to the ice, after her co-host Phillip Schofield did in 2014 Sensational: Phil donned a pair of skates for a short routine during the first Dancing On Ice finale in 2014 However Phil went onto admit that he was not so keen to take to the ice again, adding he would struggle to find enough time to make training worthwhile. The This Morning presenter added that he and Holly have always had a soft spot for Dancing On Ice, having struck up their close friendship while first hosting the show in 2006. He said: 'It's funny because we were both nervous for very different reasons when we started Dancing on Ice. Holly was nervous because it was her first big night-time showand it was a monster! 'For me, I was nervous because no one had any idea whether there was an appetite for it, until we got the figures the next day. None of us could believe how many people had watched it. We didn't know we had a hit on our hands.' Funny: Holly added that she's loved getting to don sparkly outfits for the show's return, joking she spent much of the show's previous duration pregnant Views: Ashley Banjo (left) and Jason Gardiner (right) are also set to return to the judging panel for the new series Star-studded: The duo join skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean once again appearing on the ice panel Iconic: This series will also see Torvill and Dean make more regular appearances on the ice On being back to host the show, Holly added: 'It did feel different I thinkmainly because I wasn't pregnant! 'The first time we did the show, it seemed that I was always on the ice with a big bump so it was quite nice not to be pregnant this time.' This comes after it was revealed that Gemma Collins, James Jordan, Didi Conn, Saara Aalto, Mark Little and Jane Danson were to be the first six celebrities to take to the ice in the show's launch. Superstar: It comes after it was revealed that Gemma Collins would be one of the first six celebrities to take to the ice in the New Year TOWIE star Gemma has already teased that there could be fireworks between her and 'Mr Nasty' judge Jason Gardiner, as she added that she's hoping to inspire larger women with her time on the show. She said: 'Look, I like straight talking people. If Jason Gardiner has got an opinion on me then I welcome it to the table. 'Do you know what? I'll take his comments on board. If I agree with them then I agree with them but if I don't then who knows what could happen.' Brutal: The TOWIE star has already teased that there could be fireworks between her and 'Mr Nasty' judge Jason Gardiner Showman: Gemma has been paired with professional skater Matt Evers (above) 'I'm doing this show to show all the ladies out there that it doesn't matter what size you are or who you are, you can achieve anything and that's important for me. I'm doing it for all the women out there. 'I always remember from a young age wanting a pair of those white skating boots. Yeah, I'm 37 now and I've finally got the boots and by God am I going to go for this. 'I think it shows that it's never too late to have fun and it's never too late to try something you haven't done before and for any women out there to think well I'm too big or overweight to be a skater, then it's never too late.' Determined: Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan said he would love to inspire wife Ola to take part in the show herself James then went onto add that he would love to inspire wife Ola to take part in the show herself. He said: 'The only thing is, Ola did The Jump and she got severely injured so I think that is always in the back of her mind. 'She wants to do it but she's much more scared than me because of what happened to her before. She just wants to see me fall over! As long as I don't break anything, she just wants to see me fall over I thinkwhich is going to happen!' Focused: The Strictly Come Dancing pro had previously said he didn't think his dance experience would be an advantage in the show Meanwhile Coronation Street star Jane said that she hopes to get plenty of support from her co-stars including Samia Longchambon who competed on the show in 2013. She said: '[Samia] just said ''you'll come out of it feeling so good about yourself.'' When you've been in the same job for a long time you get kind of cosy, and you know it so well and you know your environment, but this is completely ripping me out of that world and putting me in to a world that is completely alien to me. 'I'm just really looking forward to embracing it and any questions I've had, Samia's told me all about it, like training, she's told me it's hard and it's a lot of work and Brooke has as well. They're both really excited for me, having done it themselves.' Focused: Coronation Street star Jane said that she hopes to get plenty of support from her co-stars including Samia Longchambon who competed on the show in 2013 Pals: Jane is paired with pro Sylvain Longchambon, who is married to her Dancing On Ice star Samia X Factor runner-up Saara also revealed that she finally hopes to break her spell of just missing out on the top prize, as she makes her ice debut in the New Year. The Finnish beauty said: 'In my history, Ive always come 2nd in TV competitions. So, I have to do it again, I have to be here until the end. Im not going to give up! 'I think I have quite a lot of experience in TV competitions because I did a lot of them in Finland before X Factor, so I think it is my advantage. 'Im not afraid of cameras at all or anything when it comes to TV work, I really enjoy it actually. Of course, its going to take my energy but Im not nervous about it so I get to concentrate on skating!' Skating star: X Factor runner-up Saara also revealed that she finally hopes to break her spell of just missing out on the top prize, as she makes her ice debut in the New Year Ray of sunshine: Saara will take to the ice alongside pro Hamish Gaman Stand-out: Meanwhile actor Mark Little has said he thinks his feisty Australian side could come out when the competition heats up Jovial: The actor has been paired with skating pro Brianne Delcourt Meanwhile actor Mark has said he thinks his feisty Australian side could come out when the competition heats up. 'Ive now got to the age where I think Ill take criticism quite well. Im in an area which I dont know much about, so Ill take on a lot of critique,' he said. 'Im certainly willing to take that on. Luckily, way back in my early acting training, I did dance. I know my ballet and I know my plies, so Ill take all the advice I can get to be better. 'I wont be a bad loser, Im not a sore loser, but its a competition and I want to see how far we can get.' Dancing On Ice returns on Sunday 6th January at 6pm on ITV. Gorgeous: Grease legend Didi Conn will be the show's oldest ever celebrity contestant at 67 years old Frank Adonis - who starred as Anthony Stabile in 1990's Goodfellas - passed away on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. The actor died after a long battle with bad health, reported TMZ on Thursday. He was 83 years old. Adonis - who starred in some of Martin Scorsese's most famous films including Raging Bull and Casino - had been unwell for a couple of years, according to his wife Denise, mainly with 'kidney problems,' reported the website. Sad news: Frank Adonis - who starred as Anthony Stabile in Goodfellas (L) alongside Ray Liotta - passed away on Wednesday night in Las Vegas He had been on dialysis and was breathing using a ventilator for the past nine days, but they waited until after Christmas to take him off it, the site added. Denise told the site, 'He will be missed. He was a great father and an amazing husband. He helped all his friends he could. Great writer, director and actor. He was my best friend.' His friend Phil Castellano shared a note on Facebook for the actor. He had range: The actor was also in True Romance with Christopher Walken 'It is with a very heavy heart this morning to tell you of the passing [of] Frank Adonis [cheech],' he said. 'In his last few months he suffered like an animal,' Castellano continued. 'I first met him when I was 3 years old and he was a friend [of] big brother Uncle Cheech and my lifelong buddy he was older than me but he always treated me like an equal.' He added, 'I will miss him forever. God Rest Your Soul Uncle Frankie.' Rest in peace: Adonis had been battling bad health - pictured in 1989 The star made his big screen debut in 1971, as a bidder in the French Connection. He went to to appear in a number of popular films, including Wall Street, True Romance and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. He was born on October 27, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York as Frank Testaverde Scioscia. He moved to Las Vegas from Brooklyn in 2008. He is survived by his wife Denise, 62, and their two children, Francesco, 26, and Brianna, 24, and another daughter from a previous marriage. She's on a festive getaway to the stunning Maldives with her partner Paul Knightley, their children and his mum Gaynor. But Sam Faiers' latest Instagram snap from her sun-soaked getaway has caused a stir amongst her fans, as she was pictured kissing her son Paul, three, on the lips. According to The Sun, the Mummy Diaries star, 27, had called him her 'lover' in the caption on Thursday, which she has since changed to hearts. Supportive: Sam Faiers' fans came to her defence on Thursday after she was cruelly trolled for kissing her son on the lips and 'calling him her lover' in a new snap Some fans had spotted the caption before she had changed it though, and trolled her for it in the comments section. One wrote: 'Probably edit that, it's not right to call your little boy your lover. Lovely photo tho' While another said: 'I wouldn't all my son my lover just say (sic)' Criticism: Some fans had spotted the caption before she had changed it though, and trolled her for it in the comments section But Sam's fans rushed to defend the reality star, as they hit back at the people criticising her. One wrote: 'well right now you just look stupid because all everyone can see if hearts... She probably changed it as people feel the need to comment on something that could have been an error... Even if it wasn't she can call HER SON what she wants. I'm pretty sure she won't miss you if you unfollow her (sic)' While another hit out: 'What is wrong with you? That is her son. Grow up' One user took a more diplomatic approach, as they said: 'she did put lover but then edited it cos I thought lover was a bit to much prob just ment to put love but corrected it (sic).' Hitting back: But Sam's fans rushed to defend the reality star, as they hit back at the people criticising her Sam's festive getaway comes as she left scandal at home, as fans have threatened to 'boycott' her ITVBe show The Mummy Diaries after she was accused of shamelessly ripping off a small family business and copying their designs for her new personalised children's clothing company. She has been receiving freebies from Yorkshire-based website Forever Sewing for the past two years, and has posted numerous images of her children, Paul Jr. and Rosie wearing their colourful monogrammed tracksuits. After discussing working on a collaboration with the brand, the reality TV personality has now been accused of stealing their designs for her own new venture. And now Sam's fans have threatened to boycott her series that she stars in with her sister Billie Faiers and even her new clothing line. Controversy: Meanwhile Sam's fans threatened to 'boycott' her ITVBe show The Mummy Diaries after she was accused of ripping off a small family business and copying their designs Spot the difference: Sam has been accused of RIPPING OFF a small business by copying their designs by 'disgusted' fans - (left) her new children's range, (right) the clothing brand she has been receiving freebies from for two years One person said: 'When "celebs" like @SamanthaFaiers get loads of free stuff from small independent retailers then rip off the exact idea and pass off as their own... Shameful !! #boycot #MummyDiaries #foreversewing.' Clearly extremely enraged by the action, another show watcher commented: '@SamanthaFaiers won't be watching Clearly anymore!!!' A different user put: 'Sam Faiers asking for free clothes for her children is just shameful. I don't care that the brand got publicity,surely you want to earn and pay for the clothes on your own kids back!... 'Have some pride and self respect for gods sake. Absolute scrounger. Hope people boycott 'her brand'.' Sam told her fans she was setting up a new children's clothing venture named My Little Darlin' and has started an Instagram page which teases one of the designs, which is near-identical to Forever Sewing's. The page has 11.2k followers already and Sam was thought to be planning to launch in one week, but the comments section has been littered with angry posts from fans, which Sam has been deleting. Just hours after fans started calling out the former TOWIE star for her blatant copycat designs, Sam deleted all of the comments from the Instagram post in question and blocked further comments from appearing. MailOnline has seen countless messages exchanged between Sam and the company, in which she lists an extensive amount of freebies she wants from them. The reality star states that her eldest son Paul, has been 'living in' the designs and has been wearing them throughout filming of The Mummy Diaries. The company has taken to Facebook to voice their feelings of betrayal over Sam's actions after learning that her new children's clothing line is remarkably similar to their own. Jackie O sparked rumours she had reunited with estranged husband Lee Henderson after sharing a series of cosy family snaps with him over the Christmas period in Fiji. The former couple, who split in October after 18 years together, put on a united front on Instagram just days after it was claimed Lee had 'moved on' with another woman. However, a source close to the 43-year-old KIIS FM star told Daily Mail Australia that things are not quite as intimate as they may seem on social media. EXCLUSIVE: Cocktails, cosy dinners and returning to their favourite holiday spot: The truth behind Jackie O's Fiji reunion with estranged husband Lee Henderson - after he 'moved on with a mystery brunette' 'Everything they do is all for Kitty,' the insider said, referring to Jackie and Lee's eight-year-old daughter, who has joined them on holiday. 'All they went to do is make sure Kitty is happy and their split has minimal impact, so that's why they spent Christmas together. They're definitely not back together.' Jackie and Kitty flew to Fiji earlier in December to celebrate the festive period, with the radio host delighting fans on Christmas Day by revealing Lee had joined them. 'Everything they do is for her': A source told Daily Mail Australia that Jackie and Lee are putting on a united front solely for their daughter, adding that they aren't rekindling their romance Modern family: Jackie and Kitty flew to Fiji earlier in December to celebrate the festive period, with the radio host delighting fans on Christmas Day by revealing Lee had joined them She captioned an Instagram snap of the trio: 'I promise you Lee is happy, he just never smiles in photos, he's like the Posh Spice of our family.' The following day, on December 26, Jackie shared a photo of herself enjoying late-night drinks with her former partner - presumably once Kitty was in bed. 'Late night cocktails,' she captioned the picture. Luxury: There's no doubt the trip brought back happy memories for Jackie and Lee, as the family had regularly holidayed in Fiji while they were still together Five-star trip: During their years as a couple, Jackie and Lee were known to stay in a $5,850-per-night villa on Vomo Island. On this trip, however, the exes switched it up by checking into the Kokomo Private Island Resort (pictured), where beachfront villas cost $3,500 a night There's no doubt the trip brought back happy memories for Jackie and Lee, as the family had regularly holidayed in Fiji while they were still together. During their years as a couple, they were known to stay in a $5,850-per-night villa on Vomo Island. On this trip, however, the exes switched it up by checking into the Kokomo Private Island Resort, where beachfront villas cost $3,500 a night. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Jackie O for comment. Moving on already? The Fiji holiday comes after The Sydney Morning Herald published photos on December 15 of Lee with a 'mystery brunette' at the beach in Sydney. Pictured with Jackie The Fiji holiday comes after The Sydney Morning Herald published photographs on December 15 of Lee with a 'mystery brunette' at the beach in Sydney. An onlooker later told Woman's Day: 'They tried to hide under large matching straw hats, but some beaachgoers cottoned on to who he was.' Describing Lee's companion as a 'heavily-tattooed beauty', the source added: 'They seemed very flirty and comfortable with each other and were sharing cigarettes in between swims.' Firefighters are battling a bushfire that is threatening properties on Bruny Island in Tasmania's south. Residents of Conleys Point and Cloudy Bay in the south of Bruny Island have been advised to evacuate the area or prepare to actively defend their properties. The Tasmania Fire Service has warned residents embers, ash and thick smoke may be a hazard ahead of the main fire. The blaze has forced the closure of Cloudy Bay Road below the Staffords Road intersection. An evacuation centre has been set up at Lunawanna. Accused killer Chris Dawson is expected to wake up on Christmas morning at his wife's home in Queensland on his first day of bail. The 70-year-old was released from Sydney's Silverwater prison on Christmas Eve a week after a court granted him bail. A series of complications with the former rugby league player's application, including a problem with the $1.5 million surety, delayed his release by a week. Dawson was arrested on the Gold Coast earlier this month and extradited to NSW where he was charged with murdering wife Lynette Dawson, who went missing from Sydney's northern beaches in 1982. He will have to live at his wife's home on the Sunshine Coast and report daily to a local police station to comply with his bail conditions. He intends to plead not guilty to murdering his wife in the case which made international headlines when it became the focus of The Australian newspaper's The Teacher's Pet podcast. A US military base in Syria's al-Asaliyah village, between the city of Aleppo and the northern town of Manbij, pictured in April 2018 The US military has confirmed that the order to withdraw American troops from Syria had been signed, after President Donald Trump held talks with his Turkish counterpart to negotiate a pullout that has stunned Washignton's allies. Trump announced Wednesday that the roughly 2,000 US troops would leave civil war-racked Syria, where they have been deployed to assist in a multinational fight against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group. "The execute order for Syria has been signed," a US military spokesperson told AFP on Sunday in response to a query, without providing further details. Turkey was a rare ally that lauded Trump's decision on Syria, a country where it will now have a freer rein to target Kurdish fighters who were armed and trained by the US and played a major role in the war against IS but are deemed terrorists by Ankara. - 'We've won' - Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by telephone on Sunday and "agreed to ensure coordination between their countries' military, diplomatic and other officials to avoid a power vacuum which could result following any abuse of the withdrawal and transition phase in Syria," the Turkish presidency said in a statement. Trump tweeted that he and Erdogan "discussed (IS), our mutual involvement in Syria, & the slow & highly coordinated pullout of U.S. troops from the area." Territory control in Syria White House aides cited by The Washington Post said Trump's advisors have persuaded him to withdraw the troops more slowly than he would like in order not to jeopardize their safety. A withdrawal could have extraordinary geopolitical implications, and it runs counter to long-established US policy for the region. Thousands of IS jihadists are thought to remain in Syria, but Trump on Wednesday declared that "we've won against ISIS," using another acronym for the extremists. Late Sunday he tweeted that Erdogan had assured him that any IS fighters remaining will be eliminated. "President @RT_Erdogan of Turkey has very strongly informed me that he will eradicate whatever is left of ISIS in Syria," Trump said in a Tweet. - An already devastated region - Repeating a pattern of admiring comments towards global strongmen, Trump added that Erdogan "is a man who can do it." The US president concluded: "Our troops are coming home!" US politicians -- including those from his own Republican party -- and international allies fear the withdrawal is premature and would further destabilize the already devastated region. A US pullout, said Mutlu Civiroglu, a Kurdish affairs analyst, will open the way "for Turkey to start its operations against the Kurds, and a bloody war will begin." Syrian demonstrators in the northeastern Syrian Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli asking for the Syrian army's protection as Turkey threatens to carry out a fresh offensive following the US move to withdraw French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said he "deeply regretted" Trump's decision, and that "an ally must be reliable." Israel has been careful to point out that it respects the US decision, but analysts say that beneath those public pronouncements are concerns over whether its main enemy Iran will have a freer hand. US troops will leave under the auspices of a new Pentagon chief set to start next month, after Jim Mattis resigned from the post citing major differences, including on Syria, with the often-impulsive Trump. Several US politicians from both parties rejected Trump's claim that IS had been defeated. The decision also caused alarm and dismay in the US military over the prospect of suddenly abandoning Washington's Kurdish partners. - Turmoil - Trump's sudden decision sparked turmoil within his administration, prompting the resignation of Brett McGurk, the special envoy to the anti-IS coalition, as well as Mattis. President Trump announced Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan (R) would step in as the acting Pentagon chief to replace Jim Mattis Plans for the troop pullout will now be overseen by Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who Trump on Sunday said would replace Mattis starting January 1. Mattis, 68, had said he would leave at the end of February to allow a smooth transition for the next chief of the US military -- but a reportedly angry Trump accelerated his departure by two months. "And now Trump gets rid of SecDef Mattis almost immediately. No smooth transition. No effort at reassurance to allies. Just vindictive," Carl Bildt, a former Swedish prime minister and now co-chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations, said on Twitter. According to US media, Trump voiced resentment over news coverage of Mattis' stinging resignation letter that laid bare his fundamental disagreements with the president. The resignation letter addressed by US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to President Trump Days later, special envoy McGurk made a similar move, saying he could not support Trump's Syria decision that "left our coalition partners confused and our fighting partners bewildered." Unlike Mattis, Shanahan has never served in the military and has spent most of his career in the private sector, including with aircraft giant Boeing. Until Trump finds a permanent Pentagon chief, Shanahan will lead plans for US troops to leave Syria along with a significant drawdown in Afghanistan, both of which critics worry will leave war-torn regions at risk of continued and potentially heightened bloodshed. Actor Chow Yun-fat has built up a reputation in Hong Kong for frugal living "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" star Chow Yun-fat may be a heavyweight from the golden era of Hong Kong cinema but the famously frugal actor has vowed to donate his vast wealth to charity after he dies. Also known to western audiences for films such as the Oscar-winning "Pirates of the Caribbean" and gangster classic "A Better Tomorrow", Chow has endeared himself to fans in recent years with a modest lifestyle. Multimillionaire Chow, 63, joined Forbes' list of highest paid actors in the world for the first time in 2015, sharing 24th place with Russell Crowe. Yet in Hong Kong -- a city with no shortage of flashy socialites and stars -- he can be spotted taking public transport and lining up for tickets to watch his own movie. Now he has pledged to give away his entire fortune, reportedly HK$5.6 billion (US$715 million). "This money isn't something you possess forever. When you're gone one day, you have to leave it to others to use it," he told South Korea's Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation in an interview aired last week. "You can't bring the money in your bank account with you after you die," he said, adding his wife "strongly supports" his decision. Hong Kong's wealth gap was at its widest last year for nearly half a century, fuelling discontent as the former British colony marked two decades under Chinese rule. Sky-high prices and the cost of living outstrip many ordinary residents' salaries, with apartments becoming increasingly cramped and generations of families forced to share. Meanwhile, the city's mega-rich continue their display of extreme wealth and pursuit of status symbols. Chow, affectionately nicknamed "Brother Fat" in Hong Kong, has won praise for taking an opposite tack. Local media give wildly varied estimates of his wealth but say he is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Chow has said he has no idea how much he is worth. His wife Jasmine Tan has previously described how her husband often eats at street stalls and only gave up his beloved Nokia flip-phone when it died after years of use. Dozens of billionaire business figures have signed up to "The Giving Pledge" started by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet encouraging the world's wealthiest to donate their fortunes. But Hollywood and Asian acting stars are noticeably absent from the list. In his interview with MBC Chow, a native of Lamma Island which was once a traditional fishing village, also discussed the joys of a simple meal -- a favourite is savoury Chinese turnips accompanied with rice. "I am happy if there's food to eat, because we were quite poor then. I'll be very happy eating sweet potatoes and vegetables, and even happier if I have chicken and meat during the new year," he said. Israeli soldiers walk near a fence in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights on the border with war-torn Syria, on April 27, 2015 Israeli soldiers fired toward "armed suspects" who crossed the ceasefire line with Syria in the annexed Golan Heights, the army said Monday. The army said in a statement the incident occurred late Sunday near the border fence, but provided few other details. No Israeli soldiers were injured. It was not clear who the suspects were, why they had infiltrated or whether any were wounded. Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in a 1967 war and later annexed it in moves never recognised by the international community. The two countries are still technically at war. Asep Sunaria says there was no warning when the wall of water hit the village of Sukarame Asep Sunaria heard a loud "whoosh" just seconds before a wall of water threw him off his motorbike, swallowing his house and the village he called home until Saturday night. As rescuers hunted for survivors of the volcano-triggered tsunami that killed at least 281 people along Indonesia's coast, 42-year-old Sunaria was trying to come to grips with a disaster that struck without warning. "The water came from over there with a sound like the wind -- 'whoosh'," he recounted to AFP. "I was shocked. I didn't expect it at all -- there was no warning ... At first I thought it was just a tidal wave but the water rose so high." He and his family sprinted from Sukarame village to higher ground, leaving them with only the clothes on their back. But they were among the lucky ones. The tsunami swept through Sukarame, destroying houses and cars and killing some villagers, with others still missing in the wreckage Some villagers perished when the powerful tsunami struck on Saturday night, sweeping over popular beaches of southern Sumatra and the western tip of Java and inundating tourist hotels and coastal settlements. Experts say it was likely triggered by a massive underwater landslide following an eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano in the Sunda Strait. "My family are safe but my house has been destroyed -- everything's gone," said Sunaria. "Now I'm looking for bodies that have not been found. We only found one yesterday and we're looking for spots where more bodies could still be buried." Another villager, Sunarti, waded through knee-deep water as she searched for belongings outside her destroyed house. "We found two dead bodies over there yesterday," the 61-year-old indicated. The wall of water hit Sukarame village without warning Sunarti said her 100-year-old mother survived and was staying at higher ground until they could be sure there would be no more killer waves -- something experts have warned remains a serious risk. "My life was already tough," Sunarti, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told AFP. "We're very poor and now this happens" Down the road in Cilurah village, survivor Ade Junaedi said he witnessed nature's fury firsthand. "It happened very quickly," he said. "I was chatting with a guest at our place when my wife opened the door and she suddenly let out a panicked scream. I thought there was a fire, but when I walked to the door I saw the water coming." Back in Sukarame village, Sunarti and her hungry neighbours waited for outside aid to arrive in their stricken community. "There's been no help at all so far," she said. "Some people are starving." Gnassingbe's Union for the Republic (UNIR) won 59 of the 91 seats in the National Assembly in the December 20 legislative polls, boycotted by the main opposition coalition, the provisional results said Togo President Faure Gnassingbe's party won most seats in parliamentary elections, according to provisional results on Monday, in polls overshadowed by pre-ballot clashes and an opposition boycott. But the party will need support from other legislators to secure a fourth-fifths majority for constitutional change giving Gnassingbe the chance of staying in power beyond 2020. His Union for the Republic (UNIR) won 59 of the 91 National Assembly seats in the December 20 legislative polls, the provisional results said. The closely-watched election in the small West African state saw the 14-party opposition coalition, C-14, refuse to take part, condemning the playing field as skewed. "The coalition and the people have rejected any notion of elections in the prevailing conditions," Nathaniel Olympio, head of the Party of the Togolese, told AFP. "The results don't correspond to the wishes of the Togolese who didn't take part," he added. "The struggle continues and will get even tougher after these elections." The provisional figures will now head to the Constitutional Court, which will have a week to proclaim definitive results after discussing any challenges. The vote went ahead last Thursday after a year of political upheaval which saw demonstrators demanding Gnassingbe step down during dozens of marches, sometimes with a large turnout. - Backdrop of bloodshed - Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005 after succeeding his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the country with an iron fist for 38 years. Earlier this month, at least four people were killed when opposition supporters and security forces clashed in the capital Lome and several other cities. The opposition put the figure at six dead. UNIR previously held 62 seats and had hoped to secure 73, the threshold for passing laws unchallenged, including changes to the constitution paving the way for Gnassingbe to run for office in 2020 and 2025. The ruling party's 59 seats were thus below its target but it will be supported by its main ally, the Union of Change Forces (UFC) of former opposition leader Gilchrist Olympio, who has six MPs. Other independent MPs can also lend support. A total of 850 candidates for 12 political parties, plus independents, took part in the election. The official turnout was about 60 percent of registered voters. Before the vote, opposition parties had called for an overhaul of the electoral commission, more transparency and constitutional reforms to limit the number of presidential terms. Observers from the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said the election had been held properly. From the Nigerian capital Abuja, regional leaders on Saturday commended the "free and transparent" nature of the vote, which corresponded with their roadmap to end crisis in Togo. But they added they "strongly regretted" the opposition's boycott, which took place "in spite of the considerable efforts made by facilitators to promote inclusive elections." ECOWAS, through mediators Ghana and Guinea, had pushed for elections to be held by the year's end. But the recommendation was dismissed by the opposition as rushed, failing in particular to address flaws in the electoral commission. "ECOWAS made a mistake of not appreciating the socio-political situation in Togo and prescribed elections instead of reforms," said Raphael Kpande-Adzare, spokesman for the FCTD, an umbrella organisation of civil society groups. A picture taken on December 21, 2018, shows a partial view of the strategic Yemeni Red Sea port of Hodeida The head of the United Nations team tasked with monitoring a fragile ceasefire in the flashpoint city of Hodeida on Monday visited its lifeline docks, a port official said. Retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert also called on Yemen's warring sides -- Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-linked Huthi rebels -- to respect the hard-won truce agreed this month in Sweden, Hodeida port deputy director Yehya Sharafeddin said. Cammaert visited the docks through which the majority of imports and humanitarian aid enter war-torn Yemen, Sharafeddin said. "The (UN) official promised us that the war will end," he told AFP by phone. "He said the Yemen war had been forgotten for years but that the international community is now adamant about ending it," Sharafeddin added. Cammaert is heading a joint committee including members of the government and the Huthi rebels, in charge of monitoring a truce in the vital Red Sea city and its surroundings. Retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert, who heads a United Nations team tasked with monitoring a ceasefire in Yemen's key port of Hodeida arrives in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa on December 23, 2018 Cammaert arrived in Hodeida from the rebel-held capital Sanaa after meeting with government officials in Aden. Yemen's warring sides agreed on a ceasefire to halt a devastating offensive by government forces and an allied Saudi-led coalition against rebel-held Hodeida at peace talks in Sweden this month. According to the UN he will chair on Wednesday a meeting of a joint committee including members of the government and the Huthi rebels, in charge of monitoring a truce in the vital Red Sea port. That meeting will be "one of the priorities" of Cammaert's mission, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Sunday The UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution authorising the deployment of observers to Hodeida to monitor the truce that came into effect last week. Sharafeddin said that Cammaert "stressed the importance of implementing the agreement" and will visit "battlefronts (in the city) at a later time". The ceasefire was agreed at peace talks in Sweden earlier this month following intense diplomatic efforts led by the UN. But the truce has remained shaky, with both sides accusing each other of violations in Hodeida province. The UN monitoring team aims to secure the functioning of Hodeida port and supervise the withdrawal of fighters from the city. Around 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led intervention began, according to the World Health Organization, although rights groups say the death toll could be five times higher. The conflict has unleashed a major humanitarian crisis and pushed 14 million Yemenis to the brink of famine. General Scott Miller's (C) remarks capped a tumultuous few days for Afghanistan as diplomats and officials digested the possibility of the United States exiting the 17-year war The top US commander in Afghanistan has not received orders to pull forces out of the war-torn country, NATO confirmed Monday, days after President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw 7,000 troops leaked to the media. General Scott Miller's remarks on Sunday capped a tumultuous few days for Afghanistan as foreign diplomats and Afghan officials digested the possibility of the United States exiting the 17-year war it started and is now leading efforts to end. An American official told AFP late last week that Trump had decided to pull out "roughly half" of the 14,000 US forces in the country, but the White House has so far not confirmed the widely-publicised move. "I have no orders, so nothing has changed," said Miller, who is also the top NATO commander in Afghanistan, during a meeting with the governor of the eastern province of Nangarhar, according to Tolo News. The remarks were confirmed by NATO's Resolute Support mission in Kabul. "But if I do get orders, I think it is important for you to know that we are still with the security forces. Even if I have to get a little bit smaller, we will be okay," Miller continued. US troops make up the bulk of the Resolute Support mission to train and advise local forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State group. Others are part of a US-led counter-terrorism mission. While there has been no official announcement of a US drawdown, the mere suggestion of the United States reducing its military presence has rattled the Afghan capital. Trump's decision apparently came Tuesday as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul. The Taliban has not issued a formal statement on Trump's plan, but a senior commander told AFP the group was "more than happy". There are fears the hasty move could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are suffering record losses. Many Afghans are worried that President Ashraf Ghani's fragile unity government would collapse if US troops pulled out, enabling the Taliban to return to power and potentially sparking another bloody civil war. A day after Miller's remarks, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrived in Kabul for the start of a four-nation tour to discuss, among other things, peace efforts in Afghanistan. Qureshi, who had hailed Trump's decision to slash troop numbers in Afghanistan as "a step forward" in the peace effort, will also visit Iran, China and Russia. burs-amj/st/rma Police clash with hardline Hindu activists protesting against women attempting to reach temple Indian police Monday rescued two women who tried to reach one of the holiest Hindu temples in southern Kerala state after they were surrounded by devotees determined to keep women out of the shrine. Police launched the operation a day after protesters forced 11 other women to call off a bid to reach Sabarimala temple which has been ordered by the Supreme Court to end a longstanding ban on women of child bearing age. Supporters of the ban have been on alert around the hilltop temple since the court ruling in September. But the two women who made the attempt Monday kept their plans secret. "Unlike other women who tried to get to Sabarimala, these two arrived without notice, so hardly anyone knew of their presence," a police officer posted at the temple told AFP on condition of anonymity. "They managed to get within two kilometres of the temple when they were spotted by devotees coming down after offering prayers at the temple," the officer added. Police escort the two women after activists blocked their attempt to reach the temple Devotees who were climbing uphill behind the two women also took part in the angry scenes and surrounded the women. Police rushed to the scene to form an escort them away to safety. "The situation turned tense. Police had no choice but to tell the two women not to make the climb because of law and order problems," the officer said. One of the two women told journalists they would make a new attempt. Hundreds of thousands of Hindus -- men, young girls and elderly women -- normally make the four hour trek to the temple during the end of year Hindu festival period. Since the court order however, Sabarimala has become a major battleground between devotees and gender activists, sparking protests across the southern state. More than 2,000 people were arrested after clashes around the temple in October. The temple contains a shrine to Lord Ayyappa, believed to have been the Earth-born son of two of Hinduism's three main gods, Vishnu (in his female avatar) and Shiva. The Supreme Court is to hear challenges to its decision to overturn the ban from January 22. Many Hindu groups and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party oppose the court ruling. They argue that the court has ignored their beliefs that Ayyappa was celibate. Freddy Lim (R with other members of ChthoniC) founded the band in 1995 and they have gone on to become one of the region's most successful metal bands The frontman of a popular Taiwanese metal band which advocates independence for the island was denied a visa to Hong Kong because he lacked "special skills", a music festival organiser said Monday. ChthoniC, one of Asia's most successful black metal bands, slammed the decision as "ridiculous" after they were forced to pull out of a music festival in the southern Chinese city over the weekend because band members were unable to get a visa from Hong Kong's immigration department. Frontman Freddy Lim is also a pro-independence lawmaker in Taiwan and the cancellation fuelled fears about eroding artistic freedoms in Hong Kong as authorities clamp down on pro-democracy sentiment at the behest of Beijing. Hong Kong's immigration authorities have yet to say why the visas were refused. But on Monday Denise Ho, a pro-democracy canto-pop star who had invited ChthoniC to perform at a festival, posted a letter from the immigration department setting out the reasons for Lim's refusal. "A person seeking to enter into Hong Kong ... for employment should amongst other things, possess a special skill, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the (city)," the letter stated. "Having considered the information made available and all circumstances of the case, we are not satisfied that this case meets the aforesaid criteria," it added. Lim called the government's reason "ridiculous" but added he remained hopeful. "I have many friends in Hong Kong, friends from the music scene, friends who are involved in Hong Kong's social movement, and everyone is trying so hard to change things," Lim told AFP. The immigration department did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. ChthoniC was founded in 1995 by Lim and has gone on to become one of the region's most successful metal bands. Lim became a lawmaker in 2016 and his New Power Party calls for Taiwan to be recognised internationally as a country. He was denied a travel visa to Hong Kong later that year. Netizens in Hong Kong, where authorities have been steadily clamping down on the city's pro-independence sentiments, ridiculed the governments apparent excuse. "That means Madonna wouldn't be qualified to do a concert in Hong Kong either," wrote one Facebook user. "The song he sings, only he can sing it. How is that not a special skill?" commented another. Beijing still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949. In recent years, concern has also grown in Hong Kong about its freedoms disappearing as China tightens its grip on the semi-autonomous city. A senior Financial Times journalist's visa renewal was rejected earlier this year after he hosted a speech at Hong Kong's press club by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party. Authorities did not provide an explanation for the rejection. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has promised reforms to promote national unity after years of hardline rule An elite force has been created in Ethiopia responsible for protecting officials including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, after a deadly blast while he addressed a crowd in June, Fana radio said Sunday. Troops in the new Republican Guard unit began training six months ago for "protecting higher government officials and their family, from any form of aggression by ill-intentioned forces," Fana announced on its website. The formation of the specialised unit followed the explosion of a hand grenade in the middle of a huge crowd of people who had gathered in the capital Addis Ababa to hear Abiy speak on June 23. Two people were killed and scores injured. Some observers believe the prime minister was the intended target of the grenade attack, but he was not harmed. After taking office in April, Abiy gained public support with promises of reform to promote national unity after years of hardline rule. He has freed thousands of jailed dissidents and journalists and cemented peace with neighbouring Eritrea, after a 1998-2000 war that left a legacy of distrust. Ethiopia had an Imperial Guard during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, but that military unit was disbanded after he was ousted in an army coup in September 1974. A recent upsurge in the number of ethnic confrontations in Addis Ababa and of clashes in remote regions has aroused fears that the second most populous nation in Africa after Nigeria faces renewed violence. According to a 2017 estimate by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population is about 102.4 million. The Horn of Africa nation is home to dozens of distinct ethnic groups. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at China's lax IP protection laws Victims of intellectual property theft in China could soon be allowed to sue for damages as Beiing looks to tighten its IP protection framework, state media reported Monday, with Washington clamouring for action on the issue. Victims can claim "punitive damages" under the draft law presented Sunday at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC, China's legislature), the official Xinhua news agency reported. While there has been legislation protecting patents, trademarks and copyright, this law, if passed, will mark the first time victims of IP theft can sue for damages. "It is necessary to significantly increase the financial penalties for IPR infringements to better exert the deterrent effect of the law," Shen Chunyao, deputy head of the NPC Constitution and Law Committee when presenting the draft to lawmakers, told Xinhua. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at China's lax IP protection laws, forced technology transfers and alleged IP theft, saying it costs the US as much as $600 billion per year, a charge China has denied. Chinese leaders on Sunday also announced they were looking at a new law governing foreign investment that would prevent the forced transfer of technology and give foreign firms the same privileges as Chinese companies. Those who flout intellectual property rules in China could soon find themselves subjected to bigger fines as the country looks to tighten its patent framework, state media reported Monday. It was presented on Sunday at a meeting of the NPC Standing Committee. Under the draft law, victims of IP theft can claim for damages, the official Xinhua news agency reported. "It is necessary to significantly increase the financial penalties for IPR infringements to better exert the deterrent effect of the law," said Shen Chunyao, deputy head of the NPC Constitution and Law Committee when presenting the draft to lawmakers. China and the US have been locked in a bruising trade war, with the US seeking a massive reduction in its trade deficit with China as well as deeper reforms in Beijing to stop the alleged theft of intellectual property and further open the economy to foreign companies. US and EU officials have long complained of a lack of fair access for foreign companies in China, as well as rampant theft of intellectual property. China's legislature on Sunday also announced that it is looking at a new law governing foreign investment that would prevent the forced transfer of technology and give foreign firms the same privileges as Chinese companies. Separately, a patent law is also getting amended to increase the compensation amount by up to five times. Under a draft law also presented at the NPC meeting, victims of patent infringement can receive up to 5 million yuan ($720,000) in compensation. The election will be the latest rematch between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (right) and Khaleda Zia, two women whose bitter, personal rivalry has dominated the country's political landscape for three decades The United States has urged Bangladesh to do more to ensure a free election, blaming government foot-dragging on issuing visas for the cancelation of an international monitoring mission. The Asian Network for Free Elections, an observation group funded by the US, called off its mission for next Sunday's vote after Bangladesh did not promptly grant visas and credentials, the State Department said. State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said the United States was "disappointed" by Bangladesh's "inability" to provide visas in time and called on Dhaka to ensure that local non-governmental organizations receive credentials to monitor the vote. Any democratic election must have "space for peaceful expression and assembly, for independent media to do its job covering electoral developments, for participants to have access to information and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electoral process without harassment, intimidation or violence," Palladino said in a weekend statement. "We encourage the government of Bangladesh to uphold its commitment to a democratic process by ensuring all Bangladeshis are free to peacefully express themselves and participate," he said. The election will be the latest rematch between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, two women whose bitter, personal rivalry has dominated the country's political landscape for three decades. Sheikh Hasina is widely expected to triumph, amid accusations by civil society and rights groups that it has drifted toward authoritarianism by silencing dissent and the press through an onerous digital security law. The United States has generally had a warm relationship with Bangladesh, seeing the moderate Muslim-majority country as an ally against extremism. Trump said he coordinated with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- who has been warning that he will attack US-allied Kurdish fighters who had seized ground from ISIS President Donald Trump vowed Monday that allies would no longer "take advantage" of the United States, taking a shot at Defense Secretary Jim Mattis who resigned over Syria. Trump, turning to Twitter after days of criticism over his decision to pull US troops out of Syria, denied charges that he was rejecting allies. But he said that "these same countries take advantage of their friendship with the United States." "We are substantially subsidizing the Militaries of many VERY rich countries all over the world, while at the same time these countries take total advantage of the U.S., and our TAXPAYERS, on Trade," he tweeted. "General Mattis did not see this as a problem. I DO, and it is being fixed!" Amid open concern about the Syria pullout from allies including France and Germany, Trump tweeted in all capital letters: "AMERICA IS RESPECTED AGAIN!" Mattis, a battle-hardened retired four-star general widely seen as a moderating force on the impulsive president, in his resignation letter Thursday emphasized the need to respect allies. Trump has repeatedly berated close US friends and questioned the cost-effectiveness of NATO, the North American and European military alliance established seven decades ago as a bulwark against Moscow. Mattis took his criticism public after Trump suddenly announced the pullout of all 2,000 troops from Syria, saying that the Islamic State extremist group, also known as ISIS, had been defeated. Trump said he coordinated with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- who has been warning that he will attack US-allied Kurdish fighters who had seized ground from ISIS. Senator Lindsey Graham, a usual ally of Trump who has been harshly critical of the Syria decision, on Monday tried a different strategy as he appealed to the president to work off his diplomacy with Erdogan. Graham said that the United States could reduce, but not completely pull out, troops from Syria and "partner" with Turkey. "'Partnering' with Turkey to destroy ISIS -- and ensuring protection for the Kurds who fought so bravely -- is a big win," he tweeted. In a statement, the Press Union of Liberia said it was concerned about "hostilities" against the media "from within the power (circle)" of President George Weah Journalists in Liberia sounded the alarm on press freedom on Monday after two ministers mounted an attack on a paper that ran an article about alleged top-level corruption. In a statement, the Press Union of Liberia said it was concerned about "reinforced hostilities" against the media "from within the power (circle)" of President George Weah. At the weekend, Finance Minister Samuel Toweh, a close ally of the president, lashed out after the daily FrontPage Africa ran a story implying government corruption lay behind settlement of a $182,000 (159,500 euros) debt to a building company. The paper found that the company that was owed the money had ceased to exist in 2003. "Well weaponize... the case to go and deal with mistruths and falsehoods in the media," Toweh said. The minister of state for presidential affairs, Nathaniel McGill, hit out at the paper's editor. "I think Rodney Sieh, the press and the FrontPage Africa is a criminal entity bent on tarnishing the good reputation of people," he said. "Rodney Sieh will go to jail because I will not allow people to tarnish my reputation." The journalists' association called on Weah to fulfil his promise, in the run-up to his election this year, to uphold freedom of the press. It also urged Weah "to advise his assistants to end their inflammatory comments and actions against the media." "These negative energies undercut the countrys democratic gains," it said. Smoke billows after bombings near Hajin, in eastern Syria, on December 15, 2018 Kurdish-led forces made fresh gains against jihadists defending their eastern Syria stronghold Monday, forcing hundreds of people to flee the fighting, a war monitor said. The Syrian Democratic Forces, with aerial support from the US-led coalition, closed in on the two main spots where jihadists are digging their heels in, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "There is currently fighting around the villages of Al-Shaafa and Sousa," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based monitor. The two villages are the main hubs in what is left of the Islamic State group's last pocket in the Euphrates River valley, near the Iraqi border. "The latest developments are in favour of the SDF and it appears the Islamic State may collapse soon," Abdel Rahman said. An SDF spokesman, Kino Gabriel, said the Kurdish-Arab alliance was able to repulse several jihadist attacks and was now advancing from three different directions. A few hundred holdout fighters are defending the last rump of the jihadist organisation's self-proclaimed "caliphate", which once covered territory the size of Britain. The fighting comes days after US President Donald Trump announced his decision to pull US troops out, a move many within his own administration feared would weaken the fight against IS. The SDF reported in a statement on Sunday that it had evacuated 1,000 civilians from the area where the fighting was taking place. The Observatory said a total of more than 5,000 people were able to flee the IS pocket since the SDF took Hajin, which had been the main hub in the jihadist's Euphrates pocket, on December 14. Abdel Rahman said most of them were women and children but he added that some fighters were trying to blend in with civilians, forcing the SDF to screen the evacuees at the Omar oil field. The fall of Al-Shaafa and Sousa will cap a years-long multi-national effort to smash the sprawling pro-state IS declared over parts of Syria and Iraq in 2014. If the jihadists lose these two villages, they will no longer control any populated areas in Iraq or Syria and will have fully reverted to being a clandestine group hiding in desert areas. A picture taken from the Syrian town of Darbasiyah, on December 13, 2018, shows observation posts on the Turkish side of the border wall separating Turkey from Syria US President Donald Trump's decision last week to pull troops out of Syria could have far-reaching repercussions for the multitude of parties involved in the conflict. Turkey After a call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump appeared to be passing on responsibility for the fight against the Islamic State group (IS) to Turkey. If it fills all of the security vacuum left by the US and its current Kurdish allies, Turkey, which already has sway over northern regions, will extend its influence in Syria to a huge chunk of the country. Turkey has been threatening an offensive against the People's Protection Units (YPG), a US-backed Kurdish militia which controls northeastern Syria and is considered a terrorist group by Ankara. Kurds The YPG, which has spearheaded the ground battle against IS and lost thousands of fighters in the process, sees a US pullout as no less than a betrayal. A Turkish onslaught would put pay to the minority's ambitions of consolidating a Kurdish belt along the Turkish border and securing increased autonomy. The beleaguered Kurds may have to seek a rapprochement with the government in Damascus to guarantee protection from their Turkish archfoes and cut their losses. Damascus and allies Territory control in Syria, as of December 21 If it works with the Kurds, the government could split the US vacuum with Turkey and recover more of Syria, including the former IS stronghold of Raqa and several oil fields. Once rid of US military presence along the Iraq-Syria border, Iran -- Damascus's main backer with Russia -- can consolidate its land bridge to the Mediterranean, a decades-old strategic goal. For Moscow, the US troops withdrawal would complete a process that saw it take over from Washington as the main international player in the Syrian conflict but will also come with added responsibility to solve it. Rebels The various jihadist and rebel outfits stationed in Idlib province, which is already under Turkish influence, could see reshuffled alliances herald a much-feared government offensive on their last bastion. According to geographer and Syria expert Fabrice Balanche, their only alternative would be to further throw their lot in with Turkey, wage its battle against the Kurds and be used as settlers in reconquered areas. The Islamic State group The jihadists have been confined by the US-Kurdish offensive to an ever-shrinking pocket along the Euphrates River valley. But contrary to Trump's claim, they have not been eliminated and some analysts and officials, including in Washington, see the US pullout as abandoning the fight against IS as victory nears. The jihadists had been planning for military defeat in their last redoubt and a slump in operations against them could allow them to regroup and prepare for "IS 2.0". Israel Israel has been described as one of the big potential losers from a US withdrawal that could encourage Iran and its proxies to develop their military capabilities closer to its northern borders. Yet Israeli officials and analysts have stressed that the Jewish state has long managed that front alone and would continue to do so. It may even look increasingly to Russia to achieve its strategic goals. A handout image provided by United Arab Emirates News Agency (WAM) on December 24, 2018 shows Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (L) with Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland The UAE released Monday the first photos of a runaway princess since her attempted escape from the emirate months ago, as it sought to confirm she is at home with family. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum has not been seen publicly since she was allegedly captured at sea in March as she attempted to flee the United Arab Emirates. Months after rights groups urged Dubai to reveal Sheikha Latifa's whereabouts, the UAE released pictures appearing to show her at home with former Irish president Mary Robinson. "At the request of the family, on 15th December 2018, Mary Robinson... met with Her Highness Sheikha Latifa in Dubai," the foreign ministry said in a statement published by the state-run WAM news agency. "During her visit to Dubai, Mary Robinson was reassured that H.H. Sheikha Latifa is receiving the necessary care and support she requires." It was not immediately possible to confirm details of the meeting with a spokesperson for Robinson, who served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002. Sheikha Latifa, a daughter of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, appeared in a YouTube video in March in which she announced she was about to flee. The video, in which she said she was leaving because of restrictions imposed on her family, was distributed after it became clear that her attempt to get away had failed. Accounts by people involved in the escape attempt said that Sheikha Latifa fled first to Oman, before boarding a yacht which was surrounded by the Indian navy and then towed back to the UAE. A source close to the Dubai government told AFP in April the princess had been "brought back" to Dubai. The UAE said Monday its announcement "rebuts false allegations and provided evidence that Her Highness Sheikha Latifa was at home and living with her family in Dubai." The foreign ministry said the statement was initially delivered on Friday to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Following Sheikha Latifa's disappearance, the UK-based advocacy group Detained in Dubai took up her case and alerted the UN human rights commission. Former president Asif Ali Zardari has long been the subject of corruption allegations, and is widely known in Pakistan as 'Mr Ten Percent' Pakistan announced Thursday it would ban former president Asif Ali Zardari from travelling abroad following allegations of money laundering, as the nation marked 11 years since his wife, prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated. Information minister Fawad Chaudhry told reporters in Islamabad that Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur were among 172 people involved in cases of money laundering and use of fake bank accounts. "All the 172 names ... will be added to the ECL (Exit Control List)," he said. Zardari, co-chairman of the opposition Pakistan People's Party and who was president from 2008 until 2013, has long been the subject of corruption allegations, and is widely known in Pakistan as "Mr Ten Percent". The announcement coincided with the 11th death anniversary of his spouse and two-time former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed in a gun and suicide bomb attack during an election rally in the garrison town of Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007. Earlier this week Chaudhry said a joint investigation team (JIT) had found evidence of how Zardari allegedly laundered money through fake bank accounts and companies. "I hope Zardari will now take the JIT seriously," he said Thursday, adding that his government would not spare anyone involved in plundering national wealth. But Zardari dismissed the allegations, branding the government an instrument of the powerful military and calling Prime Minister Imran Khan the army's "blue-eyed boy" at a rally marking his wife's death in the Bhutto family's ancestral town of Larkana, in southern Sindh province. "They know nothing but how to appear on TV channels and make absurd comments and speeches. They lack even basic intelligence," he said of Khan's government in unusually fiery comments. Khan, who came to power in July, has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions siphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances and fast-depleting foreign exchange reserves. Zardari's travel ban comes days after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption on Monday, the latest in a long string of court cases against him. Pakistan's Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from politics for life over graft allegations in 2017, ousting him from power. His Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was defeated by Khan in the July polls. A Pakistani court established a commission in September to investigate the scourge of corruption, finding that at least $400 million had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people. The commission said some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal". People in Beni escaped from teargas during a protest against the postponement of elections in their region A DR Congo opposition bloc called Thursday for a nationwide stoppage and police clashed with demonstrators in two eastern cities after upcoming elections were placed on hold in their region. Lamuka, a coalition of parties supporting opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, called for cities to be brought to a standstill on Friday, two days before polling day. A diplomatic storm with the European Union meanwhile erupted into the open as the government demanded Brussels withdraw its envoy to Kinshasa within 48 hours -- a call the EU said was "completely unjustified". Delayed several times, the election will be the Democratic Republic of Congo's first presidential ballot in seven years. But on Wednesday, the national election panel announced the vote would be postponed in several troubled areas until March. Even so, the vote will continue to take place in the rest of the country as scheduled on December 30, and the next president will be sworn in on January 18, it said. In the eastern province of North Kivu, the region most affected by the delay, several hundred demonstrators gathered on Thursday in the administrative district of the city of Beni. Gunshots were heard over a roughly hour-long period, apparently fired by police to disperse protestors. In Goma, the provincial capital, demonstrators set up barricades in the districts of Majengo and Katimbo and at the entrance to the university. Police fired teargas and made at least half a dozen arrests, said an AFP reporter at the scene. This year's Nobel peace laureate Denis Mukwege, hailed by several thousand people on Thursday on his return to the country, urged the authorities "to respect the constitution. "The electoral process is at an impasse," he warned. The vote should have been held in 2016 when President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001, reached a two-term limit set under the constitution. But he remained in office, invoking a caretaker clause under the constitution, but also triggering protests that security forces bloodily crushed. - Opposition anger - Legislative and municipal elections are being held at the same time as the presidential poll. The latest postponement applies to the cities of Beni and Butembo in North Kivu, as well as to the territory of Yumbi in the southwestern province of Mai-Ndombe. The Democratic Republic of Congo Around three percent of some 40 million registered voters will be affected by the delay. But opposition parties described the delay as a ploy to gag a stronghold of support. At a press conference, Lamuka called for cities around the DRC to be brought to a standstill on Friday but said it would still contest the poll. The other main opposition party, the veteran Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) "condemned" the new delay but also said it would not boycott. Wednesday's announcement by the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) blamed militia violence and an outbreak of Ebola in North Kivu, and inter-communal clashes in Yumbi. It is the fourth delay to strike the elections. They were postponed in 2016 and 2017 and then moved from December 23 to December 30 after a warehouse fire destroyed election equipment. - Presidential challenge - Three men are heading a field of 21 candidates in the presidential race. Several hundred protestors turned out in Beni and Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu. The province is battling militia violence and an Ebola epidemic that has claimed hundreds of lives since August They are Kabila's hand-picked successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a hardline former interior minister; Fayulu, a little-known legislator and former oil executive; and UPDS chief Felix Tshisekedi. A festering row with the EU over Shadary burst into the open on Thursday. Foreign Minister Leonard She Okitundu gave the European Union 48 hours to withdraw its representative -- retaliation for sanctions against Shadary and 13 other officials for cracking down on anti-Kabila protests. The sanctions, imposed in early 2017 and extended on December 10, comprise a travel ban and asset freeze for "obstruction of the electoral process and... related human rights violations". The mineral-rich giant of central Africa, the DRC has an entrenched reputation for political turmoil, corruption and poverty. An EU spokesman told AFP that the bloc "regrets this decision and considers it as completely unjustified", adding that it "can only be considered counterproductive". It has not had a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. In 1996-1997 and 1998-2003, the DRC became the theatre of two wars that left millions dead, many homeless and sucked in countries from around central and southern Africa. The UN and western powers have repeatedly urged the DRC to have peaceful, transparent and free elections -- a call echoed on Wednesday by the presidents of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and the neighbouring Republic of Congo. TANJUNG LESUNG, Indonesia (AP) - The Latest on a tsunami that hit along Indonesia's Sunda Strait (all times local): 9:55 p.m. Queen Elizabeth II has sent a message of condolence to the president of Indonesia and the Indonesian people following the weekend tsunami that killed hundreds. She said she and her husband, Prince Philip, were "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life following the devastating tsunami." The queen sent condolences to those who lost loved ones and to those who lost their homes and livelihoods. Elizabeth also praised the emergency workers and volunteers aiding victims. People inspect the damage at a tsunami-ravaged village in Sumur, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors worked to save injured victims while hundreds of military and volunteers scoured debris-strewn beaches in search of survivors Monday after a deadly tsunami gushed ashore without warning on Indonesian islands, killing more hundreds of people on a busy holiday weekend. (AP Photo/Fauzy Chaniago) Indonesian authorities say the death toll from the tsunami has climbed to 373, with 128 missing and more than 1,400 injured. ___ 8:15 p.m. Indonesia's disaster agency says the death toll from the weekend tsunami has climbed to 373. Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said Monday that 128 others were missing in the disaster, with 1,459 injured. The waves washed ashore along western Java and southern Sumatra islands Saturday night following a volcanic eruption. Hundreds of military personnel and volunteers combed debris-strewn beaches Monday looking for victims. ___ 12:30 p.m. Thousands of soldiers, police and government personnel as well as volunteers are working to find victims of an Indonesian tsunami. At least 281 people died and more than 1,000 were injured when the waves washed ashore along western Java and southern Sumatra islands Saturday night following a volcanic eruption. The tsunami was not huge and did not surge far inland, but its force was destructive. Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said more than 600 homes, many hotels and vendor stalls, and more than 400 boats and ships were damaged. The number of casualties may still rise. Nugroho said Monday, "It is suspected that some victims are still trapped under wreckage and materials washed away by the tsunami." ___ 9 a.m. The death toll from an Indonesian tsunami has risen past 280 with more than 1,000 people injured. The tsunami struck Sunda Strait coastal areas along western Java and southern Sumatra islands without warning in the darkness Saturday night. Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said the latest tolls Monday morning were 281 dead and 1,016 injured. The tally of missing is 57 but the numbers are expected to rise. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea followed an eruption and possible landslide on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. ___ 8:20 a.m. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings without warning in the darkness along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption and possible landslide on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. At least 222 people were killed, more than 800 were injured, and dozens have been reported missing after the tsunami hit coastal areas along western Java and southern Sumatra islands. The death toll could increase once authorities hear from all stricken areas. Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo expressed his sympathy and ordered government agencies to respond quickly to the disaster. A man sits on a piece of debris at a tsunami-ravaged village in Sumur, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors worked to save injured victims while hundreds of military and volunteers scoured debris-strewn beaches in search of survivors Monday after a deadly tsunami gushed ashore without warning on Indonesian islands on a busy holiday weekend. (AP Photo/Fauzy Chaniago) A woman and her children inspect the damage at a tsunami-ravaged village in Sumur, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018.Doctors worked to save injured victims while hundreds of military and volunteers scoured debris-strewn beaches in search of survivors Monday after a deadly tsunami gushed ashore without warning on Indonesian islands on a busy holiday weekend. (AP Photo/Fauzy Chaniago) A tsunami survivor sits on a pice of debris as she salvages items from the location of her house in Sumur, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors worked to save injured victims while hundreds of military and volunteers scoured debris-strewn beaches in search of survivors Monday after a deadly tsunami gushed ashore without warning on Indonesian islands on a busy holiday weekend. (AP Photo/Fauzy Chaniago) People inspect the damage at a tsunami-ravaged village in Sumur, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Fauzy Chaniago) A man makes his way past a house badly damaged by a tsunami in Sumur, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors worked to save injured victims while hundreds of military and volunteers scoured debris-strewn beaches in search of survivors Monday after a deadly tsunami gushed ashore without warning on Indonesian islands on a busy holiday weekend. (AP Photo/Fauzy Chaniago) A view of Tanjung Lesung beach resort after Saturday's tsunami in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) A view of Tanjung Lesung beach resort after Saturday's tsunami in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian soldiers carry the bodies of tsunami victims at Tanjung Lesung beach, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) A view of Tanjung Lesung beach resort is seen after a tsunami in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) In this Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, photo, a view of a beach resort is seen after a tsunami in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia. The tsunami that hit the coasts of Indonesian islands along the Sunda Strait was not big but it was destructive. The waves smashed onto beaches in the darkness Saturday night without warning, ripping houses and hotels from their foundations in seconds and sweeping terrified concertgoers into the sea.(AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian soldiers and rescuers search the bodies of tsunami victims at Tanjung Lesung beach, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian soldiers and rescuers search for the tsunami victims at a beach resort in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian soldiers search the bodies of tsunami victims at Tanjung Lesung beach resort, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian rescue team search for the tsunami victims at a beach resort in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian soldiers load the body of a tsunami victim into an ambulance at Tanjung Lesung beach resort, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian soldiers and rescuers search the tsunami victims at a beach resort in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian soldiers search the tsunami victims at a beach resort in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian soldiers and rescue team search the tsunami victims at a beach resort in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Doctors are working to help survivors and rescuers are looking for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into beachside buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea Saturday night followed an eruption on Anak Krakatau, one of the world's most infamous volcanic islands. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) - Thousands of army soldiers are being deployed across Bangladesh to provide security and help conduct national elections next Sunday. The deployment began early Monday and the soldiers will be on duty until Jan. 2, the military's public relations office said. The soldiers are setting up camps in 389 areas and navy personnel are fanning out across the coast, according to the statement. The air force is keeping helicopters ready for any urgent needs, and the soldiers will maintain order on important roads or highways whenever needed. Earlier this month, authorities deployed paramilitary border forces in 87 bordering areas. While such deployment is common ahead of national elections in Bangladesh, the opposition has been strongly demanding the military's engagement in the election process amid concern that violence could happen. The soldiers usually work as a striking force. At least six people have died in recent weeks while hundreds have been injured. Bangladeshi policemen check the bags of commuters in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Thousands of army soldiers are being deployed across Bangladesh to provide security and help conduct national elections next Sunday. The soldiers are setting up camps in 389 areas and navy personnel are fanning out across the coast, according to the statement. (AP Photo) Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking to return to power for a third consecutive time in the Dec. 30 elections, which the opposition has alleged could be rigged. Authorities have pledged free and fair voting. Kamal Hossain, who leads a major opposition alliance, welcomed the deployment, saying it would boost voters' confidence. Hossain has emerged as a strong challenger to Hasina since the country's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party - led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia - joined his opposition alliance front. Hossain is a prominent lawyer who has become the prime leader as Zia is serving prison terms for corruption. Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party in Bangladesh, is also a fierce opponent of Hasina. Most of the party's leaders have been hanged under Hasina for crimes stemming from the war for independence against Pakistan in 1971. Zia is Hasina's arch rival, and an appeals court recently ruled she was disqualified from running for office as her jail term is more than two years. The South Asian country's 11th general election is going to happen amid opposition allegations that thousands of its leaders and activists have been arrested to weaken them. But authorities say the arrests are not politically motivated and the opposition is trying to create chaos ahead of elections. Earlier this month, New York-based Human Rights Watch urged the international community to press the Bangladesh government to create conditions for a free and fair election. The group criticized Bangladeshi security forces for "arresting and intimidating opposition figures and threatening freedom of expression ahead of the election." ADEN, Yemen (AP) - They lurk under shifting desert sands, amid the debris of urban roadsides and inside abandoned schools, some set to go off at the lightest touch. Land mines scattered by Yemen's Houthi rebels are largely unmapped and will remain a threat even if the latest push for peace succeeds in halting the conflict, those involved in their eradication say. While the Houthis' use of Scud and other retrofitted ballistic missiles has drawn attention for striking deep inside Saudi Arabia, their widespread use of mines represents a risk for generations to come in the Arab world's poorest country. "Mines today exist in every single area of Yemen," Ousama al-Gosaibi, the program manager for the Saudi-funded Masam demining project, told The Associated Press during a trip to the southern city of Aden organized by the Saudi military. "It's not being used as a defensive (or) offensive mechanism. It's being used to terrorize the local population across Yemen." A Houthi official acknowledged the rebels widely use mines, but said Saudi-led airstrikes have left behind ordinance that is just as deadly. Yemen's war pits the Iran-aligned Houthis against the internationally recognized government, which is backed by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and supported on the ground by the United Arab Emirates. In this undated photograph released Aug. 19, 2018 by the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) on behalf of the Saudi-funded Masam anti-mine operation, an unidentified de-miner uncovers a mine near Marib, Yemen. Land mines scattered by Yemen's Houthi rebels will remain a threat even if the latest negotiations succeed in halting the civil war. While the Houthis' firing of ballistic missiles deep into Saudi Arabia has drawn the most attention, their widespread use of mines within Yemen represents a risk for generations to come in the Arab world's poorest country. Yemen is also littered with unexploded cluster munitions and bombs dropped by the Saudi-led coalition, including some made in the United States. (WAM via AP) More than 60,000 people have been killed in the war since 2016, according to the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, or ACLED, which tracks the conflict. The fighting has displaced 2 million, spawned a cholera epidemic and pushed the country to the brink of famine. Millions wake up hungry each day, not knowing from where their next meal will come. Many civilian deaths in the war have been blamed on Saudi-led airstrikes, which have hit markets, health facilities and weddings. Among the dangers facing combatants and civilians alike are land mines. The Houthis looted government armories when they captured much of northern Yemen, including vast stockpiles of anti-tank mines. Anti-personnel mines also litter the country, despite the government joining a 1997 international convention banning their use. A U.N. panel of experts said in 2016 that the Houthis had used land mines in their retreat from the southern city of Aden. Since 2016, land mines and other explosives planted by the Houthis have killed at least 222 civilians and wounded others in 114 incidents, according to ACLED. "Due to the difficulty of obtaining accurate estimates, these figures are likely to make up a fraction of all mine detonations involving civilians in Yemen," ACLED said. Making things worse is the fact that a third of all health facilities in Yemen are closed, said Nasser Baoum, the government's health minister. "Mines have caused a huge problem," Baoum told the AP. "It's OK for an army person to be injured during battle or to be hit by a mine, but for a child to be hit while she's in the field or on the way to fetch water, that's a tragedy." Al-Gosaibi accused the Houthis of reconfiguring anti-tank mines that previously needed over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of pressure to detonate so that they require less than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) - meaning a child could trigger the explosive. Yahia al-Houthi, the former director of the Yemen Executive Mine Action Center, a Houthi-controlled de-mining center, acknowledged the rebels use anti-tank mines but denied tampering with them to target individuals. He also claimed the Houthis never used anti-personnel mines, despite widespread evidence to the contrary. Brig. Gen. Yahia al-Sarie, a Houthi officer, said the rebels only use land mines on the battlefield and not in civilian areas. "This is a war, so what do you expect us to do? Receive the other side with flowers?" He said the rebels had mapped the mines and would be able to remove them "in no time" once the fighting ends. Al-Gosaibi accuses the Houthis of using Iran-supplied technology like infrared sensors and of adopting Iranian tactics like hiding bombs inside fake rocks. A report in March by the group Conflict Armament Research said roadside bombs disguised as rocks in Yemen bore similarities to others used by the Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and by Iran-linked insurgents in Iraq and Bahrain. Mines planted by the Houthis, some resembling a model previously displayed in Iran, also have been found in the Red Sea, according to a 2018 U.N. experts report. Those mines "represent a hazard for commercial shipping and sea lines of communication that could remain for as long as six to 10 years," the report warned. The Saudi-led coalition, Western countries and U.N. experts accuse Iran of supplying weaponry from assault rifles to ballistic missiles to the Houthis. Iran supports the Houthis but denies arming then, and Iran's mission to the U.N. dismissed the latest allegations of "Iranian ghost weapons." "Yemen has long been awash with a wide range of weapons - including ballistic missiles - and Yemenis do not need Iranian weapons to conduct war," said Alireza Miryousefi, a spokesman for Iran's mission. Unexploded cluster munitions and bombs dropped by coalition aircraft - including some manufactured in the United States - also litter Yemen, according to the U.N. The coalition has faced widespread international criticism over indiscriminate airstrikes that have killed large numbers of civilians. Al-Houthi said their forces had removed 500,000 missiles and cluster munitions from Saud-led strikes. Saudi Arabia has alleged as many as 1 million mines may have been laid by the Houthis. Al-Gosaibi described Yemen as being the most-mined nation since World War II, based on his group's estimate of the mines laid by the rebels. Saudi officials have released pictures showing fields of deactivated land mines. International groups dealing with land mines have been hesitant to estimate the scale of the crisis, given the limited information they have. Yemen is also littered with mines from previous conflicts. "It's going to take years," al-Gosaibi said. "You cannot rebuild Yemen without addressing the mine issue. It's us on the ground first before rebuilding starts." In this undated photograph released Aug. 19, 2018 by the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) on behalf of the Saudi-funded Masam anti-mine operation, an unidentified de-miner holds a deactivated mine near Marib, Yemen. Land mines scattered by Yemen's Houthi rebels will remain a threat even if the latest negotiations succeed in halting the civil war. While the Houthis' firing of ballistic missiles deep into Saudi Arabia has drawn the most attention, their widespread use of mines within Yemen represents a risk for generations to come in the Arab world's poorest country. Yemen is also littered with unexploded cluster munitions and bombs dropped by the Saudi-led coalition, including some made in the United States. (WAM via AP) FILE - In this Feb. 2, 2018 file photo, Maj. Gen. Nasser Ali al-Daibany of Yemen's internationally recognized government shows journalists a deactivated mine on the outskirts of Sanaa, Yemen. Land mines scattered by Yemen's Houthi rebels will remain a threat even if the latest negotiations succeed in halting the civil war. While the Houthis' firing of ballistic missiles deep into Saudi Arabia has drawn the most attention, their widespread use of mines within Yemen represents a risk for generations to come in the Arab world's poorest country. Yemen is also littered with unexploded cluster munitions and bombs dropped by the Saudi-led coalition, including some made in the United States. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell, File) FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2018 file photo, Haida Ali al-Nasseri prepares a prosthetic leg at a hospital that receives funding from Saudi Arabia in Marib, Yemen. Land mines scattered by Yemen's Houthi rebels will remain a threat even if the latest negotiations succeed in halting the civil war. While the Houthis' firing of ballistic missiles deep into Saudi Arabia has drawn the most attention, their widespread use of mines within Yemen represents a risk for generations to come in the Arab world's poorest country. Yemen is also littered with unexploded cluster munitions and bombs dropped by the Saudi-led coalition, including some made in the United States. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell, File) In this Dec. 13, 2018 photograph, Ousama al-Gosaibi, the program manager for the Saudi-funded Masam de-mining project, speaks to The Associated Press, in Aden, Yemen. Land mines scattered by Yemen's Houthi rebels will remain a threat even if the latest negotiations succeed in halting the civil war in the Arab world's poorest country. Yemen is also littered with unexploded cluster munitions and bombs dropped by the Saudi-led coalition, including some made in the United States. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell) YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - A court in Myanmar has heard an appeal filed by lawyers for two Reuters journalists sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of illegal possession of official documents, a case that has drawn worldwide criticism and attention to the crisis that drove members of the Muslim Rohingya minority to flee the country. The court announced a ruling would be issued next month after submissions were made Monday by both the prosecution and lawyers for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who said they were framed by police but were convicted in September. The journalists had been reporting last year on the brutal crackdown by security forces on the Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Some 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh to escape the violence of a government counterinsurgency campaign. BANGKOK (AP) - Four elephants mounted by their mahouts have joined the search for a 2-year-old boy from Myanmar who has been missing in Thailand for a week, as hundreds of rescuers combed through a sugarcane field for traces of the missing child. Sului Piew, a son of migrant workers from Myanmar, went missing Dec. 17 when he went out to play near the sugarcane plantation where his parents work. Nimit Wanchaithanawong, the governor of Suphan Buri province, said Sului's family was alerted of his disappearance when his 3-year-old friend told her parents that she saw Sului being abducted. "We set up a search operation center near the field and we will continue with the search in full steam," Nimit, who is in charge of the search operation, said Monday. "It's been more than a week and the child is so young. These few days will be very critical to all of us." The search for Sului officially began last Wednesday and has involved hundreds of volunteer rescue workers, police officers and soldiers who have been deployed to search an 80-acre field of around 2-meter-high (6.5-foot-high) sugarcane plants. A team of divers has also searched nearby ponds to find clues of the boy's whereabouts. The latest to offer assistance to the search operation are the mahouts and their elephants from a neighboring province. Laithongrien Meepan, the elephants' owner, said the animals would be able to scour the vast sugarcane plantation for signs of life because they can sense the presence of life. In this Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, photo released by Suphan Buri City, four mahouts and their elephants start a search operation for a two-year-old Myanmar boy who went missing, in Suphan Buri, Thailand. The four elephants mounted by their mahouts joined the search for Sului Piew who has been missing in Thailand for a week, as hundreds of rescuers comb through a sugarcane field for traces of the missing child since Dec. 17. (Suphan Buri City via AP) "If we find a child, or dogs lying around, they know not to step on that," Laithongrien said. "Mahouts can look out into the distance and elephants will raise their trunks to smell." ISLAMABAD (AP) - An anti-graft tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to seven years in prison for corruption on Monday, drawing criticism from his party, which said the decision was a "black stain" on the justice system. The verdict came after Sharif was removed from power last year over corruption allegations. Sharif, who was serving his third stint as prime minister, has denied any wrongdoing. He is accused of possessing assets beyond his known sources of income, and was arrested after the ruling was announced. He can appeal the verdict, under which he was also fined $25 million for not disclosing how his family set up the Al-Azizia Steel Mills when he was exiled to Saudi Arabia by Pervez Musharraf, a former dictator who toppled Sharif's government in 1999. The same court acquitted Sharif in a second case relating to his family's business in Britain. According to Pakistan's anti-graft body, it will challenge the acquittal of Sharif, who was sent to jail a day before his birthday. Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shout slogans against the government outside an accountability court in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Pakistan's anti-graft court is set to announce ruling in two corruption cases against Sharif. Sharif, accused of possessing assets beyond known sources of income, will be sent to jail if he is sentenced. (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash) After being held at a jail in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, Sharif, on his request, is expected to be taken to a jail in Lahore on Tuesday. "They had to punish him and they have punished him in a false case," said Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a top leader of Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League party, who served as prime minister when Sharif was removed from power last year. "People will not accept this verdict," he said. Abbasi said Sharif was being victimized for political reasons. Hours after the verdict, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the court decision "unmasked the real face of Sharif who failed to provide money trail of his assets." Those defending Sharif should be ashamed, he said, as the Pakistani people have been defrauded. Monday's conviction and sentencing was the latest blow to Sharif who was sentenced to 10 years in prison in July over the purchase of luxury apartments in London. He appealed that sentence and was released on bail in September, along with his daughter and her husband, who were co-accused in the case stemming from documents leaked from a Panama law firm. The two cases on which the court ruled Monday were related to Sharif's foreign assets, which he insists are owned by his sons. His two sons, who are currently living in London, were declared absconders by the court. Shortly before the announcement of the verdict, clashes erupted between supporters of Sharif and police in Islamabad. Several female supporters of Sharif were seen crying and chanting slogans. Sharif's daughter, Maryam Nawaz, has suggested he is being punished for resisting "unseen forces," an apparent reference to the military, which has directly ruled Pakistan for half its modern history and retains a powerful role behind the scenes. She wrote in a series of tweets Monday that the people of Pakistan were standing by her father. "For how many times will you target one man? For how many times will you punish him," she posted. Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gather outside an accountability court in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Pakistan's anti-graft court is set to announce ruling in two corruption cases against Sharif. Sharif, accused of possessing assets beyond known sources of income, will be sent to jail if he is sentenced. (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash) Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shout slogans against the government outside an accountability court in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Pakistan's anti-graft court is set to announce ruling in two corruption cases against Sharif. Sharif, accused of possessing assets beyond known sources of income, will be sent to jail if he is sentenced. (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash) Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shout slogans against the government outside an accountability court in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Pakistan's anti-graft court is set to announce ruling in two corruption cases against Sharif. Sharif, accused of possessing assets beyond known sources of income, will be sent to jail if he is sentenced. (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash) Police, rear, block supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif outside an accountability court in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Pakistan's anti-graft court is set to announce ruling in two corruption cases against Sharif. Sharif, accused of possessing assets beyond known sources of income, will be sent to jail if he is sentenced. (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash) Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif protest against a court ruling, in Multan, Pakistan, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. An anti-graft tribunal sentenced Sharif to seven years in prison for corruption on Monday, drawing criticism from his party, which said the decision was a "black stain" on the justice system. The same court acquitted Sharif in a second case relating to his family's business in Britain. (AP Photo/Asim Tanveer) Grieving supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif protest against a court ruling in Lahore, Pakistan, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. An anti-graft tribunal sentenced Sharif to seven years in prison for corruption on Monday, drawing criticism from his party, which said the decision was a "black stain" on the justice system. The same court acquitted Sharif in a second case relating to his family's business in Britain. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Banks in Cyprus are concerned that their adoption of some of the toughest anti-money laundering regulations in the world has not been fully recognized abroad, the chief of the Association of Cyprus Banks said Monday. Association Director Michalis Kammas said that banks are challenging "outdated perceptions" and are working to raise awareness about reform efforts. Kammas says more rigorous supervision and directives have led to the closure of a "significant number" of bank accounts since 2014. "Today, Cypriot banks' procedures encompass some of the most advanced banking compliance practices globally," Kammas told the Associated Press in an email. Kammas said international supervisory bodies like the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and Transparency International have recognized Cyprus' strong efforts but that the message hadn't gotten through to some stakeholders, including the media. Prior to a 2013 banking sector crisis that brought Cyprus to the brink of bankruptcy, the east Mediterranean island nation, which is an EU member, was hounded by allegations that it was a tax and money laundering haven. Kammas said the crisis hit home with Cypriot authorities that they had to clean up the banking system and that pressure to do so had come "as much from political commitment within as it has from outside authorities." He said Cyprus is working closely with foreign supervisory authorities from the EU and the U.S. to ensure that financial sector legislation is fully in line with international best practices. Some of the key reforms include obligatory face-to-face meetings between banks and account owners and strong regulations on disclosing the individual who is the ultimate holder of a bank account. Earlier this year, Cyprus also introduced new shell company regulations that prohibit Cypriot banks from doing business with entities that are identified as shell companies. BEIJING (AP) - China's legislature is considering a law to ban local governments from forcing foreign companies to hand over technology, an issue that helped to spark Washington's tariff war with Beijing. Beijing rejects complaints companies are required to trade technology for market access. But officials including Premier Li Keqiang promised this year to crack down as tensions with Washington heated up. A proposed foreign investment law taken up Sunday by the legislature would make clear officials cannot "force the transfer of technology" as a condition of ventures, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Washington and Beijing have raised tariffs on billions of dollars of each other's goods in a dispute over American complaints China's industry plans are based on theft of technology and violate its market-opening obligations. The proposed law promises foreign investors their patents, copyrights and other intellectual property will be protected, according to Xinhua. Forced technology transfer is one issue Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed Dec. 1 to negotiate as part of a cease-fire in their tariff war, the White House announced earlier. The Ministry of Commerce said last week envoys for the two sides planned to meet in January for talks. Chinese regulators say forced technology transfer is contrary to official policy. But companies in industries including auto manufacturing and pharmaceuticals that want to operate in China must do so through partnerships that require them to share know-how with potential local competitors or teach them how to develop their own. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) - Sri Lanka's finance ministry said Monday that it will present next year's full budget in February after the parliament approved a 1.77-trillion-rupee ($9.39 billion) stopgap measure to cover public expenditures over the first four months of 2019, averting a government shutdown January 1. Sri Lanka had been engulfed in a political crisis since late October after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked the country's prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and cabinet. The country had no functioning government for nearly two months, and faced the prospect of being unable to use state funds from Jan. 1 and potentially defaulting on a foreign debt repayment of $1 billion due on Jan. 10. Sirisena had replaced Wickremesinghe with former strongman President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was forced to resign after Parliament passed two no-confidence votes. Sirisena last week reinstated Wickremesinghe and appointed a 29-member cabinet. Parliament approved the vote on account which included a 970.4-million-rupee ($5.35 million) allocation for debt servicing in the first four months of 2019 and also gave permission for the government to take up to 990 billion rupees ($5.45 million) in new loans. Presenting the measure in Parliament, new Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the vote on account had to be presented because there wasn't enough time to prepare a full budget for 2019. He said that if the political crisis had continued, "the country would have plunged into a worse situation than Greece." Finance Ministry spokesman Ali Hassen said Monday that the government will present a full budget for next year in February. Sri Lanka's political crisis worsened and protracted as both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claimed that each of them was the legitimate prime minister. After reappointing Wickremesinghe, Sirisena made a speech saying he doubted that the new arrangement would last long. Sri Lankans are not due to go to the national polls again until 2020, but if the government doesn't function, Parliament can pass a resolution with a 2/3 vote for snap elections. Sirisena was health minister in Rajapaksa's cabinet when he defected and joined Wickremesinghe to challenge Rajapaksa in the 2015 presidential election. After victory he formed a government with Wickremesinghe as prime minister but the two disagreed on everything from economic reform to investigating alleged government abuses during Sri Lanka's decades-long civil war. WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Polish media are reporting that a man has died after being stabbed during the screening of a children's movie in a shopping center. The all-news station TVN24 reported that the attack took place Sunday in the northwestern Polish city of Szczecin, when the perpetrator stabbed two men, both around 30. Joanna Biranowska-Sochalska, a spokeswoman for police in Szczecin, said one of the two died Monday. TVN24 showed video footage of the attacker being arrested by police, his legs bound with chains. He still faces questioning and authorities have not yet said what his motive might have been. BERLIN (AP) - Tucked away in a former fast-food kiosk in the German capital lies a new restaurant whose owner hopes will provide a taste of home for the thousands of new arrivals who have fled Syria's brutal civil war. After fleeing her homeland, Malakeh Jazmati reinvented herself in Jordan as a TV chef and became known as the "queen of cooking" to fellow Syrian refugees. Now in Berlin, she's starting over again, opening a restaurant she hopes can serve as "medicine against homesickness" for fellow Syrians, as well as an introduction to her country's cuisine for others. During her three years in Berlin, she has already cooked for movie stars at the Berlinale film festival and for Chancellor Angela Merkel at a government event, but the restaurant is her attempt to provide a reminder of Syria for the recent arrivals. "I'm trying to make this restaurant not just a part of Syria but part of my home," she said standing in the serving room of the restaurant after a long shift in the kitchen. "The food helps them remember their mothers and the dining tables in their homes, and the photos on the walls remind them of life back in the home country." Jazmati's own culinary story is closely intertwined with the war in Syria and the mass of people seeking asylum in Germany in 2015. The 31-year-old Damascus native fled her home soon after the war started. Her first stop was the Jordanian capital Amman, where she started hosting her Syrian cooking show on Orient TV, a Dubai-based regional broadcaster. In this Nov. 9, 2018 photo Malakeh Jazmati carries food in her restaurant in Berlin, Germany. After fleeing her homeland's civil war, Jazmati reinvented herself in Jordan as a TV chef and became known as the "queen of cooking" to fellow Syrian refugees. Now in Berlin she's starting over again, opening a restaurant she hopes can serve as "medicine against homesickness" for the thousands of newly-arrived Syrians in the German capital. (AP Photo/Jona Kallgren) Its name, Maliket al-Tabkh, or "Queen of Cooking" was a play on her own first name Malakeh, meaning queen. She had never worked professionally as a chef before, but her natural way of presenting the food and chatting with the presenters made the show popular among fellow Syrian refugees and others. While she worked, her husband made his way to Germany through Turkey and Greece and she was allowed to join him in 2015 through a family reunification scheme. She was one of hundreds of thousands of Syrians that migrated to Germany that year. Her small restaurant, housed in what was previously a kebab kiosk in Berlin's Schoeneberg district, opened its doors October 27 serving traditional Syrian fare. There is hummus of course, but Jazmati is quick to point out that hummus and falafel and are only a small part of Syrian food. On one Friday, Jazmati was cooking up meatballs in a milk and tarragon sauce, stuffed grape leaves and green beans with garlic and coriander in a tomato sauce. "I try to cook the food like our mothers in Syria," she said with a large smile. Jazmati hopes her restaurant will become a hotspot for newly arrived Syrians, as well as any other people curious to taste traditional Syrian dishes. On the weekends, Syrian musicians play small concerts in a corner of the restaurant while guests tuck in to the dishes that are priced at around 12 euros ($14). The walls are covered with pictures of famous Syrians, such as the late poet Nizar Qabbani and Moustapha Akkad, best known for producing Halloween horror films. Ahmad Mahayni, who migrated to Germany from Syria in 2014, is already a regular with his wife and young children and loves the concept. "It is the same for German people," he says in fluent German. "When they move to another country, like Hong Kong, for example, they crave the food from home." In this Nov. 9, 2018 photo Malakeh Jazmati smiles in her restaurant in Berlin, Germany. After fleeing her homeland's civil war, Jazmati reinvented herself in Jordan as a TV chef and became known as the "queen of cooking" to fellow Syrian refugees. Now in Berlin she's starting over again, opening a restaurant she hopes can serve as "medicine against homesickness" for the thousands of newly-arrived Syrians in the German capital. (AP Photo/Jona Kallgren) MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - The death toll rose to 26 from Saturday's twin bombings in Somalia's capital, police and hospital sources said Monday. The number rose because several victims of the suicide car blast near the rear entrance of the presidential palace died in hospitals in Mogadishu, said Capt. Mohamed Hussein. The toll could rise further as several of the 20 wounded have serious injuries, hospital sources confirmed. Among the dead were seven soldiers who were escorting a government official through a checkpoint on their way to the presidential palace. The second smaller suicide car bomb was detonated close to an underground prison run by the country's intelligence. Last week, the government announced that it closed Godka Jilaow prison as parts of efforts aimed at improving the country's human rights record. Others killed include three staffers from the London-based Universal TV station, including prominent journalist Awil Dahir Salad, said Capt. Hussein. The bomber targeted the checkpoint near the rear entrance of the heavily fortified palace, he said. A lawmaker and a deputy mayor of Mogadishu were among those wounded, he said. An injured man is assisted after being wounded in a bomb blast near the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu, Somalia. Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. Police say a suicide car bomb detonated near the presidential palace killing and wounding a number of people. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) The blasts appeared to target people heading to work on what was a business day in the Horn of Africa nation. Al-Shabab, Somalia's extremist rebels who are allied to al-Qaida, claimed responsibility for the attacks. The most active Islamic extremist group in sub-Saharan Africa, al-Shabab was pushed out of Mogadishu several years ago but continues to control large parts of rural southern and central Somalia from where they launch bombings that hit the capital city. The U.S. military, which partners with Somali forces and a 20,000-strong African Union peacekeeping mission, has greatly increased airstrikes against al-Shabab under the Trump administration. At least 47 U.S. strikes have been carried out this year. ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa A man walks past destroyed buildings after a large blast in the capital city of Mogadishu, Somalia, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. Police say a suicide car bomb exploded near the presidential palace killing and injuring a number of people. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) A man walks near destroyed buildings after a bomb blast in the capital city of Mogadishu, Somalia, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. Police say a suicide car bomb exploded near the presidential palace killing and wounding a number of people. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) Medics carry away a victim at the scene of a bomb blast near the presidential palace, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. Police say a suicide car bomb detonated near the presidential palace killing and injuring a number of people. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) LONDON (AP) - Britain has banned third-party sales of puppies and kittens to protect the animals from exploitation. The government says the new law will help crack down on "puppy farms" and make it harder for unscrupulous dealers who have little regard for animal welfare. Animal Welfare Minister David Rutley said the ban "is part of our commitment to make sure the nation's much-loved pets get the right start in life." The decision follows a public consultation that found overwhelming support for banning third-party sales. Under the new measure, people wishing to adopt a puppy or kitten would have to deal directly with a breeder or a re-homing center, rather than pet shops or other commercial dealers. Animal welfare groups praised the government measure as an important step forward. Marc Abraham, a veterinarian who appears on television and is the founder of Pup Aid, called it "a real victory for grassroots campaigners as well as the U.K.'s dogs and cats." FILE - In this Monday, Oct. 4, 2010 file photo, window shoppers look at a pair of Labrador puppies for sale at the Westside Pavilion Shopping Center in Los Angeles. The British government has decided to ban third-party sales of puppies and kittens to improve animal welfare. Animal Welfare Minister David Rutley said Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 the ban "is part of our commitment to make sure the nation's much-loved pets get the right start in life. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, file) He said the law would make breeders more accountable and make it more difficult to sell illegally smuggled puppies and kittens. The change was also endorsed by one of Britain's best-known animal shelters, the Battersea Cat and Dogs Home. It comes as the RSPCA is asking the British public for information about the identity of a passenger and driver caught on closed circuit TV abandoning a dog despite its pleas to be allowed back into the car. The abandonment took place earlier this month in Trentham, 145 miles (235 kilometers) northwest of London, but the video was circulating Monday online. "To see the poor dog in such obvious distress, jumping up at the car as it drives away, is just heartbreaking," said RSPCA inspector Natalie Perehovsky. "I can't understand how someone could do this." MADRID (AP) - Security is high in Barcelona following a U.S. warning of the risk of a terror attack during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. The security alert, posted online and sent to U.S. citizens in Spain's second-largest city, recommends exercising "heightened caution" around buses and public transport in the Las Ramblas area. Barcelona's downtown boulevard, beloved by tourists and residents, was targeted last year during an attack claimed by Islamic State militants that killed 14 people. The regional Mossos d'Esquadra police declined to comment Monday directly on the alleged threat, saying only that security had been heightened "as part of a previously arranged anti-terrorist vigilance for the Christmas period." Spain's Interior Ministry said the level of anti-terror alert in the country remained at the second-highest level, unchanged since 2015. MALLORCA, Spain (AP) - Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig. The onset of cold weather on this island, which is better known for its sunny summer beaches, signals the moment for a custom that, due to industrialization, has been dying out. "The cold cures the sausages," explains Guillermo Bezzina, owner of a large Mallorcan estate where the tradition of the annual "matanza" lives on. For a long time it was a Spanish family's way of stocking up on pork meat for the rest of the year, at a time when few had means of refrigeration. A professional butcher uses a long knife to slaughter the Mallorcan black pig early in the morning. Laid out on a wooden table in the farmyard, locals burn the hair off the animal and shave its skin. Almost all of the pig will be used or eaten, either as cuts of meat or sausages. In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, Francisca holds a sobrasada, a raw cured sausage, made of pork bladder during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) A team of men butchers the pig, scraping out its innards and grinding some of the meat for sausage. Women clean and boil the intestines, some of which will be used as sausage skins. The sausages are hung on poles to cure inside farm buildings. At the end of the day, it's time for a fiesta with local wine. In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, villagers shave a pig during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, villagers pour boiling water onto a dead pig after burning it's skin to facilitate his shaving during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital de Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, villagers use a meat grinder powered by an old Renault 4L engine, near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, Guillermoposes in the family's cellar with the sausages made throughout the day during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. The sausages are hung on poles to cure inside farm buildings and at the end of the day, it's time for a "fiesta" with local wine. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) A villager hangs the cleaned guts of the pig from trees to dry in the open air during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital de Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, villagers cook the sausages made with fresh blood, that have to be cooked to prevent their decomposition, during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, Laura, one of the women who has come to help with the slaughter, stirs the fat of the boiling pork for butter production during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, botifarrones sausages cook during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, a villager cleans the guts of a pig during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital de Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, Maria, one of the relatives who comes to help with the slaughter, directs the making of the sausages during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, men mix the fat and selected shredded pork with other seasonings such as salt, paprika and black pepper for the production of sobrassada, a raw cured sausage, during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, a man helps to knead the mix for sobrasada, a raw cured sausage, during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) In this photo taken on Nov. 24, 2018, villagers dismember a pig during the annual pig slaughter near Petra, some 60 kilometres from Palma, the capital de Mallorca, Spain. Beneath wintry gray skies on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, families, friends and neighbors gather for a centuries-old tradition that is not for the faint-hearted: the open-air slaughter of a pig, a custom which due to industrialization has been dying out. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla) CHICAGO (AP) - Relatives have held a lakeside vigil in Chicago for a 24-year-old college student days after she vanished while swimming in Lake Michigan. Eddisa Concepcion and two men jumped into the lake Friday morning at North Avenue Beach for a quick dip, but they encountered dangerous waters. The two men were rescued by Chicago's fire department in the lake's choppy waters , but Concepcion was pulled under by high waves and remains missing. Family and friends held a lakeside vigil Sunday evening for the University of Illinois Chicago graduate student. Concepcion's mother, Maria Centeno, tells WLS-TV that she's still hoping that her daughter will be found alive, saying that, "Until they say different, she is out there. And she is waiting to get rescued." The United Arab Emirates has released photos of a daughter of Dubai's ruler after friends and supporters say she was forcibly returned to Dubai after fleeing months earlier. The state-run WAM news agency carried a government statement Monday saying the princess is "at home and living with her family in Dubai." Her father is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler and the UAE's prime minister and vice president. The government says Sheikha Latifa met with Mary Robinson, former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, on Dec. 15 at the family's request. Photos show the two women smiling in what appears to be a home. Sheikha Latifa had previously appeared in a 40-minute saying she was imprisoned off and on for several years and abused. The release of the photos comes months after friends and supporters say she disappeared following commandos storming a boat carrying her off the coast of India after she fled the Emirates. Human rights organizations have raised concerns over Sheikha Latifa's fate in the time since. In this Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 photo, released on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, by the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, a daughter of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, left, meets Mary Robinson, a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former president of Ireland, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The UAE released the first images of Sheikha Latifa on Monday, months after friends and supporters say she disappeared following commandos storming a boat carrying her off the coast of India after she fled the Emirates. (United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation via AP) In this Dec. 15, 2018 photograph, released on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, by the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, a daughter of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, left, meets Mary Robinson, a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former president of Ireland, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The UAE released the first images of Sheikha Latifa on Monday, months after friends and supporters say she disappeared following commandos storming a boat carrying her off the coast of India after she fled the Emirates. (United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation via AP) MOSCOW (AP) - A senior Russian diplomat says Moscow is open to having a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in remarks carried Monday by the Interfax news agency that it's important to have a meeting between the two world leaders. They were going to hold talks when they attended a G-20 summit in Argentina a few weeks ago, but Trump abruptly canceled the meeting over a Russia-Ukraine naval standoff. Ryabkov warned it would be a "deep mistake" to think Russia has a bigger interest than Washington in repairing bilateral ties. Russia-U.S. ties have sunk to their lowest levels since the Cold War, due to Russian interference in Ukraine, the war in Syria and reports of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential vote. JERUSALEM (AP) - The Latest on the political developments in Israel (all times local): 4:40 p.m. Israel's attorney general says an upcoming election campaign will have no effect on when he decides whether to file corruption charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's investigation will loom over the election campaign. But in a statement, the Justice Ministry said the probe will continue "as planned" and "will not depend on political events." Police have recommended that Netanyahu be indicted in a series of corruption probes, and aides to Mandelblit have also reportedly recommended indicting the prime minister. FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2018 file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a statement in Tel Aviv, Israel. Israeli media is reporting Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition government has agreed to call an early election for April 9. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File) The attorney general makes the final decision. Netanyahu is hoping that will come after he is re-elected, a development that could make it much harder to file charges. ___ 3:45 p.m. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has agreed to hold early elections on April 9 after the ruling coalition appeared to come up short on votes needed to pass a contentious piece of court-ordered legislation. Netanyahu said his coalition "unanimously" agreed to disband the government and hold a new election. At a meeting of his Likud faction, he listed his accomplishments in office and said he hoped his current religious, nationalistic coalition would be the "core" of the next one as well. The latest polls appear to predict another solid victory for Netanyahu, though an indictment over mounting corruption charges could still trip him up. TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) - The Turkish foreign minister says Turkey is working with other countries toward a possible U.N. investigation into the killing of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi. Speaking Monday during a visit to Tunisia, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkey is "actively" continuing its investigation and "collaborating" with other U.N. members. He didn't elaborate. Cavusoglu urged Saudi authorities to share information about their investigation "with us and the whole world." He said Turkish authorities notably want the Saudis to explain what happened to Khashoggi's remains and who was in charge of handling them. Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post, wrote critically about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A team of Saudi agents killed him at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. Turkey has said it might seek a U.N.-led investigation. BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraqi troops could deploy into neighboring Syria, Iraq's prime minister said Monday, in the latest fallout from the U.S. decision to withdraw from the war-torn country. Adel Abdul-Mahdi said his government was "considering all the options" to protect Iraq from threats across its borders, days after President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would leave Syria. Iraq is keeping reinforcements along its frontier to guard against infiltration by Islamic State militants, who hold a pocket of territory along the Euphrates River. With the U.S. pulling out of Syria, it leaves its allies, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, to fight the IS group alone. It also leaves the SDF exposed to military action by Turkey, which says the group is linked to a Kurdish separatist organization operating within Turkish borders. SDF officials warned they would divert resources away from the battle against IS to defend against Turkey, which is amassing forces along its frontier. FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2018 file photo, then Prime Minister-designate Adel Abdul-Mahdi, center, arrives to the parliament building, in the heavily guarded Green Zone, in Baghdad, Iraq. Abdul-Mahdi told reporters at a press conference on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, that his government could deploy troops inside Syria, in the latest fallout from the U.S. decision to withdraw from the war-torn country. The prime minister said his government is "considering all the options" to protect Iraq from threats across its borders. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, File) And the Syrian government could also step into the fray, analysts warned, if it sees the opportunity to bring the SDF-controlled northeast back under its rule. Abdul-Mahdi, in a press conference Monday, said Iraq was concerned that IS could expand its footprint in the warzone. He also expressed concerns that a wave of Syrian refugees is being displaced to Iraq. The prime minister spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the U.S. withdrawal on Saturday. Abdul-Mahdi said his government did not receive a U.S. request to deploy inside Syria. But he said the possibility was "circulating." "Iraq will take its decisions in consultation with its friends and neighbors," he said. Iraq does not have any army forces inside Syria. But various Iranian-funded and trained militias, part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, are fighting inside Syria on behalf of the government. The PMF are part of Iraq's national security apparatus, but have some autonomy in their operations. PARIS (AP) - More than 1.6 million people have signed an online petition to take the French state to court for not doing enough to fight climate change. Greenpeace, Oxfam and two French environmental groups launched the petition last week. Their signature drive received exceptional support in just a few days, including from film stars Marion Cotillard and Juliette Binoche. Greenpeace France director Jean-Francois Julliard said on France's BFM television Monday that the groups hope for an eventual court ruling requiring France to further lower carbon emissions. Julliard says the legal effort could take years, but cited a similar, successful effort in the Netherlands. When President Emmanuel Macron tried to raise fuel taxes to help wean France from fossil fuels, it sparked a nationwide movement last month. Macron scrapped the tax hike. MORGAN CITY, La. (AP) - The Coast Guard says a helicopter crew rescued two adults and four children early Christmas Eve from a disabled bass boat in Louisiana. A Coast Guard news release says the 16-foot (5-meter) bass boat was in water too shallow for a St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office rescue boat to reach. The sheriff's office reported at 12:50 a.m. Monday that the boat was in trouble in the Atchafalaya Bay near Morgan City, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) from New Orleans. A Coast Guard news release says a helicopter was in the air at New Orleans 25 minutes later and reached the scene at 2:30 a.m. All six people were hoisted into the helicopter, and were at the airport in nearby Patterson before 4 a.m. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Police are not citing a 92-year-old driver who lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a church during a Christmas service in Ohio. Columbus police say officers determined it was a private-property accident. The driver was treated for leg injuries, and three older church patrons were treated at hospitals for minor injuries from glass and debris. A 60-year-old passenger was also treated. Officers responded at around 10:40 a.m. Sunday to Crossroads United Methodist Church. The Rev. Jay Anderson says members were singing a hymn when the car crashed through the wall. He says that the wall "just exploded" and that pieces of glass went flying. He says the church was unusually crowded with some 100 people because there was a special Christmas performance. The driver's name wasn't released. A car that crashed into the entrance of the Crossroads United Methodist Church located at 1100 Hague Avenue is visible from inside of the church on the morning of Sunday, December 23, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. A woman drove into the church during morning services, injuring several people. (Brooke LaValley/The Columbus Dispatch via AP) Deadliest shooting at an American high school: Parkland, Florida. Deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century: Paradise, California. Deadliest attack on Jews in American history: Pittsburgh. The cities of Parkland, Paradise and Pittsburgh became synonymous with tragedy in 2018, a year when the nation seemed to careen from one deadly horror to another. Yet in every calamity, there were people who showed their humanity, their selfless strength and their sense of duty amid the suffering. As the year draws to a close, Associated Press reporters on the front lines of some of the year's heartbreaking stories offer up accounts of compassion and decency. 'I CHOSE TO ACT' FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, right, of Tree of Life/Or L'Simcha Congregation hugs Rabbi Cheryl Klein, left, of Dor Hadash Congregation and Rabbi Jonathan Perlman during a community gathering held in the aftermath of a deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. As the Jewish community grieved, Myers took a leading role during public memorials and presided over seven funerals in the space of less than a week. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) Rabbi Jeffrey Myers said no class in any seminary could have prepared anyone for the role he was thrust into. Myers was leading Shabbat services when gunfire erupted inside his Pittsburgh synagogue on Oct. 27. After helping others to safety, Myers turned back and raced up the stairs to a choir loft, where he called 911. Seven members of his Tree of Life congregation and four others in the building were killed. As the Jewish community grieved, Myers took a leading role during public memorials and presided over seven funerals in the space of less than a week. "I really had two choices when it came down to how to respond," Myers said. "One of them was ... curl up with a bottle of scotch. The second choice was to act upon it. I chose to act upon it." His response inspired Tree of Life congregants, including retired psychiatrist Joe Charny, 90. "There's no question that he's been super, and it's hard to imagine that anybody could have done a better job," Charny said. "He has the right touch. He has maintained through all this a sense of humor. I don't know how he's done that." Myers has vowed to no longer use the word "hate." "To me, that's the mission that has come out of this, that for 11 beautiful people to have not died in vain," the rabbi said. "The conversation about hate speech in America must be elevated and it must gain attention, because that type of speech leads to action such as what happened at my synagogue." - AP writer Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania A MORBID BUT CRITICAL TASK It was the week before Thanksgiving when Craig Covey got the call for what would be his most difficult mission as a search-and-rescue team leader: picking through the ashes of Paradise for human remains. It was a morbid but critical task. A wildfire that swept through on Nov. 8 all but obliterated Paradise, once home to 27,000 people. To find and identify the 86 dead, authorities had to call on searchers like Covey to gather up what amounted in some cases to little more than teeth, bone fragments or artificial hips. Then they had to rely on the expertise of rapid-testing DNA labs, forensic anthropologists and other specialists. "It was apocalyptic up there," Covey said several weeks after returning home to Costa Mesa, California. Covey's team is deployed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to disasters across the country and beyond. Earlier this year, his team helped rescue an exhausted 82-year-old man who had been flushed out of his car by floodwaters and pinned in some trees amid Hurricane Florence in North Carolina. Paradise was different, but brought rewards of its own. "We weren't shaking hands with people," Covey said. "But we were making a difference for folks, for closure, who are missing their families." - AP writer Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento, California DOGS IN TUNE WITH HUMANS When classes resumed in late February following the massacre of 17 students and staff at Parkland's Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, a therapy dog by the name of Fergie was brought in. Fergie, an 8-year-old cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, zeroed in on one young man and sat on his feet the entire class, barely moving, said Aneysi Fernandez, volunteer coordinator of the nonprofit group Canine Assisted Therapy. "It turned out that was one of the students who lost most of his friends in the shooting," said Fernandez. "Some of our dogs like Fergie are very in tune with human emotions." Several therapy animal groups helped out in those dark days after the Feb. 14 mass shooting. The dogs - and in some cases, donkeys and horses - went into the cafeteria and classrooms. They were also at vigils and marches. Fernandez's organization sent 35 therapy dogs and their handlers into the school. All of the animals were trained and selected for their calm, happy demeanor. Some Parkland students specifically asked for a dog to shadow them during classes, saying that the animals' presence eased the stress of returning to a place where such a horrible thing happened. "It's nice not to be asked any questions, to not have to relive the event," Fernandez said. "Everyone grieves differently. Students who didn't want to talk could pet a dog." Ten months after the tragedy, a dozen dogs still show up at the school every day, mostly to sit by the side of those teens who need a calming presence. - AP writer Tamara Lush in St. Petersburg, Florida 'IT'S IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD' It was known as the Wall of Forgotten Natives, a sprawling homeless encampment that sprouted along a Minneapolis freeway sound barrier over the summer. Most of those living there were American Indians, who make up an outsized portion of the homeless population in the city, and the tents stood on what was once Dakota land. University of Minnesota medical and law student Kristina Tester grew up nearby and began helping at the camp as part of an elective rotation for her degree. She began doing clean-needle exchanges and continued on as a volunteer for months after her assignment ended. "There's really not much of a difference between myself and any of the residents who are here at the homeless camp, other than sort of luck of the draw and geographic-political lottery," she said. The 26-year-old Tester said she organized groups of university students to do laundry for camp residents. She also served meals about once a week with neighbors. Recently she delivered cookies and blankets made by high school students. Tester, who is non-Indian, said she did it because "it's in my neighborhood." At its peak, the encampment had 300 people, but they began moving into a temporary shelter across the highway as winter approached. Maggie Thunder Hawk, 56, an Oglala Lakota from Wanblee, South Dakota, picked up two blankets that Tester delivered. "If it wasn't for her, we'd be cold, because she brings us warm blankets," Thunder Hawk said. "I love her." - AP writer Jeff Baenen in Minneapolis ___ AP writer Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco contributed to this story. In this Dec. 13, 2018 photo, Kristina Tester, left, hands out cookies made by high school students to residents of a homeless camp made up mainly of Native Americans in south Minneapolis. Tester, who is both a medical student and a law student at the University of Minnesota, grew up near the camp. She began helping at the camp this summer as part of an elective rotation with the Native American Community Clinic in Minneapolis, and continues to volunteer. (AP Photo/Jeff Baenen) FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2018, file photo, volunteers search for human remains at a mobile home park in Paradise, Calif. Task force leader Craig Covey, center left, says his team is doing a second search because there are outstanding reports of missing people whose last known address was at the mobile home park. (AP Photo/Kathleen Ronayne, File) FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2018, file photo, Craig Covey, task force leader for the Orange County search team, left, and David Harper talk to resident Stewart Nugent outside his Paradise, Calif., home. Covey and several team members took two giant brown bags full of lunch to Nugent, who stayed in his home and fought off flames. (AP Photo/Kathleen Ronayne, File) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - An investigation into allegations that Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill drunkenly groped four women at a party last March cost taxpayers at least $26,300, according to records a newspaper obtained through open records requests. Special prosecutor Daniel Sigler's bill totaled $5,217 - mostly for hourly wages - while the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department paid an estimated $3,226 for a sex crime detective's work on the Hill investigation, The Indianapolis Star reported . But the bulk of the expenses, $17,861, came from the office of Inspector General Lori Torres, which opened its inquiry after requests by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb and legislative leadership. Documents from Torres' office show that a special agent worked 285 hours for total expenses of $8,618, while various legal professionals worked about 200 hours, with an average hourly wage of $41.62, for a total of $8,344, the Star reported. The remaining balance paid for 27 hours of work from a transcriptionist and 1.5 hours of an administrative assistant. Hill, a Republican, has denied allegations that he inappropriately touched an Indiana lawmaker and three legislative assistants during a March 15 party held at an Indianapolis bar to mark the end of the legislative session. FILE - In this July 9, 2018, file photo, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill speaks during a news conference at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Records show an investigation into allegations that Hill drunkenly groped four women at a party cost taxpayers at least $26,300. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File) In October, Sigler declined to file criminal charges against Hill, saying he lacked sufficient evidence to secure a battery conviction. Hill was also cleared of any ethical breaches by the Inspector General's office, which released a searing report detailing its findings . That report said eyewitnesses told investigators that Hill's behavior at the party was inappropriate, "creepy" and made many of the women at the party uncomfortable. But he didn't break any state ethics rules. Hill declined to comment on the cost of the investigation through his spokesman, Chris Proffitt, who noted that the costs were incurred by other agencies. Hill hasn't used any public funds to defend himself, instead drawing on campaign money and creating a legal defense fund. It's unclear whether taxpayer funding would pay for Hill's defense in a potential civil case. Documents first disclosed by the Star show that Hill's office drafted a contract that would pay $100,000 to the Indianapolis law firm of Betz and Blevins to represent Hill and his office. Hill's office has declined to answer questions asking whether Hill intended to pursue that agreement. Hill's private attorney, Kevin Betz, said he doesn't plan to take any public funds to defend Hill against any civil claims or discrimination claims. ___ Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) - It's called the "Dark Side" because the 50 workers there prefer to keep the lights low so they can dim the brightness on their computer screens. Or maybe it's because of what they do in cyber research and development. Questions about exactly what goes on at the heart of one of the United States' primary cybersecurity facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory aren't always answered, and photos by outsiders aren't allowed. What is shared is that the U.S. is rushing to catch up with what cybersecurity experts say are threats by hackers to systems that operate energy pipelines, hydroelectric projects, drinking water systems and nuclear power plants across the country. Hackers opening valves, cutting power or manipulating traffic lights, for example, could have serious consequences. Scott Cramer, who directs the lab's cybersecurity program, said current efforts mostly involve "bolting on" cybersecurity protections to decades-old infrastructure control systems amid concerns they've already been infiltrated by malicious entities waiting for the opportune time to strike. "This is no joke - there are vulnerabilities out there," he said. "We're pretty much in reaction mode right now." In this September 2018 photo provided by the Idaho National Laboratory, INL interns Armando Juarez Jr., left, and Jordan Mussman work in the Faraday room in a cybersecurity electronics lab in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Idaho National Laboratory next year will move into a massive cybersecurity building and another that will house one of the nation's most powerful supercomputers. (Chris Morgan/Idaho National Laboratory via AP) The Idaho National Laboratory is mainly known as the nation's primary lab for nuclear research. But in the past decade, its cybersecurity work has put it on the leading edge there as well, and it's expanding. A new 80,000-square-foot (7,400-square-meter) building called the Cybercore Integration Center will hold 20 laboratories and 200 workers. Another 67,000-square-foot (6,200-square-meter) building called the Collaborative Computing Center will house one of the nation's most powerful supercomputers. They are expected to be finished next fall at a cost of about $85 million. "We're almost out of space, and we're hiring like mad," Cramer said. "So having that (integration center) building in a year is going to be incredible for us." The lab's focus is on what are called critical infrastructure control systems, as opposed to cybersecurity systems intended to protect information, such as banking or personal health records. Its employees work to prevent threats like one that occurred in 2013, in which the Justice Department said seven Iranian hackers working at the behest of the Iranian government gained access to the controls of a dam in the suburbs of New York City. Prosecutors said the hackers would have been able to remotely access the dam's gate, but it was disconnected at the time for maintenance. Prosecutors in an indictment made public in 2016 called it a "frightening new frontier in cybercrime." The hackers remain wanted by the FBI. The Dark Side room is in one of multiple buildings in Idaho Falls that house the lab's cybercore, a division within National and Homeland Security. It's decorated with workers' "alter egos," life-sized cardboard cutouts of "Star Wars" heroes and other famous characters such as Sheldon, the genius and socially inept main character of the comedy show "The Big Bang Theory." "That workforce is a unique culture with brilliant minds," Cramer said. The Idaho National Laboratory's cybersecurity also has an electronics lab to dismantle and examine computers, including pulling information off severely damaged storage drives. The electronics lab contains a map of the U.S. West's electric grid and a car-sized computer that helps test the security systems of Western utilities, including Idaho Power, which serves an estimated 1.2 million people in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Brad Bowlin, an Idaho Power spokesman, said the company as a matter of policy doesn't comment on its cybersecurity efforts. In general, hackers can include foreign entities and nation-states with sophisticated attacks, malicious computer geeks, and even kids with no intent to do harm but just a curiosity to see if they have the skills to breach a system's security. Those kids, it turns out, are candidates for the lab's Dark Side room. "Those are the kids we're looking for," said Darren Stephens, a cyber-researcher at the lab. The Idaho National Laboratory makes efforts to find them beginning with middle schoolers. It also looks for junior and high school students and has competitions that it plans to expand to nudge tech-savvy youths toward cybersecurity careers. The lab recently held a contest among college students involving Idaho universities and other national labs and colleges where workers in the lab's Dark Side attempted to hack into systems the students tried to defend. It's a fun competition, but it's also a proving ground to find the next generation of cybersecurity workers where a shortage of more than a million employees by 2020 is estimated. Cramer said the nation's universities don't even have curriculums to train future cybersecurity workers. That's something he's working to change with Idaho universities that could ultimately offer degrees to draw those students and become a main supplier for good-paying jobs in cybersecurity. "The problem is so new and challenging that we don't have the workforce right now to challenge the problem efficiently," he said. "We're in a bit of a scramble mode to help get caught up and train folks to get our arms around a big national challenge." HOUSTON (AP) - During the Christmas season, the aromas of hot chocolate and tamales would mingle with the sounds of mariachis and hymns praising Our Lady of Guadalupe within the walls of the nearly 80-year-old St. Stephen Catholic Church near downtown Houston. But since May 2016, the church has stood silent, surrounded by a chain-link fence after the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston ordered the building closed as St. Stephen parish was combined with a neighboring church. A group of parishioners appealed the decision, taking their case to Rome and the Vatican's highest court, which in April ruled in their favor. Legal experts said such a ruling by the Vatican to reverse a decision to close or merge a parish is rare. However, the wish of parishioners to be back inside their church in time to host Christmas celebrations and Mass won't be granted as the archdiocese has said it won't be reopened until a review is done on the building's condition. "We need our church," said Mary Carmen Gallegos, a congregant who has helped lead the reopening effort. "We feel like a fish out of a water tank." Plans to merge St. Stephen with the nearby St. Joseph church were first announced in 2014 by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. In this Dec. 16, 2018 photo, parishioners of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Houston, Texas, pray the rosary in front of their church, which was closed in May 2016 by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Nearly every Sunday since the closure, many of the more than 800 families that comprise the congregation have continued to meet in front of their old church building to pray the rosary and share a meal before going to mass at their new parish about a half mile away. (AP Photo/Juan Lozano) It was prompted by a planned real estate development around St. Stephen that could have resulted in the church's sale. The archdiocese said St. Stephen couldn't grow in its current location. In a statement, the archdiocese said DiNardo has accepted the ruling by the Vatican's high court, which found the merger of the two churches was flawed because it was tied to the possible sale of St. Stephen. The archdiocese said that most parishioners from the combined churches "are happy with the new community" and the ruling to dissolve the merger "has led to a struggle in the hearts of parishioners." But some St. Stephen parishioners worry that the archdiocese, which didn't immediately say anything publicly about the ruling against it, is looking for a reason to keep the church closed. They say their parish had room to grow and was financially stable before the closure, with more than $200,000 in a church fund. The Catholic Church in recent years has closed parishes across the country due to dwindling attendance, a shortage of priests and budget issues. Nearly every Sunday since the closure, many of the more than 800 families that comprise St. Stephen's congregation of mostly Latin American immigrants have continued to meet in front of their old church to pray the rosary and share a meal before going to Mass at their new parish about a half mile away. One recent Sunday, over 70 people sat in folding chairs or stood in front of the chain-link fence that was decorated with flowers, photos and brightly colored plastic banners of "papel picado," elaborately cut sheets with designs and words. Esperanza Fitch, who has been a member of the church for the last nine years, said that when the parish was shuttered, she felt she had been exiled. She compared it to when she had to flee her native Venezuela. "It was like they took my home again," said Fitch, 69. Parishioners don't believe the church would need major repairs to reopen, but if it does, they are ready to offer any kind of help. "If they tell me I have to sell my house to repair this church, I would do it," said Elmer Garcia, a Honduran immigrant who has worshipped at the church for 26 years. A lower court of the Catholic Church initially upheld the order to close St. Stephen. Congregants appealed to the Apostolic Signatura, the equivalent of the Supreme Court. While more of these appeals have been successful in recent years, it has historically been rare for the Vatican to reverse a decision to close or merge a parish, said Patrick Brennan, a law professor at Villanova University in Pennsylvania who has studied Catholic Church law. "We hope that (DiNardo) recognizes the Christian and Catholic virtue of reopening a place of worship," said Brody Hale, who runs the Catholic Church Preservation Society, a Massachusetts-based group that has been advising St. Stephen parishioners in their appeal. The Vatican high court's decision comes as DiNardo, who is leading the American response to the ongoing clergy abuse crisis as the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has been criticized over his handling of two reports of sexual abuse that recently became public. "Now he's seen as unjustly closing a parish that ... was serving a lower income, ethnically concentrated parish. Those are really bad optics," Brennan said. Gallegos said parishioners will continue doing whatever is needed to reopen their church. "We're not gonna give up," she said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter at www.twitter.com/juanlozano70 In this Dec. 16, 2018 photo, Rosario Rodriguez and Jose Guevara lead members of St. Stephen Catholic Church as they pray the rosary in front of a chain link fence surrounding their closed church in Houston, Texas. After their parish was closed two years ago, members of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Houston worked tirelessly to overturn the decision. (AP Photo/Juan Lozano) In this Dec. 16, 2018 photo standing in front of their closed church, Mary Carmen Gallegos, left, and Juanita Alaniz update members of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Houston, Texas, about efforts to reopen the church. St. Stephen was closed in May 2016 by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Parishioners appealed the church's closing to the Vatican's highest court, which in April ruled in their favor. But the wish of parishioners to reopen their church in time for Christmas celebrations won't be granted as the archdiocese has said nothing will happen until the structure's condition is reviewed. (AP Photo/Juan Lozano) In this Dec. 20, 2018 photo a chain link fence surrounds St. Stephen Catholic Church in Houston, Texas, which has been closed since May 2016 by order of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The church's stained-glass windows have also been boarded up. (AP Photo/Juan Lozano) SAN QUENTIN, Calif. (AP) - California authorities were on a manhunt Thursday for an inmate who walked away from San Quentin State Prison and is believed to have carjacked a vehicle overnight. Shalom Mendoza, 21, was last seen at the prison before 6 p.m. Wednesday and reported missing after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. He fled from a work assignment outside the prison walls, spokesman Sgt. Robert Gardea said. Mendoza is believed to have carjacked a victim in a Home Depot parking lot less than a mile from the prison after 9 p.m., fleeing in a silver Toyota RAV4 with California license plate number 6STZ502, San Rafael police said. They said a man with a similar physical description to Mendoza, last seen wearing a white T-shirt and khaki or light-yellow pants, motioned to the victim as if he had a weapon or gun under his shirt. He then threatened to kill her and demanded her car keys, but she was not injured. Mendoza was sentenced to prison a year ago to serve a five-year term for using a deadly weapon during a Los Angeles County carjacking and evading or attempting to evade police while driving recklessly. He arrived at San Quentin in April and was assigned to a minimum-security inmate work crew in May, Gardea said. Mendoza lived in a dormitory behind a security fence, but he was with a work crew outside the prison fence when he walked away, he said. This Dec. 21, 2017 photo provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) shows Shalom Mendoza. Authorities in Northern California are searching for Mendoza who escaped from San Quentin State Prison overnight and pulled off a carjacking. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation via AP) San Quentin is California's oldest prison, opening in 1852. It houses more than 4,100 inmates, including those on death row. Walk-aways by inmates outside of secure areas are not unusual, and most are quickly apprehended without incident. Far more uncommon are escapes from walled or fenced prisons, like Michael Garrett's escape in January from the California Institution for Men in Chino, east of Los Angeles. Officials released new details on that escape Thursday, telling the Associated Press that Garrett went over a non-lethal fence at the prison holding minimum- and medium-security inmates. He was caught without incident the next day. The department subsequently improved the fence, lighting and alarms and added staff in the area of the escape, spokesman Jeffrey Callison said. ___ This story clarifies that Mendoza left from a work assignment, not a dormitory, based on new information from corrections officials. A Japanese court has approved prosecutors request to keep Nissans former chairman Carlos Ghosn in detention for another 10 days. The Tokyo District Court said that the approval is for prosecutors to investigate further his third allegation of breach of trust for causing Nissan a loss of 1.8 billion yen (12 million) in 2008. Sundays extension allows prosecutors to keep Ghosn at the Tokyo detention house until New Years Day. Ghosn and another executive Greg Kelly were arrested on November 19 and charged with underreporting Ghosns income for 2011-2015 by about five billion yen (35 million). Other charges for additional underreporting of Ghosns pay by about four billion yen (28 million) are pending. The latest allegation only applies to Carlos Ghosn (Eugene Hoshiko/AP) The latest allegation filed on Friday only applies to Ghosn and came a day after the court rejected prosecutors request for a longer detention of Ghosn and Kelly. Kellys bail request filed by his lawyer on Friday is still pending and could come sometime after Christmas. Prosecutors allege that Ghosn in 2008 transferred a private investment loss worth more than 1.8 billion yen to Nissan by manipulating an unspecified swap contract. Ghosn also profited by having the car maker transfer a total of 14.7 million dollars (11.6 million) to another company to benefit himself and that companys owner, who helped in the deal, prosecutors said. Japans NHK public television said the company owner is a Saudi Arabian acquaintance of Ghosn. The arrest of an industry icon has triggered international attention. Prosecutors have been criticised for separating the same allegation into two periods as a tactic to detain Ghosn and Kelly longer. They say Ghosn and Kelly are flight risks. No trial date has been set. Nissan has dismissed Ghosn as chairman and Kelly as a representative director since the allegations were made. Nissan has put off a decision on Ghosns replacement. Britons should dispense the titles Leave and Remain and instead find common ground, Prime Minister Theresa May has urged. Mrs May, who has faced a tricky 2018 with dissent to her Brexit plans from Brussels and within her own party, said it is time for differences to be put aside and focus on what really matters. Writing in the Daily Express, she suggests the concerns of voters extend beyond Britains departure of the European Union, citing schools, the NHS and housing as examples. She wrote: The sooner MPs agree the right Brexit deal, the sooner we can all get back to dealing with those issues and building a country that works for everyone. It wont be easy, and there is a lot of hard work ahead of us in 2019. But Im confident. Because I know that when the British people come together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29, two years after the Government triggered Article 50. But Mrs May still is yet to secure parliamentary approval for her Brexit blueprint and a vote is due to take place in January. Few expect it to be approved by a heavily divided Commons, and Tory MPs including Cabinet ministers appear to have begun to polarise between those who might support a no-deal Brexit and those who would actively battle against it. Sir Tim Barrow handed the Article 50 letter to European Council president Donald Tusk (Stefan Rousseau/PA) But in her letter, Mrs May likens the country to a family coming together at Christmas, saying: Its a time when we find it within ourselves to put aside our differences and focus on what really matters. Now, two-and-a-half years after the referendum, it is time for us as a country to do the same. Meanwhile, Tobias Ellwood, a defence minister, wrote in The Times that no-deal is simply not an option. He added a lack of agreement would have implications for national security, writing: Leaving without a deal would mean access to around 40 international security programmes would be significantly reduced. Exchanges of critical intelligence data would halt until new arrangements are in place. We would immediately reduce our ability to tackle threats from terrorism to cybercrime, modern slavery to fraud. Hundreds of people have been searching debris-strewn beaches for more victims from a deadly tsunami that smashed into houses, hotels and other buildings along an Indonesian strait. The waves that swept terrified people into the sea on Saturday night along the Sunda Strait followed an eruption and possible landslide on Anak Krakatau, one of the worlds most infamous volcanic islands. At least 373 people were killed and more than 1,400 were injured. Dozens are missing from the disaster areas along the coastlines of western Java and southern Sumatra islands, and the numbers could increase once authorities hear from all stricken areas. The Indonesian Medical Association says it is sending more doctors and medical equipment and that many of the injured are in need of orthopaedic and neurosurgery expertise. It says most patients are domestic tourists who were visiting the beach during the long holiday weekend. (PA Graphics) It was the second deadly tsunami to hit Indonesia this year, but the one that struck the island of Sulawesi on September 28 was accompanied by a powerful earthquake that gave residents a brief warning before the waves struck. On Saturday night, the ground did not shake beforehand to alert people to the oncoming wave that ripped buildings from their foundations in seconds and swept terrified concertgoers on a resort beach into the sea. Dramatic video posted on social media showed the Indonesian pop band Seventeen performing under a tent on Tanjung Lesung beach at a concert for employees of a state-owned electricity company. Dozens of people sat at tables while others swayed to the music near the stage as strobe lights flashed and theatrical smoke was released. Indonesian soldiers prepare to search for victims in Tanjung Lesung beach hotel, Indonesia (Tatan Syuflana/AP) A child could also be seen wandering through the crowd. Seconds later, with the drummer pounding just as the next song was about to begin, the stage suddenly heaved forward and buckled under the force of the water, tossing the band and its equipment into the audience. The group released a statement saying their bass player, guitarist and road manager were killed, while two other band members and the wife of one of the performers were missing. The tide rose to the surface and dragged all the people on site, the statement said. Unfortunately, when the current receded, our members were unable to save themselves while some did not find a place to hold on. (PA Graphics) Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said 373 deaths had been confirmed and at least 1,459 people were injured. The worst-affected area was the Pandeglang region of Javas Banten province, which encompasses Ujung Kulon National Park and popular beaches, the agency said. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo expressed his sympathy and ordered government agencies to respond quickly to the disaster. My deep condolences to the victims in Banten and Lumpung provinces, he said. Hopefully, those who are left have patience. A resident inspects his house damaged by a tsunami near Sumur village, Indonesia (Tatan Syuflana/AP) Scientists, including those from Indonesias Meteorology and Geophysics agency, said the tsunami could have been caused by landslides either above ground or under water on the steep slope of the erupting Anak Krakatau volcano. The scientists also cited tidal waves caused by the full moon. The 1,000ft-high Anak Krakatau, whose name means Child of Krakatoa, lies on an island in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands, linking the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea. It has been erupting since June and did so again about 24 minutes before the tsunami, the geophysics agency said. Chris Evans held back tears as he thanked his wife and family during an emotional final breakfast show on Radio 2. The broadcaster, who has been at the BBC station since 2005 and has had the breakfast slot since January 2010, is departing to return to Virgin almost 20 years after he left. Evans, 52, paused to compose himself as he spoke of how his wife, Natasha Shishmanian, had given him the certainty to feel confident enough to embark upon a bit of uncertainty again. Festive performances, 90s nostalgia, foodie tips, and a Strictly champion - join us as we look back at some of the most memorable moments from @achrisevans' final week at Radio 2. https://t.co/D7J6izuwsW pic.twitter.com/Y7yROgefSv BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) December 24, 2018 Evans married Shishmanian, 38, in 2007 and the pair welcomed twins in September this year. The Christmas Eve show was the former TFI Friday and Top Gear hosts last before he is replaced by Zoe Ball in the New Year. He said: Thank you to my family for putting up with me, and for having someone in your personal orbit that does a job like this, particularly my daughter Jane. (PA Graphics) Thank you to you all for listening but most of all I would like to thank my wife Natasha, my gravity and my guiding light, for giving me enough certainty to feel confident enough to embark upon a bit of uncertainty again. Its what I like. I crave the uncertainty but you can only do that against a backdrop of certainty and security. Uncertainty is where creativity lives. Comfort and creativity are not the greatest bedfellows, let me tell you. None of us look forward to saying goodbye to the things and people we love. Bucking tradition, Evans delivered his farewell speech at the halfway mark of the show, saying he wanted the programme to be a right laugh and not end on a melancholy note. He said: I know Im not conforming but when has that ever stopped me in the past? Chris Evans thanked his wife, Natasha Shishmanian, for supporting him (Andrew Matthews/PA) Evans took over the breakfast slot following Sir Terry Wogans departure from the high-profile broadcast in December 2009. Prior to that, Evans landed one of the most sought-after jobs in the industry the Radio 1 Breakfast Show in 1995. He also presented Channel 4 programme TFI Friday while hosting his radio show, but went off the rails amid heavy drinking and resigned live on air in 1997, after Radio 1 refused to meet his demands to work a four-day week. He returned to the airwaves as the host of Virgin Radios breakfast show. The DJ hosted the show from 1997 to 2001, when he was sacked for breach of contract, having failed to turn up for a week of shows. On Monday mornings show Evans thanked the BBC for having invited him back to play that incredible music once again. He said: Thank you to the BBC for supporting me, and trusting me with one of their precious microphones for the last years, for allowing me to grow every minute of every day that I have been on air. The broadcaster will be replaced by Zoe Ball (Yui Mok/PA) Live from Glastonbury, live from the beaches of northern France for the commemoration of the Normandy landings or having a blast in the middle of one of our regular Friday shows. The mayhem there of the usually attendant nonsense that they involve. And yes, all that incredible music. Right here in Terrys old studio. Studio 6C at Wogan House in London. Listening figures were and have remained healthy, with Evans hosting the UKs most popular radio programme in that time slot. Evanss Virgin Radio breakfast show will begin on January 21. A tribunal has sentenced former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif to seven years in prison for corruption. His party said the decision was a black spot on the justice system. The verdict came after Sharif was removed from power last year over corruption allegations. Sharif, who was serving his third stint as prime minister, has denied any wrongdoing. He is accused of possessing assets beyond his known sources of income, and was arrested after the ruling was announced. Supporters of Nawaz Sharif gather outside an accountability court in Islamabad (BK Bangash/AP) He can appeal against the verdict, under which he was also fined 25 million dollars for not disclosing how his family set up the Al-Azizia Steel Mills when he was exiled to Saudi Arabia by Pervez Musharraf, a former dictator who toppled Sharifs government in 1999. The same court acquitted Sharif in a second case relating to his familys business in Britain. According to Pakistans anti-corruption body, it will challenge the acquittal of Sharif, who was sent to jail a day before his birthday. After being held at a jail in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, Sharif, on his request, is expected to be taken to a jail in Lahore on Tuesday. They had to punish him and they have punished him in a false case, said Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a top leader of Sharifs Pakistan Muslim League party, who served as prime minister when Sharif was removed from power last year. People will not accept this verdict, he said. Supporters of Nawaz Sharif shout slogans against the government outside an accountability court in Islamabad (BK Bangash/AP) Information minister Fawad Chaudhry said the court decision unmasked the real face of Sharif, who failed to provide a money trail of his assets. Those defending Sharif should be ashamed, he said, as the Pakistani people have been defrauded. Sharif was sentenced to 10 years in prison in July over the purchase of luxury apartments in London. He appealed against that sentence and was released on bail in September, along with his daughter and her husband, who were co-accused in the case stemming from documents leaked from a Panama law firm. The two cases on which the court ruled on Monday were related to Sharifs foreign assets, which he insists are owned by his sons. His two sons, who are currently living in London, were declared absconders by the court. There were protests in Islamabad (BK Bangash/AP) Shortly before the announcement of the verdict, clashes erupted between supporters of Sharif and police in Islamabad. Several female supporters of Sharif were seen crying and chanting slogans. Sharifs daughter, Maryam Nawaz, has suggested he is being punished for resisting unseen forces, an apparent reference to the military, which has directly ruled Pakistan for half its modern history and retains a powerful role behind the scenes. She wrote in a series of tweets that the people of Pakistan were standing by her father. A man needed hospital treatment after he was attacked by a group of young people when he got out of a taxi. The 48-year-old man had just stepped out of the vehicle in Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh, when three male youths and a teenage girl came up to him and demanded money. They punched him on the head and body, knocking him to the ground, and when he tried to get up he was assaulted again and sustained serious facial injuries. The group then walked off westward towards Sleigh Drive, having taken money from the mans pockets. Police appealed for information about the attack and robbery which happened at around 3.20am on Saturday near the roundabout. Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat said: This was a vicious attack and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time who can assist with our inquiries to get in touch. Police are investigating after a man was assaulted and robbed (Joe Giddens/PA) In particular we would like to speak to any taxi or private hire drivers who may have been seen the attack or who may have dash-cam footage that will help us establish what happened and trace those responsible. Anyone who saw something or who may have information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident 0910 of 22nd December, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The victim went to hospital but was released after treatment. The first suspect is a white male aged 17 to 20, 5ft 7in tall, with a local accent and wearing blue jeans and a black jacket. A second is described as white, aged 16 to 19, 5ft 5in tall, of slim build, with short, dark hair and wearing a blue jacket. There is no description of the third youth. The girl is described as white, aged 16 to 19, of medium build, with a local accent and wearing a white or light coloured jacket. Suggestions that there may never have been any drones at Gatwick were down to poor communications, police have said. Ministers were briefed on the latest situation at the airport in a conference call amid growing criticism of the handling of investigation by Sussex Police. On Sunday, a man and woman arrested in connection with the inquiry were released without charge following two nights in custody after officers said they were no longer suspects. A senior detective then said it was a possibility that there may never have been any drones in the area, despite scores of sightings which led to the closure of the airport for three days and caused massive disruption for passengers. The drone sightings caused massive disruption for passengers in the run-up to Christmas (Victoria Jones/PA) However, following the hour-long conference call chaired by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling a Government source said police had accepted that the claim was down to poor communications. Sussex Police Deputy Chief Constable Jo Shiner said on Monday afternoon: We can unequivocally state that there have been numerous illegal drone sightings at the airport over three days from 19 to 21 December. There were numerous reports clustered around 37 occasions where a drone or drones were seen and I am keen for those responsible to be brought to justice. The impact of this criminal and reckless behaviour has been enormous and we are determined to locate those responsible to bring them to justice. We are investigating this under the Aviation and Maritime Security Act which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. We urge the public to contact us if they feel they have information that will help us in our investigation. Contacting Crimestoppers they can do this anonymously. We ask the public to continue to support us by reporting any suspicious activity. #GatwickDrones | We can unequivocally state between 19-21 Dec there have been numerous #drone sightings at @Gatwick_Airport. We want to bring those responsible for the disruption to justice and through @CrimestoppersUK there is a 50,000 reward https://t.co/U3cQKvgaMO pic.twitter.com/bx5dqW67wT Sussex Police (@sussex_police) December 24, 2018 There had been more than 200 sightings since the first drone was spotted in the Gatwick area on Wednesday, with police taking 67 statements, including from police officers and airport staff. Police are also carrying out a forensic investigation of a damaged drone found near the airport perimeter, close to the last reported sighting. In a statement, the airport said: We are clear that there were multiple confirmed sightings of drone activity at the airport. Therefore we took the necessary actions to ensure the safety of passengers using our airport. Safety will always be our number one priority. We continue to support the police with their investigations into this illegal and deliberate act to disrupt Gatwick Airports operations. #GatwickDrones | We are continuing our investigation into 67 reported #drone sightings made by the public, passengers, police officers and staff at @Gatwick_Airport https://t.co/ZZKwjwrRbc pic.twitter.com/fJovkMvnfQ Sussex Police (@sussex_police) December 24, 2018 The conference call was joined by Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington Prime Minister Theresa Mays de facto deputy Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Security Minister Ben Wallace and Defence Minister Stuart Andrew. Mr Lidington was said to have pressed for the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence to update their rapid deployment protocols for signing off requests for military assistance. Mr Grayling briefed on a meeting he held on Friday with airport chief executives to prevent copycat attacks, while police were said to be working to with the Home Office to amplify the message that flying drones near airports is illegal. Sussex Police meanwhile have denied that the hunt for the perpetrators was back to square one following the release of the 47-year-old man and the 54-year-old woman, from Crawley, close to the airport. The pair were originally arrested and their home searched following a tip-off from a member of the public. Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Tingley said on Sunday that there were some persons of interest but would not reveal if police were close to making any further arrests. We are interviewing those who have reported these sightings, are carrying out extensive house-to-house inquiries and carrying out a forensic examination of a damaged drone found near the perimeter of the airport near Horley, which is close to the last reported sighting, he said. Thousands of passengers had their holiday plans disrupted (Victoria Jones/PA) Around 1,000 flights affecting some 140,000 passengers were cancelled or diverted across three days after drones were spotted inside the perimeter of the UKs second biggest airport on Wednesday. Gatwick has offered a 50,000 reward, through Crimestoppers, and another 10,000 has been put up by the charitys chairman, Lord Ashcroft, for the arrest of those responsible for the chaos Mr Tingley warned police could not rule out the risk the culprits would strike again at Gatwick or another airport. Someone, somewhere knows either the perpetrator or perpetrators responsible for this, or has information relating to these incidents, he said. Our tactical response, should there be any more drone sightings, is still in place. A Russian ship has been held in a British harbour while inspectors probe a breach in its fuel tank. The 16,000-tonne Kuzma Minin will be moved by tug boats to a sheltered spot within Falmouth Harbour in Cornwall later on Christmas Eve as a precautionary measure. The cargo ship, named after a Russian resistance fighter, has been directed not to leave the harbour until repairs have been made after a Port State Inspection by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed a breach in one of the fuel tanks. There have been no reports of pollution but a follow-up inspection will be made before the ship can be released. The vessel has full electrical and engine power, and all 18 Russian crew onboard are said to be safe and well. A spokesperson for the MCA said the Secretary of States Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention and the Environment Group will continue to monitor the situation. Tugs manoeuvre the Kuzma Minin, a 16,000-tonne Russian cargo ship, as attempts are made to refloat it after it ran aground off Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth. The ship ran aground off Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth at about 5.40am last Tuesday in what was described as extreme and horrific weather before it was refloated during high tide. A second arrest has been made over a 1 million ecstasy discovery in Aberdeen. The National Crime Agency and Police Scotland discovered 45kg of MDMA and arrested a 22-year-old man in the Rosemount area of the city on Friday. Detectives said it was an intelligence-led operation and inquiries are continuing. A second man, aged 26, has now also been arrested and charged over the find. They are both due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday. A Police Scotland spokesman said: The 26-year-old is expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today along with a 22-year-old who was charged last week following intelligence-led enforcement action led by Police Scotland officers, officers from North East Police Division alongside the National Crime Agency. The RSPCA has released heartbreaking video of a dog being abandoned at the roadside. The footage captured on CCTV in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, last week shows the Staffordshire bull terrier jumping at the drivers window of a car after its passenger leaves a dog bed nearby. RSPCA inspectors are now appealing for information to identify the passenger and driver, who were filmed at the corner of Timor Grove and Pacific Road at around 5pm on Monday December 17. The white dog was found sitting in the bed by a passer-by during the following hour and was taken to a vet, who called the RSPCA. PLEASE RT! We have CCTV footage of a man callously dumping a dog in Stoke-on-Trent. The distressed dog chases after the car as it drives away. Please help @RSPCA_official find the man responsible. Awful that someone can do this! The dog is thankfully ok and now safe pic.twitter.com/AW8HNvVwdQ Rachel Butler RSPCA Press Team (@RachRSPCA) December 24, 2018 RSPCA inspector Natalie Perehovsky said: The footage has to be seen to be believed, its just awful. To see the poor dog in such obvious distress, jumping up at the car as it drives away, is just heartbreaking. I cant understand how someone could do this. Still taken from a video issued by the RSPCA after a bull terrier was abandoned in Stoke-on-Trent (RSPCA/PA) The vets scanned his microchip and we have traced two previous owners in the Birmingham area, but do not believe either are the current owners, and therefore not those responsible for abandoning the dog. One man can be seen clearly in the footage dumping the dog, and there is a second person in the drivers seat of the car. I am very keen to hear from anyone who recognises the vehicle, the man or the dog. Veterinary staff have nicknamed the dog Snoop, and said he is in good condition and thought to be two years old. Described by vets as a friendly, lovely boy, the dog is currently being cared for at a private boarding kennels. Inspector Perehovsky added: Anyone who recognises the vehicle, the dog or the men in the footage can contact me in complete confidence, by leaving me a message on our inspectors appeal line number on 0300 123 8018. It beggars belief that someone could abandon a dog like this at Christmas, but we are so thankful to the kind people who found Snoop sitting sadly in his bed, for taking him to the safety of a vets straight away. A man has been arrested and charged after a man was allegedly attacked with a metal bar. The 52-year-old was walking along Dixon Avenue in the Govanhill area of Glasgow with his partner when the attack happened at around 9.10pm on Sunday. The victim was taken by ambulance to the citys Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where medical staff describe his condition as stable. Police said a 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Three people have been arrested over an attempted murder in Kirkcaldy. Three others were injured in a disturbance in Cawdor Crescent around 5.30am on Sunday with an attack on a 38-year-old man treated as attempted murder. A 42-year-old man was seriously injured, and a 31-year-old woman sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were all taken to hospital for treatment with the 38-year-old said to be in a critical condition. Police said two men, aged 27 and 35, and a 34-year-old woman have since been arrested in connection with the incident and inquiries are ongoing. Detective Inspector Paul Dick said: We are currently treating this as a targeted attack and I want to reassure the community that a thorough investigation is underway. Police are continuing to investigate the attack in Kirkcaldy (Andrew Milligan/PA) A man remains in a critical condition as a result and anyone who may have information which could be relevant is urged to come forward as soon as possible. Those who can help can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1010 of 23rd December, or report information anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The United Arab Emirates has released photos of a daughter of Dubais ruler after friends and supporters say she was forcibly returned to Dubai after fleeing months earlier. The state-run WAM news agency carried a government statement saying the princess is at home and living with her family in Dubai. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, left, eats a meal with Mary Robinson, a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former president of Ireland, in Dubai (United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation via AP) Her father is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubais ruler and the UAEs prime minister and vice president. The government said Sheikha Latifa met with Mary Robinson, former UN high commissioner for human rights and former president of Ireland, on December 15 at the familys request. Photos show the two women smiling in what appears to be a home. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, left, meets Mary Robinson, a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former president of Ireland, in Dubai (United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation via AP) Sheikha Latifa had previously appeared in a 40-minute video saying she was imprisoned off and on for several years and abused. The release of the photos comes months after friends and supporters say she disappeared following commandos storming a boat carrying her off the coast of India after she fled the Emirates. Human rights organisations have raised concerns over Sheikha Latifas fate in the time since. The Queen has sent condolences to Indonesia after a tsunami struck the Sunda Strait, killing more than 370 people. An eruption of an island volcano sent a 20-metre-high wall of water inland, damaging houses and hotels. Undersea landslips from the eruption of Anak Krakatau an island formed from previous blasts from Krakatoa were recorded 24 minutes before the tsunami struck at around 9.20pm on Saturday local time. "Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life following the devastating Tsunami in Indonesia," - Her Majesty The Queen. The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 24, 2018 At least 373 people have been killed and more than 1,400 are injured, according to the Associated Press. In a message to the president of Indonesia and the Indonesian people, the Queen said: Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life following the devastating tsunami in Indonesia. We send our sincere condolences to all who have lost loved ones and those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected. Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Kings Lynn railway station in Norfolk, after travelling from London at the start of her traditional Christmas break, which will be spent on the Royal estate at Sandringham. I pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the emergency services and the volunteers that are providing support. Elizabeth R. The FCO has updated travel advice, saying people in the area should follow the advice of local authorities. It advises that before travelling to the coastal areas of western Java and the south of Sumatra, people should also check with their travel operator and monitor local media. The tsunami comes less than three months after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck central Sulawesi, causing widespread damage and killing 2,256 people. More than 70,000 homes were said to have been damaged, while communications, water and electricity infrastructure was also severely impaired. Arsenal have revealed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be out for at least six weeks because of a fractured metatarsal. Mkhitaryan suffered the injury to his right foot in last Wednesdays Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham and was replaced at half-time before missing the win against Burnley at the weekend. Arsenal released the news of the injury on their official website with the Armenian playmaker not due to resume full training for six weeks. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set for a spell on the sidelines (Nick Potts/PA) Mkhitaryan has been a regular under Unai Emery and has contributed four Premier League goals this season. The 29-year-old will miss key league games against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City as Arsenal continue their pursuit of a top-four place. Mkhitaryan arrived at the Emirates Stadium almost a year ago as part of the swap deal that took Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United. Hundreds of employees at a manufacturing plant in Livingston have lost their jobs the day before Christmas. Around 300 workers at Kaiam, who manufacture optical receivers, were convened on Monday by joint administrators Blair Nimmo and Alistair McAlinden of KPMG. They were told that, due to declining work levels, high costs of operation at the site and the absence of customers orders, there was no option but to make 310 of the 338 employees redundant with immediate effect. The remaining 28 employees have been retained to help the joint administrators explore a sale of the business. The Scottish Governments Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) programme, which responds to redundancy situations, has been mobilised. Please do all you can to support the Kaiam workers at this difficult time https://t.co/zc5HrVs7Zr STUC (@ScottishTUC) December 24, 2018 It ensures that local public sector agencies respond to potential and proposed redundancies as quickly and effectively as possible. KPMG were appointed joint-administrators (Philip Toscano/PA) Mr Nimmo said: We fully recognise that redundancies at this time of year are particularly difficult. Our main focus during this challenging period is to work with all affected employees alongside Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and West Lothian Council to ensure that the full range of support is available to them. We are also liaising with the UK Government in relation to the timing of redundancy payments via the Insolvency Service. In the short term, we are exploring all available options for a sale of the business and would encourage any interested parties to contact us as soon as possible. Jamie Hepburn, Business, Fair Work and Skills Minister, said: The employees affected by todays announcement from Kaiam Livingston are our immediate priority and we will do everything in our power to help those affected by redundancy. It is an especially difficult time of the year for employees to learn such news. Scottish Enterprise has been working closely with Kaiam to explore all possible options to support the business and its staff, and I am disappointed that a solution could not be found to turn the companys situation around. Scottish Enterprise will work with the administrators to understand the potential options for the business going forward and explore all possibilities to rescue the jobs. Our PACE team were present at the meeting and stand ready to offer their full support to staff to help them find alternative employment. By providing skills development and employability support, PACE aims to help those affected by redundancy to get back into work as quickly as possible. PACE has a strong track record in doing that, and I hope the affected staff can take at least some reassurance from that. The administrators have advised the redundant employees that they will not receive their December 2018 salary and will require to claim this, subject to statutory limits, from the Insolvency Service (which is part of the UK Governments Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy). I am concerned about the impact this will have on families, particularly at this time of year. KPMG will be making urgent representations to the Insolvency Service that they accelerate the payment process from their usual four to six weeks and I will write to the UK Government to encourage them to help with that request. Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay said: This is a bitter blow for the workforce, who have been treated appallingly by bosses at Kaiam throughout this process. People being told they are losing their jobs on Christmas Eve is simply disgraceful. What matters now is that every effort is made to support the workers and their families, who have been failed so badly. Thomas Bjorn has kept his promise to have Europes Ryder Cup-winning score tattooed on his backside. European captain Bjorn said he would have the tattoo if his team beat the USA this summer and retweeted a video showing him having a 17 10 scoreline and trophy tattoo. I told you I would do it, he posted on Twitter, tagging in some of his victorious team members. The royal family are at the heart of many Christmas Day traditions from decorating a festive tree to serving up a roast turkey. It is Queen Charlotte, the German-born wife of George III, who is credited with introducing the Christmas tree to the UK. Queen Charlotte, painted by Johan Zoffany (PA) She is known to have a decorated an evergreen tree for her royal family as early as the 1790s, using candles, paper flowers and sweets as was the custom in Germany. But the habit did not spread much beyond the royal family at that time. The Christmas tree was actually popularised by Queen Victorias consort Prince Albert, who presented large numbers of trees to schools and Army barracks. A 20ft Norman Fir Christmas tree being decorated in St Georges Hall at Windsor Castle, Berkshire (Steve Parsons/PA) In 1848, a print showing the royal couple with their children around a tree was published in the Illustrated London News. After this, the popularity of decorated fir trees escalated throughout society. Even now, the Queen continues Prince Alberts tradition by sending Christmas trees each year to Westminster Abbey, Wellington Barracks, St Pauls Cathedral, St Giles Cathedral and Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Crathie Church and local schools and churches in the Sandringham area. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (PA) The Queen and her family enjoy a traditional roast turkey for their festive lunch. Henry II, who ruled from 1154 to 1189, ate boars head, pickled in brine and stuffed, braised and roasted, at his banquets, according to the Royal Collection book A Royal Christmas, which explores how the royals have celebrated Christmas through the ages. Royal turkey first appeared at the Christmas feast table of Henry VIII in the 1540s and became a Noel dish. Portrait of Henry VIII by Holbein (Lauren Hurley/PA) But its rise in popularity across the country in the late 19th century is down to Queen Victorias eldest son, the future Edward VII, for whom it was a personal favourite. King George IV was partial to a plum broth on Christmas Day, made using large quantities of port, brandy, madeira, sherry and claret, as well as beef and veal, while medieval monarchs dined on roast swan and gilded peacocks. George IV used to give his staff plum broth and mince pies at Christmas and on New Years Day, while Queen Victoria presented her household with plum puddings. Each year, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh give 1,500 Christmas puddings to members of staff, including those in the Court Post Office and police serving at the palaces. The Queen gives 1,500 Christmas puddings to members of staff (Peter Byrne/PA) Traditionally the puddings are from royal grocer Fortnum & Mason, but last year they were reportedly from the Tesco Finest brand. According to A Royal Christmas, until the 19th century, gifts were actually exchanged on New Years Day, in a tradition dating back to the 13th century. A Royal Christmas (Royal Collection Trust/Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018/PA) The monarch would be given presents by their subjects, and then would reciprocate. The Queen also gives gifts to her staff, personally handing out the presents, usually vouchers, to long-serving members of the household. The monarch and Philip send around 750 Christmas cards every year, which will usually feature a family photo. The cards are signed Elizabeth R and Philip, and include their official cyphers. Family, friends, and members of the Royal Household are the recipients, but British and Commonwealth Prime Ministers, Governor-Generals and High Commissioners may also be sent one. The duke has a further 200 cards delivered to different regiments and organisations close to him. The first Christmas card was sent by educator and inventor Henry Cole in 1843 a friend of Prince Alberts, and the royal familys love of Christmas meant they quickly adopted the idea. Stock market trading is considered to be extremely risky. The problem multiplies when one trades in F&Os because they are contractual in nature. Investors must weigh their options before spending money in them. Associated risks are many In India, an investor who wants to trade in derivatives, has several options at hand. For stocks, one can trade through the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). On the other hand, commodity trading can be done through Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX). Currency trading can be done on NSE-SX, MCX-SX. The term derivative stands for contract, whose price is derived from or is dependent upon an underlying asset. It can be a financial asset, such as currency, stock and market index, an interest-bearing security or a physical commodity. Derivative trading in our country comprises four basic contracts forwards, futures, swaps and options. The most common derivative that one can trade in is future and options (F&O). Further, important underlying assets for these F&Os are stocks, commodities, treasury bills and foreign exchange. All future contracts have cash settlement over NSE. Any contract is always made between two persons but clearing corporation always takes the opposite position against any order. Thus, there is always an opposing party by default in each trade. Unlike forward contracts, in future contract, money transfer takes place at the time of signing of the deal. Similarly, while entering an option contract, the buyer pays the premium. With this payment, he/she gets the right to exercise his/her option to buy on the expiration date. On the other hand, the seller of options receives the premium. Due to this, he/she is obliged to sell/buy the asset in the situation when the buyer exercises his/her right. However, one must be cautious in trading with derivatives as they are associated with several risks. First, derivative products require large funds. So, it is not for those with limited resources or low-risk appetite. Second, trading in derivatives needs expert knowledge. Trading expertise and experience are mandatory with high-risk tolerance. Third, as the movement of derivatives depends on the underlying assets, their progress is determined by movements of the underlying asset. Both are like a double-edged sword. Their movements can be quite volatile. They may also have huge upswings or downward spirals. A trader should accept the fact that he/she can lose profits. One can incur loss even with the execution of derivatives. Let us understand trading in derivatives with a few examples Situation I: Derivatives trading risk with future index: Suppose a buyer purchased 100 Nifty 50 futures at Rs 10,724 on May 10. The expiry date is May 28. Total investment amounted to Rs 10,72,400. The buyer paid an initial margin of Rs 1,07,240. On May 28, Nifty 50 index future closed at 10,678. The buyers loss would stand at (1,072,400 -1,067,800)*100 that will be equal to Rs 4,60,000. In this situation, the buyers entire initial investment (ie Rs 1,07,240) is lost. Additionally, he/she will need to pay Rs 3,52,760 (4,60,000 1,07,240). Situation II: Derivatives trading risk with stocks future: Now suppose the buyer purchased 100 TCS futures at Rs 1,740 on May 15 and the expiry date is May 28. He/she made an investment of Rs 1,74,000. He/she paid an initial margin of Rs 17,400. On May 28, the price per shares of TCS was Rs 1,800. The buyer would stand to gain (1,800 1,740) x 100 or Rs 6,000. Situation III: Derivatives trading risk with index options: Suppose the buyer purchases 100 Nifty 50 call options at a strike price of Rs 10,7000 on May 10. Nifty 50 index was at 10,724. Suppose he/she paid a premium of Rs 10,000 (at Rs 100 per call x 100 calls). The expiry date of the contract is May 28. On the expiry date, Nifty index closes at 10,678. The call expires worthless. The buyer would possess the entire Rs 10,000 paid as premium. Situation IV: Derivatives trading risk with stocks option: Let us not assume that the buyer buys 100 TCS put options at a strike price of Rs 1,750 on May 10. TCS share price is at 1,740. He/she paid a premium of Rs 5,000 (at Rs 50 per put x 100 calls). The expiry date of the contract is May 2018. On May 28, TCS shares close at Rs 1,800. In this case, the put option will expire worthlessly. The buyer will lose the entire Rs 5,000 paid as premium. It is a known fact that the stock market is extremely risky to begin with. The quantum of risk gets multiplied in F&O trading. Among the many reasons that make the market risky is contractual trading. All F&O scripts come with a time-frame. For example, if one enters into a contract on June 1, for that months scrip, his/her contract will expire on the last Thursday of June. Unlike equity, where one can hold the position till the desired target is reached, in F&O, one is under the obligation to square off his/her position on the stipulated time. However, due to its high-return potential, it attracts many retail investors. But do they make money? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Most retail investors, who dabble in F&O trading, tend to lose a lot of money. Hence, to dissuade retail investors from trading in F&Os, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) made few changes in the F&O guidelines. It increased the lot size from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. A bigger lot size simply means that traders have to deposit a larger amount with the brokers. High net worth individuals may not feel the heat of the higher lot size, but it will definitely prevent small retail investors from participating in F&O trading. A study suggested that only two per cent traders make money in intra-day and F&O trading. One has to realise that unlike equity market, in the futures market, money does not get generated. Hence, if one is earning money, someone is losing it. Thats why futures market is also called a zero-sum market. After learning this, every trader should first figure out whether they are good enough to be in this narrow bracket of two per cent successful traders. (The writer is Assistant Professor, Amity University) The Congress on Thursday indicated it was ready to meet the expectations of the Samajwadi Party (SP) for a ministerial berth in the newly-formed Madhya Pradesh Government to salvage the ongoing talks on grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh to take on BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. After SP chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed his resentment over the grand old partys attitude and backed the proposed Federal Front being proposed by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, the Congress went out on Thursday for damage control and said it would try and sort out differences between the two parties. The statement of the SP national president shows his discontent. Discontent is not shown for strangers. The Congress and SPs leadership will sort out the matter themselves. People want our parties to fight elections together, UP Congress chief Raj Babbar told The Pioneer in a brief interaction over the stalemate in the Opposition alliance in UP. Babbar, who is also a Rajya Sabha member and has represented both the SP and the Congress in the Lok Sabha from UP that accounts for the highest number of LS MPs, pointed out that both the parties fought together in the UP Assembly polls. When asked about the criticism that Congress behaves like big brother, Babbar said in politics no one is big or small and the democratic system is guided by peoples mandate. The people of UP want both the parties to fight the 2019 elections together. His concerns may be genuine and I would definitely discuss it with Congress high command. I am hopeful the concerns will be accommodated in the interest of like-minded parties who are ready to defeat the BJP in the LS polls, Babbar added. Akhilesh on Wednesday lauded KCR for striving hard to form a Federal Front of regional parties ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and that he will meet the Telengana CM during his Hyderabad visit next month. But to a question on including the Congress in any alliance to take on the BJP unitedly, the SP leader expressed displeasure over the SPs lone MLA in Madhya Pradesh not being made a Minister in the Kamal Nath-led Government. Though the Congress, with 114 seats, emerged as the single largest party in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly, it failed to cross the halfway mark (116) on its own and enlisted the support of the BSP and the SP, which have won two and one seats respectively. However, no MLA from the Mayawati-led BSP or the SP was given place in the Cabinet. Responding to another question, the former UP CM said as days to polls are approaching all options remain opened as who will join hands with the SP or not. Meanwhile Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said the JD(S), an alliance partner of the Congress in Karnataka, has not yet discussed with the national party about the seat-sharing formula for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress-JD(S) alliance is strong and it would contest the Lok Sabha polls together, he said. The JD(S) leaders comment came in the wake of Congress leader Siddaramaiah in Hubbali on Thursday rubbishing BJPs claim that the coalition Government in Karnataka would collapse due to an internal rift. There has not been any discussion on this (seat sharing) with the Congress so far. When the discussion has not yet taken place, then there is no question of any fight, Kumaraswamy told reporters when asked if the two parties have reached a seat-sharing formula for the 2019 polls. He was in the national Capital to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss issues pertaining to the State. Siddaramaiah, who is the leader of the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition coordination committee, ruled out any differences between him and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara over portfolio allocation to the newly-inducted Ministers. East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) has issued an order making it mandatory to all restaurants and shops selling or serving meat in East Delhi area to display the method of slaughtering chicken and meat dishes or face prosecution. The decision has been taken considering sentiments of the people. With the decision, they (restaurants and shops) will have to put a board in front of their shops specifying whether the meat they are selling or serving is of 'jhatka' or 'halal', said EDMC Mayor Bipin Bihari Singh. Singh further said that the direction has been issued by the EDMC in this regard. "The civic body will first make them aware of the new rules for the first one or two month thereafter they would be served a show-cause notice and prosecuted accordingly. The resolution to that effect was cleared by the standing committee of the BJP-led civic body and passed in the house meeting later, a senior EDMC official said. The EDMC in the resolution claimed that consumption of halal meat is "not allowed" as per the Hindu and Sikh religions. It will be mandatory for all east Delhi restaurants to display a written message on the same. "The standing committee resolves that instructions be issued that all restaurants and shops should mandatorily display boards mentioning if the meat being sold or served is halal or 'jhatka'," the resolution said. Mayor has asked the restaurants and eating joints to mandatorily comply with the requirements. He also directed Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and Assistant Public Health Inspectors to ensure a proper implementation of this order. Governor Ram Naik advocated the introduction of police commissionerate system (PCS) in all cities of Uttar Pradesh having population of 20 lakh and above to improve policing. Just on the line of police commissionerate system in other cities of the country, Uttar Pradesh too should go for a pilot project of introducing the system in the state, Naik asserted after inspecting the ceremonial police parade at Reserve Police Lines here on Thursday. The Governor suggested to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that a beginning in this regard could be done from Lucknow, Kanpur and Ghaziabad districts. The introduction of the police commissionerate system has been a long-pending demand of the officers of Indian Police Services (IPS) cadre. The police commissionerate system is successfully working in 71 big cities of the country, out of which 19 have a population of more then 20 lakh, Naik pointed out. Highlighting Kumbh Mela, the Governor said that it would add new vistas to Uttar Pradesh across the world and the Kumbh Mela in 2019 would have special significance as it would be held in Prayagraj and not in Allahabad. Naik said that people of the world were eagerly looking forward to participating in the Kumbh Mela beginning from January 15 next year and hoped that nearly 15 crore people would take the holy dip at the Sangam. Lauding the role of UP Police, Naik said that increasing investment in the state was a pointer that law and order had improved and now people not only from India, but also from abroad were looking forward to expanding their business in the state. The Governor also said that besides large-scale investments, the drop in crime as presented by the UP Police was indicative of improvement on the law and order front. Interestingly, Naik took a dig at the media, asking them to be more sensitive while reporting. Media persons have to be sensitive and alert while reporting any matter. They should keep in mind not to just report incidents of crime but also highlight achievements of the UP Police along with their humanitarian work. This will help in building trust of the public in the law enforcing agency, Naik advised. The Governor also appreciated the parade on the occasion besides praising a wall raised on the ground. The ceremonial parade this year was lead by Commandant of 9th Battalion PAC, Sanjeev Tyagi, and his second-in-command was Additional Superintendent of Police (North) in Lucknow, Anoop Singh. On the occasion, Naik also felicitated police officials who won Presidents Medal in different categories. Prominent recipients include ADG Abhay Prasad, SP (Security) Rajesh Pandey, retired ASP Raghvendra Singh, retired DySP Raman Pal Singh, sub-inspectors Ram Bahadur Singh and Rama Kant Singh, retired head constable Shanti Swaroop etc. SP (Security) Rajesh Pandey was feted with Presidents Medal for Gallantry. Besides the Governor and the Chief Minister, senior government officers and UP Police officials were also present at the function. The Congress Government in Chhattisgarh on Thursday started returning money of farmers which was taken from them during sale of paddy which was linked to the loan repayment system during the previous regime. We have fulfilled our promises made in the poll manifesto, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said in a statement. The Government has started returning Rs 1248 crore to 3.57 lakh farmers by transferring money in their bank accounts,officials informed. The process is part of the promise made by the Congress party in its election manifesto on farm loan waiver. Notably, the Chhattisgarh government had issued notification to the Co-operatives Department regarding waiver of short-term loans of farmers till November 30, 2018. The scheme is known as 'Short-term Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme-2018'. The scheme includes marginal farmers, small and big farmers.It also includes SHGs and farmer groups, an official statement informed here on Saturday last . The Government will pay back loans via linking or cash between November 1 to 30, 2018. The loan waiver is only for short term loans and not medium or long term loan, it stated. It would be the responsibility of the banks to verify the authenticity of farmer loan waiver and also the farmers' list, it stated. A saw mill operating illegally in at Damodardih village near High school area in the district was raided and timbers and wood cutting instruments worth two lakhs were seized by Bengabad and Forest officials here on Thursday, said police. A joint team of forest officials and Bengabad police officials took part in the raid on the mill owned by Srikant Rana and three others. The mill was raised in the morning and sealed. Timbers, logs and wood cutting machinery worth over Rs 2.5 lakh have been seized during the raid which was conducted following an order for the same by Giridih SP, Surendra Kumar Jha. However, the owner of the mill managed to give police a slip and efforts are on to nab him, said Faiz Rabani and Forest official Ajay Kumar. The team took part in the raid after getting a tip off on the presence of the illegal Saw mill at Damodardih, very close to a high school. Efforts are on to nab the absconding operators of the raided mill. Senior Advocate of Chhattisgarh High Court , Kanak Tiwari has been appointed the new Advocate General of the State. The State Government issued an order in this regard on Thursday. Tiwari began his carrier as a Professor in English Literature. Later after doing LLB from Pt Ravishankar Shukla University and securing gold medal in it, he joined the profession of Legal Counsellor. Inspired with Gandhian philosophy, Tiwari is also an author of several books on history and constitutional issues. The some of the books are Samvidhan Ka Sach, Samvidhan Ki Padtal, Gandhi and Panchayati Raj, Gandhi Ka Desh, Fir Se Hind Swaraj, Bastar: Lal Kranti Banam Green Hunt and Hind Swaraj Ka Sach. Notably, earlier the Advocate General Jugal Kishor Gilda resigned from the post right after Bhupesh Baghel assumed the office of Chief Minister. Gilda, who hails from Nagpur in Maharashtra, served the post since 2014. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday termed lawyers as priests in the temple of law and highlighted their role in the freedom struggle. The lawyers community played a vital role in the freedom struggle. What a priest does in the temple, the advocates do the same in the temple of law, asserted Mahajan while addressing the concluding ceremony of the three-day convention of Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Sangh in Lucknow on Wednesday. Attacking the #Metoo campaign, Mahajan said that advocates should feel their responsibility towards the society and instead highlight #Ytoo. Advocates at present are eyeing high packages by getting engaged in the corporate world instead of practising in courts and facilitating justice to the common man. Lawyers have to maintain integrity and they should feel their responsibility in building up high standard in the society, the Lok Sabha Speakers said. Claiming that even her husband and she were advocates, Mahajan said that lawyers should remain aware and facilitate the government in implementing new laws enacted to forward justice to the last person of the society. She also appealed to the lawyers association to come forward not just in improving the system, but also with suggestions on how Indias judicial system could be strengthened further. Speaking at the function, West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi said that the Adhivakta Parishad was an example of showing the way to the society and facilitating justice to all. He added that advocates should not indulge in any agitation or protest so that the High Court has to take cognisance and ban their unwanted stir and declare it unlawful. Tripathi highlighted the importance of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) claiming that it had become a powerful tool to extend justice or check unlawful activities of government or even expose corrupt practices. However, he cautioned that people should keep in mind that such tools should be not misused. The West Bengal Governor said that advocates should honour the judiciary as if they indulged in any activity which hits the pride then the people would lose their faith in the system. Tripathi also highlighted how some activists or organisations were attacking Indian democracy and cited examples. Creating an atmosphere of chaos or spreading rumours that democracy is in danger after a couple of incidents in the country is very damaging. Ours is a huge country and critics should give ample time to law enforcers to probe before drawing a negative conclusion. One should act with responsibility, ensuring that peoples faith in democracy should not be affected, Tripathi pointed out. Ranchi police on Thursday claimed to have achieved major successes even as it nabbed eight criminals in connection with three major crimes, including kidnapping of a seven year-old boy. SSP Ranchi Anis Gupta stated that police solved a very sensitive and challenging case when it rescued seven-year son of Chatrapal Mishra of Ganganagar from Chituadaag village on Thursday morning. He said three persons including Shivanand Oroan, Anil Kumar Lakra and Rajesh Kumar Tudu were arrested this connection and a loaded country-made pistol, a cartridge and five mobile phones were recovered from them. The criminals had kidnapped the boy from the Sukhdeonagar police station area on December 24. He added that a team comprising two ASPs and several DSPs were engaged in the operation. Among the kidnappers was a labourer who had worked in Mishras house earlier. They had demanded a ransom of Rs 40 lakhs to release the victim, the SP said. He informed that following information regarding presence of kidnappers at Lodhma-Dhurwa police carried out a night-long operation in the area on Wednesday night. Following another tip off the police recovered the boy near a primary school in Chituadaag village. He said all three accused have criminal antecedent adding they used to extort money in the name of extremist organisation PLFI. The SSP further stated that three persons including a minor have been nabbed in connection with murder of Rajan Tirkey under Sukhdeonagar police station area. The arrested persons include Shivam Choudhary and Ashwani Kumar. The SSP said Tirkey was murdered over love affair with a girl adding his cousin who is a minor was alsoinvolved in removing evidences of crime. It may be noted here that half-burnt body of victim was found near Daldali pond in Ranchi last Tuesday. Local people had blocked the busy Piska More to protest the incident. Gupta said police have arrested two persons namely Mujjakir Ansari and Md Munnawar in connection with Yogendra Saos murder under the Tupudana police station area last Monday. Acting on a tip off, a police team raided the Baalsiring hilly area and nabbed the criminals. A country-made pistol, three live cartridges, an empty cartridge and a bike was recovered from them. The SSP said the victim and the accused persons were engaged in extortion adding that dispute over share of the money led to the crime. Taking serious note of a sting operation exposing corruption in the government, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday suspended three officers and set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the anomalous goings on. Cases were also registered against the personal secretaries of three state ministers seen demanding money for different government works in the video. The three personal secretaries against whom action has been taken are of Backward Class Welfare and Divyangjan Empowerment Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, Minister of State for Mining Archana Pandey and Minister of State for Basic Education Sandeep Singh. Besides the role of the accused, the SIT would also look into the involvement of all others, including the ministers concerned, before submitting its report. Taking strong exception on the issue and toeing the line of zero tolerance to corruption, the Chief Minister on Thursday asked authorities concerned to lodge FIR against the personal secretaries. All three were suspended and a SIT was set up to probe the entire incident after a news channel telecast the sting operation, said an official communique on Thursday morning. The Special Investigation Team comprising ADG (Lucknow Zone) Rajeev Krishna, IG (STF) Amitabh Yash and Special Secretary (IT) Rakesh Verma will submit its report in 10 days. Last week, the Chief Minister had directed all ministers to be aware of corruption in their departments and offices. After the sting, Rajbhar wrote to his departmental head to take strong action against his personal secretary Om Prakash Kashyap. Kashyap was seen demanding Rs 40 lakh from a person for his transfer while sitting in the ministers office. Kashyap was also seen dealing with another person and assuring to get him a contract for supply of school bags and school uniform through the husband of Minister of State for State for Basic Education (Independent Charge) Anupma Jaiswal. In the second sting, Minister of State for Mining Archana Pandeys personal secretary SP Tripathi was recorded assuring a person to provide him a mining lease in lieu of cash. Tripathi was also seen suggesting to the person that he carry out his operations in Saharanpur which, he said, was very lucrative. Similarly, Minister of State for Basic Education Sandeep Singhs personal secretary Santosh Awasthi was seen dealing with a person to give him a contract for supplying books and demanding his cut in the deal. A 22 year-old youth who appeared for a Delhi Police examination was allegedly stabbed to death by unknown assailants while his friend was severely injured after he came to his rescue in northeast Delhis Bhajanpura area on Wednesday evening. The deceased has been identified as identified as Prem Sanu Gaur (22), a resident of Kadipur, Kadi Vihar, and the injured has been identified as Dev Sharma (30), a resident of Bhajanpura. According to Atul Kumar Thakur, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North-East district, a Police Control Room (PCR) call was received at around 9:05 pm on Wednesday regarding the incident that occurred near Khajuri Chowk in the Bhajanpura area following which a team rushed to the spot. After reaching the spot, police came to know that an unidentified man, in his early 20s, had stabbed the two and fled from the spot. The duo was taken to the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital where Prem succumbed to injuries. Dev is still undergoing treatment at GTB hospital, said the DCP. The motive behind the incident is unclear and the victims have their mobile phones and purses on them, said the DCP. Prem was a student and had recently appeared for a Delhi Polices Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) exam while Dev used to work as a mechanic in the Kashmere Gate area, said the DCP. American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at [email protected] | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. Suncor Energy Inc. operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. It operates in Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Corporate and Eliminations segments. The Oil Sands segment recovers bitumen from mining and in situ operations, and upgrades it into refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blends the bitumen with diluent for direct sale to market. The Exploration and Production segment is involved in offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea; and operating onshore assets in Libya and Syria. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil and intermediate feedstock into various petroleum and petrochemical products; and markets refined petroleum products to retail, commercial, and industrial customers through its other retail sellers. The Corporate and Eliminations segment operates four wind farm operations in Ontario and Western Canada. The company also markets and trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power. The company was formerly known as Suncor Inc. and changed its name to Suncor Energy Inc. in April 1997. Suncor Energy Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More There is not enough analysis data for Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund. 4.1 Community Rank Outperform Votes Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund has received 110 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund has received 69 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund has received 61.45% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe FAX will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe FAX will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of ENI: Adriaplin Podjetje za distribucijo, Agenzia Giornalistica Italia SpA, Agip Caspian Sea BV, Agip Energy and Natural, Agip Karachaganak BV, Agip Petroli, Aldro Energy, Banque Eni SA, Burren Energy (Bermuda) Ltd(1), Burren Energy (Egypt) Ltd, Burren Energy Congo Ltd, Burren Energy India Ltd, Burren Energy Plc, Burren Shakti Ltd, D-Service Media Srl, D-Share SpA, D-Share USA Corp., Dhamma Energy Group, Dunastyr Polisztirolgyarto Zartkoruen, Ecofuel SpA, Eni AEP Ltd, Eni Abu Dhabi BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading Services BV, Eni Albania BV, Eni Algeria Exploration BV, Eni Algeria Ltd Sarl, Eni Algeria Production BV, Eni Ambalat Ltd, Eni America Ltd, Eni Angola Exploration BV, Eni Angola Production BV, Eni Angola SpA, Eni Argentina Exploracion, Eni Arguni I Ltd, Eni Australia BV, Eni Australia Ltd, Eni Austria GmbH, Eni BB Petroleum Inc, Eni BTC Ltd, Eni Bahrain BV, Eni Benelux BV, Eni Bukat Ltd, Eni CBM Ltd, Eni Canada Holding Ltd, Eni China BV, Eni Congo SA, Eni Corporate University SpA, Eni Cyprus Ltd, Eni Cote dIvoire Ltd, Eni Denmark BV, Eni Deutschland GmbH, Eni East Ganal Ltd, Eni East Sepinggan Ltd, Eni Ecuador SA, Eni Elgin/Franklin Ltd, Eni Energy Russia BV, Eni Exploration & Production Holding BV, Eni Finance International SA, Eni Finance USA Inc, Eni France Sarl, Eni Fuel SpA, Eni G&P Trading BV, Eni Gabon SA, Eni Ganal Ltd, Eni Gas & Power France SA, Eni Gas & Power LNG Australia BV, Eni Gas Transport Services Srl, Eni Ghana Exploration and Production Ltd, Eni Hewett Ltd, Eni Hydrocarbons Venezuela Ltd, Eni Iberia SLU, Eni India Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ots 1 Ltd, Eni Insurance DAC, Eni International BV, Eni International NA NV Sarl, Eni International Resources Ltd, Eni Investments Plc, Eni Iran BV, Eni Iraq BV, Eni Ireland BV, Eni Isatay BV, Eni JPDA 03-13 Ltd, Eni JPDA 06-105 Pty Ltd, Eni JPDA 11-106 BV, Eni Kenya BV, Eni Krueng Mane Ltd, Eni LNS Ltd, Eni Lasmo Plc, Eni Lebanon BV, Eni Liberia BV, Eni Liverpool Bay Operating Co Ltd, Eni Lubricants Trading (Shangai) Co Ltd, Eni Marketing Austria GmbH, Eni Marketing Inc, Eni Maroc BV, Eni Mediterranea Idrocarburi SpA, Eni Middle East Ltd, Eni Mineralolhandel GmbH, Eni Montenegro BV, Eni Mozambico SpA, Eni Mozambique Engineering Ltd, Eni Mozambique LNG Holding BV, Eni Muara Bakau BV, Eni Myanmar BV, Eni Mexico S. de RL de CV, Eni Next Llc, Eni North Africa BV, Eni North Ganal Ltd, Eni Oil & Gas Inc, Eni Oil Algeria Ltd, Eni Oil Holdings BV, Eni Oman BV, Eni Pakistan (M) Ltd Sarl, Eni Pakistan Ltd, Eni Petroleum Co Inc, Eni Petroleum US Llc, Eni Portugal BV, Eni RAK BV, Eni RD Congo SA, Eni Rapak Ltd, Eni Rovuma Basin BV, Eni Schmiertechnik GmbH, Eni Sharjah BV, Eni South Africa BV, Eni South China Sea Ltd Sarl, Eni Suisse SA, Eni TNS Ltd, Eni Timor Leste SpA, Eni Trading & Shipping Inc, Eni Trading & Shipping SpA, Eni Transporte y Suministro Mexico , Eni Tunisia BV, Eni Turkmenistan Ltd, Eni UHL Ltd, Eni UK Holding Plc, Eni UK Ltd, Eni UKCS Ltd, Eni ULT Ltd, Eni ULX Ltd, Eni US Operating Co Inc, Eni USA Gas Marketing Llc, Eni USA Inc, Eni USA R&M Co Inc, Eni Ukraine Holdings BV, Eni Ukraine Llc, Eni Ukraine Shallow Waters BV, Eni Venezuela BV, Eni Venezuela E&P Holding SA, Eni Vietnam BV, Eni West Africa SpA, Eni West Ganal Ltd, Eni West Timor Ltd, Eni Yemen Ltd, Eni do Brasil Investimentos em Exploracao e Producao de Petroleo Ltda, Eni gas e luce SpA, EniPower Mantova SpA, EniProgetti Egypt Ltd, EniProgetti SpA, EniServizi SpA, Esacontrol SA, Esain SA, Eurl Eni Algerie, FRI-EL Group, First Calgary Petroleums LP, First Calgary Petroleums Partner Co ULC, First Calgary Petroliums, Floaters SpA, Gas Supply Company Thessaloniki - Thessalia SA, Gazoduc Transtunisien SA - Scogat SA, Ieoc Exploration BV, Ieoc Production BV, Ieoc SpA, LNG Shipping SpA, Lasmo Sanga Sanga Ltd, Liverpool Bay Ltd, Mizamtec Operating Company, Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Nigerian Agip CPFA Ltd, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, Nigerian Agip Oil Co Ltd, OOO Eni Energhia, OOO Eni-Nefto, Oleoduc du Rhone SA, Petroven Srl, Raffineria di Gela SpA, Resources (Nigeria) Ltd, S. de RL de CV, SEA SpA, SeaPad SpA, Serfactoring SpA, Servizi Aerei SpA, Servizi Fondo Bombole Metano SpA, Societa Petrolifera Italiana SpA, Societe de Service du Gazoduc, Societe pour la Construction du, Tecnoesa SA, Trans Tunisian Pipeline Co SpA, Transtunisien SA - Sergaz SA, Versalis Americas Inc, Versalis Congo Sarlu, Versalis Deutschland GmbH, Versalis France SAS, Versalis International SA, Versalis Kimya Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Versalis Mexico S. de R.L. de CV, Versalis Pacific (India) Private Ltd, Versalis Pacific Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, Versalis Singapore Pte Ltd, Versalis SpA, Versalis UK Ltd, Zetah Congo Ltd, Zetah Kouilou Ltd, and zemeljskega plina doo Ljubljana. BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock Fund Managers Limited. It is managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in stocks of small and mid-cap companies. It also invests through a portfolio of contracts for difference (CFD) and/or comparable equity derivatives. The fund employs fundamental analysis with a combination of top-down and bottom-up stock picking approaches, focusing on such factors as strong management and balance sheets, good technology, dependable niche business areas, and growth opportunity for shareholders to create its portfolio. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the Numis Smaller Companies (excluding Investment Companies) Index. The fund was formerly known as The Throgmorton Trust Plc. BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc was formed in December 1962 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom. Read More Orchids Paper Products Company manufactures and sells tissue products for at-home and away from home markets in the United States. Its products include paper towels, bathroom tissues, and paper napkins. The company offers its products under the Orchids Supreme, Clean Scents, Tackle, Colortex, My Size, Velvet, and Big Mopper brands; and licensed brands, such as Virtue, Truly Green, Golden Gate Paper, and Big Quality. It also sells parent rolls to other converters. The company serves discount retailers, grocery stores, grocery wholesalers and cooperatives, convenience stores, janitorial supply stores, and stores in the food service market. Orchids Paper Products Company was founded in 1976 and is based in Pryor, Oklahoma. Read More ProShares Ultra FTSE China 50's stock was trading at $52.52 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, XPP stock has decreased by 10.9% and is now trading at $46.7956. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Fraport AG operates airports in Germany, rest of Europe, Asia, and the United States. The company primarily focuses on the operation of Frankfurt Main airport. It operates through four segments: Aviation, Retail & Real Estate, Ground Handling, and International Activities & Services. The Aviation segment operates landside and airside infrastructure, which covers the area of airport charges. The Retail & Real Estate segment engages in retail activities, including marketing of real estate properties and land. This segment also manages buildings and facilities, and parking and retail areas; and rents advertising space. The Ground Handling segment provides loading, baggage, and passenger services through airmail and luggage transport to freight handling. The International Activities & Services segment acquires, operates, maintains, develops, and expands airports and infrastructure facilities. This segment also offers integrated facility and corporate infrastructure management, airport expansion south, and information and telecommunication services. Fraport AG was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Read More 1 Wall Street research analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in the last year. There are currently 1 hold rating for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street research analysts is that investors should "hold" SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust stock. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in SPY, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares. View analyst ratings for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust or view top-rated stocks. Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF's stock was trading at $25.82 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, PCY shares have increased by 1.0% and is now trading at $26.09. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 4 hours ago The 6 Biggest Issues with Early Retirement: Will These Happen to You? When you're slogging away in a cubicle at work, it might sound like a dream to wake up when you want, read a book in a hammock, putter around in the yard, etc. (You know, the things that retired people do.) Almost half of Americans (49.9%) expect to retire before they turn 62, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Read Article The following companies are subsidiares of Bristol-Myers Squibb: 1096271 B.C. ULC, 345 Park LLC, A.G. Medical Services P.A., AHI Investment LLC, AbVitro LLC, Abraxis BioScience Australia Pty Ltd., Abraxis BioScience Inc., Abraxis BioScience International Holding Company Inc., Abraxis BioScience LLC, Abraxis BioScience Puerto Rico LLC, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adnexus, Adnexus a Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Company, Allard Labs Acquisition G.P., Amira Pharmaceuticals, Amira Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Apothecon LLC, B-MS Generx Unlimited Company, BMS Benelux Holdings B.V., BMS Bermuda Nominees L.L.C., BMS Data Acquisition Company LLC, BMS Forex Company, BMS Holdings Sarl, BMS Holdings Spain S.L., BMS International Insurance Designated Activity Company, BMS Investco SAS, BMS Korea Holdings L.L.C., BMS Latin American Nominees L.L.C., BMS Luxembourg Partners L.L.C., BMS Omega Bermuda Holdings Finance Ltd., BMS Pharmaceutical Korea Limited, BMS Pharmaceuticals Germany Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals International Holdings Netherlands B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Korea Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Mexico Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Netherlands Holdings B.V., BMS Real Estate LLC, BMS Spain Investments LLC, BMS Strategic Portfolio Investments Holdings Inc., Blisa Acquisition G.P., Bristol (Iran) S.A., Bristol Iran Private Company Limited, Bristol Laboratories Inc., Bristol Laboratories International S.A., Bristol Laboratories Medical Information Systems Inc., Bristol-Myers (Andes) L.L.C., Bristol-Myers (Private) Limited, Bristol-Myers Middle East S.A.L., Bristol-Myers Overseas Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Israel) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (NZ) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Proprietary) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Taiwan) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (West Indies) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb A.E., Bristol-Myers Squibb Aktiebolag, Bristol-Myers Squibb Argentina S. R. L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Axia Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb B.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Belgium S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada International Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Delta Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Denmark Filial of Bristol-Myers Squibb AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb EMEA Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Egypt LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Epsilon Holdings Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Ltda., Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Portuguesa S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holding Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings 2002 Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Pharma Ltd. Liability Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ilaclari Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Company Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Investco L.L.C., Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Bristol-Myers Squibb Kft., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg International S.C.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb MEA GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufacturing Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Marketing Services S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Norway Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Nutricionales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Peru S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (HK) Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (Thailand) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Holding Company LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Ventures Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Products SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico/Sanofi Pharmaceutical Partnership Puerto Rico, Bristol-Myers Squibb Romania S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.A.U., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Service Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Spol. s r.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Theta Finance Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Trustees Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Colombia S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Costa Rica Sociedad Anonima, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Guatemala S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb/Astrazeneca EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, Bristol-Myers de Venezuela S.C.A., CHT I LLC, CHT II LLC, CHT III LLC, CHT IV LLC, CR Finance Company LLC, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celem LLC, Celem Ltd., Celgene, Celgene A.B., Celgene AS, Celgene Ab (Finland), Celgene Alpine Investment Co. II LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. III LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. LLC, Celgene ApS, Celgene B.V., Celgene BVBA, Celgene Brasil Produtos Farmaceuticos Ltda., Celgene CAR LLC, Celgene CAR Ltd., Celgene Chemicals Sarl, Celgene China Holdings LLC, Celgene Co., Celgene Corporation, Celgene Distribution B.V., Celgene EngMab GmbH, Celgene Europe B.V., Celgene Europe Limited, Celgene European Investment Company LLC, Celgene Financing Company LLC, Celgene Global Holdings Sarl, Celgene GmbH [Austria], Celgene GmbH [Germany], Celgene GmbH [Switzerland], Celgene Holdings East Corporation, Celgene Holdings II Sarl, Celgene Holdings III Sarl, Celgene Ilac Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Celgene Inc., Celgene International Holdings Corporation, Celgene International II Sarl, Celgene International III Sarl, Celgene International Inc., Celgene International Sarl, Celgene K.K., Celgene Kft., Celgene Limited [Hong Kong], Celgene Limited [Ireland], Celgene Limited [New Zealand], Celgene Limited [Taiwan], Celgene Limited [UK], Celgene Logistics Sarl, Celgene Ltd, Celgene Luxembourg Sarl, Celgene Management Sarl, Celgene NJ Investment Co, Celgene Netherlands B.V., Celgene Netherlands Investment B.V., Celgene Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Celgene Pte. Ltd., Celgene Pty Ltd, Celgene Puerto Rico Distribution LLC, Celgene Quanticel Research Inc, Celgene R&D Sarl, Celgene RIVOT LLC, Celgene RIVOT Ltd., Celgene RIVOT SRL, Celgene Receptos Limited, Celgene Receptos Sarl, Celgene Research Incubator At Summit West LLC, Celgene Research S.L.U., Celgene Research and Development Company LLC, Celgene Research and Development I ULC, Celgene Research and Development II LLC, Celgene Research and Investment Company II LLC, Celgene S. de R.L. de C.V., Celgene S.L.U., Celgene S.R.L., Celgene SAS, Celgene Sarl AU, Celgene Sdn Bhd, Celgene Services Sarl, Celgene Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Celgene Sp. Z.o.o., Celgene Sro [Czech Republic], Celgene Summit Investment Co, Celgene Switzerland Holding Sarl, Celgene Switzerland II LLC, Celgene Switzerland Investment Sarl, Celgene Switzerland LLC, Celgene Switzerland Sarl, Celgene Tri A Holdings Ltd., Celgene Tri Sarl, Celgene UK Distribution Limited, Celgene UK Holdings Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing II Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing III Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing Limited, Celgene d.o.o., Celgene sro [Slovakia], Celmed LLC, Celmed Ltd., ConvaTec Divestiture, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals AB, Crosp Ltd., Delinia Inc., Deuteria Pharmaceuticals Inc., DuPont Pharmaceuticals, E. R. Squibb & Sons Inter-American Corporation, E. R. Squibb & Sons L.L.C., E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, EWI Corporation, EngMab Sarl, F-star Alpha, FermaVir Pharmaceuticals L.L.C., FermaVir Research L.L.C., Flexus Biosciences, Flexus Biosciences Inc., Forbius, Galecto Biotech, GenPharm International L.L.C., Gloucester Pharmaceuticals LLC, Grove Insurance Company Ltd., Heyden Farmaceutica Portuguesa Limitada, IFM Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines Inc., Inhibitex, Inhibitex L.L.C., Innate Tumor Immunity Inc., JuMP Holdings LLC, Juno Therapeutics GmbH, Juno Therapeutics Inc., Kosan Biosciences, Kosan Biosciences Incorporated, Linson Investments Limited, Mead Johnson (Manufacturing) Jamaica Limited, Mead Johnson Jamaica Ltd., Medarex, Morris Avenue Investment II LLC, Morris Avenue Investment LLC, MyoKardia, O.o.o. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oy Bristol-Myers Squibb (Finland) AB, Padlock Therapeutics, Padlock Therapeutics Inc., Pharmion LLC, Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Receptos LLC, Receptos Services LLC, RedoxTherapies Inc., Route 22 Real Estate Holding Corporation, SPV A Holdings ULC, Seamair Insurance DAC, Signal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Societe Francaise de Complements Alimentaires(S.O.F.C.A.), Squibb Middle East S.A., Summit West Celgene LLC, Swords Laboratories, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Westwood-Intrafin SA, Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals Inc., X-Body Inc., ZymoGenetics, ZymoGenetics Inc., ZymoGenetics LLC, ZymoGenetics Paymaster LLC, iPierian, and iPierian Inc.. CoreLogic, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides property information, insight, analytics, and data-enabled solutions in North America, Western Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates in two segments, Property Intelligence & Risk Management Solutions (PIRM) and Underwriting & Workflow Solutions (UWS). The PIRM segment combines property information, mortgage information, and consumer information to deliver housing market and property-level insights, predictive analytics, and risk management capabilities. It also offers proprietary technology and software platforms to access, automate, or track the information and assist its clients with decision-making and compliance tools in the real estate and insurance industries. This segment primarily serves commercial banks, mortgage lenders and brokers, investment banks, fixed-income investors, real estate agents, MLS companies, property and casualty insurance companies, title insurance companies, government agencies, and government-sponsored enterprises. The UWS segment combines property, mortgage, and consumer information to provide comprehensive mortgage origination and monitoring solutions, including underwriting-related solutions, and data-enabled valuations and appraisals. This segment also provides proprietary technology and software platforms to access, automate, or track the information and assist its clients with vetting and onboarding prospects, and meeting compliance regulations, as well as understanding, evaluating, monitoring property values. It primarily serves mortgage lenders and servicers, mortgage brokers, credit unions, commercial banks, fixed-income investors, government agencies, and property and casualty insurance companies. The company was formerly known as The First American Corporation and changed its name to CoreLogic, Inc. in June 2010. CoreLogic, Inc. was incorporated in 1894 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. Read More 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. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc.. National Australia Bank Limited provides financial services to individuals and businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. It operates through Business and Private Banking, Personal Banking, Corporate and Institutional Banking, and New Zealand Banking segments. It operates through Business and Private Banking; Personal Banking; Corporate and Institutional Banking; New Zealand Banking; Corporate Functions and Other; and MLC Wealth segments. The company accepts transaction accounts, savings accounts, deposit accounts, and term deposits; and specialized accounts, such as foreign currency, business interest, statutory trust, community free saver, farm management, and project bank accounts, as well as farm management deposits. National Australia Bank Limited also provides home loans; personal loans; business loans; vehicle and equipment finance; and trade and invoice finance, as well as business overdrafts and bank guarantees. In addition, the company offers insurance products consisting of car, home and content, landlord, travel, caravan and trailer, life, and business insurance products; and pension, superannuation, self-managed super funds, cash management, and financial planning and advisory services. Further, it provides investment products; credit, debit, and business cards; payments and merchant services; travel services; online and internet banking services; small business services; international and foreign exchange solutions; and industry specific banking services. National Australia Bank Limited was founded in 1834 and is based in Docklands, Australia. Read More Tailored Brands, Inc. (NYSE:TLRD) issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, March, 18th. The company reported ($0.46) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.54) by $0.08. The firm earned $690.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $708.46 million. Tailored Brands had a negative trailing twelve-month return on equity of 138.49% and a negative net margin of 14.39%. Tailored Brands's revenue was down 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.28) earnings per share. View Tailored Brands' earnings history. The following companies are subsidiares of Exxon Mobil: AKG Marketing Company Limited, Aera Energy LLC, Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company, Ampolex (Cepu) Pte Ltd, Ancon Insurance Company Inc., Barnett Gathering LLC, Barzan Gas Company Limited, Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Celtic Exploration Ltd., Coral FLNG S.A., Cross Timbers Energy LLC, Ellora Energy Inc., Esmeroon Oil Transporta Imperial Oil Limited, Esso (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd, Esso Deutschland GmbH, Esso Erdgas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 17) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Angola (Overseas) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Chad Inc., Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Esso Exploration and Production UK Limited, Esso Global Investments Ltd., Esso Italiana S.r.l., Esso Nederland B.V., Esso Norge AS, Esso Petroleum Company Limited, Esso Raffinage, Esso Societe Anonyme Francaise, Exxo Holdings Inc., Exxon Azerbaijan Limited, Exxon Chemical Arabia Inc., Exxon International Finance Company, Exxon Luxembourg Holdings LLC, Exxon Mobile Bay Limited Partnership, Exxon Neftegas Limited, Exxon Overseas Corporation, Exxon Overseas Investment Corporation, ExxonMobil (China) Investment Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil (Taicang) Petroleum Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil Abu Dhabi Offshore Petroleum Company Limited, ExxonMobil Alaska Production Inc., ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd, ExxonMobil B Resources Company, ExxonMobil Capital Finance Company, ExxonMobil Capital Netherlands B.V., ExxonMobil Central Europe Holding GmbH, ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, ExxonMobil Chemical France, ExxonMobil Chemical Gulf Coast Investments LLC, ExxonMobil Chemical Holland B.V., ExxonMobil Chemical Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil China Petroleum & Petrochemical Company Limited, ExxonMobil Development Africa B.V., ExxonMobil Development Company, ExxonMobil Egypt (S.A.E.), ExxonMobil Exploracao Brasil Ltda., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Norway AS, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania Limited, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Tanzania Limited, ExxonMobil Finance Company Limited, ExxonMobil Financial Investment Company Limited, ExxonMobil France Holding SAS, ExxonMobil Gas Marketing Europe Limited, ExxonMobil General Finance Company, ExxonMobil Global Services Company, ExxonMobil Golden Pass Surety LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Company Holland LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Norway AS, ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited, ExxonMobil International Services SARL, ExxonMobil Iraq Limited, ExxonMobil Italiana Gas S.r.l., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Ventures Inc., ExxonMobil LNG Services B.V., ExxonMobil Lubricants Trading Company, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BVBA, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical Holdings Inc., ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, ExxonMobil Production Norway Inc., ExxonMobil Qatargas (II) Limited, ExxonMobil Qatargas Inc., ExxonMobil Ras Laffan (III) Limited, ExxonMobil Rasgas Inc., ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, ExxonMobil Russia Kara Sea Holdings B.V., ExxonMobil Sales and Supply LLC, ExxonMobil Technology Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Funding Ltd., Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Golden Pass LNG Terminal Investments LLC, Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures LLC, Imperial Oil Limited, Imperial Oil Resources Limited, Imperial Oil Resources N.W.T. Limited, Imperial Oil/Petroliere Imperiale, Infineum Italia s.r.I., Infineum Singapore Pte. Ltd., InterOil Corporation, Jurong Aromatics Corporation Pte Ltd, MPM Lubricants, Marine Well Containment Company LLC, Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited, Mobil California Exploration & Producing Asset Company, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company, Mobil Chemical Products International Inc., Mobil Corporation, Mobil Equatorial Guinea Inc., Mobil Erdgas Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil International Petroleum Corporation, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast Inc., Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Producing Texas & New Mexico Inc., Mobil SerLimited, Mobil Venezolana De Petroleos Inc., Mobil Yanbu Petrochemical Company Inc., Mobil Yanbu Refining Company Inc., Mountain Gathering LLC, Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A., Palmetto Transoceanic LLC, Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas Global Company LDC, Permian Express Partners LLC, Phillips Exploration LLC, Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (II), SPI Limited, Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company Ltd., Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Co., SeaRiver Maritime Inc., South Hook LNG Terminal Company Limited, Tengizchevroil LLP, Terminale GNL Adriatico S.r.l, Trend Gathering & Treating LLC, Wolverine Pipe Line Company, XH LLC, XTO Delaware Basin LLC, XTO ENERGY, XTO Energy Canada, and XTO Holdings LLC. 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. Read More iShares MSCI India ETF's stock was trading at $28.76 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, INDA stock has increased by 68.8% and is now trading at $48.56. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI Singapore ETF's stock was trading at $19.75 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWS stock has increased by 11.5% and is now trading at $22.03. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Shares of iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF reverse split before market open on Monday, November 7th 2016. The 1-4 reverse split was announced on Friday, October 14th 2016. The number of shares owned by shareholders was adjusted after the market closes on Friday, November 4th 2016. An investor that had 100 shares of iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF stock prior to the reverse split would have 25 shares after the split. 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 Read More MADRID - More than 124 migrants aboard four boats have been rescued in the past 48 hours in the Alboran Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar, the majority of whom are from sub-Saharan Africa, according to sources with Spain's Maritime Rescue service. Between December 24 and 25 it rescued 253 people on seven boats in the Western Mediterranean Sea, where migratory pressure remains high. According to figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), since the start of the year through December 19, more than 63,085 migrants have illegally entered Spain, nearly triple the 28,707 registered in 2017. Of the migrants 'sin papeles' who have reached Spanish territory, 56,480 came by sea, while 6,605 climbed the high metal fences at the borders of the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa. The number of dead and missing at sea has also gone up, with at least 701 deaths in the same period. The following companies are subsidiares of Mueller Industries: ATCO Rubber Products, ATCO Rubber Products Inc., Aegis Oil and Gas Leasing Ltd., Amwest Exploration Company, Arava Exploration Company, Arava Natural Resources Company Inc., B & K Industries Inc., B&K Industries, B&K LLC (d/b/a BK Products), Bayard Mining Corp., Canco Oil & Gas Ltd., Carpentertown Coal & Coke Company, Changzhou Mueller Refrigerant Valve Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Climate Components LLC, DENO Holding Company Inc., DENO Investment Company II Inc., DENO Investment Company Inc., Die-Mold Tool Limited, Die-Mold Tool Limited, Extruded Metals, Extruded Metals Inc., Great Lakes Copper Ltd., Halstead Industries, HeatLink Group, Heatlink Group Inc., Heatlink Group USA LLC (Incorporated 2/7/2019), Howell Metal Company (d/b/a Precision Tube in VA 4/2019), Itawamba Industrial Gas Company Inc., Jungwoo Metal Ind. Co. LTD, Jungwoo Metal Ind. Co. Ltd., Kessler Sales & Distribution, Kessler Sales & Distribution LLC, King Coal Company, Leon Water Enterprises Inc., Lincoln Brass Works, Lincoln Brass Works Inc. (Assumed name: Mueller Gas Products), Linesets, Linesets Inc., MA Industrial Secured Lending LLC, MCTC LLC, MCTP LLC, MII Financial Corporation, MPC Foundry Inc., MPC Machine Shop Inc., Macomber Building and Land Corporation, Macomber Construction Company, Macomber Incorporated, Micro Gauge, Micro Gauge Inc., Microgauge Machining Inc., Mining Remedial Recovery Company, Mueller Advanced Connections LLC, Mueller Brass Co. (Assumed name: Mueller Brass Products), Mueller Brass Forging Company Inc., Mueller Brass Holding Company Inc., Mueller Canada Holding Co. Ltd., Mueller Casting Company Inc., Mueller Comercial de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Mueller Copper Tube Company Inc., Mueller Copper Tube Products Inc., Mueller East Inc., Mueller Europe Investment Company Ltd., Mueller Europe Limited, Mueller Fittings Company Inc., Mueller Fittings LLC, Mueller Formed Tube Company Inc., Mueller Impacts Company Inc., Mueller Industrial Realty Co., Mueller Industries Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mueller LBHC Inc., Mueller Packaging LLC, Mueller Plastics Corporation Inc., Mueller Plastics Holding Company Inc., Mueller Press Company Inc., Mueller Refrigeration Holding Company Inc., Mueller Refrigeration LLC, Mueller Refrigeration Products Company Inc., Mueller Southeast Inc., Mueller Streamline China LLC, Mueller Streamline Co., Mueller Streamline Holding S.L.U., Mueller Streamline II LLC, Mueller Streamline Trading LLC, Mueller Tool and Machine Inc., Muellux Holding Company I SARL, Muellux Holding Company II SARL, Overstreet Hughes, Overstreet-Hughes Co. Inc. (Assumed name: Fabricated Tube Products), PexCor, Pexcor Manufacturing Co. Inc., Precision Tube Company LLC, Propipe Technologies, Propipe Technologies Inc. (Assumed name: Mueller Gas Products), Sherwood Valve LLC, Sherwood Valve Products Inc., Shoals Tubular, Shoals Tubular Inc., Southland Pipe Nipples Company Inc., Summit Systems Inc., Tecumseh Products Co., Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC, Tube Forming, Turbotec Products, Turbotec Products Inc., U.S.S. Lead Refinery Inc., USSRAM Exploration Company, United States Fuel Company, Vemco Brasscapri, WTC HoldCo I LLC, WTC HoldCo II LLC, WTC Holding Company, Washington Mining Company, Westermeyer Industries, Westermeyer Industries Inc., and White Knob Mining Company. Nabors Industries Ltd. engages in the provision of platform work over and drilling rigs. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. The U.S. Drilling segment includes land drilling activities in the lower 48 states and Alaska, as well as offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The Canada segment consists of land-based drilling rigs in Canada. The International segment focuses in maintaining a footprint in the oil and gas market, most notably in Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Argentina, Colombia, Kazakhstan, and Venezuela. The Drilling Solutions segment offers drilling technologies, such as patented steering systems and rig instrumentation software systems that enhance drilling performance and wellbore placement. The Rig Technologies segment comprises Canrig, which manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools. The company was founded by Clair Nabors in 1952 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Read More Nevsun Resources Ltd. engages in the mining and development of mineral properties in Europe, Africa, and North America. It explores for gold, copper, zinc, and silver deposits. The company's principal assets include Timok project, a copper-gold development project in Serbia; and Bisha copper- zinc mine in Eritrea. It also holds exploration licenses and permits in Serbia and Macedonia, as well as in the Bisha mining district. The company was incorporated in 1965 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. As of January 7, 2019, Nevsun Resources Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited. Read More TRIESTE - The Danish company DFDS, world leader in the ferry sector, and Ekol Logistics, a Turkish transport company operating in Turkey and Europe, have signed an agreement to increase their collaboration. A statement notes that the agreement is focused on the maritime transport of trailers between Istanbul and Trieste. It also targets the increase of the volume of cargo traffic handled in the Mediterranean by about 30%, it said. DFDS will thus will increasing its terminal capacity to deal with the higher volume. The vice president of the Danish group, Peder Gellert, head of the DFDS maritime transport division, said that the Danish group had recently signed an agreement to use the newly constructed ro-ro terminal in Yalova, south-east of Istanbul. DFDS also announced that it will use two new Ro-Ro vessels to operate the service, commissioned from the Chinese shipyard Jinling Shipyard. The two ships will each be able to transport 450 trailers. William Lyon Homes (NYSE:WLH) issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November, 6th. The construction company reported $0.37 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $0.30 by $0.07. The construction company had revenue of $466.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $487.15 million. William Lyon Homes had a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 6.98% and a net margin of 3.04%. The business's revenue for the quarter was down 12.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.68 EPS. View William Lyon Homes' earnings history. The following companies are subsidiares of Reliance Steel & Aluminum: AMI Metals Aero Services Ankara Havaclk Anonim Sirketi, AMI Metals Europe SPRL, AMI Metals Inc., AMI Metals UK Limited, Acero Prime S. de R.L. de C.V., Airport Metals, Alaska Steel Company, Alaska Steel Company, Aleaciones Especiales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., All Metal Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., All Metal Services India Private Limited, All Metal Services Limited, All Metal Services Ltd. (Xian), All Metals Holding, All Metals Processing & Logistics Inc., All Metals Transportation and Logistics Inc., Allegheny Steel Distributors Inc., American Metals Corporation, Best Manufacturing Inc., Bralco Metals (Australia) Pty Ltd, CCC Steel Inc., Chapel Steel Canada Ltd., Chapel Steel Corp., Chatham Steel Corporation, Clayton Metals Inc., Continental Alloys & Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Continental Alloys & Services Limited, Continental Alloys & Services Pte. Ltd., Continental Alloys Middle East FZE, Crest Steel Corporation, Delta Steel Inc., Diamond Manufacturing Company, DuBose National Energy Fasteners & Machined Parts, DuBose National Energy Fasteners & Machined Parts Inc., DuBose National Energy Services, DuBose National Energy Services Inc., Durrett Sheppard Steel Co. Inc., Earle M. Jorgensen Company, FastMetals Inc., Feralloy Corporation, Ferguson Perforating Company, Ferguson Perforating Company, Fox Metals And Alloys, Fox Metals and Alloys Inc., Fry Steel, Fry Steel Company, GH Metal Solutions, GH Metal Solutions Inc., Haskins Steel, Infra-Metals Co., KMS FAB LLC, KMS Fab, KMS South, KMS South Inc., Liebovich Bros. Inc., McKey Perforating, Merfish United, Metals USA, Metals USA Inc., Metalweb Limited, National Specialty Alloys, National Specialty Alloys Inc., Northern Illinois Steel Supply, Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co., PDM Steel Service Centers Inc., Pacific Metal Company, Phoenix Corporation, Precision Flamecutting and Steel Inc., Precision Strip Inc., Reliance Metalcenter Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Reliance Metals Canada Limited, Service Steel Aerospace Corp., Siskin Steel & Supply Company Inc., Sugar Steel Corporation, Sunbelt Steel Texas, Tubular Steel, Tubular Steel Inc., Valex Corp., Valex Korea Co. Ltd., Valex Semiconductor Materials (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd., Viking Materials Inc., and Yarde Metals Inc.. 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. 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Danish DFDS and Turkish EKOL accord for Trieste-Istanbul More ferries, 30% increase in cargo traffic in Med (ANSAmed) - TRIESTE, DECEMBER 27 - The Danish company DFDS, world leader in the ferry sector, and Ekol Logistics, a Turkish transport company operating in Turkey and Europe, have signed an agreement to increase their collaboration. A statement notes that the agreement is focused on the maritime transport of trailers between Istanbul and Trieste. It also targets the increase of the volume of cargo traffic handled in the Mediterranean by about 30%, it said. DFDS will thus will increasing its terminal capacity to deal with the higher volume. The vice president of the Danish group, Peder Gellert, head of the DFDS maritime transport division, said that the Danish group had recently signed an agreement to use the newly constructed ro-ro terminal in Yalova, south-east of Istanbul. DFDS also announced that it will use two new Ro-Ro vessels to operate the service, commissioned from the Chinese shipyard Jinling Shipyard. The two ships will each be able to transport 450 trailers. (ANSAmed). 124 migrants rescued at sea off Spain in 48 hours Migratory pressure continues, 63,085 arrivals this year (ANSAmed) - MADRID, DECEMBER 27 - More than 124 migrants aboard four boats have been rescued in the past 48 hours in the Alboran Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar, the majority of whom are from sub-Saharan Africa, according to sources with Spain's Maritime Rescue service. Between December 24 and 25 it rescued 253 people on seven boats in the Western Mediterranean Sea, where migratory pressure remains high. According to figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), since the start of the year through December 19, more than 63,085 migrants have illegally entered Spain, nearly triple the 28,707 registered in 2017. Of the migrants 'sin papeles' who have reached Spanish territory, 56,480 came by sea, while 6,605 climbed the high metal fences at the borders of the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa. The number of dead and missing at sea has also gone up, with at least 701 deaths in the same period. (ANSAmed). ALGIERS - The Libyan Post company has issued a new stamp commemorating migrants who have tried to cross the Mediterranean Sea, thereby illustrating negative consequences and the 'bitter truth' of illegal immigration. The stamp carries the slogan "Across the Mediterranean, Amid Hope and Desperation" and was issued on World Migration Day. The new rules will be applicable from February 1. (Representational image/ Photo: AFP) New Delhi: India will ban e-commerce companies such as Amazon.com and Walmart-owned Flipkart Group from selling products from companies in which they have an equity interest. In a statement, the government also said that the companies will be prevented from entering into exclusive agreements with sellers. The new rules will be applicable from February 1. An entity having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its inventory by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, will not be permitted to sell its products on the platform run by such marketplace entity, the commerce ministry said in a statement. E-commerce companies can make bulk purchases through their wholesale units or other group companies that in turn sell the products to select sellers, such as their affiliates or other companies with which they have agreements. Those sellers can then sell the products to other companies or direct to consumers, often at attractively low prices. The new regulations follow complaints from Indian retailers and traders, who say the giant e-commerce companies are using their control over inventory from their affiliates, and through exclusive sales agreements, to create an unfair marketplace that allows them to sell some products at very low prices. The All India Online Vendors Association (AIOVA) in October filed a petition with the anti-trust body Competition Commission of India (CCI) alleging that Amazon favours merchants that it partly owns, such as Cloudtail and Appario. The lobby group filed a similar petition against Flipkart in May, alleging violation of competition rules through preferential treatment for select sellers. On Wednesdays notification also said that the cash back that customers get as an incentive while online shopping should not be based on whether the product was purchased from an affiliate of the platform or not. The new rules said that services provided to vendors on an e-commerce platform and by that entitys affiliates should be done so at arms length and in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. New rules will appease small traders and farmers who fear that U.S. companies are making a back door entry into Indias retail market and could squeeze out small corner shops that dominate Indian retailing. The Confederation of All India Traders in a statement said that if the order is implemented in full then malpractices, predatory pricing policies and deep discounting by e-commerce players will no longer occur. CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said the new rules will put an embargo on the tactics adopted by the global players to control and dominate retail trade in India through e-commerce. In May, CAIT had raised objections to Walmarts $16 billion acquisition of Flipkart saying the deal would create unfair competition and result in predatory pricing. The new regulations build on existing rules under which foreign investors can acquire 100 per cent of e-commerce companies, with the exception of a model based on inventory from which they are barred. Amazon India said it is currently evaluating the new rules, while Flipkart did not immediately respond to a request for comment. New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here on Thursday and sought extension of the GST compensation period till 2025, contending that the state's revenue deficit has widened to 20 per cent post-GST regime. At present, the states are entitled to get compensation for the first five years since the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, that is till 2022. At the meeting held in the Parliament complex, Kumaraswamy informed Jaitley that the revenue deficit of the state against protected revenue may continue even after 2022 which is expected to affect fund allocation for various welfare schemes and infrastructure projects, an official statement said. Although there is an improvement in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in the state in the current fiscal, compared to financial year 2017-18, the gap with protected revenue is "substantial" and may well continue beyond 2022. "During the VAT regime, Karnataka used to register 10-12 per cent of average growth every year. But post-GST, the revenue deficit is found to be 20 per cent against protected revenue," the chief minister said in a representation made to the Union finance minister. All efforts are being made to minimise the revenue leak, but Karnataka has found certain fundamental structural reasons for this deficit such as current tax rates and less than expected contribution of services sector among others, Kumaraswamy said. According to official data, in 2017-18, the Centre had released Rs 41,147 crore to the states as GST compensation to ensure that their revenue is protected at the level of 14 per cent over the base year tax collection in 2015-16, as per the official data. There were widespread reports on Wednesday afternoon of Thackeray, the biopic on Shiv Sena leader Balasaheb Thackeray being censored hours before the trailer launch. As per these reports, the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) asked for changes in the dialogues at the last minute thereby inconveniencing the trailer launch. It was reported that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has objected to three scenes in Abhijeet Panses Thackeray. Of the three cuts suggested by the CBFC, the first is a reference to Babri Masjid, while the second is a dialogue pertaining to the agitation against South Indians. The third dialogue also contains certain words deemed objectionable by the CBFC. However, Tushar Karmarkar, RO of the CBFC in Mumbai says the changes were done without any dispute whatsoever. Says Karmarkar, Some audio-modifications were suggested in Marathi trailer of film Thackeray. These have been mutually agreed upon by the filmmaker and the CBFC. A source adds that the film wont face major hurdles when it comes up for censor certification. Balasaheb Thackeray was known to speak his mind on public forums. All his controversial remarks are available in the public domain. So what is the need for the CBFC to tamper with or modify statements that are already public knowledge? asks the source close to the CBFC. Pets need loads of nourishment and care for their wellbeing. Washington: The festive season is already here and people are brainstorming for the perfect gift. The comfort and joy of a pet may seem like a great option, but there might be a problem to it. Turns out, global animal shelters and animal welfare organisations discourage giving animals as gifts. "Animals do not belong underneath a Christmas tree," Sven Fraa, a spokesman for the Hanover animal shelter told CNN. They are "family members whose adoption needs thorough consideration." Adopting a pet requires a lot of consideration. There are many costs associated with raising an animal, such as food and medical appointments. Costs can also exceed expectations if the pet gets sick and requires surgery. Several countries have also stopped animal adoptions during the holidays to discourage careless adoptions that often lead to the animals being returned or abandoned. Pets require a lot of attention and care. Children can lose interest fast, and the deal over who will walk the dog or clean the cat's litter box can easily become a point of contention. How much space the animal needs and the right environment are also important considerations, according to Hoger. Adopting a pet will "completely change your lifestyle," explained Steve Craddock, manager for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. If someone is giving an animal "as a gift, it is likely they won't have taken into consideration all those aspects, particularly not if it's a surprise gift." Another reason that discourages adoptions over Christmas is the stress during this festive period. Many families have guests, but the animals should settle into their new home in peace. Israel is one of the highest medical cannabis producing nations in the world. Jerusalem- Israels parliament has given its final approval to a long-awaited and controversial law to allow exports of medical cannabis, a move that is likely to boost state coffers. Lawmakers voted 21-0 in favour of the bill, which still needs approval from cabinet ministers and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli companies benefiting from a favourable climate and expertise in medical and agricultural technologies are among the worlds biggest producers of medical cannabis. The finance and health ministries estimate exports could raise tax income by 1 billion shekels ($265 million) a year. The bill to allow exports imposes tough regulations on exporters and threatens jail terms and hefty fines for violations. There are eight cultivating companies in Israel many of which have resorted to opening farms abroad to get into the international market. Parliament said in a statement that there have been dozens of requests from business owners awaiting authorisation. Licences to engage in medical cannabis will be subject to approval from Israels Health Ministry and the police. Separately, Israels securities regulator on Wednesday cautioned investors to make informed decisions when investing in the growing number of publicly traded medical cannabis firms such as Cannbit, Together and InterCure, given regulatory uncertainty around the world. Cannabis company shares were up sharply at midday in Tel Aviv. The accident took place around 9 am on Thursday at the headquarters of the Naval Command. (Photo: File | Twitter @PIB_India) Kochi: In a freak mishap, two Navy personnel were killed on Thursday when a door of an aircraft hangar collapsed at the naval base here, the Navy said. The two, sailors attached to the aviation electrical branch, were "tragically killed when one of the hangar doors of the Indian Naval Air Squadron 322 collapsed at INS Garuda," a defence statement said. Naveen (28) and Ajeet Singh (29) were passing by when the door was "dislodged from its supporting rails above" and fell on them, it said. Initial reports had said the two were killed when the hangar collapsed on them. "Both the sailors were rushed in a critically injured state to the naval hospital, INHS Sanjivani, where despite best efforts of the doctors to resuscitate them, they succumbed to their injuries at about 9:40 am," the statement said. A board of inquiry has been ordered into the cause of the accident, it said. Naveen, from Bhiwani district of Haryana, had joined the Indian Navy in 2008 and is survived by wife and two-year-old daughter. Ajeet Singh, belonging to Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, had joined the Navy a year later and leaves behind wife and five-year-old son, the statement added. However, Madhav did not say which party they are tapping as a potential new ally. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The BJP has been facing discontent and desertion from its allies after the recent assembly elections in five states. Allies in the states have started speaking up, demanding a bigger share of seats and respect. Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha parted ways with BJP-led NDA alliance and joined the Mahagathbandhan or Grand Alliance in Bihar of Congress, RJD and other parties. Kushwaha quit the NDA due to the differences with BJP over seat sharing in Bihar for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party, however, has plans ahead of the general election. We have completed seat-sharing arrangements with allies in Bihar only last week and we will certainly ... Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustments. It is true smaller parties like RLSP in Bihar have left us, senior BJP leader Ram Madhav said on Wednesday. But we are also getting new allies in south India and eastern India. It is something that happens before elections and it is nothing new, the partys general secretary said. With months to go for the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is short of three allies. Chandrababu Naidus Telugu Desam Party walked out of alliance in March over the Centres refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. In August, BJP ended ties with Mehbooba Mufti and recently, Kushwaha walked out of the alliance. Last week, the BJP sorted its differences with Ram Vilas Paswan and allotted it two more seats, one in Lok Sabha and the other on Rajya Sabha. However, Madhav did not say which party they are tapping as a potential new ally. Thiruvananthapuram: Thousands of people lined up along the 765-km stretch between Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram to attend the Ayyappa Jyothi organised by the Sabarimala Karma Samithi to protect the traditions and customs at Sabarimala from 6 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday. The event was held from Sree Dharma Sastha Temple at Hosangadi in Kasaragod to Kaliyyikkavila in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu to counter the women's wall programme planned by the LDF government on New Years day. The samithi had objected to the Supreme Court verdict allowing young women to enter Sabarimala and the hasty manner in which the LDF government tried to implement it. BJP state president P. S. Sreedharan Pillai lighted the Ayyappa Jyothi at the protest pandal in front of the secretariat, where general secretary Sobha Surendran is observing an indefinite fast. Mr Pillai claimed that the jyothi was a huge success and said the womens wall will crack up. The LDF government cannot mobilise lakhs of people like our Ayyappa Jyothi. The government may cover the gaps by bringing in men, he said. Ms Sobha Surendran also came out of the pandal and stood with the protestors along with BJP MLA O. Rajagopal, who read out a message. The protest was held on the NH till Angamaly and also on the MC Road. The priest of Sree Dharma Sastha Temple of Hosangadi lit the jyothi from the Sreekovil and transferred it to Swami Yogananda Saraswathi and Kapilashram Uttarakashi Ramachandra Swami. In Tamil Nadu, 38 centres witnessed Ayyappa Jyothi which stretched up to Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The Karma Samithi claimed that over 10 lakh people participated in the event across the state, which was jointly supported by the BJP, RSS and NSS. NSS general secretary Sukumaran Nair watched the lighting of the jyothi in front of NSS headquarters at Perunna, where he offered floral tributes at the NSS founder's tomb. He was accompanied by all the director board members of the NSS. But they remained inside the headquarters where Mr Nair could be seen talking on his mobile phone. Every day, it is Mr Nair who lights the lamp before the Mannam samadhi. Former Travancore Devaswom Board president G. Raman Nair led the jyothi at Perunna when Mr Nair lighted the lamp before the samadhi. Prominent people who participated in the event included former DGP T. P. Senkumar at Kilimanoor in Thiruvananthapuram, former Public Service Commission chairman K. S. Radhakrishnan at Angamaly in Ernakulam district and Suresh Gopi in Kaliyikkavila, Tamil Nadu. Others included Advaithashramam head, Swami Chidananda Puri of Kolathur in Kozhikode, former prison DGP M. G. A. Raman, writer Madambu Kunjikuttan and member of the erstwhile Pandalam royal family, P. G. Sasikumara Varma. The jyothi was lit at Sabarimala by the organisers of the samithi. Hindu Aikya Vedhi president K. P. Sasikala took part in the programme in Thrissur. The samithi claimed that over two lakh people attended the protest in Kozhikode alone. Women and men started assembling from 5 p.m. onwards across the state and in parts of the border areas in Tamil Nadu. Former BJP state president P. K. Krishnadas and RSS state working committee member Valsan Thillankeri, who had courted controversy at Sabarimala when he entered the 18 floors without the Irumudikettu, took part in the programme at Muthalakulam grounds, Kozhikode. Earlier, Mr Senkumar said in a television interview that the jyothi was being organised to remove darkness and bring in light. What is wrong if I take part in it? The government should have focussed on flood relief measures instead of organising the women protest wall, he said. Those who are raising allegations against me had tried to trap me in fake cases and failed, he said. I will decide in which programme I should participate as I have the constitutional right to do so. Some people like it and some dont. The LDF Government can provide relief to the flood-affected people if they take half the effort needed for raising the womens wall, he added. The Congress said that according to election rules the seals of EVMs and VVPATs should be retained for 45 days after the elections, which is the period for filing election petitions. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: The Congress has alleged that VVPAT slips were missing. In a representation to Hyderabad district election officer M. Dana Kishore, they said their representative had noticed that VVPATs of Jubilee Hills were unsealed and no slips are available. The Congress said that according to election rules the seals of EVMs and VVPATs should be retained for 45 days after the elections, which is the period for filing election petitions. The Congress expressed doubt that similar irregularities took place in other constituencies. Congress leader Niranjan has demanded a reelection from the Jubilee Hills constituency. Hyderabad: Three siblings from Hyderabad were among four people killed in a horrific fire during Christmas celebrations at their hosts house in the US state of Tennessee. The Coudriet family was hosting, housing, and celebrating Christmas with three teenagers attending an academy here in the States. The Naik famly are missionaries in India that our church supports, Coudriets church, Collierville Bible Church, said. We got to know about the fire accident on Monday. The family took a flight on the same night and reached Collierville on Wednesday morning, Mr Sridhar Naik said. When Pastor Naik left, he was only told that the children were in the ICU. In a message, Mr Naik posted, My children who are in the US for studies were on Christmas vacation, staying with a friends family. The house caught fire. Please uphold us in your prayers. The academy said it was deeply saddened by the tragic event in Collierville. We are fervently praying for the families involved, it added. A local newspaper quoted Mr Keith Potts, who has known the Coudriet family for about four years, said, as the students could not go home, the Coudriets had invited them to stay in their home. Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner said the tragedy is still under investigation. Theyre still looking at what the cause of it (fire) was, he said. I was told when they arrived they did not hear any smoke alarms going off so you just never know. Collierville Fire Chief Mark King said the first floor of the house had no working smoke detectors. The second floor, which is where all four rooms were, only had one smoke detector that went off. As he tried to assist before fire trucks arrived, Symons saw two people make it out: 13-year-old Cole - who jumped out of a window and his father, Danny. He was covered head to toe in black, Symons was quoted by the website as saying. Before the elections, the government had paid investment subsidy of about Rs 4,000 crore to nearly 42 lakh farmers, leaving about five lakh farmers unpaid. After the elections, the finance department stopped payments to farmers as salaries for employees for December have to be paid. Hyderabad: The state government has stopped payment of investment subsidy to more than five lakh farmers under the Rythu Bandhu scheme for the Rabi season. The government has to pay them about Rs 700 crore. Before the elections, the government had paid investment subsidy of about Rs 4,000 crore to nearly 42 lakh farmers, leaving about five lakh farmers unpaid. After the elections, the finance department stopped payments to farmers as salaries for employees for December have to be paid. Officials said that usually the government stops all payments, except in emergency cases, in the last week of every month to pay salaries to government employees. Under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, the government pays Rs 4,000 per acre per crop per season. In the Kharif season, state government paid more than Rs 5,000 crore to about 52 lakh farmers across the state. In the Rabi season too, the government paid about Rs 4,000 crore to 42 lakh farmers. The total number of farmers differs between seasons. The state government has to pay about five lakh farmers still. Officials of the agriculture department said that on an average, for every one lakh farmers, state government has to pay Rs 100 crore. According to the finance department, the states average monthly income from all sources, including the Central governments tax devolution, is around Rs 10,500 crore. The state governments monthly expenditure towards salaries and other establishment expenditure comes to around Rs 6,000 crore. In the Kharif season, the state government did not pay investment subsidy to about 2.9 lakh farmers as they did not have pattadar pass books. The agriculture department is waiting for confirmation from the revenue department to pay investment subsidy in the Rabi season. If the revenue department confirms, the state government has to pay another Rs 250 crore to these farmers. Principal secretary, agriculture, C. Pardhasaradhi said the state government would will pay the investment subsidy to the remaining farmers in January. Speaking to this newspaper he said that all government employees were busy till now with the elections and hence the inability to pay. The principal secretary said that the department was waiting for confirmation from the revenue department to pay investment subsidy to the 2.9 lakh farmers. Union Minister Arun Jaitley said, 'Life and personal liberty will survive only in a strong democratic nation not in a terrorist dominated State.' (Photo: File | PTI) New Delhi: A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) busted an alleged Islamic State terror plot in New Delhi and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, Union Minister Arun Jaitley congratulated the NIA and also took the opportunity to hit back at the Opposition, who has been demanding the withdrawal of the recent Ministry of Home Affairs order authorising investigative agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt information stored in any computer. Jaitley defended the Centre's "snooping" order and asked if the crackdown on the terror module would have been possible without interception of electronic communications. Well done for cracking the dangerous terrorist module, Jaitley tweeted, adding Would this crackdown of the terrorist module by NIA have been possible without interception of electronic communications? Intensifying his attack on the Congress for accusing the Modi-government of "snooping on citizens" and saying George Orwell is around the corner, the Union minister said, Were the maximum intercepts done during the UPA Government? Surely George Orwell was not born in May, 2014. Arun Jaitley was responding to senior Congress leader P Chidambarams earlier attack on the Modi government in which the latter said, If anybody is going to monitor the computer, including your computer, that is the Orwellian state. George Orwell is around the corner. It is condemnable. Jaitley said that National security and sovereignty are paramount, and added, Life and personal liberty will survive only in a strong democratic nation not in a terrorist dominated State. On Wednesday, The NIA on Wednesday busted a suspected ISIS-inspired terror group and arrested 10 suspects, who it said, were planning suicide attacks and serial blasts targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India. A locally-made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 100 alarm clocks to be used as timers were recovered from the searches, said National Investigation Agency (NIA) inspector general Alok Mittal. The searches were carried out in coordination with Special Cell of Delhi Police and ATS of Uttar Pradesh Police at six places in Jaffrabad, Seelampur in Delhi, and 11 places in Uttar Pradesh (six in Amroha, two in Lucknow, two in Hapur and one in Meerut), he said. The searches and the arrests, including of a mufti from Amroha, come a month before Republic Day celebrations on January 26 when security is heightened across India, particularly in the national capital. The NIA said the highly-radicalised module of youths in the age group of 20 and 35 years is completely self-funded and no criminal antecedent of its members had surfaced so far in the investigation. The Triple Talaq Bill has been passed in the absence of Congress and AIADMK lawmakers who staged a walkout minutes ahead of voting. (Representational Image) New Delhi: The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018 was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The Bill was taken up in the House for debate amid uproar by opposition parties. The Bill has been passed in the absence of Congress and AIADMK lawmakers who staged a walkout minutes ahead of voting. The bill was passed by 245 votes in favour and 11 against it. Opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, AIADMK and RJD, staged walkout soon after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad concluded his reply. Several amendments moved by opposition were negated by a division that was insisted by opposition members. The debate on the bill, which was tabled by the law minister last week, began in Lok Sabha amidst exchange of barbs between the treasury benches and the Opposition. Opposition parties demanded that the bill be sent to a joint select committee for a greater scrutiny dubbing its provisions "unconstitutional". Prasad said the government has already taken note of concerns expressed by members earlier and amended the bill accordingly. Addressing the House, Prasad said that the bill has made the offence compoundable, meaning that the case can be withdrawn if the man and his estranged wife reach a compromise, and that only the wife and her close relatives can file an FIR, ruling out the law's misuse. "Don't weigh the bill on the scales of politics. The bill is about Insaaniyat aur insaaf (humanity and justice)," he said, as he urged the lawmakers of different parties to speak in one voice to support the legislation. The fresh bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the Upper House, the government had then cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament. Who said what? Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi defended penal provision in the triple talaq bill saying it is important to instil fear in the minds of those still practising it and rejected suggestions that it was against any religion. He also said acts like murder are against the law but people still commit such crime and hence there is provision for punishment. This is not to victimise anyone but to provide safety and protection to Muslim women, he said, adding, Muslim Personal Law Board and Ulemas are also against triple talaq. When Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge interrupted Naqvi saying there is no such thing in Hindu and Christianity then why there should be discrimination against Muslim men, the Minority Affairs Minister replied that there is no such thing called triple talaq being practiced in those religions. Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani Union Minister Smriti Irani slammed the Congress saying it missed opportunities to bring a similar law when in power. Referring to a verse of the Holy Quran, Irani said the issue of instant triple talaq was also dealt by a 'khalifa'. When Mohd Salim of CPI-M wanted her to name the 'khalifa' she was referring to, Irani said she can even take the name of Hazrat Sahib but would want the opposition leader to chant 'Hanuman Chalisa'. Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the intention of the government behind criminalising triple talaq while it has supported decriminalisation of homosexuality. Owaisi said 100 per cent of Muslim population is against the move to criminalise triple talaq as it is against the rights of faith and belief provided in the constitution. Sushmita Dev, Congress Congress MP Sushmita Dev said that the real purpose of the bill was not to empower Muslim women but to "penalise" Muslim men. "In the name of empowerment you (the government) have given nothing but a criminal case to women...the aim of the bill is not to empower Muslim women but to penalise Muslim men," Sushmita Dev said. Md Salim, CPI(M) CPI(M)'s politburo member and its deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Md Salim said the main concern of the opposition parties regarding the bill was that it criminalises triple talaq. He said that the move was an attempt of the government to divert attention of the public from the failed promises made by the BJP before the elections. Dharmendra Yadav, Samajwadi Party Dharmendra Yadav said the BJP government has brought this bill keeping in mind vote bank politics. Since the Supreme Court has already said that triple talaq is illegal, there was no need to bring a separate law. Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal RJD MP Jay Prakash Narayann Yadav said the bill shows dictatorship of the government. While marriage and divorce are civil matters, it is being made a criminal offence, he added. E T Mohammed Basheer (Indian Union Muslim League) IUML MP E T Mohammed Basheer said personal laws have protection of Article 25 of the Constitution. "This legislation is ill motivated and against the fundamental rights given in the Constitution," he added. Supriya Sule, Nationalist Congress Party NCP MP Supriya Sule sought to know from the government why it adopted the Ordinance route to implement the law and suggested that the bill be sent to select committee and that its report could be given within 2 weeks. She suggested that instead of triple talaq bill, the government should bring in legislations like women reservation bill and bill against marital rape to empower women. Chennai: Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan on Wednesday called on Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami here, causing yet another tsunami of speculation that the BJP is seeking to cement alliance with the AIADMK for the Lok Sabha elections next year. While no official explanation was given for the meeting of the two leaders, barring the release of the photograph by the state information department, some sources said it was merely to discuss some issue relating to Kanyakumari. But some others insisted that politics did figure. Electricity minister P. Thangamani and Municipal administration minister S.P Velumani were asked by reporters at Delhi if their meeting Defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman had anything to do with negotiating alliance for the 2019 poll. Velumani took great pains to explain that the issue of alliance was a bit too complex for them to handle with the Defence Minister and their meeting was only to press for release of Central funds. We have our two leaders, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, to discuss alliance. We are not involved, he said. But then, the writing has been rather loud and clear on the TN political wall that the ruling parties at the Centre and the state are sure partners when the elections happen-be it the Lok Sabha polls in 2019 or the Assembly elections whenever they happen. The BJP and the AIADMK have no option but to hold hands at poll time. They have no other allies; of course, there is the expectation that Rajinikanth will either join the BJP or launch his party and thereafter forge alliance with the BJP-AIADMK combine, said a political analyst. Opposition DMK has been hard in its attack on both the BJP and the AIADMK on various fronts while leaving no opportunity to slip for accusing them both of letting critical issues concerning Tamil Nadu go unattended just to protect their undeclared political coalition. 'My party's president has already expressed the sentiments of the party. I stand by it,' Union Minister Anupriya Patel said outside the Parliament. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Reflecting 'frictions' with the BJP, Apna Dal(S) leader and Union minister Anupriya Patel on Thursday said she stood by the remarks of her husband and party president Ashish Patel, who had voiced frustration with the saffron party over its "treatment" of smaller NDA allies. Ashish had recently alleged at a press conference in Mirzapur that smaller parties were feeling "ignored" by the bigger NDA partner -- the BJP. "My party's president has already expressed the sentiments of the party. I stand by it," Anupriya said outside the Parliament. Her husband had earlier said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should learn from the recent losses (in assembly elections). The SP-BSP alliance is a challenge for the NDA, whose allies in Uttar Pradesh are upset. The leadership at the Centre must do something, else the NDA would suffer in UP, Ashish had told reporters. BJP leader and Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, however, sought to downplay the husband-wife duo's comments. He said there was no "anger" or "ill will", adding there may have been some misunderstanding whose solution will be arrived at. "Koi narazgi nahi hai. Hum roz milte hai. Anupriya ji bohot intelligent hai, jankar hai. Is kam umra me unhone bohot achi cheez hasil ki hai. Unki pratibha ka samman BJP ne kiya hai. Kahi koi narazgi nahi hai. Thodi bohot apas me misunderstanding kabhi kabhi, UP sarkar me halki phulki hui, samadhan bhi ho jata hai," Choubey said. The remarks can be loosely translated as "There is no ill will. We meet everyday. Anupriya ji is very intelligent and knowledgeable. She has achieved a lot. The BJP has respected her talents. There may have been some misunderstanding, but solutions also come about". Anupriya had on Wednesday given a miss to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's programme in Deoria district of the state. The Union Minister of State for Health was also not present at a function attended by the chief minister in Siddharthnagar on Tuesday, the same day when Ashish hit out at the BJP. Ashish Patel's outburst came days after Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RSLP) Chief Upendra Kushwaha walked out of the NDA. He was upset with the BJP after it asserted that the RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Earlier in March, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ended its four-year-old alliance with the NDA over the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Chennai: Tamil Nadu Ministers on Wednesday called on Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and sought her intervention to get the Centre to release Rs 3,776.20 crore pending as grants under the 14th Central Finance Commission to carry out day to day affairs and provide basic amenities to citizens. Electricity minister P. Thangamani and Municipal administration minister S.P Velumani presented a letter to the Defence Minister at New Delhi. According to the letter signed by Velumani, a copy of which was released to the media, the Centre had already released Rs 1,390.04 crore as second installment of basic grant of the 14th Central Finance Commission for 2017-18 for urban and rural local bodies of Tamil Nadu. The release of this grant by Government of India, based on your support and intervention, has paved the way for providing quality services to the people and helped the local bodies in discharging their basic duties, Velumani said. He also brought to her notice that under the 14th Central Finance Commission, Rs 560.15 crore was due to Tamil Nadu towards performance grant for the 2017-18 and Rs 3,216.05 crore was outstanding towards basic grant for 2018-19. Noting that the local bodies in the State were in dire need of funds to carry out day to day affairs, he requested Nirmala Sitharamans intervention in the matter. The Government of Tamil Nadu will always give priorities and support all endeavours of Government of India towards building a strong, modern and vibrant India. I once again thank you for always supporting the cause of Tamil Nadu, he said. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, passed last week in LS, has been received with outcry from the transgender group, urging the govt to either withdraw or send the Bill for review. (Photo: ANI) Mumbai: Members of the transgender community on Wednesday held a protest against the Transgender Persons Bill, 2018 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha last week, has been received with an outcry from the transgender group, urging the government to either withdraw or send the Bill for a review. Speaking to ANI, Vicky Shinde, a member of the transgender community, said, "Lord Rama gave us right to bless people during occasions of happiness, it's not begging but it has been criminalised under this bill. If you cannot provide us employment, don't take our livelihood away. I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop this Bill." Earlier, on December 20, transgender persons had organised a protest against the Bill at the District Commissioner's office in Kalaburagi, Karnataka. They demanded that Act 11 must be imposed on them which entail jail and also double the compensation of the damaged property. Hyderabad: Private doctors are demanding that public hospitals must be strengthened and better equipped to deal with terminally ill patients so that private hospitals do not have to face unruly relatives. Government doctors state that unruly relatives will be the same even in government hospitals and there is no guarantee that they will not cause damage. Dr Mohammed Iqbal Javed, a senior Indian Medical Association (IMA) member, said, These incidents can be prevented in private hospitals only if the culprits are punished. He said the government must better equip public hospitals so that they can handle critical cases. "One of the major reasons for such attacks on the private sector is the failure of the public health system to provide proper emergency care. When the relatives pay huge sums of money for medical costs they panic and often attack the staff due to anger. Government doctors state that most of the terminally ill patients are sent from private hospitals to government hospitals for treatment. Dr P. Naik, a senior professor and anaesthetist, said, We have experience in care of terminally ill patie-nts. The only difference is that they are not paying huge sums of money in the hospital. Hence, the anger is targeted towards the doctors. Unruly relatives are a challenge for both government and private doctors. There is no difference in their behaviour. The senior doctors of IMA, who met senior police officials, urged that the attackers of Global Hospital have to be booked and punished. They demanded that Act 11 must be imposed on them which entail jail and also double the compensation of the damaged property. New Delhi: In his series of meetings with Union Ministers, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has sought Rs 2434 crore for creating over 10 crore man hour jobs to tackle unprecedented drought. While raking up irrigation projects like Mekedatu and Mahadayi, Mr Kumaraswamy has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider Upper Krishna Project (UKP) as National project, so that it was completed soon. Speaking to reporters after his meetings on Thursday evening, Mr Kumaraswamy said that the Centre had dues to the tune of Rs 935.51 crore with respect to MGNAREGA scheme, which State had spent during 2015-16 and 2916-17. Mr Prime Minister was requested to release that money also. Due to drought, State had lost crops to the tune of over Rs 16000 crore and there was need to create 10 crore jobs, for which it needed Rs 2434 crore. The Prime Minister was thanked for Centres permission to state for preparing DPR with respect to Mekedatu project and requested him to issue notification with respect to Mahadayi project. At the same time, Upper Krishna project Phase 3 would require over Rs 51148 crore. If state alone tries to implement the project, it would take over two decades to complete it. Since the project would be irrigating over 5.30 lakh hectares of land, the Union government could declare it as National project for speedy completion, Mr Kumaraswamy said. With respect to Mekedatu project, where Tamil Nadu had approached the court, Union Water Resource Minister Mr Nitin Gadkari had been requested to convene meeting of Chief Ministers of both the states, for which he had agreed, Mr Kumaraswamy said. Meanwhile, various road projects like elevated road between Hubballi and Dharawad and alternative roads between Karnataka and Goa, which would be closed for next 18 months due to widening work was discussed. Besides, proposals to widening roads between Hassan-Belur, Channarayapattana-Holenarasipura-Arakalagud-Kodlipet-Madikeri was also discussed, he said. Union Coal and Railways Minister Piyush Goel was appraised of coal shortage in the State and was urged to allocate coal mines to BTPS and YTPS. The patient was also put on ECMO treatment but there was no recovery. (Photo: [Repsentational image) Hyderabad: Intensive care myopathy, infection and sepsis following a second kidney transplant caused the death of Maqsood Hussain, 34, the son of MIMs Nampally legislator Jaffar Hussain Meraj. Maqsood died on Thursday morning. He was admitted to Yashoda Hospital at Somajiguda on November 23. He had to go through a second kidney transplant after a cadaver donation from the Jeevandan scheme. The second transplant was postponed twice earlier due to personal reasons. A senior doctor said, The first transplant was carried out in 2012 when he had come with acute kidney failure. but Maqsood abruptly stop-ped taking the immunosuppressant medicines. Even his family did not know this. He was then to on haemodialysis and steroids. He was undergoing dialysis for four years, and the family was keen that he undergo a second transplant. Maqsood was evaluated and all parameters were found to be normal. The transplant got postponed for the last six months. A hospital source blamed it to personal reasons. The transplant was performed on November 23 and Maqsod was shifted to the intensive care unit where he suffered intensive care myopathy where the muscles of the body get paralysed. His condition began to deteriorate and it led to sepsis. The patient was also put on ECMO treatment but there was no recovery. Critical care specialists found that controlling the infection was becoming a challenge as the organs began to get affected and the antibiotics were not working. Prof. Pradeep Deshpande, former president, Indian Society of Nephrology, explained, There are 1,200 kidney transplants carried out every year in the country. Of these, 100 have a rejection and there is a need for a second transplant. The rejection begins either from day one or can happen even after a few years. Second transplants are often successful but there have been cases of second rejection as well, complications due to underlying conditions like viral load and infection in the body, he explained. Hyderabad: MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday put up an impassioned opposition to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights and Marriage) Bill, the triple talaq Bill, in the Lok Sabha, stating that it has been rejected by Muslim women. Why have you decriminalised homosexuality and criminalised triple talaq? Because it will be used against us. Sexual minority got a choice in Section 377, then why not religious minorities, he asked. Stating that he was representing the voice of Muslim women being a father, brother, son and uncle, Mr Owaisi said if the Bill is passed great injustice would caused to them and they who would be forced to on roads. Stating that Muslims were against the move to criminalise triple talaq as it was against the right to faith and belief, Mr Owaisi said: If your faith is your faith, then my faith should also be my faith. Your intentions are not clean. You can bring your own law, but we will not forfeit our religion. He asked the government not to confuse the people of the country in the name of the Supreme Court verdict. The Supreme Court never said that it is unconstitutional, Mr Owaisi said. When the Supreme Court decriminalised adultery, you just kept quiet. When the apex court never said that triple talaq is unconstitutional you are criminalising it. He said while adultery had been decriminalised, and there was nothing to stop men from indulging in extramarital affairs, triple talaq was being made a criminal offence. He asked that when the law prescribed a one-year jail as punishment for a Hindu husband, why was it set at three years for a Muslim husband. He said the punishment for a fatal road accident is two years, why jail a Muslim husband for three years. Your dream of having more Muslims in jail will be achieved. You are forcing a Muslim woman to file an FIR against her husband, he said and requested the government to send the Bill to a select committee. While proposing the deletion of the provision for punishing the husband, he said that marriage was a contract in Islam. If the husband wants to divorce his wife, he has to pay mehr. There was ample protection for women in the Shariat. Mr Owaisi later told mediapersons outside Parliament, Yeh kanoon sirf aur sirf Muslim mahilaon ko road par lane ka hai, unko barbad aur kamzor karna hai. Aur jo Muslim mard hain unko jail mein daalne ka hai. Yahi is kanoon ka ghalat istemal hoga app dekhna. (The intention of the Bill is to drag the Muslim women to streets and destroy them and to jail Muslim husbands. This Bill will certainly be misused, you will see). Cut-throat competition has taken its toll on various players who are asking for a neutral playing field. Hyderabad: After the Centres notification on Wednesday, consumers are wondering whether discounts will continue from e-commerce firms, would there be new retail tie-ups by multinational e-commerce companies and whether the government would be able to regulate the sector. Founder and chief executive officer of Latestone.com Ameen Khwaja said, Retail tie-ups are known in the industry. We are waiting to see how the governments orders are implemented. The major question is whether the practice of making losses and still offering discounts to consumers works. He said large companies would survive, but not the small ones. The notification is important and it must be implemented properly, he said. Large e-commerce sites like Amazon and Flipkart have equity in retail sellers due to which they can offer huge discounts. The offer is good for the consumer but the companies are running into losses. In the bargain, the e-commerce sites are killing the competition and smaller players who are in the market. This has led to widespread discontentment. Secretary-General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Praveen Khandelwal said e-commerce sites were selling products at unreasonably low prices. They are incurring losses in a bid to get monopoly. Such practices have to stop as there are many small and medium traders whose survival is at stake. We are glad that the government has come out with this notification and it will make a difference, Mr Khandelwal said. Cut-throat competition has taken its toll on various players who are asking for a neutral playing field. Chief Executive Officer of SR Innovation Exchange said, It is high time this large marketplace created a neutral platform and enabled a fair opportunity for smaller vendors. There is a need to avoid monopoly of single vendors. Will there also be new tie-ups with retailers who have exclusive brands? Mr Ashok Reddy, founder of Gabon, said, This will be used as an opportunity by both Flipkart and Amazon to release new personalised brands. This is going to be good for the government and the market. The consumers will have a wider choice. The tone in the market is that of being set for a level playing field by the big players. Mr Kunal Bahl, chief executive officer and co-founder of Snapdeal, said, The update to the FDI policy on e-commerce means that there will be balanced growth. It will help to create a level playing field for all sellers. Does this mean that this January, consumers will see the last of the deep pocket discounts by e-commerce companies? Many of them say yes, as the order is due to be implemented from February. Tirupati: In a shocking incident, six school children between the ages of 9 and 10 years were made to stand naked outside the classroom because they were late for school and had not completed their homework. Acting on the complaint lodged by mandal education officer Leela Vathi at the Punganur police station, the cops registered a case against Bhuvaneswari and Naidu, and sent them to remand, said sub-inspector Arun Kumar Reddy. Honorary president of Balala Hakkula Sangham Achyuta Rao had earlier brought the matter to the notice of the chairperson of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, New Delhi. He wanted the commission to issue an order to initiate action under the POCSO (Protection of Childre n from Sexual Offences) Act. Chittoor district educational officer K. Panduranga Swamy told Deccan Chronicle: It came to our notice that on Tuesday the school teacher punished some of the students of classes III and IV by letting them stand outside in the sun with bare bodies because they were late and had not done their homework. We immediately pressed the MEO to lodge a complaint at the local police station and ordered a thorough probe in the matter. We wont tolerate such inhumanity against the children and hence we have withdrawn recognition of the school and will take severe action against the school management. Minister for industries N. Amarnath Reddy has also instructed the district collector to withdraw recognition to the school. Under the collectors direction, the DEO further released a statement, which reads: As a result of the negligent behaviour of the management, the boys left with bare bodies and this is a serious lapse on the part of the management which cannot be excused and thus attracted the provisions of Rules in GO Ms No. 1, dated 01.01.1994 and Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, 1988. Whereas, the school management behaved with total negligence in maintaining the safety of students and violated the provisions of rules governing the recognition of the private educational institutes and AP Education Act, 1994. Keeping in view of instructions of the HRD minister, we have withdrawn the permission and recognition granted to the school. Hyderabad: Telangana Rashtra Samiti MLAs are arriving in the state capital from their district tours expecting that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will announce his Cabinet at last. Former minister and TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao arrived in Hyderabad on Thursday from his visit abroad. Mr Chandrasekhar Rao is returning to Hyderabad from Delhi on Friday after meeting heads of several regional parties in his quest for a non-BJP and non-Congress Federal Front. TRS MLAs expect Mr Rao to announce the names of Cabinet ministers as soon as he returns and are therefore congregating in Hyderabad, especially those who expect to be named. For the last five days there has been no activity in the TRS camp as both the Chief Minister and working president of the party were away. Now, Telangana Bhavan, the TRS party headquarters, is a beehive of activity. TRS leader Karnati Vidyasagar donated Rs 5 lakh to Mr Rama Rao on Thursday for the construction of a party office in Nalgonda. The TRS has decided to construct party offices in all districts. Along with Telangana state, Assembly elections were also held in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. State Cabinets have been formed in all three states, but 16 days after the results were announced, the TS Cabinet is still to be formed. Opposition parties have been critical of the delay. It was very positively received all around the world, especially by the Sikh community. We are actively working to develop infrastructures at Kartarpur, said Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal. (Photo: Twitter | @ForeignOfficePk) Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday described the Kartarpur corridor as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government while admitted that there was "no progress" on the contentious issues with India. Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal also said that the Kashmir issue remained "on top of Pakistan's priority". At the weekly media briefing here, Faisal said that the Kartarpur corridor was the "high point of diplomacy for Pakistan's new government, along with Afghan (peace) developments." He said Prime Minister Imran Khan in a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in September gave a detailed roadmap to move forward but New Delhi failed to reciprocate. Faisal said that despite India's refusal to start a dialogue, Pakistan went ahead with the groundbreaking of the Kartarpur corridor. Prime Minister Khan in November laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. "It was very positively received all around the world, especially by the Sikh community. We are actively working to develop infrastructures at Kartarpur," Faisal said. Faisal said, however, there was "no progress" on contentious issues with India and the Kartarpur corridor was the only positive development. "We were not successful...we made an effort but they were not reciprocating. You can say it was not successful," the spokesman said. Condemning the violence in Kashmir, he said Pakistan would "observe Kashmir Solidary on February 5, 2019 in London where the foreign minister will be present." Faisal said 341 Pakistani prisoners were in India, including 154 civil prisoners and 187 fishermen. He said 12 civil and 33 fishermen have completed their jail terms and Pakistan is working to bring them back. To a question about India's role in the Afghan peace process, Faisal said, "India has no role in this". Faisal said Pakistan wanted to develop peaceful ties with all neighbours and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's four-nation visit this week was to explore possibility of a win-win framework for regional connectivity, economic development with the objective economic growth and prosperity. Nawaz Sharif is handed another jail sentence and Asif Ali Zardaris fate hangs in the balance after a damning indictment in a money-laundering investigation. Though foretold, the two events this week bring closer the decapitation of the leadership of the two major political parties that have dominated Pakistani politics over the decades. Behind prison bars and banned from holding any public office, the three-time Prime Minister is already out of the political race, and now it is the turn of the former President. It may not be the first time we are witnessing the accountability roller coaster knocking down the top political leadership, but things seem more serious this time. The ordeal for the Sharifs is far from over with other members of the family too in the dock. Their dynastical legacy is now at stake. Although having suffered incarceration for almost nine years before making it to the highest echelons of power, things are far more serious for Zardari this time. While we still have to wait for the legal process to conclude, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report appears highly incriminating. The PPP leader is accused of running dubious financial and business networks through front men, worth billions of rupees. Surely, the phenomenal wealth allegedly accumulated through questionable means seems hard to defend. But there is also the question of whether these charges could be proved in a court of law. A major problem is the credibility of the ongoing accountability process itself. There may be some strong evidence of misdeeds against the political leaders under investigation, but there are reasons to believe that it is a selective and politically motivated process. The ongoing media trial has also lent credence to allegations of a witch-hunt against political leaders as part of a plan to weaken the Opposition parties. Moreover, the diminishing public faith in our extremely flawed system of justice and investigation is another factor fuelling scepticism. What some analysts describe as the judicialisation of Pakistani politics, backed by the security establishment, has made things worse. What happens next is likely to redefine the political template. Indeed, neither the PPP nor the PML-N have the capacity or intention to take the battle to the streets against what they describe as a politically motivated accountability process and witch-hunt targeting their leaders. But they remain a very effective force inside Parliament and could create serious problems for a rudderless government. The decapitation is not likely to push these political parties out of the scene as we have evidenced in the past. They still have a strong popular base and the disqualification of the leadership may not lead to the fragmentation of these parties as being predicted by some elements in the government. There is a strong possibility of these parties evolving into more democratic structures. While the crackdown on the leadership has brought both the Opposition parties under pressure, the PTI governments own lacklustre performance has given them some confidence. Having no clear policy direction has made an incompetent government more and more reliant on the security establishment that now seems to be the driving force behind it. The judicialisation of politics has also given the top judiciary unprecedented powers. With the judiciary getting increasingly involved in policy issues beyond its domain, there is a sense that the Chief Justice may appear more like the chief executive of the country, further distorting the power symmetry. Such politicisation is of serious concern. It makes it more difficult for accountability to be seen as impartial. The formation of JITs and the inclusion in them of members of the intelligence agencies in cases related to political leaders have reinforced the perception of a selective process of accountability. Sharifs trial by a NAB court under the supervision of the Supreme Court has not set a good precedent for raising the publics faith in the judicial process. The comments made by the court carry political connotations and have not helped to maintain the sanctity of the top judiciary. The reporting of the comments reinforces the impression of a media trial as alleged by the Opposition. This trend must stop. One such example is the reporting of the JIT investigations into the money-laundering case against Zardari. Why should the content of a confidential report to the Supreme Court be made public before the accused is charged? Such practices do not help the justice system. The restrictions on discussion on sub judice matters seem to have gone away a long time ago. That makes an accused a convict even before being indicted. Consequently, the elected civilian government seems to have become a secondary partner in the existing power troika. There have been observations that a nexus between the military and the judiciary is propping up the government. This has also undermined the elected bodies especially Parliament, but for how long can this situation continue when such formidable challenges are confronting the country? It is important to hold those in public office accountable. But it is equally important to make the process of doing so more transparent, impartial and without any political prejudice. By arrangement with Dawn The completion of the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam by the Narendra Modi government, which fast-tracked the project after assuming power in 2014, should be a lesson on how to avoid delays in future projects. As is well known now, the star-crossed 4.9-km bridge took 200 months to complete for reasons ranging from funds crunch to the then Congress governments apathy in 2004-14. It has caused the nation a huge loss as the project cost escalated from Rs 3,230 crores to Rs 5,900 crores It would be appropriate to fix responsibility on the people responsible for this delay. Maybe the Congress president needs to look into this if his attacks on the Prime Minister are to have any moral or ethical substance. The Bogibeel Bridge delay is just the tip of the iceberg as overall projects worth Rs 12 lakh crores are either incomplete or have been facing delays. In the real estate sector alone, over 4.65 lakh units, worth over Rs 3.3 lakh crores, are facing delays with reasons ranging from getting project approvals to cash crunch faced by developers, and a slowdown in sales. In many cases it is third party contractors who are the real culprits as they either take up too many projects which they are unable to execute or run out of cash. In the case of Bogibeel, for instance, besides the funding delay, the unavailability of raw material and then its transportation through hostile terrain took time. The reasons for project delays would differ from project to project and state to state. One can imagine the irreparable damage this has caused to the economy, specially to job generation. Union roads and transport minister Nitin Gadkari has said that projects worth Rs 10 lakh crores implemented by his department has given employment to one crore young people, so it isnt difficult to calculate the huge number of jobs lost due to delays in projects worth `12 lakh crores. Alternatively, an investment of Rs 1,000 crores creates 50,000 to one lakh jobs directly or indirectly. Since providing two crore jobs annually was the keystone of the Narendra Modi governments 2014 manifesto and has remained just a jumla in the fifth year of his administration, the government has the option of following the E. Sreedharan route. He had completed projects on time and within the budgetary provisions. The man behind the Delhi Metro used the contractual and institutional approach, so the government could either try out his method or it should put Mr Gadkari in charge of getting these projects to fruition. The public-private partnership tried out in the case of upgrading Delhi and Mumbai airports and the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway was plagued by cost overruns due to major delays. Completing these projects will be a challenge for the Modi government, but it could earn Mr Modi significant political mileage given that the Lok Sabha elections are just around the corner. It is stated that Indias workforce will increase to 750 to one billion? That looks like a huge number because the educational institutions are growing rapidly, and this is leading to fresh graduates competing for jobs. In such a scenario, to be at par with the growing technology needs of consumers, it is important for the workforce to be equipped with skills that are required to fill new job roles and address existing gaps. Parallely, with increasing technology advancements and digitization, it has become imperative for businesses and professionals to adopt new-age technologies to succeed. One such technology that has transformed the world across industries is the Cloud. IDC predicts that worldwide public cloud services spending will reach USD 160 billion in 2018, representing an increase of 23.2 percent over 2017. Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO for Simplilearn says that this transformation is leading to a stark need for skills that never existed before. While on the job training has traditionally been considered as the best way to learn, the situation today is changing - hiring managers are looking for job-ready candidates who can be productive from Day 1 to streamline time-spent and costs on training/onboarding. This scenario indicates that the onus is on the candidates themselves, and also on higher educational institutions, to be better prepared for the dynamic work environment of today and for working with evolving technology-driven job roles, said Kumar. Where is the gap? Kumar said that with organizations moving rapidly towards digitization, they are witnessing a gap in the skills required compared to the skills attained by students across academic institutions. Therefore, in order to prepare students for future jobs, it is becoming increasingly important for organisations to train them in the fields of cloud computing, data analytics, machine learning and IoT, amongst others. Research by Indeed has shown that job postings for cloud computing and cloud engineers have risen 27 percent in the last two years. This has led universities to adopt and deploy advanced ICT methods to facilitate teaching, learning, and R&D activities that meet educational needs and are in-line with the growing dependence on IT. What institutions can do For academic institutions in India to overcome this hurdle and prepare graduates for a new world of technology-driven jobs, they need to change their archaic approach towards education in the country, claims Kumar. Since an alarming 95 percent of engineers in India are barely suited for high-level programming jobs, working on outdated machines and coding technologies should be the first activity to go out of the window. Additionally, institutions should start thinking out-of-the-box solutions to prepare students better. With online platforms easily available to anyone with internet access, partnering with Ed-Tech platforms is another way for colleges and institutions to provide contemporary tech training to students, he added. American institutions such as Purdue University, Jacksonville State University, University of Central Florida and Cornell University are opting for cloud-based learning systems that aid student education and serve the additional purpose of providing a revenue stream to the university. Theres no reason why institutions in India cannot pursue similar arrangements with the many options available in the market. Working in partnership with the governments push for Digital India and skilling people with SQL, Hadoop, Python and more, colleges and institutions can equip students with the essential capabilities to succeed in todays changing work environment. These trainings can prepare students with skills that are based on industry standards enabling them with contemporary skills and making them job-ready. This is also in line with the National Skill Development Corporations (NSDC) long-term objective of creating, funding and enabling a shift to new-age jobs for the future workforce. Working towards the goal As the organizations and professionals embrace the era of transformation, its crucial that colleges and academic institutions also transform the way they impart skills and education. Migrating to the cloud is simply the first step of this transformation, followed by technology tools such as virtual reality, adaptive learning and more. Unless this step is implemented effictively, organizations and professionals cannot drive the digital agenda on a broader national level. The skill gap needs to be addressed by all parties simultaneously, but the onus is primarily on academic institutions to ensure that students very first steps in the job market are well measured to succeed in the digital era and this paves a path to achieving Indias digital dream, concluded Kumar. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The United States alleges that the two companies work at the behest of the Chinese government and that their equipment could be used to spy on Americans. President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in the new year to declare a national emergency that would bar US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by Chinas Huawei and ZTE, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters. It would be the latest step by the Trump administration to cut Huawei Technologies Cos Ltd and ZTE Corp, two of Chinas biggest network equipment companies, out of the US market. The United States alleges that the two companies work at the behest of the Chinese government and that their equipment could be used to spy on Americans. The executive order, which has been under consideration for more than eight months, could be issued as early as January and would direct the Commerce Department to block US companies from buying equipment from foreign telecommunications makers that pose significant national security risks, sources from the telecoms industry and the administration said. While the order is unlikely to name Huawei or ZTE, a source said it is expected that Commerce officials would interpret it as authorization to limit the spread of equipment made by the two companies. The sources said the text for the order has not been finalized. The executive order would invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States. The issue has new urgency as US wireless carriers look for partners as they prepare to adopt next generation 5G wireless networks. The order follows the passage of a defense policy bill in August that barred the US government itself from using Huawei and ZTE equipment. Chinas Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that she did not want to comment on the order as it had not been officially confirmed. Its best to let facts speak for themselves when it comes to security problems, Hua said. Some countries have, without any evidence, and making use of national security, tacitly assumed crimes to politicize, and even obstruct and restrict, normal technology exchange activities, she added. This in reality is undoubtedly shutting oneself off, rather than being the door to openness, progress and fairness. Huawei and ZTE did not return requests for comment. Both in the past have denied allegations their products are used to spy. The White House also did not return a request for comment. The Wall Street Journal first reported in early May that the order was under consideration, but it was never issued. HIT TO RURAL NETWORKS Rural operators in the United States are among the biggest customers of Huawei and ZTE, and fear the executive order would also require them to rip out existing Chinese-made equipment without compensation. Industry officials are divided on whether the administration could legally compel operators to do that. While the big US wireless companies have cut ties with Huawei in particular, small rural carriers have relied on Huawei and ZTE switches and other equipment because they tend to be less expensive. The company is so central to small carriers that William Levy, vice president for sales of Huawei Tech USA, is on the board of directors of the Rural Wireless Association. The RWA represents carriers with fewer than 100,000 subscribers. It estimates that 25 percent of its members had Huawei or ZTE equipment in their networks, it said in a filing to the Federal Communications Commission earlier this month. The RWA is concerned that an executive order could force its members to remove ZTE and Huawei equipment and also bar future purchases, said Caressa Bennet, RWA general counsel. It would cost $800 million to $1 billion for all RWA members to replace their Huawei and ZTE equipment, Bennet said. Separately, the FCC in April granted initial approval to a regulation that bars giving federal funding to help pay for telecommunication infrastructure to companies that purchase equipment from firms deemed as a threat to US national security, which analysts have said is aimed at Huawei and ZTE. The FCC is also considering whether to require carriers to remove and replace equipment from firms deemed a national security risk. In March, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said hidden back doors to our networks in routers, switches and virtually any other type of telecommunications equipment - can provide an avenue for hostile governments to inject viruses, launch denial-of-service attacks, steal data, and more. In the December filing, Pine Belt Communications in Alabama estimated it would cost $7 million to $13 million to replace its Chinese-made equipment, while Sagebrush in Montana said replacement would cost $57 million and take two years. Sagebrush has noted that Huawei products are significantly cheaper. When looking for bids in 2010 for its network, it found the cost of Ericsson equipment to be nearly four times the cost of Huawei. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Given that he used off-the-shelf products, his costs reduced to just under USD 5,000. The world is far and wide and it will take Google a lot of time to ensure all the countries on the planet is covered through the 360-degree Street View. So, a Zimbabwean decided to put the country on the immersive experience by himself. Tawanda Kanhema, 37, grew up in Zimbabwe before moving to the United States. His studies in journalism and documentary film-making helped him shoot the exquisite location including Harare's central business districts, malls, virtual tour of Victoria Falls, river mapping of Zambezi river in a speed boat, and more, all within a span of two weeks, Cnet reported. He funded all the travel and production costs related to the project while Google and Insta360 provided the gear through the camera loan program. Given that he used off-the-shelf products, his costs reduced to just under USD 5,000. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The ministry has warned that the poor eyesight can be linked to the increased time spent staring at screens. (Photo: Pixabay) Japan, which is one of the largest gaming markets in the world, has found the root cause for the poor eyesight of its young students - smartphones. The country's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology recently conducted a survey and found that students with vision below the standard 1.0 score (20/20 vision) are at an all-time high of 25.3 per cent. According to Sora News 24, 34.1 per cent of elementary students and up to 67.09 per cent of high school students did not have 1.0 vision, the highest ever in history. The ministry has warned that the poor eyesight can be linked to the increased time spent staring at screens caused by smartphone usage and mobile games. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Trump landed at 7:16 pm local time at Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, accompanied by his wife Melania, following what he described as a stressful, secrecy-shrouded flight on a 'pitch black' Air Force One. (Photo: File) Washington/Iraq: President Donald Trump used a lightning visit to Iraq -- his first with US troops in a conflict zone since being elected -- to defend the withdrawal from Syria and to declare an end to Americas role as the global policeman. Trump landed at 7:16 pm local time at Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, accompanied by his wife Melania, following what he described as a stressful, secrecy shrouded flight on a pitch black Air Force One. The president spoke to a group of about 100 mostly special forces personnel and separately with military leaders before leaving a few hours later. A planned meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi was scrapped and replaced by a phone call, the premiers office said. During the call, Trump invited Abdel Mahdi to visit Washington and he accepted, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. White House video showed a smiling Trump shaking hands with camouflage-clad personnel, signing autographs and posing for photos at the base in Iraq. Morale-boosting presidential visits to US troops in war zones have been a longstanding tradition in the years following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Trump has taken considerable criticism for declining to visit in the first two years of his presidency. But speculation had been mounting that he would finally make the gesture following his controversial plan to slash troop levels in Afghanistan and his order to withdraw entirely from Syria. At the Iraqi military base, Trump sought to defend his America first policy of pulling back from multinational alliances, including what to many Americans seem like the endless wars of the Middle East. Its not fair when the burden is all on us, he said. We dont want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them. They dont pay for it and theyre going to have to. We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people havent even heard about. Frankly, its ridiculous, he added. Trump told reporters he had overruled generals asking to extend the Syria deployment, where about 2,000 US forces, joined by other foreign troops, assist local fighters battling the Islamic State jihadist group. You cant have any more time. Youve had enough time, he said he told the top brass. Disentangling America The drawdowns -- and the abrupt way that they were announced -- helped lead to the resignation of Trumps defence secretary, Jim Mattis, who has been one of the administrations heavyweights. In his unusually forcefully-worded resignation letter, Mattis appeared to chide Trump when he stressed his own strongly held views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors. Trump has also taken criticism from France and other foreign partners as well as senior figures in his own Republican party. However, the president has made disentangling America from its wars a priority since his 2016 election and he said in Iraq that the US would no longer be treated as suckers, CNN reported. The Islamic State group, which once controlled swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria, has been driven mostly into hiding. On Wednesday, Trump said weve knocked them out, although he appeared to hedge his bets -- following widespread criticism that his victory declaration is premature -- when he added that Iraq might be used as a future base if we wanted to do something in Syria. And while highlighting the military and financial roles he said Turkey and Saudi Arabia had agreed to play in Syria, Trump also told journalists that we may go back and help. In Afghanistan, Trump wants to withdraw about half of the 14,000 soldiers locked in a war against Taliban guerrillas that has long resembled a stalemate. The Iraq trip will go some way to ending criticism over Trumps failure to meet soldiers on the ground, even as he repeatedly touts his support for the military at campaign rallies. And it provides some distraction from a rising tide of domestic political problems, including the government shutdown caused by Trumps row with Congress over funding for a US-Mexico border wall. Pressure is also mounting from a series of criminal probes into Trumps finances and links to Russia. According to Trump, the flight into Iraq was unlike anything hed previously experienced. If you would have seen what we had to go through in the darkened plane with all windows closed with no light anywhere -- pitch black, he said. Ive been on many airplanes. All types and shapes and sizes. So did I have a concern? Yes I had a concern. After departing Iraq, Trump stopped over in Germany, where he was due to meet US troops. Corporal Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop when he was 'working overtime on Christmas night to provide the best for his family.' (Photo: Screengrab/NYPDChiefofDept Twitter ) New York: A 33-year-old Indian-origin police officer in the US state of California has been killed after being shot by an armed unidentified gunman while he was conducting a traffic stop. Corporal Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop when he was working overtime on Christmas night to provide the best for his family. A few moments later he called out shots fired over the radio, the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department said in a statement, which is leading the investigation. Multiple agencies responded to assist, and Singh was found at the scene with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, the department said. It said the suspect had fled the scene in his vehicle before the police arrived. The department is leading the investigation and have released surveillance photographs of the suspect and vehicle, asking for any information on the identity of the suspect. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) described him as Hispanic. Suspect is considered armed and dangerous and may be in possession of a firearm, the CHP said. Singh was a more than 7-year veteran of the Newman Police Department and was assigned as a canine officer. Prior to joining the Newman Police Department, he served with the Merced County Sheriffs Department. Corporal Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and 5-month-old son. A report in KCRA3 news said that Singh was a native of Fiji and had immigrated to America. It quoted Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department spokesman Raj Singh as saying that he knew the slain officer. He was living the American Dream. He immigrated here from the Fiji Islands, just like my parents did, and was definitely enjoying the American Dream, Deputy Raj Singh said. Tributes and condolence messages for Singh poured from police departments and officials across the country. California Governor Edmund Brown extended his condolences to Singhs wife, their young son and colleagues. Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California, Brown said. In honour of Singh, Capitol flags in California will be flown at half-staff, the Governors office said. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner James P ONeill tweeted that the entire New York Police Department is thinking of the family, friends and colleagues of Corporal Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department (CA), who was murdered early this morning while conducting a traffic stop just hours after taking Christmas photos with his wife and son. #NeverForget. The New York Police Department, in a separate tweet, said after years of service with the Newman Police Department, Singh was shot & killed while conducting a traffic stop shortly after Christmas day. We mourn the loss of this hero and send our condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues. The Indian Officers Society at the NYPD expressed sadness at Singhs death, tweeting that Singh was killed in the line of duty and recalled his service to the community. Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said the Newman Police family is devastated by Singhs death. Carita: Indonesia raised the danger level for an island volcano that triggered a tsunami on the weekend, killing at least 430 people in Sumatra and Java, and widened its no-go zone. The country's volcanology agency said on Thursday that the Anak Krakatau volcano's alert status had been raised to the second-highest level and the exclusion zone more than doubled to a 5-kilometer (3-mile) radius. The eruption on Saturday evening caused part of the island in the Sunda Strait to collapse into the sea, apparently generating tsunami waves of more than 2 meters (6 1/2 feet). Most tsunamis are caused by earthquakes. The government has warned communities in the strait to stay a kilometer (6/10 of a mile) away from the coastline because of the risk of another tsunami triggered by Krakatau's eruptions. A navy vessel is expected to pass by the island later Thursday, which could give scientists more information about the risks of a second collapse. US President Donald Trump greets members of the US military during an unannounced trip to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq on Wednesday. (AFP) Al-Asad Air Base (Iraq): President Donald Trump used a lightning visit to Iraq his first with US troops in a conflict zone since being elected to defend the withdrawal from Syria and to declare an end to America's role as the global policeman. Trump landed at 7.16 pm local time at Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, accompanied by his wife Melania, following what he described as a stressful, secrecy shrouded flight on a pitch black Air Force One. The president spoke to a group of about 100 mostly special forces personnel and separately with military leaders before leaving a few hours later. A planned meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi was scrapped and replaced by a phone call, the premier's office said. During the call, Trump invited Abdel Mahdi to visit Washington and he accepted, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. White House video showed a smiling Trump shaking hands with camouflage-clad personnel, signing autographs and posing for photos at the base in Iraq. Morale-boosting presidential visits to US troops in war zones have been a longstanding tradition in the years following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Trump has taken considerable criticism for declining to visit in the first two years of his presidency. But speculation had been mounting that he would finally make the gesture following his controversial plan to slash troop levels in Afghanistan and his order to withdraw entirely from Syria. At the Iraqi military base, Trump sought to defend his America First policy of pulling back from multinational alliances, including what to many Americans seem like the endless wars of the Middle East. It's not fair when the burden is all on us, he said. We don't want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them. They don't pay for it and they're going to have to. We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people haven't even heard about. Frankly, it's ridiculous, he added. Trump told reporters he had overruled generals asking to extend the Syria deployment, where about 2,000 US forces, joined by other foreign troops, assist local fighters battling the Islamic State jihadist group. You can't have any more time. You've had enough time, he said he told the top brass. The drawdowns helped lead to the resignation of Trump's defense secretary, Jim Mattis, who has been one of the administration's heavyweights. In a move that will end the e-commerce monopoly and steep discount offers by marketplaces like Flipkart and Amazon, the Centre on Wednesday tightened the noose around online retailers asking them to stop any pact with firms for the exclusive sale of their products. It also barred them from selling products of companies in which they have a stake. Besides, an e-commerce entity will not be permitted more than 25% of the sales through its marketplace from one vendor or their group companies. Reviewing the policy for e-commerce firms, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry cautioned that the cashback provided by e-commerce entities to buyers shall be fair and non-discriminatory. The new rules will come into force from February 1. An entity having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its inventory by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, will not be permitted to sell its products on the platform run by such marketplace entity, the revised e-commerce policy document said. The move will require e-commerce companies to keep retail firms at an arms-length. According to the revised policy, an e-commerce marketplace entity will not mandate any seller to sell any product exclusively on its platform only. An e-commerce marketplace entity will be required to furnish a certificate along with a report of a statutory auditor to the Reserve Bank of India, confirming compliance of the above guidelines by September 30 of every year for the preceding financial year. Heavy discounts by e-commerce marketplace companies had almost eroded the profits of brick-and-mortar retailers prompting them to lodge a complaint with the government. Though most of the rules were brought into force earlier this year, none were strictly adhered to. Amid reports that the censor board has objected to certain scenes in the biopic of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray, senior party leader and the film's producer Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said nobody can ban the film. Raut, who has also written the film, was talking to reporters here after the launch of its trailer. The biopic features Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Bal Thackeray. According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has taken exception to certain scenes referring to the Babri Masjid and the south Indian community. "What is right and what is not right, who will decide? This is a biopic, it is a true story. Balasaheb's life was an open book. The censor board will understand. Some things take time to be understood," Raut said. "Fifty years ago, Balasaheb had spoken about Bhoomiputras (sons of the soil) and now the people who opposed it want Bhoomiputra policy in Madhya Pradesh," added Raut in an apparent reference to the Congress government encouraging recruitment of local people in Madhya Pradesh. The Sena's Rajya Sabha member further said, "There is no question of ban, this is Thackeray. Nobody can ban Thackeray." Known for his provocative statements, Thackeray, in the late 1960s had targeted south Indians, accusing them of snatching away jobs from local Marathi youths. He also dominated the headlines for his anti-Muslim tirades. The Censor board as yet has not come out with any statement about whether it has suggested any cuts. Its spokesperson could not be contacted for comments. Asked about the censor board's reported objections, Thackeray's son and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said, "Whatever has happened has happened. We can not change it. If we can not have a quick action about the film (referring to censor clearance) then we better have quick resolution of the Babri Masjid case." "This picture will be two-hour long, but I have seen the full 52-year picture (the time he spent with his father). This must have been a difficult film to make," Uddhav said as he lauded Nawazuddin for portraying a "very difficult role". Nawazuddin said he was grateful to the film's makers for casting him. "This was the most challenging role for me. I did get nervous thinking whether I will be able to do this role or not but the director gave me lot of confidence and put me at ease," the actor said. Directed by Abhijit Panse, the film will release on January 25, Thackeray's birth anniversary. Its customary this time of year for columnists to do some sort of year in review piece. I find it difficult to review last week, let alone last year, but Im going to give it a try. Here are most of the highlights, or lowlights of the last seven days or so. First, President Donald Trump had a little one-on-one chat with Turkey strongman Tayyip Erdogan and then decided, in a tweet, to declare ISIS defeated and announce the withdrawal of all our troops from Syria. He reportedly did that without any consultation with our own military or intelligence experts, probably because I know more about ISIS than the generals, as he told us so often on the campaign trail. Erdogan reportedly assured Trump he would hold off for now but soon he is going in to take care of the rest of ISIS and, just as an addendum, slaughter our staunchest Kurdish allies who have borne the brunt of the fighting against ISIS. Hes also halving our troop strength in Afghanistan, even as hes sent nearly 6,000 soldiers to our southern borders to face unarmed teenagers and women and children. The leaders of Turkey, ISIS, Russia, Iran, China and Syria must be doing their equivalent of dancing in the streets. But, as the guy on the next barstool has told you so often and with such authority, We cant continue to be the policemen of the world. However, we can continue be the arms suppliers to the world. We can continue to sell billions in bombs and planes to a Saudi Arabian prince who cuts people up in his consulates. And we can continue to supply our military as mechanics and trainers for those armaments as Saudi Arabia continues to bomb Yemen into rubble and starve millions of civilians. Thats different. Thats just business, according to our transactional president. As Trump told our troops in Iraq Dec. 26, Were no longer the suckers, folks. And people arent looking at us as suckers Were respected again as a nation. Is that how you felt when you watched Saudi Arabias Mohammed bin Salman and Russias Vladimir smirking and high-fiving one another at the G20 meeting in Argentina three weeks ago while Trump lurked in the background scowling? Me either. Trump then proceeded to lie to the troops by telling them he got them a 10 percent raise for fiscal 2018. (Congress voted them a 2.4 percent raise in the defense appropriations bill.) Anyhow, after the Syria withdrawal announcement, General James Mattis did the only honorable thing and resigned in protest and then Trump fired him as secretary of defense. U.S. Envoy to Syria Brett McGurk also resigned over the Syria pullout and Trump doubled down by announcing he was cutting our troop strength in Afghanistan in half as well, again by tweet. Then the stock market really, really tanked, taking our 401(k)s and IRAs along with it. And finally, the federal government went into a partial shutdown last Friday, idling about 400,000 workers and forcing another 400,000 essential employees to continue working without pay just three days before Christmas. Merry Christmas, all you loyal employees working to keep us safe! This is the third shutdown this year over basically the same issue money for the wall Trump stupidly promised his base that he would build and Mexico would pay for. Last January Democrats agreed to give Trump $25 billion for his wall in exchange for permanent residency and citizenship for the 1.8 million Dreamers undocumented immigrants brought here as children before 2007. Within hours Trump scuttled that deal when he demanded reductions in our legal immigration programs as well, and our Democratic leaders realized you cant make nice to the worlds greatest dealmaker. If you let him win, you lose, sucker. The government shut down for three days in January. Were now in the seventh day of this one. We had a second, virtually unnoticed appropriation pause of nine hours duration in February. Five billion dollars is a pittance to the government and for any other Republican president at any other time, the Democrats might have made a deal. But, dear God, the bragging that Trump would do over the next two years if he could wring that concession out of Senate Democrats would just be insufferable. He is already bragging this week without any discernible evidence that he had just signed some big contract for some large segment of the wall. Who won the contract? For how much? What were the other bids? Where is it going to be built? What is it going to look like? Where did the money come from? No government agency has been able to say so far. To cap off the week, a federal trial judge in Washington, Emmet G. Sullivan, overturned Trumps new stricter asylum policies and the U.S. Supreme Court refused by a 5-4 vote to stay the judges orders. Judge Sullivan found that Trump unconstitutionally acted on a whim when he changed American asylum policy to deny asylum claims not made at official ports of entry. The court also overturned new policies to exclude domestic violence and gang violence as credible fear factors for granting asylum hearings. The judge also ordered the federal government to find and bring back to the United States any plaintiff who was removed under Trumps draconian ban, parole them into the United States and provide them with a hearing. As their final act before going home to celebrate the 2,000-year-old story of another refugee, government attorneys applied for an emergency extension of the deadline for those orders because the furloughed Department of Justice has no funds to carry them out due to the shutdown. So that was the week that was, a fitting capper on a pretty horrible year that was. Trump voters wanted a disrupter and they have certainly gotten their moneys worth, but really, does anybody on either side think they can stand another two years of this? Another year? Happy New Year! VICE 2 stars Christian Bale, Sam Rockwell, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Tyler Perry; R (language and some violent imagery); in general release; running time: 132 minutes Dick Cheney may not be the anti-Christ, but hed probably give him a ride to the airport. That seems to be the main takeaway from Vice, director Adam McKays scathing attempt to excoriate the former U.S. vice president. As Vice opens, the titles inform us that while McKays film is a true story, Cheney is also a famously secretive man, so the filmmakers just had to do their best to put everything together. The translation is clear: Take Vice with a Bonneville Raceway-sized dose of salt. The narrative toggles back and forth between Cheneys rise to political power and the dramatic events of his time in the Bush administration, primarily connected to the 9/11 attacks. Images of him getting pulled over for drunk driving in the early 1960s are juxtaposed against him calling the shots in a White House bunker after the airplanes hit the World Trade Center. Piece by piece, McKay assembles a narrative that follows Cheney (played by a fully immersed Christian Bale) through his time as a congressional intern under future Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell), as White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford (Bill Camp) and as a Wyoming congressman supported by his long-suffering wife Lynne (Amy Adams). Once his own presidential aspirations are quashed, Cheney eventually moves into the private sector as CEO of Halliburton, only to get drawn back into the political fight as future President George W. Bushs running mate in 2000. Beneath a dark comic tone, the message is the same: Washington motivations are universally cynical, selfish and manipulative or at least they are for Republicans. We never know what the motivations of Democrats are, because aside from a pair of fleeting real-life news clips one that shows Hillary Clinton endorsing the invasion of Iraq the left side of the aisle is completely absent from the screen. But at the same time, Vice never manages to offer a satisfactory explanation of why Cheney does what he does. Early on, hes aimless, hanging power lines in Wyoming after getting kicked out of Yale, and when he makes it to Washington, his choice of political party feels almost arbitrary. Vice wants Cheney to be the villain, but until a fourth-wall breaking monologue at the end of the movie, the character remains opaque. Instead, McKay tries to connect Cheney to most every historical tragedy of the last 20 years, blaming him for everything from the rise of ISIS to the housing crisis, and finishing the film with a dramatic montage that feels like a propaganda film. Even the one thing Vice seems to allow as a positive Cheneys support of his lesbian daughter Mary (Alison Pill) eventually just becomes more ammunition. Bales performance is the films primary bright spot, blending perfectly to a tone that seems to emulate last years I, Tonya in its antagonistic sense of humor. Adams is solid as Lynne, and in his limited screen time, Sam Rockwell plays George W. Bush as the kind of cartoon caricature pop culture reflected in the mid-2000s. Unfortunately, as with many politically charged films, audiences will likely react to Vice along party lines, as it validates the frustrations of one side and inspires the frustrations of the other. The films production is just good enough to make you wish it had been applied to a more thoughtful examination of such a polarizing character. Instead, Vice just feels like the cinematic equivalent of throwing rotten tomatoes at a stump speech. Rating explained:Vice is rated R for intermittent profanity, as well as some fleeting images of torture and interrogation, along with some associated male nudity. Mokena Police Department(MOKENA, Ill.) -- Police officer Peter Staglewicz narrowly avoided tragedy last month when he swerved off the road just a few feet from being slammed into by a speeding commuter train. Staglewicz, who works for the police department in Mokena, Illinois, was driving toward the train crossing when heart-stopping video from his dash camera showed him swerve left into a traffic island just to avoid likely tragedy. The video was posted on Staglewicz's Facebook page last Friday, though it happened in November. The clip had garnered more than 640,000 views on his page in six days. In the video, Staglewicz can be seen driving up to the tracks with the crossing gate still raised. The lights start flashing, and the gate drops only seconds before the train blows through the intersection. Metra, which operates commuter trains in the Chicago area, blamed the near-miss on a mechanical issue. It was remedied a few hours later, Metra told Chicago ABC station WLS-TV. "Throughout my life, I've had very little luck," Staglewicz wrote on Facebook. "I've bought tons of raffle tickets, from Little League tickets to charity raffles. Every lottery ticket was a loser. I just thought I wasn't born with luck at all. Little did I know, I had luck. I was just saving it all up for the perfect time." Another car just managed to safely make it through the intersection ahead of Staglewicz's cruiser. Two Chicago police officers were killed when they were struck by a train earlier this month, though that incident actually took place after Staglewicz's close call. Eduardo Marmolejo, 36, and Conrad Gary, 31, both died at the scene while they were pursuing a suspect involved in a shooting. Authorities believe a train heading in the opposite direction may have masked the sound of the one that struck the officers. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. | BY Ricki Green | UPDATED Tourism Australia has appointed M&C Saatchi as its global creative agency and Digitas as its digital agency, after a major pitch lasting more than six months. The agency will provide Australias national tourism organisation with global brand, advertising and production services, commencing work in January 2019. The incumbent creative agency is Clemenger BBDO, Sydney, who won the account in 2013 from DDB Sydney, who was also on the pitch. Others known to be on the pitch list included BMF and Droga5 New York. The win for M&C Saatchi sees it once again taking the lead creative agency role for Tourism Australia, twelve years after the controversial Where the Bloody Hell are you? campaign in 2006 when Australias current Prime Minister Scott Morrison was managing director of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia managing director, John OSullivan, said the appointment followed a comprehensive and competitive selection process aimed at continuing its focus on delivering world class creativity aligned with its strategic marketing objectives. Says OSullivan: I think Tourism Australia has set a pretty high benchmark in recent years with its marketing work and the brief we put together for this tender was very much about building upon that. The calibre of responses we received was exceptional. In the end, M&C Saatchi proved to be the stand-out agency in terms of their strategic and brand thinking as well as the culture and operating model we wanted for our business. Says Lisa Ronson, chief marketing officer, Tourism Australia: The ideas M&C Saatchi shared were extremely creative, and they demonstrated the kind of big thinking we need to effectively differentiate Australia from the competition. Says Jaimes Leggett, CEO of M&C Saatchi: The Tourism Australia team have bold creative ambitions and their passion is contagious. From the beginning it has felt like a great partnership, we cannot wait to get started. Ronson thanked all the agencies who participated in the tender process, paying special tribute to current agency partners Clemenger BBDO Sydney and Droga5. Says Ronson: Over the past five years, weve has great support from our agency partners who have helped deliver some exceptional creative work. This includes Clemenger BBDO for stand-out campaigns such as Restaurant Australia and Aussie News Today, and more recently, Droga5 who were responsible for the Dundee campaign we launched at the Super Bowl. The new arrangements with M&C Saatchi initially run for three years, with an option to extend the contract for two further periods of 12 months. This year Tourism Australia partnered with Droga5 New York and UM to launch its star-studded Dundee: The Son of a Legend Returns Home campaign, which secured a coveted Titanium Lion award at the 2018 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Tourism Australia picked up a total of 10 Lions. Tourism Australias youth-focused Aussie News Today campaign, developed in conjunction with Clemenger BBDO Sydney, also took home a Gold and Bronze Lion. Developed in conjunction with Droga5 New York and Tourism Australias global media services agency UM, the A$36 million campaign was officially unveiled at the Super Bowl in February with the aim of reinvigorating interest in Australia for a new generation of American travellers. Initially appearing as a trailer for a new Crocodile Dundee movie, the 60-second ad, shot by Australias Steve Rogers from Revolver, features Chris Hemsworth and Danny McBride as well as Paul Crocodile Dundee Hogan. The campaign was also supported by a host of Aussie A-listers, including Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie, Russell Crowe, Ruby Rose, Liam Hemsworth, Isla Fisher, Luke Bracey and Jessica Mauboy. Tourism Australia has confirmed the appointment of Digitas, a subsidiary of the Publicis Groupe, to oversee its global digital and technology services requirements, commencing work in January 2019. Incumbent ASAP+ has also been retained for all digital services in China. The digital creative, CX and technology scope of work includes assisting Tourism Australia to refine its higher value target traveller and strategically aligning its digital platforms and user experience to better attract, inform and convert these customers to travel to Australia. Digitas and ASAP+ will also support Tourism Australias agency roster for major campaign development. OSullivan said both agencies had demonstrated strategic vision alongside a strong track record of delivery: Digital is the real battleground in todays world of destination marketing and we attach huge importance to our digital assets and the huge global footprint they give us. Both Digitas and ASAP+ demonstrated a real understanding of our target customer, both globally and in China, and identified where we can engage most meaningfully with them on their digital journey. They showed us a compelling vision and a clear pathway to execute it. Ronson said the new digital appointments effectively completed its agency roster across media (UM), creative (M&C Saatchi) and digital (Digitas and ASAP+) and, alongside Tourism Australia, provided a world class destination marketing team. Says Ronson: Competition for the share of the global travel wallet is intense and as a destination marketing agency we are increasingly looking for cut through and high impact ideas. Digitas and ASAP+ certainly tick those boxes as our new global digital partners. We see them playing a key role working alongside M&C Saatchi and our media services agency UM in helping to integrate our brand narrative across all digital touchpoints. Says Adrian Farouk, CEO, Digitas Australia: As potentially one of the most competitive digital pitches of the year, we are humbled and excited to work with one of the countrys most trusted and revered brands. We love working with ambitious clients and cant wait to drive more meaningful connections for Tourism Australia through the smart application of digital; creating data-fuelled stories and tech-enabled experiences to reach audiences in powerful new ways. CEO of ASAP+ Dave Rumsey said it was an honour to continue as one of Tourism Australias two digital partners: The competition for digital attention in global travel has never been greater, especially in Australias biggest inbound market, China. We look forward to bringing our ideas and digital expertise to a table that not only contains world leading agencies but also a courageous and innovative world leading client in Tourism Australia. During this holiday season, I am grateful to the men and women who do all the things I cannot do. I am grateful for airplane mechanics and pilots who keep flying safe. I am grateful for people who plow and salt the roads on darkened nights. I am grateful for cheerful store clerks. Scanning thousands of items while smiling seems an impossible task. As does growing groves of oranges. I am grateful for our farmers. Ive always been intrigued by jobs. Ill pick up an item and think, Someone made this. Someone figured out how to do this. From the intricacy of my smartphone to the Instapot that sits on my counter, Im grateful for inventors and manufacturers. Im grateful to the engineers and builders who erect houses and bridges. People who study disease and medicine. People who study the mind. The other day, I hired cleaners to clean my house. Never in my life have I done this I always thought it uppity to have someone else scrub my toilets. I am pioneer stock. I should scrub my own bathrooms. But its been a particularly busy December, and it was time to call in reinforcements. Six hours later, walking through the cleanest house known to mankind, I was exceedingly grateful for cleaners who know how to dust, polish and fish 15 pencils out of the couch with such efficiency. I realized this was their art, their livelihood. I am so grateful for that. (And Im never going back!) Living in a 100-year-old house, with constant surprises around every corner, Im grateful to plumbers, carpenters, people who specialize in insulation, heating units, roofs, drainage and electricity. Im grateful to those who sacrifice stability to dream big and start companies, tell jokes, write books and belt show tunes. They put so much on the line. Not everyone is willing to take that risk, but they make the world bright and beautiful with their talent. I just returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. Touring the galleries and storied Smithsonian made me grateful for those who curate our complex history into beautiful museums; for those who build monuments to the past. Im grateful to our military for keeping our nation safe, and those who insist on checks and balances and due process. As I teach kindergarten this year, I am increasingly grateful to the teachers who teach my own children pre-calculus, physics, Latin, Japanese, English and violin. They do so with very little recognition and pittance pay. Im grateful to those who take care of our elderly, and social workers who put children in safe places. Im grateful for shelters to house our homeless, and all people willing to give of their excess to those in need. Im grateful for organizations that empower the disadvantaged. I am most especially grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who did what none of us can do. A divine child born into humble circumstances, Im grateful for his life, mission and ministry. This time of year marks winter solstice, the return from darkness to light. As we pass from one year into the next, I am glad to be one in 7.7 billion people living the human experience, drawing upon the collective gifts, talents and work of others. I cant do anything more than be grateful. SALT LAKE CITY Heres a look at the news for Dec. 26. There are advantages to buying a home during the winter in Utah. Read more. A new report shows Utah has had plenty of bling from mining with double-digit jumps in the base and precious metals. Read more. A Provo-based art auction website is looking to give artists more control over the sales of their work. Read more. Crews towed 38 cars on Snowbasins naughty list from no-parking zone. Read more. The Utah Jazz capped off Christmas Day with a 21-point win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Read more. Eight high school and junior high students were arrested in confrontation, according to warrants. Read more. Homeless and low-income Utahns gathered for steak, pie and good cheer. Read more. Got a great business idea? Theres $100,000 up for grabs in University of Utahs entrepreneur challenge. Read more. A look at our most-read stories: Santa baby is really about marriage? The songwriter, a friend of Orrin Hatchs, explains why. About 100 years ago, the flu killed 50 million people worldwide. Heres how it affected Utah. Dick Harmon writes that Kalani Sitakes Christmas far removed from the mood and feelings from a year ago. Read more. Here are the nine winners of the 2018 Christmas I Remember Best writing contest. Read more. Salt Lake City Olympics bid comes amid a changed climate in the IOC. Read more. A review of sports highlights: A look at national headlines: SALT LAKE CITY A Utah biotechnology company says it has developed a device designed to make blood transfusions safer and more effective for recipients while also giving donated blood a longer shelf life. Nu-Med Plus, headquartered in Salt Lake City, has applied for a patent for a product it has developed which pre-treats stored blood with nitric oxide, revitalizing its durability and further protecting patients from the risk of transfusion complications such as heart failure, hypoxia and infection. "What this product does is (it) basically reinvigorates the blood so you could have oxygenation at the same level as if you had fresh blood," said Tom Tait, co-inventor of the delivery device and vice president of scientific advancement at Nu-Med Plus. "It can extend that range of what that blood can do for you as it gets older." Tait said nitric oxide occurs naturally in a person's blood when it is inside their body, but gradually dissipates over time in donated blood. Because of that, for some patients "what happens is you get a lack of oxygen" in the blood used in the transfusion, he said. Federal regulations do not permit blood that has sat unused for more than 42 days to be used in a transfusion. With donated blood that is specially infused with nitric oxide, Tait said, the idea is that "they get greater oxygenation, (which) prevents the hypoxia the lack of oxygen that occurs during transfusions." "It would certainly be an additional safety factor," he said. Tait said he is confident the patent application, first announced in November, will be successful. "Typically it takes about 18 to 24 months. We expect it to go through," he said. Jeff Robins, CEO of Nu-Med Plus, said the device's success would have "huge" implications for clinical blood donations long term. But more immediately, he said, it would be employed "for research use." Before filing what is called a new drug application with the Food and Drug Administration and eventually putting it on the market, Tait said, the device will need to be clinically tested as "a safety check (which) shows the efficacy of the product," as well as demonstrates its safety. Nu-Med Plus said in a release it "will now seek enrollment in further studies to investigate (the device's) efficacy." Robins said he expects when the product is eventually put to use to improve the quality of blood used by transfusion patients, it could be especially helpful in making international blood donation more realistic in a larger number of scenarios. Currently, Robins said, because of blood's short shelf life, there are "shipping constraints" making it difficult for an American to donate blood to a patient in Africa, for example. "By the time it gets there (it may) not have the components that you really want," he said. In fact, many people in third-world countries currently use blood donations which "go past the usage date" recommended, Robins said, and he believes the new technology could help them to not have to resort to that by lengthening the amount of time in which they are efficacious. Additionally, the device could have implications for the roughly 300,000 patients in the United States who receive at least one donated blood unit that has sat in storage for more than 30 days, relatively close to the federal time limit for unused blood, Robins said. Close to 5 million Americans are estimated to need blood transfusions annually, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. While Nu-Med Plus expects its device to lengthen the viability of donated blood, Robins said the more precise question "how long of a timeframe can you extend it (for)" remains. Although in some circumstances the technology could benefit people recovering from acute injuries, improving the quality of the donated blood by keeping nitric oxide levels high is likely to be of most benefit to people with compromised immune systems and chronic conditions who especially need the donated blood to perform well, Tait said. "That's where the product really starts to shine," he said. Tait said he envisions a future for the device in which "you could put it theoretically right next to the patient and 'nitroxylate' the blood right as it goes into the patient." Robins said it is also possible the company could eventually produce a "diffusion device that could be operable" at the hand of any physician, though such a product would be "second generation." The product is also intended to allow nitric oxide to be "diffused in at any time (during) the storage" if needed, according to Robins. Tait said the product took about a year to develop until the company concluded it was ready for a patent application. "(The challenges) were all surmountable, which is a good thing," Tait said. "It turned out to be a great product. That's even better." Nu-Med Plus, founded in 2011, specializes in research into nitric oxide's potential "therapeutic use," and delivery systems for it, the company explained in a recent release. "Inhaled nitric oxide has already been proven to stabilize blood pressure, open airways, fight infections and blood clots, combat aging and treat erectile dysfunction," says the release. The remarkable career and stellar accomplishments of Sen. Orrin Hatch will be widely and appropriately celebrated as he leaves office after 42 productive years in the U.S. Senate the longest period of service in history for any Republican senator. But beyond a Senate career so notable that it may never be duplicated beyond the 800 bills signed into law, beyond his public honors, his re-election campaigns, his myriad speeches, his superlative constituent service, his impact on the federal judiciary, his service as president pro tempore and his 14 honorary university degrees is the personal side of Orrin Hatch, the private man behind the revered public figure. This private side of Orrin Hatch is best reflected and understood in his personal relationships with other people. Perhaps the first relationship that dramatically shaped his life was the bond he had as a young, impressionable boy with his big brother, Jess. Young Orrin justifiably idolized his warrior brother, who fought in the skies over Europe in World War II as an Army Air Force nose turret gunner. When Orrin was only 10, in 1945, the family received a dreaded telegram that Jess had been shot down during a bombing raid and was missing in action. His big brothers death, not confirmed until two years later, impacted Orrin immensely. From that day forward, said Orrins daughter, Alysa, my father resolved to live two lives one for himself and one for his brother. This commitment to his brother created a fierce tenacity that drove Orrin to succeed in sports, music, politics and everything he tried. Clearly, the most important relationship in Orrins life is with his wife, Elaine the love of his life, his anchor, his biggest influence and supporter, his pillar of stability amid the stress and trauma of a very public life. Orrin was a Brigham Young University student when he met, wooed and married Elaine Hansen. His remarkable civic achievements are only topped by his proudest accomplishment of all the success of his family. Married for 60 years, Orrin and Elaine are the parents of six children, grandparents of 23, and great-grandparents of 26. Orrin has said, no doubt accurately, that Elaine deserves as much credit for his career and accomplishments as he does. Two other key relationships illustrate the character and personal side of Orrin Hatch. The first was his friendship with his ideological opposite, Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, another icon of the U.S. Senate. While disagreeing on many political issues, and debating forcefully, Hatch and Kennedy developed a genuine friendship and partnered in passing some of the most important bipartisan legislation in the last several decades. In 1997, Orrin composed a love song for Kennedy and his wife, Vicki. Orrin was so close to Kennedy that he could affectionately lecture him about his lifestyle, and the close friendship lasted until Kennedys death in 2009. A final relationship was also highly improbable a close relationship between the senator and The Champ, Muhammed Ali. Alis wife said it best: Theirs was one of those friendships that makes people on the outside scratch their heads in wonder. My husband, Muhammad Ali a pugnacious, iconoclastic, rebellious African-American Muslim, and a world-striding athlete. Sen. Hatch the tactful, prudent member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a conservative icon. From the outside, their friendship made little sense. But on the inside between these two men the friendship made perfect sense. Ali came Utah to campaign for Orrin, and they did charity work together. They discussed and shared their deep religious convictions, said Alis wife. They respected each other for their sincere faith in God. Orrin was invited to speak at Alis funeral when he died in 2016. It has also been my pleasure to count Orrin Hatch as a true friend. While it is now time to say thank you to Orrin, its not time to say farewell. Thats because the citizens of Utah will see much more of Orrin, and continue to be blessed and influenced by him, as he starts a new chapter in his life directing the affairs of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation and the Hatch Center. These institutions, affiliated with the University of Utah, will honor the senators legacy and promote thoughtful political engagement and good public policy. The senators papers will be made available to the public, scholars, professors and students. His memoirs will be published. The next generation of leaders will be trained to engage in the civic life of their communities. Prominent guest speakers will be featured, with debates and panel discussions. Important position papers on critical issues will be developed, and many public events will be held. Thank you, Sen. Hatch. And welcome home to Utah, where your remarkable service will continue. SALT LAKE CITY Utah will ring in the new year with the toughest DUI law in the nation. Beginning Sunday, the legal blood alcohol concentration for driving in the state will go from .08 percent to .05 percent. The Legislature passed the law in 2017 but delayed its implementation until the end of this year. "It's kind of been a long time coming," said Rep. Norm Thurston, R-Provo, who carried the legislation. Thurston said he proposed the lower limit after sayings such as "Buzzed driving is drunk driving" caught his attention. "That message implies that if you're not buzzed, even though you've been drinking, it's OK to drive, which isn't the message we really need to send," he said. "We know that impairment begins with the very first drink and the message ought to be if you drink, don't drive." Utah Highway Patrol Col. Mike Rapich said it will be business as usual Sunday and state troopers won't change how they determine whether drivers are impaired. "We understand there is a fair amount of trepidation regarding this change," he said in Facebook post. "We hope you understand a driver's blood-alcohol concentration is just a single component considered when assessing that a driver's potential impairment and their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle." A group, including Salt Lake City police, Utah Transit Authority, Visit Salt Lake, Utah Restaurant Association, Budweiser and Lyft, launched an effort earlier this month called Enjoy Utah Responsibly to bring awareness to the change as the winter season kicks into high gear. "I don't think there's going to be an impact on tourism," Thurston said. The American Beverage Institute has been the most vocal opponent of the law since the state started debating it, mounting several campaigns urging lawmakers to repeal the measure. It ran ads in Colorado, Idaho and Nevada discouraging tourists from traveling to Utah and questioned whether the governor and Utah legislators over age 65 are too old to drive. "I have no doubt that proponents of .05 laws are well-intentioned, but good intentions dont necessarily yield good public policy," said Jackson Shedelbower, spokesman for the organization based in Washington, D.C. It's easy to see why Utah was the first state to adopt the lower standard, he said. "Many Utahns entirely refrain from alcohol consumption for religious reasons and, therefore, lack a full understanding of its effects notably that impairment at .05 BAC, or after one or two drinks, is not meaningful and shouldnt become the basis of major legal consequences," Shedelbower said. Utah already has one of the lowest drunken driving rates in the country. Alcohol-related fatal crashes in the state have remained about the same for the past decade. There were 36 deaths in 2017, identical to the year before and just above the 10-year average of 33 per year. The Utah Department of Public Safety intends to study the effect of the new law by trying to measure the number of people who are drinking and driving, Thurston said. He said he thinks that will go down and consequently so will alcohol-related crashes, injuries and deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it takes about three alcoholic drinks in an hour for a 160-pound man to reach .05 BAC. Effects on driving at that level might include reduced coordination, ability to track moving objects and response to emergency driving situations and difficulty steering, the CDC says. The beverage institute argues that the law target moderate and responsible drinkers but should be focused on high BAC levels and repeat drunken drivers. "That way, the roads actually become safer and those who enjoy a drink or two over dinner before driving are not labeled criminals. Everyone wants to save lives, but lowering the legal limit to .05 is not the answer," Shedelbower said. The National Transportation Safety Board has urged all states to pass the .05 law since 2013. Colorado and New York have the lower limit, but have tiered penalties and consider it a lesser offense at that level. Thurston said he has talked to officials in a dozen states that have interest in the Utah law, including Hawaii and Washington, where lawmakers have turned down .05 proposals. When Utah passed the .08 law in 1983, the rest of the nation eventually followed suit, ultimately saving 24,686 lives through 2014, according to the NTSB. Passing the law nationwide would save 1,790 lives a year, the NTSB said. Shedelbower said he hopes other states will take into account nuances around traffic safety and consumer repercussions before "blindly following in Utahs footsteps." A recent study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine also reviewed the available scientific evidence and concluded that such a move coupled with a public media campaign could reduce driving after drinking, crashes, injuries and deaths In 2016, the latest year for which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has available data, 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes, up 1.7 percent over 2015. That accounts for 28 percent of all fatal crashes that year. SALT LAKE CITY Heres a look at the news for Dec. 27. Where are they now? Utahs famous Osmond Brothers have come a long way since they started in the 1950s. Read more. Heres what Thursdays winter storm will do for Utahs snowpack and ski season. Utah will ring in the new year with the toughest DUI law in the country. Read more. Retailers are riding the biggest holiday shopping wave in six years. Read more. A Salt Lake City trapeze act will bring its dangerous routine to Utah. Read more. Utah agreement to protect Salt Lake City from Olympic losses on the fast track for 2019 Legislature. Read more. More from our featured voices: A look at our most-read stories: A look at national headlines: SALT LAKE CITY For the second day in a row, Thursday was a dangerous day for first responders in Utah, due mostly to drivers not minding the slick driving conditions. Late Thursday evening, a Draper fire battalion chief was injured while he was responding to a crash and another vehicle spun out and hit him, troopers said. The accident occurred about 8 p.m. after a trooper called for backup on a two-car crash in the southbound lanes of I-15 at 14600 South near the Bluffdale exit, the Utah Highway Patrol said. One crashed car was on the right shoulder and the other was by the median. The battalion chief arrived to help move the vehicle by the median to the right shoulder, troopers said. While the battalion chief was checking on people inside the car, another car on the freeway lost control and hit the battalion chief, pinning him to the car that was already crashed at the median, troopers said. He was flown to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. His condition was originally reported as critical, but late Thursday night officials said his condition was upgraded to stable and that he was up and talking. Troopers said speed was believed to be a factor in the crash. "The roadways tonight have been very slick across the whole county. We had that little bit of weather that came through and made the roadways wet, and then they turned to ice. And so with people's speed being up, that has definitely been a factor in the majority of all these crashes that we've had this evening," UHP Lt. Wade Breur said. "We need people to slow down. When the weather rolls in, please take the time to just slow down, pay attention to your driving. Don't be distracted. And try to reduce your speeds regarding the conditions that are on the road," he said. Breur said the driver of the vehicle that hit the firefighter was cooperating with investigators. By evening, troopers responded to at least 154 other crashes across Utah. In light of those crashes, the UHP also reminded motorists to move over for emergency vehicles, and to move off the freeway to a safe location if involved in a minor fender-bender accident. Also among Thursday's accidents, a 16-car pileup happened during the afternoon commute on eastbound state Route 201 before 3200 West near West Valley City, shutting down the road, UHP officials said. In Salt Lake and Utah counties alone by late morning, UHP troopers were called to a total of 95 incidents, which included reportable crashes, non-reportable crashes and slide-offs. A reportable crash is defined as one that causes at least $1,500 in damage to a vehicle or causes an injury. On Thursday, troopers also released the name of a woman killed in a crash near Panguitch. About 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, a Nissan Altima was attempting to make a U-turn on U.S. 89 when it was T-boned by a Nissan Pathfinder while it was sideways in the road. Tong Xian He, 72, from Jin Zhong, China, who was in the back seat of the Altima, was killed, according to the UHP. Two other occupants in the Altima were transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center in critical conditions. While wintry weather has complicated the job of first responders the past few days, troopers could get a brief respite from the slick conditions over the weekend. KSL meteorologist Kevin Eubank said the storm was expected to wind down Thursday night in northern Utah as skies clear and temperatures drop into the teens. Clouds will build back up Saturday ahead of a smaller storm on Sunday, Eubank said. An inch or two of snow is expected then in the Salt Lake Valley. Contributing: Andrew Adams, Alex Cabrero PROVO A Spanish Fork man who claimed he intentionally rear-ended a school bus full of children because he was trying to get away from Satan now faces a long list of criminal charges. Brant Jay Diediker, 40, was charged Thursday in 4th District Court with aggravated kidnapping and three counts of aggravated robbery, first-degree felonies; 11 counts of aggravated assault and damaging a jail, third-degree felonies; and several class B misdemeanors including DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. Diediker drove his truck into the back of a school bus with about 20 students on board near 600 West and 1100 North in Pleasant Grove about 3 p.m. on Dec. 19, according to charging documents. "(He) struck the school bus from behind with his truck twice in a three-block period. Defendant stated that he intentionally collided with the bus to get away from Satan who was chasing him," the charges state. After hitting the bus a second time, Diediker got out of his car and attempted to get into two other vehicles, according to charging documents, pounding on the window of at least one car. He elbowed the window in an attempt to break it, according to a Utah County Jail report. Diediker then jumped into a large box truck and ordered the driver to take him to the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple in American Fork, the charges state. Four Pleasant Grove police officers found Diediker on the temple grounds. They noted his "speech was rapid and he appeared to have difficulty sitting still for long," according to the charges. After he was arrested, Diediker allegedly told investigators he had smoked "dab" earlier that day, which is a concentrated dose of cannabis extract. Inside Diediker's wrecked truck, which had to be towed, police found dab, according to charging documents. While Diediker was being held at the Pleasant Grove Police Department, he "was observed pulling a metal paper towel dispenser from the wall near the toilet and sink. It was damaged when he bent it in two places," the charges state. SALT LAKE CITY A health technology company that manufactures smart thermometers says Utah is "the sickest in the nation," but the Utah Department of Health can't confirm that the Beehive State is the top hot spot for flu. "We're not denying that it is increasing, and we're likely to see more cases in the coming weeks, but we are definitely not the sickest like they are reporting," said Becky Ward, a health educator with the Utah Department of Health, which reports flu-like symptoms to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She did confirm that two children in Utah have died this season, one of them recently, as a result of influenza. San Francisco-based Kinsa reported Thursday that thermometer use, body temperatures and other symptoms automatically reported to the company are up in Utah. However, the CDC is actually reporting "low" flu activity in Utah. It is much higher in other states, including in Colorado, California, Alabama, Georgia and more. Idaho, Nevada and Arizona are also reporting higher numbers of the illness circulating, according to the latest weekly report from the CDC. The latest state reports reveal that 61 Utahns have been hospitalized with influenza since Oct. 1, when the Utah Department of Health typically begins surveillance of the highly contagious respiratory illness. Most of those cases, Ward said, are in older Utahns and those with other compromised health conditions. The state health department and CDC track flu-related deaths in children up to 18 years old. Neither releases names or other identifying information on the child patients. So far this season nationally, there have been eight pediatric deaths related to influenza, with two of those in Utah, Ward said. The CDC, however, has yet to record the latest child death due to the flu in Utah. H1N1, the swine flu strain that popped up and infected thousands in 2009, is the most popular strain throughout the country and in Utah. Some areas, Ward said, are reporting H3N2. In all of the 2017-18 flu season, 65 percent of Utahns were vaccinated against influenza, according to the health department. The vaccine, Ward said, always contains protection against H1N1 and even if a vaccinated person contracts another strain, symptoms may be less severe because of their choice to be vaccinated. "We haven't seen anything to note that (the vaccine) is not effective this year," she said. Influenza typically peaks during the holidays, with high rates continuing through February, as people are often in close quarters through the winter season. Ward said proper hand washing, in addition to being vaccinated, is key, as well as wiping down shared surfaces and avoiding crowds whenever possible. It is also important for people to take care of themselves, including staying hydrated and getting the rest they need, she said. "Influenza is starting to increase," Ward said. "We're likey going to see more cases nationwide and in Utah." The thermometer company, Kinsa, reported Thursday that 5.7 percent of Utah's population, over 182,400 people, are experiencing flu-like symptoms. It reports that Salt Lake City is "getting hit the hardest in Utah." Kinsa has collected more than 10 million anonymous temperature readings averaging 40,000 per day during last year's flu season allowing it to track outbreaks throughout the country in real time by studying aggregate data of where fever and other symptoms are popping up. Nationally, 4.4 percent of the U.S. population is ill, Kinsa reported Thursday, with Utah being sickest, Florida second-sickest and New Mexico ranked third, according to the company. Flu shots become available in October throughout Utah, but Ward said if a person has yet to get one, "it's not too late." "Just get vaccinated," she said. The health department encourages anyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu shot every year. To find a provider nearby, visit vaccinefinder.org. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches or pains, headaches, and/or general fatigue, according to the CDC. It can last up to two weeks and can cause complications in people with underlying conditions, specifically asthma and other chronic medical conditions. While the influenza season typically peaks between December and February every year, the Utah Department of Health health tracks influenza data into May. Filmywap and TamilRockers are the big name for Online Movie Piracy. Filmywap is popular for Bollywood Films Download and TamilRockers are popular for South Indian Films. Whenever a big movie going to release, many internet users starts to search pirated copy of movie to download free. Some fake websites also create a movie download pages for the big releases. Rohit Shetty's Film Simmba is also facing an imminent threat from piracy websites like Tamilrockers and Filmywap. Read This Also: Filmywap Movies Piracy 2019 - Badla, Captain Marvel Many fake websites claim to be sharing a link to download the film even before it has hit the theatres, but isnt really available in the given link. Also your systems or mobile phones can tampered by viruses and unpleasant notifications if you try to search or download Simmba Movie Download link online. Rohit Shetty's Simmba was release on 28 Dec, and Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan in the lead. Read This: TamilRockers Leak KGF, Maari 2 & Kanaa Full Movie Online Right now, This is confirm that Simmba movie has been leaked in a movie download site TamilRockers. Accoring to news, Tamilrockers has upload a pirated version on Simmba movie on 1 Jan 2019. We have already say that it may be leak after release with in one or two day. We have seen the same for Maari 2 and KGF movie. TamilRockers can't leak Maari 2 and KGF movie on the release day, but after one day, they upload a pirated copy to download online. Read This : TamilRockers Leak Sarvam Thaala Mayam & Peranbu Online Ranveer and Sara Ali Khan's Simmba Movie Release on End of 2018. So the movie will release just before New Year. Simmba will also release witthout any comppetition, that gives it a better chance at the box-office bizz. Filmywap and TamilRockers are priracy based website has previously leaked many big films like 2.0, Thugs Of Hindostan, KGF, Maari 2, Odiyan and many more. Also Read : TamilRockers Movie Download Piracy 2019 - Captain Marvel, Thirumanam Leak Disclaimer: Online Piracy Is A Criminal Offence Under Sec 63, 63-A, 65 and 65-A of the Copyright Act, 1957. TamilRockers and Filmywap both are torrent websites. Content of this page is for reference purpose only and Desimartini claims no ownership of this content. Desimartini does not support or promote piracy in any manner. The Kenyan regulators report into improving competition in Kenya has had its findings savaged by Bob Collymore, CEO of the markets most dominant operator Safaricom. In a speech to a National Assembly Committee focused on Kenyas IT sector, Collymore claimed that the Communications Authority of Kenyas proposals would punish Safaricom subscribers by removing the incentive for competitors to invest more in their networks, and thereby curbing innovation. The report was commissioned in 2016 and has been put together by UK analyst firm Analysys Mason. It is aimed at finding recommendations for improving competition in Kenyas mobile money and communications markets both of which are largely dominated by Safaricom. Its proposals include limiting Safaricoms offers and promotions, for example by preventing the operator from rewarding its customers for consuming data. The report also recommends that any new tariffs or permanent offers that Safaricom wishes to introduce should be submitted for review five days prior to launch so the regulator can ascertain whether a reasonably competent competitor would be able to match them. Collymore described the proposals as effective price controls and said that they would raise the applicable rates of Safaricom services, making our services more expensive and forcing them to migrate to competitors services on cost consideration rather than on total value proposition. The report has been under review for some time, and many of its recommendations have already been implemented. Safaricom must now charge equal rates for calls to customers on its network and rival networks, as well as allowing mobile money interoperability and national roaming. It has faced several revisions, having made some controversial recommendations such as that Safaricom should spin off its mobile money unit into a business separate from its mobile operations. However, this proposal was struck from the finalised report. The CEO of Kenyan market leader Safaricom has stated that the operator has no plans to react to Airtel Kenyas imminent halving of its cross-network calling fees. Safaricoms Bob Collymore has told members of the Kenyan press that he can see a price war coming after Airtel announced its cuts, but noted that Safaricom must maintain a sustainable business, and therefore would not lower its tariffs in response. He added that the operator was prepared to cede some of its (majority) share of the mobile market. Collymores comments come on the back of his return from a leave of absence. Last week, he spoke to a National Assembly Committee investigating competition in Kenyas market in order to decry proposals that he claimed were punitive towards Safaricom and its subscribers. Despite the committees investigation, the Communications Authority of Kenya has supported Collymores assertion that Safaricoms market dominance is not detrimental to competition in Kenya. Collymore also spoke on the subject of security, with Kenyas Business Daily reporting that Safaricom is increasing the amount of subscriber data that it collects, which it claims will improve security. To this end, the operator is also testing biometric technologies for identity verification, including fingerprint scanners. According to a report, the newer version of the AI-powered virtual assistant Bixby 2.0 could not update apps, show YouTube subscriptions, check for a software update, among other tasks. Highlights: Bixby 2.0 could not update apps, show YouTube subscriptions Galaxy Note 8 on Oreo can pull up the Uber app, the Note 9 cant: Report Same commands fail on a Galaxy Note 9 running Oreo as well Samsung announced the Bixby 2.0 a year ago and pinned a lot of hopes saying that the company is reinventing the digital assistants from a novelty to an intelligence tool that is a key part of everyone's daily life. Now it seems that Bixby 2.0 is not intelligent after all because as per a news report, the new version of the AI-powered virtual assistant cannot even follow the commands that the previous version could. According to SamMobile, users who updated their Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ devices to Android Pie were reportedly complaining of trouble with the Bixby 2.0 working. Earlier it was though that it was the Android Pie update that was responsible for the buggy behaviour, but when the same was experienced with Bixby 2.0 running Android Oreo, it was confirmed that Bixby 2.0 still lacks the edge to compete against other assistants like Google Assistant and Apples Siri. Samsung made a big deal out of Bixby 2.0 at the Galaxy Note 9 launch, showcasing how the virtual assistant can now have more natural conversations and perform tasks like ordering an Uber purely through voice commands. But while our Note 8 on Oreo can pull up the Uber app when asked, the Note 9 fails to do it. So does the S9+ on Android Pie. Other commands we tested included asking Bixby to update our apps, show YouTube subscriptions, check for a software update, and enable Dolby Atmos, and it fails to perform them all, SamMobile claims. Bixby 2.0 differs from the previous version in other ways as well. Since the Galaxy S8 series, Samsung has been incorporating a dedicated physical button to summon the assistant. The button could be annoying for those who dont use the virtual assistant during regular use. Luckily, customers could disable (or remap) it in case of Bixby 2.0 by using an app called bxActions. However, when you try to use the app to remap Bixby on the Galaxy Note 9 smartphone, it just denies permissions to fully disable Bixby. Earlier, people could remap the Bixby button and to use it for other tasks like muting the phone, taking a screenshot, turning on flashlight or launching any app. Even in the app intro for bxActions on Play Store, the developers warned users not to update the assistant on a newer version. Samsung does not allow remapping with Bixby 2.0 present in Galaxy Note 9. Do not update Bixby or firmware to Bixby 2.0!, the description read. Related Read: Bixby 2.0 with smart home functionality Bixby 2.0 cannot be 'fully disabled' on Samsung Galaxy Note 9 According to Reuters, Foxconn will begin assembling devices belonging the iPhone X family in India beginning 2019. Highlights: Apple may start making its top-end iPhones in India from 2019 These will include phones belonging to the iPhone X family Foxconn is reported to invest Rs 2500 crores to expand its Sriperumbudur plant Apple is said to begin assembling its top-end iPhones, like the ones which belong to the iPhone X family, in India through the locally established Foxconn unit from 2019, a media report has claimed. This is said to be the first time that the Taiwanese contract manufacturer will make the product in the country, Reuters cited a source familiar with the matter as saying. The source also added that this move could help the Cupertino-based tech company take its business in India to a new level. The manufacturing will take place at Foxconns plant in Sriperumbudur town in Tamil Nadu. Foxconn, which already manufactures Xiaomi devices in the country, will invest Rs 2500 crores (approx $356 million) to expand the plant, including investment in iPhone production, Tamil Nadus Industries Minister M C Sampath was quoted as saying. The investment may create as many as 25,000 jobs, he added. Until now, Apple was only assembling the lower-cost iPhone SE and iPhone 6S models in India through Wistron Corps unit in the Bengaluru. As per Counterpoint, more than half of Apple's sales in India are driven by models older than the iPhone 8. Recently, a report said that Apple is seeing a higher demand in the older iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus models. The utilization for the (iPhone) XR production is not reaching its maximum capacity now. Suppliers of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are getting a combined order of around 5 million more units, a supply chain source was quoted as saying. Apple reportedly planned 20 million units for the older iPhone models this quarter, but raised the figure to 25 million units. Foxconn is the main supplier of the iPhone 8 Plus, while Pegatron is the key supplier for the smaller-screen model, the iPhone 8. When it comes to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the iPhone XS Max was outselling the iPhone XS by three to four times with the 256GB storage option of the 6.5-inch model, being the most popular of the lot. We have determined that the demand for XS Max is better than expected (34 times that of XS). The Gold and Space-Grey colours are significantly more popular than the Silver. 256GB is the most popular, and 512GB is subject to a serious shortage because only Samsung can currently ship NAND Flash well. We are positive that Xs Max shipments will grow steadily in 4Q18 thanks to demand from Asia market and the gift season, Kuo was quoted as saying. Related Read: iPhone Xs Max demand is 3-4 times better than iPhone Xs: Ming-Chi Kuo Apple iPhone XR demand falls short of expectation Subscriber content preview FBI concerned about fraud schemes that dupe people into becoming money mules' 'Money mules,' unwittingly or not, move money for criminals for purposes they think are legitimate or even noble. By ERIC TUCKER and MICHAEL BALSAMO Associated Press WASHINGTON The email caught the executive at a small company by surprise one morning in 2016. The company's owner, or so he thought, was requesting a money transfer to pay for supplies from a new vendor. It wasn't until that night when the executive, hours after the money had been transferred and still puzzled by the out-of-the-blue demand, texted the owner to make sure he'd heard the request correctly. . . . login or purchase a To read this story in fullor purchase a subscription. Subscriber content preview A once-vacant office building at 22011 S.E. 51st St. near Costco's headquarters in Issaquah has sold for $29 million, according to King County records. The seller was CRE Sammamish A2 LLC, a fund managed by Minneapolis-based Onward Investors, which acquired the empty building in 2016 as part of a larger transaction worth $21.1 million. . . . Subscriber content preview Photo by Brian Miller [enlarge] B+H Architects has filed early plans for a residential and hotel tower with ground-floor retail. Two old retail buildings at 1518-1520 Fifth Ave. sold in September for $19 million to a sovereign investment fund associated with the Al Zarooni family of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. . . . All you should know about UK Business Visa The Tier 1 Visa to UK is one of the fastest and securest ways to obtain UK residency and then apply for citizenship after a certain period of time, says Ajay Sharma President, Abhinav Outsourcings Pvt. Ltd. Running a business in the United Kingdom is a huge opportunity and there are reasons for that. With its thriving business environment, strong economy, and a high-standard of living, the UK continues to attract thousands of investors, every year. The British government also encourages foreign investors to carry out their business operations in the UK by providing flexible visa options. This also leads to their permanent residency and British nationality. United Kingdom is home to a number of affluent business owners, who arrive to pursue their goals of settling with their families. Anyone with an optimum wealth and an interest in contributing to the British economy is welcomed in the UK. Prospective applicants must demonstrate their ability to establish their own business or invest in an existing business. Every year, new opportunities are being created and foreign investors flock to the country via the UK Business Visa with new ideas and investment plans to compete in the ever-changing market. UK Tier 1- Entrepreneur Visa It is a UK Business Visa category allows high net worth individuals to invest in the UK by either establishing a new business or purchasing an existing one. The Tier 1 Visa to UK is one of the fastest and securest ways to obtain UK residency and then apply for citizenship after a certain period of time. Upon approval, the visa will be granted for three years, which can be renewed for another two years through an additional investment of 2 million in the UK. The candidate does not require to demonstrate fluent English communication skills to obtain the visa. The duration of the stay is fully dependent on the amount of investment being made. Basic Requirements for UK Tier 1- Entrepreneur Visa To apply under this program, a candidate must prove that he/she has true intentions to settle in the UK by assuming full control of a business. Also, it is mandatory for an applicant to score a minimum of 95 points, which includes source of funds, language proficiency, investment plans, and maintenance of funds. Why Invest in the UK? RBI limits external commercial borrowings to 6.5% of GDP Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to set a 6.5 per cent upper limit for the total stock of external commercial borrowings (ECBs), which, under current GDP levels works out to $160 billion. RBI said the decision to have a rule-based dynamic limit for outstanding ECB stock has been made in consultation with the government. RBI estimates the outstanding stock of ECB as on 30 September 2018 at $126.29 billion. The central bank already has a rule-based exposure for foreign investors exposure in bonds. Foreigners are allowed to invest up to 6 per cent of the outstanding debt. Meanwhile, approvals for External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) in FY19 are expected to rise to $40 billion, from $29 billion in FY18, on relaxation in the limit on cost of funds, expanded list of borrowers, and the list of end use. According to rating agency Icra, though overseas cost of borrowing is rising, they (costs) remain competitive to domestic cost of borrowing for corporates. Amid risk aversion of domestic investors and tight liquidity conditions, companies have, of late, increasingly sought to raise funds through overseas borrowings. How can traditional skills and values be combined with western and advanced tools? Isn't there a risk that the technique will prevail over the indigenous culture? There are many studies that testify to a great familiarity with the digital technologies of the new African generations. It is sufficient to look at the mobile phone diffusion maps to understand how fast the digitisation process in these countries is. What distinguishes these phenomena is informality, and it is in it that we need to investigate in order to develop economic models capable of supporting themselves in osmosis with their territory. Dundalk Soup Kitchen owner Mark O'Neill has vowed to hand deliver food parcels to those in need across Dundalk during Christmas, despite the fact that his premises will not open its doors until the New Year. Big-hearted Mark, who also runs soup kitchens in Navan, Drogheda, and Balbriggan says: I won't see anybody go hungry this Christmas. If people ring me on 0858811112 I will deliver food parcels on Christmas Day and all over the Christmas period. The food hampers contain about 160 worth of numerous ready-made dinners and sweet treats like biscuits and selection boxes which have been included for Christmas. The charity is not expected to open its doors until the new year due to a delay with ESB technicians hooking up the electricity supply to the premises at 18 Bridge Street. When operational they will serve free meals between the hours of 9am to 4pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 10am to 3pm on Sundays and provide a free food parcel to locals who are struggling to make ends meet. Mr O'Neill says: There is a huge demand. We have delivered around 170 hampers to people in Dundalk so far and we are expecting calls from many more people. Mark adds: It's a bit of a disaster that the ESB can't get this sorted before Christmas as we had planned, but I'll still be out delivering hampers during the Christmas period. The brand new charity is one of four run by Cavan man Mark O'Neill which have been operating for the last three years in Navan, Drogheda and Balbriggan to meet the demands of the many people living across Ireland who can't afford to feed themselves and their families. The purpose of the charity is simple - to provide a hot meal in a warm, safe and friendly environment and help restore a bit of dignity to the person in need, as well as sending out food hampers. Remarkably, the charity doesn't receive any government funding and relies solely on the goodwill of people in the local communities. Mark explains: We have soup kitchens in Navan, Drogheda and Balbriggan. We serve about 3,000 people per week in the three locations. We estimate that when the Dundalk premise opens we'll be serving about 4,000 people per week now. We rely solely on the goodwill of people in the local communities. We get no government grants. Mark and the volunteers are clearly eager and excited to get started in their new premises. He says: We've been trying to get into Dundalk for the last three years. A lot of places that were offered to us were on the main streets in the town. We wanted a space that would be discreet - if people need to use our service we want them to be able to do so in privacy. Bridge Street is ideal. And the charitys message seems to be loud and clear: Everyone is welcome. Mark explains: Some people don't understand that our service is completely free, you don't need to pay a cent to come into us. That's the message we're trying to get across. We want to give people the full restaurant experience so that people can keep that piece of dignity intact. A few years ago the person might have enjoyed going out to a restaurant and ordering food but they might not have the funds now. You don't have to have anything in your pocket to dine with us. Practically speaking, Mark and the volunteers will be serving up breakfast, dinner and coffees and soups in the afternoons. Mr O'Neill says: In the mornings, up to about 12pm, we serve a full Irish breakfast, cereals, a boiled egg, and toast - whatever people ask for we can make it. In the afternoons we serve up a choice of dinners - everything from chicken breast, cottage pie, lasagne to fish and chips. People are also welcome to call in for an evening coffee and sandwiches. We will accommodate people whatever time they come in. Mark says that from his experience most of the service users would be coming in every day and are made up of a mixture of individuals who are sleeping rough and people who are living alone and need the company. He adds: At this time of the year we would get a lot of the older generation coming in who can't afford to heat their home and eat too. One thing is clear - there is a huge demand for their service already. Mark says: Since we announced that we would be providing this service in Dundalk we have been inundated with people requesting food hampers. We've sent out about 170 so far (since Friday, December 21) and the business hasn't even opened yet! We estimate that figure will grow over Christmas. There is a huge demand. The food hampers contain about 160 worth of ready-made dinners such as cottage pies, stews, curries as well as cereal, porridge, and a few sweet treats like sweets, biscuits and selection boxes thrown in just for Christmas. Mark continues: Everyone is welcome to use our service. Some people might say a free service like this is open to being abused, but from my experience, people don't ring up unless they're really in need. We want to open during the day and work hand in hand with other charities in Dundalk such as St Patrick's Parish soup kitchen, who do a fantastic job. At the end of the day, the most important thing is our service users. We want people to feel warm, feel welcome and feel like they are spoken to and treated nicely. Mark adds: It's overwhelming the number of people who want to help out. We have 15 to 20 volunteers currently. The charity owner also praised local lads Niall McEvoy, Adam Coburn and Eamon Bishop for their hard work in setting up a clothes rail for people to drop off winter coats at a specially-designed rail in Dundalk Soup Kitchen for those in need. Please note that until the premises is opened, Niall McEvoy can be contacted via Facebook to facilitate coat donations. Speaking to the Democrat Niall said: The response has been outstanding so far. It's heart-warming to see parents bring kids around to donate coats before Christmas, to remind kids and parents alike that you get the same feeling from giving, as you do from receiving. It's proof that anyone and everyone can make a difference. For more information about Dundalk Soup Kitchen phone 085 811112 or call into 18 Bridge Street when the premises opens in the New Year. Jalan will lead a six-member committee which will review the status, need and justification of various provisions. New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed former governor Bimal Jalan to lead a review of its economic capital framework, it said in a statement on Wednesday, potentially freeing up trillions of rupees for government coffers. Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has been insisting on a new policy for reserves held by the RBI and the distribution of dividends. Heated discussions over revamping the economic capital framework was one of the key reasons behind the sudden resignation of the RBI Governor Urijit Patel earlier this month. Jalan will lead a six-member committee which will review the status, need and justification of various provisions, reserves and buffers presently provided for by the RBI, the central bank said in a statement. It named Rakesh Mohan, a former deputy governor, as the vice chairman of the committee. The other members are Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg, RBI deputy governor N.S. Vishwanath, and two RBI board members Sudhir Mankad and Bharat Doshi. The committee has been given 90-days from its first meeting to complete the report. Soon after the announcement, Jalan, who is seen as enjoying the support of the government, said he would be able to comment on a timeline once hed reviewed the terms of the panel. Currently, there is no agreed formula between the government and the RBI on the distribution of dividends. The government wants to set a clear formula for the transfer of funds as fiscal deficit and expenditure calculations can be upset if the amount received from the central bank is lower-than-expected. If the panel suggests a less conservative framework for RBI reserve holdings it could free up large sums of cash for government use. Such funds are crucial to Modis government, which will look to lure voters by giving tax rebates, increasing funding for rural schemes and spending on subsidies ahead of a general election that must be held by May. The central bank in August announced the transfer of 500 billion rupees ($7.14 billion) in dividends to the federal government for this fiscal year. The government is planning to ask for an additional interim dividend before the end of the fiscal year on Mar. 31, 2019. Jaitley asked if crackdown on terror module would have been possible without 'interception of electronic communications'. Union Minister Arun Jaitley said, 'Life and personal liberty will survive only in a strong democratic nation not in a terrorist dominated State.' (Photo: File | PTI) New Delhi: A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) busted an alleged Islamic State terror plot in New Delhi and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, Union Minister Arun Jaitley congratulated the NIA and also took the opportunity to hit back at the Opposition, who has been demanding the withdrawal of the recent Ministry of Home Affairs order authorising investigative agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt information stored in any computer. Jaitley defended the Centre's "snooping" order and asked if the crackdown on the terror module would have been possible without interception of electronic communications. Well done for cracking the dangerous terrorist module, Jaitley tweeted, adding Would this crackdown of the terrorist module by NIA have been possible without interception of electronic communications? Intensifying his attack on the Congress for accusing the Modi-government of "snooping on citizens" and saying George Orwell is around the corner, the Union minister said, Were the maximum intercepts done during the UPA Government? Surely George Orwell was not born in May, 2014. Arun Jaitley was responding to senior Congress leader P Chidambarams earlier attack on the Modi government in which the latter said, If anybody is going to monitor the computer, including your computer, that is the Orwellian state. George Orwell is around the corner. It is condemnable. Jaitley said that National security and sovereignty are paramount, and added, Life and personal liberty will survive only in a strong democratic nation not in a terrorist dominated State. On Wednesday, The NIA on Wednesday busted a suspected ISIS-inspired terror group and arrested 10 suspects, who it said, were planning suicide attacks and serial blasts targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India. A locally-made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 100 alarm clocks to be used as timers were recovered from the searches, said National Investigation Agency (NIA) inspector general Alok Mittal. The searches were carried out in coordination with Special Cell of Delhi Police and ATS of Uttar Pradesh Police at six places in Jaffrabad, Seelampur in Delhi, and 11 places in Uttar Pradesh (six in Amroha, two in Lucknow, two in Hapur and one in Meerut), he said. The searches and the arrests, including of a mufti from Amroha, come a month before Republic Day celebrations on January 26 when security is heightened across India, particularly in the national capital. The NIA said the highly-radicalised module of youths in the age group of 20 and 35 years is completely self-funded and no criminal antecedent of its members had surfaced so far in the investigation. An assessment of draft budgetary plans for 2019 Prepared by Stephan Haroutunian, Sebastian Hauptmeier and Nadine Leiner-Killinger Published as part of the ECB Economic Bulletin, Issue 8/2018. On 21 November 2018 the European Commission released its opinions on the draft budgetary plans (DBPs) of euro area governments for 2019, together with an analysis of the budgetary situation in the euro area as a whole. Each opinion includes an assessment of the compliance of the relevant plan with the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). This exercise is important as it assesses whether countries have incorporated into their plans the country-specific recommendations for fiscal policies that were addressed to them under the 2018 European Semester, as adopted by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council on 13 July 2018.[1] These recommendations propose, among other things, that countries with high ratios of government debt to GDP aim for a sufficiently fast reduction in indebtedness. This would raise their resilience in a future economic downturn.[2] The Commission opinions point to very heterogeneous fiscal developments across the euro area countries. On the one hand, based on its 2018 autumn economic forecast, the Commission considers ten of the draft budgetary plans an unprecedented number as compliant with the SGP. [3] This refers to the plans of Germany, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria and Finland (all under the SGPs preventive arm; see Chart A). These countries are projected to record sound fiscal positions in 2019 as captured by their medium-term budgetary objectives (MTOs).[4] The Commission also considers that the draft budgetary plans of a further three countries are broadly compliant with the SGP.[5] This refers to the plans of Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia. On the other hand, the draft budgetary plans of those countries farthest from sound fiscal positions pose the largest risks of non-compliance with the SGP. According to the Commissions economic forecast, these countries structural efforts are projected to fall significantly short of their SGP commitments (see Chart B). This holds, notably, for most of the countries that are projected to record high government debt ratios of above 90% of GDP in 2019 (see Chart A).[6] Specifically, the draft budgetary plans of five countries are considered to pose a risk of non-compliance with the SGP.[7] This refers to the plan of Spain, which is currently under the SGPs corrective arm with an excessive deficit procedure (EDP) correction deadline in 2018 and, under its preventive arm, the plans of Belgium, France, Portugal and Slovenia. The latter submitted its plan on a no-policy-change basis, because of its government having been newly elected. The Eurogroup invites the countries concerned to consider in a timely manner the necessary additional measures to address the risks identified by the Commission and to ensure that their 2019 budget will be compliant with SGP provisions. In the case of Italy, the European Commission issued for the first time an opinion establishing the particularly serious non-compliance of a budgetary plan with SGP requirements.[8] Where a risk of particularly serious non-compliance with the provisions of the SGP is identified that is, where a plan envisages structural efforts that fall clearly short of requirements the Commission can ask the relevant member country to provide an updated budgetary plan. Such a request was issued to Italy on 23 October. The revised budgetary plan submitted by the Italian authorities on 13 November kept deficit targets unchanged, leading the Commission to confirm its assessment of particularly serious non-compliance on 21 November. At the same time, Italy's fiscal plans for 2019 were assessed by the Commission as a material change in the relevant factors as analysed by the Commission in the report under Article 126(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which was published in May 2018. As a result, on 21 November the Commission also issued a new report under Article 126(3) of the TFEU, based on data reported for 2017. In that report, the Commission came to the conclusion that the debt criterion should be considered as not complied with, paving the way for opening a debt-based EDP for Italy. The Eurogroup, in its statement of 3 December, supported the Commissions assessment and recommended that Italy take the necessary measures to comply with the SGP. On 19 December the Commission sent a letter to the Italian authorities taking note of the fiscal measures set out by the government in a letter of 18 December and indicated that if these were adopted by the Italian Parliament before the end of the year, this would allow the European Commission not to recommend the opening of an Excessive Deficit Procedure at this stage.[9] The continued failure to build fiscal buffers in countries with high government debt is a matter of concern because it raises the risk of these countries being forced to tighten fiscal policies in a future downturn. One of the major lessons from the last crisis is that sound fiscal positions provide countries with the fiscal space they may need to counter unforeseen shocks. Given the lack of follow-up to its recommendation of last year, the Eurogroup therefore reiterates that a slow pace of debt reduction from high levels in a number of Member States remains a matter for concern and should be decisively addressed. It also stressed that the current economic conditions call for the urgent need to rebuild fiscal buffers, notably in Member States that have not reached their Medium-Term Budgetary Objectives. Chart A Government debt and differences between structural balances and MTOs in 2018 (percentage of GDP) Sources: European Commission 2018 autumn economic forecast, ECB calculations. Notes: The chart depicts the deviation of countries structural balances in 2018 from their MTOs. Green (orange) bars relate to countries whose draft budgetary plan for 2019 is considered by the European Commission to be (broadly) compliant with the SGP. Red bars relate to countries whose draft budgetary plan for 2019 is considered by the European Commission to be at risk of non-compliance with the SGP. The black-framed red bar in the case of Italy reflects the opinion of the Commission that the draft budgetary plan poses a particularly serious risk of non-compliance with the SGP. Greece is not included in this chart as it currently does not have an MTO. Its DBP for 2019 was considered by the Commission as being compliant with the SGP. The reasons why some countries do not make sufficient progress towards sound fiscal positions need to be addressed. First, under the SGPs corrective arm, this requires a review of the nominal strategies. Under such strategies, countries subject to an EDP fall short of their structural effort requirements while complying with their nominal headline deficit targets. Consequently, many countries exited their EDP after the crisis with still large structural deficits that make them vulnerable in a downturn. Second, under the SGPs preventive arm, the application of flexibility needs to be addressed.[10] According to the common position on flexibility, which was endorsed by the ECOFIN Council in early 2016, budgetary adjustment requirements over the economic cycle can be modulated according to a matrix that specifies that larger (smaller) fiscal efforts are required for Member States in economic good (bad) times and/or with high (low) levels of government debt. It also allows reduced structural efforts in exchange for additional structural reforms and investment. Both a special report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in 2018 on the preventive arm of the SGP as well as the 2018 Annual Report of the European Fiscal Board (EFB) stress that due to the cumulative effects of different forms of flexibility it is not ensured that Member States, especially high-debt ones, converge toward their MTOs within a reasonable time frame. This can put them in a precarious position when the next recession comes. Chart B Recommended and projected structural balance adjustments for 2019 DBPs at risk of non-compliance with the SGP and particularly serious risks of non-compliance (percentage of GDP) Sources: European Commission 2018 autumn economic forecast and country-specific recommendations for fiscal policies as adopted by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council on 13 July 2018. Going forward, a fully functioning EU fiscal framework is essential for a further deepening of Economic and Monetary Union. The upcoming review of the regulations in the six pack and the two pack, which were implemented to strengthen the rules in 2011 and 2013, respectively, is an opportunity to identify and remedy shortcomings in the current set of rules. After a countrywide strike demanding the government hike their research stipend, the Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday assured the protesting research scholars a 'significant hike' in the stipend. However, the scholars said that if the hike is less than 80 per cent and if they (the ministry) don't consider the periodic increment, they will protest again. The student delegation from IISc, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, JNU, Delhi University, AIIMS and few other research institutes in the country met Javadekar, demanding a fellowship hike by at least 80 per cent, a periodic increment in the fellowship, a regular and timely disbursal of the stipend and the setting up of the Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (GRMS) to address the problems that Research Scholars face in their student life cycle. Replying to this, the minister assured the students a significant hike in the research stipend soon. He added that a provision on periodic increment and the setting up of GRMS will be taken into consideration, and the stipend will be disbursed on time. Even though the students seemed satisfied with the response, there were obvious issues. "If the scholarship hike is less than 80 percent and if they don't consider the periodic increment the researchers will go to the protest again," says Vivek Sharma, Chairperson, IISc Students' Council. "We can not come on the streets after every four years. We should get what we deserve," he adds. The students and the minister also discussed the need of stipend hike with an adequate increment along with the need for improvement in the overall research ecosystem. They also met Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science and Technology on December 24, raising the same demands. He has also agreed to the terms and is believed to be agreeable for increasing the stipends for KVPI and INSPIRE. Prior to that, on December 21, research scholars all over the country hit the streets demanding a hike in their fellowships. Sources stated that the Congress may also field some of these names in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. New Delhi: While the BJP is yet to recover from the shock of its massive defeat in Chhattisgarh, the Congress is learnt to have embarked on preparations for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls with the newly-sworn in chief minister Bhupesh Baghel getting a comparatively free hand at selection of candidates and planning strategy ahead of the crucial elections. In an indication towards the growing clout of the new chief minister, it is learnt that the party high command has asked Baghel to ensure Congress good performance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls and sending maximum possible MPs to Lok Sabha from Chhattisgarh. Sources stated that the Congress council of ministers which was sworn in on Tuesday was devoid of several heavy weight state leaders as Baghel got to choose his pick. Though this has caused some disaffection in the party, the central leadership is seemingly backing the chief ministers decision. Due to the strategy to focus on forthcoming general elections, it is learnt that the party high command had decided to not make senior state leaders like Satyanarayan Sharma, Dhanendra Sahu, Amitesh Shukla, Arun Vohra, Lakheshwar Baghel, Manoj Mandavi, Amarjeet Bhagat and Rampukar Singh. Another heavyweight whos name is missing from the Baghel council of ministers is former union minister Charan Das Mahant, is expected to be accomodated as the Speaker of state Assembly. Sources stated that the Congress may also field some of these names in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. In an indication that the Congress is in no mood for easing the political pressure on its opponents, the first two decisions of the Baghel Cabinet a farm loan waiver of `6,100 crore of over 16.65 lakh farmers and increased minimum support price (MSP) for maize have seemingly indicated attempts at reaching out to the predominantly agricultural population that has backed the Congress in the recently held Assembly polls. Sources stated that the Congress is expected to take a final call on the list of its Lok Sabha contestants after consultation between the chief minister and central high command. Each of these candidates would be selected on their winnability on their respective seats and party is expected to filed several first timers, sources added. The state has 11 Lok Sabha seats and with an impressive performance in the recent Assembly polls the Congress hopes to secure most of these seats for itself. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls the state had elected just one Congress MP Tamradhwaj Sahu while 10 BJP members to the lower house of Parliament. The Congress returned to power in Chhattisgarh after dislodging the Dr Raman Singh-led BJP government which served for three terms in the state. The Congress secured 68 of the 90 Assembly constituencies, while the BJP was restricted to just 15 seats. Manx charity writes to Japanese Embassy and Government Theres a warning from a Manx charity that Japans special relationship with the Island could be damaged. It comes as the country decides to resume commercial whaling. Manx charity Beach Buddies has written to the Japanese Embassy in London and the Japanese Government to protest against the move. The letter highlights Japan's special relationship with the Isle of Man through the TT, and warns Japanese brands such as Honda and Suzuki could face a boycott. Free Syrian Army awaits Turkeys order for operation Free Syrian Army (FSA) continued to move its members toward to YPG-held town, one day after Assad regime forces entered Arimah in the western countryside of Manbij region in coordination with the YPG. The northern Syrian town of Manbij has become a focal point of the post-US troop pullout plans as actors on the field deploy their forces in the region. TURKISH ARMED FORCES CONTINUES REINFORCING TROOPS Following a brief meeting with the heads of the YPG, 40 pickup trucks carrying regime forces, two tanks, trucks carrying equipment and armored vehicles carrying other staff entered Arimah, Anadolu Agency reported, citing unnamed local sources. While FSA forces also close down on the town, the Turkish military continued to reinforce its troops along the Syrian border. The situation in Manbij will be one of the main questions in the aftermath of the US pullout. The town is controlled by the YPG/PKK terror organization. Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal also stated there has been no progress because New Delhi is not taking heed. It was very positively received all around the world, especially by the Sikh community. We are actively working to develop infrastructures at Kartarpur, said Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal. (Photo: Twitter | @ForeignOfficePk) Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday described the Kartarpur corridor as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government while admitted that there was "no progress" on the contentious issues with India. Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal also said that the Kashmir issue remained "on top of Pakistan's priority". At the weekly media briefing here, Faisal said that the Kartarpur corridor was the "high point of diplomacy for Pakistan's new government, along with Afghan (peace) developments." He said Prime Minister Imran Khan in a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in September gave a detailed roadmap to move forward but New Delhi failed to reciprocate. Faisal said that despite India's refusal to start a dialogue, Pakistan went ahead with the groundbreaking of the Kartarpur corridor. Prime Minister Khan in November laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. "It was very positively received all around the world, especially by the Sikh community. We are actively working to develop infrastructures at Kartarpur," Faisal said. Faisal said, however, there was "no progress" on contentious issues with India and the Kartarpur corridor was the only positive development. "We were not successful...we made an effort but they were not reciprocating. You can say it was not successful," the spokesman said. Condemning the violence in Kashmir, he said Pakistan would "observe Kashmir Solidary on February 5, 2019 in London where the foreign minister will be present." Faisal said 341 Pakistani prisoners were in India, including 154 civil prisoners and 187 fishermen. He said 12 civil and 33 fishermen have completed their jail terms and Pakistan is working to bring them back. To a question about India's role in the Afghan peace process, Faisal said, "India has no role in this". Faisal said Pakistan wanted to develop peaceful ties with all neighbours and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's four-nation visit this week was to explore possibility of a win-win framework for regional connectivity, economic development with the objective economic growth and prosperity. Israel arrests 5 Palestinians in West Bank raids More than 6,000 Palestinians continue to languish in Israeli prisons. Israeli forces arrested five Palestinians in overnight raids carried out across the occupied West Bank, according to the Israeli military on Thursday. The individuals were arrested for suspected involvement in popular terrorist activities, the army said in a statement, without elaborating on the nature of these activities. The Israeli forces frequently carry out wide-ranging arrest campaigns across the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem on the pretext of searching for wanted Palestinians. According to Palestinian figures, more than 6,000 Palestinians continue to languish in Israeli detention facilities, including six parliament members, 52 women and 270 minors. Terrorist YPG/PKK fortifying tunnels in Manbij, Syria New footage shows terrorist group expanding, extending tunnels in northern Syria in advance of possible operation by Turkey. Anadolu Agency on Thursday captured new footage of the YPG/PKK terrorist organization's tunnels around Manbij, northern Syria, fortifications in an area the group is supposed to have left. With air support and arms from the U.S., the YPG/PKK -- which took the region from Daesh -- is preparing for possible military action by Turkey against the terrorist group. THE TUNNELS SURROUND CENTER OF MANBIJ The new Anadolu Agency footage shows that the terrorists have continued excavation to extend and expand the tunnels, as well as electrical work to light them up for the use of machines and wheelbarrows. The tunnels, which have been made tall enough to allow most people to walk through upright, surround the district center of Manbij. The terrorists apparently mean to use the tunnels to protect themselves from possible airstrikes, launch sudden attacks, and hide out if necessary. Terrorist YPG/PKK fortifying tunnels in Manbij WATCH The US has yet to fulfill its pledges to Turkey about Manbij, with the YPG/PKK terror group surrounding the district center with trenches, tunnels, and embankments. Against Turkish objections, the US has worked with the YPG/PKK as an "ally" against Daesh, but that seems set to end with the promised withdrawal of US forces from Syria. The terrorist group has completed the construction of trenches and embankments in areas surrounding the entire city center as if it has no intention of leaving. The terror group formed embankments at various depths in front of trenches to make up a series of lines stretching nearly 30 kilometers (18 miles). OTTAWA, December 27, 2018 - The CHEO Research Institute is proud to announce that one of its longest-serving researchers, Dr. Robert Korneluk, C.M., has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada. He is one of the 103 new appointments to the Order of Canada made by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, today. This is the first time a Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute has been appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the countrys highest civilian honours. His citation recognizes "his contributions to immunotherapy research and diagnostic clinical service laboratories as a molecular geneticist." Dr. Korneluk, C.M., started his career at the CHEO Research Institute in 1985 and has been instrumental in some of the most important health discoveries made in the past three decades. He was a leader of the team that found the underlying cause of type 1 myotonic dystrophy in 1992, demonstrating a novel mechanism of unstable DNA mutations. In 1995, Dr. Korneluk and his team discovered a family of genes that control apoptosis, or cell death. This groundbreaking work has led to significant breakthroughs by Korneluk and other researchers around the world in areas such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration and more. "Dr. Korneluk has had an incredible impact on the CHEO Research Institute and across Canada," says Dr. Martin Osmond, CEO and Scientific Director of the CHEO Research Institute. "In addition to discovering new mechanisms of genetic disease and a novel family of cell survival genes informing cancer therapy, his years of dedication, collaborative approach and mentoring of students, trainees and young researchers combine to form a truly impressive legacy. We are delighted that he is receiving this honour and celebrate this recognition with all our colleagues and his family and friends." Dr. Korneluk, C.M., who is also Distinguished Professor, Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, has always specialized in translational research. He takes what he does in the lab and works with clinicians to put this work into practice. Being located at a leading research institute connected to a pediatric hospital allows him to collaborate with specialists. Meeting patients who have benefitted from his work reinforces his commitment to children's health. "You simply cannot match Dr. Korneluk's passion and drive for helping kids with cancer," said Alex Munter, President and CEO of CHEO. "As one of our longest-serving scientists, his work has formed a foundation for two generations of researchers and clinicians in their quest to provide effective, evidence-based therapies that improve care for children and youth at CHEO. This level of recognition is so deserved after years of dedication to changing lives in Ottawa and around the world. On behalf of everyone at CHEO, congratulations Bob on this great honour!" Dr. Korneluk's contributions have been recognized with numerous other awards, including the McLaughlin medal from the Royal Society of Canada, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence (1992), a Governor General of Canada 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal (1993), and an Ottawa Life Sciences Applied Research Award (1995). ### About the CHEO Research Institute The CHEO Research Institute coordinates the research activities of CHEO and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa. Its three programs of research are molecular biomedicine, health information technology, and evidence to practice research. Key themes include cancer, diabetes, obesity, mental health, emergency medicine, musculoskeletal health, electronic health information and privacy, and genetics of rare disease. The CHEO Research Institute makes discoveries today for healthier kids tomorrow. For more information, visit http://www.cheori.org For more information and to arrange an interview with Dr. Robert Korneluk, C.M., please contact: Aynsley Morris Director of Communications Mobile: (613) 914-3059 E-mail: amorris@cheo.on.ca TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A team of Florida State University researchers has unlocked a decades-old mystery about how a critical cellular process is regulated and what that could mean for the future study of genetics. In cells, DNA and its associated material replicate at regular intervals, a process essential to all living organisms. This contributes to everything from how the body responds to disease to hair color. DNA replication was identified in the late 1950s, but since then researchers across the globe have come up short trying to understand exactly how this process was regulated. Now they know. David Gilbert, the J. Herbert Taylor Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology, and doctoral student Jiao Sima published a paper today in the journal Cell that showed there are specific points along the DNA molecule that control replication. "It's been quite a mystery," Gilbert said. "Replication seemed resilient to everything we tried to do to perturb it. We've described it in detail, shown it changes in different cell types and that it is disrupted in disease. But until now, we couldn't find that final piece, the control elements or the DNA sequences that control it." Notably, Gilbert's professorship is in honor of a former Florida State professor named J. Herbert Taylor. Taylor demonstrated how different segments of chromosomes duplicate in the late 1950s and published more than 100 papers on chromosome structure and replication. Roughly 60 years later, Gilbert determined how replication was regulated. Sima had been working with Gilbert in the lab and ran close to a hundred genetic mutations on DNA molecules, hoping to see some sort of result that would better explain how the replication process worked. At a point of frustration, Gilbert said they came up with a "hail Mary" attempt. Gilbert and Sima examined a single segment of the DNA in the highest possible 3D resolution and saw three sequences along the DNA molecule touching each other frequently. The researchers then used CRISPR, a sophisticated gene editing technology, to remove these three areas simultaneously. And with that, they found that these three elements together were the key to DNA replication. "Removing these elements shifted the segment's replication time from the very beginning to the very end of the process," Gilbert said. "This was one of those moments where just one result knocks your socks off." In addition to the effect on replication timing, the removal of the three elements caused the 3D structure of the DNA molecule to change dramatically. "We have for the first time pinpointed specific DNA sequences in the genome that regulate chromatin structure and replication timing," Sima said. "These results reflect one possible model of how DNA folds inside cells and how these folding patterns could impact the hereditary materials' function." Greater understanding of how DNA replication is regulated opens new paths of research in genetics. When replication timing is altered -- as it was in Gilbert and Sima's experiment -- it can completely change how the genetic information of a cell is interpreted. This could become crucial information as scientists tackle complicated diseases where the replication timing is disrupted. "If you duplicate at a different place and time, you might assemble a completely different structure," Gilbert said. "A cell has different things available to it at different times. Changing when something replicates changes the packaging of the genetic information." ### This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health. Other researchers from Florida State University contributed to this study, as well as scientists from La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, the Babraham Institute, the University of Michigan, the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, University of California San Francisco and Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin. New Rochelle, NY, December 27, 2018--A novel additive manufacturing platform was used for the digital fabrication of transparent glass at industrial scale. The G3DP2 platform, developed by MIT scientists and used to turn molten glass into 3-meter tall columns, is described in an article published in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Click here to read the full-text article free on the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing website through January 27, 2019. In the article entitled "Additive Manufacturing of Transparent Glass Structures," Chikara Inamura, Michael Stern, Daniel Lizardo, Peter Houk, and Neri Oxman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA discuss the early G3DP2 printer, which was used to provide proof of concept of the feasibility of creating transparent objects through the deposition of molten glass. The researchers then describe the complete redesign of the system, upgrading it to an industrial platform capable of achieving architectural output. The four objectives of the upgraded G3DP2 platform were increased speed and scale and improved repeatability and reliability. The scientists report on how to understand and control the behavior of the printed glass, the specifications, engineering and control of the platform, and the product design space. ### About the Journal 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing is the only peer-reviewed journal focused on the rapidly moving field of 3D printing and related technologies. Led by Editor-in-Chief Skylar Tibbits Director, Self-Assembly Lab, MIT, and Founder & Principal, SJET LLC., the Journal explores emerging challenges and opportunities ranging from new developments of processes and materials, to new simulation and design tools, and informative applications and case studies. Published quarterly online with open access options and in print, the Journal spans a broad array of disciplines to address the challenges and discover new breakthroughs and trends within this groundbreaking technology. Tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing website. About the Publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative medical and biomedical peer-reviewed journals, including Big Data, Soft Robotics, New Space, and Tissue Engineering. 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 more than 80 journals, newsmagazines, and books is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website. Animal diseases that infect humans are a major threat to human health, and diseases often spillover to humans from nonhuman primates. Now, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have carried out an extensive social sciences evaluation of how populations in Cameroon interact with nonhuman primates, pointing toward behaviors that could put people at risk of infection with new diseases. Zoonotic diseases-- those which originate in other animal species before spilling over to humans--now constitute more than 60 percent of emerging infectious diseases. Of these zoonotic diseases, 70 percent reportedly come from wild animals. Because of the similarity between humans and nonhuman primates, these monkeys and apes serve as frequent reservoirs or amplifiers for pathogens that pose a risk to human populations. In the new work, Tamara Giles-Vernick of the Institut Pasteur, France, and Victor Narat of the French Center for National Scientific Research, with their colleagues carried out surveys, real-time data collection, oral history interviews, and wild meat surveys to paint a full picture of the physical exposure of people in southeastern Cameroon to nonhuman primate species. Data were collected in 2016 and 2017 and included information from multiple villages and hundreds of people. The researchers found that Cameroonian adults have frequent physical contact with primates, and more with monkeys than apes. This contact is most often through hunting, butchering, preparing and consuming meat, but also includes injuries sustained from gorillas. Some 85% of questionnaire respondents had eaten primate meat in their lifetimes. In general, the exposure risk in any given village was directly related to the relative density of nonhuman primates and their proximity to human settlements. "National and international authorities should support improved surveillance of humans and abundant monkey species, as well as popular messages to promote safe meat handling practices," the researchers say. "Multidisciplinary social science and ecological approaches should be used to improve surveillance and communications with forest populations about neglected tropical diseases." ### In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available paper: http://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0006976 Citation: Narat V, Kampo M, Heyer T, Rupp S, Ambata P, et al. (2018) Using physical contact heterogeneity and frequency to characterize dynamics of human exposure to nonhuman primate bodily fluids in central Africa. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 12(12): e0006976. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006976 Funding: The Agence Nationale de la Recherche (France) funded the study ANR-14-CE31-004, including postdoctoral salary and field missions. TGV received this funding. The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research provided additional funding for field investigation. TGV received this funding. The Institut Pasteur Infection and Epidemiology Department provided supplemental funding for VN's salary. VN received this funding. The Institut Pasteur International Direction provided supplemental funding for RN's participation in the study. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors declare that no competing interests exist. Researchers analysing soil from Ireland long thought to have medicinal properties have discovered that it contains a previously unknown strain of bacteria which is effective against four of the top six superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics, including MRSA. Antibiotic resistant superbugs could kill up to 1.3 million people in Europe by 2050, according to recent research. The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes the problem as "one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today". The new strain of bacteria was discovered by a team based in Swansea University Medical School, made up of researchers from Wales, Brazil, Iraq and Northern Ireland. They have named the new strain Streptomyces sp. myrophorea. The soil they analysed originated from an area of Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, which is known as the Boho Highlands. It is an area of alkaline grassland and the soil is reputed to have healing properties. The search for replacement antibiotics to combat multi-resistance has prompted researchers to explore new sources, including folk medicines: a field of study known as ethnopharmacology. They are also focusing on environments where well-known antibiotic producers like Streptomyces can be found. One of the research team, Dr Gerry Quinn, a previous resident of Boho, County Fermanagh, had been aware of the healing traditions of the area for many years. Traditionally a small amount of soil was wrapped up in cotton cloth and used to heal many ailments including toothache, throat and neck infections. Interestingly, this area was previously occupied by the Druids, around 1500 years ago, and Neolithic people 4000 years ago. The main findings of the research were that the newly-identified strain of Streptomyces: Inhibited the growth of four of the top six multi-resistant pathogens identified by the WHO as being responsible for healthcare-associated infections: Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Carbenepenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumanii Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology proposed new quasi-1D materials for potential spintronic applications, an upcoming technology that exploits the spin of electrons. They performed simulations to demonstrate the spin properties of these materials and explained the mechanisms behind their behavior. Conventional electronics is based on the movement of electrons and mainly concerns their electric charge; unfortunately, we are close to reaching the physical limits for improving electronic devices. However, electrons bear another intrinsic quantum-physical property called "spin", which can be interpreted as a type of angular momentum and can be either "up" or "down". While conventional electronic devices do not deploy the spin of the electrons that they employ, spintronics is a field of study in which the spin of the conducting electrons is crucial. Serious improvements in performance and new applications can be attained through "spin currents". As promising as spintronics sound, researchers are still trying to find convenient ways of generating spin currents with material structures that possess electrons with desirable spin properties. The Rashba-Bychkov effect (or simply Rashba effect), which involves a splitting of spin-up and spin-down electrons due to breakings in symmetry, could potentially be exploited for this purpose. A pair of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology, including Associate Professor Yoshihiro Gohda, have proposed a new mechanism to generate a spin current without energy loss from a series of simulations for new quasi-1D materials based on bismuth-adsorbed indium that exhibit a giant Rashba effect. "Our mechanism is suitable for spintronic applications, having an advantage that it does not require an external magnetic field to generate nondissipative spin current," explains Gohda. This advantage would simplify potential spintronic devices and would allow for further miniaturization. The researchers conducted simulations based on these materials to demonstrate that the Rashba effect in them can be large and only requires applying a certain voltage to generate spin currents. By comparing the Rashba properties of multiple variations of these materials, they provided explanations for the observed differences in the materials' spin properties and a guide for further materials exploration. This type of research is very important as radically new technologies are required if we intend to further improve electronic devices and go beyond their current physical limits. "Our study should be important for energy-efficient spintronic applications and stimulating further exploration of different 1D Rashba systems," concludes Gohda. From faster memories to quantum computers, the benefits of better understanding and exploiting Rashba systems will certainly have enormous implications. ### Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) have developed a hydraulic actuator[1] that will allow tough robots to operate in disaster sites and other harsh environments. Tokyo Tech Venture H-MUSCLE Corporation?has been established to pursue applications for the actuator, and shipping of product samples will begin in February 2019. Though the majority of today's robots are driven by electric motors, hydraulic actuators, with their high output and impact resistance, would be well-suited to robots operating in harsh environments. However, typical hydraulic actuators are developed for industrial machinery, like power shovels, and are too large and heavy to be used in robots; nor can they provide smooth movement or force control. Tokyo Tech School of Engineering professor Koichi Suzumori and colleagues developed a hydraulic actuator to solve these issues. The actuator offers greatly increased power and shock resistance compared with conventional electric motors. It also grants a smaller size, higher output (force-to-mass ratio [2]), and smoother control compared with conventional hydraulic actuators. Providing high power, durability, and excellent control, the actuator will allow robots to operate in the harshest of environments and perform tough work with a gentle touch. This hydraulic actuator is the result of the Tough Robotics Challenge, organized by the Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies Program (ImPACT) of the Cabinet Office of Japan. Tokyo Tech; JPN Co., Ltd.; Bridgestone Corporation; and KYB Corporation; along with other universities and other enterprises concerned with hydraulic equipment, have participated in development of the hydraulic actuator for tough robots since 2014. To promote adoption of the technology, H-MUSCLE will ship samples of its hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors to domestic manufacturers, expand its lineup of actuators for future sale, and explore further applications. Background The ImPACT Tough Robotics Challenge (2014-2018, Program Manager: Satoshi Tadokoro, Professor, Tohoku University) has conducted research with the aim of creating robots for tough operation, even in extreme disaster sites. As a part of this project, hydraulic actuators specifically for robots and their robotic application was set as a research theme. Koichi Suzumori (robotics, actuator engineering) at Tokyo Tech was the leader of the group with participants Tokyo Tech; Okayama University; Ritsumeikan University, JPN Co., Ltd.; Bridgestone Corporation; and KYB Corporation. With the cooperation of many other enterprises with highly specialized technologies, they succeeded in developing an actuator for hydraulic robots which is small, lightweight, high-output, and smooth-sliding [3], something not available in existing products. Merits of small, lightweight, smooth-sliding actuators The new hydraulic actuator offers the following advances over existing hydraulic actuators. Small size Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) specifies only cylinders with an internal diameter of 35 mm or greater. However, robots require smaller cylinders. H-MUSCLE has developed cylinders with an internal diameter of 20 to 30 mm in collaboration with JPN Co., Ltd. High force-to-mass ratio "Force" is the generated axial force, and "mass" is the weight of the cylinder itself. Robots require a higher force-to-mass ratio than general stationary industrial machinery. Though the figure is only of a representative sample, H-MUSCLE cylinders can output an overwhelmingly higher value. This was made possible by (1) a drive pressure of 35 MPa, (2) titanium and magnesium alloys, and (3) inventive design. Smooth sliding This cylinder operates at remarkably lower pressure than that of normal JIS cylinders. Conventional hydraulic cylinders and motors have stiff seals between the piston and the cylinder to seal in the fluid, and the great friction from this prevented smooth movements and control of force. With low-friction seals and inventive design, this research realized low friction, about one-tenth of conventional products. This addresses the difficulty in precise movement and force control found with conventional hydraulic robots. Robot applications ImPACT has built several tough robot prototypes to test potential applications for the hydraulic actuator. Current state and future development of H-MUSCLE Corporation H-MUSCLE was established on October 17, 2018 with the goal of bringing research results to society. In November 2018, it was designated a Tokyo Tech Venture. In the ImPACT program, they have developed new hydraulic actuators and peripheral apparatus which are well-suited for robots, Small, lightweight, and high-performance, our technologies include hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors, hydraulic artificial muscle, hydraulic pumps, narrow hydraulic hoses, small hydraulic joints, and small control valves. Of these, initially hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors will be offered. At H-MUSCLE, Tokyo Tech, customer enterprises, production companies, and others will collaborate to advance the design, development, technical consulting, and application exploration of the hydraulic actuators. The specific design and manufacturing of the hydraulic cylinders and motors will be done by JPN Co., Ltd. (Ota Ward, Tokyo; Kiyohiro Hioki, President), who developed them in ImPACT. H-MUSCLE seeks cooperation from enterprises who were involved in collaborative development in ImPACT to expand the products and technology on offer. The company believes that the small, lightweight, and smooth-sliding characteristics of H-MUSCLE hydraulic actuators have potential for application outside of robotics. Their intention is to actively explore applications outside robotics as well. ### H-MUSCLE company overview Company name: H-MUSCLE Corporation Founded: October 17, 2018 Location: Ota Ward, Tokyo Business description: Design, manufacture, sale, application exploration, technical consulting of hydraulic components Members of the board: Representative Director: Koichi Suzumori (Professor, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology) Directors: Hiroyuki Nabae (Assistant Professor, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology) Kiyohiro Hioki (President of JPN Co., Ltd.) http://www.h-muscle.com/ Technical terms [1] Actuator: A general term for an apparatus which creates movement or force, including motors, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, artificial muscle, and piezoelectric elements. [2] Force-to-mass ratio: For actuators with direct-acting operation, "force" is the generated force and "mass" is the mass of the actuator. Generally, the better the force-to-mass ratio, the better the actuator. [3] Smooth-sliding: Friction is low, and smooth force control and precise positioning are possible. University of Queensland researchers have discovered a key mechanism in the brain that may underlie our ability to rapidly focus attention. Our brains are continuously bombarded with information from the senses, yet our level of vigilance to such input varies, allowing us to selectively focus on one conversation and not another. Professor Stephen Williams of the Queensland Brain Institute at UQ explains, "If we want to give our full concentration, something happens in the brain to enable us to focus and filter out distractions." "There must be a mechanism that signals the thing we want to focus on." However, this mechanism is not well understood, he says. Research has shown that the electrical activity of the neocortex of the brain changes, when we focus our attention. Neurons stop signalling in sync with one another and start firing out of sync. This is helpful, says Williams, because it allows individual neurons to respond to sensory information in different ways. Thus, you can focus on a car speeding down the road or on what a friend is saying in a crowded room. It's known that the cholinergic system in the brain plays an important role in triggering this desynchronization. The cholinergic system consists of clusters of special neurons that synthesise and release a signalling molecule called acetylcholine, he explains, and these clusters make far reaching connections throughout the brain. Not only does this cholinergic system act like a master switch, but mounting evidence suggests it also enables the brain to identify which sensory input is the most salient - i.e. worthy of attention - at any given moment and then shine a spotlight on that input. "The cholinergic system broadcasts to the brain, 'this thing is really important to be vigilant to'," says Williams. He adds that the cholinergic system has been proposed to have a far-reaching impact on our cognitive abilities. "Destruction of the cholinergic system in animals profoundly degrades cognition, and the formation of memory," he says. "Importantly, in humans a progressive degeneration of the cholinergic system occurs in devastating diseases that blunt cognition and memory, such as Alzheimer's disease." But precisely which neurons in the cortex are being targeted by this master switch and how it's able to influence their function was unknown. Williams and QBI researcher Lee Fletcher wondered if layer 5 B-pyramidal neurons, the 'output' neurons of the neocortex, might be involved, because they are intimately involved in how we perceive the world. "The output neurons of the neocortex perform computations that are thought to underlie our perception of the world," says Williams. Williams and Fletcher wanted to know if the cholinergic system is able to influence the activity of these output neurons. Using a technique called optogenetics, they modified neurons in the cholinergic system in the brains of mice so that they could be activated with a flash of blue light, triggering a sudden release of acetylcholine. This allowed the researchers to closely monitor the interaction between the cholinergic system and the output neurons. They discovered that if the output neurons were not currently active, not much happened. But when those neurons received excitatory input to their dendrites, the cholinergic system was able to massively increase their activity. "It's as if the cholinergic system has given a 'go' signal," says Fletcher, enabling the output neurons of the neocortex to powerfully respond. Importantly, this change was selective, and only apparent when excitatory input was being processed in the dendrites of the 'output' neurons. "We have known for some time that the dendrites of the output neurons of the neocortex only become active when animals are actively performing a behaviour, and that this activity is correlated with perception and task performance," says Williams. This new work demonstrates that the cholinergic system is critical to this transition in mice and rats, allowing the output neurons to perform computations in a state-dependent manner. "We suggest that this switch also occurs in the human neocortex, allowing us to rapidly switch our state of vigilance and attention," says Williams. "Our work therefore provides important insight into how the progressive degeneration of the cholinergic system in disease blunts human cognition." The findings "A dendritic substrate for the cholinergic control of neocortical output neurons" are published in the journal Neuron. ### EPCA Chairman Bhure Lal said the conditions will get better in the coming days with improved meteorological conditions. Indian Air Force personnel prepare for rehearsal for the Republic Day parade amidst morning smog on Rajpath in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo: AP) New Delhi: The air quality of the national capital improved slightly on Wednesday and was in the very poor category due to improved meteorological conditions even as the state government warned of strict action against officials who fail to comply with its directions of mitigating pollution emanating from dust and waste burning. After battling severe pollution for four consecutive days, the authorities predicted that the air quality will improve by Thursday as good wind speed will continue to disperse pollutants faster than accumulation caused by the cold condition and fog. EPCA Chairman Bhure Lal said the conditions will get better in the coming days with improved meteorological conditions. Environment minister Imran Hussain convened a high-level meeting to review the implementation of the graded response action plan (GRAP), a strategy mandated by the Supreme Court to combat and mitigate air pollution in Delhi, and warned of strict action against officials failing to comply with directives. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed the overall air quality index (AQI) at very poor level of 396, while the Centre-run SAFAR showed an AQI of 369 which too falls in the very poor category. According to the CPCB data, 21 areas recorded severe pollution, while 13 areas witnessed very poor air quality. In NCR, Ghaziabad recorded severe air quality while Faridabad, Gurgaon and Noida recorded very poor air quality. The overall PM2.5 level was recorded at 249 and the PM10 level at 378 here, the CPCB said. The city recorded its second highest pollution level of the year on Sunday with an AQI of 450. The air quality remained severe on Monday and Tuesday before moving to very poor category on Wednesday morning. According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), air quality is likely to improve as the meteorological conditions like wind speed and ventilation index are marginally favourable for dispersion of pollutants. Ventilation index is the speed at which pollutants can get dispersed. A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second, with average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants. The index was 5,500 sqm/second on Wednesday, the IITM said. In view of prevalence of severe pollution in the national capital, industrial activities in pollution hotspots of Wazirpur, Mundka, Narela, Bawana, Sahibabad and Faridabad, and construction work across Delhi-NCR was ordered to remain shut till Wednesday. In a letter to Delhi chief secretary Vijay Kumar Dev, EPCA chairperson Bhure Lal directed him to ban all construction activities in the national capital, Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida till Wednesday. The EPCA directed the traffic police to deploy special teams and ensure congestion-free traffic flow particularly in identified high-traffic corridors. The agencies concerned have also been asked to ensure strict action against illegal industries, intensify ground action and make all efforts to control polluting activities, particularly waste burning. The critically endangered Grauer's gorilla has recently lost genetic diversity and has experienced an increase in harmful mutations. These conclusions were reached by an international team of researchers who sequenced eleven genomes from eastern gorilla specimens collected up to 100 years ago, and compared these with genomes from present-day individuals. The results are now published in Current Biology. Many wild animals have declined in numbers over the past century, and scientists have long worried that these declines have resulted in losses of genetic diversity, increased inbreeding and an accumulation of harmful mutations. Although this could lead to an even higher risk of extinction in threatened species, investigating recent changes in genetic viability has been difficult. In a new study, a team led by scientists from Uppsala University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History has used specimens stored in museum collections to analyse changes in eastern gorilla genomes over the past 100 years. "We found that the genetic diversity in Grauer's gorilla has declined significantly in just a few generations," says Tom van der Valk, a PhD student at Uppsala University in Sweden. Grauer's gorillas are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and have declined by 80 per cent in recent decades due to poaching and habitat destruction. The results from the comparison of historical and modern genomes show that this decline has led to increased inbreeding and a loss of genetic variation. This in turn means that Grauer's gorillas have likely become less able to adapt to future disease outbreaks and changes in their environment. In addition, the scientists identified several mutations that are probably harmful and that have increased in frequency over the past 4-5 generations as a consequence of the decline in population size. In the closely related mountain gorilla, however, the scientists did not discover any significant genetic changes, suggesting that its genetic viability has remained stable over the past 100 years. "This recent increase in harmful mutations really emphasises the need to reverse the ongoing population decline in Grauer's gorillas," says Love Dalen at the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Some of the potentially harmful mutations that have increased in frequency were found in genes that affect disease resistance and male fertility. In addition, the researchers identified mutations leading to loss of function in genes associated with finger and toe development, which likely explains why present-day gorillas sometimes have fused digits. "Our study highlights that historical museum specimens constitute a unique resource for monitoring recent changes in the genetic status of endangered species," says Katerina Guschanski at Uppsala University. Interestingly, the reason why Grauer's gorillas have been more severely affected than mountain gorillas may lie in their deeper history. While Grauer's gorillas went through a major increase in numbers between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago, mountain gorillas have been rare for several thousands of years. This long-term small population size may have enabled natural selection to remove harmful mutations before mountain gorilla numbers started to decline in the 20th century. ### Smeg said: You said: "If you look at how little you get for your money, long way to travel for work, full of tourists you will see how it does not make a best place to live list" Click to expand... And exactly who are those lists targeted at? Generally those with more money than brains, those who are either insanely overpaid for what they do, or who are living off their (ill-gotten or not) investments. If they do work, they travel in a company car (so don't have to worry about the price of petrol) and who can well afford to swan off to nicer climates during the worst of the tourist season (or can just lock the gates and order all their necessities for delivery).People who move to fit their own situations don't bother with those sorts of lists. They're looking for somewhere not too far from where they work (if they do), more or less convenient (or not) to public transport and other services (medical, legal, shopping, etc.) that they actually use and need and a place that fits into their current budget and leaves enough so the family can eat and maybe even take a holiday now and then. Tamira Thayne's ."Untethered." Me (left) and Bonnie Plafke, who came to hang out with me during testing in Florida. Update, Christmas 2018: My wonderful friend, Bonnie Plafke, is still in search of an O Blood Type kidney donor. A big thank you to those who have also undergone testing since our first post, only to be denied for one reason for another. I join Bonnie in sending out a big THANK YOU for trying on her behalf! Would you please continue to spread the word about Bonnies need for a donor, and contact Bonnie at 954-638-9943 or plafke@comcast.net if you can help? Thank YOU! Original Blog Post, From July, 2018: It is with a sad heart that I report today on my efforts to be a kidney donor for my animal rescue friend Bonnie Plafke. In initial testing, our blood matched well, so I flew to Florida last month for two days Darolyn Butler patrolled the airport perimeter atop Navajo, an Appaloosa used to train riders for long-distance endurance races. Next to her was Kelly Baber and two of his horses, Ben and TL Mr. Roan Apache Patch for short, because the breeding quarter horse is missing an eye. But less than perfect vision didnt deter him on this recent morning. The horses and their riders were looking for wildlife hazards, such as holes where critters could crawl beneath the fence and onto a runway, and for the more worrisome human hazards. About 65 people, including off-duty law enforcement officers, are trained as Airport Rangers to ride along the fences and woods surrounding Bush Intercontinental Airport. Its a little-known volunteer program, but its roots are in a decadeslong tradition of civilians helping secure the country. Observe-and-report programs by trained civilians are an absolutely fabulous deterrent, said Anthony Roman, president of global investigation and risk management firm Roman & Associates. Horses are hard to miss and could scare off would-be attackers. They also provide a better vantage point for the riders, and they can reach areas that cars or ATVs cant. And unlike guards with schedules, the riders come and go at the times and speeds they please. The rangers could come walking or trotting or galloping through at any time, said Butler, among the programs first volunteers and owner of Cypress Trails Equestrian Center, which provides trail rides and endurance training. Over the programs 15 years, rangers have helped catch deer hunters, people stealing trees from airport property and people shooting target practice. Theyve also reported standing water that attracts birds, which can imperil airplane engines. One ranger helped catch someone evading police as that person got onto airport property not behind fences or onto a runway, but still on airport property, said Baber, who co-owns Humble Hairpin Land and Livestock and has volunteered with the program since its inauguration in 2003. Its a great place to ride a horse, he said. The big value for the airport is that it produces extra security. Roman wishes more airports had such programs. He highlighted it as just one example of civilians helping secure the country. During World War II, private pilots used their planes to search for German submarines along the East Coast. They were crucial in deterring attacks on merchant vessels. Today, trained civilians help rescue general aviation pilots who crash in remote areas. They also monitor and report suspicious activities in their hometowns. The See Something, Say Something campaign in New York City is one example, Roman said. So hes glad to see such tactics in Houston. Protecting the perimeters of a major international airport that has the namesake of a U.S. president, thats particularly critical because that becomes a symbolic target in terms of terrorism tactics, he said. To become an Airport Ranger, riders must pass a background check by the Transportation Security Administration, said Saba Abashawl, chief external affairs officer for the Houston Airport System. And they will receive training on what to look for and how to report it. Abashawl owns a horse and rides the airport perimeter once a week when shes in town. For many rangers, its an opportunity to give back while doing something they love. Its a cool thing to do for the community, Butler said. Im not much one for kitchens. andrea.leinfelder@chron.com twitter.com/andrearumbaugh Most evenings, some two dozen boys and girls wearing doboks traditional martial-arts uniforms and rank-defining belts will stream into Elva Adams Northwest Side taekwondo studio, eager to show off their newly mastered sparring skills. But what if the instructor gets sick? Its not like theres a temp agency stocked with taekwondo teachers who have undergone the necessary background checks to work with children. Either someone on staff covers for the sick teacher or the class is rescheduled. Now Adams has a little more uncertainty when it comes to sick teachers. In August, San Antonio city council passed an ordinance requiring private employers to provide paid sick leave. The new law kicks in Jan. 1. Among Adams questions: If a class is rescheduled, will she have to pay the worker for both the missed class and the rescheduled class? I just dont believe this should be a one-size fits all policy, she said. If our instructor is sick, of course were going to take care of them. We dont want them to come here and make everybody else sick. But then, we dont need the government, the city, to tell us you have to do this. Related: City Council reluctantly makes history on paid sick leave As a member of the Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce, she said she hears the same concerns from her peers. Many arent up on the goings-on at City Hall and felt blindsided by the new law. Were talking about the restaurant industries and the nail salons, some special trades, she said. It was not on the ballot so everybody could vote. They dont watch TV because a lot of the time theyre busy working. The good news for business owners is that while the ordinance takes effect Jan. 1, nothing really happens with it in terms of accrual time and enforcement until August. And businesses with five employees or fewer are off the hook until Aug. 1, 2021. By then, the provision passed by a progressive city council will have been taken up by a GOP-controlled legislature whose leaders arent thrilled about city-mandated sick-leave pay. Requiring employers to pay employees for sick time has already proven controversial in Texas. In November, the Third Court of Appeals declared unconstitutional a similar law enacted by the Austin City Council earlier this year. State Attorney General Ken Paxton, meanwhile, told Mayor Ron Nirenberg the council-approved measure here is against state law. Related: Local chambers call for repeal of San Antonio's sick-time ordinance Lawmakers are expected to introduce a flurry of bills preempting paid-sick leave ordinances. Gov. Greg Abbott has vowed to sign whatever such bill reaches his desk. Since it goes into effect January 1st and theyre not going to enforce it until August, maybe theyre hoping that the legislation will get passed in the session so they dont have to worry about it, Steven Schultz, president of the South Texas chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, said, referring to city council. The ABC chapter has members with offices in nearby cities like New Braunfels, Kerrville, Schertz or Selma, but who frequently send workers to jobs in San Antonio. Theyve been calling Schultz with questions he cant answer such as: Will the city ask for logs of whenever out-of-town employees cross to work in San Antonio? And what does it mean for an employee who gets sick before Aug. 1? Nobody knows how its going to be implemented, he said. I dont know if the city has done anything as far as being prepared, and thats kind of frustrating members. People are saying, I dont know what it means to be compliant. Under the law, private employers with 15 or fewer employees will have to provide six days of paid time off a year, larger businesses eight. Workers will be able to use the days for their own or a family members physical or mental illness or preventive care. They also could be used for taking legal action, moving or obtaining victim services in situations related to domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Employers who run afoul of the ordinance, enforced by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, would have an opportunity to correct the violation before paying a $500 civil fine. Money from the fines would be used to pay for the program. Related: Texas' and San Antonio's low jobless rates hold steady Theres no other funding set aside in the current city budget for additional staff or other costs to implement the measure. Accrual for sick hours, one hour for every 30 worked, starts Aug. 1. Employers will have to notify workers every month of their accrued time, include details of the provision in employee handbooks and prominently post any related signage produced by the health department. The council has directed staff to come up with a comprehensive plan in 2019 for spreading the word about paid sick leave requirements, city spokesman Jeff Coyle said. The many advocates who fought for the ordinance are determined to see it through what will almost certainly be a contentious legislative bout. This is definitely an issue that the city council has committed to defend at the legislature, said Joleen Garcia, a community organizer with the grassroots Texas Organizing Project, which spearheaded a campaign that gathered 145,000 signatures more than 70,000 of which were validated to have the ordinance either adopted by the City Council or put on the Nov. 6 ballot. Garcia said TOP and partner organizations from around the state were prepared to spend as much time as is needed to see local laws, including paid sick leave, upheld in Austin. Nearly 40 percent of San Antonians dont have paid sick days to care for themselves or family members, according to the Institute for Womens Policy Research. Most of them work in low-paying jobs, proponents say, and are forced to either show up to work sick and possibly contageous or come up short on paying bills or putting food on the table. More than 40 jurisdictions, including 10 states and the District of Columbia, now mandate paid sick leave. I think we need to remember that paid sick days came from the people of San Antonio, and we, the people of San Antonio, demanded that our representatives enact this ordinance, Garcia said. Rather than trying to go back and forth on this issue, lets move forward. It was passed by the council, and we believe its time to work together to implement it. Bob Kilgore, a local labor attorney, said councils decision to vote on the ordinance was all about keeping it from a ballot already stacked with propositions aimed at reducing the power of city council and the city manager. The fear was a rush of voters wanting paid sick time would also OK the propositions. He said business groups werent impressed with Nirenbergs call when council approved the measure on Aug. 16 for a task force to work out implementation. This coalition of businesses just doesnt see any point in expending the time effort and resources into trying to come up with a workable way to administer that ordinance based on their opinion that its illegal anyway, he said. Opponents argue successfully in the case of Austins paid sick leave ordinance the measure violates the state minimum wage law by requiring employers to pay for hours not worked. But Kilgore said practical problems also abound. It requires tracking of hours, he said. And then if you have somebody who goes back and forth between San Antonio and Austin, youre having to track San Antonio hours, youre having to track Austin hours, and which hours count toward paid sick leave if an employee wants to take the time off? Is he using Austin hours or is he using San Antonio hours? At a bare minimum it should be on a statewide basis so that everybody is on an equal playing field, he said. Lynn Brezosky is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering trade, agriculture and the economy. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | lbrezosky@express-news.net | Twitter: @lbrezosky A shutdown affecting parts of the federal government appeared no closer to resolution Wednesday, with President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats locked in a hardening standoff over border wall money that threatens to carry over into January. Trump vowed to hold the line, telling reporters as he flew to Iraq that he'll do "whatever it takes" to get money for border security. He declined to say how much he would accept in a deal to end the shutdown, stressing the need for border security. "You have to have a wall, you have to have protection," he said. The shutdown started Saturday when funding lapsed for nine Cabinet-level departments and dozens of agencies. Roughly 420,000 workers were deemed essential and are working unpaid, while an additional 380,000 have been furloughed. Significance for Laredo Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol spokespersons in Laredo did not return requests for comment regarding the shutdown on Wednesday. And Laredo's Rep. Henry Cuellar was not sure of the exact number of furloughed employees here. Most Border Patrol and CBP agents are considered essential employees, and are therefore working without pay until the shutdown ends. They will receive back-pay for their time worked, but Cuellar expressed an understanding that in the mean time, these agents have mortgages, car payments, medical bills and other expenses to consider. More than 54,000 Border Patrol and CBP agents in the U.S. will be working without pay, Cuellar said. Non-essential, typically administrative positions in these agencies are not working. They make up about 2 percent of the Department of Homeland Security, according to Cuellar. Congress has passed five appropriation bills, and there are seven remaining. Cuellar, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, noted that the only holdout is the funding for Homeland Security, specifically the wall. All the other bills are ready to go, he said. And Congress gave the president options to extend funding until February or until the end of September in order to avoid a shutdown, but he rejected them all, the congressman noted. He took issue with the fact that this is the third government shutdown in the two years of the Trump administration. The others were over health care and DACA. The president will always find an issue to bring up, Cuellar said. RELATED: AP PHOTOS: Wall prototypes sit on the US-Mexico border "If we give in to the wall, what's he going to do next time?" he said. "... It's dangerous to allow a person to leverage that any time he wants to get something done." Cuellar said he would support $5 billion in funding for Homeland Security, but not for a wall. Since the number of Border Patrol agents has dropped to about 19,200 from the historic high of 21,500, Cuellar said they need to fund retention bonuses for these employees to encourage them to stay. Local Border Patrol union president Hector Garza told Laredo Morning Times that everyone expects to get a paycheck in the next pay period. And when they weigh what is happening, the majority of agents think it's worth it, Garza said. Their morale is high with President Trump, Garza said, but they are unhappy with Congress. Cuellar he said he will be meeting with Homeland Security officers today. No deal While the White House was talking to congressional Democrats and staff talks continued on Capitol Hill negotiations dragged Wednesday, dimming hopes for a swift breakthrough. With no deal at hand, members of the House were told there would be no votes on Thursday, assuring the shutdown would last yet another day. Lawmakers are away from Washington for the holidays and have been told they will have 24 hours' notice before having to return. The Senate is slated to come into session Thursday afternoon. Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, a Trump ally who has been involved in the talks, said the president "is very firm in his resolve that we need to secure our border." He told CNN, "I don't know that there's a lot of progress that has been made today." But he added of Democrats: "If they believe that this president is going to yield on this particular issue, they're misreading him." The impasse over government funding began last week, when the Senate approved a bipartisan deal keeping government open into February. That bill provided $1.3 billion for border security projects but not money for the wall. At Trump's urging, the House approved that package and inserted the $5.7 billion he had requested. On Friday afternoon, a Senate procedural vote showed that Republicans lacked the 60 votes they'd need to force the measure with the wall funding through their chamber. That jump-started negotiations between Congress and the White House, but the deadline came and went without a deal. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer of New York on Saturday said funding for Trump's wall will "never pass the Senate." "So President Trump, if you want to open the government, you must abandon the wall, plain and simple," Schumer said. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is in lockstep with Schumer against the wall funding. If the shutdown continues into 2019, she has vowed that her new Democratic majority will act quickly to pass legislation reopening the government. The shutdown has been playing out against the backdrop of turmoil in the stock market, which is having a roller-coaster week. Kevin Hassett, the chairman of the White House's Council of Economic Advisers, said the shutdown does not change the administration's expectation for strong growth heading into 2019. He told reporters a shutdown of a few weeks is not going to have any "significant effect on the outlook." The shutdown that began on Saturday the third of 2018 caused a lapse in funding for nine of 15 Cabinet-level departments and dozens of agencies, including the departments of Homeland Security, Transportation, Interior, Agriculture, State and Justice. Roughly 420,000 workers were deemed essential and were working unpaid, while another 380,000 were furloughed, meaning they'll stay home without pay. The shutdown complicates things for essential employees who planned trips for the holidays: According to the Office of Personnel Management rules, employees deemed essential or otherwise exempted from their respective agency furloughs can't take any vacation or sick days. Furloughed federal workers have been given back pay in previous shutdowns. Those being furloughed include 52,000 workers at the Internal Revenue Service and nearly everyone at NASA. About 8 in 10 employees of the National Park Service are staying home, and many parks have closed. Roughly 44,000 U.S. Coast Guard employees are considered essential, and will report to work this week without pay, with another 6,000 furloughed. The Coast Guard is the only arm of the military affected by the shutdown because it is funded through the Department of Homeland Security. READ ALSO: 'I had no idea how beautiful the border is': Beto O'Rourke solicits photos of habitats at risk from Trump's wall The shutdown didn't stop people from visiting the White Sands National Monument in southern New Mexico, where hundreds of unauthorized visitors have in recent days climbed over a fence to enter the monument, according to The Alamogordo Daily News. State highway workers were sent to the area Monday to erect "no parking" signs along U.S. 70 outside the monument. Trump claimed on Monday that federal workers are behind him in the shutdown fight, saying many "have said to me and communicated, 'stay out until you get the funding for the wall."' He didn't say who he had heard from. Many rank-and-file workers have gone to social media with stories of the financial hardship they expect to face because of the shutdown. One union representing federal workers slammed Trump's claim. Paul Shearon, the president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, in a statement said the union has not heard from a single member who supports Trump's position. "Most view this as an act of ineptitude," he said. Associated Press reporters Darlene Superville and Juliet Linderman wrote this story. Laredo Morning Times reporter Julia Wallace contributed. Update: An original version of this story included a comment from Border Patrol union president Hector Garza that said many Border Patrol agents in Laredo do not agree with Cuellar's stance on border security and the wall. Garza asked that we retract this statement because it is not true. The Sena has also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his comments on power being like oxygen for some people. Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Wednesday said that the decision of the Central government to snoop on computers and mobile phones is not a sign of a good democracy and freedom. The party on Wednesday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has inducted criminals and purified thieves in order to win elections. The Sena has also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his comments on power being like oxygen for some people. In the last week, the Union government had authorised 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt all the data contained in any computer system. As per the government order, 10 central probe and snoop agencies have been now empowered under the Information Technology Act, 2000, for computer interception and analysis. An editorial in Saama-na, the party mouthpiece, had said that Prime Minister had said that the power is oxygen for some people. Without the power, they could not survive. If the PM would have clarified whom he is referring to by saying some people, it would have been better. However, power is not oxygen for some people but for everyone. On the occasion of birth anniversary of Bh-arat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mr Modi had expressed his thoughts. The Sena said that the power is oxygen for politicians and the Ramayana and Mahabh-arata had taken place for power. There was a clash between truth and falsehood. Power is not oxygen for Lord Ram and he was in exile and even today he is in exile. Twenty-five years ago, (veteran BJP leader) Lal Krishna Advani had taken out a rath yatra in the name of Lord Ram and the BJPs lotus flourished across the country. But todays situation is such that Lord Ram in Ayodhya and Advani in politics are currently in exile and others are reaping the fruits of the oxygen of power and their sending people into exile forcefully is politics for power. Those who are in power have fear of their own people. Attacking on the BJP, the party said those who couldnt bring Achhe din despite being in power is scared of the Opposition now. Once viewed as inevitable, a long-discussed plan to build a $91 million bridge to replace a drawbridge that connects Pelican Island and Galveston is now in limbo. The Pelican Island Bridge replacement, which has been in the works since 2013, had looked to be on the path toward a funding agreement as recently as spring. Then the city of Galveston walked away from the project, questioning the commitment of the Galveston County Navigation District No. 1, which owns and operates the current bridge, to maintain the new structure. Finger-pointing between city officials and the navigation district ensued, and now the future of the bridge proposal is uncertain roughly $26 million short of the necessary funds to build it. Local officials are hoping for a lifeline in the form of an $18 million funding request placed with the Houston-Galveston Area Council. At the heart of the disagreement is the future of the navigation district itself, a small local tax entity with an annual budget of about $2 million whose sole purpose is owning and operating the current Pelican Island Bridge. A district employee now operates a drawbridge that uses a beam or truss deck that can be raised to an incline or vertical position, allowing vessels to pass underneath. Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough said the city understands the navigation districts hesitance to commit to owning and operating the new bridge, given that the local sponsor would be primarily responsible for cost overruns. But he added that unless the Texas Department of Transportation agrees to take ownership unlikely, for now it makes sense for the navigation district to continue in that role. I dont want to put the blame on anybody, Yarbrough said. At issue is, whats the navigation districts role in this? Obviously putting money up is part of it. There are some that say they own the current bridge and they ought to be the fiscal agent and they ought to be the local sponsor for a new bridge. And to me, common sense says thats legitimate. Dennis Byrd, the chairman of the navigation district, disagrees. Byrd has concerns about the district becoming the primary local sponsor of the new bridge, reasoning that the proposal a conventional 75-foot span with four lanes, as well as pedestrian and bicycle crossings would no longer require a human operator. The district has committed $10 million toward demolition of the old bridge, which is included in the $91 million estimate. Galveston County and the city of Galveston each pledged $5 million while the Texas Department of Transportation has committed to spending $45 million. The city and the county, they have a larger tax base, Byrd said. Were the smallest tax base out of all three. Were in favor of building a new bridge, we support it, but we dont have the money to do it. That position has put the district at odds with the city. A May meeting attended by city, Galveston County and navigation district officials devolved into a blame game when, according to Byrd, Yarbrough and Galveston City Manager Brian Maxwell walked out of the meeting in frustration that the navigation district would not commit to more funding. They were trying to work out a deal for funding of the new bridge, Byrd said. At that meeting, my board was meeting the next day, and at the meeting there they wanted me to give them an answer that day. I said, I cant give you an answer today, because our board doesnt meet until tomorrow. Thats when Yarbrough and Maxwell said, Well, the navigation districts out. And they got up and walked out the room. Several months later, in September, Maxwell posted a comment on the Galveston County Daily News website, blaming the navigation district for walking away from the project. The original plan had them as the sponsor with the county and city participating to help pay for it along with Texas A&M. They decided they do not wish to participate in a new bridge and want to now do other things, Maxwell wrote. The back and forth irritated Byrd, who noted that the city and county were each putting up less of the local share than the navigation district was. We didnt walk out of the meeting. The mayor and the city manager walked out of the meeting, Byrd said. And nobody ever said anything about coming up with another $5 million to match our $10 million. It kind of left a bad taste in our mouth, to be honest with you. Yarbrough also maintains that the city of Galveston charter prevents it from taking on additional debt without approval from voters, which could hamstring the city from taking on the liability of being the primary local sponsor of the new bridge. Whether the navigation district wants to continue as currently constituted is an open question. Yarbrough acknowledged that the district may have outlived its usefulness. Theyre not gonna own this new facility, they dont want to own this new facility, the Galveston mayor said. That begs the question, you were established to build and maintain a bridge. Now youre saying you dont want to be in the bridge business and were gonna tear down your existing facility once the new facilitys up and running. What do you exist for? When the navigation district was created, it set its geographic boundaries at the old city limits for Galveston, which only went to 103rd street, where the Galveston seawall ends. As a result, the district cannot collect taxes from the islands affluent West End extending to Jamaica Beach or roughly one-third of Galvestons population. The result is a tax base so small that it makes it difficult for the navigation district to endure. The district has spent up to $2 million recently for electrical work on the current bridge, which is on its last legs. TxDOT is also helping to pay for structural maintenance, and has indicated that these repairs will prop up the bridge for another decade. One of the only bridges of its kind in Texas, the Pelican Bay Bridge was built in 1959 at a time when few bascule bridges were constructed. Today, an average of 9,100 vehicles a day pass over the bridge, most carrying commuters to and from the Texas A&M University at Galveston campus on Pelican Island. But once the current bridge expires, the navigation district effectively becomes a shell entity. Yarbrough floated the idea that the city could absorb the navigation district in order to leverage its ability to float bonds for the Port of Galveston, but Byrd wants that decision to be made by the districts taxpayers. Aside from such questions, the future of the bridge proposal is now contingent largely on whether the Houston-Galveston Area Councils Transportation Policy Council and Texas A&M University can help close the funding shortfall. In October, the city of Galveston and Galveston County wrote the council, a regional organization made up of 13 county governments in southeast Texas, appealing for $18 million in federal funds to help build the bridge. The navigation district co-signed the letter. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry recently told the Houston Chronicle that a memorandum of understanding has been drafted that earmarks $18 million from the HGAC as well as $8 million from Texas A&M, which would effectively bridge the projects funding gap. But Alan Clark, the director of transportation planning for HGAC, said that the $18 million is far from a done deal and that the Transportation Policy Council must go through a lengthy process to advance the money, with a final decision not likely until around next March. Working in the bridge proposals favor: Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark, a supporter of the project, will chair HGACs Transportation Policy Council in the new year. I cant say today that it is certain because that is a decision of our policy council and we havent developed even a preliminary ranking of all the projects weve received, Clark said. I think everybody is generally aware of the importance of the project. Texas A&M officials say they have also not committed to a dollar amount. Bill McClain, a spokesman for Texas A&M at Galveston, said the universitys financial commitment will be based in part on an agreement that the bridge will still be routed around the campus on Pelican Island, instead of through it. The new four-lane bridge would have a higher volume of traffic including more industrial vehicles and there are concerns that the increase in motorists could affect public safety on the campus. Even if funding for a new bridge comes together, the outstanding question of who would take control of maintenance and operations remains unanswered. Most of the projects stakeholders agree that either the city of Galveston or the county navigation district will need to step up. We know how to maintain roads, but we dont really have any bridge capacity here, Yarbrough said. Thats just not our deal. Said the navigation districts Byrd: We cant worry about a new bridge right now. Weve got a 60-year old bridge that were rehabilitating to the best of our ability right now. nick.powell@chron.com The cannabis drug arrived at the Lindeen household in a UPS shipping box marked critical. Piper and Brian Lindeen had been monitoring news of Epidiolex for months. The drug meant another chance at treating their 10-year-old son Zachs ongoing seizures, and a possibility for broader medical cannabis access in Texas. The cannabidiol, or CBD, made by the British company GW Pharmaceuticals, aims to treat epileptic seizures of patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Successful clinical trials, including some with Texas patients, helped Epidiolex become the first CBD medication to gain approval earlier this year from both the Food and Drug Administration as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration. Prescriptions for the drug became available in the United States last month. Currently the only two legal options to get medical cannabis in Texas are through the limited state registry, known as the Compassionate Use Program, and from prescription Epidiolex. Marijuana advocates, including the Lindeens in Sugar Land, hope Epidiolexs federal approval could sway any state legislators wary of expanding legal access to medical cannabis. Several marijuana-related bills were filed for the next legislative session. State Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, authored Senate Bill 90 for expanding the state medical cannabis program, which formally kicked off this year. He believes the research that went into the development of Epidiolex, and which helped the drug gain federal approval, could be key to pushing his bill and similar ones next year. Im going to use any and every tool possible, Menendez said. Yet advocates are also concerned that so much pressure on Epidiolex may backfire if the drug ultimately fails to generate enough positive results. As the Lindeens have learned through years of treating Zach, what may work for one patient doesnt work for all. [Epidiolex] is something thats standardized and reproducible and some people do well with that, Piper Lindeen said, but some people need variability. A sense of hope Zach has been prescribed at least eight different pharmaceuticals for the seizures that began when he was about 3 and half years old. Theyve each worked in varying degrees, but have also left concerning side effects including the risk of losing speech and noticeable aggression. He punched the end of his bed one time, Brian Lindeen said of his son. I had never seen him so angry. It wasnt until Zach began taking medical cannabis this year from a dispensary in Austin that the Lindeens began to feel a sense of hope. Zach managed to go seizure free for about six months the longest stretch the Lindeens had ever recorded. Yet in the last few weeks, the seizures returned, about twice a day. By then their neurologist, Dr. Michael Newmark at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, who is registered to prescribe medical cannabis through the state registry, suggested the Lindeens consider Epidiolex as a treatment for Zachs Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. There was some initial research required, not just of the drugs clinical test results, but also of its cost. Earlier this year GW Pharmaceuticals listed the drugs weighted average price at $32,500 for the first year of use. For some patients Medicare and Medicaid may cover the cost, but Stephen Schultz, the companys vice president of investor relations, noted that most patients will rely on a number of private insurance options to make the drug more affordable. In the case of the Lindeens, a recent switch to a new insurance plan brought their first prescription co-pay to about $160, which was ultimately covered by co-pay assistance. Theyve been paying about $500 a month out-of-pocket for medical cannabis from the state-licensed dispensary, Compassionate Cultivation. In the case of Cindy Welch in College Station, the out-of-pocket cost for Epidiolex for her 1-year-old granddaughter on Medicaid comes to about $1,500 a month. They currently pay about $380 a month to Compassionate Cultivation. If it hadnt been for the dispensary, Welch said, her family would have had to move to Colorado to get medical access. Morris Denton, the dispensary CEO, said hes already lost patients like the Lindeens whose insurance makes Epidiolex a more affordable medical cannabis option than his product, which cannot be covered by any insurance. Yet there are several more who must still check to see if their insurers cover Epidiolex. Time will tell whether the new federally approved drug negatively impacts business at the states three existing dispensaries, Denton added. Epidiolex doesnt contain the THC chemical compound allowed at the state dispensaries which can better help some patients than CBD alone. Its ultimately a good thing to have choice, Denton said. More options needed Choice has been a main driver behind Piper Lindeens advocacy for marijuana legalization. Treating epilepsy can at times feel like a guessing game, switching medications and doses in and out to find the best fit, she said. Pharmaceutical options are known to carry harsh side effects and patients can experience physical withdrawals when transitioning between brands. Anecdotally, no such withdrawals have been reported among patients in legal states switching between cannabis options, Lindeen added. But she remains frustrated at only having two medical cannabis options in Texas. We really need a wide variety of therapeutics, Lindeen said. Newmark said in an email that he hopes Epidiolex will reduce the number of Zachs seizures substantially. The neurologists only concern is a bit of sedation the boy may experience. I firmly believe that as more knowledge is obtained about the use of these compounds that there will be much greater acceptance in the future, Newmark added. Texas will be unlikely to go against the trend. ileana.najarro@chron.com twitter.com/IleanaNajarro Two days after a Guatemalan child died in federal custody, Homeland Security officials said they were conducting medical exams on all young migrants in immigration facilities. Felipe Alonzo-Gomez, 8, who had been held at four Customs and Border Protection facilities over six days, died the night of Christmas Eve at a hospital in Alamogordo, N.M. He was the second migrant to die in custody this month. Seven-year-old Jakelin Caal died on Dec. 8. Her funeral was Tuesday in Guatemala. They were the first migrant children to die in federal custody in more than a decade, Department of Homeland Security officials said Wednesday morning. Six adult migrants died in CBP custody between October 2017 and September. Homeland Security officials said they are detaining between 1,400 to 1,500 migrant children. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox The exams were being conducted by a variety of medical personnel and using multiple methods, depending on the location of the facilities, DHS officials said, adding that they were nearly 95 percent done with the medical checkups by Wednesday morning. Growing numbers of migrants in custody are showing signs of illness, officials said. In response, DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has asked the Centers for Disease Control to investigate the trend. Many of the federal facilities and systems, officials acknowledged, were designed for the custody of single, adult males, not for children or family units. DHS officials did not explain why there was no EMT available the day Felipe died. On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, said in a press conference that conditions at Border Patrol stations are subhuman. RELATED: Head of San Antonio nonprofit protects asylum-seekers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border He had led a delegation tour of the Lordsburg Border Patrol Station in New Mexico after Jakelin died. We have people who are strewn on the floor, covered in Mylar blankets, which look like foil. They are body-to body, people having to literally step all over each other to go to the restroom or to move around, Castro said. He said that before building a border wall, more money should be funneled to DHS to fill in the basic humanitarian necessities at these facilities. He and several other Democratic lawmakers are calling for a congressional hearing to investigate the two migrant children deaths. Coast Guard and Department of Defense medical personnel are also being drawn into the investigation, Nielsen announced. She said 1,500 medically trained agents and officers are working at the border, an increase in staffing that came after Jakelin died in CBP custody. Moving forward, all children will receive a more thorough hands-on assessment at the earliest possible time post apprehension whether or not the accompanying adult has asked for one, she said in a statement. Nielsen said shell be visiting Border Patrol stations to observe their conditions later this week. Congressman Raul Ruiz, D-California, an emergency room doctor who is trained in humanitarian disaster work, said the lack of emergency equipment and standardized health care at the facilities is worse than hes seen in impoverished or disaster-stricken countries. RELATED: Honduran women detained for nine months is denied asylum Theres this culture of just rushing and rapidly trying to process individuals, without really doing a meaningful screening. Thats the problem, too theyre not consistent throughout their different ports of entry, Ruiz said. DHS officials said a longstanding court settlement that limits detention of young migrants to 72 hours applies only to unaccompanied children. As a result, the mandate didnt apply to Felipe, the officials said, because he was with his father and considered a family unit. Nielsen blamed the uptick in families and children crossing the border on the U.S. immigration system, which she said prevents parents who bring their children on a dangerous and illegal journey from facing consequences for their actions. On the morning of Christmas Eve, Felipe was coughing and his eyes looked glossy. The Guatemalan boy was at the Alamogordo Border Patrol Station a week after he and his father were apprehended by agents near El Paso. Alamogordo is about 90 miles from El Paso. Nearly 15 hours later, after bouts of vomiting and signs of nausea, moving to and from the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center and a nearby Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 70, Felipe was pronounced dead. That same day, thousands of miles away, the small, white casket of Jakelin had arrived in her Guatemalan village, which lacks running water, electricity and paved streets. On Christmas, as news broke of Felipes death, family and neighbors lowered her casket into the ground. sfosterfrau@express-news.net | @SilviaElenaFF Re: Majority rule lacks the science, Opinion, by Alan Preston, Sunday: I agree with Dr. Prestons assessment that dangerous drugs listed as Schedule 1 drugs should not be legalized by what he refers to as mob rule. However, I totally disagree with him concerning marijuana. As he pointed out, marijuana has been on the list since 1970 when the Nixon administration, in its zeal to lock up as many counterculture people with the contention that only hippies and minorities used marijuana, placed it on the Schedule 1 list with dangerous drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Similarly, Texas passed draconian legislation with the possibility of life behind bars if caught with one marijuana cigarette. Since then, marijuana has undergone a sort of renaissance, and many studies, as Preston pointed out, have been conducted, some good, others bad. But one thing cant be disputed. Marijuana does show significant promise in treating people suffering from epileptic seizures. In fact, Texas, the most conservative of states, is seriously considering the passage of the Texas Compassionate Use Act and has allowed three dispensaries to operate in Texas to dispense CBD oil, a cannabidiol extract, to children diagnosed with epilepsy. There is strong scientific, empirical evidence that CBD oil does help alleviate epileptic seizures, otherwise Texas would not allow these dispensaries to operate. I agree that science must play a bigger role in marijuana research, but there are two large obstacles in its path the pharmaceutical industry and Congress. Its obvious why the pharmaceutical industry is against the legalization of marijuana due to the enormous profits it tends to lose. Congress is swayed by lobbyists from that industry favoring a Schedule 1 drug ruling for marijuana to remain. Consequently, the FDA allows just a small percentage of studies to be conducted that may prove beneficial to other patients suffering from the diseases Preston pointed out. And that is due to the classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. Trump just signed criminal justice legislation, dubbed the First Step Act, that reduces incarceration time and in many cases releases federal inmates who were sentenced to long prison terms for nonviolent, drug crimes, including countless marijuana-related offenses. Isnt it about time that Congress take a serious look at removing marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug and allow for increased scientific, empirical research into the benefits of the drug? I say it is long overdue. Albert Baca lives in San Antonio. The voice of Gen. Mazloum Abdi, the Kurdish commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces militia, is tight and controlled as he describes President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw U.S. troops from the country and leave Americas allies to their fate. This was something we never expected, he said somberly in a telephone interview Saturday night from his command headquarters in northeast Syria. Honestly, until now, everything the Americans told us, they fulfilled, and the same thing for us. So we were surprised and confused. We were not ready for a decision like this. Mazloum explained the dangers of a terrorist resurgence after Trumps sudden decision. Islamic State communications last week showed new hope they can restore their caliphate, which was on the way to destruction, he said. Whats more, Mazloum has been holding more than 2,200 Islamic State prisoners, including 700 foreign fighters. Without help from the United States and other coalition members, those deadly fighters may eventually escape. Whats agonizing is that Mazloum has been fighting alongside U.S. Special Operations Forces that represent the steadfastness of this countrys military, and now he is experiencing a quite different American face. To be frank, the first thing I thought about when I heard this decision was Americas reputation, Mazloum said. Because after this decision, what are people going to say about America? All the credibility and trust that was built, we have lost. Mazloum is a tough, unsentimental commander, in his early 50s. When Ive met him on past visits to Syria, he conveyed a quality of calm and deliberative judgment thats rare among militia leaders in that part of the world. The Kurdish fighters have an almost cultlike commitment to follow his orders and hold their ground, no matter what. This willingness to fight and die under U.S. guidance has made the Kurdish-led forces unique allies. With American air support, SDF fighters destroyed the Islamic States capital of Raqqa and all its major strongholds. The Kurds and their Syrian allies paid a severe price: They have suffered about 4,000 dead and 10,000 wounded since 2014. Over that same period, the United States lost only three soldiers in Syria, according to a U.S. military spokesperson. Mazloum said Trumps decision was a shock because it came just a week after a personal visit from Ambassador James Jeffrey, the administrations special envoy to Syria. Jeffrey promised that U.S. forces wouldnt withdraw until they had achieved the enduring defeat of the Islamic State, the expulsion of Iranian troops from Syria and a political settlement that stabilized the country. The Kurdish people have been abandoned by America before, when they became politically expendable. I asked Mazloum if he had ever thought, in working with his U.S. advisers, that the same thing might happen again. If you want the truth, no, he said. Now, after Trumps announcement, hes scrambling to open channels with Russia and the Syrian regime, to fill this vacuum left by America. What astonished me most during our hourlong conversation was that Mazloums forces continue waging their bloody campaign against the remnants of the Islamic State in eastern Syria, even though his fighters want to return home to Kurdish areas and protect their families. Mazloum said his forces had suffered at least 27 killed in action since Trumps abrupt decision, and many more wounded, as a revitalized terrorist adversary sent a wave of more than 10 suicide attacks against Mazloums front lines. Right now, we are fighting for ourselves, for our existence, Mazloum said. Because all our fighters know that if they dont defend themselves (the Islamic State) will come back and be stronger, murdering and beheading their families. Mazloum believes that Trump made a deal with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has threatened to invade Kurdish areas and destroy what he claims is Kurdish terrorism. Mazloum said he advised his commanders that this agreement was made by U.S. politicians, not soldiers. I asked Mazloum what he would be doing the following morning. He said he planned to go to the front lines, to bolster the morale of his 10,000 troops still battling the Islamic State. In this holiday season, when we think about keeping faith, thats the kind of ally we are betraying. @IgnatiusPost There are many moving parts and many actors in this most recent partial shutdown of the federal government, but there is one main architect. Thats President Donald Trump. Congressional Democrats and Republicans can agree on the broad contours of increased border security think fewer walls and more fences, high tech and personnel. They can, therefore, arrive without much difficulty at a spending bill that keeps nine of the 15 Cabinet-level departments and dozens of agencies funded. The sticking point is a thing that has always been a bad idea a border wall. The president is insisting he will not sign any spending bill that doesnt give him $5 billion for such a wall. A wall that will ultimately go from the Gulf to the Pacific, traverse over government and private property trampling the rights of those private owners, and despoiling the environment and disrupting wildlife. And will in all likelihood be ineffective. This is all about the president being able to fulfill a campaign promise to his base to erect what has always been a bad idea. This isnt about necessity. Its about politics. There will be no spending bill without that $5 billion for a border wall, he says. How political? Trumps support even among those wanting a border wall is eroding because of continuing fallout from various investigations of the president and his campaign for obstruction and collusion; the presidents longtime lawyer/fixer pleading guilty for a crime in which he implicates the president in committing felonies involving hush money for sexual affairs; an abrupt decision to withdraw all troops from Syria and about half of those in Afghanistan which sparked the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and severe criticism worldwide; and a forced shutdown of the Trump Foundation because of a whole lot of self-dealing. Yes, Democrats are, so far, steadfast against a bad idea. Republicans, meanwhile, are trying to convince the president of compromise that involves more border security measures. Meanwhile, only one person remains hot about that wall. The president the guy with the veto pen. This means that days before Christmas, roughly 380,000 federal employees were furloughed without pay, though in the past they have been paid retroactively once the shutdown ends. So, essentially a paid vacation, right? Tell that to creditors and merchants who want to be paid immediately, furlough or not. More than 420,000 essential employees continue to work, but also without pay. Among those essential employees are those who work for the FBI, the Border Patrol, the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration. This last one ensures screeners will still be on the job as our airports experience high-volume travel. And among those 380,000 furloughed employees will be those who work for NASA, Housing and Urban Development, the Commerce Department and the National Parks Service, along with 52,000 at the Internal Revenue Service. Weve said it before. There is never, ever a good reason to force a government shutdown. It disrupts vital government services, hurts those dependent on those services, unfairly penalizes federal workers who provide those services and inflicts enduring economic fallout, the more severe the longer the shutdown lasts. The administration says it could continue through the new year. A new Congress is installed Jan. 3. Someone has to blink here. We suggest its the guy with the bad idea. We also suggest that those in Congress who are enabling him cease and desist. Guess who doesnt suffer through this debacle at least not financially? That would be members of Congress. They get paid because their salaries were funded by an already approved spending bill. Have you caught on that Mexico will not fund the wall? Looking for Congress to do that is what this shutdown is all about. Mexico paying was always a piece of fiction. Heres what else is that the wall is needed and that any meaningful principle is involved in holding federal spending hostage to get it built. NEWS FLASH Croatia Airlines' CEO Jasmin Bajic recently held talks with the CEO of operator Airports of Montenegro, Danilo Orlandic. The two discussed the potential for Croatia Airlines to resume flights between Zagreb and Podgorica which were discontinued in February 2012, during the carrier's restructuring process. The Croatian national airline maintained three weekly flights between the two cities. At the time, the Montenegrin capital was the only in the former Yugoslavia to be linked with each EX-YU capital. Podgorica Airport anticipates another record year in 2019 and has secured new flights from Stuttgart by Laudamotion and Bologna by Ryanair, while Montenegro Airlines will boost frequencies on some routes. Plantronics, which bought Polycom in a USD 2 billion deal in July, said the incident happened prior to the maker going private in 2016. Polycom has neither admitted nor denied the SECs allegations, Plantronics said in a statement. Headsets maker Plantronics Inc said on Wednesday it has entered an agreement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to settle an investigation into Polycom Inc, which it acquired in July. Plantronics will pay USD 36 million to settle the investigation, which began after Polycom reported it discovered evidence of possible improper behaviour by former employees at its China unit. Plantronics, which bought Polycom in a USD 2 billion deal in July, said the incident happened prior to the video conferencing equipment maker going private in 2016. The company in August said the SEC and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) were investigating into possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by Polycom. Polycom has neither admitted nor denied the SECs allegations, Plantronics said in a statement. The company said the DOJ cited Polycoms voluntary disclosure and full cooperation to close its investigation. (Source) FAIRFIELD, Conn. It was a lively scene at The Chelsea restaurant on Dec. 18 when their very own head chef, Eric Felitto, was announced as the winner of the most recent episode of Chopped on the Food Network. Mike Fedell, the general manager at The Chelsea for the past year-and-a-half, said that customers and attendees had booked reservations and were waiting in their spots almost three hours prior to the shows 9 p.m. broadcast. A 100-inch HD television was brought in for the viewing party. In and out, there were probably around 100 people who attended, Fedell said. I was so excited and nervous leading up to it, but I had confidence in Eric and as we watched the episode, we all felt more and more confident. For Felitto, it was an 11-month wait from the taping of the show to the moment when he would actually bask in the victory of his achievement. It was horrible keeping that secret. Someone would ask me about when I would be on as we got closer and closer to the release, Felitto said. Felitto has worked at The Chelsea since July 2013, starting as sous chef and becoming head chef 11 months later. Felitto also is the co-owner of the Tasty Yolk food-cart business. Since its happened, my phone has been going off nonstop, Felitto said. Its a little weird and especially with social media, Ive had to put the phone away. Felitto still remembers the morning of Jan. 18, when he went to the Harlem section of New York for the taping of the show after an exhausting series of shifts. He and three other chefs were tasked with making three breakfast courses: appetizer, entree and dessert. I was so beat. It was early in the morning and I had just done three shifts until 5 a.m. each day, Felitto said. I got on the first round and I felt that all of my cooking was tired and I wasnt sure where things in the kitchen were. As the competition progressed, however, Felitto began getting into the swing of things, his confidence buoying him. The judges included big names like Martha Stewart, Marc Murphy and Amanda Freitag. I felt more comfortable because I started knowing where things were and talking to the judges. It felt better and the nerves were going away, Felitto said. When the judges announced their final decision, which included an award of $10,000, Felitto was stunned. It was surreal, it didnt register at first at all and it felt amazing, Felitto said. Mike Bertanza, co-owner of Tasty Yolk, has known Felitto since their school days together at Stratfield Elementary. Im so proud of him, Bertanza said. He has worked so hard to get where he is and I also know from hearing a few people say that his performance has inspired them. Bertanza said that the shows popularity has helped boost the Tasty Yolk's notoriety in town. The duo recently opened their third food cart and first in their hometown on Nov. 1. Keeping his victory secret from people was difficult, but Felitto has appreciated the way the television show has brought more attention to his food-cart business and The Chelsea. For the foreseeable future, Felitto plans to stay where he said he belongs: cooking breakfast and American cuisine. Im just going to keep doing what Ive always been doing, Felitto said. Its funny how much a television competition can change thingsand if that means people come try my food, thats the goal. humberto.juarez@hearstmediact.com Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; And Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment provides mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, group retirement and savings products, and institutional asset management services through agents and brokers affiliated with the company, securities brokerage firms, and financial advisors pension plan consultants and banks. The Insurance and Annuity Products segment offers deposit and credit products; individual life, and individual and group long-term care insurance; and guaranteed and partially guaranteed annuity products through insurance agents, brokers, banks, financial planners, and direct marketing. The Corporate and Other segment is involved in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance businesses; and run-off reinsurance operations, including variable annuities, and accident and health. It also manages timberland and agricultural portfolios; and engages in insurance agency, portfolio and mutual fund management, mutual fund dealer, life and financial reinsurance, and fund management businesses. Additionally, the company holds and manages oil and gas properties; holds oil and gas royalties, and foreign bonds and equities; and provides investment management, counseling, advisory, and dealer services. Manulife Financial Corporation was incorporated in 1887 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More There is not enough analysis data for Healthier Choices Management. 4.9 Community Rank Outperform Votes Healthier Choices Management has received 82 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Healthier Choices Management has received 30 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Healthier Choices Management has received 73.21% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Healthier Choices Management and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe HCMC will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe HCMC will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Guyana Goldfields Inc. provides exploration and production of gold. It engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, production, and operation of gold mineral properties. The company also owns and operates gold drilling rights. The company was formerly known as Chiboug Copper Company Limited and changed its name to Guyana Goldfields Inc. in January 1995. Guyana Goldfields Inc. was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. As of August 25, 2020, Guyana Goldfields Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited. Read More * The 4th International Competition of Cartoons Aleksandar Klas 2017, Serbia: All cartoonists whose cartoons are selected in the catalog and the exhibition will receive a free copy of the catalog ( Regulation ). * International Cartoon Contest in Memory of Cartoonist Prof. Atila Ozer 2016, Turkey: The selected cartoons will be published in a catalog. These will be sent at no cost to the participants whose works are : The selected cartoons will be published in a catalog. These will be sent at no cost to the participants whose works are exhibited and published ( Regulation ). by Nirmala Carvalho Many Christian untouchables live in Cheeta Camp, a slum in the Trombay area. The president of Indias Catholic bishops met 21 families, including many children. The Church supports the rights of the Dalits and the end of the caste system. Mumbai (AsiaNews) Card Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), celebrated Christmas with prayers, games with children and gifts. On Christmas morning, he met 21 families (88 people), Dalit migrants in Mumbai from Tamil Nadu who live in Cheeta Camp, a slum in Trombay, a suburb in eastern Mumbai. The meeting took place at the archbishop's residence. The prelate spent two hours in their company, asking parents if their children were studying, and finally inviting Dalit Christians to spread the values of the Gospel where they live. The cardinal is not new to such initiatives. In past years, he celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Christ with tribal people, with people who lost their homes to fire, and with rag pickers. "The joy of Christmas was tangibly present, said Sister Arina Gonsalves, who attended the event. People went home with a smile on their faces, knowing that they would be able to celebrate that day in a special way with the members of their families and others. The cardinal handed out gifts, sweets and some money to all those who came. He looked really happy, relaxed and refreshed for being among the poor and the marginalised, who are close to his heart". In India, the caste system has been abolished by the Constitution. However, discrimination is still very rooted in both society and the Indian Church. In order to overcome the marginalisation inside the Church of those formerly known as "untouchables", the CBCI adopted an action plan for the inclusion of the Dalits. Since 2007, the Church has also celebrated each year Dalit Liberation Day on the second Sunday of November, to promote the rights of Christian Dalits and the right to practise freely ones religion. Versum Materials, Inc. develops, manufactures, transports, and handles specialty materials for the semiconductor and display industries in the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Europe, and rest of Asia. The company operates through two segments, Materials, and Delivery Systems and Services (DS&S). The Materials segment provides specialty chemicals and materials used in semiconductors, as well as specialty gases used in the semiconductor manufacturing process, including high purity process materials for deposition, metallization, chamber cleaning, and etching; chemicals mechanical planarization slurries; organosilanes; organometallics and liquid dopants for thin film deposition; and formulated chemical products for post-etch cleaning primarily for the manufacture of silicon and compound semiconductors, and thin film transistor liquid crystal displays. The DS&S segment develops, designs, manufactures, and sells bulk gas, specialty gas, and specialty chemical cabinets and systems, which are used to manage the delivery of key materials into the semiconductor manufacturing process; and flow and temperature control systems and analytical systems to capture data. It is also involved in the project management for installation and startup of the gas and chemical delivery systems, and inventory management; and provision of spare parts, equipment upgrades, equipment maintenance, and training services. In addition, this segment offers on-site services to assist customers in managing the inventory of gases and chemicals comprising ordering, product changes and monitoring, quality assurance, operation of delivery systems, and managing the bulk gas and specialty gas operations. Versum Materials, Inc. was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. Read More Christopher & Banks Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as a specialty retailer of private-brand women's apparel and accessories in the United States. The company designs and sells women's apparel and accessories to customers ranging in age from 40 and older. Its stores offer women's apparel consisting of casual clothing, everyday basics, wear-to-work, leisure/active wear, and sleepwear in missy, petite, and women sizes, as well as jewelry and accessories. As of December 4, 2018, the company operated 461 stores, including 314 MPW stores, 80 Outlet stores, 35 Christopher & Banks stores, and 32 stores in its women's plus size clothing division CJ Banks in 45 states. It also operates christopherandbanks.com, an e-commerce Website for its Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks brands. The company was formerly known as Braun's Fashions Corporation and changed its name to Christopher & Banks Corporation in July 2000. Christopher & Banks Corporation was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota. Read More Mr. Amazing Loans Corporation, a consumer finance company, provides unsecured online consumer loans to individuals in the United States. It offers loans for debt consolidation, medical expenses, home improvements, auto repairs, purchases, and discretionary spending. The company provides its loans to residents under the Mr. Amazing Loans brand name through its mramazingloans.com Website in 20 states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The company was formerly known as IEG Holdings Corporation. Mr. Amazing Loans Corporation was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. Read More 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. Read More First Data Corporation provides commerce enabled technology and solutions for merchants, financial institutions, and card issuers in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through three segments: Global Business Solutions, Global Financial Solutions, and Network & Security Solutions. The Global Business Solutions segment provides solutions to merchants, such as retail point of sale merchant acquiring, e-commerce, and mobile payment services, as well as cloud based point of sale operating system that include a marketplace for proprietary and third party applications. The Global Finance Solutions segment provides technology solutions for bank and non-bank issuers, such as credit, retail private label, commercial card, and loan processing, as well as licensed financial software systems; suite of account services that include card personalization and embossing, customer communications, and professional services; and call center solutions and back office processing. The Network & Security Solutions segment offers EFT network, stored value network, and security and fraud solutions, as well as other value added solutions to its clients in GBS and GFS segments, smaller financial institutions, and other enterprise clients. First Data Corporation was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Read More The cabinet has amended the national holiday law following an appeal by Patriarch Sako for whom the birth of Jesus is "for all". The Vatican Secretary of State is in Iraq where he has called on people to be seeds of peace". The government is clamping down on fake property sales that have especially affected Christians. Baghdad (AsiaNews) - The Iraqi government has approved an amendment to the national holiday law, making Christmas a statutory holiday. The follows an appeal made before Christmas by His Beatitude Card Louis Raphael Sako, who hoped to see Iraq follow other Muslim majority nations like as Jordan, Syria and Lebanon in recognising the birth of Christ. Christians are a small community in Iraq, a country where 95 per cent of the population is Muslim. However, they have played and play a significant role in its cultural, economic and social life. Since the US 2003 invasion, Christians have seen their numbers dwindle, from almost 1.5 million to just over 300,000, mostly Chaldeans and Syriac Catholics. In a recently published letter, marking the first year of the defeat of the Islamic State (IS) group, the cardinal congratulated the Iraqi people for its victory and thanked the security forces who contributed to the countrys liberation. At the same time, he asked Parliamentary Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi "that a new law be approved" to make Christmas an "official holiday in Iraq [...] in consideration of the respect that our Muslim brethren have for Christ". The Iraqi cabinet responded on Christmas by amending the national holiday law, recognising the day as a statutory holiday. In announcing its decision on Tweeter, it expressed its best wishes of "Merry Christmas to all our Christian citizens, to all Iraqis and to those who celebrate it in the world". For their part, Christians across the country went to Mass and gathered together as families in an atmosphere of renewed trust and relative calm. To mark the improved situation, Pope Francis sent his right-hand man, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on an official visit to the Middle Eastern country from 24 to 28 December. After visiting the capital, where he concelebrated Midnight Mass and met government leaders, including President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi, the prelate travelled to Erbil and the Nineveh Plains, last stop on his trip. In his message, the Vatican Secretary of State said that "as individuals and communities" Christians and Muslims are called to sow the seeds of peace, truth, justice, freedom and love". Noting the popes affection for the beloved people of Iraq", he urged the faithful to accept "people with their differences, and not use such differences to push one against the other, but find in them the possibility of mutual enrichment." Meanwhile, Iraqi authorities have recently taken steps to stop the seizure of Christian-owned assets in the country, especially those owned by people who fled abroad to escape violence and persecution. One of the measures now requires that the transfer of ownership be witnessed by the (Christian) owner in person at the land registry in order to stop fake sales, which have left thousands of people deprived of their property. Its show time and four of the best are on stage in the next few weeks. Too bad, however, that three of the four are set for the same weekend. Interested boaters and sportsmen can take their pick or plan to attend a couple over the long weekend. Cleveland The Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show will run just four days this year, from Jan. 17-21, 2019. As always, the show will be held at the IX Center, next door to Cleveland Airport. Show hours are Thursday and Friday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Cleveland Boat Show is known nationally as a leading consumer show. Unlike a tire-kicking event, this show is built for buyers because it jump starts boat production and dealer sales by offering the best rebates and buyer incentives of the year. Smart buyers who need to make a trade in order to close the deal on a new craft should bring along a truthful description of the trade as well as a photograph or two. Lake Erie is alive and well when it comes to walleye fishing. In fact, the fishing is nothing short of the good old days times two. Increased interest has driven big lake anglers to look at heavy-duty and carefree aluminum boats more than ever. This should be a banner year for fishing boat sales. Dalton show Also running the same mid-month weekend is this years edition of the Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show. It will be held in the impressive Mount Hope Event Center on State Route 241 south of Dalton, Ohio, Jan. 17-19. Show hours are Thursday, 2-9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. This show is clearly one of the best, if not the best sport show to be found statewide. Lots to see and touch, great displays, and all the destinations we all hope to see at a show. I suggest this show for anyone interested in doing an Ontario spring black bear hunt or a Canadian summer fishing trip. There will be several outfitters present. Niagara Falls And still another January show is available for the traveling angler. The Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo is on tap January 18-20. Hours are Friday, 1-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The only reason for mentioning this somewhat distant show is the growing interest in big water fishing for Lake Ontarios trophy salmon and trout. Besides that, the show is held at the Niagara Falls, USA, downtown convention center. Add to the show a short walk two blocks north for an amazing view of the falls and enjoy several other nearby attractions. Akron Lastly, boat shoppers who couldnt make a decision at the Cleveland Boat Show can plan to attend the Akron Boat and Watersports Show at the John S. Knight Center March 1-3. PITTSBURGH The Western Pennsylvania Conservancys Toms Run Nature Reserve, located just 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh in Kilbuck Township, expanded recently by 52 acres to a total of 369 acres, thanks to a newly protected property near the reserve. The addition protects a large forested slope above Toms Run, a tributary to the Ohio River, and keeps the forest intact along the road leading from Route 65 to the reserves trailhead. The newly conserved area is part of the former Dixmont State Hospital property, which closed in 1984. Toms Run Nature Reserve has been protected by the conservancy since 1977 and is open to the public for hiking, nature watching, hunting and birding. The reserve includes large stands of mature maple, oak and American beech trees and is one of the largest remaining undeveloped forested areas in the county. Toms Run is the largest of several streams on the reserve. Over the past decade, the conservancy has made improvements to enhance outdoor recreation options and help restore the forest and streams on the reserve. With donations from individuals and state grants in hand, the conservancy will soon provide a new 2.5-mile trail loop, which will contain an ADA-accessible path, and an expanded parking lot. These improvements are expected to conclude in late 2019. Before exploring Toms Run Nature Reserve, visitors are encouraged to first contact the conservancy for parking and access information due to upcoming trail-construction activities. Contact the conservancy at 412-586-2356 or azadnik@paconserve.org. LEXINGTON, Ky. The University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host the 8th annual UK Equine Showcase Jan. 25-26. The event will be held in conjunction with an Equine Vet Continuing Education session (formerly known as the Kentucky Breeders Short Course). The double-header event, which has been running for the past 10 years, was reformatted to better provide equine research information. The weekend will kick off Jan. 25 with the UK Equine Vet CE from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 1490 Bull Lea Road, Lexington. The event offers four hours of RACE-approved veterinary continuing education courtesy of Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners funding support. Experts will present topics that include parasite control in the breeding season; novel fescue, toxic fescue and the insidious cost of fescue in foaling and breeding mares; periparturient death in broodmares; and the peripartum period for mares and foals. On Saturday, Jan. 26, the annual Equine Showcase will take place at the Fayette County Extension office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way in Lexington. The UK Equine Showcase will highlight the universitys equine programs and relevant industry findings with an emphasis on pest management. It will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST. Topics for the showcase include insects and horses, what you need to know; important equine diseases carried by insects; vector-borne disease affecting humans and horses; making your barn horse friendly and insect averse; managing mud and manure; and horses and the Ag Water Quality Act. The Equine Vet CE is primarily open to veterinarians, but if spots are available, farm managers and horse owners can also attend. The event is free to veterinarians. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-university-of-kentucky-veterinary-continuing-education-tickets-53607653936. Equine Showcase is open to veterinarians, owners and managers of all horse breeds or anyone with an interest in learning more about horse management. The cost to attend is $40 until the early bird registration deadline of Jan. 18. After that date, the cost will be $50. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-uk-equine-showcase-tickets-52836552551. For more details visit www.ca.uky.edu/equine. SALEM, Ohio Several Ohio landowners along the recently installed Nexus natural gas pipeline have sued the company and its installer in county courts, over allegations the company breached its contract and damaged the soil and crops. About 13 lawsuits have been filed in the courts of common pleas in Columbiana, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties, on behalf of the landowners by Canton-area attorney Michael Thompson. Restoration issues The lawsuits argue that Nexus, and its contractor, Michels Corp., of Wisconsin, did not correctly restore the layers of soil, resulting in diminished topsoil, and that the companies violated the landowner lease agreement by improperly discharging and draining excess water onto lands outside of the leased rights of way. Thompson said the companies accessed and damaged property as much as 400 to 600 feet wider what the right-of-way allowed, causing erosion, unnatural silt placement, and ditches that are three feet deep or more. They have contaminated the soil and not protected the topsoil when they were digging down in their work area, Thompson said. Nate Laps, president of Canton-based Central Land Consulting, said the lawsuits could total more than $20 million in damages. He said he believes that Nexus did not want the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to know about the issues and the lawsuits, until after the pipeline was approved for operation. Its just been a nightmare from the beginning, Laps said, adding that Nexus has been unreceptive to landowner concerns. Restoration ongoing Adam Parker, a Nexus spokesperson, said the company typically does not comment on pending litigation. However, he said the company is on track to do what it promised, and that restoration efforts were slowed by an unusually wet fall. The restoration is ongoing and it was intended to be ongoing, he said. In a statement by Nexus, the company says final restoration of the NEXUS ROW remains ongoing in a number of locations, and the right of way will continue to be monitored by environmental inspectors over the winter and spring months. Crews will return to complete restoration activities along the route in early 2019 when wet soil conditions improve and allow the work to be conducted. Thompson said damage has already been done, and that he doubts the company plans a full restoration of the soil, because of the way it has already been re-packed, with clay toward the top, where there should be topsoil. Paul Wallace, a Homeworth-area farmer, said his topsoil was not put back correctly, and he estimates hes lost as much as 4-5 inches of topsoil. Hes also upset that newly installed tiles are already plugged with silt tiles that he installed and redirected in anticipation of the gas pipeline project. The tiles were installed to divert existing tiles away from the pipeline, but he said due to Nexus negligence, those tiles are already damaged. Although Nexus has made some corrective efforts, Wallace said theyve not been made to his and the other landowners satisfaction. Every time they fix something, it just seems like they make it worse, he said. More to come Additional lawsuits will likely be filed, according to Thompson, who said the law requires pipeline companies to be given 45 days of notice before filing with the court. If corrective actions arent taken within those 45 days, he said more suits will be filed. Parker said Nexus took the proper precautions for extreme weather, but said nevertheless, this was a very wet fall and some of the restoration efforts had to cease for the winter, waiting for spring. Construction of the line was approved by FERC in October 2017, and the line was placed in service early this fall. According to Parker, Nexus is committed to doing the project right, and asks concerned landowners to call the construction hotline at 844-589-3655. WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide $3.7 million of assistance to fruit and vegetable growers in 16 states through a GAP Assistance Program. The goal of the program is to enhance market access by defraying costs of undergoing voluntary USDA Harmonized Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits beginning Jan. 2, 2019. USDAs Risk Management Agency will provide Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) funds to cover up to 100 percent of the cost of the Harmonized GAP audit and the Harmonized GAP Plus+ audit. Sixteen states are authorized by Congress to receive financial assistance for conservation and financial risk mitigation: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming. The funding will be available to assist producers in 2019 or longer, depending on availability of funds. USDAs Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) offers several types of GAP audits to suppliers throughout the produce production and supply chain that focus on best agricultural practices to verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled and stored in the safest manner possible to minimize risks of food safety hazards. Producers pay fees that cover audit and administration costs, including auditor travel time and expenses. For more information, contact AMS Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Audit Services Branch at 202-720-5021 or scaudits@ams.usda.gov. by Giorgio Marengo* Mongolias Catholic community got ready to relive "the great mystery of Incarnation" through a moment of retreat and reconciliation. Consumerism and untrained relationship to money are new dangers. Arvaiheer (AsiaNews) Today's Mongolia is a country undergoing great changes. Since we arrived 15 years ago as Consolata missionaries we have seen a rapid transformation. The country has gone from seventy years of communism centred on state atheism and almost total isolation from the rest of the world to the mirage of economic development based on exploiting its huge mineral reserves, managed more or less well by a new ruling class. In the 1990s, Christmas was unheard of. In December, only New Years Eve mattered, a tradition introduced by the Russians in previous years. Until the early 2000s there was no visible sign that 25 December was anything special; in fact, it was a working day like any other. Today, however, as the Mongolian economy opens up to the world, the commercial trappings of Christmas have arrived, without people understanding them. People exchange gifts wrapped in shiny paper but they dont know why. It is a paradox that, among other things, favours new forms of consumerism that harm traditional customs in people not used to managing money carefully. In essence, the End-of-Year celebrations remain more important than the religious event in a country where Christians represent only 2 per cent of the population, including a small number of Catholics. The real New Year is the much-celebrated lunar new year, which falls between the end of January and the middle of February, a timeless tradition linked to natures cycle signalling the beginning of the end of winter and the coming new spring. Still, for Mongolias small Catholic community the great mystery of the Incarnation is something they experience with great intensity. The sacramental celebration of that encounter changed their lives, opening up the possibility of a personal relationship with the living God who frees from fears and guarantees true closeness. The pastoral context helps us identify with the events of Bethlehem. We have real shepherds who watch over the flock and easily recognise the surprise caused by a God born in a manger. We too feel this, together with them. For us missionaries, to relive this is a great gift, together with our Mongolian friends who have opened their doors to Christ for the gift of salvation that comes to meet us. Accompanying and supporting them in faith is also a challenge, given the many trials they have to go through to maintain and strengthen their faith in a very particular context, which often frowns upon their choice of becoming Christian. This year, Mongolian Catholics celebrated Christmas without the one pioneer who led them for 26 years, the man who was there at the birth of the Church. Mgr Wenceslao Padilla passed away suddenly, one September evening, from a heart attack, extending a veil of sadness on Christmas, yet with the confident hope that God will provide for his people as they wait for a new pastor. For our part, as Consolata missionaries, we continue to sink our roots deeper in Ulaanbaatars northern suburbs, a big and chaotic capital (the coldest in the world). Likewise, we continue to serve the Apostolic Prefecture. In Kharkhorin the ancient capital of the Mongol empire we are engaged in interfaith dialogue (especially with our Buddhist friends) and in historical-cultural research. In Arvaiheer, the small Christian community is a small sprout of the Church, born with us in the past few years, in a place where Catholics were absent. At present, it has rediscovered the peace of forgiveness received and offered. We experienced a moment of retreat and reconciliation, to "shake off" with the help of Grace the incrustations that inevitably weigh down our walk in the holiness that is the secret of true happiness. Catechesis and permanent education take a great deal of energy and demand a certain coherence of life from us. So we celebrated the gift of Emmanuel again with simplicity and intense participation. The world outside may be focused on New Year's Eve, but for us Christians it was Christmas Eve, in which we prayed that the God-with-us may bring so much peace and brotherhood to a country with a rich history and culture, immersed in a present that is uncertain in so many ways. * Consolata missionary in Arvaiheer Farmers across the country are being urged to take part in the Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC), which is back for the sixth successive year. Sponsored by the NFU, the nationwide citizen science project calls on farmers, land managers and gamekeepers to spend 30 minutes spotting species on their patch of land from 8-17 February 2019. Crucially, the results will aim to distinguish which farmland birds are thriving due to good conservation efforts while identifying the ones in need of most help. NFU President Minette Batters will be bird-spotting on the first day of the count on her Wiltshire farm. Mrs Batters said: The NFU is extremely pleased to be sponsoring the 2019 GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count. This event highlights perfectly how farmers balance excellent conservation work on farms across the country alongside producing the nations food. Over the past four decades, farmers have carried out a huge amount of work to encourage wildlife and are responsible for protecting, maintaining and enhancing 70% of the nation's iconic countryside. I would encourage as many farmers as possible to participate during the event in February as this is crucial in the survival and protection of many farmland bird species, she said. 'Record-breaking' Last-year saw a record-breaking 1,000 people take part in the count, recording 121 species across 950,000 acres. A total of 25 red-listed species were recorded, with five appearing in the 25 most commonly seen species list. These include fieldfares, starlings, house sparrows, song thrushes and yellowhammers. The most plentiful of these were fieldfares and starlings, which were seen on nearly 40% of the farms taking part. Peter Thompson, who works as a biodiversity advisor at BFBC organisers Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), said: Many, many farmers do lots on their farms to encourage wildlife, but when I give talks to the public, they always seem most surprised that this is the case. The big farmland bird count gives individual farmers the chance to spend just half an hour counting birds on their farm, so that the GWCT can shout from the roof-tops about your results. More farmers needed However, Mr Thompson said hundreds more people should vow their support to the initiative. He added: Last year, just over a 1,000 people took part in the count, which on the face of it looks fantastic. However, there are around 212,000 farm holdings and around 3,000 full time gamekeepers in the UK (and a similar number who do the job part time). Therefore, less than one in every 200 (0.4%) of potential counters took part last year. Perhaps, this is why the public seem unaware of your efforts. At the end of the count, the results will be analysed by the Trust. All participants will receive a report on the national results once they have been collated. Aside from the NFU being the main sponsor, the count is also being supported by FWAG, LEAF, Kings, Perdix and CLA. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Salman Khan Cuts Cake In Front Of Media The humble superstar began his birthday celebrations at midnight by cutting a birthday cake in the presence of media. Katrina Kaif Arrives For Salman Khan's Birthday Bash Katrina Kaif arrives at Salman Khan's Panvel farm house for his birthday celebrations. It is no secret that the two stars once used to date and it is heartwarming to see them maintain a good friendship even after their breakup. Sonakshi And Zaheer Iqbal Arrive Together Sonakshi Sinha and newbie Zaheer Iqbal arrived together for Salman Khan's birthday bash late in the night. Sonakshi was dressed in black whereas Zaheer was wearing a blue jacket over a white t-shirt. Salman Khan, who is considered the guardian angel for new comers in Bollywood, will be launching Zaheer in his upcoming movie, Notebook. Anil Kapoor At Salman's Birthday Celebrations Anil Kapoor arrived for the birthday bash of Salman Khan. Anil himself celebrated his birthday a few days back, on December 24th. Many celebs attended his birthday. Sohail Khan Attends His Brother's 53rd Birthday Bash Salman Khan's brother, Sohail Khan made it to Salman's midnight birthday bash. Kriti Looks Pretty Actress Kriti Sanon arrived for Salman Khan's birthday celebrations looking pretty in a black dress. The Stunning Mouni Roy Mouni Roy attended Salman Khan's 53rd birthday bash. She looked stunning in a black dress with sleek hair. Weekly net asset value ("NAV") is calculated as of the close of business on each Tuesday and posted on the following business day. In the event that Tuesday is not a business day, the Company will calculate the close-of-business NAV as of the business day immediately preceding that Tuesday. The end-of-month NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the month and posted on the following business day. For weeks that include a month-end NAV report, PSH will provide only the month-end NAV and not report the Tuesday NAV. Monthly NAVs are published in accordance with the Decree on Conduct of Business Supervision of Financial Undertakings under the Wft (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiele ondernemingen Wft). Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, December 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MGX Minerals Inc. ("MGX" or the "Company") (CSE: XMG) (FKT: 1MG) (OTCQB: MGXMF) is pleased to provide an update for its REN Niobium-Tantalum-Titanium-REE Mineral Property ("Ren" or the "Property") located in the northern Monashee Mountains of southeastern British Columbia. The Company has now received assay results from diamond drilling as well as field reconnaissance results from a regional geochemical sampling program completed at REN. Fall Drill Program Completed A 14-hole, 1,249-meter drill program was completed at REN covering an area of approximately 200x600 meters in the central portion of the mineral claims. The goal of the drill program was to test magnetic positive anomalies generated from a magnetometer survey completed earlier this year. Results from the drill program returned positive niobium grades and wider than expected zones. A total of 670 samples split core samples (at 2-meter intervals) were analyzed by ALS Geochemistry using method ME-MS89L (sodium peroxide fusion, reporting 52 elements, as well as additional elements Zr and P). Results have now been compiled and a follow up exploration program for 2019 is being developed. Assay results from select holes are reported below: Table 1. REN 2018 Drill Hole Assays Results DDH From (m) To (m) Int (m) Nb2O5 % Ta2O5 % *TREO % P% FeO % TiO2 % MnO % 18RE 1 3.28 3.58 0.3 0.16 0.002 0.16 >1 4.36 0.292 0.59 18RE 1 10.48 20.5 10.02 0.13 0.002 0.18 >1 6.82 0.62 0.49 18RE 2 6.56 10 3.44 0.04 0.001 0.09 0.29 6.1 0.75 0.14 18RE 3 29.5 33.5 4 0.18 0.003 0.14 >1 4 0.07 0.47 18RE 4 3.6 13 9.4 0.19 0.004 0.15 >1 5.1 0.22 0.34 18RE 5 2.6 3.7 1.1 0.11 0.002 0.22 >1 7.01 0.47 0.37 18RE 5 6 10 4 0.21 0.003 0.35 >1 6.1 0.26 0.56 18RE 5 12.3 38 25.7 0.14 0.003 0.26 >1 5.9 0.31 0.6 18RE 6 2.5 6.9 4.4 0.1 0.005 0.17 >1 11 0.44 0.42 18RE 6 14.3 40 25.7 0.1 0.003 0.15 >1 6.65 0.54 0.42 18RE 7 4.8 16 11.2 0.13 0.003 0.25 >1 6.94 0.53 0.41 18RE 8 7.3 13.6 6.3 0.13 0.006 0.17 >1 10.2 0.97 0.39 18RE 8 17.4 21.8 4.4 0.09 0.003 0.18 >1 7.89 0.5 0.47 18RE 8 24 50 26 0.13 0.003 0.14 >1 6.22 0.52 0.4 18RE 9 7.5 9.6 2.1 0.24 0.002 0.15 >1 8.85 0.887 0.36 18RE 9 15.6 27.4 11.8 0.31 0.004 0.19 >1 10.62 0.66 0.48 18RE 9 32.3 64 31.7 0.15 0.003 0.11 >1 6.15 0.55 0.48 18RE 10 2.7 10 7.3 0.15 0.003 0.11 0.74 5.9 0.41 0.31 18RE 11 3.2 19.2 16 0.21 0.004 0.21 >1 11.12 0.58 0.53 18RE 11 22.7 54 31.3 0.13 0.003 0.14 0.9 6.34 0.47 0.43 18RE 12 3.3 48 44.7 0.17 0.003 0.16 >1 6.59 0.39 0.51 18RE 12 includes 18RE 12 10 14 4 0.35 0.003 0.21 >1 8.7 0.47 0.62 18RE 13 6 52 46 0.13 0.003 0.15 >1 7.1 0.4 0.46 18RE 14 2.7 4 1.3 0.11 0.002 0.42 0.35 7.76 0.58 0.44 18RE 14 4 28 24 0.043 0.001 0.29 0.46 6.74 0.44 0.35 18RE 14 28 36.4 8.4 0.14 0.003 0.18 >1 6.8 0.37 0.53 18RE 14 40 69.5 29.5 0.14 0.004 0.12 >1 5.54 0.42 0.35 *: Geochemical analysis of Total Rare Earth Oxides("TREO") include: La2O3, Ce2O3, Pr2O3, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3,Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, and Y2O3 (NOTE: Pm & Sc not analyzed). Neodymium Oxide is defined as Nd2O3 and expressed as a percent out of the TREO content. The four most abundant rare earth oxides that make up the TREO reported above are Cerium (Ce2O3), Lanthanum (La2O3), Neodymium (Nd2O3) and Praseodymium (Pr2O3). DDH 18RE-1, 5, 6, 8, 9, & 14 contain 2.3-7.4 meter wide phyric textured pegmatite sills that are spatially associated with adjacent Nb/REE bearing carbonatite. The pegmatite sills contain low grade Nb and REE values and cut the Nb/REE bearing carbonatite. The distribution of Nb and REE will be evaluated by generating preliminary computer-generated, 43-101 compliant resource estimates. Future drilling in the area of DDH 18RE-8, 9, 11, 12, & 13 is planned in order to assess the vertical and lateral extent of the wider and higher-grade intervals. Figure 1. Drill core from REN drill program Regional Geochemical Sampling Program Highlighted results from the geochemical sampling program are reported below: 2,540ppm Niobium in sample Y098697 1,885ppm Niobium in sample Y098745 19.10ppm Dysprosium in sample Y098731 44.4ppm Tantalum in sample Y098746 1.15% Titanium in sample Y098660 Field reconnaissance was conducted by the Company's N.I. 43-101 Qualified Person Andris Kikauka. Rock chip samples were collected and submitted to ALS Minerals in North Vancouver, British Columbia for chemical analysis using XRF whole rock analysis for oxides. About REN REN lies within the Shuswap Metamorphic Complex, a belt of high-grade and intensely deformed metamorphic and intrusive rocks in the core of the Columbian Orogen in southeastern B.C. The Shuswap Complex, along its eastern margin, is characterized by a series of fault-bounded domal culminations that expose mixed paragneiss, granitic gneiss and migmatite of Paleoproterozoic age. Unconformably overlying the gneissic "core complexes", a heterogeneous and very distinctive assemblage of calc-silicate gneiss, pelitic gneiss, quartzite and marble. The Mount Grace carbonatite, intrusive carbonatites and bodies of synenite gneiss occur within autochthonous paragneiss above the core gneisses of the Frenchman Cap dome. There are two types of carbonatite recognized in the area. Type I, the intrusive phase and Type II, the extrusive phase. Although rarely seen in contact, the Type I carbonatite has been proposed as a feeder to the widespread Type II pyroclastic flow represented by the Mount Grace carbonatite (Hoy, 1987). All regional tantalum, niobium and rare earth occurrences of record are associated with the intrusive Type I phase. The Type II phase rarely if ever carries minerals of economic importance. The Type I carbonatite (known as the REN carbonatite) is located on the Ren property. The carbonatite is a semi-concordant sheet like intrusion and has been traced by mapping and trenching for approximately three kilometers. It varies in width from less than 10 to 200 metres. The carbonatite strikes generally northwest-southeast and dips from 25 to 45 degrees southwest. The rock weathers to a rough textured, mottled orange brown color. It consists of 60-80% calcite, 10-30% apatite, biotite/phlogopite, and accessory amphibole, pyroxene, and sphene with minor pyrrhotite, pyrite, magnetite, ilmenite, molybdenite, chalcopyrite, pyrochlore and monazite. Extensive zones of mafic biotite-rich pyroxene-amphibole fenite and potassic feldspar-albite fenite occur as alteration envelopes peripheral to and within the carbonatite. northwest with axial surface and both limbs dipping 30 to 45 degrees to the southwest. The tabular Type I REN carbonatite is the unit of principal economic interest. In 1988 Teck Explorations Limited completed stream silt sampling (89 samples) from four drainages, 17.85-line kilometers of magnetometer surveying, 15.35-line kilometers of spectrometer/scintillometer surveying and 749 meters of trenching, mapped and sampling. The best niobium values were from trench ATR-2 of 0.19% Nb over a width of 55 meters. Carbonatite that was excavated in all trenches averaged 0.13% Nb. Cerium and lanthanum were all highly anomalous, but the values were not plotted. This data is historic in nature and based on drilling results reported by previous operators. The Company believes this information, reports, data and assays are reliable and relevant. About Niobium Niobium is mainly used in the form of Ferro-Niobium to produce high strength, low alloy steel which in turn produces lighter, stronger steel for use in the automotive, structural and pipeline industries. The U.S. imports 100% of its niobium needs. Niobium is listed as a strategic metal and is being considered for national stockpiling in the U.S., China, and several European countries. Qualified Person Andris Kikauka (P. Geo.), Vice President of Exploration for MGX Minerals, has prepared, reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Mr. Kikauka is a non-independent Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards. About MGX Minerals Inc. MGX Minerals is a diversified Canadian resource and technology company with interests in global advanced material, energy and water assets. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. Contact: Jared Lazerson President and CEO Telephone: +1-604-681-7735 Web: http://www.mgxminerals.com Tune in to Iceland Naturally's Facebook livestream at 6:50 p.m. EST on December 31 to watch 200,000 Icelanders create a dazzling fireworks show in Reykjavik! Iceland Naturally, North America's #1 resource for all things Icelandic, invites you to take a virtual trip to Reykjavik with a Facebook Live video stream of the city's dazzling fireworks show on New Year's Eve. Head to facebook.com/icelandnaturally at 6:50 p.m. EST 3:50 p.m. PST on December 31 to watch more than 200,000 Icelanders ring in the new year with a world renowned fireworks display. Since Iceland is several hours ahead of North America, you can watch the celebrations before yours even begin! This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005023/en/ Head to Iceland Naturally's Facebook page at 6:50 p.m. EST 3:50 p.m. PST on December 31 to watch more than 200,000 Icelanders ring in the new year with a world renowned fireworks display. This year, Iceland Naturally will go live from downtown Reykjavik so you can truly feel like you're a part of the celebration. The livestream will also feature interviews and drone footage of the city sky so you can see just how far the fireworks stretch across the city! During the holiday, there are no fireworks restrictions in Iceland and, to make things even sweeter, the majority of proceeds from fireworks sales in and around Reykjavik go to Iceland's volunteer rescue group, Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR). This means almost everyone in Reykjavik sets off their own fireworks when the clock strikes midnight, illuminating the sky with magnificent lights as far as the eye can see. In Iceland, New Year's Eve is honored as a historic and traditional holiday full of laughter, music and magic. The festivities kick off with dinner, followed by bonfires ("brenna") and a gathering of family and friends to listen to music. Bars and restaurants stay open all night so the dancing and celebrating lasts well into the morning! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to be a part of Iceland's New Year's Eve celebration from the comfort of your own home! RSVP on Facebook and share the event with your friends by tagging @IcelandNatural with ReykjavikNYE. Be sure to Like Iceland Naturally on Facebook to be notified when the livestream begins. About Iceland Naturally Iceland Naturally is a cooperative marketing organization that promotes the services, products and culture of Iceland. Through events, promotions and online marketing, Iceland Naturally introduces Iceland's creativity and natural wonders to North Americans. The group is comprised of Iceland's top companies and organizations: Icelandair, Icelandic Group, Reyka Vodka, City of Reykjavik, Icelandic Glacial, Blue Lagoon, Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Landsvirkjun, Olgerin, Promote Iceland, Icelandic Provisions and the Government of Iceland. For more information, Like and follow Iceland Naturally on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit www.icelandnaturally.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005023/en/ Contacts: Brigid Gorham BIGfish Communications for Iceland Naturally iceland@bigfishpr.com 202-609-7622 Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to announce its role as lead transaction counsel to the government of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the development of an approximately 300 million motorway project. The 42-kilometer motorway between Banja Luka and Prijedor in northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina is a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Srpska government and Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co. Ltd., which will finance, construct, operate and maintain the motorway. The parties approved the project's concession agreement on Dec. 13. "The Banja Luka-Prijedor PPP motorway is one of, if not the first, PPP infrastructure projects to be granted to a Chinese company, to be financed by a Chinese international financial institution, in a form consistent with European Union standards (with a full availability payment)," said London-based energy and infrastructure partner Kirk Lovric, who leads the Hunton Andrews Kurth team. Hunton Andrews Kurth also is advising the Srpska government on matters related to the project's upcoming financial close. In addition to Lovric, the team also includes senior attorney Jamie Head. The firm also worked closely with Deloitte and engineering consultancy CESTRA on the project. Hunton Andrews Kurth has experience across the entire range of contractual arrangements for PPP projects. The firm has represented project lenders, investors, developers, sponsors and governments throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States on PPP transactions and other project matters for more than 20 years. The firm also has worked extensively with governments and their parastatals, using financing and other programs provided by the World Bank and other governmental, multinational, multilateral and bilateral export credit, risk insurance and lending agencies. About Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP Hunton Andrews Kurth is a global law firm of more than 1,000 lawyers handling transactional, litigation and regulatory matters for clients in myriad industries including energy, financial services, real estate, retail and consumer products and technology. Areas of practice focus include capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, PPP, public finance and infrastructure, and privacy and cybersecurity. With offices across the United States and in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we're aligned with our clients' businesses and committed to delivering exceptional service. Visit HuntonAK.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005326/en/ Contacts: Zinie Sampson Baretz+Brunelle zsampson@baretzbrunelle.com 804-381-1272 Abbotsford, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2018) - Gatekeeper Systems Inc. (TSXV: GSI) (OTC Pink: GKPRF) (FSE: 1GK) ('Gatekeeper' or the 'Company'), a leading provider of mobile video surveillance systems developed to protect people and property for public transit, school districts, first responders, as well as the US military and Coast Guard, today reported its financial results for the year ended August 31, 2018. Fiscal 2018 Financial Highlights Revenue for fiscal 2018 was $7,850,933 compared to $7,605,107 in fiscal 2017; Net loss for the fiscal year end 2018 was $1,323,277 compared to a net loss of $331,759 during fiscal year 2017; Gross margin as a percentage of revenue in fiscal 2018 was 53% as compared to 51% for fiscal 2017; Revenue during the three months ended August 31, 2018 was $2,656,406 compared to $2,651,543 during the three months ended August 31, 2017; Gross profit during the three months ended August 31, 2018 was $1,421,827 compared to $1,420,902 during the three months ended August 31, 2017; EBITDA for the three months and fiscal year end August 31, 2018 was a loss of $280,409 and August 31, 2017 was an income of $131,067; and As of August 31, 2018, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4,166,622 and working capital of $6,428,651. BUSINESS UPDATE Fiscal 2018 represented a repositioning of the Company's sales and marketing strategy to target large customers in both school bus and the transit markets. This strategy generated substantial success through increased order sizes and a greater sales diversification. Several notable, new contracts were awarded to Gatekeeper as a direct result of efforts during the year: US$1.5 million from Midwest Transit equipment US$1.7 million from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Gatekeeper was also selected as video systems supplier for SEPTA's purchase of 335 New Flyer buses Contract with New Flyer Industries to provide video system acceptance testing and in-warranty service on new buses being delivered to SEPTA Contract with Shepard Bros., Inc. to provide warranty service repairs on buses delivered to SEPTA Initial order received from Logan Bus, a NYC school bus operator with a fleet of more than 2,000 buses At the end of fiscal 2018 the Company's contracted sales backlog and sales funnel have grown to exceed prior years, and have become weighted towards the transit industry, with school bus continuing contribute at historical levels. Service-based recurring revenue is now part of the Company's business model. MOVING FORWARD Protecting people in transit remains Gatekeeper's core business while video remains the centric piece of data required as evidence for management to proactively provide a safe and secure environment for their passengers. The convergence of fleet safety and security operations is driving requirements for integrate telematics data, passenger counting, student tracking, routing and mapping with video to provide customers with a total operating picture for effective fleet management. Mobile video equipment continues to evolve with the addition of new and different sensors, higher resolution images, larger storage, faster processing and increased durability. Differentiation, beyond video hardware is important with intelligence on the edge, combined with data analytics, being a key component to adding unique value to video hardware bundles. Developing smart devices and providing video management software, that possesses the ability to integrate with other discrete systems, represents an opportunity to both gain an increased share of existing markets and enter new markets. Gatekeeper's development efforts are focused on providing a robust video management software platform that can easily integrate and interface with other manufacturers' devices and form a comprehensive control system that brings all components together in a single application. Doug Dyment, President and CEO said, "Fiscal 2018 was a year of expansion and strategic repositioning for Gatekeeper." Dyment added, "Our expansion into the USA, through the creation of our subsidiary, Gatekeeper Systems USA Inc., demonstrates our commitment to delivering our products, service and support directly into the markets where our customers operate. During the year we invested in building our team's bench strength to create a solid, scalable foundation on which to grow our business. We are confident that the decisions and investments made during the year make Gatekeeper well positioned to achieve significant growth in the year ahead." Summary of Financial Results and Information Three months ended Years ended August 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 August 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 Revenue $ 2,656,406 $ 2,651,543 $ 7,850,933 $ 7,605,107 Gross Profit $ 1,421,827 $ 1,420,902 $ 4,189,070 $ 3,851,662 Gross Margin 54% 54% 53% 51% Expenses $ 1,739,283 $ 1,084,440 $ 5,584,266 $ 3,949,476 Net Income (Loss) for the period $ (357,229) $ 114,076 $ (1,323,277) $ (331,759) Basic Income (Loss) per share $ (0.00) $ 0.00 $ (0.02) $ (0.01) August 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 Total Assets $ 7,894,272 $ 8,871,139 Total Liabilities $ 873,817 $ 825,991 Total Shareholders' Equity $ 7,020,455 $ 8,045,148 Full details of the financial reports and operating results for the fiscal year end August 31, 2018 are described in the Company's consolidated financial statements with accompanying notes and related Management's Discussion and Analysis, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. About Gatekeeper Systems Inc. Gatekeeper Systems Inc. engineers, manufactures and distributes wireless high-resolution video security and safety solutions for in-transit applications, including school buses, municipal transit, law enforcement and the military. The Company offers wireless live-streaming video surveillance, video analytics, driver monitoring, and incident management solutions to help protect school children, public transit users and employees while on the move. The Company has unique photo enforcement and auto-ticketing solutions which deter stop-arm violations and protect school children. Gatekeeper has installed over 100,000 video devices for more than 3,500 customers throughout North America. www.gatekeeper-systems.com On behalf of the Board, Douglas Dyment President & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties, the reader should refer to the risk factors described in the management's discussion and analysis for the year ended August 31, 2018. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our expectations as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to obtain a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company undertakes no obligations to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur, unless required by applicable law. Contact: Douglas Dyment 604-864-5187 www.gatekeeper-systems.com Palestinian politician: Israeli "Grinch" steals Christmas. The go ahead to the project comes at the end of a two-day discussion that took place on December 25 and 26. 1451 new housing units will be built and another 837 planned. Activists and experts speak about the electoral strategy of the Netanyahu government in view of the early elections in April. Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Israeli Defense Ministry has approved the construction of over two thousand new housing units in the West Bank, raising the protest of local politicians and international activists. Palestinian diplomat Saeb Erekat, former Arafat loyalist, compared Israel to the "Grinch" who, through the occupation plan, "decided to steal the Christmas spirit from the Palestinian people". Local sources confirm that the discussion in the Israeli administrative authority took place on December 25 and 26, coinciding with the traditional Christian festival. At the end came the resolution approving the construction of 1451 new housing units in the West Bank and laying the foundations for the construction of another 837 additional units, some of which in isolated locations. Activists and international experts point out that the go-ahead for new settlements is part of the election campaign of outgoing premier Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the right's vote ahead of the (early) elections of April 2019. "Illegal actions of this kind - adds Erekat - constitute a deliberate campaign to destroy the two-state solution "and" the world must act before it is too late ". The settlements are communities inhabited by Israeli civilians and military and built in the territories conquered by Israel after the Six Day War in June 1967, in the West Bank, in East Jerusalem, in the Golan Heights and in the Gaza Strip. In 1979 Israel withdrew from settlements in Sinai after signing the peace agreement with Egypt, and in 2005 Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered the dismantling of 17 Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip. At the moment the colonies are located in East Jerusalem, in the West Bank and on the Golan Heights. According to data from the Israeli Interior Ministry, the recognized settlements in the West Bank are at least 133 - in addition to a hundred "outposts" - and host about 500 thousand people, about 300 thousand Israelis live in East Jerusalem and 20 thousand in the Golan Heights. Under the (outgoing) Netanyahu government there has been a considerable increase in Israeli settlements. In the last five years, the number has increased by 20%, also due to the interruption in 2014 of peace talks and the subsequent escalation of violence, in the face of which the inertia (or impotence) of the international community has become increasingly evident. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2018) - Hydro66 Holdings Corp. (the "Company" or "Hydro66") (CSE: SIX) is pleased to announce that today it has received the initial advances of USD$1,050,000 and CDN$300,000 pursuant to a secured convertible loan agreement with certain shareholders and directors of the Company (the "Loan Agreement"), as previously announced on December 19, 2018. In connection with the initial advances the Company issued secured convertible promissory notes in favour of each lender (the "Notes"). The maturity date of the principal amount, interest and any fees under the Notes is seven years from the date of the initial advances and the rate of interest is 10% per annum. The interest for the initial two (2) years under the Notes shall not be payable until such time as the principal is repaid in full. For further details on the terms of the Notes please see the Company's news release dated December 19, 2018. The Notes issued pursuant to the transaction and any common shares issued on conversion of the Notes will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and one day following the issuance of the Notes in accordance with applicable securities laws. Additional resale restriction may be applicable under the laws of other jurisdictions. About Hydro66 Hydro66 owns and operates a colocation data center in Sweden specializing in Enterprise and HPC hosting. The Company hosts third party IT infrastructure, utilizing 100% green power, at some of the EU's lowest power prices and within an ISO27001 accredited facility. The Company is continuing to expand its footprint, with plenty room for ongoing expansion at the existing location. Hydro66 is uniquely positioned to capitalize on opportunities in blockchain infrastructure as well as the traditional Enterprise colocation data center market. The Company provides truly green power at a leading price, purpose-built space and cooling, telecoms, IT support services and 24/7 physical security in their facility in Boden, Sweden. Revenues are generated from colocation data center services to hashrate service companies and traditional Enterprise companies as well as digital currency self-mining (GPU and/or ASIC). Combining the above provides steady, diversified revenue with strong margins. A flexible and rapid build-out schedule will allow Hydro66 to rebalance between business lines as market conditions evolve. Hydro66 is run by a team with decades of technical expertise in data center facility design, construction, operation, sales and marketing and more recently blockchain infrastructure and hashrate services. Please find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Instagram. For more information please visit: www.hydro66.com FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Paul Morrison Chief Commercial Officer of Hydro66 UK Limited Tel: (+44) 7789 915 147 or Jason Atkinson Jason.atkinson@hydro66.com 647-938-5266 Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws. NEW YORK, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- J.F. Lehman & Company ("JFLCO"), a leading middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, maritime, government and environmental sectors, is pleased to announce that an investment affiliate has acquired Inland Pipe Rehabilitation LLC ("IPR" or the "Company"). Founded in 1973, IPR is a leading provider of trenchless pipe rehabilitation solutions and technology to the municipal wastewater and storm water markets. The Company's technologies and services provide government customers with minimally disruptive, cost-effective solutions to manage aging underground pipe infrastructure. "We are excited to have IPR join our growing portfolio of companies in the environmental services sector," said Glenn Shor, a Partner with JFLCO. "The Company is an excellent fit with our investment strategy given its strong market position, comprehensive suite of services and talented workforce. We believe IPR has significant opportunities for growth given the increasing demand for efficient, cost-effective solutions to service the critical, but aging, municipal wastewater and storm water infrastructure." Robert McCrae, CEO of IPR commented, "J.F. Lehman & Company is an excellent partner to help facilitate the next phase of IPR's growth. We look forward to leveraging JFLCO's industry and operating experience as well as their capital base while continuing our successful history of servicing the municipal pipe wastewater and storm water markets." Debt financing for the transaction was provided by Monroe Capital LLC. Jones Day provided legal counsel to JFLCO.Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor to IPR and Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss provided legal counsel. About J.F. Lehman & Company, Inc. Founded in 1992, J.F. Lehman & Company is a leading middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, maritime, government and environmental sectors. The firm has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. For more information about J.F. Lehman & Company, please visit www.jflpartners.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/349934/j_f__lehman___company_logo.jpg Announces C$460,000 Non-brokered Private Placement - Restructures Net Smelter Return Agreements with First Mining Gold Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 27, 2018) - Silver One Resources Inc. (TSXV: SVE) (OTC Pink: SLVRF) (FSE: BRK1) - ("Silver One" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an overview of its exploration and development achievements in 2018 and outline expected milestones for 2019. The Company will be completing a non-brokered private placement of up to 3,066,667 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of C$0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$460,000 Each Unit will consist of one common share ("Share") in the capital of the Company and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole warrant being a "Warrant" of the Company). Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one share at an exercise price of C$0.20 per share for a period of three years from the date of the issue of the Warrants. Closing of the Private Placement is subject to acceptance by the TSX-V. The securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a hold period of four months from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities laws. The net proceeds from the Private Placement are expected to be used to conduct drilling on the Penasco Quemado project in Mexico and for working capital. Greg Crowe, President and CEO of Silver One Resources commented, "Since the Company started trading in Q3 2016, Silver One has continued to grow its mineral assets to include its flagship project, the past-producing silver mine at Candelaria and a highly prospective silver-gold exploration opportunity at Cherokee, both in Nevada. This is in addition to three silver projects located in Mexico acquired from First Mining Gold in 2016. The company has worked diligently to build a strong asset base despite a difficult time for the commodities sector and is now in a position to focus on organically growing these exceptional properties. The completion of the above announced private placement will allow the Company to conduct a limited drill program on its Penasco Quemado project in Sonora State, Mexico which has geological similarities to the South32 Hermosa-Taylor project in Arizona. South32 recently acquired Arizona Mining for US$1.3 billion." 2018 Highlights The Company announced the completion of 1,110 metres in 45 holes of sonic drilling on the historic heap leach pads at Candelaria. These pads were partially leached by Kinross Gold and others up until the collapse of silver prices in 1997. The operation was shut down and then sold to Silver Standard Resources (now SSR Mining Inc.) in 2001. Silver Standard completed a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") mineral resource estimate. The Company is disclosing a historic estimate on the heaps of approximately 37,328,000 tons at 1.29 opt for a total of 48,513,000 ounces of silver. This resource is now deemed to be historic. The qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. Silver One is not treating this historical estimate as current mineral resources. The Company issued its second payment of US$1.0 million in Silver One shares to SSR Mining Inc. as part of its 3-year option to earn a 100% interest in the Candelaria silver project. The Company will need to make two additional payments of US$1.0 million worth of Silver One shares to complete the option agreement by January 2020 and earn its full 100% interest. SSR Mining Inc. currently owns approximately 4.3% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. Silver One completed CSAMT geophysical surveys over its Penasco Quemado property in Mexico. Several anomalous areas were outlined, augmenting previously defined zinc and lead in soil anomalies with values as high as 1,900 ppm zinc plus 1,900 ppm lead. Penasco Quemado lies approximately 120 kilometres south of the South32 Hermosa-Taylor deposit and hosts numerous geological similarities to the project. The Company increased its ground holdings at Candelaria to cover prospective exploration targets. Silver assays of sonic drilling of the heap leach pads at Candelaria ranged from 16 g/t to 111 g/t (41 g/t average). Initial metallurgy further estimates average cyanide silver content of up to 56% in the leach pads. The Company announced the staking of 636 claims covering 13,000 acres (5,200 hectares) at its newly discovered Cherokee epithermal silver-gold-copper project in eastern Nevada. The claims cover over 12 kilometres of structures hosting multiple veins with select surface values up to 954 gm/t silver and 4.83% copper. The Company acquired five strategic patented claims at Cherokee giving the company 100% control of the entire 12+ kilometre long system. Silver One further announced the discovery of the Hidden Treasure area at the south end of the Cherokee property with select surface samples yielding values to 1,895 gm/t silver and 2.03 gm/t gold. The Company is continuing its metallurgical studies of the historic heap leach pads at Candelaria. Candelaria Silver Mine Project - Nevada Candelaria was historically the highest-grade silver producer in the state of Nevada, averaging over 1,200 g/T AgEq (40 oz/t AgEq) from high-grade vein mining between the mid-1800s and the mid-1900s. Open pit mining operations followed in the 1970s through 1998 by several companies. Operations ceased in 1998 due to low silver prices. Leaching of the historic heap leach pads was not completed leaving a substantial amount of silver unprocessed. Total estimated production of the Candelaria district exceeds 68 million ounces of silver. Historical information was obtained from "Geology of the Candelaria Mining District, Mineral County, Nevada, 1959, Nevada Bureau of Mines, Bulletin 56", and the SSR Mining Inc. technical report titled "Candelaria Project Technical Report" dated May 24, 2001 (filed on SEDAR June 20, 2002), prepared by Pincock Allen & Holt. Historical Resource Estimate - Candelaria Project, Nevada SSR Mining Inc. acquired the Candelaria Project in 2001 and reported in a technical report titled "Candelaria Project Technical Report" dated May 24, 2001 (filed on SEDAR on June 20, 2002), prepared by Pincock Allen & Holt, the historical mineral resource estimate shown in the table below. Candelaria Project Historical Resource Estimate Area/Type Classification Tons Factored Ag Grade (opt Ag total ) Sol. Au Grade (opt Au soluble ) AqEq Grade (opt AgEq total ) Ag Ounces (Ag total ) Aq Equiv. Ounces (AqEq total ) Mount Diablo Measured 3,391,000 4.44 0.004 4.67 15,054,000 15,838,000 Indicated 10,231,185 2.84 0.003 3.01 29,005,000 30,796,000 Subtotal, Measured + Indicated 13,623,000 3.23 0.003 3.42 44,060,000 46,633,000 Mount Diablo Inferred 5,191,000 2.12 0.003 2.30 11,015,000 11,939,000 Northern Belle 9,162,000 2.26 0.002 2.37 20,661,000 21,714,000 Leach Pads 37,328,000 1.29 --- 1.29 48,153,000 48,153,000 L.G. Stockpiles 4,000,000 0.75 --- 0.75 3,000,000 3,000,000 Subtotal. Inferred 55,681,000 1.49 0.002 1.52 82,829,000 84,806,000 Notes: 1) Lode resources tabulated at a 0.5 opt Agsoluble cut-off grades, with only Agtotal shown in this table 2) Leach pads and low-grade stockpile resources tabulated for entire accumulation of material. 3) Total silver grades factored from soluble silver grades using regression formulas developed by Snowden. 4) Silver equivalent grade includes the contribution from the gold grade (soluble) using an Ag:Au equivalency ratio of 57.8:1. The historical mineral resource estimate used "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource", which are categories set out in NI 43-101. Accordingly, Silver One considers these historical estimates reliable as well as relevant as it represents key targets for exploration work by Silver One. The data base for the historical resource estimate: Mount Diablo Deposit - Consisted of 538 drill holes by previous owners and 10 drill holes by SSR Mining. For drill holes that were twinned, the author used the lower of the two values assigned to the original holes. The mineral resource estimate used a kriging estimation method to establish mineralized material zones with a cut-off grade of 0.5 opt Ag. Ordinary kriging was used to interpolate grades in the block model. The block models were set up with block dimensions of 25 feet by 25 feet in plan and 10 feet in height. The maximum search range used in the higher-grade zone was 235 feet, in the lower grade zone it was 1,000 feet and in the background zone it was 350 feet. Block models more than 300 feet from the nearest composite only constituted 3 percent of the total number of estimated blocks and were assigned to an inferred category; Northern Belle Deposit - Consisted of 226 drill holes by previous owners, of which a portion of these holes were duplicated for the Mount Diablo Deposit database. The mineral resource estimate used a kriging estimation method to establish ore zones with a cut-off grade of 0.5 opt Ag. The mineral resource estimate used multiple indicator kriging to interpolate grades in the block model. Block models were set up with block dimensions of 50 feet by 50 feet in plan and 20 feet in height. The maximum search range used in the higher-grade zone was 85 feet, in the intermediate-grade zone was 120 feet and the lower-grade zone was 140 feet and in the lower undifferentiated material below the current pit topography was 260 feet. Block models more than 300 feet from the nearest composite only constituted 3 percent of the total number of estimated blocks and were assigned to an inferred category; Leach Pads - Consisted of 24,633,000 tons located on Leach Pad 1 and 12,695,000 tons on Leach Pad 2. The estimate for Leach Pad 1 is based on silver production indicates 51.5% of total silver was recovered by heap leaching operation, while 81.2% of the soluble silver contact was recovered. Further, the estimate for Leach Pad 2 is based on silver production indicates 42.4% of total silver was recovered by heap leaching operation, while 71.3% of the soluble silver content was recovered; Low-Grade Stockpile - Based on limited and incomplete data and documentation. Material placed on the stock piles ranged from 0.5 to 0.65 opt Ag. The qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. Silver One is not treating this historical estimate as current mineral resources. Cherokee Project - Nevada Cherokee is an emerging epithermal silver, gold and copper district located approximately 75 kilometres south of the historic Pioche silver-gold-copper-zinc-lead mining camp. Silver One's property covers 5,200 hectares (52 square kilometres) of a 12-kilometre long by 4-kilometre wide structurally controlled silver-copper-gold system. It is hosted by Paleozoic sediments, similar to the rocks found at the Pioche polymetallic district. As stated in the 1970 Nevada Bureau of Mines Bulletin # 73, Geology and Mineral Deposits of Lincoln County, Nevada by C.M. Tschanz and E.H. Pampeyan, mineral production from the nearby Pioche area was initially from gold-silver-copper epithermal veins and later from underlying carbonate-hosted replacement-type mineralized bodies. From 1869 to present, the Pioche area mined approximately 810,000 ounces of gold, 18 million ounces of silver, 6.2 million pounds of copper, 317 million pounds of lead and 640 million pounds of zinc. Penasco Quemado Project - Mexico In the near term, Silver One plans on conducting a small (up to 1,000 metres) diamond drill program on its Penasco Quemado property to test some of the strongly anomalous zinc+/- lead in soil and geophysical anomalies to better determine if the property has potential to host zinc-silver-lead mineralized systems similar to those at the South32 Hermosa-Taylor project. Restructures Net Smelter Return Agreements The Company has entered into Agreements with First Mining Gold regarding the restructuring of the Net Smelter Return ("NSR") agreements associated with the Penasco Quemado, La Frazada and Pluton properties that were acquired from First Mining Gold in 2016. The original NSR agreements granted to First Mining were a 2.5% NSR on each property, with a buyback of up to 1.5% for US$ 1.0 million per property. The new NSR agreements will grant a 1.5% NSR per property with a buyback of 1% for US$500,000. Silver One will issue 250,000 common shares in the capital of Silver One as consideration for this reduction of the NSR agreements. The revised NSR agreements will help facilitate investor interest in the projects, especially in this downturned market. 2019 Project Focus Silver One will continue the metallurgical studies of the historic heap leach pads at Candelaria to determine the potential economic viability of recovering silver. These studies are estimated to continue for the next 4-5 months. The Company will also continue to evaluate other prospective opportunities at Candelaria. At Cherokee, Silver One will continue its surface mapping and sampling to better determine the wide distribution of silver-gold-copper systems, with the goal of delineating future drill targets. Silver One has had a busy 2018 and looks forward to continuing to advance the Company in the coming year. Maps and photos of the various projects can be found on the Silver One website at www.silverone.com. Quality Assurance/Quality Control The samples were hand-delivered by Silver One personnel to the labs to ensure proper chain-of-custody procedures. The samples were assayed by Bureau Veritas (ISO 9001:2008) and American Assay Laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025:2005) located in Reno, Nevada. At the laboratory, the samples were dried, split and assayed. The samples were then analyzed for total gold by fire assay with an AA finish, silver by fire assay with a gravimetric finish and an aqua regia digestion-multi-element scan by ICP-ES. Over limits of silver and gold were further analyzed by fire assay-gravimetric using a 30 gram sample. Over limits of copper, lead and zinc were analyzed by AAS with aqua regia digestion. As part of the standard operating procedures, both labs also inserted certified blanks, standards and included duplicate analyses. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg Crowe, P. Geo, President and CEO of Silver One, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Silver One Silver One is focused on the exploration and development of quality silver projects. The Company holds an option to acquire a 100%-interest in its flagship project, the past-producing Candelaria Mine located in Nevada. Potential reprocessing of silver from the historic leach pads at Candelaria provides an opportunity for possible near-term production. Additional opportunities lie in previously identified high-grade silver intercepts down-dip and potentially increasing the substantive silver mineralization along-strike from the two past-producing open pits. The Company has staked 636 lode claims and entered into a Lease/Purchase Agreement to acquire five patented claims on its Cherokee project located in Lincoln County, Nevada, host to multiple silver-copper-gold vein systems, traced to date for over 11 km along-strike. In addition, the Company also holds a 100% interest in three significant silver assets located in Mexico - Penasco Quemado, Sonora; La Frazada, Nayarit; and Pluton, Durango, acquired from First Mining Gold, one of the Company's largest shareholders. For more information, please contact: Silver One Resources Inc. Monica Hamm - VP, Investor Relations Phone: 604-974-5274 Mobile: 778-389-9928 Email: mhamm@silverone.com Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Silver One cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Silver One's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Silver One's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration and development objectives on the Candelaria Project, obtaining the necessary permits to carry out its activities and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Silver One undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2018 / Sphinx Resources Ltd. ("Sphinx" or the "Corporation") (TSX- V: SFX) announces it has completed the second tranche of a non-brokered private placement previously announced on December 11, 2018 (the "Private Placement") for aggregate gross proceeds of $135,980 by issuing 2,092,000 flow-through common shares at a price of $0.065 per flow-through share. The flow-through shares shall qualify as "flow- through shares" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). In connection with this second tranche, the Corporation has agreed to pay finder's fees in the aggregate amount of $9,519. The total gross proceeds of the Private Placement is $1,166,980. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used to fund the Corporation's zinc projects (Calumet-Sud, Tessouat, Tessouat-Sud and Obwondiag) in the Pontiac regional municipal county in southwestern Quebec and for general working capital purposes. The securities of the Corporation to be issued pursuant to the second tranche of the Private Placement are subject to a four-month hold period expiring April 28, 2019. The Private Placement has been conditionally accepted by the TSX Venture Exchange. Stock option plan Sphinx announces that it has amended its stock option plan (the "Stock Option Plan"). The amendment increases the maximum number of shares issuable upon exercise of the options granted to directors, officers, key employees and consultants of Sphinx pursuant to the Stock Option Plan from 4,700,000 to 9,900,000. Such number represents less than 10% of the total number of shares issued and outstanding. The amendment is conditional to the approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. About Quebec and Sphinx Quebec has established itself as one of the world's most attractive mining jurisdictions, ranking 6th globally (Fraser Institute press release, February 22 2018). The Quebec government has created market confidence by following a proactive approach to mining policy. Quebec's mining sector has also been encouraged by the clarity and certainty of the legal and regulatory framework adopted by its government. Sphinx is engaged in the generation and acquisition of exploration projects in Quebec with a focus on zinc. For further information, please consult Sphinx's website or contact: Jeremie Ryan President and Chief Executive Officer 819.664.2632 info@sphinxresources.ca www.sphinxresources.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and activities to vary materially from targeted results and planning. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Sphinx's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Sphinx from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Sphinx does not undertake to update any such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Sphinx Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/531501/Sphinx-Completes-the-Second-Tranche-of-a-Private-Placement-Totalling-135980 Jalan will lead a six-member committee which will review the status, need and justification of various provisions, reserves and buffers presently provided for by the RBI The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday formed an expert committee on economic capital framework led by former RBI governor Bimal Jalan to determine the amount of reserves it needs to keep and the balance it can hand over to the government. The Narendra Modi government has been insisting on a new policy for reserves held by the RBI and the distribution of dividends. Heated discussions over revamping the economic capital framework was one of the key reasons behind the sudden resignation of the former RBI Governor Urijit Patel earlier this month. Jalan will lead a six-member committee which will review the status, need and justification of various provisions, reserves and buffers presently provided for by the RBI, the central bank said in a statement. Currently, there is no agreed formula between the government and the RBI on the distribution of dividends. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has massive Rs 9.59 lakh crore reserves and the government, if reports are to be believed, wants the central bank to part with a third of that fund -- an issue which along with easing of norms for weak banks and raising liquidityhasbrought the two at loggerheads in recent weeks. Jalan's views on the issue According to Moneycontrol, Jalan has maintained that the central bank must be accountable to the government. In an interview, commenting on whether RBI contingency reserves could be used by the government, Jalan had said it would "depend on the urgency and the possible impact of the contingency fund on the financial sector." In October, the government had for the first time-ever used a provision of law to ask the RBI for resolution of differences between them on stressed loans in the power sector and other issues. Section 7 of the RBI Act gives special powers to the government to issue directions to the Reserve Bank governor on issues of public interest. Commenting on whether such a provision should exist, Jalan in an interview with The Hindu Business Line in November had said that "there is no harm in having it." Expressing his view on RBI's autonomy, Jalan had said that "within a country the ultimate authority is with Parliament as the legislator, government is the executive, and then the justice system the final authority to give a judgment." Replying to a question on whether RBI's capital reserves could be touched, Jalan told CNBC-TV18, "I dont think you should put it as capital being touched. I think its like any other institution, the RBI when it has a surplus cash or whatever they may transfer it to the government in terms of dividends as you have seen. It has capital, it has high reserves, so it can transfer to the government as it wishes in consultation with the government." The committee headed by Jalan has been given 90-days from its first meeting to complete the report. In November, the government had suggested Jalan's name while the RBI had proposed the name of its former deputy governor Rakesh Mohan to chair the panel. Mohan has been appointed as vice chairman of the committee, the RBI said in a statement on Wednesday. Members of the committee include Bharat Doshi, director, RBI board; Sudhir Mankad, director, RBI board; Subhash Chandra Garg, Economic Affairs Secretary; NS Vishwanathan, RBI deputy governor. Soon after the announcement, Jalan, who is seen as enjoying the support of the government, said he would be able to comment on a timeline once he has reviewed the terms of the panel. Having said that, Jalan's views alone will not matter. The final say will be by the committee. --With inputs from agencies The e-commerce reforms comes hot on the heels of better and improved consumer protection ushered in last week through a fresh Consumer Protection Bill 2018 passed by the Lok Sabha that also seeks to discipline online sales. The government has cracked the whip against online firms. On Wednesday, the government took a series of steps that will ban e-commerce companies from selling products from companies in which they have an equity interest. The government said in a statement that companies will also be prevented from entering into exclusive agreements with sellers. The new rules will be applicable from 1 February. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry had released Press Note No. 3 (2016 series) dated 29 March, 2016 wherein it had set out guidelines for 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment in e-commerce qualifying for automatic approval. It made it clear that 100 percent FDI under the automatic approval category is on only if marketplace model was followed as opposed to the inventory model. In inventory model, the e-commerce platform directly buys the goods, takes up complete responsibility for the goods sold thus assuring the customer that she need not take up quality and quantity issues with the anonymous seller lurking behind the formidable online seller. The Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba doesnt fight shy of proclaiming that it is following the inventory model. As against this, the American e-commerce giant Amazon and its fiercest competitor in India, Flipkart, now controlled by another American giant Wal-Mart, have been substantially following the inventory model while pretending to be following the marketplace model. Accordingly they have been escaping product and quality responsibilities, passing on the buck to the anonymous seller using its online platform besides incestuously selling their own products. The danger of selling products of firms in which the e-commerce portal has stakes is that it can make more money vis-a-vis the products of firms in which it has no equity stakes. The incestuous practice not only makes products costlier for the consumer but also puts the bricks and mortar stores out of business. Many small and medium enterprises have been of late selling through e-commerce portals fatalistically in the realization that if you cannot beat them, join them. But they lose out to competitors supported by the e-commerce portal both by way of equity stakes and otherwise. The 2016 guidelines partially tried to address the issue by drawing a clear line---under the marketplace model the e-commerce portal is prohibited from allowing its portal to a seller selling more than 25 percent of the portals total sales. In other words, the e-commerce platforms role was to enable thousands of sellers without marketing wherewithal to reach out to millions of customers. It should neither control the inventory nor influence the price. But the 2016 guideline failed to check incest, i.e. selling its own products substantially. The 25 percent limit did not deter them because they floated many such subsidiary or associate companies. Amazon runs Cloudtail India and Appario Retail, possibly the largest vendors on its platform. Flipkart has other vendors, such as RetailNet and Omnitech Retail. In any case even the 25 percent leeway is too much. The new rule to take effect from 1 February 2019 puts an end to such incestuous sales by banning even 1 percent sale of products of companies and firms in which the e-commerce company has stakes. This is as it should be. How can we say while abuse is bad, we will tolerate it so long as such abuse doesnt cross the 25 percent limit? The bottom line is, there are now two norms: 1) A 25 percent limit for sale of products of sellers in which the e-commerce platform does not have direct or indirect stakes, i.e. they are at arms length from each other; and 2) Complete ban on sale of products of sellers in which the e-commerce platform has even a minuscule direct or indirect stake. An entity having equity participation by an e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its inventory by a e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, will not be permitted to sell its products on the platform run by such a marketplace entity, the DIPP circular dated 26 December 2018 says. The second important change also taking effect from 1 February 2019 is a ban on exclusive sale on marketplace e-commerce platforms. This puts paid to flash sales that are de rigueur in Amazon and Flipkart platforms that last for an extremely short period of time mainly to sell the latest models of mobile phones. Such short duration sales make a mockery of the claim of marketplace besides bringing the website crashing down in view of the extreme pressure put on it by the online buyers falling over themselves. But then the ban is not on flash sales per se. The ban is only on exclusive sale. Thus a latest version of mobile phone can be flash sold on both Amazon and Flipkart. In order to keep a track of such compliance, a new compliance has now been introduced wherein an e-commerce portal is now required to furnish a certificate along with a report of statutory auditor to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), confirming compliance of above guidelines, by 30 September of every year for the preceding financial year. This will ensure that the RBI is completely aware of the extent of compliance by the major e-commerce players swearing by the marketplace model. The e-commerce reforms comes hot on the heels of better and improved consumer protection ushered in last week through a fresh Consumer Protection Bill 2018 passed by the Lok Sabha that also seeks to discipline online sales. This weeks e-commerce reforms is to provide a level-playing field for bricks and mortar stores by and large owned by the desis. (The author is a senior columnist and tweets @smurlidharan) The government also said that e-commerce companies will be prevented from entering into exclusive agreements with sellers. New Delhi/Mumbai: The government will ban e-commerce companies such as Amazon.com and Walmart-owned Flipkart Group from selling products from companies in which they have an equity interest. In a statement, the government also said that the companies will be prevented from entering into exclusive agreements with sellers. The new rules will be applicable from 1 February. An entity having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its inventory by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, will not be permitted to sell its products on the platform run by such marketplace entity, the commerce ministry said in a statement. E-commerce companies can make bulk purchases through their wholesale units or other group companies that in turn sell the products to select sellers, such as their affiliates or other companies with which they have agreements. Those sellers can then sell the products to other companies or direct to consumers, often at attractively low prices. The new regulations follow complaints from Indian retailers and traders, who say the giant e-commerce companies are using their control over inventory from their affiliates, and through exclusive sales agreements, to create an unfair marketplace that allows them to sell some products at very low prices. The All India Online Vendors Association (AIOVA) in October filed a petition with the anti-trust body Competition Commission of India (CCI) alleging that Amazon favours merchants that it partly owns, such as Cloudtail and Appario. The lobby group filed a similar petition against Flipkart in May, alleging violation of competition rules through preferential treatment for select sellers. Wednesdays notification also said that the cash back that customers get as an incentive while online shopping should not be based on whether the product was purchased from an affiliate of the platform or not. The new rules said that services provided to vendors on an e-commerce platform and by that entitys affiliates should be done so at arms length and in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. New rules will appease small traders and farmers who fear that US companies are making a back door entry into Indias retail market and could squeeze out small corner shops that dominate Indian retailing. The Confederation of All India Traders in a statement said that if the order is implemented in full then malpractices, predatory pricing policies and deep discounting by e-commerce players will no longer occur. CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said the new rules will put an embargo on the tactics adopted by the global players to control and dominate retail trade in India through e-commerce. In May, CAIT had raised objections to Walmarts $16 billion acquisition of Flipkart saying the deal would create unfair competition and result in predatory pricing. The new regulations build on existing rules under which foreign investors can acquire 100 percent of e-commerce companies, with the exception of a model based on inventory from which they are barred. Amazon India said it is currently evaluating the new rules, while Flipkart did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It is clear that we are not really looking for a permanent solution and addressing the problem through piecemeal measures that have a good announcement impact. Agriculture has always been a potentially stressed sector which catches attention only when it has an adverse impact on either price when there is a production shortfall or more recently when the elections results are swung by the perceived voting pattern of farmers. It is hence quite ironical to see how every government and agency are talking about addressing an issue of the farmers which is actually historical and has only been addressed in a piecemeal fashion in the last seven decades. The issue at hand is the following: The government has announced higher minimum support prices (MSPs) for kharif crops this season. However, for most crops including pulses, oilseeds, coarse grains and some cash crops, market prices are much lower than the MSP and farmers perforce had sold at these low prices as there were no buyers at the MSP. It cannot be called failure on the part of the government to make this happen because it does not have a machinery to procure anything except rice and wheat which is through the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Therefore, there is nothing new about this. In the last two years, the price of tur crashed in the market due to over production and farmers got lower prices. This happens regularly for onions, potatoes and tomatoes. As a result farmers are unable to service their loans and hence there is distress which has manifested in a negative vote during the elections. The result is that everyone is talking of being with the farmer. State governments have announced aggressive farm loan waiver schemes and there is now a talk of allowing higher credit limits free of collateral on Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) beyond Rs 2 lakh. Also loans given to farmers should now get some leniency when being classified as a non-performing asset (NPA). Another suggestion is to give more subventions on interest being regularly paid by the farmers so that there is incentive to pay interest. Others are talking of widening the scope of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). All these suggestions are not new and have been enforced at different points of time. What makes it unique is that there is an all-out effort to address all the financial strains of farmers at one shot. But is this the solution? Prima facie there is nothing wrong in this approach as farmers need to be supported. If we are providing support to large corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the loan space by various adjustments and changes in rules, the same can be done for farmers too. This is the biggest challenge faced by the banking system, which is continuously used by extraneous factors to dilute the spirit of banking. There are always compelling reasons given to make exceptions and while doing so time and again we realise that there are more exceptions than the rule. The result is there for us to see in the form of high NPAs which went under the name of restructured assets for a long time before coming into this classification which is now around 12% of total advances. The justification given is that since the NPAs in the SMEs are lower than those of large corporates, we can relax the norms and as farm loans are better than SMEs, we can forgive here too. This is one of the reasons why Indian banking especially public sector banks (PSBs) does not have much independence in operations. Financial stress comes from not earning enough in the markets or crops failing. When a crop fails, it is understandable that the farmer cannot repay the loan. This has happened for cotton and oilseeds to an extent this year. The logical question is that in case the PMFBY was operative, it should have ideally covered all such losses. Clearly this is not the case and the scheme has not been a success. Logically every farm loan should be covered automatically by the insurance under the PMFBY where the government can pay its part of the premium and the farmers share can be deducted from the principal given. This is simple and straight forward and should be done immediately to protect the farmer from the volumetric risk. The issue of price is ticklish. The MSP does not make sense and is only idle sound made especially when there is no buyer. The government cannot force any private party to buy soybean at the MSP. Instead, the solution is to use the futures market and get the farmer to hedge the price in advance and enable delivery so that there is full cover provided to his produce. With there being a lot of indecisiveness on the futures market, most products have been banned and hence, there is no option for farmers. A lot has been done by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to get the farmers to hedge which is actually a market solution. The success is limited. If these two objectives are satisfied, farming will be on a strong footing. Instead of having these stop gap measures of giving subventions on interest for those who pay their interest commitment or write off loans, the same amount should be used for hedging and to begin with the state government should get involved as this is the only way out. Banks today get even more vulnerable giving more loans against the KCC without collateral as there is a perverse incentive to default. Loan waivers carry the usual risk of moral hazard and often banks are not allowed to claim from the government which is busy matching its fiscal deficit and deferring such payments. Therefore, these announcements are good to hear before the elections but would be forgotten once the votes are cast. It is not surprising that the actual amount of loans waived over the years are not more than 50-60% of what is announced and is also spread over a period of 3-4 years. Admittedly, there are issues in identifying the beneficiaries as there tend to be a large number of bogus claims. It is clear that we are not really looking for a permanent solution and addressing the problem through piecemeal measures that have a good announcement impact. All the government schemes must be integrated so that the sector is made more resilient. Besides, while a lot of talk is on bank loans, a large part which could be 30-40% of the requirements is still being met by moneylenders and landlords that are not covered. Integrating all the reforms from pre-harvest to post-harvest marketing is the solution. It is a no-brainer actually because the issues are well-known and have been debated for solutions for several years now. The problem is we like to address them in a piecemeal fashion and hence have lost the plot completely. The latest noises made on the sector are just a part of this mindset. (The writer is Chief Economist, CARE Ratings) There are allegations of involvement of former ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar and her family members in a loan provided to Videocon Group on a quid pro quo basis. New Delhi: The Corporate Affairs Ministry's inspection of the books of six companies linked to the ICICI Bank controversy is at an "advanced stage", according to a senior official. On 23 April, the ministry ordered inspection of six companies, including NuPower Renewables. There are allegations of involvement of former ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar and her family members in a loan provided to Videocon Group on a quid pro quo basis. It was alleged that Videocon pumped money into NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar, husband of Chanda Kochhar. Amid the raging controversy, Chanda Kochhar stepped down as the bank's Managing Director and CEO in October. When asked about the inspection of the six companies with regard to the ICICI Bank controversy, Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas said it is at a "very advanced stage". The inspection is being carried out by the Regional Director (Western Region) under Section 206 (5) of the Companies Act, 2013. "I think they (RD) have completed their inquiries, they have taken the depositions from whomever they want to take and I think they are preparing the report," he told PTI. Section 206 provides powers to call for information, inspect books and conduct inquiries. As per Section 206 (5), the central government may, if it is satisfied that the circumstances so warrant, direct inspection of books and papers of a company by an inspector appointed by it for the purpose. The North Korean Council of Religionists, which includes all officially recognised religions, sent a video with a message of peace and prosperity to its South Korean brothers and sisters, walking hand in hand towards peace and unification, filled with blessings by Christ the Lord. Seoul (AsiaNews) Representatives of North Koreas five authorised religions have sent a very rare video to wish Merry Christmas to South Korean Christians. The North Korean Council of Religionists, which includes Buddhists, Muslims, Taoists, Catholics and Protestants, sent wishes of peace and prosperity to their "South Korean brothers and sisters" and urged them to walk together, hand in hand towards peace and unification". The video starts with a series of pictures of Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and photos of this years North-South Korean summits. This is followed by a brief speech by the head of the Council. "I send congratulatory and peaceful greetings for Christmas to South Korean brothers and sisters," says Kang Ji-young. The message goes on to say, We hope North and South Korean religionists, who go hand in hand towards peace and unification, filled with blessings by Christ the Lord. Approved by the South Korea Unification Ministry, the video was delivered to the South Korean Commission on Faith and Order of Korean Churches. In North Korea, the cult of the late Kim Jong-Il and his father Kim Il-Sung is the only form of worship allowed. The regime has always tried to stop religious activities, especially Buddhism and Christianity, and requires religious believers to register with Party-controlled organisations. Anyone who is not registered or engages in missionary activities is liable for brutal repression. Since the establishment of the Communist regime in 1953, about 300,000 Christians have gone missing. All priests and nuns have suffered the same fate, killed during the persecution. Religious believers were forced into long death marches, resulting in the death of the last men and women religious. In North Korea, the authorities have categorised society into 51 social groups. Those who engage in religious activities outside government control are at the bottom of the hierarchy with fewer educational and employment opportunities than others, denied food subsidies and constantly brutalised. North Korea claims that its constitution guarantees freedom of religion. According to official government data, the country has some 10,000 Buddhists, 10,000 Protestants and 4,000 Catholics, i.e. only the people who are members of recognised associations. There are three churches in Pyongyang, two Protestant and one Catholic, built in the 1980s. In 2006, thanks to the good offices of the Russian embassy in North Korea, the authorities allowed the construction of an Orthodox church. According to people who have visited some of these churches, only regime propaganda is allowed in them. The so-called priests in charge compare the "Dear leader" Kim Jong-Il to a demigod. The only Catholic church has no priest but a group prayer is held once a week. While the December-January period is usually the rice harvest season, this year, there has been a delay in harvesting in some parts of the country, a trader in Bangkok said. Bengaluru: Rice export prices in India rose for a second straight week to the highest in four months on higher procurement costs for paddy, while Thai rates eased with no fresh demand in sight. Top exporter Indias 5 percent broken parboiled variety was quoted around $378-$384 per tonne this week, up from last weeks $375-$382. The central state of Chhattisgarh, a leading rice producer, recently raised minimum paddy buying price to 2,500 rupees per 100 kg from Rs 1,750 earlier. Demand is negligible due to higher prices and as most traders are on vacation, said an exporter based at Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, neighbouring Bangladesh, which became a major rice importer in 2017 after floods depleted domestic stocks, has dropped a plan to buy 700,000 tonnes of the staple in the year to June 2019, a food ministry official said. We had kept a budget for imports of 700,000 tonnes as a precaution, but fortunately, we wont need to go for international markets as production improved this year. The countrys production for 2018/19 is expected to recover to 34.7 million tonnes, up 6.3 percent year-on-year, according to estimates from the US department of agriculture attache in Bangladesh. In Thailand, benchmark 5-percent broken rice prices eased to $380-$390 per tonne, free on board Bangkok, from $390-$391 last week, due to the lack of fresh demand in the market, which is expected to remain quiet until after the new year period, traders said. While the December-January period is usually the rice harvest season, this year, there has been a delay in harvesting in some parts of the country, a trader in Bangkok said. Supply will gradually increase in early February and that could push down the price further if there is no fresh demand. In Vietnam, rates for 5 percent broken rice were unchanged at $385 a tonne. Trade is very slow amid the holiday season and I think it wont pick up until March, when output of the winter-spring crop is available, said a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City. Though domestic inventory is nearly empty, I dont think price can go up in the short term due to weak demand. It may even go down in the coming months due to Chinas move to limit shipments from Vietnam. Vietnams rice shipments to China in the first 11 months of this year fell 40 percent from a year earlier to 1.3 million tonnes, state media reported, citing Nguyen Ngoc Nam, chairman of Vietnam Food Association. China has put a cap on the number of Vietnamese companies eligible to export rice to China at 21, and Vietnam is asking China to add more firms to the list, reported the Nong Nghiep Vietnam newspaper. Oil prices reached multi-year highs in early October but have fallen almost 40 percent since then and are now approaching their lowest levels for 18 months. London: Oil prices fell more than 1 percent on Thursday after rebounding 8 percent in the previous session, as worries over a glut in crude supply and concerns over a faltering global economy pressured prices even as a stock market surge offered support. Brent crude oil was down 70 cents, or 1.3 percent, at $53.77 a barrel. US light crude oil was 50 cents lower at $45.72. Oil prices reached multi-year highs in early October but have fallen almost 40 percent since then and are now approaching their lowest levels for 18 months. Brent is heading for losses of almost 30 percent this year while the US contract has dropped almost 25 percent. Three months ago it looked as if the global oil market would be under-supplied through the northern hemisphere winter as US sanctions removed large volumes of Iranian crude. But other oil exporters have more than compensated for any shortfall, filling global inventories and depressing prices. The fuel glut has combined with faltering investor sentiment in other asset classes, producing a bear market for oil. Global stocks rebounded on Wednesday after US President Donald Trumps administration attempted to shore up investor confidence and a report on strong US holiday spending. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) met earlier this month with other producers including Russia and agreed to reduce output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd), equivalent to more than 1 percent of global consumption. But the cuts wont take effect until next month and oil production has been at or near record highs in the United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia, with the US pumping 11.6 million bpd of crude, more than both Saudi Arabia and Russia. Although US sanctions have put a cap on Irans oil sales, Tehran has said its private exporters have no problems selling its oil. Markets need more concrete evidence on improving fundamental metrics and to bring the supply-demand relationship back to balance before oil prices can reach a real bottom, said Margaret Yang, market analyst for CMC Markets. Data on the US market will appear in the next couple of days with figures from the American Petroleum Institute on Thursday and a report from the US Energy Information Administration on Friday. A Reuters survey estimated that US crude inventories dropped 2.7 million barrels in the week to 21 December. On 20 December, the PFC's board gave in-principle approval to the acquisition of the REC, it said. New Delhi: Allaying investors' concerns over acquisition of the government's stake in Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), Power Finance Corporation (PFC) on Thursday said it has not decided on definitive pricing of the deal and its impact cannot be assessed at this stage. "Currently, PFC has not agreed to a definitive pricing for acquiring government's stake in REC, and the figures being discussed in various media reports are purely speculative in nature. The actual transaction price will be known once the modalities of the deal are decided by PFC in discussion with the government and in compliance with applicable law," PFC said in a BSE filing. The company has been receiving queries from various investors regarding capital adequacy subsequent to the transaction. In this regard the PFC said,"Considering the fact that a concrete transaction structure is not yet in place, the probable impact it would have on our capital and other financial ratios cannot be assessed at this stage. "Having said that, we would like to assure investors that PFC will make all necessary efforts to maintain its capital adequacy at all times, as per the limits prescribed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI)." On concerns related to potential merger of the REC with the PFC subsequent to the acquisition, the PFC said no decision has been taken yet in this regard. "Presently, the focus is on completing the acquisition process and further steps will be taken as deemed necessary by PFC in consultation with the Ministry of Power/government and in compliance with applicable law," it said. The company also informed that as per its understanding, the government wants to conclude this transaction by March 31, 2019. On 20 December, the PFC's board gave in-principle approval to the acquisition of the REC, it said. The proposed acquisition got the Cabinet nod earlier this month. As per the proposal, the PFC will buy government's entire 52.63 percent stake in the REC along with taking over the management control. On the PFC being placed on credit watch by rating agencies, it said it is a regular process and principal reason to place the PFC on credit watch is the uncertainty at the moment around the pricing and financing structure/plan for the deal, and its impact on financial parameters of the PFC. Traders' body CAIT on Wednesday welcomed the government's move to tighten norms for sale of products by e-commerce firms but demanded the introduction of an e-commerce policy and regulator to monitor the sector. New Delhi: Traders' body CAIT on Wednesday welcomed the government's move to tighten norms for sale of products by e-commerce firms but demanded the introduction of an e-commerce policy and regulator to monitor the sector. "It is a big achievement after a long struggle. If it is implemented in proper spirit, mal-practices and predatory pricing policy and deep discounting of e-commerce players will be a matter of past," Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said. The government on Wednesday took a host of steps and barred e-commerce firms from selling products of the companies in which they have equity stakes or management control. The commerce and industry ministry also prohibited e-commerce companies from entering into an agreement for the exclusive sale of products. Khandelwal said measures announced by the government should be implemented with retrospective effect from 1 April, 2018. "An entity having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its inventory by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, will not be permitted to sell its products on the platform run by such marketplace entity," the ministry said. The minister of state for civil aviation said that Air India has planned to monetise its unutilised and surplus immovable real estate assets over the next few years. New Delhi: The government has prepared a revival plan for Air India that provides for a comprehensive financial package, differentiated strategies for each of the airline's core businesses and robust organisational reforms, Union minister Jayant Sinha said on Thursday. Various initiatives to turnaround the national carrier, which is staying afloat on a bailout package extended by the previous government, including monetisation of real estate assets are progressing. Sinha told the Lok Sabha that the government has prepared a revival plan for Air India which focuses on building a competitive and profitable airline group. A comprehensive financial package, including transfer of non-core debt and assets to a special purpose vehicle, implementation of a robust organisational and governance reforms by the board and differentiated business strategies for each of the core businesses of Air India are part of the plan. "Higher levels of operational efficiency by strengthening management and implementing best business processes," are among the major elements of the plan, Sinha said. The minister of state for civil aviation also said that Air India has planned to monetise its unutilised and surplus immovable real estate assets over the next few years. "Till date, Air India has realised an amount of Rs 410 crore through sale of its non-core assets in various cities in India and abroad." "Air India has also realised a rental income of Rs 314 crore approximately," he said during the Question Hour. The minister also said that amount of revenue likely to be generated from monetisation of land and properties depends on the bid process and subject to no-objection certificates from authorities concerned. Air India is estimated to have a debt worth over Rs 55,000 crore. With 93 attacks as of 26 December, the year 2018 saw the most hate crimes motivated by religious bias in India in a decade. In 2018, 30 people were killed the highest number since 2009 and at least 305 were injured in such attacks. Mumbai: With 93 attacks as of 26 December, the year 2018 saw the most hate crimes motivated by religious bias in India in a decade, according to Hate Crime Watch, a multi-organisation effort steered by FactChecker.in, in collaboration with Aman Biradari a peoples campaign for secularism, justice and compassion based in New Delhi and NewsClick.in a public-interest journalism non-profit. In 75 percent of these incidents, minorities were victims. In 2018, 30 people were killed the highest number since 2009 and at least 305 were injured in such attacks. While the year 2018 recorded one death more than the previous year, which had 29 deaths, there were over twice as many non-fatal injuries in 2018 compared to the previous year. Hate Crime Watch does not aspire to be an exhaustive record of all hate crimes in the country. We are merely hoping to document the rising incidence, and any related patterns that emerge, so that the state takes notice and begins documenting such crimes. Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of such attacks (27), followed by Bihar (10), which has a coalition government of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United). Rajasthan and Gujarat both under BJP governments at the time and Karnataka, which has a coalition government of the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular), followed with seven incidents each. Hate Crime In 2018, By State Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan had four deaths each in such attacks. Karnataka and BJP-run Jharkhand followed with three deaths each. In 3 of 4 incidents this year, victims were minorities Of 81 incidents in 2018 in which the religion of the victim was known, 60 percent (49 attacks) involved Muslim victims and 14 percent Christians. A Sikh was the victim in one incident. This means that minorities were victims in 75 percent incidents in 2018. Hindus were the victims in 25 percent or 20 attacks this year, our database shows. In all, Hate Crime Watch has recorded 280 incidents since 2009 the start point of the database leading to 100 deaths and at least 692 injured. Overall, since 2009, Muslims, accounting for 14 percent of the population, were the victims in 66 percent attacks. Christians, accounting for 2 percent of the population, were victims in 17 percent attacks, and Hindus, accounting for 80 percent of the population, were victims in 16 percent of the incidents. In 32 cases (11 percent), the religion of the victim was not reported. In 2018, 3 in 5 killed in religious-bias-motivated hate crime were Muslim In 2018, of the 30 deaths recorded in hate crimes motivated by religion, 60 percent or 18 victims were Muslim, 33 percent or 10 victims were Hindu and 7 percent or two victims were Christian. Overall, since 2009, of 100 persons killed in such attacks, 65 were Muslim, 27 were Hindu and four were Christian, our data showed. Of 63 attacks in 2018 where the religion of alleged perpetrators was known, 45 attacks (71 percent) involved Hindus as alleged perpetrators and 17 attacks (27 percent) involved Muslims. Overall, since 2009, 156 of 191 attacks (82 percent) involved Hindus as alleged perpetrators, and 33 attacks (17 percent) involved Muslims. The religion of the alleged perpetrators was not reported in 89 cases. Communal clashes account for 25 percent hate crime incidents in 2018 highest ever One in four incidents of hate crime sparked by religious bias this year was a communal clash, our analysis showed. While interfaith relationships were the pretext of attack in 16 cases (17 percent), 14 cases (15 percent) were under the pretext of cow protection. In 24 cases (26 percent), the pretext for the attack was unclearthey involved incidents such as vandalism at religious shrines and attacks with no apparent provocation, while some others listed reasons such as allegations of theft, and revenge. We listed the pretext for these incidents as Other. Overall, since 2009, 75 attacks (27 percent) were under the pretext of cow protection, 40 attacks (14 percent) were under the pretext of interfaith relationships and 26 attacks (9 percent) were under the pretext of religious conversion. This article first appeared on Factchecker.in The injured students have been shifted to a hospital. No casualties have been reported so far. In yet another bus accident in Himachal Pradesh, 35 students of a local computer training centre were injured after the bus in which they were travelling overturned in Jawali sub-division of Kangra district on Thursday morning. No casualties have been reported so far. The students were on their way to Police Grounds, Dharamshala, to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Jan Abhar Rally' which is being organised to mark the first anniversary of BJP government in the state. Among the injured, the condition of five is stated to be critical and they have been admitted to hospital, a district official told PTI. The incident comes a day after four tourists from Haryana were killed and two injured after their car fell into a 200-metre-deep gorge in Theog tehsil of the state. #HimachalPradesh: 35 students injured in school bus accident near Lunj in Kangra; injured students admitted to a hospital pic.twitter.com/ctng6b8sMa ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 Thursday's accident took place months after 30 people, including 27 school children, were killed when a private bus fell into a gorge in Kangra district on 9 April, 2018. Around 45 students of Wazir Ram Singh Pathania Memorial Public School were returning home when the bus skidded off road and fell into the 100-feet deep gorge near Gurchal village on the Nurpur-Chamba road, some 300 km from the state capital. All the dead students were below the age of 10. The bus driver and two teachers were also among the dead. The state, in November 2018, had banned plying of school buses older than 15 years. The age of drivers was also fixed to 60 years and she or he has to undergo eye check-up every year. With inputs from agencies In a notification, the Registrar General of India said the decision has been taken as the exercise to enumerate citizens in the NRC, a list of Assam's residents, could not be completed within the specified date of 31 December, 2018 New Delhi: The Centre has given an extension of six months to complete the ongoing exercise for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam by 30 June. In a notification, the Registrar General of India said the decision has been taken as the exercise to enumerate citizens in the NRC, a list of Assam's residents, could not be completed within the specified date of 31 December, 2018. "The central government has considered it necessary and expedient in the public interest to complete the said enumeration in connection with the updation of the National Register of Citizens, 1951, by the 30th day of June, 2019," the notification, issued by Registrar General of India, Sailesh, said. On 6 December, 2013, the government had issued the first notification setting a deadline of three years for completion of the entire NRC process. However, since then, five extensions were given by the government in regular intervals as the exercise has not yet been completed. "Now, therefore, pursuant to the provisions of sub-rule (3) of rule 4A of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003 and in supersession of the notification number S.O.3715(E), dated the 30th July, 2018, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Registrar General of Citizen Registration, hereby, notifies that the enumeration in connection with the updation of the National Register of Citizens, 1951, in respect of the State of Assam shall be completed within the period ending on the 30th day of June, 2019," the notification said. The draft NRC was published on 30 July, 2018 and included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total 3.29 crore applications. There has been a huge controversy over the exclusion of 40 lakh people from the draft NRC. The current process of claims and objections to the draft NRC will come to an end on 31 December and after that the final list is expected to be published. For the claims and objections process, forms are available in 2,500 Seva Kendras in Assam, where people can file their appeal in their respective areas. People can file corrections to their names that are in the draft and also raise objections against suspected foreigners. The Supreme Court-monitored NRC exercise, aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh, was carried out only in Assam, which faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century. When the NRC was first prepared in Assam way back in 1951, the state had 80 lakh citizens. According to the 2011 census, Assam's total population is over 3.11 crore. The process of identification of illegal immigrants in the state has been widely debated and become a contentious issue in state politics. A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the All Assam Students Union in 1979. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on 15 August, 1985, in presence of then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. There is no doubt that this $1-billion industry needs to be regulated, but banning commercial surrogacy entirely might not be the way. We were married for 18 years, but we remained childless. My wife conceived multiple times but she was not able to hold the baby in her weak womb. However, we were blessed with twins once, but they were born premature and unfortunately, survived only for six months. All our hopes were lost. We opted for surrogacy and our baby girl arrived 17 months ago. She looks just like me. Money couldnt have bought us this happiness, said a Bengaluru-based businessman who wished to keep his identity anonymous. Another working mother from Chennai who opted for commercial surrogacy revealed that she developed a bond with the surrogate mother who carried her twins, including taking full responsibility of her health during and after the pregnancy. I tried IVF more than five times and spent a ton of money but nothing worked out for me. We then decided to hire a surrogacy lawyer who helped us through the process, she said. As of now, surrogacies involve a contract and the clauses are legally binding. The surrogate mother who carried our twins was already a mother of two. We gave her an apartment to stay. In January, we were blessed with twins. I keep sharing pictures of the babies with her. We will be taking care of the education of her children for the rest of our lives, she added. She is happy about becoming a mother, before the Lok Sabha passed the new Bill, banning commercial surrogacy. The anonymity that the couples who opt for commercial surrogacy have enjoyed until now will end. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 recently passed in the Lok Sabha allows only altruistic surrogacy and that too for couples who have been legally married for five years. With that, the surrogate has to be a close relative of the couple and also has to be a married woman. The Bill bans commercial surrogacy altogether and prohibits single persons, divorcees, widowed, live-in and homosexual couples, even married couples with children, from taking this method. Now, the question is, in a society like ours where infertility is nothing short of taboo, can womb-sharing between close relatives become a reality? Unlike Bollywood celebrities like Tusshar Kapoor and Karan Johar who proudly share that they opted for surrogacy for the privilege of parenthood, others think of surrogacy as a last resort, when channels like IVF fail. The Bill was first tabled in the Lok Sabha on 21 November 2016 and was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in January 2017. The committee in its report had made several recommendations, but these can hardly be seen in the Bill that the Lower House of Parliament approved. To start with, one of the most debateable clauses of the new Bill is that it requires the surrogate to be a close relative. The committee in its report too had recommended the removal of this clause and had said that limiting the practice of surrogacy to close relatives is not only non-pragmatic and unworkable but also is not in connection with the main objective of the Bill, which is to stop the exploitation of surrogates. But then, how will it be ensured that a woman is not exploited/pressurised in the family? Can it be assured that in the cases of altruistic surrogacy, a woman who will share the womb for the contentment of another woman of the family is out of choice and not out of coercion? A pregnancy involves 9 months of somebodys life, as also physical pain and emotions. Even if a woman does this out of choice, what will be her emotional response to see her baby growing on a regular basis, and will it not impact the life of a child? Hari G Ramasubramanian, Chief Consultant at Indian Surrogacy Law Centre, Chennai said that the Bill claims to protect the rights of women, a claim which he feels is ridiculous. He also noted that the concept of surrogacy is received in a very negative sense in the Bill. By permitting only altruistic surrogacy, the commercial dynamic involved in the process is removed. And this will only oppress the women for not doing what they can do, he said. Ramasubramanian also explained that India has an infertility rate of eight percent, and there is a significant demand for Indian surrogate mothers. What this will lead to is more of black-marketing. At present, there is a proper surrogacy agreement between the surrogate mother and the intending couple, in which the compensation, transfer of parental rights and everything else is mentioned, he added. Dr Nayana Patel, Surrogacy and Infertility Expert at Akanksha Hospital and Research Centre, Gujarat said that at the very outset, we must learn to call it compensatory surrogacy and not commercial surrogacy, for what a surrogate mother does for any couple who wishes to have a child can in no shape or form be remunerated. Even in our daily lives, we dont want to take a small favour from anybody and if we do, we try to return the favour in whatever way we can. Then why not compensate a surrogate who has carried your greatest happiness in her womb for nine months? I have delivered close to 1,400 babies through surrogacy and in those, there were merely 25-30 cases of altruistic surrogacy. Couples dont even let their nearest family members know that theyre opting for surrogacy. The new bill completely misses out on the critical aspect of privacy. Allowing only the altruistic form of surrogacy will increase the cases of exploitation of close relatives, and can escalate underground surrogacies she explained. Another distressing clause is that of a five-year time bar, and this can increase hardships of intending parents. The committee has termed it arbitrary, discriminatory and without any definable logic and has recommended to replace it with a one-year period. The five- year waiting period is a breach of basic fundamental right to reproduction and the right to privacy. Given the change in lifestyles and the rise in late marriages, when people well into their 30s or even 40s choose to settle down, a five-year wait can affect the quality of gametes and diminish the chances of children being born through surrogacy. And in cases of a health ailment, such as the absence of a uterus, damage or removal of uterus, fibroid etc, what would be the rationale of waiting even for a year? Dr Patel speaks of the possibility of a woman who had her uterus removed getting married at the age of 35. Why should she be made to wait for five years to be a mother?, he asked. There is no doubt that this $1-billion industry needs to be regulated, but banning commercial surrogacy entirely might not be the way. It could have been substituted with something like ethical surrogacy, with stringent laws and clauses both for prospective parents and surrogates, and an approach which takes into account the desires of infertile couples who wish to become parents and also seek secrecy. Banning commercial surrogacy puts a full stop to the hopes of couples who are not willing to or who cannot opt for altruistic surrogacy, making their personal problems known to those who know them. The 102nd parliamentary report stated that that there is no doubt that as of today, there is potential for exploitation and the surrogacy model that exists today can and does exploit surrogate women. But this potential for exploitation is linked to the lack of regulatory oversight and lack of legal protection to the surrogate and can be minimised through adequate legislative norm-setting. It also made a point that if many impoverished women are able to provide their children with education, construct a home, start a small business, etc. by resorting to surrogacy, there is no reason to take this away. Neither the couples nor the surrogates opt for surrogacy out of choice. Both the parties have their own set of necessities; a baby for the prospective parents and money for the surrogate mother. But instead of addressing the exploitation and making it easier and regulated for both the parties, the bill brings surrogacy to a standstill. The bill prohibits homosexual couples to attain parenthood through surrogacy. LGBT rights activist Kalki Subramaniam said, Even though the Supreme Court has recently decriminalised Section 377 of the IPC, giving us equal rights, the society is not yet ready to accept us and this bill is a perfect example of that. Why this discrimination? Why cant we have a family of our own? Many of us are already deprived of family in lives, as our parents abandon us on knowing our sexual choices. Surrogacy is one way for us to procreate and have a child of our own but this bill has diminished our wish of a family. The meeting followed the opposition party's loss in Jasdan Assembly by-election. Speaking to the media later, many of those who attended the meeting hit out at state Congress chief Amit Chavda without naming him. Ahmedabad: Several disgruntled Congress leaders and legislators met at the residence of senior leader Arjun Modhwadia in Ahmedabad late Wednesday night and expressed dissatisfaction about the party's state leadership. The meeting followed the opposition party's loss in Jasdan Assembly by-election. Speaking to the media later, many of those who attended the meeting hit out at state Congress chief Amit Chavda without naming him. Those present at Modhwadia's house included MLAs Alpesh Thakor and Shailesh Parmar, former Lok Sabha member Dinsha Patel, former Rajya Sabha members Raju Parmar and Sagar Rayka and former state unit chief Siddharth Patel. Alpesh Thakor told reporters that the meeting was aimed at drawing the high command's attention to "some lacuna" in the state leadership. "We strongly believe that importance should be given to experienced, committed and strong leaders who are known as mass leaders and who are fighting for people. We will communicate this to the central leadership," he said. Without naming Chavda who is related to former state Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki, Thakor said a person is known by his work and not by the position he holds. "A person in a high post should take along every worker. The leadership has to do justice to all. But there exists some lacuna. We want to correct it," Thakor added. Modhwadia said the meeting was meant to bring "capable" workers in the "mainstream" ahead of 2019 elections. "Since Lok Sabha polls are around the corner, we want to bring capable workers in the mainstream of party affairs. I am confident that the party will take this positively," Modhwadia told PTI. "Due to (Congress chief) Rahul Gandhi's efforts, we came close to victory in Assembly polls. But we lost eventually. So some of my friends decided to meet to find ways to bring about a change and find out shortcomings at the block level which led to our defeat," said the senior leader. Another senior leader and MLA Shailesh Parmar said the meeting's purpose was to "strengthen" the party. "We had gathered to discuss if there are any shortcomings at the higher level and make a representation to the party leadership about the same," said former Union minister Dinsha Patel. The Congress recently lost a by-election at Jasdan in Rajkot district, a party stronghold. Kunvarji Bavaliya, the Congress MLA who joined the BJP, won on BJP's ticket. by Vladimir Rozanskij Russia could become the protector of the country and of Christians. But in the meantime international powers - such as Britain and France - and regional powers - like Turkey and Israel - are claiming areas of influence, opening up new fronts of confrontation and insecurity for its population and Syria. Two days ago Israeli aircraft attacked a Syrian military base in Qatifah, about 40 km northeast of Damascus. Moscow (AsiaNews) - President Donald Trump's annnouncement of the withdrawal of US troops from Syria has handed the role of main defender of the nation and protecter of Christians in the Middle East. But it also creates an imbalance that gives space to international powers - such as Britain and France - and regional powers - like Turkey and Israel - to establish and claim areas of influence, opening new fronts of confrontation and insecurity for the country and its population. Two days ago Israeli aircraft attacked a Syrian military base in Qatifah, about 40 km northeast of Damascus (see photo). Tel Aviv responded with silence to the charges laid by the Syrian government and the criticism of Moscow. An anonymous Israeli security official confirmed the raids yesterday evening, saying that they were targeting some Iranian weapons depots destined for Hezbollah. Yesterday, Russia criticized the aerial bombardments, saying that they put some civilian flights at risk. Moscow did not specify which flights, but said that one of them had to make an emergency landing in Beirut and another in Damascus. The situation in Syria is again uncertain and full of concerns. The announcement of US President Donald Trump on the "definitive victory" over ISIS, and the withdrawal of American troops, makes Christmas this year a time to ask whether it is really appropriate to celebrate triumph, or instead prepare for new torments. The celebrations of Christians are rather varied and staggered; in Syria there is little more than 1.5 million Christians (almost 10% of the total population), which belong to different rites and traditions. The Syrian land preserves the memory of primitive Christianity, being the theater of the first great apostolic mission, that of St. Paul and of St. Peter himself. The ancient capital of Antioch could have competed with Rome, as the primatial seat of the universal Church, after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans at the end of the first century. The tradition of the "Syrian fathers" constitutes the true ancient Christian East, whereas Greeks and Latins were the two "Western" variants. It is the culture closest to the Semitic origins of Jesus and the apostles, today witnessed by Catholics and Orthodox, but also and above all by the most eastern rites of the Chaldeans, Jacobites, Armenians and others. Among the many victims of the war of recent years between the so-called "Islamic State" and the various opposing powers (United States, France, Turkey, Russia), Christians are among those who have suffered most, ending up between the anvil of extremists and the hammer of the government. Their presence in the region is strongly at risk, so much so that it pushed the Orthodox patriarch of Moscow Kirill to accept the historic meeting with Pope Francis in Havana, in February 2016, precisely to join forces in defense of the Christians of Syria and Iraq. The disappearance of Christianity in Syria, in addition to the martyrdom of many, would in fact constitute an irreparable loss for the whole Christian world. The Christians are not alone in their concern for the departure of thousands of US special forces soldiers, with the many artillery and territory control bodies. The main allies of the Americans, the Syrian Kurds, are now alone to face the possible invasion of the Turks, their historical adversaries. Moreover, Trump's decision is not accompanied by the pacification of the region, where there are pockets of terrorists led by the unknowable leader Al-Baghdadi. The Americans, together with their allies, currently control a little more than a quarter of the Syrian territory, torn from ISIS in recent years, dividing it from the rest of the country by tacit agreement with Russia, the other power present in Syria. An agreement, moreover, that is rather precarious: not infrequently there were isolated conflicts between the "Americans" and the "Russians", even with episodes of armed conflict. Russia along with the Syrian government, which it supported, has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of American troops from the country, since "no one invited them". Americans have always responded that they were acting on the principle of self-defense, in the war against Islamic terrorism, annihilating anyone who tried to enter the territory controlled by them. Trump's decision therefore seems to be a total transfer of control to Russia, even as the Kurdish allies are attempting a last assault on the Isis stronghold, between the Euphrates River and the Iranian border, where Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi himself is believed to be in hiding. Trump would have recognized the inability of the Americans to finish this job, leaving him in the hands of the Russians and the Syrians. In the north, the Turks are pressing, eager to take control of the Kurdish lands. The Western allies, Europeans and Israel, immediately protested against the "retreat" announced by Trump, while the Kurdish representatives spoke of "stabbing in the back". Only the Turkish president Erdogan praised the American decision, taken immediately after a phone call between Trump and Erdogan himself. The British and French have announced that they will remain in the area until the final defeat of ISIS, but their contingents are too limited to hope to be able to dominate the situation, even if at least the support of the American airforce should remain. The only possibility of avoiding a Turkish invasion of Kurdistan, in reality, would be the extension of the Russian protectorate to the entire Syrian territory, which has always been Putin's goal. This would sanction the centrality of Russia as a decisive superpower for the world balance, returning to the splendor of Soviet times. For international balances this could prove to be a big problem, but the Christians of Syria would certainly be grateful, willingly recognizing Russia as the title of "first global Christian power" , suspended between East and West. A first information report (FIR) has been filed against the Unnao rape survivor, her mother and uncle in the Unnao rape case against a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar. A first information report (FIR) has been filed against the Unnao rape survivor, her mother and uncle for falsely reporting the survivor was a minor at the time of the incident. A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar and some of his aides are facing charges of rape and criminal intimidation in the case. A separate case of murder had also been registered after the MLA's brother and some of his aides beat the victim's father to death. The fresh FIR against the survivor and her family lists charges of fraud, forgery and tampering with documents to frame innocent people. The FIR was registered at Unnao's Makhi police station on Sunday, following a local courts directives, reported The Hindustan Times. The complaint was filed by Haripal Singh, whose wife Shashi Singh and son Shubham Singh were accused in the FIR lodged in connection with the rape. Shashi allegedly took the victim to Sengar on the day of the crime. The complainant alleged that the survivor and her family members forged the documents submitted to police to prove that the victim was a minor. Station House Officer (SHO) of Makhi police station Dinesh Mishra told The Indian Express, "In his complaint, Haripal Singh has alleged that the rape victim, her mother and uncle prepared a forged school transfer certificate of the victim using fake signatures and stamp of the principal and Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) of Rae Bareli district. The FIR was lodged on charges including cheating by personation, cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, forgery for purpose of cheating and using as genuine a forged document." The mother and son, along with Sengar and eight others, were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April and have been in jail since. The case came to light in April this year when the survivor tried to immolate herself outside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths residence, alleging police inaction against the accused. The survivor on 4 June, 2017 had alleged that she was raped by BJP MLA Sengar at his residence, when she had gone to meet him, along with a relative, seeking a job. In February, the girl's family had moved the court, seeking to include the MLA's name in the case. Subsequently, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on 3 April and put in jail on 5 April. Frustrated with the alleged police inaction and coercion from influential people, the victim attempted self-immolation in front of chief minister Adityanath's residence on 8 April. The next day, her father died in jail with the post-mortem examination report suggesting serious injuries on his body. With inputs from agencies Five people, including four women, were killed while several others including a fireman were injured after a major fire broke out in a 16-storey residential building in Chembur on Thursday evening. Five people, including four women, were killed while several others including a fireman were injured after a major fire broke out in a 16-storey residential building in Chembur on Thursday evening. The building is located in suburban Tilak Nagar, where a search and rescue operation by the Mumbai Fire Brigade is underway, an official from the Disaster Management Unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) told PTI. Maharashtra: Visuals of rescue operation from Sargam Society in Chembur, Mumbai where a fire broke out today. Firefighting operation still underway. pic.twitter.com/A5aWTVAgVA ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 "Our fire brigade control room got information about the incident at 7.51 pm after which our fire-fighting team along with an ambulance rushed to the spot," he added. The fire reportedly broke out on the 14th floor of the building. According to a Times of India report, the medical superintendent of Rajawadi Hospital Dr Vidya Thakur said that among the deceased, two had burn injuries and the remaining three seemed to have died due to smoke inhalation. The deceased have been identified as Sunita Joshi (72), Bhalchandra Joshi (72), Suman Shrinivas Joshi (83), Sarala Suresh Gangar (52) and Lakshmiben Premji Gangar (83), the report said. The fire has been brought under control, but its cause will be known only after an inquiry, officials said. The MHA notification authorising central agencies to intercept any information generated, transmitted, received in any computer kicked up a furore. Chanakyas Arthashastra had plenty to say about why and how a king must spy on his own people. It even had a bit about using pretty women as spies, something thats now known as honey trapping or sexpionage. Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, whose guru was Chanakya, commissioned spies to find out what people thought of him and whether any traitors were hatching plots to dethrone or assassinate him. He even had spies to spy on his spies to find if they were doing an honest job. The elaborate cloak-and-dagger activity that the good king unleashed was not to subjugate his citizens but was used as a tool of governance. If there were telephones and computers 2,300 years ago, Chandragupta would have tapped and hacked them. But there were telephones when Indira Gandhi was Indias prime minister. So she got them tapped. When Congress split in 1969, leaders of Congress (O) accused Indira of tapping their phones. In his book Open Secrets: Indias Intelligence Unveiled, former Joint Director of Intelligence Bureau MK Dhar said Indira was the first prime minister who tapped phones of political enemies. By the time the Congress-led UPA-I government of Manmohan Singh had arrived in 2004, there were computers too in all spheres of activity, and surveillance had extended from phones to emails and escalated to dataveilance. After the UPA government made political spying an integral part of its so-called governance during its two terms, came Narendra Modi, who only continued what rulers from Chandragupta Maurya to Manmohan Singh did. And yet, the 20 December notification of the Modi governments Ministry of Home Affairs, authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer kicked up a furore. The Modi governments defence that the notification was issued under rules framed by the previous UPA government has not convinced everybody that everything is above board. Critics continue to accuse the NDA government of trying to turn India into a spy state. The notification and the fracas that ensued, however, refer only to the electronic surveillance that comes under the Information Technology Act 2000, as amended in 2008 by the UPA government. But in all the din and dust over electronic snooping, raised frequently by both concerned citizens and those who make Modi-baiting a full-time profession, one thing gets lost: telephone tapping, an older evil whose misuse is more rampant than many imagine. What also loses focus is the stark fact that abuse of this power by governments has always largely meant targeting of politicians, though phones of businessmen, journalists and bureaucrats too have been tapped in the past. Its the telephone thats clearly used more than email as a tool of communication among politicians, and its also the phone conversation thats easier to listen in to than a computer to break into. Even random examples from the past show how widespread the politically motivated telephone tapping has been in India. If Indira was the mother of telephone tapping, as established by revelations by Dhar and others, her son Rajiv Gandhi proved a worthy successor at least on this score. Rajiv tapped Zail Singhs phone? Zail Singh alleged that when he was the President of India, the Rajiv Gandhi government not only tapped the phone in his bedroom but also bugged the entire Rashtrapati Bhavan. Dhars book confirmed this. But soon afterwards, Rajiv fashioned himself as a champion of civil liberties. That was when Ramakrishna Hegde had to resign in 1988 as the Janata Dal Chief Minister of Karnataka, after he was caught tapping the telephones of both his friends and foes in politics, media and business. After claiming to be an epitome of value-based politics, Hegde brought an ignominious end to his career. He, in fact, invited trouble for himself by leaking to the media a tapped and taped conversation between his own party leaders Deve Gowda and Ajit Singh. There was more debate on how the conversation came to be taped than on what Singh and Gowda spoke about. Hegdes action was doubly foolish because the communications department is run by the Union government, and Rajiv grabbed the chance to fix Hegde, who was turning out to be a star of the Opposition. An investigation by the Intelligence Bureau that Rajiv ordered didnt take long to dig up evidence and establish that Hegde was indeed guilty of gross misuse of power. But two years later, another investigation fixed Rajiv. In 1990, just before he became the prime minister, Chandra Shekhar accused VP Singhs National Front government of tapping the telephones of 27 politicians, including his own. A CBI inquiry that Singh ordered said Shekhars three phones were not bugged. But it revealed astonishing details of how the previous Indira and Rajiv Gandhi governments had tapped the telephones of their own partys cabinet ministers and others. And by 2006, when Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh said that Delhi police were tapping his phones at the bidding of Congress leaders, nobody was surprised. Guarding against tapping By 1990s, it had become clear that practically any central or state government agency could tap anybodys phone, either unofficially or officially with the ruse of investigating a crime, supposed or real. That was the time when many of us in the media began to avoid using the phone to speak to sources of sensitive information. Some of us took quick lessons from friendly intelligence officials on how to find out if somebody was listening in to our conversations. One early trick was almost as old as the telephone itself, which you could see James Bond use in a couple of films. Hang on to the receiver after the conversation ends, and listen for any suspicious sounds by a third party on the line. At the same time, more and more politicians and other news sources were refusing to make off-the-record remarks to reporters on phone, always insisting on face-to-face meetings. The fear of being tapped was and still is so high that the reluctance to use phone even extended to innocuous and routine conversations. It was only natural that it was the underworld which had been the first to shun the phone and switch to safer alternatives. Over time, telephones have proliferated. And so have snooping techniques. Long gone were the days, when long, parallel telephone lines had to be physically set up for tapping. Technology came at the cost of privacy. The willing cooperation of the sundry private operators of the ubiquitous mobile phones that came later made easier the job of eavesdropping. If listening in to the conversation isnt necessary, the call record pertaining to a number is just there for the asking, available without even the mandatory home ministrys permission. Surveillance of surveillance This is not to underestimate the scope for misusing the power to break into computer systems. The point to ponder is that a much simpler telephone tapping is more rampant than we imagine, but thats what gets less attention in debates on privacy violations in the age of internet. The number of phones being legally tapped at any point runs into thousands across India, and if you include the illegal tapping done without official sanction, it runs into lakhs, according to officials who are in the know of it. All this goes to show that snooping is easy, but putting in place a mechanism to check its misuse isnt. That isnt surprising because no party wants to give up the chance to bug rivals when in power. To begin with, the grounds on which a citizen can be subjected to surveillance are vague, while the accountability of officials prying into phones and computers is nearly absent. It hasnt helped matters that both in the case of telephone tapping, done under Indian Telegraph Act 1885, and intercepting computer data under Information Technology Act 2000, the powers to both approve and review acts of surveillance rest with bureaucrats. One problem is the multiplicity of laws and investigating organisations involved in the whole business. Besides, the fact that law and order is a state subject brings into the scene a variety of governments with varying levels of honesty or the lack of it. It might be a good idea to launch a comprehensive debate involving all stakeholders including mobile and internet service providers before coming up with national policy guidelines on the whole issue to put some method into this madness. Author tweets @sprasadindia The bill, once implemented, will help regulate clinical establishments and pathological laboratories and in the national capital. 'The minister has given approval to the Bill, which will be presented in the cabinet in January. Once the bill is implemented, it will help regulate clinical establishments in Delhi,' the official said. New Delhi: Health Minister Satyendar Jain has given nod to his department to finalise the Delhi Health Bill and it is likely to be presented in the AAP cabinet by next month, a senior official said on Thursday. The bill, once implemented, will help regulate clinical establishments and pathological laboratories and in the national capital. "The minister has given approval to the Bill, which will be presented in the cabinet in January. Once the bill is implemented, it will help regulate clinical establishments in Delhi," the official said. The bill, drafted by a committee, was sent to the Delhi health secretary for approval. After being finalised, it was sent to the minister for confirmation, sources said. The committee, in its draft, has also defined emergency care services for all hospitals and nursing homes. Incidentally, the Delhi High Court recently had sought response of the Centre and the AAP government on a public interest litigation claiming that the law (Clinical Establishment Act, 2010) for registration and regulation of all clinical establishments has not been implemented in the city despite coming into force in 2012. The petition, by a Delhi-based woman, claimed that the Act prescribes minimum standard of facilities and services to be provided to patients. "The Act makes it mandatory for registration of all clinical establishments, including diagnostic centres and single-doctor clinics, across all recognised systems of medicine both in the public and the private sector, except those run by the armed forces," the plea, filed through advocates Sija Nair Pal and Deepak Kumar Singh, said. It claimed that non-implementation of the law has led to instances of "gross medical negligence, malpractices and negligent attitude" of clinical establishments in Delhi. India has consistently conveyed its concerns over the Brahmaputra river to China and urged the country to ensure that interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in the upstream areas, the government informed the Lok Sabha Thursday. New Delhi: India has consistently conveyed its concerns over the Brahmaputra river to China and urged the country to ensure that interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in the upstream areas, the government informed the Lok Sabha Thursday. Minister of State for Water Resources and River Development Arjun Ram Meghwal was replying to a question on whether the water of Brahmaputra was being diverted towards Xinjiang province by the construction of a 1,000 km tunnel by China. "As per the information provided by MEA, the government has seen media reports in this regard. The government has also noted that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a public statement rejected such media reports as untrue," he said in a written response. "As a lower riparian State with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, including at the highest levels, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream States are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas," Meghwal said. He said the Chinese side has conveyed to India on several occasions that they are only undertaking run-of-the-river hydropower projects, which do not involve diversion of water of the Brahmaputra. Various issues relating to trans-border rivers, including construction of hydropower dams, are discussed with China under the ambit of an institutionalised expert-level mechanism which was established in 2006, he said. The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the triple talaq bill even as some of the Opposition staged a walkout. The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the triple talaq bill, even as some of the Opposition staged a walkout. The bill, which proposes to make the practice of instant triple talaq an offence under the Indian Penal Code with the provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband, was passed in the Parliament with 245 ayes as opposed to 11 noes. The bill legislation, which replaces an Ordinance issued by the government in September, was passed after the government strongly defended the measure, asserting that it should not be seen from the prism of politics as 20 Islamic countries have already banned the practice and not a secular country like India. Some Opposition parties, including the Congress, AIADMK and TMC, however, kept insisting on sending the bill to a Joint Select Committee and walked out of the House just before the bill was put to vote as their demand was not accepted. Opposition parties like RSP, AIMIM and BJD moved some amendments which were negated when the bill was taken up for consideration and voting was done for clause by clause amendments. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the bill be referred to a joint select committee of both Houses for greater scrutiny. He said several provisions of the bill were "unconstitutional". AIADMK leader P Venugopal, TMC's Sudip Bandhopadhyay, AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi and Supriya Sule (NCP) also made similar demands. Meanwhile, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad before moving the resolution said in the Parliament that the bill is not about politics but empowerment and justice for women. Responding to the demand of Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress, that the bill be sent to a select committee for study, Prasad said the government has already taken note of concerns expressed by members earlier and amended the bill accordingly. Prasad told the Lok Sabha that the bill has made the offence compoundable, meaning that the case can be withdrawn if the man and his estranged wife reach a compromise and that only the wife and her close relatives can file an FIR, ruling out the law's misuse. "Don't weigh the bill on the scales of politics. This bill is not about any specific religion and community. The bill is about humanity and justice," he said, urging lawmakers of different parties to speak in one voice to support the legislation. On the other hand, moving his statutory resolution opposing an ordinance issued earlier (which the bill seeks to replace), NK Premchandran (Revolutionary Socialist Party) said the bill is bad in law as it seeks to criminalise a "civil wrong" and hence, it should be referred to a select committee. Also opposing the triple talaq bill in its current form, Congress MP Sushmita Dev on Thursday said the real purpose of the bill was not to empower Muslim women but to "penalise" Muslim men. Demanding that the bill be referred to the joint select committee of Parliament, Dev said criminalisation of triple talaq goes against the Supreme Court verdict. "In the name of empowerment you (the government) have given nothing but a criminal case to women...the aim of the bill is not to empower Muslim women but to penalise Muslim men," she said. AIADMK's Anwar Raja said that his party is against the bill in the present form. Terming the law undemocratic, he said that it is targeted at one particular community and is a direct infringement on Muslim law. "Marriage is a civil contract, so how can divorce be a criminal offence?" he said, adding that if the husband is sent to jail, the life of women becomes more miserable as there is none to take care of her. TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said his party is in favour of the protection of women. The party agrees with most parts of the bill but has apprehension over the criminal aspect, he said, adding, the bill should be referred to a joint select committee. Meanwhile, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi defended the penal provision in the triple talaq bill, saying it is important to instill fear in the minds of those still practising it and rejected suggestions that it was against any religion. Intervening in the debate on the bill in the Lok Sabha, the minority affairs minister said acts like murder are against the law but people still commit such crimes and hence, there is provision for punishment. This is not to victimise anyone but to provide safety and protection to Muslim women, he said, adding that the Muslim Personal Law Board and Ulemas are also against triple talaq. Terming triple talaq as a social evil, he said that the time has come to abolish it. Many Islamic nations have already made it illegal, he said, citing the example of countries like Pakistan that made it illegal in 1956 and Syria in 1953. Pointing out that India runs on Constitution, not by Sharia, he said the religious sentiment was also raised at the time when the practice of sati and child marriage were abolished. Since most of the concerns of political parties have already been incorporated in the bill, there is no need for sending it to a joint select committee, he said. Apart from Naqvi, BJP leader and textiles minister Smriti Irani also supported the bill and said that said if the Parliament can enact laws to ban dowry and the practice of sati, it can also approve the bill to ban instant triple talaq. Intervening in the debate in Lok Sabha on the bill to penalise the practice of instant triple talaq, she lashed out at the Congress, saying it missed opportunities to bring a similar law when in power. She also said the 1986 law to protect Muslim women enacted after a Supreme Court order was not strong enough. "Hence", she said, "there is a need for the bill." Other Opposition parties like the CPM said that the government is batting for the triple talaq bill in Parliament to push its Hindutva agenda in the country. CPM's politburo member and its deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Mohammad Salim said the main concern of the Opposition parties regarding the bill was that it criminalises triple talaq. "The Supreme Court order does not put it in the category of a crime... The judgement of the SC was being forcefully passed by the government to push its political Hindutva agenda," he said, adding that it was an attempt of the government to divert the attention of the public from the failed promises made by the BJP before the elections. He also said this was being done even as a Rajya Sabha committee was deliberating on the issue. Asaduddin Owaisi also questioned the intention of the government behind criminalising triple talaq while it has supported decriminalisation of homosexuality. However, after the bill was passed in the Lower House, the National Commission for Women on Thursday welcomed the passage of the bill. Reacting to the bill being passed by the Lower House of Parliament, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said she has seen the sufferings of the Muslim women due to the absence of this legislation. In a signature campaign launched by the women's commission, she said around 10,000 Muslim women came forward for the legislation and wanted it passed as soon as possible. "We welcome the move. We have seen the suffering of the women in absence of the bill and we have long been advocating its passage," she said. BJP chief Amit Shah also lauded the move and said that the passage of triple talaq bill is a historic step to ensure equality and dignity of Muslim women. He also said that Congress and other parties must apologise for decades of injustice towards Muslim women. Minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that it is a historic step towards protection of constitutional rights of Muslim women and ensuring their empowerment. "Congrats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Congress walkout (was) unfortunate. I hope wisdom prevails on them," Naqvi tweeted. The fresh bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 17 December to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the Upper House, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail to make it more acceptable. However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. With inputs from agencies Maharashtra government on Thursday approved the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. Mumbai: In a New Year's gift, the Maharashtra government on Thursday approved the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, giving a salary hike to its over 20 lakh employees and pensioners from 1 January. The approval to the pay hike of government employees from 1 January was given by the cabinet at its meeting in Mumbai and it comes just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The state will face Assembly polls in the second half of 2019. Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, addressing reporters at the secretariat, said the decision will benefit 20,50,000 government employees, including those working in Zilla Parishads (ZPs), aided schools and also pensioners. He said the arrears as per the pay commission will be given to employees with retrospective effect from January 2016, while the dearness allowance will be paid retrospectively for the last 14 months. Mungantiwar said the decision will put an additional burden of Rs 38,645 crore on the state exchequer. "The arrears will be paid in equal instalments over five years. Each year the government will spend Rs 7,631 on implementation of the 7th Pay Commission," he added. The parents of an infant girl who died four days after the fire in Mumbai's ESIC hospital had alleged that they were paid less compensation. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, additional commissioner, ESIC, said Thursday that the balance amount would be paid by Friday. Mumbai: The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital in Mumbai has now decided to pay a full Rs 10 lakh compensation to the kin of two victims of last week's fire. Both these victims had died after the 17 December fire at ESIC Hospital in suburban Andheri. The parents of an infant girl who died four days after the blaze had alleged that they were paid less compensation. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, additional commissioner, ESIC, said Thursday that the balance amount would be paid by Friday. Anil and Lalita Logavi, the girl's parents, alleged that the authorities reduced the compensation amount from Rs 10 lakh payable to the deceased's family to Rs 2 lakh because "the premature baby was anyway going to die naturally". Hospital authorities, however, rejected this claim and said the compensation was being disbursed on the basis of reports of the tehsildar (revenue officer). "The first instalment was given in this case after the first report was received from the tehsildar. As per the procedure, it was required to tally with the records of the hospital where the victim was treated," said Sinha. "Since we wanted to disburse the amount at the earliest, we distributed the cheques based on the first report finalised at that stage," Sinha said. The Union Labour ministry had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured. Sinha also said that the case of Logavi girl was not singular. "One more such case (where full compensation was not paid at one go) was found. Necessary formalities are being completed to ensure that full compensation is paid in that case too latest by Friday," he said. All those who suffered injuries and have not received compensation yet will get the cheques soon, he added. Anil Logavi said the hospital authorities had finally done them justice. "We feel a bit relieved. They have done justice to us, though a bit late. But it is alright now," said Logavi, who works as an AC mechanic. His wife Lalita had delivered twins, a boy and a girl, three days before the fire broke out at the hospital. While the girl died four days after the fire, the boy is undergoing treatment. BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who had taken up the issue, said, "As chairman of a parliamentary committee on labour, I suggested that if a victim dies after a fire or accident, during treatment, it must be treated as a death due to the fire or accident and full amount of compensation should be paid." The deadly blaze on 17 December killed 11 people and injured 176 others. According to another senior ESIC official, ten injured victims are still admitted at Intensive Care Units while as many others have been shifted to general wards at six hospitals across the city. His criticism of the Opposition over loan waivers comes days after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said his party will not let Modi rest till the Centre writes off farm loans across the country. Dharamshala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress of misleading farmers in the name of loan waivers. Addressing a rally in Dharamshala to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, Modi also stressed on the pension scheme implemented by the Centre. His criticism of the Opposition over loan waivers comes days after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said his party will not let Modi rest till the Centre writes off farm loans across the country. The recently elected Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan have announced loan waiver schemes. Modi said development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh. He described Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave soldiers who were ever ready to make the supreme sacrifice at the border. Congratulating Thakur on completing one year as chief minister, Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work." The prime minister was set to release a booklet on the achievements of the BJP government in the state. Modi went through an exhibition put up by the state government to showcase the benefits of state and Centre-sponsored schemes. The prime minister was welcomed by the chief minister, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Kangra BJP MP Shanta Kumar and Union Health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda at the helipad in Dharamshala. Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Dev Vrat was also present. There are many Jafrabad-like neighbourhoods in urban India, and callous handling of incidents like Wednesday's NIA raids in North East Delhi could push them further away from the mainstream Lurking in the cold and dark recesses of the national capitals memory is the Batla House encounter of 2008, in which two suspected terrorists Atif Ameen and Mohammad Sajid were killed while two other suspects Mohammad Saif and Zeeshan were arrested, while one accused Ariz Khan had managed to escape. The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party had pressed for a judicial inquiry into the encounter, the issue echoed in the Parliament as well. Professors and students at the Jamia Milia University found support in the left-of-centre intelligentsia and staged protests on a national scale until the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) eventually cleared the police of any violations of rights. The broader impact of an incident like this goes beyond the profile of the accused and the procedures of investigation. It impacts the social identity of a community who is then suspected even more of having pan-Islamic leanings that can threaten constitutional equilibriums. The question is, what does the local administration do to repair the reading of such an incident and the way it dents the morale of the neighbourhood where it takes place. The first and lasting interpretation of such an investigation and arrest in the immediate neighbourhood is that the accused have been framed, and through them, the entire social milieu they belonged to is being condemned. Jafrabad, from where the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested four young men on Wednesday suspecting they were part of a module of the Islamic State, was no different. The area falls in North East Delhis Seelampur constituency. Here, the percentage of Muslims is 44.19 percent compared to 12.66 percent in all of Delhi and the literacy rate is 74.20 percent compared to 81.57 per cent for Delhi. Firstpost hit ground zero to assess the mood among the families and the locals after the Wednesday's arrest. Fleece and goose leather jackets in greys and blues and browns hang off hooks in slim lanes of Jafrabad, known for its jacket market, with broken drains at random intervals. Hafeez Ahmad Suhail, whose son Mufti Mohammad Suhail was arrested from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh in the wee hours of Wednesday, sat on the edge of a bed, weeping into a floral fleece blanket. He said that he fully cooperated with the police and the investigating authorities who combed through his tiny first-floor house where women and children also live. He said he is weak and paralysed and wants the police to record and report the truth, even if it goes against his son. But, he said that the investigation authorities should have told them where they came from before raiding their home ruthlessly, not leaving a single piece of cloth untouched. He said his two sons repair inverter batteries and one son supplies emergency lights. Sohail was arrested from Amroha in North West Uttar Pradesh. He had moved to Amroha just two months ago. Junaid, brother of suspected terror mastermind Sohail, said that the geometric pattern in Sohails diary was to study turning coils in inverter batteries and not make bombs. Sohails older brother Junaid, seated next to his father, pulled out a diary and pointed to a hand-drawn geometric pattern used to depict functioning of inverter batteries. He said the family doesnt manufacture batteries and any technician can say this is a pattern for turning the coils that are used by repair mechanics. Junaid said that the investigating teams took away the circuits used in chargers. He described Sohail as a God-fearing boy who had been put through madrasa education and someone who didnt have many friends and mostly spent time at home. An NIA official, who had been directing the activities of the investigating team at every step, has stated that most of those who have been arrested were known to Sohail since before. He is also the alleged voice in the video where intricacies of an IED are being explained. The agency has confirmed that it has recovered a huge cache of explosives, arms and ammunition from the accused. The mood below Sohails house seemed tense. Anxious young men had formed huddles. Ishfaq and Naseem, both of whom work in the jacket market, said that such an incident throws a blanket of doubt over the entire communitys character and intentions. He said there are people who work hard to earn a living in Faizabad and that they will be unhappy if Jafrabad is treated the same way as Batla House was in the broader discourse on minority rights because that can damage the peace in their locality. Mohammad Ishaq, an elderly person known to Sohail, referred to him as a 'kaabil bacha (competent child)', one who never fought with anybody. He admitted that the terror speculations are most damaging to the locals, who, as it is, find it hard to find acceptance outside because of their last names and their social class. A short bike ride away is the home of Rashid Zafar Raq, located right above a garment shop that he owns and runs. Rashid is one of the 11 terror suspects who the NIA arrested in raids in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, on Wednesday. His sister-in-law told Firstpost that the investigating authorities raided their home for 12 hours, but didnt find anything from within its chipped pink and green walls. She asked why they dragged her brother-in-law away if nothing was found in the house and also objected to the lack of a search or arrest warrant. Mahmood, Rashids cousin, said that if someone's home is raided without warrants and the investigating authorities dont feel the need to explain whats going on, then the people are justified in feeling defenceless against a system. He said they covered Zafars face and dragged him out and didnt let any of the family members leave the premises, even to get food to feed the children in the house. Vivek Tyagi, SHO from Jafrabad, told Firstpost that he was part of the raids and that the locals are, in fact, unaware of the laws. "The crime rate in Jafrabad, fuelled by gang wars, has come down. It is largely a peaceful area and no unconstitutional measures were taken to conduct the investigation or the raids," said Tyagi, adding that the families can appeal in court against the action taken by the NIA. Chapter five of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, deals with the arrest of persons. Section 41 is the main section providing for situations when the police may arrest a person without a warrant. Under this, any police officer may without an order from a magistrate and without a warrant, arrest any person who has been concerned in any cognisable offence, or against whom a reasonable complaint has been made or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists, of his having been so concerned; or who has in his possession without lawful excuse, the burden of proving which excuse shall lie on such person, any implement of house-breaking; who has been proclaimed as an offender either under this code or by order of the state government. Unfortunately, after the police leaves the scene, speculations and fear enter the scene and representatives from the local administration are missing to address and explain the goings-on. Theres a void nobody fills and it widens to become a national issue that is debated by big political parties. In all this, where is the local administration? Dilip Pandey, a Lok Sabha prabhari from the area, who had come to inaugurate a function at the Zakir Hussain Memorial School in Jafrabad on Thursday morning, told Firstpost that he wasnt aware that such an incident had taken place and that he cant go beyond the party line to give his personal opinion because it does not matter. Abdul Rehman, AAP Counselor from Chauhan Bangar in East Delhi had reached the homes of the accused, to gauge the situation. Alleging that minorities are being targeted, he asked why incidents in Muslim colonies like Batla House, Chauhan Banger, and Jafrabad take place before elections. Yesterday, Mohammad Azams home was raided. The police didnt find anything but seized the passports of the family members. Why? he asked. AAP MLA Haji Ishraque refused to comment on the issue. If local leaders fail to reach out to residents, alienation is bound to seep deeper into the psyche. Minorities seek comfort in territorial bastions and this spatial segregation has elements of both voluntary self-segregation and forced exclusion wherever governments have failed to address unequal access to residential areas. Jafrabad and Seelampur are also severely drug-torn regions. In 2016 October, Firstpost had reported on the drug crisis in New Seelampur and the way cannabis and medical drugs were being sold and consumed in the open. Asif Chaudhry, a social worker from the area, had then told Firstpost that entire families are addicted to smack, cannabis and medical drugs, apart from alcohol and tobacco. Two years on, Chaudhry is sorry to state that the drug crisis has increased. He said that instead of focusing on cutting the supply chain of drugs and using its energy to attack the mafia network, Seelampurs drug crisis is viewed as the Muslim areas 'internal crisis' by the local and state administration. "Communal politics and minority appeasement are the reason why even basic law and order issues acquire a religious lining. This is the reason why Muslims are either all victims or all criminals, there is no middle ground," he said. There are many Jafrabad-like neighbourhoods in urban India, and callous handling of incidents like these could push them further away from the mainstream. The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested a 25-year-old man who was absconding in connection with a case of Islamic State (IS)-inspired youths from Kerala joining the West Asia-based terror group, officials said. New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested a 25-year-old man who was absconding in connection with a case of Islamic State (IS)-inspired youths from Kerala joining the West Asia-based terror group, officials said. Habeeb Rahman, from Wayanad in Kerala, was arrested in the two-year-old IS Kasaragod Module case, the agency said in a statement. "The case relates to the criminal conspiracy hatched by the accused persons from Kasaragod district of Kerala and their associates since Ramadan, 2015, with the intention of joining and furthering the objectives of IS Daish," it said. The agency said that as part of the conspiracy, 14 accused from Kasaragod district had left India or their workplaces in Middle-East Asia between mid-May and early July, 2016, before travelling to Afghanistan or Syria, where they joined the IS(Daish). It said that accused Nashidul Hamzafar and Habeeb Rehman remained in touch, over encrypted social media platforms, with other absconding accused persons in this case like Abdul Rashid Abdulla and Ashfak Majeed. Rahman will be produced before the Special Court for NIA Cases at Ernakulam Thursday, it said. Preliminary inquiries revealed that donor is a 21-year-old from Sivakasi who donated blood on 30 Nov. According to a relative of the donor, they had no knowledge of his HIV status at that time and he had come along with a female relative who needed a blood transfusion. Chennai: In a case of medical apathy and negligence, a pregnant woman contracted HIV after a blood transfusion at the government hospital in Sattur town near Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu. Three lab technicians Valarmathi, Ramesh and Ganesh Babu at the Sivakasi government hospital were suspended on Wednesday by the health department. To make matters worse, Sivakasi government officials tried to persuade the couple against filing an official police complaint and instead settle with the compensation. Medical apathy The wife of a daily wage labourer, who was eight months pregnant, was brought in for a regular medical check-up at a government hospital in Sattur. This was the couples second child they have a three-year-old daughter. The doctors recommended a blood transfusion which happened on 3 December in the same hospital with blood requisitioned from the blood bank in the Sivakasi government hospital, 20 km away. She was discharged on 5 December, but she fell ill after reaching home and had to visit the Sattur hospital again on 17 December complaining of persistent high temperature, stomach pain and diarrhoea. A day later, she was sent to the Virudhunagar government hospital, where a blood test revealed that she was HIV positive. It was determined that the only possibility of her contracting the infection was the blood transfusion that she underwent two weeks earlier. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the donor is a 21-year-old from Sivakasi who donated blood on 30 November at the Sivakasi government hospital. According to Muniyandi, a relative of the donor Raja (name changed), they had no knowledge of his HIV status at that time and he had come along with a female relative who needed a blood transfusion. Raja had donated blood a couple of years earlier as well without any hassle. As is the case in many hospitals, those requiring blood transfusion are required to bring along a friend or a relative who can donate blood in lieu of what the patient receives from the blood bank. He discovered his status a few days later during a regular medical test for a visa procedure. Rajas relatives rushed to the hospital in Sivakasi within three days of the donation to inform the blood bank employees of this development; they were worried that the female relative had been given this infected blood, Muniyandi said. The hospital authorities denied the blood had been given to anyone and had also conducted tests on the relative to ensure that she was HIV-free. But on the very same day, the 23-year-old pregnant woman was being transfused with the HIV-infected blood from the donor. In further tragic turn of events, news emerged on Wednesday that Raja, unable to bear the thought of his HIV status now publicly known, attempted suicide. He is currently being treated in Kamuthi Hospital in Ramanathapuram. Government apathy On Wednesday, officials from the revenue department met the woman and her husband at their home, reportedly in order to dissuade the couple from lodging a complaint with the police. However, their consolation and offers of aid in return for their silence failed in the face of the familys determination to seek justice. Following this, they filed a case at the Sattur town police station against the doctors, technicians and blood bank employees responsible for the botched blood transfusion. The couple and their relatives also staged a protest in front of the District Collectors office demanding legal action against those responsible for this tragedy and also against the officers who had tried to persuade them against making their case public. The District Revenue Officer and Acting Collector K Udhayakumar received their petition on behalf of the DC, after which they submitted another petition to the Virudhunagar Superintendent of Police M Rajarajan. A case was registered in Sattur under IPC 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and IPC 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others). Speaking to reporters, the womans husband narrated the timeline of events leading up to the discovery of her HIV status, saying he had no faith in government hospitals and demanded the best possible treatment for his wife. Our life has been ruined because of this incident. The guilty should be punished and not be allowed to escape in the guise of offering us compensation or a government job, says the angry husband. Instead of transfusing HIV-contaminated blood, they should have just injected me with poison and killed me," the woman said bursting into tears while standing beside her husband. No one should have to suffer with what I am going through, she added, saying she had trusted the government hospital who, in turn, has inflicted such trauma on her. The health department officials who met me after this incident asked me not to make a big deal of it and they would take care of my medical needs in addition to getting me a government job and suitable compensation. She asked that the society should not abandon her because of the infection she contracted by accident but should instead stand by her to ensure punishment for those responsible. Tamil Nadu minister of rural industries and Sivakasi MLA Rajendra Balaji announced that the government will bear the entire medical expense of the victim and also promised government jobs for both the husband and wife. Joint medical director Manoharan said, We have instructed all the 14 blood banks in Viruthunagar district to test all the units of blood again as a precaution. The public shouldnt panic regarding this. We have also arranged for blood to be made available for those who need transfusions meanwhile. Only after a detailed inquiry can we determine where the mistake was made. After meeting the 23-year-old woman and her family and offering his commiserations, Tamil Nadu health secretary J Radhakrishnan also consulted with district health officers on Wednesday. Speaking to media later, he said, This incident is shocking. There can be no justification for this because a blood donation is accepted only after thoroughly testing the donor. He said that inquiries are proceeding at a fast pace and action will be taken as per the law against those responsible, including the supervisors. The woman is expected to deliver her baby on 30 January, he said. She has been placed under intensive anti-retroviral therapy to prevent the transmission of HIV infection to the infant, which can be prevented to a certainty of up to 99%. She would be given nutritional support and the infant would be given special care for six to 12 weeks post delivery, both under the supervision of a special team of doctors. He also added that as per the request of her family who has refused treatment in Virudhunagar district, high-quality treatment would be given at a special ward at the Rajaji Government Hospital in Madurai. If they are not satisfied with the treatment there we are ready to shift them to a private hospital of their choice, he added. Reacting to this news, health minister C Vijayabaskar said the victim will be given all possible support by the government during her lifetime. We have already suspended three employees and our Health Secretary has set up an inquiry there to figure out where the lapses occurred. Besides, a team under the head of Rajaji Hospital blood bank is also examining the incident and will submit its report on the same, after which we will decide on disciplinary action. Blood donations in government and private hospitals are being done under the supervision of the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society. The quality control of blood donation and storage is being done by an independent agency. When contacted about the incident, TNSACS Director Dr Senthil Raj said it is unclear where the mistake had been committed and a departmental inquiry has been ordered. Almost exactly a year ago, similar scenes were witnessed in the Lok Sabha as the Lower House debated an earlier version of the triple talaq bill. The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the triple talaq bill with 245 votes in favour and 11 against it, at the end of a day that saw intense discussions and a walkout by the Congress and the AIADMK. Almost exactly a year ago, on 28 December 2017, similar scenes were witnessed in the Lok Sabha as the Lower House debated an earlier version of the bill. Since then, much water has flown under the bridge. Amid opposition by some parties in the Upper House, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make the bill more acceptable. However, as it continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. The proposed legislation passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday seeks to replace this ordinance. In August 2017, the Supreme Court by a majority verdict had ruled that the practice of divorce through instant triple talaq among Muslims is "void", "illegal" and "unconstitutional", providing the basis for the legislation that the government is trying to push through. However, parties across the political spectrum differed sharply on a number of aspects, most importantly on whether or not the practice should be made a criminal offence. Differences between the earlier bill and the present one The official name of the bill is the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018. There are three key amendments which have been made to the earlier bill to take into account the concerns raised by the Opposition. These were listed out by law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in a press conference in August this year. Firstly, while the offence of pronouncing instant triple talaq continues to be non-bailable, the accused can approach a magistrate even before the trial to seek bail. Secondly, the police can file an FIR only if approached by the victim (wife), her blood relations or people who became her relatives by virtue of marriage. The third amendment makes the offence of instant triple talaq compoundable, which means that a magistrate can use his or her powers to settle the dispute between the husband and wife. Key arguments then and now Several arguments made in 2017 and 2018 were on largely similar lines, as were the positions that political parties took in the Parliament. On both the occasions, there were frequent references to 20 Islamic countries where instant triple talaq is banned which include Pakistan and Bangladesh. Further, during 2017 as well as 2018, BJP leaders have argued that husbands are resorting to triple talaq despite the Supreme Court's verdict and that a law which deters people against doing so is required. Last year, Ravi Shankar Prasad had quipped, rather dramatically, "Should the Muslim women frame and hang the SC verdict in their homes now?" On Thursday, Smriti Irani said that it is "shameful" that there have been over 400 cases of triple talaq since the apex court's verdict. "What is held to be bad in holy Quran can not be good in Shariya and in that sense what is bad in theology is bad in law as well" : Shri @rsprasad in his reply during the discussion on #TripleTalaqBill in Lok Sabha https://t.co/EP1JZtLOuv BJP (@BJP4India) December 27, 2018 Ministers from the BJP have also repeatedly stressed that the bill is not about "politics", but giving "justice" to Muslim women. Prasad urged the House, "Don't weigh the bill on the scales of politics. This bill is not about any specific religion and community. The bill is about humanity and justice." The law minister cited a case where a professor gave talaq to his wife over Whatsapp. He said that another Muslim man gave talaq to his wife for attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally. Prasad said, "If the House unitedly can pass a bill for capital punishment for alleged rape with girls below the age of 12 years, then why not this legislation?" The Congress' arguments from last year and this year were also largely similar. While the Congress in 2017 had demanded that the bill should be sent to the standing committee for consideration, on Thursday, it sought that the proposed legislation should be sent to a "select committee". LOP Mallikarjun Kharge speaks in Lok Sabha on the importance of a Select Committee for the #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/ZeLg3LsHxc Congress (@INCIndia) December 27, 2018 Last year, Congress had raised the issue of women's reservation in the Parliament and sought to contrast the government's stance on this issue as against triple talaq. Similarly, this year, the party pointed out the BJP's stance on women's entry into the Sabarimala temple and asked why it was not proactive in protecting women's rights on this issue. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, claimed the BJP was desperate to get the bill passed in the Lok Sabha with political gains in mind in view of the impending polls. He also said stringent provisions like the criminalisation of a civil offence were not there in any other law applicable to other religions as were there in the triple talaq bill. "The triple talaq bill is against the Constitution. It is also against fundamental rights. They got the bill passed in haste in Lok Sabha as general elections are approaching," he told PTI after the bill was passed in Lok Sabha. Kharge said the bill was similar to the one which was brought earlier by the government, which had not listened to the Congress's demand for sending the proposed legislation to a joint select committee of both Houses of the Parliament. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also sought to contrast the government's stance on criminalising triple talaq with its stance on decriminalisation of homosexuality and adultery. He said, "You (government) did not have a problem when the Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality, you did not have a problem when adultery was decriminalised, but you want to criminalise triple talaq. When a Hindu man can be jailed only for one year, why should a Muslim be imprisoned for three years?" Interestingly, in 2017, the then minister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar was among the foremost voices for the government's stand in the Parliament. He was then quoted by News18 as saying, "This slogan 'Islam khatre mein hai' was used before independence to divide India and is now being used to divide society, poison is being spread. You change the law easily when it comes to men but you remember Allah when it comes to women." On Thursday, Akbar, who has now resigned from his post, found an indirect mention in the Parliament by Owaisi, who said, "All across the country, women took the lead in the #MeToo movement. Where is the minister who was present here last time? You (BJP) had sheltered him, while he should, in reality, have been thrown out of the party. You are now trying to show us the mirror?" With inputs from PTI As winter is settling into India, all the states are facing their own version of the cold wave. While Jammu and Kashmir has been recording sub-zero temperatures, Tamil Nadu is likely to experience moderately cooler weather in the evenings. The winter season is slowly enveloping most parts of India, even though several states below the Tropic of Cancer traditionally don't experience extreme cold temperatures. While Jammu and Kashmir has been recording sub-zero temperatures, citizens in Tamil Nadu are likely to feel a nip in the air after sun sets down. Jammu and Kashmir In Jammu and Kashmir, the harshest days of the winter season last around 40 days. The state is already facing the brunt of the weather, known in the local parlance as Chillai-Kalan, since 21 December. The cold wave sweeping Kashmir intensified on Thursday, as temperature stayed several degrees below freezing point, resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines in several residential areas. Leh town in Ladakh region recorded its lowest temperature of the winter on Wednesday night, at minus 17.1 degrees Celcius, a Met department official told NDTV. The nearby Kargil recorded minus 14.4 degrees Celcius, he said. According to a report from The Indian Express, the Dal lake partially froze on Tuesday amid the cold wave. This came a day after Srinagar recorded its coldest night in 11 years, with temperatures plunging to minus 6.8 degrees Celcius. However, the winter this season has been dry so far. Although there was a spell of early snowfall in the Valley in the first and second weeks of November, the meteorological office has forecast dry weather till Wednesday, 2 January 2019. Uttarakhand Extreme cold wave conditions continued to prevail in most parts of Uttarakhand as the temperature plummeted to sub-zero level in more than six towns in the state, an official said on Thursday. The regional weather department said the weather would continue to be harsh for the next three days and gutsy chilly wind would continue to bring down the mercury. The cold wave is likely to intensify in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Udhamsingh Nagar. State capital Dehradun is also reeling under cold wave with the mercury recording a three-year low of 4.2 degrees Celsius. While the days are sunny, early morning and evening remain extremely cold. Landslides have been also reported from an area near Banswada in Rudraprayag on the Kedarnath highway. Also, the fog has affected the road and rail traffic. Several trains were running hours behind their schedule, and a few were cancelled due to bad weather. Himachal Pradesh The cold also seeped into neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, with large icicles surfacing in large parts of state capital Shimla. The minimum temperature remained close to sub-zero on Wednesday, the meteorological department said, indicating the onset of a harsh winter ahead. The weathermen also forecast crystal clear skies with chilly nights till the new year dawns. Manmohan Singh, Director of the Meteorological Office in Shimla, told IANS there would be no chance of snowfall till 31 December. The western disturbance was likely to get active from 3 January with chances of rain and snow, he said. Hill destinations have been experiencing long hours of sunny weather for over a fortnight and the day temperatures in most places have risen. The river Chandra has also partially frozen over in light of the cold wave. #WATCH River Chandra in Lahaul-Spiti freezes partially due to cold wave conditions in the region #HimachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/LNcIlf12O8 ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 Delhi The IMD has predicted clear skies throughout the day in Delhi, while the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 20 degrees Celsius. The National Capital on Wednesday experienced its coldest day of the past 12 years, with the minimum temperature dropping to 3.7 degrees Celsius. According to a Hindustan Times report, temperatures are expected to dip to 3.0 degrees Celsius after 28 December. Officials also predicted shallow to moderate fog intensity. "Wind speeds might increase, reducing the chances of dense fog, a Met official said. Flight operations were partially suspended at the Delhi airport on Christmas day due to low visibility conditions. Flight delays and cancellations are common at the Delhi airport during the winter months when foggy conditions reduce visibility to unsafe levels. Apart from air traffic getting affected, train and road movements are also severely impacted each year due to fog. Road accidents are also frequent. On Monday morning, eight people died in a 50-vehicle pileup near Haryana's Jhajjar. Maharashtra Moving southwards, temperatures over Maharashtra are also expected to drop around 28 December, according to the latest forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per a report from The Indian Express, western disturbances are likely to form around 28 December and associated cold conditions are likely to arise, mainly over northern parts of Maharashtra. In the next 48 hours, nighttime temperatures for Pune are likely to reach around 10 degrees to 11 degrees Celsius, the report said. In Mumbai, the Colaba observatory of the IMD recorded a minimum temperature of 20.5 degrees Celsius, and the Santacruz observatory recorded 17.4 degrees Celsius. This was a 2 degree temperature drop over Tuesday, The Times of India reported. IMD, Pune's head of weather Anupam Kashyapi told The Indian Express of a slight drop in both the maximum and minimum temperatures over most parts of Maharashtra, mainly along the northern areas of Madhya Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Konkan. "This effect is likely to last till 30 December or even up to 1 January. Cold wave conditions may be experienced in isolated pockets over these areas during the year-end," he said. Tamil Nadu Northeasterly winds blowing over the Bay of Bengal into Chennai are resulting in chilly evenings for the city, The Times of India reported. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 25.9 on Tuesday. However, the minimum temperature has increased by 4.4 degrees from normal, shows a reading by the weather department. In addition, the IMD said cold wave conditions are likely to expand over some parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh starting Wednesday. The weather agency said that northerly/northwesterly light to moderate winds is likely to prevail over the northern plains over the next few days. "Northerly/northwesterly light to moderate winds is likely to prevail over northern plains during next two to three days. Due to remnant moisture over parts of northwest India shallow to moderate fog likely over some parts of northwest India during next 24 hours. Minimum temperatures very likely to fall by two to three degrees Celsius over many parts of northwest and central India during next two to three days," the IMD said in a bulletin. "There can be dry weather conditions to continue with further fall in day and night temperatures. Cold wave conditions will cover some more parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, north Rajasthan," said Skymet, a private weather forecast agency. With inputs from agencies Kamal Nath is in the clear, is he not? No FIR as much as mentions him. He can claim exoneration by two commissions of inquiry, each headed by a Supreme Court (SC) judge, for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that engulfed Delhi between 1 to 3 November after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi by two of her Sikh bodyguards on 31 October. Nath has been a Union minister before, and for long. And now he is the newly-appointed chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. So, 34 years on, whats this fuss about? Why this fuss The fuss is, first, about two men burnt alive at the Rakab Ganj Gurdwara on 1 November. They say at the gurdwara that the two were father and son who had come to serve there. First the father was burnt alive, and then the son who rushed up to save him. We still dont have their names. The police record no more than notes that two Sikhs were burnt alive at the gurdwara that was there for many to see. These were murders, and so recorded by the police. Kamal Nath's 'role' Nath, then a Congress (I) Member of Parliament (MP) was seen in control of that mob. I was among the witnesses who saw him there, he himself has never denied his presence there on that day. But his position on that day was not investigated further by the police, and no evidence consequently found against him. The first of the SC inquiry commissions dismissed my affidavit filed as eye-witness to his presence there; the second found it not very clear. This affidavit itself acknowledges that at one moment, one gesture from Nath held back a few advancing fellows. Further reason then, to not raise questions over Naths role now? Police who don't police Do ask the question and its not a difficult one what would we expect in law to happen at the scene of a murder? Someone calls the police, they arrive soon as they can, begin investigations, gather evidence, search for witnesses and look to make arrests. If its a mob that killed, the police must trace and arrest any member or any number of members of that mob for questioning at the least to begin with. If the police turn up in time to face an active mob that is known to have killed, they must make arrests right there, and move fast to disperse the rest. Do ask also the question and this is a difficult one what would we make of a murder scene where a mob that has killed is out to kill again, and where you dont need to call the police because the police are there already, armed and in strength? But you then have police who do not police. They watch the mob in static formation from only yards away, making not a move to check their repeated advances. Where this is now a strong police presence under the command of a senior officer. Without the senior officer and the strong force under his command, a sub-inspector and a couple of constables from the local police station had made some attempts earlier that day to handle the exploding situation, if the police station record is anything to go by. An FIR records that one or two policemen fired into the air with a revolver to stop the advancing mob, but could not. It mentions also revolver fire from within the gurdwara and that one among the mob died in firing but not as a result of police firing. Wireless reports of violence around the gurdwara brought the top brass of Delhi Police to the scene, and reinforcements with them. Fully armed and in strength now, and under the command of Gautam Kaul, additional commissioner of police then for New Delhi range who was the second most senior officer in Delhi in that area, the police moved into inert mode. They stood under Kauls command but were given no orders to check the mob. The repeatedly advancing mob was visibly under the control of Nath right there among them among a mob that had killed. Unanswered questions Consider where that mob had appeared from. These men had come to the gurdwara from Teen Murti Bhavan, as recorded in the Kusum Lata Mittal report that looked into policing failures. They were from that lot of supposed mourners seen live on Doordarshan only a little earlier that morning, shouting 'khoon ka badla khoon'. Nath too was at Teen Murti earlier, the Mittal report notes. We certainly cannot put two and two together from these facts to suggest that Nath himself therefore brought these people over and commanded them to kill. But kill they did, and under Naths control these people were. No one has ever said they saw and we cannot say that Nath himself ordered the killing. But questions continue to haunt that scene despite persistent denials from Nath and his team. Some of those questions have not been asked, let alone answered. What the law says Forget the politics, consider where the law stands in relation to the facts appearing on the streets then. The law provides that in a situation of mob violence, the police can arrest any member of that mob. If a particular person is clearly in charge of that mob, youd expect that the police would want at the least to speak to him first. That would seem the starting point for investigations into who the actual killers and their immediate accomplices were, though the net can be spread wider than that. Who may have been guilty would be for a court to decide if the police could find enough evidence to launch prosecution. That someone seen to be in control of a mob that had killed is not a fact that the police could in law turn away from. In fact they did. An idle top cop Were the facts of Naths presence there and the idleness of the police unrelated? If at all there had been some moves by a couple of junior policemen to contain the mob earlier, why was it different under a larger police force under the command of a top officer? Police reinforcements had fired, but at the gurdwara; to deal with the surging mob they were doing clearly nothing. I did see Kaul break out of his idleness when the mob rushed forward yet again towards the gurdwara just past the police formation; he scampered to a side behind his shield. The police seemed out primarily to protect themselves. Beyond that their response looked driven by reports of a gurdwara on the attack, not a gurdwara under attack. An eyewitness account At one point again, and now in my presence as an Indian Express reporter, I also saw Nath gesture towards a few advancing chaps, and at that moment they held back. I had included a reference to this particular moment too in my report for the Indian Express then, and accordingly in the affidavit I later filed. I did so in order to present as accurately photographic a picture of the scene as I could to our readers. Why wouldnt I? I was there to report, not to prepare some campaign against Nath then or later. Later, Nath picked on my noting of this particular moment to claim that he was in fact restraining the mob. That one snapshot moment of apparent restraint from Nath had not necessarily stretched all day. In any case, it does not answer questions arising from before and after, and in fact from that moment itself. What was the relationship between Nath and the mob that he had only to raise a hand before some chaps, and they responded? Would it be fair or not to think that you can control a mob only if you have control of it? Could this have been a mob with no Congress (I) links that was responding to a party leader because, well, he was some sort of a leader if not their own? Would this be a mob that thought it was right to kill, but not right to disregard someone elses leader that they had suddenly found in their midst? What did the police know about the composition of this crowd that they left the control to Nath? Who was controlling the mob? Was it for Nath to control that mob or for the police? If restraining a crowd with which he had no relationship was Naths intent as a responsible leader, would it be normal to expect an MP who had turned up at the scene to push the police to restrain the mob before they killed some more? Why did Nath take it upon himself to control that mob rather than call upon the police present at hand and in strength to do so, since they clearly were not making any such move on their own? The Rakab Ganj killings could have become a tell-tale signal to this mob and others. The killers had arrived at the gurdwara carrying their 'khoon ka badla khoon' cries from Teen Murti, they found the khoon they were looking for, they saw a top party leader in their midst who did nothing to call up policemen who stood by as spectators and made no move to stop them. In the end, they were left free to go their way with the bloody message that for the purpose of killing Sikhs, the law stood suspended. The worst of the killing was to come later that night. 'Insufficient' evidence against Kamal Nath Evidence against Nath was considered insufficient in the end, one way or another. The police did not gather any, and they seem to have ignored what was self-evident. Without record there is no investigation, without probe no evidence, without evidence there is no case, and so it becomes possible to then say there is no evidence against Nath. We can speculate, of course, that such a process may not have led to a conviction even if carried out, but what is certain is that we did not have such a process. That lack of process killed the possibility of justice to follow. Where was Kamal Nath when two Sikhs were burnt alive? It left questions hanging. Did a handful of junior policemen indeed make some early moves to check the mob as claimed by the local police? Why did the police make no such moves after they had turned up in strength under the command of top officers? Why was Nath in their midst, and for how long? Above all, where exactly was he when the two Sikhs were burnt alive? On this we have no record because we have no investigation that tracked Nath on that day. The police did not question several eyewitnesses, they certainly did not question me though my presence there was known to them, and my report in the Indian Express on 2 November accessible to them. Probe panels' findings Some records noted by Justice GT Nanavati, the second SC judge to inquire into those killings, only add to the questions. Nath was present at the gurdwara for quite a long time, he recorded. Why was Nath there for a long time? Nanavati found Naths explanations over his presence vague, and excused the vagueness because Nath was being asked questions to explain his presence 20 years later. In the end, Justice Nanavati pointed to absence of sufficient evidence to say he could not come to any conclusion that Nath had instigated the mob. Rakab Ganj set the pattern for two more days of killing around Delhi. Passive, and often active police complicity meant few cases were registered, little evidence gathered. Less than half of the killings in Delhi were covered by FIRs. A Citizens Justice Committee set up by former Bombay High Court judge VM Tarkunde counted 3,870 deaths, the Delhi administration put the figure at 2,307, and finally 2,733. A figure of a little more than 3,000 was suggested later on the basis of a body count; the toll is still not much more precise than that. Of these, no more than 1,419 deaths were covered by the FIRs. And these FIRs were mostly vague, as the Kusum Lata Mittal report documents. At places, one FIR would cover scores of deaths and appeared as little more than some slipshod summary of killings. These were drafted to smother evidence, not to gather any. Where could such cases stand in court, if presented at all? A complicit police force was not going to present cases against itself. Who could be witnesses? Hardly anyone from the mob. Those who saw the killings and survived them were considered interested and therefore unreliable witnesses. The life imprisonment sentence for former Congress (I) member Sajjan Kumar by the Delhi High Court on 17 December comes now because the court chose to believe Jagdish Kaur, who said that Kumar had led rioters who burnt her husband and son alive, which an earlier court did not. Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel, who ordered life term for Kumar, noted the pattern of killings through the 1984 cases. The killings were engineered by political actors with the assistance of law enforcement agencies, they ruled, and these killings answer the description of crimes against humanity. The criminals responsible for the mass crimes have enjoyed political patronage and have managed to evade prosecution and punishment. They spoke of a failure to examine important witnesses. If cases were registered, they were not investigated properly, the judges said. Cases of the present kind are indeed extraordinary and require a different approach to be adopted by the courts. What was Rajiv Gandhi seeking to suppress? The closest step to subsequent justice came from the inquiry conducted in 1985 by police officer Ved Marwah on the orders of then Delhi police commissioner SS Jog. Days before Marwah was to submit his report, the inquiry was called off. Its inconceivable that such a decision could have been taken without orders from then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi; inconceivable that Rajiv could simply have read about the abrupt ending of such an inquiry into so many killings after the assassination of his mother in the newspaper one morning. What was Rajiv seeking to suppress? He resisted demands for a judicial inquiry at first on the ground that it would only open old wounds. But under pressure from the Akali Dal, a new inquiry was ordered, to be conducted by Justice Ranganath Mishra, a sitting SC judge. All records of the Marwah inquiry were handed over to the Mishra commission. Testimony dismissed I submitted affidavits before the Mishra commission on the Rakab Ganj events and others I had witnessed. At this inquiry, I was asked to produce witnesses to testify that I was a witness. Failing that, to produce a log book from the Indian Express office to prove I was at the Rakab Ganj gurdwara when I was. Mishra knew that Nath and Kaul could have been witnesses to prove I was a witness, but he didnt want to know. My testimony was dismissed. Justice Nehra's report Anyone in awe of the SC should read the Mishra report. The sitting SC judge could not get his basic facts right. By 1984, he wrote in his report, the Union Territory had been divided into five police districts, each being called a Range in charge of a Deputy Inspector General of Police (later, Addl. Commissioner of Police), he wrote. Thats three serious errors in one sentence. One, Delhi comprised not five but six police districts (north, central, east, New Delhi, south and west). Second, each district was not called a range. There were two ranges only, called Delhi and New Delhi, each divided into three police districts. Thirdly, the officers in charge of those districts were additional commissioners of police right then and not later as Mishra had noted. In 1984, there were no deputy inspector-generals of police in Delhi. The SC judge had delivered his report on policing issues with a fundamentally flawed understanding of what the police system was. Mishra found that the Congress (I) had no hand in the killings other than some possible involvement at some at party worker level. He pronounced that the killing had begun spontaneously on the evening of 31 October as news of the assassination spread, but that from 1 November became organised the pattern of organised killings was inescapable. The change in the pattern from spontaneous reaction to organised riots was the outcome of the takeover of the command of the situation by anti-social elements, Mishra said. Satan at work And who were these anti-social elements? The sitting SC judge had an answer: It is said that Satan too has a process and when taking to satanic activities the anti-social elements took to their organised process. This is how and in this sense violence in Delhi was indeed organised but such organisation was not by any political party or a definite group of persons but by the anti-social elements. So it was not the Congress (I) that organised the violence but Satan. Mishra was later appointed SC chief justice by a Congress (I) government, then went to become the National Human Rights Commissions chairman. Finally, Congress (I) nominated him to Rajya Sabha. The first exoneration of Nath and other leaders claims is through an inquiry such as Justice Mishras. The second inquiry ordered by the Atal Behari Vajpayee government in 1999 and led by retired SC judge Nanavati noted also the pattern of organised carnage from 1 November. I testified before this commission too. When I brought up a brief meeting I had had with Rajiv over the 1984 killings, I was advised to leave that aside and that input was glossed over. The Nanavati inquiry had been ordered by a BJP government; by the time the findings were finally presented, the Congress was back in power. Justice Nanavati went slightly further than Justice Mishra, though. He noted in his report published in 2005: But for the backing of influential and resourceful persons, killing of Sikhs so swiftly and in large numbers could not have happened. But who were these influential and resourceful persons? Justice Nanavati added, Whatever acts were done, were done by the local Congress (I) leaders and workers, and they appear to have done so for their personal political reasons. How resourceful and influential can local leaders acting for personal political reasons be? What were personal political reasons? With 1984, nothing adds up, no one is responsible. A repeated recommendation is to forget 1984. Forget the police collusion at places, their unwillingness to protect others, forget the evidence never gathered that then never was and the inquiry commissions that did not inquire. The trouble is that families remember, a community remembers. Images from Press Trust of India and Facebook Sanjay Suri is the Europe editor for Network18 Shocked by the defeat in recent Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is acting promptly to put its house in order before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. As a first step in the direction, BJP president Amit Shah Wednesday appointed the party's in-charges for the Lok Sabha polls for 17 states, drafting in Union minister Prakash Javadekar for steering the campaign in Rajasthan and Thawarchand Gehlot, another minister, for Uttarakhand. Shocked by the defeat in recent Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is acting promptly to put its house in order before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. As a first step in the direction, BJP president Amit Shah Wednesday appointed the party's in-charges for the Lok Sabha polls for 17 states, drafting in Union minister Prakash Javadekar for steering the campaign in Rajasthan and Thawarchand Gehlot, another minister, for Uttarakhand. The choice of the leaders is reflective of the BJP's approach ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha. In most cases party has seemingly reposed faith in old faces who are experienced in taking charge of the election campaign in Shah's style. Take a look at the names chosen for some of the states. Rajasthan: Rajasthan was one of the three seats the BJP lost out to Congress only recently. The rising unpopularity of former chief miniser Vasundhara Raje, both within and outside the party was cited one of the reasons why the saffron party lost the state election, despite frantic campaigning from party top brass, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah. Javadekar, a disciplined soldier with his beliefs firmly entrenched with the RSS, has been tasked to put the house in order in Rajasthan, where the next challenge that BJP faces is choosing a Leader of Opposition, who in essence will be the face of the party in the state ahead of 2019. This, at a time when Raje's unpopularity within party cadres and the tension between her and the party's central leadership is out in the open. Yet, BJP has not been able to establish an alternative for Raje in the last five years, say top party sources. The party is mulling over the names of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to lead the BJP's charge in the state ahead of 2019. Javadekar, a softspoken man, yet an effective communicator, will be tasked to bring all on board and pick a leader acceptable to most people in the party, apart from steering the party cadre to curate a win in Lok Sabha polls. Uttar Pradesh: The BJP has picked Govardhan Jhadapia, Dushyant Gautam, and Narottam Mishra to steer the charge Uttar Pradesh, a politically crucial state for the BJP, where it is likely to face a tough challenge from a prospective alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Jhadapia is a leader from Gujarat, Gautam is a party vice president and a known Dalit face, and Mishra is a Brahmin leader from Madhya Pradesh. The trio will have the task to mobilise the party cadre and deliver a win to the BJP. The central leadership believes that the key to countering an SP-BSP alliance is taking the party's work in the past four years to the people effectively. Bihar: BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav is a seasoned politician and a senior worker of the party who has maintained a consistent performance in various roles he took on for the party. Electorally, more recently, Yadav delivered a win in Gujarat despite anti-incumbency and an increasingly hostile campaign by Congress in the run up to the state elections. Reports say that Yadav has been honed and mentored by Shah himself, and he was handpicked for the job of Gujarat state election in charge. Before this, Yadav had been the BJP election in-charge for Rajasthan in 2013, Jharkhand in 2014 and Bihar in 2015. While Bihar did not go the way the BJP would have liked, Yadav delivered results for his boss, Shah, in Rajasthan (2013 polls) and Jharkhand. It was based on his track record that Yadav has been chosen a second time to lead the campaign in Bihar, despite a previous failure. By now, Yadav originally from Rajasthan understands the caste equations in Bihar and the agrarian economic distress that has distanced rural voters from the BJP. He will have to deliver the party's message to the last mile. Then there's the task of working out the nitty-gritties of working out the seat sharing formula with NDA allies like Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Even though a rough numerical formula of seat sharing is ready, it will be up to Yadav to chalk out a plan with the party allies to decide which seat goes to which partner, and thereafter restrain the dissidents who may be dropped out to favour LJP and JD(U). Chhattisgarh: BJP has appointed Anil Jain, a former Rajya Sabha MP and party vice president, as the state in charge for the Lok Sabha elections on the directions of Shah. Jain's appointment has surprised many as he was the state election in-charge in the recent Assembly polls too in which the BJP faced a crushing defeat. After 15 years of staying in power, BJP could win only 15 seats in the state. However, the party chose to repose faith in Jain despite that as he understands the nuances of the Naxalism-hit state. Moreover, the party seems to blame the complacency in former chief minister Raman Sigh's government and anti-incumbency as factors behind loss. However, Jain had played an important role in the campaign to reach the booth level in the Assembly elections. This ensured that he was popular among booth level workers and ground force of the party, which is a useful trait in a state election in charge. In view of this, the central organization has given the responsibility of Lok Sabha to Jain instead of going with a new in-charge. Apart from the above, Rajya Sabha member V Muraleedharan and party secretary Deodhar Rao will be in-charge of Andhra Pradesh. Mahendra Singh and OP Mathur will be in-charge of Assam and Gujarat respectively. The BJP has also appointed in-charges and co-incharges for several other states, including Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Punjab, Telangana and Sikkim among others. Leaders from various parties spoke on the issue of the proposed law that will make instant triple talaq illegal and void and attract a jail term of three years for the husband New Delhi: It is a big day for Muslim women with the Lok Sabha set to discuss the bill on instant triple talaq, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel said on Thursday as the government struggled to get consensus on the issue. Leaders from various parties spoke on the issue of the proposed law that will make instant triple talaq illegal and void and attract a jail term of three years for the husband. "It is a big day for Muslim women. They have been facing injustice for the past 1,000 years." "The Modi government is going to pass the bill against triple talaq. It could have happened in 2017, but certain state Congress governments were opposing the decision. The Cabinet passed an ordinance and now the government is going to free all Muslim women from triple talaq," Goel told reporters outside Parliament. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to the government to refrain from interfering in religious matters. "We will discuss the bill. The government shouldn't interfere in religious matters," Kharge said, citing Article 25 of the Constitution on 'freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion'. The government, he said, is interfering in every religious matter. "Hence, we're fighting it. We will ask all parties about the bill, on whether there are problems with it. We will see if sending it to a parliamentary committee is the solution," said the Congress leader. CPI leader D Raja told reporters that the bill should be sent to a select committee for further deliberations. According to Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, the husband should not directly be sent to jail. "That needs to be figured out," he said. The Lok Sabha last week decided to take up the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, on 27 December after the Congress agreed to participate in the debate. The fresh bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on 17 December to replace an ordinance issued in September. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House but amid opposition by some parties in the Upper House, the government cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. As the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament. Jammu feels neglected by Kashmiri leaders and Kashmir blames Jammu for its underdevelopment. The communal sentiments feed into this perception Editor's Note: As another turbulent year comes to an end in Jammu and Kashmir, Firstpost will run a series of reports on how the state changed in 2018 and how these changes will translate on the ground. This series will focus on new-age militancy and the changing political landscape in the Valley, as well as the ever-increasing gap between the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir. *** For decades, after thousands of Muslims were massacred in Jammu in the aftermath of the 1947 Partition of the subcontinent, communal tensions have always played a role in shaping the demography of the Hindu-majority region. But never before have the communal divisions been as stark as they are today. The rape and murder of a minor nomad girl early this year has only added to the tensions and now it is only a matter of time before these tensions come to a boil. Early in November, a seminar organised by a Hindu right-wing group called for immediately stopping the "Islamic invasion" of Jammu, which is the Winter Capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It was one of those attempts to consolidate the Hindu votes of Jammu. The speakers tried to suggest that there was a conscious effort to change the demography of the region and the dominance of 'Muslim Kashmir' over 'Hindu Jammu' should not be tolerated anymore. When the PDP formed the coalition government with the BJP, one of the main arguments, late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, pushed to defend the alliance was to reduce the gap between the two culturally distinct region. But four years down the line, that gap has only widened and communal polarisation is at its peak. This suits the BJP. A united Hindu vote in Jammu is in its favour, while in Kashmir, the Muslim vote has become fragmented among the regional parties. But to suggest that the BJP will benefit from this polarisation in the coming Assembly election would be a bit premature. In the last Assembly election, the party won 25 seats in the region, riding on the 'Narendra Modi Wave'. But in recent months, after the alliance with the PDP, the Congress has often accused the BJP in the state of 'colluding with anti-national forces', and it has made its presence felt in the border areas of region which till the BJP came to power was its own domain. Since 2014, the BJP has been tirelessly propagating hatred against Gujjars and Bakerwals, who descend on the region during the winters with their livestock and are permanent residents of the state. This was made into a policy, though temporarily, by former minister Lal Singh when he evicted thousands of nomads from the forest land occupied by them by decades. As Mufti left Jammu to the whims and wishes of the BJP, many nomadic families were forcibly evicted in the name of anti-encroachment drives. The Jammu Development Authority has come under criticism in recent years for targeting Muslims settlements selectively. Singh, who resigned for participating in a rally defending the accused in Kathua rape and murder case, was at the forefront of this battle to try and uproot the Gujjars and Bakerwals from the forest areas. Growing tensions in the region, and indeed across the state, saw a series of incidents in which nomadic families were uprooted after their dokas makeshift mud and wooden log houses were set ablaze by miscreants. The JDA started a sustained campaign for "recovery" of forest land that had been encroached upon. This triggered a crisis, forcing the then chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to issue orders that no displacement from forests should take place without the prior permission of the tribal affairs ministry. All hell broke loose after this. Mehbooba asked officials to ensure that no member of the tribal communities is harassed during anti-encroachment drives. Some members of Gujjar and Bakerwal tribes were angry about the alleged step-motherly treatment being meted out by various government agencies during the anti-encroachment drive. For decades, there has been a rift between two regions of the state over the perceived sense of deprivation and discrimination by leaders of one region against the other. Jammu feels neglected by Kashmiri leaders and Kashmir blames Jammu for its underdevelopment. The communal sentiments feed into this perception. The narrative of predominance of one region over other has existed for decades, but there is hardly any institutional mechanisms to check it. The alliance between the PDP and BJP was ostensibly meant to bring the two regions together, but it served to increase this divide. This year, things became worse after the Kathua rape and murder. On one hand, the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley sided with the victim while on the other, there was suspicion in Jammu that the people arrested in the case were booked on false charges. Lawyer Ankur Sharma, who defended some of the accused in the case, openly called Mehbooba a "jihadi". Facebook journalists in Jammu peddled a communal narrative that was far removed from the reality and in some cases, ended up making things only worse. In recent years, the anti-Kashmir narrative has been transformed into a more open and brazen demonisation of Muslims. As Hindu right-wing politicians and activists continuously fish in troubled waters in an increasingly polarised Jammu in the aftermath of the Kathua rape and murder, new characters are emerging on the scene and enforcing their writ in the run-up to the state and Lok Sabha elections. This 'lopsided' demographic character is at the heart of the poison that some leaders of BJP and other political parties are feeding the people of the region, thereby vitiating the atmosphere. The communal polarisation in Jammu may have helped the BJP previously, but political analysts believe this may not be the case in the coming elections. Instead, the National Conference seems to have benefited in Chenab regions and some Hindu-dominated districts of Jammu. One of the leaders, who made a speech while being a minister in Kathua, is also against the BJP now. The party has suffered after its most prominent face from Jammu, Singh, floating his own political outfit which he says will work for 'Dogra Swabhiman and Sangathan' (Dogra dignity and unity). Like Sajad Lone in Kashmir, Singh, in recent months, has been relying on the development plank and the so-called 'discrimination towards Jammu' at the cost of Kashmir, to garner more supporters. Whether his antics translate into votes remains to be seen but political analysts believe that he will badly hurt the BJP in the coming elections. With the Kathua case in its last stages, both the BJP and Singh will use the incident to further their communal politics that could set the whole state ablaze. As Rahul has been committed to introducing democratic practices in the party, it could have been expected that Congress spokepersons would take great credit for this consultative process. Far from doing so, the party has made no reference to the exercise. Is this because the recommendations of the workers were ignored? Soon after his party's victories in the recent Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi sent an unprecedented audio message, according to a report, to almost two and a half lakh party members in the three states. These workers are among those on the ShaktiApp, an internal communication system that directly links registered booth-level workers to the central leadership. The ShaktiApp is a useful tool to build and energise the base, especially as the Congress partys on-the-ground structures remain weak. Rahul reportedly congratulated the workers and asked, "Who should be the chief minister?" He assured the workers that their replies would remain confidential. Rahul's outreach was not ignored; those approached did respond. As Rahul has been committed to introducing democratic practices in the party, it could have been expected that Congress spokepersons would take great credit for this consultative process. Far from doing so, the party has made no reference to the exercise. Is this because the recommendations of the workers were ignored? At least, this was so in Chhattisgarh. According to sources who requested anonymity, at least two-thirds of the workers wanted TS Singh Deo to be the chief minister while Gandhi was persuaded by his senior party colleagues to go with an OBC state leader and Bhupesh Baghel took over the coveted office. Rahul's consultation exercise raises fundamental issues on its compatibility with the tenets of representative democracy, which forms the basis of Indian polity. Wide and transparent consultation with party workers in choosing election candidates should become a norm for all parties. If Rahul puts such mechanisms in place in the Congress, he would deserve praise but it seems unlikely that he will do so, for it will go against the patronage system now prevalent and this applies to all parties in the distribution of election tickets. After elections, legislative groups of parties have to pick their leaders. Naturally, the leader of the successful party heads the government. Even now, in the states, legislative groups go through the formality of 'electing' their leader who then approaches the governor to stake a claim to form the government. But, as it was demonstrated in the recent elections, the real decisions are taken elsewhere, whereas it is the MLAs who should take the decision, for the government has to be collectively responsible to them. This can apply even to coalition governments. The Indian political system has morphed to become very different from the basic norm of representative democracy. This process began with the Congress but has spread virtually to all, even cadre-based parties. Parties are now run either by political families or have become the extensions of prominent personalities who command all authority. The fate of all party members lies in their hands and individuals with their own power-bases are not only discouraged but are quashed. In the initial decades after Independence, there was an element of inner party democracy within the Congress, with many of its chief ministers being authentic mass leaders in their own right. The central leadership seldom thrust its choices on the states where elected MLAs chose their leaders. However, after Indira Gandhi split the Congress, it became her party. Once her sons entered politics, it became a family party. Its leaders became dependent on the family and were chosen by it, and not the elected MLAs. Region and caste-based parties that sprang up in the 1980s and after followed the Congress example. The BJP is not controlled by members of a family. Its decision-making style has been traditionally more collegial and power and influence more diffused. State units also had greater leeway in decision-making though the popular perception now is that the leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah has centralised all authority. There is also the factor of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP interplay. A democratic polity has to be sustained by a democratic political culture. As political parties are the most significant actors in the system, the primary responsibility for the evolution of healthy democratic practices primarily rests with them. The discharge of this responsibility requires that democratic and transparent conventions are put in place in choosing candidates and in deciding the basic approaches of a party to national issues. This has been established in many representative democracies and there is no reason why it cannot be done in India. Once elections are held then power should flow upwards and not, as is the situation, downwards, with the chosen representatives virtually reduced to being used for the exercise of lung power. As party members, MPs and MLAs have to abide by party discipline but representative democracy also demands that they retain a measure of autonomy. This is necessary in the functioning of the legislatures, both in law-making and in holding the executive accountable. The fact that Parliament and state legislatures are no longer fulfilling these basic functions is obvious. This is adversely impacting Indias democratic culture, for no other institutional fix can really fill this shortcoming. Political parties cannot take the position that their inner working can be exempt from the formal democratic processes. This position is simply not logical but has become an inherent part of Indias political culture. An example has to be set by the national parties. If they pursue inner party democracy, the regional outfits may have to follow suit. From time to time, the Congress has committed itself to doing so and Rahul Gandhi has made attempts in this direction. The party has not succeeded and is unlikely to do so. The fate of Rahul Gandhis outreach to the workers only underlines that fact. Days after the Rajasthan poll results, the opposition BJP is yet to decide on who would lead it in the state assembly. The result for the Rajasthan elections was declared on 11 December. Jaipur: Days after the Rajasthan poll results, the opposition BJP is yet to decide on who would lead it in the state assembly. The result for the Rajasthan elections was declared on 11 December. "We will take a decision soon. We will talk to (former Rajasthan chief minister) Vasundhara Raje, BJP state president Madan Lal Saini said Wednesday. The Congress won 99 seats in the Rajasthan elections emerging as the single largest party in the state assembly polls. Chief Minister Ashok Ghelot had recently expanded his council of ministers by inducting 23 ministers. But their portfolios are yet to be decided. The party is in no hurry to decide its Leader of Opposition and is waiting for the next move of outgoing chief minister Raje, a party leader said, on the condition of anonymity. Raje was in New Delhi on Wednesday. The BJP will hold a meeting soon to decide on who would be the leader of opposition, a party spokesperson said. BJP legislators will decide their leader of opposition in the meeting, the spokesperson said. BJP sources said the central leadership has not been able to establish an alternative for Raje in the last five years, though it had names of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on its mind. In 2008, Raje was chosen as leader of opposition, even as her rivals had then alleged that she had remained abroad during her tenure as BJP state president. The BJP made a come back in the state after five years in 2013 with a record 163 seats of the 200 assembly seats. Political observers said Raje is the sole candidate for the post of leader of opposition in the state as most BJP legislators are in her favour to lead the party in the assembly. Tension between Raje and the BJP central leadership was in the open on selection of a new state party chief, distribution of tickets for the assembly elections, BJP sources said. They said as the Lok Sabha election are near, the BJP leadership will not make any changes Anupriya Patel had on Wednesday given a miss to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's programme in Deoria district of the state New Delhi: Reflecting 'frictions' with the BJP, Apna Dal (S) leader and Union minister Anupriya Patel on Thursday said she stood by the remarks of her husband and party president Ashish Patel, who had voiced frustration with the saffron party over its "treatment" of smaller NDA allies. Ashish had recently alleged at a press conference in Mirzapur that smaller parties were feeling "ignored" by the bigger NDA partner the BJP. "My party's president has already expressed the sentiments of the party. I stand by it," Anupriya said outside the Parliament. Her husband had earlier said that the BJP should learn from the recent losses (in Assembly elections). The SP-BSP alliance is a challenge for the NDA, whose allies in Uttar Pradesh are upset. The leadership at the Centre must do something, else the NDA would suffer in UP, Ashish had told reporters. BJP leader and Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, however, sought to downplay the husband-wife duo's comments. He said there was no "anger" or "ill will", adding there may have been some misunderstanding whose solution will be arrived at. Choubey said, "There is no ill will. We meet everyday. Anupriya Ji is very intelligent and knowledgable. She has achieved a lot. The BJP has respected her talents. There may have been some misunderstanding, but solutions also come about". Anupriya had on Wednesday given a miss to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's programme in Deoria district of the state. The Union Minister of State for Health was also not present at a function attended by the chief minister in Siddharthnagar on Tuesday, the same day when Ashish hit out at the BJP. Ashish Patel's outburst came days after Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RSLP) Chief Upendra Kushwaha walked out of the NDA. He was upset with the BJP after it asserted that the RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Earlier in March, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ended its four-year-old alliance with the NDA over the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. BJP praised The Accidental Prime Minister on Twitter, saying the film told a 'riveting tale of how a family held the country to ransom for 10 long years.' The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday praised the movie The Accidental Prime Minister on Twitter, saying the film told a "riveting tale of how a family held the country to ransom for 10 long years." Riveting tale of how a family held the country to ransom for 10 long years. Was Dr Singh just a regent who was holding on to the PMs chair till the time heir was ready? Watch the official trailer of #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister, based on an insiders account, releasing on 11 Jan! pic.twitter.com/ToliKa8xaH BJP (@BJP4India) December 27, 2018 While it is uncommon for a political party to post praise for an upcoming film, it is no surprise that BJP tweeted out praise for this particular film. The film is based on the book of the same name, written by Sanjay Baru, who served as former prime minister Manmohan Singh's media adviser from 2004 to 2008. The trailer shows Singh as the victim of internal politics of the Congress ahead of 2014 general elections, which the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) lost. Maharashtra Youth Congress has written to the makers of the film and has asked them to show them the movie before its release. "If the said movie is released without prior screening for our office bearers and without making necessary changes recommended by us that we find out after viewing the movie it will be understood that you are doing this deliberately and we have other options open to stop the screening of the same across India," Congress said in its letter. Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who is essaying the role of Singh in The Accidental Prime Minister, had said that the film is a "game changer" in political biopics as it does not shy away from taking real names. Asked if the ruling BJP government, which lost three state elections recently to Congress, would use the film as a tool in the run-up for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Kher said, "If I would have been in politics, I would have definitely told them to do so. But I am an actor, they will decide." We did not start the film thinking that this kind of political scenario will be there. It is a political film based on a book, whatever the book has said we have tried to make that," he added. Kher said the film is open to interpretations and it would be wrong to say that it supports or criticises a particular political party. With inputs from PTI Reuters Hong Kong-based activist fund Argyle Street Management asked Japans Toshiba Corp on Thursday to exit more non-core businesses such as office machinery company Toshiba TEC to bolster margins of the once-mighty conglomerate. Toshiba has already announced exits from its British nuclear power and U.S. LNG businesses as part of a plan to regain investor confidence after a 2015 accounting scandal uncovered widespread irregularities and forced it to recognise huge cost overruns at its now-bankrupt U.S. nuclear unit Westinghouse. We believe that further firm commitments to divest other non-core businesses (such as Toshiba TEC for instance), would be well received and affirms managements commitment to decisive execution of its plans, the investment fund said in a letter sent to Toshiba CEO Nobuaki Kurumatani and shown to Reuters. The fund also reiterated its call for the company to boost share buybacks to 1.1 trillion yen ($901.5 million), calling its current 700 billion yen repurchase launched in November grossly insufficient. Toshiba had substantial excess capital, and a higher buyback would make sense especially with the current depressed share price of Toshiba, the fund said. It also called on the company to hire more board members with international experience. As a long-term shareholder of Toshiba, we may feel the need to propose an agenda item at the AGM next year should we feel that our suggestions have not been given due consideration, the fund said. Toshiba could not immediately comment. It was not immediately clear how much stake Argyle owned in Toshiba. Argyle had previously opposed Toshibas sale of its chip business to a Bain Capital-led group, saying the deal undervalued the prized unit. The sale was completed earlier this year. Reuters China has proposed a ban on forced technology transfer and illegal government interference in foreign business operations, practices that have come under the spotlight in a trade dispute with the United States. A draft foreign investment law, the full text of which was published by the top legislature on 26 December, comes as China tries to resolve its protracted standoff with the United States, which accuses it of unfair trade practices including intellectual property (IP) theft and forced IP transfer. While China has frequently denied such accusations, it has pledged to improve market access for foreign investors and better protect their rights in the face of growing complaints and slower foreign investment. The final draft law, with 39 articles, was far shorter than a version released in 2015, but took a notably stronger line on IP protection. Official authorities and their staff shall not use administrative means to force the transfer of technology, the draft says. That compares with a general statement that foreign firms IP rights would be protected, in 2015. As trade tension flares, there has been growing caution in countries like the United States and Germany about Chinese companies backed by the state and flush with cash obtaining advanced foreign technology through aggressive acquisitions abroad. In an apparent move to emphasize reciprocity, the draft law said China would reserve the right to retaliate against countries that discriminate Chinese investment with corresponding measures. As soon as possible The draft law the first of its kind has been submitted to the National Peoples Congress Standing Committee, which began a session on Sunday, and will hold public consultations until Feb. 24. Once adopted, the law will replace three existing ones that regulate joint ventures and wholly foreign-owned enterprises, although it will likely go through several readings before being submitted for formal approval, which could take another year or more. However, state news agency Xinhua said on 27 December that many lawmakers were calling for a prompt deliberation of the draft to put it to a vote as soon as possible. Committee member Li Fei, however, suggested it should be put before the full session of the largely rubber-stamp assembly when it convenes its annual session in March, the news agency reported. Cai Fang, another member, said there should be further clarification on forced technology transfers, Xinhua said, suggesting the law may still need more discussion. Some law experts and business consultants remained skeptical about how far the law would protect foreign firms interests, given a lack of rule of law in China. Laws in China on something like forced technology are paper; the reality may or may not match that paper, said Dan Harris, Seattle-based managing partner of law firm Harris Bricken, which helps firms navigate legal issues overseas including in China. I generally think that on something like this, past history is the best predictor of future performance, and few dispute that China has for the last 10 years been saying it would open up and it all but stopped about five years ago. tech2 News Staff The worst perpetrator of false information is Donald Trump, the President of the United States according to UN Special Rapporteur David Kaye. An interview published in Digital Rights Monitor, Kaye said, "Governments are real offenders when it comes to disinformation. Governments are putting out false information. In my own country, the United States, the worst perpetrator of false information is the President of the United States." UN Special Rapporteur: Donald Trump 'worst perpetrator' of [disinformation] https://t.co/w6Qg6UZbzD David Kaye (@davidakaye) December 27, 2018 Kaye is a professor of law at University of California, Irvine and has also been serving as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Expression and Opinion since 2014. In the interview, Kaye highlighted threats to online freedom of expression and the role that journalists play in bringing fake news to light. What caught most people's attention was how he described Donald Trump. Kaye believes that the problems of fake news are understood well by journalists, and proactive reporting about privacy violations is the need of the hour. The image the 2018 Freedom House report paints isn't the best internet freedom worsened in 26 countries, out of a total of 65 countries which were studied. It also pointed out that a significant number of countries were increasing surveillance to fight fake news. In India itself, the past week saw two notifications from the Government of India along similar lines MHA notified 10 agencies empowering them to get any information through any computer and MEITY proposed changes to the IT Act to address the issue of fake news with the possibility of breaking encryption for some online intermediaries. Reuters Apple will begin assembling its top-end iPhones in India through the local unit of Foxconn as early as 2019, the first time the Taiwanese contract manufacturer will have made the product in the country, according to a source familiar with the matter. Importantly, Foxconn will be assembling the most expensive models, such as devices in the flagship iPhone X family, the source said, potentially taking Apples business in India to a new level. The work will take place at Foxconns plant in Sriperumbudur town in Tamil Nadu, this source added. Foxconn, which already makes phones for Xiaomi, will invest 25 billion Indian rupees ($356 million) to expand the plant, including investment in iPhone production, Tamil Nadus Industries Minister M C Sampath told Reuters. The investment may create as many as 25,000 jobs, he added. The other source declined to be named as this person is not authorised to speak to the media. A third source confirmed Foxconn planned to assemble iPhones in India. The Hindu newspaper first reported on 24 December that the Foxconn plant would begin manufacturing various models of the iPhone. Reuters is first to report the size of the investment and the kind of phones to be assembled. Lower-end phones Until now, Cupertino, California-based Apple has only assembled the lower-cost SE and 6S models in India through Wistron Corps local unit in the Bengaluru technology hub. Its sales in India have also been focused on lower-end phones - more than half of its sales volume is driven by models older than the iPhone 8, launched last year, according to technology research firm Counterpoint. Apple launched the pricey iPhone X last year but has cut production of that phone, according to industry analysts, since it began selling the newer versions, iPhone XS and XR, globally this year. Still, it could potentially get Foxconn to make the older iPhone X version in India where it sells cheaper models in a bid to get a bigger share of the worlds fastest growing major mobile phone market. Full details of Apples deal with Foxconn are not yet clear and could change. It is not known if any of the iPhone assembly is being moved from existing Foxconn factories in China and elsewhere. It is also unclear whether the production will be confined to assembly or include any component production in India. Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller declined to comment for this story. Foxconn said it does not comment on matters related to current or potential customers, or any of their products. It did not immediately respond to a request seeking confirmation that it was investing $356 million in Tamil Nadu. Apple shocked investors last month with a lower-than-expected sales forecast for the Christmas quarter that jolted parts suppliers across the world. Foxconn has previously expressed concern over demand for Apples flagship devices. Reuters President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in the new year to declare a national emergency that would bar U.S. companies from using telecommunications equipment made by Chinas Huawei and ZTE, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters. It would be the latest step by the Trump administration to cut Huawei Technologies Cos Ltd and ZTE Corp, two of Chinas biggest network equipment companies, out of the U.S. market. The United States alleges that the two companies work at the behest of the Chinese government and that their equipment could be used to spy on Americans. The executive order, which has been under consideration for more than eight months, could be issued as early as January and would direct the Commerce Department to block U.S. companies from buying equipment from foreign telecommunications makers that pose significant national security risks, sources from the telecoms industry and the administration said. While the order is unlikely to name Huawei or ZTE, a source said it is expected that Commerce officials would interpret it as authorization to limit the spread of equipment made by the two companies. The sources said the text for the order has not been finalized. The executive order would invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States. The issue has new urgency as U.S. wireless carriers look for partners as they prepare to adopt next-generation 5G wireless networks. The order follows the passage of a defense policy bill in August that barred the U.S. government itself from using Huawei and ZTE equipment. Huawei and ZTE did not return requests for comment. Both in the past have denied allegations their products are used to spy. The White House also did not return a request for comment. The Wall Street Journal first reported in early May that the order was under consideration, but it was never issued. Hit to rural networks Rural operators in the United States are among the biggest customers of Huawei and ZTE, and fear the executive order would also require them to rip out existing Chinese-made equipment without compensation. Industry officials are divided on whether the administration could legally compel operators to do that. While the big U.S. wireless companies have cut ties with Huawei in particular, small rural carriers have relied on Huawei and ZTE switches and other equipment because they tend to be less expensive. The company is so central to small carriers that William Levy, vice president for sales of Huawei Tech USA, is on the board of directors of the Rural Wireless Association. The RWA represents carriers with fewer than 100,000 subscribers. It estimates that 25 percent of its members had Huawei or ZTE equipment in their networks, it said in a filing to the Federal Communications Commission earlier this month. The RWA is concerned that an executive order could force its members to remove ZTE and Huawei equipment and also bar future purchases, said Caressa Bennet, RWA general counsel. It would cost $800 million to $1 billion for all RWA members to replace their Huawei and ZTE equipment, Bennet said. Separately, the FCC in April granted initial approval to a regulation that bars giving federal funding to help pay for telecommunication infrastructure to companies that purchase equipment from firms deemed threats to U.S. national security, which analysts have said is aimed at Huawei and ZTE. The FCC is also considering whether to require carriers to remove and replace equipment from firms deemed a national security risk. In March, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said hidden back doors to our networks in routers, switches and virtually any other type of telecommunications equipment - can provide an avenue for hostile governments to inject viruses, launch denial-of-service attacks, steal data, and more. In the December filing, Pine Belt Communications in Alabama estimated it would cost $7 million to $13 million to replace its Chinese-made equipment, while Sagebrush in Montana said replacement would cost $57 million and take two years. Sagebrush has noted that Huawei products are significantly cheaper. When looking for bids in 2010 for its network, it found the cost of Ericsson equipment to be nearly four times the cost of Huawei. Reuters Huawei Technologies rotating chairman Guo Ping said in his new years address that the Chinese tech giants revenue in 2018 is expected to be $108.5 billion, up 21 percent year-on-year. Guo said Huawei has secured 26 5G contracts. Smartphone shipments in 2018 are expected to surpass 200 million units. Huawei is the worlds largest telecom equipment maker and the second largest smartphone seller. It has come under international pressure this year after the United States and its allies including Australia and New Zealand started barring its equipment on security concerns. Huaweis chief financial officer Sabrina Meng, who is also the daughter of its founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested and released on bail in Canada earlier this month as the U.S. alleged she defrauded banks with Iran-related transactions. In related Huawei news, the company, as per a post on Weibo, the company will make the EMUI 9 open beta update available for nine more smartphones which include Huawei Mate 9, Mate 9 Porsche Edition, Mate 9 Pro, P10, P10 Plus, Honor V9, Honor 9, Nova 2S, and Honor Note 10. tech2 News Staff Earlier this week we learned that Facebook had suspended accounts of five people who reportedly spread disinformation during the special election in Alabama in 2017. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn had funded that group and has now apologised. According to a report by The Washington Post, Hoffman apologized on 26 December for funding the group of five who carried out a "highly disturbing" effort that spread disinformation during last years Alabama special election for US Senate. However, he did say that he was unaware of what his money was being used for. "There is absolutely no place in our democracy for manipulating facts or using falsehoods to gain political advantage. I would not have knowingly funded a project planning to use such tactics, and would have refused to invest in any organization that I knew might conduct such a project, Hoffman told the publication. The group Hoffman funded was called American Engagement Technologies, and as we know, used Facebook for a Russian-style disinformation campaign. He invested a total of $7,50,000 in the group's apparent research. Jonathon Morgan, the chief executive of a top social media research firm New Knowledge, and four other people who experimented during the 2017 Alabama elections. The group wanted to manipulate the votes in a manner that the votes for the Republican candidate Roy S Moore were undermined. They then sought to boost support for Democrat Doug Jones who won that election. Morgan had said that the experiment was conducted for the sake of research and to learn more about the kinds of methods Russia had used. He also acknowledged purchasing retweets on Twitter to calculate if that boosts political messages. 2018 has been an eventful year and here's our comprehensive list of year ender stories. Mishi Choudhary An awful year for personal technology was made worse in the past one week by two notifications from the Government of India. On 20 December, Ministry of Home Affairs used its executive powers to notify ten agencies empowering them to intercept, monitor or decrypt any information through any computer source. This law, codified in Section 69 of the Information Technology Act mandates that all companies including your internet service providers, telecom service providers, platform companies extend all facilities and technical assistance to carry out such surveillance or face seven years imprisonment and fines. Amidst the agencies notified, several are exempt from RTI and report directly to the Executive. A few days later, as if playing to the popular meme of "Hold My beer," MEITY proposed changes to the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules under Section 79 of the IT Act ostensibly to address the issue of fake news. The Congress party didn't waste a minute in politicising the issue, conveniently suffering selective amnesia about the promulgation of this very statute and similar amendments to the Intermediary guidelines. In the aftermath of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the UPA-I amended the IT Act and introduced this very provision amongst others to seize near-unqualified surveillance capabilities for the State. These amendments were approved by the Parliament without much discussion or debate. Parallels are often drawn between these amendments and the US-PATRIOT ACT passed by the US Congress in response to the September 11 attacks. Busy making hashtags, the Congress party ignored the Blackberry saga and the 2011 amendments that it had brought to these very rules which were challenged in the Supreme Court of India and struck down in the case of Shreya Singhal vs Union of India. These are subordinate legislation that requires no discussion in the Parliament. Multiple Indian legislations, including the Indian Telegraph Act and Rules, Information Technology Act and Rules and the Code of Criminal Procedure, contain explicit provisions that allow Central and State governments to intercept and monitor the nation's communication networks on several grounds. These grounds are often broadly worded, with generous helpings of terms such as 'security of the state' and 'public safety' that are never defined with any manner of precision. This effectively grants the government unsubstantiated access to India's telephone and Internet networks to retrieve their contents at will. Similarly, license agreements entered into between Indian communications service providers and the Department of Telecommunications contain clauses that mandate inter alia, the installation of unspecified surveillance equipment into communication networks as and when required by the government and its agents. All service providers operating within the country at any given point of time are therefore bound to ensure that their networks are open to government surveillance. All these together establish an opaque surveillance regime that is run solely by the Executive arm of the government and makes no provisions for independent oversight of the surveillance process. These days, not much is talked about a number of additional surveillance systems in varying stages of development including The Centralised Monitoring System (CMS), Network Traffic Analysis (NETRA) and National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), their capabilities are extensive enough to rival most modern, technically sophisticated systems. Surveillance is no new issue in India as the desire to control is universal. No matter who is in power, ability to eavesdrop on people's communications vests immense power in anyone who attempts it but what is new in 2018 is that Right to Privacy was an uncertain, non-justiciable right that existed solely on the basis of its judicial interpretation has now been recognised as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court of India. India's communications surveillance framework provides no judicial intervention at any stage of the surveillance process. No provisions of law, as they currently stand, talk about judicial oversight in any capacity. An observation on the matter made by the Supreme Court in the case of PUCL v. UoI, where judicial oversight of phone interception was held as unsustainable in the lack of express legal provisions that provide for such oversight. However, while discussing constitutionality of Section 69A in the matter of Shreya Singhal, supra, the SC said that the reasons for blocking of content must always be recorded in writing in such blocking order so that they may be assailed in a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, thereby opening a way for citizens to challenge such orders. In 2013, Arun Jaitley had vehemently argued in the Parliament that, "Every person has 'a right to be left alone'. In a liberal society, there is no place for those who peep into the private affairs of individuals. No one has a right to know who another communicates with him." He said this, when the news of his call detail records being accessed by Delhi Police had surfaced. The recent notification empowers the Commissioner of Police, Delhi to snoop on all such communications. It is only fair that we all agree with the 2013 version of Jaitley and demand the same rights. For most of us today, the internet is not some space where some parts of our official functions are carried out. It's the centre where our lives are lived. If that system is turned upon us to be used as a tool for totalitarianism, for govt intrusion in every aspect of our lives, we have everything to lose. While governments will come and go, playing the tune of privacy and free speech when they are in opposition and using every tool possible to create ubiquitous systems of suspicionless surveillance when in power, the actions that we as citizens undertake today will determine whether we live in freedom or slavery. The author is a technology lawyer and Managing Partner, Mishi Choudhary Associates. tech2 News Staff CES 2019 is just around the corner and we can be sure to expect a lot of new tech and gadgets to be unveiled. Samsung has been a prominent name at CES for a long time and while it does not usually release any mobile devices at the event, we can be assured of some cool innovations to come from the South Korean giant's R&D department. A new report by Korean publication ETNews has revealed that Samsung will likely be showcasing its sound emitting OLED panels, which is a trend that is going to pick up in 2019. Panels which have equipped surface sound display technology emit sound directly from the display making the speaker redundant. The tech has been named as 'Sound on Display technology' and it uses vibration and bone conduction to create sound. Not only will this make the entire display a giant speaker, but it will also save space to add additional new features in the device. Samsung will however not be the first to come out with this kind of technology, as LG has already released its TV called Crystal Sound All Red which incorporates sound emitting OLED panel. While it is known that Samsung will publically demonstrate the Sound on Display technology at CES, it is not known yet when smartphone OEMs will start using it on smartphones. The closest thing to that we have seen on a smartphone is the sound vibration used on the Mi Mix series and the Vivo NEX which vibrates the phone to make the entire display as an earpiece when someone calls. tech2 News Staff Drones have become quite the trend since last year and now even India has drafted legislation which will regulate the operation of drones in the country. Electronics giant Samsung has been noticeably absent from the drone market but it seems those days could soon be over. A recent patent filed by the company with the US Patents and Trademark Office was spotted by Gizmochina and it shows that the company is seriously planning to move against the industry leader DJI. What's more, it appears from the patent that Samsung is perhaps planning to make a transformable drone which is something that no drone-maker has done so far. "An aspect of the present disclosure provides a transformable drone in which an arm for fixing a propeller can be folded and unfolded against the main body (or an airframe) which may provide a transformable unmanned aerial vehicle which combines portability and flight performance through a transformable main body (or an airframe)." said the patent. The report by Gizmochina indicates that Samsung will be looking to integrate the drone software with its Galaxy lineup of smartphones. The drone will have gyros, a barometer, compass, ultrasonic, temperature, light and ultraviolet sensors. This latest patent from Samsung is the companys fifth drone-related patent in this year alone. Will this drone from Samsung ever make its way to India? Only time will tell. tech2 News Staff Millions of teenagers seeking their 15 seconds of fame are flocking to TikTok, but many of their parents are only now learning about the express-yourself video app often to their dismay. The social network became the most downloaded on Apple's App Store in the first half of this year according to market analysis firm Sensor Tower, beating out titans like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. The site, owned by China's ByteDance, boasted 500 million users as of June following its purchase last year of Musical.ly, which greatly expanded its reach in the US. Analysts say it filled the void left by Vine, which introduced countless numbers of teens to the creative possibilities of ultrashort videos but failed to find a sustainable business model. "TikTok capitalises on short-term creative content that other platforms don't encourage, by their design and community," said Brian Solis at the US tech advisory firm Altimeter. "If there is one thing Silicon Valley can learn from Chinese app development, it's that it is tuned in to viral-as-a-service, meaning that their most popular apps have really been about making content and personas viral and also hyper-engaged," he said. Yet critics say its surging popularity among young girls in particular, and exposes them to caustic comments and other potential abuse by their peers while offering a choice hunting ground for sexual predators. The app itself promises a video-sharing community that's "raw, real and without boundaries" and claims to be appropriate for children aged 12 and older. Parents aren't always convinced, given the numbers of young girls suggestively singing along to sexually explicit lyrics which are often degrading to women. Such videos are the stock in trade of Halia Beamer, an American 13-year-old who has emerged as one of TikTok's stars, chalking up more than five million followers. Dangerous characters Media reports have documented cases of users being bombarded with disturbing comments, while others have been asked for private contact details or to post provocative images. Last summer the Indonesian government banned the app after more than 170,000 people signed a petition saying that lip-syncing in revealing outfits was not suitable for children. It was lifted only after TikTok representatives from China flew to Jakarta and promised to hire more people to weed out inappropriate content. The US internet watchdog Common Sense says the combination of mature content and privacy risks means users should be at least 16. "Because the age limit is so low, you attract a greater assortment of dangerous characters, and users lying about their age," Solis said. But raising the age limit would remove millions of people from the platform, and curb TikTok's exponential growth. In France for example, 38 percent of youths aged 11 to 14 have a TikTok account according to Generation Numerique, which tracks internet usage. Girls are by far the majority among French pre-teens, with 58 percent saying they have an account compared with just 15 percent for boys. French police warned parents last month about the dangers, saying their teens "may be targeted by indecent sexual proposals". "TikTok promotes dancing and singing in particular, things which are still pretty feminine that boys don't always dare to do," said Cyril di Palma, Generation Numerique's president. Hard choices ByteDance, whose app is called Douyin in China, says it works extensively to protect its users, with software that monitors content and "a continually growing team of moderators". But Di Palma says many parents are still unaware of the risks, "and are astonished to see their little angels in poses inappropriate for their age." The effects of early exposure to social media are so new that "parents, educators, even doctors... are either under-qualified or completely ignorant in the face of the need to guide a young generation in the dangers and possibilities of these new technologies," Solis said. William Soally, a French father whose 12-year-old daughter is a dance fan, took action after seeing alerts about TikTok among YouTube users. "I talked about it with my daughter and we decided to remove the app from her phone," Soally, 35, told AFP, acknowledging the move had initially provoked tears and worries about "a loss of social status". "The solution has to come from parents, who need to understand that the internet is not a world of Care Bears," he added, referring to the 1980s cartoon characters. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on 27 December 2018 and is being republished owing to its relevance given the recently announced TikTok ban. 2018 has been an eventful year and here's our comprehensive list of year ender stories. The Conversation A lot happened in the world of palaeontology in 2018. Some of the big events included some major fossil finds, a new understanding of our reptile ancestors and a major controversy whose outcome could rewrite human history. The Conversation Africa asked Dr Julien Benoit to discuss five important moments in palaeontology you may have missed during 2018, and what they mean particularly for Africa and its place in the story of human origins. 1. A contested thigh bone The year started with a bang. In January Roberto Macchiarelli, a professor of human paleontology, accused his colleague Michel Brunet of totally misrepresenting an important piece of evidence in the story of human evolution. The evidence in question is a femur a thigh bone found in northern Chad in 2001. Macchiarelli believes that the femur belonged to Toumai (Sahelanthropus tchadensis), a species which his opponent argues is the earliest known example of a human ancestor, dating back around 7 million years. But Macchiarelli insists the femur belonged to a quadrupedal ape, not a bipedal hominin. Its an important distinction. Before the discovery of Toumai, it had long been believed that humankind originated in Eastern Africa. Toumai solidly roots the human family tree on the western side of the continent. But if it turns out not to be a hominin, evolutionary history shifts once more. 2. Out of Africa Homo sapiens originated from a single, common ancestor that lived in Africa 300 000 years ago. Then, between 100 000 and 80 000 years ago, Homo sapiens left the continent and began to spread out across the world. Our African origins have been demonstrated countless times by genetic analyses and fossil evidence. But whats known as the multiregional model has persisted. Its proponents suggest that modern humans dont have a single origin. Instead, we evolved independently of each other from different pre-human populations. Asians originated from the Asian Homo erectus, Europeans from the Neanderthal man, and Africans from the African Homo heidelbergensis. Its a theory ripe with racist undertones and has enjoyed decreasing support in the past few decades. Those who backed the model pointed out that modern Asian populations and Asian Homo erectus all had unique shovel-like incisors. This was considered a sign of common ancestry. In April, the final nail was hammered into the theorys coffin. Genetic analysis showed that this trait of the incisors was merely a side effect of adaptation to a cold environment. The gene that controls for the shovel-like incisors also coincidentally decreases the number of sweat glands and enriches mothers milk with fat. These two features can be crucial for survival during an Ice Age. Because of the genetic connection between these traits, Homo erectus and Asian modern humans would have incidentally evolved similar incisors by evolving these adaptations against cold in a parallel manner. This means the shovel-like incisors were not inherited by Asian Homo sapiens from a Homo erectus ancestor: they were acquired because of the cold environment. Its yet more proof that humankinds family tree is solidly rooted in Africa. 3. A seriously big dinosaur Weve long known that gigantic dinosaurs roamed ancient African landscapes. The Paralititan, from Egypt, weighed around 60 tons. Giraffatitan, from Tanzania, was among the tallest dinosaurs that ever lived; another Tanzanian specimen, Tornieria, was among the longest. The meat-eating Spinosaurus, found in Niger and North Africa, was even bigger than its iconic North American cousin Tyrannosaurus rex. But when and where did gigantism among dinosaurs first evolve? Ledumahadi mafube, from South Africa, sheds new light on this question. The 200 million-year-old dinosaur weighed around 12 tons, making it the earliest dinosaur to pass beyond the 10-ton threshold. Later, dinosaurs would become even bigger. But in its time, Ledumahadi mafube was a giant among dwarfs. 4. Reimagining reptiles Mammals evolved from an unexpected source: reptiles and specifically a group of mammal-like reptiles called the cynodontsn. One of the biggest differences between mammals and reptiles today is their reproductive biology. Most reptiles lay eggs and show little to no parental care, whereas most mammals give live birth to younglings and provide them with extensive parental care. We havent known whether cynodonts were more like mammals or reptiles in this respect until 2018. Scientists in the US studied the fossil remains of an adult cynodont dating back 190 million years, and found preserved with the skeletons of 38 babies. Thats a huge clutch size; one thats never encountered in mammals but is typically found among some reptiles that lay eggs. The scientists also argue that its unlikely that the adult mother cynodont could have produced enough milk or provided enough parental care to raise so many babies. This suggests that cynodonts must have had a reptilian reproductive biology, and helps us to understand these important human ancestors a little better. It also means that South Africas extensive fossil record, which has so far been interpreted to propose that cynodonts cared for their young, might need a complete reinterpretation 5. A four-legged find In June, it was announced that two species of fossil amphibians new to science had been found in South Africa. The two represent the oldest evidence of four legged land-dwelling animals, called tetrapods, on the African continent: a missing link between fish, amphibians and reptiles. Historically, the search for tetrapod ancestry overlooked Africa. This puts the continent on the map when it comes to seeking evidence for how the transition of life from sea to land occurred. Julien Benoit, Postdoc in Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of the Witwatersrand This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Campaigning ends on Friday for Bangladesh's general election on 30 December with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League seeking a third straight term. Dhaka: Campaigning ends on Friday for Bangladesh's general election on 30 December with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League seeking a third straight term in office even as main opposition BNP is in a crippled state as its leader and former premier Khaleda Zia remains in jail for corruption. The BNP has alleged that the Awami League government is trying to push it out of the electoral fray. "The government is applying all its power to oust us from the election," Bangladesh Nationalist Party spokesman Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said. Kamal Hossain, convenor of opposition National Unity Front (NUF) in which BNP is a key partner, called an emergency meeting of the alliance to decide their next course of action. Rizvi claimed that over 9,200 of BNP activists were arrested since the declaration of the election schedule on 4 December saying "our activists were sued in 806 ghost cases since then to create an atmosphere of fear". Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, on the other hand, said NUF was trying different "tricks and instigations" to upset the polls and urged people to "beware of their trap and work for the next three days for holding the election with patience". Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar earlier said he was concerned about increasing violence amid reports that at least six people including Awami League activists were killed in the run up to the election. "Ensuring all parties take part in the election is not the only issue, the election should also be fair, free and be conducted with due legal process," he said. Another election commissioner Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury however, said "the situation is under control" hoping that Sunday's polls would be free, fair and peaceful. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, called on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the election in Bangladesh. Electioneering across the country reached its peaked on Thursday as the campaign is set to end on Friday in line with electoral laws as 1,848 candidates are contesting in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies. Awami League party activists were parading in the streets with leaflets and while Opposition activists appeared to have largely kept their campaign limited to social media. Zia, 73, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting the polls. Her son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists. The absence of the two top Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders has pushed the party into a state of disarray. The BNP had boycotted the previous 2014 polls demanding an election time neutral non-party government, and instead waged a violent street campaign in subsequent years. Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the EC as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time even as it faces structural erosion from within. Donald Trump has made securing the southern border a focal point of his presidency, with plans to beef up border security and create a wall as key components. Washington: US President Donald Trump has said that he plans to visit the country's southwestern border with Mexico early next year for groundbreaking. Trump has made securing the southern border a focal point of his presidency, with plans to beef up border security and create a wall as key components. In an interaction with reporters during his surprise visit to Iraq with First Lady Melania, Trump said he wants to visit the border wall before the State of the Union Address next year. This is his first visit to Iraq as the US President. Trump said he is planning on "going to the wall" on the Southwest Border of the US early next year for a "groundbreaking". Trump made these remarks while taking questions from reporters during a briefing with US military leaders shortly after landing in Iraq. Trump indicated that he will not budge from his position on border wall. With the opposition Democrats refusing to approve the necessary funds, the federal government has been under a partial government shutdown for four days now. "Whatever it takes. We need a wall. We need safety for our country. Even from this standpoint. We have terrorists coming in through the southern border," Trump said when asked how long this shutdown would last. Sheikha Latifa has not been seen in public since she was allegedly captured at sea off India in March after leaving the UAE London: A princess who tried to flee the United Arab Emirates months ago is "a troubled young woman", a former UN human rights chief said on Thursday after meeting her this month. Mary Robinson told BBC radio 4's Today programme that she had been invited by Princess Haya, the wife of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, to help with his daughter, Sheikha Latifa. Latifa has not been seen in public since she was allegedly captured at sea off India in March after leaving the UAE. In a YouTube video at the time, she said she was leaving because of restrictions imposed on her by her family. Robinson, who was seen alongside Latifa in photographs released by the UAE authorities earlier this month, said that she had been asked to "help with a family dilemma". "The dilemma was that Latifa is vulnerable, she's troubled. She made a video that she now regrets and she planned an escape, or what was part of a plan of escape," she said. "I had lunch with her. She's a very likeable young woman but clearly troubled, clearly needs the medical care that she is receiving," said Robinson, adding that her family "don't want her to endure any more publicity". She said that Latifa was suffering from "a serious medical situation" and was receiving "psychiatric care" but did not give further details about her condition. Robinson served as Ireland's president between 1990 and 1997 and later served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002. The 74-year-old said she had spoken to current UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, as well as Human Rights Watch executive director Ken Roth about her meeting with Latifa and would be returning to Dubai in March. Accounts by people involved in Latifa's escape attempt said that she fled first to Oman, before boarding a yacht which was surrounded by the Indian navy and then towed back to the UAE. A source close to the Dubai government said that in April the princess had been "brought back" to Dubai. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi political and militia leaders condemned U.S. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi political and militia leaders condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's surprise visit to U.S. troops in Iraq on Wednesday as a violation of Iraq's sovereignty, and lawmakers said a meeting between Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was cancelled due to a disagreement over venue. Sabah al Saadi, the leader of the Islah parliamentary bloc, called for an emergency session of parliament "to discuss this blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and to stop these aggressive actions by Trump who should know his limits: The U.S. occupation of Iraq is over." The Bina bloc, Islah's rival in parliament and led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, also objected to Trump's trip to Iraq. "Trump's visit is a flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government," said a statement from Bina. Abdul Mahdi's office said in a statement that U.S. authorities had informed Iraq's leadership of the president's visit ahead of time. The statement said the Iraqi prime minister and U.S. president talked by telephone due to a "disagreement over how to conduct the meeting." Iraqi lawmakers told Reuters that the pair had disagreed over where their planned meeting should take place: Trump had asked to meet at the Ain al-Asad military base, an offer which Abdul Mahdi declined. Trump's visit comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, as Washington seeks to counter Iran's sway in the Middle East. The formation of Iraq's government has stalled as well amid intensifying discord between the Islah and Bina blocs. Falih Khazali, a former militia leader turned politician allied with Bina, accused the United States of wanting to increase its presence in Iraq. "The American leadership was defeated in Iraq and wants to return again under any pretext, and this is what we will never allow," he said. Bina said Trump's visit "places many question marks on the nature of the U.S. military presence and its real objectives, and what these objectives could pose to the security of Iraq." While there has been no full-scale violence in Iraq since Islamic State suffered a series of defeats last year, some 5,200 U.S. troops train and advise Iraqi forces still waging a campaign against the militant group. Islah is headed by populist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. Sadr has long opposed the U.S. presence in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. He led two uprisings against U.S. forces in Iraq and is one of the few Shi'ite leaders to also distance himself from Iran. Iraq's Shi'ite militias, also known as the PMF, many of which are supported by Iran, oppose the presence of U.S. troops in the region. The PMF was made formally part of the security forces this year after helping the military defeat Islamic State in Iraq in 2017. Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the powerful Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia said on Twitter, "Iraqis will respond with a parliamentary decision to oust your (U.S.) military forces. And if they do not leave, we have the experience and the ability to remove them by other means that your forces are familiar with." Some Iraqis, however, were less concerned with the U.S. president's visit. "We wont get anything from America," said Baghdad resident Mohammad Abdullah. "Theyve been in Iraq 16 years, and they havent given anything to the country except destruction and devastation." (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed and Raya Jalabi; additional reporting by Maher Nazih; editing by Chris Reese) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Whenever Bangladesh prepares to vote in its parliamentary elections as it will once more on 30 December, its religious minorities slip into acute anxiety and fear Whenever Bangladesh prepares to vote in its parliamentary elections as it will once more on 30 December, its religious minorities slip into acute anxiety and fear. This is because they are violently targeted to polarise the electorate and also dissuade them from voting for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League. This Sunday, Hasina will cross swords with former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which heads an Opposition alliance that includes the Jamaat-e-Islami, a Muslim fundamentalist organisation. The Jamaat despicably perpetrates violence against religious minorities, who constitute 11.8 percent of Bangladesh's electorate. Of the 11.8 percent, Hindus make up 10.8 percent, which is precisely why the Jamaat considers them as its principal foe. Are religious minorities living in dread of the 30 December election? Which of the two parties Awami League or BNP do Hindus and other minorities prefer? Are Hindu candidates in the fray? Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad, or Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, is on hand to answer these questions. Counted among the prominent leaders of Bangladesh's civil society, he has also served as a prosecutor in Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal that was constituted in 2009 to investigate and try those responsible for the mass killings during Bangladesh's liberation movement of 1971. Edited excerpts of an interview conducted over the phone follow: What is the significance of Bangladesh's 11th parliamentary elections for religious minorities, particularly Hindus? In the past, from 1991 until 2014, it was our experience that minorities were targeted in the days preceding as well as after the elections. But for the first time, the [Bangladesh] Election Commission has directed law-enforcement agencies to provide security to religious minorities in both the pre- and post-election periods. This has resulted in a very good relationship between the administration and religious minority communities. That said, there have been two incidents in which Hindus were targeted. Could you provide details of the incidents in which Hindus were targeted? One house in Thakurgaon district and another five in Sonagachi village, Feni district, were burnt down. There have been incidents of Hindu leaders being threatened. That said, we feel the situation of minorities in this election, at least until now, is far better than that in the past. Who burnt the houses? Communal elements thrive in the Feni district. However, the person who has been arrested for setting the houses on fire belongs to the ruling Awami League. We don't yet know why he did it. Isn't it surprising that the accused in Feni district belongs to the Awami League, which is considered a pro-minority party? As of now, we simply have no clarity why Awami League workers chose to burn down the houses of Hindus. But what you say is indeed true the Awami League is generally considered protective of religious minorities. Do religious minorities fear the return of the BNP? Yes, minorities fear the BNP's return. This is because the Jamaat-e-Islami, which is part of the Jatiyo Oikyo Front [National United Front, the Opposition alliance], is an anti-liberation force [meaning it fought to crush the movement for the liberation of Bangladesh]. In 1971, in collusion with the Pakistani occupation army, the Jamaat committed genocide and war crimes. In fact, the International Crimes Tribunal described the Jamaat as a fascist organisation. So if the BNP-Jamaat coalition were to come to power, minorities will face negative consequences (read religious persecution). Has any BNP leader tried to dispel the fear among minorities, like promising to provide security to them if the party were to come to power? In the past, whenever the BNP-Jamaat coalition was in power, the Jamaat carried out attacks on religious minorities. It is the Jamaats political outlook to turn out religious minorities from their hearth and home and make Bangladesh a Hindu-free country. It is their agenda to make Bangladesh like Pakistan or any West Asian country. As to your question, no, BNP leaders have not provided any assurances to religious minorities. Isn't it true that after the BNP came to power in 2001, Hindus were persecuted on a massive scale? Not only in 2001, but even earlier. When Khaleda came to power in 1991, religious persecution continued for 27 days. Between 2001 and 2006, when she was again in power, thousands of incidents of religious persecution took place. After the Hasina came to power in 2008, a commission was constituted to investigate the violence perpetrated against minorities between 2001 and 2006. We reported 15,000 incidents of religious persecution to the commission. Out of those, the commission took note of 5,000 incidents and made its recommendations. Its report was submitted in 2012. Neither was the report made public, nor did the Awami League government implement any of the recommendations the commission made. Then again, in the pre- and post-election period of 2014, when the International Crimes Tribunal was investigating war crimes, then too we witnessed large-scale targeting of religious minorities. Given this background, would it be correct to assume that minorities will back the Awami League in the 2019 election? Yes. In India, religious minorities have several options. Bangladesh's minorities have no alternative to the Awami League. There are two major players in Bangladesh the Awami League and the BNP. There are several things going for the Awami League as far as minorities are concerned. For one, the Awami League led the fight for Bangladesh's liberation. Secularism still remains the party's principle. Also, in comparison to the BNP, the Awami League is more democratic. The BNP believes in religious nationalism. It is like India's BJP or Pakistan's Muslim League (PML). Since BNP is Bangladesh's BJP, Hindus have no option but to vote for the Awami League. How many minority candidates have the Awami League and the BNP fielded? Our organisation has been appealing to all political parties to field minority candidates in proportion to their population. According to our population ratio, minorities should have 36 seats in the 300-member Parliament. But the Awami League has fielded 18 minority candidates and the BNP-led alliance seven. I think the Left parties have nominated between 30 and 34 minority candidates. Unfortunately, the Left parties will be left behind (in the electoral race). They have been reduced to being small organisations. Do any of the 25 candidates fielded by the Awami League and the BNP have a good chance of winning? Of the 25 candidates, we feel 20 to 21 of them should win. Out of these 25 candidates, how many are Christians, Buddhists and Hindus? There are three Buddhists, one Christian and 21 Hindus. How many minority community MPs were there in the 10th Parliament? There were 17. Have all these 25 candidates been fielded in constituencies where religious minorities are numerous? Twenty-one candidates have been fielded from constituencies where minorities make up between 20 and 50 percent of the electorate. Three or four candidates have been fielded from constituencies where minorities constitute less than 10 percent of the population. Do both the Awami League and the BNP field minority candidates in those constituencies where minorities are numerous? In only one minority-numerous constituency have both the Awami League and the BNP fielded a candidate. In other constituencies, if the Awami League has fielded a Hindu candidate, the BNP has nominated a Hindu. Would it be right to say that many Muslims will be voting for minorities, particularly Hindu, candidates if you expect 21 of them to win? True, very true. So Bangladesh does have a culture of co-existence that the Jamaat wants to undermine. Yes, you are right. In previous elections, there were hate speeches and communal propaganda. In this election, however, we don't hear such speeches. Has your organisation tried to speak to the Jamaat to dissuade them from attacking minorities? We haven't spoken to Jamaat-e-Islami as we feel that as it is an anti-liberation force, whose agenda is to turn out the minorities from their hearth and home, there is nothing to be gained from talking to them. But we have had talks with the BNP. CAIRO (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, told Al Arabiya TV on Thursday that Syria's return to Arab league, which was suspended seven years ago, required Arab consensus. An Arab diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters last week he believed a majority wanted Syria to be readmitted - with only three or four states expected to oppose this. (Reporting by Mohamed El-Sherif) CAIRO (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, told Al Arabiya TV on Thursday that Syria's return to Arab league, which was suspended seven years ago, required Arab consensus. An Arab diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters last week he believed a majority wanted Syria to be readmitted - with only three or four states expected to oppose this. (Reporting by Mohamed El-Sherif) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The United Arab Emirates will reopen its embassy in Damascus Thursday, an official said, seven years after it severed ties with Syria over the violent repression that triggered the war. Damascus: The United Arab Emirates will reopen its embassy in Damascus Thursday, an official said, seven years after it severed ties with Syria over the violent repression that triggered the war. An official at the information ministry invited journalists "to cover the reopening of the Emirati embassy in Damascus today". The move is seen as another step in efforts to bring the regime of President Bashar al-Assad back into the Arab fold after years of diplomatic isolation. A visit to Damascus by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir earlier this month had been interpreted by some observers as a sign of that trend. Rumours of the Emirati embassy reopening have circulated in recent days as renovation work was spotted getting underway at the building. The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a war which has now killed more than 360,000 people. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has asked all stakeholders in Bangladesh to ensure that the upcoming general elections are held in an environment free of violence and intimidation, amid reports of arrests and targeted attacks carried out by the ruling party activists United Nations: UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has asked all stakeholders in Bangladesh to ensure that the upcoming general elections are held in an environment free of violence and intimidation, amid reports of arrests and targeted attacks carried out by the ruling party activists. General elections will be held in Bangladesh on December 30. It will be the 11th election held in the country. In the run-up to the general elections, UN secretary-general Guterres reiterated the continued commitment of the United Nations for a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh. "All Bangladeshi citizens, including minorities and women, must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process," a statement issued Wednesday by the Secretary General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. He "calls on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections, so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive poll," it said. Last week, Dujarric said the UN was concerned by incidents of electoral violence and arrests of opposition members in Bangladesh just days ahead of the general elections and had called on all stakeholders to ensure the election is inclusive and transparent. "We are all following these developments very closely and we're concerned by the reports of incidents of electoral violence and arrests of opposition members and we call on all stakeholders to do their part to make sure that the election is inclusive and transparent," Dujarric had said Friday. He said it is very important that the security forces act to ensure free and unhindered campaigning by all candidates. At least six people have been killed and several hundred injured in election-related violence since December 10 when the campaigning began for the polls. Both opposition and the ruling Awami League blame each other for the attacks. According to media reports, most attacks were carried out by the ruling party activists who were often backed by the police. The opposition alleges that police have arrested some 10,500 of their activists in a crackdown ahead of elections with an intention to create a "climate of fear". The police, however, said no one has been arrested without specific charge and warrant. Rights group Human Rights Watch has said a repressive political environment in Bangladesh ahead of the national elections was undermining the credibility of the process. It said widespread electoral violence started as soon as the candidate lists were formally approved, and campaigning began. Much of the campaign violence has targeted the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and the opposition coalition Jatiya Oikya Front (National United Front). Samsungs S10-series is set to be announced in February. With the launch inching closer, there are still so many details that we arent aware of. We hear the company is working on bringing a 5G variant in the U.S., Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors for the first time, in-display fingerprint sensors, and even display cutouts in the devices. We have heard a lot of rumors, leaks, but we are yet to see a device in the wild to confirm any of these reports. The latest One UI beta firmware on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 consists evidence of one specific Galaxy S10 model, the possible colors the Samsung Galaxy S10, that Samsung is working on integrating the use of ToF sensors for assistance in biometric authentication, and details of the exact shape and size of the rumored Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10+s display cutouts. The Galaxy Note 9 One UI firmware has evidence of a new device code-name that has not yet been publicized along with references to the other Galaxy S10 device code-names that have previously been rumored (beyond0, beyond1, beyond2, and beyondx). Theres also a new device code-name from a file named boltq5gvzw, suggesting that this is a 5G-capable smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset intended for Verizon Wireless in the United States. Multiple U.S. carriers have confirmed that they will carry a 5G-capable Samsung flagship. The fact that bolt is an entirely new code-name makes us believe that it will pack some major difference between it and the Galaxy S10. The BeyondX will have a 6.7-inch display, dual front-facing cameras, four rear-facing cameras, and will be 5G-capable. During the announcement of One UI, Samsungs latest software release based on Googles Android Pie, Samsung announced that the One UI system theme could be set up to match the color of the device. In the framework-res arrays file, there is a string array called wallpaper_device_color. It is unclear if the Galaxy S10 will be sold with all these colors. Time of Flight cameras measures depth by resolving the distance between the sensor and the object based on the time of flight of the light travel. Another interesting finding from the latest firmware dump is the animation used for the standard facial recognition feature which should be camera based. In the same facial biometrics authentication service APK, there are several animation files that were built using Adobe After Effects. Beyond0, the Galaxy S10 Lite, comes with cutout dimensions of 132x132px. Beyond1, the Galaxy S10, has display cutout dimensions of 138x138px. Beyond2, the Galaxy S10+, has cutout dimensions of 132x258px as it will have two front-facing cameras. Source In August 2015, Terrell Gills was arraigned on charges for a crime that he did not commit. He spent the next 18 months of his life in jail because of New Yorks antiquated discovery laws. If he were arrested almost anywhere else in the country, even in North Carolina or Texas, his defense team would have had access to basic evidence that would have proven his innocence and spared him jail time and a trial. The discovery procedures that allow this to happen to thousands of innocent New Yorkers are an abomination. New Yorks discovery procedures are outlined in a state law known as The Blindfold Law, and it allows district attorneys to withhold police reports, grand jury minutes, witness statements and other evidence until the day a trial actually begins. This law prevents defendants from fully understanding the cases being brought against them, let alone mounting a fair defense against those charges. Last year, we introduced a bill (S8707/A4360A) that remedies the effects of this antiquated law by requiring prosecutors to turn over discoverable evidence to the defense in a timely manner. This isnt a radical proposal its a common-sense one that almost every other state in this country has adopted, shamefully leaving New York as one of only four states with such outdated and unjust procedures. As was the case with so many sensible measures, the Republicans controlling the New York state Senate and the powerful District Attorneys Association of New York prevented our bill from advancing. With Democrats now in charge of the chamber, we have an opportunity to right this wrong. When Gills was arrested, he was shocked to find out he was being accused of robbing a Dunkin Donuts in Queens. His bail was set at $10,000 and he spent the next 18 months on Rikers Island. Gills declined any plea, refusing to confess to a crime that he didnt commit. During that period, his defense attorneys at The Legal Aid Society learned of a string of Dunkin Donuts robberies at two additional franchise locations in Queens which occurred during the same week that Gills was arrested. Gills attorneys repeatedly asked the prosecutor for information about the other two robberies, but each request was stonewalled. Finally, in February 2017, Gills got a break. The DA disclosed that a different person had been arrested for the other robberies and had pleaded guilty in January 2016. This person eventually confessed to the robbery for which Gills was charged. Had the prosecutors disclosed this critical information about the other robberies to the defense early in the case, Gills nightmare could have ended sooner. But New Yorks discovery law allowed prosecutors to withhold key evidence until the last second, blindfolding the defendant, and preventing him from defending himself against false charges without languishing in jail for a year and a half. New York finally has a chance to catch up with so many other states and cities by instituting overdue reforms to its discovery procedures. We need a statewide, uniform model for these procedures that provides defendants timely access to all the evidence. Without such reforms, we will continue to see New Yorkers like Terrell Gills face wrongful charges, trials and even convictions. LG, at the CES 2019 is all set to unveil an updated version of its wearable CLOi SuitBot alongside a lineup of improved service robots which are nearing commercialization. The wearable LG CLOi SuitBot supports the lower body to reduce stress when lifting and bending. The original CLOi SuitBot was unveiled last fall in Berlin, the updated LG CLOi SuitBot supports the waist and augments the users own muscle power to reduce the risk of injury and fatigue when performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting and lowering heavy loads. SuitBot increases the users flexibility by enabling 50-degree extension and 90-degree flexion of the waist and activates when the wearer bends at a 65-degree angle, disengaging when standing in an upright position. The wearable robot lasts upto four hours on a single charge and recharges in just one hour. PorterBot, ServeBot, and CartBot are designed for environments such as airports, hotels, supermarkets, and malls to assist customers, transport luggage, deliver meals and carry groceries. The new LG CLOi service robots comes with the updated autonomous navigation system as well as enhanced connectivity to allow for communication with mechanisms such as elevators and automatic doors. Using AI technology, LG CLOi robots analyze customers usage patterns to constantly learn and improve performance. It comes with touch displays and voice recognition to facilitate natural interaction with customers, LG CLOi can handle more complex tasks such as answering questions and processing payments. These robots are designed to operate independently, navigating to a charging station when power runs low, returning to duty once fully recharged and performing daily self-diagnosis and automatic reporting. Roh Jin-seo, senior vice president, head of LGs robotics business said: Samsung Electronics has announced Remote Access which is a new feature that will be available on its Smart TV lineups starting 2019. The Remote Access feature will provide wireless connectivity with PCs, tablets, and smartphones allowing consumers to remotely control compatible programs and apps through their Samsung Smart TV. With Remote Access, input devices, including keyboards, can be connected to a Samsung Smart TV, making it easier for users to control their on-screen content. This eliminates the need for a separate HDMI cable connection. Users can remotely access a PC in their room through the TV in their living room to perform various tasks including surfing the web or playing games from their TVs screen using a connected keyboard and mouse. Remote Access allows users to directly control their devices connected to a TV with a keyboard and mouse. Additionally, web browser-based cloud office service can be accessed through Remote Access, so users can now access files and work on documents from their Smart TVs. Remote Access can be used anywhere thanks to VMware Horizon. Samsung has integrated its proprietary Knox security technology into its Remote Access features. Shankar Iyer, Senior Vice President and General Manager, End-User Computing at VMware said: Samsung and VMware share a passion for helping workers to be as productive as possible. We continue to expand our partnership, so that those working remotely will have a seamless experience as they access virtual desktops, applications, and online services from their favorite Samsung devices including a Samsung Smart TV, said Shankar Iyer, Senior Vice President and General Manager, End-User Computing at VMware. Hyogun Lee, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics said: Samsung is committed to creating an intuitive and convenient user experience for consumers. With Remote Access, consumers will be able to easily access various programs, apps and cloud services installed on multiple connected devices directly through their TV screen. We will continue to collaborate with our partners to expand the compatibility of Remote Access and provide more services to our users. Source With the stock market tumbling over the past few months, the universe of stocks that I'm interested in buying has greatly expanded. Almost everything seemed expensive not too long ago, but that's no longer the case. One stock in particular that I'm eyeing is Fitbit ( FIT ). The fitness wearables company has had a rough few years, and 2018 has been no picnic for investors. But the market may be pricing in a bit too much pessimism. Trackers and smartwatches Shares of Fitbit are down more than 90% from their all-time high. Slumping demand for the company's fitness trackers has led sales to tumble -- Fitbit expects revenue of $1.5 billion this year, down from nearly $2.2 billion in 2016. This sales plunge, coupled with heavy spending, pushed Fitbit's bottom line deep into the red over the past couple of years. But there are a few things to like about Fitbit. First, the company's attempts to break into the smartwatch market look like a success. Fitbit's first smartwatch, the expensive Ionic, was a dud. But its second smartwatch, the affordable Versa, has been a big hit. The Versa goes for $199, just $50 more than the company's flagship Charge 3 fitness tracker, and far less than the newest Apple Watch. That aggressive pricing should help Fitbit convince some of its fitness tracker user base to upgrade. Speaking of fitness trackers, Fitbit's tracker business could get a boost from the Charge 3. While the second-generation Charge tracker brought little new to the table, the Charge 3 is a different story. The device features an enlarged OLED screen, water resistance up to 50 meters, and a SpO2 sensor that can estimate changes in blood oxygen levels. The Charge 3 also comes with a software upgrade and support for some third-party apps. It's not as full-featured as a smartwatch, but it can do a lot more than Fitbit's older devices. And the $150 price is unchanged, making it a compelling upgrade option for users not interested in the more capable Versa. Lastly, Fitbit's balance sheet is rock-solid. The company is still posting losses, but its hoard of cash gives it plenty of time to turn things around. Fitbit had $623 million of cash and no debt at the end of the third quarter. That cash accounts for roughly half of the company's market capitalization. Still a tough road ahead It's important to not be overly optimistic here. Fitbit's smartwatch business carries lower margins than its tracker business, and competition is intense. I doubt the good old days of 20%-plus operating margins will ever return. But with the company valued at just $525 million after backing out the cash on the balance sheet, Fitbit doesn't need huge margins. A return to sustainable profitability should be all it takes to send the stock into recovery mode. Fitbit's turnaround is very much a work in progress, and it could still be derailed. But with a valuation that already bakes in so much pessimism, betting on Fitbit is starting to look tempting. The stock is on my watchlist, and I'll be a buyer if it keeps heading lower. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High near 75F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Areas of patchy fog. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Fallout 76 has numerous resources, and you need to scavenge to create pretty much anything. One of these is Glowing Resin, used for syrup and vodka, but more importantly, its also used in high-level weapon mods. There are some places to find Glowing Resin in Fallout 76, as its the orange goo around trees. To pick it up, all you need to do is interact with it without the assistance of any special tools to extract it. Glowing Resin in Fallout 76 spawns in a lot of different locations. You can find it in these notable locations: East of Whitespring, past the Disposal Site North of the Top of the World Ski Resort Ash Heap, east of Red Rock Fueling station The mountain path nearby Cliffwatch Around any of these places would be ideal to set up your camp if you want to farm Glowing Resin by server hopping. To do this, place your camp nearby, then, when youve collected all of the Glowing Resin, head inside your camp, log off and connect to another server. The Glowing Resin should have respawned, as long as somebody else on the server hasnt been and looted it recently. There are likely other more notable locations covering the entire Fallout 76 map. Glowing Resin is a resource you can find in several locations, and many have reported seeing them elsewhere. The spots listed above are areas you can expect to find a good handful, around four to six resource deposits. You can hop around the game gathering them up, or server hop to find more of it after setting up your camp. A good indication youre nearing a location with some good Glowing Resin is if strong enemies are nearby. Plenty of players have reported on Reddit having fought strong enemies before finding their coveted resource. Microsoft has long given hardcore gamers an option of an alternate controller that offers more flexibility and features in the form of its Xbox One Elite Controller. PlayStation 4 gamers have had no such offering from Sony, so it seems only natural that a third party would step in. The Razer Raiju Ultimate is to the PlayStation 4 what Microsofts Elite Controller is to the Xbox One. Note: The Razer Raiju Ultimate is currently only available in Europe. Packed with Extra Buttons and Features Upon first glance, the Razer Raiju Ultimate looks like a combination of the Xbox controllers shape and the classic PlayStation thumbstick layout. The buttons are in familiar places, but youll soon realize that theres more of them and that theyre not your run-of-the-mill buttons. On the front, Razer has added four control panel buttons that are integrated into the soft rubbery surface that makes up the bulk of the front of the device. These buttons allow you to quickly switch between programmable presets, change the RGB lighting layout, and even change mappings on the fly. The fourth button allows you to lock the settings to prevent accidental key presses from disrupting your gaming experience. Ironically, thats the button I pressed the most by accident. Ill talk more about the programmability of the Razer Raiju Ultimate a little later on in this review. On the back and underside of the Razer Raiju Ultimate, you will find four additional buttons in the form of two paddles on the bottom and two extra trigger buttons on the inside of the traditional trigger placement. There are also two slide toggles allow you to change the travel distance of the L2/R2 triggers, essentially turning the typical long-travel triggers into hair triggers. This feature can come in extremely handy in games where quick reaction time and frequent use can make pressing the triggers all the way down a bit of a chore. The reduced travel time physically stops the trigger buttons from having to be pushed so deeply, allowing for faster and more frequent execution. Of course, in games where a greater variety of travel depth is required to control walking speed, for example you would leave those toggles alone. The fact that each trigger button can be switched back and forth independently of the other, and quickly so, is a great feature. The underside of the grips is coated in a nice non-slip texture providing a solid feel even under the sweatiest of conditions. On the back, there is a standard micro-USB connector that is unfortunately buried deep inside the controller meaning that most standard micro-USB plugs wont fit purely due to the design of the plastic around the connector. It seems like a rather silly way to effectively leave me screwed should I ever lose the original Razer-provided cable. The Razer Raiju Ultimate ships in a great carrying case that can hold the aforementioned USB cable as well as the replacement thumbsticks and D-pad. Yes, not only are the buttons on this controller essentially mechanical keys, using a technology Razer calls Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons, but the entire D-pad and both thumbsticks can be easily replaced. There are two variations of a D-pad, one where the keys are individually shaped buttons, and one that is more of a traditionally shaped tilting D-pad. The thumbsticks come in different shapes and lengths so you can choose the one youre most comfortable with. I found the thumbstick options to be beneficial when switching between different types of games, such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and NHL 19. Both the D-pad and the thumbsticks can be swapped on the fly and are held securely in place by magnets. I was initially worried that a replaceable thumbstick might come flying off during the more hectic moments of a competitive game but never once did they so much as threaten to move. Finally, the Razer Raiju Ultimate also features Razers Chroma RGB lighting around the touchpad area, which can be fully configured to any color or style you like. The touchpad itself has a good feel to it and the Razer logo sleekly embedded in it. Connectivity & Compatibility The Razer Raiju Ultimate comes with three connectivity options; wired, PS4, and PC. The toggle on the bottom switches between modes and controls how the controller reacts and whether it allows it to be connected to a specific device. The least painful connection method is via the USB cable to either a PS4 or a PC. In both instances, the device is immediately recognized, and on the PS4, there are no issues at all. PC support for PlayStation devices is suspect at best, so even when connected to a PC via wire, the experience isnt great, but I wont blame Razer for this. Connecting wirelessly to the PS4 is relatively straightforward as the controller must merely be put into PS4 mode and have its Bluetooth search function triggered. It will then appear in your list of Bluetooth devices on the PS4 and be accessible each time after that. I was even able to power on the PS4 out of rest mode from the Razer Raiju Ultimate. Connecting to my Windows 10 laptop was a different story. The initial Bluetooth connection went fine but it took Windows an extraordinary amount of time to recognize the type of device I was connecting and I never actually did manage to use the controller for any gaming on my PC. I wont speculate as to whether the blame lies with Razer, terrible PlayStation controller support in Windows, or just Microsoft. Razer does offer drivers for non-Steam games, but if youre hoping to play most of your games with the Razer Raiju on PC, I wouldnt recommend it. Stick with a Microsoft branded controller for those situations. Programmability & Mobile App While the Razer Raiju Ultimate can be configured on the fly using its control panel buttons, the most effective way to program the device is via the mobile app on your iOS or Android device. The first step is pairing the controller with your phone over Bluetooth, which can be a bit of an exercise in patience. Once connected, however, the app is pretty straightforward when it comes to assigning functions to the additional buttons on the Razer Raiju Ultimate. You can also control the color and style of the Razer Chroma RGB lighting from the app, though I found anything but a single color at low brightness to be too distracting. But this is where your personal preferences can shine through. If you want the bright rainbow effect, have fun! The mobile app lets you save four different profiles to the device which can then be toggled between on the fly. Additionally, you can completely disable buttons via the app, which was a welcome feature when I kept inadvertently pressing the paddles underneath. Real-World Gaming Performance I spent most of my time with the Razer Raiju Ultimate in either NHL 19 or Red Dead Redemption 2. Despite the very different genres of these titles, the Razer Raiju performed excellently in both. The additional buttons allowed me to alleviate some of Red Dead Redemption 2s more curious control choices, while the hair triggers and tactile button feel gave me a sense of better control in NHL 19. Battery life is excellent and on par with standard PS4 controllers during my tests, but the extra weight of the controller does take some getting used to. Depending on whether you like to hold your controller in the air or rest it on your lap, you may notice an adjustment period. All the additional features add to the bulk and heft of the device. I did struggle at times with the accuracy of Red Dead Redemption 2s dead-eye aiming mode, but after switching thumbsticks on the Razer Raiju, that issue was alleviated. This is one example of how the flexibility and customizability of Razers device are superior to that of the stock controller. Overall Verdict The Razer Raiju Ultimate is the best non-PlayStation controller available for the PlayStation 4 system. That alone doesnt say much because there is next to no competition at this time, though that will change as Astro has just announced its entry into this market for 2019. The Razer Raijus additional features can come in very handy for gamers who wish they had more flexibility and its extra and standard buttons are well designed and feel incredibly responsive. After using the Razer Raiju for several weeks, I was hard-pressed to go back to a regular controller. The Razer Raijus main drawbacks are its weight, its connectivity and support issues with PCs, a silly custom-molded USB connector, and quite frankly its price. I have friends who cringe at having to spend upwards of $50 for a standard controller, and the Razer Raiju Ultimate retails at 199.99 Euro. And, oh yeah, you cant buy it in North America at the moment. Nevertheless, if youve always felt that your standard PS4 controller is holding you back, that it doesnt have enough features, and youve got the budget to spare, then the Razer Raiju Ultimate will serve you very well. Now, if someone at Microsoft could improve support for non-Microsoft game controllers, this might be the only controller youd ever need. Best Notch Screen Smartphones that Launched in 2018 under Rs 15,000 Features oi-Harish Kumar The notched screen phones are the ones which have been greatly admiring users in terms of attractive looks. This is one of the prime reason that smartphone sales have been increasing drastically, though we are likely to see more newer concepts in the future as well. As for now, you can avail some of the best notched screen devices that have been launched so far in 2018. Moreover, these phones fall under a price range of Rs. 15,000. The key feature of a notch screen is that it offers the optimal solution for increasing screen area without compromising on the critical hardware at the top, such as the front camera, receiver speaker, RGB sensor and LED indicator. The notch display is a utility feature which saves the unused space in screen, that means you can get bigger display in the same sized phone with notch. With the notch new innovations are happening in the industry such as use of display as a speaker, "read: screen sound-casting, piezoelectric speaker, " a battery friendly option, under display fingerprint scanner etc. There are some disadvantages as well. The notch covers the camera lenses and hand gesture sensors and the speaker. Still there are few OEMs like Google phones, Samsung and Sony which still haven't acknowledge this design due to some issues. According to the manufacturers, apps don't understand the notches, and everyone is changing the layout in different ways. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Elon Musk confirms spaceship to ferry 100 humans to Mars News oi-Vishal Kawadkar Elon Musk working on sending humans to Mars. Elon Musk-owned SpaceX has announced its plans to build a spaceship that will carry up to 100 humans to Mars. Elon Musk took to Twitter to make the announcement using images of the "test hopper" prototype that is under development in Texas. Musk also responded to the questions from his followers about the spacecraft and its rocket engine which will be capable of ferrying 150-ton payload into space. Responding to speculation from one of the follower saying that the spaceship will be using stainless steel, Musk confirmed that the spacecraft will make do with similar materials that were used for the Atlas rockets first produced in the 1950s. "Stainless steel is correct, but a different mixture of alloys and new architecture," he said. Musk also shared the details about the successful launch of the Falcon 9 rocket, which took flight from Texas on a separate mission to deploy a spy satellite in orbit. He continued: "Actually, the only significant design element in common with early Atlas is stainless steel and we're using a different alloy mix." He also confirmed that the Raptor rocket engine which will help launch the spaceship has been "radically redesigned." Musk said that more details about the spacecraft will be brought into light early next year following a test flight of the prototype. "I will do a full technical presentation of Starship after the test vehicle we're building in Texas flies, so hopefully March/April," he tweeted. Previously, Musk also said that SpaceX would be aiming to launch manned missions to Mars in 2024. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Cryptocurrency Ban in India Let's start with the news that came as a big surprise to Indians and to the rest of the world. It all started with the Budget 2018' when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made an announcement aimed at regulating the country's cryptocurrency market. He made it very clear that cryptocurrency is not legal tender in the country and that the government will discourage its use. He further said that the Indian government will look into the utilization of the blockchain technology. As per the most recent developments, the Indian government may be considering a complete ban on the use of bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies in the country. Based on a report by the Press Information Bureau, the Government of India is looking forward to creating an appropriate legal framework to ban the use of private cryptocurrencies in India. What this means is that buying; selling, transacting, or the conversion of any form of cryptocurrency into rupees may be banned in India. However, the possession of the cryptocurrency does not come under the ban. Porn Ban in India Cryptocurrency was not the only thing that took a hit in India in the year 2018. On October 27, the telecom department of India directed ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to ban 827 websites for hosting pornographic content. The ban to explicit content was mocked brutally on the social networking websites by Indian internet users. Do you think it's fair to ban explicit content in India? Let us know in comments. Elon Musks Erratic Tweets and led controversies Elon Musk surely knows how to stay in headlines. The genius millionaire grabbed eyeballs multiple times in the year 2018. First, a tweet cost him and Tesla $20 million in fines as he tweeted his intention to take Tesla private. Months-long SEC investigation followed after the incident. He again made headlines for tweeting about Model 3 production progress, on the SEC and a lot more. Last but not least, he landed himself into a NASA led investigation for the safety review of the company. This happened because few of the NASA officials didn't like the fact that the CEO of SpaceX smoked weed on camera with the podcast host Joe Rogan. Huge discoveries in Space field The year 2018 was devoted to some brilliant discoveries in cosmos. Elon Musk's owned SpaceX successfully launched an advanced GPS 3 satellite in the orbit. NASA's Parker Probe captures closest ever image of Sun. We also saw scientists making a discovery of the farthest object in our solar system. We heard about Saturn losing its rings. In another news, we read about NASA's Voyager 2 reaching edge of the solar system 41 years after launch. Moreover, we sent a detailed, gold-plated message about Earth in our never-ending quest to find life on other planets. Major discoveries other than Space Space was not the only Science & Tech field where humans made new discoveries. We also saw scientists and explorers made significant discoveries in other important fields. Let's start the list with the Face of Jesus'. The discovery is said to be made by an Israeli art historian who looked at the apse of a ruined Byzantine church in Shivta and claimed to saw Jesus' face and short curly hair. Shocking, yes we are with you. In another shocking discovery, researchers managed to reverse wrinkled skin and hair loss, which are hallmarks of aging, in a mouse model. Interestingly, an Indian-origin researcher- Keshav Singh, Ph.D., and colleagues are the people behind the discovery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Other important news that shook the world was- Ghost's particles origin, Warm-blooded fish found, robotic fishes to study sea life and possible cure for blindness. ISRO shined in the year 2018 The above-mentioned developments in the space field were surely significant but what simply made India proud was the ISRO's big achievements in the space and satellite study. Indian Space Research Organization successfully completed a number of satellite launches in the year 2018. These include- GSAT-7A, India's heaviest communication satellite- GSAT-11, HysIS, and 30 commercial satellites, GSAT-29, successful flight testing of new escape system, IRNSS-1I Navigation satellite and more. We are really looking forward to the Chandrayaan 2 in the year 2018, which is India's second moon mission. Stephen Hawkings Death While the year 2018 gave humans new achievements in space, the universe lost the brilliant mind- Stephan Hawking. The world-renowned British physicist died peacefully at his home in Cambridge in England. He was suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and was restricted to an electric wheelchair for much of his adult life. Hawking's contribution in the field of cosmology is unparalleled and will inspire generations till the end of Time'. 5G Technology- Start of a new era 5G technology was a hot topic in the year 2018 and will continue to make headlines until its deployment worldwide. The successor to the current 4G networks is expected to provide an enhanced device and network-level capabilities. 5G technology and use cased grabbed eyeballs in the IMC 2018. The technology is expected to transform the ways we communicate in our homes and with the outside world. Various companies- Huawei, Samsung, Ericson, etc. showcased their 5G supported equipment and use cases in IMC 2018. Notably, Samsung announced its plans for India's first large-scale 5G trial, scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2019 in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Major Data Breaches The year 2018 also witnessed some of the biggest data breaches in the history of the internet. Social networking giant Facebook landed into a data scandal when Cambridge Analytica, political data firm said to have retained private data from more than 50 million Facebook users while claiming to have deleted it. We also got to hear about data leaks with British Airways, T-Mobile, Google+, My Heritage, Quora, Myfitnesspal and many other well-known names in the internet world. Major developments in the smartphone world I am ending the list with the biggest tech developments in the world of smartphones as they form an important part of our everyday routine. The year 2018 gave us edge-to-edge bezel-less smartphones, thanks to the in-display fingerprint scanners and retractable cameras. Slider phones surfaced again with OPPO Find X, Honor Magic 2, Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 and Lenovo Z6. We also saw Samsung unveiling Galaxy F- the foldable phone. Moreover, smartphone makers also introduced triple and even four-camera setups on handsets. Last but not least, the market also saw the introduction of 10GB RAM smartphones with the launch of OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition. Two Valley County students were among 20 students selected throughout the state to serve on the 2018-2019 Governor and First Lady Youth Leadership Council to address childhood hunger. On Nov. 30, Katie Kaiser, senior at Glasgow High School, and Kaitlyn Miller, eighth-grader at Nashua School, met with First Lady Bullock in Helena, as well as the other selected students, to not only learn about food insecurity in the state, but also plan, implement and sustain projects to address the issue. During a competitive application process, Kaiser and Miller were chosen due to their plans to address childhood hunger in the area. Kaiser, who currently implements the Snack Pack Program in Glasgow, was very honored to be chosen. Morgan Guttenberg, the former leader of the Snack Pack Program, attended the same conference, which spearheaded the program. It was really cool to be able to see all that they have taught her, said Kaiser. Miller was equally surprised and honored to be chosen, as she has grand plans to help students at Nashua school, stating My Mom runs B&B Foods in Nashua so I see a lot of children who are affected by food insecurity. I want to be able to do what I can to help them. During Fight Childhood Hunger Week in April, Miller plans on starting a fundraising effort to bring back the Snack Program to Nashua School. When I was in elementary school, the school did a Snack Program where every child got fresh fruit at the end of the day. I want to be able to bring that back up and running to ensure every child has a healthy snack, said Miller. Her hope is to be able to hold a Chili-Cook-Off during the Nashua spring concert to raise funds and then start the program next school year. I am really in the planning stages right now. I have ideas and now its just about implementation, stated Miller. Kaiser already has an established program for Glasgow in the form of the Snack Pack Program. Thanks to generous donations and fundraising efforts, Kaiser is able to provide food to children who may not have access to healthy food and snacks after school and on weekends. The program has been thriving since Guttenberg started it in 2016 and has helped many kids in the area. Many of the attendees at the meeting with First Lady Bullock were shocked I took over the program at only the age of 16 and now the program is thriving, said Kaiser. Kaiser and her successor to the program, Ava Stone, will be planning an event for Fight Childhood Hunger Week to bring into focus the topic of food insecurity for the community. Plans are still in progress, but we really want to be able to highlight the problem of food insecurity in the area, said Kaiser. By having an already established program, Kaiser was able to truly see the impact she has on the area when being able to compare the Snack Pack Program to other programs and projects throughout the state. I was the only student there who was tackling food insecurity on a big scale. By being able to hear other students experiences and stories, I was able to see and realize the true impact I have on the area, said Kaiser. From her experience, most of the students who were there had completed or had plans to complete a food drive, which was only a one-time event. As Kaiser and Miller gear up for Fight Childhood Hunger week and as Miller starts plans to bring back up the Snack Program, they will not be alone in their endeavors. Both women will be participating in conference calls with the Youth Leadership Council throughout the next few months to receive input on how to sustain the programs and firm up plans for Fight Childhood Hunger week. The one thing I have learned in this whole process is how fast it goes and I really need to plan for the unexpected. Not everything goes as planned, said Miller. Erna May (Marks) Pidwerbecki, 94, died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2055 Woody Drive, Billings, Mont., on Friday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m, with Fr. Steve Zabrocki officia... Dear Editor, The success of Montanas agriculture industry is dependent upon water and water right certainty. It is easily the single most important resource for people across Montana, which is why ratification of the negotiated Montana CSKT W... Saudi coalition violates truce 31 times IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Dec 26, IRNA -- Saudi coalition has breached the truce agreement 31 times, spokesman for Yemen's Armed Forces said. Saudi forces targeted different areas in Al Hudaydah with mortar and artillery shells, Yemeni media 'Saba' quoted Brigadier General Yahya Saree as saying. Based on the report, Saudi reconnaissance aircraft also flew over Al Hudaydah, As-Salif, Kamaran and Al Luhayyah. He went on to say that the Yemeni forces foiled Saudi forces' penetration in Al-Shaab Village, Al Hudaydah. Meanwhile, Saudi jetfighters bombarded Marib, Sana'a, Al Jawf and Saada regions for 28 times, Saree added. The United Nations Security Council enacted Resolution 2451 to support the Stockholm Agreement on deployment of a team in order to facilitate monitoring and implementing the Agreement and establishing truce in important Yemeni ports. The resolution mainly focuses on sending essential commodities to the Yemeni people, supporting the Stockholm Agreement, assigning the Secretary-General of the United Nations to implement it and observing the ceasefire. The fourth round of Yemen peace talks kicked off in Stockholm, Sweden on December 6 with the attendance of the UN special envoy Martin Griffith and the government representatives, and agreed to establish truce in Yemeni ports of al-Hudaydah, al-Salif and Ayn Issa. Saudi Arabia and its regional allies attacked Yemen in March 2015 to bring back to power the deposed president of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. Since then, the invaders have committed horrible war crimes against Yemeni civilians. 9376**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey extends military presence in Afghanistan IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Dec 26, IRNA -- Turkish parliament has approved a motion to extend the country's troops deployment in Afghanistan for another two years, Anadolu News Agency said. According to the Turkish News Agency, the decision is part of the NATO-backed mission in Afghanistan. 'A legislation will put into effect on Jan. 6, 2019, allowing the Turkish government to send troops to Afghanistan to support the NATO-led mission Resolute Support,' Anadolu went on to say. Meanwhile, the legislation gives leeway to Ankara to allow transporting foreign army personnel from Afghanistan through Turkey. The Turkish government also aims to increase the number of its troops in Afghanistan from 700 to 750. After 17 years, the International Security Assistance Force operations which included training and advising new Afghan security forces will come to an end in 2018. Around 12,000 foreign troops from 28 NATO member states and 14 other allies have reached an agreement on supporting the NATO mission in Afghanistan. 9477**1771 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni drone destroys Saudi coalition position IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Dec 26, IRNA -- The Yemeni army drone destroyed Saudi-led forces' positions in Al Jawf Region, northern Saudi Arabia, Yemeni TV Channel 'Al-Masirah' reported. Scores of Saudi forces have been killed or injured in this operation, Yemeni media quoted Spokesman for Yemen's Armed Forces Yahya Saree as saying. Yemeni missile units also targeted Saudi positions in Al Jawf Region with Zelzal-1 missile. Meanwhile, Saudi jetfighters' attack on Al Hudaydah, claimed the life of one civilian and injured three others. This is while, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2451 to support the Stockholm Agreement on deployment of a team in order to facilitate monitoring and implementing the Agreement and establishing truce in important Yemeni ports. The resolution mainly focuses on sending essential commodities to the Yemeni people, supporting the Stockholm Agreement, assigning the Secretary-General of the United Nations to implement it and observing the ceasefire. The fourth round of Yemen peace talks kicked off in Stockholm, Sweden on December 6 with the attendance of the UN special envoy Martin Griffith and the government representatives, and agreed to establish truce in Yemeni ports of al-Hudaydah, al-Salif and Ayn Issa. Saudi Arabia and its regional allies attacked Yemen in March 2015 to bring back to power the deposed president of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. Since then, the invaders have committed horrible war crimes against Yemeni civilians. 9376**1771 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump defends Syria pullout plan in Baghdad, says US troops to stay in Iraq Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 09:43PM US President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, have made a surprise visit to Iraq, meeting American troops fighting one of the many wars that he has mocked in the past as costly blunders. Fifteen years into America's invasion of Iraq, the unstable security situation in the country forced the Trump to depart Washington on a clandestine flight that landed at the Al Asad Air Base in west of Baghdad on Wednesday. The trip came amid Trump's many problems in Washington, ranging from a partial government shutdown over the funding of his border wall to an unsteady economy and a controversial decision to end US military presence in Syria. The American head of state has in the past sought to distance himself from the Iraq War and other foreign conflicts left behind by his predecessors. In a surprise decision that put his security team at odds and prompted Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to quit, the president ordered a complete withdrawal of 2,000 American troops from Syria and a substantial reduction of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan. For Iraq, however, the president said he had no such plans for the 5,000 or so American troops in Iraq, who have been redployed to the country since 2014 to aide a US-led campaign against Daesh. "In fact we could use this as the base if we wanted to do something in Syria," he told troops at the Al Asad base. Talking to reporters, Trump defended his Syria decision and said people were going to eventually understand his reasoning. "I think a lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking. It's time for us to start using our head," said the president. "The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world," he added, saying his his generals have had "enough time" to fight the war and that they have been told to leave Syria without any delays. Iraq trips by US presidents and other high-level Western officials to Iraq are usually shrouded in mystery. Bush made only four trips to Iraq after ordering his forces to invade the country in 2003. His successor, Barack Obama, visited the war-torn country only once. A decade-and-a-half later, the US-led war on the false pretext of finding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction has killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and some 5,000 American troops without yielding any meaningful results. Trump said Obama's rushed decision in 2013 to leave Iraq paved the way for Daesh terrorists to gain power. Faced with growing criticism on his failure to build his anti-immigration wall on the border with Mexico, trump wants to score positive headlines and buy himself more time by delivering on his other key campaign promises, including returning troops back home. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel approves plans for 2,200 settler homes in West Bank Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 05:37PM Israeli authorities have approved plans for about 2,200 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank, an Israeli anti-settlement group says. Peace Now, which monitors settlement activity in the West Bank, said in a statement on Wednesday that a committee in the Israeli ministry of military affairs on Tuesday and Wednesday advanced the plans. The approval process consists of various stages. Some 1,159 housing units were given the final approval prior to the issuance of building permits, while 1,032 were at an earlier stage, the group said. Settlements are an important political issue in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing cabinet agreed Monday to dissolve parliament and call for snap elections on April 9. Earlier on Wednesday, Netanyahu met with settler leaders in Jerusalem al-Quds. "We'll see an attempt by the left-wing to overthrow our rule with the help of the media and others," he said, speaking of the polls. "They can't succeed, because if they do, that will pose a clear danger to the settlement movement," he added. About 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 illegal settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem al-Quds. Palestinians want the West Bank as part of a future independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital. The last round of Israeli-Palestinian talks collapsed in 2014. Among the major sticking points in those negotiations was Israel's continued settlement expansion on Palestinian territories. Less than a month before US President Donald Trump took office, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2334, calling on Israel to "immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem" al-Quds. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France discontinues Rwanda genocide investigation Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 05:17PM French judges have discontinued their long-running investigation into a deadly 1994 attack on a former Rwandan president, which sparked genocide in the African country. A French legal source told media outlets on Wednesday that the investigation was stopped on December 21 due to a lack of evidence. Seven people close to Rwandan President Paul Kagame were charged in the inquiry. In October, French prosecutors had requested a halt to the probe because of insufficient evidence against the seven suspects. The investigation began in 1998. After a closure interval it reopened in 2016 before hitting a series of legal obstacles the following year. The Rwandan genocide began following the shooting down of a plane transporting former President Juvenal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994. Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira was also killed in the plane crash. They were both ethnic Hutus. After the crash, Hutus who were in majority, were incited to commit acts of ethnic violence against Tutsis. Habyarimana's assassination triggered 100 days of bloodshed that left thousands of people dead, mostly members of the Tutsi minority. In 2009, a Rwandan inquiry found Hutu extremists, who viewed Habyarimana as too willing to compromise with Tutsis, responsible for the assassination. A report from ballistic experts in 2012 also suggested that the missiles used in the attack were likely fired from a camp held by Habyarimana's own presidential guard. Relations between the two countries have gone through ups and downs since the genocide. The Rwandan government accuses France of complicity in the crime. French officials are accused of supporting the Hutu nationalist government, which carried out the mass killing of an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandans. President Kagame has time and again repeated accusations that French troops were both accomplices and "actors" in the massacre. In 2016, Rwanda opened a formal investigation into the alleged role of 20 French officials in the genocide. The Rwandan government has rejected France's claims, saying it is an attempt by the French government to cover up its role in the genocide. France, which supported the Hutu regime under its controversial policy of seeking influence in post-independence Africa, has admitted it made mistakes but insists it never had a role in the massacre. In September, France admitted that it instigated a "system" that led to torture during Algeria's independence war in the 1950s and 1960s. President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy on the campaign trail last year by declaring that France's colonization of Algeria was a "crime against humanity." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestine to apply for full UN membership early next year, foreign minister says Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 02:48PM Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki says Palestine would "lodge an application to gain full state membership at the United Nations" in January. Speaking in an interview with Ramallah-based Voice of Palestine radio station on Wednesday, Maliki said he would file the application upon Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' instructions in a bid to upgrade Palestine's status from an observer state to a full-member state to the UN Security Council (UNSC), when he visits New York next month. Palestinians need support from at least nine of the UNSC's 15 member states to secure full state membership. Maliki further noted that he would demand the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2334, and ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an official inquiry into Israeli settlement construction. Less than a month before US President Donald Trump took office, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2334, calling on Israel to "immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem" al-Quds. About 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 illegal settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem al-Quds. Palestinians want the West Bank as part of a future independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital. The last round of Israeli-Palestinian talks collapsed in 2014. Among the major sticking points in those negotiations was Israel's continued settlement expansion on Palestinian territories. Trump backtracked on Washington's support for a "two-state solution" earlier this year, saying he would support any solution favored by both sides. "Looking at two-state or one-state, I like the one that both parties like. I'm very happy with the one both parties like. I can live with either one," the US president said during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on February 15. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Confirmed: Iran talking to Taliban 'to aid Afghan security' Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 10:47AM Iran's top security official has confirmed that the country has been holding talks with the Afghan Taliban in coordination with Kabul to help relieve rampant insecurity in Afghanistan. "The series of contacts and talks with the Taliban group have taken place with the knowledge of the Afghan government," Ali Shamkhani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), said on Wednesday. "That trend will continue." Shamkhani made the announcement during a one-day visit to Afghanistan at the invitation of Hamdullah Mohib, the Afghan president's national security adviser. Addressing the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan on November 28, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on the international community to facilitate "inclusive" dialog between the Afghan Taliban and the Afghan government in a bid to restore peace to the war-torn country. The United States led an invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. The invasion toppled a Taliban government that ruled over much of the country at the time; and while US-led forces continue to occupy Afghanistan, they have failed to restore security. Zarif, who in a previous capacity famously helped with the establishment of a post-invasion government in Afghanistan in the Bonn conference in 2001, said in the Geneva conference that there was no military solution for Afghanistan and that the time had come for national reconciliation. Elsewhere in his remarks, Shamkhani emphasized the need to establish "mechanisms based on constant consultations" and "the active participation of regional countries in security processes" to guarantee sustainable stability and growth for regional nations. Shamkhani also hailed the constructive agreements arrived at during a one-day security conference among Iranian, Russian, Chinese, Indian, and Afghan security chiefs and advisers in Tehran in September. The security chief voiced Iran's support for the holding of the summit's next edition in Afghanistan. 'Daesh expansion a serious threat' Shamkhani also described the threat of the expansion of the Takfiri terrorist group of Daesh in Afghanistan as "serious." He called for practical measures to stop that from happening. The SNSC chief, who is being accompanied by a delegation of ranking political, military, and security officials, will be meeting with various Afghan authorities, including President Ashraf Ghani, during his stay in Afghanistan. US officials said last Thursday that President Donald Trump had ordered a withdrawal of nearly half of the American forces stationed in Afghanistan, although the US commander in Afghanistan later said no order had been officially received to begin such a withdrawal. 'Iran pillar of security' Mohib, the Afghan presidential national security adviser, said the Islamic Republic had always been "one of the main pillars of security in the region." "The cooperation of the two countries will undoubtedly be very effectual in resolving Afghanistan's current security problems," he said. Afghanistan is Iran's neighbor to the east, and the two countries have a long common border. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni drone strikes military base of Saudi mercenaries in Jawf Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 03:14AM Yemeni army soldiers, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have reportedly carried out an aerial attack against a position of Saudi-sponsored militiamen loyal to Yemen's former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, in the country's northern province of al-Jawf. Spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree said early on Wednesday that Yemeni soldiers and their allies attacked Saudi mercenaries in the Suwaiqa base, which lies in the al-Yatma area of the province, Arabic-language al-Masirah television network reported. The report added that the airstrike left a large number of Saudi-sponsored militiamen dead and injured. The development came shortly after Yemeni army snipers fatally shot four Saudi soldiers in the kingdom's southwestern Jizan region, in retaliation for the Riyadh regime's ongoing military aggression against the impoverished country. A Yemeni military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Yemeni troops and fighters from Popular Committees raided several military camps in the Jahfan district of the region, targeting the Saudi soldiers. Yemeni military units also launched a domestically-developed Zelzal-1 (Earthquake-1) ballistic missile at a gathering of Saudi soldiers in Raqabah area of Asir region in Saudi Arabia. Separately, scores of Saudi soldiers and their allies lost their lives and sustained injuries when Yemeni forces struck their positions in al-Madrassa village of Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Najran. Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched a devastating military campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the aim of bringing the government of Hadi back to power and crushing Ansarullah movement. According to a new report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), a nonprofit conflict-research organization, the Saudi-led war has so far claimed the lives of around 56,000 Yemenis. The Saudi-led war has also taken a heavy toll on the country's infrastructure, destroying hospitals, schools, and factories. The UN has already said that a record 22.2 million Yemenis are in dire need of food, including 8.4 million threatened by severe hunger. According to the world body, Yemen is suffering from the most severe famine in more than 100 years. A number of Western countries, the US and Britain in particular, are also accused of being complicit in the ongoing aggression as they supply the Riyadh regime with advanced weapons and military equipment as well as logistical and intelligence assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran Held Talks With Afghan Taliban, Say Iranian Media By RFE/RL December 26, 2018 Iran has been holding talks with the Afghan Taliban with the knowledge of the Afghan government, Iranian media quoted a top Iranian security official as saying. The news comes just days after the militant group attended reconciliation talks with a U.S. peace envoy in Abu Dhabi. Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, made the announcement during a visit to Kabul on December 26, according to the Fars and Tasnim news agencies. According to IRNA, Shamkhani said the talks between Iran and the Taliban were held "to help curb the security problems in Afghanistan." "The Afghan government has been informed of the communications and talks carried out with the Taliban, and this process will continue," Shamkhani added. The reports provided no details on where and when the meetings took place. Shamkhani said that "cooperation between [Iran and Afghanistan] will certainly help in fixing Afghanistan's security issues of today." Abas Aslani, a Tasnim reporter, tweeted that it was the first time talks had been officially confirmed between Iran and the Taliban. The announcement follows reconciliation talks last week between the United States and Taliban officials in the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this month, the U.S. special peace envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad held a meeting with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). The three-day talks that started on December 17, were also attended by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the U.A.E. -- countries that have significant influence over the Taliban. Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib was also in the U.A.E. and, while he did not attend the talks, he met with Khalilzad, who reportedly kept him informed of the discussions. The talks were seen as an important step to launch formal peace negotiations with the Taliban to end the Afghan war. However, after the Taliban's refusal to meet with an Afghan government-backed negotiating team, Khalilzad said that, while he was certain the Afghan government wanted to end the conflict, it was unclear whether the Taliban were "genuinely seeking peace." With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan, AFP, tasnimnews.com, farsnews.com Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran- talks-afghan-taliban-shamlani- khalilzad/29677464.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Trump, First Lady Make Surprise Visit to US Troops in Iraq Sputnik News 22:26 26.12.2018(updated 22:57 26.12.2018) US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made a surprise visit to Iraq on Wednesday to meet with US servicemembers stationed at the Al Asad Air Base. During the visit, Trump told reporters that he has "no plans at all" to remove US troops from Iraq, instead stressing his interests in wanting soldiers to vacate from Syria, AP reported. POTUS added that Iraq could be used as a base to stage attacks on Daesh militants. 45 reportedly told journalists that, if needed, Washington could attack militants "so fast and so hard [that they] won't know what the hell happened." This visit marks the first time that Trump has visited a war zone since becoming president a move which he was previously criticized for failing to do. "I think a lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking," Trump, speaking on his decision to remove troops from Syria, told reporters at the base. "It's time for us to start using our head." WikiLeaks previously sounded off on the Wednesday visit, sharing an image with a caption that read, "Is Trump on a surprise visit to Afghanistan? Turkey? Flight trackers show that one of two planes used for Air Force One (92-9000/VC-25) using what appears to be a fake HEXCODE of AW47C4, departed Andrews Air Force base at midnight." Trump is also expected to visit US servicemembers stationed at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany on his flight back to the US. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Established Two New Military Bases in Anbar Province - Reports Sputnik News 08:19 26.12.2018(updated 08:20 26.12.2018) The US Army established two new military facilities in uninhabited parts of Anbar province, Farhan al-Duleimi, a member of Anbar's provisional council, told Anadolu news agency. The first base was established in the northern Rumana sub-district of al-Qaim district, in the vicinity of the Syrian border, some 360 kilometres west of the provincial capital Ramadi. The second base was set up east of the city of al-Rutbah, about 310 kilometres west of Ramadi and less than 100 kilometres from the Syrian border, al-Duleimi said in an interview, according to PressTV. The official suggested that the American bases were purportedly intended to assist Iraqi forces in order to "secure the country's borders and prevent infiltrations by the Daesh terrorist group." "Scores of US soldiers are currently stationed at the two bases, along with drones and other equipment," added al-Duleimi, yet without providing any additional evidence. Both the central government in Baghdad and Washington have yet to comment on al-Duleimi's statement. If confirmed, that would bring the total number of bases in Anbar province to four. Nearly 5,000 American troops have remained in Iraq since 2014, when Washington declared the beginning of its anti-terror operations in the Arab country with the stated aim of defeating the Daesh terrorist group, which had managed to overrun roughly two-thirds of Iraq, mainly in the country's north and west, in June of that year. In 2017 Baghdad declared that the military presence of Daesh in Iraq had come to an end following a three-year conflict that ended with the fall of the terrorist-held city of Mosul. The terror group lost all its urban strongholds in Iraq but its remnants continue to launch sporadic terror attacks. Iraq will also reportedly continue counterterror operations against Daesh "sleeper cells," which remain active in certain parts of the country. *Daesh (ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State) is a terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Hails Reported US Troop Reduction Plan in Afghanistan By Ayaz Gul December 26, 2018 Russia has hailed the reported U.S. plans to pull some troops from Afghanistan as "a step in the right direction" but cast doubt on whether Washington really intends to do so. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharovav told reporters in Moscow Wednesday that the potential military drawdown could boost renewed efforts aimed at finding a negotiated end to the war between the U.S.-backed Afghan government and the Taliban. "We have also noted a statement by the U.S. leadership about the upcoming withdrawal of up to 50 percent of the U.S. forces from Afghanistan. We consider this a step in the right direction, capable of bringing the start of the peace process close," she said. Officials in Washington last week were quoted in media reports as saying that President Donald Trump has verbally ordered military commanders to withdraw 7,000 of the more than 14,000 troops currently stationed in Afghanistan. The drawdown reportedly could begin as early as next month but neither the White House nor the Pentagon has commented on the reports. Zakharova said Moscow is still waiting for an official explanation from Washington on the potential drawdown and noted it would be premature to draw any conclusions at this stage. "The only thing we have to do is to see how it will be implemented in practice All the statements that we hear from the U.S. president on the withdrawal of U.S. troops usually have nothing to do with the reality. We are still trying to understand what they are talking about at the moment," she said. Russia, she noted, has emphasized the need for resorting to political and diplomatic channels to seek a negotiated end to the Afghan war and repeatedly warned the U.S. and its coalition partners that "it is a mistake to stick to the military solution." U.S.-Taliban talks in UAE She praised last week's peace talks in the United Arab Emirates between the U.S. and the Afghan Taliban where representatives from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the host country were also in attendance. "We welcome these efforts and we believe they should be transparent and reckon with the interest of the Afghan people, the neighbors and the states of the region that are directly affected by this threat rising from Afghanistan," Zakharova said. During the meeting with U.S. negotiators in Abu Dhabi, Taliban officials consistently demanded Washington announce a final date or timeline for withdrawing all American and other foreign troops from the country. Some analysts say the Trump administration's reported withdrawal plans could have stemmed from the talks with the Taliban. Officials in neighboring Pakistan, where Afghan Taliban leaders are allegedly sheltering, say they organized the Abu Dhabi peace talks at Washington's request to help end the war in Afghanistan. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also visited Moscow on Wednesday for daylong discussions with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, to brief him on progress made in the talks in Abu Dhabi. Qureshi visited Russia after holding discussions on the peace process with leaders in Afghanistan, Iran and China as part of his four-nation trip which started on Monday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Visits US Troops in Iraq on Unannounced Trip By Patsy Widakuswara December 26, 2018 President Donald Trump made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Wednesday to talk with U.S. troops stationed there. Trump and first lady Melania Trump landed at Al Asad Airbase in western Iraq at 7:16 p.m. local time. They left Washington late Christmas night, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a tweet Wednesday afternoon. The trip, Trump's first visit to a conflict zone as president, was undertaken in near secrecy. It came with a quarter of the U.S. government shut down as a result of Congress' inability to agree on funding for Trump's proposed wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Trump's visit to Iraq, where in all about 5,200 members of the U.S. military are stationed, also came a day after he held a video conference from the Oval Office with military members around the globe. After the call, he was criticized by some media outlets that said he was the first president since 2002 to not visit U.S. troops at Christmastime. In Iraq, the president and first lady greeted troops in a dining hall, posing for photos and signing autographs as part of the visit. The president last week made the controversial move of announcing plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. In his remarks to the troops in Iraq, he defended that decision, saying that the Islamic State group had been "very nearly defeated" and that the caliphate was gone. "I made it clear from the beginning that our mission in Syria was to strip ISIS of its military strongholds,'' Trump said, using an acronym for the militant group. "Eight years ago, we went there for three months, and we never left," he said, adding the U.S presence in Syria was never meant to be "open-ended." Trump said Turkey had agreed to eliminate any IS "remnants" in the region. "The nations of the region must step up and take more responsibility for their future," Trump said, adding there would be an "orderly withdrawal" of the roughly 2,000 U.S. forces in Syria. In addition to the Syrian pullout, Trump is also considering withdrawing roughly half of the more than 14,000 American troops stationed in Afghanistan, beginning next month. Trump's senior advisers and military officials have warned that the moves will cause further chaos in the region. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Brett McGurk, special presidential envoy for the global coalition to counter ISIS, both resigned, at least in part, because of disagreement over the Syria and Afghanistan policies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by President Trump in Briefing at Al Asad Air Base | Al Anbar Province, Iraq December 26, 2018 Al Asad Air Base Al Anbar Province, Iraq 7:38 P.M. AST THE PRESIDENT: So we're meeting with some of our great leaders. We're in Iraq. We flew all night and arrived very safely. It was an interesting trip, I will tell you that. I know there was a lot of security up there in the air, the skies they tell me. But here we are. We're discussing strategy. We're discussing lots of things, including even nearby Syria. We're there's no military like we have. We can do whatever we want. But we have to decide what's right, what's not right. They've done a fantastic job over the last two years that I've been here. I can tell you, speaking from personal knowledge, they've done a fantastic job. And it's a great honor to meet all of you, and we're going to be meeting some other people a little bit later. And then we're going to be speaking in front of your troops, and I look forward to that. That'll be happening in a little while. And I want to thank the press. You've made a journey. You knew where you were going, and we appreciate your coming with us, very much so. That takes courage also. We very much appreciate you coming with us. So thank you very much. Do you have any questions in the media? Q Why did you want to come to Iraq? THE PRESIDENT: Well, it's a place that I've been talking about for many years. And many, many years, before it started, I was talking about it, as a civilian. And many of you know what my feelings were. And I wanted to come and see Iraq. I wanted to come and pay my respects, most importantly, to the great soldiers, the great troopers that we have here. Nobody better. We brought along John Bolton, brought along the First Lady, and some other great people very talented people. But I wanted to see what we were doing over here. I tell you what, I'm very impressed with these folks. We've gotten a lot of communication through the White House, but I wanted to see it firsthand. And so we flew we left at about 11:00, and we flew all night. And I think it's going to be well worth it. Q Mr. President, what effect will your decision in Syria to pull out the 2,000 troops have here in Iraq? THE PRESIDENT: Well, you know, we can do things from Iraq that we can take over some of the slack. But, as you know, we've knocked out about 99 percent of the caliphate. It's time to bring them back. I told the generals about a year and a half ago, I said, "Let's get out of Syria." And they said, "Sir, can we have some more time?" I said, "Yep. You've got another six months. Let's get out of Syria." I've said it for a long time. And then and other places, too, I was talking about. But let's talk about Syria. I said, "Let's get out of Syria. Let's bring our young people home." And they said, "Sir, could we have six more months?" I said, "Yep. You've got six more months. Let's go." And I gave them six months. Then I said, "Let's get out." And they said, "Sir, could we have six more months?" I said, "Yep. You've got six more months." And then they said again, recently, "Could we have more time?" I said, "Nope. You can't have any more time. You've got enough time." We've knocked them out. We've knocked them silly. I will tell you that I had some very good talks with President Erdogan, who wants to knock them out also. And he'll do it. And others will do it, too, because we're in their region; they should be really sharing the burden of cost, and they're not. And now they're going to be doing it. And if they don't, they're going to go in, and they'll go into places like Turkey and Russia and Iran and Iraq and lots of others places. So these people are going to have to start doing a lot of their own work, and they're going to have to start paying for it, because the United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world. We don't want to do that. We want to protect our country. These people want to protect our country. They've been here a long time. Q Do you have any plans to pull the forces out of Iraq as well? THE PRESIDENT: No plans at all, no. In fact, we could use this as a base if we wanted to do something in Syria. If I will say this, if you take ISIS and if we see something happening with ISIS that we don't like, we can hit them so fast and so hard, they won't they really won't know what the hell happened. But it's time to get our soldiers out, and it's time to get our young people out. And I've been signing plenty of letters, and I don't like sending those letters home to parents, saying that your young man or your young woman has been killed. And I don't like doing it. We've been doing it long enough. We've been here, and if you look at Afghanistan, 19 years. We've been doing it a long time. And these people at this table have been incredible. These are incredible people. And these are incredible men and women. But we've been doing it a long time. So I gave notice in Syria you know, the way it was reported was like I just pulled out; I didn't just pull out. I've been talking about it for a year and a half. I've been telling the generals, "Let's go. Go ahead, take more time. Let's go. Take more time." Constantly giving them more time. Finally, I said, "Okay, it's now time for others to take over that fight." We don't want to be there. If you look at Syria so we went there about eight years ago, and it was supposed to be for a three-month period of time. We never left. It's time to bring our people back home. Thank you. Q Sir, what do you make of people like Lindsey Graham, who say you're making a mistake? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I had a good debate with Lindsey Graham in front of a lot of people the other day. And I think even Lindsey would say that that had a big impact (inaudible). Lindsey Graham is somebody that I like, that we work together we agree on many things. We agreed on Justice Kavanaugh, Justice Gorsuch. We agreed on many things. I think that a lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking. It's not fair when we burden the when the burden is all on us, the United States. We're building now as you folks know, you're seeing new equipment coming in for the first time in many years $716 billion and $700 billion, the last two years. Far more than you ever got. And now we're buying all beautiful, new fighter jets. And we're buying we're building new ships. We're doing a lot of new things, even the equipment for your men and women. But it's time for us to start using our head. We don't want to be taken advantage anymore by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them. They don't pay for it, and they're going to have to. Now, if you look at what happened in Syria, President Erdogan stepped up, and he says he wants to knock out ISIS. We say, "Whatever's left." It's just the remnants of ISIS. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they're going to pay for some economic development, which is great. That means we don't have to pay. But we may help, at some point. We may go back and help. We can do a lot of things with our companies and others, where they go out and they do a great job. But the bottom line is: We're going to use our heads, and wealthy countries cannot continue to use the United States to defend them. These are wealthy countries. These are seriously wealthy countries, in certain cases, that I'm talking about. I'm not only talking about in the Middle East. I'm talking about all over the world. Wealthy countries cannot expect the United States to pay for a vast majority of their military. They can pay us. They can reimburse us. There's nobody has a military like us, but we're all over the world. We're spread out all over the world. We're in countries that most people have never even heard about. And, frankly, it's ridiculous. So that's the story. It's very simple. I wanted to come to Iraq. I wanted to meet these great heroes. And that's what we're doing, and that's why we're here. That's why we took that flight. Q Mr. President? THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Q About the criticism that, by leaving Syria, you might increase jeopardy for Israel, how do you respond? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I don't see it. And I spoke with Bibi. I told Bibi. And, you know, we give Israel $4.5 billion a year. And they're doing very well defending themselves, if you take a look. But we'll be there for Israel. We'll always be there for Israel. I'm the one that moved the embassy to Jerusalem. You know, nobody was willing to do that. All these Presidents came and went. They all said they will do it. They never did it. Many, many Presidents said they were going to move the embassy to Jerusalem. They never did it; I did it. Big difference. So that's the way it is. We're going to take good care of Israel. Israel is going to be good. But we give Israel $4.5 billion a year. And we give them, frankly, a lot more money than that, if you look at the books a lot more money than that. And they've been doing a very good job for themselves. Q Sir, what about the timing of this trip, coming during a government shutdown back in Washington? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I did this about three or four weeks ago, we set this up. We actually had a couple of them set up, and we cancelled for security reasons because people were finding out. Pretty sad, when you spend $7 trillion in the Middle East, and going in has to be under this massive cover, with planes all over and all of the greatest equipment in the world, and you do everything you can to get in safely. Pretty sad. You spend $7 trillion, and you have to come in through military escorts and all of the other incredible things that they did. Incredible. Q How long do you think the shutdown will last, Mr. President? THE PRESIDENT: Whatever it takes. I mean, we're going to have a wall. We're going to have safety. We need safety for our country, even from this standpoint. We have terrorists coming in through the southern border. We have the terrorists also coming in, fellas, through the southern border. Because you know why? It was always the easiest. Now, we've made it very tough, but I won't put them on the spot, but I guarantee you, they would say, "You don't have a wall, you're not going to have" I mean, the folks that are saying, "Can we have some drones? Can we have technology?" Technology is bells and whistles. You have to have a wall. You have to have protection. But we have, in addition to drugs, in addition to human trafficking, in addition to mass numbers of illegals who are coming in many of whom are criminals. You saw that. Six hundred and eighteen, so far, that we found in some cases, very serious criminals. In some cases, murderers. You saw that yourselves. It was on your cameras for everybody to see. We need a wall. So when you say, "How long is it going to take?" When are they going to say that we need border security? When are the Democrats going to say it? Don't forget, the Democrats all agreed that you need a wall, until I wanted it. Once I wanted it, they didn't agree. Steve. Q What's your timeline on a new Defense Secretary? THE PRESIDENT: Well, we have wonderful man in there now, as you know. Our friend, Shanahan, is a good man, and he's done a great job. And he's a good buyer. I wanted somebody that could buy, because I'm giving a lot of money and I don't want it to be wasted. You know, when I came here, they were spending for a $4 billion aircraft carrier, they were up to $16 billion. That's not me; that's them. I inherited that and many other things. Cost overruns all over the place. So Shanahan was at Boeing, and did a great job at Boeing. He was there for a long time. Boeing is a hell of a company. He did a great job. Very responsible for the success of a certain plane, the Dreamliner. And he's a respected man. He could be there for a long time. I mean, I'm in no rush. I will say that I've got everybody everybody and his uncle wants that position. And also, by the way, everybody and her aunt just so I won't be criticized for that last statement. Everybody wants that position. Everybody. Everybody so many people want to be who wouldn't want to be Secretary of Defense? Even these folks would like to be Secretary of Defense. Who wouldn't want to be? This guy, he's looking over there. He said, "Boy, I would like that (inaudible)." (Laughter.) So we have a lot of people. We have a lot of great people who want to be Secretary of Defense. We'll take our time and we'll make the right decision. Q Mr. President, have you come down from $5 billion to $2 billion for border security in the conversations with Democrats? THE PRESIDENT: Well, you know as you know, we've already built a lot of wall. We're building a lot more, you know, just through the normal budget. And we fixed a tremendous amount of wall many miles. Sarah can give you the numbers. Sarah Sanders can give you the numbers. But we've fixed a lot of wall, and we've renovated it. It's very, very good. It's as good as new. And, you know, many, many miles of that. And we've also built new wall a lot. But we just gave out a contract that, when it's all completed out, it'll be 115 miles. That's a lot. We're talking about 500 to 550 miles. And this will be just this one contract is 115. I'm going there I assume you're coming with me on probably the end of January, a little bit before the State of the Union. I think we're going to do it before the State of the Union Address. I'll be going to Texas, and we're going to be sort of having a long we'll have a long groundbreaking, because it covers a lot of territory. But we're going to have a groundbreaking for the wall. Q But as to the matter of negotiations, sir, have you come down from the $5 billion ask to $2 billion? That's a perception Democrats have. THE PRESIDENT: Here's the problem yeah, here's the problem we have: We have a problem with the Democrats because Nancy Pelosi is calling the shots, not Chuck. And Chuck wants to have this done. I really believe that. He wants to have this done. But she's calling the shots, and she's calling them because she wants the votes. And probably, if they do something, she's not going to get the votes, and she's not going to be Speaker of the House. And that would be not so good for her. Because she's got you know, she's in a very tight contest. I know her contest very well; I know it maybe better than she does. I know exactly where she is. And she's in a very, very tight contest. There are those that say she doesn't have the votes yet. Let's see what happens. I say she does. But if Chuck does this, it could very well have negative implications on her becoming Speaker of the House. So they all know you need it; they all know you need this border security. They all know you need the wall or whatever you want to call it in order to secure our border, which these people know more about than anybody. And they can tell you, you need a wall. But the one who is calling the shots is Nancy Pelosi. Q Will you accept $2 billion instead of $5 billion, sir? THE PRESIDENT: I'm not going to talk about it now. But I will say this: We have been building a lot of wall. A lot of people don't know it, and I haven't really been stressing it, frankly, because maybe I felt it wasn't the right thing to do. But we've been building a lot of wall. If you go out, you'll see it. Or we can give you an exact list. Sarah, you'll do that. But we're building now we just gave out a contract, as you know; I just released it the other day. But we are building a lot of wall. We have a lot of great wall going in the most important places. We're starting in the most important places, which I would say history says, fellas, that's a good thing to do, right? Do the most important places first and do the least important places last. So we are probably up to with what we're building now and what we're going to start very shortly, we're probably up to over 200 miles of wall. Nobody knows that, nor did I want to tell anybody. So we are moving very rapidly. And I have other sources if I need them. But we have to do it the right way. Look, the American public is demanding a wall. I think they're under a lot of pressure. The problem is, we need 10 Democrat votes in the Senate. The House is 100 percent. You saw that. Nancy said we'd never get the votes in the House. Not only did we get them, we got them by a lot 217 to 185. I mean, we got them by a lot. Nobody believed that. Nancy Pelosi sat, and she said you couldn't get the votes in the House. And then we got the votes in the House. And that was for $5.8 billion. So we're doing well. The problem is, we need 10 votes in the Senate, and they have to be Democrat votes. They can't you know, people don't understand. They hear we have the majority. Well, we have, right now, the majority by one. Soon, we'll have the majority by three because we won the Senate and we picked up. Nobody ever reports that, but we won the Senate and we picked up two seats, which is you know, someday one of you guys are going to get out and actually report that. There are those that say it's more important because that's what approves Supreme Court judges, judges, people everything. But we won the Senate, and people were very surprised at how well we did in the Senate. We almost won three additional seats that we weren't expected to be anywhere near. So Nancy is calling the shots. And they all know look, politically speaking I don't do it for politics; I'm doing nothing for politics. But, politically speaking, people want border security, okay? One more question? MS. SANDERS: We'll take one more question. THE PRESIDENT: One more. Q Did you have any concerns about coming here today? THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely, when I heard what you had to go through. Q What did you go through? THE PRESIDENT: I mean, look, I had concerns for the institution of the presidency because not for myself, personally. I had concerns for the First Lady, I will tell you. But if you would have seen what we had to go through, with the darkened plane, with all windows closed, with no lights on whatsoever, anywhere pitch black. I've never seen it; I've been in many airplanes all types and shapes and sizes. I've never seen anything like it. We're coming in, and I know all of the things that were surrounding us for safety. So did I have a concern? Yeah, I had a concern, but my bigger concern was maybe the people that were with me, certainly all of them except, I think, John Bolton. He's a pretty tough guy. He can handle it. Right, John? John can handle it. And, by the way, John and I agree on all of this. And I think John will say that we went through numerous extension, extension, extension. John and John is, you know, pretty strong on the subject. He's pretty strong. He's pretty hawkish on everything having to do with the military. And, by the way, I think I'm probably more hawkish than anybody. Anybody. Nobody is more hawkish than me. But I also like to use it in the right place. And, frankly, I like not using it at all. And one of the things we're doing is we are building the greatest force that we've ever had, that we've ever had. We've never had a force like we're building, in terms of the equipment. We have the best people, to start off with. And by doing what I'm doing, hopefully, we won't have to use it. But there is nobody that believes more strongly in having a powerful military than I do. And we're respected once again in the world, and that's nice to see because our military I'm not going to put them on the spot, but our military was seriously depleted when I took office. Seriously depleted. It was in bad shape. And very soon, it's going to be phenomenal shape. Okay? Thank you all very much. END 7:57 P.M. AST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh spokesman killed in airstrike in Afghanistan IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Dec 27, IRNA -- The spokesman of Daesh (ISIS) has been killed in an airstrike by foreign forces in eastern Nangarhar Province, said a press official on Thursday. Spokesman of Daesh Sultan Aziz Azam was killed in the airstrike on Wednesday, announced the press office of 201 Seylab Division. The statement said that Azam was killed in Vazirtangi area, Khogyani District, Nangarhar Province. The government of Afghanistan announced about 20 days ago that it was going to hit the military commanders of Taliban; ever since, 15 commanders of Taliban have been targeted. Also on Wednesday, Mullah Samad Zirkouhi, a top Taliban commander, and three of his companions, were killed in a drone attack of foreign forces. 9417**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior Taliban commander killed in Afghanistan IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Kabul, Dec 27, IRNA -- A top Taliban commander was killed in a drone attack of foreign forces, said the spokesman of the Farah Province, eastern Afghanistan, on Thursday. Mullah Samad Zirkouhi was hit alongside three of his companions on Wednesday, Mohibbollah Mohib told local media of Afghanistan. Mohib believes that the operation would have a positive effect on the security of contiguous Farah and Harat provinces. 9417**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taliban to US: Leave Afghanistan or face Soviet-style defeat Iran Press TV Thu Dec 27, 2018 04:42PM The Taliban militant group has warned the United States it would face the same fate as the Soviet Union in the 1980s if it did not leave violence-wracked Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement on Thursday that US forces face "humiliation" and could "learn a great deal" from the experience of their Cold War foe. "Take heed from the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan and abandon thoughts of testing the mettle of the already proven Afghans," said the statement issued on the 39th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of the war-torn country. The Soviets pulled out of Afghanistan in 1989, ending a decade-long occupation and precipitating a bloody civil war and the emergence of the Taliban and other militant groups. Elsewhere in the statement, Taliban spokesman added that any future relations between the Taliban and the United States should be based on "sound diplomatic and economic principles" rather than conflict. The Taliban have previously said the presence of foreign troops is the biggest obstacle to peace in Afghanistan. President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the withdrawal of some 7,000 troops from Afghanistan. The figure accounts for about half of the total number of American boots on the ground in the country. The Taliban have not formally responded to the partial US troop withdrawal. But a senior commander recently told media outlets that the group was "more than happy". The Kabul government has stepped up efforts to convince the Taliban to end the 17-year militancy amid Washington's failures on the battleground. US State Department's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has said he held "productive" meetings in Abu Dhabi with Afghan and international partners "to promote intra-Afghan dialogue towards ending the conflict." Khalilzad said the Taliban's demand remained an agreement over the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. The US, meanwhile, has sought assurances from the militant group that its forces would not be attacked. The meetings are the latest in a flurry of diplomatic efforts aimed at putting an end to the war in Afghanistan which began with the US invasion 17 years ago. The United States invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 after the September 11 attacks and overthrew the Taliban regime. But US forces have remained bogged down there through the presidencies of George W. Bush, Barack Obama and now Trump. Taliban militants have warned of stepping up their attacks until the US forces fully withdraw from Afghanistan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's settlement expansion deepens apartheid: Palestinian Foreign Ministry Iran Press TV Thu Dec 27, 2018 04:37PM The Palestinian Foreign Ministry says the Israeli regime's continued land expropriation and settlement expansion policies in the occupied territories are threatening the entire culture of peace, deepening apartheid and destroying the so-called two-state solution. The ministry, in a statement released on Thursday, called on the United Nations, the International Criminal Court and the so-called advocates of human rights and peace to defend their eroding credibility, stop double standards and take international legal measures to hold the Tel Aviv regime accountable for its crimes. The statement added that Israel was pressing ahead with its expansionist settlement projects, and moving to create armed settler militias in order to carry out more attacks and crimes against Palestinian people as well as their homes and property. It further noted that Israel's ruling right-wing Likud party was attempting to win the support of extremist and pro-settlement groups by pushing up several Judaization projects and offering packages of financial facilities to settler communities throughout the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem al-Quds. "The Tel Aviv regime is exploiting the absolute American bias and the international silence to implement its colonial plans aimed at Judaizing and annexing large parts of the occupied West Bank and administering Israeli law on them. "This will lead to the creation of new realities that are impossible to overcome in any future negotiations," the statement pointed out. Earlier on Thursday, the so-called Israeli Civil Administration approved plans for the construction of 1,451 new settlement units in the occupied West Bank, and advanced plans for the construction of 837 additional units. Less than a month before US President Donald Trump took office, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2334, calling on Israel to "immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem" al-Quds. About 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 illegal settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem al-Quds. Palestinians want the West Bank as part of a future independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital. The last round of Israeli-Palestinian talks collapsed in 2014. Among the major sticking points in those negotiations was Israel's continued settlement expansion on Palestinian territories. Trump backtracked on Washington's support for a "two-state solution" last year, saying he would support any solution favored by both sides. "Looking at two-state or one-state, I like the one that both parties like. I'm very happy with the one both parties like. I can live with either one," the US president said during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on February 15, 2017. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghanistan Considers Delaying April Presidential Election By RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan December 27, 2018 Afghanistan's election authorities are considering delaying a presidential election scheduled for April 2019, an official said, due to delays in registration and ongoing technical issues. Independent Election Commission (IEC) spokesman Zabi Sadat told RFE/RL on December 27 that the body was meeting "all relevant sides" to discuss postponing the vote, which he said could be delayed until June. Sadat said the IEC would announce its final decision on December 27. Candidate registration started on December 22 and was supposed to continue until January 2. But the date will be extended due to lack of registration by any candidate, Sadat said. The IEC is trying to avoid a repeat of the widespread technical and logistical problems during the October parliamentary vote. The IEC is still finalizing results of the parliamentary vote and observers have expressed concern that it would struggle to organize a presidential election in April. The IEC has already considered delaying the poll once, but vowed in November to hold it on time. The election is complicated by diplomatic efforts to start a formal peace process with the Taliban, whose representatives have met U.S. special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad for several rounds of direct talks. Khalilzad has said a peace deal with the militants could be reached by April. With reporting by AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan- considers-delaying-april-presidential -election/29679100.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armenia 'Committed To Further Integration' Within Eurasian Union December 27, 2018 Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian says his country is determined to continue "integration" within the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EES). "We are committed to further integration within the Eurasian Economic Union and treat seriously our chairmanship in the EES," Pashinian said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 27. "I am confident that after our chairmanship we will have even more effective integration in the union," Pashinian said, referring to Armenia's rotating presidency of the EES that begins on January 1. The bloc, which brings together Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, was created in 2015. Putin praised bilateral relationship, including "growing trade that increased by nearly 30 percent" last year. Putin said that Russia was Armenia's largest economic partner, accounting for some 25 percent of Armenia's foreign trade. Pashinian, a former anticorruption journalist and opposition lawmaker, was elected prime minister in May after spearheading weeks of mass protests that forced his predecessor, long-entrenched leader Serzh Sarkisian, to resign. Pashinian's My Step alliance won more than 70 percent of the vote in snap parliamentary elections on December 9. Pashinian has vowed to maintain close relations with traditional ally Russia, while at the same time saying he would seek closer ties with the United States and the European Union. The former Soviet country is highly dependent on Russia, which plays an influential role in its economy and has a military base in Armenia. Based on reporting by TASS and RFE/RL's Armenian Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia- committed-to-further-integration-within- eurasian-union/29680038.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Holds Talks With Afghan Taliban as US Prepares Partial Troop Withdrawal Sputnik News 00:19 27.12.2018 The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, announced on a visit to the Afghan capital of Kabul that Iranian officials have met with the Afghan Taliban. The announcement came just days after the Taliban attended peace talks in the United Arab Emirates with US officials. Representatives from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan were also present. However, Taliban leaders refused to meet with an official delegation from Afghanistan. Shamkhani's remarks were printed by Tasnim, an outlet considered close to Iran's military. It isn't clear when or where the talks were held, but they were first reported after Shamkhani noted them in a meeting with government officials in Kabul on Wednesday. Shamkhani also spoke to the threat of Daesh's presence in Afghanistan, which is limited but considered a threat nonetheless, underscoring the need for regional allies to combat the "ominous plot sponsored by the US and regional reactionaries." The national security adviser to Afghanistan's president, Hamdullah Mohib, reportedly praised Iran as a pillar of stability and security in the region during the meeting. Iran and Afghanistan share a 600-mile-long border. Iran has traditionally worked against the Sunni Taliban and supported Shiite minorities in Afghanistan who were being persecuted by its regime. Some US and Afghan officials have tried to blame Iran in recent years for supporting the Taliban, but no hard evidence has supported the charge. The United States has struggled to take territory from the group, which has gained significant ground in 2018 despite an unprecedented US bombing campaign. According to the neoconservative Council on Foreign Relations, the Taliban controlled 90 percent of Afghanistan in 2001, prior to the US invasion. After 17 years, the Taliban still contests some 50 percent of the country and controls an additional 13 percent, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, another neoconservative think tank in Washington. "The presence of American forces was from the very start, in principle, a wrong and illogical move and a primary cause of instability and insecurity in the region," Bahram Ghasemi, a spokesman for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, reportedly said on Saturday. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was also in Tehran on Monday for talks, although details are sparse. In November, Russia hosted talks between the Taliban and the Afghanistan High Peace Council a body that does not represent the Afghan government but oversees peace efforts in the country. That was the first such peace negotiations in which that the militant group has participated. US General John W. Nicholson, who is retiring as the top US military official in Afghanistan, earlier this year blamed Moscow for supporting and even arming the Taliban, but Moscow rejected the charge and no evidence was offered to support it. During the talks in both the UAE and Russia, Taliban leaders refused to negotiate with Kabul, agreeing only to work with the American officials backing them on the peace process. Last week, US Department of Defense officials reportedly confirmed that US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of 7,000 US soldiers from the country, just shy of half of the 14,000-strong uniformed US presence in Afghanistan. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nineteen Dead, Almost 400 Injured During Sudan Protests - Minister Sputnik News 21:57 27.12.2018(updated 22:01 27.12.2018) KHARTOUM (Sputnik) - A total of 19 people were killed and 397 were injured during a week of anti-government protests in Sudan, country's Minister of Information, Communications and Information Technology Bushara Aro said Thursday. "The death toll during the protests is 19 people, some of them were killed during the fights between merchants and robbery attempts. The number of victims totals 178 among law enforcement and 219 civilians," the minister said during a press conference. The protests erupted in Sudan on December 19 over the government's decision to increase bread prices. The following day, the government shut down the Internet to stop the protesters. Dozens of protesters and opposition leaders have been arrested since the beginning of the protest rallies. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN calls for 'peaceful, credible and inclusive' election in Bangladesh 27 December 2018 - In the run-up to Sunday's general elections in Bangladesh, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for "an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion" to allow a "peaceful, credible and inclusive poll." "All Bangladeshi citizens, including minorities and women, must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote," Mr. Guterres said on Thursday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the ruling Awami League Party is seeking a third consecutive term, while her main rival for the top job, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who leads the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), remains in jail on corruption charges which she says were politically motivated. According to news reports, political clashes have already left two campaign workers dead and dozens more injured. "Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process," stressed the UN chief. While the BNP boycotted the 2014 election, it has said that it will participate this year in what will be the country's 11th National Parliamentary Election. The Secretary-General reiterated the UN's continued commitment "to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Islamic State-Afghanistan Spokesman Silenced in US Airstrike By Jeff Seldin December 27, 2018 The spokesman for the Islamic State terror group's branch in Afghanistan has been killed in a U.S. airstrike. A U.S. military official confirmed Thursday that IS-Khorasan's Sultan Aziz Azam was killed Sunday (Dec. 23) in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. A second IS member was also killed in the strike. No civilian casualties were reported as a result of the strike, which was first made public by Afghan officials. The strike against the IS-Khorasan spokesman comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a partial withdrawal from Afghanistan that would see nearly half of the about 14,000 U.S. troops in the country return home. While most of the U.S. troops in Afghanistan have been supporting Afghan forces in their efforts against the Taliban, others have been involved in an ongoing effort to defeat and destroy IS-Khorasan. U.S. report claims progress A report issued to the U.S. Congress last week said the effort has been making progress. "ISIS-K faced significant territorial, leadership, and personnel losses in Nangarhar," the quarterly report stated, using another acronym for the terror group. But the report also warned IS-Khorasan still has enough fighters and capabilities to cause significant problems. "However, it has sought refuge elsewhere in the country," the report added. "Although weakened, ISIS-K will most likely continue to plan and execute high profile attacks in populated areas." U.S. officials estimated that as of September of this year, IS-Khorasan still had more than 1,000 fighters in Nangarhar province and also in northern Jowzjan province. IS poaching fighters The commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan at the time, General John Nicholson, warned that while IS-Khorasan was not growing, it was having success replenishing its ranks by poaching fighters from other terrorist groups in the region. Since 2017, U.S. airstrikes have killed at least three IS-Khorasan leaders, as well as other top officials. Most recently, on Aug. 26, the Afghan government announced the death of IS-Khorasan emir, Abdu Saad Erhabi, along with his nine commanders in a U.S. airstrike, calling it a "major blow" to the terror group. VOA's Pashto Service contributed to this report NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan, US Military Leaders Review Afghan Peace Efforts By Ayaz Gul December 27, 2018 The U.S. commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan traveled to Pakistan Thursday to discuss Afghan reconciliation efforts with Pakistan's military chief, officials said. Gen. Austin Scott Miller's visit came amid reports of a possible U.S. troop drawdown in Afghanistan and a renewed push to negotiate peace with Taliban insurgents for ending the 17-year-old Afghan war. An army announcement said Pakistani General Qamar Javed Bajwa told Miller that Islamabad is committed to Afghan peace efforts. "Both expressed unanimity of views on importance of political resolution of [the] Afghan situation and underlined that only an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led inclusive process can lead to peace in Afghanistan," the statement noted. Pakistan, which is accused of sheltering Afghan Taliban leaders, took credit for organizing two-day direct "peace talks" between U.S. and insurgent officials earlier in December in the United Arab Emirates. Representatives of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the host country were also in attendance. The Taliban says its representatives at the negotiating table sought "a date or timeline" from U.S. interlocutors for a complete withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan, citing their presence is the "biggest obstacle" in the way of peace. It is not clear whether U.S. President Donald Trump's reported orders for pulling out half of the more than 14,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan stemmed from the meeting in Abu Dhabi and officials in Washington have not confirmed reports of the potential drawdown. The Taliban and Zalmay Khalilzad, the leader of the U.S. negotiating team, have both described their discussions in the UAE as "productive," and pledged to meet again soon at the same venue. The dialogue is said to be aimed at seeking direct talks between the Taliban and the Washington-backed government in Kabul. The insurgent group, however, continues to reject calls for engaging in negotiations with Afghan envoys. The group dismisses the Afghan government as puppets installed by the U.S. and considers Washington as its main adversary in the conflict. Also Thursday, the Taliban demanded the U.S. withdraw from Afghanistan. The renewed demand was made following the anniversary of the 1979 military invasion of Afghanistan by the-then Soviet Union. The insurgent group claimed U.S.-led foreign forces are "facing the exact same fate" that Soviet troops suffered in the shape of a forced withdrawal. "It [Taliban] advises the American invaders to adopt rational and understanding by withdrawing from Afghanistan and maintaining any future relations based on sound diplomatic and economic principles instead of testing might," the insurgent statement said. The reported withdrawal plans have worried Afghan military officials, prompting Gen. Miller earlier this week to assure them of continued U.S. support. "You have seen the same rumors I have, from the newspapers, but all I would assure you is first of all I have no orders, so nothing changed. But if I do get orders, I think it is important for you to know that we are still with the security forces," Miller said. Separately, Afghan authorities Wednesday said they are considering postponing for several months the presidential elections that were originally scheduled for April 20. The announcement has triggered speculation the delay would support the U.S.-led effort to strike a peace deal with the Taliban that would lay the groundwork for a credible non-controversial Afghan election process. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Police Fire Live Rounds on Congolese Election Protesters By VOA News December 27, 2018 Police in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo fired live ammunition and tear gas Thursday to disperse demonstrators who were protesting a decision to effectively exclude them from Sunday's presidential election. Dozens of demonstrators burned tires and attacked Ebola centers in the city of Beni after Congo's electoral commission said it will delay voting until March in Beni, Butembo and surrounding areas because of a deadly Ebola outbreak. Twenty-four patients fled one Ebola treatment facility when it was attacked by protesters, the health ministry said. Protesters also marched to a local election office in Beni to demand the right to vote on Sunday along with rest of the country and for the commission's president to resign. The commission has also postponed voting in the western city of Yumbi because of ethnic violence. Opposition parties behind candidate Martin Fayulu have called for a workers strike throughout Congo to protest the delays, which could affect more than 1 million voters. Compounding the unrest was the foreign ministry's expulsion of European Union Ambassador Bart Ouvry. The move came in response to the EU's renewal of two-year-old sanctions against Congolese officials, including ruling coalition candidate Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. The areas where voting will be postponed are centers of opposition to outgoing President Joseph Kabila, who has been president since he replaced his assassinated father in 2001. Local politicians have criticized the moves as an attempt to manipulate the vote in favor of Shadary, Kabila's favored presidential candidate. The election to replace Kabila was originally set to take place in 2016 but has been repeatedly delayed for more than two years. The delays sparked violent protests in which dozens of people were killed by security forces. Shadary has two main challengers out of a group of 21 candidates. They are the president of Congo's largest opposition party, Felix Tshisekedi, and Fayulu, a former legislator and Exxon Mobile manager. Some 40 million registered voters are set to go to the polls Sunday to decide the fate of a country that has a wealth of mineral resources, but lacks adequate infrastructure and basic services. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India's Anti-Terror Agency Busts Terror Cell, Seizes Explosives & Weapons Sputnik News 14:53 26.12.2018(updated 15:29 26.12.2018) India's NIA has said that terrorists belonging to a new *Daesh-inspired cell were planning to carry out remote-controlled explosions and suicide bombings at multiple locations across the country. The alleged terrorists, whose identities are yet to be revealed, were reportedly in touch with a foreign agent. New Delhi (Sputnik) India's top anti-terror force, the National Investigative Agency (NIA), busted a major Daesh-inspired terror network after conducting raids on Wednesday. The NIA raided 17 locations in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Delhi after being tipped off by sources about a new Daesh cell, self-styled as 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam", which was allegedly planning a series of terror attacks throughout India. "Searches have been conducted in Delhi's Seelampur and UP's Amroha, Hapur, Meerut, and Lucknow. Large quantities of explosive material, weapons, and ammunition, including a country-made rocket launcher, have been recovered so far," a senior NIA official said in a media briefing in New Delhi. The agency added that the outfit was looking to target top politicians and military installations. The agency has confirmed 10 arrests so far, but has not disclosed any of the suspects' identities. *Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) is a terrorist group banned in Russia Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address What You Need to Know About Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome Sputnik News 10:52 27.12.2018 MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Soyuz-2.1a rocket with two Russian and 26 foreign satellites lifted off from the Vostochny space center in Russia's Far East on Thursday, which became the fourth launch from the cosmodrome. The Vostochny cosmodrome is the first civilian spaceport in Russia, designed to prepare and launch spacecraft for scientific, socio-economic and commercial purposes. It ensures Russia's independent access to space. Before its construction, there was only the Plesetsk military space center. Civilian launches had to be carried out from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, which Moscow leases from Astana. The construction of the Vostochny space center near the city of Tsiolkovsky in Russia's Far Eastern Amur Region began in 2012, in accordance with a presidential decree from November 6, 2007 and an order of the Russian government from January 14, 2009. The cosmodrome is located between the rivers Zeya and Bolshaya Pera, 8,000 kilometers (4,970 miles) from Moscow and 180 kilometers from the city of Blagoveshchensk. Its area is about 700 square kilometers (270 square miles). The cosmodrome is situated in the safest region of Russia in terms separations and falls of the rocket's lower stages. All the separated parts are returned to Earth to hard-to-reach and sparsely populated areas and then are disposed. Vostochny is close to major transportation networks such as the Baikal-Amur Mainline and the Chita-Khabarovsk Highway. There is also a large supply of electricity production resources in the region. The three stages have been defined to put the objects of the Vostochny cosmodrome into operation. Under the first stage, it was planned to create the Soyuz-2 space rocket complex as well as social, engineering and transport infrastructure, including a town for up to 12,000 people. The second stage covers the creation of land infrastructure for the heavy versions of the Angara family of rockets to launch spacecraft into high-energy orbits and for next-generation piloted spacecraft, as well as the expansion of the residential complex to house 20,000 people and the creation of an airport complex. At the third stage, it is planned to construct launch pads for the super heavy-lift rockets and to expand the residential complex to house up to 30,000 people. In mid-January of 2016, the main construction works on the facilities of the cosmodrome, which were supposed to ensure the first launch, were completed. The facilities are located on two sites, technical and launch complexes. The technical complex is designed for the preparations before the start, including refueling, and occupies an area of 170,000 square meters (1.8 million square feet). It includes 121 buildings. Facilities, engineering networks and transport communications are located on 42 hectares (103 acres). The launch complex consists of 83 facilities and covers an area of 45,000 square meters. It is designed for the preparation of the launch. The tower is used for preparing the launch in the most difficult climatic conditions. The Vostochny launch complex is versatile and can be used for Soyuz-2 carrier rockets of both the middle and lightweight classes. An administrative and business complex was also built at the cosmodrome. It is designed for the control and coordination of preparations and launches of spacecraft. There is also a command post; command and tracking station, which measures the trajectory of rocket's movement; industrial and construction base, which includes machinery and repair plant; warehouse; road management office; checkpoint and administrative building with a cafeteria. The modern city of Tsiolkovsky for the cosmodrome's personnel is currently under construction next to Vostochny. The city is equipped with "smart home" and "safe city" systems. Initially, the cosmodrome was supposed to be used only for civilian launches, but in 2017, the head of the state Corporation Roscosmos announced plans to use the Vostochny jointly with the Russian Defense Ministry. The first stage of the construction was carried out by Spetsstroy (the Russian Federal Agency for Special Construction). It was liquidated in 2016 against reports of corruption and inefficient spending of funds, in particular during the construction of the cosmodrome. Some of the defendants in the criminal embezzlement cases have received jail sentences. In 2017, the construction of the second stage was entrusted to the Kazan construction company. The construction work has started in October, 2018, after the signing of the relevant contract between Roscosmos and Kazan. The construction of the launch pad for the Angara carrier rocket is scheduled to begin in February, 2019. According to Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Rogozin, it was decided to modernize the launch pad for Angara rockets in order to make the launch of Angara-A5V heavy-class carrier rocket with a hydrogen-fueled stage possible. Rogozin said that under the contract, the construction of the second stage of the Vostochny cosmodrome would be completed in 2022, and then it would be tested. It is planned that the first "ordinary" Angara A5 will be launched from Vostochny in 2023. By 2026, it will be possible to launch rockets carrying up to 37 tons of cargo from Vostochny cosmodrome and the tests of Angara-A5V will begin. It was decided to transfer all Roscosmos' heavy rockets launches from the Baikonur cosmodrome to the Vostochny starting from the year of 2025, in connection with decommissioning of the Proton rockets, as Angara will fully replace them. By 2028, it is planned to create a third universal launch complex, which will allow launching of both medium-class and super heavy-lift launch vehicles. These launch vehicles will be capable of lifting more than 70 tonnes of cargo. The decree on the creation of a complex at Vostochny for super heavy-lift launch vehicles was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of January 2018. The launches from the third launch complex are scheduled to begin in 2028. Human spaceflights from the Vostochny cosmodrome were initially planned to begin in 2023. It was decided to transfer piloted spacecraft projects to the Baikonur cosmodrome in the summer of 2017, so the creation of infrastructure for human spaceflights at Vostochny was postponed. At the end of June 2018, Rogozin instructed to immediately begin constructing infrastructure for human spaceflights at Vostochy. According to experts, its preparation and will take at least three years. The first historical launch of the Soyuz-2.1a rocket from the Vostochny cosmodrome was successfully carried out on April 28, 2016. The second launch on November 28, 2017, was unsuccessful. The Soyuz-2.1a launch began properly, but later it turned out that 19 satellites, delivered by the Fregat booster, had never reached its target orbit. The Roscosmos Commission, which was investigating the failure, said the reason for the unsuccessful launch was an algorithmic error in the Fregat control system program. There was no negative feedback on the work of the cosmodrome, according to the results of the investigation, The third launch took place on February 1, 2018. The launched Soyuz-2.1a rocket with the Fregat booster delivered two Russian and nine foreign satellites to the target orbits. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian State Commission Approves Soyuz-2.1a Launch From Vostochny Cosmodrome Sputnik News 03:27 27.12.2018 VOSTOCHNY COSMODROME (Russia) (Sputnik) A Russian state commission, which gathered at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the country's Far East, approved the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with two Russian Kanopus-V satellites and 26 smaller spacecraft from the spaceport, Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday. "The Vostochny Cosmodrome hosted a session of a state commission during which the results of the testing of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket on a launch system were discussed. The state commission decided that the space rocket was ready for fueling and the subsequent launch. The specialists began filling the carrier rocket's fuel tanks with oxidizing agent and fuel," Roscosmos wrote on Facebook. The liftoff is scheduled for 05:07 a.m. Moscow time (02:07 GMT). The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a rocket with the Kanopus-V satellites number five and six and foreign spacecraft will be the last launch of the Russian space program this year. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's escort capability significantly improved after 10 years of escort missions People's Daily Online (People's Daily Online) 14:05, December 26, 2018 The Chinese military has conducted over 1,190 escort missions, safeguarding the voyages of more than 6,600 merchant ships from China and abroad in the Gulf of Aden since the first escort fleet was dispatched 10 years ago, showing significant progress in the nation's naval escort capability, experts said. Since December 26, 2008, the day when China sent its first escort fleet, consisting of two destroyers and one auxiliary ship, Chinese naval forces have dispatched a total of more than 26,000 soldiers and officers overseas. China's decision to send naval forces to the area came in response to the UN's call to launch escort missions in the Gulf of Aden, which is one of the world's busiest sea passages, but also a notorious area for pirates. In 2008 alone, more than 30 ships were hijacked and over 600 crew members taken hostage. The first Chinese escort fleet received its first emergency call from a Greek merchant ship under siege by pirates. Over the years, Chinese forces have rescued or escorted more than 70 domestic and international ships under emergency situations, casting out some 3,000 pirate vessels. "For the naval escort fleets, it's an unprecedented task to conduct anti-piracy escort missions on the high seas. It's a challenge for all the soldiers and officers who must work under a completely new environment and to deploy forces to combat piracy," naval expert Zhang Junshe commented. The deployment of Chinese naval forces for anti-piracy missions has sped up by a factor of five over the past decade and the time required for shipborne helicopters has been shortened by three times, according to Zhang. In addition to escorting merchant ships, the escort fleets also took up various others missions, including escorting the transportation of the seventh batch of chemical weapons from Syria in September 2013. In December 2014, the fleets sent more than 600 tonnes of fresh water to the capital of Maldives when the city suffered from fresh water shortage. In March 2015, a Chinese escort fleet undertook the nation's first evacuation of Chinese nationals overseas. More than 600 Chinese nationals and another 200 citizens from 15 countries and regions were successfully evacuated from Yemen. In March 2011, the Chinese military for the first time escorted an evacuation ship carrying more than 2,000 Chinese nationals from Syria. China's high-sea military logistics support has developed into a more comprehensive model with multiple logistic support services, including remote technical support and overseas centralized maintenance. The support model is becoming more mature, with better efficiency, a China Central Television report said. "As Chinese nationals travel abroad for sight-seeing and trade, overseas interests are becoming increasingly important to national interests. Therefore, the military's escort missions serve as an important guarantee for safe sea passage and overseas interests," Zhang noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's Newest Carrier Begins Flight Tests Sputnik News 23:03 27.12.2018(updated 23:11 27.12.2018) China's first domestically designed and built carrier, the Type 001A, has reportedly begun its fourth sea trial ahead of its anticipated April commissioning. These trials will test its aviation system for the first time. While no official announcement of the trials have been made, a Thursday statement by the Maritime Safety Administration of China noted that the Bohai Strait and parts of the Yellow Sea have been closed to sea traffic between December 28 and January 4. At the same time, multiple photos and videos show the 70,000-ton, 1,033 foot-long ship putting to sea from its home port of Dalian on Thursday. "During this sea trial, the carrier's aviation division will be coordinated for the first time," Wang Yunfei, a naval expert and retired PLA Navy officer, told the Global Times Thursday about the reported tests. He noted the ships would also be running tests on the radar, communication, air traffic control systems, along with its takeoff and landing equipment. The South China Morning Post referenced online photos Thursday showing three blast deflectors on Type 001A's flight deck, further indicating flight ops were likely. The devices are used to deflect jet exhaust in order to avoid injury, damage and general chaos. The carrier's air wing comprises Shenyang J-15s, a cousin of the Sukhoi Su-33 designed and built by China for its own uses. Like the Su-33, the J-15 is built for carrier ops. The Type 001A also carries many helicopters. Although the Type 001A is an indigenously designed ship, it's heavily based on the People's Liberation Army Navy's first carrier, the Liaoning, which was built by the Soviet Union as the Kuznetsov-class carrier Varyag. Ukraine subsequently sold the unfinished ship to Beijing, which refitted it for testing and study. The Type 001A, a full-service carrier, is the ultimate fruit of that endeavor. Like Liaoning, the Type 001A utilizes a ski jump to launch aircraft from its flight deck, as opposed to the steam catapult method favored by the United States' carriers. Fully loaded, it can carry 32 J-15s, eight more than the Liaoning. However, the newer ship's radar and bridge systems are much more advanced, Sputnik reported. Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the Global Times that while Type 001A's flight tests should be easy due to the ship's similarity to the Liaoning, crews would likely be using full-sized models of aircraft while testing loading and maintenance equipment and not real J-15s, of which the PLA-N doesn't even have enough to fill both carriers' hangars, Sputnik reported. The carrier has conducted three past sea trials in May, August and October, and is expected by experts to enter service in time for the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Chinese navy in May, SMCP reported. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Analysts Look Ahead at Uncertain North Korean Talks By Steve Miller December 27, 2018 North Korea announced last week it would not pursue denuclearization unless the United States removes what it calls its "nuclear threat." The Institute for North Korean Studies' Yongwook Ryu was not surprised by North Korea's declaration. "Most people suspected that North Korea and the United States, also including South Korea, has a different understanding of denuclearization," he said. "Analysts and pundits knew that by denuclearization, North Korea meant the removal of U.S. forces from the Korean Peninsula, as well as U.S. nuclear threat." However, the Asan Institute's Seong Whun Cheon goes further, saying, "North Korea hijacked the terminology denuclearization from South Korea and the United States. "Denuclearization was coined by Washington," Cheon said, referring to a process whereby "South Korea and North Korea give up all forms of nuclear position, including uranium enrichment and reprocessing facilities that can be devoted to military purposes." Cheon said that was the ultimate goal of the 1991 joint North and South Korean declaration, but Pyongyang ignored the statement and continued to develop its programs, all the while telling Seoul and Washington they were abandoning them. Timing of North Korea's statement North Korea's statement defining "denuclearization" came as Pyongyang and Washington are trying to negotiate a second summit between its two heads of state, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump. But in its statement Pyongyang said, "The United States must now recognize the accurate meaning of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and especially, must study geography. "When we talk about the Korean Peninsula, it includes the territory of our republic and also the entire region of (South Korea) where the United States has placed its invasive force, including nuclear weapons. When we talk about the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, it means the removal of all sources of nuclear threat, not only from the South and North but also from areas neighboring the Korean Peninsula," the statement read. Ryu indicates that North Korea may be signaling that it is not interested in initiating dialogue with the United States at this time. "This does not necessarily mean they do not want to have talks with [the United States], but it's telling the American side that it's not intending to begin negotiations at this moment in time," he said, noting Washington should respond to the statement in some way. "The most recent statement from North Korea is just a repetition of their view," Cheon said. "The problem is we have ignored, or we simply were fooled by North Korea's propaganda." He says the timing of the statement may be in response to the Trump administration's pressure on Pyongyang to implement the terms of the Singapore Summit, as the United States interpreted them. Prospects for a second Trump-Kim summit "We still are working through the execution of Chairman Kim's commitment to denuclearize," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Kansas-based KNSS Radio last week. The U.S., he added, is "hopeful that in the new year President Trump and Chairman Kim will get together not too long after the first of the year and make even further progress on taking this threat to the United States away from us." Cheon is slightly less optimistic than Pompeo, predicting the likelihood of a second summit at 50 percent and the deciding factor is what President Trump's position will be on North Korea, "in the wake of General Mattis' departure from the Defense Department." "I think the swing of America's North Korea policy is so wide," he said, that engagement policies could hit two extremes. "On one hand, President Trump may compromise with North Korea [and] be satisfied with eliminating North Korea's ICBMs and [some of their] nuclear warheads," but Cheon said that if the president believes he was "fooled by North Korea ... he may take more radical, hotter and aggressive action toward North Korea." While the United States has been discussing the timing of a second summit early in 2019, Ryu says that while such a meeting may still happen, it may happen later than that. In Kim Jong Un's forthcoming New Year's Day address, Ryu said there is a possibility that the North Korean leader "will not emphasize North Korea being a nuclear sate as a gesture to the USA and South Korea [and] that it is still interested in holding talks and advancing negotiations with the hope of removing sanctions on Pyongyang." Meanwhile, Seoul has unveiled its national defense strategy that continues to pursue peace on the peninsula in the wake of stalled talks and an uncertain future. Lee Ju-hyun contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian, Russian navies to further expand cooperation ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Wed / 26 December 2018 / 16:31 Tehran (ISNA) - Iranian Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi announced that Iranian and Russian navies will hold joint drills, saying the cooperation between the two countries' navies will be further expanded in future. Within the framework of the second session of the Russian-Iranian working group for the implementation of a bilateral agreement on military cooperation, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi met with deputy chief of the Russian Army General Staff, Vice-Admiral Igor Osipov and his accompanied delegation. After the meeting, Rear Admiral Khanzadi told reporters that expanding cooperation between Iranian and Russian navies, which has had good progress in previous years, was the main issue of the meeting. "We seek to accelerate and develop cooperation in the two geopolitical areas of the Caspian Sea and the Southern Fleet in the Persian Gulf," he added. Rear Admiral Khanzadi announced that the two sides discussed technical and educational cooperation and holding tactical maneuvers, particularly the fight against piracy in the South Sea. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian FM Takes Flak For Claiming Tehran Has Never Called For Destruction Of Israel By Golnaz Esfandiari December 27, 2018 When Iranian officials say Israel will be wiped off the map, does it mean they are suggesting that Iran should be the one to do it? The debate was renewed last week by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. When an interviewer from a French news magazine suggested that Paris might be reluctant to sell weaponry to Iran because the Islamic republic had called for Israel's destruction and had missiles that carried the inscription "Death to Israel", Zarif objected. No officials from the Islamic republic had ever called for the destruction of Israel, he said; rather, he claimed, the official line has always been that Israel's downfall would be of its own doing. The remarks were not well-received by the hard-line conservative camp, which answered with headlines accusing Zarif of distorting the words and clear policy of the Islamic republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The back and forth over the correct interpretation of Khomeini's words is not uncommon in recent years, and highlights the vast differences between pragmatists who favor moderate policies and hard-liners who support a return to what they see as revolutionary values and principles. Zarif made the controversial statement during a December 19 interview with the French weekly Le Point in which he accused Israel, not Iran, of being the aggressor. "Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the Dimona power plant, where [Israel's] nuclear weapons are manufactured, and said that he would destroy Iran," Zarif said. "He did not say that our country must disappear, but that he would destroy it. The Iranian foreign minister was apparently referring to Netanyahu's August 29 visit to the Shimon Peres Nuclear Research Center near the desert town of Dimona, where he warned, "Whoever threatens us with destruction puts himself in similar danger." Israel does not deny or confirm possessing nuclear weapons, but is believed to have about 80 nuclear warheads. "For our part, when did we say that we would destroy Israel? Show me one single person who said that. Nobody has spoken such words," the Iranian foreign minister added. What The Imam Said Iran does not recognize the state of Israel. The country provides financial and moral support to groups fighting Israel, including the Lebanese Hizballah, which Tehran views as resistance movements. "Death To Israel" is a regular chant at state-sponsored rallies in Iran, and the country regularly holds anti-Israeli events, including cartoon contests and seminars, and the annual Al-Quds day rally where Israeli flags are often set alight. In his interview with Le Point, Zarif said that even former hard-line President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, known for his anti-Israeli rhetoric, had not called for the destruction of Israel. "He pointed out that Imam [Khomeini] had said that Israel would disappear from the pages of time. He did not say that he would destroy it. He pointed out that Israel would suffer that fate by pursuing its policies," Zarif told Le Point. The ultra hard-line Iranian daily Kayhan accused Zarif of carelessness and distortion in a piece titled: Don't Distort. The Destruction of Israel Is The Islamic Republic's Official Policy. "The Imam clearly said that Israel must be wiped out," Kayhan said, citing Ayatollah Khomeini. The daily also quoted a statement by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said in 2012 that his country "intervened in anti-Israeli matters, its result was victory in the 33-day war by Hizballah against Israel [in 2006], and in the 22-day war" between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. "From now on, in any place, if any nation or any group fights the Zionist regime, confronts it, we will support it and we will help. We have no fear expressing this," Khamenei said in 2012 speech quoted by Kayhan. Kayhan listed a number of reasons for Iran's stance, saying that Israel had no "legitimacy," and comparing it to South Africa's Apartheid regime. Hassan Rahimpour Azghadi, a member of Iran's Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, accused Zarif of lying. "These gentlemen have said that the Imam didn't say that Israel must be wiped out, [that the] Imam has said that Israel will be wiped out on its own, automatically. Well, this is a lie," Azghadi said at a December 24 meeting in the Iranian capital. The hard-line Fars news agency, affiliated with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, appeared to challenge Zarif by posting on Twitter old video segments of Khomeini making anti-Israeli comments, including one where he called Israel a "cancerous tumor" and said that Muslims should revolt against it. Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi continued the debate on December 25, stating that Zarif's statement "was the repeat and exact utterance of the remarks by Imam Khomeini and leader, who said that Israel would cease to exist in 25 years." "In his response to the trick question by the French journalist, Zarif, instead of taking on a defensive stance, pointed to the differences between Netanyahu's remarks and Iran's position," Qassemi said, while accusing Zarif's critics of providing fodder for "evil-minded enemies of Iran." "It seems they are trying to distort a stance [by Zarif] that was in full agreement with Iran's national interests, into a story against the country's interests, and thereby let evil-minded enemies of Iran use it." War Forever? Amid the back and forth, some suggested that it was time for Iran to reassess its official animosity against the Jewish state. Seyed Hadi Borhani, an assistant professor of Middle East studies at Tehran University, wrote in a piece published by the news site Khabar Online that the policy had had "high costs" for the Islamic republic. "Israel can continue its hostile moves against Iran by referring to it," Borhani wrote. "The most recent examples are the sabotaging acts of Israel in Iran's nuclear sites or its repeated attacks on Iranian forces deployed in Syria." "Whether we want it or not, a big part of the world sees these actions as Israel's defense against Iran's official efforts to destroy the country," Borhani added, stating that "Iran does not aim to physically destroy Israel or kill its population." "The main [point] of Iran's policy toward Israel is the change of its racist regime," he said. For his part, outspoken Tehran-based analyst Sadegh Zibakalam said the big problem faced by Zarif was not "whether Iran will destroy Israel or whether Israel will be destroyed on its own." "The fundamental problem," he wrote on Twitter, "is who gave Iran the responsibility of destroying Israel? And are most of the people in favor of or willing to destroy Israel?" The issue whether anti-Israeli statements by Iranian officials amount to a call to war was also debated under former President Ahmadinejad, who on several occasions called for the destruction of Israel. Some suggested at the time that the comments were not a military threat against Israel, but a call for an end to the occupation of Palestinian lands. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iranian -fm-takes-flak-for-claiming- tehran-has-never-called-for-destruction -of-israel/29679949.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ankara Seeks to Prolong Turkey's Exemption From US Sanctions Against Iran Sputnik News 19:01 27.12.2018 ANKARA (Sputnik) Ankara is seeking to prolong its exemption from the US sanctions on Iran, which also affect countries that cooperate with Tehran, Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said on Thursday. "We have a free trade agreement with Iran; how can we expand our cooperation under such circumstances? We have a signed preferential agreement with Iran on imported goods. We continue the work at the ministerial level and technical delegations so that Turkey will be excluded from these bans," Pekcan told the NTV broadcaster. She pointed out that the US sanctions affected Iranian imports and investments and caused a recession in the nation's economy. US President Donald Trump announced in May that the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, and reimpose its sanctions on Tehran that had been lifted under the agreement. The first package of restrictions came into force in August, while the second one followed in November. In the wake of this decision, the other parties to the JCPOA China, France, Germany, Iran, Russia, the United Kingdom and the European Union expressed their commitment to the accord and began working to create tools to bypass the sanctions. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh claims responsibility for northern Iraq attack IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Dec 26, IRNA -- Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group has claimed the responsibility for the Tuesday car bombing in Tal Afar, Nineveh Province in northern Iraq. The attack killed two people and wounded 11 others, The Iraqi Joint Military Command's security center earlier announced in a statement. 'The car exploded after it was stopped in the district of 'Ras al-Jadeh' in the outskirts of Tal Afar which killed two civilians and wounded 11 others', the statement reads. According to French media, Daesh claimed the responsibility of the mentioned attack in its official media ' Amaq News Agency'. The Tal Afar city has witnessed several terrorist bombings in recent months. In late August 2017, the Iraqi Armed Forces liberated Tal Afar as the last base of Daesh terrorists. Then the Iraqi Prime Minister announced the complete liberation of Nineveh province. 9376**1771 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Parliament Votes to Dissolve Parliament and Hold Early Elections By VOA News December 26, 2018 Israeli legislators voted Wednesday to dissolve parliament and hold a general election six months ahead of schedule on April 9. The lawmakers voted 102 to 2 in favor of the moves after they were agreed to Monday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. A coalition crisis over legislation affecting exemptions from compulsory military service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men led to the decisions. Netanyahu, who leads the right-wing Likud party, has been governing with a slim majority of 61 seats in the 120-member parliament. Opinion polls suggest Nethanyahu's party will likely win re-election. Those chances could be hurt, however, by an upcoming decision by Israel's attorney general on whether to file charges against Netanyahu. Netanyahu is facing a series of corruption allegations and an indictment would pressure the prime minister to resign. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Building New Super-Stealth Wings For Its F-35Is Sputnik News 21:59 27.12.2018 Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced Wednesday it had begun production of a custom outer wing design for its F-35I Adir stealth fighters, a $2.5 billion deal that will see the contractor build hundreds of wing pairs for the Israel Defense Forces over the next 10 to 15 years. Israel is one of the few nations permitted to modify Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter, which it has dubbed the F-35I Adir ("Mighty One" in Hebrew). The Adir fighter actually isn't in use yet by the IDF that's what these wings will go towards. Israel currently has 14 F-35s, but they're boilerplate A-models, not the modified Adirs, and will have to be retrofitted later. After it receives its first complete batch of 19, the subsequent 35 planes delivered will become the Adirs, the blog National Interest noted. The IDF should receive all those planes by 2024. The deal signed with IAI by Lockheed Martin will see the company build 811 pairs of F-35 outer wings by 2034. The product itself is a sort of shealth for the wing below, made of a state-of-the-art composite material called Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), a 3mm-thick thread material woven together to create a surface that won't appear on radar screens, the Jerusalem Post explained. The F-35 is already built to be nearly invisible on radar. "The construction of the new production line significantly upgrades IAI's technological capabilities, automation and robotics, and will enable the company to establish itself as a major player in the military and civilian aerostructures," IAI said in a statement Wednesday. "The opening of the production line constitutes a significant milestone in the realization of the company's strategy for building advanced capabilities in the field of composite materials manufacturing technology. Thanks to this move, IAI will belong to a 'limited club' of companies with these manufacturing capabilities," IAI vice-president Shlomi Karako, said, World Israel News reported. Israel became the first country to use the F-35 in combat this past May, according to the Israeli Air Forces, which said at the time the stealth plane had been deployed on two missions. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh Claims Responsibility for Attack on Libyan Foreign Ministry - Reports Sputnik News 11:31 26.12.2018(updated 15:28 26.12.2018) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Daesh terrorist group has claimed responsibility for a deadly assault on the Libyan Foreign Ministry, the CNN broadcaster reported on Wednesday. An eyewitness told Sputnik that the attack was carried out by seven people, who first torched three cars parked near the ministry and then started shooting, while trying to break into the building. After that, two attackers detonated an explosive device near the entrance. On Tuesday, a powerful explosion occurred near the Libyan Foreign Ministry in Tripoli. At least two attackers died at the scene. According to the Libyan Health Ministry, the attack left three people killed and 21 others injured. Libya has been in a state of turmoil since the overthrow and killing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The state is divided between two governments, with the eastern part controlled by the Libyan National Army, and the western part governed by the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj. *Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) is a terrorist group banned in Russia Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Repeated attacks' could close down key hospital in eastern Libya, says WHO 27 December 2018 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly condemned an armed attack in Al Jala Hospital in Libya's second-largest city of Benghazi, which took place on Tuesday, warning that further assaults could shutter the key facility. Although nobody was reportedly killed, WHO said that there had been panic among patients and health workers inside the hospital, and damage to building infrastructure. According to local news reports, unidentified armed assailants entered the building and stormed into the intensive care section, damaging some equipment in an exchange of gunfire. They left without causing any injuries. The trauma hospital is already struggling with resources and suffering from a lack of medical supplies. The attack marks the latest incident in a wave of attacks by armed groups in the country's eastern pocket in recent months, prompting the volatile city to remain on a state of high alert. In November, fighting between armed militia resulted in damage to a hospital for Women and Childbirth in the capital, Tripoli. A doctor was shot, and the incident led to a three-day halt to non-emergency medical services. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) responded in a statement stressing that the national health system "is already under-resourced and overstretched, these attacks are costing lives of innocent patients and staff alike." Attacks only 'add to the suffering' of Libyan people Echoing the warning, WHO said on Thursday in response to the Benghazi attack against the Al Jala facility that "repeated attacks will lead to closure of this important hospital, add to the suffering of Libyan people, and further deprive the already limited access they have to medical care. The UN global health agency urged all parties to observe international humanitarian law and respect the safety and neutrality of health workers and the facilities in which they operate. Such tragedies should be avoided "by taking all necessary precautionary measures", declared WHO, "and perpetrators must be brought to justice." According to latest figures from the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, Benghazi hosts the largest number of internally-displaced people of anywhere in the country, with 26,800 living in and around the city. 189,000 returnees have also made their way back to the city and surrounding areas, since the overthrow of former ruler Muammar Al Gadaffi, in 2011. Since then, the country has been wracked by division and economic crisis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rohingya End Hard Year Still in Limbo By Steve Sandford December 26, 2018 More than 750,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled military attacks in Myanmar remain in Bangladesh camps as future repatriation and resettlement plans remain unclear. Across the sprawling camps in Cox's Bazar, close to a million Rohingya Muslim refugees remain in limbo without a clear future. Voluntary repatriation plans last month were postponed amid security concerns about ongoing abuses and a lack of international monitoring. The Myanmar government has allowed tightly controlled trips for international media in recent months, but access to areas where alleged atrocities were carried out has been denied. In Bangladesh, published footage of a resettlement compound on the remote Bhasan Char Island was also being viewed with concern. "The UNHCR has not been let on the island to do a risk assessment of the flood conditions but many say the island is prone to flooding and dangerous that means that thousands of Rohingya refugees could potentially be on a flood prone island and that's a very dangerous situation," said John Quinley III, a human rights worker for Fortify Rights. The concrete compound with barred windows awaits an estimated 100,000 refugees who will be transferred from Cox's Bazar onto the remote silt island, built up by Chinese construction crews and the Bangladesh navy. With the Bangladesh election set for December 30, any move to repatriate people or relocate refugees to the remote island will be postponed until 2019. Education prospects The long-term impact on the Rohingya population are yet to be felt, but analysts say the prolonged denial of education for the school-aged children will be damaging. "Rohingya in Rakhine that Fortify Rights has spoken to say that the situation on the ground right now is an apartheid state. They have no freedom of movement, no formal access to education, Rohingya students in Sittwe that want to go to Sittwe university cannot go there," Quinley added. The U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF) presents a bleak assessment of the future for children on either side of the border, speaking of a lost generation of children and youth. UNICEF said it was widening education programs in the Bangladesh camps, currently for children up to the age of 14, to try to meet the needs of older children. A UNICEF spokesman told VOA that "programming for youth including education at post primary level remains a clear gap which urgently needs to be addressed by increasing both the range of services and access opportunities for youth. The lack of education and economic opportunities exposes this population to multiple risks including drug abuse, and gender-based violence and extremist views." UNICEF points out that even more basic than education needs are the health challenges faced by the Rohingya: "Despite nine massive vaccination campaigns since October 2017 until May 2018 (delivering over 4.2 million doses of vaccines), routine immunization since June 2018 remains a challenge. The children are still vulnerable and at risk of a potential disease outbreak. Continued health support is critical to assist the refugees and especially children to survive in the crowded refugee camps. " Land issues And while the life in the camps can be hard, it is not clear if the Rohingya will ever have anywhere to go back to in Myanmar. Authorities in Myanmar say land that has been burned becomes government managed property, casting into doubt the ownership of more than 200 Rohingya villages that were burned to the ground in the past year and a half. Rohingya lawyer Kyaw Hla Aung said official records can prove rightful ownership, provided they are requested. The 78-year-old activist just won the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity - a global humanitarian award - for his dedication to fighting for equality, education and human rights for the Rohingya people in Myanmar, in the face of persecution, harassment and oppression. With a background as a law clerk for more than two decades in Rakhine state, Kyaw Hla Aung is adamant that land ownership should be easily proven for returning Rohingya citizens. "They have all the documents, all the records in the land record office in the home ministry," he said. "The international community should ask the government to show all these records." "They are not only confiscating the land in Rakhine state but also in Shan state, Kachin state and in the midst of Burma in Karenni state as well," he added. Justice concerns Accountability and justice are other key factors in delaying any form of voluntary return. "Rohingya that we have spoken to say they won't go back to Rakhine state until there's restored citizenship rights and accountability for the atrocities that have occurred," said Quinley. Analysts see the ongoing restrictions and attacks as a pattern indicating deliberate actions to eliminate a group. Officials in Myanmar have consistently denied allegations of abuse and repression against the Rohingya, saying its military has conducted legitimate operations against terrorists. Earlier this month, (Dec. 13) the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1091, declaring the crimes carried out during the Myanmar military clearance operation as genocide. "The most recent wave of persecution began in August of 2017, when Burmese security forces and civilian mobs began a horrific wave of attacks," said Chairman Ed Royce, on the house floor. "Mass murder, rape and destruction of villages throughout Rakhine State has been documented." Activists say the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya Muslims has all the earmarks of a genocide, including lack of access to education, an action by the state government, that was increased since the 2012 communal violence in Rakhine state. "The government is making us illiterate so that they can allege that these people are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh because they don't know anything about the world," explained Kyaw Hla Aung. Commission report At a news conference this month, Rosario Manalo, chair of Myanmar's Independent Commission of Enquiry, stated that the commission had found "no evidence" to support allegations of human rights abuses in the four months since it officially opened its investigation. "We will clarify how we collected the evidence later. But for the time being, allegations are still allegations. There is no conclusive evidence," the former deputy foreign minister of the Philippines added, during the press conference. The commission started their investigation Aug. 15, and is to submit its findings to the Myanmar president's office by August 2019. Rights groups are condemning investigation commissions that have been set up by the Myanmar government. "The Myanmar commission's dismissal of the extensive documentation of gross human rights abuses against the Rohingya makes abundantly clear that it is not serious about seeking justice," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The U.N. Security Council should stop giving credence to this commission and refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC)." The ICC ruled in September that it has jurisdiction over alleged deportations of Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh as a possible crime against humanity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Koreas hold groundbreaking rail project ceremony Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 06:13AM South and North Koreas have held a groundbreaking ceremony for a project to reconnect the North's railways and roads to the South, even though construction cannot begin due to the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang by the United Nations (UN). Some 100 officials, politicians, and members of families from South Korea arrived on board a special train for the ceremony in the North Korean border town of Kaesong on Wednesday, according to a South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman. A 100-strong North Korean delegation also joined them along with officials from the UN, China, Russia, and Mongolia. South Korea said it had received an exemption to sanctions from the UN Security Council to proceed with the ceremony as it involved the usage of South Korean transport vehicles and goods. It also said the Security Council and the US had both supported the ceremony. A mere expression of commitment But construction work is impeded by sanctions over North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. Those sanctions hinder the shipment of construction material, including metal. The South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman said the event was a mere "expression of a commitment" to joint projects, adding that construction would depend on "progress on the North's denuclearization and circumstances concerning sanctions" imposed on the North. Pyongyang and Seoul agreed in October to inaugurate work on reconnecting railways and roads that have been cut since the end of the Korean War in 1953. The project was among the agreements signed earlier this year during a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and the South's President Moon Jae-in. The plan was, however, blocked in September by the US-led United Nations Command, which has controlled all movement through the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that bisects the Korean Peninsula. Last month, the UN Security Council finally granted sanctions exemptions to Seoul for a joint survey with Pyongyang for the construction of inter-Korean railways. Diplomacy began between the two Koreas in January. They have advanced their relations fairly quickly since then. But another track of diplomatic engagement between the US and North Korea has snagged. The US insists that sanctions on the North must remain in place until it completely gives up its weapons programs. The North says it has already taken good-faith measures but the US has failed to reciprocate any of them. Even without the sanctions, the railway and road project would take time. South Korea's Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee said the two sides needed to conduct additional joint surveys and design work for one or two years. "There are a lot of things to do before we actually start construction," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin hails successful test of Avangard hypersonic missile system Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 05:34PM Russian President Vladimir Putin has commended his military forces for carrying out a successful test launch of the cutting-edge Avangard hypersonic missile system. "On my instructions the industrial enterprises and the Defense Ministry have prepared for and carried out the final test of this system," Putin said at a meeting with members of his government on Wednesday. "The test was completely successful; all technical parameters were verified." The test on Wednesday saw an Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle launched from the Dombarovskiy missile base in Russia's southern Ural Mountains, successfully hitting its designated target 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) away in Kamchatka's Kura shooting range. "The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defense means of the potential adversary," Putin said after the test. When first unveiling the Avangard in his state-of-the-nation address in March, Putin said the hypersonic system has an intercontinental range and could reach speeds 20 times faster than the speed of sound when flying in the atmosphere. This, according to the Russian president, allows the missile to bypass all of world's existing missile defense systems. Emphasizing that no other country in the world had hypersonic weapons, Putin said then that the Avangard could fly so fast because of the new composite materials that allow it to withstand temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius (3,632 degrees Fahrenheit) caused by hypersonic flights through the atmosphere. The Russian head of state said the advanced system would enter service next year as a new addition to the country's arsenal of strategic weapons. "It's a big moment in the life of the armed forces and in the life of the country. Russia has obtained a new type of strategic weapon," he said. The Avangard is one of the many new nuclear weapons that Russia has in development. It was reported Tuesday that the Russian Navy has started sea trials of its Poseidon underwater nuclear drone, that could carry nuclear warheads powerful enough to level entire naval bases. Russia is planning to modernize its strategic and conventional weapons in reaction to US President Donald Trump's threats to withdraw from the Soviet-era Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, which bans the two sides from developing land-based missile systems ranging from 310 to 3,400 miles. Avangard's test comes 16 years after former US President George W. Bush abandoned the 1972 the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty, which banned the US and the Soviet Union from developing more than two ABM complexes at the same time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia begins testing of 'Poseidon' underwater nuclear drone Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 03:57PM Russia has started underwater trials of its mysterious Poseidon underwater nuclear drone, sources say, an state-of-the-art weapon that Russian President Vladimir Putin says is invincible. Testing of the strategic weapon's nuclear propulsion system was underway in an undisclosed location under Russia's territorial waters, a source in the Russian military industry told state news agency TASS on Tuesday. "In the sea area protected from a potential enemy's reconnaissance means, the underwater trials of the nuclear propulsion unit of the Poseidon drone are underway," the source added. The reactor installed in the hull of the nuclear-tipped was undergoing experimental test and more work needed to be done before full-fledged sea trials at this stage, the source noted. Designed to be launched from submarines, a Russian Navy nuclear-powered submarine moved the drone around for the purposes of the test, the source added. The drone is included in Russia's state armament program for 2018-2027 and the Poseidon is expected to enter service before the program ends, the source added. Putin unveiled the Poseidon, previously known as the Status-6 Oceanic Multipurpose System, in his state-of-the-nation address to the Russian parliament in March, saying it had rendered the NATO military alliance's US-made missile defenses "useless." Back then, Putin said the program sought to develop a nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle that could destroy enemy infrastructural facilities, aircraft carrier groups and other targets using both conventional and nuclear warheads. According to earlier reports by TASS, the Poseidon could carry nuclear warhead with a yield of up to 2 megatonnes, enough to wipe out naval bases and other coastal military facilities. Russia is planning to modernize its strategic and conventional weapons in reaction to US President Donald Trump's threats to withdraw from the Soviet-era Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, which bans the two sides from developing land-based missile systems ranging from 310 to 3,400 miles. Moscow has also accused the Trump administration of ignoring offers to renew the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which was signed in 2010. The Trump administration has acknowledged the existence of the Poseidon in its Nuclear Posture Review, a report that calls for development of smaller tactical nuclear weapons as a deterrence against Russia's growing influence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Avangard System Missile Test-Launched From Orenburg Region - Kremlin Sputnik News 14:08 26.12.2018(updated 14:43 26.12.2018) The Russian Defence Ministry, on orders from President Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday conducted a successful test launch of an Avangard missile from the Orenburg region, hitting a target in Kamchatka, the Kremlin press service reports. "Putin arrived at the National Defence Control Centre and gave the command to start the tests. The launch was conducted by combat troops of the Strategic Missile Forces from the Dombarovsky launch facility [Orenburg region]. The missile hit a mock-up target at the Kura missile test range in Kamchatka", Kremlin's press-service said. "Putin thanked the creators of Avangard, the test participants and the Ministry of Defense for their excellent work," Kremlin's press-service added. The program of flight tests of the missile of the Avangard system has been completed and makes it possible to put the system into service in time, the Kremlin's press service said in a statement Wednesday. "The flight test program has been completed, which allows the Avangard system to be put into service with the Strategic Missile Forces in due time," the Kremlin said. It said the capabilities of the tested winged glider unit make it possible to bypass the coverage areas of information and fire missile defenses, which allow it to effectively overcome all existing and prospective missile defense systems. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin is pleased that Russia has the first in the world a new type of weapon TASS DEC 26, 06:32 The President noted that the Avangard system will go into service in the Russian Armed Forces in 2019 MOSCOW, December 26th. / TASS /. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the launch of the Avangard hypersonic system. He stated that Russia was the first in the world to receive a new type of weapon. According to Putin, "this is a great event in the life of the Armed Forces, and, perhaps, in the life of the country." He stressed that Russia had a new type of strategic weapon. at the same time, the Russian leader made a special emphasis on the fact that "this event [the launch of the Avangard system] is not even of purely national importance, it goes beyond the framework of purely national interests." "This is a serious event," the head of state said at a meeting with members of the Russian government. He stressed: "A new type of strategic weapon in the world first appeared with us, and will reliably ensure the defense of our state, our people for decades to come." The head of state also said that the Avangard hypersonic system will go into service in the Russian Armed Forces next year. "In 2019, a new intercontinental strategic system Avangard will enter service with the Russian army, and the first regiment will be deployed in the Strategic Missile Forces," the president said. The President noted that the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation conducted tests of the Avangard, with full success confirming all the tactical and technical characteristics. On my instructions, the industrial enterprises and the Ministry of Defense prepared and conducted final tests of this system, Putin said. It, this test, has just ended in complete success: all tactical and technical data have been confirmed. The Russian leader recalled that in his message to the Federal Assembly he spoke about new types of Russian weapons, including hypersonic weapons. One of these types of weapons is the Avant-garde hypersonic intercontinental range system. The President of Russia thanked everyone who in one way or another took part in the work on a new weapon, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Finance. He also thanked the words of gratitude to those who began this work in 2003. They will see it, they will hear it, Putin said. In response, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Putin on the successful launch of Avangard. This is indeed very important for the security of our country. We congratulate you as Supreme Commander ", - said the head of the cabinet. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on behalf of the President of Russia, Supreme Commander of the Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Putin conducted on Wednesday test flight tests, during which a successful test launch of the Avangard missile with a hypersonic planning winged combat unit took place. During the flight at hypersonic speed, the planning winged unit made vertical and horizontal controlled maneuvering and at the appointed time struck a conventional target on the battlefield of the test site, the Kremlin press service reported. The capabilities of the tested planning winged unit make it possible to bypass the zones of action of information and fire missile defense weapons, which ensures the effective overcoming of all existing and prospective missile defense systems. The test flight test program has been completed in full, which allows the Avangard Complex to be put into service with the Strategic Missile Forces in a timely manner, the Kremlin said. TASS NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Giving Tanks At Grand Russian Military Cathedral By Tony Wesolowsky December 27, 2018 Stored for decades, Nazi military hardware captured by the Red Army is destined to serve God and country in Russia. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, discussing the ongoing construction of a grandiose army cathedral on the grounds of a military theme park west of Moscow, said that the main steps to the church would be forged from melted-down German war materiel. "We would like for every square meter of the cathedral to be symbolic," Shoigu was quoted by Interfax as saying on December 24. "To that end, we will pour the steps of the cathedral from German trophy hardware." He did not specify what Nazi equipment would be sacrificed for the grand entrance. The Main Cathedral of the Armed Forces is to be constructed in Patriot Park, a military theme park some 70 kilometers from the capital that opened in 2015 and is operated by the Defense Ministry. When completed, the camouflaged green edifice will be topped by six gilded domes and a plethora of glass panels. It will rise 95 meters into the air and be able to accommodate up to 6,000 worshipers, overlooking expansive grounds that include monuments to military-related patron saints. A sleek presentation on the cathedral's homepage shows in detail how the cathedral will dominate the park. "The temple will symbolize the spirituality of the Russian Army raising the sword only to protect its Motherland," the website explains. Some social-media users have poked fun at the video, comparing it to the "epic poetry" style of the opening sequence to HBO's Game Of Thrones TV series. The cathedral is scheduled to be built by May 9 2020, in time for the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, a goal that Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov described as "ambitious" in an interview with Kommersant this month. Very Public Purse The cathedral, which was held up by President Vladimir Putin during a ceremony in September as a symbol of national pride, reportedly has the backing of both the state and the Russian Orthodox Church. But Shoigu has said that funding will come almost exclusively from the Russian public, according to the state-run TASS news agency. A foundation called Voskreseniye (Resurrection) has been established to collect donations for the cathedral's construction and, as of November 30, had gathered 1.6 billion rubles ($23 million) from more than 37,000 donors, according to its website. It is unclear what the total cost of the cathedral's construction might be. High-profile pro-Kremlin public figures have already opened their wallets. Nikita Mikhalkov, the director of the Oscar-winning film Burnt By The Sun, handed over half a million rubles ($7,220), according to the Defense Ministry's Zvezda TV. The head of the Voskreseniye Foundation has said the cathedral will be tasked with training military priests. "A school for military priests is being built and the institute of Sisters of Charity [nurses] will be revived at the main church of the Russian armed forces," Vladimir Bogatyryov told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency on November 29. Bogatyryov said the priests will present the military cathedral as "a symbol of people's diplomacy in Europe" amid strained relations between Russia and the West. "It's very important for us in light of global military, political, and social tensions, when military and political provocations are becoming the norm and information warfare is governing rules of conduct, not only for politicians but also for states," he said. Sergei Chapnin, a former editor of the Journal Of The Moscow Patriarchate who was fired for his increasing opposition to church policy, including the perceived militarism of the church, told The Art Newspaper in October that "the design of the church fully corresponds to the understanding of the Orthodox Church that has taken shape today among government and military officials." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/giving-tanks-at-grand- russian-military-cathedral/29679918.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia backs bin Salman, warns US not to interfere with Saudi throne succession Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 11:55PM Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has "every right" to succeed his ailing father into power, says Russian Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, warning the United States against interfering with the embattled prince's right to rule the kingdom. Bogdanov, who is also President Vladimir Putin's envoy to the Middle East, said Tuesday it was up to Riyadh to decide what was next for bin Salman when King Salman, 82, dies. "Of course we are against interference. The Saudi people and leadership must decide such questions themselves," Mikhail Bogdanov said in an interview in Moscow, according to Bloomberg. Bin Salman became Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler last year in an untraditional manner, replacing Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the late Saudi king's son. Wary of getting bogged down in a power struggle, bin Salman soon launched a widespread crackdown against other royals to cement his grip on power. However, his actions went mostly unanswered until October this year, when Riyadh admitted to murdering dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul. The crown prince has also faced worldwide criticism for leading the ongoing deadly war against Yemen, which has killed thousands of civilians. US President Donald Trump's reluctance to hold the crown prince responsible for his actions has prompted angry bipartisan calls in Washington to remove MbS from power. Prominent senators have publicly blasted the crown prince, with Lindsey Graham, Trump's staunch ally, calling him "crazy" and "dangerous." Bogdanov said Tuesday that Americans were in no positions to make such calls. "The king made a decision and I can't even imagine on what grounds someone in America will interfere in such an issue and think about who should rule Saudi Arabia, now or in the future. This is a Saudi matter." Russia and Saudi Arabia have established increasingly close ties since bin Salman's appointment. Despite receiving cold shoulders from most world leaders during the G20 summit in Argentina last month, Putin and bin Salman were seen greeting each other with broad smiles and a high five handshake. The Russian head of state is scheduled to visit Riyadh in 2019. Some US officials have indicated that they would support bin Salman's uncle, Prince Ahmed, as the next Saudi king, Reuters reported last month, citing unnamed sources. Asked whether Prince Mohammed had the right to the throne after his father, Bogdanov said: "Of course. It's all been decided, it's all absolutely clear. We are in contact with the Saudis and we don't see any particular concerns about this." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria air defense intercepts Israeli warplanes missiles IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Dec 26, IRNA -- A military source affirmed that the Syrian Air defenses intercepted hostile missiles launched by the Israeli warplanes from over the Lebanese territories and downed the majority of them before reaching their targets, Syrian media 'SANA' reported. The source added that the Syrian air defenses confronted hostile missiles launched by the Israeli warplanes, affirming that the damage of the aggression was limited to a munition warehouse and the injury of three soldiers. Earlier, SANA reported that Syria Air Defense confronted the enemies' hostile actions over Damascus western countryside. 9376**1771 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli airstrikes on Syria put civilian flights in danger: Russia Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 02:39PM Russia has condemned as "provocative" the latest Israeli airstrikes on Syria, saying they had endangered two civilian flights. "Provocative acts by the Israeli Air Force endangered two passenger jets when six of their F-16s carried out airstrikes on Syria from Lebanese airspace," Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov told reporters on Wednesday. He added that the Israeli airstrikes took place as "two airliners, not from Russia, were preparing to land at the airports of Beirut and Damascus." The Syrian military did not launch surface-to-air missiles and electronic jamming "to prevent a tragedy." One of the civilian airliners was redirected to a reserve airport in Khmeimim in western Syria. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Israeli military used as many as 16 US-made laser-guided GBU-39 bombs. Most of them were destroyed by Syria's air defenses but only two of them reached their targets. Three personnel were injured when two precision munitions hit a logistics compound seven kilometers away from Damascus. The statement largely confirmed a report by Syria's official SANA news agency that went public on Tuesday. Later on Wednesday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed the Israeli aerial attacks as a violation of the Syrian sovereignty. "We are very concerned by the attacks and how they were made. This is a gross violation of the sovereignty of Syria," the ministry said. The attacks came less than a month since Syrian air defenses were activated against several missiles, which were aimed at the city of al-Kiswah, located approximately 13 kilometers south of Damascus. Israel frequently attacks military targets in Syria in what is considered as an attempt to prop up militant groups that have been suffering heavy defeats against Syrian government forces. In October, Russia equipped the Syrian army with the advanced S-300 surface-to-air missiles, days after Israeli fighter jets used a Russian surveillance aircraft flying nearby as a shield and misled the Syrian air defenses to shoot it down. Since then Israel has been very careful with its operations over Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Foreign Ministry: Israel's Attacks on Damascus Possible Due to US Support Sputnik News 19:06 26.12.2018(updated 19:38 26.12.2018) Six jets of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) opened fire on targets in Syria on Tuesday night; most missiles were reportedly intercepted by Syrian air defence forces. Both Damascus and Moscow have condemned the attack, which Washington said was aimed at Hezbollah's targets. Syria's Foreign Ministry said in a letter to the United Nations on Wednesday that Israel's missile attack on Damascus and its suburbs is an evidence of unlimited support that Washington gives to Tel Aviv. "Syria underlines that Israel's continuous aggressive policy is possible due to the unlimited and consistent support of the American administration," reads the statement. The ministry added that Israeli attacks seek to drag out the Syrian conflict and boost the morale of terrorist groups that confront Bashar al-Assad's government. Damascus also called on the UN to take steps against Israil in order to prevent such incidents in the future. Lebanon, for its part, announced that it would send a complaint to the UN Security Council against Israel over its invasion in the country's airspace to attack Syria. "There was an agreement that Lebanon will file an urgent complaint to the UN Security Council against Israel and will take a decision that will protect Lebanon and [its] citizens," said Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Youssef Fenianos. The IDF has yet to comment on the incident; however, the military issued a transparent statement on Wednesday. "This is not where the story ends; if need be, we will operate with the same determination, the same precision, and with the same professionalism shown by the people of the Air Force, whether on the ground or in the air." In this Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 photo, Israeli military equipment works on the Lebanese-Israeli border in front of the Israeli town of Metula, background, near the southern village of Kafr Kila, Lebanon. As Israeli excavators dig into the rocky ground, Lebanese across the frontier gather to watch what Israel calls the Northern Shield operation aimed at destroying attack tunnels built by Hezbollah. But Lebanese soldiers in new camouflaged posts, behind sandbags, or inside abandoned homes underscore the real anxiety that any misstep could lead to a conflagration between the two enemy states that no one seems to want. The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Tuesday that Israeli military jets launched missiles from Lebanese airspace, most of which have been downed before reaching their targets. An ammunition storage was ostensibly damaged and three Syrian soldiers injured during the operation. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated following the report that the six Israeli F-16 aircraft that carried out the 1.5-hour long airstrike threatened two unnamed passenger jets, which were landing at airports in Beirut and Damascus. Moscow described the attack as a "flagrant violation" of Syria's sovereignty and UN Security Council resolutions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier pledged to continue operations in Syria to counter what it calls Iran's growing military capabilities in the country, following the US' decision to withdraw from the Arab Republic. Iran has repeatedly stated that its forces maintain an exclusively advisory role in Syria, and denies any plans to establish a permanent military presence in the country. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IDF Strikes on Syria Created Direct Threat to Two Passenger Planes Russian MoD Sputnik News 14:35 26.12.2018(updated 19:10 26.12.2018) The Russian Defence Ministry has stated that neither of the passenger planes that were threatened due to the Israeli assault on Syria were related to Russian air carriers. Six Israeli F-16 fighter jets directly threatened two civilian planes during their recent strikes on Syria, Gen. Maj. Igor Konashenkov, the spokesman of the Russian Defence Ministry, said on Wednesday. "Provocative actions of the Israeli Air Force on the evening of 25 December, when six F-16 aircraft launched an airstrike on the territory of Syria from the airspace of neighbouring Lebanon, created a direct threat to two passenger aircraft," the spokesman said. According to Konashenkov, the attack was carried out while two commercial aircraft were landing at airports in Beirut and Damascus. He specified that the two passenger planes did not belong to Russian air carriers. Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Youssef Fenianos, for his part, said that two civilian aircraft were on the verge of a catastrophe in Lebanese airspace due to Israel's actions. "There was a telephone conversation with the [Acting Prime Minister] Saad Hariri, during which he was informed about the details of what happened yesterday. Miraculously, it was possible to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in which passengers of two civilian aircraft in Lebanese airspace could suffer during the invasion of Israeli aircraft which launched a strike on the south of Damascus," Fenianos said. The minister also said that the Lebanese authorities intend to send a complaint to the UN Security Council in connection with the invasion of Israeli aircraft in the country's airspace to attack Syria that caused threat to passenger aircraft 'Under Cover' of Civil Aircraft Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the Israeli airstrikes on Syria were again carried out "under the cover" of passenger planes landing in Damascus and Beirut. The ministry described the airstrikes as a flagrant violation of Syria's sovereignty and UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 1701 on the Israel-Lebanon conflict. Earlier, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the Israeli Air Force last night carried out an unprecedented 1.5-hour long attack on Syria, with the majority of the Israeli missiles being intercepted by Syrian air defences. In December, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue Israeli operations in Syria to counter Iran's military presence in the country, following the US' decision to withdraw from the Arab Republic. "The decision to withdraw 2,000 US troops from Syria will not change our consistent policy. We will continue to act against Iran's attempts to gain a military foothold there and, if necessary, even expand our operations," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting. Iran has repeatedly stated that its forces maintain an exclusively advisory role in Syria, and denies any plans to establish a permanent military presence in the country. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Media Claims IDF Destroyed Iranian Weapons in Strike on Damascus Sputnik News 13:25 26.12.2018(updated 13:44 26.12.2018) The IDF destroyed an arms depot in Damascus stashed with Iranian weapons, the Jerusalem Post reported citing Israeli news agency Nziv.net. According to the report, the weapons depot stored Fajr-5 missiles. Earlier, it was reported that the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on targets in the suburbs of Damascus. The majority of the missiles were shot down by Syrian air defences, according to reports. Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) claimed that the missiles were launched from Lebanese airspace. The attack, which lasted for an hour-and-a-half, left three servicemen injured and damaged an ammunition depot. Earlier in December, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue Israeli operations in Syria to counter Iran's military presence in the country, following the US' decision to withdraw from the Arab Republic. "The decision to withdraw 2,000 US troops from Syria will not change our consistent policy. We will continue to act against Iran's attempts to gain a military foothold there and, if necessary, even expand our operations," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting. Iran has repeatedly stated that its forces maintain an exclusively advisory role in Syria, and denies any plans to establish a permanent military presence in the country. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Following UAE, Bahrain set to reopen diplomatic mission in Syria Iran Press TV Thu Dec 27, 2018 06:50PM Arab states are preparing to restore their presence in Syria after years of absence following the outbreak of a foreign-sponsored conflict more than seven years ago, with Bahrain being the next in the line of countries to reopen its embassy in Damascus. Diplomatic sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Arabic service of Russia's Sputnik news agency that Bahrain's mission in the Syrian capital would resume its activities next week. Bahrain decided to shut down its embassy in Damascus and to withdraw all diplomats and staff on March 15, 2012. On Thursday, the United Arab Emirates officially reopened its embassy in Damascus. The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the reopening of its embassy "reaffirms the keenness of the United Arab Emirates to restore relations between the two friendly countries to their normal course." The move "will strengthen and activate the Arab role in supporting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and to prevent the dangers of regional interference in Syrian Arab affairs," the ministry pointed out. UAE's charge d'affaires Abdul Hakim Naimi visited the embassy in the afternoon, and witnessed his country's flag being raised on the compound in central Damascus. The development is another sign that the incumbent Damascus government is being admitted back into the Arab world. On December 18, an Iraqi diplomatic source, requesting not to be named, said President Barham Salih was going to pay an official visit to Damascus. The report came only two days after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir became the first Arab League leader to visit Damascus. Syria's official news agency SANA said Bashir was greeted by his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad upon arrival at Damascus International Airport, before they both headed to the presidential palace. The two leaders discussed bilateral ties and the "situations and crises faced by many Arab countries," the Syrian presidency said in a statement. SANA quoted the Sudanese leader as saying during the meeting that he hoped Syria will recover its important role in the region as soon as possible. He also affirmed Khartoum's readiness to provide all it can to support Syria's territorial integrity. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies are aiding Takfiri terrorist groups wreaking havoc in the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia: Eastern Syria must return to govt. control after US exit Iran Press TV Thu Dec 27, 2018 06:38AM Russia says the territories currently occupied by American troops in eastern Syria should return to government control following Washington's planned withdrawal of its military forces from the Arab country. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that Moscow has no information about the pullout schedule or contact between Washington and Damascus on the matter. However, she added, Moscow understands the importance of US President Donald Trump's decision and is closely monitoring its implementation, which would "contribute to a comprehensive settlement of the situation." "The question emerges who will receive control over the US-held Syrian territories? Obviously, in accordance with international law and taking into consideration what Syria and its people have been through, it should be the Syrian government," she said. "If the troop withdrawal happens, it would have a positive impact on the situation," she added. Last week, Trump ordered a quick withdrawal of all 2,000 US forces from Syria claiming victory over the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the war-torn country. Analysts described US forces' pullout from Syria as a victory for Damascus and its allies, which was made possible through the resistance of the Syrian nation and government during the foreign-sponsored militancy there. Elsewhere in her remarks, Zakharova stressed that "the question is still open" about whether the Americans would "continue airstrikes and restricted land operations" in Syria. "Official American representatives make it clear that the withdrawal of the army from Syrian territory does not mean an end to the activity by the so-called US-led international coalition," she pointed out. The US and its allies have been bombarding what they call Daesh positions inside Syria since September 2014 without any authorization from the Damascus government or a UN mandate. The aerial assaults have failed to fulfill their declared aim of countering terrorism, but destroyed much of Syria's infrastructure and left many civilian casualties. Turkey prepares to launch an operation against Kurdish militants in parts of northern Syria that lie east of the Euphrates River. The anti-Damascus Kurdish militants have long enjoyed US support despite Ankara's fury. Asked about Turkey's planned campaign, Zakharova said Moscow and Ankara have closely coordinated their actions in Syria, "including military counter-terrorist operations," without elaborating further on the issue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Company Posts Alleged Photos of 'Iranian Facilities' Hit by IDF Strike Sputnik News 19:10 27.12.2018(updated 19:13 27.12.2018) The satellite images were released after the Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) destroyed an arms depot stashed with Iranian weapons in the Syrian capital in Wednesday's airstrike. Israeli company ImageSat International has published a series of satellite images allegedly showing the extent of the damage from Wednesday's Israeli airstrike on Syria. The company claims that the images indicate that a 900-square meter (8,000 square foot) storage facility near Damascus was completely destroyed, while an international airport in the Syrian capital was allegedly never targeted. The publication of the photos came after the Jerusalem Post cited the Israeli news agency Nziv.net as saying that the Israeli Air Force destroyed an arms depot with Iranian weapons in the Wednesday airstrike. According to the report, the weapons depot, located about 40 kilometres (24 miles) from the border with Israel, stored Fajr-5 missiles. Iran has repeatedly insisted that its forces maintain an exclusively advisory role in Syria, denying any plans to establish a permanent military presence in the country. 1.5-Hour Long Israeli Airstrike on Syria Earlier on Wednesday, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the Israeli Air Force carried out a 1.5-hour long attack on Syria, with the majority of the Israeli missiles being intercepted by Syrian air defences. SANA claimed that the Israeli missiles were launched from Lebanese airspace and that the attack left three servicemen injured, and damaged an ammunition depot. Gen. Maj. Igor Konashenkov, spokesman for the Russian Defence Ministry, for his part, stated that six Israeli F-16 fighter jets directly threatened two civilian planes when conducting the airstrike, something that was confirmed by Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Youssef Fenianos. The airstrike comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to continue Israeli operations in Syria to counter Iran's apparent military presence in the Arab Republic, in the wake of Washington's decision to withdraw US troops from Syria. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Reason Behind US Syria Withdrawal 'Gambit' is Yet to Be Found - Moscow Sputnik News 11:41 27.12.2018(updated 13:02 27.12.2018) Last week, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of US from Syria, posting on Twitter that the US had defeated the Daesh terrorist group in the Arab country. The reasons for the US decision to withdraw troops from Syria, as well as Washington's future plans in the Middle East, are not yet known, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Igor Tsarikov said on Thursday. "We have repeatedly pointed out that the US illegitimate armed presence in Syria is an obstacle to settlement. However, we still do not know anything about the reasons for this decision of the future plans of the US. This gambit has yet to be figured out", Tsarikov told a joint extended meeting of Russian and Syrian interdepartmental coordinating committees on the return of Syrian refugees. The statement came after a CNN report citing several Pentagon sources as saying last week that outgoing Defence Secretary James Mattis had signed an order to withdraw US forces from Syria. This came as Mattis wrote a resignation letter, in which he stated that Donald Trump has a right to have a secretary of defence "whose views are better aligned" with those of the US president. Mattis announced his resignation last Thursday, a day after Trump decided to withdraw roughly 2,000 US troops from Syria, posting on Twitter that the United States had defeated the Daesh terrorist group in the Arab country. In late March, Trump said that the US would "very soon" withdraw its troops from Syria, though the Trump administration later explained that it would be keeping forces in Syria until Daesh is defeated. The US-led coalition continues to launch airstrikes on Daesh positions in Syria, in a campaign that was not approved by either the UN or the Syrian government. *Daesh (ISIL/ISIS/Islamic State), a terrorist group banned in Russia and a number of other countries Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey to soon cross to east of Euphrates in northern Syria People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 07:41, December 26, 2018 ANKARA, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is determined to cross to the east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria as soon as possible, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday. "Turkey will not wait long to enter the east of Euphrates," Cavusoglu told journalists at a yearend presser. Cavusoglu made the remarks as Ankara postponed the military operation following a U.S. announcement for withdrawal from the war-torn country. "We will coordinate the withdrawal process with the U.S.. After the withdrawal of the U.S., we try to prevent a vacuum in Syria from being filled by terrorist organizations," Turkey's top diplomat noted. Reiterating that Ankara welcomed a U.S. decision to pullout their soldiers from Syria, Cavusoglu told that Ankara and Washington will be in dialogue through this process and a U.S. military delegation will visit Turkey soon. One of the topics of these military to military talks will be about the heavy weapons the U.S. delivered to the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the minister noted. "The U.S. should collect those weapons. We renewed out expectation on this issue after their decision of pullout," Cavusoglu said. The U.S. provided weapons for the Syrian Kurdish fighters for their fight against the Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria, despite warnings of Ankara that the group poses threat to its national security. The issue has long been source of tension between the two NATO allies. Ankara views the YPG as Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984. The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the U.S. and the European Union. Ankara and Washington agreed to finalize a Manbij deal before the U.S. pullout, the minister said, referring to an agreement between the two countries that envisages retreat of the YPG from the northeastern Syrian town. Turkey has the power to single-handedly neutralize the IS in Syria, he stated. Two weeks ago, the Turkish president announced that the army would launch a new military operation in the area controlled by the YPG, but delayed the military campaign after a phone conversation between the U.S. and Turkish presidents. U.S. president, during the conversation, delegated fight against to the Islamic State (IS) to Turkey after its full pullout from the region, Turkish media reported. The minister also said he will travel to Russia soon in order to exchange views over the U.S. decision of withdrawal. "Russia is a very important actor in Syria," he said, adding "it's very important for us to make assessments on the developments with them." Erdogan, speaking to reporters in parliament on Tuesday, said he is planning to have a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Cavusoglu's trip to Moscow. Asked if anyone tries to fill the vacuum, whether France or regime troops, in the region after U.S. withdrawal, Cavusoglu said Turkey will not allow presence of "terrorists" in any case, referring to YPG militants. The minister underlined that if France is staying to "contribute to Syria's future, great, but if they are doing this to protect terrorist YPG. This will bring no benefit to anyone." French Defense Minister Florence Parly said on Thursday his troops would carry out operations against IS fighters in Syria to totally wipe out the group's remaining pockets. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia expands economic sanctions against Ukraine amid escalating crisis Iran Press TV Wed Dec 26, 2018 01:43AM Russia has expanded its economic sanctions on Ukraine, adding over 250 people and businesses to a blacklist amid escalation of tensions between the two countries after Russian border guards opened fire and captured three Ukrainian naval vessels and their 24-member crew off Crimea late last month. On Tuesday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev announced in a decree published on his official Twitter page that 245 individuals and seven companies, mostly in the energy and defense sectors, were sanctioned by Moscow. Medvedev said the sanctions were "to defend the interests of the Russian government, businesses and people." Among those sanctioned on Tuesday were Ukrainian defense, energy, insurance and logistics companies as well as Gennadiy Trukhanov the mayor of Ukraine's third most populous city of Odessa that lies on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea and other high-ranking Ukraine officials. A total of 567 individuals and 75 Ukrainian companies now face Russian economic sanctions. Medvedev signed a government decree on November 1, introducing special economic measures against 322 Ukrainian citizens and 68 companies. Counter-sanctions included freezing non-cash funds, non-documentary securities and property in Russia and banning transfer of funds outside Russia. On November 25, Russian warships fired upon the Ukrainian navy ships Berdyansk and Nikopol and the tug boat Yana Kapu, ramming at least one vessel and wounding several crew members. Ukraine said it was a Russian "act of aggression". Moscow said the ships had illegally entered its waters. Ukraine says the ships had been trying to pass through the Kerch Strait, which is a waterway with strategic significance and the only access to the Sea of Azov, shared between the two countries. Moscow has clarified that Russia reserves the right to defend the waters east of Crimea as an integral part of its territory. The Black Sea peninsula in southern Europe rejoined Russia in 2014. The reunion of Crimea has been a sticking point in the relations between the two countries. Both Moscow and Kiev accuse each other of harassing each other's shipping in the area. In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing punitive measures against Ukraine. In June 2018, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree to expand sanctions on Russian companies and entities. The sanctions would last at least three years and included penalties on Russian lawmakers and top officials. Washington and its Western allies have also imposed several rounds of sanctions against Russia both over the Crimean unification and an armed conflict that erupted in eastern Ukraine when Kiev launched military operations to quell pro-Russia protests there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Poroshenko Ends Martial Law In Ukraine As Tensions With Russia Continue By RFE/RL December 26, 2018 Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has announced the end of martial law in the country's border regions that was imposed last month after Russia seized Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. "Today, right now, at 2 p.m. martial law ends. This is my principal decision," Poroshenko said during a military cabinet meeting in Kyiv on December 26. Poroshenko said he had reached the decision "based on an analysis of all the components of the security situation in the country." Later the same day, the Interior Ministry announced that Ukraine would nonetheless maintain its ban on entry into the country for male Russian citizens aged 16 to 60. More than 1,600 Russian men have been denied entry into Ukraine since the ban was imposed in late November. On November 26, Ukraine's parliament backed Poroshenko's request to introduce martial law after Russian forces fired on Ukrainian ships and seized 24 Ukrainian nationals near the Kerch Strait. The seamen remain in Russian custody and are facing criminal charges of illegally crossing Russia's border. The European Union and the United States have said Russia's actions were illegal and have called on Moscow to immediately return the vessels and their crews to Ukraine. The incident, during which a Russian vessel rammed a Ukrainian Navy tugboat, further escalated the conflict between the ex-Soviet neighbors that flared up in 2014 with Russia's occupation and annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. Russia has provided military, economic, and political support to separatist militants in eastern Ukraine. About 10,300 people have been killed since early 2014 in that conflict, which the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled in November 2016 was "an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation." The 30-day martial law was imposed in 10 regions, including those close to areas controlled by Russia-backed rebels in the east of the country, abutting the Russia-backed separatist Transdniester region in Moldova, and along the Sea of Azov coast. Despite the lifting of martial law, tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high, with both sides asserting that the other was planning aggressive acts. 'Provocation' Claims Despite the lifting of martial law, tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high. Top Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, have claimed that Kyiv was preparing a "provocation" in the border area. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on December 24 that Russia was concerned Ukraine might "switch to full-scale combat actions within the next few days" or stage a provocation using "chemical-warfare agents." Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said in an interview published in Rossiiskaya Gazeta on December 26 without providing any supporting evidence that "leaders of ultrarightist groups from the U.S. have been training for months together with radical organizations in Ukraine." "Feeling such support [from the United States], Poroshenko confidently resorts to provocative steps, including on the Ukrainian-Russian border," Patrushev said. "In the light of upcoming [Ukrainian presidential] elections, it can be predicted that new such actions with U.S. support could be expected in the near future." Ukraine has said Russia is amassing military forces along the border, in the annexed Crimea region, and in the Black Sea area. Speaking at a military event in Kyiv on December 1, Poroshenko said Russia has deployed "more than 80,000 troops, 1,400 artillery and multiple-rocket-launch systems, 900 tanks, 2,300 armored combat vehicles, 500 airplanes, and 300 helicopters" near the border. During the National Security and Defense Council meeting on December 26, Poroshenko said "Ukraine will never halt the use of its Azov ports, including by military vessels." With reporting by AFP, AP, UNIAN, and TASS Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-ends- martial-law/29677677.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Poroshenko Terminates Ukraine's Martial Law Imposed Over Kerch Strait Incident Sputnik News 15:13 26.12.2018(updated 15:53 26.12.2018) In early December, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko introduced martial law in some Ukrainian regions located near the Russian border following the Kerch Strait incident, in which three Ukrainian vessels illegally crossed the Russian maritime border. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Wednesday he was terminating the period of the martial law imposed in several regions of the country shortly after the Kerch Strait incident. "It is exactly 14:00 [Kiev time, 12:00 GMT] and the martial law is terminated. This is my principal decision, it is based on the analysis of the current security situation in the state and despite the fact that the situation around Ukraine has not changed much," the president announced at a meeting of the National Security Council. Commenting on the upcoming vote, he stated that martial law has not affected the presidential election in Ukraine, which is scheduled for March 31. "We guarantee that the presidential elections will take place on March 31, 2019, I emphasize this," Poroshenko said. On Poroshenko's Possible Second Term Meanwhile, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said in an interview with Russian media that the United States is interested in keeping Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in office for the second term, so Washington closes its eyes to Poroshenko's provocations on the Russian-Ukrainian border. "Obviously, Washington is interested in keeping Poroshenko as the [Ukrainian] head of state for the second term, so it closes its eyes to the most odious personalities from the camp of the Ukrainian neo-Nazis," Patrushev said. The official noted that it was precisely this feeling of US support that allowed Poroshenko to confidently go for any provocations, including on the Russian-Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian president's remarks came after Russia's President Vladimir Putin said that the Kerch Strait incident was a provocation prepared in advance as a pretext to introduce martial law and suspend voting rights ahead of Ukraine's presidential election, as Poroshenko's popularity ahead of the vote has been low. On November 25, Ukraine's Berdyansk and Nikopol gunboats and the Yany Kapu tugboat illegally crossed the Russian maritime border as they sailed toward the Kerch Strait, the entrance to the Sea of Azov. The Ukrainian vessels were seized by Russia after failing to respond to a demand to stop. Following the incident, Poroshenko signed a decree declaring martial law in several Ukrainian regions located near the Russian border. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany to Oppose New Missiles in Europe if US Scraps INF Treaty - Minister Sputnik News 14:19 26.12.2018(updated 14:54 26.12.2018) NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said last month that the alliance had no plans to deploy new nuclear missiles in Europe. However, the US' looming pull-out of the INF Treaty with Russia has raised concerns that Washington might seek a nuclear build-up in Europe. Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday that Berlin would oppose the deployment of new medium-range missiles on the European soil in the event of the INF Treaty's demise. "Europe must under no circumstances become a platform for an arms race debate", Maas told told DPA news agency as cited by the daily Tiroler Tageszeitung. "The deployment of new medium-range missiles would encounter broad opposition in Germany". He went on to call nuclear build-up a "wrong answer", saying that Cold War-era tactics would not help sort out today's issues. This comes after US President Donald Trump announced on 20 October that he would pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, citing Russia's alleged violations of the accord. The POTUS said that Beijing should also become a signatory to the treaty. His move sparked fears among European leaders that they would end up in a hard place between Russia and the US. French President Emmanuel Macron "underlined the importance of the treaty, especially with regards to European security" in a phone call with Trump. A spokeswoman for the EU's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, praised the agreement as "a pillar of European security architecture", while Oliver Meier of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs suggested that Trump's decision to exit INF "puts Germans in a difficult spot". US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered an ultimatum to Russia on 4 December, saying that until Moscow returns to full compliance with the INF Treaty, Washington would withdraw from it. In recent years, the US and Russia have repeatedly accused each other of violating the treaty. Specifically, Washington alleged that Moscow had tested its new Iskander-M missile, which Russian officials have denied. Moscow, for its part, stated that the US was deploying launchers for Tomahawk missiles in Romania and Poland, in violation of the agreement. The US was also accused of developing combat drones and financing research on the development of a ground-launched cruise missile. The INF treaty, which was signed in 1987 by then Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and US President Ronald Reagan, stipulates the elimination of nuclear and conventional missiles and their launchers with ranges of 500-1,000 km (310-620 mi) and 1,000-5,500 km (620-3,420 mi). Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Luna Rumba Brings Their Unique Sound to The Palm Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - After an absence of several seasons, Luna Rumba will once again thrill audiences with their blend of World Music, incorporating Latin Rock, Gypsy Flamenco, Arabic Melodies, Cuban Rhythms, Celtic Riffs and Mediterranean Soundscapes. Whenever this group has taken the stage over the years, the audience explodes in cheering and applause. It is clear that Luna Rumba captures the hearts and soul of their audience. Don't miss their limited run of performances at The Palm Cabaret on December 28, January 11 & 25, February 15 & 22, March 22 and April 5 at 7:00 pm. Luna Rumba is a celebration of exquisite sound. There are many recognizable songs along with a mix of eclectic music. With accompanying vocals, fiery violin, rumba-Flamenco guitar, soothing flute, cool bass and exotic percussion instruments, their world-music style enthralls and excites. Clearly, each member of the group is a superbly accomplished musician in their own right and the beautiful, interpretive, Spanish dancer that performs during many of their songs adds another level of creativity and depth to the show. It is evident why Luna Rumba regularly sells out its shows. After a hiatus, fans are excited that they are coming back this season. Luna Rumba delivers one of the best musical experiences available in the Banderas Bay area, and audiences will once again fall in love with their beauty, creativity and unique sound. Luna Rumba has re-invented itself and evolved, and has brought new members to the group. The fabulous Eduardo Leon will perform vocals and lead nylon guitar. Geo Uhrich, the creator and leader of the group, will once again inspire with his creativity and vision for the music, playing 5 string violin, nylon and electric guitars. Luis Rascon, who is a musical wizard, will thrill you with his drumming and multi-instrumental abilities! Young Ever Sanchez is solid on bass guitar; and Lilly, with her incredible dancing and skill on percussion, top off this amazing group. The new Luna Rumba will play some of the old favorites, along with mixing in new energy and inspiration from Geo's travels in Africa and the Mediterranean. Original new music will merge with old favorites to give you a World Class musical experience! Welcome back Luna Rumba. We look forward to enjoying your astonishing music once again! Open 7 nights a week, The Palm Cabaret and Bar features two shows per night, one at 7:00 pm and the other at 9:30 pm. They sometimes offer afternoon matinees as well. For more information and the 2018-2019 season's complete line-up, visit ThePalmCabaret.com. Xem them ... Tin bai cuoi cung Khong con du lieu e load F1 is looking to expand on its current calendar, moving to new venues, such as Vietnam, which F1 will visit first in 2020. And now, despite the hopes of it happening being dashed a little while ago, Helge Saner, a former government minister has said that he has received positive messages to do with hosting a Grand Prix in the country. The race could take place in another Danish city, and Sander told Ekstra Bladet: "The positive vibe around Formula 1 has naturally caused other municipalities to react. "If a sufficiently interesting project emerges elsewhere in Denmark, it should naturally be tried, provided the relevant practical, sustainable and economic conditions are fulfilled. "We had to take in the shock of that announcement [from the mayor], but we have to accept that right now it is not possible to arrange a Formula 1 race in Copenhagen, even though I have received positive messages almost daily since the mayor's announcement." Current Haas driver Kevin Magnussen has boosted the popularity of F1 in Denmark, and would be the home favourite if a race was to go ahead. Would you like to see a race in Denmark? Let us know in the comments below! Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., ADVICS Co., Ltd., JTEKT Corporation (JTEKT) and DENSO Corporation agreed to form J-QuAD DYNAMICS to develop integrated control software that will be used for automated driving, vehicle motion control, and other related functions. The new company will be established in April 2019; in August 2018, the four companies announced their basic agreement to establish a joint venture. (Earlier post.) To achieve safe, secure, and widespread automated driving, a more sophisticated integrated vehicle control system is required to coordinate sensors, brakes, and steering systems. The software enables vehicles to better manage acceleration, turning, and braking, which is critical for future mobility solutions. Founded by the four investing companies, the new company will develop software and provide engineering services to accelerate the development of integrated vehicle control systems for automakers in Japan and throughout the world. AISIN, ADVICS, JTEKT, and DENSO will combine their unique strengths and technical expertise on automated driving, vehicle motion control, and related functions to develop this software-based solution. Moving on from Q1 and Q2, it's time to look at the phones that shaped the months of July, August and September. This is the time of the Pocophone F1 - the most read review not just in Q3 but in the entire year. Xiaomi made a seismic stir in the mobile landscape with this one - a Snapdragon 845-equipped phone with infrared face scanning, stereo speakers and a price that puts the OnePlus 6T to shame. We expected the Pocophone F1 to be riddled with compromises to achieve its cutthroat price but it wasn't and we can only fidget with anticipation for its successor in 2019. Xiaomi's high-note Q2 continues with the Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite - two Android One phones which are still among the more popular in our database. Android One phones bring the promise of fast, secure and up-to-date software directly from Google and the Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite brought Xiaomi's knack for making great value-for-money hardware to that formula, needless to say both have enjoyed great popularity. Oppo's sub-brand Realme delivered its third phone in a year in the Realme 2 Pro, which was an amalgamation of the Realme 1's performance-for-buck ratio and the Realme 2's good screen with the inclusion of a sexier body. Then there was the Nokia 6.1 Plus (Nokia X6 in China) which brought sensible specs and a lovely compact form factor to a reasonable price point. And the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) which looked great in person but did little on the specs front to warrant its price over competitors with superior specs, like the Huawei P20 Lite, Moto G6 Plus and Oppo F7. And finally, we get to the most popular flagship reviews of Q3, behind the Poco F1, the Sony Xperia XZ3 and the Samsung Galaxy Note9. The Xperia XZ3 was seen by many as an incremental update over the XZ2 due to their shared Snapdragon 845 chipset and camera, but the OLED-wearing XZ3 had an in-person charm the XZ2 couldn't touch. And that 13MP selfie camera was reason alone for the upgrade, in our minds. Then there's the all-you-can-eat jack-of-all-trades beast that was the Samsung Galaxy Note9. It sounds as exciting of an upgrade over the Note8, on paper, as the XZ3 did over the XZ2 but just think about it. This is a phone in 2018 that lacks a notch, has a 3.5mm headphone jack, expandable storage and also a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, stereo speakers, 4,000mAh battery, a dual camera with the ability to shoot at f/1.5 in lower light and the S Pen. It took 2 months for anyone to come close to that package and some are still unconvinced of the Huawei Mate 20 Pro's worthiness over the Galaxy Note9. Pocophone F1 by Xiaomi review Xiaomi's announcements have been relatively predictable so far, but the introduction of a new Poco sub-brand was a surprising move. It sounds like a marketing experiment - deliver flagship specs at cutthroat prices. Sound familiar? Well, it does remind of how OnePlus came to be, but we're not sure the new Pocophone F1 is headed in the same direction. Poco is still just a brand, and not a separate company and they stand on the shoulders of Xiaomi's logistics and after sales support network. Xiaomi Mi A2 review The Xiaomi Mi 6X has finally gone global and we have a play date with the international Mi A2. Some big shoes it has to fill - the Mi A1 was such a well-rounded yet affordable smartphone that it would regularly feature in our review conclusions as the main alternative for a wide range of competitors. Can the Mi A2 top that? Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite review Xiaomi wanted to expand its reach beyond its few official markets and it had to do just one thing - give up on MIUI. It all started with the Mi A1 - Xiaomi's first Android One smartphone, and now not one but two sequels are coming to replace it - Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite. Our Mi A2 review is done, so today we will be taking the Mi A2 Lite for a spin. Nokia 6.1 Plus (X6) review Nokias return to the smartphone market with Android hasnt exactly set the sales charts on fire, but the company has steadily been making progress, with a constant stream of new and relevant devices. The latest one we have today is the Nokia 6.1 Plus, an entrant in the ever-popular mid-range segment. Sony Xperia XZ3 review Few phones can claim they caused quite as big of a stir as the Xperia XZ3. After Sony dropped its first curved OLED Xperia, seemingly out of the blue at IFA 2018, reactions have ranged from overwhelming excitement, through confusion and all the way to denial and anger. That's a level of drama typically reserved for soap operas or celebrity gossip and it all spells out one thing - a massive wave of exposure for Sony. Samsung Galaxy Note9 review How time has passed - we're at nine now. Seven years after the original, the Samsung Galaxy Note9 stands before us. The numbers don't add up, no, because Samsung chose to skip the 6, and it didn't really quite work out splendidly with the Note7. But that's all in the past and we're looking ahead. Haiti - FLASH : Bac, special session for the recales results for 2 departments The Ministry of National Education has just made available the first results for 2 departments: Center and South-East exams of the permanent bac, special session of the recales. According to the information provided by the National Office of State Examinations (BUNEXE), 30,040 candidates were expected for these examinations, which took place from 17 to 20 December 2018. Results according to BUNEXE : Center : Success rate 38.64% or 711 candidates admitted out of 1,840 participants; South-East : Success rate 15.85% or 119 candidates admitted out of 751 participants. The Ministry informs us that the results of the other departments will be published shortly ... HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Haiti misses growth targets The Haitian Institute of Statistics and Informatics (IHSI), in a first estimation, indicates that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in real terms, will be 1.5% in 2018, far from the fixed growth objective (3.9 %) or the one revised after the analysis of the first two quarter fixed at 2.4% See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26097-haiti-economy-a-budget-with-social-dominination-up-of-11-billion.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23123-haiti-flash-gdp-2017-at-12-the-lowest-for-6-years.html Jovenel Moise sees progress in Haiti President Jovenel Moise sees progress in Haiti, particularly in the areas of road infrastructure and agriculture in 2018, recognizing that the year had been difficult for many Haitians because of the socio-economic situation. He said he wants to work with more energy so that there is more justice and equality in Haiti in 2019, "in order to cultivate peace and strengthen dialogue with mutual respect." MTPTC announces construction work The Ministry of Public Works (MTPTC) announces the launch of construction works of several streets in Gonaives, Dessalines and Saint-Marc in Artibonite with funding from Taiwan (Republic of China) for 140 million gourdes. Gonave : $ 2 million for sanitation< B> The Panamerican Development Foundation (PADF) Independent international organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) active in Haiti for 30 years, has 2 million gourdes to achieve this week sanitation in the town of Anse-a-Galets on the island of Gonave. Did you know ? It is not the Haitian Government that supports the reception of Haitians returning from the Dominican Republic to Haiti (volunteers or deportees). It is the International Organization for Migration (IOM - Haiti) that manages the 4 Border Resource Centers (CRF) built at each of the official border crossings (Anse-a-Pitres, Malpasse, Ouanaminthe and Belladere) thanks to funding from Canada and the European Union. These CRFs allow the registration and assistance of migrants returning from the Dominican Republic (volunteers or deportees) and support vulnerable migrants at the border, including women and girls, and manage the risks associated with migration traffic and people https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-24557-icihaiti-dr-the-international-aid-to-welcome-haitians-back-home.html FAES continues to meet the needs of the people The Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) continues to supply community restaurants in the metropolitan area and distributes kits in different locations to meet the immediate needs of the population. HL/ HaitiLibre More than 9,000 biofuel facilities make Germany the No. 1 player in renewable energy. But falling prices and dying subsidies are putting the future of this biofuel into question. (Source: DPA) Major gas producers. Seventeen years ago, Thomas Endres was one of the first German farmers to build a biogas plant on his land. Back then, environmentalists thought biogas would be the future of energy. These days, like many biogas farmers, Endres is thinking about getting out of the business. German government subsidies will end in 2021, which could mark the end for the entire experiment, but the biogas bubble has already deflated. In 2011, 1,500 new biogas facilities opened on farms across Germany. Last year, it was just 120. Once upon a time, biogas was the next big thing, promised a key role in Germanys transition to renewable energy. What could be more sustainable than growing your own energy sources? As nuclear plants have been powered down, biogas has indeed stepped in to fill the gap. Biogas accounts for 8 percent of the countrys renewable energy, powering about 8 million German households. In no other country does biogas play such an important role. Top-Jobs des Tages Jetzt die besten Jobs finden und per E-Mail benachrichtigt werden. Standort erkennen 'Biogas is as good as dead' The trouble is that is is heavily subsidized by the government. When Berlin was paying 25 cents per kilowatt hour for biogas, farmers rushed to invest. The country now has over 9,000 biogas facilities, but the sector has been in crisis since 2014, when subsidies were cut by more than half. Since last year, the German government no longer automatically subsidizes all players: Instead, biofuel production goes out to tender, with only the best bids winning contracts. Currently, about 20 percent of Germanys arable land is used for biogas, with 20 percent used to grow food, and 60 percent for animal fodder. But in the last seven years, almost 20,000 biogas jobs have disappeared, leaving 44,000 employed in the sector. Biogas in Germany is as good as dead, says Jorg Meyer zu Strohe, CEO of PlanET, one of the biggest and oldest biogas plant constructors in Germany. The company now operates almost entirely outside Germany, mostly in France and Belgium. However, experts still see biofuels as a crucial part of a sustainable energy system. Unlike solar and wind power, its dependable and helps even out gaps. The International Energy Agency says biogas could become more important as countries phase out nuclear power. Environmental downsides But there are ecological downsides to the sector, not least because it encourages monocultures. Although corn is the most productive biogas crop, there are strict limits on how much corn farmers can grow. Endres grows a mixed batch of biofuel crops, including 30 percent corn, but also grass, rye and turnips. Manure from cows, chickens and pigs also flows into the process. The heat generated by the stinking fermentation powers seven houses and some public buildings, as well as his own farm facilities. In spite of his financial difficulties, Endres still believes in biogas. But now he faces a new obstacle: To qualify for the governments tenders, he would have to upgrade his plant. For many small farmers, that investment is more than they can afford. So it could be the end of the harvest for more small biofuel farmers. Meyer zu Strohe says he expects half of Germanys biofuel facilities to disappear after 2021, with considerable loss of flexibility in the energy system. The future of biofuel now lies in the hands of politicians, who must soon make yet more decisions about the sustainability of the sector. We just hope they dont completely let us down, Endres says. Kathrin Witsch is a reporter with Handelsblatt companies and markets desk, focusing on energy. Brian Hanrahan adapted this story into English for Handelsblatt Today. To contact the author: [email protected] Arthur Eugene Beckes sent a letter to Sen. Steve Daines Dec. 21 and allowed the Havre Daily News to reprint it here Sen. Daines, The Trump administration has lost Jim Mattis, a reasonable man in a post that absolutely requires reason. If this doesnt alarm you, it should. Big numbers of competent people will no longer consider working with the misfit in the White House, as you are aware. Why would they? The closer anyone gets to this excuse for a leader, the more likely they are to get burned. So our nation is in a quandary. You could have done something before now, but youve chosen the pathetic path of passivity. The U.S. Senate, once the greatest deliberative body on the face of the earth, has forsaken its mission. Youre a part of that colossal undoing. Why make yourself uncomfortable with any difficult moral or political decision? Youll soon have another easy choice, that of deciding to confirm or reject the presidents pick for secretary of defense. If the man or woman he choses is someone who looks to be a hawk, or incompetent in the slightest, you must reject the nomination. Our countrys very survival is at stake, senator. Toughen up. Do your job. Arthur Eugene Beckes St. Ignatius The Top 10, Nos. 4 and 3 4. Downtown hotel The prospect of a new hotel on the city-owned Dogwood lot was the last major news story among many important developments downtown in 2018. Hands On! childrens museum announced an expansion into a storefront presence, the Grey Mill project advanced toward groundbreaking and the City Council finally committed to build new public restrooms on Fifth Avenue West. Responding to the citys invitation, two developers proposed multi-story hotels, both with restaurants and convention space, on South Church Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues. Theres still a long way to go before the city brings this one in for a landing if it does at all but were further down the road than weve been in decades. 3. Hendersonville High School The Hendersonville High School construction saga has taken up permanent residence on the Top 10 list, making our hit parade of news for four years running. As the year closed, the School Board was close to receiving revised design plans from new architects. Plans that preserve the historic Erle Stillwell-designed classroom building and auditorium won the unanimous endorsement of the School Board in September. Now the architects are working on more detailed design and cost estimates, something that will be critical when the School Board sends the plans over to the Board of Commissioners. Before the two boards reached detente, School Board members complained that commissioners had misled them on a pricetag gap and commissioners voted to dump the whole project. If the final vote on an HHS renovation-new construction plan comes 2019 possible but not guaranteed look for the issue to maintain its spot in the Lightnings Top 10 a year from now. TWO sisters who were born in Henley but now live more than 5,000 miles apart were reunited for Christmas. Diana Gonzalez, 63, who lives in Mexico, flew back to Britain to surprise Pamela Hardman and other members of her family. Only her daughter-in-law Georgina Gonzalez-Matthews knew about the visit as she won it in a competition organised by chocolate manufacturer Thorntons. After landing at Heathrow airport, Mrs Gonzalez was brought to Henley for the party at the Bull in Bell Street. The family included Mrs Hardman, an actress who lives in New Street, Mrs Gonzalezs daughter Elizabeth, who lives in London, and son Jorge, who is married to Mrs Gonzalez-Matthews, and their children LJ, one, and five-month-old Lyra. The family were all sitting down when Mrs Gonzalez entered the pubs private dining room and shouted: Surprise! Mrs Hardman screamed and leapt up to hug her. Mrs Gonzalez then greeted and kissed her son and his wife and held her granddaughter for the first time. She said: Georgina did an amazing job of keeping everything secret. I was so pleased to be able to visit as it isnt easy for us to find the time or the money to do this. I was very, very excited as I was walking through the pub and the reaction was just amazing. Nobody could quite believe it and I remember Pamela screaming while Elizabeth was just open-mouthed and trying to take it all in. It was a very, very moving moment and I was so delighted to be able to meet Lyra, who is absolutely beautiful. Im very grateful to Georgina for thinking of me and putting me forward for it. Mrs Hardman said: It was unbelievable. I suspected that something was afoot when Georgina announced a last-minute dinner and I wondered whether Diana was coming but dismissed it as I thought it was too impractical. Were of a similar age and it was just wonderful to see her. I was so thrilled that I couldnt help myself when she walked in. Mrs Gonzalez, who was born at the old Townlands Hospital, grew up in Medmenham with her sister. She met her husband Jorge snr when they were students at the University of Reading and the couple moved to Mexico in 1976. She works as a translator and can only afford to come home every few years. She had not been back to Henley for Christmas since 2010 and had only met LJ once briefly last year and had not seen Lyra. After the reunion on December 5, Mrs Gonzalez stayed on and only flew home to Monterrey yesterday (Thursday). She divided her time between her sons home in Reading and Mrs Hardmans house and the family had another dinner at the Little Angel pub in White Hill. The sisters attended a carol service at St Marys Church, visited Greys Court and enjoyed walks in the countryside as well as spending a day together in London. They also visited their mother Joyce Hardman, 95, who was widowed 20 years ago and now lives at the Acacia Lodge care home in Quebec Road, Henley. Mrs Gonzalez spent Christmas Eve with her sons family in Reading and had Christmas dinner with them at night, which is tradition in Mexico, and then spent Christmas Day with Mrs Hardman. She said: She said: We really enjoyed having three more weeks to enjoy each others company. Its been a lovely visit its a bit colder than Im used to but Ive been able to borrow plenty of coats. My family are so precious and Im so thankful that I had this unexpected opportunity to be with them. My husband is one of 11 children so he hasnt been short of company without me! Mrs Hardman said: I last saw Diana almost a year ago so any time we can spend together is valuable. When we were together we were chatting away as if wed never been apart. We keep in contact by email but its never quite the same. Diana particularly enjoyed the service at St Marys. Her English friends in Mexico all miss traditional carol singing more than anything else at Christmas because they dont really have that over there. Its always terribly sad when she goes but we have some wonderful memories of this visit and will just have to wait until the next time. Mrs Gonzalez-Matthews entered the Continental Journeys competition, in which three families with overseas relatives were reunited for Christmas, after seeing it advertised on Facebook in October. She submitted a short statement explaining why the family should win and learned she had been successful a few weeks later. She emailed Mrs Gonzalez and then invited everyone to the dinner but didnt tell them about their special guest. The reunion was filmed for a promotional video. 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! Kladius Steponkus was immature, his solicitor told the court A teenager caught driving with no insurance twice in just over two months was "immature" and did not realise the consequences of his actions, a court has heard. Kladius Steponkus (19) had a false insurance disc on the car windscreen when he was stopped by gardai for the first time. Judge David McHugh fined Steponkus 150, banned him from driving for two years and ordered him to complete 150 hours' community service, in lieu of three months in prison. The defendant, of Buirg An Ri Walk, Lucan, admitted two counts of driving without insurance before Blanchardstown District Court. The uninsured driving incidents took place at Nangor Road, Clondalkin, on January 14, 2018, and on March 31, 2018, at Balgaddy Road in Lucan. Garda Brendan O'Brien said he stopped Steponkus driving a 2003-registered vehicle on Nangor Road. Gda O'Brien said he had a look at the windscreen and believed the insurance disc was false. False Steponkus admitted the disc was false, and he was then asked to produce his insurance documentation but failed to do so. In the second incident, Garda Laura O'Callaghan stopped Steponkus shortly after midnight. Again he was asked for his insurance documentation but he did not have the papers. The court was told that the defendant had never been in trouble before. Defence solicitor Simon Fleming said that Steponkus was working as a carpenter/fitter. Mr Fleming added that the defendant was one of four boys and his parents had come to Ireland when he was just three years old. He said that Steponkus had no excuse for his behaviour and wished to apologise for it. Judge McHugh said the defendant was caught without insurance and then he was caught again two months later, in the same vehicle. Mr Fleming said Steponkus's behaviour was due to a "level of immaturity", as well as him "not realising the consequences" of uninsured driving. The city council is struggling with the number of homeless Two hundred families a month are being made homeless, mainly from the private sector, senior council bosses have told the Herald. Dublin City Council housing chief Brendan Kenny said that, while the council is building more hubs and making more accommodation available, the number of homeless presentations each month is "killing us". More than 50pc of the 200 families presenting to the country's largest authority each month are coming from evictions and notices to quit in the private sector - and the figure is on the rise. Fingal County Council estimates that 70pc of the families registering as homeless are from the private rental sector. Speaking to the Herald, Mr Kenny said more needed to be done on securing tenancies in the private sector. Ruined "We're still getting about 200 families a month presenting as homeless, mainly from the private rented sector," he said. "We've a private rental sector that's dysfunctional." The council's assistant chief executive insisted it was doing everything possible to provide more accommodation. "All that's being ruined by the fact that the amount of presentations coming in has been increasing all the time," Mr Kenny said. "You're talking about 2,400 a year and well over 50pc of that is coming from the private sector. That is the problem." However, while Mr Kenny said tenancies needed to be more secure, he insisted that they must not scare landlords away, saying: "We need them." Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid also lamented the number of notices to quit. He pointed to a deadline given by then housing minister Simon Coveney to have all families out of hotels and B&Bs by July 2017. He said that was unrealistic owing to the sheer number of presentations. "One of the challenges was that the people that were coming up presenting as homeless was rising," he said. "Some 70pc of our presentations now to our counters are for people who have notices to quit, where the landlord has said 'I want it back' or 'I want do something with it' or 'I want it for my son' or whatever. "On average, we're getting about 60 presentations a month. "That's a real issue for us, so we would be saying to the minister and the department to strengthen the policy around quick evictions and secondly strengthen the capacity of the RTB [Residential Tenancies Board] to monitor that." Mr Reid said Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy had committed to bringing in legislation on this, which came on the back of pressure from councils. The Department of Housing has said that this legislation is a priority in 2019. The department said it was aware that many individuals presenting to homeless services had previously held a tenancy in private rented accommodation. Mr Murphy recently published legislation to strengthen tenants' rights. The RTB Rent Index reports the national average rent was 1,122 a month in December. Meanwhile, Ireland's housing crisis is putting sex workers at risk from exploitative landlords, activists have warned. A lack of affordable rented accommodation and rising rents are compounded by some workers' inability to provide proof of income or employment history, forcing them to move or stay in unsuitable accommodation, campaigners said. Dangerous Kate McGrew, from Sex Workers Alliance Ireland, said women and men were placing themselves in potentially dangerous situations because of a lack of housing options. "People are struggling to find somewhere to live as it is - imagine what it's like for a sex worker," she said. "Our phones are flooded with people saying they have been offered flats, and they have to take them because they have no other option. "We talk to workers daily who when they show up to those places and the door isn't even locked, the so-called landlord comes over because he wants free sex from the worker, to rape the worker." More than 100 Syrian refugees will arrive in Ireland to start new lives today. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said 22 families have been welcomed under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). They have been living in an UNHCR camp in Lebanon since fleeing the conflict in Syria. A total of 105 people will be resettled in this country, including 58 children. They join 97 refugees who resettled from Lebanon last week, bringing the total this month to 202. Housing Those arriving today will reside in the Emergency Reception and Orientation centre in Ballaghaderreen as they await permanent housing in communities across the country. The Lebanese who came last week are residing in the centres in Mosney and Clonea Strand. "During this festive period, as we enjoy spending time with our own families, it is important to remember that many families across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes by war and protracted crises," Mr Flanagan said. "Under our national resettlement programme, working closely with the UNHCR, we prioritise those who are most vulnerable and provide a durable solution to enable them to rebuild their lives in safety and security, here in Ireland. The families that have arrived today are very welcome. "They will now have time to rest and recover and to focus on their future in their new home." Minister of State David Stanton added the people of Ballaghaderreen have "together created a welcoming and supportive environment for refugee families who have experienced great trauma". Model "It is a model that I would like to see embraced in communities right across the country," he said. The IRPP was established in September 2015 as part of the humanitarian response to the migration crisis in southern Europe. Ireland agreed to accept up to 4,000 asylum seekers and refugees overall at the earliest time possible. Further refugee families will be resettled here under the IRPP in 2019. Fire destroys mobile home near Williamsport, kills dog Fire destroyed a mobile home on Spielman Road near Williamsport on Friday morning, but no one was injured. The Most Extensive and Reliable Source of Information Related to the Mexican Drugs Cartels. You will not find this level of coverage anywhere else, join us! Send information, pictures or videos, you remain 100% anonymous. Envia fotos, videos, notas, enlaces o informacion todo 100% Anonimo. Borderland Beat? We love to have you in our team, send Sol Prendido or HEARST an email! Want to be a contributor or citizen reporter forBorderland Beat?We love to have you in our team, sendoran email! WARNING: Posts may contain strong violent material, discretion is advised. COMMENTS: We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. Earlier this month, as a part of Exercise Bahubali, the Indian Air Force (IAF) used its C-17 Globemasters to carry, as this newspaper reported, tanks and armoured personnel carriers to Leh airport. The objective was to demonstrate capability to move men and equipment rapidly to border areas. Other than eight C-17s, IAF also deployed four IL-76s and four AN-32s to showcase its strategic lift capability. Meanwhile The Indian Express has reported that the IAF is planning to deploy, in the eastern sector, six units of Akash missile systems along with a squadron each of Apache and Chinook helicopters and Rafale fighter aircrafts once they are inducted. An additional squadron of Sukhoi Su-30MKI may also be deployed in the eastern sector. Besides, India is speeding up its infrastructure projects in the border regions close to China. What is prompting this flurry of activity? A recent paper titled From Denial to Punishment: The Security Dilemma and Changes in Indias Military Strategy Towards China in Asian Security by Anit Mukherjee and Yogesh Joshi may provide the answer. Before 2005, the duo argues, the power asymmetry between India and China was manageable. The terrain near the border on the Chinese side was a major barrier to offensive operations. However, now China has not just massively improved the infrastructure in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), but has also undertaken an impressive military modernisation programme and adopted a more aggressive posture on the India border. Especially after Doklam, as Colonel (retired) Vinayak Bhatt has pointed out, TAR has seen a sharp jump in Chinese air force activity and construction of new airstrips and heliports. These developments have forced the Indian security establishment, conclude Mukherjee and Joshi, to shed its earlier defensive military posture of deterrence by denial to a more offensive posture of deterrence by punishment. According to the new strategy, India will not just confine itself to denying Chinese forces territorial gains but will actively impose costs on the adversary and may even open additional fronts. The earlier defensive posture is no longer sustainable with China possessing the capability to launch an assault without any warning leading to depletion of Indian resources in quick time. Su-30MKI is a long range fighter aircraft that provides much deeper penetration capabilities compared to Mig-21 which provided interception ability. While C-17s, C-130 Js and Chinooks will provide strategic lift capabilities, Su-30 MKIs, Rafales and Apaches will provide the offensive firepower. Mukherjee and Joshi also suggest that India is moulting its Pakistan-centric focus for a China-centric one. The shift actually is in line with other developments beyond the conventional realm. Most incremental additions in the nuclear domain including the induction of longer range ballistic missiles and nuclear propelled, ballistic missile-armed submarines (SSBNs) are being made with China, not Pakistan, in mind. The range of Agni series, extending till 6000 kilometres, is a clear giveaway. In fact, India has been criticised for pursuing credibility of nuclear deterrence at the cost of minimality while tenuously hewing to the concept of credible minimum deterrence. But as Vipin Narang of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology had elaborated in a 2013 paper titled Five Myths about Indias Nuclear Posture in The Washington Quarterly, any credible deterrence against China will easily surpass the minimum for Pakistan. Narang added: Indias security managers had to choose whom they envisioned their primary deterrent adversary to be, and against whom they wanted to build and maintain a credible minimum deterrent. All the observable indicators, such as the range and numbers of their strategic missile programs, suggest unsurprisingly that they chose China. It is true that the range of the K-15 missile that Arihant is armed with is merely 750 kilometres. However, Arihant should just be seen as a demonstrator of triad capability. Indias three planned submarine-launched ballistic missiles (K-4, K-5 and K-6) will have a range upwards of 3000 kilometres. The growing conventional asymmetry vis-a-vis China is not just prompting a rethink over conventional military strategy but also nuclear strategy. As Joshi along with Harsh Pant has argued in a recent book Indias Nuclear Policy, the debate over Indias no-first use (NFU) of nuclear weapons is partly stemming from a growing gap on the conventional front. It is too early, however, to press the panic button and discard the NFU pledge. A review of conventional military doctrines, on the other hand, is definitely welcome. A shift from Pakistan-centric approach was also long overdue. The review process should keep in mind that internal balancing of China alone will not achieve much because: a) China is way ahead of India already, and b) India is a developing country with multiple competing demands on scarce capital, leaving little for a focused military build-up. Partnerships, especially with the US, will be key to not just providing external balancing as a complementary approach but also helping strengthen Indias capabilities and boost its defence manufacturing potential. kunal.singh@htlive.com A Delhi court on Thursday sent 10 persons, arrested the previous day on suspicion of being part of an Islamic State-inspired module, to 10 days in police custody even as more details emerged of the so-called Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam and the way the National Investigation Agency (NIA) tracked it down. An NIA official familiar with the matter said the group seemed extremely radicalised and highly motivated, but questioned its ability to carry out an attack of the scale it was planning. While the almost primitive nature of the weapons and explosives seized have attracted comment, other security officials point out that these could have been effectively used to at least spread chaos and distract security forces, both key objectives of terror groups. NIAs crackdown was appreciated by senior ministers. Well done NIA for cracking the dangerous terrorist module, finance minister Arun Jaitley tweeted. Would this crackdown of the terrorist module by NIA have been possible without interception of electronic communications? His reference was to an order on such monitoring that was issued last week and turned controversial. Home minister Rajnath Singh said: It is a big success and I congratulate NIA. NIA on Wednesday searched 17 locations six in East Delhis Jafarabad area, six in Uttar Pradeshs Amroha, two each in Lucknow and Hapur and one in Meerut and arrested 10 suspects; it said the suspects were planning major strikes, and targeting senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. A country-made rocket launcher, 12 pistols, 112 alarm clocks, 100 mobile phones, 135 SIM cards, many laptops and various electronic gadgets, besides 150 rounds of ammunition were also recovered during the searches. The NIA also seized 25 kg of explosive material, such as potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, sulphur, sugar material paste, mobile phone circuits, batteries, 51 pipes, a remote control car triggering switch, wireless digital doorbell for remote switch, steel containers, electric wires, IS-related literature and 7.5 lakh in cash. The module primarily used an encrypted chat application, Threema, and received instructions from a handler based in the Af-Pak region, a senior official in the security establishment said on condition of anonymity. The Threema application does not require a phone number to communicate. The identity of the person who was in touch with the group from the Af-Pak region is yet to be established. Mufti Mohammed Suhail appears to be the top dog of the group who had gathered together the others, the first NIA officer said. Suhail is a native of the Jafarabad area of north-east Delhi who became a cleric at a mosque in Amroha. Security agencies appear to have been tipped off after the group made an attempt to buy ammonium nitrate, a compound that can be also used to make incendiary devices. Security agencies, including the NIA, mounted surveillance, which included monitoring activity of the group on the internet and phone communications. They also infiltrated the group, HT learns, getting members to feel secure and reveal their plans, a second security official said on condition of anonymity. Rashid Zafar, one of the 10 suspects who was arrested, was asked to procure the chemicals, initial investigations have revealed. An official of the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a 45-year-old woman and her 17-year-old son, who were questioned twice on Wednesday, were again quizzed on Thursday over possibly helping the alleged mastermind with accommodation in Lucknow. Thirteen days after 15 miners were trapped in a flooded mine in Meghalaya, the state owned coal mining major Coal India finally received a request for assistance sent by the state government on December 20. Fifteen miners are trapped in a flooded illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13. JK Borah, general manager North Eastern Coalfields said the office of the chairman of Coal India received request for assistance from Shillong late afternoon on Wednesday. According to Borah, Meghalaya government has sought 10 pumps, pipes, assistance for survey and other technical assistance if needed. Coal India is already mobilising these resources from its sites in Asansol, Dhanbad,Bilaspur and other areas and lets see how much resources we can spare. We will try to help them as much as we can, Borah said adding that assessment of the site needs to be done first for which he will be leaving for Meghalaya tomorrow. Borah said a control room has also been set up for coordination. Earlier on Wednesday, Coal India Limited had said it was yet to receive any request from the Meghalaya government for assistance in the rescue of 15 miners. On December 17, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said he spoke to Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju, seeking assistance. On December 22, news agency PTI quoted Sangma as saying that the state government had written to Coal India, requesting high-power pumps. We are running out of time and I hope they respond to the request. We are waiting, Sangma was reported as saying. When asked about Coal Indias reaction, Sangma said all relevant requests have been sent but may have not reached. All relevant requests have been sent to relevant departments and organisations such as NDRF, Coal India, Tata Trusts and some organisation in Kerala, he told HT. As far as my knowledge goes, everything has been sent but may be the communication in writing is yet to reach them, he said. You will appreciate the fact that the despite the location of the mine, which is very challenging, we have pumped out 20 lakh litres of water. It is very seriously challenging and we have to pray and hope for the best and we are not giving up, Sangma, who was in New Delhi, said. A team led by Ashok Kumar, director, directorate-general of mine safety, visited the site of the accident on December 17 along with Coal India experts. Deputy Commissioner FM Dopth said on Saturday that he sent a letter to the state government requesting immediate help from Coal India on December 20. In the letter, Dopth asked for 10 pumps of 100 HP capacity from Coal India, since the only two pumps at their disposal, 25 HP each, were proving inadequate to pump out the water from the flooded mine. Rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said an analysis of the water level inside the 320-350 foot deep main shaft of the illegal coal mine suggested that it is connected to the Lytein river, located 350 metres away. Citing inadequacy of the two available pumps and their operational cost, the district administration suspended rescue operations on Monday. We will resume once we get the pumps. We havent heard from the state government about our request, said SS Syiemlieh, additional deputy commissioner, East Jaintia Hills. Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident. 15 miners have been struggling for air in a flooded coal mine for two weeks. Meanwhile, the PM struts about on Bogibeel, posing for cameras. His government refuses to organize high pressure pumps for the rescue. PM please save the miners, Gandhi tweeted, referring to the inauguration of the Bogibeel bridge in Assam on Tuesday. Sangma responded to Gandhis tweet. NDRF and State Government have been continuously working on the rescue ops. Scale of the operation is a major challenge as water from a river has entered the mines. GOI was very prompt in sending their best people to help in the rescues ops.. he wrote on Twitter. Officials in Shillong are passing the buck. A person close to the chief minister said that the mining and geology department of the state government would have information on the status of the request but T Dkhar, commissioner and secretary, mining and geology department, said he was not aware of the details. The disaster management department would have it, he said on Tuesday. I think a letter from the deputy commissioner was received on December 21, before we shut down for the annual holidays. I saw the letter but I am not sure if it was processed, an official in the states revenue and disaster management department said on condition of anonymity. The additional chief secretary would have more information, the official said. Peter Ingty, the additional chief secretary, in-charge of revenue and the disaster management department, refused to comment. I am busy at church, he said on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he did not respond to text messages seeking comment. Coal Indias Borah said that pumping out water was not the solution. The accident needs proper investigation as to where the water is leaking from. As for the questions of deploying more pumps or whether Coal India is equipped for this investigation, those will arise once we receive a request, he added. On December 23, Dopth told Hindustan Times that state government authorities had completed a three-day survey to ascertain the source of seepage and was compiling their findings. They have not submitted a report yet, SS Syiemlieh said. Santosh Singh, the assistant commandant of the 1st Battalion of the NDRF overseeing the rescue operation at the coal mine, said there is little that the force can do if the water is not pumped out. At present, we cannot go beyond 30 feet in the 70 feet deep water inside the mine. Two Navy personnel were killed on Thursday when an aircraft hangar collapsed at the Naval base in Kochi, a defence spokesperson said. Further details are awaited, he said. Two Navy personnel died of casualties caused due to an aircraft hangar collapse, the spokesperson told PTI. A court of inquiry has been ordered into the matter, news agency ANI reported. The Indian Navy is in the process create a new full-time post of inspector-general (safety) that will ensure safe operations at sea reducing the risk of accidents. Indias relations with China returned to the normal track during 2018 though New Delhi continues to harbour concerns about greater access to the Chinese market, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), people familiar with developments said on Thursday. The two Asian giants have worked assiduously to restore their relationship to an even keel following last years military standoff in Doklam, and the informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan in April served as a catalyst for these efforts. The return of the India-China relationship to the normal track was one of the key achievements of Indias foreign policy, the people cited above said. They noted that the political relationship with China was restored and heightened. In this regard, they pointed to the unprecedented four meetings between Modi and Xi within a year as well as visits by three Chinese state councillors, including foreign minister Wang Yi. They also pointed out that defence cooperation and contacts, including the Hand in Hand joint exercise and the annual defence dialogue, have been resumed after being suspended last year, and the border areas were much more peaceful and mechanisms such as flag meetings to maintain peace were working well. Though there had been some forward movement in market access for Indian goods such as agricultural products and pharmaceuticals and an unblocking of applications for basmati and other types of rice and sugar, the real proof of the pudding will come in the allocation of quotas for imports by Chinese authorities, the people said. China, they said, will have to walk the talk by removing regulatory hurdles to the import of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and information technology (IT) services in order to address the growing trade deficit. India has taken up the issue of greater market access, especially for agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and IT services, with China several times in the recent past, including during commerce secretary Anup Wadhawans visit to the neighbouring country in November. Bilateral trade rose by 18.63% year-on-year in 2017 and touched a historic high of $89.71 billion in 2017-18. However,Indias trade deficit increased to $63.12 billion in 2017-18 from $51.11 billion in the previous fiscal. India is hopeful China will facilitate greater market access for its goods and services to tackle the swelling trade deficit, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said last week as she and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi launched a new mechanism to boost cultural exchanges. Referring to the BRI, the people said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a direct challenge to Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. They pointed out that several aspects of CPEC -- Gwadar port, roads and a fibre-optic network being created in Pakistan -- were of dual use and could be utilised by the Pakistani military. Connectivity projects such as BRI should be sustainable, environment-friendly, follow global norms and respect the sovereignty of other nations, the people said. Moreover, BRI is an attempt to create a new set of rules, technical specifications and customs requirements in nations with weak administrations that doesnt provide a level playing field for Indian firms that are aligned with international rules and regulations for tendering processes, they added. India has conveyed its concerns on BRI to China and also made it clear a true regional connectivity project should be based on consultations with all countries in a region, the people said. Referring to the positive aspects of the bilateral relationship, the people said Chinese authorities provided real time information about a landslide in Tibet that allowed India to evacuate people at Tooting in Arunachal Pradesh before the water level in a local river reached the danger mark. Though there will be a drawdown in political involvement in foreign policy ahead of Indias general election next year, steps will be taken for the second informal summit in the second half of 2019, the people said. During his meeting with Modi on the margins of the G20 Summit, Xi had said he was looking forward to the second summit in India, they added. India has also engaged China on the Indo-Pacific concept, about which Beijing has expressed doubts, the people said. China appreciated Modis remarks at the Shangri-la Dialogue about the Indo-Pacific being about inclusiveness and connectivity and India remains ready to talk to all countries, including China, about this issue, they added. At least 35 students from a local computer centre in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district were injured on Thursday when a private bus ferrying them skidded off the road, officials said. They were on their way to Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally, news agency PTI reported. Modi was in Dharamsala to address the Jan Aabhar rally marking one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing the rally Modi said, An accident has taken place. People were injured. I pray for them. The chief minister will ensure that all help is provided to them. The Prime Minister urged the people to exercise caution while going back from the rally. I do not want an accident to take place. Please go slowly... let it take longer, he said. The bus, which was carrying 45 students, met with the accident near Samleta in Nagrota Suriyan, at least 45 kilometres from Dharamsala. Five students are reported to be critically injured and were taken to the Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College Hospital in Tanda. Ten of them sustained fractures and minor injuries and admitted to the local primary health centre in Nagrota Suriyan A Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker has come up with a curious demand. He wants a house under a government scheme for Ram Lalla at Ayodhya. BJP lawmaker from Ghosi, Hari Narayan Rajbhar, sought a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for Lord Ram as he was living in a tent, the makeshift sanctum sanctorum of an idol of Ram installed at the disputed spot in 1992. Rajbhar added that Ram was exposed to extreme weather conditions harsh winter, scorching summer and rains without a roof over his head. The Union government is duty-bound to provide shelter to the homeless, so the district officials must provide a house under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for Lord Ram, he wrote in a letter to district officials. In the run up to Lok Sabha elections next year, demand for Ram temple in Ayodhya is growing every day. Building the temple is a key promise of the BJP. Its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and other affiliates have been piling pressure on the ruling party to take affirmative action in this matter. There have been demands from outfits, such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and BJP ally Shiv Sena, to bring an ordinance to construct a temple, but the government has remained non-committal. The issue is pending before the Supreme Court. The demand echoed at a recently-held BJP parliamentary party meet with MPs demanding temple at the disputed site and Home Minister Rajnath Singh saying everyone wants a temple but must be patient. The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed an amended Triple Talaq bill after a four hour-long debate, but the Congress and some other parties walked out before the vote because their demand to refer the legislation to a joint select committee was spurned by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018 was passed by the Lower House with 245 MPs voting in favour and 11 opposing it. Other than the Congress legislators, the AIADMK, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Samajwadi Party MPs walked out. The Centre now faces an uphill task in pushing the bill through the Upper House, where the NDA doesnt have a majority. Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad spoke about the political pressure in the Rajya Sabha during the debate, but added that the government is hopeful about the bills passage. During the prolonged debate, all parties unequivocally spoke about the evils of instant Triple Talaq, or Talaq-e-Biddat, the practice of immediate divorce. Opposition parties, however, protested against the provision to make instant Triple Talaq a criminal offence while some leaders demanded that the proposed three-year jail term for offending husbands be reduced. Prasad justified the jail term and said deterrence is always important. Union textiles minister Smriti Irani and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Meenakshi Lekhi provided statistics to back her partys claim that even after the Supreme Courts verdict on August 22, 2017, banning the Islamic practice of instant divorce, instant Triple Talaq continued to be practised, necessitating the law and provision of punishment. Also Watch: Triple talaq Bill passed in Lok Sabha Lekhi quoted extensively from theological texts and said that even Prophet Muhammad was opposed to the practice. Prasad also defended the promulgation of an ordinance to this effect in September this year. He said the bill was in Rajya Sabha and so the government wanted to address an urgent issue. The ordinance, he added, helped reduce the number of such instant divorces. The original bill, introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha on December 28, 2017, made instant divorce a non-bailable offence; the government amended the bill to make it bailable after confronting criticism and political protests. Another amendment is that only the affected woman or her blood relative can file a police complaint against the husband. The earlier bill allowed anyone to lodge a complaint. The amended legislation also makes the offence compoundable by a magistrate after hearing the wife. Also Read: About womens rights, justice, Prasad says as Lok Sabha debates triple talaq bill Several speakers referred to the famous Shah Bano case of 1986 in which she won the right to get alimony from her divorced husband, but the then Congress government brought about a bill to reverse the Supreme Courts order so as to appease the Muslim community. Many also referred to Shayara Banu, the first Muslim woman who sought a ban on instant divorce. Minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Lekhi slammed the Congress for its governments stand in 1986 and added that the party lost a historic chance back then. Prasad, Naqvi and other ruling party members emphasised that the bill was not against any community but only about gender rights and justice. Dont weigh the bill on the scales of politics. The bill is about humanity and justice, Prasad said, introducing the bill on Thursday afternoon. Naqvi added that this issue is not related to Islam but related to social customs. He also spoke about how social evils like sati (burning a widow) or child marriage have been abolished through law. Those who spoke in favour of the bill rattled off a long list of Islamic countries such Sudan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Syria, Malaysia, Cyprus, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates that have banned instant Triple Talaq. BJP chief Amit Shah demanded an apology from the Congress for decades of injustice and hailed the bill as a historic step to ensure equality, dignity of Muslim women. You May Also Like: Triple Talaq bill not against any religion, says Prasad as debate begins in Lok Sabha Congress lawmaker Sushmita Dev alleged that Prasad, despite being a lawyer, has misread the top court verdict. What are you giving Muslim women in the name of empowerment? Nothing but a criminal case. This law is not about empowering Muslim women but penalising Muslim men. Let this bill go to stakeholders, listen to the voice of the people. We have no right to play messiah, she said. While the government managed to win support from allies such as the Shiv Sena and the Akali Dal, the NDAs prominent supporter, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Tamil Nadus ruling party, opposed the bill. The Dravidian partys senior MP Anwhar Raajhaa maintained that the proposed act is against the provisions of sharia law . BJP ally Shiv Sena took the opportunity to demand a Uniform Civil Code and the scrapping of Article 370 that gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Mohammed Salim of the CPI(M) said if the government was serious about empowerment of Muslim women, it should first talk about communal violence and stop profiling the community. The NCPs Supriya Sule questioned the need for an ordinance, Why did you use the ordinance route if it was only for social justice and not a political issue, she asked. Congress MP Sunil Jakhar said: The flawed triple talaq bill is pushed in the name of womens empowerment. BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab thanked the government for accepting some of his earlier demands in the bill but opposed the penal provision. We want a provision of fine, not jail, he told the House. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met finance minister Arun Jaitley, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah and farm minister Radha Mohan Singh late on Wednesday night to discuss possible sops for farmers ahead of the 2019 general election -- a clear indication the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is well on course to responding to a politically challenging agrarian crisis in the country. The two-hour-long discussions between the PM and his top ministerial colleagues, in presence of the BJP chief, set off, on Thursday, a series of inter-departmental meetings at the prime ministers office, the finance ministry, the agriculture ministry and Niti Aayog, the governments policy think-tank, a government official said, asking not to be identified. The meeting between the prime minister and his colleagues was preceded by ministerial-level meetings on possible farm solutions over the past week. A person familiar with the matter said that any solution will have to be economically viable and politically appealing, but refused to elaborate. The agrarian crisis, primarily the result of a glut in farm production and a consequent decline in the prices of key commodities, is expected to figure prominently in the general election campaign next year. In the recent round of state assembly elections, the opposition Congress wrested back the key heartland states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan by promising farm loan waivers within 10 days of coming to power there. Also read: Fake promises, tokenism: PMs sharp attack at Congress on loan waiver pitch The government has four broad proposals on the table, all of which will be evaluated in further follow-up meetings. One, the government hasnt completely ruled out a loan waiver, a second government official said on condition of anonymity, but it is generally disinclined to opt for a national farm loan write-off of the sort being demanded by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. One reason is that many states have already announced multiple farm loan waivers. Secondly, the governments fiscal space is anyway tight. In that case, the government will come up with a solution that is better and more attractive than a loan waiver, this official added. Two, the government is weighing its options for a national-level direct income support scheme for all land-owning farmers, similar to one that is already being implemented by Telangana. Jharkhand on December 21 also announced a similar scheme, the first BJP-ruled state to do so. Quite simply, an income support scheme involves giving all farmers a free cash transfer ahead of the sowing season. The Telangana government offers every land-owning farmer 4,000 per acre, with total spending of 12,000 crore spread over the kharif and rabi seasons, the two sowing cycles common across India. Also read: Farmers finding it difficult to recover their cost of production Jharkhand announced 5,000 per acre for all farmers ahead of kharif sowing, which will cost the state 2,250 crore. On December 22, the Odisha government announced a 10,000 crore scheme for development of the farm sector. The third proposal being considered is to offer crop insurance at a flat premium of 1, while the fourth is to offer 2,000 per acre to all farmers post-harvest to make up for losses incurred on account of crops selling below minimum support prices. We have about 140 million hectares of net sown area and about 195 million hectares of double-cropped area. For direct income support, assistance may have to be given considering double cropping on the entire land. Considering double cropping (rabi and kharif seasons), the total area comes to 280 million hectares. So, a direct income support, by this estimate, should cost the government at least 2.8 lakh crore, said Siraj Hussain, former Union agriculture secretary and a fellow at the think tank ICRIER. Also read: Why the farmer suicide debate is counter-productive to understanding Indias agrarian crisis? Direct income or investment support on the lines of Telanganas Rythu Bandhu scheme is certainly a better model than physical procurement of agricultural produce or price deficiency payment, Hussain added. However, the current Telengana model of direct investment support may not be a foolproof solution as it cannot fully compensate for price crash of the kind we have seen after demonetisation. Therefore, freeing up of agriculture markets and investment in food processing are also of primary importance, he said. A fall in oil prices has offered hope to the government in meeting its fiscal deficit commitments, a third government official said on condition of anonymity. Moreover, the government is looking at an increase in its income (revenue receipts) from unutilised portion of the compensation cess that it must pay to states after the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. Finally, a committee led by former Reserve Bank of India governor Bimal Jalan is set to decide how much money the central bank needs to maintain as reserves, which means the rest can flow to the government, this person added. Also read: After farm loan waivers, fund crunch for Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh There is unlikely to be any major initiative on relations with Pakistan until Indias election process is completed in 2019 as cross-border terrorism continues to be a key concern for New Delhi, people familiar with developments said on Thursday. There is also no Track II process currently underway with Pakistan and the move by the two countries in November to open a corridor for Indian pilgrims to visit Kartarpur gurdwara in Pakistan was an initiative linked more to culture and faith, the people said. India and Pakistan conducted separate ceremonies last month to begin work on the corridor, which is expected to be completed in time for the celebration of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, in November 2019. The Kartarpur corridor is an important development but it is not a diplomatic initiative, the people said. It is not a political or diplomatic issue that will lead to Indian opening a dialogue on larger issues, they added. There has been no reduction in cross-border terrorism on the border in Kashmir, a key issue that led to India calling off a planned meeting of the foreign ministers of the two countries in September, the people said. Following Pakistans general election in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had reached to Imran Khan even before he had been elected the premier, they said. Modi telephoned Khan and wrote a letter to him, they added. When Khan wrote back offering to hold a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, the Pakistani reply was taken at face value despite reservations that there had been no change in Pakistans fundamental policy, shelling was continuing on the Line of Control and the investigation into the 2008 Mumbai attacks had stalled, they said. After three policemen were killed soon after India agreed to the meeting in New York, the general sense in the government was that there is really no effort or no ability of the new civilian leadership in Pakistan to actually control the situation, which was being managed from somewhere else, a person said. In a separate development, a Pakistan high commission official was summoned to the external affairs ministry on Thursday and a strong protest lodged over cross-LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of civilians and security forces on December 21 and 26, leading to loss of lives on the Indian side. Our grave concern was conveyed at Pakistans continued support to cross-border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces, a statement from the ministry said. Despite repeated calls for adherence to the 2003 ceasefire, Pakistani forces carried out more than 1,962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians died. Meanwhile, Pakistan has described the Kartarpur corridor as the high point of diplomacy for the Imran Khan government while admitting that there was no progress on contentious issues with India. In his weekly briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said Prime Minister Khan in a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in September gave a detailed road map to move forward but New Delhi failed to reciprocate. Faisal said that the Kartarpur corridor was the high point of diplomacy for Pakistans new government, along with Afghan (peace) developments. To a question about Indias role in the Afghan peace process, Faisal said, India has no role in this. Efforts to restore peace with India were made by reopening the Kartarpur Corridor, said Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal, hinting that Indian officials visiting Pakistan for the ceremony was a sign of improved relations. Faisal said, however, there was no progress on contentious issues with India and the Kartarpur corridor was the only positive development. Five senior citizens died in a major fire that broke out in a 15-storey residential building located at Tilak Nagar in north east Mumbai on Thursday evening. This is the fourth major fire incident that took place in Mumbai in the past four days. According to fire brigade officials, the fire started around 7.50 pm on the 11th floor of Sargam Society, a residential high-rise. The fire soon spread to the tenth floor. While most residents vacated the building, a few of them were stuck on 13th and 14th floors. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The fire fighters found four residents on 11th floor who were then rushed to the hospital where three were declared brought dead. The deceased, Sunita Joshi (72), Bhalchandra Joshi (72) and Suman Shrinivas Joshi (83), were from the same family. Fourth resident, Shrinvas Joshi (86), was admitted to hospital. Another senior citizen, Lakshmiben Premji Gangar, (83) also died in the fire. A fireman also suffered injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Dr Vidya Thakur, medical superintendent, Rajawadi Hospital, said four patients were brought to the hospital of which three were pronounced dead on arrival. All three casualties seem to have caused due to smoke inhalation since there are no visible burn injuries. The 86-year-old patient who has survived the incident is in a state of shock. He hasnt suffered any burn injuries or internal complications due to smoke inhalation, said Thakur. Five fire engines and four water tankers were rushed to the spot. Since the power supply was cut-off, the fire-fighters had to climb ten floors in order to tackle the blaze. The fire was extinguished in two hours and the situation was brought under control. This is the fourth incident of major fire in Mumbai reported in the past four days. Two fires were reported on Sunday. A level 3 fire broke out at the basement of ground plus seven New Beauty Center at Khar around 10 am wherein no casualties were reported. Following this, around 4 pm, another fire broke out at a cloth factory of Kandivalis Damu Nagar where four people were killed after a structure of the cloth factory collapsed due to the fire. The incident took place just two days before first anniversary of the Kamala Mills fire last year in which 14 people had died. Head warden of Pratapgarh district jail Hari Narayan Trivedi was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne miscreants near jail premises in Pratapgarh on Thursday. Trivedi, 55, was a resident of Pure Ahiya area in Nigoha locality of Lucknow and had returned to duty on Thursday after two days leave, said the police. He had come out of the jail premises at around 3.15 pm to buy some vegetables from a roadside cart when the incident took place. As per initial investigations, the miscreants were waiting for the victim. The pillion rider was armed with two handguns. He fired three times from close range hitting the victim on the chest. Locals rushed the victim to the district hospital in a car where he was declared brought dead. As soon as the news reached the police, ASP Avneesh Mishra along with police force besides SWAT members of the district police reached the site. Police recovered fired shell of a bullet from the site. Pratapgarh superintendent of police S Anand said investigations had begun and efforts to identity and nab the killers were on. He said CCTV footages of cameras were being scrutinised. AIUDF chief and Member of Parliament Maulana Badruddin Ajmal on Wednesday threatened to smash the head of a journalist, who asked him about the prospects of an alliance in the coming Lok Sabha polls in the state. Ajmal, who represents Dhubri Lok Sabha seat in Assam, allegedly tried to hit the journalist too, while his supporters forced the scribe to tender apologies publicly. During a press interaction after a function where he felicitated the panchayat election winners of South Salmara district, the journalist asked AIUDF chief if he would ally with the Congress or the BJP in the future. In response, Ajmal hurled abuse at the journalist: You all are the same who just want to target me. Go dogs. For how much money have you been bought by the BJP? Go, even your father is on sale there. Get out of here or I will smash your head. Go file case against me. I have thousands of men employed to fight for me. Snapping back at the journalist with a counter-question, the AIUDF chief said, How much of money will you give? Is this a reporting? Journalists like you defame the entire community. The journalist is believed to have filed a complaint with the police against the lawmaker. However, AIUDF chief informed the media that his party was looking forward to Mahagathbandhan, which is going to take place in New Delhi. We are looking forward to the formula being worked out under Mahagathbandhan in New Delhi, said Ajmal. The Bajrang Dal on Thursday said it would protest against New Years celebrations in the tech capital of the country, calling the celebrations immoral and contrary to religious tenets. Suryanarayan, the state convener of the Bajrang Dal, said: New Years celebration is a nonsensical celebration. It has no morality, or spirituality. These celebrations are a means for Indias youth to go down the wrong path. He alleged that the liquor mafia was targeting Hindu women by offering free entry to pubs, and the drugs mafia was also attempting to take advantage of the celebrations, which was the reason the outfit condemned the celebrations. Celebrations are held on many roads in Bengaluru. Hence, in a peaceful and lawful manner, with the permission of the police, we would like to protest against this, he said. Suryanarayan also called for a ban on sale of alcohol and on hookah bars on New Years Eve for these reasons. Bengaluru police commissioner T Suneel Kumar, however, said that no person or group would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. If there is anything (untoward), they have to inform us and we will take action, he said. Briefing the press on the arrangements for the celebrations, Kumar said 10,000 constables and head constables, 430 sub-inspectors, 220 inspectors, and other police officials would be deployed. Additionally, 1,500 home guards, and 1,000 civil defence personnel would also be pressed into service during the celebrations, apart from drones on Brigade Road and MG Road, where a large number of people gather every year for the celebrations. The Bengaluru police have also asked Uber, Ola and Meru cab drivers to be vigilant on the night and provide proper service to customers. Auto drivers, too, have been given similar instructions. On a visit to Himachal Pradesh to mark one year of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule in the hill state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of deceiving farmers with the promise of loan waivers and vowed to pursue a crackdown on corruption. Modi did not name the Congress for most part of his hour-long speech at a rally in Dharamshala to mark the completion of chief minister Jai Ram Thakurs first year, but left no one in doubt about the target he had in mind. He cautioned farmers against accepting false promises about loan waivers and said political parties should not make promises that they could not keep. Only those promises should be made which can be fulfilled honestly and not just to win elections, Modi said. The Congress made agrarian distress one of the main themes of its campaign in the heartland states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which it wrested from BJP in the recent round of assembly elections. It promised loan waivers within 10 days of forming government in all three states, and newly sworn-in Congress governments have followed up on the pledge. Modi said the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, which had come up with a loan waiver plan before the 2009 elections, had finally taken care of less than 10% of the Rs 6 lakh crore in outstanding agricultural loans. It had cost the government Rs 52,000 crore and most of it did not reach farmers who really needed the money. Similar promises were also made during Punjab elections, but farmers have not got a single penny, he said, adding that nothing significant had happened in Karnataka either. Modis vow to pursue his fight against corruption came against the backdrop of charges by the Congress and other opposition parties of financial irregularities in the deal to purchase 36 French-made Rafale aircraft. Chowkidaar hi chor hai (the watchman is the thief) was one of the slogans that the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi used repeatedly to target Modi on the campaign trail. At Thursdays rally, Modi said: They are scared of the watchman. They are losing sleep that the watchman is not ready to sleep... is not ready spare them... This is the problem. With your blessings, we will overcome these problems too and move forward. The Indian government doesnt recognise Ugyen Trinley Dorje as the 17th Karmapa Lama though he is free to return to the country at any time as authorities are ready to grant him a visa, people familiar with developments said on Thursday. Dorje, who fled from Tibet to India in January 2000, left the country in May 2017 and travelled to Europe and then the US using his Identity Certificate, a document given by the Indian government to stateless citizens from the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. Since then, Dorje has set several dates for his return to India but has not made any effort to come back. Sources close to Dorje have claimed he was upset with what they said were restrictions imposed on his movements by Indian authorities. The people cited above said the Indian government doesnt recognise Dorje as the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu sub-school of Tibetan Buddhism, as there were other contenders for the position. Dorje, who had come to India and was living here of his own volition, had obtained a passport from the Commonwealth of Dominica, a former British crown colony in the West Indies, but had not shared this information with the Indian government, the people cited above said. He didnt need to share this information but ought to have done so in good faith as he was a guest of India, a person said. It had been conveyed to Dorje several months ago that India is prepared to give him a visa on his foreign passport but motivated sources were putting out a story that he wasnt being given a visa, the person added. Dorjes Identity Certificate had automatically become invalid when he acquired a foreign passport and it is the sovereign right of the Indian government to decide the on duration and status of a visa for any foreigner, the people said. He had indicated to the media several times that he wished to come to India but he hadnt approached any Indian mission for a visa, the people said. Explicit instructions had issued to the missions to grant the visa, they added. Dorjes failure to return has sparked speculation and concern among Tibetan Buddhists, especially as he has been recognised by the Dalai Lama. A 33-year-old Indian-origin police officer in the US state of California has been killed after being shot by an armed unidentified gunman while he was conducting a traffic stop. Corporal Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop when he was working overtime on Christmas night to provide the best for his family. A few moments later he called out shots fired over the radio, the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department said in a statement, which is leading the investigation. Multiple agencies responded to assist, and Singh was found at the scene with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, the department said. It said the suspect had fled the scene in his vehicle before the police arrived. The department is leading the investigation and have released surveillance photographs of the suspect and vehicle, asking for any information on the identity of the suspect. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) described him as Hispanic. Suspect is considered armed and dangerous and may be in possession of a firearm, the CHP said. Sending our condolences to the men and women in blue of the Newman Police Department in California and to the family of Officer Ronil Singh, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop early this morning. Officer Singh died as he lived a hero. We will #NeverForget. pic.twitter.com/eBjIfBB5Zt Chief Terence Monahan (@NYPDChiefofDept) December 27, 2018 Singh was a more than 7-year veteran of the Newman Police Department and was assigned as a canine officer. Prior to joining the Newman Police Department, he served with the Merced County Sheriffs Department. Corporal Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and 5-month-old son. A report in KCRA3 news said that Singh was a native of Fiji and had immigrated to America. It quoted Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department spokesman Raj Singh as saying that he knew the slain officer. Also read: 3 Indian siblings, on Christmas celebration visit, die in US home fire He was living the American Dream. He immigrated here from the Fiji Islands, just like my parents did, and was definitely enjoying the American Dream, Deputy Raj Singh said. Officer Ronil Singh joined the Newman police department in 2011, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriffs office. Singh is seen here with his k9. My heart goes out to his loved ones during this tragic time. (Picture courtesy of the sheriffs department) pic.twitter.com/h4jZFoA3MC Kay Recede FOX40 (@KayRecede) December 26, 2018 Tributes and condolence messages for Singh poured from police departments and officials across the country. California Governor Edmund Brown extended his condolences to Singhs wife, their young son and colleagues. Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California, Brown said. In honour of Singh, Capitol flags in California will be flown at half-staff, the Governors office said. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner James P ONeill tweeted that the entire New York Police Department is thinking of the family, friends and colleagues of Corporal Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department (CA), who was murdered early this morning while conducting a traffic stop just hours after taking Christmas photos with his wife and son. #NeverForget. The New York Police Department, in a separate tweet, said after years of service with the Newman Police Department, Singh was shot & killed while conducting a traffic stop shortly after Christmas day. We mourn the loss of this hero and send our condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues. The Indian Officers Society at the NYPD expressed sadness at Singhs death, tweeting that Singh was killed in the line of duty and recalled his service to the community. Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said the Newman Police family is devastated by Singhs death. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The leader of Apna Dal (Sonelal), a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Anupriya Patel has reiterated her partys stance that the saffron outfit was ignoring the smaller ally. The national president of Apna Dal(S) Ashish Patel had said on Tuesday that small parties should be respected and given due importance by their bigger allies. Click here for Parliament winter session LIVE updates We want an NDA government at the centre in 2019 once more under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But the BJP will have to take better care of its allies in Uttar Pradesh. It should learn from its defeats in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh lest it goes the same way in Uttar Pradesh, he had said. He had also cautioned the BJP that a tie-up between the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh would pose a challenge to it in the Lok Sabha election next year. Read more: Day after Apna Dal asks NDA to respect allies, Anupriya skips Yogi Adityanaths event My party president has already expressed the partys view and I stand by it, Anupriya, who is the Union minister of state for health, said on Thursday. Anupriya had skipped a programme of chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Deoria on Wednesday, a day after Ashish made the comments against the BJP. Before that, Ashish said his party was not happy with the behaviour of the BJP-led state government with Anupriya, also his wife. The Apna Dal(S) chief claimed that she was not given adequate importance and not even invited for inaugurations of medical colleges. The Apna Dal expressed its dissatisfaction days after Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RSLP) chief Upendra Kushwaha walked out of the NDA. He was upset with the BJP after it asserted that the RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Apna Dal(S) had contested two seats, Mirzapur and Pratapgarh, and won both. While Anupriya won from Mirzapur, Harivansh Singh bagged Pratapgarh. Apna Dal(S) also has nine MLAs in the state assembly. Read more: Amid ally trouble, BJP says it is getting new ones ahead of 2019 polls Ashish had also said Anupriya had been invited for Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally scheduled in Ghazipur on December 29 but she would not attend it. He said unless the central leadership of the BJP finds a solution to the problem, his party would not cooperate with it in any way. BJP president Amit Shah should intervene in the matter and resolve it, he said. He alleged that BJP legislators and leaders from Varanasi had been boycotting Apna Dal programmes in Mirzapur for the last six months. However, BJP legislator from Mirzapur Ratnakar Mishra refuted the allegations and said the BJP had not boycotted any event of Anupriya Patel. Apna Dal (S) is our ally and we attend the events organised by the party, he claimed. The Lok Sabha began debate on the the revised bill on Thursday to make the Muslim practice of instant triple talaq illegal and a punitive offence amid a reservation by opposition parties against the proposed law . Introducing the bill Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was not against any community or religion. This bill is not against any community, religion or belief. This bill is for the rights of women and about justice , the minsiter said. Prasad added that 20 Islamic nations had banned the practice of instant triple divorce and asked why a secular nation like India could not do it . I request that this should not be looked through the prism of politics, he said. (Click here for live updates on debate on triple talaq bill) Earlier, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said his party was willing to participate in a debate on the issue but demanded that the bill be sent to a select committee, an idea which was also backed by the Trinamool Congress. Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, which seeks to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among a section of Muslims, provides for a three-year jail term for those found guilty of following the practice. The politically sensitive bill, which was tabled last week, would supersede an earlier bill that the government had managed to get passed in the Lok Sabha in December last year. The previous bill sought to make instant divorce a punishable, cognisable and a non-bailable offence. Watch: Interference in religious matters violates the Constitution, says Mallikarjun Kharge The government was forced to issue an ordinance or executive order to criminalise the practice in September 2018 after failing to have the earlier bill passed in the Rajya Sabha. The revised bill includes bail provisions as part of attempts to soften some aspects of the proposed law. The Supreme Court had banned the instant divorce, calling the practice unconstitutional in August 2017. Opposition Congress leader Shashi Tharoor last week opposed the fresh bill saying it has no procedural safeguards to prevent its misuse. He said the bill conflates civil law with criminal law by criminalising a wrong form of divorce and by criminalising an act which is already legally null and void. Tharoor called the proposed law an attempt in creating a class-specific legislation on the grounds of religion, instead of focusing on the larger issue of mistreatment and desertion of wives and dependents. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members asking them to be present on Thursday when Parliaments winter session will resume. The whip followed Union minister Narendra Singh Tomars announcement that the central government would push the triple talaq bill. The whip indicated the governments intent to pass the bill even as many Opposition parties have serious reservations about it. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which is the apex body of Muslims on religious issues, regards the bill as interference in shariat laws and maintains that it is also against the interests of women and children. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu met a delegation of the bodys members on Monday and assured them all support in their fight against the proposed bill. The delegation accused the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to get political mileage by changing the Muslim marriage system which has been in practice for the past 1400 years. They said a majority of political parties are opposing the bill. They said that the bill is a violation of human rights and is also against the principles of the Constitution. A sustained focus on other backward classes (OBCs), improved booth-level management and transparent ticket distribution are some of the key reasons the Congress has identified as contributing to its electoral victory in Chhattisgarh, a party functionary familiar with the assessment said. The Congress won the elections held in Chhattisgarh in November and returned to power with 68 seats in the 90-member state assembly after a gap of 15 years. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win just 15 seats, while alliance partners, former Congress leader Ajit Jogis Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won seven seats together. A group of Congress leaders involved in the election process in Chhattisgarh have prepared a report on the partys success formula, which is likely to be replicated in other states. In the report, which HT has accessed, the leaders said the party implemented the idea of the booth and sector-level in-charges across the state for the first time. Read: Bhupesh Baghel, the man who helped Congress rise like a Phoenix from the ashes in Chhattisgarh This organisational dynamism from booth to state level helped the party in effective election management at different levels, said the report. It added these trained in-charges effectively countered those of the BJP. The Congress focussed on breaking the BJPs hold over the OBC communities. Bhupesh Baghel, an OBC politician from the Kurmi caste, was appointed as the state chief while Tamradhwaj Sahu was inducted into the partys highest decision-making body, the Congress Working Committee, as part of the strategy. Likewise, All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Chandan Yadav was made the partys Chhattisgarh in-charge. Sahus, Kurmis, and Yadavs account for 70% of the states farming population. These leaders campaigned extensively. After Jogi parted ways with the party, the Congress kept its focus on non-Satnami voters. Jogi enjoys considerable influence over the Satnami scheduled caste community. His alliance with the BSP made it tough for the Congress to woo the Dalits, who along with tribals account for 42% of the states population. The Satnamis and tribals shifted allegiance to the JCC-BSP alliance in these elections. The damage was to a certain extent minimised as the Congress named PL Punia, a Dalit, as in-charge of Chhattisgarh and Arun Oraon, a tribal, as AICC secretary. The manifesto, prepared after consultations with over 150,000 people, too, has been credited for the partys victory along with tickets distribution as per a newly-introduced system, under which Congress workers get a say in candidate selection. Even as criticism mounted of the Meghalaya state governments inability to rescue 15 miners trapped in the flooded rat-hole Ksan coal mines in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13, an assessment team from Kirloskar Pumps (KBL) in Kolkata arrived at the remote site of the accident on Thursday evening at the behest of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, whose party is in the opposition in Meghalaya. It is when I started getting calls from my party colleagues that no meaningful action had been taken for two weeks that I used my personal connection to (industrialist) Sanjay Kirloskar who is a good friend and has been helpful in the Kerala floods and the Thailand cave rescue, Tharoor said in an e-mail. Rescue operations at the remote site in Meghalaya have been marked by tardiness during the festive season. Divers could not go inside the pit as the crane operator did not turn up because of Christmas, Santosh Singh, who is supervising the operations of the 71-personnel strong National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescue team said on Thursday. The pumping stopped on Monday as the available pumps were ineffective and stronger ones were needed. A request for 10 pumps of 100 HP , survey teams to detect seepage and other assistance from state-owned Coal India was made by district administration in a letter to the state government on December 20, but the corporation received the communication for assistance from Shillong only on December 26. JK Borah, general manager, North Eastern Coalfields said seven pumps have been mobilised by Coal India. According to officials, moving the other equipment to the site of the accident will take another three to four days. A Coal India team arrived in Shillong on Thursday and will visit the site on Friday for assessment. Earlier, rescue teams at the site said that a foul smell emanating from the water on Wednesday reported by one of the divers was in all likelihood because of stagnation when the operation was suspended on Christmas Day. It has been fourteen days now. The chances of the trapped miners surviving are very slim, acting Additional district magistrate SS Syiemlieh said. Tharoor dismissed suggestions that given the bleak chances of finding the miners alive, the accident was becoming a theater for political one-upmanship. I am mystified by any allegations of political posturing since the only intention is to save lives, Tharoor said. One still clings to hope because of the precedent of Chilean floods when miners survived almost a month without food. (With inputs from David Laitphlang in Shillong). As 15 miners remain trapped in the rat-hole Ksan coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13, a diver of the National Disaster Response Force team reported a foul smell on Wednesday, NDRF officials said. Foul smell could be a result of the fact that pumping has stopped since Monday and water is stagnating, said Santosh Singh, who is supervising the operations of the 71-personnel strong NDRF team which is on the spot. A team of three divers had gone inside the 320-350 feet deep main pit of the coal mine on Wednesday. A source said one of the three reported the foul smell. Since Monday divers had also not gone inside the pit as the crane operator had not turned up because of Christmas, Santosh said. The pumping out of water was stopped on Monday as the available pumps were ineffective and the rescuers needed stronger pumps. A request for these was sent to state-owned Coal India on December 22 but they received the communication only on December 26. Coal India received the state governments request for powerful pumps, pipes and other assistance and is in the process of preparing for the operation, according to officials Moving pumps to the accident site will take another 3 to 4 days, according to officials. Watch: Rescue operations underway for 15 miners trapped in flooded Meghalaya mine JK Borah, General Manager North Eastern Coalfields said, They are big pumps and are being mobilized from Asansol, Dhanbad, Nagpur, Bilaspur and will come by road. They will take three to four days to get to the spot, he said. Santosh said the NDRF team is just able to get to 30 feet of the 70 feet water in the pit and it was important to dewater the mine for the NDRF to be able to get to the bottom. The 15 miners are said to be trapped in a rat hole, a horizontal lateral tunnel at the bottom of the main pit after it got flooded. The NDRF, according to a source, has requested the district administration to arrange for a sterilized container so that a water sample from the pit could be sent for a test to ascertain contamination. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is confident the poll calculations that helped the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the past will be of no use to them anymore. There has been a sea change, he said, in the peoples perception against both the state and the central dispensation, which will work for the mahagathbandhan or the grand alliance in the state. The mahagathbandhan is a coalition of political parties in Bihar including his Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, Jitan Ram Majhis Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S), Sharad Yadavs Loktantrik Janata Dal, Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist). If the NDA could get euphoric on vote share in the 2009 or 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it is their choice. We can also count on 1990s. But arithmetic does not always work, chemistry certainly does in a democracy. People have been fed up with the central and state policies and the impact will spoil all their arithmetic, he said while speaking to the Hindustan Times. Tejashwi, the younger son of Lalu Prasad, talked more numbers to buttress his point. In 2014, despite the so-called Modi wave, RJD lost eight to ten seats by a margin of fewer than 40,000 votes. At that time, JD(U) contested alone and may have cornered some minority votes, but that will be sheer wishful thinking now. The Scheduled Caste and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) are also disenchanted, as are the forward classes, he said. Tejashwi said the decision of Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal(United) to join the BJP was a good omen for the grand alliance as a lot of water had flown down the Ganga in the last five years. The JD(U) had contested 2014 Lok Sabha polls alone ending its 17-year-old alliance with the NDA over the nomination of Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate. Following its poor performance, it forged the mahagathbandhan with the RJD and the Congress and the alliance achieved a handsome victory in the Bihar assembly polls in 2015. Kumar walked out of the alliance last year following corruption allegations against Tejashwi, his then deputy, and then stitched a new alliance with the BJP. Since then, the JD(U) has exited the alliance and is now part of the BJP-led NDA. We are happy JD(U) is with the BJP. Had it joined GA, it would have asked for as many seats. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the JD(U) performed miserably in 135 assembly segments, but in 2015 assembly polls we still gave it 100 seats only to see the mandate being stolen by a smaller party in connivance with the BJP. People have not forgotten this, he added. He said that the BJPs climb down to give JD(U) 17 seats meant it would sacrifice its five sitting members of Parliament, which in turn reflected the shaken confidence and an early realisation that there would be no Modi wave this time. What will the sitting MPs do? Just keep watching, he said. The leader of opposition in Bihar assembly said issues like the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, faulty sand mining policy, home delivery of liquor despite prohibition and that of the farmers and youth are enough to upset all calculations of the ruling dispensation. People will ask about the special status and special package? The double-engine will have to answer them. Calculations on paper dont matter. I am talking about the sentiments on the ground. Imagine a prominent businessman gets killed and he asks me if he should leave the state, he said. Tejashwi also took a jibe on a remark by the leaders of the NDA that the RJDs legacy of jungle raj would work in their favour. If that was the case, what prompted JD(U) to join hands with the RJD in the 2015 assembly polls. During the RJD regime, there was propaganda about jungle raj in the media to build perception against Lalu Prasad, he said referring to his father. Today, the reality is worse, which reflects through crime data, but it is being played down. The general perception in the society is that law and order has got worse. The Supreme Court is scolding the government like never before, he said. Minors got raped in government-funded shelter homes. Businessmen and political leaders are getting killed and if there is still good governance in the governments eye, it is their way of looking at it. Ask the people to get the answer. Strong RJD will help Cong Tejashwi ruled out that there was any problem in the seat-sharing arrangement within the grand alliance due to the number of claimants and growing ambition of the smaller parties. In seat allocation, there will be only one yardstick winnability. GA has to strive for winning maximum seats. Individual aspirations will not matter much, he said. Every seat will count and go to a candidate with the potential of winning to save the country and the Constitution. Wherever one is strong will get weightage, he said adding GA was an inclusive alliance of like-minded parties and was open to more progressive people coming to its fold. On the demand of some Congress leaders that they would like a respectable share of seats in the state, Tejashwi said mutual respect was the cornerstone of the alliance and that also required mutual understanding. It is not an issue. If the RJD does well and gets more seats, everyone knows whose claim to the Prime Minister post will strengthen. Therefore, our focus is only on winnability and we will work hard together to stop the NDA, he said. He said that seat-sharing talks would gather momentum in January and would be amicably resolved. The candidate with the highest potential will fight in each constituency. Some big names are also approaching us. People are fed up with false promises. They dont want to be taken for a ride yet again, he added. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has asked his partys spokespersons to focus on the peoples issues and to avoid falling into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s trap of establishing a religious-themed political narrative in the run-up to the 2019 assembly elections. He issued the directions at a meeting with the Congresss talking heads at his residence in Delhi on Thursday. The meeting was called to discuss the partys media strategy for the 2019 polls. A Congress spokesperson, who attended the meeting and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Gandhi identified issues like agrarian distress, jobs, price rise, womens safety and corruption in the context of Rafale jet fighter deal and bank scams as the people-centric issues they need to stay focused on. The Congress, which will celebrated its 134th foundation day on Friday, is also including fresh faces in its team of spokespersons and media panelists as part of its election preparedness. The Congresss chief spokesman, Randeep Singh Surjewala, attended the meeting along with Ragini Nayak, Pawan Khera, Jaiveer Shergill, Rajiv Tyagi, Akhilesh Pratap Singh, and Gourav Vallabh. Gandhi asked them not to get derailed by the BJPs politics of religion. He [Gandhi] told us to focus on the BJP governments report card and how Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not talk about the real issues like jobs, farmers and corruption, said another spokesperson, who attended the meeting. Gandhi said the party should fight the 2019 elections solely on the people-centric issues and not fall into the BJPs trap and divert attention from the failures of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government. Gandhi cited the positive and credible narrative that the party had focused on in the assembly elections held in five states in November and December. Congress wrested power from the BJP in there of the five states Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. Gandhi is also expected to make other organisational changes. He will have to find the replacement for Ashok Gehlot, who was general secretary in-charge of organisation and training before taking over as Rajasthan chief minister this month. Haryana has been without an in-charge since April when general secretary Kamal Nath was appointed as the Madhya Pradesh Congress chief. Gandhi will have to name new party heads in Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh to replace Nath and Bhupesh Baghel, who took over as chief ministers of the two states this month. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken has requested Gandhi to relieve him of his organisational responsibilities on medical grounds. BJP declined to comment. A 24-year-old pregnant woman contracted HIV allegedly after being transfused contaminated blood supplied by a blood bank which failed to conduct proper screening for the virus, prompting the Tamil Nadu government to order examination of stocks in the states blood banks. The services of three lab technicians of the blood bank attached to a government hospital at Sattur, near here, have been terminated,Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said Wednesday. Terming the incident as disheartening and shocking, he said such a thing has never happened in the state so far. The minister said a thorough probe into the incident was on and promised stringent action against those found guilty. The woman and her husband lodged a police complaint on Wednesday seeking action against the doctors, nurses and employees of the blood bank. Police said an FIR has been registered against doctors and nurses involved in the transfusion of blood besides blood bank workers for medical negligence under relevant IPC sections but did not elaborate. The state government said it was making all efforts to prevent the impact of the virus on the woman, and stocks in all blood banks would be reviewed to ensure that such incidents did not recur. Joint Director of Health Services, Virudhunagar, R Manoharan told PTI the woman, who was eight months pregnant with her second child, had gone for a check-up at a private clinic in Sattur where doctors advised her to have a blood transfusion citing haemoglobin deficiency. Subsequently, she underwent blood transfusion at the Sattur government hospital and the blood was brought from the blood bank. It later emerged that the donor was HIV positive, the official said, adding the recipients blood was also tested, which confirmed that she too had got infected by the virus. Police said the 19-year-old donor, on coming to know about the incident, allegedly attempted to commit suicide by consuming poison. He has been admitted to a hospital. They said he was employed at a local fireworks unit in Sivakasi. He had donated blood for a girl, his relative, who was seriously ill. However, the blood-group did not match and it was kept in the blood bank. Subsequently, when he had gone for a health check at Madurai for an overseas job,he tested HIV positive, officials said. He apprehended that he might be questioned by police for no fault of his and attempted suicide, they said. Preliminary inquiry revealed that the blood bank staff had failed to screen the blood properly before supplying it to the private hospital. The personnel who tested the donors blood had labelled it safe, officials said. A detailed medical treatment is also underway for the woman to ensure the virus does not affect her foetus, the minister said, adding, the government is also giving all livelihood assistance to the family. Lakhs of people were provided with blood component annually including in the form of blood and there have been no complaints (of such nature) so far and this is the first time which is shocking, he told reporters in Chennai. Talking to reporters, the womans husband held the state government responsible for the incident and demanded that it provide the best treatment to her. He said he does not want any job from the government but only the best treatment for his wife. Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan visited the district and spoke to the woman. If the woman wanted to get treated in a private hospital, she would be provided all help, he said. Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said the district collector had expressed regret to the family through the revenue divisional officer. DMK president M K Stalin lashed out at the ruling AIADMK over the incident, saying it showed how state-run hospitals function under this corrupt government. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) The prime accused in the attack on Meghalaya rights activist Agnes Kharshiing and her aide, has surrendered before the police in East Jaintia Hills district, a police officer said Thursday. Nidamon Chullet, who is a leader of the ruling National Peoples Party in East Jaintia Hills district and the prime accused in the assault of the two women, surrendered before the Superintendent of Police, Sylvester Nongtynger on Wednesday, the SP said. Another accused, identified as Cheerful K Ryngkhlem, also surrendered before the SP on the same day, Nongtynger said. Earlier, the police had arrested six persons in connection with the attack. The RTI activist had suffered injuries after she was allegedly assaulted by a group of people suspected to be belonging to the coal mining mafia in East Jaintia Hills district on November 8. Kharshiing and her aide Amita Sangma had gone to the area to capture photographs of illegal coal mining and were stopped by the miscreants on their way back. The 58-year-old activist was intercepted and accosted near Tuber Sohshrieh, from where she was later found in an unconscious state. Her companion too was injured. Sangma had written to Governor Tathagata Roy seeking arrest of Chullet, who she had claimed, was the mastermind of the attack. The duo had demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case to identify all the accused and trace the people who were sponsoring the alleged illegal mining racket in the state. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had condemned the incident and asked the police to nab the culprits. Violence in any form would not be tolerated and the government would take all necessary steps to ensure that those behind the attack were arrested, the chief minister had said. The state government had also approved a proposal for a judicial probe into the matter, but has not come out with an official notification yet. Also read | The murderous attack on green activists in Meghalaya is an assault on our collective future SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Megalayas ruling National Peoples Party leader Nidamon Chullet, who is the prime accused in the near fatal assault of two women activists, has surrendered, police said. Chullet, who is the working president of the NPPs East-West Jaintia Hills unit and president of the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners and Drivers Association, surrendered on Tuesday evening, said East Jaintia Hills superintendent of police Sylvester Nongtnger. On Wednesday, another accused in the same case, Cheerful K Ryngkhlem surrendered taking the tally of arrested persons in the case to eight. Both have been sent to three days police custody. Chullet, however, has been admitted in Khliehriat community health centre on account of his blood pressure shooting, the superintendent of police told Hindustan Times. Civil Society Womens Organisation president Agnes Kharshiing and her colleague Amita Sangma were brutally attacked on November 8 at Tuber Shohshrieh village in East Jaintia Hills when they were taking photographs of alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal despite a National Green Tribunal ban. The police registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. We are proceeding with our investigation and we will not leave any stone unturned. Whoever is guilty will be dealt with appropriately as per the law, Nongtnger said. Meanwhile, the NPP-led state government here is yet to identify a retired judge to head the inquiry committee which the state cabinet had approved on November 26 as per a senior official in the state law department. The Opposition and the two women activists have been demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the incident but the state government had said that an independent inquiry would be the best option. Text of Section 7: Suspensions; Filling Office During Suspensions (a) By executive order stating the grounds and filed with the custodian of state records, the governor may suspend from office any state officer not subject to impeachment, any officer of the militia not in the active service of the United States, or any county officer, for malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, drunkenness, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, or commission of a felony, and may fill the office by appointment for the period of suspension. The suspended officer may at any time before removal be reinstated by the governor. (b) The senate may, in proceedings prescribed by law, remove from office or reinstate the suspended official and for such purpose the senate may be convened in special session by its president or by a majority of its membership. [1] (c) By order of the governor any elected municipal officer indicted for crime may be suspended from office until acquitted and the office filled by appointment for the period of suspension, not to extend beyond the term, unless these powers are vested elsewhere by law or the municipal charter. This has been a year when debate about past growth performance overshadowed concerns about present growth rates in the Indian economy. In 2015, the Central Statistical Office (CSO) released a new gross domestic product (GDP) series with 2011-12 as the base year. Because the CSO did not release a full back series and the old series figures were not available anymore, long-term growth comparisons became impossible. The CSO released a partial back series it ends at 2004-05 in November this year. The new numbers were counter-intuitive. They disputed the widely held belief that the Indian economy experienced its best boom phase under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government before the 2008 global financial crisis killed the momentum. They also showed that Indias best economic run came under the present government. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of GDP at market prices (2011-12 series) was 7.3% between 2014-15 and 2017-18, higher than the 6.7% and 6.4% between 2004-05 and 2009-10 (UPA I) and between 2009-10 and 2013-14 (UPA II). These findings were in sharp contrast with those of a committee set up by the National Statistical Commission, which projected the growth under UPA era to be even higher than what was shown in the old GDP series. The CSO findings kicked up a storm in both political and economic circles. The Congress accused the government of fudging statistics. Economists raised questions about consistency of methodology and the figures not being in sync with other indicators of economic activity. The involvement of NITI Aayog in releasing the GDP figures, hitherto the CSOs sole prerogative, further muddied waters. Even Arvind Subramanian, the governments former chief economic advisor, spoke against NITI Aayogs involvement in a subtle way. To be sure, finance minister Arun Jaitley rightly pointed out that the opposition has been guilty of selectively agreeing and disagreeing with the new GDP numbers. While Jaitley highlighted an important flaw in the arguments made by critics of the new series GDP numbers, it is unlikely to settle the debate on veracity of the statistics. Nitin Gadkari, the Union minister for water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation was in the news again on Thursday, this time for stepping in to control an unruly crowd mocking Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who went on to thank him for working together for the development of the city-state. Gadkari and Kejriwal were participating in a high-security function of the central government at Vigyan Bhawan to lay the foundation stone of nine projects for Yamuna Rejuvenation under the Namami Gange Programme. As Kejriwal took stage, a group of people in the audience began mocking the Delhi CM and mimicking his cough, and started shouting slogans Bharat Mata ki jai and Nitin Gadkari zindabad (long live Nitin Gadkari). The union minister stepped in and signalled the crowd to stop. Please keep silent; its a government function; maintain decorum, Gadkari told the crowd. Gadkaris Bharatiya Janata Party is in opposition in Delhi, ruled by the Aam Aadmi Party, and there is no love lost between the two. Kejriwal said that the cooperation between the Central and the state governments is a very important ingredient of the federal structure of the country. I want to say that ever since our government has worked with him, Nitin Gadkari has never made us feel like hes from an opposition party, or were from another party. I dont know about others but the amount of love that he has given us (in Delhi) I dont think he would have given even those in the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). Politics should not be played where development is concerned, the AAP chief said. At a lecture in Deon Monday, Gadkari was quoted as saying: I believe that overall, majority of the IPS, IAS officers are clean and do a good job but if I am the party president, and my MPs and MLAs are not doing well, then who is responsible? The remark came two days after the 61-year-old leader, a former BJP president, said in Pune that the leadership should own up to defeat and failures. Both were seen as comments aimed at the BJPs leadership for the partys loss in the state elections in three key Hindi heartland states, Rajasthan, Chhatisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Gadkari said later that his Marathi speech in Pune was misquoted by media and that he has noticed a sinister campaign to twist his words. A total of 11 projects have been taken up under the Namami Gange Programme by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) aimed at conserving the Yamuna in Delhi. Most of the projects are for sewerage infrastructure and are in various stages of implementation. These projects under Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) III are located in three drainage zones namely Kondli, Rithala and Okhla in Delhi. Gadkari said the mandate of cleaning Gangas tributaries was taken up with the launch of Namami Gange programme and with these projects the sewage water falling into the Yamuna river, the most important tributary of Ganga will be stopped. Getting Delhi rid of air and water pollution is this countrys biggest need. This is a tough job but not impossible. After our government came in power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi we have sanctioned work of about 25,000 crore for Namami Gange...Gangas water quality has improved in many places but we have completed only 10-15% of the total work, this financial year-end we will aim to sanction 70-80%, Gadkari said. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday announced his government had set up a committee under the chief secretary to extend financial help to those rearing abandoned bovines, including cows. The financial help will be given for each such bovine. The chief minister made the announcement after chairing meetings with officials here. He did not mention the quantum of the aid. We have set up a committee under the chief secretary for extending financial help to those bringing up bovines, straying on roads or damaging crops .The committee will submit its report within a week so that a better work plan can be prepared, the chief minister said after inspecting Naveen Mandi, a wholesale market for food grains and vegetables, at Gorakhpur. He added the municipal corporations were given Rs 10 crore for stray cattle management in each district. Every district had been given Rs 1 crore additionally for the purpose, he said. He also said 750 pinjda poles and kanji houses (cow shelter houses) were being revived in the state. The forest department had been directed to fence off crop fields to prevent damage caused by wild animals, he added. Indias political economy discourse is often a prisoner of the dictum that when there is no theory, there is a conspiracy theory. Corruption, rather than an accentuated cyclical shock after the global financial crisis, combined with the poor governance structures in Indian banks, is described as the main reason for the bad loan crisis. Reservation for socially deprived communities, and not the general deceleration in growth of quality employment, is described as a bigger culprit for the lack of jobs. A similar approach is adopted when looking for points of evidence for economic and social trends. In the discourse on agriculture, for instance, farmer suicides are cited as the biggest proof of the agrarian crisis in the country by a large section. While there is factual evidence to show that a large number of farmer suicides is indeed driven by economic distress (more on this later), citing these numbers has become an alibi of sorts for an in-depth analysis of the factors behind what is now a systemic crisis in Indias farms. The obsession with seeing farmer suicides as the be all and end all of the agrarian crisis in India has given birth to another extreme viewpoint, which seeks to dismiss the existence of the agrarian crisis by questioning the severity of farmer suicides. A Bloomberg Opinion piece by Shamika Ravi, director of research at Brookings India and a member of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council, borders on the latter. Indias farmers are doing far better than many realise, the article says, citing the higher growth in rural sale of fast-moving consumer goods. Ravi also highlights that farmer suicides are a bigger problem in states with greater access to formal credit such as Maharashtra than the ones like Bihar, where money lenders hold more sway. She also argues that suicide rates among housewives are almost twice the number among farmers. While the facts used in the article are correct on a stand-alone basis, using them to discount the crisis in Indian agriculture is not. Here why. Let us take the farmer suicide statistics first. The suicide rate (suicides per 100,000 population) among farmers and agricultural labourers has always been significantly lower than the headline suicide rate since 2001. This trend holds for almost all states. However, it is also true that economic distress (bankruptcy, indebtedness, poverty, crop failures, inability to sell their produce etc.) is a bigger cause of suicides among farmers in most states. This became apparent from the 2015 National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) statistics, which for the first time gave a reason-wise break-up of suicides in the country. These trends were discussed in detail in a 2017 Mint piece by this author. Unfortunately, the NCRB has not published these statistics for the period after 2015. HT has compared state-wise suicide rates by farmers/cultivators (and not agricultural labourers) with per cultivator agricultural value added for 2015 to check the relation between farm incomes and farmer suicides. The analysis shows that states with higher farm incomes tend to report more farmer suicides. The reason for this is not very surprising. States that have lower farm incomes are dominated by subsistence farming, where agriculture is mostly an enterprise to grow food for self-consumption. This is a low-risk, low-reward game, where both capital investment and expected incomes are low. In contrast, states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana etc. have a large number of farmers engaged in commercial farming. This requires greater investment and hence greater need for credit. Such farming also involves producing crops which are directed more towards markets than the governments Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurements. Therefore, farmers who are engaged in this kind of activity are more vulnerable to income shocks than their subsistence farming counterparts. To infer that the subsistence farming states are better off as they have lower farmer suicides is to make a virtue of a low-income equilibrium trap in Indian agriculture. The obsession with farmer suicides being the most robust indicator of farm distress is also a potential disincentive for state government to provide relief to farmers. A state government which diverts scarce fiscal resources to bail out distress-ridden farmers might lose out on a future central package which uses farmer suicides to decide allocations. The epicentre of Indias agrarian distress lies in what Ravi correctly identifies as falling farm gate prices in a period of rising agricultural productivity and output. This is not a problem which lends itself easily to either sensational rhetoric like hundreds of thousands of farmers committing suicides or quick-fix solutions like farm loan waivers and a one-time hike in MSPs. Mufti Mohd Suhail alias Hazrath (29), mastermind of the Amroha based ISIS-inspired terror module busted on Wednesday, was radicalised online by a foreign handler in last seven months, said UP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) officials. The revelations were made hours after the NIA, along with UP ATS and Delhi police, carried out searches at 11 locations in UP, including 6 in Amroha, 2 in Lucknow, 2 in Hapur and 1 in Meerut. During raids huge quantities of explosive material, arms and ammunition and other incriminating material and documents were seized. In Lucknow, ATS officials revealed that Hazrath was in constant touch with the foreign handler and was also involved in mobilizing other members as well as generating funds through different sources to carry out terror activities. Suhail was in touch with a terror-handler based outside the country through social media and instant messaging applications. Suhail, along with other members of the module, was preparing to launch a string of terror attacks targeting politicians, key locations and crowded places, said a senior ATS official associated with the probe. Suhail, along with his three accomplices Raees, Saeed and Irshad, was arrested from different places in Amroha while one Saqib Iftekar was arrested from Hapur. The remaining five people were arrested from Delhi. Raees and Saeed are brothers. Sharing more details, the official said Suhail has done his mufti course from a Deoband madrasa in Saharanpur and was presently staying in Delhi. But he frequently used to visit his place in Amroha to build up his group. He had roped in Raees and Saeed, who own a welding shop in Amroha, to make rocket launchers, improvised explosive devices (IED) and pipe bombs that he learned through literature shared by his foreign handler through social media platform, said the official. He said Saqib, who was working as Imam in Jama Masjid of Bakasar, was tasked with roping in more youngsters and generating funds. It was Saqib who had helped Suhail in procuring weapons. He said the fifth member, Irshad, is an auto-rickshaw driver and helped Suhail in arranging a hideout for keeping the material for making IEDs and bombs. List of seized items 25 kg of explosive material, such as Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, Sulphur, Sugar material paste, 12 pistols, 150 rounds of live ammunition, 1 country- made rocket launcher, 112 alarm clocks, mobile phone circuits, batteries, 51 pipes, remote control car triggering switch, wireless digital doorbell for remote switch, steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, ISIS-related literature and a cash amount of 7.5 lakhs approximately. A senior UP Anti Terror Squad (ATS) official suspected that there was a major possibility that Praygraj Kumbh, a gathering of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to be held in Prayagraj (Allahabad) from January 15 to March 4 next year, could have been the target of the ISIS-inspired terror module busted on Wednesday. He said a UP ATS team led by superintendent of police VK Singh had been sent to Delhi to interrogate the arrested operatives to extract information about their possible targets. He said the ATS was considering to strengthen security measures for the Kumbh. Thousands of police personnel, as well as multiple teams of ATS commandos, are already deployed for security of the Kumbh, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Nirmala Sitharaman, defence minister, on Wednesday resolved the deadlock due which the Chandani chowk flyover project and the Lohegaon airport extension were halted. The defence minster gave an in principle approval to shift the cargo facility at the Lohegaon Airport and also agreed to give a portion of the National Defence Academy (NDA) land to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for the construction of the Chandani chowk flyover. Union minister of transport Nitin Gadkari and guardian minister Girish Bapat had met the defence minister on Wednesday in New Delhi to sort out the various pending projects of the city. Bapat said that the PMC and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will be jointly constructing the multilevel flyover at Chandani chowk. To construct this flyover, the PMC needed 48 gunthas (unit of measuring land) from the NDA at Chandani chowk. The defence minister gave the in principle approval to handover this land to the PMC. The state government has promised to give an alternate plot in Ahmednagar to the NDA. Also, the work of the extension of the Lohegaon airport had stopped since the defence authorities were not ready to shift the cargo facility. The defence minister gave an in principle approval to shift the cargo facility, said Bapat. Bapat also added that since the defence minister had given the approval for these two projects, both the works would start soon. Five monks were assaulted at a Vienna church on Thursday by two people, at least one of whom apparently demanded money and valuables, police said. Police said the assault happened at about 1:30 p.m. (1230 GMT; 7:30 a.m. EST) at a complex in the citys Floridsdorf district. No church service was underway when the assailants entered the Maria Immaculata church. Police found the monks tied up, one of them with head injuries, nearly three hours later. They were aged between 56 and 68, and it appeared that the others had tried to intervene after one of the assailants described as speaking with a foreign accent attacked the oldest monk, the Austria Press Agency reported. Police wrote on Twitter that, while the precise motive remains unclear, a possible terror motive can be ruled out in the incident at the Maria Immaculata church. Officers were searching for the perpetrators, including in the complex where the incident took place. They said Thursday evening that they had found nothing in the building. DR Congo on Thursday told the EU to recall its envoy in retaliation for sanctions against 14 officials, including President Joseph Kabilas champion in elections three days away. The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo urges the European Council to proceed without fail in recalling its head of mission within 48 hours, Foreign Minister Leonard She Okitundu said. On December 10, European Union foreign ministers extended a travel ban and asset freeze on 14 figures over the obstruction of the electoral process and the related human rights violations. The 14 include Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a hardline former interior minister chosen by Kabila to be the candidate for his succession in elections on Sunday. Kabila took office in 2001 at the age of just 29 after succeeding his assassinated father, Laurent-Desire Kabila. He was due to step down at the end of 2016 after reaching his constitution-limited two terms in office. But he stayed on, invoking a caretaker clause in the constitution that enables a president to stay in office until a successor is elected. Protests broke out that were bloodily repressed, leading to scores of deaths. She Okitundu made the announcement from the foreign ministry, where he earlier called in western diplomats, including EU head of mission Bart Ouvry, a Belgian national. He said the DRC had patiently sought to persuade the EU to either drop or suspend the sanctions until the elections in the DRC had been held. But this had failed, leading to unilaterally-taken measures by Brussels, he said. This measure (by the DRC) on one side punishes the reprehensible behaviour (of the EU) and on the other comes under the framework of reciprocity, he said. A Department of Transportation worker in Missouri picked up cashier shifts at Barnes & Noble. A paralegal for the Justice Department in Texas stopped using her gas-guzzling pickup truck and pulled her motorcycle out of storage. An air traffic controller in California is avoiding any purchases that arent vital. As the government shutdown stretched into its fifth day Wednesday, federal employees and contract workers across the country described a holiday season marred by increasing financial worries. Some 800,000 federal employees have either been furloughed or will continue to work without pay during the partial shutdown, and its unclear how long it will last. Twitter became a platform for them to share growing anxieties and fears, using the hashtag #ShutdownStories. Many declined to identify themselves publicly, so their stories could not be confirmed. Yet their tales of hardship spread widely. One man said he became homeless; he broke his lease in anticipation of moving to another state to train for a new federal job and the training was canceled. Another described having to terminate a family members caregiver as funds dwindled. Several talked of forgoing or returning Christmas gifts. Julie Burr, 49, an administrative assistant at the Department of Transportation in Kansas City, Missouri, said panic mode had set in. She is a single mother and a contract worker who is not getting paid during the shutdown. Her last paycheck will arrive Jan. 16, and it will be 24 hours short of its regular amount. If this goes on too long, Im going to have to do something drastic, she said in an interview. During the holidays she took a second job as a cashier at Barnes & Noble, and the company let her pick up extra shifts during the shutdown. Even so, the money she is making there adds up to only a fraction of her usual income. Itll put food on the table, but its not going to pay the rent, she said. I do have some in savings, but its not a whole lot, especially after the holidays. Misty Carrothers, 47, a paralegal at the Department of Justice in Dallas, is also a contract worker who is not being paid. Her husband, David, is earning a degree in interior design and works part time. They have been living paycheck to paycheck while he attends school. Misty Carrothers is applying for unemployment benefits, which will provide 55 percent of her usual paycheck, but she wont see that money for weeks. I think it will get us through, she said. But its going to be tight, Im not going to lie. David Carrothers said he wrote about their situation on Twitter because he wanted to dismantle assumptions that the government shutdown is akin to a long vacation. Im not looking for sympathy, he said. Its a very serious situation for us and very concerning. Essential federal employees who are being asked to work during the shutdown will eventually get paid. But many families are trying to figure out how to pay their bills in the meantime. Lisa Gray, 50, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, said in an interview that she and her husband, Thomas, an air traffic controller at Oakland International Airport, curtailed their spending as soon as the shutdown started. They are fortunate: They have a line of credit, they own their home, and they have a savings account. But the uncertainty weighs on them. Its more about the fear, she said. Her husband, Thomas, will continue working through the shutdown. His next paycheck, the final one until the shutdown ends, arrives Tuesday. If the government has not reopened by mid-January, they plan to dip into their savings to pay the bills. The couple has been through government shutdowns before. Normally, it doesnt go on very long, because politically it doesnt look good for Congress or the president, she said. The concern this time is we dont think Trump cares about his political image, so theres a bit of a worry that it might go on longer than it ever has before. The longest shutdown, which lasted 21 days, started in December 1995, as Republicans in Congress and President Bill Clinton could not agree on a long-term budget agreement. About 284,000 federal employees were furloughed and an additional 475,000 worked without pay, according to the Congressional Research Service. President Donald Trump said Friday that he was prepared for a very long shutdown. If it does continue, Mike Blankley said he would try to help those who are not getting paid. Blankley, 40, lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, and, like many others, was using #ShutdownStories to try to reach those in need. Blankley, an aircraft mechanic in the Air National Guard, said he was furloughed during a shutdown in 2013. Federal agencies furloughed about 850,000 employees when that shutdown began, according to a review by President Barack Obamas administration. We had to talk to our day care and say, We cant pay you this week, Blankley said. I know how much it sucks. Blankley said that as of Wednesday, he had not heard from anyone yet. If this goes on for a while, I hope I do, he said. President Donald Trump has defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria and on Wednesday signalled during his first visit to US troops serving in a conflict zone, Iraq, his unhappiness with the deployment in Afghanistan, now the longest in American history. I gave notice in Syria, you know, the way it was reported was like I just pulled out; I didnt just pull out, Trump said to reporters when asked about his announcement to pull out 2,000 US troops from Syria last week. It was seen as a stunning decision taken despite the advice to the contrary from senior aides. Ive been talking about it for a year and a half. Ive been telling the generals, Lets go. Go ahead, take more time. Lets go. Take more time. Constantly giving them more time. Finally, I said, Okay, its now time for others to take over that fight. We dont want to be there. The Syria decision triggered the resignations of defence secretary James Mattis and Brett McGurk, the special envoy to the international coalition fighting the Islamic State, whose defeat President Trump has cited as his reason for pulling out of Syria. Weve knocked out about 99% of the caliphate (caliphate is the Islamic States dream realm), he had said. Asked about US troops in Iraq, a little over 5,000, the president said, unequivocally, he had no plans of pulling them out yet. No plans at all, no, he said. In fact, we could use this as a base if we wanted to do something in Syria. If I will say this, if you take ISIS and if we see something happening with ISIS that we dont like, we can hit them so fast and so hard, they wont, they really wont know what the hell happened, he said. The president has been sceptical of US interventions abroad, in broad disagreement to Republican thinking but in agreement with a marginal Libertarian fringe of the party, and ran his campaign opposing overseas wars. And since taking office he has pushed the military to end them. Weve been here, and if you look at Afghanistan, 19 years, the US president said, imposing a new timeline on the American presence in Afghanistan, which, has been acknowledged officially as having lasted 17 years so far, starting in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The US has an estimated 14,000 troops, or somewhat more, in Afghanistan, engaged in counter-terrorism operations and aiding and advising Afghan forces, essentially training the countrys armed forces, a supremely tough task, sources said, of managing and overcoming ethnic affiliations. The Trump administrations withdrawal plans, which US military commanders on the ground in Afghanistan have not received yet, have caused worries in the region. Especially in Kabul, which depends on US security presence to ward off the Taliban, who control almost half the country now. New Delhi, with billions of dollars in developmental investment, also banks on the US-led international coalition forces for much of its reconstruction effort in the country, which started years ago on the watch of president George W Bush and continue through president Barack Obamas tenure to president Trump. India had felt encouraged, in fact, by a larger role the Trump administration envisaged for it in Afghanistan in its South Asia strategy unveiled last year. That optimism has given way now to confusion as New Delhi felt blindsided by the Afghan decision as other allies, friends and partners of the US. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. T he only way is Essex if you want to be happy, according to Rightmove. The coastal town of Leigh-on-Sea, which sits on the Thames estuary as it meets the channel, has been named the happiest place to live for the second time in three years. Dating back to Saxon times, Leigh-on-Sea is still an active fishing town with well-established events such as the Leigh Regatta and Leigh Folk Festival. This year it has robbed the title off Leamington Spa the 2017 winner of the Rightmove Happy at Home Index. Actress Helen Mirren of Prime Suspect and Calendar Girls was raised in the waterside town which pipped runners up Farnham in Surrey and Monmouth in Wales to first place. 21,000 people voted in the annual ranking which is based on 12 happiness factors including community spirit, safety and cultural activities. Leigh-on-Sea is the hidden jewel on the Essex coastline, a far cry from the industrial landscape of Tilbury Docks but tucked away from the bright lights, arcades and tourist attractions of nearby Southend, says property expert Russell Quirk. It offers a relaxed pace of life with traditional fish and chip shops, seafront pubs, great restaurants and bars, and appeals to retirees, families, and even single professionals, he adds. The average house price is around 380,000, and a detached property will cost roughly 500,000. It has become a commuter hub in its own right, according to Quirk with prices around 40 per cent cheaper than London. Direct trains can take you to Fenchurch Street in an hour and the nearby Tilbury to Gravesend ferry crossing gives access to Kent. There is also a passenger service between Southend and the Isle of Sheppey. Best of the rest Farnham bagged second place. It's famed for wedding and events venue Farnham Castle, at the top of historic Castle Street which is lined with Georgian townhouses. The Surrey town is a sought after commuter destination popular with young families moving out of London looking to try and buy in the tight catchment area of South Farnham junior school. "Regular trains keep people connected to Guildford and London with a fast commute time, but as you look around the town you see bow-fronted shops, country views and cobbled streets. The south coast and areas of outstanding beauty are only short drive away," says Wendy Thompson of Strutt & Parker. "We tick every box from monthly farmers' markets selling organic produce, to hearty pubs and a popular creative art centre with activities for all ages," she adds. Smaller towns dominated the top ten happiest places to live: each with a population of less than 60,000 people. Places in the South East also featured prominently with Newbury in Berkshire at number six and Tunbridge Wells in Kent ninth happiest spot. The rest of the top ten was made up of Monmouth, Leamington Spa, Christchurch, Macclesfield, Hitchin and Kendal. Pipeline 27 December 2018 Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, has signed a management agreement with Tengchong Zongheng Volcano Tourism Development Co., Ltd, to manage Dusit Devarana Hot Springs Resort Tengchong, Yunnan. Designed to appeal to discerning leisure travellers seeking a distinctive, tranquil retreat amongst nature, the luxury resort will comprise 150 elegantly furnished villas and guest rooms in a picturesque location only 10 minutes by car from Tengchong town centre, and just 30 minutes from Tengchong Tuofeng Airport. The resort's key feature will be the outdoor hot springs experience providing a choice of therapeutic, aromatic, splash and foot reflexology pools. Each villa will also feature its own hot springs pool where guests can enjoy views of the stunning volcanic landscape. Other resort facilities will include an international All-Day-Dining restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, a large ballroom, well-equipped meeting rooms, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, and Dusit's signature Devarana Spa delivering Thai-inspired massage therapies in luxuriously appointed treatment rooms. Situated in the western part of Yunnan Province, Tengchong is a fast-growing destination renowned for its hot springs, volcanoes, ancient buildings, charming villages, vibrant culture and important historical sites. For 2,000 years it served as a vital link on the ancient Southwestern Silk Route. "We are delighted and honoured to bring our unique brand of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to this magnificent area," said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. "Dusit Devarana represents the pinnacle of our brand offerings, providing a truly personalised experience for those who seek a balance of tranquillity, convenience and excellence. We look forward to delivering this and more at this stunning new resort." Mr Zhang Fan, Chairman, Tengchong Zongheng Volcano Tourism Development Co., Ltd, said, "Following our mission to promote tourism in the Yunnan region, we are very happy to partner with Dusit for this special project. The company's vision to uniquely deliver gracious hospitality to the world ensures it always has a positive local impact. We are confident that, under Dusit's management, Dusit Devarana Hot Springs Resort Tengchong, Yunnan will become a must-visit destination, attracting even more tourists to discover this fascinating area to the benefit of the local community." With 28 properties currently in operation across four brands in eight countries, Dusit International is in a significant growth phase which will see the number of Dusit properties surpass 70 within the next three years across key markets worldwide. In China, the company currently operates six hotels and has more than 20 properties in the pipeline. Supplier News 27 December 2018 In this crowded and competitive market, what's the best approach when it comes to marketing your hotel online? Hoteliers would - if they could - just focus on direct bookings with their potential clients. But with a plethora of online travel agencies out there such as booking.com and Expedia, hoteliers are having to reach out to potential guests via OTAs, even though it often means paying commissions of 15-20 percent on bookings. According to Marco Rosso, Regional Sales Director Iberia at SiteMinder and an EHL graduate, the OTAs are all useful channels. "We never say these are enemies." Instead, it all comes down, he says, to having an optimal channel mix, "so really ensuring that your hotel is going across all the different channels and platforms to maximize your revenue." The Key? Various Channels "Back in the day, the old-school way of thinking of revenue management was also about just changing your rates based on seasonality and on weekends/weekdays. Today it's become much more complex." He urges hoteliers to keep their options open to distribute on "a good variety of channels" as different channels charge different commissions for each booking. "So it's really about making sure we're not giving all our inventory to booking.com and Expedia," but rather using those channels as well as some other OTAs. "Maybe you're trying to attract the Chinese market or the APAC region, you might offer your prices on Ctrip, and obviously selling also directly because that's where you can also save money on commissions and you can try to boost and maximize that revenue." That's where SiteMinder, which has formed strategic partnerships with Airbnb and BridgeStreet, comes in. It charges a fixed fee rather than commission on bookings for its website and booking channel services. Essentially what we do is work very closely with hotels to help them increase their revenue, their direct bookings, their occupancy throughout the year. SiteMinder: Channel Mix Optimization SiteMinder, a SaaS or software as a service company, is currently working with 30,000 hotels around the world. Rosso says the company offers hoteliers a digital platform "to really help them optimize their channel mix, increase their occupancy throughout the year, and maybe even attract (customers from) international markets that they hadn't thought of before." As for guest acquisition trends, Rosso expects hoteliers will continue trying to grow direct bookings to "balance the scales a bit" and claw back power (and, of course, avoid paying commissions). The internet has really allowed the OTAs to get a kick-start - not to monopolize but get a strong foothold in the distribution landscape. Hoteliers are now starting to wake up and understand they can start investing in the technology, whether that be a really good set of websites or booking engines that make the process of booking much simpler, like the OTAs do themselves. "A lot of hotels are now allowed to set their own price and decide to sell at a cheaper rate in the OTAs. Obviously we haven't seen this applied on a large scale yet but, again, it's still something that's quite new." "Hotels, more and more, are going to start focusing on increasing their own direct bookings to avoid some of these commissions, maximize their revenue, and get more brand exposure for their own individual brand and hotel." SiteMinder is particularly bullish about the Spanish market which, as one of the top two tourist destinations globally, has 'huge potential.' Mobile Bookings and Other Trends Mobile bookings are set to increase by 20 percent in 2018 and with an increase in direct bookings on the cards as well, third-party bookings are expected to fall below 50 percent within the next three years. According to SiteMinder's data, online bookings have virtually doubled since 2012. "The Spanish market has historically had a huge dependency on tour operators and traditional travel agents. Some of the biggest destinations (and resorts) are the more seasonal ones. (This tends to be one of the - not weaknesses - but threats for the Spanish market because it's very seasonal." The northern parts of Spain tend to be overlooked by tourists, he says, "but generally speaking, there's a big movement from the hotels in terms of taking back that ownership (of guest acquisition) to their own website: increasing direct bookings, making sure their websites are mobile responsive, and making sure they're offering and incentivizing packages on their website," as well as attracting tourists from new markets like China. Technology Development: A Must Dr. Meng-Mei Maggie Chen writes: Most hoteliers excel when it comes to customer service and hotel operations, but are not comfortable with technology, especially as small- and medium-sized hotels do not have the financial resources to invest in technology development. Yet, technology related to digital marketing and distribution - such as websites, booking engines, and channel managers - have become mature, and hoteliers should leverage technology to improve their distribution strategies and enhance their customer relationships. Having a website with an active booking engine and rich content, which can be easily viewed on mobile phones, is only the beginning. Hoteliers should work with channel managers and connect with different markets through a range of online travel agencies. Most travelers begin the booking process by using search engines or OTAs, and they probably won't consider hotels which are not listed on OTAs. Working with OTAs does not prevent hotels from establishing more direct bookings. When travelers discover their ideal hotels, some will use search engines to locate the hotel website and may eventually book on the brand.com. Hence, smart hoteliers should optimize their hotel profiles on the OTAs to grab the attention of potential travelers, as well as leverage the right content and key words to attract traffic when travelers look for hotels on search engines. As mentioned by SiteMinder's Marco Rosso, hoteliers should diversify their OTA relationships, and their decision to work with an OTA should not only be based on the commission percentage. As mentioned above, hoteliers need to work with a variety of OTAs to reach different markets. For example, MakeMyTrip will help hoteliers to reach Indian travelers. Being listed on OTAs does not require any financial investment and hoteliers only need to pay these online agencies when the OTAs deliver results, that is, bookings to their hotels. In summary, hoteliers should actively work with OTAs to diversify their markets, increase occupancy rates and, ultimately, their overall revenue. Supplier News 27 December 2018 The Hotel Yearbook, a family of publications focused on hotel industry trends and foresight, has been wholly acquired by WIWIH AG, which was the previous owner of a 50% stake. Four special editions are in preparation now and will be published in the spring of 2019, as planned. WIWIH AG, a sister company of the No. 1 industry portal HospitalityNet, has acquired the remaining 50% stake in the Swiss-based Hotel Yearbook, making it the sole owner of the publication. It had previously been published as a partnership with Lausanne-based Wade and Company SA, the firm that created the publication in 2007. Henri Roelings, owner and Managing Director of WIWIH, said, "We're very happy to carry on with this prestigious publication. Since it first came out over a decade ago, The Hotel Yearbook has published hundreds of articles written by knowledgeable and highly respected opinion leaders in the hotel industry, from about 50 different countries, each one addressing an upcoming trend or development affecting the future of the business. Thanks to its focus on such insider insights, it has provided valuable opinion and information from the very beginning." Conceived as a forward-looking annual, The Hotel Yearbook was the original brainchild of Woody Wade, who launched the publication jointly with the Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne and Burba Hotel Network. As its editor, he gathered thought pieces contributed by a wide range of industry leaders, each one writing about observations, ideas, and expectations for the year ahead from their unique perspective. When the three-way founding partnership ended, Wade teamed up with Roelings, who provided the impetus to transform the yearbook from a once-a-year publication into an entire family of special editions focusing on such areas as technology, digital marketing, and sustainability. The publications also moved online and became available free of charge. "When Henri became co-publisher, he saw the need to change to a digital business model," explained Woody Wade. "Thanks to this transformation, and the wide reach of Henri's HospitalityNet and HSyndicate networks, the readership of The Hotel Yearbook is now in the hundreds of thousands worldwide. It's become a must-read as it presents the opinions of very experienced professionals from every part of the global hotel industry." After helming some 30 editions over the past twelve years, Wade decided to step back from publishing to focus on his scenario planning practice. "I have always been interested in helping companies foresee future developments that could affect them," he said. "The Hotel Yearbook and my scenario generation workshops were always a good fit, and now my focus will be on the scenarios rather than the publications." Roelings affirmed that for the year 2019, the three Hotel Yearbook special editions currently in the pipeline will be published on schedule, focusing on Sustainable Hospitality (March), Digital Marketing (April), and Technology (April). "Each of these special editions has a very well networked, high-profile Guest Editor, a concept we started a couple of years ago. 'Sustainability' is being led by Prof. Willy Legrand of IUBH in Bad Honnef; 'Digital Marketing' by Martin Soler of Soler & Associates in Spain, and 'Technology' by Prof. Ian Millar at EHL. Woody Wade has agreed to stay on in his function as editor for these four editions." The Hotel Yearbook has also been actively supported by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), based in Austin, Texas. Frank Wolfe, CEO of HFTP, said of the new ownership arrangement: "Henri and Woody have done a fantastic job of creating a very readable magazine which became an excellent platform for opinion leaders to share their insights with industry professionals all over the globe. As Henri takes over, we are looking forward to working with him and helping The Hotel Yearbook attain new goals and dimensions." The holidays are about giving, and when you happen to be Eminem, that includes rap beefs. On Christmas Day, the rapper, with the help of DJ Whoo Kid and Paul Rosenberg ran through "12 Days of Diss-mas" on Shade 45, counting down 12 of his favorite all-time rap diss tracks. It turned into a hip-hop time machine as the trio unwrapped infamous beef tracks for listeners, taking listeners back to the old school as they focused on songs from before the year 2000 excluding Takeover, Back to Back and plenty of Eminems own disses too. For the uninitiated, or anyone born after the year 1990, we're here to help explain the significance behind Em's twelve diss track pics. Scroll down to learn a bit of hip-hop history. What'd you think of Eminem's list? Sound off in the comments. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Rag & Bone 12. Boogie Down Productions The Bridge Is Over (1987) Among the earliest disses on this list, this beef involved two rap crews arguing over the birthplace of hip-hop(!). with Boogie Down Productions, representing the Bronx, effectively taking Queensbridge MC Shan's "The Bridge and scribbling all over it. KRS-One had enough smoke for the entire Juice Crew, including Marley Marl, BDK and Roxanne Shante, and was savage enough to go for their Puma sneakers. 11. Roxanne Shante Roxannes Revenge (1984) David Corio/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Entirely improvised and recorded at the age of 14, Roxanne Shante was the Queen of the Juice Crew. She wound up with a major hit on her hands in the form of "Roxanne's Revenge," which itself was made in response to UTFO's "Roxanne, Roxanne." "Roxanne, Roxanne," a B-side record, was a song about a girl who wasnt feeling any of the dudes trying to hit her up. Roxanne adopted UTFO's female character and doled out a response to UTFO. She became one of the first extremely popular female MCs at the time with this record. 10. MC Lyte 10% Diss (1988) As the story goes, friends of MC Lyte, including producer Milk Dee and Audio Two, were pissed that female rapper Antoinettes debut single I Got An Attitude sounded somewhat similar to the famed "Top Billin" -- an Audio Two single with production from Milk Dee. The two parties didn't want to diss a female, so they asked Lyte to do it, and evidently, she was up for it. She responded with the huge 10% Dis, named as such because MC Lyte claimed the song only contained ten percent of what she could have said about Antoinette. The resulting diss sparked a back-and-forth between the two rappers, including songs such as "Lights Out, Party Over," before MC Lyte responded with "Shut The Eff Up! (Hoe)" and effectively ended it. 9. LL Cool J Jack The Ripper (1989) Pay close attention to the cover to Kool Moe Dees How Ya Like Me Now? and you can spot LL Cool J's Kangol caught under the front of the Jeep. Kool Moe was upset at LL for a couple of reasons, ones which sound all-too-familiar: he not only felt LL had stolen his style, he thought that LL was disrespectful of the hip-hop OGs to come before him. The two rappers had a feud that was only just starting to spill onto on wax and Jack The Ripper was the boiling point, where LL clearly saw fit to defend himself, likening himself to the infamous Jack the Ripper and calling Kool Moe Dee washed up. 8. N.W.A Fuck The Police (1988) Raymond Boyd/Getty Images A song all too relevant today, thirty years after the release of Straight Outta Compton (though Eminem did try his best to convince Paul Rosenberg and DJ Whoo Kid the diss was actually about the band The Police). The iconic N.W.A record about police brutality and injustice, Fuck The Police, sparked outrage after its release. Disapproval for the newly-named "World's Most Dangerous Group" led all the way up to the FBI. Their criticism of the song was soon used by N.W.A. as free publicity, as they sold over three million copies of Straight Outta Compton with little-to-no airplay. After Ice Cube left N.W.A. over unpaid royalties, his former bandmates saw fit to take shots while he took the high road. It wasnt until Dr. Dre called Cube a Benedict Arnold that he saw fit to respond with the venomous No Vaseline, effectively breaking up N.W.A because how can you respond to something like Goddamn, I'm glad y'all set it off/ Used to be hard, now you're just wet and soft. 6. Dr. Dre Fuck Wit Dre Day (And Everybodys Celebrating) (1992) The day Dre (and Snoop Dogg) got back at everyone: Eazy-E, former manager Jerry Heller, rappers Tim Dog, 2 Live Crews Luke and even Ice Cube werent safe from the smoke. In the end, Dre had the last laugh as the song ended up charting #8 on the Billboard charts and The Chronic, the first album he recorded while under Death Row, quickly went triple platinum. 5. Tim Dog Fuck Compton (1991) Frustrated at all the attention adorning West Coast rap music, and N.W.A. in particular, Bronx rapper Tim Dog let loose upon an entire city with "Fuck Compton." "Come to New York and we'll see who gets robbed," rapped Tim Dog, indirectly sparking the East Coast-West Coast wars that would kick off only a few years later. 4. Common The Bitch In Yoo (1996) Ice Cube took offense to certain lines in Commons I Used to Love H.E.R., which seemed to blame the West Coast with the decline of rap. He fired back with choice disses in Westside Slaughterhouse. But, Ice Cube clearly underestimated Common because he fired back with The Bich In Yoo, which tore apart Cubes credentials, recent music and even dared to end it by quoting Cubes own lyrics back at him. The Ice Cube-Common beef was bad enough it required Louis Farrakhan to squash it. Years later, the two starred together in a Barbershop sequel, so who really won out in the end? 3. Eazy-E Real Muthaphuckkin Gs (1993) Eazy-E had the best voice in N.W.A., and he used it to lay waste upon Dre and Snoop Dogg in Real Muthaphuckkin Gs. From improving upon Dres G-Funk production, to insulting both of them for signing with Death Row and questioning Dres past, getting a portion of his royalties was simply the icing upon Eazys cake. 2. YZ Diss Fe Liar (1994) Both YZ and hip-hop group Poor Righteous Teachers were signed by Diversity Records, a label YZ happened to be part owner of. Conflicts and a fight over reels would soon force PRT off Diversity, and when YZ later heard their work (produced by Tony D, who also made beats for YZ), he laid two verses aimed directly at their leader Wise Intelligent for daring to step to him. Tim Mosenfelder/ImageDirect/Getty Images Hit Em Up is still a tough diss to forget. Listening to it now, you can hear Tupac step over the proverbial line and wander into murky territory as he went after Biggie, Diddy and an entire East Coast-- causing even more tension between the two coasts. That, I feel like, was the first time I ever heard anybody get that personal on a disc, Eminem said during the Shade 45 broadcast. Most of it, the majority was personal, below the belt jabs and shit. But it was done so well and the record was so crazy. Video footage is said to be included in the felony sexual assault case against Kevin Spacey involving an 18-year-old. The clip shows the actor attacking the young man at a bar in Nantucket in July 2016, according to legal authorities. A Massachusetts State Police investigative report, obtained by MassLive.com, states that the victim of the case had taken a Snapchat video of part of the encounter which could serve as proof of the alleged crime. The drinks continued constantly through the whole night. Things started to get a little fuzzy when [Unruhs son] and Spacey went over to the piano, Trooper Gerald F. Donovan wrote in the report. [Unruhs son] said he had at least four or five beers before Spacey said they should switch to whiskey adding, Lets get drunk. The actor is said to have told the young man to stop texting his girlfriend and shifted the conversation to his penis size. [Unruhs son] said he did not know how to respond to that, Donovan wrote in his report. Later, Spacey invited the teenager to come back to his home. After receiving a refusal, the House of Cards star decided to fondle the teen's private parts. This is the act that was reportedly caught on video. It's been a weird week for Kevin Spacey. Of course, you probably remember how Spacey was front and center during the beginning of the #MeToo movement as allegations of sexual assault started to follow the actor. After being scheduled for arraignment on a sexual assault charge, Spacey released a bizarre video to Twitter where he appeared to be portraying his Frank Underwood character from House of Cards. Thanks to an audio recording obtained by the Boston Globe, we now know that Spacey lawyers have been hard at work trying to dismiss the pending case against him. In court last week, Spacey's defense attorney Alan Jackson tried to discredit the accuser, who is also the son of former Boston news anchor Heather Unruh. Jackson claims Unruh allowed Spacey to touch him and that the whole encounter lasted three minutes. "That's an incredibly long time to have a strange man's hands in your pants, correct?" Jackson told the judge. https://twitter.com/_/status/1077263549326651392 Unruh says her son didn't report the encounter to police because he was embarrassed by the ordeal. Although she did add that her son was shaken up by the incident and told family members about it. Jackson also told the judge that Unruh lied about his age, telling Spacey that he was 23 when in fact he was 18. Spacey's attorney added that it was Unruh who initially approached Spacey at the bar where they met. Despite the attorney's pleas, Spacey will be arraigned on a charge of indecent assault and battery on January 7th. Kodak Black and Master P once had a chance to develop a unique mentorship relationship as the young Florida rapper was coming up. Last year, things turned sour when Kodak accused Master P of charging him for said mentorship. Kodak seemingly has a hard time holding back information, perhaps even incriminating himself on social media at times. During his Breakfast Club interview this month, Kodak spoke on his relationship with Master P, saying that the OG ended up turning around on him after claiming he wasn't after any money. Now, Master P is hitting back in a calm manner, affirming that he's moving his focus to a more cinematic vision. https://www.instagram.com/p/BrwD8XbFD7f The 48-year-old took to Instagram to respond to Kodak's claims, saying that all he tried to do with the Dying To Live artist was "help him." He ended up criticizing Kodak for his social media tendencies, saying, "Everything you doing on social media is telling on yourself. You're the police because you're telling on yourself. You're putting guns. You're putting money up. You got 150 Gs, but you can't give 10 Gs back to the community or school you went to." Master P might think twice about offering his help to Kodak now but he still wants to see the 21-year-old succeed, saying that he should really take into account what people like him have to say. [via] Before the holidays, Nick Cannon paid a visit to The Wendy Williams Show to talk about his Christmas plans with his extended family. Among visiting his twins with ex Mariah Carey, Nick explained how he would also be spending time with his son Golden who he had with Brittany Bell. When Wendy brought Golden up in the conversation she, for some reason, referred to the one-year-old as an "oops baby." You were only with the girl, like, it just happened, Wendy said. Then all of a sudden she was pregnant. The name was a little harsh, to say the least, and it left Nick a little shocked where he just laughed it off. Now just a couple weeks later, Brittany has followed up on the harsh statement, with a statement of her own. The former Miss Guam shared an image on Instagram from when she was fully pregnant and glowing with Nick. "#TBT The honor of bringing life on earth is definitely not an oops," she captioned the images. https://www.instagram.com/p/BroW01cnBBQ Recent reports suggest that Wendy may be dealing with her own issues surrounding a baby since her husband, Kevin Hunter, reportedly got another woman pregnant. The sources say it's a woman who lives down the street from their New Jersey, but as usual, such reports should be taken with a grain of salt. Sneakerheads around the world rejoice. Nike is looking to bring the noise in 2019 and part of that noise is cheaper, more affordable sneakers. According to Business Insider, Nike CEO Mark Parker hopped on an earnings call Thursday and explained how he hopes to bring more "moderately priced" shoes to consumers. The announcement comes after Nike boosted its sales in the second quarter by 10%. Parker explained how classic Nike models that people already love, like the Air Max and React will see cheaper models. He added that new silhouettes will be created at these more affordable price points. Image via Nike As we broaden platforms across categories, were also broadening them across price points to bring them to more people, Parker explained. We see greater opportunities for moderately priced footwear from Nike right now. For now, it seems as though these more moderately priced sneakers will be coming to North America. Although Parker did explain that if the overseas market shows a desire for these shoes, they will bring them across the world. Parker also said Nike plans to release a Yoga clothing line for men which will compete with the likes of Lululemon. Travis Scott stands accused of stealing music files from his former mentor, producer Tommy Brown. The allegations have been filed by Victoria Monet, who if you recall, is actually one of eight co-writers credited on "Sin City" performed by John Legend, Teyana Taylor, Cyhi the Prynce, Malik Yusef, and of course Travis Scott, together joining forces as the "delta quotient" on G.O.O.D. Music's Cruel Summer mixtape. Monet, speaking on behalf herself and the song's producer Tommy Brown aka TBHits, alleges that Travis Scott was living on their couch when he first arrived in Los Angeles looking to a splash on the local scene. Monet arranged for a tell-all interview with High Snobiety in which she outlined all of Travis Scott's alleged misgivings, beginning with his decision to go behind their back and shop the song to Kanye West. "Funny story. Travis Scott, when he first moved to LA, he was living with me and (Tommy Brown) on our couch," Monet told High Snobiety. "So basically, Travis Scott took files from Tommy Brown and took them to Kanye and said he produced them and it was on video." Travis Scott didn't stop there, according to Monet. "He took a song I had written a hook to and took it to Teyana Taylor for her to do and change a little bit. So Tommy ended up finding out because the footage was on his hard drive or something," she continued. "I cant quite remember but he saw him in the studio trying to act like he made the beat." With that said, Victoria Monet doesn't want to go on record as saying Travis Scott is a "bad guy," but rather "a good person" nevertheless at fault for a gross misunderstanding. It's kind of hard to ascertain her intentions in coming forward, as it would seem that Travis, Tommy Brown, and Victoria Monet are no longer at an impasse regarding song accreditation. Ahh the holidays, gifts, food and time well spent with family and if you're really blessed and have a son who just finished a North American tour, selling out stadiums everywhere your gifts will be something really special. Such is the case for Travis Scott's parents who received brand new cars from their son for Christmas. From the videos below, it looks like Travis' mom got a new Range Rover and his dad got a Porsche but the happiest person in the clip looks to be little baby Stormi who's all smiles while sitting on her grandma's lap and playing with the steering wheel. https://www.instagram.com/p/Br3GkIvheGV Travis' parents aren't Kylie Jenner's official in-laws just yet but as Travis previously told Rolling Stone, it's something that will happen soon. We was just two kids, fucking around. Maybe, like, the first week, you dont know if its real or a fling. Then the second week youre like, Whoa, Im still talking to her, shes responding, Im responding. We aint run out of a thing to say. And it got to a point where I was like, I need her with me to operate. Shes that one, he told the publication. "Well get married soon. I just gotta sturdy up I gotta propose in a fire way. Richard Thorpe III knew he had to sell a section of his western Texas ranch for a line of electric transmission towers. But he also knew that the utility taking his property under eminent domain was lowballing him, offering less than $50,000 for mile-long swath of pasture and oak trees that abuts the family cemetery. Thorpe appealed that price to a special commission of landowners, which pegged the value in excess of $600,000. Still, it was at best a partial victory for the cattle rancher, who spent more than half that amount on lawyer's fees, appraisals and other expenses to contest the utility's valuation. "You are at a huge disadvantage," said Thorpe, who is also president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association which represents 17,500 beef cattle operations. "The landowner loses and the condemning entity wins and we're stuck looking at an eye sore." Thorpe is among the landowners who have found they can't recover their legal costs even if they win their cases, a provision of Texas law that they say provides incentives for utilities, pipeline companies and government entities to undervalue properties in eminent domain takings, discourages landowners from challenging low prices and ultimately leaves them with less than the full value of their property because of high costs of litigation. The issue, which pits two of the sacred cows of Texas politics -- property rights and the energy industry-- against each other, has long simmered in Austin, where ranchers, farmers and other landowners have battled pipeline and transmission companies, as well as government agencies, which argue that allowing the recovery of legal expenses would only encourage more lawsuits and raise the cost of projects. The debate has taken on increased urgency in recent years as economic and population growth has created a need for more transmission, more pipelines and new transportation projects -- all of which could require land takings. Those projects include a 240-mile high speed rail line from Houston to Dallas, the widening of Interstate 45 to the Sam Houston Tollway, and the expansion of Highway 249 to College Station to create a tollway known as the "Aggie Expressway." The drilling boom in West Texas' Permian Basin has also increased the need for new and expanded pipelines to move crude and natural gas to Gulf Coast refineries, petrochemical plants and liquefied natural gas terminals. For example, Kinder Morgan of Houston and DCP Midstream of Denver, recently announced plans to build the new Gulf Coast Express Pipeline Project that would move natural gas from the Permian to the Gulf over 430 miles. Kinder Morgan spokeswoman Melissa Ruiz said the project, if it attracts enough customers, would require easements -the right to use pieces of property for infrastructure improvements -from a variety of private landowners, she said. Eminent domain would come into play, she said, only if the company fails to negotiate agreements with landowners. Eminent domain is the power of government to take private property for public use, such as building roads, building schools and laying water and sewer lines. In Texas, private companies approved by the Texas Legislature also have the power to take private property under eminent domain for projects in the public interest. The most common taking, according to the Texas A&M's Agrilife Extension Service, is to build oil and gas pipelines. The entities taking the property -- whether private companies or government agencies - are required to compensate land owners for the market value of the property. In Texas, market value is the price property would fetch if both buyers and sellers were willing participants and both were free to walk away if they didn't like the price. Landowners in Texas who believe they're not getting what the property is worth can appeal to special commissions of local landowners to contest the value, but they also have to factor in the cost of the legal fight. In Texas, unlike about half the states, the legal fees of landowners won't be reimbursed, even if they prove the offer was wildly off the mark. In Texas, about 85 percent of landowners accept the last offer in eminent domain takings, said Justin Hodge, a Houston lawyer who specializes in eminent domain cases. But when those offers are challenged, the special commissions that hear the appeals typically find the property is worth significantly more, according to a survey by a coalition of landowners groups. Texans for Property Rights polled three of its largest member organizations, including the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas Wildlife Association and found that 77 percent of the respondents who had contested property values reported they received at least 20 percent more than their final offer. A study of nationwide eminent domain practices by Texas A&M School of Law found that landowners in Texas are in a "precarious position" from the onset. While Texas entitles landowners to recover the market value of their property, landowners -- not the entities taking the land -- have to pay for appraisals to determine the value. "Landowners who challenge just compensation are often never made whole when their property is taken for public use," the report concluded, "because any amount they receive will be reduced by the fees needed to win the suit." Property rights groups have tried for years to change state law to allow landowners to recover legal costs if their challenges in eminent domain cases succeed. A bill that would have done that during the 2015 session passed the Senate, but died in the House. This session, landowners got behind proposed legislation that would have required utilities, pipeline companies and governments and utilities to reimburse legal fees if the special commissions of landowners assess values at 20 percent or more than the final offer. The bill was fiercely opposed by some of the most powerful business interests in the state. Among those lobbying against the bill were BP America, a subsidiary of the British oil major, Enbridge Energy, a Canadian pipeline company, and Anadarko, The Woodlands oil and gas company, according to state lobbying records. BP America and Enbridge declined comment; Anadarko did not respond to a request for comment. Over the past few weeks, however, reimbursement of legal fees was stripped out of a broader eminent domain bill that would impose new requirements for land dealers and new regulations to tie offers to county tax valuations. The revised bill passed the Senate earlier this month and has been referred to the House Land and Resource Management Committee. Opponents of the bill said that reimbursing landowners for legal costs would only increase the number of lawsuits, with most of the benefits going to lawyers instead of landowners. The Austin-based Texas Civil Justice League, which advocates for damage award limits in lawsuits, estimated that as many as 50 percent of landowners would challenge eminent domain values if the bill became law. Julia Rathgeber, chief executive of the Association of Electric Companies of Texas, a trade group representing transmission and other power companies, agreed that reimbursing legal costs would lead to a burst of litigation that would slow projects, increase costs and lead to higher rates for customers. She said a better approach would be to provide more information to landowners so they can negotiate better. But Hodge, the Houston eminent domain lawyer, said there's little evidence that allowing landowners to recover legal costs hurts development. Florida, for example, has continued to grow robustly despite an eminent domain law that permits reimbursement of legal costs, he said. Hodge has a personal stake in the debate. On his family's land in central Texas, Hodge's grandfather struck water and began selling it to local municipalities, setting aside the income to pay for college for his descendents. But the Texas Department of Transportation, planning to build a rest stop between Austin and Waco, offered the Hodge family $350,000 for 28 acres, including the area with the water. The family fought back, and a jury in Bell County determined in 2009 that it was worth $5.9 million, including $4.5 million for the groundwater. The state of Texas appealed the following year to the Third Court of Appeals in Austin, arguing that future income from groundwater should not be part of the calculation to determine market value, according to a brief filed by then- Attorney General Greg Abbott. The Hodge family, after spending more than $1 million on lawyers, hydrologists, appraisers and other experts over six years, eventually ended up settling with the state for a confidential amount. "I can look at a landowner in the eye," said Hodge, "and I can understand how you feel." Pipeline companies in Texas and other states have long had the power to take land under the eminent domain principle that projects to transport energy to heat homes, generate electricity and produce fuels are in the public interest. But what if the public is in Europe, South America or Asia? As natural gas and crude oil produced in Texas are increasingly exported, environmentalists, property rights advocates and legal specialists are promoting a novel legal argument to block pipelines, asserting that projects that help ship energy out of the country dont benefit the American public and should not be eligible for eminent domain takings. In fact, they note, exporting energy may hurt the publics interest by decreasing domestic supplies and raising costs. Australia, for example, exported so much liquefied natural gas, or LNG, that domestic supplies dwindled and prices doubled for Australian consumers. Public use does not include shipping (gas) to China, said David Bookbinder, chief counsel for the Niskanen Center, a property rights advocacy in Washington. Were saying no. The argument has not been tested in court, but the Niskanen Center is already preparing challenges against land takings for pipelines feeding LNG export terminals and considering intervening in existing cases to aid property owners fighting eminent domain actions. Analysts said the issue of whether energy exports are in the public interest also could provide a new line of attack for environmentalists, who have been largely unsuccessful in legal challenges based on the impact of pipelines on natural resources and climate change. "I see an avenue," said Robert Ineson, executive director of LNG at the research firm IHS Markit. RELATED: Protests, arrests pick up as environmentalists target pipelines Advances in hydraulic fracturing and drilling technologies are driving a second shale boom that is producing record amounts of natural gas and crude oil, which in turn has spurred a surge in exports and billions of dollars in investments in pipelines and terminals to move fossil fuels from Texas shale plays to foreign markets. The Houston LNG company Tellurian, for example, has proposed a $7 billion pipeline network to transport natural gas from the Permian Basin in West Texas and Haynesville shale, which straddles East Texas and Louisiana, to pipelines servicing Tellurian's proposed Driftwood LNG export terminal south of Lake Charles in Louisiana. Several companies are also building pipelines to move crude and natural gas from the Permian Basin in West Texas and Eagle Ford shale in South Texas to export facilities in Corpus Christi. U.S. crude exports, which resumed at the end of 2015 after a 40-year ban, averaged more than 1 million barrels a days last year, double the exports in 2016, according to the Energy Department. The U.S. exports about 3 billion cubic feet of LNG per day from two terminals: the Sabine Pass complex owned by Houstons Cheniere Energy and Dominion Energys Cove Point in Maryland, according to the American Gas Association. Domestic consumption averages 70 billion cubic feet on natural gas each day. But with the United States awash in low-priced natural gas, U.S. exports are poised to grow with new facilities expected to add another 9.6 billion cubic feet per day of capacity by the end of 2019, according to the Energy Department. Gov. Greg Abbott recently lobbied top energy officials in India to import more LNG from Texas. Several companies are developing export terminals, including the Houston pipeline company Kinder Morgan in Georgia and Freeport LNG, also of Houston, along the Gulf Coast. Cheniere, meanwhile, is expanding its Sabine Pass complex in Louisiana and developing a new processing plant near Corpus Christi. Pipeline companies said they dont expect overseas destinations of crude oil and fossil fuels to affect their eminent domain powers, which allows them to take property as long as they compensate landowners for the fair market value. Chris Stockton, spokesman for Williams Cos., which operates about 15,000 miles of interstate transmission pipelines nationwide, said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has already determined that pipelines can use eminent domain and the Energy Department ruled in the Cove Point LNG terminal application that authorization for export is not inconsistent with the public interest, citing economic benefits of the project. The economic benefits of LNG projects can be substantial. Freeport LNG, for example, is investing $14 billion to develop its LNG complex in Quintana Island near Freeport, creating thousands of construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs when the project is completed next year. Unless FERC changes its policy, said Stockton, Williams is not worried about losing the power of eminent domain for pipelines moving natural gas destined for foreign markets. RELATED: Pipelines growing with surge of Permian crude But Luke Ellis, an Austin eminent domain lawyer who represents landowners, said the public interest question surrounding exports provides an opening to challenge land takings in court and is almost certainly on the minds of pipeline executives. He cited one company that was running a natural gas pipeline from West Texas to Mexico, but added a spur to bring natural gas service to the tiny Texas border town of Presidio for the first time a move Ellis said appeared aimed to avoid the question of which public, Mexican or American, was served by the project. "If we can show that gas that comes out of the Permian Basin and goes into the pipeline and is processed into LNG and then gets shipped out overseas with no use by the public and no intention to do it any differently, I think there is a legitimate public use challenge," Ellis said. "Id love to take it on." The pipeline company, Energy Transfer Partners of Dallas, rejected Ellis contention. A spokeswoman, Lisa Dillinger, said the company often installs branches from its pipelines to enable local economic development opportunities. On the Trans-Pecos pipeline, she said, Energy Transfer paid to install six branches in the three counties the pipeline traverses, including three in Presidio County. We do this not just because it is good business, but also because we recognize the importance of being a good neighbor and business partner in areas where we operate, Dillinger said in a statement. Leslie Kinsel, who raises cattle on her familys 2,500-acre ranch south of San Antonio, was approached by Williams Cos. about two months ago about running a pipeline to carry gas across a three-mile stretch of her land. Kinsel is already embroiled in a lawsuit over the value of her land taken for transmission lines by a utility. But at least with that project, she knows that the energy will benefit people in Texas. With the pipeline, Kinsel said, she has no idea whether the gas would be converted to LNG for export, nor does Williams, which said it could not know the final destination for the gas after the pipeline moved it to a storage facility. But if the gas was sold overseas, Kinsel said, it would make the eminent domain proceedings harder to take. Its not our public, she said. Its Chinas public or Japans public, or whoever gets the shipment on the other end. Thrift stores, once thought of as dark, dingy places where grandmothers and those on hard times scrounged for cheap clothes, are experiencing a renaissance as younger patrons flock to consignment shops eager to hunt for good deals on vintage fashion. Now, retailers that make their money selling the latest styles and newest products are trying to grab a piece of that market. Stage Stores, which operates more than 800 department stores under brands such as Bealls, Palais Royal and Gordmans, recently entered a partnership with the online consignment shop ThredUp to start selling secondhand clothes in some of its department stores across Texas. The Houston retailer is aiming to attract younger, more affluent customers who are increasingly shopping online and at independent boutiques and consignment shops. More people are shopping secondhand than ever before, Stage Stores CEO Michael Glazer said. The clothing resale market is projected to more than double by 2022 to $41 billion from $20 billion in 2018, according to ThredUp. Retailers, still seeking ways to slow the ecommerce juggernaut, are trying to lure bargain hunters who love to flip through clothing racks in search of a good deal. Department stores, in particular, realize that the thrill of the hunt cant be easily replicated online, where the shopping experience takes a back seat to the convenience of a click. Thats why Stage Stores last year acquired Gordmans, an off-price retailer that sells new, brand-name apparel at close-out prices. The company this year opened three Gordmans stores in the Houston area, and plans to expand its off-price division. ThredUp Stores in the Houston Area Palais Royal: 726 Meyerland Plaza Mall in Houston Palais Royal: 2711 61st Street in Galveston Palais Royal: 6729 S. Fry Road in Katy Palais Royal: 215 W. Main Street in League City Palais Royal: 2650 Pearland Parkway #110 in Pearland. Gordmans: 24974 Commercial Dr. in Rosenberg See More Collapse Earlier this year, Stage Stores partnered with LXR and Co. to sell authentic used handbags and accessories from designer brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. The reconditioned bags, which come with a letter of authenticity, sell for hundreds of dollars less than the original price. On HoustonChronicle.com: Stage Stores shopping for bargain hunters So when ThredUp proposed selling secondhand clothes through Stage Stores, the retailer jumped at the opportunity. ThredUp, like many etailers, is opening brick-and-mortar shops through partnerships with traditional retailer to give customers an opportunity to touch and try products. Stage Stores is the first deparment store to partner with ThredUp. Its a low-risk proposition for both Stage and ThredUp, said Jason Baker, cofounder of Houston-based retail brokerage Baker Katz. ThredUp is the largest online consignment store with a very loyal following whose average age is very young. The average age of a Stage Store customer is a little bit older. The partnership makes tons of sense. ThredUp, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 2009.The company, which has raised $130 million in funding, collects gently-used, name-brand clothing from consumers, who get paid in ThredUp shopping credit, a Visa pre-paid card or through Paypal. It has become the largest online retailer of secondhand clothes, selling more than 10 million items each year Stage Stores has opened ThredUp shops in five Palais Royal stores in the Houston area, a Gordmans in Rosenberg and at a handful of Bealls and Stage stores across Texas. The shops sell gently-used clothing from designer brands, such as J Crew and Kate Spade. The stores also serve as a drop-off location for customers looking to donate their clothing to ThredUp in exchange for a monetary donation made on their behalf to Girls Inc, a nonprofit that works to empower girls. The ThredUp shops are small, taking up roughly 200 square feet of the 35,000-square-foot stores. The shops feature several mannequins, clothing racks and wall displays. Throughout the shop are ThredUp logos and signs that read Secondhand clothes, first hand fun. Deals abound. At Stage Stores flagship Palais Royal store in Meyerland, a black vest from the Gap, was selling for $28.98, marked down from its original price of $90. The average price of a ThredUp garment sold at Palais Royal is about $25. The value here is just fabulous, store manager Karen MacKay said. Its kind of like a treasure hunt. About 44 million women shopped secondhand in 2017, up from 35 million women in 2016, according to ThredUp. Evelina Sanchez, 54, recently picked up a green dress from the ThredUp shop at the Palais Royal in Meyerland, where the Westbury resident regularly shops. The dress, a birthday gift for her mother-in-law, was originally $80 at Loft. At the ThredUp shop, it was marked down to $23.98. Sanchez said she was surprised to find out the dress was secondhand, but wasnt upset to be buying used. Her 15-year-old nephew loves to shop at thrift stores, she said. The way it was displayed, I didnt realize it was secondhand because it was in good condition, Sanchez said. Sometimes, you can get good clothes at reasonable prices when you go thrifting. These are nice clothes. Related: This is how much Americans spent on Cyber Monday paul.takahashi@chron.com twitter.com/paultakahashi 1. Yuja Wang, Houston Symphony After the 31-year-old Beijing native finished off the Turkish March movement of Mozarts Piano Sonata No. 11 in a dizzying shower of notes, an excited patron a few seats over immediately exclaimed under her breath, Its like shes got 20 fingers! Perhaps an unusual comment for an orchestras opening-night gala, but not when describing the comic-book prowess that has turned Wang into a piano superhero of sorts. The taxing technical demands of Ravels Concerto For the Left Hand melted away before Wangs fluid interpretation, as she cycled through a thorough range of emotions and moods ardent, grief-stricken, tender in 19 minutes. Resourcefully, she used her right arm as a counterweight whenever the music reached a fever pitch. Capping her performance with a grab bag of solo pieces by Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, and Vladimir Horowitzs rousing Variations on a Theme from Carmen, Wang used each one to prove that that excelling at her level requires great physicality but even greater artistry. 2. Itzhak Perlman, Houston Symphony Already onscreen this year in Alison Chernicks award-winning documentary Itzhak, the virtuoso violinist and 16-time Grammy winner gave Jones Hall a personal taste of his effervescent humanity in a charming program called Perlman Plays & Conducts. Watching him play was as captivating as ever; here the showpiece was Bachs Violin Concerto No. 1, a technically impressive but somehow understated platform for his abundant gifts. Perlman at the podium, as it happened, was equally compelling. During the Bach, Perlman guided the orchestra between the brilliant solo passages with an elaborate sequence of head-nods and gestures with his bow. Conducting Robert Schumanns deeply romantic Symphony No. 4 the upper- and lower-case senses of Romantic were both in full effect and Mozarts magnificent Symphony No. 40, his left hand gave constant stream of accents and cues while his baton in his right ticked away the measures. Every so often Perlmans left arm would shoot straight up in the air, as if simply unable to contain his joy any longer. 3. Nicole Heaston, La boh eme, Houston Grand Opera/Houston Symphony Nicole Heaston had a busy fall on Houston stages. The Soprano and HGO Studio alumna returned to star as Mimi in La boheme, the young silk-flower merchant whose fate is sealed with her first cough. Heastons simmering intensity offset some of the hokier aspects of Puccinis shamelessly melodramatic opera. She held her own among flashier roles like fellow soprano Pureum Jos wonderfully campy Musetta, grounding Mimi in humility, grace and the bravery required to fall in love under the shadow of death. And for dramatic highlights, look no further than Act 1s soaring O Soave fanciulla, Mimis love-struck duet with newfound paramour Rodolfo; and a deathbed scene that reduced the audience to a puddle. In September, Heaston also joined the quartet of featured vocalists on Mahlers Symphony No. 2, The Resurrection. In this titanic work in both scale and ambition, Mahler reckons with the forces of heaven and hell for well over an hour; Heaston literally came down on the side of the angels. 4. Inon Barnatan, Houston Symphony Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had good reason to cram as much keyboard brilliance as possible into his Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat Major (K. 482). Aged 29 and essentially composing for hire this was around 1785 he found promoting his own concerts all the incentive he needed to create dazzling music. The Israeli-born Barnatan might know how he feels. During A Mozart and Brahms Thanksgiving, the 39-year-old pianist tackled the concertos first movement with such friskiness his interplay with the orchestra verged on telepathic. In the second, he unfolded one of Mozarts most exquisite melodies into a series of equally delectable variations before it was time to cut loose. The galloping third movement boiled down to a footrace between soloist and ensemble; Barnatan won by rocking his body to and fro so hard Jerry Lee Lewis would have been impressed. His encore, an immaculate rendition of Johann S. Bachs Sheep May Safely Graze, gave the audience one final reason to offer thanks. 5. Andrzej Dobber, The Flying Dutchman, HGO Eyepatch. Knee-length scarlet leather coat. The stubble of an inveterate sea dog last in port seven long years ago. The title role of Richard Wagners supernatural 1830 opera calls for a look as rough as the waves during a tempest, plus a voice that can suitably channel the slow-cooking despair born of the Dutchmans diabolical imperative to roam the seas indefinitely unless he finds a woman to marry him. Talk about long odds. But the ample baritone of the Polish-born Dobber, well-received in HGOs 2015 production of Tosca, has heft and range to spare. His bitterness begins blooming into hope once he realizes the wayward mariner his ghostly crew has just encountered is only too happy to trade his daughters hand for the Dutchmans trove of ill-gotten riches. And Dobbers impassioned duets with soprano Melody Moore as Senta, the mariners daughter, preface a transcendent final scene that proves true love is no match for even the most savage storm. Honorable Mention Storm Large, Houston Symphony: As Anna, the Pink Martini singers sardonic facial expressions told half the story of Seven Deadly Sins, Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brechts satirical sung ballet about a sensible woman and her hedonistic alter ego adrift in 1930s America. Her husky vocals did the rest; props to barbershop-ish male quartet Hudson Shad as Annas tsk-tsking family, too. Richard Trey Smagur, HGO: The HGO Studio artist, a tenor, had small but crucial parts in both of the companys fall productions, first supplying much-needed levity to The Flying Dutchman as a helmsman who cant seem to stay awake. Then, in La boheme, his magnetic toymaster Parpignol led a triumphant childrens parade through the crowded marketplace during Act 2, a colorful and ready-made diversion from the quartet of lovers squabbling at a nearby cafe. We live such frantic, over-stimulated lives nowadays that its difficult for any one moment to stand out when looking back on the year . Here are the performances from Houston shows this year that nevertheless remain seared in my memory. These were complex, emotional performances that defined the entire show by their mere existence. Here are my best theatrical performances in Houston of 2018: Joe Palmore, Jesus Hopped the A Train The term gives it his all is a cliche. But I cant think of any other way to describe Palmores role as a serial-killing but charismatic convict in 4th Wall Theatres production of Jesus Hopped the A Train. He sweats, he does jumping jacks, he quotes the Bible at frenetic speed, he offers you the portrait of both a kind mentor and a lying psychopath. Palmore returned to the 4th Wall Theatre Co. after a superb showcase as William in Lobby Hero last year. He remains one of the citys most exciting actors. Tamarie Cooper, Leap and the Net Will Appear Many of this years finest performances were of actors playing characters of their opposite gender a fascinating trend that could lead to a more interesting and diverse theater scene. But Cooper didnt feel like a gender-swapped role. She didnt seem like she played a Jewish father, she seemed like she was one. And though the first half of the play gave Cooper plenty of hilarity, a moment of grief in act two highlighted Coopers dramatic chops. A well-rounded, enthusiastic performance. Julia Krohn, All Shook Up I didnt expect to like All Shook Up, an Elvis jukebox musical, so much. But I felt pure joy when Krohns Natalie, love-struck in the face of an out-of-town crooner, launched into One Night with You. Krohns natural comedic presence and stellar singing voice infused the production with an element of glee. Celeste Roberts, Men on Boats Roberts played the leader of an expedition to the Grand Canyon, a man who had to make difficult choices and accept the full consequences for each of them. She offered unusual insight into the challenges of leadership, lending gravitas and humanity to her role. Timothy Eric, Ma Raineys Black Bottom Dont blame yourself if Eric made you cry during Ma Raineys Black Bottom. He played Levee, a man you could accuse of being cynical. But Eric guaranteed that you understood why Levee saw the world the way he did. When he has a breakdown, the moment is heartbreaking precisely because the actor made you care so much. Sean Patrick Judge, The Strangerer/ Jim Lehrer and the Theatre and Its Double and Jim Lehrer's Double There were many superb comedic performances this year. Judges rendition of a robotic Jim Lehrer in the Catastrophic Theatres two-part Mickle Maher series was the strongest delivery of deadpan. He made the audience go crazy by simply eating a snack, writing in a notepad, or saying the dullest of lines. I cant watch old footage of the famed broadcaster without thinking of Judges parody. This performance was worthy of SNL. Chaz Corder, Hansel & Gretel My guest and I could not stop talking about that fabulous witch (and abusive mother) from Rec Rooms subversive Hansel & Gretel. Not only did Corder sing beautifully, his showcase of cruelty was also terrifying and hilarious. This was a truly fearless performance, yet it also showcased excellent, practiced technique. Greg Dean, Exit Strategy Dean stood out in this terrific ensemble cast as a forlorn teacher struggling with the death of a close friend. His performance was pitch perfect subtle, quiet, then explosive in the single scene where it mattered the most. His character wasnt the most likeable, nor the biggest presence. Dean leaned into that challenge brilliantly. Yvette Monique Clark, The Wiz Clark had me cheering for Evilene in TUTS terrific The Wiz. She not only sang her heart out, she displayed a larger-than-life presence that filled the giant Sarofim Hall an impressive feat for any single performer. I hope to see her again on the Houston stage. Bobby Levy, Into the Shadows In October, a friend of mine invited me to Into the Shadows, an immersive experience that was equal parts performance art, interactive game and social experiment. Taking place in a private residence, audience members were blind-folded then led to an outdoor area, where we had to solve a puzzle in order to see one of the spirits perform. Levy, a practitioner of Japanese Butoh, had a knockout performance, in which he emerged slowly out of a womb, moving his body in such slow, deliberate ways that it was sensual, agonizing and transcendent all at once. When the performance ended, he laid motionless on the ground, like a fetus, and we walked out in a daze one of the singular, unforgettable performances of the year. wchen@chron.com I prey on the benevolence of Christians. Those words hung in the air as I reflected on what James had said. James, a homeless drug addict, was explaining how he supported his cocaine habit. He was adept at flying a sign and had mastered his panhandling skills over the past five years. He stands at a busy Houston intersection with a sign that reads God Bless, anything helps. He makes hundreds of dollars a day practicing his trade. Its hard work. If the weather is cold, I dont wear a jacket. If its hot, I sweat a lot. I have got to look the part. But it works, and thats how I get the money for drugs. Rosco, another member of the homeless community, explained his thought process in approaching a target. I like to approach people when theyre leaving a restaurant not on the way in. People are happy and feel good after their meal, so theyre more likely to give me a couple of bucks for food. If a guy is walking with a woman, hell want to give me something to get rid of me. Oh yeah, I can make a few hundred dollars a day just asking. When I asked him how he spent the money, he said, When I make $200 bucks, $40 goes for alcohol to get me warmed up. Then Ill spend $120 on crack, and save the last $40 for food and other stuff. These are some of the many accounts shared with me over the past year working at a ministry with a day shelter for the homeless. Listening to these stories has convinced me that the mayor is right about giving money or food to panhandlers DONT DO IT! If you do, you are simply being an enabler not providing help but perpetuating unhealthy behavior. Despite what the panhandler says on their sign or to those who stop the vast, vast majority of the time, the money goes for alcohol and drugs. One man told me, I dont panhandle, I finesse. Successful panhandlers hone their skills to prey on your emotions and beliefs and con you out of your money to support their habits. Concerned citizens say, We cant let these people starve! Let me assure you, as a city, we dont. Houston has more than 100 nonprofits that raise and spend more than $100 million per year providing services to the homeless population. Houston is a very generous community. Free breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served every day of the week, every week of the year in Houston. Homeless people will not starve in Houston. In fact, they can even be selective. Many even know the schedules and the menus. For example, after we offered a sack lunch to one homeless person he announced, Forget that, I think Ill go down to Marthas Kitchen because its pork chop day! For a list of places that offer meals you can visit the Downtown Public Library (a common hang-out for homeless) or the LOTSHouston.org website. As Christians weve heard the story of the Good Samaritan. It is often interpreted as a display of compassion and how to help the less fortunate. Reading the story carefully, its not a story about a one-time isolated act of compassion its a story about relationship. The Samaritan did not drop a couple of denarii into a cup and tell his neighbor go get yourself something to eat. The Samaritan bound the mans wounds, put him on his animal and took the injured man to a shelter a place that could provide him the help he needed. The Samaritan returned the next day to check on the injured man and pay for his care. The Samaritan also promised to come back in a few days time to check again on the man and pay the innkeeper for any additional services. Houstonians must learn the same lesson. Solely giving food or money to a panhandler does not provide the help they need it enables recreational drug use. The homeless community is made up of a variety of segments where peoples needs must be addressed differently. There are the drug addicts who need drug rehabilitation treatment; the mentally disabled who need care; the sexual offenders who need redemption and chances to prove life reform has taken place; those who are down on their luck or have suffered from domestic violence, brokenness or illiteracy and need a guide. Help for these people can be found at a variety of organizations around town. They are focused and designed to provide specific help. There are sobriety treatment centers to help those interested in recovery. Open Door Mission and the Salvation Army offer seven-month sobriety treatment programs. These treatment facilities are a caring place to relaunch ones life. Multiple services exist for those who are intellectually or developmentally disabled. The Harris Center, formally MHMRA, has a mobile crisis intervention team with a team of trained agents to deal with people suffering mental challenges. Harris Health has trained behavioral health professionals and psychiatrists on staff. Churches and health organizations provide counselors to help the broken and neglected. If we truly wish to effect real change within the homeless population, we need to multiply the number of people who consistently show up and establish trust that leads to healthy relationships that will foster real change. It takes time and resources for that trust to happen. Shelters, service providers, social workers and trained volunteers are equipped to increase the likelihood that real life change happens. So please, dont enable a panhandler. Direct that person to a reputable organization that can foster the recovery process and help the homeless get the support they really need. If you feel compelled to give give money to an established organization of your choice. If you really want to change lives, get training as a volunteer at any of the more than 100 organizations that serve the homeless in Houston. If you are not sure of the organizations, the Coalition for the Homeless (www.homelesshouston.org) has a list of the agencies that are part of its network, or come join us at Lord of the Streets. Will Symmes is director of volunteers at Lord of The Streets Houston, an Episcopal church within the Diocese of Texas. Billionaire Reid Hoffman apologized Wednesday for funding a group linked to a "highly disturbing" effort that spread disinformation during last year's Alabama special election for U.S. Senate, but he said he was not aware that his money was being used for this purpose. Hoffman's statement is his first acknowledgement of his ties to a campaign that adopted tactics similar to those deployed by Russian operatives during the 2016 presidential election. In Alabama, the Hoffman-funded group allegedly used Facebook and Twitter to undermine support for Republican Roy Moore and boost Democrat Doug Jones, who narrowly won the race. Hoffman, an early Facebook investor and co-founder of LinkedIn, also expressed support for a federal investigation into what happened, echoing Jones' position from last week. The Alabama effort was one of a series of multimillion-dollar expenditures that Hoffman made to dozens of left-leaning groups in the aftermath of the 2016 election, when he offered himself to reeling Democrats as a source of money, connections and Silicon Valley-style disruption to the staid world of party politics. Hoffman invested $750,000 in one group, American Engagement Technologies, or AET, according to a person close to the matter but not authorized to discuss Hoffman's spending. Hoffman's statement Wednesday referred to AET, which has been linked to a campaign to spread disinformation targeting Moore. But the statement left key facts unaddressed, including a full accounting of everyone who crafted and executed the campaign. The effort was the subject of a presentation in September to a group of liberal-leaning technology experts who met in downtown Washington to discuss electoral tactics, according to one of the attendees and documents from the meeting obtained by The Washington Post. This person spoke on the condition of anonymity because those at the gathering were required to sign nondisclosure agreements. Hoffman said in the statement, "I find the tactics that have been recently reported highly disturbing. For that reason, I am embarrassed by my failure to track AET - the organization I did support - more diligently as it made its own decisions to perhaps fund projects that I would reject." The head of AET, former Obama administration official and Google engineer Mikey Dickerson, has not responded to numerous requests for comment. Hoffman's public apology follows news reports on the effort, known as Project Birmingham, which involved the creation of misleading Facebook pages to persuade Alabama conservatives to vote for somebody other than Moore. One Project Birmingham tactic described in the document said backers had created false online evidence that a network of Russian automated accounts, called bots, were supporting Moore. In his statement, Hoffman called this report "the most disturbing aspect" of the disinformation effort. This and some other key details were first reported in The New York Times. Hoffman's statement said AET had provided funding for New Knowledge, a Texas-based research firm whose CEO Jonathon Morgan has acknowledged using disinformation tactics on a small scale in the Alabama election for a research project. Morgan has repeatedly denied involvement in the broader effort described in news reports. Morgan said Wednesday that he wasn't aware that the funding for the work in Alabama, which he portrayed as for research purposes, came from Hoffman. "I can't object strongly enough to the characterization that we were trying to influence an election in any way," Morgan said. Facebook suspended Morgan and other individuals on Saturday for violating its policies against "coordinated inauthentic" behavior during the 2017 Alabama election. In his statement, Hoffman sought to distance himself from misleading online tactics, saying, "I want to be unequivocal: there is absolutely no place in our democracy for manipulating facts or using falsehoods to gain political advantage." Along with donations to party candidates, Hoffman said he has backed "dozens of organizations." Hoffman coordinated many of his investments with Investing in US, a group led by Dmitri Mehlhorn, Hoffman's longtime top political adviser. Mehlhorn said Wednesday that he was "not aware of Project Birmingham." Mehlhorn previously acknowledged a willingness to experiment with some tactics honed by the Internet Research Agency, the Russian disinformation operation charged with U.S. officials with several crimes for meddling in the U.S. election. "The Internet Research Agency engaged in many, many tactics, some of which I think it is appropriate for us to mirror and some of which I think we should disavow," Melhorn said last week. "The tactics they engaged in (that) we need to disavow (include) misinformation and promoting racial hatred. The tactics we need to mirror are really good social microtargeting." Throughout the 2018 election season, Hoffman directed his cash toward other organizations that aimed to target conservatives on Facebook. These groups created pages and purchased ads on the social-networking site with the goal of trying to "appeal to the center right" of the political spectrum, Mehlhorn said. They sought to get those users' attention on topics including patriotism and sports, then presented them with real political news stories and policy-focused ads. Central to that effort was News for Democracy, which received money from Hoffman, according to a person with knowledge of the investment but not authorized to speak on the record. Over the past year, it created or promoted Facebook pages including "Sounds Like Tennessee," the person said. The Facebook page appeared to be about sharing news about college football and local hunters. But it also bought at least one ad that criticized since-elected GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn for her record on opioid abuse, according to Facebook's ad archive. In total, News for Democracy had vast reach: Its ads garnered at least 16 million impressions on Facebook over a two-week period in September, according to researchers at New York University's Tandon School of Engineering. The organization is not required to identify its donors, and Hoffman declined to comment through an aide. Mehlhorn said that he sits on the group's board of directors and that Investing in US has pitched it as a potential place for Democratic donors to direct their support. "Social media tends to drive people into hyperpartisan camps," said Dan Fletcher, the founder of MotiveAI, another Hoffman-backed startup that sought to target political messages to voters on Facebook. "Part of what we've tried to figure out is whether there's a way you can reach people with facts that stretch beyond just a left versus right dichotomy." Li-Shen Kline remembers the buzz around the attempted robbery in September. How a man broke the passenger window of a car. How he then slammed a woman to the ground. How it all happened just outside Chinatowns 85C Bakery Cafe. Before that night, Kline, a real estate broker, knew the bakery would regularly have long lines for the lunch rush. When she stopped by around noon earlier this month, the store and its parking lot were near empty. I hate to see people losing business, Kline said. Though crime statistics along the Bellaire corridor of Houstons Chinatown have gone down within the last year, the predominantly Asian community in the area continues to reel from a spike in robberies and burglaries of motor vehicles over the last few years. Word about local crime continues to spread across social media, and customers are choosing to avoid the area altogether, which hurts eateries and other merchants, Kline said. In an effort to support law enforcement and get the community involved in crime prevention, the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women in Southern U.S.A. held a community fundraiser earlier this year. Through donations and the groups own contributions, $3,000 in total was given to three Houston nonprofits: the Houston Police Foundation, The 100 Club, and Assist the Officer. Another $1,500 has been set aside for Crime Stoppers of Houston. The organization, where Kline serves as chairwoman of the charity committee, is one of the first independent groups to contribute funds for safety efforts in Chinatown. Their hope, Kline said, is that it will spur others to strengthen work with law enforcement, an effort that kicked off last year. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, along with Houston Police Department officials and other leaders, met in August 2017 with more than 300 concerned residents at the Chinese Community Center. The residents were seeking a stronger push from law enforcement to address the crime sprees. In 2017, robberies along the Chinatown Bellaire corridor numbered 40, with burglaries of motor vehicles at 93. By the end of November this year, robberies fell 45 percent to 22 and burglaries dropped by 16 percent to 78, according to HPD. Lock, take, hide Michael Faulhaber, HPD Commander of the Westside division, said hes happy to see the numbers go down, but that burglaries in particular remain a concern in Chinatown. We try to tell people to be aware of their surroundings, Faulhaber said. He added that residents must ensure they lock their vehicles, not place any valuable belongings in plain view like on the passenger seat, and to stay vigilant and not distracted on their phones. Signs at businesses across Houston, including in Chinatown, urge drivers to Lock your car. Take your keys. Hide your belongings. Yet, some of the more common prevailing crimes in the area include when someone enters a car through the passenger door and steals a purse or phone while the car owner is pumping gas, or when a team of burglars track when a potential victim goes to the bank and then steals belongings when the person stops at another location. Past cases have also included men snatching purses from women putting away groceries in broad daylight. Even as HPD continues to patrol the area and officers work overtime during the holiday season, Faulhaber said hes concerned about burglaries going unreported. Generally people dont want to participate in crime prevention until theyre a victim, he said. Kevin Khong, owner of Don Cafe Sandwich, said he recently had a customer coming in from the airport who left her bags in her parked car. Within a few moments of being inside the store, a vehicle pulled up to her car and passengers made off with her bags. Khong, who saw it happen through his stores large windows offered to call police for the woman. She declined, he said. The time involved in reporting and following through with a burglary case can dissuade victims from coming forward, Faulhaber said. Theres also the concern over what some residents consider to be lenient consequences for burglary cases. The Texas Legislature changed car burglary from a third degree felony to a Class A misdemeanor in 1994. Where burglars would face two to 10 years in prison, they now could face a fine of no more than $4,000 and up to a year of jail time. Yet both HPD and the Southwest Management District that oversees the Chinatown area urge all victims and bystanders to speak up. The management district spends about $350,000 a year on safety issues, said Kenneth Li, chairman of the district. Theyve hired S.E.A.L. Security Solutions to patrol the Bellaire corridor of Chinatown. Theyve also invited HPD commanders and other officials to regular community safety meetings. Yet attendance from residents, and especially from local business owners could improve, Li said. The voice has to come from the community, he said. Karen Hsieh, former president and current adviser to the Chinese women business group, said crime has always been present in Chinatown, though it used to be concentrated near the Chinese Community Center. I think we noticed an increase in crime in the Southwest Chinatown area as the Asian community grew, Hsieh said. She and Kline both lament the damage done to Chinatowns reputation as talk of crime in the area continues online. There is a saying that crime has no address but people magnify it, she said. As HPD works to develop partnerships with local business owners to better tap into their stores security cameras, Kline and Hsieh are urging groups like theirs to get more residents engaged in crime prevention, even meeting with business owners and police officers themselves. We dont want the robbers to take control of the streets, Hsieh said. ileana.najarro@chron.com twitter.com/IleanaNajarro Google Maps A burglary suspect who jumped into the swift-moving waters of White Oak Bayou early Thursday morning while fleeing from authorities was not located in a search of the area, according to the Harris County Constable Precinct 1 office. Precinct 1 spokeswoman Angelique Myers said he submerged under water and did not reappear. The heavy rainfall this morning prevented deputies and the Houston police dive team from entering the water, she said. New surveillance video shows the moments before a deadly shooting during a botched robbery Wednesday night in southeast Houston. According to Houston police, a man had been shopping at a Sunnyside convenience store in the 8900 block of Scott Street around 10:15 p.m. when he walked outside and was approached by an armed robber. The suspect and victim reportedly began struggling over the gun, a tussle that was caught on the store's surveillance cameras. The video shows the victim - who has yet to be identified - walked to an SUV in the parking lot when a hooded man approached him and pointed a gun in his face. Now Playing: Houston police released surveillance video in the fatal shooting in Sunnyside last night Video: Houston Police Department Initially the victim can be seen putting his hands up in defense, but began to swat at the suspect seconds later. The video appears to show the gun coming out of the suspect's hands and fall to the ground in the store's parking lot as the two continued to fight. The fight spilled out onto Scott Street, which is where the suspect broke free, walked back to the gun in the parking lot and turns it toward the victim before ultimately shooting him, police said. The victim was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died. The suspect, possibly between 20 and 22 years old, was believed to be wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and a black undershirt, police said. He was about 6 feet tall. Anyone with information is asked to call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477. Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Google Maps Authorities are currently searching for four suspects who reportedly led police on a short chase in a stolen car early Thursday morning and bailed out of the vehicle in the 5100 block of Pederson Street. One of the suspects threw a gun in a field during their escape, but it's unknown whether they are currently armed, according to Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Sgt. Richard Standifer. A Texas man was found with 100 pairs of women's underwear, 14 adult sex toys and almost 20,000 images of child porn on three cellphones during a traffic stop in September, according to documents filed last week in U.S. District Court. Brian Matthew Morton, 36, has been accused of using interstate commerce to receive images of a minor engaged in sexual activity. His next district court hearing has been scheduled for 2 p.m. today. RELATED: Man receives maximum 20-year sentence for sending child porn Texas Department of Public Safety troopers initially spotted Morton speeding in Palo Pinto County in Sept. 1, according to an arrest affidavit. The troopers smelled marijuana in the car, arrested him on drug charges and searched the vehicle. Inside, troopers found the 100 pairs of women's underwear and 14 sex toys, one of which was plugged in and charging. They also found marijuana and three cellphone containing 19,270 images of child pornography, the affidavit said. Morton's zipper was down during the stop, and police found a pill bottle containing ecstasy and a pair of women's underwear in his pockets, the affidavit said. During their investigation, police determined that Morton viewed the pornographic images primarily on Tumblr, a blogging and social networking site that had become known for allowing sexually explicit images on the platform. Police said many images found on Morton's phones appeared to be screenshots of the Tumblr dashboard. RELATED: MD Anderson cancer researcher cleared of child porn charges brought by hospital police As of Dec. 17, the site disallowed all nudity from the platform, effectively "ending one of social media's last major refuges for sexual images," the Washington Post reported. Morton's affidavit did not specify the exact ages of the children in the images, but they were described as minors in the document. During an interview with police, Morton said he could have been saving the images as many as eight months prior to his arrest. He said he planned to turn the images over but couldn't tell investigators when he would do that. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cureton ordered last week that Morton remain in temporary custody until his hearing this afternoon. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message In the traditional White House call to troops stationed overseas at Christmas, President Donald Trump said he has the support of many federal workers furloughed during the government shutdown over his refusal to sign any spending bill that doesnt pay for a wall along the Mexican border. Many of those workers have said to me communicated stay out until you get the funding for the wall, Trump said. That may well be true, but then again this is a president whose proficiency in prevarication is well documented. About 380,000 employees were furloughed while Trump and Congress try to end the shutdown that began at midnight Friday. Another 420,000 employees considered essential were ordered to work without pay until the stalemate over the presidents demand for $5 billion for the border wall ends. The walls total cost is estimated at anywhere from $21 billion to $70 billion. The Senate on Friday voted unanimously to compensate furloughed federal workers at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends, regardless of scheduled pay dates. Thats nice, but knowing youre going to get paid isnt nearly as satisfying as getting paid. The big thing is, its already a very tough job, said Justin Tarovisky, a correctional officer at the federal penitentiary in Hazelton, W.Va. But when you know that youve got to go to work and youre not going to be paid for it or its going to be late, no matter what it really brings you down. As bad as this shutdown is, its odor becomes even more repugnant when you consider how close it came to being avoided. A spending agreement between Democrats and Republicans appeared imminent. Trump seemed inclined to approve it, and then changed his tune amid rebukes from his typically fervent supporters on talk radio and TV. Rush Limbaugh said Trump was getting ready to cave. Ann Coulter said if it didnt build the wall the Trump administration would go down in history as a joke presidency that scammed the American people. Laura Ingraham suggested that building the border wall is more important than the Robert Mueller investigation. Forget Mueller. The wall, the wall, the wall has to be built, she said. And just like that, any deal was thrown out the window and the shutdown ensued. It appears unlikely to end until the new year comes and Trump, having lost his Republican majority in the House, resigns himself to making a deal that he can claim as a victory. Maybe that sufficed as a way to run his businesses, but its no way to lead a country. Washington is broken and Americans need leaders who can fix it. Trump has always been erratic and impulsive. Why is Wall Street surprised now? There isnt any good explanation for President Trumps abrupt announcement last week that he was withdrawing all U.S. troops from Syria. Conservative hawks are livid, of course, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called the decision a Christmas gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin. But even those who favor withdrawal seem bemused. International relations analyst Stephen M. Walt cheered the troop withdrawal in a Foreign Policy article headlined: Good Riddance to Americas Syria Policy: As usual, Donald Trump has done the right thing in the wrong way. Was the president trying to shore up his support with a base grown tired of foreign interventions? Did he cave when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told him over the phone that he was going to carry his operations against the Kurds into Syrian territory? Was Trumps decision a momentary whim now incredibly become indelible history? Who can say? Just in time for Christmas, Trump has finally brought us the peace that passeth all understanding. Even by Trumpian standards, the troop withdrawal announcement looked haphazard. And it wasnt the Trump administrations only holiday surprise. On Saturday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced (on Twitter, naturally) that the president had no intention of firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell. Which of course raised the possibility that he might. On Sunday, Mnuchin returned with a stunning encore: He said he had spoken with the heads of the United States six largest banks to confirm that they had ample liquidity available for lending and havent had any clearance or margin issues the markets continue to function properly. Always nice to hear, of course, but because no one had suggested the markets werent functioning properly, the news was startling. Such announcements are traditionally made only on the eve of a crisis, not an otherwise dull Sunday afternoon. Inevitably, people feared they had somehow overlooked a looming disaster in what had seemed, until then, merely a mild and orderly market correction from an exuberant boom. Markets skidded further on Monday. Mnuchins actions are both more and less mysterious than the presidents. Less, because it seems clear why his Twitter feed developed a sudden nervous tic: He was trying to appease his boss. More, because neither Mnuchin nor anyone else understands how to calm the impetuous, irascible occupant of the Oval Office. Presumably, the president is displeased by the recent decline in financial markets. Its less clear whether he, or anyone else, actually believed that investors would perk right up if the treasury secretary, for no apparent reason, started shouting, Guys, everythings fine! Were not going to have another financial crisis, okay? To be fair, its not clear what would cheer them up. Which brings us to the deepest mystery of all: Why were investors so optimistic in the first place? I asked a number of financial professionals that question back when the bull market was still charging ahead. After all, Trump had promised tariffs, which large, publicly traded corporations tend not to like; he had promised immigration restrictions, which such companies really dont like; and finally, he had promised lots of uncertainty, which those firms hate with the white-hot fire of a thousand suns. The boom could be viewed as a collective sigh of relief that Democrats wouldnt be finding new and creative ways to regulate the private sector. But given the protectionist drawbacks of a Trump administration, this didnt really justify a 35 percent increase in the value of the S&P 500 from November 2016 to September 2018. The best answer I got was that investors and chief executives assumed that Trump was planning to do the stuff they wanted the tax cuts, the deregulation and that the rest of his campaign promises were just base-pandering rhetoric that would be quickly abandoned. Their belief seemed touchingly naive, even quaint. But also sincere and strongly held. Which may solve the twin mysteries of boom and the bust: Wall Street believed that Trump was just playing erratic and impulsive for the cameras, but that behind the policy scenes, what theyd be getting was a normal Republican presidency, only maybe a bit more so. The current correction may simply reflect Wall Streets belated realization that investors would be getting exactly what theyd seen on the stump: a man who substitutes reaction for planning, and angry tweets for policy. One thing, of course, is totally unsurprising: that when those on Wall Street finally figured out who they were really dealing with, and prices slumped, the guy from the campaign stump was going to find a way to make it all worse. McArdle is a Washington Post columnist. Being raised in a network of nail salons exposed me to the reality of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants who escaped the horrendous conditions of a Communist society. Even today, Vietnamese nationals are trying to leave behind their ethnic homeland to find basic freedoms and build a better life in the United States. While my own parents were fortunate to have access to higher education, graduating as electrical engineers from the University of Texas at El Paso and Northeastern University before opening a nail salon, many other Vietnamese immigrants were unable to navigate American systems, let alone scrape together the means to afford higher education. However, educated in the United States or not, one thing remains the same among all Vietnamese immigrants and their children. They came to America to build a better future. Some toiled away in nail salons. Others had no other choice but to navigate around the law. Most of these folks have found their way to stability and their own American dreams. Now the Trump administration is turning those dreams into nightmares. The U.S. and Vietnamese governments met recently to dissolve a 2008 memorandum of understanding that barred the deportation of Vietnamese immigrants who arrived in the United States before July 12, 1995 when the two nations formally reestablished diplomatic relations. Thousands of Vietnamese-Americans now face the threat of being sent back to a country they never knew. Earlier this month, I was able to hear from a Texas resident who had just started finding his own American Dream, only to have it all come crashing down. Robert Huynh, 48, was born to an American serviceman during the Vietnam War and left behind with his Vietnamese mother. In 1984, Huynhs mother brought him, then 14 years old, and his half-siblings to the United States under a government program that allowed Amerasians those born in Asia to an Asian mother and U.S. military father to enter the United States. Today he operates a nail salon with his half-sister and girlfriend in Beaumont. His grandchildren, two boys ages 2 and 4 years old, live with his son, 27, who owns a nail salon in Louisville, Ky. His mother, now 84, resides in the Houston suburbs, and the four generations gather every few months there. Huynh also faces deportation stemming from a more than decade-old charge for dealing ecstasy. He served three years behind bars, but the Trump administration is working to make him pay a lifetime penalty by ripping him away from his family, business and life in America. He has recently hired an immigration lawyer to continue to appeal his removal order. Huynh is just one of about 8,600 Vietnamese who are being targeted by the Trump administrations self-proclaimed tough-on-immigration policy and will suffer if the U.S.-Vietnam memorandum is removed. This story is not new. The Trump administration first reinterpreted this memorandum in 2017 and began deporting Vietnamese immigrants, but pulled back from this effort in August of 2018. Maybe it takes a bit more of a personal connection for the general public to understand how dire of a situation this is. If youve ever gone to get a manicure or pedicure, you know just how hard-working, humble and loyal these Vietnamese immigrants are to their new home country. Trumps crackdown will shatter communities and force many back to a country where they no longer have ties. It will inflict harm not only on the person being targeted, but also on their parents, children, spouses and siblings as well. Our Vietnamese-American values center family, hard work and loyalty values that leaders like Trump should work to promote and protect. For the administration to break its word on an agreement and tear families apart would be un-American and inhumane. You can also support our Southeast Asian communities by signing the Change.org petition to urge the government to stop any renegotiations of the 2008 agreement. Nguyen is the senior communications Associate at OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates and a native Houstonian. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. 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OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. DOYLESTOWN >> This month is all about dogs in Bucks County Treasurer Kris Ballerinis office. Starting December 1, dog owners can purchase their 2022 license from the County Treasurers Office. State law requires that all dogs three months and older be licensed by January 1 of each year. An annual dog license is $8.50, or $6.50 if the animal is... Maria Elenas life typifies the issues faced by women in the sector. They are forced to work in multiple capacities to earn money for the family, and then bear primary responsibility for domestic chores. They are forced into retirement by ill health, often brought about by the pressures of excess work. Declining fish catch and the pollution of fish sources also push them out of traditional occupations. At the end of their working lives, many of them do not have any legal identity and recognition accruing from their occupations, and are therefore excluded from benefits to workers in the sector. At the end of a hard working life, the benefit of even a meagre old a Sixty-eight-year-old Maria Elena is a fisherwoman, catching fish for a living in Mexicos Lake Chapala. Earlier, in order to earn enough to meet family needs, in addition to fishing Maria Elena also filleted fish but her deteriorating health no longer permits this. Despite having fished for over 50 years, she is not a member of the fishers cooperative in the region and therefore cannot directly access any government benefits. To make matters worse, some time ago, polluted river waters entered the local lake, resulting in a substantial decline in fish availability. From the Editor Sixty-eight-year-old Maria Elena is a fisherwoman, catching fish for a living in Mexicos Lake Chapala. Earlier, in order to earn enough to meet family needs, in addition to fishing Maria Elena also filleted fish but her deteriorating health no longer permits this. Despite having fished for over 50 years, she is not a member of the fishers cooperative in the region and therefore cannot directly access any government benefits. To make matters worse, some time ago, polluted river waters entered the local lake, resulting in a substantial decline in fish availability. Maria Elenas life typifies the issues faced by women in the sector. They are forced to work in multiple capacities to earn money for the family, and then bear primary responsibility for domestic chores. They are forced into retirement by ill health, often brought about by the pressures of excess work. Declining fish catch and the pollution of fish sources also push them out of traditional occupations. At the end of their working lives, many of them do not have any legal identity and recognition accruing from their occupations, and are therefore excluded from benefits to workers in the sector. At the end of a hard working life, the benefit of even a meagre old age pension requires the proof of identity. As articles in this issue show, the pressures of competition and declining fish catch on traditional fishing impacts women in fishing communities in different parts of the world, whether among fish vendors in India or fish processors and vendors in Kenya. In India, the competition from modern and mechanized fishing is leading to greater centralisation of fish landings, with women having to travel longer distances to buy fish from ports and transport the fish over greater distances to markets. They face increased competition from men, who have greater access to money and are freer to travel longer distances. In Kenya, with fish stock levels rapidly going down in Lake Victoria, women are forced to engage in jaboya or sex-fo-fish to be able to access fish to sustain themselves and their families. In the context of declining traditional fisheries, women are entering new roles along the fish value chain, including seeking waged employment in fish processing. However, here they face the gender based discrimination which is endemic in the fishing and fish processing industries. A study in 2017 by the International Organisation for Women in the Seafood Industry (WSI) found widespread discrimination against women in the sector (See Gender inequalities and the path forward). It recommended that the issue needed to be addressed seriously by all industry stakeholders, including NGOs and trade unions. The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (the SSF Guidelines) call for implementing gender mainstreaming throughout the fisheries sector. This call, echoed in the experiences of women fishers across the globe, is reiterated in all the articles in this issue of Yemaya. Unless their needs are brought to the forefront with governments and the industry, increasing numbers of women working in the sector will continue to face ever-growing levels of marginalisation. In a vast, ancient network of termite mounds, UB geographer finds a pattern This image shows mound fields. The mounds are found in dense, low, dry forest caatinga vegetation and can be seen when the land is cleared for pasture. Credit: Roy Funch An impromptu meeting in a remote Brazilian town led to a study that made headlines around the world As a geographer, it's a routine task to examine the spatial pattern of any subject matter, whether they are trees, human mobility, cities or even termite mounds. We find so many hidden stories by carefully exploring their spatial patterns. BUFFALO, N.Y. In 2012, UB geography researcher Eun-Hye Enki Yoo took an overnight bus to Lencois, a remote tourist town in northeastern Brazil. She wanted to go hiking. But while she was there, she also embarked on a second, serendipitous adventure, this one scientific. Roy R. Funch, a biologist at the Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana in Brazil, had heard that Yoo an expert in Geographic Information Science (GIS) was in Lencois. He tracked her down and asked if she might lend her skills to a study of nearby termite mounds. The two scientists drove out together to see the earthen structures. That impromptu trip led to a research project that made international headlines this November. It turns out that the mounds they viewed are a part of a vast ancient network. About 200 million of the structures are spread out over more than 88,000 square miles (an area the size of Minnesota, as reported by The Washington Post). Each mound is about 8 feet tall and 30 feet wide. To make all of them, generations of termites had to displace about 2.4 cubic miles of dirt equivalent in volume to about 4,000 of the great pyramids of Giza. According to a news release posted by the research team to EurekAlert, the mounds, which are easily visible on Google Earth, are not nests. Rather, they are the result of the insects' slow and steady excavation of a network of interconnected underground tunnels. In other words, as The New York Times put it, they are garbage piles. The study was published on Nov. 19 in the journal Current Biology. Co-authors include Funch, PhD; Yoo, PhD; Stephen J. Martin, PhD, of the University of Salford; and Paul R. Hanson, PhD, of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Governor Brown Grants Executive Clemency Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that he has granted 143 pardons and 131 commutations. Individuals who have been convicted of a crime in California may apply to the Governor for a pardon. Those granted pardons all completed their prison sentences years ago and the majority were convicted of drug-related or other nonviolent crimes. Pardons are not granted unless they are earned. A gubernatorial pardon may be granted to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary behavior and have lived productive and law-abiding lives following their conviction. The process includes eligible individuals obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation, which is an order from a superior court declaring that a person convicted of a crime is now rehabilitated. When a pardon is granted, the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are notified so that they may update their records on the applicant. The pardon is filed with the Secretary of State and the Legislature, and it is a public record. Individuals currently serving a sentence for a conviction by the California courts can petition to have their sentence reduced by applying for a commutation. In the majority of these commutations, the individuals have been granted the opportunity to make their case before the Board of Parole Hearings, which will determine whether they are ready to be paroled. Additionally, Governor Brown today issued an order regarding the pending application for executive clemency submitted by Kevin Cooper, which directs limited retesting of certain physical evidence in the case and appoints a retired judge as a special master to oversee this testing, its scope and protocols. This order comes after the administration requested additional information from Mr. Coopers legal counsel and the San Bernardino County District Attorneys Office earlier this year and thoroughly reviewed the record. Copies of the gubernatorial pardons and commutations can be found here. Absurdly Driven looks at the world of business with a skeptical eye and a firmly rooted tongue in cheek. Lately, I've become fascinated by airplane bathrooms. On some planes, they're now tiny. On others, they don't get cleaned. And now a tale emerges of a Christmas Day American Airlines flight from Dallas to London Heathrow that went awry. It endured malfunctioning bathrooms 4 hours into its eight-and-a-half-hour journey. First reported by View From the Wing's Gary Leff, the issue seemed to have been that four of the bathrooms on a Boeing 777-300 ER became non-functional. One bathroom was clogged and it's connected to three others. Leff reports that Flight Attendants decided that passengers congregating at the bathrooms constituted a security risk and the plane turned back, landing at JFK two hours later. The congregation issue is a post 9-11 idea. You often hear Flight Attendants make an initial announcement that congregating around bathrooms is verboten because, well, who knows why. So I asked American whether the alleged congregation on this flight was a security issue. The airline denied it. Instead, a spokesperson told me: The crew said that lines were forming to use lavatories, and they were concerned for passenger comfort -- most likely if the other lavatories would go out also. Ah, so you see. The Flight Attendants feared passengers would be uncomfortable. I've not seen airlines be so concerned about passenger comfort of late. This, therefore, is a fascinating -- and possibly even revolutionary -- posture. Especially, some might grunt, from an airline that's been a touch enthusiastic about reducing comfort on its planes. The American spokesperson told me that the four bathrooms began to malfunction inflight, but the clog was only discovered when the plane landed in New York. I remain a touch perplexed. Here we have a plane around halfway to its destination and the Flight Attendants were worried that eight more bathrooms would suddenly go on the blink? And if they were secretly concerned about the (security or comfort) risks from congregation, why didn't they give passengers a rule that, say, only two people could stand in line at any one time? People can be quite obedient, knowing the possibilities are very limited on flights. Earlier this year, I wrote about a United Airlines flight on which a Flight Attendant freely admitted that a bathroom was out of action because it hadn't been cleaned. Passengers meekly accepted the situation -- and this was on a narrowbody plane, with only two bathrooms at the back. Moreover, I hear that toilet democracy works quite well on planes these days. Only a few days ago, I offered the tale of another United flight that had a couple of malfunctioning bathrooms. The captain held a vote among passengers, to see whether they'd agree to confine certain of their bodily functions to specific bathrooms. A majority agreed and the flight took off. In the case of the American flight, the passengers were provided with hotels and rebooked on flights that left December 26. Could it be, then -- as American suggests -- that the Flight Attendants feared all the other toilets would cease to work? (And what does that say about their confidence in American's maintenance capabilities?) Or did someone make an excessively nerve-based, conservative decision? Roseanne Barr has said she will travel to Israel next month to speak to the countrys parliament. According to Deadline, the actor said in a statement that she intends to further my own knowledge of Jewish and Israeli history and speak against the insidious and anti-Semitic BDS movement, referring to the Palestinian-led movement calling for boycott, divestment, and sanctions of Israel for its treatment of Palestinian citizens. We are in an age where Israeli innovation is ascendant and changing the world in areas of medicine, technology, media and the arts. Israel is an oasis of openness, freedom, democracy and tolerance amidst a desert of brutality from an age gone by, she added. I want to shout this from the heights of the Galilee to the halls of the Knesset in Jerusalem, Israels capital city and from the cafes and art galleries of Tel-Aviv to the beaches of Eilat. She will speak at the Israeli Knesset on 30 January. The revival of Roseanne, which had returned to TV following its cancellation in 1997, was cancelled by the network after Barr fired off a racist tweet comparing Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett to a character from Planet of the Apes and linking her to the Islamist organisation Muslim Brotherhood. Barr wrote, Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj, in response to a tweet claiming Jarrett helped with cover-ups during the Obama administration. She deleted the tweet and later apologised for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. She said: I should have known better. Forgive me my joke was in bad taste. However, only 11 hours after her apology, Barr was back to sharing conspiracy theories about Jarrett. Barr has claimed that she did not know Jarrett was black, while also attempting to use the defence that she had taken Ambien before writing the tweet. Lana Del Rey and Lorde have both cancelled performances in Israel this year due to pressure from Palestinian boycott activists. BDS urges businesses, artists and universities to sever ties with Israel. It says it is a nonviolent way to promote the Palestinian cause. But Israel says it masks a more far-reaching aim to delegitimise or destroy the Jewish state. There is a long history of artists either cancelling performances in Israel or publicly joining the cultural boycott. In 2015, a group of 700 artists including Brian Eno, Riz Ahmed, and Ken Loach vowed not to play music, accept awards, or attend events in the country until the colonial oppression of Palestinians comes to an end. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more Extreme weather events linked with climate change, including hurricanes, wildfires and droughts, cost the world billions of pounds over the past year. Heatwaves tore across the northern hemisphere this summer, and devastating storms struck from the Caribbean to the Philippines. Besides taking thousands of lives, these events also had a massive economic impact, often for nations that are ill-equipped to shoulder such financial burden. A report published by Christian Aid has identified 10 of the most expensive natural disasters that struck in 2018, all of which cost at least $1bn (790m) each. Among the most expensive events were Hurricanes Florence and Michael, which struck the US and parts of Central America and the Caribbean, and each cost at least $15bn (12bn). Other disasters highlighted by the report were floods that struck Kerala in India, drought in Cape Town that brought the city close to running out of water, and wildfires in California that were the deadliest and most destructive in the states history. The costs established for these events are likely to be underestimates, as they often only included insured losses and did not take into account long-term costs to productivity. Scientists are clear these disasters are linked with human-caused climate change. Increased temperatures can not only make heatwaves more extreme and wildfires more likely, they can also tamper with weather patterns and make storms more intense. 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 Climate change is something still often talked about as a future problem, said Dr Kat Kramer, Christian Aids global climate lead. This report shows that for many people, climate change is having devastating impacts on their lives and livelihoods right now. The great injustice of climate breakdown is that the people that suffer first and worst, are the worlds poor that have done the least to contribute to the crisis. The past year was one of the hottest years on record, and also saw global carbon emissions reach an all time high despite global efforts to move away from fossil fuels. The impacts of climate change are no longer subtle. We are seeing them play out now, on our television screens, newspaper headlines and social media feeds, said renowned climate scientist Dr Michael Mann of Penn State University. The unprecedented floods, droughts, heat waves, wildfires and superstorms weve seen in recent years they are the face of climate change. The worlds weather is becoming more extreme before our eyes the only thing that can stop this destructive trend from escalating is a rapid fall in carbon emissions. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events At the recent UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, small island nations and other developing countries particularly vulnerable to climate change made it clear their survival depended on more ambitious global targets to cut emissions. Due to the costs of dealing with extreme storms and flooding, Ralph Regenvanu, president of the tiny Pacific island nation Vanuatu, said his country was prepared to sue fossil fuel companies to pay for the damage. One of the major issues to surface at the conference was the controversial question of who should pay for climate change-induced damage and adaptation. Many poorer nations feel industrialised countries must take on more of the burden. Although the talks did succeed in establishing a rulebook for nations to follow as they cut emissions in line with the Paris climate agreement, many observers felt they lacked the urgency and international cooperation required to keep the temperature rise well below 2C as laid out in the accord. Co-host of The Great British Bake Off Noel Fielding has revealed what judge Prue Leith does with the leftover cakes after filming, explaining shes apparently prone to treating her pet pigs to a baked treat or two. The comedian was appearing on Channel 4s Big Fat Quiz of the Year alongside 2018 Bake Off finalist Kim-Joy Hewlett when the truth came out about what really happens to the bakers innovative edible creations. While some may think theyre simply chucked in the bin like Iains infamous Baked Alaska from series five, the pair discussed how certain individuals working on the show ensure nothing goes to waste. Jimmy Carr, host of the annual quiz show, turned first to Kim-Joy to ask her what goes on behind the scenes once the cameras have stopped rolling. When youve finished with the cake and the judges have had a little bit, what happens to the cake? he asked with curiosity. The crew will eat it, she responded. Theyd know the best ones, so they all descend on the bake. The Bake Off trivia didnt end there, with Fielding them chiming in to offer another entertaining tidbit. Do you want a juicy bit of gossip? he added. Prue occasionally, if theres any cakes leftover, takes them home for her pigs. He then joked that pigs was simply a nickname Leith had given to him and co-host Sandi Toksvig, before adding: She genuinely has pigs. Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Show all 10 1 /10 Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon PA Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Channel 4 Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Channel 4 Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Channel 4 Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Channel 4 Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Channel 4 Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Channel 4 Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Channel 4 Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Channel 4 Noel Fielding: Bake Offs unlikely style icon Channel 4 Several Big Fat Quiz of the Year viewers tweeted about the evident fondness between Fielding and Kim-Joy, having built a close connection on the most recent season of Bake Off. Absolutely delighted by the pure joy on @noelfielding11 face when Kim Joy appeared on #BigFatQuiz, one person tweeted. Another person described Fieldings reaction to Kim-Joy being on the show as one of the purest forms of genuine joy. In October 2017, the National Pig Association issued a warning after Leith stated she used to treat her neighbours pigs to cakes and bread. The organisation explained that a 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth had been spread after pigs on a farm in Northumberland were fed infected meat. This led to a ban on pigswill kitchen scraps used to feed pigs in the UK, with the ban then extending throughout the EU by 2003. An outbreak of Classical Swine Fever in 2000 was also believed to have begun after a pig ate a ham sandwich. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events We simply cannot stress enough the risk posed to the pig industry by the feeding of waste food to pigs, said NPA chief executive Zoe Davies. Most commercial farmers understand this, but as Prue Leiths comments highlight, the message still is not getting through to members of the public, including those who keep small numbers of livestock and apparently their vets. The British Pig Association explains that some food waste such as milk-based and bakery products can be fed to pigs as long as they havent been cross-contaminated with meat, but that you should check with your Local Animal Health Office before doing so. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday offered a bigger reward for the arrest of the killer of AKO BICOL Party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe. From the current P30 million bounty, Duterte added P20 million, raising the reward to P50 million. Duterte said those with any information on the killer can leave a tip while remaining anonymous. "The reward is at this time is P30 million. I'm raising the ante. I'm putting it at plus P20 to P50. Ang sabihin mo lang, tip lang. Bigyan mo isang tip lang," he said in a media interview after visiting Batocabe's wake at Bicol University in Daraga, Albay. To ensure swift justice for the killing of the three-term lawmaker who sought the mayoralty post of Daraga, Albay, Duterte recommended to the Commission of Elections (Comelec) to place the municipality under its control. Placing an area under Comelec's control means the poll body will take immediate and direct supervision and control over all national and local officials in Daraga, Albay, including exercising control and supervision over all law enforcement agencies. Security councils will also be stationed in the area under Comelec control. The President also issued a warning against candidates resorting to violence to get rid of their political opponents in the May 2019 elections. "They are there not really to protect or to serve their constituents but their personal interest and their desire to win by hook or by crook... I promise the Filipino people, my country that I will not allow political terrorism, oppression, and intimidation," he said. Duterte added, "If you are the one na gumagawa ng kalokohan, pinapatay 'yung mga kalaban, p****** i** mo pupuntahan kita dito. I will personally confront you." Authorities are eyeing politics in the killing of Batocabe. Among the opponents Batocabe faced in the mayoralty race are incumbent town Mayor Carlwyn Baldo and Vice Mayor Victor Perete. Albayalde said a mayor has been repeatedly linked to the Batocabe slay, but so far there is not enough evidence to pin him down for the lawmaker's shooting. But Duterte said the Bicolanos are certain who ordered the killing of Batocabe, adding he has "reasons also to suspect the guy." "So if I say politically motivated, it could be a politician, it could be the mayor, it could the governor, or a barangay captain. But my favorite name now is mayor. But I'm not saying who that mayor is... Kapag napundi ako sa'yo, p***** i** mo babarilin kita. Kung 'yan ang paraan lang para magkaroon tayo ng kapayapaan, na peaceful election then do not f*** the system. Better behave," he said. Batocabe and his security aide were shot dead on December 22 during a gift-giving program in his hometown. Police have identified six persons of interest with the help of witnesses. Duterte said that based on initial findings, the leads to the suspect is strong. "The link is quite it's not a warped one. It's almost straight. So walang paliko-liko," he said. Director General Oscar Albayalde, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, said they are facing challenges in the investigation as people present during the gift-giving are refusing to talk out of fear. "What we were able to establish itong mga assailants nanggaling sa likod, so ibig sabihin itong mga ito nanggaling din doon sa crowd. So there is a big possibility na yung mga tao sa crowd na yun ay kilala itong mga assailants and yet walang gustong magsalita," he said in a press briefing after a command conference in Daraga, Albay. [Translation: What we were able to establish was that the assailants came from the back, so it means they were from the crowd. So there is a big possibility that the people in the crowd know the assailants and yet nobody wants to talk.] Albayalde assured that the investigation on the Batocabe slay would be thorough and would not be whitewashed. The top cop said the PNP has recorded 23 incidents of politically-related killings since October until December 23, already more than half of the 42 politically-related killings recorded from January 2016 to May 8, 2016. Meanwhile, AKO BICOL party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin said the Batocabe family will field a substitute candidate for the mayoralty race in Daraga. In a text message to CNN Philippines, Garbin said someone from the slain lawmaker's family will "definitely" take his place, but he can't say yet who the substitute candidate will be. Samsung's new flagship smartphone presumably called the Galaxy S10 will come with a brand new camera feature that borrows a classic effect usually found in traditional DSLR cameras, according to a new leak. The next-generation smartphone is expected to be unveiled in early 2019 but various leaks mean many details are already known about the device. Three different size variants of the Galaxy S10 are likely to be launched the Galaxy S10 Lite, the Galaxy S10 and the Galaxy S10+ with each potentially coming with different camera set ups. A new trademark for something dubbed Artistic Live Focus suggests that at least one of these variants will come with this feature. The camera feature enables a bokeh blur on images a visual effect usually created by the camera lens that blurs certain parts of the image. Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Show all 7 1 /7 Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Here are some pictures of exploded phones that are circulating online Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures The leaked trademark application, which comes courtesy of Dutch website Galaxy Club, reveals that the effect is created using software rather than the physical camera lens. The trademark describes how the Artistic Live Focus is designed for "creating digital animation and special effects of images." Recommended Galaxy S10 leak shows how Samsung avoids controversial iPhone feature Other smartphone manufacturers have introduced features that create a bokeh-like effect, including Apple, Google and Huawei all of which create the effect using software. Samsung has also included a similar effect in the Galaxy S9+, which Samsung described as being able to make portraits "pop when you bring faces to the front." It is anticipated the latest feature will bring far more enhanced control when applying the bokeh effect. Renders of the Samsung Galaxy S10 suggest an 'Infinity-O' display that negates the need for a screen notch (LetsGoDigital) Other rumours surrounding the Galaxy S10 suggest at least one of the variants will be an all-screen device. In order to avoid using a notch design at the top of the screen, several leaks suggest it will make use of a hole-punch design to house the front-facing camera and sensors. The screen itself may even be self-healing, thanks to a protective material that helps prevent scratches. Samsung is expected to reveal the new phone ahead of the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona, with the release data anticipated for 8 March, 2019. Every year on 26 December, the annual commemoration of African-American culture that is Kwanzaa begins. Observed predominantly in the US and across nations of the African diaspora in the Americas, people celebrating Kwanzaa honour their African ancestry by exchanging presents and enjoying a large feast with loved ones. While Kwanzaa occurs around the time of other festive holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah, it isnt associated with a religion. The festival was founded by Maulana Karenga, an author and activist who was involved with the Black Power movement in the 1960s and 1970s. It was first celebrated just over a half a century ago, in an effort to instil racial pride and unity within the black community. So how was Kwanzaa first created, what does the name mean and how is it celebrated? Heres everything you need to know: How did it begin? Kwanzaa was created by Karenga in 1966. Karenga was an activist during the 1960s, co-founding the black nationalist US Organisation in 1965. Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family and culture that was established as a way for African-Americans to reconnect with their roots and heritage. Karenga explained the significance of the festival while at an event at the Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Rochester in 2013, during which he said: the celebration of Kwanzaa is about embracing ethical principles and values so the goodness of the world can be shared and enjoyed by us and everyone. Kwanzaa has been compared to Juneteenth, an American holiday that occurs on 19 June to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the US state of Texas in 1865. When is it? Kwanzaa occurs over the same seven days every year, from 26 December until 1 January. It lasts seven days in order to honour the core seven principles of the festival, as outlined by Karenga. These seven principles are called Nguzo Saba, otherwise known as the seven principles of African Heritage. These principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (co-operative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuuma (creativity) and Imani (faith). What does Kwanzaa mean? Pronounced kwahn-zuh, the term Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya Kwanza, meaning first fruits of the harvest or first fruits. First fruits festivals are celebrated in December and January in Southern Africa, to coincide with the southern solstice. Karenga purposely chose for Kwanzaa to have seven letters in its name in order to align with the holidays seven principles. How is it celebrated? Families that celebrate Kwanzaa do so in different ways. However, festivities usually involve dancing, singing, gifts and a large feast. Those observing the festival will often decorate their houses with fruits, a black, red and green flag, and a Kinara - a candle holder that holds seven candles. Three red candles are placed on the left of the Kinara, three green candles are placed on the right and a black candle is placed in the middle. In addition to the Kinara, there are several symbolic items associated with Kwanzaa, including Muhindi (corn) and a Kikombe cha Umoja (a unity cup). All of these items are placed on a Mkeka (mat). The festival ends with a feast, or Karamu, on the last day. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Those celebrating Kwanzaa will greet each other with the phrase "Habari Gani?" during the seven-day period, which means "How are you?" in Swahili. In 2009, author of Kwanzaa: Black Power and the Making of the African-American Holiday Tradition Keith Mayes told the Associated Press that he believes 500,000 to two million Americans celebrate Kwanzaa. However, a 2012 study conducted Public Policy Polling found that four per cent of participants said that they celebrate Kwanzaa, which therefore means that more than 13 million people in the US may observe the festival. Britains fracking industry is unlikely to realise its potential unless rules governing earthquakes at drilling sites are loosened, according to the petrochemicals giant with the biggest exploration rights. Ministers have championed the controversial shale gas extraction technique, giving the go-ahead to the first operation in the UK for seven years at a site in Lancashire. However, business at the Preston New Road site has had to be repeatedly put on hold by fossil fuel exploration company Cuadrilla due to minor earth tremors. Under current rules, any earthquake that exceeds the seismic limit of 0.5 must bring drilling to a halt, but industry figures have suggested this limit is too strict. Now Tom Crotty, an Ineos director, has told The Times he thinks it would be difficult to see the industry develop successfully with a 0.5 operating limit. Recommended Fracking halted in Lancashire after largest earthquake so far Ineos is a petrochemicals company led by Jim Ratcliffe, Britains richest person, which owns fracking rights for large areas of northern England. Despite pledging to invest massively in UK fracking, Mr Crotty confirmed the firm was nowhere near extracting fossil fuels using this technique, citing current quake restrictions as a factor. We are a long way from getting to that point in our development, probably at least two years away, but 0.5 will be a barrier, he said. Cuadrilla, which remains the only company currently engage in UK fracking, has recorded six tremors that exceed the legal limit since it began operating near Blackpool in October. How fracking works and where it could happen Show all 2 1 /2 How fracking works and where it could happen How fracking works and where it could happen 02-FrackingHowItWorks.jpg How fracking works and where it could happen 02-FrackingMapWeb.jpg Earlier this month it was struck by a magnitude 1.5 event the largest so far. Though the company has reported that it successfully extracted some shale gas at the beginning of November, its chief executive Francis Egan has proposed that raising the quake limit to a magnitude of 2 would allow them to operate successfully and safely. Mr Crotty agreed there was absolutely no impact at the sorts of levels that have been recorded at the Lancashire site. He said while he was not confident the government would heed this advice, the company would continue investing in potential sites as he was confident the UK would one day need shale gas. Whether we develop these resources now or whether we sit ... and develop them at some point in the future, we have a very strong belief that these resources will be required, he said. The UKs level of imports of gas is going up each year and thats not sustainable. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The government has previously stated it is not currently intending to relax seismicity rules, however energy minister Claire Perry has noted they are set at a cautious level and indicated they will be reviewed in the future. Environmental campaigners have expressed strong concerns not only about minor earthquakes linked with fracking, but also the implications of investing in more carbon-emitting fossil fuel technologies. While ministers insist that shale gas will be an essential fuel in the transition to greener energy sources, critics say establishing a fracking industry in the UK will lock the country into long-term dependence on fossil fuels. Scientists at Nasa are preparing for a flyby of Ultima Thule, the most distant part of the universe ever to be explored by humankind On New Years Day, the New Horizons interplanetary probe will pass just 2,200 miles from the object that is one billion miles further from Earth than Pluto, the distant dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt that itself is four billion miles from us. It will two years to send back all its data on the object officially known as 2014 MU69, but nicknamed Ultima Thule, a Latin phrase meaning beyond the borders of the known world. Alan Stern, the missions principal investigator said that on December 15, the team had decided there were no rings or moons in the path of New Horizons. I informed Nasa that we are go to fly by Ultima on the trajectory that yields the best science, he wrote on the Nasa website. As a result, New Horizons will approach to within 3,500 kilometres (about 2,200 miles) of Ultima early on New Years Day. There is no longer any chance we will divert to a farther flyby distance with consequently lower-resolution images. He added: What will Ultima reveal? No one knows. To me, that is whats most excitingthis is pure exploration and fundamental science. Nasa launched New Horizons in 2006. The size of a baby grand piano, it flew past Pluto in 2015, providing the first close-up views of the dwarf planet. The Associated Press said that with the successful flyby behind them, mission planners won an extension from Nasa set their sights on a destination deep inside the Kuiper Belt. As distant as it is, Pluto is barely in the Kuiper Belt, the so-called twilight zone stretching beyond Neptune. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Other than how far away it is, little is known about Ultima Thule. Indeed, it was only in 2014, that Marc Buie, New Horizons co-investigator from the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, and others discovered Ultima using the Hubble Space Telescope in 2014. In 2016, researchers determined it had a red colour. In 2017, a Nasa campaign using ground-based telescopes traced out its size just about 20 miles across and irregular shape when it passed in front of a star, an event called a stellar occultation, the AP added. Mr Stern said the flyby due to take place at at 12:33am EST on January 1 will provide huge amount of information. New Horizons will map Ultima, map its surface composition, determine how many moons it has and find out if it has rings or even an atmosphere, he wrote. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty It will make other studies, too, such as measuring Ultimas temperature and perhaps even its mass. In the space of one 72-hour period, Ultima will be transformed from a pinpoint of light a dot in the distance to a fully explored world. It should be breathtaking. He said that close approach images other kinds of data will already start to flow from New Horizons on flyby day. We expect to have an image with almost 10,000 pixels on Ultima by that night, ready for release on January 2, he said. By that first week of January we expect to have even better images and a good idea of whether Ultima has satellites, rings or an atmosphere. Deputy project scientist Cathy Olkin, also of the Southwest Research Institute, said: From Ultimas orbit, we know that it is the most primordial object ever explored. Im excited to see the surface features of this small world. Police have rescued a swan that was blocking a major road in Hampshire. Officers wrapped the large bird in a high visibility police jacket as they carried it to safety. It was spotted on Basingstokes Ringway South as the first post-Christmas rush hour got underway on Thursday. Hampshire Police said the incident had caused traffic to build up. Apologies for the traffic on Ringway South in Basingstoke this morning, a tweet said. SC (Special Constable) Armstrong and PC Walton were dealing with getting a swan safely off the road. Hampshire Polices response team referenced the comedy film Hot Fuzz, where Simon Pegg and Nick Frost played police officers struggled to catch an escaped swan before local crime took a darker turn. It was not immediately clear how the Basingstoke swan had come to be in the road. Hours later, another swan blocked the A370 near Bristol. Local reports said the bird was rescued by police and handed over to a wildlife charity. Wild unmarked mute swans belong to the Queen in Britain, meaning that stealing, injuring or killing the birds can amount to criminal offences. Until, 1998 killing or maiming a swan was classed as treason under an ancient law dating back to the 12th century. In 2014, a man was fined for beheading and eating a swan he caught in Kent. I didn't know the Queen owned them, he said after admitting killing a wild bird. I did not realise it was wrong. Two years later, a farmer was prosecuted for battering two swans to death with a shepherds crook after being caught on camera by a coastguard helicopter. The government needs to up its game to combat the threat posed by drones, Britains most senior police officer has said. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said the chaos at Gatwick Airport had sparked intensified cooperation between the government, military, private companies and police. The whole country and certainly the government will have watched what has gone on and said, We need to up our game here, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. We need to be able to prevent the criminal use of drones, for whatever motivation, near our airports and if somebody does that we need to be able to find them quickly as possible, bring the drone under control and bring people to justice. The warning came after around 1,000 Gatwick flights were cancelled or diverted across three days last week, following reports of drones being spotted inside the airport perimeter. As tens of thousands of passengers had their pre-Christmas travel disrupted, pressure mounted on authorities to explain how they were unable to prevent the unmanned aircraft entering a supposedly secure area. Sussex Police were heavily criticised after arresting an innocent couple, who said they felt completely violated after their names were leaked. They were released without charge. Ms Dick has rebuffed suggestions that Scotland Yard should take over the investigation, saying it would be a very odd thing to do. Sussex Police are an enormous way down a large and complex investigation, she said, but admitted the Met was supporting the probe. She added that lots and lots of resources have been sent by the Met, including officers with experience of working in airports and those with technological and investigative expertise. Ms Dick insisted that dealing with drones is a challenging thing and there clearly were many sightings of drones on a number of different occasions at Gatwick. Couple arrested over the drone disruption at Gatwick says they feel 'completely violated' The commissioner said the fact drones can pop up and go away very quickly made investigating sightings difficult. The drone technology is always changing we have to keep up with that, she added. There are a whole variety of tactics and technologies that we are now using, can use and in the future they will have to change again Ive been talking to colleagues around the world and I can tell you this is not an easy problem. We are doing our very best here, and going into the future Im sure, working closely with others, we will get better and better. But you wont find a police service in the world who is sitting complacently thinking, we could always deal with a drone. You wont find it. Its a difficult challenge. Although there was no indication of a link to terrorism, Isis and other groups have used drones for reconnaissance and to carry explosives in conflicts abroad, while the aircraft are used by criminals smuggling drugs into prisons in the UK. On Monday, security minister Ben Wallace warned that anyone using drones recklessly or illegally could expect severe punishments. He said the government was able to deploy detection systems throughout the UK to combat the threat, adding: The huge proliferation of such devices, coupled with the challenges of deploying military counter measures into a civilian environment, means there are no easy solutions. Mr Wallace gave his support to Sussex Police and said the ongoing investigation into the Gatwick incident was being carried out with the utmost professionalism and commitment. Civil Aviation Authority figures show there were 120 near misses between drones and aircraft reported in the year to 4 December, up almost a third on the 2017 total. From November next year owners of drones weighing at least 250g will be required to register and take an online safety test, and the government has consulted on new rules. The Department for Transport is also considering using new technology to protect public events, critical national infrastructure and prisons from drone disruption. 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 chaos at Gatwick came as police and security services continue to brace for a potential no-deal Brexit, where contingencies would have to be created to replace European Union databases. The draft withdrawal agreement that MPs will vote on extends the UKs use of the European Arrest Warrant and other tools until the end of a 21-month transition period. But with the deal opposed by both pro-Remain Tories and Brexiteers, its passage through parliament is uncertain and the government has been mounting what critics have dubbed project fear 2.0 to rally support. Britains continued access to intelligence networks including the second generation Schengen Information System, which is used by British police 539 million times every year, is still being negotiated as part of a separate security treaty. Ms Dick said replacements for the way security services currently arrest, extradite and investigate criminals would be more costly, slower undoubtedly, and potentially put the public at risk. She voiced hope that police will have as much as possible of the instruments they currently have, or something very similar as quickly as possible after Brexit, adding: If we come out without immediately obvious replacements for those instruments, that will undoubtedly mean we will have to work incredibly hard on a bilateral basis with countries to try to get in place some kind of way of working together. In July the Home Affairs Committee warned that Britain was on course for a catastrophic security deal that would let criminals and terrorists go free, and police chiefs say it will be harder to protect the public in the event of no deal. A dedicated unit is preparing to train for officers who, overnight, would have to dramatically change the way they work. The National Police Chiefs Council said it may be forced to revert to slower, more bureaucratic and less effective tools including Interpol, bilateral channels and Council of Europe conventions. Experts agree the public will be at greater risk from criminals and terrorists if the UK crashes out of the European Union without a deal but that is only half the story. Amid the blizzard of no-deal warnings from ministers, police chiefs and security experts the very real threat to safety, even if MPs approve Theresa Mays Brexit agreement, is in danger of being overlooked. Two little-noticed recent admissions underline how Britain will become a less secure, as well as a less prosperous, country, regardless of the type of Brexit we end up with. Brexit was sold to the British people as the UKs chance to break free from the economic restraint of the European Union and become the buccaneering export economy it was always meant to be. The UK has the sixth biggest GDP in the world, but if those forecasting severe damage are right then the country should drop behind a French economy buoyed by Brussels. With scrutiny of Theresa Mays deal intensifying and campaigning for and against Brexit in full swing again, what does the latest data show us? Police in eastern Congo have fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse dozens of people protesting against a presidential election delay which meant more than one million votes will not count. The protesters in Beni said the delay announced by Congos electoral commission makes no sense. Sundays election is now delayed until March for Beni and Butembo city because of a deadly Ebola outbreak, with a similar delay in Yumbi blamed on security issues. The rest of the country is still set to vote on Sunday, with definitive results announced on 15 January. The inauguration is scheduled for three days later. Opposition candidates called the delay a ploy to hurt their chances at the polls in areas where sentiment has turned against the ruling party in recent years. The opposition coalition behind presidential candidate Martin Fayulu has called for a strike throughout Congo in protest, with no-one going to work. Angry protesters in Beni marched to the local election office demanding the right to vote on Sunday with the rest of the country. Others chanted for long-serving president Joseph Kabila to go. Mr Kabila has said he is stepping aside after the election, which has been delayed for more than two years amid occasionally deadly protests. He backs a ruling party candidate, but many Congolese voters believe he will wield power behind the scenes. The protesters also demanded the resignation of the electoral commissions president. They pointed out that candidates have campaigned in Beni and Butembo with no problems, while school, church and other activities continued despite the Ebola virus outbreak. Clovis Mutsuva, of the LUCHA activist organisation, said: We will continue with our marches until [commission president Corneille Nangaa] and his entourage let us vote, because it is our right as Congolese. We participated in campaigning and there were no Ebola infections. Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war Show all 10 1 /10 Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war Mave Grace and her sister Rachele-Ngabausi fled their village with their father to an internally displaced camp in Bunia Reuters Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war According to witnesses, militiamen killed her pregnant mother, her three brothers and injured her two-year-old sister Reuters Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war Refugees in the camp must huddle together for warmth under makeshift tents during regular rainy season downpowers Reuters Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war Rachele-Ngabausi bears a scar that runs from the bottom of her left cheek, past the inside of her left eye and up her forehead Reuters Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war During the attack, Mave Grace saw men with machetes cutting open their pregnant mothers belly and killing the unborn child Reuters Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war When Grace woke she was surrounded by dead bodies. Her left hand was cut off just above the wrist, and it is still healing Reuters Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war The girls father, Nyine Richard, says he does not know how to live anymore and has lost all hope Reuters Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war Their camp is a sea of makeshift blue and white tarpaulin tents. Many spend their days praying together for a way out Reuters Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war Not even two-year-old Rachele-Ngabausi was spared the violence when attackers came into her village at night wielding machetes Reuters Inside the Congo camp haunted by an unknown war The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR expects 200,000 refugees to reach Uganda from the Ituri region this year Reuters The election had already had been pushed from 23 December to Sunday after a fire in the capital, Kinshasa, destroyed voting materials. Congo has some 40 million registered voters who will decide the fate of a vast country rich in mineral wealth, but desperately poor in infrastructure and basic services. The latest delay has caused fresh frustration in Beni, where rebel attacks have killed more than 1,500 people in the past four years. Such attacks have hurt efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak, which since being declared on 1 August has seen 585 cases, including 308 confirmed deaths. Congos health minister, Dr Oly Ilunga, has called this Ebola outbreak the most complex in history. In an interview with the Associated Press on 20 December, however, he said decisions about holding the election in the Ebola zone had been made with electoral authorities, and sought to calm concerns. The Ebola virus is spread via infected bodily fluids and some have worried about using the touchscreens of voting machines. The health minister said precautions had been taken. Several tonnes of hand sanitiser have been deployed for use in polling stations, and voters will be screened for fever before entering polling stations. Press Association An Arizona man made a Mexican girls Christmas wishes come true after finding the wish list she intended to send to santa by tying it to a balloon. Randy Heiss was hiking with his dog in Patagonia, Arizona, just a few miles from the US-Mexico border, when he discovered a deflated red balloon with a note addressed to santa attached to it, CNN reported. The note was written in Spanish by Dayami, 8, and listed all the Christmas wishes she intended to tell Santa. Mr Heiss asked his wife to translate the note to find out the 8-year-old girl wished for toys, clothes, magic markers, paints and a colouring book for Christmas this year. The last line stood out the most to Mr Heiss. It read, Traeme lo que tu puedas, which translates to Bring me what you can. It was a kids Christmas wish. You cant turn away from that, Mr Heiss told CNN. Some little kid put that list out there in good faith, hoping someone would fulfil it and so I just knew I had to do everything I could to fulfil that list. Mr Heiss figured the note was likely released from Nogales, Mexico, which is about 20 miles south from where he was hiking. So, he contacted Cesar Barron, a radio host at XENY in Nogales, asking for help in finding Dayami. Soon after, the radio station were able to find the father of Dayami, who indeed lives in Nogales, and set up a chance for the two to meet at the station. Mr Heiss and his wife Marcela met with Dayami, including her younger sister Ximena, to deliver the presents. The couple presented the girls with items from the Christmas wish list including art supplies and a doll house. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The girls parents, Cristian and Damalis Leiva, told Mr Barron, the radio host, that the girls were partaking in a Christmas tradition. Every year, the girls and their cousins would write two letters addressed to Santa. One of the letters are attached to the tree, and the others are tied to a red balloon and released in the air. This year, Dayamis wishlist travelled all the way to Patagonia. Someone told me they were looking for my daughter on Facebook, and her name is not very common. After seeing the post, I knew that was my daughters letter. We had the same letter on our Christmas tree, Cristian Leiva said in a video of the meeting between Mr Heisss family and the girls. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Although we live in different countries, they didnt think, Oh they live there, and we live here, they just knew we are all one community, we are all equal, and all human beings. This shows that there really are good people in the world. For Mr Heiss and his wife, this was an opportunity for them to celebrate Christmas with children, something they never had the chance to have since their son passed away and have no grandchildren. We dont have grandchildren in our future, and so really getting to share Christmas with kids was something thats been missing in our lives, Mr Heiss said. Love has no borders, he added. That wall melted away for the day. A multi-agency manhunt has been launched to find a suspect who allegedly gunned down a policeman during a traffic stop in California. The heavyset, chain-wearing suspect, who is believed to have killed 33-year-old Ronil Singh, Stanislaus County sheriff Tom Letras said. Authorities in California and other states are now on the lookout for the man ho was seen in surveillance photos at a convenience store before the shooting. The heavy man with short, dark hair, a silver chain, jeans, dark T-shirt and a dark jacket with white Ecko brand patches on the shoulders is considered armed and dangerous, the California Highway Patrol warned. Mr Singh was shot a few minutes after alerting colleagues that he was pulling over a grey pick-up truck with no licence plate in the small California town. He was pronounced dead at hospital. Recommended Manhunt in Vienna after person shot dead and another injured A truck, which is believed to be the one stopped at the crime scene, was later found in a garage about 4 miles from the shooting and is being examined, police said. Mr Singh joined the Newman police force in 2011. He was reported to be a native of Fiji and the father of an infant son. He was living the American dream, said Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department Deputy Royjinder Singh, who is not related to the killed officer but knew him. He loved camping, loved hunting, loved fishing, loved his family. Mr Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and his five-month-old son, authorities said. Outgoing California Governor Jerry Brown offered condolences to Mr Singhs family and said flags at the states Capitol building would fly at half-staff in his honour. Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California, Mr Brown said. In a photograph released by the Sheriffs Department, Ronil Singh is shown smiling at a patrol car with a dog (AP) The New York Police Department also paid its respects to the slain officer. We mourn the loss of this hero and send our condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues, it tweeted. Agencies contributed to this report A Chicago lawyer has been charged with a felony for allegedly throwing two small dogs off a second-floor balcony during a fight with his wife, killing one of the pets. Chicago police say that the second dog ran away and has not been found, and that the incident took place on Monday evening. Police arrived shortly after 9pm then to find the dead Chihuahua. A woman at the scene told investigators the she and her husband, 51-year-old Jerald Jeske, had gotten into a fight while in a vehicle. He had slapped her twice, she said, according to The Chicago Tribune. You love those dogs more than you love me. Im going to kill those dogs, Mr Jeske said, according to police. Mr Jeske then took the womans keys and entered the home. He then threw the dogs off of a second-floor balcony, according to police. Recommended Dog owners warned to keep pets away from compost bins due to mould Mr Jeske has been held on a $10,000 bond for one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals. The lawyer is a 2000 graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law, and was admitted to the Illinois Bar one year later. He is set to return to court next week. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The attorney lives in the suburb of Park Ridge, northwest of downtown Chicago and right near OHare International Airport. A man from Alabama has been charged with killing the father of his girlfriend's children on Christmas Day, when the ex-couple met in a police department to swap the youngsters for the holidays. Christopher Cochran is alleged to have shot the father of the children as the youngsters were watching. Mr Cochran, a resident of the city of Hamilton, has been charged with murder, according to Marion County Jail records. The 29-year-old man joined his girlfriend before 2 pm on Tuesday when she went to the police department to pick up her two children, a boy and a girl, from their father. The police told a local news channel, that the boy got out of the car with his father, while the girl stayed behind. When the boy and his father met up with Mr Cochran and the mother, an argument erupted between the two men. Police said the mother got between the men to try and mitigate the quarrel, but was unable to prevent Mr Cochran from pulling out his firearm and shooting the father. The children saw their fathers death. No one else was injured by the shooting, the ABC affiliate reported. It is not clear whether Mr Cochran has been assigned a lawyer or yet had an opportunity to enter a plea. Recommended Man charged with murder of NYC Muslim cleric and assistant Hamilton Police Chief Ronnie Vickery told local news stations that many divorced couples use the departments parking lot for child custody swaps since it is considered a safe space. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Cochrans Facebook posts show several gun-related content in the last few months, including a post he shared on how Californias background checks impact firearm-related deaths in the state. The last post Mr Cochran made before the killing was about gift certificates to a firearm shop as a last-minute holiday gift idea. A Department of Transportation worker in Missouri picked up cashier shifts at Barnes & Noble. A paralegal for the Justice Department in Texas stopped using her gas-guzzling pickup truck and pulled her motorcycle out of storage. An air traffic controller in California is avoiding any purchases that are not vital. As the government shutdown stretched into its fifth day on Wednesday, federal employees and contract workers across the country described a holiday season marred by increasing financial worries. Some 800,000 federal employees have either been furloughed or will continue to work without pay during the partial shutdown, and it is unclear how long it will last. Twitter became a platform for them to share growing anxieties and fears, using the hashtag #ShutdownStories. Many declined to identify themselves publicly, so their stories could not be confirmed. Yet their tales of hardship spread widely. One man said he became homeless; he broke his lease in anticipation of moving to another state to train for a new federal job and the training was cancelled. Another described having to terminate a family members caregiver as funds dwindled. Several talked of forgoing or returning Christmas gifts. Julie Burr, 49, an administrative assistant at the Department of Transportation in Kansas City, Missouri, said panic mode had set in. She is a single mother and a contract worker who is not getting paid during the shutdown. Her last pay-check will arrive 16 January, and it will be 24 hours short of its regular amount. If this goes on too long, Im going to have to do something drastic, she said in an interview. During the holidays she took a second job as a cashier at Barnes & Noble, and the company let her pick up extra shifts during the shutdown. Even so, the money she is making there adds up to only a fraction of her usual income. Itll put food on the table, but its not going to pay the rent, she said. I do have some in savings, but its not a whole lot, especially after the holidays. Misty Carrothers, 47, a paralegal at the Department of Justice in Dallas, is also a contract worker who is not being paid. Her husband, David, is earning a degree in interior design and works part time. They have been living pay-check to pay-check while he attends school. President Trump: 'We're going to have a wall, we're going to have safety' Misty Carrothers is applying for unemployment benefits, which will provide 55 per cent of her usual pay-check, but she will not see that money for weeks. I think it will get us through, she said. But its going to be tight, Im not going to lie. David Carrothers said he wrote about their situation on Twitter because he wanted to dismantle assumptions that the government shutdown is akin to a long vacation. Im not looking for sympathy, he said. Its a very serious situation for us and very concerning. 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 Essential federal employees who are being asked to work during the shutdown will eventually get paid. But many families are trying to figure out how to pay their bills in the meantime. Lisa Gray, 50, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, said in an interview that she and her husband, Thomas, an air traffic controller at Oakland International Airport, curtailed their spending as soon as the shutdown started. They are fortunate: They have a line of credit, they own their home, and they have a savings account. But the uncertainty weighs on them. Its more about the fear, she said. The longest shutdown, which lasted 21 days, started in December 1995, as Republicans in Congress and President Bill Clinton could not agree on a long-term budget agreement. About 284,000 federal employees were furloughed and another 475,000 worked without pay, according to the Congressional Research Service. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events President Donald Trump said on Friday he was prepared for a very long shutdown. If it does continue, Mike Blankley said he would try to help those who are not getting paid. Mr Blankley, 40, lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, and, like many others, was using #ShutdownStories to try to reach those in need. Mr Blankley, an aircraft mechanic in the Air National Guard, said he was furloughed during a shutdown in 2013. Federal agencies furloughed about 850,000 employees when that shutdown began, according to a review by President Barack Obamas administration. We had to talk to our day care and say, We cant pay you this week,' Mr Blankley said. I know how much it sucks. Mr Blankley said that as of Wednesday, he had not heard from anyone yet. If this goes on for a while, I hope I do, he said. The New York Times Democratic politicians are calling for answers after the deaths of two migrant children in just over two weeks have raised doubts about the ability of US immigration authorities to care for the thousands of minors arriving at Americas southern border. The calls for answers follow after the death of an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy, Felipe Gomez Alonzo, died in US custody on Christmas Eve. He had suffered from a cough, vomiting, and a fever. Just weeks earlier, a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl, Jakelin Caal, also died in US custody, on 8 December. Both causes are under investigation. There is a real failure here that we need to reckon with, incoming Representative Veronica Escobar, who was elected in November to represent a distinct that includes the Texas city of El Paso, said. We need to know how many other Jakelins and Felipes there have been. The two deaths have once again put the US immigration system under scrutiny during the Trump presidency, and show how overtaxed the border enforcement system is. Recommended ICE drops off nearly 200 migrants at bus stop on Christmas Day Authorities have refused to disclose how many children are in the custody of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). But, there has been a sharp increase in the number of families with children that have arrived in the US recently. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has asked the Coast Guard to take a look at CBPs medical programmes and practices, and has said that the agency will begin giving more thorough assessments of children who enter into their care. Border authorities say they have also conducted health checks on children in reaction to Felipes death, but have not disclosed results. Ms Nielsen has cast the blame away from the American government, saying that the deaths are a result of a system that prevents parents who bring their children on a dangerous illegal journey from facing consequences for their actions. Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Show all 8 1 /8 Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Mishawaka, Indiana AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Washington DC AFP/Getty Images Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy New York Mayor Bill De Blasio speaks in Tornillo, Texas alongside the many other US mayors who have called for detained immigrant children to be reunited with their families AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Albuquerque Mayor Tim Kelle leaves a teddy bear as a gift for detained immigrant children in Tornillo, Texas AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti leave sandals as gifts for detained immigrant children in Tornillo, Texas AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy San Diego, California EPA Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy US embassy, Mexico City AFP/Getty Images Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy San Diego, California EPA That placement of blame on the shoulders of migrants coming to the US from poverty and violence in Central America is consistent with the Trump administrations argument that more people should be detained in order to discourage families from trying to enter the US. Felipes death followed after a week of detention in US custody, a time in which he was moved between facilities with his father. He was last held at a highway checkpoint in New Mexico after visiting the hospital earlier in the day. He then visited the hospital later that same day before dying. Guatemalan console Oscar Padilla said that Felipes father, Agustin Gomez, had not seen health complications until Monday, and that they were detained by US forces on 14 December. Jakelins case is somewhat similar. The 7-year-old was detained with her father in rural New Mexico at a facility that did not have running water, according to Democratic politicians who visited the site after her death. CBP regulations limit the amount of time the agency can detain people to 72 hours before they are supposed to hand individuals over to agencies equipped and responsible for long-term detention. Texas Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat who sits on a key subcommittee overseeing border funding, has criticised the Trump administrations push for border wall funding which has resulted in a government shutdown since last week over reforms to border checkpoint operations. Theyre not set up to hold people for a long time, Mr Cuellar said, according to the Associated Press. Theres so much money that the wall sucks up that its hard to address some of the other issues. I wish the administration would understand that. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events CBP said it is reviewing all available options to relieve overcrowding in the El Paso sector, where Felipe and his father were apprehended. The agency also said it has reached out to other government agencies for surge medical assistance. CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said that his agency has more than 1,500 emergency medical technicians on staff and that officers frequently take children to the hospital. This is an extraordinarily rare occurrence, Mr McAleenan told CBS This Morning. Its been more than a decade since weve had a child pass away anywhere in a CBP process, so this is just devastating for us. The Associated Press contributed to this report President Donald Trump has falsely claimed to troops that he gave them their first pay rise in more than 10 years and greatly exaggerated the size of the increase. Mr Trump made the statement to troops in Iraq on Wednesday after arriving late on Christmas Day. You protect us, we are always going to protect you, Mr Trump said during his visit to Al Asad airbase. And you just saw that, cause you just got one of the biggest pay raises youve ever received. You havent gotten one in more than 10 years. More than 10 years. And we got you a big one. I got you a big one. I got you a big one. It was not the first time that Mr Trump has made such a claim, but his remarks were misleading. Military pay has increased each year for more than three decades, with a 2.4 per cent increase in 2018. The 2019 National Defence Authorisation Act brought a 2.6 per cent increase. That most recent raise is the largest in the last nine years. Recommended President Trump makes surprise Christmas visit to US troops in Iraq During his remarks, Mr Trump claimed that he had rejected offers to increase military pay by lower rates, and said that he had pushed for a massive increase. He said: They had plenty of people that came up, they said, You know, we could make it smaller. We could make it 3 per cent, we could make it 2 per cent, we could make it 4 per cent. He continued: I said, No. Make it 10 per cent. Make it more than 10 per cent. Cause its been a long time, its been more than 10 years. Been more than 10 years, thats a long time. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The presidents surprise visit to Iraq was his first trip to a war zone. Three people have died, including a child, after a car carrying seven British tourists crashed while crossing a bridge in Iceland, authorities have said. The four other passengers, which include two children, are believed to be critically injured after the 4x4 vehicle smashed through a railing on a high bridge in Skeidararsandur, southern Iceland. The Toyota Land Cruiser SUV crashed at 9.30am yesterday amid freezing conditions and landed on a rocky river bank several metres below. Tour guide Adolf Erlingsson was among the first at the scene described it as a very difficult situation. It was horrible, he told the Associated Press. The car seemed to have hit the ground many meters from where it stopped. We struggled getting everyone out. Four people were out of the car, one of them deceased, he told the BBC. Then there were three people, trapped in the car and I think two of them were deceased. The driver was alive and trapped more or less under the dashboard. We were trying to get the people out of the car and helping them. It was a very difficult situation. He said he spoke to some people who were semi-conscious outside the vehicle. I tried to talk a bit to the driver to calm him down. He was trapped inside the car, he added. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Police only identified the victims as British. Their names and ages have not been released. Chief Superintendent Sveinn Kristjan Runarsso said the injured were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, but added: We havent been able to talk to them about what happened. It is unclear how the driver lost control of the vehicle. The accident took place on a road which connects coastal towns and villages on the volcanic island home to 350,000 people. Iceland has seen a huge tourist boom in recent years but its infrastructure has not always kept up. Roads are usually narrow, with many one-lane bridges. Of the 18 people who have died in traffic accidents in Iceland this year, half of them have been foreign nationals. Last year was the first on record when more foreigners died than residents, according to the Icelandic Transport Authority. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events This year 2.5 million tourists visited Iceland, compared with half a million in 2011, according to the Icelandic Tourist Board. AP contributed to this article A man has set off to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a specially designed barrel, hoping that water currents alone will be enough to propel him on the 2,800-mile journey. Frenchman Jean-Jacques Savin, 71, has given himself three months to get from Spains Canary Islands to the Carribean in his orange capsule. The barrel is 3m long and 2.10m wide and contains a kitchen, sleeping bunk and storage. Mr Savin, a former military paratrooper who has also worked as a pilot and park ranger, will also be to watch passing fish through a porthole in the floor, according to the BBC. The capsule is designed to resist waves and any potential attacks by orca whales. Mr Savin's trip was apparently partly inspired by a trip taken by Alain Bombard, who crossed the Atlantic in an inflatable boat in 1952. Mr Bombard survived by living only on fish and plankton found on the way and wrote a book about his journey. Mr Savin, who said he has read the book, is more prepared than Mr Bombard was when he set off. He has promised to keep those interested in his trip updated on his Facebook page, which is made possible through a solar panel generating energy for communications and GPS positioning. Good morning to everyone! Today everything is fine, he said in his most recent post. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Savin will be dropping markers along his journey to allow scientists to study the currents of the ocean. He has taken a bottle of red wine with him to celebrate his 72nd birthday, which is taking place on 14 January. Iraqi politicians and military leaders have criticised Donald Trumps visit to US troops in the country. Calling it a "blatant violation of Iraqs sovereignty" Sabah al Saadi, the former head of Iraqs integrity commission and leader of the powerful Islah parliamentary bloc, called for an emergency session of parliament. He described Mr Trump's visit as "aggressive" before claiming the US president "should know his limits." He said: "The US occupation of Iraq is over. His comments came as it was revealed that a meeting between the Mr Trump and Iraq's prime minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi had been cancelled. The US had informed Iraqi authorities of the visit prior to Mr Trumps arrival, but Mr Abdul Mahdis office said in a statement that the pair had talked by telephone due to a disagreement over how to conduct the meeting. Iraqi politicians suggested that the two leaders had disagreed over where their planned meeting should take place. Mr Trump had asked to meet at the Ain al-Asad military base, an offer which Mr Abdul Mahdi declined. The Bina parliamentary bloc, Islah's rival in parliament and led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, also objected to Mr Trumps trip to Iraq. Trumps visit is a flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government, Bina said in a statement. The bloc also said Mr Trumps visit places many question marks on the nature of the US military presence and its real objectives, and what these objectives could pose to the security of Iraq. Mr Trumps Christmas visit to the country was unexpected after he had previously said it was not overly necessary for him to see the troops. Speaking at the al-Asad Air Base, about 100 miles west of Baghdad, Mr Trump defended his decision to pull forces from neighbouring Syria. Of Isis he said: Weve knocked them out. Weve knocked them silly. But his appraisal is at odds with US military officials, aides and allies who still consider Isis a diminished but deadly force. Well be watching them very, very closely, the remnants of Isis, Mr Trump told the troops, who greeted the president with chants of USA, USA. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Iraqi leaders declared an end to combat operations against Isis a year ago but the countrys political, military and economic situation remains uncertain. It continues to experience sporadic bombings, kidnappings and assassinations, which most people attribute to Isis. Around 5,200 US troops train and advise Iraqi forces in countering the threat from militants. Support free-thinking journalism and subscribe to Independent Minds Reuters and AP contributed to this article The 10 worst climate-linked disasters of 2018 caused at least 50bn worth of damage, a study has found. Extreme weather driven by climate change hit every populated continent this year, Christian Aid said, warning urgent action was needed to combat global warming. This report shows that for many people, climate change is having devastating impacts on their lives and livelihoods right now, said Kat Kramer, who heads the British relief organisations work on climate issues, in a statement. Experts say a warming world will lead to sweltering heatwaves, more extreme rainfall, shrinking harvests and worsening water shortages, causing both monetary losses and human misery. Almost 200 nations are aiming to limit the rise in average world temperatures under the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, though some warn progress to meet targets has been slow. 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 20 warmest years on record have been within the last 22 years, the United Nations said last month, with 2018 on track to be the fourth hottest. The most expensive climate-linked weather events of 2018 were Hurricanes Florence and Michael, which caused at least 18.5bn worth of damage as they slammed into the United States, the Caribbean and parts of central America, the report said. The United States also suffered at least 5.2bn of losses from wildfires that caused dozens of deaths and destroyed thousands of homes in California. Japan was badly hit by severe floods over the summer, followed by the powerful Typhoon Jebi in autumn, which together caused more than $4.3bn in damages, said the report. It also cited droughts in Europe, floods in southern India and Typhoon Mangkhut in the Philippines and China among the most expensive climate-linked disasters of 2018. Beer prices 'to soar' as global warming effects take hold, study says The authors collated total costs using data from sources including governments, banks and insurance firms, though in some cases the figures only covered insured losses and also failed to take account of the human costs of such events. They added that rising temperatures would continue to drive extreme weather events as they urged action to prevent further global warming which would impact the poorest and most vulnerable communities hardest. The impacts of climate change are no longer subtle, said Michael Mann, professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State University, in a statement on the study. The worlds weather is becoming more extreme before our eyes the only thing that can stop this destructive trend from escalating is a rapid fall in carbon emissions. Additional reporting by Thompson Reuters Foundation A Japan Airlines flight attendant who failed two breathalyser tests had drunk a mini bottle of champagne while on duty at 37,000 feet, an internal investigation has discovered. The flight attendant failed two breathalyser tests after a colleague noticed that her breath smelled of alcohol during a flight from Tokyo to Honolulu. The investigation found an empty 200ml bottle of champagne, usually reserved for premium economy passengers, was found in the galley. Three crew members said they smelled alcohol on the flight attendants breath and four more reported that she had been behaving unusually, according to the airline. The crew member had passed a breathalyser test taken immediately before the flight, but then failed two tests she took onboard, recording alcohol levels of 0.15 mg and 0.10 mg of alcohol per litre of breath respectively. Recommended Pilot admits being 10 times over limit before Heathrow flight The woman said the result was down to her using mouthwash. She was then removed from duty for the remainder of the flight. She had been a flight attendant with Japan Airlines for more than 23 years, said the airline. The airline said the crew member was likely to have been drinking alcohol on a flight in November 2017 too. JAL President Yuji Akasaka and Eri Abe, head of cabin crew at the airline, will take a salary deduction of 20 and 10 per cent respectively for one month to take responsibility for the incident. In November, a JAL pilot was found to be almost 10 times over the alcohol limit when tested 50 minutes before a flight to Tokyo to London. First officer Katsutoshi Jitsukawa was breathalysed after the driver of a crew bus noticed the 42-year-olds breath smelled of alcohol. He pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol limit for pilots at Uxbridge Magistrates Court and was jailed for 10 months. In the wake of that incident, the Japanese transport ministry changed the rules around alcohol testing for pilots on domestic airlines. There was no legal alcohol limit for airline crew in Japan until a rule change earlier this month, though they were barred from drinking alcohol in the eight hours prior to reporting for duty. As of this month, testing is obligatory and the legal limit is 0.09 mg/l, though pilots will be barred from flying if any alcohol is detected. JAL said it would hold group discussions on alcohol consumption and awareness, and that it would implement periodic alcohol tests during the flight and/or after the arrival of the aircraft. On a beautiful day, the waters of Rio de Janeiros Copacabana beach glisten in the sunshine, with rainbow coloured fish visible from the sands. When the tide turns, so do the contents and colour of the sea. It often contains human faeces from the citys dysfunctional sewage system, which turns the water brown. The election of extreme-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro due to assume the presidency of Brazil on 1st of January represents a political-economic equivalent of the turn of Copacabanas tide. The main reason for Bolsonaros victory in Brazil is a political backlash by the rich and powerful, and large sections of the middle class, against the prior Workers Party (PT) attempts to ameliorate the conditions of the poor. Bolsonaro has promised to unleash a war against criminals by encouraging police to kill "suspects" with impunity, to destroy the left, to attack workers rights, to restore family values by ideologically rejecting and verbally attacking LGBT communities, and to ramp up the environmental destruction of the Brazilian Amazon forest under the name of economic development. Bosonaro was formerly a captain in the Brazilian military; he has strong backing from its top brass, and he has spoken favourably about Brazils dictatorship. Bolsonaros election, and his extreme right-wing politics, potentially embodies the swell of a regional "brown tide". Brown is a colour associated with European inter-war fascism, the militarisation of politics, and the abolition of democracy. From the early 2000s onwards, a number of left-wing presidents, supported by workers and peasant movements, began implementing progressive reforms across the continent. The most notable of these were Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, Luis Inacio da Silva (popularly known as Lula) in Brazil, Nestor and Cristina Kirchner in Argentina, and Evo Morales in Bolivia. These leaders used receipts from the global commodity super cycle rising prices of soy, iron ore and oil to implement relatively generous social programmes. This trend became known as the Pink Tide. However, in the context of economic stagnation and political reaction, that tide is being increasingly reversed across the region. Recent victories by conservative politicians who rejected pink tide politics such as Miguel Pinera in Chile in 2010, and Mauricio Macri in Argentina in 2015 comprised quite traditional right-wing political movements. Whilst reversing the progressive social policies of their predecessors, neither of these presidents has gone as far as Bolsonaro ideologically or in their openness to the militarys potential involvement in national politics. How can we explain the resurgence of this political-military movement? The long-term perspective takes us back to the territories independence from Iberian rule in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. The new rulers pursued a strategy of global economic integration based on the principles of comparative advantage. Agricultural and mineral export production based on very cheap and politically disenfranchised labour was the order of the day. These arrangements were, and still are, encapsulated by the caption on the Brazilian Flag Order and Progress, which many critics interpret as order for the many, and progress for the rich. Throughout Latin American history there has been a very powerful political constituency the rural oligarchies, the financial sector, sections of export-orientated industrialists and elements of the state and military that have resisted any attempt to challenge this set-up. However, there have also been regular mass movements by the regions' workers and peasants to ameliorate their conditions. Up until the 1930s such attempts were largely unsuccessful. But following the great depression of the 1930s and the collapse of the export economy this changed. Increasingly confident workers movements, buoyed by Communist ideology, contributed to a shift in the regions political economic set up. Following the Second World War, many Latin American countries adopted policies designed to facilitate catch-up development with advanced capitalist countries through industrial diversification and domestic market expansion. At times this strategy was combined with concessions to the labour movement including limited trade union rights and better pay and conditions, although always under tight state-control as part of an anti-Communist co-optation strategy. The highest profile presidents in the region to pursue these strategies were Joao Goulart in Brazil, Juan Peron and his followers in Argentina, and the Christian Democratic party in Chile. In Chile popular pressure even led to the election of Salvadore Allende, who aimed to construct a Chilean road to socialism. In all of these cases however, the old economic order in alliance with the military, launched vicious counter-attacks on these relatively pro-labour governments: Military coups and dictatorships followed in Brazil in 1964, in Argentina in 1966 and 1976, and in Chile in 1973. The dictatorships terrorised their populations, torturing and killing thousands of workers and political opponents, banning political parties and independent workers organisations, and using rape as a tool of terror against women. Whilst they differed in their economic ideology the Argentinian and Brazilian dictatorships continued to deepen state involvement in the economy, while under Pinochet Chile embraced free market ideology all pursued intense labour repression. The long-term tendency to integrate the region into the world economy based on very cheap labour was resumed. Political democracy was re-established across the region from the 1980s onwards. It was made possible because, as Jeffrey Webber notes, the radical left had been annihilated, paving the way for the emergence of political parties ready to adopt continued anti-labour, neo-liberal policies in the context of a severe debt crisis. From the 1990s onwards democratic expansion across the continent coincided with the polarisation of wealth and emergence of new kinds of poverty. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In the short term, we see the rise and fall of the pink tide governments during the first decade or so of the 2000s. These governments were elected by populations who had suffered the consequences of the prior neo-liberal economic regime. However, once the commodity super-cycle collapsed and revenues disappeared, progressive governments were left high and dry. Bolsonaros election marks a further right-ward shift across the region and it marks the end of the road for the current pink tide in Brazil. It also potentially represents the emergence of a new set of political forces, with a core role for the military, aiming to eliminate the progress made by prior governments and social movements. Whilst the immediate future in Brazil is dark, the current will no doubt change again. The question is how far can Bolsonaro go in his attacks on the left, and how long will it take for the opposition to oust him from power. Benjamin Selwyn is professor of international development at the University of Sussex and is author of Workers, State and Development in Brazil (2012) and The Struggle for Development (2017) When a general popularly known as James Mad Dog Mattis abandons a really mad American president, you know something has fallen off the edge in Washington. Since the Roman empire, formerly loyal military commanders have fled crackpot leaders, and Mattiss retreat from the White House might have the smell of de Gaulle and Petain about it. De Gaulle was confronted by an immensely powerful hero of the people the Lion of Verdun who was, in his dotage, about to shrug off the sacred alliance with Britain for Nazi collaboration (for which, I suppose, read Putins Russia). The decision was made to have nothing to do with Petain, or what Mattis now refers to as malign actors. De Gaulle would lead Free France instead. Mattis has no such ambitions not yet, at any rate although there are plenty of Lavals and Weygands waiting to see if Trump chooses one of them for his next secretary of defence. Besides, history should not grant Trump and Mattis such an epic panorama. After all, no Trump tweet could compare with Petains 1916 Well get them! (on les aura) slogan, and the dignified, cold and fastidious de Gaulle would never have lent himself to the rant Mattis embarked upon in San Diego in 2005: You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didnt wear a veil. You know, guys like that aint got no manhood left anyway. So its a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them. Actually, its a lot of fun to fight. You know, its a hell of a hoot. Its fun to shoot some people. Ill be right upfront with you, I like brawling. And Mattis was happy to brawl with the Iranians politically, though equally content to let the Saudis do the fighting for him in Yemen, at least. In 2017, he chose Saudi Arabia to announce that everywhere you look if there is trouble in the region, you find Iran. He even thought that Iran is not an enemy of Isis, a statement that demonstrated either ignorance or falsehood. No wonder he later became enamoured of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman. But now he has entered a new pantheon. Suddenly the man of war, the US marine general who found it a hell of a lot of fun to shoot Afghan misogynists and liked brawling, has become a peacemaker. He was the restraining hand tugging at the sleeve of the insane Trump, the one man who could stop Nero burning Rome. He was the sanest of Trumps national security team, according to Paul Waldman in The Washington Post. He was an island of security, announced Amos Harel in Israeli newspaper Haaretz. All this is part of the querulous school of journalism that believed after Trumps insanity was made manifest that the military could control the man in the lunatic asylum. The idea was that while Trump might set light to the world, those trusty generals, veterans of Americas wars for democracy Afghanistan and Iraq, to be sure could protect us all from the ravings of a democratically elected president. Its a grim and dangerous tale in which we have all colluded, especially the Arabs. Better a General Neguib or a Colonel Nasser than corrupt old King Farouk; much safer a Field Marshal Sissi than an unbalanced Muslim Brotherhood man like Mohamed Morsi; more secure (as it seemed in 1969) with a forward-looking Colonel Gaddafi than an effete King Idris. For there is something both initially attractive and deeply immoral in the idea that the warlords can turn into saviours this notion does apply to Petain too, of course and that those who have shed blood must be uniquely gifted with the ability to make peace or produce a just society. Not for nothing, only three months ago, did Mattis publicise his constant reading of Marcus Aureliuss Meditations. The reason I kept a tattered copy in my rucksack to pull out at times, he told US military cadets in Virginia, was it allowed me to look at things with a little distance. All Americans should read this book, was his message, especially in Washington DC, with all the political heave and ho that I try to keep the department of defence out of. But the real message was surely slightly different. The austere philosopher-emperor of second century Rome who ruled when the empire covered more territory than ever before in its history believed in a rather bleak world of duty and service and near-agnosticism; in reality far from Mattis Catholic upbringing. Marcus Aurelius spent much of his life waging war including the Roman-Parthian conflict which destroyed Ctesiphon only a few miles from Baghdad and his son was the blood-boltered Commodus (famously killed by Russell Crowe in Gladiator). Generals always seem to keep tattered copies of the classics in their rucksacks, rather like First World War soldiers. Harold Macmillan lay wounded in a shell hole at Delville Wood, reading Aeschyluss Prometheus for 12 hours. But Mattis? His career, so far, seems to have a faint parallel with Ariel Sharon, the notoriously ruthless and vain Israeli general who, after being held personally responsible for failing to prevent the massacre of up to 1,700 Palestinian civilians by Israels Lebanese Christian allies in 1982, was feted as a peacemaker when he died. Sharon the Bulldozer or the Butcher depending on whether you listened to the Israelis or the Arabs was the most important proponent of the Israeli colonisation project in the West Bank (which only speeded up after his withdrawal of Jewish colonies from Gaza) and ended his days after a stroke sent him into an eight-year coma. But his death was greeted as that of a potential saviour. He helped to sabotage the 1993 Oslo peace process, yet on his death David Cameron was to speak of Sharons brave decision to achieve peace, while Bill and Hillary Clinton said that it had been an honour to work with him. John Kerry talked of how Sharon sought to bend the course of history towards peace. Sharon did not, so far as we know, read Marcus Aurelius. But, so we are told, he liked to listen to violin sonatas. Yasser Arafat, on the other hand, started off in the west and in its media as a Palestinian super-terrorist leader in Beirut who, once he joined in the doomed charade of Oslo, became a peacemaker. He who had once drawn the sword, offered the world the gun or the olive branch, and was going to make the lion sit down with the lamb, etc. But once the Americans, especially Bill Clinton, had persuaded everyone that Arafat had rejected the final Camp David peace offer, Arafat became, yet again, a super-terrorist, or Israels Bin Laden. That was Sharons description. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events And so the PLO leader, hated then loved then hated all over again, endured months under siege in his mock-capital of Ramallah, died in Paris and was refused burial in Jerusalem. Here was a man, surely, whose body must have been turning even before it was laid in his grave. Gaddafi had a similar track-record. A terrorist when he shipped weapons to the IRA, he was kissed by Tony Blair and became a peacemaker, then reverted to being a bloodthirsty tyrant, after which David Cameron and his chums decided to bomb him. He even wrote a preposterous pseudo-philosophical Green Book. So with all these military folk see-sawing between war and peace, praised as defenders of Israel or Palestine or America or Arabism after holding guns in their hands or olive leaves or copies of the Aurelius Meditations or listening to violin sonatas or reading their own turgid prose its probably a good idea to hold off on generals for a while. Weve had a flurry of them running for cover from Trump in the past two years, all keen on service and duty and supposedly restraining the crackpot-in-chief before they throw in their hand. In the real world, the politicians are supposed to restrain the generals. Not the other way round. Twenty-two Syrian families including 58 children were resettled in Ireland on Thursday. The families have been living in the UNHCR refugee camp in Lebanon since fleeing the conflict in Syria. One hundred and five people have been resettled in Ireland, including 58 children. They join 97 people resettled in Ireland from Lebanon last week, bringing the total number of people resettled this month to 202, including 109 children. The families who arrived on Thursday will initially stay in the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre in Ballaghaderreen while they await permanent housing in communities across the country. We prioritise those who are most vulnerable and provide a durable solution to enable them to rebuild their lives in safety and security, here in IrelandCharlie Flanagan The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, and the Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton, said they were pleased to welcome the families to Ireland, under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). Mr Flanagan said: During this festive period, as we enjoy spending time with our own families, it is important to remember that many families across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes by war and protracted crises. Under our national resettlement programme, working closely with the UNHCR, we prioritise those who are most vulnerable and provide a durable solution to enable them to rebuild their lives in safety and security, here in Ireland. The families that have arrived today are very welcome. They will now have time to rest and recover and to focus on their future in their new home. Highlighting the importance of community support for refugees, Mr Stanton said: The people of Ballaghaderreen have come together to create a welcoming and supportive environment for refugee families who have experienced great trauma. It is a model that I would like to see embraced in communities right across the country. Integration is a powerful tool in assimilating our new communities and assisting them to engage in all areas of Irish society, from schools, to sports, to employment. I know that the families who have arrived today will be warmly welcomed by the local community and we will ensure that they are provided with all of the necessary supports. The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was established in September 2015 as part of the humanitarian response to the migration crisis in southern Europe. Ireland agreed to accept up to 4,000 asylum seekers and refugees overall into Ireland at the earliest time possible. Further refugee families will be resettled to Ireland under the IRPP in 2019. A BODY was recovered from a van that was winched from the River Lee just off Cork city centre this morning. Gardai do not suspect foul play in the grim discovery which was made when St Stephen's Night revellers raised the alarm after seeing a vehicle plunge into the river from Kennedy Quay in Cork shortly after 3am. Three units of Cork Fire Brigade, supported by Gardai, attended the scene. However, tidal conditions and lack of visibility meant it was over an hour before the vehicle could be successfully attached to a winch and then lifted from the water. A body was discovered inside the vehicle. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. A full post mortem examination is now scheduled to be carried out at Cork University Hospital (CUH). A file will be prepared for the Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn. An elderly cancer patient has tragically passed away after a fire broke out at a ward in a Dublin hospital on Christmas Eve. The man, who was in his 80s, died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the fire at St Luke's Hospital in Rathgar. A number of other people were hospitalised following the incident. It is understood the fire may have been caused by a cigarette. An investigation has now been launched by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). "Three individuals were transferred to St Jamess Hospital and two individuals were transferred to St Vincents Hospital for treatment," the HSE said in a statement. "Tragically, one patient who was transferred to St James's Hospital for treatment has died as a result of the injuries sustained in the fire. The hospital would like to extend its sincere sympathies to the family. The incident will be investigated by the hospital and the relevant authorities." A garda spokeswoman said the fire occurred at around 5.30am on Monday morning and the scene has been preserved for a technical examination. "Gardai are investigating the death of man in his 80's that occurred following a fire related incident at a hospital in Rathgar, Dublin 6," the garda spokeswoman said. "The man received serious injuries in the incident and was taken to St. James's Hospital where he later passed away. "The incident is not believed to be suspicious at this time. HIQA has been notified." It was a year of big buys and mega lettings. And for anyone looking to keep up with the fast-flowing pipeline of deals, in the Dublin market particularly, the commercial property pages of the Irish Independent and 'Sunday Independent' proved to be required reading. From Google's 300m acquisition of the massive Bolands Quay scheme, to developer Johnny Ronan's agreement with Facebook of the single largest office letting in the history of the State, to Marlet's near-record 77m an acre purchase of the site of the former Apollo House, numerous of the biggest stories of the year were broken in these pages. While official confirmation of Google's purchase of the 36,851 sqm (396,660 sq ft) Bolands Quay development came on May 18 last, the Irish Independent had first reported the deal was being lined up on November 16, 2017. On August 5 last, the 'Sunday Independent' revealed how Google had agreed to rent 58,000 sq ft of space across six floors at businessman Denis O'Brien's office block at One Grand Canal Quay. The deal was later confirmed by Knight Frank as the largest letting of the third quarter, accounting for just over 10pc of the 564,000 sq ft that transacted across 56 transactions in the period. Expand Close More recently the Irish Independent was the first to report on the acquisition by Pat Crean's Marlet Property Group of the former Apollo House site in Dublin. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp More recently the Irish Independent was the first to report on the acquisition by Pat Crean's Marlet Property Group of the former Apollo House site in Dublin. In November, the Irish Independent revealed Google's bid to acquire two more office buildings from Kennedy Wilson next to its European HQ on Barrow Street. The deal for 'The Warehouse' and South Bank House was confirmed by Kennedy Wilson ten days ago. Other major deals reported here first included the agreement by Amazon and flexible workspace provider WeWork to lease all 322,000 sq ft (29,914 sqm) of space being developed by Pat Crean's Marlet Property Group at Charlemont Exchange and by Sean Reilly's McGarrell Reilly Group at Charlemont Square in Dublin. The deal, which this newspaper reported on July 13 last, was officially confirmed on November 22. While Facebook's plan to relocate its European headquarters to the site of the AIB Bankcentre in Ballsbridge was first revealed by 'The Sunday Business Post' as far back as February, this newspaper nailed its colours to the mast on September 20 with a report that developer Johnny Ronan would commence construction there within weeks. The hoardings for Fibonacci Square went up on the Merrion Road shortly after, while Facebook confirmed its move to AIB's Dublin 4 campus on November 8. This newspaper was also the first to report Ronan and Colony Capital's 180m acquisition in September of Project Waterfront. As the last remaining waterfront site in the Dublin Docklands, the 4.6 acre plot was arguably the most significant piece of development land to have transacted in 2018, Project Waterfront was brought to the market with planning permission for 27,890 sqm (300,126 sq ft) of offices and 420 apartments. Two months earlier, on July 21, this newspaper revealed how Mr Ronan had entered into exclusive talks with US tech giant Salesforce in relation to the letting of all 500,000 sq ft (46,184 sqm) of the office space Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) is developing at Spencer Place in the Dublin Docklands. The deal will provide Salesforce with the capacity to grow its 965-strong Dublin-based workforce to 5,000. On July 14, we revealed Kennedy Wilson's intention to acquire City Block 3 (CB3), a 5.91-acre site behind the Central Bank's new HQ. Confirmation of the 113m deal came on October 3. The overall portfolio came for sale with planning permission for 347 residential units on 1.44 hectares (3.55 acres), and a pending planning application for an office-led mixed-use scheme of 30,890 sqm (332,497 sq ft) distributed across a 0.95 hectare (2.35 acre) site. On September 6, the Irish Independent broke the story of BlackRock Real Estate Assets and developer Michael O'Flynn's 51m acquisition of the former Hewlett Packard campus in Leixlip, Co Kildare. The deal, brokered by CBRE Ireland, is one of the largest industrial transactions to have taken place in the market. The new owners are planning investment in the campus with a rebrand to Liffey Business Park. On October 3, we revealed the news of investor Europa Capital's purchase for 63m of Clerys former premises on O'Connell Street from Deirdre Foley's Natrium consortium. Europa Capital - part of New York-based Rockefeller Group - subsequently confirmed its intention to work with its local partners and shareholders, Core Capital and developer Paddy McKillen Jr's Oakmount, to deliver on Natrium's plan to transform the former Dublin store through the delivery of a major mixed-use development comprising offices, shops, leisure facilities and a boutique hotel. More recently the Irish Independent was the first to report on the acquisition by Pat Crean's Marlet Property Group of the former Apollo House site in Dublin. Having broken the story in this newspaper on November 15 last, we followed it up 11 days later in the 'Sunday Independent' with the news that Marlet had paid 56m for the 0.72-acre site, a near record of 77m an acre. The sale of the former Apollo House site, which famously became a focal point for Dublin's homeless crisis in December 2016, was confirmed by selling agent Savills Ireland on December 3. The site came for sale with full planning permission for an 11-storey over-basement office building extending to 12,622 sqm (135,863 sq ft). When combined with its existing planning permission for the development of College House, a 25,000 sqm (269,097 sq ft) Grade A office scheme on the adjoining site of the former offices of An Post and Screen Cinema, Marlet has the capacity to deliver 37,622 sqm (404,960 sq ft) in the heart of Dublin city centre. Shane Griffin has worked across a range of disciplines from animation and live action to sculpture and CGI on projects for Kanye West and brands including Nike, Adidas, and Ford. Here, the 31-year-old director and artist from Glasnevin reveals how he honed his craft in his native Dublin before making it in Manhattan, where he currently lives. Did you have any formal training? "Formal? Assuming someone can formally tell you what to expect from the industry?! Absolutely not," he laughs, "Im self taught to date." Its a hugely competitive industry so how did you get started? "I interned in a small post production company called The Element in Merrion Square when I was 18, I think theyre still around, great laugh. From there I just became really addicted to image making and figuring things out. I bounced around some companies in Dublin for a while before heading to London for a few years. "Its a harder industry to break into that ever before, the competition right now is crazy. The internet has put the creative community under a microscope. Im glad I missed that at the beginning of my career!" You created the video for Irish artist Jafaris' track 'If You Love Me' for Three's MadeByMusic campaign - did you collaborate? "With Jafaris, I made sure he saw the treatment and gave it his blessing. That was important. We connected after it on Instagram, I slid in his DMs, so to speak, and he was really feeling the piece, so that was really cool." Does the creative process differ when working with artists and brands? "Most of the top tier brands have great creative teams and we collaborate throughout the whole process. Well chat for a while then Ill go away and make stuff. This was pretty similar in that regard and we worked two 15-hour days in NYC and were still laughing by the end of it." You've worked on Yeezy projects for Kanye West - did you have any contact with him? "Had a missed call..." Expand Close Nike Air Yeezy II, Kanye West / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nike Air Yeezy II, Kanye West What else are you working on and do you have any wish-list projects? "Yes! Lots of fun ones actually. I did a nice title sequence for a movie which should be released early next year, a labour of love! Ive also been working on an installation in a gallery in Dublin next year, very excited for that. Watch this space. Another beauty of a project for a new Nike sneaker too. Im doing everything I want to be doing now, feel very #blessed in that regard." Video of the Day What are the perks/most enjoyable aspects of your job? "One time I shot this big celeb in China, and I got to go to the Great Wall on my day off and have a few pints on it, then slid down it on a toboggan. Seriously, it was one of the best days ever." Any challenges? "So I get to the shoot where the Chinese celeb guy is, great guy. We do this real bro-ish hand shake thing and he starts speaking in this pseudo-American accent, refers to me as 'My G' a bunch. It's all a great laugh and were best pals. About an hour goes by and we start shooting. He dances around on stage for about 40 minutes, does a couple of takes, the usual, knocking out the storyboard shot by shot. Out of nowhere he starts sweating, and says to me, 'Hey man I just saw a ghost', hopped up and walked off stage and right out the door, sped off in a Lamborghini about 30 seconds later. I didnt know what to do - he never came back. Used a body double for the rest of the shoot. Showbiz. "So that was one of the more challenging moments this year." Which skills do you think serve you best? "Honesty and patience." Expand Close Le Bron James for Nike / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Le Bron James for Nike What kind of person would NOT suit this job? "Dishonest, impatient people. Theres plenty of them in it though! Go home, lads." Any advice for people starting out? Are there many misconceptions about the job? "A common misconception might be that its an easy job, or a waster's job. It's a job that brings you around the world and back again if youre lucky, one that has you installing art in Miami for a weekend before heading to the Philippines to speak to 4,000 people. Its a job that rewards you [with] the fact that you can make amazing things every single day, and never the same thing twice. "But its a job for obsessives, for the passionate, for the scatterbrained, for the kids who are up all night, for ones with something to prove, for the ones with nothing left to lose. Its for the ones who see things through a different lens. "Its a hard job, and its hard for the people around you. But it can fill your soul." Has the industry changed since you started? "Yes, its always changing. It's evolving more-so. Theres such a huge demand for content, design, visuals, you name it. Brands are constantly pushing media to their audiences on every platform. "When I started out it was just print and TV. Then digital - YouTube - came around, and that was a dirty word for a while! Now, weve got several social channels, print, TV, digital, gifs, loops, verticals, 360s, VR, experientials, and thats just another extension of that evolution. "But the biggest change is the power of the individual. Before, it was only big brands and networks that owned the airwaves. Now, artists, performers, bloggers can captivate a global audience from just their apartment. For better or worse, we can watch whatever we feel. "What a time to be alive." Catch up on what's happening in Calgary with the Noon News Roundup every weekday at noon Catch up on what's happening in Calgary with the Noon News Roundup Sign up now> More than 100 Syrian refugees will arrive in Ireland to start new lives today. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said the 22 families have been welcomed under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). The families have been living in a UNHCR refugee camp in Lebanon since fleeing the conflict in Syria. A total of 105 people will be resettled here today, including 58 children. They join 97 persons resettled to Ireland from Lebanon last week, bringing the total number resettled this month to 202. Today's arrivals will initially stay in the Emergency Reception and Orientation centre in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, while they await permanent housing. The 97 refugees who came last week are at the centres in Mosney and Clonea Strand. Displaced "As we enjoy spending time with our own families, it is important to remember many families across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes by war and protracted crises," Mr Flanagan said. "Under our national resettlement programme, working closely with the UNHCR, we prioritise those who are most vulnerable and provide a durable solution to enable them to rebuild their lives in safety and security, here in Ireland. "The families that have arrived today are very welcome. They will now have time to rest and recover and to focus on their future in their new home." Minister of State David Stanton added that the people of Ballaghaderreen have created a "welcoming and supportive environment for refugee families who have experienced great trauma". "It is a model that I would like to see embraced in communities right across the country," he said. St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin has issued its annual appeal for unwanted gifts for the homeless. Staff are asking people to consider bringing unwanted presents to the Pro-Cathedral where they will be collected for Crosscare. Crosscare takes the gifts and redistributes them to people in its homeless services and family hub. On Christmas Day, hundreds of people without families or friends to spend Christmas with received gifts from Crosscare staff that were unwanted and donated this time last year. Crosscare is the social care agency of the Archdiocese of Dublin and its staff have been working round the clock over Christmas, supporting homeless people in their six residential services, which this year includes the hub for families in Drumcondra. Its services range from emergency accommodation to short-term housing with support services to help people make the transition to finding and keeping their own home. Unfortunately, demand for its services continued to increase throughout 2018. Michael McDonagh from Crosscare thanked Fr Kieran McDermott and the staff of the Pro-Cathedral for the effort that goes into the unwanted gifts appeal at what is one of the busiest times of the year. "This simple idea has grown over the years and it is such a pleasure for our staff to be able to bring that small bit of extra cheer to people," he said. Mr McDonagh also thanked parishioners for their "extraordinary generosity" at the start of the month, when 60 tonnes of non-perishable food was collected. Unwanted presents can be brought to the crib in the Pro-Cathedral until January 6. CAB officers expect that by the end of 2018, this will have been their busiest ever year in the courts Photo: Gareth Chaney / Collins The Criminal Assets Bureau has increased the number of targets on its books by more than 50pc in the past two years. The total has jumped from 600 to 973 this year with briefings given by CAB officers to joint policing committees around the country credited for a major portion of the increase. A breakdown of the targets shows that 48pc of them are based in Dublin, with the west of the city accounting for 177, a further 110 in the south, 80 in the north, 46 in north central division, 37 in south central and only a dozen in the east. Outside of the capital, Limerick city and county tops the list with 72 targets, followed by 40 each in Meath and Wexford, while Kildare has 38, Louth 33, Tipperary 29, Cavan-Monaghan 25, Kerry and Offaly 22 each ,Kilkenny-Carlow 20, Cork city 18 and Galway division 17. CAB officers expect that by the end of 2018, this will have been their busiest ever year in the courts with headline figures for assets seized and tax and social welfare debts collected more than matching the big returns achieved in 2017. The bureau is continuing to increase its drive against the main players in the travelling gangs responsible for the huge surge in burglaries and other rural crime in the past few years. At present, 78 of those on the target list are suspected of amassing unexplained wealth from involvement in burglaries. CAB served 18 tax assessments against top burglary suspects during the year, compared with seven in 2017. Apart from its revenue powers and asserts seizures under the Proceeds of Crime Act, CAB has also been active in clamping down on abuses of the social welfare system, particularly the lone parent allowance, where the partners of criminals deny they are living with them. The head of CAB, Det Chief Supt Pat Clavin told the Irish Independent: "The bureau supports Operation Thor, the garda anti burglary initiative and this is the first goal in its business plan. "We got a massive response from the public after we travelled the country, addressing the joint policing committees and briefing them on the work we do. "The figures show that more than half of our targets are located outside Dublin and by spreading our message in every region, we have received a great reaction from people, who previously knew very little about the seizure of assets", he added. Chief Supt Clavin said people needed to know that if they had information that could be useful, all they had to do was get in touch with CAB or local profilers and "we take it from there. They don't have to go to court to give evidence". During 2018 CAB carried out 34 search operations, ranging from one site, which is rare, to 39 individual searches in a single operation. That operation was aimed at a Dublin gangster and involved raids in Dublin, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and Limerick, fully stretching the resources of the multi-agency bureau. CAB received 177 cases from local profilers, compared with 101 in 2017 and 66 in 2016. The bureau has now trained a total of 378 profilers around the country, of which 350 are gardai, an increase of a hundred from last year. The category of offences committed by the targeted figures ranges from drugs and burglary to theft, including the recent spate of thefts of 4x4 vehicle components, particularly Toyota Land Cruisers, to "ghost" motor insurance fraudsters. Although CAB has pursued assets outside the jurisdiction, including in Eastern Europe, officers say most of their targets have not changed their methods of laundering or investing their wealth. They prefer to stay close to home where they can flaunt their wealth in front of their long-time neighbours. One CAB officer said: "You won't find these guys moving address to an upmarket middle class area. "They prefer to base themselves in a local authority house in an area where they grew up and then spend large sums on major refurbishments and park flashy cars in their driveways or on the street. "Many of the girlfriends or wives have loyalty cards for the big fashion stores, spending thousands of euro every month on clothes and lots of bling". "Property investments are usually confined to mobile homes in the south east" A small but clear slip in Catholic Church dominance of Irish education is highlighted in new figures showing a 4pc rise in pupils in multi-denominational schools this year. The growth is most dramatic at primary level, where there was a year-on-year, 7.7pc jump in enrolments in the multi-denominational sector. It far outstripped the 0.4pc increase in pupils in Catholic schools, amid an overall rise of 0.8pc in primary enrolments, to 559,569, last September. The trend at post-primary is similar, with multi-denominational school enrolments up 2.8pc, compared with 0.4pc for Catholic schools - against an overall 1.5pc rise in pupil numbers. In a big turnabout, the 349 multi-denominational schools at second level now outnumber the 346 schools with a Catholic ethos. The figures released by the Department of Education are based on preliminary enrolment data for the countrys 4,000 primary and post-primary schools in September. As the baby boom that started in the late 1990s continues to work its way through the system, September enrolments were up 9,799, to a record 922,458. Education Minister Joe McHugh said the data highlighted the rise in the school-going population and reflected the important changes taking place in the patronage of our schools, with more choice available to parents, The demand for greater choice can be seen in an overall, 3.6pc increase in pupils attending multi-denominational primary and second-level schools, compared with a 0.4pc rise in Catholic schools. As a result, at primary level, the share of pupils in Catholic schools dipped to 90.3pc, against 90.6pc in 2017. The growing number of multi-denominational primary schools now have 32,060 pupils, 5.7pc of all enrolments and up from 5.4pc in 2017. Church of Ireland primary schools have 16,515 pupils (3pc) in September, while other faiths accounted for 5,942 enrolments (1.1pc). Enrolments in post-primary schools stood at 362,889 in September, 185,963 of which were in Catholic schools, 162,624 were in multi-denominational schools while 12,478 pupils were in the Church of Ireland sector. The faster growth of enrolments in the multi-denominational sector, at both levels, should come as no surprise in the changing cultural landscape, but the figures underline the shift that is happening, albeit slowly. Demand from parents for a more pluralist education system means that new schools being built in areas of population growth are almost exclusively of a multi-denominational ethos. Since 2008, the number of multi-denominational schools at post-primary level has increased from 321 to 349, while the number of Catholic schools dropped from 361 to 346. New post-primary schools also tend to be larger than older schools. Over the same period at primary level, the number of multi-denominational schools rose from 73 to 119. While they represent only a tiny fraction of the now, 2,776 Catholic primary schools, this number is down nine since 2017 and by 100 in the last 10 years. At primary level, in particular, the Catholic Church is no longer applying to be the patron of new schools. As well as that, a small number of previously Catholic-run schools have transferred to a multi-denominational patron as part of the divestment initiative announced in 2012. The Catholic Church committed to handing over some of their schools in areas of stable population to cater for the demand for growing diversity. But progress has been extremely slow, and the initiative was refreshed earlier this year with surveys of parents of pre-school children in 16 suburbs or towns about whether they want a local Catholic school to transfer to a non-religious patron. The outcome of that process is awaited. The newly released Department of Education data shows how small schools remain a distinctive feature of Irish education with 708 22.8pc - having 60 or fewer pupils, representing just 4.4pc of the total enrolments. However, since 2010 the number of small primary schools, which are mainly in rural areas, decreased by 10.4pc, and the number of pupils attending these schools has decreased by 14.8pc It's out with the old and in with the new for the RTE newsroom as the familiar set is getting a revamp for 2019. 'Six One News' presenter Keelin Shanley told the Irish Independent she was looking forward to seeing the big reveal, welcoming the changes after almost one year in the job with co-anchor Caitriona Perry. "We are very excited about it, very excited. I don't know the details yet but I believe we are getting some form of [makeover]," she said. Hosting the flagship news show at RTE has been an opportunity she has relished and Ms Shanley said she wouldn't change anything about the way the two news bulletins were transmitted every night. "There are so many times after a long day, I will sit in studio and watch the news as it is going out and you know the way when someone else has put a report together you go, 'OK, now I get it, they're all the voices I need to hear'. I suppose it's a team that does its job well," she said. Ms Shanley was named as the new face of 'Six One News' alongside Ms Perry late last year and said it was a pleasure to work with Ms Perry, who returned from her duties as Washington correspondent to join the newsroom team. Their arrival saw the departure of Bryan Dobson to 'Morning Ireland', and saw Sharon Ni Bheolain take the reins of the 9pm bulletin. It was reported that Ms Ni Bheolain made a complaint to RTE bosses following an incident on December 12, the day that British Prime Minister Theresa May faced a motion of no confidence in Westminster. It was reported that Ms Ni Bheolain was informed that the 9pm news would be co-presented from London by Ms Perry, but Ms Ni Bheolain made a complaint as she felt her position was being undermined. She later made contact with Ms Perry after the newsroom disagreement to tell her that the dispute was not personal and she was just protecting her position as the 9pm news anchor. Ms Shanley said that she and Ms Perry get on well together and she also heaped praise on the background team who helped them settle in. "It's been great, I'm really enjoying it. It's been great working with Caitriona over the year. You know, there is such a great team behind us. I know we are sitting on the desk if you like, but there are some real pros that we work with. I can't believe it's nearly a year now." When they were appointed to the position, there was a lot of praise for letting two women take the lead on the bulletin. However, their gender doesn't matter to Ms Shanley, who said she thinks they are just two people doing their jobs. "I have worked with loads of women and loads of men. It's just the two of us doing our jobs. We get on very well which is a bonus but she is a real pro, Caitriona, I really enjoy working with her." She said sometimes she misses being out and about as a reporter. "Of course, you do sometimes, but we have got out a fair bit so that's been OK. I was at the Pope's Mass. So you do get out, you're not always stuck behind the desk." It was difficult for her to pinpoint a highlight of the news year, but covering the presidential election was among the stand-out moments. "The highlight is always if something is happening while you're on air, if something is breaking. The weather was a big one - we were almost sleeping in RTE we were reporting so much. "The presidential campaign was a big one - you know when you're covering a breaking story, it's been an interesting year." Up to 70pc of those presenting as homeless have been evicted by landlords in the private rental sector, senior council bosses have said. Dublin City Council housing chief Brendan Kenny said that while the council is building more hubs and making more accommodation available, the number of homeless presentations each month is "killing us" and landlord evictions are "ruining" progress made in solving the housing crisis. More than 50pc of 200 families presenting to the country's largest authority each month are coming from evictions and notices to quit in the private sector, and the number is on the rise. Separately, Fingal County Council estimates that the numbers who have been evicted to be at 70pc. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr Kenny said that more needs to be done on securing tenancies in the private sector. "We're still getting about 200 families a month coming in presenting as homeless, mainly coming from the private rented sector. We've a private rental sector that's dysfunctional, it's just not working and that's the biggest issue for us," he said. The council assistant chief executive insisted every effort is being done on its side to provide more accommodation. "All that's being ruined by the fact that the amount of presentations coming in has been increasing all the time. "You're talking about 2,400 a year and well over 50pc of that is coming from the private sector. That is the problem. "It hasn't made the impact because of the amount of presentations actually increasing. "It hasn't gone down at all and has increased significantly in the last couple of months." However, while Mr Kenny said tenancies needed to be more secure, he insisted that they must not scare landlords away, saying "we need them". Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid also lamented the number of notices to quit in his area. Mr Reid pointed to a deadline given by then-housing minister Simon Coveney to have all families out of hotels and B&Bs by July 2017. He said that was unrealistic due to the sheer number of presentations. "One of the challenges on that issue was the presentations, the people that were coming up presenting as homeless was rising, 70pc of our presentations now to our counters are for people who have notices to quit, where the landlord has said 'I want it (the apartment/house) back' or 'I want do something with it' or 'I want it for my son' or whatever," said Mr Reid. "On average per month we're getting about 60 presentations a month. That's a real issue for us, so we would be saying to the minister and the department to strengthen the policy around quick evictions and secondly strengthen the capacity of the RTB to monitor that." Mr Reid said that Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has committed to bringing in legislation on this - which he says has come on the back of pressure from the local councils. The Department of Housing has said that the enactment of this legislation is a priority in 2019. The department is aware that many individuals presenting to homeless services have previously held a tenancy in private rented accommodation. The minister recently published legislation to strengthen tenants' rights and the enactment of this legislation will be a priority in 2019. Former Irish President Mary Robinson has described a missing Arab princess the welfare of whom sparked massive concern amongst human rights groups following a failed attempt to escape the UAE as a troubled young woman who is in the loving care of her family. Mrs Robinson a former UN Commissioner for Human Rights - met with Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (33) - the daughter of the billionaire ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on December 15 last. Photographs of their meeting were issued by the UAE government a week later. Speaking to BBCs Today programme this morning, Mrs Robinson said her good friend Princess Haya asked her to meet with her step daughter Latifah to help with a family dilemma. "I was asked by Princess Haya, who I've known for a long time, who's also married to the ruler of Dubai [Latifas father], she's not directly related to the princess Latifa, but she asked me to come to Dubai and help with a family dilemma. "And the dilemma was that Latifa is vulnerable, she's troubled. She made a video that she now regrets and she planned an escape or was part of a plan of an escape, it's under circumstances that I think need to be examined because immediately there was a very big demand note for 300 million dollars and 30 million right away, and then she was taken off the boat and is now in the care of her family. "And I had lunch with her. She's a very likeable young woman but clearly troubled, clearly needs the medical care she's receiving, Mrs Robinson said. Latifa was last seen in March aboard a yacht off the coast of India. Expand Close Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, left, meets Mary Robinson (United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, left, meets Mary Robinson (United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation via AP) A former French spy allegedly helped her plot an escape from Dubai, and seek asylum abroad. But this plan was thwarted after Indian and Emirati security forces boarded the yacht and took Latifah back to Dubai, according to two people who were involved in the plot. A video made by Latifa was posted online shortly after her return to her family. She recorded the video before her attempt to flee in March. In the recording, she claimed she was tortured and imprisoned for three years after a previous attempt to flee in 2002. "If you are watching this video, it is not such a good thing. Either I'm dead or I'm in a very, very, very bad situation," Latifa said in the recording. "They are not going to take me back alive," she said. Before the incident Latifa, the princess was best known for her sky diving exploits, often posting video of herself diving with an Emirate flag attached to her person. When pressed if she believed she was able to have a frank conversation with the princess given the circumstances in which she met her, Mrs Robinson said she believed she was. "I was able to assess the situation. She wasn't with her wider family. She was with Princess Haya and some of Princess Haya's younger family and two other people. It wasn't a big number. I was very aware of how troubled she appeared to be, but also she, you know, talked about being a... sky diving instructor to the two 11-year-olds who were at the table, and she talked about the future. And we talked about climate change and I mentioned that I would be back in Dubai in early March, because I'm promoting [her book on climate change] in the Emirates Literary Festival. I also sent a report that evening to Michelle Bachelet, the current UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and while I was in Dubai, I had a telephone conversation conversation with the most recent High Commissioner Zeid who is also a good friend. These are good friends of mine. When asked if she was able to give reassurances that Latifa was safe and well, Mrs Robinson said she was able to give such assurances. "I think it's a very complicated situation. I understand the concern. I've also been in an email exchange with Ken Roth, the head of Human Rights Watch, because I know they've been very concerned, but I think you have to bear in mind that this is a troubled young woman who has a serious medical situation. She is receiving psychiatric care and they don't want her to endure any more publicity. And that was the dilemma. So when I wrote to Michelle Bachelet, I sent to her the three photographs that I was happy to be released to help the family to allow it to be understood that this is this is a family matter now and that she is in the care, in the loving care, of her family. Visitors to Dublin Zoo are about to be thrown to the wolves. A new attraction next year will provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the resident pack of lupines in the Phoenix Park. The zoo attracts more than a million visitors a year and all surplus profits go back into improving the zoo, "whether that's redesigning an animal habitat or building new facilities such as the new Discovery and Learning Centre which opened in October", according to director Leo Oosterweghel. "In 2019, we have an exciting new opening, 'Wolves in the Woods'. The grey wolves at Dublin Zoo are fascinating animals and the new habitat will provide the pack of 10 animals at the zoo with a wonderful new space," he revealed. He said there are no new arrivals, in terms of animals from other zoos planned to join the zoo during 2019. But there was a baby boom at Dublin Zoo during 2018, with more than 100 new arrivals. He told the Irish Independent the high point of the year for him was the many births, which included three scimitar-horned oryx calves, a species classified as extinct in the wild. Among the other births were three Californian sea lion pups, an Asian elephant calf, two Rothschild giraffe calves, two red-ruffed lemur pups and 11 Chilean flamingo chicks. However, he said: "In 2019, we are planning to say farewell to the largest animal in Dublin Zoo, Upali, the Asian elephant bull. He has fathered seven calves in the six years he has lived at Dublin Zoo. It is hoped when he is moved to Le Pal in France as part of a European breeding programme, he will father more calves." It was another busy year for the zoo, with one of the biggest developments being the opening of the Discovery and Learning Centre, a state-of-the-art facility for environmental education which includes two classrooms, a lecture theatre and a discovery centre. The 3m centre was officially opened by President Michael D Higgins and provides immersive education programmes in biodiversity, wildlife conservation, ecology and zoology for schools and colleges throughout Ireland. Meanwhile, Wild Lights, the night time event, returned for its second year. With a new theme, 'Ocean of Light', visitors were treated to an entirely new cast of illuminated silk lanterns, inspired by the wonders of the life aquatic, including hammerhead sharks, colossal blue whales and dainty seahorses. This year, the event also saw the addition of three new areas - Winter Wonderland, home to Arctic favourites such as polar bears and walruses; Celebrating China, bringing a flavour of the Orient; and The North Pole, home to Santa's workshop, a 16-metre high silk Christmas tree and a host of displays. "We are continuously re-investing in the zoo, building world-class habitats that closely reflect the animals' natural environments, and are committed to offering a memorable day out to all our visitors," Mr Oosterweghel said. He pointed out the facility also supports numerous conservation projects in the wild. 2018's new arrivals :: One Asian elephant calf: At the beginning of the year, Dublin Zoo welcomed the birth of an Asian elephant calf. Proud mum Anak gave birth to the healthy male calf on Saturday, February 10, after a 22-month gestation period. :: Two Rothschild giraffe calves: Two weeks after the birth of its Asian elephant calf, Dublin Zoo welcomed more new arrivals - two Rothschild giraffe calves, one female and one male, born on February 13 and 25 respectively. :: Two red-ruffed lemur pups : On April 13, two sibling red-ruffed lemur pups were born at Dublin Zoo, one male and one female. Red-ruffed lemurs are native to Madagascar. :: Three California sea lion pups: Dublin Zoo announced the birth of three California sea lion pups over the course of two weeks in June 2018. The pups, one male and two females, are the offspring of father Niko and proud mothers Florence, Seanna and Cassie. :: Three scimitar-horned oryx: On July 26, August 2 and October 3, 2018, Dublin Zoo welcomed three scimitar-horned oryx calves, bringing the herd at Dublin Zoo to a total of nine. The scimitar-horned oryx was once widespread across northern Africa, but due to overhunting, habitat loss and competition with domestic livestock, the species has now been classified as extinct in the wild. :: Eleven Chilean flamingo chicks: In August, 11 Chilean flamingo chicks hatched after a 30-day incubation. The Chilean Flamingo is famed for its striking pink plumage with crimson feathers along the edge of the wings. Dublin Zoo will be open over the Christmas period with the exception of Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day. Its opening hours in December are 9.30am-4pm, with last entry at 3pm What is your preferred way to unwind during a busy week? A yoga class? A walk? Or your favourite TV show? For Dublin yoga teacher Julie Burke (34), its swimrise, better known as a humbling icy plunge into the Irish Sea in the depths of winter. The Clontarf woman explained: If I go back about six months, the thought of swimming in the sea was just not appealing, and then a group of friends started running and they used to swim afterwards as well. I used to do lifeguarding and when I was training it always seemed to be the coldest month and just not very nice. At the time it wasnt something I enjoyed. We pulled each other together and thats how we started our little club and we started the swimrise afterwards. The first couple of months I was dragged kicking and screaming. But then eventually one day I just let myself do it and gave myself a pat on the back. I stopped doing the dip in, dip out and just let my body adjust to the cold, and I ended up absolutely loving it. A few weeks ago, Julie led a group of first timers into the sea for Bio-Kults Winter Health Swim Rise event. To be asked to do it for me was so great, its something Ive used through a number of challenges Ive faced. We all have days were a bit stressed. Going for a cold, cold dip gives me the reset and the confidence to face whatevers in the day and whatevers on my list. Now if I dont have time for a run, I just go and do a swim, first thing in the morning, its the best reset button. Gives you that rush of adrenaline, that really empowering feeling. She added: I was used to swimming with seals from lifeguarding. I'm not a massive bird fan but the swim certainly captures a part of the day that so many of us miss. Dublin was always home but this gave me a new perspective on Dublin - that the sea is right on our doorstep. Next year, on May 12, Julie will get married, and shes already planning a swimrise that morning. And similarly on Christmas Day, Julie was down at the Bull Wall in Dublin plunging into the sea. The icy mornings are incredible, she said. My hands and feet get really cold and you need to be sure to warm up really quickly. But you come into the dull, grey, dark winter and people go under it, and your fitness and drive can literally get darkened. Now I love getting up and getting active. A lot of people dont realise the benefit of being fit and active and healthy. It gives you that mental space, that reset, that motivation, continuously. Julies top tips for staying healthy in winter: 1. Stay active It's easy to let our exercise and fitness routines slip in these cold and dark winter months. You might need to adjust your daily routine with the shift in seasons but don't let it bring things to a halt. Simple changes like home workouts can be implemented into your exercise routine as a more accessible option. Yoga and Pilates are great for muscle strength and circulatory health, and these workouts range from beginner to expert. 2. Nourish your body With Christmas there are even more excuses to eat out. Making the right food choices is important for immunity and overall health. Eat foods that will nourish your body, give you energy, and keep you fuller for longer. 3. Rest Its important to make an effort to get a minimum of eight hours sleep a night, especially over the winter months when our bodies are subject to colder weather and the possibility of sickness. 4. Keep hydrated Staying hydrated helps to detoxify our bodies, making us less susceptible to colds and flus. Drinking water not only nourishes our bodies, but also helps combat the beginning of winter bugs. 5. Take probiotics A probiotic and a glass of water can work wonders when it comes to prevention of sicknesses. A daily dose of Bio-Kult Advanced multi-strain is a good way to keep on top of your health during winter while staying hydrated too. 6. Make time for 'me' time Staying strong applies to mental health as much as it does physical health. I, for one, am the worst patient, so I pay particular attention to keeping my body and mind fit and healthy. In winter, many of us suffer with mental health issues. Knowing this, its important to be present and just check in on how you are, with no distractions. It can be a 10-minute yoga flow in the morning, it can be a walk in the park, and it can be a meditation practice. It doesn't matter what it is, it matters that you make it happen. 7. Disconnect We live in a world where we are constantly on our phones and bombarded by information and sensory stimulation. Its vital that no matter what season it is, we all take time to unplug and disconnect. Try to have at least an hour before bed with no phone or make your sitting room a phone-free zone. Quelle surprise! I've eaten way too much over the last few days. There's still half a ham to be enjoyed and the chocolate advent calendar is winking at me from on top of the piano. But sure there's the guts of a week left to ease myself into new ways for a new year and hopefully, into a new headspace. It's not that I want to re-invent myself, or change my hair colour dramatically to a sassy pink but I still acknowledge that I need to take myself in hand in 2019. I could still do with losing weight and I'll leave the wrinkles alone. But I'm going to stop measuring myself because I swear every time I do it, I seem to have shrunk another few centimetres in height. Farewell 2018, it's been a good one. I bid it adieu rich with memories of magic moments, from sunny family days in the south of France to gas times in a biblical downpour at the Galway races. So, what did I learn about myself in 2018? For a start, that I like my own company far too much. I really need to go out more with others at the weekends and not play to type, pull on my armour and walk for miles with my dog while listening to podcasts. Just because I don't like crowded, noisy environments doesn't mean I should retreat so much. Balmed out on the couch like a beached whale with my hand hovering near the last of the runny Brie de Meaux and the blackpepper crackers, I'll admit to being cross with myself for not attempting more 'firsts' over the last 12 months. It's not that I'm competitive by nature or pushy with myself. Far from it, but as years go, 2018 was more about 'plain sailing' than 'highs and lows'. And I guess the drama queen in me is wired more for the latter. There have been vintage midlife years when I surprised even myself. Like when sedentary Bairbre kayaked under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct on a French river cruise, a trip on which I succeeded in ticking off two items from my bucket list in three days and also attended a class at the Paul Bocuse cookery school in Lyon. Such glorious productivity. So why did I take my foot off the pedal in 2018 and not push myself to achieve more? Too exhausted, or just lazy? I suspect it's that annoying C word again...complacency. I must seriously address this behaviour - starting with a list on December 31. The plan is to open a nice bottle of port, top up on the cheese plate and embrace the new year with a good movie and a new notebook in which to start my lists. I have a weakness for compiling lists. I buy long, skinny notebooks in the supermarket in France and at the end of each week, I tear off the pages with a flourish. On my 'To Do' list for 2019, I will add a number of courses I want to do, starting with one on dream analysis. It's one of the ironies invading my life on a weekly basis now that my dreams are more vivid and easy to remember that I'm suffering from that awfully annoying curse of broken sleep. It's plagued me ever since vertigo came thundering into my life last March - but I won't let it define me and you'll never guess looking at me that I'm awake half the night and up with the larks, ready to welcome Shay Byrne's lovely broadcasting style on Rising Time on RTE Radio 1 each day at 5.30am. Seems like there's quite a club of us up with the larks, or staring at the ceiling in my case. This year I was in and out of Dublin airport on a regular basis but I kept flying to the same places. I seriously need to broaden my horizons, move the grid and taste the fear. This year I was totally rattled by the unexpected death of a close friend in September. The subsequent feelings of immense sadness and shock have lingered, and now I'm more acutely aware of not letting opportunities pass as I prepare to face down another New Year's Eve. Who knows what 2019 will throw at me. I've a welcoming mat out for an Annus mirabilis - a year of wonders. May it be good for all of us. This is a kolum about spelling. Or maybe it's a kolum about not spelling. At any rate, it's a kolum and that's actually exactly the same as a 'column' these days because, guess what? Spelling doesn't matter any more. Not even a bit. And I no this (see?) becoz Google, instead of trying to add to the sum of human endeavour (which you might argue it might be better off doing but that is for another column), is now pretty much making a virtue of its contribution to global illiteracy in its latest ad campaign. "Keep spelling it how you say it" proclaims Google in a new two-page print ad, adding an example of a search for "what to do in rakeavic" that duly produces - instantaneously - advice on walking tours and the like in the Icelandic capital Reykjavik. On your behalf, dear readers, I have done further investigation into this claim. I can thus confirm that a Google search for "pubs in edinberg" takes you straight to Scottish travel advice, that you can search for "restaurants in glosster" and get recommendations for Gloucester and check for the ingredients in "wuster sauce" to be redirected to a list for Worcestershire sauce (it contains barley malt vinegar, molasses, sugar, salt, anchovies, tamarind extract and onions, if you are interested). It's not a foolproof formula, it should be said. My hometown of Cork is a good source of odd spellings and a search for "houses on karrigrawn strait" (the local name for the Carrigrohane road) gets Google thoroughly confused. So does "Yawl" (Youghal). And if you fancy a trip to China you get nowhere by searching for "Bay Jing". And yet a hunt for "DunLeery" takes you directly to Dun Laoghaire, "Sin Jun" brings you to "St John". You can even type "leesh Ireland" and get to information about Laois. It's not exactly news, of course, that - in the days of text-speak and emojis - spelling is in decline. It's simply gone out of favour, along with handwriting skills. Teachers, by and large, don't even take off marks for poor spelling any more. As someone who grew up in an era where good spellers (and I was one, to my own delight) were trumpeted as heroes in the classroom, this boggles the mind. It all makes me a little sad, and keeps me glued wistfully to the kind of TV documentaries that feature eight-year-olds who confidently spell out words like Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13 and, yes, I had to Google it). My own teenage offspring and I have regular rows about this, as she brushes off my pleas for her to enter spelling bees and counters my insistence that spelling accuracy is important with a Gallic shrug and a "nobody cares as long as everyone knows what you are talking about!" Perhaps the only sensible solution is to concede she has a point. Maybe my perpetual outrage at examples of poor spelling on menus, in books and in print media says more about my own outdated notions of superiority than anything else. The teen is from a generation that uses a dictionary only if a teacher insists upon it - otherwise she looks straight to Google for information - on just about everything. As do we all, in fairness. And as we've seen above, Google doesn't make you learn to spell. And there is, it must be said, more to life than spelling. Modern teens are as likely to spend their English classes learning how to make oral presentations - something that was largely absent from my schooling and which is a genuinely vital skill. Perhaps we can console ourselves by recalling that bad spelling is nothing new. Jane Austen, for instance, was a legendarily erratic speller. Studies of her original manuscripts have found her prose was littered with errors and bad punctuation. F Scott Fitzgerald was such a bad speller he couldn't remember how to spell the name of his friend Ernest Hemingway (he called him "Earnest Hemminway"). Agatha Christie couldn't spell either. It did none of them any harm. Somehow it doesn't come as a surprise that the allegations of sexual misconduct that finally brought down the former cardinal and archbishop emeritus of Washington, Theodore McCarrick, happened at Christmastime. When he was removed from ministry in June, McCarrick stood accused of molesting a teenage boy while measuring him for a cassock for a special Christmas service in 1971, the victim alleged, and then again in 1972, during preparations for that year's Christmas service. Was there ever a faith for McCarrick other than opportunity? Once the archdiocese of New York declared those allegations credible, other claims poured forth: The portrait that has emerged suggests McCarrick had been perpetrating sexual abuse against boys and young men for years, without a hitch in his rise through the ranks of the Church. Shortly thereafter, McCarrick was moved to a friary on the lonely plains of Kansas. It was around that time I started receiving emails from despondent Catholics in the Washington area. McCarrick hadn't been an anonymous priest, after all; he had been a major public figure in the US and internationally, and the revelations about him were as shocking as they were plentiful. Some of the messages I received spoke of a loss of faith, despair, feelings of anger, confusion, emptiness. "There is little encouragement in the constant drama," one wrote. "They have forgotten the quote, 'What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul?'" And another: "To say that my faith is being tested is an understatement. I'm trying my best now to just work and dedicate myself to truth." And yet another: "The silence from the Vatican is deafening." There were so many more. I printed a packet of them and took them along with me when I interviewed former close associates of McCarrick, so I could read some of them aloud. None of those conversations yielded anything, not even a hint of guilt. The notes still come. ("It's just so bad, and every time I think we've hit bottom, we break through and start falling again," one said recently, "I just put my kids to bed and am just sitting in the dark weeping and furious and sad.") I understand why. Since this summer's Pennsylvania grand jury report and the unmasking of McCarrick, there have been more disturbing revelations. Within the past three months, a whistleblower came forward with evidence that the diocese of Buffalo's list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse was woefully short, and that allegedly abusive priests had been allowed to remain in ministry for years; the Vatican commanded a convention of the US conference of Catholic bishops not to vote on resolutions intended to respond to the sex-abuse crisis; Illinois attorney general Lisa Madigan accused the archdiocese of Chicago of failing to investigate or publicly name more than 500 priests accused of sexual abuse; and several Jesuit priests accused of sexual abuse were found to be housed on Gonzaga University's campus, unbeknown to the campus community. At least 16 states have now begun their own Pennsylvania-like probes into the Church within their borders. In New Jersey, where McCarrick served as a bishop or archbishop for nearly 20 years, a special task force on sex abuse has already begun to issue subpoenas for Church records. You don't have to be an oracle to feel dark premonitions of what it might find. Meanwhile, key bishops will meet in Rome in February to address the crisis, the Vatican says. And some penalty may yet befall McCarrick, who is 88 years old. And something else may yet change, some unforeseen thing, for the better. The long silence might yet end. How distant that hope must seem now after pensive Advent, especially to victims and their families and communities, to the ordinary parishioners of the archdiocese of Washington who once knew McCarrick as "Uncle Ted", the warm and convivial archbishop who seemed always to have a moment to speak. And how sore the heart grows over time, holding out hope against hope for some sign of justice. I no longer believe I'll be able to discover the kinds of answers I thought I would when I began working on this story; I keep trying mainly for the effort, as a small and hopeful offering to the wounded and despairing, who wait in pain for the truth. And it stings this season, where sick worry shades the edges of joy. But the story of Christmas is the story of a meagre hope: of a long journey, cramped quarters, a makeshift crib. There could have been a grand celestial promenade in the heavens pointing the world to the birth of its saviour, but there is just one star, in just one gospel - just one light shining in the dark, in the breathless quiet of a God who is listening. ( Washington Post) If I were to list the injustices of this little nation, the governmental mistakes which have forced so many into homelessness, I would need a lot more than this page. So let me start with this. Homelessness. It's a word bandied around by the Government, the media, the people on the street. We talk about the housing crisis, we commiserate, we say how terrible it's become, but that word doesn't have a jolt any more, an impact. But it should be a word with impact. A home is something everyone should have a right to, and it shouldn't come in the shape of a cardboard box or a shop doorway. To be homeless, to be part of an epidemic which has reached significant heights in only a few years, should surely be a lot more. I have escaped homelessness several times by God's graces. I am 37 now and have yet to know my own home. This is a sadness I have chosen to put on the back burner for myself, but as I see the housing crisis developing into something much bigger than a crisis, I am crippled by the injustice, and forced to ask the question: why? There is the obvious supply and demand issue. There is the problem of rents rising by 30pc since the Celtic Tiger, even in this time of great need. In Bray, a one- and two-bedroom social housing project was simply abandoned, while in Clondalkin another social housing project was also abandoned. While the media tries to shine a light behind walls of shoddy democracy, I think about the man who died on the street in Dublin recently. It is an indignity, a travesty, for a person who once had a life, a childhood, a chance. But he died, and the story received media coverage, people placed flowers as a tribute and TD Damien English described it as a "tragedy". Yes, death is a tragedy, but at this time of year I think of the families stuffed into one bedroom, in an already full hotel or B&B; I think of the working women, trying to make their wages last, trying to feed their children in these rooms, trying to get their children to school. I think of the entire families living in cars because the hotels and B&Bs are filled to capacity. These people are being forced out of their homes because of rising rents and I ask myself: have we time-travelled back to the 17th century? How many more of these tragedies have to happen before something is done? People have become immune to homelessness, to dying on a street, to reading it in the paper, and then turning on their television to better news, news that won't touch them. There is no impact. Governmental failure is only touched upon, when it should be spotlighted. The motion passed in early October to declare the housing crisis as a national emergency only serves to prove this. And the voices will only get louder. Journalism is the medium in which so many injustices have been brought to public attention, and with that attention, stories receive the due attention that are not just deserved, but owed. It puzzles many people in Britain that something known as an "Irish backstop" should be at the heart of an increasingly bitter dispute. The dispute is about the deal the UK government has made with the EU on the terms for the UK leaving the EU. Most people understand that when the UK leaves the EU, the only land boundary between the UK and the EU will be the 500km Border in Ireland. Some do understand that if the UK leaves the EU, there will have to be border controls. After all, leaving the EU was supposed to be about taking back control, and, given that countries can only exercise control in their own territory, there is a logical necessity to have controls at the border of a country's territory, at its ports and on its land boundary. This is not something made up by the EU to annoy Brits, but is a logical consequence of Brexit, which is, as we all know, something Britons have chosen for themselves, and not something imposed on them by the EU. The proposed backstop in Theresa May's deal with the EU involves the whole of the UK staying in a close customs arrangement with the EU. The original idea was that the backstop would be confined to Northern Ireland, but the UK government itself preferred a backstop arrangement that would cover the whole UK, so as to minimise the controls that would otherwise have to be imposed between Britain and Northern Ireland. The object of the entire exercise is to avoid having to have controls at the 300 crossing points between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Some in Britain think the UK should be free to leave the EU, and that the UK and Irish governments should then just decide, between themselves, that they were simply not going to have controls on the Irish Border. That would not work because Ireland would still be in the EU, and would be breaking EU rules if it failed to control its portion of the EU land border. Apart from being illegal, it would be impractical. The UK, once outside the EU, would immediately go off and try to make trade deals with non-EU countries. These would inevitably involve agreeing to different standards and different tariffs on goods coming from these non-EU countries to the ones the EU (including Ireland) would be applying to these countries. So, if there were no controls on the Irish Border, goods from these non-EU countries with which the UK had made its own trade deals could enter the EU via Northern Ireland, without complying with EU standards or paying EU tariffs. That would destroy the EU single market, which is based on common rules and tariffs made, enforced and interpreted in the same way for all 27 EU countries -including Ireland. Outside of the EU, under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, the UK would also have to impose tariffs on its side of the Irish Border, unless it wanted to collect no tariffs at all on goods coming into the UK from any country in the world. This is because of a WTO rule which says that, in the absence of a broad trade agreement, a country cannot discriminate between WTO member countries in the rate of tariffs it charges on goods coming from those countries (the most favoured nation rule). So, in the absence of a trade deal with the EU, the UK must charge the same tariffs on Irish goods as it would charge on goods coming from any WTO members with whom it has no trade deal, which, on the day it leaves the EU without a deal, would be every WTO country. If it attempted to discriminate unilaterally, the UK would be bound to be taken to the WTO court by some or all of the WTO countries who would not be getting the same concessions. The UK is a trading nation. As such, it benefits from a rules-based world trading system. So it would not be in the UK's interest to start breaking WTO rules on the day it left the EU, just to solve a problem that is of its own making. The other big reason for having an Irish backstop, and for avoiding a hard Border, is about human beings, rather than just about commerce. For the past four centuries, two communities with different allegiances have lived together, geographically intermingled, in the Irish province of Ulster. One community feels a sense of allegiance to Britain, its monarch, its historic narrative and its flag. The other feels an allegiance to Ireland and identifies itself with a different historic narrative and different symbols. The two communities have different religious allegiances too, but the disagreements between them are not primarily about religious matters, they are all about national identity. For centuries, the contest between these two identities was a zero-sum game. Either the British identity had to win or the Irish identity had to win. That zero-sum approach led to wars, threats of wars, or uprisings in 1641-51, 1689-1691, 1798, 1867, 1911, 1916, 1919-23, 1939, 1956-7 and 1969-1998. These conflicts caused many casualties in Ireland, and in Britain too. British and Irish political leaders have for the past 40 years been trying to find a different way forward. Rather than a zero-sum game, where if one identity won, the other had to lose, these leaders sought to create conditions in which both identities could co-exist comfortably together within Northern Ireland, without either of them winning or losing. The aim was to ensure that neither would feel cut off from their focus on their emotional allegiance. The nationalists would not feel cut off from Dublin and Unionists would not feel cut off from London, or the "mainland", as they would call it. The Belfast Agreement of 1998 achieved this. Crafted between Ireland and the UK, when both were members of the barrier- free EU, it created structures to create a comfort zone for both communities. This was done through establishing three interlocking structures of co-operation, incorporated in an over-arching international treaty, namely: :: Power sharing within Northern Ireland. :: Co-operation between the North and the Republic. :: Co-operation between Dublin and London. On the strength of this agreement, Ireland changed its Constitution to remove a territorial claim it had on Northern Ireland. Now, 20 years later, the UK's decision to leave the EU puts these structures at risk, because, for the reasons I explained earlier, Brexit requires barriers to go up between the UK and Ireland, where previously there was free exchange. This is why, at a meeting in London, long before the referendum, I described Brexit as an "unfriendly act" by the UK vis a vis my country. The backstop is simply an effort to mitigate the damage. It is a second-best option... and a bad second-best at that. The only option that will not damage the structure of the peace we have so painstakingly built between Ireland and Britain, and within the island of Ireland, would be for the UK to decide to stay in the EU after all. The fact that local authorities have commissioned a study on coastal erosion reflects the concern that little or no attention has been paid to the issue by the national Government. Some 1.9 million people - 40pc of the population - live within 5km of the coast and of these, 40,000 live less than 100 metres from the sea. There have been warnings for some time about the risk. A 2001 study from the Department of the Environment suggested that 27pc of our coastline, or 1,500km, was at risk from coastal erosion, with 490km requiring "urgent attention". Since then, the situation has grown more urgent due to climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that sea level rises of up to 3.5mm a year have been observed since the 1990s, up from 1-2mm in the decades previously. By 2100, cumulative rises of up to 60cm are forecast for Ireland, which will magnify the impact of storms and storm surges. Homes have already been lost to the sea, and the Department of Transport has warned that Irish Rail faces being forced to shut down services to Rosslare Harbour in just over a decade due to severe coastal erosion, which is threatening the line. As much as three metres of coastline has been washed away in some years, and the sea near Rosslare is 135 metres further inland today than in 1905. Tackling coastal erosion will involve difficult decisions. If, for example, one area is protected with rock armour, will the works have an impact on another place further along the coast? Where will be left unprotected? How is risk assessed? How will works be funded? Having one agency with overall responsibility, mooted by Office of Public Works Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, is a sensible decision. Local authorities will be at the forefront of the response, and appear to be well-placed to do this important work. For a start, they are aware of the problem in general terms and have correctly suggested that a national pilot study is needed to identify black spots. They also advise they don't have the money to put in place hard defences, and that technical expertise will have to be made available. This clearly is a role for the regional climate offices tasked with advising local authorities on climate change. The fact that 10 of the 19 coastal local authorities do not have policies in their development plans regarding at-risk property or infrastructure needs to be urgently addressed. Clarity is also needed on building in at-risk areas, and planners too must be supported in deciding that a development, even if a one-off home, is not appropriate. Climate Action Minister Richard Bruton is correctly focusing on the need to reduce emissions, but adaptation plans - setting out how to cope with the impact of climate - are also needed. There is a job of work to be done. Inertia is a disastrous response to an alarm bell. Yet since 2001, when a study from the Department of the Environment first suggested that 27pc of our coastline was at risk from coastal erosion, practically nothing has been done. It is just another indication of how delinquent we have been in recognising our obligations in looking after our little corner of the planet. As we ignore half-hearted, hollow Government commitments to climate justice, when they are missed, we fail to notice. Remember the solemn pledges on increasing carbon tax which were swiftly put aside once there was the slightest suggestion the move could cost votes? Given the lack of leadership from the top, the initiative taken by local authorities to investigate the impact of coastal erosion is a timely, if troubling reminder of how derelict we have been in our duties to future generations. Remember some 1.9 million people, or 40pc of our population, lives within 5km of the coast. In such a context our complacency about the frequency of coastal floods and droughts, now a familiar part of our weather pattern, is baffling. While it is somewhat reassuring it is being recognised at local level that we have reached a defining moment, we are still awaiting an appropriate response, or even due recognition at national level. Even the most apocalyptic warnings from scientists are being shrugged off. Our indifference is inexplicable given the scale of the threat. Are we content to become a nation of climate change deniers by default, subscribing to the Donald Trump philosophy of selective delusion? The Trump administration still denies that human activity is endangering the planet by contributing to rising seas, crop failures, or extinction in the natural world. As was pointed out in these pages recently, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are also resistant to pollution-cutting pledges. We're hardly pillars of virtue ourselves. The Government even ignored the advice of its own Committee on Budgetary Oversight, which emphasised the use of the fiscal system to support climate change policies. We know from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that sea level rises of up to 3.5mm a year have been recorded since the 1990s, up from 1-2mm in the decades previously. The inevitable further increases will significantly enhance the dangers of storms and storm surges. The question is: How can we begin to manage these risks if we don't even recognise them? As a small island with large, low-lying coastal areas exposed to sea-level rises linked to global warming, we should be leading the charge to effect change; not leading the list of laggards doing nothing. Lindsay Lohans step-mother has been arrested in the US (PA) The stepmother of actress Lindsay Lohan has been accused of trying to commandeer a bus and attack its driver on Christmas Day in Pennsylvania. State police said they had arrested 36-year-old Kate Major Lohan, of Boca Raton, Florida, and charged her with driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, harassment and public drunkenness. She has been released on bail. US newspaper Morning Call of Allentown said court records allege Major Lohan was angry that she had missed her stop, and then began assaulting the bus driver. She then sat down, and started pushing buttons and asking about the brakes before a fellow passenger pulled her from the drivers seat. Major Lohan is married to Michael Lohan, the father of Lindsay Lohan. Norwegian energy firm DNO has again urged shareholders in North Sea oil producer Faroe Petroleum to accept its hostile takeover bid for the company. DNO has offered 608 million at 152p per share, a takeover bid which has been rebuffed, with Faroe describing it as opportunistic and claiming it undervalues the company. In calling on Faroe investors to back the deal, DNO said on Thursday that its offer is full and fair, even generous. It is doubly so in an increasingly uncertain oil and equities market, the firm added, while calling on Faroe to publish a robust valuation report if it believes the offer undervalues the group. DNO currently holds just under 30% in the company. Its bid reflects a 21% premium to Faroes share price the day before the offer was made. January 2 represents the closing date for the offer, after which, if DNO does not receive sufficient acceptances for it to be unconditional, the offer will either lapse or can be extended. Faroe shares were trading down 0.5% at 151.21p. Meanwhile, Faroe reported disappointing results from its Cassidy exploration well in the Norwegian North Sea, in which it owns a 15% stake. The company said the well encountered 13 metres of water bearing Jurassic Ula formation sandstones. It was drilled to a depth of 3,100 metres and it has now been plugged and abandoned as planned. Chief executive officer Graham Stewart said: Whilst the result of the Cassidy well is disappointing, Faroe has maintained its above average exploration success rate in 2018 with two commercial discoveries out of four wells so far this year: Iris Hades in Norway and Agar in the UK. We remain active over the coming months, with the Brasse East well currently drilling, and a further three exploration and appraisal wells so far committed for drilling in the first half of 2019. The chances of ending the partial US government shutdown in the near future are looking increasingly slim. House politicians are being told not to expect further votes this week, all but ensuring the shutdown will enter a second week and stretch towards the new year. Politicians are away from Washington for the holidays and have been told they will get 24 hours notice before having to return for a vote. And although both the House the Senate were due to come into session briefly on Thursday afternoon, few senators or representatives were expected to be around for it. President Donald Trump is vowing to hold the line on his demand for money to build a border wall. Back from the 29-hour trip to visit US troops, President Trump tweeted that we desperately need a wall on the Mexico border, funding for which has been a flashpoint between the White House and Congress ever since he took office. He called on Democrats in Congress to fund his wall, saying the shutdown affects their supporters. He asserted without evidence: Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats? Virginia Democratic Sen Mark Warner called President Trumps comments outrageous. Getting tired of this notion of "winning" the shutdown. No one wins a shutdown. Federal workers furloughed or working without pay over the holidays lose. Taxpayers lose. Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) December 27, 2018 In his tweet, he added: Federal employees dont go to work wearing red or blue jerseys. Theyre public servants. And the President is treating them like poker chips at one of his failed casinos. After a weekend and two holiday days for federal employees, Wednesday was the first regularly scheduled workday affected by the closure of a variety of federal services. A brief statement on Thursday from the office of Louisiana Rep Steve Scalise appeared to the dim the prospect for a quick solution. Members are advised that no votes are expected in the House this week, the statement said. Please stay tuned to future updates for more information. The shutdown started on Saturday when funding lapsed for nine Cabinet-level departments and dozens of agencies. Roughly 420,000 workers were deemed essential and are working unpaid, while an additional 380,000 have been put on hold. While the White House was talking to congressional Democrats and staff talks continued on Capitol Hill negotiations dragged on Wednesday, dimming hopes for a swift breakthrough. Republican Rep Mark Meadows of North Carolina, a Trump ally who has been involved in the talks, said the president is very firm in his resolve that we need to secure our border. He told CNN, If they believe that this president is going to yield on this particular issue, theyre misreading him. The impasse over government funding began last week, when the Senate approved a bipartisan deal keeping government open into February. That bill provided $1.3 billion (1 billion) for border security projects but not money for the wall. At President Trumps urging, the House approved that package and inserted the $5.7 billion (4.5 billion) he had requested. But Senate Republicans lacked the votes they needed to force the measure through their chamber. That jump-started negotiations between Congress and the White House, but the deadline came and went without a deal. Five-year-old Amir's life began inside a foil bag of hazelnut wafer biscuits. The boy's father, Ashraf, is one of around 6,000 Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli jails. On June 20, 2013, Amir's mother, Fathiya, went to see her husband in prison. During their brief visit, Ashraf gave his wife the bag of biscuits and whispered to her that inside was an eye dropper he had filled with semen. "Go straight to the hospital," he told her, "and use this so we can have a child." "I was very nervous," Ashraf said in a phone call from prison. "I thought the Israelis would find it. And I was worried about my family. I didn't want to put them through another cycle of expectation and fear." Fathiya followed her husband's instructions and took several buses on the two-hour journey from Meggido Prison to a hospital in Nablus, in the north of the occupied West Bank. It took doctors 15 minutes of testing to tell her that Ashraf's sperm had survived the bus journey. Nine months later, their son was born. Fathiya still keeps the foil bag of hazelnut wafers where his life began. Amir is one of 69 Palestinian children born to prisoner fathers who smuggled their semen out of jail in recent years, according to the Razan Centre for Infertility, a clinic that deals with the pregnancies. The trend has led to feats of ingenuity by prisoners to get their sperm out without detection by Israeli prison guards. Inmates have hidden their semen in lighters, ballpoint pens, and even a plastic vial concealed inside a date. But the process has also challenged Palestinians' conservative and religious society, where many are wary of insemination technology and the idea of women becoming pregnant without their husbands present. And while each birth is celebrated as a small act of resistance against Israel, the children often face complicated lives as fathers spend years or even a lifetime in Israeli prisons. The most common way of getting the semen out is for a prisoner to give it to a fellow inmate when he is released. When the inmate packs up his belongings in his cell, he hides the sperm container and then takes it directly to a hospital to be frozen. "Sperm is surprisingly resilient," said Dr Ghassoun Badran, a specialist at the Razan Centre. She said that sperm can stay good for 12 hours or more while it is smuggled from prison to the hospital. Around 60pc of samples they get from prison survive. The greatest danger to the sperm is that it is carried in a dirty container, like a lighter that was not properly cleaned. "Sometimes the samples are in bad condition because it has travelled a long time using a non-sterile technique," Dr Badran said. A normal sample can be frozen and divided into three or four sub-samples, meaning the prisoner's wife has several chances to get pregnant if the insemination does not work the first time. Huda al-Wawy (40) has a one-year-old daughter born with smuggled sperm and is now pregnant again by the same method. Both times one of her husband's fellow prisoners brought the semen out after being released. "I was so thankful for them. If the soldiers caught them, they could have faced more years in prison," she said. Huda's husband, a Hamas militant, is serving a life sentence for killing an Israeli soldier. He has only seen his daughter, Ala'aa, once during a prison visit and may never be free to see her outside jail. "According to our tradition, having babies is important," said Huda. "This is a way of continuing life despite the occupation." One of the biggest concerns for a prisoner's wife as she thinks about insemination is that neighbours will get suspicious if she suddenly becomes pregnant while her husband is in jail. Rumours of infidelity could be fatal for a Palestinian woman in a society where honour killings still occur. "I was very nervous," said Fathiya, the wife of Ashraf. "I couldn't imagine what people's reaction would be when they saw I'm pregnant." ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Jamal Khashoggi: The Saudi journalist was dismembered after being killed. Photo: AP Saudi Arabia's King Salman has issued an overhaul of top government posts in the wake of international fallout from the killing of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi nearly three months ago. Adel al-Jubeir, who has been Saudi foreign minister since 2015, has been replaced by Ibrahim al-Assaf, a former finance minister. Mr al-Jubeir was appointed to the post of minister of state for foreign affairs. Mr al-Assaf had been serving as minister of state, and has held a seat on the boards of oil giant Saudi Aramaco as well as the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund. The changes, which affect several key ministries, come as the king and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are looking to announce a major reshuffle following Mr Khashoggi's killing by Saudi agents in Istanbul. DHS would not say how many children were in border patrol custody and authorities have not disclosed the results of the examinations. Stock photo: Reuters New medical checks have been carried out on nearly every child in border patrol custody, US immigration authorities have said. These checks follow the death of a second youngster in the agency's care in the space of less than three weeks. An eight-year-old boy, identified by Guatemalan authorities as Felipe Gomez Alonzo, died on Christmas Eve just before midnight. He had been in the custody of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with his father, Agustin Gomez, since December 18. CBP said in a statement that an agent first noticed the boy had a cough and "glossy eyes" at about 9am on Monday. He was taken to hospital twice that day before he died, the agency said. The cause of death was under investigation. Officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told reporters yesterday that almost all checks ordered in reaction to the boy's death had been completed. Some children detained in more remote areas were re-screened by emergency medical technicians or border patrol agents, officials said. In other places, some children were taken to medical facilities. DHS would not say how many children were in border patrol custody and authorities have not disclosed the results of the examinations. The agency also would not say why Felipe and his father were detained for almost a week, an unusually long time, or why they were placed back in detention, at a border patrol road checkpoint, after being released from the hospital. Another Guatemalan child in US custody, seven-year-old Jakelin Caal, died on December 8 and was returned to her village for burial. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump return to the US (AP) US president Donald Trump has returned to the US from an unannounced trip to Iraq, his first visit to a danger zone abroad. Mr Trump had been hearing from critics that it was past time for him to go abroad and see troops in harms way. With secrecy typical of such presidential visits, the presidents plane flew into Iraq on Wednesday with the lights out, coming overnight from Washington. Mr Trump stopped in Germany on his way back to greet troops at a US air base. The US president defended his decision to pull forces from neighbouring Syria, declaring of Islamic State militants: Weve knocked them out. Weve knocked them silly. Expand Close President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit a US airbase in Germany (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit a US airbase in Germany (AP) Meanwhile, Iraqi MPs have seized on Mr Trumps visit to demand the withdrawal of US troops from the country. Politicians from both sides of Iraqs political divide are calling on parliament to vote to expel US soldiers. Approximately 5,000 US troops are stationed in Iraq as part of the coalition against Islamic State. Foreign influence has become a particularly controversial issue in a year which saw supporters of populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr win the largest share of votes in May elections. Mr al-Sadr has called for curbing US and Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs. MPs have decried Mr Trumps visit as arrogant and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui finally came out with the much awaited trailer Thackeray. The short clip shows an insight into Balasaheb's life and people can't wait to see the film and his life. However, there are reports that CBFC has objected certain scenes in the biopic of Shiv Sena's late leader Shiv Thackeray. It has left the cast and the film producer infuriated. Screengrab Sanjay Raut, senior party leader and film producer said, "What is right and what is not right, who will decide? This is a biopic, it is a true story. Balasaheb's life was an open book. The censor board will understand. Some things take time to be understood." "Fifty years ago, Balasaheb had spoken about Bhoomiputras (sons of the soil) and now the people who opposed it want Bhoomiputra policy in Madhya Pradesh," added Raut in an apparent reference to the Congress government encouraging recruitment of local people in Madhya Pradesh. The Sena's Rajya Sabha member further said, "There is no question of ban, this is Thackeray. Nobody can ban Thackeray." Screengrab Nawazuddin said he was grateful to the film's makers for casting him. "This was the most challenging role for me. I did get nervous thinking whether I will be able to do this role or not but the director gave me lot of confidence and put me at ease," the actor said. Directed by Abhijit Panse, the film will release on January 23, Thackeray's birth anniversary. Since the time it was announced that a movie based on the life of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray is in the works, there was quite an uproar online. The much-awaited trailer of the movie starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the titular role was released yesterday, and it just took hours for it to become the eye of the storm. The biopic on late Shiv Sena chief not only received objections from Censor Board of Certification. According to the makers of the movie, CBFC raised objections on four dialogues and two scenes and have asked them to make necessary changes. Amid all this, politician Sanjay Raut, who has written the story of the film said that nobody can ban the movie on Thackeray. He said that CBFC, which has raised objections against the movie, will understand the vision. Nobody can ban the film. It is the story of Thackeray.... How could someone stop that? Balasaheb banned many people during his time. Did you people forget that? How could CBFC decide what is right or wrong on saheb's life? Only family members know that. I am sure even the censor board will understand the vision of Balasaheb. They will take time, but they will understand, he told IANS. On the other side, Tamil actor Siddharth who is best known for his role in Rang De Basanti, called out the films trailer for being anti-south Indian. Heres what he said. Nawazuddin has repeated 'Uthao lungi bajao pungi' (lift the lungi and *'#$ him) in the film #Thackeray. Clearly hate speech against South Indians... In a film glorifying the person who said it! Are you planning to make money out of this propaganda? Stop selling hate! Scary stuff! Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 26, 2018 Post this, people were quick to point that the Hindi version of the trailer didnt have those controversial lines and that they were only a part of the Marathi trailer of the bi-lingual film. A woman from Kerala, who recently underwent a sex reassignment surgery to become a man has accused her girlfriend of dumping her. The complainant, who now goes by the name Deepu R Darshan, a resident of Kozhikode, has filed a police complaint against her lover for allegedly refusing to marry her after she underwent the sex change. Deepu, who was born female as Archana Raj has alleged that her girlfriend and colleague had convinced her to undergo sex reassignment so that they can live together. According to Deepu, he met the girl who was working at a different branch of the same company during the annual meeting in 2017 where the two became good friends. Deepu, then Archan got married last year, but the relationship did not last long and she got a divorce. Meanwhile the other girl got transferred to the Kozhikode branch, and the two became even closer. But trouble started when the family of the other girl started looking for an alliance for her. Deepu who revealed his story to the media on Monday said that they jointly decided to go for a sex change after the other girl said that she could not live without her. Archan then went under the knife on October 24 in Chennai's Venkateswara Hospital after undergoing counselling. The 23-year-old who says even the name Deepu was suggested by the other girl alleged that ever since the surgery she began avoiding him. "After I underwent the surgery, she began avoiding me and refused to come with me, alleged Deepu. Deepu who approached the police against the woman and her family said that he had undergone the sex reassignment only for the lover and now he feels cheated. He also claims to have WhatsApp and chat records to prove the claims. "I spent Rs 2 lakhs for the surgery. I had not even told my family about what I was doing. Now after she rejected me I have become a joke among people who know me," Deepu said. He added that the woman could have been pressurised by her family to reject him and added that he was still ready to accept her if she was willing to come with him. "Since the sex reassignment process cannot reverenced I will live as a man. But, I want the world to know my story. I don't want another person to go through what I went through," Deepu said. Karnataka is showing the rest of the country, how to gradually transform the energy sources from non renewable to sustainable. With a total production capacity of of 12.64 gigawatts, Karnataka has emerged as the leader in producing renewable energy in India. In 2018 alone Karnataka has added 5 gigawatts of renewable energy and now generates nearly half to states energy capacity is renewable sources and powers power over 10 lakh homes. BCCL Karnataka, which is the only Indian state to generate 5 gigawatts of power from solar also produces energy from other sources like wind energy which contributes 4.7 gigawatts, and hydro, biomass, and, other sources, comprise 2.6 gigawatts. BCCL This is a major shift considering the fact that in 2013, Karnataka was producing Back 6.8 GW power from coal, while its renewable energy capacity of just 4 GW. What is even more impressive about the renewable energy generation in Karnataka is that the state produces more power from renewable sources than countries like Netherlands and Denmark, considered the world leaders in the field. REUTERS Karnataka is also home to the worlds largest solar park, Shakti Sthala, in Tumkur district, around 180 km from Bengaluru which was inaugurated in March this year. Neighbouring Tamil Nadu which was until recently the top producer of renewable energy has a capacity of 12.3 GW. Solar power generation in India has increased substantially over the past few years. BCCL According to the latest Climatescope 2018 report by BNEF, India has become the largest market globally for auction of new renewable energy generation projects and the second-largest destination attracting clean energy investments. India has secured second place in the global ranking driven by its policy thrust towards renewables and increasing investments in the clean energy sector. Following the controversy over the open namaz ban in Noida, the authorities had clarified that it was not targeted at any particular community, but applicable for all unauthorized religious gatherings. Even as the controversy refuses to settle, the Authorities on Wednesday removed a makeshift pandal which was erected in a piece of land owned by the Greater Noida Authority. The tent was erected in a plot in Sector 37 for a week-long Bhagwat Katha event which was scheduled to begin on Wednesday. But according to authorities, the event organizers had not taken permission from the police and thus it was unauthorized. "We received information about the programme being held on a 1,000-sq.mt land which belongs to the Greater Noida Authority. Since no permission was sought by the organisers, we disallowed holding of this event," a GNIDA Official told IANS. The Times of India reported that the land where the tent was erected had been used for religious activity but no allotment has been done. Residents were reportedly raising funds to buy the plot from GNIDA, when a group of "outsiders" allegedly barged into the campus and started offering pooja there. Two months ago these people had tried to install a deity on the same spot but the move was failed by Authoritys swift action. PTI "The organisers had placed tents and loudspeakers at the site which were removed. We directed the organisers to first take permission from the district administration to perform such religious ceremony," the officer said. "We had planned a one week programme. We had set up tents and stage for the devotees. But some people complained to the Authority, which has removed the structure," Rinki Bansal, a member of Radha-Rani Mahila Mandal, which was organising the Bhagwat Katha, told The Times of India, adding that people have been offering pooja at pot for 3-4 years. Earlier, a police station in Noida's Sector 58 had asked 23 private companies to stop their Muslim employees from gathering in a local park without permission for offering Friday namaz. In the wake of the order, which was issued earlier this month, the administration had Tuesday said "unauthorised" religious gatherings will not be allowed at public places. Seven years after an acid attack visually impaired her and brought life to a standstill, 30-year-old Inderjeet Kaur of Mohali has started a new inning of her life as a banker. Kaur, whose petition before the Punjab and Haryana high court had led to the formulation of policies for financial assistance for acid attack survivors in the states of Punjab and Haryana, has joined as a clerk in Canara Banks Delhi office. Besides injuries on her face and other body parts, Kaur had also lost her eyesight in the December 2011 attack. Except my mother, no other relative not even my brother supported me in my fight against the perpetrators. I had to leave studies and felt completely isolated. I used to cry all the time, she told TOI. The villagers and relatives would tell me that Ive become a burden on the family and society. Then I decided to do something and joined the National Institute for Visually Handicapped in Dehradun, Kaur added. The survivor turned a new leaf in Dehradun, where she learnt reading techniques through audio recordings and went on to complete her graduation in 2016. Following that, she appeared twice for the banking service examination and finally cleared the test in her third attempt in June 2018. Selected under the visually-impaired category, Kaur has been posted in Delhi. AFP A native of Mohalis Marauli Kalan village, Kaur was like any other college student till Manjit Singh of Zirakpur whose marriage proposal she had rejected entered her house and poured acid on her. Besides losing her eyesight, Kaur suffered grievous wounds on her face, neck, hands and other body parts. Before the attack, Kaur would tutor children, but her vision loss cost her the only source of livelihood. Unable to afford specialised treatment like plastic surgery, she approached the Punjab and Haryana high court, seeking compensation for her treatment and rehabilitation. In response to her plea, the states of Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory of Chandigarh agreed to give free treatment and compensation to acid attack victims. Unnao rape survivor and her family has been booked on charges of fraud and forgery. The Uttar Pradesh Police have filed a case against the teenager who accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of gangraping her in Unnao with her accomplices. Her mother and uncle have also been accused of tampering with documents to prove that she was a minor when the crime was allegedly committed. ap Following the courts order, an FIR was registered against the survivor and her kin. The case, which is already under scrutiny following allegations of police protecting Sengar, who represents Bangermau in the state Assembly. ap The complainant had accused Sengar of raping her at his home in June 2017 when she had gone to meet him for a job. The matter came to light when the girl attempted suicide outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths house, alleging that police did not take any action despite approaching them several times. For those of you that look forward to Diwali and New Year discounts online each year, you're about to have a rude awakening. According to new policy from the government, we might have seen the last of flash sales and deep discounts on sites like Flipkart and Amazon. The rules are part of new foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations put into place by the Indian government, that aim to stop major ecommerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart from pricing local traders out of the market. The new rules ban ecommerce sites from selling products from companies they have an equity interest in. In addition, they're now forbidden to enter into exclusivity agreements with sellers, like how certain smartphones are only sold on one platform or the other. Also Read: Govt Might Soon Crack Down On Amazon & Flipkart's Pricing Strategy To Protect Indian Traders The new rules will be come into effect from February 1. "An entity having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its inventory by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, will not be permitted to sell its products on the platform run by such marketplace entity," the commerce ministry said in a statement. The new regulations follow close on the heels of complaints from Indian retailers, who accuse the ecommerce giants of using their control over inventory from their affiliates to create an unfair marketplace that allows them to sell some products at very low prices. Also Read: Ulhasnagar Traders Are Making Fake Order On Amazon, To Invite Ban & Force People To Buy Local The All India Online Vendors Association (AIOVA) had filed a petition in October with the anti-trust body Competition Commission of India (CCI) against Amazon. The same body had also filed another earlier this May against Flipkart. The rules don't specifically ban offers like cashbacks, discounts, or other. However, the government has indicated the process needs to be completely impartial in order to be allowed, and not dependent on whether the product is from the platform's affiliate. It's a discussion that's been going on for years, ever since digital marketplaces first gained a foothold in India, with local traders worried they would be simply pushed out by predatory pricing, where giants are capable of massively lowering their profit margins to gain smaller traders' consumers. So far, Flipkart has not yet commented on the issue, while Amazon has said it's still reviewing the new regulations. In a heroic act, an auto driver in Delhi sacrificed his own life to save the lives of a woman who, carrying her child, had jumped off the bridge on the Meethapur canal. 30-year-old Pawan was heading home last Saturday after dropping off a passenger when he saw a woman with a baby in her arms standing on the edge of the bridge on the canal. Next he saw the woman jumping off the bridge, police said Wednesday. Picture for representation Without a second thought, Pawan left his auto and jumped into the water to save the woman and the baby. Just as he called out for help from the passersby, three people saw him and formed a human chain. ALSO READ: Delhi Auto Driver Tied To Pole, Lynched By Mob On Suspicion Of Being A Battery Thief They saved the woman and the child but could not rescue the auto driver. He was swept away by strong currents. Police are still looking for Pawan's body. However, even after four days, the search is underway as his body could not be found, the senior officer said. Picture for representation The rescued woman and her son were taken to a hospital and their condition is now said to be stable. According to the police, the woman tried to commit suicide along with her baby after a fight with her husband. Police said they would recommend the auto driver's name for the Jiwan Raksha Padak, reports TOI. ALSO READ: Delhi Auto Driver Doesn't Charge Women Travelling Late At Night & Could Be The Hero India Needs PTI inputs President of the Indian National Congress Party Rahul Gandhi greets as he arrives for a press conference at the All India Congress Committee offices in New Delhi on Dec. 11, 2018. (Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images) This Dec. 26 photo, taken at a convenience store about 100 miles from where Fijian Indian American police officer Ronil Singh was killed in Newman, Calif., has provided investigators a comprehensive sketch of the suspect in the fatal shooting. The suspects car has been found; a manhunt continues to capture the killer. (Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department photo) United Sikhs has come out demanding Amazon and its CEO Jeff Bezos remove several products from the ecommerce site that are offensive to the Sikh community, including this Aomsnet decorative khanda symbol with gemstones gold bathroom decor mat. (Amazon photo) Women's rights activist Zakia Soman talks to the press after the court's hearing on Triple Talaq in New Delhi on Aug. 22, 2017. The Supreme Court struck down the practice of Triple Talaq terming it "unconstitutional, "arbitrary," and "not part of Islam." (IANS photo) Bonds Didnt Disappoint Monica Kingsley - 21 minutes ago S&P 500 sharply rebounded, and signs are it has legs. My key risk-on indicator to watch yesterday, HYG, turned up really strongly. No problem that the dollar didnt decline, its enough that financials... Omicron and More Market Volatility. The Corn & Ethanol Report 12/03/2021 The PRICE Futures Group - 1 hour ago We start off the day with Unemployment at 7:30 A.M., Factory Orders and ISM Non-Manufacturing Index at 9:00 A.M., and Baker Hughes Oil & Total Rig Count at 12:00 P.M. On the Corn Front the damage has been... Corn Up 3 to 4 Cents Early On Barchart - Fri Dec 3, 7:31AM CST Corn is 3 to 4 cents per bushel higher to start the last trade day of the week. The board ended Thursday with 3 to 6 1/4 cent gains. New crop December closed just fractionally higher at $5.49/bu. There... ZCZ21 : 587-4 (+1.82%) ZCPAUS.CM : 5.7221 (+1.62%) ZCH22 : 585-6 (+1.56%) ZCZ21 : 587-4 (+1.82%) ZCPZ21US.CM : 5.7221 (+1.62%) Wheat Fades Thursday Gains Ahead of Weekend Barchart - Fri Dec 3, 7:31AM CST Overnight trading in the wheat markets has futures mostly 3 to 4 cents lower early on Friday. Chicago SRW futures were 15 1/2 to 28 cents higher on Thursday. The March contract is still below the Tuesday... ZWZ21 : 814-6 (+1.02%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.6389 (-0.18%) KEZ21 : 841-0 (+0.30%) KEPAWS.CM : 8.1369 (-0.84%) MWZ21 : 1056-6 (-0.40%) Soybeans 10 to 12 Cents Higher Barchart - Fri Dec 3, 7:31AM CST Soybeans are 10 to 12 cents higher going into the morning break. Soybean futures were up double digits on Thursday as prices continued to recover from the sharp post Turkey Day and Month End selloff. Jan... ZSF22 : 1268-2 (+1.93%) ZSPAUS.CM : 12.3486 (+1.96%) ZSH22 : 1273-0 (+1.84%) ZSX21 : 1234-0s (+1.79%) ZSPX21US.CM : 12.3370 (+1.98%) Berkshire Hathaway Never a Bad Choice The Smart Investor - Fri Dec 3, 6:56AM CST As far as defensive investments go, Berkshire Hathaway is as good as it gets. The company is set up to achieve decent performance if the markets stay on their current trajectory. It is also set up to do... The National Transportation Safety Board told a New York prosecutor she has hampered the agencys efforts to determine the cause of the limousine crash that killed 20 people in her rural upstate county, the nations deadliest transportation wreck in nearly a decade. In a letter made public Thursday, an NTSB lawyer told Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery that safety-critical evidence has been lost because her office had refused to let investigators fully inspect the modified stretch limo that crashed in Schoharie on Oct. 6. While we understand the important duties that you are fulfilling, we are gravely concerned that your lack of responsiveness to our requests has seriously impeded our abilities to carry out our Congressionally-mandated duties to properly complete this safety investigation and potentially prevent similar accidents in the future, NTSB general counsel Kathleen Silbaugh wrote. The letter specifically mentions concerns over losing the ability to evaluate corrosion on limo parts, including its brakes, or the status of its electrical system at the time of the crash. The letter goes on to demand immediate access to the wrecked limo and to other vehicles owned by the company, Prestige Limousine. Mallerys office didnt respond Thursday to a request from The Associated Press for comment, but she told WRGB-TV in Albany the limo is evidence in a criminally negligent homicide case against its owners. She told the station Wednesday night that it was completely untrue that she was hindering NTSB access to the limo. Its not the first time reports of NTSB displeasure with the local handling of the investigation have surfaced. Two weeks after the crash, the AP reported the agencys investigators were privately expressing frustration over their access to the wreck. NTSB officials said at that time that agency investigators had looked inside the limousine briefly but hadnt conducted a full examination. The New York State Police are in charge of the ongoing criminal investigation into what caused the limo to blow through a stop sign at a T-shaped intersection, barrel through a store parking lot and crash into a shallow ditch. The limo driver, 17 passengers on a birthday outing and two men standing in the parking lot were killed. Prosecutors allege the limousine companys operator, Nauman Hussain, allowed an improperly licensed driver to operate an unserviceable vehicle. He has pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide. The Ford Excursion limo remains inside a tent on the grounds of a state police troop headquarters in suburban Albany. A state police spokesman referred questions about the NTSB letter to Mallerys office. State police officials earlier had said allowing NTSB investigators access to the vehicle before it was fully examined and processed by the state police and Hussains defense team would jeopardize the criminal case. The NTSB letter says the defense team examined the vehicle last month, yet the agency had received no response from Mallery to its request to examine the limo. The letter also states that the prosecutor has been unresponsive to NTSBs efforts to obtain information via letter, telephone calls and email. Instead, Silbaugh wrote, what we have been told is that your schedule is full and you are too busy to respond. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York Law Enforcement Marsh, one of the worlds largest insurance brokers and risk advisers, has launched a China desk in Dubai to benefit from growing commercial links between China, the Middle East and Africa, its regional chief executive said. The subsidiary of U.S. professional services firm Marsh & McLennan Cos. is the latest multinational to establish a China desk in Dubai, which is acting as a conduit for regional business emerging from Chinas Belt and Road initiative. Marsh has picked up deals related to infrastructure projects since setting up the desk in the summer, said Christos Adamantiadis, Middle East and Africa chief executive. There is exponential growth but its starting from a low base, he said. We have already some traction. We have found a few projects in Africa but its not restricted to Africa. Theres also Chinese investment in the Middle East. Our main focus is China and Chinese contractors and principles. Africa and the Middle East are an important part of Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road initiative, a $126 billion plan to bolster a network of infrastructure connecting China by land and sea to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Banks Standard Chartered, HSBC and Citigroup already have China desks in the emirate. Elsewhere in the Middle East, Adamantiadis said in 2019 Marsh hopes to receive an insurance broking license in Iraq, where infrastructure needs to be rebuilt after a nearly four-year war against the Islamic State. ($1 = 0.7895 pounds) (Editing by Louise Heavens) Topics New Markets China Spains Supreme Court has ruled that the captain and the insurer of the Prestige oil tanker must pay more than 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion) in compensation for Spains biggest environmental disaster, when the vessel sank in 2002. The court said in a statement Thursday that captain Apostolos Mangouras and The London Owners Mutual Insurance Association shall pay the damages to Spain, France and authorities in Spains Galicia region, as well as to another 269 companies, communities and individuals affected by the spill. The tanker sprang a leak and sank off northwest Spain, polluting a long stretch of coastline and ruining the areas rich fishing grounds. Years of legal challenges slowed the compensation process. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Talent Energy Oil Gas Uber pledged [on Dec. 19] to challenge a U.K. Court of Appeal decision that drivers should be classed as workers rather than self-employed employees, a verdict that has potentially wide-ranging implications for the rapidly growing gig economy and the rules that govern it. The challenge sets up a showdown in Britains Supreme Court that will determine whether the drivers will be able to claim the rights open to workers such as the minimum wage and paid holidays. Unions rejoiced at Ubers third loss in the courts on the issue, and said it was an early Christmas present for those working in the gig economy, where people work job-to-job with little security and few employment rights. Were now at a hat trick of judgments against Uber, they keep appealing and keep losing, said Tim Roache, the general-secretary of the GMB union. Uber should just accept the verdict and stop trying to find loopholes that deprive people of their hard-won rights and hard-earned pay. The San Francisco-based company, which has sought under its new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi to improve its image, pointed out that the decision was not unanimous and does not reflect the reasons why the vast majority of drivers choose to use the Uber app. It added that were drivers to be classified as workers, then it would be inevitable that they would lose freedom and flexibility. Over the last two years weve made many changes to give drivers even more control over how they use the app, alongside more security through sickness, maternity and paternity protections, the company said. Well keep listening to drivers and introduce further improvements. Though the U.K. ruling will not apply to employees outside the country, it is part of a trend in which regulators are more closely scrutinizing a quickly evolving workplace and challenging traditional employment models. Only this week, Britain published its Good Work Plan, promising to clarify the tests around employment status as suggested by the landmark Taylor Review last year. Though the suit was brought by two employees, the case has implications for the 50,000 drivers who use the platform. Lawyers are also watching not just because of Ubers massive global footprint, but because some 1.1 million people in the U.K. are estimated to work in the gig economy. The numbers involved mean that any future decision could have an impact on the viability of Ubers business model and pricing, according to Rachel Farr, a senior employment lawyer at the international law firm Taylor Wessing, which is not involved in the case. Ubers competitors and businesses in the gig economy will also be considering what this means for them, while the decision will have given hope to those who believe they are workers who deserve a better deal, she said. But just because Uber lost, it doesnt mean that others will: each case will be considered on its specific facts, including the contractual terms between the parties and what actually happens in practice. Uber has expanded rapidly around the world by positioning itself as the alternative to traditional taxis through a smartphone app that links people in need of rides with drivers of private cars. That has drawn protests from taxi drivers who say Uber and similar services are able to undercut them. Some companies have argued that the gig system provides lifestyle benefits for people who want flexibility, but the arrangements also allow companies to avoid many expenses associated with hiring full-time employees. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Personal Auto Uk Sharing Economy Ridesharing Wisconsin Governor-Elect Tony Evers has named Mark Afable as insurance commissioner. Afable has worked for American Family Insurance in Madison since 1994 and currently serves as its chief legal officer. He will replace current Commissioner of Insurance Ted Nickel, who has served as the states top insurance regulator since 2011. Evers on Dec. 21 also named three more members of his Cabinet, including a proponent of raising taxes to improve the condition of Wisconsins roads as head the state Department of Transportation. That brings to eight the number of Cabinet secretaries Evers has announced to date. He has nine more to pick. All of his appointees will need to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate. Aside from Afable, Cabinet members Evers named on Dec. 21 were: Craig Thompson, Department of Transportation. Thompson currently serves as executive director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin, which has been a strong advocate of increasing taxes and fees to pay for road improvements. That issue has stymied the Legislature in recent years, with Assembly Republicans proposing a gas tax hike only to be blocked by Senate Republicans and Gov. Scott Walker. The budget signed by Walker increased borrowing to pay for roads instead of raising taxes. Evers reiterated, as he has throughout the campaign, that hes open to all options to find a permanent road-funding solution. But he has yet to outline a plan, instead saying he wants to talk with interested parties to come up with a proposal. Were not going to predetermine anything, Evers said. When asked what the maximum reasonable gas tax increase would be, Thompson declined to give a number. But his organization, which includes businesses, unions, citizen groups, local units of government and individuals, supported raising the gas tax or increasing license plate registration fees to pay for roads. Rebecca Cameron Valcq, chairwoman of the Public Service Commission. Valcq is a partner at the Quarles & Brady law firm in Milwaukee, where she specializes in regulator law. She previously spent 15 years as a regulatory attorney for We Energies, the states largest energy company. Brad Pfaff, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Pfaff has worked as deputy chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, a Democrat from La Crosse, since 2017. Pfaff was born and raised on a dairy farm in La Crosse County. He previously worked under President Barack Obamas administration as executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Evers previously had made four other appointments: Joel Brennan, chief executive officer of Milwaukees Discovery World museum as Department of Administration secretary; Preston Cole, a member of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board as Department of Natural Resources Secretary; U.S. Marshal Kevin Carr as Department of Corrections secretary; and Sara Meaney, chief marketing officer for Milwaukee Film, as Department of Tourism secretary. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Agribusiness Wisconsin The former chief executive of Insys Therapeutics Inc. has agreed to plead guilty to participating in a scheme to bribe doctors to prescribe a powerful opioid medication in order to boost its sales, U.S. prosecutors said on Wednesday. Michael Babich, who resigned as the Arizona-based drugmakers CEO in 2015 and was due to face trial next month, has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy and mail fraud charges, federal prosecutors in Boston disclosed in a court filing. Five former Insys executives and managers indicted along with Babich, including John Kapoor, the companys founder and former chairman, remain scheduled to go on trial in late January. They have pleaded not guilty. The terms of Babichs plea deal were not disclosed, and it was unclear whether he would agree to cooperate with prosecutors and testify at that trial, as has another former Insys executive who recently pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors requested a Jan. 9 plea hearing. A lawyer for Babich, 42, declined to comment. The case centers on Subsys, Insys under-the-tongue spray for managing pain in cancer patients. It contains fentanyl, an opioid 100 times stronger than morphine. Prosecutors allege that from 2012 to 2015, Kapoor, Babich and others conspired to bribe doctors in exchange for prescribing their patients Subsys. Prosecutors said they also defrauded insurers into paying for Subsys. Prosecutors allege Insys paid doctors kickbacks in the form of fees to participate in speaker programs ostensibly meant to educate medical professionals about Subsys that were actually shams. The case has been brought amid a national opioid addiction epidemic. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids were involved in around 47,600 overdose deaths in 2017. Babich, who was originally indicted in 2016, is married to a former Insys sales representative, Natalie Babich, who in 2017 pleaded guilty to conspiring to pay kickbacks and became a government witness. She testified this month at the trial of Christopher Clough, a former physician assistant in New Hampshire accused of accepting kickbacks from Insys. A federal jury in Concord, New Hampshire convicted Clough on Dec. 18. In August, Insys said it had agreed to settle a related U.S. Justice Department probe for at least $150 million. Reporting by Nate Raymond; editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Rosalba OBrien Topics USA Drugs U.S. airports may be just as vulnerable as Londons Gatwick airport to the kind of illegal drone incursions that shut down the U.K.s second-busiest hub this week. Counter- drone technology performed so poorly in U.S. government tests in recent years that the systems couldnt reliably identify rogue unmanned aircraft, casting doubts on whether theres a viable short-term solution to the intrusions that repeatedly disrupted the London airport this week. Radars designed to track drones didnt work when the devices hovered in place. The systems generated a large number of false sightings. And the saturation of radio broadcasts around airports blanked out some drone transmissions, making them hard to detect. The test results were contained in a letter to U.S. airports sent in July by the Federal Aviation Administration and seen by Bloomberg News. It advised air-strip operators not to obtain the counter-drone systems and warned they could be in violation of multiple laws if they do. The FAA does not endorse or advocate for the use of countermeasures in the airport environment given the likely resulting impact on the safety and efficiency of the nations airspace, John Dermody, FAAs director of airport safety and standards, wrote in the July 19 letter. Three Incursions Gatwick briefly halted flights on Friday after another drone flew near the airport, the third day such illegal incursions disrupted traffic during the busy holiday travel season. The airport has been trying to get operations back on track after an earlier 36-hour suspension that derailed travel plans for more than 120,000 people. U.K. law enforcement and military have been photographed using what appear to be drone detectors that can home in on their control signals. So far, authorities havent been able to stop the flights or apprehend their operators. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working with U.K. authorities and has offered to supply technical support, according to a statement from the agency. The FAA hasnt commented on the Gatwick situation. Earlier this year, Congress granted authority to the FBI and Homeland Security agencies to monitor drone radio signals and to use measures to take them down in extreme cases. Even though agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration have been aware of the drone threat for years, the Gatwick situation has sent shock waves through the world of airport security, said John Halinski, a former TSA deputy administrator. Collision Damage It is a major problem, Halinski said. I dont think its being addressed properly. Drones can cause more damage in a collision with an airliner than a similar-sized bird, a 2017 study commissioned by FAA found. Simulations predicted significant damage to windshields, wings and tail surfaces of aircraft. However, an impact with a small consumer drone the most popular models weigh about two to three pounds (0.91 to 1.36 kilograms) isnt likely to prove catastrophic, the study found. Calls to airports and law enforcement agencies around the U.S. suggest that there are few tools available beyond reports from the public and the eyes and ears of officers. Reports of drone sightings near Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport would be investigated by officers on patrol to locate the operator, said Corporal Edward Bartlinski, public information officer for the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, which has jurisdiction over the airport. The agency would also contact federal law enforcement officials for assistance. The department doesnt have an official policy on drone countermeasures, he said. That could be looked at in the future but as of right now, the public is our best weapon against something like that happening here, he said. Andrew Trull, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority that oversees Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. and Dulles International Airport in Virginia, said law enforcement officials treat possible drone activity much like other potential hazards to aircraft, such as birds, he said. For us at least, its been something that we havent really had to deal with but I think everybody following Gatwick is particularity vigilant and aware that it is an issue, Trull said. The July letter from FAA suggests that existing technology to halt or deter such intrusions isnt too promising. High radio spectrum congestion around airports made detecting drone control signals more difficult than anticipated, the FAA said in the letter. In some instances detection wasnt possible at all. Some detection systems lost sight of the drone if it stopped moving, the letter said. Large numbers of people were required to monitor the systems because they generated so many false alarms. High Costs Drone detection systems require redundant equipment in order to cover an airport, making the costs prohibitive, the agency said. Because drone technology is changing so rapidly, any counter measure rapidly becomes obsolete. Just as vexing to any airport wanting to obtain defenses against drones are the host of legal restrictions such technology faces, the FAA said. Federal laws restricting wiretapping, eavesdropping, and interfering with radio broadcasts and satellite signals all could be violated with various anti-drone technologies, according to the FAA. The agency said it was hopeful that a requirement the government is seeking for drones to broadcast their identity and location would be more effective than the technology it had tested. The agency, which is working with law enforcement and homeland security agencies, is hoping to unveil a proposal for drone-ID tracking next year. Chinas DZ DJI Technology Inc. already embeds drone-ID technology into its devices, and it sells a monitoring device that some airports have adopted. It doesnt work on drones made by other manufacturers. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which overseas the areas airports, said it would join forces with other agencies to address any drone threats. The response to any drone activity at our airports would be a coordinated one between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Port Authority Police Department, the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, it said in a statement. For obvious security reasons, we cannot discuss further details. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Agencies USA Tech Washington Law Enforcement Aviation London The family of a man who was killed when a Lion Air flight crashed in October has sued Boeing Co., alleging the 737 MAX 8 aircraft was unreasonably dangerous and demanding a jury trial in Chicago, where the U.S. manufacturer is based. The lawsuit was filed on Monday, Dec. 24, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on behalf of the estate of Sudibyo Onggo Wardoyo, who died when Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea after taking off from Jakarta on Oct. 29. All 189 people on board the plane were killed. The lawsuit alleges that the two-month-old Boeing aircraft was unreasonably dangerous because its sensors provided inaccurate data to its flight control system, causing its anti-stall system to improperly engage. It also alleges Boeing failed to provide adequate instructions to pilots on how to respond to and disengage the planes anti-stall system. It was like Boeing first blindfolded and then tied the hands of the pilots, said lawyer Thomas Demetrio of Corboy & Demetrio, which is representing Onggo Wardoyos estate on behalf of the victims parents and three siblings. Boeing did not immediately return requests for comment. (Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Topics Lawsuits Aviation Aerospace Even as he touted Louisianas economic picture, Gov. John Bel Edwards said on Dec. 20 that President Donald Trumps tariffs are causing pain for agricultural and petrochemical industries and stifling the states growth. The Democratic governor typically refrains from criticizing the Republican president. But he blamed the tariffs Trump has imposed on certain imports from other countries for federal numbers that showed Louisianas personal income growth slowed to 2.3 percent in the latest quarter, lagging the national 4 percent rate and among the lowest rates in the country. The tariffs impacts on the economy are exactly what was predicted and feared, Edwards said at his end-of-the-year news conference. He described Louisiana soybean farmers who plowed up their crops and left them in the fields, with no market to sell them, and said the states ports have seen shipping declines. Hopefully this will get resolved soon and the retaliatory tariffs that have been imposed by other countries, but particularly China, will go away and we can have a normal trade relationship with these countries, the governor said. I think it would benefit us. Despite the latest income data, the governor still described Louisianas economic picture as positive, saying employment levels are near record-highs and touting economic development wins. He talked of stabilizing the states budget with legislative passage of a seven-year sales tax renewal and winning praise from national credit rating agencies. The days of crippling deficits are behind us. We are budgeting smarter, more honestly and finally have the stability that we need, Edwards said. The governor, a rare Democratic statewide elected official in the Deep South, used his remarks to highlight what he considers his top achievements during three years in office, as he seeks a second term. Edwards faces at least two Republican challengers in next years election, U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham of Alto and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone. Abraham and Edwards clashed Thursday over congressional passage of legislation overhauling criminal sentencing laws, similar to what the governor successfully pushed in Louisiana last year. Abraham was one of only 36 U.S. House members to oppose the federal criminal justice bill, which headed to Trumps desk. The president supports the measure. Abraham said the legislation dangerously lowers mandatory sentences then allows judges to ignore them. In his statement, the GOP congressman also took a swipe at the bipartisan changes passed in Louisiana and championed by Edwards, calling it criminal rights activism. Edwards said the states overhaul which expanded probation and parole opportunities and reduced sentences, mainly for nonviolent offenders cut Louisianas spending on prisons and ended its tenure as the nations highest incarcerator per capita. Louisiana made the right decision, to get smarter on crime, he said. On other issues, Edwards: Repeated his pledge that teacher pay raises will be his top priority for the 2019 legislative session. The governor said he doesnt expect a dispute over the states income forecast with House Republican leaders to stymie the states ability to boost the salaries. I believe were going to work through this, Edwards said. Said he will continue to ask lawmakers to raise Louisianas minimum wage and enact new equal pay laws, describing his repeated failure to win passage of the proposals as among his greatest disappointments in office. Said hes hopeful the federal Affordable Care Act will withstand a court challenge despite a Texas federal judges ruling that could throw out the entire health care law. Im not going to tell you that Ive lost any sleep over it, said Edwards, a lawyer. Its a district court judges decision. I think its unlikely to be affirmed. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Louisiana The rollout of statewide medical and recreational marijuana programs typically is a grindingly slow process that can take years. Not so in Oklahoma, which moved with lightning speed once voters approved medical cannabis in June. The ballot question received 57 percent support and established one of the nations most liberal medical pot laws in one of the most conservative states. Six months later, the cannabis industry is booming. Farmers and entrepreneurs are racing to start commercial grow operations, and the state is issuing licenses to new patients, growers and dispensary operators at a frantic pace. Retail outlets opened just four months after legalization. By contrast, voters in North Dakota, Ohio and neighboring Arkansas approved medical pot in 2016 but have yet to see sales begin amid legal wrangling and legislative meddling. I think we really are the wild, wild West in many respects, said attorney Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish, whose firm in Norman represents several cannabis businesses. Here in Oklahoma, were a pretty independent constituency. We are primarily a red state, but we dont like a lot of government controls. Indeed, unlike virtually every other state, Oklahoma officials created no list of qualifying medical conditions for people to get medicinal marijuana. That has prompted a flood of applications for personal licenses to purchase pot. Since August more than 22,000 have been approved and thousands more are in the pipeline. There are now 785 licensed dispensaries. Some small Oklahoma towns have as many as a half-dozen. Norman and Stillwater, the states two largest college towns, have 45 combined. Sage Farms is among more than 1,200 licensed commercial growers. Owner Ben Neal has been using high-tech growing techniques for years to produce tomatoes, lettuce, peppers and other vegetables at his six greenhouses in rural Tulsa County. Hes now converted a third of his operation to growing marijuana, hired three new workers and just harvested 200 pounds of various strains that will be auctioned next month. Neal said he has been offered $2,800 per pound for the entire crop, a total of $560,000. Hes shocked at how quickly Oklahoma has embraced the industry. Nine months ago, I was saying that Oklahoma would be the last state that ever does it, and then all of a sudden this happened, Neal said. In the bedroom community of Shawnee, east of Oklahoma City, business is steady at the Oklahoma Roots dispensary. Chance Gilbert grows, processes and sells marijuana inside what once was a metal fabrication shop. Its kind of radical how fast its gotten going, said Gilbert, who expects to produce about 50 pounds of marijuana a month once at full capacity. We assumed it would be an Arkansas model, that it would be years before it was implemented and rolled out. The primary driver behind Oklahomas quick rollout was a broadly written, citizen-led ballot question that included quick deadlines and required regulators to grant a license to every qualified applicant. But several political ingredients combined to push the effort along. First, instead of the general election in November, Gov. Mary Fallin placed the question on the June primary ballot, where it passed overwhelmingly despite opposition from law enforcement, doctors and clergy. That allowed more time for the program to ramp up before the Legislature returns in February. Then, when the Oklahoma State Board of Health tried to impose heavy-handed restrictions, such as banning smoke-able pot and requiring a pharmacist at every dispensary, the public was outraged. Every segment of the pro-marijuana movement mobilized and even the states Republican attorney general weighed in with a legal opinion that the board had gone too far. I think every Oklahoman who has a soul was appalled that they tried to change a political decision that the people of Oklahoma had just made, said Chip Paul, who helped write and push for State Question 788. After that board meeting and after the attorney generals letter, the third rail of politics would be to mess with SQ 788. Oklahomas conservative Legislature took notice. While GOP leaders still plan to implement some general standards for lab testing, packaging and measures to prevent pot from ending up on the black market, they appear in no rush to make wholesale changes. I do not see an appetite at all to go in and try to undo the will of the people and get rid of medical marijuana, said state Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, who served on a medical pot task force. The states new Medical Marijuana Authority already has raked in more than $7.5 million from registration fees from patients, growers and dispensaries. The first revenue from the new 7 percent sales tax on pot sales began dribbling into state coffers last month. Even members of law enforcement, who were among the most vocal opponents, appear to accept that the publics attitudes about marijuana have shifted. There are many, many people out there who like to go on their back porch in the evening in the privacy of their own homes and they like to smoke marijuana, said Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott, who worked for 27 years as a Tulsa police officer before being elected sheriff. These are not what you would consider druggies or seedy people. These are people who work, they pay taxes and they go to church. And theyve had to sneak around because theyve lived in fear of me, law enforcement. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Cannabis Oklahoma A federal judge says a blogger can sue an Alabama sheriff for allegedly trying to silence her criticism of the officer. The Decatur Daily reports that U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala ruled that Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin is not immune from a lawsuit filed by online critic Glenda Lockhart. Lockhart has written a blog critical of Franklin. The lawsuit says Franklin and some of her deputies bribed Lockharts grandson to collect information from Lockharts office and computers. Authorities later searched her business and seized computers. Lockhart sued Franklin and the sheriff had argued that she was immune from the claims under state law. The judge disagreed, saying Franklins legal immunity doesnt protect her from claims of bribery, intimidation and other misconduct meant to silence a private citizen. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Legislation Alabama California regulators said they are considering splitting up Pacific Gas & Electric Co. or making other drastic changes amid concerns over the utilitys role in recent gas explosions and wildfires. Among the options under consideration by the California Public Utilities Commission are breaking up the utilitys natural gas and electric distribution and transmission divisions; replacing part or all of the utilitys board of directors and its corporate management; conditioning its equity return on safety; reorganizing the company into regional subsidiaries; or making PG&E a public utility. The commission hasnt made any final decisions and is taking comments on those and other proposals through Jan. 30. We must be careful and practical, Public Utilities Commission President Michael Picker said in a statement. This process will be like repairing a jetliner while its in flight. Crashing a plane to make it safer isnt good for the passengers. In a statement, PG&E said: Were open to a range of solutions that will help make the energy system safer for the customers we serve. PG&Es most important responsibility must always be public and employee safety. Regulators have been examining the utilitys safety policies for years. A review was ordered in the wake of a 2010 gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes in a San Francisco suburb. The utility faced more than $1.6 billion in fines and penalties levied by the commission, and the utility was required to work with a federal monitor as part of a criminal proceeding. Officials are currently investigating whether PG&Es equipment started the Camp wildfire six weeks ago in northern California that leveled the town of Paradise, killed at least 86 people and destroyed close to 15,000 homes. Because the cause of that specific fire hasnt been determined, its not directly part of the commissions safety examination, although regulators are considering past fires and that the utilitys service is in fire-prone areas. PG&E has had serious safety problems with both its gas and electric operations for many years, read a commission order issued Friday. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California Trends China's government said it has made plans with Washington for talks in January aimed at ending a tariff battle with the US that threatens to depress global trade. The two sides have "made specific arrangements for face-to-face meetings" and are talking by phone, said a Ministry of Commerce spokesman, Gao Feng. Farming is in danger of running off a cliff edge and dying out unless drastic action is taken to entice young people to enter the sector. Agriculture Minister Michael Creed warned that a lack of new blood is threatening the future of the industry as he said most dairy farmers are reaching the end of their careers while the average beef farmer is now well over pension age. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Creed said while the lack of new blood in farming is a global problem, Ireland is at particular risk due to the economic dependence on the sector. Saying there will be serious questions over whos going to grow food in the future unless drastic action is taken now, he said the crisis cannot continue to be ignored and must be addressed as soon as possible. Its a huge issue, said Mr Creed. The requirement for new blood in farming is global, every country Ive gone to is facing the same challenges, and I think, to be frank about it, a lot of that has got to do with, if not the lifestyle, the income from it. We are in danger of running off a cliff edge here in terms of the global demand for food. The average age for farmers in Ireland is 55-56, the average age in the beef sector and the livestock industry is probably over pension age, well over pension age. Weve a growing global population, 9bn people by 2050, and the experts say well need 70% more food to feed that growing population because of land abandonment and food waste and all of that, so whos going to grow it? We really need to get this thing right in terms of generational renewal. Its not a new phenomenon, but in terms of the scale we face now, we need radical new thinking there, he said. Mr Creed separately acknowledged there is an ongoing issue in rural Ireland where older farmers are reluctant to hand over their farms to the next generation, causing division within families and seeing younger people turning their backs on the sector. While stressing that the Government has already introduced tax incentives and grants in recent years to address the issue, which has been repeatedly raised by the Irish Farmers Association, Mr Creed said there must be an acceptance that other action may be needed. Noting the concerns of both sides of the debate, Mr Creed said a way out of the stand-offs could be to set up partnerships between the different generations of farmers within families, allowing young and old to have a genuine involvement in the business and ensuring both its short-term and long-term future. We have a lot of incentives in terms of tax returns, in terms of co-ops, but we may also need to facilitate more partnerships. You [an older farmer] might feel you dont want to hand over the whole farm to your son because youre only in your 60s or whatever or feel, Jesus, maybe the young fella isnt ready for it yet. So partnerships are the way to go, he said. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe was told the opportune time had arrived to double betting tax amid ongoing pressure to increase tax on gambling. Mr Donohoe doubled the rate from 1% to 2% in this years budget and was met with fierce opposition from the bookmaking industry. His officials had warned that alternative proposals to tax punters directly or the profits of bookmakers would not be possible this year. He approved the rate increase only seeking clarification on what share of betting revenue was accounted for by the greyhound and horse-racing industry. In the departmental submission, officials said the percentage-point tax increase could yield an extra 50m in tax each year. On the doubling of the betting tax, the department said the tax had not been increased since 1975 and had consistently been cut over the years. In a statement, officials said: Given the increased concerns regarding the social costs of problem gambling, it is now appropriate to increase the rates to better reflect the negative externalities involved. The department also committed to a review of the measure in 2019 to see what impact it is having. Internal department records also reveal how Mr Donohoe considered giving a reprieve to smokers in the budget after seven consecutive years of excise-duty increase. Asked for his views on a tax rise for tobacco, the minister had written: Not currently minded to implement a further increase. Cigarettes did ultimately take another hit in Budget 2019 with a 50c rise in the price of a box of 20 cigarettes and similar rises for other tobacco products. The submission says there were moves in the market towards the use of lower-price and value-sized packs by smokers. It states: Surveys conducted by Revenue indicate an increase in the consumption of illicit cigarettes from 10% in 2016 to 13% in 2017. Another 9% of the cigarettes consumed in Ireland had been bought legally abroad, it said. The Revenue Commissioners suggested further tax hikes on tobacco products might not generate extra money for the exchequer. The submission also states that Irelands anti-tobacco drive was working with the number of cigarettes cleared for consumption down by 27% between 2008 and 2017. The documents also show that officials have said there is now a significant price differential between how much was paid for booze in Dublin and offers available north of the border in Newry. A submission for the minister states: Revenue conducted a cross-border (Dublin & Newry) price survey on excisable goods bi-annually. In its May 2018 survey it was found that there are significant price differences. It highlighted how a bottle of whiskey was 3.57 cheaper and vodka 4.52 cheaper, while common brands of wine were between 1.72 and 2.15 cheaper. The submission says Brexit poses particular risks to the industry with the possibility of disruption of trading links and supply chains. The Department of Finance said the decision to make no change on alcohol was driven mainly by concerns [on] cross border trade. An increase combined with the prevailing weakness of sterling could have encouraged cross-border trade and a subsequent reduction in the excise yield. Gardai have launched an investigation following the recovery of the body of a man from a van which was seen entering the river Lee in Cork city in the early hours of the morning. Investigating officers do not believe foul play was involved in the tragic incident after the crew on board a vessel moored at Kennedy Quay raised the alarm shortly after 3am on Thursday. St Stephens night revellers watched in horror from the opposite quay as emergency services searched the channel frantically for the driver. The search, involving gardai, several units of Cork City Fire Brigade, Port of Cork authorities, members of the Crosshaven Coast Guard boat and ground crews, and the Mallow Search and Rescue Unit, which has specialist side-scanning sonar, continued for an hour before it became a recovery operation. The emergency services had to wait until 7.30am before improved visibility and favourable tidal conditions allowed for the van to be winched from the river bed. The body of the driver was recovered from inside the vehicle and death was pronounced at the scene. Efforts were underway last night to identify him and contact relatives. The results of a post-mortem examination, performed at Cork University Hospital (CUH), will be included in the garda file which will be prepared in due course for the coroners court. Meanwhile, the HSE has issued a reminder about the help and supports that are available for people in emotional distress, and in particular for people who feel overwhelmed at this time of the year. A spokesperson said help and support is just a phone call away by ringing the 24/7 freephone helpline numbers for Pieta House on 1800 247 247; The Samaritans on 116 123 or by texting help to 087 2609090; or Childline on 1800 666 666, or by texting talk to 50101. While the Christmas period is an exciting and happy time for many people, it can also prove to be a very stressful and challenging time for others, a spokesperson said. The Mental Health Services of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare wish to remind members of the public that they are not alone and that its important to be aware that support is available all year around for those who may be overwhelmed or are experiencing emotional distress. Also a person can contact their own GP or South Doc (the HSE out of hours GP service which can be contacted on 1850 335 999, for more information visit: southdoc.ie. The HSEs online resource, yourmentalhealth.ie, also provides hints and tips on eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and drinking alcohol responsibility. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) The Commission on Elections is considering placing Daraga, Albay under its full control after the ambush of mayoral candidate, AKO BICOL party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe. The poll body on Thursday said it can take control of an area if there is intense political rivalry, among other reasons. Its local field officer in Daraga recommended placing the municipality under Comelec control effective January 13, the start of election period. The Comelec has yet to decide on the recommendation, while also taking into consideration the security assessment of the Philippine National Police. "Comelec can choose how to exercise this function, literally 100 percent take over 'yan ng municipality," its spokesperson James Jimenez said in a media briefing. Earlier that day, President Rodrigo Duterte said he recommended to Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas to place Daraga under its control to ensure swift justice for Batocabe and a peaceful campaign period and election in May 2019. Placing an area under Comelec control means the poll body will take immediate and direct supervision and control over all national and local officials in Daraga, Albay, including exercising control and supervision over all law enforcement agencies. Security councils will also be stationed in the area under Comelec control. Jimenez said that aside from Batocabe's killing, two unidentified bodies were found the next day, which he said is "contributing to the atmosphere of anxiety" in Daraga. He added local field officers are concerned that the intense political rivalry may worsen as the election season nears. Jimenez said they are exercising their power sparingly. "Ang problema sa Comelec control, disruptive iyan sa local na trabaho. The administrative has to refer decisions to en banc, from Comelec, ibaba ulit. Nakakadagdag sa trabaho," he said. Meanwhile, Duterte also ordered the police and military to set up checkpoints in the area to ensure a safe election season. He warned that he ordered security forces to shoot those who will resist inspection. "Magdala ka ng baril, makadaan ka ng checkpoint at sabihin mo, 'Hindi ako papara kay governor ako, mayor ako.' Ang utos ko sa police pati military, p***** i** patayin mo. Subukan natin," he said on Wednesday after visiting Batocabe's wake at Bicol University in Daraga, Albay. He added, "Kapag ayaw huminto, makipag-away sa inyo, barilin mo. Iyan lang, simple 'yan. Wala na tayong arte, human rights, human rights. Iyon ang usapan." The President also warned candidates against resorting to violence to get rid of their political opponents in the May elections. "They are there not really to protect or to serve their constituents but their personal interest and their desire to win by hook or by crook... I promise the Filipino people, my country that I will not allow political terrorism, oppression, and intimidation," he said. Authorities are eyeing politics in the killing of Batocabe. Among the opponents Batocabe will face in the mayoralty race are incumbent Mayor Carlwyn Baldo and Vice Mayor Victor Perete. Albayalde said a mayor has been repeatedly linked to the Batocabe slay, but so far there is not enough evidence to pin the person down for the lawmaker's shooting. But Duterte said the Bicolanos are certain who ordered the killing of Batocabe, adding he has "reasons also to suspect the guy." "So if I say politically motivated, it could be a politician, it could be the mayor, it could the governor, or a barangay captain. But my favorite name now is mayor. But I'm not saying who that mayor is... Kapag napundi ako sa'yo, p***** i** mo babarilin kita. Kung 'yan ang paraan lang para magkaroon tayo ng kapayapaan, na peaceful election then do not f*** the system. Better behave," he said. Batocabe and his security aide were shot dead on December 22 during a gift-giving program in his hometown. Police have identified six persons of interest with the help of witnesses. Duterte said that based on initial findings, the leads to the suspect are strong. The surge toward a record peak in second-level student numbers is evident in latest official statistics on enrolments across the country's 4,000 schools. Although numbers attending all sectors have increased this year, Department of Education statistics reveal they grew in the countrys 730 second-level schools at almost twice the rate for primary schools. Overall enrolments across both levels at the start of the current school year in September were up 1% - just under 9,800 - to 922,458 on the previous school year. This includes a 0.8% rise (4,318) in the number of children in mainstream primary schools, up from 555,251 to 559,569. Last year, primary enrolments had risen by just over 5,000, or 1% on the previous school year. The increase in student numbers at second level last year was 5,150, or 1.5%, a year ago. But the latest provisional data, outlined today by the Department, shows there has been a further increase of 5,481 second-level students for this school year. This further 1.5% rise to 362,889 people registered at second level indicates the additional pressures that are facing the sector in the coming years as the effects of the baby boom in the first decade of the century begin to ease in the primary sector. Education Minister Joe McHugh was advised in October that primary enrolments are expected to reach a peak of nearly 568,000 this year, when over 8,000 pupils at special schools in the primary sector are included. But his officials told him that second-level enrolments are expected to continue rising until 2024, when they are projected to climb above 402,000 and reach a record high. That suggests a further increase of 40,000 across the next six school years, averaging over 6,000 additional students annually over that time period. Despite the likely drop in total number of primary pupils after this year, however, new schools or extensions to existing ones will still be needed in areas where there is a growing young population. The growth at second-level until at least the middle of the next decade could also necessitate the employment of 200 to 300 extra teachers for second-level schools annually if the Government retains pupil-teacher ratios at current levels. The changing picture of new school provision is reflected in the continuing drop in the proportion of pupils attending Catholic primary schools. The 505,053 children attending those schools in September represented 90.3% of all enrolments, down slightly from 90.6% a year earlier. Although these Catholic enrolment figures were up 0.4% year-on-year, children at multi-denominational primary schools are up nearly 8% to just over 32,000. They now make up 5.7% of the primary population, up from 5.4% in a year. Church of Ireland schools enrolled 16,514 or 3% of all primary pupils this year, and pupils at schools of other faiths were 5,942, just over 1% of the entire primary population. All but one of 12 new primary schools due to begin classes for the first time next year is certain to be a multi-denominational, with parents choosing from between four and six interested patrons in an online survey between now and January 15. In one instance, the Church of Ireland bishop of Meath and Kildare is competing with four other prospective patrons to open the new primary school in Maynooth, Co Kildare. A man in his 80s has died after a fire at a Dublin hospital on Christmas Eve. The incident occurred on a ward at St Luke's Hospital in Rathgar at around 5.30am on Monday. More than half of all cars submitted for an NCT failed the test on initial inspection last year, according to the Road Safety Authority. Figures show 51% of more than 1.35m cars had to return for a second inspection in 2017. Despite the fact that a majority of vehicles failed the test last year (over 688,500 cars), the pass rate of 49% was the highest level since 2011 the last year that a majority of cars passed the NCT. Most cars successfully obtained their NCT certificate on the second inspection in 2017, with a pass rate of 91.3% in re-tests. An analysis of the performance of almost 50 well-known car brands reveals Dacia cars had the stand-out performance with 76% of vehicles passing the NCT on first inspection way ahead of any competitor. The good results are largely explained by the fact that Dacia cars were comparatively newer than any other make tested, with an average year of manufacture of 2013 for the Romanian car maker. The average year of manufacture of all vehicles submitted for the NCT last year was 2003. In general, the results show the older a vehicle, the more likely it is to fail the test. For example, 85% of 2015-reg cars passed the test, but the pass rate fell to 61.2% for 2010 models and 32.8% for those registered in 2000. However, there are exceptions including the worst performer, Korean car manufacturer Ssyangyong, whose vehicles had an average pass rate of 23.6%, despite having the second youngest age profile of all leading brands, with an average year of manufacture of 2010. Similarly, 50 Rolls-Royce cars which had an average age of 37 years performed better than many leading modern car makes, with an average pass rate of 46%. A Rolls Royce registered in 1932 the oldest vehicle submitted for an NCT last year passed the test. After Dacia, other popular car makes with a comparatively high pass rate included Lexus (58.7%), Kia (58.3%), Skoda (54.8%), and Toyota (53%). Several luxury, high-performance models also performed well such as Lamborghini and Porsche, which scored pass rates in excess of 58%, while Ferrari despite having an average vehicle age of 17 years obtained an average pass rate of 57%. Leading brands with below-average pass rates included Chevrolet (36.2%), Alfa Romeo (40.4%), Renault (41.5%), and Fiat (42.9%). The five most common components of a vehicle which caused a car to fail the NCT last year were lamps, followed by suspension and steering, brakes, tyres, and bodywork. The most common problem with most cars related to issues with lighting and electrical, but brakes were the most frequent fault with Daewoo and Rolls Royce and steering and suspension with Alfa Romeo, BMW, Saab, Mercedes, and Opel. Vehicle and safety equipment was the most common fault with a number of makes, including Dacia and Ferrari, while the most regular issue with Audi was wheels and tyres. The total number of cars tested last year fell by 7.5% compared to the previous year, with over 110,000 fewer vehicles submitted. The overall number of tests has been falling in recent years down from 2.26m in 2015 to 2.04m last year. The highest pass rate in the country was at Kilkenny NCT test centre, where 56.6% of vehicles passed. The lowest pass rate, by some distance, was at the Monaghan centre, at 37.5%. Among the worst atrocities carried out in the so-called inter-war period happened during the tussle for territory between the Greeks and Turks, writes Victoria White WEVE spent this year commemorating the end of the First World War as it is were over, but it is still going on. The centenaries of post-war struggles, such as those in Greece, Turkey, the Arab countries, and indeed in Northern Ireland will be harder to commemorate because they haunt us still. Greece and Turkey still fight over Cyprus. And what is the crisis in the Middle East but falling shrapnel from the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Great War? The carving up of Ottoman lands between France and England by Francois Georges-Picot and Mark Sykes in 1916 is at the heart of much of the unrest which has bedeviled the region ever since. This is remembered throughout the Arab world as a betrayal.The terms of Sykes-Picot showed clearly that promising independence to the Arabs was just a ruse to gain Arab support against the Ottomans. Further, in 1917 the British made the Balfour Declaration which pledged support for a permanent home for the Jewish people in Palestine. From this came the ethnically-based state the ethno-state of Israel. You dont have to explain Sykes/Picot to any child in the Middle East, says Robert Gerwarth, author of The Vanquished: Why The First World War Failed To End (Penguin). Indeed, one of the most tragic reflections of Ottoman humiliation is the aim of Islamic State to return to a multi-ethnic Muslim caliphate. Originally a Berliner, now professor of modern history at UCD and director of its Centre for War Studies, Gerwarth traces his passion for the history of the European wars of the 20th century to his experience as a child, watching the Berlin Wall come down. For Berliners, the Second World War had failed to end too. This war had its roots deep in the humiliation of Germany by the Allied Powers in the aftermath of the Great War. One of the most interesting things about the book is how Hitler becomes as much a product of his times as a one-off freak. This is a reading of history which made emotional sense to those of us who are middle-aged and had parents and grand-parents who remembered the Second World War. It is time to admit now that it makes no real sense, however. Hitler could not have been a one-off. His ideal, an ethno-state cleansed of what was not German, was part of what followed the collapse of the great land empires in Europe and beyond. The end of the Ottomans, the Romanovs and the Habsburgs, is usually regarded as the inevitable collapse of out-dated political systems to be replaced by modern nation-states. As Gerwarth reminds us, this is the lens through which those very nation-states regard themselves. For all their faults, the land empires were multi-ethnic and multi-faith. They were replaced by ethno-states. Take the Ottoman Empire, for example, which had welcomed the Jews from Spain and had vast Christian territories in the Balkans. The rump-state that is the Turkish republic was founded by Ataturk on ethnic Turkishness. Often lauded in the West because he created a secular state, it is fascinating that Gerwarth considers Ataturk was a major role-model for Hitler whose hideous anti-semitism, which to a British or Irish schoolchild seemed to come from nowhere, is shown by Gerwarth to have been endemic in 20th-century Europe. In Russia the Tsarist regime had been anti-semitic, but I had no idea that anti-semitism was such a hallmark of the White Russian movement, with the Bolshevik Revolution seen as a Jewish conspiracy. The Ukrainian resistance was no less repulsively anti-semitic and committed atrocities such as that in 1919 in Proskurov which saw the slaughter of 2,000 Jewish civilians. Young children and old people were butchered for fun, women were raped in front of their husbands and then cut to pieces. I didnt know, before I read Gerwarths book, that David Ben-Gurion, the first prime minister of the state of Israel, had once been a convinced Ottoman, looking for rights for Jews within the multi-ethnic empire. He recruited a Jewish volunteer force to support the Ottomans in the Great War. He was following the fashion of the times by becoming an advocate for a Jewish ethno-state, after the Balfour Declaration. In 1918 he joined the Jewish Legion to support the Allied war effort. Among the worst atrocities carried out in the so-called inter-war period happened during the tussle for territory between the Greeks and the Turks. Again, it was the British who encouraged the Greeks to try to retake the ancient Greek land of Asia Minor or Anatolia. Most of this land had been Ottoman since the 1400s. The British sentiment was anti-Ottoman, anti-Muslim and based I think on an ideological concept of the classical roots of their own Western civilisation. There was a blood-bath. Greek troops attacked Turkish civilians in a process which the Red Cross described in 1921 as the attempted extermination of the Muslim population. The Turks, with a more able leader in Ataturk, gave as good as they got. Possibly the most horrific moment of the whole debacle was the descent of Turkish troops on the city of Smyrna in 1922. Much of the Christian population was literally driven into the sea while British war ships sat in the bay and did nothing to save them. The massive population exchanges which were agreed between Greece and Turkey saw hundreds of thousands of impoverished and traumatised refugees descend on both countries. Gerwarth points out that this influx of refugees, as well as the movements of people caused by World War II, are still remembered with horror and that this is behind some of the anti-immigrant sentiment being expressed today in some parts of Europe. Who could ever have credited Hitler with inventing ethnic cleansing? Granted, the Nazis brought to their task an efficiency and a scientific precision which was unique. Salonica, the story of how a great, multi-ethnic city which had welcomed the Jews expelled from 15th-century Spain was cleansed of its Jews by the Nazis within five weeks. Nowadays Salonica is Thessaloniki, Greeces second city. Once famous for its minarets, there isnt a single mosque left and barely a trace of its Muslim past remains. As an Irishwoman of my generation perhaps it is not surprising that I always saw the birth of the nation-state in the wake of the First World War as entirely positive. While the Irish State had some elements of the ethno-state, there was also some protection of the rights of minorities and the murder of 13 Protestants in Dunmanway in 1922 hardly constitutes widespread ethnic cleansing. But if you want a true ethno-state, look no further than Northern Ireland, at least until the civil rights movement. It is the spoke in the UKs wheels as it attempts to roll out of the EU which is the only multi-ethnic, multi-faith confederation of nations we have in Europe. Can you really tell me that the the First World War is over? Japans Emperor Akihito, the countrys 125th, is to abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne in April, which will make him the first emperor to do so in over two centuries. He will be succeeded by his eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito. The abdication will bring the Heisei era to an end. Initiated in January 1989 when Akihito ascended to the throne, it was intended to encourage a philosophy of peace everywhere. Yesterdays announcement that Japan will resume commercial whaling from July, just months after Naruhito becomes emperor, suggests that Heisei era may not have had its intended impact, especially for whales unfortunate enough to be found in Japanese waters. The country said that it would end its controversial whaling in the Antarctic. In 2014, the International Court of Justice ruled Japan should end Antarctic whaling. Japan simultaneously announced its withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Japan points out that most whale species are not endangered and that eating whale meat is a central, if expensive, part of their culture. The country has long campaigned at the IWC to have commercial whaling resume but yesterdays go-it-alone announcement underlines how unsuccessful that campaign was. Reflecting a reality as influential in the Sea of Japan as it is in South-West Ireland, where salmon is the target species, some powerful politicians constituencies include whaling communities. Prime minister Shinzo Abes election district is home to the whaling port of Shimonoseki. In an age of accelerating reliance on robots, of almost unlimited communication in countries where the options have not been limited by autocrats, even in an age of resurgent nativism and strong-arm political leaders, it is difficult to decide which is more of an anachronism: A newly-crowned emperor or the resumption of whaling. It is as fantastic as the idea of Kokaku, the last emperor to abdicate in 1817, setting sail from Shimonoseki in Herman Melvilles Pequod. The Asahi newspaper has reported that most Japanese no longer eat whale meat and that it accounts for only 0.1% of all meat consumed in the country just 35g a year for each of the emperors 127m subjects. Japan will pay, in terms of its international image, what might seem a heavy price for this decision. It will be, as it already has been, excoriated by those stridently opposed to headline exploitations of our natural world. However, it can deflect those accusations by pointing to what might rightly be described as our gross, ongoing hypocrisy. Japans whalers can point to animal population collapses all around the world 80% of insect life in parts of Germanys cereal growing regions because of commercial activities. They can argue with considerable validity that those whose conservationist sensitivities are shaped by, say, episode after episode of Attenboroughs The Blue Planet, might be better off looking out their own window than at the television before they reach these conclusions. In a country now routinely graded as one of Europes worst performers on climate change aversion, those arguments, sadly, ring all too true. Maybe we need an Emperor of All the Gaels to force real change. Asia Alleged Leader of Chinese Consulate Attack in Pakistan Reported Killed Paramilitary soldiers stand guard outside, after an attack on the Chinese consulate, in Karachi, Pakistan on November 23, 2018. / REUTERS QUETTA, PakistanOne of the alleged masterminds of an attack by a Pakistani separatist group on the Chinese consulate in Karachi last month has been killed along with five associates, the insurgent group said on Wednesday. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which opposes projects linked to Chinas Belt and Road infrastructure initiative in resource-rich Baluchistan, issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the death of Aslam Baloch, one of its leaders. The important BLA commander Aslam Baloch, along with five associates in the organization were martyred in an enemy attack on Monday, Jiand Baloch, a spokesman for the separatist group said in a statement that gave no further details. Pakistans Samaa Television reported that Aslam was killed along with a number of his commanders in a suicide attack in Aino Maina in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, across the border from Baluchistan. There was no claim of responsibility for the killings and a spokesman for the Pakistani foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Last month, three attackers stormed the Chinese consulate in Karachi, killing four people. Security forces killed the three attackers who were carrying explosives. Pakistan has long accused its old rival India of supporting insurgents in Baluchistan. India denies helping Baluchistan insurgents and accuses Pakistan of nurturing Islamist militants throughout the region. China has funded development of a deepwater port at Gwadar in south Baluchistan, and is also investing in other projects as part of the giant China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Baluchistan, on the borders of Afghanistan and Iran, has rich mineral and natural gas reserves but is Pakistans poorest province. Separatists have for decades campaigned against what they see as the unfair exploitation of resources, in particular natural gas and minerals. Asia China to Try Canadian Citizen on Drugs Charges: News Report A police officer gestures at the photographer as security staff stand guard outside the Canadian Embassy in Beijing on Dec. 20. / Reuters BEIJING A Chinese court will try a Canadian citizen on drugs charges on Saturday, a government-run news portal said, in a case that could further test already difficult relations between Beijing and Ottawa. The two countries have sparred over the fate of two Canadian citizens detained in China on suspicion of endangering state security, and over Canadas arrest of a high-ranking Chinese executive at the request of the United States. The high court in the northeastern province of Liaoning said on Wednesday a man it identified as Robert Lloyd Schellenberg would be tried on drugs smuggling charges in Dalian on Saturday. A Dalian government news portal said late on Wednesday Schellenberg was a Canadian citizen and that this was an appeal hearing after he was found by an earlier ruling to have smuggled an enormous amount of drugs into China. There was no immediate response from the Canadian government. Drugs offences are routinely punished severely in China. China executed a Briton caught smuggling heroin in 2009, prompting a British outcry over what it said was the lack of any mental health assessment. Canada has pressed for the release of the two Canadians who China detained earlier this month. The two were detained after Canadian police arrested Huawei Technologies Co Ltds chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on Dec. 1. Neither country has drawn a direct connection between the cases. China has demanded Canada free Meng, who is fighting extradition to the United States. Canada arrested Meng at the request of the United States, which is engaged in a trade war with China. Meng faces extradition to the United States to face fraud charges that carry a maximum sentence of 30 years jail for each charge. Asia In Rare Move, Indian State to Return Unused Land to Farmers Farmers march on a flyover during a protest rally demanding the transfer of forest lands to villagers who have farmed there for decades, in Mumbai, India on November 22, 2018. / REUTERS MUMBAIFarmers in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh are getting back land that was taken from them more than a decade ago by the government because it was not used, a rare move in a country riven by conflict over land. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel of the Congress Party, which won a state election earlier this month with pledges to honor land rights, said he has asked officials to return about 2,000 hectares (7.7 square miles) in Bastar District. The process of returning the land will start soon, Baghel said in a statement earlier this week, without giving details. Return of land is rare in India, where conflicts have risen as highways and factories are built in one of the fastest growing economies in the world. About 660 disputes over land have stalled hundreds of projects and forced millions of people from their farms across India, according to research organization Land Conflict Watch. Chhattisgarh, under the earlier Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, agreed in 2005 to allocate land for a Tata Steel factory in Bastar. Farmers protested giving up their land. Tata Steel, among the worlds top producers, pulled out of the project in 2016, citing delays. Authorities said then the land would go into a land bank for other developments to generate jobs in one of Indias poorest states. The farmers who lost their land have suffered for years and struggled to make a living, said Kishore Narayan, a lawyer with advocacy Human Rights Law Network in Chhattisgarh. We hope that the state will look into all cases of lands lying idle and return them, he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation on Wednesday. India has enacted numerous laws to protect the rights of farmers. A 2013 federal land acquisition law, passed by the Congress government, made consent of farmers mandatory, and introduced adequate compensation and resettlement for those affected. Any unutilized land is to be returned to owners after five years, or go into the state land bank. In 2016, the Supreme Court ordered West Bengal state to return land that had been acquired for a Tata Motors factory but was not used, after a decade-long fight by farmers. Last year, South Korean steelmaker POSCO asked Odisha state to take back land allotted to it for a long-delayed steel project and return it to villagers, although authorities said the land will revert to the state. Also last year, the Supreme Court heard a petition by an advocacy group, which said about 80 percent of land acquired for large industrial zones was lying idle. Land rights have come to the fore in recent state elections, and could hurt Prime Minister Narendra Modis ruling Hindu nationalist BJP party in an upcoming national election, as farmers make up a big voting bloc, analysts say. Burma First Female Military Pilots Take to the Skies Two female pilots of Myanmar Air Force. / Myanmar Air Force NAYPYITAWThe first-ever female pilots in the history of Myanmar military are already performing their duties shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, said Myanmar Army chief, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. Six female pilots are now operating helicopters and transportation planes, and will be assigned to operate fighters and jet aircrafts in the future as they gain experience, said the army chief in his address at the graduation of the fifth intake of female cadets of the Defense Services Officers Training School in Yangons Hmawbi Township on Wednesday. The Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) has been turning out graduate female cadets to promote the role of female military officers in the establishment, said the army chief. The military officer training course for women was established in 2013, and each batch accepted between 75 and 100 cadets. Six female pilots who were interested in serving in the air force were chosen from the graduates of the 2017 batch, military spokesperson Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun told The Irrawaddy. They were given training last year. They completed training this year. They are all graduate cadets. For the time being, we have no plan to dispatch them to train abroad. They are now operating aircrafts and helicopters. They will have to undergo advanced training to operate fighters and jet aircrafts, said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun. The military officer training course for women has received high numbers of applications every year, and only bachelor degree holders are eligible for the course while master degree holders are preferred. The female officers who completed the course are assigned to administrative positions and the non-armed corps, according to sources of the military. The Myanmar Army stopped recruiting women for non-medical roles in 1961. Myanmar women have proven that they are capable in both business and politics. They lag behind just because of [disadvantages of] a [political] system. We should welcome [the fact] that even an organization like the Tatmadaw has consideration for womens participation and the empowerment of women, said Lower House lawmaker Daw Mya Mya Myo. In January 2014, the Myanmar Army for the first time dispatched its female military officers who had been serving in medical roles as military representatives in the national legislature. Consequently, it has also appointed fresh graduates of the officer training course to parliamentary positions over the past years. The Tatmadaw is continuously turning out female officers so that they can participate in national defense, said the army chief. The UN and international forums are regularly discussing promoting the roles of women and Myanmar also attaches great importance to womens empowerment as women are taking greater roles in international armed forces and shouldering important duties, he said. Burma President Urged to Rid School Curriculum of 'Discriminatory' Language Elementary students attend class at a school in Yangon. / The Irrawaddy YANGON More than 100 civil society groups wrote an open letter to President U Win Myint on Wednesday to complain about racism and religious discrimination in the elementary curriculum of both government and private schools. The letter, signed by 121 groups and 10 individuals, says the civics education taught in elementary schools includes discriminatory phrases such as: Mixed blood is a hateful wrongdoing, and the race will be extinct. The letter was also copied to the State Counselors Office, the Ministry of Education and parliamentary speakers. Those lessons seem to attempt to indoctrinate the innocent minds of children with discriminatory practices, it says. Daw Kathleen Thein, who chairs the Inngyin May Hindu Womens Network, which signed the letter, said she and her friends were informed of the language by some Buddhist parents who were shocked to overheard their children reciting the lessons. She said they learned that such phrases have been taught in the schools since the early 2010s. Civic education should teach children to respect different races and religions and to help each other. But now they are putting wrong thinking to young children, Daw Kathleen Thein said. It is very concerning that the children may mistake other religions for their enemy. The groups said in their letter that Myanmars past and present communal conflicts were the result of many years of a divide and rule government policy, exacerbated by the discriminatory practices of past regimes. They said they expected a government elected by the people to abolish such divisive policies and practices. We would like to request the government and Parliament to review the current school curriculum and practices, and make changes that will teach respect for differences and that will contribute to the promotion of peaceful coexistence, their letter says. Contacted on Thursday, Deputy Education Minister U Win Maw Tun told The Irrawaddy that he was not aware of the letter. But if the ministrys official curriculum did contain such language, he said, the National Curriculum Committee would be asked to review it. Thursday, December 27th, 2018 (12:01 am) - Score 13,843 Weve looked back at 2018 to see how the average download and upload speeds have changed across national fixed line broadband ISPs and mobile operators, although its no surprise to find that Virgin Media (fixed) and EE (mobile) are still front runners. But the picture changes when alternative full fibre ISPs are included. Service speeds tend to rise for several reasons, with two of the biggest factors reflecting the impact of increased coverage by faster connectivity technologies and associated take-up by consumers. As such its useful to note that fixed line superfast broadband (24Mbps+) connections have slightly increased their coverage, going from 95% of UK premises at the end of 2017 to around 96% now. Broadly speaking 2018 has also witnessed the first solid year of growth for a new generation of ultrafast broadband (100Mbps+) class technologies, particularly hybrid fibre G.fast and Gigabit capable full fibre (FTTP/H) networks. Prior to this year the ultrafast connectivity market was dominated by Virgins cable network but that is now starting to change, albeit slowly. One issue is that so far the actual coverage of ultrafast services has only risen from around 53% at the end of 2017 to 56% now, which is partly because a lot of the new infrastructure tends to be focused on commercial urban areas and is thus overbuilding existing networks (e.g. Virgin vs Openreach vs Hyperoptic vs Cityfibre). At the same time Virgin has been slowly expanding their network too. Nevertheless the roll-out of such services is still at an early stage, which means that for the time being the established market for slower hybrid fibre (FTTC) and copper based broadband products continues to dominate. As a result the improvements in average speeds seen below continues to be fairly gradual. Meanwhile its a similar story where mobile operators are concerned, not least because 4G population coverage has been at a mature level since the end of 2017. Meanwhile on-going improvements in geographic coverage are welcome, but they wont influence the overall performance results as much. But we may see future improvements due to better use of existing spectrum and 5G upgrades from 2019/20. Data Caveats: Every home is different and speedtests can be affected by all sorts of issues, such as slow Every home is different and speedtests can be affected by all sorts of issues, such as slow WiFi , limitations of the test itself, local network congestion and user package choice (e.g. an ISP may offer 1Gbps but a lot of people will still choose a slower / cheaper tier). The results do not reflect network availability. The Fastest Fixed Line Broadband ISPs The following data stems from by Thinkbroadbands database (including our Broadband Speedtest) and we only include independent providers with strong national availability. We would like to fully cover smaller alternative network (altnet) ISPs but they tend not to produce much data and arent available to the vast majority of premises, although we do show a few examples of the fastest altnets below the main table. Take note that the 4-5 slowest ISPs usually have a higher proportion of users on older copper ADSL lines and this suppresses their standing. So please take such results with a pinch of salt because the market is a lot more complicated than speedtest based data like this can show. NOTE: The top 10% result (below in brackets) represents the speed experienced by the fastest 10% of users on each ISP. The results are in Megabits per second and averages are in mean. Data for each year was processed in early December. Average Download Speeds Top 10 Average Upload Speeds Top 10 Overall the average download speed of the top ten national providers was 34.99Mbps (up from 28.78Mbps at the end of 2017) and the average upload speed hit 7.99Mbps (up from 6.15Mbps). Not a lot has changed over the past 12 months, other than the broadly upward performance trend. In terms of performance, Virgin Media is still the fastest widely available national operator for downloads, which is thanks to the strength of their cable (EuroDOCSIS) network that can currently deliver ultrafast broadband to over half of UK premises. But their network is weaker when it comes to uploads, which can easily be beaten by some of the cheaper FTTC (VDSL2) packages on Openreachs network. The biggest speed increase over the period was recorded by AAISP, although wed take this with a pinch of salt because theyre also the smallest ISP in the table (i.e. smaller sample size) and so it doesnt take much for their position to fluctuate. Now flick over to page 2 to see how the fastest alternative network ISPs and mobile operators performed. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 24, 2018) - Azincourt Energy Corp. (TSXV: AAZ) (the "Company" or "Azincourt") announces that it has completed a non-brokered private placement of 1,000,333 non flow-through units at a price of C$0.06 per unit and 3,983,332 flow through units at C$0.06 per unit for gross proceeds of C$$299,020 (the "Offering"). Each flow through unit consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant and each non-flow-through unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (the "Warrants"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share until December 24, 2019 at a price of C$0.10 per common share. Azincourt will apply the proceeds of the Offering to advance the Company's East Preston uranium project located in the southwestern Athabasca Basin and for general working capital purposes. Closing of the private placement is subject to receipt of TSX Venture Exchange final approval. About Azincourt Energy Corp. Azincourt Energy is a Canadian-based resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration and development of alternative energy/fuel projects, including uranium, lithium, and other critical clean energy elements. The Company is currently active at its joint venture lithium exploration projects in the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field, Manitoba, Canada, its East Preston and Patterson Lake North uranium projects in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada, and its 100% owned Escalera Group uranium-lithium project located on the Picotani Plateau in southeastern Peru. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP. "Alex Klenman" Alex Klenman, President & CEO For further information please contact: Alex Klenman, President & CEO Tel: 604-638-8063 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release includes "forward-looking statements", including forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Azincourt. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES A Burundian court has acquitted three civil rights activists who had been handed 10-year jail terms for undermining state security, their organisation said Thursday. The decision is a rare victory for rights activists in the troubled nation. Emmanuel Nshimirimana, Aime Constant Gatore and Marius Nizigiyimana, members of the campaign group Parcem, had been planning a human rights workshop when they were arrested in June 2017. Justice has recognised that our colleagues are totally innocent, said Faustin Ndikumana, the head of Parcem, who said the verdict was overturned on appeal. A judical source confirmed the acquittal, but declined to give further details. The three men remain in custody. Administrative steps are underway to regain freedom, Ndikumana said. The men were not present during their trial in March, when the prosecution said they were found in possession of documents about the rights workshop which included comments from opposition activists but not government officials. Burundi has been in a serious political crisis since President Pierre Nkurunziza in April 2015 sought a fiercely-contested third term in office. The violence has claimed at least 1,200 lives and displaced more than 400,000 people between April 2015 and May 2017, according to estimates by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has opened an investigation. We demand that all Burundians who are in prison for their opinions be released, Ndikumana said. Joseph Kabila came to power in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2001, ruling during a period of bloody insurgencies and deadly protests against his extended mandate. Here is a timeline. Kabila father to son In January 2001, 29-year-old Kabila takes over as leader of the vast central African country just days after his father Laurent-Desire is assassinated by a bodyguard. He becomes president as the country is being torn apart by a war which has been raging since August 1998, pitting government forces backed by Angola, Chad, Namibia and Zimbabwe against rebel groups supported by Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. The conflict ends after a power-sharing deal is signed in South Africa in December 2002. First free vote In 2006, Kabila wins the first free presidential election for 41 years, defeating ex-warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba in a violence-tainted poll. A constitutional change the same year limits a president to two five-year terms. In March 2007, heavy clashes erupt in Kinshasa between army troops and soldiers loyal to Bemba, leaving 300 dead. With his men defeated, Bemba leaves the country but is arrested near Brussels a year later on charges of war crimes. In a report examining the two years since Kabilas election, Human Rights Watch accuses Kinshasa of killing an estimated 500 opposition supporters and arresting 1,000 more, denouncing the regime for its brutal repression. In November 2011, Kabila is re-elected in a vote marked by chaotic organisation, violence and alleged irregularities. The opposition rejects the results. Uprisings and bloodshed In 2012, clashes erupt between soldiers and rebels from the M23 movement in the eastern mineral-rich Kivu region, with the uprising eventually stamped out in November 2013 in the face of a crushing UN-backed offensive. A month later, armed youths loyal to a televangelist demanding Kabilas resignation launch coordinated attacks in the capital and other cities. The violence prompts a government crackdown that leaves more than 300 people dead, rights groups say. In 2014, there is a new uprising in North Kivu by suspected Ugandan Muslim rebels with the fighting claiming more than 200 civilian lives around the town of Beni in October and November. Elusive election In December 2014, Kabila names a government that includes several opposition members, despite promising to appoint a cabinet of national unity. A month later, demonstrations break out in Kinshasa over a bill that would delay the 2016 elections and enable Kabila to remain in office beyond the end of his second term. Around 50 people are killed. More demonstrations follow in September in which several dozen people are killed. The same month, violence breaks out in the diamond-rich central Kasai region after security forces kill a local chieftain. The conflict spirals, leaving more than 3,000 people dead in eight months, according to a Catholic church report. December 20, 2016 is meant to be Kabilas last day but with no vote planned nor sign of him stepping down, protesters take to the streets prompting a crackdown that leaves at least 40 dead, the UN says. Polling day fixed On New Years Eve, opposition parties and the government reach a deal that the delayed elections will be held at the end of 2017 and that Kabila can stay in power until then. But the vote is postponed again, purportedly because of organisational problems. In November 2017 the Electoral Commission announces a new date of December 23, 2018. In June 2018, the International Criminal Court acquits Bemba of war crimes and he returns home announcing he will run for president. Two months later, Kabila names former interior minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary as his successor, ending speculation about his own candidacy. When the Electoral Commission publishes its list of 21 approved candidates in September, it excludes Bemba and exiled regional baron Moise Katumbi, both of them opposition heavyweights. Yet another delay After a warehouse fire destroys 80 percent of the electronic equipment needed to stage the election in the capital Kinshasa, the electoral commission on December 20 says it will postpone the election for seven days. A new date is set for December 30, but four days before DRCongo announces the elections will be postponed to March in two regions troubled by violence. Photo: The Canadian Press It was one of the happiest days of his life, but Sharmarke Dubow says he was paralyzed with emotion the day he was sworn in as a member of Victoria city council. Dubow said he couldn't smile and his words were a barely audible mumble as he reflected back on his journey from Somalia's civil war to a refugee camp in Kenya and finally to Victoria City Hall. Now, Dubow, 35, who was born on Christmas Day, can't stop smiling or talking. He became a Canadian citizen on July 1, 2017, Canada's 150th anniversary, and was elected to city council in November. It was the first time he'd voted, anywhere. "I was holding myself to cry," he said in a recent interview. "The reason why I was not smiling is there were so many emotions. I could not believe to be the voice for people in Victoria and to represent them." Dubow is six-foot-four and thinly built. He smiles broadly and laughs joyously as he retraces his journey from a refugee camp to city council at a downtown coffee shop. He gets up to hug people who offer him their best wishes and gushes about meeting Canadian figure skating icons Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir earlier in the day at a Salvation Army Christmas fundraising event. "Tessa told me I should write a book," said Dubow. He said Canada gave him a home and his election to council gives him the chance to give back. "When I became a Canadian citizen I felt I have a home, I have rights and responsibilities," said Dubow. "It was all about me having a second chance at life, belonging to a country and being a proud Canadian. But when I'm elected, it's not about me. It's holding a huge responsibility and knowing I have a huge curve of learning." He was eight years old when his mother put him and his sister on a boat fleeing strife in Somalia. Dubow said they crossed the Indian Ocean by moonlight and landed at Mombasa, Kenya, where he lived in a tent and camp for five years with hundreds of others. "I remember my mother putting two jackets, two trousers in a case and telling me to hold my sister's hand. I remember looking back at my mother," said Dubow, whose mother was able to join them in the camp after a later boat voyage. Dubow said he built a bed of bamboo sticks and recalled camp life being one of daily struggles and of frightened people looking for their next meal and trying to make a living. He said the United Nations stepped in to ensure the camp was permitted to exist. Dubow said his life as a refugee and stateless person influenced him to become an advocate for human rights across Africa and ultimately brought him to Canada where he took a job at the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society. "In Kenya, I was in a camp. In Ethiopia I was undocumented, meaning I was not registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or the Ethiopian government," he said. "In Egypt I was a refugee. I wasn't in a camp but I was a refugee under the UN HRC. They never gave me a chance to become a citizen and be part of the society." Dubow said he was an outsider without rights, until he came to Canada in 2012. "Canada gave me that chance," he said. "Victoria lifted me up. People have lifted me up and given me that chance." CENTRAL POINT, Ore. -- Grange Co-op presented the 4G Foundation, based in Yuba City California, a check for over $24,000 to assist with relief efforts for victims of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. The 4G Foundation helped support the Carr fire in Redding, California this past summer and quickly joined in offering support to those affected by the Camp Fire in Paradise. These funds were raised by customers from all seven of the Co-op's retail locations. Grange Co-op in Yuba City, located approximately one hour south of Paradise, first initiated an option for customers to donate at point of sale within 24 hours of the fire starting. Grange Co-op quickly saw requests from its stores in Oregon to help with donations, both in products and cash donations. It is incredible to see how much was raised, we are really happy to be able to help families affected by this terrible fire. We think it really speaks to how generous our customers are and it was amazing to see a large amount of support came from our stores in Oregon, not just from our California store, stated Robby Jellsey, Grange Co-op Store Manager in Yuba City. Grange Co-op extended its thanks to their customers for the overwhelming support it received during this tragedy in California. Photo: UBCO Charles Fipke Two Okanagan men have been named members of the Order of Canada. Charles Fipke of Kelowna and Imant Raminsh of Coldstream were among 103 recipients of the honour named Thursday by Governor General Julie Payette. Fipke was recognized for his leadership in heavy mineral exploration and for his philanthropic support of educational and health-care initiatives. Raminsh was named for his contributions and achievements as a musician, conductor and composer. Fipke made his fortune after discovering large diamond deposits in the Northwest Territories. He has donated millions of dollars to UBC Okanagan, where the Fipke Centre for Innovative Research is named after him. The facility boasts state-of-the-art computer labs for mathematics, statistics, computer science and physical geography, as well as labs for courses in earth and environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, hydrology, paleoecology, and soil ecology. Raminsh, a native of Latvia, immigrated to Canada in 1948. He is the founding conductor of the Prince George Symphony, the Youth Symphony of the Okanagan, NOVA Childrens Choir, and AURA Chamber Choir. His compositions have been performed on six continents in such world-renowned halls as Carnegie Hall (New York), Tchaikovsky Hall (Moscow), the Orpheum (Vancouver), Canterbury Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Notre Dame (Paris) and Santa Maria delFiore (Florence). In April 2002, his nine-movement, eight-language Symphony of Psalms was premiered at Carnegie Hall, with a massed choir of 170 voices and orchestra. He and his wife Becky were co-commissioned to create a theme song for the fourth International Childrens Conference on the Environment, in Victoria, with 800 children from 120 countries participating. He has also pursued studies in geology and biology, and worked for many summers as a naturalist/interpreter in BC provincial parks, and has also served as a municipal councillor. The Order of Canada was created in 1967 and is one of the nation's highest honours. Since that time, almost 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. 6 Shares Share In the United States, 25 million adult women are insured by their state Medicaid program. Medicaid covers 60 percent of all births in the United States as per federal law, and states must cover all pregnancy-related services for pregnant women with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line. There are two Medicaid insurance payment models: a fee-for-service model, where the state pays for individual services, and a managed care model, where private insurers collect monthly payments for each Medicaid patient they insure. In the past 20 years, the number of beneficiaries in Medicaid managed care has surpassed the number of beneficiaries in fee-for-service. Thirty-seven states have greater than 50 percent of their Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in a managed care plan. Both Medicaid managed care plans and fee-for-service beneficiaries are required to provide essential health benefits as stipulated by the Affordable Care Act. These essential health benefits include maternity and newborn care, specifically including care for pregnant and postpartum women. Given the guarantee of these essential health benefits, how are some Medicaid managed care plans allowed to limit providing family planning services which fall under the auspice of maternity care? There are a variety of implicit and explicit barriers through which managed care organizations (MCO) limit coverage of family planning services. In California, New York, Texas and Oregon, the state contracts with MCOs that can claim a liberty of conscience exemption from providing key contraceptive and family planning services. Only California has an explicit referral process to redirect participants to a willing provider. Technically, a patient is allowed to go to any eligible Medicaid provider to receive family planning services under federal law. However, MCOs make it difficult for providers outside of an MCOs provider network to receive reimbursement for providing family planning services. Furthermore, only 11 of the 31 states surveyed by the Kaiser Family Foundation report explicit regulating utilization control of family planning/contraceptive services in their MCO contracts. Many plans are still allowed to use tools such as prior authorization, step therapy (trying cheaper therapies before more expensive therapies) and others to limit service coverage. Since family planning services are broadly defined in statute, plans have broad discretion over what falls under their family planning services benefit. Furthermore, while MCOs are required to maintain a provider network necessary to meet the needs of their beneficiaries, a 2015 Office of Inspector General report found a systemic shortage of providers and inaccurate provider directories. Some beneficiaries are unable to obtain care even if service coverage is approved. The lack of regulation on utilization control, substandard referral process, and inadequately monitored provider network is alarming given that it gives religiously-affiliated plans broad discretion to limit utilization while still appearing to cover the benefit itself. Given the increase in the number of patients covered by religiously-affiliated plans across the country, this is a salient issue to address. These restrictions have harrowing consequences for reproductive health. Religiously-affiliated hospitals, health systems and plans have ethical and religious directives written into their charters that explicitly prohibit the use of most reproductive health services that arent natural. For example, religiously-affiliated providers, hospitals and plans would deny coverage for contraceptives when treating an ectopic pregnancy, a condition which endangers a womans life; instead, favoring surgical treatment which is higher risk. Contraceptives are standard-of-care and the safest option for treating an ectopic pregnancy, however, when insurers deny coverage for contraceptives broadly, patients are forced to pursue a more dangerous surgery. Furthermore, patients may have to pay out of pocket for expensive contraceptive methods such as long-acting contraception (IUD, tubal ligation, etc.) sterilization, birth control, and the morning-after pill. This out-of-pocket payment is a high barrier for low-income women covered by Medicaid; they are unable to afford any form of cost-sharing and will often forgo treatment when facing financial barriers. Lastly, denominational hospitals and plans often refuse to cover or provide emergency contraception given to women who are survivors of rape, at risk of severe complications during their pregnancy or who are at an advanced maternal age. This goes against emergency contraception practice guidelines provided by ACOG and forces pregnant women to find alternative treatment options during a time of high health risk. The growth of religiously-affiliated plans is dangerous given the current administration and the Supreme Courts inclination to protect the religious freedom of corporations. The Trump administration is already attempting to end an Affordable Care Act mandate which requires employers to provide contraceptive coverage. What will prevent the administration or the court from setting a precedent that allows for more religious freedom (claims/exemptions) for Medicaid MCOs? A rule from the Department of Health and Human Services or a court case can end many processes designed to limit coverage gaps due to a religious exemption (mandating referral practices, provider network oversight, regulation of utilization control, etc.). In this era, it is especially important to assert the religious freedoms of the individual over private, governmentally-funded organization to assert protections of the establishment clause. The existing Church Amendment (1973) already prevents hospitals that receive federal funds from being forced to provide abortions or sterilizations. If religiously-affiliated plans were to receive similar protections, it would limit the freedom of patients seeking family planning services further, forcing vulnerable patients to navigate a thorny landscape of religious exemptions to receive a medically necessary service. Local advocates in every state must assert that while individual providers are free to exempt themselves from providing contraceptive services given their own liberty of conscience, hospitals, health systems and plans must be held accountable to cover family planning services such that all beneficiaries have reasonable, accessible options when they need it. This requires improving state-level protections against implicit and explicit methods of limiting coverages to eliminate unreasonable coverage gaps in family planning services. Ishaan Shah is a premedical student and can be reached on Twitter @ishaantshah. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the filing of charges against Iloilo 1st District Representative Oscar "Richard" Garin and his father, Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin, for mauling a police officer. In a media interview Wednesday evening, the President said he would tell Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano to file direct assault charges against the father-son duo for beating up and spitting on PO3 Federico Macaya in the Guimbal town plaza. "I will ask General Ano to take a look bakit nagkaganun, investigate. I'm not urging him. I'm ordering him to file a case against the two. Iyong mag-ama na 'yun," he said after attending the wake of slain congressman Rodel Batocabe. Ano said they will heed Duterte's order once investigations conclude. He said criminal and administrative cases will be filed against the Garins before the Office of the Ombudsman or courts after the probe. He said the mayor may be slapped with administrative charges at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) for abuse of authority, oppression, and misconduct in office. Meanwhile, he will recommend to the House of Representatives to impose sanctions on the lawmaker. "The President himself was so disappointed and I will ensure that his order to file cases against the Garins will be complied with immediately," he said in a statement on Thursday. He added he will also order the removal of Mayor Garin's authority over the Guimbal police once the investigation results are out. Western Visayas police Director CSupt. John Bulalacao earlier said they were also considering the filing charges of physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault against an agent or person of authority and grave coercion against the younger Garin. On the other hand, they want to sue the mayor for grave threats. Bulalacan had ordered the recall of the security escorts of the two officials and asked that the older Garin be stripped of his power over the local police. According to the police report, the two Garins disarmed, body searched, handcuffed and confiscated the policeman's belongings at gunpoint. They kicked and slapped different parts of his body for unknown reasons. Rep. Garin spit on Macaya's face twice and fired his gun while the mayor father pointed another gun at him, the report added. "I told Cong. Garin that I'm taking this incident as an affront to me. I will not let this pass without taking action against them," Bulalacao said in a statement on Wednesday. In an interview with CNN Philippines, Bulalacao said the Rep. Garin was angry at Macaya for failing to file physical injury charges against a man who hit another person with a beer bottle. But the regional police chief said the victim did not want to press charges. In a statement, the lawmaker apologized for the incident, saying he respected the Philippine National Police (PNP) as an institution. "I reiterate my apologies for my actions which I take full responsibility for. Pero gusto ko lang ma-klaro nga ang akon actions kaina (but I want to make it clear that my actions) are not directed to the PNP as an institution, or against its officers and personnel. My actions were a mere display of extreme frustration towards one, single PNP personnel nga sa akon panglantaw (that in my perspective) committed a great disservice to the people of Guimbal," he explained. The congressman's wife, former Health Secretary Janette Garin, is running for her husband's post in the May 2019 elections. Photo: CTV News Edmonton police say a suspect they shot is dead after he refused to get out of a vehicle. Police say in a news release that officers were following the truck Wednesday afternoon because there was a man inside who had outstanding warrants, and was believed to be armed and dangerous. The release says police stopped the vehicle and two passengers exited without incident. But police say the man with the warrants was "non-compliant and remained in the vehicle," and that "an incident took place" between the 34-year-old suspect and officers. Police say the officers shot him, and he was declared dead in hospital. No one else was injured. Alberta's police watchdog says it is investigating. 225 Shares Share Of late, doctor/friends on social media have taken to reposting news articles detailing the horrors taking place in other nations because of the evil scourge known as socialized medicine. In fact, the two words, alone or together, just dont carry anything near the weight of the pain and suffering they imply, so I have taken to adding this exclamation point, in parentheses, to make it absolutely clear how terrible a concept the words are expressing. Hence, socialized medicine. What is happening in those other nations, according to these articles, is quite awful. The articles detail the unhappiness caused by interminable wait times, where people with terrible injuries, blood coming out of every orifice, are forced to wait in long lines for months at a time until anyone will attempt to stanch their bleeding. But thats not all that is implied by this awful phrase. Beyond rotten health care, there is also moral rot. The articles make clear that any nation whose citizens would work together to take care of their sick brethren has something deeply wrong with it. But those of us who are savvy students of English, our most superior language, know just from the use of the word socialized that something must be wrong. The more gullible among us think that socialized comes from the root word social. Theres nothing wrong with being social, they think. And further, social media has brought us all together, just one big happy family under one big IT tent. But, of course, if you sound it out, socialized sounds much more like socialist. Need I say more? Just in case, I will. So, to be clear, because you never know whos reading, socialized sounds like socialist. And Bernie Sanders has introduced us all to the term, Democratic Socialist, describing people who want horrible things like affordable health care for all, free education and a universal job guarantee. Bernie may look and sound like our kindly grandfather, but we know better, because many of our political leaders have told us, that in reality, this is just a front, and that red states, unsuspecting because they are already red, if they had socialized medicine, would be invaded by socialists, in other words communists. Then we will all be blown up by nuclear bombs with red hammers and sickles on them, just to be clear. So, thank God these articles about socialized medicine are being written and re-posted. Not only do the articles mention inexcusable communist wait times for health care, but also the inevitable, completely unavoidable high costs associated with such systems (in addition to the moral rot already mentioned). I must not be that smart, though, because, at times, I still get confused about all of this. My patients, here in the good old U.S. of A, sometimes struggle with long waits to get their health care. Earlier this year, a patient with a tumor in their lung had to wait over a month to get a biopsy and start chemo because their insurance company refused to cover their care if they crossed over a state line, which was just a few miles away! My staff and I worked for weeks to find a solution. Thankfully, necessity is the mother of invention, and we finally realized that all I had to do was call the insurance company CEOs office, and threaten to send the story to the New York Times, and then coverage was approved. Another patient, an elderly diabetic patient who just doesnt have the manual dexterity to poke their finger and test their sugar levels with a traditional glucose monitor, has been working for months to try and get the new Libre monitor, which determines the glucose level with a quick swipe of the monitor over a sensor taped to the arm. Until they get this new meter, we just guess at their insulin dosing! And, Im also confused because health care costs are skyrocketing in this country. Its almost become a ritual now where a patient (who usually has health insurance) is diagnosed with cancer, and then we attend their community fundraiser to help them with the costs of their care (in addition to their insurance premiums that will go up 30 percent this year no matter what happens). And then theres the annoying fact that the U.S., not these offensive nations that have socialized medicine, has some of the worst health care quality statistics. So, Im confused about all this but I am but a simple country doctor. OK, I do get it. By posting these articles, theyre making at least two points. The more obvious point is that they feel that socialized medicine doesnt work, and, therefore, shouldnt be an option for the U.S. The second (slightly less obvious) point that usually follows is that only a free market solution can fix health care in the U.S. But those are arguable points, not facts. Why dont we stop demonizing words, ideas and one another? Lets not immediately divide over how to fix health care. How about we all commit to the idea that everyone should have affordable, high-quality health care, and work together to find the best ways to deliver that. Im convinced that, no matter the approach to fixing health care in the U.S., the real devil is in the details. I am open to any approach that will succeed. I predict that the ultimate solution, if we ever get there, will involve government-industry partnerships, but doubt a working health care system would much resemble any version of that which we have at the present time. Matthew Hahn is a family physician who blogs at his self-titled site, Matthew Hahn, MD. He is the author of Distracted: How Regulations Are Destroying the Practice of Medicine and Preventing True Health-Care Reform. Image credit: Shutterstock.com EUGENE, Ore. -- A Eugene man who crashed into two teenagers on the side of the road east of Harrisburg Wednesday night had a blood alcohol content twice the legal limit, and one of the teens suffered life-threatening injuries, the Linn County Sheriffs Office said. Jared Wayne Jones, 24, faces charges of second and fourth-degree assault, reckless driving, reckless endangering and driving under the influence of intoxicants. His blood alcohol content was 0.158, the sheriffs office said. The car a 16-year-old was driving -- a black 2003 Toyota Corolla -- broke down on Diamond Hill Drive near the intersection of Weatherford Road. He parked on the side of the road and the car was partially in the westbound lane. Deputies said it was dark and rainy. Friends arrived in a Ford F150 pickup to assist the teen with jumping his vehicle. He and his 17-year-old friend, both from Harrisburg, were standing at the back of the Toyota when they were struck by Jones, who was driving a 1997 Geo Prizm. Jones said he was headed west on Diamond Hill Drive at about 60 mph when he hit the teens at about 5:46 pm. The 16-year-old had life-threatening injuries and was taken to Riverbend Hospital. A family member said he lost his left leg and suffered multiple fractures. He is in the intensive care unit at Riverbend awaiting surgeries. The teen is a student at Harrisburg High School. The 17-year-old had minor injuries and went to the hospital for evaluation. Two other juveniles in the pickup reported minor pain. Jones was taken to Riverbend Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Harrisburg and Junction City fire departments, Junction City Police Department and medics from Eugene and Springfield assisted deputies. The Multi-Agency Crash Investigation Team members from the Lebanon Police Department, Oregon State Police and Albany Police Department also responded to the scene. The crash remains under investigation. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the teenager and his family. You can help by following this link. Photo: Parks Canada Mount Kobau Parks Canada expects most visitors to a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan will be locals while the vast majority of tourists will have already been in the area for other reasons. In a new series of documents uploaded to the Parks Canada website on national park consultations, the agency says it expects the park will attract between 2,300 and 3,900 new visitors to the area in its opening year. Projected visits in year one total 73,200 in year one, growing to 77,200 in year five. Fifty-six per cent of those visitors will be local residents (within 80 km), 44 per cent tourists with only 5.3 per cent coming to the area specifically to see the park. Of the 8.4 million visits to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Region annually, just 375,000 make their way to the South Okanagan or Similkameen and one-third of those are visiting friends or relatives. Visitation numbers to the national park reserve over the first five years following establishment will be less than 100,000 persons/year, Parks Canada said online. The first five years are for planning and development of park infrastructure and visitor services. It is anticipated that visitation will increase sustainably and strategically over time. Parks Canada also released a working paper that attempts to address many longstanding concerns some opponents of the proposed park have. Although commercial livestock grazing is not typically allowed in a national park reserve, Parks Canada is committed to working with ranching families to provide certainty and stability on their respective Crown grazing tenures, the paper states. The paper adds that Parks Canada will work with local First Nations on wildfire management, acknowledging the traditional use of prescribed burns. Parks Canada is clear that recreational off-roading, hunting/trapping, firewood collection, mushroom picking and drone use will not be allowed within park limits. However, all those activities will still be permitted on any private land within the parks working boundary that the federal government has not purchased on a seller-willing basis. New visitors to the region will bring a modest increase in crime, with an expected 55 incidents within park limits that will mostly be handled by rangers. Just one to four files will be forwarded to the RCMP each year. Parks Canada is accepting input on the proposed park until Feb. 28, at which time data will be compiled for release in the early spring in a "What We Heard" report, with the goal of having an agreement on a park boundary and land management by summer 2019. An incredibly well-written new book has exploded the myth that transhumanism is just a theory and should be confined to the realms of science fiction. Mark OConnell from Kilkenny city has stunned the literary world with his superbly written novel about the transhuman movement. Transhumanism is predicated on the idea that we can and should use technology to change the basic facts of the human condition and to become ultimately, immortal. OConnell, has sparked a global wide debate on what it means to be human and the seemingly, unstoppable quest for immortality among certain people all over the world. A brother of John OConnell, the Rose Inn Street pharmacist, he has received huge critical acclaim for his work. The strength of the book is its depth of research. He hung out with a computational neuroscientist as part of his research and others who are convinced that transhumanism is the way to go. Earlier this year he received 30,000 for, To Be a Machine after winning the Wellcome Book Prize 2018. OConnell was selected from a shortlist of six to win the prestigious award, which celebrates exceptional works of fiction and non-fiction that illuminate the many ways that health and medicine touch our lives. Artist and writer Edmund de Waal OBE, chair of Judges, praised To Be a Machine as a book that brings into focus timely issues about mortality, what it might mean to be a machine and what it truly means to be human. Exploration It is the first full length exploration of transhumanism, the controversial movement that seeks to cheat mortality and use technology for human evolution. To Be a Machine reflects a cultural obsession with futuristic dystopias, fuelled by TV series such as Westworld, Black Mirror and Altered Carbon. Likened to Jon Ronson, Don DeLillo and Louis Theroux, OConnell goes further to explore the philosophy and science behind transhumanism, looking at current technological developments together with the opportunities and concerns for the future. OConnell presents hilarious and challenging insights into a movement that believes we must merge with machines to transcend our physical and intellectual capacities or risk becoming obsolete. He encounters the developers attempting to convert human minds into code, the self-proclaimed cyborgs inserting tech implants beneath their skin, and the human bodies cryogenically frozen in time on the promise of a future resurrection. To Be a Machine takes the reader from the sublime to the ridiculous. It considers human fragility and our animal natures, as well as an obsession with immortality and technologys potential to change the future for all of us. Gerry Minogue late of Newtown Terrace, Thomastown died peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 16 at University Hospital Waterford surrounded by his family. Gerry is survived by his wife of 50 years Ann; sons Trevor and Clive; daughter Tanya and five grandchildren along with brothers Seamie, Ber and Paddy and his sister Mary his son in law and extended family. Born on February 1, 1946 he was one of six children born to the late Jim and Bridie Minogue. Gerry left school at the age of 14 to work in Walsh's Garage, Thomastown where he spent 52 years of his working life as a brilliant mechanic and as foreman in latter years. He served with Thomastown fire service for 30 years. Gerry absolutely loved working on cars and was happiest with his head under a bonnet day or night. He was a good husband and dad and a brilliant grandad to his grandchildren who he loved and he enjoyed spoiling them. He was one of those people who would do anything for anyone who needed it. The fact he was loved and respected by so many by so many was reflected in the large congregation that gathered for his funeral and for his removal. Gerry came home for one last time on Monday, April 17, where he was waked on Tuesday evening followed by requiem Mass on Wednesday celebrated by Fr Dan Bollard followed by burial in St Mary's Cemetery, Thomastown. He was given a firefighter's funeral arranged by his neighbour Paul Comerford which he would have loved and it was done so professionally and his family were thrilled. The fire service and Walsh's Toyota both did guards of honour from the church to his resting place and this meant a lot to those he left behind. His family thanked everyone who called to the house and came to Gerry's funeral he would've been so proud of the send off he was given. Gerry will be very sadly missed by all his family friends and neighbours. ALBERT LEA, Minn. A southern Minnesota man is pleading not guilty to bigamy. Quinten Duane Amos, 38 of Albert Lea, was charged in November with one felony count of bigamy. Authorities say Amos got married in February at an Albert Lea church but never got divorced from a woman he married in Hennepin County in 2009. Investigator say the woman Amos married in 2009 says she tried to divorce him but he wouldnt go along with it. Police say when they questioned Amos, he claimed he used an online service to get a divorce but never produced any evidence to support that. Amos is now scheduled to stand trial on April 9, 2019. ALBERT LEA, Minn. A pair of accused safe-thieves is now pleading guilty. Kassidy Jo Poole, 20, and Casey Alan Schultz, 23, have entered guilty pleas to 1st degree burglary. They were arrested on November 8 after Albert Lea police say the two stole a safe from the home of a former boyfriend of Poole. She reportedly arranged a phony meeting with the ex-boyfriend to get him out of his home during the burglary. Police say they found the safe, with the door pried off, at a home where Poole and Schultz were staying. The safe reportedly held about $500. Pooles sentencing is scheduled for February 15, 2019. Schultzs sentencing has been set for February 21, 2019. MASON CITY, Iowa A Mason City man accused of having a sexual relationship with a teen is pleading not guilty. Justin Joseph Haubrich, 26, is charged with 3rd degree sex abuse. Authorities say he had sexual contact with a 15-year-old between April and September and was aware of the victims age at the time. Haubrich is scheduled to stand trial starting January 29, 2019. MASON CITY, Iowa A man accused of shoplifting over $1,000 worth of tools is pleading not guilty. Timothy Charles Williams, 29 of Springville, is charged with 2nd degree theft as a habitual offender. He was arrested on November 6 after law enforcement says he entered the Mills Fleet Farm in Mason City and stuffed $1,273.64 worth of tools inside a mail box package. Williams is accused of taping up the package, buying the mail box and then leaving the store without paying for the tools. His trial is set to begin on March 3, 2019. MASON CITY, Iowa A trial is set for a woman accused of using a stolen credit card more than 30 times. Angela Dawn Shave, 46 of Mason City, is pleading not guilty to credit card fraud and commission of specified unlawful activity. Authorities say she charged $1,163.46 on a stolen credit card at multiple convenience and grocery stores in Mason City between October 24 and November 1. Shaves trial is due to begin on February 26, 2019. ROCHESTER, Minn. A man accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a woman is pleading not guilty. Bakil Dahir, 24 of Rochester, is charged with 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, 2nd degree assault, and false imprisonment. Police say Dahir gave a man and woman a ride home on October 23, but pulled into a gas station parking lot and threatened the man with a tire iron until he got out of the vehicle. Dahir is accused of then driving away with the woman, sexually assaulting her, then dropping her off at the gas station. No trial date has been set. ROCHESTER, Minn. An Olmsted County man is pleading not guilty to having sex with a child under the age of 13. Alexander T. Korbi, 25 of Rochester, is charged with 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct. He was arrested in early November after the child, her mother, and her grandmother talked to a pediatrician about the child being sexually assaulted. Rochester police say they interviewed the victim and examined social media messages between the victim and Korbi, several of which had Korbi telling the victim things like lets keep that between you and me and lets just do us okay N not tell anyone whatever happens between us happens, ok? Police say another message included a graphic description of the sexual acts Korbi intended to perform on the victim. Korbi was booked into the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center on $100,000 bond. His trial is now set to begin on June 10, 2019. Photo: CTV News Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after a man and a woman went out snowmobiling on Christmas Day in Apsley Ontario, and did not return. O.P.P. indicate the pair went out for a ride and were last seen at 11 p.m. Christmas Day. Investigators say they received a call on Wednesday at 10 a.m. that snowmobiles were spotted in Jack Lake. Officers have since located the man and woman about 30 feet from shore, they were pronounced dead at the scene. Police say their identities will not be released until the family has been notified and the investigation is ongoing. -with files from Canadian Press BCL was expected to buy a 50 percent stake in Nkomati Nickel Mine from Nornickel but it pulled out of the 3 billion pula ($281 million) deal about two years ago due to a lack of funds, prompting the Russian firm to file a legal claim. "Nornickel's termination of the agreement means that it will no longer be requiring the BCL Group to purchase Nornickel's interest in the Nkomati joint venture. Instead, Nornickel will continue to seek damages from BCL...," the Russian mining giant said in a statement. Nornickel vies with Brazil's Vale to be the world's largest nickel producer. It is also the world's top palladium producer. The termination of the agreement will also enable Nornickel to pursue its own strategy for the African assets, it added, without providing further details. (Reporting by Polina Nikolskaya and Polina Devitt; editing by Kirsten Donovan) Albion, IN (46701) Today Cloudy with a few showers. High near 45F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Some clouds. Low near 30F. Winds light and variable. - Garba Shehu criticised the PDP for creating lies about President Muhammadu Buhari - The special assistant to the president said the PDP wants to make corruption appear normal - Shehu urged Nigerians not to be misled by the PDPs lies The presidency has advised Nigerians to be wary about what comes out from the opposition, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), so as not to be misled into voting for a party that sees nothing wrong with corruption. Malam Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, gave the advice when he reacted to allegations levelled against the Buhari administration by the PDP. Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, December 26, said the PDP would rather have everyone drenched in its colours, as they irretrievably are. According to him, the PDP has continued spreading lies about the Buhari administration in the mistaken assumption that its toga of corruption will dissipate if it succeeded in black painting every other person as corrupt. READ ALSO: Why I am most qualified to criticise Buhari - Obasanjo He said: The strategy is to make corruption appear as normative and that everyone is equally involved. They think by so doing, Nigerians will forgive them for their sins. This is a huge mistake. The PDP has become an ill-wind on the country today and the elections next year present the citizens an excellent opportunity to save the country from it. We cant imagine a sane organisation shamelessly telling Nigerians that President Buhari is looting, as they themselves did of the recovered loot, the $322 million lately recovered from the Abacha family. This is an irresponsible lie. The media aide explained that the $322 million recovered was being used to make the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) of a monthly amount of N5,000 to more than 300,000 poor homes across the nation under the Social Investment Programme introduced by the Buhari administration. He added that this was in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the governments of Nigeria and Switzerland as a condition for releasing the funds. According to Shehu, as part of the MoU, the World Bank is monitoring the application of the funds, noting that the Bank has equally given an additional facility to support the on-going cash transfers. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Nigerians are hereby advised to be watchful of what comes out from the opposition, not to be misled into voting for a party that sees nothing wrong with corruption and would rather have everyone drenched in its colours, as they irretrievably are, he said. Meanwhile, President Buhari has vowed to retrieved all stolen fund. The president said that though that some critics refer to hm as 'baba go slow' in the manner he fights corruption, he lamented that the slow judicial system has hampered the fight against the scourge. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better We are honestly tired of Buhari and Atiku | - on Legit TV Source: Legit - Some Americans are visiting Nigerians on a discovery trip - The millenials are expected to experience first-hand, the limitless opportunities of the country - The group that visited Nigeria in 2017 was made up of half Nigerians and half non-Nigerians and they had a very good time A group of 40 American millennials has embarked on a trip to Nigeria to experience first-hand, the limitless opportunities of the country. The director of Discover Gidi, organisers of the annual trip to Nigeria, Ugo Obilo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York that the group would be in Nigeria from Thursday to January 2, 2019. According to him, Nigeria has limitless opportunities for the millennial, aiming to have a great time, adding the trip will increase the number of people that have been to Nigeria. Obilo said: We wanted to give them the opportunity to enjoy more of that in different ways with their friends, to see different things culturally. READ ALSO: Why I am most qualified to criticise Buhari - Obasanjo As we started promoting things, a lot of non-Nigerians wanted to come as well. We started out because a lot of young Nigerians are not excited to go back to Nigeria. So we wanted to give them the opportunity to go back with young crowd and enjoy and see Nigeria in a new way so that we can generate excitement about it again. This is because our generation needs to be the one that is giving back to the community, being able to fund the economy in different ways. But to our surprise, a lot of non-Nigerian millennials decided that they wanted to visit and travel there as well." According to him, when the 2017 group visited Nigeria, it was made up of half Nigerians and half non-Nigerians and they had a very good time and enjoyed themselves. Obilo said in 2018, when the organisers started promoting the trip, it was overwhelming that a lot of non-Nigerians wanted to come and see and experience Nigerian culture first-hand. So we have about 40 people coming this year. Mostly, they are people that have never been to Nigeria, non-Nigerians themselves. We have a well-structured itinerary, a good balance being able to see the culture, enjoy Nigerian nightlife, being able to see a lot of the historical aspects of the country as well. We intend to go to the Badagry Slave Port, were going to have a cultural night at Terra Cotta, they are doing a Language Lesson, we have a day to go to the beach and enjoy. Were going to Nike Art Gallery, were going to Lekki Conservation Centre, were going to different places on the Island to see the beaches in the Victoria Island, and a service day on the mainland." He said the participants would also have a naming ceremony where each of them would elect to receive a traditional Nigerian name. According to him, the idea is an effort to afford people of all backgrounds and nationalities the opportunity to experience the beauty of the African Diaspora. READ ALSO: Breaking: Police reportedly arrest Badehs alleged killers Out of necessity, we wanted to change the conversation and eliminate reservations individuals have regarding travelling to Africa and African cities. As a Nigerian, I wanted to be at the forefront of a movement that would encourage my peers to not only travel to Nigeria, but also lead them to invest in Nigerias future, he said. Obilo said the annual trip was named Discover Gidi as a literal ode to the pre-existing beauty of Nigeria and Lagos, adding, the mission is to allow others to discover the beauty that Nigeria has to offer. According to him, the trip sets out to appeal specifically to Nigerian-Americans looking to travel home in a curated group-trip format. HR said there had been an influx of non-Nigerians particularly, millennials of different backgrounds, who wanted to see and experience Nigeria for the first time. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that an interesting couple have caught the internet's attention with their stylishness. Mr and Mrs Richard tied the knot recently and while many other couples choose a theme that show cases their culture, heritage and uniqueness, the Richards chose to display their love for the American flag. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo explains why Nigeria needs to be treated like love on Legit TV Source: Legit The General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Warri, Delta state, Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin has gifted N30,000,000 to workers of the vineyard of God and admonished Nigerians to use the occasion of this year's Christmas to offer special prayers and praise to God in appreciation of a better Nigeria. "We need to do good in the house of God, pray without ceasing, sacrifice without complaining, live a Christ like life because Nigeria will be better," he said. Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin said in a Christmas message to Nigerians that they should use this yuletide period to appreciate God in dance and seek God's mercy so he can release blessings in the country come 2019. The founder of Mercy Television said as Christians all over the world mark the birthday anniversary of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, there is no better time to give to the poor amongst us than this period. He said: "As workers in the vineyard be of good behaviour. This money is a token of my appreciation for the good works you've been doing. I appreciate you all and don't allow the devil to use you". Owomowomo 1 prayed to Almighty God to continue to protect all Nigerians and ministers of God. "On behalf of my family, partners and and members of Mercy Television wishes all christians and Nigerians joyful and peaceful christmas celebrations" he said. Written by Theresa Moses. [Sponsored] NAIJ.com > Legit.ng; we have upgraded to serve you better. Source: Legit.ng - A young Nigerian man has expressed his fears about what some Muslim clerics teach - The man revealed that he heard Muslim clerics telling kids not to associate with Christians - He said they claimed that Christianity is a confusing and complicated religion A young Nigerian Muslim man has expressed concern about what is being taught by Muslim clerics in mosques and camps. The young man shared a sad experience he had at a Muslim camp on Twitter. The Twitter user identified as Rere Ayodele narrated how the Muslim Clerics had tried to make Christianity into an unfavourable religion to kids who had gone to camp to learn about Islam. According to him, the clerics had told the kids that they were brought to camp to avoid Christmas celebrations. He also noted that the clerics said that Christianity is a confusing and complicated religion. Nigerian man narrates how Muslim clerics told members not to associate with Christians Twitter source: @therereayodele Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Christmas: Over 500 Muslims celebrate at pastors house in Kaduna Ayodele revealed that the incident had occurred at the Muslim Association of Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo state. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app According to Ayodele, he had taken his siblings to the annual camp event when he witnessed the incident. He also revealed that the clerics had claimed that Christianity is a man made religion unlike Islam where they serve one God. PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group Ayodele further expressed that the clerics tried to make Islam the ultimate religion by claiming that it is part of the human physiology. He shared some of the examples given by the clerics below: READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that a group of Muslims in Kaduna had gone to celebrate Christmas with a pastor with his family in his house. The photos of the amazing celebrations went viral on social media. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better How do you plan to spend your Christmas? - on Legit TV Source: Legit - Balarabe Musa has reacted to the controversy between President Buhari and his wife, Aisha, over cabal allegations - Musa, former governor of Kaduna state, declared that the allegation from both side is unIslamic - He, however, stated that there are certain things which should be kept away from public views in an Islamic society Balarabe Musa, former governor of Kaduna state, while speaking about the controversy between President Buhari and his wife, Aisha, over allegations of a cabals influence on the president said it is not allowed in Islam. Daily Trust reports that Musa stated that as husband and wife, there are certain things that should be kept away from public views. According to him, Its unIslamic, the allegations from the both sides; here I mean the allegations of the wife and the response of the president because we dont expect these kinds of things happening between the wife and the husband. READ ALSO: PDPs strategy is to make corruption appear normal - Presidency fires at opposition party In an Islamic society, there are certain things that should be kept away from public views. So, its very unfortunate and I think people should not be involved in this controversy. I dismissed it as unIslamic and not in culture of Islam because you dont expect this to happen between leaders, husbands and wives even between friends. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda On whether he has advice for the president and his wife, he said there are other national leaders more credible to give them advice, not him. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that President Buhari responded to the allegation of Aisha, his wife, and others that his government is being frustrated by some powerful people popularly referred to as cabal. The wife of the president has, on several occasions, said a few people are frustrating the president's effort to perform and grow the nation beyond how he met it. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Nigeria News: Aisha Buhari Backs President Husband | Legit TV: Source: Legit - Nigerians have been urged to support the presidential ambition of APGA candidate John Gbor - The APGA presidential candidate said he has the capacity to rule the world - Gbor noted some of the problems Nigerians were going through and expressed optimism in his capacity John Gbor who is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has called on Nigerians to support his ambition for 2019 promising to make the country prosper again. The Punch reports that the APGA presidential candidates promise was contained in a statement by the director of strategic communication of his campaign organisation, Mike Angel, on Wednesday, December 27. Gbor paid a visit to the Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, in his palace in Gboko, Benue state where he promised to fix the country. He said he had the capacity to rule the whole world, and asked the traditional ruler and Nigerians to trust. READ ALSO: Why I am most qualified to criticise Buhari - Obasanjo He said: Nigerians are tired of leadership without leadership. Courage comes from God. I look at Buhari down there: people are suffering, people are being killed and there is no peace in the country. Trust me with your mandate as your President to make this nation prosperous. I can rule the whole world now. According to the statement, the Tor Tiv said: We deserve to win the seat. As a Tiv, having paid your due, you will get our support. For just winning the flag alone, you have done us proud. APGA is a major party, having won governorship and legislative elections in the country." The first-class monarch, who is the chairman, Traditional Council of Benue state, thereafter asked Gbor to go out with the spirit of lion, you are not an underdog: go out as a lion, the Lord will be with you. Meanwhile, the presidency on Wednesday, December 26, in Abuja advised the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against making President Muhammadu Buharis family an issue in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, who gave the advice in an interaction with State House correspondents, said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would gladly accept the challenge if the PDP failed to adhere to the advice. While reacting to various comments by se veral organs of the opposition party on remarks made by the president on views publicly expressed by his wife, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari in an interview, the presidential spokesman said questions raised of the president by the PDP in regard to his wife only amounted to an own goal. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better We are honestly tired of Buhari and Atiku | - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Nigerian students have commended the federal government for a steady supply of electricity and fuel during the holiday season - The students said the FG lived up to its promise to Nigerians over electricity supply and availability of petroleum products - NANS also condemned the recent ambush by Boko Haram on a military convoy in the northeast The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the federal government for ensuring a relatively stable nationwide supply of petroleum products and electricity during this years Christmas celebration. The national public relations officer of the association, Bestman Okereafor, gave the kudos in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday, December 27. The leadership of the apex students governing body, NANS, has carefully studied the promise made by Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari as regards constant supply of electricity and availability of petroleum products throughout the country this yuletide. We wish to acknowledge and appreciate the fact that these promises had been fulfilled. NANS is passionately appealing to the presidency to sustain the tempo of power supply as currently being enjoyed beyond the yuletide for the benefit of Nigerians," he said. READ ALSO: 40 American millennials embark on trip to discover Nigeria However, NANS has condemned the recent ambush by Boko Haram on a military convoy in the northeast, killing 13 soldiers and a policeman. According to Okereafor, it is very disheartening that the Boko Haram insurgents have been engaging in these cowardly acts on Nigerian military bases in recent times. Even not quite long, a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, was assassinated, despite the huge investments of the present government in tackling insecurity and insurgency. NANS is bidding the demised soldiers and policeman farewell even as we are optimistic that due compensations will be paid to their families. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda NANS is, however, advising the military and other security agencies to devise new and modern methods of fighting terrorists, all aimed at having a peaceful nation devoid of terrorists, and in line with President Buharis war against insecurity generally, the spokesman said. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that presidential candidate of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has assured Nigerians of development in the power sector if she wins the 2019 presidential election. She added that uninterrupted power supply would be witnessed in the country under her watch if elected. Ezekwesili in a statement sent to Legit.ng on Sunday, December 2, said the electricity industry would be developed to employ more youths if she assumes office. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: PDP Convention - Atiku Elected as Presidential Candidate | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Newspaper - Ossy Prestige, representing Aba south and Aba north, has advised Igbo people to elect leaders who will serve them selflessly - Prestige said electing selfless leaders is the political solution to the agitation for Biafra - According to the lawmaker, the refusal of some Igbo people to vote will not resolve the issue of marginalisation House of Representatives member, Ossy Prestige, (a member of APGA representing Aba North/Aba South) has said the political solution to the agitation for Biafra is for Igbo people to elect leaders who will serve them selflessly. The lawmaker made this known in Aba on Thursday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba, Abia state. Prestige noted that people were always forced to seek alternatives through agitations when their representatives are not giving them what they expected from them. READ ALSO: 3 late governors, other dead dignitaries still on INEC's register He, therefore, urged Igbo people to come out en masse and vote for credible candidates who have the mind to serve them rather than voting based on sentiments and material inducements. The refusal of some Igbo people to carry out their civic responsibilities will not resolve the issue of marginalisation which resulted in the revived agitation for Biafra," he said. He enjoined Igbo people in positions of leadership to seek the welfare of their people rather than enthroning selfish interests that rob the people of their dues through their representatives. The lawmaker who noted that although he was facing a troubling opposition from the PDP-led state government in Abia, said he was not in competition and cannot compete with them. He said he was in government to serve the people and not to create problems through unnecessary ego contests which levy huge losses on the people. He, however, vowed that nothing would stop his resolve to free his constituents from their real enemies. Reacting to criticisms from political opponents claiming he was idle in the Green Chambers, Prestige said that as a first tenure representative, he has a record of over 21 motions and nine Bills to his credit. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app He also noted that he had attracted over 50 road projects to Aba, rehabilitated schools and provided water for his people which are eloquent testimonies of his service to people at the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that southeast residents were advised to shun agitations by pro-Biafra activists for the boycott of 2019 general elections. Chukwuemeka Ujam, who spoke in reaction to calls by some pro-Biafra groups for residents to boycott the election, urged the people residing in the southeast to participate actively. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better. Osinbajo delivers a speech on the Biafra war -on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Senator Godswill Akpabio has been appointed the national coordinator of Buhari's presidential support committee - This was made known on Thursday, December 27, by the Akwa Ibom state coordinator of the committee, Mfon Okon - Okon said that the appointments were a reflection of the confidence President Buhari reposed on their ability to successfully work for his re-election President Buhari has appointed former Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the national coordinator of the presidential support committee ahead of 2019 general elections. Legit.ng gathered that the Akwa Ibom state coordinator of the committee, Pastor Mfon Okon, who disclosed on Thursday, December 27, in Uyo, said four indigenes of the state have also been appointment into the committee. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He said the appointees included: Lady Valerie Ebe, a former deputy governor of the state as chairman, national advisory committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, national director- planning and strategy, Senator Aloysius Etok, national director for inter-party affairs, and the partys south-south zonal woman leader, Rachael Akpabio, as the national assistant welfare secretary. Okon said the appointments were a reflection of the confidence President Buhari reposed on their ability to successfully work for his re-election in the forthcoming presidential election. He called on the people of the state to fully key into national politics by supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) to return the president, and ensure that the party wins Akwa Ibom state in 2019. Meanwhile, preparations are underway by the APC in the state to ensure a hitch-free south-south zonal flag-off of President Buhari re-election campaign slated for the Godswill Akpabio international stadium, Uyo on December 28. NAN Legit.ng had previously reported that the Akwa Ibom state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) said the appointment of the state citizens into higher political positions is the justification of the massive support and love President Muhammadu Buhari enjoyed from the state. READ ALSO: Buhari taunts Saraki, says he will rid Kwara of all criminals before 2019 elections NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: Father Mbaka On Buhari, Atiku In Nigeria Election 2019 | - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The minister of interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, assures Nigerians that the federal government is taking steps to end the destruction of lives and property in Zamfara - Dambazau sends President Buharis condolences to the government and people of Zamfara following attacks by suspected bandits which claimed property and lives of innocent Nigerians - The minister expresses Buharis deep concern about the unrepentant attitude of the perpetrators of senseless killings in the state The minister of interior, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), has assured Nigerians of the federal governments readiness to deploy additional security resources to end the destruction of lives and property in Zamfara. Dambazau gave the assurance in a statement issued by his press secretary, Osaigbovo Ehisienmen on Thursday, December 27, in Abuja, The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The minister said President Muhammandu Buhari had commiserated with the government and people of Zamfara, following attacks by suspected bandits, which claimed property and lives of innocent Nigerians. READ ALSO: Buhari taunts Saraki, says he will rid Kwara of all criminals before 2019 elections Dambazau expressed Buharis deep concern about the unrepentant attitude of the perpetrators of senseless killings in the state. We are committed to working closely with the state government to deploy more security resources to the state, Dambazau said. Ehisienmen said the minister was further briefed by heads of security agencies in Zamfara, in order to put in place additional proactive measures to restore peace needed to protect agricultural and mining interests in the state. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda According to the statement, Dambazau was received by the states acting Governor Sanusi Rikiji and other members of Zamfara executive council. The minister later proceeded to the palace of Sarkin Katsina Gusau, his royal highness, Ibrahim Bello, the emir of Gusau. He said Dambazau, while at the palace also delivered Buharis message, and assured the Gusau emirate of governments commitment to ensure law and order in the state. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He said the minister also visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, as well as the headquarters of Tsafe local government area, where protesters destroyed vehicles and other government property. Meanwhile, the president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has condemned the killings in Zamfara, describing them as barbaric and unacceptable. Vanguard reports that Senator Saraki, who stated that the killings were a major threat to the nation's democracy, called on the security agencies to swiftly devise a strategy to tackle the menace. Legit.ng gathers that he made his position known in a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu. According to the Senate president, the Zamfara killings are not getting enough attention from the media and the non-governmental organisations. Nigerian Herdsmen vs Nigerian Farmers | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng A 23-year-old Chinese national charged with trying to kill his Lehigh University roommate made $200,000 bail on Friday and had waived his right to challenge deportation to his home country when the Northampton County District Attorneys Office stepped in this week, according to a news release and court papers. Yukai Yang, who is charged with poisoning his roommate Juwan Royal earlier this year, had been turned over to immigration officials, who had a detainer on him when bail was posted on Friday, the news release said. By waiving extradition, he apparently thought that he could evade prosecution by going home to China, District Attorney John Morganelli said in the news release. Morganelli told Assistant District Attorney Abraham Kassis to file court paperwork to have Yang returned from Lehigh County Jail, where he had been held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement pending his deportation because his student visa had been revoked, the news release said. The paperwork, which also requests Yang be held without bail because hes a flight risk, was filed Monday, the news release said. The paperwork also says the commonwealth has received additional information and is investigating possible further instances of criminal conduct similar to those alleged in the pending criminal matter dealing with a former Lehigh University roommate." ICE cooperated with my office in this and Mr. Yang is now back in Northampton County Prison, Morganelli said. A hearing on the matter has been requested as soon as possible, Morganelli said. Yangs attorney Janet Jackson did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the district attorneys offices actions. Morganelli previously said it appears the poisoning occurred over a few months, with small amounts of thallium and possibly other chemicals mixed into food, drinks and mouthwash. The criminal charges are based on incidents where Royal was sick and there was a police response, but the district attorney said Royal had other incidents and symptoms that he had initially brushed off as just being sick. Yangs preliminary hearing on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person is tentatively scheduled 9 a.m. Jan. 3 in District Judge Nancy Matos Gonzalezs courtroom in South Bethlehem. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Two weeks ago the U.S. Senate voted 56-41 to end military support of Saudi Arabias ongoing air strikes in Yemen. The vote was prompted by increasing awareness of the humanitarian crisis in that country, fueled by an Iranian-backed rebellion and the Saudi bombing campaign. An estimated 10,000 Yemenis have been killed; millions are facing disease and starvation. The Senate vote also reflected an intent to punish the Saudis for the death of Jamal Khashoggi, an outspoken critic of the Saudi royal family and a columnist for the Washington Post, who was brutally murdered in the Saudi embassy in Turkey. Senate opponents said the resolution infringes on the presidents power to authorize military operations overseas. The resolution calls for an end to in-flight refueling of Saudi planes, among other things, and singles out Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for responsibility in Khashoggis death. Some have called for an outright ban on all U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is the largest buyer of American military weapons and equipment, at about $144 billion annually, according to the Defense Department. Even if the Senate and House backed a ban on arms sales, it would face a probable veto by President Donald Trump, who has noted the value of the U.S. exports and questioned the U.S. intelligence communitys conclusion that the Saudi regime was behind Khashoggis murder. Some worry that withdrawing military support for Saudi Arabia would boost Irans military clout in the region. What do you think? Should the U.S. ban arms sales to Saudi Arabia to try to end the air attacks on Yemen? Have a say in our informal, unscientific poll, and feel free to elaborate in the comment section. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. LifeStyle The best Lifestyle shows are right here, from Australia and around the world. Catch up with the experts on home design and interiors, food and cooking, the property market, and get fresh ideas with the savviest of renovators. Whether you need inspiration for cooking up a storm, to refresh a tired room, or tips to sell your property, Foxtel Lifestyle will always something new for you to watch. Enjoy your favourite experts like Andrew Winter and Neale Whitaker, or Shaynna Blaze and Jamie Oliver live or On Demand. We're sorry that the ministry you were looking for is no longer available on LightSource.com. However, below are some great ministries that offer related content. Enjoy the inspiration, encouragement, and Biblical challenge from these LightSource.com ministry partners! THE MAIN bus serving Limerick city is arriving between 15 and 23 minutes late every morning even at off peak times, transport officials have heard. Issues with the 304 and the 304a bus, the route connecting the Dooradoyle and Raheen area across the city to Castletroy and Monaleen, were raised by Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne at a recent Joint Oireachtas committee on Transport. They are two areas with large populations and each morning, even at off peak times, the bus arrives anything between 15 to 23 minutes late on a daily basis, Senator Byrne told the National Transport Authority (NTA). There are similar delays in the evening, she added. There are many people who are living or working in the city centre, travelling to the otherside for work or for various different reasons. Theres a number of issues as well in terms of the real time and the app, Senator Byrne added. The times never seem to be coordinated with the arrival time of the bus. This is from listening and speaking with people who choose the bus on a daily basis. If you check the app on the phone, it might say the bus is to arrive in two minutes, three minutes; it mightnt arrive for half an hour. There is certainly a time lapse between the information that is on both the app and the real time information, she added. Also, in terms of the Leap Card, theres very little places where you can actually top up your Leap Card and unless you are from Limerick and know the different places you can go, there isnt any information. For people who are maybe tourists or people visiting the city, it's very hard to find the information where to top up. Senator Byrnes concerns were noted by officials from the NTA, who advised they would response to the matters raised. At the beginning of December, the former secretary at the Department of Finance called for the local authority to take over the running of the bus service. John Moran, current chair of the Hunt Museum, described the services as woeful. TWENTY-FOUR kind hearted students from a city secondary school will travel to Uganda next year for a unique charity project. Villiers School transition year students will join a number of teachers in travelling to the African sub-continent to see how people live in some of the worlds poorest communities. Teaming up with the charity group Zest4Kidz, they will work in schools, hospitals, as well as helping former child soldiers and youngsters with disabilities. The students are funding the trip themselves, and to this end, have started organising fundraisers including a 24-hour fast, a colour day, a Christmas card sale, a sponsored run and a coffee morning. One student, Jessica Hickey-ONeill was honoured by Mayor James Collins after raising more than 2,000 from a raffle. The reception for the student, and her peers, came thanks to Independent councillor John Gilligan, a relative of hers. Cllr Gilligan said: There is a huge gap developing between the third and first world, and this is something that needs to be breached. Sending people there will be an eye-opener. These are young people who will see what it's like to livein uganda. When you look at the third world, a lot of things are travelogues where people go to Africa, and stay in first class hotels - far away from the misery of the poverty that the ordinary people live in. He praised Villiers School for the initiative, adding: These students will be in camps, orphanages, but they will be visiting rural areas as well, where normal people live. To find out what normal life is like. He added a sense of perspective is needed. For young people in Ireland, the major disaster for them is if the internet connection breaks up for ten minutes. That would be a crisis. We see it ourselves as adults. We get a storm warning - the storm will pass in 24 hours. Try not being able to buy a loaf of bread, he said. A school spokesperson said: Villiers are very proud ofthe fact that so many of our students and teachers want to make a real difference to the lives of children in communities less fortunate themselves. The students head for Uganda in May. CALLS for Limerick to be included in Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) legislation amidst rapidly rent hikes across the county have been reiterated by the national housing charitys southern manager. As previously reported by the Limerick Leader, housing charity Threshold is particularly concerned about Limerick, which remains outside of the RPZs, where rent increases are typically capped at 4%. The concern from my end would be the rent increases in Limerick, Threshold Southern Regional Manager Edel Conlon said. According to the latest figures from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) on average rents jumped by 12% during the last quarter, compared to the same time last year. The rent increases that we have seen in the Daft report and from the RTB are highlighting the difficulty tenants are facing when Limerick isnt declared a RPZ. Tenants dont have the certainty of the 4%. What we are seeing are huge increases in Limerick and its still not a RPZ. Difficulties are going to continue until there is such a time that it is. Threshold will operate a freephone helpline, 1800 454 454, during the Christmas period from 10am until 4pm, Monday December 24 to Tuesday Jan 1 2019. Last year, Threshold received 35 calls over the Christmas period, from tenants experiencing issues with rent arrears, illegal evictions, invalid notices and standards. We want to ensure that Limerick tenants are aware of our services, Ms Conlon said. That we are here to support people, give information and advice, advocate and in some cases, which we have done, represent people in RTB proceedings. MEN, women and children gathered on Sunday in the Republican plot in Grange to remember the gallant five volunteers from the East Limerick Brigade, who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom at Caherguillamore House some 98 years ago December 27, 1920. Deputy Niall Collins said he was honoured to give the oration at the annual commemoration. He quoted the late President of Ireland, Sean T OCeallaigh who said, County Limerick has set an all-Ireland lead in discharging its duty to our patriot dead when he unveiled the old IRA memorial in Newcastle West on Easter Sunday in 1951. The Sean Wall Restoration Company has been to the forefront in that regard. So may the names and sacrifices of those gallant men so brutally slain at the Caherguillamore House ambush that December 1920 night long be remembered, said Deputy Collins, who read out the names. They were, Martin Conway, vice commandant of East Limerick Brigade; Daniel Sheehan, Caherguillamore; Harry Wade, Cahernorry; John Quinlan, Grange Lower and Ned Moloney, Grange. We join with you in recalling with pride your noble forebears who gave their all for the freedom we enjoy today. To the descendants of all the 250 men and women who congregated at Caherguillamore House on that eventful night may I say you also have every reason to remember them with pride. They rallied to the cause. They congregated at Caherguillamore House to raise funds for the East Limerick Brigade. Funds so desperately needed to acquire badly needed active service rifles. Rifles to replace the small store of sporting guns and shotguns with which the East Limerick Brigade sought to challenge the might of the British Empire. Here in east Limerick was the place where the first flying column was formed. Your forebears gathered there for a social occasion which culminated in disaster, said Deputy Collins. Little did they anticipate the brutality, savagery and subsequent lengthy incarceration that many of those present endured in Limerick prison and thereafter in Spike Island and in Portsmouth and Dartmoor jails. Your forebears who paid an admission charge of four shillings at the Caherguillamore House social helped in no small way in providing the fire power and weaponry which helped the East Limerick Brigade develop into one of the leading fighting units in the War of Independence. While we honour the memory of those who died, let us not forget the deeds, bravery and suffering of those who survived that social in hell. Many of them seriously wounded and bayoneted as well. The list includes the caretaker of Caherguillamore House, Tom ODonoghue and his son Paddy; John Gerard ODwyer and the columns medical officer Dr Michael OSullivan; Tom OBrien and Denis Conway of Bruff; the Ryan Brothers - Tom and Bob; the McElligotts of Lough Gur; John Garvan; James Moloney of the Bruff Battalion. I have already noted the fact that East Limerick was the place where the first Flying Column was formed. Perhaps it is difficult for us, some 98 years on, to appreciate the then reluctance on the part of the volunteers to accept the revolutionary concept of waging guerrilla warfare on the British forces. Sean Walls backing of the Active Service Concept also known as The Flying Columns and its initiation by the Galtee Battalion led the way. When we, as a nation, come to honour the centenary of the War of Independence I have no doubt that the Caherguillamore story will feature prominently in all branches of the Irish media. What transpired when the British forces some hundreds strong placed a ring of steel around Caherguillamore House and in Grange of that eventful night will make riveting viewing and reading. What was intended to be a social occasion a supper dance turned into a night of hell. So thoroughly were the plans made the British forces black and tans, auxiliaries and RIC even had brought along bloodhounds to track down any volunteers who might succeed in escaping. The ladies in attendance were imprisoned in Caherguillamore House and not released until the following day. The dead and some 100 men - battered, bruised, bayoneted, severely wounded - were taken by convoy to Limerick and imprisoned in what is now Sarsfield Barracks and later onto Limerick gaol. Thereafter some 59 attendees were court marshalled sentenced to 10 years penal servitude and transported by destroyer from Limerick Docks once again to serve their sentences in British gaols. Deputy Collins said the history of Limericks Fight for Freedom is a treasure trove of opportunity for print media, radio and television. Finally, like many who have had the honour of speaking at this commemorative service in the past I am deeply conscious of the fact that this is not a political occasion. Nationalism and patriotism transcends politics, he concluded. BISHOP of Limerick Brendan Leahy has said that while legislation from New Years Day will provide for abortion on demand, our moral compass must steer us away from it being a default for crisis pregnancies. In an end of year reflection Bishop Leahy said that the abortion referendum was a watermark in the perceived liberal agenda sweeping Ireland. We have now as a nation decided to remove the right of babies in the womb to live their lives to the full. We are now about to begin the taking of those lives indiscriminately. The right to choose superseding the right to life. I acknowledge a majority of the population voted in favour of repealing the 8th amendment to the Constitution. There were many reasons for doing so, not least the recognition of the hardship women have to endure in crisis pregnancies. It is to be hoped, however, that no one, or at least very few, willingly voted primarily for the abolition of the life of the unborn child in the womb. So, regardless of what way anyone voted and the reasons people had for voting as they did, it now behoves us all to do our part to make sure that abortion is not the default response that characterises people in Ireland when crisis pregnancies arise. He continued, As a society, we need to recognise that while legislation now provides for abortion, it is not primarily what we want and our moral compass must steer us in an entirely different direction. We must think of the possibilities of life and the love it can bring. Undoubtedly, the hard cases we often heard about during the Referendum should remind us of the complexity of the issues. Complexities will still arise regardless of the legislation introduced. There will always be difficult decisions to be made. The question for us as a society is whether we still want to promote a culture of life that listens also to the child. I believe there is still a majority of people in Ireland who subscribe to a culture of the protection of the life of the unborn but many of those also subscribe to a culture of choice. But we cannot let the child be swept away lightly when making these hard decisions. Bishop Leahy also called for a greater level of respect in discussions around the sensitive issue. A large percentage of those who voted for repealing the 8th would not, I suspect, identify with the celebration, the almost triumphant celebration, of the introduction of abortion legislation in the Oireachtas. They would not be at one with the indifference that this celebration may suggest there is in Ireland to the child in the womb. I would appeal, therefore, for a basic sense of decency in our rhetoric around the introduction of abortion into the State. Convinced though many may be that it is a positive step in terms of womens rights, any sense that abortion is a progressive step for our country, for what we stand for as a nation, is misplaced. Bishop Leahy said that the conscience-bound objections on the part of healthcare staff need to be respected. It is outrageous, he said, to think that it would even be contemplated that doctors could be forced to perform or contribute to an abortion against their will. Forcing them not to choose life would be a most inglorious watermark for this country. It goes against the deeper demands of our common humanity to force anyone to do so. I appeal to all public representatives, regardless of how they might have understood their sense of civic duty in supporting the abortion legislation, to keep their focus wide. They represent not only those in favour of abortion but also the many who find its introduction deeply distressing. And above all, I urge those in crisis pregnancies to choose life. To choose a glorious possibility. Bishop Leahy concluded: On the eve of the introduction of abortion services into Ireland, lets look one another in the eye, and regardless of how we voted, promise well be promoters of a culture of life. The full text of Bishop Leahys address is available on the diocesan website www.limerickdiocese.org. There's a whole range of reasons you don't want to be bitten by a black widow spider, but you probably wouldn't think that losing the ability to pee is one of them. But that's what may have happened to a man in Canada. After he got a suspected black widow bite on his foot, he developed a condition called acute urinary retention, meaning he couldn't pee despite having a very full bladder, according to a recent report of his case. The 50-year-old encountered the spider while he was walking through tall grass at his cottage in southern Ontario, the report said. Black widow spiders are rare in Canada because the arachnids are typically found in warmer climates; however, climate change may be driving the spiders farther north, Live Science reported in August. The man didn't think much about the bite when it happened: When he felt it, he quickly brushed away what he believed to be a black spider, said lead case report author Dr. Matthew Carere, who treated the man while he was an emergency room physician at The Ottawa Hospital (Carere is currently an emergency room physician in Victoria, Canada.) [27 Oddest Medical Cases] But two hours later, the man felt excruciating pain in his foot. And by the next morning, the pain was so severe and he had also developed cramps in his abdomen that he went to the emergency room. Doctors there thought his abdominal pain was caused by kidney stones and suspected the spider bite was just a coincidental occurrence, Carere told Live Science, and the man was sent home. However, he returned later that day because his abdominal pain had worsened, so doctors sent him to a larger hospital for additional testing. Range of symptoms By the time the man arrived at the emergency room where Carere treated him, he was in a lot of pain and sweating heavily, and both of his eyelids were swollen. His blood pressure was extremely high and a CT scan revealed that his bladder was massively distended, according to the case report. The man also told doctors about the spider bite, but after carefully examining his skin, they found no evidence of a bite or rash. However, despite the lack of a mark, doctors suspect the man was bitten by a northern black widow spider, a species found in southern Ontario. The venom from a black widow spider contains a variety of toxins that may have been responsible for the man's range of symptoms following the bite. Black widow venom causes a medical syndrome known as "latrodectism," which can include symptoms such as high blood pressure, heavy sweating and muscle pain, Carere said. The toxins found in the venom contain enzymes that cause a flood of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals from one neuron to the next, as well as vasodilators, which are substances that widen blood vessels and increase blood flow. [Spider-Man: 5 Weird Effects of Real Spider Bites] The release of one such neurotransmitter, called acetylcholine, may be one reason why the man developed urinary retention and had difficulty peeing after the spider bite, Carere said. He also noted that another factor may have been the man's age: The 50-year-old likely had some sort of underlying benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate. Carere noted that the doctors can't definitively prove that the spider bite was the cause of the man's urinary retention. Indeed, they couldn't find any previous cases of this happening in the medical literature. The man was hospitalized for two days so that doctors could insert a catheter to drain urine from his full bladder and get his elevated blood pressure and pain under control. By the time he went home, he was able to pee without any problems. The case was published in July in the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine. Originally published on Live Science. This three-dimensional reconstruction of the wreck of the American Heritage was created using still images from MBARIs remotely operated vehicle Doc Ricketts. A ship that sank off the coast of California decades ago was recently reconstructed in remarkable detail. The 3D digital model even included hundreds of sponges that have collected on the ship's surface in the years since. Named "American Heritage," the boat a supply ship that once serviced oil platforms foundered and sank in Santa Monica Bay on May 4, 1995, and for decades its precise location was unknown. Researchers with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) spotted a peculiar shape at that location in 2008. But it wasn't until May 2018 that MBARI scientists returned and mapped the site in greater detail, revealing what appeared to be a shipwreck on the ocean bottom. It measured 197 feet (60 meters) long and rested nearly 2,300 feet (700 m) below the surface, MBARI representatives wrote in a statement. Even then, the identity of the shipwreck was uncertain. In September, yet another MBARI team revisited the location to conduct further investigations. They dispatched remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and captured video of the battered, encrusted vessel. [The 20 Most Mysterious Shipwrecks Ever] Though the ship's hull was densely covered with sponges, the scientists were able to spot letters spelling out its name on the bow, confirming that the shipwreck was the long-lost American Heritage, according to the statement. The wreck of the American Heritage was heavily colonized by deep-sea sponges and other animals. But the name of the boat was still partly visible at the bow. (Image credit: Copyright MBARI) And for one of the MBARI scientists who found American Heritage, the discovery was likely somewhat bittersweet. Chief ROV pilot Knute Brekke had previously worked on board the ship, and he was on duty with the diving company American Pacific Marine owners of American Heritage the night the ship began taking on water and eventually sank. "The American Heritage was an oil-field utility ship, shuttling crews and supplies to and from offshore oil rigs," MBARI spokesperson Kim Fulton-Bennett told Live Science in an email. The ship also supported divers and ROVs that were used to inspect, maintain and repair oil rigs and seafloor pipelines, Fulton-Bennett said. "Knute worked as an ROV pilot, 'flying' these vehicles around the rigs. He does the same thing for MBARI now, except that we use ROVs for scientific research," Fulton-Bennett said. During the September mission, Brekke and co-pilot Ben Erwin navigated the MBARI ROV named "Doc Ricketts" around the shipwreck for 3 hours. Using thousands of images captured by the ROV's video cameras, Erwin built a digital model of the sunken boat and shared an interactive version on the 3D modeling site Sketchfab. The model is not complete, as floating ropes and poor visibility kept the pilots from getting too close to the wreck. Nevertheless, the reconstruction is detailed enough to show that American Heritage is now home to potentially thousands of sponges. Shipwrecks accidental and deliberate often transform into havens for diverse communities of marine life, Live Science previously reported. Original article on Live Science. In 2018, 28 people on the Texas Department of Public Safety's list of Texas Top 10 most wanted fugitives were taken into custody. Four of them were captured along the Texas-Mexico border. The department updates the most wanted list throughout the year. For a fugitive to be considered, the offender has to be wanted for a violent, aggravated or sex offense. READ ALSO: LPD: DWI arrests, alcohol-related crashes on the rise Six other factors in the consideration process include whether the fugitive has ties to cartels or gangs, if the fugitive contributes to violence along the Texas-Mexico border, if the fugitive is a violent sex offender, if the fugitive is a career criminal, and if the fugitive is wanted for a parole violation, according to the department. The four captured along the border include Daniel Carrillo, Andrew Jerome Belmontes, Paulo Sandalio Guillen and Jaime Gonzalez. Carrillo, captured on March 8, was wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and failure to register as a sex offender. Belmontes, captured on May 14, was also wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. RELATED: FBI: Number of violent crimes reported in Texas border towns Guillen, captured on July 19, was wanted for felon in possession of a firearm, bond forfeiture for felon in possession of a firearm and parole violation for burglary of habitation Gonzalez, captured on July 31, was wanted for possession of child pornography and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Click through the slideshow to see the Texas 10 most wanted fugitives captured in 2018. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | fsabawi@mysa.com|@FaresInSA Laredo police said a man was arrested recently after he stole some items from a car and left his cellphone behind. Samuel Enrique Gomez, 22, was served with warrants that charged with theft of property and burglary of a vehicle. WASHINGTON - District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser urged President Donald Trump to work with Congress to end the partial federal government shutdown, saying the indefinite closure hurts the city's residents and businesses. "During a shutdown, there are no winners and our nation's federal workers, including the 170,000 federal employees who work in Washington, DC, pay the highest price," Bowser, a Democrat, wrote in a letter Wednesday. The mayor also reiterated that the city would step in to provide services, such as removing trash from the Mall and other federal parks in the District. The extra trash removal costs $46,000 a week, Bowser said. The city is also handling an influx of unemployment benefit claims that are common during government shutdowns because workers are not guaranteed backpay (which Congress has approved after prior shutdowns) and because contractors and others affected are also losing income. While the District government's budget is tied to the federal budget, it can continue operating during government shutdowns. But the city isn't immune from the ripple effects of shutdowns, such as federal government workers spending less money at local stores. Roughly 800,000 workers nationwide have been affected in a shutdown affecting a quarter of the federal government. The president has demanded $5 billion in funding for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, but the proposal lacks support in Congress and there's agreement in sight. Republican House leaders have indicated that they'll take no action until Democrats take control of the chamber Jan. 3. As the shutdown entered Day 6 on Thursday, Trump claimed that most people who are losing pay in the shutdown are Democrats, days after claiming many workers losing pay urged him to continue the shutdown in order to secure funding for a border wall. Bowser wrapped up her letter with a reminder that the District has no voting representation in Congress despite having more residents than Vermont and Wyoming. "We hope that this key message will resonate during this shutdown: the 702,000 residents of Washington, DC, who pay the highest taxes per capita to the federal treasury, are stepping up to cover federal services during the shutdown, while we are the only citizens within the continental United States without a vote in Congress," the mayor wrote. Just when U.S. farmers thought they were catching a break with a second round of federal aid, now there's concern the impasse in Washington could hamper payments. After crop prices tumbled amid the U.S.-China trade war, the Trump administration made good on its promise to help farmers by approving the second-round payments this month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said the total aid could reach as much as $12 billion, with soybean growers taking the biggest share. But the partial U.S. government shutdown is raising questions about delays for the plan, called the market facilitation program. RICHMOND, Virginia - From her old office, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn could lean against the window and look hard left along the General Assembly building for a glimpse of Virginia's white-columned State Capitol. But Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax County, is on the move, and her new digs look straight out at Mr. Jefferson's temple on the hill. It's a historic step for Filler-Corn, taking over the office suite of the minority leader of the Virginia House of Delegates - the first time in 400 years that a woman has held such a position. "I'll tell you, there has been an outpouring of excitement and energy around that," Filler-Corn said in an interview. "Everyone is just kind of surprised to think that it's taken so long." She also will become the first delegate from Northern Virginia to ascend to a top House leadership post in about 40 years, as well as the first Jew. "I think women have a different perspective," she said. "I'm also the first mom (in such a position) - it's a different perspective to bring, both with issues and also with personality. ... From what I hear, a lot of folks are saying it's about time." Democrats are on a roll in Virginia, and the House has been leading the way. Last year, 15 Democrats flipped seats that had been held by Republican delegates, and 11 of those winners are women. The party holds every statewide office. With all 140 seats in the House and state Senate on the ballot this fall, Democrats are hoping to build on their momentum. That puts Filler-Corn, a nearly nine-year veteran of the House, in an especially high-profile position. Fellow Democrats chose her this month as their leader to replace Del. David J. Toscano of Charlottesville, who is running for re-election but had decided seven years was long enough as minority leader. Filler-Corn will preside over a diverse group of 49 Democrats, energized and looking to flex some newfound power. Those who were freshmen this year kept their heads down and stuck to the party's main agenda item: passing Medicaid expansion. In the General Assembly session that convenes in January, though, there might not be a single overriding issue to enforce party discipline. "They did a lot of listening and learning. They are ready and chomping at the bit," Filler-Corn said. "One of the common denominators was (that) they felt underutilized, so I'm looking for ways to make sure they have even more of a voice." Republicans still control the chamber with a 51-to-49 advantage, but next fall's elections and a possible court-ordered redistricting have Democrats hoping they can take back the majority for the first time in a generation. That could leave Filler-Corn in good position to make a run at being Virginia's first woman to serve as speaker. It also could make it much harder to preserve fragile party unity. "When you're in the minority, it gives you a great opportunity to stick together," said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. "The real challenge for the Democrats will come when there are 51 or more of them." Even picking Filler-Corn as leader revealed some divisions. Although the vote was private, there were at least five candidates, including a strong bid from Del. Sam Rasoul of Roanoke, according to several Democrats. Rasoul represents a more populist approach to politics - he has refused all corporate donations, for instance, and regularly challenges the party's orthodoxy. Filler-Corn, by contrast, works for an Arlington lobbying firm and has close ties to Toscano and the existing power structure. The Clean Virginia progressive political group has targeted her for removal because she takes donations from Dominion Energy. In the end, she won by unanimous acclamation, with some of the new delegates supporting her because she had stood by them during their long-shot campaigns. "She firmly believed in supporting the women running for office, as well as empowering them," said Del. Hala S. Ayala, D-Prince William, who said Filler-Corn had recruited her to run last year. "She took the time to invest in knowing who we are as individuals." Del. Mark D. Sickles, D-Fairfax, said it's important to have a leader from a suburban district - particularly in Northern Virginia, which has driven so much of the party's recent gains. And Filler-Corn has earned her leadership post, Sickles said. Even after Filler-Corn lost a bid for caucus chair a few years ago, he said, "it did not discourage her. She continued to raise remarkable amounts of money for the effort - which is just work, and she's willing to put in the time." Filler-Corn, 54, married and the mother of two grown children, was first elected to represent western Fairfax County's 41st District in 2010. She had run for the seat in 1999 and lost, then spent many of the intervening years working for two Democratic governors. Born in New York City, Filler-Corn got her law degree from the Washington School of Law at American University. She worked for Gov. Mark Warner, D, from 2002 to 2006 as deputy director of the Virginia Liaison Office, managing the state's relationship with outside groups such as the National Governors Association and federal agencies. She played a similar role for the first year of the administration of Gov. Tim Kaine, D. In 2007, Filler-Corn joined Albers & Company as director of government relations. Albers is a lobbying and consulting firm that works with state and local governments. Filler-Corn helps governments manage their relationships with associations, much as she did for Warner and Kaine, although she said she does no work with the state of Virginia. Albers has donated nearly $49,000 to various candidates in Virginia over the years, nearly twice as much to Democrats as Republicans, according to the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project. Filler-Corn won her first election - a special election to replace former Del. David W. Marsden, D, who had jumped to the state Senate - by a mere 37 votes. In her two most recent elections, she was unopposed. She has emphasized transportation, education and health care. Filler-Corn was instrumental in Virginia passing legislation in 2015 that enables families with disabled children to set up tax-free savings accounts, similar to 529 accounts for college savings. And she worked on bipartisan legislation allowing women to purchase a year's supply of birth control pills. Filler-Corn is a talker - she buttonholes colleagues, speaks out in news conferences and texts or telephones fellow delegates habitually. When the new crop of Democrats was running for office last year, Filler-Corn was something of a mentor. Ayala, a single mother, said that the decision to seek office was daunting but that Filler-Corn "was really thoughtful to make sure I was OK. She would call ... (and say) 'I'm here for you if you need to talk.' " After the new delegates got to Richmond, Filler-Corn helped set up an orientation message board - including child-friendly details for delegates' families. In 2015, Toscano made an earlier attempt to step down as leader, and Filler-Corn got in her car and "drove to Charlottesville to convince me to stay on," Toscano said. Since she was chosen to replace him, "we have talked every single day," he said. "She has lots of questions and wants to do a good job." Filler-Corn said she has been calling every delegate in the caucus to get a better sense of what role each would like to play in the coming session. She also has reached out to the Republican leadership, and has talked or texted with House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, and Majority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah. She is already setting some priorities. This year, Filler-Corn and other Democrats formed a "Safe Virginia Initiative" task force, which she co-chairs, to look at preventing gun violence. Although the Republican leadership squelched all efforts to consider gun-control bills in the 2017 session, Filler-Corn said the task force intends to press the issue next year. She said she has kept GOP leadership in the loop and believes there are areas of agreement. "We're going to be reasonable," she said. "We're talking about areas where there is agreement on what we can do because doing nothing is not an option." Gender equality is another priority, she said, with Democrats and some Republicans pushing for Virginia to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. And with Virginia looking at a possible windfall of tax revenue because of changes to the federal tax code, Filler-Corn said she will insist on using some of the money to invest in education, which is also a priority of Gov. Ralph Northam, D. Rasoul said he believes the caucus will unite behind her, noting that she has promised to give a voice to the full spectrum of delegates. "It only goes sideways when you force everyone to be monolithic, and that's clearly not in the best interest of public policy," he said. "I know Eileen and the rest of leadership is laser-focused on how we can reach the majority, so that way we can positively impact Virginians with good public policy." In the meantime, Filler-Corn is in a whirlwind of moving her office to the fancy new space and making phone call after phone call. She refuses to engage in speculation about possibly running for speaker one day. And although she was a big fan of Toscano's leadership, she said, her own style will inevitably be different. She noted that Virginia elected three women to Congress this year. "People are changing. Times are changing," she said. "All for the better." LEVERING, Mich. - By midafternoon, the snow had picked up - tiny, innocuous flecks becoming heavy, wet drops - but no one at Camp Anishinaabek seemed to notice. There were logs to split and shelters to insulate. A supply tent was still down after collapsing two weeks earlier during a storm. "We've got a long winter ahead of us," a woman said as she spread a sawdust path, "so we're just trying to prepare as best we can." The modest camp in the woods of northern Michigan is the symbolic base for protesters battling an aging oil pipeline that crosses one of the most environmentally critical locations in the country. A short drive up the highway, some 23 million gallons of oil flow daily through the Straits of Mackinac, an iconic waterway that connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and the state's two peninsulas. Line 5, operated by the Canadian multinational company Enbridge, has been enveloped in controversy for months. And even as calls for a shutdown increased, Michigan's outgoing governor pressed for a new agreement to ensure it continues. The "water protectors," as those at the camp call themselves, vow to stay until the pipeline is decommissioned. "I'm doing it for my people," said Patrick Deverney, a 39-year-old member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. "Without that water, we're going to die." Enbridge's Straits of Mackinac operation represents only a tiny fraction of an extensive system that originates at the tar sands of northern Alberta. The network, built in 1953, starts in Superior, Wisconsin, and transports a daily average of 540,000 barrels of light crude and natural gas liquids east and south across Michigan before arriving at a distribution center in the border city of Sarnia, Ontario. The company provided 102 jobs in Michigan last year, according to Enbridge data, and nearly $62 million in property and other taxes. Line 5's twin metal pipes also deliver much of the state's propane, heating thousands of homes in the Upper Peninsula. But the route primarily serves as a shortcut across the Great Lakes to help meet Canadian demand. "The value of this pipeline almost exclusively goes to Enbridge Energy," said Mike Shriberg, who heads the National Wildlife Federation's regional center for the Great Lakes and sits on the Michigan Pipeline Safety Advisory Board. "Yet it's risking arguably our most valuable asset." The stakes could hardly be higher. The larger Great Lakes system supplies drinking water for some 40 million people, sustains thousands of plant and animal species and supports vital industries such as fishing, logging and tourism. (The Straits of Mackinac, where an expanse of dazzling blue freshwater ripples below one of the world's great suspension bridges, offers one of Michigan's most famous images.) And while most state residents feel a special attachment to the Great Lakes, the connection runs particularly deep for Native Americans. Several islands near the Straits are home to ancestral burial grounds, and under the 1836 treaty that led to Michigan's statehood, the Anishinaabek people ceded some 14 million acres to the U.S. government but retained hunting and fishing rights. The pipeline, indigenous groups argue, threatens not just the environment but a culture. "What they're doing is taking away our connection with Mother Earth," said Cody Bigjohn, an Odawa Indian who wears camouflage hunting pants and seems to exude the outdoors. "We use all the things we gather. . . . So if that gets all poisoned, then we got to go back to the government and ask them, 'Can we have some food?' " A spill at the Straits, perhaps the only place in the world where an oil pipeline travels through several miles of freshwater, could be unprecedented. Computer models predict a major rupture would release tens of thousands of barrels of oil, potentially contaminating more than 1,000 square miles of water and hundreds of miles of shoreline. The area has strong and frequently shifting currents. In winter, the lakes often freeze, which would dramatically complicate any cleanup effort. "Every spill is devastating," said Guy Meadows, director of the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Technological University, who led a state-commissioned risk analysis released in September. "There is no single worst-case scenario." Michigan remains scarred from one Enbridge disaster. In 2010, a different pipeline burst in the southern part of the state, ultimately releasing more than 1 million gallons of tar-like diluted bitumen into the Kalamazoo River watershed - one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history. More than two dozen spills have also occurred since Line 5 opened. More recent revelations about its condition through the Straits, from the disintegration of protective coating to insufficient anchor supports, have inflamed the years-long debate. In April, a tugboat's anchor collided with the pipe, denting it in three places. State officials have repeatedly faulted Enbridge for failing to communicate about problems. "I am no longer satisfied with the operational activities and public information tactics that have become status quo for Enbridge," Gov. Rick Snyder (R) said in a November 2017 statement after the company, which months earlier had denied a report that cited coating gaps, disclosed the discovery of dozens more. Enbridge maintains that the latest structural issues have been remedied and that tests have proven the pipeline safe. According to spokesman Ryan Duffy, the company is committed to working with the state and allaying public concern. "We know the line is in very good condition," he said. Despite his previous concerns, Snyder in October approved a project to replace the current submerged pipes with a new single pipe that will run through a tunnel 100 feet below the lake bed. Construction is officially estimated to take up to 10 years and cost Enbridge up to $500 million. Though supporters say the tunnel will eliminate any threat of a water spill, opponents argue the plan still leaves the Great Lakes vulnerable for a decade or more and amounts to a sweetheart deal for a bad corporate partner. "This is just the wrong place," Shriberg said of the project. "And it's the wrong company based on their track record." Enbridge notes that the tunnel has been extensively studied for environmental safety. "It's building for the future; that's how we see it," Duffy said. Camp Anishinaabek took shape this past summer. The idea was born two years earlier at the Standing Rock protests in North Dakota - over the Dakota Access pipeline project - when a group from Michigan began discussing the threat from Line 5. "We all envisioned this together," said Bigjohn, who runs a small graphic-design business and usually resides in the nearby village of Alanson. The small camp, set up on a 10-acre property adjacent to a horse farm, is easy to miss. A few colorful flags mark its entrance off an unplowed dirt road. Yet its clout has grown as the water protectors have built a support network and drawn protesters from across the country. "What's the point of living if these lakes are gone?" said Sarah Shomin, 22. She grew up on a reservation and most recently worked at a small hotel. "I've known 'em my whole life." Since the weather turned, the camp's numbers have hovered around a half dozen - men and women in their 20s to 60s who have no plumbing but manage to post updates regularly on social media. They're kept company by a pit-bull puppy, Karma, brought in to help fend off coyotes, raccoons and other wild animals. A large Army tent serves as a communal space. A separate tent for the kitchen has a small gas cooker and dishwashing tub. Water comes from a well down the road or from melting snow. Supporters often help with food donations, including an entire deer and 200 pounds of potatoes. Grimy metal stoves provide heat. The water protectors are prepared to stay for a while. In the recent lame-duck session, Snyder successfully pushed legislation intended to fast-track the tunnel project, though analysts say Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Attorney General-elect Dana Nessel (D) will have leeway to stall it or move to shut down Line 5. Both have promised to do the latter. Such an effort could drag on for years. Oil networks are complicated, and Enbridge has powerful connections. "They have all the money," Shomin said. "If I can't stop it, I'm going to go down fighting." For Nancy Gallardo, a tireless 62-year-old who grew up swimming in Lake Michigan, the camp is about fulfilling a promise. At Standing Rock, she felt she had failed to help safeguard the Missouri River. She joined the Line 5 campaign last year and is set on a different outcome. Gallardo recalled a flotilla protest at the Straits by pipeline opponents. She arrived the night before, walking in the glow of the Mackinac Bridge to kneel and cup the water in her hands. "Letting the water know that I'm here," she explained, "and I will do everything I can to protect it." The Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is excited to collaborate with accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen LLP and the Greater East St. Louis Business Development Association (GEBDA) to bring a specialized Making Sense of the New Tax Law Workshop to Belleville on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. This session brings together local CPA, Justin Price, and other business resources to support small business owners. Workshop topics will include: On Jan. 9, 1943, as World War II raged, President Franklin Roosevelt left Washington on a train heading north. It was a misdirection meant to trick journalists into thinking Roosevelt was headed to his estate in upstate New York, Paul M. Sparrow, director of the FDR Presidential Library recounts. It worked. In Baltimore, Roosevelt covertly switched to a train bound for Miami. From there, he boarded a plane headed south, becoming the first president to fly in an airplane while in office. What followed was an itinerary that would intimidate even a modern, young jetsetter: a 10-hour flight to Trinidad and Tobago; a nine-hour flight to Para River, Brazil; a 19-hour flight over the Atlantic to Gambia, and an 11-hour flight to Casablanca in what is now Morocco. Roosevelt arrived at his final destination on the evening of Jan. 14 - five days after he left the White House. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump made his first visit to troops in a conflict zone, flying to Al Asad Air Base near Baghdad after months of public pressure. In doing so, Trump was following in the footsteps of other commanders in chief, from James Madison and Abraham Lincoln to FDR. Admittedly, visiting U.S. troops fighting in North Africa was not the main purpose of Roosevelt's trip overseas. He went to Casablanca to strategize in secret with British prime minister Winston Churchill, French commander Charles de Gaulle, and their military leaders. But at the close of the meetings, and against Secret Service recommendations, Roosevelt decided to meet with some of the men he commanded. A few journalists were brought in to cover the occasion (though they weren't allowed to report it until days later when Roosevelt was well into the long trip home). At the first stop, United Press correspondent Walter Logan said, soldiers stood at attention for a "review," expecting only high-ranking officers to inspect them. As a jeep carrying the president slowly passed by, the surprise of his presence left "their faces wreathed in smiles." They stopped at a field kitchen for lunch, where Roosevelt dined on the same rations as everyone else: ham, green beans and sweet potatoes. There, "he was introduced to fifty representative men and officers who were decorated with Silver Stars and Purple Hearts," Logan said. Roosevelt and his convoy drove to visit several more companies throughout the afternoon, before ending the day at a fresh military cemetery near the town of Mehdia. "Roosevelt was deeply moved by the experience and when he returned home he wrote dozens of personal letters to the families of servicemen he met and to the families of the soldiers buried at Mehdia," Sparrow says. Riding alongside Roosevelt for much of the tour was Dwight Eisenhower, who was then the Allied commander in the North African theater. Years later, when Eisenhower was running for president, he promised to continue the precedent by visiting U.S. troops fighting in Korea. He did so months later as president-elect. During the Vietnam War, both Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon visited the troops fighting there. And in more recent history, former presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all visited troops in combat zones. Now Trump has added to that history and tradition. Paul Elizondo, a mainstay on the Bexar County Commissioners Court since 1983 and roundly acknowledged as one of San Antonios major power brokers over the decades, died unexpectedly at home early Thursday. He was 83. He was my closest friend, period, said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who served with Elizondo on the court for more than 17 years. We had a number of significant accomplishments, and he played a major role in every one of them. Im going to miss him terribly. Elizondo recently survived the closest challenge of his 32 years as a county commissioner earlier this year, beating Democratic primary opponent Queta Rodriguez in a runoff by 372 votes. When he won Novembers general election, it was his 10th term, which he had said would be his last. His death sparked an outpouring of memories and condolences across the city. For over a generation, Paul Elizondo was an icon of the West Side and a force in Bexar County government and politics, said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. His influence will be felt for decades to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. A statement issued by Elizondos family said the commissioner had just celebrated Christmas with his family and his passing was unexpected. As for the now-open commissioners seat, Wolff, as county judge, will appoint a replacement who will serve until the general election in November 2020. Elizondo is survived by his wife, Irene, three adult sons and three granddaughters. Services are pending. Find more remembrances, tributes and photos at our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. 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 An investigation of the house fire in Alamo Heights that killed Joanne Cyr, 67, and her 5-year-old grandson, Luke, left the official cause undetermined but found cigarette butts and an empty pack of cigarettes on or near her bed. Joanne Cyr was known by neighbors to smoke inside her home. Virtually all other obvious possible causes for the Nov. 18 blaze - wiring, gas supply or heater problems, arson or a lightning strike - were eliminated to the satisfaction of local and state investigators. Both victims died of smoke inhalation and the house contained no smoke detectors, according to a report by Alamo Heights Fire Marshal Allen Ottmers. RELATED: SAPD responding to Xmas Eve assault find woman dead We believe one hundred percent that the fire started on the bed, said Alamo Heights Fire Chief Buddy Kuhn on Wednesday. And you can theorize all you want, but to say unequivocally it was started by a cigarette paints you into a corner on forensics. But what I will say again, said Kuhn, repeating his statements from just hours after the fire, is that what should have been just a house fire was turned into a terrible tragedy because they didnt have a ten dollar smoke detector in the house. The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association reports that about 5 million homes in the United States do not have smoke detectors and that residents are roughly twice as likely to die in a house fire if they arent present. Kuhn said the Cyrs deaths have caused more Alamo Heights residents to call his department seeking help with installing smoke detectors in the past month than it has received in several years. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox Yet, one week ago, cautioned Kuhn, we went to an older educated mans house where there were no smoke detectors and he refused to have them installed. He said, I dont need em. Ill wake up. That attitude still exists. The Cyrs small 1950s-era Craftsman-style home, at 202 Inslee, was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived shortly after 10 p.m. Nov. 18. Earlier that Sunday, at Christ Episcopal Church, where the two attended, Luke Cyr had celebrated his upcoming sixth birthday. The deaths stunned their congregation and others who knew them. Next-door neighbor Aimee Escamilla remembered Luke Cyr as the kid who played in his front lawn with a glow-in-the-dark saber, and Joanne Cyr, who had lived there more than 20 years, as a diligent grandmother pressed into service as Lukes guardian due to his parents divorce. The report states that Luke Cyr was found in his bedroom, about 10 to 12 feet from its exterior door. Joanne Cyr was found on the floor in the bathroom off her bedroom with both faucets running in the sink. The door was closed. Both were transported to and later died at Brooke Army Medical Center. We think she was retreating from the smoke, Kuhn said. There was zero visibility in the house. Floor to ceiling smoke, and we never heard any cries for help, no pounding on the doors. Kuhn said the home had all the typical stain-resistant, chemically-treated items like couches, curtains and rugs, and that no single item was suspected of making the fire quicker or more intense than normal. But it was a very hot fire, very hot, he said. To give some idea of how quickly a fire could start and become so intense that an able-bodied adult would be unable to reach an exit or grab a child, Kuhn said some tests his department conducted in the past showed that a basic wastepaper basket fire fully consumed a 10-by-10-foot furnished room in less than two minutes. 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 Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is ending the year in Japan. While the governor is mostly on a family trip, he has held official meetings with top leaders of the Toyota Motor Corp. and the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, according to his communications team. On Wednesday, Abbott met with Toyota president and CEO Akio Toyoda. In 2017, Toyota moved its North American headquarters from California to Texas. On Thursday Abbott held meetings with William F. Hagerty, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan. According to Abbotts office, Japan has become one of Texass biggest trading partners. In 2017 Texas exported nearly $9 billion worth of goods to Japan and over 50,000 jobs have been created in Texas through Japanese investment. Since Saturday, Abbott has been using his Twitter account to post messages and updates about his family's travels in Japan. In his first post on Saturday, Abbott specifically stressed that taxpayers are not funding his trip. Never fear Texans. This is coming out of my pocket not yours, he wrote. jeremy.wallace@chron.com WLS-TV(CHICAGO) -- Police are searching for an 18-year-old University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) student who vanished two weeks ago. Shalyha Ahmad's family said they dropped her off at a Chicago train station on Dec. 14, but they haven't heard from her since. The family said they arrived to pick her up from UIC, where she studies liberal arts, later that evening, but she never showed up. "She didn't arrive at our meeting place, and that's when we really got worried," her mother, Shetti Ahmad, said at a press conference Wednesday. "We waited around, but she never arrived. And that's when we called the police." Shetti Ahmad said her daughter's phone isn't working and she isn't responding to messages on social media. Now, she's begging for the public's help. "I'm just trying to appeal to all the people to help us finding our daughter," Shetti Ahmad said. "Any information would really help us. We are really worried about her at this point. Call us or call 911 or call the TV stations, if you have any information." Her mother said a classmate reported seeing her at school on Dec. 14 at around 11 a.m., hours after the family dropped her off at the train station. "We found out that she was able to get to school and that she didn't disappear at the station," the mother said. "We are trying to reach some of her friends, but we haven't heard anything from them." The family said it has no idea where the young woman might be and the police have not provided any updates about the investigation. At the end of the conference, Shetti Ahmad made an emotional plea to her daughter in Tausug, a language spoken in the Filipino village where the family is from. "You can come home when you're ready. Just try to call us," she said. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. (CHICAGO) -- Police are searching for an 18-year-old University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) student who vanished two weeks ago. Shalyha Ahmad's family said they dropped her off at a Chicago train station on Dec. 14, but they haven't heard from her since. The family said they arrived to pick her up from UIC, where she studies liberal arts, later that evening, but she never showed up. "She didn't arrive at our meeting place, and that's when we really got worried," her mother, Shetti Ahmad, said at a press conference Wednesday. "We waited around, but she never arrived. And that's when we called the police." Shetti Ahmad said her daughter's phone isn't working and she isn't responding to messages on social media. Now, she's begging for the public's help. "I'm just trying to appeal to all the people to help us finding our daughter," Shetti Ahmad said. "Any information would really help us. We are really worried about her at this point. Call us or call 911 or call the TV stations, if you have any information." Her mother said a classmate reported seeing her at school on Dec. 14 at around 11 a.m., hours after the family dropped her off at the train station. "We found out that she was able to get to school and that she didn't disappear at the station," the mother said. "We are trying to reach some of her friends, but we haven't heard anything from them." The family said it has no idea where the young woman might be and the police have not provided any updates about the investigation. At the end of the conference, Shetti Ahmad made an emotional plea to her daughter in Tausug, a language spoken in the Filipino village where the family is from. "You can come home when you're ready. Just try to call us," she said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) The Philippine National Police (PNP) has cancelled all permits of a lawmaker and a local official to own and carry firearms outside their residence after they assaulted a police officer. According to a statement from Director General Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief, Thursday stated that all Permits to Carry Firearms outside of Residence and License to Own and Possess Firearms issued to Iloilo 1st District Rep. Richard Garin and Mayor Oscar Garin of Guimbal, Iloilo have been cancelled over "an administrative action to their involvement in a criminal case involving the use of firearms." Section 39 of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Amunition Regulation Act, states the PNP chief or his/her authorized representative may revoke, cancel or suspend a license or permit on the grounds of commission of a crime or offense involving firearms. PNP chief Oscar Albayalde cancels Permits to Carry Firearms outside of Residence and License to Own and Possess Firearms of Iloilo 1st District Rep. Richard Garin and Guimbal, Iloilo Oscar Garin https://t.co/cPwDAf5sf0 pic.twitter.com/fZT7L0YZyM CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) December 27, 2018 Albayalde said Rep. Oscar "Richard" Garin is the registered owner of 11 firearms, of which three have expired licenses. His father, Mayor Oscar Garin, is the registered owner of eight firearms, but five have expired licenses. "All these firearms are now subject to confiscation upon revocation of their License to Own and Possess Firearms, effectively making them ineligible to own and possess guns," Albayalde said. Both Garins will be duly notified of the sanction and will be commanded to immediately turn in all their registered firearms to the PNP, according to the statement. Apart from this latest sanction from the PNP, President Rodrigo Duterte has also ordered he filing of charges against the two. In a media interview Wednesday evening, the President said he would tell Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano to file direct assault charges against the father-son duo for beating up and spitting on Police Officer 3 Federico Macaya at the Guimbal town plaza. "I will ask General Ano to take a look bakit nagkaganun [why did it happen], investigate. I'm not urging him. I'm ordering him to file a case against the two. Iyong mag-ama na 'yun [The father and son]," he said. CSupt. John Bulalacao, Western Visayas police director, earlier said they were also considering the filing charges of physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault against an agent or person of authority and grave coercion against the younger Garin. They also want to sue the mayor for grave threats. Bulalacan had ordered the recall of security escorts of the two officials and asked that the older Garin be stripped of his power over the local police. According to the police report, the two Garins disarmed, body searched, handcuffed and confiscated the policeman's belongings at gunpoint. They kicked and slapped different parts of his body for unknown reasons. Rep. Garin spit on Macaya's face twice and fired his gun while the mayor father pointed another gun at him, the report added. In an interview with CNN Philippines, Bulalacao said Rep. Garin was angry at Macaya for failing to file physical injury charges against a man who hit another person with a beer bottle. But the regional police chief said the victim did not want to press charges. In a statement, the lawmaker apologized for the incident, saying he respected the PNP as an institution. The lawmaker's wife, former Health Secretary Janette Garin, is running for her representative in the May 2019 elections. Seidel said Snarfs has been losing money in Chicago for some time and the company had been trying to leave the city, but he said he just found out two weeks ago that a deal had been reached and the companys leases would be up at the end of the year. The family of Grzegorz 'Greg' Dolgoszyja, who passed away suddenly just before Christmas, have express their thanks to the people of Longford for the touching tributes that were paid to their beloved Greg. The 34-year-old had been working in Kelleher's Spar on Longford Main Street for a number of years and was well-loved by many in the town. His passing prompted Jim Kelleher to open a book of condolences in the shop for two days in Greg's honour - a book that was then sent to Greg's family in Poland to offer some form of comfort to them while they grieved. After Greg's funeral on December 22, his sister, Agnieszka Dercz read the book of condolences and said "what I found there is very important to me and my family". In a statement to the Longford Leader on behalf of her family, Agnieszka expressed her gratitude to "all those fantastic people who helped us to survive this difficult time". "Grzegorz 'Greg' Dolgoszyja's family want to thank (the people of Longford) for the expressions of sympathy, support and all the condolences," read the statement from the family. "We are truly grateful for your friendships and support. We also want to thank all Greg's Irish and Polish friends who took the trouble and came to Poland for the funeral. We were so glad to have you there with us." Local News, Crime, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: December 27 2018 John F. Iacono and Shpresa Gjekovic Allegedly Stole Over $460,000 and Attempted to Steal Over $860,000 More from Financial Institutions Throughout New York. New York, NY - December 27, 2018 - Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood and State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II announced today the unsealing of a 19-count indictment charging John F. Iacono, 46, a/k/a Vito Yodice and Shpresa Gjekovic, 32, a/k/a Hope Gjekovic a/k/a Hope Iacono a/k/a Hope Yodice a/k/a Shpresa Hadzovic, with defrauding banks throughout New York State and laundering those criminal proceeds to further their scheme. A joint investigation by the Attorney Generals Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau and the New York State Police revealed that Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly utilized shell companies, provided fake bank statements, W2s, paystubs, and tax returns, and forged cashier checks in order to solicit over $1.3 million in loans from multiple banks across the upstate region. Both defendants were arrested on a 19-count indictment, including charges of Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Second and Third Degrees, and Money Laundering in the Third Degree. As we allege, these defendants grossly inflated their assets and forged a number of documents in order to defraud multiple New York banks and attempt to steal over a million dollars, said Attorney General Underwood. We have no tolerance for those who try to defraud New Yorkers in order to line their own pockets. Superintendent George P. Beach II said, This couple concocted a series of devious schemes to knowingly defraud financial institutions out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. I commend the Attorney Generals Office, our State Police Financial Crimes Unit and other law enforcement partners for their hard work in exposing this fraud. This indictment should serve as a reminder that those who seek to carry out such deliberate scams will be held accountable for their crimes and brought to justice. According to the indictment and statements made by the prosecutor at arraignment, between April 2016 and March 2017, Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly applied for mortgages, a construction loan, personal lines of credit, personal loans, a commercial loan, a debt consolidation loan, and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) by grossly overstating their income, assets, and source of funds all supported by fraudulent documentation. The couple also allegedly created entities, including but not limited to JF Iacono, LLC and Iacono, LLC, and purported to have worked for them for years. In reality, these companies were created just days prior to their submission of applications for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bank funds. In total, the couple stole over $460,000 from three financial institutions, and attempted to steal over $860,000 in additional proceeds from five financial institutions. The investigation further revealed that Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly supplied over $125,000 in counterfeit cashiers checks to financial institutions, law firms, title companies, and the sellers of a Schoharie County property in order to secure financing and establish residence in the area. Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly intended to turn the Schoharie County property into a swingers club, but after obtaining the property, instead rented it out as a hunting cabin and purported to raise money for children in need. The couple allegedly utilized online postings, including on Facebook and Airbnb, to advertise the rental property. In addition, Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly concealed from financial institutions outstanding judgments against them totaling in excess of $1.4 million. Moreover, the couple allegedly laundered fraudulently obtained loan proceeds to fund deposits and cash to close on the real estate transactions, utilizing at least five financial institutions during the course of the year-long scheme. The defendants also allegedly created a personal financial statement showing net worth in excess of $1.1 million, with cash on hand of $400,000, while in reality their account balances were in the negative. The defendants allegedly supplied false bank statements showing the purported assets to support this claim. The balances on these statements were allegedly grossly inflated, as the couple never had more than a few thousand dollars in the accounts the vast majority of which was from other loans. Iacono and Gjekovic are each charged in the Attorney Generals indictment with the following 19 felonies: Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree, a class C felony (one count); Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony (two counts); Money Laundering in the Third Degree, a class D felony (two counts); Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony (one count); Attempted Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree, a class D felony (one count); Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class D felony (three counts); Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, a class D felony (four counts); Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, a class E felony (four counts); and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a class E felony (one count). Iacono was arraigned on December 20, 2018 before Schoharie County Court Judge George R. Bartlett, III. Bail was set in the amount of $175,000 cash or $350,000 bond. Gjekovic was arraigned on December 24, 2018 before Hon. Bartlett and bail was set in the amount of $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond. The defendants are scheduled to appear back in court January 16, 2019. If convicted of all counts, Iacono and Gjekovic could each face up to 10 to 20 years in state prison. The charges are merely allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Attorney General Underwood thanks the New York State Police Financial Crimes Unit, as well as Schoharie County District Attorney Susan J. Mallery, for their valuable assistance on this investigation. Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: December 27 2018 Duane Costa, 37, has been charged with multiple counts of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, firearms violations, and more, DA Singas says. Nassau DA Singas reports the indictment of Duane Costa of Uniondale, 37, for Attempted Murder of police officers. Duane Costa, 37, of Uniondale was arraigned before Judge William OBrien and charged with: Four counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (an A-I felony) Four counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (a B violent felony) Two counts of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree (a B violent felony) Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C felony) The defendant was remanded and is due back in court January 24. If convicted of the top count he faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison. According to the indictment, the defendant was armed with two handguns and fired multiple rounds at four police officers after a traffic stop, DA Singas said. It is truly a miracle that no police officers were injured in this shooting. There are serious consequences for the attempted murder of a police officer and these charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. DA Singas said on October 28, at approximately 1:00 am, the car in which the defendant was allegedly a passenger, was stopped by two members of the Nassau County Police Department at Midwood Street and Lafayette Avenue in Hempstead for failing to signal a left turn. After allegedly smelling alcohol, observing the defendant not wearing a seatbelt and adjusting an object in his waistband, officers ordered the driver and defendant out of the car. The defendant then allegedly pushed past the officers and ran. As the defendant reached toward his waist, a .40 pistol allegedly fell to the ground. The defendant then allegedly pulled out another gun, a CZ 52 Pistol, and fired multiple rounds at the officers as he ran around a corner where he encountered two different officers who were nearby on a separate matter. Following that encounter, Costa allegedly fired more rounds at those officers and ran around another corner. Members of the NCPD and Hempstead Village Police Departments then set up a perimeter, and the defendant was found a short time later in a yard at 6 Meriam Street and arrested. Both handguns were recovered, and none of the officers fired their weapons or were injured. Deputy Bureau Chief Jared Rosenblatt of DA Singas Major Offense Bureau, Senior District Attorney Tova Simpson of DA Singas Special Operations Narcotics and Gang Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Perry of DA Singas County Court Trial Bureau are prosecuting this case. Lori Golombek, Esq. represents the defendant. Im not ungrateful, he begins. It could easily be interpreted as ungrateful. But its more like ... an unworthy feeling I have. I made a book and everyone I know makes books all my cartoonist friends have but why this one was distinguished? It doesnt make sense to me. Maybe because I was mired in it. I dont have perspective. I felt really bad about the book when I finished it and had a lot of reservations about publishing it because of the subject mater. The optics of it alone its about a woman being abducted and murdered and its a story of the most grim things that society has to offer. And when I finished in early 2017, we were into the Trump presidency and the #MeToo Movement, and I felt I was contributing to the cesspool of negativity just releasing it. One person is dead and two are injured following a shooting in Dorchester early Thursday morning, Boston police said. Police received a call about shots fired on Dyer Street in Dorchester at 12:32 a.m., police said. When officers arrived at the scene, they found two people in a car with gunshot wounds. One person was pronounced dead at the scene and the second person was taken to a local hospital. The second persons injuries were described as non-life threatening, police said. A third person, who had also been shot, arrived at a hospital. Boston police said it is not clear if all three people were shot during by the same person, or during the same event. Police have not identified any of the victims. Officers continue to search for the shooter, or shooters. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Boston police detectives at 617-343-4470. Authorities seized 150 pounds of marijuana from a 75-year-old Ashburnham man during a traffic stop on Wednesday in Canton, officials said. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $500,000, Canton police wrote in a news release. The traffic stop on Route 138 was conducted by the Canton Police Department in conjunction with Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Irvin Ulshen was arrested for trafficking marijuana, police said. Ulshen is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Stoughton District Court. Indeed, family is at the heart of Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), a company which cultivates the best jazz dancers in the city and keeps them; seven of the 10 main company dancers have put in at least five years with the company, and two alums stayed with the organization after retiring from dancing to join the artistic leadership team. Walk into a GDC rehearsal and youre greeted by name with a handshake and a hug the atmosphere in the room is tough, but infectiously positive. Nan loves what she does, and she has a way of making you care about it too. SPRINGFIELD The $103 million renovation of Springfields Union Station, which reopened 18 months ago, might not be as big a deal for the city without the additional CTrail trains that have been coming in. And its for those trains CTRails Hartford Line Service between Springfield, Hartford and New Haven with connections to New York City via Metro-North that the city thanked outgoing Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy on Thursday. It was his courage, said U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, who rode the Hartford Line north Thursday with Malloy, a Democrat who leaves office next week after eight years as governor, and U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-Hartford. They were met by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and his staff. Malloy said it would have been possible to expand passenger rail to Hartford without extending it to Springfield. There were some in my state who advocated for that, he said. But it didnt make very much sense. By extending rail this far, we knew we could make more connections, connections with Boston and Worcester for instance, in the future. There are now 24 daily weekday trips between Hartford and Springfield, including a new one added in November. Weekend service also was enhanced. The Connecticut Department of Transportation launched CTrail Hartford Line service in June, the first new train service in the Nutmeg State in more than 20 years. It came 14 years after the first feasibility study and after three years of construction, which cost more than $760 million. Of that, the state of Connecticut is spending $564.3 million, and $204.8 million came from the federal government. Neal and Malloy said CTRail Hartford Line and its Amtrak partner trains bring 2,000 people a day to Springfield. But there are problems with the service, problems Malloy said are up to Amtrak to fix. Amtrak shuttle trains from New Haven to Springfield are supposed to honor tickets sold by CTrail supposed to. But too often, Amtrak turns riders away saying its trains typically with two cars instead of the three- or four-car CTrail trains like the one Malloy, Larson and Neal took Thursday are at capacity. Amtrak Train #473 scheduled to arrive in New Haven at 1:28 pm is at capacity. Passengers not holding an Amtrak ticket may not be allowed to board. Affected customers are advised to take CTrail train # 4407 scheduled to arrive in New Haven at 3:12 pm Hartford Line Alerts (@HLalerts) December 27, 2018 We need Amtrak to start running more trains or longer trains, Malloy said. For this system to work, we cant have people left at the station because the trains are full. Neal and Larson both said theyll work to have Amtrak add capacity. Malloy said Connecticut will probably look to add more trains and more cars to existing CTrail trains in the future as well. He counts CTrail and the CT Fastrack busway from Newington to Hartford as major accomplishments, saying the United States turned away from public transportation to an over-reliance on the automobile. Also, planned for June completion is an $8.2 million state construction project to repair a long disused part of Union Station that will allow for better handicapped access to trains. Also in June, Massachusetts will start offering more rail service from Springfield to Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield one round trip in the morning and one in the evening . The north-south trains will be CTrail trains operating under a contract between the two states. I hasten to add that its an experiment for the first two years," Neal said, meaning that if the service doesnt get enough passengers, it will not continue. Massachusetts is also studying the possibility of increased east-west train service from Boston through Worcester to Springfield and possibly on to Pittsfield. SPRINGFIELD Two area congressmen said Thursday it will be up to the new Congress to end the stalemate over funding for President Donald Trumps proposed border wall and reopen the government. Well fix it, said U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-Hartford. Whether we get called back in the next few days or when we go back a week from now on Thursday to begin the new term. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, said the border security issue should have been negotiated before the budget expired and more than 800,000 government workers were impacted. Neal will be chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in the new Congress. Its a post where he hopes to work with the Trump administration on funding infrastructure improvements, ensuring insurance access for those with pre-existing medical conditions and protecting workers' ability to invest for retirement. Neal and Larson spoke Thursday at a news conference at Springfield Union Station. They had just taken CTrail north from Hartford with outgoing Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy to celebrate six months of the commuter train service and to thank Malloy and Larson for extending the service north to Springfield. This is unnecessary, Neal said of the government shutdown. Work out a deal, he said, Not a threatened shutdown if one person didnt get his way." Neal said Democrats didnt just reject the $5 billion wall project, they offered $1.6 billion in border security funding. Neal was asked if that offer was good enough." He answered: Well, actually it was good enough until some of the more conservative elements in America took over the discussion. Neal called the wall a metaphor for a hard-line border stance, not a real solution. He also pointed out that the administration has spent just 6 percent of the money it has already been appropriated for border enforcement. You can do border security short of what the president is asking, Neal said. Larson said the $1.6 billion would cover things Neal and himself say have a more realistic chance of working: security agents, electronic monitoring and the like. U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern echoed Neal and Larsons sentiments in a statement issued Thursday. Federal workers should not be held hostage by the presidents demand for a useless and offensive border wall that he promised Mexico would pay for," McGovern said. "Republicans hold the House, the Senate, and the White House until January 3rd. They closed this government down and they have an obligation to open it back up. If they continue refusing to do so, the Democratic Majority will move to responsibly end the Trump Shutdown on Day One of the new Congress. The Boston Celtics will likely have interest in Anthony Davis if the New Orleans Pelicans star becomes available via trade this summer, and according to ESPNs Zach Lowe, they can be expected to pursue him aggressively even if he wont commit to Boston long-term. The Celtics want their chance, and if they get it, expect them to be ultra-aggressive even without any assurances from Davis that he will re-sign, Lowe wrote in a lengthy piece on Thursday. The Celtics are confident in the team and culture they have built under Brad Stevens. Davis has reportedly been the long-term plan for Boston ever since Danny Ainge couldnt quite convince Kevin Durant to join the team in the summer of 2016. Thanks to a couple of smart draft picks -- Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum -- the Celtics have a combination of young talent and future picks that can likely beat any other offer, including anything the Los Angeles Lakers are able to put on the table. The only question will be whether the Celtics are willing to pay a ransom for Davis without assurances he will re-sign as a free agent. If he leaves, the Celtics could find themselves in a nightmarish position -- their future picks raided, and their young stars putting up big numbers elsewhere. Without assurances from Davis, its worth asking whether Boston would pony up with its best assets. After all, they reportedly never offered Brown for Kawhi Leonard when the Spurs were looking at deals for their disgruntled star, opting to hang on to what they had while building for the future. But Leonards situation was a little different. First, Leonard is a fraction of a tier below Davis as a star. Second, nobody was entirely certain how healthy Leonard actually was (pretty healthy was the answer, as it turns out). Davis is different. Hes the player a team builds an entire four-year plan around, and putting him in Boston next to Kyrie Irving would turn the Celtics into one of the most entertaining, talented teams in the league -- a reasonable gamble to make, even given the high stakes. There's certainly no shortage of Italian restaurants here in Western Massachusetts; only Chinese eateries are seemingly more numerous. Noteworthy Italian dining experiences, however, are less common, a probable explanation for why Casa di Lisa in the Feeding Hills section of Agawam is such a popular destination. The restaurant's interior is a study in understatement, with a large fireplace serving as the dining area's focal point. Tables and chairs dominate the seating arrangements Though definitely Italian-American, the repertoire at Casa di Lisa also borrows from other culinary styles. Appetizer selections, for instance, include Casa Coco Shrimp ($10) that come with a Thai sweet chili dipping sauce, and Seared Tuna Sashimi ($14) that gets a flavor jolt from a spicy Szechuan sauce. More conventional starters range from Garlic Bread ($5) and Fried Mozzarella ($8) to Bacon Wrapped Scallops ($10) Pasta choices are fairly predictable - Tortellini Alfredo ($15) and Pasta Puttanesca ($16) are examples - while the menu department labeled "Italian Specialties" enumerates the likes of Chicken Piccata ($24) and Veal Milanese ($26). Options such as Filet Mignon ($28) and Italian Style Ribeye Steak ($35) reflect the kitchen's steakhouse inclinations, while Cedar Plank Salmon ($25) and Baked Codfish ($20) are two of Casa di Lisa's efforts on behalf of those who favor seafood. We began our dinner by sharing a pair of starter creations. A handsomely presented assortment of fried seafood, the establishment's Fritto Misto ($12.75) included calamari, scallops, and shrimp all delicately enrobed in a thin, tempura-like crust. Two sauces were provided, a garlic aioli and a traditional cocktail sauce. "Simple but satisfying," we agreed. More inventive, a Citrus Steak ($14) starter featured a closely trimmed sirloin strip steak than had been pan-blackened with Cajun seasoning, sliced into bite-sized pieces, and sauced with an orange-Cognac glaze. We were a bit skeptical about citrus flavors being paired with steak, but the combination proved to be harmonious. Veal Saltimbocca ($28) traditionally brings together the caramel-sweet flavor of Marsala, the salty-savory presence of prosciutto, and the herbaceous character of fresh sage. Like many other contemporary operations, however, Casa di Lisa elaborates on this ingredient short list by adding mozzarella, sliced mushrooms, and sauteed spinach. Served in a glossy pan reduction spiked with wine and enriched with butter, the saltimbocca was tasty enough if not scrupulously authentic. Our carefully crafted Chicken Parmigiano ($22) featured an oversized breast filet pan-fried to crispy-crusted perfection and generously finished with marinara and melted mozzarella. Paired with the restaurant's herb-dusted Tuscan potatoes, the chicken was a knife-and-fork experience we found praiseworthy. Casa di Lisa's house marinara, it should be noted, is a fine example of the genre, with its sweet, sunny tomato presence subtly enhanced by garlic and herbs. Our third entree, Crabmeat Stuffed Shrimp ($23), was another example of the familiar made memorable by high-quality ingredients and careful preparation. The shrimp had been baked to the point of tender translucence, while the stuffing upon which they sat had a buttery seafood character. Entrees at Casa di Lisa are served with a simple house salad and a choice of pasta, potato, or vegetable. The restaurant is fully licensed and offers an extensive wine list that's populated by choices from across the wine-producing regions of the world. Bottle prices are clustered around the $40 mark. When it's time for dessert the wait staff at Casa di Lisa tempts patrons with a tray displaying a half-dozen plus choices, most of which, like cheesecake and chocolate lava cake, are familiar friends. A six-layer Carrot Cake ($9.25) and a Limoncello Cake ($6.50), though both likely made elsewhere, represented more-than-adequate dessert experiences, as did a generously filled Cannoli ($3.50). The restaurant's adjacent lounge space was recently refurbished and rebranded. Now operating as The Bistro at Casa di Lisa, this restaurant-within-a-restaurant serves cocktails, wines, craft beers, and a pub-style menu. Specializing in carefully crafted Italian favorites, Casa di Lisa is an establishment that those who are serious about good food ought to resolve to visit in the New Year ahead. Name: Casa di Lisa Address: 801 Springfield Street, Agawam Telephone: (413) 786-1900 Website: casadilisa.com Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 to 8:45 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 to 9:45 p.m., and Sunday 4 to 8:45 p.m. Entree prices: $16 to $40 Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa Handicapped access: Accessible, with restrooms equipped for wheelchairs Reservations: Accepted CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band are slated to headline Gateway City Arts in Holyoke. The band will play as part of the Back Porch Mardi Gras Ball presented by Signature Sounds on March 1 at 8 p.m. The Green Mountain Playboys will open the show. The Back Porch Mardi Gras Ball includes a costume contest, Mardi Gras dance lessons, and a Mardi Gras menu from the Gateway City Bistro. Tickets for the show are available through the venue website at gatewaycityarts.org. Roots music star CJ Chenier is a Grammy nominated artist and son of Clifton Chenier, the acclaimed "King of Zydeco." JoJo Siwa has announced the details of her upcoming tour which includes stops in Connecticut and Boston. The Nickelodeon and viral video star will play the Grand Theater at Foxwoods on July 20 and Boston's Agganis Arena on July 23. Both shows start at 7 p.m. The show is part of the artist's "D.R.E.A.M. Tour." Tickets for the tour go on sale beginning Friday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets and locations including ticketmaster.com and by phone at (800) 745-3000. JoJo Siwa is a 15-year-old entertainer with over 8 million social media subscribers who already has a triple-platinum selling record "Boomerang," to her credit. NORTH ADAMS, MASS. -- Rapper Kanye West was in Berkshire County Thursday to tour the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, MASS MoCA has announced. The museum tweeted a photo showing West with artist James Turrell, whose exhibit Into The Light is currently on display at the North Adams arts hub. You finally got me here, bro, it quoted West as saying to the artist Thursday morning. "You finally got me here, bro." @kanyewest to James Turrell this morning pic.twitter.com/HNlxhFG0GJ MASS MoCA (@MASS_MoCA) December 27, 2018 Jodi Joseph, director of communications for MASS MoCA, told radio station 95.9 that West -- who is a fan of Turrells work -- visited the museum with a group of friends, including rapper Tyler the Creator. Turrell reportedly encouraged West to take a private tour of the MASS MoCA installation before the museum opened to the public, Joseph said. The rapper also toured the rest of the museum before leaving Berkshire County. Into The Light will be on view at least through 2019, according to MASS MoCA. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. BLANDFORD -- A 61-year-old Shrewsbury man was killed when he crashed his car into a tractor trailer truck, whose driver was entering traffic lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike from an emergency vehicle turnaround. Donald Payne was alone in the 2015 Ford Mustang when he crashed into the truck at about 5:20 p.m., Wednesday. He died at the scene of the crash, said James Leydon, spokesman for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni. The tractor-trailer driver, a 46-year-old Pennsylvania man, was not injured in the collision. His name has not been released, Leydon said. The truck driver was heading westbound and took an illegal U-Turn through the emergency turnaround into the eastbound lanes. He is expected to be cited in the crash, police said. The crash occurred at the 28.6-mile marker and caused traffic backups on the eastbound lanes for more than four hours, police said. All lanes were closed on I-90 eastbound for more than two hours and the breakdown lane was open for travel at 7:43 a.m. The right lane opened at 9:38 p.m. and the crash was cleared shortly before 10 p.m., police said. No arrests have been made, Leydon said. The crash is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Crash Accident Reconstruction, Crime Scene Services, and Commercial Vehicle Services sections; the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorneys Office; the Hampden District Attorneys Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit; and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Leydon said. Gulluni offered his sympathy to Paynes family, he said. The minimum wage in Massachusetts will increase to $12 an hour on Jan. 1. Workers will receive less additional pay for working on Sundays. And workers will take home more of their money because of a drop in the state income tax rate. Its huge, said Lew Finfer, a community organizer who helped lead the fight to raise the minimum wage, of the increase. It will help the dignity of low wage workers to earn a better wage. Massachusetts will be tied with California and Washington as the states with the highest minimum wage in the country. (Although it is not a state, Washington, D.C., has a higher starting wage, $13.25 an hour.) Gov. Charlie Baker in June signed the so-called grand bargain, a bill prompted by several proposed ballot questions that will gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, phase out Sunday premium pay, establish a paid family and medical leave program and implement a permanent sales tax holiday one weekend a year. Some of these provisions will begin to go into effect in 2019. On Jan. 1, the minimum wage will increase from $11 to $12 an hour. The required premium pay on Sundays and holidays will drop from one-and-a-half pay to to 1.4 times someones regular wage. Although paid family and medical leave does not begin until 2021, the payroll tax of 0.63 percent that will pay for it, with the cost split between employers and employees, will be collected beginning July 1. There will be a sales tax holiday in August. Separately, the state income tax will drop from 5.1 percent to 5.05 percent in 2019. Voters passed a ballot question in 2000 requiring the income tax rate to drop to 5 percent, but lawmakers conditioned the decrease on the state meeting certain economic triggers, to ensure the state does not lose revenue in a recession. This year, the triggers were met, so the rate will drop. That means around $175 million over the next fiscal year will remain in the pockets of workers. Paris Wilson, a Shake Shack line cook who lives in Chelsea, is among those workers who are happy about the minimum wage increase. Wilson has been involved with Fight for $15, a national effort to institute a $15 minimum wage. He already earns $12.50 an hour, so he will not be affected immediately, but his wages will increase in future years. We all deserve a good living minimum wage, Wilson said. No one deserves to be homeless or living check to check or worried when they have to pay their rent or buy food for their kids. Wilson, 26, said he is just getting by and has to support his two children. Its one big nation. We all deserve to be able to live comfortably. Not just the big man, the little man also, he said. Wilson is not alone. According to the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, a liberal-leaning think tank, 662,000 Massachusetts workers will see their wages increase this year. That includes workers earning less than $12 an hour, but also some additional workers earning higher wages, because if an entry level worker earns $12 an hour, a more senior employee already making $12 would expect to earn more and will likely get a raise. The center estimates that Massachusetts employers will pay out an additional $817.5 million in wages in 2019 because of the higher minimum wage. The industries with the most low-wage workers are food service, retail and health care. Of the workers who can expect a raise, 88 percent are adults over age 20, 58 percent are women, 65 percent are white and 52 percent work full-time, according to the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. It means that people are going to be able to put food on the table more easily, support their families, said Jeremy Thompson, senior policy analyst at the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. He added that it will also help the economy. Low wage workers spend the majority of their earnings, and so theyll spend the majority of their increased earnings on goods and services in their local economies and in Massachusetts, Thompson said. Businesses are mixed in their reaction to the minimum wage increase. Business leaders note that the minimum wage has already increased nearly every year since 2014, when it was $8 an hour. To the degree that it increases your overall labor costs, it is a concern, said Chris Geehern, a spokesman for the business trade group Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Geehern said while businesses have not stopped hiring as the minimum wage increased, he has heard anecdotally that businesses are hiring fewer summer workers or keeping a closer eye on how many employees they have. Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, said the consistent minimum wage hikes are coming at a time when businesses must also pay for high health care premiums and a mandate to offer paid sick leave, which passed on the ballot in 2014. All of these costs, Hurst said, have certainly constrained job growth for small businesses. He said his organization, which represents around 4,000 retailers, has been losing around 300 businesses annually, primarily because businesses are closing. There is little concrete data on exactly how the minimum wage increases have affected the states economy so far. Massachusetts unemployment rate remains low, at 3.4 percent. Since 2014, the percentage of the state population living in poverty has dropped from 11.6 percent to 10.5 percent as wages have risen, according to U.S. Census data. Some business owners say they welcome the change. Dan Rosenberg, the founder of Real Pickles Cooperative in Greenfield, currently pays an entry level salary of $13 an hour, which he hopes to raise to $15 by mid-2020. The organic food manufacturing business buys vegetables from local farms, makes fermented dishes like pickles and sauerkraut, then sells them wholesale. Rosenberg said he believes people should be paid enough to live on, and he is trying to do that as it becomes financially feasible. People need to be paid a living wage and benefits for their work, and I think its important to have the push from government to make it happen because it clearly doesnt always happen on a voluntary basis, Rosenberg said. BOSTON -- The National Preparedness Leadership Institute at Harvard University has named Col. Kerry Gilpin, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, as its leader of the year. Gilpin, of Hampden, was appointed to command the State Police in November 2017 amid a scandal over an arrest report that was altered for a judge's daughter which lead to the resignation of Commander Col. Richard McKeon. Less than four months later, police announced the results of an investigation into an overtime scandal involving as many as 40 troopers and officers who falsified records to get paid for overtime they did not work. So far nine people have been charged and five entered into plea agreements. Colonel Gilpin continues to provide steadfast leadership for the Massachusetts State Police, guiding the agency through its investigations and its operations, said Leonard Marcus, an Institute director. Under Gilpins leadership, the State Police began installing GPS systems in cruisers, a program which is ongoing. In 2019, some troopers will begin wearing body cameras in a pilot program. Both initiatives are to increase officer safety and accountability, said David Procopio, State Police spokesman. Gilpin also increased staffing in the Departments Staff Inspections Section and Internal Affairs Section, instituted quarterly audits of top earners, and is guiding the Department through an outside audit by a private consultancy firm and a staffing study being conducted by the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, he said. The Department also continues to audit discretionary overtime worked by personnel and to refer any discrepancies found to federal and state prosecutors under her oversite, he said. Overseeing investigations in the department is not the only reason Gilpin has been recognized. While at the Institute in 2016-17, Colonel Gilpin was part of a project that devised a blueprint on policies, procedures and funding to equip every first-responder agency in the nation with naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdoes. A program to do so was tested by the Jackson, Mississippi, Police Department, which now has all first responders carry the overdose drug, he said. I am truly humbled by, and grateful for, this distinction, Gilpin said in writing. The Massachusetts State Police have made a great deal of progress toward achieving the vision we set forth a year ago. I look forward to leading the department, with the assistance of my command staff and the support of the many outstanding personnel who truly define the MSP, as we continue to improve our systems and operations and restore the trust of the citizens we serve. Every year the Institute, a joint program of Harvard Universitys T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvards John F. Kennedy School of Governments Center for Public Leadership, honors a program alumnus as its Meta-Leader of the year. Gilpin completed the Institutes Executive Education Program in 2016-2017, while she served as deputy commander of the State Police Division of Standards and Training. Other winners include Jono Anzalone, vice president for international services for the American Red Cross; Alice Hill, special assistant to the president and senior director for resilience policy for the National Security Council during the Obama Administration and Dr. Martin Cetron, M.D., director of the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet happily industrious harmony prevails at the farm-based orphanage, where the kids variously chip in to work the land and tend the livestock. When renowned South African actress and activist Gcina Mhlophe arrives to workshop a story with the children, however, individual tragedies and traumas emerge in her sessions with the five orphans carrying the film. Together they invent a fierce, doughty girl the eponymous Liyana as a kind of proxy protagonist, whose struggles clearly reflect their own. Orphaned herself when her abusive father dies from AIDS, Liyana is left bereft when her younger twin brothers are abducted by traffickers; accompanied by her trusty bull, she sets out to find them. This gritty contemporary setup eventually gives way to a solo rescue narrative, rife with human and animal obstacles, that hinges on more folkloric, sometimes even fairytale-like, conventions. SPRINGFIELD -- Shannay Diaz said she loves being able to be in the halls of Friends of the Homeless and see Christy O'Brien there. Diaz, a guest at the shelter, has been treated by O'Brien for a while at an outpatient site. Now they have an even stronger relationship because O'Brien is program director of Integrated Treatment Services at the Worthington Street shelter. That means she is there full time. The program was created in October with a $2 million yearly grant over five years from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to the Northampton-based Clinical & Support Options. CSO took over operating the shelter about two years ago when it merged with Friends of the Homeless. The new program means that O'Brien and what will soon be four other caseworkers and outreach workers are there 24 hours a day. A psychiatrist is also there one day a week. While CSO provides care at its Maple Street clinic, having services at the shelter means someone in crisis entering the shelter doesn't have to wait. Heather Fox suffers from fibromyalgia, so going out in the cold is painful. Seeing the psychiatrist at the shelter and getting medication for her bipolar disorder there "has been a true godsend." Karin Jeffers, CEO of CSO, said the grant is vital to the organization's mission to help people move from shelter to a home. "We can look at how we're bringing people (into shelter)," she said. "Instead of bringing them into shelter (and giving them a bed) we can immediately offer support and clinical services on site." Jeffers said CSO staff can also prescribe Suboxone, a drug that treats adults addicted to opioids. People seeking shelter have often suffered some kind of trauma that led them there. O'Brien said the outreach workers and case managers can help people become more functional. Outreach workers can take people through the process of finding housing, from getting on a waiting list to seeing an apartment, if needed. Jeffers said the goal is to get 75 percent of the people seeking emergency shelter into stable housing. "It is a big improvement, with more to come," said Bill Miller, vice president of housing and homeless services at CSO and Friends of the Homeless. "When people are struggling with addiction or with mental health challenges, we have assistance we can offer right on site," he wrote in an email. "Not everyone necessarily takes advantage of it. But, it is a very substantial step forward." Miller said he works with similar homelessness programs across the state. "I don't know anyone else who has this level of service integration at this point. It is very significant." Diaz has been at the shelter since May and said she can get agitated quickly. "Seeing her (O'Brien) every day, it helps. I'm getting more patient, don't get so irritated." She said being in shelters can be "overwhelming." She said O'Brien has helped her see that crying is not a weakness. If O'Brien is not available, she can see another caseworker, Deborah Lee, who is also there. Diaz said she is getting closer to finding an apartment, and could have a new home in a matter of months. Fox came to the shelter this fall to help her son who was staying here. She had been homeless in New Mexico before she came here. She said being able to talk to O'Brien or Lee for even five minutes helps her feel less overwhelmed. She said she likes that the outreach workers are available in the dorms at night too. The psychiatrist she is seeing "is very knowledgeable" and was able to find the right medication for her mental illness while not exacerbating her physical condition. The grant is new, O'Brien said, so "there is more to do. ... (There are many) unnamed, unspoken challenges to homelessness." "We're thrilled to be able to provide this additional support," Jeffers said. She said CSO will be tracking the outcomes over a five-year period and hopes the program can become a national model. The Stafford Springs, Conn., home where All That Remains guitarist Oli Herbert was found dead two months ago may soon be on the foreclosure market. Freedom Mortgage Corporation is presently seeking to take possession of the property. The bank filed a foreclosure notice in June alleging that the 44-year-old Longmeadow guitarist hadn't paid the $132,554 loan for the home, according to The Hartford Courant. Herbert did not contest the foreclosure and a judge issued a default motion against him for failing to appear in court in September. Herbert purchased the home for $135,000 five years ago, according to muncipal records. He was found dead at the edge of a pond on the property on Oct. 16 and the Connecticut's medical examiner's office ruled Herbert drowned, but called the manner of death "undetermined." In a since deleted Facebook posting, Herbert's widow, Beth, wrote: "Oli was apparently self-treating for manic-depression that has run in his family for several generations. Anti-depressants were found in his system, as well as a sleep aid. The psych meds found in his system were the same ones that a close relative has been prescribed for a long time, so he knew what to hunt down for the "treatment". Seeing how he was not going (and WOULDN'T GO) to a doctor to get diagnosed with the issue and was not being prescribed the medications and monitored on them, it explains his occasional erratic behavior here at home." Herbert's death is under investigation by Connecticut State Police, who are reportedly compiling a timeline of his final 24 hours. Some fans have espoused various theories surrounding the metal guitarist's death and a Facebook page, Justice for Oli Herbert, has more than 10,000 followers. Herbert began playing guitar at 14. His first paid gig was a Battle of the Bands on his final day of his senior year at Longmeadow High School. He made a name for himself in Western Massachusetts clubs with Netherworld, a thrash metal band he formed in 1991. Herbert co-founded All That Remains with Phil Labonte in 1998. Labonte told a radio interviewer he was shocked by the death of his bandmate. "He would go hang out with people and stuff, but he didn't really do a lot of drinking. ... He didn't do drugs, he didn't really drink a lot." I hope that Congress stands up to President Trump and his blackmail scheme of shutting down the government, and does not give him his wall. What could we do with $5 billion? Provide homes for all the homeless? Hire thousands of teachers? Forgive student loans? Provide free public college for our young people like we used to? Get a start with a Green New Deal? Fund Medicare for all? How about a Marshall Plan for Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, countries devastated by our meddling that created this flood of immigration? The two biggest wastes of our tax dollars are the military, which has no clue where $21 trillion went to, and cant even find its records for an audit, and Trumps wall. Most immigrants dont even come here by walking across the border, anyway, and no ones considered the damage it will do to the environment and how devastating it will be for wildlife. Hardly anyone one talks about the total waste of our money this is, money sorely needed for things that are vastly more important. Charlotte Burns, Palmer A 61-year-old Shrewsbury man was killed after authorities said a tractor-trailer made an illegal U-turn in front of his car on the Massachusetts Turnpike Wednesday evening. Massachusetts State Police said the crash happened at the 28.6 mile-marker in Blandford around 5:20 p.m. The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 46-year-old Pennsylvania man, was not injured. A preliminary investigation showed that the tractor-trailer was traveling west when, for reasons still under investigation, it turned around in an emergency lane into the eastbound lanes of the highway and into the path of an oncoming 2015 Mustang, authorities said. The driver of the Mustang, of Shrewsbury, died at the scene. He has not been identified. The crash closed all eastbound lanes of the highway for several hours. The scene was cleared just before 10 p.m. The United States was built by a diverse, hard-working population, and Worcesters newest cafe is paying homage to that can-do spirit by creating a place for people to gather and refuel along their own personal journeys. Fuel America is set to open in the downtown Mercantile Center early next month, becoming the Waltham-based chains third location. The 5,000-square-foot space at the corner of Front and Mercantile streets features a full roastery and cafe, and will also serve beer and wine. I call us a new American coffeehouse, co-owner Jeff Bonasia said. Its vintage merged with a modern feel. Fuel America opened its first location in 2012 near Boston College and later added a second spot in Logan International Airport. Bonasia said the company was attracted to Worcester not only for its affordability, but also because of the city's up-and-coming feel. He said the cafe is hoping to attract everyone from college students to the nearby medical community. "It's the whole idea of helping them fuel their journey," he said. "It's all about being welcoming to the American melting pot, we embrace everyone." Bonasia and one of his three business partners, Rick Vallarelli, came up with the idea for the coffeehouse in the late 2000s, as the United States was coming out of a recession. "Americans were kind of bummed out. We wanted to create a place people could come that was diverse and not pretentious," he said. The Worcester location has a robust, all-day breakfast menu and will serve wine and beer from Flying Dreams Brewing Co. The two companies have already developed a Fuel America Coffee Stout together. "We're in an area where a lot of people work, and it would be great if people come here after work and relax," Bonasia said. The location will also serve nitro cold brew coffee, espresso drinks, cold pressed juices, smoothies and Bulletproof coffee made with a combination of healthy fats among other offerings. Its food menu was also inspired by the "melting pot" concept, featuring sandwiches like the North Ender, made with ham, salami, hot relish, pesto, spring mix and lemon vinaigrette, and the Mayflower Turkey and Cheese, made with turkey, cheese, spring mix, chunky cranberry spread and her mayonnaise. The shop features a mixture of modern furniture and vintage accents, including aviator chairs and black and white photographs for Americans in the early 20th century. The cafe also sources many of its products locally. All of its milk and cream comes from High Lawn Farm in Lee, and the Worcester location will also sell KrafTea Kombucha and a number of products from the Boston area, including MEM Tea and Taza chocolate. Fuel America will also move its production facility to Worcester, where customers can watch the roasting process through large glass doors. Its coffee beans are currently sold in Market Basket supermarkets. Bonasia said the coffeehouse will also hold tastings and other workshops in the new space. The concept was inspired by Starbucks' roastery in Seattle, which the Fuel America owners toured while attending a conference several years ago. "There isn't anything like it in Worcester or Boston," he said. An opening date for Fuel America hasnt been finalized, but will likely be early next month. The location will employ about 30 people. Worcester has gone through some periods that have been rough, but its on the comeback now and (well) be part of that resurgence, Bonasia said. A 35-year-old corrections officer at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center, a maximum-security facility in Shirley, is accused of punching an 86-year-old inmate three times earlier this month. Court records obtained by MassLive show Joseph Sampson of Westminster was arraigned on Dec. 21 on a charge of assault and battery with serious bodily injury on a person over the age of 60 in Clinton District Court. A Massachusetts State Police arrest report on file in court said troopers were called to the prison on Dec. 20 around 4:45 p.m. for a report of an assault. Troopers watched a surveillance video showing Sampson throwing punches in the direction of the victim three times, according to the report. The alleged victim, who is listed as Paul Smith, had several lacerations to his face, Trooper Juan Sandoval wrote in his report. Massachusetts Department of Corrections records show Smith was incarcerated in the Shirley facility, but do not show for what charge. Sampson, according to the trooper, wrote a report stating he struck the victim. Troopers also interviewed witnesses. Sampson was arrested and brought back to the Leominster barracks where he was booked. He posted bail that night. Booking photo of Joseph Sampson as seen in court records Court records show Sampson was arraigned the following day and released after he posted $500 cash bail. He will return to court on Jan. 24. Sampsons defense lawyer, Kenneth Anderson, told MassLive the inmate was aggressive toward the corrections officer. "Hes a well-regarded corrections officer and it is my understanding that this inmate tried to bite him and spit at him, Anderson said. My client was acting pursuant to his training and is shocked by the fact that he has been arrested and criminally charged. Judge Robert Pellegrini ordered Sampson to stay away from the alleged victim. The prosecutor requested Sampson surrender any firearms, but the request was denied by the judge, court records show. The judge directed the prosecutor to notify the Westminster police chief about the charge in court. The Department of Correction is aware of an incident between a correction officer and an inmate that occurred at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center on December 20th, the Massachusetts Department of Correction said in a statement. This incident was referred to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office and is currently under investigation. The correction officer has been separated from service. The prison housed some notable convicted criminals in Massachusetts, including a defrocked Catholic priest and Jared Remy, the son of Boston Red Sox commentator Jerry Remy. Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center, the only state prison to house just maximum security inmates, was the facility where former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez killed himself in April 2017. There have been riots and attacks on corrections officers at the facility in the past. Prisoners inside the facility used makeshift weapons to destroy a housing unit in 2017. Earlier this year, six inmates at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center were indicted on assault charges stemming from a fight inside the facility in August. Six corrections officers were injured in the fight. The six indicted inmates allegedly started a fight with three corrections officers before more guards came to help. I want to do so much for so many parts of Chicago and places like this in general there are so many good kids and people, but it has such a bad rap, Saba once told the Tribune of his West Side neighborhood. A lot of the good kids dont know where to go or where to turn, and end up getting consumed by the area. For me to come from that, and witness that, and still have hope and optimism, I think that is a difference maker between me and some of my neighbors who got consumed by it. Id like to one day spread that in as many ways as I can. The way we walk can be influenced by both our physical and mental states. Poor cardiovascular health can slow down a persons gait, but so can diseases such as Alzheimers and depression. Some conditions make their mark on ones walking style in other ways, such as asymmetrical steps and uneven distribution of weight over the bottom of the foot. While there are a number of existing tools to monitor a persons walking gait, FeetMe, a company based in Paris, France, has developed a smart shoe insole that can monitor a patients gait throughout the days activities. The company just partnered with Novartis to study whether its technology can help to monitor disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We were intrigued by this development and took a chance to ask Alexis Mathieu, CEO of FeetMe, a few questions about his companys devices and what the new partnership aims to achieve. Medgadget: There is seemingly a myriad of technologies to monitor patient movement. Please describe how FeetMe is different and what are the benefits of your technology? Alexis Mathieu, FeetMe CEO: Measuring abnormal gait in real world settings can be very challenging. Classical activity trackers or motion sensors have a lot of difficulty to accurately measure abnormal gait and measure gait outside of the motion analysis laboratory. The main reason is that gait can vary a lot in real world and step segmentation based on existing technologies is not robust when the movement pattern is modified (due to asymmetry, shuffling, etc.). Most of technologies work well on healthy patients or within lab conditions but they require advanced post-processing to be analyzed. FeetMe technology is built for seamless real world and real time gait evaluation. We combine for the first time a patented technology of pressure sensors, motion sensors and embedded smart algorithms to calculate in real time gait parameters in real time. For the first time we have built a standalone device able to assess gait in real world without the need of external connection or calculation. As we are leveraging our technology of pressure sensors, we offer unprecedented robustness for step segmentation in real world combined with clinically validated gait spatio-temporal measurements. Our device is also invisible to diminish barriers to use it at home. This opens new opportunities to assess physical activity, gait and plantar pressure distribution in real world setting for patients suffering from walking difficulties. Medgadget: How did you come to work on this technology? What was the original motivation for FeetMe? Back in 2013, while I was graduate student at Ecole polytechnique I met Georges Ha Van MD who takes care of diabetic foot complications in Paris at la Pitie Salpetriere Hospital. He expressed the need for technology to help quantifying the risk of ulcers to prevent them. Based on this expression of an unmet medical need, I started to work on a technology of flexible printed sensors to measure plantar pressure in real world setting. We then realized that mobility disorders impact patients suffering from various diseases and are not limited to diabetic patients and I expanded the scope of the technology developed. Medgadget: What kind of patients and therapies is FeetMe intended for? Mathieu: FeetMe develops solutions with 3 main functions. Better assess, rehabilitate and assist patients suffering from Mobility disorders. Our first product FeetMe Monitor Mobility is intended to be used by clinicians and patients that need to measure the gait spatio temporal parameters and plantar pressure. FeetMe Monitor evaluates gait-specific parameters, plantar pressure and provides real-time information on such parameters. Our initial focus is patients suffering from diseases were gait is an endpoint in clinical tests to adapt treatments such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson disease. FeetMe is undertaking a development program in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, and plans to propose an intended use specific to neurodegenerative disease where this is a need for technologies to support diagnosis. Medgadget: Youve partnered with Novartis to help monitor MS patients. Could you please share with us what you hope to achieve through this partnership? Mathieu: The first step of the partnership is to validate the accuracy of our measurements among Multiple Sclerosis patients against clinical standards (Gaitrite and clinical scales). We will then build new markers out of the data collected in order to better assess MS patients in real world setting. This collected data has for objective to help physicians better assess the transition between RRMM and SPMS with continuous quantitative real world gait measurements. The tool is also designed to better understand disease evolution and symptomatic effects of different treatments through continuous home measurements. Medgadget: Are your products available for purchase? What is the expected availability if not? Mathieu: Our first product FeetMe Monitor Mobility is CE mark and already used in different clinical rehabilitation centers, hospitals or in different clinical studies. We are taking orders and we will ship first customers in the end of Q1 2019. Medgadget: How do you expect your technology to be adopted and used by patients and clinicians? Mathieu: Our technology will first be used as a substitute for existing clinical gait tests in hospital and quantitative Gait assessment in motion labs. The technology an objective evaluation of gait parameters in a very quick manner. The technology should quickly be used outside of the clinical setting and modify habits to assess mobility. Thats where we provide our unique value. We position our product as the worlds first Gait Holter. Medgadget: What are your long term goals for FeetMe? Are you working on new or related technologies? Mathieu: As the population is aging and chronic diseases are exploding, there is an urgent need for solutions to support rehabilitation while there is a lack of human resources. Our long term goal is to provide patients and physicians new medical connected solutions to improve mobility and reduce movement disorders at scale. Our second cornerstone beyond evaluation is Rehabilitation. We are already building FeetMe Rehabilitation Mobility , a platform to empower rehabilitation at home based on real time-feedback and cueing from our insoles and remote outcomes monitoring. This solution will be distributed in rehabilitation centers to help them improve repetitive tasks at home and face the lack of human resources. Last we will introduce smart active technologies that combine our real time measurement capabilities and real time sensitive stimulation to assist patients suffering from specific movement disorders. Link: FeetMe company homepage by Chuck Martin , December 26, 2018 Favoring a slower and simpler environment for autonomous vehicles a startup, has signed a license to deploy a self-driving ride-sharing service at the Florida retirement community The Villages. The cars use eight cameras and five LiDARs (Light Detection and Ranging) systems that scan around the car 10 times a second, according to the car company Voyage. Following a launch of autonomous vehicles at The Villages San Jose and receiving funding of more than $20 million, Voyage expanded to The Villages community north of Orlando. Because we believe that starting simpler and slower is the right approach, Voyage has secured an exclusive, multi-year license to deploy an autonomous ride-sharing service at The Villages, the largest retirement community in the world, stated Voyage CEO Oliver Cameron in a blog post. By 2060, more than 100 million Americans will be over 65. This is a huge market for self-driving cars. We must improve the transportation options available for senior citizens, and we think that our self-driving car will bring about the necessary safety, cost, and convenience benefits that this growing demographic so badly needs. The speed of the autonomous vehicles is limited to 20 or 25 miles an hour, depending on the reduced posted speed limits in the retirement community. Manual Cinema has an abundance of talent at its core and, just as importantly, an inherent humility: There is nothing the artistic collective enjoys more than showing the audiences their props and mechanics after every show. The whole idea is that you can still fall in love with a fictional character, a puppet, even when you see all the strings and learn how they are pulled. by Ray Schultz , December 26, 2018 The European Commission is urging federal privacy legislation in the U.S., saying it would strengthen the protection of our citizens when their data is transferred abroad. The advice appears in the second annual review of the U.S.-European Privacy Shield, a framework that allows U.S. firms to transfer data on European citizens if they provide certain protections. The Shield is separate from the GDPR. In a related development, Andrus Ansip, chief, technology for the EU, argues that the U.S. should appoint a privacy ombudsman, according to the U.S. Industry News. The U.S. Department of Commerce administers the certification process. To date, 3,858 U.S. companies have registered with Privacy Shield in its first two years, vs. the 4,000 that had signed up for its predecessor, the Safe Harbor, over 13 years In addition, 2,100 had re-upped after the first yeara 93% rate. In contrast, 38 companies have withdrawn from the Shield. advertisement advertisement This years review reports that the Better Business Bureau, functioning as an independent recourse mechanism (IRM), has seen a sharp rise in complaints related to the Privacy Shield this year. The BBB received 525 complaints, up from 180 during the prior year. However, none was deemed eligible, meaning most were about companies that had not chosen the BBB as its IRM, or were not Privacy Shield-certified. Of the complaints received by the BBB, 101 came from the EU and Switzerland. Most were about requests to remove personal data, or to unsubscribe. Two complaints related to possible privacy violations were dropped when the filers were asked for more information. In addition, TrustArc received 301 complaints from EU individuals, of which only 30 were eligible Privacy Shield-related complaints. In one pending procedural change, a companys due data for re-certification would now be 12 months from the date it submitted its request instead of 12 months from finalization. In 2014 Sanjaya Baru, Indian policy analyst and media advisor to former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, stirred up quite a storm by releasing his controversial book, 'The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh'. Rudra Productions Fast forward to the present and the reel-life Baru is all set to stir up a storm at the box-office with his incredible performance. We're talking about Akshaye Khanna, who has already won us over with his portrayal of Baru in the brilliant trailer of 'The Accidental Prime Minister', which dropped today. Instagram Anupam Kher as Dr. Manmohan Singh looks amazing in the trailer, but it's actually Akshaye Khanna who has clean bowled us with his sassy and shrewd narration and owned the trailer in the truest sense. But, of course, Anupam Kher too deserves all the credit for portraying such a complex character and adapting Singh's silent yet strong mannerism with utmost brilliance. While the book certainly gave fodder to the opposition as well as the entire nation to question Manmohan Singh's powers, and Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party's impact on his political decisions; the movie is a bold and daring attempt at answering those accusations and Dr Singh's alleged conflicts with the party. Suzanne Bernert too does a great job as Sonia Gandhi, who persistently tries to push for her son Rahul Gandhi to become the prime minister, while the country was going through a political crisis. Directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, 'The Accidental Prime Minister' will be releasing on January 11, 2019. Rohit Shetty is back with his next movie 'Simmba' and it stars Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan in the lead roles. Here are 5 things we are really looking forward to see in this movie: 1. Sara Ali Khan's Acting- This star kid is making us forget that nepotism had a hand to play in her career, because we absolutely love the freshness and the antics that she is bringing along with her on the screen. ' She already impressed the audience in 'Kedarnath' and her media appearances are hilariously natural and funny, which is why we are looking forward to see what she brings in 'Simmba'. 2. Ranveer Singh's Madness- This man is synonymous with perfection, and the buffet of roles he has been offering us is already more posh than what a 5 star hotel would probably offer. From Bajirao, to Khilji and now a mad cop in 'Simmba', Ranveer always makes us ask for more! It will be exciting to see how he fills the shoes of a Rohit Shetty hero, which were worn by Ajay Devgn for so long. 3. Ajay Devgn's Cameo- The trailer begins with Ajay Devgn's ' Singham' character making an entry and that means he is going to make a cameo which will be fun. 4. Rohit Shetty's Signature Style- When you think of Rohit Shetty's direction, you think of big cars, guns and tons of action, something which only he can sew together to make a super hit. Lets see what madness will brew in 'Simmba'. 5. 'Simmba's' Foot Tapping Music- Okay, the two songs topping the charts at the moment are rehashed but then, you've got to admit that they are fun. Rohit's movies are known to own it in the music department and looks like this one is heading the same way, so let's see how the cinematography fares out. Let's see what the awesome looking movie has in store for us tomorrow! How do you think it will fare? Let us know in the comments section. WhatsApp stickers were launched for Android and iOS users recently, and while the new WhatsApp feature has been an instant success, it came too late when compared with the competition. Moreover, there are only 12 WhatsApp stickers packs by default for users, however, you can download third-party apps or third-party stickers pack to WhatsApp. If you are looking to create your own custom sticker pack, there is also a way through which you can create your own and send them to your WhatsApp chats. But before you proceed, make sure you are on the latest WhatsApp build by going to the app store and checking for updates. MensXP Now that you have functional WhatsApp Stickers, you can proceed to make your own packs. You can add up to 30 stickers in one sticker pack. But you will have to add all 30 stickers at once, since the pack cannot be edited once you have published it on WhatsApp. Firstly, head over to the Google Play Store again and download Sticker Maker for WhatsApp. Once installed, click on "Create a new sticker pack" to get started. The app will ask you for basic details like the name of the pack and author details. Once all entries are filled, tap on "New List Entries" and you're all set to upload your stickers. MensXP You can choose the sticker design or graphic from your phone's gallery. Make sure the images or design you have is in a PNG format. PNG format means the background of the content is transparent. You can simply use the "Remove.bg" website to remove unnecessary backgrounds. Selection of at least three different stickers is necessary, as the minimum quantity required in a pack is three. Once you select the file or click the image, draw an outline for the area in the image that you want to keep as the sticker. This method of removing the background is a little crude though. Whatsapp Once you've selected all the stickers you need in a pack, tap on the 'Publish Sticker Pack' button towards to lower right side of the bottom. Now it will ask you if you want to add the sticker pack to your WhatsApp, tap "Add" and it will sideload the package. Now, you're all good to go. Simply select the sticker icon while chatting and you'll have your custom pack there. Nan will be the first to tell you she doesnt do any of it alone, relying on her team to push the organization as much as she pushes her dancers. She has the best of partners in executive director Michael McStraw, who recently launched a capital campaign to fund the transformation of the Hermon Baptist Church, a property in Lincoln Park purchased through an anonymous donor to provide a permanent home for the companys offices, rehearsals and small-scale performances. The spot will also house a pre-professional dance program and event space, with the intention of creating opportunities for other dance community members to rehearse and perform too. And when that happens, no doubt, theyll be greeted by name with a handshake and a hug. Theres no architectural appeal to it, and so I can see why neighbors would be scared of developers, of course, but what we're doing is delivering a different product, and what were doing is being true to the neighborhood and bringing the history back. So until they actually grasp that, all they think is that were in there, were trying to turn it, make a buck and get out. But my business partner and I, we care so much about everyone in the neighborhood, everyone on that block. We want to make sure our job sites are clean. We want to make sure that we are not hurting the neighborhood, but people dont like change. The extension will require you to log into Facebook each time you navigate to the website - and in a separate "container" tab, which takes a little getting used to. But, if used properly, it could help automate some of the things you can do to minimize how much information Facebook is able to see about what you do outside of its platform. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) At least 10 inmates were hospitalized while one managed to escape after a fire broke out at the Antipolo City Jail Thursday night, police said. Antipolo Chief of Police Supt. Villaflor Bannawagan told CNN Philippines that the fire which reached the second alarm started at the jail's male ward that houses over a thousand inmates. LOOK: Photos from the Antipolo jail fire : Team East / Team Uragon Toyota Innova Club pic.twitter.com/K5L3E5hQgR CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) December 27, 2018 Faulty wiring is suspected to have caused the blaze at the facility operated by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Inmates were moved to a covered gym beside the jail where they would stay until the wards are cleared, officials said. Chief Inspector Xavier Solda, BJMP's spokesman, said one inmate facing robbery charges was able to escape while 10 others were hospitalized for minor injuries due to a stampede that broke out during the blaze. There was no information on whether there were any fatalities. But Solda said an 84-year-old inmate who suffered from smoke inhalation is being closely monitored at the hospital. Jail authorities are currently doing a head count of the inmates. Relatives of the inmates, meanwhile, have gone to the facility and are asking for the names of those at the covered gym. Solda confirmed the fire started around 7 p.m., but said it did not last long. For the past 18 years, the program has offered students the chance to see Circuit Court proceedings at the Richard J. Daley Center and then talk to judges from cultural backgrounds similar to their own, said Marta Almodovar, a supervisor in the Chief Judges Office who coordinates the tours. In 2018, more than 1,000 students participated in the offices 10 tours for Womens History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Arab-American Heritage Month, among others. While any student can participate, Almodovar said she tries to invite schools with students whose backgrounds correspond to the theme of the tour. UPPER THUMB At about 5:30 a.m. Friday, Tuscola County Corrections Deputy Cody Neuville was giving inmate Aaron Eby his medication when Eby attacked him. When other deputies arrived on scene, the inmate was on top of the deputy still assaulting him. A taser had to be used on the inmate, but it had little effect on him. However, deputies were eventually able to control Eby and secure him, according to information from Sheriff Glen Skrent. The deputy was taken to the hospital for treatment. The deputy is back to work, and in good spirits, said Skrent Wednesday morning. The reason for the attack is not known. When the Tuscola County Prosecutors office finishes reviewing the report, additional charges are expected to be filed. I doubt if charges have been filed yet, with the holidays, said Skrent. Eby, 24, is lodge without bond in the Tuscola County Jail on murder and other charges. He allegedly killed his roommate Neal James Ellis. Ellis body was found at 3782 Hanes Road in Vassar Township. The two reportedly shared a residence at 3257 Willard Road in Arbela Township. During the preliminary investigation, it was determined Ellis was killed at the residence on Willard Road and his body moved the Hanes Road location. At the time of the deputys attack, Eby was facing 16 felony counts one open murder, which carries a penalty possibility of life in prison if found guilty. He is also charged with 11 counts of possessing dangerous weapon, which each carries a five-year penalty, and charged with four counts of lying to a police officer, each of which has a four-year sentence. PIGEON The merger is complete and the owner of the Thumbs new modern funeral home is eager to show it off. When people see it, they are going to recognize that this does not look like any funeral home they have seen before, said James Childs. Its the first funeral home in the Thumb thats been built in this century. This is a very modern facility, he added. Its a building built in 2018 and that looks like 2018. Childs is the owner of Champagne Funeral Chapel, located at 7356 W. Michigan Ave. in Pigeon. The yearlong project, which wrapped up last week, combined Childs' former funeral home with two others for a more centralized location. Childs is inviting the community to attend an open house from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday, before the official opening Jan. 1. The entire facility will be open for the public to tour. It looks beautiful, he said. Its something Im very proud of Im beyond pleased with how it turned out. I had a vision in my head of what it would look like, he added. And, it actually turned out better than I expected. The 9,000-square-foot project features two showing rooms, of which each can hold up to 100 people. Among many updates was the sound system in place, created by Pigeon-based company Agri-Valley Services. Instead of trying to make it where theres a few speakers that put out a lot of sound, he began to explain. You have many speakers throughout the facility putting out a little bit of sound. Its amazing because it fills the space, but its not loud, he said. You dont have to shout to talk over the sound system. The new funeral home also features several televisions throughout the building, which are capable of displaying videos and photos. Another new feature will be the ability to record and broadcast services. A majority of the work on the funeral home, Childs said, was done by local businesses, he said. A piece of history was also kept alive in creating the funeral home. The building once housed a bowling alley years ago. One lane from the alley was kept and transformed into a conference table inside the funeral home, Childs said. HURON COUNTY Local factory Huron Casting Inc. had a year to remember in 2018. The company dealt with a fire, hired around 75 Puerto Rican workers to fill a labor shortage, and purchased the former U.S. Air Force base in Port Austin Township to house workers brought into the area. In early June, a fire that originated in the filters of a large dust collector caused minor damage to the factory, located at 7050 Hartley St. Winsor Township firefighters arrived to find flames coming out of the top of the collector around 10 to 15 feet high after blowing the top off. Twenty firefighters were on scene for about an hour and a half and used 4,000 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze. Later that month, the company announced its plans to hire Puerto Rican workers, to fill its need for additional workers at the factory. The idea to hire Puerto Ricans came from the companys customers who have had success with similar arrangements. Were going to try it," senior vice president of Huron Casting Matt Davis told the Tribune. "Were going to see how it goes and hopefully we will be successful." Davis said at the time the reason local workers cant be hired is mostly a numbers issue. But, he added, many locals cannot pass a drug test. In July, Huron Casting closed on a deal to buy the former U.S. Air Force base turned Christian homeless shelter. The company had been in talks with former owners Norman and Marleen Edwards since May. Ultimate plans are for the property is to become a housing facility for its new workers. Davis said the facility would probably include units for both singles and families. Officials with a coalition of Connecticut labor and environmental groups say they are concerned a company scheduled to begin providing the state with wind power in 2023 is not trying maximize the economic impact that the project will have. Representatives of the coalition, made up of more than two-dozen groups, sent a letter Wednesday to the two top executives of Orsted US Offshore Wind. In the letter, they expressed concern the company might not use a type of base that anchors the wind turbines to the ocean floor that can be mass produced in southern New England. John Humphries, lead organizer for the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, said comments made by an Orsted executive Dec. 12 led him to believe the company will use two types of bases that will be mass produced in Europe. We were both surprised and deeply disappointed when Orsteds Ryan Chaytors told a public gathering in New London last week that gravity bases are no longer being considered for these projects, Humphries said in a three-page letter to Jeff Grybowski and Thomas Brostrom, the co-chief executive officers of Orsted US Offshore Wind. Since the geotechnical surveys are still ongoing, it seems like a betrayal of trust and commitment, and it presents the appearance that after the merger, Orsted is now more interested in protecting its European manufacturing and supply chain operations than it is in building a substantial presence here in New England that will maximize the benefits to local communities. Humphries Wednesday said the gravity bases are completely made of concrete and are the size of a tall apartment building. One they are constructed, they are floated out to the site of the wind farm using tugboats. Orsteds Revolution Wind project will produce 200 megawatts of electricity from a wind farm that will be built in federal waters about halfway between Montauk, N.Y., and Marthas Vineyard Because of their size, they would have to be constructed near where they are to be used, Humphries said. Orsted has committed to investing at least $15 million in the Port of New London so that substantial aspects of the Revolution Wind project can be constructed in that city. But Chaytors, who is a project development manager with Orsted, told an audience with the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut on Dec. 12 that two other types of turbine bases monopiles and jackets were the only foundations under consideration by the company. Orsted officials were not immediately available Friday to comment on the letter. The letter to the Orsted executives urged them to maintain a commitment to work with local communities and stakeholders in making production decisions that put the interests of Connecticuts workers and their communities first, rather than prioritizing the companys existing manufacturing and supply chain operations in Europe. The premature rejection of the gravity-based system prior to completion of geotechnical surveys and a thorough exploration of local partnerships that could meet the production demands would be very unfortunate and could make it more challenging for us to build the broad public support we want for expanding offshore wind in Connecticut, the letter concludes. Vinci SA agreed to acquire control of Gatwick Airport for $3.7 billion (2.9 billion pounds) as the French construction company jumped on the chance to add a major London hub to its aviation portfolio. The purchase of the 50.01 percent stake in the world's second-busiest single runway airport from a group of investors including sovereign wealth funds from Abu Dhabi and Australia will be financed with pound-denominated debt, Vinci said Thursday. Existing shareholder Global Infrastructure Partners will manage the remaining holding. With 45.7 million passengers in 2018, Gatwick will become the largest airport in Vinci's global network spanning Brazil to Sweden. Gatwick has been under pressure due to intensifying competition from London's other airports and lost out to Heathrow, Europe's busiest hub, in a contest to win government backing for the construction of a new runway. Its operations descended into chaos just before Christmas after drones were spotted around the runway led to a prolonged shutdown. The 120-year-old engineering company is shrugging off risks surrounding Britain's looming exit from the European Union, as rival airports warn demand for air-travel could be dented. Manchester Airports Group, operator of rival London hub Stansted, sees the current Brexit plan trimming passenger numbers over the next five years but doesn't expect it to halt growth entirely. Like Stansted, Gatwick is targeting more long-haul flights. "Airports are attractive investments, especially in a world of high volatility, because airport returns can be quite predictable and manageable even if passenger numbers are volatile," Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska said by phone. "In any Brexit scenario, people will still go on holiday. In the long term it won't be impacted that much on the leisure side." Vinci shares have fallen 17 percent this year for a market value of $48 billion (42 billion euros). Gatwick has outlined 1.11 billion pounds in investment plans to expand its two terminals in the next five years, and plans to use its existing standby runway by the mid-2020s to help handle more flights. London's second-busiest airport is the biggest base for discount carrier EasyJet Plc, and the focus for long-haul leisure flights at British Airways. The sale values Gatwick at 19 times 2019 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and can be considered low, Vinci airports head Nicolas Notebaert said on a call with journalists. Brexit risks were factored into the bid and banking partners have already expressed an interest in lending to Vinci. While the valuation is broadly in line with recent deals in the industry, it's on the pricey end given the uncertainty around Brexit, according to Vittorio Carelli, an analyst at Grupo Santander. "I would have preferred to see a multiple closer to 17 or 18 times," said Carelli. Gatwick's plan to put its standby runway in full operation may increase the number of passengers the airport can service, he said. Global Infrastructure Partners, which manages more than $40 billion in assets from ports and airports to a vast wind farm in the North Sea, bought Gatwick with a consortium of investors in 2009 for about 1.5 billion pounds. The airport reported earnings of 411.2 million pounds in the fiscal year through March, on revenue of 764.2 million pounds. Vinci manages about 35 airports, in countries including Chile and Cambodia. The company also operates toll roads and a construction business. It will retain Gatwick's management team and sees the main opportunity for improving profitability as increasing duty-free spending rather than operational changes. Vinci's next major European airport opportunity could be on its doorstep if the French government privatizes Aeroports de Paris. Executives at Vinci dismissed questions from analysts on a call Thursday about how it would finance such an investment following its splurge on Gatwick, saying the operator of Paris Charles de Gaulle currently isn't for sale. CHESTER The Terris Theater in Chester is putting a unique new and spicy flavor to Dickens classic tale A Christmas Carol and turning it into a delightful story with a distinctly Connecticut taste: A Connecticut Christmas Carol: A New Musical. Created by LJ Fecho for book and Michael OFlaherty for music and lyrics, we still meet that old meanie Scrooge but now he is being enacted by Connecticuts own actor of note William Gillette, who gifted the state with a castle that tourists enjoy as well as a long line of productions as that master detective Sherlock Holmes. Until Sunday, Dec. 30, the whole family is invited to enjoy Scrooge, a cantankerous and cranky Robert Cuccioli, as he bah humbugs his way through the holiday season, being ungenerous to his loyal employee Bob Cratchit, an even tempered and hard working family man Matt Gibson, and denying the kind invitations to holiday parties issued annually by his nephew, an open hearted Noah Plomgren. It takes the visitation of three ghosts, in the person of favorite and not so favorite native sons, Benedict Arnold, P. T. Barnum and Mark Twain, all created with flair by Michael Thomas Holmes, to make Scrooge change from a man incapable of feeling joy to a redeemed gentlemen who experiences a renewed generosity in living and giving. Bob Crctchits family is the happy recipient of Scrooges largess, his wife Martha, Lee Harrington, his daughter Kathy, Daisy Wright, and most especially his son Tiny Tim, an adorable Robbie Berson. According to LJ Fecho from an interview last year, he called the show awesome and a great experience. The director, Hunter Foster, is doing a great job directing, and Lisa Shriver is doing wonderful choreography. This is an interesting adaptation of an iconic work, Weve set it in 1925 on the Goodspeed stage. Mr. Goodspeed has asked the famed Sherlock Holmes actor William Gillette, who lived in a castle near by, to play Scrooge in a final production of A Christmas Carol before the legendary theater closes its doors forever. Fecho sincerely thanks the Internet that translated into a million library books and helped him create the huge historical figures who populate the story. The fact that they actually knew each other was a great bonus. Fecho discovered that Mark Twain loaned William Gillette $5000 to start his acting career and his company. The musical, rife with local geographic references, is a tale of good will and, ultimately, of good people. Scrooge experiences an epiphany and Fecho wants the audience to be surprised. He emphasizes that it is a very funny, light hearted musical, upbeat, and that Cuccioli is a great comedic actor. Working at the Goodspeed has been a wonderful experience with so many people and ideas who come together as one. He feels blessed to be here. According to Fecho and OFlaherty, Its our sincerest wish that you and all of Connecticut embrace our new version of A Christmas Carol in its second year that features this great state and the wonderful people in it as we hope you make this your newest holiday tradition. Come with your family and make this a permanent present under your Christmas tree to enjoy again and again. For tickets ($45-$60), call the Goodspeed at 860-873-8668 or online at www.goodspeed.org. The production is at the Terris Theatre, 33 North Main Street, Chester. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Coats are being collected to give to needy families. 3 1 of 3 File photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 File photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 HADDAM The Brainerd Memorial Library is offering two events next month for lovers of literature. An Evening with Poe will be held Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Actor Campbell Harmon brings the Master of the Macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, to life on the writers 210th birthday for an after-hours evening of thrills and chills, according to the librarys website. Patrons are invited to hear stories and poems such as the The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven. BRIDGEPORT - Warned by his public defender not to talk to anyone - especially police, Tajay Chambers, the alleged killer of 12-year-old Clinton Howell, began to cry. Hours before police said he gave them a full confession, on video. On Thursday morning, the 18-year-old Chambers stood before Superior Court Judge Tracy Lee Dayton, staring at the floor. A detail of judicial marshals and state police in a half ring behind him. You could see the remorse on his face, April Barron, a friend of the Howell family, said later. A young man is dead, another is facing the rest of his life in prison, nobody wins here. At the urging of Senior Assistant States Attorney Craig Nowak, Dayton ordered Chambers, who is charged with murder with special circumstances, murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, illegal carrying or possession of a pistol or revolver without a permit, three counts of risk of injury to a child, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree larceny, held in lieu of $1 million bond. She continued the case to Jan. 8. The charges here are as serious as they get, the judge agreed. If convicted of murder with special circumstances Chambers could be sentenced to life without the possibility of release. An undocumented immigrant from Jamaica, Chambers joined his family in Bridgeport 18 months ago. Enrolling in September at Central High School, he quickly formed his own gang with 16-year-old Alexander Bolanos Jr. and a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old whose names are not being released, police said. Bolanos was arraigned Wednesday in court on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree larceny and carrying a pistol without a permit. He is also being held in lieu of $1 million bond. The cases of the 14 and 12-year-old are being processed in juvenile court. On Oct. 8, they attacked a 16-year-old boy in a stairwell of the high school, police said. Police said as the victim protested he was not involved in gang stuff, Chambers and associates pummeled him and then kicked him down the stairs. When they were later confronted by police, Bolanos spit in an officers face. Youth gangs apparently need rivals and police said Chambers and company were no exception. Police said they decided that a supposed gang from the citys Eastside calling themselves the BGs or Blitz Gang, would be theirs. Using Facebook and Snapchat they began trading boasts and insults. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Chambers told Police Det. Adam Roscoe that on Dec. 18, Bolanos and the two other youths had picked him up in a Ford Escape they had previously stolen on Madison Avenue. Chambers took over the driving and they went to a location in Stratford to make a sneaker trade. While driving back Chambers received a Snapchat video on his cell phone from Howells cousin who Chambers told the detective is a member of the BGs. In the video (the cousin) showed them the Willow Street sign and they understood this to be a dare or challenge. Chambers stated that after receiving the video he said, they just hit me, they are on Willow, the affidavit states. With Bolanos now at the wheel, the four drove to Willow Street. At first, they didnt see any BG members, so they drove around the block twice, the affidavit states. On the third pass, they saw Howells cousin who they believed to be one of the captains of the BGs. He was coming back from the corner store with the younger Howell. When the cousin saw them, he fired at them with a pellet gun, the affidavit states. Bolanos then drove to the end of the block and made a U-turn. One of the other youths in the car handed Chambers a loaded 9mm handgun and Chambers told the detective he extended his hand out the rear passenger window and fired twice. Howell was shot once in the chest and died at Bridgeport Hospital. I didnt know that he was 12 years old, police said Chambers told them. He said he didnt know he shot someone until he saw it on the website Doing It Local. Police said they later recovered the gun used in the shooting. A lot of women, at that time, wouldnt have had this coat because they would have waited for their husbands to give it to them, said Bell, who, like her aunt, doesnt have any children and is accomplished in her own right as the director of the Project Management Office at the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business. It spoke to the idea that she didnt need a man to have the finer things. She was diligent and determined to reach her goals. Getting a fur coat was just one of them. WASHINGTON -- Before Andrew Koehle died of an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2017, he had plans. The Air Force veteran had just completed the training necessary to become eligible for a new job, and he was filling out applications. He was remodeling his home in Erie, Pa., and had just bought a stack of lumber to build new flower beds. "Out of all the emotions I went through, that was the thing that hit me the hardest -- that he had plans," said his father, retired Lt. Col. Bill Koehle. "He had plans for his future." At 36, Koehle died before creating the life he had intended, Bill Koehle said. So when presented with the option to donate their son's organs, his parents decided that would become part of their son's legacy. "We tried to make sense of this tragedy and part of that was donating his organs to ensure he lived on somehow," Bill Koehle said. "You try to make some meaning out of a life, and this was an opportunity." As is standard, Koehle's parents learned some details about the people who received their son's organs six weeks after his death, including their ages, hobbies and health. There were five, and three of them were veterans. A 59-year-old Navy veteran who works as a cross-country truck driver received Koehle's liver. A pair of 71-year-olds, one an Air Force veteran and the other an Army vet, received his kidneys. One had been on dialysis for three years before the donation. The other now spends his time volunteering and being with his four children and eight grandchildren. Two other people benefitted from Koehle's donation: a 35-year-old man with cystic fibrosis who received his lungs, and a 38-year old father of three who has his heart. "I was pleasantly surprised," Bill Koehle said. "You see and read about other veterans who are struggling, whether it's mentally or physically, and if we could bring some wholeness to their life through this gift, that gives me a great sense of fulfillment and meaning." Bill and Pat Koehle, both 68, want their son's story to offer direction for others. They're encouraging people to register for organ donation. Koehle registered when he received his driver's license. Nearly 115,000 people are waiting for a life-saving transplant at any given time, according to the Center for Organ Recovery and Education, the nonprofit in Pittsburgh that coordinated Koehle's donation. CORE is one of 58 federally designated nonprofit organ procurements organizations in the United States, and it works with the United Network for Organ Sharing to find donor matches. Relatively few people who die each year are eligible for organ donation. Most deceased donors lost brain function but were kept alive by their hearts and lungs. The Koehles also want veterans struggling with mental health problems to seek help and confide in their loved ones. Survival and struggle Pat Koehle could tell from their phone conversations that her son in Iraq was frightened. Andrew Koehle, a senior airman, deployed in mid-2006 during Operation Enduring Freedom to Balad Air Base -- often the target of mortar attacks. "I knew for him to call me, he was pretty petrified about what was going on," Pat Koehle said. "He was just scared and wanted to have someone to talk to while he was dealing with that." Andrew Koehle survived Iraq. But when he came home in early 2007 he struggled with post-traumatic stress, she said. At the time of his death, he was being treated for the stress and for a back injury related to his military service. While at home one day in January 2017, Koehle was offered fentanyl, an opioid painkiller that is the most commonly used drug involved in fatal overdoses. He took it and suffered a heart attack. When he arrived at UPMC Hamot hospital in Erie, Koehle was unconscious. Doctors eventually determined he was brain-dead, his mother said. Bill Koehle didn't know what exactly his son experienced during the Iraq War until after he had died. Bill and Pat Koehle were divorced, and Andrew Koehle didn't really confide in his father. Andrew Koehle was seeing a counselor at the Department of Veterans Affairs who suggested he write about his experiences there. After his son's death, Bill Koehle found those journals. "I wish he would've talked to me more ... I don't know if I could've helped, but I could've given him a level of support that maybe he wasn't getting," he said. "There's this stigma about seeking help and talking that I wish vets would get over. It's not a weakness to ask for help and share your feelings. Talk." Continued service Andrew Koehle was sarcastic, his mother said, with a sharp-edged sense of humor that "just never stopped." Bill Koehle described him as someone who was always willing to help others. Besides providing a home for his cousin and uncle, Andrew Koehle had recently loaned a friend $1,000. Bill found an informal note about the loan when going through his son's things after his death. He had a big, fluffy dog, Dakota, who was always by his side. After Andrew Koehle died, Dakota went to live with Bill Koehle. "They were inseparable," Pat Koehle said. "If he left and took off in his truck, she would lie beside me waiting for him to get back." After he finished high school, Andrew Koehle didn't know what he wanted to do. His father and two grandfathers served in the military, and he chose to enlist in the Air Force to find some direction, Bill Koehle said. Though he struggled with post-traumatic stress, Andrew Koehle was proud of his service, his father said. He continued to serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard after leaving active duty. He kept all of his uniforms, and he collected military memorabilia. To his parents, his service continued after his death. Pat Koehle knew he felt strongly about organ donation, she said. When presented with the option, it was an easy choice. "It was reassuring and somehow comforting that after he died to know part of him went on to stay," she said. "It was something I could then say out loud to myself. I hate the fact Andrew's dead, but it's so gratifying to know he could help other people." President Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, arrived in Iraq on Wednesday on his first-ever visit to a combat zone. The Trumps boarded Air Force One late Christmas night for the flight to Iraq "to visit with our troops and senior military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. The surprise trip to Al Asad Air Base, about 100 miles west of Baghdad, comes as Trump faces controversy over his order last week to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, a partial government shutdown, and turmoil in the stock market. Headlines appeared on several news outlets stating that Trump was the first president since 2002 who had not visited with the troops at Christmas time. The first indications that he was not at the White House included his lack of Twitter postings through Wednesday morning and discussions among airplane spotters of a Boeing VC-25A in European airspace. The trip was announced only after Air Force One landed in Iraq. Once on the ground, Trump, wearing a black suit coat and signature red tie, took selfies with troops who surrounded him as he left the plane. In addition to withdrawing the estimated 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, Trump has also suggested reducing U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan by half -- from about 14,000 to 7,000 -- but had not mentioned the estimated 5,000 U.S. troops in Iraq in his effort to reduce the U.S. military footprint worldwide. At the air base in Iraq, he suggested that Iraq could be used as a base for airstrikes and counter-terror raids into Syria to hit at remnants of the Islamic State, which had been the main focus of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had also suggested that the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) could play a role in Syria, in addition to their own efforts to eliminate remaining ISIS cells inside Iraq. Iraqi warplanes have occasionally bombed ISIS targets just over the border in Syria, and Iraqi artillery units have fired in support of the SDF. "If we see something happening with ISIS that we don't like [inside Syria], we can hit them so fast and so hard they really won't know what the hell happened," Trump said at Al Asad, according to Bloomberg News. "We've knocked them silly," he said of ISIS, a reference to the long campaign to oust the terror group from Iraq and capture their so-called capital in the eastern Syrian town of Raqqa. Trump's first visit to a war zone came nearly two years into his presidency. In contrast, former President George W. Bush visited U.S. troops in Iraq about six months after the 2003 invasion, and former President Barack Obama visited U.S. troops in Afghanistan in the first year of his first term. In November, Trump said he would make a combat zone visit but gave no timeline. On "Fox News Sunday," he said he had an unbelievably busy schedule, but "I think you will see that happen." "There are things that are being planned" to make a visit with the troops possible, Trump said. "We don't want to talk about it because of -- obviously, because of security reasons and everything else. But there are things that are planned." Initial reports from Al Asad were that the Trumps would likely spend about three hours at the base, meeting with troops and holding discussions with commanders. It was not immediately clear whether Air Force One would then begin the trip back to the U.S. or make a second stop in Iraq at another U.S. base. -- Oriana Pawlyk contributed to this story. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. The Defense Department has released the active-duty and reserve drill pay tables for 2019. Most military members will see a 2.6 percent increase in their base pay for 2019. Allowances, such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), will also see an increase next year. The raise will go into effect Jan. 1, 2019, for most military members. Military retirees also will see an increase in 2019. Service members should see the 2.6 percent raise in their first January paycheck, typically Jan. 15 for active-duty service members, and the payday following their first "drill weekend" for Guard and reservists. The current partial government shutdown won't affect most military members, since the DoD is funded for 2019. However, Coast Guard members may see their pay, along with any raises, delayed, since they operate under the Department of Homeland Security. That department did not have its 2019 funding approved before the government went into partial shutdown as Congress departed the capital for its holiday break. Check out the 2019 pay charts here. Factors That Affect Military Pay The annual pay raise Longevity raises virtually every 2 years (based on the number of years in service) Promotions Number of Drill Periods (Guard and Reserve Only) Basic Allowance for Housing Increases: BAH (based on location). Basic Allowance for Subsistence Increases: BAS Special Pay(s) (based on occupations: Language Skills, Combat, Flight, Hazardous Duty). Keep Up with Military Pay Updates Military pay benefits are changing all the time. Make sure you're up to date with everything you've earned. Join Military.com for free to receive updates on all your military benefits, delivered directly to your inbox. "Constant misinformation from the president is a real problem in a democratic society, and we in Congress have got to do our best to hold him accountable," said Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), who assumes chairmanship of the House Armed Services Committee in January. Smith was reacting to a tally of inaccurate claims by President Donald Trump, in speeches or tweets, on issues military people and veterans care about, such as the relative size of pay raises, the purpose of border deployments, assertions of readiness in disarray before he became president, and his premature claims of expanded health care choices for veterans who rely on the Department of Veterans Affairs medical system. The latest occurred during Trump's brief visit with U.S. troops in Iraq on Dec. 26 when he said again, as he had last May, that "the big pay raise you just got" -- 2.4 percent last January, a 2.6 percent increase to take effect next month -- was the first raise in "more than 10 years," according to a White House transcript. And Trump added, falsely, that the military raise was 10 percent. On Dec. 12, following an hour-long press breakfast hosted by the Defense Writers Group, Smith warned that a new Democratic majority in the House no longer will allow Trump misstatements targeting troops to slide. At the breakfast, Smith also said the House committee with Democratic majority will resist some declared presidential plans for the Defense Department, including creation of a Space Force and a five percent bump in defense spending next year, which Trump embraced this month, reversing an earlier call for cuts. On Space Force, Smith said, there is "bipartisan concern about creating a separate branch of the military." Even defense officials, he said, weren't "crazy about Space Force until the president decided we had to have one. ... But they know this isn't the best way." He conceded a need "to place a greater emphasis on space" because "the Air Force hasn't done as good a job managing our space assets as they could. Difficulties we've had with space launch has been a good example." The company United Launch Alliance (ULA) got "this monopoly 20 years ago," and enormous sums have been spent, Smith said. "We have become reliant on Russian-made engines" on arguments that a U.S. investment would be too costly and "competition is impossible," he said. And yet, the company "SpaceX proved us wrong; they went out and did it." Launch is just one of area of underperformance, Smith said. "But creating a whole new bureaucracy, a whole new branch, to address it [is not] the best way. It costs more money than it nets." On securing the border with Mexico, Smith said Trump's deployment of active-duty forces before last November's elections, as a caravan of immigrants approached seeking asylum, was an "optics thing ... to make people believe this is an invasion and a huge problem." It was "a misuse of our troops," he said. Trump "misunderstands the problem," Smith added. Democrats agree that border security is important. Over the last dozen years, the border security budget quintupled, resulting in "a significant decline in unlawful border crossings," he said. "We've had Guard and Reserve troops down there. ... We've built a wall; the president seems to have missed that. [But] on a lot of the property where the president wants [more] wall, some of it is tribal land, some of it is privately owned land, some of it is like 10,000 feet high, so you're not going to put a wall up there," Smith said. "The challenge we are facing now is different. It's asylum seekers. You don't need to build more security because folks are not trying to sneak in. They are turning themselves in [to get] through the process," he said. "I don't deny there has been a significant increase in people seeking asylum, but the solution to that is not to harden the border. The solution is to hire more judges and expedite the process." Trump, Smith said, misstates the challenge to stoke fear. He echoed Sen. Chuck Schumer, ranking Democrat in the Senate, to note that of $1.3 billion in border security money approved for the current year, the administration had spent only six percent, or about $78 million. Smith said he agrees with Democratic colleagues that defense spending needs to be brought into balance with spending on domestic programs. "It's fair to say that in a Democratic budget, in a tight environment scenario, we're going to want to have other priorities in addition to defense," he said. "How do we do that? We did it last year by agreeing that we just weren't going to worry about how much money we spent ... on defense or domestic priorities. I don't know that that's going to work in the future." The question then for defense budgets, Smith said, is what's the right number, assuming a return to "some kind of fiscal sanity." The Republican approach to national security "is to point out all the areas where we don't have enough capability and say we have to spend more money," he said. Under current "strategy, we have to win a war with China and Russia, preferably simultaneously. We have to stop North Korea. And do all this stuff that, frankly, adds up to more money than we possibly have." Smith added, "I'm interested in trying to find a national security strategy that balances risk [and] also understands that the strategy has to fit within a realistic budget framework. We can't do everything." He noted recent arguments from the department that any budget below $733 billion for fiscal 2020 "would increase our risk," he said. "Well anything below $1 trillion will increase our risk? What's the magic of 733? I have asked that of several Pentagon officials. Thus far, I have not been satisfied with the answer." Trump earlier this year ordered all federal departments, including the DoD, to cut budgets for 2020 by five percent. He even tweeted in early December that the $716 billion in defense spending authorized for 2019 was "crazy." The next day, however, Trump met with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and top Republicans on the Armed Services Committee and agreed to back $750 billion for defense in 2020 -- $27 billion more than the DoD projected before Trump directed a department budget cut of five percent. Smith noted that the nation's debt has reached $22 trillion and would soon be climbing by $1 trillion annually if Congress doesn't act. Interest on the debt will surpass the size of the defense budget this fiscal year, he said. The debt "hangs over everything" because there's not "money to do what we'd all like to do" including repair bridges, roads and other deteriorating infrastructure, he added. A prediction Smith got wrong in conversing with reporters in mid-December was the longevity of Mattis as defense chief. "I think President Trump knows how important he is to the administration and what they're doing," Smith said. "I don't see any evidence whatsoever that he wants to leave or that the president wants him to." A week later, Trump announced the withdrawal 2000 U.S. troops from Syria, a move Mattis vehemently opposed. The next day, Mattis became the first defense secretary to resign in protest over presidential orders impacting military operations. Congressional leaders and U.S. allies, who had not been consulted, joined in criticizing the abrupt withdrawal, arguing it betrayed Kurdish forces allied with the U.S. in fighting the Islamic State. Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, who threatens to wipe out the Kurds, praised the move. In his resignation letter, Mattis spelled out his differences with Trump on respecting allies and "being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors" like Russia and China. Trump initially praised Mattis. When news reports focused on the tone of Mattis' letter, which Trump apparently had not read, the president criticized the retired Marine Corps general and ordered his departure by Jan. 1, two months earlier than Mattis planned to ensure a smooth transition. To comment, write Military Update, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA, 20120 or email milupdate@aol.com or twitter: @Military_Update. The U.S. Supreme Court has signaled interest in a case that questions the validity of the Feres doctrine, the 68-year-old ruling that limits troops from suing the Defense Department. The court on Nov. 28 ordered the U.S. solicitor general to file a response to a petition in a military medical malpractice case, Daniel v. the United States. The case was brought against the federal government after an active-duty Navy nurse, Lt. Cmdr. Rebekah "Moani" Daniel, died in 2014 following childbirth at Naval Hospital Bremerton, Washington. The solicitor general previously had waived his right to respond -- a usual practice for the federal government in Feres cases, since the Supreme Court has not agreed to hear any cases questioning Feres since 1987. But the order from the court indicates that "at least one, or not more" of the justices has taken note of the case, said Andrew Hoyal, an attorney with the Seattle-based Luvera Law Firm, representing Rebekah Daniel's husband, Walter. "It means they are taking it seriously. We are very interested in seeing what kind of arguments the government will make in the response," Hoyal said. Walter Daniel, a former Coast Guard officer, initially filed a malpractice suit against the Navy hospital and doctors after his wife died four hours after giving birth to the couple's daughter Victoria on March 9, 2014. Daniel, who worked as a labor and delivery nurse at the hospital, began hemorrhaging immediately following delivery. Medications administered to stop the bleeding failed and, within two hours, she had lost a third of her body's blood volume. The suit alleges that additional lifesaving measures were administered too late and contributed to her death. The case and subsequent appeals were dismissed based on Feres, a 1950 Supreme Court decision that prevents troops from suing the DoD for injuries incidental to military service. Hoyal said his client decided to take the case to the Supreme Court because it involves medical malpractice and a disparity in rights for female troops. If Rebekah Daniel had been a civilian spouse at the same hospital, her family would have been allowed to sue. "We understand the court's hesitancy to deal with military discipline issues, combat, the organizational part of the military. But there weren't any military issues, military judgments in this case. This was about medical judgments," Hoyal said. Feres dates to a series of cases in the late 1940s that involved injuries to troops serving on active duty. The widow of Lt. Rudolph Feres sued the government after her husband died in a barracks fire caused by a defective heating system. In crafting the rule, which also involved two other cases, the 1950 Supreme Court said the DoD already has disability compensation in place for personnel and dependents and to allow troops to sue the federal government would in effect cause civilian courts to question military orders and discipline, adding that the Federal Tort Claims Act shouldn't apply in those cases. The last Feres case petitioned to the high court also involved childbirth and an active-duty woman: In 2009, the daughter of an Air Force captain was injured when her mother received a medication that caused a severe allergic reaction while she was in labor. The court never heard the case; the Justice Department settled it in 2016. In opinions written before they became U.S. Supreme Court justices, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Clarence Thomas expressed interest in reviewing Feres. Hoyal said he does not know which of the current justices requested the response from the federal government in the Daniel case. The government response was due Dec. 28. However, the solicitor general requested an extension, and the new deadline is Jan. 28. After the response is filed, Walter Daniel's attorneys have several weeks to review and file another response. The justices will decide in conference whether to hear the case. The DoD argues that Feres is necessary because it could cause military doctors and providers to be more cautious in their approach to treating personnel, which could affect their ability to save lives, both in military hospitals and on the battlefield. Pentagon officials also say the department offers a robust compensation package to those who are injured in the line of duty. More than 7,000 petitions are filed each year to the Supreme Court, with the justices accepting 75 to 80 cases. Hoyal said the request for a response means the odds of the Daniel case being accepted have increased significantly but knows it's still a long shot. Still, he believes it's time for the justices to weigh in on military medical malpractice cases that resulted in grievous injury or death. "This is about medical decisions, not military judgments," Hoyal said. The Supreme Court request for a government response first was reported by the Military Officers Association of America. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at patriciankime@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. I understand that time and money was put into the October (march) but the January march is what unified us across the country and world! one member said. Chicago was one of the largest groups and now we are not even on the map for a sister march! Very disappointed. President Donald Trump on Tuesday renewed his pledge to fund a new icebreaker for the Coast Guard, comparing its necessity with his effort to build a wall on the southern border. "It's like the border wall. We still need a wall," and the Coast Guard needs an icebreaker to replace the 42-year-old Polar Star, Trump said in a series of Christmas Day phone calls to service members around the world. In a call to the Coast Guard's District 17 in Juneau, Alaska, he said the new icebreaker will be fitted with the latest technology, but its defining feature will be the thick steel in its hull. "With all of the technology, it still needs very thick steel," Trump said. Following the partial government shutdown that began at midnight last Friday over $5 billion the president is seeking to fund the wall, Trump said the new sections of the wall he proposes would consist of "steel slats." Technology would be no substitute for the wall, despite what House and Senate Democrats claim, he said. "They can have all the drones they want, all the technology they want," but the wall is essential to border security, Trump said in the call to Alaska. "I call it bells and whistles," he said of the technology, "but if you don't have the wall, it doesn't work." The new icebreaker will have capabilities "the likes of which nobody's seen before. The bad part is the price," Trump said, apparently referring to the Coast Guard's estimate of $950 million. "The good part is it's the most powerful in the world," he said. "The ice is in big trouble when that thing gets finished. It'll go right through it. It's very expensive, but that's OK." Trump called the icebreaker a Christmas present for the Coast Guard and suggested that a contract had already gone out, although Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz said earlier this month that he expected an announcement on a contract award in the spring. In addition to the phone call to the Coast Guard, Trump also called Task Force Talon at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; Marine Attack Squadron 223 and Navy Forces Central Command in Manama, Bahrain; and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Udeid Air Base, in Qatar. The overall message: "There's no greater privilege for me than to serve as your commander," Trump said. "I know it's a great sacrifice for you to be away from your families." In his own Christmas message to the troops, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned last Thursday in a dispute with Trump over his order to withdraw troops from Syria and other issues, said he was proud to serve with them. "To those in the field or at sea, 'keeping watch by night' this holiday season, you should recognize that you carry on the proud legacy of those who stood the watch in decades past. In this world awash in change, you hold the line," Mattis said in the message prepared before his resignation. "Far from home, you have earned the gratitude and respect of your fellow citizens, and it remains my great privilege to serve alongside you," he said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. When Congresswoman-elect Rashida Tlaib spoke with prospective voters across Michigans 13th District while running for office, the top concern she heard wasnt a specific policy issue or party platform. It was very consistent, in different ways and different words, but it was, Are you going to sell us out? Are you going to vote against us when you get there?" Tlaib recalled. I just cant imagine doing that. "I am excited to show people what they deserve, which is somebody that is unwavering and unapologetically me. The former state lawmaker, attorney and activist came out on top in a competitive Democratic primary in August and in November was formally elected to represent the 13th District, made up of portions of Detroit and surrounding suburbs, for a two-year term. Rep. John Conyers stepped down from the seat in 2017 amid sexual harassment allegations, and the seat was left vacant for nearly a year before Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones was elected in a November special election to serve the remainder of Conyers' term. Tlaib is one of four new incoming members of Congress from Michigan. Fellow Democrats Haley Stevens, Elissa Slotkin and Andy Levin were also elected to office this fall, with Stevens and Slotkin flipping seats and bringing the delegation split to seven Democrats and seven Republicans. Along with Minnesota Congresswoman-elect Ilhan Omar, Tlaib will be one of the first Muslim women to hold Congressional office once shes sworn in early next year as part of the most diverse freshmen class of Congress in history. The eldest child of 14 born to Palestinian immigrants, Tlaib will carry her heritage with her when shes sworn in, recently announcing on Instagram that shed wear a traditional Palestinian thobe during the ceremony. Tlaib said her election to Congress feels different from her previous state House runs, in large part due to the diversity and talent of the people shell be serving with: I dont feel alone. I also feel this sense of hope, just like everybody else around the country, just being around this new class. In Congress, Tlaibs top priorities include getting three district service centers up and running for her constituents and introducing the Justice for All Civil Rights Act, a plan that would include disparate impact under the umbrella of civil rights protections, expand civil rights to the LGBT community and reform Title IX laws relating to sexual assault and harassment at universities. She also wants to work on tackling the influence of corporate money in politics, noting that most of the people in her district dont have the resources to compete with lobbyists or deep-pocketed donors when attempting to have their voices heard in government. Tlaib is hoping to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, as appropriations was were where she spent her legislative career. Above all, Tlaib said she wants to make sure she remains rooted in the needs of her community, and plans to draw on her activism and experience in the nonprofit sector to aid her Congressional activities. She said shes inspired by Detroits longstanding history of supporting civil rights, labor rights and other causes and plans to continue that legacy by sticking up for her district, even if that means disagreeing with members of her own party. I want people to feel like they have access to Congress, that they have access to government, Tlaib said. I can bring my signs with me, I can bring my bullhorn with me...my residents dont deserve anything less than somebody that will fight make enough noise to at least get us to the table to say, We have a right to be heard. Tlaib has already bonded with like-minded fellow lawmakers from around the country, forming an unofficial squad with fellow Reps.-elect Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Omar. She said shes inspired by their courage and willingness to unabashedly admit that theyre trying to change the world and take on big and powerful political forces. People like us never think about running for office, and were starting to run, but were starting to win as well. And that is incredibly, incredibly inspiring, she said. Tlaib also had high praise for the other incoming members of Congress from Michigan, citing Slotkins mission focus, Stevens' passion for the manufacturing industry and Levins perspective as a fellow parent who has a firsthand perspective of many policies affecting Michigan residents. This was my gift to my new member class. "To sin by silence, when we should protest, makes cowards out of men." - from Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poem Protest. I am making sure we know our power in Congress to hold corrupt elected officials accountable. pic.twitter.com/U3HKPnEZ7J Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) November 28, 2018 Tlaib hasnt been shy about her criticism of President Donald Trump or his administration - when he was still running for office in 2016, Tlaib was one of several women who protested a speech he gave in Detroit. Upon arriving in Washington for new member training, Tlaib gifted every one of her freshmen class members with a book outlining the case for impeachment of Donald Trump. The 2018 election results show theres a sense of urgency in the country, Tlaib said, adding that she feels he has already violated the Constitution with his immigration policies and business practices while holding office. I just put my my colleagues on notice that this is our duty and this is our responsibility to hold the president accountable, she said. Its my duty to ask those questions and to demand information that I think is critically important to make sure that hes not hurting us behind closed doors. Tlaib said shell draw on her experiences in the state legislature when it comes to working across the aisle in Congress, noting that she plans to check the campaign at the Capitol steps and try to find common ground with her Republican colleagues. I understand they have to represent their district, and its very different from mine, but theres so many commonalities," she said. Theyre connected with their people. Thats why they got elected. So I have to respect that, and I have to understand where that comes from. LANSE, MI -- A 37-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly killing a two-year-old boy last year while she was supposed to be taking care of the child, according to the Keweenaw Report. Michigan State Police arrested the suspect Wednesday on a felonious homicide warrant authorized by the Barega County Prosecutors office. The woman is a native of LAnse, but has not been identified by police ahead of her scheduled arraignment in court Friday. The accused woman was taking care of two-year-old Walker Meyers on Dec. 23, 2017. She brought Meyers to the emergency room at the Baraga County Memorial Hospital where he was unresponsive on arrival. The boy was flown to Milwaukee Childrens Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but doctors were unable to revive him and he died at the hospital. The cause of death was ruled a homicide by medical examiners. Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko says that as he and his family were preparing to head to a Christmas church service that they found damage to his personal, city and his daughters vehicles at their home. The Associated Press reports that the mayor of the city of about 60,000 people west of Detroit absolutely believes someone was trying to send him a political message. Paletko said that the side walls on tires to the vehicles at his home were punctured. A friend picked the mayor and his family up and took them to church due to the lack of businesses open on Christmas. The Detroit News reports that the incident happened about 9:45 a.m. on Christmas morning, and that it was his daughter that discovered the damage. Absolutely, it was someone sending a message, he told the newspaper. "I dont know what that message would be, and Im not sure why. Civility in politics, at all levels, is just getting worse and worse. Its disgusting to have that happen to anyone, under any circumstances, let alone on Christmas. ANN ARBOR, MI Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal has launched a campaign for the 55th District state House seat, anticipating its going to be opening up soon. But state Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, who was just elected to the seat, says she has no plans of stepping down, contrary to what Grewal told supporters in a letter this month. Warren was elected to the 55th District seat in the state House in November and begins a two-year term in January, replacing Rep. Adam Zemke, who is term-limited. Rumors have been swirling for weeks that Warren may leave office to instead take a position in the administration of newly elected Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, her former Senate colleague, but Warren maintains the rumors arent true. I ran for the House and have no intentions of doing anything for the next two years but serving in the House, she said. The 55th District is one of four state House districts in Washtenaw County and includes parts of the cities of Ann Arbor and Milan, as well as Ann Arbor, Augusta, Pittsfield and York townships. Michigan Secretary of State records show Grewal, a Democrat, formed a campaign committee to run for the 55th District seat on Dec. 3. Grewal also launched a campaign website and sent a letter to supporters on Dec. 15, saying an immediate vacancy is expected on Jan. 1st because of the incumbents pending appointment into the new governors administration and, consequently, a special election after the start of the new year. In anticipation, Ive created a candidate committee for both this likely 2019 special election and the normal 2020 election cycle. In the letter, Grewal said she has had the privilege of serving the residents of Washtenaw County and Pittsfield Township for nearly 14 years, first as a county commissioner and then as a township supervisor, and shes ready to go to work in Lansing. In an interview, Grewal explained she was intending to run for the 55th District seat in 2020, but she heard from many credible sources there was a high likelihood of a special election in February 2019. She said she has put together a full campaign team and intends to run for the seat whenever there is an election next, but in the meantime she remains committed to serving as township supervisor. Warren said shes never said to anyone that shes leaving her new House seat, but she has had talks with Grewal and others in which she said she would let them know if anything changes. Warren said shes heard speculation from the rumor mill that she was going to be appointed director of a state department, but she hasnt applied for any job in Whitmers administration, hasnt talked to Whitmers transition team and isnt looking for a position. Warren said its unfortunate if some of her constituents now believe that shes not committed to representing them for the next two years. I dont love that, she said. But she considers it a bold and aggressive move on Grewals part and a great political tactic to be out early and strong for when the seat does eventually open up, even if that may not be until 2020. Thats when Warren will be term-limited. Warren said Grewal has the credentials and is qualified for the job, though shed have to see how the candidate field comes together before offering an endorsement of anyone. In addition to Grewal, others seen as potential future contenders for the seat include County Commissioners Felicia Brabec, D-Pittsfield Township, and Andy LaBarre, D-Ann Arbor. Brabec said many people have encouraged her to run when the seat becomes available, but now is not the time for that discussion because Warren was just elected and has stated her intent to serve out her term. I think we owe her the respect of allowing her to take office without engaging in political maneuvering, she said. When the seat opens, the privilege of serving in the Legislature would be a natural progression of the work I am doing now at the county for our community. There are important issues in Lansing that impact all of us, such as mental health, education and promoting equity for all residents. Those are my passions and I believe we have a lot of work to do at the state level on these and other important issues. LaBarre also said many people have encouraged him to run for the seat and its a possibility in the future. My passion is for Washtenaw County, and Id love to continue serving the county, either as a commissioner or in a broader county role, he said. But he said he doesnt intend to run in 2020 or anytime before then and instead will support Grewal. He said the 55th District is incredibly fortunate to have Warren as its representative and Grewal would make a tremendous representative as well. ANN ARBOR, MI - With just a handful of calls to respond to on Dec. 25, firefighters and lieutenants from all six Ann Arbor Fire Department stations spent the first few hours of their 12-hour shift together at Station No. 1 for their annual Christmas potluck. The smell of smoked prime rib traveled through all four stories of the headquarters station, where about 20 firefighters mingled upstairs, waiting for dinner to be served. Three men responded to just one call for a medical emergency before everyone sat down to eat. There have been calls for kitchen fires on past Christmases, but the dispatch radio mostly stays quiet on the holiday, said shift commander Chris Buscemi, who has been with the department for 23 years. Its always as soon as we sit down," he said jokingly as he stood up from the dinner table to answer a phone call. Buscemi works through the night during the holiday and celebrates Christmas with his wife and 21-year-old daughter on Dec. 26, after his shift ends at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Most of the guys working Christmas dont have kids or their kids are older, so the ones with younger kids can spend it with their families, Buscemi said. My daughter is older now so I dont mind it and nothing too major happens. Its a slow night and we can still get together, hang out and eat good food. Its nice. GENESEE COUNTY, MI A Genesee County woman imprisoned for decades over her role in the disposal of a body after a 1987 murder by her boyfriend may soon get her freedom. She was one of 26 prisoners that had their sentence commuted this month by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder during his final days in office, while an additional 36 criminal convictions were pardoned. Melissa Chapman was 18 years old when she was arrested in December 1987 in connection with a murder in Genesee County. Chapman claimed her boyfriend -- Robert Goodyear -- raped, beat and burned her with cigarettes during their time together. When Goodyear killed a man during a drug deal in 1987, she helped hide the body because she said she feared for her life, according to Flint Journal files. Goodyear shot and killed Michael Keith Gaines in the parking lot of the former Meijer store in Mt. Morris Township on Dec. 20, 1987, with Chapman helping him drag the body afterwards into a field, according to a Detroit Free Press story. The Michigan Womens Justice & Clemency Project has been working on the case to try and help get Chapman out of the life sentence she received in October 1988. She was shocked and horrified when her co-defendant killed the man, said Carol Jacobsen, the projects director and University of Michigan professor. She was really terrified of Robert Goodyear. He had really beaten her and threatened her life and threatened to kill her family if she left him. Jacobsen in an interview this week called the murder a tragedy while noting Goodyear really was a violent young man and he did keep her in virtual captivity. She did not deserve to have life in prison, said Jacobsen. She certainly didnt deserve to serve 30 years (in prison). She certainly deserves to be out. The project, which promotes judicial system reform including releasing women convicted of crimes committed by and precipitated by an abuser, has aided in getting 12 women out of life sentences. They are women that committed a crime in survival mode, Jacobsen said. They were defending themselves in one way or another. (Chapman) did not commit this murder. She did help to hide the body, but only under threat of death. She urged the need for judges and prosecutors to be educated about domestic violence and the reasons behind why women break the law. She said she holds high hopes for the new governor and attorney generals awareness of those issues and fair forms of justice. The Michigan Constitution allows governors to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons after convictions for all offenses, except cases of impeachment, reads a statement from Snyders office. More than 4,000 applications were received by the Michigan Parole Board over Snyders eight years in office. The applications were then reviewed for merit and reviewed by the governor, Michigan Parole Board, and Michigan Department of Corrections before a final decision took place. Holly Kramer, spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Corrections, said a commutation makes a prisoner eligible for parole consideration. Prisoners who received commutations can now be considered by the Parole Board, but it is not a guarantee of release, she said. The Parole Board must decide whether to parole a prisoner and the prisoner would go through the parole release process, which includes determining suitable placement in the community for the prisoner. It would be several weeks at the very earliest before any commuted prisoner would be released. Commuted prisoners have four-year terms of parole supervision upon release, Kramer said. Jacobsen said there is a support system there waiting for Chapman when she may be released from prison. Her parents are thrilled to have her coming home, commented Jacobsen, pointing out theyve attended every rally in Lansing for the project and their daughters cause. They have been waiting 30 years for her to be coming home. (This story has been updated to accurately reflect the initial charges against Stephen Busch.) FLINT, MI -- A second Michigan Department of Environmental Quality official agreed to cooperate with Flint water prosecutors on Wednesday, Dec. 26, pleading no contest to a single misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace in a public building. Stephen Busch, 42, a DEQ environmental supervisor, initially charged with several crimes related to the water crisis, made the agreement before Judge David Goggins in an unscheduled court appearance. He also faced the threat of an involuntary manslaughter charge. About an hour earlier, Michael Prysby, a DEQ engineer who worked for Busch, also pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor and agreed testify as well for special prosecutor Todd Flood. Provided he cooperates, Busch could have the amended charge dismissed in one year, said Flood and Mark Kriger, an attorney for Busch. Charges could be refiled if Busch doesnt uphold his end of the bargain, the prosecutor said. Neither Flood nor Kriger would comment on the deal after Wednesdays hearing, but both told Goggins that the disturbing the peace charge was related to a January 2015 town hall meeting in Flint that had been called to discuss the citys water problems. The meeting was cut short by city officials after residents, some toting jugs and bottles of discolored water, became increasingly angry with comments by city and DEQ officials, including Busch. The reason (for the plea agreement) is because of the cooperation and substantial assistance Mr. Busch has given to move the ball down the field in the (overall) Flint water investigation," Flood said. Part of that assistance could come in the pending involuntary manslaughter case against Nick Lyon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Lyon is the highest-ranking state government official facing accusations of water crimes, and Busch, under questioning from Flood, told Goggins Wednesday that he discussed an outbreak of Legionnares' disease in Genesee County with Lyon prior to March 2015. Lyon has maintained he first became aware of a surge in Legionnaires' cases in the area in January 2015, a full year before Gov. Rick Snyder informed the public of the outbreak, which officials have said killed at least 12 people in the county during the 17 months the city used the Flint River for drinking water. Snyders deputy director of federal relations has testified that Lyon, who is facing a jury trial in Genesee Circuit Court, warned top advisers to the governor about the Legionnaires' problems in Flint months before Snyders public disclosure. Flood also on Wednesday mentioned the potential for Busch to testify in preliminary examinations that are nearing an end against two other DEQ officials -- Liane Shekter-Smith, former chief of the agencys Office of Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance, and Patrick Cook, a specialist for the DEQs Community Drinking Water Unit. Shekter-Smith, the only state government employee to lose her job for her actions during the water crisis, faces criminal charges of involuntary manslaughter, misconduct in office and willful neglect of duty. Cook is charged with willful neglect of duty, misconduct in office and conspiracy. Wednesdays plea deals for Prysby and Busch are the fifth and sixth secured by Flood on behalf of the state Attorney Generals Office against 15 city and state officials facing charges. None of the agreements have resulted in fines or jail time for those officials. Wednesdays actions also come the week before Attorney General-elect Dana Nessel is expected to take office. Nessel criticized Flint water prosecutions as politically charged show trials during her successful 2018 campaign for office, but she has given no indication since her election about possible changes in approach or personnel in 2019. Before Goggins accepted Wednesdays plea agreements, Busch and Prysby testified briefly to establish foundations for the deals. Prysby pleaded no contest to amended charge of having violated the Safe Drinking Water Act and told Goggins that the decision to operate the Flint water treatment plant was ultimately made by former emergency managers appointed by Snyder. Two former emergency managers -- Darnell Earley and Gerald Ambrose -- still face criminal charges related to the water crisis. Prysby also testified he was familiar with an administrative consent order that allowed the city to borrow money to buy into a new Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline. Prysby told Goggins that the order cited the need to clean up a lime sludge dumping ground -- an action that was not required to operate the citys water plant. HASTINGS, MI -- The bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease has been found in the water at Spectrum Health Pennock hospital in Hastings. The hospital reported to the county health department Wednesday, Dec. 26, that samples from water outputs at the hospital tested positive for Legionella bacteria. Since September, two hospital patients have tested positive for the potentially fatal disease, according Barry-Eaton District Health Department officials. They say its unclear if the patients contracted the disease from the water at Spectrum Health Pennock. Citing patient confidentiality, Spectrum Health officials declined to comment on specifics regarding the patients' current status and what they were originally seen for. The hospital is connected to the Hastings municipal water supply, which serves about 7,350 people, according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. City and county health officials say the Legionella bacteria contamination is isolated to the hospitals water connection. Jerry Czarnecki, who serves as Hastings' clerk and treasurer, said the municipal water supply is tested daily for bacterial growths and there is no threat to residents and businesses hooked up to the supply. Water supplied to the hospital is not able to contaminate the water supply thanks to backflow prevention devices, he said. There have been no other cases of Legionnaires reported in the community, said Sara Surna, a community health promotion specialist with the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Spectrum Health Pennock hospital is using alternative water sources and water filtration to protect patients from the bacteria, the health department said in a press release. Additional patients are being tested for the disease. The safety and well-being of patients, visitors and staff is our top priority at Spectrum Health, a statement from the health system read. We are implementing our action plan and taking all necessary steps to resolve this situation, such as water filtration systems. We are working collaboratively with the local and state health departments and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Barry-Eaton District Health Department officials directed the hospital to test its water outputs, such as drinking fountains, after a second case of Legionnaires' disease was reported in a patient in November. The first was reported in September. The hospital sampled water on Dec. 12 and reported findings of Legionella bacteria to the health department on Dec. 26. Legionnaires disease is a type of pneumonia, or lung infection, that kills about one in 10 people who contract the disease, according to the health department. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headache and fever. The disease can be treated with antibiotics. People become infected with Legionella from breathing small droplets of water in the air that contain the bacteria. Its not spread from person to person, according to the health department. According to the health department, Legionella is commonly found in large, man-made water systems. The health department officials said they are continuing to monitor testing results at the hospital to assure that the situation is resolved once long-term remediation methods have been implemented. They had not reviewed the newly released documents. Still, his parents arent convinced their sons death was an accident and continue to have doubts about the investigation. They want to see more videos, and they want to know why he was found without any identification or credit cards. PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI -- A driver who struck and critically injured her 9-year-old son in a school parking lot accelerated moments after telling him to go back inside school and knowing that he was walking alongside the vehicle, court records show. The boy was hanging from the passenger side front door handle when he lost his grip and was run over by a rear tire. New details about the moments leading up to the critical injuries -- and subsequent felony charges against the woman -- are contained in a Kent County Circuit Court petition alleging abuse and neglect. Tiffany Kosakowski, 36, is charged with second-degree child abuse and reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function for the Dec. 11 crash at Chandler Woods Charter Academy on Samrick Avenue NE in Belmont. The boy had multiple fractures to his skull, bleeding on the brain, brain swelling and other injuries and was last known to be in critical condition at Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital. According to a Dec. 19 petition filed by Child Protective Services workers, Kosakowski told investigators that her son followed her out of the school and to her vehicle about 8:25 a.m. She entered the vehicle and backed up, then stopped the vehicle and told her son to go back to school. Ms. Kosakowski admitted (her son) did not go back in school but continued to walk alongside the vehicle, CPS workers wrote. Ms. Kosakowski admitted to to moving the steering wheel from left to right, then accelerating the vehicle knowing (her son) continued to be next to the vehicle, CPS investigators wrote. Court documents show Kosakowski works for Rockford Schools, although her job capacity wasnt clear. The boys father, according to CPS investigators, lives in the Detroit area and acknowledged having no contact with the child in about five years. He pays child support. Kosakowski is due Friday in 63rd District Court, in Grand Rapids Township, for a probable cause conference. At her arraignment Dec. 14, a judge allowed her to remain free on a personal recognizance bond. GRAND HAVEN, MI Ronald Redick, who bludgeoned business partner Kenneth Kunkel then staged a car crash in a failed cover-up, will likely spend his last days in prison after outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder rejected his commutation request. Redick, 81, is serving life in prison without hope for parole for first-degree murder in Kunkels Feb. 4, 1991 killing at their Spring Lake Township manufacturing business. He sought commutation and had a hearing last month before the state Parole Board. David Kunkel of Grand Haven did not want to talk about his dads killer other than to say: Im glad it came out that way. Earlier, he said: If you get life without parole, I think thats what life without parole means: life without parole. Snyder granted 61 requests for clemency out of more than 4,000 requests for commutation or pardon during his eight years in office. Retired Ottawa County Sheriff Gary Rosema, who investigated the killing as a detective, urged the Parole Board to recommend against Redicks release. Rosema told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Thursday that Redick should serve out his sentence. He said that any remorse Redick showed at the commutation hearing was self-serving. He felt remorse, he took partial responsibility, yet he still wanted to blame Ken, the victim, Rosema said. I believe that the (state) Attorney General, Parole Board and governor, they all made the right decision based on the fact it was a murder-one conviction, and there was specific intent for a number of things he did in this case. Redick was convicted in a 10-week jury trial in Ottawa County Circuit Court. He admitted at the hearing that he struck Kunkel in the head with a heavy piece of metal at their failing sheet-metal fabrication business, KR Corp. He said he put Kunkel in his own car, drove 20 miles and staged a crash. The crash, into a small tree, caused minor damage to the vehicle. An autopsy showed that Kunkel suffered a massive head injury. A piece of Kunkels skull was found back at the shop. For years, Redick insisted Kunkel who was leaving the partnership died in the crash. Detectives didnt buy his explanations. Redick stood to collect on a $100,000 life insurance policy on his business partner. It was a cover-up right from the beginning, Rosema said. At his hearing before the Parole Board, Redick finally admitted to the killing and cover-up but said he acted in self-defense and anger when he killed Kunkel. He claimed Kunkel, 55, of Holland, had insulted his wife. Ronald Redick is led to Ottawa County Circuit Court in 1991. Ottawa County Prosecutor Ronald Frantz said at the hearing that the sad conclusion (is) that Mr. Redick is blaming the victim here. Frantz testified that the states justice system has a moral contract with the victims family that the perpetrator serve out his sentence. Redick said that counseling and spiritual growth brought him to a point where I have remorse for my actions . He said he was horrified by what he did. "I lost it. It's my fault. It's just, it was an out-of-body experience. I took his life and it was wrong." Redick had not raised the self-defense allegation until last months hearing. The Kunkel family and Assistant Attorney General Assistant Attorney General Scott Rothermel didnt believe Redick. Rosema didnt, either. He said Redick had a long time to come up with an explanation. Redick accepted responsibility but appeared reluctant to shoulder all of the blame. Even after 27 years, it didnt make sense, Rosema said. Redick was once a prominent businessman and civic leader in the Spring Lake area. He worked in the Apollo space program, and been a biology teacher at Grand Haven High. He listed Republican Party leaders among his friends. Chris Kunkel, who was 15 when his dad was killed, said after the hearing: I truly believe Mr. Redick deserves to be released from prison as much as my father deserved to die." KALAMAZOO, MI -- Kalamazoo Countys tourism marketing organization its headquarters in the new year. Discover Kalamazoo closed its offices this week while it transitions to a new space at 240 W. Michigan Ave. The move to a 5,200 square foot, two-story building will provide more space for a visitor center and collaborative events. The marketing arm for the Kalamazoo County Convention and Visitors Bureau signed a 3-year lease for the building in anticipation of its current lease expiring at the end of 2018. The new headquarters is located next door to Theo and Stacys. Both buildings are owned by the Skartsiaris family. Discover Kalamazoo President and CEO Greg Ayers said its important to stay in downtown Kalamazoo. The new location is only three blocks away from its old headquarters at 141 E. Michigan Ave., which held the visitors center since 2007. Ayers said the new location will allow Discover Kalamazoo to hold events and get more involved in monthly Art Hop events. He said the offices should be open no later than Jan. 2. Moving crews were transporting equipment out of the old office Thursday. Theres a lot of chaos, Ayers said. In a good way. Discover Kalamazoo is funded through a 5 percent tax on lodging, which raises $2.5 million to $2.8 million each year. The money is also split between the countys parks and recreation and treasurers offices. KALAMAZOO, MI Dr. Lukasz Niec, who came to the U.S. as a child and a legal immigrant about 40 years ago, said he is grateful that Gov. Rick Snyder chose to issue a pardon that could block Niec from being deported. It was a nice Christmas present, Niec said, speaking to the Kalamazoo Gazette and MLive on Dec. 26 after a day of seeing patients for Bronson HealthCare, his employer. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Niec at his home in Texas Township in January 2018 and he spent more than two weeks in the Calhoun County Jail, which houses ICE detainees, before he was released on bond. He faces possible deportation, and ICE cited two misdemeanor convictions on his record from 1992 -- malicious destruction of property and receiving stolen property -- as factors that made him eligible for removal proceedings. Both are crimes involving moral turpitude, according to ICE. Niec most recently came under agency scrutiny as a result of 18 encounters with local law enforcement, ICE said. The agency later confirmed ICE began an investigation as a result of child abuse allegations against Niec. In the past year, Niec fought the child abuse allegations in court while wondering if he would be kicked out of the country where he grew up. A judge threw out the child abuse allegations during a two-day trial in Wayne County Circuit Court in April, according to one of Niecs attorneys, Deanna Kelley. A judge found the allegations were not substantiated, she said previously. The prosecution did not meet their burden and the case was closed. In July, Niec appeared at a pardon hearing and answered questions from a member of the parole board and a representative of the Michigan Attorney Generals Office about the misdemeanor convictions and other parts of his life. Niec testified about how he remembered riding along on Dec. 11, 1991, as his friend drove to multiple 7-Eleven stores to withdraw thousands of dollars from ATMs. After the car ride, Niec went home to his mothers house with $12,000 in his pocket, he testified. He later was caught at school, charged and convicted for his role in the crime that happened 27 years ago, Niec said at the July parole hearing. About a week before Christmas this year, Niec got a letter from the parole board saying his case had been sent to the governors office. He found out he was being pardoned when he got a phone call from a reporter on the night of Friday, Dec. 21, telling him the news. It surprised me, he said. Niec, a native of Poland who does not speak Polish, said he now plans to seek U.S. citizenship. He thanked the governor for a chance to stay in the U.S. Im very grateful that he looked into it, that he was willing to," Niec said. He didnt have to. Its humbling. It made me feel like he cares. Niec was driving with his wife when he got the news, and they both excitedly called family members, he said. Some of them already knew about the pardon, Niec said, as the story made news reports around the state. He spent Christmas Eve with family in the Detroit area, and celebrated Christmas with family at home in Texas Township. The pardon was a relief, as it came just days before the holiday, he said. The pardon gives him hope, but Niec pointed out that he still doesnt know for sure if it will keep him in the country. You dont know until its done, he said. Niec said his attorneys relayed to him that they intend to file paperwork to try to halt the deportation. They indicated the next steps could happen quickly, Niec said, though he did not know any details as of Wednesday. Attorney Chris Vreeland, an immigration attorney who represented Niec and attended the pardon hearing, said previously that the governors pardon would likely lead to deportation proceedings stopping. Vreeland could not be reached for comment in the days after the governors pardon was announced. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Police are firefighters are responding to a serious crash after a minivan slammed into the back of gasoline tanker on 174th Avenue in Ferrysburg. The driver of the minivan was trapped in the wreckage before rescuers freed him. The crash happened around 7:50 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, near Leppinks Food Centers in the 17700 block of 174th Avenue, south of Van Wagoner Street, according to Ottawa County Central Dispatch. Rescuers said the minivan driver suffered serious injuries. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI A Spring Lake man was critically injured Thursday, Dec. 27, when his minivan crashed into the back of a disabled semi-truck hauling a tanker. David Wiersma, 31, is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, Ottawa County sheriffs Sgt. Mike VanDenBosch said. Wiersma underwent surgery after the 7:45 a.m. crash on northbound 174th Avenue near Dogwood Drive in Ferrysburg. Police said they have not determined why Wiersma drove into the back of the trailer. The truck driver, Mark Huey, 60, of Grayling, was outside of his rig working on the truck when it was struck in the back. Police said it appears that the victim was not using a seat belt. The incident remains under investigation. A man has been charged with killing his mother on Christmas Eve and leaving her body in a garbage can about half a mile from her home on the Far South Side, according to Chicago police. He was very proud of the work he did on my campaign. He often joked that my victory would finally put him on the map, Foxx told the Tribune on Thursday. Its important for me to say that I dont know if I would have won without him. He was a brilliant, thoughtful and an incredible force long before we worked together. I thank him for putting me on the map. Trust, Pritzker said, gets established because were each willing to reach across party lines, talk to one another, listen to one another and I think thats begun in earnest, not just in my transition where a number of Republicans are participating in our transition committees, but in ways like when we get together and just break bread. He noted transition team members that include former GOP Gov. Jim Edgar and former Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno of Lemont, who retired after battling internally with Rauner over policy. Representative image live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More In a much needed respite for domestic airlines, air fares have increased by 8-10 percent on an average during the ongoing festive season. The good tides continue in the first two weeks of the New Year, till when the current rates of tickets are expected to hold. "For most of 2018, the fares have been at par, or lower, than last year's rates. Thanks to the peak season, the fares have gone up now," said Sharat Dhall, Chief Operating Officer (COO), B2C business of travel portal Yatra. The difference in fares though varies according to the booking period. For instance, a December 25 ticket between Bengaluru and Delhi, booked seven days prior the journey, was cheaper from a year ago period (see Fig 1). But the fares go up considerably if booked just five days, or two days, before travel. Source: Yatra Source: Ritesh Presswala via Yatra "This increase in fares is good news for airlines. Indicators have improved now. Oil prices are trending lower than same time last year," Dhall added. Brent crude rate touched $49.93 a barrel on December 26, the lowest since July 2017. But the situation was dramatically different two months ago. A rising crude rate had added to the already difficult circumstances for Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Jet Airways and SpiceJet. Fuel costs make up for about 30 percent of airlines' total expenditure. IndiGo reported its first quarterly loss, in the second quarter of the FY, since it listed. SpiceJet had reported its second straight quarterly loss. The situation at Jet Airways, which is facing a liquidity crunch, is precarious. The airline has undergone three consecutive quarters of huge losses. It has been in talks with Tata Sons and Etihad Airways for possible funding, but a deal has not been reached yet. They will find some respite in higher ticket rates. New Year The fare increase will carry on till the first two weeks of January, show numbers collated by Yatra. Source: Yatra Source: Ritesh Presswala via Yatra The only exception seems to be on the Kolkata route. Tickets in the Mumbai-Kolkata route, for travel in the January 1-15 period, are currently lower than a year ago rates. "The higher fares reflect better load factors. There is also congestion in key airports. There is scarcity of slots in airports in Delhi and Mumbai," Dhall said. But it remains to be seen if the trend continues once the peak season ends. Usually, carriers come out with special schemes, including sales, after the festival season. International routes In most of the international routes too, fares have seen an increase; and in some cases, even a jump. Ticket to San Francisco from Mumbai, has gone up by 45 percent. Considerable increase has also been seen in New York and Sydney flights. At the same time, fares have dropped in 13 routes, including in Kuala Lampur, London and Zurich. source: Yatra Source: Ritesh Presswala via Yatra live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The year 2018 was action packed for the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors with high profile mergers and acquisitions, government policy changes and regulatory developments. Let's look at how the sector performed this year. Sector performance The sectors didn't bring much cheer to investors in 2018. The S&P BSE Healthcare index that represents pharma and healthcare stocks underperformed compared to the benchmark Sensex. While the S&P BSE Healthcare index fell by 8 percent to 13,649.48 points, the Sensex gained 4.58 percent to 35,620.21 points in 2018. Ayushman Bharat Ayushman Bharat or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) was launched on September 23, 2018, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is considered the biggest healthcare intervention in post-independence India. The scheme aims to provide Rs 5 lakh cover to 10 crore poor families or nearly half a billion people and is politically significant for Modi as he heads for general elections in 2019. The scheme covers medical and hospitalisation expenses for almost all secondary care and most tertiary care procedures. PMJAY has defined 1,350 medical packages covering surgery, medical and daycare treatment including medicines, diagnostics and transport. With exception of Telangana, Odisha and Delhi, rest of the states and union territories are on board to implement the scheme. The Fortis saga with Singh brothers The year 2018 can easily be called the year of Fortis Healthcare and Singh brothers in pharma. India's second largest healthcare provider plunged into crisis early this year with the company disclosing that the promoters took out Rs 500 crore from the company through questionable inter-corporate deposits. Soon, both the promoters Malvinder and Shivinder -- also called as Singh brothers -- resigned, and their stake in the hospital chain pledged with lenders was invoked on account of non-payment of dues. The Singh brothers' stake in the company has now fallen to 0.80 percent from 34.43 percent in February as lenders invoked the shares pledged by them. Subsequently, Fortis was put for sale and after much drama Malaysia's IHH Healthcare managed to seal the deal after offering to invest $1.1 billion in the company through a combination of preferential allotment and open offer. The deal still hangs in balance, as the Supreme Court has ordered a status-quo. Meanwhile, relations between Singh brothers hit rock bottom, even as they were hounded by courts to pay-up Rs 3,500 crore to Daiichi Sankyo, which the company won in an arbitration in Singapore against the brothers. Sun Pharma roller coaster Shareholders of Sun Pharma witnessed a roller coaster ride this year. Shares of India's largest drug-maker zoomed Rs 678.80 in the first week of September with the crucial Halol plant in Gujarat passing the USFDA test. The Halol facility was under USFDA warning since December 2015, due to which new approvals were blocked. With Halol being resolved and the specialty pipeline unfolding, nothing seemed to rock Sun Pharma's boat. However, things changed dramatically for the company, in the last three months and shares have nosedived on account of a surprise net loss of Rs 219 crore in Q2, followed by reports of questionable corporate governance practices and a whistle blower compliant to SEBI. Given the weightage of Sun Pharma, the market value destruction at the company has pulled the healthcare index lower. Lupin gets USFDA warning letter In a year when most companies were coming out of regulatory trouble, Lupin got a shocker with USFDA issued warning letters on its Goa and Indore plants. The letter remained an overhang on the company as it came at a time when it was facing intense pricing pressure in the US. M&A's It's been a year of M&As in the sectors. Aurobindo Pharma was active with outbound acquisitions worth around $1 billion, it bought Sandoz's generic business in US for $900 million and further gobbled up generic and over the counter business of Apotex in five European countries for 74 million euros. Zydus Cadila, part of Cadila Healthcare acquired Complan and Glucon-D brands from Heinz India for Rs 4,595 crore. This was followed by the merger of GSK Consumer Healthcare, merging itself with HUL in a deal valued at Rs 31,700 crore. The deal gives HUL ownership of Horlicks and Boost in India. In the hospital space, two major acquisitions took place IHH Healthcare acquired India's second largest healthcare firm Fortis for $1.1 billion and Radiant Life Care backed by KKR bought Max Healthcare, creating the third largest hospital chain with an equity valuation of Rs 7,242 crore. Sector outlook for 2019 Nonetheless, green shoots started emerging in 2018, such as easing of regulatory and US pricing pressure, steady US approvals and recovery of domestic formulation business after the disruption caused by GST roll-out. In addition companies are tightening costs and focusing on complex and specialty products to beat competition. All these factors are expected to play out in 2019. The hospital business has faced problems with the government capping prices of cardiac stents and knee implants, but they have recovered as the fundamentals of India's healthcare business remain intact with increasing burden of chronic diseases and penetration of health insurance. Consolidation in the sector also helps reduce costs and improve utilisation of resources. Lastly, although pharma and healthcare would be least impacted by the 2019 general elections, it will be closely watched to know how much importance the sectors would get in the agenda of political parties. The government is likely to infuse Rs 28,615 crore into seven public sector banks (PSBs) through recapitalisation bonds by the end of this month, sources said on Thursday. The amount infused will help the banks meet regulatory capital requirement, and its disbursement might take place before December 31, sources said. Out of these seven PSBs, Bank of India is likely to get the highest amount of Rs 10,086 crore, followed by Oriental Bank of Commerce, which might get Rs 5,500 crore through recapitalisation bonds, sources added. Other banks that are likely to receive capital infusion in this round included Bank of Maharashtra which may get Rs 4,498 crore, UCO Bank (Rs 3,056 crore) and United Bank of India (Rs 2,159 crore). The government had earlier announced an infusion of Rs 65,000 crore in PSBs in 2018-19, of which Rs 23,000 crore has already been disbursed, while Rs 42,000 crore is remaining. Earlier this month, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government would put an additional Rs 41,000 crore in PSBs over and above what was announced earlier. On December 20, the government sought Parliament's approval for infusion of an additional Rs 41,000 crore. The recapitalisation, the finance minister said, would enhance the lending capacity of PSBs and help them come out of the Reserve Bank of India's Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework. Eleven out of the total 21 PSBs are under the RBI's PCA framework, which imposes lending restrictions on weak banks. 9. South Korea | Another Asian nation makes it at the ninth spot with a strong life expectancy and happy citizens. When Choi Ba-da pitched his car-sharing firm Luxi to Hyundai Motor officials in 2017, he told them there would be no future for South Korea's top automaker if it failed to embrace emerging technologies. His pitch worked: Hyundai agreed to buy a 12 percent stake in Luxi for $5 million, its first investment in a car-sharing firm as it joined rivals in the race for new-age transportation. But about six months later, Hyundai sold its stake after thousands of angry taxi drivers, worried about their jobs, threatened to boycott Hyundai cars, Choi told Reuters. Hyundai officials say they were also wary of laws limiting car sharing in South Korea. Hyundai's breakup with Luxi illustrates how rigid regulations, strong labour unions and a risk-averse culture among South Korea's giant family run conglomerates, or chaebol, have hindered the growth of start-ups in Asia's fourth-largest economy. President Moon Jae-in's administration says the country's decades-old growth model, powered by a handful of large exporters such as Hyundai and Samsung, has reached its limit in the face of Chinese competition and rising labour costs. To offset slowing growth in sectors such as autos, ships and chips, it created a new ministry for start-ups last year and has boosted funding to cultivate new technologies. But the government has been too slow to remove cumbersome regulations for start-ups, wary of upending the country's economic order or upsetting powerful labour unions, according to interviews with a dozen entrepreneurs, investors and executives. That has left South Korea surprisingly resistant to disruptive technologies despite its tech-savvy image, they say. "After agonising, Hyundai officials told me that they had to go slow with the service, before eventually pulling out," Choi told Reuters. "But how on earth can a startup go slow?" In a statement to Reuters, Hyundai said it sold its stake in Luxi as the investment "did not fit a business model the company pursued", without elaborating. Hyundai's chief innovation officer Youngcho Chi also said South Korean restrictions on ride-sharing to unspecified "commuting hours" as one reason and said the automaker had concluded that Luxi was not going to work out. Instead, Hyundai pumped $275 million into Singaporean ride-hailing firm Grab this year. MOST STARTUPS ILLEGAL Hyundai and Samsung say they invest in both local and overseas startups. Close to the company's headquarters, South Korean startups are easier to communicate with, Hyundai said. Samsung told Reuters it has been running a startup support programme for five years to raise local entrepreneurs. Still, some say chaebol are moving too slowly. "The Korean success has been built on a fast-follower strategy, but Chinese rivals are catching up very fast," said Hwang Sungjae, a co-founder of Fluenty, a South Korean artificial intelligence startup acquired by Samsung Electronics last year. "Companies now have no choice but to innovate and work with start-ups, but they are not investing quickly enough." "I think Korean companies are at a great risk of falling behind." Regulations are another challenge. South Korean laws would entirely or partially block about 70 percent of the world's top 100 startups by investment size from bringing their services to the country, according to joint research by Google Campus Seoul and the Asan Nanum Foundation. Those include giants Airbnb, Uber, and China's Ant Financial. In February, top South Korean mobile messaging operator Kakao Corp bought Luxi for $25 million, but it remains stymied by carpooling regulations, and has yet to launch amid fierce protests from taxi drivers. One protesting taxi driver set himself on fire and died last week, and unionised drivers say they plan a huge rally this week. Kakao said it pushed back the launch schedule of its carpool service in the wake of the suicide. South Korea's transport ministry declined to comment. Regulations also prohibit venture capital funds from investing in financial, real estate, accommodation and restaurant sectors in South Korea. The government has proposed a new law to lift those restrictions, but a senior government official acknowledged it would be neither easy nor quick. "The bottom line is that we have to move toward innovation, but it takes a lot of time and is a difficult process to mediate existing interests,a the government official at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups told Reuters. "Realistically, we can't simply ignore existing interests. There's no clear answer." He declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. 'ARE YOU DREAMING?' Many Korean ventures are focused on applications that would only apply locally, making them a hard sell for global companies, a Samsung Electronics executive told Reuters, asking not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media. Since 2016, Samsung Electronics has acquired minority stakes in nine startups, only one based in South Korea, according to corporate research firm CEO Score. Hyundai Motor has invested a total 85 billion won ($75.11 million) worth of minority stakes in 15 foreign startups over the last three years, compared to 28 billion won spent on five local ventures over the same period, CEO Score said. San Francisco-based venture fund 500 Startups, one of the early investors in Grab, said it had looked at Korean ride-sharing firms for a possible investment, but decided against it because of legal restrictions. "The regulatory environment hasn't been favourable to the investors like us," Jeffrey Lim, who heads 500 Startups's Korea office, told Reuters. There were, however, Korean industries offering interesting opportunities, such as pop music, online games, and cosmetics, Lim said. 500 Startups has invested 6.5 billion won in 30 South Korean firms since 2015, including radio app Spoon which is now available in Southeast Asia and Japan. Other established foreign rivals have also backed South Korean start-ups despite the challenges. Japan's Softbank has invested in more than 20 tech companies in South Korea since 2012, according to venture capital data provider CB Insights, including a $2 billion stake in online retailer Coupang in November. South Korean startup Viva Republica, which operates money transfer app Toss, last week raised $80 million from U.S. investors including Kleiner Perkins and Ribbit Fund, valuing it at $1.2 billion. Korean conglomerates' tendency to avoid risk and shun outside partnerships makes them slower than foreign rivals to adapt to fast changing technologies, said Rhee Moo-weon, a management professor at Seoul-based Yonsei University, who advises Samsung, Hyundai and the South Korean government. In 2003, Samsung missed the opportunity to acquire the then small maker of the Android smartphone operating system, just two weeks before Google bought it for $50 million plus incentives, according to a 2013 book by Fred Vogelstein "Dogfight: How Apple and Google Went to War and Started a Revolution". When Android creator Andy Rubin pitched his firm to Samsung, a Samsung executive told him, "Are you dreaming? You and what army are going to go and create this? You have six people. Are you high?," according to the book. Samsung said it could not confirm the content of the book. THINK OUTSIDE KOREA As cash-rich conglomerates remain reluctant buyers, only 3 percent of South Korean startups were able to recoup their investments through trade sales in 2017, according to the Korean Venture Capital Association. That leaves IPOs as one of a few exit options, but it takes about 12 years for South Korean startups to go public - "an eternity" compared to Silicon Valley where it typically takes six to seven years, according to consulting firm McKinsey & Co. Only last year, South Korea introduced the so-called "Tesla listing rule" which allows loss-making startups to list on its junior, tech heavy Kosdaq market. It's named after the U.S. electric carmaker that remains loss-making eight years after going public in 2010, but is worth $63 billion. So far, only e-commerce platform Cafe24 Corp has used the Tesla rule to go public. Since its February listing, its shares have risen 25 percent. South Korean entrepreneurs say there is a long way to go. "Government officials are trying to meet every stakeholder's demands in a way that doesn't lead to a solution," said Seo Seung-woo, a professor and entrepreneur who moved his self-driving start-up to Silicon Valley last year. "I say, don't think about doing a startup in South Korea. Think outside Korea." ($1 = 1,131.6700 won) A two-day Envoys Conference on Economic Diplomacy will begin here on December 27 to attract foreign investment in cash-strapped Pakistan. The conference has been organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Board of Investment. Pakistan's Ambassadors and Heads of Missions from select capitals, representatives of public and private sectors, and government institutions would participate in the conference, the Foreign Office (FO) said. "(The conference) will deliberate ways and means to enhance Foreign Direct Investment and trade, particularly exports," it said. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umer, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain and Chairman Board of Investment Haroon Sharif will attend the event. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More After the government wounded the e-commerce sector with a new foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, online exclusive electronic and smartphone brands are uncertain of their future, and have sought clarity from marketplaces and their legal teams, The Economic Times reported. Executives of these companies may tweak their business models to cope with this change. They said there isn't enough information about the development yet. According to the new policy, "any e-commerce marketplace entity will not mandate any seller to sell any product exclusively on its platform only". Brands that operate as online exclusives through Flipkart or Amazon include BPL, TCL's iFFalcon, MarQ, Blaupunkt TV, Sanyo, Tenor, Thomson, Amazon Basics and Meizu. The companies may not lose any business as the products are sold to different sellers, not to any marketplace, said Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO of Super Plastronics, the licensee for Thomson and Kotak TV brands sold on Flipkart quoted in the report. He added that the marketplace has no stake in the brands. BPL seeks more clarity and wants to dodge offline competition. "The choice of the channel will remain. We are keen to continue online exclusivity to avoid confrontation with offline retailers on pricing and other issues which a lot of brands are now facing by selling both online and offline," COO Manmohan Ganesh said in the report. Smartphone brands that will mainly take the hit are OnePlus and Xiaomi, who gained market share through exclusive deals with Flipkart and Amazon. However, both companies have entered offline sales of late. New brands entering the country through the e-commerce marketplaces will now be affected. Most such brands were using low cost of operations in the online medium and predatory pricing to make their mark in the market, according to the chief of a leading appliance maker. Industry representatives said that big brands with a major offline presence may not be as affected by the policy change. The new policy directs e-commerce entities to not exercise control or ownership over the inventory to be sold. It said that the inventory of a vendor is said to be controlled by the marketplace if more than 25 percent of purchases of such vendors are from the marketplace entity or its group companies. Some brands, including electronics and smartphones, supplied their products to Amazon and Flipkart's wholesale entities. These entities would then sell to sellers, for the product to reach the end customer. This will now have to be reworked in compliance with the new laws. On the ground for only about three hours, the American president told the men and women with the U.S. military that Islamic State forces have been vanquished, and he defended his decision against all advice to withdraw U.S. troops from neighboring Syria, He said the U.S. was once again respected as a nation, and declared: "We're no longer the suckers, folks." The logo of Foxconn, the trading name Apple Inc will begin assembling its top-end iPhones in India through the local unit of Foxconn as early as 2019, the first time the Taiwanese contract manufacturer will have made the product in the country, according to a source familiar with the matter. Importantly, Foxconn will be assembling the most expensive models, such as devices in the flagship iPhone X family, the source said, potentially taking Apple's business in India to a new level. The work will take place at Foxconn's plant in Sriperumbudur town in Tamil Nadu, this source added. Foxconn, which already makes phones for Xiaomi Corp, will invest 25 billion Indian rupees ($356 million) to expand the plant, including investment in iPhone production, Tamil Nadu's Industries Minister M C Sampath told Reuters. The investment may create as many as 25,000 jobs, he added. The other source declined to be named as this person is not authorised to speak to the media. A third source confirmed Foxconn planned to assemble iPhones in India. The Hindu newspaper first reported on December 24 that the Foxconn plant would begin manufacturing various models of the iPhone. Reuters is first to report the size of the investment and the kind of phones to be assembled. LOWER-END PHONES Until now, Cupertino, California-based Apple has only assembled the lower-cost SE and 6S models in India through Wistron Corp's local unit in the Bengaluru technology hub. Its sales in India have also been focused on lower-end phones - more than half of its sales volume is driven by models older than the iPhone 8, launched last year, according to technology research firm Counterpoint. Apple launched the pricey iPhone X last year but has cut production of that phone, according to industry analysts, since it began selling the newer versions, iPhone XS and XR, globally this year. Still, it could potentially get Foxconn to make the older iPhone X version in India where it sells cheaper models in a bid to get a bigger share of the world's fastest growing major mobile phone market. Full details of Apple's deal with Foxconn are not yet clear and could change. It is not known if any of the iPhone assembly is being moved from existing Foxconn factories in China and elsewhere. It is also unclear whether the production will be confined to assembly or include any component production in India. Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller declined to comment for this story. Foxconn said it does not comment on matters related to current or potential customers, or any of their products. It did not immediately respond to a request seeking confirmation that it was investing $356 million in Tamil Nadu. Apple shocked investors last month with a lower-than-expected sales forecast for the Christmas quarter that jolted parts suppliers across the world. Foxconn has previously expressed concern over demand for Apple's flagship devices. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The year 2018 was a volatile one from market standpoint. The benchmark indices touched historic highs in the last week of January and August, but could not sustain the rally and consolidated thereafter. The BSE Sensex has, so far, climbed 4.7 percent and the Nifty50 has gained 1.9 percent in 2018. However, the broader markets underperformed frontliners during the year as the BSE Midcap index has crashed 15 percent and smallcap index has plunged 25 percent. Similar volatility is expected in 2019 as well, experts said, the events which played key role in 2018 (crude and rupee volatility, US-China trade tensions, elections and Union Budget) are expected to dominate Dalal Street again in the coming year with addition of one more event global growth concerns. "Global financial markets equity, commodities, etc. should be entering low volatility-low return phase. We had low volatilityhigh positive return in 2017. 2018 was high volatilityhigh negative return market. And now, 2019 will be low volatility- low return market," Shailendra Kumar, CIO at Narnolia FInancial Advisors told Moneycontrol. He said forthcoming general election will impact market volatility but not the return. "In 2018, major moves were more to do with global issues like oil price volatility, or stock valuations and not to do with any policy issues, and this should continue in 2019." Anand Shah, Head - Investments and Deputy CEO at BNP Paribas Asset Management India said he believes 2019 will be a tale of two halves. "While the first half of CY 2019 will have multiple events which will keep markets more focused on macro variables, we believe the second half will see micros take centrestage, making stock selection key for outperformance both in equity and fixed income portfolios," he explained. Mayuresh Joshi, Fund Manager at Angel Broking said the year 2019 will largely be a year of stock-specific stories. "It is unlikely to be a thematic rally either in midcaps or in largecaps." Here is the list of 15 stock ideas for 2019 that could return 10-44% Brokerage: Motilal Oswal Titan Company | Target - Rs 1,105 Wedding season demand is scaling up well for Titan. If consumers continue flocking to its stores during the wedding season, jewellery sales growth of 25 percent for the full year is achievable. Same-store-sales growth (SSSG) is likely to contribute 75-80 percent of jewellery sales growth, which is even higher than the impressive 60 percent that it was reporting earlier. This, in turn, would have extremely positive implications on jewellery EBIT margin. Revenue growth opportunity of 20 percent is immense and far superior to peers. Also, the margin trajectory appears to be on an uptrend, as revenue is being driven by SSSG. We expect 25 percent EPS CAGR over FY18-20. Indian Hotels | Target Rs 163 Indian hospitality industry is set to enter into an upcycle, led by favourable demand-supply dynamics. Industry occupancy (67 percent) has already breached the optimum level, allowing players to exercise pricing power. Given its presence in high-demand, high-occupancy micro markets, Indian Hotel is strategically well placed to capitalize on the growth opportunities. Indian Hotel also has an edge in terms of operating leverage, given its high fixed-cost proportion and efforts to rationalize expenses. We expect it to record revenue/ EBITDA CAGR of 9 / 25 percent over FY18-20. Marico | Target Rs 465 There has been an evident step-up in the pace of new launches over the past 18 months with couple of notable successes. The recent pipeline and successes so far could enable a new era of growth for Marico if all goes according to plan. Strong performance of Parachute volumes continues in recent quarters along with healthy growth prospects in the VAHO (Value added hair oil) segment Marico is also among the pioneers on extensive use of technology in distribution and with augmentation of analytics is creating another sustainable moat for the future. We expect revenue/PAT CAGR of 15 /17 percent over FY18-20. Oberoi Realty | Target Rs 574 Oberoi has one of the strongest balance sheets among real estate companies, with negligible net debt. With strong monetisation visibility from its ongoing and upcoming projects, Oberoi is expected generate healthy free cash flow over FY18-20. We believe such financial strength offers the company with an opportunity for value-accretive land acquisitions to drive growth potential beyond the existing land bank. Oberoi plans to multiply its annuity portfolio from 1.6msf to 4.2msf resulting in leasing income increasing by 4x over the next five years. We estimate revenue/EBITDA/PAT CAGR of 47 /45 / 71 percent over FY18-20. ICICI Bank | Target Rs 400 ICICI is in the midst of an improvement in the operating environment (stressed asset resolution and growth pick-up) and is showing healthy signs of earnings normalization. We expect earnings momentum to accelerate from FY20 as the asset quality cycle peaks out, domestic business growth remains strong and the rising mix of retail adds more granularity to loan book. Further, we expect ICICI Bank to gain from the current crisis in NBFC space, due to its strong franchise in deposits along with superior customer reach across business segments Aurobindo Pharma | Target Rs 920 The company has guided for 2x industry growth rate in EU market along with better profitability on account of transfer of 97 products from EU to India. We remain positive on Aurobindo on robust ANDA filings rate, strong pace of approvals, minimal regulatory hurdles and the company outperforming the industry in the EU market. We expect Aurobindo to record 24 /22 /18 percent CAGR for revenue/EBITDA/Adjusted PAT over FY18-20E, with RoE/RoCE of 22 /16 percent in FY20E. Hindustan Unilever | Target Rs 2,140 HUL offers the best earnings growth visibility in the large-cap Indian consumer space. Four key trends are helping HUL in elevating its earnings growth trajectory to around 20 percent: (1) rapidly improving adaptability to market requirements, (2) recognition and strong execution on Naturals, (3) strong trend toward premiumisation and (4) extensive plans to employ technology and create further entry barriers. The acquisition of GSK Consumer healthcare business pushes HUL among the market leaders in the only key category where it did not have market leadership (Food and Refreshments). Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals | Target Rs 260 Crompton is a leading player in Indian fans Industry with a market share of around 25 percent. Company is looking to aggressively target the 'Premium' category of fans while retaining its market share in the 'Standard' category. The light electricals industry is poised for robust double-digit growth over the coming few years largely driven by growth in LED. Crompton has undertaken multiple cost rationalization initiatives to combat the margin pressure in the lighting segment. We like Crompton for its strong product portfolio, established brand, market leadership, wide distribution network, and robust RoE/RoCE profile. Infosys | Target Rs 800 Infosys has built capabilities to match spend shifts in the past three years and Digital revenue now accounts for around 30 percent of companys revenue. Infosys has also been one of the most disciplined companies in terms of operational efficiency in last couple of years which has helped maintain margins while investing aggressively in building capabilities. The acceleration in growth momentum, aided by a pick-up in verticals like Financial Services and Retail, and the visibility for its continual from recent deal wins provides confidence of improvement in the coming quarters. We expect Infosys to register a revenue/PAT of 8 / 13 percent CAGR over the next three years largely driven by Digital segment. Larsen and Toubro | Target Rs 1,570 Key positive triggers for L&T are 1) Pick-up in private capex cycle supported by government capex, 2) Timely execution of strong order backlog, 3) Divestment of the non-core assets and net working capital cycle improvement Divestment of the non-core assets (like L&T cutting tools, EWAC alloys etc.) and net working capital cycle improvement is in line with Project Lakshya. In Q1FY19, L&T signed agreement with Schneider Electric for sale of its Electrical & Automation segment for a cash consideration of Rs 11,200 crore (post tax). We expect L&T to register a revenue/EBITDA/Adjusted PAT CAGR of 13 /19 /20 percent with margin improvement of 130bps over FY18-20E. Axis Securities IndusInd Bank | Target - Rs 1,876 IndusInd Bank has an ideal mix of loan book with niche presence in vehicle finance and corporate banking inclined towards working capital finance. Strong NIM, higher other income and stable asset quality have resulted in consistent operating performance. We expect the bank with its high share of CASA (44 percent) to be amongst the key beneficiaries of the higher spreads and softening yields in the near term. Key monitorables are the Bharat Financial merger, IL&FS exposure and changes in top management. Voltas | Target - Rs 672 We believe Voltas is the best bet in the consumer durables space from 3-5 years given its strong franchise, focus on plugging the gaps in the product suite (Arcelik JV), improving order book visibility and the cautious approach deriving benefits in the form of improving margins. Sterlite Technologies | Target - Rs 410 Sterlite Technologies enjoys around 10 percent of the global market share (around 40 percent of the domestic market share). It has an order book of upwards of Rs 6,000 crore giving a visibility of around 1.5 years. Key triggers for company's growth include - 4G Network expansion and 5G deployment around the world, and transformation of the company from supplier of OF and OFC to providing data network solutions. Aarti Industries | Target - Rs 1,740 AIL recently received two multi-year deals - Rs 4,000 crore contract with a global agrochemical company for a term of 10 years and Rs 10,000 crore contract for a term of 20 years. This order book provides AIL with a long term and sustained revenue visibility. This will help the company to generate higher margins and improve its return on capital employed. With the company consistently investing in R&D and due to the increased API demand on account of the recent revival in the domestic pharma industry, we expect AIL to further increase its share in the pharma segment. With the demand for the specialty chemicals set to increase, the company is poised to grow both in terms of revenues and profits. Amber Enterprises | Target - Rs 1,106 AEL is the market leader in the room air conditioner (RAC) OEM / ODM industry in India with market share of around 55 percent (in terms of volumes) and its clients account for around 75 percent share in the Indian RAC market. Current penetration of RAC in India is around 4.5 percent while the global average is around 30 percent implying ample room for growth. Increasing demand of outsourcing by brand owners to improve their returns provides growth opportunities for AEL, government thrust on local manufacturing and measures such as increase in customs duty augurs well for ODM's like Amber. : The above report is compiled from information available on public platforms. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Here are stocks that are in the news today: Sun Pharma: Subsidiary DUSA Pharmaceuticals gets relief from US court in patent infringement case. Hindustan Unilever: Company said NAA order refers to need to pass on benefit of cut in rates to consumers and the order is fully consistent with HUL's stand & actions. NTPC: Investment approval has been accorded for Bilhaur Solar PV Project of 140 MW capacity and Auraiya Solar PV Project of 20 MW capacity. Tata Global Beverages: CARE reaffirmed its A1+ rating in respect of company's securities and borrowings for commercial papers of Rs 715 crore. Fedders Electric and Engineering: Sanjay Chugh, Practicing Company Secretary resigned as the Secretarial Auditor of the company, due to some inevitable circumstances. Jetking Infotrain: Board appointed Swati Gaikawad Bhatt as an Additional Director (designated as Independent Director). Vista Pharmaceuticals: Board approved the allotment of 8,37,720 equity shares on conversion of 8,37,720 convertible warrants to Vasant V Alli, the promoter of the company. Mawana Sugars: Board appointed Manju Vira Gupta as an Additional Director (under the category of Non-Executive Independent Woman Director). Lesha Industries: Board and approved sub division of equity shares of the company from existing face value of Rs 10 per share to Re 1. YKM Industries: Anil Jain, a part of the promoter group of company, will be selling 6,06,665 equity shares (representing 13.51 percent of the total equity) through Offer for Sale route on December 28 and December 31. Cimmco: Titagarh Wagons, a part of the promoter group of company will be selling 15,43,090 shares (representing 5.64 percent of total equity) through Offer for Sale (OFS) route on December 27 and 28. Blue Coast Hotels: Dilip Bhagtani has resigned from the post of Chief Financial Officer of the company. Aurionpro Solutions: Carol Realini, Independent Director of the company, has resigned from the directorship. Man Industries: Sebi slapped Rs 10 crore fine on 3 promoters of the company for failing to make an open offer to the companys shareholders. Cadila Healthcare: Zydus gets tentative US FDA nod for Febuxostat used for reducing production of uric acid in the body Shanthi Gears: Board approved buyback of shares 6.12 percent equity at Rs 140ps Bulk Deals on December 26 Akash Infra-Projects: Silkon Trades LLP purchased 80,000 shares of the company at Rs 100 per share on the NSE. Cupid: Tamohara Investment Managers Private Ltd sold 71,540 shares of the company at Rs 148.95 per share on the NSE. Golden Tobacco: SMS Holdings Pvt Ltd sold 1,14,582 shares of the company at Rs 35 per share on the NSE. OnMobile Global: Vertex Customer Management India sold 9,29,608 shares of the company at Rs 34.6 per share on the NSE. Rolta India: Central Bank of India (Capital Market Service Branch) sold 9,70,151 shares of the company at Rs 8.88 per share on the NSE. 5paisa Capital: Satpal Khattar sold 2,46,861 shares of the company at Rs 190 per share on the BSE. Mukta Agriculture: SArvottam Securities Private Limited bought 1,20,000 shares of the company at Rs 29.45 per share on the BSE. (For more bulk deals, click here) Analyst or Board Meet/Briefings Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals: Company's officials will be meeting HDFC Securities on December 27. Allied Computers International (Asia): Board meeting is scheduled on January 2 to consider the draft of Director's Report and Corporate Governance Report and audited annual balance sheet and profit and loss account for the year ended March 2018. Mahindra Logistics: Company's officials will be meeting Motilal Oswal Asset Management on January 3 and Morgan Stanley on January 7. ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company: Board meeting is scheduled on January 18 to consider the audited financial results for the quarter and nine months ending on December 2018. Mahanagar Gas: Company's officials will be meeting Tokio Marine Asset Management on January 3. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail: Board meeting is scheduled on January 4 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 2018. Vintage Securities: Board meeting is scheduled on January 1 to consider the appointment of Moul Shree Jhunjhunwala as an Additional Director and resignation of Sumana Raychaudhuri as a director. Motherson Sumi Systems: Company's officials will be attending Nomura@CES2019 conference organised by Nomura in Las Vegas on January 8. Maharashtra Seamless live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More If you keenly follow where the smart money getting deployed, you would not miss Apollo Pipes. Investors such as Vallabh Bhansali (family), Mukul Agrawal, Kotak Small Cap, IDFC and few others already find their names in the shareholders list. Very recently, Malabar India Fund, an investment boutique run on value investing philosophy, has picked up a 2.59 percent stake at about Rs 400 a share. Key rational Apollo Pipes, which commenced its business in the year 2000, is a fast growing company manufacturing plastic pipes for various industrial, housing and agriculture applications. It has demonstrated continues improvement in the profitability and return ratios led by operational efficiencies and strategic efforts that isolate it from the highly commoditised market. Moreover, with prudent management of its balance sheet, it qualifies most of the hygiene factors for a good investment. What is interesting, post close to 45 percent correction in its share price, stock at current market price has become relatively cheaper. It is currently trading at 15 times its FY19 estimated earnings. Valuations are reasonable considering low debt in the books, higher return on capital of 28 percent and strong earnings growth. Apparently, on a PEG ratio (PE to earnings growth) stock is trading at 0.4 times because of the expected earnings growth of about 40-45 percent over the next two years. Driver of growth A large part of its growth would come from the capacity expansion. The company is doubling its capacity from 53,000 tonnes in FY18 to 100,000 tonne by the end of FY20. Interestingly, the capex would be largely funded through internal accruals without putting pressure on the balance sheet. Last fiscal, the company generated close to Rs 96 crore cash from operations. Besides, the promoters have recently infused about Rs 200 crore through preferential allotment, which will be converted into equity over the next few years. We are sitting on a capital work in progress of about Rs 35 crore and cash of about Rs 140 crore. So the funding is already ready for these projects. There could be an increase in equity capital over the next three years as a result of the conversion of shares, but that would be marginal, said AK Jain, CFO, Apollo Pipes Capacity expansion would help in diversification and increase its market reach. Because of the logistics cost, manufacturing of pipe is considered as highly localised business. The company has largely catered to north Indian markets particularly Uttar Pradesh. However, it has now established a manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad to cater to Western markets. It is also setting up a facility in Raipur, which will take care of eastern and central India. This would not only help in scaling the business but also help improve margins because of the value-added products. We are gradually moving in products such as fittings, taps and other water dispensing products, which typically could have margins in the range of 20-50% as against the traditional pipes, Jain said. Apollo Pipes is a group company of APL Apollo, a well-known brand in steel based pipes and structures. Apollo Pipes is taking initiatives to strengthen its brand as aspires to become a pan India company. Currently fittings segment accounts for 11% of sales and it intends to take it to 15% by the end of FY20. Besides, it is getting into the UPVC, CPVC used in housing sector, which attracts higher margins. That apart, currently a part of its capital is deployed in the under construction projects. Once the expansion is over and the projects start to generate revenues the return ratios should further improve. Follow @jitendra1929 For more research articles, visit our Moneycontrol Research Page Foreign holidays can be fun, but a sudden sickness abroad can put a dampener. Worse, what if despite having travel insurance, your claims get rejected abroad and you have to shell out precious US dollars? Delhi-based Shikhar Jha, 53, visited the United States in April 2018 for two months to meet his daughter and son-in-law who recently had a baby. Jha had purchased a travel insurance policy online, but in a hurry, he did not disclose one crucial detail. He had a bypass surgery in the year 2016. The surgery was successful, Jha had recovered and had moved on. And perhaps, forgotten when the time came to pack his bags to fly overseas. But the ailment came to haunt him. When he reached the US, he got pneumonia. He went to the hospital in New Jersey, and the doctor found something was wrong with his lungs. When Jha submitted the report to his insurance company back in India, to claim the hospitalisation expenses, the firm rejected his claim. It said that Jha had not disclosed his bypass surgery and his heart condition while buying the policy. This, despite the fact that the reason for his ailment in the US (pneumonia) had got nothing to do with his heart. " The company further told me that you are obliged to disclose each and every disease that has happened to you and even if that is cured earlier. It was a hard lesson for me," says Jha. The merits of buying travel insurance are known. But just buying travel insurance doesnt automatically mean that all your hospitalisation expenses, if any, while travelling abroad get covered. Disclose your pre-existing diseases Although buying travel insurance is easy these days and a policy can be bought online in a matter of seconds, it is important for the policyholder to make the necessary disclosures. Your past health is one such key disclosure. What we forget is that travel insurance, just like your health insurance in India, can get rejected for a variety of reason. In such times, you are too late to make the right claims, like Jha realized it the hard way. Foreign travel is very common these days, be it family outing, a solo adventure, honeymoon with your better half or for foreign education. Most travellers buy travel insurance because they think it is necessary and the cost of medical treatment abroad is restrictive. Usually, travel insurance covers financial losses like lost or stolen luggage, cancellation of holiday bookings as well as unexpected medical costs overseas. Kapil Mehta, co-founder, Securenow.in, a Delhi-based insurance broker told Moneycontrol that it is worthwhile to know how the pre-existing disease coverage will work before you buy one. Whenever you take treatment outside the country, the doctor checks the health history of the patient. The doctor records everything and gets to know about every pre-existing diseases related to them. Even if you are making an insurance claim, during overseas travel, against some other ailment which is not related to an ailment or disease for which you had sought treatment in India in the past but did not disclose it while buying your travel insurance, your claims will get rejected, says Mehta. For the purpose of buying travel insurance, any disease or ailment that youve been treated for, in the past 48 months before you buy a foreign travel policy, is considered to be a pre-existing disease at the time of claim. What gets covered If an individual is injured or falls sick while travelling, the cover will include hospitalisation expenses, expenses for prescription drugs and outpatient treatment including doctor and surgery if any. Tarun Mathur, Chief Business Officer- General Insurance, Policybazaar.com told Moneycontrol that travel Insurance covers almost all medical conditions provided that they have been disclosed by the insured at the time of purchase of travel policy. The most common, pre-existing conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases are also covered under travel insurance, provided you adequately disclose them at the time of buying the foreign travel policy, he said. and what doesnt There is generally a list of permanent exclusionsAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), cancer, self-inflicted injury, any sexually transmitted diseasestreatment for these diseases are not covered under most travel insurance plans. If you get hospitalized in a foreign land for some other ailment, but it gets traced to the exclusionary conditions, even then the claim will get rejected. The doctors dig to find out the root cause of your ailment. Typically, any ailment including accidental death and permanent disability arising out of an accident, if not linked to a pre-existing disease or condition, is covered under your travel policy. Check the pre-existing diseases coverage before you buy your cover to avoid disappointments later. Also, some insurers have specific exclusions while others dont cover pre-existing diseases altogether. Do check with the adviser before you get one. Things to know when persons have some pre-existing diseases Disclose all past injuries or illnesses or medical condition while buying a policy to avoid any ambiguity during the claims process. Opt for a cover with an insurance company with a transparent claims management processes and one who provides the list of global network hospitals on their website, thereby helping individuals avail cashless claims facility. All foreign travel policies are cashless. Once you get admitted into a hospital, the doctor diagnoses and gives you a report. You need to send this report- through an email preferably- to your local insurance company here in India, who would then pay the money directly to your hospital abroad. Its best to stick to insurance companies that have a single touch point for all your foreign travel insurance needs, such as a single international toll-free number across the globe. Only sudden hospitalisation needs (say, you get dengue while travelling abroad) are covered and till the patient is stabilised. Pre-existing diseases not disclosed will be overlooked only in cases where you face a life-threatening situation abroad and get hospitalised. Any planned hospitalization due to pre-existing diseases will not be covered in your normal foreign travel policy. Rohit Sethi Gone are the days when only a handful of Indians could make their way outside the country. With an increase in the number of Indian students enrolled in foreign universities, sending your child overseas to pursue higher education is no longer considered an unrealistic dream. Nevertheless, you need months of preparations prior to that. From applying to universities to making financial arrangements, you may end up feeling overwhelmed. And, amidst all this, its not uncommon to miss out on a very important aspect an insurance cover. While universities in the US and the Schengen area have made it mandatory for international students to have an insurance policy, the choice is optional in the UK, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia. Its advisable to always go for insurance since it functions as a safety net if your child lands in hot water during his/her stint abroad. For example, a doctors consultation in the US costs somewhere between $250 and $300 (i.e. Rs 18,000-21,000 approximately) and without insurance your child will end up spending a weeks worth of budget. Choosing the right insurance cover is also crucial; you can buy it either from an Indian insurer or an insurer in a foreign country. However, some universities ask students to buy insurance from them. In such cases, you will have no other option but to accept whatever you are offered. You should go for a student travel insurance, as it holds an advantage over regular insurances. In addition to covering accidents and medical emergencies, student travel insurances also cover loss of baggage, passport and important documents. These insurances can offer cover for up to 2-3 years at one go. Make sure you do extensive research before buying the policy and your decision should be well-thought out. Preferably, the insurance you pick should provide cover for medical emergencies, expenses for dental treatment, accident, evacuation and repatriation, personal liability, tuition fee, travel and sponsor protection. There are some policies that also cover bail bond in case of arrest on the basis of false allegations or wrongful detention. The choice must be based on a few parameters such as the size and flexibility of the policy (the amount of money insured), claim settlement process along with track record, hospital network (tie-ups with how many hospitals around the campus) and additional benefits excluding the medical ones. When you have a tight budget, its better to go for a domestic insurance provider considering the cost-effectiveness. In fact, the premium charged by Indian insurers is significantly lower as compared to foreign insurers. However, if money is not a constraint, you can opt to buy the policy from a foreign insurer as it will give a more extensive health cover. In any case, you must not overlook the minute but vital details like the sub-limits and deductibles. While many tend to make this mistake, you should ensure that the student travel insurance is adhering to the guidelines of the university your child is getting admission into. If the policys coverage is not in line with the university guidelines, it can decline your childs insurance waiver. For instance, a few universities in the US and Canada ask international students to get an insurance that covers expenses for pregnancy, drug addiction and mental illnesses. Also, some universities can insist that students only get the insurance from an insurance provider in their country. Another important point you should check for is whether the insurance policy covers out-patient expenses outside the campus or not. If it doesnt, then you opt for another one that doesnt limit coverage only to on-campus clinics. In case, you need to cancel the student travel insurance, you must justify the reason for cancelling to the insurance provider. First, you have to send a written notice to the insurer 15 days in advance, and the note should include the policy number, a scanned copy of your childs passport and the reason for cancellation. Otherwise, you can cancel the policy within 7 days after the date your kid was supposed to leave for abroad. The insurance provider will verify the passport and approve the cancellation. Today, a few student travel insurance policies provide cover for unforeseen risks like suicide, treatment for mental and nervous disorders, drug dependency, alcoholism, cancer screening and other expenses. Take as much as time you need, but make a wise decision when you are buying a student travel insurance policy. If you are unable to make up your mind, you would do well by taking some professional advice. (The writer is Director, ESS Global- Study Abroad Consultant. Views expressed are personal.) Moneycontrol News In a move which can be termed as politically opportunistic, the government has tried to clip the wings of e-commerce companies with an aim to appease offline traders - a huge vote bank. However, the move had a boomerang effect as stakeholders were riled by the government's new norms. While the e-commerce companies are crying foul, even offline sellers are calling this a weak move, as they feel it can be easily flouted like the Press Note 3, which was introduced in 2016. There's also a demand for investigation into the instances where the e-commerce companies flouted the rules in the last two years. To begin with, the government has issued Press Note 2, which will supersede Press Note 3. The government has tightened norms for online retailers, making it more difficult for them to use their nearly endless stream of foreign capital to fund high discount, banned exclusive tie-ups and covered group companies into the ambit of (foreign direct investment) FDI norms. It has also further tightened the norms under which discounts are offered to online customers, stressing upon the need for a level-playing field. The rules seem to be a death knell for e-commerce companies. These are the companies that were circumventing Press Note 3 by means of tie ups or stakes in third party entities. However, the government has also given them a comfortable time frame of complying with the rules by February instead of implementing it with immediate effect. The icing on the cake is the deadline of September 30 by when the e-commerce marketplaces will be needed to furnish a certificate along with a report of statutory auditor to Reserve Bank of India, confirming compliance of above guidelines. So, they have about nine months to figure out ways in which they can come up with ways to deal with this new set of rules. In 2016, the Press Note 3 was implemented with immediate effect. However, it seems the government does not want to ruffle the feathers of e-commerce entities, especially when global retail giants such as Walmart have entered the Indian market. The second important aspect is will the government ever be able to achieve its ambitious targets without having a regulator for the sector. Unlike sectors such as telecom or banking, e-commerce which is at a nascent stage doesn't have a regulator. While traders have been demanding for a watchdog, leading e-commerce companies are saying the the need for the hour is to be self regulated. It is crucial to note that, in 2016 the government had barred e-commerce companies from generating more than 25 percent of their sales from a single vendor. To cirmcumvent this, the companies had prepared a list of preferred vendors through which they were doing over 90 percent of their business. The rest of the business was coming from standalone vendors on their sites. The earlier rule also said that any warranty or guarantee offered to the customers will be the sole responsibility of the sellers and the marketplaces will not directly or indirectly influence the pricing of the goods. However e-tailers had set up third party units with 100% or lesser stakes in them to offer warranty and guaranty, thereby flouting the norms. Under Press Note 2, the government has now said that cashbacks provided by group companies of marketplace entity to buyers shall be "fair and non-discriminatory". It has also stated that for the purposes of this clause, provision of services to any vendor on such terms which are not made available to other vendors in similar circumstances will be deemed unfair and discriminatory. Now, while the government has not barred the group companies of e-tailers to help them offer cashbacks to customers, it has stressed that these companies will offer similar incentives to the vendors on their sites and will not have any preferential treatment. This is solely done to keep in mind the interest of small vendors who sell products through the marketplaces. When compared with the benefits offered to the preferred vendors, they are often laggards. In what could also be seen as a masterstroke for the offline retailers, the government has hit companies such as Amazon and Flipkart on their knees by barring them from selling products of entities in which they own stakes. This in principle bars entities like Couldtail and Appario from selling their products on Amazon.in. Cloudtail is the joint venture of Amazon and Narayana Murthy's Catamaran Ventures and also one of its important vendors. The online retailers are crying foul and are likely to reach out to the government for an amendment here. The $20 billion online commerce industry is a fraction of Indias $700 billion offline retail sector. Interestingly, the government which is also working on an e-commerce policy, didn't have a specific round of consultation with any stakeholder of the sector, including the e-tailers and offline traders before announcing Press Note 2. Cashbacks and predatory pricing offered under the umbrella of the heavy pocketed e-commerce companies have actually been killing the businesses of small vendors. It is a brilliant stroke by the government to promote small and medium vendors but implementation will be the key. Drought. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Recent news about the drought-like situation in Europe has brought UPLs big-ticket acquisition of Arysta Lifesciences under the light. With increased exposure to Europe after the deal, UPL is at a much greater risk of being impacted due to the slowdown in the region. In July 2018, UPL announced its heavyweight acquisition of the Arysta LifeScience for $4.2 billion (c. Rs 28,500 crore, UPLs market cap: Rs 38,353 crore). The deal was to be financed through a mix of debt and equity with $1.2 billion in equity and $3 billion in debt. The heavy leverage from the acquisition brought in scepticism amongst investors, however, the synergies from the deal indicated EPS (earnings per share) accretion from the first year. This led to a steady momentum in the stock post the deal announcement with a 36 percent uptick since then. Arysta has a strong presence in the European agrochemical market with 39 percent business coming from the region. The deal increases UPLs exposure to Europe from the current 13 percent to 24 percent. With higher exposure to Europe, UPL is now at a greater risk to be impacted by the expected weakness in the European agrochemical market in the upcoming quarters. Recent news about the drought-like situation in Europe has brought in a sluggish outlook of the agrochemical demand in 2019 from the region. With dry and harsh weather, pest and fungus attacks are expected to reduce drastically which would stunt the demand for UPLs products. Moreover, this might also lead to inventory pile up and added cost for the company. With weakness in European business, the synergies and EPS accretion from the deal might be lower than initially expected, at least in the short run. While the Latin American market is expected to compensate a portion of the sluggishness in Europe, the weakness could still weigh on the performance of the combined entity in 2019. Follow @Ruchiagrawal Global tensions and fears of an impending recession in the United States have led to large selloffs, wiping off significant chunks of wealth from markets across the world. The most staggering losses have been saddled by the richest people on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, totalling $511 billion in 2018 alone. Read on to know whose fortunes have been dented, and by what amount. The United States | Amazon founder Jeff Bezos net worth fell from $168 billion in September to $115 billion at the end of 2018. The $53 billion fall is worth more than the market cap of famous American companies such as Ford Motor and Delta Air Lines. (Image: Reuters) Facebook honcho Mark Zuckerberg saw the biggest decline since January, with his wealth dropping $23 billion as he grappled with one crisis after the other. The social media giant was at the epicentre of a barrage of issues ranging from data breaches to the gestation of fake news and hate speech. (Image: Reuters) The Asian rout | The continents 128 billionaires lost $144 billion in 2018. The top three losers were from China, with Wanda Groups Wang Jianlin losing $11.1 billion this year. As of December 7, nearly 40 percent of the affluent, lost their billionaire status. (Image: Reuters) The Middle East and Africa | The global turbulence was even more evident in the Middle East as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans corruption crackdown of the elites shook the desert country's economy. Saudis wealthiest individual Prince Alwaleed, who spent 83 days in detention, lost $3.4 billion in 2018. His net worth dropped 60 percent since peaking in 2014. In Africa, the richest saw a 14 percent drop in their fortunes. (Image: Reuters) Europe | Auto-parts-maker Continental AGs Georg Schaeffler and his mother Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann, lost $17 billion this year due to added costs and a difficult business environment in Europe and Asia. Even Zaras Amancio Ortega and former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi were not immune to losses. (Image: Reuters) Flipkart Amazon The government has tightened norms for online retailers, making it more difficult for them to use their nearly endless stream of foreign capital to fund high discounts, a move aimed at assuaging offline traders, who form a key part of the ruling BJPs core constituency. A note issued by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) on December 26 said e-commerce entities, which operate a marketplace, will not be allowed to exercise ownership or control over inventory. Any ownership or control over the inventory will convert the business into an inventory-based model. The rules further state that the inventory of a vendor will be deemed to be controlled by an e-commerce marketplace entity if more than 25 percent of the vendors purchases are made through the marketplace or its group entities. Any outright equity investment in the vendor will also bar the entity from selling on the marketplace. Leading online players own or have invested in companies that procure goods in bulk from companies and sell them to their preferred vendors, which would list the same products at cheap prices. The new rules mean that online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart and Paytm, which are all funded by FDI, cannot exercise any control over their vendors or their pricing strategy. An online marketplace is any e-commerce company that only serves as a platform for buyers and sellers to meet. FDI is not allowed in any inventory-based e-commerce company in India. The previous rule for marketplaces said that they cannot generate more than 25 percent of their sales from any one seller a law that e-commerce firms skirted around by empaneling a slew of preferred vendors. The model would allow e-tailers to exercise greater control on the pricing strategy and offer deep discounts. While the governments new norms are significant, they are unlikely to be foolproof. In August, the government had issued a draft policy for e-commerce companies, which garnered criticism for offline retailers. The $20 billion online commerce industry is a fraction of Indias $700 billion offline retail sector. Funded by foreign capital, e-commerce companies have been looking to corner market share with their aggressive pricing strategies even at the cost of incurring deep losses. However, offline retailers still remain unimpressed with the government's yearend move. "Instead of investigating violations by particular companies, the government has whitewashed their past sins and formed a new policy. It will be years before government investigates or penalises them. Now this compliance is conveniently postponed to September 2019," said All India Online Vendors Association (AIOVA) in a statement. E-commerce companies such as Snapdeal welcomed the move. In a tweet, Kunal Bahl, co-founder and chief executive officer said, "Marketplaces are meant for genuine, independent sellers, many of whom are MSMEs. These changes will enable a level playing field for all sellers, helping them leverage the reach of e-commerce." Former Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Eknath Khadse on December 27 said he was not unhappy with his party and would not leave it. Khadse's assertion came in the wake of his statement that permanent loyalty to a party cannot be taken for granted in politics. He had made the statement at an event in Bhusawal in Jalgaon district on December 25. The BJP leader, who had quit the Devendra Fadnavis Cabinet in June 2016 over allegations of impropriety in connection with a land deal in Pune, said if he feels unhappy at any point, he will convey the same to the party president. The veteran politician from Jalgaon in North Maharashtra was seen as No. 2 in the Cabinet when he was its member. Khadse's statement had come after Congress leader Ulhas Patil gave an open invitation to him to join his party, claiming the BJP has done "injustice" to him. Khadse's comment triggered speculation he was on his way out of the saffron outfit and may join the Congress. However, the BJP leader claimed he was not going anywhere. "I am not going to quit BJP and I am not unhappy. If I am unhappy about something, I will speak with the party president," Khadse maintained. HD Kumaraswamy Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were not "Indo-Pak enemies" and the states can resolve the matter of proposed Mekedatu project on Cauvery River amicably. The Centre is expected to call a joint meeting of the heads of both the states in the next 10-15 days to iron out the differences. Kumaraswamy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 27 and thanked the Centre for giving clearance to the state government for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Mekedatu project. The two main Tamil Nadu parties-- AIADMK and DMK-- have been opposing the project and disrupting proceedings in both Houses of Parliament for more than a week. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned on December 27 over the issue. To counter the protest, Karnataka MPs, cutting across the party lines, staged an agitation in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Parliament complex. Speaking to reporters after meeting the prime minister, Kumaraswamy said, "Yesterday, I had requested Union Water Resources Minister (Nitin Gadkari) to convene a meeting of chief ministers of the two states to resolve the matter. He agreed and directed his officials to fix a meeting". "In another 10-15 days, he may call a meeting," the Karnataka chief minister said and appealed Tamil Nadu to resolve the matter amicably instead of fighting in courts. "The fight is going on. This will not be solved legally. We have to resolve it amicably. Facing a legal battle is different. We are not Indo-Pak enemies, we are brothers. We have to discuss and resolve," he said. The JD(S) leader added the proposed Mekedatu project would be more beneficial to Tamil Nadu and requested the AIADMK and DMK not to make the issue a political one. "I request political parties not to make it a political issue. We can sit and solve. It is not a big issue," he said, adding the Karnataka government was abiding with the Supreme Court order. "The state (Karnataka) is proposing to construct the Mekedatu dam to ensure that surplus water does not flow from Cauvery into the sea. Please accept our project," Kumaraswamy said. He asserted that his state had released more than 390 tmc of water from Cauvery to Tamil Nadu during the monsoon season. "Has it been kept in Mettur dam or released into sea?" he said. Besides the vexed Mekedatu project, the Karnataka chief minister also discussed with Modi the release of drought relief to the state, declaration of Upper Krishna Project Stage-III as a project of national importance and gazette notification of the award of Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II and of Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal. Kumaraswamy met several Union ministers during his two-day visit to Delhi. lok sabha, Parliament ,session The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, popularly known as the Triple Talaq Bill, was passed by the Lok Sabha on December 27 amid din on the floor of the House with 245 ayes and 11 noes. The Congress and the AIADMK staged a walkout before voting for the Bill began. The bill will now go to Rajya Sabha for approval. The BJP has been consistently endorsing the bill even as the Congress argued against the clause which criminalises offenders, and said the law should be amended to ensure the financial protection of women through a maintenance package by the state. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier told ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modis cabinet not to interfere in religious matters, citing Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. Kharge said that the Bill is "divisive" in nature and in violation of the Muslim Personal Law. The Supreme Court, on August 22, 2017, in a landmark judgment had pronounced the practice of triple talaq to be unconstitutional. A bill based on the judgment was tabled in Parliament in the winter session last year also. The bill was eventually passed in Lok Sabha, but was returned by the Rajya Sabha with some amendments after the Opposition expressed their reservations with the bill. Gadwal: Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during an election rally ahead of the state Assembly elections in Gadwal, Telangana, Monday, Dec 3, 2018. (Handout Photo via PTI) (PTI12_3_2018_000198B) BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya mocked Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying his dream of becoming the prime minister will never come true. "We all know that there is a Pappu at the Centre who is dreaming of becoming the next prime minister," he said. Gandhi has often been mocked by the BJP and his opposition parties as 'Pappu', a colloquial sneer. "But I want to tell him that his dream will never be fulfilled as India will again choose Narendra Modi," Vijayvargiya told a rally held against the state government's denial of permission to the BJP's proposed Rath yatra . The BJP leader ridiculed the Trinamool Congress too, saying that there is also a Pappu in West Bengal who is dreaming of becoming the chief minister of the state but did not name anyone. "Modi is the best PM the country ever had," he asserted. Listing the achievements of the Modi government, Vijayvargiya expressed confidence on its returning to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. He accused the TMC government in the state of giving away doles to infiltrators to secure its vote bank and depriving its citizens. "The TMC government is giving away doles and several other benefits that are meant for the citizens of this country to infiltrators to secure its vote bank in the state. It is a shame that the TMC government is trying to help infiltrators, who should be thrown out of this country," Vijayvargiya told the rally. "The TMC government has crossed all limits of undemocratic practices. We wanted to take out a 'Save Democracy' rally across the state but we were denied permission by the state government just on the basis of apprehensions," he added. The three-phased Rath yatra, also being called the 'Save Democracy Rally', was scheduled to be held this month from December 7 and cover all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. The rallies were to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah. But the state government declined permission to the programme, citing intelligence reports of possible communal violence in areas where the party is planning to hold the yatra. The BJP, after the state government's denial of permission, has been organising protest rallies and "law violation" programmes in various parts of the state. Arvind Kejriwal: The Chief Minister of New Delhi tweeted: Delhi cabinet decides to make rain water harvesting mandatory for all its govt buildings. HoDs directed to install systems in buildings which don't have it & existing systems to be cleaned & kept ready before Monsoon rains. (Image: PTI) Arvind Kejriwal could get unlimited terms as the National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) following the next National Council meet on December 29. The party is expected to amend its constitution to remove the cap of two terms for being an office bearer. This means, Kejriwal could remain the party chief for unlimited terms. He was elected as AAPs National Convenor for the second time in April 2016 for a period of three years. According to the party constitution, "No member will hold the same post as an office bearer for more than two consecutive terms of three years each." Kejriwals term will end in April 2019. The meet is scheduled to be held on December 29 as holing it in April 2019 would not be possible as party workers would be busy campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, according to a PTI report. Prior to the National Council meet, the National Executive is expected to meet on December 28 to finalise the agenda for the meeting. Any major decision by the National Executive has to be ratified by the National Council, which comprises of the founding members of the party. There is also a possibility that the National Executive could give an extension of six months to the existing office bearers and internal polls could be conducted after the 2019 elections, a party leader told PTI. Preparations for next year's general elections and the current political scenario in the country are expected to be discussed at AAPs National Council meeting. (With inputs from PTI) RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav, who was recently awarded life imprisonment by a court here for the rape of a minor girl, has been disqualified from the Bihar Assembly, a notification issued on December 26 said. According to the notification issued by the Vidhan Sabha secretariat, Yadav has been disqualified with effect from December 15, the date on which he was convicted by the Special Court here for MPs, MLAs and MLCs. The court had announced the quantum of sentence on December 21. Five others, including four women, were also awarded punishments in the two-year-old rape case. With the disqualification of Yadav, who was suspended from the RJD in February, 2016 shortly after being named an accused in the case, the total number of the party's MLAs has come down to 79. Yadav represented Nawada in the state Assembly and he is the second RJD MLA to have been disqualified in recent times. Last month, Dehri MLA Mohd Ilyas Hussain had lost his membership on account of his conviction in a corruption case by a CBI court in Ranchi. The RJD had won 80 seats in the 2015 Assembly elections and improved its tally in May this year when it wrested the Jokihat seat from the JD(U). BJP leader Ram Madhav Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Ram Madhav on December 26 said that the ruling party is working to bring new allies on board especially in south India and the eastern India, according to a report by NDTV. Madhav, who is also a member of the National Executive of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said, "Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustment and for that, the BJP is ready." "It is true that certain smaller allies like Kushwaha have decided to leave us, but we are working on bringing new allies into our fold, especially in south India and the eastern India," Madhav said. Madhav, however, did not name any party as a potential new partner, the report added. The development comes ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when the saffron party is under pressure from its allies over seat-sharing formulas across key states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar which contribute 80 and 40 seats to the Lok Sabha respectively. Earlier in December, Upendra Kushwahas Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) quit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Prior to exiting the alliance, Kushwaha had been sulking over a possible seat-sharing formula within the NDA for Bihar which would have seen his party contest on lesser seats than it had won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. RLSP has since joined the Congress-Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar. Also read: RJD eyes 20-20 seat-sharing formula in Bihar, Congress and allies seek more Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had exited the NDA in March. BJP had ended its alliance with Mehbooba Muftis Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in August. Ram Vilas Paswans Lok Janshakti Party (LSP) had earlier expressed displeasure over the delay in chalking out a seat-sharing plan for the 2019 general election. Apna Dal, an ally from Uttar Pradesh on December 26 said it would boycott all government programmes in the state unless BJP's central leaders addressed its grievances. Political observers suggest that Apna Dal, which won two seats in the state in 2014, is hoping to contest more seats in 2019. Political observers suggest that the Tamil Nadus ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth are potential allies for the BJP. Opposition parties have repeatedly targeted the AIADMK and Rajinikanth for being allegedly close to the BJP. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, who retained power in Indias newest state earlier this month, has been accused by the Indian National Congress of being BJP's "B Team". KCR is hoping to build a non-BJP, non-Congress front. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which has been providing issue-based support to the BJP, is also being seen as its potential ally. The two parties were partners between 1998 and 2009. Congress Several disgruntled Congress leaders and legislators met at the residence of senior leader Arjun Modhwadia on December 26 night and expressed dissatisfaction about the party's state leadership. The meeting followed the opposition party's loss in Jasdan Assembly by-election. Speaking to the media later, many of those who attended the meeting hit out at state Congress chief Amit Chavda without naming him. Those present at Modhwadia's house included MLAs Alpesh Thakor and Shailesh Parmar, former Lok Sabha member Dinsha Patel, former Rajya Sabha members Raju Parmar and Sagar Rayka and former state unit chief Siddharth Patel. Alpesh Thakor told reporters that the meeting was aimed at drawing the high command's attention to "some lacuna" in the state leadership. "We strongly believe that importance should be given to experienced, committed and strong leaders who are known as mass leaders and who are fighting for people. We will communicate this to the central leadership," he said. Without naming Chavda who is related to former state Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki, Thakor said a person is known by his work and not by the position he holds. "A person in a high post should take along every worker. The leadership has to do justice to all. But there exists some lacuna. We want to correct it," Thakor added. Modhwadia said the meeting was meant to bring "capable" workers in the "mainstream" ahead of 2019 elections. "Since Lok Sabha polls are around the corner, we want to bring capable workers in the mainstream of party affairs. I am confident that the party will take this positively," Modhwadia told PTI. "Due to (Congress chief) Rahul Gandhi's efforts, we came close to victory in Assembly polls. But we lost eventually. So some of my friends decided to meet to find ways to bring about a change and find out shortcomings at the block level which led to our defeat," said the senior leader. Another senior leader and MLA Shailesh Parmar said the meeting's purpose was to "strengthen" the party. "We had gathered to discuss if there are any shortcomings at the higher level and make a representation to the party leadership about the same," said former Union minister Dinsha Patel. The Congress recently lost a by-election at Jasdan in Rajkot district, a party stronghold. Kunvarji Bavaliya, the Congress MLA who joined the BJP, won on BJP's ticket. The Israeli Knesset has voted to dissolve the current parliament and scheduled new elections for April 9. In what was largely a formality, the Knesset voted late December 26 in favor of dissolving by a 102-2 margin. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he was disbanding his coalition and taking the nation to new elections six months ahead of schedule. The country now heads into a three-month campaign. Opinion polls have suggested that Netanyahu's nationalist Likud Party will easily win re-election. But those bright prospects could be hurt by a looming decision by the country's attorney general on whether to file charges against Netanyahu. Netanyahu is suspected in a series of corruption allegations. An indictment would put heavy pressure on the long-time leader to step aside. Such jeremiads seemed sensible at the time. But the pessimism discounted four factors that have radically improved the U.S. energy picture and delivered the nation to the role of net oil exporter. That distinction may be more temporary than enduring; the U.S. is likely to be a minor net importer for some time. Yet the net export of 211,000 barrels a day of crude oil and refined products is a stark contrast to the reliance on other countries at the peak of U.S. dependency. That came in 2005, when this country imported a net 12 million barrels every day 60 percent of the nations crude oil consumption. Kartarpur: Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses during ground breaking ceremony for Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan's Kartarpur, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Khan attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the first visa-free border crossing with India, a corridor that will allow Sikh pilgrims to easily visit their shrines on each side of the border. (PTI Photo) (PTI11_28_2018_000253B) Pakistan on December 27 described the Kartarpur corridor as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government while admitted that there was "no progress" on the contentious issues with India. Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal also said that the Kashmir issue remained "on top of Pakistan's priority". At the weekly media briefing here, Faisal said that the Kartarpur corridor was the "high point of diplomacy for Pakistan's new government, along with Afghan (peace) developments." He said Prime Minister Khan in a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in September gave a detailed roadmap to move forward but New Delhi failed to reciprocate. Faisal said that despite India's refusal to start a dialogue, Pakistan went ahead with the groundbreaking of the Kartarpur corridor. Prime Minister Khan in November laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. "It was very positively received all around the world, especially by the Sikh community. We are actively working to develop infrastructures at Kartarpur," Faisal said. Faisal said, however, there was "no progress" on contentious issues with India and the Kartarpur corridor was the only positive development. "We were not successful...we made an effort but they were not reciprocating. You can say it was not successful," the spokesman said. Condemning the violence in Kashmir, he said Pakistan would "observe Kashmir Solidary on February 5, 2019 in London where the foreign minister will be present." Faisal said 341 Pakistani prisoners were in India, including 154 civil prisoners and 187 fishermen. He said 12 civil and 33 fishermen have completed their jail terms and Pakistan is working to bring them back. To a question about India's role in the Afghan peace process, Faisal said, "India has no role in this". Faisal said Pakistan wanted to develop peaceful ties with all neighbours and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's four-nation visit this week was to explore possibility of a win-win framework for regional connectivity, economic development with the objective economic growth and prosperity. Pakistan and the UK on December 27 signed a prisoner transfer agreement, allowing foreign inmates in both countries to serve their sentences closer to home. The UK-Pakistan Prisoner Transfer Agreement was signed by British High Commissioner Thomas Drew and Pakistan Interior Secretary Azam Suleman Khan in Islamabad. The agreement will give prisoners the opportunity to serve their sentence closer to home and allows them to prepare for their reintegration into their home community when they are eventually released from prison, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Islamabad. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Drew said the agreement will strengthen UK-Pakistan ties. "I am delighted to sign this updated prisoner transfer agreement today, which will allow prisoners to serve their sentence closer to home. This is a testament to the strength of our two countries' relationship," he said. The agreement was approved in principle during British Home Secretary Sajid Javid's visit to Pakistan in September. It restores and updates a previous treaty between the UK and Pakistan, and includes strengthened assurances that all transferred prisoners will serve their appropriate sentences before being released. It also allows inmates to prepare for reintegration into their home communities when they are eventually released from prison. File Pic: BJP President Amit Shah meets Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai The Shiv Sena seeking to contest on at least half of the Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in Maharashtra if its partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), wants the alliance to continue, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. According to the report quoting a party functionary familiar with the informal negotiations between the two parties, the Sena has also stated that it prefers simultaneous polls. But, it is not an issue in the seat-sharing negotiations. According to a senior Sena leader, who is an aide to party chief Uddhav Thackeray, the party might demand 155 seats as a bargaining tactic initially. It may however scale the demand down to an equal seat-sharing arrangement, eventually. "We want an equal seat sharing formula in Lok Sabha (24:24 seats) and assembly polls (144:144). We are prepared to settle for 144 seats in assembly polls but we will not leave some of these seats for smaller allies. The BJP can allot some seats out of its quota for others," the leader said. Recent elections in the state have seen a rise in prospects for the BJP. In 2014, Sena contested from 20 seats and the BJP from 24. The remaining four went to its allies. At 48, Maharashtra has the second largest pool of Lok Sabha seats. The state assembly has 288 constituencies. While the Lok Sabha elections are expected to take place in April-May 2019, the assembly elections are expected to happen in October. The alliance between the two partners, however, strained after the BJP refused to accept Sena as the senior partner in the state. During the assembly elections held in the state in 2014, both parties contested separately, with BJP winning 122 seats and Sena 63. The two sides joined hands after the elections to form the government. The local body polls in the state, in which the parties contested separately again, also saw the rise in BJP's stock, with the party winning 15 out of the 27 major city corporations. Even though Sena managed to retain Mumbai, it had notched up only two seats more than the BJP. The relations between the two parties have remained rocky ever since. The Sena announced in January that it would go solo in both the general as well as state elections. The Sena has been attacking BJP on several issues, including demonetisation and over delay in construction of the Ram temple. Top BJP leadership, however, has chosen to ignore the remarks made by senior Sena leaders and have sought to bring the alliance back on tracks, according to the report. "There have been some 'informal' talks between the two sides," a BJP leader told the newspaper. The leader said that the decision to start the talks was taken after reports of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress coming together started doing rounds. "... Both, the BJP and the Sena, realise they may stay together," the leader added. The leader said that the first round of talks is set to begin after January 8, when the Winter Session of Parliament concludes. A Sena leader told the newspaper that while the party is keen on simultaneous polls, a BJP minister said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would like to concentrate on winning as many Lok Sabha seats as he can for the party from Maharashtra. The minister added that the two parties might seal a seat-sharing pact for both Lok Sabha and assembly polls and sign an agreement on it. Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has asked Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to immediately take action against foster parents involved in the alleged sexual abuse of a girl under their care. A 13-year-old girl was given for foster care to a couple in Silchar in Cachar district of Assam on May 9 by child care institution Nivedita Nari Sangstha (NNS). During the follow-up visit of the NNS officials , the girl complained of not being being comfortable with her foster parents, Gandhi said. After three months, the child was surrendered back into the child care institution and when medical examination on the girl was conducted it was found that she was sexually abused over a period of three months by the male parent, she said. The NNS lodged a police complaint in September but no action has been taken so far, Gandhi said in a letter to Sonowal. "Under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, the POSCO Act as well as the IPC, the foster parents, the members of the child welfare committee and the officers of the district child protection unit, who have handled this case, are criminally liable," she said. Gandhi urged Sonowal to ensure that necessary action is taken against the persons responsible for sexual abuse of the child and they are brought to justice. In what seems like a salvo to the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on December 27 expressed his unhappiness with the party for not inducting its sole MLA in Madhya Pradesh into the state cabinet, The Indian Express has reported. Yadav further stated that this has cleared the way for SP to chose its line, and announced his decision to travel to Hyderabad to meet Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, or KCR as he is popularly known. Rao is trying to forge a non-BJP, non-Congress "federal front" for the upcoming general elections while Congress is hoping to seal an alliance with the SP and Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh for the polls. According to the report, top leaders in the Congress have not reacted to the statement yet, preferring to wait and watch as the situation unfolds. Both the SP and the BSP had charted a different course in the three Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, which went to polls recently. "As far as an alliance is concerned, different leaders from different parties are making attempts. I am hopeful that some or the other alliance would take place," Yadav said while speaking at the SP headquarters in Lucknow. Yadav also said that both the BJP and the Congress had made his way clear by their respective actions. "A couple of days ago, I thanked the BJP because they made us backward... that cleared our line and our way," Yadav said. "Now I thank the Congress that it did not make our lone MLA in Madhya Pradesh a minister. They also cleared the way. We thank both the parties because they have cleared the way of Samajwadi people," Yadav was quoted as saying. "The Congress had promised to induct the SP MLA as a minister. Congress was not in majority there. After that, such behavior is not appropriate," SP spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhry told the newspaper. Both the SP and the BSP had offered to support the Congress in Madhya Pradesh after the battle between the saffron party and the Grand Old Party went down to the string. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on December 27 said his government will not tolerate anybody trying to create a rift between communities and disturb the state's secular fabric. His reaction comes in the background of a statue of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi being vandalised in Ludhiana by some persons on December 25. Singh had claimed that the vandals owed allegiance to opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and had asked its chief Sukhbir Singh Badal to apologise to the people of Punjab for the incident. In an informal interaction with reporters on the second day of the three-day Shaheedi Jor Mel here, he said Sikh religion propagated communal harmony, which nobody would be allowed to disturb. Recalling the sacrifice of 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, his youngest sons -- Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh -- and his mother Mata Gujri, the chief minister said the peace for which they had laid their lives will be sustained at all costs. He was responding to questions on the incident in Ludhiana. Amarinder Singh accused the SAD for the Ludhiana incident and warned it to not to repeat such things, saying there were statues of several senior SAD leaders in various parts of Punjab. The present Punjab government is committed and will protect statues of all leaders, he asserted. The Congress leader alleged that the SAD was making "frustrated attempts" to spread communal hatred by fanning the flames of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and dragging the name of the Gandhi family. Rajiv Gandhi was not even there when the violence erupted, he said. The chief minister claimed that Sukhbir Badal was studying in the US and former SAD minister Bikram Singh Majithia somewhere in Punjab during the time of the riots, but they were not in the know of things. Now, they are trying to exploit it in the name of religion to gain political mileage, Amarinder Singh alleged. It is evident that the SAD was indulging in petty politics and trying to disrupt the harmony between communities, he said, adding that he would not allow anyone to indulge in such politics of hate. In response to another query regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed political rally at Gurdaspur on January 3, the chief minister said the PM is holding such rallies in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. But, the state Congress leadership is geared-up to once again wipe out the SAD-BJP alliance from Punjab, he asserted. On the overall development of historic city of Fatehgarh Sahib, the chief minister announced that a chowk (intersection) will be soon constructed in the memory of legendary Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Amarinder Singh, who earlier paid obeisance at the historic Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara and later partook the langar, expressed happiness that no political conference was taking place during the mela, which was not an occasion for such rallies. The lakhs of people who have congregated for the Shaheedi Jor Mela have come here not to listen to political speeches but to pay their respects to Guru Gobind Singh's martyred sons, whose sacrifice can never be forgotten, the chief minister said. Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, located 5 km north of Sirhind where the Sahibzadas were killed on December 26, 1705, marks the site of their live entombment and is a revered Sikh religious site. The Shaheedi Jor Mel, being held here since time immemorial, is a mark of respect to remember the supreme sacrifice of the sons and mother of the 10th Sikh Guru. China's government says it has made plans with Washington for face-to-face talks in January aimed at ending a tariff battle that threatens to depress global trade. The Ministry of Commerce said on December 27 the two sides also are conducting "intensive telephone consultations." A spokesman, Gao Feng, said the two sides have "made specific arrangements for face-to-face" consultations but gave no details. Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to postpone additional tariff hikes for 90 days while their governments negotiate over American complaints about Beijing's industry policies. People gather at the Suhrawardy Udyan for the maiden rally of opposition alliance called Jatiya Oikyafront in Dhaka, Bangladesh on November 06, 2018 (Image- Reuters) Bangladesh heads for a single-phase general election on December 30 to elect a new parliament. This will be the country's 11th National Parliamentary Election. In as many as six seats, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used for the first time in the country. Nearly 10.42 crore people are registered as voters, including over 5.16 crore women. Polling will take place in 40,199 polling stations across the country. While Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, secularism is one of the four fundamental principles of its Constitution. Minorities form around 10 percent of Bangladesh's 16.47 crore population. Hindus make up about 8-9 percent, Christians about 0.5 percent, while the remaining are Buddhists. Here's all you need to know about the polls: How the numbers stack up The Jatiya Sangsad (House of the Nation) is the top unicameral law-making body of Bangladesh. It has a total of 350 members, out of which 300 are elected by voting in a first-past-the-post format in single-member constituencies. The remaining 50 seats are proportionally divided among contesting parties according to vote share. Hence, a political party or a front needs to win 151 seats to win the election. Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh are held every five years, unless the House is dissolved prematurely. Key parties and fronts National politics in Bangladesh has been largely dominated by two parties the ruling Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The two parties lead the Grand Alliance and the Jatiya Oikya Front (JOF), respectively. The Grand Alliance is led by incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While JOF's largest party BNP is led by former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the front is being led by Gano Forum party's Kamal Hossain. The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) leads the Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) comprising of seven parties. BNP, the main Opposition party, is facing a stiff challenge within as its chairperson Zia is serving a five-year jail term in two corruption cases and is ineligible to contest the polls. Zia's son and acting party Chief Tarique Rahman is in London, possibly evading arrest, reports suggest. On the other hand, Hasina is seeking to win a third consecutive term in office. It would be her fourth term as prime minister overall. What happened in 2014 In 2014, the elections were boycotted by the BNP and many other opposition parties giving Hasina's BAL a walkover. BAL retained control of Parliament by winning 234 out of the 300 seats at the time. The elections were marred by widespread violence. Hasina's government was accused of concerted persecution of its political opponents. Violence and accusations against the EC The poll campaign has witnessed violent clashes between the two main sides. Key opposition parties have been up in arms with the country's Election Commission (EC). They have been demanding resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda, questioning his neutrality. They have called Huda's behaviour "inappropriate" and said that he was not taking their views into consideration during talks. According to reports, the US will send 12 teams of observers and fund thousands of domestic volunteers to monitor the election that it hopes will be free and fair. Around 600,000 police, Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Coast Guard, Ansar and Village Defence Party personnel will be deployed to provide security during the polls. Critics and human rights organisations have raised concerns that Hasina retaining power could push Bangladesh towards being a single-party state. Opinion poll According to an opinion, a survey conducted by a non-government research organisation called The Research and Development Center (RDC), the Grand Alliance is likely to win the elections. Grand Alliance and JOF could win 248 and 49 seats, respectively. Impact on India Bangladesh and India share a 4,000-km long border that has been marred by ethnic conflicts. Its location is strategically important for India, and China has time and again tried to woo Dhaka. Overall, Bangladesh is a key component of India's "Look East" policy. Under Hasina's regime, New Delhi has seen improved bilateral ties and boundary disputes have been settled amicably, while strong security cooperation has been established and significant progress has been made in settling differences over the Teesta River water sharing. Bilateral trade and India's investment in Bangladesh has also picked up. On the other hand, Zia had a strained relationship with India during her two tenures as prime minister. Her party has been called anti-India by critics and her government was accused of harbouring anti-India elements on Bangladeshi soil. However, Zia did try to turn the page in 2012 when she called on then President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. America cannot be the policeman of the world, US President Donald Trump has said during his first visit to Iraq as he urged other countries to share responsibilities. Trump, on a surprise visit to US troops stationed in Iraq, defended his decision to pull American troops out of war-torn Syria, saying there would be no delays. "The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world," Trump told reporters at a military base west of Baghdad, soon after he addressed American soldiers. This is his first visit to Iraq as the US President. He is accompanied by First Lady Melania. Trump vowed for a "harsh response" from his administration if there was to be another terrorist attack on America. "If anything should happen at all, nobody will ever have suffered the consequences they had suffered," Trump told American troops at a military base west of Baghdad. "It's not fair when the burden is all on us, the United States," he said, as he defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria and let regional countries, Turkey in particular, to complete the work of finishing the remnants of the ISIS terror group and Saudi Arabia to invest in development of the war-ravaged country. In his interaction with reporters, Trump described how he gave "the generals" multiple six-month "extensions" to get out of Syria. "They said again, recently, can we have more time? I said, 'Nope'. You can't have any more time. You've had enough time. We've knocked them out. We've knocked them silly. "I will tell you that I've had some very good talks with (Turkish) President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan who wants to knock them out also and he'll do it. And others will do it too. Because we are in their region. They should be sharing the burden of costs and they're not," the US President said. Last week, Trump surprised the world and his country as well when he suddenly announced that the US is pulling out its troops from Syria. The US currently has some 2,000 troops in Syria, which are now gradually headed home. US Defence Secretary James Mattis resigned in protest. Trump has argued that the US now no longer needs to be present in Syria now that ISIS has been defeated. "We don't want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them. They don't pay for it, and they're going to have to. Baleswar : Interceptor missile being test fired from Chandipur in Baleswar on Saturday. PTI Photo (PTI2_11_2017_000263B) China has successfully tested the advanced S-400 air defence system imported from Russia for which India also signed-up recently despite concerns over threat of sanctions from the US. It was the first time the People's Liberation Army (PLA) tested the system since it received the last shipments of the weaponry from Russia in July under a USD 3 billion contract signed in 2015. China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force last month tested the S-400 Triumf air defence system successfully shooting down a "simulated ballistic target" almost 250 kilometre away and moving at the supersonic speed of 3 kilometre per second, Hong-Kong based South China Morning Post reported on Thursday, quoting Russian media reports. Details of the location of the test have not been disclosed. India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy the same system in October this year despite concerns over threat of sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia. India wants the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along the 3488 km-long Sino-India border. S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system. Moscow has already started delivery of an undisclosed number of the S-400 missile systems to Beijing. Russia says the S-400 is a cutting-edge air defence system that can detect and shoot down targets including ballistic missiles, enemy jets and drones up to 600 kilometre away at an altitude between 10 metres and 27 kilometres. The system can simultaneously shell 36 targets moving at a speed of up to 4,800 metres per second with 72 ground-to-air missiles. Commenting on the China's first test, Beijing-based military expert Li Jie said the reports showed that Moscow wanted to underscore the relationship at a time when the US was at loggerheads with both Russia and China. "Despite pressure from the US, the Russian military will increase its cooperation with the PLA in areas such as missiles, shipbuilding and other sectors," he said. China and Russia have significantly boosted their military ties in the past decade as both the countries compete with the US for regional and global influence. Song Zhongping, a Hong Kong-based military expert with a focus on the PLA, told the Post that the test was an "advertisement" by the Russian military to promote its S-400 system. "But it's also clear that the PLA's Rocket Force is proficient in using the S-400 air defence system because they are already familiar with its predecessor, the S-300, which China has used since the '90s," Song said. He said it was important to differentiate between "simulated ballistic target" and real hypersonic missiles. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) Nineteen persons were injured after an Isuzu Elf cargo truck collided with a Toyota Hi Lux pick-up truck on a highway in Barangay Pagalungan in Polomolok, South Cotabato on Christmas eve, December 24. Supt. Samuel Cadungon, Polomolok town police chief, said the pick-up truck was avoiding a cow passing the road amid rain when it collided with the Isuzu truck. The cow was killed in the incident. The Isuzu truck, carrying a family that came from a family reunion, was heading to General Santos City, while the pick-up truck was going to Koronadal City. The victims, many of them children, were rushed to different hospitals in Polomolok and General Santos City. On December 23, a Mitsubishi L-300 van and a passenger van also collided in Barangay Crossing Palkan, Polomolok killing five persons and leaving 19 others injured. CNN Philippines' stringer Roland Ortillano contributed to this report. Tollway officials say they hope this study will help bring finality to a half-century debate: Should this project be built or not? The officials say the study is examining a wide geographic area and not just the Route 53 corridor. Conceivably, the Route 53 extension or some other notion improved arterial roads? could emerge as a potential solution for the areas traffic snarls. CMAP then could return the Route 53 extension or a replacement project to its priority list. On December 3, while on one of his any Twitter tirades, this one against former attorney Michael Cohen, Trump tweeted, Michael Cohen asks judge for no Prison Time. You mean he can do all of the TERRIBLE, unrelated to Trump, things having to do with fraud, big loans, Taxis, etc., and not serve a long prison term? He makes up stories to get a GREAT & ALREADY reduced deal for himself, and get.....his wife and father-in-law (who has the money?) off Scott Free. #ScottFree got a life of its own on the microblogging site. (Image: Reuters) US President Donald Trump has said that he plans to visit the country's southwestern border with Mexico early next year for groundbreaking. Trump has made securing the southern border a focal point of his presidency, with plans to beef up border security and create a wall as key components. In an interaction with reporters during his surprise visit to Iraq with First Lady Melania, Trump said he wants to visit the border wall before the State of the Union Address next year. This is his first visit to Iraq as the US President. Trump said he is planning on "going to the wall" on the Southwest Border of the US early next year for a "groundbreaking". Trump made these remarks while taking questions from reporters during a briefing with US military leaders shortly after landing in Iraq. Trump indicated that he will not budge from his position on border wall. With the opposition Democrats refusing to approve the necessary funds, the federal government has been under a partial government shutdown for four days now. Washington: 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/PTI(AP12_7_2018_000193B) President Donald Trump, who is visiting Iraq, says he has "no plans at all" to remove US troops from the country. Trump is making his first presidential trip to a troubled region in the wake of his recent decision to pull US forces from neighbouring Syria. He says he wants to get US soldiers home from Syria and that Iraq can still be used as a base to stage attacks on Islamic State militants if needed. Trump told reporters travelling with him that if needed, the US can attack IS "so fast and so hard" that they "won't know what the hell happened." The president's decision to exit Syria stunned national security advisers and allies, including Iraq, and prompted the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. In landmark judgments, banks have been held as responsible for failed transactions and lack of cash in ATMs, a consumer court, has ruled. With increased use of automatic teller machine (ATMs), many cases are being reported about non-availability of cash and failed transaction in the ATMs. Banks try to shirk their responsibility in such cases and Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which usually bats for the banks, and not customers, in all such generic issues. It has taken a Consumer Court in Raipur to impose a penalty of Rs2,500, including Rs1,500 as compensation for mental harassment and Rs1,000 for legal expenses, on State Bank of India (SBI) for non-availability of cash in its ATMs, says a report from LatestLaws.com Raipur-based lawyer Rajiv Aggarwal, after failing to withdraw cash from SBI ATMs thrice in April 2017, had filed the petition in the district consumer forum. He also submitted photos and video recording of his failed ATM transactions due to non-availability of cash. SBI tried to put the blame on internet connectivity. However, the Forum rejected the banks contention terming non-availability of cash at ATMs as deficiency of service, says a report from DailyPost.in "When banks can charge for usage of ATMs for a whole year in advance and a client is free to use any of the ATMs, then he automatically becomes a customer, irrespective of the fact, whether he has a bank account in that particular bank or not. Also when customers are penalised for no balance or for not maintaining minimum balance in their accounts, then how can a bank get away with no cash in their ATMs?" the Forum had said. Similar judgments are being passed by few other consumer forums for ATM failures. In January 2018, Akola district consumer forum found SBI guilty of deficiency in services for debiting money from customer's account for a failed transaction. The complainant Pradeep Shintre approached the Forum, when the bank debited Rs5,000 from his account even though he never received any cash from the ATM. SBI did not appear before the forum, which in its ex-parte order directed the lender to refund Rs5,000 and pay Rs3,000 as compensation and Rs2,000 towards legal expenses to Shintre, says a report from the Financial Express It may be baffling that RBI has not woken up and not yet issued a blanket directive to banks but that is how the regulator works. RBIs recent policy change of asking banks to link floating rate loans to an external benchmark came after Moneylife Foundation filed a public interest litigation in SC submitting this as one of the prayers. According to DG Kale, former chief general manager for consumer services in the RBI, in the Raipur case, there was denial of service from the bank and hence the consumer forum ruled in the favour of the customer. For the Akola case, he says, There is a notification issued by the RBI on failed ATM transactions that mandates banks to reimburse the money to the aggrieved customer within 12 working days. As per the notification, the compensation amount should be automatically credited to the customers account without any claim from the said customer. If the bank fails to reimburse the amount to the customer within this time, then it is liable to pay a penalty of Rs100 per day till the amount is credited in the customers account. The main purpose for introducing ATMs was to help customers obtain account related information, cash withdrawals, and deposits without the need to interact with the bank or bank staff. This also helped banks to reduce cost of transaction per customer. However, instead of passing on the benefit of reduction in cost, banks started levying charges on customers for ATM usage. First, they restricted number of transactions and levied charges for additional transactions beyond the free transactions. Bigger Issues ATM charges and poor service is only a part of the problem of banks attitude to customers and their various charges. Banks are now charging even for failed card transactions or for transactions declined due to insufficient funds. This is applicable not just for ATMs but also for point of sale (PoS) transactions. If there is insufficient balance in the account due to which the transaction is declined, then banks are levying a charge of Rs17 to Rs25, plus goods and service tax (GST), says a report from TheBetterIndia.com Banks levy a fine if a cheque issued by a customer bounces. In the same manner, these lenders are charging a service fee for even checking account balance or even for a failed transaction. Interestingly, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) does not consider failed transaction as complete transaction. Therefore, there is no interchange charged to the card-issuing bank. Concerned with rising and arbitrary bank charges, Moneylife Foundation has sent multiple memorandums to the RBI governor Dr Raghuram Rajan. One of 9 September 2014 was on Usage of ATMs-Rationalisation of number of free transactions which stated, "The setting up of ATMs by banks is to reduce not only the pressure on their counters, but also to reduce cost of operations through automation. By levying charges for use of ATMs beyond a certain number, banks are scuttling the optimum utilization of technology, thus depriving the benefits of technology to bank customers." Nowhere in the world are customers charged for withdrawing money from their own accounts, while the bank earns revenue on their deposits. Banks provide this service to customers because of the spread that they earn between the interest paid to depositors and the rate at which they lend money. The spread has to cover transaction charges. If banks want to start charging on transaction basis, then the spread that they earn on depositors money has to come down. The transaction charges are all the more illogical because in India, the spread on savings bank is one of the highest in the world. In fact, in India, even generally, spread is one of the highest. So in India, banks cannot charge for transactions. But then the bank customers are not organised like the banks own cartel and thus get penalised for withdrawing own money. You may also want to read... There is now hope that several contentious issue related to the Right to Information (RTI) Act and appointments of information commissions will be resolved in January 2019. Issues pending before the Supreme Court (SC) through a public interest litigation (PIL) include the inordinate delay in appointing the Chief Central Information Commissioner (CCIC), Information Commissioners (ICs) at the centre and various States, opaqueness in selecting ICS, violation of rules regarding the status and salary of these appointments. The PIL, which was filed in April 2018 by activists Anjali Bharadwaj, Amrita Johri and Commodore Lokesh Batra (retd), received a boost during the 13th December hearing we have reported already On that day, the Supreme Court directed the central government to make the appointments transparent by putting up the names of the search committee, the names of the shortlisted candidates and their selection criteria. It also slammed various States that have been dilly-dallying over this issue and asked them to fall in line before the next hearing scheduled for 22nd January, 2019. While various states provided reasons for the delay, the SC issued specific orders in each case as detailed below. Karnataka: An affidavit filed on behalf of the Karnataka government mentioned that there is only one vacancy of the State Information Commissioner (SIO), which had been advertised. However, in the meantime, the Karnataka High Court had stayed the appointment process. The SC has not issued any further orders in this case. Maharashtra: In the affidavit on behalf of the Maharashtra government mentions that post of State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) has already been filled. It also detailed various steps taken to fill the post of State Information Commissioner (SIC) and assured that the appointment would happen soon. It is further admitted that two post of SIC have fallen vacant now and advertisements for filling those vacancies will be published within four weeks. SC Order: Asks Maharashtra government to disclose details on its website as was directed in the case of Union of India. West Bengal: Counsel on behalf of the state said that the SCIC has already been appointed; one SIC is already in place and one more SIC has been appointed. This means that one SCIC and two SICs are holding office at the moment. The RTI Act provides for the appointment of up to 10 SICs. The states counsel was not sure as to whether the entire work can be dealt with by only one SCIC and two SICs. SC asked the West Bengal government to file an affidavit within two weeks stating the requirement of SICs. It also asked for information on RTI applications filed and well as number of appeals pending before SICs and details of pendency. Andhra Pradesh: Counsel for the state handed over an affidavit on 12 December 2018, which said that three persons have been appointed as SIC. It is also said that although the post of SCIC was advertised, nobody could be appointed and it is not decided to issue a fresh advertisement. The advertisement for the post of SCIC was issued on 24 August 2018 applications were accepted until 10 October 2018. Thirty-one applications were received and a Selection Committee meeting was proposed to be held soon. It expects that the SCIC shall be appointed within a month after the selection meeting. It further said that M Ravi Kumar, the SIC, is holding charge as SCIC so that the Commission may function. SC order: Asked the state to file an affidavit on the lines of that sought from the West Bengal government before the next date of listing. It shall also disclose details on the government website. Telangana: The state did not comply with the SC order to file an affidavit and pleaded inability to do so on account of elections to the state legislative assembly, whose results were announced on 11 December 2018. SC order: The state was granted its request for two weeks' time to file an affidavit. The affidavit must indicate how many SICs are functioning, how many posts are required and disclose the steps taken to fill up these posts. Telangana has already decided not to fill up ten posts of SIO, so the court has asked for justification of the decision in an affidavit on the lines of the one directed to be filed by West Bengal. Odisha: The Odisha government has earlier filed an affidavit to the effect that the State has decided to allow the Information Commission to function with one SCIC and three SIC. It stated that SCIC and two SICs are already in place and and advertisement will be issued shortly for the one remaining post. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioners submitted that there is huge pendency before the Odisha Information Commission and there is no justification to have only three Information Commissioners. SC order: The Odisha government has been asked to file an affidavit on the lines directed to the West Bengal government before the next date of listing, including putting up information on the commissions website. Gujarat: The counsel for Gujarat said she has received information from the State only two days ago and will file an affidavit within a week. However, she orally informed the court that based on information received, Gujarat has one post of SCIC and four SIC. Of these, the SCIC and one SIC are functioning, the three vacancies for SICs have been advertised, applications received and the process of filling up vacancies is before Selection Committee. SC order: The court expects the selection process to be completed at the earliest, preferably before the next hearing. Details will be disclosed on the website in line with directions issued to the union government. Kerala: The counsel for Kerala stated that one SCIC and four SIC are functioning in the state. Five posts of SICs could not be filled due to some pending litigation filed before the Kerala High Court. No further order by SC. Let us hope that 2019 is Happy New Year for the citizen-empowered and citizen-friendly RTI Act. Courtesy Photo The dove is the central theme to the Moscow Ballets Great Russian Nutcracker this year. The show spotlights the Dove of Peace as a symbol of unity to promote peace through the arts and brings a new variation to this production, which returns to the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center on Friday. The biggest peace advocacy ballet tour ever, the show features the acrobatic dove duet unique to Moscow Ballet, producer Akiva Talmi said in a press release. The Dove of Peace role was inspired by Bolshoi Ballet principal dancer Stanislov Vlasov, who was the choreographer/balletmaster of Moscow Ballets inaugural 1993 Great Russian Nutcracker, along with partner Lilia Sabitova. An Austin man was arrested Thursday afternoon in west Midland after fleeing the scene of a firearm-related incident on Wednesday, Sheriff Gary Painter said. Johnnie Walter Robinson II, 27, was arrested without incident Thursday afternoon, Painter told the Reporter-Telegram. A second man, Midlander Jordan Wendell Tyler Williams, 19, was arrested Wednesday afternoon at Airline Mobile Home Park, where the incident occurred. Sheriffs deputies responded at about noon Wednesday to a disturbance involving one male pointing a shotgun at another male at the mobile home park, according to a Wednesday night email from the Midland County Sheriffs Office. They arrested Williams and seized the shotgun. The man at whom the shotgun was pointed is related to Williams and was not injured, Painter told the Reporter-Telegram on Thursday. RELATED: 28 Texas DPS most wanted fugitives captured in 2018 Robinson was arrested early afternoon Thursday in the back yard of a residence in the 800 block of Devonian Drive, Painter said. He had returned to the mobile home park and took an SUV a Toyota Sequoia registered to a Midlander, according to a Midland County Sheriff's Office press release. After receiving a call, deputies pursued the SUV up Highway 80 to Loop 250. Midland Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety then joined the pursuit as Robinson turned onto Anetta Drive. He got out of the vehicle near Devonian Drive, and K-9 officers tracked him to the Devonian residence, according to the release. Robinson was being held Thursday on a third-degree felony charge of evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle, but bond had not yet been set. He also has outstanding warrants -- evading arrest or detention, a class A misdemeanor, in Midland County; and two misdemeanor drug possession charges in Travis County, Painter said. Williams was being held Thursday on unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, a third-degree felony; theft of a firearm, a state jail felony; possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana, both class A misdemeanors; and fraudulent use of identifying information, a state jail felony. For each of the possession charges, a $500 bond has been set; bonds have not been set on the other charges, according to the MCSO website. Like with every year, the increase depends upon the assessment of the current value of such parcels remaining about the same, Bein said. Final tax bills are affected by individual assessments, the multiplier each county uses to determine tax rates and other factors, he said. In 2018, 28 people on the Texas Department of Public Safety's list of Texas Top 10 most wanted fugitives were taken into custody. Four of them were captured in San Antonio. The department updates the most wanted list throughout the year. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox For a fugitive to be considered, the offender has to be wanted for a violent, aggravated or sex offense. Six other factors in the consideration process include whether the fugitive has ties to cartels or gangs, if the fugitive contributes to violence along the Texas/Mexico border, if the fugitive is a violent sex offender, if the fugitive is a career criminal, and if the fugitive is wanted for a parole violation, according to the department. The four captured in San Antonio include Ramon Mendoza, Raul Alejandro Martinez, Edward Wallace Lucero and Jose Ceullar Olvera. Olvera, captured on Jan. 30, was wanted for assault and failure to register as a sex offender. Lucero, captured on June 5, was also wanted for failure to register as a sex offender. RELATED: Affidavit: Deal for stolen gun led to fatal shooting of San Antonio teen Martinez, captured on Aug. 20, was wanted for two counts of indecency with a child and two counts of sexual assault. Mendoza, captured on Oct. 4, was wanted for vehicle theft, theft property and engaging in organized criminal activity. Though the four captures did not lead to any reward money, several others have. According to the department, anonymous tips that led to the arrest of the fugitives have resulted in $31,500 in rewards this year. Click through the slideshow to see the Texas 10 most wanted fugitives captured in 2018. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | fsabawi@mysa.com|@FaresInSA Voters in South Barrington also will have an easy decision to make in April after only three incumbents filed recently to run for the three seats in play during the upcoming election. Jacksonville School District 117 Board of Education Special December 5, 2018 The Board of Education of Jacksonville School District 117 met in Special Session on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, beginning at 5:30 PM at the Board Office - 211 West State. Members present at roll call were Mr. Beard, Mr. Cantrell, Mr. Lonergan, Mrs. Maul, Mrs. Ryan and Mrs. Wilson. Also in attendance was Superintendent, Steve Ptacek. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mrs. Maul moved, seconded by Mr. Lonergan to approve the agenda as presented. Roll: Maul, Lonergan, Ryan, Cantrell, Wilson and Beard. Nay; None. ACTION ITEMS Consideration to Change Regular Meeting Dates and Location Mrs. Wilson moved, seconded by Mrs. Maul to approve the change in location for all regular board of education meetings from Jacksonville High School to the Board Room at 211 West State Street effective immediately. Roll: Wilson, Maul, Cantrell, Ryan, Lonergan and Beard. Nay; None. CLOSED SESSION Mrs. Wilson moved, seconded by Mr. Cantrell to adjourn to Closed Session at 5:33 pm for: The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance. 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(3). The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the Public body or legal counsel for the Public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the Public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. Roll: Wilson, Cantrell, Lonergan, Maul, Ryan and Beard. Nay; None. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION Mr. Lonergan moved, seconded by Mr. Cantrell to return to Open Session at 6:03pm. Roll: Lonergan, Cantrell, Maul, Ryan, Wilson and Beard. Nay; None. RECEPTION OF VISITORS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS None ADJOURNMENT Mr. Cantrell moved, seconded by Mrs. Maul to adjourn the meeting at 6:04pm. Roll: Cantrell, Maul, Ryan, Lonergan, Wilson and Beard. Nay; None. Missouri landowners and environmentalists are urging a federal agency to sanction a levee district on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, arguing that the earthen barrier has been built above its authorized height, worsening flooding for its neighbors. Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, a river conservation organization based in St. Louis, sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in October urging the agency to take action if the Sny Island Levee District in Illinois fails to reduce its levee height. FEMA didnt respond to the alliance but told The Associated Press it is working to resolve the issue. Missouri residents have complained for years that the Sny has been built several feet too high in some spots. The 60-mile system is north of St. Louis and protects roughly 115,000 acres of fertile Illinois farmland. The upper Mississippi River is lined with levees that protect towns, businesses and hundreds of thousands of acres of agricultural land. But in times of flooding, water that would naturally flow over a flood plain is boxed out and forced elsewhere. Such redirecting of floodwater is especially concerning given the increasing volatility of the river, which has seen damaging flooding far more frequently in recent decades. These levees have a maximum height because in some instances theyre supposed to be topped, said David Stokes, executive director of the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance. You dont want to sacrifice a city to keep the farmland dry. A study by the Army Corps of Engineers in 2017 found that 40 percent of the 205 miles of levees from central Iowa to St. Louis were built above their authorized heights. Missouri, Iowa and Illinois all had levees in violation. The Sny is the longest of those systems and, some Missouri residents say, the biggest violator. The Corps has said the Sny is up to 4 feet above authorized levels in some spots. In January 2016, FEMAs Mitigation Division asked leaders of the three Illinois counties responsible for the Sny Pike, Calhoun and Adams counties to show permits proving that raising the levee was authorized. Three years later, it remains unclear if any permits were provided. Mike Reed, superintendent of the Sny district, said in an email to The Associated Press that the levee district is working with FEMA to clear up questions that may remain as to the authorized levee elevation. FEMA spokeswoman Cassie Ringsdorf said in an email that the agency has been working with the state of Illinois and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine the best course of action to address those issues. In the Oct. 8 letter to FEMA Mitigation Division Director Mary Beth Caruso, Stokes urged FEMA to cut off availability of insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program to Illinois property owners behind the Sny unless the levee height is reduced. Its time to crack down, he said. Local farmer Nancy Guyton agreed. Guyton and her husband grow corn and soybeans on 1,500 acres in the flood plain of Pike County, Missouri, directly across from the Sny. She said the too-tall Illinois levee means more significant damage to the family farm as the murky and often toxic water sticks around longer during a flood. Its just a real mess and FEMA can do something about it, Guyton said. Theyre dragging their heels. They should have taken care of this matter several years ago. DOW Seven people were able to escape an early morning fire Wednesday with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. No injuries were reported, and the family dog also made it out, but the house in the 27000 block of Beltrees Road was destroyed. The fire was discovered about 3 a.m. and quickly spread throughout the house. At noon, QEM firefighters were still putting out hot spots and family members were being comforted by others and figuring out their next step. At 3 a.m., my son said the back of the house is on fire, homeowner Jenny Slow said. We left with nothing. QEM Fire Chief Gerry New said when firefighters arrived, the house and attached garage were fully involved. He said the fire, helped by a stiff breeze, apparently tore through the house, and when he arrived the only thing left standing was the chimney, two back walls and the garage. What the homeowner told me initially was he woke up and there was fire coming out of a back closet, New said. He did tell me he had no wiring problems, other than this is a very old home with very old wiring. The exact cause, unfortunately, with the amount of destruction, will be listed as undetermined. Fieldon, Jerseyville and Godfrey firefighters assisted in fighting the blaze. Part of the reason was they had to truck water. New also said the past few days have been busy for the department, with three separate structure fires. In addition to Wednesdays fire, there was a Christmas Eve fire that was contained and another the night of Dec. 22. That was a loss. They had just had a party a couple of hours ago, and had 40 people at the residence, he said of the earlier fire. Scott Cousins can be reached at 618-208-6447. Its fine to talk to the North Koreans about their nukes and missiles. Go ahead and tell them theyre a threat to the world, the human race, to civilization. No problem. The Norths stock retort is theyre needed for self-defense against the Americans, who bombed our country indiscriminately in the Korean War. One topic, however, is strictly off the table, verboten, banned, forbidden, absolutely not mentioned if you want to keep talking to them: human rights. Thats why South Koreas President Moon Jae-in, on the 70th anniversary of passage by the U.N. General Assembly of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, said not a word about North Korea as he gingerly remarked, The way to improve the human rights of the entire Korean people is to eliminate the remains of the Cold War on the Korean peninsula and establish permanent peace. Sure, but whats he going on about? Is he equating South with North Korea, suggesting the Souths record on human rights is comparable with that of the North? Or is he just trying to avoid the topic, to bury it beneath fine words? Kim Tae-min, head of the inter-Korean cooperation mission for sustainable development goals, put the problem this way at a conference staged by the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights in Seoul, which for years has been collecting facts and figures on whats happening up there. When we talk about human rights in North Korea, he said, that can halt any conversation with North Korea. But the dreaded topic cannot be ignored so easily. Human rights must be discussed at the same time, said Oh Joon, professor of peace studies at Kyung Hee University, talking at the Database Center conference. Humanitarian assistance can be used to improve human rights. Hanna Song, Database Center researcher, observed, Exemption of human rights issues from high-level talks does not mean North Korea is exempt from its obligations to protect the human rights of its citizens. Maybe not, but over the years the North Koreans have thumbed their noses at offers by South Korean leaders of fast aid, multi-billion dollar payoffs for just about anything. They are simply not going to consider any assistance, any offer, however massive, thats conditioned on freeing tens of thousands of prisoners held in the Norths sprawling gulag system for political crimes. Nor are they interested in returning several hundred South Koreans, mainly fishermen whose boats were captured on or near North Korean waters. One wonders, though, if dialogue between Moon and Kim Jong-un is worth anything if Kim refuses to do anything about human rights, just as he wont reveal where hes hiding his nukes and missiles, or the facilities for making them, much less getting rid of any of them? Interestingly, the day after the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the 49th anniversary of the hijacking by North Koreans of a domestic Korean Air flight with 50 people aboard. No, President Moon did not think to mention that anniversary when orating on his vision of human rights for the Korean peninsula. Hwang In-cheol, whose father was never returned after the hijacking, wont let the world forget even if his pleas fall on deaf ears. Nor does he think the matter should be limited to private off-the-record dialog between Moon and Kim or among working-level officials. His advice: Get it out in the open. What is there to lose? Maybe Kim, eager for aid and assistance, would at last, at least, make token concessions, most especially as far as Hwang is concerned the release of the father whom he was too young to remember. These issues should be raised directly and publicly, he told me on the anniversary after carrying signs in English and Korean begging for someone, somehow, to bring his father home. Kim Jong-un should be ready to address these issues, he passionately believes. I do not agree that raising the issue will stop dialogue. Hwang is all in favor of Kim Jong-un making a quick trip to Seoul to see Moon but sets one condition: If he wants to come to South Korea, he should come with my father. Thats not going to happen, of course, but Hwang sees no prospect of real and lasting peace on Korea if the South fails to demand the return of citizens held captive in the North. What is eliminating the remains of the Cold War, he asks, if that whole issue is ignored. Good question. Donald Kirk has been a columnist for Korea Times, South China Morning Post many other newspapers and magazines. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. "We learned from Lake County Animal Control in Libertyville on (Dec. 22) that the dog was euthanized," she said. "That decision to euthanize was entirely up to the owner. They did look into rehoming the dog outside of Buffalo Grove, but it was showing aggression." These past few centuries, mankind experienced a doubling of lifespan, a 50 percent increase in body size, plunging infant mortality rates, and dramatic delays in the organ failures and infirmities that are our perpetual, uninvited unwelcome companions. Advances in medicine, improvements in sanitation, and abatement of famine cant explain the changes. Seeking insights, Robert Fogel brought the quantitative rigor of economics to the study of history. Fogel and Douglass North shared the 1993 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for originating the field of economic history. Fogels 1996 paper, New Findings About Trends in Life Expectation and Chronic Diseases: The Implications for Health Costs and Pensions is not one of his major works, but its short, readable and eye-opening. It blends centuries of economic data with the laws of thermodynamics to argue that today, historys first adequately nourished population poses serious financial risks to health insurers and pension funds. The core explanation is something Fogel names technophysio-evolution fundamental changes in the human body emerging from technology, not genetics. The Babylonians thought history was an endless, repetitive, predetermined cycle. That view reverberates in Thomas Robert Malthus 1798 An Essay on the Principle of Population. Malthus thought population growth would always outstrip agricultural growth. Periodically, famine, disease and war would cull the human herd, keeping world population below its immutable ceiling. About 220 years later, Malthusianism still underpins doomsday prophesies from religious, political and scientific quarters alike. Fogels numbers refute Malthus. Only in the 1920s, he notes, did demographers notice the long-term decline in death rates. Economists and others had already punched holes in the idea that medical science and public health provided the answer. Fogel zeroed in on nutrition, constructing a centuries-long balance sheet of calories consumed and burned. Agricultural records from Britain and other European countries give remarkably precise estimates of the number of calories produced over the centuries, in turn providing a ceiling on calories eaten. Medical researchers tell us how many calories a person of a given size needs to exist and to perform various levels of work. Demographers estimate population trends over time. Historians and economists estimate how much work went into plowing fields, building cathedrals, sailing ships, etc. Fogels balance sheet is sobering. People in earlier centuries must have been considerably smaller than we are today. Twenty percent of Europes population would have been so malnourished that they could do no more than sit in the streets begging for alms; their daily caloric intake was too meager to fuel even a few hours of light strolling. Even the wealthy were insufficiently nourished to attain the height and weight their genomes would allow. And overly short, thin people suffered early failure of bodily organs and premature death. Then, mankind entered a virtuous, decidedly non-Babylonian, cycle of calories produced and calories burned. Rising wealth meant greater caloric intake, building smarter, stronger workers who could produce even greater caloric output. The cycle repeated explosively after the onset of the Industrial Revolution around 1800. Lifespans climbed, not primarily because of declining crisis mortality (famines, plagues, wars, etc.) but rather because malnourishment was banished to societys fringes. Fogel suggested that the most powerful improvement came from adequate nourishment of young children including perhaps especially during their months in utero. Childhood malnutrition, it seems, leads to an irreversible early onset of organ failure decades later. Malthus thought average lifespan was eternally limited to the low 40s. In our era, that upward limit was revised to the mid-80s. Fogel questioned even that new maximum, arguing that the longevity of historys first fully nourished population is as yet unknowable. If so, Fogel concluded, pension plans may be seriously underfunded. They are not structured for lifetime benefits to people living till 90, 100, 110 years. A controversial biomedical gerontologist, Aubrey de Grey, speculated that the first person to live to 150 is already alive today. Recently, he predicted that some individual born in the next few decades will live for a thousand years. In 2005, the Methuselah Foundation and the MIT Technology Review offered a $20,000 reward for any credible molecular biologist/biogerontologist who could prove that de Greys ideas were so wrong as to be excludable from learned debate. No one has yet collected the bounty. Robert Graboyes is a senior research fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he focuses on technological innovation in health care. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Minority leader is still insistent on ... According to the complaint, in 2016, Helms volunteered to go to juvenile officer training, but a sergeant told him the department would not send him to any more training if he was still in the military. The complaint says he was removed as a field training officer, too, because of his military service. Adventist Health Sonora's new Health Pavilion and Diana J. White Cancer Institute View Photos Sonora, CA A local medical group has found a new home in the Adventist Health Pavilion and Diana J. White Cancer Institute in Sonora. Medical center officials announced in a press release that they welcome Adult Medical Specialists to their network of providers. The groups providers include David Allen, M.D., Daniel Phillips, M.D., Janene Phillips, N.P. and Carolee Ross, N.P. Patients appointments were not impacted as the medical group did not have to move far. The office was right behind the hospital at 690 Guzzi Lane and the new facility is just across Greenely Road at the Adventist Health Sonora Health Pavilion located at 900 Mono Way. The new offices will be located on the second floor of the pavilion. The group notes that unfortunately even with the new space the doctors are not currently accepting new patients. Existing patients will need to call the new number 209-536-6925 in order to schedule appointments at the new address. Suspect being sought as part of Blue Alert View Photos Update at 4:50 p.m.: President Donald Trump is weighing in on the shooting death of Police Corporal Ronil Singh. As reported below, Stanislaus County Sheriffs officials at a press conference would not divulge the suspects name, but did reveal that he was in the country illegally. That fact had the President tweeting about the need for a border crackdown, stating, time to get tough on Border Security. He ended the message with: Build the Wall! Further details on the manhunt for the killer are below. Original post at 11:45 a.m.: While a Blue Alert was issued for a four county region, including Tuolumne, following an officer shooting near Modesto, law enforcement officials believe the gunman is still in Stanislaus County. City of Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson and Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson held a press conference this morning to update the public about the investigation into the death of Police Corporal Ronil Singh. He was killed in a shootout in Newman after attempting to pull over a suspect being investigated for DUI. Chief Richardson described Singh as a dedicated officer and family man. He had immigrated to the US and always planned to be a police officer. He left behind a wife and five-month-old son. Sheriff Christianson, whose department is leading the investigation, noted that limited information could be released at this time, but stated that there is evidence indicating that the suspect is still in Stanislaus County. Were getting closer, he stated, and felt the suspect will be in custody sooner rather than later. Residents in Tuolumne County have received two mobile cell phone alerts over the past day notifying them of the shooting suspect being at-large. Christianson declined to give the name of the suspect because it is an ongoing investigation. He did however note that the man is in his thirties and in the country illegally. Christianson added that there are multiple investigative teams working the case and no cost is being spared. The suspects truck was located and confiscated yesterday at a mobile home park near Newman. The officials stated that the next information released will hopefully be an arrest made. A tip line is set up at 209-525-7202. Crudes rollercoaster ride pressed on with oil taking a turn lower along with U.S. stocks. Futures in New York fell as much as 2.8 percent on Thursday. The S&P 500 dropped than 2 percent, making its way toward a bear market. Traders have been on edge this week amid giant swings in both equities and oil. On Monday, the U.S. benchmark crude fell more than 7 percent before jumping more than 10 percent on Wednesday. Whats going on with the overall economy and because GDP is so correlated with oil demand, thats really whats driving the bus lately, said Stewart Glickman, an energy equity analyst at CFRA Research. Are we driving into a recession or are things going to stabilize and be a somewhat steady state? U.S. benchmark crude is on track for the largest quarterly decline since 2014 amid fears that the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China will hit demand. At the same time, some investors doubt that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries deal to limit output with its allies will help tighten supplies. Producers aim to publish a statement in January on the implementation of the agreement, Russias Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. West Texas Intermediate crude for February delivery dropped 94 cents to $45.28 a barrel at 10:36 a.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Total volume traded on Thursday was about 9 percent below the 100-day average. A measure of oil market volatility jumped to the highest level in more than a month. Brent for February settlement slid $1.14 to $53.33 a barrel on Londons ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark crude traded at an $8.03 premium to WTI. Meanwhile, U.S. crude inventories probably fell 3 million barrels last week, according to a Bloomberg survey of analysts. If Energy Information Administration data due Friday shows a similar move, it will be the fourth consecutive weekly decline in U.S. crude stockpiles. --With assistance from Tsuyoshi Inajima and Grant Smith. This article, Facebook's and social media's fight against fake news may get tougher, originally appeared on CNET.com. Facebook isn't the same social network it used to be. A decade ago, status updates had to include the word "is." Catching up with friends meant writing on their Facebook digital walls. Today's social media couldn't be more different. Users are sharing moments of their lives in vertical videos and photos that vanish in 24 hours through a feature called "Stories." We've become aware of the network's dark side, with data privacy violations and the spread of misinformation and hate speech. Messaging apps are all the rage. And Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says he thinks people will share more information on Stories -- a feature it copied from its rival Snapchat -- than on news feeds. "The concept [of social media] is part of the fabric of human life at this point," said Debra Aho Williamson, an analyst for eMarketer who's researched social media for nearly 15 years. "But how we share and what we share will definitely morph and change." The shift toward ephemeral content and messaging could fundamentally alter how we use Facebook and other social media, while also making it harder to combat misinformation, election interference and hate speech, some experts say. After all, it's hard for companies to crack down when they can't see what's being shared in encrypted messages, or when photos and videos disappear after 24 hours. And while Facebook and others are investing in AI to spot and remove messages that violate their online rules, they still face a tough road ahead. "The companies are getting smarter at using artificial intelligence to identify egregious hate speech or extreme content, but the technology is far from perfect, meaning users getting frustrated when there are false positives," said Claire Wardle, the executive director of First Draft, a nonprofit aimed at tackling misinformation. "All in all, these shifts present a number of challenges for a number of different technology companies." The rise of Stories and messaging Facebook-owned Instagram introduced Stories two years ago before Facebook added the Snapchat-like feature to WhatsApp, Messenger and its main social network. Facebook now expects ephemeral content and messaging to play much bigger roles in its future, Zuckerberg said in October during the company's third-quarter earnings call. Getty Images Instagram Stories hit 400 million daily active users in June, up 60 percent from the same month last year. WhatsApp's version of Stories, called Status, hit 450 million daily active users in May, up 80 percent from July 2017. Facebook and Messenger Stories have 300 million daily active users. Facebook has shared user numbers for Stories at different times throughout the year. Zuckerberg also said in October that he thought other social media sites, including Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn, would introduce their own versions of Stories. There are various reasons why Stories and messaging are becoming more popular. "People feel more comfortable being themselves when they know their content will only be seen by a smaller group and when their content won't stick around forever," Zuckerberg told analysts in October. A November report by eMarketer called out two other reasons: People are sharing more videos and photos instead of text. And they want to broadcast more intimate moments to a smaller audience. Social media's dark side may also be fueling the shift, said Wardle, citing "a chilling effect caused by increased levels of harassment online." Facebook and Instagram didn't respond to a request for comment. Misinformation on messaging apps The spread of false news on messaging apps, including WhatsApp, is already posing challenges for fact-checkers. WhatsApp was "flooded by falsehoods and conspiracy theories" during Brazil's runoff presidential election in October between Jair Bolsonaro and Fernando Haddad, Reuters reported. Getty Images Some of the misinformation was spread in WhatsApp chat groups that allow up to 256 people to join. "Such chat groups are much harder to monitor than the Facebook news feed or Google's search results," Cristina Tardaguila, director of the fact-checking platform Agencia Lupa, co-wrote in an op-ed published in The New York Times. Agencia Lupa, the Federal University of Minas Gerais, and the University of Sao Paulo studied more than 100,000 political images that circulated in 347 WhatsApp groups that were open to the public. They found that more than half of the most-shared images contained misleading information. The consequences of failing to stop misinformation can be literally fatal. In India, false rumors of child abductions went viral on WhatsApp, causing mobs to murder at least two dozen innocent people, The New York Times reported in July. When asked how WhatsApp is combating misinformation, a spokesperson pointed to a blog post outlining WhatsApp's efforts. These included labeling and limiting the reach of forwarded messages; running full-page newspaper ads in English, Hindi and other languages with tips for spotting fake news; removing spam accounts; and working with governments. Tracking ephemeral content Getty Images Some researchers fear they'll have a harder time studying the spread of misinformation as ephemeral content becomes more prevalent, since it won't be "online long enough to be flagged, deranked or removed," Wardle said. Filippo Menczer, a professor of informatics and computer science at Indiana University who's studied how automated Twitter accounts spread misinformation, said that because of the lack of available data, it's hard to tell if fake news is being spread through ephemeral content. "Even the platforms themselves don't want to look inside that data because they're making promises to their customers that it's private," Menczer said. "By the time someone realizes that there's some terrible misinformation that's causing a genocide, it may be too late." Snapchat, which started the whole ephemeral content craze, appears to have kept itself mostly free of fake news and election meddling. The company separates news in a public section called Discover. Snapchat's editors vet and curate what shows up in that section, making it difficult for misinformation to go viral on the platform. Instagram, on the other hand, is being considered a "key battleground" for fighting Russian troll propaganda. Russia's Internet Research Agency used Instagram to sow discord among Americans during the 2016 election and garnered more engagement there than it did on Facebook, researchers at the cybersecurity firm New Knowledge found. As Facebook pushes more people to post ephemeral content in Stories, the uphill battle against false news could get even harder. Taking It to Extremes: Mix insane situations -- erupting volcanoes, nuclear meltdowns, 30-foot waves -- with everyday tech. Here's what happens. Fight the Power: Take a look at who's transforming the way we think about energy. The reason it takes hold is because these problems exist, he said. If the administrations in these cities were doing such a fantastic job, if their streets, lights, curbs and sidewalks were taken care of or in Harveys case, if the water bills werent as high as they are and there were jobs and real economic development and all the things a city needs, you could put term limits on the ballot and the people would say No. New surveillance video shows the moments before a deadly shooting during a botched robbery Wednesday night in southeast Houston. According to Houston police, a man had been shopping at a Sunnyside convenience store in the 8900 block of Scott Street around 10:15 p.m. when he walked outside and was approached by an armed robber. The suspect and victim reportedly began struggling over the gun, a tussle that was caught on the store's surveillance cameras. The video shows the victim - who has yet to be identified - walked to an SUV in the parking lot when a hooded man approached him and pointed a gun in his face. Initially the victim can be seen putting his hands up in defense, but began to swat at the suspect seconds later. The video appears to show the gun coming out of the suspect's hands and fall to the ground in the store's parking lot as the two continued to fight. The fight spilled out onto Scott Street, which is where the suspect broke free, walked back to the gun in the parking lot and turns it toward the victim before ultimately shooting him, police said. The victim was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died. The suspect, possibly between 20 and 22 years old, was believed to be wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and a black undershirt, police said. He was about 6 feet tall. Anyone with information is asked to call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477. Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message As 2018 progressed, so did the construction of a new skyscraper that changed San Antonio's skyline. The $142 million Frost Bank Tower made visible strides throughout the year and has already made its presence felt in downtown San Antonio. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox The building has been in the works since 2013, when former Mayor Julian Castro was encouraging downtown development with his Decade of Downtown initiative. In 2015, the City Council cleared the way for the tower's construction when it approved a complicated public-private partnership with Weston Urban and Frost Bank. The tower is 23 stories tall and 460,000 square feet. Its day-to-day progress has been captured by construction photo company OxBlue cameras, giving residents the opportunity to watch the tower grow as it was built. As part of the deal, Frost Bank has sold its current headquarters at 100 W. Houston St. to the city, which plans to consolidate its administrative offices there. To check on the progress of 10 other projects slated to change San Antonio's skyline in the coming years, go to our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. And click through the slideshow to see Frost Bank Tower's construction progress in 2018. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | fsabawi@mysa.com|@FaresInSA A Texas border town police chief was arrested Thursday morning on a domestic violence charge. Hidalgo Police Chief Rudy Espinoza, 64, was arrested by Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies on suspicion of assault causing bodily injury to a family member, jail records showed. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox Deputies were called to Inspiration Road in Mission to respond to the call around 11:39 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Espinoza's common-law wife, who had visible minor injuries, told deputies she was assaulted by the police chief, officials said. Deputies spoke to Espinoza and determined they had enough evidence to arrest him on the domestic violence charge, according to the news release. Hidalgo City Manager Julian Gonzalez did not respond to requests seeking comment on the arrest Thursday. Espinoza has been Hidalgo's police chief since 2012, according to the Brownsville Herald. Espinoza has been suspended by the city with pay since October, ValleyCentral.com reported. The city was investigating him for workplace misconduct and alleged conflicts of interest, according to the report. The chief was given a $5,000 personal recognizance bond Thursday. Records showed Espinoza remained in jail Thursday. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | fsabawi@mysa.com|@FaresInSA The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the motorcyclist killed on Christmas in a collision on the West Side. John Robert Guevara, 24, was traveling at a "very high rate of speed" eastbound on West Martin Street when he clipped the back of a car making a right turn onto NW 19th, San Antonio police said. Minister of Defence and War Veterans Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has dismissed rumours that she was involved in the death of late Zimbabwe National Liberation Army (Zanla) commander General Josiah Magama Tongogara or that there was a hidden hand in the road traffic accident that claimed his life on December 26, 1979 in Mozambique. Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri was in the same vehicle with Gen Tongogara when he died in the accident, which occurred in Massinga District, Inhambane Province in Mozambique. The claim that Gen Tongogara was killed by fellow party members was escalated by the CIA through a briefing on December 28, 1979, and Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith who wrote in his memoirs that Tongogaras own people killed him. Social media platforms have lately also been awash with the claims against Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri. Speaking at the 2018 annual commemoration of Cde Tongogaras death at the National Heroes Acre yesterday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri broke down as she narrated how the accident occurred. I happened to be in the same car with him when the accident happened. There was a truck which was towing a trailer that was in front of our vehicle. The truck was in the middle of the road and heading in the same direction, said the Defence Minister. As our driver was about to overtake, our vehicle was blocked by the trailer resulting with the accident that killed Cde Tongogara. I didnt kill Tongogara, she said. She said history has been distorted for long and hence the need to set the record straight on the circumstances. General Tongogara hated, without mercy, all those who he regarded as standing in the way of the liberation of the millions down-trodden Zimbabweans. However, the question that will remain in the minds of many Zimbabwean present and future generations is who is this dreaded, fearless, great commander General Josiah Magama Tongogara? she said. General Josiah Magama Tongogara, affectionately known as General Tongo during the Second Chimurenga, commanded Zanla, the military wing of the nationalist-oriented Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu) party. He was also part of the Dare ReChimurenga and the High Command which directed the liberation struggle against the brutal and callous Ian Smith colonial regime, she said. As I alluded earlier on, the general was involved in a fatal car accident which claimed his life on the 26th of December 1979 soon after the Lancaster House Agreement which gave birth to independent Zimbabwe, she said. Cde Tongogara was born in Shurugwi on February 4, 1938. The minister said Cde Tongogara stood solidly by what he believed was right and never deviated from principle, in support of the leadership. She said he was one of the Zanu cadres who strongly pushed for unity of the two liberation forces of Zipra and Zanla. Acting Commander of Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Lieutenant-General Edzayi Chimonyo also poured his heart out on the great loss Zimbabwe suffered as a result of the death of General Tongo. He said he was the first person to open the door of the vehicle the general was travelling in. General Tongogara was a fearless, courageous, tough and firm but humane commander. His passing on at the dawn of Zimbabwes Independence was a great loss to Zimbabwe. As we gather here at this annual commemoration, we should take inspiration from his selfless sacrifice for the independence of this great country, said Lt-Gen Chimonyo. General Josiah Magama Tongogara will forever be remembered in the annals of our history as a great commander, unifier and strategist par excellence. We will always remember his great works and use lessons of the past in respect of his immense contribution to the struggle for our Independence to shape the future, Lt-Gen Chimonyo said. Cde Tongogaras widow, Angeline, her children and grandchildren, relatives and friends laid wreaths at the tomb of the national hero who has major roads in Harare and Bulawayo named after him. The former KGVI Barracks were also recently renamed in his honour. Chronicle Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Six Western nationals have been working with local non-governmental organisations led by Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe (CCiZ) to fight what they claim is a crisis of legitimacy following President Mnangagwas slim victory in the July 30 harmonised elections, state media has learnt. The six foreigners, some of whom have already been identified, convened a week-long workshop at a private lodge in Harare earlier this month where they came up with strategies to incite Zimbabweans to revolt against President Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF Government to force a unity Government with opposition political parties or to set up a transitional authority. The workshop was reportedly coordinated by CCiZ chairperson Mr Rashid Mahiya and a committee member, Mr Pride Mukono, from December 3 to 7 under the theme: The Crisis of Legitimacy in Zimbabwe. CCiZ spokesman Mr Tabani Moyo denied that there was such a meeting. The workshop is said to have been attended by over 80 people from 40 civil society organisations affiliated to the Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe. The six regime change strategists from the United States, Germany, Spain and Switzerland facilitated the workshop at which the NGOs were promised more funding if they show maturity in organising their programmes as one entity, said a source who refused to be identified for security reasons. The foreigners who attended the meeting include Ms Nora Rafaeil, an American, Gerald Ordway (Spain) and Martina Zapf (Switzerland). The agenda of the meeting was to force the Zanu-PF Government into a GNU or a so-called Transitional Authority and they agreed that the only way to achieve that was through rallies, demonstrations and media manipulation, said the source. Their belief is that these activities will result in the generality of Zimbabweans revolting against President Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF Government, he said. The workshop alleged that the elections which saw President Mnangagwa narrowly beating his main challenger, MDC Alliances Nelson Chamisa, and Zanu-PF winning the parliamentary polls by a two thirds majority, were rigged. Mr Chamisa rejected the election results and took the matter to the Constitutional Court where the televised case was thrown out with costs for lack of merit. The rigging claims are despite overwhelming endorsement of the elections by local observers except those from the West who have maintained sanctions on Zimbabwe since the turn of the millennium over its land reform. The people who attended the workshop were drawn from various civil society organisations known to be aligned to the MDC Alliance. Chamisa has refused to accept President Mnangagwas victory and threatened to organise demonstrations by his party supporters to make the country ungovernable. The source said the workshop adopted resolutions to bring civil society under one tent to address the legitimacy crisis and to organise protests like what happened in 2007 under the Save Zimbabwe Campaign which turned violent. The foreign nationals that facilitated the meeting promised to provide funding for the activities of the NGOs to unite to fight the so-called legitimacy crisis in Zimbabwe, the source added. Mr Mahiya was tasked with spearheading the process of uniting the NGOs to achieve their objectives. As a strategy, civil society organisations could be used to divide the people of Zimbabwe in such a way that the masses would revolt against the Zanu-PF Government, revealed the source. Another meeting was planned for December 15 at the Womens Bureau in Harare where the structures of the coalition of civic groups would be crafted. It could not be confirmed at the time of going to print if that second meeting took place. Efforts to get a comment from Messers Mahiya and Mukono were fruitless earlier in the week. However, CCiZ spokesperson Mr Tabani Moyo denied any meeting ever took place, saying their role as an organisation was to push for the entrenchment of democratic rule. That meeting you are referring to is a work of fiction. It never happened, our chairman has never chaired such a meeting, Mr Moyo said. All the meetings he has chaired are mainly hinged on pushing forward these very same values in line with our mission statement which aims to see a democratic Zimbabwe in our lifetime. So our key issues at stake are to return Zimbabwe to the rule of law through ensuring that the vagaries of November 2017 are not entrenched through the presence of the military in civilian activities, he said. The supremacy of the Constitution should remain dear to our values and ethos. We will keep on insisting that whoever supports us will support us to ensure we are pushing our vision and mission statement, mainly to see a democratic Zimbabwe in our lifetime. We do not believe in overthrowing an elected regime but rather that elections by their nature are supposed to entrench democracy rather than to consolidate military rule. The activities by the NGOs are despite calls by President Mnangagwa for Zimbabweans to leave the elections behind and focus on rebuilding the economy. He has consistently called for unity and peace while Government deepens political and economic reforms that will turn Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy by 2030. Mnangagwa has also vowed to intensify fight against corruption although no single government or ex government official has been jailed for corruption since he came to power after November 2017 military coup. Chronicle Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe (PSZ) has confirmed that the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) has of late been supplying short-dated medicines to the retail sector. This follows alarm raised by a section of local pharmacies alleging that the national supplier was supplying medicines with a short shelf-life. One of the retailers who requested anonymity claimed that NatPharm has only become a dumping site for international donors who have brought products that are about to expire. Some of the products are expiring in February 2019. At the end of the day you get a lot of stock that is expired. Zimbabwe has just been reduced to a dumping site by the donor community whose products have a short life, he said. Portifa Mwendera, the PSZs president, however, told the Daily News this should not be a cause for concern since most of the medicines that NatPharm supplies are on high demand and are usually consumed in the short term. NatPharm has a limited portfolio of medicines that they make available to the retail sector. These include diabetic medicines (insulin) and antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. They also have some lines that industry has noted are expiring in the next year; these include GSK products, Zinnat and Augmentics which are expiring in the short term, he said. This is not much of concern as these medicines are likely to be used in the short term. NatPharm is the State drug procurement, warehousing and distribution entity under the Health and Child Care ministry. Recently, there have been reports that some wholesalers are procuring drugs from NatPharm using RTGS payments yet they sell to the public in foreign currency. Last month the Health ministry instructed NatPharm to start selling drugs directly to patients in local currency to cushion them from the predatory practices of most pharmacies. DailyNews Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa is ratcheting up the pressure on President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a bid to energise the frustratingly slow tempo of the much-talked about national dialogue meant to end the countrys deepening economic crisis. This comes as long-suffering citizens are enduring one of the worst festive seasons in the history of post-independent Zimbabwe marked by debilitating shortages of fuel and basic goods such as cooking oil and soft drinks, among a myriad other challenges. It also comes as Chamisa has recently held surprise talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who political analysts say is potentially very influential in brokering tangible talks between the MDC leader and Mnangagwa. Chamisa told the media this week that he remained keen to engage Mnangagwa, as this was the only way to stem the countrys worsening economic rot. Zimbabweans are suffering we cant afford to go on like this. There is need for leadership unfortunately Mnangagwa is not willing to provide the kind of leadership that is required. We must not think about our parties or about power lets think about Zimbabweans. Lets think about the people whom we are supposed to be leading so that we come together, he said during a surprise tour of Mbare Musika bus terminus in Harare on Christmas eve. We have answers but we cant provide those answers because there is no platform to provide those answers. Our objective is not to form a government of national unity. Our objective is to talk about what the problem is. There was a contestation of the election results there is no confidence. So, we have to resolve confidence issues. The challenges we have in the economy are because the politics is stinking we must have political dialogue, Chamisa added. Efforts by the Daily News yesterday to solicit a response from the government drew a blank. But Chamisas comments this week came as he has been brawling with Mnangagwa ever since he narrowly lost the hotly-disputed July 30 presidential election whose result he vigorously challenged at the Constitutional Court (Con-Court). The youthful opposition leader even went to the extent of accusing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) of manipulating the poll results in favour of the Zanu PF leader. But Mnangagwas victory was upheld by the Con-Court, which ruled that Chamisa had failed to provide evidence that he had won the election. Last month, he held a massive demonstration in Harare where he lashed Mnangagwa, exhorting the president to act on the deteriorating political and economic situation in the country. In the meantime, Mnangagwa has ruled out forming a GNU with Chamisa and the MDC while also remaining coy on the much-talked about national dialogue. Chamisa has said that his recent meeting with Ramaphosa was part of his efforts to try and resolve the current political and economic crises in the country. The main objective was to sensitise him of our situation, give him our side of the story in terms of the way forward. I told him that there is no confidence because there is no political stability the elections were rigged. The elections were rigged because the result of what the people voted for was not the one that was announced. So, there is need to go back to what the source of the problem is, Chamisa said. South Africa, which is Zimbabwes biggest trading partner, is seen as having the greatest potential influence on local national politics, including the mooted dialogue between Chamisa and Mnangagwa. In 2008, the neighbouring countrys former president, Thabo Mbeki, was instrumental in brokering talks which led to the formation of a GNU between ousted former president Robert Mugabe and the late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai following that years hotly-disputed elections. Mbekis mediation culminated in the signing of the global political agreement (GPA), which paved the way for the formation of the unity government in February 2009. The popular Tsvangirai had trounced Mugabe hands down in the disputed 2008 presidential election. The results of those elections were withheld for six long weeks by stunned authorities amid widespread allegations of ballot tampering and fraud, which were later confirmed by former bigwigs of the ruling party. In the ensuing sham presidential run-off, which authorities claimed was needed to determine the winner, Zanu PF apparatchiks engaged in an orgy of violence in which hundreds of Tsvangirais supporters were killed forcing the former prime minister in the inclusive government to withdraw from the discredited race altogether. Mugabe went on to stand in a widely-condemned one-man race in which he shamelessly declared himself the winner. Zimbabwe is currently in the throes of a mega economic crisis which has resulted in shortages of basic consumer goods and medicines. Apart from shortages of drugs and basic goods, the government is also battling acute shortages of foreign currency which have seen the re-emergence of long fuel queues. The government is also struggling to end the doctors strike which has crippled services within the countrys failing public health sector. The States recent ill-advised decision to fire 500 striking doctors on the back of a court ruling which deemed their industrial action illegal has seen provincial medical officers (PMOs) joining their colleagues in solidarity, leaving hospitals in the lurch. Mnangagwa, who had worked hard to break from Mugabes discredited history, suffered a huge setback when deadly violence broke out in Harare on August 1 leading to the deaths of at least six innocent people when the military joined the police in quelling post-election disturbances which had broken out. The shootings occurred after millions of Zimbabweans had cast their votes in the polls to choose both a new Parliament and president, following the dramatic fall from power of Mugabe last November. The elections were the first since 1980 to be held in the country without Mugabes participation, whose 37-year, iron-fisted rule was stunningly ended by a military intervention which triggered events that ended with his resignation. The elections also marked the first time that the main opposition MDC was not represented by Tsvangirai, who lost his brave battle against colon cancer on Valentines Day this year. DailyNews Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Living in suburbia, many of us are removed from the way of life in rural America, and the hardships that have impacted many communities. We watch small towns on the Hallmark Channel and romanticize the charm of living in a tiny hamlet, but the reality can be different. Although many small towns are thriving and will continue to do well, my recent trip through out-of-the way areas showed me that many others are not. Japan to restart commercial whale hunts BBC :-( Rerouted cruise ship rescues two fishermen stranded in Caribbean MPR (Chuck L) Etna, sisma di magnitudo 4.8 a Catania: feriti lievi, case crollate e tanta paura. 600 sfollati La Stampa :-( A life on the tracks New Statesman (Chuck L) Greenlands Rapid Ice Melt Persists Even in Winter, Study Finds Common Dreams Theres no easy fix for our nuclear past High Country News (diptherio) Two years later, I still miss the headphone port TechCrunch (M). What is wrong with people? I have antique equipment (pre GPS iPods) so this has not caught up with me yet. How Much of the Internet Is Fake? Turns Out, a Lot of It, Actually. New York Magazine (resilc) We finally started taking screen time seriously in 2018 TechCrunch (EM) NYPLs Chief Digital Officer Says Public is Better off When Libraries Are Risk Averse About Tech Geekwire Now We Can 3D Print Homes for Next to Nothing, Using Mud Futurism (David L) Turkeys magical hangover cure BBC (furzy) China? India Curbs Power of Amazon and Walmart To Sell Products Online New York Times Brexit German industry views Brexit, Trump as biggest risks to economy Reuters Germany mulls introducing mosque tax for Muslims DW New Cold War From Politocos European newsletter: INCOMING: Russian President Vladimir Putin had quite the holiday gift for his people: A successfully tested hypersonic missile system that will enter into service next year. Putin called it his New Years gift to the nation. Lili Bayer reports the new system can carry nuclear and conventional warheads. The test comes amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as NATO concerns over Russias lack of compliance with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Russia Warns U.S. Against Interfering in Saudi Royal Succession Bloomberg. Resilc: If Putin can get a moron to run China, hed then have his hat trick of USA USA, Saudi and China run by dummies. Syraqistan Big Brother is Watching You Watch Trump Transition 2020 Dems go on offense over drug prices The Hill (UserFriendly) I came to say Happy #Festivus to my friend Elizabeth Warren. Cant find her. pic.twitter.com/A4xSJ7Nf7x Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2018 McCaskill on Ocasio-Cortez: Im a little confused why shes the thing The Hill. UserFriendly: Easy, she isnt a sell out to big $$$ like you. Honest question Why does Beto get so much umph when Stacey Abrams got a higher share of the vote and seemed to run a much more unapologetically liberal campaign? (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) December 26, 2018 Dow Industrials Leap More Than 1,000 Points Wall Street Journal. Blame it on Hair Furore being away from Twitter for over 24 hours. Behind the Market Swoon: The Herdlike Behavior of Computerized Trading Wall Street Journal (David L) Markets In Crisis: Trump Has Damaged the Fed Bloomberg (furzy). Help me. Portland Hotel Calls Cops on Black Guest Making a Phone Call in the Lobby Slate (Kevin W) Guess Which Countrys Companies Profit Most From War? Fast Company (JTM). Sadly still germane. Big Tech in hiring spree for looming antitrust battles Financial Times Tech is Killing Street Food The Atlantic Class Warfare Notes on the Latest Crusade Paganarch. UserFriendy: This is sooo good and so is the original that caused the backlash, and the article he quotes from. Very much in the vein of Adolph Reid. Antidote du jour (dipehtrio): And a bonus (Chuck L). Hopefully you can get past the stop-action overproduction: See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Wowsers, we have been so busy that we managed to miss commemorating the anniversary of this website, which launched on December 18, 2006. There are so many people who have been important to the success of this site over the years that I am a bit fearful of attempting a list, out of the risk of missing critically important figures. Ed Wright pressed us to start this site. Mark Thoma gave encouraging words early on and advised persevering despite predictably low traffic early on (fewer than 100 views a day), saying hed gone through that phase. Felix Salmon gave us a boost by having us guest blog at Slate while he was on vacation, and Paul Krugman also commented on our work approvingly and linked to us (this before him having his head turned in a bad way by the Obama Administration). The writers at FT Alphaville and Cactus at Angry Bear were also very helpful.The pre-crisis and crisis econoblogpshere was vibrant, with writers like Nouriel Roubini, Brad Setser, Richard Bookstaber, Marc Chandler, Tanta and Calculated Risk, Barry Ritholtz, and Steve Waldman all trying to make sense of what was happening. Richard Smith, Andrew Dittmer, Ed Harrison, Tom Adams, and Tom Ferguson all played critically important roles when I was writing ECONNED, either with the book proper or with the site, and most continue to be important advisors. Marshall Auerback and Rob Parenteau were also early contributors. Matt Stoller provided early intelligence and commentary on policy matters, as did David Dayen. We worked with legal experts on foreclosure fraud and servicing abuses, including Adam Levitin, Bubba Grimsley, Nick Wooten, April Charney, Max Gardner, Abigail Field, Matt Weidner, Tom Cox, as well as activists like Lisa Epstein and Michael Olenick. Newer writers and contributors include Clive, Philip Pilkington, Nathan Tankus, Michael Crimmins, Mathew D. Rose, Igancio Portes, Tom Ferguson, and John Siman. Michael Hudson, Bill Black, and Mark Ames graciously give us some of their original pieces to publish jointly with their sites. More recently, we have gotten considerable help on private equity from insiders who need to stay anonymous, as did our earlier sources on collateralized debt obligations, Entirely Random and CDO Trader. We are also grateful to CalPERS for being an unending source of material on how investors are intellectually captured by private equity fund managers, and on institutional decline. We very much appreciate the considerable input of a growing number of CalPERS employees who share our distress with how the giant fund is being run and are as keen as we are to see it improve. Special thanks to readers who send us links and antidotes. Regulars include Kevin W, UserFriendly, furzy mouse, resilc, David L, Chuck L, EM, martha r, margarita, RR, YY, 1 SK, Deontos, Robert M, Bill B, bob (who also helped us rescue Gabriel when he got stuck behind our huge bookcase), Dan Kloke, E. Mayer, Carla R, and John L. And last but not least the established members of the commentariat, such as PlutoniumKun, vlade (our longest continuing commenter) Oregoncharles, The Rev Kev, JTMcPhee, ChiGal in Carolina, diptherio, MyLessThanPrimeBeef, RUKidding, ambrit, flora, David in Santa Cruz, drumlin woodchuckles, Jeremy Grimm, Wukchumni, and washanute. Dont feel neglected if you were not singled out! There are too many esteemed members of the commentariat to begin to give an adequate listing. Finally, a big salute to Arizona Slim and Katy in Minnesota, who have been organizing reader meetups. And give a big round of applause to Jules Dickson and now also crittermom, who are doing heavy lifting by moderating comments on a scheduled basis. And of course, Lambert and Jerri-Lynn, who are mainstays of this site and make knocking off insightful and often witty commentary on a regular basis seem effortless, when it most certainly isnt. Last but not least: we depend on the contributions of our loyal donors. We would not be able to produce this site at its current level of output and quality without your help. So a big BIG thanks for your generosity and vote of confidence in our work. And on to more troublemaking in 2019! (Natural News) Recent news about the alleged anti-Semitic leanings of the far-left Womens March organization has been rocking the internet, drawing much-needed attention to the hypocritical racism of this so-called resistance movement. But wheres the outcry against the similarly racist organization Planned Parenthood, the exclusive premiere sponsor of the Womens March, as well as the dozens of major corporations that privately fund it? As we reported last year, Planned Parenthood has played a pivotal role over at least the past century in the systematic extermination of black people through legalized abortion. As you may already know, Planned Parenthood has long perpetuated genocide against people with dark skin by calling its nefarious eugenics agenda family planning, luring black people into getting abortions in the name of reproductive rights. With the spotlight now rightfully on the Womens March for its seemingly discriminatory policies against Jewish people, its only fair that Planned Parenthood and the various organizations that support it be similarly called out for their blatant racism against blacks. Of Planned Parenthoods $1.3 Billion in yearly revenue, over 25 percent comes from private donations, including corporate contributions, reveals 2nd Vote. We encourage you to reach out to these companies; let them know why you spend your dollars elsewhere. So which major companies contribute to Planned Parenthood? Just in the categories of health care, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology are the following big corporate names, all of which youll likely recognize: Aetna Amgen Blue Cross Blue Shield Johnson & Johnson Kaiser Permanente Monsanto Pfizer Susan G. Komen For more abortion-related news, be sure to check out Abortions.news. Planned Parenthood admits its proud to support the Womens March Regular readers of Natural News probably wont be shocked by the names on this list, seeing as how every single one of these companies and organizations has been caught at least once engaging in unscrupulous business practices that are inherently anti-human. Monsanto, for instance, has been dubbed the worlds most evil corporation, and rightly so: Its genetically-modified (GM) crops and corresponding herbicide and pesticide products such as Roundup (glyphosate) are killing not only blacks but people in general at an astounding rate. The same goes for Susan G. Komen, which several years back launched a ridiculous Buckets for the Cure campaign that alleged to help cure cancer by encouraging more people to buy cancer-causing KFC fried chicken buckets at their local fast food franchises. Naturally, all of the corrupt entities on this list are closely allied with Planned Parenthood which, immediately following the recent Womens March controversy, reiterated that it is still proud to stand with the Womens March and everything that its trying to do in the world. Planned Parenthood is proud to once again, (sic) join our progressive partners for the #WomensWave mobilization to protect and advance the progress weve made as a movement dedicated to equity and justice for all people, Planned Parenthood announced without so much as a peep of condemnation against the Womens March for all but eradicating all Jews from its ranks. And as for the multinational corporations and non-profit groups that continue to support Planned Parenthood, despite the fact that this organization is trying to eliminate all black people from the planet, they, too, remain in silent support of this anti-black genocide. The good news, though, is that everyday folks like you and I can choose to fight against these companies by voting with our wallets. By choosing not to support the above-listed companies and organizations, youll be doing your part to help fight against Planned Parenthood and its evil agenda of genocide against black babies. Money speaks and it begins at the bottom, with Americans second vote, writes Katie Yoder for TownHall.com. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com TownHall.com NaturalNewsRadio.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Most years, few Americans pay much attention to spending bills Congress debates and passes, but this year is different for a couple reasons. First, there is a battle being waged between Democrats and POTUS Donald Trump regarding his demand for a paltry $5 billion in funding for his border wall. Most Republicans have signed off on the funding but Democrats refuse to budge, which has led to the government shutdown you likely heard about in the news. But congressional funding of another annual piece of otherwise routine legislation the so-called Farm Bill, which funds the Department of Agriculture and its various programs was extremely noteworthy this year for a provision it contained legalizing widespread cultivation of hemp. (Related: President Trump just ended hemp prohibition across America, legalizing industrial hemp farming nationwide.) And we have Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to thank for it. As the Brookings Institute noted in an explainer, in the past McConnell and other Republican leaders were not interested in pushing through measures aimed at relaxing the strict regulatory regime surrounding the growing of the cannabis plant. But the 2018 Farm Bill makes some significant changes, Brookings notes: The allowed pilot programs to study hemp (often labeled industrial hemp) that were approved by both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state departments of agriculture allowed small-scale expansion of hemp cultivation for limited purposes. The 2018 Farm Bill is more expansive. It allows hemp cultivation broadly, not simply pilot programs for studying market interest in hemp-derived products. It explicitly allows the transfer of hemp-derived products across state lines for commercial or other purposes. It also puts no restrictions on the sale, transport, or possession of hemp-derived products, so long as those items are produced in a manner consistent with the law. This doesnt mean that there is now a system that allows businesses and individuals to grow hemp whenever or wherever they want; several restrictions remain, the think tanks explainer noted. Overall, this is a very good thing and McConnell made it happen For instance, the hemp grown cannot get you high; it cannot contain more than 0.3 percent of THC, the compound most associated with cannabis that does just that. Any cannabis plant containing more THC than the listed amount would be considered marijuana and thus subject to existing federal laws governing the use and possession of it. In addition, the Farm Bill provides federal and state oversight of the production and cultivation of hemp. It requires that state agriculture departments consult with governors and their chief law enforcement official to create a plan that must be submitted to the federal secretary of Agriculture. If a state does not want to craft a hemp regulatory plan, then the USDA will create one and cultivators will have to apply to that agency for a license while complying with a federally-operated program. The new law also outlines what are considered to be violations of federal hemp regulations such as cultivating cannabis plants without a license or producing plants that contain a THC concentration in excess of 0.3 percent. There are other benefits as well, such as continuing efforts to fund hemp research and treating hemp cultivation like other farming operations. But none of this would have been possible without McConnells leadership. Many advocates applaud Leader McConnell for his stewardship of these hemp provisions into the Farm Bill and his leadership on the legislation overall. That assessment is accurate, Brookings John Hudak, a senior fellow of government studies, wrote. Were it not for McConnells actions and effort, these new hemp provisions would not have been attached to the farm bill legislation. Not only that, but he also made sure to appoint himself to the House-Senate conference committee that negotiated the farm bills final version. Hudak said not only does McConnell understand much about hemp, his home state of Kentucky is one of the best areas in the world to grow it. Read more about the science surrounding hemp at HempScience.news. Sources include: Brookings.edu NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The cancer-causing toxin made notorious by Erin Brokovich is a much bigger threat than that movie showed it to be. A Natural Health 365 article reported that hexavalent chromium isnt just limited to the water supply of a small town in California; it threatens the health of hundreds of millions of Americans. Following an evaluation of more than 60,000 sources of tap water throughout the United States, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) confirmed the significant presence of the chemical in most of those sources. Up to 218 million people are using heavily-contaminated water. Hexavalent chromium is one of the two most common forms of chromium. The other form of the element is trivalent chromium, a trace mineral and nutrient that is considered to be harmless or even beneficial to humans. In comparison, hexavalent chromium comes from electroplating, leather tanning, and other industrial treatments. It is also used by artificial dyes, synthetic pigments, and the coolant water inside the cooling towers of electric power plants. It is not what you would call benign. (Related: Whats in your water: 6 Reasons why you should never drink from the tap.) Hexavalent chromium causes many cancers, but isnt legally regulated Hexavalent chromium counts as a heavy metal. Its particles can cause lung cancer once inhaled. If absorbed through contaminated water, it can cause stomach cancer and other types of the disease. It is especially dangerous to fetuses, infants, and children. There are federally-defined limits for airborne hexavalent chromium in workplaces. The EPA has also set a limit of 100 parts per billion (ppb) in drinking water; however, the EPA limit is for trivalent chromium only. There are no federal laws and only one state law that places legal limits on the amount of hexavalent chromium in drinking water. And the California-only limit of 10 ppb is still considered to be too dangerous for consumption. The federal safe limits are very outdated, having been set up in 1991. They also only focused on trivalent chromium in drinking water. Finally, they failed to realize that water tainted with hexavalent chromium can cause cancer. The Safe Drinking Water Act was amended in 1996. However, the lawmakers did not add new regulations for hexavalent chromium or other previously-unregulated toxins in the water. The federal government did order tests for 81 new contaminants. However, as of the time of this writing, only one contaminant has been set. And it is not hexavalent chromium. Chemical and power industries want to protect this cancerous chemical Back in 2011, the EPA was working on a health assessment for hexavalent chromium. The new assessment would have finally determined the safe and legal limit of the metal in tap water. However, the assessment has been held up indefinitely. The EWG blamed the chemical and electric power industries for this perpetual delay. The two industries supposedly funded their own studies and asked the EPA to wait for their results, but those studies have never been released, either. Meanwhile, the EWG has released a map of the hexavalent chromium levels in the United States. The data for this map came from water quality tests held by local water utilities on behalf of the EPA. If you live in an area that has contaminated drinking water, do not consume water straight from the tap. Instead, install the most effective water filter you can afford. An efficient water filtration system can remove hexavalent chromium and other dangerous impurities from tap water. Tests have shown that a Berkey filter can remove more than 99 percent of harmful chromium from the water. Find out how you can remove hexavalent chromium from your drinking water supply at WaterFilters.news. Sources include: NaturalHealth365.com EWG.org What to Know BevMo says a data breach exposed credit card information belonging to more than 14,500 of its website customers Only online purchases were impacted; in-store customers' data was not involved Concerned customers can call 877-565-6276 for more information BevMo is notifying thousands of customers about a data breach involving the Concord-based companys website. Tamara Pattison, BevMo's Chief marketing and Information Officer, confirmed the breach Wednesday afternoon. Pattison said hackers gained access to credit card information and other personal information for 14,579 customers. A disclosure BevMo filed with the California Attorney Generals office on December 14 indicated that hackers were able to obtain names, credit/debit card numbers, expiration dates, security codes, billing addresses, shipping addresses, and phone numbers. The breach took place between August 2 and September 26, 2018, the company said. "We believe that an unauthorized individual was able to gain access to the BevMo website and install malicious code on our checkout page," BevMo wrote in the disclosure. "BevMo takes the privacy of our customers' personal information seriously and we deeply regret that this incident occurred." NOTICE FILED WITH STATE: Explains The Hack Pattison, the BevMo CMO/CIO, said the breach did not impact purchases made at its physical locations. The breach was limited to the website. "We still have an active investigation," she said. Pattison said BevMo consumers who have questions may call 877-565-6276 from 12 to 6 p.m. Pacific time. The response from Gurnee residents has been more vocal than Waukegans, said the Rev. Eileen Shanley-Roberts, a co-chair of the nonprofit Lake County Clean Power. She said she hopes both towns continue to exert pressure on the companies to make changes and be public about those efforts. A Georgia sheriff says the bodies of two children have been found buried behind a Guyton home. Effingham County sheriff's officials tell news outlets the children's father, 49-year-old Elwyn Crocker; stepmother, 33-year-old Candice Crocker; stepgrandmother, 50-year-old Kim Wright; and Wright's boyfriend, 55-year-old Roy Anthony Prater, have been arrested on charges including child cruelty and concealing a death. Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie says deputies were told Wednesday night that 14-year-old Mary Crocker was feared dead. He says deputies arrived at the girl's home and were told conflicting stories about how she lived elsewhere. He says deputies searched the property and found the bodies, which are believed to be Mary and her brother, 14-year-old Elwyn Crocker Jr. Mary hasn't been seen since October, and the younger Elwyn hasn't been seen since November 2016. What to Know A security guard at the Airbnb where Stefaniak had been staying, Bismark Espinosa Martinez, has been arrested in connection with the case. Family members of a Miami woman whose body was found when she didnt return from a vacation in Costa Rica now say they believe more people were involved in her death. On a Facebook page that was created during the search for 36-year-old Carla Stefaniak, who had failed to return from a trip for her birthday, family members say sources close to the investigation have told them forensic results have investigators believing more people were involved. In fact, the doubt extends to that there may be up 3 or 4 possible people involved, the family wrote in a message Thursday night. We have been saying this since day 1. This was organized by more than one person as soon as Carla booked the place. A security guard at the Airbnb where Stefaniak had been staying, Bismark Espinosa Martinez, has been arrested in connection with the case. Sister station Telemundo 51 reached out to officials in Costa Rica, who said information on the case is "confidential." Stefaniak was traveling with her sister-in-law when she was last heard from by her family on Nov. 27; she was scheduled to fly home the next day. While her sister-in-law flew home early, Stefaniak stayed but told friends it was pretty sketchy at the resort. A partially buried body was found in the woods near that resort close to a week later, which was identified by Stefaniaks father. An autopsy revealed that Stefaniak suffered a blunt force wound to the head and cuts on the neck and arms. Family members brought Stefaniaks ashes back to Tampa, where she lived after moving to America in 2000 from her native Venezuela for 12 years before moving to South Florida. Police are investigating a violent night in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood that left one person dead and two others injured after a shooting. Shortly after 12:30 a.m. Thursday, Boston police received a shot spotter notification of shots fired on Astoria Street, where multiple shell casings were found. Officials then received a radio call about two people shot in a car less than a mile away on Dyer Street. At the scene, officers found two people with gunshot wounds in a car. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the other, identified only as a male, was hospitalized. Police later received a report that a third person had brought themselves to a local hospital for gunshot wounds. The extent of the surviving victims' injuries was not immediately clear. Friday, police identified the victim who died as 18-year-old Myssiah Pledger. Dorchester resident Jimmy Lebron said he had heard someone screaming outside his house. "The only words that I heard, 'he can't be dead,'" recalled Lebron. He said the violence in the area has him worried about his grandsons. "I got grandsons, you know. It's kind of scary. You don't want to be involved in a shooting," said Lebron. His wife, Idalia Saldana said she also heard the screams, which woke up the couple's 9-year-old grandson. "I said, 'Oh, Lord, please bring consolation for that man," Saldana recalled. At the Dyer Street location later in the day, the victim's friends stopped by to drop off candles in remembrance. "He's just a really close friend, but I thank you guys for being here," said a friend of the victim who did not want to give her name. Officials are searching for the gunman responsible for the shootings. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boston Police Department's Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470. Anonymous tips can be made at 1-800-494-TIPS. The Chicago Police Department is on track to have taken a total of about 9,500 illegal guns off Chicago streets by the end of 2018, the highest number seized in the city in five years. As of Christmas Eve, police had taken more than 9,400 illegal guns off of the streets. Nearly 50 guns were seized just this weekend, according to Chicago police. The predicted total would mean a 9 percent increase from the number of guns seized last year, police said. While simultaneously reducing crime and gun violence, Chicago Police officers have made exceptional progress interdicting the flow of illegal guns through our city, CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson said in a release Monday. More than one-third of the guns seized this year were taken off the streets in just four police districts Gresham, Englewood, Deering and Harrison police said. So far this year, 4,249 people have been arrested on gun-related charges, police said. The majority of guns seized this year were semi-automatic handguns, but nearly 200 assault style weapons were also taken in, including Ak-47 and AR-15 rifles, police said. An Illinois mother faces charges after she allegedly tried to conceal her daughters diabetes before the teenage girls death, according to authorities. Amber Hampshire, of Alton, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering the life of a child after paramedics responded to her home on Nov. 3 and found her 14-year-old daughter unresponsive and not breathing, according to Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons. The teen girl, Emily Hampshire, was in cardiac arrest and was airlifted to Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis, where she was later pronounced dead, officials said. Her cause of death was ruled diabetic ketoacidosis. Gibbons said an investigation determined Emily Hampshire was diagnosed with diabetes in 2013 and had suffered prior medical complications, including one as recent as February 2018, as a result of diabetic ketoacidosis. Further investigation indicates that her mother, Amber Hampshire was fully aware of Emilys diabetic condition but took measures to conceal Emilys diabetes and failed to provide Emily with appropriate medical treatment and medication, which led to Emilys death from diabetic ketoacidosis, Gibbons said in a statement. Amber Hampshire was charged with both felonies and her bond was set at $100,000. Gibbons said Thursday. It was not immediately clear if Hampshire had an attorney. If convicted, the maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter is three to 14 years in prison and for endangering the life of a minor it is two to 10 years in prison. French authorities have dropped a sensitive investigation into the plane crash that sparked Rwanda's 1994 genocide, citing lack of sufficient evidence. Several people close to Rwanda's current president, Paul Kagame, had been under investigation. Rwanda's government denounced the probe as an attempt to deflect responsibility from France's suspected role in the genocide, and welcomed the decision to end it. A French judicial official said Wednesday that investigating judges decided last week to close the case, based on a request from prosecutors. The official provided no details about the decision. The April 6, 1994 plane crash killed Rwanda's then-President Juvenal Habyarimana, an ethnic Hutu. Militants from the Hutu majority blamed minority Tutsis for the death, sparking the ethnic slaughter of some 800,000 people. France was Rwanda's longtime benefactor, and the plane had a French crew. The cause of the crash has long been a contentious issue. The Rwandan government says the plane was shot down by Hutu extremists who opposed the government's efforts to forge a peace deal with Tutsi-led rebels. Kagame led the Tutsi rebels at the time. An initial French investigation completed in 2012 found that the missile came from a Rwandan military camp. But France re-opened the probe after a prominent Rwandan exile said he had evidence that Kagame ordered the plane shot down, which Kagame denies. The Rwandan government praised the definitive end of what it called a "politically motivated investigation." "We welcome this decision which brings to an end a brazen attempt over two decades to obstruct justice for the genocide against the Tutsi, and prevent accountability for both the perpetrators and their wilful accomplices," Foreign Minister Dr. Richard Sezibera said in a statement. Critics say France was too supportive of Rwanda's Hutu-led government whose supporters carried out the genocide, and that France turned a blind eye to the killings for too long. Rwanda's government has named 22 senior French military officers accused of helping plan and carry out the genocide through support for the Rwandan army. France denies complicity, but has launched several investigations in recent years into the genocide in an effort to come to terms with its role. They notably involve Rwandans who fled to France after the killings but also some French figures. Associated Press writer Ignatius Ssuuna contributed. President Donald Trump traveled to Iraq Christmas night, according to the White House, his first visit to U.S. troops in a war zone and a day after facing criticism for failing to spend time with any military personnel on Christmas Day. Trump, who was accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, had been derided by his critics for not visiting troops in a combat zone, particularly after he canceled a trip to an American military burial ground outside of Paris because of bad weather in November. Two days later, he skipped a Veterans Day visit to Arlington National Cemetery. In Iraq on on Wednesday, Trump defended his decision to withdraw 2,000 U.S. forces from neighboring Syria despite a drumbeat of criticism from military officials and allies who don't think the job fighting Islamic State militants there is over. "We're no longer the suckers, folks," Trump told American servicemen and women at a base in western Iraq. "We're respected again as a nation." Air Force One, lights out and window shutters drawn, flew overnight from Washington, landing at an airbase west of Baghdad in darkness Wednesday evening. During his three-plus hours on the ground, Trump did not meet with any Iraqi officials, but spoke on the phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted that Trump visited the troops and senior military leadership to thank them for their service, their success and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas. The president also stopped at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany on his way back for a second unannounced visit to troops and military leaders. He arrived back in the U.S. early Thursday morning. Trumps visit follows his controversial Syria announcement just before Christmas, a decision that his opponents said could endanger Kurdish allies who have been fighting ISIS there. Secretary of Defense James Mattis abruptly submitted his resignation in a letter that lambasted Trumps worldview and treatment of allies. Trump, in remarks to reporters on Wednesday, said he had no plans at all to remove U.S. troops from Iraq. About his decision to leave Syria, Trump said, "A lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking," according to Reuters. "I made it clear from the beginning that our mission in Syria was to strip ISIS of its military strongholds," Trump told troops at al-Asad Airbase west of Baghdad. If ISIS were to have a resurgence, the troops in Iraq would be able to combat it, he said. Troop said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to take out "any remnants of ISIS" left in Syria. He said that he was in no hurry to name a replacement for Mattis, and that the planned acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan "could be there for a long time," Trump said. "I think that a lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking. ... It's time for us to start using our head," Trump said. The president and first lady got a standing ovation when they walked into a dining hall and greeted troops, took selfies and signed autographs. The prime minister's office said "differences in points of view over the arrangements" prevented the two from meeting but they discussed security issues and Trump's order to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria over the phone. Abdul-Mahdi's office also did not say whether he had accepted an invitation to the White House. But Sanders told reporters on the flight back that the Iraqi leader had agreed to come. Trump's Iraq visit appeared to have inflamed sensitivities about the continued presence of U.S. forces in Iraq. The two major blocs in the Iraqi parliament both condemned the visit, with the head of the Islah bloc likening it to a "blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty." Trump had faced criticism for not yet visiting U.S. troops stationed in harm's way as he comes up on his two-year mark in office. He told the AP in October that he "will do that at some point, but I don't think it's overly necessary." Trump told reporters that he had planned to make the trip three or four weeks ago, but word of the trip started getting out and forced him to postpone it. Trump had planned to spend Christmas at his private club in Florida, but stayed behind in Washington due to the partial government shutdown over funding for a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. He said he was prepared to wait for whatever it takes to get border security, Reuters reported. The visit also came as The New York Times revived questions about Trump avoidance of the Vietnam War draft after finding the daughters of a doctor who diagnosed the bone spurs that kept him from combat. The daughters, who The New York Times pointed out are both Democrats and not Trump fans, suggested that he made the diagnosis as a favor to Trumps father, Fred, though the doctor left no medical records with his family. The White House has not responded to written questions. Last year, Trump visited wounded troops at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. On the heels of their successful 2018 Project Innovation grant challenge that resulted in 6 local organizations receiving a total of $225,000 in grants, WVIT NBC Connecticut and WRDM Telemundo Connecticut today announced their grant challenge will return in 2019. Project Innovation is a competitive grant program that is presented locally by NBC Connecticcut and Telemundo Connecticut in partnership with the NBCUniversal Foundation. In 2019, the stations and the Foundation will present a second round of $225,000 in grants to local organizations that are addressing local community issues through innovative solutions around four grant categories. Applications for Project Innovation open on Jan. 11, 2019 and close on Feb. 15, 2019. Project Innovation 2019 grant winners will be announced by the stations in April 2019. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Click here for the eligibility requirements. In addition, the stations today announced the launch of their new dedicated Project Innovation websites that provide program, rules/eligibility information and grant applications in English and Spanish, to help more bilingual service organizations access the information they need to apply and be considered for a grant. For more information and to preview the grant application visit www.nbcuprojectinnovation.com. To access information in Spanish visit www.nbcuproyectoinnovacion.com. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Click here to read FAQs about this year's grant challenge. Project Innovation 2018 winners, including the Children's Museum in West Hartford, have leveraged the grant funding presented by the stations to create community solutions around youth education and community engagement, youth employment, civic engagement and STEM education. NBC Connecticut and Telemundo Connecticut are proud to be a conduit for innovative thinking as it relates to our communities, said Susan Tully, General Manager and President, NBC Connecticut and Telemundo Connecticut. The communitys gain is a gain for all of us. When a program empowers, engages and supports someone who needs help, we all win. Presented in 11 markets throughout the country, including Connecticut, Project Innovation is offered by the NBCUniversal Foundation and NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations, a division of NBCUniversal. This year, NBC and Telemundo owned stations will present nearly $2.5 million in Project Innovation grants to eligible non-profits that are physically located in the participating markets and service each market, have an annual operating budget of more than $100,000, and are using innovation to inspire community solutions in any of the following four grant categories: Next Generation Storytellers: Programs that empower the next generation of storytellers and utilize media to drive social impact. Culture of Inclusion: Programs that seek to build pathways for diverse and equitable communities. Youth Education: Programs that equip youth with the tools they need to succeed, including STEM/ STEAM education. Community Engagement: Programs that enable individuals to engage and volunteer in their communities. Project Innovation 2019 grants are available in select markets serviced by NBC and Telemundo owned stations, including New York (WNBC, WNJU), Southern California (KNBC, KVEA), Chicago (WMAQ, WSNS), Philadelphia (WCAU, WWSI), Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS, KXTX), Boston (WBTS, WNEU, NECN), Hartford, CT (WVIT, WRDM), Washington, D.C. (WRC-TV, WZDC), Miami-Fort Lauderdale (WTVJ, WSCV), San Francisco Bay Area (KNTV, KSTS), and San Diego (KNSD, KUAN). Beginning today, Connecticut employers will no longer be allowed to ask prospective employees about their salary histories during job interviews. It's one of a handful of new laws that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019. Dubbed the "pay equity bill," the 2018 legislation was part of an effort to help women receive equal pay for equal work. Proponents, including Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, argued during the legislative debate that women were disproportionately harmed when an employer asks about their past salary rates, a move that could ensure women who were underpaid at their first job continue to be underpaid throughout their careers. Malloy said that creates a cycle and causes harm, especially for minority women. Other new laws aimed at protecting women are also set to take effect, including legislation protecting free access to contraception. Some highlights of new laws: THE SALARY QUESTION While employers won't be able to ask about a prospective employee's past wages and salary, the new law does not apply if the worker voluntary discloses his or her pay history. Also, the law specifically allows an employer to ask about other elements of a prospective worker's compensation, such as stock options, so long as the employer doesn't ask about their value. The new law also allows prospective employees to sue within two years over an alleged violation of the law. Employers may be found liable for compensatory and punitive damages. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARRESTS Police officers will have more discretion as to who they arrest in domestic violence cases under a new law set to take effect. The legislation requires law enforcement to determine which party is the dominant aggressor. During this year's legislative debate, advocates for domestic violence victims said Connecticut's rate of dual arrest, when both the aggressor and the victim are charged, is more than twice the national average. They said that discourages victims from calling police for help. During the Senate debate, Republican Sen. Kevin Witkos of Canton, a former police officer, said current law would often require him to arrest both parties, which would "throw total chaos into the entire family." The new law also expands police training so officers and state's attorneys can better determine the dominant aggressor. ESSENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS With the fate of the federal Affordable Care Act uncertain, Connecticut lawmakers have taken steps to protect the 10 essential health benefits. Beginning Jan. 1, most health insurance policies in the state will be required to cover those services, including emergency room trips, outpatient care, mental health services, prenatal care and ongoing care for the baby throughout childhood. It also requires women have access to various contraceptives with no out-of-pocket costs. The legislation, which received strong bipartisan support during the 2018 legislative session, was pitched as a way to protect women's health if the Obama administration-era legislation was overturned. A separate new law expands the types of breast imaging services that certain health insurance policies must cover in Connecticut. CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS SURCHARGE A new $12 annual surcharge will begin being levied on certain homeowner insurance policies from Jan. 1 until Dec. 31, 2029. Under the law, 85 percent of the revenue generated from the surcharge will be deposited into the Crumbling Foundations Assistance fund to help homeowners with concrete foundations damaged by the presence of pyrrhotite, an iron sulfide that reacts naturally with water and oxygen, causing the concrete to crack and crumble. The remaining 15 percent will be used to fund grants to help certain homeowners in New Haven and Woodbridge with other structural damage issues, and for lead, radon and other contaminant abatement activities. My idea of going up there and finding out what Im going to do is to speak to you guys because I cant do this with my own set goals and agenda. I have to have the set goals and agendas of our city. State Rep. Chris Soto intends to resign his seat in the General Assembly to take a job within the administration of Governor-Elect Ned Lamont. That means there will be a vacancy in the near-future, and New London Democrats are jumping at the chance to replace Soto. When I thought about the decision I wanted to make sure that we had the right talent to continue that momentum, Soto said during a press conference at New London City Hall. And when we had conversations, it was clear that the bench was deep and the talent was deep to keep our momentum going. The person the New London Democratic Town Committee wants to replace Soto is Anthony Nolan, an officer in the citys police department, and a seven-year member of the New London City Council. Nolan was humbled by the support of Soto, Mayor Mike Passero, and DTC Chair Martha Marx, but he was hesitant on declaring he would pursue the seat, or that he would even be selected if he did attempt a run for the House of Representatives. I will continue to fight for everyone in New London, not just the Democrats. I will continue to support everyone and this is not a confirmation that this is going to be me because there is a long road ahead of us. Soto won his first term in 2016, and ran unopposed in November 2018. He said the decision to leave office following reelection was something he struggled with. He said, It was a tough decision to think about resigning, right? I worked hard to get elected the first time. I worked hard to get reelected. Soto said he plans to submit his resignation on January 9, the same day Lamont and the rest of Connecticuts constitutional officers will take the oath of office. From there, the governor will have 10 days announce a special election, and the election would then take placed 45 days from the day of the, writ, as it is known. The election cannot take place on a weekend and it does not have to occur on a Tuesday. The New London Republican Town Committee told NBC Connecticut in a statement, There are several individuals who are interested in the position once it becomes available. The RTC is not sure why there was a political event today inside of city hall which is a public building and should be devoid of political announcements. We also are not certain what the announcement was today. As of today Representative Soto hasn't resigned and a vacancy doesn't exists. Ahead of the April 2003 election, she had signatures tossed for being printed rather than in cursive, for being from people who no longer live in the recently redrawn 3rd Ward and for signing one of the pages as Margaret Carrasco instead of the full ballot name, Margaret Padilla Carrasco. Every year the Crain family takes a trip down memory lane past the empty lot where their Garland home once stood. This is where our old house was, said Brad Crain. Its gone now, said Mary Beth Crain. No more. About 600 buildings were damaged in the December 26, 2015 tornado, many of them leveled, including the Crains home on Kelso Court. We only had 20 or 30 seconds to run. We didnt hear the sirens, said Brad. I walked outside and it was just right here, eating the other house. The Crains said they now take the weather more seriously and have a plan if severe weather hits. Its scary, Brad said looking at the clouds overhead. It looks the same as 3 years ago, exactly. Wind, as you see, blowing like crazy. It gives me fear for my family, said Mary Beth as she tried to hold back tears. Theres been a lot of blessings through sadness. We have to look at the bright side. The Crains have since moved to a new home across the street and watched their neighborhood rebuild. I dont think it will hit twice in the same spot, Brad said. I hope not! If it does, Im buying a lottery ticket the next day if I survive. Officials say an American Eagle flight from Mexico was diverted because of heavy storms in Texas and that some passengers requested medical attention after turbulence aboard the flight. The plane, operated by Mesa Airlines, landed in Austin on Wednesday night as thunderstorms moved through the state. Tornado watches were issued around Austin and gusty winds were likely around Dallas. The diverted flight had 79 people on board and was bound for Dallas. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Service says two people -- one passenger and one flight attendant -- were taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The airline reported no damage to the plane. Passengers are staying in a hotel Wednesday night and will fly back to Dallas in Thursday morning. At DFW Airport, 242 cancellations and 36 delays were reported at 6:45 a.m. Most cancellations were flights headed to DFW. High School students from around North Texas competed for thousands of dollars in prizes by helping protect their peers from scams. The Better Business Bureau put up the prizes and sparked the competition to get students thinking about protecting themselves and work together on a real world project. Its not every day high school students get dressed up to attend a fancy dinner in a downtown Dallas hotel. Laura Nicely and Scott Cameron will tell you the work theyve done recently is not like anything that typically happens in a classroom. I was baffled about how many people get scammed over easy things that can be completely avoided, said Nicely. I always thought scams happen to old people; thats what you see on TV and stuff. But people our age get scammed a lot more than you might think, said Cameron. Their assignment was to plan, write and shoot a video that will grab the attention of young people and help warn about scams. The BBB would distribute the video online, and the finalists would dress up and come to a star-studded awards banquet to watch the work of their peers and find out who did the best job. Were going way beyond the 50 minutes of a class period to accomplish something like this, said Morgen Crowder of Berkner High School in the Richardson Independent School District. This is an opportunity to come up with an idea, collaborate with their peers and see it from the beginning all the way to the end, handle all the bumps that come up in between. The actual videos mixed in a lot of humor and laughter, but the message was clear and the final projects were on target. Nicely, Cameron and their peers at Berkner High School walked away with a first place win and a lot of pride in what theyve done. Theres a lot of good teams out there a lot of good videos. It feels good to be one of the number one teams, said Austin Wilbur. The students walked away with cash donations that will go back into their schools audio-video program. Other students received cameras, computers and other equipment to help them continue to produce other video projects. What to Know Carla Stefaniak had been missing for more than a week after traveling to Costa Rica with her sister-in-law The family and friends of a South Florida woman who went missing while on a Costa Rica vacation have confirmed a body found by authorities is that of 36-year-old Carla Stefaniak as police announced an arrest has been made in the case. A Facebook group titled Finding Carla announced the news, saying Carla's father Carlos Caceido identified the body late Tuesday night. "Words cannot express the devastation within her family and friends. We want the world to know that we will never forget Carla," the post read in part. "We will never forget the joy she brought into our lives, how much she made us laugh. We will always be with her and we know she will always be with us." Walter Espinoza, head of the country's Judicial Investigation Department, said a body was found Monday near the Airbnb where Stefaniak had been staying. Officials said they are awaiting fingerprint comparisons to 100 percent confirm the identity. The cause of death is head trauma, Espinoza said. Espinoza said 32-year-old Bismark Espinosa Martinez, a security guard for the property, has been arrested in the killing. Martinez, who was in the room next to where Stefaniak was staying, gave contradictory statements to police when he was questioned, Espinoza said. Earlier Tuesday, Espinoza said they found what appears to be blood in the Airbnb apartment rented by Stefaniak, and that prompted a search that led them to the body discovered outside. Carlos Caceido, Stefaniak's father, told Costa Rican news outlets judicial authorities prevented him from seeing the body when they arrived. A source told NBC 6 Tuesday night the US Embassy took the family to visit the morgue for a second time. Stefaniak had been missing for more than a week after traveling to Costa Rica to celebrate her 36th birthday with her sister-in-law April Antonieta. A Gofundme account says Stefaniak was last heard from around 8 p.m. on Nov. 27. She didn't show up for her 1 p.m. flight home on Nov. 28. Espinoza said the missing persons report led them to search the apartment in the San Antonio de Escazu neighborhood, where they found "biological fluids ... that are compatible with blood." That led them to search the area around the department, where they found the body, which was covered with plastic bags. "The case continues to be under investigation," Espinoza said, and officials have sealed off the apartment to protect any evidence. The Tampa Bay Times reports Stefaniak's last message to her family said: "It's pretty sketchy here," that the power was out and it was pouring rain. Severe weather across the country has led to massive flight delays and cancellations for travelers arriving and departing from North Texas. As of writing, there have been 308 cancellations and 132 delays out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Thursday. Travelers at Dallas Love Field have faced 67 delays and 9 cancellations so far. Some families we spoke with say they have been stranded for more than 24 hours. Weve been at this since 5 yesterday morning, said one father of three. Maggie Lucas and her daughter thought there were going to beat the crowd, but no luck. "It is exactly what we saw in the news, Lucas said. "This is the priority line and it looks like another hour maybe maybe. I cant tell. Were going to have to make the most of it." Before heading to the airport check with your airline to get details on your flight status. The last year was a 12-month champagne toast for the legal marijuana industry as the global market exploded and cannabis pushed its way further into the financial and cultural mainstream. Liberal California became the largest legal U.S. marketplace, while conservative Utah and Oklahoma embraced medical marijuana. Canada ushered in broad legalization, and Mexico's Supreme Court set the stage for that country to follow. U.S. drug regulators approved the first marijuana-based pharmaceutical to treat kids with a form of epilepsy, and billions of investment dollars poured into cannabis companies. Even main street brands like Coca-Cola said they are considering joining the party. "I have been working on this for decades, and this was the year that the movement crested," said U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, an Oregon Democrat working to overturn the federal ban on pot. "It's clear that this is all coming to a head." With buzz building across the globe, the momentum will continue into 2019. Luxembourg is poised to become the first European country to legalize recreational marijuana, and South Africa is moving in that direction. Thailand legalized medicinal use of marijuana on Tuesday, and other Southeastern Asian countries may follow South Korea's lead in legalizing cannabidiol, or CBD. It's a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana and hemp plants and used for treatment of certain medical problems. "It's not just the U.S. now. It's spreading," said Ben Curren, CEO of Green Bits, a San Jose, California, company that develops software for marijuana retailers and businesses. Curren's firm is one of many that blossomed as the industry grew. He started the company in 2014 with two friends. Now, he has 85 employees, and the company's software processes $2.5 billion in sales transactions a year for more than 1,000 U.S. retail stores and dispensaries. Green Bits raised $17 million in April, pulling in money from investment firms including Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital. Curren hopes to expand internationally by 2020. "A lot of the problem is keeping up with growth," he said. Legal marijuana was a $10.4 billion industry in the U.S. in 2018 with a quarter-million jobs devoted just to the handling of marijuana plants, said Beau Whitney, vice president and senior economist at New Frontier Data, a leading cannabis market research and data analysis firm. There are many other jobs that don't involve direct work with the plants but they are harder to quantify, Whitney said. Investors poured $10 billion into cannabis in North America in 2018, twice what was invested in the last three years combined, he said, and the combined North American market is expected to reach more than $16 billion in 2019. "Investors are getting much savvier when it comes to this space because even just a couple of years ago, you'd throw money at it and hope that something would stick," he said. "But now investors are much more discerning." Increasingly, U.S. lawmakers see that success and want it for their states. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. states now have legalized some form of medical marijuana. Voters in November made Michigan the 10th state -- and first in the Midwest -- to legalize recreational marijuana. Governors in New York and New Jersey are pushing for a similar law in their states next year, and momentum for broad legalization is building in Pennsylvania and Illinois. "Let's legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana once and for all," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said last week. State lawmakers in Nebraska just formed a campaign committee to put a medical cannabis initiative to voters in 2020. Nebraska shares a border with Colorado, one of the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana, and Iowa, which recently started a limited medical marijuana program. "Attitudes have been rapidly evolving and changing. I know that my attitude toward it has also changed," said Nebraska state Sen. Adam Morfeld, a Democrat. "Seeing the medical benefits and seeing other states implement it ... has convinced me that it's not the dangerous drug it's made out to be." With all its success, the U.S. marijuana industry continues to be undercut by a robust black market and federal law that treats marijuana as a controlled substance like heroin. Financial institutions are skittish about cannabis businesses, even in U.S. states where they are legal, and investors until recently have been reluctant to put their money behind pot. Marijuana businesses can't deduct their business expenses on their federal taxes and face huge challenges getting insurance and finding real estate for their brick-and-mortar operations. "Until you have complete federal legalization, you're going to be living with that structure," said Marc Press, a New Jersey attorney who advises cannabis businesses. At the start of the year, the industry was chilled when then-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded a policy shielding state-licensed medical marijuana operators from federal drug prosecutions. Ultimately the move had minimal impact because federal prosecutors showed little interest in going after legal operators. Sessions, a staunch marijuana opponent, later lost his job while President Donald Trump said he was inclined to support an effort by U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican, to relax the federal prohibition. In November, Democrats won control of the U.S. House and want to use it next year to pass legislation that eases federal restrictions on the legal marijuana industry without removing it from the controlled substances list. Gardner and Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren have proposed legislation allowing state-approved commercial cannabis activity under federal law. The bill also would let states and Indian tribes determine how best to regulate marijuana commerce within their boundaries without fear of federal intervention. If those provisions become law, they could open up banking for the marijuana industry nationwide and make it easier for cannabis companies to secure capital. Blumenauer's "blueprint" to legalize marijuana also calls for the federal government to provide medical marijuana for veterans, more equitable taxation for marijuana businesses and rolling back federal prohibitions on marijuana research, among other things. "We have elected the most pro-cannabis Congress in history and more important, some of the people who were roadblocks to our work ... are gone," Blumenauer said. "If we're able to jump-start it in the House, I think there will be support in the Senate, particularly if we deal with things that are important, like veterans' access and banking." Former Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott believes the government needs to raise the bar on protecting the community from fires. The very strong statement from the retiring chief of the state's fire agency resonates with many North County residents urging similar protections are needed where some new housing developments are located in high-risk fire zones. One controversial project is located in Eden Valley, just west of Escondido, where horses possibly outnumber people, where living in the peaceful enclave also means accepting the risk, and the reality, of wildfires. The Valiano housing project, already approved by county supervisors, would add more than 300 homes and widen nearby roads. "It's tough getting everybody out at the present population," said Eden Valley resident Jan Duncan. "The last fire that came through here, Cocos Fire, took out five houses in this very neighborhood." And if neighbors were already concerned, this might alarm them even more: bombshell remarks from Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott, just before his retirement in mid December. In an interview with the Associated Press, Pimlott said government officials need to raise the bar on protecting the community. And much to the satisfaction of neighbors, Pimlott also said officials should consider banning home construction in vulnerable areas. Cal Fire in San Diego would not comment on those remarks, saying the agency does not dictate policy. The County of San Diego gave us this statement: "The County's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance establishes development standards and guides where development can and cannot occur. Also, various open space and conservation easements may be used to limit building activities to protect biological resources." But as more people move to California, developers will continue to build. And locals will often try to stop the developments from going through. Community groups have filed a lawsuit over the Valiano development. "We already know from the Cocos Fire, there are 80 homes in this valley and they had a difficult time evacuating all 80 of us without animals," said Bill Osborn, a former firefighter who lives in Eden Valley. The county said it does not comment on pending litigation, but did tell us it takes fire safety seriously. "County staff work with the local fire departments and the County Fire Authority to ensure projects meet the County Consolidated Fire Code through the preparation of Fire Protection Plans that address aspects like water supply, road access, and defensible space." Osborn said fire planners are looking at evacuations microscopically. "So if you look at the surrounding roadways that exit this development there are two planned primary exits and one emergency exit. But those roadways all lead to one road-- Country Club Drive, a two-lane country road," said Osborn. "While they may be able to get everybody out of the immediate development, as soon as they hit Country Club, They're going to be stuck in traffic. And that's an ideal situation for people to die trying to evacuate from a fire." Osborn added, even building with new fire-resistant materials isn't enough. "You can surely build it so that it makes it more protectable, more defensible. But you're not going to be able to keep it from burning. You bring in an urban environment into a rural community and they're not going to be prepared. Theyre not going to understand how fast fire moves. What most do understand-- wildfires are part of California's ecosystem and the uneasy coexistence of homes, canyons and dry brush means communities need to become more resilient. Two U.S. citizens were arrested Sunday after approximately $10,000 worth of black tar heroin was discovered in the woman's bra, U.S. Border Patrol officials said. Agents released images Wednesday showing the package discovered as well as an image of the driver with her face concealed. The package weighed a little over a pound and had an estimated street value of $10,170, agents said. The woman was driving a Nissan Altima through the checkpoint on Highway 86 near Salton City, California at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23. Agents said a canine team alerted to the vehicle so they sent the car over to secondary inspection. Once there, agents said they found a package hidden in the driver's bra. Agents said the package contained something consistent with the characteristics of black tar heroin. The woman, a 45-year-old U.S. citizen, and her male passenger, identified only as a 29-year-old U.S. citizen, were taken into custody by the Border Crime Suppression Team to face charges of smuggling heroin. What to Know Nancy Paulikas disappeared in October 2016 during a visit with her husband to the LA County Museum of Art Her death was confirmed after a charred partial skull was found on a mountainside that burned above Sherman Oaks There were no details as to the cause of death, believed to have happened in March 2017 More than two years after she vanished during a visit to a Los Angeles museum, a skull and other remains found on a burned Southern California hillside were determined to be those of a missing Manhattan Beach woman, her husband said Wednesday. Nancy Paulikas, who had early-onset Alzheimer's disease, was 55 years old when she wandered away from her husband at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Oct. 15, 2016. The disappearance was the inspiration for a county-wide program that uses trackable bracelets to help find missing people. Paulikas' death was confirmed after the discovery of a charred partial skull, according to the county coroner's office, which listed her date of death as March 11, 2017. The remains were found on a steep hillside that burned above Sherman Oaks on that date. The coroner's office listed her cause and manner of death as undetermined. Her husband, Kirk Moody, said he heard from police that the skull and some ribs were determined to be Paulikas' remains. "I heard from the police today that they have identified a skull and some ribs as positively matching Nancy's DNA," he said. Moody, who spoke with NBC4 in October 2016 about his wife's disappearance, said he had no details as to the cause of death. He said that "it seems clear she met her demise in an unfortunate manner." Moody and the rest of Paulikas' family had been holding out hope she would be found in a care facility. Paulikas was last seen on security video that showed her walking west on McCarthy Vista near the time she disappeared. A $100,000 reward was offered for information leading to Paulikas' safe return. Her husband, who met Paulikas when both worked together, said he hoped her case would raise awareness and "inspire efforts to better address issues with at-risk people going missing." Paulikas' disappearance became the inspiration for LA Found, a countywide program to find individuals using trackable bracelets, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said. "I am heartbroken," Hahn said. "For two years we have kept hope alive that Nancy would be found safe and could be reunited with her family. I want to thank everyone who continued to search for Nancy. May she rest in peace." Five monks were assaulted at a Vienna church on Thursday by two people, at least one of whom apparently demanded money and valuables, police said. Police said the assault happened at about 1:30 p.m. (7:30 a.m. EST) at a complex in the city's Floridsdorf district. No church service was underway when the assailants entered the Maria Immaculata church. Police found the monks tied up, one of them with head injuries, nearly three hours later. They were aged between 56 and 68, and it appeared that the others had tried to intervene after one of the assailants described as speaking with a foreign accent attacked the oldest monk, the Austria Press Agency reported. Police wrote on Twitter that, while the precise motive remains unclear, "a possible terror motive can be ruled out" in the incident at the Maria Immaculata church. Officers were searching for the perpetrators, including in the complex where the incident took place. They said Thursday evening that they had found nothing in the building. (CNN) Eight people are dead after a hijacked bus drove into pedestrians in the southeastern Chinese city of Longyan in Fujian province, authorities said Tuesday. Police detained a 48-year-old knife-wielding man, surnamed Qiu, at the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident, the Longyan City government office said. Twenty-two others were injured in the attack, which took place at 3.20 p.m. local time Tuesday, with one person left in critical condition. Authorities said the perpetrator "took revenge on society" after a dispute with local officials about his father's veteran benefits. According to Chinese state-run CCTV, on the day of the attack some officials from the local residents' committee went to Qiu's house and an argument ensued. The attacker stabbed at least one person to death with a knife, then hijacked the bus. There is no information yet as to how many people were killed by Qiu before he drove the bus into pedestrians. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Eight killed after bus drives into pedestrians in China." Some trustees expressed concern over allowing patrons to bring their own hard alcohol into businesses, and they didnt like the idea of BYOB as the main alcohol offering at a business. However, they agreed to allow wine with a meal at restaurants that already have staff trained for serving alcohol. A Maine man is facing a number of charges after authorities say he broke into a Waterboro home, grabbed a bite to eat, took a shower, then got a car ride from his victim. Derek Tarbox, 35, of Standish, was arrested Sunday and is facing charges of class B burglary, two counts of unauthorized use of property, leaving the scene of property damage accident, failure to report an accident and theft by unauthorized taking. The York County Sheriff's Office said Tarbox was found watching television when a Bennet Hill Road resident arrived home Sunday. Authorities said Tarbox told the homeowner he mistakenly thought the house belonged to a friend and asked for a ride home. The homeowner told authorities that seemed plausible, so he drove him to a house in Hollis, which actually belonged to Tarbox's relatives. When the victim returned, he realized his home had been ransacked and that Tarbox had broken in through a back door. According to WCSH-TV, the homeowner called police and deputies and troopers were able to quickly apprehend Tarbox without incident. Through an investigation with Maine State Police, authorities also learned that Tarbox had allegedly stolen a vehicle in Portland prior to the break-in and ran out of gas in Hollis where he allegedly stole another vehicle and drove it to the Bennet Hill Road home where he went off the road and crashed. Authorities said that's when Tarbox walked to the victim's house where he broke in. Tarbox was expected to be arraigned Dec. 26. It's unclear if he has an attorney. He's scheduled to appear in Alfred Superior Court on Feb. 8, 2019. A meaningful gesture became even more meaningful for some South Florida shoppers who offered to help a "homeless" man on Christmas Day. With dirt on his face and a cardboard sign that read "Homeless, just need a little help to feed my family through the holidays," Brian Breach appeared down-and-out to several shoppers outside of the Target store near SW 82nd Avenue and 3rd Street in Plantation. But Breach, a content creator and speaker, wasnt actually homeless. His disguise was all part of a plan to give back. When shoppers stopped to help Breach, he handed them a crisp $100 bill in return. One man, he said, was moved to tears by the gesture. "He went on to tell me how he always gives back to the community and he truly believes that things come back to you for doing good deeds and it did," Breach said. Breach posted a video of the Homeless Holiday (giving back) prank on his Facebook page. "For Christmas I pretended to be homeless to see who would help my family out during the holidays," the video caption read. "Those who did got something in return. Always Pay it Forward!" The video shows several instances of shoppers approaching Breach, asking him what type of food he needed or scrummaging for cash. In each case, Breach presented the kind strangers with a $100 bill. Breach, who has lived in South Florida since he was 13, said he saw a video that inspired him to give back. Within a few hours, the plan was in action. Breach said the experience was heartwarming and that he was glad he was able to put a smile on peoples faces during the holiday. China's government said Thursday it has made plans with Washington for talks in January aimed at ending a tariff battle that threatens to depress global trade. The two sides have "made specific arrangements for face-to-face meetings" and are talking by phone, said a Ministry of Commerce spokesman, Gao Feng. Gao gave no details. Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed Dec. 1 to postpone more tariff hikes for 90 days while their governments negotiate over U.S. complaints Beijing steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology. Trump agreed to postpone tariff hikes on $200 billion of Chinese imports planned for Jan. 1. Beijing responded by announcing a delay in a 25 percent duty on imported U.S. vehicles. Preparations for talks have proceeded despite the Dec. 1 arrest in Canada of an executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei on U.S. charges related to possible violations of trade sanctions on Iran. Companies and investors worry the dispute might depress global trade at a time of rising anxiety about signs economic growth might be slowing. The two sides are maintaining "close communication," said Gao. UPDATE: The suspect has been charged with several counts of attempted homicide after police said he opened fire on SWAT officers. Read the latest update here. A Christmas miracle occurred in Chester County, Pennsylvania, when an allegedly armed gunman barricaded inside a home for hours finally gave up early Wednesday. The suspect surrendered because a SWAT team negotiator sang a Christmas carol to him, according to the country district attorney, who, get this, was at the all-night scene handing out Christmas cookies. "I brought Christmas cookies for some cold and tired SWAT team members," Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said in a Facebook post later Wednesday. "This being SWAT, they ate the cookies, made fun of each other, and went home to their families, quietly satisfied with a job well done." Hogan did not return a message left for further details. He did add in the Facebook post that the ending to the roughly nine-hour barricade situation in East Vincent Township, which began about 9 p.m. Tuesday, left him in wonder. "Over a long and cold night, they kept negotiating with the man, who eventually started shooting at the police and around the neighborhood. A SWAT negotiator finally talked him into surrendering at 6:00 a.m. this morning by singing a Christmas carol for him," Hogan said on Facebook. "You cant make this stuff up." A billionaire movie producer and philanthropist, born to a West Philadelphia cab driver and producer of the recent Hollywood hit "Crazy Rich Asians," is asking for more than $100 million for two of his homes. Sidney Kimmel, who made his fortune in clothing, has had a Malibu, Calif., estate on the market for $65 million for over a year, and this month listed his New York City apartment for $39 million, according to published reports. The Malibu property was initially listed in 2017 for more than $80 million, but was reduced to its current asking price in August. The 7,000-square-foot oceanfront house was built in 1978 and originally owned for two decades by "Tonight" show host, Johnny Carson. Kimmel bought it from the widow of Carson in 2007 for $45 million, according to a report in The Los Angeles Times. Kimmel, whose clothing company Jones Apparel Co. was sold in 2014 for $2.2 billion, has been a movie producer for decades. He is credited with more than 55 titles since the 1980s. He recently struck another Hollywood hit with "Crazy Rich Asians" earlier this year. [NATL]See Inside: SC Mansion Has Hidden 'Town' Inspired By NYC Street The New York City apartment is an entire floor at the Ritz-Carlton Residences on Central Park South. It is 8,000 square feet, including a master bedroom that is 2,000 square feet all by itself. It also has sweeping views of Central Park, quite a lifetime away for the 90-year-old born in 1928 in West Philadelphia. "Sidney Kimmel grew up in Philadelphia during the Great Depression. There can be no doubt that his ambition and drive are products of those hard times," according to a biography on his foundation's website. He is listed by Forbes as worth $1.3 billion and is a leading cancer research donor in addition to his giving to construction of the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts on South Broad Street and other cultural institutions. In 2014, he gave $110 million to Jefferson Medical College, which was renamed the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. He spent a short time at Temple University before going into the garment industry. He founded Jones New York in the 1960s, and grew the company to include brands like Nine West, Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman, Joan & David, Gloria Vanderbilt, Barneys New York and Kurt Geiger. He took the company public in 1991, and ramped up his charitable efforts. A decade later, in 2002, he stepped down as CEO, but remained chairman until 2014 when Jones was sold to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm. (To see photos and listing details of the Malibu estate, click here. For photos and listing information of the New York City apartment, click here.) Maryland State Police are investigating a local police department after an audit found it failed to keep adequate training records on its officers and hired officers who were not recommended including one who failed a psychological exam and another with 12 traffic citations who repeatedly failed to show up for court hearings according to a report obtained by the News4 I-Team. The report, issued by compliance officers for Maryland's Police and Correctional Training Commission, noted more than two dozen deficiencies within the District Heights Police Department after an investigation into its training records and hiring practices. The department is comprised of 10 officers besides the police chief; six are mentioned by name in the report as having deficiencies in their records or the background process. One officer admitted during a polygraph that he had been disqualified from eight other police agencies prior to being hired in District Heights. The report says a psychologist recommended the department not hire the officer, however the officer appealed that determination and Chief Elliott Gibson Sr. later recommended him to Mayor Eddie Martin for hiring. During a phone interview with News4, Gibson said that the same officer had "a couple of positive psychological evaluations." "There was an initial evaluation on the officer that was not favorable to the officer, however, the Training Commission provided that you may get a second opinion and we did that," Gibson said. Martin told News4 during an interview that he could not speak on the details of the report because of an ongoing investigation but that the report found a lot of irregularities in the police department, hiring practices and just things in general. "The report just came back; it was just awful. I couldn't believe some of the things that were in it," Martin said. Another officer was not recommended as being able to perform the duties of the police officer, and, according to the report, there is no documentation in his file as to why he was hired anyway. The investigators noted that "at a minimum this case should have been referred to the Training Commission for approval before hiring." A third officer named in the report had 12 traffic citations on his driving record between 2008 and 2017 and failed to appear in court five times, with five instances of his license being suspended. According to the report, the officer's license was suspended four months before he was hired. The report says his case should have been referred to the Police Training Commission before hiring. A fourth officer showed a "significant response" on a polygraph exam and, according to the report, his file noted he admitted using marijuana two weeks prior to the exam. When state investigators questioned him, he admitted "being around someone smoking marijuana." The investigators wrote, "If a decision were made to hire the officer regardless of the exam results, it should have been sent to the Training Commission for review." The report also notes the District Heights Police Department failed to keep adequate training records for its officers. The investigators noted, "There is no documentation regarding what classes were taught or verification that officers were in attendance." Employing agencies are required to maintain such records. When asked what classes were covered in the in-service training sessions, investigators noted that "staff did not know." The investigators noted, "It is the responsibility of the employing agency to ensure their officers receive required training." Each law enforcement agency is also required to maintain records of firearms training and qualification for each of its officers, however the investigators noted that records of firearms classroom tests, sign-in sheets and [shooting] range qualification sheets were not available for review. Gibson said the department has since located and provided all of the documentation the Training Commission said should have been on site. "It's my opinion that [the report] does not even come close to reflecting the kinds of employees the city of District Heights hires. Clearly, we have made some decisions after the audit that will allow us to proceed in a positive way as a result of learning about some procedural things that the police department could do better in its background procedures," Gibson said. In May, eight of the 10 police District Heights officers signed a letter addressed to the mayor and commissioners expressing concern about their chief. "We have lost all trust, faith, and confidence in Chief Elliott Gibson Sr.'s ability to lead this department," they wrote. The two-page letter requested that the chief be relieved of his duties saying his "inaction to resolve problems within the agency continues to jeopardize the safety of the entire District Heights community." "I just would ask you if you really want to know what the chief has been doing, talk to our residents and talk to our other elected officials, not the mayor," Gibson told News4. Officers told the I-Team the city took no action against the chief. Maryland State Police confirmed to News4 on Thursday it has opened an administrative investigation into the District Heights Police Department. Martin said he would call an emergency closed-door meeting to discuss the investigation. News4's Jackie Bensen contributed to this report. The tour bus driver who fatally struck an Alaskan mayor and her mother near the National Mall was answering his cellphone at the time of the crash, court documents reveal. The crash happened just before 10 p.m. Dec. 19 near the National Archives building at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Gerard Derrick James, 45, of Baltimore was making a left turn onto Pennsylvania Avenue when his Eyre bus struck Monica Adams Carlson and her mother, 85-year-old Cora Louise Adams, as they were in the crosswalk. James was arrested Thursday and charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, police said. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance Thursday. A surveillance camera on the bus showed James picking up a ringing phone and switching it between his hands at the exact moment the bus struck the women. The crash can be head on the recording. Carlson and Adams were in the crosswalk at the time and had the right-of-way. Both women were taken to the hospital, where they died of their injuries. The mother and daughter were in D.C. to see the holiday decorations and loved visiting Washington, Carlson's brother-in-law, Steve Hites, told News4. "Both of them were avid lovers of Washington, D.C. The nations capital was a placed they loved to visit," Hites said. Carlson, 61, was the mayor of Skagway, Alaska, a town about 100 miles north of Juneau with a population of about 1,100 people. Carlson was a write-in candidate who was elected to a 2-year term in 2017, according to the town's radio station KHNS-FM. "She leaves some very large shoes to fill in a very small town where we all watch after each other very closely," Hites said. Carlson's mother was a resident of the lakeside town of Elbe in Washington state. if("undefined"==typeof window.datawrapper)window.datawrapper={};window.datawrapper["CzJd7"]={},window.datawrapper["CzJd7"].embedDeltas={"100":824,"200":624,"300":590,"400":546,"500":546,"700":529,"800":529,"900":529,"1000":529},window.datawrapper["CzJd7"].iframe=document.getElementById("datawrapper-chart-CzJd7"),window.datawrapper["CzJd7"].iframe.style.height=window.datawrapper["CzJd7"].embedDeltas[Math.min(1e3,Math.max(100*Math.floor(window.datawrapper["CzJd7"].iframe.offsetWidth/100),100))]+"px",window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if("undefined"!=typeof a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var b in a.data["datawrapper-height"])if("CzJd7"==b)window.datawrapper["CzJd7"].iframe.style.height=a.data["datawrapper-height"][b]+"px"}); Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel, the company that operates the tour bus, released a statement last week expressing their sympathy to the family. "We are cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation of this incident. Eyre places the safe transportation of our customers as well as those we share the road with as our number one priority." the statement went on to say. Police say the crash was similar to one in 2007 in which a Metrobus hit and killed two women in the same intersection. Metro settled a lawsuit with one of the victim's husbands for more than $2 million. DDOT added a left-turn lane and left-turn arrow to the intersection following the crash. The whimsical name for the taco and tequila bar came after Harris met an agave farmer while on a trip to Mexico. The farmer had a dedicated and trusted pet donkey, named Fat Rosie, who had worked alongside him for more than 20 years. Harris admired the love and care the farmer provided for Rosie and how he treated her like a family member and vowed to one day name a restaurant in her honor. One Maryland teenager was killed and another was hospitalized with serious injuries after they were struck by a car on Christmas Day. Police say a Volkswagen was eastbound on state Route 100 when it hit two pedestrians trying to cross the major highway before 7:45 p.m.. The dead teenager was identified as Stephen Carlisle, a 17-year-old from Glen Burnie. A 15-year-old girl, also from Glen Burnie, was hospitalized at a local trauma center with serious injuries. Authorities have not disclosed her identity. Investigators in Anne Arundel County say the preliminary cause of the deadly crash appears to be pedestrians unlawfully trying to dart across a controlled access highway. The 30-year-old driver remained at the crash site. Police said there were no signs of excessive speed, drug or alcohol impairment. The case will be reviewed by the state's attorney. An Alexandria man was arrested on Christmas Eve after police say he was caught filming a teenage girl inside a Forever 21 dressing room in Fair Oaks Mall. Mumtaz Rauf, 39, was charged with unlawful filming of a minor, which is a felony because of the victim's age. The victim was inside the Forever 21 at the Fairfax, Virginia, mall around 4 p.m. when she saw a black device pointing down from the wall of her dressing room. The girl told police she believed photos may have been taken of her. A store employee then saw a man leave the store and head into the mall. Officers later found the suspect inside a dressing room of a H&M and identified him as Rauf. Officers found a pinhole camera, black tape and a battery-powered Bluetooth transmitter in his possession. Investigators believe he was using the transmitter to remotely gather video and photos from other fitting rooms. Rauf is a well-known bartender in Alexandria and the Old Town Crier profiled him nearly a year ago when he worked at the Hummingbird. Rauf left the restaurant more than six months ago. Fairfax County Police believe there could be additional victims. If you believe you may have been victimized, call police at 703-591-0966. President Donald Trump's surprise trip to Iraq may have quieted criticism at home that he had yet to visit troops in a combat zone, but it has infuriated Iraqi politicians who on Thursday demanded the withdrawal of U.S. forces. "Arrogant" and an "a violation of national sovereignty" were but a few examples of the criticism emanating from Baghdad following Trump's meeting Wednesday with U.S. servicemen and women at the al-Asad Airbase. Trips by U.S. presidents to conflict zones are typically shrouded in secrecy and subject to strict security measures, and Trump's was no exception. Few in Iraq or elsewhere knew the U.S. president was in the country until minutes before he left again. But this trip came as came curbing foreign influence in Iraqi affairs has become a hot-button political issue, and Trump's perceived presidential faux-pas was failing to meet with the prime minister in a break with diplomatic custom for any visiting head of state. On the ground for only about three hours, the American president told the men and women with the U.S. military that Islamic State forces have been vanquished, and he defended his decision against all advice to withdraw U.S. troops from neighboring Syria, He declared: "We're no longer the suckers, folks." The abruptness of his visit left lawmakers in Baghdad smarting and drawing unfavorable comparisons to the occupation of Iraq after the 2003 invasion. "Trump needs to know his limits. The American occupation of Iraq is over," said Sabah al-Saidi, the head of one of two main blocs in Iraq's parliament. Trump, he said, had slipped into Iraq, "as though Iraq is a state of the United States." While Trump didn't meet with any officials, he spoke with Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi by phone after a "difference in points of view" over arrangements led to a face-to-face encounter between the two leaders getting scrapped, according to the prime minister's office. The visit could have unintended consequences for American policy, with officials from both sides of Iraq's political divide calling for a vote in Parliament to expel U.S. forces from the country. The president, who kept to the U.S. air base approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Baghdad, said he had no plans to withdraw the 5,200 troops in the country. He said Ain al-Asad could be used for U.S. air strikes inside Syria. The suggestion ran counter to the current sentiment of Iraqi politics, which favors claiming sovereignty over foreign and domestic policy and staying above the fray in regional conflicts. "Iraq should not be a platform for the Americans to settle their accounts with either the Russians or the Iranians in the region," said Hakim al-Zamili, a senior lawmaker in al-Saidi's Islah bloc in Parliament. U.S. troops are stationed in Iraq as part of the coalition against the Islamic State group. American forces withdrew in 2011 after invading in 2003 but returned in 2014 at the invitation of the Iraqi government to help fight the jihadist group. Trump's visit was the first by a U.S. president since Barack Obama met with then-Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at a U.S. base outside Baghdad in 2009. Still, after defeating IS militants in their last urban bastions last year, Iraqi politicians and militia leaders are speaking out against the continued presence of U.S. forces on Iraqi soil. Supporters of the populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr won big in national elections in May, campaigning on a platform to curb U.S. and rival Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs. Al-Sadr's lawmakers now form the core of the Islah bloc, which is headed by al-Saidi in Parliament. The rival Binaa bloc, commanded by politicians and militia leaders close to Iran, also does not favor the U.S. Qais Khazali, the head of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia that fought key battles against IS in northern Iraq, promised on Twitter that Parliament would vote to expel U.S. forces from Iraq, or the militias would force them out by "other means." Khazali was jailed by British and U.S. forces from 2007 to 2010 for managing sections of the Shia insurgency against the occupation during those years. Trump's visit would be a "great moral boost to the political parties, armed factions, and others who oppose the American presence in Iraq," Iraqi political analyst Ziad al-Arar said. Still, the U.S. and Iraq developed considerable military and intelligence ties in the war against IS, and they continue to pay off in operations against militants gone into hiding. Earlier in the month, Iraqi forces called in an airstrike by U.S.-coalition forces to destroy a tunnel used by IS militants in the Atshanah mountains in north Iraq. Four militants were killed, according to the coalition. A hasty departure of U.S. forces would jeopardize such arrangements, said Iraqi analyst Hamza Mustafa. Relations between the U.S. and Iraq also extend beyond military ties. U.S. companies have considerable interests in Iraq's petrochemical industry, and American diplomats are often brokers between Iraq's fractious political elite. Iraq's Sunni politicians have been largely quiet about the presidential visit, reflecting the ties they have cultivated with the U.S. to counterbalance the might of the country's Iran-backed and predominantly-Shiite militias. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Abdul-Mahdi accepted Trump's invitation to the White House during their call, though the Prime Minister's office has so far refused to confirm that. Associated Press reporters Ahmed Sami and Ali Jabar contributed. Authorities found the body of a missing Stonington woman in the water off Westerly, Rhode Island Wednesday. Police issued a Silver Alert for 58-year-old Lucia Ritacco on Monday. On Tuesday, a fisherman reported a suspicious vehicle parked on the beach in Westerly, Rhode Island. Investigators determined the vehicle belonged to Ritacco and began a search. Multiple departments, including Westerly Police, Rhode Island State Police, Stonington Police, and local fire departments all assisted in the search. At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, investigators spotted what appeared to be a person in the water on surveillance footage at Winnapaug Pond in Westerly. Crews recovered the body and identified it as that of Lucia Ritacco. The Rhode Island Medical Examiners office will determine a cause of death. The investigation is ongoing. Stonington police said at this time the death does not appear suspicious. A New Hampshire man is facing allegations that he injured a child. Twenty-three-year-old Ryan Upson of Chochorua was arrested on Wednesday on a first-degre assault charge, according to state police. On Dec. 10, Tamworth police received a call that a child was suffering from a "significant" injury at 196 Deer Hill Road. No other details were provided. Upson of Chochorua was arrested at the same address as a result of the investigation, according to state police. He is being held on $50,000 cash bail. Upson is expected to appear at the Carroll County Superior Court on Thursday. It is unclear if he has an attorney. Anyone with information on the alleged assault is encouraged to contact New Hampshire State Police Sgt. Craig McGinley at 603-323-3333. Police in Salem, New Hampshire, are investigating a bizarre case that left a good Samaritan with a gunshot wound to his hand. Investigators say if the victim is telling the truth, the details are chilling. Capt. Joel Dolan of the Salem Police Department tells NBC10 Boston that it was about 7 p.m. Saturday when the victim was reportedly driving from one job site to another. He allegedly saw a person lying in the middle of the road, so he stopped to help. Police say the victim knew something wasn't right when he saw that the person was wearing a black ski mask and latex gloves. The victim told police the man stood up, threatened him with a box cutter and demanded his wallet. "The person was not satisfied with the contents of the wallet and asked if there was of anything of more value in vehicle," Dolan explained. The victim says once inside his vehicle, a struggle ensued. The suspect opened fire, and then took off into the woods, according to police. The driver, suffering from a gunshot wound to his index finger, managed to call 911. "That's, like, something you'd see in the movies," said Rob Lavallee, who works in one of buildings along Northwestern Drive, where the shooting happened. He says he's often the last one leaving at night and never gave his safety a second thought. "For me to hear something like this, I find it extremely unusual," Lavallee said. "It's just scary." Police say they searched the area with K9s but never found the suspect. And while they say there's no immediate threat to the public, it's a good reminder that not everything is as it seems. "Things can change in the blink of an eye," Dolan said. "Especially if someone is setting you up for something like that." Police say most businesses in that industrial park have been closed since the weekend, but now that the holiday is over, they're hoping to learn more from surveillance video. Authorities in New Hampshire are investigating a fiery crash involving a Tesla that left one teenager with life-threatening injuries and sent two others to the hospital. State and local police say they responded to a crash on Perry Road in Rindge just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday. When emergency crews arrived, they found neighbors helping the people inside of the remains of a Tesla Model X that had split into two and had caught fire. The driver, identified as 17-year-old Travis Olson, of Rindge, and a 17-year-old passenger, Chelsea Holombo, of New Ipswich, were taken to Monadnock Community Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. A third passenger, 19-year-old Nina Colasanto of New Ipswich, was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester with life-threatening injuries. All three teens are expected to survive. Chase Holombo said when he saw photos of the crash, he thought there was no way his sister, Chelsea, could have made it out alive. "It's unbelievable, that car is completely in half," Holombo told NBC10 Boston on Thursday. A video from witness Michelle Barnhart showed the frame of the Tesla being pulled out of the woods. "The fact that all three of them, there are no fatalities, it's a miracle really," Holombo said. Although the cause of the crash remains under investigation, state police said they believe speed played a factor. Authorities say Travis lost control and went off the road. On Thursday evening, firefighters were still working to clean up the thousands of tiny Tesla batteries that run the car. The Tesla was apparently the reason the teens were out. "Nina wanted a ride for her birthday in the car," Holombo explained. Neighbors who heard the crash called 911 and when they saw the car burst into flames, they even tried to use a fire extinguisher before first responders arrived. "We just all know they were in God's hands last night," said Holombo. Anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to contact New Hampshire State Police Trooper First Class Bryan Plamondon at 603-223-8677. Washburn: Because other people arent. That is exactly what drove me to learn more about pastry in the beginning. I worked where people didnt care as much about the dessert menu as other things and I wanted to do something different about that and teach myself more about pastry. I like the precision. It is imperative to take precautionary measures right before the winter season starts Living in India and inhaling lungful of polluted air every day is like being a chronic smoker according to a recent report by Indias State-Level Disease Burden Initiative. This partly explains why many people in urban India have a persistent dry and hacking cough even if they dont have asthma or have never smoked. Allergic cough is more common in the winter months when drop in temperature prevents air pollutants and allergens from dissipating, trapping them close to the ground in toxic concentrations to trigger asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other allergic disorders. Sudden change in temperature and cold, dry air also makes airways constrict, triggering bouts of annoying coughing that does not constrict breathing, like asthma. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said: Some triggers for the allergic cough that a majority of the urban population in cities such as Delhi is experiencing is air pollutants such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide. The other factors include road and construction dust, pollen, smoke, damp, chalk dust to sudden change in temperature. Dryness and itchiness in the throat can last from weeks to months and vary in intensity. Some other seasonal allergies include runny nose, bouts of sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and dark circles under the eyes. These dark circles, called allergic shiners, are caused by the pooling of blood under the eyes because of swollen tissue in the nasal cavities. Allergic cough usually becomes intense at night. Infections, both viral and bacterial, can lead to complications in people with underlying health conditions such as lung or kidney disease, heart failure, chronic obstructive lung disease or asthma, so a visit to a doctor is a must if high fever lasts for more than two days. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor-in-Chief of IJCP, said: With many viruses, there are no known treatments. Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage your symptoms while monitoring your condition. If your doctor suspects a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotics. Getting the MMR and pertussis vaccine can substantially lower your risk of getting a respiratory infection. Other than that, one should also practice good hygiene. Some tips from HCFI Wash your hands frequently, especially after youve been in a public place. Always sneeze into the arm of your shirt or in a tissue. Although this may not ease your own symptoms, it will prevent you from spreading infectious diseases. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes and mouth, to prevent introducing germs into your system. Source: [email protected] Better data collection, analysis reduces apparent declines in death rates in very old Human error, not human biology, largely accounts for the apparent decline of mortality among the very old, according to a new report publishing on December 20 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Saul Newman of Australia National University in Canberra. The result casts doubt on the hypothesis that human longevity can be greatly extended beyond current limits. Late-life mortality plateaus are generated if symmetrical errors (colored points) are seeded into error-free log-linear models (black line). Credit: Saul Justin Newman As we age through adulthood, the probability of dying increases year after year. But studies in multiple species, including humans, have suggested that, at the far end of the lifespan, the rate of increase slows, or even plateaus. Biological explanations for such late-life mortality deceleration have been developed, but are controversial, and a role for statistical error has also been proposed. In the new report, Newman shows that a variety of errors, individually and combined, have the effect of producing a slowing of apparent mortality at the end of the lifespan, and can largely explain away the observed trends. Categories of error include those in demographic sampling, birth and death records, age reporting, and others. For instance, random errors in reporting of age within a population will result in some younger individuals being mistakenly recorded as older, and vice versa. As this population ages, older individuals mistakenly recorded as younger will die earlier than expected, but those mistakenly recorded as older will die later, enriching the pool of very old individuals and flattening the mortality curve. Newman found that an error rate of as low as one in ten thousand would be sufficient to produce the observed declines in apparent age-related mortality. Furthermore, he was able to show that an improvement in data quality in large population studies corresponded with a reduction in late-life mortality deceleration. These findings suggest that human late-life mortality plateaus are largely, if not entirely, artefacts of error processes, Newman concludes. The finding has important consequences for understanding human longevity, since predictions that lifespan can be greatly increased have depended in part on the apparent decelerations and plateaus previously reported in the biological and demographic literature. In a separate short paper, Newman asked whether such errors might even explain away the late-life mortality plateau reported in a recent high-profile paper published in Science Magazine earlier this year by Elisabetta Barbi, Kenneth Wachter and colleagues that paper used a high-quality dataset of nearly 4,000 death records from Italy to show that death rates decelerate after the age of 80 and plateau after 105. Newman calculates that this apparent effect could still be down to plausible error rates in record-keeping. In a response to this, Wachter defends the quality of their dataset, and describes Newmans proposed error rate as wildly implausibly high. Newman does note that in at least one species, the fruit fly, an observed late-life mortality plateau does not seem to be due to error, and may require a biological explanation. Discriminating between real and artefactual cases will require careful case-by-case analysis, and will constitute an ongoing challenge in the study of aging. The release indicated that the winner should sign the back of the lottery ticket and keep it in a safe place until visiting one of five prize centers. They are located in Des Plaines, Chicago, Rockford, Springfield and Fairview Heights. Winners have one year from the drawing date to claim the prize. For the first time, scientists at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown (CCU), in Lisbon, Portugal, have shown that neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's disease (AD) may actually not be a bad thing - on the contrary, it may be the result of a cell quality control mechanism trying to protect the brain from the accumulation of malfunctioning neurons. Their results, which were obtained using fruit flies that had been genetically modified to mimic the symptoms of human AD, were published in the journal Cell Reports. The cell quality control mechanism at play is called cell competition. It leads to the selection of the fittest cells in a tissue by enabling a "fitness comparison" between each cell and its neighbors - with the fitter cells then triggering the suicide of less fit ones. It has been recently shown that cell competition is a normal, powerful anti-aging mechanism in the body in general and in the brain in particular. "In 2015, we discovered that clearing unfit cells from a tissue was a very important anti-aging mechanism to preserve organ function, says Eduardo Moreno, principal investigator of the Cell Fitness lab at the CCU. His team reasoned that, if these fitness comparisons happened in normal aging, they could also be involved in neurodegenerative diseases associated with accelerated aging, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease, Moreno explains. "This had never been tested", he says. In collaboration with Christa Rhiner's Stem Cells and Regeneration lab at the CCU, they started by testing AD hallmarks in fruit fly models of the disease. For this, they bred fruit flies that had been genetically manipulated to express in their brain the human amyloid-beta protein, that forms aggregates in the brains of AD patients. The formation of amyloid- aggregates in the brain is a crucial step in the development of AD. The transgenic flies displayed symptoms and pathologies similar to those of AD patients: "they showed loss of long-term memory, accelerated aging of the brain and motor coordination problems, all of which got worse with age", specifies Christa Rhiner, whose team studied the cognitive and motor functions of the flies. The first thing the scientists wanted to do was to see whether in these flies, neuronal death was indeed activated by the process of fitness comparison - in other words, "that the neurons were not dying on their own but being killed by fitter neighbors", Moreno points out. "When we started, the current view was that neuronal death must be always detrimental. And much to our surprise, we found that neuronal death actually counteracts the disease", says Dina Coelho, first author of the study. What happened was that when she blocked neuronal death in the flies' brain, the insects developed even worse memory problems, worse motor coordination problems, died earlier and their brain degenerated faster. However, when she boosted the fitness comparison process, thus accelerating the death of unfit neurons, the flies expressing the AD-associated amyloid-beta proteins showed an impressive recovery. "The flies almost behaved like normal flies with regard to memory formation, locomotive behavior and learning", says Rhiner, and this at a time point where the AD flies were already strongly affected. This means that the anti-aging mechanism in question keeps working well in Alzheimer's disease and shows that, in fact, "the neuronal death protects the brain from more widespread damage and therefore the neuronal loss is not what is bad, it is worse not to let those neurons die", Moreno emphasizes. "Our most important finding is that we have probably been thinking the wrong way about Alzheimer's disease. Our results suggest that neuronal death is beneficial because it removes neurons that are affected by noxious beta-amyloid aggregates from brain circuits, and having those dysfunctional neurons is worse than losing them" Moreno concludes. The results could have crucial therapeutical implications. "Some molecules have already been identified as potential inhibitors of cell suicide, and some experimental drugs exist, and are being tested which inhibit those inhibitors of cell death, therefore accelerating neuronal death", says Moreno. But he cautions: "this work has been done in fruit flies". It will be necessary to see, whether these results on neuronal death in Alzheimer's also hold true for humans. Results of a new study by neuroscientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Toronto suggest that a new treatment approach is needed - and how this may be possible - to address adverse effects of aromatase inhibitors, drugs commonly prescribed to both men and women to prevent recurrence of estrogen-positive breast cancer. The current drug therapy is linked to such complaints as hot flashes, memory lapses, anxiety and depression, side effects so bothersome that some patients discontinue the life-saving treatment, the researchers point out. Their study found that aromatase inhibitors do indeed suppress estrogen synthesis in body tissues, but their unexpected findings in the brain could explain some of the negative effects and provide insight into more effective, less disruptive future therapies. Neuroscientists Agnes Lacreuse, Luke Remage-Healey and their graduate students at UMass Amherst, collaborator Jessica Mong at the University of Maryland and first author Nicole Gervais worked together on this research. Gervais, who conducted the experiments as a postdoctoral researcher at UMass Amherst, is now at the University of Toronto. The authors studied a small group of aged male and female marmosets, non-human primates whose brains are much like humans' and which exhibit "complex behavior," senior author Lacreuse explains. She adds, "This drug is given to prevent recurrent breast cancer in humans and it does save lives, but a lot of times, patients are not compliant because of unpleasant side effects that affect quality of life." Their study, showing changes in the animals consistent with some of the human complaints, allowed the researchers to assess cognitive behavior, thermal regulation and neuronal changes in drug-treated vs. control groups. Their findings appear this week in the Journal of Neuroscience. As Gervais explains, studies in humans are hampered by confounders. "The patients have had cancer, so it's hard to disentangle the stress of their disease and treatment from the drug effects." She adds, "We wanted to know if the symptoms while using the aromatase inhibitors can be reproduced in an animal model, and further explore the mechanisms to understand how they work and find alternative treatments." In this work supported by the NIH's National Institute on Aging and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the researchers administered the estrogen-inhibiting drug orally "the way it's given to humans and at a similar dose," Gervais explains, for one month, and observed that it did indeed suppress estrogen production in the body. They then compared changes in behavior, memory, electrophysiology, and thermoregulation in the treated and control groups Gervais says, "Sure enough, we found deficits in some aspects of memory and we also saw the most striking results in thermal regulation, a deficit in the ability to regulate body temperature when the ambient temperature increases, but only in females. It doesn't match hot flashes exactly but it's consistent with what we know about the regulation of hot flashes by estrogens in women. Females on the drug could not regulate their temperature as well as control females." It was in the investigation of neurons that the researchers saw something quite surprising, says Remage-Healey. "In the hippocampus, which is thought to be critical for learning and memory functions, instead of reduced estrogen levels we found that the drug caused a paradoxical increase in estrogen levels." Gervais adds, "We believe that the hippocampus may have synthesized its own estrogens to compensate for low levels it senses in peripheral tissues. According to our results, the mechanism for an adverse effect on memory may be due to an increase of estrogen synthesis in the hippocampus. Perhaps, future treatments could find a way to block this increased synthesis, and maybe prevent some of the negative side effects." Remage-Healey points out that "We were also able to follow the excitability of hippocampal neurons, which was compromised in the treatment but not control group. This is consistent with the occasional memory problems reported by patients. It seems the hippocampus is particularly sensitive to estrogens and their blockade. But we have a lot of work to do to understand the precise mechanism underlying these effects." The authors state, "These findings suggest adverse effects of aromatase inhibitors on the primate brain and call for new therapies that effectively prevent breast cancer recurrence while minimizing side effects that further compromise quality of life." Thanks to the development of antiretroviral drugs, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is considered a manageable chronic disease today. However, if left undiagnosed or untreated, HIV can develop into AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), a disease which led to the deaths of nearly 1 million people worldwide in 2017. The life-saving drugs don't cure HIV, though, because when the virus infects the body, it insidiously targets the very cells required to trigger the body's immune response to any infection. Specifically, HIV invades CD4 T-cells--a type of white blood cell--making copies of itself and taking over the CD4 host cell's DNA. "Upon infection of a CD4 T-cell, HIV undergoes one of two fates," said University of Illinois Assistant Professor Roy Dar. "It either integrates into a replicating state, leading to the production of hundreds of infectious virions, or it integrates into a latent state where the provirus lies transcriptionally silent." According to Dar, researchers have focused on eradicating the latent reservoir because it can reactivate spontaneously, evade drug therapy, or be a source for viral rebound, which can occur if a patient does not strictly adhere to the antiretroviral therapy treatment regimen. "To date, there is no way to distinguish between uninfected cells and latently infected cells in the body, but such an ability would support existing therapeutic approaches to curing HIV," said Dar, who is affiliated with the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department and Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology on campus. In a recent study, Dar and his research group investigated the reactivation of T-cells that were latently infected with HIV in the lab by using a viral construct that contained a gene for a green fluorescent protein (GFP) that gets expressed when a cell reactivates. "The method of time-lapse, single-cell imaging allowed monitoring single latent cell reactivation from their silent to their active states by calculating the mean fluorescence of GFP," explained Bioengineering Post-Doctoral Researcher Kathrin Bohn-Wippert, the lead author of the study. Once they identified the cells that were reactivated, they calculated the cell size and determined the mean cell diameter necessary for reactivation. They discovered that within a latent population, only larger host cells reactivate while the smaller cells remain silent or latent. According to Bohn-Wippert, this larger host-cell size provides a natural cellular mechanism for enhancing burst size of viral expression and is necessary to destabilize the latent state while biasing viral decision making. "Our results present a case of passive host-cell dominated viral decision-making, in which the virus is off when the infected cell is small and can only spontaneously reactivate in larger cell sizes," said Dar. "This presents a case of the host cell depicting the right conditions for viral decision-making to occur." The team also determined that the cells' transition from latent to active is dependent on the cell cycle--the stages by which cellular DNA replicates--and can be modulated with drug treatments. "We showed that you can use drug treatments to modulate a population of cells in and out of a specific cell cycle state in order to bias their viral reactivation," said Dar. These findings may be useful in guiding stochastic design strategies for drug therapies, have applications in synthetic biology, and play a role in advancing HIV diagnostics and treatments. The full paper, "Cell size-based decision-making of a viral gene circuit," published in the journal Cell Reports is available online. Source: https://engineering.illinois.edu/ Broken egg shells, dirty old slippers, empty plastic bottles and a layer of black coal are the only reminders of the trapped Meghalaya miners who may never see the light of the day. East Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya): A day after news of the trapped coal-mine workers spread in Meghalaya, a 60-year-old man travelled 400km from Rajabala, Garo Hills, to sit at the spot where his two grandsons were last seen before they entered the 'rat hole'. The state sent its rescue forces, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) came in with 71 men, and the media rushed in too. But the grandfather waited there, hoping for a miracle. Thirteen days after the incident, all that is left inside the labourers' tents just a few metres from where they worked and are feared to have died are a few broken egg shells, dirty old slippers, empty plastic bottles and a layer of black coal on the soil. Tired, the grandfather stopped waiting and returned to his village. Meanwhile, some men from the state rescue forces are sitting and waiting for instructions their work done now that the NDRF is here. The NDRF men are waiting for the government to bring in enough pumps for the water to be taken out. The government is waiting for someone to help them get these rare pipes that stopped existing after the mining ban in the state in 2014. However, the wait for families of the trapped mine workers is far from over. The kin just want to see the faces of their loved ones now, even if they are still. Just three hours from capital city Shillong, on the picturesque road that leads to Lumthari village where the coal miners are trapped since December 13, labourers are scooping heaps of coal and filling the trucks. The 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order banning rat-hole mining in Meghalaya was a farce and it is evident even four years later. (Photos: Adrija Bose) Just three hours from capital city Shillong, on the picturesque road that leads to Lumthari village where the coal miners are trapped since December 13, labourers are scooping heaps of coal and filling the trucks. The 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order banning rat-hole mining in Meghalaya was a farce and it is evident even four years later. (Photos: Adrija Bose) "The sardar of that coal mine offered my son, brother and son-in-law this job. They were promised Rs 1,000 for each day of work. They didn't get a penny and they didn't even come back," says Shohor Ali. The 55-year-old from Magurmarai village, who says he has lost his entire family in the incident, pauses after every sentence and asks, "Madam, what will happen to me now?" Ali's 18-year-old son, 35-year-old brother and 26-year-old son-in-law are trapped in the coal mine. He believes they are all dead. The man now has many mouths to feed his wife, daughter and her three toddlers, the eldest of whom is five years old. Ali has never worked in a coal mine and neither has his family. He helps locals find rooms on rent for a commission of Rs 200. "The sardar didn't tell me that my son won't come back," Ali says, his voice breaking. The three members of his family were told they would get paid at the end of every week. But when they entered the mine on the sixth day, they did not come back. The sardar, meanwhile, fled. The 55-year-old hasn't visited the site. "How will I go? I don't have so much money," he says. Sitting at his one-room house 500 km from Lumthari village, he is hopeful of getting some news. Will I not be able to see their faces even once? I THE BAN THAT WAS NEVER IMPLEMENTED Just three hours from capital city Shillong, on the picturesque road that leads to Lumthari village where the coal miners are trapped since December 13, labourers are scooping heaps of coal and filling the trucks. The 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order banning rat-hole mining in Meghalaya was a farce and it is evident even four years later. Theres an eerie silence, and fear. Everyone is aware that illegal mining continues, rat-hole mines exist, and often, labourers die but no one finds out. Don't stop your car when you are crossing the coal mines, don't photograph them, a local reporter advised me. Since the NGT ban, most locals in Shillong advise against going to the Jaintia Hills. "It's not safe," they say. The premonitions came true last month when Agnes Kharshiing, one of the most well-known activists in the state who has been voicing her concerns against the alleged involvement of politicians in illegal coal mining, and her associate Anita Sangma were brutally attacked when they were photographing vehicles carrying coal at Tuber Sohshrieh in East Jaintia Hills district. The day before she was attacked, she had tipped off the Shillong police about five trucks transporting coal illegally, which were then seized. "The locals are aware of how unsafe these mines are, while these poor migrants are not." While most of the coal-mine owners and dealers who handle the day-to-day work are locals, the labourers who risk their lives and enter the rat holes are usually outsiders from Nepal, Bangladesh, Assam and the outskirts of the state. Many of these mine workers are Bengali Muslims, often subjected to humiliation as the general idea is that they are 'Bangladeshis'. Often, children as young as 8-9 years old are engaged in too because it gets easier for a physically smaller person to enter the 'rat holes'. The locals are aware of how unsafe these mines are, while these poor migrants are not. So the mafias simply take advantage of them. They make enough money to come back to the capital city and buy land and property," says Agnes. Agnes, who is still bedridden, manages to take about 10 steps every day but is not giving up on her fight. "I have evidence that the government cannot deny. Now, its obvious that illegal coal mining continues with full state knowledge," she says. The attack on Agnes followed by the tragedy in the mine has left the state government red-faced. The NDRF men are waiting for the government to bring in enough pumps for the water to be taken out. The government is waiting for someone to help them get these rare pipes that stopped existing after the mining ban in the state in 2014. (Photo: Adrija Bose) Meghalaya Polices online records reveal that from April 2014 to November this year, there were at least 477 reported violations of the NGT orders. Illegal coal mining, illegal transportation of coal and transportation of coal beyond the permissible limit are among the violations that have led to the arrest of several miners and owners, as well as seizing of many trucks. But Agnes says the government and police officials are in cahoots with the mine owners, which is why illegal coal mining is still rampant in the state. "The government should have stopped those labourers from going inside the rat hole. They didn't come through that rat hole, did they? The state only has policies for the rich, none for the poor," she says, adding, "It's a big racket." The activist mentions that in 2015, sub-inspector of police PJ Marbaniang died under suspicious circumstances. Two conflicting official post-mortem reports were filed one claimed that he was murdered, while the other said he had committed suicide. He was killed because he had seized 52 trucks that were carrying illegal coal," she says. PHOTOS Former President Obama visits South Side YMCA Former President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to an after-school basketball event at the South Side YMCA, 6330 S. Stony Island Ave., on Dec. 2, 2021, in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. Student-athletes from South Side schools were invited to participate in the drills practice event, which was attended by Chicago Bulls player Patrick Williams, Bulls general manager Marc Eversley and representatives from the Chicago Sky. While the youths practiced drills with members of the Bulls coaching staff, Obama made an unannounced entrance and addressed those in attendance about the importance of the YMCA. Obama greeted the students as they resumed drills, and toward the end of the visit he attempted to make a basket from beyond the three-point line. He made three attempts and made the final shot. Sorry! This content is not available in your region The pedestrian then dropped his wallet on the ground and told the gunman his PIN number, police said. The gunman then stole $90 in cash, a debit card and a drivers license from the wallet, police said. New Delhi: The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) is seeking a land parcel of around 700 acres in Haryana for shifting its Gurugram plant, a top company official said. The company considers Haryana as its "mother state" and will scout for another location in the state only, considering the presence of its supplier base. "Already, Manesar plant is spread across 700 acres so we are looking at a similar kind of land (for shifting Gurgaon plant)," MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa told PTI. ALSO READ | Hyundai introduces new finger touch technology for unlocking cars The company has not set any timeline for shifting the plant and the focus right now is to locate a good land parcel, he added. When asked if the company is looking to establish the new plant in Haryana itself, Ayukawa said: "First we have to discuss with the Haryana (government) people ...because Haryana is our mother state...first we have to focus in that area ... besides, we also have a lot of suppliers here (Haryana) ... we have to manage that also." He added that so far the company has received a positive response from the Haryana government over the issue. When asked to comment on the planned investment in the new plant, Ayukawa said it would depend on the production capacity which is yet to be decided. MSI has been looking to shift its plant from Gurgaon due to congestion and traffic hassles. With the rapid development in Gurgaon, the company now finds its plant in the middle of a bustling city which has made it difficult for trucks carrying raw materials and finished products move in and out of the plant. It is at Gurgaon plant where the company began its India journey in 1983 by rolling out its first model -- the iconic Maruti 800. At present, the plant rolls out many of the company's popular models, including Alto and WagonR, with an estimated annual capacity of around 7 lakh units. Besides Gurgaon, MSI has another manufacturing unit in Haryana at Manesar. Both Gurgaon and Manesar plants have a production capacity of 15.5 lakh units per annum. ALSO READ | New Maruti Suzuki Wagon R's launch date revealed, click here to know Its parent Suzuki Motor Corp has also set up a facility in Gujarat. The first line with a capacity of 2.5 lakh units is in full production and the second one will be commissioned early next year. Work has also started on the third line and the expected commissioning is early 2020. MSI is targeting annual production of 3 million units by 2025. Delhi: Continuing the ritual, Salman Khan rang in his 53rd birthday with his family and close friends at his farmhouse in Panvel. The superstar also cut the cake late in the night in the presence of the media. And well, he sure canat contain his smile as the actor seemed extremely happy. Salman was dressed in casuals and sported ripped denim paired with a navy blue t-shirt.The actoras fans and admirers also gathered outside Galaxy Apartment in Bandra area in Mumbai to catch a glimpse of him on his special day and shower their blessings and love upon him.A Check out the pictures doing the rounds on social media: Several Bollywood celebrities were also spotted at his birthday party in Panvel, dressed in accordance with the theme of the night a black. Sonakshi Sinha, Mouni Roy, and Jacqueline Fernandez were spotted arriving at the party, dressed up in all black. Salmanas Tiger Zinda Hai co-star Katrina Kaif also attended the party but was spotted in a blue denim jacket. Sushmita Sen was also spotted at the party and shook a leg with Salman on the dance floor. She also wished him by sharing a video of their dance and captioned it saying, aa Whenever life gives us a chance to sit it out or dance...WE DANCEa The journey from falling in love with #Prem on screen in Maine Pyar kiya #1989 to sharing the screen with him in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya #2005 what a destined journey indeed!!! Happy Birthday to a man who never stopped celebrating aBeing Humana Have a blessed year @beingsalmankhan Know that I will ALWAYS love you!!! #friendforlife #happybirthday #duggadugga mmuuuaaah!!!a Mouni Roy also wished the actor on her Instagram along with their picture. She wrote, aHe s rid of thoughts & words of other people , has his own voice ; his own language. Happy happiest birthday @beingsalmankhan ; am a fangirl for life! Wish you all the happiness & love you bring into everybodyas lives. Also, laughter & food were the main ingredients of the evening amongst lots of dancing.a On the work front, Salman is busy shooting for his upcoming film Bharat. Apart from the film, the actor is shooting for Bigg Boss 12, the finale of which is due this weekend. We wish Salman Khan a very happy birthday! For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: A local Shiv Sena leader on Thursday said that no other film will be allowed to clash with the biopic of Sena founder Bal Thackeray, which is slated to release next month. The party, however, distanced itself from the threat. Bala Lokare, secretary of Chitrapat Sena, a Sena-affiliated film workers union said in a social media post that the party will not allow any other film to release on January 25. If anyone tried to release a film on that day, he will get a reply in the Senas style, he said. The biopic Thackeray, produced by Sena MP Sanjay Raut and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, is slated for release on January 25. Raut clarified that Lokare was not articulating the partys position. This was the Shiv Sainiks (Sena workers) personal stand. This stand has not been adopted by the party, Raut said. Also Read | Thackeray trailer: Nawazuddin Siddiqui totally nails as Balasaheb Thackeray, watch VIDEO The films trailer was launched on Wednesday. The trailer begins with a voiceover and scenes of a riot. Only one man can pacify Bombay at this time, the voice booms and we can see shots of Nawaz as Thackeray, taking to the podium to deliver one of his famous speeches. The film is based on the life of Bal Thackeray also known as Balasaheb Thackeray, who founded the political party, Shiv Sena. The film will see Nawazuddin as the late Shiv Sena supremo, and Amrita Rao as his wife, Meena Tai Thackeray. The film recently ran into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification, who have objected to four dialogues and two scenes. Yes, they have raised objections on some dialogues and scenes, four dialogues and two scenes to be precise. We are legally dealing the matter with CBFC and we hope the matter will be sorted out soon," Raut told PTI. Also Read | The Accidental Prime Minister Trailer: Anupam Kher delivers a powerful performance as Manmohan Singh According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification has taken exception to certain scenes in the film referring to Babri Masjid and the south Indian community in Mumbai. Nawaz had a strong 2018 professionally. He won a lot of accolades for his performance in Nandita Das Manto, and in Netflixs original first Indian original series, Sacred Games, in which he played the Marathi gangster Ganesh Gaitonde. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Days after the Uttar Pradesh Police issued an order to ban namaz gathering in Noida parks, the Greater Noida Authority on Wednesday removed an encroachment where some people had gathered to offer a weeklong Bhagwat Katha in Sector 37. The plot was reserved for religious activities but no allotment had been done. Some residents alleged that some people, who didnt belong to the area, came into the campus and started performing puja in the morning. The Authority was informed and it stopped the programme. The residents also said that around two months ago, these outsiders had tried to install a deity on the same spot, but was stopped by the Authority. This has prompted the Greater Noida Authority to launch a plot allotment scheme for religious activities. Narendra Bhooshan, CEO Greater Noida Authority, said that Authority cleared the encroachment as the plot has not been allotted to anybody. We will soon launch plot allotment schemes for religious activities. The plots will be allotted with due process and then people can construct places of worship, he said as quoted by TOI. Read More | Owaisi hits out at UP govt for Noida Police namaz ban Residents of Sector 37 RWA are against the organisation of the Bhagwat Katha because they werent informed about the same and also feel that they may also create tension. Some outsiders are planning to install some idols and make a temple in the garb of organising weeklong Bhagwat Katha, Sunita Nagar, Sector 37 RWA president said as quoted by the daily. Last week the Noida police issued a notice to companies in the Sector 58 industrial hub, that they will be held liable if their employees are found violating the directive. The companies in the Sector 58 industrial hub had sought a meeting with the top Noida Police officers for a better understanding of the order, particularly on the clause that threatens to hold them liable for violations of the order by employees. A police station in Noida issued notices to 23 private companies asking them to stop their Muslim employees from offering prayers in a local park. Sector 58 Station House Officer (SHO) Pankaj Rai, who issued the notices, cited a Supreme Court order of 2009, which banned unauthorised use of public places for religious activities by all religions. We want to inform you that there is no permission from the administration to conduct any kind of religious activity including Namaz offered on Friday in the Authority park in Sector 58. It has been often seen that the Muslim workers of your company assemble in the park to offer Namaz and I, the SHO, have told the group to not hold prayers in the park. Also, their plea to the city magistrate has not received any permission to do so. Thus, it is expected from you that you at your level inform your Muslim employees to not come to the park to offer Namaz. If employees of your company come to the park, it will be assumed that you have not informed your employees and your company will be held liable. Also Read | Mob attacks Sunday Mass with iron rods in Kolhapur, 12 hurt Yes, we have sent notices to many companies in our area after several complaints regarding a large number of people offering Namaz in the afternoon especially on Fridays. Since most people offering prayers are employees in companies nearby, we have sent notices to those companies to ask their employees to either offer Namaz in a Masjid, Eidgah or within the office compound on the roof etc, said Pankaj Rai, SHO of the Sector 58 police station, from where the initial round of notices were issued. Sector 58 is predominantly an IT and services hub. The companies that have office include Alstom Systems, HCL Technologies, TCS, Samsung, Polaris, Xansa, Interra, R Systems, RMSI, Cadence, Adobe international, ST Microelectronics and Minda Huf. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: As many as 35 students were injured when a school bus overturned in the Jawali sub-division of Kangra district's LunjA in Himachal Pardesh on Thursday, a district official said. The injured students were admitted to a nearby hospital, news agency ANI reported. #HimachalPradesh: 35 students injured in school bus accident near Lunj in Kangra; injured students admitted to a hospital pic.twitter.com/ctng6b8sMa a ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 The incident occurred at a time Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the district to address a Jan Abhar Rally in Dharamshala to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh.A As many as 23 people were injured when a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus fell into a gorge near Arki in the Solan district on Tuesday morning. All the injured persons were shifted to the hospital, the police said.A In September. two people were killed and 20 injured after a Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus fell into a gorge near Chintpurni in the Una district of the state. Earlier, a woman was killed in Chamba district when an ambulance rammed into a shop she was sitting in, the police had said. Five people were also injured in the accident that took place in Chamba's Sahu Bazar area. (Further details awaited) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA), in a coordinated raid across Uttar Pradesh, arrested 10 people in connection with a new ISIS-like module, Delhi's Patiala House court on Thursday sent all of them to 12-days NIA remand. Early in the day, those accused were produced before the court on suspicion of being members of the ISIS-inspired group. The group was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians as also government installations, in Delhi and other parts of north India. "NIA raids matter: Delhi's Patiala House Court sends all the accused arrested by NIA to 12 days remand," the news agency ANI reported. However, the court has allowed the family members and parents of five accused to meet them inside the court. NIA raids matter: Delhi's Patiala House Court sends all the accused arrested by NIA to 12 days remand. ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 Read | Madrasa preacher-led group had BJP, RSS leaders on hitlist: 10 key facts about NIA raids Meanwhile, briefing the media, lawyer of the accused said, "They are students. What NIA has recovered includes tractors power nozzle which they planted and called it a rocket launcher. What they are calling explosives are actually sutli bombs that are used in Diwali. There is a lot of fabrication". Those arrested in the case include, Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath (29), Anas Yunus (24), Rashid Zafar Raq alias Zafar (23), Saeed alias Sayeed (28), Saeed's brother Raees Ahmad, Zubair Malik (20), Zubair's brother Zaid (22), Saqib Iftekar (26), Mohammed Irshad (in late 20s) and Mohammed Azam (35). Read | NIA arrests 10 after busting ISIS-like module, says they wanted to target politicians, important personalities All of them were produced amidst tight security and with covered faces before Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey who ordered in-camera proceedings in the case. NIA had sought 15-day custodial interrogation of the accused who were arrested from various parts of the national capital and Uttar Pradesh. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The man forced the resident to deposit a check into the residents own account, then withdrew $400 in cash from that account, police said. The man then threatened the resident, who handed over the $400 in cash to the man, who ran off, police said. New Delhi: Two Navy personnel were killed in an accident at the Southen Naval Command in Kochi on Thursday. The sailors were killed when a helicopter hangar door collapsed on them at the Kochi naval air station INS Garuda at 9 am. According to PTI, a defence spokesperson confirmed that two navy personnel had died in the naval base accident. A court of inquiry was ordered into the matter. According to reports, the collapse was a result of weakened structural integrity. The sailors were rushed to a nearby hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. INS Garuda is an Indian naval air station located in Kochi. Commissioned on May 11, 1953, it is the oldest operating air station of the Indian Navy. INS Garuda is a major naval air training centre as well as an operational base. In July it was reported that the Indian Navy was on course to create a new full-time post of Inspector general (safety) that would help ensure safe operations at sea and reduce the risk of accidents. The proposal to appoint a two-star admiral as IG (safety) was in an advanced stage and would be put up for government clearance. "As of now, the chief staff officer (training) oversees safety issues as he holds a dual charge. The new post is being created as safety is an absolute top priority for the navy," said one of the officials as quoted by the Hindustan Times. Also Read | Will you face blackout of all TV channels after December 28? Details inside The two, sailors attached to the aviation electrical branch, were tragically killed when one of the hangar doors of the Indian Naval Air Squadron 322 collapsed at INS Garuda, a defence statement said. Naveen (28) and Ajeet Singh (29) were passing by when the door was dislodged from its supporting rails above and fell on them, it said. Initial reports had said the two were killed when the hangar collapsed on them. Both the sailors were rushed in a critically injured state to the naval hospital, INHS Sanjivani, where despite best efforts of the doctors to resuscitate them, they succumbed to their injuries at about 9.40 am, the statement said. A board of inquiry has been ordered into the cause of the accident, it said. Naveen, from Bhiwani district of Haryana, had joined the Indian Navy in 2008 and is survived by wife and two-year-old daughter. Ajeet Singh, belonging to Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, had joined the Navy a year later and leaves behind wife and five-year-old son, the statement added. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The National Investigation Agencys Wednesday raids have revealed some sensational facts that raise serious security concerns. After the Wednesday crackdown across 17 locations in Delhi and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, the NIA arrested 10 people including a woman for allegedly planning ISIS-style attacks across country. NIA inspector general Alok Mittal told reporters that searches were carried out in Delhi's Seelampur locality, UP's Lucknow, Amroha and Hapur districts where a huge quantity of explosives, a country-made rocket launcher, 100 mobiles and 134 SIM cards and 112 alarm clocks were recovered. The group identified as Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam was under NIA surveillance for some time following inputs of their suspicious activities. Here are some of the key facts the NIA raids that we know so far: 1: Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam preparing to carry out terrorist attacks targeting vital installations, sensitive locations and crowded places in and around Delhi/NCR, the NIA said. According to The Hindustan Times report, many RSS and BJP leaders were on its hitlist. 2: A 29-year-old Mufti of a madrasa in Uttar Pradeshs Amroha has been identified as the mastermind of the group. Mufti Mohd Suhail and his nine associates mobilized funds. The ISIS-style module had procured weapons, ammunition and explosive material to prepare IEDs and bombs and they had plans to carry out fidayeen attacks as early as New Years Eve. 3: The seized items include 25 kg of explosive material, such as Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, Sulphur, Sugar material paste, 12 pistols, 150 rounds of live ammunition, 1 country- made rocket launcher, 112 alarm clocks, mobile phone circuits, batteries, 51 pipes, remote control car triggering switch, wireless digital doorbell for remote switch, steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, ISIS-related literature and a cash amount of Rs 7.5 lakhs approximately. 4: Apart from the Amroha Mufti an Imam has also been arrested. The group also includes a final year Delhi University student. Zubair Malik resident of Jaffrabad was instrumental in procuring batteries, connectors, SIM cards on fake documents and mobilising funds for buying bomb -making material. 5: The group also had a Civil Engineering student from the Amity University in Noida. Anas Yunus,24, was instrumental in procuring electrical items, alarm clocks and batteries etc. 6: A case under sections 120B, 121, 121A, 122 of IPC, Sections 4 & 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and sections 17,18,18 B, 20,38 and 39 of the UA(P) Act against the mastermind of the module. 7: The NIA also said that the handler of the group was based in Afghanistan. The group was communicating on WhatsApp and Telegram. 8: A woman and her son from Lucknow have also been arrested for arranging funds for the group. 9: The NIA said that apart from these 10 accused, some other suspects were also being examined. 10: The arrested accused would be produced before the NIA Special Court today. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The politically sensitive bill which seeks to make the practice of instantA triple talaqA among Muslim men a penal offence will come up for discussion inA Lok Sabha today. The Lok Sabha had last week decided to take up the bill on December 27 after theA CongressA agreed to participate in the debate. As the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, was taken up for consideration, Leader of the Congress in the House, Mallikarjun Kharge, had suggested it be taken up for discussion next week. Parliamentary AffairsA Minister Narendra Singh Tomar sought an assurance from the Opposition that it would allow discussion on the bill without disruption. A newA Triple Talaq Bill was introduced in theA Lok SabhaA on December 17 to make the practice of triple talaq among the Muslims a penal offence. It will supercede an ordinance issue in September. The ordinance had similar provisions as the Muslim Women Protection of Rights in Marriage Act, popularly known asA the triple talaqA Bill, which was cleared by theA Lok SabhaA in December last year. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. Here are the Live updates: 7:12 pm: Lok Sabha adjourned for the day. 7:10 pm: Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill. 7:02 pm: Amendments moved byA NK Premachandran, Bhartruhari Mahtab and Asaduddin Owaisi defeated. 6:59 pm: Amendments moved by BJD leaderA Bhartruhari Mahtab also defeated. 6:53 pm: AIADMK MPs stage walkout in Lok Sabha. 6:49 pm: All amendments in Triple Talaq Bill moved by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi defeated. 6:42 pm: Voting underway in Lok Sabha over Triple Talaq Bill. 6:40 pm: Congress stages a walkout in Lok Sabha over Triple Talaq Bill. 6:30 pm:A "I don't understand why a secular nation like India should not eradicate instant Triple Talaq, which even Muslims countries have done away with," asks Prasad. 6:20 pm:A "If Dowry law can be passed, why not Triple Talaq Bill, Ravi Shankar Prasad in Lok Sabha. 6:18 pm:A Opposition demand for the joint select committee has possibly only 1 reason, why it is criminalised? When Parliament has passed bills calling for harsh punishment for other crimes then why no one said what will happen to families of culprits: Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Lok Sabha. 6:15 pm: Heated debate in Lok Sabha over triple talaq bill. 6:11 pm:A Congress opposes triple talaq bill due to vote bank politics, alleges Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. 6:05 pm:A "You are decriminalising Section 377 but criminalising Triple Talaq. Don't misguide the nation on Triple Talaq in the name of Supreme Court judgment," AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. 6:00 pm:A "The Quran mentions the 'advance rules' for divorce," Ranjan says. She claims the community is not aware of the procedure set by their religion. She wonders why the issues faced by Hindu women are not discussed. "Won't you bring a law to protect Hindu women," says Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan. 5:26 pm:A The Bill is against the Muslim community. Our party will oppose the Bill, we are against it, that is our stand, says AIADMK MP Anwar Raja. Anwar Raja, AIADMK MP on #TripleTalaqBill: The Bill is against the Muslim community. Our party will oppose the Bill, we are against it, that is our stand. pic.twitter.com/ft9d9SMV48 a ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 5:22 pm: "We are not doing this for vote bank politics. If that was all we were interested in, the cries of those Muslim women would not have reached this House," says Irani. 5:20 pm: Union Minister Smriti Irani said that more than 400 women have been victims of triple talaq despite the Supreme Court's verdict against it. "Four hundred is a huge number. Even if one woman is affected, every member sitting here should be disturbed," she added. 4:54 pm:A If Muslim women are to be given justice, stop communal violence: Mohammad Salim, CPI-M. 4:21 pm:A Bring Codified Muslim Personal Law as there is no safeguard to stop the misuse of the law, says BJD's Rabindra Jena. 4:14 pm:A "Muslim women went to the PM and one woman said that she was given the third talaq. She asked the PM when everyone is living in the 21st century, why are you making us beg for mercy?": Naqvi. 3:58 pm:A Prejudices like Sati and Child Marriage were abolished with the help of strong will. However, people made noise that all those prejudices were parts of religious customs- Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister for Minority Affairs. 2.55 pm:A I would like to ask those opposing the Triple Talaq Bill here that in which suraa of the holy Quran is talaq-e-biddat mentioned? This is not about he vs she, these are issues of human rights violation, says Meenakshi Lekhi of the BJP. 2.46 pm: This law is not about empowering Muslim women, this law is about penalising Muslim men, says Sushmita Dev of the Congress opposing the criminalisation of triple talaq. 2:23 pm: 20 Islamic nations have banned Triple Talaq, then why can't a secular nation like India? I request that this should not be looked through the prism of politics, says Prasad. 2:17 pm: Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad counters Opposition and says aThis (Triple Talaq) Bill is not against any community, religion or belief. This bill is for the rights of women and about justice.a Ravi Shankar Prasad, Law Minister in Lok Sabha: This bill is not against any community, religion or belief. This bill is for the rights of women and about justice #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/IjgoI2U1Tl a ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 2:12 pm: Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay says, aWe also request the Triple Talaq Bill be sent to joint select committee, all Opposition is of the same opinion.a 2:08 pm:A The debate on the Bill resumes in the Lok Sabha. aThis is a very important bill which needs detailed study. It is also a constitutional matter. I request the bill be sent to joint select committee,a says Mallikarjun Kharge. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress in Lok Sabha: This is a very important bill which needs detailed study. It is also a constitutional matter. I request the bill be sent to joint select committee #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/YuKVyQ9sFV a ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 1.36 pm:A Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm after uproar by the Opposition. 11.35 am:A Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 pm after uproar by the Opposition over the Rafale deal. 11.34 am: Sources says the AIADMK will oppose the Bill. 10.48 am:A We will take part in the discussion and keep forward our opinion. We will appeal to the govt that it should not interfere in a religious matter, said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on discussion on #TripleTalaqbill in Lok Sabha today: We will take part in the discussion and keep forward our opinion. We will appeal to the govt that it should not interfere in a religious matter. pic.twitter.com/ThQ4U5fxz5 a ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 10.30 am:A Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to move theA Triple Talaq bill to be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha today. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to move the #TripleTalaq bill to be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha today. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/pmMSsaORwF For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Day after a Jharkhand man was arrested for murdering his mother-in-law for a tantric ritual, the Jharkhand Police has gone for a ducks post-mortem to add crucial evidence against the accused. The officials want to reconstruct the entire sequence of events to make a water-tight case against the accused. Fhalindra Lohra had sacrificed a buffalo calf and a duck before killing his mother-in-law and drinking her blood. The 30-year-old wanted to gain mastery in black magic. According to The Hindustan Times report, Lohra confessed about practicing witchcraft. He murdered his mother-in-law for a ritual, which would help his gaining mastery over black magic. Lohra visited his wife's home on Monday, where he killed his mother-in-law. When his father-in-law discovered the body, Lohra tried to flee, but he was caught by another relative. According to local police, a body of a buffalo calf and a duck were also found from the house in Ranchi's Rangamati village. Black magic or suspicion of black magic has been reason behind many crimes, especially in rural India. Recently, a 30-year-old man had murdered his mother because he suspected that she was 'doing black magic on him.' According to news agency ANI, the incident took place on December 23 in a village in Telangana. Boinpalle Police of Rajanna Sircilla District said that, "On December 23, a person by the name of Srinivas, killed his mother by strangulating her to death. He suspected that his mother practiced black magic on him, from which he was falling ill often. So the accused decided to murder his 52-year-old mother at her residence." The man has been booked under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. But it was the Burari case in the National Capital that rocked the nation. In this case, 11 members of a family allegedly committed suicide. Many reports suggested that the Chandawat family of Delhi's Burari area were under some influence and they were preforming some black magic ritual. However, the probe by the Delhi Police has pointed out the ritual gone wrong theory. According to the police, the family members never intended to end their lives. They were performing a ritual also known as 'badh pooja', in which, members tied themselves with the iron mesh in the house. But it was not a mass suicide. The probe has also ruled out any foul play or the theory that Lalit, one of the sons , killed everyone and then committed suicide. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: As the year comes to a close, let us look back at the eventful year that 2018 has been for the Indian business world with the unearthing of scams, investments, store launches, the Centre-RBI tussle, among others. Here are some of the most important business news of the year: Record-high fuel prices Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to an all-time high of Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai. Prices had started to climb from August 16. Petrol in Delhi was priced at Rs 77.14 per litre and in Mumbai it cost Rs 84.58 on August 15. Diesel on that day was priced at Rs 68.72 per litre in Delhi and at Rs 72.96 in Mumbai. Between August 16 and October 4, petrol price was hiked by Rs 6.86 per litre and diesel by Rs 6.73. Urjit Patels resignation The year-long power struggle between the Central government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was already in the fore and on , RBI Governor Urjit Patel announced his resignation citing personal reasons. On , former finance secretary and current member of the finance commission Shaktikanta Das was appointed new governor of the RBI. RBI vs government The RBI had been at loggerheads with the Centre over the Finance Ministrys use of Section 7 of the RBI Act, which granted special powers to the government to issue directions to the central bank. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely blamed the RBI for unmanageable figures of stressed assets saying that it failed to check indiscriminate lending between 2008 and 2014 causing NPA crisis in the banking industry. A new 180-day deadline was set for declaring a loan as AN NPA. It said that after 180 days, the stressed account must go to the bankruptcy courts for settlement. The government considered the new regulations as very harsh that left public sector banks in the red. As of now, 11 out of 21 PSU banks are under the RBI watch-list. Two of them, Dena Bank and Allahabad Bank, are also facing restrictions on the expansion of the business. Depreciation of the rupee The rupee witnessed its worst fall in 2018 in over five years. Breaking all records, the Indian rupee depreciated 13 per cent in 2018 and has touched a historic low of 72.32 against the US dollar. Currently, the Indian rupee is the worst performer among Asian currencies. UK court orders Vijay Mallyas extradition Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on fraud and money laundering charges worth Rs 9,000 crore, has been out on bail in the UK. On , a UK Court ordered that Mallya be extradited to India and referred the case to British Home Secretary Sajid Javid for signing the order. Warren Buffets investment in Paytm Berkshire Hathaway, founded by investor Warren Buffet, invested $300 million in One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm. This valued the company at $10 billion. The funding would enable Paytm to bring Indians to the mainstream economy through financial inclusion. Air India stake sale The Central governments attempts to sell the stakes of debt-ridden state carrier Air India was successful. Prospective buyers were mainly deterred by the humungous debt and salary arrears. The governments stand of retaining 24 per cent of the stakes also seen as a deterrent as the winning bidder would not get total control. Hence, despite offering the best international slots and access to the domestic network, the ambitious plan failed. The government is now mulling upon other ways to pare the loan which is costing it millions in interest payments. GST below 18% slab The government on streamlined the Goods and Services Tax (GST) with a view to making it more people-friendly. The GST council reduced the rates of 23 items from 18 per cent to 12 per cent and 5 per cent. Many items including television, computers and various auto parts will be cheaper now. Some items in the 5 per cent bracket have been moved to 0 per cent. Walmart-Flipkart deal, Filpkart founders Sachin and Binny Bansals exit Walmart forayed into the Indian market this year by acquiring a majority stake in ecommerce major Flipkart. The mega-deal allowed Walmart to make inroads through Flipkarts delivery infrastructure, its own stores, and millions of mom-and-pop shops. It would also gave Flipkart easy access to capital. However, the move also led to Sachin Bansals immediate exit as he was denied the opportunity of greater control on operations. Binny Bansal, who became the CEO, had to exit the company too eventually owing to charges of misconduct. Bandhan Bank IPO This was the biggest initial share sale by an Indian bank. Bandhan began as a microfinancing company in 2001 and gradually the Chandra Shekhar Ghosh-led entity transformed into a full-fledged bank in 2015 and since then has been making all the right noises. The IPO not just made it the eighth-most valued bank in the nation, but also millionaires of its early staff, who ploughed their savings back into the bank. IKEAs foray into India The maiden store launch of the Swedish furniture giant in Hyderabad in August not just drew massive footfalls, but also immense media attention. With the government allowing 100 percent FDI in single brand retail via the automatic route early this year, IKEAs path became clear. After the 4 lakh square foot store in Hyderabad, IKEA now plans to open stores in Mumbai and Bengaluru. IL&FS crisis IL&FS Ltd, or Infrastructure Leasing & Finance Services, Indias leading infrastructure finance company, defaulted on payments to lenders triggering panic in the markets. The firms investors, i.e. the banks, insurance companies and mutual funds lost money as IL&FS defaulted on its loans, commercial papers and other payments. This triggered a selloff in stocks of the investors, and further aggravated the credit crunch facing businesses in the nation. The reason behind IL&FS accumulating unsurmountable debts is the inordinate delays in infra projects from becoming profitable. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: US President Donald Trump in his first visit to Iraq on Wednesday said that America cannot be the policeman of the world and urged countries to share responsibilities. Trump also defended his decision to pull American troops out of war-torn Syria. "The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world," Trump told reporters at a military base west of Baghdad, soon after he addressed American soldiers. Accompanied by First Lady Melania this was Donald Trumps first visit to Iraq. Trump vowed for a "harsh response" from his administration if there was to be another terrorist attack on America. ALSO READ | Shutdown wont end until border wall funded, says Donald Trump "If anything should happen at all, nobody will ever have suffered the consequences they had suffered," Trump told American troops at a military base west of Baghdad. "It's not fair when the burden is all on us, the United States," he said, as he defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria and let regional countries, Turkey, in particular, to complete the work of finishing the remnants of the ISIS terror group and Saudi Arabia to invest in development of the war-ravaged country. In his interaction with reporters, Trump described how he gave "the generals" multiple six-month "extensions" to get out of Syria. "They said again, recently, can we have more time? I said, 'Nope'. You can't have any more time. You've had enough time. We've knocked them out. We've knocked them silly. "I will tell you that I've had some very good talks with (Turkish) President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan who wants to knock them out also and he'll do it. And others will do it too. Because we are in their region. They should be sharing the burden of costs and they're not," the US President said. ALSO READ | Turkey 'determined' to take on US-backed Kurdish forces in Syria Last week, Trump surprised the world and his country as well when he suddenly announced that the US is pulling out its troops from Syria. "In Syria, Erdogan said he wants to knock out ISIS, whatever's left, the remnants of ISIS. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they are going to pay for some economic development. Which is great, that means we don't have to pay. We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people haven't even heard about. Frankly, it's ridiculous," Trump added. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday agreed to continue efforts for peace and reconciliation in the war-torn Afghanistan. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who is in his last leg of his four-nation tour arrived in Russia and met his counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The two leaders discussed various bilateral and regional issues, including recent developments concerning the Afghan peace process. "On the final leg of his tour to regional countries, FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi held discussions with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov," Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted. ALSO READ | Trump makes surprise visit to Iraq, defends Syria withdrawal Later, in a statement, the Foreign Office said the "ministers agreed to continue efforts, including through Moscow Format of Consultations, for supporting reconciliation under an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process." Lavrov "acknowledged" Pakistan's efforts to achieve a political settlement in Afghanistan and offered his country's support to bring stability in the region, the statement said. It was underlined that "being the most important stakeholders", Pakistan and Russia had shared interests and concerns in Afghanistan and had the common goal of supporting all efforts to restore peace and stability in the country, the FO said. Both leaders also underscored the need to harmonise various regional approaches for developing a regional consensus on various issues. Qureshi also stated that Pakistan "greatly values" its relations with Russia. He also expressed Pakistan's desire to forge a long-term, multidimensional partnership and friendship with Russia. "Both sides expressed satisfaction on the upward trajectory of bilateral relations," the statement said. Russia last month hosted Afghan peace talks that were attended by delegations of the Taliban, the Afghan government and global stakeholders. A Pakistani delegation had also attended the peace talks. Earlier, the foreign minister visited Kabul, Tehran and Beijing, where he met his counterparts and other high-ranking officials. In Kabul, he met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on Monday and later dashed to Iran to meet his counterpart Javad Zarif. During his meetings in Afghanistan, Qureshi stressed the importance of peace in the war-torn nation for regional stability and renewed Pakistan's commitment to assist in the process. On his trip to Tehran on the same day, the foreign minister discussed with Zarif the bilateral relations and regional situation. Both officials agreed on the importance of improved bilateral relations between the two countries. On Tuesday, Qureshi was in Beijing and met Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed the latest situation in Afghanistan. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing in Beijing on Tuesday that both sides reiterated their determination to adopt a joint course of action for regional peace and stability, to promote connectivity and work for Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Diplomatic sources said Qureshi briefed his hosts about Pakistan's efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in order to achieve peace in war-torn Afghanistan. ALSO READ | Shutdown wont end until border wall funded, says Donald Trump In a sudden move, President Donald Trump last week announced his decision to pull around half of the 14,000 US troops stationed in Afghanistan. The move has stunned and dismayed allies, diplomats and officials in Kabul. The announcement comes during a renewed push for talks with the Taliban to end the 17-year war. Last week, Pakistan brokered a meeting between the US and the Taliban in Abu Dhabi in a bid to pave the way for reviving the peace process that has remained stalled since 2015, Dawn reported. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: US President Donald Trump has said that he plans to visit the country's southwestern border with Mexico early next year for groundbreaking. Trump has made securing the southern border a focal point of his presidency, with plans to beef up border security and create a wall as key components. In an interaction with reporters during his surprise visit to Iraq with First Lady Melania, Trump said he wants to visit the border wall before the State of the Union Address next year. This is his first visit to Iraq as the US President. Trump said he is planning on "going to the wall" on the Southwest Border of the US early next year for a "groundbreaking". Trump made these remarks while taking questions from reporters during a briefing with US military leaders shortly after landing in Iraq. Trump indicated that he will not budge from his position on border wall. With the opposition Democrats refusing to approve the necessary funds, the federal government has been under a partial government shutdown for four days now. "Whatever it takes. We need a wall. We need safety for our country. Even from this standpoint. We have terrorists coming in through the southern border," Trump said when asked how long this shutdown would last. Surprise visit to Iraq The US president stumped everyone with his surprise visit to a military base in Iraq. Addressing the US soldiers, Trump said that America cannot be the policeman of the world and urged other countries to share responsibilities. Trump, on a surprise visit to US troops stationed in Iraq, defended his decision to pull American troops out of war-torn Syria, saying there would be no delays. "The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world," Trump told reporters at a military base west of Baghdad, soon after he addressed American soldiers. This is his first visit to Iraq as the US President. He is accompanied by First Lady Melania. Trump vowed for a "harsh response" from his administration if there was to be another terrorist attack on America. "If anything should happen at all, nobody will ever have suffered the consequences they had suffered," Trump told American troops at a military base west of Baghdad. "It's not fair when the burden is all on us, the United States," he said, as he defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria and let regional countries, Turkey in particular, to complete the work of finishing the remnants of the ISIS terror group and Saudi Arabia to invest in development of the war-ravaged country. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. In early 2018, the Oak Park Village Board approved a stronger ordinance to regulate massage business and employees. The new ordinance was pushed through after an August 2017 investigation led to charges against four employees at three separate massage parlors operating within the village. Those three businesses also had their licenses revoked by the village. Struggling young families, a cancer patient buried under medical bills and a family displaced by a fire are all members of the Danbury-area community who need extra help this holiday season. The Giving Fund, a partnership between The News-Times and United Way of Western Connecticut, gives donors the opportunity to have an immediate impact on families and neighbors by providing resources to help resolve urgent needs. United Way administers the fund free of charge, so 100 percent of donations go directly to those who need it. Donations are collected for each case until it is fully funded. Since the partnership started, more than $500,000 has been raised for families in need. Each story illustrates a real need and every dollar goes directly to members of the community. To support one of these or another community member this year, choose the corresponding case number at The Giving Fund donation page. Checks can also be mailed to The Giving Fund, P.O. Box 1001, Danbury, CT 06813. Here are this seasons final six cases: Sam is a young father with a failing kidney and has found himself in and out of dialysis treatment as he waits for a donor match. His work hours have been reduced during his treatment and his family is struggling. Sam recently received good news when he was notified of a kidney donor and has surgery planned in February. Despite the good news, Sam will be out of work for three months. His family already cannot afford in-home care, so his wife also will now have reduced work hours to care for him. A gift of $900 will help cover the mortgage until everyone is able to return to full time work. To contribute, select case 129. Sally and her two teenage daughters were displaced by a fire that recently swept through their condominium complex. They were living separately until they were able to move back into their home recently. Most of their belongings were destroyed by fire and water damage and not everything was able to be replaced through insurance, so this small family is experiencing a great deal of financial strain. A gift of $450 will help Sally and her daughters purchase new mattresses and bedding. To contribute, select case 130. Maria and Marco are a hard-working family of four of modest means. They do not have friends or family in the area and frequently turn to their faith and church for camaraderie and support. The family recently found themselves without a home of their own and are sharing a room in an apartment with a friend from church. Marco already works long hours and recently took another part-time job to save money to get their home back. Maria was able to find affordable child care for her two children and has started her first full-time job. A gift of $300 will help pay for food, personal care items and other basic needs that the family has to do without until they can get back on their feet again. To contribute, select case 131. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three young children who are 9, 6 and 5 years old. Their youngest child was diagnosed with low-functioning autism and requires constant care and supervision. Mr. Smith works full time at a physically demanding job while Mrs. Smith had to leave her job to tend to their youngest when the family could not afford the care he requires. They somehow manage to meet the needs of their children and often express gratitude for the things they do have, but with only one income, they are having trouble with basic living expenses like utilities and bills. A gift of $500 would help provide the children some warm winter clothing, boots and extra groceries. To contribute, select case 132. Mr. and Mrs. Bleu are an upbeat and positive couple, but an unforeseen issue temporarily displaced them and their three children from their home. Lilly, their preteen daughter, has never had a room of her own, instead always sharing with two younger siblings. She will finally have a room that she can call her own when the family returns home, but the costs of being out of their home has put a financial strain on this family during the holidays. A gift of $300 would provide Lilly with a new bedroom set and things that will bring unique personality to her room. To contribute, select case 133. Frank and Eleanor Matthews and their five children live a very modest life. Frank works as a mechanic and Eleanor as a school bus driver, when she is feeling well enough. Eleanor has undergone cancer treatment for three years and mounting medical bills are straining the family. Their oldest son recently graduated high school and works with his dad in an effort to help support the family. Simple tasks like shopping grocery shopping have forced Frank and Eleanor to make some tough choices. A gift of $350 will help to heat their home this winter and buy healthy food to feed their family. To contribute, select case 134. SOUTHBURY The Pomperaug District Department of Health plans to launch a new program next year to combat the opioid crisis. The department is among 20 departments in the country to receive money from the Barclay-Giel Seed Grant, which will pay for the program. Called Regional Opioid Awareness & Response, or ROAR, the program will delve into prevention strategies, how to recognize symptoms of substance use disorder and more. The department is partnering with local prevention councils from Southbury, Middlebury and Oxford on the initiative. The department was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants across the country to receive the inaugural grant from the U.S. Public Health Commissioned Officers Foundation, according to a release. Grants were for up to $5,000. Naugatuck High School also earned a grant for mental health programs, while the Ledge Light Health District in New London received money to raise awareness for opioid use, according to a release. Pomperaugs program will kick off with a community presentation from 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 20 at the departments headquarters at Southburys Playhouse Corner. A behavioral health director from the Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse will provide naloxone kits for free to uninsured residents. Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required by contacting robin.lucas@pddh.org or 203.264.9616 extension 4. Additional presentations will be facilitated upon request in cooperation with regional opioid prevention partners, houses of worship and volunteer agencies, including Medical Reserve Corps, Community Emergency Response Teams and Prevention Corps. Local ROAR presentations will culminate in a statewide ROAR symposium in the spring of 2019, featuring experts, a keynote speaker and the dissemination of resources and educational materials. Anna Trusty was finding it harder and harder to keep up with her five sons, four of whom she educates in her Chicago home. Instead of walking with her kids to the park a mile away, she was seeing doctors and looking for answers. Opioid medications gave her no relief. I was using more and more, and they werent working, she said. Trustys doctor recommended medical marijuana, but she wasnt ready to use something thats still illegal on the federal level. Then a friend recommended cannabidiol (CBD). The compound comes from hemp, but unlike the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives marijuana its kick, CBD wont make anyone high. Industrial hemp is the same species of plant as marijuana, but has to have under 0.3 percent THC, something that Trusty made sure to investigate ahead of time. My friend gave me some [CBD] to try, and then I researched it myself. But her reading reassured her and she decided to give it a try. That was in mid-August. She says in two months a lot has changed. Related: The Coming International CBD Boom and How it Will Disrupt the Marijuana Business Its actually allowed me to have almost no pain, she says. As the pain faded, her emotional health improved. Im weaning off antidepressants and its going well, Trusty said. Demand for CBD is rising because of consumers like Trusty whose health problems persist despite conventional treatments. Coca-Cola is exploring CBD-infused beverages. Epidiolex, a CBD-based medicine, has received FDA approval. President Trump has signed the Farm Bill legalizing hemp farming for the first time since 1937, creating a vast source of legal CBD. CBD is hitting the big time. Jeff Wright, vice president for Extraction and Purification for Thar Process, a Pittsburgh-based company specializing in cutting-edge CBD extraction technology, compared it to Omega-3 fatty acids 20 years ago. In the 90s Omega-3s were hot hot hot, he said. CBD is the next Omega-3. Although much of the scientific evidence is preliminary, CBD has been suggested as a treatment for mood disorders. It has the potential to fight cancer, alleviate neurological diseases, chronic pain and other inflammatory conditions. Related: The Next Big Thing in 'Green' Packaging Is Hemp Bioplastic Most commonly found as an oil, CBD can also be infused into food or drink, as well as vaped or applied topically. From Wright's perspective in the middle of the CBD supply chain, Wright sees the vast business opportunity it presents. Not too many people are farming hemp right now, he said, so right now theres a window of time when its extremely lucrative to grow. Long term it will be a huge commodity. Cannabis business analysts The Brighfield Group predict that with its growing popularity as a food and cosmetic ingredient in addition to medical uses, the CBD industry will hit $591 million in 2018 and balloon up to $22 billion within the next four years. Bethany Gomez, director of research for the Brightfield Group, said in an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, What we started tracking this year was an explosion -- face mask, bug bites, skin care, topicals. Its being used for everything you can think of -- sports, triathlons. People want to buy it for their grandma, for arthritis. Women get it for PMS and endometriosis -- common things that people have been using over the counter medications [for]. Related: The Next Big Cannabis Opportunity? Mills to Process Industrial Hemp. The demand for hemp is certain to grow. Leighton Rice, co-owner of Humble Hemp Farmers in Ortana, PA, is growing his first crop of hemp for CBD, just six acres, under that states hemp pilot program. He decided to try it after a friend on the West Coast sold him on the promise of CBD as a cash crop. He explained the CBD is extracted from the dried flowers of the hemp plant. At about 15 percent into the harvesting process, he said he has not been able to test the flowers to determine the grade of CBD they will produce. But hes getting calls every day from people who want to prebuy his flowers for $80 to $100 per pound. So far, he says, so good. Related: CBD From Hemp Is Booming for Body, Mind and Business The Cannabis M&A Boom Is Looking Like the Dot.com Boom. Here's How to Avoid the Bust. CBD Is Just the First Huge Benefit From Legal Hemp Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The bonus fund was included in the check deception fund, which is one of the more than 80 user-fee funds the county has within its budget. When the council reviews those funds during the budget process, they are appropriated en masse without including any salary adjustments or new positions. Chinas H-20 stealth bomber will join the J-20 fighters, Y-20 airlifters and Z-20 helicopters in the Chinese Air Forces 20 series of new aircraft. Many observers believe the 20 means they would be in service around the year 2020. A prototype H-20 has been seen in some videos and pictures and has a similar design to the US B-2 stealth bomber, with a built-in fuselage and no tail. Type 095 Nuclear Powered Submarines China has started building the first of the nuclear-powered Type 095s submarines. China has a new JL-3 submarine-launched missile which will be comparable to the US Trident II D-5 and the new Russian Bulava SLBMs. It will be used on future Type 096 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). In 2019, the Chinese navy is also expected to receive its first 055 destroyers, which have been on sea trials since August. This 12,000-tonne guided-missile warship, which exceeds the usual size of destroyer, will serve as the primary escort to the aircraft carrier in its strike group. Finding the right tenant for emptied Toys R Us stores may not be too difficult in southwestern Connecticut heading into 2019. Its been more than six months since the demise of the big-box toy store company, which left cities nationwide with thousands of empty retail space, in many cases on prime locations that may grab the attention of potential developers, according to market observers. I dont anticipate (the empty retail space) being vacant for the entire year of 2019, said Bruce Wettenstein, of Westport-based firm Vidal / Wettenstein. Following efforts to salvage its company, Toys R Us, like other big-box retailers, closed hundreds of locations nationwide. In Norwalk, Danbury and Milford, Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores shuttered over the summer, leaving behind holes within each citys retail markets. In Milford, Wettenstein said, there is already interest in the former storefront. Like Norwalk and Danbury, Milfords former Toys R Us is visible from a major highway, adding to the marketability across different commercial sectors. Ongoing construction of the SoNo Collection mall within walking distance of the defunct toy store companys former Norwalk space, officials said, could add appeal to prospective tenants. Its in a great location with high visibility off I-95, said Norwalk mayor Harry Rilling. Having the SoNo Collection nearby is a plus for that location. Not every business is the right fit both from a physical space and business development perspective to occupy square footage in a mall. Being close to the retail center which will bring in consumers from all over the state and New York is an added benefit. The same could be said for the former Toys R US at 17 Backus Ave. in Danbury, which was also near the citys mall. Considering the retail markets changing landscape, Wettenstein and other area brokers also see leasing opportunities for several types of businesses for the space other than retail. More than likely, it might be a different use such as a recreational (one), Wettenstein said. There are companies that are still in the recreational-type uses like trampoline parks and rock wall climbing facilities. That was the case with an 85,000-square-foot space in Orange that now accommodates Urban Air Adventure Park at 260 Bull Hill Lane. Milford-based broker Carl Russell of H. Pearce Commercial Real Estate hasnt ruled out a possible retail rebirth for that space, however. With roughly 39,000 square feet available, Russell said breaking up the space could improve its marketability. There has also been interest from other large-scale retailers looking to move into former Toys R US locations nationwide, according to previous reports. In the early stages of Toys R Us liquidation, CNN reported that companies possible retail-focused tenants like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls could refill vacant spaces, along with Dollar General and other off-price stores looking to expand in bulk during 2019. It could be a retail play, Russell said. We dont see a lot of 40,000 square-foot retail users in the market. The building probably could be subdivided. With loading docks, high ceilings and access to the highway, Russell added that the former store could also be used for businesses looking for industrial space a market which has seen growing activity in recent years. Light industrial parks throughout Fairfield County have attracted a number of local businesses in different industries, including medical, recreation, warehousing and order fulfillment sites. Youve got two potential users here, a retailer and an industrial user and what it ends up being remains to be seen, Russell said. Jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com NEW HAVEN The co-owners of Olmo, the successor to Caseus on Whitney Avenue, want to be sure the cheese doesnt stand alone. After announcing an intention to rebrand East Rock fromagerie Caseus in July, co-owners Jason Sobocinski, Alex Lishchynsky and Craig Hutchinson quietly reopened the restaurant, now dubbed Olmo, for meal service last week. The restaurant, which has two floors of dining rooms and a basement drop-in shop, has expanded from 13 meal services per week to 20, Lishchynsky said, to be more accommodating to New Haven, and to offer more to the community and the public. We still have cheese here, an even more impressive selection of cheese, Sobocinski said. Because of our new format, its not four cheeses on a board, but 10 cheese that rotate, and our cheese boards are of a caliber no other in Connecticut can rival. Many of the changes to the restaurant have been to increase the hours of service and to transform the basement shop from a cheese shop to a bakery and sandwich shop, with bagels and pastries in the morning, and soups, salads and sandwiches in the afternoon for diners on the go. Although the restaurant is continuing its monthly subscription Cheese of the Month Club service, its dropped a word from the title. Its the Of the Month Club, because its more than cheese, Hutchinson said, comparing the model to Blue Apron, a service that delivers ingredients to homes with a recipe card, to give subscribers fresh ingredients and inspiration. In December, subscribers received La Tur cheese a soft blend of goat, sheep and cow milk alongside hand cut pasta with instructions on how to prepare a lemony, cheesy pasta dish. On Wednesday around 3 p.m., between the lunch and dinner crowds, Hutchinson was kneading dough. He said Olmo would make fresh foods, such as breads, made in-house, an emphasis over its selection of cheeses. Were making bread from organic grains and not budging from that. If it comes from the oven, it makes the best sandwich. Although Caseus no longer has a storefront on the edge of the citys downtown, its food truck The Cheese Truck remains. Additionally, Sobocinskis mother, Sylvia teaches, cheese-centered cooking classes called Complements by Caseus. The restaurant has also improved some of its internal hardware Sobocinski said they upgraded the power, so that the restaurant could accomodate a new dishwasher. The owners post updates about the restaurant on Facebook, although Sobocinski said they are unable to manage the restaurant and project social media presences in one place. Now that word is spreading that Olmo opened its doors last week, Lishchynsky said business has been good. The phone keeps ringing, he said. A lot of people are excited to get in for dinner. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com Connecticut Magazine has asked their readers to share their favorite places to eat and drink and once again, readers responded in force. Now the ballots have been counted, and Connecticut Magazine is pleased to present the winners of their 40th Readers' Choice Awards. In the statewide and county results, more than 70 restaurant and food categories ranked some of residents' most favorite dining spots in the state, making it the biggest, most extensive Readers' Choice ever. HAMDEN The community will open seasonal warming centers in January and February, partnering with New Haven-based nonprofit Columbus House Inc. to provide a place for those in need to find refuge on winter evenings. According to a release from the community, a center will open at Grace & St. Peters Episcopal Church, located at 2927 Dixwell Ave., from Jan. 7 to Jan. 31. Then, from Feb. 1 through Feb. 21, Hamden Plains Methodist Church, located at 15 Church St., will open its doors. They will be staffed by two Columbus House staffers each evening from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., according to the release. These locations are not shelters, as no beds will be provided, officials said in the release. The locations will offer clean, safe, indoor overnight services to protect those in-need from harsh weather conditions, and who would likely otherwise spend their nights outdoors. An agreement between the town and Columbus House Inc. was recently approved by the Legislative Council, according to the release. In statements, officials said they hope the centers will benefit homeless people in the community. I am very pleased that we are taking action to help Hamdens homeless population during the coldest months of the year. Our warming center will help the most vulnerable people in Hamden stay safe and get connected to the services they need, said Hamden Community Development Manager Adam Sendroff. Im grateful to our wonderful partners for this project, Columbus House, Grace & St. Peters Episcopal Church, and Hamden Plains United Methodist Church. As a resident of Hamden, I am proud of our town for expressing its support for the warming center, which will serve people who are the most vulnerable among us, said Columbus House CEO Alison Cunningham. The warming center will provide a warm, safe place for people to stay through the harshest winter months. Columbus House on-site staff will provide overnight staffing and referrals to additional services to help people resolve their homelessness. I am extremely grateful for the efforts of our Community Development Department and Columbus House Inc., as well as our local churches. To officially establish this vital community service in Hamden is a great step forward in helping our residents most in need, said Mayor Curt B. Leng. A warm place on a cold, exhausting night can make all the difference in the world. Those who wish to help out with the new initiatives can bring donations, including checks made out to Columbus House, to the Keefe Center, located at 11 Pine St., officials said. The town and Columbus House are seeking non-perishable, pre-wrapped snack food items like protein bars, cookies, chips, and other snacks, fruits like apples, bananas and clementines, beverages including tea bags, coffee, instant hot-cocoa, sugar, non-dairy creamers, and bottled water, and new socks, gloves, underwear and hats. A Congressional coalition from Connecticut and New York state is asking President Donald Trump for more money to improve Long Island Sound and warning the waterways health remains fragile and endangered. If we consider the status quo acceptable, the Long Island Sound and the coastline we know will not be recognizable to the next generation, the U.S. senators and House members said in a letter to Trump. As a result, the vibrant business community and economic activity the Sound supports will dwindle. The lawmakers are seeking $20 million in the 2020 federal budget now being put together. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., joined U.S. senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, both Connecticut Democrats, in calling for the money. Also signing the letter were Connecticut U.S. representatives Jim Himes, Joe Courtney, John Larson and Rosa DeLauro and New Yorks Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and representatives Lee Zeldin, Peter King and Thomas Suozzi. The federal government in the past has provided funding for ongoing cleanup of the Sound, nitrogen reduction and shoreline projects. But with a government shutdown under way, the demand by the coalition is considered a timely warning to Trump that other pressing needs should not outweigh Sound funding. Urgent call Bill Lucey, the Long Island Soundkeeper, said the request is a big deal and represents an increase from the $12 million allocated last year. But the money is still well short of the $65 million in annual funding authorized years ago to reduce nitrogen and make other improvements, he said. The money goes into research and programs, Lucey said. The 58 percent reduction in nitrogen that we have seen goes through this steward program. The eastern portion of the Sound is considered the cleanest region, in part because of natural flushing from the open ocean and less population density along the shore. The western portion continues to test high for nitrogen levels, which robs the water of oxygen and chokes off sea life, in part because of inadequate wastewater treatment systems along the shore. The letter to Trump calls attention to the fact that cleaning up the Sound is still a work in progress. The appeal is also bipartisan: King and Zeldin are Republicans. The Sound is a proven economic driver in the Northeast, generating at least $17 billion to the regional economy from transportation, fishing and recreational activities it supports, the lawmakers told Trump. Long Island Sound Geographic Program funding has allowed local communities across the watershed to make significant progress in improving the Sound, the coalition said. In the most recent award year, projects spanned four states and included funding for building environmentally friendly coastal resiliency structures, monitoring water quality, constructing fishways, reducing nitrogen pollution and protecting marine life, the coalition said. Climate change impacts Long Island Sound programs last year assisted wastewater cleanup efforts and nitrogen removal. The state is using federal funding to gain a better understanding of micro-plastic pollution and to reopen a migratory fishway that hasnt been used by blueback herring in 300 years. Over the years, important projects have been funded that promoted habitat restoration of coastal wetland areas as well as watershed management projects and opening many miles riverine habitat for migratory fish to spawn, said Rob Klee, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Klee said a recent $2 million federal allocation the states portion of $2.6 million recently dedicated to Sound improvements will fund 20 projects in Connecticut and four along the Connecticut River watershed. We have also witnessed the impacts of climate change, with additional projects funded to assist with improving resiliency and sustainability of our coastal and watershed habitats, Klee said. Already approved federal funds will pay for treating 1.9 million gallons of water, collecting 37,000 pounds of floating trash, opening 6 miles of river and restoring 18 acres of coastal habitat for fish and wildlife. Another project will use seaweed to remove pollution from Greenwich Harbor, study water quality in the Norwalk and Stamford Harbors and help prevent storm water pollution in New Haven from entering the Sound. bcummings@ctpost.com UPDATE: 9:15 AM Friday From the Hawinton Volunteer Fire Department: Because so many were asking, here is an update on Jennifer, the cow we helped rescue from the mud on Wednesday. She continues to improve, is eating and drinking, and even had regained enough strength to stand up briefly on Thursday. She was checked over by a veterinarian, who said time will tell on her complete recovery, but things are looking up at this point! EARLIER STORY Why did the cow cross the swamp? Yes, maybe to get to the other side, but the cow ended up getting stuck in mucky mud. It happened around 2:30 p.m Wednesday in a swampy area off Woodchuck Lane in Harwinton in northwest Connecticut. The Harwinton.Volunteer Fire Department posted on Facebook that the owner was able to get the trapped cow unstuck using a strap and a winch on a quad, but the cow was cold and weak and unable to stand. Cow rescuers from the fire department soon arrived on the scene to help the bogged-down bovine. We used several sheets of plywood, several ladders, some fence rails, the winches on two quads, and some ingenuity to successfully get the cow out of the swamp and to a barn where it was covered with blankets and awaiting the arrival of a veterinarian. As the fire department rightly said, Good team work made this happen. Hartman said a resident, who lives near the park, heard the crash that sounded like a big boom. I think he hit a culvert and went airborne, he said. Hartman said the pole was snapped in two places. He said he found a grill that likely belonged to the hit-and-run drivers vehicle along the roadway. NEW HAVEN The Knights of Columbus sent $75,000 in contributions to more than 20 area charities this month in the spirit of giving back to the community. Even as we have expanded internationally, our roots in New Haven are strong, and we remain dedicated to giving back to this community that has always embraced us and our mission, Knights of Columbus CEO Carl Anderson said in a release. The Catholic fraternal organization spread the good will to New Haven charities including St. Anns Soup Kitchen, Columbus House, Connecticut Hospice, Farnam Neighborhood House, Christian Community Action, Community Soup Kitchen, Little Sisters of the Poor, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, St. Lukes Lunch for Women and Children, St. Thomas More Soup Kitchen, The Salvation Army, Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, Beacon on the Hill, Caring Cuisine, Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, Life Haven, Community Dining Room and Mary Wade Home. The considerable community service and abundant charitable acts completed by the Knights are a constant reminder about the good neighbors they have always been, about the generous nature of the Knights on a larger scale, and about how proud New Haven is to be the world headquarters of the Knights of Columbus, Mayor Toni N. Harp said in a release. Founded by the Rev. Michael McGivney in the basement of St. Marys parish on Hillhouse Avenue in 1882, the Knights of Columbus has nearly 1.9 million members worldwide and set a record for charitable giving in 2017-18 collecting more than $185 million in donations and giving 75 million hours of service to charitable causes. The Knights of Columbus is the worlds largest Catholic service organization for adult men. Close to 80 Knights of Columbus employees partnered with local nonprofits, including the Connecticut Food Bank in Wallingford; the Community Dining Room in Branford; and the Eli Whitney Museum in Hamden, to help the hundreds of Connecticut families the organizations serve. Knights of Columbus employees also volunteered at New Havens annual Day of Joy held at Wexler-Grant Community School serving hot meals to everyone and giving coats to children. The Knights of Columbus donated $8,000 to the Day of Joy for the purchase of the food that was distributed. Theyre everyday people helping people every day, the release said. Whether its aiding the less fortunate, local volunteering, networking with others of shared values and beliefs, or participating in fun, family-inclusive events, the Knights of Columbus welcome and value Catholic men seeking community and ways to put their faith into action. mdignan@hearstmediact.com NEW HAVEN The atrium at City Hall was filled with celebration and community as people gathered Tuesday to mark the first day of Kwanzaa. The annual Kwanzaa ceremony was sponsored by the Black & Hispanic Caucus of the Board of Alders. It is a pan-African cultural holiday which celebrates family, community and heritage Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Thank you for helping preserve our culture and tradition at a time of year when so many are eager to embrace what we all have in common, Mayor Toni N. Harp said. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African studies at California State University at Long Beach, founded the holiday in 1966 with the idea to set aside a time to celebrate community and traditions of African American culture. Its a cultural affirmation of our rich heritage, said Elaine Peters of the Community Kwanzaa Association. Today is about unity, Board of Alders President Tyisha Walker-Myers, D-23, said. Its really important to bring everybody together because at a time like this when everyone is exploring differences, we need to concentrate on our similarities. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means first fruits, in Swahili. The holiday centers around seven principles umoja, kijichugulia, ujima, ujamaa, nia, kuumba and imani, which translate to unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Kwanzaa should be celebrated year-round, Peters said. We observe it for seven days but the principles, the words, we try to live up to them every day. To start the celebration, Peters led the crowd in a call to ancestors, demonstrating the ritual with mementos from her family members who have passed. It continued with children from the crowd reading the seven principles of Kwanzaa and lighting the mishumaa saba the seven candles. Following the candle lighting were dance performances by the Hamden Academy of Dance & Music and Ultimate Dance Experience, then African drumming and dancing led by Kendrick Baker of Djrum Works & Mudcloth Cultural Arts Movement. Baker gathered children and adults to perform drumming with traditional instruments and dances. Justin Farmer, a councilman in Hamden, attended the celebration in honor of the holiday. For him Kwanzaa means remembering tradition and the history of African culture and remembering principles of respect, community and family. Its a great way to reflect, especially going into the new year, he said. Its beautiful that the city acknowledges Kwanzaa. The Community Kwanzaa Association will hold another celebration Jan. 5 at the Courtland Wilson Library 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., which will include performances and a feast. The event is free with a suggested donation. mdignan@hearstmediact.com NEW HAVEN The Room for All report is attracting support as the basis for many elements that, if changed, could boost the number of affordable housing options in the city and more consistent landlord accountability. The Affordable Housing Task Force is set to release its report in a meeting Jan. 9, with a public hearing and final vote Jan. 15. The task force was assembled in response to the loss of single room occupancy, or SRO, units at the Duncan Hotel, but it has gone far beyond that to embrace a more comprehensive look at housing needs in the city and solutions to the struggle for decent housing for all residents. It was written my several members of the Room for All Coalition, which include CT Bail Funds Housing Not Jails, Youth Continuum, Y2Y , New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Mothers and Others for Justice and Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven. Liam Brennan compiled and edited what was a group effort of coalition members. It makes recommendations on land use changes, as well as incentives to developers to include rents for low-income tenants in a mix of apartments, more sophisticated tracking of large landlords and a better system of keeping the citys housing stock in good repair. On land use, the recommendation is to adopt inclusionary zoning, allow for the creation of accessory dwelling units and allow construction of housing on abandoned lots that are now owned by the city. It suggests that the city require all new buildings with 10 units or more set aside 10 to 20 percent of the rents at below market rates. However, it also recognizes that the economics of building apartments is complicated. To that end, it suggests that the city require half of the below market rate units be sold to persons earning between 60 and 80 percent of the area median income, or AMI. It further suggests the use of tax abatement to require landlords to rent the remaining affordable apartments to tenants who only earn 25 to 60 percent of AMI. Currently, the city negotiates with developers on building some affordable units. The report suggests setting a standard inclusionary zoning rule for large developments to make this predictable. The report agrees with architecture student Jonathan Hopkins that the zoning code allow for construction of accessory dwelling units to expand housing options. It could use tax and fee abatement and state subsidies to ensure affordability or transfer the project-based Section 8 funding from Church Street South to some of these units. Another major change would be to ease the zoning rules on minimum lot area requirements. It is now illegal to build on any lot less than 5,400 square feet, which is about 0.12 acres of land. Liam Brennan, who is with the New Haven Legal Assistance Association, made a presentation at the Downtown Wooster Square Community Management Team meeting in which he pointed out housing built on smaller lots before the 5,200 square feet rule went into effect. NHLAA found a single-family house on 0.03 acres on Lincoln Street; a three-family home on 0.08 acres on Lombard Street; a four-family home on 0.08 acres on Pleasant Street and a three-family home on 0.06 acres on Clark Street, among others. It said it found an estimated 50 city-owned lots in residential areas that could support housing if the lot size were lowered. A sampling of them were on Lilac, Newhall, Button, Bassett, Lloyd and Richard streets. It said currently, Beulah Land Development Corp. is having difficulty building two homes, one at 232 Munson St. and one at 245 Munson St. He said the zoning rules and the citys policy that Beulah receive zoning relief before the city sells the corporation the property has delayed the project and increased the cost. The unnecessary hurdles that the citys zoning code places on creating new housing on lots that easily support housing in other locations discourages development and in particular, discourages the type of development that could most benefit lower-income residents, the report says. It states that New Haven could use covenants or land banking to make certain that the home is rented at affordable rates. Building on these lots not only boost housing, but puts them on the tax rolls. Elm City Communities, which is the citys housing authority, said 41 percent of city residents are rent-burdened, that is they pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing. The Partnership for Strong Communities puts the number of residents who are rent-burdened at 57 percent. The report also addresses what it calls Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing, that is, privately owned rentals that are paid by low- and moderate-income renters. The city cant keep them moderately priced if the market allows higher rents, but it should have reforms that ensure that these units meet a livability standard. It is time to bring sunlight and publicity to the activity of city landlords who are degrading New Havens housing infrastructure and failing their tenants, the report recommends. The recommendation is to put complaints about a landlord on the citys website, as well as how long it took to fix them. New York City would be a model as it publicizes a landlord watch list, cataloging the 100 worst landlords. It lists open housing code violations, building code violations and tax lien information. It recommends New Haven add information on high eviction rates. The increasing number of landlords who create separate limited liability corporations for their properties obscures their identity and can hurt anti-blight efforts. The report points again to New York and how it has untangled these shell companies. Overall, New York City has a well-developed ecosystem to track and model landlord networks, quality and displacement activities. ... If the city of New Haven were to adopt similar measures, the community could play a large role in increasing accountability in the rental market, the report states. The NHLAA is working to identify LLCs and which landlords are responsible for the most evictions. Misspellings and lack of standardized language made it difficult to do this, but eventually they identified 3,900 unique landlords. Those that evicted the most tenants were banks and other lending institutions, while the Housing Authority of New Haven had 301 evictions from 2013-16 and Carabetta Management had 209, the reports says. It said the city needs a centralized IT system where the Livable City Initiative can keep track of landlord compliance and route complaints to the right agency. It said New Haven should make expanded use of SeeClickFix, an online portal for reporting quality of life issues, to post rental housing issues and to allow tenants to note their problems. It said use of the Fair Rent Commission should also be made clear to the public. A major reform recommended by the report is to have the city digitize its records and create a system where properties can be cross-referenced with unique identifiers, such as the states Concord business number. While this affects all city agencies, LCI and the Health Department are especially important as they are charged with enforcement. It recommends that the city increase penalties for landlords with blighted properties. It sites the Chicago Troubled Buildings Initiative, which focuses on code enforcement and receivership to get blight taken care of. It has foreclosed on some properties, but usually the threat of foreclosure is enough. On the flip side, the report recommends rewarding landlords that provide quality service by highlighting their work. Also, to keep rental property maintained, it said New Haven should work with community development financial institutions to develop low interest and forgivable loans. It recommends tax incentives or abatement to mom-and-pop landlords to encourage them to undertake regular maintenance. Alder Abby Roth, D-7, also wants a discussion of the citys Tax Assessment Deferral Program to determine whether it is too generous or it should be connected with inclusionary zoning where a percentage of the savings to developers is shifted to a fund for affordable housing if they did not include a certain level of affordable housing in their plans. mary.oleary@hearstmediact.coml 203-641-2577. 5 1 of 5 Viktoria Sundqvist / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Viktoria Sundqvist / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Viktoria Sundqvist / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 5 of 5 NEW HAVEN The highway ramp from Interstate 91 to Interstate 91 north has reopened Thursday evening after an overturned tractor trailer closed the ramp for several hours. The rollover happened a little after 1 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Connecticut State Police. A New Haven public works employee is accused of pistol-whipping a co-worker on Wednesday. NBC Connecticut reported that police responded to a home on Middletown Avenue around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday for an assault. Henry Bell, 51, allegedly confronted a co-worker with a handgun and began hitting the victim in the head with the weapon. Police said both Bell and the victim were off-duty at the time. The victim reportedly had minor injuries to his face and was taken to the hospital. (CNN) A high-profile Chinese human rights lawyer detained more than three years ago is facing trial Wednesday, the latest prominent detainee sent to court by the ruling Communist Party over the Christmas period. Wang Quanzhang was taken into custody in July 2015, one of more than 200 lawyers and activists detained as part of a mass crackdown on human rights defenders across China. Wang, known for his advocacy of practitioners of the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement and Christians, is the last lawyer still behind bars as part of the sweep. As the trial was taking place, protesters, some of whom had traveled from other cities, gathered outside the court in Tianjin. Many were quickly bundled into police cars and taken away amid a heavy security presence surrounding the court. China regularly sends high-profile detainees and dissidents to court around the Christmas period, taking advantage of the large absence of the international media and diplomatic community. Human rights activist Wu Gan was sentenced to eight years in prison on Christmas Day in 2017, while Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo was imprisoned on the same day in 2009. Doriane Lau, China researcher with Amnesty International, said in a statement Wang's trial was a "cruel charade" and called for him to be released "immediately." "This is a sham trial in which Wang Quanzhang is being persecuted only for peacefully defending human rights," Lau said. Lau said there was a "grave risk" Wang had been tortured and mistreated in detention. Wang's trial began on Wednesday morning local time, and is being held behind closed doors due to the nature of the charges. It isn't clear how long the trial will last or when the final sentence will be handed down. Wang's wife, Li Wenzu, has been campaigning relentlessly for his release ever since her husband's detention. In April she marched from Beijing to Tianjin on foot to "find her husband." She was one of four spouses of high-profile human rights lawyers who protested against their detention in front of the Supreme People's Court on December 17, publicly shaving their heads in protest as the word "hairlessness" sounds similar to "lawlessness" in Chinese. Due to the tight control of China's authoritarian government and harsh penalties for protesting, public demonstrations in China over politically sensitive topics are rare. After security guards stopped her from presenting a letter petitioning for her husband, Li said judges had behaved in a "lawless" manner around Wang's trial. "It has been almost two years since the case of Wang Quanzhang was filed to the court, but the judges in charge of this case have been avoiding meeting us, and our lawyer is not allowed to see the court paper," she said at the protest. "This case has been endlessly delayed ... so I came here today to ask the Supreme Court to fulfill its responsibility of supervising and to correct the subordinate court's unlawful behaviors." Li was also visited by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her last visit to China in May. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Beijing puts human rights lawyer on trial day after Christmas." This year marks the 35th anniversary of the film, which is based on the childhood recollections of Shepherd about his youth growing up in Northwest Indiana. Finally, after three decades, the comic satire publication MAD magazine decided this season was the right time to skewer the film favorite about BB guns, bullies and parental holiday mishaps that unfolded in the late 1930s. The MAD December issue did the same type of silly tribute to Windy City TV icon Rich Koz and his spooky show host alter-ego Svengoolie. This latest lampoon of A Christmas Story appears in the February 2019 issue, which has just arrived to store magazine racks. Since reform and opening up, medical services in urban and rural areas have greatly improved. Especially after the introduction of new rural cooperative medical insurance system, along with the improvement of basic health insurance and serious disease insurance schemes, people have easier access to medical services and can receive more government subsidies. The pressure on impoverished residents has been relieved significantly, and government spending on healthcare has increased markedly. In 2017, the average medical care spending of urban residents was 1,777 yuan after an average annual growth of 16.7 percent since 1979; the medical care spending accounted for 7.3 percent of the total spending of average urban residents, up by 5.9 percentage points compared to 1978. In 2017, the average medical care spending of rural residents was 1,059 yuan after an average annual growth of 16.7 percent since 1986; the medical care spending accounted for 9.7 percent of the total spending of average rural residents, up by 7.3 percentage points compared to 1985. Home invaders made off with a victims guns and Cadillac after forcing their way into his home. The victim, on North Beecham Road in Monroe Township, Gloucester County, answered his door sometime between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Dec. 22 and was greeted by an unknown man on his porch. A second man jumped onto the porch and pushed his way past both of them into the house, knocking the homeowner to the ground in the process, according to Monroe Township Police. Both men pulled the victim into the home and one watched him while the other rummaged for valuables. One of the intruders found a handgun under a table, unholstered it and pointed it at the homeowner, demanding his phone, wallet and car keys, police said. After getting those items, the men shoved their victim into a closet and propped items against the door to keep him trapped. Several minutes later, they were gone, taking the victims 2012 white Cadillac CTS, with New Jersey registration A69ETW, the handgun, described as a .38 caliber Walther, and a .22-caliber rifle. Police released this image of the Cadillac stolen during a recent home invasion in Gloucester County. (Monroe Township Police Department) The victim forced his way out of the closet shortly after 8 a.m. and went to a neighbors house to call 911. Witnesses reported seeing a silver or tan vehicle that may have been connected to the crime. It had a large chrome grill that didnt seem to fit the car. A man was driving and a passenger had a hood covering his face. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Don Darcangelo at 856-728-9800, ext. 524. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 856-875-2940. Forget Miami or Tampa. The nations best Cuban sandwich is in West New York. So says Food Network personality Carl Ruiz, a Jersey chef who says he has eaten 500 or so Cuban sandwiches in Tampa, Miami and elsewhere. La Pola in West New York, he says, serves up the absolute best, a perfect combination of bread, ham, pork, cheese and mojo or marinade. Ruiz, former owner of Maries Italian Specialties in Chatham, has been a guest on several shows on the Food Network, including Guys Grocery Games, Guys Ranch Kitchen and Carls World: Restaurant Therapy. He also appears on Opie Radio The Podcast. Ruiz, who plans to open a Cuban restaurant in New York City early next year, says hes eaten about 500 Cuban sandwiches over the years, many of those in Tampa and Miami, the hotbeds of Cuban culture and food in this country. None of those sandwiches, he says, match the one at La Pola (although he acknowledges that Tampa is "the king of Cuban bread'). La Pola is an old-school haunt on Palisade Avenue with its diner-like counter and stools and just one person making the sandwiches. Thats Belarmino Rico, who opened La Pola in 1978. The restaurant is named after the town in northern Spain where hes from. My Twitter photo of the sandwich provoked a heated debate, with many people doubting the best Cuban sandwich could ever come from New Jersey, that they could only come from Tampa or Miami. Even the official Twitter account for the city of Tampa chimed in: Nope. The best Cuban Sandwiches all reside in #Tampa. pic.twitter.com/YBcjkJKkk8 City of Tampa (@CityofTampa) December 26, 2018 "Yeah, St. Pete and Tampa didnt like that very much,''' read a broadside from cltampa.com "Both cities - including St. Pete mayor Rick Kriseman - were quick to shoot down the declaration from Carl Ruiz . . .'' "Tampa, St. Petersburg have something to say about the countrys best Cuban,'' read the cltampa headline. The subhead: "The sandwich aint found in Jersey, OK?'' What makes La Polas Cubano special, according to Ruiz, is the hand-sliced ham and pork, and excellent bread, from Cuba Bakery in Union City. Too often, Cuban sandwiches use pulled pork, which Ruiz considers vastly inferior. And theyre "overmustard-y, over pickle-y.'' "Cuban sandwiches now are pulled pork sandwiches with deli meat on them,'' he explains. "Im finding these at Cuban restaurants - the number one offender.'' The Cuban sandwich, he says, "wasnt designed for Cubans. It was designed for tourists in Cuba. As tourists started coming into Cuba, the Cubans said, weve got to make sandwiches the Americans like. What do they like? Mustard. What else do they love? They love that sweet ham. And Americans put cheese on their sandwiches. What cheese can we get that we dont have to refrigerate? Swiss.'' And that, according to Ruiz, is how the Cuban sandwich was born. At La Pola, you can get a Cubano, with ham, pork and cheese, or an Especial de la Casa, with ham, pork, prosciutto, salami, chorizo and cheese. It might even be better than the Cuban sandwich. Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook and Instagram. Twelve festively-decorated homes throughout Hudson County have been named winners of the Hudson Media Groups annual Best Christmas Home Contest. Three homes in Jersey City, three in Bayonne, three in North Bergen, and three in Union City were selected as the best decorated homes in their respective cities. The owners all received $1,000 and a commemorative plaque. Here are the winners: Jersey City: 57 Wegman Parkway; 413 New York Ave.; 279 Columbia Ave. Bayonne: 187 Ave. C; 626 Ave. A; 146 W. 32nd St. North Bergen: 1306 70th St.; 1117 73rd St.; 1316 13th St. Union City: 207 34th St.; 710 12th St.; 314 Third St. The homes were featured on Christmas TV Special on Comcast 190 and Optimum 19/78 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and on Hudson Media Groups website. The contest was sponsored by Panepinto Properties, The Jersey City Medical Center RWJBH, Alley Properties, Sanitas of New Jersey, in cooperation with Burns Brothers Monuments & Memorials, Hudson Media Group, and Ready 2 Roll Studios. Penny Marshall an endearing personality The beloved actress and producer Penny Marshall died recently on December 17 due to illness and complications from diabetes. I grew up watching the films Penny Marshall directed, and I had always thought she was an endearing and great comedienne and producer. She was famous for the 70s sitcom Leverne and Shirley. She also had a famous family in Hollywood, including her brother Garry Marshall, who is a legendary screenwriter and director. She truly was a famous producer and director of films and television shows, including Jumping Jack Flash that starred Whoppi Goldberg; A League of Their Own, with Madonna; Renaissance Man and The Preachers Wife, a movie she directed that starred Whitney Houston. She was very famous for her sitcom ''Laverne and Shirley,', that ran from 1976 to 1983. Hollywood will forever miss the legendary and great Penny Marshall. Steven Hawkins, Greenville, S.C. End the government shutdown now As president of Chapter 60 of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), I see firsthand, every day, how IRS employees work hard to serve the American taxpayer. Now, for the third time this year alone, federal employees have been furloughed and are not getting paid due to a government shutdown. This is unacceptable. Locally, 700+ IRS employees represented by (NTEU) will suffer pay cuts from these unpaid furlough days. Contrary to various members of Congress who caused this mess, these employees are hard-working individuals who are dedicated to assisting taxpayers and collecting the revenue that funds all government programs. They are committed public servants. It is counterproductive to hamstring the agency that collects 93 percent of the revenue that keeps our country running. Any unpaid furlough day will be very difficult for my members. Like many Americans, many of my members live paycheck to paycheck. Most of these employees earn far less than what can reasonably be considered a middle-class salary. This unwelcome pay cut will make it even more difficult for workers to make ends meet. Being an IRS employee is a challenging job. These workers have signed on to serve the public and are dedicated to that mission. Forcing them to take unpaid days off is no way to attract and retain the best workers. In closing, I want to reinforce that the role of federal agencies and federal employees are far too important to be curtailed by another shutdown. Federal employees deserve better. End the shutdown now! John Kelshaw, Beachwood West Side SID vote should have been delayed On Wednesday, December 19, the Jersey City Municipal Council once again passed another tax hike on the business community for West Side (Ward B ) as it pertains to the Special Improvement District (SID). I am not against the SID, however its the wrong timing. The City Ccouncil recently passed a payroll tax, and with the reval, this is putting a lot on the business community. Lastly, many business owners were not even aware of the SID proposal. With the lack of knowledge and transparency, the SID proposal should have been tabled and revisited at a later time to show a more inclusive approach. However, that wasnt the case. I want to thank Council President Rolando Lavarro Jr. for voting No as the process and approach towards the West Side SID wasnt inclusive of the entire business community. If we want to be the best mid-sized city in America, we must include everyone at the table. Demetrius Terry, Jersey City Submit letters to the editor and guest columns at jjletters@jjournal.com I alone can fix it. Thats what the current occupant of the Oval Office told cheering delegates to the 2016 Republican National Convention. He pointed to war and destruction abroad as one of the most critical challenges facing the United States. And he told the American people that he alone could fix it. Unfortunately, the only thing Donald J. Trump appears capable of fixing is the 2016 election that put him in office. Despite denials and repeated lies that he took no part in violating federal election laws, the Justice Department has clearly identified him in court documents as an unindicted co-conspirator. More criminal is Trumps unilateral decision to pull 2,000 American troops out of Syria, thus ending a critical mission that supported rebels intent on ending the authoritarian regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The move places at risk our longtime allies, the Kurds, stymies the progress weve made against ongoing threats posed by ISIS, provides solace and assistance to Russian troops and the Iranian military, and could lead to a terrorist staging ground for Hezbollah. In addition, Trumps misguided actions have compromised the security of our chief ally in the Middle East - the State of Israel. In Trumps perverse world view, making nice with murderous heads of state in Saudi Arabia is far more constructive to maintaining stability in the region than taking them to task and expressing outrage over the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Responsibility for the murder has been placed squarely at the doorstep of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by the presidents own intelligence advisers. The same prince whose government is committing ongoing war crimes against the people of Yemen. With the full support of this president. At the outset of the Trump presidency, many in Washington were comforted when Trump surrounded himself with experienced, competent advisers like Chief of Staff John Kelly, whose feet are now halfway out the door of the Oval Office. Also among that group: National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster - gone. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson - gone. And, now, Defense Secretary James Mattis - gone. Syria was the final straw that broke the proverbial camels back for Mattis, prompting this much-decorated Marine Corps general with forty years of experience leading our nations most elite troops to sever his ties with the Trump administration. In Mattiss letter of resignation, the defense secretary wrote, My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues. Contrast Mattiss decades engaged in helping to formulate the strategic military and defense goals of the nation (as well as combat experience in various theaters of war) versus Trumps boyhood time served in a military school due to incorrigible behavior and two years of diplomatic, military, and economic chaos while occupying the White House. Mattis went on to say, I believe we must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours. It is clear that China and Russia, for example, want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model - gaining veto authority over other nations economic, diplomatic, and security decisions to promote their own interests at the expense of their neighbors. And there lies the rub, plain and simple: Russia. Remember, No collusion? Why then, within hours of the commander-in-chiefs move to withdraw troops from Syria, did Russian President Vladimir Putin laud Trumps action? And why did Putin take it one step further and question when we would be withdrawing our forces from Afghanistan, only to have Trump acquiesce hours later by ordering the draw-down of half our forces now based there? No collusion, indeed. Under this administration, our country has been on life support. We are nearing a Constitutional breaking point and in danger of forfeiting our place as the shining light and spirit of free democratic societies throughout the world. What is most frightening is that the true leaders Americans had counted on to guide us through the Trumpian debacle have either thrown up their hands in disgust and resigned, or have been unceremoniously kicked out the door of the Oval Office like rusty tin cans. Not to worry, though. The fix is in. Because as long as Trump is in the White House and he has allies like Vladimir Putin to guide him, our nations position in the world will be forever secure. Blair Bess is an award-winning journalist and columnist. His column appears occasionally in The Jersey Journal. He can be reached at bbess@soaggragated.com. UPDATE: Victim was Snyder High School student A 16-year-old was fatally shot this afternoon in Jersey City. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Unit said it is investigating the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old male in the area of Bidwell Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive in Jersey City. No other information was immediately available and the Prosecutor's Office said more details will follow. Three weeks after yanking the license of its New Jersey division amid a feud over changes to the pageant, the national Miss America organization announced Wednesday it will reinstate the states license for one year. But there will be big changes to the New Jersey organization. The Miss New Jersey Education Foundation, which oversees the state pageant, will get a new executive director and must recruit new board members and sponsors to draw a broader participation in the program, according to the announcement posted on the groups Facebook page. The new operations proposal will give New Jersey an even stronger program for the young women who see the Miss America system as a path to education and service, said David Holtzman, the new executive director of the New Jersey organization. As we begin a new era of Miss New Jersey, we want to thank the many volunteers who worked so hard to give us a strong foundation to build upon. New Jersey has hosted the Miss America pageant in Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City for most of the organizations history. The local organizations in New Jersey, New York and Florida had their Miss America licenses terminated earlier this month by the national organization, meaning they could no longer run local pageants associated with the national contest. However, the states were allowed to appeal the decision and try to reach a new agreement. There have been several similar shakeups in other states as the national pageant organizers have replaced local leaders and pushed out critics of the changes to the national contest. Former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson, Miss America 1989, is head of the Miss America board and Regina Hopper is the CEO of the Miss America Organization. Both women took over in 2017 after a scandal over the previous CEOs offensive emails, which included sexist statements and insults about former Miss America winners. In their effort to create a Miss America 2.0, the new leaders said they would drop the pageants swimsuit competition and make other changes to make the beauty contest more modern. That caused a divide within the organization. Sally Johnston, the executive director of the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation, was among those who signed a letter calling for the resignation of Carlson, Hopper and the Miss America board. 'Miss America 2.0 is simply a title for the same old tactics of obfuscation and fear-based governance, it was stated in the letter. Holtzman, a board member for the New Jersey organization, will take over for Johnston as executive director, according to the announcement of the new deal. But Johnston will be recognized as President Emeritus of the state organization. The Miss America Organization board members who oversaw the appeal process said they were pleased with New Jerseys participation in the appeal process and the review that lead to the reinstatement of their license. We feel confident the plans laid out by Mr. Holtzmans team will work to make New Jersey an even stronger participant in the Miss America Organization system, the statement said. The announcement made no mention if the Miss America pageant will be held in Atlantic City in future years. Last week, several news organizations reported the Miss America Organization was shopping around in search of cities around the country interested in hosting future pageants. Miss Americas contract with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority in New Jersey has expired. The state authority contributed $12 million over three years in a deal that allowed Atlantic City to host the pageant. But the authority has not made a deal for the 2020 and 2021 pageants, the reports said. Miss America started in Atlantic City nearly a century ago. The nationally-televised pageant moved to Las Vegas in 2006, but came back to Atlantic City in 2013. Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook. A different kind of holiday treat appeared on the shores of Stone Harbor this weekend after a change in sand levels unearthed the remains of a shipwreck from the 1800s. The vessel is still partially covered in sand and measures about 25 feet long, and is at the southern portion of the Stone Harbor beach. The origin of the ship is not clear, although some locals have speculated that the shipwreck is the remains of a vessel that sank near the Hereford Inlet in the 1800s. This would not be the first documented shipwreck at the shore. The area near where the remains were found was dangerous territory for sailors before the Hereford Lighthouse in North Wildwood was installed, according to Stan Sperlak, a board member at the Cape May County Museum. Sperlak believes the remains belong to a ship that sunk in 1886, called the D.H. Ingraham, a schooner that was bound for Richmond, Virginia, with a cargo of the mineral lime, according to Five Mile Beach Sun archives. The remains of a ship lie on the beach at Stone Harbor Point, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. Some local historians believe the ship dates back to the late 1800s. (Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comLori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Med The newspaper recounted the vessel sinking about a mile and a half north of the Hereford Lighthouse. Station employees rescued the five-person crew after the schooner had caught fire. This is not the first shipwreck to be discovered along the Jersey Shore, as wrecks large and small have dotted the coast. In 2014, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discovered the remains of a centuries old shipwreck when making repairs to the Barnegat Inlet jetty after Hurricane Sandy. Photos of the wreck in Stone Harbor have been circulating on social media for the past few days to the delight of maritime historians and photographers. I shot this last night, but had mixed emotions about posting after the circus of the ghost tracks. Now that I see it is... Posted by Werner Tedesco on Tuesday, December 25, 2018 Large storms, high winds and shifting sands play a large role in revealing the remains of shipwrecks. Similar to the ghost tracks of southern Cape May County in March visitors have been wandering out the beach to visit and snap a picture of the remains. Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Rutgers University has opened an investigation into complaints against one of the campus' top professors more than nineteen years after he allegedly ran his hand up the inside of the thigh of a new graduate student on her first day of school, the former student said. Kristy King, a former Rutgers student who is now a professor in Arizona, first filed a sexual misconduct complaint against Stephen Eric Bronner, one of Rutgers top political science professors, last year. But the state university refused to investigate then, citing a university policy that said the school did not have to look into alleged sexual misconduct incidents that were more than two years old. Rutgers reversed its decision earlier this month and said it would investigate Kings complaint, she said. Her case is among six the university has received since October when Rutgers officials bowed to pressure and agreed to immediately repeal its controversial policy of limiting most sexual misconduct investigations to incidents that happened two years ago or less. The decision, announced by Rutgers President Robert Barchi on Oct. 3, came less than seven hours after NJ Advance Media published a report detailing multiple cases of alleged sexual harassment and sexual misconduct by professors that Rutgers had refused to investigate. Barchi also promised a full review of how the 70,000-student university handles sexual harassment complaints, saying saying the two-year policy was "inconsistent with both our practices and our values. But, the university has still been too slow to make changes, critics say. King said it took Rutgers officials two months to contact her about reopening her case after it was detailed in the NJ Advance Media report. The three-sentence email telling her the case would now be investigated came days after NJ Advance Media reporters again asked university officials about whether the accused professor would be teaching next semester. One of the things important to me is for the university to take some responsibility, King said. "Their failure to take me seriously just signals their unwillingness to take seriously their role in all of this. My quest for justice continues. Bronner, who is scheduled to return to the New Brunswick campus in the spring semester after a writing and research sabbatical, did not return calls or emails to comment. He previously told NJ Advance Media he had no memory of the incident with King in his office nearly 20 years ago and he doesnt believe he did anything wrong. However, Bronner said he understands some of his comments to women on campus over the years may have caused offense. I admit I am not always super tactful. Some of my jokes miss the mark. But there was never any harm, said Bronner, 69. Certainly, this is not a Harvey Weinstein situation, he said at the time. The NJ Advance Media report published in October also detailed a complaint filed by a second former graduate student who said she filed a complaint against Bronner after he allegedly inappropriately touched her in a campus bar in 2008. She said she was not told what happened to that complaint and did not get a response when she sent the university a letter about the incident again earlier this year after the start of the #MeToo movement. Bronner also said he did not remember doing anything inappropriate in that case and was unaware his former student had filed a complaint. One of the top political theorists in his field, Bronner is well known to generations of Rutgers political science students. He is scheduled to teach two classes starting in January, according to the Rutgers schedule. Though some Rutgers professors have been placed on paid administrative during sexual misconduct investigations, Bronner has not been placed on leave, school officials said. Administrative leave decisions are made on a case-by-case basis in consideration of the specific circumstances involved, said Dory Devlin, a Rutgers spokeswoman. The investigation into the allegations against Bronner are among six complaints filed against professors and campus employees since the Rutgers president announced in October that the university was dropping the two-year time limit on most sexual harassment claims, Devlin said. Three of them allege incidents more than two years old, Devlin said. The university did not name the employees under investigation. One of the complaints accuses a male professor of groping a female visitor in a Rutgers-Camden office nearly 20 years ago, according to a copy provided to NJ Advance Media by the woman making the accusation. It is unclear how long it will take Rutgers to investigate the new claims. In the Rutgers-Camden case, the complaint was filed Oct. 17 and the university responded Nov. 9 with an email telling the woman an investigator would be assigned, according to the documents. But the woman said the investigator from Rutgers' Office of Employment Equity had yet to contact her, more than a month later. The accused professor also said he had not seen a copy of the complaint when contacted by NJ Advance Media. Devlin, the Rutgers spokeswoman, said the schools review of how the Office of Employment Equity handles sexual harassment complaints is ongoing and the newly-formed University Committee on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment has begun its work reviewing Rutgers' policies. The full committee has met once, will meet again this month and has divided into six subcommittees, all of which have met several times since the original meeting in November, Devlin said. The committee has approximately 40 people and includes faculty, staff, students and administrators. We expect the subcommittees and committees work to extend through the spring semester. The committee is considering a long list of changes, including rewriting Rutgers' policy on consensual relationships between employees and students, ways to be more transparent about sexual misconduct investigations and new training for deans and department chairs on how to respond to sexual harassment incidents. King, the former Rutgers student who filed the complaint against Bronner, said she is working with attorneys to explore her options and speaking with other former students to see if they want to file similar complaints at Rutgers. Iliana Konidaris, an attorney from New York, and Allegra Fishel, an attorney from the Gender Equality Law Center, said they are advising King on her case and have not ruled out suing Rutgers over how university officials handed her case. As the university begins its investigation into the allegations against Bronner, Fishel said the attorneys will be in contact with university officials. We are writing to them saying we want them to be there to support Kristy King through the investigation. Its a difficult thing. Right now we dont have a lot of trust in what is going on. We just want to make sure (the investigation) is authentic and real and thorough," Fishel said. King said, like many women, was inspired to file her complaint by the #MeToo movement and is ready to have a chance to finally tell her story to Rutgers investigators. I have been telling this story for years, the thing was finding an audience that will listen, King said. Tell us your experiences with allegations of sexual harassment in New Jersey: Heres how to share your story. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook. By Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we intend to prove it. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends throughout. Here, they discuss the week's events, with prompts from Tom Moran, editorial page editor of The Star-Ledger. Q. Merry Christmas, the federal government is shut down again. Typically, the party that provokes a shutdown pays a price. How do you expect this one to play out? DuHaime: I generally believe the party with control of the executive branch suffers politically. Most voters know the President, the Governor and the Mayor, but they're not as sure about who controls the legislature or care as much. As such, the president gets credit when things are going well or blame when they are going poorly. But at this point, I am not sure anyone cares about the shutdown too much. Not many people have been personally impacted yet. If they shut down TSA and the airports are a mess, then the shutdown will be solved quickly. Roginsky: This has been the third shutdown during the Trump presidency and it will likely be forgotten by 2020. If anything, it contributes to the general sense that this administration does not have its act together but there are many data points to buttress that thesis and the shutdown is just one of them. As for how it turns out, it will not end as the president and House Republicans insist. Trump is not getting funding for the wall -- either, as promised, from Mexico or from American taxpayers. Q. The resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis struck many Senate Republicans as a dangerous turning point, a sign that national security decisions hinge more and more on President's Trump's gut feelings. Should I be as scared as I feel? DuHaime: The presence of long-time high-ranking generals like Mattis and Kelly in positions of high authority gave many people across the political spectrum comfort that the President had professionals and patriots key positions. Senate Republicans will watch closely to see who the permanent replacements are. Roginsky: I keep hearing that Republican senators are hand-wringing with respect Trump's national security, but have you noticed that they are doing it on background or only if they are departing the Senate next week? The reality is that Republicans in Washington are generally too terrified of primaries and of being the subject of mean presidential tweets to stand up for what the Republican Party has traditionally stood for: a muscular foreign policy, with a healthy dose of moralpolitik. And that should frighten all of us, because they are largely abandoning our national security to a know-nothing, autocrat-obsessed man child, who has done more to destroy the Pax America that both parties worked so assiduously to establish for the last seventy years. Q. Stock markets in December are headed towards their worst month in a decade. What's the political threat to Trump? DuHaime: Anyone who gets elected to any office must prove to be really good at the one thing they claim to be really good at. Rudy Giuliani campaigned on lowering crime in New York. He could have done everything else right, but if crime didn't go down, he would have never been re-elected. In NJ, Jon Corzine suffered from the hemorrhaging of jobs on his watch after campaigning on his Goldman Sachs credentials. In many ways, Donald Trump won because of the impression that he is a tough, successful businessman. There is nothing a businessman should know better than the economy. Any president would suffer politically if the economy faltered. But a businessman will be blamed even more so. Roginsky: The main reason Trump still has the base of support he has is because the economy has been robust. If the economy tanks, so does his presidency. Q. In his first two years, Trump's firm hold on the Republican Party has been unchallenged. What would it take for that to change in 2019? DuHaime: Nothing politically is going to challenge Trump's hold on the GOP. He remains extraordinarily popular with a wide swath of the Republican Party, not just "the base" as some claim in a derogatory way. No person could credibly challenge him for the nomination, and the Republicans in Congress have only become more in line with the President, because so many of the more moderate members lost. The only person that could have an impact on the President's hold over the Republican Party is Robert Mueller. Roginsky: Mike is generally right. Nothing is going to change Trump's hold on the GOP. Sadly, the party is in such thrall to him and to his media enablers/handlers that even Robert Mueller, a lifelong Republican who has served without an ethical blemish, is now considered a Democratic hack by the president's supporters. Q. Gov. Phil Murphy said he's considering another round of tax hikes next year, but legislative leaders say they won't consider it unless he cuts spending first. Do you see a stalemate taking shape, or the makings a grand bargain? DuHaime: I think a stalemate over tax increases is shaping up. The vast majority of our state budget is already dedicated to school funding, pensions, benefits and Medicaid. I hope the leaders of the legislature stick to their word about no new taxes, but that would mean the governor agreeing to real spending cuts in discretionary spending, reforming the pension system or simply underfunding the pension by a few billion dollars. Good luck to everyone who tries to stick to their campaign promises next year. Roginsky: My New Year's wish is that they meet regularly and talk openly about how to move the state forward. I suspect that a grand bargain could be struck if everyone decides to work towards a grand bargain. Q. Final question: Murphy is in Tanzania on safari this week. How would you grade his performance during his first year in office? What do you see as the high points and low points? DuHaime: It's too easy for one side to blindly say F while the other says A. I would offer constructive observations instead. The governor needs to get into the weeds of governing. The Katie Brennan allegation troubles me even beyond the significance of her serious allegation. If staff kept the governor in the dark on something this serious, and no one has been fired for it or offered a real explanation as to why, what else is he unaware of? Voters are not going to blame some unknown staff lawyer for the bungling of this, nor will they blame the DOT commissioner regarding snow removal, or the legislative leaders when key parts of his agenda fail to pass. The governor has every advantage one could ever want in politics. He is the independently wealthy Democrat governor of a Democratic state with Democrats in controls of both houses of the legislature, the congressional delegation, most of the big counties and all of our biggest cities. The governor seems to be a good man with his heart in the right place, even if we disagree on some policies. But the people of NJ are looking for him to be a strong leader, one who takes responsibility, and takes charge on issues that matter to everyday people. Roginsky: I would give him an "Incomplete." He did not create the mess the state is in and he cannot solve it in one year, so it would be unfair to grade him on a job partially done. I would no sooner grade the Yankees' season in May. He has accomplished quite a great deal already: equal pay, funding for women's health, an ambitious off-shore wind plan, strengthening gun safety laws. But much more remains to be done to turn the state around, from fixing our long-term finances to New Jersey Transit. Let's check in again next December, after the fifth inning. A Calligraphy and Painting Art Exhibition will be held in New York City's borough of Queens on Saturday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year that falls on Feb. 5 in 2019. The exhibition, scheduled to open at 2 p.m. at the China-U.S. Cultural Exchange Center in Flushing, Queens, will feature hundreds of calligraphy and painting works by 12 well-known Chinese artists including Zhu Liye, Jiang Guangfu, You Jiang, Li Tongxin, Li Zhenxing, Yang Yi, Da Zeren, Lu Buqing, Chen Xiangdong, Fan Lei and Lin Jinquan. Jiang Guangfu, also a senior reporter with the Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, will write the Chinese character Fu (good fortune or luck) for each participant in the event. Posting the character Fu is a tradition for Chinese people during the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival. It can be seen on the entrances of many Chinese homes during the holiday. WASHINGTON Some 6,700 federal employees working in New Jersey are not getting paid this holiday season because of the government shutdown. Many of them have been furloughed without pay, while others, including 1,544 Coast Guard personnel, are working without paychecks. The state had 49,563 federal employees, including Postal Service workers, as of June 2017, according to Governing magazine. The affected employees work for one of the nine Cabinet agencies whose funding ran out Dec. 21 after President Donald Trump said he would not sign a spending bill that did not include $5 billion in funding for a wall along the southern U.S. border that he originally said Mexico would pay for. The Republican-controlled Senate unanimously agreed to fund border security to the tune of $1.3 billion but House Republicans voted to fund the wall in their version of the spending bill. The Senate on Thursday resumed debate on the measure but does not have the 60 votes needed to pass the House bill. The fight is over about one-fourth of the federal government, including the Department of Homeland Security. The rest of the government is funded through Sept. 30. It is the third shutdown under Trump. Trump, who earlier said he would be "proud to shut down the government for border security, has since attempted to shift the blame to the Democrats, who do not control either the White House or Congress. Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border. Need to stop Drugs, Human Trafficking,Gang Members & Criminals from coming into our Country. Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2018 The Coast Guard is the only uniformed service working without pay, since the Pentagon is one of the agencies whose budget is in place for the full fiscal year. A Coast Guard spokesman in Atlantic City, Petty Officer First Class Seth Johnson, said the service is continuing its major operations despite the shutdown, those involving safety and security, environmental issues and protecting the public. In his Christmas Day call with members of the military, Trump offered high praise for the Coast Guard, calling it very special. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial, an outdoor art festival that spans 200 villages in remote mountainous areas in Japan's Niigata prefecture, has attracted more than half a million visitors, many of whom are designers, city planners and even Chinese government officials, according to Sun Qian, who is in charge of emulating the project in China. Established in 2000, the art triennial was labeled "the art festival of Earth". It invites celebrated artists from all over the world to create artwork in rural areas, including empty houses, closed schools and rice paddies. It succeeded in sparking a revival of those rural communities that are mainly comprised of elderly people and children. Apart from ordinary Chinese tourists, more than 50 government institutions from different cities and towns in China have visited the festival, hoping to learn how to revitalize rural areas with art, says Sun. "I met acquaintances every day during my stay at the festival," says Sun of the popularity of the event among her friends. Many of them are involved in China's rural construction. China faces the same problem as Japan: empty villages and aging communities, and Sun attributes the emphasis on rural revitalization to the passion of Chinese officials and her friends. For the past decade, rural construction and revitalization have been at the top of the central government's agenda as it aims to inject new energy into "empty villages". President Xi Jinping made rural revitalization a priority for governments at all levels at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017. Subsequently, artists in China joined the trend to use art as a creative way to engage in rural construction. Dozens of art festivals and events have taken place in villages since last year, many of which hope to stage a similar event to the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial in China. Sun plans to create a model in Tonglu, a county surrounded by mountains and a river in East China's Zhejiang province. "It's not simply moving artwork from cities to the countryside. It must involve as many groups as possible from society. Art is just a small part and a medium for the message," Sun explains. "For us, art is created to solve problems. The art festival should help locals to solve certain problems, such as to erase poverty or to upgrade the local tourism industry," she says. Her team signed a contract with Tonglu's local government in November to create a Chinese version of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial. They are currently doing research. Sun started her work at the Japanese art festival three years ago, when she began to bring Chinese artists to take part in a residency project called China House, where artists transform classrooms of closed schools into art spaces or installations. "Doing this kind of site-specific work can offer fresh inspiration for artists. They communicate with locals and learn about their culture and history. Locals can also learn from them," says Sun. Kitagawa Furamu, founder of the Japanese art event, says that the trend of 21st-century art is that it's leaving the confines of city museums and expanding in rural areas. He has helped organize several similar events in Japan that use art to revitalize depopulated places. Furamu will be involved in the Chinese version. In fact, he has been invited to give speeches on the subject by many Chinese cultural institutions. The Tonglu festival is set to open in 2020 and will be held every three years. Although it will share some resources with, and take lessons from, its Japanese predecessor, Sun says that more time for research and preparation is needed, because China's situation is much more complex than Japan's. Global giants are racing to grab China's asset management market as the financial system opens up, Shanghai Securities News reported on Wednesday. Multinationals, including BlackRock Inc, Vanguard Group, United Bank of Switzerland and Bridgewater Associates, are rushing to apply for onshore business licenses of both private equity funds and public funds in China. The Chinese market is huge and this is an opportunity that no foreign asset management company can ignore, said Wang Yiwen, general manager of Aberdeen Standard Investments, in Shanghai. Bullish stock market in Europe and the United States, especially the US, has lasted for nine years and there are some bubbles, the report said citing an expert on private equity. China's A-share market is currently the cheapest in the world and it is not surprising that foreign investment has accelerated, the expert said. The global asset management leaders, bringing pressure to domestic asset management institutions and diversified benign competitions, are also eyeing the country's trillion-dollar pension market. Nearly 84 percent of China's pension investment needs have not been met yet and the pension industry's scale is expected to surpass 11 trillion yuan ($1.6 trillion) by 2022, according to data from ocn.com.cn, a Shenzhen-based consulting platform. Qualified wholly foreign-owned enterprise and joint ventures were allowed to register as private equity fund management institutions by China Securities Regulatory Commission in June 2016. A Chinese herbal medicine manufacturer has come under fire after an article published on one of China's leading healthcare online platforms alleged that the company's healthcare products and medical service had led to death and suffering on Tuesday. The medical portal Dingxiang Doctor had linked the death of a four-year-old girl to Tianjin-based healthcare company Quanjian Group, claiming the girl, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, took a turn for the worse after her father turned to Quanjian's products, seeking alternatives to hospital treatment. The company, who had reached out to the girl's father Zhou Erli after seeing his appeal for a better treatment plan on television, has denied any wrongdoing in a statement issued on Wednesday. It also demanded an apology from Dingxiang Doctor, asserting the report has engaged in defamation. In response, Dingxiang Doctor tweeted that their article is based on sufficient evidence, and the portal would never withdraw it. "We are responsible for every single word and even welcome a lawsuit from Quanjian." Dingxiang Doctor's "in-depth" report in some followers' eyes cites a dozen court judgments and previous media reports, trying to restore the stories of the dead girl and victims who bought the company's "high-tech" shoe-pads, sanitary napkins and "fire- therapy" services. According to the report, when his then 4-year-old daughter had undergone four operations and suffered tremendous pain from repeated chemotherapy, Zhou chose to believe in Quanjian's herbal products and discharged his daughter from hospital. However, three months later, the father discovered that the products didn't stop the cancer's spread. In March 2013, the girl was sent back to the hospital to restart treatment. Just at that time, the regretful father was surprised to find ads online that falsely claimed his daughter had already been cured thanks to Quanjian's products. Months before the death of his daughter on December, Zhou filed a lawsuit against the company in early 2015. The local court in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, dismissed his claim that Quanjian had misled the family over the potency of its anti-cancer treatment and unauthorized release of false information about his daughter. Zhou's case with Quanjian reignited nationwide concerns over the efficacy of domestic healthcare products and common misleading advertisements from manufacturers in the country. According to the Beijing Youth Daily, Tianjin's Administration for Market Regulation has launched an investigation into the incident, verifying the details of the report. Zhou, a farmer himself, told Shanghai-based news portal The Paper he would make a second attempt at suing the company. Mr. da Silva decided to invite Mr. Ahmadinejad despite a series of protests in Brazil against the Iranian president and criticism of the visit from members of the United States Congress and former Brazilian diplomats. They were concerned that such a gesture would legitimize the Iranian government at a time when the United States and European powers were seeking to pressure Iran to limit its development of nuclear technology for civilian use. Image President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, left, welcomed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran to Brasilia on Monday. Credit... Fernando Bizerra Jr./European Pressphoto Agency Mr. Ahmadinejad said Monday that both Brazil and Iran were seeking a world free from weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons. But he did not say that he would accept a proposed accord under which Iran would export most of its enriched uranium for additional processing into fuel for a nuclear reactor. He said instead that Iran would seek to improve its uranium-enrichment technology if it was unable to buy enriched uranium abroad. If the people ask us to produce it ourselves, we will do it, Mr. Ahmadinejad said. And the opportunity we create for the other side will be lost. Mr. da Silva said that Iran had the right to develop the enrichment of uranium for the production of energy for peaceful uses just as much as Brazil does. Brazil has been developing nuclear technology for use in energy production. UNITED NATIONS President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran made a series of incendiary remarks in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, notably the claim that the United States orchestrated the Sept. 11 attacks to rescue its declining economy, to reassert its weakening grip on the Middle East and to save Israel. Those comments prompted at least 33 delegations to walk out, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, all 27 members of the European Union and the unions representative, diplomats said. The annual General Assembly started formally on Thursday, with scores of presidents, kings and ministers expected to address the gathering over the coming week. The speeches often fail to break new ground or lack electricity, so the occasional theatrics inevitably attract considerable attention. Mr. Ahmadinejad rarely disappoints on that scale, although he seemed to go out of his way to sabotage any comments he made previously this week about Irans readiness for dialogue with the United States. The theme of his often flowery speech was that the capitalist world order was collapsing and he cited three examples: the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, and the pressure on Iran over its nuclear program. Hengyang, the second-largest city of Central China's Hunan province, decided to suspend cap on new commercial housing starting from Jan 1, 2019, according to a report from Beijing News, citing Hengyang Real Estate Association yesterday. The one-year-old home price restriction policy has regulated new real estate sales in the past year, and as the property prices in Hengyang have returned back to normal and remained stable, the city's Development and Reform Commission and housing construction bureau decided to suspend price-cap for new commercial housings. Previously, real estate developers in Hengyang city were asked to announce the selling prices on the official website of Hengyang real estate transaction service after obtaining commercial housing pre-sale licenses, and were prohibited from raising the prices in actual sales. "As a third- or fourth-tier city with average housing prices at around 6,000 yuan ($872) per square meter, there is no need for the local government to continue price curb since home prices there have dropped since September this year," said Zhang Dawei, chief analyst at Centaline Property. Zhang also said that real estate policies nationwide will remain strict in 2019. Incomplete statistics compiled by news portal Jiemian.com shows that by Dec 20, a dozen of cities in China have loosened property market regulation, such as canceling restrictions on housing sales, purchasing, and maximum prices, as well as lower mortgage rates, etc. These cities include Lanzhou in Gansu province, Heze in Shandong province, Zhuhai, Guangzhou in Guangdong province, and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. The fine-tuned policies in certain cities are made out of local realities, which will have little impact on the whole market, said multiple industry insiders. Sono Osato, a Japanese-American dancer who toured the world with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, performed with the Ballet Theater in New York and then gained acclaim on Broadway in the World War II-era musicals One Touch of Venus and On the Town, was found dead early Wednesday at her home in Manhattan. She was 99. Her death was confirmed by her sons, Niko and Antonio Elmaleh. In the 1930s, Ms. Osato was a groundbreaking presence in Col. Wassily de Basils Ballets Russes, the worlds most widely known ballet company. She was the companys youngest dancer when she joined, at 14; she was also its first performer of Japanese descent. She danced in the early 1940s with the Ballet Theater (now American Ballet Theater), where her dramatic projection left an impact on Antony Tudors ballets. She was Rosaline in his Romeo and Juliet and a woman of easy virtue in his Pillar of Fire. Ms. Osato received a Donaldson Award for best female dancer for her performance in the 1943 show One Touch of Venus, choreographed by Agnes de Mille, which starred Mary Martin as the statue of a Greek goddess that comes to life in modern Manhattan. How did we get here, and why is our cellular infrastructure so insecure? The international mobile communications system is built on top of several layers of technology, parts of which are more than 40 years old. Some of these old technologies are insecure, others have never had a proper audit and many simply havent received the attention needed to secure them properly. The protocols that form the underpinnings of the mobile system werent built with security in mind. SS7, invented in 1975, is still the protocol that allows telephone networks all over the world to talk to one another. It was built on the assumption that anyone who can connect to the network is a trusted network operator. When it was created, there were only 10 companies using SS7. Today, there are hundreds of companies all over the world connected to SS7, making it far more likely that credentials to the system will be leaked or sold. Anyone who can connect to the SS7 network can use it to track your location or eavesdrop on your phone calls. A more recent alternative to SS7 called Diameter suffers from many of the same problems. Another protocol, GSM, invented in 1991, allows your cellphone to communicate with a cell tower to make and receive calls and transmit data. The older generation of GSM, known as 2G, doesnt verify that the tower that your phone connects to is authentic, making it easy for anyone to use a cell-site simulator and impersonate a cell tower to obtain your location or eavesdrop on your communications. Larger carriers have already begun dismantling their 2G systems, which is a good start, since later generations of GSM such as 3G, 4G and 5G solve many of its problems. Yet our phones all still support 2G and most have no way to disable it, making them susceptible to attacks. Whats more, research has shown that 3G, 4G, and even 5G have vulnerabilities that may allow new generations of cell-site simulators to continue working. Nobody could have envisioned how deeply ingrained cellular technology would become in our society, or how easy and lucrative exploiting it would be. Companies from China, Russia, Israel and elsewhere are making cell-site simulators and providing access to the SS7 network at prices affordable even to the smallest criminal organizations. It is increasingly easy to build a cell-site simulator at home, for no more than the cost of a fast-food meal. Spies all over the world as well as drug cartels have realized the power of these technologies. Suppose youre the type of smart conservative reluctantly inclined to give Donald Trump a pass for his boorish behavior and ideological heresies because you like the way the economy is going and appreciate the tough tone of his foreign policy, especially when it comes to Islamic fundamentalism. These last few weeks havent exactly validated your faith in the man, have they? You can track the performance of your I.R.A. as well as I can mine, so theres no need to dilate on the broad rout in the markets (Wednesdays gains notwithstanding). But lets focus on something possibly as dear to your heart as it is to mine. The president has abruptly undermined Israels security following a phone call with an Islamist strongman in Turkey. So much for the idea, common on the right, that this is the most pro-Israel administration ever. I write this as someone who supported Trump moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and who praised his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal as courageous and correct. I also would have opposed the presidents decision to remove U.S. forces from Syria under nearly any circumstances. Contrary to the invidious myth that neoconservatives always put Israel first, the reasons for staying in Syria have everything to do with core U.S. interests. Among them: Keeping ISIS beaten, keeping faith with the Kurds, maintaining leverage in Syria and preventing Russia and Iran from consolidating their grip on the Levant. This could last for weeks. I have to do something, and the only thing I can do is not spend money. RICH GUZOFSKI, an Internal Revenue Service employee who is not being paid during the government shutdown, which looks likely to extend into the New Year. A Department of Transportation worker in Missouri picked up cashier shifts at Barnes & Noble. A paralegal for the Justice Department in Texas stopped using her gas-guzzling pickup truck and pulled her motorcycle out of storage. An air traffic controller in California is avoiding any purchases that arent vital. As the government shutdown stretched into its fifth day on Wednesday, federal employees and contract workers across the country described a holiday season marred by increasing financial worries. Some 800,000 federal employees have either been furloughed or will continue to work without pay during the partial shutdown, and its unclear how long it will last. Twitter became a platform for them to share growing anxieties and fears, using the hashtag #ShutdownStories. Many declined to identify themselves publicly, so their stories could not be confirmed. Yet their tales of hardship spread widely. One man said he became homeless; he broke his lease in anticipation of moving to another state to train for a new federal job and the training was canceled. Another described having to terminate a family members caregiver as funds dwindled. Several talked of forgoing or returning Christmas gifts. Julie Burr, 49, an administrative assistant at the Department of Transportation in Kansas City, Mo., said panic mode had set in. WASHINGTON With a partial government shutdown stretching past Day 5, the impasse over funding a wall at the southwestern border has highlighted the debate over effective border security, with a breakthrough possibly hinging on a semantic argument: What is a wall? Lawmakers will return to Capitol Hill on Thursday to resume negotiations over either a stopgap spending bill to reopen nine federal departments and several government agencies or broader measures to fund the government through September. But the White House and Democrats remain at odds over the $5 billion that President Trump is demanding for a wall, his signature campaign promise. Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the majority whip, told House members on Wednesday that no votes were expected on Thursday. That signaled that the shutdown would almost certainly stretch through the weekend and probably into the new year. More than likely, it will fall to House Democrats to pass legislation reopening the government when they take control on Jan. 3. [How the shutdown affects federal departments.] The president told reporters on Wednesday that he would do whatever it takes to ensure funding was provided for the wall he once bragged Mexico would pay for. The Alabama operation is among the first examples to come to light of such underhanded methods on social media in American politics. But because such efforts are generally very easy to hide and very difficult to trace, it is possible that other instances have gone undetected. In 2017, through a fund called Investing in Us, Mr. Hoffman gave money to a small company, American Engagement Technologies. The companys leader, Mikey Dickerson, is a former Google employee who founded the United States Digital Service during the Obama administration to try to upgrade the federal governments use of technology. An associate of Mr. Hoffmans said that his total grant to American Engagement was $750,000, which also went toward other political races and social media research. Mr. Dickerson has declined to comment. American Engagement then passed $100,000 to Mr. Morgan and other researchers. Mr. Hoffmans statement says the money went to Mr. Morgans company, New Knowledge, but Mr. Morgan said the Alabama project was carried out separately from the company. The revelations of and fallout from the operation are being closely watched. Some American political experts fear that the Russian influence campaign of 2016 could become a dangerous model for stateside politics, with dirty tricks on social media becoming common. Laws and regulations have not been updated to cope with such a threat. On Saturday, Facebook shut down five accounts, belonging to Mr. Morgan and other unnamed individuals, in response to their use of inauthentic operations on the platform. Twitter declined to say whether it had taken any action in the Alabama case. Senator Jones and Democratic Party officials have said they were unaware of the social media tactics and denounced them. Mr. Jones has called for investigations by the Justice Department and the Federal Election Commission a call Mr. Hoffman joined on Wednesday. We cannot permit dishonest campaign tactics to go unchecked in our democracy no matter which side they purportedly help, Mr. Hoffman said in his statement. The most recent federal pay period ended on Saturday, and the government said checks should be issued at the normal time. But if the stalemate stretches on, future payments could be delayed or reduced. The District of Columbias Department of Employment Services said it expected to receive at least 12 times as many unemployment claims as it normally does. Worries among federal employees have been intensifying since the shutdown began early Saturday, but Mr. Trump asserted this week, without evidence or elaboration, that many workers have said to me communicated stay out until you get the funding for the wall. The claim earned mixed reviews from rank-and-file workers. Theres no federal employee whos going to say, Yes, stop paying me, Mr. President, I dont mind, said Rich Guzofski, who also works for the I.R.S. To be having this conversation over a wall is stupid, he added. Steve Reaves, the president of the union for Federal Emergency Management Agency workers, also cast doubt on Mr. Trumps claim. All of Homeland Security, these are the people President Trump claims to be out there and fighting for, said Mr. Reaves, who is stationed in the Dallas area. Theyre the people who are being impacted. Theyve got mortgages. Theyve got to still pay bills. But a Customs and Border Protection employee in Boston, who did not want her name used because she was not authorized to speak publicly, said that while she was frustrated by the shutdown, she felt that the Democrats were partly to blame and that she supported the presidents push for a border wall. A dancer isnt always born a dancer. Sometimes a mother has to step in. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago with his single working mother, Solomon Dumas was involved in community theater and interested in the arts. But dance wasnt much of a presence in his life until his mother signed him up for AileyCamp, when he was 12. She made me go, Mr. Dumas said. My mother kept me busy. There wasnt a lot of idle time. She kept me in programs. AileyCamp turned out to be a good choice. After that camp, I was completely obsessed, he said. We learned discipline through dance and we started each day with affirmations. I remember receiving a souvenir program book, and I had never seen so many beautiful people in my life. I said, Oh my gosh, they look like me. Or I want to look like them. There was this elegance, this sophistication. And that was something that I needed to see at that time. Mr. Dumas, nearing his third year in Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is the only member to have started as an Ailey camper and gone on to join the main company. (AileyCamps there were 10 in 2018 are summer day camps for ages 11-14.) I didnt realize I forced him, his mother, Beverly Rogers, said laughing. It was just he went wherever I said to go. He never complained. He may have grunted a little bit, but I didnt pay that any attention. Akhtar soon became obsessed. She once took an emergency two days off work as an information technology consultant to finish another series. She has traveled to Turkey several times, once just to try and bump into her favorite actor. She also joined some 20 Facebook groups, and wrote to the director of a show, begging him to make two characters kiss. If characters kiss, the shows can get hugely fined, Akhtar said. (Turkeys Radio and Television Supreme Council can punish broadcasters that show anything it considers contrary to the national and moral values of the society.) So all the fans put together some money, then contacted the director and said, Let them kiss. Well pay the fine for you. Bottles of alcohol are usually blurred to avoid trouble with the censors, she added. Murder is fine, though. Yasemin Y. Celikkol, a doctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania who studies Turkish dramas, said some series had proved to have particular resonances in some other countries. A show called Falling Leaves was a hit in Bulgaria, she said, because its plot is about the terrible things that happen to families when they move to cities. Theres been a lot of internal migration in Bulgaria, and people could see themselves in it, she added. Dramas have overhauled Turkeys image in Russia too, Celikkol said, leading many Russians to travel there for vacations, to find husbands or to seek medical treatment. But that seemed to have produced a backlash, she added. In 2016, a Russian television company made a series, East/West, about a Russian couple visiting a Turkish fertility clinic, only for the Russian woman to end up as the Turkish doctors unhappy second wife. It almost seemed like the show was saying to Russian women, Dont go there, youll lose your freedom and have no access to your children, Celikkol said. A second season of East/West was broadcast this year. Huawei was ranked the most innovative company in China, followed by Alibaba and Xiaomi, in a list published by Fortune China. The Chinese-language edition of Fortune released its ranking of "China's most innovative companies for 2018" on Wednesday after surveying 359 companies, including many of China's top 500 companies and the country's firms in the world's top 500. The survey was done in partnership with the consultancy firm A.T. Kearney. The list highlighted dozens of innovative companies in sectors as diverse as telecommunications, smart homes, retail, manufacturing, logistics, banking, and healthcare. China broke into the list of the world's top 20 most-innovative economies in July, taking the 17th place on the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Global Innovation Index. This is a substantial improvement over China's results in 2013, when it took the 35th spot in the rankings. "China's rapid rise reflects a strategic direction set from the top leadership to developing world-class capacity in innovation and to moving the structural basis of the economy to more knowledge-intensive industries that rely on innovation to maintain competitive advantage," said WIPO Director-General Francis Gurry. Ari Asters domestic horror hit is on Amazon Prime. And Red Tails is on BET. Whats Streaming HEREDITARY (2018) on Amazon Prime. Fear is found right at the kitchen table in Hereditary, Ari Asters domestic horror movie whose frights are tied to familial relationships. Toni Collette, Milly Shapiro and Alex Wolff star as a familys mother, daughter and son, who experience supernatural occurrences after a grandmothers death. In his review for The New York Times, A. O. Scott wrote that the film carries an ambitious energy, a sense that the creaky old machinery of horror can be adapted to new and exciting uses. When it opened in theaters in June, it marked the latest chapter in a growing trend of scary movies with family at their center. Depending on the viewer, it may be especially relatable now, right after the holidays. CITY OF GHOSTS (2003) on Showtime streaming platforms and Vudu. Matt Dillon directed, starred in and was a writer of this thriller, in which he plays an American con man who ventures to Cambodia to collect earnings from an insurance scam. James Caan plays his mentor. In his review for The Times, Lawrence Van Gelder wrote that the film is richly atmospheric and suspenseful, noting that Dillon mingles history, cruelty, vitality and the enduring impulse toward love and decency in a story that contrasts deadly characters driven by greed with people responsive to love and family and trust. Whats on TV What books might we be surprised to find on your shelves? Jesse James, by T. J. Stiles, and a King James Bible from which I have been stealing material for almost six decades. Who is your favorite overlooked or underappreciated writer? I think Charles Willefords I Was Looking for a Street is one of the best books ever written about the Great Depression. He was a fine writer as well as a fine man. At the Battle of Arnhem he took his tank behind German lines and piled 23 grunts on it, and took them home. He received the Silver Star and the Croix de Guerre, and refused to talk about any of it. What kind of reader were you as a child? I loved the bookmobile. My favorite books were the Hardy Boys. When I was growing up, people did not have a lot of discretionary income, and on Thursday afternoons the arrival of the bookmobile on our dead-end street sent kids running down to the cul-de-sac to be first in line for Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. In many ways it was a grand time to be around. Favorite childhood literary character or hero? The Hardy Boys. Can I sneak comics in here? Captain Marvel was unbeatable. Whats the last book you recommended to a member of your family? The most recent book written by our daughter Alafair. She was reading Cool Hand Luke, by Donn Pearce, when she was 5 years old. She wrote her first short stories in the first grade. One was titled The Roller Rink Murder Case. Shes been at it unrelentingly ever since. Whats the best book you ever received as a gift? Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare, by Stephen Greenblatt. If you could require the president to read one book, what would it be? New Hope for the Dead, by Charles Willeford. Charles used to call it his ultimate self-help book. [Its not just the stock market thats flashing warnings. The bond market is too.] Howard Silverblatt, a senior index analyst for S&P Dow Jones Indices who tracks and catalogs market performance, said stocks swings had been larger and more frequent this year than at any other time since 2011. On 15 days in 2018, the value of the S&P 500 changed more than 3 percent. Such a large change did not occur on a single day in 2017, and happened on only five days in 2016. In 2011, when ratings agencies downgraded United States government debt, roiling the stock market, the days on which the S&P lost or gained 3 percent numbered 24. Its higher today than it has been for the last several years, and you can feel it, Mr. Silverblatt said of the markets volatility. [Read more about investors biggest concerns, and about how technology stocks fell into a bear market last week.] Adding to the recent jitters are concerns about Mr. Trumps response to the drop in stock prices. Last week, Mr. Trump used Twitter to vent his frustration over the Feds decision to keep raising interest rates and sought guidance from aides about whether he could fire Mr. Powell. Despite the presidents frustrations, a number of White House officials have tried to reassure investors that Mr. Powells job is safe. Traders have had their own concerns with Mr. Powell as well: At a news conference on Dec. 19 he used a word that is still ringing in market participants ears autopilot to describe the Feds likely approach to monetary tightening. This suggested to investors that the Fed might not be willing to change its plans to further raise rates and drain money from the financial system, even if market turmoil persisted. Other Fed officials quickly moved to assuage those worries after the Dec. 19 announcement, but Mr. Donabedian said he expected anxiety about the Feds flexibility to persist until at least the end of the next meeting of the Fed board on Jan. 30. Ultimately, he said, deep worries about the future, rather than more superficial factors like low trading volume, were behind the market tumult lately. There are a lot of people searching for something else, some technical factor, he said. I really think this is driven by rising uncertainty about the fundamentals: earnings, the economy and interest rates. The following reports compile all significant security incidents confirmed by New York Times reporters throughout Afghanistan. It is necessarily incomplete as many local officials refuse to confirm casualty information. The toll here does not generally include claims of insurgents killed by the government, because of the difficulty of verifying such claims. Similarly, the reports do not include attacks on the government claimed by the Taliban. Both sides routinely inflate casualties of their opponents. At least 37 pro-government forces and 48 civilians were killed in different attacks this week. Afghanistan saw a decrease in both Taliban attacks and pro-government-force casualties due to freezing temperatures during the night in most parts of the country. Civilians suffered the highest casualties this week when militants stormed Afghan government offices in Kabul after setting off a car bomb, killing at least 43 people. [Read the Afghan War Casualty Report from previous weeks.] Dec. 27 Helmand Province: two police officers killed Two police officers were killed in a Taliban attack in Greshk District. Dec. 27 Kunduz Province: one police officer killed The United States Air Force and Navy appear to be closing in on a partial solution to a complicated set of problems that have for years caused pilots to experience adverse physiological symptoms midair, endangering them and the aircraft. Officials from both services said that by early 2019 they will replace faulty oxygen-supply systems with new hardware and software in their T-6 Texan trainer aircraft. They are also continuing to study how pilots in their trainer and combat aircraft are being affected by hypoxia a physiological condition caused by low levels of oxygen in the bloodstream that can lead to a lack of concentration and muscle control, inability to perform delicate tasks and ultimately loss of consciousness. Oxygen-deprivation and cockpit-pressurization problems have afflicted trainer and top-line aircraft in the Navy and the Air Force including the F-22 Raptor, the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, the A-10 Thunderbolt, the T-45 Goshawk trainer and F/A-18 Hornet for at least a decade. Until recently, the source of these episodes mystified military officials. Because so many different aircraft were affected, the services didnt think they were being caused by one specific problem. In his testimony to the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee in February, Lt. Gen. Mark Nowland, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, said that there is no single root cause tied to a manufacturing or design defect that would explain multiple physiological event incidents across airframes or within a specific airframe. Lawmakers, frustrated with the lack of progress made by the services, criticized Nowland for his remarks. I could not be more disappointed by your presentation, said Representative Michael R. Turner, an Ohio Republican and the subcommittee chairman. There is something wrong with the systems that these pilots are relying on for their lives. Many junior pilots, meanwhile, felt that their leaders were ignoring or playing down the episodes, because they couldnt replicate the problem or find an easy fix. [Get a weekly roundup of Times coverage of war delivered to your inbox. Sign up here.] Finally, under pressure from Congress to change its approach, the Air Force completed a six-month study and announced in September that it had figured out the root cause of these physiological episodes: fluctuating concentrations of oxygen tied to the oxygen-distribution system. In conjunction with the Navy, the service is developing a new oxygen concentrator for the aircraft most commonly associated with the episodes, the T-6 trainer. Air Force pilots of the trainer aircraft reported an average of eight hypoxia-related episodes per month between February and July 2018, Aviation Week reported in August. The Air Forces entire F-22 Raptor fleet was grounded for four months in 2011 after 12 separate incidents in which pilots of the $143 million fighter jet experienced a lack of breathable oxygen. One of those resulted in a fatal crash. By July 2012, the total number of incidents had climbed to 36. In the Navy, the greatest impact has been on its standard fighter-bomber, the F/A-18 Hornet. One report said that between 2010 and 2017, its F/A-18 Hornet pilots reported nearly 500 physiological episodes in flight and indicated that such problems caused four fatal Hornet crashes. The first time we see Victoria Rogers in Barry Jenkinss If Beale Street Could Talk, she stands solemn and alone on what appears to be a rooftop against the backdrop of a dusky sky. She doesnt say a word. Instead, in voice-over, the films protagonist, Tish, introduces Victoria as the woman who has declared she was sexually assaulted by Fonny, Tishs fiance. The scene doesnt vilify Victoria, but it does present her in direct opposition to the movies adoring portrait of Tish and Fonny: After a beautiful, tender flashback to the couples first night together, a powerful expression of mutual love, theres an abrupt tonal shift to Victorias scene, with the composer Nicholas Britells haunting score evoking a sense of ominousness and sorrow underneath her image. Tishs voice-over is punctuated with pointed resentment toward Victoria. Shes resentful because Fonny could not have been the assailant. As Tish explains, Fonny was at home with her and a friend at the time, far from Victorias attack. And a white police officer who has had a menacing encounter with Fonny seems to have coerced Victoria into the accusation. The officer, Bell, even claims to have seen Fonny running away. The pervasiveness of injustice is a persistent theme of Beale Street, and it held firmly in my mind as I read, for the first time, the James Baldwin novel on which the movie is based, and, later, while I watched Jenkinss adaptation, twice. The couple and their families pay dearly for the false accusation, and it wasnt hard for me to connect their sense of injustice to the long and sordid history of black men falsely accused of rape (and often paying for it with their lives). It lingers right there in the text. According to the newly released documents, the man was a busboy who was working till midnight on or around July 7, 2016. He told investigators on Nov. 22, 2017 more than a year after the encounter that Mr. Spacey arrived at around 11:30 p.m. with his manager. After his shift ended, the two were introduced and immediately started having several drinks together. The accuser said he told Mr. Spacey he was 23, even though he was actually 18. At one point, the two were beside a piano at the bar, where Mr. Spacey and the accuser had been singing songs. He said Mr. Spacey put his left hand on his thigh and then unzipped his pants, before rubbing his penis. The accuser said he was not sure what to do and proceeded to send a video of the encounter to his girlfriend, whom he had been texting and who did not initially believe what was going on. Mr. Spacey left to go to the bathroom and the accuser, who said he was distraught, left to go home. The criminal complaint includes interviews with other people, including the accusers girlfriend, who told the authorities that the Snapchat video showed Mr. Spacey touching the front of the accusers pants by his crotch. A bartender who was working at the Club Car that night told detectives that he remembered Mr. Spacey being there with the accuser but did not see any sexual assault. Of course, the story was also Hollywoodized. That pivotal moment when Ruth freezes in court and cedes the floor to her husband? Theres not a shred of truth to that, her daughter said, a point the justice has also made. I didnt stumble, she said in a recent Q. and A. after a screening in Manhattan, where the audience included Gloria Steinem and Hillary Clinton. The mid-December event was held before Ginsburg had surgery to remove cancerous nodules from her lungs. But her health was still a fresh concern, since she broke three ribs last month. In a conversation with the NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg, she assured the crowd she was feeling better each week and was back to her regular, strenuous workouts with her trainer. Even planks, she said. If she didnt seek out the biopic, she seemed to appreciate it. The film is part fact, part imaginative, she said that night. But whats wonderful about it is that the imaginative parts fit in with the story so well. (In lieu of interviews, Ginsburg participated in several Q. and A.s.) Some of the legal groundwork may be familiar, thanks to the wildly popular documentary RBG, released in May. (Among her many firsts, Ginsburg is the only sitting Supreme Court justice to be the subject of two films in the same year.) But the revelation of the feature is in its focus on her home life: her terrible cooking, devoted mothering and spats with the teenage Jane, as well as the way in which Martin Ginsburg stepped up as parent and household co-leader. Stiepleman viewed his uncle as an exemplary husband and father, a role model, and hoped to convey that onscreen. It was that dynamic of two people my age, trying to figure out how to live at home what theyre also fighting for in court, which is true equality, he said. In my view, at least, the best short-form animation like the most memorable short stories is daring in perspective and malleable in interpretation. And while the 15 short films on view in The 20th Annual Animation Show of Shows are mostly charming and invariably well-executed, only a handful push outside their carefully drawn lines. One of these is the Brazilian animator Guy Charnauxs aggressively simple Business Meeting, which works perfectly as a sendup of last years infamous Cabinet meeting when President Trumps underlings lavished praise on him for the cameras. Sticking a dagger in conformity in under two minutes, this sharp, peremptory film turns the tension between its loose, surreal line drawings and rigidly uniform dialogue into zany fun. Equally provocative is Grands Canons, a stop-motion animation by the French artist Alain Biet, who bombards us with thousands of his startlingly precise watercolor drawings of everyday items and gadgets. At once dazzling and disorienting, this frenetic montage prompts us to pay more attention to the deluge of objects weve ushered into our lives. Arnon Harari has traversed the globe but not in search of adventure I think my life is from girl to girl, Mr. Harari, 64, said with a sly smile in an interview this month. At 22, after a stint as a technician in the Israel Defense Forces, Mr. Harari left his home country for the United States, inspired in large part by one of his brothers, a professional dancer. He came back to Israel with all these beautiful stories of the world, Mr. Harari said. You get attracted to all that. Not to mention that he came home with a blonde. In Los Angeles, where Mr. Harari settled, he met a woman who accepted his marriage proposal after a three-day courtship. They had a daughter and moved to New York, where Mr. Harari worked as a computer technician and dabbled in public relations. Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration should "abandon its separatist stance, stop its words and deeds that undermine cross-Strait relations, and get back to the common political basis of the 1992 Consensus," a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday. The 1992 Consensus is confirmed by both sides of the Taiwan Strait, not a "political prerequisite" imposed on anyone, according to Ma Xiaoguang with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council at a press conference. "The core of the 1992 Consensus is that it sets down the common understanding of upholding the one-China principle and clearly defines the nature of cross-Strait relations. "This is not only in line with objective facts, but also with the respective stipulations of the two sides. Meanwhile, it enabled both sides to shelve differences that are difficult to resolve, build up the most basic mutual trust, and open the door to cross-Strait exchanges and dialogue on the basis of consultation on an equal footing," he said. Since coming to power, the DPP administration has refused to accept the one-China principle and distorted and slandered the 1992 Consensus. Ma said that as a result, the door to cross-Strait consultation was closed, harming cross-Strait peaceful development and the interests of Taiwanese compatriots. "After the local elections in Taiwan earlier this month, more and more Taiwanese people realized that the 1992 Consensus is like water and air, which is closely related to their aspirations to develop the economy and improve people's livelihoods. They also realized that the DPP administration has been acting entirely out of its Party interests to undermine the 1992 Consensus and create tension across the Strait," Ma said. "The DPP administration should stop making itself an enemy of the will of compatriots across the Strait, to improve cross-Strait relations, and stop making itself an enemy of the aspirations of Taiwanese compatriots to improve their economy and people's livelihood and pursue a better life," Ma noted. Ms. Stewart-Cousins also does not often bring up the story about her ubiquitous colorful scarf, which she started wearing so that people would be able to tell her apart from the other black female elected official in Yonkers. In an interview, she said she had not built her political career around her identity as an African-American woman, in part, because it would have been a mismatch for her district. As she did with Mr. Cuomo last year, she more often emphasizes her geographic roots rather than her race or gender. (Dani Lever, a spokeswoman for Mr. Cuomo, said that no one was offended at the meeting.) If Ms. Stewart-Cousins wanted to seize on identity politics, an opportune time arose last year, when Daniel S. Loeb, a billionaire political donor, likened Ms. Stewart-Cousinss opposition to increased charter school funding as doing as much harm to black people as the Ku Klux Klan. While some, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, said Mr. Loeb should resign from the board of a charter school group, Ms. Stewart-Cousins stopped short of echoing that call. Yet at certain moments, in front of certain audiences a womens business group, a Black Westchester Magazine radio show she acknowledges her own story. And it becomes clear that it is never far from her mind. People assume that weve had a certain consciousness for a very, very long time, and the reality is that we have not, she said of the recent importance of diversity in public life. We have constantly had to assert our version of the dream for ourselves. Mr. Helbrans was found guilty of kidnapping and served two years in prison. He was released on parole in 1996 and was deported to Israel in 2000. The rabbi and his followers then established a Lev Tahor community in Quebec, Canada, in the early 2000s. After legal troubles there involving allegations of child abuse and child marriages, members of the group left Canada and eventually resettled in Guatemala. Before the kidnapping, the children and their mother were part of the religious community in Guatemala, according to the complaint, when the mother, who is also Mr. Helbranss daughter, decided to leave the group and move to Woodridge, N.Y., in October of this year. A new leader had taken charge of Lev Tahor, and the group had become more extreme, according to the complaint. The woman spoke out against changes in the group, the complaint said. Then she decided her children would no longer be safe if they stayed with Lev Tahor. About six weeks after the move, in the early hours of Dec. 8, Yante Teller, 14, and her 12-year-old brother, Chaim, got into a vehicle in front of their home in Woodridge and were driven away. The State Police asked the publics help in finding the children, saying they were believed to be headed to New York City. Their ultimate destination was much farther. Mr. Rosner worked with several people across the United States, Mexico and Guatemala to try to return the siblings to the Lev Tahor community in Guatemala, the complaint said. The children were taken to an airport outside Scranton, Pa., where surveillance footage showed them being ushered through airport security by a man whom the complaint does not identify. Days later, the children were in Mexico, the complaint said. It remained unclear Thursday how the children were found in Mexico. The Department of Justice said it could not comment on their whereabouts. The State Police referred questions about the investigation to the F.B.I. An F.B.I. spokeswoman said the agency could not comment on nonemergency matters because of staffing plans related to the federal government shutdown. The drama of the past year played out locally in big civic and social changes: surprise political upsets and reversals, decent reputations gone bad and bad reputations gone much worse. Here, a highly subjective (and in some cases exaggerated) list of who and what seemed to morph into someone or something else. When Bill de Blasio Became Donald Trump (*Wait, what?) Lets just say from the outset that we are not 100 percent serious when we suggest that the liberal mayor of New York City appeared indistinguishable from the divisively nationalist, immigrant-unfriendly 45th president of the United States. But certain Trumpian characteristics in the mayor revealed themselves this year so much so that The New York Post featured a picture of him on its cover with a photoshopped head of orange hair and the line, Don Blasio. The catalyst for this new impression was the court-ordered release of thousands of pages of emails from his administration showing the mayor to be aggressive, insecure and deeply contemptuous of a press corps he believes has covered him unfairly. Also, he uses all caps sometimes. Also, he loves real estate developers. When an Unknown Bartender Became a Che Guevara T-shirt The basic political problem is that the climate movement still does not have the strength of numbers to overcome entrenched opposition and put in the kind of stiff-and-rising taxes we would need to do the job. The oil companies may claim they want carbon pricing, but a subset of them spent more than $30 million in Washington State to kill the tax proposal there, twice as much money as the proponents were able to raise in support of their intelligent, carefully designed plan. Opinion Conversation The climate, and the world, are changing. What challenges will the future bring, and how should we respond to them? What should our leaders be doing? Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States, finds reasons for optimism in the Biden presidency. Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States, finds reasons for optimism in the Biden presidency. What are the worst climate risks in your country? Select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. Select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. Where are Americans suffering most? Our maps, developed with experts, show where extreme heat is causing the most deaths in the U.S. Our maps, developed with experts, show where extreme heat is causing the most deaths in the U.S. What does climate devastation look like? In Sept. 2020, Michael Benson studied detailed satellite imagery. Here's the earth that he saw and the one he wants to see. Damn the oil companies if you will, but they persuaded 56 percent of the voters to take their side, carrying every county in the state but three. What that vote, and the French protests, tell us is that any proposal to raise energy prices is going to run into a buzz saw of opposition, including from working-class people who already feel like they are being mistreated. The political difficulties are not the only issue with carbon pricing, though. Even in theory, the idea is expected to work in some economic sectors but not in others, yet the fetishists hold it up as the magic answer to all problems. For example, it is not at all clear that raising prices at the pump is the best way to reduce emissions from driving. European drivers already pay $6 to $7 a gallon for fuel, most of that in taxes, yet governments there have found that they still need efficiency regulations for cars. Moreover, if you want people to leave their cars at home, you have to give them alternative ways to get to work, and a hike in fuel taxes by itself does nothing to accomplish that. Much of the American public does not have access to public transit of any kind, and even in transit-dependent cities like New York and Washington, the subways have been allowed to fall apart. The single most important climate policy in the world might be the efficiency regulations that the American government imposes on cars and trucks, which are under attack by the Trump administration. Climate advocates are fighting to defend them in court, but we also need concerned citizens to crawl all over Congress, pushing legislators to stop the rollback. What are many of us doing instead? Trying to persuade Congress to pass a carbon tax, when the political conditions to achieve that simply do not exist. Here is more evidence that a carbon price is no magic bullet: One of the biggest climate problems is poorly constructed buildings that waste energy. A carbon price will not solve that problem, for the elementary reason that the people who put up the buildings, and have an economic motive to skimp on insulation and windows, are not the people who wind up paying the energy bills. The solution is building codes with strict energy requirements, vigorously enforced. Yet across huge swaths of the United States we still have weak building codes and lousy enforcement. Building codes, youre thinking? Yes, I know they seem boring. I am writing a book with an energy expert, Hal Harvey, who has convinced me that they could hardly be more important. A bad building wastes energy for decades. Yet are climate activists swarming Topeka City Hall, the Colorado statehouse or your local county commission to demand tougher building codes? I wish. This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive the newsletter each weekday. There is a real possibility that President Trump will shut down all or part of Robert Muellers Russia investigation in 2019. Trump appears to have picked the acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, largely for his hostility to the investigation. And although Trumps nominee to be the next attorney general, William Barr, is a more serious figure than Whitaker, Barr too has also criticized the investigation on dubious grounds. Holding those views was probably a prerequisite for getting the job: Trump forced out the last attorney general, Jeff Sessions, because he refused to interfere in the investigation. If you find this situation alarming and you should take a minute to imagine how much worse things would be if the Democrats had not retaken control of the House of Representatives. To the Editor: Re Anti-Semitism Accusations Roil Womens March (front page, Dec. 24 ): For more than 35 years Ive witnessed leftists form a firing squad in a circle while our mutual enemies ride off into the sunset unscathed. In 1982 I wrote an investigative article for Ms. magazine that detailed many of the same fevered schisms among Jewish women and women of color that your article discussed. Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam leader, was the ignition switch back then, too. Some Womens March leaders say theyve been educating themselves about the evils of anti-Semitism, as if they missed the memo until Jewish women expressed pain and shock at their exclusion from organizing efforts and their omission from the published unity principles enumerating which groups of women in particular should be free. Many anti-racists continue to insist that only people of color can be oppressed and that most Jews, being white, benefit from white skin privilege. Yet somehow our privilege didnt save the 11 people massacred in a Pittsburgh synagogue this fall by a man with the same color skin. Since the first Womens March, in 2017, a number of feminist intermediaries have tried to help bridge the organizers ideological and political gaps, with scant success. Until all of us understand that racism and anti-Semitism are the same toxic madness split at the root, and until we embrace intersectionality without defining any woman out, our struggle against sexism and racism will be hobbled by our squabbles with one another. After graduating from Rutgers University in 2011, Mitch Leff, a New Jersey native, moved into a Chinatown walk-up with a friend, then rented a studio on the Upper East Side. From there, he decided to try a trendier location downtown, so he rented a studio in a Financial District condominium, and lived there happily for two years. It was perfect, he said. There was a Dunkin Donuts in my building. Mr. Leff would see dogs come and go, dimly aware that owners but not renters were allowed to have them in the building. So he adopted Mazel, a miniature goldendoodle. I felt the pressure of being 30 and single, and I wanted companionship, he said. I was doing a little soul-searching in my life. I brought home a Jewish woman, but she has four legs. But as soon as Mr. Leff dropped off his 9-week-old puppy at his apartment and left to return the Zipcar, the doorman called. Mazel was barking; neighbors were complaining. He learned that he was not allowed to have a dog. For architects of urban towers, the sun is a double-edged sword, producing cheap warmth and light in buildings, but also unneighborly shadows. The taller the building, the more likely it is to throw shade. This problem is of particular note when your neighbor is New York Citys High Line. But the designers of 40 Tenth Avenue in Manhattans Meatpacking District managed to prevent pools of darkness from flooding the High Line next to it by sidestepping the sun. The commercial towers glass curtain wall recedes and breaks into eye-catching facets on the north and south sides, allowing concentrations of solar rays to find their way to the elevated park and nearby streets. Tim: I think people want to set resolutions for New Years because its convenient for them, but yes, we should acknowledge that there is this weird cultural and societal pressure: New year, new me. Theres this implicit pressure that we all are obligated to set a goal for self-improvement, and become better or different people in the coming year. For a lot of people it does work, and it can be good motivation. But its unhealthy to go into the new year with the assumption that youre lacking in something, or that you need to change. I dont think theres any right or wrong resolution to set. I also dont think it is right or wrong to even set a resolution in the first place. Omar: Would you recommend this kind of reflection to young professionals and college students, particularly at this time of the year? Tim: Setting habits around things that you want to achieve is the only way that youll achieve anything. Theres an amazing book by a former New York Times reporter named Charles Duhigg called The Power of Habit. He asserts that we need to set routines and habits that are going to most benefit us but that can replace the routines and habits that we want to do away with. In a famous example he uses in his book, he noticed that hed put on 15 or 10 pounds in a year and he couldnt really figure out why. Then he noticed that he had a habit of getting up every afternoon and walking around the office to socialize with his co-workers, but he would always buy a cookie. He had a daily cookie habit. He wanted to replace that habit. What he did was establish the social satisfaction of talking with his co-workers and getting up and walking around as a reward. Habits and routines are crucial to achieving goals and resolutions. So you have to figure out ways to build habits around the things that you want to achieve. For example, if your goal is to run more this year, when you get home after work, instead of taking off your shoes and sitting on the couch to rest for a minute before you go run, you could change into your running gear and get straight back out. Eventually, if you do that consistently enough, it will build a habit. It will become second nature and you wont have to think about it. Youll just get home, change into your running gear, and get out running. That is really key to building strong habits: You want to take decision making out of the equation so you just start doing the thing you want to do rather than having to make the decision to do it. Omar: Thats smart. What resolutions would you recommend to people early in their careers? Tim: That is difficult to answer because I think resolutions and goals are so personal and specific. But I can tell you that for me, one of my resolutions this year is to finish writing a book. So the plan is, when I wake up, I can check Instagram or whatever, but afterward I want to sit down and write for 30 minutes every single morning. There is no data that suggests a white-noise machine alters the frequencies of the brain, said Param Dedhia, the director of sleep medicine at the Canyon Ranch in Tucson. But we can show that if you make a loud sound, you can affect your response to that with a noise machine. Its called auditory masking. Dr. Dedhia described its effects as a sound bubble, a force field of sound such that a noise has to be much stronger to break through. Dr. Dedhia has deployed Marpac Dohms in the bedrooms at Canyon Ranch, and also in his home, because the pool there draws an army of bullfrogs after dark. Their nightly chorus drives him bananas. Oh, my friend, he said, it sounds like someone dying. I used to get my hose and spray them off the sides of the pool, but they soon were on to me, and after a while just hopped back on. So now I have my humidifier running, and the white noise right next to the bed. Its my sound bubble. We dont have to have a bug or pill for every ill if we can soothe ourselves. Its a skill, it really is. If we could all self-soothe, it would make it easier to handle other chaos. What is noise, anyway? Dr. Dedhia likes this definition, from the authors of a sleep study: Noise is defined as unwanted sounds that could have negative psychological and physiological effects. Noise is terribly subjective. There are those who love the croak of a bullfrog, and are soothed by the snores of their partner because it means they are close. Dr. Pigeon allowed that snoring was particularly tough to mask, given its locality (next to your head) and unpredictability (your ears crane for the next growl or explosive sigh). You must convince yourself the sound of snoring is beautiful, he said. I have some people who asked me to put snoring on the website because they are used to sleeping with a partner snoring, and when that partner is gone traveling or divorced or dead they miss that sound. You are here: China China's top legislature on Wednesday published the full text of a draft foreign investment law to consult public opinion. The draft law was submitted to the ongoing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which opened on Sunday. Once adopted, the unified foreign investment law will replace three existing laws, namely the laws on Chinese-foreign equity joint ventures, non-equity joint ventures (or contractual joint ventures) and wholly foreign-owned enterprises. Necessary mechanisms on the facilitation, protection and management of foreign investment are written into the draft law, such as the pre-establishment national treatment and negative list management, equal supportive policies and equal participation in government procurement. The public can give their opinions through the NPC website or send their opinions by mail. The deadline for submitting opinions is Feb. 24, 2019. LOS ANGELES The police in Californias Central Valley are hunting for a man who they believe killed a police officer and is in the country illegally, according to authorities. The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. Wednesday, when Ronil Singh, a 33-year-old officer, was gunned down after pulling over a driver he suspected was drunk in east Newman, Calif., a town of about 10,000 people not far from Modesto. The case was soon thrust into the nations fractious debate over immigration when President Trump tweeted about it Thursday afternoon. There is a full scale manhunt going on in California for an illegal immigrant accused of shooting and killing a police officer during a traffic stop, Mr. Trump wrote. Time to get tough on Border Security. Build the Wall! Mr. Singh, officials said, was an immigrant himself, from Fiji, and had worked for the Newman Police Department since July 2011. He was married and had a 5-month-old son, and after spending Christmas morning with his family went on duty that night. FERGUS FALLS, Minn. Claas Relotius, who spent weeks reporting in Fergus Falls last year for one of Europes most respected publications, could have written about the many residents who maintain friendships across partisan lines, about the efforts to lure former residents back to west-central Minnesota or about how a city of roughly 14,000 people maintains a robust arts scene. To give a sense of the place, he could have described local landmarks like the giant statue of Otto the Otter. Or the Minnesota-shaped welcome sign next to the Applebees. Or the expansive prairie that surrounds the town. But he did not. Instead, Mr. Relotius invented a condescending fiction. On the venerated pages of Der Spiegel, a German newsmagazine, Mr. Relotius portrayed Fergus Falls as a backward, racist place whose residents blindly supported President Trump and rarely ventured beyond city limits. He made up details about a young city official. He concocted characters, roadside signs and racially tinged plotlines. For more than a year, exasperated Fergus Falls residents fumed to one another about what happened but generally avoided drawing outside attention to their unflattering portrayal. It all might have faded into history, except Mr. Relotius was outed this month by his own publication as a serial fraudster who invented sources, made up quotes and spent years engaging in broad journalistic deception. I am a 64-year-old sibling of an addict. He overdosed on heroin at age 40 back in 1997. I am still haunted by his illness that started when he was 12 years old with alcohol. He took the entire family on psychological roller coaster rides throughout his life. We never knew when the phone rang from then on if it was the end for him. Turns out it took 28 more years of family torture. Cindy Chandler, 64, Charlotte, N.C. Professionals in the field of addiction shared their experiences. As a judge who presides over a sobriety court, I witness the hopes and exasperations on a daily basis. As a father of a daughter who has struggled with opioid addiction, I have experienced the hopelessness and desperation on a daily basis. The lack of resources and the confusion between abstinence or harm-reduction models make my head spin. Jonathan Shamis, 57, Leadville, Colo. I am a primary care physician in rural upstate New York. I stumbled into offering substance abuse treatment for my patients out of sheer necessity. Those trying to get treatment for opiate dependency have so many barriers: financial barriers to pay cash-only physicians, rehab programs that discourage the use of buprenorphine or have myriad barriers to seeing a prescriber, transportation hurdles to get around the Adirondacks. It is encouraging to see patients who seek treatment, despite so many odds stacked against the system. The medical system can be so rigged against these folks. Tom Portuese, 37, Queensbury, N.Y. Ive been in the field for 13 years and in recovery for 26 and I want readers to know this: Anyone, anywhere, at any time can recover. I work in this field because of the miracles I see every day. Rev. Cate Sementa, 52, Nashua, N.H. Many expressed frustration with the continuing stigma of addiction. Get cancer and you have a whole team of medical professionals working with you for years and through relapses. Plus, your medical bills are covered by insurance, your employer keeps you on the payroll and your medical insurance coverage continues. Friends and neighbors bring meals over for you, and prayer chains are instituted on your behalf. On the other hand, if you contract the disease of addiction, neither your family physician nor your local E.R. will treat you. Your employer fires you, and your medical coverage is discontinued. In most cases, even family members castigate you. You are viewed by most societal institutions as a sinner, a behavioral failure and someone unworthy of trust. Dan Hill, 73, Dayton, Ohio The shame and stigma behind addiction only force people deeper into the shadows. My sister never made it out. Corinne Stinson, 35, Atlanta We know this drug affects the white population in very high percentages, but my black community has been deeply affected by these drugs, this drug. The heroin, the fentanyl, all of it. I have relatives that were once hard workers and looked up to by so many in the community, reduced to nothing. Its like they are empty shells. These are people I looked up to and depended on. I cannot look them in the eyes any longer. It causes me such pain to know what they have become and the extra stigma associated with this problem in the black community. Meni Johnson, 40, Cincinnati WASHINGTON Some of his top congressional supporters wont commit to backing him if he runs for president again and two may join the 2020 race themselves. A handful of former aides might work for other candidates. And Bernie Sanderss initial standing in Iowa polls is well below the 49.6 percent he captured in nearly defeating Hillary Clinton there in 2016. Mr. Sanders may have been the runner-up in the last Democratic primary, but instead of expanding his nucleus of support, in the fashion of most repeat candidates, the Vermont senator is struggling to retain even what he garnered two years ago, when he was far less of a political star than he is today. Its not a given that Im going to support Bernie just because I did before, said Lucy Flores, a former Nevada assemblywoman. There are going to be plenty of people to look at and to listen to. Im currently open at this point, and I think the majority of people are. As Mr. Sanders considers a second bid for the White House, he and his advisers are grappling with the political reality that he would face a far different electoral landscape than in 2016. Rather than being the only progressive opponent to an establishment-backed front-runner, the Vermont Independent would join what may be the most crowded, fractured and uncertain Democratic primary in the last quarter-century. WASHINGTON Republican leaders gave up hope on Thursday of reopening the government before the new year, leaving the border wall impasse to House Democrats as they assume the majority next week and presenting Representative Nancy Pelosi with her first major challenge as speaker. House Democrats, who take control on Wednesday, are weighing three approaches to getting funds flowing, none of which would include additional money for President Trumps proposed wall along the southwestern border. Whichever path they choose, party leaders said they would vote promptly on Jan. 3, hoping to project the image of Democrats as a steadying hand in Washington even as Republicans try to blame Ms. Pelosi and her party for the shutdown and lax border control. We will vote swiftly to reopen government and show that Democrats will govern responsibly in stark contrast to this chaotic White House, Ms. Pelosi said in a statement. Ms. Pelosi is determined to prevent the shutdown brinkmanship from interfering with the Democrats assumption of power and her ceremony-soaked return to the speakership. But it appeared almost certain that the careful rollout of Democrats legislative agenda including a sweeping anticorruption and voting rights bill would be at least partly eclipsed by the funding crisis. Announcing troop withdrawals will force the United States to rethink long-term military commitments that have little public support and are no longer effective. It could also force the Afghans and Syrians to confront their own deep-rooted problems, without the presence of foreign soldiers who often delay the day of reckoning. I, for one, think the decision to withdraw is sound and wise, said Robert S. Ford, the last American ambassador to Syria. Keeping 2,000 Special Operations troops in eastern Syria, Mr. Ford said, will not prevent Russia and Iran from exerting influence. It will not stabilize or rebuild the parts of the country once held by Islamic State fighters. And it will do little to end Syrias six-and-a-half-year civil war. The presence of American troops has not made Mr. Assad any more amenable to a settlement than he was before the campaign against the Islamic State began in 2014. Despite holding most of eastern Syria for two years, including the oil-fields, the U.S. and its Syrian allies have extracted exactly zero political concessions from Assad, said Mr. Ford, who now teaches at Yale and is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. Assad will wait us out. The situation is even starker in Afghanistan. Last month, a year after Mr. Trump grudgingly authorized the deployment of nearly 4,000 troops, bringing the total number there to 14,000, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., admitted that the Taliban are not losing. If someone has a better idea than we have right now, which is to support the Afghans and put pressure on the terrorist groups in the region, Im certainly open to dialogue on that, General Dunford said at a panel sponsored by The Washington Post earlier this month. Mr. Trump has ordered the number of troops cut in half, to roughly 7,000, which could be the precursor to a full withdrawal. His decision contributed to the resignation of Mr. Mattis, who told the president he deserved someone whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects. The election delays have set off violent protests over the past week, and security forces have responded by firing tear gas and live ammunition into crowds. Protesters burned parts of the Ebola triage center in Beni and looted it, walking off with chairs and tables, according to the Ministry of Health. Photos taken by Sami Kavota, a candidate in local elections, showed tarpaulin burned and ripped off metal structures at the center. Plastic gloves were scattered on the ground. Aruna Abedi, the deputy director of the governments Ebola response, said that protesters had also attacked its offices in Beni before United Nations peacekeepers pushed them back. Demonstrators were chanting songs hostile to the government and demanding elections, she told Reuters. They threw projectiles. Local politicians have denounced the election delays as an attempt to disenfranchise a swath of a population that would back the regimes two main opponents, Felix Tshisekedi, the son of a charismatic opposition leader, and Martin Fayulu, a former Exxon manager. BEIJING A Chinese court on Thursday sentenced a former top security official to life in prison, the latest high-profile figure to fall in President Xi Jinpings anticorruption campaign. The official, Ma Jian, 62, a former vice minister of the Ministry of State Security, was convicted of taking $15.9 million in bribes, committing insider trading and using coercive business practices, the Dalian Intermediate Peoples Court said in a statement on its website. But it was another part of Mr. Mas past that had drawn attention lately: his ties to Guo Wengui, the billionaire Chinese fugitive who has unleashed a barrage of embarrassing accusations against Communist Party leaders from his New York penthouse. The court said that from 2008 to 2014, Mr. Ma colluded with Mr. Guo, a real estate tycoon who was among Chinas richest men, using threats to force sales that benefited Mr. Guos businesses. Mr. Guo fled China in 2015. LONDON Drifting in the ocean in a sailboat at the mercy of winds and currents would be a nightmare for many. But a 71-year-old Frenchman with a taste for adventure has found a new way to conquer the Atlantic Ocean: in a barrel. The adventurer, Jean-Jacques Savin, set sail on Wednesday from El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago west of Morocco. He will attempt to reach the Caribbean with only ocean currents and trade winds propelling his capsule, according to a Facebook page set up to document his project, where he plans to post daily updates including GPS coordinates tracking the journey. Many people have crawled into barrels to go over Niagara Falls, with some surviving, but no one has been known to cross the Atlantic in a barrel made of plywood. Mr. Savin, who hails from the oyster-farming town of Ares, in the southwest of France, hopes to achieve the feat in about three months in an orange barrel-shaped capsule about 10 feet long and 6 feet 8 inches wide. Its smaller than a pickup and held upright by a concrete ballast. LONDON More than a week after somebody (or somebodies) with a drone (or drones) shut down a major airport and ruined the travel plans of tens of thousands of people, the British police had little to offer on Thursday except warnings about how little they had to offer. You wont find a police service in the world, I think, who is sitting complacently thinking, Well, we could always deal with a drone, Cressida Dick, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, told BBC 4 radio. You wont find it. Its a difficult challenge. The shutdown of Gatwick Airport for almost a day and a half last week showed how easily the sophisticated global aviation network can be crippled by someone with even limited resources, how vulnerable the system is to mischief or worse and how hard it can be to find the culprits. The police have no one in custody in the case, they have suggested that they are still unsure of a motive and they are not certain how many drones were involved. Some members of Parliament called this week for the Metropolitan Police to take over the investigation from the Sussex Police. The Metropolitan force, which primarily polices London, handles antiterrorism cases nationwide, but officials have not concluded that the Gatwick episode was an act of terrorism nor that it was not. Cai Xiyou, former general manager of state-owned chemical firm Sinochem Group, was sentenced to 12 years in prison Wednesday for taking bribes. He was also fined 3 million yuan (US$435,000), the Tai'an Intermediate People's Court in Shandong Province announced. Cai pleaded guilty at the court and decided not to appeal. The court trial found that between 1997 and 2016, Cai had used his various posts, including being a senior executive of Chinese oil giant Sinopec Corp, as well as the conveniences from his power and positions, to provide help for other units and individuals regarding contract issues and petroleum product purchases and sales. In return, he had asked for and illegally accepted money and gifts worth over 53.7 million yuan, the court said. The court said Xi was given a lenient sentence, given that he confessed to all of his crimes, provided clues for the investigation of other serious violations, showed repentance and was cooperative in returning all his illegal gains. BERLIN Concerned about filling its ranks seven years after abolishing mandatory military service, Germany is looking into recruiting foreigners for service, according to reports released on Thursday, though there were conflicting accounts of the extent of those plans. Gen. Eberhard Zorn, the chief of defense, said the military, or Bundeswehr, was considering enlisting foreign citizens for highly specialized roles, like doctors and information technology specialists. In times of skilled labor shortage, we have to look in all directions, he said in an interview with the Funke Media group, which was widely reported by other German news organizations. Hours after his comments appeared, the newsmagazine Der Spiegel published an article about a leaked government report indicating that plans to recruit citizens of other European Union countries were broader and more concrete than the narrow, tentative notion aired by General Zorn. ROME In a small showroom filled with replicas of Leonardo da Vinci masterpieces, Lucia Borgonzoni, Italys under secretary for culture and a member of the right-wing League party, attested to the authenticity of her disgust with the French. She accused France of trying to culturally appropriate Leonardo for a 2019 exhibition at the Louvre celebrating the 500th anniversary of his death. And that was just the beginning. France had treated Italy with a lack of respect and like a cultural supermarket by sending a shopping list of the works it wanted to borrow essentially everything. Probably no other country would dare to behave as France had, she said, warming to the topic as she faced a fake Mona Lisa in the Leonardo da Vinci Experience museum near the Vatican. She perused reproductions of Vitruvian Man and the Annunciation. Lets give them these, she said with a laugh. Sometimes an emoji is just an emoji. Sometimes it may be a threat. And with only a few seconds to spare, Facebook moderators have to make the call even if the text that accompanies the laughing yellow face is in an unfamiliar language. To help with those decisions, Facebook has created a list of guidelines for what its two billion users should be allowed to say. The rules, which are regularly updated, are then given to its moderators. For Facebook, the goal is clarity. But for the thousands of moderators across the world, faced with navigating this byzantine maze of rules as they monitor billions of posts per day in over 100 languages, clarity is hard to come by. Facebook keeps its rulebooks and their existence largely secret. But The New York Times acquired 1,400 pages from these guidelines, and found problems not just in how the rules are drafted but in the way the moderation itself is done. Facebook says that any such practice would violate its rules, which include contingencies for reviewing posts in unfamiliar languages. Justin Osofsky, a Facebook vice president who oversees these contracts, said any corner-cutting probably came from midlevel managers at outside companies acting on their own. This hints at a deeper problem. Facebook has little visibility into the giant outsourcing companies, which largely police themselves, and has at times struggled to control them. And because Facebook relies on the companies to support its expansion, its leverage over them is limited. One hurdle to reining in inflammatory speech on Facebook may be Facebook itself. The platform relies on an algorithm that tends to promote the most provocative content, sometimes of the sort the company says it wants to suppress. Facebook could blunt that algorithm or slow the companys expansion into new markets, where it has proved most disruptive. But the social network instills in employees an almost unquestioned faith in their product as a force for good. When Ms. Su, the News Feed engineer, was asked if she believed research finding that more Facebook usage correlates with more violence, she replied, I dont think so. As we have greater reach, as we have more people engaging, that raises the stakes, she said. But I also think that theres greater opportunity for people to be exposed to new ideas. Still, even some executives hesitate when asked whether the company has found the right formula. Richard Allan, a London-based vice president who is also a sitting member of the House of Lords, said a better model might be some partnership arrangement with government involved in setting the standards, even if not all governments can be trusted with this power. Ibrahim al-Assaf, a former finance minister, was appointed foreign minister. It was not immediately clear why Mr. Jubeirs role was changed. Despite coming from a nonroyal background, he had held some of the kingdoms leading positions for maintaining its relationship with the United States, its most important ally. Mr. Jubeir, who earned a masters degree in international relations from Georgetown University, has held a number of diplomatic posts. He rose to prominence by voicing the kingdoms perspective to the West, including during the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91 and after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Most of the perpetrators of those attacks were Saudis. He served as a translator for the previous monarch, King Abdullah, who named him ambassador to Washington. After King Salman ascended to the throne in 2015, he named Mr. Jubeir foreign minister, a job that many at the time did not expect him to hold for long because he was not a prince. Mr. Jubeirs replacement, Mr. Assaf, is not as well known internationally. After serving as finance minister, he was locked in the Riyadh Ritz-Carlton last year with hundreds of princes, businessmen and officials in what the government called an anti-corruption campaign. After his release, he attended a cabinet meeting and then joined the Saudi delegation to the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Neither he nor the Saudi government has ever publicly explained why he was detained. The national observatory renewed a blue alertthe least severe levelfor cold weather lingering in central and eastern parts of the country until the end of the year. Some areas are expected to experience a temperature decrease of up to 14 C. While high winds are expected in northern parts of the country, the cold air will bring precipitation to many areas in the south, the National Meteorological Center said in a media release on Wednesday. The cold air, which penetrated into the country on Tuesday, had affected southern parts of the country by Wednesday. More cold air, however, will arrive on Thursday and Friday, worsening the situation, it said. "The cold air this time will bring widespread effects that will last for a long time," said Chen Tao, chief forecaster with the national observatory, adding that temperature decreases of 10 to 12 C are expected in the eastern part of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and many areas in South China. While Northeast China will experience daily lows of -25 C, the daily low temperature in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei province cluster will reach -10 C, according to forecasts. The daily high in Beijing will stay below 0 C for the rest of this month, the Beijing observatory said. From Thursday to Saturday, most areas south of the Yangtze River, except for Yunnan province and the southern parts of Guangdong province, will be enveloped by rain or sleet. But in most areas precipitation will be less than 10 millimeters, the national observatory said. It reminded people in southern parts of the country to take precautions, as the moisture brought by precipitation will make people feel even colder. It also said the cold will begin to affect Guangdong, one of the southernmost provinces of the country, on Thursday, bringing temperatures down to their lowest this year. On average, the province can expect a temperature decrease of 8 to 12 C. The decrease will be greater in mountainous areas in the northern parts of the province, said Cheng Zhengquan, chief forecaster at the Guangdong Meteorological Center. The center said cold temperatures will linger in the province for about five days. Peng Jingbei, an engineer at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Atmospheric Physics, said due to the effect of El Ninoa periodic event that warms the Pacific Ocean, meteorological conditions in the country will be unfavorable for frequent cold air. Most international meteorological institutes have predicted that El Nino will occur this winter. Fraser Seitel In 1968, the late, great Jack ODwyer had the prescience to found a newsletter devoted to the budding, uncertain practice of public relations. It was far from a sure thing. Public relations at the time was a bit of a backwater, little-considered, low-level occupation best known for three things: 1. The field was dominated by men. 2. Most of them existed by agreeing with everything their employers said, whether right or wrong, fair or unfair, right or wrong. Thus, the term yes men. 3. The vast majority of public relations men of the time specialized in drinking martinis. Nonetheless, the intrepid, indefatigable, never-take-no-for an answer ODywer plunged headlong into the business of covering relentlessly and often unforgivingly the practice of public relations. And here we stand a half-century later, with Jack sadly now gone, in an age where PR has become not only accepted but respected, even feared for its potential power. In fact, the year just ahead promises threatens? to unleash an era in which public relations is everything. Consider as Exhibit A, B and C: the (groan) presidency of Donald J. Trump. Donald Trumps wild ride to the White House depended solely on public relations. Trump himself was largely a creation of the media: a preening, bombastic scion of inherited real estate wealth who dominated print, broadcast and social media with his outrageous bravado, extramarital escapades and ubiquity. Despite knowing very little about policy or public affairs and lacking the interest to read or learn, Trump was elected President basically because he was well known. In other words, his public relations celebrity. Once President, Trump spent his first two years governing by tweet, the short-form communications device that caters to meager thinkers with short attention spans and large egos. While his critics deplored such a witless and often-insensitive tactic, Trumps use of Twitter was, at times, pure genius. As he surmised, the media who despised him nonetheless slavishly covered his every cryptic, misspelled missive, and Trump tweets largely controlled the nations daily agenda. So much so that future U.S. Presidents, most of whom will publicly condemn the Trump years, will likely adopt some form of the Trump tweeting strategy. Today, as we head into the third year of the Trump presidency, the President has clearly lost his PR edge. His tweets no longer resonate positively. On the contrary, forced to rely on his own suspect public relations instincts, recent tweets like the clueless rant against Federal Reserve Policy and the more clueless announcement by his Treasury Secretary of checks on bank liquidity have damaged him considerably in the one area he cant afford to lose the stock market. Ironically, the stock markets sudden, precipitous, seemingly unending fall has little to do with an economy that is still chugging along, with wages that have generally improved across the board or profits which continue to perform well. The market decline is based, pure and simple, on Donald Trumps losing the reins of public relations. As the stock market goes, so goes the Trump Presidency. So, what can he do to regain the public relations edge? For one thing, he can announce new, needed regulations on the computer program traders who have disrupted trading by exacerbating market movements. For another, he can tweet that the U.S. and China have agreed on a fair trade policy, negating the need for new tariffs. Both public relations moves could restore the equilibrium of the Trump presidency. Failing policy moves like these, the Trump presidency will continue to suffer public relations damage. Were that to result, not only will he certainly be impeached by House Democrats but also risks being convicted by Senate Republicans tired of their own loss of credibility. *** Fraser P. Seitel has been a communications consultant, author and teacher for 40 years. He is author of the Pearson text The Practice of Public Relations, now in its 13th edition, and co-author of Rethinking Reputation" and "Idea Wise. He may be reached directly at yusake@aol.com. One of our best men that is how Michael Collins described Ballinure, Co. Kildare native Eamon Broy before his own death at Beal na Blath in 1922. The man in question led a remarkable live that saw him become a Colonel in the Irish Army, Garda Commissioner, and the man credited with saving Michael Collins' life on more than on occasion. Collins' glowing assessment of Broy was revealed during the 2016 unveiling of a monument in his honour, which now stands at his graveside in Coolygagen cemetery on the Clonbullogue-Rathangan road. Eamon, or Ned Broy, as he was commonly known, was born in 1887 and grew up in Ballinure on a farm on the Offaly/Kildare border. He attended mass in Clonbullogue and attended school in Rathangan, where he showed great proficiency for languages. He learned French and German during after school classes, and these language skills would later become very useful as he used French to give a tip off to Michael Collins that the British controlled G Division were about to arrest him. Ned Broy was played by Stephen Rea in the famous Hollywood film about Michael Collins and had many guises in his long life, but to the local people around his home community, he was referred to simply as The Colonel. Ned Broy joined the Dublin Metropolitan Police in 1911, initially in E Division, before being moved in 1915 to the famous G Division where he was a clerk. During the War of Independence, G Division was employed as an active intelligence agency against the IRA, but Ned Broy acted as a double agent, often feeding crucial information to Michael Collins about the activities of G Division detectives. Indeed, a Garda spokesperson told the gathering at Coolygagen at the unveiling of a statue in his honour in 2016 that Broy was credited in some quarters with saving Collins life on more than one occasion. He even once smuggled Collins into the headquarters of the G Division and their archives at Great Brunswick Street, and at one point cloned the masterkey, using it to lock the dormitory door upstairs where all the Dublin Metropolitan Police men were sleeping. PICTURED: The Tri-Colour is lowered and marched from Cooleygagen following the Broy memorial event in 2016 Speaking at that 2016 event, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail said: The independence, freedom and democracy we have in this country is something people like Eamon Broy took huge risks to achieve, and is something that we today must not take for granted. The act of passing information to Michael Collins and the IRA was an act that put Ned Broys life in great danger, and he was once interred in solitary confinement for five months on 56 charges of High Treason for such patriotism. He was later released under the War of Independence Truce. He became the Garda Commissioner in 1933, a position he held for five years, and has been described by senior Garda officials as one of the Garda Siochanas heroes. He established the Auxiliary Special Branch within the gardai during his tenure. Some of the systems he established in An Garda Siochana are still in place to this day. Eamon Broy also held the position of second-in-command of the Irish Air Services, and in his lifetime held a number of important positions, including President of the Olympic Council of Ireland and Garda Commissioner, a position he was appointed to by Eamon De Valera in 1933. In 1948, he led the Irish Olympic team to London and in that same year was received by King George VI at Buckingham Palace, an ironic meeting given the fact that 27 years earlier he was in Arbour Hill on charges of High Treason against the British Monarch. Eamon Broys daughter Aine Broy regularly visits her father's grave at Coolygagen and said at its 2016 unveling that "the monument is the first local recognition of his contribution to our history, and I am so glad to have lived to see this day." PICTURED: Aine Broy admires the monument unveiled in memory of her father Eamon 'Ned' Broy in 2016 His home was always Ned's first love, no matter how daring his escapades during the fight for Ireland's freedom, and that sense of place is summed up in a quote from the man himself before his death: Looking back on those years among simple country folk, life seemed to be warmer and richer than anything experienced since." Ned Broy will always be remembered as a patriot, a man of Ireland, and a key cog in the wheel that brought about Irish independence almost 100 years ago. He died in 1972 having lived a full life, a life in the service of the country he loved so dearly. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you have a story for us, sports news, an event happening in your area, or if you want to submit pictures or videos, contact the Offaly Express team via email to justin.kelly@iconicnews.ie, or through our Facebook. A Chinese herbal medicine manufacturer has come under fire after an article published on one of China's leading healthcare online platforms alleged that the company's healthcare products and medical service had led to death and suffering on Tuesday. The medical portal Dingxiang Doctor had linked the death of a four-year-old girl to Tianjin-based healthcare company Quanjian Group, claiming the girl, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, took a turn for the worse after her father turned to Quanjian's products, seeking alternatives to hospital treatment. The company, who had reached out to the girl's father Zhou Erli after seeing his appeal for a better treatment plan on television, has denied any wrongdoing in a statement issued on Wednesday. It also demanded an apology from Dingxiang Doctor, asserting the report has engaged in defamation. In response, Dingxiang Doctor tweeted that their article is based on sufficient evidence, and the portal would never withdraw it. "We are responsible for every single word and even welcome a lawsuit from Quanjian." Dingxiang Doctor's "in-depth" report in some followers' eyes cites a dozen court judgments and previous media reports, trying to restore the stories of the dead girl and victims who bought the company's "high-tech" shoe-pads, sanitary napkins and "fire- therapy" services. According to the report, when his then 4-year-old daughter had undergone four operations and suffered tremendous pain from repeated chemotherapy, Zhou chose to believe in Quanjian's herbal products and discharged his daughter from hospital. However, three months later, the father discovered that the products didn't stop the cancer's spread. In March 2013, the girl was sent back to the hospital to restart treatment. Just at that time, the regretful father was surprised to find ads online that falsely claimed his daughter had already been cured thanks to Quanjian's products. Months before the death of his daughter on December, Zhou filed a lawsuit against the company in early 2015. The local court in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, dismissed his claim that Quanjian had misled the family over the potency of its anti-cancer treatment and unauthorized release of false information about his daughter. Zhou's case with Quanjian reignited nationwide concerns over the efficacy of domestic healthcare products and common misleading advertisements from manufacturers in the country. According to the Beijing Youth Daily, Tianjin's Administration for Market Regulation has launched an investigation into the incident, verifying the details of the report. Zhou, a farmer himself, told Shanghai-based news portal The Paper he would make a second attempt at suing the company. Mumbai 26/11 attacks were bad, but the lack of will to hit Pakistan hurt the nation 1962 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan: MEA India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi, Dec 27: Pakistan High Commission official was summoned Thursday and a strong protest was lodged at the incidents of cross LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on 21 and 26 December, leading to loss of lives on the Indian side. According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this year, despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace, Pakistan forces have carried out over 1962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians lost their lives. 'Ahmedadulla, Ahmedadulla,' let us trigger India's first remote bomb Pakistan has violated the ceasefire along the International Border and the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir more than 720 times till July 2018, the highest in past seven years. According to the data compiled by the Union Home Ministry, Pakistani forces have violated ceasefire 724 times along the IB and the LoC till October in comparison to 449 times in 2016. Last week, two Army officers were killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. There was an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector at 11.55 am. One junior commissioned officer (JCO) was killed in the firing and another succumbed to injuries later at a medical facility, the Army official said. (With PTI inputs) Admiral Hari Kumar takes charge as new Chief of Navy 2 Indian Navy Personnel killed in Kochi helicopter hangar collapse India oi-Deepika S Kochi, Dec 27: Two sailors died on Thursday after door of a helicopter hangar collapsed at Southern Naval Base in Kochi. The identities of the deceased navy personnel have not been revealed yet. The sailors were injured after the door of a helicopter hangar fell on them. They later succumbed to their injuries. The cause of the unfortunate incident was not immediately known. "Two Navy personnel died of casualties caused due to an aircraft hangar collapse," the spokesperson told PTI. The accident took place around 9 am on Thursday at the headquarters of the Naval Command. The Navy personnel were injured and were shifted to Naval Base Hospital. However they could not be saved. Court of inquiry being ordered into the matter. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 13:26 [IST] Mumbai schools reopening: Classes for 1-7 will not begin from 1 Dec; here's the new date Five more travellers from 'at risk' countries test COVID-19 positive in Mumbai; nine so far 7 dead, 2 injured in level-3 fire at Sargam Society in Mumbai's Chembur India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Mumbai, Dec 27: At least seven people died and two others injured after a level-3 fire broke out on the 14th floor of Sargam Society in Chembur, Mumbai, on Thursday. The fire has been doused and cooling down operation is underway. Five fire tenders were present at the spot. At the outset, the fire was at Level-2. V N Panigrahi, CFO Mumbai, said, "We received a call on 7:46pm. 8 fire engine,1 water tanker and several ambulances were rushed to the spot. The fire has been doused completely, cooling down operation underway." This is the fourth major fire reported in Mumbai in the past four days. On Sunday, two incidents of fire were reported. A level 3 fire broke out at the basement of ground plus seven New Beauty Center at Khar around 10 am wherein no casualties were reported. Maharashtra: Visuals of rescue operation from Sargam Society in Chembur, Mumbai where a fire broke out today. Firefighting operation still underway. pic.twitter.com/A5aWTVAgVA ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 Last week, a level 2 fire broke out at a luxury showroom adjoining the 5-star Trident Hotel at Mumbai's Nariman Point. On December 17, a major fire at a government-run hospital in Andheri that killed 10 and injured many. Ahmedadulla, Ahmedadulla, let us trigger Indias first remote bomb India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 27: The Islamic State inspired module, which was busted by the National Investigation Agency had planned on triggering of car bombs at crowded religious places. The NIA and UP police which carried out the raids had seized several items that were related to preparing the bomb. The operatives, according to NIA were planning on targeting several places, which also included Hindu places of worship. The NIA is trying to ascertain, if the Kumbh Mela was the target of this group as well. In a video one of the operatives is heard speaking about a bomb and claims that it would be India's first remote bomb. In the 46 second clip, the alleged operative is heard claiming that, 'this would be India's first remote bomb.' The mystery woman who headed the ISIS inspired module in UP, Delhi He is heard explaining to others about the bomb. There is a dummy bomb on display connected to wires and circuits and an explosion is also triggered. " This would be India's first remote bomb. This is the battery. There are two wires connected to it. This is how the circuits are joined. Okay now go ahead and press the button." Two muftis, 2 welders and the making of India's largest ISIS inspired terror module Once the dummy explosion is triggered the rest of the members applaud before saying, 'ahmedadulla, ahmedadulla.' At the end of the clip, a lady is heard saying,' they will be very happy.' During the raids, the NIA team seized 25 kg of explosive material, such as Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, Sulphur, Sugar material paste, 12 pistols, 150 rounds of live ammunition, 1 country- made rocket launcher, 112 alarm clocks, mobile phone circuits, batteries, 51 pipes, remote control car triggering switch, wireless digital doorbell for remote switch, steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, ISIS-related literature and a cash amount of Rs. 7.5 lacs approximately. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 9:26 [IST] BJP-ruled states slashes petrol, diesel rates further: New price to come into effect from today AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal apologises for threatening journalist India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Guwahati, Dec 27: AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal Thursday apologised for threatening and abusing a journalist. Ajmal had threatened the journalist after he asked a political question on next year Lok Sabha elections during a press conference. "I have been in politics for 13 years, it never happened. That was a mistake, please forgive it, I accept that I shouldn't have done it," Badruddin Ajmal was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal on video of him threatening to smash head of a journalist who asked him if he'll ally with Congress or BJP in future: I have been in politics for 13 years, it never happened.That was a mistake, please forgive it, I accept that I shouldnt have done it pic.twitter.com/Ae8o8L83aG ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 On grand alliance in UP, BSP keeps everyone guessing Badruddin Ajmal while addressing a press conference in Assam's Hatsingimari hurled abusive words at the journalist. He lost his temper and said, "Go dogs, for how much money have you been bought by BJP? Go away, I will smash your head. Go register a case against me." "How many crore will you give? (abuse)... Is it journalism? People like you are demeaning journalism. This man is against us from earlier on." The ruling BJP, its ally AGP and the opposition Congress had also condemned the incident. The parties said Ajmal had not only insulted the particular journalist but the fourth pillar of democracy and the people of Assam as a Parliamentarian. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 21:01 [IST] Akhilesh Yadav miffed with the lone SP MLA not getting included in MP government India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Dec 27: Political equation will change many a time with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections coming closure by the day. The Samajwadi Party (SP), which was trying to forge an alliance with the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, has taken on the Congress for neglecting the only SP MLA in the state for the ministerial berth. Samajwadi Party chief and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav has expressed his disappointment for not taking the SP MLA into consideration for the ministerial berth in MP. He indicated sidetracking from the Congress for any future engagement. Akhilesh Yadav said, "I want to thank the Congress that it has not made the SP MLA a minister. Despite supporting the Congress in the state, such treatment of the Congress has made the way clear for the socialists in Uttar Pradesh." Akhilesh lauds TRS chief for 'striving hard' to form federal front Strategists feel that the Congress will be kept out of the possible alliance for 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. Another alliance partner Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has already kept the Congress out of the loop. She is rather more tough and harsh on the Congress. Akhilesh Yadav said while supporting the Congress that people voted for the Congress in the state with heavy heart. This was just to keep the BJP out of power in the state. There is bitterness in the SP and the BSP for not getting importance in the formation of ministry in Madhya Pradesh. They are also angry with the Congress for not getting formal invitation. They have made clarifications on the meeting of the SP, the BSP and independent on the day of swearing in ceremony but something is brewing up in the state for sure. SP spokesperson in the state Yash Yadav said that not extending formal invitation to the SP is the failure of the newly formed government in the state. 'Not necessary that alliance has the same opinion': Akhilesh on Stalin's pitch for Rahul as PM Akhilesh Yadav has indicated supporting Federal Front for which Telengana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is going places to meet leaders. Akhilesh Yadav said, "I will go to Hyderabad to meet his as so far I have not been able to meet him." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 10:10 [IST] BJP leader has harrowing experience in train, says no acche din in railways India oi-Vikas SV Amritsar, Dec 27: A train in which senior BJP leader Laxmi Kanta Chawla was travelling got delayed by around 9 hours and this prompted the veteran leader from Punjab to post a video in which she can can heard telling the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister to "forget about bullet trains and focus on the ones that are already running." In an angry video rant, Chawla, who was travelling from Amritsar to Ayodhya, explains how the train was delayed by 9 hours and there were no provisions for food on board the train. Chawla said that even though the condition of super-fast trains like the Shatabdi Express has improved, the trains which ferry common man are still struggling to upgrade. Indian Railways to introduce 'Train 18' to replace Shatabdi Express Chawla can also be heard complaining about the delay caused during her travel in the Saryu-Yamuna train from Amritsar to Ayodhya, where she goes on to criticise her party leaders for the overall poor quality of trains in India. "In this biting cold, people are left on railway platforms, Modiji, Piyush Goyal ji. And we have tried the railway helpline that you flash on TV screens, along with dropping mails to Piyush Goyal. But there is no one to listen to us," Chawla can be heard as saying in the video. The video was shared on Twitter by Chitleen K Sethi who is a journalist with The Print. Here is part 2 of the video BJP leader @laxmi_chawla made aboard the Saryu-Yamuna train while on her way from Amritsar to Ayodhya. " It would be better if you travel in these trains like a common man @PiyushGoyal ji, " she says. pic.twitter.com/EXOc6TkAjh Chitleen K Sethi (@ChitleenKSethi) December 24, 2018 For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 10:02 [IST] Book by RSS think tank tells, victims of triple talaq want punishment for their husbands India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Dec 27: While answering the debate on the issue of triple talaq, Union law minister Ravi Shanker Prasad has spoken about the book published by the India Policy Foundation (IPF) led by Rakesh Sinha, a think tank associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The book is based on the case studies made on 25 Muslim victims of triple talaq from all across the country. This book was done with the help of academics, legal luminaries and social workers. Muslim women interviewed were from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and many other parts of the country. The book takes care of all the aspects of triple talaq including social, religious and legal. One of the editors of the book, social worker and filmmaker, who is working on a film on triple talaq and halala, Amber Zaidi told Oneindia, "We have actually interviewed 25 victims of triple talaq and their case study is presented in the book. The book covers every aspect of triple talaq with extensive research and consultation of people aware and concerned with the issue." Triple Talaq Bill Updates: Lok Sabha passes 'The Muslim Women Bill Zaidi said that what are the cases and what was the verdict of the Supreme Court on the issue has been taken up by in the book. Most of the victims are of the view that the government must come up with such a law that victim of triple talaq gets justice without much of a hassle. They must be provided with financial security through the law. They don't have a place to live once they are divorced. So they should be provided with some sense of security as majority of them are very poor. The books tell that most of these victims' parents are not very well off so they cannot provide much help to them when they are divorced by simple triple talaq. Most of them are left with nothing to take care of their children out of the broken marriage. So they feel insecure. Though the bill introduced in Parliament was not in the public domain but these victims demand that people giving triple talaq must be given severe punishment. Some of the victims covered in this book have their cases already in the court and they say that their husbands must be punished for their action. These women regularly go to courts with the hope of justice but their husbands don't even come to the court on dates. So they demanded as tough punishment as possible to these people. Coordinator and chief editor of the book Dr Geeta Bhatt said that they have done the work with much of the risk. The team was even attacked while coming out after interviewing a victim. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 19:28 [IST] Congress MP's goof up in Lok Sabha: Cites miners trapped in 'Mizoram' instead of Meghalaya India pti-PTI New Delhi, Dec 27: Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala made a faux pas in the Lok Sabha Thursday when he cited Mizoram instead of Meghalaya while moving an adjournment notice on the miners trapped in East Jaintia Hills district. In his notice for adjournment, he said there was a need to rescue the miners trapped in Mizoram, whereas the 15 miners are trapped in Meglalaya. The miners are said to be trapped in an illegal coal mine at Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district for the past two weeks. Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying while 15 labourers are trapped in a coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13 and are struggling for air, the prime minister "struts about" on Assam's Bogibeel Bridge posing for cameras. AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal apologises for threatening journalist Asking the prime minister to "please save the miners", Gandhi alleged the government was not organising high-pressure pumps needed for rescue operations. However, the ruling NPP-BJP combine in Meghalaya rejected Gandhi's claims, saying the state government was making efforts to rescue them. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, without mentioning Gandhi's remarks, had said there was no inaction and that the administration and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had really worked hard to trace the miners, but, unfortunately, the operation did not yield any result. "15 miners have been struggling for air in a flooded coal mine for two weeks. Meanwhile, PM struts about on Bogibeel Bridge posing for cameras. His government refuses to organise high pressure pumps for the rescue. PM please save the miners," Gandhi had tweeted. PTI UP B.Ed JEE Exam to be held on July 30 Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to reach Lucknow on July 16; Key meetings scheduled in Delhi before visit Members of farmers' body detained in Lucknow for trying to burn effigies of PM Modi, Shah Cop promises to marry woman colleague, refuses later and rapes her India oi-Vikas SV Muzaffarnagar, Dec 27: A police constable got into a relationship with his woman colleague and promised to marry her, but he later backtracked fromt he promise and when the women pressurised him, he raped her. Uttar Pradesh police on Thursday said that a police constable has been booked on the charge of raping his woman colleague in Muzaffarnagar district's Budhana town. SSP Sudhir Kumar said Kesho Sharma, the accused constable posted at Budhana Police Station, was booked on Wednesday and suspended, reported. UP: Man arrested for raping 15-year-old girl at gunpoint According to the police complaint, Sharma established relation with the woman constable by promising to marry her. Later, he backtracked from the promise and threatened the woman when she pressured him to marry her, the police officer said. OneIndia News with PTI inputs For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 13:22 [IST] Did you know why Indian Presidents Bodyguard has personnel from only three castes? India oi-Shubham Ghosh New Delhi, Dec 26: The Delhi High Court has sought to know the stands of the Centre and the Indian Army chief on a plea alleging that only three castes are considered while recruiting the President of India's Bodyguard (PBG). A bench comprising Justices S Muralidhar and Sanjeev Narula issued notice to the ministry of defence, chief of the Army Staff, commandant of the PBG and the director, Army recruitment, on the petition, PTI reported. The court was hearing a PIL by Haryana-based Gaurav Yadav, who sought setting aside of the recruitment of the PBG which was held in September last year as only three castes - Jats, Rajputs and Jat Sikhs were invited for it. According to Yadav, he fulfilled all the eligibility criteria of recruitment as the PBG except caste (he belongs to Ahir/Yadav caste) and sought that he also should be recruited. The petition said "preferential treatment" was being given to three castes while other citizens were being deprived. Indian community in Bulgaria is a "true reflection" of India's diversity: President Kovind But why do people only from the three said castes are recruited to the PBG? The matter came up in 2013 as well This issue had come up in 2013 when the Army had admitted in the Supreme Court that recruitment to the PBG is open only to Hindu Jats, Hindu Rajputs and Jat Sikhs, saying there was no caste and religious bias behind this move but only "functional requirement". In an affidavit filed in the SC, the Army rejected the allegation of bias and said ceremonial duties in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the president of India, required common height, built and appearance. "It is stated that the example of PBG being open to only three classes cited by the petitioner (who alleged bias on part of the Army) once again proves the point that the force structuring/composition is purely based on functional requirement," the affidavit had said. That time too, a PIL was filed by I S Yadav, a doctor also hailing from Haryana, seeking abolition of the Army's recruitment criteria for its soldiers on grounds of caste, region and religion. The affidavit further said that the PBG is a small unit of near about 150 troops that is placed under the President's Secretariat. It said the unit is purely a ceremonial one that functions as per the protocol at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "The ceremonial duties demand common height, built, appearance and dress for reason of pomp and projection which are important military attributes while performing such duties," it said. President asks scientists to find solutions for challenges like climate change, water scarcity The Army also said that the PBG has three troops (platoon-sized sub-units) and hence only three classes could be represented. It said it was not to say that other classes are not associated with the ceremonial duties at the Rashtrapati Bhavan which also includes an infantry battalion posted in rotational tenures. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 7:08 [IST] Death anniversary of former President once against organised at government expenditure India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Dec 27: With the formation of the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, the party has celebrated the death anniversary of former President Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma on the government expenditure in Delhi. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath sent one of the ministers in his cabinet P C Sharma to Delhi for this special occasion. The previous Bharatiya Janata Party government led by the then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had stopped giving any money for celebrating occasions like birth and death anniversary of senior leaders. Former President's memorial is in Delhi. Earlier there was a provision of budget of several lakhs for this purpose. Survival of the NDA depends on skills of the BJP if it manages to keep its flocks together After the Modi government took over at the Centre, Union urban development ministry has made it clear that it won't give any money for the upkeep of memorials, birth and death anniversary programmes of any senior leaders. It was said from the ministry that the responsibility of the expenditure should either be borne by the concerned state government or by the family members. Former President Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma belonged to Bhopal but his memorial is close to Rajghat named as Karma Bhumi. After the Centre deciding to stop every expenditure on memorial of Shankar Dayal Sharma, the Madhya Pradesh government was organising the programme at Karma Bhumi. Ministers in the state government used to participate in it but later on even the state government stopped funding such programmes. Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma belonged to the Congress and he was national party president in 1972. So the new Congress government in the state decided to organise the programme with full respect. However, on the occasion of 19th death anniversary of the former President only three leaders have reached to pay their homage - Motilal Bora, Suresh Pachauri and minister in the state government P C Sharma. There were counted number of people at the venue of the programme and the entire venue was vacant. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 16:14 [IST] Experts on Islamic law feel, there is no harm changing governance aspect of faith India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Dec 27: The issue of triple talaq will be taken up in the Lok Sabha for discussion on December 27, 2018 and if required voting will also happen for it. The Congress and some individuals like Asaduddin Owaisi have been opposed to the bill but this time round the BJP wants to get it passed at any cost. But the Congress has not yet made its stand clear on the issue this time round. It is not only an issue of reform but a political battle for the party like Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and many other states where there is a sizable number of Muslim population. The interesting aspect of the story behind the BJP more keen on getting the triple talaq bill passed in Parliament is that the bill has made the party more popular among Muslim women. Triple Talaq Bill Live: RS Prasad to move the bill for discussion in LS Political analysts have been of the view that the resounding success of the party in the 2017 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh has been due to the support of a section of Muslim women to the party despite their male counterparts opposing it fiercely. Some of the social workers in the community too played an important role of fearlessly speaking against radical Muslim clerics. The support that the BJP was getting all this while except certain political class has made it more confident that the bill must be passed. But there is another view point that needs to taken into account that as the Muslim leaders have been saying that this is an attempt to moving towards Uniform Civil Code, this has captured the eye ball of the a section of Hindutva supporters of the BJP. The BJP has activated its Muslim women workers in Uttar Pradesh to tell women about its menace for them. The BJP has also tried to counter the narrative that it is an interference into the matter of religious matter of Muslims by telling the community that it is not a religious rather it is against the belief of Islam. Some Muslim scholars were of the opinion that any religion has two aspect one is faith and the other is governance. So there is no need to interfere into the matter of faith but the issues related with governance needed some change with the passing time. If governance remains static it will become archaic and harmful to the society. So much so that many think tanks associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) too become active on the issue. One such organisation called Indian Policy Foundation (IPF) led by Rakesh Sinha has done a detailed interview-based study on the subject. They released a book on the woes of victims of triple talaq. BJP issues whip: Be in Lok Sabha for Thursday's Triple Talaq Bill Most of the Islamic scholars say that triple talaq is against the Quran and Sharia but no one is ready for any change. They claim that if anything has to be done in this regard the community will do and not the government. But Muslim women don't agree to the fact as they feel that if the community is allowed to do it, they will once again be male centric and Muslim women would get a bad deal. So it is better that the government must come out with the law that it plans to get passed in Parliament. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 9:34 [IST] How real-time monitoring of data at rest helped crack the big ISIS inspired module in Delhi India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 27: There was quite a furore after the Union Home Ministry issued an order which authorised 10 agencies to monitor, intercept and decrypt data from any computer in the country. While many have raised privacy concerns, the fact of the matter is that this order is essential in the war against terror. Take for instance the investigation conducted into the Bodhgaya attack or the Tuesday bust of the Islamic State inspired modules in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. A officer with the National Investigation Agency told OneIndia that the module busted on Tuesday was not an overnight operation. They were keeping a close watch on their activities for sometime now before they decided to swoop in. Radicalising through the Mosque-Madrasa network: Is Amroha India's new Azamgarh Monitoring the systems of such persons is extremely crucial to crack cases. They communicate through their systems and even on the social media. Communication data especially those on the social media are hard to retrieve and requests sent to the providers have 9 out of 10 times hit a dead-end. In the investigations carried out in the Bodhgaya terror attack case, the probe appeared to have a hit a dead at the start itself. The NIA then sought permission of the Home Secretary to monitor the online communication of some suspects. The real time monitoring of the conversations is crucial to any probe. In many cases, the agencies have had a tough time in monitoring conversations, especially on chat applications which have end to end encryption. Once such a conversation is tracked, then the de-coding technology is applied. Now this is very time consuming, explains an officer. By the time the 256 bit encryption is broken, it takes a couple of weeks. By this time the information becomes useless and the suspects either get away or even go about their job. 'Ahmedadulla, Ahmedadulla,' let us trigger India's first remote bomb For the NIA in particular, the new order is extremely helpful. Earlier, the agencies could only intercept data in motion. The new order gives them the power to scan data at rest. The Home Ministry order states that the ten agencies can scan data revived, stored and generated. Further the powers of seizure too have been given. Prior to this order the Intelligence Bureau did not have the powers of seizure. However with this order, the IB is well within its right to carry out a seizure. Take for example, chat groups on the social media, which propagate about groups such as the Islamic State. The agencies from across the country have written to social media providers and the requests have been pending for several years and in some case over 10. There was no legal backing under which the data on the social media could be sought. This was a major hinderance and in several case especially those relating to terrorism, the probes had come to a standstill. Most of those running terror modules, including those part of the one busted on Tuesday, relied heavily on online communication. The NIA in fact managed to bust the module in the nick of time. They had sourced material, raised funds and were all set to strike. It was the real time monitoring, both online as well on the ground that helped the NIA crack this module. There were inputs about this module and the constant monitoring helped the NIA and police further develop the same before also carrying field verifications. It was ascertained that the accused had mobilised funds and procured weapons, ammunition and explosive material to prepare IED's and bombs and they plan to carry out explosions and fidayeen attacks at places of importance in and around Delhi and also target crowded places. Two muftis, 2 welders and the making of India's largest ISIS inspired terror module The NIA seized 25 kg of explosive material, such as Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, Sulphur, Sugar material paste, 12 pistols, 150 rounds of live ammunition, 1 country- made rocket launcher, 112 alarm clocks, mobile phone circuits, batteries, 51 pipes, remote control car triggering switch, wireless digital doorbell for remote switch, steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobilephones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, ISIS-related literature and a cash amount of Rs. 7.5 lacs approximately. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 11:43 [IST] Islamic State operative arrested from Kerala India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 27: The National Investigation Agency arrested on Habeeb Rahman from Kerala in connection with an Islamic State related case. The accused was picked up from Kalpetta Town, Wayanad, Kerala on the charge that he was part of the ISIS Kasargod module. The NIA says that these persons had hatched a conspiracy since 2015 and were planning on joining the outfit in Afghanistan. It may be recalled that 14 persons from Kerala had left India in 2016 to join the ISIS in both Afghanistan and Syria. NIA raids 16 places in Delhi, UP; busts new ISIS terror module 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam' The NIA suspects that several of these persons were planning on returning to India in batches in a bid to strike at various places. The NIA says that these persons remained in touch with their module bosses through social media platforms. Investigations have revealed that the aim was to recruit as many as possible from Kerala. From India they would travel to Afghanistan and Syria where they would undergo training. A recent Intelligence Bureau report suggested that these persons were planning on returning to India in a bid to set up modules and then carry out strikes in India. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 5:43 [IST] Mamata Banerjee on three-day visit to Mumbai from Nov 30 Mamata Banerjee in Mumbai today; likely to meet Sharad Pawar, Aditya Thackeray 'There is no UPA now': Mamata Banerjee takes swipe at Cong, calls for unity of regional parties against BJP Cong accuses Mamata Banerjee of 'political opportunism' after her 'no UPA' jibe; Prashant Kishor says Cong leadership not divine right of individual Cong in 'deep freezer', oppn forces want Mamata Banerjee to lead: TMC mouthpiece Jana Gana Mana united India for years: Mamata Banerjee India oi-Madhuri Adnal Kolkata, Dec 27: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday said the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' has united the people of the country and inspired them over the years. The song penned by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and sung for the first time on this day in 1911, was a tribute to Bengals role in the countrys struggle for independence, she said. "Jana Gana Mana was first sung on this day in 1911. Congress accuses KCR of helping the BJP by lobbying for the Federal Front for LS elections Our National Anthem has united us and inspired the nation over the years," Banerjee tweeted. "A song composed by Rabindranath Tagore to be chosen as the National Anthem, is also a tribute to #Banglas leading role in the freedom movement," she added. 'Jana Gana Mana' was officially adopted as the national anthem by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950. The poem was translated into Hindi by Abid Ali. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 11:52 [IST] Omicron Scare: 600 passengers under surveillance in Karnataka, Mandatory quarantine for international arrivals Will there be a lockdown in Karnataka again? New restrictions to fight Omicron might come to effect RT-PCR must for international passengers arriving in Karnataka amid new Omicron variant concerns No Lockdown, no night curfew in Karnataka amid Omicron scare: Check new Covid-19 guidelines Omicron: After one passenger leaves for Dubai, Karnataka orders probe Karnataka CM meets PM Narendra Modi in Delhi India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi, Dec 27: Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Karnataka CM to discuss Mekedatu Dam project with the PM and along with several other issues. Earlier, HD Kumaraswamy met Union Coal Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday here and demanded the Centre to ensure immediate supply of coal to Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS). RTPS, Yermarus Thermal Power Station and Ballari Thermal Power Station are facing coal shortages for quite some time. "During the meeting, the chief minister requested him (Goyal) to allot coal blocks for RTPS, BTPS and Yaramaras plants," said an official statement issued by the Karnataka government. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 18:31 [IST] Karnataka MPs hold protest in Parliament premises To counter the protest by the Tamil Nadu parties, MPs from Karnataka, including from the Congress and the BJP, came together and demonstrated in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Parliament complex. The two Tamil Nadu parties have been holding placards and protesting in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to voice their opposition to the Mekedattu project, for which the Centre has already given Karnataka clearance to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). (Image courtesy - ANI/Twitter) BJP's Shobha Karandlaje was part of the protest The parties have been stalling Parliament proceedings for more than a week, demanding justice for farmers who are expected to be affected by the proposed construction of Mekedattu dam. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu CMs to discuss Mekedatu dam issue Outside, MPs from Karnataka shouted slogans like "We want Mekedattu project" and held up placards that read "Karnataka wants discussion not disruption", "Politics create problem, Mekedattu gives solution" and "We want Government of India to respect Supreme Court verdict". Congress' DK Hariprasad was also part of the protest Over a dozen MPs participated in the agitation, including Shobha Karandlaje, Prahlad Joshi and G M Siddeshwara from the BJP, Jairam Ramesh, D K Hariprasad, Rajeev Gowda, D K Suresh and Dhruva Narayan from the Congress as well as JD(S)' Shivarame Gowda. Union Ministers Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Seetharaman, Ananth Kumar Hegde and Ramesh Jigajinagi were not present in the protest. 'We agree to move a resolution on Mekedatu dam', says MK Stalin "Our Tamil Nadu friends should show some sympathy towards us. We are asking for surplus river water from Cauvery that gets wasted flowing into the sea. That water will be stored for the drinking water purpose only. It is Karnataka's legitimate demand," former prime minister and JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda told reporters after the protest. Prahlad Joshi of the BJP Deve Gowda, who could not join the agitation due to a prior engagement, said Karnataka MPs were forced to stage a protest to counter the agitation being carried out by Tamil Nadu parties for last few days. On Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy discussed the Mekedattu project with Union Water Resources Miniser Nitin Gadkari, who assured him that a meeting of chief ministers of both the states to resolve the issue at the earliest would be called. OneIndia News with PTI inputs Mumbai schools reopening: Classes for 1-7 will not begin from 1 Dec; here's the new date Five more travellers from 'at risk' countries test COVID-19 positive in Mumbai; nine so far Pay before you play: Bombay HC directive on playing music on New Years eve India oi-Madhuri Adnal Mumbai, Dec 27: The Bombay High Court has restrained 98 restaurants, pubs and hotels across the country from playing certain popular film and non-film songs on New Year's eve unless they obtain copyright permissions. The order was passed by vacation judge Justice Bharati Dangre in response to a petition by music licensing body Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL). PPL, which holds the copyright to over 20 lakh songs recorded by various music companies, claimed that every year during Christmas and New Year, such songs are played at pubs, restaurants and hotels without paying any licence fee. Ahead of New Year, police seize illicit liquor in Gujarat Under the Copyrights Act, such establishments need to seek permission and pay a fee to PPL, the petition said. The petitioner has made several well-known hotels and restaurants including five-star hotels respondents in the case. The respondents objected to the plea arguing that PPL was not the original copyright owner of these songs and it should have tracked down the original owners and made them party to the case. In the order passed earlier this week, Justice Dangre said the court can go into the merit of these arguments later, during the final hearing. Bengaluru New Year's Eve horror caught on cam: Drunk mob assaults duo The judge noted that from the assignment deeds produced by PPL, "Prima facie, I have noted that the plaintiff has a right in form of a copyright owner and is entitled to claim that no music over which he claims to have copyright would be played/performed in any event without his licence." While some of the respondents voluntarily agreed to pay licence fee to PPL, Justice Dangre said that "it was imperative for all respondents to obtain a licence" from PPL "before the event is organised". For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 6:05 [IST] The Congress sweep in Himachal: I take responsibility for defeat says Jai Ram Thakur 5-yr-old taken away by wild animal in Shimla, search operation underway PM Modi addresses 'Jan Aabhar' rally, says 'Himachal Pradesh like my home' India oi-PTI Dharamshala, Dec 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister also said the State was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it. Modi said he felt great happiness seeing those he worked with become front line leaders. He described Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave soldiers who were ever ready to make supreme sacrifices at the border. Congratulating Thakur on completing one year as Chief Minister, Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work." The Prime Minister will release a booklet on the achievements of the BJP government. Modi went through an exhibition put up by the State government to showcase benefits of State and Centre-sponsored welfare schemes. The Prime Minister was welcomed by the Chief Minister, former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Kangra BJP MP Shanta Kumar and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda when he reached the helipad in Dharamshala. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 15:17 [IST] Goa voters want jobs, better garbage clearance Traffic congestion is top grievance of voters in NCT of Delhi There will be NYAY, wait till May 23, says Priyanka Gandhi PM Modi reviews in detail potential economic reforms in mines and coal sector Cabinet approves Rs 22,810 crore outlay for new employment scheme Power Finance Corporation: 16 Technical Coordinator vacancies India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Bengaluru, Dec 28: Power Finance Corporation Limited PFCL recruitment 2018-19 notification has been released on the official website for the recruitment of 16 vacancies at Power Finance Corporation Limited. The candidate who is looking for Technical Coordinator can apply online application from 21st December 2018 and before 11th January 2019. Organization Name: Power Finance Corporation Limited Total Number of Posts: 16 Post name: Technical Coordinator Job Location: All India Last Date To Apply: 11th January 2019 Education Qualification: Minimum full-time Qualification B.E./B.Tech/ Diploma (Three years) in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Electronics Engineering with minimum 60% marks. Age limit: 40 years Salary Details: Rs. 55000/- Per Month Application Fee SC/ST/PWD/Ex-Servicemen: No Fee Others: Rs. 100/- Selection Process: Selection will be based on Interview. Click here to apply For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, December 28, 2018, 0:26 [IST] Radicalising through the Mosque-Madrasa network: Is Amroha Indias new Azamgarh India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 27: Four out of the 10 operatives arrested following the busting of an ISIS inspired module were from Amroha. Going by what the NIA has probed so far, it becomes clear that these men from Amroha had played a significant role in shaping the module. Amroha is a city in north-western Uttar Pradesh. Known for the production of mangoes, this place is around 185 kilometres away from New Delhi. While 25.48 per cent of the population comprise of Hindus, Muslims make up for 73.80 of the population. The mystery woman who headed the ISIS inspired module in UP, Delhi The town of Amroha is home to one of the oldest Mughal Dynasty settlements in India. Naqvis in Sadaat Amroha arrived from Wasit, Iraq and have resided in the town of Amroha since the 1190s A.D. Amroha has of late been in the news for the wrong reasons. It may be recalled that earlier this year in September 2018, the Delhi Police had arrested two Islamic State Jammu and Kashmir operatives. During their interrogation, it was learnt that they had sourced their weapons from Amroha. Intelligence Bureau officials tell OneIndia that Amroha is shaping up to be the next Azamgarh. When the agencies were chasing the Indian Mujahideen, it was found that a bulk of the members were from Azamgarh. In fact if one traces the IM to its early days, it can be said that the outfit took shape in Azamgarh. Two muftis, 2 welders and the making of India's largest ISIS inspired terror module Azamgarh had become a hot spot for terror. Officials say the atmosphere in Azamgarh was conducive for operatives and hence they were able to carry out their activities and return there safely and hide. In Amroha, the agencies find a similar trend. In the latest rounds of busts, it has been found that the Moulvis have been driving the modules. In one recent case relating to a Lashkar-e-Tayiba module in Haryana, it was found that funds were being channelised through hawala transactions, which a Moulvi oversaw. Even in the raids that were conducted in Delhi and UP on Wednesday, it was found that there were two Muftis allegedly involved in the module. In Amroha it has been found that the Mosque and Madrasa networks were being used to radicalise people. This is a dangerous trend and if religious heads are getting into this actively, the problem is immense and they have plenty of followers, an IB official explained. During the raids, the NIA had also arrested Saqib Iftekar ,26 who was working as Imam in Jama Masjid, Baksar, Uttar Pradesh. He helped the master-mind Mufti Mohd. Suhail in procuring weapons. In the module that was busted on Tuesday, four of the members were from Amrohi. The NIA says that the one who led the module was Mufti Mohd Suhail alias Hazrath, 29 years. He is a native of Amroha and was working as Mufti in a Madrasa at Hakim Mahtab Uddin Hashmi Road, Amroha, UP. He was presently staying at Jaffrabad, Delhi, and had tasked other team members to procure arms, explosives and other accessories to prepare IED's and pipe-bombs. 'Ahmedadulla, Ahmedadulla,' let us trigger India's first remote bomb The other person from Amroha to be arrested was Saeed. He ran a welding shop in the place. Raees Ahmed, also from Amroha ran a welding shop. He along with his brother Saeed had procured huge quantity of explosive material/gun powder (approx.25 kg) for preparing IED's and pipe bombs and were instrumental in fabricating a rocket launcher to carry out terrorist attacks. During the raids, the NIA also arrested one Mohammad Irshad from Amroha. An auto-rickshaw driver, he is accused of helping the rest of the module members. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 9:54 [IST] The mystery woman who headed the ISIS inspired module in UP, Delhi India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 27: In the big bust by the National Investigation Agency, the role of a 45 year old woman is under the scanner for allegedly managing the activities of the Islamic State inspired module known as the Harkat-ul-Harb-Islam. NIA officials who conducted raids at several places in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh said that the module was at an advanced stage and the group was planning on carrying major attacks. The 45 year old lady from Lucknow is said to have managed the finances of the module. She is also said to have brought in the funds to run the module, NIA officials tell OneIndia. In a video, which is in the possession of OneIndia, two persons are heard speaking about how to detonate a bomb. A dummy of the bomb is seen in the video and a man is also seen detonating the same. Islamic State operative arrested from Kerala Once this was done, they are heard praising the almighty. Towards the end of the clip, which lasts 46 second, the lady is distinctly heard saying, " they will be very happy." NIA officials say that they arrested 10 persons in connection with the case and their interrogation would lead to more details about the woman in question. The module was in touch with foreign handlers, whose identity is yet to be established, National Investigation Agency (NIA) Inspector General Alok Mittal told reporters. Mittal said searches were carried out in Delhi's Seelampur locality, UP's Lucknow, Amroha and Hapur districts where a huge quantity of explosives, a country-made rocket launcher, 100 mobiles and 135 SIM cards were recovered. "Searches were carried out at 17 locations in Delhi and UP from where 16 suspects were detained and 10 of them were arrested," he said. "The level of preparation showed they were planning to attacks in near fidayen attacks," Mittal added. NIA officials say that currently, the interrogation of a 29-year-old Moulavi and his nine associates is on. The Moulavi, Sohail is said to have radicalised the rest of the members and inspite them to carry out attacks. The Moualvi is a religious teacher in a Madarasa at Hakim Mahtab Uddin Hashmi, Amroha. The members of this module, according to the NIA were in constant touch with their handlers abroad. They had even procured weapons to carry out attacks, NIA officials say. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 9:03 [IST] Rape victim dies in Delhi hospital after being 'set afire' by kin of accused in UP's Bulandshahr Uttar Pradesh: Man who shot inspector during Bulandshahr violence held India pti-PTI Meerut (UP), Dec 27: The police claimed to have arrested on Thursday the man allegedly who shot an inspector dead during the Bulandshahr mob violence early this month. The arrest of Prashant Nat, around 26, in connection with the killing of Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh during the violence in Siyana area of Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district on December 3, takes the total number of accused held in this case to 29, police said. "During interrogation, he has confessed to his involvement in the violence and also admitted that he had shot the bullet which killed the inspector," said Atul Kumar Srivastava, additional superintendent of police (ASP), Bulandhshahr city. Akhilesh Yadav miffed with the lone SP MLA not getting included in MP government "We are interrogating him further to elicit other details and expect other information to emerge during the probe. Based on that information, we will move ahead with the probe in the case," the ASP said. A police official said Nat, a resident of Chingrawathi village of Siyana, was held from Sikandrabad, near the highway that leads to Noida, around 2.30 pm. He works part time as a driver in Delhi and nearby areas and, at other times, he works locally as a labourer, the official told PTI. "With this arrest, the total arrested in the violence case of December 3 has gone up to 29 now," he said. Five people were arrested on December 18 for their alleged roles in the mob violence and the cow-slaughtering cases. Three of them -- Nadeem, Raees and Kaala -- were arrested for their alleged involvement in the cow-slaughtering case, while two accused were nabbed by the state special task force (STF) for the subsequent violence after cow carcasses were found in a field. The inspector and a youth had died during the violence. The trio was not named in the initial FIR, which had seven accused, including two minors, but their names emerged in the case during probe. An FIR against 27 named people and 50-60 unidentified people was registered at the Siyana police station for the violence at the Chingrawathi police post after cattle carcasses were found strewn outside nearby Mahaw village. One of the main suspects among the 27 named in the FIR, local Bajrang Dal leader Yogesh Raj, is still at large, while an Army jawan, Jitendra Malik, has been arrested and remanded in custody. PTI Finance is life and blood of economy, tech its carrier: PM at InFinity Forum Why doesnt the Shiv Sena quit the NDA asks RSS backed paper India oi-Madhuri Adnal Nagpur, Dec 27: RSS-backed Marathi daily 'Tarun Bharat' came down heavily upon the Shiv Sena for using the slogan 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking why the Uddhav Thackeray-led party did not quit the coalition government if that was the case. It said the Sena was criticising the BJP constantly despite being part of BJP-led coalitions in Maharashtra and the Centre. By using the slogan "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (the country's watchman is a thief), the editorial said, Thackeray was calling himself and his party ministers thieves. 'Thieves are being purified': Shiv Sena takes swipe at PM Modi "Why does not the Shiv Sena immediately leave the government if it feels that the watchman is a thief," it asked. "The Shiv Sena does not intend to give up power nor does it have the guts to do so. There is a huge difference between the Shiv Sena when Balasaheb Thackeray was around and the Sena of today," the newspaper said. Just as Congress chief Rahul Gandhi showed his inexperience by insulting the prime minister by using the word "chor", Thackeray exposed his own inexperience by using the same slogan, it claimed. The editorial also questioned why the Shiv Sena had suddenly taken up the Ram Mandir issue. "It is because the Shiv Sena is scared of the 2019 elections... The Sena is not ready to accept that the younger brother (the BJP) has now become the elder brother (in the alliance)," it claimed. It is the Sena's illusion that it can come to power by pursuing the Ram temple issue, it said. Chowkidar chor hai: Uddhav Thackeray does a Rahul Gandhi to attack Modi Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Monday mouthed the Congress' oft-repeated jibe of "Chowkidar Chor Hai" made in the context of the Rafale fighter jet deal. Addressing a rally in Solapur district of Maharashtra, Thackeray used the slogan in a different context, without referring to the Rafale issue. Saamana, the Sena's mouthpiece, in its editorial Wednesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'power is like oxygen for some people' remark, claiming the BJP broke the alliance with it in 2014 for the sake of power. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 5:51 [IST] Talks with China will not help says USA NSA on situation on Ladakh 20 members of a family removed from US flight after mask of 1 slipped under nose Indian-origin police officer killed in California International pti-PTI New York, Dec 27: An Indian-origin police officer was shot and killed by an unidentified gunman while he was conducting a traffic stop in the US state of California. Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop just before 1:00 AM (local time) on December 26. Singh had called off on a traffic stop in Newman and a few moments later he called out "shots fired" over the radio. Multiple agencies responded to assist and Singh was found at the scene with gunshot wounds, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department said in a Facebook post. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, it said. It said the suspect had fled the scene in his vehicle before the police arrived. The department is leading the investigation and have released surveillance photographs of the suspect, asking for any information on the identity of the attacker. Father buys multiple plane tickets to spend Christmas with flight attendant daughter Police recovered the suspect's vehicle but had not positively identified the man by Wednesday night. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) described him as Hispanic. "Suspect is considered armed and dangerous and may be in possession of a firearm," it said. Singh was a more than 7-year veteran of the Newman Police Department and was assigned as a canine officer. Prior to joining the Newman Police Department, he served with the Merced County Sheriffs Department. Corporal Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and 5-month old son. A report in KCRA3 news said that Singh was a native of Fiji and had immigrated to America. It quoted Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department spokesman Raj Singh as saying that he knew the slain officer. "He was living the American Dream. He immigrated here from the Fiji Islands, just like my parents did, and was definitely enjoying the American Dream," Deputy Raj Singh said. Tributes and condolence messages for Singh poured from police departments and officials across the country. California Governor Edmund Brown extended his condolences to Singh's wife, their son and colleagues. "Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California," Brown said. In honour of Singh, Capitol flags in California will be flown at half-staff, the Governor's office said. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner James P O'Neill tweeted that the entire New York Police Department is "thinking of the family, friends and colleagues of Corporal Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department (CA), who was murdered early this morning while conducting a traffic stop just hours after taking Christmas photos with his wife and son." The New York Police Department, in a separate tweet, said that after years of service with the Newman Police Department, "Singh was shot & killed while conducting a traffic stop shortly after Christmas day. We mourn the loss of this hero and send our condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues." The Indian Officers' Society at the NYPD expressed sadness at Singh's death, tweeting that Singh was killed in the line of duty and recalled his service to the community. Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said the Newman Police family is devastated by Singhs death. PTI Hurdles cleared for AK 203 rifles deal with Russia; likely to be sealed next month during Putin's visit Israeli strike on Syria threatened civilian flights says Russia International oi-Madhuri Adnal Moscow, Dec 27: The Russian military as criticized an alleged Israeli airstrike near the Syrian capital, saying it has endangered civilian flights. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said that six Israeli F-16 jets launched a "provocative" raid at the moment when two civilian airliners were preparing to land in Damascus and Beirut, creating a "direct threat" to the aircraft. Lebanon's acting Transport Minister Youssef Fenianos later on Wednesday confirmed Konashenkov's account, saying the two airplanes in Lebanese airspace "narrowly" escaped Israeli warplanes, averting a "human catastrophe." Trump makes surprise visit to airbase in Baghdad to thank troops; Iraqis upset Fenianos didn't provide details, but said he reported the incident to the prime minister-designate. He said the Lebanese government will present a complaint to the UN Security Council. The Syrian military didn't fully engage its air defense assets to avoid accidentally hitting the passenger jets, Konashenkov said. He added that Syrian air traffic controllers redirected the Damascus-bound plane to the Russian air base in Hemeimeem in Syria's coastal province of Latakia. Konashenkov said the Syrian air defense forces shot down 14 of the 16 precision-guided bombs dropped by the Israeli jets, while the remaining two hit a Syrian military depot 7 kilometers (about 4.3 miles) west of Damascus, injuring three Syrian soldiers. It wasn't clear if the Syrian military used any of the advanced S-300 air defense missile systems that Russia delivered in October to beef up its air defenses. The move followed the Sept. 17 downing of a Russian reconnaissance plane by Syrian forces responding to an Israeli air raid, an incident that strained previously warm ties between Russia and Israel. The Syrian Foreign Ministry in a statement Wednesday accused Israel of exacerbating the crisis in the country and standing in the way of the government's war on terrorism. In messages sent to the U.N. secretary-general and the president of the Security Council, the ministry said the Israeli airstrike wouldn't have been launched if it wasn't for what it called "unlimited" U.S. support for Israel. Israel has carried out dozens of airstrikes in Syria, most of them believed to have been aimed at Iranian arms shipments to the Hezbollah militant group. Both Iran and Hezbollah have been fighting alongside the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that he will not allow archenemy Iran to establish a permanent military presence in postwar Syria. Speaking at a military ceremony Wednesday, Netanyahu did not directly mention the alleged airstrike. But he repeated his position that he will not allow archenemy Iran to establish a permanent military presence in Syria, and said Israel's air force has unmatched capabilities and can reach arenas "near and far, very far." "We are not prepared to accept the Iranian military entrenchment in Syria, which is directed against us. We will act against it vigorously and continuously, including during the current period," he told a graduation ceremony of new air force pilots. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 12:14 [IST] Out from Syria but staying in Iraq: Trump is having it both ways, says Russia senator International oi-Shubham Ghosh Moscow, Dec 27: The sudden announcement by US President Donald Trump to withdraw American forces from the war-torn country of Syria last week left divided opinions across the world. And the president's subsequent announcement soon after that the US will continue to maintain a military base in Iraq and use it to re-enter Syria if the need arises. For the Russians, Trump was having it both ways. Senator Konstantin Kosachev said on Thursday, December 27, that the US president was trying to pacify the disappointed Republicans over his decision to withdraw troops from Syria, Russia's TASS news agency reported. For groundbreaking, Trump to visit Mexico border Trump made a surprise visit to Iraq on Wednesday, December 26, along with his wife Melania where he spoke to the stationed American troops and thanked them for their service. On December 19, Trump had stressed that the Islamic State had been defeated and it was time to pull out American troops from Syria where war is been going on since 2011. "Having stated, during a surprise visit to Iraq that he intended to keep a military base in that country as an advanced springboard for actions in Syria, US President Donald Trump is trying to have it both ways. On the one hand, he still wants to demonstrate the intention to abandon the role of global policeman with the subsequent mission where American blood is spilt for the sake of a country, about which most of them can't find on a map. On the other hand, Trump certainly needs to quell discontent among the Republicans related to his decision on withdrawing US troops from Syria," Kosachev, who chairs the Russian Federation Council's (upper house of parliament) Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote on Facebook. Kosachev also said that Trump's decision to pull out American forces from Syria served as grounds for resignation of the secretary of defence, Jim Mattis, who was apparently "more popular in Washington than Trump". For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 18:30 [IST] PM says notion that Army, police meant for men no longer exists, lauds rise in number of women cops Rajasthan cabinet reshuffle: BJP hits out at Congress over absence of women in new team Women are abused every 30 seconds on Twitter, says study International oi-Shubham Ghosh London, Dec 26: Offence against women is not something new to talk out but the worry is that they are facing the worse even in the virtual world like social media, as in the real world. A major study conducted by Amnesty International has found an incredible fact and that is women are abused on the social media platform of Twitter every 30 seconds on an average! A report in Mashable India spoke about the survey which was conducted with global artificial intelligence software firm Element AI. It analysed 228,000 tweets sent to 778 women politicians and journalists in the UK and US last year and concluded that 1.1 million "abusive or problematic tweets" were sent to the women at an average rate of one every 30 seconds. Curvy professor faces body-shaming on Instagram, gives it back in graceful manner It was also found that women with coloured complexion were targeted more compared to those with white complexion. It said black women were 84 per cent more likely to be abused than white women through mean tweets. The study also revealed that women who faced the abuse were "across the political spectrum" in both the US and UK. The research saw the setting up of the "world's largest crowdsourced dataset" about online abuse against women, as per Amnesty International's senior advisor for tactical research, Milena Marin, the Mashable India report said. Marin said the dataset reiterates what women have been complaining about: That Twitter is a place where racism, misogyny and homophobia are rampant and unchecked. "Twitter's failure to crack down on this problem means it is contributing to the silencing of already marginalised voices," she was quoted as saying. Delhi: Man caught masturbating next to woman on crowded bus Twitter's legal, policy, trust and safety global lead Vijaya Gadde told Mashable that the micro-blogging site has "publicly committed to improving the collective health, openness, and civility of public conversation on our service." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, December 27, 2018, 7:28 [IST] A U.S. federal court judge has ruled that the Affordable Healthcare Act, otherwise known as "Obamacare," is unconstitutional a ruling that could threaten access to health insurance coverage for approximately 10 million people. These were people who had signed up for health insurance on the Obamacare marketplace. Also affected are tens of millions more who have pre-existing conditions. Obamacare was approved by a Democrat-dominated Congress on the initiative of President Barack Obama in 2010, with no Republican support as they argued the federal government had no legitimate power to force people to purchase health insurance. That raises an immediate question: What impact could it have on healthcare access in the U.S. if this ruling is upheld on appeal, or if Obamacare is repealed by legislation? First, the 10 million people who purchased individual health insurance plans via market exchanges will have to find new coverage. Most of these people have to live on low-to-moderate incomes; 80 percent of them receive some form of state subsidy. Without these subsidies, their out-of-pocket costs could increase. At the same time, there might be new insurance plans with lower deductibles and less coverage available. Obamacare required that every insurance plan cover preventative care and a host of "essential benefits." Naturally, those benefits increase the cost of coverage. In 2018, the average deductible was US$4,000, and the scope of networks where those plans are accepted is becoming smaller. Middle class beneficiaries who enrolled through the individual market could actually benefit from the end of Obamacare if cheaper plans become available. This is what Republican senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz meant when they said that the ruling should put pressure on Congress to address the needs of Americans who have been "hurt by Obamacare." Those with lower incomes who receive subsidized healthcare face significant hurt. Also likely to suffer will be a few million people who signed up for Medicaid, the healthcare program for the poorest Americans expanded under Obamacare. Americans earning US$200,000 or more should gain tax cuts, however, as the Medicaid expansion was paid for in part by an increase in payroll taxes on higher earners. Young people and healthy people with few pre-existing conditions might have access to cheaper coverage, while people with expensive pre-existing conditions will have to pay much higher rates or have a harder time finding coverage, since requirements to cover the illnesses would be eliminated. Drug companies and insurance companies would lose revenue from Obamacare being repealed or blocked by the courts. Millions more people having access to healthcare means billions more spent on insurance premiums and drugs. Obamacare did not actually do anything to address the structural causes of astronomical healthcare costs. It did not put pressure on drug prices. It did not allow the government to negotiate to force down drug prices or import medicines from overseas, for example. In fact, the Democrats cut a deal with the pharmaceutical lobby group to prevent them from opposing Obamacare. When Republicans sought to repeal the legislation, drug companies, insurance companies and hospital operators, all spent heavily in lobbying to avoid this action. For the time being, however, nothing much will change. The ruling is going to be appealed, and Obamacare will remain in effect until there's a final judgment. Republican Senator John Cornyn said, "The status quo will be maintained," and nothing will happen until the Supreme Court rules on it "maybe in a couple of years from now." Top Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer said, "We are going to fight this tooth and nail." Mitchell Blatt is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/MitchellBlatt.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more Secondary and high schools in Eastern Highlands will receive chairs and tables donated by the Guangdong province of China next year. This was announced during the Guangdong photo exhibition at the new Malaria Centre at Hohola in Port Moresby last Tuesday. Eastern Highlands provincial advisory secretary, John Sari, arrived from Goroka on behalf of Governor Peter Numu. We, the people of Eastern Highlands, send our warm thanks and appreciation to the people of Guangdong province in China, he said I was privileged to visit the Guangdong province. It has so many beautiful cities. One thing I admire is the One Belt One Road policy which has changed many countries in the Pacific. Sari said Chinas generosity to the people of Papua New Guinea augured well for relationships between the two countries. Vice-chairman of the peoples political consultative conference and chairman of Guangdong provincial committee of China, Huang Wu, arrived with six members from Guangdong to host the ceremony. Guangdong is one of the first and fastest developing cities out of 30 cities in China and one of the economic hubs of the country, he said. Economic development, culture of Guangdong, splendid scenery and maritime Silk Road are four parts of the Guangdong photo exhibited today to showcase its enormous achievements after 40 years. Wu said Guangdong was willing to strengthen cooperation with PNG to promote miscellaneous and beneficial cultural exchanges with mutual understanding and friendships. Through this photo exhibition, we hope people of PNG can know more about Guangdong and choose to visit the city, he said. The National/ONEPNG Bulgaria Market Shows Steady Growth for the First Nine Months of 2018 Published December 27, 2018 by Lee R A healthy economy is emerging to bolster iGaming in Bulgaria. New figures from Bulgaria indicate an uptake in tax contribution for 2018's first nine months. Total Taxes Paid An annual report from the Bulgarian Trade Association of Manufacturers and Operators in the Gaming Industry's (BTAMOI) indicates BGN111.6m (57m/$64m) as the total amount the online sector paid in taxes for the first nine months of 2018, representing a 17% year-on-year jump. Fees Percentage Of that submission, BTAMOI indicated 26% coming from licence fees, with the remaining coming from a 20% tax on GGR, which converts to total take for the period for Bulgarias 13 regulated siteswhich includes prominent operators bet365 and GVC's bwinof total handle of BGN413.5. Online Share Online gaming contributed 10% of Bulgarias total gambling market, with the remainder generated by land-based operators. Total Contribution The total gambling tax contribution for none months through September tallied out at BGN174.4m for a 20% year-on-year increase, a rise which transcended concerns about drops in patronage from Turkish visitors. Drivers of Growth BTAMOI attributed the growth to the dual drivers of increased availability of new technology and accelerated 3.6% economic growth, further thanks to increased private consumption and decreased unemployment. The Gaming Market As for the role of iGaming, the report claims the gaming industry is a factor in economic development, providing long-lasting employment, adding a further variety of services to tourism, and last but not least, attracting foreign investments in the country. Looking Forward As for Bulgaria's near future, BTAMOI chairman Angel Iribozov told iGamingBusiness.com 2019 should display be more of the stability exhibited in the last couple of years. Government Attitude As for the government's openness, Iribozov characterized the Bulgarian government as generally accepting of the industry, despite a controversial law passed restricting gaming advertising in 2018. Growth The online gambling segment in Bulgaria posted revenue of 89 million in the nine months to September 30, a spike of 30 per cent year-on-year. Full Year Prognostication Iribozov further projected the full-year figure to come in 13-15% higher than 2017's total of BGN200.5m. More License Requirements Licensed online gambling operators in Bulgarian online gambling licensees pay an upfront fee of BGN100k and are taxed at a rate of 20% of their gross gambling revenue, with a further requirement of an annual BGN50k contribution to social causes. Outlook The land-based industry remains significant, but the emerging nature of the economy in Bulgaria suggests that online play will bolster new growth. Timucuan Parks Foundation Has Added Two New Members to its Board of Directors Katie Mitura and Kathy Stark Jacksonville, Fla., Dec. 26, 2018 Timucuan Parks Foundation is pleased to announce it has added two new members to its board of directors. Katie Mitura and Kathy Stark have joined the nonprofit organization which protects and promotes Jacksonvilles vast network of preservation parks. Mitura is vice president of marketing and communications at Visit Jacksonville and Stark is a local artist whose favorite subject matter is natural Florida landscapes.We welcome Katie and Kathy to our board and are glad they are now part of our mission of promoting and preserving our areas parks and preserves, said Mark Middlebrook, executive director of TPF. Our local preservation parks are part of what makes our city so appealing and we want to make sure they remain a part of Jacksonvilles landscape for future generations.Mitura moved to Jacksonville in 2004 and immediately fell in love with the city. She began working with Visit Jacksonville that fall to coordinate the Super Bowl communications center and answered requests for information from around the world. Mitura is now in charge of overseeing all marketing, communications and visitor center departments for Visit Jacksonville. Her main objective is to create and maximize exposure for the region as a destination for visitors. Some of her major initiatives include the Jax Ale Trail, Kids Free November, Winter on the Water and the Front Line Employee Attractions Program.Stark is a Jacksonville native and artist who specializes in watercolor and oil painting. Most of her artwork depicts natural Florida landscapes, which she explores by hiking, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking and dog walking. Stark is the creator of the book and traveling exhibit titled The Wilderness of North Floridas Parks; a blend of art and education of the great unspoiled stretches of the wild park system in the North Florida region. Starks work has been shown in museums and galleries throughout Northeast Florida and has been collected both privately and corporately.Mitura and Stark join a board made up of a diverse group of professionals from throughout North Florida. There is a total of 11 members on the board of directors.About Timucuan Parks FoundationThe Timucuan Parks Foundation is a federally-recognized 501(c) (3) that preserves, promotes and protects Jacksonvilles vast network of preservation parks. The foundation dates back to 1999, when the Preservation Project Jacksonville, Inc. was established to identify and assist in acquiring the most vulnerable and environmentally sensitive lands in Duval County. The acquisition of lands created the largest urban park system in the United States, including more than 130 square miles of park space and preserves, more than 1,100 miles of river and tributary shoreline and Atlantic Ocean beachfront, and more than 100 miles of upland trails. The Timucuan Parks Foundation works with their park partners, including the National Park Service, Florida State Parks and the City of Jacksonville, to promote environmental stewardship, the health benefits of the parks and preserves for all citizens, and an appreciation for Jacksonvilles special outdoor spaces. For more information, visit timucuanparks.org.Timucuan Parks Foundation9953 Heckscher DriveJacksonville, FL 32226 Micro-LED Display Market to grow at 115% CAGR from 2018 to 2024 Top Companies Apple, Oculus VR, Samsung Electronics, Sony, Plessey Semiconductors Ltd micro LED display market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2713 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2713 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/micro-led-display-market www.gminsights.com Micro-LED Display Market is expected to exceed USD 14 billion by 2024 due to the rising demand for brighter and power-efficient display solutions. This technology provides a superior display with higher-degree contrast when compared to the LCD technology. These devices provide lesser response time and are energy-efficient due to low power consumption. Due to these factors, the technology is being widely adopted in the wearable industry and is projected to increase the micro-LED display market growth.Get Sample Copy of This Report @Growth Drivers: - Increasing demand for brighter and power-efficient displays for electronic devices Increasing penetration of near-to-eye devices in the U.S. Increasing usage of near-to-eye devices in healthcare and corporate sectors Adoption of advanced displays in HUD in automobile industry Growing penetration of technology in digital signage applications in Germany Increasing usage of wearable devices in France and Italy Increasing investment for technological advancements in Asia Pacific Penetration of smartphones in MEA Increasing use of AR/VR headsets in gaming in Latin AmericaThe key players in the micro-LED display market include Apple, Cooledge Lighting Inc., EPISTAR, GLO AB, Lumens.com, Micro Mesa Technology, Oculus VR, Ostendo Technologies, Plessey Semiconductors Ltd, Samsung Electronics, Sony, Uniqarta, Inc., VueReal Technologies and X-CeleprintThe trend of electronics miniaturization is allowing manufacturers to reduce the size of the display panels that are used in several handheld devices such as tablets & smartphones, and near-to-eye devices including AR/VR headsets. The reduction in size between each pixel lowers the total cost of displays when compared with their traditional counterparts. This increases the usability of these components in small electronic devices, such as smartwatches and smartphones, thereby propelling the micro-LED display market growth.Make an Inquiry for purchasing this Report @Small size and low power consumption ability of these devices make them suitable for the adoption in wearable devices, propelling the micro-LED display market growth. These devices are being largely adopted in AR/VR devices due to the factors such as low weight, small size, and high brightness. These benefits also encourage the adoption of the technology in devices such as smartwatches and smartphones.Micro-LED display market in digital signage applications is projected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for the equipment in the retail sector. These components are suitable for digital signages due to their low cost and low power consumption. Digital signage demand is increasing in retail and advertising sectors. High demand from small retailers with low budgets is contributing towards the micro-LED display market growth.The Asia Pacific micro LED display market is anticipated to ship over 250 thousand units in 2018 grow due to the manufacturers of electronic devices rapidly switching to these components from the traditional LED or OLED components. Furthermore, the presence of a large number of electronic device manufacturers encourages the display manufacturers in the region to adopt newer versions of technology to remain competitive in the industry.Browse Complete Report Summary:Germany micro LED display market growth will witness a surge over the forecast timespan due to the increasing usage of wearable devices in the country. The consumers are demanding technologically-advanced and visually-appealing gadgets as wearable devices. Wearable device manufacturers are continuously innovating to develop the product according to the consumer requirements. Micro LED allow manufacturers to develop products, such as smartwatches, making them lightweight, compact, and energy-efficient.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb: Industrial Coatings Markets to 2023: 3M, Akzonobel NV, Hempel A/S, Jotun, Kansai Paint Co. Ltd. and Nippon Paint Co. Ltd https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1950970 https://www.researchmoz.us/industrial-coatings-technologies-applications-and-global-markets-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1950970 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Industrial Coatings: Technologies, Applications and Global Markets" to its huge collection of research reports."SummaryIndustrial coatings are generally applied in factories to manufactured goods, as part of the production process, to enhance properties. Enhancements include color, electrical conductivity and corrosion, scratch and chip resistance. Generally, industrial coatings are defined by protective, rather than aesthetic properties, though the coatings provide both. Industrial coatings are high-quality, custommade coatings made from polymer substances, often used to control corrosion of concrete or steel.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Industrial coatings are used in various applications such as vehicle coatings, coil coatings, machinery/equipment coatings, can and container coatings, wood coatings, plastic coatings, agricultural equipment coatings and others. Others include marine coatings, packaging coatings, industrial maintenance and protective coatings. Based on region, the market is divided into Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa. The report covers market drivers, restraints, opportunities and challenges that determine the scope of the market and its trends.The industrial coatings market has grown significantly during the past few years and is expected to grow at a more rapid pace in the next five years. The market continues to expand; new technological developments and industry changes have taken place. Demand is expected to increase due to a broad range of uses in the machinery, equipment, appliance, wood, coil and automotive end-use industries across the globe. The need for better durability, higher functionality and ease-of-application is driving the growth of the industrial coatings market. The rising demand for stricter environmental regulations drives the demand for environmentally friendly industrial coatings. However, the high cost of rawmaterials may hamper the growth of the market during the forecast period.""Report Scope:The scope of the report is an overview of the global market for industrial coatings and analysis of global market trends, with data from 2017 as the base year and estimates for 20182023 with projection of CAGR in the forecast duration. The sales values are presented in U.S. dollars, while volumes are presented in kilotons. Estimated values used are based on manufacturer total revenue. Projected and forecasted revenue values are in constant U.S. dollars, unadjusted for inflation.The report includes a discussion of technological and economic trends that are affecting the market. Further, it explains the major drivers and regional dynamics of the industrial coatings market and current trends within the industry.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @This report categorizes the global industrial coatings market based on resin type, technology, application and region. On the basis of resin type, the industrial coatings market is divided into epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, alkyd, polyester, fluoropolymer and others (includes silicone, ceramic, formaldehyde, rubber, aluminum, silver and vinyl). Based on technology, the industrial coatings market is divided into solvent-borne coatings, waterborne coatings, powder coatings, high-solids coatings, radiation-cured coatings and others (includes vapor permeation of injection cured coatings, uni-coat paint and supercritical carbon dioxide). On the basis of application, the market is divided into vehicle coatings, machinery/equipment coatings, coil coatings, can and container coatings, appliance coatings, agricultural equipment coatings, plastic coatings and others (includes marine coatings, industrial maintenance and protective coatings). On the basis of region, the market is divided into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa.The report concludes with a special focus on the vendor landscape and includes profiles of the major market players operating in the global industrial coatings market.Report Includes:- 80 data tables and 27 additional tables- An overview of global market, technologies and applications for industrial coatings- Country specific data and analysis for U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, U.K., Spain, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia- Discussion about the main industry drivers and opportunities with detailed focus on the current and future trends- Detailed description of water-borne coating technology, high solids coating technology and powder coating technology and discussion of their types, advantages and disadvantages- A look into the environmental concerns and government regulations associated with the industry- Profiles of key players in the market, including 3M, Akzonobel NV, Hempel A/S, Jotun, Kansai Paint Co. Ltd. and Nippon Paint Co. Ltd."Make An Enquiry @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on @ Global Candy Melting Pot Market Precise Scenario Covering Trends, Opportunities and Growth Forecast during 2018-2028 / Market Players PME, Farberware, Koolatron, Royston, Chocolatiere https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1061 https://www.factmr.com/report/1061/candy-melting-pot-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1061 https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ A candy melting pot is used for melting candies and chocolates at high temperature in minimum time. A candy melting pot consists of removable silicon or stainless steel pot and a heat-resistant handle to carry the container. Candy melting pot offers multiplicity of uses, and candy melting pot also has temperature setting regulator to adjust heat setting from warm to melt. Candy melting pot are generally power operated, but the battery operated candy melting pot is trending nowadays. The rising demand from the mix flavor candies and fresh sweets and chocolates is expected to boost the growth of the Candy Melting Pot Market over the forecast period.Request Brochure of this Report-The candy melting pot market in the bakery industry is majorly driven by the space crunch factor and easy utility. The candy melting pot market consists of small players with a high number of Chinese players dominating its sales; very few brands are focused on candy melting pot. Majority of the candy melting pot market operates through e-commerce websites like Walmart, Target, E-Bay and other online sales channel.Low cost of cable free candy melting pot with the small built-in features is expected to create growth opportunities for the candy melting pot market. Besides, the candy melting pot can be utilized for a variety of tasks such as chocolate melting, fondue preparation, and others. Alternate factors driving the global candy melting pot market is the growing preference for chocolate fondue and candy melts by the consumers. Thus, manufacturers of candy melting pot are concerned about the aesthetics and design of candy melting pot so that it can be served directly on tables from which candy and the chocolate melt can be consumed. Manufacturers focus on resilience and durability of product (candy melting pot) drives the stronger consumer base for the candy melting pot market.RestraintsMarket players for candy melting pot market are also facing some limitations, such as shipping and transportation costs remaining a prime concern for candy melting pot manufacturers. Also, the price of the product varies highly in international candy melting pot market, the difference is mainly due to the growing penetration of Chinese players. Thus, candy melting pot manufacturers face problems of forward as well as reverse logistics. Further, increasing preference for online sales has invited buy-back approach without taking transportation cost from consumers.To know more about the Candy Melting Pot Market Visit the link-Global Candy Melting Pot Market SegmentationGlobal candy melting pot market includes the segments such as material type, sales channel, and region.Global candy melting pot market can be segmented on the basis of pot material type as:Silicon PotsStainless Steel PotsOther Material Types (Ceramic, etc.)Global candy melting pot market can be segmented on the basis of sales channel as:Modern TradeDepartmental StoresSpecialty StoresOnline StoresOther Sales ChannelThe global candy melting pot market can be segmented on the basis of the geographical region as:North AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeCIS and RussiaJapanAsia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ)Middle East & Africa (MEA)Global Candy Melting Pot Market Regional OverviewCandy melting pot market can be segmented by geography into six regions, namely North America, Europe, CIS and Russia, Latin America, Japan, Asia Pacific excluding Japan and the Middle East & Africa.North America is expected to account significant share in the global candy melting pot market. North America consists of market leaders operating in the candy melting pot market and have the highest share in the region and across the globe. It is followed by Asia Pacific and Europe due to the popularity of homemade chocolate. The candy melting pot market in North America and Europe is increasing owing to the adoption of innovation in kitchen and bakery equipment and growing consumer demand for small and compact candy melting devices. The majority of the candy melting pot demand in Asia Pacific region is served by a large number of small candy melting pot manufacturers constituting sizeable unorganized manufacturing sector of Asia Pacific. In MEA, the briskly growing economies in Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain present lucrative opportunities for candy melting pot market during the forecast period. Latin America is also expected to register significant growth during the forecast period.Global Candy Melting Pot Market Key PlayersA large number of manufacturers of candy melting pot are present in China due to growing consumer goods market and high penetration of small SKUs in the region. Wilton is one of the leading manufacturers of the candy melting pot. The company has high penetration in the market due to high quality and low cost of the product. The company also has a wide distribution networks, and its candy melting pot is readily available on online consumer retailers website for international customers.Request TOC of this Report-About FactMRFactMR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market insights reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog:Read Industry News at - Flash The China-Japan maritime and air liaison mechanism is a useful tool to help avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments between the two countries, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday. Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a daily news briefing when asked for comments on the first annual meeting of the China-Japan maritime and air liaison mechanism held Dec. 26 to 27 in Beijing. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on setting up the mechanism during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Japan in May. Hua said the establishment and enablement of the mechanism had positive meaning for the two countries' security departments in promoting understanding, strengthening mutual trust and avoiding misunderstandings and misjudgments, as well as maintaining peace and stability of the area. Talking about the possible exchange of visits for naval fleets between China and Japan in 2019, Hua said more exchanges from defense departments is beneficial to properly handling disputes and consolidating mutual trust in security. The two countries should build constructive bilateral security relations, so as to inject positive energy for the continuous improvement and long-term stable development of China-Japan relations, said the spokesperson. Sensors Markets Technologies and North American: including ATI Industrial Automation, Banner Engineering Corp., Conax Technologies, Denso Corp., Honeywell Sensing & Controls, and OMRON Scientific Technologies Inc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1934772 https://www.researchmoz.us/sensors-technologies-and-north-american-markets-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1934772 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Sensors: Technologies and North American Markets" to its huge collection of research reports."SummaryThe North American region has seen rapid development in smart technologies such as smart cities, home automation, autonomous vehicles, IoT applications, industrial automation, smart processing technologies, and many others. In all these technology applications, sensors play a primary role because smart devices need efficient communication and data management techniques. Given this rapid development, major industry participants are keen to expand their market reach in the North American region. This report on sensor technologies has been developed to serve their strategic needs, and it provides various key insights into market drivers, restraints, opportunities, major end-use industries andthe strategic initiatives taken by the key players in the North American region.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @A surge in demand for proximity and positioning sensors is expected to be supported by the rebound in both automobile production and industrial machinery shipments. In addition, newer safety features in motor vehicles such as collision detection, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and electronic stability systems will provide a host of new growth opportunities. Also, new technologies such as driverless cars and smart HVAC are expected to boost the demand for sensors in the coming years.Prominent industry players operating in the North American region include: ATI Industrial Automation, Banner Engineering Corp., BEI Sensors, Binsfeld Engineering Inc., Conax Technologies, Cooper Instruments & Systems, Delphi Corp., Denso Corp., Draeger Safety Inc., Electro-Sensors Inc., GE Measurement & Control, George Fischer Corp., Honeywell Sensing & Controls, Int8ernational Sensor Technology, Johnson Controls Inc., Motion Sensors Inc., NXP USA Inc., OMRON Scientific Technologies Inc., Sensant Corp., Texas Instruments Inc., and many others.In addition, end-use industries such as automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing are benefiting from these market developments and experiencing a surge in sensor applications. The table below shows the North American market for sensor technologies by end-use industry.""Report Scope:This report represents an in-depth analysis of the North American market for sensor technologies by type, end-use industry and application. It discusses the different segments of sensor technologies to derive specific market estimations. It features a comparative study of the ways this technology has improved peoples lifestyles and industrial automation. The report also discusses strategies adopted by major players in the North American market for sensor technologies.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @Report Includes:- 34 tables- Detailed overview and industry analysis of the sensor technologies within the North American region- Analyses of the global market trends with data from 2017, estimates for 2018, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2023- Segmentation of North American sensor technologies market by technology, end user and application- Country specific data and analysis for U.S., Canada and Mexico for sensor technologies- Discussion of key strategies and policies adopted by major players in the sensor technologies market- Focus on competitive landscape covering government regulations and standards, key market developments, and key players positioning- Examination of vendors landscape and company profiles of prominent players within the region, including ATI Industrial Automation, Banner Engineering Corp., Conax Technologies, Denso Corp., Honeywell Sensing & Controls, and OMRON Scientific Technologies Inc."Make An Enquiry @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on @ Prefilled Syringes Market - What's New Trending For 2018 - 2024? https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6167 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/prefilled-syringes-market-6167 Usage of prefilled syringes in a wide array of therapeutics sectors, other than for conventional uses such as anticoagulants and vaccine dispensing has increased the demand for the market. The development of the medical industry has picked up at a rapid pace in the past few years, which has positively contributed to the expansion of the prefilled syringes market significantly. Moreover, the demand for convenient drug delivery methods has also given way to the development of the prefilled syringes market as the pharmaceutical industry pursues new and more effective methods for unit dose medication.The market for Prefilled Syringes is anticipated to develop with a 10.20 CAGR percent approximately while earning revenues worth USD 8397.23 million in the forecast period. The market is also showing rising propensity for divergence from the traditional process of production as well as the materials that are used. The minimal drug wastage that is achieved through the usage of prefilled syringes has made it an attractive option for the pharmaceutical sector. The self-administration of medication by these syringes has raised the demand from user end as well thereby contributing to the overall market growth.GET SAMPLE REPORT @The paradigm shift observed in the sectors of biologics and biosimilars is also found to be promoting the markets growth significantly. Additionally, another factor that is causing market growth are the chronic diseases which persist for a long time and therefore necessitate the regular administration of drugs. The surge in chronic diseases such as diabetes will possibly enhance the development of the market for prefilled syringes as parenteral drug delivery is the second most preferred route of administration. The advantages of ease of use and elimination of dosing errors are among the most significant benefits of pre-filled syringes. The suitability for home use, greater dose precision and simplicity in design are adjudged to the factors that will radically boost the demand of the market in the forthcoming forecast period.Segmental AnalysisThe segmentation of the prefilled syringes market is carried out on the basis of type, material, design and end users. Based on type, the segmentation of the prefilled syringes market consists of safety prefilled syringes and conventional prefilled syringes. Conventional prefilled syringes accounted for the largest market share of about 68% of the share for the global prefilled syringes market in 2017. The segmentation of prefilled syringes based on material comprises of plastic prefilled syringes and glass prefilled syringes. Plastic syringes have garnered the most substantial growth rate due to its usage in many applications of pharmaceutical packaging. Additionally, glass prefilled syringes are moreover sub-segmented into baked on silicone and oil siliconized syringes. The design based segmentation of the prefilled syringes market is segmented into dual-chamber prefilled syringes, customized prefilled syringes, and single-chamber prefilled syringes. Dual-chamber prefilled syringes are expected to grow at a rate of CAGR of 10.31% during the forecast period. Single-chamber prefilled syringes are responsible for the largest market share of about 56% of the share for the global prefilled syringe market in 2017. The end-user segment of the prefilled syringes market consists of ambulatory surgical units, hospitals & clinics and others. Hospitals expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, due to increasing public and private hospitals.Table of Content: Key Points1 Report Prologue2 Introduction3 Research Methodology4 Market Dynamics5 Market Factor Analysis6 Global Prefilled Syringes Market, By Product7 Global Prefilled Syringes Market, By Type8 Global Prefilled Syringes Market, By Application9 Global Prefilled Syringes Market, By End User10 Global Prefilled Syringes Market, By Region11 Company LandscapeContinuedAccess full report now:Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMarket 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.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Xanthoma Market Set to Grow with Prominent Players AstraZeneca PLC, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pfizer, Inc. and More Xanthoma Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4860 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/xanthoma-market-4860 The Global Xanthoma Market is expected to Reach USD 8.0 Billion by 2023, and the Market is projected to Grow at a CAGR of ~ 6.0 % During the Forecast Period 2017-2023.Xanthoma Market - Market HighlightsXanthoma is a dermatology condition characterized by fatty growth underneath the skin. The growth can vary in size ranging from a pinhead to as large as a grape and usually appear like a flat bump under the skin and sometimes yellow or orange colored. They usually dont cause any pain with some minor irritation such as tenderness and itchy feeling. There may be clusters of growths in the same area or several individual growths on different parts of the body. The exact causes of xanthoma is unknown, however, genetic factors have been indicated a cause of this conditions such as cogenosis type 1a, autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia, alagille syndrome, and cholesterol storage disease.High levels of blood lipids, or fats, hyperlipidemia, or high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes, cancer, hypothyroidism, biliary cirrhosis, cholestasis, nephrotic syndrome, hematologic diseases such as monoclonal gammopathy and other metabolic disorders are some of the risk factors of xanthoma. Side effect of certain medications, such as tamoxifen, prednisone, cyclosporine, and others may hamper the market growth over the review period.Free Sample Report atRising demand due to growing population, increasing screening, greater emphasis on restorative procedures, rising safety, and success of xanthoma treatment are driving the market growth. However, the complications such as risk of bleeding, infections, pain, especially, during surgery, high cost of xanthoma treatment, and poor understanding of the disease may restrain the market growth.There is no preventive treatment for xanthoma which, is the single most unmet need in the market. Product development represents the best strategy for the market growth. The market is expected to witness an exponential growth over the review period owing to technological advancement in surgical procedures. Market development is another strategy for as there is a large unmet need in the developing regions such as India and China. Cost of the product is likely to a decisive factor in the developing regions such as Asia Pacific and, especially, Africa.Xanthoma Market - Key Market PlayersSome of the key players profiled in the report are AstraZeneca PLC, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pfizer, Inc., Novartis International AG, Teva pharmaceutical industries, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and others.Xanthoma Market - SegmentationThe global market has been segmented on the basis of types, diagnosis, treatment, and end user.Based on the types, the market has been segmented as xanthelasma, xanthoma tuberosum, xanthoma tendinosum, eruptive xanthoma, xanthoma planum, palmar xanthoma, tuberoeruptive xanthoma, and others.Based on the diagnosis, the market has been segmented as physical examination, biopsy, blood tests, and others.Based on the treatment, the market has been segmented as drugs, surgery, chemical treatment, and others.Based on the end user, the market has been segmented as hospitals and clinics, research and academics, and others.Xanthoma Market - Regional AnalysisThe Americas accounts for a significant market share owing to high expenditure on the health care, especially, of the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the greater number of dermatology procedures due to greater healthcare penetration in the U.S. and Canada drive the market. The high concentration of the major hospitals in the developed countries of this region coupled with good reimbursement rates is adding fuel to the market growth. Moreover, the large share of dermatology procedures especially the xanthoma surgery treatment in the returns of hospitals favors the market. The large number of pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. is also adding fuel the growth of the market in the US.Europe is the second largest market in the world due to growing pharmaceutical industry and healthcare penetration. The European market growth is led by countries such as Germany and France. Germany is expected to be the fastest growing market over the assessment period due to its large pharmaceutical industry.Browse Complete 108 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 121 Respective Tables and Figures atAsia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly; China and India are likely to lead this market due to the fast growing healthcare sector and large unmet needs over the forecast period. South East Asian countries such as China, India, and Malaysia are projected to contribute highly to the market growth. The growing penetration of the healthcare industry in the Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the future market in the region.Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are estimated to drive the Middle East & African market. Other Middle East nations to watch out for are Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and Iran. The African region is expected to witness a poor growth owing to poor economic and political conditions, and poor healthcare development. Other regions are expected to be laggards due to poor social development and tribal identities such as sub-Saharan Africa.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread over 80 pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Global Xanthoma Market Research Report Forecast till 2023.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Functional Chewing Gum Market Worth $9 Billion by 2022 https://www.reportsnreports.com/contacts/requestsample.aspx?name=1730860 https://www.reportsnreports.com/contacts/discount.aspx?name=1730860 https://www.reportsnreports.com/purchase.aspx?name=1730860 https://www.reportsnreports.com/market-research/food-and-beverages/ ReportsnReports.com adds "Functional Chewing Gum Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017-2022" report to its research store.The report profiles the major vendors and provides an in-depth analysis of the global market including top trends, drivers, restraint, major segment analysis and growth forecast in key geographic regions.Sales of major functional chewing gum vendors were aggregated to arrive at an estimate of the market size in terms of volume. The same approach is used to calculate the market size in terms of revenue. An estimated 85-90% of vendors capacity are mapped and considered in the calculations.Get Free Sample Copy of this report @The report offers key analysis of major segments of the market by product type, distribution channels, geography, country, and vendors. It provides a detailed analysis of revenue from various segments:1. Product Type2. Nicotine gum3. Oral health gum4. Weight management gum5. Lifestyle gumGet Discount @Distribution Channel: Online & OfflineMajor Geography: APAC, EMEA, Latin America & North AmericaKey Countries Covered: Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, UAE, UK & USFunctional chewing gums have some added health benefits and ingredients that impart additional functions instead of traditional fresh-breathing function. Nicotine gums, oral health gums, weight management gums, and lifestyle gums are some of the most common types of functional chewing gum.The global functional chewing gum market is expected to cross $9 billion, growing impressively at a CAGR of 4.7% during 2016-2022. With increasing health consciousness among people globally, the demand is expected to increase during the forecast period. The demand for functional gums is increasing globally, especially from emerging markets such as APAC and MEA. North America and Europe are witnessing a steady demand for functional chewing gums. The nicotine gum is likely to be the dominant segment, whereas the weight management gum segment is expected to witness the fastest growth.Order a copy of this report @The report provides a holistic view of the global market, the companies involved in the market, and the factors driving its growth. It also provides information on some of the latest trends that have started to surface and are likely to become strong market driving forces over the next five years. This report also provides the Porters Five Forces analysis along with a description of each force and its impact on the market. Further, the report also provides complete value chain analysis of the global market.The market is dominated by APAC, followed by Europe and North America. The demand for lifestyle gum is expected to come more from North America and Europe than developing countries. The market in Latin America and MEA is also likely to get momentum. A chewing gum is considered as a fashion statement in the UAE, which is likely to impact the demand. Also, increasing health consciousness among people is expected to increase the demand for sugar-free chewing gum in the region.The revenue generated by the sale of functional chewing gum through physical stores or offline channels made up 93.14% of the market in 2016, clearly indicating that majority of consumers prefer to buy functional gum from physical stores. However, due to the growth of online retailing stores, the online channel is expected to post a high growth rate over the next five years.Browse all latest food and beverages market research reports @About Us:ReportsnReports.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports.Contact Us:Hrishikesh PatwardhanTel: + 1 888 391 5441E-mail: sales@reportsandreports.com Top Scenario: Parkinsons Disease Therapeutics Market By Key Vendors: GSK, Novartis, Abbvie, Merck 2018-2025 QyResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/year-end-offer https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1865387&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-parkinsons-disease-therapeutics-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report Parkinsons Disease Therapeutics to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.In 2017, the global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics market size was million US$ and it is expected to reach million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of during 2018-2025.Year End Offer Get 15% off on All Reports:This report focuses on the global top players, coveredGSKNovartisBoehringer IngelheimTeva PharmaceuticalAbbvieMerckAkornKyowa Hakko Kirin PharmaAstellas PharmaDesitin ArzneimittelEndo PharmaceuticalsF.Hoffmann-La Roche...Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaFor more info, get sample report for FREE here:The study objectives of this report are:To study and forecast the market size of Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics in global market.To analyze the global key players, SWOT analysis, value and global market share for top players.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, end use and region.To analyze and compare the market status and forecast between China and major regions, namely, United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Rest of World.To analyze the global key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the marketTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the marketTo strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2017 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.Key StakeholdersParkinson's Disease Therapeutics ManufacturersParkinson's Disease Therapeutics Distributors/Traders/WholesalersParkinson's Disease Therapeutics Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsBrowse Complete Research Report at:Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics1.1 Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Overview1.1.1 Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.3 Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market by Type1.3.1 Medications Therapeutics1.3.2 Medical Devices Therapeutics1.4 Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Under 40 Years Old1.4.2 40-65 Years Old1.4.3 Above 65 Years Old2 Global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 GSK3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.2 Novartis3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions...List of Tables and FiguresFigure Global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Size (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2013-2018)Table Global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Share by Regions (2013-2018)Figure United States Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Europe Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure China Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Japan Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Southeast Asia Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure India Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Table Global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Product (2013-2018)Figure Global Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Revenue Market Share by Type in 2017Figure Medications Therapeutics Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)...About Us: QYResearchReports delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Industry Trends: Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market By Key Vendors: Olympus, Bruker, Hitachi 2018-2025 QyResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/year-end-offer https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1865251&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-positive-material-identification-pmi-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report Positive Material Identification (PMI) to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Positive Material Identification (PMI) market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Positive Material Identification (PMI) market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.Positive Material Identification (PMI) is the analysis of a metallic alloy to establish composition by reading the quantities by percentage of its constituent elements.In terms of regions, Asia Pacific (APAC) accounted for the largest share of the PMI market in 2017. Countries in APAC are involved in the manufacturing of defense aircraft, which is expected to increase the adoption of PMI methods in the aerospace and defense industry. Many infrastructural development projects are under construction in this region and are scheduled to be completed during 20182023. The demand for automobiles in this region is estimated to grow by 2023, which would result in the need to increase the manufacturing of vehicles.Year End Offer Get 15% off on All Reports:The oil and gas industry held the largest share of the PMI market in 2017. In the oil and gas industry, the prevention of the release of highly hazardous chemicals and toxic substances is of prime importance. Moreover, incurable accidents and damages, pipe leakages, premature pipe replacements, property damage, and unplanned outages at sites (such as refineries, chemical plants, and gas processing facilities) are some of the major issues faced by these facilities. These issues arise as a consequence of the use of faulty or forged metal building components, sulfidic deterioration of piping and critical equipment, or use of materials that do not meet the required specifications. PMI analyzers assist in checking the necessary parameters of these components and piping. Thus, the demand for these analyzers is likely to increase in the oil and gas industry.In 2017, the global Positive Material Identification (PMI) market size was xx million US$ and it is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx% during 2018-2025.This report focuses on the global top players, coveredOlympusThermo FisherBrukerHitachiAmetekShimadzuPanalyticalSGSBureau Veritas...For more info, get sample report for FREE here:The study objectives of this report are:To study and forecast the market size of Positive Material Identification (PMI) in global market.To analyze the global key players, SWOT analysis, value and global market share for top players.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, end use and region.To analyze and compare the market status and forecast between China and major regions, namely, United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Rest of World.To analyze the global key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the marketTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the marketTo strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2017 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.Key StakeholdersPositive Material Identification (PMI) ManufacturersPositive Material Identification (PMI) Distributors/Traders/WholesalersPositive Material Identification (PMI) Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsBrowse Complete Research Report at:Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Positive Material Identification (PMI)1.1 Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Overview1.1.1 Positive Material Identification (PMI) Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.3 Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market by Type1.3.1 X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)1.3.2 Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES)1.4 Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Oil & Gas1.4.2 Metals & Heavy Machinery1.4.3 Aerospace & Defense1.4.4 Automotive1.4.5 Chemicals1.4.6 Infrastructure1.4.7 Pharmaceutical1.4.8 Power Generation1.4.9 Scrap Recycling2 Global Positive Material Identification (PMI) Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Olympus3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Positive Material Identification (PMI) Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.2 Thermo Fisher3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions...List of Tables and FiguresFigure Global Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Size (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2013-2018)Table Global Positive Material Identification (PMI) Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Global Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Share by Regions (2013-2018)Figure United States Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Europe Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure China Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Japan Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Southeast Asia Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure India Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Table Global Positive Material Identification (PMI) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Product (2013-2018)Figure Global Positive Material Identification (PMI) Revenue Market Share by Type in 2017Figure X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)Figure Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)...About Us: QYResearchReports delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com 2018 Halitosis Treatment Market Size, Share, Trends and Revenue of Top 7 Key Players and Forecasts Till 2023 Halitosis Treatment Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3758 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/halitosis-treatment-market-3758 The Global Halitosis Treatment Market is segmented into four regions: Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. Americas account for a significant market share owing to extensive use of oral healthcare products, rising prevalence of periodontal diseases and technological advancement. Majority of market players in the U.S are engaged in the manufacturing of oral care products such as mouth washes, oral sprays, toothpastes, etc.The Global Halitosis Treatment Market is segmented on the basis type of halitosis, indication, diagnostic test and drug treatment. On the basis of type of halitosis, the markets are segmented into pathological halitosis and others. Pathological halitosis includes oral pathological halitosis and extra oral pathological halitosis. Other types include physiological halitosis.Premium Sample Report Available @On the basis of indication, the market is segmented into respiratory, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, systemic, and others. Respiratory segment is further sub-segmented into sinusitis, tuberculosis, emphysema, pharyngitis, pneumonia, and others. Liver segment is further sub-segmented into liver failure, gall bladder diseases, and others. Kidney segment is further sub-segmented into Uremia. Gastrointestinal segment is further sub-segmented into esophageal reflux, stomach cancer, malabsorption, and pharyngitis. Systemic segment is further sub-segmented into diabetes.On the basis of diagnostic test, the market is segmented into halimeter, gas chromatography, BANA test, -galactosidase activity assay, and other tests.On the basis of drug treatment the global halitosis treatment market is segmented into antacids, antiseptic, ranitidine and other drugs. Other drugs available of the treatment of halitosis are Cetylpyridinium chloride and Cimetidine.Global Competitive Analysis:Companies are transforming the sector in a major way which has led to an accelerated the growth pace of the sector. The industry players in the segment are utilizing their primary resources to initiate a trend of solid, volume-driven growth that has been observed in the market with the development of different varieties of product types. The firms are also aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible by experimenting with various advantage points. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be harnessed by ensuring ongoing process improvements and maintaining financial fluidity to invest in the optimal strategies. Some of key players profiled in the report are Colgate-Palmolive Company (U.S), All USA Partners LLC (U.S), Dr. Harold Katz, LLC (U.S), Rowpar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (U.S), Abbott (U.S) and Listerine (U.S).Detailed Regional Analysis:The halitosis treatment market globally covers four main regions namely America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The Americas account for a substantial market share owing to escalating frequency of gum diseases and wide-ranging use of oral care products such as toothpastes, mouth washes, mouth sprays, etc. Europe is the second largest market in the world following Americas, whose progress can be attributed to a surge in awareness related to halitosis and the products available for its treatment. Additionally, growing demand for new oral care products are positively influencing the markets growth.Asia Pacific region is projected to grow briskly due to mounting occurrence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, respiratory diseases, kidney or liver failure within the increasing population. Rising geriatric population levels who are suffering from these diseases have also contributed to the market growth rate. In the Middle East & Africa, the industry is expected to witness a moderate growth rate due to poor financial conditions and lack of awareness about oral health.Browse Complete 153 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 151 Respective Tables and Figures atMajor TOC Halitosis Treatment Market:1 REPORT PROLOGUE2 MARKET INTRODUCTIONS2.1 INTRODUCTION2.2 SCOPE OF STUDY2.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE2.4 ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS2.4.1 ASSUMPTIONS2.4.2 LIMITATIONS2.5 MARKET STRUCTURE3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: HALITOSIS MARKET3.1 RESEARCH PROCESS3.2 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION3.2.1 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS3.3 FORECAST MODELTOC ContinuedAbout 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 Lung Cancer Market to Grow at 13.5% of CAGR with Top Vendors like F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Novartis AG, Pfizer, Merck & Co., Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Etc. During 2018-2023 Lung Cancer Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1185 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/lung-cancer-market-1185 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/1185 Lung Cancer Market - Competitive AnalysisThe lung cancer market is currently dominated by various players. Lung cancer has become one of the nost common causes of cancer death worldwide. So, in recent years various existing and new marketers are continuously coming up with innovative products to control this condition.Industry News:Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, a Switzerland based company, manufactures various cancer treatment products such as anti-bcl-2 (SP66) Rabbit Monoclonal Primary Antibody, anti-c-MYC (Y69) Rabbit Monoclonal Primary Antibody, anti-CD7 (SP94) Rabbit Monoclonal Primary Antibody, anti-CEA (TF 3H8-1) Primary Antibody, anti-Cytokeratin 5/6 (D5/16B4) Mouse Monoclonal Primary Antibody, anti-E-cadherin (EP700Y) Rabbit Monoclonal Primary Antibody, and others. In the year 2013, Roche received FDA approval for Tarceva (erlotinib) tablets and cobas EGFR Mutation Test for specific type of lung cancer.Get Sample report @Pfizer is another US based renowned bio pharmaceutical organization. In July 2016, Pfizer and Western Oncolytics announce immuno-oncology research collaboration. This collaboration has the aim to investigate novel oncolytic virus technology. Under terms of agreement, Pfizer and Western Oncolytics will collaborate on preclinical, clinical development of WO-12 through Phase I trials. Financial terms of agreement are not disclosed.Lung Cancer Market HighlightsThe Lung cancer Market is growing mainly due to the changing lifestyle, and environmental pollution. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The lung cancer market is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2023, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017 2023).The treatments for lung cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy with NSCLC responding better to surgery and SCLC usually responding better to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Notably, smoking is the primary driver for the rising cases of lung cancer. According to World Health Organization (WHO) tobacco kills more than 7 million people each year of which more than 6 million deaths are the result of direct tobacco use. Lung cancer is the leader with a whopping 37% of deaths. Of more concern is the rising rates of lung cancer due to passive smoking.Other push factors such as, environmental pollution, rising cases of infections, growing rates of early detection and awareness, rising rates of fast growing lung cancer, and reimbursements and growing health insurance are also fueling the growth of the market.Despite these drivers, poor efficacy, cure rates and side effects of present treatment, high failure rates of lung transplant surgeries, high malignant nature and faster growth of lung cancer, poor life expectancy and quality of life of patients undergoing lung cancer treatment, and scarcity of lung organ and long waiting lines are expected to decline the market growth. According to American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) the 5-year survival rate for stage I NSCLC is about 47% which falls drastically to 10% for stage III. The 5-year survival rate for stage IV NSCLC is just around 1%.Market Research Future published a Cooked research report on Lung Cancer Market Research Report - Forecast to 2023 Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023. The Global Market of Lung Cancer is expected to reach USD 36929.8 million in 2023 from USD 15219.7 million in 2016 with a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Lung Cancer Market Key PlayersHoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Pfizer (US), Merck & Co., Inc. (US), Bristol-Myers Squibb (US), Eli Lilly and Company (US), and Sanofi (France) are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the lung cancer market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.Browse Complete 102 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Tables and Figures @Lung Cancer Market - Regional AnalysisThe Global Market for Lung Cancer is growing steadily. The global lung cancer market on the basis of region comprises of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The global market for Lung Cancer is growing with the CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period from 2017-2023. NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer globally. The global Lung Cancer market reached USD 36929.8 million in 2023 from 15219.7 million in 2016. Europe region captured the second largest market globally and is expected to reach USD 8,536.3 million by 2023 due to the growing demand and need for lung cancer drugs, and the growing prevalence of lung cancer.Lung Cancer Market - SegmentationGlobal Lung Cancer Market has been segmented on the basis of types which comprises of push button Lung Cancer, pressure activated Lung Cancer and side button Lung Cancer. On the basis of end user, it comprises of hospitals & clinics, diagnostic centers and pathology laboratories, home diagnostics and other end users.Major Table of ContentChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market DynamicsContinued.Get Discounted report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: salesteam@marketresearchfuture.com Global Rubber Foam Tape Market 2018|Growth With Top Companies: 3M, Zouch Converters, LAMATEK, Seal King et al. Rubber Foam Tape Market https://www.researchreportsinc.com/sample-request?id=73962 https://www.researchreportsinc.com/check-discount?id=73962 https://researchreportsinc.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=73962&&attribute_pa_choose-license=single-user&&quantity=1 Rubber Foam Tape is primarily used for insulating moisture sealing joints, splices and connections in electrical cables up to high voltages. A similar tape, PIB (Polyisobutylene) rubber self-amalgamating tape, is used for more general purpose electrical lower voltage sealing and insulating cable applications. The global market size of Rubber Foam Tape is $XX million in 2017 with XX CAGR from 2013 to 2017, and it is expected to reach $XX million by the end of 2023 with a CAGR of XX% from 2018 to 2023.To know more about Rubber Foam Tape,Get Sample Copy Of Report AtAutomated fingerprint verification is a closely related technique used in applications such as attendance and access control systems. On a technical level, verification systems verify a claimed identity. There are 3 key segments covered in this report: geography segment, end use/application segment and competitor segment. The Major Players Companies include: 3M, Zouch Converters, LAMATEK, Seal King et al.Furthermore, years considered for the study are as follows:Historical year 2013Base year 2018Forecast period 2018 to 2023To Avail Discount,Click AtFor geography segment, regional supply, application-wise and type-wise demand, major players, price is presented from 2013 to 2023. This report covers following regions: North America, South America, Asia & Pacific, Europe, MEA (Middle East and Africa). The key countries in each region are taken into consideration as well, such as United States, China, Japan, India, Korea, ASEAN, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, CIS, and Brazil etc.For end use/application segment, this report focuses on the status and outlook for key applications. End users also can be listed. For competitor segment, the report includes global key players of Rubber Foam Tape as well as some small players.Buy NowThe information for each competitor includes:Company ProfileMain Business InformationSWOT AnalysisSales, Revenue, Price and Gross MarginMarket ShareAbout usResearch Reports Inc. is one of the leading destinations for market research reports across all industries, companies, and technologies. Our repository features an exhaustive list of market research reports from thousands of publishers worldwide. We take pride in curating a database covering virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories. We are one of the premier sources for such reports & report customization services.Contact usDavid,Sales Manager,#766, 99 Wall Street, New YorkNY 10005, United StatesUS/Canada: +1-855-419-2424UK: +4403308087757Email: sales@reseasrchreportsinc.com Krabbe Disease Treatment Market Worldwide Segmentation with Topmost Players Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, UCB Pharmaceuticals and More Asserts MRFR Krabbe Disease Treatment Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1833 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/krabbe-disease-treatment-market-1833 Market Research Future Present Research Report on Global Krabbe Disease Treatment Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022 Report covered In a Segregated way like Segmentation with sub segments, Growth Barrier, Scope, Major Drivers, Renowned Players strategies and Mega Trends. Outlet till 2023Krabbe Disease Treatment Market - Competitive LandscapeThe global Krabbe disease treatment market is highly competitive with the presence of various large and small vendors. The notable players of the market include Abbott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis AG, Sanofi-Aventis SA, UCB Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Shire. The key players are investing heavily in clinical trials and development of new drugs and therapies to gain a competitive edge over the market.Krabbe Disease Treatment Market - OverviewKrabbe disease is an incurable medical condition where the protective coating of nerve cells around the brain are destroyed which causing nerve damage. The global Krabbe disease treatment market can reach a significant valuation, exhibiting a steady CAGR over the forecast period of 2016 to 2022, as per a research report published by Market Research Future (MRFR).Request Sample Copy atThe market has been growing continuously on account of increasing incidence of Krabbe disease across the globe. Classification of Krabbe disease under orphan disease has propelled the growth of the market. Pharmaceutical companies receive incentives to develop medicine for rare disease along with reduced fees in protocol assistance and protection from competition after the medicine is marketed. Increased government funding for drug development and easy approvals, tax credits on clinical research, reduction in the amount of registration fees also aid the growth of the market.These factors also promote research and development activities which further boosts the market growth. Increasing awareness about the disease coupled with the development of tests for screening patients is a crucial market driver. Regulations aimed at free screening of patients irrespective of health insurance cover and government aid for treatment has been a significant driver of the market. Increasing insurance penetration and better reimbursement policies favor the growth of the market and provide future growth opportunities. Approval of various drugs aimed at the treatment of Krabbe disease by FDA too is a vital growth factor.Advancements in the therapeutics such as the introduction of gene technology in the treatment of Krabbe disease are expected to drive the market significantly in the coming years. A significant trend which has been pushing the market growth is the emergence of pharmacological chaperone therapy. Pharmacological chaperone is a promising therapeutic approach which uses drugs to stabilize and guide Chaperone, an ineffective enzyme to help it perform normally. However, the growth of the market might be hindered by the limited patient pool for clinical trials. High costs of treatment for Krabbe diseases such as bone marrow transplantation, cord blood transplantation, and others are major restraints. Lack of effective treatment and high costs of development of new drugs and therapies are other restricting factors.Krabbe Disease Treatment Market - SegmentationThe global Krabbe disease treatment market has been segmented based on type of treatments and end users. By type of treatments, the market has been segmented into anticonvulsant medication, physical therapy, muscle relaxer drugs, bone marrow transplantation and others. By end users, the market has been segmented into hospitals and clinics, research centers, laboratories and others.Krabbe Disease Treatment Market - Regional AnalysisThe key markets of the global Krabbe disease treatment market include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. North America leads the market for global Krabbe treatment owing to rise in the screening of the disease and government support for the diagnosis and treatment. Europe follows North America closely and is led by the Scandinavian nations such as Finland and Norway. Asia Pacific is poised to grow at the fastest rate due to large unmet needs and growing awareness about the disease in the developing economies of the region. Asia Pacific market is expected to be led by Japan, China, and India. The Middle East and Africa market are expected to exhibit steady growth and led by Israel. However, the African continent is foreseen to yield weak growth due to poor socio-economic conditions and lack of healthcare penetration in the less developed regions of Africa. South Africa and Egypt are likely to be the key contributors.Browse Complete 80 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures at1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction3 Research Methodology4 Market Dynamics5 Market Factor Analysis6 Global Krabbe Disease Treatment Market, By Treatment Types (USD Million)7 Global Krabbe Disease Treatment Market, By End Users (USD Million)8 Global Krabbe Disease Treatment Market, By Region9 Company Landscape10 Company Profiles11 Conclusion12 AppendixAbout US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Flash U.S. President Donald Trump visited the U.S. troops in Iraq to celebrate Christmas, the official Iraqiya television reported on Wednesday. The state-run channel briefly said that Trump "denied any plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq." As for his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from neighboring Syria, Trump said that "a lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking," according to the channel. The channel said that Trump and Melania Trump arrived earlier at Ayn al-Asad airbase in Iraq's western province of Anbar after an overnight flight, where hundreds of U.S. troops are stationed. Trump left Iraq to Washington after the surprised two-hour visit without meeting with any Iraqi leaders, it added. The U.S. House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on its twitter account that "Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit our troops and senior military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas." Trump's visit to Iraq is his first since taking office nearly two years ago. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said that the U.S. troops' withdrawal from Syria would have negative impact on Iraq. "We have discussed ... the U.S. decision to withdraw troops from Syria, because this has great repercussions on Iraq," Abdul Mahdi told a press conference after a weekly cabinet meeting. "If there is a security tension in Syria (by the U.S. pullout), there will be a wave of migration, and Iraq will be one of the first countries to be exposed to such issue," Abdul Mahdi said. "The terrorists may leave the Syrian territory and try to go to Iraq, and this also would have repercussions on our country," Abdul Mahdi added. He stressed that Iraq needs to take precautions from now so that it will not be affected. The prime minister mentioned that the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had informed him of the pullout of the U.S. troops before the implementation of the decision, asserting that Pompeo confirmed that the U.S. will continue to support Iraq in its war against terrorism. Abdul Mahdi's comments came two days after he held a phone call with Pompeo, who explained the details of the scheduled pullout from Syria. Recently, Trump declared a plan to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, citing the full defeat of IS militants in the country. These troops were part of a U.S.-led coalition which has been fighting and conducting airstrikes against IS targets in both Iraq and Syria. Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market Set to Reach US$ 19.35 Billion in 2024 - Emerging Trends, Industry Forecast, Segmentation and Top Technologies Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market http://www.marketreportshub.com/inquire-before-buying?rpid=2495 http://www.marketreportshub.com/infectious-disease-diagnostics-industry-research-marketsandmarkets.html http://www.marketreportshub.com/discount?rpid=2495 Geographically, the Infectious disease diagnostics market Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this regional segment can be attributed to the growing GDPs and a significant rise in disposable income levels, increased healthcare spending by a larger population base, modernization of healthcare infrastructure, and rising penetration of cutting-edge clinical laboratory technologies (especially in rural areas).The global infectious disease diagnostics market was valued at USD 13.93 Billion in 2016 and projected to reach USD 19.35 Billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 5.6%. The base year considered for the study is 2016, and the forecast for the market size is provided for the period between 2017 and 2022.Download Sample Papers of Infectious Disease Diagnostics Marketspread across 170 Pages,Profiling 12 Company ProfilesSupported with 85 Tables and 35 Figures is now available atThe infectious disease diagnostics market in this report is segmented by product & service, disease type, technology, end user, and region. The study tracks and analyzes competitive developments such as product launches& approvals, acquisitions, collaborations, agreements, partnerships, and expansions, and profiles key players and core competencies in the infectious disease diagnostics market.Infectious disease diagnostics market is segmented into assays, kits, & reagents; instruments; and services & software. The assays, kits, and reagents segment accounted for the largest share of the global infectious disease diagnostics market in 2017. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the increasing number of infectious disease diagnostic tests carried out.Infectious disease diagnostics are those devices which are used for the detection of microorganism present in the human body. Infectious diseases are caused due to various means such as infected food, water, air, surrounding, from an infected person, and others. Bacteria, virus, fungi, and others are the main protozoans responsible for such infections.Click Here for More Information on Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market with Forecast and Company Profiles atGlobal infectious disease diagnostics market is segmented into hospitals/clinical laboratories, reference laboratories, physician offices, academic/research institutes, and other end users. In 2017, the hospitals/clinical laboratories segment accounted for the largest share of the global market. Also, this segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the large number of diagnostic tests carried out in hospitals.Key players in infectious disease diagnostics market are Abbott (US), Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) (US), biomerieux (France), Bio-Rad (US), and Roche (Switzerland). These players focus on inorganic strategies such as acquisitions, partnerships, agreements, collaborations and as well as organic strategies such as expansions and product launches & approvals to sustain their growth in the market.Access the Report at 22% Discount on Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market by Product & Service (Assay, Kit & Reagent, Instruments), Disease Type (Hepatitis, HIV, HAI, HPV, TB, Influenza), Technology (Immunodiagnostics, PCR, NGS), End User (Hospital, Research Institute) - Global Forecast to 2022 report atThe infectious disease diagnostics market is segmented into major seven technologies, namely, immunodiagnostics, clinical microbiology, PCR, INAAT, DNA sequencing & NGS, DNA microarrays, and other technologies. In 2017, the immunodiagnostics segment accounted for the largest share of the global market.The Infectious disease diagnostics market is regionally segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America is expected to dominate the infectious disease diagnostics market over the forecast period due to the presence of advanced medical facilities and presence of major players. Europe is expected to be the second largest growing region over the forecast period due to the high investment and technological advancement of infectious disease diagnostics over the forecast period.ReportsnReports.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets.Corporate HeadquartersTower B5, office 101,Magarpatta SEZ,Hadapsar, Pune-411013, India+ 1 888 391 5441sales@reportsandreports.com Anti - Neoplastic Agents Market Synopsis and Strategic Profiling of Key Players - Amgen Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Bayer AG, Aspen Holdings, Pfizer Inc. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2314 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/anti-neoplastic-agents-market-2314 A Broad Analysis of the "Worldwide Anti - Neoplastic Agents market methodology of the leading organizations in the exactness of import/export utilization, industry activity figures, cost, value, revenue and gross edges. Global Anti-Neoplastic Agents Market -ScenarioAntineoplastic agents are the type of drugs that inhibit the maturation and proliferation of neoplasms. These agents travel into the human body and destroys the cancerous cells.These drugs/agents are not only used for different cancers but are used in conjunction with surgery, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for many solid tumors particularly for metastatic.TRY PREMIUM SAMPLE COPY @Key Players for Global Anti - Neoplastic Agents MarketAmgen Inc.Boehringer Ingelheim GmbHHoffmann-La Roche LtdBayer AG, Aspen HoldingsPfizer Inc.Bristol-Myers Squibb CompanyBaxter Healthcare CorporationTeva pharmaceutical Industries LtdGenentech Inc.AbbVie Inc.Global Anti-Neoplastic Agents Market Growth and AnalysisThe market for antineoplastic is growing at a reasonably good rate. Growing new cases for neoplasms around the globe and increasing need for cost effective treatments to cure the neoplasms has fueled the growth of anti-neoplastic agents market.The global market for anti-neoplastic agents is expected to reach around USD 150 billion by the end of the forecast period and is expected to grow at a striking CAGR of ~8.0% during the forecast period 2016-2022.Global Anti-Neoplastic Agents Market -SegmentsGlobal Anti-neoplastic agents market has been segmented on the basis of type which comprises alkylating and alkylating-like agents, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, plant alkaloids, hormonal agents, and miscellaneous agents.On the basis of end users; market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, research institutes, cancer rehabilitation centers and others.Global Anti-Neoplastic Agents Market -Regional Analysis Globally, Americas is the largest market for anti-neoplastic agents.The Americas market for anti-neoplastic agents is expected to reach around USD 111 billion by the end of the forecast period of 2016-2022.Europe is the second-largest market for anti-neoplastic agents. Asia pacific region is expected to be fastest growing region in anti-neoplastic agents market.OBTAIN COMPLETE 80 PAGES PREMIUM RESEARCH REPORT DETAILS ENABLED WITH RESPECTIVE 40+ TABLES AND FIGURES @Major Points form TOC for Anti - Neoplastic Agents Market Research Report Forecast to 2022Chapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market IntroductionChapter 3. Research MethodologyChapter 4. Market DynamicsChapter 5. Market Factor AnalysisChapter 6. Global Anti - Neoplastic Agents Market, By TypeChapter 7. Global Anti - Neoplastic Agents Market, By TreatmentChapter 8 Global Anti - Neoplastic Agents Market, By End UserChapter 9. Global Anti - Neoplastic Agents 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 Pneumoconiosis Market Synopsis and Strategic Profiling of Key Players - Abbott, Eli Lilly, Sunpharma, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Abbott, AstraZeneca, Merck & Co. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4639 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/pneumoconiosis-market-4639 The "Worldwide Pneumoconiosis Market Research Report 2018" is The Most Recent Analysis Which Helps the User to Build Successful Business Methodologies.Global Pneumoconiosis Market - HighlightsPneumoconiosis occurs when a person inhales particles such as asbestos, coal dust, or silica. Some time it may causes inflammation in the lungs. A number of different factors are responsible for causing pneumoconiosis.Global pneumoconiosis market is majorly driven by the increasing prevalence of pneumoconiosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, pneumoconiosis was responsible for 260,000 deaths across the globe.GET PREMIUM SAMPLE REPORT @Global Pneumoconiosis Market - Key PlayersAbbott (US) Eli Lilly (US)Sunpharma (India)Sanofi (France)Novo Nordisk (Denmark)Novartis (Switzerland)Abbott (US)AstraZeneca (UK)Merck & Co. (U.S.)Pfizer (U.S.)Svizera Healthcare (India)Global Pneumoconiosis Market - Growth and AnalysisIncreasing pollution, changing lifestyle and increasing geriatric population have fuelled the growth of the market.Smoking increases the possibility of the pneumoconiosis, thereby, the rapidly increasing number of smokers has also contributed in the growth of the market. On the other hand, lack of absolute treatment may restrain the market growth.The Global Pneumoconiosis Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during forecast period.Global Pneumoconiosis Market - SegmentationThe global pneumoconiosis market is segmented on the basis of types, causes, therapy, and end users.On the basis of type, the market is segmented into asbestosis, berylliosis, byssinosis, coal workers pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and others.On the basis of cause, the market is categorized into organic dusts, non-organic substances, and others. Organic substances are further segmented into hay, malt, mushrooms, and others.On the basis of therapy, the market is segmented into diagnosis, and treatment. Diagnosis is further segmented into chest X-ray, CT scan, and others. Treatment is further classified into mucolytic agent, antibiotic, and others.On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospital, clinics, and others.Global Pneumoconiosis Market - Regional AnalysisThe Americas dominate the global pneumoconiosis market owing to a large patient population, strong government support for research & development, and high healthcare spending. Smoking increase the risk of causing this disease.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, about 15 in every 100 U.S. adults aged over 18 years smoked cigarettes.OBTAIN REPORT DETAILS @Europe has the second leading market in global pneumoconiosis market which is followed by Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for pneumoconiosis. As per statistics, more than half of the china population smoke.China and India contribute a major share in the Asia Pacific pneumoconiosis market. Increasing geriatric population and increasing air pollution in this region have fuelled the growth of the market.Some Points form TOC for Pneumoconiosis Market Research:Report PrologueIntroduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations2.3 Market Structure2.4. Market SegmentationResearch Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size Estimation3.5 Forecast ModelTo be continuedAbout 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 Luxury Packaging Market Growth 2019: Growth by Leading Companies like Amcor Limited, HH Deluxe Packaging, Ekol Ofset, DS Smith, Pendragon Presentation Packaging, Design Packaging, Inc, Elegant Packaging, MW Creative etc luxury packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% up to 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5145 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/luxury-packaging-market-5145 Global luxury packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.Global Luxury Packaging Market Information Report by Material (Paperboard Material, Plastic, Glass and Others), by End-user (Food & Beverage, Confectionery, Personal Care & Cosmetics, and Others) and By Region - Global Forecast To 2023Key PlayersThe prominent players in the luxury packaging market include Amcor Limited (Australia), HH Deluxe Packaging (U.K.), Ekol Ofset (Turkey), DS Smith Plc (U.K.), Pendragon Presentation Packaging Ltd (U.K.), Design Packaging, Inc. (U.S.), Elegant Packaging (U.S.), MW Creative Ltd (U.K.), Winter & Company AG (Switzerland), Lucas Luxury Packaging (Ireland), and CLP Packaging Solutions Inc. (U.S.).Get Sample Copy @Market HighlightsPackaging is no longer done simply to protect products from damage, but has become an essential part of luxury branding. Luxury packaging is mostly used to package highly expensive and sophisticated products. The packaging employed is a part of a companys brand image. Companies spend more on packaging innovation rather than on production cost.They are adopting active packaging and intelligent packaging so as to enhance the performance of the packaging technique. Rise in the number of product launches, especially in the cosmetic and fashion sectors, drives the growth of the luxury packaging market. Additionally, rise in penetration of online retail and travel retail also contributed in the global luxury packaging market.However, fluctuating price of raw materials, are the factors may be a hindrance in the growth of the market.Market Research AnalysisGlobal luxury packaging market has been segmented based on material, end-user, and region. On the basis of material, the market segments are paperboard material, plastic, glass and others.Paperboard dominates the material segment of the market and is expected to be the fastest growing material segment. Growing demand for sustainability packaging drives the growth of the paperboard segment.It is light weight and is gaining prominence due to the rising need for renewable and recyclable solutions for various packaging needs. This material is used for packaging cosmetics, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and household products.Browse Report @Plastic is one of the most widely used materials for packaging across various end-use industries. The material offers high barrier, cost efficient, temperature resistance and durable packaging options.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research FuturePhone No. :+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Zika Vaccines Market Positive Outlook for in 2018, But Will it Last? Zika Vaccines https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/413 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/413 Zika vaccines are developed for immunization & prevention against diseases caused by Zika virus. This virus belongs to genus Flavivirus and is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, sexual contact or from infected pregnant women to the fetus. Diagnosis of this infection is confirmed by detecting viral DNA through PCR. However, only 1 in 4 people with zika infection are prone to develop symptoms. In November 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that zika infection no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) as major cases of zika virus were asymptomatic.In April 2015, a major ongoing outbreak of Zika virus was registered in Brazil, which later affected the population in South and Central America. This outbreak caused mild illness (fever, rashes, joint pains, conjunctivitis, nausea, and muscle pain), though the recent outbreaks showed severe complications such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and various congenital neurological abnormalities in infants who were born to infected mothers. The link between zika virus and microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome was identified and reported in 2015 in Brazil.Get Discount On This Report:According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70 new zika virus infection cases were reported in the U.S. in 2015, which increased to 41,181 cases in 2016. Lack of reporting is a major factor for lower incidence rate in 2015. Increase in awareness can result in more diagnosis and reporting thus generating growth of the global zika vaccines market.Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology found that the extract of San Francisco plant (Codiaeum variegatum) found in Australia, can kill the zika virus. This extract can arrest the virus and stop it from replicating without causing any damage to the host cells.Zika Vaccines Market Taxonomy:There are different types of vaccines that provide protection against Zika virus:DNA-based vaccinesInactivated vaccinesLive-attenuated vaccinesmRNA vaccinesGenetically engineered vaccinesAs of March 2016, 67 companies and research institutions were working on various kinds of R&D projects and clinical trials aided to develop effective vaccines against zika virus. The FDA approved the first human clinical trial for GLS5700 in June 2016, a zika vaccine being developed by Inovio Pharmaceuticals. Further in 2017, a grant was approved for phase 2 clinical trials for a DNA vaccine conducted by NIAIDs Vaccine Research Center (VRC).Increasing awareness among the population would aid in controlling the incidence rate of zika infection. The WHO implemented a global framework for creating public awareness through its Zika Strategic Response Framework and Joint Plan in February 2016. This plan outlines all the points to be taken care of at the time of infections. In June 2016, WHO Regional Office for Europe developed a training curriculum to increase awareness by the publication of Zika Risk Assessment for European Region.Download the PDF brochure:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr.ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email:sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Branded Generics Market: Owing to Increasing Prevalence of Diabetes in Asia Pacific and MEA regions https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1260 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1260 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/branded-generics-market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ Differential and innovative product strategies that are adopted by various multinational pharma companies have been fuelling the growth of branded generics market at a global scale. These strategies include establishing sustained local capabilities with the strong local talents, engaging in portfolio marketing, recalibrating regulatory affairs, bolstering sales force with the multi-channel engagement and enhancing contracting capabilities. Developing regions are witnessing a rapid increase in demand for branded generics on account of increasing affordability of the products and ease of regulations. Rising disposable income and changing lifestyle of consumers is also expected to augur well for growth of the branded generics market in the near future.The study predicts that patent expiries of the blockbuster drugs are likely to create demand for branded generics during the forecast period. Increasing prevalence of the lifestyle and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes together with increasing purchasing power makes branded generics market attractive for investors. The study by Future Market Insights predicts that branded generics market is likely to register a healthy 7.3% CAGR over the forecast period, 2016-2026. Commodity generic products and huge competition from the branded drugs have prevailed as major challenges inhibiting the growth of branded generics market, in terms of price structure.Request to View Sample of Research Report @Cardiovascular Diseases are likely to prove highly lucrative for revenue growth of branded generics market due to rising prevalence of diverse types of cancers and increasing comorbidities across the globe. Anti-hypertensive segment is expected to prove highly lucrative for the purpose of reducing premature cardiovascular disease. Oral formulations hold the largest demand from medical providers and patients for branded generics. This is mainly due to the benefits that oral formulation offers such as accuracy, dosing convenience and easy adherence to a medication plan.Parenteral formulations are likely to gain traction in branded generics market during the forecast period, with API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) being degraded in intestinal tracts, thereby driving the demand for parenteral delivery. The report predicts that APEJ and North America are likely to remain lucrative for parenteral formulations during the forecast period. Retail Pharmacies are expected to prove as the most lucrative distribution channel for branded generics, as the pharmaceutical companies manufacturers are highly dependent on this distribution channel for selling the products over-the-counter.APEJ accounts for the largest revenue share in the branded generics market owing to lack of worldwide health coverage and higher out-of-the-pocket expenditure on healthcare. China, India and ASEAN countries are expected to pose lucrative growth opportunities for the new and existing key players in the forthcoming years. Most of the leading manufacturers in the global market are concentrated in Asian countries and have been working towards expansion of their production capacity, for catering to the existing and emerging global demands.Statutory regulatory bodies have been playing a significant role in the growth branded generics market in APEJ by providing approvals for products. Furthermore, growth through the adoption of inorganic approaches have been forming cornerstone of the branded generics drug makers in APEJ region. Latin America, Eastern Europe and North America will prove significantly lucrative for the branded generics market in the forthcoming years.Need more information about Report methodology ? @Brand-name prescriptions are anticipated to remain ubiquitous amongst the aged people worldwide. Since geriatric demographics hold a larger portion of drug-consuming population across the globe, demand for branded generics are expected to rise substantially. Branded generics market has been projected to develop at a healthy pace as enormous number of the pharmaceutical products are expected to go off-patent within the assessment period of 2016-2026.View Report Preview @About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact UsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Over-the-counter Drugs Market By 2026: Region Wise Analysis of Top Players Pfizer, Novartis, Merck, Cipla Ltd Over-the-counter Drugs https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/1218 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/1218 Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs also called as non-prescription drugs are medicines that do not require prescription from healthcare professionals for selling it to consumers. Consumer can follow the instruction mentioned on label and these drugs are safe to use. These drugs are available at pharmacies, supermarkets, general stores, and gas stations across several countries. However, these drugs are solely authorized for dispense by pharmacists, after confirming age, identity, and patients knowledge regarding the product and its utility. Non-prescription drugs such as analgesics, dermatologics, and digestive medicines are used to treat minor health issues. OTC drugs are regulated and manufactured under OTC Monograph or New Drug Application (NDA) processes.Download PDF Brochure of This Business Research Report :Increasing Prevalence Of Digestion Disorders, Common Flu, And Cold Is Driving Growth Of The MarketAccording to American Nutrition Association, 2016, around 70 million people suffer from some form of digestion disorder such as indigestion, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation daily. Patients suffering from these conditions are reported to use non-prescription medicines. OTC drugs widely used to treat symptoms of cold and flu worldwide. Increasing prevalence of viral infections causing cold and flu is creating a favorable environment for growth of OTC drugs market. According to Australian Health Direct, over 200 viruses present worldwide can cause cold and adults are susceptible to these viruses around 2-4 times annually. The same source also suggests that the cold and flu symptoms are usually mild to moderate and self-limiting, which is propelling demand for over-the-counter drugs, in turn fueling growth of the market.Over-The-Counter Drugs Market TaxonomyOn the basis of product type, the global over-the-counter drugs market is segmented into:Analgesics and Pain RelieversCough, Cold and Flu ProductsDermatological ProductsVitamin & Mineral SupplementsGastrointestinal ProductsSleeping AidsSmoking Cessation AidsOphthalmic ProductsOthersOn the basis of administration route, the global over-the-counter drugs market is segmented into:OralSolidsLiquidsTopicalOthersOn the basis of distribution channel, the global over-the-counter drugs market is segmented into:Hospital PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesOnline PharmaciesOthersRequest For Customization Of This Business Research Report :North America To Hold The Leading Position In The Global over-the-counter drugs market, Owing To Well Established Healthcare StructureOn the basis of geography, the global over-the-counter drugs market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America holds a dominant position in the global over-the-counter drugs market, followed by Europe, owing to growing patient awareness regarding consumption of OTC drugs, leading to self-medication practices. According to Consumer Healthcare Protection Act 2015, an estimated 81% adults in the U.S. use OTC medicines as their first response to minor ailments. Moreover, the same data states that U.S. had an around 54,000 pharmacies in 2015 and over 750,000 retail outlets selling OTC drugs.Asia Pacific economies such as China and India are expected to witness rapid growth in OTC market over the forecast period due to increasing public awareness regarding the treatment of minor diseases as well as increasing number market players tapping into emerging markets of the region. For instance, Takeda Pharmaceuticals in March 2016, started overseas sales of OTC brandAlinamin in Vietnam, India, Hong-Kong, and China.Competitive LandscapeKey players are focusing into strategic alliances and partnerships with companies in distant geographies to increase visibility of product. For instance, in January 2018, Nuvo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. acquired ex-U.S. product and existing royalty streams for Resultz, an OTC treatment for head lice from Piedmont Pharmaceuticals LLC. Key players operating in the global over-the-counter drugs market include Alkem Laboratories Limited, GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Johnson and Johnson Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Novartis AG, Merck KGaA, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.Increasing Awareness Regarding Self-Medication To Boost OTC Drugs Market GrowthIncreasing inclination of the populace towards self-medication for treatment of minor health conditions, low pricing of these drugs, convenience of direct purchase, as well as innovations and developments in the dosage forms of these drugs is fueling growth of the market. According to Consumer Healthcare Products Association, in the U.S number of allergy sufferers using OTC medication increased from 66% in 2009 to 75% in 2015. However, increasing number of market players, high possibilities of addiction and substance abuse are major factors restraining growth of the market.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market To Witness Robust Expansion By 2026 LonzaThermo, Fisher, ATCC, Bio-Techne Mesenchymal Stem Cells https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/720 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/720 The mesenchymal stem cells play an important role within an organism for suppression of immune cells activation, increase the number of newer cells, reduce cell death or cell damage in the body, and secretion of both neurotrophic and angiogenic factors, which are responsible for stabilizing the extracellular matrix, when transplanted to the brain, this cells promote the reduction of free radical levels and enhance synaptic connections of damaged neurons, and increases the myelination of axons. The mesenchymal cells are also able to replace and repair any damaged blood vessel in the cerebrum brain.Download PDF Brochure of This Business Research Report :Mesenchymal stem cells, also known as Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs), are adult, fibroblast-like multipotent cells that can differentiate and mature into tissues of mesodermal origin such as adipocytes, chondroblasts, and osteoblasts. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated first time from the bone marrow and later from various sources such as cord cells, adipose tissue, and molar cells. MSCs in terms of size, are smaller and are quite difficult to observe in histological sections. A group of mesenchymal stem cells are called as mesenchyme and is widely distributed in the body. Mesenchymal cells can multiply in numbers of specialized cells and they can grow in-vitro or in-vivo condition.Rise In Prevalence Of Osteoporosis And Increase In Cancer Incidences Are Expected To Support The Global Market GrowthMSCs have the ability to grow bone tissues through the bone surface to form new bone, which in turn has the potency to treat osteoporosis. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), in 2015, the U.S. accounted for around 53 million people suffering from osteoporosis or at a high risk due to low bone mass.According to Osteoporosis Canada, around 1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women suffer from osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime, whereas osteoporosis causes around 70-90% of 30,000 hip fractures yearly; the annual cost to Canada for treating osteoporosis was around US$ 4.0 billion in the year 2012, which is expected to rise in the upcoming years. Furthermore, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), annually around 9.0 million people worldwide are suffering from osteoporosis fractures. The aforementioned factors are expected to bolster the Mesenchymal stem cells market growth over the forecast period.Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market PlayersSome of the key market players identified across the value chain of mesenchymal stem cells market are, LonzaThermo, Fisher, ATCC, Bio-Techne, MilliporeSigma, Genlantis, Celprogen, Cell Applications, PromoCell GmbH, Cyagen Biosciences, Human Longevity Inc., Axol Bioscience, Cytori Therapeutics, Eutilex Co.Ltd., ID Pharma Co. Ltd., BrainStrom Cell Therapeutics, Cytori Therapeutics Inc., Neovii Biotech, Angel Biotechnology, California Stem Cell Inc., Stemcelltechnologies Inc., and Celgene Corporation Inc.Regional AnalysisNorth America and Asia Pacific are expected to hold large market shares followed by Europe due to the rapid growth in technological innovations, high disposable incomes, and the well-equipped healthcare centers, which will lead to the growth and development of MSCs market. The implantation of new mesenchymal stem cells in cancer patients is expected to enhance the growth of MSCs market.Request For Customization Of This Business Research Report :As per World Health Organization (WHO), around 14 million cases of cancer were registered globally in 2012 and around 8.8 million deaths were accounted in 2015; Europe witnessed over 3.7 million cases of cancer and around 8.3 million deaths in the year 2012. Whereas, according to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), in Asia Pacific, breast cancer in females was found to be around 18.0% in the year 2012 and it was the fourth most cause for around 9% death due to cancer in the region.Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market TaxonomyOn the basis of product type, the global Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market is segmented into:Human MSCsMouse MSCsRat MSCsOthersOn the basis of application, the global Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market is segmented into:Drug discovery and developmentInjuriesCardiovascular and myocardial infarctionOthersOn the basis of geography, the global Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market is segmented into:North AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeAsia PacificMiddle East and AfricaAbout Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market 2018 by Top Key Players: Bayer, Eli Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck, Zoetis, Ceva Sant Animale, Sanofi S.A., Nutreco, N.V., Virbac S.A. Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1276244?utm_source=OPR&utm_medium=Abhijeet https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1276244?utm_source=OPR&utm_medium=Abhijeet https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-animal-therapeutics-and-diagnostics-market-by-manufacturers-countries-type-and-application-forecast-to-2023 https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog MarketStudyReport.com present the report on global Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market evaluates the growth trends of the industry through historical study and estimates future prospects based on comprehensive research. The report extensively provides the market share, growth, trends and forecasts for the period 2018-2023.Diagnostic instruments aid in the determination of causative agents of diseases.The global Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics market is valued at xx million in 2017 and is expected to reach xx million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of xx% between 2017 and 2023.Request a sample of this premium report atMarket Segment by Companies, this report covers Bayer Eli Lilly Boehringer Ingelheim Merck Zoetis Ceva Sant Animale Sanofi S.A. Nutreco N.V. Virbac S.A.This report studies the Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics market status and outlook of Global and major regions, from angles of players, countries, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global market, and splits the Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics market by product type and applications/end industries.The animal therapeutics and diagnostics market is growing at a steady pace due to the increase in pet ownership worldwide, especially in the developing countries.The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics.Europe also play important roles in global market, with market size of xx million in 2017 and will be xx million in 2023, with a CAGR of xx%.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report atMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers Animal Diagnostics Products Instruments Consumables Animal Therapeutics Products Anti-Parasitic Drugs and Antibiotics Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Anesthetics Other DrugsMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into Companion Animals Dogs Cats Other Companion Animals Cattle Pigs Poultry SheepTable of Contents1 Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Bayer2.2 Eli Lilly2.3 Boehringer2.4 Ingelheim2.5 Merck2.6 Zoetis2.7 Ceva Sant Animale2.8 Sanofi S.A.2.9 Nutreco N.V.2.10 Virbac S.A.3 Global Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market Competition, by Players4 Global Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market Size by Regions5 North America Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Revenue by Countries6 Europe Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Revenue by Countries7 Asia-Pacific Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Revenue by Countries8 South America Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Revenue by Countries9 Middle East and Africa Revenue Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics by Countries10 Global Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market Segment by Type11 Global Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market Segment by Application12 Global Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market Size Forecast (2018-2023)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixComplete report atAbout Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog: Food Preservative Market 2025 | Ajinomoto Co. Inc, ABF Ingredients Ltd., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Brenntag Inc., https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upsample/120124696/Food-Preservative-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/TOC/120124696/Food-Preservative-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upcomming/120124696/Food-Preservative-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/ Safeguarding methods for anticipating food spoilage have been honed since ages. Changing standard of living and expanding trade of food products all over the world have prompted the rising demand for food preservatives. Different government bodies and private sector keep proper control to keep up the high standards of food quality containing additives. Rising customer awareness and changing food consumption propensity alongside growing populace is driving the requirement of different categories of food and beverage sector, which thusly, is fuelling the food preservative market. This expansion is additionally determined by rising preference for natural food preservatives in emerged markets and preceded by the demand for processed food in developing markets. Detecting the rising reference of customers in the direction of the natural food products, certain worldwide organizations have begun supplanting artificial food preservatives with the natural additives in their food items. They are moreover utilizing this to extend their product as all-natural food product along these lines drawing in bigger customer preference. Personal care products and convenience food products have additionally boosted the application territory for the food preservatives.Request For Report Sample:Currently, a great many people favor ready-to-eat food accessible in the market as opposed to preparing it up at home. These food contain different added preservatives and additives to keep up the quality and to lessen the spoilage by different microorganisms, which is considered to flood the requirement for food preservatives in the approaching years. The health hazards related to these food preservatives are anticipated to limit the market development. Benzoates cause diarrhea and nausea, while saccharin is considered to prompt toxic responses that influence the heart and gastrointestinal tract. Likewise, sodium chloride prompts hypertension, stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.Rigorous government direction will prove to be one of the prominent challenges for food preservatives market. For example, on June 20, 2016, the GOI (Government of India's) FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), bans the utilization of cyclamates and potassium bromate in food. Additionally, on July 01, 2008, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, acquainted new directions to control the utilization of antioxidants and preservatives in food. Likewise, the National Health and Family Planning Committee of China, on December 24, 2014, introduced the National Food Safety Standard for Food Additive Use that was implemented on May 24, 2015.Major market players have adopted product launches, agreements, mergers and expansions to uphold the strong competition in this market. A few of the top global makers are Ajinomoto Co. Inc, ABF Ingredients Ltd., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Brenntag Inc., Albemarle Corporation, Cargill, Incorporated, Edlong Flavors, Celanese Corporation, Jungbunzlauer Ag, Purac Biochem B.V, Kerry Group, Dupont De Nemours & Company, and Royal Dsm N.V.Request Report For Toc:The market was previously fragmented by the existence of a huge number of preservatives makers. However, due to an increase in the need for organic food preservatives, this sector has foreseen new entrants building their presence realized. The requirement for natural manufacture is steadily increasing due to increasing customer awareness regarding health and rise in consumer affordability and willingness to recompense for premium products. Consequently, a huge number of natural product makers have embarked their presence in the market, further escalating competition. Worldwide food preservative producers include Galactic S.A., Royal DSM N.V. as well as Kemin Industries, Inc.New entrants, for instance, Galactic and Kemin Industries are contending by launching new products developed from several natural sources, for instance, vinegar got from rosemary extracts and wood vinegar extract. Mergers and collaborations are a fraction of expansion strategies which makers deploy to gain a bigger market share as well as to increase their geographical presence and product portfolio. Recently, BASF SE has collaborated with SINOPEC a Chinas state-owned company to increase production aptitude and cater to Chinas strict safety regulations.Report Analysis:About Us:Research Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trends.Contact Us:Research Report Insights (RRI)42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com Flash South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday to modernize and connect railways and roads across the inter-Korean border. The ceremony was held at Panmun Station in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong, attended by some 100 participants from each of the two sides, according to South Korea's unification ministry. It started at around 10 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) as scheduled to celebrate the groundbreaking, which South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un agreed during their Pyongyang summit in September to hold before the end of this year. Moon and Kim agreed at their first summit in April to modernize and eventually connect railways and roads along the eastern and western Korean Peninsula. South Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-mee and Kim Yun Hyok, the vice DPRK railway minister, delivered celebratory speeches as representatives of each side. From the DPRK side, Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, and four other high-level officials participated in the event. Attendees from the South Korean side included Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon, Lee Hae-chan, chief of the ruling Democratic Party, and other parliamentary leaders. Among other South Korean invitees were five civilians, who have families in the DPRK separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, and the last locomotive engineer, who drove the train between Kaesong and Munsan, a South Korean city just south of the border with the DPRK, for about one year until December 2008. South Korea operated cargo trains five times a week for about one year through the section of the Gyeongui Line from Kaesong to Munsan, but the operation stopped since December 2008 as inter-Korean relations began to sour. All railways and roads between the two Koreas have been severed since the Korean War ended with an armistice. The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war with the armistice. Foreign dignitaries also joined the ceremony, including Armida Alisjahbana, executive secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and senior railway and road officials from neighboring countries. Kim Kum-ok, a South Korean separated family member whose birthplace is Kaesong, said in the train for the Panmun Station that she rejoiced and was glad at her trip to Kaesong where the 86-year-old spent her early years, according to a pool report from South Korean journalists provided by the unification ministry. Describing the trip as a dream, Kim said the north-bound train to her hometown had been a big hope to her. The nine-car train, carrying about 100 South Korean participants, departed from Seoul Station in capital Seoul early Wednesday, and stopped at Dorasan Station, just south of the inter-Korean border, for immigration inspection. The train crossed the military demarcation line (MDL), which divides the two Koreas, into the DPRK territory at 8:34 a.m. local time (23:34 GMT Tuesday). After the ceremony, the South Korean participants were scheduled to have lunch in Kaesong and returned by train to the Seoul Station at about 3 p.m. local time (0600 GMT). The hour-long ceremony was comprised of celebratory speeches from representatives of the two Koreas, the signing on the wooden sleeper, the linking of a track, and the unveiling of a signpost at the station. United States 29-04-2019. What do we understand by the phrase temperature monitoring? It is the assessment of temperature, in simple words. To keep watch over the temperature pattern and its fluctuations over a certain period of time are known as temperature monitoring. A monitor is a device which is designed to display any output from any system. Hence, it is clear what the job of temperature monitor could be. With Fort Worth, TX. September 15th, 2020 - Rishi Khanna, founder of ISHIR and co-founder of ENO8, has been recognized as the winner of Fort Worth Magazines Entrepreneur of Excellence Award in the tech and e-commerce category. This recognition is given to those entrepreneurs whose vision, creativity and integrity have made Fort Worth the premier place to do business. Recognition from Fort Worths leading publication for my entrepreneurial contributions in the technology Legacy Health hasnt paid its nursing staff for all hours worked, including overtime, improperly deducted money from their wages and denied them meal and rest breaks as required by law, according to a new class-action suit filed in federal court. Legacys hospitals have failed to compensate non-exempt employees for work during meal breaks and for work performed while off-the-clock, the suit alleges. Legacy Health deducts 30 minutes from nurses shifts for a meal, although nurses remain on duty and are continually interrupted to provide patient care, the suit says. Nursing staff involved in direct patient care are not permitted to take a 30-minute uninterrupted and bona fide meal or rest break due to the demands of their jobs during the majority of their shifts, the complaint says. In the rare instances where they attempt a meal or rest break, they remain on duty in that they are required to respond to calls from their patients, doctors, patients' families, other nursing staff and hospital staff, attend to the normal demands of the job, and otherwise respond to emergencies. Julianne Hunter , who worked as a nurse for Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, is the named plaintiff in the suit filed in U.S. District Court late Wednesday. Legacy Health spokesman Brian Terrett said the company hasnt had a chance to review the lawsuit. "It is Legacy Healths practice not to comment on legal matters or litigation, but rather let the process occur in the appropriate venue,'' Terrett said. According to the suit, Hunter worked as a non-exempt nurse between March 2009 and April 2016, and her regular hourly rate of pay was $48.18 per hour during her last year of work. Hunter says in the suit she was interrupted repeatedly during lunch breaks, and performed off the clock work that included cleaning, preparing and organizing equipment, interacting with patients, assisting other hospital staff, handling patients medical charts and other tasks but was not compensated for that work. Hunter estimated that she worked on average 12 to 13 hours each shift, and between 48 and 52 hours per week. The suit is filed on behalf of hundreds of others on Legacy Healths nursing staff, it says. The staff include nurses, nursing aides and nursing assistants who work or have worked for Legacy Health, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center, Legacy Health Partners, and Randall Childrens Hospital. The plaintiffs are seeking their unpaid wages and overtime and civil penalties of $200 for every alleged violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards At. According to the suit, Legacy has been sued for similar alleged wage violations at least four prior times. In 2017, Oregon officials fined Legacy Emanuel Medical Center nearly $277,000 for failing to ensure that employees get breaks. At the time, the state Bureau of Labor and Industries said it was the largest amount of civil penalties in the agencys history. The 2017 fine resulted from a state investigation launched after receiving about a dozen employee complaints, many of them from surgical technicians who said they couldn't even go to the restroom for four hours or more. Bureau investigators found that the North Portland hospital had more than 4,400 meal and rest period violations in 2015 and 2016. In September, Legacy Health was facing a $5 million fine, the largest civil penalty ever assessed from the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, after employees again complained about being forced to skip meal and break periods. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian A 35-year-old man who is accused of intentionally crashing his SUV into a Vietnamese church early on Christmas Eve morning didnt show up to a Portland courtroom Wednesday as ordered. Hieu John Phung was in Astoria when he was picked up and brought to a hospital, a member of the sheriffs office on Wednesday told Multnomah County Circuit Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge. Its possible that Phung was being held on a mental health hold, the sheriffs official said. Whatever the case, the Clatsop County Sheriffs Office told Multnomah County Sheriffs deputies not to expect Phung in court. Phung was booked into Multnomah Countys jail system at 4 a.m. Monday after authorities say he called police to confess that hed run his Acura MDX into the Our Lady of Lavang Catholic church near Northeast 54th Avenue and Alameda Street shortly after midnight. According to a probable-cause affidavit, two Portland police officers responded to find evidence that a car had crashed through a locked gate and into different parts of the building. Church members say the SUV plowed through the doors of the building and damaged nearly every pew in the large sanctuary. Police found part of an Acura grill and a license plate, which identified the SUV as registered to Phung, according to the affidavit. A short while later, Phung called to turn himself in. Phung said he drove into the church after having a dispute with his family, according to the affidavit. Some members of the congregation -- which numbers in the thousands -- said they recognized Phung. One said Phungs children learn Vietnamese at the church school. Phung told jailers that hes separated, living in Happy Valley and has two children who live with their mother. Phung also said he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and that he has received mental-health treatment in the past. He reported drinking alcohol daily. He said he was employed as an online language interpreter and worked 55 hours per week. He has no previous criminal history. Phung was released from jail the same day he was arrested, with orders to appear in court to hear the charges against him Wednesday. Prosecutors are pursuing charges of felony first-degree criminal mischief, misdemeanor hit-and-run driving that resulted in property damage and misdemeanor second-degree criminal trespass. Hours after the church was damaged, about 100 volunteers started patching up the gaping hole in the building and setting up folding chairs, so Christmas Eve mass could proceed as planned. Prosecutor Adam Gibbs said given the apparent circumstances of Phungs no-show, his office wont ask the judge to issue a bench warrant for Phungs arrest. Phungs next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 9, which will be after a grand jury reviews his case. -- Aimee Green agreen@oregonian.com o_aimee SAN FRANCISCO A gunman who killed a California police officer during a traffic stop over possible drunken driving is in the United States illegally, authorities said Thursday, as a manhunt for the attacker stretched into a second day. Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson said authorities identified but won't yet name the man who killed Cpl. Ronil Singh of the small-town Newman Police Department. Authorities said they believe he's still in the area some 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast of San Francisco and is armed and dangerous. "This suspect ... is in our country illegally. He doesn't belong here. He is a criminal," Christianson, whose agency is leading the investigation, told reporters. Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson fought back tears as he described Singh, a 33-year-old native of Fiji with a newborn son, as an "American patriot." "He came to America with one purpose, and that was to serve this country," Richardson said. Singh stopped the attacker Wednesday as part of a drunken driving investigation and fired back to try to defend himself, Christianson said. Authorities are looking for a man seen in surveillance photos at a convenience store shortly before Singh was killed. Officials pleaded for help from the public and said they were following up on several leads. "The sheriff's office will spare no expense in hunting down this criminal," Christianson said. Singh was shot a few minutes after radioing that he was pulling over a gray pickup truck that had no license plate in Newman, a town of about 10,000 people. Singh died at a hospital. A ground and air search began for the heavyset man pictured at the store with short, dark hair and wearing a silver chain, jeans, dark T-shirt and a dark jacket with white Ecko brand patches on the shoulders. A truck believed to have been the one stopped by Singh was later found in a garage in a mobile home park about 4 miles from the shooting, where law enforcement officers were serving a search warrant, The Modesto Bee reported. Investigators were examining the vehicle, police said. This undated photo provided by the Newman Police Department shows officer Ronil Singh of Newman Police Department who was killed by an unidentified suspect. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department said Singh was conducting a traffic stop early Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, in the town of Newman, Calif. when he called out "shots fired" over his radio. (Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department via AP) Singh joined the Newman police force in 2011. Richardson said that his department of 12 is grieving Singh, and other agencies are lending a hand. "He was living the American dream," said Stanislaus County sheriff's Deputy Royjinder Singh, who is not related to the slain officer but knew him. "He loved camping, loved hunting, loved fishing, loved his family." Ronil Singh was never in a bad mood and always had a smile on his face, Richardson said. On his Facebook page, Singh posted pictures on Christmas Eve from a deep-sea fishing trip that produced a big haul of crabs and fish. His profile picture shows him smiling as he stands at a patrol car with his police dog the same photograph of the officer released by the Sheriff's Department. Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and their 5-month-old son. Please help us find this coward, Richardson said of Singhs killer. We need closure, his family needs closure. WATERBORO, Maine (AP) Authorities in Maine say a man broke into a home, had a bite to eat, watched TV and even got a car ride from his unsuspecting victim. The York County sheriff's office said 35-year-old Derek Tarbox broke into a Waterboro home Sunday afternoon, took a shower, got dressed in the homeowner's clothing and was watching television when the homeowner arrived. The intruder said he mistakenly thought the house belonged to a friend and asked for a ride home. The homeowner told authorities that seemed plausible, so he drove him to a house in Hollis, which actually belonged to Tarbox's relatives. The victim later realized his home had been ransacked. Tarbox, who was arrested in Limrick, was due to be arraigned on burglary and other charges Wednesday. It was unclear if he has a lawyer. -- The Associated Press Flash About 100 South Korean passengers boarded a train early Wednesday in Seoul station for a rare trip to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). They were given souvenir tickets with a message saying "Thank you for joining this historic moment to participate in the ceremony to modernize and connect inter-Korean railways and roads." The nine-car train departed at 6:48 a.m. (2148 GMT Tuesday) in the cold winter dawn. It crossed the military demarcation line, which divides the two Koreas, into the DPRK territory and arrived some two hours later at Panmun station in Kaesong, a DPRK border town around 70 km north of the South Korean capital Seoul. Historic moment The groundbreaking ceremony was held for a project to modernize and link railways and roads across the inter-Korean border along the eastern and western Korean Peninsula. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un agreed during their Pyongyang summit in September to hold the ceremony before the end of this year. The agreement on the connection was reached during the first Moon-Kim summit in April. The train trip to the DPRK was a rare opportunity for the South Koreans as all railways and roads have been severed between the two Koreas since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War that ended with an armistice. The peninsula remains technically at war with the armistice. South Korea's cargo trains ran regularly across the border for about one year before the relations between the two Koreas began to sour in December 2008. Kim Yun Hyok, the DPRK vice railway minister, said in a congratulatory speech that the ceremony was held at a historic moment when the peninsula was at a turning point and the desire for peace and prosperity was stronger than ever. He said the ceremony would become an opportunity to actively push for a balanced development between the two Koreas and joint prosperity in Northeast Asia and the world, according to a pool report from South Korean journalists provided by Seoul's Unification Ministry. "The ceremony has a historical meaning as it indicates the re-connection of railways and roads which were severed by the Korean War," Kim Joon Hyung, a South Korean professor of international studies at Handong Global University who also attended the event, said in an interview with Xinhua. The professor said the re-connection was also part of efforts to enforce the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, advocated by President Moon to prevent any war from breaking out on the peninsula through increased exchanges and cooperation between the two Koreas. Step forward South Korean Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee said in her speech that the two Koreas took a step forward for peace and prosperity on the peninsula as the railway and road connection represents more than a physical connection. She said the connection would facilitate exchanges across the border and widen inter-Korean economic cooperation, which would benefit the two Koreas. Kim noted that increased exchanges and cooperation would further consolidate peace on the peninsula. Hope for peace emerged on the peninsula as the leaders of the two Koreas met three times this year, leading to the resumption of inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation. The first-ever DPRK-U.S. summit was held between Kim, the DPRK leader and U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore in June. The groundbreaking ceremony, which would help bolster the optimistic mood, was attended by about 100 government officials and civilians from each of the two Koreas. From the DPRK side, Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, and four other high-level officials participated in the event. Attendees from the South Korean side included Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon, Lee Hae-chan, chief of the ruling Democratic Party, and other parliamentary leaders. Among other South Korean invitees were five civilians who have families in the DPRK and were separated from them by the Korean War, and the last locomotive engineer who drove cargo trains across the boarder until the one-year operation stopped. Kim Kum-ok, who was separated from other family members by the war, said during the trip that she was glad about her voyage to Kaesong, where the 86-year-old spent her early years, according to the pool report. Describing the trip as a dream, Kim said the train ride to her hometown had been a big hope of hers. Symbolic event The groundbreaking ceremony was held, but it was a symbolic event only as the two Koreas were banned from launching construction work for the railway and road connection because of international sanctions on the DPRK. South Korea and the DPRK have conducted joint inspections on railways and roads in the DPRK territory, but they were carried out only after the United States gave them a green light. Seoul made efforts to get support from Washington for the groundbreaking ceremony through the working-group meeting last week. The ceremony itself does not violate sanctions, but bringing equipment and materials to Kaesong to build a stage and an audio system requires a sanctions exemption. "It is a progress as the joint inspections and the groundbreaking ceremony, toward which the United States showed a hawkish stance in the past, were realized. But the most significant is the launch of construction works," said the Handong Global University professor in the interview with Xinhua. To start the construction work, the professor said sanctions on the DPRK should be lifted in a broader way, but he noted that Pyongyang and Washington had yet to narrow a gap in negotiations on how to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. He suggested that a part of the sanctions on Pyongyang be lifted, for example, on the railway and road connection project or special economic zones in the DPRK, in return for Pyongyang's further measures for denuclearization. If sanctions are lifted on Pyongyang and construction work starts, railways and roads can be linked from the South Korean capital Seoul to the DPRK's northwestern city of Sinuiju that can be connected to the Trans-China Railway. Along the eastern peninsula, the inter-Korean railways and roads, if connected, can reach out to the Trans-Siberian Railway. Foreign dignitaries also joined the groundbreaking ceremony, including Armida Alisjahbana, executive secretary of the United Nations' Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and senior railway and road officials from China, Russia and Mongolia. The January Series of Calvin College is coming to Midland. From Jan. 3 through Jan. 23, Midland Reformed Church will be one of more than 50 remote webcast locations worldwide to broadcast one of the nation's leading lecture and cultural arts series. The 2019 January Series features a lineup of experts, including a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, a New York Times best-selling author, and a multiple Oscar and Emmy-nominated costume designer, to name a few. For a full list of speakers and topics, visit http://www.calvin.edu/january The 15 speakers will offer informed perspectives on a wide range of today's most relevant topics, including polarization in politics, immigration, sexual abuse, climate justice, and race and America, among many others. "What I love about our audience each year is they come wanting to learn, wanting to be better global citizens. And they are willing to listen to some new ideas and consider them, and then find ways to act on what they've heard," said Kristi Potter, director of the January Series. "And what they can trust the series to deliver is speakers who have really thought through their material and are trying to make the world a better place by what they are studying, what they are doing, what they are researching and talking about." Some of the notable presenters who will take the stage in 2019 include: Rachael Denhollander, an advocate and educator who became known internationally in 2018 as the first woman to file a police report and speak publicly against Larry Nassar. This year, she was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World. Nicholas Kristof, a columnist for the New York Times and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes in his 30 years of covering the world. Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and widely regarded as a groundbreaking and transformational leader who elevated the public role of the Irish presidency, helping to shape modern Ireland in a period of rapid and unprecedented economic growth. Following her tenure as president, Robinson went on to serve as the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. Barbara Pierce Bush, daughter of former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, co-founder of Global Health Corps, and co-author of "Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life." The January Series lectures will be video streamed live at Midland Reformed Church, 1100 N. Saginaw Road, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The lectures are free and open to the public. For more information about the January Series, contact Cheryl Heal at office@MidlandReformed.org or at 989-835-4000. Anyone arguing that the Democrats are to blame for this shutdown is an unserious thinker. We are not in the new congress yet, so Republicans still control both branches of the legislature, as well as the executive branch (and the Supreme Court to boot). This is their show, and there is no show right now, so its their fault that there is no show. Period. Trumps proposed monument to racism on our southern border is not politically popular, and its a fact that the biggest problem he faces in securing its funding comes from the GOP. He doesnt have the votes. But that hasnt stopped him from blaming the Democrats for this government shutdown. As I write this, the maniac is yelling at most likely this mornings Fox & Friends through Twitter. The Democrats OBSTRUCTION of the desperately needed Wall, where they almost all recently agreed it should be built, is exceeded only by their OBSTRUCTION of 350 great people wanting & expecting to come into Government after being delayed for more than two years, a U.S. record! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2018 The reason the DACA for Wall deal didn't get done was that a ridiculous court decision from the 9th Circuit allowed DACA to remain, thereby setting up a Supreme Court case. After ruling, Dems dropped deal and that's where we are today, Democrat obstruction of the needed Wall. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2018 Spoiler: most people arent buying this nonsense. Per Vox: President Donald Trump is getting blamed for the government shutdown, a new poll shows. The presidents popularity has dropped below 40 percent amid what is now a six-day partial government shutdown over funding for Trumps southern border wall, according to a poll from Morning Consult conducted from December 21 to 23. The last time Trumps approval rating was this low was when he refused to condemn neo-Nazis after the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017. Only 39 percent of registered voters approve of the presidents job performance during this shutdown, while 56 percent disapprove. However, Trumps approval rating is split on party lines. Among Republicans, 80 percent approve of Trump; 90 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of independents disapprove of his performance, according to the survey of nearly 2,000 registered voters. Another poll from HuffPost and YouGov found only 36 percent of Americans approved of Trumps handling of the government shutdown. That 80% figure with Republicans may sound good, but its actually disastrous. Every president should be above 90% with their party, if they arent, somethings wrong. To answer the obvious question of: well, what bad intra-party figure is actually significant? I think we have a pretty good example to pull from recent history. Richard Nixon got impeached when his support was hovering around 50% in the Republican Party. If youre wondering if the GOP will ever stand up to Trump, thats the best barometer we have. As of right now, theres no shot theyll turn on him. Theyll build a wall around the entire country before they even allow an impeachment vote to reach the Senate floor. But Give Trump a huge stock market crash (check), combine it with possible 2008-esque liquidity issues with the banks (wtf Steve Mnuchin???), and Trump could hit that 50% figure sooner than any of us cynics ever thought. This is another area where we can cite recent history, given how the 2008 economic crisis affected George W. Bushs approval ratings. Hell, Fox & Friends is even beginning to chide him these days. Trump is simply not popular, and he certainly is getting less so by the day. Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. Patently Apple posted reports this month about Apple suppliers considering a move to Vietnam including Foxconn. Then came the story last week that Apple executives will be meeting with India's Minister of Industry Suresh Prabhu to iron out a deal for a plant in India. Today we're learning that a deal may be closer than we could have imagined. According to an "exclusive" report by Reuters, "Apple Inc will begin assembling its top-end iPhones in India through the local unit of Foxconn as early as 2019, the first time the Taiwanese contract manufacturer will have made the product in the country, according to a source familiar with the matter. Importantly, Foxconn will be assembling the most expensive models, such as devices in the flagship iPhone X family, the source said, potentially taking Apples business in India to a new level. The work will take place at Foxconns plant in Sriperumbudur town in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, this source added. Foxconn will invest 25 billion Indian rupees ($356 million) to expand the plant, including investment in iPhone production," according to an Indian government Minister telling Reuters. The investment may create as many as 25,000 jobs, he added." For more on this read the full Reuters report here. With the Communist Party pushing their support for Huawei phones with subsidies for those not buying an iPhone, there's an incentive for Apple to get production up and running in India in 2019. As the Chinese Communist Party begins encouraging Chinese businesses to not purchase iPhones by offering heavy subsidies for Huawei phones, news is breaking that the Trump administration could bar U.S. companies from using Huawei and ZTE telecommunication equipment for 5G networks early in the new year. Reuters "exclusively" reports today that President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in the new year to declare a national emergency that would bar U.S. companies from using telecommunications equipment made by Chinas Huawei and ZTE. The executive order would invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States. It would be the latest step by the Trump administration to cut Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp, two of Chinas biggest network equipment companies, out of the U.S. market. The United States alleges that the two companies work at the behest of the Chinese government and that their equipment could be used to spy on Americans. The executive order could be issued as early as January and would direct the Commerce Department to block U.S. companies from buying equipment from foreign telecommunications makers that pose significant national security risks, sources from the telecoms industry and the administration said. While the order is unlikely to name Huawei or ZTE, a source said it is expected that Commerce officials would interpret it as authorization to limit the spread of equipment made by the two companies. The sources said the text for the order has not been finalized. The issue has new urgency as U.S. wireless carriers look for partners as they prepare to adopt next generation 5G wireless networks. For more on this, read the full Reuters report here. A major reason I got into American Catholic history was to better understand my own background. Most Irish Americans know little about their history. When author Peter Quinn grew up in the Bronx, for example, he recalls: As far as I knew, Brian Boru was a bar on Kingsbridge Road. In addition few American Irish, especially those whose ancestors came during the Great Famine, know much about their family history. Of all the New York Irish families I know who can trace their origins back to the Famine migration, Quinn notes, not one possesses a single artifact or memory from that time. This is certainly true of my own family, although Ancestry.com has helped me uncover the history of my mothers family, the Briordys, tracing them back to 1780s County Cavan. They came to New York in 1845 during the Irish Famine, refugees from a dying country. The first Briordy born in the United States, as far as I can determine from the available records, was Annie Briordy. On August 27, 1846, she was baptized at St. Pauls Catholic Church on Court Street in Brooklyn. The Briordys settled in Brooklyn during a time when local newspapers carried No Irish Need Apply ads, and anti-Catholic riots racked the streets. They were suspect and subject to anger, resentment and hate. In the 1840s, one New York City newspaper wrote: The children of bigoted Catholic Ireland, like the frogs which were sent out as a plague against Pharaoh, have come into our homes, bed-chambers, and ovens and kneading troughs. Unlike the Germans, the Swedes, the Scots, and the English, the Irish when they arrive among us, too idle and vicious to clear and cultivate land, and earn a comfortable home, dump themselves down in our large villages and towns, crowding the meaner sort of tenements and filling them with wretchedness and disease. What are they but mere marketable cattle? Irish immigrants werent even considered human beings. But the Briordys toughed it out and they stayed in Brooklyn for the next hundred years. Between 1850 and 1940, the U.S. Census shows that the family was at a different location every few years, always in the same neighborhood: Brooklyns Red Hook section. (Residents were known as Hookers; those living by Gowanus were known as Creekers.) Such behavior wasnt unusual at the time. People moved frequently within the same neighborhood, mainly because of the rent and the need for more space. Ive always been interested in my Briordy grandparents, mainly because I was close to my grandmother, and I wanted to know more about them. I wish Id asked her more questions about her own years growing up in Connecticut and the Bronx. I used to love family gatherings, at which old stories would be recounted. Then, too, I wish Id paid closer attention. My grandfather Thomas Briordy died eight years before I was born, but I feel like I know him through family lore. He was also a true B.I.C, (Brooklyn Irish Catholic). Born in Red Hook, he was the only one of nine children to make it to adulthood. Family lore has it that he had to leave school at fourteen when one of the Brothers at St. James Academy on Jay Street hit him with a ruler, and he hit the Brother back. So he went to work early on (not so unusual in those days) driving a horse and buggy around downtown Brooklyn. During World War I, at age twenty, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the 106th Infantry in France. His unit was among those that helped break Germanys Hindenburg Line in 1918. It fascinates me to think that he marched across the Somme, the same ground that saw one of the greatest disasters in military history two years earlier. Afterwards he worked as a truck driver and married a German American woman from Bedford-Stuyvesant and had a daughter, both of whom died in the postwar influenza epidemic. To the end of his life he never mentioned them. My own mother never found out about it until she was in twenties with two boys of her own. A few years later, on August 28, 1923, Thomas Briordy married my grandmother, Lillian Murphy, at St. John the Evangelist Church in Park Slope. She liked to note that she was born on the day the Spanish-American War began: February 14, 1898. Lillian was born in New Haven, Connecticut, to Irish immigrants whose first language was Gaelic. Her father, Michael Murphy, was a conductor on the New York-New Haven line. By age twelve, she had lost both parents, and went to the Bronx to live in an apartment on St. Anns Avenue and East 140th Street.with her older sister Kitty. It was understood that she would have to quit school and pay her way, since Kitty had a sizeable family of her own. So she went to work in a sweatshop; no more school. It made her tough, but she never got bitter. In fact, she kept her sense of humor. She also appreciated little things, like the day she had some extra money to buy a pickel, which she ate all the way home. She worked and lived on her own until she met Thomas Briordy (how I dont know). She was twenty-five when they got married, which was considered pretty old in those days. After they got married, they lived in Gerritsen Beach, where my mother was born in 1931, and from there they moved to Cypress Hills, at 115 Chestnut Street. They stayed there until the end of World War II, when they finally left Brooklyn for Queens. As my Aunt Grace said, They dont call us roamin Catholics for nothing. By then, there were three daughters: Marian (1925-2013), Grace (1927-2008), and Dolores (1931-2012), my mother. (My grandmother liked to note that she had named all three after the Blessed Mother.) My grandfather, as I mentioned, worked as a teamster, first with horses and then with trucks, literally until the day he died. He had been offered a job as a mounted policeman after World War I, but he turned it down because they didnt make a lot of money in those days. (Up in Boston in 1919, the whole police force had gone on strike because of this, albeit unsuccessfully.) When I asked my mother what he was like, she said: He was a nice man. (That was her highest compliment for anybody.) My mother remembered him saying the rosary on his knees every night in the kitchen. He was the first one up for Sunday Mass: Cmon, wake up, its time for church! He would put on his only suit and cufflinks to serve as an usher at Blessed Sacrament Church around the corner on Euclid Avenue. My grandfather died of a heart attack in 1960, and my grandmother outlived him by 32 years. I wish I knew more about their lives, but Im grateful for what I do know. I think it helped make me into the person I am today. Microsofts Your Phone app bridges the gap between your Windows 10 PC and a smartphone, allowing quick interactions with images shot with your phones camera and the ability to send and receive texts right from your PC. Having tried, and abandoned, using the phone as your PC with Continuum, Microsoft apparently settled upon an assistant role via the Your Phone app. Eventually, Microsoft hopes that Your Phone will evolve into something even bigger, so its worth checking out. The idea behind Your Phone is focus: Pulling out your phone is an unnecessary distraction within Windows world. Microsoft feels a text should be processed in the same way as an email, as a quick interaction that can be dealt with and then set aside. It also doubles as a gateway of sorts for other Microsoft apps for your phone. Youll find a sidebar that encourages you to download apps like the Swiftkey keyboard, Microsoft News, and older apps like Microsoft Hyperlapse Mobile and Wordament. None of these are necessary to allow Your Phone to function, though. How to set up Your Phone To use Your Phone, youll first need the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, which bundles the Your Phone app along with it. Note that Your Phone is actually two apps: the Your Phone app on Windows, and the Your Phone Companion app for Android. Ensure that your phone and PC are on the same Wi-Fi network, as well as connected via Bluetooth, too. On Windows, the Your Phone app should be immediately apparent. In beta builds leading up to the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, a shortcut to the Your Phone app appeared on your PCs desktop, and it seems to appear post-release as well. Mark Hachman / IDG Setting up Your Phone may require you sending a link to your phone to download the Your Phone Companion app. The Your Phone Companion for Android can either be downloaded via the link, or you can enter your phone number into the Your Phone app. Microsoft will send a text to your phone with the download link inside of it. Unfortunately, there doesnt seem to be a Your Phone Companion app for iOS. My colleague Brad Chacos said that Your Phone reported that Apples iOS could only send webpage URLs from the phone to Windows. Note, too, that the Your Phone Companion app is different from the apparently defunct Phone Companion app that originally launched with Windows 10. But there is a Photos Companion app for iOS, authored by Microsoft, that allows you to send photos from your iPhone to Windows. Yes, this is horribly confusingwhich is why were focusing only on the Android app. Mark Hachman / IDG The Your Phone app Settings are extremely basic, though you can toggle functionality like Photos on or off. In fact, the mobile Your Phone Connection app really offers nothing as far as the actual Your Phone functionality is concerned, at least for the momentit merely establishes your phone and your PC are linked, and offers suggestions for additional apps. If the two arent connected, make sure that both your phone and PC are on the same Wi-Fi network, as well as connected via Bluetooth. Ive found that when Your Phone isnt syncing properly, Bluetooths usually the culprit. The app can be awfully finicky, however. Mark Hachman / IDG Your Phone Companion does basically nothing except establish that your phone and PC are linked, Using Your Phone On Windows, the Your Phone app performs two very simple functions: It provides a repository for your phones text messages, known as Messages, as well as photos. Messages can be written and responded to using your PCs keyboard. If you recently snapped a photo, Your Phone is designed to allow that photo to be accessible immediately for you to use or edit when you return to your PC. Using Your Phone to send texts is easy: Simply select a contact and either author or reply to a text to that person. Theres a small hitch, though: While Your Phone appeared to pull contacts from my Android phone, it didnt understand how Google distinguished an SMS-capable mobile phone from a landline. In other words, if you want to create a new text message, youll need to double-check if youre actually texting the correct number. Mark Hachman / IDG The screen for composing and replying to messages is very cut-and-dried. As this screenshot indicates, URLs arent even transformed into active HTTP links. Unfortunately, texting via the Your Phone app is texting: pictures and GIFs arent transferred, and youll be asked to view the content on your phone if you receive something that the app cant parse. Rich Communication Services (aka joyn) isnt supported, either. Maybe thats why Messages is officially listed within the app as being in preview? The Photos component of Your Phone is straightforward, although I ran into a few bugs in my time using it. For one thing, syncing can still be problematic, even with the phone connected via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and remaining in an unlocked mode. (Microsoft hasnt said that all three conditions must be in place for Photos to work, though I did so in order to test it.) Do something wrong, and Your Phone may think that the two arent connected. Mark Hachman / IDG Your Photos constructs a grid of your most recent photos. Photos places a grid of screenshots and photos taken with your phone within the Your Phone app, up to a total of 25. You can right-click each photo and copy and save it (at full resolution) elsewhere to your hard drive. Double-clicking it opens the Photos app, where you can share it, add it to a creation, edit it, or more. One quirk here is that because the photo is on your phone, not your hard drive, youll need to save a copy of the photo locally or on a backup drive if you perform any edits upon it. The fact that photos arent stored locally also prevents you from purposefully or accidentally deleting a picture from the Photos aspect of Your Phone, as that option is grayed out. (You can open up the Windows 10 Photos app to delete the photo, if you want.) You also cant mark a photo as a favorite within the Your Phone app. Mark Hachman / IDG Clicking a photo within the Photos aspect of Your Phone opens the Windows 10 Photos app, but youll need to save an edited copy locally. Unfortunately, that means that you can end up with multiple instances of the Photos app open on your PCsome showing read-only files that you cant do anything with, while others are editable. Its a bit awkward. The future of Your Phone A good free alternative to Your Phone is the Dell Mobile Connect app. Once restricted to specific Dell PCs, its now available for any Windows PC and Android phone. Like Microsofts Your Phone app, Dells Mobile Connect theoretically allows you to place calls from your PC as well as send texts; however, it doesnt allow you to view photos like Your Phone does. Mark Hachman / IDG One of the marquee features of Dell Mobile Connect is the ability to remotely mirror your phone, so that you can control it via your PC. The big bonus feature that Dell Mobile Connect offers is its ability to establish a remote connection to your phone, so that you can interact with your phones mobile apps, right from your pocket. Dell Mobile Connect mirrors the screen, so you can do everything you could do on your phone, albeit with a little lag. Microsoft said onstage at the Surface Pro 6/Surface Laptop 2 launch that it hopes to do the same with Your Phone sometime in the future. It would probably be equally nice to for Your Phone to add phone call support as well as remote mirroring, so that the app could achieve Microsofts dream of allowing to leave your phone in your pocket. The familiar click-clack sound of the flipping sign at Amtraks 30th Street Station could soon vanish. The future of the iconic sign, part of the Philadelphia railroad station since the 1970s, is up in the air. In November, Billy Penn reported that Amtrak had plans to take the sign down in January 2019. The Solari board, named after its Italian manufacturer, was going to be replaced with digital screens. But the company was hit by pushback when the news hit that the board may be taken down. Congressman Brendan Boyle reached out to Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson to advocate for keeping it. Im in the middle of negotiating-slash-fighting with Amtrak now trying to satisfy their demand that the entire system of updating passengers in real-time happens, while at the same time doing that in a way that preserves the sign, Boyle told PA Post. State representatives John Lawrence, Tim Hennessey, Ed Neilson and Maria Donatucci also wrote to Anderson expressing their desires for the board to be preserved or, at least, replaced with a similar sign. Oat Foundry, a Philadelphia-based startup, has made a pitch to help with the similar sign request. While the old Solari board is operated on a computer running on Windows 95, Oat Foundrys split flap boards run on Linux and can be controlled through an app. The group even made a video showcasing its technology. When asked for comment about the signs future, Amtrak officials said there were no updates at this time, but that they would notify PennLive when that changed. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which was originally scheduled to receive the board in January from Amtrak, is also waiting to find out whats going on with the sign. At the moment, plans for adding it to the museums collection have been put on hold. But theyre still definitely interested, though. We would certainly like to have it to put it on display for the public, said Patrick Morrison, site administrator for the museum. Philadelphias Solari board is the last of its kind in operation at Amtrak stations in the United States. New Yorks Penn Station took its own board down in 2017. Want more stories about Philadelphia? Click here for all our coverage of the City of Brotherly Love. Visitors to Philadelphia need not fear -- the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall will re-open for the weekend, despite the federal governments partial shutdown. Both attractions, which are run by the National Parks Service, were closed when the government shutdown went into effect at midnight Dec. 21. Theyll be temporarily re-opened from Dec. 28 through Dec. 30 thanks to funding from Visit Philadelphia, the official tourism marketing agency for Greater Philadelphia. Visit Philadelphia donated $32,000 to cover the costs of the two sites being re-opened for the long weekend. The sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there will be National Park Service rangers working onsite. Both sites will, as usual, be free to visit. No tickets will be required during the weekend. "Leisure tourism to Philadelphia is a big part of our regional economy, and thousands of visitors want to see our iconic historic sites, said Jeff Guaracino, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, in a press release. We felt that it was important during this very busy holiday week to make Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center available to our visitors and residents." The time between Christmas and New Years Day is the second busiest time for Independence National Historical Park, according to Visit Philadelphia. An estimated 25,000 visitors tour both Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell during the weekend leading up to the New Year. Independence Hall is located at 520 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia. The Liberty Bells entrance is at 526 Market St. in Philadelphia. Both the Liberty Bell and Independence National Historical Park will temporarily close again after the weekend is over, provided the government shutdown continues. Those looking to get their historic fix can always visit these Philadelphia sites, which are not impacted by the shutdown. Learn more about Visit Philadelphia at visitphilly.com. Want more stories about Philadelphia? Click here for all our coverage of the City of Brotherly Love. UPDATE: The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex has tweeted out that guests will be able to see the chicks hatch after all. The duck slide, however, will still not be returning for the 2019 show. This storys headline has been updated accordingly. Earlier: The Pennsylvania Farm Show is going to be a lot less adorable this year. The section where visitors could watch chicks hatch and ducklings navigate a slide has been nixed amid staffing concerns, reports LancasterOnline. Both baby animal displays were staffed by the PennAg Industries Association. Shannon Powers, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture press secretary, told LancasterOnline that the PennAg would not be supplying the required number of personnel this year. Powers went on to tell the news organization that the attractions are extremely labor intensive for staff. There are still plenty of animals to see at the Farm Show including alpacas, rabbits and pigs. The Farm Show also regularly has babies being born by the animals being shown, including piglets, lambs and calves. In fact, the Calving Corner, which lets visitors watch cows give birth and care for their newborns, will return for a second year. The 2019 Farm Show also offers a variety of other new attractions, including craft beer judging, hard cider sampling and cow milking. Learn more about whats new at this link. The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs Jan. 5 through 12 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center at 2300 N. Cameron St. in Harrisburg. Learn more at farmshow.pa.gov. A Lancaster County man had some unexpected help when his car blew a tire on Christmas Eve. Chris and Aimee Kurtz were making their way to Oregon Dairy when they came across a car tire with a blown tire near the intersection of Butter and Landis Valley roads, LancasterOnline reports. They decided to stop to make sure the driver was OK, when they discovered actor Taylor Kinney helping Cary Ahl, the former owner of the Narvon Clay Mine. Kinney, 37, is the former fiance of Lady Gaga and is one of the stars of the NBC show Chicago Fire." He also also appeared The Vampire Diaries and Shameless, along with roles in the films Zero Dark Thirty and The Forest. Chris Kurtz told LancasterOnline that Kinney asked Ahl if he wanted him to remove the destroyed tire in his pickup truck, an offer that Ahl accepted. Kurtz then returned home to get the familys SUV so they could take Ahl to his home. It was when Chris Kurtz returned that he realized who Kinney was. Aimee, my wife, said, 'Thats how the universe works. Just organically, you end up meeting some pretty cool people, Kurtz said. So thats exactly what happened, right around our corner on Christmas Eve. WILLIAMSPORT -- Saying "I have to protect the public from you," a Lycoming County judge sentenced a sexually violence predator to 67 to 189 years in state prison Thursday. "You will in all likelihood spend the rest of your life in prison," Judge Marc F. Lovecchio told defendant Carlos Ruben Castro Jr. "It's the choice you made. You have lived a life of violating people on your own terms." Castro, 37, of Williamsport, was found guilty in September of nearly 30 counts accusing him of having sexual contact in 2016 with two 12-year-old girls and a 5-year-old girl and videotaping some of the activity. Lovecchio noted the criminal activity began shortly after he completed a 10-year term for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old in 2006 while she was sleeping. Jurors were shown sexually graphic videos involving Castro and the youngest girl, and videos from a hidden camera that showed one of the girls naked after showering. One of the 12-year-olds testified. Castro was found guilty of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children, aggravated indecent and indecent assault, attempted rape of a child, sexual abuse of children and 16 counts related to the videos. He also was found guilty of solicitation to commit rape that involved the second 12-year-old girl in 2016. That girl testified Castro, who was in a relationship with her mother at the time, crawled into bed with her and asked for sex. "I don't know if the offenses could get much worse," Lovecchio said. "My vocabulary can't describe the horror of what these type of offenses do the community and victims." First Assistant District Attorney Martin Wade, citing Castro's criminal history, predicted he would commit another crime if not confined for a long time. The investigation that led to the charges began after a woman with whom Castro also had been in a relationship took to Williamsport police a cell phone containing child pornography he left at her residence. Lovecchio found Castro had violated his parole by committing the crimes but chose not to impose an additional sentence. The sentence in the earlier case requires him to register the rest of his life as a sexual offender. Castro did not speak prior to being sentenced on the advice of chief Public Defender William J. Miele, who said an appeal will be filed. Miele did not speak on Castro's behalf. A Dauphin County man will serve eight to 16 years in state prison for raping a teen in 2017, according to a Wednesday announcement from the local district attorneys office. Joshua Brough, 35, of Susquehanna Township was sentenced Dec. 19 by county Judge Scott A. Evans on charges stemming from the November 2017 rape, according to the announcement. Brough is accused of forcing himself onto a 14-year-old girl when she was home, sick from school, according to authorities. After the initial rape-related charges were filed, Brough contacted the girls mother and asked her to recant a statement given to police, authorities said, adding that an additional intimidation charge was then filed. For the intimidation charge, Brough was sentenced to serve 10 years of probation consecutively to his eight-to-16 year incarceration, authorities said. He also is required to register as a life-time sex offender under Pennsylvanias Megans Law, according to the announcement. Two Protestant ministers, a priest and a rabbi get on a ship It sounds like the start of a joke, but its a story of one of the most selfless, heroic acts of World War II. Seventy-five years ago, four U.S. Army chaplains gave their lives to save their fellow soldiers. An act of heroism so astonishing that Congress gave them, posthumously, a Medal for Heroism, so special that it has only been awarded four times, to those four chaplains. In January 1943 the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, an old coastal steamer pressed into service as an Army transport ship, left New York Harbor carrying 902 officers, crew, civilian works and over 750 U.S. Army and Army Air Corps personnel enroute to Greenland. Also on board were four U.S. Army chaplains: George L. Fox, 42, a Methodist minister born in Lewistown, Pa. and a decorated veteran of World War I. Alexander D. Goode, 31, a Rabbi from the Beth Israel synagogue in York, Pa. Clark V. Poling, 32, a Dutch Reformed minister born in Ohio. Father John P. Washington, 34, a Catholic Priest from New Jersey. In the early morning hours of Feb. 3, a torpedo from a German submarine slammed into the side of the Dorchester, which sank in less than 20 minutes. But within those 20 minutes, with panic and chaos on deck, the four chaplains quickly and quietly calmed the young soldiers, opened a storage locker and began handing out lifejackets to the frightened men. And then an astonishing thing happened. Witnesses reported that when there were no lifejackets left, without a word the chaplains removed their own lifejackets and gave them to young soldiers. As the Dorchester sank, survivors from nearby rafts reported seeing the four chaplains, arms linked, braced against the slanting deck, praying in three languages (English, Latin and Hebrew) until they disappeared under the icy waves. Of the 902 men on board, 672 perished and 230 survivors were picked up by nearby Coast Guard Cutters that had been escorting the Dorchester. When news reached home, Americans were stunned by the tragedy and the four chaplains were immediately hailed as heroes. Each was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart. In 1948, the United States Postal Service issued a 3-cent stamp in honor of the Four Chaplains. Over 400 memorials, statues and stained glass windows honor the Four Chaplains around the world including stained glass windows at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., at the Pentagon and at West Point. There is also a grade school, the Alexander D. Goode Elementary School, in York, Pa. and the Chapel at Camp Tuckahoe, a Boy Scout camp near Dillsburg, Pa., is dedicated in the memory of Chaplain Goode, who was very active in scouting before the war. In 1951, to honor his son Clark Poling and the other chaplains, the Rev. Daniel Poling started the Chapel of Four Chaplains in the basement of his Grace Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and it was dedicated by President Harry S. Truman. In 1972 that church moved to Blue Ball, Pa. and sold the building to Temple University who eventually renovated the building into the Temple Performing Arts Center. So, in 2001 the Chapel of Four Chaplains moved to its current home in the chapel at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. By 2012 the Chapel of Four Chaplains and Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation had fallen on hard times. Many of the survivors of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester sinking had passed away and many of the artifacts and plaques were in storage. That year Christine Beady was hired as Executive Director of the Chapel and Foundation, primarily to close down the foundation. Instead, with support from family members of U.S.A.T. Dorchester survivors, Beady revitalized the chapel and foundation. The foundation just signed a lease to keep the chapel at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard 30 more years and Beady announced at the annual fundraising dinner that the foundation has now seen two straight years in the black financially. The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation is a 501(c3) non-profit dedicated to encourage interfaith cooperation and selfless service to others. They have programs that recognize and encourage voluntary selfless service, promote Four Chaplain Memorial services nationwide and conduct programs to help young people, veterans and emergency chaplains. The chapel is available for weddings and memorial services and is open for group tours. (215) 218-1943. Blood lab technician Elissa Mays claimed she was acting in the interest of efficiency when she asked a roomful of patients if any of them were there for drug testing. That question got her fired for violating the hyper-secretive federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, better known as HIPAA. It also thwarts the Pittsburgh womans bid to get unemployment compensation, a Commonwealth Court panel ruled Thursday. Mays September 2017 firing came 17 years into her employment with the Laboratory Corporation of America. Judge Anne E. Covey concluded in the state courts opinion that Mays drug testing question constituted willful misconduct that bars her from getting jobless aid. HIPAA bars medical professionals from disclosing health information regarding patients. Mays was fired after a patient in the waiting room lodged a complaint about her drug testing question, Covey noted. She wrote that Mays claimed because the lab had only one restroom available for administering drug tests she sought to decrease waiting times for the 13 patients who had already signed in by asking them the nature of their business and then directing them to the appropriate room. Although Mays argued before the court that she never asked a specific patient whether they were there for drug testing, Covey found that Mays had admitted to a supervisor that she had violated HIPAA. Mays had been warned, repeatedly, that she would be fired for breaching that law, the judge noted. Mays herself testified she was aware of the HIPAA laws and the sensitivity surrounding them, Covey wrote. UPDATE: Kate Major Lohan, stepmother of Lindsay Lohan, apologizes and pays fine in Christmas Day bus fracas (VIDEO) Actress Lindsay Lohans stepmother is charged with attacking a charter bus driver while under the influence on Christmas Day in Lower Macungie Township, Pennsylvania State Police and media outlets report. Kate Major Lohan, 36, of Boca Raton, Florida, then allegedly got behind the wheel of the occupied bus. A fellow passenger eventually removed her from the drivers seat, police said. Major Lohan was arrested after the 5:12 p.m. incident at 4440 Hamilton Blvd., police said. She was arraigned at 7:20 a.m. Wednesday before District Judge David M. Howells Jr. on charges of DUI in a commercial vehicle (blood alcohol content of 0.04 or above), DUI and incapable of safely operating a vehicle, disorderly conduct (hazardous physical offense), harassment, disorderly conduct (fighting) and public drunkenness, records show. She posted 10 percent of her $2,500 bail and was freed, records show. Her preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled 1:30 p.m. Jan. 3 in District Judge Michael J. Faulkners court. The Blast first reported Major Lohans arrest; its report has since been picked up by several other media outlets including Fox News. The Blast identified the charter bus company as Bieber Tourways. Kate filed for divorce from Lindsays dad, Michael Lohan, back in September, The Blast reported. The former couple has had their share of squabbles most recently when Kate was arrested for throwing a glass candle at Lohan during an argument that left him with an impressive mark. Those charges were later dropped after it was determined there was not enough evidence. And Lohan said he did not want her prosecuted. It was not immediately clear why Major Lohan was in the Lehigh Valley and where the bus was heading, but The Morning Call reported that Major Lohan is a 2001 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. As Mackenzie Graham prepares to enter the final semester of college, she knows what lies ahead: Finding a job that will put her political science degree to work for her, and paying back the money she borrowed to pay for that degree. The 21-year-old University of Pittsburgh student from York admits the four years of federal student loan debt she has accumulated is a concern. Itll be obviously a burden to have to start paying it back after school along with all the other expenses like moving out and getting my own place, she said. But this past fall, she got word that her school has selected her for a new program it is launching called Panthers Forward that will help to alleviate some of her debt load. Its a novel pay-it-forward approach thats caught the attention of national financial aid experts. Heres how it works: Shortly after the chosen students graduate, the program will apply $5,000 to their federal loan balance. Students owing less than $5,000 will have their entire loan balance will be paid off. The money to lower the loan balances comes from the university Chancellor Patrick Gallaghers discretionary funds, a university official said. In exchange, the students agree to make monthly contributions in any amount they choose. All those contributions go directly back into the program to lower the debt load of future participants. While this program is no panacea to the looming student debt crisis Pennsylvania students, combined, owe $55 billion in federal loan debt it strikes National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators President Justin Draeger as a unique approach to promote good feelings alumni have toward their school and encourage them to give back to help others. Itll serve as a model, at least at a local level, to see is this sort of message resonating and one, creating sustainable alumni and two, whether its actually going to make a noticeable dent in student loan debt, he said. My hunch is that the people graduating from this school, that will resonate with them, but well see. Pennsylvanias average student debt load of $36,193 is the highest in the nation, according to a LendEDU study. Two out of three Pennsylvania students graduate college with at least some debt, according to that study. Nationally, student debt has reached $1.465 trillion, more than double what it was in 2009, according to an analysis by Bloomberg. Graham and her friends are all too aware of the burden of that debt. Were not excited when we graduate to have to start paying it back, Graham said. My one friend make jokes. Shes like I cant wait to go to graduate school to defer them a few years. We try to make it funny but its not funny. So thats why Graham didnt ignore the email she and other students graduating in 2019 received from Gallagher announcing the Panthers Forward program. I immediately went to it and looked at it and thought, Wow, I definitely need to apply for this, she said. I did and I didnt think I was actually going to get it. When she got word that she was one of 150 students chosen for the inaugural class of program participants, Graham said she was so excited that she had to call her family to share the good news. The $5,000 credit that Graham and others in this first class of Panthers Forward participants two-thirds of whom are from Pennsylvania will receive will lower their loan debt by 20 percent, on average, said Pitt spokesman Kevin Zwick. We feel its incumbent on us to address the growing issue of student debt facing students across the country. Setting our students on a path to success right after they graduate and alleviating some of their debt burden is an important part of that, Zwick said. The pay-it-forward model enabling students moving through the program to help future students who will follow their path is both unique and something we feel Pitt students, with their strong affinity for their school, will be enthusiastic about doing it. Pitt's Panthers Forward program will lower the student loan debt that Mackenzie Graham has accumulated over the past four years. Grahams fondness for her university runs deep. The 2015 York Suburban High School graduate chose Pitt over other Pennsylvania colleges because there was a lot of cool opportunities at the school since it was in a city. So I really liked that. Since then, she has come to appreciate the help she received from her adviser to decide on a major. She is grateful for the opportunity she had to participate in the universitys study-abroad program. Graham also liked how the school helped her connect with the internships she has had with a Pittsburgh City Council member and a non-profit. This spring, she looks forward to connecting with Pitt alumni who earned political science degrees in hopes of gaining some insight from these mentors about how to find a meaningful job in her field after graduation. Hopefully, I can do that in the future for the future Pitt students, she said, and also the same for giving money back to the [Panthers Forward] program for future Pitt students to keep the program going. Swearing-in Day for state lawmakers is usually filled with a lot of pomp and circumstance but rarely does it include the drama that is unfolding surrounding a senator-elect from Allegheny County. Sen.-elect Lindsey Williams is supposed to be among the 25 senators and 201 state representatives [there are two House vacancies due to a resignation and a death] taking the oath of office on Tuesday. On that day, they will swear to uphold the constitutions of the United States and the commonwealth in the performance of their legislative duties. But it is how a particular provision in Pennsylvanias constitution is interpreted that has added controversy to the day over whether Williams is eligible to be seated. The constitution requires members of the General Assembly to be citizens and inhabitants of Pennsylvania for four years before they are elected. Williams, 35, lived the first 25 years of her life in Pennsylvania, earning her bachelors degree at Dickinson College in Carlisle and law degree from Duquesne in 2008. She moved to Maryland and was living there until accepting a job in Pittsburgh and moving back to Pennsylvania on Nov. 6, 2014, exactly four years prior to the day of her election. Senate Republicans have asked her for documents to prove she meets the residency requirement, pointing out her Pennsylvania drivers license, apartment lease, and voter registration obtained after that date, cast doubt on that. Williams' attorney say case law suggests those transactions are not expected to be completed on the same day a person moves into the state. Williams provided Senate GOP leaders with bank statements and credit card bills. She gave them tax documents and affidavits signed by friends. And because she never deletes emails, she was able to track down some emails from four years ago that she thought would convince Senate Republicans she has a right to be seated. I turned over everything I could possibly find, she said. Searching through boxes trying to find old paperwork, its been a challenge. Whats more, she said as a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania, she wouldnt put her name on a sworn document saying she met the residency requirements if she didnt believe she did. While Senate Republicans mull over their decision about what to do about the situation, supporters of Williams are planning to apply some pressure on them to allow her to be seated. They are planning to stage rallies and protests outside Republican senators district offices on Friday to demand they allow Williams to join the Senate. That includes a noonhour event at the state Capitol where constituents of Sen. John DiSanto, R-Dauphin County, will deliver petitions signed by more than 3,000 people calling on him to respect the will of voters who elected Williams over her Republican opponent Jeremy Shaffer for the 38th senatorial district seat. Williams, meanwhile, is proceeding as if she will be sworn in on Tuesday. She received her first Senate paycheck on Dec. 1. She hired staff and opened her district office in the Shaler Township Municipal Building shortly thereafter. She held her first community event, a home heating workshop, in Pittsburgh before Christmas. And she has been assigned a Capitol office that has her nameplate on the door. Despite the controversy surrounding whether Sen.-elect Lindsey Williams will be seated on Tuesday, she has been assigned a Capitol office. "The only thing I can do is keep doing the job that the voters elected me to do and thats making sure my constituents have somebody to call and somebody to help them, Williams said. Constituents aware of the controversy surrounding her seating tell her that the election is over and they want their vote respected, she said. Thats what she wants too. She invited 25 friends and family members to travel to Harrisburg on New Years Day to witness her taking the oath of office. Then she has a reception planned afterward. Hopefully, we will be celebrating, she said. We dont really know whats going to happen so Im hopeful. Associated Press contributed to this article. A state appeals court panel has refused to reduce a newly revised 40-year-to-life prison sentence imposed on a York County man who was 15 when he killed a neighbor in 1980. The Superior Court judges did, however, give Scott Charles Davis a financial break. While he still has to do his prison time, Davis cant be forced to pay the court costs associated with his resentencing in the murder case, Senior Judge John L. Musmanno concluded in the state courts opinion. Davis, now 53, originally was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for gunning down Roderock Kotchin, in Springettsbury Township. The slaying occurred after Kotchin fired Davis from a landscaping job. County Judge Christy H. Fawcett had to resentence Davis last year because the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that automatic life without parole prison sentences cannot be imposed on murderers who are under 18 when they kill. On appeal to the state court, Davis argued that his new sentence is still too long. He contended that under rulings by the state Supreme Court he should have been sentenced to no more than 35 years to life behind bars. Musmanno rejected that claim, finding Pennsylvanias highest court has ruled only that judges must resentence juvenile killers to at least 35 years to life. Judges have the discretion to impose longer minimum sentences, Musmanno concluded. He did, however, void Fawcetts order requiring Davis to pay court costs surrounding his re-sentencing. Davis should only have to pay expenses relating to his 1981 trial, not for any legal costs due to court proceedings that followed his convictions, Musmanno ruled. Hundreds of boats are gearing up for the January start of some of Alaskas largest fisheries in waters managed by the federal government from three to 200 miles offshore. Meanwhile, the government shut down over Donald Trumps demand for nearly $6 billion in funding for a border wall of artistically designed steel slats has sent hundreds of thousands of workers home. Nine of the governments 15 federal departments and several agencies were shuttered at midnight on December 21 and there is no end in sight. That includes the Commerce Department which houses NOAA Fisheries. In a... Great Lakes Dance Academy to perform 'Cinderella' The Great Lakes Dance Academy is wrapping up the end of the year with four different performances of "Cinderella." 2020 asked a lot from us. We faced new challenges and reckoned with old ones, and often the world's problems collided with our own individual needs. Help mightve been hard to give when you required some yourself. If a dancer is very lucky, and very prepared, one performance can transform their career. Lonnie Weeks was that dancer on the opening night of San Francisco Ballets Unbound Festival in April. Chosen by Christopher Wheeldon for the emotionally wrenching final solo in Bound To, Weeks, 27, went onstage as a superb but largely unsung company artist. When the curtain came down 30 minutes later, he was, rightfully, a star. Weeks in Bound To. Photo by Erik Tomasson, Courtesy SFB. Weeks, who was promoted to soloist just before the festival, boasts the classical refinement and the expressive freedom of a modernist. That combination seemed tailor-made for Wheeldons contemporary ballet about the alienation of technology, so while Bound To featured principals like Dores Andre, Yuan Yuan Tan and Angelo Greco, Weeks got the last word. In that closing solo, he portrayed a person whose loneliness has brought him to the brink of self-destruction. Weeks held nothing back, laying out his body in breathtaking extensions, leaps and floor work, and dancing with a heartrending musicality that bared his soul, for all to see. 5.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard A new report on Wednesday indicates that Donald Trumps medical excuse for not serving in Vietnam bone spurs in his heels was actually just a lie written up as a favor to Trumps father. According to The New York Times, [T]he diagnosis was granted as a courtesy to the elder Mr. Trump and the president really did not have a disqualifying foot ailment. In other words, like so much of his business and political career, Trumps excuse for dodging military service in Vietnam was just another massive con job. More from the report: Now a possible explanation has emerged about the documentation. It involves a foot doctor in Queens who rented his office from Mr. Trumps father, Fred C. Trump, and a suggestion that the diagnosis was granted as a courtesy to the elder Mr. Trump. The podiatrist, Dr. Larry Braunstein, died in 2007. But his daughters say their father often told the story of coming to the aid of a young Mr. Trump during the Vietnam War as a favor to his father. I know it was a favor, said one daughter, Dr. Elysa Braunstein, 56, who along with her sister, Sharon Kessel, 53, shared the familys account for the first time publicly when contacted by The New York Times. Elysa Braunstein said the implication from her father was that Mr. Trump did not have a disqualifying foot ailment. But did he examine him? I dont know, she said. Why the news is bad timing for Trump The news that Donald Trumps entire rationale for dodging military service in Vietnam was a sham comes at the worst possible time for the commander-in-chief. On Wednesday, Trump was shamed into finally visiting U.S. troops in a combat zone in Iraq. MSNBCs Joy Reid explained how The New York Times report could conflict with Trumps attempt to score some political points: MSNBCs Joy Reid explains why a report from The New York Times could overshadow Trumps photo op in Iraq. #ctl #p2 #maddow pic.twitter.com/DYE1sq2dR4 PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) December 27, 2018 At the end of the day, the revelation about Trumps fake bone spurs only reminds the American people that this president is not the tough military leader he claims to be. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook. 3.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Donald Trump may have been shamed into finally visiting American troops in a combat zone in Iraq, but his repeated snubbing of the military has clearly taken its toll. As Democratic Rep. Anthony Brown of Maryland said during an interview with MSNBCs Ari Melber on Wednesday, Trumps habit of using the military for political purposes is why the presidents approval ratings among active duty military is at an all-time low. Brown said, Theres a real disconnect between this commander-in-chief and the men and women who raised their right hand to serve our country. Video: .@RepAnthonyBrown says Trumps visit to Iraq on Wednesday doesnt fix the disconnect between this commander-in-chief and the men and women who raised their right hand to serve our country. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/pJG04JPTfC PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) December 27, 2018 The Democratic congressman said: Im very concerned about [Trump using the military for political purposes]. And I think troops also are concerned, and thats why the presidents approval ratings among active duty military is at an all-time low. The president has talked about using the military for a nationwide parade in the nations capital. Sending troops to the southwest border when there isnt a real threat, not the kind of threats you see in Afghanistan or Syria, and so troops get it. Theyre knowledgeable. They have access to information. And but for the recent visit with the first lady and the president in Iraq today, hed gone nearly two years without visiting troops in a combat zone. Theres a real disconnect between this commander-in-chief and the men and women who raised their right hand to serve our country. Trumps approval rating among the military is falling According to an October poll from the Military Times, Donald Trumps approval rating among active duty members of the military has steadily fallen over the past two years. The survey shows that just 44 percent approve of his job performance, while 43 percent disapprove a complete evaporation of the nine-point margin of support he had in the same poll more than two years ago. As Democratic Rep. Anthony Brown noted on Wednesday, the troops arent dumb. They know when the commander-in-chief is using them for political purposes, whether its to propose some authoritarian fantasy of a parade, pull them out of Syria via Twitter, or drop in for a photo-op after being shamed into it. Time after time, Trump has shown that he only cares about the military when he can use them for his own political benefit and when its not raining. Donald Trump may have campaigned on the promise of being a tough commander-in-chief, but even the military is increasingly waking up to the reality that this president is weak and unfit. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook. 4.6k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Michael Cohens cell phone signal being traced to Prague during the presidential election is the smoking gun that leads to the Trump/Russia conspiracy. McClatchy reported: A mobile phone traced to President Donald Trumps former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen briefly sent signals ricocheting off cell towers in the Prague area in late summer 2016, at the height of the presidential campaign, leaving an electronic record to support claims that Cohen met secretly there with Russian officials, four people with knowledge of the matter say. During the same period of late August or early September, electronic eavesdropping by an Eastern European intelligence agency picked up a conversation among Russians, one of whom remarked that Cohen was in Prague, two people familiar with the incident said. . Both of the newly surfaced foreign electronic intelligence intercepts were shared with Special Counsel Robert Mueller, people familiar with the matter said. Mueller is investigating Russias 2016 election interference and whether Trumps campaign colluded in the scheme. Mueller also is examining whether Trump has obstructed the sweeping inquiry. It is the last paragraph above that terrifies Trump. Michael Cohen was in Prague and Robert Mueller knows about it. Trump repeats no collusion as if it was some sort of zen mantra, but the president never denies a conspiracy. Cohen cell phone signal backs up the claim in Steele Dossier that Cohen was meeting Russians for Trump in Prague during the election. Mueller seems to have the goods on Trump, which is why the president is doing everything in his power to discredit the investigation. Michael Cohen was in Prague when both he and Trump said that he wasnt. The cell phone signal doesnt explain who was meeting or what was said, but it is a smoking gun that is pointed straight at the Oval Office and Donald Trump. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 3.6k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard President Donald Trump should be very worried about the investigation into his sham charity turning into an investigation of his business empire, according to a new report from NBC News. The news service said legal experts believe that the New York state investigations into the charitable Trump Foundation will likely expand to the presidents namesake business, the Trump Organization. If this happens or has already happened it will spell big trouble for the president. His two oldest sons will also be implicated since they have served in top positions in both the charity and the for-profit company. Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner told NBC that he sees so much overlap between the now-dissolved Trump Foundation and the Trump Organization that he cant imagine corruption within one didnt bleed into corruption in the other. I dont think there will be any investigative daylight between what the New York state authorities and investigators are looking into with respect to the foundation vs. the organization vs. anything else involving business dealings that have the name Trump attached to them, he said, before adding: The probe into the Trump Foundation will crash into the Trump Organization like a Mack truck. Former federal prosecutor Daniel Goldman pointed out that the top people in charge of both entities were the same. This means the Trump Organization is in jeopardy of undergoing a thorough criminal probe. It is likely that the investigation into the Trump Foundation has sufficiently overlapped with the Trump Organization that investigators would be justified in extending their investigation into the Trump Organization, Goldman said. Fordham law professor Jed Shugerman said that investigators already had some low-hanging fruit at the Trump Organization when it comes to potential criminal activity. They were using the Trump Foundation for the business purposes of the Trump Organization, he said. Thats the easiest case. The office of New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced last week that the Trump Foundation would dissolve and give away its assets to other nonprofit organizations. She said the Foundation had exhibited a shocking pattern of illegality. The foundation itself had no employees, instead relying on Trump Organization staffers to cut its checks. Prior to taking office in 2017, Trump turned over day-to-day control of his business to his adult sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and Allen Weisselberg, the Trump Organizations chief financial officer. Both sons were among the charitys board members, while Weisselberg was listed as its treasurer. Weisselberg last spring entered into an agreement with prosecutors to testify against Trump in exchange for immunity. According to Mimi Rocah, a former federal prosecutor: There seems to be entanglements in terms of people and probably in terms of money, thats where businesses, frankly, do really start to get in trouble in terms of violating tax laws and regular criminal laws. As we reported earlier this month, a criminal probe of Trumps business empire may lead to him forfeiting all of his money and property. We wrote: Either the federal or state governments can legally seize the assets of the Trump Organization. They can also seize the assets of any of his other legal entities that own valuable properties like Trump Tower. During 2019 we may see not only the end of Donald Trumps presidency, but we may also see the end of his fraudulent and criminal business empire. 2.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Donald Trump is already losing his shutdown battle with Democrats. After his return from Iraq today he immediately began tweeting desperately, threatening to hold Democratic voters hostage until he gets funding for his border wall with Mexico. But two new polls show that his position is very unpopular. Writing on Twitter, Trump told Democrats that they were only hurting their own supporters by not caving to his demands for wall funding. Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border, the president wrote. Need to stop Drugs, Human Trafficking, Gang Members & Criminals from coming into our Country. Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats? Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border. Need to stop Drugs, Human Trafficking,Gang Members & Criminals from coming into our Country. Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2018 Trump is showing how desperate he is by claiming that most government workers harmed by the shutdown are Democrats. A few days ago he claimed that government workers were actually applauding him for making sure that they didnt get paid over the holidays because they wanted him to hold out until he got funding for the wall. We have to remember that Trump tweets things with no evidence whatsoever to support his assertions. Little of what he says is true, and the vast majority of American voters know that. The Washington Post even called his shutdown an act of needless stupidity. Its laughable to think that Trump actually believes Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer will change their negotiating positions based on something that he tweets. Trump is already losing the shutdown battle because all of his threats are empty. He shut down the government three times in 2018, while Republicans controlled both the House and the Senate, which has never happened before. He has tried to blame Democrats for refusing to pass funding to support his border wall, but Americans know that it is Republicans fault. And now there are new polls showing that Trumps shutdown is unpopular with voters of both parties. New numbers from Morning Consult prove how damaging Trumps shutdown is to his popularity. The findings of this poll include: Just 39% of voters approve of Trump, while 56% dont matching the lowest point of his popularity which occurred in August of 2017 after the Charlottesville protests. By a 43% plurality voters say the president is primarily to blame for the partial government shutdown. 53% of voters surveyed also said that Trump did not do enough to stop the shutdown from happening. 52% of Trump voters believe he wont get full funding for his promised border wall with Mexico. In addition, a large majority 56 percent of American voters disapprove of his border wall and dont want it built. Even though the government shutdown is damaging to his and his partys popularity, Trump maintains he will hold firm until he gets his way. He also said he is happy to take the blame for the ramifications of the stance he is taking. This is not merely my campaign promise this is the promise every lawmaker made, the president said. It is the solemn promise to protect and defend the United States of America. And it is our sacred obligation. We have no choice. But a new CBS poll shows similar disapproval numbers. In that poll, 59 percent of Americans say they oppose the construction of the border wall. Political analyst Ron Brownstein also was quoted as saying that Trumps strategy is historically unpopular. The reality is that the president is using a tactic that is historically very unpopular. Shutting down for building the wall, that has never attracted majority support as far as I know in any poll that has been taken in the Trump presidency, Brownstein said. He also pointed out, as have many others, that there will be a Democratic House next year. Presumed Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi is not likely to give Trump a political victory in any way, so the chances of him getting the money he is demanding for his wall are practically nil. Donald Trumps back is now against the wall. Goaded into a no-win situation by Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham, he will soon be humiliated as he loses the shutdown battle to Rep. Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. 2.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Donald Trump made his first visit to a war zone on Wednesday, accompanied by his wife Melania, when he made a surprise after-Christmas trip to Iraq. The president was enthusiastically greeted by US troops there, but it appears that in their enthusiasm they violated military rules. The report of Trumps visit with U.S. service personnel in Iraq mentioned that he spent time signing hats. There was also a published video which showed him signing Make America Great Again hats and an embroidered patch that read Trump 2020. These activities might be considered political in nature and thus could be violations of Department of Defense guidelines which proscribe political activities by members of the military. The Defense Department guidelines contain the following clear language: Active duty military personnel may not engage in any partisan political activities. In addition, all military personnel should avoid the inference that their political activities imply or appear to imply Department of Defense sponsorship, approval, or endorsement of a political candidate, campaign, or cause. American military officers in the Iraq war zone did not immediately respond to media requests for comment concerning possible violation of Defense Department guidelines. However, Retired Rear Admiral John Kirby, said on Wednesday that service members having Trump sign the items was wrong and a clear violation. He said: It (Make America Great Again) is in fact a campaign slogan, that is a campaign item, and it is completely inappropriate for the troops to do this. Every time the president is around military audiences, he tends to politicize it, and he brings in complaints and grievances from outside the realm of military policy. Kirby added that Trump was to blame for engaging in political activity around U.S. military personnel whenever he visited them or made speeches to military audiences. CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr agreed that the behavior of the troops was very much against military policy and regulation. She said: The pool reporters traveling with the president said that the troops brought the hats with them, including one hat that said Trump 2020. We will have to see if that actually proves to be the case. The question is, if they brought them or if the President brought them: What commander allowed that to really happen? Troops are not supposed to be involved in politics. The fact that Donald Trump turned a troop visit into a campaign rally for himself is not surprising. We have learned that in Trumps world, everything revolves around him. But in this case, as in so many others, what Trump did not only served his selfish purposes but also violated the law. Just yesterday we reported that Trumps approval rating among military personnel is at an all time low. This is not surprising. As president he is supposed to build up the morale of the troops and praise their sacrifices. Instead, he made the visit all about himself. Steve Carell as Mark Hogancamp photographs the dolls for his fictional town in "Welcome to Marwen," directed by Robert Zemeckis. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations. The Post and Courier provides a forum for our readers to share their opinions, and to hold up a mirror to our community. Publication does not imply endorsement by the newspaper; the editorial staff attempts to select a representative sample of letters because we believe its important to let our readers see the range of opinions their neighbors submit for publication. ST. PAUL University of Minnesota researcher Seth Wannemuehler wants to make the kiwiberry Minnesotas next big fruit. The first step: explaining what a kiwiberry is. The green berries a close cousin of the kiwifruit are hairless, approximately the size of a ping pong ball and ready to pop in your mouth, similar to a grape. But Wannemuehler said kiwiberries taste is what sets them apart: a range of sweet, tart and tropical flavors that are ripe for the mass market. Kiwiberries are among several delicious projects underway at the universitys fruit research program, a collection of about a dozen researchers who breed, produce and improve fruit in Minnesota. From creating new varieties of apples like the recently released First Kiss bumping up berry production and breeding grapes suitable for the Minnesota climate, fruit researchers at the university carry on a flavorful tradition thats been cultivated over generations. Kiwiberries are a relatively new addition to the program. This June, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture gave the program over $91,000 to develop and breed kiwiberries as a commercial crop that could land on grocery store shelves in the not-too-distant future. But, most Americans arent familiar with kiwiberries. The limited supply of U.S.-produced kiwiberries typically come from the West Coast. Wannemuehler is hoping to change that. "In this day and age, people are more and more interested in what fruits are outside the apple-banana-orange supermarket kind of fruits," Wannemuehler said. "One of my overall lifetime goals is to try to work to create more diversity in the marketplace for fruits." Theres also a more selfish reason. Wannemuehler, like many in the fruit research program, has something of a sweet tooth for new fruits like the kiwiberry. For apple breeder Jim Luby, the mission of the fruit research program is straightforward. "Our overarching goal is basically getting good fruit for people to eat," said Luby, one-half of a duo behind popular apple varieties such as the Honeycrisp. The fruit research program, which helped develop the states reputation for apple breeding and introduce wine-growing to the region, is a lucrative venture. In the past three decades, fruit research has brought in more than $27 million in revenue, with the large majority coming from apples. But Luby said creating the perfect fruit can take time. Researchers essentially play matchmaker: cross-breeding plants over and over again until they have the perfect result a sweet, crisp apple, a big red strawberry, or in the case of kiwiberries, a tropical tasting fruit that can grow in Minnesota. "While its challenging to grow fruit here because of our particular climate, its possible," said Nathan Hecht, a researcher working on increasing strawberry production through natural pollinators. Hecht said theres growing demand for locally produced fruit in Minnesota. Wannemuehler, a Ph.D. student, said he wants to create a kiwiberry variety thats cold-hardy, delicious and grown throughout Minnesota. But it will likely take several years before kiwiberries are ready for the grocers shelves Wannemuehlers ideal kiwiberry may take more than a decade. More was the theme of 2018, it would seem. The drink scene in Rochester and the surrounding area had another good year. One constant we saw here was more breweries, more restaurants, more cocktails, and better beer. While I am firmly a beer nerd, I do tend to stay away from the chaos overzealous fandom often brings, and 2018 was a year I was able to step back. Not that I cared about beer less, but I moved away from the obsessive components. After all, beer is supposed to be fun and about the community. Personally, as far as drinks go, it was the year I started to dive into the world of cocktails, but also the year I landed some very big, rare beers. I was able to get up at a normal time on a lazy Sunday and buy 12 bottles of Toppling Goliaths Mornin Delight. I attended every Forager bottle release. I slept in late and still acquired a bottle of SR-71, another rare beer from Toppling Goliath. Thats a win in my book, though not a win for fiscal responsibility! 2018 has been a year of ups and downs. We did see places like Bar Buffalo and Cameo at the Castle open. You really cant argue against a proper gin bar dishing out jackfruit tacos and a place that serves Little Thistles Wetlands IPA. Unfortunately, The Doggery, that Prohibition-era-style haunt, is no more. Speaking of Little Thistle, co-founders Steve and Dawn Finnie launched the brewery just four months ago, and the place has been churning out great beer ever since. Wetlands, Steves east-coast IPA, has become the brewerys most popular beer (Ive even been lucky enough to help him brew a batch of it, which showed me just how much care he puts into the staple). Hes also used the brewery to make collaborative beers with the soon-to-open Thesis brewery. Its quickly become a community hub that welcomes everyone from all walks of life. Forager had a big year with its Nillerzzzzz barrel-aged stout, which was filled to the brim with vanilla beans. That stout put the brewery on the map nationally. Subsequent releases of Breakfast Nook and Freedom Toast also proved to be popular, with hundreds waiting in line for a bottle of each. The new Drift Dough donut shop also opened within Forager, and the donuts found their way into Forager stouts. Casablanca co-owner Youness Bojji received recognition for the great work hes doing, with Foodservice News naming him one of Minnesotas top chefs of 2018. Not only is his food divine, but when the Bojjis moved into their new location, they added a fun little bar that is serving up cocktails with a bit of pageantry and expert craftsmanship. Upon reflection, you could say that Rochester is getting to where it needs to be when it comes to food and drink. However, it still has a lot of room for growth and creativity. With places like Thesis on the horizon, and Cameo and Little Thistle already pleasing crowds, Rochester seems poised for an even better 2019. Cindy A. Fister, 55, of Rochester, died Thursday, Dec. 20, at Rochester Health Services East surrounded by her family and friends. She was born on May 31, 1963, in Rochester to Gus and Ann Chafoulias. She graduated from St. Calettis High School in Jefferson, Wis., in 1982 and Rochester Community College with a nursing assistant degree. On Sept. 5, 1993, she married Mark A. Fister in Rochester. They live in Kasson. Cindy worked at many nursing homes until her health started to fail. She loved doing artwork and had many art galleries. After her galleries, she would lovingly give her pictures to the staff and residents at the nursing home to cheer them up. She enjoyed spending time with her husband and her dogs. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Rochester. Cindy is survived by her husband, Mark; mother, Ann Collins of West Palm Beach, Fla.; father, Gus Chafoulias of Rochester; two sisters, Ann Chafoulias of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Charyl LeTourneau of Maine; and one brother, Andy Chafoulias of Rochester. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews including several on Marks side of the family; and her two dogs, Noel and Dudley. She was preceded in death by her grandparents. The family would like to thank Rochester Health Services East for all the special care theyve provided especially organizing Cindys art galleries. Memorials are preferred to Redeemer Lutheran Church. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Benjamin Loos officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com. Mary (Garnet) Shepherd Pease was born June 6, 1925, in Detroit, to her medical (Dr. Clara) and Christian (Rev. George) missionary parents. She passed away Dec 19, 2018, of natural causes. Her large extended family celebrates the life of their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. Known by her internet moniker, "merrysunshine," she was a friend to all and a reliable active supporter of the communities in which she lived. She moved to China in the first few months of age, sometimes boarding in New Zealand and Australia, as her parents continued their callings. As a young school girl, Mary and her family were chased out of China by the Japanese, taking refuge in Newton, Mass., where she graduated high school. Mary briefly attended Colby College in Maine, where she met her future husband, (George) Readington Pease, of Burlington Vt., then serving in the Army Air Corps. She soon transferred to the University of Michigan, where she graduated with a BA in sociology at the close of WWII. Wanting a "home town," Mary married her Vermonter, who instead of returning to Burlington as anticipated, promptly started on a lifetime government foreign-service career taking them to Germany, Brazil and the Dominican Republic. They retired in Brazil, moving late in life to Pompano Beach, Fla., to reunite with their siblings, Birney Pease and Delia (Shepherd). Upon Readingtons death in 2013, Mary moved close to family at the Charter House in Rochester. There, she was a magnet, attracting family from all over the world who made pilgrimages to the seat of Mayo Clinic to visit their matriarch. She often remarked how blessed she felt to have such a loving family and to have found a home among the residents and wonderful staff at Charter House. Mary loved and was loved by her surviving brother, George Shepherd, Santa Fe, N.M.; all five of her married children, Steven (Dri), Mark (Kathy), Larry (Gail), Jennifer (Gene) Nesbeda, and Elizabeth "Buffy" (Rich) Simms; 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; as well as 17 nieces and nephews and all of their children. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Glee and Delia; and two infant brothers, Harold and Henry. She was a remarkable woman who shaped our lives. A memorial service at Charter House in Rochester and interment in the family plot with her husband in South Dennis, Mass., will be at a later date. President Donald Trump thanked the Guam-based soldiers of Task Force Talon for their service during a Christmas Day video conference call from the Oval Office. The call was made to different groups of soldiers, sailors and airmen stationed at bases around the world. First on the list was Andersen Air Force Base, where the members of Task Force Talon stand guard over the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. The THAAD missile defense battery was first deployed at Andersen in 2013 to defend against the threat of a missile strike from North Korea. Task force commander Army Lt. Col. John Castro wished the president "a Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the tropical U.S. territory of Guam." Castro added, "Morale remains high and our soldiers remain proud to serve our great nation." President: Task force plays 'critical role' The president noted "the critical role" members of Task Force Talon played "in securing and protecting assets and personnel when Typhoon Two-Two (Yutu) struck earlier this year." Trump said, "I heard it was a big one, one of the biggest. We want to thank you for the incredible work. Everybody's talking about it. They're all very grateful." Trump asked Castro how things were going on Guam, saying, "I've heard it's an incredible place, in terms of a military operation." "Mr. President, things are going really well here," Castro said. "You mentioned the typhoons" and it's been "an active typhoon season here in the Western Pacific." Trump takes credit The president went on to say that when he first became president, "the supplies on Guam were very low" and "now I know you're stocked up to the brim. Is that correct?" "Absolutely, Mr. President," Castro replied. "We have good reserves and are able to do our wartime missions." "But it is true," Trump said, "it was pretty low for a period of time, right? You had a lot of empty buildings. We filled them up fast." "I imagine so," Castro said. "Thanks a lot, John, I appreciate it," the president said, before ending the conversation with, "Great job, thank you." The Department of Homeland Security has issued an advisory for anyone planning to travel to the Philippines due to concerns over flight security issues at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. The advisory was issued on Wednesday after Homeland Security reached the conclusion that the airport "does not maintain and carry out effective security consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. That means that all airlines issuing tickets for travel between the United States and Manila must now notify passengers in writing of the warning and it must be displayed prominently at all U.S. airports that provide regularly scheduled service to Manila. It also has to be published in the Federal Register. TSA representatives have been working with the Philippine government to help airport and transportation authorities bring Ninoy Aquino up to international security standards, and will continue to help them fix the problems and assess security measures. Recently, Sen. Mazie Hirono claimed that Democrats have a hard time connecting with voters because they (Democrats) are so smart and know so much. If Democrats are smart and knowledgeable, you cant prove it by Hirono. She embarrasses herself routinely on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she almost invariably finds herself in over her head. The latest embarrassment is her attack, along with Sen. Kamala Harris, on a judicial nominee for belonging to the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic social and charitable organization founded in 1882 that, in the words of Ramesh Ponnuru, has heretofore been roughly as controversial as the Rotary Club.. Hirono and Harris are insisting that Brian Buescher, nominated for a U.S. district court judgeship, drop his membership in that organization and recuse himself from cases in which it has taken a position. Hirono claims that the Knights have taken a number of extreme positions. She cites its support for Proposition 8, a California ballot initiative that defined marriage in state law as the union of a man and a woman. As Ponnuru points out, a majority of California voters agreed with this extreme position. Ponnuru also notes that Buescher belongs to two other organizations that consider marriage to be the union of a man and woman (and that also are anti-abortion, another position Hirono deems extreme). The two organizations are the Catholic Church and the Republican Party. To be consistent, Hirono and Harris should demand that Buescher quit the Catholic Church and the Republican Party, and recuse himself from cases in which they have taken a position. As Ponnuru puts it: If Harris and Hirono want to maintain that all judicial nominees must support abortion, beyond just saying that they will respect existing law, then they should just say that there are scores of millions of Christians they would never allow on the federal bench on account of their beliefs. There is no need to launch an attack on the Knights. Hirono and Harris dont want to ban all Catholics; just the ones who take the Churchs teachings seriously. They subscribe to the lefts view that its okay (for now at least) to be a Catholic, as long as you dont subscribe to any Church doctrine thats inconsistent with modern left-liberalism. Thats toleration, lefty style. Steve Cortes at Real Clear Politics wonders whether Hirono and Harris would make demands similar to those they present to Buescher of an observant Muslim nominee. After all, that faith also believes in traditional marriage. I think we know the answer to this question. Cortes reminds us that both Hirono and Harris howled in horror when President Trump enacted travel restrictions upon troubled countries, which they incorrectly assailed as a Muslim ban. Hirono described that policy as a dark day for our country, adding that every time our country has singled out a minority group for discriminatory treatment, we have been proven very, very wrong. But singling out orthodox-thinking Christians for discriminatory treatment when they seek important government positions is fine, even necessary, according to the oh-so smart Mazie Hirono. Hirono and Harris are not the only Senate bigots. Cortes recalls that last year, during confirmation hearings, Sen. Dianne Feinstein noted the devotion of Judge Amy Coney Barrett and her family to the Catholic Church and admonished that the dogma lives loudly within you, and thats a concern. Sen. Dick Durbin was similarly concerned. The real concern for anyone who believes in freedom and the Constitution is the trend within the Democratic Party to exclude faith from the public square and people of faith from positions of power. The Washington Post has spent months lionizing Jamal Khashoggi the victim of a brutal murder ordered, it seems, by the Saudi Arabian government as a fighter for democracy and a journalist of the highest integrity. The Post lauded Khashoggi so persistently that Time Magazine named him its Person of the Year. Though condemning the murder of Khashoggi, we have pushed back against the Posts idealized version of its former op-ed contributor. We did so here and here, for example. Now, buried in a Washington Post article about Khashoggis final months, we find this passage: Perhaps most problematic for Khashoggi were his connections to an organization funded by Saudi Arabias regional nemesis, Qatar. Text messages between Khashoggi and an executive at Qatar Foundation International show that the executive, Maggie Mitchell Salem, at times shaped the columns he submitted to The Washington Post, proposing topics, drafting material and prodding him to take a harder line against the Saudi government. Khashoggi also appears to have relied on a researcher and translator affiliated with the organization. . . . Editors at The Posts opinion section, which is separate from the newsroom, said they were unaware of these arrangements. . . (Emphasis added) Liz Sly, the Posts Beirut bureau chief, describes the news about Khashoggis op-eds as worrying[]. This seems like an understatement. The Post published op-eds that at times were suggested, researched, and drafted by an affiliate of the Qatari government, a government that since the mid-1990s has been sharply at odds with Saudi Arabia. In effect, these were fake op-eds. By running them, the Post became a tool of Qatar an absolute monarchy, by the way. After Khashoggis death, the Post compounded the offense with a drumbeat of fake news about Khashoggis alleged independence and integrity. I take the Post at its word when it says it didnt know about Qatars role in producing Khashoggis op-eds. But in embracing Khashoggi, the Post ignored several red flags. Anyway, knowingly or not, the Post served as the vehicle for spreading Qatari propaganda. As for Khashoggi, he was never really a journalist. It would be more accurate to describe him, as David Reaboi does, as a highly-partisan operative who worked with a handler to publish propaganda at the behest of the Emirate of Qatar. . .in other words, an agent of influence. This doesnt justify murdering Khashoggi. But the case for changing American foreign policy towards the Saudis e.g. by no longer backing the Saudis in the Yemen war, by ending arms sales, and/or by working to topple the Saudi Crown Prince rested not just on the murder, but also on the claim that the Crown Princes victim was a genuine journalist, not a Qatari operative. I dont believe the murder Khashoggi would warrant radical policy changes even if he had been a pure journalist and democrat. The killing by the Saudis of an enemy agent of influence certainly doesnt justify such reversals. I would have said there was no possible way the Democrats could be persuaded to advocate stationing ground troops in the Middle East, but President Trump proved me wrong. When he announced the withdrawal of 2,000 personnel from Syriahonestly, I am not sure I even realized they were therethe Democrats erupted in unanimous condemnation. It is absolutely necessary that the United States have boots on the ground in Syria! So the Democrats are hawks now, and they apparently love the military, too. Forget about cheering those who wont stand for the National Anthem, deriding nationalism, and all the rest. What were Democrats offended about yesterday? That President Trump wasnt visiting troops overseas at Christmas. Twitchy has the whole story; this is a sample: President Trump becomes first president since 2002 not to visit troops at Christmastime. https://t.co/XinRIbRjgX MSNBC (@MSNBC) December 25, 2018 President Trump becomes first president since 2002 not to visit troops at Christmastime. https://t.co/6GS2MTeaLZ NBC News (@NBCNews) December 25, 2018 Donald Trump breaks tradition by not visiting troops at Christmas. https://t.co/USZmCeVrYx pic.twitter.com/zKrf1PUyHl Complex (@Complex) December 26, 2018 Do you ever get the feeling liberal press outlets coordinate their talking points? Journolist lives, I guess. Of course, as Scott has already noted, President and Mrs. Trump did in fact visit the troops in Iraq on Christmas. No word on whether Trump served the soldiers a plastic turkeyfake news from 2003, for those who might not remember. In an amusing postscript, Alyssa Milano, a left-wing actress or former actress, tweeted condemnation of Trumps failure to visit the troops after Trump had actually done so, as Brit Hume pointed out: By the time this was posted, the President and Mrs. Trump were in Iraq with the troops. https://t.co/g9ACNO5hxn Brit Hume (@brithume) December 26, 2018 Which brought this rejoinder from Soledad OBrien, a lovely woman in person but a complete idiot when it comes to politics. Its a late entry in the Dumbest Tweet of 2018 sweepstakes: Shaming him seems to work. https://t.co/KMSPnDAPyE Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) December 26, 2018 To which Brit Hume replied, one more time: Yes, Maam. Trump read this tweet when it was posted and time-traveled himself back to yesterday and flew to Iraq. Genius take. Brit Hume (@brithume) December 26, 2018 Have we ever seen anything like President Trumps ability to get into the heads of liberals and drive them mad? Here, he didnt even have to try. He just visited soldiers in Iraq. The Democrats did the rest. Meanwhile, what did the troops think of it? Unlike the Democrats, theyre not crazy. Here in the U.S., the press enthusiastically cheers on democratic socialists like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. But in the real home of democratic socialism, Venezuela, things arent so rosy. We have been covering for some time the long, catastrophic collapse of that country. If you have no need of toilet paper and like to eat rats for dinnerwhen you can catch them before your neighbors dosocialism is the system for you. At Hot Air, Jazz Shaw has the latest: At this point, the United Nations estimates that three million citizens of Venezuela have fled the rule of their tyrant and they are now among the top source of people seeking asylum in dozens of nations. From Canada to Australia, from Spain to Argentina, from Lebanon to Sweden, Venezuelans are not only emigrating in large numbers but nowadays claiming asylum in 41 countries. At present, Venezuelans top the list of foreign nationals claiming asylum protection in United States, Spain, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Aruba, and Curacao. They are the second largest claimant group in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Last month, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR and the International Organization of Migration IOM estimated the number of Venezuelans fleeing their country at 3 million. Nice going, socialists! None of this should ever have been an issue. There was no reason for this tragedy to befall the Venezuelan people. Their country boasts vast agricultural expanses which are fertile enough to feed most of South America and used to do so year after year. They sit upon the largest proven reserves of crude oil in the world. They should be swimming in food and riches. But the socialist tyranny of Nicolas Maduro and his kleptocratic government have destroyed it all. Yes, but lets not forget Hugo Chavez, a hero of American liberals including, I think, Barack Obama. Chavezs family and cronies emerged from the Venezuelan disaster with billions, while everyone else verged on starvation. But hey, thats socialism! The system that a burgeoning faction of the Democratic Party is trying to bring to the United States. By way of comparison, at the end of World War II there were something like 11 million displaced persons in Europe. In Venezuela, socialism has achieved the same order of magnitude in a population of only 32 million. So lets bring it to the U.S., right? That is what our press and a large part of the Democratic Party are telling us. President Trump has returned to the United States after a 29-hour journey to Iraq and Germany. Politicos Playbook reports this morning that Trump stopped for a quick visit to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, where he met with Air Force leaders based there, according to Time magazines Brian Bennett, who was part of the pool for the presidents trip to Iraq and Germany. Politico passes on Bennets pool report: FROM THE RAMSTEIN POOL REPORT, sent last night at 9:03 p.m. Eastern: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump entered a large [hangar] where hundreds of service members were arranged in a large semi circle to greet the president. Hello folks, Trump said, stretching out his arms. He was wearing his signature long red tie and a black overcoat. The First Lady was in black and white sneakers, a black bomber jacket and olive green pants. A few troops in uniform had brought red hats and held them as POTUS and FLOTUS shook hands and greeted troops. Pool was ushered out into a van after 15 minutes. POTUS and FLOTUS spent about 45 minutes greeting troops in the hangar at Ramstein, Germany. Pool was pulled out after 15 minutes to load in a press van. Toward the end of President Trumps time with the troops, pool could see through the windows POTUS speaking into a microphone, also could hear cheers. Pool was not ushered back into the room so didnt hear any remarks. The First Lady spoke too. Pool was told the remarks were not planned. We are rolling at 9:28 pm ET / 3:28 pm local. Im going to go out on a limb and say the troops were happy to see the president and the First Lady. Sarah Sanders tweeted the photo below from Ramstein. Happening Now President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS meet with Troops at Ramstein Air Base. pic.twitter.com/myDcyFIQde Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) December 27, 2018 I am not sure what to make of this, also passed on by Politico from the pool report sent Air Force 1: TRUMP on AF1 about SYRIA and ISRAEL, per Brian Bennett: I spoke with Bibi. I told Bibi, you know we give Israel $4.5 billion a year. And they are doing very well at defending themselves. Well always be there for Israel. So thats the way it is, we are going to take great care of Israel. Israel is going to be good. We give Israel 4.5 billion a year. And we give frankly a lot more than that if you look at the books. Theyve been doing a good job. I am afraid it portends the coming of a peace plan, but we shall see. Sarah Sanders also caught this from the presidents stop at Al Asad; it probably wont be highlighted in the news today: President Trump visited the troops in Iraq at Al Asad Air Base on Christmas. Sarah Sanders announced on Twitter: President Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit with our troops and Senior Military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas. President Trump himself tweeted out the video below. Im sure well be hearing about it if he said anything to question the existence of Santa Claus during his visit. Otherwise, maybe not so much. The video warmed my heart. I thought readers would find it of interest. Quotable quote (Trump via the linked Politico article): Were no longer the suckers, folks. Were respected again as a nation. The management of Access Bank has announced that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the bank will hold in Lagos on February 1, 2019. The meeting is scheduled to take place at Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos at 10.00 a.m. A notice sent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange by the bank said concerns surrounding the planned acquisition of Diamond Bank will be part of the resolutions to be considered and passed at the meeting. The disclosure, signed by Sunday Ekwochi, the Company Secretary, added that shareholders would also deliberate on plans to increase the banks Authorised Share Capital from N20 billion made up of 38 billion ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each and two billion preference shares of 50 Kobo each to N35 billion by the creation of 30 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. The disclosure read in part: That pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement executed between Access Bank PLC and Diamond Bank PLC on the merger of the two entities, if the Rights Issue contemplated in Resolution 2 is undertaken prior to the Implementation Date of the merger, the Directors of Access Bank be and are hereby authorized by way of a Placing and subject to obtaining all requisite regulatory approvals, to offer to Diamond Bank shareholders shares in Access Bank to be purchased after the Implementation Date on the same term as the Rights Issue and in the same proportion that they would be entitled to as if they had already become shareholders of Access Bank. That the Directors be and are hereby authorised to appoint such professional parties and advisers and to perform all such other acts and do all such other things as may be necessary to give effect to the above resolutions, including without limitation, complying with the directives of any regulatory authority. Among other details, the disclosure said a member entitled to attend and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting is entitled to appoint a Proxy in his/her stead. A Proxy need not be a member of Access Bank PLC, it said. To be valid, a completed and duly stamped proxy form must be deposited at the office of the Registrar, United Securities Limited, Plot 09, Amodu Ojikutu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos not later than 48 hours prior to the time of the meeting. The management of Access and Diamond banks officially announced their proposed merger on December 17. A statement by Uzoma Uja, the Diamond Banks Secretary/Legal Adviser, said the transaction will be completed by the first half of 2019. The proposed merger would involve Access Bank acquiring the entire issued share capital of Diamond Bank in exchange for a combination of cash and shares in Access Bank via a Scheme of Merger, the disclosure, sent to the Nigeria Stock Exchange, said. Chinas Defence Ministry on Thursday criticised outgoing U.S. Defence Secretary, James Mattis, for his false accusations against China. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman, Wu Qian, voiced the displeasure during regular monthly news briefing. He said we oppose the false accusations about China in Secretary Mattis resignation letter. At the same time, while Secretary Mattis was in office, he made positive efforts toward making the China-U.S. military relationship a stabiliser in bilateral ties. U.S. President Donald Trump said this week that he would replace Mattis two months earlier than expected, after he resigned the previous week over policy differences with Trump. Trump on Monday criticized Mattis and his view of alliances, saying the Pentagon chief failed to recognise the true costs of Americas military support around the world. In his resignation letter, Mattis said he believed the United States must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours. He identified Russia and China as countries that want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model. Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan will take over from Mattis on an acting basis from Jan. 1. Wu said that under Shanahans leadership, China expected military ties would continue to develop in a healthy and stable way. Relations between the worlds two largest economies have plumbed to new depths under Trump amid a bitter trade dispute and disagreements over Chinese-claimed Taiwan, the South China Sea, and other geopolitical flashpoints. Observers are worried that weak ties between major militaries could lead to misunderstandings that snowball into conflict amid tense relations. U.S. officials had said Mattis was attempting to forge a relationship with Chinese military leaders. One Chinese official previously told Reuters that Beijing regarded Mattis as a wise man, experienced enough in war to know it is best avoided. However, as Mattis tried to cultivate ties to contain crises, the Pentagon ramped up activity that irritates the Chinese Government, such as freedom of navigation operations in the disputed South China Sea. Wu said Chinese naval chief Shen Jinlong had spoken last week with Chief of U.S. Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson and invited him to visit. (Reuters/NAN) This reporter was directed to a shop at Wuse Market in Nigerias Federal Capital Territory for kayanmata. The product is on many a womans lips but the reporter only recently became aware of it. The literal meaning of the word in Hausa is womens things but to the women who use it, kayanmata means much more. I want Kayanmata, I whispered to the shop owner. Which one? For vagina tightening or sweetening? he responded. I have the traditional and English products? I have the one you will mix with honey. This one will give you power and you no go tire. You go swallow this one to make your body sweet you well well. These ones na N2500 each, he said as he brought out an array of items. Oga, what about the one wey go make man dey give me money? I asked, smiling. He responded: Gaskiya, any person wey dey sell this kain thing no get that one, na liar. It was about seven months ago that the reporter first heard about Kayanmata. It was during an interesting gist with a close friend. Even after that, the reporter could not understand why a man under the spell of kayanmata could be made to spend almost everything he has on a woman just to keep sleeping with her. Seeing, as they say, is believing. That was exactly the case when the reporter went in search of Kayanmata products. The friend had said everything possible to convince the reporter about how effective the products are. She said there were different products like vagina upgrade to tighten the vagina and favour oil to attract wealthy men. Women, especially young ladies, using Kayanmata to attract expensive gifts, favours and attention from wealthy men, whether single or married, is no longer news. Kayanmata originated from the Northern part of Nigeria. It refers to herbs or potions that act as sex or love enhancers for couples. The products have been trending on social media as the merchants openly advertise them and also post their clients testimonies on the efficacy. The business is thriving on social media and drawing more people. You just dey hear about the thing?, Amaka, a lady in her 20s asked incredulously in Pidgin English. Me I don dey use am collect money from men for over two years. She continued: See my dear, using Kayanmata has changed my life, thats a little secret. Before now, I hardly had money to feed talk less of to send to my mother and siblings. But now, everything is overflowing, she said, smiling coyly. Amaka is well endowed. With an average height, her smooth and spotless skin will ordinarily attract many peoples attention at first sight. But despite her beauty, she said she relies on Kayanmata to get mens attention and also get them to fully commit to her. In her late 20s, Amaka is a proud owner of a car, lives in a 3-bedroom flat apartment in the centre of Abuja and owns a big fashion designing shop. She said her life changed after she learned that ladies use kayanmanta to acquire all they want from men, married or single. Someone introduced me to it. I was scared at first but after I saw the result of the first product I bought for N50,000, I became addicted to using it. It gives me rich partners. All I have to do is use the perfume, drink some tea and use other products as instructed. And anything I ask from my partner is mine. The products are too expensive to be a joke, she said. Just as Amaka, Hassana confirmed the efficacy of kayanmata. The mother of four believs only a few marriage can survive without the use of kayanmata. She said her friends who do not use the products were abandoned by their husbands a few years after their marriage. To me, Kayanmata is a normal thing people use every day. I dont know if my marriage would still be intact if I dont use Kayanmata. Two of my friends have left their matrimonial homes because of one trouble or another but my marriage is still intact. I advised them to use some of the products but they said it is fetish and against the will of Allah. But my sister, it is not. It is a way of protecting what is yours. I am the apple of my husbands eye and no woman can take my place. Never, she said. Pictures of some Kayanmata products. Grace is in her early 30s. According to her, she started using kayanmata about two months ago. I had earlier heard about Kayanmata from my friends but I didnt have the intention of using it because I was scared. Two months ago, I had some financial issues that really made me feel useless. My friend told me to use some out of her own products. It worked very well for me; I got monetary gifts and so much attention from different men. After that, I went to buy my own complete package and I am happy I did, she said. Raphael, a father of three in his early 50s, is a regular visitor to the apartment of a beautiful lady residing in Kado district, about 15-minute drive from the centre of Abuja. He regularly visits the lady identified as Jennifer and is so attached to her that he has taken her on various trips, including to Dubai and other countries. Jenny, as she is popularly called, claimed he rented the apartment for her, furnished it, got her visas to some countries. She said Raphael is the centre of her world. His family resides in the US and he visits them once in a while. But when he is in Nigeria, I have all his attention. We met during my youth service in Abuja and he got me this apartment immediately after my youth service about a year ago. I use Kayanmata but its just for my own purpose. The person I buy it from gives me body sweetener that makes any man who sleeps with me want to do more. The man will always think about me and buy me expensive gifts because he enjoys the sex and wants more. I heard there are some that can make a man leave his wife and marry you but I dont buy that one. I just want to survive in this Abuja, I dont want to destroy another womans home, she said. PREMIUM TIMES reporter visited a Kayanmata vendor in Bwari, a town in the suburb of Abuja. She said the products bring fresh sparks between partners. Hauwa (not her real name) said, Kayanmata is not juju as most people think, its just a mixture of herbs to make sex very interesting between partners. There are others that also force men to give their partners whatever she desires. It doesnt kill the partner or make him dull, it will only make him perform his responsibilities as expected, she said. The reporter also spoke to one of the vendors on Instagram with the handle kayanmataspecial. She said she was motivated to take the products online after she used it to restore a broken relationship. My motivation started from when my kayanmata was able to restore a relationship that was about to hit the rock. I was happy kayanmata made the relationship bounce back. After this, I was motivated to go into it full time to put smile on the faces of those beautiful women out there who have lost hope or are about to. I dont like when a woman being treated badly or cheated, she said. Pictures of some Kayanmata products. Controverting the claim that it is fetish, she said kayanmata is not fetish, jazz or juju as some people think. Its an ancient knowledge lost in this era of internet and we are trying to bring it back. Most of the ingredients are herbs and roots put together in the right places and right dosage. On some of the ingredients she uses, Hauwa said, I use dabino (dates), natural honey, some plants, goro (kolanut) and others. Some women lose the urge for sex after childbirth, the product can help you restore your libido naturally without your having to swallow pills and all. MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS SPEAK Expectedly, medical practitioners and health experts are contemptuous of kayanmata. Segun Olaopa said he was not interested in it. I am not aware of the product or its approval for use. I am not also sure if it has gone through clinical trials. Abdulrazaq Garba, a medical doctor, said Until there is scientific evidence to back the products up, I cannot say whether they have any effect on sex or if they are safe for public use. Heavy fighting at a multinational military base in Baga, Borno State, has seen the insurgent group, Boko Haram, allegedly take control of the town, several security sources have told PREMIUM TIMES. The army, however, denied the narrative, saying the attack occured, but was successfully repelled. Baga, a fishing community, fell to the group in 2015 but was retaken by the Nigerian military backed by the armed forces of Niger and Chad. The Nigerian Army confirmed overnight fighting at the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) base on Wednesday night, but did not give details about who was in control of the town. A statement by the army on Thursday said troops put up a very determined fight to repel the attack throughout the night, and said a navy personnel was killed in the attack. But several reliable security sources at the frontline told PREMIUM TIMES the situation was more dire than the army made it to look. According to the sources who spoke on strict condition of anonymity for safety reasons, the insurgents were able to carry out the attack on Baga which is the headquarters of the 7 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the MNJTF, despite that there was information it will happen. One source said the fighting lasted through out the night until the troops were eventually dislodged. Available reports revealed that Boko Haram have dislodged Nigerian troops from Baga, the miltary source said. There is no official confirmation on whether the troops have retaken Baga as no reinforcement has been able to reach Baga as at midday Thursday. The source added, The first reinforcement stopped halfway at Cross Kauwa; they have not been able to reach Baga town. However, the air force carried out three sorties as at 10a.m. (Thursday) on the Boko Haram currently controlling the town but no confirmation on whether they have retaken the town. Another military source insisted that Boko Haram has overrun Baga, and taken over Multinational Joint Task Force headquarters. We are now witnessing simultaneous attacks at different locations, the source said. Before now, the Boko Haram had taken out two of the three battalions under the brigade, which are Metele and Gudumbali, all under the 7 Brigade. The other (dislodged) battalion is that of Malam Fatori, a border town with Niger Republic close to Lake Chad. The source worried urgent action needed to be taken to stop the systematic seizure of location, else the troops would be cut off. If no effort is made to retake Baga, Malam Fatori would be completely blocked from road movement and the Boko Haram would route the troops out easily, the source said. Intelligence not acted upon One source said there was intelligence of the Wednesday night attack, but that nothing was done to forestall it. Unfortunately, even civilians were aware of the impending attack on Baga at least 24 hours before the attack, the source said. At about 2 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday) civilians reported gathering of Boko Haram in Metele and Arege and their movements were passed to appropriate authorities. But as usual nothing was done. The military officer who was apparently saddened by the unfortunate developments in the theatre of war said the command, not the troops, was the problem. Asked if the Nigerian military can still defeat Boko Haram, the source said, Yes, we can sir, but the military and political leadership are living in denial. We cant solve a problem when we dont believe it exists. Moreover, they (the political leadership) condemned the past actors and the methods used to achieve success. They are now ashamed to use same method. Army Statement In his statement, however, Army spokesman, Sani Usman, said on Wednesday 26th December 2018, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the headquarters of 7 Brigade Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Baga, Borno State, at about 7.00pm. The troops along with their Nigerian Navy counterparts put up a very determined fight to repel the attack throughout the night, while Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE sent in reinforcement who are in hot pursuit of the terrorists. Similarly, a Search and Rescue team has been constituted. The Nigerian Air Force component has also been mobilised and are engaging the fleeing terrorists. Unfortunately, a naval personnel was killed in action. So far, no further details of casualties yet as efforts are on going to clear the terrorists hiding in Baga and environs. We enjoin all to remain calm as the troops conduct clearance and mop up operations. We implore members of the general public to disregard any contrary information circulating on the attack. We will keep you posted with development on the pursuit and mop up operations. The Nigeria Police have dismissed 121 of at least 167 police officers who absconded from a counterterrorism training facility to avoid deployment against Boko Haram insurgents last week, PREMIUM TIMES can report. The 121 officers of the rank-and-file were accused of committing mutiny and desertion, prompting Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris to order their dismissal with immediate effect. A directive has gone out for several police units where the dismissed officers were attached to immediately retrieve all equipment in their possession and remove them from payrolls, according to a December 26 signal seen by PREMIUM TIMES. The mass dismissal comes a day after PREMIUM TIMES broke the news of the large-scale desertion, eliciting renewed nationwide concerns about Nigerias progress in the Boko Haram war, which is now entering its tenth year. The 167 officers whom PREMIUM TIMES confirmed as having absconded were amongst the 2,000 sent on a counter-insurgency training at the Nigerian Army Special Forces Training School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State. Scores of them disappeared after learning that they would be deployed in active combat against Boko Haram in communities where the insurgents are still virulent, as against relatively peaceful settlements like Maiduguri metro area. They were then declared wanted, amidst fears that they could be harmful because they did not submit the arms, ammunition and other equipment in their possession before fleeing. The police had in their first reaction on Wednesday night strongly denied that the officers absconded as reported by PREMIUM TIMES, with their spokesperson Jimoh Moshood saying from the Force Headquarters that the 2,000 officers were still in the training centre ready for deployment against Boko Haram terrorists. The signals detailing the mass dismissal, which were authenticated by officials at the top command, surfaced while the Nigerian Army contradicted the polices claim that officers did not abscond. EXCLUSIVE: Police dismiss 121 officers for absconding from deployment against Boko Haram (FULL LIST) EXCLUSIVE: Police dismiss 121 officers for absconding from deployment against Boko Haram (FULL LIST) EXCLUSIVE: Police dismiss 121 officers for absconding from deployment against Boko Haram (FULL LIST) EXCLUSIVE: Police dismiss 121 officers for absconding from deployment against Boko Haram (FULL LIST) EXCLUSIVE: Police dismiss 121 officers for absconding from deployment against Boko Haram (FULL LIST) EXCLUSIVE: Police dismiss 121 officers for absconding from deployment against Boko Haram (FULL LIST) EXCLUSIVE: Police dismiss 121 officers for absconding from deployment against Boko Haram (FULL LIST) EXCLUSIVE: Police dismiss 121 officers for absconding from deployment against Boko Haram (FULL LIST) The army said the officers fled the training centre without permission, but added that many of them had been summarily caught and returned to the facility. It was not immediately clear whether any disciplinary measures had been taken against the remaining officers who absconded. Mr Moshood did not immediately return PREMIUM TIMES requests for comments about the dismissal Thursday night. As Nigerias defence minister since 2015, Mansur Dan Ali has taken on a number of major policy initiatives aimed at fostering a sustainable reduction in security crises and a determination to shore-up defence capabilities in a country beset by perennial unrest on many fronts. Mr Ali, a retired brigadier-general, remains largely the same person today as the young soldier who took the oath to make heavy sacrifices for his nation when he joined the military in 1984. He assumed office with a resolve to reposition and revamp the armed forces capacity to successfully defend and deter external aggression and threats from non-state actors, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency. He also planned to address capital crimes like armed robbery and kidnapping, as well as the economic agitation that has kept the Niger-Delta restive for nearly two decades. Mr Ali, who represents Zamfara State in the federal cabinet, appears to have pursued a fairly conventional, at times controversial, national defence policy. He has had some notable successes, such as the procurement of new equipment for the armed forces, establishment of new military colleges and fresh alliance with world military powers in defence and aerospace technology. But he has also faced heavy criticism for his handling of the armed herdsmen crisis which claimed six times more Nigerian lives than Boko Haram in the first six months of 2018, according to the International Crisis Group. In January, Mr Ali drew nationwide ire after attacking states like Benue, Taraba and Ekiti that have put in place legal framework to tackle herdsmen in their specific borders. He declared the anti-open grazing laws confrontational and said they were responsible for the armed herdsmen aggression against unarmed women and children villagers. The states in their response dismissed the ministers remarks as insensitive and provocative, saying the herdsmen were equally as destructive in states without anti-open grazing laws in place, including Plateau and Nasarawa. Mansur Dan Ali As a political appointee, the ministers key exploits are intrinsic to those of President Muhammadu Buhari in defence, and he once declared that he had the commitment and support of the president. Defence Ministry Since 2015 Nigerias defence ministry has coordinated defence and other national security efforts since it was established in 1958. Successive ministers have encountered unique problems that often greeted the ministry, including during the civil war and the political strife of the 1990s. Mr Ali, too, said he came at a time of intense security circumstances for Nigeria but said the challenges are far from being insurmountable. He has made efforts to provide political leadership aimed at ensuring a modern, compact, strong, professional and mission-ready armed forces for the defence of our national territory, maritime interest, airspace as stipulated in the Constitution. Since 2015, Mr Ali, as the Buhari administrations top man in Defence, has contributed greatly or mildly in the following areas: 1. Coordination of the presidential directive relocating the Military Command and Control Centre to the North-east. The government said this has incrementally boosted the fighting spirit and general morale of the troops across the theatre of operations. 2. Launching of some operations and exercises which are periodically reviewed from time to time to handle emerging challenges, including Harbin Kunama, Gama Aiki I and II, Iron Force, Sharan Daji, Ayem Akpatuma, Delta Safe, Safe Haven, Safe Conduct Mesa, Last Hold, Crocodile Smile and Python Dance. Recently also, the Nigerian Army kicked off Operation Whirl Stroke to tackle security challenges in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Zamfara and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State. But despite these measures, the security situation in the country has witnessed little improvement. The Boko Haram sect has killed hundreds of Nigerian troops in a string of attacks on Nigerian military bases. In Zamfara, Mr Alis home state, armed bandits have continued to overrun villages, often killing residents in dozens before plundering their livestock and farm produce. The Nigeria Air Force On November 19, an attack on a police team left dozens of officers dead and many missing. The police said 100 bandits were killed during a raid on their hideout, indicating that the threats remain potent despite an active deployment of officers. 3. Drafting sectoral reform aimed at re-organising and expanding the military strength to revamp personnel welfare programme that enables the Armed Forces to adequately tackle multiple threats to national security, stability and unity. There is little indication, however, that this has started yielding desired fruits. 4. Introducing a harmonised terms and conditions of service for all military personnel to improve their living standards after retirement. Mr Ali also said he helped implement a prompt payment of troops operations allowances and personnel monthly emolument, as well as ensuring that troops who have stayed for a reasonable time in the theatre of operations are rotated and new ones inducted. It is still difficult to measure this as a success because troops are still reporting being held in the North-east for over four years in a single deployment, and the military often claims there are not enough personnel to implement prompt rotations. 5. Initiating a fundamental review of the nations defence policy to meet up with global security challenges, the ministry procured a group life assurance scheme for military personnel and has touched the entire gamut of the military pensions to the benefit of service retirees. Mr Ali said these incentives have helped improve the welfare of relatives of military personnel, although there are still complaints that families of fallen heroes are not being notified on time and their next-of-kin not paid outstanding benefits. 6. The minister claimed credits for helping the Nigerian Army commission 72 medical doctors into its officer cadre in 2017, eight of whom were consultants in various medical fields. There were also twenty-six lawyers, twenty-one public relations specialists and eighteen specialists in army aviation and engineering. Also, 19 protestant chaplaincies, 21 Catholic and 23 officers for Islamic affairs were recruited. 7. At the Nigerian Air Force, 7,000 personnel were trained in Nigeria and abroad to enhance service delivery and professionalism. More than 80 young pilots from the rank of wing commanders to pilot officers were trained against the previous practice whereby only very senior officers formed the bulk of the fighter pilots. 8. Mr Ali said he helped ensure delivery of the first batch of 10 brand new Super Mushshak aircraft procured from Pakistan, all fitted with digital glass cockpit in line with current practice in the global aviation industry. The configuration of the aircraft would enhance the transition to higher performance and lay a good foundation for the fighter pilots whose training were completed less than a year after the aircraft were inducted, meaning that returns on governments investment had started yielding dividend. He described this as unprecedented in the history of the Nigerian military, and one that could serve as a major boost to its operational strength. Again, how effective this procurement has been in the war against Boko Haram, bandits and herdsmen remains complicated. Since Boko Haram renewed its fresh assault on military bases in July 2018, there have been claims that the air force did not respond to emergency calls to provide air support, because the operation often takes several hours. The air force also faced accusations of late intervention whenever bandits strike in Zamfara, despite having a base in nearby Katsina State. 9. The minister said he contributed immensely to the establishment of Army, Navy and Air War Colleges across the country. This, he said, was to bridge the educational and research gap in the military. Nigerian Navy The Nigerian Army and Navy have established the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Borno State (NAUB), and the Admiralty University in Ibusa, Delta State. The Admiralty University was granted its licence in December 2017, while the NAUB got its operating licence in April 2018. Aeronautics University of the Nigerian Air Force is anticipated to take off soon in Kaduna. 10. The minister also reviewed the military order of battle (ORBAT). Under the new order, Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt and 8 Division in Sokoto were established by the Nigerian Army with a plan to have a Brigade in all the 36 states of the Federation. The new army divisions were planned to enhance security along the neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Niger and Republic of Chad as well as in the riverine areas of the Niger Delta. New units were similarly established in line with the requirements of the new order of battle. Under the arrangement, some specialised units such as the motorcycle battalions were established to enhance quick mobility especially in areas unsuitable for vehicular movements. A K-9 sniper dogs battalion has been deployed in the North-east. Additionally, the Nigerian Army established many forward operating bases across the country to provide the necessary support to tactical operations and to cover possible security gap especially around the border regions. One of the latest is the Fort Muhammadu Buhari commissioned by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, a lieutenant-general, in Mr Buharis home-town of Daura, Katsina State. The Nigerian Navy has similarly expanded in line with the demand of the new order of battle. A naval outpost has been created and stationed in Lake Chad Basin and has since been operational. The air force has established a special operations command with quick response units located in Gusau, Owerri, Ipetu-Ijesha, Bauchi, Jos, Katsina, Yola, and some parts of Kaduna State to enhance base protection and quick response to national emergencies. 11. Shortly after assuming office, the minister directed a renovation of barracks across the country. He said this move had been adequately complemented with the provision for the soldiers comprehensive kitting tailored along modern warfare requirements. This is why the ministry says it is committed to procuring modern equipment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in its effort to improve the combat effectiveness and raise the morale of the troops. Newly initiated projects include the Gusau Barracks in Zamfara State, where for example, troops were stationed immediately after the civil war but lived in rented properties in over five locations in densely civilian-populated areas which no doubt endangered civil-military relations. It is a different story in the last three years as the phases one and two of the Gusau Barracks are already completed with the third phase ongoing. The renovation of quarters for military personnel across the country, the renovation and upgrade of most of the army, navy and air force schools to promote better learning environment is ongoing. This is in addition to new command schools and health facilities established across the six geo-political zones in the country to improve a better working condition for military personnel. Twenty blocks of 320 flats barracks accommodation by the Ministry of Defence have been initiated to ease the problem of personnel accommodation in Abuja. The 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, the Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital in Bauchi, the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar and 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, are undergoing rehabilitation. [ 12. To guide against defence procurement fraud, the minister said there is a new government-to-government policy that guides arms procurement which essentially prevents abuse and under-hand dealings in line with the anti-corruption stance of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. This new arrangement requires the Ministry of Defence to buy equipment and platforms directly from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), thereby eliminating vendors and middle-men from the procurement process. Although Mr Dan Ali said the new policy now guarantees the supply of cost-effective standard equipment as well as complete elimination of fraud and manipulation by vendors thus saving the government huge hard-earned foreign exchange, there is little evidence to corroborate the claim. The National Security Adviser still has a significant impact on equipment procurement for defence. A director and the Central Bank of Nigeria said while testifying in the case of Raymond Dokpesi that there have been no changes in how the military collected money for procurement. Moreover, the Nigerian government appeared to have used middlemen in its recent procurement of 12 Super Tucano fighter jets for the Nigerian Air Force. This, perhaps, explains why the amount spent on procuring the equipment was well below the amount Mr Buhari paid to the U.S. Department of Defence. 13. To improve civil-military relations, which have been strained in recent years with regular human rights abuses by soldiers, especially, a hospital by the Nigerian Air Force was completed and commissioned by Mr Buhari in Bauchi. Four cancer screening centres were also established by the Nigerian Air Force its base in Maiduguri. The minister also said NAF opened a Dialysis Centre and an emergency ramp at the recently-established NAF Reference Hospital in Port Harcourt in May 2018 to further enhance healthcare delivery for personnel, their families and members of the civil populace. The ministry also established health maintenance facilities in its zonal offices across the six political zones to cater for medical needs of the personnel and the retirees. Under Mr Alis supervision, the Nigerian Air Force recently invented Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) nicknamed Tsaigumi, and it was unveiled by the president. The UAV is capable of day and night operations with an operational endurance in excess of 10 hours, a service ceiling of 15,000 feet and a mission radius of 100 kilometres, including a maximum take-off weight of 95 kilogrammes while its payload is an electric-optic/infrared camera system. Tsaigumi Drone The NAF has since expressed readiness to partner with Shell Petroleum Development Company to deploy the UAVs to secure critical oil installations in the Niger Delta. The minister also said the NAF has produced various calibres of Alpha jet bombs locally and overhauled Alpha jet break systems assembly in collaboration with indigenous Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Company. Weather monitoring systems were also deployed at all Nigeria Air Force stations to improve air safety. How pivotal these measures are for the Nigerian defence would be revealed in the future. 14. Mr Ali lamented that the nations security assets have been of great concern as most of the platforms and military hardware have become obsolete. The last bulk purchase of equipment was in 1982. However, he says tremendous efforts have been made to provide funds for the acquisition of modern equipment for the military to simultaneously confront multiple security challenges such as terrorism, farmers clashes with pastoralists, killer-herdsmen, pipeline vandalism, crimes, armed banditry, cattle rustling, border clashes between communities, kidnapping, ethno-religious conflicts, trans-border criminal activities, amongst others. To address the challenges, the minister said he has taken the bull by the horns and committed huge resources to improve military platforms in the country. He said at least eight helicopters have been released to the air force and the NNPC for surveillance operations. The minister also inducted four Mi-35 helicopters from Russia deployed in the ground attack in the North-east to boost the operations of the Nigerian Air Force which has also produced hydraulic accumulator diaphragms for the helicopters locally. The government also said it procured Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), minesweepers and ammunition of different calibre for the Nigerian Army. Recently, some military personnel were trained on explosives detection and disposal by the British Liaison and Support team at the theatre of operations in Maiduguri. In the Nigerian Navy, there were newly-activated NNS Unity and CENTENARY from China and the locally-built NNS KARADUWA and Tugboat Commander EDWIN UGWU and boats locally manufactured. But Nigerias defence budget has witnessed significant decrease under Mr Ali. Compared to preceding years when defence spending averaged N900 billion under President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Ali has overseen only about half of the annual defence spending, overseeing N429 billion in 2016, N465 billion in 2017 and N422 billion in 2018. 15. Mr Ali also said he was the one who directed all military formations across the country to establish a human rights desk to treat complaints promptly in furtherance of Nigerias commitment to honour its obligations under various human rights treaties. While the military had since confirmed setting up the desks, very little has changed in regards to how military personnel treat civilians. Acute abuses are still rife. Soldiers only recently opened live rounds on unarmed Shiite protesters, killing dozens of them. 15. Mr Ali negotiated a memorandum of understanding with the U.K, Russia, Turkey and France including other African countries such as Equatorial Guinea to cover maritime security. How much this would help in foreign relations in the area of national security could not be immediately measured. Overall, based on his promises, successes, challenges, and the current realities of Nigerias security situation, Mr Ali can be scored an average performance in office (5/10). Nigeria needs not less than $337 billion to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from 2019 to 2022, the UN Support Plan for the Sahel has estimated. The cost of implementing the SDGs in Nigeria, according to the plan, is $80.65 billion in 2019, $82.83 billion in 2020, $85.07 billion in 2021 and $87.37 billion in 2022. On the investment needs in the Sahel, the plan reported the cost of implementing the SDGs in the Sahel is projected to be between $140.25 billion and $157.39 billion per year between 2019 and 2022 in the 10 Sahelian countries. The plan said the 10 countries under the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) needed an average of $148.7 billion annually to implement the SDGs or $594.8 billion from 2018 to 2022. The overarching goal of the Plan, targeting 10 countries; namely Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal, is to scale up efforts to accelerate shared prosperity and lasting peace in the region. The Plan covering the period of 2098 to 2030, would help implement identified priorities to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063, the report said. The plan, however, stated that public-sector funding gap, on average, remained at 36.2 per cent of the required resources. UNISS was approved by the Security Council in 2013 and is a part of a preventive and integrated approach to strengthening governance, security and development in the region. The plan noted that the Sahel is as much a land of opportunities as it is of challenges, and it is blessed with abundant human, cultural and natural resources, offering tremendous potential for rapid growth. The plan aims at mobilising public resources and triggering private investments in the 10 countries in support of ongoing efforts and initiatives by governments, international and regional organisations, among other partners. It said in terms of natural resources, the Sahel is one of the richest regions in the world and is abundant with oil, natural gas, gold, phosphates, diamonds, copper, iron ore, bauxite, biological diversity and precious woods, among many other assets. These natural endowments offer immense value for economic diversification, value-chain development and livelihoods, the UN plan said. The Sahel is also endowed with more potential for renewable energy such as solar and wind than other regions of the world, the UN plan showed. Its solar energy potential translates to about 13.9 billion Kilowatt hours per year compared to the worlds electricity consumption of 20 million Kilowatt hours per year, according to 2016 data. The Sahel is also the most youthful region of the world with 64.5 per cent of youth aged less than 25 years, meaning investments in education and vocational training could yield a demographic dividend. (NAN) Since last Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been locked in a controversy with Nigerias cash-in-transit firm, Bankers Warehouse, over the confiscation of $2.8 million from officials of the firm. On Sunday, PREMIUM TIMES reported how the company wrote the Central Bank of Nigeria protesting the confiscation by the EFCC of the combined cash of $2.8 million (over N1 billion at N360 a dollar). The move followed EFCCs announcement on Friday that two men were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport with combined cash of $2.8 million. The agency added that the suspects mentioned their affiliation to Union Bank and Bankers Warehouse, a cash-in-transit contractor. Since last week, the firm, which is not usually in the news, has dominated newspaper headlines. Some Nigerians who are not familiar with its operations are, however, curious about the firm and its handlers. PREMIUM TIMES, therefore, highlights 10 things to know about the Bankers Warehouse and the lingering controversy: 1. Bankers Warehouse (BW) is an organisation that provides cash-in-transit, cash management, and cash processing services to banks and retail outlets across the country. Cash-in-transit (CIT) or cash/valuables-in-transit (CVIT), in simple terms, refers to the physical transfer of banknotes, coins, credit cards and items of value from one location to another. 2. The firm has been involved in Cash-In-Transit (C-I-T) operations since 2007, according to details on its official website. In the course of its operations, it has equally amassed a fleet of about 200 Armoured Vehicles. 3. On the 19th of July 2011, having met the minimum capital requirements as dictated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the firm was issued licenses to carry out both Cash Management (CM) and Cash-In-Transit (C-I-T) operations in Nigeria, making it one of the very few companies currently licensed to handle CIT, cash counting and sorting operations in Nigeria. Another major CIT company, licensed at the same time with BW, is Integrated Cash Management System Limited. 4. The company is notably promoted by Victor Hammond and Rotimi Oyekanmi. While Mr Hammond serves as the Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mr. Oyekanmi is a partner of Apis Partners LLP, which invested in the company in 2017. Mr Oyekanmi served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Diamond Bank Plc until October 24, 2018, when he resigned. From 2012 to 2013, according to Bloomberg, Mr. Oyekanmi served as Group Head Ecobank Capital Nigeria at Renaissance Capital, Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Group West Africa and Managing Director of Renaissance Partners. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant from Nigeria who holds a B.Sc in Economics from the University of Ibadan in 1981 and a Master degree in Operations Research from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 5. The company says it currently deploys its fleet of trucks across 28 states of the nation, carrying out C-I-T operations. We are currently undergoing an aggressive drive to roll out of cash centres in different locations of the country over the next 5 years, it says as part of its prospects. 6. In October last year, a private equity fund manager, Apis Partners, said that it would back the firm with funds to boost cash processing and cash-in-transit services. Speaking on the proposed investment, Matteo Stefanel, a co-founder at Apis, said the company would boost Bankers Warehouse operations because there was a significant opportunity to further leverage technology within cash logistics to increase convertibility of digital and physical cash. 7. In June, the firm tapped software solutions provider, Transtrack International, to deploy CashWebCommunity software to boost its operations. The firm said its goal was to enhance the quality of its services and increase the efficiency of its core business processes. The software, it said, will allow it to efficiently grow its business and strengthen its reach across Nigeria. 8. Although the company operates across Nigeria, it is headquartered in LagosUAC House, Odunlami Street, Lagos Island. 9. On Monday, the EFCC said it has filed a motion for interim forfeiture of the $2.8million it confiscated at a Federal High Court, Enugu State. The agency said it has also filed alongside the motion an affidavit of urgency for the matter to be heard on December 27, before a vacation Judge in Port Harcourt. The agency said as of Monday afternoon, the firm and the concerned bank, Union Bank, were yet to show up at any of its offices to claim the money. 10. Although the company has condemned the actions of the EFCC and called for the immediate release of its staff, it remains unclear what the outcome of the controversies would be. Curiously, the Central Bank of Nigeria has not officially spoken about the lingering crisis. The Nigerian Army admitted on Wednesday night that many police officers departed without official permission from a counter-insurgency training facility in Yobe State. This contradicts an initial police denial that no officers absconded as reported by PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday afternoon. The army said some of the officers were caught in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State about 60 kilometres away from the training centre in Buni Yadi. A. S. Ishaq, the Coordinator Nigeria Police Force for Operation Lafiya-Dole (NPFOLD), in an interview with PRNigeria, said there was nothing like policemen absconding, but just a case of some recalcitrant personnel leaving their training base for a reason which was not cogent. What happened was that some of the police officers insisted on going for the Christmas holiday. But in line with standard military operations, there was no way officers undergoing special training on a combat-operation, could leave their base when the training exercise has not rounded up. So, we refused to grant them permission. However, the unruly ones among them left our Special Forces School at Buni-Yudi, venue of the training. But thank God, the unruly personnel were tracked at Damaturu, the states capital. Right now, some of them have been brought back to the School, A.S. Ishaq, a brigadier-general and coordinator of police deployment in the Boko Haram operation, told PRNigeria on Wednesday night. The special training, which should have been concluded last Friday, was extended for one week to enable the police officers take part in all the requisite military combat exercises before they depart the camp, PRNigeria, a pro-government public relations firm, reported. The training is expected to be concluded on December 28. Mr Ishaqs account of what transpired, which he insisted did not amount to abscondment, conflicted with the claim by Force Headquarters that there was no case of any officers leaving the training school without permission. It had said all the 2,000 have remained at the centre since they were drafted on the exercise earlier this month. Still, the brigadier-general was being economical with the truth when he claimed the officers only tried to leave for Christmas vacation. While it is possible that some might have cited the Yuletide as grounds for their departure, most of the 167 officers whom PREMIUM TIMES reported departed the training school did so after learning they had been posted to Boko Haram strongholds across Nigerias volatile North-East, top security sources said. Moreover, official police signal which alerted several mobile police units to the fleeing 167 officers specifically said they absconded. PREMIUM TIMES published the signal on Wednesday night. This story was investigated and it was found out not to be correct, there is no reason whatsoever that police personnel deployed for the operations in the North-east would abscond, police spokesperson Jimoh Moshood said of the PREMIUM TIMES publication. The Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel have been engaged actively in the front line along with the military in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group since the inception of the insurgency. Mr Moshood did not return PREMIUM TIMES calls and messages seeking comments on the Armys account Thursday afternoon. At least five people were killed by gunmen in a Plateau community on Wednesday, the police have said. The attack occurred in Rawuru village of Fan District in Barikin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau STate Two other people were injured in the attack said to be targeted at people returning from a party at about 9 p.m. The Plateau police spokesperson, Tyopev Terna, said the victims were attacked while returning from a birthday party in Pugu Village. On the 27/12/2018 at about 0800hrs the Plateau State Police Command received information from Kim Timothy, the Youth Leader of Rawuru Village, Fan District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. That on the 26/12/2018 at about 2115hrs some unknown gunmen attacked some people when they were returning from a birthday party from Pugu Village. As a result of the attack, five people were killed and two were injured, the spokesperson said. He said the dead have been buried while the two injured are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi. The police also pledged to investigate the incident and apprehend the culprits. Barkin Ladi is one of the communities in Plateau State that have suffered from repeated violence often between herders and farming communities. The violence sometimes takes ethnic and religious forms. The attack occurred despite the police in Plateau deploying over 2,000 officers to maintain peace in the state during the Christmas season. Announcing the deployment before Christmas, Mr Terna said patrol vehicles had been stationed at strategic locations to respond to distress calls without delay. We want to assure residents of Plateau State that we have put in place comprehensive security strategies to prevent crime before, during and after Christmas. As such, a total of 2046 police personnel have been carefully selected, trained and deployed to protect lives and property of citizens. Also, we have professionally position patrol vehicles in strategic areas to respond promptly to distress calls from members of society, he said. The presidency has replied an opposition presidential candidate over his criticism of the 2019 budget proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari. In a statement by Mr Buharis spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the presidency said Atiku Abubakar offers no substantive and workable solution to the identified realities. Mr Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, is the main challenger to Mr Buhari in next years election. PREMIUM TIMES published Mr Abubakars criticism of the budget, wherein he said: the proposed budget as presented is fundamentally flawed. Read the presidencys response to Mr Abubakar below. The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, last weekend, issued a statement in which he described President Buharis 2019 budget proposal as fundamentally flawed and failing to address current realities. He went on to identify the said current realities, which in any case were issues already highlighted in President Buharis budget speech and further amplified in the detailed presentation by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma. Regrettably, however, Atiku Abubakar offers no substantive and workable solution to the identified realities. Atiku describes the underlying assumptions of the budget as generous, wild and untenable but does not propose alternative assumptions that would have been more appropriate. He argues that the economy is yet to recover from the 2016/2017 recession. Unfortunately, he cannot create his own definition of an economic recession, which is a technical term with a universally applicable meaning. When an economy experiences two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth, it is said to be in recession and whenever it returns to positive GDP growth of whatever rate, it is said to have exited recession. It is doubtful if he understands the simple meaning of recession. Atiku attributes the sustained accretion to foreign reserves to increases in international prices of Brent Crude and foreign borrowing. But he conveniently forgets that under the immediate past federal administration oil prices were at an all-time high with substantial growth in foreign borrowings, and yet foreign reserves nose-dived from a peak of $62 billion to as low as $24 billion. His repeated reference to the price of Brent Crude throughout his statement may be indicative of his lack of knowledge that Nigerias Bonny Light Crude trades at a premium of at least $2 per barrel over the price of Brent; just as his reference to Nigerias OPEC quota may also suggest that he does not know that Condensates do not count in measuring compliance with the quota. The PDP Presidential candidate faults the provision of N305 billion for NNPCs cost under-recovery on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) but does not say exactly what he would do about PMS pricing. If, however, we are to go by an earlier statement from his campaign organisation, which promised to reduce the price of petrol to N87, then we can expect a much higher subsidy provision from an Atiku government; because he is not going to perform magic to get the refineries working at peak capacity immediately. He describes the 2019 budget as being very small but does not offer any implementable options for improving domestic resource mobilization, which is the only sustainable means to achieving larger budgets. It does seem that he does not understand or is just feigning ignorance about the critical role of revenue in budget preparation. A careful look at Atikus statement would show that there is nothing original about his identified realities. These are areas President Buhari had already identified in his speech. For instance, the President recognised that the revenue performance of the Federal Government up till September 2018 has been less than spectacular. Leaving aside for a moment the fact that there has been a remarkable increase in Federal Account receipts in the last three months, a look at the budget speech will show that the President specified a number of actions to tackle revenue weakness including strengthening on-going efforts at tax collection, liquidation of recovered assets, immediate recovery of past due oil royalties charges and deployment of the National Trade Window to improve customs collections. His most laughable criticism perhaps was his claim that there is little evidence to show that increased investment in agriculture has yielded positive results. Even the worst adversary of the Buhari administration would acknowledge that significant progress has been made in the agriculture sector. In his often desperate attempt to rubbish the 2019 budget, Atiku conflates foreign direct investment with capital inflows. This is wrong as capital inflows covers foreign direct investment, foreign portfolio investments, international borrowing and short-term deposits in money market instruments. He complains about movements in foreign portfolio investment which are often volatile and reflect monetary policy normalisation in the United States, meanwhile he is silent on the positive trade surplus mentioned in the budget speech which truly reflects living within our means as a nation. Atiku also calculates the budget deficit as a percentage of current revenue rather than as a ratio of gross domestic product which is the preferred standard for inter-temporal measures of the deficit. Using this more appropriate measure the national fiscal deficit is 1.3% of GDP which is well below the 3% specified in the Fiscal Responsibility Act and well within the best global norms. So much for those who claim they have the magic wand to grow the economy. A most glaring weakness in the statement by Atiku is that he does not take a stance on issues of public interest in the budget, which is utterly regrettable from someone who aspires to lead Nigeria. As President Buhari explained, the subsidy/under-recovery has been retained to reduce the burden on ordinary Nigerians at a time of weak purchasing power in a manner that avoids the abuses of the past. The truth is that contrary to the belief of people like Atiku that low fuel prices only benefit the rich, a large number of ordinary Nigerians rely on PMS to operate keke, okada, taxi, and danfo. A lot of the generators used by small businesses also use PMS. Indeed, it is amazing that a man who has promised N87 per litre of PMS can criticise a process of under-recovery/subsidy that is not being abused as it was in the past. To further show Atikus lack of knowledge about basic issues in the petroleum market, he contradicts himself in his quest to make a non-existent point. He complains about the benchmark price of $60 per barrel used for crude oil exports in the budget and tries hard to show understanding of the dynamics of the global oil market by referring to US shale oil production and pressures on the Saudi regime. Yet Atiku expects that OPEC quotas will come into force, in which case the price of crude oil may rise in international markets. What is obvious is the fact that low oil prices impact negatively on shale oil production. For instance, recent reports from a Permian producer show that with West Texas Intermediate at near $45 per barrel, they have already cut back on rig count and use of completion crews. There is more over the demand side which remains extremely strong in the United States, while large economies like China and India will continue to grow at over 6% and 7% respectively in 2019, which will also impact on crude oil prices. Finally, Atiku moans about the capital budget without acknowledging the historically high capital expenditure over the past two budget cycles continuing into the current 2018 budget cycle. Apart from the fact that the Federal Government has kept to its promise to keep capital expenditure at 30% of the budget, the PDP Presidential candidate is quiet about his plans to raise capital expenditure and reduce recurrent spending. The reality is that it can only be done by retrenching public sector workers and by not increasing the minimum wage to which this government is fully committed. It is therefore obvious that Atikus statement on the budget was a poor attempt at playing to the gallery. Without a doubt, the country faces significant fiscal challenges. The administration of President Buhari understands these challenges, as well as workable solutions thereto. The implementation of some of the solutions, however, needs to be paced and well-timed to avoid dislocating the growth trajectory of the economy. Atikus criticism of the 2019 budget proposal can best be described as high on populist rhetoric but low on any real solutions to the identified challenges. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki,, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take full and direct control of the incessant killings in Zamfara State. Mr Saraki is one of the many government officials who have reacted to the numerous reports of killings emanating from the state, which he described as barbaric and unacceptable. He also called on the security agencies to swiftly devise a strategy to put an end to the situation. PREMIUM TIMES reported how armed bandits have attacked different communities in the state in the past few weeks. Hundreds of people have been killed in such attacks since the start of the year. Some of the worst affected local governments in Zamfara are Tsafe, Zurmi, Shinkafi, Maradun, Maru and Birnin-Magaji. Birnin Magaji is the hometown of the defence minister, Mansur Dan-Ali. Three days ago, residents of some parts of Zamfara State protested against the worsening insecurity in the state. The protesters, mainly residents of Tsafe Local Government Area, on Monday morning, barricaded the Gusau-Zaria highway linking the state to Kaduna, Kano, and Abuja. The president has since condemned the violence in Zamfara that has led to the death of dozens of people in the past few weeks. These horrendous acts of violence are crimes against humanity. This violence must stop, his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, quoted the president as saying. But Mr Saraki, in a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said said the situation in Zamfara showed that the crisis in the northern part of the country has spread from the north east to north west. He said the killings have gone on for too long and the situation has not been given the desired attention as well as the right strategy that will stop it, adding that there was a clear indication of systemic failure. There is need for certain and proper profiling of the situation so that we can know whether it is simple cattle rustling, vicious armed robbery on a large scale, religious cum ethnic crisis or invasion by foreign forces, Mr Saraki said. Our security agencies must immediately come out with a proper understanding of the situation, the right strategy and deployment of the necessary troops to tackle the menace. We must, within the next few days, send the right signals to the criminals in that area that the Nigerian State will no longer tolerate the on-going blood-letting. We must immediately change our strategy. Also, the President has to take full, direct control. Maybe the President must widen the consultation within the armed forces on the search for solution to this problem. He must go beyond the first line military top brass. We need to get ideas from more sources than we presently do, he said. He further explained that the situation in Zamfara presents a picture of the government denying the citizens their fundamental rights to life and rights to own property as he also blamed the media for not giving enough attention to the situation. It is a surprise that the Zamfara killings are not getting enough attention from the media and the non-governmental organisations, the senate president continued. The Senate had sent an investigative team into the area a few months ago after Senator Kabiru Marafa raised a motion on the floor and as at then, we called on other security agencies to help the police in dealing with the matter. It is expected that by now, the President would have arranged a meeting with leaders of the National Assembly, legislators, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders from the affected state, to exchange ideas and proffer lasting solutions to the issue. The key advantage of a democracy is that it provides for wide consultation and inclusion. No one person or group has all the monopoly of knowledge. We really need to do all that is possible to stop the carnage, he said. He then urged Mr Buhari to immediately give a marching order to the various security agencies and request for progress report on a regular basis. There is need for us to use the Zamfara case to demonstrate to all criminal elements that the government will not tolerate those who hide under whatever guise to shed human blood in our country. We should look at the Zamfara killings as a major threat to our democracy, particularly as we move towards election period in the next 50 days. We should not allow criminal elements to take over parts of the country. The situation in that state is an example of why we need to overhaul our security architecture in order to bring them to a state where they can tackle emerging challenges, he added. The incessant killings in Zamfara State has led to a disagreement among politicians on whether or not a state of emergency should be declared in the North-west state. A state of emergency could mean the federal government taking over governance in the state and massively deploying soldiers to maintain peace there. The federal government could also choose to appoint an administrator to govern the state during the period of the emergency rule. While a former senator and governorship candidate in the state, Saidu Dansadau, believes declaration of state of emergency will help rescue the state from bloodletting, former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, believes otherwise. The News Agency of Nigeria, also reported that the state governor, Abdulaziz Yari who relinquished his position as chief security officer of the state has been away for a while now during which time the bandits returned with more severity, killing particularly villagers, burning houses and food stuff. The former military governor of Lagos State, Buba Marwa, has said that all those seeking to occupy the Aso presidential villa should wait till 2023 as President Muhammadu Buhari would be returned to power in 2019. Mr Marwa said this while fielding questions from journalists on Thursday in Yola. Mr Marwa, who is the chairman, presidential advisory committee on drugs, said he was confident that Mr Buhari would defeat other presidential candidates in the 2019 election. Buba Marwa Organization is the first to organise rally in support of President Buhari in 2016, because Buhari has done very well in three areas of economy, security and fight against corruption. He will return for the second time by the grace of God, and for that, I have no doubt all those vying for Aso Villa should wait till 2023, Mr Marwa said. On the recent security situation in the country, he said the Army and other security agencies have done excellently and need more support and encouragement from the general public. On illicit drugs, Mr Marwa said the committee he was chairing had made several contacts and efforts to control the importation, consumption and dealing in such drugs and the trafficker. (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday offered condolences over the death of Sanda Kaita, his former teacher and a retired school administrator. Mr Kaita had the traditional title of Magajin Rogo of Katsina. In a condolence message to the Emir of Katsina, the government and people of the state, President Buhari described his late metal work teacher in Katsina Secondary School as a man of highest character who will be remembered for his efforts to inculcate hard work and technical skills in his students. He was a committed and an inspirational educationist. Our prayers go out to the family of the bereaved; to the government and people of Katsina state over this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace, said the president. The national Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, says his party is confident of winning the 2019 election because Nigerians are not ready to give the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a second chance. Mr Oshiomhole stated this Thursday in a short interview with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa Abuja after he met with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Mr Oshiomhole said although the PDP had said they will be in power for 60 years and that if Nigerians rejected them after just 16 years, it is a sign that the citizens are fed up with the party. They wanted to do 60 years, but they were terminated, no employer will recall an employee dismissed due to gross misconduct and abuse of finances you dont recall the employee back, he said. The APC chairman said even after their failure, all that the PDP could do was to apologise through its National Chairman, Uche Secondus. I remember that the best Secondus had to say was that he was apologising to Nigerian people and I have not heard anybody say they have accepted the apology. People who have robbed you, they dont apologise and say allow me back into your store room, you dont do that, he said. Mr Oshiomhole said even though the APC is not perfect, nothing can make Nigerians get so confused as to think that yesterday there was mismanagement and those who were at the heart of that mismanagement can be entrusted with providing leadership for tomorrow. I dont think that is the question at all. PDP is out of this calculation as far as I am concerned. PDP is just not an option particularly when their candidate is not a new face. Why Atiku Doesnt Deserve Presidency Mr Oshiomhole also said the candidate of the PDP, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not deserve the votes of Nigerians. He said Mr Abubakar had been part of the PDP years and does not, therefore, deserve the benefit of the doubt. You can give benefit of the doubt to a stranger, not to someone who was at the heart, perhaps one of the most powerful vice president we have ever had. So I am clear that Nigeria will never ever have a basis to give PDP the benefit of the doubt, he said. The APC chairman also spoke about the kick off of the partys presidential campaign slated for Friday at Akwa Ibom State. He said the choice of South-south geopolitical zone as the first rally by Mr Buhari is particularly significant. From all the feelers, we have, I think the people of Akwa Ibom State are anxious to receive Mr. President and to hear the message. We are all in good mood, he said. The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a Naval personnel was killed when troops repelled a terrorist attack on the headquarters of the 7 Brigade Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) at Baga in Borno. The attack occurred on Wednesday at 7 p. m. The army spokesman, Sani Usman, who confirmed this in a statement on Thursday, said efforts were ongoing to clear the terrorists hiding in Baga and environs. Mr Usman, a brigadier general, urged the public to remain calm and disregard any contrary information circulating on the attack. We will keep you posted with development on the pursuit and mop up operations, he added. He said the Nigerian Air Force component has also been mobilised and are engaging the fleeing terrorists. (NAN) An Air Force personnel was on Wednesday shot dead by a police sergeant in Calabar, Cross River state. PREMIUM TIMES could not ascertain the identity of the police sergeant and the victim as at the time of filing this report. Police spokesperson in Cross River, Irene Ugbo, told PREMIUM TIMES the incident happened near the ATM at Unity Bank, Marian Road branch, where the police officer was on duty. Mrs Ugbo, a deputy superintendent of police, said the sergeant heard a scuffle near the banks ATM and stepped out to find out what was going on. From what we have gathered, some air force officers on mufti were trying to push aside people who were queuing to withdraw money from the ATM. He (the police sergeant) approached them and in the process, they were trying to attack and disarm him, he fired into the air to scare them away. In that process one of the air force officers was hit by a bullet, the police spokesperson said. Mrs Ugbo said the suspect has been arrested and detained by the police, while the incident was being investigated. She said the police and air force authorities in the state were in touch over the incident to ensure it did not trigger a clash between officers from the two security agencies. The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, on Thursday flagged off his campaign for a senatorial seat, saying he was a victim of envy within the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Amosun who has been at loggerheads with the national leadership of the party, following his failure to secure the governorship ticket for Adekunle Akinlade, his choice candidate has vowed to work against his party. Mr Akinlade and other aides of the embittered governor have since moved to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Mr Amosun has remained in the party. Messrs Amosun and Akinlade, despite their grouse have endorsed the reelection bid of President Muhammadu Buhari. An irate national APC leadership led by Adams Oshiomhole recently dissolved the state executive of the party in Ogun saying they could not be trusted to work for the party as they are loyalists of Mr Amosun. The governor while addressing the party supporters at Panseke venue of the campaign rally in Abeokuta said the unnamed party leaders who worked towards denying him of the opportunity to present his candidate, were only playing god. He said the party leaders did not realise that, it is only God who gives power, adding that, it was amazing that those leaders are planning electoral victory ahead of the faraway 2023 poll, forgetting that nobody knows who will be alive then. I am a victim of envy, forgetting that God owns our lives, and they are playing god. They have even started planning for the presidency ahead of the far away 2023 political dispensation. Who knows who will be alive tomorrow? Mr Amosun canvassed for votes for himself, and a few contestants under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in the state, as well as votes for President Muhammed Buhari in the forthcoming 2019 elections. But the governor specifically asked the electorate not to vote for the governorship candidate of APC, Dapo Abiodun, but vote for Mr Akinlade, who is now the governorship candidate of the APM. The campaign Director General of APM, Sarafa Ishola, explained to our correspondent that his party has no senatorial candidate, hence had resolved to support Mr Amosuns ambition. Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State on Thursday threw his weights behind the call on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Yari, declared his support for emergency while addressing journalists in Gusau, the state capital. The governor returned to Zamfara on Thursday from Saudi Arabia where he was performing the lesser hajj when the latest spate of killing took place. The killings prompted protest by hundred of youth in Tsafe town in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state. The police said on Monday that it arrested 23 persons suspected to be involved in the protest. I am also in support of the declaration of state of emergency if it will save the lives of people of the state, Mr Yar said. He warned politicians against politicising the disturbing security situation in the state. We are talking about the lives of our people and this needs the coming together of all, so that the crisis can end. If the provisions of my office had allowed me to carry arms against the bandits, l would have done so. But, if I am not around, there are capable hands that collaborate with the security team in the fight against the bandits. The security men are doing their best. But, it is sad to know that some of the people involved in the kidnappings are close relatives or associates of the victims, which is part of the reasons the problem is persisting. We must all come together and expose anyone or group that is part of these hoodlums, and we should also pray for Allahs intervention, Mr Yari, Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that bandits had continued to elude security measures put in place by both the state and federal governments. (NAN) The Offa community in Kwara State on Thursday handed over a N700 million modern Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) Barack to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, following the April 5 dastardly robbery attack on the town. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the ultramodern 68 Mobile Police Squadron Base built by the community was handed over to the IGP by the Offa monarch, the Olofa of Offa, Mufutau Okikiola. The ceremony which took place at the parade ground of the barrack was attended by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Hamza Bello, among others In a welcome address, the Offa monarch said following the robbery attack, he contacted the IGP who informed him that the incident occurred largely due to lack of adequate manpower. He said the community under the aegis of Offa Descendant Union (ODU), therefore, resolved to mobilise funds to build the barrack to forestall re-occurrence in the town and surrounding communities. The monarch said when he informed the IGP about the decision of the community to build the ultramodern barrack and hand it over before the end of the year, the police boss doubted the possibility considering the huge funds involved. On April 5 exactly 267 days ago, dare devil armed robbers invaded our community, went into our banks carted away monies, leaving in their trail of sorrows, tears and blood. Thirty three members of the community were killed in cold blood, among them a pregnant woman and children, while some sustained injuries in varying degrees. The singular event has been adjudged as the cruelest armed robbery and worst in Nigerian history. What we are commissioning today is a sacrifice borne out of the sweat of our people, Mr Okikiola said. He said Offa sons and daughters home and abroad donated money for the completion of the N700 million barrack project constructed in seven months. The project which is on a wide expanse of land on the outskirts of the town comprises one Administrative Block of 16 offices, computer rooms, guard house, communication room, 200 capacity conference room and mini cell. The barrack also comprises of 3-bedroom commandant quarters, Guard Residential quarter comprising 44 flats of two bedroom each for rank and files. Also in the barrack built by the community are: Armoury house, Guard house and post, communication room perimeter fence wall and gate, 500KVA generator and two boreholes There was also a built-up epitaph in commemoration of the 33 victims of the April 5 armed robbery attack on the town Mr Okikiola, who described the project as the first in the history of the nation, noted that Offa is renowned for community development projects. He recalled that in 2014, when armed robbers struck the community and the police raised the issue of mobility, his people donated seven Hilux buses to various security agencies. The monarch urged the IGP to make provision for school and hospital in the new barrack to complement the efforts of the people. He also commended his subjects for their timely response in building the ultramodern barrack. Mr Ahmed who said the state was saddened by the robbery incident, commended the Offa people for continuing the age long history of community development. He said it was commendable that the community realised that security was the business of all and took the bull by the horn. The governor called on other communities to take a cue from the Offa people by initiating community projects to assist the government. He disclosed that the state had also completed the construction of the Divisional Police Headquarters it promised the town after the robbery incident and would soon be commissioned. The IGP, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police in charge of MOPOL, Lawal Jimeta, described the barrack project as unprecedented and laudable, adding that it would assist the police in providing adequate security for Offa and its surrounding communities. He assured of prompt deployment of MOPOL men to the barrack to help in curtailing banditry, armed robbery and other forms criminality in the area. The ceremony which was attended by prominent Offa indigenes witnessed cultural performances, police drilling and hoisting of the squadron flags. (NAN) The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has threatened to oppose the recent decision of the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai to arraign the pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre Paul Enenche over what the governor described as inciting comments coming from fake news. In a statement signed by the media assistant to the CAN president, Samson Ayokunle, the association defended Mr Enenche and accused Mr El-Rufai of deviating from the point of focus regarding the killings in Kasuwan Magani, a community in Kaduna State. Reacting to a video where Mr Enenche blamed the governor the death of a Kaduna state traditional ruler, Raphael Galadima, Mr El-Rufai threatened to bring the pastor from Abuja to Kaduna on trial for inciting comments. In a report published by the Cable online newspaper, Mr El-Rufai told the information minister, Lai Mohammed, that his government would do its best to ensure the prosecution of fake news purveyors whom the governor regarded as threats to the peace of Nigeria. Mr El-Rufai made particular reference to an Abuja based pastor, whose video comments were blamed for the escalation of the crisis in Kasuwan Magani earlier this year. The recent crisis we had in Kaduna metropolis in Kasuwan Mageni was largely as a result of hate speech. The second round of crisis was because rumours started circulating that the abducted chief of Agada had been killed and within an hour, 22 people were killed, and it was totally false, he said. There was a clip going round, a pastor in Abuja that said I was the one that arranged the abduction and murder of the agom of Kachia. I have filed a complaint to the IG. We intend to bring him to Kaduna to try him. The clip was circulated in Kaduna and he is in Abuja, we will get him, the paper quoted Mr El-Rufai as saying. The governor said the escalation of the crisis and the death of the Kaduna traditional ruler was fuelled by rumours allegedly peddled by Mr Enenche. However in a reaction on Wednesday, CAN backed the pastor, saying his alleged comments were a reported speech and should not be the cause of any prosecution. The association accused Mr El-Rufai of peddling inciting information that the Christian body blamed for the various crisis in the state and threatened to consider the planned arraignment of Mr Enenche as an attack on the Christian community. The attention of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to a threat issued by Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai of Kaduna State in some online news media over his determination to get the Founder and Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche arraigned in Kaduna over hate speech that he allegedly claimed escalated recent killings that rocked Kasuwan Magani on October 18, 2018 that was followed by the assassination of the Agom Adara, Dr Maiwada Raphael Galadima, on October 26, 2018. While CAN abhors hate speech in whatever form, it is becoming very difficult to determine what constitutes hate speech and who should be responsible for assessing what constitutes the hate speech. It has become much difficult to know whose speech is to be regarded as hate speech and which speech should not. We have carefully read the threat by Governor El-Rufai and his claim to know who is responsible for the hate speech that promoted the crises in Kaduna State and his vow to get Pastor Enenche arrested and prosecuted in Kaduna State. We have also examined the video clip of the Pastor and are abreast of all the facts concerning the Kasuwan Magani killings, among others. The main subject of Dr Enenches clip which Governor El-Rufai is alleging to be a hate speech to us is an outright condemnation of the fate that has befallen the Adara people and Christians in Southern Kaduna through the creation of new emirates namely; Lere, Kagarko and Kujuru. By the creation of these emirates, especially that of Kajuru, the Adara people have been subjugated. CAN backed the pastor in his alleged comments, saying Mr Enenche should not be considered the purveyor of hate speech. The association said Mr Enenche only reacted to what was reported and therefore should not be made to face what CAN described as humiliation and persecution. While we will continue to condemn hate speech by religious leaders and other Nigerians, we cannot stand and watch our respected leaders being set up for molestation, humiliation and prosecution for an unfounded hate speech. We have also followed the speeches of Governor El-Rufai and have felt strongly that he has been engaged in making inciting speeches, but several efforts deployed to draw his attention have been fruitless. His statement that his government had paid herdsmen to stop the killing in his state without any due compensation to the victims of attacks is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians. The questions in the minds of the church is; why is it very easy for government to identify those lamenting over the unabated killings of Christians in Kaduna and other states in the middle belt for persecution? Why is it easy by government to seek to apprehend and prosecute the crying victims and almost an impossible task to bring killers to justice? Why is it easier for the El-Rufai government to know and get the agents of careless statement but most expensive and almost impossible for him to identify the Kaduna killing agents despite years of such continuous killings? Have the killers of Agom Adara, Dr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, been apprehended? How long will it take the Governor El-Rufai to apprehend them? Any attempt to arrest and harass any of our pastors again will be considered as an attempt to silence the voice of the Church and reasoning in our nation. Let the government define clearly the difference between what is considered hate speech and advocacy for dying victims of continuous killings in Nigeria. What do you expect from a church leader whose members and fellow citizens are being killed daily without any satisfactory measures to abate the killings? Are we to keep clapping for government while people are being massacred in cold blood? The association, in its statement, said it believed the Kaduna State government would also not want its citizens to die without any repercussion to the killers. It, therefore, urged Mr El-Rufai to focus on getting the perpetrators of the many killings in Kasuwan Magani, adding that negative information about will always be heard about people in power. The polity is already heated up and polarised along ethnic and religious divides. All of us in leadership have had an inappropriate news item carried or published about us before; it is part of the burden of leadership. The best that could be done in such a circumstance is for the governor to debunk inaccurate news items like he has done. On the basis of the above, we again caution that care must be taken in handling what Pastor Paul Enenche read, which he wanted people to pray over. The idea of making Christians endangered species must stop, for the sake of peace and unity of this country. We have had enough of troubles in this nation in the past years. We deserve to have our peace. Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday signed the states 2019 Appropriation Bill of N390.3 billion into law. Mr Okowa signed the document in the presence of the speaker, State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, the Clerk of the House, Lyna Ochulor, and other principal officers and members of the state executive council. The occasion took place at the Government House, Asaba. The governor said that early signing of the bill into law would give his administration room to utilise the dry season to engage in construction works. He commended the Assembly for the early passage of the budget, while describing members of the Assembly as great partners in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the state. Mr Okowa said: This is very important for governance because, it will give us room to utilise the dry season to construct roads and provide other infrastructure before the commencement of the rainy season. The 2019 budget is made of a capital expenditure of N233. 2 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N157. 1 billion. With the signing of the bill into law today, it means power has been given to the executive to start implementing the budget. We now have enough room to perform; with the cooperation and partnership of the Delta State House of Assembly. In the course of 2018, we have worked in harmony; putting Delta State first. Together in the last three years plus, we have been able to impact positively on infrastructure development. We have constructed roads, built a lot of schools, improved on the health facilities and provided a lot of jobs for Deltans. Due to our achievements, there is peace in Delta; we thank Deltans for the partnership which has yielded great results. We are confident that as we are leaving office in 2023; we would have left a lot in the state that we would be proud of and Deltans will be happier. The speaker, while presenting the bill to the governor for his assent, said the bill passed through a rigorous process before it was approved. The bill passed through all the processes as it was designed to consolidate on the achievements of the governor, Mr Oborevwori said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had on Oct. 17 presented a budget N367 billion to the state House of Assembly. The speaker had earlier told journalists that the Assembly increased the budget from N367 billion to N390.3 billion to enable the state government embark on more infrastructure projects for the people. (NAN) The Akwa Ibom state government has rejected the plan by the police to establish an anti-terrorism unit in the state. The government in a statement on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information in the state, Charles Udoh, said there was suspicion that the police wanted to use use the unit to hound members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state because of the 2019 elections. We are concerned that the setting up of the Anti-Terrorism Unit is part of the ground work and ploy of the opposition party in the State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to illegally intimidate, harass and arrest government functionaries and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, Mr Udoh said. As the 2019 general elections approach and political tempo assumes a crescendo pitch, a functional Anti-Terrorism Unit in the state, will certainly arrest and detain whosoever it wills, on trumped up charges of acts of terrorism. To buttress the sinister motive of the Anti-Terrorism Unit, sources say a former Chief Security Officer to former Governor Godswill Akpabio, has been redeployed to Akwa Ibom, with tactical instructions on how to successfully execute the unholy agenda of the APC leadership in the state, Mr Udoh said. The Akwa Ibom government said it acknowledged the right of the police to create any unit in its command, but that it frowned at the attempts by the police hierarchy to portray Akwa Ibom as a terrorist enclave in Nigeria. The government questioned the need for an anti-terrorism unit in the state which is one of the most peaceful in the country. It advised the police to activate its anti-terrorism unit in the North-East region and use it to effectively fight insurgency in the area. The activities of members of the Anti-Terrorism Unit will undoubtedly cause unwarranted tension among the peace-loving citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State. This is absolutely unnecessary at this point in time. On this score, Akwa Ibom State Government requests that the State Police Command puts on hold, the plans to set up an Anti-Terrorism Unit in Akwa Ibom, as the present administration will continue its collaboration with all security agencies in the state, including the Nigeria Police, to ensure the safety of lives and property at all times, the commissioner said. When PREMIUM TIMES contacted the police spokesperson in the state, Odiko MacDon, he said he was not aware of any plan to establish anti-terrorism unit in the police command in the state. Mr MacDon, a deputy superintendent of police, however, said the police can proactively set up anti-terrorism unit in any of its command in the country. We dont have to wait for terrorism to take place in a particular state before we set up anti-terrorism unit there. I will find out if there is plan to set up such unit here, I will get back to you, he said. Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun on Thursday presented a N152 billion budget before the Osun House of Assembly as the fiscal proposal for 2019. He promised that workers salary would now be paid promptly and in full. The governor, during the budget presentation, said the era of modulated salaries had ended and workers and pensioners would now be paid full salaries and pensions as and when due. Mr Oyetola, who tagged the fiscal proposal as Budget of Hope, said it was largely hinged on consolidation of social security protection and welfare programmes of the immediate past administration. He said about N92 billion would be spent on capital projects, while N15.9 billion would be spent on recurrent expenditure. A further breakdown of the budget reveals that N37 billion would also be spent on personnel during the fiscal year. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that projections on raising the money for the budget were hinged on statutory allocation from the federal government, crude oil payments, internally generated revenue and tax. The sum of N150 billion was projected to be sourced internally and externally, comprising all the projections of the administration in raising fund for the budget. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the health sector, education, infrastructure, agriculture and rural development would be given priority in the budget. The governor stated that the budget was a product of deliberations with stakeholders across the state. Najeem Salaam, the speaker of Osun House of Assembly, in his remarks, said the budget presentation was special, being the first for the Oyetola administration and the last for the lawmakers. Mr Salaam described the governor as a man with a clear vision and imbued with principles. He added that the proposed budget clearly indicated that the governor was working in the light of current realities. The Speaker thereafter called for the laying of the budget by the governor, promising that the house would ensure due deliberation on the proposal. (NAN) The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has said that unconditional approval for female students to wear hijab in schools will be one of the criteria its members will use for voting gubernatorial candidates in Lagos state in 2019. In a statement on Thursday, the group said the head of the MSSN in Lagos State, Saheed Ashafa, made this known at the organisations ongoing 106th Islamic Vacation Course holding at the Human Capital Development Center, Noforija, Epe. Noting that assault on school children over the use of hijab is a violation of their fundamental rights and freedom, he said that the government and school authorities should embrace the use of hijab in schools. Mr Ashafa explained that when the rights of Muslims are trampled upon, the organisation will address the issues without resorting to violence. He emphasised, however, that educational development and willingness to allow the use of hijab by female students in schools would form a major basis for supporting any candidate in the forthcoming election in the state. Let me get something clear, he said, MSSN Lagos is not a political organisation but millions of our members are qualified voters. We have sensitised them enough to get their permanent Voters Cards and the need to be peaceful during the election. We have been very careful in taking a position on the governorship election in Lagos State, but something is clear: we will not support any candidate that will pose a challenge to the use of hijab by our members in schools or deny any of our rights.. We urge the candidates to engage in issue-based campaign and avoid maligning others. We are interested in the ideas that these candidates have to solve the countrys challenges and defamation of character. Mr Ashafa also warned principals who still punish female students for using hijab despite the circular from government to desist from doing that. He said that their action was capable of maligning the peaceful coexistence of people of different faiths in Lagos State, adding that MSSN has made tremendous progress on the matter so far and would not relent. He said: First, we are in court. We are a group of people who are civilised. We know the implication when a matter is still in court and the implication of working contrary to that. However, every assault that happens in Lagos is taken up by the society. Probably people think we will take to the street and create chaos in the society. We are not going to go that way. We will follow the constitutional procedures to make our case. Recently, a Vice Principal has been removed from office due to assault on hijab. When the issue of Army Cantonment Girls in Ojo happened, we were there, engaged the TGPS of that district and the VP was dismissed immediately alongside some teachers. We believe that this is a step in the right direction, even though we are not after anybody being removed from office, but what we are saying is that it is our right, and school children should be able to enjoy the use of use hijab. On the ongoing strike embarked upon by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Mr Ashafa asked the government to increase its funding of the education sector. He faulted the government for the incessant strike embarked upon by the union, saying that it would be wrong to read political meaning into the strike action. An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday claimed some politicians in Oyo State are approaching the commission to buy Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), in order to rig the 2019 general elections. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in the state, Mutiu Agboke, made this revelation while delivering a keynote address at a one-day seminar organised for online journalists in the state. Mr Agboke, while speaking at the event held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) press centre, Iyaganku under the theme Online journalism and Media integrity in Nigeria, said some politicians have approached the commission to buy PVCs, but none is available for sale in the state. He said though 914,529 PVCs are still in the custody of the commission waiting to be collected, none of these PVCs will be sold to the politicians in the state by the commission or any of its staff. The REC, who did not reveal the identities of the political parties involved, however assured residents of the state of smooth elections devoid of crisis in 2019. They are looking for PVCs to buy. They are looking for what is not available because they know that these things are not available. This is the security report at my disposal. Tell those who are looking for PVCs to buy that there is none to buy in Oyo state. I can assure you that no INEC staff will sell PVCs to any politician. I can assure you that the process will be free in Oyo state. Those who are looking for PVCs to buy, I wont give you the name. I dont have the names. But, that is the security report I got and the report did not specify the party and the individual that is involved. They want us to give them PVCs but we cant give it to them. They want to buy PVCs but there is none to sell in Oyo state. Mr Agboke urged journalists in the state to cooperate with the commission in spreading accurate information to members of the public. He urged journalists to abide by the ethics of the profession at all times. All of us are stakeholders. If you are in doubt call INEC. More so, you are online journalists, let us ensure that we have our facts correct. For me in Oyo State, I have nothing to hide, we conducted the election in Eruwa and the people that won, won. Meanwhile, the South-west bureau chief of The Nation and an associate editor of Nigerian Tribune newspaper, Bisi Oladele and Wale Ojo-Lanre, respectively while delivering their separate papers, tasked journalists to always abide by the rules and regulations guiding the profession in their day to day reportage. The duo who said that online journalism has come to stay in Nigeria said journalists must distinguish themselves from ordinary writers considering the fact that almost everybody is a journalist with the advent of internet and smart phones. They agreed that one of the ways for the journalists to differentiate themselves from ordinary writers is for them to cross check their facts, investigate their stories and be conscious of the exiting laws in the land. Political Parties React To RECs Allegations A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the partys candidate for Ibadan North-west/ Ibadan South-west Federal Constituency, Wasiu Olatubosun, said that his party, ADC was not interested in buying of PVCs as claimed by the REC. Mr Olatubosun in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday added that he has raised the alarm in the past but was happy that the commission is now confirming it. As far as ADC is concerned, we are not interested in buying of PVCs. We in ADC, we have raised the alarm on several occasions that the APC is planning to buy PVCs. They are going round to buy PVCs from people. When I raised the alarm at the INEC stakeholders meeting organised with NOA, the REC said he was not aware and now they are confirming it now. Also, the publicity secretary of the state chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulazeez Olatunde, in his reaction informed PREMIUM TIMES that only desperate politicians would be interested in buying of PVCs in the state. Mr Olatunde said, As far as we are concerned in APC, we are the government to beat. Those party that want to come will be desperate to buy PVCs. A lot of them will want to buy PVCs. It is those who have spoilt this country that will be interested in buying of PVCs in the state. They will be desperate to buy PVCs in oder to come back again. As far as we are concerned, we have a structure. That allegation is for those who want to win at all costs but not we in APC Gubernatorial candidate of the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN), in the state, Abiodun Bamigboye, challenged the commission to name the political party and the candidate that is approaching the commission to buy PVCs. Mr Bamigboye also urged the commission to expose the political party and the candidate for prosecution. Ours is to challenge the commission to name the political party and the candidate and let the security agencies sanction them according to the law. 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. Adam Dorfman , President of DMC Atlanta, was recently named to the Movember Foundation National Advisory Council. In his eight years of leading the fundraising efforts for the foundation at DMC Atlanta, the company has raised more than $175,000. This year, Dorfman finished as the second-highest individual fundraiser in the US, and ranked third globally for his efforts. DMC Atlanta raised a total of $61,852, the eighth-highest team total in the United States. The firm's 2018 fundraisers, hosted by Dorfman, included the third-annual rare whisky dinner, which raised nearly $20K, as well as a bowling tournament, yoga class, and t-shirt sales, all benefitting the Movember Foundation. Since 2011, DMC Atlanta has raised more than $175,000 to help fund the work of the charity. "As a member of the Movember Foundation's National Advisory Council, I'm well aware of the impact our fundraising makes," said Dorfman. "And I'm incredibly proud of the work of the DMC Atlanta team this year. Our team truly supports Movember's mission to help men get the physical and emotional help they need to live longer, happier, healthier lives." DMC Atlanta creates experiences that transform brands, grow businesses, and improve people's lives. The company concentrates its efforts on face-to-face interaction and relationship-based marketing solutions for premier clients in numerous industries worldwide. People-focused and dedicated to growth, DMC Atlanta works to help the client acquire new customers while retaining current customers. Named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in each of the past six years, DMC Atlanta was also recognized by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of the Top 10 small businesses in metro Atlanta for 2015. The company firmly believes in giving back to the community, as evidenced by its support of the Movember Campaign and other philanthropic causes. Like DMC Atlanta on Facebook , check them out on LinkedIn , and follow them on Twitter . About DMC Atlanta Founded in 2003, DMC Atlanta specializes in direct marketing and sales, face to face sales and marketing, and new customer acquisitions for the most respected companies in the cable, satellite, retail, and telecommunications industries. By focusing their efforts on relationship-based marketing and sales approach, DMC Atlanta brings clients life-long customers with increased name-brand recognition and high levels of customer loyalty. For more information, call 770-817-4646 or visit dmcatlanta.com . SOURCE DMC Atlanta Related Links http://www.dmcatlanta.com FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Jane Luchi is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Professional in the field of Furniture and Home Decor in recognition of her role as Owner of Bridgette's Place. Established since 2017, Bridgette's Place is a consignment shop that is located in the heart of the Fort Myers Beach, Florida area. The consignment store specializes in selling high end resale goods including home decor, repurposed and refurbished furniture and more. As a local, family run entity, the business serves as a proud sponsor of "Restore the Fort Myers Beach Arches" where Jane Luchi serves as the Vice President of the organization. With an eclectic taste in making old things new again, Jane Luchi has specialized in the operations of interior decorating and design and furniture restoration. Luchi is currently attending the New York Institute of Arts and Design to pursue her passion of Interior Design. To further enhance her professional development, Luchi is an elected affiliate of the National Association of Professional Women. Luchi dedicates this recognition to her Step Dad, Stephen Schuman. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634 [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com CHICAGO, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Noel Reitmeister, Ph.D. is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Finance in recognition of his role as a Retired Trust Specialist and Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors. Dr. Reitmeister is currently retired having most recently worked as a trust specialist for Wells Fargo Advisors formerly A.G. Edwards and Sons Inc. from 1992 to 2016. With over fifty years of experience in the field of Finance, Dr. Noel Reitmeister is known for his remarkable contributions to the financial world. Having most recently worked as a trust specialist for Wells Fargo Advisors formerly A.G. Edwards and Sons Inc. from 1992 to 2016, in his previous capacity Dr. Reitmeister served Wells Fargo Advisors as Senior Vice President of investments from 1999 to 2007 investment officer in 1999 vice president of investments from 1979 to 1999 and a senior financial consultant from 1974 to 1979. Dr. Reitmeister has also held the positions of financial advisor senior vice president and investment officer for Wachovia Securities LLC from 2007 to 2009, branch coordinator and special partner for DuPont Walston from 1969 to 1974, insurance and investment consultant for John Hancock from 1968 to 1969, project director for the Gillette Company from 1967 to 1968 and regional manager for the Cosmair Division of L'Oreal Paris from 1963 to 1967. Dr. Reitmeister began his career as an assistant merchandise manager for Bloomingdale's from 1962 to 1963. Throughout the course of his education and training, Dr. Reitmeister attended Queens College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science in 1960. Thereafter, Dr. Reitmeister earned a Master of Business Administration in industrial psychology and management at Baruch College as well as a diploma from the New York Institute of Finance. He then obtained a Degree in Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning in 1974 and graduated from the American Western University in 1982 with a Doctor of Philosophy. To further enhance his professional development, Dr. Reitmeister is a distinguished fellow of several elite organizations including Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, Medecins Sans Frontieres, the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas Virgin Islands, the Independent Television Producers' Association, and the American Friends of the Hebrew University. He also maintains involvement wit the American Association of University Professors, the University Club of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera Association, the Friends of the IPO and the Friends of Grant Park Orchestra. A distinguished scholar, Dr. Reitmeister is the author of "Portfolios Inc. Key Objectives in Investments"" and co-authored ""Retirement Planning.". A columnist for Daily Southtown Star the American Medical News Journal and the Times, Dr. Reitmeister has also been the producer and host for ""The Money Doctor"" from 1985 to 1994 and "The Market Crisis of October"" on PBS in 1987. Dr. Reitmeister has contributed articles to many esteemed publications such as the New York Times, The Star, The Economist, and the Post Tribune. When he is not working, Dr. Reitmeister enjoys spending quality time with his family and pets. Dr. Reitmeister dedicates this recognition to his wife Elaine, two sons, and two grandchildren. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com WEST TRENTON, N.J., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Samuel M. Gaylord is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Law in recognition of his role as an Attorney at Gaylord Popp LLC. With over twenty three years of experience in the legal profession, Samuel M. Gaylord has established himself as a trusted name in the industry. Throughout his illustrious career, Samuel has attained extensive expertise in the areas of Workers Compensation, Social Security, and Disability Law. As founder and partner of his law firm, Samuel understands the sensitive nature of his client's legal matters and is revered for his outstanding rapport built with his clientele over the years. Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a workers' compensation law attorney and licensed to practice in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., throughout the course of his education and training, Samuel attained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Syracuse University. Thereafter, Samuel would earn his Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall School of Law. In an effort to further advance his professional career, Samuel is a distinguished fellow of several elite organizations including currently serving as a barrister member of The American Inns of Court Foundation for workers compensation in New Jersey and is a member of New Jersey State, Mercer County, and American Bar Associations as well as the Association of American Justice and the Council on Safety and Health. President of the Mercer County Bar Association, Samuel is a member of the Ewing Democratic Club and a volunteer for several of the more recent political campaigns. A distinguished scholar, Samuel has lectured and written on a variety of issues including workers' compensation, social security disability, and Medicare issues and is an accomplished trumpet player. In recognition of his professional accolades, in 2002, Samuel was named Young Lawyer of the Year for Mercer County and in 2003 received the Young Lawyer of the Year Service to the Bar award from the New Jersey State Bar Association. For more information, please visit https://www.gaylordpopp.com/ Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634 [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/644091/Artprice_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/802372/Artprice_com.jpg ) The first exceptionally positive news is our penetration of the Chinese Art Market with its huge potential to generate new customers for Artprice. This move will substantially boost our sales turnover via the sale of Artprice subscriptions offered in China as of 1 January 2019 via Artron.net, our institutional partner. Artron is widely recognised as the most powerful actor on the Chinese Art Market. The second positive news is that a week ago Artprice signed a deal with the most powerful press network in the world that will project Artprice's hot market news to 1.8 billion people on a weekly basis. This exceptional partnership has been concluded with the world's leading newswire, Cision. Cision's software allows users to identify key influencers, craft and distribute strategic content, and measure meaningful impact (see Cision's official press release Artprice and Cision Enter Distribution Partnership at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/artprice-and-cision-enter-distribution-partnership-300770437.html (Cision is listed on the NYSE, code CISN). This partnership will allow Artprice to project highly pertinent Art Market News and Information on a weekly basis. Cision's electronic newswire will communicate all of Artprice's unique market indices the Artprice100, the Artprice Global Index, the AMCI, etc in real time. By reaching more than 1.8 billion targeted people in 19 languages on 5 continents (representing 90% of the world's GDP), this move unquestionably strengthens Artprice's position as World Leader in Art Market Information. Thanks to this massive news & info distribution agreement, Artprice will project its unique know-how and understanding of the Art Market, reaching new art fans, collectors and professionals whose geographical location previously hindered an economical distribution of the Artprice brand and its databases. This obstacle has now been eliminated, allowing Artprice to be the 'glocal' reference for the Art Market. ('Glocal' is a combination of two words: global and local. It is often used to indicate a global marketing strategy with local relays. Hence the dictum "Think global, act local"). Artprice was the global leader... but there were still a number of 'local' economic 'white zones'. As of 1 January 2019, Artprice, with its loyal institutional partner Artron, will irrigate the 34 divisions / provinces of the People's Republic of China with its paid databank content. With Cision, no territory - whatever the continent - will escape Artprice... now a truly 'Glocal' and unique reference for the Art Market. In short, with Cision, Artprice has become unavoidable at the global level for all matters relating to the Art Market because Cision has the world's largest and most reliable press release network that can identify key influencers. Art Press Agency and Artmarket.com is now the world's leading art press agency dedicated to the Art Market. About Cision : Cision Ltd. (NYSE: CISN) is a leading global provider of earned media software and services to public relations and marketing communications professionals. Cision's software allows users to identify key influencers, craft and distribute strategic content, and measure meaningful impact. Cision has over 4,000 employees with offices in 19 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. For more information about its award-winning products and services, including the Cision Communications Cloud About Artprice: Founded by thierry Ehrmann (see Who's who certified Biography ) (c) https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2018/10/bio-2019-whos-who-thierry-ehrmann.pdf ). Artprice is listed on the Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF. Dicover Artprice in video: https://www.artprice.com/video Artprice is the global leader in art price and art index databanks. It has over 30 million indices and auction results covering more than 700,000 artists. Artprice Images gives unlimited access to the largest Art Market resource in the world: a library of 126 million images or prints of artworks from the year 1700 to the present day, along with comments by Artprice's art historians. Artprice permanently enriches its databanks with information from 6,300 auctioneers and it publishes a constant flow of art market trends for the world's principal news agencies and approximately 7,200 international press publications. For its 4,500,000 members, Artprice gives access to the world's leading Standardised Marketplace for buying and selling art. Artprice is preparing its blockchain for the Art Market. It is BPI-labelled (scientific national French label) Artprice's Global Art Market Annual Report for 2017 published last March 2018: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2017 Artprice is associated with Artron Group the Chinese leader in the Art Market, its solid institutional partner. About the Artron Group: "Artron Art Group (Artron), a comprehensive cultural industrial group founded in 1993 by Wan jie, is committed to inheriting, enhancing and spreading art value. Based on abundant art data, Artron provides art industry and art fans with professional service and experience of quality products by integrated application of IT, advanced digital science and innovative crafts and materials. Having produced more than 60,000 books and auction catalogues, Artron is the world's largest art book printer with a total print volume of 300 million a year. It has more than 3 million professional members in the arts sector and an average of 15 million daily visits, making it the world's leading art website. Founded in 1993by Wan Jie, the Artron Art Group is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It is the first choice for art professionals, investors, collectors and art fans in general wishing to discover and/or participate in the art world or the art market. Founded in 1993, Artron Art Group is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year." Artron's Web: http://www.Artron.net Artprice's Contemporary Art Market Annual Report for 2017 - free access at: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2017 Artprice's press releases: http://serveur.serveur.com/Press_Release/pressreleaseen.htm https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom Artmarket News: https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom & https://twitter.com/artmarketdotcom https://www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom 3.4 million subscribers http://artmarketinsight.wordpress.com/ Discover the Alchemy and the universe of Artprice http://web.artprice.com/video, which headquarters are the famous Museum of Contemporary Art, the Abode of Chaos: http://goo.gl/zJssd https://vimeo.com/124643720 The Contemporary Art Museum The Abode of Chaos https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 3.4 million subscribers Contact: thierry Ehrmann, [email protected] SOURCE Artprice.com The GCP specializes in providing international business opportunities to individuals and teams working on VRAR contents and hardware by allowing them to meet and collaborate with talents from all across the world to help them improve their capabilities and expand their future horizons. The project, unlike other overseas or international business projects, enables the participants to collaborate from the get go and work from the development processes with the overseas partners, rather than just having the participants advertise and sell locally produced goods or services. The Agency simultaneously proceeded various local programs with NYC RLab, a VRAR start-up development agency in New York during the project period. At this GCP New York event, the program participants' exhibition booths were set up to demonstrate, discuss and pitch their ideas and hard work for various VR/AR/MR companies who visited the EXPLORING FUTURE REALITY CONFERENCE on the 29th of November. There were also other opportunities for the participants to present their work at other AR/VR networking events, such as AWE Nite and NYVR MEET UP, in order to focus on creating new partnerships with local companies and organizations. There were 4 teams who participated on the GCP New York Project: Youl Systems and Like Corporation (Consortium Company) -- provides VR-based Cyber Plant development services for power generation and processing plants, StudioVR -- developers of ergonomically designed and improved VR headsets using sound technology to reduce motion sickness, Myungji Korea -- a photo kiosk service developer integrating AR photo services, similar to Snapchat and Snow, to previous standard photo kiosks, and Tech Village -- a medical solutions company adapting VR technology to rehabilitation treatment solutions. Youl Systems and Like Corporation managed to create a solution for a nuclear cyber plant system with Glimpse Group, an organization created for the nurturing of local American enterprises, and concluded an NDA to launch their business into the American plant industry. Glimpse Group is composed of 10 different VR/AR software and service businesses, and runs the NYVR Meet up event, with 5800 visitors frequenting the event. There were also other positive results from the participants of the GCP New York Project with over 10 MOU deals being made. Previously at GCP Manchester and GCP Vancouver, participants managed to sign 10 and 18 MOUs respectively, while the 5 NDA collaborative projects are well under way. Erang Yim, business manager at the Agency, stated: "We see New York as a great opportunity for small local start-up companies to become more active in the industry, considering how New York, while smaller in capacity compared to Silicon Valley, has an extremely active market from the strong network basis formed by the government, development agencies, civil investments as well as NYU and Columbia University. We will continue to provide support for their business projects to strive and see success in the long run." SOURCE GCA (Gyeonggi Content Agency) ATLANTA, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyber 2.0, a cyber security firm headquartered in Israel, is introducing the first open hacker's challenge in the United States. With the ever-present cyber threats to personal and business data, Cyber 2.0 is the only system in the world that provides total defense against the spread of cyber-attacks within organizational networks. Open to everyone, the Cyber 2.0 Hacker's Challenge is being held at Georgia Tech Research Institute (250 14th Street, NW, Atlanta) on Feb. 14, 2019, from 8:30am to 4:00pm. To register, please visit www.Cyber20.com. "We totally believe in the Cyber 2.0 program so completely that the firm is willing to put its money where its mouth is," said Sneer Rozenfeld, Cyber 2.0's VP of Sales. "As we enter the U.S. market, we felt it is important to demonstrate first-hand to any doubters the dramatic difference and power of our technology. Plus, the $100,000 prize would make anybody's Valentine's Day even better." Cyber 2.0 has created a cyber security system that is based on mathematical chaos. In the unlikely scenario that a computer is breached, the program isolates the attack and blocks the virus from spreading. Additionally, the infected computer cannot send information outside the organization even if the computer was infected before the installation of Cyber 2.0. How the Cyber 2.0 Hacker's Challenge will work: There will be one Windows 2012r2 file server, one Windows 2012r2 DHCP server and numerous Windows 10 computers. The file server will be configured for file sharing, for a specific folder. All the computers participating in the challenge will have standard out-of-the-box Microsoft configuration, with updates. The only defense mechanism installed will be the Cyber 2.0 system. Competitors will gain access to the network via a Wi-Fi access point and will receive IP from the protected DHCP Server. Each competitor will receive the admin user name and password of the computers participating in the challenge. To win the $100,000 , the hacker must gain access to the server and copy a single file. Cyber 2.0 holds nine patents and has been recognized for three consecutive years by The Israel Innovation Authority, a publicly funded government agency that recognizes outstanding companies. Current clients include companies such as NEC, Jerusalem Post, and Bezeq International. "The University of North Georgia is excited to partner with Cyber 2.0, because it's a great opportunity for our students to learn about ethical hacking, as well as test their knowledge and skills," said Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and director of the UNG Center for Cyber Operations Education. "While the contest is open to everyone, we are encouraging students from the 250 National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education to participate." Conexx, which serves as a business connector for Israeli businesses to enter the American market, has played a significant role is helping Cyber 2.0 open its Atlanta office. For more information or to register for the Cyber 2.0 Hacker's Challenge, please visit www.Cyber20.com. Media Contact: Rob Kremer 404-218-3077 SOURCE Cyber 2.0 Related Links http://www.Cyber20.com DALLAS, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Access Healthcare, one of the largest providers of healthcare revenue cycle management and IT services, announced that David Tassoni has joined Access Healthcare as President of U.S. Operations. David has over 2 decades of experience in leading organizations with business processes and services across healthcare, travel, and financial services industries. David will lead the U.S. healthcare operations working directly with Anurag Jain, Chairman, and members of the Access Healthcare Executive team. David's responsibilities include establishing both short-term and long-term strategic business goals and expansion of the Access Healthcare brand and market share. David joins us from athenahealth, where he worked for 10 years as SVP of Operations, establishing and leading their flagship operations center in Belfast, Maine. During his tenure, David successfully scaled the company's core revenue cycle management (RCM) and document management services, as well as customer support and patient communications. In addition, he was actively involved in deploying key automation technology in RCM and leveraging offshore partnerships that helped drive athenahealth's ten-fold expansion. Prior to athenahealth, David worked at MBNA America where he led several key operations in lending, customer satisfaction, fraud management, and loan acquisition. He played an important role in the company's massive growth to become the world's leading credit card bank and employing over 15,000 people at its peak. "David brings significant expertise in scaling healthcare revenue cycle business and technology operations," says Anurag Jain, Chairman of Access Healthcare. "I'm excited that David is joining at this time as we embark into a new era of process automation solutions and prepare to launch new service offerings." "Access Healthcare has been on the forefront in adopting the latest technologies in the revenue cycle space," says David. "I'm honored to join a fast-growing company like Access Healthcare, and I'm very much looking forward to expanding their healthcare operations with new services into new markets." About Access Healthcare Access Healthcare provides business process outsourcing, applications services, and robotic process automation tools to healthcare providers, payers, and related service providers. The company operates from 19 delivery centers in the US, India and the Philippines, and its 11,000+ staff is committed to delivering revenue cycle excellence by leveraging technology, emerging best practices, and global delivery. Based in Dallas, Access Healthcare supports over 300,000 physicians, serves 80+ specialties, processes over $70 billions of A/R annually, and ascribes medical codes to over 30 million charts annually. To learn more, please visit www.accesshealthcare.com. Media Contact: Manish Jain [email protected] +91 98410 38446 Christina Miranda [email protected] +1 844 533 1307 SOURCE Access Healthcare Related Links http://www.accesshealthcare.com NEW YORK, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Anti-Money Laundering Software Market by Component (Software and Service), Product (Transaction Monitoring, Currency Transaction Reporting, Customer Identity Management, and Compliance Management), Deployment Type (Cloud and On-premise): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018 - 2025 Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05663903 Anti-Money Laundering Software Market Overview : Anti-money laundering (AML) refers to a set of procedures, which aim to detect and combat the practice of money laundering. AML solutions enable organizations to manage end-to-end AML risk by efficiently correlating financial crime activities. These solutions vary based on their functionalities, which include transaction monitoring, currency transaction reporting, customer identity management, and compliance management. With rise in need of banks and insurance companies to meet regulatory requirements for fraud detection and money laundering, it has become crucial for financial organizations to deploy variety of software applications to prevent such frauds. Factors such as increase in money laundering cases, enforcement of government regulations to implement AML solutions, and growth in IT expenditure among financial institutions drive the growth of the market. However, dearth of AML professionals is expected to impede the market growth. On the contrary, increased market for cloud-based AML solutions and emergence of artificial intelligence in AML are expected to present major opportunities for expansion of the market in future. The global anti-money laundering software market is segmented based on component, product, deployment type, and region. On the basis of component, the market is bifurcated into software and services. By product, it is divided into transaction monitoring, currency transaction reporting, customer identity management, and compliance management. Depending on deployment type, it is categorized into cloud and on-premise. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The report provides the profiles of key players operating in the market such as ACI Worldwide, Inc., Ascent Technology Consulting, Eastnets Holding Ltd., FICO TONBELLER, NICE Actimize, Regulatory DataCorp, Inc., Safe Banking Systems LLC, SAS Institute Inc., Thomson Reuters Corporation, Truth Technologies, Inc., and Verafin Inc. Key Benefits for Anti-Money Laundering Software Market : The study provides an in-depth analysis of the global anti-money laundering software market and current & future trends to elucidate the imminent investment pockets. Information about key drivers, restrains, and opportunities and their impact analysis on the market size is provided. Porter's five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers and suppliers operating in the industry. The quantitative analysis of the global anti-money laundering software market from 2017 to 2025 is provided to determine the market potential. Anti-Money Laundering Software Key Market Segments : By Component Software Service By Product Transaction Monitoring Currency Transaction Reporting Customer Identity Management Compliance Management By Deployment Ttpe Cloud On-premise By Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe UK Germany France Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China India Japan Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA Latin America Middle East Africa Key Market Players ACI Worldwide, Inc. Ascent Technology Consulting Eastnets Holding Ltd. FICO TONBELLER NICE Actimize Regulatory DataCorp, Inc. Safe Banking Systems LLC SAS Institute Inc. Thomson Reuters Corporation Truth Technologies, Inc. Verafin Inc. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05663903 About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com VANCOUVER, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Aritzia Inc. ("Aritzia" or the "Company") (TSX: ATZ), a vertically integrated, innovative design house of exclusive fashion brands, invites interested parties to participate in its third quarter 2019 earnings conference call, occurring on January 9, 2019, at 1:30 pm PDT / 4:30 pm EDT. The Company's third quarter 2019 earnings results will be released after TSX market close the same day. Details of the call are as follows: Date: January 9, 2019 Time: 1:30 pm PDT / 4:30 pm EDT Analysts and institutional investors may participate via conference call, using the following dial-in information: 1-800-319-4610 (Toll-free North America ) ) 1-416-915-3239 ( Toronto and overseas long-distance) and overseas long-distance) Please ask to participate in Aritzia's earnings call Media and other interested parties may listen to the conference call via webcast, by selecting the third quarter 2019 earnings call webcast link on the events page of http://investors.aritzia.com. A replay of the conference call can be accessed shortly after the conclusion of the call. To access the replay, please dial 1-855-669-9658 and use replay access code 2849. A replay of the webcast will be available at the conclusion of the call and will remain on Aritzia's investor relations website. About Aritzia Aritzia is a vertically integrated, innovative design house of fashion brands. The Company designs apparel and accessories for its collection of exclusive brands. The Company's expansive and diverse range of women's fashion apparel and accessories addresses a broad range of style preferences and lifestyle requirements. Aritzia is well known and deeply loved by its customers in Canada with growing customer awareness and affinity in the United States and outside of North America. Aritzia aims to delight its customers through an aspirational shopping experience and exceptional customer service that extends across its more than 90 retail stores and eCommerce business, aritzia.com . SOURCE Aritzia Inc. MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced it exercised its option to acquire the remaining shares of Millipede, Inc, a privately-held company in Santa Rosa, Calif., upon its recent successful completion of a first-in-human clinical study. The acquisition will expand the Boston Scientific Structural Heart portfolio to include the IRIS Transcatheter Annuloplasty Ring System which is in development for the treatment of patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who are not able to tolerate open-heart surgery. Boston Scientific initially entered into an investment and acquisition option agreement with Millipede in January 2018. It purchased $90M in existing and newly-issued Millipede shares, with the option to acquire the company's remaining shares for $325M at closing, with a $125M payment becoming available upon achievement of a commercial milestone. The quickly expanding transcatheter mitral repair and replacement market is estimated to reach $1 billion by 2021, with the majority comprised of repair procedures. "Upon commercialization, we believe the IRIS system can meet the needs of a currently underserved patient population that requires physiological, less invasive options to treat functional mitral regurgitation in patients with progressive heart failure," said Professor Ian Meredith, AM, executive vice president and global chief medical officer, Boston Scientific. "This device is designed to be highly customizable to a specific patient's mitral anatomy and disease state, and is repositionable and retrievable to promote a high-quality outcome." The IRIS system uses a complete annuloplasty ring, considered the gold-standard surgical approach, to reduce the size of a dilated mitral annulus. It is delivered via a transcatheter-transseptal delivery system, and can be used as a stand-alone device, or in combination with other technologies in patients with severe MR. "We are very satisfied with the early results of our clinical program and are excited to see this technology further leveraged by Boston Scientific to expand the mitral repair solutions for patients around the world," said Randy Lashinski, co-founder and CEO, Millipede, Inc. On an adjusted basis, the transaction is expected to be dilutive to earnings per share (EPS) for each of the next several years; however, all dilutive impact is expected to be absorbed via internal trade-offs, resulting in no net adjusted EPS impact. The deal is anticipated to close in Q1 2019, subject to customary closing conditions. On a GAAP basis, for each of the next several years, the transaction is expected to be more dilutive, due to amortization expense and acquisition-related net charges. The IRIS Transcatheter Annuloplasty Ring System is an investigational device and not available for sale. About Boston Scientific Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world. As a global medical technology leader for more than 35 years, we advance science for life by providing a broad range of high performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare. For more information, visit www.bostonscientific.com and connect on Twitter and Facebook. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "anticipate," "expect," "project," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "intend" and similar words. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and estimates using information available to us at the time and are not intended to be guarantees of future events or performance. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding our business plans, expectations with respect to the Millipede transaction and technology, and product performance and impact. If our underlying assumptions turn out to be incorrect, or if certain risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. These factors, in some cases, have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could affect our ability to implement our business strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements expressed in this press release. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, among other things: future economic, competitive, reimbursement and regulatory conditions; new product introductions; demographic trends; intellectual property; litigation; financial market conditions; and future business decisions made by us and our competitors. All of these factors are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of them are beyond our control. For a further list and description of these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operations, see Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we may update in Part II, Item 1A Risk Factors in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q we have filed or will file hereafter. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which those expectations may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, we disclose certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted net income and adjusted net income (earnings) per share that excludes certain charges and/or credits, such as amortization expense and acquisition-related net charges (credits). These non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and should not be considered in isolation from or as a replacement for the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Further, other companies may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, which may limit the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes. For further information regarding our non-GAAP measures, see Part II, Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which we may update in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q we have filed or will file hereafter. CONTACTS: Angela Mineo Media Relations (763) 955-8325 (office) [email protected] Susie Lisa, CFA Investor Relations (508) 683-5565 (office) [email protected] SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation Related Links http://www.bostonscientific.com VANCOUVER, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - CANNAMERICA BRANDS CORP. ("CannAmerica" or the "Company") (CSE: CANA) (OTCQB: CNNXF) is pleased to announce that its common shares have commenced trading on the OTCQB Venture Market in the United States under the symbol "CNNXF" on December 27, 2018. "Trading on the OTCQB is an important milestone for CannAmerica. This allows CannAmerica to have greater visibility and access to U.S investors," said Anglin, CannAmerica Co-Founder and CEO. "We look forward to sharing our story with investors in the U.S. and across the globe as we realize our vision of driving sustainable long-term shareholder value through a diversified brand portfolio and multifaceted distribution strategy." The OTCQB is for early-stage and developing U.S. and international companies. To be eligible, companies must be current in their financial reporting, pass a minimum bid price test and undergo an annual company verification and management certification process. The OTCQB quality standards provide a strong baseline of transparency, as well as the technology and regulation to improve the information and trading experience for investors. Investors will now have access to more transparent pricing information and efficient trading through the availability of premium Real-Time Level 2 quotes. Through trading on the OTCQB companies can engage a far greater network of U.S. investors, data distributors and media partners. CannAmerica will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") under its existing symbol "CANA". For more information, please visit www.cannamericabrands.com. On Behalf of the Board, Dan Anglin CEO and Director (314) 495-4589 About CannAmerica Brands Corp. CannAmerica Brands is a U.S. marine veteran founded and operated portfolio of cannabis brands with licensing agreements in the states of Colorado, Nevada and Maryland. The Company aims to maximize the value of its brands by employing strong brand management teams, marketing and licensing the brands through various distribution channels, including dispensaries, wholesalers and distributors, in the United States and internationally. The Company's core strategy is to enhance and monetize the global reach of its existing brands, and to pursue additional strategic acquisitions to grow the scope and diversity of its brand portfolio. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws or forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE CannAmerica Brands Corp. PHOENIX, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTCQB-CELZ) Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. announced today an update of its activities: As we end 2018 we look forward to continuing to reach multiple milestones in 2019. CaverStemTM domestic activities: As previously reported, we are continuing marketing to physicians across the United States. Additional physicians are scheduled for training, patients are being treated and revenues are being generated and increasing each month. We anticipate reaching financial self-sufficiency by revenues from sales in 2019. Physician Marketing Campaigns: Scheduled for release in January 2019, CaverStemTM will begin a series of mailer and email campaigns introducing the CaverStemTM procedure to licensed physicians in the areas of urology, sexual function and plastic surgery. This campaign which will be expanded on a monthly basis with follow up mailers and emails and calls from our sales representatives. It's our goal to reach out to a minimum of 2500 new physicians each month by these methods. Brand Awareness to Patients: Scheduled for launch in January 2019, CaverStemTM will increase its online presence on Social Media by sponsorships and banner advertising on websites and search engines attracting the active male. We are currently negotiating an advertising campaign in Los Angeles as our first city to expand into print and radio advertising. CaverStemTM International: As was announced by publication across social media outlets and our press conference, the company successfully sponsored the treatment of two patients in Moscow using the CaverStemTM procedure. Treatment of patients is ongoing with positive results and is anticipated to steadily increase in 2019. Physicians in Switzerland and Italy are being scheduled for training and patients are being recruited. CaverStemTM clinical trial: We understand the eagerness to receive published data. We are continuing to work towards this goal of publication of the results as soon as possible. FemCelzTM; as previously announced, we are progressing with the development of the FemCelzTM procedure for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction using stem cells from the patient's own bone marrow. We are preparing the patient protocol and designing the website in anticipation of this launch in Q1. Many of our existing CaverStemTM affiliated physician's also treat female patients for sexual function and we anticipate that they will be the leaders in progressing the FemCelzTM program. U.S. and international agreements have been reached for exclusive distribution rights for the FDA approved Generation 2 bone marrow harvest technology which has been used with multiple ED patients in the past 90 days with excellent results. By replacing the centrifuge technology with our Generation 2 technology we realize the following benefits; Reduced bone marrow harvest from 60cc to 20cc. Higher cell count (less blood harvested). Reduced procedure time. Reduced startup cost for physician by eliminating centrifuge. StemSpineTM: In order to concentrate our efforts on CaverStemTM domestic and international and FemCelzTM, StemSpineTM is expected to launch in late 2019. We feel it is in the best interest of the company to dedicate much of our resources to continue to build those brands and our cash flow before commercializing StemSpine. AmnioStemTM: We are continuing to accumulate data in order to file for an FDA IND on the use of our amniotic stem cell for the treatment of stroke. We will advise milestones in subsequent filings. Other patent pending technologies: We continue to prosecute our patent applications with the USPTO. Acquisitions in 2019: We anticipate acquiring the Virility Centers of America brand from affiliate company Creative Medical Health, Inc. in Q1 2019. The use of the Virility Centers brand is related to male and female wellness clinics, including sexual function (CaverStemTM and FemCelzTM), incontinence and infertility. This brand will compliment the CaverStemTM and FemCelzTM brands. The benefit to the company will be Additional revenue sources from licensing, marketing and administrative fees as allowed for a Medical Service Organization (MSO). Additional revenue from sale of our medical equipment. Greater combined brand awareness by cross marketing. We wish everyone a Happy New Year and the CELZ team will continue to do our best to build the fundamentals of the company, which we believe are stronger than ever. About Creative Medical Technology Holdings Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. is a commercial stage biotechnology company currently trading on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol CELZ. For further information about the company go to www.creativemedicaltechnology.com . For more information on our CaverStemTM procedure please go to www.caverstem.com . Forward-Looking Statements OTC Markets has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming clinical trials and laboratory results, marketing efforts, funding, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. See the periodic and other reports filed by Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on the Commission's website at www.sec.gov . SOURCE Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. Related Links http://www.creativemedicaltechnology.com The event boasts extravagant exhibits representing the biggest and most recognized brands in the world including, Amazon, Panasonic, Microsoft, and even superbike manufacturer, Yamaha. This year's show will run from January 8-11, 2019 at the Sands Convention Center and includes a multitude of other events and exhibits throughout the city. This year's show promises to debut some of the most advanced new technologies the world has ever seen, and products designed to transform the world, home and workplace. One of the most anticipated and ambitious technologies will be Addison Care -- the world's first Virtual Caregiver by electronic caregiver, a division of SameDay Security, Inc. Noted as Addison's first public appearance, CES will host the labor of love which includes millions of dollars in research and development and creative process spanning 7 years. Addison Care is named after its ambient augmented reality virtual caregiver, Addison. She's a state of the art, 3D animated caregiver designed to engage aging and chronically ill clients throughout the home to supplement their care and to provide various health and safety features. Appearing on 15-inch monitors strategically placed throughout the residence, she carries on two-way conversations, and she is programed for a user's personal needs and plans of care. Addison's capabilities include 24/7 in-home checkups! Addison monitors your activity, reminds you to take medications and verifies adherence and provides real-time assessments if a client develops evidence of increased risk of falling or health decline. She measures health performance, rewards her users for making progress, collects vitals and conducts in-home examinations. Addison may just be the technological breakthrough our rapidly aging population needs in order to help them stay in the homes they love at a fraction of the cost. Anthony Dohrmann is the Founder and CEO of SameDay Security and the visionary behind Addison. "The aging population commonly lives with comorbidities (multiple chronic diseases). Approximately 100M Americans are living with a chronic illness; managing diabetes, respiratory disease, heart disease or other illnesses require follow through and accurate scheduling. There is a lot of pressure for patients and families and adherence to treatment regimens are often difficult to manage at home. Patients are often confused about their care instructions and non-adherence with care plans and medications schedules is estimated to cause 50% of all treatment failures." "Only 3% of the US population can afford live caregiving," Dohrmann said. "We are bringing affordable, effective care alternatives to the world through Addison. Working with Home Care Providers and Hospitals across America, we will provide service and product line extensions to serve market need, while delivering alternatives individuals and families can afford. Our goal is to cut costs, improve care and extend functional independence." Why is Addison Care so ambitious? The company says Addison requires a complex array of devices, configured for instant and easy implementation, involving technologies such as Bluetooth, cellular, internet, cloud computing, edge Machine Learning processing, complex visual sensing, clinical interfaces, conversational speech, augmented reality, robust security, and a dynamic user interface. The corporate-built Addison on AWS is credited with providing incredible solutions and the support needed to make Addison possible. Addison will be featured in a 60 ft. exhibit at the Sands Convention Center. She'll demonstrate capabilities for respiratory, heart, diabetic and orthopedic patients. Addison can be seen at CES 2019 Exhibit: Sands Convention Center Halls A-D - 42142 About SameDay Security, Inc. SameDay Security (SDS) is one of the fastest growing monitored technology providers in the US and one of only a handful of nationwide service providers. Known as the Electronic Caregiver Company (trademark) and founded in 2009, SDS currently provides automated home care solutions and safety devices nationwide to thousands of clients. SDS has developing contracts with hundreds of home care partners across America who will participate in Addison Care marketing to their clients. New clinical trials are scheduled with G60 Trauma of Phoenix Arizona involving 500 patients over 3 years to determine the impact on patient outcomes, cost reduction, lower hospitalization, chronic disease management and long-term care. The company occupies 20,000 square feet of space for innovation, customer service, dealer support and accounting, with 4500 square feet of warehousing in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The tallest building in the city hosts their sign at the top and the company employs over 70 employees and is currently negotiating for another 6,000 square feet of operational space. www.electroniccaregiver.com SOURCE Electronic Caregiver Related Links http://electroniccaregiver.com HOUSTON, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --Flotek Industries, Inc. ("Flotek" or the "Company") (NYSE: FTK) announces changes among its executive leadership team. Flotek is pleased to announce Elizabeth T. Wilkinson has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Flotek Industries, effective December 28, 2018. In this role, she will serve as the senior executive responsible for the Company's financial strategy, planning and reporting, as well as investor relations, treasury and corporate development functions. She will be based in Houston, reporting directly to Flotek's Chief Executive Officer, President & Chairman of the Board, John W. Chisholm. Wilkinson, a certified public accountant, brings more than 30 years of experience to Flotek. She joins the Company from RGP, a publicly traded, global consulting firm, where she served as managing consultant, leading financial advisory projects for Fortune 100, Fortune 500 and private-equity-controlled clients. In this capacity, she served as interim CFO, interim treasurer and in key financial reporting roles leading companies through significant accounting and finance transitions. Her depth of experience includes technical accounting and controllership, tax planning and compliance, treasury, capital market transactions, enterprise risk management, M&A, investor relations, strategy development, and managing banking and rating agency relationships. "Elizabeth is a strong and experienced executive who has served in diverse leadership roles for E&P, energy service, and midstream organizations, ranging from CFO to controller to vice president-investor relations and treasurer," said Chisholm. "We welcome the tremendous strengths she brings to help deliver value to all of our stakeholders by expanding our market penetration through differentiated chemistry technology, strengthening our balance sheet and managing general and administrative costs to deliver positive operating cash flow." Prior to her role at RGP, Wilkinson was CFO of Xtreme Drilling and Coil Services where she raised capital, managed debt and liquidity, and directed all accounting, financial reporting and investor relations functions. Additionally, she has served in financial and treasury leadership roles at Kerr-McGee Corporation, Eagle Rock Energy Partners, LP and GlobalSantaFe Corporation. "I'm truly honored to join the Flotek team. One of the most exciting aspects about the Company is its maturity as a business, which is underpinned by its strong, proven technology. I look forward to collaborating with the team on developing and executing the Company's strategy and rationalizing cost structure to deliver value to shareholders," said Wilkinson. Matt Marietta, Executive Vice President of Finance & Corporate Development, will leave Flotek on December 31, 2018. Marietta joined the Company in 2017. Additionally, H. Richard Walton, will no longer serve as Chief Accounting Officer, effective December 31, 2018; however, he will continue with the company as a consultant to facilitate the leadership transition, as needed. Walton joined the Company in 2013. "Rich and Matt have made a significant impact on the organization Flotek is today. I thank them both for their leadership and many contributions," said Chisholm. He continued, "As we focus on our strategy and execution as a leading chemistry technology company, we enter 2019 with a streamlined executive team aligned to lead Flotek into the future to maximize the Company's full potential for all stakeholders." Sally Cheadle, certified public accountant, will continue to serve as Vice President and Corporate Controller where she has direct responsibility for the Company's financial reporting, tax compliance and internal controls. Cheadle joined Flotek in 2017, following a nearly 25-year career at Baker Hughes, where she was a senior accounting and controls executive. About Flotek Industries, Inc. Flotek develops and delivers prescriptive chemistry-based technology, including specialty chemicals, to clients in the energy, consumer industrials and food & beverage industries. Flotek's inspired chemists draw from the power of bio-derived solvents to deliver solutions that enhance energy production, cleaning products, foods & beverages and fragrances. In the oil and gas sector, Flotek serves major and independent energy producers and oilfield service companies, both domestic and international. Flotek Industries, Inc. is a publicly traded company headquartered in Houston, Texas, and its common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FTK." For additional information, please visit Flotek's web site at www.flotekind.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements set forth in this Press Release constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) regarding Flotek Industries, Inc.'s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements in this Press Release. Although forward-looking statements in this Press Release reflect the good faith judgment of management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to management. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include, but are not limited to, demand for oil and natural gas drilling services in the areas and markets in which the Company operates, competition, obsolescence of products and services, the Company's ability to obtain financing to support its operations, environmental and other casualty risks, and the impact of government regulation. Further information about the risks and uncertainties that may impact the Company are set forth in the Company's most recent filings on Form 10-K (including without limitation in the "Risk Factors" Section), and in the Company's other SEC filings and publicly available documents. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Press Release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this Press Release. SOURCE Flotek Industries, Inc. Related Links http://www.flotekind.com RESTON, Va., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GTL, a leader in transformative corrections technology that improves outcomes for inmates and facilities, today emphasized its commitment to its local communities through increased charitable giving and volunteer participation. GTL's mission focuses on the use of technology to improve the lives of inmates and enable communication between inmates and their loved ones. In 2018, GTL proved that commitment by giving back not only to the communities in which its employees reside but also to charities focused on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. The biggest and most important gift GTL can give is communication. When Hurricanes Florence and Michael ravaged the East Coast in September and October of 2018, GTL provided free phone calls so inmates could check on loved ones affected by the storm and let their loved ones know that they were okay. The same held true when wildfires blazed across California, namely the Camp Fire in November 2018. Inmates located in facilities in the fire's path were able to place free calls back home. GTL was able to provide over 1.75 million minutes of free call time to inmates affected by these natural disasters. During the holiday season, GTL held a company-wide food drive that resulted in offices bringing in over 6,700 items that were then donated to local food pantries to help families in need of support. GTL also donated the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco and Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama. Throughout the year, GTL donated to charitable causes related to corrections and law enforcement, such as the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Memorial Wall and similar organizations honoring officers lost in the line of duty. Other charities donated to in 2018 included Because We Care Foundation, which provides personalized stuffed bears to law enforcement and first responders to help them comfort children during traumatic cases. To encourage rehabilitation, GTL donated Mac computers to The Last Mile, which uses business and technology training to prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reentry. In addition, GTL sponsored the Dads4Life Kids Camp at Oregon Department of CorrectionsSnake River Correctional Institution, which prepares incarcerated individuals for the role of fatherhood upon their release. GTL also provides free weekly calls to all 55 dads in the program so relationships with their child/children can be maintained throughout the year. "GTL and its employees are dedicated to giving back to the communities and customers we serve," said Matt Caesar, GTL Executive Vice President, Customer Solutions and Information Systems. "As our technologies and innovations help to ease the burdens of our correctional facility customers, we seek to positively impact as many people as possible outside facilities as well, whether friends and family members or at-risk youth, with our charitable donations and community involvement. We feel that 2018 has been a success on all fronts." Looking to 2019 and beyond, GTL is dedicated to increasing community involvement and finding new ways to assist with rehabilitating inmates and reducing recidivism. For more information, please visit www.gtl.net. About GTL GTL leads the fields of corrections technology, education, and intelligence, as well as government payment services, with visionary solutions that integrate seamlessly to deliver security, financial value, and operational efficiencies while aiding inmate rehabilitation. As a trusted industry leader, GTL provides services to over 2 million inmates in more than 2,500 correctional facilities in the United States and Canada, including more than 30 U.S. departments of corrections, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons. GTL is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more about GTL, please visit www.gtl.net or social media sites on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Press Contact: Vinnie Mascarenhas 703-955-3894 [email protected] SOURCE GTL Related Links http://www.gtl.net WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg Businessweek ranks Howard University School of Business No. 38 on its 2018 Global Business School Ranking. The Bloomberg Businessweek list ranks the best global business schools, encompassing 124 MBA programs across the Asia-Pacific region, Canada, Europe and the U.S. "We are very proud of Howard's ranking by Bloomberg Businessweek," says Dean of Howard Business School Barron H. Harvey. "The fact that our business school is ranked among the top global MBA programs affirms the hard work and dedication of the School of Business faculty and our student scholars." The Howard University School of Business Master of Business Administration program features a variety of traditional business school courses, a Global Trilateral MBA and an online Executive MBA geared toward working professionals. "It is an honor for Howard to make our first appearance on the Bloomberg Businessweek Global Business School Ranking list. This achievement is a reflection of our mission to produce students who become leaders with an international business perspective," says President Wayne A. I. Frederick. "I applaud Dean Harvey and our dedicated faculty and staff for training our students to compete in the global marketplace." In honor of 30 years of producing the ranking, Businessweek revised the methodology of its annual survey in 2018. This newly improved ranking methodology includes surveys with students, alumni, and recruiters. Business schools received an overall ranking and were ranked based on several specific components including compensation, learning, networking and entrepreneurship. For the global ranking, Howard School of Business received its highest marks in networking, learning, and compensation. Howard School of Business also received the No. 33 ranking among top business schools in the U.S. when Bloomberg Businessweek released its U.S. business school rankings in November. Media Contact: Alonda Thomas, [email protected] SOURCE Howard University Related Links http://www.howard.edu TEL AVIV, Israel, December 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ICL (NYSE: ICL) (TASE: ICL), a leading global specialty minerals and specialty chemicals company, today announced that it signed, for the first time, a five-year supply agreement with Indian Potash Limited ("IPL"), India's largest importer of potash. According to the agreement, ICL is expected to supply IPL with 600,000 tonnes per year in 2019 and 2020, increasing to 650,000 tonnes per year in 2021-2023, including options. Prices for the quantities to be supplied under the framework agreement shall be determined in accordance with the prevailing market prices in India at the relevant date of supply. The long-term agreement was signed by the parties in a ceremony held in New Delhi that was attended by Israel's Ambassador to India Dr. Ron Malka, IPL's Managing Director Dr. P.S. Gahlaut, ICL's CEO Raviv Zoller and additional ICL and IPL executives. Noam Goldstein, President of ICL's Potash division, stated: "This is the first time we have signed a long term agreement for the supply of potash in India, which represents a strategic market for ICL. We consider our company to be the most cost-competitive supplier to India due to, among other things, our geographical proximity which results in major logistical advantages, including lower transportation costs and reduced time-to-market compared to our competitors. Our agreement with IPL anchors ICL's relationship with the largest potash importer in India and, in parallel, solidifies our company's market position in India." About ICL ICL is a global specialty minerals and chemicals company operating bromine, potash and phosphate mineral value chains in a unique, integrated business model. ICL extracts raw materials from well-positioned mineral assets and utilizes technology and industrial know-how to add value for customers in key agricultural and industrial markets worldwide. ICL focuses on strengthening leadership positions in all of its core value chains. It also plans to strengthen and diversify its offerings of innovative agro solutions by leveraging ICL's existing capabilities and agronomic know-how, as well as the Israeli technological ecosystem. ICL's operations are divided into four business divisions: Industrial Products (bromine value chain and complementary business); Potash; Phosphate Solutions (P2O5 Chain); and Innovative Agro Solutions. ICL shares are dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NYSE and TASE: ICL). The company employs over 11,000 people worldwide, and its 2017 revenues totaled $5.4 billion. For more information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.icl-group.com. INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT Limor Gruber Head of Investor Relations +972-3-684-4471 [email protected] PRESS CONTACT Maya Avishai Head of Global External Communications +972-3-684-4477 [email protected] SOURCE ICL PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Visitors to Philadelphia, the United States' birthplace, over the long holiday weekend will be able to tour Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, despite the partial federal government shutdown. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, VISIT PHILADELPHIA President and CEO Jeff Guaracino and Superintendent of Independence National Historical Park (INHP) Cynthia MacLeod announced today that Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center will reopen Friday, December 28 through Sunday, December 30, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with National Park Service rangers onsite to provide interpretation. No tickets will be required. The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is the second busiest time of the year for INHP (with July Fourth being the busiest.) The Independence Visitor Center, operated independently of INHP, expects between 70,000 and 100,000 visitors between Christmas and New Year's Day. An estimated 25,000 visitors typically visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center over the long weekend (Friday through Sunday) before the New Year. Since the partial federal government shutdown began on December 22, 2018, visitors have been not been able to tour Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Liberty Bell Center. City and tourism officials felt it was important to keep these iconic historic sites open. VISIT PHILADELPHIA is donating approximately $32,000 to the National Park Service to cover the costs to keep Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center open for the three days. Tourism is an important part of Philadelphia's economy. In 2017, 43.3 million people visited the Philadelphia region, generating a total of $11.5 billionor $31.5 million per dayin economic impact. (Source: Econsult Solutions, Inc.) The following historic sites and attractions on or around Independence Mall are not impacted by the partial federal government shutdown and will remain open through the holiday weekend and beyond: Independence Visitor Center African American Museum in Philadelphia Betsy Ross House Christ Church Franklin Square Museum of the American Revolution National Constitution Center National Liberty Museum National Museum of American Jewish History Follow the hashtag #OpeninPHL on Twitter for news from the attractions. Go to visitphilly.com for additional visitor information. Official quotes: Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia "While the federal government's partial shutdown continues to negatively impact services nationwide, I'm pleased that VISIT PHILADELPHIA is making it possible for people to continue to enjoy some of our city's most historic landmarks. These sites represent the democratic ideals that our country was founded on, and I encourage residents and visitors to use this as an opportunity to reflect on our past and our future." Jeff Guaracino, President & CEO, VISIT PHILADELPHIA "Leisure tourism to Philadelphia is a big part of our regional economy, and thousands of visitors want to see our iconic historic sites. We felt that it was important during this very busy holiday week to make Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center available to our visitors and residents." Cynthia MacLeod, Superintendent, Independence National Historical Park "The National Park Service appreciates our partners in the tourism sector who have donated funds to open the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall." James Cuorato, President & CEO, Independence Visitor Center Corporation "The Independence Visitor Center Corporation is thrilled that Philadelphia's two most iconic attractions will be open during this busy weekend. The Visitor Center will offer extended hours this weekend and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. to provide visitors with all of the information they need to fully enjoy their time in Philadelphia." VISIT PHILADELPHIA is our name and our mission. As the region's official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia's image, drive visitation and boost the economy. On Greater Philadelphia's official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. SOURCE VISIT PHILADELPHIA Related Links http://www.visitphilly.com PRAGUE, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Krupa Global Investments ("KGI"), one of the largest shareholders in The Kraft Heinz Company announced its opposition to Kraft Heinz participating in the auction for the international business of Campbell's Soup and vowed to organize a proxy contest should the deal proceed. According a recent CNBC report from December 24, 2018, the auction price for the assets in question is expected to be nearly $3 Billion. "This auction process may be great for Dan Loeb and Campbell's Soup but it does nothing for Kraft Heinz and its shareholders. Campbell's Soup is selling its international assets for a reason thus we are concerned that these assets could be a drain on Kraft Heinz's profitability and add to its debt. We strongly oppose Kraft Heinz's participation in this auction and will organize a strong campaign against it if necessary," said Pavol Krupa, Chairman of Krupa Global Investments. Mr. Krupa added that KGI is concerned about the timing and transparency of the negotiation process. "It is troubling that this negotiation process appears to be taking place during the holiday season when analysts, investors and members of the media are with their families and thus less likely to raise alarm bells about management's activities." KGI has maintained its position that management's focus should be negotiating an $80/share buyout with Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway. Since September, KGI has advocated strongly for said buyout which it has said would allow investors to recover losses since the 2015 IPO and for Mr. Buffett to realize long-term gains from the company's investments. In November, KGI released an open letter to Kraft Heinz shareholders and board members outlining its reasons for supporting the buyout. That letter and further information can be found at www.KrupaInvestments.com. KGI has liaised with Berkshire Hathaway and its board, 3G Capital, as well as Kraft Heinz investors and board members to advance its case. KGI is currently conducting demonstrations in Omaha and New York even throughout the holidays to make the case for the $80/share buyout to Warren Buffett and to Wall Street. "We urge Kraft Heinz Management to start working for shareholders and to avoid making a deal that will make Dan Loeb and Campbell's Soup richer while making ordinary Kraft Heinz shareholders poorer. We stand ready to work with management to create billions shareholder value by negotiating a fair priced buyout with Warren Buffett which will benefit all key stakeholders." About Krupa Global Investments: Krupa Global Investments, previously known as Arca Capital, is a private investment group with a focus on energy, real estate, retail and service activities, as well as regulated activities focused on building and managing fund structures focusing on energy, real estate and financial services. It is named after its founder and chairman, Pavol Krupa. The firm takes an activist approach, with the goal of remedying and eliminating management actions that have a negative impact on companies, and with the goal of achieving significant positive change in strategy, financial structure or management. The firm has fought and won many successful battles and in so doing has streamline companies and realize hundreds of millions in shareholder value. Krupa Global Investments currently has approximately $2 Billion in Assets Under Management. Contact for media: Barbora Hanakova, Spokesperson +420 776 575 096, [email protected] www.krupainvestments.com SOURCE Krupa Global Investments Related Links http://www.krupainvestments.com NEW YORK, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced White River Bancshares Company (OTCQX: WRIV), the holding company for Signature Bank of Arkansas, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. White River Bancshares Company was previously privately-held. White River Bancshares Company begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "WRIV." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com . "We are pleased to welcome White River Bancshares Company as the first community bank from Arkansas to join our OTCQX Best Market," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of OTC Markets Group. "With a 12-year history as a private community bank, trading on the OTCQX Best Market will provide White River Bancshares's new and existing shareholders with a public market for efficient trading and price transparency." Greg Lee, Chairman of White River Bancshares Company, stated, "We're happy to trade on the OTCQX Market to help tell our story and provide White River Bancshares Company shareholders and prospective investors with a streamlined stock buy-sell trade process. The decision to move WRIV stock to OTCQX, a premium public market, perfectly aligns with our Board's 2018 directive and Management's commitment to improve liquidity and to increased franchise value." White River Bancshares Company was sponsored for OTCQX by Raymond James & Associates, Inc., a qualified third-party firm responsible for providing guidance on OTCQX requirements and recommending membership. About White River Bancshares Company White River Bancshares Company is the single bank holding company for Signature Bank of Arkansas, a $600 million asset based independent community bank located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Signature has locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, and two locations in Brinkley, Arkansas. Signature is opening a new location in Rogers, Arkansas in 2019. Founded in 2005, Signature Bank of Arkansas provides a full line of financial services to small businesses, families, and farms. 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 ORLANDO, Fla. and EATONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Producers of the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities (ZORA! Festival) will pay tribute to Pulitzer Prize recipient Alice Walker, during its 30th anniversary banquet Saturday, February 2, 2019, 6:00 pm at University of Central Florida Pegasus Ballroom. "We are privileged to host Alice Walker during our 30th anniversary festival banquet. Walker is a celebrated literary icon and her work is highly regarded by people globally. We are also grateful to our co-host, the Collegium for African American Research (CAAR), for making this evening possible. We have a very limited number of tickets available to this event available only to our Festival Package registrants," said N.Y. Nathiri, executive director of the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community and the general manager of the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities. Pulitzer Prize Winner Alice Walker to receive honors at ZORA! Festival 30th Anniversary Celebration on February 2-3, 2019. The first ZORA! Festival was presented in 1990 by the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.), a small, non-profit, historic preservation/cultural arts organization which was doing everything in its power to protect Eatonville, Florida, known popularly as "the oldest incorporated African-American municipality in the United States", from a community-busting road project. According to Nathiri, "When Alice Walker agreed to be the inaugural banquet speaker in 1990, her appearance elevated, not only the event, but also the organization's mission. Walker's return to the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities is indicative of the real-world significance of the ZORA! Festival. Today, more than ever, the arts and humanities have the ability to play a significant role in the well-being of the nation. As the ZORA! Festival continues to celebrate the life and work of its namesake; to celebrate the historic significance of her hometown; and to celebrate the cultural contributions of people of African ancestry, how important it is that Walker, an artist, known and respected for her activist spirit, would make the time to return to an event for which she did so much to establish its worth." On Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm, Walker will be on festival grounds in Eatonville signing her new book, TAKING THE ARROW OUT OF THE HEART. Walker became the first African-American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her groundbreaking novel, The Color Purple in 1983. The novel was the inspiration for famed director Steven Spielberg's 1985 Hollywood film and was adapted as a musical for the stage by Scott Sanders. Her writings have been translated into more than two dozen languages, and her books have sold more than 10 million copies. For additional information on ZORA! Festival 2019 events visit www.zorafestival.org. SOURCE ZORA! Festival Related Links http://www.zorafestival.org In order to understand the reason behind the staggering value of this artwork, we need to go back to the artist Su Shi (alias Su Dongpo), also a writer and scholar from the Chinese Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Lin Yutang (1895-1976), the renowned Chinese author well received in the Western world, was Su Shi's number one fan. He commented on Su Shi in his book "The Gay Genius": "He was as a character more like Thackeray, in his politics and poetic fame more like Victor Hugo, and he had something of the exciting quality of Dr. Johnson... If Johnson were a Gainsborough at the same time, and also a Pope making criticism of current politics in verse, and if he had suffered like Swift, without the growing acidity of Swift, we would have an English parallel." Chinese culture and literature peaked in the Northern Song Dynasty. Scholars were highly regarded in society at the time. However, the trend was superficial and hypocritical within the literacy circle. Su Shi did not follow the trend. His style was simple and refreshing, drawing directly from his life experiences and true feelings. Examples include when he compared the beautiful scenery of the West Lake in Hangzhou as a charming lady that can be enhanced with either light or rich make-up. When he described his open feelings, he wrote "from now on I would vanish with my little boat; for the rest of my life on the sea I would float." Being a great philosopher of his time, he described Lushan Mountain as "looking like a range of gorges from the front, but a sheer cliff from the side, with different geographical features from every angle either close or afar. One could never figure out the real landscape of Lushan Mountain, if he spends his life right in the heart of the mountain." Su Shi was listed as one of the 12 most influential characters living around the year 1000 by Le Monde of France in 2000. This was due to the fact that not only was he a distinguished scholar and artist, but also a great politician of his time. His political life was filled with many ups and downs, from being a high-ranking government official to being exiled or even jailed. Despite all of these experiences, he never allowed his view to be suppressed by the authority, and always enjoyed life with open mind and uplifting spirits. There are very few remains of Su Shi's original paintings. As a result, this "Wood and Rock" piece is an extraordinarily rare find. The painting represents the true value of the artist himself - a twisted hollow branch and strange shaped rock depicts the hardship in his life. However, life still calmly finds its strength to survive when all seems impossible. The technique in his brush strokes is simple and unpredictable, contrary to the popular aristocratic style of his time, which boasted delicateness and preciseness. That is why this piece is regarded as the most contemporary and advanced artwork form of his time. Su's style was also compared with that of the Renaissance due to its characteristic of breaking away from the tradition and emphasising on individualism. Su Shi is treasured for many unique characteristics, such as an incorrigible optimist, a great humanitarian, a friend of the people, an engineer, an experimenter in wine making, a humane judge and a prowler in the moonlight... just to name a few. We are looking forward to sharing more interesting stories of Su Shi together with other distinguished historical scholars in the near future. China Mosaic http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm Rare piece of artwork by Su Shi auctioned for US$59.2m http://www.china.org.cn/video/2018-12/27/content_74317801.htm About China.org.cn Founded in 2000, China Internet Information Center (China.org.cn/China.com.cn) is a key state news website under the auspices of the State Council Information Office, and is managed by China International Publishing Group. We provide round-the-clock news service in ten languages. With users from more than 200 countries and regions, we have become China's leading multi-lingual news outlet introducing the country to the outside world. We are one of the country's authoritative outlets for government press releases and are authorized to cover various major events. "Live Webcast" is our online webcasting service to present State Council Information Office press conferences in both Chinese and English languages. We are reputed for timely and accurate delivery of news and information, and wide interactions with audiences. In addition, we are authorized to publish and live broadcast major events and press conferences of ministries, local government agencies and institutions as well as enterprises. In the era of mobile internet, we endeavor to create an array of products for mobile devices headed by the multilingual WAP platform and the mobile APP. We also use Chinese and international social media to publish information for different user groups. In the future, CIIC will continue to offer authoritative information about China, tell China's stories, voice China's opinions, and introduce a vivid, panoramic and multicultural China to the world through multi-language, multi-media and multi-platforms. SOURCE China.org.cn INDIANOLA, Iowa, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- IdRamp, in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE), has just released the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) practice guide for Privileged Account Management. This practice guide will help businesses reduce the ability of external and internal malicious actors to exploit privileged accounts that control critical infrastructure, information, and assets. "The draft practice guide can be of real value to everyone from community banks to medium and large financial institutions by offering a way to effectively secure, manage, control, and audit activities of these powerful internal accounts that are essential to their business," said Karen Waltermire, NIST senior cybersecurity engineer. This practice guide will show how commercially available technologies like the IdRamp decentralized identity fabric can be used to secure and enforce organizational policies for privileged account use. The example implementation highlights how organizations can add a security layer between users and the privileged accounts they access and includes representative use-case scenarios to address specific challenges facing the financial services sector. The guide also maps capabilities to the FFIEC CAT, with NIST guidance and control families, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The NCCoE guide addresses a critical cybersecurity and economic need. Please download the practice guide here. About Privileged Account Management Privileged accounts are used to access and manage an organization's most important information assets and systems. Often described as the "keys to the kingdom," these accounts are used by trusted people who perform tasks that ordinary users are not authorized to perform. The tools and processes used to protect these privileged accounts are collectively known as Privileged Account Management. About IdRamp IdRamp is a decentralized identity integration service that provides secure interoperability across diverse platforms and applications. With IdRamp, businesses can combine cross ledger (Blockchain, Hyperledger, Corda) services with conventional security technology. IdRamp can orchestrate authorization workflows, combine web service APIs, and regulate infinite multi-factors with adaptive security policies. For more information visit http://idramp.com. *While the example implementation uses certain products, NIST and the NCCoE do not endorse these products. The guide presents the characteristics and capabilities of those products, which an organization's security experts can use to identify similar standards-based products that will fit within with their organization's existing tools and infrastructure. Media Contact: Eric Vinton Phone: +1 515 442 3158 Email: [email protected] Related Links IdRamp Identity Fabric SOURCE IdRamp Related Links http://idramp.com COON RAPIDS, Minn., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Coon Rapids Redevelopment: Housing Subdivision Slated for 2019. Partnering with the city of Coon Rapids, Centra Homes will break ground next spring, redeveloping 30 acres. The 145-home Port Riverwalk Project represents the first large-scale housing development in decades for the Coon Rapids. New housing developments can be rare for mature suburbs. Yet by creatively re-imagining a long-vacant, city-owned parcel, city planners in Coon Rapids are on track to deliver 145 new homes in 2019. The city has partnered with Coon Rapids-based Centra Homes which plans to break ground in the spring, developing 30 acres of land south of Coon Rapids Boulevard between Egret Boulevard and Avocet Street. "Coon Rapids city planners have reviewed many proposals for Port Riverwalk over the years. Centra's plan was selected based on significant research which placed a premium on long term financial results," says Centra Homes Founder and President Dale Wills. The Port Riverwalk project promises to revive and revitalize the area with distinct neighborhoods, sidewalks, landscaping and county upgrades to trail access. The development highlights a creative collaboration between city planners and Centra Homes to maximize the land parcel within a sustainable model for the future. "Port Riverwalk is a very visible part of the community, serving as the gateway to our city. It is important to work with a developer who listens to what the community wants. Our interactions with Centra have been really positive. They've been responsive to things we've asked and patient through the process," says Grant Fernelius, Coon Rapids Community Development Director. The new development will offer homeowners a choice of three distinct areas and home styles with multiple floor plan choices for each. The first will deliver single-level living while two others feature two-story homes with varying yard sizes, configurations and aesthetics. The single-level homes are likely to be a popular option for aging baby boomers who may seek the independence of a single-family home but may not be interested in the upkeep required. In contrast, the two-story models are designed to appeal to both first-time homebuyers and young families alike. In addition to building the homes, Centra also plans to upgrade the area with landscaping, street lights and a focus on open community spaces. "This is a complicated site with infrastructure changes and other challenges-- streets removed, new utilities and roads. Centra has been a good partner to help make it all work."Grant Fernelius, Coon Rapids Community Development Director The project has been reviewed and refined with the help of Coon Rapids residents who were engaged via community outreach. The planning phase included multiple community meetings as well as extensive research and financial modeling. The plans have evolved to incorporate feedback and finalized through listening sessions and collaboration with the city. SOURCE Centra Homes Related Links https://www.centrahomes.com DENVER, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RemoteLock is pleased to announce the New OpenEdge BG Business Grade Wi-Fi enabled Smart Lock for small and medium businesses. RemoteLock's OpenEdge series of smart locks can be remotely controlled and managed from the cloud. RemoteLock's industry-leading SaaS, EdgeState, integrates connected locks into a single point of control. The New RemoteLock OpenEdge BG is the perfect solution for medium enterprises, commercial properties, and offices. This powerful, business grade Wi-Fi smart lock allows users to lock and unlock doors remotely and receive text alerts when codes are used. Users can also issue new codes, delete existing codes, and provide temporary access to guests, all from a smartphone or computer. The OpenEdge BG works directly with on-premises Wi-Fi service and doesn't require a third- party gateway or controller. "RemoteLock is committed to the advanced development and delivery of best in class Cloud-based Access control products especially when the demand for remote control and management is so important," said Brian Caskey, chief marketing officer at RemoteLock. "RemoteLock continues to perfect the connected access control experience for property owners, business managers and large enterprises. By enhancing our existing hardware portfolio, we are extending our smart lock offering to a much larger consumer base and extending our platforms powerful remote access control feature set to small, medium and large enterprise businesses and property managers." Additional functionality for the OpenEdge BG provided by RemoteLock include: Wi-Fi enabled (requires no on-site controller or gateway) for standard Wi-Fi connectivity Two-touch button for quick locking Up to 3,500 user codes or guest access codes Store up to 2,000 access events Works with RemoteLock ACS wired solutions View access history in real-time and develop detailed reports For a complete description of RemoteLock solutions, visit www.remotelock.com . About RemoteLock RemoteLock is a SaaS-based Cloud company delivering the ability for any Hospitality, Commercial Enterprise or Multi-Family Property Management organization to remotely control and manage any connected lock, on any property from the cloud. RemoteLock is responsible for more than 50 million door opens annually, delivering access control solutions for companies around the world like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway to name a few. Consolidating numerous connected locks on a SaaS-based Cloud solution enables customers to remotely control access for guests, employees, and support staff, saving time, money and manpower. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado RemoteLock is backed by KKE, Iron Gate Capital, Nelnet, and Service Provider Capital. RemoteLock provides live customer support from the United States of America. RemoteLock is a trademark of RemoteLock in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks, trade names, service marks and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies. FOR MORE INFORMATION: John Cargile RemoteLock [email protected] +1.877.254.5625 x 111 SOURCE RemoteLock Related Links http://www.remotelock.com NEW YORK, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rev. Richard Klingeisen is a pastor and educator at St. Mary Parish of Reedsville, Wisconsin and St. Michael Parish, of Whitelaw, Wisconsin. Rev. Klingeisen is gearing up for the annual Winterfest, while finding time to promote his favorite charities and share a powerful interview featured on www.richardklingeisen.com. "How do we not just think about ourselves, but think about the call to love our neighbor and to care for the poor in the world?" -Rev. Richard Klingeisen Rev. Richard Klingeisen is known for many things, not the least of which is his celebrated charity work. He is a longtime supporter and promoter of many causes, such as Cross Catholic Outreach, St Gianna Molla Guild, Food for the Poor and, of course, Catholic Schools. Of his involvement with Catholic schools, he has placed great emphasis on the youth's relationship with God. "We encourage them to develop a healthy, real understanding that friendship with God has a very positive impact in their life in terms of decisions they make about life, things they choose to do or not to do, and a culture that seems to be losing sense of direction in terms of some of the things that they get involved with today alcohol, or drugs, or pornography and those issues, especially when you get a little bit older." He continues, explaining: "I'm dealing mostly with high school or grade school kids, but we know that some of them, they've probably been experimenting with alcohol or maybe even some drugs and I'm trying [to help them] to understand that our faith, our call to live our 'faith lives', doesn't call us in that direction, and it just leads to a lot of difficulties in life. So, I try to encourage them to make good decisions and ask themselves, what is the will of God for me today? What does God want me to do, as they understand the words of sacred scripture, as they understand the relationship with God." There's little doubt that spiritual, physical, and mental health are all vital needs for a person or community to be happy. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, Rev. Richard Klingeisen has worked individually and with a variety of well-respected, established organizations to help answer the call in these spaces. This hasn't gone unnoticed, with Rev. Klingeisen winning acclaim from various sources throughout his esteemed career. Currently, his parish and community at large are looking forward to their annual Winterfest, which occurs every February and involves wholesome events and values in line with Fr. Klingeisen's strong message. The entire interview will be featured on Rev. Richard Klingeisen's official website, www.richardklingeisen.com This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Rev. Richard Klingeisen Related Links http://www.richardklingeisen.com OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Caring.com, a trusted resource for families to find in-home care for their senior loved ones, released its annual "Caring Stars of 2019" list, a reliable industry source of information that showcases the best senior care around the country every year. The list is based on consumer ratings and reviews and features the top in-home care agencies in the United States. This year, Caring.com is also highlighting those organizations that made the "Caring Super Stars of 2019" list. These are businesses that received the Caring Stars award in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Right at Home, one of the nation's leading providers of home care for seniors and adults with disabilities, is thrilled to announce that of the 446 in-home care agencies that received the Caring Stars of 2019 award, 141 of them are Right at Home agencies. Also, 50 in-home care agencies received the Caring Super Stars of 2019 award, and of those, 22 are Right at Home agencies, more than any other company. This makes Right at Home No. 1 in the nation. "This year, we more than doubled our presence on this list of the nation's top-rated in-home care agencies," said Right at Home President and CEO Brian Petranick. "To go from 61 locations being recognized by Caring.com in 2018 to 141 locations in 2019 proves our dedication to providing the best quality and personalized care that's possible." In-home care agencies that made the 2019 Caring Stars list had to meet exceptional criteria. They must have had 10 or more consumer reviews on their Caring.com listing by the qualification deadline of Oct. 15, 2018, and must have had an overall average rating of 4.5 stars or higher on a scale of 1 to 5. Old reviews were not allowed to be part of the qualifying criteria. The in-home care agencies had to have three or more reviews on their Caring.com listing dated between Oct. 15, 2017, and Oct. 15, 2018. At least one of those reviews needed to have a five-star rating, and at least one of those reviews had to have been posted in 2018. Significantly, in order to qualify, brands also had to respond to all negative reviews on their listing. Negative reviews counted as those that only had one or two stars. "Congratulations to these in-home care agencies for earning such high praise from their clients and clients' family members," said Jim Rosenthal, Caring.com CEO. "Achieving the Caring Stars award or Caring Super Stars award is a distinction worthy of significant celebration and promotion as it speaks volumes about the difference these home care agencies are making in serving older adults. We applaud their accomplishment!" The remarkable impact Right at Home makes is provided through its proprietary care delivery system, called RightCare. RightCare is "the Right People doing the Right Things the Right Way for the Right Reason." Right at Home is committed to providing an individualized RightCare experience for every client to improve their quality of life, and accolades like these give credence to the exceptional work Right at Home franchisees and their staffs and caregivers are doing every day to serve the needs of seniors and adults with disabilities. The recent Caring Stars awards top off a significant year in 2018 for the Right at Home brand. Right at Home opened a conversion program for independent home care businesses. The brand also launched its inaugural Professional Caregivers Week in November to showcase their appreciation for caregivers and bring attention to the profession. With more than 500 locations in over 40 states and eight countries, Right at Home is positioned to continue dominating the in-home senior care market in 2019. To learn more about the Caring Stars program and view the complete list of winners, please visit: https://www.caring.com/caregivers/bestseniorliving . ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME: Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and adults with a disability who want to continue to live independently. Local Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff, each of whom is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured prior to entering a client's home. Right at Home's global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 500 franchise locations in the U.S. and seven other countries. Right at Home is the highest-ranked senior care franchise opportunity on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 List in 2018, coming in at No. 49 overall. In 2018, Forbes Magazine ranked Right at Home the No. 1 franchise to own under $150,000. For more information on Right at Home, visit About Right at Home at http://www.rightathome.net/about-us or read the Right at Home franchising blog at http://www.rightathomefranchise.com/blog/ . To learn more about franchising opportunities, please visit http://www.rightathomefranchise.com/ . ABOUT CARING.COM: With three million unique visitors to its website monthly, Caring.com is a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, Caring.com provides helpful caregiving content, online support groups, and a comprehensive Senior Care Directory for the United States, with more than 150,000 consumer ratings and reviews and a toll-free senior living referral line at (800) 325-8591. Connect with Caring.com on Facebook , Twitter , Google+ , Pinterest , LinkedIn , and/or YouTube . Media Contact: Lauren Kaminski No Limit Agency 312-526-3996 [email protected] SOURCE Right at Home PATCHOGUE, N.Y., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help businesses take their marketing game to the next level, social media agency , fishbat, explains the benefits of post-click optimization. When many companies approach marketing through social media, the majority of their effort is concentrated on creating the "perfect" advertisement or sponsored post. While it's true that the formatting and content of social media promotion are very important, it's equally important to focus on what happens after that initial click as well. Post-Click Optimization is an important part of the marketing funnel that can help businesses turn traffic into profit. Discussed below are just a few of the reasons why any social media marketing efforts should include special attention to Post-Click Optimization. Increased Conversions. The primary reason why post-click optimization is so critical is that it can improve the likelihood that your website visitors will turn into a sale. While any sort of traffic has value from an exposure standpoint, a marketing campaign isn't very effective if it can't translate that traffic into profit. Post-Click optimization focuses on optimizing the customer experience following that initial ad click and can make a huge difference when it comes to guiding a customer towards a sale. A Facebook ad intended to push a particular product would need to be designed to make accessing and learning more about the item as easy as possible, while a campaign intended to increase brand awareness in general might direct towards a more informational page. Companies that tailor the "funnel" following that social media click will no doubt see their efforts pay off. Improved Audience Targeting. Another benefit to Post-Click Optimization is the ability for companies to customize the website experience to accomplish different goals. Social media promotion has become quite sophisticated over the past few years, and marketers have a wide variety of tools at their disposal to target very specific niches of consumers that are likely to appreciate their products. However, that targeted advertising can be further enhanced by adjusting the linked landing page to increase the effectiveness of a campaign's primary objective. While an effective social media post may be a great way to drive specific buyers to the site, companies will no doubt miss out on some valuable conversions if they don't take the post-click experience and adjust it specifically to suit the needs of their audience. Cost-Effective Marketing. One aspect of Post-Click Optimization that often goes undiscussed is the associated financial benefits. Outside of the obvious increase in profit from more sales, optimizing the funnel following a social media click ensures that the company is getting as much mileage as possible from their paid advertising efforts. Since many social media advertising setups are paid per impression or click, it's important that the experience of every visitor to the website is tailored for conversion in order to stretch a marketing budget as far as possible. ABOUT FISHBAT fishbat digital marketing company is a full-service firm that takes a holistic business approach to their clients' digital marketing programs. The fishbat team understands the importance of business principles just as well as the nuances of the latest digital technologies. fishbat offers every digital marketing service available from digital marketing research and planning to brand development to website and asset creation through social media management and search engine optimization programs - all custom calibrated for both B2B and B2C businesses. Media Contact: Scott Darrohn, fishbat Media, 855-347-4228, [email protected] SOURCE fishbat Related Links http://www.fishbat.com ZUG, Switzerland, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- During the Salzburg Festival's presentation of its 2019 program in Zurich last week, Solway Investment Group and the Salzburg Festival announced another year of their successful partnership. Solway Investment Group will financially support the Salzburg Festival's Opera Camps for Children and Youths. The camps are organized in cooperation with the Vienna Philharmonic and the Salzburg Foundation of the American Austrian Foundation (AAF). In addition, Solway will continue its related fellowship program, which sponsors young talents from economically underprivileged countries. Solway began its first year of cooperation with the Salzburg Festival in 2017 as the production sponsor of La clemenza di Tito. Both parties thoroughly enjoyed their cooperation. In 2018, to further the partnership, Solway chose to sponsor the Salzburg Festival's Opera Camps for Children and Youths. Commenting on continuing the successful partnership, Dan Bronstein, CEO of Solway Investment Group, explained that as a company committed to youth educational programs designed to integrate indigenous communities into modern life through the arts, involvement in a youth-oriented project was of a real value to both the Festival and the communities, which Solway serves. Mr. Bronstein further welcomed the third year of the partnership: "Solway is thrilled to enter into its third year of the partnership with the Salzburg Festival, and we look forward to supporting the Festival's creative concepts, where tradition meets innovation, whilst ensuring that new generations of talents get to experience the highest quality of arts within the context of the world-renowned Salzburg Festival." Dr. Helga Rabl-Stadler, President of the Salzburg Festival, added: "We are happy that Solway's support of our successful Opera Camps has already become a tradition. I hope that in future even more countries and more Solway fellows will take part in the program, fulfilling our Founding Fathers' vision of music and art as a powerful unifying force in our world." https://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/en/opera-camps https://solwaygroup.com/musiccamp/ Contact: [email protected] , +972-52-6094477 SOURCE Solway Investment Group Related Links https://solwaygroup.com SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sacramento R3 Academy Fatherhood program is hosting a Three Kings' Day event on Friday, January 4 , to help Hispanic fathers celebrate a cherished holiday tradition with their children. The event will take place at La Familia's Maple Neighborhood Center from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Fathers will enjoy a special time with their kids experiencing the rich heritage of this day, including traditional food ("rocas de reyes"), games (the "Valero"), crafts, and a toy give-away, sponsored by Toys for Tots through the U.S. Marines. The R3 Academy offers Fatherhood programs through a Federal grant, teaching parenting, financial-management, and job-search skills. "These skills empower Hispanic dads," says R3 Academy Director Edixon Martinez. "The role of a Latino father in the U.S. has changed, and learning communication and problem-solving skills helps these dads address the challenges they encounter." One example is many Hispanic fathers living in the U.S. fear their children won't experience the Three Kings' Day festivities of their youth. "I want my kids to know and love their heritage, like I do," says R3 Academy participant Fernando. "But, I really didn't know how to be a Hispanic dad to California kids! The R3 Academy has taught me a lot and my kids see a difference in me. And, they're more open to learning about our cultural traditions, and that means a lot." The hundreds of fathers taught by Martinez over the past three years have "learned skills to bond with their kids, listen, resolve conflicts, and discipline without screaming or using 'el cinto' [the belt]. I love seeing dads like Francisco experience new levels of connection with their kids." He also is excited that R3 Academy graduates are helping with this Three Kings' Day event. "These guys are enthusiastic about civic volunteering as an example for their kids. And this will be a special day of fun for everyone." Event location: 3301 37th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95824 The R3 Academy teaches fathers skills for strengthening the 3 Rs in his life: his relationship with his kids, with his partner/co-parent, and at work. R3 Academy programs are presented by Healthy Relationships California through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant # 90FK0108. www.RelationshipsCA.org SOURCE Healthy Relationships California Related Links http://www.relationshipsca.org BOSTON, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) will launch two innovations at CES, January 8-11 in Las Vegas. PRIA by BLACK+DECKER revolutionizes medication management to help enable independent living and OMNI improves home and/or business security through the use of radio frequency sensing technology. Both innovations were developed by STANLEY Security's Futures Breakthrough Innovation Team, which is focused on identifying, designing and commercializing breakthrough innovation from its home in the Innovation and Design Building in Boston, Massachusetts. PRIA by BLACK+DECKER The PRIA by BLACK+DECKER Home Care Companion is an automated medication management and home health assistant that you control with your voice. Through smartphone app integration, PRIA allows a caregiver to monitor an individual's medication and healthcare schedule without interrupting their independent lifestyle. PRIA proactively facilitates in-home healthcare management by scheduling up to 28 medication doses, providing reminder alerts, dispensing proper medication at the proper times, and providing the user with fast access to family or caregivers with a simple voice command and built-in camera. PRIA is the ultimate home healthcare tracking and management tool for independent individuals and their caregivers. OMNI The OMNI WiFi mesh network uses unique radio frequency (RF) sensing technology that can "see" and interpret WiFi signals. In addition to providing a best-in-class WiFi network, OMNI features a motion detection system that alerts users to motion in and around their home or business without the privacy risks, set-up hassles or high costs that accompany current systems. In addition to motion detection, OMNI can be personalized for multi-device cyber security, device quarantine and privacy mode. Scheduled availability is summer of 2019, with additional features rolling out in Q3/Q4 2019. For more information and demonstrations of PRIA and Omni, visit us at CES 2019, booth 44610. Or, visit https://www.stanleyfutures.com. About Stanley Black & Decker Stanley Black & Decker is a $13 billion revenue, purpose -driven industrial organization. Stanley Black & Decker has 58,000 employees in more than 60 countries and operates the world's largest tools and storage business, the world's second largest commercial electronic security company, a leading engineered fastening business as well as Oil & Gas and Infrastructure businesses. The company's iconic brands include BLACK+DECKER, Bostitch, CRAFTSMAN, DEWALT, FACOM, Irwin, Lenox, Porter Cable and Stanley. Stanley Black & Decker is a company for the makers and innovators, the craftsmen and the caregivers, and those doing the hard work to make the world a better place. Learn more at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com. Media Contact: Ryan McKenna 781.749.0077 ext. 21 [email protected] SOURCE Stanley Black & Decker Related Links http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com The depositary for the tender offer has indicated that, as of 6:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 26, 2018, 22,124,009 shares of Essendant common stock have been validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer (excluding 465,230 shares tendered pursuant to guaranteed delivery procedures), which represent, together with the 4,203,631 shares already owned by Egg Parent, Egg Merger Sub or any of their respective "affiliates" (as defined by Section 251(h)(6) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL")), approximately 69.9% of the outstanding shares. Stockholders who have already tendered their shares into the tender offer do not have to re-tender their shares or take any other action as a result of the extension of the expiration time of the tender offer. Completion of the tender offer remains subject to additional conditions described in the tender offer statement on Schedule TO filed by Egg Merger Sub, Egg Parent and Staples with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 24, 2018 (as amended and supplemented, the "Schedule TO"). Such conditions include the HSR Clearance Condition and the number of shares representing a majority of the shares then outstanding (including shares then owned by Egg Parent, Egg Merger Sub or any of their respective "affiliates" (as defined by Section 251(h)(6) of the DGCL)) being validly tendered and not properly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the tender offer (including any extensions). The tender offer will continue to be extended until all conditions are satisfied or waived, or until the tender offer is terminated, in either case pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and as described in the Schedule TO. D.F. King & Co., Inc. ("D.F. King") is acting as information agent in the tender offer. Equiniti Trust Company is acting as depositary and paying agent in the tender offer. Requests for documents and questions regarding the tender offer may be directed to D.F. King by telephone at (800) 870-0126 or banks and brokers may call (212) 269-5550. About Essendant Essendant Inc. is a leading national distributor of workplace items, with 2017 net sales of $5.0 billion. The company provides access to a broad assortment of over 170,000 items, including janitorial and breakroom supplies, technology products, traditional office products, industrial supplies, cut sheet paper products, automotive products and office furniture. Essendant serves a diverse group of customers, including independent resellers, national resellers and e-commerce businesses. Essendant's network of distribution centers enables it to ship most products overnight to more than ninety percent of the U.S. About Staples Staples brings technology and people together in innovative ways to consistently deliver products, services and expertise that elevate and delight customers. Staples is in business with businesses and is passionate about helping businesses work better. Headquartered outside of Boston, Mass., Staples, Inc. operates primarily in North America. More information about Staples is available at https://www.staples.com. Notice to Investors This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Essendant's common stock or any other securities. The solicitation and the offer to purchase shares of Essendant's common stock described in this press release will be made only pursuant to the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and related materials that Staples has filed on Schedule TO with the SEC, in each case, as amended from time to time. In addition, Essendant has filed its recommendation of the tender offer on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC. Additionally, Essendant and Staples will file other relevant materials in connection with the proposed acquisition of Essendant by Staples pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF ESSENDANT ARE ADVISED TO READ THE SCHEDULE TO (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9, AS EACH MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY PRIOR TO MAKING ANY DECISION WITH RESPECT TO TENDERING THEIR SHARES IN THE TENDER OFFER BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES THERETO. Investors and stockholders may obtain free copies of the Schedule TO and Schedule 14D9, as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and other documents filed by the parties (when available), at the SEC's web site at https://www.sec.gov, and from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors may also obtain, at no charge, any such documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Essendant under the investor relations section of Essendant's website at https://www.essendant.com/ or by contacting Essendant's Investor Relations Department at (847) 627-2900. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the statements made with respect to the tender offer and related transactions, including the benefits expected from the acquisition and the expected timing of the completion of the transaction. From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other information released to the public. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. Forward-looking statements often contain words such as "may," "can," "could," "would," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "will," "is likely to," "scheduled," "positioned to," "continue," "forecast," "aim," "goal," "target," "predicting," "projection," "potential" or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements may include references to goals, plans, strategies, objectives, projected costs or savings, anticipated future performance, results, events or transactions of Essendant or Staples and the expected timing of the tender offer and other statements that are not strictly historical in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, including the planned completion of the tender offer, and could ultimately prove inaccurate. This means the forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: uncertainties as to the timing of the tender offer and the merger; uncertainties as to how many Essendant stockholders will tender their shares in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the ability to receive the required consents and regulatory approvals to the tender offer and the merger and to satisfy the other conditions to the closing of the proposed acquisition of Essendant by Staples on a timely basis or at all, including under the HSR Act; the occurrence of events that may give rise to a right of one or both of Essendant and Staples to terminate the Merger Agreement; the risk that, prior to the completion of the transaction, Essendant's business and its relationships with employees, customers, vendors and other business partners could experience significant disruption due to transaction-related uncertainty; the risk that stockholder litigation in connection with the tender offer or the merger may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; negative effects of the announcement of the proposed acquisition of Essendant by Staples on the market price of Essendant's common stock and/or on Essendant's or Staples' respective businesses, financial condition, results of operations and financial performance; risks associated with transaction-related litigation; the ability of Essendant to retain and hire key personnel; and the risks and uncertainties pertaining to Essendant's business, including those detailed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Essendant's public periodic filings with the SEC. There can be no assurance that the proposed acquisition of Essendant by Staples or any other transaction described above will in fact be consummated in the manner described or at all. Stockholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these risks and uncertainties in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. It is not possible to anticipate or foresee all risks and uncertainties, and investors should not consider any list of risks and uncertainties to be exhaustive or complete. For additional information on identifying factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those stated in forward-looking statements, please see the statements and reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, Schedule TO and Schedule 14D-9 filed with or furnished to the SEC by Essendant, Staples, Egg Parent or Egg Merger Sub and other written statements made by Essendant and Staples from time to time. The forward-looking information herein is given as of this date only and is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Essendant and Staples undertake no obligation to revise or update it. Contacts For Essendant: Janet Zelenka Senior Vice President and CFO (847) 627-7000 Ryon Wharton Vice President Finance and Investor Relations (847) 627-2900 For Staples: Investors: D.F. King & Co., Inc. Edward McCarthy / Kristian Klein, (212) 269-5550 Media: Gladstone Place Partners Michael Flaherty, (212) 230-5930 SOURCE Staples, Inc.; Essendant Inc. Related Links https://www.essendant.com LONDON, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Water Quality Monitoring Systems Market by Component (pH Sensors, DO Sensors, Temperature Sensors, Turbidity Sensors, and Others) and Application (Utilities, Industrial, Commercial, and Residential): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018 - 2025 Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5663904 Water Quality Monitoring Systems Market Overview : The global water quality monitoring systems market is expected to reach $6,692.3 million by 2025, from $3,815.9 million in 2017, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2018 to 2025. Water quality monitoring system is a process of collection and analysis of data related to the measured parameters. It is the measure of characteristics of a water body in relation to ecological conditions and human health. These quality monitoring systems are used for sampling and analyzing water quality for efficient operation in various industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences. A water quality monitoring system consists of temperature sensor, pH sensor, DO sensor, turbidity sensor, and others. These sensors allow users to monitor multiple water quality parameters using a fully integrated system. Degrading water quality and adverse effects of water pollution on humans have enforced various companies to introduce water quality monitoring systems in the market. In addition, increase in need to monitor & analyze water to remove pollutants and monitor the risky parameters in the water drive the global market. The need for effective and economical observation, analysis, and management of water quality in residential area has become essential during this era of urbanization. This, in turn, leads to the growth of the market. Furthermore, there is an increase in the global demand for water quality monitoring system, owing to the development of smart cities in many countries. However, servicing sensors and equipment status checks are the major challenges faced by the water quality monitoring systems industry. Low penetration in rural areas due to lack of awareness toward health and sanitation is one of the major challenges faced by the key players in the market. On the contrary, improvements in technology are anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities for the players in the industry. Increasing adoption of water quality monitoring systems in developing economies owing to rising levels of disposable income are expected to fuel its market growth in the coming years. The water quality monitoring systems market is segmented based on component, application, and region. Based on component, the market is segmented into pH sensors, DO sensors, temperature sensors, turbidity sensors, and others. The pH sensors segment is anticipated to dominate the global water quality monitoring systems market throughout the study period. By application, it is categorized into utility, industrial, commercial, and residential. The residential segment is projected to grow at the highest rate in future. The global water quality monitoring systems market is analyzed across four geographical regions, which include North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa). North America is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. The key players profiled in this report include Danaher Corporation, Evoqua Water Technologies, General Electric Company, Horiba, Ltd., OAKTON Instruments, Pentair, Shimadzu Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Uponor, and Xylem Inc. Key Benefits for Water Quality Monitoring Systems Market : The study provides an in-depth analysis of the global water quality monitoring systems market, and current & future trends to elucidate the imminent investment pockets. Information about the key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their impact on the market is provided. Porter's five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers and suppliers operating in the industry. The quantitative analysis of the global water quality monitoring systems market from 2017 to 2025 is provided to determine the market potential. Water Quality Monitoring Systems Key Market Segments : By Component pH sensors DO sensors Temperature sensors Turbidity sensors Others By Application Residential Commercial Industrial Utility By Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France UK Russia Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA Latin America Middle East Africa KEY MARKET PLAYERS PROFILED IN THE REPORT Danaher Corporation Evoqua water technologies General Electric Company Horiba, Ltd. OAKTON Instruments Pentair Shimadzu Corporation Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Uponor Xylem Inc. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5663904 About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 (718) 213 4904 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com New Delhi, Dec 25 : The charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dimmed and it would be highly problematic for the BJP to return to power in 2019 if the grand alliance of the opposition parties takes shape, says Sikkim's sole MP P.D. Rai, whose Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) is a constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). "We, as a regional party, will surely win the next election. But on the national scene, I think the charisma of Modiji has come down. The divisiveness with which the BJP has acted is something whose backlash is already coming," Rai told IANS in an interview in Parliament House. Rai, a two-term MP seeking a third, also says that the non-functioning of Parliament was affecting smaller parties like his and their right to be heard was getting "trampled" by the larger parties. Referring to Congress' performance in the recent elections, Rai said that, except in Chhattisgarh, the Congress won in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan with a very small majority but the opposition party will be able to energise its own cadres in a much better way and it may translate into more seats. "I think there would be a tough fight between the two sides and I think if the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance of opposition parties) takes shape, it could be highly problematic for the BJP," he said, claiming that "there is going to be a lot of churning within all the parties, including the BJP and the Congress, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls". The SDF MP, who is an alumnus of IIT-Kharagpur and IIM-Ahmedabad, asserted that the public and the intelligentsia were not very happy with the way many of the institutions like the CBI, the RBI were allegedly being attacked by the Modi government. "This perhaps may go against the BJP," he said. He made it clear as a party with only one MP in the Lok Sabha, it would, however, always go with the ruling party to safeguard the border state's interests. Asked about Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Rai said after having taken over as the president of the party, he has in many ways had a tough time getting the younger people to have some space within the party. "But he has managed to do that. He has also understood that he has not only to back young people but also to look at the senior people as they are very valuable within the party. This (appointment of Kamal Nath and Ashok Gehlot as chief ministers) has sent out a good message to the senior cadre of the Congress. This is something which, I believe, is a very positive development for the Congress," he said. Rai, a member of the Parliament Standing Committee on Finance, said that farmers' plight in the country has emerged as a huge problem but asserted that waiving of loans was not an answer. "If you waive farms loans there is a big problem on the fiscal side. It is populist to say that I would waive the loans. On the other hand, people say if the corporate loans can be waived, then why not the farmers' loans. But looking at holistic and structured reforms in the agriculture sector is long overdue. "This is something we will have to look at. There are many, many pillars around which the farmers' eco-system thrives and we will have to look into the whole crisis holistically," he added. (Brajendra Nath Singh can be contacted at brajendra.n@ians.in) Panaji, Dec 27 : Amid ongoing conflict with the state's private taxi operators, Goa's first app-based taxi service GOAMILES on Wednesday said that the company is "deeply concerned" about the safety of its 1,000 odd taxi drivers and has sought action against those involved in the numerous assaults on its drivers. "We are deeply concerned about the safety and security of our personnel as well as of passengers who are opting for our services. This allegedly unruly behaviour of a certain disgruntled section of taxi operators will not be acceptable and neither will it deter us," J. Sumeth spokesperson for GOAMILES said late on Wednesday. The taxi service was started earlier this year in alliance with Goa Tourism, amid protests by Goan private taxi operators, who have been accused by both the government as well as local commuters and tourists for arbitrary pricing of fares. Sumeth claimed that three drivers, who are enrolled with the app-based taxi service were assaulted in the last one week alone, the latest being an assault on their taxi driver outside a starred hotel in the popular Baga beach area in North Goa. "The complainant who has been successfully operating under GOAMILES, in his report has stated, that he was abused severely by 10 to 15 persons whom he identified as taxi operators and drivers after a passenger boarded his vehicle at Baga," Sumeth said. Goa is one of the top beach tourism destinations in the country, which attracts more than seven million tourists every year, half a million being foreigners. However, lack of infrastructure and public transport has been the state's handicap, with no standardised fare in place for taxi and auto operators. Bagota, Dec 27 : At least seven people were killed and 12 injured on Wednesday when their bus plunged 150 meters into a ravine, Colombia's Transit Police said. The driver, who was among the dead, reportedly lost control of the wheel and veered off the road in the town of San Mateo, in central Boyaca department, Xinhua news agency reported. Authorities said the cause appeared to be a mechanical failure, but the vehicle, which was carrying 19 passengers, will be subject to revision, said Julian Alvarez, chief of Boyaca's Transit Police. The head of the police department in Boyaca, Carlos Fernando Triana, said the 1967 model did not have the necessary paperwork showing it had undergone periodic mechanical tuneups. "We are investigating all the details of this dramatic accident," said Triana, adding three died on the site and four others lost their lives after receiving medical attention. "It appears the privately owned vehicle had been illegally providing public passenger service for some time," Triana said. The injured, mostly farmers who were heading to a market, are treated at the San Mateo Hospital. Baghdad, Dec 27 : US President Donald Trump visited the US troops in Iraq to celebrate Christmas, the official Iraqiya television reported on Wednesday. The state-run channel briefly said that Trump "denied any plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq," reports Xinhua news agency. As for his decision to withdraw US troops from neighbouring Syria, Trump said that "a lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking," according to the channel. The channel said that Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived earlier at Ayn al-Asad airbase in Iraq's western province of Anbar after an overnight flight, where hundreds of US troops are stationed. Trump left Iraq to Washington after the surprised two-hour visit without meeting with any Iraqi leaders, it added. The US House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on its twitter account that "Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit our troops and senior military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas." Trump's visit to Iraq is his first since taking office nearly two years ago. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said that the US troops' withdrawal from Syria would have negative impact on Iraq. "We have discussed... the US decision to withdraw troops from Syria, because this has great repercussions on Iraq," Abdul Mahdi told a press conference after a weekly cabinet meeting. "If there is a security tension in Syria (by the US pullout), there will be a wave of migration, and Iraq will be one of the first countries to be exposed to such issue," Abdul Mahdi said. "The terrorists may leave the Syrian territory and try to go to Iraq, and this also would have repercussions on our country," Abdul Mahdi added. He stressed that Iraq needs to take precautions from now so that it will not be affected. The prime minister mentioned that the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had informed him of the pullout of the US troops before the implementation of the decision, asserting that Pompeo confirmed that the US will continue to support Iraq in its war against terrorism. Abdul Mahdi's comments came two days after he held a phone call with Pompeo, who explained the details of the scheduled pullout from Syria. Recently, Trump declared a plan to withdraw all US troops from Syria, citing the full defeat of IS militants in the country. These troops were part of a US-led coalition which has been fighting and conducting airstrikes against IS targets in both Iraq and Syria. Jaipur, Dec 27 : Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh on early Thursday allocated portfolios to the Council of Ministers, three days after 23 ministers took oath, officials said. The allocation of portfolios took place at 2 a.m., a statement said. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has kept key departments including Home, Finance and Personnel with him, while Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot gets PWD and Rural Development, the statement said. General Administration, Information Technology and Telecommunications are also with Gehlot while Science and Technology, and Statistics have been allotted to Pilot. New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Lok Sabha was on Thursday adjourned till 2 p.m. as the Opposition created ruckus in support of their various demands, including a JPC probe into Rafale fighter jet deal and special status to Andhra Pradesh. Soon after the House reassembled at noon after the first adjournment, the Congress, AIADMK and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) members trooped near the Speaker's podium and started sloganeering. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan urged the agitating members to allow the Zero Hour to progress but the members continued with their protests. Amid the din, she asked Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge to speak. Earlier, during the Question Hour, she did not allow Kharge to speak when he wanted to say something on Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and the procurement of Rafale fighter jets. However, when the proceedings of the House began again after the first adjournment, Kharge was not present in the House. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Bhagwant Mann was then allowed to speak. He requested the House to express condolences over the death of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, in the 17th century and asked thadt their sacrifice be remembered as is done in the last week of December every year. Congress member Ranjeet Ranjan, the Shiromani Akali Dal's Prem Singh Chandumajra and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member S.S. Ahluwalia also raised the issue, requesting the House to maintain two minutes' silence. Mahajan expressed condolences on behalf of the House, and said: "This is not related to Sikhism or any particular religion. Two of Guru Gobind Singh's younger sons sacrificed their lives at the age of six and four years. The country will never forget their sacrifice." She then allowed to continue proceedings and the official papers were tabled amid the din. The Congress members were demanding a JPC probe in the deal for 36 ready-to-fly Rafale fighter jets, while the AIADMK members demanded withdrawal of the proposal to construct a dam across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu. The TDP raised several issues related to their demand for special status for Andhra Pradesh. Samajwadi Party member Dharmendra Yadav raised the reservation issue but left the House when he was not given more than one minute to speak. Mahajan tried to conduct the legislative business but the members continued their protest, forcing her to adjourn the House till 2 p.m. Earlier, the House was adjourned till noon. When the House met for Question Hour, opposition members from the Congress and the TDP trooped near the Speaker's podium shouting anti-government slogans. During the pandemonium, Mahajan warned the protesting members on more than three occasions that she would name them if they did not return to their seats. "I am requesting all of you. I want justice for all. I will name all of you in the well. I will allow you after Question Hour. Please go back to your seats," Mahajan said. Beijing, Dec 27 : China has successfully tested the sophisticated S-400 air defence system bought from Russia, a missile for which India struck a deal with Kremlin risking the US sanctions. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) tested the system last month, successfully shooting down a "simulated ballistic target". China had received the last shipments of the weaponry from Russia in July under a $3 billion contract signed in 2015, becoming the first country to import the advanced missile system from Moscow. In October, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to acquire the air defence system despite the looming threat of sanctions by the US. The system is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles and it can be used against ground objectives. It is also able to intercept cruise missiles out to a range of about 40 km due to their low altitude flight paths. A report in the South China Morning Post quoted analysts as saying that Russia appeared to have publicized the test last week to highlight closer military ties between Moscow and Beijing and to promote its S-400 system. The story was first reported in the Russian media. Beijing-based military expert Li Jie said the reports showed that Moscow wanted to underscore the relationship at a time when the US was at loggerheads with both Russia and China. "Despite pressure from the US, the Russian military will increase its cooperation with the PLA in areas such as missiles, shipbuilding, and other sectors," the Post quoted Li as saying. Islamabad, Dec 27 : The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on Thursday decided to put former President and PPP co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari on the Exit Control List (ECL) over the ongoing money laundering probe against him. The decision was announced by Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry in a press briefing held after a federal Cabinet meeting, Geo News reported. The Pakistan Peoples' Party co-Chairperson and his sister MNA Faryal Talpur are among those being investigated by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for alleged money laundering through at least 29 fake accounts. Chaudhry said that in view of the Joint Investigative Report (JIT) submitted in the Supreme Court in the fake bank accounts case, the government decided to put as many as 172 people on the ECL. "I hope Zardari will take JIT seriously. This is not the old Pakistan where people will be compromised," he said. "The independent accountability process will continue." "This is not Purana Pakistan... Now, each and every penny will be accounted for," he said. Zardari's close aide Hussain Lawai was arrested in July in connection with the probe. Kolkata, Dec 27 : A 28-year-old-man of West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district was arrested for hacking a Central website and uploading names of fake scholarship applicants, police said on Thursday. "Based on the complaint of Education Director from Kerala, Babul Hussain of Kotgach area was arrested on Tuesday. The complainant alleged that fake applications for Post Metric Scholarship was uploaded on the Central government's Ministry of Minority Affairs website," said a senior police officer of Dinajpur police headquarters. He said the incident surfaced after some deserving students of certain institutes complained that they were not getting the money. A team of Kerala police traced Hussain's alleged act and caught him with the aid of the local police. "His laptop and two mobile phones were seized and searched, but nothing is found yet. He is being taken to Kerala on transit remand for seven days," he said. New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 that makes instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat a criminal offence, with a jail term of up to three years with a fine. The bill, which seeks to replace an ordinance promulgated in September prohibiting divorce by pronouncing "talaq" by the husband, was passed after over four-hour discussion that saw some heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches. Before a vote on the bill, the Congress and the AIADMK staged a walkout over the government not accepting their demand to refer it to a joint select committee of the Parliament. The bill makes instant triple talaq a cognizable offence, attracting up to three years' imprisonment with a fine. The offence will be cognizable if information relating to the offence is given by the married woman against whom talaq has been pronounced or any person related to her by blood or marriage. The proposed law would be applicable to the entire country, except in Jammu and Kashmir. Kabul, Dec 27 : The spokesperson for the Islamic State militant group in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region has been killed in an airstrike by the US forces, the Afghan Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Sultan Aziz, the outfit's spokesperson for the so-called Khorasan province -- which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of Iran -- was hit in Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, the Ministry's 201st Selab Military Corps said in a statement. "(He) was killed in Pachir-Agam district of Nangarhar province two days ago by the US drone strike," said the statement cited by Efe news. Aziz was also in-charge of recruiting fighters to carry out "deadly terrorist attacks against civilians". Nangarhar, bordering Pakistan, has been a known bastion of the Islamic State since the group sprung up in Afghanistan in 2015. Although over the last two years, the presence of its fighters has considerably reduced in other Afghan provinces, the group continues to remain active in Nangarhar and has claimed among the bloodiest attacks in the country. According to the latest UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan report, between January 1 and September 30 this year, Nangarhar, for the first time, overtook Kabul as the province with the highest civilian casualties with 554 dead and 940 wounded. Across the country, 25 per cent of all casualties during this period were attributed to the Islamic State, while the Taliban was held responsible for 35 per cent. Beirut, Dec 27 : Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari said on Thursday that the kingdom will remove the travel ban on Lebanon upon the formation of a Lebanese government, the media reported. "We are working on strengthening Lebanese-Saudi ties in different areas," Bukhari was quoted by the National News Agency as saying. Bukhari's remarks came during his meeting at the embassy with a delegation from the Lebanese Business and Investment Council headed by its President Mohamad Chahine, Xinhua news agency reported. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait in last November warned their citizens against travelling to Lebanon, amid a Lebanese-Saudi crisis sparked by Prime Minister Saad Hariri's controversial resignation announcement in Riyadh which he rescinded soon after. The warning affected the tourism sector in Lebanon as the number of Gulf tourists in the country dropped by 40 per cent, according to Caretaker Tourism Minister Avedis Guidanian. New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed a controversial bill that criminalises the practice of triple talaq among Muslims, amidst walkout by the Congress and the BJP ally AIADMK as opposition parties attacked the government saying the measure was aimed at political gains in view of the coming general elections. The bill, which provides for up to three years' imprisonment for invoking instant divorce by uttering talaq thrice in a single sitting, was passed with 245 in favour and 11 against in a division after rejection of all opposition amendments, after the government turned down demands for referring the bill to a joint select committee for detailed consideration. The Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also joined the walk out. Strongly defending the bill after a four-hour discussion that broke the impasse in the House over the Rafale deal and other issues, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the bill should not be looked at from the prism of politics but was meant to ensure gender justice and will have a deterrent effect. "Do not look at it from the prism of politics but from that of humanity. It is aimed at giving justice, respect," he said. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 replaces an ordinance issued in September after the government failed to get the bill passed in the Rajya Sabha earlier this year. A similar bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in December last year but could not clear the Rajya Sabha where the opposition managed to stall it. The present bill contains safeguards brought in by the government which makes it clear that only the affected woman or her blood relative can file a complaint with police against the husband instead of anyone lodging a complaint as provided in the previous version of the bill. The improved legislation also provides for easier bail conditions and makes the offence compoundable by a magistrate after hearing the wife. The bill will now go to the Rajya Sabha where the government may still find it difficult to push it through. Opposition members, especially the women MPs belonging to the Congress, NCP and other parties, said that the government had brought the bill with political motives and there was no need to criminalise divorce which is a civil wrong and a social issue. AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi said while the Supreme Court is decriminalising adultery and same sex relationships, the government was intent on criminalising triple talaq because "you want to send Muslims to jail". At the same time, he said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was not bothered about social problems faced by Hindu women. Referring to the BJP stand on the Sabarimala verdict, he said while the ruling party opposed it saying it is a matter of faith, the same principle is not applicable to a matter of faith for Muslims. Before leading a walkout of his party ahead of the voting, leader of the Congress group Mallikarjun Kharge said most of the parties -- including AIADMK, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and left parties -- have demanded that the bill be sent to a joint select committee and the government should accept it. "It is a divisive bill, against the Constitution and violates Muslim personal laws and the right to equality," he said. He was followed by the AIADMK whose leader P. Venugopal said his party would also walk out of the House since the government has rejected its demand for a joint select committee. The AIADMK, which has been supporting the government and may even tie up with the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, attacked the bill calling it "unconstitutional", against "natural justice" and one of the most "barbaric" laws to have ever been introduced against the Muslim community. CPI-M member Mohammed Salim said: "The question is if you want to give justice to Muslim women... You are naming this bill as protection of rights of Muslim women, but there would be no protection of rights of Muslim women because Muslim women are part of the Muslim community." Prasad said the main objection of opposition was that the bill seeks to criminalise triple talaq and noted that the same House had passed laws with tough provisions to prevent incidence of rape. "When these laws were made, no one said what will happen to the family members of the culprits," he said. Replying to the debate, Prasad said penal provisions of laws such as dowry prohibition Act and domestic violence Act were applicable to all citizens and no one had any objection. "Why this objection is only for triple talaq. Behind it is political motive of vote bank," he said, adding that the bill had not been brought to treat any community as a vote bank. He said that 22 Muslim countries had banned triple talaq or codified it but there was objection to this being done in a secular country like India. The Minister said the Congress had supported the bill when it was passed in the Lok Sabha in 2017 but was now raising objections. Prasad said the government had addressed the concerns of members by bringing a new bill and was still willing to consider constructive suggestions but nothing came. Referring to a media report, he said Pakistan was also considering to criminalise triple talaq. "The whole world is looking at India," he said. Prasad said the person against whom a complaint was made would get jail term only after a trial and there was provision of settlement in which the magistrate would record statements. "Deterrence is always important. If you commit a crime, you will go to the jail," he said. Targeting the Congress, he said its government had brought legislation to negate the Shah Bano judgement. Prasad cited the Supreme Court judgement and rejected opposition's contention that there was no need for the bill in view of the verdict. He said one of the judges had said that "what is bad in theology, bad in law also" and the judgement also mentioned that a law should be enacted. BJP's sulking ally Shiv Sena, which vociferously supported the bill, utilised the debate to criticise the government for not being equally pro-active on the issue of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Party member Arvind Sawant said: "If there can be a law for triple talaq, why not bring a bill for Ram temple?" The government fielded ministers Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Smriti Irani, both members of Rajya Sabha, during the debate in which they attacked the Congress. Naqvi likened the practice of triple talaq with long abolished "Sati Pratha", saying the practice of divorce among Indian Muslims was not related to Islam but was a social evil. Kolkata, Dec 27 : Bengaluru Bulls wrapped up their league stage campaign in style as they beat Jaipur Pink Panthers 40-32 in a Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) clash at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here on Thursday. Bengaluru Bulls topped the table in Zone A and once again it was Pawan Sehrawat who led their charge. Sehrawat scored 16 points and was ably supported by Rohit Kumar, who chipped in with 5 crucial points. For Jaipur, Deepak Niwas Hooda with 13 points top scored beside reaching the 700-raid point mark in the history of the league. It was a disappointing end of the league campaign for Jaipur Pink Panthers as they finished fifth in Zone A. Sumit Singh picked up a two-point raid to get Bengaluru Bulls going as they led 3-1 after two minutes. Deepak was the key man for Jaipur in the first half. Both teams were neck and neck for majority of the first half. After 10 minutes of play, both teams were level at 8-8. Bengaluru changed gears in the last five minutes of the first half with Pawan Sehrawat picking consecutive raid points. In the 19th minute, Bengaluru inflicted an all-out to lead 19-14 but Jaipur scored two quick points in the 20th minute to end the first half strongly. At the end of the first half, Bengaluru Bulls led 19-16. Bengaluru started the second half strongly with Rohit producing a super raid in the 27th to lead 25-18. Jaipur forced an all-out in the next minute to reduce the deficit to just five points. With just over five minutes to go, Pawan picked up a two-point raid to give Bengaluru Bulls a 29-24 lead. Bengaluru Bulls then inflicted an all-out in the 37th minute to ensure their victory. New Delhi, Dec 27 : A meeting of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers will be convened by Union Water Resources Ministry to discuss the issue of controversial Cauvery river project at Mekedatu, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said on Thursday. Talking to reporters here, he said this assurance was given by Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari when he met him and made a request in this regard. Kumaraswamy said the irrigation ministers of the two states will also be part of the meeting which may be convened in 10 to 15 days. He said he has suggested that the matter be resolved through mutual discussion as a legal approach may not be able to solve the issue. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with him for the clearance given by the Central Water Commission for the detailed project report (DPR) on the reservoir which, he said, would benefit Tamil Nadu more than Karnataka. Karnataka has sought the Central government's approval to build a dam at Mekedatu on the river near Kanakapura in Ramanagaram district, about 100km southwest of Bengaluru, for storing and supplying its water to the parched districts of Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts. Objecting to the project fearing denial of its share of the river water, Tamil Nadu has also petitioned the Central government and the Supreme Court not to allow Karnataka to build the balancing reservoir at the goat's leap gorge. As sharing the river water for agriculture and drinking in the state's old Mysuru region became contentious, leading to the apex court modifying the inter-state dispute tribunal award, storing it (water) at Mekedatu for drinking only has turned into a protracted legal and political battle. The project is estimated to cost the state a whopping Rs 5,192 crore. Tamil Nadu has also disputed Karnataka's claim on the project's purpose, as storing the river water will allow it generate hydel power and thus restrict its flow into its delta region. Kumaraswamy also sought Gadkari's intervention to make Goa allow Karnataka utilise the Mahadayi river water for drinking purpose in the four drought-prone districts in the state's northwest region. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Calling the Triple Talaq Bill passed by the Lok Sabha as "arbitrary, excessive, and violative of fundamental rights", rights activists and organisations on Thursday appealed to Rajya Sabha members to "withdraw the Bill and significantly redraft" it in the interest of Muslim women. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 which criminalises the practice of triple talaq among Muslims, was passed in the Lower House after rejection of all opposition amendments, and the government turning down demands for referring the bill to a joint select committee for detailed consideration. In a statement, 40 rights activists and organisations opposed the Bill, calling it arbitrary, excessive, and violative of fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. "Overall, if this Bill is passed it would make Muslim women more vulnerable to violence, as well as harm their economic, household and social security," they said. Arguing that there was "no rationale to criminalise the practice of talaq-e-biddat", they said that if the Bill was passed, Muslim men will be incarcerated violating their rights of conjugality and would also lead to unwanted separation of the couple, against the wishes of the wife. "Since Muslim marriage is a civil contract between two adult persons, the procedures to be followed on its breakdown should also be of civil nature. Penal action to discourage the practice of instant triple talaq is a myopic view as it leaves many other issues of economic and social security of women unaddressed," they said. They also called the Bill which prescribes imprisonment up to three years and makes the offence a cognizable and non-bailable one, as "draconian and disproportionate". "Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that the practice is still "continuing unabated". He has pegged the number of divorce cases pronounced by way of triple talaq to 400 in 13 months. This data, for a country as large as India, is not enough to draw conclusions and create a criminalising bill. Moreover, the statement seems to be based on popular beliefs or perception rather than corroborated by any material evidence," claimed the activists. "The move to imprison Muslim men will add to the prevailing insecurity and alienation of the Muslim community. Criminalisation of instant triple talaq will further stifle the voices of Muslim women instead of offering them avenues for justice," they added. Washington, Dec 28 : US President Donald Trump could not meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdelmahdi on his recent surprise trip to the Middle Eastern country because for "security reasons" the premier was only informed of the president's visit two hours earlier, the White House said on Thursday. In remarks to reporters who travelled with the US president, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that for "security reasons" the White House could only invite the Iraqi premier to meet with Trump two hours prior to the time that could be scheduled for the meeting. Abdelmahdi was elsewhere in Iraq and could not rearrange his schedule to meet with Trump on such short notice, Sanders said, Efe reported. Given the US announcement, the Iraqi premier's press office issued a statement saying that the meeting could not be arranged due to a lack of agreement regarding how to conduct it and so the two leaders spoke on the phone instead. During that telephone conversation, Trump invited Abdelmahdi to visit the White House and the prime minister accepted, Sanders said. In addition, she said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet with Abdelmahdi in Baghdad on January 11. Trump and his wife Melania on Wednesday made a surprise visit to US troops deployed in Iraq, the first time the president has visited soldiers stationed abroad. The first couple visited the US Ain al Asad base in Iraq's western Al Anbar province, and on their return to Washington aboard Air Force One they stopped in Germany to spend 45 minutes with US soldiers at the Ramstein military base. Last week, Trump announced that he was withdrawing from Syria all 2,000 US troops stationed there to fight the Islamic State as part of an international coalition. According to local media, the president also ordered the withdrawal of 7,000 of the 14,000 US troops stationed in Afghanistan, although this has not been officially confirmed. The Pentagon has about 5,200 soldiers deployed in Iraq as part of the coalition fighting the IS. Last week, Pompeo assured Abdelmahdi that the US remains committed to the "sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Iraq and promised that the international coalition will continue working closely with the Iraqi military to destroy the remnants of the Islamic State. New Delhi/Bengaluru, Dec 28 : Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday urged Union Minister for Coal Piyush Goyal to rush coal blocks for three thermal plants in the state, said an official. "Kumaraswamy sought Goyal's intervention to rush coal blocks to Raichur, Ballari and Yarmarus thermal plants in the state's northwest region, as stocks were dwindling in them due to shortage," said a statement from the chief minister's office in Bengaluru. The chief minister also urged Goyal to direct the state-run Coal India Ltd in Kolkata and its subsidiary Western Coalfields Ltd at Nagpur in Maharashtra to supply coal to Raichur thermal power plant, about 500km from Begaluru. "The coal stock at the Raichur plant is very low needs replenish it at the earliest," added the statement. The 1,725mw Raichur plant has 8 coal-fired power generating units, including 7 units with 210 megawatt (mw) and one unit with 250 mw capacity, while Ballari plant has two units of 500 mw each and one unit of 700 mw capacity and Yarmarus plant in Raichur district has two units of 800 mw each. As Goyal also holds the Railways portfolio, the chief minister urged him to build a new railway line from Bidar in the state's northern region to Nanded in the Maratwada region of neighbouring Maharashtra. "As Bidar is a pilgrim centre for Sikhs and others with Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib shrine (gurudwara), the 154km track will help the railways run special trains for pilgrims and local people to travel in the Nanded circuit," said the statement. Kumaraswamy's father and former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda and his elder brother and state PWD minister H.D. Revanna were present at the meeting. As Gowda is a Lok Sabha member from Hassan, about 180km southwest of Bengaluru, the chief minister urged Goyal to speed up pending rail projects in the region, connecting Mysuru and Mangaluru. Riyadh, Dec 28 : Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud reshuffled his cabinet on Thursday, appointing a new foreign minister less than three months after an international crisis was unleashed by the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the country's consulate in Turkey's Istanbul. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, who was finance minister until 2016, was chosen by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also the prime minister at the same time, as the new minister of foreign affairs, replacing Adel Al-Jubeir who was demoted to the post of minister of state for foreign affairs, according to a royal decree. Al-Assaf was among dozens of detainees in the huge operation against corruption carried out by Saudi authorities in November 2017 in which princes, politicians and powerful business leaders were detained for weeks in a luxurious hotel in Riyadh before reaching financial agreements with the government, Efe reported. Shortly after he was released, Al-Assaf was appointed as a minister of state and a member of the Council of Ministers, and led the Saudi delegation that attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January 2018. The outgoing foreign minister, Al-Jubeir, was during recent years one of the main exponents of the Middle Eastern kingdom's policies as well as a staunch defender of the war in Yemen and his country's role in the Khashoggi case. The prominent Saudi Arabian journalist, a Washington Post columnist, was killed on October 2 inside his country's consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul where he had gone to fill out the paperwork needed for his upcoming marriage. Khashoggi was a member of the Saudi elite, however, he fled his country in September 2017 and became renowned for his criticism of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's administration. New Delhi : Moscow, Dec 28 Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenia's Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan agreed on Thursday to expand cooperation in various areas. During talks with Pashinyan in Moscow, Putin called Russia-Armenia ties "truly allied relations filled with substantial content," according to a Kremlin transcript, Xinhua reported. Putin said bilateral trade grew 29.7 per cent last year and asked both sides to maintain the good dynamics in trade as well as in security, cooperation within the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union. "I am sure that the dynamics of our relations will continue. And I hope that it will develop further," Pashinyan said. In an October visit to Yerevan, US National Security Adviser John Bolton demanded that Armenia abandon the "historical patterns" in its international relations. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Bolton was referring to Armenia's traditional friendship with Russia and accused him of driving a wedge between the two former Soviet allies. Toastmasters International, an international non-profit organization that enables people to cultivate their communication and leadership skills, is proud to announce that Yamanashi Prefecture's first Toastmasters club, this Kofu Toastmasters forum, is a finalist of the 500th anniversarys commemorative event sponsored by Kofu 500th Anniversary Celebration Committee. Event name: The Kofu Global Citizen Forum: Let's enjoy becoming a global leader! This event will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Kofus establishment and discuss the way we will raise global citizens in Kofu City. In this event, participants will learn the essential points about individual development, while attending our workshops. By participating in this event and listening to Japanese and English lectures, participants can learn and improve their communication skills. Furthermore, they can acquire skills that are useful for individual development in communicating with people from different cultures and backgrounds. This event will be conducted primarily in Japanese, but English will also be used at times. This event is open to the citizens of Kofu and people from around the city. Mr. Yoshihiro Kawano, the founder of Kofu Toastmasters, commented, With the globalization of the economy, opportunities to communicate with people around the world are increasing. In response to the changes in todays society, we have planned this event to let the people of Kofu experience our passion for raising global citizens. We want to thank the Kofu 500th Anniversary Celebration Committee for shortlisting our event. We will work hard to prepare for the future implementation of this project. Volunteer members of Kofu Toastmasters are in charge of the operation of this event. We will also receive assistance and cooperation from Toastmasters International (D76 Japan Branch). What isthe 500th Anniversary of the Establishment of Kofu? In 2019, Kofu City will celebrate its 500th anniversary since its foundation in 1519, when daimyo (feudal lord) Nobutora Takeda held residence at Tsutsujigasaki, Kofu. Further, in 2021, the city will celebrate its 500th anniversary since Takeda Shingen's birth. Hence, we wish to celebrate its 500th anniversary in Kofu City. The people of Kofu love and honor their home district. Kofu City will be looking at different aspects regarding town planning for the future of Kofu City. Kofu City has many sister and friendship cities, which are as follows: Des Moines, Iowa (USA); Pau, Pyrenees-Atlantiques (France); Lodi, California (USA); Chengdu, Sichuan (China); Yamatokoriyama, Nara (Japan); Cheongju and North Chungcheong (South Korea). Kofu 500th Anniversary Celebration Committee 18-1 Marunouchi, the 6th floor, Kofu city 400-8585, Japan Homepage: https://www.kofu500.com/ Kofu Toastmasters Club Toastmasters studies English communication and leadership at Kofu City. If you are interested to know further details concerning this activity, please inquire at the contact information provided under "Participant Contact" as stated below. As meeting places may change, please check the information from the website prior to each event. Meeting day: 2nd Saturday of every month, 13:30 to 16:00 Venue: Yamanashi Prefectural Library (near the north exit of JR Kofu Station) or Yamanashi International Association Homepage: https://inspireyoshi.wixsite.com/kofu-toastmasters Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ToastmastersKofu ; Language: English Toastmasters International District 76 (Japan) To know more about Toastmasters International, log on to https://www.toastmasters.org/ From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. Moreover, Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Members can improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of its 16,600 clubs located across 140 countries, which constitute our global network of meeting locations. As of August 2018, Toastmasters has more than 357,000 members worldwide, including 4,000+ members in Japan, and 193 clubs globally. To know more about District 76 (Japans branch), log on to http://district76.org/ Toastmasters global motto is Toastmasters: Where Leaders Are Made. Each club will continue to contribute in order to improve the communication and leadership abilities of the nation its located in. Participant Contact Kofu Toastmasters kofu-tmc-guest(at)googlegroups.com Media Contact District 76, Toastmasters International PR Manager Ami Aoyama toastmasters(at)district76.org http://district76.org/ Best Enterprise SEO Firms Earlier this month, 10 Best SEO selected the winners of its Best Enterprise SEO Firm awards for December 2018. The organization recognized several companies, but Straight North, Boostability, and Ignite Visibility received the top honors. Published on December 2, 10 Best SEOs current list of top enterprise search engine optimization firms is headed by Chicago-based Straight North, rated at 99% for the month. Boostability, a top enterprise SEO agency from Lehi, Utah, came in second place.Leading enterprise SEO agency Ignite Visibility rounded out the list in third place. It received a rating of 98%, tying Boostability's score. Using companies like this months award winners to engage in SEO is essential for businesses today. The more visible a website is on major, top-tier search engines, the more traffic it will receive. Manipulating websites in order to make them more visible on sites like Bing, Google, and Yahoo is called search engine optimization. Also known as SEO, search engine optimization is one of the most popular website-related practices to beef up business. Nonprofit organizations, businesses, sole proprietor-ran blogs, and every other type of entity imaginable can benefit from having SEO work done. Without SEO, it's likely that an entity's competitors will overtake them in business. Companies can utilize organic or inorganic website traffic. Inorganic traffic is typically generated from web users that visit through paid advertisements. Organic traffic, on the other hand, refers to all click-throughs that result from hyperlinks on other web pages, web users manually typing in a website address and visiting it as such, or visiting that website from search engine results. Organic traffic is always free in the long run, though many business entities pay search engine optimization professionals to include content that will garner great results on the World Wide Web's hottest search engines such as Google. However it is difficult to determine which providers of quality search engine optimization services are the best option. Business owners have to rely on word of mouth and reviews that could be illegitimate as well as look to social media to see what people have to say to choose the best enterprise SEO agency. However, 10 Best SEO provides a more feasible and trustworthy solution. 10 Best SEO, which is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, boasts a star-studded roster of website, search engine, and marketing service experts from around the United States. Its experts are highly trained in everything from the programming language CSS to content marketing. Best known for its ranked lists of the United States' best contenders for the title of the top enterprise search engine optimization firm, 10 Best SEO helps businesses select their dream providers of SEO services. For more information about this months winners, visit http://www.10bestseo.com. Their dedication and generous service advances board certification for nurses to the benefit of emergency patients and the nursing profession. The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), the benchmark for emergency nursing specialty certification, today announced its 2019 board of directors and recognized outgoing members. BCENs board brings together nurse leaders from every region of the country whose clinical subject matter expertise spans the emergency nursing spectrum, whose experience includes bedside care, education and administration, and whose proficiency in professional credentialing guides and contributes to the superior quality of BCENs certification programs, said BCEN Board of Directors Chairperson Lorie Ledford, MSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CTRN, TCRN, CCRN, of Mayo Clinic Arizona Hospital. Their dedication and generous service advances board certification for nurses to the benefit of emergency patients and the nursing profession. The following new and reelected members will begin their terms on January 1, 2019: Steven P. Talbot, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, trauma program manager and operations administrator manager, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center in Houston, Texas, was elected to his first board term as a member at large. Steven has been an EMT, a flight nurse, an adult and pediatric emergency nurse, an administrator, and is currently developing Memorial Hermanns new trauma center from the ground up, said Ledford. In short, he is a wealth of knowledge and experience. Rebecca Steinmann, MS, APN, CPEN, CEN, TCRN, CCRN, CCNS, FAEN, of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, was reaffirmed to serve a second one-year term as secretary/treasurer. Sean M. Elwell, MSN, RN, NE-BC, TCRN, EMT, of Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, was reelected to a second two-year term as the Society of Trauma Nurses representative. The following outgoing board members were recognized: Member at Large Kathleen Albert, MSN, RN, CNS, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, of Lowell General Hospital, Lowell, Massachusetts, began her BCEN service 10 years ago as an exam item writer. Kathys skill base in patient care and evidence-based care and her understanding of the development and knowledge of emergency nurses as they grow through their career brought invaluable perspectives to our board, said Ledford. Karen Wiley, MSN, RN, CEN, of CHI Health Immanuel, Omaha, Nebraska, who served a one-year term as the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) representative, enhanced communications between BCEN and ENA. The new ENA representative will be elected by early 2019. BCEN board members returning in 2019 to complete their current terms are: Chairperson Lorie Ledford, MSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CTRN, TCRN, CCRN, of Mayo Clinic Arizona Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona Chairperson-Elect Kyle Madigan, MSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, CTRN, CCRN, CMTE, of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire ASTNA Representative Allen Wolfe, MSN, RN, CFRN, CTRN, CCRN, CMTE, of Air Methods Corporation, Greenwood Village, Colorado Member at Large Andrew Veitch, BSN, RN, CFRN, CTRN, CCRN, of Stanford Health Care, Stanford/Palo Alto, California Public Representative Robert Corrao of LAC Group, Los Angeles, California Immediate Past Chairperson Mary Whelan, MSN, RN, CEN, of Doylestown Hospital, Doylestown, Pennsylvania BCEN Executive Director Janie Schumaker, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, CENP, CPHQ, FABC, of Kansas City, Kansas, also serves on BCENs board of directors. BCEN board members serve on a volunteer basis for two-year terms, and with the exception of the industry association and public representatives, must have served as a BCEN certification exam item writer and as a member of a BCEN Exam Construction Review Committee (ECRC). Individuals serving as the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), and Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) representatives must be actively involved in the professional association they represent. More details and photos are available at https://bcen.org/board-of-directors/ About the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing The nonprofit Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) develops robust certification exams fostering empowered nurses across the emergency spectrum who contribute noticeably to patient care, safety and outcomes. Over 49,000 BCEN certifications are currently held by registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in emergency, flight, critical care ground transport, pediatric emergency and trauma nursing. BCEN offers the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN), Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN) and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) certifications. The CEN, CFRN, and CPEN certifications are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), the only accrediting body specifically for nursing certifications. Learn more at bcen.org. Follow BCEN on Facebook and LinkedIn. # # # ETA 2018 Technician of the Year Jason Eduardo Sandavol, PVI1, SWI, Ohio Power Solutions. Eduardo is a living example of all the positive benefits the ETA technician programs hopes to achieve. ETA International peer awards pay respect to industry professionals who promote the education and execution of the arts and sciences of electronics technology. ETA is the only professional trade association dedicated to the support of electronics technicians in the education and advancement of trained and certified electronics technicians. Industry peers and colleagues will gather at ETAs annual Awards Banquet during Education Forum on March 7th in Las Vegas, NV to celebrate those individuals deserving recognition for their dedication and enthusiasm for the electronics industry and their willingness to volunteer at a moments notice to represent their trade association. Technician of the Year This distinguished award is given in honor of the late Norris R. Browne, president of the National Electronic Association (NEA) and a service business owner. For outstanding service to fellow electronics technicians, the 2018 ETA Technician of the Year award is presented to Jason Eduardo Sandavol, PVI1, SWI, Ohio Power Solutions. Nominated by ETA Renewable Energy Chairman Jay Warmke, PVI1, SWI, Blue Rock Station, Warmke said, Eduardo is a living example of all the positive benefits the ETA technician programs hopes to achieve. After studying various careers, Sandavol found he was interested in solar energy. After completing the hands-on training and examination process, he interned at Blue Rock Station, a sustainable living center in Ohio, to get a more complete vision of green energy and career options in sustainable living. During his internship, he attended a conference where he met with most of the solar installation companies operating in the state. Warmke said Sandavol impressed those company leaders with his enthusiasm, personable nature, and knowledge. The day he finished his internship, he was hired by Dovetail Solar and Wind as a Photovoltaic Installer. For the past two years, he has worked for Ohio Power Solutions, installing hundreds of systems and emerging as one of the most experienced and respected solar installers in the state. He has also obtained his Small Wind Installer certification from ETA. His next goal is to work towards getting his electricians license and hopes to open his own solar installation company. Eduardo believes that solar energy is a big part of cultural change that needs to happen to save the planet and he will be the first to testify that the ETA International certification process has literally changed his life, Warmke said. Sandavol currently serves on ETA's Renewable Energy Committee, providing valued field experience and insights into the development of current and future programs. Educator of the Year This prestigious award is named in honor of Wallace Wally Medeiros, PhD, CETma, a US Veteran, communications professional and instructor at Honolulu Community College and the U.S. military. For outstanding devotion in educating those pursuing careers in electronics and related fields, this award goes to John Young, CETsr, Veterans Assembled electronics, (Maryland). Students nominating Young gave the following reason why he deserves this award (paraphrased): John is one of the finest instructors in the military, private and public sectors. His ability to teach and make electronics understandable is commendable. While dealing with several students at different phases of the course, he manages to make himself available to all by sharing his experience and knowledge in a professional and courteous manner. Those Veterans who came into his program with little to no knowledge of electronics are fortunate to have had such a great instructor. John Young makes Veterans Assembled Electronics a great place to learn. Chapter of the Year - For active involvement in the world of electronics, this award recognizes registered student and local chapters that support a continuance of dedication to both the association and the electronics field itself. Congratulations to Veterans Assembled electronics (VAe), Chapter #210, and its sponsor Robert Berlin, CETsr, in Orlando, FL. The 2018 ETA Chapter of the Year, VAe Chapter #210, has been a great training partner with ETA and has done everything possible to ensure its Veteran students have every possible opportunity to transition into successful civilian electronics careers. ETA sincerely thanks all those deserving recognition for their dedication and enthusiasm for electronics and electronics-related technologies and their willingness to share their expertise to improve their association and industry vocations. About the Education Forum - ETA International is proud to host hands-on training through outside vendors in popular technology areas related to ETA certification during Education Forum, co-located with the International Wireless Communications Expo, March 4-8, 2019, in Las Vegas, NV. ETA's partners, the industrys most respected trainers, will provide in-depth hands-on training in 11 key areas of expertise. Following each training class, ETA will provide opportunities to test for ETA certification. Find out more at http://www.eta-i.org/education_forum.html About ETA - Since 1978, ETA has delivered over 200,000 certification examinations successfully. Widely recognized and frequently used in worker job selection, hiring processes, pay increases, and advancements, ETA certifications are often required as companies bid on contracts. ETAs certifications are personal and travel with the individual, regardless of employment or status change and measure competencies of persons, not products or vendors. All ETA certifications are accredited through the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC) and align with the ISO-17024 standard. For more information, visit http://www.eta-i.org Download this press release at http://www.eta-i.org/pr/ETA_Commemorates_the_2018_Award_Winners.pdf Leadership Maryland allowed myself and the class of 2018 to harness the strength of our diverse skill sets and work together to build our local businesses and communities, says Schnebly. Mark Schnebly, Senior Vice President and Loan Operations Manager for MidAtlantic Farm Credit, was honored for his completion of the Leadership Maryland program during their graduation ceremony on December 4, hosted at the Lord Baltimore Hotel. Schnebly was one of 50 selected to complete the eight-month professional development program, dedicated to building a better Maryland. Leadership Maryland allowed myself and the class of 2018 to harness the strength of our diverse skill sets and work together to build our local businesses and communities, says Schnebly. We learned about our state, the critical issues it faces, and above all, about ourselves during the eight-month program. The Leadership Maryland program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Marylands most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state. We are very proud to have another Farm Credit employee complete the prestigious Leadership Maryland program, says Tom Truitt, CEO of MidAtlantic Farm Credit and a graduate of the 2012 Leadership Maryland class. It is a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the issues the state is facing, and we are excited Mark was able to take part in the program this year. For more information about the Leadership Maryland program, please visit leadershipmd.org, or email info@leadershipmd.org. About MidAtlantic Farm Credit MidAtlantic Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative owned by its memberborrowers. It provides farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; crop insurance; and rural home mortgages. The co-op has over 11,300 members and almost $2.68 billion in loans outstanding. MidAtlantic has branches serving Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. ### Founded in 1999 and located in Corrales, New Mexico, Ideum designs and builds compelling interactive exhibits, large-scale immersive installations, and rugged multitouch displays for museums, Fortune 500 companies, and public spaces. Inclusion on the Entrepreneur360 list recognizes companies that have mastered a balance of impact, innovation, growth leadership, and value. Ideum is the only New Mexico company included on this years list. It is an honor to be acknowledged among a group of such inspiring organizations, said Ideum Founder and Creative Director Jim Spadaccini. 2018 has been an amazing year for our company. We redesigned three of our touch products including our all-in-one Portrait kiosk, the Pico smart coffee table, and our most popular multitouch table, the Platform. We also collaborated with major museums to create new exhibits, developed smart tangible prototypes, and added a new Fabrication Studio that allows us to create new form factors such as a custom multitouch conference room table with embedded Inline displays and electronics. Our annual evaluation of vetted data offers a 360-degree analysis of top privately-held companies across a multitude of industries, explained Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur editor-in-chief. They are deemed successful not only by revenue numbers but by how well-rounded they are. The companies that make the list have pushed boundaries with their innovative ideas, fostered strong company cultures, impacted their communities for the better, and increased their brand awareness. Entrepreneur magazines Entrepreneur360 list is based on a comprehensive analysis of private companies across the United States. Honorees were identified based on results from a broad study of independently owned companies using Entrepreneur magazines proprietary algorithm and other advanced analytics. The algorithm was built on a balanced scorecard designed to measure five metrics reflecting major pillars of entrepreneurship: innovation, growth, leadership, impact, and business valuation. To learn more about Ideum, visit http://www.ideum.com. To learn more about Ideums ultimate conference room table: https://ideum.com/news/ultimate-conference-room-touch-table. To learn more about Ideums innovative exhibits: https://ideum.com/portfolio. To learn more about Ideums smart tangible prototypes: https://ideum.com/news/smart-tangible-prototype. ### About Ideum Ideum is an innovative digital design company based in Corrales, New Mexico. For the past decade, Ideum has designed and produced integrated and hardened large-scale multitouch tables and touch walls for museums, educational institutions, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. In addition to its established line of touch tables, the firm focuses on creating the next generation of visitor experiences that blend the physical and digital realms. Ideum has partnerships with Barco, Christie Digital, Crestron, LG, and others, allowing its creative work to have direct access to leading-edge equipment and specialized hardware expertise. For more information, please visit http://www.ideum.com. ### For more information: Ideum Inc. Phone: 505-792-1110 x1 sales(at)ideum.com Lexalytics, the leader in words-first machine learning and artificial intelligence, announced today it has been recognized by EContent magazine and Awards.AI for its achievements in artificial intelligence and analytics for its innovative projects for in 2018. Awards.AI, the first and biggest global annual achievement awards for artificial intelligence, has awarded Lexalytics the Best Use of AI in Marketing and Advertising for the Lexalytics Intelligence Platform, which uses AI to process, analyze and provide insights around a companys text data i.e., surveys, call logs, social media posts, message boards, comments and more. Now entering its fourth year, the Awards.AI program recognizes achievements across a number of industries, and recipients range from start-ups to well-established companies and individuals. This year, the Awards.AI program featured 35 awards across six categories. In addition, EContent magazine, a leading authority on the businesses of digital publishing, media and marketing, has named Lexalytics to the EContent 100 list of companies that matter most in the digital content industry. Lexalytics was recognized as a leader in the category of Content Analytics, its fourth time being named to the list. EContent also named the Lexalytics AI Assembler one of its Trendsetting Products for 2018. AI Assembler is a toolkit to build targeted, machine-learning solutions for unique natural language problems that helps accelerate and automate the process of data management, analysis and prediction. Weve had a busy year at Lexalytics pushing the development of AI-driven text and sentiment analysis and NLP, helping our customers get the most out of their text data, said Jeff Catlin, CEO of Lexalytics. Were honored to be recognized by Awards.AI and EContent alongside other industry trailblazers for our work and look forward to more in 2019. For more information about Lexalytics, please visit https://www.lexalytics.com/. About Awards.AI Founded in 2015, Awards.AI is the first and biggest global annual achievement awards for artificial intelligence. Its focus is to support the AI community by recognizing the hard work and dedication of those working in the field. Awards.AI is part of the Informed.AI Media Group which runs a number of community websites supporting the area of Artificial Intelligence. Its manifesto is to help support those interested to learn more about the field of AI, from students, to academic researchers and everyone in-between. Other websites in its network include homeAI.info, Events.AI and Neurons.AI. About EContent EContent is a leading authority on the businesses of digital publishing, media, and marketing, targeting executives and decision-makers in these fast-changing markets. By covering the latest tools, strategies, and thought-leaders in the digital content ecosystem, EContent magazine and EContentmag.com keep professionals ahead of the curve in order to maximize their investment in digital content strategies while building sustainable, profitable business models. About Lexalytics Processing billions of words every day across more than 20 languages, Lexalytics is the industry leader in translating text into profitable decisions for social media monitoring, reputation management and voice of the customer programs. In addition, the Lexalytics Analytics Platform leverages leading-edge machine learning, artificial intelligence and natural language processing to allow enterprises across all industries to quickly, easily and cost-effectively create custom analytics solutions to address their unique data problems. Based in Boston, MA, Lexalytics has offices in the US and Canada. For more information, please visit http://www.lexalytics.com, email sales(at)lexalytics(dot)com or call 1-617-249-1049. Follow Lexalytics on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Lounge Lizard is globally recognized as a Top NYC Digital Marketing Agency within the web design and development industry. Lounge Lizard's brandtenders are creative, tech-savvy, and passionate in developing innovative strategies that drive conversion for both startup and established clients of all industries, making them the "best of breed since 1998." For those who might not feel SEO is worth it, Google Ads are one of the best paid-ad options out there to help drive traffic to a website. Of course, as these ads arent free it makes sense to optimize them to see better performance. It can be frustrating to stand out from the other advertisers you end up sharing space with to obtain high click-through rates which ultimately leads to higher conversion rates. Today NYC based digital marketing agency, Lounge Lizard, shares 5 Tips for more effective Google Ads. Remove Bloat from Ad Groups There is a limit that should be placed on the number of keywords being used in an ad group. The reason for this is relevancy. The keywords used in an ad group then determines which ad will be shown when that keyword is triggered. By using too many keywords the ads will either be too general to encompass them all or will not relate to the keyword very well. Ads that arent relevant to a users needs wont get clicked on. People on Google are searching for something to solve a problem or meet a need and they need to know that when they click on an ad, that business can provide what they need. Realistically anything more than 20 keywords is too many. Ad groups with more than 15 keywords should be reviewed carefully, looking for more than one theme to the ad. When you find these splits, simply sperate the themes into new ad groups to then narrow the focus of each group for increased relevancy. Focus on the End Goal The end goal is what users will ultimately want to accomplish and they are looking for a product or service to help them get there. By understanding possible end goals for products or services a business provides, it can be easier to create better ad copy that starts with the solution of end goal in the headline and then works back towards the problem. This type of reverse engineering can be a way to stand out from the competition because your headlines tells them you can meet the end goal. Create Keywords from top Search Terms The idea behind keywords are simple; these are words people input into a search string that will then trigger your ads to show up. It is critical when using pay-per-click campaigns that you are using the right keywords to maximize exposure to the proper audience. The right keywords arent always the most basic option. To start, the shorter keywords are often a hot commodity and will have more people bidding on it and a higher level of competition. On the other side of the coin are longer search terms that will have less competition but can be just as effective as shorter counterparts. For example, if you have a pizza parlor then the term Pizza would seem to be a natural fit however that term is going to be highly sought after. You might find less competition for San Francisco Best Pizza or other variations which people will be searching under. Tools such as Google Ads Editor or other query insight options can provide detailed information of what people are searching for which can then be used as the basis for keywords. Include Negative Keywords Negative keyword s are a way to exclude search terms in ad campaigns to ensure ads wont appear where they shouldnt. According to Google, over 20% of daily searches are completely unique to anything searched before. That increases the chance of an ad being picked up incorrectly and getting irrelevant clicks that will waste some of the ad budget. The example Google uses is if a business is an optometrist that sells eyeglasses then that business would want to add negative keywords for wine glasses and drinking glasses to avoid unintended targeting matches. Make Ads Hyper-Local Ads should be as focused as possible including on the local level. Business that operate on a national or global level still need to let customers understand that they will be right there when needed. Geographic-specific campaigns can be created with ad copy and keywords used that are specific to an area. This same concept applies to local businesses as well where you need to stand out from big chains. Make sure they know that the business is literally right around the corner from them ready to help solve a problem or fill a need. Lounge Lizard is an award-winning, high-end design boutique specializing in website and mobile app development, UX/UI, branding, and marketing. Lounge Lizard excels in creating the ultimate brand strategy, fully loaded with expertly crafted visuals that work together to increase sales and effectively communicate a client's unique personality. Media Contact: Ken Braun, Lounge Lizard, 631-581-1000, ken.braun(at)loungelizard.com This Winter Reading Challenge gives us the opportunity to inspire people around the world to read more. What better resolution to have than to start the New Year with a good book! Billionaire investor and Shark Tank personality Mark Cuban has announced his sponsorship of the Second Annual Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge in support of public libraries and school systems throughout the United States. This year, Mr. Cuban challenges over 250 schools and libraries, more than double that of the inaugural Winter Reading Challenge, to meet a collective goal of reading at least five million minutes and 75,000 books during the month of January. If achieved, Cuban pledges to donate $35,000 to the top-performing libraries and schools. Participating libraries will use Beanstack, a web and mobile application, to track self-directed reading time and help build a culture of reading in school and at home. The software makes it easier for students and families to track reading and stay motivated while providing insights and data about reading habits to school and library administrators. Now, more than ever, we are distracted by screens and dont take the time to simply read. But research shows the power of reading for as little as 6-minutes a day and I personally make time to read every morning, says Cuban. This Winter Reading Challenge gives us the opportunity to inspire people around the world to read more. What better resolution to have than to start the New Year with a good book! USING CUTTING EDGE SOFTWARE TO TRACK READING The Beanstack software platform and mobile application, from parent company Zoobean, makes it easier for librarians, educators, and readers to customize, participate in, and gain insights from reading challenges. It can also suggest book titles readers might enjoy based on their interests and reading doorways. Cuban became an investor in Zoobean after the founders impressed him with their vision on Shark Tank in 2013. Less than five years after the show aired, Beanstack now serves over 1000 library and school systems globally. We believe deeply that reading is to the brain as exercise is to the body. It has the unique power to transform lives and communities, says Zoobean co-founder and Chief Client Success Officer, Jordan Lloyd Bookey. The Winter Reading Challenge helps our partners activate their communities to read more in 2019 and into the future. School and public librarians will set up their Winter Reading Challenge programs on Beanstacks platform, each with its own unique design. Participants will log their time spent reading and books read throughout the month of January on their librarys individual Beanstack site. PRIZE MONEY GOES TO SUPPORT SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES This year, all prize money will be divided directly among the top performing schools and libraries. Prizes are awarded based on four elements: outreach, active participation, logging numbers, and community (social) sharing. Libraries are the heartbeat of their schools and communities, and we are thrilled to directly support their work with this challenge, says Lloyd Bookey. Cuban will announce the results of the second annual Winter Reading Challenge this February. PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES INCLUDE THOSE LISTED BELOW: District of Columbia Public Schools (All Schools) Pasadena Independent School District (All Schools) Escambia County School District (All Schools) Alexandria Middle School Menasha Joint School District North Hunterdon High School Northview Middle School Adams County Library System Alexandria Library Allen County Public Library Anne West Lindsey District Library Balch Springs Library-Learning Center Birmingham Public Library Bud Werner Memorial Library Calvert Library Carlsbad City Library Carmel Clay Public Library Cedar Rapids Public Library Charles County Public Library Cheney Library Christian County Library City of Commerce Public Library Clark Public Library Commerce Township Public Library Community Library Coronado Public Library Crandall Public Library Dauphin County Library System Daviess County Public Library Dougherty County Public Library Dover Public Library Durham County Library Effingham public Library Englewood Public Library Folsom Public Library Forest Park Public Library Forsyth County Public Library Fort Lee Public Library Guilderland Public Library Handley Regional Library Hawaii State Public Library System Homewood Public Library Huntington Beach Public Library Huntington Public Library Irondale Public Library John P. Holt Brentwood Library Keene Memorial Library Kenosha Public Library Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Lincoln City Libraries Live Oak Public Libraries MacDonald Public Library Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped McMinnville Public Library Milford Public Library Mount Vernon City Library New Cumberland Public Library Novi Public Library Nutley Public Library Oceanside Public Library Orange County Library System Oswego Public Library District Paramus Public Library Petersburg Public Library Plainfield Public Library District Prince Georges County Memorial Library System Pulaski County Library District Ralstons Baright Public Library Ridgefield Park Public Library Samuels Public Library Sanibel Public Library Sarasota County Libraries Schaumburg Township District Library Schenectady County Library Scott County Library Shreve Memorial Library Six Mile Regional Library District Springfield Public Library Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Stuart-Hobson Middle School Suffolk Public Library Teaneck Public Library Tipp City Public Library Uintah County Library USAG Daegu Walker Library Vail Public LIbrary Wicomico Public Libraries Wilbraham Public Library Woodland Public Library York County Library ABOUT BEANSTACK Beanstack (http://www.beanstack.com) helps educators and librarians create, manage, and measure reading challenges. Using a website customized to each school or library and an easy-to-use mobile app, Beanstack makes it easier to track reading, keep readers motivated, and gain actionable insights. ...the cold weather and large amounts of time spent indoors doesnt have to ruin your mood. Turn this chilling season into an entertaining and productive winter. Winter can be a mood-killer for those of us who enjoy warm weather. We often bundle up, cross our mitten-covered fingers and hope every year that spring comes early. However, the cold weather and large amounts of time spent indoors doesnt have to ruin your mood. Turn this chilling season into an entertaining and productive winter. Follow those New Years Resolutions Did you promise to exercise, cook healthier food or organize your finances? Pop in your favorite workout DVD to escape indoor boredom or crack open the cookbooks that have been gathering dust on your bookshelf. Winter weather gives you an excuse to stay inside and check some of your toughest challenges off of your New Years to-do list. Enjoy a sunny vacation Its always summer somewhere in the world. Flee to warmer climates with a vacation in Hawaii, Bora Bora, Buenos Aires or somewhere with sunny days during our winter months. A road trip to Southern California may even be worth your while if youre looking for a cheaper or closer trip. Build your dream home Stuck inside? Why not refresh your environment with a home renovation? Anything from repainting the walls to adding a little extra lighting to brighten up your living room can spruce up your home. Start with this handy checklist on how to get started and talk to your local agent to make sure your upgraded home is properly covered. Enjoy tasty winter fruits and vegetables Youre not stuck with just apples and bananas during the cold months. Winter brings a wide variety of tasty and exotic leafy greens and other produce. Stop by your local farmers market or grocery store for healthy munchies like kiwi, collard greens, tangerines, passion fruit and several others. Pick a hobby, any hobby You can learn almost anything from YouTube these days. Maybe its time to fulfill that burning desire to become a master bird watcher, so you want to brush up on your bird calls before spring comes around. Or maybe youll finally have time to dust off the guitar thats been sitting in the back of your closet for the last few years. Once youve tuned it, youre on the right track. Enjoy the beauty only winter can bring Get creative with your winter fun. Build a giant snowman, catch snowflakes with your family or make nature boats for the rain. Snuggle up with a good book or movie with some hot cocoa, kettle corn and other sweets. Relax and indulge. Here are a few more ideas to add to your winter to-do list: Make sure your car is winter-ready Refresh the emergency kits in your car and home Take inventory of personal items to make sure they are covered under your insurance policy Get a head start on spring cleaning Volunteer at your favorite non-profit organization Clean out your email inbox to fewer than 100 emails Spend more time with family Note: This article was originally published on http://blog.mercuryinsurance.com. "When you look at the big picture, the American economy will begin 2019 on a strong footing. Even with such low unemployment, we have an abundance of jobs to fill, and wages have been on the rise." Bill Stoller, Express CEO At year end, businesses have confidence in the economy, with most predicting no recession in 2019. In the December survey of 445 businesses, only 1 percent of respondents expect a recession in the next three months, while 8 percent expect one in three to six months. Less than one-quarter (24 percent) believe a recession will arrive in the second half of the year. While media predictions of a recession have increased in recent months, signs of a strong economy abound: Unemployment is near record lows at 3.7 percent. Real GDP increased 3.4 percent in the third quarter. Express Employment Professionals has 16,500 open positions to fill. There are more than 7 million job openings across the United States. Express experts expect steady growth in 2019. Janis Petrini, an Express Employment Professionals franchise owner in Grand Rapids, Michigan, says fears of a recession are overblown. The outlook is very similar to what we expected in 2018, she said. Growth and demand continue to remain strong. There is a significant amount of talk around a recession or adjustment, but this mostly seems media driven as opposed to hard facts and actual experts within individual industries. Most clients see their own industry remaining strong. There may be some slowdown in the automotive sector, but this will be more of the industry returning to normal as opposed to receding. Over in Illinois, Terri Greeno, an Express franchise owner in Crystal Lake, notes that 2018 felt hotter but that she still sees a steady, slight uptick after the first quarter. I know some people are uneasy at the end of 2018, said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express. But when you look at the big picture, the American economy will begin 2019 on a strong footing. Even with such low unemployment, we have an abundance of jobs to fill, and wages have been on the rise. Clearly there are concerns about what may happen toward the end of 2019, and there are always external forces beyond our control. For now, though, Im predicting a happy economic new year. The survey of 445 businesses, which are current and former clients of Express Employment Professionals, was conducted in December 2018 to gauge respondents' expectations for 2019. If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bill Stoller to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena Karami, Director of Corporate Communications and PR, at (405) 717-5966. About Bill Stoller William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has more than 800 franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Since its inception, Express has put more than 6 million people to work worldwide. About Express Employment Professionals Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated $3.4 billion in sales and employed a record 540,000 people in 2017. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com. The unique, all-inclusive approach of IronOrbit is the future of IaaS and the cloud. Keep an eye on us. onthenetOffice, a leading IaaS provider that this year opened its 5th full-scale data center in Dallas, TX, and upgraded the majority of its storage workloads to all-flash based storage, announced today that it would be changing its name to IronOrbit. The transition to the new name will go into effect 1/1/2019. The name change coincides with a significant rebranding effort, and marks several years of accelerating growth and innovation for the Southern California-based company. The company's new IronOrbit branding can be previewed at http://www.ironorbit.com. This new branding better reflects the company's identity as an innovative cloud provider that goes above and beyond for its clients, according to onthenetOffices CEO, Alexander Saca. "We deliver a cloud infrastructure that better supports the requirements of today's businesses as a unified solution. We do it better and make it easier than other IaaS providers, including Amazon Web Services and Azure - and now have the branding to reflect that," said Saca. Founded in 2003, onthenetOffice is a leading IaaS provider headquartered in Anaheim, CA. Their fixed-priced, all-inclusive IaaS and DaaS solutions help businesses minimize their costs while enjoying the very best in performance, security, and reliability. It provides hosted servers, desktops, and applications in one fully-integrated, easy-to-manage platform, and has long been favored by leading organizations like Northwestern University, Paul Mitchell, UCLA, and Avery Dennison for its unique approach to IaaS. More information can be found at onthenetOffice.com or ironorbit.com. onthenetOffice may be best known for its pioneering work in the hosted desktop or Desktop as a Service (DaaS) field. Together with Citrix, it helped deliver the seminal virtual desktop solution VDI-in-a-Box. In 2007, it developed Safeweb, an ultra-secure virtual desktop platform, for one of the United States' leading nuclear research laboratories. In addition, its SMX Speed Technology-backed desktops have long set the standard for cloud-based virtual desktop performance. Over the years, onthenetOffice continued to expand and refine its all-inclusive IaaS offering. In addition to fully-integrated hosted servers and desktops, the solution now includes managed security, managed backups and disaster recovery, 24x7x365 IT helpdesk, and unlimited CPU, RAM, and Microsoft software upgrades, all for a fixed monthly fee. "When I tell people about what's included with our IaaS solution, a lot of them can't believe it; they think it's too good to be true," said Robert Mourra, a Senior Account Manager at IronOrbit. "But it isn't. We have the most all-inclusive, most affordable solution in the cloud, maybe in all of IT. Period." More recently, this year the company completed one of the world's largest deployments of CAD-ready, GPU-intensive cloud-based desktops for a prestigious Massachusetts architectural firm. Saca continued, "We're really proud of all that we've accomplished under the onthenetOffice banner. As IronOrbit, we intend to continue that tradition, but on a much greater scale." In addition to its new data center and storage platform upgrades, onthenetOffice has made several other significant advancements to its platform this year, including: Achievement of CSA STAR security certification Initiated its transition to the Windows 2019 platform Added powerful new management & monitoring features to its self-service portal In the near term, onthenetOffice is also developing iOS and Android mobile apps that will allow administrators to securely monitor and control their entire IT with their smartphones. These groundbreaking apps are scheduled to be released in Q2 2019. "The unique, all-inclusive approach of IronOrbit is the future of IaaS and the Cloud," said Saca. "Keep an eye on us." Over the last few years we have seen much growth in the use of both on site and online auctions, a spokesperson for Rogers Realty & Auction Co., Inc. said. Our auctioneers are knowledgeable problem-solvers who take pride in their work while making our customers happy. Rogers Realty & Auction Co., Inc. presents the upcoming Charlotte & Mecklenburg County Rolling Stock Auction on January 12th, beginning at 9:00 am EST (Gates open at 7:00 am). All auction items, including pickup trucks, tractors, cars, dump trucks, backhoes, and much more, will be sold at absolute auction to the highest bidders. The sale also includes firetrucks selling with reserve. Customers can view the vehicles and equipment and bid online by creating a free account on the Rogers Realty & Auction Co., Inc. website. A preview date is set for Friday, January 11th from 8:00 am 4:00 pm to view all inventory. The preview and auction event will be held at 5550 Wilkinson Boulevard - Building A, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208. Buyers do not have to be present at the auction as this unique auction experience allows customers the option of bidding on site or online at http://www.RogersAuctionGroup.com. Users can visit the website to set up a free account, view all inventory up for bid, place bids, complete payments quickly and receive email notifications about the status of their bid. Today, more than ever before, auctions are providing results for buyers and sellers. Auctions are transparent, and buyers and sellers like that among other benefits of buying and selling at auction. With the ability to view the vehicle inventory online, customers can bid on rolling stock from the comfort of their homes. Bidding is just as instantaneous as if on site and payments can be processed quickly and easily. The City of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County Rolling Stock auction is giving bidders another chance to bid live and online on January 12th at 9:00 am EST. About Rogers Realty & Auction Co., Inc. Rogers Realty & Auction Co., Inc. has served hundreds of individuals as well as attorneys, local and national banks, mortgage companies, asset managers, Fortune 500 companies, local, state, and federal governments, universities, major corporations, brokers and others. Our auction division has sold single family, acreage, commercial, multifamily, industrial and resort real estate at public auction in several states. Our professionals conduct auctions for heavy machinery, real estate, business liquidations estate, municipalities and more. For more information, please visit http://www.rogersauctiongroup.com. NCAL# 685. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. CHINA: Revenue services began on two more high speed lines on December 25, with another inaugurated the following day, along with two new mixed-traffic railways. Welcome to Railway Gazette. This site uses cookies. Read our policy. OK Indias Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) has announced the results of its work with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to provide more robust TV viewership measurement data. BARC India has been seeking new methods for channel, content and ad identification as well as alternative to button pushing and current visible meter used for capturing viewership data from panel homes.The best solution, proposed by a final year student at IIT Kharagpur called T.Y.S.S. Santosh, can potentially transform large conspicuous hardware in panel homes to user-friendly smart assistants, and also reduce dependency on third parties for channel identification, said BARC.IIT Kanpur and IIT Bombay were runners up in the contest, which attracted the ideas of 10 IITs. The three winning options are all platform agnostic, and will now enter further feasibility testing. If successful, they will be incorporated into BARCs measurement system, which provides industry data for a country of 197 million TV homes , with 836 million TV owners.Indian TV industry is dynamic and its needs are ever-evolving. India faces several unique issues such as power cuts, data connectivity challenges, wide disparity in temperature and climatic conditions etc., all of which impact collection of data. It thus is important for us to keep innovating and thinking ahead, said Romil Ramgarhia, COO, BARC India.We are delighted to see the young and bright minds from the most premier technology institute of India coming up with some extraordinary solutions. Through this partnership, we also want to encourage students to take technology from research labs to end users, impacting a million lives, he added.IIT Karagpurs T.Y.S.S. Santosh IIT Kharagpur said: We are happy to be the Gold winners in the battle between all IITs in this tough competition. BARC Indias challenging case study demanded working on inter-disciplinary components of tech that is hardware, software, machine learning and artificial intelligence to propose a new solution to the existing state of the art technology available with BARC India. BARC India is a joint industry company representing broadcasters, advertisers and advertising and media agencies. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate , We're sorry, this article is not currently available By Steven Rogers, 12/26/2018 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Steven Rogers is a senior entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and been covering the reality TV genre for two decades. couple Steven Frend and Olga Koshimbetova 's wishes came true on Christmas Eve.Olga's K-1 visa application was approved by the United States, which will allow her to travel to America."OLGA'S VISA APPROVED TODAY, DECEMBER 24th, 2018," Steven wrote in an Instagram posting. "No words can describe how happy I am. My birthday is the 26th so its the best birthday present for me.""Please pinch me because I still don't understand what just happened and still don't believe it," Olga wrote in an Instagram posting of her own.After using a K-1 visa to bring their international partner to America, an American is required to marry their overseas fiance within 90 days or have the partner return to their home country.Steven, a 20-year-old from Bowie, MD, met Olga, a 20-year-old from Russia, on the beach while she was visiting America for the summer, and after only a month-and-a-half of dating, the couple discovered Olga was pregnant.The news came as a total shock to Steven since they only had unprotected sex one time, and he called it "a holy sh-t moment."Olga returned to Russia about a week after learning she was pregnant, but Steven proposed they get married and have her return to America on a K-1 visa.Steven told Olga he applied for her K-1 visa shortly after she returned to Russia but the visa application had been delayed, leaving her stuck overseas for the birth of their son, Richie Aleksandr Frend, on April 19.However, as viewers saw Steven admit to Olga on the show's December 23 episode, Steven had been lying and he didn't apply for the visa until after traveling to Russia to be with Olga for Richie's birth."I didn't apply for the K-1 visa when I told her I did. I applied for the K-1 visa when I got to Russia, and I did not tell her about it," Steven explained during 's December 23 episode.After repeatedly telling Olga they wouldn't be able to return to America together because her visa had gotten delayed, Steven finally told Olga the truth as he was nearing the end of his time in Russia."It's a little difficult to say, but like, before I came here, when I said I had applied for the visa... I didn't apply for it then," Steven told Olga. "Like, if I would have applied for it then, like you would have been over a month ago.""The reason I didn't apply for it -- I can't say anything, I didn't -- but I did now, and it is getting processed. I know it was very wrong of me. But I feel I should be honest with you about that.""I just didn't know exactly what was going on with us because we got pregnant, and then we just decided 'K-1 visa.' And to me, I was like, well we didn't even get a chance to speak about it yet. So in my mind, I just wanted to hold off a little bit until I got to know like you a little bit more."Olga had taken Steven's news surprisingly well."Yeah, you needed to be honest with me the fist time because when I ask you about visa you told me, 'Yes, Olga I did it,'" she told him. "So I was like waiting, waiting, waiting."However, Olga said while she was upset she understood."Yeah, I understand why you did what you did, but still I'm angry because Steven, why was it so hard to tell me the first time? Like, 'Olga, maybe we need to wait?'" Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! HSGI has now made the Duty Line available in LE Blue. The line was previously only available in black and olive drab. Here's what the company said in a press release: For Immediate Release Swansboro, NC Manufacture of Battle Proven Tactical Gear, High Speed Gear is pleased to announce the addition of LE Blue to the current Duty Line of products. The HSGI Duty Line of products functions the same as the originals, but feature with a sleeker front and hidden bungee, which is woven internally. This low profile look provides the law enforcement community a less aggressive and PR friendly option for their duty belts, while still maintaining all of the functionality of other HSGI products. The HSGI Duty Line design is specifically for law enforcement organizations that are in jurisdictions looking to minimize an overly tactical appearance of their patrol officers. Previously available in Black and Olive Drab, the addition of LE Blue opens up a whole line of products that were previously unavailable to a large portion of the law enforcement community. The HSGI LE Blue is a perfect color match to the traditional Dark / Navy Blue found currently issued to departments across the USA. Features of Duty Line: Sleeker overall appearance Hidden bungee, woven inside of items for no-show appearance Internal weaving protects shock cord on the outside edges Include new universal clips which can mount to both MOLLE and belts up to 2 Duty Products Available in LE Blue Color: Duty Pistol TACO Duty Double Pistol TACO Duty Extended Pistol TACO Duty Radio TACO Duty Handcuff TACO Duty Double Handcuff TACO Duty Smoke Grenade TACO Duty Glove Pouch Duty Pistol TACO Covered Covered Duty Handcuff TACO Covered Covered Duty Staggered Double Pistol TACO Duty-Grip Padded Belt For more information please visit: www.highspeedgear.com Among the states due for election next year are AP, Haryana and Odisha, which have a fair share of agri credit. If these states individually announced debt relief, the combined waiver would be at least around Rs 600 bn to Rs 700 bn. Clearly, this will be a frightening challenge for Indian banks. Abhijit Lele reports. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters The litany of schemes rolled out to waive farm loans by state governments may put pressure on fiscal profile and hit the outlay for capital expenditure. It is also likely to give rise to defaults in non-farm loans in rural areas, according to banks and rating agencies. Aditi Nayar, vice-president and principal economist, ICRA, said with assembly elections likely to be held in several states by the end of 2019, there is a possibility of continued pre-election announcements from state governments. Accordingly, states may have to curtail the pace of growth of capex to avoid a fiscal slippage. There is concern that there may be announcements of expenditure on items such as bonuses, MSPs and crop loan waivers, among others, over the next year. It would boost consumption growth, but may adversely impact the quality of fiscal deficit as well as GDP growth, ICRA said. Flagging concerns over the risk to state finances, Madan Sabanavis, chief Economist, CARE Ratings, said even if the provision for debt waiver is spread over the years, it will put pressure on state finances as income may not increase at the pace to absorb additional demands. Finding resources for the farm scheme may become a challenge and capital expenditure may be dented. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, group chief economic adviser, State Bank of India, said debt waivers are the flavour of the town now. Several states have already announced loan waiver to the tune of Rs 1.2 trillion since 2017, the implementation of which is still under way. Among the states which are due for election next year are Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Odisha, which have a fair share of agri credit. Even if these states individually announce debt relief, the combined waiver would be at least around Rs 600 billion to Rs 700 billion till May 2019. Clearly, this will be a frightening challenge for Indian banks. The 14th Finance Commission has worked out a revised fiscal roadmap for the states to have zero revenue deficit and the fiscal deficit within three per cent of the gross state domestic product. The Reserve Bank of India, in its study on state finances (Fy18 and Fy19), flagged concerns on fiscal pressures from debt waiver schemes. Visible fiscal pressures are emerging for several states on the expenditure front, particularly on account of pay revisions, interest payments and other state-specific schemes like farm loan waivers. However, RBI's new Governor Shaktikanta Das declined to share his view on farm debt waivers, saying he won't give views on all aspects. His two predecessors -- Dr Raghuram Rajan and Dr Urjit R Patel -- had opposed such schemes due to a detrimental effect on credit. Bankers said the debt waiver gives relief to farmers affected by drought and calamities. This is a beneficial outcome. However, there is also a downside to such schemes as it hits credit discipline and raises risk of defaults on non-farm loan portfolio (consumer loans). In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in April-May 2019, the Centre is mulling loan waiver scheme for farmers. While PSU banks get compensated by governments -- the Centre and states -- after a scheme is announced, the harm to the bank's balance sheet is much more as borrowers stop repayments in anticipation of such sops. The Centre has projected reining in its fiscal deficit at 3.3 per cent of GDP in FY19. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com The Centre will get roughly Rs 20,000 crore (Rs 200 billion) from a corpus not used so far - the excess amount of the compensation cess collected - to help it narrow its fiscal deficit for 2018-19. The excess amount refers to the kitty after distributing the compensation cess to the states. Every states revenues are estimated to grow by 14 per cent each year on the base of 2015-16, and wherever the growth rate is below that mark, the Centre compensates the states from the cess kitty. For taking over some portion of the compensation cess, the government got legal backing through an amendment to the GST (Compensation to States) Act in the monsoon session of Parliament. However, the date of its implementation is yet to be notified, an official said, adding that it was likely to happen by February. Part 3 of Section 10 of the Act earlier stated that 50 per cent of the amount remaining unutilised in the compensation fund at the end of five years would be transferred to the consolidated fund of India as the Centres share, and the balance would be distributed among the states in the ratio of their revenues from the goods and services tax (GST). That part was amended to say that 50 per cent of the unutilised amount can be transferred to the consolidated fund at any time in any year till the end of the five-year period, when the fund lapses. The compensation cess is distributed among the states every two months, beginning May. The excess amount available in the compensation pool was Rs 14,180 crore (Rs 141.8 billion) in 2017-18. For this year, the excess amount available till October is Rs 25,250 crore (Rs 252.5 billion). The average monthly collection from the compensation cess comes to Rs 8,000 crore (Rs 80 billion). If one adds this to the next five months of the current financial year, the collection turns out to be Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion). Of this if Rs 25,250 crore (Rs 252.5 billion) is added, the kitty will be Rs 65,250 crore (Rs 652.5 billion). Also, the chart shows almost 60 per cent of the compensation pool goes to the states for revenue gap and the rest remains as an unutilised amount. It means that Rs 39,150 crore (Rs 391.5 billion) will be used as compensating cess, leaving Rs 26,100 crore (Rs 261 billion) as the excess amount. If one adds the Rs 14,180 crore (Rs 141.8 billion) excess amount left in 2017-18 to it, the kitty becomes Rs 40,280 crore (Rs 402.8 billion). Half this sum - Rs 20,140 crore (Rs 201.4 billion) - will go to the Centre and the other half to the states. Abhishek Jain, partner at EY, said, After the amendment is effective, the government could, with the Council's recommendation, distribute the excess GST cess collection between the Centre and the states. In the case of excess collection, this distribution would then be additional revenue for the Centre and states, he said. However, GST collections could come under some pressure due to cuts in the rates of 17 items in December. However, improved compliance, as well as the compensation cess, may offset that. M S Mani, pattern, Deloitte, said while the recent rate reductions would put pressure on collections in the short term, the experience of the past indicated revenues expanded on account of an increase in the taxpayers base on account of rates being moderate. The surplus in the compensation cess account could marginally assist in achieving the collection targets, Mani said. The fiscal deficit for April-October has come in at Rs 6.49 trillion, breaching the full-year target of Rs 6.24 trillion. The Centre has projected reining in its fiscal deficit at 3.3 per cent of GDP in FY19. Among various heads, the biggest problem might arise in GST collections. It is expected that there could be Rs 70000 crore (Rs 700 billion) to Rs 1 trillion shortfall in the overall GST collections compared to the projections of over Rs 12 trillion for FY19. All of this may not hit the Centre's exchequer alone. The shortfall is likely to be offset by direct tax collections, the disinvestment proceeds, and now the excess compensation cess. Besides, there could be some rollover in revenue expenditure, mainly subsidies. 'The huge amount of investments being made by telcos in India for telecom gear, there is no way this demand could be met only by Europeans.' 'The Chinese are quick in installation and offer great value for money.' Surajeet Das Gupta reports. IMAGE: A Huawei shop in Beijing, December 12, 2018. Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters Debt-laden telecom service providers, fighting a bruising battle in the marketplace, love them. That is why the Cellular Operators Association of India shot off a letter to the Department of Telecom vigorously defending Huawei and urging the government not to take any 'arbitrary' action in banning the equipment manufacturer. Chinese equipment players offer them equipment 30% cheaper than the Europeans, throw in extended free maintenance schemes and even rope in their country's banks to provide cheap long-term loans, they say. Ban them and capital costs will shoot up. Taking them on are Indian telecom equipment manufacturers. Despite all the noise about 'Make in India' by the government, these players are losing out to Huawei and ZTE even in tenders floated by public sector units such as BSNL. IMAGE: A Huawei booth featuring 5G technology at the PT Expo in Beijing, September 28, 2018. Photograph: Reuters Indeed, despite the worldwide concerns about security that has ratcheted up tensions between the US and China following the arrest of the company's CFO who is also the founder's daughter, the government has taken a clear call to stick with Huawei -- and DoT has invited the Chinese company for 5G trials, which begin next year. But the relentless global attack against Chinese telecom equipment companies -- apart from Huawei, ZTE was banned by the US government until the two countries came to an agreement earlier this year -- is raising the stakes on such fidelity. More so given the growing number of countries, from the US and Australia to New Zealan, imposing bans or restrictions on the use of Huawei's 5G telecom equipment. It is no surprise, then, that Indian manufacturers should be at the forefront of the anti-Huawei lobby. Fighting a losing battle to the Chinese majors, especially in bread-and-butter government contracts, some of them are already considering closing shop. It's a non-level playing field, they say which is why the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council, a government-promoted export promotion body, has written to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval asking that India replicate the restrictions imposed on Huawei and other Chinese manufacturers that other countries have. Lending support to their move is the Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association of India. Its Chairman Emeritus N K Goyal has urged the government to review the policy of procuring telecom and information technology equipment from Chinese companies 'in the national interest'. India's concerns about Chinese telecom equipment is not new, but the action against them has been desultory. In 2010, the government directed BSNL not to allow Huawei and ZTE to bid for 5.5 million GSM mobile lines, especially those near international borders. It also rejected many contracts signed between the Chinese and private telcos on grounds that the equipment might contain spyware. This restriction was scrapped within months after the government tightened the rules for telecom equipment imports that required suppliers to allow inspection and share equipment design as well as its source codes to pre-empt security issues. Such was the competitive strength of the Chinese suppliers that BSNL challenged a decision by the customs department in Chennai in 2013 to impose anti-dumping duties on some of its equipment. Yet, just a year later the BSNL site was hacked, underlining concerns on safety of the network. So why has India gone soft on Chinese telecom players? Prices and easy financing remain the compelling motivation, but so is their ability to make equipment to any specifications, which European telcos have found difficult to match. With around 30% of the 4G market, India is one of the largest overseas markets for China. "Considering the huge amount of investments being made by telcos in India for telecom gear, there is no way this demand could be met only by Europeans. The Chinese are quick in installation and offer great value for money," says a senior telecom executive. For 5G there is an added dimension -- unlike earlier generations of telecom technology, the Chinese have made significant progress and, many say, are well ahead of giants like Nokia or Ericsson (the Europeans dispute this). And the US lacks an equipment supplier worth the name. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters Understandably, the world's most powerful country fears that the architecture of 5G makes it more vulnerable to security breaches which could spell disaster in this connected Internet of Things. The country's power grid could collapse, for instance, or defence installations breached. Given the rivalry between the extant superpower and emerging one, the US fears that the Chinese government could force companies like Huawei to not only spy but disable communications and even organise cyberattacks. Huawei India CEO Jay Chen insists that most of the concerns have no basis. The roll-out of 5G, he says, will require a global supply chain in which all equipment and software, irrespective of origin, will have to incorporate in-built securities based on standards laid down by the special group set up for this purpose in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). This has been constituted by seven global telecommunication standards organisations. Says Chen: "The intent of all this is to ensure that no entity can control the system and the in-built security measures are designed to make the system compliant with the standards." These standards are aimed at making 5G more secure than 4G, with higher protection on customer identification, interconnection between carriers and superior encryption. The second myth is on pricing. Chen points out they are already technology leaders, and no longer the price leader in the market. "Because of the profitability challenges and the need to bring enhanced solutions in India, we are becoming commercially less competitive," argues Chen. COAI says apart from international standards that are being worked out to make 5G secure, India has incorporated safeguards in its licence terms as well as through frequent audits by DoT, which ensure that there are few security risks. For the government, the challenges flow from the fact that Chinese companies work in tandem with their government that go beyond DoT's narrow concerns. It is on Raisina Hill, therefore, that the solution to this conundrum lies. #1 SC vs SC: When four judges held presser IMAGE: Then Supreme Court Justice Jasti Chelameswar, second from left, with then Justice Kurien Joseph, to his right, and Justices (now Chief Justice of India) Ranjan Gogoi and Madan B Lokur to his left at their press conference in New Delhi, January 12, 2018. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo The press conference by the four judges set the wheels of change in motion, according to Justice Joseph. Aashish Aryan reports. On the bright sunny morning of January 12, four senior Supreme Court judges held an unprecedented press conference and expressed their concerns about the professional conduct of the then Chief Justice of India, Justice Dipak Misra, over the assignment of cases. In the virtual revolt against the CJI, Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur, and Kurien Joseph questioned the system and said that a skewed allocation of cases was impacting justice delivery adversely. The four judges had then repeatedly said that despite their best efforts to reach out to Justice Misra, there had been no response from him, which left them with no option but to come face to face with the nation (via the press). Of the four, Justice Chelameswar and Justice Joseph have already retired since, Justice Lokur will relinquish his post by the month end. Justice Gogoi is the incumbent CJI. The press conference by the four judges set the wheels of change in motion, according to Justice Joseph. Addressing reporters after his retirement, Justice Joseph said he had no regrets about the press conference. He also expected Justice Gogoi to steer the ship more effectively. Some legislators thought the judicial rebels had done the right thing, raising issues that were critical to functioning of this vital institution of democracy. How far the political dispensation will respect the spirit of that revolt is another question. 'Even Subramanian Swamy, who says he is an ardent supporter of the prime minister, has been taking proxy pot shots at him.' 'At the ground level too, there is resentment from workers and local leaders who have perhaps not got whatever they may have wanted,' notes T C A Srinivasa-Raghavan. Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi lights a lamp as BJP President Amit Anilchandra Shah and party Margdarshak Mandal member Lal Kishenchand Advani look on before the BJP national executive meeting in New Delhi, September 8, 2018. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo Until three months ago the BJP, as a party, seemed as united as a political party can seem. There was the odd grumble here and there but, on the whole, these were little cracks in the plaster only and not in the brickwork. It all started with some of the old warhorses of the BJP like Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha, Arun Shourie, Kirti Azad, etc protesting. Most people dismissed this as a revolt of the old and the politically irrelevant. But since about July, things have changed. Not a fortnight goes by without some new and damaging development. The latest -- if you leave aside the allegations of sexual harassment against M J Akbar who had the rank of minister of state -- is the extraordinary statement by a very senior member of the Cabinet and former president of the party, Nitin Gadkari. A video clip shows him saying that the BJP made a lot of tall promises during the 2014 campaign. The Hindu quotes him thus from a video: 'We were very confident that we can never come to power. So our people suggested us to make tall promises. If we don't come to power, we won't be responsible anyway. Now people remind us of our promises... We just laugh and move on,' Mr Gadkari is heard saying in the show that included actor Nana Patekar as a guest. Mr Gadkari subsequently clarified that he was referring to the Maharashtra election. But The Indian Express also quotes him: 'In an answer to a separate question, the minister says the party needs to be more open and transparent to the public.' Meaning exactly who? Last year, Mohan Bhagwat, head of the RSS, had said the RSS did not want a 'Congress-mukt Bharat'. The Hindu reported it as follows: 'These (phrases like Congress-mukt Bharat) are political slogans... it is not in the parlance of the RSS.' The RSS also said it does not believe in personality cults in politics. The Hindu had reported: '"Nation-building cannot be the work of one man. It has to be inclusive, requiring the contributions of both the ruling and the Opposition parties," said the RSS Sarsanghchalak, speaking at a book launch in Pune's Balgandharva Rangmandir." Even Subramanian Swamy, who says he is an ardent supporter of the prime minister, has been taking proxy pot shots at him, mostly by targeting Arun Jaitley, the finance minister, and Hasmukh Adhia, the finance secretary. At the ground level too, there is resentment from workers and local leaders who have perhaps not got whatever they may have wanted. Their enthusiasm does not equal the more articulate supporters of the party. Mr Bhagwat, Mr Gadkari, Mr Sinha, Mr Shourie, Mr Swamy, Rafale, Mr Ambani (Anil Ambani), Mr Akbar, the Bajrang Dal, the VHP, the Shiv Sena... what will it all add up to? It is hard to say because Mr Modi is a past master at pulling rabbits out of the hat. But while that is not in dispute, the size of the rabbit certainly is: Will it be big or small? Indeed, even a large rabbit may not be enough because his government has annoyed the biggest voter group, the farmers. Nor has it endeared itself to that vast mass of voters who are looking for jobs. At the other end, potential employers, far from expanding employment, are reducing it. This is true of both the private and the public sectors. A skilful leader in one of the Opposition parties would by now have started to create what they call a 'hawa' or wave. But that has not happened, and it might be too late now for one to have much effect. That leaves the Opposition with just one option. It should put up just one candidate, the one who has the best chance of winning in each of the 450-odd constituencies where the BJP will contest. 'KCR's plan for the future is three-pronged. He wants to see a non-Congress, non-BJP government at the Centre in 2019 so that he can become the Union minister for home or defence,' says R Rajagopalan. IMAGE: K Chandrashekar Rao is expanding his political horizons. Photograph: Kind courtesy Kavitha Kalvakuntla/Twitter If he has his way, that's exactly what Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao hopes to do. 'I will play a major role in the formation of the Union government in 2019,' declares the Telangana chief minister and president of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. KCR, as he is known, is ignoring the Modi versus Rahul battle and focusing on those regional parties which are opposed to both the Congress and the BJP. In doing so, he hopes to form a strong Federal Front. KCR, who is confident of winning 15 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, has begun meeting regional political stalwarts in east and north India. One wonders what he discussed with Naveen Patnaik of the Biju Janata Dal in Odisha and Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress in Bengal, whom he met this week. The next on his list are Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati of the Bahujan Samaj Party. KCR not only defeated the BJP in Telangana in the recent assembly election, he also crushed the ambitions of the mini mahagatbandhan formed by his rival, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu, and the Congress. What did KCR tell Modi? IMAGE: Is KCR supporting Modi? Photograph: Kind courtesy Telangana CMO KCR met Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday, December 26, after he met Mamata Banerjee and Naveen Patnaik. Both Banerjee and Patnaik are not interested in giving any importance to the Congress, and to Rahul Gandhi in particular. KCR conveyed this message to Modi in no uncertain terms. He also wants to ensure that Patnaik does not get closer to Chandrababu Naidu or the United Progressive Alliance. Does that mean KCR has become a Modi puppet? No. KCR's plan for the future is three-pronged. He wants to see a non-Congress, non-BJP government at the Centre in 2019 so that he can become the Union minister for home or defence. If this happens, he wants to ensure his son, Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao, becomes Telangana's next chief minister. He also wants to hem in Chandrababu Naidu and hobble the relationship the TDP leader shares with Rahul Gandhi. Will Akhilesh, Mayawati meet KCR? IMAGE: Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati are playing a wait-and-watch game. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo By keeping the SP's options open, Akhilesh Yadav is behaving like a seasoned politician. If KCR's efforts bear fruit and the Federal Front picks up in north India, Akhilesh knows he will need the southern leader's support. If it does not, the SP might need the UPA (and, by default, the Congress). Which is why Yadav and Mayawati maintain their neutral stance as far as KCR and the Congress are concerned. This signifies the biggest hitch in KCR's plan to unite the smaller parties against the UPA and the BJP. Why is KCR against Naidu? IMAGE: KCR and Chandrababu Naidu cut their political teeth under N T Rama Rao. Photograph: PTI Photo KCR seems to have made it a personal mission to ensure Chandrababu Naidu's political demise. Both KCR and Naidu cut their political teeth under the late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and revered leader of the Telugu Desam Party. After Naidu revolted against NTR -- his father-in-law, incidentally -- and consolidated his position as the TDP's unchallenged leader, KCR broke away from the TDP and floated the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. They have been arch rivals since. Personally too, they don't see eye to eye. Naidu's statement that he is one of India's senior-most politicians and fit to be prime minister irked KCR who has been working to ensure the TDP is erased from Telangana and later from Andhra Pradesh. Modi, who dislikes Naidu, is exploiting this political enmity to his advantage. KCR, who has the support of the Muslim community in Telangana, is keen to play a key role in the formation of the Union government in 2019. His secular credentials have ensured he has the Hindu votes in his state as well. Whether KCR succeeds or fails to demolish Naidu, the recent Telangana results have shown that he is clearly a kingmaker. The KCR dynasty IMAGE: KCR's children and his legacy -- K T Rama Rao and Kalvakuntla Kavitha. Photograph: Kind courtesy Kavitha Kalvakuntla/Twitter KCR's son, K T Rama Rao, handles multiple ministries in his father's cabinet. He is well-educated and has a clear-headed approach toward politics. KCR's daughter, Kalvakuntla Kavitha, is the member of Parliament from Nizamabad. She seems bright and meets Dimple Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav's wife and the Lok Sabha MP from Kannauj, often. She shares a good relationship with Mayawati too. She is her father's representative in New Delhi and speaks well in the Lok Sabha in Hindi. In fact, all three -- KCR, KTR and Kavitha -- are comfortable in Hindi as Hyderabad has a concentration of Urdu-speaking Muslims. Clearly then, viable alternatives to the NDA -- in the form of the UPA and the Federal Front -- are emerging. KCR's initial dabbles in north Indian politics may be paying dividends. The question is: Can he prevent Rahul Gandhi's Congress from leading the UPA to victory in 2019? A Delhi court on Thursday allowed 12-day custodial interrogation by National Investigation Agency of 10 people arrested on the suspicion of being members of an Islamic State-inspired group who were planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians as also government installations, in Delhi and other parts of north India. IMAGE: The 10 accused arrested in Islamic State case being taken to court from the NIA headquarter in New Delhi. Photograph: PTI Photo NIA had sought 15-day custodial interrogation of the arrested, saying it needed to unearth the entire conspiracy for which there were intelligence inputs. The agencys plea was opposed by advocate M S Khan, appearing for all the accused, on the ground that NIA has already unearthed everything involving the case as they had held a press conference on Wednesday to make public the outcome of their investigation. After their custodial interrogation, they will be produced before the court on January 8. The 10 accused, including a mufti, were produced amidst tight security and with covered faces before Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey who carried out in-camera proceedings in the case. The accused were arrested from various parts of the national capital and Uttar Pradesh after searches carried out on Wednesday. Those arrested are: Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath (29), Anas Yunus (24), Rashid Zafar Raq alias Zafar (23), Saeed alias Sayeed (28), Saeeds brother Raees Ahmad, Zubair Malik (20), Zubairs brother Zaid (22), Saqib Iftekar (26), Mohammed Irshad (in late 20s) and Mohammed Azam (35). After the proceedings, the judge allowed family members of some of the accused to have a meeting with them in the court room as they had produced their identity proofs. The accused were arrested after NIA carried out searches, in coordination with Special cell of Delhi Police and Anti-Terrorism Squad of Uttar Pradesh Police, at six places in Jafrabad, Seelampur in Delhi, and 11 places in Uttar Pradesh -- six in Amroha, two in Lucknow, two in Hapur and two in Meerut. The searches and the arrests came a month before the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. According to NIA, a locally-made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 112 alarm clocks to be used as timers were recovered from the searches. The agency also said it recovered 25 kg of explosive material -- Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate and Sulphur. The group allegedly had also purchased remote control cars and wireless doorbells to use their circuits in assembling remote controlled improvised explosive devices. Besides, the NIA also recovered steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, IS-related literature during the searches. The probe agency had initially rounded up 16 persons of the group Harkat ul Harb e Islam, which loosely translates into war for the cause of Islam. Of the 16 detained, 10 were later arrested -- five from Amroha, in UP and five from Seelampur and Jafrabad localities in north-east Delhi, the agency had said. Those arrested include the alleged mastermind, 29-year-old Suhail, a mufti, or a Muslim legal expert empowered to give rulings on religious matters, from Amroha in western Uttar Pradesh, an engineering student in a private university in Noida and a third year graduation student in humanities in a university in Delhi as well as two welders, NIA had said on Wednesday. The Employees State Insurance Corporation hospital in Mumbai has now decided to pay a full Rs 10 lakh compensation to the kin of two victims of last weeks fire. Both these victims had died after the December 17 fire at ESIC Hospital in suburban Andheri. The parents of an infant girl who died four days after the blaze had alleged that they were paid less compensation. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, additional commissioner, ESIC, said on Thursday that the balance amount would be paid by Friday. Anil and Lalita Logavi, the girls parents, alleged that the authorities reduced the compensation amount from Rs 10 lakh payable to the deceaseds family to Rs 2 lakh because the premature baby was anyway going to die naturally. Hospital authorities, however, rejected this claim and said the compensation was being disbursed on the basis of reports of the tehsildar (revenue officer). The first instalment was given in this case after the first report was received from the tehsildar. As per the procedure, it was required to tally with the records of the hospital where the victim was treated, said Sinha. Since we wanted to disburse the amount at the earliest, we distributed the cheques based on the first report finalised at that stage, Sinha said. The Union Labour ministry had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured. Sinha also said that the case of Logavi girl was not singular. One more such case (where full compensation was not paid at one go) was found. Necessary formalities are being completed to ensure that full compensation is paid in that case too latest by Friday, he said. All those who suffered injuries and have not received compensation yet will get the cheques soon, he added. Anil Logavi said the hospital authorities had finally done them justice. We feel a bit relieved. They have done justice to us, though a bit late. But it is alright now, said Logavi, who works as an AC mechanic. His wife Lalita had delivered twins, a boy and a girl, three days before the fire broke out at the hospital. While the girl died four days after the fire, the boy is undergoing treatment. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kirit Somaiya, who had taken up the issue, said, As chairman of a parliamentary committee on labour, I suggested that if a victim dies after a fire or accident, during treatment, it must be treated as a death due to the fire or accident and full amount of compensation should be paid. The deadly blaze on December 17 killed 11 people and injured 176 others. According to another senior ESIC official, 10 injured victims are still admitted at Intensive Care Units while as many others have been shifted to general wards at six hospitals across the city. Its their unique way to protest irregularity in payment of stipends. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/ Rediff.com Its not every day that you see doctors selling fruits to the public. However, on Thursday, doctors attached to Mumbais KEM Hospital sold fruit outside the hospital gates to protest the irregularity in payment of their stipends. The doctors had set up fruit stalls outside gates 1, 4 and 7 of the hospital situated in central Mumbai's Parel area. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/ Rediff.com The doctors symbolic action was meant to show solidarity with their colleagues from government hospitals in Ambejogai and Aurangabad, where resident doctors haven't been paid their stipends for several months. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/ Rediff.com Doctors from JJ Hospital and Sion Hospital have also joined in the protest to display the state's apathy to be visible to the general public. Reed Grad To Serve On Oregon Supreme Court Gov. Kate Brown hails the collegial style and brilliant mind of Judge Chris Garrett 96. By Chris Lydgate 90 | Governor Kate Brown has appointed appellate judge Chris Garrett 96 to the Oregon Supreme Court, effective January 1, 2019. Judge Garrett is a talented, thoughtful, and even-keeled jurist who is passionate about Oregons courts and the rule of law, Gov. Brown said. He brings to our high court the experience of a respected civil litigator, an effective state legislator, and a productive appellate judge. His brilliant mind and collegial style will be tremendous assets to the court and the people of Oregon. Intellectual rigor and public service are the hallmarks of Garretts career. He grew up in Portland, the son of two music teachers. His father taught organ at Lewis & Clark. His mother, Bonnie Garrett, ran Reeds private music program for many years. He spent his freshman year at Willamette University in Salem, but transferred to Reed driven by a desire for something different and drawn by the schools reputation for intellectual rigor. Reed was a place where you could be anything you wanted, and that atmosphere of openness and nonconformity was really attractive. Garrett majored in political science and wrote his thesis on Oregons ballot measure system with Prof. Claire Curtis [political science 1994-98]. After graduating from Reed, he went on to earn a JD at the University of Chicago, then returned to Oregon, where he worked as an attorney and political aide before winning election to the statehouse as a Democrat in 2008. Tapped with the perilous mission of redrawing Oregons legislative and congressional boundaries based on new census data, he drew up a plan that won strong support from Democrats and Republicans. He also championed the Justice Reinvestment Act (HB 3194), which funds criminal justice alternatives to incarceration. In 2014, he was appointed to the Oregon Court of Appeals, where he authored the courts opinion in Klein v. Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, which upheld the enforcement of Oregons law that protects LGBTQ individuals from discrimination against bakery-owners who refused to provide a wedding cake to a same-sex couple. He was a member of the board of directors of Oregon Lawyers Against Hunger, served on the Governors Public Safety Commission, and recently co-chaired the Oregon State Bars Legal Futures Task Force. Garrett will serve alongside Reed trustee Justice Adrienne Nelson on the states highest bench. Other Reedies who have served as supreme court justices include Jacob Tanzer 56 and Hans Linde 47. Tags: Alumni, Awards & Achievements, Life Beyond Reed, Service Contributed photo WOODBURY For more than 16 years New Morning Market has collaborated with the Salvation Army of Waterbury, by providing gifts for its Angel Tree program. The Angel Tree program started in 1979 in Virginia and has since spread throughout the country serving thousands of families each holiday season. The Salvation Army provides tags to New Morning, indicating what specific children in need would like for Christmas. TORRINGTON - As Nutmeg Ballet approaches its golden anniversary in 2019, here are some of the highlights from 2018. January: Nutmeg contracts with noted theatrical designer Roger LaVoie of Boston to create a design for a completely new stage set for Tchaikovskys The Nutcracker, staged every Christmas season at The Bushnell in Hartford and the Warner Theatre in Torrington. Roger meets with key members of Nutmegs faculty and administration in January and agrees to take on the task. February: Joan Kunsch and Tim Melady, audition tour co-directors, return from separate trips to 35 major cities in the United States and Canada, auditioning and recruiting young dancers to study with Nutmegs world-renowned instructors and choreographers. Many of these students appear in Nutmeg performances in 2018. March: IMPACT 2018 showcases new and seasoned dancers from Nutmeg and Torrington School of Ballet (TSOB), performing to music by Tchaikovsky and Bizet. A special live performance at IMPACT 2018 by local jazz ensemble JINQS features arrangements of works by Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane. The program is choreographed by Eleanor DAntuono; Alexei Tchernichov; Denise Warner Limoli; Kirk Peterson; Kate St. Amand; and Victoria Mazzarelli, Nutmegs Artistic Director. April: Nutmeg and TSOB participate in a Minds in Motion event at the Litchfield High School, sponsored by the Connecticut Association of the Gifted. May: JINQS performs at Nutmegs graduation ceremonies at the Warner Theatre, when 11 students graduate. Nutmeg is also included this month in a tour of Torringtons art venues by officials from the Connecticut Office of Tourism. June: Intensive summer workshops feature the talents of more than 80 young students, including a significant increase in male dancers. July: An open-air evening of dance, Ballet & Broadway, raises money for Nutmeg and the Warner Theatre, thanks to the generosity and hospitality of Adrian and Maggie Selby of Litchfield. Nutmeg students dance to excerpts from The Nutcracker and other works. August: Students from the Summer Apprentice Program perform at Nutmegs Premier Studio at the Nutmeg Conservatory. September: Denise and Michael Limoli join Nutmeg as full time faculty. Nutmeg welcomes students to the start of its 2018-19 Year-Round Program, with orientation for the dozens of dancers from local towns and states throughout the nation. At the end of the month, Nutmeg and TSOB hold auditions for about 100 young dancers for its annual Nutcracker production. October: Continuing a long tradition, Nutmeg students perform at Coe Park during Torrington UNICOs annual Columbus Day ceremonies. November: Roger LaVoies design of a new set for The Nutcracker is revealed during a Business After Hours networking event at the Nutmeg Conservatory. Business After Hours is sponsored by the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, which holds it at a different member location monthly. On this occasion, Torrington Savings Bank announces it is giving $25,000 to kick off a fund-raising campaign to help pay for the new Nutcracker set. Also in November, dancers perform at Lux, Bond & Green in West Hartford and at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford to kick off the holiday season. December: Some 1,500 students from the Torrington Public School system attend a special abridged version of The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre, thanks to a Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation grant provided by the Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund. At this years final performance at the Warner, the 22-year-old set designed by Campbell Baird is retired, and longtime volunteer caretaker of the set, Chuck Lautz, is honored on stage for his service. Also in December, Nutmeg is Charity of the Month at Litchfields Saltwater Grille, 26 Commons Drive, Litchfield (860-567-4900). Call now to reserve a table and the restaurant will donate 10 percent of your check to the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory. On Friday and Saturday, this applies to lunch only. Victoria said, The Nutmeg is honored that so many incredible organizations in the area continue to invite us to perform for them. Its definitely a learning experience for everyone involved. Giving back is what its all about. Sharon said that about 9,000 people this year enjoyed Nutmegs Nutcracker performances. Since 1996 when Nutmeg first produced that Christmas classic, nearly 200,000 people have experienced its magic. She added, Looking back, it is hard to believe next year we will be celebrating 50 years since I opened my small dance school on Migeon Avenue, and it has grown to become an internationally acclaimed academy of dance. The Nutmeg has grown where it was planted. During Nutmegs 50th-anniversary year, be sure to check nutmegconservatory.org regularly to stay informed about what Nutmeg is doing in the community. KENT The driver in a May accident had several alcoholic drinks in the hours before the crash that killed her friend, a passenger in the car claims in an affidavit. The passenger, Angela Brazzale, describes giving her friend, Deanna Lynn Silvernail, CPR before the Lakeville woman died in her arms. Brazzales account led State Police to arrest the driver, Shelby Roger, 26, of Salisbury, last Friday, on various charges. She was released on $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear Jan. 4 in state Superior Court in Torrington. Roger was charged with driving under the influence when she collided with another car on Skiff Mountain Road in Kent around 7 p.m. May 4, State Police said. Brazzale, 22, said Roger drank at least part of an Itz Spritz hard seltzer after 1 p.m. that day, as well as about three hard seltzers between 4 to 6:30 p.m., while the women were at Sharon Tavern. While at the tavern, Roger also went to her car twice to take shots of Deep Eddy lemon, according to the affidavit. Roger had told Brazzale she was O.K. to drive, Brazzale said in the affidavit. David Moraghan, attorney for Roger, said he has not seen the arrest warrant affidavit yet and is still waiting on hospital and autopsy reports. Right now, it is just at the very beginning, he said. Weve known this was going to be coming down the road at some point. It took longer than we thought, which indicates to me that there may be some issues there that are not laid out in the arrest warrant. More for you Salisbury woman arrested in fatal Kent crash State Police said they found several open and closed containers of alcohol throughout the car. Brazzale said she gave her attorney several videos depicting the women at the tavern acting drunk. One video was taken minutes before the crash and shows the women dancing and singing in the car, while Shelby was doing the same and not paying attention to the road, Brazzale said in the affidavit. State police said an investigation revealed Rogers blood-alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit and she was driving more than 55 mph in a 30 mph zone. The other driver was going between 33 to 47 mph, according to the arrest warrant. After the crash Roger and Brazzale are cousins, and Brazzale and Silvernail had been friends since they were 4 or 5, according to the affidavit. Silvernail graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School and worked at Patterson Oil Company in Lakeville. After the crash, Brazzale said she shook Roger awake before running out of the car to find Silvernail, 22, face down on a hill, according to the arrest warrant. Silvernail had not been wearing a seat belt and had been ejected from the car, the affidavit said. I asked Deanna, Give me a sign youre still there and she raised her left arm, moved her head to the left and I heard her try to say Ang, Brazzale said in the affidavit. Brazzale rolled Silvernail onto her back and gave her CPR for a minute. She then realized Roger had stopped screaming and ran back to check on her cousin, who Brazzale had to slap and shake awake, according to the affidavit. Roger then shouted at Brazzale for help, but the passenger could not get Roger out of the car. Brazzale rushed back to try to give CPR to Silvernail again. I tried to reposition Deanna but couldnt, so I held her, Brazzale said in the affidavit. I was yelling for help the entire time I held Deanna for about three minutes. I saw Deanna look at me before her eyes rolled back and she stopped breathing. I felt for a pulse on her wrist but couldnt feel one. A neighbor who had heard the crash soon arrived and called police. Brazzale was sent to Danbury Hospital, while Roger was extracted from the car by Kent volunteer firefighters. Roger was first sent to nearby Marvelwood School before being flown to Hartford Hospital. The other driver, Brian Hastings, of Kent, was flown to St. Francis Hospital, where he was treated for 4 1/2 days before being sent to Mt. Sinai, where he stayed for 10 days. He then spent the next month-and-a-half in a hotel while undergoing additional therapy at Mt. Sinai, according to the affidavit. Hastings, the director of student life at Wooster School in Danbury, said in the affidavit that he suffered a traumatic brain injury and other injuries to the left side of his body. He now suffers from sensory anxiety and short-term memory loss, Hastings said. Around 4 p.m. that day, Hastings had appetizers and two beers at Brios Restaurant in Danbury and made several stops before heading home to Kent. State Police said Hastings blood alcohol content was less than 0.01 percent, which is equivalent to a not reported result. Hastings told State Police he drives daily on the windy Skiff Mountain Road. He said all he remembers is an SUV coming at him head on. The next thing I recall was my wife whispering into my ear, Hastings said in the affidavit. I know I was traveling the speed limit on this road. I always do. Brazzale, Hastings and Silvernails father could not be reached for comment. DAVIS, Calif. - Three cows clomped, single-file, through a chute to line up for sonograms - ultrasound "preg checks" - to reveal if they were expecting calves next summer. "Right now. This is exciting, right this minute," animal geneticist Alison Van Eenennaam said as she waited for a tiny blob of a fetus to materialize on a laptop screen on a recent afternoon at the Beef Barn, part of the University of California at Davis's sprawling agricultural facilities for teaching and research. HORROR: Santa launched from sleigh after problem during Disneyland parade The cows had been implanted a month and a half earlier with embryos genetically edited to grow and look like males, regardless of their biological gender. The research project pits one of the hottest fields in biotechnology against the messy politics of gene modification. As scientists in labs across the world create virus-resistant pigs, heat-tolerant cattle and fatter, more muscular lambs, a big question looms: Will regulation, safety concerns and public skepticism prevent these advances from becoming anything more than fascinating laboratory experiments, or will the animals transform agriculture and the food supply? So far, gene-editing tools have jump-started research worldwide, creating more than 300 pigs, cattle, sheep and goats. Now, proponents of the field say the United States is at a make-or-break moment, when government action over the next year could determine whether any gene-edited food animals make it to market. ALSO: Coast Guard training in gnarly surf at SF's Ocean Beach caught on camera The announcement last month that a Chinese researcher had created genetically edited human babies sparked an international furor and a moral debate. But while such research is effectively outlawed in the United States and was swiftly condemned by a group of leading researchers, Van Eenennaam and her colleagues are pushing similar techniques into the barnyard. There, such applications are far less hypothetical. But the societal consensus about how or whether they should be used - and how to prove the technology is safe for animals and people who eat them - is even less clear. Just down the road from the Beef Barn are five bulls and a heifer, the second generation of cattle that have been gene-edited to lack horns, avoiding a grisly procedure in the dairy industry called "disbudding," when calves' horns are burned or cut off. The new gene-editing attempt is even more audacious. For farmers seeking to maximize beef production, all-male cattle could be a win: Males gain weight more efficiently than females. For scientists, successful births would add to a menagerie of gene-edited animals that demonstrate the power of the technology beyond the lab, where their use is mostly routine and uncontroversial. CRIME: Man today found guilty of attempted murder of two SFPD cops is also facing attempted murder charges on fellow inmate "The technology challenges of producing genetically engineered animals are gone," said Charles Long, a biologist at Texas A&M University who says he works in pretty much any livestock animal except chickens. "What we have to do is really start producing the animals that have these traits." Gene-edited plants will soon be in the grocery store, but similar tinkering with the DNA of animals faces a far more uncertain future. The regulatory process for getting animals approved is more complex and treats the edited DNA as a veterinary drug - a difference that animal scientists argue will effectively kill their field by preventing innovations that could make raising livestock more sustainable, more efficient or more humane. Many advocates and ethicists agree that the current oversight system is a poor fit but think that scientists and industry underestimate potential safety concerns. "I don't want speed limits, either, but they have a role," said Jaydee Hanson, senior policy analyst at the Center for Food Safety. The Trump administration has signaled its interest in modernizing regulations to foster innovation. The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees animal gene editing, announced in late October that it will issue new guidance next year to calibrate the regulation to the risk posed by the product. Sonny Perdue, the secretary of agriculture, met with food biotechnology leaders in November. Researchers, after years of fighting public skepticism on genetically modified foods, are hopeful but not optimistic. Advocates are lining up on both sides of the issue. "We're at this inflection point in society, where gene editing is really taking off, and now is the time we could have a more sustained public conversation about how we want it used in our world and how we don't want it to be used," said Jennifer Kuzma, co-director of the Genetic Engineering and Society Center at North Carolina State University. "All the polls indicate that people are less comfortable with animal biotechnology than plant biotechnology. . . . A regulatory system cannot be based 100 percent on science or scientific risk, and values come into play when setting the standards." - - - For decades, scientists have been transferring genes between species in the lab - inserting a gene from a microbe into a cow's DNA to make it resistant to a painful infection called mastitis, or repurposing a gene found in bacteria to reduce pigs' phosphorus pollution. The only genetically modified animal approved for food consumption in the United States is the fast-growing AquAdvantage salmon, but it isn't being sold because of a labeling requirement originally introduced in a spending bill. To oversee the emerging field of biotechnology, the Reagan administration, rather than passing new laws, created a "coordinated framework" in which regulatory agencies would use their existing laws for oversight. Genetically engineered animals thus fall under the FDA's process for approving new veterinary drugs. The regulatory path was complicated, and the research had to contend with the public "ick" factor. Van Eenennaam recalls one of her fondest scientific memories - more than two decades ago, she inserted a gene from a roundworm into a mouse and successfully showed that this could generate heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in the rodent's milk. The experiment was conceived as a proof of concept before extending the technology to cows, but the grant proposal was rejected. "While it may be putting the cart before the horse, the proposal has not mentioned the problem with acceptance of transgenic food products," a reviewer wrote. "Given the 'pure and wholesome' public perception of milk products, it may be particularly difficult to gain widespread public acceptance for transgenic milk products - despite their benefits." Many who worked in the field at the time recall feeling discouraged by similar rejections. "I'm angry as hell 90 percent of the time," said Long, who now plans to move some of his work to Brazil, where the regulatory path is more certain. "It's been a 20-year fight." When Van Eenennaam was traveling in China a few years ago, she visited a lab where the omega-3 gene had been inserted into cows. "I kept getting these emails from researchers in China, and then I saw the cow," she said, bringing up a photo on her computer screen. "Good on them." Scientists were re-energized by the invention of new and more precise technologies, the most famous of which is CRISPR, short for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. Using CRISPR, scientists can quickly, easily and cheaply make targeted cuts to the genome and make changes or insert new genes. Instead of introducing the foreign DNA that had triggered public skepticism, they could delete or change a single letter out of billions in an animal's genome. Such changes happen routinely in nature - they are the basis for evolution - so scientists were hopeful that regulators and the public would see these animals differently. But in early 2017, the FDA put out draft guidance indicating that animals with intentionally altered DNA would be regulated just like the genetically modified animals have been - as containing veterinary drugs. Proponents and skeptics alike felt it wasn't the right move. "We need to rethink this - look at the science, look at the potential risk, look at the products that are going to be developed. Is there a need for oversight, and what is the appropriate mechanism for that oversight?" said Greg Jaffe, biotechnology project director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Van Eenennaam was in the middle of an experiment at the time. There were two bulls on campus that had been gene-edited to be "polled," lacking horns, through a collaboration with the company Recombinetics. Overnight, the animals' status changed. "We went from having two bulls that were polled to having two 2,000-pound drugs," Van Eenennaam said. "It sounds funny, but all of that becomes a huge liability." In written responses to questions, the FDA clarified that gene-edited animals aren't considered drugs but that they contain new animal drugs. Researchers and companies argued that it wasn't rational to treat all gene-editing the same, whether it was a single DNA letter change that was also found in nature or a radical rewrite of the genome. "Somebody comes to me and says, 'Randy, I want to make these genetic modifications and put it in the food chain. What is it going to take?' I tell them I don't know how long, and I don't know how much it's going to cost, because we don't have any examples," said Randall Prather, a reproductive physiologist who runs the National Swine Resource and Research Center at the University of Missouri. "You hear a click when they hang up." - - - A few days before the scheduled preg checks in Davis, the FDA sent out a new Plant and Animal Biotechnology Innovation Action Plan. The details will be rolled out over the next year, but the goal is to clarify its approach, reduce barriers to innovation and protect public health. The agency said in a statement that it could be more "flexible with respect to data" if a genetic alteration does not differ in any "relevant way" from nature. But it also added that genome editing techniques "may carry unique risks." Scientists and watchdogs alike are worried that the process will take place behind closed doors. Kuzma is particularly concerned about unforeseen changes to DNA that occur because tools such as CRISPR aren't perfect and may make unintended changes to other genes. She worries that the regulatory process may be too industry-friendly. "It's going to be a very closed process and a very cozy relationship between the technology developers and the federal government," Kuzma said. Van Eenennaam, wearing an "I love science" shirt, had a different concern. She worried that the agency won't grapple with the fundamental problem, as she sees it, that edits creating animals with DNA and traits that occur naturally shouldn't be treated as drugs. But at the moment, her bigger concern was the difficulty of science. CRISPR is often touted a tool so simple that high school students can use it, but experiments in large mammals are far from straightforward. The challenges of in vitro fertilization, the imperfect efficiency of gene-editing and the vagaries of bovine fertility whittle down the odds of success. Van Eenennaam joked that her shirt should say "I hate science," as she headed over to the Beef Barn for the preg checks. In the late afternoon light, veterinarian Bret McNabb reluctantly declared one cow after another "open" - meaning no pregnancies today. The last cow, 1201, showed signs that she may have been pregnant but lost the fetus. A tense silence fell over the group. "I don't know that we can blame the cows. There's a lot going on here," Van Eenennaam said. But this was not the end - graduate student Joey Owen had already spent the morning freezing the next round of gene-edited embryos. The next day, he showed up at lab at 2 a.m. to analyze biopsies from those embryos, and hours later, he and Van Eenennaam began to game out the next few months, planning another round of experiments for right before the winter break. NEWTOWN Its hard to image a better-timed endorsement than a White House seal of approval on the eve of a product launch. But thats what happened for a Sandy Hook mother who was rolling out a home version of a kindness curriculum she developed for schools to honor her sons death. It all came together on Dec. 18, when President Donald Trump released his school safety report, and at the table with him to highlight the reports recommendations was Scarlett Lewis, whose son Jesse was among the 26 first-graders and educators slain in the 2012 Sandy Hook School shootings. Lewis, who founded the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement to promote kindness in schools, was singled out in the 180-page report for her campaign to bring emotional and mental health awareness training into classrooms. Her 18-year-old son, JT Lewis, was also at the White House meeting, explaining the murder of his little brother was preventable. At the same time as the White House meeting, Scarlett Lewis was launching a home version of her nonprofits classroom curriculum, to help families learn the practice of choosing love in challenging moments. So it was good timing that the Trump administrations endorsement of Lewis school curriculum as a best practice for reducing bullying and violence made national headlines. We know that social and emotional learning is statistically effective in preventing violence, bullying, suicide, incarceration, substance abuse and mental health issues, Lewis said during an interview after the White House meeting last week. We are so used to thinking reactively, but as the report pointed out, social and emotional learning is proactive and can prevent school violence. Lewis hope is that the national publicity about the school curriculum will not only encourage more districts to adopt the program, but will encourage families to download the free at-home video course. For details about the at-home program, visit https://www.jesselewischooselove.org/choose-love-home. The idea to expand the nonprofits curriculum to homes came from parents, who wanted more information about what their children were learning in school, Lewis said. The goal of the video course is to unify the messages at home and at school that by embracing courage, forgiveness, gratitude and compassion, anyone can overcome obstacles. We try to provide aha moments that you hear once and that stay with you for a lifetime, but the main focus is to be able to understand that what moves us and shapes us is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us, Lewis said. When we choose to respond with love, we are taking our personal power back, and it takes us to a better place. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342 Palm Springs, CA, is an intriguing housing market due to its intoxicating blend of history, climate, and celebrity. The desert destination is also a prime locale for buyers in search of second homes. As a result, midcentury modern homes with prime pedigrees don't last long on the open market. So it's more than a bit puzzling why a midcentury modern once dubbed the "house of tomorrow" has lingered on the market for years. The 5,000-square-foot house on an acre lot with a pool in the backyard was famously the honeymoon home of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. The floor-to-ceiling windows, pod-style rooms, and winding staircase make it an iconic structure in a city packed with fascinating architecture. But it's bounced on and off the market since 2014, and the current listing has been active for over four months. Listed for a staggering $9.5 million in 2014, the home has had a series of well-documented price changes. Though the property comes with celebrity history, notable design, and prime location, it is a bit of an outlier for the area. Most of the homes in this neighborhood sell for about $1 million to $1.5 million," says listing agent Scott Histed. So selling a nearly $3 million property is a bit of a challenge. Size is another factor the home has lingered on the market. Surrounding homes in the neighborhood are around half the size (or even less) of this behemoth. Another factor is the Palm Springs market itself. Its going to take a very specific buyer who wants to spend a few million on 5,000 square feet of space for a secondary home, explains Histed. Since Palm Springs is much more of a secondary residencestyle city, the market just moves a little slower as well. Without buyers feeling the urgency to pick up a full-time roof over their heads, there's less rush to put down an offer. Histed also believes the true value of the home is in the architecture rather than its well-documented celebrity connection. The dwelling was built by architect William Krisel, whom NPR called "a pioneering architect who brought his vision of modernism to Southern California tract housing." Krisel designed over 300 homes in the neighborhood. The house is in character with the rest of the neighborhood, but it is definitely a little over the top, says the agent. In the 1960s, the Presleys leased the home for a year. Open to the public, the home pays tribute to their residency with a host of rock n roll artifacts, which aren't included in the sale. The home itself is in original condition, which means cosmetic updates are in order. It needs some paint, could use new floors, and the bathrooms could use a bit of updating, says Histed. For a buyer in search of a primary residence rich in history, these cosmetic changes come with the territory. However, in Palm Springs most buyers want a turnkey homethey arent looking to put a ton of work into an investment property or secondary residence. And because of this home's sizefive bedrooms and five bathroomscosmetic updates could add hefty costs on top of the sizable listing price. But its clear a sale hasnt closed for lack of interest. Two vacant lots from the same owner were also for sale, says Histed. At one point, we had a single person who wanted all three properties and offered over $4 million cash. But the buyer couldnt come up with the necessary documents to close, and the owner decided not to move forward. One of those vacant lots has since sold. We had an Australian woman interested in the home, Histed adds. This deal went under contract, but financing was held up. She had other deals in the works, and her financing had to be put on hold until the new year. The owner put the kibosh on the deal, unwilling to wait for the financing to come through. Those werent the only offers. Weve actually had several offers on the home recently, says Histed. Instead of accepting one, the owner believed the multiple offers were a sign the home was priced too low. So just last week, the price was raised from $2,695,000 to $2,975,000. It's an interesting tactic to say the least. Either way, a buyer will still benefit from a significant discount from the $9 million asking price of four years ago. In any case, the Presley honeymoon home will have a new owner one day. Im optimistic, he says. This house is beautifulit just isnt for everyone. The right person will come along. The post Why Hasn't Anyone Bought Elvis Presley's Palm Springs Honeymoon Home? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. By Alex Macheras, Gulf Times | Dec. 26, 2018 Eleven US Senators (led by Senator Ted Cruz) have written to President Trump's administration criticising Italian airline, Air Italy -- specifically citing urgent need for action in relation to Air Italy's routes to both New York and Miami. In 2017, Qatar Airways acquired a 49% stake in AQA Holding, the parent company of Meridiana Fly, which was later rebranded as Air Italy. With Qatar's investment, Air Italy is now set to become a significant airline player in Italy, and perhaps one day, the largest, given the uncertainty surrounding bankrupt-Alitalia. In the letter to the Trump administration, Senators questioned Air Italy's ability to launch US services, claiming Air Italy's flights to the US threatens American airlines and jobs, while adding that Air Italy's entry into the "crowded market appears consistent with Qatar Airways pattern of adding subsidised capacity in markets where demand is already served." The Senators said that "without funding from Qatar Airways, Air Italy would be unable to launch its new service, just as Qatar Airways would not be viable without direct support from the Qatar government." At this point, one has to wonder if the Senators plan to launch the same attack on government-owned airlines Oman Air, Saudia, Kuwait Airways, Singapore Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Aeroflot, Ethiopian Airlines, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, China Airlines & more, and their respective subsidiary airlines. This specific kind of rationale used as an argument by the US Senators is applicable to other state-owned airlines, and while it's certainly true that "without funding from Qatar Airways, Air Italy would be unable to launch its new service" it's also true that "without funding from Singapore Airlines, 'Scoot' would be unable to launch its new service" too -- but in true 'US airlines vs Middle East airlines' fashion, the focus here is a Gulf carrier. The Senators fear Air Italy may be acting as a 'feeder' airline for Qatar Airways passengers to fly to the US via Europe, similar to how Emirates has a (very popular) fifth freedom flight between Milan and New York. However, Air Italy is mostly a point-to-point carrier. It has established very few codeshare agreements with airlines such as British Airways, Iberia and Qatar Airways -- and hence the airline tends not to carry passengers from other airlines, but rather just those flying between A and B with Air Italy. The route between Milan and New York is already operated by five other carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United, Dubai-based Emirates, and Italy's bankrupt national carrier Alitalia -- arguably one of the largest receivers of state-subsidies in recent history, the airline continues to operate day-to-day operations on borrowed Italian government aid, despite it supposedly being a private company. Following the letter to Trump's administration, Air Italy announced plans to start flights to two more destinations in North America: Los Angeles and San Francisco, to be operated by Airbus A330-200s. The Senators, led by Senator Ted Cruz, ended their letter by requesting an investigation into the airline. The US' fight against the Gulf carriers has been ongoing for several years, but Senator Ted Cruz's calls on an 'investigation' into Air Italy over the airline launching and expanding US routes is a new update to the 'America First' protectionism policy the US frequently adopts in relation to aviation. While the Senators highlight the 'unfairness' in 49% of Air Italy's funds coming from a state-owned airline, why are other state-owned airlines continuously tolerated, or rather, ignored? If they had assessed Air Italy's business model correctly, they could have found that the airline has no need to act as another Qatar Airways access point to the US -- as Qatar Airways fly from its Doha Hamad International Airport hub to all 10 of the largest US metro areas. When Air Italy operated to the US under its former brand, 'Meridiana', there were no complaints from the US Senate. Emirates continue to fly between Dubai and New York via Milan, much to the dislike of the US -- however, for passengers, both Emirates' continuation of its Milan-New York flights, and Qatar backed-Air Italy's expansion into the US is good news. Both offer a superior passenger experience when compared to the American carriers operating the route, on ageing aircraft, while continuing to charge passengers more. Undoubtedly, Air Italy's recently announced expansion to the US (announced after the Senators' letter to Trump) will further displease those in Washington. Finally, it's worth highlighting that Qatar Airways holds various stakes in multiple airlines worldwide which fly to the US, including airlines that have expanded to the US following Qatar's investment. The airline owns a 15% stake in British Airways parent company IAG, of whom somewhat specialise in transatlantic travel, and have a joint-venture agreement with American Airlines. Authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu have jailed an outspoken journalist for four years on subversion charges, his lawyer said. Sun Lin, who also uses the online nickname Jie Mu, was found guilty of "incitement to subvert state power" by the Nanjing Intermediate People's Court following a trial in February. The court passed verdict and announced the sentence of four years' imprisonment on Tuesday, in Sun's absence, his defense lawyer Mo Shaoping said. "Sentence was passed in absentia, which is to say that Sun Lin wasn't in court, but back in the detention center," Mo said. "The judges appeared in court, and Sun Lin was connected via a video link, and able to communicate with the court." He said that while the sentencing arrangements were unprecedented, the sentence didn't come as a surprise. "This was within our expectations," Mo said. "The judgment actually treats him as a re-offender, because less than five years had passed since he finished serving his last sentence, so the sentence was harsher than it otherwise might have been." Mo, who argued during the trial that Sun was not guilty of the charges against him, said his client plans to appeal. Sun, who has frequently spoken out against the use of staged confessions by the authorities in the past, refused to cooperate during his detention with police demands that he "confess" or plead guilty to the charges. The case against him rested on 25 social media posts and videos retweeted by Sun on social media, as well as his shouting "Down with the [ruling] Communist Party!" at an official party meeting in his neighborhood. "We don't believe that this amounts to incitement to subversion," Mo said. Sun was initially detained by police on Nov. 16, 2016 as he shot video footage of the opening of the trial of Nanjing-based rights activist Wang Jian. Wang said Sun is innocent. "I think he's innocent," Wang said. "Detaining and sentencing him is outright political persecution, under international law and under the Chinese constitution." Sun had already served a four-year jail term from 2007-2011 for picking quarrels and stirring up trouble after he wrote about official abuse of power in support of a group of forced evictees in Nanjing. He has been financially dependent on relatives since being unable to find work owing to his police record, and his in-laws have had their sources of income cut off too, he has previously said. 'Subversion' charges Patrick Poon, China researcher for the London-based rights group Amnesty International, said the authorities are increasingly using "subversion" charges to target peaceful critics of the Chinese government. "Incitement to subvert carries a maximum jail term of 15 years, while subversion of state power carries no upper custodial sentence limit," Poon said. He said the authorities also often use "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble" to target peaceful dissents, although such charges can often be changed once more evidence is gathered. "Picking quarrels and stirring up trouble carries a maximum term of six or seven years," Poon said. China is the worlds top jailer of journalists and bloggers, with 60 behind bars in 2018, Paris-based press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in its annual report. The majority of those are citizen reporters who operated outside the Chinese Communist Party's strictly regulated state media, the group said earlier this month. Reported by Gao Feng for RFAs Mandarin Service, and by Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. UPDATED at 10:15 A.M. EST on 2018-12-28 Joseph Wu, minister of foreign affairs for the democratic island of Taiwan, rose to prominence during the tenure of former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President Chen Shui-bian and has previously served as the island's unofficial trade and economics representative in Washington. He was appointed to his current position in February 2018, after serving as secretary-general to President Tsai Ing-wen and as secretary-general of Taiwan's National Security Council. Wu spoke to RFA's Mandarin Service about the DPP's policies in a wake of heavy local election losses last month, which saw a resurgence of support for the national Kuomintang (KMT) in some regions, and about the strategic importance of ties with Washington. The following is an edited version of the conversation. RFA: Will last month's election results affect Taiwan's foreign policy vis-a-vis the U.S.? Minister Wu: There were actually a lot of factors at work in [the DPP's losses in] those elections, so this is a very good question. Some people have tried to explain those losses in terms of the cross-straits relationship [with mainland China], saying that Taiwan voters preferred pro-China candidates, but I think that's the wrong conclusion to draw. If you look at the entire election campaign from start to finish, there was no debate about the cross-straits relationship at all; none at all. So the cross-straits relationship can't be used as an explanatory factor either during the campaign, or for the end result. However, the DPP, as the ruling party, may need to exercise some vigilance. Some of the newly elected KMT representatives who have just won seats on district, county and municipal councils may be in a hurry to start establishing ties with China, and that could have a limiting impact on any ties or attempts at dialogue by the government as a whole. Now, that is a phenomenon that we are seeing at the moment. RFA: Republican representative Ted Yoho said in a letter that the time has come to recognize Taiwan as a sovereign and independent state. Is Taiwan ready to join international organizations on that footing? Minister Wu: The most important thing is to ensure that any participation by Taiwan is on an independent basis, and that Taiwan's rights and responsibilities are exactly the same as any of the other countries. If that is a possibility, then Taiwan will be willing to show a bit more flexibility. As for Rep. Yoho's show of support for Taiwan, of course we are very grateful for that. Under the current situation, Taiwan is Taiwan, but the name of our country is the Republic of China, which currently controls the islands of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, with a population of 23 million people. We have a democratically elected president and legislature. Those are realities that cannot be erased. So it doesn't really matter if we call ourselves Taiwan or the Republic of China, or some other creative solution; there is still no way to change the reality of our independent existence. RFA: Many countries in East Asia look to the U.S. for security, while they look to China to make money. There's even a joke about it. In what way is Taiwan's approach different? Minister Wu: That phenomenon has always existed, and I don't see it changing any time soon. A lot of analysts say that Taiwan has put all of its economic eggs in one basket, but we can't use that as a model for Taiwan's economic and trading relationship with the rest of the world. Taiwan's economic ties with other major countries are also extremely important: for example, our ties with the U.S., with Japan and with the E.U. On the security front, however, nothing can replace our relationship with the U.S. We have to buy our weapons from them, and then we have to have joint military exercises to train our own military forces, and when we have done that, we rely on the U.S. for the repair and maintenance of those weapons. That's why our security relationship with the U.S. is so close. In the future, if the U.S. implements sanctions on the electronics industry [in mainland China], we in Taiwan could wind up with a more direct link to the industry in the U.S. which would be a pretty big benefit from our point of view. Another thing we have to understand is that these new requirements the U.S. is imposing on China, including the end of forced technology transfer, which forces companies in fairly advanced countries to hand over technology [if they want to do business in China] and which could see China getting hold of very advanced technology without having to mobilize a single soldier. If the U.S. forces China to change its trade practices, then that could benefit China's long-term development, as well as that of Taiwan and the rest of the world. RFA: One of the biggest challenges facing the administration of President Tsai Ing-wen over the past two years has been diplomatic pressure. Can you give us an example? Minister Wu: There are too many! They happen all the time. Three of our diplomatic partners have broken off ties since I took office, which has put us under a great deal of pressure. Apart from that, there are a number of countries friendly to us that we used to be able to visit, but now we can't. China often uses the 1971 resolution at the United Nations Resolution 2758 to support the claim that Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China. They don't only obstruct us at the U.N. as they use similar tactics to oppose our membership of international organizations such as Interpol ... and the World Health Organization (WHO). Taiwan already exists as an independent entity; we aren't ruled by China. So why would we go through China to participate in international organizations and events, as if we were a part of China. This is unacceptable to the people of Taiwan. And it is unacceptable to the current administration. Neither previous administrations nor future administrations are able to accept that Taiwan is a part of China or to participate in international organizations through China. It is very frustrating that they keep misrepresenting our status as "Taiwan is a part of China" or "a part of the People's Republic of China," using the so-called "one-China principle" on the international stage. RFA: So what can Taiwan do about that? Minister Wu: In the past few years, we have had some strong support in the United States. For example, public statements have supported Taiwans participation in the World Health Organization, participation in Interpol, etc. They have also ... mobilized countries with similar ideas, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, or Europe, Japan, etc., all of which went to these international organizations to help us. Recently, the airlines have been renaming us as a destination, and we have seen very strong statements from [Washington]. We maintain very close communications with the United States, and we share values with the United States. If we are supported by the United States and countries with similar ideas, then this can only improve. Reported by Hwang Chun-mei, Hsia Hsiao-hwa and Lee Tsung-han for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Arakan Army soldiers pass through a field in western Myanmar's Rakhine state in an undated photo. Villagers in conflict areas of western Myanmars Rakhine state said Thursday that government army soldiers are detaining civilians they accuse of supporting Rakhine rebels amid fighting between the Arakan Army and Myanmar troops. Clashes between the AA and government army have occurred in Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Buthidaung and Pletwa townships throughout December. Government soldiers launched an offensive against AA troops with heavy weapons and helicopters in Pletwa township on Wednesday and in Rathedaungs Kru Chaung village on Thursday, AA spokesman Khine Thukha told RFAs Myanmar Service. The Myanmar Army also destroyed a house when it attacked Kyauktaws Shinma Wintaung village with heavy weapons Thursday morning, causing residents to flee to safety to Thalu Chaung village, Khine Thukha said. Government spokesman Zaw Htay said during a press conference on Dec. 21 that the Myanmar Army was not using helicopters in battles in Rakhine state, but only for resettlement and development work there. About 2,000 people have fled their homes because of the recent hostilities, with government soldiers taking away and questioning some villagers, residents said. The government army took hundreds of villagers to a monastery and questioned them [about the AA] in Yekaung Chaung village of Rathedaung township, said a village resident who declined to give his name out of fear for his safety. They let the women go home in the evening, but they are still questioning the men. Maung Thein Nyunt, head of nearby Setaung village, said that government authorities took 11 village residents to Yekaung Chaung in the morning while they were working on their farms. They were taken as human shields, but they were released in the evening, he said. Local people are afraid Khin Maung Latt, an Arakan National Party lawmaker in Myanmars upper house of parliament who represents Rakhine states No. 2 constituency, said that Rakhine officials have informed government authorities about what the Myanmar Army is doing to villagers. We have asked them to take action according to law against military troops for their actions, he told RFA. Local people are afraid and dont dare to travel because fighting is occurring around their villages, he said. They run away out of fear whenever they see security guards. RFA could not reach the Myanmar militarys information team for comment. Earlier this month, Myanmar troops clashed with AA soldiers in remote parts of northern Rakhine states Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships, leaving a few casualties on both sides, the government militarys Myawady news service reported. Clashes began after AA troops ambushed a military column conducting area clearance operations near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border on Monday, the report said. But AA spokesman Khine Thukha said the fighting began after the Myanmar military intruded into an AA-controlled area to conduct operations. The AA has not signed the governments nationwide cease-fire agreement, which 10 other ethnic armies have inked, because of the ongoing hostilities with the national military. RCSS denies collaboration Meanwhile, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), another ethnic armed organization that operates in Shan state, has denied accusations that it has collaborated with government forces to fight other ethnic armies. The RCSS issued a statement on Dec. 25, saying that as an NCA signatory, it seeks to resolve political problems though dialogue rather than through fighting. RCSS soldiers, also known as the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S), have not conducted offensives on other ethnic armed organizations, but rather they have fought back when the groups attacked them after entering RCSS-controlled territory, the statement said. The RCSS also said that recent fighting with the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) in Shan state occurred because the Pa-O army failed to hold discussions with the RCSS through the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee, which monitors cease-fires in accordance with the NCA, and attacked RCSS soldiers. The PNLO is an NCA signatory. RCSS troops also battled Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N) soldiers earlier this week in Twan Kyaing village, about 25 miles from the town of Hsipaw, driving more than 600 people from their homes, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported. The SSPP said the clashes began after the RCSS, which is based in southern Shan state, and government troops occupied its temporary posts in northern Shan on Dec. 24 and 25. Though they have previously been allies engaged in fighting the Myanmar Army, the RCSS and SSPP have fought each other since October in Shan states Namtu, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Lashio townships, with the SSPP at times teaming up with the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) against the RCSS, The Irrawaddy said. The Myanmar military on Dec. 21 declared a unilateral four-month cease-fire in Shan and Kachin states, the eastern and northern regions of the country that have been under armed conflict for much of the countrys 70 years of independence from Britain. But the temporary cease-fire excludes Rakhine state, where the Myanmar Army has been fighting the AA and where an army crackdown in 2017 forced more than 725,000 persecuted Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh. Reported by Min Thein Aung and Thiha Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Vehicles and motorbikes line up in Myanmar to pass through a border crossing to China in an undated photo. The closure of a border crossing to China by the Myanmar Army in northern Shan state has stranded more than 1,000 trucks transporting fruit, causing heavy financial losses for Myanmar farmers and businesspeople who make their livings exporting produce and seafood to Chinese consumers, the head of a retail association said Thursday. Soldiers shut down the Kyin San Kyawt border checkpoint north of Muse township, creating a backup of hundreds of fruit trucks last week, but did not give a reason for the action, Sai Myint Bo, chairman of the Muse Fruit Retailers Association told RFAs Myanmar Service. Myanmar farmers and fruit dealers have lost huge amounts of money because of this problem, Sai Myint Bo said. Every truck has lost three tons of fruit each, and there are more than 1,000 trucks blocked there, he said. They cant go anywhere [because] this crossing is only for export goods, such as fruit and seafood into China, he said. No Chinese goods come into Myanmar through this border crossing, so, only Myanmar side is losing out. The Kyin San Kyawt area, which is also an entrance to the Chinese town of Wanding in Yunnan provinces Riuli city, is about 10 miles from Muse and three miles from the 105-mile trade zone in northern Shan state. Trucks from Myanmar transport fruit and other commodities into China through the border crossing, which are then sold in the market in Wanding. Some fruit dealers say that about 1,500 trucks carrying watermelons from Myanmar have been blocked from crossing the border because of delays by Chinese authorities responsible for inspecting the contents of the vehicles due to a lack of manpower, he said. Chinese fruit dealers have been entering Myanmar through the Muse border crossing gate to appraise the fruit, and the trucks can only enter Wanding after the appraisals, Sai Myint Bo said. Because fruit businessmen are facing difficulties, they want the Myanmar government to discuss this problem with Chinese authorities, he said. More than 400 trucks heading to China pass through Muse every day, but customs officials at the Kyin San Kyawt border checkpoint allow only about 300 of them to drive into China daily, he said. Thats why thousands of trucks have been stranded in this area of Myanmar for a week, Sai Myint Bo said. Fruit dealer Myint Soe said a ton of watermelon sells for about 1,700-1,800 yuan (U.S. $247-$261) in China, the main destination for Myanmars exports. We want convenience on the way [to delivering the fruit] and some guarantee on the trade, he told RFA. It would be better if the Chinese dealers who appraised our fruit paid for it in Muse and then transported it into China themselves, he said. We are now worried that our trucks won't be allowed to enter China. RFA was unable to reach officials at Myanmars Ministry of Commerce for comment. Reported by Kyaw Thu and Kan Thar for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. A court in Vietnam on Wednesday threw out an appeal by Vietnamese activist Nguyen Trung Truc, a member of the online Brotherhood for Democracy advocacy group, against his 12-year jail sentence for subversion. During morning proceedings that lasted just under three hours, the appeals court in the central coastal city of Da Nang upheld a September decision by a lower court in Quang Binh province ordering Truc, 44, to spend 12 years in prison and a subsequent five years under probation for activities aimed at overthrowing the peoples administration, under Article 79 of Vietnams penal code. Speaking to RFAs Vietnamese Service following Trucs Wednesday trial, defense attorney Nguyen Van Mieng said that the hearing had lasted longer than usual, as the defendant delivered a lengthy argument for his innocence. Mieng said that Truc denied any intention of toppling Vietnams government, and explained to the court that he had only sought to promote democracy and human rights as a member of the Brotherhood for Democracy. If Truc and I hadnt delivered arguments, the trial would have concluded very quickly, he said. Regardless, the court said Trucs actions showed that he intended to overthrow the government. Mieng noted that Wednesdays proceedings were heavily guarded and said it was unclear why Trucs appeals trial had been moved to a court in Da Nang, instead of taking place in the activists home province of Quang Binh. Ahead of the appeal trial, Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of New York-based Human Rights Watch, issued a statement anticipating that Trucs outrageous sentence would be upheld, and calling for his freedom. The 12 year sentence Nguyen Trung Truc received in September for his activities is outrageous but given the Communist Party's grip on the country's courts, no one believes Truc will receive justice at today's appeals court trial, he said. Trucs only offense was to peacefully express his views on the urgent need for political reform in Vietnamand this should not be a crime so he should be immediately and unconditionally freed. Robertson also condemned Vietnams attack on the Brotherhood for Democracys blogging, peaceful protests, and demands for respect for rights and democracy, which he said only an unabashed one party dictatorship would treat as traitorous. He added that the European Union should tell Hanoi that as long as blatantly political, rights abusing trials of peaceful dissidents continue in Vietnam, there will be no possibility for progress on an EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which is expected to be signed in the summer of 2019. Group targeted Trucs Aug. 4, 2017 arrest followed the round-up of other members of the Brotherhood for Democracy, many of whom were also handed long prison terms after trials widely condemned as unfair. The Brotherhood for Democracys president Nguyen Trung Ton, former president Pham Van Troi, and deputy head of the groups operations in Southern Vietnam Truong Minh Duc, were arrested along with fellow member Nguyen Bac Truyen on July 30, 2017 by Vietnamese security officers because of their ties to the group and subsequently charged under Article 79. On April 5, Ton and Duc each received sentences of 12 years in jail and three years of house arrest, while Truyen received an 11-year sentence and three years of house arrest, and Troi received a seven-year sentence and one year of house arrest. Earlier this month, wives and family members of several of the jailed activists raised concerns that the four are suffering from failing health and enduring ill treatment in prison during a meeting with U.S. embassy officials in Hanoi, who pledged to pay more attention to Brotherhood for Democracy members and to discuss their cases, as well as those of other political prisoners, with relevant authorities in Vietnam. Following Trucs September sentencing, the U.S. embassy had slammed the courts decision in a statement and voiced deep concern over what it called vague charges of attempting to overthrow the peoples administration. The embassy called on Vietnam to immediately release all prisoners of conscience and to allow all individuals in the country to express their views freely and assembly peacefully without fear of retribution. Nguyen Kim Binh of Vietnam Human Rights Network said earlier this month that Vietnam is currently detaining more than 200 political prisoners70 more than the number recently provided by Human Rights Watch. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by An Nguyen. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Afghanistan's election authorities are considering delaying a presidential election scheduled for April 2019, an official said, due to delays in registration and ongoing technical issues. Independent Election Commission (IEC) spokesman Zabi Sadat told RFE/RL on December 27 that the body was meeting "all relevant sides" to discuss postponing the vote, which he said could be delayed until June. Sadat said the IEC would announce its final decision on December 27. Candidate registration started on December 22 and was supposed to continue until January 2. But the date will be extended due to lack of registration by any candidate, Sadat said. The IEC is trying to avoid a repeat of the widespread technical and logistical problems during the October parliamentary vote. The IEC is still finalizing results of the parliamentary vote and observers have expressed concern that it would struggle to organize a presidential election in April. The IEC has already considered delaying the poll once, but vowed in November to hold it on time. The election is complicated by diplomatic efforts to start a formal peace process with the Taliban, whose representatives have met U.S. special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad for several rounds of direct talks. Khalilzad has said a peace deal with the militants could be reached by April. With reporting by AFP A rights group in Russia says that authorities are investigating allegations of "systematic" beatings and torture at a second prison in the Yaroslavl region. The NGO Public Verdict said on December 27 that a lawyer on its staff, Irina Biryukova, was present a day earlier when Investigative Committee officers questioned four inmates who complained that they had been tortured at Corrective Colony No. 3 in the city of Uglich. According to Public Verdict, one inmate -- Aleksandr Kochergin -- claims that on October 24, he was stripped naked, forced to do 50 squats, and beaten. When he screamed that he has low immunity due to HIV, the beating continued, and he was then confined to a tiny, unheated cell under a stairway the kind of space in which it is typically impossible to sit or stand straight. "The torture only stopped when convicts on two floors [of the unit] began to shout and bang on the doors of their cells," Public Verdict said in a statement. It said another inmate, Nurali Nurov, said he has been beaten repeatedly since 2016 -- including on his first day at the prison, when he refused to sign documents without a translation from Russian into his native language, and another time after he testified that he had seen bruises on the body of a fellow inmate. According to Biryukova, 25 inmates are considered victims in the case. She said the investigation was opened in November but that the inmates only learned about it last weekend. In July, Public Verdict provided the newspaper Novaya Gazeta with a video that showed at least 17 guards beating an inmate who lies prone on a table at Corrective Colony No. 1 in the regional capital, Yaroslavl. The video caused a public outcry. Russian law enforcement authorities arrested at least 12 guards at that prison and announced that prior complaints by inmates across Russia would be investigated. The cases have shone a spotlight on what activists say is widespread abuse and torture of Russian prison inmates. Valery Maksimenko, deputy head of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), said that the country needs more prisons to hold police officers, prison guards, and other law enforcement agents who have been convicted of crimes. The alleged mastermind of an attack by a Pakistani separatist group on the Chinese Consulate in the port city of Karachi last month has been killed, the group said. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which is fighting for independence in resource-rich Balochistan, issued a statement on December 26 that Aslam Baloch, one of its leaders, had been killed. "The important BLA commander Aslam Baloch, along with five associates in the organization, were martyred in an enemy attack on [December 24]," Jiand Baloch, a spokesman for the separatist group, said in a statement. He did not say where the men were killed. Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and poorest province, and it is confronted with ethnic, sectarian, and separatist insurgencies. Last month, three attackers stormed the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, triggering a shootout that left the attackers, two police officers, and two civilians dead. Security forces killed the three attackers, who were carrying explosives. Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and financial center, has been marred for a long time by political, sectarian, and ethnic militancy. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian says his country is determined to continue "integration" within the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EES). "We are committed to further integration within the Eurasian Economic Union and treat seriously our chairmanship in the EES," Pashinian said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 27. "I am confident that after our chairmanship we will have even more effective integration in the union," Pashinian said, referring to Armenia's rotating presidency of the EES that begins on January 1. The bloc, which brings together Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, was created in 2015. Putin praised bilateral relationship, including "growing trade that increased by nearly 30 percent" last year. Putin said that Russia was Armenia's largest economic partner, accounting for some 25 percent of Armenia's foreign trade. Pashinian, a former anticorruption journalist and opposition lawmaker, was elected prime minister in May after spearheading weeks of mass protests that forced his predecessor, long-entrenched leader Serzh Sarkisian, to resign. Pashinian's My Step alliance won more than 70 percent of the vote in snap parliamentary elections on December 9. Pashinian has vowed to maintain close relations with traditional ally Russia, while at the same time saying he would seek closer ties with the United States and the European Union. The former Soviet country is highly dependent on Russia, which plays an influential role in its economy and has a military base in Armenia. Based on reporting by TASS and RFE/RL's Armenian Service Stored for decades, Nazi military hardware captured by the Red Army is destined to serve God and country in Russia. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, discussing the ongoing construction of a grandiose army cathedral on the grounds of a military theme park west of Moscow, said that the main steps to the church would be forged from melted-down German war materiel. "We would like for every square meter of the cathedral to be symbolic," Shoigu was quoted by Interfax as saying on December 24. "To that end, we will pour the steps of the cathedral from German trophy hardware." He did not specify what Nazi equipment would be sacrificed for the grand entrance. The Main Cathedral of the Armed Forces is to be constructed in Patriot Park, a military theme park some 70 kilometers from the capital that opened in 2015 and is operated by the Defense Ministry. When completed, the camouflaged green edifice will be topped by six gilded domes and a plethora of glass panels. It will rise 95 meters into the air and be able to accommodate up to 6,000 worshipers, overlooking expansive grounds that include monuments to military-related patron saints. A sleek presentation on the cathedral's homepage shows in detail how the cathedral will dominate the park. "The temple will symbolize the spirituality of the Russian Army raising the sword only to protect its Motherland," the website explains. Some social-media users have poked fun at the video, comparing it to the "epic poetry" style of the opening sequence to HBO's Game Of Thrones TV series. The cathedral is scheduled to be built by May 9 2020, in time for the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, a goal that Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov described as "ambitious" in an interview with Kommersant this month. Very Public Purse The cathedral, which was held up by President Vladimir Putin during a ceremony in September as a symbol of national pride, reportedly has the backing of both the state and the Russian Orthodox Church. But Shoigu has said that funding will come almost exclusively from the Russian public, according to the state-run TASS news agency. A foundation called Voskreseniye (Resurrection) has been established to collect donations for the cathedral's construction and, as of November 30, had gathered 1.6 billion rubles ($23 million) from more than 37,000 donors, according to its website. It is unclear what the total cost of the cathedral's construction might be. High-profile pro-Kremlin public figures have already opened their wallets. Nikita Mikhalkov, the director of the Oscar-winning film Burnt By The Sun, handed over half a million rubles ($7,220), according to the Defense Ministry's Zvezda TV. The head of the Voskreseniye Foundation has said the cathedral will be tasked with training military priests. "A school for military priests is being built and the institute of Sisters of Charity [nurses] will be revived at the main church of the Russian armed forces," Vladimir Bogatyryov told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency on November 29. Bogatyryov said the priests will present the military cathedral as "a symbol of people's diplomacy in Europe" amid strained relations between Russia and the West. "It's very important for us in light of global military, political, and social tensions, when military and political provocations are becoming the norm and information warfare is governing rules of conduct, not only for politicians but also for states," he said. Sergei Chapnin, a former editor of the Journal Of The Moscow Patriarchate who was fired for his increasing opposition to church policy, including the perceived militarism of the church, told The Art Newspaper in October that "the design of the church fully corresponds to the understanding of the Orthodox Church that has taken shape today among government and military officials." When Iranian officials say Israel will be wiped off the map, does it mean they are suggesting that Iran should be the one to do it? The debate was renewed last week by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. When an interviewer from a French news magazine suggested that Paris might be reluctant to sell weaponry to Iran because the Islamic republic had called for Israel's destruction and had missiles that carried the inscription "Death to Israel", Zarif objected. No officials from the Islamic republic had ever called for the destruction of Israel, he said; rather, he claimed, the official line has always been that Israel's downfall would be of its own doing. The remarks were not well-received by the hard-line conservative camp, which answered with headlines accusing Zarif of distorting the words and clear policy of the Islamic republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The back and forth over the correct interpretation of Khomeini's words is not uncommon in recent years, and highlights the vast differences between pragmatists who favor moderate policies and hard-liners who support a return to what they see as revolutionary values and principles. Zarif made the controversial statement during a December 19 interview with the French weekly Le Point in which he accused Israel, not Iran, of being the aggressor. "Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the Dimona power plant, where [Israel's] nuclear weapons are manufactured, and said that he would destroy Iran," Zarif said. "He did not say that our country must disappear, but that he would destroy it. The Iranian foreign minister was apparently referring to Netanyahu's August 29 visit to the Shimon Peres Nuclear Research Center near the desert town of Dimona, where he warned, "Whoever threatens us with destruction puts himself in similar danger." Israel does not deny or confirm possessing nuclear weapons, but is believed to have about 80 nuclear warheads. "For our part, when did we say that we would destroy Israel? Show me one single person who said that. Nobody has spoken such words," the Iranian foreign minister added. What The Imam Said Iran does not recognize the state of Israel. The country provides financial and moral support to groups fighting Israel, including the Lebanese Hizballah, which Tehran views as resistance movements. "Death To Israel" is a regular chant at state-sponsored rallies in Iran, and the country regularly holds anti-Israeli events, including cartoon contests and seminars, and the annual Al-Quds day rally where Israeli flags are often set alight. In his interview with Le Point, Zarif said that even former hard-line President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, known for his anti-Israeli rhetoric, had not called for the destruction of Israel. "He pointed out that Imam [Khomeini] had said that Israel would disappear from the pages of time. He did not say that he would destroy it. He pointed out that Israel would suffer that fate by pursuing its policies," Zarif told Le Point. The ultra hard-line Iranian daily Kayhan accused Zarif of carelessness and distortion in a piece titled: Don't Distort. The Destruction of Israel Is The Islamic Republic's Official Policy. "The Imam clearly said that Israel must be wiped out," Kayhan said, citing Ayatollah Khomeini. The daily also quoted a statement by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said in 2012 that his country "intervened in anti-Israeli matters, its result was victory in the 33-day war by Hizballah against Israel [in 2006], and in the 22-day war" between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. "From now on, in any place, if any nation or any group fights the Zionist regime, confronts it, we will support it and we will help. We have no fear expressing this," Khamenei said in 2012 speech quoted by Kayhan. Kayhan listed a number of reasons for Iran's stance, saying that Israel had no "legitimacy," and comparing it to South Africa's Apartheid regime. Hassan Rahimpour Azghadi, a member of Iran's Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, accused Zarif of lying. "These gentlemen have said that the Imam didn't say that Israel must be wiped out, [that the] Imam has said that Israel will be wiped out on its own, automatically. Well, this is a lie," Azghadi said at a December 24 meeting in the Iranian capital. The hard-line Fars news agency, affiliated with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, appeared to challenge Zarif by posting on Twitter old video segments of Khomeini making anti-Israeli comments, including one where he called Israel a "cancerous tumor" and said that Muslims should revolt against it. Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi continued the debate on December 25, stating that Zarif's statement "was the repeat and exact utterance of the remarks by Imam Khomeini and leader, who said that Israel would cease to exist in 25 years." "In his response to the trick question by the French journalist, Zarif, instead of taking on a defensive stance, pointed to the differences between Netanyahu's remarks and Iran's position," Qassemi said, while accusing Zarif's critics of providing fodder for "evil-minded enemies of Iran." "It seems they are trying to distort a stance [by Zarif] that was in full agreement with Iran's national interests, into a story against the country's interests, and thereby let evil-minded enemies of Iran use it." War Forever? Amid the back and forth, some suggested that it was time for Iran to reassess its official animosity against the Jewish state. Seyed Hadi Borhani, an assistant professor of Middle East studies at Tehran University, wrote in a piece published by the news site Khabar Online that the policy had had "high costs" for the Islamic republic. "Israel can continue its hostile moves against Iran by referring to it," Borhani wrote. "The most recent examples are the sabotaging acts of Israel in Iran's nuclear sites or its repeated attacks on Iranian forces deployed in Syria." "Whether we want it or not, a big part of the world sees these actions as Israel's defense against Iran's official efforts to destroy the country," Borhani added, stating that "Iran does not aim to physically destroy Israel or kill its population." "The main [point] of Iran's policy toward Israel is the change of its racist regime," he said. For his part, outspoken Tehran-based analyst Sadegh Zibakalam said the big problem faced by Zarif was not "whether Iran will destroy Israel or whether Israel will be destroyed on its own." "The fundamental problem," he wrote on Twitter, "is who gave Iran the responsibility of destroying Israel? And are most of the people in favor of or willing to destroy Israel?" The issue whether anti-Israeli statements by Iranian officials amount to a call to war was also debated under former President Ahmadinejad, who on several occasions called for the destruction of Israel. Some suggested at the time that the comments were not a military threat against Israel, but a call for an end to the occupation of Palestinian lands. The Afghan National Army says a leading spokesman for the affiliate of the extremist group Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan has been killed in a drone strike. An army statement on December 27 said Sultan Aziz Azam was killed the day before in an "IS hideout" in the Pachiragam district of the eastern province of Nangarhar. The statement said that "acting upon intelligence reports, unnamed planes targeted" Azam, "the mouthpiece of the hard-liner group for Afghanistan." Nasrat Rahimi, deputy spokesman for the Interior Ministry, said Azam was also in charge of recruiting militants for high-profile attacks in urban areas. There was no immediate statement from IS or from U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Nangarhar is the stronghold of IS militants, who are active on Afghanistan's porous eastern border with Pakistan. The U.S. military estimates that there are about 2,000 IS militants in Afghanistan. The hard-line Sunni group has targeted minority Shi'ite civilians and government security forces in deadly attacks since it emerged around 2015. Based on reporting by 1TV, Khaama, and Xinhua Three Kyrgyz politicians have filed a libel lawsuit against former President Almazbek Atambaev and a TV channel he founded, adding to pressure on the ex-leader. The channel, Aprel (April), said on December 27 that former parliament speaker Akmatbek Keldibekov, former State Committee for National Security chief Keneshbek Duishebaev, and former Prosecutor-General Azimbek Beknazarov had accused Atambaev and the channel of insulting them in an interview Atambaev gave to the channel. The channel said that the trio was demanding 18 million soms ($260,000) from Atambaev and Aprel Director Dmitry Lozhnikov in compensation for what they called "disseminating false information" about them. They also want the channel to retract statements Atambaev made in the interview. In an interview that aired on December 10, Atambaev criticized Keldibekov, Duishebaev, and Beknazarov, accusing them of looking for political opportunities to enrich themselves. Aprel quoted Lozhnikov as saying that he was ready to prove in court that the interview was conducted in compliance with journalistic standards and that Atambaev's remarks will not be retracted. The lawsuit was filed amid growing signs of tension between Atambaev and the Central Asian state's current president, Sooronbai Jeenbekov. Limited to a single six-year term by the constitution, Atambaev tapped his prime minister, Jeenbekov, as his favored successor in the October 2017 presidential election. But the two have traded public criticism in recent months, and several associates of Atambaev have been arrested on corruption charges. On December 13, the Kyrgyz parliament approved in the first reading a bill that would eliminate immunity for ex-presidents, potentially opening the path for Atambaev's prosecution. In recent weeks some members of the ruling Social Democratic Party (SDPK), which Atambaev heads and of which Jeenbekeov is a member, launched a campaign dubbed "SDPK without Atambaev." Two Atambaev allies who also served as prime minister when he was president, Sapar Isakov and Jantoro Satybaldiev, were arrested in June on corruption charges. In October, former Atambaev adviser Ikramjan Ilmiyanov was detained in Russia and returned to Bishkek, where he was arrested on corruption charges. Kyrgyz lawmakers and other politicians have been calling for an investigation into some of the decisions made by Atambaev while he was in office. A list of BBC correspondents working in Russia has been leaked online after Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, said it was checking the legality of the BBC World News channel's Russian operations and its websites. The list of 44 journalists, most of them Russian nationals, appears to have first been published in the anonymously run For Mother Russia group on the VKontakte social network on December 25. Hours later, the list of reporters -- along with their photographs -- appeared on the Russian site Pikabu, which resembles Reddit. The leak came days after The Times published a list of names and photographs of eight reporters working for the Kremlin-backed Sputnik's U.K. bureau in Edinburgh. The Russian Embassy in London reacted angrily, saying Moscow "will respond in kind." The For Mother Russia group accused The Times of trying to put "psychological pressure" on Russian journalists and "discredit" them. A BBC spokesperson expressed frustration at the leak. "The BBC has strict editorial guidelines and has not published the details of journalists from other media organizations as there was no editorial reason or justification to do so. We are disappointed at the groundless publication of our Moscow team's details," the spokesperson was quoted by British media as saying on December 27. The leak of the list of BBC journalists also came a week after Roskomnadzor warned the BBC it would launch an investigation into what it called the broadcaster's violation of impartiality rules. Roskomnadzor said on December 21 that the goal of the verification was to establish whether the content of the BBC operation is consistent with Russian laws. Roskomnadzor's statement came a day after British media watchdog Ofcom said it was considering sanctioning Russia's state-financed RT, saying it had broken impartiality rules in seven programs earlier this year, including coverage of the poisoning in Britain of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. Britain blames the Russian government for the poisoning of the Skripals in the city of Salisbury in March. Russia has repeatedly denied evidence that its agents were behind the poisoning and accused British intelligence agencies of staging the incident to stoke what they called "Russophobia." The Skripals survived the poisoning, in which a Soviet-made military nerve agent known as Novichok was used. Two other British citizens were exposed to the same nerve agent in June, apparently by accident; one of them, Dawn Sturgess, died. The BBC said on December 21 that it worked in full compliance with Russia's laws and regulations to deliver independent news. With reporting by The Guardian Man arrested while texting at Playa del Carmen light found carrying gun Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A man who was texting while on his motorcycle has been arrested by police after they found he was carrying a gun. Police say that the man caught their attention while at a green light. The man was on a motorcycle texting on his cell phone, not realizing the red light had turned green. When they proceeded to question him, they found he was carrying a weapon. The man, who was traveling along Avenue 115, agreed to pull over in a nearby convenience store parking lot, however, the moment the got off his motorcycle, he attempted to flee on foot. Police searched his person and found he was carrying a gun. The man claimed to be a retired lieutenant of the Mexican Army, a 42-year-old named Gerardo D.C. from Mexico City, but the gun they found tucked inside his belt was registered to someone else. Uber returning to Cancun after judge rulings Cancun, Q.R. Uber says it will be returning to Cancun after a federal judge declares the car service private. In two recent federal judge rulings, Uber was declared private and not regulated under the concession model the way taxis are regulated. Those recent rulings were handed down in the states of Jalisco and Yucatan earlier this month. According to Saul Crespo Laborem, communications manager of Uber Mexico, the car ride company is getting ready to announce its return to Cancun. Crespo Laborem explained that on December 5, a judge granted a definitive suspension for the platform to be considered private and not regulated under a concession model after the company won part of a claim of an Amparo that challenges the reformed 2016 Yucatan Transport Act to regulate this type of service. He says Regarding our operations in Cancun, weve confirmed that a federal judge granted final suspension so that the services through the application of Uber are considered private and not regulated under a concession model. We are currently evaluating possible scenarios for our return to Cancun with the commitment to restart operations in the best possible way. We reiterate our willingness to collaborate with authorities to continue in the construction of an inclusive and innovative regulation that benefits the majority of the population, he added. He also added that Once again, we thank the great support of civil society and business organizations, which have repeatedly expressed their eagerness for Uber to return to Cancun. A team of Florida State University researchers has unlocked a decades-old mystery about how a critical cellular process is regulated and what that could mean for the future study of genetics. In cells, DNA and its associated material replicate at regular intervals, a process essential to all living organisms. This contributes to everything from how the body responds to disease to hair color. DNA replication was identified in the late 1950s, but since then researchers across the globe have come up short trying to understand exactly how this process was regulated. Now they know. David Gilbert, the J. Herbert Taylor Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology, and doctoral student Jiao Sima published a paper today in the journal Cell that showed there are specific points along the DNA molecule that control replication. "It's been quite a mystery," Gilbert said. "Replication seemed resilient to everything we tried to do to perturb it. We've described it in detail, shown it changes in different cell types and that it is disrupted in disease. But until now, we couldn't find that final piece, the control elements or the DNA sequences that control it." Notably, Gilbert's professorship is in honor of a former Florida State professor named J. Herbert Taylor. Taylor demonstrated how different segments of chromosomes duplicate in the late 1950s and published more than 100 papers on chromosome structure and replication. Roughly 60 years later, Gilbert determined how replication was regulated. Sima had been working with Gilbert in the lab and ran close to a hundred genetic mutations on DNA molecules, hoping to see some sort of result that would better explain how the replication process worked. At a point of frustration, Gilbert said they came up with a "hail Mary" attempt. advertisement Gilbert and Sima examined a single segment of the DNA in the highest possible 3D resolution and saw three sequences along the DNA molecule touching each other frequently. The researchers then used CRISPR, a sophisticated gene editing technology, to remove these three areas simultaneously. And with that, they found that these three elements together were the key to DNA replication. "Removing these elements shifted the segment's replication time from the very beginning to the very end of the process," Gilbert said. "This was one of those moments where just one result knocks your socks off." In addition to the effect on replication timing, the removal of the three elements caused the 3D structure of the DNA molecule to change dramatically. "We have for the first time pinpointed specific DNA sequences in the genome that regulate chromatin structure and replication timing," Sima said. "These results reflect one possible model of how DNA folds inside cells and how these folding patterns could impact the hereditary materials' function." Greater understanding of how DNA replication is regulated opens new paths of research in genetics. When replication timing is altered -- as it was in Gilbert and Sima's experiment -- it can completely change how the genetic information of a cell is interpreted. This could become crucial information as scientists tackle complicated diseases where the replication timing is disrupted. "If you duplicate at a different place and time, you might assemble a completely different structure," Gilbert said. "A cell has different things available to it at different times. Changing when something replicates changes the packaging of the genetic information." THEMATIC ISSUES Climate Change and Security Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Security Council will hold an open debate addressing the impacts of climate-related disasters on international peace and security. President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic is expected to chair the meeting, which will also include the participation of several member states at ministerial level. Key Recent Developments On 2 December 2018, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opened the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP 24) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Katowice, Poland. He made four key points: the science on climate change demands a significantly more ambitious response; the Paris Agreement must be implemented; a collective responsibility exists to invest in averting global climate chaos, to consolidate the financial commitments made in Paris and to assist the most vulnerable communities and nations; and momentum around climate action must be galvanised through an inclusive approach that mobilises technology and political will. He emphasised the urgency of the situation: We are in trouble. We are in deep trouble with climate change. Climate change is running faster than we are and we must catch up sooner rather than later before it is too late. COP 24 concluded on 14 December 2018. It resulted in an agreement to enhance transparency in sharing information about states plans to decrease emissions and to increase financial support for developing countries to address climate change. Agreement on carbon trading, which permits the exchange of emissions allotments among states, could not be reached and is expected to be discussed again at next years COP meeting. A report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released in November 2018 found that global warming is expected to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate with heightened risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security, and economic growth. Since early 2017, there has been an increase in the Security Councils consideration of climate change-related security issues. Resolution 2349 of 31 March 2017 emphasised the need for adequate risk assessments and management strategies by governments and the UN relating to the adverse security effects of climate and ecological factors in the Lake Chad Basin. Subsequently, outcomes on several other African issuesthe UN Office for Central Africa, the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Mali, Somalia, and Sudan (Darfur)have incorporated language on climate and security, largely drawn from resolution 2349. Key Issues and Options Key issues that may be raised by member states during this Security Council debate include: the need to enhance understanding about the security implications of climate change-related natural disasters; the need for member states to develop improved risk assessment and mitigation strategies for such disasters; the importance of developing the analytical capacities of the UN system to assess climate change-related security threats, provide the Security Council with useful information about these threats, and support states in developing and implementing actionable plans to address them; the importance of developing synergies among states, regional and sub-regional organisations, and the UN system in managing and mitigating climate change-related security risks; and the need to determine how the Security Council, the peace operations it mandates, and UN Country Teams can best collaborate to address such risks. Options that can be pursued by Council members at the present time include: requesting a briefing from representatives of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction on climate change-related security threats resulting from natural disasters, including early warning measures that can be pursued and strategies to mitigate the potential security impacts of such disasters; and calling, in their interventions, on member states to fulfil commitments made in the Paris agreement and at COP 24 in Katowice. Over the longer term, the Council might consider expanding its efforts to request risk assessment and mitigation strategies by member states and the UN system in outcomes in relevant country- and region-specific cases. Having taken the initiative to hold this debate, the Dominican Republic could consider preparing a chairs summary to capture the main elements of the discussion. Perhaps most fundamental over the long term is what the end objective of Council engagement on this issue should be. The Council currently focuses on the symptoms of climate change but does not address its underlying causes. It seems important for members to consider whether the Council could usefully and appropriately take other precise steps in tackling climate-related risks to peace and security, in addition to calling for enhanced reporting and for better risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Some member statesincluding incoming member Belgiumhave advocated for the appointment of a special representative on climate change. If such a position comes into being, or a focal point were created in the Secretariat on this issue, that person could provide the Secretary-General with ideas for how the Security Council can most effectively deal with climate change-related security issues within the context of efforts pursued by the broader UN system, national governments, and regional organisations. Council and Wider Dynamics The question of whether the Council is an appropriate body to discuss climate change has been raised ever since 17 April 2007, when the Council held its first open debate to discuss possible implications of climate change for international peace and security. Russia and some G77 states have expressed concern that the Councils engagement on this matter encroaches on the prerogatives of other UN entities, which they maintain are better equipped to deal with the issue. While not expressing the same level of criticism about Council involvement, China and the US also have shown some ambivalence. Other Council members strongly support Council engagement, including permanent members France and the UK, which spearheaded the original Council debate of April 2007. In this regard, France and the UK co-led with Senegal the Councils March 2017 visit to the Lake Chad Basin, which enhanced members understanding of the negative impact of climate change on the security situation in the region and led to the adoption of resolution 2349. Elected members, such as incoming Council members Belgium, the Dominican Republic, and Germany, have signalled their deep interest in pursuing in the Council the connection of climate change to international security. Among the wider membership, several small island developing states have noted that for them, the impacts of climate change represent an existential threat. UN DOCUMENTS ON CLIMATE AND SECURITY AMERICAS Colombia Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Council will receive a briefing on the Secretary-Generals 90-day report on the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. Consultations are expected to follow the briefing. The mandate of the verification mission expires on 25 September 2019. Key Recent Developments In the last few months, the implementation of the November 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace in Colombia has been marked by a period of transition to the new administration of President Ivan Duque, who took office in August 2018. Although it has largely maintained the governmental positions on issues that the mission is mandated to verify, several factors continue to have a negative impact on the implementation of the agreement. The limited access to economic opportunities for former combatants continues to hamper the reintegration process. In a 28 September 2018 report, the Secretary-General reiterated the lessons learned until now about this process, emphasising particularly the need to connect reintegration more directly to local development, to empower local authorities, and to link up more systematically with the private sector, universities and other actors willing and able to assist with long-term reintegration. A politically divisive issue continues to be the work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP), the justice component of the transitional justice system. Briefing the Council on 10 October 2018, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Jean Arnault, highlighted the sense of legal uncertainty that remains pervasive among former members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP), owing to the controversy surrounding the protracted political, legal and constitutional debates over the establishment of the SJP. Although an August 2018 ruling of the Constitutional Court upheld the powers of the SJP, some sectors continue to question its role. Several former FARC-EP leaders have refused to appear in front of the SJP and are currently at large. Separately, the ICC prosecutors 2018 report on preliminary examination activities took note of the creation of a special and differentiated procedure for state agents, which has been challenged before the Constitutional Court and which could call into question the genuineness of the proceedings [and] may impact on the admissibility [by the ICC] of potential cases pertaining to state agents. The situation in Colombia has been under preliminary examination by the ICC since June 2004, focusing on alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes. Over the last two years, some former members of the FARC-EP, frustrated with the peace process, have decided to take up arms again. FARC-EP dissidence and other armed groups pose a growing security challenge and have a destabilising impact on rural communities. Human rights defenders and social leaders are increasingly targeted even as overall homicide rates have decreased by 40 percent in Colombia, as reported on 3 December 2018 by Michel Forst, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. Although not incident-free, the security situation of former FARC-EP members in the territories with state-provided security measures is significantly better than that of members in other locations. The Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) has continued targeting civilians, clashing with security forces, and carrying out attacks against infrastructure in Colombia as well as in Venezuela. Talks held with the administration of then-President Juan Manuel Santos were suspended in August, and the new administration announced that they would not be resumed until the ELN releases kidnap victims and unilaterally ceases to commit verifiable criminal acts. On 10 December 2018, the Secretary-General appointed Carlos Ruiz Massieu as his Special Representative and head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. He will succeed Arnault, who had worked on the file since 2015, first as delegate of the Secretary-General to the peace talks in Havana and subsequently as head of the UN Mission in Colombia and its successor, the Verification Mission. Human Rights-Related Developments The special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst, visited the country from 20 November to 3 December 2018 and met with more than 200 human rights defenders, most of them women, from various regions. Since the adoption of a peace agreement in Colombia two years ago, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of killings, threats and intimidation of human rights defenders in the country, he said in a statement on 3 December, which presented a series of recommendations to the Colombian authorities and other actors to improve the protection of human rights defenders, including to improve their public image and to prioritise the fight against corruption and organised crime, particularly in locations governed, in practice, by armed groups. Key Issues and Options An important issue is ensuring that the peace agreement is implemented in its entirety under the new administration, which has already announced changes regarding agrarian reform, transitional justice mechanisms, and the cultivation of coca. Council members could follow up on the invitation conveyed by Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo in September 2018 and organise a visiting mission to Colombia to convey the Councils unanimous support for the agreement and reassure Colombians about the irreversibility of the process. The governments ability to develop and finance a strategy for reintegrating former FARC-EP members into society and to provide safety and security in areas previously occupied by the FARC-EP remain critical issues in the successful implementation of the agreement. Council members could encourage dialogue between representatives of the government and former FARC-EP to overcome the trust deficit and discuss how outstanding issues can be addressed. Council Dynamics Council members are unified in their support of the peace process in Colombia. Several members have viewed engagement in Colombia as a rare bright spot for the Council as it struggles to play an effective role in several other conflict situations. In 2019, the Dominican Republic will succeed Bolivia in the Council as one of two Council members from Latin America and the Caribbean and will be serving along with Peru. The UK is the penholder on Colombia. UN DOCUMENTS ON COLOMBIA EUROPE Cyprus Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) ahead of its 31 January expiry. Special Representative and head of mission Elizabeth Spehar is expected to brief on the latest UNFICYP report and recent developments. A representative from the Department of Political Affairs might also brief. Key Recent Developments An impasse in the political process in Cyprus has continued since the breakdown of unification talks in the summer of 2017. Despite the prolonged stalemate on the political front, the Council has so far chosen not to initiate any significant changes to the missions mandate or its size. In July 2018, the Council adopted resolution 2430, which extended the mandate of UNFICYP in its current configuration for another six months. It also called on all sides to engage constructively with UN consultant Jane Holl Lute. The Secretary-General appointed Lute in July 2018 and directed her to consult with the parties and seek their reflections on the negotiation process. In its July mandate renewal resolution, the Council requested the Secretary-General to report on his good offices in Cyprus, with the aim of getting more information about the outcome of Lutes consultations with the parties. On 30 October 2018, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo briefed Council members in consultations on the 15 October 2018 report. The report lacked substantial information on Lutes talks, however. The Secretary-General expressed his belief that there are still prospects for a comprehensive settlement, noting that an unchanging status quo is not sustainable and that the time of continued support for an open-ended process bearing no results was over, but refrained from imposing any timeframe for a political solution. He emphasised that before restarting negotiations, the sides should agree on the terms of reference to represent a starting point for a negotiated solution. In December 2018, Lute held another round of consultations with the parties. She has continued to conduct her consultations in a low-key manner and has not made any public statements, but according to media reports, Lute was working with the Cypriot leaders on mutually acceptable terms of reference for the resumption of talks, with the goal of getting agreement on this by the end of 2018. While both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci, respectively, described their meetings with Lute as productive, no agreement had been reached at press time. In his latest report, the Secretary-General warned that exploratory drilling for the hydrocarbon resources off the coast of Cyprus had the potential to raise tensions and have a negative effect on negotiations. In 2014, negotiations between the Cypriot leaders came to a standstill because of disagreement over this issue. The tensions rose again earlier this year after Turkey deployed naval warships to prevent planned drilling activities by the Italian energy company Eni in Cyprus exclusive economic zone. Turkey has claimed that it was protecting the rights of Turkish Cypriots, who are excluded from the process given that the internationally-recognised Greek Cypriot Republic of Cyprus concluded all the agreements on offshore drilling. In November 2018, Exxon Mobil started exploratory drilling offshore. Soon after, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised in a statement that activities by international companies in Cyprus waters could have a negative effect on stability in the area. In other developments, the Secretary-General announced on 8 November 2018 the appointment of Major General Cheryl Pearce (Australia) as the new Force Commander of UNFICYP. Pearce succeeds Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir (Bangladesh), who had served in the position since July 2016. Key Issues and Options The Councils primary concern regarding Cyprus remains the lack of progress in the unification talks and whether the Council should play a role in stimulating the process. Given the protracted impasse in the political process, an issue for the Council is whether to consider further changes to the missions mandate, including downsizing options and a possible exit strategy. With Lutes consultations with the parties characterised by a lack of public information around the substantive elements, Council members will be interested in hearing more about their outcome and on prospects for a political settlement, which will play a major role in guiding discussions on UNFICYPs mandate renewal. So far, the Council has been wary of initiating discussions about the specifics of mandate changes or possible downsizing of the mission, fearing a negative impact on the situation on the ground and on the political process. Council members could, however, be more open to these discussions during the mandate renewal upcoming in January 2019, especially if the current stalemate in unification talks persists. Council Dynamics Similar to other issues of low intensity on the Councils agenda, only a few members with particular interest in the conflict follow the situation in Cyprus closely. These are mainly France, Russia and the UK, the latter also being one of the guarantor powers under the 1960 treaty guaranteeing the independence, territorial integrity, and security of Cyprus. The US has become more engaged in efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem as the island gained prominence because of its hydrocarbon resources and the strategic importance of its location in relation to the fight against terrorism in the Middle East, as well as due to the growing security concerns overall in the eastern Mediterranean region. The Council is united in its support for negotiations that would lead to a settlement, but members differ somewhat on the conditions and timeframe for the reunification talks. Some members, the UK in particular, seem frustrated by the protracted process. These members appear to share the view that this process cannot be open-ended and that the Council could stimulate the negotiations by putting pressure on both sides. However, Russia has strongly opposed any attempt to exert pressure on both sides and affect negotiations in any way, maintaining that the process must be Cypriot-led and Cypriot-owned in order to achieve lasting results. During the July negotiations on the mandate renewal, the US seemed to have proposed adding to the draft resolution specific references to timed benchmarks for an exit strategy tied to the political process, as well as a request for a comprehensive strategic review of the mission that would have evaluated every aspect of UNFICYP. These suggestions were not included in the final text of the resolution, however. In the absence of progress on the political front, it is likely that the US position will gain more support from other members who have so far been cautious on this issue. Russia is likely to continue to oppose any drastic changes to the missions mandate and troop numbers. The UK is the penholder on Cyprus. UN DOCUMENTS ON CYPRUS AFRICA Democratic Republic of the Congo Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Council will monitor closely the political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after the elections, at press time scheduled for 30 December 2018. The Council will also be briefed, most likely by the Special Representative and head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), Leila Zerrougui, on the Secretary-Generals latest report on MONUSCO and the most recent developments. MONUSCOs mandate expires on 31 March 2019. Key Recent Developments The current electoral process in the DRC has been a major issue of concern for the last few years. The presidential, legislative and provincial elections were supposed to take place before the end of 2016, when President Joseph Kabilas second and final term (under the countrys constitution) expired. According to an agreement reached between Kabila and the opposition on 31 December 2016, elections were then to be held by the end of 2017, and Kabila was not to run for a third term or initiate amendments to the constitution. Citing logistical difficulties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) eventually published a new electoral calendar, in November 2017, setting the elections for 23 December 2018. Political tensions were exacerbated by Kabilas failure to reveal his own intentions until August 2018. On 8 August, the last day to submit presidential candidates, Kabilas party nominated former Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary as its presidential candidate. Shadary, said to be a Kabila loyalist, is on the EU sanctions list for obstructing the DRCs current electoral process and for violent crackdowns against protesters in Kinshasa in 2017. The EU renewed the sanctions on Shadary on 10 December 2018. On 11 November 2018, a coalition of the seven main opposition parties announced their support for a single candidate, Martin Fayulu of the Commitment for Citizenship and Development Party (ECIDE). The next day, however, Felix Tshisekedi, head of the largest opposition party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, broke away from the agreement and retained his candidature. In his report on the electoral process, the Secretary-General said that restrictions on democratic space continued, noting that the authorities banned several public events and that cases of arbitrary arrests and intimidation were reported, as well as restrictions on freedom of expression and the press. On 13 November 2018, Zerrougui briefed the Council along with Josephine Mbela of the Congolese Association for Access to Justice, a non-governmental human rights and rule of law organisation. Zerrougui noted that much progress had to be made to create an environment conducive to credible elections. She also cautioned that in many parts of the DRC, the vote would take place in a volatile security environment. She expressed particular concern over the situation in Beni, where civilians, MONUSCO and the Forces Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo (FARDC) are regularly targeted by the Ugandan Islamist rebel group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Council members issued a press statement on 21 November urging all parties to engage peacefully and constructively in the electoral process in order to ensure transparent, peaceful and credible elections. Election-related violence continued in different parts of the country. On 12 December 2018, two Fayulu supporters were killed and 43 injured in clashes with police at a rally in Lubumbashi. Three people at a Fayulu rally in eastern DRC were killed the following day when the police fired live rounds, according to witnesses. On 13 December 2018, a fire at an election commission warehouse in Kinshasa destroyed ballot papers and about 80 percent of the voting machines due to be used in Kinshasa. This first use of machines in the DRC has been a matter of controversy, raising concerns about logistical difficulties and possible manipulation. Zerrougui updated Council members on recent political developments under any other business on 17 December. Afterwards Council members issued a press statement, expressing concern over recent incidents, which have resulted in loss of life and significant damage. They urged all stakeholders to refrain from violence and to ensure that the elections take place with the requisite conditions of transparency and credibility. On 20 December, the CENI announced the postponement of the elections to 30 December 2018, citing the need to provide for the missing ballot papers destroyed in the fire. Several opposition leaders decried the postponement as another stalling tactic by the government, with both the government and opposition figures accusing each other of setting the fire. Council members were updated on the latest political developments under any other business by Zerrougui on 21 December. They issued a press statement the following day, expressing their hope that the delay will allow for favourable conditions for the Congolese people to express themselves freely on the 30 December. Eastern DRC continues to be plagued by the activities of rebel groups, with a disastrous effect on the population. According to the recent midterm report of the Group of Experts assisting the DRC Sanctions Committee, 200 civilians and 125 FARDC soldiers were killed by armed groups in North Kivu in 2018. Council members issued a press statement on 15 November 2018, condemning the killing of seven MONUSCO peacekeepers and at least 12 members of the FARDC in North Kivu during anti-ADF operations that day. On 7 December, 17 people were killed in two ADF attacks in Beni, North Kivu. On 24 December, at least four civilians and one FARDC soldier were killed in a suspected ADF attack in Beni. Conflict in North Kivu has complicated efforts to eradicate Ebola in the DRC. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there had been 512 confirmed and 48 probable cases of Ebola as at 19 December 2018 in the current outbreak in North Kivu, resulting in 336 deaths. Of serious concern is the spread of the virus to Butembo, a city with a population of over one million. On 30 October 2018, the Council adopted resolution 2439, recognising the negative impact of violence in Ebola-affected areas, urging all parties in the DRC to ensure immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian and medical personnel, and recalling that their equipment and medical facilities are protected under international law. Sanctions-Related Developments The Coordinator of the Group of Experts presented the groups midterm report to the DRC Sanctions Committee on 6 December 2018. In addition to the violence in North Kivu mentioned above, the report documents continued illicit trade in natural resources, mainly gold and the so-called three Ts (tin, tantalum, and tungsten) by armed groups and FARDC elements. Also on 6 December, FARDC colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni was arrested in connection with the killing of two members of the Group of Experts, Zaida Catalan (Chile/Sweden) and Michael Sharp (US), in Kasai in March 2017. Mambweni is suspected of conspiring with the main suspect, Jean Bosco Mukanda, a local militia leader. The head of the team deployed by the Secretary-General to assist national authorities in the investigation, Robert Petit, updated Council members experts informally on the investigation on 17 December 2018. Human Rights-Related Developments On 14 December 2018, High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet released a statement expressing deep concern over violence at opposition rallies in at least three provinces ahead of the presidential elections, including reports that security forces used excessive force and live ammunition. The High Commissioner called on the authorities to ensure that these incidents were investigated promptly and that the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assemblyessential conditions for credible electionsare fully protected. The High Commissioner also expressed concern over reports of the use of inflammatory speech by political leaders and of armed groups interference with election campaigning. On 19 December, 2018, the UN Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC published a report on the deterioration of the human rights situation in North Kivu between January 2017 and October 2018, including documentation of hundreds of extrajudicial killings and cases of torture and sexual violence committed against civilians. The report states armed groups were responsible for around two-thirds of these violations, while government security forces accounted for the other third. The report also states that high insecurity and continuing violations of human rights could undermine the political rights of the population in the context of the upcoming elections. Key Issues and Options The primary political issue for the Council during this period is to monitor the electoral process and, if the elections take place on 30 December, to assess whether they were free and fair, were held in a safe environment conducive to participation in the political process by all, and yielded credible results. The Council will also need to monitor the impact of the elections on security in the east and stability in the west. If elections take place on 30 December, the Council may wish to adopt an outcome document on the conduct of the election and remaining challenges, and reacting to any developments on the ground. Additionally, the Council can deploy the sanctions regime, if necessary, against spoilers of the political process both during and after the elections. Aside from the electoral process, a main issue for the Council will continue to be the security situation in the east and protection of civilians. With the electoral period potentially coming to an end, the Council may ask the Secretary-General to assess if and how MONUSCO should adapt its posture to enhance security. Council and Wider Dynamics During the last year, there was consensus among Council members about the imperative of holding elections on 23 December 2018 without further delays. The delay until 30 December has added to the existing concerns over whether the overdue elections will, in fact, take place and about the credibility of the process. There is also an understanding that, even if elections take place on 30 December as scheduled at press time or soon after, the Council should remain focused on political developments during the post-electoral period to support an orderly transition and avoid regression. All Council members remain concerned about the security situation, which remains dire notwithstanding the political developments. The elections and transition of power have been identified by some, such as the US, as a watershed moment for the DRC, stressing that resolution 2409 requests the Secretary-General to follow up on this issue after the successful holding of elections and sustainable progress towards reducing the threat posed by armed groups with the development of an exit strategy for MONUSCO. Other Council members have stressed that regardless of the electoral process, MONUSCOs main task, the protection of civilians, will continue to be critical and that the missions closure without improvements in the security situation would be premature. Nevertheless, there is general agreement that after elections are held, and Kabila is no longer in power, there is a need to reassess implications for MONUSCOs mandate. France is the penholder on the DRC, and Kuwait chairs the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee. UN DOCUMENTS ON THE DRC In Hindsight: The Security Councils Quest for Accountability Over time, the Security Council has come to view upholding individual criminal accountability as integral to its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. In some situations, the Council has approached this accountability as a practical tool that can have impact on the ground, aware, as well, that persistent impunity for gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law may hamper its own ability to maintain or restore international peace and security. The Council has proven innovative and decisive at several critical momentsestablishing two ad hoc criminal tribunals in response to atrocities committed in the Balkans and Rwanda, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in 1993 and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in 1994. In resolution 1315 (2000), the Council requested that the Secretary-General negotiate an agreement with Sierra Leone on the establishment of a Special Court to try those bearing the greatest responsibility for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in the country. A nimble Council sidestepped complex domestic political difficulties when it adopted resolution 1757 (2007) to bring into force the agreement between the UN and Lebanon on the establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. It also took advantage of its authority under the ICC Statute to refer the situations in Darfur and Libya to the Court in resolutions 1593 (2005) and 1970 (2011), respectively. Even as it has grown increasingly difficult for Council members to agree to impose accountability measures in recent years, there have been advances, including headway on the chemical weapons track in Syria when it established the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) in resolution 2235 in 2015, a rare moment of agreement on accountability between Russia and the US. Though the Council has been partially successful in removing Syrian stockpiles of chemical weapons, its actions ultimately fell well short of stopping chemical warfare in Syria and holding perpetrators of these attacks accountable. Russia eventually acted to terminate the JIM, sparing Syria and its officials, for now, from being held accountable for such crimes. Most recently, the broad consensus around the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant permitted the establishment of the UN Investigative Team to promote accountability for crimes committed by Daesh in 2017 in resolution 2379. Although the Councils record includes these noteworthy steps, it has at other times ignored accountability issues, whether as a strategic decision in addressing a conflict, or because it was divided or lacking in political resolve. The Council has also been inconsistent in following up on compliance with its accountability decisions. It did not adopt measures to secure member state cooperation with the ICTY, for example, in the face of persistent refusal by the Former Republic of Yugoslavia to cooperate with the Court, described by the ICTY president as an affront to the Security Council. It shifted the financial burden of its ICC referrals from the UN to the ICC, despite the Rome Statute specifying that the UN should finance any referrals from the Council. In several recent situations of devastating conflict or acute violation of human rights, the Council has been unable to move beyond general rhetoric on the importance of accountability, mainly due to Council divisions over the ICC. The Council has not acted on recommendations by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Councils Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar that the Council refer the situation in the country to the ICC (in July and August 2018, respectively). Despite support from several Council members, discussions on referring the situation in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea in April 2014 did not lead to action. Successive HRC resolutions, the HRCs Commission of Inquiry, and several High Commissioners for Human Rights have repeatedly and consistently called on the Council to refer the situation in Syria to the ICC, starting with High Commissioner Navi Pillay in August 2011. The Russian and Chinese veto of a Syrian ICC referral is perhaps the strongest example of the lack of shared Council resolve on accountability. An area where Council members have in some cases advanced prevention of impunity is targeted sanctions. Though not a punitive measure, targeted sanctions, such as a travel ban or assets freeze, create a cost to perpetrators, possibly deterring them and incentivising a change in behaviour. One advantage for Council members in sanctions, as opposed to lengthy judicial mechanisms, is these measures potential for immediate impact. During the violent crisis in Cote dIvoire in 2010-2011, the Council imposed targeted sanctions on President Laurent Gbagbo in resolution 1975 of March 2011, while the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest eight months later, in November 2011. Sanctions also allow Council members to take a carrot-and-stick approach, as they can relax or tighten the measures as appropriate. The Council began adding serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law to the designation criteria of sanctions regimes over the last 15 years or so, starting with the Cote dIvoire sanctions regime in resolution 1572 (2004). In some instances, listing criteria explicitly referred to acts involving sexual and gender-based violence, including, most recently, in resolution 2444 of November 2018 renewing the Somalia sanctions regime. Consequently, the Councilboth in resolutions and through its sanctions committeeshas listed individuals for perpetrating crimes, for example in resolution 2428 of July 2018 on South Sudan, when in an Annex to the resolution it listed two individuals for human rights violations, one of them specifically for sexual and gender-based violence. Overall, the Councils use of sanctions to tackle impunity for perpetrators in situations on its agenda has been inconsistent, and the use of individual sanctions remains relatively rare: in Mali, for example, despite the fact that resolution 2374 (2017) contains the commission of human rights and international humanitarian law violations as a listing criterion, the list remains unpopulated. Where the Council has been unable to bring justice to victims or seriously affect the course of conflicts, other actors have responded more assertively. The HRC and the OHCHR continued to be highly active in collecting evidence and seeking accountability, and establishing mechanisms such as commissions of inquiry on Syria and Myanmar. The Council has at times avoided receiving briefings from these commissions in formal meetings. On 19 March 2018, in a procedural motion, only eight Council membersone short of the required ninevoted in favour of receiving a briefing on Syria from the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who eventually briefed interested Council members in an Arria-formula meeting. The General Assembly and other international actors have also stepped up. In December 2016, the General Assembly established the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to collect and preserve evidence of crimes committed in Syria for future prosecutions. When the Council was unable to adopt a resolution on the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in Ukraine in July 2014, an international investigative mechanism, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), put together by interested states, worked to identify the perpetrators of the attack. After the JIT concluded that the Russian military was responsible for downing MH17, several Council members called on Russia to accept its responsibility for the events in a Council meeting in May 2018. While the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, OHCHR and consortia of concerned states have a significant role to play in fighting impunity, they cannot substitute for the Security Council, which has the power to create binding obligations on the relevant states and on the wider UN membership to cooperate with international criminal mechanisms, and the authority to enforce its decisions. Where the Council has upheld accountability, it has advanced the rights and expectations of victims of human rights violations and their families to see justice done, provide a remedy for past wrongs, and contribute to restoring their dignity. Beyond justice, these elements are also important for long-term stability and national, individual and historical reconciliation after brutal and divisive conflict. For the Council, continuing to come up with meaningful approaches to accountability could enhance its legitimacy in exercising its responsibilities under the UN Charter for maintaining international peace and security. For more analysis and options regarding accountability, please refer to Security Council Reports research report to be published in early 2019. AFRICA Libya Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Council is expected to receive briefings by the Special Representative and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ghassan Salame. A briefing by the chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee is also expected. The mandate of UNSMIL expires on 15 September 2019, and the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee expires on 20 February 2020. Key Recent Developments During his most recent briefing to the Council on 8 November 2018, Salame emphasised that the conditions in Libyan prisons continue to be a key factor in the conflict, describing them as appalling and as incubators for radicalisation. UNSMIL, together with the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), has established the Security Arrangements Committee for Greater Tripoli, implementing a plan aimed at the creation of professional security forces. The GNA currently relies on armed groups for its security. An international conference on Libya took place in Palermo, Italy, from 12 to 13 November 2018. The participants did not release a joint statement, but the Italian government issued a conclusion, reaffirming the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) and the United Nations Action Plan on Libya and detailing commitments made by participants. General Khalifa Haftar, commander of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) operating in eastern Libya, was invited to the conference and present in Palermo at the time, but the LNAs spokesperson stated that he was there to hold meetings, not to attend the conference. The Italian government later released pictures of Haftar in Palermo, together with the Italian Prime Minister Guiseppe Conti as well as Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, head of the GNA. On 6 November 2018, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) presented UNSMIL with its final report as an outcome of the national conference process. Initiated by Salame, the national conference process is aimed at bringing Libyans together around a common national narrative; Salame asked HD at the beginning of 2018 to conduct nationwide consultations and prepare an outcome document. This report, which lays out the ideas of Libyans from all parts of the country for their future, will be the basis of a final event in the first quarter of 2019, in the lead-up to elections. According to the latest annual report of the Secretary-General on trafficking in persons in armed conflict, the political divisions in Libya, together with the proliferation of armed groups and weapons, have caused trafficking networks to multiply. This was accompanied by widespread conflict-related sexual violence against asylum seekers, migrants and refugees. As at early December 2018, UNHCR reported that over 193,500 people remained internally displaced in Libya. In addition, the UNs 2018 humanitarian response plan for Libya of $312.7 million was funded at 24.9 percent, with $234.8 million outstanding, representing the second-lowest coverage of all UN humanitarian response plans, after Haiti with 12.9 percent. On 5 November 2018, the Council adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts and renewing measures related to the illicit export of crude oil from Libya until 20 February 2020. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favour; China and Russia abstained. The Netherlands and Sweden jointly proposed adding a new criterion for sanctioning individuals for acts that include but are not limited to planning, directing or committing acts involving sexual and gender-based violence: this language was included but as China and Russia did not agree with this, they abstained. Following a terrorist attack on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25 December 2018, Council members issued a press statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms. Sanctions-Related Developments On 16 November 2018, the 1970 Sanctions Committee added Salah Badi, a militia leader who has repeatedly been involved in armed clashes in Tripoli, to its sanctions list for targeted sanctions (asset freeze and travel ban). On 17 December, Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog briefed the Council in his position as outgoing chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee. He noted the labour-intensity of the committee and the difficulty of reaching consensus because of the divisions in the Council regarding sanctions. Despite that, he pointed out, the committee had been able to agree on individuals for listing for the first time since 2011. The committee had also issued two implementation assistance notices for UN member states to support them in their implementation of the asset freeze. Also, for the first time since the sanctions committee was established in 2011, its chair travelled to Libya in November 2018. Skoog was not able to travel to the eastern part of the country, however, although this had been part of the trips terms of reference. He was therefore unable to brief the Council on his travels during the Councils last meeting on Libya on 8 November in his capacity as chair, and could only share observations in a national capacity. The content of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committees chair briefings to the Council have to be agreed upon by all members beforehand, and it seems that some Council members argued that the chair had not accomplished the goals of the mission in line with the terms of reference. ICC-Related Developments On 2 November 2018, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda delivered her semi-annual briefing on recent developments concerning cases in Libya. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, whose extradition has been sought by the ICC, has been at large since he was set free by the Abu-Bakr al-Siddiq Brigade, a Zintan-based militia, in June 2017. According to the final report of the Panel of Experts, his lawyer says that he resides in Zintan. On 5 June 2018, he filed an inadmissibility challenge to his case. Former internal security chief Mohamed Khaled al-Tuhamy, allegedly responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in 2011 in Libya, also remains at large. On 4 July, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC issued a second arrest warrant for Mahmoud Mustafa Busayf Al-Werfalli, a commander participating in General Khalifa Haftars 2014 Operation Dignity in Benghazi. According to the first arrest warrant, issued on 15 August 2017, Al-Werfalli appears to be directly responsible for the deaths of 33 persons during seven different incidents in Benghazi or surrounding areas between June 2016 and July 2017, either by killing them himself or ordering their executions. The second arrest warrant relates to an eighth incident, on 24 January 2018, in which Al-Werfalli allegedly killed ten persons in Benghazi. To date, Al-Werfalli has not been surrendered to the ICC despite reports that he turned himself in to the military police in eastern Libya after news about the executions became public. Key Issues and Options The existing political momentum for the utilisation of sanctions to target individuals such as militia leaders and key actors involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling could continue to be seized upon by states to recommend further names to the sanctions committee. The Council could issue a press statement in support of UNSMILs and the GNAs latest efforts to establish professional security forces, also with a view to working towards a conducive environment for peaceful and credible elections in 2019. At the appropriate time and in support of Salames work, the Security Council might consider a visiting mission to Libya and neighbouring countries. Council and Wider Dynamics Members are generally supportive of UNSMILs role in the stabilisation of Libya but have divergent views on how best to achieve this goal. Regarding the elections, it seems that Council members are now more united in looking towards a date in spring 2019, as suggested by Salame and reiterated during the Palermo conference. Council resolutions and presidential statements have called upon UN member states to cease support for and official contact with parallel institutions in Libya, but it seems that some countries, including Council members, have not respected this. The UK is the penholder on Libya, and Germany will chair the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee during its term as an elected member from 2019 to 2020. UN DOCUMENTS ON LIBYA PJI Helps Convince City to Bring Back Nativity Scene Contact: Brad Dacus, Pacific Justice Institute, 916-616-4126 (Spanish: 206-257-3239) GIG HARBOR, Wash., Dec. 27, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- This Christmas season Gig Harbor reincorporated a nativity scene display in Skansie Brothers Park after Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) provided legal clarity and offered pro bono support in response to the threats the City received from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). For roughly a decade, the traditional Christmas display, provided by John Skansi and Councilman Jim Franich who together head up the local "Sons of Thunder" group, included a City-approved nativity scene next to a Christmas tree and other secular symbols of the Christmas season in the public park. However, in November 2016 the City received a letter from the FFRF threatening to sue Gig Harbor for the "unconstitutional" nativity scene. The FFRF, a Wisconsin-based atheist organization known for castigating people of faith and filing suits that are routinely thrown out of court, pressured the City Council to censor all religious content from the display. Despite significant public outcry, which included 1,150 people signing a petition to bring back the nativity scene, the City Council voted against the nativity scene again in October 2017. At the request of Gig Harbor resident Elizabeth Kreiselmaier, Ph.D. who played a key role in organizing the community's efforts to persuade the City to bring the nativity back, PJI's new office in Seattle, Washington, sent a letter to the mayor of Gig Harbor that laid out the constitutional rights the City has to bring back the nativity display. This letter, along with the community efforts led by Skansi and Kreiselmaier and the key internal efforts spearheaded by Councilman Franich, motivated the City Council to stand up to the FFRF's threats and reinstate their traditional Christmas display with the nativity scene just in time for the 2018 Tree Lighting Celebration. "The FFRF's hostility toward religious displays on government property cannot go unchecked," stated Jorge Ramos, PJI's Staff Attorney in Seattle who met personally with the mayor and council members prior to their 5-1 vote in favor of reincorporating the nativity scene. "The City has the right to recognize religious symbols of the holiday along with other secular items in a public display." Brad Dacus, President of PJI, commented, "Our office in Washington State boldly outlined the laws in place that protect and recognize the historical, cultural, and religious value of the nativity scene. We applaud the City for reinforcing history and tradition while rejecting fear." AFRICA Mali Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Council expects to receive a briefing from a representative of the Department of Peace Keeping Operations on the situation in Mali, followed by consultations. The mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) expires on 30 June 2019. The sanctions regime expires on 31 August 2019, and the mandate of the Panel of Experts expires on 30 September 2019. Key Recent Developments Council members are growing increasingly frustrated with the limited implementation of the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Building on the recommendations from an independent strategic review of MINUSMA, the Secretary-General proposed the development of a pact for peace in Mali in June 2018. The pact was signed on 15 October at a session of the Comite de Suivi de lAccord, the main follow-up mechanism of the agreement, by the government of Mali and the UN. Briefing the Council on 19 October 2018, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Keeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix defined the pact as an essential tool to spur the efforts of the Malian parties, supported by the international community, to implement the Agreement and give new impetus to the peace process by focusing on inclusiveness. In a press statement issued after the meeting, the Council commended the signing of the pact while stressing the absolute urgency for the parties to take unprecedented steps to fully and expeditiously deliver on their remaining obligations in the agreement. According to resolution 2423, the Secretary-General is expected to report in March 2019 on progress in the implementation of the agreement. The Council expressed its intent, in the absence of significant progress, to request the Secretary-General to provide options for a potentially significant adaptation of MINUSMA after its current mandate expires. In November-December 2018, efforts towards the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of combatants accelerated, with more than 1,600 individuals agreeing to lay down their weapons in cantonments in northern Mali. The security situation in the north and centre of Mali continues to be critical. Inter-communal violence among ethnic groupsparticularly Fulani, Bambara and Dogonpersists. A unilateral ceasefire announced in October 2018 by the Dogon Dan Nan Ambassagou militia did not hold, and clashes have continued. Terrorist groups often take advantage of these tensions to increase recruitment and enhance their own legitimacy in their communities. During a military operation in Mopti, in the centre of Mali, French forces reportedly killed Amadou Koufa, a Fulani leader of the terrorist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). On 27 October, two MINUSMA peacekeepers were killed in central Mali by an improvised explosive device in an attack that was claimed by JNIM. At least 106 peacekeepers have been killed as a result of malicious acts since the establishment of MINUSMA five-and-a-half years ago. Opposition parties, including former presidential candidate Soumaila Cisse, have questioned the legitimacy of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who was sworn in on 22 September 2018. On 16 October, the Constitutional Court postponed the legislative elections, which were expected to take place that month, and extended the mandate of members of the parliament until June 2019. Ambassador Olof Skoog of Sweden, who has chaired the 2374 Mali Sanctions Committee since its establishment, led a second committee visit to Mali on 3-5 December 2018 and briefed the Council on 17 December. Ahead of his mission the committee held informal consultations on 21 November to hear from Mali and other states in the region, which highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation for the implementation of the sanctions regime and the peace agreement. On 20 December, the committee imposed a travel ban on three individuals associated with armed groups for their destabilising activities in Mali. The listings were proposed by France but were based on statements of case included in a confidential annex to the August 2018 report of the panel of experts. On 15 November, the Council discussed the challenges in making the G5 Sahel Joint Force fully operational. At the meeting, Lacroix reiterated the Secretary-Generals recommendation that the Council establish a UN support office for the joint force, funded through assessed contributions and independent of MINUSMA. However, this proposal does not have unanimous support in the Council. Human Rights-Related Developments On 12 October 2018, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights adopted its concluding observations on Malis initial report to the Committee (E/C.12/MLI/CO/1). Areas of concern listed in the report include the negative impact of internal armed conflicts and confrontations in the northern and central areas of the country on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights; the situation of human rights defenders; the persistence of corruption; widespread practices that are harmful to women and girls, such as polygamy, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation; the use and recruitment of children by armed groups in conflict areas in the northern and central parts of the country; and high poverty and unemployment rates. Key Issues and Options The Council has raised the tone of its frustration with the lack of implementation of the agreement. Council members could discuss how they can support the political process bilaterally and multilaterally ahead of the March 2019 deadline to assess progress. To do so, the Secretariat, the mission leadership and Algeria, which chairs the Comite de Suivi de lAccord, could be invited to participate in an informal interactive dialogue. The Council could also carry out a visiting mission to Mali to convey its messages directly and encourage the engagement of the parties. Despite the widespread concerns about the slow pace of implementing the agreement, no individuals or entities have been sanctioned under the 2374 Mali sanctions regime. Council members could consider a set of listings that target, in a balanced way, all the parties to the agreement who are hindering its implementation, while preserving the parties engagement in the process. While the focus of the agreement and its implementation remains the north of the country, Council members could prioritise discussing the conflict dynamics in the centre of the country and how they affect instability in Mali and the broader region. Council and Wider Dynamics Building on the recommendations of an independent strategic review of MINUSMA, the Secretary-General proposed the development of a pact for peace in June 2018. The strategic review of MINUSMA had proposed that such a pact, between the government of Mali, the Security Council, the UN and international partners, would associate international assistance with progress on clear benchmarks, including good governance and political reforms. The Council requested the Secretary-General to take appropriate steps to allow for the swift conclusion of the pact in resolution 2423 on 28 June 2018. The pact for peace signed in October 2018 differed from what had been proposed to the Council a few months earlier, however, in making no reference to the role of the Council or international partners in its creation or implementation. In the end, the pact for peace was agreed between the government of Mali and the UN, although armed groups that are signatory to the peace agreement expressed their commitment to the pact separately. France is the penholder on Mali. In January 2019, the chairmanship of the 2374 Mali Sanctions Committee will be assumed by Ambassador Francisco Antonio Cortorreal (Dominican Republic). UN DOCUMENTS ON MALI Middle East (Israel/Palestine) Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Security Council is expected to hold its quarterly open debate on the Middle East, focusing on Israel/Palestine. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov will likely brief. Key Recent Developments On 6 December 2018, the General Assembly voted down a draft resolution titled Activities of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza proposed by the US that would have condemned Hamas for repeatedly firing rockets into Israel and for inciting violence, demanded that Hamas and other militant actors, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, cease all provocative actions and violent activity, and encouraged tangible steps towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation. The draft received 87 votes in favour, 57 against, and 33 abstentions, failing to garner the two-thirds majority needed for adoption as an important matter under article 18 (2) of the UN Charter. Prior to the vote on the text itself, the General Assembly voted that the issue was an important matter (75 in favour, 72 against, and 26 abstentions). Violence and tensions rose on the West Bank in December. On 9 December 2018, a Palestinian opened fire on Israelis near Ofra, a West Bank settlement, wounding seven. One of the victims was a pregnant woman, whose baby was delivered but later died. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. On 13 December, an unidentified assailant shot and killed two Israeli soldiers near Ramallah. During the ensuing days, over 130 suspects were arrested in an effort to find the assailant, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on 18 December. Israeli settlers demonstrating on the West Bank vandalised cars belonging to Palestinians. On 15 December, Australia recognised West Jerusalem as Israels capital, although it said it would not move its embassy to the city until there was agreement on a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. In a statement, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the decision a step in the right direction. Saeb Erekat, a senior Palestinian Liberation Organization official, released a statement referring to the Australian governments decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital as one wherein petty domestic politics steer irresponsible policies that contradict world peace and security. The Council held its monthly meeting on the Middle East (Israel/Palestine) on 18 December 2018. Mladenov said that settlement activity had continued in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, reiterating that this is a major obstacle to peace and a violation of international law. In this regard, he noted that Israel has announced that it will retroactively legalise the construction of 2,000 homes built on private Palestinian land in settlements and that measures have been pursued to move forward with the construction of 82 new homes in Ofra settlement and two industrial zones in other settlements. Mladenov further warn[ed] of the dangerous escalation of terrorist attacks, clashes, and violence in the West Bank. Key Issues and Options Key issues that the Council continues to face regarding the Israel/Palestinian situation include: recurring violations of resolution 2334, including ongoing settlement activity, violence against civilians (including terrorism), provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric; the need to promote intra-Palestinian reconciliation; and the humanitarian needs of Gaza. In the coming months, the Council will also have to consider how it will respond to the US peace plan if it is made public in early 2019. Given the strongly contrasting views on this issue held by Kuwait and the USwhich have unsuccessfully tried to draft outcomes in 2018one possible option is for other members to take the lead in drafting outcomes, perhaps contributing to a perception that initial versions of drafts may serve as a more balanced, objective basis for negotiation among the members. Council Dynamics There is a stark contrast between the views of the US and other members on Israel/Palestine. Under the Trump administration, the US delegation has often focused its remarks during these monthly meetings on other issues in the Middle East, such as Iran or Syria, rather than addressing Israel/Palestine. It has maintained that the UN is biased against Israel and spends too much time discussing Israel/Palestine. Other members tend to condemn continued Israeli settlement activity, which they maintain is making the prospects of a two-state solution more remote. At the 18 December meeting, Ambassador Nikki Haley (US) said that the peace plan that the US was preparing would present the choice between a hopeful future that sheds the tired, old and unrealistic demands of the past or a darker future that sticks with the proven failed talking points of the past. This view would seem to be at odds with the 18 December statement of the EU8 (France, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the UK, Belgium, Germany and Italy), which affirmed the internationally agreed parameters for peace in the Middle East, including a two-state solution based on 1967 borders with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. At the time of the statement, the EU8 consisted of seven current and incoming Council members, as well as Italy, which in 2017 served the first year of a split term with the Netherlands. Several Council members continue to reiterate their desire to receive written reports in advance of the quarterly briefing on the implementation of resolution 2334. With the exception of the written report produced in June 2018, these reports have only been conveyed orally. The Secretariats decision to produce a written report in June was prompted by a letter submitted by ten Council membersBolivia, China, Cote dIvoire, Equatorial Guinea, France, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Peru and Swedenon 14 May 2018 requesting the quarterly reports to be in writing. UN DOCUMENTS ON THE MIDDLE EAST (ISRAEL/PALESTINE) Overview The Dominican Republic takes on the presidency of the Security Council in January. As its signature event it has chosen to hold an open debate on the impact of climate-related disasters on international peace and security, which will be chaired by President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic. The Council will be monitoring the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo closely following the elections in December, with a briefing expected early in the month on the Secretary-Generals latest report on MONUSCO and the most recent political developments. Regarding other African issues, there will be updates on the activities of the UN missions in Libya (UNSMIL), Mali (MINUSMA), Somalia (UNSOM) and Western Sahara (MINURSO). The chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee will brief the Council. An adoption is scheduled at the end of the month to renew the Central African Republic sanctions regime and the mandate of its Panel of Experts. On Syria, the Council is expected to receive its monthly briefings on the humanitarian situation and chemical weapons. There may not be a briefing on political developments this month in order to give the new Special Envoy, Geir O. Pedersen, who takes office in early January, time to meet with key interlocutors before coming to the Council. Other Middle East issues include the quarterly open debate on Israel/Palestine. The Council will also meet on situations in South America and Europe in January. It will hold a briefing, followed by consultations, on Colombia on the Secretary-Generals 90-day report on the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. On Cyprus, it will be briefed in consultations on developments and the latest report on UNFICYP and is expected to renew the mandate of UNFICYP for six months. The Council is expecting to receive updates on the activities of two UN regional offices. There will be a briefing followed by consultations on the UN Office in West Africa and the Sahel and a briefing in consultations on the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. Over the month, Council members will most likely follow closely developments in Myanmar, Ukraine and Yemen, and meetings may be scheduled. AFRICA Somalia Expected Council Action In January 2019, the recently appointed Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Nicholas Haysom, will brief the Council, followed by consultations. The mandate of UNSOM expires on 27 March 2019. The authorisation of the AU Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) expires on 31 May 2019. Key Recent Developments The armed group Al-Shabaab remains highly active. At least 22 people were killed in two separate militant attacks in Mogadishu and the town of Galkayo on 26 November 2018. The US carried out four airstrikes on 15 December and two more the following day south of Mogadishu, killing a total of 62 Al-Shabaab militants, according to the US military. On 16 December 2018, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed it killed 14 Al-Shabaab militants in clashes between the two groups. The US has reportedly carried out at least 46 airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in 2018. A joint UNSOM and OHCHR brief tallied 78 killed and 62 injured civilians in Somalia during October 2018. Al-Shabaab was responsible for 46 percent of the casualties and 109 reported abductions. AMISOM personnel killed four and injured two civilians; the casualties were reportedly linked to poor crowd control and excessive use of force. On the political front, the presidents of Eritrea and Somalia announced on 30 July 2018 that the two countries would establish diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors after 15 years of animosity. As part of this rapprochement, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki paid his first-ever visit to Somalia on 13 December 2018 for the tripartite summit of the heads of state of Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, held in Mogadishu, where they discussed regional economic cooperation. (Eritrea also signed a peace agreement with Ethiopia on 9 July 2018, ending a 20-year conflict.) Domestically, the candidacy of former Al-Shabaab leader Muhktar Robow for president of South West State caused political strife between the state and the federal government. Robow, who quit Al-Shabaab in 2013, was arrested by Somali police backed by an AMISOM Ethiopian contingent on 13 December 2018, ahead of the 19 December elections in South West State. While the state accepted the candidature, the federal government demanded that the former militant be barred because of remaining US Treasury Department sanctions, and kept him off the ballot. The arrest prompted several days of demonstrations in Baidoa, South West State, which turned violent. A Somali police officer and 11 civilians, including a local lawmaker, were killed. Somalias former state minister for trade, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, won the election. The UNSOM, AMISOM, the US, the EU and other international partners issued a joint statement condemning the violence and urging constructive dialogue to resolve political differences and to address other challenges. On 6 November 2018, the Council adopted resolution 2442, renewing for 12 months authorisations allowing international naval forces to fight piracy in the waters off the coast of Somalia. Sanctions-Related Developments Following the restoration of relations between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, the Council adopted resolution 2444 on 14 November 2018, lifting the arms embargoes, travel bans, and asset freezes on Eritrea and extending various elements of the Somalia sanctions regime until 15 November 2019. Accordingly, the resolution also terminated the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group and established the Panel of Experts on Somalia in its stead, reducing the number of experts from eight to six. In light of the unresolved border dispute with Djibouti, which prompted sanctions on Eritrea in resolutions 1862 and 1907, the resolution urged Eritrea and Djibouti to continue efforts to settle their border dispute peacefully in a manner consistent with international law by an agreed means of pacific dispute settlement identified in Article 33 of the UN Charter, and called for the parties to engage on the issue of the Djiboutian combatants missing in action. The Council also requested the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council by 15 February 2019 and every six months thereafter on this matter and expressed the Councils intention to keep normalisation efforts under review. In addition to these changes in the sanctions regime, the resolution reaffirmed the arms embargo on Somalia while renewing the partial lifting of the arms embargo on Somali security forces, the authorisation for maritime interdiction to enforce the embargo on illicit arms imports and charcoal exports, and the humanitarian exemptions to the sanctions regime. Key Issues and Options After the lifting of sanctions on Eritrea in resolution 2444, a key issue will be monitoring regional developmentsparticularly between Eritrea and Djiboutito assess the impact of the resolution and whether adjustments are necessary. A continuing issue is maintaining AMISOMs capabilities until the Somali security forces can progressively take the lead in providing security and ensuring that AMISOM has the means to assist Somali security forces to achieve this goal. After the postponement of troop reductions from 30 October 2018 to 28 February 2019 in resolution 2431in line with the Secretary-Generals recommendation to delay this process, because Somalias security forces were not ready to take over security responsibilitiesa priority for the Council is to continue to monitor the situation and the readiness of the Somali security forces in order to assess whether the drawdown timeline remains appropriate. Closely related is the continued need to secure predictable and sustainable funding for AMISOM and Somali security institutions throughout this process, as this subject was not addressed in resolution 2431 and remains a contentious issue among Council members. Council Dynamics Council members are united in supporting state-building and in their support for UNSOM and AMISOM. They remain concerned regarding the continuing tensions and lack of communication between the federal government and the statesincluding the recent events in Baidoaand their implications for political stability. Despite the agreement in resolution 2431 to postpone the start of the next drawdown of AMISOM to 28 February 2019, some Council members remain sceptical, as they were during the negotiations over the resolution, that the drawdown will be warranted, as there are no further indications that Somalia is ready to take over more security responsibilities from AMISOM. Nevertheless, to get France and the US to agree to the postponement from 20 October 2018, explicit language was inserted in the resolution stressing that there should be no further delay in the reduction of the level of uniformed AMISOM personnel beyond 28 February 2019. Thus, unless the situation on the ground takes a serious turn for the worse, it seems unlikely that any Council member will attempt to alter the current drawdown schedule. Ethiopia, an AMISOM troop-contributing country (TCC), concluded its Council term in December. Ethiopia consistently represented the views of AMISOMs TCCs, most recently during negotiations over resolution 2431. It was also a strong proponent of lifting sanctions over Eritrea in light of regional developments, an issue the Council will continue to monitor in 2019. The UK is the penholder on Somalia, and the US is the penholder on piracy. Belgium is expected to chair the 751 Somalia Sanctions Committee as of 1 January 2019. UN DOCUMENTS ON SOMALIA Status Update since our December Forecast Afghanistan On 3 December, the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee held informal consultations and was briefed by a representative from UNODC on opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. On 10 December, Council members issued press statement welcoming the outcome of the Geneva Afghanistan Conference that took place on 27-28 November 2018 (SC/13612). On 17 December, the Council held its quarterly debate on UNAMA. Briefers were: Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNAMA Tadamichi Yamamoto; UNODC Executive Director Yuri Fedotov; Ambassador Kairat Umarov (Kazakhstan), chair of the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee; and Ghizaal Haress, member of Afghanistans Independent Commission for Overseeing the Implementation of the Constitution (S/PV.8426). On 26 December 2018, Council members issued a press statement condemning, in the strongest terms, the 24 December terrorist attack in Kabul that resulted in at least 43 people killed and 27 injured. Iraq On 4 December, the Council received its first briefing by Karim Asad Ahmad Khan (S/PV.8412), the Special Adviser and head of the UN Investigative Team for Accountability of Daesh (UNITAD) on the first report on the teams activities (S/2018/1031). Children and Armed Conflict The Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict met on 4 December to discuss its conclusions on the report on children and armed conflict in South Sudan (S/2018/865). On 7 and 13 December it met to discuss its conclusions on the report on children and armed conflict in Myanmar (S/2018/956), which had been introduced at the end of November. On 18 December, the Working Group met to adopt its conclusions on Myanmar. Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace On 5 December, the Council held a debate on Post-conflict reconstruction and peace, security and stability, chaired by President Alassane Ouattara of Cote dIvoire (S/PV.8413). Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission briefed. On 18 December, the Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2018/20) on the Peacebuilding Commissions advisory role to the Council, initiated by Sweden (S/PV.8430). Regional Organisations On 6 December, the Council held a ministerial-level open debate on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations, focusing on the role of states, regional arrangements and the UN in the prevention and resolution of conflicts (S/PV.8414). Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed, together with the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat. The concept note (S/2018/1064) circulated ahead of the meeting by Cote dIvoire, as Council president for December, emphasised the need to consider seeking closer cooperation among the UN, states and sub-regional and regional organisations. South Sudan On 7 December, the Council issued a press statement condemning the heinous incidents of sexual and gender-based violence against women near Bentiu in northern South Sudan and calling for accountability (SC/13611). The statement also reiterated the Councils willingness to impose targeted sanctions against individuals or entities responsible and called for the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan. On 18 December, the Council received a briefing (S/PV.8431) from Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on the Secretary-Generals 90-day report on South Sudan (S/2018/1103). Also briefed Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten also briefed (via video teleconference) and Ambassador Joanna Wronecka (Poland), the chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee. On 21 December 2018, the Council issued a press statement that strongly condemned the assault, detention and abuse of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism team by government officials on 18 December 2018 in Luri, South Sudan and called on the government to investigate the incident immediately and hold those responsible accountable (SC/13647). Central African Republic On 7 December, the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee met to discuss the final report of its Panel of Experts. On 13 December, the Council adopted resolution 2448, extending the mandate of MINUSCA and the authorisation to use all the means to provide operational support to MINUSCA until 15 November 2019 (S/PV.8422). China and Russia abstained on the vote. Peacekeeping On 7 December, the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations held a meeting to discuss lessons learned from the UN Operation in Cote dIvoire. Protection of Civilians On 10 December, an Arria-formula meeting was held on Raising the effectiveness of atrocity crimes prevention: role of the United Nations Security Council and its Members. The meeting was organised by Poland, in partnership with Belgium, Cote dIvoire, Germany, Kuwait and Peru, and in cooperation with the UN Office for Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the UN Office of Legal Affairs. Briefers included: Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel; and Samantha Capicotto, Director of Policy and Planning of the Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and Program Director of the Global Edition of the Raphael Lemkin Seminar for Genocide Prevention. On 21 December, Sweden, in partnership with Belgium, Cote dIvoire, France, Germany and Peru, organised an Arria-formula meeting on Protecting medical care in armed conflictfrom policy to practice. The briefers were Alice Debarre, Policy Analyst, Humanitarian Affairs, International Peace Institute; Farhad Jawid, Afghanistan Country Director with Marie Stopes International, Afghanistan; and Dr. Evan Atar Adaha, Medical Director, Maban hospital, South Sudan. Tribunals On 10 December, the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals met with the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) president, Judge Theodor Meron, and prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, ahead of the semi-annual debate on the IRMCT held on 11 December (S/PV.8416). Meron and Brammertz briefed on their respective assessment reports (S/2018/1033) and the IRMCTs annual report (S/2018/569). UNDOF (Golan Heights) On 11 December, Council members met with UNDOF troop-contributing countries and were briefed by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alexandre Zouev who also briefed Council members in consultations on 14 December. On 21 December, the Council adopted resolution 2450, renewing UNDOFs mandate until 30 June 2019. Iran On 12 December, the Council received its semiannual briefing on the implementation of resolution 2231 (S/PV.8418). Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo presented the latest Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 2231 (S/2018/1089). The Councils facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231, Ambassador Karel van Oosterom (the Netherlands), reported on the work of the Council related to Iran and the Head of the EU delegation, Joao Pedro Vale de Almeida, briefed on the work of the JCPOAs Joint Commission. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who participated at the meeting, stressed that Iran violated resolution 2231 after it tested medium-range ballistic missile in early December. Most Council members reiterated their support for the JCPOA, while the Western members of the Council expressed concern over Irans missile ballistic activities. In what was its first address to the Council in semiannual briefings, Iran condemned the US for withdrawing from the JCPOA and reiterated that Irans missile ballistic activities are exclusively related to defensive and non-nuclear purposes. Haiti On 12 December, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Helen La Lime briefed the Council (S/PV.8419) on recent developments and the latest MINUJUTH report (S/2018/1059). While noting slow progress towards achieving benchmarks and the recent political crisis, she pointed out to the positive impact the mission has had on reinforcing rule of law institutions and promotion of human rights. She further noted that the benchmarks for the transition will not be achieved by October 2019 as planned and that there are still options for reconfiguring the UN presence in the country. Council members expressed concern over the recent political instability and violent protests and called on the government to step up its efforts in achieving benchmarks. Peacekeeping/Rule of Law ON 13 December, the Council adopted resolution 2447 on the rule of law, justice and corrections in UN peacekeeping operations (S/PV.8420). UNOCA (Central Africa) On 13 December, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNOCA Francois Lounceny Fall, briefed the Council (S/PV.8421) on the latest UNOCA report (S/2018/165). The meeting was followed by consultations. Counter-Terrorism On 13 December, the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee met to review the 2015 Madrid Guiding Principles on stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. On 20 December the committee met with representatives from the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate assisting the committee and the International Civil Aviation Organization about terrorist threats to civil aviation. On 21 December, the Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2018/21), stating that its review of the 1267/1989/2253 sanctions regime, as required by resolution 2368, concluded that there are no adjustments necessary to the regime at this time. Also on 21 December, the 1267/1989/2253 Sanctions Committee met with representatives from the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and a team of experts from Saudi Arabia. Chairs of Subsidiary Bodies On 17 December, the outgoing chairs of Council subsidiary bodies briefed the Council about their experience, describing the different challenges encountered in the work of each body, sharing lessons learned and providing advice to their successors (S/PV.8428). The briefers were: Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie Amde (Ethiopia), as chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa; Ambassador Kairat Umarov (Kazakhstan) as chair of the 751 Somalia Sanctions Committee, the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee and the 1267,1989 and 2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee; Ambassador Karel J. G. van Oosterom (Netherlands) as chair of the Committee on the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231 Concerning Iran and the 1718 Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Sanctions Committee; and Ambassador Olof Skoog (Sweden) as chair of the1970 Libya Sanctions Committee, the 2374 Mali Sanctions Committee, and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. Veronica Cordova Soria, Deputy Permanent Representative of Bolivia, spoke on behalf of the chair of the 1540 Non-Proliferation Committee, Ambassador Sacha Sergio Llorenty Soliz. Kosovo On 17 December, the Council held an emergency meeting on the situation in Kosovo prompted by a request from Serbia citing the decision of Kosovo authorities to transform the Kosovo Security Forces into a more traditional army (S/PV.8427). In his briefing, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed concern over the rising tensions and called on Serbia and Kosovo to reengage in dialogue. He echoed the Secretary-Generals remarks that resolution 1244 provides the legal framework for the international presence. President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and Hashim Thaci of Kosovo participated in the meeting. While Vucic accused Kosovo authorities of destabilising the region and violating resolution 1244, Thaci stressed that the decision of Kosovos parliament to expand the competencies of the Kosovo Security Forces is a sovereign right of Kosovo. Lebanon On 19 December, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed the Council on the situation in Lebanon, and specifically on the recently discovered tunnels south of the Blue Line. Lacroix noted that UNIFIL confirmed the existence of four tunnels, two of which are crossing the Blue Line in violation of resolution 1701 (S/PV.8432). The Israeli ambassador told the Council that the tunnels were dug up by Hezbollah as a part of its plan to attack Israel. He further blamed the Lebanese army for cooperating with Hezbollah. The Lebanese representative accused Israel of continuously violating resolution 1701 but said that Lebanon is willing to engage to resolve the situation peacefully. While expressing concern about the recent developments, Council members called on restraint from both sides. Peace and Security in Africa On 19 December, the Council held a briefing on Drug trafficking in West Africa as a threat to stability by Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime Yury Fedotov (S/PV.8433). On 20 December, the Council held a meeting on UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), an integrated response to peacebuilding and sustaining peace in the Sahel (S/PV.8435). Briefings were given by the Secretary-Generals Special Adviser for the Sahel, Ibrahim Thiaw, as well as Ambassador Ion Jinga (Romania), Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission; Hafez Ghanem, Vice President of the World Bank for Africa; and Remy Rioux, Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency. Guinea-Bissau On 21 December, the Council held a briefing and consultations on UNIOGBIS (S/PV.8438). Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Taye-Brooke Zerihoun and the Peacebuilding Commissions chair of its Guinea-Bissau configuration, Ambassador Mauro Vieira (Brazil), spoke during the briefing. Discussion focused on the delayed legislative elections, which the President of Guinea-Bissau Jose Mario Vaz announced the day before the Council briefing, and ahead of an upcoming ECOWAS summit, would be held on 10 March. Members also considered the Secretary-Generals special report (S/2018/1086) on a strategic assessment on UNIOGBIS, which proposes an exit plan for the mission over the next two years. On 27 December, Council members issued a press statement, expressing deep concern regarding the status of preparations for legislative elections, which they stressed should take place prior to the presidential elections foreseen in 2019. AFRICA Sudan (Darfur) Expected Council Action In January 2019, Ambassador Joanna Wronecka (Poland), chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, is expected to provide the quarterly briefing to the Security Council on the committees work. Also in January, the Council expects to receive the Secretary-Generals 90-day report on the AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), as requested in resolution 2429; at press time a briefing on the report was not scheduled and may occur in February. The mandate of UNAMID expires on 30 June 2019. Key Recent Developments According to the Secretary-Generals most recent report, the security situation in Darfur has remained relatively stable except for intermittent clashes in the Jebel Marra area between government forces and the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid, and the persistence of intercommunal conflict and disputes over land and resources. While there was a decrease in human rights incidents, attacks against civiliansparticularly internally displaced personshave continued with impunity, and sexual and gender-based violence remains a serious concern, the report said. The report contained proposed benchmarks and indicators of achievement for the eventual exit of UNAMID with a view towards this exit taking place in 2020, provided that there is no significant change in the security situation in Darfur and key indicators are fulfilled, as stated in resolution 2429. The resolution reduced UNAMIDs troop ceiling from 8,735 to 4,050 military personnel. On 11 December 2018, the Council adopted a presidential statement that took note of the Secretary-Generals report, including the proposed benchmarks and indicators of achievement, and acknowledged that progress towards achieving the benchmarks and indicators will contribute towards the successful transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding in Darfur. The presidential statement requested the Secretary-General, and invited the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to provide detailed reporting on the progress made towards achieving the benchmarks and indicators in the regular 90-day reports, and requested UNAMID and the UN Country Team (UNCT) to ensure robust monitoring of progress against the benchmarks and indicators. It acknowledged that some of the proposed benchmarks and indicators are of more immediate priority, while others reflect longer-term peacebuilding objectives in Darfur, and requested the Secretary-General and invited the Chairperson of the AU Commission to attach particular priority to progress against the benchmarks and indicators focused on protection of civilians, particularly relating to internally displaced persons and returning refugees, human rights, rule of law, the humanitarian situation, and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in the 90-day reports and upcoming strategic review to help guide the Security Councils considerations on the future of UNAMIDs mandate. (For more details, see our Whats In Blue story of 10 December 2018.) In a press conference on 2 December 2018, Joint Special Representative and head of UNAMID Jeremiah Mamabolo said that in line with the missions drawdown as set out in resolution 2429, UNAMID has handed over eight team sites to the government of Sudan, with two others to be closed before the end of December; three community policing centres were handed over in October, and the closure of three sector-headquarters is underway, to be completed by 30 June 2019. With regard to peacekeeping operations in the Jebel Marra area, he said the mission has significantly reconfigured its military component and would reduce the force by 3,265 uniformed personnel by 31 December 2018 and by another 1,420 by the end of June 2019, to reach a strength of 4,050 military personnel by end of June 2019. Some recent gains have been made in advancing the Darfur peace process and the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). On 22 and 23 November 2018, a meeting took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with two Darfur non-signatory movements, the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minawi (SLA-MM) and the Gibril Ibrahim faction of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM-Gibril), focusing on achieving a pre-negotiation framework that would facilitate the signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement and the resumption of political negotiations. On 6 December 2018, a pre-negotiation agreement for the resumption of the peace process in Darfur was signed in Berlin, Germany, between the government of Sudan and the SLA-MM and JEM-Gibril, providing for the resumption of negotiations under the DDPD, under the auspices of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel. On 9 December 2018, the 14th meeting of the Implementation Follow-up Commission of the DDPD was held in Khartoum, Sudan. According to a press release issued after the meeting, the commission discussed progress and challenges in the implementation of the DDPD since its last meeting on 11 July 2018, as well as disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants, arms collection, and the voluntary return of internally displaced persons. The commission also welcomed the signing of the pre-negotiation agreement in Berlin and expressed hope that this would lead to substantive negotiations on cessation of hostilities and to the resumption of negotiations in Doha in January 2019. On 14 December 2018, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda briefed the Council, providing the semi-annual briefing on the ICCs work with regard to Darfur. Bensouda noted that while levels of violence in Darfur have decreased, impunity as well as reports of serious crimes persist. Violations of the ICCs Rome Statute, including failure to arrest fugitives as they cross international borders, are unlikely to end if the Security Council remains unwilling to take action against such non-compliance, she said. Sanctions-Related Developments On 3 October 2018, Wronecka provided Council members with the quarterly briefing on the committees work. She highlighted aspects of the interim report of the Panel of Experts presented to the committee on 17 August 2018 (which, unlike the final report, is not made public). She said the report noted that the Sudanese government continued to transfer weapons to Darfur without the required approval of the committee, that the panel is investigating instances of potential violations of the arms embargo by rebel groups, and that there is a growing presence of Darfuri armed groups in Libya. On 24 October 2018, the committee was briefed by the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, on the current situation regarding sexual violence in Sudan and particularly Darfur. The Special Representative informed the committee of the ongoing patterns of sexual violence in Darfur as well as the progress made by the government of Sudan to address them. Key Issues and Options A key issue that Council members will want to follow closely is the effect of further troop reductions on the security situation as well as implementation of the missions revised priorities as set out in resolution 2429, including on human rights reporting and intercommunal mediation efforts. An option would be to invite Mamabolo to brief on this as well as on next steps in the implementation of the DDPD, given recent developments. Another issue is to consider reviewing the sanctions measures on Darfur as resolution 2400 expressed the Councils intention to do so regularly. One option is for such considerations to be further informed by the final report of the Panel of Experts due by 12 January 2019. Council Dynamics Council members continue to differ in their assessment of the situation in Darfur. Some members seem to view more guarded recognition of progress as appropriate, while others are generally more positive in their assessment. These differences were again made apparent during negotiations of the 11 December 2018 presidential statement, which was first circulated by the UK, the penholder on Darfur, on 5 November. Multiple rounds of bilateral negotiations, in particular with Ethiopia, were necessary to achieve a final text, and several compromises were made. For example, the initial draft welcomed the Secretary-Generals report and endorsed the benchmarks and indicators it put forward. However, the endorsement was removed from the adopted statement, which only takes note of the report instead of welcoming it. This and other changes were made following input primarily from Ethiopia, supported by Bolivia, China, Cote dIvoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kuwait and Russia. At the 14 December 2018 briefing, the US and France emphasised the importance of human rights monitoring as UNAMID draws down. The UK expressed hope that Sudan will proceed with plans to establish an OHCHR country office while helping to ensure a smooth transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding. The UK is the penholder on Darfur; Poland chairs the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee. UN Documents on Darfur MIDDLE EAST Syria Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Council will receive the monthly briefings on the humanitarian situation and the use of chemical weapons in Syria. At press time, no briefing on the political situation was scheduled. Geir O. Pedersen will take office as the new Special Envoy for Syria in early January 2019. Key Recent Developments December 2018 saw the first Council decision on Syria since February. On 13 December, the Council adopted resolution 2449, drafted by Kuwait and Sweden, which renewed for a year the authorisation for cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access to Syria. Through this authorisation, first established by the Council in resolution 2165 in July 2014, UN actors and implementing partners have been able to deliver cross-border life-saving humanitarian assistance to millions of people, only notifying the Syrian government, rather than awaiting its authorisation. Despite the changes in territorial control within Syria, this authorisation continues to be vital, particularly in northern Syria. The resolution was adopted with the abstentions of China and Russia. In explaining its vote, Russia highlighted the need to eventually roll back a provision that had been devised originally as a temporary measure. Both countries emphasised the need to increase the monitoring and transparency of the mechanisms used to deliver cross-border aid. Russia proposed decreasing the frequency of the reports that the Council receives on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Resolution 2449 maintains the request for monthly Council briefings on the humanitarian situation, but the written reports will now be received bimonthly. After welcoming the adoption, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock briefed the Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria. He raised the critical situation in Idlib, where the fate of some 3 million people continues to depend on the restraint exercised by the parties. Recent shelling and fighting in areas in and around the demilitarised zone continue to result in civilian deaths and injuries, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and displacement that now numbers nearly 15,000 people. He described the limitations encountered by the UN and its partners in securing sustained humanitarian access, including to areas under the control of the government, and updated the Council on the situation in places such as Deir ez-Zor where up to 6,000 people remain trapped by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Following up on a successful delivery in November, a convoy was expected to reach 40,000 people stranded in dire conditions in the makeshift camp of Rukban by the end of the year. At the request of the Secretary-General, Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura focused the last weeks of his tenure on assessing the possibility of establishing a credible, balanced and inclusive constitutional committee. De Mistura has repeatedly told the Council that the main reason for the delay in convening the first session of a constitutional committeewhich is expected to comprise 150 people, one-third each from the government, the opposition, and civil societywas the governments refusal to accept the UN-prepared list of civil society participants. After several failed attempts, the guarantors of the Astana processIran, Russia and Turkeyagreed on a civil society list in mid-December, but this version was not acceptable to de Mistura. Briefing the Council on 20 December, he characterised the list as representing significant joint input, but declared that the UN did not feel comfortable accepting all 50 members of the list as meeting the necessary criteria of credibility and balance. During his briefing, de Mistura identified several elements regarding the constitutional committee that it should be possible to agree on, including having a balanced co-chairmanship arrangement and a 75 percent voting threshold. A joint statement by the presidents of France, Russia and Turkey and the Chancellor of Germany after a summit held on 27 October 2018 in Istanbul had called for the establishing and early convening, considering the circumstances, by the end of the year of the constitutional committee in Geneva. However, an 18 December 2018 statement of the Astana guarantors said that the committee will convene in early 2019. The situation in north-eastern Syria, particularly between Turkey and the YPG, a Kurdish militia that is part of the US-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), continues to be tense, despite joint patrolling by the US and Turkey near Manbij. In mid-December, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to mount a new offensive east of the Euphrates River against the SDF. The announcement on 19 December 2018 by US President Donald J. Trump regarding the withdrawal of US troops from Syria may have negative consequences for the stability of that area. The High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, briefed the Council on 4 December. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons continues to have concerns regarding the limited cooperation of the Syrian government in addressing the gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies identified in Syrias initial declaration of its chemical weapons stockpile. Human Rights-Related Developments On 28 November, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria issued a paper on death notifications in Syria following information released by the Syrian government on the deaths of numerous detained and/or missing persons. The paper stresses the need to account for the fate and whereabouts of detained and missing individuals countrywide and notes that no progress can be made in reaching a political settlement and a lasting peace in Syria without urgently confronting the justice-based needs of Syrian victims and survivors as well as their families. The paper, which was presented to Council members that same day in an Arria-formula meeting, contains six recommendations, including that pro-government forces and primarily the Syrian State should reveal publicly the fates of those detained, disappeared, and/or missing without delay; that families must further be able to retrieve the bodies of their relatives who died in detention or by execution or be told where their remains are; that the Syrian state must ensure that all custodial deaths are promptly, thoroughly, transparently, and independently investigated in line with international standards; that those responsiblemust be held accountable[and] if the Syrian state is unwilling or unable to hold perpetrators accountable, a referral by the United Nations Security Council to the International Criminal Court should be made; and that a national reparations mechanism should be established. Key Issues and Options Given the crucial role of Russia, Turkey and Iran on both the political and humanitarian fronts, Council members could seek an informal interactive dialogue with their representatives to have a more action-oriented discussion regarding current and future efforts to avert a full-fledged military offensive in Idlib. Some Council members question whether any effort on the political process is likely to yield results, given the Syrian governments emphasis on regaining territory and consolidating control. As Pedersen assumes his role as Special Envoy in January 2019, Council members could hold an informal and frank discussion to consider how, individually and collectively, they can best support the prospects of a political process based on resolution 2254 which in December 2015 laid out the steps toward a political solution in Syria. The issue of detainees, abductees and missing persons has not attracted much attention in the Council and is mostly considered under the rubric of confidence-building measures being discussed by the Astana guarantors. With little progress on this front and the Syrian governments release of thousands of death notices for prisoners, the Council could hold a meeting on this matter. The Council could request a briefing from the Secretariat to focus on the potential for instability in north-eastern Syria, call on the actors involved to exercise restraint and support good offices efforts to address longstanding grievances. Council and Wider Dynamics Ahead of the negotiations on resolution 2449 on humanitarian cross-border access, there were concerns that renewing the authorisation would prove difficult. In the 2017 renewal, China and Russia had abstained, arguing that the measure was always intended to be temporary. Russias position became more nuanced in the lead-up to the negotiations in 2018, however, and at a 29 November briefing, Russias Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy merely called for the cross-border mechanism to be adjusted to respond to the concerns he raised about insufficient transparency regarding cross-border deliveries and the need to reflect significant changes in the situation on the ground. The role of Turkey, which had been critical in making the case for renewing the authorisation in 2017, was equally important this time around. Among the areas Russia focused on in the negotiations on resolution 2249 were the inclusion of a reference welcoming the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and a call for the international community to increase its assistance to Syria by providing additional humanitarian aid and restoring humanitarian infrastructure assets. Elected members Kuwait and Sweden, the penholders on this issue, were able to act as a bridge between the P3 and Russia in exploring possible compromises in their positions. In the end, the final draft recalled the need to create conditions throughout the country and facilitate the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and IDPs to their home areas in Syria, in accordance with international law. It also called upon the international community to increase its assistance to Syria by providing additional humanitarian aid. In the negotiations, Russia proposed that the draft condemn unilateral coercive measures and that it requests the Secretary-General to consider the recommendations contained in the report of the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights in Syria, but these references were not included in the final text. Belgium and Germany will succeed Sweden as co-penholders on humanitarian issues in Syria, along with Kuwait. UN DOCUMENTS ON SYRIA ASIA UNRCCA (Central Asia) Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Special Representative and head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), Natalia Gherman, is expected to brief Council members in consultations on UNRCCAs activities. UNRCCA is a UN special political mission, established by the Secretary-General in 2007 for an open-ended period based upon a proposal by the five Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). It is based in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, with office locations in all Central Asian states, and its mandate includes a liaison function, monitoring and analysis of the situation on the ground, maintaining contact with regional organisations, offering a political framework for prevention activities of the entire UN system in the region and additionally maintaining contact with the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to ensure a comprehensive overview of the regional situation. Its proposed budget for 2019 from assessed contributions (the regular UN budget) is around $3 million, and it has a staff of 30 (22 national, 8 international). It is established practice that the Special Representative reports orally to the Council twice a year. Key Recent Developments Gherman last briefed Council members in consultations on 28 June 2018. On 2 July 2018, she spoke during a briefing organised by the Councils Counter-Terrorism Committee, open to all UN member states, that focused on Central Asia, providing an update, among other issues, on the Joint Plan of Action for Central Asia (JPoA), which implements the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia. UNRCCA organised the eighth annual meeting of deputy foreign ministers of Central Asian states, which took place on 16 November 2018 in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). Since December 2017, this format also includes the deputy foreign minister of Afghanistan. Cross-border challenges discussed at last Novembers meeting focused on radicalisation, the economy and the environment. The Central Asian states and UNRCCA also discussed their priority areas of cooperation for 2019. Together with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, UNRCCA organised a workshop titled Good Practices in Border Security and Management to Strengthen National and Regional Capacities in Countering Terrorism held from 15 to 19 October 2018 in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan). Issues and Options One issue for the Council is what more it can do to support UNRCCAs work. An option would be to hear Ghermans briefing in an open meeting, followed by closed consultations. This would allow Council members to publicly express support for the work of UNRCCA and to raise awareness of its activities and then have a potentially less formal, more detailed and frank exchange with Gherman in closed consultations. Council Dynamics Council members are generally supportive of the work of UNRCCA. Until early 2015, Council members issued a press statement following each briefing, encouraging increased cooperation and coordination among the Central Asian countries, UNRCCA, and relevant regional organisations. In September 2015, Russia, the penholder on UNRCCA, sought to add specific references to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), as well as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the EU. The P3 (France, the UK and the US) opposed these additions, seeing the CIS, the CSTO and the SCO as vehicles for enhancing Russian influence in the region. No press statements could be agreed on for more than two years. As a Central Asian state, Kazakhstan has sought to overcome those differences during its 2017-2018 term on the Council. In February 2017, Council members agreed on press elements that welcomed the Special Representatives briefing, reaffirmed the importance of conflict prevention tools, acknowledged the role of UNRCCA, and encouraged greater cooperation between the states in the region, UNRCCA, and relevant regional organisations. Under the Kazakh Council presidency in January 2018, the Council found consensus on a press statement, again referring to relevant regional organisations without naming them. In light of the countrys close relationship with Kazakhstan, it appears that this was acceptable to Russia, with the addition of including those organizations of which the Central Asian States are members. In the statement, Council members reaffirmed the importance of preventive diplomacy and acknowledged UNRCCAs role in that regard. They further expressed support for UNRCCAs role in regional counter-terrorism activities, welcomed its engagement related to border management, and commended efforts related to trans-boundary water management and combatting drug trafficking. Following the last meeting on UNRCCA in June 2018, divisions between Council members were not overcome, and no press statement was issued. UN DOCUMENTS ON UNRCCA AFRICA West Africa and the Sahel Expected Council Action In January 2019, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative and head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), will brief the Council on developments in the region and the semi-annual UNOWAS report. Key Recent Developments The security situation deteriorated across much of the region, in particular in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, where terrorist and armed groups remain a major threat. The crisis in Mali continues to spill over into Burkina Faso and Niger. In Burkina Faso, attacks by armed groups against security and civilian targets, previously concentrated in the north, have spread to the east and southwest. On 15 November 2018 the Council was briefed on progress towards making the G5 Sahel Joint Force fully operational. Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger established the Force in 2017 to combat terrorist and criminal groups in the Sahel; a major setback was the 29 June terrorist attack on the joint force headquarters in Sevare, Mali, which resulted in the replacement of its force and deputy force commanders and the halting of operations. Boko Haram and its faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), intensified attacks in the Lake Chad Basin. According to the Nigeria Security Tracker of the US Council on Foreign Relations, the upsurge of violence by the extremist group included a 15 July 2018 attack on a base in Geidam, Yobe state, that killed 62 soldiers; a 17 July attack that killed 27 people in Ngala, Borno state; an 18 August attack that killed 25 in Guzamala, Borno, and a 30 August attack, also in Guzamala, that killed 48 Nigerian soldiers. On 22 November, Boko Haram killed seven employees of a French drilling company at a water well site in Toumour, Niger, and on 23 November it kidnapped 15 girls from two villages in Nigers Diffa region. By October 2018, 2.5 million people had been displaced by the nine-year Boko Haram crisis in the Lake Chad basin. Boko Haram executed two ICRC aid workers (one in September and one in October) who were kidnapped in Rann, Nigeria, in March 2018. On 18 November 2018, ISWAP overran an army base in Metele, Nigeria. The Nigerian military said 43 soldiers were killed, but according to news reports the number was over 100. Following the incident, Nigerian soldiers released video footage of the attack site, claiming that they were not being adequately equipped. On 25 November, the Secretary-General issued a statement condemning the recurrent attacks by terrorists and other extremist groups in northern Nigeria which have caused heavy casualties among the civilian population and security forces and have disrupted normal life. On 29 November, an extraordinary summit of heads of state and government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) was held in Ndjamena to discuss Boko Harams resurgence and proposals to strengthen the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which comprises forces from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria and which has had an AU mandate since 2014 to combat the terrorist group. Previously, at a ministerial conference of the LCBC, held in Abuja on 30 August 2018, member states adopted a regional strategy for the stabilisation, recovery and resilience of the Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad basin. On 4 September, during the High-Level Conference on the Lake Chad Region, donors pledged $2.17 billion to support humanitarian, peacebuilding and development activities. A donor conference on 6 December 2018 in Nouakchott, Mauritania for the G5 Sahel Priority Investment Programme for 2019-2021 raised 2.4 billion euros for around 40 development programmes. This exceeded the 1.9 billion euros that G5 Sahel countries had targeted. Inter-communal violence between herders and farmers in Nigerias Middle Belt resulted in more than 1,300 Nigerians killed during the first half of 2018 and displacing more than 300,000 people, according to the International Crisis Croup. In a 10 August 2018 presidential statement on UNOWAS, the Council expressed concern for increased tensions between pastoralists and farmers in the region, driven by competition for natural resources, rapid population growth, weak governance, pressures related to climate and ecological factors, and the circulation of small arms and light weapons. It encouraged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its member states to address these challenges holistically, with UNOWAS support. Ahead of Nigerias presidential and legislative elections scheduled for 16 February 2019, Chambas, who is also the High-Level Representative of the Secretary-General to Nigeria, has been actively engaging authorities and stakeholders. He undertook a joint mission to Nigeria with ECOWAS Commission President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou from 29 to 30 October 2018. He was in Nigeria again for a pre-election mission from 11 to 23 November, coinciding with the official beginning of campaigning on 18 November. At the 54th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS heads of state and government on 22 December 2018, West African leaders threatened to sanction individuals that obstruct the electoral process in Guinea-Bissau, where legislative elections have been delayed repeatedly.. Key Issues and Options A key issue is the deteriorating security situation in West Africa and the Sahel. This includes rising concerns over Burkina Faso, which could have broader spill-over effects on West Africa, and the situation in the Lake Chad Basin. In addition to security initiatives (the G5 Sahel Joint Force and the MNJTF), efforts to address structural causes of instability in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin are central, including poor governance, underdevelopment and climate change. The UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) and the UN Support Plan for the Sahel, launched in 2018 to improve implementation of the UNISS, are intended to guide UN and partner approaches to these efforts. The Secretary-Generals Special Adviser for the Sahel, Ibrahim Thiaw, briefed the Council on 20 December 2018 on the UNISS and the UN Support Plan. Among issues of interest, UNOWAS has increasingly sought to support ECOWAS in addressing insecurity due to herder-farmer conflict, and released a study on pastoralism and security in August 2018. Other key issues are political developments and governance trends across the region. These include upcoming elections in 2019 in Nigeria, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau and the political crisis in Togo. The humanitarian situation, particularly across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, is a further area of continuing focus. As stipulated in the Councils 30 January 2018 presidential statement, the Secretary-Generals upcoming report is expected to provide a risk assessment of the impact of climate change on West Africa. Depending on the contents of the Secretary-Generals report and the discussion with Chambas, the Council might adopt a presidential statement that would, among other elements, express its support for the conflict prevention and good offices roles of UNOWAS while reiterating support for initiatives to address the threat of terrorism. In light of worsening Boko Haram-related violence, Council members could organise an informal interactive dialogue with Lake Chad Basin countries in order to be updated on the activities of the MNJTF, discuss the regional stabilisation strategy, and explore ways the Council and UN can provide more support. Council Dynamics Members view UNOWAS as playing a significant conflict prevention role and have valued the good offices activities undertaken by Special Representative Chambas in addressing political crises and electoral tensions. As part of such efforts, Chambas frequently seeks close coordination in the messaging and actions of ECOWAS, the AU and the UN. Council members often stress the importance of a holistic approach to the challenges facing Sahel and Lake Chad Basin countries, in addition to supporting regional military initiatives. The Councils consideration in recent years of some of the regions security challenges stands out because of members ability to agree on more sensitive, non-traditional security challenges and approaches. Resolution 2349 in March 2017 was the resolution in which the Council first recognised the impact of climate and ecological change, in this case on the stability of the Lake Chad Basin. Then, in its 30 January 2018 presidential statement, it recognised the impact of climate change and ecological changes on the stability of the broader West Africa and Sahel region. The Councils repeated calls for the UN system and international efforts to become more coherent and to focus on tackling root causes of conflicts in the region reflect its approaches to situations where it does not have a mandated, in-country UN operation. Cote dIvoire is the penholder on West Africa and the Sahel. The UK has served as penholder on the Lake Chad Basin. UN DOCUMENTS ON WEST AFRICA AND THE SAHEL AFRICA Western Sahara Expected Council Action In January 2019, Council members are expected to hold consultations on Western Sahara in accordance with resolution 2440 that requested the Secretary-General to brief the Council on a regular basis at any time he deems appropriate, including within three months of MINURSOs renewal and again prior to the expiration of its mandate. The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Horst Kohler, is expected to brief. There may also be a briefer from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. The mandate of MINURSO expires on 30 April 2019. Key Recent Developments On 31 October 2018, the Security Council adopted resolution 2440, extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for six months. The resolution expressed the Councils full support for the intention of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to initiate a renewed negotiations process before the end of 2018. At the adoption, Bolivia, Ethiopia and Russia abstained. In their explanation of vote, Ethiopia and Russia indicated their concerns that the resolution weakened the previously-agreed parameters for resolving the Western Sahara conflict. (The resolution removed one iteration of the habitual Council description of a solution to Western Sahara, namely that it be based on a mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, though it retained this formula in two paragraphs.) On 5 and 6 December 2018, Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania attended a roundtable meeting in Geneva organised by Kohler. The Geneva roundtable meeting took place after a gap of over ten years since the last formal round of negotiations held between Morocco and the Polisario in March 2008 at Greentree in New York, and six years since the last informal talks were held in 2012, also at Greentree. A short communique stated, Delegations took stock of recent developments, addressed regional issues, and discussed the next steps in the political process on Western Sahara. It added 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. The delegations agreed to hold a second roundtable meeting in the first quarter of 2019. At the press stakeout following the roundtable, Kohler described the meeting as an important first step towards a renewed political process that, according to resolution 2440, is to find a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. Key Issues and Options A key focus of the upcoming consultations is to update Council members on the discussions at the Geneva roundtable meeting, and on next steps that the Personal Envoy is planning, including for a second roundtable meeting, towards resuming negotiations and a political process. A key issue that has kept the political process deadlocked the past ten years is that the parties respective proposals for the basis of a political solution, as outlined in 2007, are mutually exclusive. The Polisarios position has been that the territorys final status can only be decided in a referendum that includes independence as an option, while Morocco has proposed that Western Sahara should be an autonomous region within Morocco. Another issue, which played out during negotiations on resolution 2440, is Algerias role and participation in a political process. Morocco has insisted that Algeria should participate in a forthcoming political process as a party to the conflict. For its part, Algeria has insisted that it is not a party to the conflict and that it cannot take the place of the Polisario in negotiations, but is prepared to step up its role in the political process as a neighbouring state. So far, opting for the format of roundtable meetings appears to have been a way to avoid making this distinction and determination of how Algeria will participate in future negotiations. Challenges to MINURSOs operations and steps taken to address them are another issue. The parties have had significantly divergent interpretations of the mandate of MINURSO. The Council may issue a statement that welcomes the initial roundtable meeting in Geneva, expressing support for the Secretary-Generals Personal Envoy, acknowledging the momentum generated by the resumption of direct contacts between the parties, and encouraging Morocco, the Polisario, Algeria and Mauritania to engage constructively at the next roundtable meeting. Council Dynamics Since last year, the US has sought to have the Council apply greater pressure on the parties to break the inertia around the political process. It has done so by pushing for six-month extensions of MINURSO since April 2018, instead of the one-year extensions that had been the practice since 2008, suggesting that it may not support further extensions of MINURSOs mandate without progress on resuming negotiations. During MINURSOs mandate renewal in October, the US contended that maintaining such pressure was necessary until a reliable political process is in place. France was the leading proponent for a 12-month extension this past October, reflecting the staunch support that it provides in the Council to Morocco, which has not been keen to have the more frequent reporting and Security Council meetings on Western Sahara that result from the shorter mandate extensions. Overall, members have been supportive of the efforts of the Personal Envoy. Incoming member South Africa is a strong supporter of the Polisario Front. The African Council members do not have a shared position on Western Sahara, with only South Africa among next years A3 having recognised an independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, as proclaimed by Polisario in 1976. The US is the penholder on Western Sahara. Resolutions are initially discussed among the Group of Friends, comprising France, Russia, the UK, and the US, joined by Spain, the former colonial power. UN DOCUMENTS ON WESTERN SAHARA MIDDLE EAST Yemen Expected Council Action In January 2019, the Council will be following closely developments in Yemen and may be briefed by the Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths. Resolution 2451, which endorsed the 13 December 2018 Stockholm Agreement, requested the Secretary-General to report on the resolutions implementation on a weekly basis, until further notice. Key Recent Developments Recent months have seen increased international attention to the war in Yemen and rare positive news about resuming a political process by the warring Houthi rebel group and the Yemeni government, supported by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition. The killing of US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi on 2 October 2018 inside Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul triggered fresh international scrutiny of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and greater attention to Saudi Arabias conduct of the war in Yemen. Around the same time, the UN was sounding new alarms about the threat of a major famine. A free fall in the value of the Yemeni rial risked making food unaffordable for millions of Yemenis, and the coalition offensive against the port city of Hodeidah, which Yemen relies on for imports of most of its food and other critical supplies, had rendered impassable the main road used to distribute imported goods. The fighting also prevented access to the Red Sea mills, which store enough grain to feed 3.7 million people for one month. At a 23 October 2018 briefing of the Council, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock said, There is now a clear and present danger of an imminent and great big famine engulfing Yemen, threatening as many as 14 million people. Lowcock asked for the Councils support around five issues to avoid a major famine: a cessation of hostilities around the infrastructure and facilities on which the aid operation and importers rely; protection of the supply of food and essential goods, including the lifting of access restrictions on imports and keeping main transport routes open; measures to stabilise the economy; increased funding to scale up the humanitarian operation; and resumption of a UN-led political process to end the conflict. On 30 October 2018, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called for the parties to resume negotiations within 30 days and for a cessation of hostilities. This was followed by the UK informing Council members on 1 November that it was preparing a new resolution on Yemen. The resolution would seek to respond to OCHAs five asks, which Lowcock had proposed the previous week. On 2 November, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a cessation of hostilities, starting with a halt in violence around critical infrastructure and densely populated areas. At first, the coalition intensified operations in Yemen, including the Hodeidah offensive. By 13 November, a tentative pause in Hodeidah operations appeared to have gone into effect. Following a visit by UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt to the region, the UK announced on 13 November that the coalition had agreed to the UNs overseeing a medical evacuation of up to 50 wounded Houthi fighters to Oman, which had been one of the main stumbling blocks to the UN Geneva consultations planned for September 2018. Griffiths informed the Council at a 16 November 2018 briefing that he intended to convene the parties shortly for consultations in Sweden. The UK subsequently initiated negotiations on the resolution that it had been preparing, but the resolutions consideration was eventually put on hold as some members raised concerns about its timing just ahead of the consultations in Sweden. UN-led intra-Yemeni consultations were held in Sweden, from 6 to 13 December 2018. In the lead-up to consultations, the Houthi wounded were evacuated on 3 December, and the next day, Griffiths flew with the Houthi delegation to Sweden. In Sweden, the parties reached several agreements: an agreement on the city of Hodeidah and the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa; an executive mechanism to implement the prisoner exchange agreement that had been reached prior to the start of consultations; and a statement of understanding on Taiz. Together, these comprised the Stockholm Agreement. The agreement over the critical port city of Hodeidah established an immediate ceasefire in Hodeidah governorate and a mutual redeployment of forces from the three ports and Hodeidah city to agreed locations outside the ports and city, to be implemented in phases over three weeks. A Redeployment Coordination Committeeto be chaired by the UN and composed of, but not limited to, members of the partiesis to oversee the ceasefire and redeployment. The UN is also to take a leading role in supporting Yemen Red Sea Ports Corporation in management and inspections at the three ports, which includes enhanced monitoring by the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism. Security of Hodeidah city and the ports is the responsibility of local security forces in accordance with Yemeni law. Additionally, revenues from the ports are to be channelled to the Central Bank of Yemen through its Hodeidah branch as a contribution to the payment of civil servant salaries. The parties agreed to hold the next round of consultations at the end of January to discuss a framework for negotiations. This framework, once agreed to by the parties, would guide formal negotiations on a political transition and restoring the state monopoly of force. On 14 December 2018, Griffiths briefed the Council. He stated that a robust and competent monitoring regime of the Hodeidah agreement is essential and urgently required. That appeared to echo Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said at the closing ceremony of the consultations in Sweden that he hoped the Council would provide the UN a robust mandate to monitor the agreement. Griffiths reported that General Patrick Cammaert of the UN would lead the monitoring component and would soon deploy to the region. Lowcock provided an update on OCHAs five asks, stressing the continuing urgency of the humanitarian situation despite the progress made in Sweden. After fighting occurred around Hodeidah city following the conclusion of the consultations in Sweden, the ceasefire went into effect on 18 December. On 21 December, the Council adopted resolution 2451, endorsing the agreements reached by the parties during the consultations held in Sweden. The resolution authorised the Secretary-General to establish and deploy, for an initial period of 30 days, an advance team to begin monitoring and facilitate implementation of the Stockholm Agreement. It also called on the Government of Yemen and the Houthis to take several steps to alleviate the humanitarian situation. The Secretary-General is to report to the Council weekly on the resolutions implementation, including on breaches of commitments, as called for by the agreement on Hodeidah. In other developments, the US Senate passed resolutions on 13 December 2018 calling for an end to US support for the Saudi coalition and condemning the role of Mohammed bin Salman in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. For now, the Senate resolution on US military assistance to the coalition is largely symbolic, as a vote on similar measures in the US House of Representatives did not pass. The US decided in November 2018 to stop in-flight refuelling of Saudi aircraft. Human Rights-Related Developments On 10 November 2018, High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet released a statement expressing outrage at the unconscionable toll that the escalation of hostilities in Hodeidah was taking on an already deeply frightened and starving population in Yemen. Bachelet urged the Saudi-led coalition, the Houthi forces, and all those supplying arms to the parties to the conflict to take immediate steps to end the suffering of civilians in Yemen. According to the statement, the UN Human Rights Office has documented that between 26 March 2015 and 8 November 2018, there have been a total of 17,640 civilian casualties in Yemen, including 6,872 dead and 10,768 injured, and that the majority of these casualties (10,852) resulted from airstrikes carried out by the Saudi-led coalition. At the end of his visit to Aden and Sanaa, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour released a statement on 30 November, urging the warring parties to do absolutely everything humanly possible to prevent renewed fighting in Hodeidah. According to the statement renewed fighting would plunge millions more Yemenis into an even deeper crisis, and could contribute to what may turn out to be a massive famine. Gilmour also underlined the utter unacceptability of any party to a conflict deliberately creating massive humanitarian suffering as a tactic of war and urged the immediate removal of restrictions on delivery of emergency food and medical supplies. A UN Human Rights Office will be established in Aden in early 2019, the statement said. Key Issues and Options Key issues include the implementation of the agreement on the city of Hodeidah and the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa. This requires establishing the UN monitoring team to oversee compliance. The Council may provide a mandate for a UN monitoring role, with options to do so through a resolution or possibly an exchange of letters with the Secretary-General. If the Council provides such a mandate, this would be based on proposals from the Secretary-General on how the UN will support the Stockholm Agreement, which the Council requested he submit before 31 December 2018 in resolution 2451. Concluding agreements on re-opening the Sanaa airport and to enhance the capacity of Yemens Central Bank, which were not resolved in Sweden, remain priorities. A key issue is holding the next round of consultations by the end of January to discuss the framework for negotiations. Upon an agreement by the parties of a negotiating framework, the Council may adopt a resolution endorsing this framework, which Griffiths has proposed that the Council should do. Averting Yemens descent into a major famine and responding to the worlds largest humanitarian crisis remains a critical issue. This includes advancing measures such as the parties lifting access restrictions, paying civil servant salaries and pensions, strengthening the Yemeni rial (which began to reverse some of its loss in value by mid-November), and funding the UNs 2019 humanitarian response plan for Yemen. The Council is likely to seek regular updates on the humanitarian situation to monitor progress on these issues and consider further actions if necessary. Council and Wider Dynamics Recent months saw an increasingly engaged Council in dealing with Yemen, with a crescendo of calls for some form of a cessation of hostilities, a position previously taken by only a minority of Council members. At the 23 October 2018 briefing, eight countries made such calls. By the time of the Councils 15 November meeting, almost all members did so, including, for the first time at the Security Council, the US and France. The UK draft resolution in November, calling for a cessation of hostilities in Hodeidah governorate, would have been the first Council product to do so. Saudi Arabia, which has exerted strong influence on the Councils consideration of Yemen, opposed the UK draft resolution and threatened some members that if it were adopted, the Yemeni government and the coalition would not engage with the Special Envoy. Resolution 2451 was the first Council resolution on Yemen, apart from the annual resolution renewing the Yemen sanctions regime, since resolution 2216 in April 2015, which has often been criticised as one-sided and for creating a restrictive framework for mediation efforts. A group of five elected members during 2018 pushed for the Council to be more proactive on Yemen. Of these, only Peru and Poland remain in the Council. Belgium and Germany are replacing the Netherlands and Sweden, which, along with Bolivia, were part of this group. The new members may seek to take on a similar role. Kuwait, as a member of the coalition, champions coalition positions. During negotiations on resolution 2451, the US supported the coalition position to exclude elements on the humanitarian situation. The UK is the penholder on Yemen. Peru chairs the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee. UN DOCUMENTS ON YEMEN . , . Santiago Sam Ruiz insists he is getting ready to retire. But he certainly doesnt act like someone who is about to retire. Instead Ruiz, who is 65 and has been the chief executive officer of the Mission Neighborhood Centers for 37 years, is in the middle of the biggest expansion push in the nonprofits history: a $14 million capital campaign that will help cover construction costs for new neighborhood centers slated to occupy the ground floor of four new buildings. Here I am planning on retiring in one year and five months, and my staff is kind of looking at me like, What is he doing? said Ruiz. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle At a time when the Mission District is on the verge of an affordable-housing boom more than 1,000 units will be constructed in nine projects Mission Neighborhood Centers is in high demand. It runs federally funded Head Start day care and preschools that serve about 500 kids, and offers educational and life skills programs for about 1,200 vulnerable children and young adults ages 6 to 25. The organization also operates workforce development classes, and provides healthy aging services for about 600 adults at least 60 years old. When Ruiz took it over in 1981, the Mission Neighborhood Centers had five employees and a $180,000 budget. Today it has a budget of $18 million and more than 200 full-time employees in 12 buildings, including its Capp Street headquarters. Heres where the centers will be: 1950 Mission St.: a 7,000-square-foot Head Start preschool and youth center in a 165-unit building for low-income families, including some who were formerly homeless. It will open in 2020. 2205 Mission St.: a 7,500-square-foot Head Start preschool in a 63-unit development, which will also house Dance Mission Theater. It will open in 2022. 3007 24th St.: a 5,000-square-foot senior center in Casa de la Mision, an affordable housing development project of 45 units for formerly homeless seniors. It will open in 2021. 1850 Bryant St.: a 10,000-square-foot neighborhood center will open in a 172,000-square-foot structure that will house government offices and nonprofits. It will open in 2020. The alliance between the low-income housing developers and the neighborhood centers is a natural one, according to Sam Moss, executive director of Mission Housing Development Corp., which is building several of the Missions affordable developments. While the cost of housing is the No. 1 reason for displacement of the Missions working-class families, also crucial are child care, after-school programs, job training and affordable meals, Moss said. In 2015, when former Mayor Ed Lee set aside $50 million in bond money for affordable housing in the Mission, he said that a top priority was making sure their ground-floor spaces would be filled with community-serving, culturally competent nonprofits. Mission Neighborhood Centers has been checking those boxes for 45 years, and most of that time its been Sam (Ruiz) leading it, said Moss. Rarely have I seen an executive director of a nonprofit who better embodied the values and core mission of the organization they lead. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle Born in El Salvador, Ruiz was sent to San Francisco in 1963, at age 9, to live with his aunt, a hotel housekeeper, his uncle, a janitor, and their two children. His immediate family stayed in El Salvador awaiting visas, which didnt materialize until Ruiz was in college. The family lived near 23rd and Bryant streets in a Mission District filling up with newly arrived Latino immigrants. And Ruiz never ventured very far from that neighborhood attending Sanchez Elementary School, Everett Middle School and Mission High School, as well as City College of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. Ruiz frequently points out that the Mission Neighborhood Centers roots go back to the settlement movement in the late 19th century, which focused on alleviating poverty in urban areas through cultural programs and education for newcomers to the city. It was then that two San Francisco sisters, Rachel and Eva Wolfsohn, founded the Girls Club of San Francisco to provide a safe and inspiring gathering place for girls of all ages and backgrounds. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle Raising money mostly from the citys prominent Jewish families, by 1911 the Wolfsohn sisters had built a home for their charity group a rambling shingle style building at 362 Capp St. in the heart of the Mission, where Mission Neighborhood Centers is today. While the immigrant groups being served there have changed over the years, the goal of helping the poor, and particularly refugees, remains the same, said Ruiz. Im proud to say we have been great stewards of the settlement house movement and its practices and traditions, he said. The organization focuses on helping at-risk families with multiple barriers and stressors. They are going through immigration problems, substance abuse, separation issues, you name it. The historic Capp Street building, now in operation for 107 years, is a busy place on weekdays. On a recent Thursday, some seniors lined up for the food pantry, while others gathered in the computer lab. Toddlers from Head Start ran around while elsewhere in the building, cooks prepared the hot lunch that serves about 65 seniors a day. 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. When Ruiz took over the organization, the biggest problem in the Mission was gang violence. Today its gentrification and displacement some 8,000 Latinos have left the neighborhood over the past decade, forced out by high housing costs. That displacement has forced the Neighborhood Centers to expand their geographic reach as well, and follow their mostly Latino immigrant families to less expensive neighborhoods. The group now runs centers in the Bayview and Excelsior districts, as well as Mission Bay. Luckily, Ruiz said, the organization owns five of the properties it operates, and leases seven others. It is also raising money to purchase its spaces in the new buildings. Ownership is key to the nonprofits ability to stay in the city. That is why we are still here - otherwise we would have been victims of displacement, he said. Ruiz is part of a generation of Mission District leaders approaching retirement age. They include Estela Garcia of the Instituto Familiar de la Raza; Melba Maldonado, executive director of La Raza Community Resource Center; and Mario Paz of the Good Samaritan Family Resource Center, according to San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen. Sam is one of those pillars of the community that one could always rely on, said Ronen. You knew he had the vision and the know-how to create stable organizations and make sure the financial backing was there. That level of expertise is not easy to find. Former Supervisor David Campos called Ruiz a true believer in the Mission in particular, and more generally moving the Latino community forward in San Francisco. The organization has been thriving and growing, said Campos. As the Mission has struggled with gentrification and with displacement, Sam has personally gotten involved in efforts to protect the character of the neighborhood. Over the next year, even as Ruiz raises money for the new centers, hell prepare for retirement by putting in place a succession plan. Im not going to be around when a lot of this happens, said Ruiz. But someone else will. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen The average California surfer, studies show, is about 35 years old, college-educated and making $75,000 a year, enough income to own, on average, four surfboards. The typical surfer isnt a low-income, Muni-riding San Francisco high school student who recently learned how to swim. Yet more than 100 teenagers from the Mission, Western Addition and other neighborhoods across the city are becoming part of the Bay Areas surf scene, learning to catch waves and earning gym-class credit while wearing a wetsuit. Surfer and former teacher Johnny Irwin founded the City Surf Project four years ago, realizing that most urban kids even those who live within a few miles of the ocean dont surf. But they want to, he said. Our youth are entering that surf scene, youth of color, Irwin said. Miguel Pastreich went surfing with the program his freshman year at Mission High School. Now a junior, hes one of the more experienced surfers, often taking his board on Muni and riding waves before school. I grew up in San Francisco my whole life and would never go to the beach, he said. As soon as I started this, Ive been at the beach all the time. In the water, the kids are finding a sense of self, a calmness and confidence that they dont always find on the streets, said Ray Sotto, community health outreach worker for the San Francisco school district. For at-risk youth, they get to the beach and theyre kids again, said Sotto, who also surfs with the students. They leave everything behind. Now Playing: Surf Video: San Francisco Chronicle The nonprofit program works with several city schools, providing equipment, instructors and transportation for physical education classes and school surfing clubs. After proving they can swim, students learn how to paddle, get up on a board and fall. They absorb surfing etiquette as well as the science of tides and why some places, at some times, see bigger and better waves, Irwin said. At Mission High, its the most popular PE class, students said. The day before winter break, a handful of the schools surfing club members piled into the City Surf Project van, boards piled on top and wetsuits filling the back, and headed 60 miles south along Highway 1 for an official field trip. They parked along the cliffs in Capitola, put on their suits and headed into the water thoughts of schoolwork, family problems, street violence and other struggles forgotten. I definitely feel that Im less stressed out when I go to the water, Patreich said. Jim Gensheimer / Special to The Chronicle The City Surf Project operates on $300,000 a year, with city funding, private donations and a state Coastal Conservancy grant helping pay costs. Surfing can be expensive and thus inaccessible, Irwin said, requiring a board, a wetsuit and transportation to where the waves are. Aside from the costs, the pastime can be a foreign concept to the kids, who often dont know anyone who surfs. The activity is outside their comfort zone. You could say the same thing about going to college for a lot of these kids, said Leo Maxam, a volunteer with the program. Convincing them they can surf opens up a world of possibilities, he added. A wave doesnt care who you are, where youre from, what color you are or how much money you have in the bank account, Maxam said. Surfing creates such strong friendships and bonds, and now these kids are starting to enjoy that. 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. To help support the program, professional surfing photographer Nate Lawrence is working on a book, City Surf, documenting the students and the city where they live, while raising funds through Kickstarter. After seeing the students faces light up in the water, Lawrence said he knew he wanted to capture that. The program just spoke to me, he said. I wanted to tell these kids stories through the photos of San Francisco. Currently, about 100 students participate at one of six schools in what Irwin believes is a unique collaboration between a surfing program and public schools. Irwin doesnt expect many of the students will become professional surfers, but he does believe the sport will teach them how to face challenges. Surfing, like life, requires perseverance, with a lot of falling and tumbling in rough waters, he said. Surfing is ripe with analogies to life, Irwin added. You cant stop the waves. But you can learn how to surf. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker A shareholder suit accusing Walt Disney Co. directors of conspiring with other animation studios not to recruit each others employees must be dismissed, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday, because there was no evidence that most of Disneys board was aware of any such plot. The suit, filed in 2015 by shareholder Eugene F. Towers, alleged that Disney had secretly agreed to refrain from cold-calling other studios employees to try to recruit them, thus depressing competition and wages for skilled technicians. Other participants, the suit said, included DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation and Blue Sky Studios. The suit alleged that Disney had reached its first no-poaching agreement in 2005 with Pixar, a former high-tech branch of Lucasfilm that was spun off by Apple chief executive Steve Jobs and acquired in 2006 by Disney. In 2010, Pixar, Apple, Google and other tech firms settled a U.S. Justice Department suit by pledging not to enter agreements restricting the recruiting of each others employees, except in limited circumstances such as joint projects or an impending merger. In Wednesdays ruling, however, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said stockholders can sue corporate directors only if they have previously asked the directors to halt illegal practices, or showed why any such demand would have been futile. The plaintiff in this case failed to show that a majority of the Disney board was even aware of any alleged conspiracy, the court said. The evidence Towers cited included an email exchange between Edwin Catmull, president of Disney Animation Studios, and Richard Cook, then chairman of Disney Studios, that referred to the tech companies anti-poaching agreements and observed, in Cooks words, that Pixar and Disney knew that their employees were off limits. In another set of messages, Catmull reported telling a rival recruiter to keep away from Disney employees and said such actions have helped keep the peace in the Bay Area. But even if Disney corporate officers might have discussed or even guided the conspiracy, that did not show involvement by the board of directors, Judge Milan Smith said in the 3-0 ruling, which upheld a federal judges dismissal of the suit. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes It is not even clear that the board was aware of a conspiracy, let alone either consciously disregarded or actively encouraged it, Smith said. While a company document available to board members discussed the potential effects of employment costs, Smith said, it was not in the context of competitors pilfering of Disney employees or the boards efforts to prevent it. Lawyers for the shareholder could not be reached for comment. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko An Alameda County judge suspended criminal proceedings Thursday for the man accused of fatally stabbing 18-year-old Nia Wilson at an Oakland BART station over the summer, allowing time for doctors to determine whether hes mentally fit to stand trial. The defense attorney for John Lee Cowell, 28, said her client has been suffering from serious mental health issues that made it impossible for him to assist in his own defense. It appears the delusions and paranoia have been increasing in frequency, defense attorney Christina Moore told Judge James Cramer in an Oakland courtroom Thursday. His statements, she said, dont comport with reality. Cowell is charged with murdering Wilson and attempting to murder her older sister, Letifah, after police say he stabbed both in the neck. Moore told the judge she was walking a fine line in describing her clients severe mental state and honoring her attorney-client-privileged conversations. She declined to detail their conversations, but instead summarized his checkered history in the years and weeks leading up to the killing. Cowell, who had spent the last several years in and out of lockup and has experienced bouts of homelessness, was hospitalized 22 times between 2012 and 2018, Moore said. He was often detained under whats known as a 5150, an involuntary hold due to a mental-health disorder for those suspected of being a danger to themselves or others. Three of these holds occurred in the month leading up to Cowells July 23 arrest. On one of those occasions, Moore said, he asked a doctor to remove his breast implants. That detail elicited audible groans from the courtrooms spectator gallery, which was spilling over with Wilsons family and supporters. Prosecutor L.D. Louis argued that the state didnt know what Cowells official diagnoses were after those holds, and she added that he could have been detained due to substance abuse. Cramer ultimately found that Moores arguments held weight, and there was substantial evidence that the defendant is incompetent to stand trial. He temporarily suspended the criminal proceedings, and two doctors will now determine whether Cowell is mentally capable to stand trial. The judge and attorneys will discuss their findings Feb. 13. Should the doctors disagree with one another, a third doctor will be appointed as a tie-breaker. On the evening of July 22, Cowell allegedly stabbed both Nia Wilson and her sister, Letifah Wilson, in the neck as the three were exiting a train at the MacArthur BART Station. Nia Wilson died on the BART station platform. Her sister was rushed to the hospital with serious but ultimately nonfatal injuries. Cowell immediately fled, ditching his backpack and sweatshirt in the stations parking garage, police said. The discovery of his belongings, including identification, touched off a daylong manhunt across the Bay Area as Cowells photos were blasted out on news websites, social media and television stations. He was apprehended the following day at the Pleasant Hill BART Station after being spotted by another passenger. Wilsons father, Amsar El Muhammad, told reporters after Thursdays hearing that his family anticipated Cowells defense would take this legal route. 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. If this guy could do what he did, change his clothes and carry out what he did so smoothly ... I think thats pretty competent, El Muhammad said. The father said he just wants justice for his daughters and declined to comment on whether he wanted Cowell put to death for his alleged crimes. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty. Ill leave that to the creator, he said. Thats not my decision. Wilsons mother, Alicia Grayson, only had two words to say to reporters on Thursday: Death penalty. Both parents, along with several other Wilson supporters, wore Nia Wilson T-shirts. Cowell is the lone suspect in a slaying that ignited nationwide attention after Wilsons family suggested that the alleged killer was motivated by race. Wilson and her sister are black, and Cowell is white. Police and prosecutors have said there is no evidence to support the theory of a hate crime, but nonetheless the tragedy prompted hundreds to rally in the streets of downtown Oakland to denounce white supremacists in Wilsons name. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy When inmates at San Quentin State Prison began submitting applications for commutations last year, Shadeed Wallace-Stepter was skeptical. He didnt think a commutation was attainable; it would be like winning the lottery. When you think of commutations, you think of pardons, death row, a last-minute call from the governor, Wallace-Stepter said. In the 17, 18 years Id been in prison, Id never heard of anyone getting a commutation. Although Gov. Jerry Brown has reduced punishments for 283 people during his last eight years in office more than any other governor in California history the majority of his commutations have come recently, with more than 200 in November and December. Before that, California governors Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gray Davis and Pete Wilson commuted 14 sentences combined. Because of the seemingly long odds against receiving a commutation, which would reduce the length of his sentence, Wallace-Stepter convicted for shooting someone during a robbery at age 16 originally put all of his energy into filing a habeas corpus claim, which allows inmates to challenge their imprisonment on the basis of factors like inadequate representation or prosecutorial misconduct. But at the urging of staff from Re:Store Justice, an Oakland nonprofit, Wallace-Stepter, 36, sat down in March to answer the five questions on a commutation application. Five months later, he got a call from the governors office. His sentence was being commuted. His 19th year in prison would be his last. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle In the year since it was founded, Re:Store Justice has helped Wallace-Stepter and more than 10 other men serving life sentences at San Quentin gain their freedom after spending decades in prison. The organization works with currently and formerly incarcerated people, victims of violent crimes and legislators to reform the criminal justice system. A lot of this kind of work typically focuses on nonviolent offenses, like drug crimes, which is why Re:Store Justice decided to direct its efforts toward violent crimes. Theres not enough action in this space, and if were going to address mass incarceration, we need to address what we call violent and serious crimes, said Kate Chatfield, the organizations policy director. Re:Store Justice teamed up with state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, to draft SB1437, the bill that overturned Californias felony murder rule. Before the bill passed, defendants could be found guilty of murder if they participated in a crime that killed a person, even if they didnt do the killing. Beginning in January, people convicted under the old law can petition for resentencing. Part of Chatfields mission is to go into every state prison to train inmates on how the law has changed and how to file a petition. Wallace-Stepter now lives at the organizations headquarters in Oakland, which doubles as a re-entry house for those recently released from prison. His housemate, Earlonne Woods, had his sentence commuted Nov. 21 and came home nine days later, after serving 21 years for attempted robbery with a firearm, his third strike. A lot of people want to know how you get back into the flow of society, Woods said. You dream about it every day in prison, so when you step back out, its like, Hey, Im back. 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. On his commutation application, Woods found one question more difficult than the others. When they ask you why do you deserve (a commutation), of course you say, Well, Ive served a lot of time. But you cant say it like that, Woods said. We feel we dont deserve anything, but we would love it. In 2017, Woods launched Ear Hustle, a podcast that tells the stories of inmates at San Quentin. Woods said hell continue working on the show as a producer, but not before taking a vacation to relish his new freedom. Re:Store Justices other efforts include helping inmates produce videos about their experiences in prison as a way to foster accountability and rehabilitation. Wallace-Stepter and others work as writers, editors, videographers, cinematographers and audio engineers on stories that range from moving into a new cell to prison lunches. In one video, a teary-eyed man in San Quentin talks about his struggles watching his son grow up from afar. Many of us committed violent crimes, and we want to show we were accountable and that we just arent the same people anymore, Wallace-Stepter said. Theres so much more to us than the crimes weve committed. Ashley McBride is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ashley.mcbride@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ashleynmcb Eight conservative judges on the federal appeals court in San Francisco, including both of President Trumps appointees, dissented sharply Wednesday from a ruling that prohibited a public school board from opening its sessions with a prayer. The case may be headed to the Supreme Court and one Trump-appointed appellate judge said the high court should reconsider its longtime definition of the barriers between church and state. In Wednesdays proceedings, a majority of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request to reconsider a panels ruling in July that halted prayers and Bible readings at meetings of the Chino Valley Unified School District in San Bernardino County. While the Supreme Court has allowed state legislatures and city councils to hold public prayers, citing centuries of tradition, the three-judge appellate panel in July said school boards are different because youngsters regularly attend their meetings to receive awards, put on talent shows or simply observe the proceedings. The Supreme Court in 1962 prohibited public schools from conducting prayer sessions. Unlike prayers at legislative sessions, the appeals court said, a religious invocation at a school board meeting attended by students is not a solemnizing and unifying prayer, directed at lawmakers themselves and conducted before an audience of mature adults free from coercive pressures to participate. In an opinion joined by seven colleagues Wednesday, Judge Diarmuid OScannlain denounced the panels decision and said the court should have granted a rehearing. The panel bizarrely transforms the board meetings into a school setting, OScannlain said. School boards exist to legislate, not to educate, he said, and thus are covered by Supreme Court rulings since 1983 allowing prayers at legislative sessions. He noted that a federal appeals court in New Orleans had allowed school board prayers in another case last year. The panels opinion is dripping with unrestrained urgency to insulate public school students from any hint of exposure to religion even outside of the classroom, OScannlain said. The dissenters included both of Trumps Ninth Circuit appointees, Michael Bennett and Ryan Nelson. In a separate dissent joined by three colleagues, Nelson questioned the Supreme Courts 1971 ruling that set strict standards for laws and government actions affecting religion: They must have a secular legislative purpose and an impact that neither advances nor inhibits religion, and they may not promote an excessive government entanglement with religion. Religious conservatives have criticized those criteria, known as the Lemon test, which could be challenged in a case before the high court involving a 40-foot cross at a war memorial on public property in Maryland. Nelson quoted the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who 25 years ago compared the Lemon test to some ghoul in a late-night horror movie. Since then, Nelson said, the Lemon ghoul ... has stalked the lower courts, no longer just frightening little children but increasingly devouring religious expression in the public square. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The dissents are an encouraging sign for potential Supreme Court action, said attorney Robert Tyler of the nonprofit Advocates for Faith and Freedom, who represents the Chino school board in the case. He said the board has not yet decided whether to seek review with the high court, but the judges criticism puts us in a pretty strong position to be able to go forward. The suit challenging the prayers was filed by another nonprofit, the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Its lawyers could not be reached for comment. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press Gov. Jerry Brown has already entered the history books by granting clemency more often than any other governor in California history. Now hes tapped the the brakes on two of the most closely watched cases in his final days in office. In a case thats drawn statewide and even national notice, he wants to re-examine the evidence in a horrific quadruple murder of a family and young boy in San Bernardino County that led to the arrest of escaped convict Kevin Cooper in 1983. What once seemed an open-and-shut case has since frayed after modern testing questioned the blood evidence that led to Coopers conviction. There is also the possibility that police tampered with the results used against the suspect. JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP/Getty Images The second death this month of a Guatemalan child in Border Patrol custody is an indictment of the governments handling of an influx of refugees. Notwithstanding the Trump administrations penchant for novel shows of border security, it points to mismanagement of the massive enforcement apparatus already in place. What has been disclosed about the latest death is still more troubling than whats known about the first. The most damning fact is that 8-year-old Felipe Alonzo Gomez was in custody for nearly a week before he died of unknown causes on Christmas Eve. While migrants often endure hazardous conditions before reaching the border, the boys well-being at that point was the governments responsibility. (Effingham County Sheriff) Elwyn Crocker and Candice Crocker are pictured in undated booking photos released by the Effingham County Sheriff's Office in Georgia. (GUYTON, Ga.) -- A Georgia man employed until recently as a seasonal Santa Claus at a Walmart was arrested after the bodies of his two children, who were never reported missing, were found buried in the backyard of his home, authorities said. Elwyn Crocker Sr., 50, was arrested after sheriff's deputies went to his house in Guyton, Georgia, a suburb of Savannah, to conduct a welfare check on his 14-year-old daughter, Mary Crocker, authorities said. Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said that after questioning Crocker, he allegedly directed deputies to an area of his backyard, where they uncovered the bodies of Mary and her brother, Elwyn Crocker. McDuffie said his office received a 911 tip from a caller that Mary Crocker hadn't been seen since October and that the tipster feared she was dead. Elwyn Crocker Jr. apparently disappeared in November 2016, when he was 14, police said. "Neither child had ever been officially reported missing," McDuffie said at a news conference. Autopsies were performed on the remains and confirmed the bodies are the Crocker children. Effingham County Coroner David Exley said the cause and manner of death on the children are pending more test, including toxicological reports. "I've been doing this 41 years and ... I almost broke down in tears," McDuffie said at a news conference. "It's that bad. I cannot understand how you do children like this. It's horrible." In addition to Elwyn Crocker Sr., deputies arrested his wife, Candice Crocker, 33, the stepmother of the children, and her mother, Kim Wright, 50. Wright's boyfriend, Roy Anthony Prater, 55, was also arrested. All four suspects are charged with concealing the death of another and cruelty to children in the first degree, McDuffie said. Prater also faces a charge of possession of a controlled substance. They are all being held without bond at the Effingham County Jail, online records showed. It is unclear if any of the four defendants have retained attorneys. Until recently, Elwyn Crocker Sr., who had his 50th birthday in jail on Christmas Day, had served as a Santa Claus at a Walmart in nearby Rincon, Georgia, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "This is an ongoing investigation. More charges could be forthcoming," McDuffie said. Deputies went to Crocker's home on Rosebud Place in Guyton around 10 p.m. on Dec. 19 to investigate Mary Crocker's whereabouts. "Deputies questioned all the adult members in the house. They claimed that Mary was out of town with her mother. Deputies then determined that this was false information," McDuffie said. "Information from Elwyn Crocker led investigators to search the grounds of the home and two bodies were discovered buried." He said the bodies were unearthed near a wooded area on the property on Thursday morning. "I can't elaborate too much on the investigation at this time because of the nature and basically the horrendousness of these two kids being missing," McDuffie said. He said a child who was at the Crocker's house was taken into protective custody. Authorities said investigators are still trying to track down Mary and Elwyn Jr.'s biological mother. The Crocker children had both been students in the Effingham County School System, according to a statement from school district officials. Mary was last enrolled in the school system during the 2017-2018 school year as a sixth-grade student at Effingham County Middle School, while her brother was last enrolled as a sixth grader at South Effingham Middle School in January 2014. "The information on record indicates that both students transferred to a homeschool program at the time of withdrawal," the school district's statement reads. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Too often, discussions of immigration ignore past policies that led the country to where it is today. Thats especially true when undocumented immigrants are characterized as criminals often merely on the basis of their legal immigration status. This rhetoric isnt new it has long been used to justify immigration crackdowns. But the framing of unauthorized migration as illegal does have an origin point: a little-known law in 1929. The Undesirable Aliens Act was the first to attach criminal penalties to undocumented entry to the United States. It passed during a nativist wave in the 1920s that first produced the Johnson-Reed Act of 1924, which designed national immigration quotas to preserve the cultural dominance of Northern and Western Europeans. This law also was the first to target Mexican immigration. Previously, immigration across the southern border was seen as being regulated by labor demands, but World War I ushered in harder borders. After Johnson-Reeds passage, some members of Congress, looking for new targets for anti-immigration policy, pushed to impose quotas on Mexican immigration to the United States. In their arguments, Mexicans were often characterized as economic burdens, threats to jobs, and with a greater tendency toward criminality. They also were not considered white. In a 1928 radio address, Immigration and the Crime Wave, Rep. Robert Green, a Florida Democrat, argued that quotas should apply to Mexico because of the mixture of White, Indian, and negro blood, which placed a very great penalty upon any society attempting to assimilate it. Democrat John Box of Texas, the congressional member perhaps most associated with restricting Mexican immigration, told the anticommunist Key Men of America in 1928: In proportion to her population, Mexico is now by far the most bolshevistic country in the Western Hemisphere. He further claimed: The Mexican peons are illiterate and ignorant. Because of their unsanitary habits and living conditions and their vices, they are especially subject to smallpox, venereal diseases, tuberculosis, and other dangerous contagions. ... Few, if any, other immigrants have brought us so large a proportion of criminals and paupers as the Mexican peons. When Coleman Blease, a white supremacist from South Carolina, introduced the Undesirable Aliens Act, Box became an outspoken supporter. The bill proposed to criminalize illegal entry making it a misdemeanor and to turn illegal re-entry into a felony, which made the immigrant inadmissible to the United States in the future. Re-entry after deportation also carried penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Illegal entrants would face misdemeanor charges and one year in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill was not unopposed. The American Civil Liberties Union protested: It is one thing to deport a person for coming here illegally; it is quite another thing to imprison for a year or fine him a thousand dollars, especially as he might be quite ignorant of the law when he starts his journey. But the ACLUs criticism was a lonely one. The bill passed with little fanfare and without a recorded vote, but the debate around it set precedent by making dubious connections between immigration and various social ills. It also shifted how Mexican immigration was treated in the United States. Later in 1929, the federal government, along with states and localities, began a program of Mexican Repatriation to coerce Mexican immigrants to return to their country of origin through immigration raids and threats of penalties for those who could not prove they were in the country legally. This criminalization of undocumented entry, in combination with the Depressions decreasing job opportunities, produced results: an estimated 20 percent of the Mexican population of the United States returned to Mexico. The undocumented were now criminals, and could be treated as such. The 1929 law, and subsequent laws, treated undocumented immigration punitively, rather than as an issue of labor. It has not mattered that such policies have not worked, or that they create pain for undocumented immigrants who contribute so much to America. Instead, such policies are justified by the argument that they are the law laws that still rely on the dubious racist and nativist arguments of 1929. Benjamin Gonzalez OBrien is a San Diego State University political scientist and author of Handcuffs and Chain Link: Criminalizing the Undocumented in America, (University of Virginia, 2018). On a boat patrol with a sheriff on the delta, we watched the driver of a personal watercraft earn a chance to pass what we called the Flashlight Test. Thats when the sheriff red-lights the boat over, pulls out a flashlight and shines it in one ear of the driver. If the beam of light shines through his or her head and out the other ear, he or she just passed the Flashlight Test. This is, of course, a metaphor for bad boat driving. The proclivity of boat operators who appeared to qualify for the test led to the passage of SB 941 and helped create the California Boater Card. Come the New Year, the alarm will go off for anybody under 25, and the clock starts ticking for anybody under 35. SB 941 requires boaters 25 and younger to pass a safety course and a written test before operating a boat in 2019. The age limit is raised to age 35 on Jan. 1, 2020. You can get the safety card for $10 by downloading the free California Course for Safe Boating eBook and taking a 60-question test. A score of 80 percent or better rewards you with the card; theres a $10 processing fee, and the card is good for life. In 2018 the first year the law was implemented after its approval in 2014 those 20 and under were required to get the card before operating a boat. But in a surprising twist, senior boat owners were most likely to get the cards. Its a point of pride, said Adeline Yee of California State Parks, which oversees the California Division of Boating and Waterways. They say, Why wait? We have to do it eventually. Ive seen the playing field from my boats as well as on ride-alongs on sheriffs boat patrols in the San Joaquin Delta. Even though Ive taken boating safety courses with certificates, Im going to enroll in the online course as if a newcomer, take the test and get my card to see firsthand how it works. The most common violations are for drunk driving and life jackets, according to the sheriff boat patrols. In many cases, DUI charges begin with a deputy using binoculars to scan the delta for boats without current stickers for registration. That gets you pulled over. If the sheriff determines the operator to be impaired, that can result in a DUI test and a trip to the pokey. In addition, when a deputy arrives at a boat, he or she often will ask each person aboard to hold a personal flotation device in his or her hands everyone on a boat is required to have one and those 12 and under must wear one at all times. Its the boat owner who gets cited. On a recent trip on my boat, we arrived at the dock at the same time a brand new boat was pulling up. A large family was aboard mom and dad, an older adult, and five youngsters who appeared to be between 3 and 9 years old. Not one of the kids was wearing a life jacket. The driver then appeared to have no idea how to load his boat on a trailer (the key is proper trailer depth). California Boater Card Required: Anybody who drives a powerboat will be required to pass a safety course and written test, and obtain the California Boaters Safety Card. When: Those 25 and younger are required to have the card to drive a boat in 2019. The requirement expands to 35 and younger in 2020, 40 and younger in 2021, 45 and younger in 2022, 50 and younger in 2023, 60 and younger in 2024, and for everyone in 2025. Cost: $10, good for life. Some courses require fees. Free through the Division of Boating and Waterways. Exceptions: Owners of non-motorized boats (kayaks, canoes, rafts, drift boats) are not required to go through the program, as well as anyone who rents a motorized boat. If you put a motor on a canoe or kayak, the craft must be registered and a Boater Card is required. Info/approved courses:www.californiaboatercard.com. Online classes/contact: Division of Boating and Waterways at (888) 326-2822, www.dbw.ca.gov. Boat safety PFDs: All aboard must have a life jacket (PFD) available, and on an open boat, everyone 12 and younger must wear a life jacket at all times. Age restriction: No person under 16, unless under the direct supervision of an adult, can operate a boat with a motor rated at more than 15 horsepower. Delta red zone: Contra Costa County in the San Joaquin Delta has the highest number of boating accidents of any county in Northern California. Lack of training: Of 724 recreational boating accidents in 2015, only 1 involved an operator who had taken an approved boating safety course. Alcohol: Drunk driving is the No. 1 contributor to boating accidents. Source: Division of Boating and Waterways See More Collapse He seemed like a nice guy, and maybe he could even pass the Flashlight Test. But he sure could use some study time to get the California Boater Card. Tom Stienstra is The San Francisco Chronicles outdoors writer. Email: tstienstra@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @StienstraTom Proposition 13 is untouchable. Thats been the thinking for 40 years in California. Politicians have feared for their careers if they dared suggest changes to the measure that capped property taxes, took a scythe to government spending and spawned antitax initiatives across the country. However, that is beginning to change. With Republican influence in California on the wane and ascendant Democrats making tax fairness an issue, advocates are confident that the time is right to take a run at some legacies of the 1978 measure. High on their list: making businesses pay more and ending a sweetheart deal for people who inherit homes and their low tax bills, then turn a profit by renting them out. Legislative Democrats hold so many seats that they dont have to worry about the GOP blocking such ideas from going before voters. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom has said that everything would be on the table, including Prop. 13, as he formulates a plan to reform the states tax structure. Perhaps most important, Prop. 13s age is becoming an advantage to would-be reformers: Californias voting demography is changing. The generation of homeowners that grew up with Prop. 13 is well into retirement now, and some younger Californians blame flaws in the measure for everything from the underfunding of public schools to growing wealth inequality. For Californians who grew up in the public education system that came after Prop. 13, their education was robbed from them. They didnt get the same education their parents did, said Catherine Bracy, executive director of TechEquity Collaborative, which is trying to rally the tech community to support changes to the states tax structure. Bracy, 38, moved to the state six years ago from Chicago. For newcomers (to California) like me, who were born after Prop. 13, we want to experience the California dream, too, she said. But we dont have the opportunity to, because all the goodies have been locked up by the older generations. Prop. 13 was a remedy for a side-effect of one of Californias first housing bubbles spiking property taxes. Moved by their own tax bills and horror stories of longtime homeowners being forced to sell because of skyrocketing assessments, voters overwhelmingly passed the measure. It rolled back assessments for homes and businesses to 1976 levels and capped annual tax increases at 2 percent. Jon Coupal is president of Prop. 13s fiercest defender the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, named after the initiatives co-author. He agreed that the number of homeowners who were around in 1978 is shrinking. And many younger people dont remember the fear and anger about losing your home. But Coupal said that notwithstanding the leftward movement of politics in California, his organizations internal polling shows support for Prop. 13 remains strong. And a survey in March by a nonpartisan group unaffiliated with Coupals organization, the Public Policy Institute of California, found that 65 percent of likely voters surveyed said Prop. 13 turned out to be mostly a good thing for the state. Under Prop. 13, residential and commercial property alike is reassessed only when it is sold. But while homes often change hands every few years, many large businesses remain in the same ownership for a long time. Some businesses are paying property taxes based on assessments that havent changed in 40 years. Thats one main target of people who want to tweak Prop. 13. The League of Women Voters of California says it has gathered enough signatures for a 2020 ballot measure that would create a so-called split roll system, under which businesses property would be reassessed every three years. Agricultural land and businesses with 50 or fewer employees would be exempt. Residential property would not be affected. The change could raise $11 billion in tax revenue statewide, including $2.4 billion for Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, according to a January study by the USC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity. The study found that 56 percent of all Bay Area commercial properties had not been reassessed for 20 years, and 22 percent had assessments dating back to the 1970s. Could a split-roll measure pass? It might be close. Forty-six percent of likely voters surveyed by the Public Policy Institute of California in January said they supported the idea, while 43 percent were against it. Support was far higher among likely voters under 35 (57 percent) than with those over 55 (41 percent). However, the split-roll concept has actually been growing less popular over the years, the institute said: Six years ago, 60 percent of likely voters backed it. Helen Hutchison, president of the League of Women Voters of California, acknowledged that changing the law will be difficult because Prop. 13 still has some kind of magical pull. But we think the time is right to do this. Max Whittaker / Getty Images So does state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo. He has introduced a ballot initiative that would tweak a different part of Prop. 13s legacy. Hills proposal, Senate Constitutional Amendment 3, takes aim at Proposition 58, which voters approved in 1986. The measure allowed parents to give their residential property to their heirs without triggering a tax reassessment. The intent of the measure was to insulate children from absorbing a huge spike in property taxes and help them stay in the family home. California is the only state to offer this tax break. Hill proposed the change after learning that many heirs are using their inherited properties as second homes or renting them out for many times more than what theyre paying in Prop. 13-controlled property taxes. The proposed ballot measure would require people who inherit property in this way to move into the home within a year if they wanted the property tax break. The change would apply to future heirs, not those who have already inherited homes. Getting this measure on the ballot in 2020 requires Hill to corral a two-thirds majority from both houses of the Legislature. If it makes it to the ballot, it could be passed by a simple majority of voters. Hill is mindful of the politics around property taxes. Were not touching Prop. 13. Were touching Prop. 58, Hill said. The goal is to get people to pay their fair share. Coupal, head of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, doesnt think Hills measure is the biggest threat to Californians concerned about taxes. Coupal is more concerned about a proposed constitutional amendment that would lower the threshold for passing local bond measures or sales or use taxes from a two-thirds to a 55 percent majority. The revenue would have to be used for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of public infrastructure or affordable housing projects, under the proposal by Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters (Yolo County). The two-thirds requirement was another feature of Prop. 13, and persuading voters to change it will be a challenge for Aguiar-Curry. The Public Policy Institute of California found in a March poll that 56 percent of likely voters opposed the idea. The biggest threat to us is the lowering of two-thirds rule for bonds, Coupal said. We see that as very significant. And hes concerned that more communities are supporting local tax increases. In the November elections, California voters approved 53 percent of the local ballot measures that required a two-thirds majority. Since 2001, voters annually have approved an average of 48 percent of such measures, according to the nonpartisan CaliforniaCityFinance.com. Said Coupal: Does that cause us concern? You bet it does. Especially, he said, when Democrats control Sacramento. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Shortly after news broke that the gunman who killed a California police officer may have been in the country illegally, President Donald Trump tweeted his thoughts about the situation. "There is right now a full scale manhunt going on in California for an illegal immigrant accused of shooting and killing a police officer during a traffic stop," Trump tweeted Thursday. "Time to get tough on Border Security. Build the Wall!" The suspect, who authorities say they've identified but are not yet naming publicly, is accused of killing Cpl. Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department in Stanislaus County. "This suspect ... is in our country illegally. He doesn't belong here. He is a criminal," Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson told reporters. The Newman Police Department, which serves a town of about 10,000, has just 12 officers. They've called in outside agencies to help with the investigation. MORE: Manhunt under way for alleged cop killer in Stanislaus County Authorities believe the suspect is still in Stanislaus County; the Modesto Bee reports his truck was found about four miles from the site of the shooting. He is considered armed and dangerous. Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson fought back tears as he described Singh, a 33-year-old native of Fiji with a newborn son, as an "American patriot." "He came to America with one purpose, and that was to serve this country," Richardson said. Singh stopped the attacker Wednesday as part of a drunken driving investigation and fired back to try to defend himself, Christianson said. Authorities are looking for a man seen in surveillance photos at a convenience store shortly before Singh was killed. Officials pleaded for help from the public and said they were following up on several leads. "We have spared no expense, we will relentlessly continue to hunt our suspect down and bring him to justice," Christianson said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Brad Schweig thought he had a satisfied customer when a woman who bought outdoor furniture in March 2017 posted a five-star review online. Less than a year later, it was down to one star after a squirrel chewed a hole in one of the cushions. Many business owners have faced the same uncomfortable situation since the advent of online review sites a negative review, out there for potential customers to see. Schweig, co-owner of Sunnyland Furniture in Dallas, did what marketing experts recommend and tried to make amends in an online response. We apologized, and said, Wed be glad to work with you on a replacement at discount, Schweig said. We explained, This can happen with nature. Negative reviews are likely inevitable for many companies, especially those that cater to the public. Even a company whose customers are almost universally happy will be panned by someone who wound up with a defective product or had a bad experience or misunderstood a situation. Marketing consultants and owners themselves say the best way to handle these reviews is to acknowledge that the customer is unhappy and offer to discuss the problem offline, either on the phone or via email. The malcontents who are easily angered and impossible to placate tend to be rare, says Ryan Goff, chief marketing officer at MGH, a marketing firm in Owings Mills, Md. Most negative reviewers respond well if a company is sincere in trying to right a situation, he says. I would say, We understand completely you had a negative experience, Goff said. The next step: We are going to do everything in our power to address this, and we want a full understanding of what happened. If the customer is eventually satisfied, owners should ask for an amended review or to have the angry one deleted. Schweig never heard back from the customer, whose review said the outdoor furniture should withstand a squirrel. But he believes his was the right response, not only for that customer, but also for potential buyers. It might not make the reviewer change their mind but we know others are reading it and can see that we either care about resolving the issues, or it can make them realize the skewed ones arent as they seem, he said. Companies that post on social media need to be vigilant about checking for replies, and not just from unhappy customers, says Hank Yuloff, owner of Yuloff Creative Marketing Solutions in Sedona, Ariz. You have to scroll down and look at the comments being made and answer all. Even if theyre positive, say thank you and build relationships, Yuloff says. Some owners may encounter reviews they believe are libelous or false. If its outright slanderous and untrue, then you can reach out to the platform where the review was published and see if theyll investigate it and potentially take it down. It could also be the basis for legal action, said Rex Kimball, owner of marketing firm Mirex Marketing, based in Gilbert, Ariz. Many of the negative reviews Todd Fetterlys three mobile phone stores have received had nothing to do with the phones he sells. Instead, customers often are unhappy with phone service providers but vent at Fetterly and his staff. Still, Fetterly, whose Cell Phone Centre stores are in the Ottawa, Ontario, area, responds immediately. Because we are in such a commoditized market, customers have choices of where to go to purchase their devices, he said. Most reviewers dont get back to Fetterly, so theres no opportunity for their reviews to be amended or retracted. So, he works to counter the negative postings by encouraging happier customers to post reviews staffers routinely ask them to give positive feedback online. The strategy also includes using a company that solicits reviews. If a review is negative, its not automatically posted; Fetterly can contact the customer and try to get it changed. A negative review posted 10 years ago is still reverberating at Mary Nisis company, Toast & Jam, which supplies disc jockeys for weddings and other events. While the company has hundreds of five-star reviews on several websites, Nisi still is asked about the customer who said Toast & Jam canceled less than a month before the wedding; Nisi said the couple never signed a contract or responded to her emails. The worst thing you can say about a wedding vendor is they canceled two weeks before, said Nisi, whos located in Chicago. When couples ask about the review, she notes her ratings at or near five stars, and says, If we canceled all the time, that would be coming out all the time in our reviews. Franchise companies must react to bad reviews because a complaint about one location can have a negative impact on others. At Childrens Lighthouse, an early education company with 49 locations, the home office in Fort Worth, Texas, monitors and responds online to reviews for the entire chain. We apologize and say, Please call the office. Wed like to talk to you directly, Marketing Director Monica Brown said. If customers are satisfied after discussing the problem with staffers, the company asks if theyre willing to delete the review. Most of the time they do take it off, Brown said. Its mostly that they want to be heard. Joyce M. Rosenberg is an Associated Press writer. The famous bloody, plant-based Impossible Burger is now available at almost 5,000 restaurants in all 50 states. But that very appearance of bloodiness may have presented another regulatory hurdle for the company and its effort to get the product into supermarkets. Impossible Foods, the Redwood City maker of the eponymous burger, uses genetically modified yeast to mass produce its central ingredient, soy leghemoglobin, or heme. Its heme, the company said, that gives the Impossible Burger its essential meat-like flavor. The substance was ready to break out this summer after the Food and Drug Administration, following years of back-and-forth, declined to challenge findings voluntarily presented by the company that the cooked product is Generally Recognized as Safe, or GRAS. Such a no questions letter means the FDA found the information provided to be sufficient. Heme is responsible for the flavor of blood, Impossible Foods CEO Patrick Brown said in an interview earlier this year. It catalyzes reactions in your mouth that generate these very potent odor molecules that smell bloody and metallic. Its how it looks thats at issue, though. An FDA spokesman said heme, which is red in hue, needs to be formally approved as a color additive before people can purchase the uncooked product. If the firm wishes to sell the uncooked, red-colored ground beef analogue to consumers, premarket approval of the soy leghemoglobin as a color additive is required, FDA spokesman Peter Cassell told Bloomberg in a Dec. 17 email. Impossible Foods filed a petition Nov. 5 seeking hemes formal approval as a color additive, the FDA said. The agency has 90 days to respond, and the timeline can be extended. Impossible Foods says heme isnt a color additive as currently used in cooked Impossible Burgers sold in restaurants. However, other future uses might qualify as a color additive, company spokeswoman Rachel Konrad said in an email. The company submitted the FDA petition to retain maximum flexibility. Impossible Foods is in full compliance with all federal food-safety regulations and has been since 2014, she said, well before the product was introduced at restaurants in 2016. The color additive FDA filing wont affect the continued sale of cooked Impossible Burgers in restaurants, and approval by the regulator of the color additive petition could come in time for the company to release the raw product next year, as planned. The demand for it is definitely there. Once just the province of animal welfare advocates and the health conscious, the meat alternative market has turned white-hot, given the massive role industrial meat production plays in global warming. According to Neal Fortin, director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations at Michigan State University, Impossible Foods color additive petition probably includes evidence of hemes safety. He said the regulator will evaluate the submission, take public comment and issue a final rule or ask for more safety tests. (Impossible Foods and the FDA declined to share the petition.) If you slow the process down, and theres public comment and groups sign in and scientists have to affirmatively say its safe, it makes a tremendous difference, Fortin said. Heme is a naturally occurring, iron-containing molecule thats abundant in the blood and muscle of animals. It also exists in smaller amounts in plants such as soybeans, specifically nodules on their roots, which Impossible Foods harvests for use in its burgers. The company has pointed to hemes natural occurrence in animal flesh as the reason it tastes so much like meat. But the company has also promoted its Impossible Burger by saying it looks like meat. Except in certain categories, a company can start selling novel ingredients in the United States as food whenever and wherever it wants, as long as a panel of third party experts review it and deem it safe. If it wants the governments blessing a way to win consumer confidence the company can present its results to the FDA. The regulator can either raise questions or accept the conclusions and issue a no questions letter. The safety standard applied by the FDA is, as Cassell stated in his email, reasonable certainty of no harm under the conditions of the intended use. Impossible Foods convened such an expert panel to evaluate hemes safety in 2014. When it first showed the FDA its evidence, the regulator said the company had yet to prove that heme was safe. The company followed up with a 1,000-page filing. It included studies on everything from allergens to identifying proteins to rats made to eat heme for 28 days, all to show that it should be generally recognized as safe. In July 2018, the FDA issued a no questions letter in response to Impossible Foods filing. The agency did offer a caveat, however. In Impossible Foods notice, soy leghemoglobin preparation is described as red/brown, the FDA wrote. As such, the use of soy leghemoglobin preparation in food products (other than ground beef analogue products intended to be cooked) may constitute a color additive use. A key issue for regulators, legal experts said, is whether an ingredients inclusion is intended to add color, and whether its advertised as such. In a July 2016 announcement, Impossible Foods said its burgers would be available at the New York restaurant Momofuku Nishi. In the release, the company said the burger looks, cooks, smells, sizzles, and tastes like conventional ground beef. According to an Aug. 24, 2017, version of the frequently asked questions section of the Impossible Foods website, accessed through the nonprofit Internet archive Wayback Machine, Heme contributes to the characteristic color and taste of meat. Photos of the burger, in media and on the company website at that time, also show a red, bloody- looking medium-rare burger. Konrad said heme was not added for its appearance. It would be ridiculous to use heme for color, she said, adding that there are cheaper and easier options, such as beet juice. Because the importance of heme stems from its impact on taste and smell, we do not emphasize its color in our marketing materials. Senior said that, regardless of questions of intent, the new FDA review is unlikely to keep raw Impossible Burgers out of supermarkets. While the color additive review process is more stringent than the one for the designation generally regarded as safe, he said, rejection of heme as a color additive after it has already gone through the other review process is very unlikely. Food safety advocates say the entire episode is emblematic of larger questions about the burgeoning meat-alternatives segment, and more broadly, the FDA approval process itself. Michael Hansen, a scientist at Consumers Union, the research arm of Consumer Reports, said the heme used in Impossible Burgers should be considered a color additive even in its cooked form, and shouldnt be on the market until it gets approval as such. Some additional, longer-term tests would have given consumers a better picture of the products safety, said Lisa Lefferts, a senior scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. If people are are going to be eating this, it should be tested for its long-term effects, she said. Lydia Mulvany and Deena Shanker are Bloomberg writers. Email: lmulvany2@bloomberg.net, dshanker@bloomberg.net South Bay prosecutors are suing a mushroom grower for $67 million after the company allegedly dumped toxic wastewater into a creek that runs to San Francisco Bay, officials said Thursday. Monterey Mushrooms Inc. grows mushrooms in several states and is headquartered in Watsonville. Investigators with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found that over six years, the growers Morgan Hill facility pumped waste contaminated with hazardous levels of ammonia into Fisher Creek, which flows into Coyote Creek, according to the Santa Clara County district attorneys office. California authorities are looking for an inmate whose escape Wednesday night from San Quentin State Prison has prompted a statewide manhunt. Shalom Mendoza, 21, was first reported missing around 9:35 p.m. during an inmate headcount. Mendoza is serving a five-year sentence for use of a deadly weapon during a carjacking/attempted carjacking and evading or attempting to evade a peace officer while driving recklessly, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He was convicted in Los Angeles County and booked into state prison on Dec. 20, 2017. Prison officials conducted a search of the grounds following the headcount but did not find Mendoza. Authorities said he might have carjacked the driver of a Toyota Rav4 who was near the prison grounds. The vehicles license plate number is 6STZ502. Mendoza is 5-foot-5 and weighs 177 pounds. He has short brown hair and brown eyes, officials said. More than 4,200 inmates are housed in San Quentin State Prison. Wednesdays escape was the second from a California state prison in the last week. Law enforcement officers are also searching for 27-year-old Justin Franks, who disappeared Saturday from Folsom State Prison. Anyone with information of Mendozas whereabouts should call 911 or San Quentin State Prison spokesman Lt. Samuel Robinson at 415-455-5000. Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu A busy philanthropy group funded by rock legends Metallica didn't slow down ahead of the 2018 holidays. The charity effort, called All Within My Hands, has been raising substantial amounts of money over the last several months by way of an exclusive benefit concert and a subsequent vinyl sale. In December, the metal group's organization put some of the funds to use. Earlier this month, AWMH launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, a project that aims to fund "career and technical education programs" within community colleges. The goal, a post on the charity's website writes, is to assist students who hope to study a traditional trade and work within their communities. RELATED: Metallica to perform in rare acoustic benefit concert this November After receiving a number of applications, 10 colleges in total were selected by the charity and the American Association of Community Colleges to receive $100,000 each. "We hope to raise the awareness of the tremendous importance, value and impact of the education provided by our nation's community college system," said Dr. Edward Frank, executive director of AWMH in a press release. "The Foundation and the band are thrilled by the quality of proposals we received from these colleges, and are excited to do our part to help educate students so that they have the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying jobs in their communities." RELATED: Metallica to release recording of acoustic SF show for charity after $100k Camp Fire donation The 10 funding recipients include schools in North Carolina, Michigan, Oregon, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Maryland, Texas, Idaho and Kansas. Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira. LITTLETON, Colo. Pedro Gonzalez has faith in Donald Trump and his party. The 55-year-old Colombian immigrant is a pastor at an evangelical church in suburban Denver. Initially repelled by Trump in 2016, hes been heartened by the presidents steps to protect religious groups and appoint judges who oppose abortion rights. More important, Gonzalez sees Trumps presidency as part of a divine plan. It doesnt matter what I think, Gonzalez said of the president. He was put there. Though Latino voters are a key part of the Democratic coalition, there is a larger bloc of reliable Republican Latinos than many think. And the GOPs position among Latinos has not weakened during the Trump administration, despite the presidents rhetoric against immigrants and the partys shift to the right on immigration. In Novembers elections, 32 percent of Latinos voted for Republicans, according to AP VoteCast data. The survey of more than 115,000 midterm voters including 7,738 Latino voters was conducted for The Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago. Data from the Pew Research Center and from exit polls suggests that a comparable share of about 3 in 10 Latino voters supported Trump in 2016. That tracks the share of Latinos supporting Republicans for the last decade. The stability of Republicans share of the Latino vote frustrates Democrats, who say actions like Trumps family separation policy and his demonization of an immigrant caravan should drive Latinos out of the GOP. The question is not are Democrats winning the Hispanic vote its why arent Democrats winning the Hispanic vote 80-20 or 90-10 the way black voters are? said Fernand Amandi, a Miami-based Democratic pollster. The VoteCast data shows that, like white voters, Latinos are split by gender 61 percent of men voted Democratic in November, while 69 percent of women did. And while Republican-leaning Latinos can be found everywhere in the country, two groups stand out as especially likely to back the GOP evangelicals and veterans. Nicholas Riccardi is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON Chances look slim for ending the partial government shutdown anytime soon. House lawmakers dont plan to vote this week to end the government shutdown, according to the office of Republican Whip Steve Scalise, who announced the schedule Thursday. Scalises office says lawmakers are waiting on the Senate. But the Senate already approved a bill to keep government running. The House panned that measure and approved a new version that included money for President Trumps border wall. They are at a stalemate. Trump is pledging to hold the line on his demand for money to build a border wall. Back from the 29-hour trip to visit U.S. troops, Trump tweeted Thursday that we desperately need a wall on the Mexico border, funding for which has been a flash point between the White House and Congress ever since Trump took office. He called on Democrats in Congress to fund his wall, saying the shutdown affects their supporters. He asserted without evidence: Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats? Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner called Trumps comments outrageous. In his tweet, he added: Federal employees dont go to work wearing red or blue jerseys. Theyre public servants. And the President is treating them like poker chips at one of his failed casinos. After a weekend and two holiday days for federal employees, Wednesday was the first regularly scheduled workday affected by the closure of a variety of federal services. The shutdown started Saturday when funding lapsed for nine Cabinet-level departments and dozens of agencies. Roughly 420,000 workers were deemed essential and are working unpaid, while an additional 380,000 have been furloughed. The impasse over government funding began last week, when the Senate approved a bipartisan deal keeping government open into February. That bill provided $1.3 billion for border security projects but not money for the wall. At Trumps urging, the House approved that package and inserted the $5.7 billion he had requested. Trump has claimed federal workers are behind him in the shutdown fight, saying many told him, stay out until you get the funding for the wall. He didnt say who told him that. Many workers have gone to social media with stories of the financial hardship they expect to face because of the shutdown. Juliet Linderman and Darlene Superville are Associated Press writers. PORTLAND, Ore. The past year was a 12-month Champagne toast for the legal marijuana industry as the global market exploded and cannabis pushed its way further into the financial and cultural mainstream. Liberal California, despite some hiccups, became the largest legal U.S. marketplace, while conservative Utah and Oklahoma embraced medical marijuana. Canada ushered in broad legalization, and Mexicos Supreme Court set the stage for that country to follow. U.S. drug regulators approved the first marijuana-based pharmaceutical to treat kids with a form of epilepsy, and billions of investment dollars poured into cannabis companies. Even mainstream brands such as Coca-Cola said they are considering joining the party. I have been working on this for decades, and this was the year that the movement crested, said U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, an Oregon Democrat working to overturn the federal ban on pot. Its clear that this is all coming to a head. With buzz building across the globe, the momentum will continue into 2019. Luxembourg is poised to become the first European country to legalize recreational marijuana, and South Africa is moving in that direction. Thailand legalized medicinal use of marijuana on Tuesday, and other Southeastern Asian countries may follow South Koreas lead in legalizing cannabidiol, or CBD. Its a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana and hemp plants and used for treatment of certain medical problems. Its not just the U.S. now. Its spreading, said Ben Curren, CEO of Green Bits, a San Jose company that develops software for marijuana retailers and businesses. A lot of the problem is keeping up with growth. Gillian Flaccus is an Associated Press writer. A well-known cryptocurrency investor from California allegedly killed his 23-year-old girlfriend and dumped her body in the Philippines, the day before Christmas Eve, according to international media reports. Troy Woody Jr., a 21-year-old bitcoin trader and social media celebrity from Beverly Hills, and his roommate Mir Islam, 22, have been arrested for allegedly suffocating Tomi Michelle Masters, the Sun reports. It is not yet known if Masters was dead before she was then thrown into the Pasig River in Manila. Woody and Islam reportedly called a taxi to take them to the waterway, where they dumped the body, naked and duct-taped in a box, and then returned to the taxi. Surveillance footage obtained by Filipino media shows the two men removing a large cardboard box from a vehicle around 2:40 a.m. on Dec. 23. The driver reported the suspicious passengers to police, who found Masters' body and later arrested the men, who both accused the other of committing the crime, according to The Daily Mail. Police suspect Woody and Masters, who had been staying together in Manila, had a falling-out after Masters pleaded to return to her home in Indiana, the Sun reports. Both Woody and Masters' Instagram profiles reference each other as boyfriend and girlfriend. Woody has more than 195,000 followers on his Instagram account, where he routinely showed off expensive purchases, like Dom Perignon champagne and Christian Louboutin shoes, and lavish vacations. In his bio, he calls himself an "early crypto investor." The most recent post on the page, from more than two months ago, is a photo of Woody and Masters smiling on a beach in Malibu. Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com. Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news. OAKLAND (BCN) An Alameda County Superior Court judge today suspended criminal proceedings against a transient charged with murder for the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Nia Wilson at the MacArthur BART station in July, saying he finds there is "substantial evidence" the man is mentally incompetent to stand trial. After making that ruling, Judge James Cramer said he will appoint two psychiatrists to examine John Lee Cowell, 28, and submit reports on their findings about Cowell's competence when he returns to court on Feb. 13. Cramer made his ruling after defense attorney Christina Moore said that in her most recent attempt to talk to Cowell about his case, he suffered from "delusions outside of what is normal" and said things "that don't conform to reality." Moore said Cowell was treated for mental illness at two state mental institutions between 2012 and earlier this year and has been placed on psychiatric holds 22 times, including three times in the month before he allegedly stabbed Wilson and her sister Letifah Wilson, 26, at the MacArthur station at 9:36 p.m. on July 22. Alameda County prosecutor L.D. Louis, who specializes in mental health cases, told Cramer that the defense should be required to provide more specific information on Cowell's mental health before a ruling was made on his mental competency to stand trial. "It would be helpful if there were a factual basis" for a ruling on Cowell's competency, Louis said. But Cramer said the fact that Cowell was in a state mental institution for five months at the beginning of this year and was placed on psychiatric holds three times before the stabbing incident convinces him that Cowell isn't mentally competent at this time because he can't rationally assist his lawyer. Wilson's father Ansar Muhammad said outside of court that Cramer's ruling that Cowell is incompetent to stand trial at this time "is something we anticipated." But Muhammad said he thinks Cowell "is pretty competent" because after he allegedly stabbed Wilson and her sister, he had the wherewithal to flee from the scene and change his clothes to try to avoid being arrested. Cowell is charged with murder and attempted murder for allegedly stabbing Wilson and her sister as well as a special circumstance allegation that he killed Wilson while lying in wait, an allegation that could result in the death penalty or life in prison without parole if he's convicted. Prosecutors haven't yet decided if they will seek the death penalty for Cowell and that decision is now on hold until his mental competency is determined. If the two psychiatrists agree that Cowell is incompetent to stand trial, he would be placed in a state mental institution to get treatment aimed at restoring his competence. If that happens, he could still stand trial at a later date. Muhammad said, "I want justice for my daughters" but said the question of whether Cowell should get the death penalty "is up to the creator." Wilson's mother Alicia Grayson adamantly said she thinks Cowell should get the death penalty. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A Richmond resident has pleaded not guilty to three felonies and a misdemeanor stemming from allegations that he threatened a female victim online. Officers used a Taser stun gun on Nizar Nassar and arrested him after he begged to be shot by officers with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force who were serving a search warrant at a residence in El Sobrante on Dec. 19. Prosecutors said the victim is a female content creator on www.twitch.tv, a streaming video service and social network that largely caters to online gamers. Nassar allegedly harassed her on a variety of social media platforms, ultimately threatening to rape and kill her as well as to harm her partner. He also demanded a refund for subscription fees he'd paid for her content on Twitch, investigators said. Nassar was arraigned on two counts of criminal threats and stalking, all felonies, in a Richmond courtroom on Monday. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for resisting arrest. Nassar remains in custody on $203,000 bail. An 18-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to fleeing from a traffic stop in Daly City last weekend and then ramming police vehicles and leading authorities on a pursuit into San Francisco, San Mateo County prosecutors said today. Darrell Wilson entered the not guilty plea Wednesday to reckless evading, assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and driving without a valid license for the case that started shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, according to the district attorney's office. A Daly City police officer attempted a traffic stop of a Nissan Maxima driven by Wilson, who failed to yield to the stop and sped out of sight, prosecutors said. His car was located on a dead-end street in Colma, where the initial Daly City officer who tried to pull him over was joined by a Colma police officer in their vehicles. As the Daly City officer got out of his car, Wilson allegedly accelerated toward him and struck his vehicle, prosecutors said. The officer was able to jump out of the way and avoided getting hit by Wilson's car, which also allegedly struck the Colma officer's vehicle multiple times before he fled. A four-mile pursuit at speeds of more than 100 mph ensued on Interstate Highway 280 and ended in San Francisco when Wilson's vehicle blew out two tires. He then tried to flee on foot but was taken into custody with the help of a police canine, prosecutors said. According to the district attorney's office, Wilson said he had fled because he didn't have a driver's license and had been told that police will not chase a fleeing vehicle. Wilson did not waive his right to a speedy preliminary hearing, so will return to court on Jan. 9 for the hearing, which will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, prosecutors said. He remains in custody on $50,000 bail. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. OAKLAND (BCN) As part of their commitment to improving access to justice, Alameda County Superior Court officials say they expect to open a new self-help center at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland in February. They say the new branch will join the self-help center which already is in operation at the Hayward Hall of Justice and provide a much-needed alternative to people who live in the northern part of the county. The court previously offered a self-help branch at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse near Lake Merritt in Oakland but budgetary constraints forced the closure of that branch in 2016. Court officials say they have the money for the new branch thanks in large part to $19.1 million in new funding specifically directed toward trial court self-help needs that was included in the 2018-2019 California budget. "As part of budget discussions with the state Judicial Council and the other branches of government last year, our court identified the re-establishment of a self-help center presence in Oakland as one of our highest priorities," Alameda County Superior Court Judge Wynne Carvill said in a statement. "We appreciate that Gov. Brown included robust new self-help funding in the budget so that we could make our plan a reality and better serve the court users of Alameda County," Carville said. The new branch on the third floor of the Wiley Manuel Courthouse at 661 Washington St. in Oakland will be open for a walk-in clinic Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Court officials say the number of people assisted each day will be capped at 45 in order to ensure that each customer gets the best possible service. Staff in the Oakland branch will provide assistance with unlawful detainers, small claims matters, restraining orders, name- and gender-change petitions and guardianships. Assistance for all family law-related matters, including child custody and dissolution of marriage, will continue to be provided only in Hayward. To facilitate the opening of the Oakland branch and to ensure a consistent level of service in both the northern and southern parts of the county, the court will make changes to the functioning of the Hayward branch beginning on Jan. 2. One of those changes is that morning drop-in service in Hayward will be limited to 100 customers per day. In addition, the self-help center in Hayward will close at noon every day to ensure that the court can continue to support its robust schedule of afternoon workshops. The exact date of the grand opening of the Oakland branch will be announced in the near future. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. HAYWARD (BCN) A transformer exploded in Hayward on Wednesday night, injuring a PG&E employee who was working on nearby power lines, police and utility officials said. Hayward police issued an advisory shortly after 11:30 p.m. about the explosion and said it caused a power pole and vehicle to catch fire. Santa Clara Street was closed from Ocie Way to Redbud Lane as police, firefighters and PG&E responded to the incident. PG&E spokesman J.D. Guidi confirmed this morning that a PG&E employee was injured while responding to an outage in Hayward Wednesday night, and said the utility would release further details about the case later today. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Police are asking the public for help finding a non-verbal man who went missing this afternoon in Berkeley, police said. Charles Schug, 73, was last seen at 3:45 p.m. near the Solano Tunnel. He is 5 feet 8 inches tall with a slim build. He has gray hair and blue eyes and was wearing a black jacket, dark pants and rubber multi-colored shoes. Police said Schug has dementia. Anyone who can help safely find Schug is asked to call 911 or police at (510) 981-5911. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. An inmate walked away from San Quentin State Prison and then may have carjacked someone nearby on Wednesday night, according to prison officials. The inmate, identified as 21-year-old Shalom Mendoza, was discovered to have walked away from an out grounds support facility around 9:35 p.m. during an institutional check, Lt. Samuel Robinson said. A search of the area determined Mendoza had escaped, and the prison then activated its emergency operations and escape pursuit plan to try and find him, Robinson said. Prison officials believe Mendoza then may have carjacked a motorist who was driving a Toyota Rav4 with a California license plate 6STZ502. According to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations Press Secretary Vicky Waters, a positive identification is still being confirmed on the suspect who stole that vehicle near the prison Wednesday night. Mendoza was incarcerated after being sentenced to 5 years in prison for using a deadly weapon during a carjacking/attempted carjacking and evading or attempting to evade peace officers while driving recklessly in Los Angeles County in December 2017, Robinson said. He arrived at San Quentin on April 28. Mendoza is described as being 5 feet, 5 inches tall, with brown hair, brown eyes and weighs 177 pounds. Anyone with sees Mendoza or knows where he is should call Robinson at (415) 455-5000 or 911. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A second person has died following a fire at a three-story home in San Francisco's Presidio Heights neighborhood early Monday morning, according to the city's medical examiner's office. The two victims who died have been identified as Michael Hooker, 83, and Connie Hooker, 69, after the fire that started shortly before 1 a.m. at the home in the 3800 block of Clay Street. Michael Hooker died in the blaze and Connie Hooker was taken to a hospital in critical condition but later died. A firefighter suffered burns while trying to enter the home and was treated at a hospital and later released, San Francisco fire Lt. Jonathan Baxter said. The fire started on the second floor and spread to the third floor. Its cause is under investigation, Baxter said. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Newman police in Stanislaus County said they have identified a suspect who allegedly fatally shot an officer and prompted an alert in Santa Clara County and Central California early Wednesday morning. Cpl. Ronil Singh was shot and killed shortly during a traffic stop at Merced Street and Eucalyptus Avenue in Newman, according to Stanislaus County sheriff's deputies. Singh was a 33-year-old Fiji native and had been with the Newman Police Department since 2011. Deputies said he initiated the traffic stop for suspected drunk driving at 12:57 a.m. and reported "shots fired" over the radio moments later. He was found at the scene with gunshot wounds and died at a hospital. The suspect fled the area but is likely still in Stanislaus County, according to police, who said he was residing in the U.S. illegally. His name has not yet been released to the public. The sheriff's department has launched a investigation with the support of multiple agencies, and asked the suspect at a news conference today to turn himself in. "We have spared no expense, we will relentlessly continue to hunt our suspect down and bring him to justice," Sheriff Adam Christianson said. Deputies located the suspect's truck after serving a search warrant in the 26000 block of River Road just outside of Newman on Tuesday. A California Highway Patrol Blue Alert in Santa Clara County is still in effect, and any anyone who sees the "armed and dangerous" suspect is asked to call 911. Singh is survived by his wife, 5-month old baby and police dog Sam, who was present at the scene Wednesday but was not injured. Police Chief Randy Richardson spoke tearfully at the news conference about Singh's work ethic and compassion. "I don't want to be here today, I would give anything not to be here today," Richardson said. "My department is hurting. We're struggling through this." The sheriff's department has created an official donation page to raise funds for Singh's family at https://www.stanislaussworn.com/donation.html?fbclid=IwAR1X9_CWY82iCsYpkI0W60BdgD2DRjNa2r3BGpbYuyC10YbyRFkYXhSHKOE. Singh had been on track to lead the Police Department one day, Richardson said, and was a proud officer who did everything he could to improve at his job. "He was a police officer, but more importantly he was a human being, and that's how he would want to be remembered," the chief said. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Alums of a North Bay arts nonprofit and two special guests will perform tonight in the Youth in Arts annual SING OUT! in San Rafael, organizers said. The show begins at 8 p.m. at the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center at 200 N. San Pedro Road. The show features special guests Matt Herrero, an indie folk/acoustic pop artist, and Lilan Kane who blends R&B, funk, pop and jazz. The SING OUT! will bring together 'Til Dawn, an alumni group and Still Dawn, a chorus of 'Til Dawn alums and both will perform from the 'Til Dawn repertoire. Ticket and raffle sales will benefit the 'Til Dawn scholarship fund. 'Til Dawn aims to encourage positive messages about social issues and inspire others through a mix of classic and contemporary music. Stanislaus County sheriff's deputies said they have located the vehicle of a man who allegedly shot and killed a police officer. The officer was killed Wednesday morning. A search for the suspect was occurring in Santa Clara County and four other counties in California on Wednesday. Cpl. Ronil Singh was shot and killed shortly before 1 a.m. during a traffic stop at Merced Street and Eucalyptus Avenue in the city of Newman, according to Stanislaus County sheriff's officials. Singh was a Fiji native and had been with the Newman Police Department since 2011. Deputies said he initiated the traffic stop at 12:57 a.m. and reported "shots fired" over the radio moments later. He was found at the scene with gunshot wounds and died at the hospital. Sheriff's officials said they served a search warrant in the 26000 block of River Road just outside of Newman and recovered the truck. A man who died in a car crash on Christmas evening in Mountain View was located by his family about a half a mile away from the scene of crash, the California Highway Patrol reported. The man's family found him Wednesday morning. Officers responded at 6 p.m. Tuesday to a crash involving a silver 1999 Toyota RAV4 that hit a center divide of northbound state Highway 85 near the Fremont Avenue off-ramp. CHP Officers from Redwood City and San Jose and firefighters from Mountain View responded to the scene and were unable to locate any victims. CHP Officer Dave Morey said an investigation found the driver had extricated himself from the Toyota and walked south about half a mile, crossing over a center divide into a southbound lane of the freeway. He then went up on a freeway embankment and died. The Santa Clara County medical examiner's office identified the man as 40-year-old Alan Willcox of Los Gatos. A woman who was fatally stabbed in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood on Christmas Eve has been identified by the city's medical examiner's office as 64-year-old Christine Moyer. The stabbing was reported at 5:38 p.m. Monday in the 400 block of Jessie Street. Moyer was found with stab wounds and died at the scene, police said. At about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to another stabbing, this time in the first block of Third Street. A 46-year-old woman was taken to a hospital with life-threatening stab wounds. Michael Jacobs, a 27-year-old transient, was detained at the scene and later arrested after being identified as the suspect in the latter stabbing. Police said they are working to determine whether the two cases were connected since they both involved stabbings and occurred in close proximity to each other. One person was checked for smoke inhalation and a multi-family property was damaged in a fire in Fremont, fire officials said. The fire started Wednesday evening. Someone called the fire department at 6:13 p.m. to report a fire in the 3500 block of Dalton Common. Battalion Chief Don Linneman said the first crews on the scene saw flames on the second floor of a two-story building. Based on the size of the fire and its proximity to other units, firefighters called for a second alarm. Occupants of the burning unit escaped their home before firefighters arrived. Linneman said one person was checked for smoke inhalation and declined to be taken to a hospital. A San Jose-area girl died after apparently falling about 700 feet from an overlook in Arizona on Christmas Eve, sheriff's officials in Coconino County said. The sheriff's office announced the death Wednesday. The girl, whose name wasn't released, was reported missing by her family at about 4 p.m. Christmas Eve because they hadn't seen her in a couple of hours. The sheriff's office's search and rescue unit and an air rescue unit from the Arizona Department of Public Safety responded to the area to search for the child. She was spotted at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend, about 700 feet below the overlook, according to the sheriff's office. Because it was about to get dark, rescuers were not able to get to her body that day. Her body was recovered Christmas Day. Sonoma County is looking for vacant parcels of unincorporated land where high-density housing can be constructed, and they're asking for the public's help to get it done. County staff is prepared to work with the landowner, as well as the community, to rezone sites that meet the necessary criteria for development. Those include sites outside city limits, having access to public water and sewer lines, and being within walking distance of transit and other services. Large, occupied parcels that have just a small home already built on them could also be considered. Chairman of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors James Gore said in a statement that achieving housing equity will require bold action. "This includes revisiting zoning to encourage more city and community-centered housing development while respecting community separators and urban growth boundaries," Gore said. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A tree fell onto an unoccupied car in San Francisco's Hayes Valley neighborhood this morning, blocking traffic and possibly impacting Municipal Railway lines, fire officials said. The fire department wrote on Twitter at 9:41 a.m. about the fallen tree in the 300 block of Hayes Street. Traffic is blocked in both directions of Hayes Street and fire crews are on the scene, according to the fire department. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A woman who was fatally stabbed in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood on Christmas Eve has been identified by the city's medical examiner's office as 64-year-old Christine Moyer. The stabbing was reported at 5:38 p.m. Monday in the 400 block of Jessie Street. Moyer was found with stab wounds and died at the scene, police said. At about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to another stabbing, this time in the first block of Third Street. A 46-year-old woman was taken to a hospital with life-threatening stab wounds. Michael Jacobs, a 27-year-old transient, was detained at the scene and later arrested after being identified as the suspect in the latter stabbing. Police said they are working to determine whether the two cases were connected since they both involved stabbings and occurred in close proximity to each other. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the San Francisco police tip line at (415) 575-4444. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Page Content An employer did not violate California law by using a computerized time-keeping system that rounded employees' punch-in and punch-out times to the nearest 10-minute increment, a California appeals court ruled. Instead, the court found, the rounding policy was fair and neutral and led to proper compensation for all the time the employees worked. AMN, a health care services and staffing company, recruits nurses for temporary contract assignments. The company employed the plaintiff as a nurse recruiter in its San Diego office between September 2012 and February 2014. During the time AMN employed the plaintiff, it used a computerized time-keeping system for all nonexempt employees, which included nurse recruiters. Using their work computers, recruiters clicked on an icon to open the program each day. They usually made four entries: Recruiters would punch in for the day, punch out when they took a meal break, punch back in when they returned from their break, and punch out at the end of the day. The system rounded all recruiters' punch times to the nearest 10-minute increment. [SHRM members-only toolkit: Complying with California Wage Payment and Hours of Work Laws] To establish the proper hourly compensation, AMN would convert each 10-minute increment to a decimal (to the nearest hundredth of a minute), total the number of hours (to the nearest hundredth of a minute) and multiply the total hours by the recruiter's hourly rate. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit in trial court alleging, among other claims, that AMN's rounding system violated California wage and hour laws. The trial court dismissed the claim, and the plaintiff appealed. Rounding Rule In California, a rounding policy must be fair, appear neutral at first glance and be used in a way that, over time, will properly compensate employees for all the time they've worked. Under this standard, an employer's rounding policy is "fair and neutral" if, on average, it favors neither overpayment nor underpayment. Such a policy is unacceptable if it systematically undercompensates employees. AMN submitted expert testimony from a labor economist who analyzed the time records of AMN's nurse recruiters from April 23, 2010, through April 26, 2015. Based on his analysis, the expert testified, AMN's practice of rounding punch times to the nearest 10-minute increment sometimes led to recruiters' being paid more and sometimes less than the actual time worked, and it actually resulted in a net surplus for the class as a whole. "The 10-minute rounding rule is thus neutral; in the long run, neither the employer nor the employee benefits from this policy," the expert noted. Thus, the appellate court found that AMN's policy was lawful and affirmed the trial court's order dismissing the plaintiff's challenge to the rounding system. Donohue v. AMN Services LLC, Calif. Ct. App., No. D071865 (Dec. 10, 2018). Professional Pointer: An employer that uses a rounding system should consider conducting regular audits to make sure the system is not underpaying employees over time. Joanne Deschenaux, J.D., is a freelance writer in Annapolis. Md. The Decisions That Matter Complete the basic education till post graduate at least and yes,may be that syllabus and text books did not teach me directly as what i do today,but they made me capable to think,take risk and take decisions. Plans For The Future: learning and learning new things and exploring new markets. Prized Accomplishment(s): My clients are from US,Uk,south east asia,russia,middle east,and India.I have excelled boundaries and without an MBA which is said to a bench mark in india. i can say you can do it even without MBA.... Role Model: Nobel R.Nath.Tagore-- he was so diverse,so modern, all rounder super.... I wish, I could have met... Degrees That Matter: Advanced knowledge of US and UK grammar/vocabulary skills.Read and write daily. Read others too. Done Differently: Editors Note: This piece is written by the Staten Island Advance collegiate correspondent. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As the year comes to a close, we fall into a season of thanks. This year, students at the Berta A. Dreyfus Intermediate School (I.S. 49) took part in making personal, homemade cards to send to our troops as part of the 100,000 Thank Yous' initiative. The initiative was launched by NASH FM 103.3 to create, collect, and send appreciation letters to our military members overseas during November and December. Our troops are there for us 24/7... its your turn to be there for them when they need it the most, said NASH FMs Ty, Kelly & Chuck on-air as they called on the country to help hit the goal of 100,000 letters. Victoria Trombetta, a teacher at I.S. 49, shared that she came up with the idea for her class to participate in this initiative when she was in the car listening to NASH FM herself. My son listens to that radio station a lot and even though hes in college now and away from home, I have that station constantly playing in my car still, Trombetta said. One day on that radio station, I heard about the contest and I thought to myself, itd be great if the kids could do it. Three of her classes, with a total of 80 students, participated in this campaign, displaying their generosity by making more than one card each for our troops. When all of the students' cards were finished, they had a presentation of each card at school to share their different thank you letters. This school is very unique in that its filled with many different students from all different places," Trombetta explained. "Many are immigrants so they have a different understanding of what its like to be in America. The things they said in their cards were beautiful, thanking the veterans for all they do for our country. This is the first time that I.S. 49 has participated in this initiative and it is only the second year that NASH FM has done it. Last year I thought about it but it never came to fruition. But Im happy we got to do it this year, shared Trombetta. In 2017, NASH FM collected more than 175,000 letters to send to our deployed service members. This year, they received a whopping 209,433! The '100,000 Thank Yous' initiative is co-sponsored by Military Missions and John Rich and Redneck Riviera. Military Missions exists to support and honor deployed military personnel by sending care packages year-round as an expression of appreciation and gratitude. Through OPERATION S.E.N.D., Military Missions ships out 8,000+ care packages to troops deployed all over the world. Their care packages include personal care items, snacks, books, and (most importantly) these cards! John Rich and his brand Redneck Riviera celebrate the men and women who make America a strong nation. Redneck Riviera believes in honoring the unique American mindset by celebrating the hard work of the nation's bravest. For more information on next years 100,000 Thank Yous' initiative, you can visit NASH FMs website at http://www.nashfm1033.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Community Board 1, a longtime proponent of the New York Wheel, is calling on the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to find a new developer for the failed project. Board Chairman Nicholas Siclari and Land Use Committee Chairman Vincent Accornero recently penned a letter to NYCEDC President James Patchett requesting the release of a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to potential observation wheel developers who may want to finish the project. We believe that since so much infrastructure has been built, it would be enticing to a new developer to do the job at a substantially lower investment," the letter reads. We feel it would be an opportune time for someone else to come in and, for maybe 10, 15, 20 percent of the original cost, be able to put up the Wheel and operate it, Accornero told the Advance. Additionally, the Community Board believes that should the development of the New York Wheel cease entirely, the process of restoring and repurposing the site could pose some issues for the St. George area. The fact that so much has been spent already, and so much infrastructure has been developed there, that to just walk away from this we dont feel would be beneficial to St. George, with the Wheel having been sort of a linchpin of the development of that area," Accornero said. Because of the construction thats happened so far, the actual infrastructure for the wheel, including the base of the wheel, is so unique to that project and so large that to redevelop that some other way is going to create a whole new process of either demolishing that or trying somehow to build over it, he added. In addition to the economic and developmental issues, theres also some belief that the demolition of the existing site could pose environmental concerns along the waterfront. If in fact the city decides against it, and either on their own or tries and force New York Wheel to do the remediation -- we think youre talking about a serious environmental concern with demolishing those bases. You have all the excavation involved with that right on the waterfront, said Accornero. With an auction for the remaining Wheel parts set for Jan. 16, Community Board 1 has requested that NYCEDC contact the Delaware Bankruptcy Court to coordinate an opportunity to sell the parts to a new developer of the site. Were trying to push to see if the city can contact the Delaware Bankruptcy Court and say, Hey, we would like to pursue a new operator for this, could the court either postpone the bankruptcy auction or give us some time to work on getting a new operator so that they can then purchase those parts from the auction?, said Accornero. In response to the letter, an NYCEDC spokesperson said: We appreciate Community Board 1s letter and share their desire to see a positive outcome for the site. EDC welcomes this valuable feedback." STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The former Staten Island man charged with his wifes murder in Florida gave an interview to a news station from the Sunshine State denying any involvement in the womans disappearance. Joseph Traeger, 50, told a reporter from CBS 4 Miami that he had nothing to do with the disappearance of Jeneen Catanzaro, 50. She meant the world to me, he said. Ive known my wife since were 9 years old, 10 years old. However, authorities claim Traegers profession of innocence was all a lie. Police arrested Traeger, of Sunrise, Fla., on Friday and charged him in the death of his wife. Both Traeger and Cantanzaro are 1986 Tottenville High School graduates. Traeger has an extensive criminal record that spans multiple states and dates back 30 years, according to public records. In 1997, he was convicted of attempted murder, documents show. According to a report, he strangled and raped his ex-wife when she tried to leave him. Catanzaro had filed two police reports alleging domestic violence against her husband. According to the police report, Traeger told police he came downstairs after showering to find Catanzaro lying in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor. He told police he believed shed had a seizure that caused a fatal blow to the head when she fell on the floor. Days later, he told police that Catanzaro tried to call 911 when he became enraged because she would not allow him to move back into their home and he refused to leave after his shower. He allegedly forced her onto the floor, covered her mouth, and stabbed her in the back of the head with a knife. He then placed the knife in the dishwasher before disposing of it in a dumpster behind a restaurant, according to the police report. He told police he placed her into three black trash bags, along with paper towels he used to clean up the blood. He put it all into the trash bin at the curb, police said. He then circled the neighborhood in his Honda Civic and waited for the trash to be picked up, the police report said. Catanzaros body was discovered several miles away from their home at a landfill in Davie, police said Court proceedings in the case are ongoing. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Australian shares soared on Thursday, the first session for local stocks since the Christmas holiday, lifting on the back of a historic night on Wall Street. The S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 103.4 points, or 1.9 per cent to 5597.2 points, its best performance since November 2016, as it followed a strong session in the US. Australian shares surged on the back of a record lift in Wall Street. Credit:Louie Douvis The S&P 500 narrowly avoided tipping into a bear market, surging around 5 per cent. "Consumer shares led the rally, sparked by Amazon's statement confirming record-breaking customer orders over the holiday season," NAB credit analyst Andrew Jones said on Thursday in a note to clients. Police were unable to confirm reports the woman drowned but it is understood she died of a heart attack. Yerra Beach along Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen where a woman died on Thursday. Credit:Emily Barton ACT Policing and ACT Emergency Services responded to a call for assistance at the Belconnen lake at 12.23pm. A woman has died at Lake Ginninderra on Thursday afternoon. It was reported the woman had swum out to a pontoon before experiencing a heart attack and was unable to be revived when she was returned to shore. A man who was swimming in the lake with his partner and two children told The Canberra Times that he saw a police car and a funeral home van leaving the scene about 2.40pm. Despite the 37 degree weather, there were only a few people at the popular swimming spot on Thursday afternoon. A police spokesman said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death was underway. A report will be prepared for the coroner. All of the residents of a 36-storey apartment block in Sydney's west will be forced to leave as a "precautionary measure" after a wall cracked inside the new building on Christmas Eve. Tensions flared as angry residents of Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park were told that they would be "progressively relocated" within 24 hours to allow "comprehensive investigations" into the split concrete panel. Residents were told during a heated meeting on Thursday that they could be out of their homes for up to 10 days. But NSW managing director for the builder Icon, Julian Doyle, could not rule out further delays. A former prison inmate who created a not-for-profit charity to support incarcerated women has been charged after she allegedly stole almost $200,000 from the group by making more than 50 bank transfers to different accounts, including her own. Kat Armstrong, 50, found herself back in custody this month, facing eight counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception and one of using a mobile phone to harass the charity's former chief executive. Kat Armstrong departs Glebe Police Station after reporting as part of her bail . Credit:Wolter Peeters She was in and out of jail between 1988 and 2003, following heroin addiction and a string of robbery, fraud and break-and-enter offences. Described by former NSW attorney-general Brad Hazzard as a "beacon of hope", Ms Armstrong completed a law degree while in jail. Labor's attempt to encourage councils to pursue legal action to halt the demolition of Allianz Stadium at Moore Park appears set to falter after the City of Sydney ruled it out due to the risk of significant costs and damages arising from a lawsuit. The Opposition, which is campaigning strongly against the Berejiklian government's stadium plans, has released legal advice it sent to four councils from a senior planning lawyer who concluded that the consent for the demolition and rebuild of Allianz Stadium was invalid. Labor leader Michael Daley says it is now up to local councils to decide whether to take legal action. Credit:AAP While the Labor and Greens-dominated Waverley and Randwick councils will consider next month if they have an appetite to take it further, the City of Sydney said its lawyers believed that proceedings against the state could leave it liable for substantial costs and damages. "We cannot expose our ratepayers to that level of risk on a planning matter in which we have no authority," Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. A man has been killed and another charged with manslaughter after an apparent accidental shooting on a property near Tamworth. Police have been told a 41-year-old Sydney man removed a firearm from his car about 10.40pm on Wednesday while he and a 23-year-old man, also from Sydney, were at the property on Coomoo Coomoo Road, Bunella. Detectives will allege the older man was cleaning the firearm when it fired a round and struck the younger man, who was nearby. Despite emergency efforts, the 23-year-old died at the scene. No one else was injured during the incident, police said. Police have charged a 30-year-old man with murder over the alleged stabbing death of a homeless man in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Saturday night. Emergency services were called to Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, at about 8pm following reports a man had been stabbed several times. Police cars block off Oxford Street at the scene of the alleged murder. Credit:Nine News Police will allege two men aged 30 and 60 were involved in an altercation outside a KFC outlet. Both suffered stab wounds in the incident, but despite the efforts of paramedics and police who attempted CPR, the 60-year-old died at the scene. As the Opal Tower debacle stretched into its fourth day, displaced and anxious residents from 51 evacuated apartments hoped for good news that would allow them to finally return home. Instead, by Thursday afternoon, building management had announced the entire building would be evacuated for the second time, this time for up to an estimated 10 days. Bewildered residents returned home with some learning of the news from media stationed outside, before they attended an emergency meeting inside to find out more details. At a press conference with building company Icon, anger boiled over as one resident interrupted and demanded answers directly from Icon management. The developer of Opal Tower in Sydney's west has told frustrated residents their relocation is indefinite, as work to investigate large cracks to a concrete slab inside the building is expected to take at least 10 days. On Thursday, residents of the apartment block at Sydney Olympic Park were told they would be fully evacuated for the second time since Christmas Eve, as builders and engineers scrambled to investigate the structural failure that caused the concrete slab and walls to crack. Director of Icon NSW Julian Doyle addresses residents. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer About 300 residents were evacuated from the tower after they noticed cracking noises and damage to interior walls on level 10 of the building on Monday. The builder, Icon, told residents on Thursday they would have to leave their homes for "up to 10 days" to allow for a wide-ranging investigation. Tensions between the Vietnamese and African communities in Melbourne's north-west are at boiling point, residents say, after a string of petty thefts led to chairs being thrown during a heated street brawl. Members of the two groups clashed on Christmas Eve, reportedly over cigarettes, outside the Song Huong restaurant on Alfrieda Street in St Albans. Chairs were used as weapons during the afternoon confrontation that saw Vietnamese shopkeepers and diners battle a group of African-Australian youths. Frustrated Vietnamese-Australian residents have since taken to social media to vent their frustrations with some posting about their preparedness to arm themselves and fight back. A retired Hawthorn doctor has been arrested and charged with a range of serious sexual crimes, including rape, that were allegedly committed during medical consultations as far back as the late 1970s. A warrant was executed at the Balwyn North home of Dr Con Kyriacou on Thursday morning and he has been charged with 35 offences. The 75-year-old was later released on bail. Dr Con Kyriacou pictured in September. Credit:Joe Armao Dr Kyriacous arrest comes after three former patients went public with claims about Dr Kyriacou in November after concern about inaction by the national health regulator. The women had independently lodged complaints about Dr Kyriacous behaviour with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) beginning in 2016, which has been investigating the claims of misconduct for more than two years. Growing up in Somalia, Abdullahi Mohamed's mother used to lick his arms when he got home on a Friday night. She was tasting for salt, a sign that her son had disobeyed her orders not to go swimming at the capital Mogadishu's chaotic Liido Beach. Abdullahi Mohamed grew up in Somalia not knowing how to swim but has since learnt and trained to become a lifeguard in Australia. Credit:Simon Schluter Her fears were well-founded: the beach had a bad reputation for drownings. Also, Abdullahi didn't know how to swim. The first time he entered the water, aged around 11, he went in too deep and had to be pulled out. "I vomited up all this water," the 18-year-old remembers. "Now I'm teaching people how to rescue." We become attached to our homes, don't we? So much so, in fact, that over the years they take on lives of their own. They become mirrors to the lives we lead in them. They are the places we played in as kids; where we celebrated birthdays; where we met a girl at a party; which welcomed our babies when we first brought them home from the hospital; which we bought with years of hard work; where we returned after the toughest days we've ever had. The Willagee house where David and Catherine Birnie committed the most unspeakable crimes. Credit:File image They take on the character of their owners. There's a happiness you can feel in a home that's been well lived in. Scott Morrison's office knew about the "sugar daddy" allegations surrounding former assistant minister Andrew Broad two weeks before they were published, as the fallout from the ongoing scandal threatens to derail the start to an election year for the federal government. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age can reveal the Prime Minister's office was also aware the text messages between Mr Broad and his Hong Kong-based Irish-date Amy Keating were the subject of potential legal proceedings, after the Nationals MP asked the Australian Federal Police to investigate the alleged blackmail. The latest revelations raise further questions about the handling of the drama at the most senior levels of government, with staff in both camps either ignorant or hoping to contain the reputational damage to the government at the end of a torrid year. Andrew Broad quit over sugar daddy allegations. On Thursday it was reported Ms Keating gave Mr Broad a day to pay up to $1450 for her silence in November and that Mr Broad offered Nationals' party leader Michael McCormack his resignation five weeks before the affair became public. Washington: President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in the new year to declare a national emergency that would ban US companies from using equipment made by China's Huawei and ZTE. The executive order would invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States. The logo of Huawei stands on its office building at the research and development centre in Dongguan in south China's Guangdong province. Credit:AP It would be the latest step by the Trump administration to cut Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp, two of China's biggest network equipment companies, out of the US market. The United States alleges that the two companies work at the behest of the Chinese government and that their equipment could be used to spy on Americans. In China, the move would be taken as a new salvo in the multi-billion dollar trade war between the US and China, with Huawei seen in China as the "point man" for the rise of China's globally competitive technology companies. Nordic Gold Closes Final Tranche of Private Placement Posted by Publisher Internet NORDIC GOLD INC. (TSX-V: NOR)?(\Nordic\ or the \Company\ http://www.commodity-tv.net/c/search_adv/?v=298622) today announced that it has closed the final tranche of its previously announced private placement (the ?Second Tranche?).? Pursuant the Second Tranche, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,400,000 units (each, a ?Unit?) at a price of $0.10 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $240,000.? Each Unit consists of one common share (each, a ?Common Share?) and one warrant to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.13 until December 21, 2020, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. In consideration for the services provided by certain finders, the Company paid a cash commission of $16,800 and issued an aggregate of 168,000 non-transferable compensation options, each exercisable by the holder into one Common Share at a price of $0.13 until December 21, 2020, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. In connection with the closing of the Second Tranche, PFL Raahe Holdings LP (?PFL?) has been issued an additional 477,600 Common Shares pursuant to the Pre-Paid Forward Gold Purchase Agreement dated November 2017 (as amended on October 15, 2018) between the Company and PFL. The securities issued pursuant to the Second Tranche and the Common Shares issued to PFL are subject to a four month and one day hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. ? ? About the Company Nordic Gold Inc. is a junior mining company with a near production gold mine in Finland.?? The Laiva Gold Mine is fully built, fully permitted and financed to production via a gold forward sale agreement. ? 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 Advisory Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Users of forward-looking statements are cautioned that actual results may vary from forward-looking statements contained herein. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections and other similar statements concerning anticipated future events, conditions or results that are not historical facts. In certain cases, forward-looking statements 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?. While the Company has based these forward-looking statements on its expectations about future events as at the date those statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee of the Company?s future performance.? Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot give any assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.? The Company?s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date of this new release.? Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not intend nor does it undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent information, events, results or circumstances or otherwise. As fast-food restaurant chains take steps toward the future of customer service, workers are concerned whether that will include them. Chain brands like Subway and McDonalds, have been rolling out plans to transform thousands of restaurant locations nationwide, boasting new designs and layouts of stores. The marquee upgrades, however, are the addition of self-serve kiosks and, in McDonalds case, a new delivery option in collaboration with Uber Eats. Customer expectations are constantly evolving, and we need to evolve with them, said Angele Busch, McDonalds brand reputation manager, U.S. Communications. The recently announced plans project an investment of roughly $84 million to modernize 90 Connecticut restaurant locations over the next couple years, which is part of a two-year, $6 billion effort to improve most U.S. locations. That digital evolution has people worried that it may come at the expense of jobs, an outcome Busch and McDonalds execs have said would not happen. As restaurants step further into the digital age, Busch said staff members will place a higher emphasis on hospitality by focusing on table service, greeting guests, and assisting with technological additions. The newly created Guest Experience Leader role will be one such position. By bringing restaurant employees out from behind the counter, their personalities come through; they truly enjoy being able to engage with our guests with table service and create feel-good moments like helping parents to their tables, delivering their meals or getting essentials to make their dining experience better. Workers replaced Though the fast-food pioneer has maintained that the latest additions to locations are focused on improving customer experiences, experts on the labor side suggest that the new upgrades may have a different purpose altogether. I think the kiosks are designed to replace workers, said Lindsay Farrell, director of the of the Connecticut Working Families Party in Connecticut, a political organization that advocates for workers and wages. Though upfront cost of kiosks may be more, she said over time they would cost less than the labor, which is one of the costliest operating expenses for any brand. Companies pursuit of increased productivity and sales over the years have been dealing blows to the workforce for years, Farrell said, particularly as the state of minimum wage remains a topic of tension. Wages just have not kept up with productivity, Farrell added. The minimum wage would be somewhere over 20 dollars if it had kept up with productivity since the 1960sThis is not a new trend and weve seen (repeatedly) that large profitable organizations like McDonalds or big box stores and franchises will do anything to save a few pennies here and there and improve their profit margin. Addressing challenges With upgrades in the works, McDonalds has set out to improve production and efficiency and ultimately boost sales and revenue, which decreased by 12 percent last quarter. While opting to integrating more technological components to quick service restaurants, or QSRs, may bode well for their bottom line, that may not be the case on the labor side of things, experts said. One of the bigger challenges the restaurant industry is facing centers around expenses and minimum wage, according to Scott Dolch, director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association. Its a challenge when you look at restaurants, he said. All restaurants really work off of a three, or four, or five percent profit margin and labor costs are one of the biggest costsif not the biggest coststhat a restaurant has. That doesnt just affect fast food, but the entire industry that has been increasing in Connecticut in recent years. As QSR brands look to outdo competitors and match consumer demand, Dolch said that will open the door to continued technological integration. For chains that have embraced automation, the addition of kiosks, and ordering apps increases efficiency and speed, cuts down on wait time in line, and provides customers greater customization options. That may prove to be more profitable, but it also serves as foreshadowing for workers, particularly cashiers. Though McDonalds has maintained automation would not result in staff cuts, professor Joshua Shuart, chair of the marketing department at Sacred Heart University, suggested the contrary. There will always be a need for some actual staff, but I firmly believe, as do others, that with increased efficiency will come reduced staff, he said. Jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com DANBURY Veteran Jennifer Tanner has lived with buckets in her basement and living room to catch the rainfall dripping into her home from her faulty roof. But the Vietnam veteran has stored them away after students at Henry Abbott Technical High School repaired the roof, which was at risk of collapsing in the snow this winter. Tanner said she otherwise would have had to move into an assisted living place or home for veterans. They saved my life, she said. Im going to live happily here for a long time. She has had to replace the roof three times since buying the Driftway Road home in 1982. Tanner said the roof was fine two years ago when she received a Veterans Affairs mortgage, but last winter noticed a divot on the roof. By the spring, the roof looked like it was going to collapse. Everything started happening very rapidly, Tanner said. I knew I wasnt going to make it through another winter. Tanner contacted Daniel Hayes, the citys director of Veteran Affairs. Hayes talked to his cousin, Kevin Durkin, the assistant principal at Abbott Tech. Durkin pushed Tanners roof to the top of list of students projects. Students in the carpentry program complete various construction jobs as part of their curriculum, Durkin said. The group of sophomores, juniors and seniors spent about a month repairing the roof, gaining experience in their trades, while helping others, he said. The students got a good sense of what it means to give back and provide a service to a person that has served our community and our nation, Durkin said. Hayes said he was impressed with the quality of the work and plans to use Abbott Tech students for other projects. Theyre looking for work and, believe me, I have a lot of vets who cant afford $100 an hour or more from an electrician, Hayes said. Tanner said the job cost her less than $4,000, which included the labor fee to the school and materials, which she bought with a veterans discount. Without the students, she estimated she would have had to pay a roofing company $12,000 to $13,000, a price tag she could not afford. Tanner, who is active in various Danbury veterans organizations, joined the Navy in 1969 and climbed through the ranks to become an electrical warfare specialist. She flew in helicopters in Vietnam and detected radiation to send reports back to Washington, D.C. She enjoyed the job, but it exposed her to Agent Orange, an herbicide the United States used to clear plants and trees in Vietnam. She said the chemical gave her Stage 4 cancer, which she had surgery to treat. So many people I know have lost their lives because of it, Tanner said. I happen to be one of the lucky ones. Tanner has had three other forms of cancer and suffers from neuropathy, a condition that numbs the back of her knees down to her feet. The condition prevented her from repairing the roof herself, she said. Tanner has lived in Danbury since 1964 and bought her home in 1982. She had been living at an apartment on Balmforth Avenue and wanted to get off the busy street. She knew the Driftway Road house would be her home as soon as she saw the listing. I just immediately called the realtor and said, Im buying it, Tanner said. I didnt even have to look inside. It was the charming ambience of the pine trees, the grounds. She said she couldnt fathom leaving the home where she raised her daughter and son and where she now lives with her best friend, her 9-year-old cat, Lily. Its why she is so grateful to Hayes and the students. (They) gave me a new lease on life, she said. It enables me to remain a part of my community. Democratic Republic of Congo's electoral authority postponed Sunday's presidential and parliamentary elections in three parts of the central African country until March, citing an outbreak of Ebola, militia violence and inter-community clashes. The main opposition denounced the delay as politically motivated because it effectively disenfranchises almost 1.2 million voters in the regions, which are known as strongholds of the current president's critics. The presidential outcome will be announced before those votes are even cast. "This decision is unjustifiable and unacceptable," Pierre Lumbi, the campaign director of Martin Fayulu, one of two key opposition candidates, told reporters Thursday in the capital, Kinshasa. The opposition alliance that backs Fayulu has called for a general strike on Friday to demand the electoral commission reverses its decision and organizes the vote nationwide, he said. The commission on Wednesday cited the Ebola outbreak and frequent attacks by militias in its decision to put off the vote in Butembo and Beni in the east, as well as the rural area surrounding Beni. Polls in the western district of Yumbi, where more than 100 people were killed in inter-community violence last week, will also be delayed. More than 400 people have been infected with Ebola. The elections will go ahead in the rest of the country on Dec. 30 as planned. Results for the presidential vote will be announced on Jan. 15 and the next head of state will take the oath of office three days later, the commission said. There are about 40 million registered voters nationwide. Government opponents said the delay was designed to suppress opposition votes in areas hostile to outgoing President Joseph Kabila and his chosen candidate Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. "It's the Kabila regime which is doing this," Jaribu Muliwavyo, an opposition lawmaker from Beni, said by phone, pointing out that campaigning was able to take place in the region. "It's a political decision to exclude a category of the population which doesn't agree with the head of state," he said. Police and the military deployed in Beni and Goma, Congo's largest city in the east and traditionally an opposition stronghold, on Thursday, to disperse protesters who'd taken to the streets to erect barricades and burn tires. Shadary, a former interior minister, is facing two major challengers. Felix Tshisekedi is the leader of Congo's largest opposition party while Fayulu heads an alliance backed by heavyweights Jean-Pierre Bemba and Moise Katumbi, who have been barred from pursuing their own presidential ambitions. The partial delay is a sign that the commission "isn't ready" for the elections and is trying to entice the opposition into endorsing a further countrywide delay, Paul Tshilumbu, a spokesman for Tshisekedi's party, said by phone late Wednesday. The polls were supposed to take place on Dec. 23 but were pushed back by a week after a fire on Dec. 13 in Kinshasa, which the authorities said destroyed election materials. Elections were initially due in 2016 but not organized on time, allowing Kabila to remain in office beyond the end of his second term, the maximum permitted by Congo's constitution. --With assistance from Bloomberg's Ignatius Ssuuna. It's official: Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth have tied the knot. The Hollywood couple, who have been dating on and off for almost 10 years since meeting on the set of The Last Song in 2009, wed in an intimate ceremony on Sunday in Tennessee. Miley, 26, posted several black and white shots of the happy couple on her Instagram account, and also shared a first glimpse of her chic white wedding dress. The vintage-inspired satin dress, which featured a cold-shoulder silhouette and draped corset detail, had been specially made by one of Cyrus's favourite designers: Vivienne Westwood. Although the bridal gown was couture, Westwood's 'made to order' bridal collection currently features a very similar style called the Long Cocotte Dress in Ivory Silk Crepe Satin, which is available from the label's boutiques in London and New York. Long Cocotte Dress in Ivory Silk Crepe Satin / Vivienne Westwood It turns out, the wedding dress clues were there the whole time. Cyrus recently attended the Burberry x Vivienne Westwood launch party in London and chose to wear several Westwood designs during her promotional tour for new track Nothing Breaks Like A Heart in December. Miley's dress was notably an understated choice for a star who's known for her quirky personal style. New husband Hemsworth also went for a relaxed look in a black suit and white trainers. Whether or not you believe the celebrity profile is dead, 2018 still threw up some gems. From Lena Dunham's interview for The Cut - where she showed interviewer Allison P. Davis a picture of her uterus - to the time Quincy Jones proved he's got an anecdote about (virtually) every famous person from the last six decades, there was plenty to chew over. Celebrities got pretty real in other ways too, sharing their political leanings on Instagram and delivering barnstorming awards season speeches. Here's a few of the very best (and very worst) celebrity quotes of the year. Lena Dunham got very real about... everything Lena Dunham speaks onstage during Lincoln Center's American Songbook Gala / Getty Images In a November profile for The Cut, Dunham openly addressed her breakup with Jack Antonoff, the infamous Lorde PowerPoint theory, rumors that she kills her pets, and the text messages she sends Lady Gaga: I texted Jack [Antonoff, her ex-boyfriend] last week and said, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE DATED SOMEONE EVERYBODY HATES? in all capitals. He wrote back, They only hate you because they love you so much, true story. Which is like, What a sweetie. What a liar and a sweetie. [On Antonoff's new girfriend] I thought I was kind of proving weird girls can have love too, and now hes dating somebody who looks regular and normal and like girls are supposed to look. [On her hysterectomy] I was in too much pain to wait [to have kids]. Its really amazing, in points of extreme distress, how things you thought were non-negotiable start to become negotiable. I thought I would do anything to have a kid naturally. Turned out that wasnt true. Im like Virginia Woolf writing letters only with emojis, and nobody cares. Beyonce talked about loving her FUPA Beyonce performs onstage during The 59th GRAMMY Awards / Getty Images In the September issue of Vogue, Beyonce wrote her own cover story, touching on her familys history of broken relationships, her difficult pregnancy with twins Sir and Rumi and her body image: "To this day [since the birth of my twins] my arms, shoulders, breasts, and thighs are fuller. I have a little mommy pouch, and Im in no rush to get rid of it. I think its real. Whenever Im ready to get a six-pack, I will go into beast zone and work my ass off until I have it. But right now, my little FUPA and I feel like we are meant to be." "Ive been through hell and back, and Im grateful for every scar. I have experienced betrayals and heartbreaks in many forms. I have had disappointments in business partnerships as well as personal ones, and they all left me feeling neglected, lost, and vulnerable. Through it all, I have learned to laugh and cry and grow. I look at the woman I was in my 20s and I see a young lady growing into confidence but intent on pleasing everyone around her. I now feel so much more beautiful, so much sexier, so much more interesting. And so much more powerful." Quincy Jones spilled a lot of tea Quincy Jones attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 10th annual Governors Awards / Getty Images After a music career spanning nearly seven decades, Quincy Jones wasn't in the mood to hold back in a conversation with Vulture. He referred to Michael Jackson as a greedy artist who stole a lot of songs. He also revealed that he was completely unimpressed when he met The Beatles in their early years, declaring them "the worst musicians in the world," claimed to know secrets about President John F. Kennedys death, and alleged that he dated Ivanka Trump. Jones later apologized for his comments, after his daughters staged an intervention. On the Beatles: They were the worst musicians in the world. They were no-playing mother******s. Paul was the worst bass player I ever heard. And Ringo? Dont even talk about it. On Michael Jackson: "I hate to get into this publicly, but Michael stole a lot of stuff. He stole a lot of songs. [Donna Summers] State of Independence " and Billie Jean. The notes dont lie, man. He was as Machiavellian as they come." On dating Ivanka Trump: "Yes, sir. Twelve years ago. Tommy Hilfiger, who was working with my daughter Kidada said, Ivanka wants to have dinner with you. I said, No problem. Shes a fine mother******. She had the most beautiful legs I ever saw in my life. Wrong father, though." Paul McCartney shared a little too much about his hang-outs with John Lennon Paul McCartney performs in concert at American Airlines Arena / Getty Images In a GQ interview Paul McCartney shared untold stories of his life and career that ranged from early childhood to acid-induced revelations. While McCartney seemed like an open book for most of the interview, his anecdote about participating in a group masturbation session with John Lennon stood out. "[We were] over at John's house, and it was just a group of us. And instead of just getting roaring drunk and partyingI don't even know if we were staying over or anythingwe were all just in these chairs, and the lights were out, and somebody started masturbating, so we all did." [As they continued to masturbate they were encouraged, according to McCartney, to shout out names that might 'inspire their mission.'] "We were just, 'Brigitte Bardot!' 'Whoo!' And then everyone would thrash a bit more." Ariana Grande burst some bubbles about her private life Ariana Grande attends Billboard's 13th Annual Women In Music event / AFP/Getty Images Between topping the charts with Sweetener to breaking YouTube records with the video for "thank u, next," Ariana Grande was 2018's most prolific pop star. But her career-changing year also featured a lot of personal turmoil. She reflected on this as she picked up her Woman of The Year Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards: "I'm just saying that because I feel like a lot of people would look at someone in my position right now, Woman of the Year, an artist that could be at her peak, reaching her, you know, whatever, and think, you know, 'She's really got her s**t together, she's really on it, she has got it all.' I do, but as far as my personal life goes, I really have no idea what the f**k I am doing" Gwyneth Paltrow made some pretty bold claims about yoga Gwyneth Paltrow speaks onstage at Cultivating the Art of Taste & Style / Getty Images Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop grew from strength to strength this year, despite coming under fire for everything from questionable health advice to outrageous gift guides. In December, Paltrow ruffled feathers in the yoga community with a comment to the Wall Street Journal's magazine: "I went to do a yoga class in L.A. recently and the 22-year-old girl behind the counter was like, Have you ever done yoga before? And literally I turned to my friend, and I was like, You have this job because Ive done yoga before." Sarah Hyland opened up about her health issues Sarah Hyland attends the Costume Designers Guild Awards / Getty Images The Modern Family star revealed to Self magazine that she underwent two kidney transplants that left her contemplating suicide," along with other health issues. After her body rejected the first kidney, which her father donated when she was 21, Hyland's younger brother donated his. I had gone through [my whole life] always being a burden. When a family member gives you a second chance at life, and it fails, it almost feels like its your fault. Its not. But it does. Jennifer Aniston told everyone to shut up about the baby-making thing Jennifer Aniston attends an awards in Los Angeles / Getty Images In an interview with her friend Molly McNearney for InStyle, Aniston discussed the endless focus on her uterus. "There is a pressure on women to be mothers, and if they are not, then theyre deemed damaged goods. Maybe my purpose on this planet isnt to procreate. Maybe I have other things Im supposed to do?" Kanye West ranted... a lot Kanye West attends the Versace fall 2019 fashion show / Getty Images There's a lot to unpack about Kanye West's year: meeting with President Donald Trump (and claiming they both have "dragon energy") donning a MAGA hat and aligning with controversial conservative figures, tweeting feverish philosophical messages, and fanning the flames of his ongoing row with Drake... But perhaps West's most infamous move was a highly provocative statement about slavery. "When you hear about slavery for 400 years ... For 400 years? That sounds like a choice." West later apologized for the comment. Amanda Bynes made a public return Amanda Bynes attends the Herve Leger Spring Fashion Show / Getty Images Nineties kids rejoiced when Amanda Bynes gave her first major interview in years as the cover star for Paper magazine, where she revealed how she went into a deep depression after filming Shes The Man and apparently helped a then-unknown Channing Tatum win a part in the film. Bynes also discussed her battles with substance abuse, her current life as a student, and how she hopes to return to Hollywood. On She's The Man: "I went into a deep depression for 4-6 months because I didn't like the way I looked as a boy." On helping Channing Tatum's career: "I totally fought for Channing [to get cast in] that movie because he wasn't famous yet. He'd just done a Mountain Dew commercial and I was like, 'This guy's a star every girl will love him!' But [the producers] were like, 'He's so much older than all of you!' And I was like, 'It doesn't matter! Trust me!'" Timothee Chalamet chewed the fat with Harry Styles Timothee Chalamet attends the Amazon Studios of Angeles premiere of Beautiful Boy / Getty Images What happens when two celebrity favorites sit down for a candid discussion? Pure magic, that's what. Harry Styles turned interviewer in a conversation with Timothee Chalamet for i-D Magazine, where the two talked about political pressure and helping to shift concepts of masculinity. On *that* peach scene in Call Me By Your Name: Thats the most awkward scene to see with your parents in the whole world. My poor father Oprah Winfrey made a very presidential Golden Globes speech Oprah Winfrey accepts the 2018 Cecil B. DeMille Award speaks onstage during the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards / Getty Images As the first black woman to win the Cecil B DeMille award at the Golden Globes this year, Oprah Winfrey used the opportunity to crystallize the #MeToo movement, express gratitude to fellow sexual abuse survivors and reassure young girls watching that there are great things to come for them in the future. It left quite a few wondering whether we might see an Oprah run for President... "In my career, what I've always tried my best to do, whether on television or through film, is to say something about how men and women really behave. To say how we experience shame, how we love and how we rage, how we fail, how we retreat, persevere, and how we overcome. I've interviewed and portrayed people who've withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights. So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women." Cardi B became a walking soundbite Cardi B performs onstage during the Fashion Nova x Cardi B Collaboration Launch Event / Getty Images From breaking down her famous catchphrases to Jimmy Fallon to keeping things real with her fans about her relationship troubles and divorce, Cardi B has delivered too many gems for us to pick just one. She gave a lot of candid interviews, including one with W Magazine where she discussed motherhood, success, and her breaking point in her feud with Nicki Minaj. On her post-pregnancy plans: While I was pregnant, I kept telling myself, I cant wait till Im back out there. Im going to look hot, and Im going to be that bitch." On getting a second breast lift: Im not even going to call it surgery, Im just going to say a titty renovation, Taylor Swift got off the political fence After years of keeping her political views a secret, Swift finally revealed to her 112 million Instagram followers that she was backing Democrat candidates Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives in the US mid-terms. Her call to arms appeared to cause a spike in voter registrations: 65,000 signed up in the 24 hours after Swift's post, according to Kamari Guthrie, the director of communications for Vote.org. "In the past, Ive been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now. I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent." We have all borne witness to the rise and rise of Timothee Chalamet. Since his 2017 standout performance in Call Me By Your Name, the 25-year old actor has picked up blockbuster role after role, amassing a cult following in his wake. Perhaps just as thrilling, is his evolving - and increasingly daring - style. The actor is at the forefront of changing menswear on the red carpet by consistently shying away from traditional black tie dinner jackets in favour of designers doing formalwear with a twist. The hint was there in 2018 with the flashy, all-white Berluti suit and tie he wore to the Oscars, designed by the creative director Haider Ackermann. It was with the Colombian-born French designer that his sartorial journey would continue, and together they teamed up for the press tour of Chalamets next feature film, Beautiful Boy. At the 2019 Venice Film Festival, in Haider Ackermann / Getty Images At its Toronto Film Festival premiere, Ackermann dressed Chalemet in a slim-cut dark suit with charming white blossom print. A month later, at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards, it was an inverted lapel blazer with curved white detailing. Three years on, and the pair have an ever increasing list of fashion moments and show no sign of slowing. Ackermann was behind the striking co-ord Chalamet wore at The King premiere during the 2019s Venice Film Festival a grey satin suit with a double-belted waist, worn with a shining cowl neck shirt. It was also Ackermann who dressed him in the padded shoulder, black crystal encrusted look for this years Dune showing in Venice. And, of course, Ackermann was responsible for the stars 2021 Met Gala looka cropped white satin, double breasted jacket and tracksuit bottoms. Wearing Haider Ackermann at the Met Gala 2021, / AFP via Getty Images In London for the UK premiere of Dune, Chalamet was joined by co-lead Zendaya in black Alexander McQueen tailoring, with a sprinkling of punk in zippers that wound round sleeves and trousers. The house has been a favourite of the actor since 2018, when he began wearing rich, floral print satin suits by creative director Sarah Burton. For the films photocall a day before, Chalamet was pictured wearing another of his go-to British designers, Stella McCartney. He opted for a matching mushroom print suit and collarless shirt in cream and blue, which was first seen on the Paris runway for McCartneys SS22 collection. It comes after a striking fuchsia suit and unbuttoned shirt which McCartney dressed him in for the Little Women premiere in France last year. Photocall for Dune in London, 2021, in Stella McCartney / PA His most rule-breaking looks have come from Louis Vuitton. Creative director Virgil Abloh caused an internet-breaking moment with the embellished harness Chalamet walked the 2019 Golden Globes wearing. For The King screening the same year in London, it was luxury hoodie time, as he donned a midnight blue Vuitton pullover, complete with gem studs. A friend of an Islamic State terrorist who plotted a suicide bomb attack on Theresa May has been found guilty of preparing to join terrorists abroad. Mohammed Aqib Imran, 22, made arrangements to travel for jihad around the time Naa'imur Zakariyah Rahman, 21, was set on attacking the prime minister. Rahman, from Finchley, north London, helped his friend by recording an IS sponsorship video for him, the Old Bailey heard. The pair were snared by a network of online role-players from the Met Police, MI5 and the FBI. Mohammad Aqib Imran who planned to join terrorist group convicted Rahman's plans to kill Mrs May were scuppered when undercover officers handed him a jacket and rucksack packed with fake explosives. He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years in July. Prosecutor Mark Heywood QC told jurors: "At the heart of this case is a developing radicalisation in the minds of two men who came to know each other online and afterwards met and began to collaborate. "Both thought about travelling abroad to further their cause, going to a conflict zone such as Syria to lend support to violence. Each also contemplated carrying out terrorist acts of violence here in the UK. "Mohammed Imran elected to travel and set about assembling money, acquiring a fake passport, engaging in research and otherwise equipping himself with the information and means to travel aboard for violence for terrorist purposes "In the case of the other, Naa'imur Rahman, his conclusion was that lethal violence here, directed at the very heart of the UK government, was the only effective way to pursue his intentions. "Before his arrest prevented it, he was, he believed, just days away from his objective, which was no less than a suicide attack by blade and explosion on Downing Street and, if he could, upon Prime Minister Theresa May herself." The court heard how Imran's preferred destination was Libya or possibly Jordan with a view to travelling on to Syria. Following a trial in July, Rahman was convicted of preparing acts of terrorism and Imran was found guilty of possessing a terrorist handbook. Rahman, originally from Birmingham, also pleaded guilty to assisting Imran in the preparation of terrorist acts by recording a sponsorship video. Following a retrial, Imran, from Sparkhill, Birmingham, was further found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism abroad. He denied the charge against him, claiming he only wanted to get married to a woman in Denmark he had met online. The jury deliberated for just under 18 hours to reject his explanation and find him guilty. Imran is due to be sentenced on January 25. A young man has been rushed to hospital after having ammonia thrown on him. The 29-year-old was attacked on Roman Road, in Tower Hamlets, at about 5.40pm. Police said it is believed the substance thrown on him was ammonia, and the force is investigating. The man, police added, did not suffer serious injuries from the shocking assault. In a statement, officers said: We're dealing with an incident at around 5.40pm in which a substance, believed to be ammonia, was thrown at a 29-yr-old man in the area of Roman Road. The victim was taken to hospital. Thankfully we understand injuries are not serious. Investigation is underway; no arrest yet. Earlier today, a 21-year-old man was taken to hospital after a suspected acid attack in Stoke Newington. Police and paramedics were called to Stoke Newington High Street at about 2.30am on Thursday. A corrosive substance was thrown in the 21-year-old victim's face, police said. He also suffered cuts to hands which are believed to have been caused by a knife. The London Fire Brigade was also called to the scene. A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "The man has been taken to an east London hospital. His injuries are not being treated as life-threatening or life-changing." N o-deal Brexit could put the British public at risk, the most senior police officer in the country has warned. Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick said there would be consequences if the UK suddenly has no access to systems including the EU's policing and security databases. Asked about a no-deal Brexit, she said the UK works closely with the bloc at the moment and it would be very difficult to replace that in the short term, "no doubt" posing a risk to public safety. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The consequences are that we will have to replace - and of course if there was a no-deal scenario that would be very difficult to do in short term - some of the things we currently use in terms of access to databases, the way in which we can quickly arrest and extradite people, these kind of things, we will have to replace as effectively as we can. TODO: define component type apester "That will be more costly undoubtedly, slower undoubtedly, and potentially yes put the public at risk - no doubt about that." Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted her Brexit deal protects security but MPs have raised concerns over the level of UK access to European security measures. Ms Dick added: "If we come out without immediately obvious replacements for those instruments that will undoubtedly mean we will have to work incredibly hard on a bilateral basis with countries to try to get in place some kind of way of working together." She said talks are ongoing, adding: "We've set up an EU coordination unit, absolutely. "That is to help local forces to understand to how to work most effectively across Europe after we exit the EU, under whatever circumstances. T he teenage son of Michael Gove was rushed to hospital after he fell through French windows in a horrific Christmas Eve accident. Fourteen-year-old Will was badly injured when he tripped over a Christmas tree at the family home in London. Cabinet minister Mr Gove paid tribute to "wonderful" NHS staff who treated his son while his wife, newspaper columnist Sarah Vine, described how he was rushed to A&E and spent seven hours having cuts to his shoulder and arm stitched up. She raced home after being called by Will while out doing last-minute Christmas shopping and arrived to find blood spattered around like a scene from a Quentin Tarantino film. Ms Vine answered a mobile phone call in the supermarket to hear a "howl of anguish" from her son. Sarah Vine said she returned home to find blood spattered across her home (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) / Getty Images When Will switched to video calling, she saw "a white-faced child with a huge gash on his shoulder about 10 centimetres long and deep enough so you could see the bone and tissues". Writing in the Daily Mail, she said: "On the same arm, a strip of flesh was hanging, like something out of a horror movie." After running home in 10 minutes, she found her son shaking with blood-soaked kitchen towels wrapped around his arm. "His lips were blue, and the hall was looking distinctly Quentin Tarantino," she said. "Both French door windowpanes were jagged, gaping holes. Carpet, presents, tree were all covered in a fine spattering of blood." Environment Secretary Mr Gove arrived back home "gasping for air having sprinted back from the Tube station" as an ambulance crew prepared to take Will to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Once in the hospital, Ms Vine said their son was "stitched up a treat" by doctors, who included consultant surgeon Edward Ibrahim. Ms Vine said the episode had left her haunted by the fragility of life and grateful for "my great good fortune in life". "Had he fallen an inch to the side either way, he could easily have severed a ligament or, much worse, an artery," she said. "Or if had I missed his call - as I often do - I might not have got home in time." N ine migrants, including three children, have been found on a beach in Kent after crossing the English Channel in a small 13ft (4m) inflatable boat. A further rescue operation was also under way at around 8am on Thursday after up to eight people were believed to have been spotted on an inflatable vessel near Dover. It comes after more than 40 migrants, presenting themselves as Iraqi, Iranian and Afghan, tried to crossed the Channel towards England on Christmas Day. Littlestone lifeboat station manager Matt Crittenden said they were called at around 12.40am on December 27 to reports of people in a small inflatable boat, three miles (4.8km) off the coast at Sandgate. "There were very scant details. We launched at around 1am and headed down and Rescue 163, the rescue Coastguard helicopter from Lydd, joined us," he told the Press Association. "They managed to locate the boat, which was empty at that stage, and very, very near the shore." He said the Littlestone lifeboat crew did a shoreline search before the migrants were discovered on the beach at Sandgate by the rescue helicopter. It is understood Border Force officials were deployed, and that all nine migrants - five adult males, a woman, two boys and a girl - were detained. Mr Crittenden described the boat the migrants used to cross the Channel in as 13ft (4m) long with a very small 10-horsepower engine on the back. "I am sure it won't be the last that we go to ... they are very desperate people," he added. A crew from Dover lifeboat station was also despatched after up to eight migrants were spotted on a craft by the Spirit of Britain ferry. It is understood Border Force officials are also assisting with that operation. The Home Office said earlier this week that "organised criminal gang activity is behind illegal migration attempts by small boats across the Channel". The crossings follow a number of migrant rescues in recent months involving people trying to reach Britain via the Channel. S amantha Cameron has paid tribute to NHS volunteers who helped with her son Ivan, who suffered from severe epilepsy and cerebral palsy. The wife of former prime minister David Cameron said the NHS was like her "second family" as Ivan spent time in hospitals before he died aged six in 2009. In a personal statement on Thursday, the womenswear designer said she and Mr Cameron are eternally grateful to the NHS staff they encountered after Ivan was diagnosed with Ohtahara Syndrome in the weeks following his birth. She added that she was "inspired and uplifted" by Daily Mail readers who have pledged to work more than 1.5 million hours for the NHS as part of the newspaper's Hospital Helpforce campaign. The Camerons with their children from left Ivan, Nancy and Arthur Elwen / PA Archive/PA Images In the moving statement, Mrs Cameron hailed the medical teams and volunteers who provided support to her family over the years they spent visiting hospitals. She said they will "never forget all those who cared for him". Mrs Cameron wrote: "David and I will be forever grateful for the amazing care and genuine love Ivan received from the NHS during that time, not just from the medical teams but the many volunteers that we came in to contact with. "Its difficult to forget our first visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where we were seeing some of the worlds foremost epilepsy specialists. We were emotional and exhausted, but fortunately as we arrived there were volunteers waiting to meet us. "It is amazing how even seemingly small gestures of support, care and thoughtfulness can make such a difference." She added: "We lost Ivan nearly ten years ago and we miss him dreadfully every day. We will never forget all those who cared for him." T he alert status for Indonesias Anak Krakatau volcano has been raised to the second highest level as it continues to spew ash. Authorities in Indonesian have more than doubled the exclusion zone around the volcano to a 5km (three mile) radius. The government has warned communities living on the Sunda Strait to stay 1km from the coast because of fears another tsunami may be triggered by ongoing eruptions. "There's still a chance of a landslide, even under the sea level or on the sea level," Rudy Sunendar, head of the Energy Ministry's geology department, said. Air traffic control agency AirNav Indonesia said it was closing flight routes because of the ash rising from the volcano. Between 20 and 25 flights are understood to have been affected so far. Indonesia tsunami December 2018 1 /22 Indonesia tsunami December 2018 A resident searches for items among the ruins of a villa after the area was hit by a tsunami, at Carita beach in Padeglang, Banten province REUTERS Damaged cars are seen among collapsed houses after a tsunami hit Banten REUTERS A ruined vehicle sits in the water after a tsunami hit Sunda Strait in Anyer, Banten EPA A man stands among ruins after a tsunami hit at Carita beach in Pandeglang, Banten province REUTERS Relatives mourn at a health facility where the bodies of tsunami victims are collected EPA A man reacts after identifying his relative among the bodies of tsunami victims in Carita AP Residents inspect a house damaged by a tsunami, in Carita, Indonesia, after the area was hit by a tsunami following an eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano AP Rescuers search for tsunami victims in Carita, Indonesia AP Residents inspect damaged buidlings in Carita AFP/Getty Images Residents inspecting their damaged homes in Carita AFP/Getty Images Residents inspect the damage to their homes on Carita beach AFP/Getty Images A man looks for salvageable items from a damaged home on Carita beach AFP/Getty Images Debris is seen from a damaged home on Carita beach AFP/Getty Images A man inspects his house which was damaged by a tsunami in Carita AP Residents walk past a house damaged by a tsunami, in Carita AP Cars are covered by debris at an area ravaged by a tsunami in Carita AP Indonesian police and army personnel searching for victims among the ruins buildings near Anyer Beach after a tsunami hit Sunda Strait in Anyer, Banten, Indonesia EPA An Indonesian man looks at ruined vehicles after a tsunami hit Sunda Strait EPA A soldier examines as he takes care of a local resident who was injured following a tsunami which hit at Tanjung Lesung district in Pandeglang, Banten province REUTERS The ruins of a house after a tsunami hit Sunda Strait in Banten, Indonesia EPA A ruined car that was rolled over after a tsunami hit Sunda Strait, in Anyer, Banten, Indonesia EPA Video still showing Anak Krakatau volcano erupting in Indonesia on Saturday, December 22 AP The eruption of Anak Krakatau on Saturday evening caused part of the volcanic island in the Sunda Strait to collapse into the sea. This generated tsunami waves which reportedly reached almost 7ft in height, leaving at least 430 people dead on the islands of Java and Sumatra. The disaster struck without warning and no earthquake shook the ground beforehand. Waves surged inland on the long weekend before Christmas as people enjoyed concerts and other beach and resort activities. People flee over second Indonesian tsunami fears Since then, heavy rains and high seas have hampered the search effort. Some bodies were found at sea and at least 159 people are still missing. Radar data from satellites, converted into images, shows the Anak Krakatau volcano is dramatically smaller following Saturday's eruption. Satellite photos are not available because of cloud but radar images from a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency satellite taken before and after the eruption show the volcano's south-western flank has disappeared. Dave Petley, head of research and innovation at Sheffield University, who analysed similar images from a European Space Agency satellite, said they support the theory that a mainly undersea landslide caused the tsunami. "The challenge now is to interpret what might be happening on the volcano, and what might happen next," he said. Anak Krakatau, which means child of Krakatau, is the offspring of the infamous Krakatoa volcano that affected global climate with a massive eruption in 1883. E lon Musk has filed a motion to dismiss a defamation claim brought against him by a British cave diver he labelled a "pedo guy". Lawyers for the Tesla CEO filed a motion in California to dismiss the lawsuit made earlier this year by Vernon Unsworth. The two clashed over how to free the Thai boys in an exchange that led to Mr Musk making the paedophile claim. But Mr Musk's legal team have said the suit should be dropped because "Musks statements cannot reasonably be read as asserting underlying knowledge that Unsworth was a pedophile". Vernon Unsworth at the Thai cave / REUTERS "Musk's over-the-top insults are not statements of fact," the motion adds. The court filing was published on Twitter on Thursday by Buzzfeed reporter Ryan Mac. In the document, the lawyers suggest that because the argument took place on Twitter, which they argue is "infamous for invective and hyperbole", no-one could believe Mr Musk's comments were truthful. According to the court filing in September, Mr Unsworth is seeking 57,000 ($75,000) in damages and a court order stopping Mr Musk from making further allegations. Mr Musk called the diver a "pedo" in a tweet to his 22.5 million followers after Mr Unsworth criticised him in a July 13 television interview with CNN about the rescue. The Tesla boss and SpaceX engineers built a small submarine and shipped it to Thailand to help with the rescue, but the device was not used, and Mr Unsworth called it a "PR stunt". Mr Musk later accused Mr Unsworth of moving to Thailand to be with a bride who was about 12 years old. Mr Musk's lawyers also note an email the Tesla boss sent to BuzzFeed following the tweets, which alleged Mr Unsworth had a "child bride". Despite being labelled as "off the record", the correspondence was published and led to the lodging of the defamation claim in a California court, the document claims. "While many readers criticized Musk for lodging what they understood to be groundless accusations (and criticized Unsworth for disparaging Musk and his teams efforts to help), not a single reader seemed to construe Musks statements literally," the motion reads. L indsay Lohans stepmother was arrested after allegedly drunkenly attacking a bus driver and taking the wheel of the vehicle on Christmas Day. Kate Major Lohan was charged with driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, harassment and public drunkenness by police in Pennsylvania. The incident is said to have happened on a Beiber Tourways bus in the city of Allentown. According to local paper The Morning Call, court records said Major Lohan was angry that she missed her stop and began assaulting the bus driver, pushing buttons and asking about the brakes before a passenger kicked her out of the driver's seat. The 36-year-old from Florida, who attended high school in Allentown, is married to Michael Lohan, 58, the father of Lindsay Lohan. S chools in China are creating uniforms with tracking chips in order to keep a close eye on their pupils. So far, more than 10 schools in Guizhou province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have adopted the intelligent uniforms Lin Zongwu, principal at No 11 School of Renhuai in Guizhou province, told the Global Times the uniforms allow schools to receive accurate timing of a students entry and exit time. The data is also sent to parents. If students are found leaving school early, an automatic voice alarm sounds. The alarm also sounds if a student swaps uniforms due to facial recognition on the schools doors. File photo: Several schools in the country have introduced the smart uniforms / Getty Images The uniforms are made by Guizhou Guanyu Technology Company. Yuan Bichang, the companys project manager, said the chips can endure over 500 washes and temperatures of 150C. The location tracking also works outside of school hours. However Mr Zongwu says the school would only use the tracking outside of school hours if a student were to go missing. He told the Global Times that attendance had risen since the introduction of the uniforms. It isnt the first time that technology has been used in China to keep an eye on students while they are at school. In May it was revealed that a school in Hangzhou had installed cameras so that students attentiveness in class could be measured. R esidents of a high-rise Sydney tower block have been told to leave for a second time as a "precautionary measure" after a crack was found in its walls earlier this week, according to reports. Many residents of the 36-storey Opal Tower overlooking Sydney Olympic Park had been able to move back in after cracking was heard on Monday. The company that built the tower said it was "structurally sound", but residents were told during a meeting on Thursday that they could be out of their homes for up to 10 days, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. The builder, Icon, said that the relocation would allow engineers to work around the clock to repair the site. Residents had been able to return to their apartments following an inspection of Opal Tower / AFP/Getty Images Around 3,000 people were evacuated from the tower and its surroundings on Christmas Eve as emergency services set up a 1-kilometre (0.6 mile) exclusion zone and engineers examined the building amid fears it might collapse. A crack developed in a wall on the 10th floor, and 51 apartments were declared unsafe. Police later allowed residents of the remainder of the building's 392 apartments to return home. On Thursday, Icon said: "The building is structurally sound and the temporary relocation is a precautionary measure to allow engineers to work around the clock to comprehensively investigate and remediate the site in the quickest time frame possible, without further disruption to residents." It added: "The damaged section of the building has now been reinforced as a precautionary measure while a team of engineers carries out the investigation." Guy Templeton, an engineer from firm WSP who are providing support to Icon, said the structure was sound. He told a press conference: "Im very comfortable standing right here, below the building. [But] the reasons for the failure at the moment are unknown. New South Wales Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Julie Boon told reporters on Monday that an internal support wall failed. "It's been a particularly frustrating time for residents and we're very aware they are keen to go home the night before Christmas," Ms Boon said. "This is a large building and it's critical the safety of the residents comes first." N etflix has confirmed rumours Black Mirror is about to drop after releasing the first trailer for the highly anticipated Bandersnatch. The streaming giant has remained incredibly tight-lipped about any details for the fifth series of the dystopian drama, penned by Charlie Brooker. But a swiftly-deleted tweet earlier this month reportedly told fans to expect the next instalment on Friday, December 28, a date confirmed in a trailer released on Thursday morning. The official Black Mirror account stoked speculation with a short tweet, reading, Relax, minutes before the trailer was shared. Fans were thrown into a frenzy with one writing: I GASPED SO LOUDLY YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS NOTIF. Another said: AAAAAHHH ITS FINALLY HAPPENING. A third tweeted: "Yes been waiting all year for some black mirrors episode....especially a movie now." The film - which is said to be set in the 1980s - will be released on Friday morning. It is thought that it will be available in the UK and Ireland at around 8am, which is midnight in America. Black Mirror: A loading symbol and a run time can be seen on Netflix / Netflix Filmed in Croydon earlier this year, the film stars Will Poulter and Fionn Whitehead among the cast. Black Mirror, which first aired on Channel 4 from 2011 before finding a home on Netflix in 2016, examines modern society with a sci-fi and dystopian twist. Episodes air in a standalone fashion, each with a haunting relevance. It has also been rumoured that a future Black Mirror could include a choose your own ending feature, allowing for a number of conclusions depending on the user. Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe Over 4,000 users signed-up with the Start-Up Nation 2018 app and, at 12:45hrs, a number of 1,401 business plans had already been registered, three hours after the app was launched, Business Environment, Trade and Entrepreneurship Minister Stefan-Radu Oprea said on Thursday. "Today at 10:00hrs, we launched the Start-Up Nation 2018 application and, at 10:02, the first user already registered on the website," Minister Oprea told a press conference. According to him, the signing-up with a user name and password represents the first step. The applicants will create an account with an e-mail that will remain valid throughout the entire programme and after receiving a confirmation, they must register their business plan. "Also, at 12:45, over 1,401 business plan projects were submitted. I personally expect the number of projects submitted to almost double, because there is confidence in the Start-Up Nation programme," the Minister added. The app will be open for 30 business days. Oprea added that the last payments for the 2017 programme will be completed on Thursday and Friday. Until Thursday, there was a number of 7,176 papers for settlement transactions. The application for signing-up with the Start-Up Nation 2018 programme opened on 27 December 2018, at 10:00hrs and the non-reimbursable financial allocation that a beneficiary can receive is worth a maximum of 200,000 lei, the Ministry for Business Environment, Trade and Entrepreneurship (MMACA) announced. "The implementation procedure of the 2018 edition of the Start-Up Nation programme was published in the Official Journal of Romania, the last important step prior to opening the app, scheduled for 27 December 2018, at 10:00hrs. The document stipulates that for the payments made in foreign currency, the conversion is made at the exchange rate of the National Bank of Romania (BNR), valid for the day of the publication of the Order for the approval of the de minimis aid scheme in the Official Journal of Romania. For Thursday, December 20, the euro / leu exchange rate announced by the BNR stood at 4.6598," the MMACA announced. The de minimis scheme mainly aims to stimulate the set up and development of small and medium-sized enterprises and improve their economic performance, with priority in less developed economic areas where the density of SMEs is reduced compared to the European average, the creation of new jobs and the insertion on the labor market of disadvantaged people, unemployed and graduates. Read also: Euro trades at 4.6471 lei The non-reimbursable financial allocation, worth a maximum of 200,000 lei per beneficiary, can represent 100 percent of the value of eligible costs (including the VAT for non-payer companies) related to the project. The Start-up Nation 2018 programme is intended for companies set up after 30 January 2017 that operate in production, creative industries, services and trade. In order to qualify for the program the companies must create at least one full-time job for an indefinite period and maintain the position filled for at least two years after the completion of the project's implementation. AGERPRES . President Klaus Iohannis convened the meeting of the Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT) on Friday, 12.00 am, at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace, reads a release of the Presidential Administration. At the meeting they will analyze the requests of the Minister of National Defence, Gabriel Les, regarding the filling in of certain offices at the Army level of command. On December 19, the Minister of National Defence, Gabriel Les, announced that he is not going to extend the mandate of Nicolae Ciuca as Chief of the Defence Staff. "I won't prolong this mandate. The law stipulates a mandate of four years, with the possibility of extending it. As far as I found out from the archives of the Ministry of National Defence, it was a single time when the mandate of a chief of the Defence Staff was prolonged, the General Staff more precisely, as it was called back then, and we wanted to maintain the same custom. (..) I know how he did for the Romanian Army and what he can still do. (...) His mandate ends on December 31," Les told Antena 3 private television broadcast. He mentioned that the documents were sent to the Supreme Council for National Defence. Read also: MAI: Almost 4,000 offenses signaled on Christmas holiday; 19,000 fines worth 6.5 million lei The last meeting of the Supreme Council for National Defence took place on December 19. Back then the CSAT approved the draft budget for the national security field and the Army's endowment plan 2019-2028. At the same time, President Iohannis announced that a number of 1,902 Romanian soldiers will participate next year in missions and operations outside the Romanian state territory, by 127 more than in 2018. Moreover, the CSAT approved at the same meeting the Concept for setting up on Romanian territory the South-Easy Multinational Command. AGERPRES . The Police and Gendarmerie teams answered to 13,000 calls made by the citizens via the 112 emergency calls service, with approximately 660 offenders being caught in the act and 20 who were nationally hunted and one who was internationally hunted were discovered by the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, this institutions's spokeswoman, chief-commissioner Monica Dajbog informed on Thursday. Moreover, there were signaled 3,589 crimes and the policemen gave 19,000 fines worth a total of 6.5 million lei for crimes against person (1,235), patrimony (1,221) and for possession of explosive substances (89), for breaking the road safety regime (590). The personnel of the emergency inspectorates conducted 5,700 interventions, out of which 4,795 for granting emergency medical assistance and 319 for extinguishing fire. "We are kindly asking the citizens once again to be prudent and to take all the necessary measures to prevent fire, especially when the consequences could be very serious and even cause losses of human lives as, unfortunately, happened these days. Most fires were caused by chimneys that hadn't been cleaned, deficient or improvised heating installations or that were left unsupervised," stated Monica Dajbog. In respect to the violation of the road safety norms, the traffic policemen applied approximately 13,000 fines worth a total of 4.5 million lei. They held 1,457 driving licenses and 266 registration certifications. As part of the action "Fireworks Fire," by which they checked the legality of the pyrotechnic items during this time of the year, the police conducted 2,397 controls seizing 10,599 kg of pyrotechnic items worth an approximate 710,000 lei. Read also: Over 25000 employees engaged in actions to keep public safety and order on New Year's mini-vacation The border police teams also applied serious sanctions worth more than 37,000 lei, the value of the seized goods reaching up to 624,000 lei. Moreover, during this time, the personnel of the General Aviation Inspectorate conducted 37 air-medical missions and road traffic monitoring missions. AGERPRES . More than 139,000 Romanian tourists spent approximately 18 million euros in nationwide destinations during the Christmas holiday, according to an analysis of the Federation of Romanian Tourism Employers (FPTR). "A number of more than 139,000 Romanians spent their Christmas holiday this year in locations in Romania, where they spent approximately 18 million euros on accommodation, meals and fun. According to the FPTR, the average spending of the tourists who preferred the Romanian resorts accounted for approximately 570 lei per sojourn, amount covering only accommodation and the meals included in the tourist offers, which is an increase by 14 per cent on last year. Additional spending on travel and fun accounted for an average 500 lei per sojourn for each tourist," according to a release of the FPTR on Wednesday sent to AGERPRES. This year, Christmas and New Year's Eve represent the last opportunity for the Romanians still having holiday tickets that expire at the end of the year to use them. Thus, many Romanians chose to spend the holidays in the country, with the number of tourists opting for domestic resorts having increased by 14 per cent. "As Christmas this year followed immediately after the week-end and the Government approved free days for the public employees, the demand was even higher and the number of Romanians who took the chance and used their holiday tickets choosing to spend their five free days far from home was also higher," Dragos Raducan, FPTR executive first vice president, said. Most tourists wanted to spend their Christmas in a traditional fashion, with the most demanded accommodation units during this time of the year being the rural boarding houses, where the occupancy rate exceeded 90 per cent, as approximately 55,000 tourists were accommodated in such rural boarding houses. The most desired destinations in the rural environment were Bran, Maramures, Bucovina and the Sibiu area, where the hosts of the boarding houses welcomed tourists with traditional food and Romanian customs. Welcoming carolers around the camp fire, the traditional suits, the customs associated with the pig slaughter and sleigh rides are only some of the attractions in these areas. Tariffs varied between 350 and 800 lei per person, depending on each tourist's destination and preferences. Next among the preferences of the tourists for the winter holiday were the accommodation units in the spa resorts. These were preferred by approximately 25,000 tourists, due to the large range of services offered, most of the tourists choosing to relax at the spa centres or at the swimming pool. Tariffs varied between 500 and 750 lei per person for 3 days, for a 3-star hotel. The mountain resorts welcomed approximately 24,000 tourists on Christmas. The ski tracks arranged on Prahova Valley and the other mountain resorts were prepared for the skiers and snowboard lovers, as well as for the children who wanted to have a sleigh ride. In this area, the tariffs were between 500 and 900 lei per persons, depending on the comfort level, services and number of days. The same as last year, some Romanians who chose to spend the Christmas celebrations abroad, in various exotic destinations, with warm weather, or in city breaks in the European countries. The most sought after destinations in Europe were the resorts in Austria, Bulgaria, Switzerland or France, but besides the winter sports, they also attracted the tourists with the Christmas fairs and thematic events. Read also: JusMin Toader says he is to send to President Iohannis PG Lazar's dismissal request In terms of exotic destinations, most Romanians chose Dubai, Egypt or Morocco. They spent between 500 and 3,000 euros per persons in such destinations, depending on each tourist's demands. According to the FPTR, the data are approximated and they were obtained based on the estimates provided by the members of the Federation and the survey that took into account a significant number of tour operators. AGERPRES Romania's infant mortality rate remains two times higher than the EU average rate, a release of the Save the Children Romania sent to AGERPRES informs. According to the quoted source, in Romania, there are counties where the infant mortality rate is double than the country average and even triple compared to Bucharest and big cities, where the maternities are better equipped, with huge differences being recorded in counties such as Botosani and Calarasi compared to Cluj and Bucharest. Thus, in 2017, most children under one year died in Bucharest, namely 95, whereas in Iasi county there were recorded 59 deaths, Suceava and Constanta counties - 57, Timis - 56, Brasov and Botosani - 47. "The infant mortality rate is a good criteria to see not only the huge distance between Romania and the more developed countries of the EU, but also the cleavages existing across the country. There are counties where the infant mortality rate is twice as high as in the big cities, where there are third degree maternities, equipped with high-end medical equipment. However, this is where newborns arrive through transfer, from around the country, which leads to the issue of overcrowding, the lack of incubators. A constant and consistent investment in maternities is needed," Executive Chairman of the Save the Children Romania Gabriela Alexandrescu mentioned, as quoted in the release. From an historic outlook, Romania's infant mortality rate has significantly dropped after the fall of communism, both in percentage and in absolute figures: from 8,471 deaths in 1990 (1,850 deaths in 2011, 1,812 in 2012, 1,680 in 2013, 1,634 in 2014, 1,493 in 2015) to 1,386 in 2016, the Save the Children Romania informs. Read also: Romanian tourists spend approx. 18 million euros on Christmas holiday in Romania The quoted source mentions that Romania deals with a serious incapacity to respond to neonatal care needs: although there is a need for 600 neonatal intensive care seats (30 seats per million inhabitants), only about 300 seats are provided, accounting for 50 percent of the capacity to take care of premature newborns. The insufficient medical equipment represents a frequent problem in Romania. Companies can get involved in equipping maternities by directing 20 percent of their corporate income tax to maternities. AGERPRES . Everyone eligible should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel or employment. Vaccination should be voluntary but those who don't get vaccinated should be frequently tested for COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel and employment. Both vaccination and testing should be voluntary and not required as a condition of long-distance travel or employment. I defer to the judgment of lawmakers as long as they base their decisions on a consensus of medical professionals. Vote View Results Medea BENJAMIN, Nicolas J. S. DAVIES As our nation debates the merits of President Trumps call for withdrawing US troops from Syria and Afghanistan, absent from the debate is the more pernicious aspect of US military involvement overseas: its air wars. Trumps announcement and General Mattis resignation should unleash a national discussion about US involvement in overseas conflicts, but no evaluation can be meaningful without a clear understanding of the violence that U.S air wars have unleashed on the rest of the world for the past 17 years. By our calculations, in this war on terror, the U.S. and its allies have dropped a staggering 291,880 bombs and missiles on other countriesand that is just a minimum number of confirmed strikes. As we contemplate that overwhelming number, lets keep in mind that these strikes represent lives snuffed out, people maimed for life, families torn apart, homes and infrastructure demolished, taxpayer money squandered and resentment that only engenders more violence. After the horrific crimes of September 11th, 2001, Congress was quick to pass a sweeping Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF). While three presidents have claimed that the 2001 AUMF legally justifies these endless wars as a response to the crimes of 9/11, no serious reading of the Authorization could interpret it that way. What it actually says is: That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons. As former Nuremberg prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz told NPR a week after 9/11, It is never a legitimate response to punish people who are not responsible for the wrong done We must make a distinction between punishing the guilty and punishing others. If you simply retaliate en masse by bombing Afghanistan, let us say, or the Taliban, you will kill many people who dont believe in what has happened, who dont approve of what has happened. And yet here we are, 17 years later, mired in wars in which we are bombing ever more nations, organizations (and) persons who had absolutely nothing to do with the crimes committed on September 11th. We dont have a single real or lasting success we can point to in 17 years of war in 7 countries and counter-insurgency operations in a dozen more. Every country the U.S. has attacked or invaded remains trapped in intractable violence and chaos. Please look at this chart, and take a few moments to reflect on the mass destruction it represents: These figures are an absolute minimum of confirmed strikes, based on U.S. Airpower Summaries for Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria; the Bureau of Investigative Journalisms count of confirmed drone strikes in Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen; the Yemen Data Projects count of Saudi-led airstrikes on Yemen; and other published statistics. Figures for 2018 are through October for Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan; through November for Yemen; and incomplete for other countries. There are several categories of airstrikes that are not included on this chart, so the real total is certainly much higher. These are: Helicopter strikes: Military Timespublished an article in February 2017 titled, The U.S. militarys stats on deadly airstrikes are wrong. Thousands have gone unreported. The largest pool of airstrikes not included in U.S. Airpower Summaries are strikes by attack helicopters. The U.S. Army told the authors its helicopters had conducted 456 otherwise unreported airstrikes in Afghanistan in 2016. The authors explained that the non-reporting of helicopter strikes runs throughout the post-9/11 wars, and they still did not know how many actual missiles were used in those 456 attacks in Afghanistan in 2016. AC-130 gunships: The airstrike that destroyed the Doctors Without Bordershospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan in 2015 was not conducted with bombs or missiles, but by a Lockheed-Boeing AC-130 gunship. These machines of mass destruction, usually flown by US Air Force special operations forces, are designed to circle a target on the ground, pouring howitzer shells and cannon fire into it, often until it is completely destroyed. The U.S. has used AC-130sin Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia and Syria. Strafing runs: U.S. airpower summaries for 2004-2007 include a note that their tally of strikes with munitions dropped does not include 20mm and 30mm cannon or rockets. But the 30mm cannons on A-10 Warthogs and other ground attack planes are powerful weapons, originally designed to destroy Soviet tanks. They fire up to 65 shells per second and can blanket a large area with deadly and indiscriminate fire, but that does not count as a weapons release in U.S. airpower summaries. Yemen: Journalist Iona Craig, who has reported from Yemen for many years and manages the Yemen Data Project (YDP), told us she doesnt know what proportion of actual airstrikes its data represents, and that the number of bombs or missiles recorded in each air raid in the YDPs data is only a minimum confirmed number. Whatever fraction of total air raids YDPs data represents, the actual number of bombs dropped on Yemen is certainly higher than these figures. YDP just doesnt know how much higher. The U.S. and allies conducting counter-insurgency operations in West Africa and other regions. The U.S. public soon lost its appetite for sending our own sons and daughters to fight and die in all these wars. So, like Nixon with Vietnam, our leaders reverted to bombing, bombing and more bombing, while small deployments of U.S. special operations forces and larger numbers of foreign proxies do most of the real fighting on the ground. Our enemies call us cowards, especially when we use drones to kill by remote control, but more importantly, we are behaving like arrogant fools. Our country is acting as an aggressor and a bull in a china shop at a critical moment in history when neither we, nor the rest of the world, can afford such dangerous and destabilizing behavior from a hyper-militarized, aggressive imperial power. After U.S.-led bombing, artillery and rocket fire destroyed two major cities in 2017, Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria, the U.S. and its allies conducted fewer airstrikes in 2018, but actually increased the number of strikes in Afghanistan. We are heading into 2019 with new initiatives to reduce U.S. military involvement overseas. In Yemen, that initiative is the result of massive grassroots pressure on Congress, and is being done in opposition to Trumps continued support for Saudi aggression in Yemen. In the case of Syria and Afghanistan, it is coming from Trump himself, with broad popular support but bipartisan opposition from Congress and DC elites. Those who are part of the bipartisan war consensus should reflect on the growing public awareness of the murderous futility of U.S. overseas wars. A survey by the Committee for a Responsible Foreign Policy revealed a national voter population that is largely skeptical of the practicality or benefits of military intervention overseas. Donald Trump seems to realize this public disdain for endless war, but we shouldnt let him get away with reducing U.S. troop presence but continuingand in some cases escalatingthe devastating air wars. A good New Years resolution for the United States would be to put an end to the wars we have been engaged in for the past 17 years, and to make sure we do not allow the same military madness that got us into this mess to sucker us into new wars on North Korea, Iran, Venezuela or other countries. Yes, lets bring the troops home, but lets also stop the bombing. Sustained advocacy toward the Trump administration and the new Congress by peace-loving Americans will be critical if we are to fulfill this resolution. counterpunch.org The resignation letter of Secretary of Defense James Mattis that was published last Thursday revealed much of the Deep State mindset that has produced the foreign policy catastrophes of the past seventeen years. Mattis, an active duty general in the Marine Corps who reportedly occasionally reads books, received a lot of good press during his time at Defense, sometimes being referred to as the only adult in the room when President Donald Trumps national security and foreign policy team was meeting. Conveniently forgotten are Mattis comments relating to how to Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet. His sobriquet in the Corps was Mad Dog. In the media firestorm that has followed upon General Mattiss resignation, he has been generally lauded as a highly experienced and respected leader who has numerous friends on both sides of the aisle in Congress. Of course, the press coverage should be taken with a grain of salt as it is designed less to praise Mattis and more to get at Trump over the decision to leave Syria, which is being assailed by both neoliberals and neoconservatives who believe that war is the health of the state. The arguments against the Trump decisions to depart from Syria and downsize in Afghanistan are contrived for the most part and based on the premise that American intervention in places that Washington deems not to be sufficiently promoting democracy, rule of law and free trade is a good thing. Peter Ford, former British Ambassador to Syria, put it nicely when discussing the reaction in the media: Trump's criticswill have the vapors about 'losing ground to Russia', 'making Iran's day', and 'abdicating influence,' but their criticism is ill-founded. Contrary to their apparent belief, the US does not have a God-given right to send its forces anywhere on the planet it deems fit. Withdrawal will see the US in one respect at least follow the international rules-based system we are so fond of enjoining on others, and will therefore be a victory of sorts for upholders of international law. The central argument of the Mattis resignation letter that is being cited by critics relates to Washingtons relationship with the rest of the world and is framed as a failure by President Trump to understand who are friends and who are enemies. Mattis wrote One core belief I have always held is that our strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the strength of our unique and comprehensive system of alliances and partnerships. While the US remains the indispensable nation in the free world, we cannot protect our interests or serve that role effectively without maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to those allies. Similarly, I believe we must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours. It is clear that China and Russia, for example, want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model gaining veto authority over other nations' economic, diplomatic, and security decisions to promote their own interests at the expense of their neighbors, America and our allies. That is why we must use all the tools of American power to provide for the common defense. My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues. We must do everything possible to advance an international order that is most conducive to our security, prosperity and values, and we are strengthened in this effort by the solidarity of our alliances. General Mattis does indeed hold views that were shaped by four decades of experience, but most of it was bad and produced wrong conclusions about Americas place in the world. The Cold War was essentially a bi-polar conflict pitting two adversaries that had the ability to destroy all life on the planet. It generated a Manichean viewpoint on good vs. evil that did not reflect reality which was succeeded by a global war on terror declared by Washington that also exploited the good and evil paradigm. Mattis was a product of that kind of thinking, which was also fueled by the concept of American exceptionalism, which saw the United States as the proper promoter and enforcer of universal values. There is, of course, another viewpoint, which is that American blundering and use of force as a first option has, in fact, created the current dystopia. The United States is not currently venerated as a force for good, quite the opposite. Opinion polls suggest that Washington is overwhelmingly viewed negatively worldwide and it is perceived as being the nation most likely to start wars. That is not exactly what the nations Founders envisioned back in 1783. Trump is right about leaving Syria where nothing beyond prolonging the bloody conflict is being accomplished. Mattis is wrong about supporting friends. For an educated man, he misreads history. The First World War and Second World War developed as they did because of alliances. Countries that appear friendly can exploit relationships with other more powerful nations that will have devastating results. Alliances should be temporary, coming and going based on the interests of the nations involved. In the Middle East, Israel and Saudi Arabia are not actually friends of the United States, and are engaged instead in manipulating Washington to suit their own purposes. Mattis does not understand that and sees a permanent state of war requiring the continued existence of NATO, for example, as a vehicle for deterrence and peace. It is neither. Its very existence depends on a perception of being threatened even where no threat exists, which has poisoned the relationship with Russia since the fall of communism. Worse still, that false perception of threat can lead to war and a global nuclear holocaust. Irony is dead when British state media controllers accuse Russian news outlets RT and Sputnik of imbalance over their reporting on the Skripal alleged poisoning affair. In the past week, Ofcom, the British media watchdog, condemned seven programs aired during March and April this year following the apparent poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury. The Russian outlets may be fined or denied future broadcasting rights in Britain. The latter suggests what the real, ulterior agenda is all about. It remains a mystery as to what happened exactly to Skripal and his daughter when they reportedly fell ill on March 4 in the famous south of England cathedral town. Neither Sergei nor Julia have been seen in public since, apart from a brief and carefully controlled interview given by Julia to Reuters a few months ago, apparently having recovered from her stricken condition. Russian consular services have been denied access to Julia by the British authorities, despite her being a Russian citizen. The murkiness of the affair, the flagrant obfuscation by the British authorities and their violation of diplomatic norms speaks of a British state intrigue aimed at provoking international recriminations against Russia. Such is the outrageous apparent skullduggery by the British state, it is arguably very appropriate therefore for critical media coverage of the incident and the subsequent prevarication by London. However, in a staggering inversion of reality, British media regulators complain that Russian news outlets have broken impartiality rules in their reporting on what is a bizarre de facto disappearance of a Russian citizen and her father while in the custody of British authorities. The protagonists are off-limits from criticism; their ropey claims must be treated as the sane version of events. Within days of the Salisbury incident, senior British officials, including Prime Minister Theresa May, were accusing Russia of an assassination attempt against the Skripals, allegedly with a Soviet-era nerve poison. Londons narrative inculpating the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin continues, despite Russias vehement denial of involvement and despite the lack of independently verifiable evidence. This week, in her Christmas speech to the nation, premier May again repeated her condemnation of the nerve agent attack in Salisbury and she praised British armed forces for protecting the countrys waters and skies from Russian intrusion. So, Russian media are castigated for bias, but British media are evidently permitted to report and broadcast official British assertions that are unproven and wildly sensational, if not tantamount to inciting international conflict. Just who is breaking journalistic standards? Among the news outlets reporting Mays words were the BBC. The government-owned British broadcaster routinely and snidely refers to Russian news outlets RT and Sputnik as Kremlin-backed. As if the state-backed BBC is somehow immune from disseminating British government propaganda. Mays assertions in her Christmas speech about Russia carrying out an alleged assassination and threatening Britain with invasion went unchallenged by the BBC. Nor were her other claims about chemical weapons being used by Syrian government forces against civilians. On Syria, May was referring to an incident near Damascus in April this year when toxic chlorine was purportedly used in an assault on civilians. Back then, the British prime minister joined with US President Trump and Frances President Macron to order air strikes on Syria, supposedly in retaliation for the Syrian armys use of chemical weapons. But it soon transpired that the incident was a provocation staged by jihadist militants and their media operatives, the so-called White Helmets. In other words, the British, American and French carried out a criminal act of aggression against Syria under false pretenses. Yet May in her solemn set-piece nationwide Christmas speech this week was allowed by British media to repeat blatant lies against Syria, and brazenly avoid the issue of justice facing her government over illegal air strikes on Syria, as well as to continue smearing Russia over the murky Skripal affair. The arrogant hypocrisy of British media and the state regulator is astounding. British citizens are compelled by law to pay an annual license fee of 150 ($190) per household for possessing a television set. Failure to pay can result in a jail sentence. The TV license fee collected by the British state is handed over to the BBC. So, here we have a state-owned media channel that is funded through a compulsory tax on citizens, and yet this same channel willingly broadcasts British government propaganda claims denigrating Russia and covering up for British war crimes in Syria. If that sounds Orwellian, thats because it is. The BBCs corporate advertising claims to be the worlds leader in breaking global news. It also assures its listeners and readers that it produces news you can trust. There are countless cases where the BBCs pompous self-importance can be exposed, revealing an altogether more malevolent purpose. One of the most notorious cases was its complicity in orchestrating the 1953 coup in Iran carried out by the American CIA and Britains MI6. In his book, Web of Deceit, British historian Mark Curtis details the crucial role played by the BBC and its Persian service in helping to foment the coup against the elected premier Mohammad Mosaddegh. More recently, BBC coverage of the war in Syria over the past eight years has been a relentless propaganda assault on the government of President Bashar al Assad. It is not merely about omission or biased distortion. The BBC has been caught out actually fabricating fake news in Syria, such as the case when it accused the Syrian army of using napalm on civilians near Aleppo in 2013. Those reports were later exposed as deliberate fabrications. More generally on Syria, the BBC, as with other Western news media, are serving as facilitators of the criminal regime-change objective of their governments. Mays grotesque falsehoods reiterated this week in a Christmas speech of all things! about chemical weapons are afforded respectability and apparent credibility by the way the BBC and other British outlets dutifully report her words without any qualification, let alone criticism. It is a measure of how distorted the British media landscape is when alternative news channels which do raise critical viewpoints and insights on propaganda narratives are then accused of being imbalanced and in breach of broadcasting rules. In response to Britains Ofcom regulator condemning Russias RT and Sputnik, Moscow is now saying that its own state regulator is considering filing a case against the BBC and how it operates in Russia. Given how the BBC tried to tie Russia to instigating the Yellow Vest protests in France and how it recently ran an article accusing the Kremlin of weaponizing satire, there seems much more credibility to Russian claims that the British state-backed outlet is in breach of journalistic standards. The broader background of how the BBC serves British state propaganda is panoramic in its scope. But such is official British hypocrisy, the authorities attack critical news outlets that happen to expose their propaganda service posing as news you can trust. Free speech in Britain? Yes, as long as you freely speak in the service of British state propaganda. In November 2018 China offered for export its new GJ-2 combat UAV. GJ stands for Gongji, which is the Chinese word for male bird (cock) and in this sense, the meaning is fighting cock or attack. When this UAV was first revealed two years ago it was called the Wing Loong (Pterodactyl, a Jurassic period flying dinosaur) 2 and was described as an upgraded version of the original Wing Loong which made its first flight in 2007 and in 2008 was offered for export as a much cheaper alternative to the American MQ-1 Predator (that entered service in the late 1990s). But the shape of the Wing Loong was similar to the American MQ-9 Reaper, which entered service a decade after MQ-1, weighed nearly four times as much and was described as a primarily a combat (attack) UAV. The MQ-9 has since largely replaced the MQ-9 in the American military. GJ-2 made its first flight in February 2017 and was described as capable of high altitude operations. That was demonstrated later in 2017 when a GJ-2 flew over the 8,848 meter high Mount Everest. GJ-2 specs give it a max altitude of 9,000 meters, top speed of 370 kilometers an hour and a payload of 400 kg (880 pounds) of sensors or weapons. The production model GJ-2 only has two hard points under the wings to hang weapons from which is sufficient to carry four BA-7 missiles (similar to the 50 kg Hellfire) or four 60 kg (132 pound) GPS guided bombs (similar to the U.S. SDB). As offered for export GJ-2 can carry a synthetic aperture radar, EW (Electronic Warfare), ELINT (Electronic Intelligence collection) or communications relay equipment as well as a vidcam pod. Endurance is 20 hours and GJ-2 comes equipped with a satellite link and the UAV can operate up to 1,500 kilometers from its base. GJ-2 has improved aerodynamics and a sturdier airframe that makes extensive use of lighter composite materials. This makes possible the high altitude performance which makes it useful for patrolling the Indian border, which is mostly with Tibet and over 4,000 meters high. There are improved flight control software and a more powerful and fuel-efficient turboprop engine. GJ-2 weighs over two tons (exact weight not made public yet) and is closer in size and performance to the American 4.7 ton MQ-9. While the Chinese military has received some production model GJ-2s the main market is export customers. Pakistan and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) have already ordered about a hundred and Saudi Arabia is negotiating a deal to obtain 300 GJ-2s. This alone would exceed production to date of the MQ-9. The GJ-2 is sold for less than half the price of the MQ-9 and there are no export restrictions on who can get it or what they do with it. For several decades a growing number of Chinese commercial firms have been developing military UAVs and dual-use commercial UAVs. Unlike most Western nations, China will sell military UAVs to anyone who can pay and is not bothered about the use of bribes and other illegal (in the West) payments. If you can pay you can have it. For that reason, China has a lot of unnamed customers for its armed UAVs and does not release as many details of weapons export sales as other nations (like Russia). The original Wing Loong 1 UAV has been around for a while. In 2008 Chinese aircraft manufacturer (AVIC) began showing off photos and videos of a prototype for a clone of the American MQ-1 Predator UAV that tuned out to be Wing Loong. In 2012 one was first seen in flight, over the capital of Uzbekistan, which, along with UAE were the first export customers. It was later revealed that development on Wing Loong began in 2005, first flight was in 2007 and Chinese troops got the first ones in 2008 for further testing. While Wing Loong is similar in shape to the larger American MQ-9 Reaper, in size it's almost identical to the 1.2 ton Predator. Wing Loong weighs 1.1 tons, has a 14 meter (46 feet) wingspan, and is 9 meters (28 feet) long. It has max altitude of 5,300 meters (16,400 feet), max speed of 270 kilometers an hour and an endurance of over 20 hours. Wing Loong payload is 200 kg and can carry two BA-7 laser-guided missiles (similar to the Hellfire) or two 60 kg laser-guided bombs as well as a laser designator and vidcams. Wing Loong has been used frequently in Central Asia and the Middle East for reconnaissance and ground attack. For that reason, the original Wing Loong has been renamed GJ-1 and is still for sale. ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 23, 2018) MV-22 Ospreys of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 264 (Reinforced) prepare to launch from the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during night flight operations. Kearsarge is on a scheduled deployment as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in support of maritime security operations, crisis response and theater security cooperation, while also providing a forward naval presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mike DiMestico) X 0 20 Help Keep Us Soaring We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. We need your help in reversing that trend. We would like to add 20 new subscribers this month. Each month we count on your subscriptions or contributions. You can support us in the following ways: The United States is withdrawing its troops from Kurdish controlled northeast Syria by March, at least that is the current plan. The 2,000 troops consist of air controllers, Special Forces and a rotating number of other combat troops (like the battery of marine artillery that fired thousands of guided shells during the battle for Raqqa). The Americans provide air and artillery support for the SDF (Syrian Kurd rebels) as well as commando trainers and a crucial link to the American government. The SDF has about 60,000 armed personnel in the northeast, most of them Kurds. But over half of those Kurdish fighters belong to the Kurdish separatist YPG. This group, like the PKK in Turkey, PKAK in Iran and the autonomous Kurds of northern Iraq all want the Kurds united into a Kurdish state. Kurds have wanted this for over a thousand years but have never been able to unite and take territory away from the two local superpowers (the Turks and Iranians). While the Turks and Iranians have always been independent (and usually empires) the Arabs in the region have only been independent since the 1920s and before that were ruled Turks (usually) and Iranians (occasionally) for over 500 years. The Kurdish minorities in Turkey and Iran have been kept down, often with force, for centuries. This is one of the few things Turkey and Iran agree on. Turkey has been firing on SDF forces near the Turkish border for over a year. Their intention is to keep the YPG forces on the border from trying to get into Turkey or attack Turkish border forces. The Americans were not able to get the Turks to stop this but were able to discourage the Turks from advancing into SDF territory. The Turks say they are firing on the YPG faction of SDF. While SDF is largely Kurd most of the Syrian Kurds have not been active supporters of Kurdish separatism, at least not while their very existence was threatened by ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). The Syrian Kurds in YPG are active separatists and the Turks consider them a branch of the larger PKK (Turkish Kurdish separatists) and there is some truth to that because before the civil war started in 2011 the Assads supported any Islamic or Kurdish terrorist groups that would carry out attacks against the Turks and not reveal the support (often just sanctuary) they received from Syria. The Turks were well informed about this Assad policy and would occasionally move troops to the border and threaten to invade unless the Assads reduced their support for anti-Turk groups. That would work until it didnt. The Turks have been at war with the PKK since the 1980s. The U.S. and Turkey disagree about the YPG and that may have more with Turkish politics than anything else. After 2011 growing PKK violence inside Turkey was seen as a violation of the 2013 ceasefire with the PKK and in mid-2015 that led to a resumption of open warfare between the Turks and PKK. The Kurdish government of northern Iraq agreed with the Turkish attacks on the PKK. While the PKK still calls for an independent Kurdish state made up of majority Kurd portions of Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Iran, the largely autonomous Kurds of northern Iraq refuse to go along, at least not with any enthusiasm. For a while, many in the PKK agreed with the Iraqi Kurds and were willing to settle for more autonomy in Turkey. But the radical PKK factions refused to go along and the 2013 ceasefire began to fray. While the Iraqi Kurds continue condemning the PKK they have not tried to expel the PKK fighters by force. So far the more radical YPG factions appear to be kept in check by the need for American aid. The U.S. has lots of Special Forces troops who speak Kurdish, understand the culture and have years of experience working with the Kurds. Thus it is difficult for the YPG radicals to violate the deal YPG has with the Americans and keep it secret. With the Americans gone the SDF is more vulnerable to attack by the Turks (security forces regularly confront and defeat PKK forces in Turkey and northern Iraq) and Syrians (mainly using their Iranian mercenaries who are more of a threat to the SDF than the usual Syrian Arab troops). The Syrians are particularly keen on getting back the Syrian oil fields, which the SDF currently control. Syrian oil production was never great (about 340,000 barrels a day at most) but it was a major national asset and about 40 percent of that oil was exported for hard currency. Before the war began in 2011 that came to $4 billion a year. For a relatively poor nation like Syria, that was a serious amount of money. Any conflict is easier to understand if you follow the money. With the Americans leaving the SDF is shifting its forces to face the Turks who are, and always have been, their most formidable threat. Ominously the Turks have also reinforced their forces facing the SDF. But figuring out who might attack, or support, the SDF now is not easy. The Turks do not want to fight the SDF for the very simple reason that there is not much popular support in Turkey for any operation that would get a lot of Turkish troops killed in Syria. For that reason, since the Turks crossed the border into Syrian in 2016 they have used local FSA (secular Free Syrian Army rebels) forces to do most of the fighting. What the Turks do want is to get the Kurds, especially YPG forces, away from the Turkish border. Going much further than 20 kilometers south of the border (at least on a permanent basis) is not part of the Turkish strategy. Turkey expects to use over 10,000 FSA fighters against the Kurds, along with Turkish tanks, artillery and air power. Likewise, the Syrians use Iranian mercenaries (many of the Afghan Shias) for the heavy combat. The Syrian Army was never noted for its combat capabilities and after seven years of civil war there are few Syrian combat units with much ability or willingness to carry out a successful offensive. The Russians dont have sufficient ground troops to carry out a large-scale offensive and the most effective Russian ground troops are Russian mercenaries because Russian popular opinion is very hostile to Russian troops getting killed in foreign wars. Iraqi officials openly discussed sending Iraqi troops into Syria but the Iraqis have an even worse reputation for combat effectiveness than the Syrians. There was talk of the Saudis and UAE replacing the Americans in Syria. Possible in theory but not likely in practice. The Saudis are more concerned with the Iranian threat to Saudi Arabia itself. That leaves Israel, which is focused on Iranian forces in Syria and Lebanon and continuing Iranian public backing for the destruction of Israel. Armed with the most formidable air force and special operations troops in the region Israel is currently allied with the Gulf Arab states being threatened by Iran. The Americans are long-time allies of Israel and Saudi Arabia (and most other Gulf Arabs) but the American government has no popular support back home for getting into another Middle Eastern war. The American troops were in Syria to help the Kurds defeat ISIL and other Islamic terrorist threats. That is one thing most everyone in Syria (Turks, Russians, Iranians and most Syrians) can agree on. With the Americans gone, there are few factions in Syria who do not want to see all the Islamic terrorists eliminated. There are some ISIL remnants still active in eastern Syria which everyone has been allowing the American backed SDF deal with. In northwest Syria, the remaining non-ISIL Islamic terrorists are trapped in Idlib province and the Turks, Syrians, Iranians and Russians are still debating how to eliminate that lethal (if attacked or left alone) collection of over 20,000 Islamic terrorists (including some ISIL members). With all this, the Syrians are willing to discuss some sort of autonomy deal for the SDF led Kurds in the northeast. All Syrians agree the Turks should be kept out as much as possible. All factions in Syria agree that Iran is a serious problem what with the Iranian goal of trying to destroy Israel the most militarily effective nation in the region and the only one with nukes. No one wants to be collateral damage if Iran makes a major attack on Israel. The War On Israel Israeli military leaders believe they are winning their battle to keep Iran from establishing a permanent presence in Syria, even with American troops leaving northeast Syria. This Israeli goal has been achieved via a combination of force (air and artillery strikes on Iranian bases and personnel in Syria) and diplomacy (convincing Russia to persuade Iran to keep their forces away from the Israel border or suffer Israeli attacks the Russians will not interfere with). Other diplomatic activities involved the Americans and Arab nations. There is general agreement by Israel and their Arab allies that the forces Iran has assembled in Syria and Lebanon are a far greater threat than Hamas in Gaza. But this war is not yet won and whether it is depends more on what happens in Iran. The Americans are preparing to pull their 2,000 troops out of Syria but not their support for the large force of Syrian Kurds who did most of the fighting to destroy the ISIL presence in eastern Syria. Law And Disorder The Syrian government now controls over 60 percent of the country and about the same portion of the remaining population. A year ago the government controlled only 20 percent of the country and this rapid expansion has encountered lots of problems restoring law and order to newly occupied areas. The general disorder is a result of the war having killed over half a million people (most of them Syrian civilians) and driven a third of the population into exile (most to Lebanon or Turkey). There are dozens of pro-Assad Syrian militias that have to be demobilized. Since many of these militias exist mainly to protect a specific part of Syria (where the militia members and their families come from) there will be reluctance to demobilize until it is safe. Then there is the economy, which is a mess. GDP is about half what it was in 2011 and limping along largely with the help of economic aid from Iran. The enormous expense (billion a year) has caused growing unrest in Iran and that aid may have to be cut. Gulf Arab states have expressed an interest in providing huge amounts of aid and loans for reconstruction, but only if Iranian troops and mercenaries are removed from Syria. In fact no one is willing to put a lot of money into rebuilding Syria has long as Iran has a large military force there whose main goal is to start a war with Israel. This presents the ruling Assad clan with a dilemma. Do they try and betray their long time (since the 1980s) benefactor Iran for the good of Syria or stand by while Syria remains rubble, poverty and hunger while Iran tries to take on Israel. Even Iranian allies Russia and Turkey are unwilling to invest in a potential war zone and would prefer that Iranian military forces leave Syria. Worse, for the Iranian religious dictatorship, most Iranians back withdrawal from Syria and have been openly demonstrating for that since late 2017. With the Americans gone Iran cannot use the excuse that the Iranian presence in Syria is to help prevent the creation of another autonomous Kurdish area in northeast Syria which would, because of the autonomous Kurds of northern Iraq next door, create the basis for the Kurdistan state Kurds in Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey have been seeking for centuries. Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey most definitely agree on none of them wanting to contribute territory and population to create a Kurdistan. One of the founding principles of the UN was to respect existing borders. This has not prevented the creation of new breakaway states (like Kosovo and South Sudan) but officially the UN does not encourage it (otherwise the UN would lose a lot of its major members and most of its financial support.) This was one reason for pulling American troops out of northeast Syria. Helping the Kurds create an autonomous area in Syria was never an American objective and it is obvious that the Syrian Kurds thought otherwise by the way they have reacted to the American departure. Some Arab states (like the UAE) who have been quietly working with the Americans in Syria to support the SDF have indicated they would be interested in staying and expanding their commitment (by bringing in more special operations troops and providing some air support) but that wont replace the U.S. effort and may not be possible because of threats from the Turks. The SDF is technically rebels but have always been willing to make deals with the Assads. Iran and ISIL are another matter and everyone knows it. The Syrian Kurds could still get some autonomy if they cooperate in crushing ISIL in eastern Syria. The only complication is Iran. December 25, 2018: In the south, Israel carried out air strikes against three targets outside Damascus that were apparently Iranian or Hezbollah bases or warehouses. One of the targets was a meeting of senior Hezbollah leaders that left several of those Hezbollah commanders dead, or not. The Hezbollah leaders may have flown off to Iran shortly before the attack. Half an hour before the airstrikes an Iranian B-747 freighter aircraft left Damascus after making a delivery from Iran that was believed to be weapons because the 747 belonged to the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps). The same 747 had left Iran earlier in the day and apparently arrived in Damascus and unloaded before it returned to Iran. Shortly after the airstrikes in Damascus, an Israeli anti-missile missile intercepted a missile from Syria. There was no damage (from falling debris) to any residential areas. The Syrian missile was apparently an S-200 antiaircraft missile that fired at a target south of Damascus and missed. Because Damascus is so close to the Israeli border this sort of thing was expected and has already happened before. The problem is the incoming spent S-200 (not aimed at anything in particular) looks like an incoming missile headed for a specific target and Israeli anti-missile defenses react automatically. Since the missile is intercepted over Israeli territory fragments of that missile can be collected and the missile identified. December 24, 2018: Turkey revealed that an American military delegation would visit Turkey in the next week to discuss how and exactly when American troops would withdraw from northeast Syria. December 23, 2018: In the south (the Israeli border in Golan Heights), Israeli troops fired on several armed men trying to enter Israel. The intruders fled back into Syria. Iran is trying to move more Iranian controlled forces to the Israeli border. December 22, 2018: Since 2016 Turkey has persuaded about eight percent of the 3.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey to return home. Most refugees refuse to even try returning and many of those who do regret it and let those still in exile know it. The Turks know that going to war with the SDF will cause more chaos in Syria and more reluctance of Syrian refugees to go home. December 21, 2018: In the east (Deir Ezzor province), SDF forces repelled another complex and desperate attack by several hundred ISIL fighters seeking to protect their last stronghold near Hajin city and the Iraqi border. This is the second such attack since a similar one was defeated a similar one at the end of November. The current attack began with at least 17 suicide bombers approaching SDF positions followed by a barrage of rocket and mortar fire. The attack faltered and failed but during the November attack the SDF lost 92 dead over three days, the most ever in a single battle. Since SDF began moving against this ISIL stronghold in early September the primarily Kurdish group has lost nearly 500 dead. The three day ISIL November offensive was like the December one stopped by stubborn SDF defensive tactics, which had American artillery and airstrikes on call. ISIL lost over a hundred known dead but many of the ISIL bodies are in what is still ISIL territory where airstrikes hit any group seen moving during the battle. Because of that a lot of the ISIL attackers never reached SDF positions. Many of the attackers, especially suicide bombers, got close to SDF forces by claiming to be civilians fleeing ISIL. There are a lot of civilians in this ISIL controlled area. Many of them are wives and children of ISIL fighters but many are not and are discouraged from leaving the area. ISIL wives are often willing to participate in suicide attacks and take the kids with them. Soon SDF forces will advance into this last ISIL stronghold and have to deal with landmines, explosive traps and suicide bombers that appear to be civilians. This is why ISIL is often described as a suicidal death cult. The hundreds of ISIL fighters surrounded near Hajin are all diehard and desperate Islamic terrorists who realize this is their last stand and the possibility of getting out is very low. After this most recent battle and the heavy losses, SDF suffered there is even more resolve by the SDF to ensure that none of the ISIL personnel escape. Taking prisoners is unlikely because the trapped ISIL men know about the growing number of captured ISIL men and women being sentenced to long prison terms or execution. December 19, 2018: The American president, in keeping with a campaign promise, announced the withdrawal of American forces (about 2,000 troops) from Syria and about half the 14,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. No timetable was given but preparations are being made to establish new American bases in southern (Anbar province) and northern (Kurdish controlled border area) Iraq. This campaign promise arose from the fact most Americans have noticed that since the 1990s there have been a growing number of overseas military operations undertaken by different American governments and that these operations, initially described as short-term, never seem to end. For example, there are still U.S. troops stationed in Kosovo, a late 1990s assignment which was to have ended within a year but somehow never did. Putting American troops into Syria was supposed to be temporary until ISIL was destroyed. That task has largely been accomplished and the remaining anti-ISIL forces in Syria can mop up. December 18, 2018: Diplomats from Russia, Iran and Turkey decided they were stalemated at a meeting in Switzerland. This is a UN sponsored conference to decide who shall be on the Constitutional Committee that will create a new constitution for Syria. The three nations could not agree on several dozen of the 150 committee members. The three nations will try again in early 2019. This committee is the result of a UN proposed compromise that includes a new constitution and monitored elections in Syria to form a new government. Iran wants to ensure that the Assads retain power, Turkey wants someone elected who has popular support and Russia will back whoever seems to have the best chance of getting on the committee. The three countries also disagree on who shall control what territory in eastern Syria once ISIL and the Kurds are pacified. December 17, 2018: In the northwest (Latakia province), another Russian (an army veteran serving as a contractor) was killed by mortar fire from an Islamic terrorist group. Russian officials also revealed that Russian air power had reduced their air operations since November from over 750 sorties a week to four or less (mainly for reconnaissance). Russia making more use of UAVs as well for surveillance and reconnaissance. This reduction in sorties saves Russia a lot of money and gives its aircraft maintainers a break and an opportunity to catch up on deferred maintenance and upgrades. Russia confirmed that they had used their Iskander ballistic missile in Syria along with the new 300mm six cell Tornado-G MLRS (multiple launch rocket system) system. These 800 kg (1,760 pound) rockets have a range of 90 kilometers. There is also a GPS guided version of the 300mm rockets. This one weighs 820 kg and has a max range of 120 kilometers. December 13, 2018: An Israeli military and diplomatic delegation are meeting with their counterparts in Russia to work out details of future cooperation in Syria, especially with regards to Israeli operations against Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. Russia has never agreed with the Iranian goal of trying to destroy Israel. Russia sees Israel as a valuable ally in the region while Iran is considered, apparently, a necessary evil for Russian operations in Syria. December 12, 2018: Turkey confirmed that it had moved a force of over 14,000 troops (nearly all of them FSA militiamen) to the Euphrates River valley opposite SDF controlled territory. The Turkish said the Turkish offensive would begin in a few days (but it didnt and was delayed for unspecified reasons). December 11, 2018: In the east (Deir Ezzor province), Iraqi F-16s attacked two ISIL targets killing an estimated 44 Islamic terrorists and destroying equipment and weapons stockpiles. These two ISIL bases are near the Iraqi border where a number of ISIL members are still maintaining a presence. ISIL targets in this area were hit by Iraqi F-16s on November 20 killing at least 40 Islamic terrorists. Syrian Kurd SDF militias are on the ground shutting down these ISIL base areas. December 9, 2018: In the east, across the Iraqi border in Anbar province local officials confirmed that the Americans appear to be establishing a third base along the Syrian border, 30 kilometers north of the Euphrates River near the Nineveh province border. Two more American bases in Anbar are at the Tanf crossing (near the Jordan border) and further north at the Qaim border crossings into Syria on the Euphrates River. December 5, 2018: Russia voiced open support for the Israeli anti-tunnel operation on the Lebanon border, which Iran did not appreciate. Russia, as always, is caught between its desire to maintain good relations with Israel while also maintaining a working relationship the Iran, Turkey and the Assad government of Syria. November 30, 2018: In the south (the Israeli border in Golan Heights), Israeli troops found fragments of a Syrian missile on the Israeli side of the border. The Syrian missile had been fired at Israel after an Israeli airstrike yesterday. November 29, 2018: In the south, an Israeli airstrike hit Iranian bases south of Damascus, or at least that is what Jordanian media first reported and later eyewitness accounts confirmed there were numerous large explosions that went on for about an hour. Syria said its air defenses shot something down but could not produce any wreckage and Israel would only say they had not lost any aircraft or sent any into Syria. That does not rule out a missile strike, because Israel has some new air-launched missiles that strike targets as a ballistic missile would. This would be the first reported Israeli airstrike in Syria since September. A Syrian anti-aircraft missile landed in the Golan Heights but it is not clear which side of the border. It was later revealed that the attack was carried out by short-range ballistic missiles and air-launched (apparently from outside Syria) surface to air missiles. In the United States (Washington DC), the Americans put a vast trove of Iranian weapons or fragments (of ballistic missiles, naval mines, remotely controlled bomb boats or UAVs) collected from countries throughout the Middle East (Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and so on) as evidence of illegal Iranian arms exports. Most of the items displayed have Farsi (the Iranian language) markings. Opening the display in Washington makes it accessible to many foreign embassy personnel and journalists. Two more interesting items (Iranian made rocket launchers) were recently found in Yemen. And Iranian weapons are so common in Iraq that it is no big deal unless it is components for landmines and roadside bombs. These are provided by Iran to be used against Iraqi security forces and American troops. November 28, 2018: For the first time an Iranian B-747 freighter aircraft delivered missile components directly to Lebanon. These components add GPS guidance to long-range unguided rockets. The transport flew from Iran via Iraq and Syria. The return of democracy in February wont be a return to the past. The military has managed to enact new laws that give the military political power it never had before. Aside from permanent control of the 250 member senate the new lese majeste (saying anything disrespectful of the king) laws can be broadly interpreted by the military. These laws allow the government to take Thai TV or radio networks off the air for a one month or more and jail individuals for 15 years or more. Even criticizing the lese majeste laws are an offense. Since taking power in 2014 about a hundred people have been prosecuted for lese majeste offenses. Thais had long tolerated very strict laws against lese majesty but now much of that support is gone. Thats because the generals can now prosecute people because their PC or smartphone displayed a web page containing disrespectful (to the generals or the king) material. But because the military government has also been unable to control the Internet it cannot just shut down all electronic media. The generals found that despite threats made to FaceBook and Google to censor material the military found offensive it could not be done. This effort was prompted by the growing number of Thai Internet critics fleeing the country (to avoid arrest) and continuing to use social media (especially Facebook and YouTube) to share items critical of the military government. The military realizes that while the creators of this offending Internet material are beyond their reach most of those who view (or post comments on) this stuff are inside Thailand and available for arrest and punishment. While the major social network outlets have cooperated in removing what the military government declares illegal material there are many other ways such offending content can be distributed via the Internet and the major Internet firms refuse to attempt the impossible (police the Internet for Thai military). In response, the military has looked into other solutions. In 2017 the military obtained (apparently with Chinese help) the software and technical assistance required to implement identifying those Internet users in Thailand who are viewing the illegal material. This move is not surprising to Thais and if fully implemented will not make the military government any more popular nor will it keep the offending material from circulating. The Chinese censors dont like to dwell on that fact. Another problem the military has created is the possibility that the next political opposition movement will call for the elimination of the monarchy. This was not really possible until the current king took power and made it clear he was different. Unlike his predecessor, the new king already had an unsavory reputation. To make matters worse the new king made a deal with the military government that would, in theory, benefit both of them in the long run. First, the former crown prince assured everyone that he would behave. In return, the military government freed the monarchy from constitutional and parliamentary restrictions that were part of the 1930s deal that turned the absolute monarchy into a constitutional one. The military government was changing the constitution when the old king died in 2016 and that presented a rare opportunity for the new king to gain more power for the monarchy. The generals need the backing of the king because they justified their 2014 coup by insisting they were doing it to protect the monarchy. The old king was not enthusiastic about that but had learned to stand back. In 2016 the military got their new constitution ratified in a referendum and the king approved it in early 2017. This sort of behavior by the new king was not a sure thing. For nearly half a century the crown prince has been misbehaving and since the 1990s, with the arrival of cheaper digital photography and phone cameras, a lot more embarrassing photos and videos of the crown prince were created. As soon as it seemed likely that the prince would become king a lot of these photos appeared on the Internet and that made the new king, and his military backers, look bad. It was probably for that reason that some critics of the military government were arrested on vague charges of trying to overthrow the monarchy. All this was absurd because if there was one thing most Thais could agree on was the popularity of the kings long-ruling father. The former crown prince and current king is another matter. The Thai monarch generally stays out of politics and everyone feels that if things get really bad the king will step in. That rarely happened because the old king had more popularity than political power and was used as a symbol by anti-populist traditionalists and as a source of ultimate salvation by pro-democracy groups. After all, it was a king who established democracy in the 1930s (to avoid a civil war) and Thais were expecting more of the same to avoid another one. But that beloved king Bhumibol died in October 2016 and his successor has much less moral authority. Those who have called for the elimination of democracy in the past are no longer a tiny minority but rapidly expanding to become a majority. The new king helped persuade the pro-democracy groups (which still have the majority of voters with them) to remain calm and they have. In late 2015 pro-democracy leader (and former prime minister) Thaksin Shinawatra called on his followers (the red shirts) to play dead for the moment and wait for the military government to allow elections. The military had agreed to elections in 2018 but only after some fundamental changes were made in the constitution. The problem is the new rules give the military permanent power and privileges that an elected government would have a difficult time (via changing the constitution) repealing. The red shirts are not pleased with all this but were persuaded, despite more delays. Now elections are firmly set for February but so are a host of new laws that make democracy much less democratic. Shinawatra pointed out to his followers that red shirt violence simply gave the military another excuse to hold onto power. The May 2014 coup came after months of political protests in the capital and those tensions remain. The new king and the generals recognize that most Thais are fed up with the coups. There have been twelve of them since a constitutional monarchy replaced the centuries-old absolute monarchy after World War I. The royals have learned to keep their heads down, even though the military has always been staunchly royalist. The army and the new king believe they have solved this problem with reforms in the pre-coup constitution. Pro-democracy Thais have also become more adept at dealing with coups, especially since the Internet and social media proved immune to army efforts to control Internet use. New ally China admitted that even when you employ an enormous Internet censorship bureaucracy and some very effective technology the unwelcome (for the government) messages still get through. Moreover, sites like Facebook are tremendously popular in Thailand, for royalists and populists alike. Thus the army was forced to come out and say it would never shut down Facebook access in Thailand or seriously threaten Internet access. Pro-democracy groups organized flash mobs and similar actions to remind the generals and the foreign media that this crisis was not over. While the red shirts have lots of popular support, most Thais are more interested in economic issues and the army at first was to deal with that because of widespread opposition to military rule in Thailand and abroad. The king and armed forces believe they will still have more power even when the country is again run by an elected government. The democrats note that long-term the kings and dictators lose. Most royalists recognize that if the king becomes too unpopular the monarchy could be abolished, as it already has throughout the region. Actions have consequences. Southern Violence Continues To Fade The peace talks with southern separatist groups, which began in 2014, are stalled because the separatists refuse to make a deal until there is an elected government in Thailand. Another stumbling block is that the largest separatist group, BRN, has refused to negotiate unless there are international mediators. The Thai government refuses to allow foreigners to play a role and is believed uninterested in any autonomy deal. An elected government is expected to have the same attitude. Despite all that, the newly elected Malaysian leader is seeking a way to get the peace talks going, if only because those three provinces are becoming a sanctuary for Malaysian Islamic terrorists. The Malaysian terrorists are fairly secure in those three Thai provinces as long as they stay out of sight and cause no trouble. But from their Thai hideouts, they can organize fatal mayhem in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the violence in the south continues to decline. In 2017 there were 140 violent (often non-fatal) incidents in the three Moslem provinces. Thats a 90 percent reduction from the peak year (2007) and the decline continues into 2018. While the violence continues to fade it shows no signs of going away completely. The violence has waned mainly because the government (elected or military) sent more troops and more economic development cash to the south. That, plus the fact that most southerners lose faith in the violence after a few years. There are still diehard separatists down south, as well as a criminal underground (mainly smugglers) to sustain the separatists. The Moslem south has other problems to deal with. For example, Yala province has experienced a measles epidemic that began in June and by November there were over 1,500 cases. Most of these patients are children and twelve have died so far. The source of this outbreak is a number of local Islamic radicals who have persuaded (or intimidated) many parents do not have their children vaccinated because of rumors that the vaccine was actually a plot by non-Moslems (most Thais are Buddhists) to poison Moslem children or pollute them because vaccines are believed to contain material from pigs (which are considered haram, or unclean, for Moslems). Its not just measles vaccine that gets denounced but other vaccines as well. The senior cleric in the south was finally persuaded to openly announce that the vaccinations did not violate any Islamic laws. December 26, 2018: Another sign that the pro-China attitudes are weakening occurred today as a court acquitted a Chinese couple of visa violations and allowed them to stay in Thailand. China had requested that the couple be sent back to China to be punished for their pro-reform activities. In the past, the military government had promptly carried out Chinese requests for the return of dissidents but most Thais, even in the military, were never very enthusiastic about becoming too dependent on Chinese goodwill. December 24, 2018: In the south (Narathiwat province), a police vehicle was hit with a roadside bomb leaving one policeman dead and five wounded. In nearby Songkhla province (just north of the three Moslem provinces and also bordering Malaysia) someone placed five and detonated two bombs near two popular beach attractions (the Cat and Mouse Sculpture and a Mermaid statue). The Mermaid statue was damaged slightly. The explosions occurred at 10 PM so no one was hurt, but there were no witnesses either. The statues honor ancient Thai legends and that offends Islamic terror groups especially since the statues attract a lot of Moslem tourists (mainly from Thailand and Malaysia). No one has taken credit for the bombing. Tourism is currently undergoing rapid growth. For 2018 tourist arrivals were up 7.5 percent and tourist revenue up nearly ten percent. Nearly 30 percent of the visitors come from China and about ten percent come from neighboring Malaysia. December 22, 2018: A force of 273 soldiers left for a year of peacekeeping duty in South Sudan. The Thai troops will serve in a UN peacekeeping effort. December 14, 2018: In South Korea Thai, naval officers accepted delivery of a 3,700 ton frigate recently completed in South Korea. The HTMS Tachin will arrive in Thailand on January 6th. The 136 man crew are already in South Korea. Another of these frigates is being assembled in Thailand. December 12, 2018: In the south (Narathiwat province), soldiers patrolling a rural area encountered ten armed men in a hastily built camp. After a ten minute gun battle, the ten men fled into the forest. Apparently, two were wounded and the troops pursued but were unable to catch the fugitives. December 11, 2018: The military government lifted many of the prohibitions on political activity although restrictions on criticism of the military government remain in force. Opposition political groups want all the restrictions lifted but the military will not do that as it will hurt pro-military candidates for parliament. November 28, 2018: Thailand and Malaysia are again seizing people smuggler boats full of Burmese Rohingya Moslems seeking to reach a Moslem majority country like Malaysia or, preferably, Indonesia. Few make it to Indonesia and most are stopped at sea by warships or coast guard patrols and returned to where they came from. Sometimes smugglers are arrested but the main goal is to prevent Rohingya Moslems from landing in other nations and claiming asylum, which the destination countries do not want to grant. Waikato Are you looking for work in and around Hamilton? We have 100s of jobs you could start tomorrow if you just gave us a call... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz Simon Bridges National Party Leader simonbridges.co.nz I have to admit to eating too much Christmas food. Its so hard to resist the tempting offerings at the Bridges gatherings. Ive also washed a lot of dishes and cooked up a storm on the barbecue. They are my main contributions to the domestic duties at this time of year. I come from a big family and I also have three children of my own, so we are all used to a packed table and lots of hands to help prepare and clean up. And like many fellow New Zealanders I have a bit of downtime during the holiday season too. My family will probably laugh when I say that because Im still working on ideas and plans for the National Party. Ive had the chance to go through some of the answers we are receiving from our Have Your Say campaigns. This year we launched four campaigns focused on small businesses, the rural community, seniors, and families. Were now asking for your feedback on what really matters to you. The questionnaires are straightforward and each one only takes a few minutes to fill out. If you have some spare time and would like to contribute then head to: www.national.org.nz The ideas you put forward will help us plan policy that we will be discussing with you next year. Its hard to believe 2019 is a couple of days away. Thank you for reading my columns this year. I wish you a safe and happy New Year. Liverpool, N.Y. -- JGB Enterprises, which has been selling industrial and hydraulic hose assemblies since its founding nearly 42 years ago, has been sold. HCI Equity Partners V, a private equity with offices in Washington, D.C., Minneapolis and Chicago, completed its purchase of JGB from founder Jay Bernhardt on Dec. 13. The two parties declined to disclose the price. HCI said it expected no changes in the operation of the company, which employs 300 people, including 250 in four buildings in the Liverpool area. JGB President and CEO Bob Zywicki said current management will remain in place, it said. We are excited to move forward as part of the HCI family, Zywicki said. We will be looking to add people to our Liverpool campus...and also expand further across the country. We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this transaction and are excited about the prospects of the partnership with the JGB team, HCI said. "The partnership looks forward to the opportunity to fund add-on acquisitions given the large and fragmented market in which JGB participates. Bernhardt, 75, said he sold the company because he is ready to retire and his children are involved in other businesses. Without anybody to leave it to, this was probably the best thing to do, he said. Bernhardt founded JGB, initially in a machine shop in East Syracuse, in 1977 after starting and running the Liverpool branch of the Goodall Rubber Co. for seven years. The company purchases hoses, attaches couplings to them and sells them, as well as hose accessories, to military and commercial customers. The hoses are used in devices such as pressure washers, fire hoses and steam hoses and by the energy, construction, dairy and chemical industries. Much of JGBs recent growth has been tied to the fracking industry, which uses hoses to bring water to well sites. The companys headquarters are at 115 Metropolitan Park Drive in Salina, and it has offices in Buffalo; Charlotte, North Carolina; St. Louis; Houston; and Williston, North Dakota. The sale did not include JGB Properties, Bernhardts real estate development company. Robert J. Spitzer is Distinguished Service Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at SUNY Cortland, the author of several books on the presidency, and a panelist on WCNYs Ivory Tower. By Robert J. Spitzer | Special to The Post-Standard Ever since Donald J. Trump assumed the presidency two years ago, talk of impeachment has swirled about him. But as long as Republicans retained control of both houses of Congress, it would never be anything more than talk, no matter what Trump may have done. As 2019 dawns, that all changes with the one-two punch of a Democratic House of Representatives (where articles of impeachment originate) and the impending release of the Mueller Report, which is bound to include some bombshells. Trumps supporters have dismissed impeachment talk as sour grapes from his opponents, who, his defenders say, simply want to reverse the results of the 2016 elections. The idea that impeachment might be used as a political club, regardless of the facts, was ironically fanned by opponents of Hillary Clinton. Two months before the 2016 election, for example, Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Alabama, said that there probably ought to be impeachment proceedings against her. Days before the election, two Republican House committee chairs pledged the same, despite numerous investigations of her, conducted by Republican lawmakers and the FBI, that failed to find significant wrongdoing on her part. Yet this tells us two important facts about impeachment: that it is undeniably political in nature, insofar as it is conducted by elected officials in Congress; and that it must be built on real and credible legal charges that fall within the Constitutions three categories of impeachmenttreason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors. What are high crimes and misdemeanors? There continues to be much misunderstanding about this ambiguous last phrase, but students of history and law generally agree on its meaning as it came to us from Britain, and as applied in the 19 times the House has voted to approve articles of impeachment. The term misdemeanor here is not taken the way we know it today, as an offense less than a felony. Rather, it refers to official or government misconduct or abuse of office of a serious nature. The constitutional scholar Henry C. Black defined the term as: any offense against the Constitution or the laws which . . . renders the party accused unfit to hold and exercise his office. It is of course primarily directed against official misconduct. Further, an impeachable offense could include a serious criminal act (say, murder), but not all crimes (say, jaywalking). Finally, it could include an entirely legal action by the president. Suppose, for example, the president got on a plane and flew to Brazil where he proceeded to sit on a beach, drink mai tais, and refuse to take phone calls, meet officials, or otherwise fulfill the responsibilities of his office. That, too, would be grounds for impeachment. The politics of impeachment As Alexander Hamilton warned, the potential for abuse of the power lay in the greatest danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties, than by the real demonstrations of innocence or guilt. Truth to tell, there is and can be no such thing as an impeachment proceeding devoid of politics. Yet three political conditions can minimize this concern. First and foremost, the legal case must be solid, credible, and persuasive. In the case of the impeachment of Bill Clinton, for example, the charges against him were never sufficiently compelling to warrant impeachment. The core charge that he lied in a civil case about his sexual infidelity was a civil infraction, but not one normally prosecuted in civil courts around the country. Second, there should be some degree of bipartisan support. When the House Judiciary Committee voted on the two primary articles of impeachment against Richard Nixon in 1974, 6 of 17 committee Republicans voted in favor of them. To his credit, Democratic committee chair Peter Rodino worked carefully with Republicans to cultivate that show of bipartisanship. Third, the public must support the idea. As the Clinton case demonstrated, the public was never persuaded as to the propriety of impeachment. When the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke at the start of 1998, Clintons job approval rating was 60 percent. When the process concluded in February 1999, his approval number had actually risen to 68 percent. The case against Trump The list of possible impeachable offenses against Trump is lengthy and serious. These are not trumped up, phony or trivial charges. Since the day he took office, Trump has been in egregious violation of the Constitutions foreign and domestic Emoluments clauses. The first of them says that no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust ... shall, without the Consent of Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any . . . foreign State. Unlike past presidents and other high government officials, Trump refused to either divest himself of his business holdings or place them in a blind trust. Instead, he put his sons in charge, an ethically unacceptable alternative. Beginning in 2016, Trump businesses, and those of his daughter Ivanka, have received dozens of lucrative trademarks from China after having them denied for years. Despite repeatedly denying any business interests in Russia, that nation has renewed numerous lucrative trademark extensions to Trump entities. In all, ongoing Trump business interests are operating in at least two dozen countries, including Dubai, Georgia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The Washington, D.C., Trump hotel is a cesspool of financial conflict of interest. Have Trump policy decisions been affected by these business interests? Evidence suggests yes, but in fact it doesnt matter the mere existence of these numerous entanglements represents the essence of why the Emoluments clause was included in the Constitution. Fears of foreign meddling date to the start of the country, as when George Washington warned against the insidious wiles of foreign influence that now seemingly infect the Trump administration. And there is much more. We now know that Trump conspired with his former lawyer Michael Cohen to violate campaign finance laws by paying two women with whom he allegedly had affairs to silence them in the weeks leading up to the election. And much is already known about meetings and communications between top Trump people and Russian agents to exploit information in emails stolen by Russia to undermine Hillary Clintons presidential campaign. This alone represents one of the most serious instances of election tampering by outside forces in American history. Muellers report will undoubtedly tell us much more. The politics of the moment The case for an impeachment inquiry is as compelling as any in history. Still, Democrats are cautious, and for one overriding reason: Trumps approval rating among Republicans still stands at about 85 percent. Party support may erode with new revelations, but that moment is not here now. The new Congress would do well to sidestep efforts at formal impeachment, and instead resume its constitutional obligation, which it has abandoned for the last two years, to investigate and oversee the Executive branch. The Trump presidency will not end well. But that ending need not come from impeachment. In brief: Which tech company do you think people trust least when it comes to protecting their data? According to a recent survey, the answer is Facebook, unsurprisingly. 2018 has seen the social network experience a series of privacy scandals and data breaches, helping it become the most untrusted firmand by a massive margin. Consumer research company Toluna surveyed 1000 people earlier this month to discover which tech companies they distrust the most with their information. Topping the list was Facebook, which took a massive 40 percent of the vote. Both Twitter and Amazon, which came equal second, were on just 8 percent each. Uber, which previously had a reputation for using unethical business practices such as the Greyball program, came fourth. And despite the Google+ data breach, only 6 percent of participants said they distrusted the tech giant. Netflix came away cleanest, with less than 1 percent of those surveyed saying they didnt trust the streaming service with their data. Facebooks position at the top was pretty much expected. The company has had what is undoubtedly its worse year since inception. Cambridge Analytica, data sharing with Chinese manufacturers, breaches, exposing user photos, and special arrangements with firms including Spotify and Netflix have seen more users leaving, all while damaging the publics perception of the firm. Facebooks scandal-filled 2018 has seen its stock price fall from around $180 to $124its lowest point this year. As a result, around $15 billion has been wiped from Mark Zuckerbergs net worth, which is more than anyone else on Bloombergs top 500 rich list. The big picture: International trade policies have been heated over the past several months, leaving uncertainty over which technology products will be subject to further tariffs. Foxconn's expansion of Indian production facilities will help Apple gain traction in another market and protect the company from trade war fallout. Starting as early as 2019, Foxconn is about to begin production of top iPhone models in India. The most expensive Apple phones such as the iPhone X, XS, and XS Max are expected to be built in Foxconn's Striperumbudur plant located in southern India. An investment of approximately $356 million will be made to expand Foxconn's plant. Up to 25,000 new employees will be hired as part of the initiative. Up until this point, Apple has only had the iPhone 6S and iPhone SE manufactured in India. Sales within the country have always trended towards older models that are less expensive. Currently, more than half of iPhones sold in India are older than the iPhone 8. Even though Apple has cut production of the iPhone X, there are reasons to believe that the Indian market may be a place where it remains relevant. Producing an older generation with lower cost components could give Apple better footing in a market where price is often more important than marketing and branding. It is not currently known whether Apple is pulling out of any factories in China or if this is simply an addition of manufacturing capabilities. Foxconn does not comment on work done for clients and would not confirm if Apple will produce any components in India or merely assemble iPhones. In addition to expanding its presence in India, Foxconn is also looking to build a factory in Vietnam. Should those plans come to fruition, Apple will have a few more options outside of China to produce future generations of the iPhone. Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus owners are receiving Android 9 Pie earlier than they thought. The company was expected to release the highly anticipated update sometime in January, but from the look of things, it went ahead of schedule. Just to be clear, this is the stable version of the operating system, and it's rolling out even to Galaxy S9 users who aren't part of the beta program running on Android 8 Oreo. Galaxy S9 Android 9 Pie Update Comes Early According to SamMobile, the major OS update is now available in Germany. On the Reddit thread where the rollout is being discussed, users are also reporting that it's also live in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. It's worth mentioning that some of the users who said they have received Android 9 Pie own international variants of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus. Some of them also say that they got the update after installing the December security patch on their phones. Android 9 Pie Roadmap For Galaxy Devices As Android Police points out, Samsung has posted its plans for the update's rollout for other devices. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus are still listed with a January 2019 launch date despite the earlier rollout. Other devices include the Galaxy Note 9 for February 2019; the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8 Plus, and Galaxy Note 8 for March 2019; the Galaxy A8 (2018), Galaxy A8 Plus (2018), Galaxy A7 (2018), Galaxy A9 (2018), and Galaxy Tab S4 10.5 for April 2019; the Galaxy J4, Galaxy J4 Plus, Galaxy J6, Galaxy J6 Plus, and Galaxy A8 for May 2019; the Galaxy J7 (2017) for July 2019; the Galaxy J7 Duo for August 2019; the Galaxy Xcover4, Galaxy J3 (2017), and Galaxy Tab S3 9.7 for September 2019; and the Galaxy Tab A (2017), Galaxy Tab Active2, and Galaxy Tab A 10.5 for October 2019. It's unclear when Samsung will release the update for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus worldwide, but for those in aforementioned countries, it's worth a shot to go ahead and check for software updates. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Huawei is set to become the world's second best-selling smartphone manufacturer, beating Apple in full-year smartphone sales for the first time, with more than 200 million units already shipped in 2018. The Chinese telecommunications company saw significant sales increases in China, Europe, and Africa this year, achieving a 30 percent jump in global unit sales from the 153 million it sold last year. The report comes from the Nikkei Asian Review, which adds that the P20, one of the major flagships it released in April, was "especially popular." Huawei's Challenges Ahead Beating Apple is an exemplary achievement for any company, but Huawei faces much bigger hurdles ahead, especially with regard to its success stateside. The arrest of a top executive in Canada has placed the company in the middle of the trade war between the United States and China. Companies from different companies around the world are slowly inching away from its telecommunications equipment, and its smartphones sales are expected to underperform in 2019. Apart from the United States, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand have all decided to exclude Huawei-made components from their future 5G initiatives. That's not all. Earlier this year, Japan banned both Huawei and another Chinese company, ZTE, from making government contracts to prevent potential data leaks. Smartphone Shipments Despite such drawbacks, Huawei continues to perform significantly well in the global smartphone market. In 2017, the had a whopping 10.4 percent market share. Samsung had the biggest hold, with 21.6 percent, followed by Apple, with 14.7 percent. The data comes from International Data Corp. However, Huawei, for the first time, came second in the April-to-June financial quarter, a position it continued to hold in the July-to-September period as well. Overall, however, worldwide smartphone sales are expected to dip in 2019. If so, it'll be the second straight year for this to happen. Perhaps people aren't rushing to upgrade their devices anymore. To be fair, most flagships customers can buy right now are already pretty powerful. Not only that, a number of companies now seem unable to add anything more of note to these already feature-packed handsets. Take Apple, for example. It would be hard to find significant difference between last year's iPhone X and this year's iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. As a result, people are probably less willing to shell out cash for what are essentially minimal changes, if not the same thing entirely. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A man shot and fatally wounded his own dog in a town park in Hamden, New Haven County over fears it may attack some children. Pit Bull Attacked Another Dog The man told Connecticut police that he shot his own pit bull in the park on Sunday because he thought it was going to attack three children. Capt. Ronald Smith said that the police officers responded to the area after getting a report of shots fired. He said that the man told the police officers the canine, which was not on a leash at the time, attacked and seriously injured another dog that was on a leash. The owner of that dog was with his three children when the incident happened. The man, who was not immediately identified, said that he was worried his dog might attack the children, so he pulled out his handgun and shot the animal. "He subsequently 'pulled his legally licensed .22 handgun' and shot his dog, killing it," Smith said. The incident is still under investigation. Pit Bull Attacks The man's fear that his dog might attack the children is not unfounded. There have been several instances of pit bulls attacking humans. In November, a 5-day-old baby in Dunnellon, Florida died after she had been attacked by the family's dog. The pit bull reportedly jumped onto a bed next to the child's crib before attacking the baby. Several children in Oklahoma were also injured last month after they were attacked by a pit bull that became loose on the playground of an elementary school. Another pit bull attack that occurred in November had New Jersey police shooting the dog. The dog allegedly attacked a 17-year-old boy as it was being taken out by its owner. The owner pulled on the dog's leash to get him away from the teenager but the canine turned to her instead, injuring her and leaving her with more than 100 stitches. Authorities who arrived at the scene shot the dog when it became aggressive toward them. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The police are warning residents of Flagstaff, Arizona to be careful of foxes that might be rabid after several attacks had been reported this month. At least three incidents were reported on Saturday, Dec. 22, and on Sunday, Dec. 23. Two people were reportedly bitten. Rabid Foxes Attack Flagstaff Residents Two of the reported attacks happened on Sunday after a fox had jumped on the bed of a pickup truck somewhere in Settlers Run Road and Bear Paw Drive in the Continental County Club. The fox reportedly had bitten one person before it ran off. The Flagstaff Police District revealed in a news release that the fox was captured a few hours later in the area of Talor Drive and Hulet Lane. A separate attack was also reported in the area of Aztec Street and Cherry Avenue. The fox, which bit another person, was also captured on Sunday. The Coconino County Public Health has already started running tests to see if the foxes that attacked people were rabid. The authorities are urging residents to be cautious around the wild animals. Do not try to feed or approach them. "If you see any wild animals acting in an uncharacteristic manner watch them from a safe distance and call 911 immediately," the news alert released by the police advised. What To Do If Bitten By A Suspected Rabid Fox Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal like raccoons, bats, and, in this case, foxes. It affects the central nervous system. If left unchecked, the virus will cause brain disease and ultimately lead to death. The first symptom of rabies infection in humans include general weakness or discomfort, a headache, or fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu-like symptoms might last for two to 10 days. The person infected might also complain of discomfort or prickling and itchiness at the area that was bitten by the rabid animal. Once the disease progresses, the patient will also experience delirium, hallucinations, and insomnia. It is important to seek immediate professional help once bitten by a rabid animal because, when the clinical signs of rabies appear, it is always nearly fatal. The CDC says that people who have been bitten should immediately wash their wounds with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. They should also consult a doctor for rabies vaccination. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. When Mark Schroeder and Tara Engeran built their home on Killdeer Street in Lake Terrace in 2017, they were determined that it express a moder Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. HV Bushing Station Global Market Overview An HV Bushing is primarily utilized in an electrical equipment, where it is a mode for transmitting an electrical conductor over a grounded object without producing short circuit. As the electrical strength differs in the conductor owing to frequency variation, leakage trails may grow inside the insulation. If this leakage overpowers the dielectric strength of the insulation, it may perforate the insulation and allows the current to conduct the nearest earthed material leading to burning and arching. The Global HV Bushing Market is driven by the growing need of reliable electric supply & consequent investment in transmission & distribution network, grid extension, and increasing safe electrical infrastructure. As per the study conducted by Market Research Future, the global market for HV Bushing station is likely to grow at the CAGR of around 4.5%. Bushings are widely accepted across the world in numerous industrial & commercial sectors as protection devices. A bushing is typically a hollow ceramic tube, through which conductor undergoes. Bushing provides firm support to the conductors from beneath. Bushings are mainly found in circuit breakers, alternators, motors and capacitors. Also, HV Bushings are occupied with insulating materials such as oil, resin impregnated paper, and oil impregnated paper to offer greater dielectric strength which makes them permeable for installation in numerous utilities and in the manufacturing sector. The relentless need for electricity and the universal growth in grid infrastructure, will aid in the growth of Global HV bushing Market over the forecast period. Although, Instability in material costs and R&D in modern HV Bushing are likely to restrain the Global HV Bushing Market. Geographically, the global HV Bushing station market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Asia Pacific is currently the major market for HV Bushing stations. Growing power demand and increasing quantity of offshore wind farms are the key aspects which are leading the market growth in the region. Countries such as the China and India are anticipated to be the major economies in this market. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the fast economic growth in countries such as India and China, will drive the market for HV bushings. North America and Europe are also expected to witness a stagnant growth over the forecast period, owing to modernization coupled with long scale grid expansion, Also, renovation of ageing transmission and distribution infrastructure is expected to boost the market growth. A Sample of This Report Is Available upon Request @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3906 HV Bushing Station Global Market - Competitive Analysis HV Bushing station market will endure to advance globally, as the market for electrical component is extremely competitive and there is continuously an intensifying demand for successive electrical components. The key market players endlessly strive for maintainable expansion of their product, so as to stay on topmost position in the HV Bushing station market. Most of the major market share is held by the tier 1 companies in the electrical component industry. New competitors are highly subjected to risk while competing in a well matured market, whereas it will be less competitive for the new competitors to get into the developing economies. Key Player General Electric (U.S.), Siemens AG (Germany), Crompton Greaves (India), Hubbell Incorporated (U.S), Webster-Wilkinson Ltd. (U.K), Warco, Inc. (U.S), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Meister International, LLC (U.S), The H-J Family of Companies (U.S) and ELANTAS GmbH (Germany) Study Objectives of Global HV Bushing Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next five years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global HV Bushing Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the global HV bushing market based on various tools such as Supply Chain Analysis, and Porters Five Forces Analysis. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to regions and their respective key countries. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by material type, product, application and region. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the HV Bushing Market. HV Bushing station Global Market Segmentation The scope of global HV Bushing station market is segmented into four major segments which are explained below: By Type Condenser Type Non-Condenser Type By Voltage Rating 15kV-170kV 170kV-245kV 245kV & above By Installation Indoor Outdoor By End User Utilities Industries Others Browse The Full Research Report At@ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/hv-bushing-market-3906 Intended Audience: Distributer & Supplier companies End Users Consultants and Investment bankers Government as well as Independent Regulatory Authorities Product Analysis: Product matrix which gives a detailed comparison of the market for different recycled product types Additional Information: Regulatory Landscape Pricing Analysis Macroeconomic Indicators Geographic Analysis: Geographical analysis across 15 countries Company Information: Profiling of 10 key market players In-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report title Competitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companies Get Request for Discount on This Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/3906 Four current and two newly elected members of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board visited Indianapolis last week on a two-day trip showcasing that citys mix of charter schools and autonomous district-run schools. Indianapolis is a really interesting place in what they are doing with their school district, explained Liz Smith, senior vice president of economic competitiveness for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. Indianapolis has many similarities with Baton Rouge, with shrinking enrollment, budget challenges and a growing charter school sector, so it serves as a good point of comparison, Smith said. Smith said while BRAC organized the two-day trip on Dec. 18-19, the cost of hotels and meals in Indianapolis was covered by a new nonprofit, City Fund. Board members fronted the cost of their flight but BRACs political action committee, Future PAC, is reimbursing them in the form of campaign contributions, Smith said. City Fund was created earlier this year by charter school supporters. The fund has reportedly raised $189 million already, making it one of the richest educational nonprofits in the country. Its seed money came from large donations from a private foundation of Houston hedge fund manager John Arnold and his wife, Laura, and from the Hastings Fund, a philanthropic created by Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings. City Fund is dedicated to rapidly spreading whats known as the portfolio school model to urban school districts across the country. Its a controversial school reform adopted by a growing number of cities, including Indianapolis, Denver and Washington, D.C. In an analogy drawn from the investment world, a school district manages a portfolio of schools and, relying largely on test scores, grows good ones while closing bad ones. In portfolio districts, charter schools have generally expanded rapidly. Some of those cities, including Indianapolis, also have a hybrid, in which district schools are granted charter-like autonomy or charter operators take over district schools. East Baton Rouge Parish has 29 charter schools, second in Louisiana only to Orleans Parish. Charter schools are public schools run privately via contracts, or charters. The four current Baton Rouge School Board members who went on the Indianapolis trip were Mark Bellue, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet and Evelyn Ware-Jackson. All were recently re-elected to new four-year terms. They were joined by Tramelle Howard and Dadrius Lanus, who defeated incumbents Kenyetta Nelson-Smith and Vereta Lee. Lanus is the more recent winner, besting Lee in a Dec. 8 runoff. Howard and Lanus arent scheduled to take office until Jan. 8, when they are to be sworn in. Also accompanying them on the trip were three representatives each from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and the nonprofit New Schools for Baton Rouge, Smith said. By taking just four current board members on the trip, Smith said, organizers were trying to avoid any potential problems with Louisianas Open Meetings law that might have resulted if five or more current members had gone, which would represent a quorum. Smith said BRAC would be happy to organize a second trip for the three current board members who did not go on the trip: Connie Bernard, Dawn Collins and David Tatman. Embattled EBR school board member Connie Bernard gives up VP post, citing husband's cancer diagnosis Embattled East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member Connie Bernard on Friday gave up her position as vice president of the panel, saying her Bernard said a Chamber representative contacted her on Dec. 10 about the trip, but after learning that four current board members were already going, she raised concerns about triggering a quorum if she went as well. She also said the trip was called on short notice and would have been difficult given the time she's spending caring for her husband, John, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. I was willing if I needed to go and be there, Bernard said. But I did have a lot of questions. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Bernard also said shes not sure how much she would have gotten out of the trip. Why do I have go there and see it? Cant I just go and read about it? Bernard asked. +2 EBR parish schools revamp fails in La. House A bid to overhaul the East Baton Rouge Parish school system was crushed Wednesday in the Louisiana House, setting off a gleeful celebration am BRAC has been pushing the portfolio model for years. In 2014, it helped craft legislation that would have eliminated much of the Central Office in Baton Rouge and shifted almost all power to individual principals. A parade of principals, however, helped defeat the legislation by arguing they already have a lot of responsibilities and the legislation would be too much to put on their plates. That defeat, however, has not dimmed ambitions of BRAC and like-minded groups who see the approach as a key way of improving public education. In late 2017, a couple of East Baton Rouge Parish administrators and board members Collins and Ware-Jackson went to Indianapolis in a trip organized by New Schools for Baton Rouge. That trip was meant to help the school system as it prepared a multi-million school improvement grant. Collins is critical of charter schools and has expressed skepticism about portfolio districts. But she found aspects of her Indianapolis visit helpful. I thought it was profound how they took the time to figure out what their shared values were as a board, she said. On Oct. 16, New Schools and the Urban League of Louisiana held a conference in Baton Rouge exploring portfolio districts with panel discussions focused on Denver and Indianapolis. Indianapolis outgoing superintendent, Lewis Ferebee, was one of the panelists. +3 Youth movement on East Baton Rouge School Board? Possible shakeup after young teacher elected Dadrius Lanus has joined his friend Tramelle Howard as the newest and youngest members of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, a board fi Howard and Lanus were propelled into office amid of wave of more than $300,000 in independent spending by outside groups that support charter schools and were funded mostly by contributions from out-of-state billionaires. John Arnold, the Houston hedge fund manager, has reported spending $160,000 on those School Board elections through his advocacy group Action Now Initiative. Both Howard and Lanus say they were already familiar with the Indianapolis story, but were happy they visited the city and generally liked what they saw. Indianapolis does a very good job of working as a collective, Howard said. In Baton Rouge, people all have their own agendas when it comes to working for kids. It showed me that we can do these same things here in East Baton Rouge Parish, Lanus said. Current board members who went were more cautious in describing what they saw. Gaudet downplayed the visit. He said Indianapolis is very different from Baton Rouge. What stuck out for me was that change is hard to come about and it takes years, he said. And you have to implement changes that can be sustainable. When public officials serve during challenging times, their capacity for leadership is severely tested. For LaToya Cantrell, the new mayor of In this Nov. 4, 2014 file photo, then-Sen.-elect Tom Cotton, R-Ark. waves at his election watch party in North Little Rock, Ark., after defeating incumbent Sen. Mark Pryor. A man who died while rescuing a stranger from a car that plunged into a New Orleans canal last year was among a handful of people across the U.S. and Canada recently recognized for heroism, and his family will receive a $5,000 grant honoring his sacrifice. Frank Frankie Williams Jr. a husband, father and grandfather who worked at the Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar was among 16 Americans and two Canadians to earn medals from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission on Dec. 18. Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie created the commission after two men sacrificed their lives trying to rescue others following a deadly coal-mining accident in 1904. +2 Body found in area where man jumped into water to aid rescue off Lakeshore Drive A body was found Wednesday in the area where a man disappeared after jumping into the water off Lakeshore Drive to aid in rescuing two other p Williams, 50, was cooking at the Blue Crab on Lakeshore Drive the night of Dec. 5, 2017, when Francisco Lopez and his cousin Honorio Lopez got into a 2007 Nissan Versa in the restaurant parking lot. Believing the car was in reverse, Francisco Lopez pressed on the cars gas pedal, New Orleans police said in a report. The Versa went over a small curb as well as a patch of grass before barreling into a bench, crossing over a wooden boat dock and plunging into a 10-foot-deep canal, police said. Williams, his manager Nick Asprodites, his colleague Erica Galiouras and a patron named Charles Alba all realized what happened, ran out of the restaurant and entered the water, the police report said. They helped each other get Honorio Lopez out of the car and to the shore, at one point resorting to a rope. But when everyone regrouped, they realized Williams had not resurfaced and was missing. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Meanwhile, after the car sank, divers with the New Orleans Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services pulled Francisco Lopez out. Paramedics took both Lopez men to University Medical Center. Francisco Lopez, 29, was pronounced dead after arriving. Honorio Lopez survived. He marked his 27th birthday on Dec. 7. A search involving boats and a Coast Guard helicopter found Williams' body the following afternoon. Officials determined he had drowned. Williams survivors included his wife, mother, son, two stepsons and three grandchildren. After Williams died, his employer described him as everything you could ask for in a human being. He is one of roughly 10,000 people to have received a medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, which has awarded about $40 million in grants in its 114-year history. This year, he was one of three medal recipients to die while saving another person's life. Wall Street staged one of the biggest rallies of the 9-year bull market after coming within points of seeing it end, with major indexes surging at least 4.9 per cent. Crude jumped almost 10 per cent. All but one member of the S&P 500 advanced, the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped more than 1050 points and the Nasdaq 100 rallied 6 per cent. Each gain was the best since 2009, the year the longest bull market on record began. Dead cat bounce or phoenix rising from the ashes? US markets staged a massive rally overnight. Credit:Bloomberg Consumer shares paced the rally; Amazon jumped 9.5 per cent after reporting record Christmas sales. Each member of the FAANG cohort rallied at least 6.4 per cent, while energy producers surged as crude powered past $US46 a barrel. US President Donald Trump said a day earlier that the rout that took stocks down 19.8 per cent from a record provided a "tremendous opportunity to buy". Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Synopsis Internet of things (IOT) has bring wide connectivity to the world through millions of things or devices. Smart television, smart refrigerator, smart cars, health monitors & wearable are some of the example of its vast connectivity applications. The increasing usage of software & data in enterprise assets and consumer driven gadgets is also increasing new cyber-attacks for the IOT device market thereby demanding for strong IOT security tools & services. The major growth driver of IOT Security market is the high adoption of cloud based technology by organizations and government agencies. BFSI, healthcare, and manufacturing are increasingly shifting their traditional data storage methods towards cloud based data storage thereby required high security services. Other factor such as increasing digital data transmission via smartphones, evolving network services namely 3G, 4G has increased growth of digital technology thereby has increased vulnerability for data loss or cyber-attacks, and high demand for IOT security services by healthcare sector is also driving growth in the market during forecast period 2018-2022. However, lack of awareness about various available security methods and complex security infrastructure has projected to be some of the growth constraints for IOT Security market. The prominent players in the IOT Security Market are- Some of the major players in Global IOT Security Market includes Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.), IBM Corporation (U.S.), Verizon enterprise solutions (U.S.), Symantec AG (Germany), Infineon Technologies AG (Germany), Intel Corporation (U.S.), AT&T Inc. (U.S.), Gemalto NV (U.S.), General Electric (U.S.), Sophos Group PLC (UK), and others. Get Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2256 IOT Security Market Segmentation: Global IOT Security Market can be segmented as follows: Segmentation by Type: Network security, application security, cloud security and others. Segmentation by End-Users: Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Transportation, Energy & utilities, IT, BFSI and others Regional Analysis: North America is expected to dominate the IOT Security market during the forecast period 2016-2022. High adoption of IOT technologies and devices by manufacturing and IT sectors in the region has shown impressive growth in the past few years. The high involvement of technology also lead to threat for cyber-attacks for an organization, for this reason many companies are deploying smart sensors & other security devices. The early adoption IOT security services by companies in the region is fuelling North America dominance in the IOT Security market. In Europe, the European commission is planning to implement new cyber security platforms to protect confidential data of government as well as of organization from IOT devices which is propelling the growth for IOT Security market in the region. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing IOT Security market during the forecast period 2016-2022. Due to increasing cyber-crime in the region the demand for IOT security services especially by SMEs is increasing thereby witnessing high growth of IOT services market in the region. Browse Full Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/IOT-security-market-2256 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Greenland, owner of Sydneys Leap into Literacy childrens education centres, says shes determined to take a two-week holiday this summer. Her business is now four years old with an annual turnover of $100,000, so she feels more enabled to step away. Being able to hand over your baby, which is your business, is not always an easy thing to do, she explains. Theres definitely been times where I wished that I had delegated a little bit more to my assistant and staff to handle things, which is now what Im doing. Being able to hand things over, knowing it doesnt need to be all me anymore. My staff are getting to the stage where they can do a lot themselves. Handing over Handing the reins over to other staff who dont have as much of a stake in the business is not just not feasible for many small business owners, says small business consultant Tim Roberts. Owners, particularly those in businesses like restaurants or coffee shops with a relatively high turnover in the nature of employing people, are reluctant to trust, depend and pass on the knowledge of how to do things like open and close and do the banking, he says. Weve got many clients who go basically years without taking a proper break from the business. However, Roberts says there are strategies small business owners can employ to make sure they rest and refresh over summer. The first is ensuring they have documented policies and procedures prepared so stand-in staff can refer to when in doubt. It doesnt necessarily mean you have to file every how-to, but if you list every major and sub task in your business, then obviously the onus on the owner should drop away significantly because that resource is there and they dont need to be contacted all the time, he says. An obvious step for any business, no matter the industry, is hiring and retaining the right people. A competent and trustworthy team is arguably the best resource any small business owner can have. By creating incentives and KPIs, owners can also ensure their staff really care about how the business performs when theyre not around. If you know what your average sales are when you plan to take a break, you can have a financial or non-financial incentive thats linked to if the staff outperform or the business does better while the owner is away, then that person can share in the success, Roberts says. So if youre not in the business theres still someone there that has something other than their agreed hourly rate so theres someone working on your behalf. And of course, cloud-based accounting technology such as Xero and QuickBooks makes it easy for small business owners to keep an eye on the finances when theyre not actually at work. Loading Shutting down But for regional law firm owner and solicitor Jacqui Brauman, the best way to switch off at Christmas is to shut down. Braumans TBA Law, which has a turnover of $750,000 per annum and employs nine staff, closes for two weeks. ACT Minister for City Services Chris Steel has released an information paper about producing power and fuel from household waste. Its a topic that warrants a serious conversation. But if we want to sort the trash from the treasure in the paper, and make sure were not just recycling bad ideas, we need a rigorous cost-benefit analysis of the options presented. Without that, the information paper is only fit for the waste bin. The discussion paper is based on a waste hierarchy that gives priority to re-using materials over recycling, and recycling over disposal. If waste must be disposed, incineration and gasification are preferred over landfill, which is considered to be the worst option. The governments stated aim is to increase the level of resource recovery from the ACTs waste stream from about 70 per cent today to 90 per cent by 2025. An information paper from ACT Minister for City Services Chris Steel discusses producing power and fuel from household waste. Credit: Graham Tidy Waste management is a highly complex issue, with no easy answers. Different approaches have pluses and minuses that differ between regions and over time as the population grows. High temperature incineration of household waste, for example, requires expensive infrastructure and air pollution control, but reduces the need for landfill sites. However, carcinogenic dioxins and furans as well as fine particulates are produced during incineration. Pollution control equipment can capture a proportion of these by-products, but the toxic fly ash produced still needs to go to specialised landfill sites, where leaching of toxins can occur. In 1990, after I recovered from a bout of meningitis, one of the doctors said it might interfere with my sense of direction. I replied that nothing could possibly interfere with my sense of direction since I never had one. That person with the sense of place is not me. I have always had the worst possible sense of direction. Decades ago, a friend recommended I turn the map to make it more likely to reflect the direction I wanted to head in. Instead, it was utterly confusing and made no difference. The map books we had as kids, the UBDs, the Gregorys, were as inscrutable as calculus, made worse because I needed them. You still see some of them on holidays, paper maps in hand, striding forth. Not for them to be pinned down by Google Maps. Excuse the pun. Those people who look at a map and then instantly deduce both their whereabouts on the map and the quickest way to get to their destination are very impressive. That flaw could ruin any holiday. And it certainly had a good go at ruining a few days of mine. But the introduction of map apps changed the direction of my life. I went from being geographically illiterate to being able to get myself around, no problem, from walking several blocks in the wrong direction to walking just a few metres in the wrong direction. If I needed reassurance, Id just ask Siri and there she would be, mispronouncing the name of a nearby suburb but that didn't matter. I knew what she meant. It also meant that my beloved, who could find home in a dust storm, could trust me to navigate us to various spots not something he had ever been able to do before. Those terrible holiday arguments about which fork to take on that unmarked road have just about disappeared. Google Maps may not have saved lives in the same way that Ian Frazer has saved lives or Jonas Salk saved lives but it certainly has saved relationships. And more than any other app, except perhaps our banking apps, its the one we use when we go on holidays. We are more likely to ask each other if the dot is happy, or to ask what its doing, than to complain about the hopeless directions I provided which ended up with us down a tiny marshy lane in the backroads of Victoria. But I've developed a few concerns. One, that Blue Boy, our affectionate name for the travelling dot, has not been as reliable of late, sending us both round in circles. Whereas once we could be certain BB was always right, now we ask each other: Is the dot happy?. It's also the same moss that wild horses brumbies south in the Kosciuszko National Park love to eat. The hard-hoofed animals wreck river beds and plants as they get to it and other flora, shredding a delicate alpine environment that never evolved to handle them. Brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park were given protections by the NSW government in June. McNamara is concerned, the ACT's environment minister Mick Gentleman was amazed it even passed and environmentalists are angry. The laws were spearheaded by NSW deputy premier John Barilaro, a Nationals member for the seat of Monaro to Canberra's east, overseeing an electorate that includes Queanbeyan and Kosciuszko. It flies in the face of reason: scientists have repeatedly told the NSW government how destructive the animals are. The whole reason Canberra is where it is, McNamara says, is because of these mountain ranges. Brumbies have established themselves across the border and, left to roam free by laws protecting them in NSW, they will eventually come into ACT. They would tear up valleys like the one where McNamara stands, polluting the water, driving up the cost of treating it and limiting the water resources future Canberrans had as Australia becomes hotter and drier. A view of Tantangera, NSW where wild horses have an established population in the thousands. Credit:Finbar O'Mallon "[Water] is just a commodity we take for granted," McNamara says. Weather travels east across Australia, hitting the ranges of the Namadgi National Park, turning into clouds and dumping water in the ranges, which filter it as it flows east into Canberra's water catchments. This is what Charles Scrivener, Australia's first surveyor, saw when he was looking for a spot to establish the Australian Capital Territory in 1913. "The reason the ACT is shaped the way it's shaped is because of water catchments," McNamara says. After the territory was established, one of the first pieces of legislation federal parliament passed were laws protecting the Cotter River and her water catchments. A healthy riverbed in Tantangera, NSW where feral horses are estimated to be in their thousands. That meant brumbies, which were well established in what would one day be Namadgi National Park, had to be driven out, corralled or killed. It was one of the ACT park ranger's first jobs. McNamara says today rangers are always working to remove brumbies, kill wild pigs or stop hoons dumping cars and setting them alight inside the parks. "What we do as park rangers is manage that human hand." Horses are not native to Australia. They were first introduced to the alpine region in the 1800s and before long there was a feral population. The laws protecting the Cotter catchments from pollution apply only in the ACT, which means the ridge lines straddling the western border have ruins of old homes built on one side of the ridge and out houses and kitchens built on the other. People were not allowed to have any sewage or wastewater flowing into the Cotter, so it had to be piped out along the western-facing, NSW-side of the ridges. A riverbed and field damaged by brumbies in Tantangera, NSW, just south of the ACT. Earlier, standing on Mount Ginini, McNamara looked south to see a small body of water just on the horizon; it's Tantangera, NSW, where a brumby population estimated to be in its thousands has established itself. When brumbies start living in the ACT, they will be coming from Tantangera. There are no fences along the borders stopping them. Members of the Save Kosci protest, a group lobbying for the NSW government to repeal the laws protecting brumbies, have shown The Canberra Times pictures of the damage horses have done there. Healthy creeks are surrounded by tussock, lined in moss, shrubs and run clear water. The land horses had damaged was muddy, clear of moss and shrub, resembling a paddock or the backyard of a student share house. Earlier in December, in the Kosciuszko National Park, where the mountains still hold patches of snow, helicopter pilot Colin de Pagter flew over the ranges to find horses. His chopper startled a small group of brumbies a stallion, a mare and a gangly foal and they fled from the drum of the rotor blades. "Just three ridges over from here is Thredbo," de Pagter said. Kosciuszko Park's brumby population is estimated to be about 6000, maybe closer to 7000, and scientists have previously said the population would have to be reduced to 600 to save the Snowy Mountains. Wild horses - brumbies - flee from a helicopter in Kosciuszko National Park. Credit:Finbar O'Mallon De Pagter, the chief pilot for the Jindabyne based HeliSurveys, does surveying work for the NSW and ACT government as well as other organisations. He said he risked losing business with the NSW government for speaking out but said he had a gutful of the lack of action on removing brumbies from Kosciuszko. Their effects can already be seen in sections of the park mostly accessed by the public: trampled patches by the creeks, horse manure on the paths. The ecosystem in the park is so delicate, visitors are asked to not answer nature's call near the glacial lakes in case the nutrients in their waste irreparably pollute the water. In the park's south, De Pagter landed his helicopter where the CoWombat Track crossed the NSW and Victorian border. HeliSurveys chief pilot Colin de Pagter stands over a damaged section of grassland. Credit:Finbar O'Mallon The clearing was a picture of Namadgi's bleak future under brumby control. It was muddy, the creek and the nearby Murray River were in tatters, running at barely a gurgle and the water was dirty and thick in parts with green algae. But in that same clearing four horse-proof, fenced-off sections had thick tussock growing to knee height, but still some horses had managed to get their heads through the wire to eat at outer edges. McNamara warns once the brumbies are in the Namadgi, ranger resources will have to be constantly diverted to remove horses and reduce the damage they cause. Environment minister Gentleman has made it clear the ACT will not follow NSW. Brumbies that cross the border will be shot or removed. While some may be swayed by the romanticism around wild horses, Mr Gentleman says Canberrans know what is at stake. "I believe Canberrans are quite critically aware of the danger and the importance of managing our environmental areas, particularly the pristine area of the Namadgi," he says. The same laws protecting Canberra's water supply and keeping it clean mean the capital's rangers are obligated to remove brumbies. McNamara says the romanticism around brumbies used to justify the new protections is a recent invention. Back in the 1913, a Sydney Morning Herald article refers to the "scourge" of the brumby, a few decades after Banjo Paterson's famous poem. At one point, according to the now defunct paper The Sun, in the 1940s brumbies were such a menace and attitudes were so against them, farmers advocated for the use of machine guns to thin numbers. But today, Canberrans don't have to travel to the Victorian border to get a glimpse of what hard-hoofed animals are already doing to Namadgi. McNamara stops by the roadside in Namadgi to look at large dug out patches. Feral pigs had sniffed out some roots they liked and shredded the ground to find them. ACT parks manager Brett McNamara inspects damage done by feral pigs in Namadgi. Credit:Finbar O'Mallon Damage like that destroys ground cover that holds the earth together and without it, when it rains, the water carries the loose topsoil into the rivers. Mother to four and grandmother to 14, there's nothing Bibi Amsteins loves more than her family. "They are the most wonderful things in the world. You can be exhausted, you can be sick, and they still love you with their beautiful little smiles," said Amsteins. For 22 years she's been the carer of her 40-year-old son Eddie, who in 1996 became paralysed. Bibi Amsteins, receives a free mattress from Ben Riddles of Bloody Good Mattresses. Credit:Elesa Kurtz It's people like Amsteins who local businessman Ben Riddles wants to recognise in his Unsung Heroes project. Several large public housing sites across Canberra could be sold off under the ACT government's second-tranche redevelopment of another 1000 public housing dwellings, potentially including the Kanangra Court flats and Ainslie Village. Others could be redeveloped along similar lines to two sites in Gungahlin. The Kanangra Court flats on Ainslie Avenue are among several large public housing sites that could be sold off after July next year. Credit:The Canberra Times While Housing Minister Yvette Berry has released scant detail of how the next stage of the public housing renewal program will work, it will likely see some large sites sold off, while contracts could be used to ensure a certain number of affordable dwellings on redeveloped sites. Beyond the government's existing redevelopment program of 1288 public housing flats, the new program is set to cost up to $100 million, but the government aims to recoup the costs of this tranche through sales of existing public housing sites. Who would have thought sharing an embassy would be so difficult? Land in Canberra is scarce. Public money is tight so why not put two ambassadors of friendly nations under the same roof? But when Estonia and Finland had the brain wave, they found the way blocked by the bureaucracy of the Australian Capital Territory. Estonian ambassador Andres Unga, left, and Finnish ambassador Lars Backstrom in their shared embassy. Credit:Lawrence Atkin In the end, the law had to be changed to allow the diplomatic co-existence in the elegant, modern Finnish-designed building on Darwin Avenue in Yarralumla. Back in northern Europe, the two countries are neighbours, albeit ones separated by 87 kilometres of Baltic sea. They speak similar languages. Their peoples have similar sets of attitudes, no doubt formed by nights of four or five hours in summer and days of only four or five hours in winter. Brisbane beachgoers were trapped in traffic towards the Sunshine and Gold Coast on Thursday, but conditions began to ease in the late afternoon. Apart from a few hot spots on the Bruce Highway, motorists heading from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast would make the trip in just over 1 hours, Australian Traffic Networks Ben Mihan said. There was heavy traffic on the Bruce Highway at Glass House Mountains earlier on Thursday. Credit:Department Transport and Main Roads Paramedics were called to a three vehicle crash on Bribie Island Road just after 4pm. Mr Mihan said the crash had caused big delays in both directions and roads had been closed in both directions. Queensland university students will soon be able to catch waves and explore surf culture on the Sunshine Coast as part of their official study. Environmental science, management and tourism students at the University of the Sunshine Coast can now enrol in a course called Geography of Surfing as part of their degrees. It covers the economical benefits surfing brings to Noosa and includes a significant focus on fieldwork. Dr Javier Leon (pictured) said students would be attaching GPS tracking devices and other tools to measure waves and water temperatures at Noosa. Credit:KJ Locket The course will be offered at the university for the first time next month, with the hope of assisting surfers and the economy. Surfonomics surveys will also aim to help students understand the profiles and expenditure of surfers in the area useful knowledge for local businesses. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Synopsis Data governance is a control system that validate that the data admittance by mechanised process encounters exact standards, for instance a business rule and data integrity restraints in the data model. The data governor procedures data quality observing against production data to communicate inaccuracies in data back to operational team members for remedial action. Data governance states to the general management of the accessibility, safety and, usability of the data active in an enterprise. Data governance is a set of practices that guarantees that important data assets are properly managed all over the enterprise. Data governance increases the confidence and consistency in the decision making within the organization, it also helps in maximizing the income generation potential of the data and minimizing the re work. The demand for Data governance is witnessing exponential progress, primarily because nearly every technological domain necessitates well distributed managed services. The services being offered must fit seamlessly into the customers location. The requirement to meet the regulations & agreement has driven the market for the data governance, organizations needs to improve and endure the strategic risk management it has also powered the growth of the data governance solutions. The data governance requires the varying structure of regulatory policies and data address validation which are the major constraints of the data governance solution and services. The issues related to the quality is also the major restraining factor of the data governance. The prominent players in the Data Governance Market are- Alation Inc.(U.S.) ,Data3Sixty Inc.(U.S.) and Reltio Inc. (U.S.), Global Data Excellence (Switzerland), Magnitude Software, Inc.(U.S.), Informatica (U.S.), SAP SE(Germany), Alfresco Software Inc.(U.S.), International Business Machines(IBM)(U.S.), and Symantec Corporation(U.S.) among others. Get Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2362 Data Governance Market Segmentation: The Global Data Governance market has been segmented on the basis of, Components, Function, deployment, Application Industry and geography. On the basis of Components, the Data Governance market is segmented as, Solution, Services, Support maintenance. Data Governance Segmented on the basis Function Operations & IT, Legal, Finance. Data Governance segmented on the basis of Deployment such as On Premise and On Cloud. On the basis of Organization Data Governance market is segmented by Applications Sales and Marketing, Product and process management, Risk Management and among others. On the basis of Industry Data Governance market segmented into IT and Telecom Retail, Financial Services, Healthcare, Government and among others. On the basis of geography, it has been segmented in North America, Europe, Asia pacific, and Rest of the World. Regional Analysis: North America is probable to grasp the major market share and lead the data governance market in the estimated period, due to a huge investment in cloud-based solutions, initial adoption of developing technologies, and a huge number of players present in this region. The APAC market is expected to see exponential growth and is foreseeable to be the most promising region for the data governance market. This is attributable to the rising necessity to follow compliance and regulations being defined by regulatory bodies and organizations region. The operations & IT market dominated the Europe data governance market by function and would remain to be a leading market till the forecast period. Browse Full Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/data-governance-market-2362 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com With the holiday season creating both a spike in demand and a decline in supply, a campaign is underway to get more people to donate their blood. If I can call Victorians to do one thing ... it is to give the gift of life, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said as she helped launch the Australian Red Cross Blood Service holiday campaign at the Melbourne CBD Blood Donor Centre on Thusday. Cordelia (left) and Jennifer Purse, 64 (right) donate blood at the Melbourne CBD Blood Donor Centre on Thursday. By donating blood, youre potentially helping save the lives of cancer patients, babies and road trauma victims. Typically during the holiday season while people are away on holidays they tend to miss their appointments and not turn up. A Melbourne home owner has said she was told to take precautions each morning before drinking from her taps after lead was discovered in her water at levels more than 10 times the Australian guidelines. The South Yarra resident recently arranged to have the water exiting her meter tested by her supplier after the water had sat there overnight. Every Australian household is encouraged to flush their taps every morning., Credit:Vince Caligiuri Joanna, 51, who did not want to be identified, said tests came back with a lead reading of more than 10 times the allowable limit of 10 micrograms a litre, and remained slightly higher than the limit following a period of flushing. The case highlights a little-publicised recommendation for Australians to run taps used for drinking for 30 seconds each morning before use, and controversy around standards that still allow lead to be used in plumbing products. Melbourne energy retailer Sumo has admitted advertising cheaper rates to sign up new customers before increasing electricity prices without warning several months into a contract. In correspondence with an account holder who complained about a 70 per cent increase to the rate he had signed up for, not flagged until he received his first bill, a Sumo "customer solution specialist" said offering honeymoon rates to lure new customers was commonplace. "It is common for retailers to offer 'acquisition' rates to new customers in order to entice people to sign up," the Sumo employee wrote. "The rates are then subject to change at any time. This can occur soon after sign up, or after several months." The company has said previously it could push up rates at any time, to cover extra costs, but does not appear to have admitted publicly before that it was using lower deals to lure new customers before increasing tariffs after they had signed up. A man accused of peering into people's letterboxes while brandishing a machete has been apprehended by police atop a house roof in East Victoria Park. Kensington Police have charged a 25-year-old Gosnells man after a report was received a man was riding a bicycle on Hubert Street and looking into letterboxes. A man has been arrested by police on a house roof in East Victoria Park Police will allege officers attempted to speak to the man before he ran away and climbed onto the roof of a nearby home. He was confronted by police on the roof, before he was apprehended without incident. After dipping a toe in the world of public relations with a Twitter account, the Australian Signals Directorate is set to take a leap in the direction of transparency, with plans to publish a two-volume history of the agency. While Defence has been intercepting communications since World War II, under names like the Defence Signals Branch or the Defence Signals Division, the organisation has only existed as a separate statutory agency since July this year. Australian Signals Directorate boss Mike Burgess, pictured when he was chief of information security at Telstra. Credit:Ben Rushton Since then its director-general Mike Burgess gave an address titled "coming out from the shadows" and the agency's first tweet joked "Hi internet, ASD here. Long time listener, first time caller". Now tender documents reveal the agency is considering spending between $500,000 and $2 million on creating the books, with an outsider to be brought into the fold to tell the stories that have been kept under wraps. According to the release for tender, the newly separate agency wants to "increase its public profile". Moscow: Russia has conducted a final test of a nuclear-capable glider that flies at 20 times the speed of sound, President Vladimir Putin said, and is invulnerable to interception. The weapon would be added to the country's arsenal next year, he said. Putin described the successful test, in which the glider was launched from a site in south-western Russia toward a target on the Kamchatka Peninsula more than 3500 miles away, as a "wonderful, perfect New Year's gift for the country." Vladimir Putin surrounded by military and civilian chiefs oversees the test launch of the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle. Credit:AP The fanfare surrounding the test it led the TV news, and state media reported that Putin gave the launch order underscores how central nuclear sabre-rattling has become to the Kremlin's effort to depict Russia as a global superpower for audiences at home and abroad. Washington: Natural disasters cost $220 billion this year according to the Zurich-based reinsurance company Swiss Re. The United States, which was hit particularly hard, suffered through Hurricanes Michael and Florence, the California wildfires and Hawaii's volcano eruption, all of which are on the list of the most expensive global disasters of 2018. A firefighter runs while trying to save a home as a wildfire tears through Lakeport, California. Credit:AP "Like last year, the losses from the 2018 series of events highlight the increasing vulnerability of the ever-growing concentration of humans and property values on coastlines and in the urban-wildlife interface," Swiss Re said in its report. "The very presence of human and property assets in areas such as these means extreme weather conditions can quickly turn into catastrophe events in terms of losses inflicted." Today, MADD issued the following statement regarding the crash that claimed the life of Louisville Metro Police Detective Deidre Mengedoht on Christmas Eve: Louisville, KY December 26, 2018; MADD is devastated by the senseless death of Louisville Metro Police Detective Deidre Mengedoht, whose car was hit by a driver who reportedly displayed signs of impairment and told officers he had taken multiple prescription drugs. This horrific crash is another reminder of the tragic loss of life caused by impaired driving, and of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day while protecting their communities. MADD Kentucky stands ready to provide support to Detective Mengedohts family, friends and our longtime partners at the Louisville Metro Police Department during this difficult time. MADD Kentucky provides free advocacy and support to those impacted by impaired driving. Please call 502-871-4210 to speak to an advocate. About Mothers Against Drunk Driving Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nations largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save nearly 380,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADDs Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD. Nissan Senior Management Change for North America Yokohama, Japan December 20, 2018; To meet the demands of an increasingly competitive North American market, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Hiroto Saikawa and Nissan North America Chairman Denis Le Vot have announced Nissan Latin America Chairman Jose Valls is appointed vice chairman, Nissan North America, in charge of U.S. sales and marketing, effective January 2, 2019. "Jose's experience will prove valuable as we execute our plans to deliver sustainable retail growth in line with Nissan's global strategy," said Denis Le Vot. "We are continuing to strengthen the Nissan brand with the introduction of new products such as the KICKS subcompact crossover and the all-new 2019 Altima, which are driving retail growth." Valls will continue to lead the Latin America region until his replacement is announced. For the North America role, Valls will report to Le Vot. "While the North American market has presented quite a challenge, we are fortunate to be able to draw support from across our global network from leaders such as Jose Valls," said Hiroto Saikawa. Valls assumed his current role in January 2014. He joined Nissan in April 2011 as regional vice president, Commercial Division, Nissan Mexicana, and he was promoted to president and managing director, Nissan Mexicana in April 2012. Prior to that he worked for other major automotive manufacturers in sales operations, fleet and commercial, distribution, dealer development, product development and portfolio management. Valls holds a bachelor's degree in public accounting from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Santa Maria in Argentina and a master's degree in management from the University of California, Berkeley. About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2017, the company sold 5.77 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.9 trillion yen. On April 1, 2017, the company embarked on Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, a six-year plan targeting a 30% increase in annualized revenues to 16.5 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2022, along with cumulative free cash flow of 2.5 trillion yen. As part of Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, the company plans to extend its leadership in electric vehicles, symbolized by the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, the Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi is today the world's largest automotive partnership, with combined sales of more than 10.6 million vehicles in calendar year 2017. Mazda Production and Sales Results for November 2018 TOKYO, Dec, 26 2018 - Mazda Motor Corporation's production and sales results for November 2018 are summarized below. I. Production 1. Domestic Production Mazda's domestic production volume in November 2018 increased 1.9% year on year due to increased production of passenger and commercial vehicles. [Domestic production of key models in November 2018] CX-5: 40,038 units (down 9.2% year on year) CX-3: 14,746 units (up 16.2%) Mazda6 (Atenza): 11,256 units (up 38.8%) 2. Overseas Production Mazda's overseas production volume in November 2018 decreased 11.3% year on year due to decreased production of passenger vehicles. [Overseas production of key models in November 2018] Mazda3: 18,534 units (down 28.8% year on year) Mazda2: 12,007 units (up 20.5%) CX-4: 6,507 units (down 14.1%) II. Domestic sales Mazda's domestic sales volume in November 2018 increased 37.1% year on year due to increased sales of passenger vehicles. Mazda's registered vehicle market share was 5.4% (up 1.5 points year on year), with a 1.8% share of the micro-mini segment (down 0.2 points) and a 4.1% total market share (up 0.9 points). [Domestic sales of key models in November 2018] CX-5: 5,186 units (up 64.6% year on year) Mazda2 (Demio): 3,173 units (up 73.3%) CX-8: 1,978 units (up 176.6%) III. Exports Mazda's export volume in November 2018 increased 6.1% year on year due to increased shipments to Europe, Oceania and other regions. [Exports of key models in November 2018] CX-5: 37,524 units (down 2.8% year on year) CX-3: 14,901 units (up 43.4%) Mazda6: 10,261 units (up 41.5%) About Mazda Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Cabinet Lock Market 2018 Industry Research Report provide the details about the Industry Overview and analysis about Cost Structure, Sales Revenue, Sales Volume, Gross Margin and Sale Price, Major Manufacturers, Industry Chain Structure, New Project SWOT Analysis with Development Trends and Forecasts 2023. For Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/711296 Cabinet Lock Industry Report 2018 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Cabinet Lock industry. The report provides a basic overview of the market status and forecast of the global major regions, with introduction of vendors, regions, product types and end industries. Top Key Players analyzed in Global Cabinet Lock Market are - Illinois Lock Company Bai Fu Co., Ltd(ARMSTRONG) Vijayan Lock ArmStrong ASSA-Abloy Master Lock Hafele Lowe & Fletcher(Euro-Locks) Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins. Global Cabinet Lock Industry 2018 Market Research Report is spread across 103 pages and provides exclusive vital statistics, data, information, trends and competitive landscape details in this niche sector. Order Copy of this Report 2018 @ https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/711296 Market Segment by Application Residential Commercial The main contents of the report including: Cabinet Lock Market Section 1: Product definition, type and application, Global market overview; Section 2: Global Market competition by company; Section 3: Global sales revenue, volume and price by type; Section 4: Global sales revenue, volume and price by application; Section 5: United States export and import; Section 6: Company information, business overview, sales data and product specifications; Section 7: Industry chain and raw materials; Section 8: SWOT and Porter's Five Forces; Section 9: Conclusion. Inquire more about this report @ https://www.orianresearch.com/enquiry-before-buying/711296 . Major Points from Table of Contents 1 Market Overview 2 Global and Regional Markets by Company 3 Global and Regional Markets by Type 4 Global and Regional Markets by Application 5 Regional Trades 6 Key Manufacturers 7 Industries Upstream Continue ............. List of Tables and Figures ... .. About Us Orian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our Repository Reports of Over 500,000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients with access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicated research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients. Contact Us: Ruwin Mendez Vice President - Global Sales & Partner Relations Orian Research Consultants US: +1 (415) 830-3727 | UK: +44 020 8144-71-27 Email: info@orianresearch.com Website: www.orianresearch.com/ Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/13281002/ ALL-NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER WILL BE FOR SALE IN U.S. AND CANADA STARTING IN 2020 Mahwah, New Jersey (December 27, 2018) Land Rover North America today announced something to celebrate in the New Year, the next-generation Land Rover Defender will be offered for sale in both the U.S. and Canada, starting in 2020. Testing of the new vehicle is already underway around the world with the first development mules and prototypes reaching North American shores earlier this month. Testing on the continent provides valuable data to engineers given the wide variety of terrain and surfaces available in America. Engineers will subject the vehicle to rigorous test extremes to make sure the new Defender is the most off-road capable Land Rover vehicle ever; operating in temperatures from -40F to +120F while driving the test vehicles on- and off-road at altitudes of more than 13,000 feet above sea level. There are a handful of automobiles that are beloved around the world and stand for a brand, a country and a distinct way of life. The Land Rover Defender is such a singular vehicle," said Kim McCullough, Vice President of Marketing for Jaguar Land Rover North America. "On behalf of Land Rover and our retailers, we are proud to announce the voices of American and Canadian customers has been heard: The all new Defender will be for sale here starting in 2020. This announcement is a holiday gift to our Defender fans in North America and a hint of whats to come in the New Year. Series Land Rover vehicles have garnered a cult-like following for both their iconic design and reputation for rugged go-anywhere utility, making them among the worlds most capable off-road vehicles. In the time since they were sold in the U.S. and Canada, NAS-Spec Defender vehicles have appreciated in value significantly and are widely sought after as collectors items for both off-road enthusiasts and those who appreciate the design aesthetic of the vehicle. The Series Land Rover vehicles havent changed much since the idea for the first model was dreamed up shortly after World War II by the Wilks brothers on the shores of Red Wharf Bay, Wales, more than 70 years ago. With each successive design from the Series 1, 2, and 3 Land Rover vehicles, to the later Defender branded vehicles changes were largely evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. Even the design of the previous generation Defender remained largely unchanged for the 33 years it was produced. Instantly recognizable by its rugged squared-off exterior, round headlights and signature rear-mounted spare tire, the Defender and all Series Land Rover vehicles have been lauded the world over; driven by farmers, military and police, celebrities, and even royalty. By one measure, its estimated that a Series Land Rover was the first automobile many of the worlds population ever saw in person. With an all-new exterior and interior design, as well as a suite of the latest driver assistance and connectivity features available, the next-generation Defender will be a revolutionary product for Land Rover with even broader public appeal. When it debuts in 2019, the new model will represent 70 years of innovation and improvement in just one model year; honoring the models history for rugged durability, while thoroughly remaining a Defender for the 21st century. All will be revealed in 2019. Felipe Alonzo-Gomez. Photo: Catarina Gomez/AP On Christmas Eve, an 8-year-old boy from Guatemala, later identified as Felipe Alonzo-Gomez, died in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He is the second child to die while being held by CBP this month. According to the agency, Felipe and his father were apprehended near the border on December 18; after that, they were moved around to a number of border stations. During their weeklong detention, Felipe became increasingly feverish and nauseated, and on December 24, he was taken to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a common cold, given Tylenol and amoxicillin, and then released back into CBP custody. Several hours later, after his symptoms worsened, agents decided to take him back to the hospital. Soon after arrival, Felipe was pronounced dead from what an autopsy later revealed to be the flu. Felipes death comes just weeks after another migrant child, 7-year-old Jakeline Caal, died while being held by CBP, igniting national outrage over the conditions in which migrants are being held. The Department of Homeland Security insists it did everything it could to help the girl a message its echoing once again in response to Felipes death. Below, heres everything we know so far. The boy was traveling with his father from Guatemala. Felipes father, Agustin Gomez, said that he and his son had traveled approximately 2,000 miles from their home in Nenton, a village west of Guatemala City, in an interview with the Guatemalan consul in Phoenix. Once in the U.S., the Associated Press reports that the family was planning to settle in Johnson City, Tennessee. We heard rumors that they could pass [into the United States], Catarina Gomez Lucas, Felipes 21-year-old stepsister, told HuffPost. They said they could pass with the children. The boy started vomiting after being taken into custody. Per a timeline released by CBP, Felipe and his father were apprehended on December 18 for illegal entry in El Paso, Texas, about three miles north of the Paso del Norte port, where they were transferred later that day. Two days later, they were taken to the El Paso Border Patrol Station, and then later to the Alamogordo Border Patrol Station in New Mexico. On the morning of December 24, a border agent noted that Felipe had glossy eyes and was coughing, and he was admitted to Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo, where he was diagnosed with a common cold and provided with Tylenol. While being evaluated for release a few hours later, the boy was still reportedly running a 103-degree fever, so he was given ibuprofen and amoxicillin, and then released. Later that evening, Felipe appeared lethargic and nauseous again, so agents decided to take the boy and his father back to the hospital, per CBP. On the way to Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center, Felipe reportedly vomited and lost consciousness; once at the hospital, he was pronounced dead. Throughout Felipe and his fathers week in detention, CBP maintains that both were provided showers, food, and water, and were given regular welfare checks. As border reporter Bob Moore notes, however, Felipe was held in custody for more than 130 hours which is nearly twice as long as legally permitted. Important to note the child was in CBP custody more than 130 hours, almost twice as long as allowed under court orders. 7/ Bob Moore (@BobMooreNews) December 26, 2018 Before the autopsy reports came back, doctors told CNN that they wouldve tested Felipe for influenza, as he was showing multiple symptoms. On December 28, the autopsy revealed that Felipe had in fact died from the flu. Were right in the middle of the flu season, and when a patient has respiratory symptoms and fever, we need to think of flu first, said Dr. Flor Munoz, an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, adding that Felipes death could have been prevented. Alonzo-Gomez is the second migrant child to die in U.S. custody this past month. On December 13, U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed to the Washington Post that a 7-year-old migrant girl, Jakelin Caal, had died in its custody from septic shock, fever, and dehydration. According to reports, officials ignored her father when he reported that she was ill, and she was denied care for an hour-and-a-half. Her fever was later charted at 105.9 degrees, and she had multiple seizures before she died. Like Felipe, Jakelin was traveling from Guatemala with her father; she also died in the El Paso Border Patrol Sector. NBC News confirms this is Jakelin Amei Rosmery Caal Maquin, the 7 year old girl who died in Border Patrol custody. pic.twitter.com/76BmoQhDEm Jacob Soboroff (@jacobsoboroff) December 14, 2018 Following Jakelins death, Cynthia Pompa of ACLU Border Rights Center released a statement demanding a rigorous investigation into how this tragedy happened and serious reforms to prevent future deaths none of which came in time to save Felipe. CBP is reviewing some of its policies in response to this months deaths. On the night of December 25, CBP Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan released a statement in which he promised that CBP will make policy changes and perform medical checks on all of the children in its care, with particular focus upon care and custody of children under 10 both at intake and beyond 24 hours in custody. In a press conference on Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security failed to take any responsibility for what happened to Felipe while he was in custody, instead laying the blame on Congress for alleged inaction, and immigrants-rights groups and cartels for [encouraging] these groups to enter the country illegally. We have called repeatedly, incessantly and often for Congress and the courts to take action we are doing all that we can to handle this flood as humanely as possible, said a Homeland Security official, per the Daily Beast. Immigrants-rights groups are demanding answers. Hours after reports of Felipes death emerged, the ACLU and the ACLU Border Rights Center condemned the horrific tragedy at the hands of CBP, and demanded that the immigration agency be held accountable. Another child has died in Border Patrol custody in just one month, ACLU Border Rights Center tweeted on Tuesday. CBPs long history of abuse and cruelty will continue absent robust reforms, transparency, and accountability for the USs largest law enforcement agency. This is a horrific tragedy. CBP must be held accountable and stopped from jailing children. The next Congress should make an investigation into @DHSgov one of its first items on the agenda. https://t.co/FztLZzR75G ACLU (@ACLU) December 25, 2018 The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) echoed the ACLUs sentiments, but with more focus on CBPs belated policy changes, which the Texas nonprofit argues shouldve already been routine. It took the deaths of two children in one month for thissomething that should be routine. Its not b/c our system intentionally dehumanizes migrants to stop more coming. Every tale of a hielera or months detained by ICE stops someone seeking asylum. Every death is a deterrent. https://t.co/cSey42Zhwa RAICES (@RAICESTEXAS) December 26, 2018 This report has been updated. Stay in touch. Get the Cut newsletter delivered daily Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Campaign Headlamp Market 2018 Industry Research Report provide the details about Industry Overview and analysis about Cost Structure, Sales Revenue, Sales Volume, Gross Margin and Sale Price, Major Manufacturers, Industry Chain Structure, New Project SWOT Analysis with Development Trends and Forecasts 2023. For Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/711297 Camping Headlamp Industry Report 2018 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Camping Headlamp industry. The report provides a basic overview of the market status and forecast of the global major regions, with introduction of vendors, regions, product types and end industries. Top Key Players Analyzed at Global Camping Headlamp Market are - Princeton Tec Petzl Nitecore Energizer Black Diamond GRDE Coast Shining Buddy Thorfire Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins. Global Camping Headlamp Industry 2018 Market Research Report is spread across 103 pages and provides exclusive vital statistics, data, information, trends and competitive landscape details in this niche sector. Order Copy of this Report 2018 @ https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/711297 Market Segment by Application Camping Hiking Trekking Mountaineering Others The main contents of the report including: Camping Headlamp Market Section 1: Product definition, type and application, Global market overview; Section 2: Global Market competition by company; Section 3: Global sales revenue, volume and price by type; Section 4: Global sales revenue, volume and price by application; Section 5: United States export and import; Section 6: Company information, business overview, sales data and product specifications; Section 7: Industry chain and raw materials; Section 8: SWOT and Porter's Five Forces; Section 9: Conclusion. Inquire more about this report @ https://www.orianresearch.com/enquiry-before-buying/711297 . Major Points from Table of Contents 1 Market Overview 2 Global and Regional Markets by Company 3 Global and Regional Markets by Type 4 Global and Regional Markets by Application 5 Regional Trades 6 Key Manufacturers 7 Industries Upstream Continue ............. List of Tables and Figures ... .. About Us Orian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our Repository Reports of Over 500,000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients with access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicated research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients. Contact Us: Ruwin Mendez Vice President - Global Sales & Partner Relations Orian Research Consultants US: +1 (415) 830-3727 | UK: +44 020 8144-71-27 Email: info@orianresearch.com Website: www.orianresearch.com/ Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/13281002/ 2 Victims of Christmas Plane Crash in South Dakota Have Been Identified Two deaths have been confirmed after a plane crashed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The plane crashed around 5 p.m. on Dec. 25 in the backyards of some Sioux Falls residents. Captain Loren McManus of the South Dakota Police Department (SDPD) confirmed the second death on Dec. 26 in an interview with The Epoch Times. The victims have since been identified as well-known Sioux Falls philanthropist couple Vaughn and JoAnn Meyer, both 68, who were the only two passengers on the plane. The Minnehaha County coroner made the positive identification on Dec. 26, reported AP. According to public records, Vaughn, a plastic surgeon, was the owner of the 1980 Beechcraft 58P involved in the crash. He was also a licensed pilot, reported the Argus Leader. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been contacted and two of their contracted companies will now work to collect the wreckage, although the collection date is yet to be confirmed. A team of SDPD officers will monitor the wreckage until they receive further instructions from the NTSB. Ball of Fire on Christmas Day When Sioux Falls Fire Rescue (SFFR) arrived on the scene, they immediately saw heavy smoke, intense heat, and flames coming from the backyard of 4209 and 4213 South Birchwood Avenue, according to the SDPDs press release on Dec. 26. Jim Lang, a resident of the neighborhood, described hearing something like an accelerating vehicle running down his block, until he looked outside and saw a yellow ball of fire, reported AP. The whole ground just shook something had crashed; I didnt know if it was a car but as we got closer it looked like it was a planeit looked like a plane that probably crashed in my neighbors backyard. Other families like Kimberly Bechtold-Ericksons were enjoying pie and coffee after their Christmas dinner when they heard the planes loud engine approaching. Still in shock and disbelief after seeing this happen tonight. We were at my dad's house which is about 100 yards from the crash. We heard the plane and looked out dining room window just as the explosion happened. Prayers to the family and many thanks to the first responders. #eastsideplanecrash #planecrash #siouxfalls. https://youtu.be/hjdi3XO94Cc Video credit Chris Smith Kimberly Bechtold-Erickson 20181225 Just at that time, we felt the house shake and heard a loud explosion and the entire view from the window was filled [with] flames from a fireball, Bechtold-Erickson said in an interview with The Epoch Times. After hearing the loud crash, some family members thought it sounded like a plane nose-diving but Kimberly didnt expect that this was really what had happened. Unsure of what the explosion meant for their neighbors, the family immediately ran outside to see if anyone needed help. It was a very sad day and a Christmas that we wont ever forget, she said. Damage from the Crash The SFFR were able to quickly contain the most intense parts of the fire and then started to make their way into four properties on which the plane had landed to evacuate any people still inside. Fortunately, the families in all the affected homes were able to escape immediately. Both homes 4209 and 4213 sustained some structural damage, and light to moderate fire damage but no bystanders or firefighters were hurt during the incident. The next morning on Dec. 26, McManus said that the two families of the homes that sustained structural damage have yet to return to their respective property. Check out these photos sent in by the daughter of one of the homeowners affected by last night's plane crash. Watch https://t.co/cv9ftEJ7uZ live at 10:30 for an update on the incident: https://t.co/ES6jgKgoU7 pic.twitter.com/EMeW7Rt5mI ArgusLeader911 (@Argus911) December 26, 2018 This is the second fatal plane crash this year in South Dakota. A Cessna airplane crash occurred on Nov. 2 in Bradly, South Dakotaabout 2 hours away from Sioux Falls. Only the planes operator, John Shoemaker, 47, was killed in that crash, according to The Rapid City Journal. The airplane crashed nose-first into a farm area and caused a post-crash fire, according to the NTSB. A witness near the crash site described the noise as an airplane that seemed to climb and descend twice, followed by a loud noise. Watch Next: SpyGateCollusion Scandal bigger than Watergate [Part 1/2] Those Involved to Take Down Trump Americas most powerful agencies were weaponized against President Donald Trump in a collusion scandal perpetrated by top officials in the #Obama administration. 3 Men Charged in 2017 Mass Shooting at Ohio Gender Reveal Party for Woman Who Wasnt Pregnant Three men were arrested in the July 2017 shooting at an Ohio gender reveal party for a woman who was later found out to be lying about her pregnancy. Roshawn Bishop, 28, James Echols, 23, and Michael Sanon, 21, were charged on 22 counts, including murder, aggravated assault, and animal cruelty, reported The Associated Press. The gunfire broke out at a Colerain Township in southern Ohio, killing 22-year-old Autum Garrett, of Indiana. Three children and a dog were shot. Police later determined the shooting was targeted and a drug-related incident after multiple witnesses were connected to drug rings, AP reported. GENDER REVEAL PARTY SHOOTING: Three men were charged in a shooting that left one person dead and eight wounded at a gender reveal party for a woman who wasn't pregnant. https://abc7.ws/2ETwBUW ABC 7 Chicago 20181227 Officials said an investigation took nearly 18 months to produce arrests because detectives looked into a number of false leads. Uncooperative witnesses gave them false information that hindered the investigation, no doubt, said Colerain Township Police Chief Mark Denney. From the very beginning of this investigation, we met significant resistance that is uncommon from victims of crime wanting a resolution, Denney was quoted by the Cincinnati Enquirer as saying. The party was being held for 21-year-old Cheyanne Willis, who said she suffered a miscarriage after being shot in the leg. Investigators learned she wasnt actually pregnant. Garrett, the slain woman, was Williss cousin. Her husband and two children were injured. Police did not say whether Garrett or her family had connections to any drug activity, saying it was likely a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Another 8-year-old boy was also wounded. Morgan Bradley, 24, Elijah Clemons, 26, and Lori White, 51, were also shot. The armed men entered a home where about a dozen people were staying to watch a movie. They entered through an unlocked door and opened fire before leaving the scene. There were a lot of things we initially believed that turned out not to be true, said Denney, according to the Enquirer. From the very beginning of this investigation, we met significant resistance that is uncommon from victims of crime wanting a resolution, Denney said. Willis was involved in an incident on Christmas Eve in 2015 near a shopping mall. She was beaten and her hair was cut off, and her attacker wrote something on her face. The video was posted on social media, the Enquirer reported. 3 arrested in gender reveal party shootings Roshawn Bishop, 28 James Echols, 23 Michael Sanon, 21 All face charges for the murder of Autumn Garrett, 22, of Indiana, and the shooting of eight others July 9, 2017 on Capstan Drive in Colerain Township.https://t.co/8UDIaxdcQL CTA513 (@CTA513) December 27, 2018 A man and a woman were arrested, but a grand jury dropped the charges. Clemons was convicted in the past on drug charges. He was accused of pointing a gun at a woman who was changing a babys diaper two months before he was shot in the home, but he was not indicted by a grand jury, the paper reported. Violent Crime Down? The FBI said that both violent crime and property crime decreased in 2017 compared to 2016. Overall violent crime decreased 0.2 percent from 2016 to last year, while property crime decreased 3 percent during that time, the agency said in September, releasing data from the previous year. There were more than 1.2 million violent crimes reported to UCR nationwide in 2017. There was a 0.7 percent decrease in murders and a 4 percent decrease in robberies from 2016 to 2017. Aggravated assaults increased 1 percent in 2017. The FBI began collecting data solely on an updated rape definition last year, and 135,755 rapes were reported to law enforcement in 2017, the FBI said in its report. President Donald J. Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump, visits U.S. troops at their dining hall Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at the Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) After False Reports on Trumps Troop Visit, Media Pivot to Negative Coverage News Analysis With hours left before midnight on Christmas Day, NBC News pulled the trigger on a story suggesting, falsely and without evidence, that President Donald Trump had broken with years of tradition by not visiting with U.S. troops at Christmas. Hours later, the president was aboard Air Force One en route to Iraq. He landed the next day at the Al Asad Airbase, where military personnel greeted him at a hall decorated for Christmas. Although the presidents unannounced visit relegated the story to the fake news category, NBC continues to stand by its report, relying on the vocabulary definition of Christmastime. Meanwhile, instead of covering the heartwarming occasion of the commander-in-chiefs Christmas visit to a war zone, CNN ran an entire report suggesting that soldiers may have broken a military rule by bringing Make America Great Again hats for Trump to sign during the visit. CNN will attack anyone who supports President Trump, including the brave men and women of our military who fight every day to protect our freedom, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders wrote on Twitter on Dec. 27 referencing the CNN report. Not to be outdone, Newsweek reported that the White House allegedly revealed the deployment of a Navy SEAL team in Iraq by including footage of the president and First Lady Melania Trump posing with the team in a video posted on Twitter. Neither the CNN nor the Newsweek reports offer solid evidence for the claims, relying instead on pundits and unidentified sources. Fake, or more commonly, negative reports continue to be a mainstay of network news coverage of Trump. Network news-coverage studies by the Media Research Center consistently show that about 90 percent of the reports on the president are negative. The Christmastime visits are a recent tradition. President Barack Obama visited troops in Hawaii every year for eight years as part of his vacation, according to NBC. The vacations cost taxpayers an estimated $35 million, according to the Washington Times. President Donald Trump (C), Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin (2nd R), Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (R), White House Chief of Staff John Kelly (L), assistant to the president Peter Navarro (2nd L), national security adviser John Bolton (3rd L), and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hold a dinner meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (not pictured) at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 1, 2018. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images) Year in Review 2018: America Goes on the Offensive Against China This was the year that the United States rewrote its relationship with China. It began with President Donald Trumps decision to tackle the Chinese regimes practice of intellectual property (IP) theft. Trump used tariffs to punish China for its longtime trade offenses and shine a spotlight on Beijings Made in China 2025 economic blueprintthe ambitious game plan for China to dominate several cutting-edge technology industries and become an advanced manufacturing powerhouse by the year 2025. But working to force China to change its trade practices was just the beginning. As Vice President Mike Pence outlined in a definitive speech at the Hudson Institute in October, Beijing deploys a whole-of-government approach, using political, economic, and military tools, as well as propaganda, to advance its influence and benefit its interests in the United States. The message was clear: The United States would no longer simply stand by as China undermined U.S. interests, on U.S. soil and abroad. Pence hinted at the all-encompassing scope of a more hardline U.S.China policy in the years ahead. Past administrations have ignored Chinas misbehavior, but those days are over, Pence said. In 2018, the Trump administration and U.S. Congressin a show of bipartisanshiptackled Chinas aggressive IP theft; espionage and influence campaigns; manufacture of the highly toxic opioid fentanyl, responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the United States annually; and expansion of geopolitical interests around the world. It was an unprecedented attempt to force China to play fair. So far, the Chinese regime has done little to convince the world that it intends to play by the rulesdespite platitudes promising to open its markets and liberalize its economy. For now, the ongoing trade row has taken a toll on an already slowing Chinese economy, putting pressure on Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his leadership to make the right compromises. A 90-day truce has commenced, with China making some concessions, such as cutting tariffs on U.S. car imports. It remains to be seen whether the Chinese regime will make fundamental changes to its economic policies that support and prop up domestic sectors to the detriment of the United States and other Western competitors. Intellectual Property This year, the Trump administration decided the United States must launch a tactical offensive to counter Chinas state-sponsored IP theft. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ensnared alleged wrongdoers in case after case of economic espionage. Most recently, on Dec. 20, two Chinese nationalsallegedly hackers working for Chinas chief intelligence agency, the Ministry of State Security (MSS)were charged with stealing IP and business data from companies around the world. The targets belonged to a large range of industries, all in fields that Beijing wants to develop aggressively. In November, the DOJ announced a bombshell case as part of a new initiative to go after Chinese espionage. Prosecutors alleged that Chinese semiconductor firm Fujian Jinhua had stolen technology from U.S. chipmaker Micron on how to manufacture advanced chips. At the same time, the Department of Commerce banned U.S. suppliers from exporting tech components to Fujian Jinhua, effectively crippling its operationsas Chinese technology firms rely heavily on foreign imports due to Chinas domestic sectors lagging in chip innovation. A man walks past a Huawei store in Beijing on Dec. 10, 2018. (GREG BAKER/AFP/Getty Images) In another rare show of force, an alleged MSS spy was extradited from Belgium, where he had been arrested, to the United States in October to face charges for running a scheme to steal trade secrets from U.S. and European aerospace companies. This is the first time an MSS official has been extradited to face trial in the United States. The Trump administration has made it clear that intellectual property is key to U.S. economic prowessand China must be confronted squarely as the latter seeks to steal valuable information through any means necessary. And as clearly outlined in the Made in China 2025 plan, China is desperate to catch up in lagging technologies and end its reliance on foreign imports, such as in semiconductor manufacturing. Amid a string of reports that China ramped up cyber attacks in recent months, the Pentagon also switched gears to tackle the China threat head-on. It unveiled a new cyberspace strategy that would more proactively stop or disrupt malicious cyber activity that harms both U.S. military and economic interests. IP theft also occurs by way of acquiring U.S. technology companies. To stymie this outflow, Congress passed a bill that would give the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United Stateswhich reviews business deals to assess national security risksmore power, including the ability to scrutinize venture-capital investments from foreign entities. Trump also notably blocked a deal by Singapore-based Broadcom to acquire U.S. chipmaking innovator Qualcomm, citing concerns that the company could end up under Chinese control. Academia The administration has also recognized that espionage happens at universities and laboratories, where Chinese scientists are aggressively recruited by the Communist Party and firms to transfer cutting-edge innovations for commercialization in China. The White House has taken steps to limit the length of stay for visas granted to Chinese nationals studying in specific fields that the Chinese regime has targeted for development, such as robotics, aviation, and high-tech manufacturing. Then the National Institutes of Health took action, first by telling research organizations across America to seek out the FBI for advice on how to detect espionage, then by warning about Chinas Thousand Talents recruitment program designed to bring top Chinese scientists and engineers working abroad back to China. Concerned about foreign governments getting their hands on important research funded by the NIH or other federal agencies, the NIH recommended changes to the peer-review process and financial disclosure forms for research projects. The Trump administration has also called out the often-overlooked issue of Chinese influence on U.S. campuses via Beijing-funded Confucius Institutes and Chinese student associations, which observers say stifle academic freedom and spread Beijings propaganda. Several lawmakers have introduced bills to restrict Confucius Institute funding. As part of the DOJs campaign, the administration is also scrutinizing Chinese-language media companies that spread Beijings propaganda on U.S. soil. The DOJ wants to make sure these media outlets register as foreign agents and openly disclose their ties. Countering OBOR Chinas signature project for expanding geopolitical influence is the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. Through financing infrastructure projects and striking trade deals, the regime has pressured countriesmost aggressively those in Southeast Asia and Africato comply with its agenda. Many countries have become debt-laden as a result of OBOR projects, and some have been forced to give up control of strategic ports and other assets when they are unable to pay up. Chinese workers build parts for an electric bus at a factory in Liaocheng, in Chinas Shandong Province, on Dec. 12, 2018. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) U.S. officials have realized they must provide an alternative. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo unveiled an Indo-Pacific strategy devoting $113 million to tech, energy, and infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia. The effort includes working with allies such as India and Japan to forge more healthy partnerships in the region. This month, national security adviser John Bolton explained that the new Africa strategy aims to boost the continents growing middle class, assist in anti-terror efforts, and encourage U.S. companies to invest in African nations. Fentanyl China is the biggest source of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid thats causing tens of thousands of deaths in the United States annually. The drug is at the heart of the current opioid addiction crisis in America. Since meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last November in Beijing, Trump has put the issue at the top of his agenda. For a long time, Chinese authorities did little to curb the manufacture of the drug within its borders. Trump persuaded Xi to control exports and share intelligence on drug trafficking. Local police and paramedics help a man who is overdosing in the Drexel neighborhood of Dayton, Ohio, on Aug. 3. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times) During the most recent trade negotiations held on the sidelines of the G-20 summit, Xi agreed to classify the drug as a controlled substance, subject to maximum penalties under Chinas criminal code. Whether any meaningful crackdown will be enforced remains to be seen. The Future From lawmakers to China scholars, top U.S. decision-makers are supporting a tougher stance on China, after decades of hoping that economic liberalization would bring greater political freedoms to China. Instead, in recent years, China has taken a sharp U-turn toward control and oppression of its own people, Pence said in his speech. Its become clear that a new approach is needed to push China to change. Vice President Mike Pence said in a speech at the Hudson Institute in October that previous administrations have ignored Chinas misbehavior, but those days are over. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) Amid a year of tough legal action, the DOJ pulled off perhaps the boldest move yet: requesting the arrest and extradition of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei. As she was about to board a flight in Vancouver, Canada, Meng was arrested on U.S. allegations that she committed bank fraud in order to skirt sanctions on Iran. Since Huawei is a key company financially supported by the Chinese regime to fulfill its tech ambitionsincluding to carry out Chinas planned global 5G rollouther arrest prompted swift, angry reactions from Beijing. Already, three Canadians have been detained in China following her arrest, with state-run media calling on Chinese citizens to boycott Canadian brands. As the daughter of Huaweis founder, Meng is one of the highest-level company executives to be ensnared by U.S. authorities in recent years. Similarly to how the United States slapped an export ban on Chinese telecoms firm (and Huawei competitor) ZTE after it failed to comply with court agreements related to its violation of Iran sanctions, Mengs prosecution could be a taste of whats to come if China continues to flagrantly ignore established international norms. This article is part of our special Year in Review series. Click here for all content. Associated Press (AP) President and CEO Gary Pruitt speaks during a National Press Club luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on June 19, 2013. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) AP Partnership With Chinese State-Run Media Xinhua Draws Congressional Concern A recently announced partnership between Chinese state-run media Xinhua and U.S-based news organization The Associated Press (AP) has members of Congress worried that Chinese propaganda could leach into U.S. media coverage and influence American readers. In a letter addressed to AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt and dated Dec. 19, a bipartisan group of 14 U.S. senators and representatives said that, unlike APs independent journalism, Xinhuas core mission is to shape public opinion in ways sympathetic to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The letter was first publicized in a Washington Post report. Aside from mentioning that Xinhua was recently compelled by the U.S. Department of Justice to register as a foreign agent with the federal government, the letter quotes a March 2018 report on Xinhuas role as an agent of influence in America, by the U.S. think tank Project 2049 Institute. Through Chinas vast media censorship and Party control, Xinhua has the ability to undermine U.S. soft power and foreign policy messaging by portraying Chinas troubling actions as justified, thereby inaccurately influencing international and domestic audiences, the report concluded. Congress members then cited a Nov. 25 report by Xinhua stating that it and AP had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, noting that the two media outlets have already partnered in areas such as applying artificial intelligence to media coverage. The AP is a not-for-profit news cooperativewhose members are U.S. newspapers and broadcastersthat provides news coverage to more 15,000 media outlets around the world, according to its website. The news of such a partnership has concerned the lawmakers about the potential effect on free press in the United States. When traditional media organizations treat state-run propaganda outlets like Xinhua as legitimate partners, it raises important questions. Such arrangements may boost the reach of outlets like Xinhua and open the door to propaganda unwittingly coloring domestic reporting, particularly with respect to coverage of China and its activities, the lawmakers wrote in the letter. They added that financial arrangements with the Chinese government could influence the ability of media outlets to report independently on China. The lawmakers sought more information on the MOU, requesting to see the exact text of the document. They also asked AP whether it had institutional protocols in place that would guard against Xinhua influencing the APs reporting? and whether Xinhua staff would have access to sensitive information that may be in the APs possession? In a request for comment, director of media relations at AP, Lauren Easton, wrote in an email: Neither Xinhua nor any other entity has any influence whatsoever over APs journalism, its editorial content or anything else. She also said Xinhua doesnt have any access to proprietary information belonging to AP. Regarding the MOU, Easton responded that it was an update of an agreement signed with Chinese state media in 1972 in order for AP to operate inside China. That agreement has no bearing on APs independence, editorial or otherwise, she said. Asked about whether the agreement touched on sharing editorial content, Easton said the two organizations have exchanged a few photos and text stories each day. She added that the MOU provided the possibility for future commercial interactions, similar to agreements AP has with other state news agencies around the world. It does not include or envision any sharing of artificial intelligence information, or any other technology. Earlier this year, AP also started a partnership with Chinas state-run broadcaster CCTV, giving clients of its video wire service access to CCTV-produced video footage. In a March press release, AP touted the quality and depth of CCTVs video news coverage, such as footage of Trumps visit to China. Xinhua Background Xinhua is directly guided by the Propaganda Department of the CCP to promote its agenda. On paper, the central government only allows Chinese news outlets to get their foreign news coverage from Xinhuawhich acts as a wire service for them, according to the New Zealand-based China scholar Anne-Marie Brady, as she wrote in her 2008 book on Chinas propaganda apparatus, Marketing Dictatorship. But Brady explains that Xinhua journalists arent just foreign correspondents. They also act as intelligence agents, producing classified reports on the latest happenings in foreign countries, for the Partys senior leadership only. The Project 2049 report further explains the different types of classified documents Xinhua produces for different level officials. In recent months, the Chinese regime has also sought to better shape international perceptions of China through its state media. That may be why Xinhua wants to legitimize its news coverage by boasting of its partnership with AP. In May 2015, Xinhuas international arm, China Xinhua News Network Corporation, ran a segment about Xinhua President Cai Mingzhous visit to the AP headquarters in New York City, where he met with Pruitt. The segment emphasized the two outlets close partnership over the years and willingness to share experiences. Authorities Launch Manhunt After Killing of Police Officer Authorities launched a manhunt Dec. 26 after a gunman shot and killed a police officer during a traffic stop in a small California town. In an alert, the California Highway Patrol said the suspect, whose name was not known, is considered to be armed and dangerous. Newman Police Officer Ronil Singh, 33, had called in the traffic stop early on Dec. 26 and a few minutes later reported shots fired over his radio, the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department said in a statement. Multiple agencies responded and found Singh with gunshot wounds. They rushed the husband and father of an infant boy to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Ground and air units were searching for the suspect based on surveillance photos taken at a convenience store shortly before the attack. The suspect was believed to be driving a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck when the shooting occurred in Newman, about 100 miles southeast of San Francisco. We have sent out information to law enforcement up and down the state, as well as outside California, said Sgt. Tom Letras said, a sheriffs spokesman. In the photos, the heavyset suspect with short dark hair is wearing a thick chain necklace. jeans, a dark hoodie and dark-colored T-shirt. Singh was a native of Fiji and had worked since July 2011 for the police department in Newman, a town of about 10,000 people. Earlier in his career, Singh worked as a deputy with the Merced County Sheriffs Department. On his Facebook page, Singh posted pictures on Christmas Eve from a deep-sea fishing trip that produced a big haul of crabs and fish. The profile picture shows him smiling as he stands at a patrol car with a dog the same photograph of the officer released by the sheriffs department. Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and a 5-month-old son, authorities said. Outgoing California Gov. Jerry Brown offered condolences to Singhs family and said flags at the Capitol would fly at half-staff in his honor. Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California, Brown said. Billionaire Apologizes for Funding Disinformation Campaign in Alabama Senate Race The billionaire LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman issued an apology on Dec. 26 for funding a disinformation campaign that tried to link a Senate candidate to Russia. The campaign targeted the 2017 United States Senate special election in Alabama. Hoffman, who is openly liberal, donated at least $7 million to Democratic groups in the last election cycle. He also donates to so-called dark money groups, which arent required to report their funding sources, such as American Engagement Technologies (AET) that is run by Mikey Dickerson, who worked in the Obama administration. AET received $750,000 from Hoffman. The organization was part of the campaign that attempted to falsely link Roy Moore, a Republican, to Russia, claiming Moores campaign for a special Senate election in Alabama was being supported by the Kremlin. Hoffman said he was not aware of the campaign. I find the tactics that have been recently reported highly disturbing. For that reason, I am embarrassed by my failure to track AETthe organization I did supportmore diligently as it made its own decisions to perhaps fund projects that I would reject, he told the Washington Post in a statement. I want to be unequivocal: there is absolutely no place in our democracy for manipulating facts or using falsehoods to gain political advantage, Hoffman said. One of the participants in the project, which was secret until recent weeks, was Jonathon Morgan, chief executive of New Knowledge. New Knowledge wrote a report about Russias social media operations in the 2016 election that was released by the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier in December. Morgan claimed the secret project was not aimed at influencing the Alabama election, which Democrat Doug Jones won by 22,000 votes to become the first Democrat in Alabama elected to the Senate in 25 years. I did not participate in any campaign to influence the public, Morgan wrote on Twitter. According to an internal report, the disinformation campaign in 2017 experimented with many of the tactics now understood to have influenced the 2016 elections, reported the New York Times. The projects operators created a Facebook page and posed as conservatives in Alabama, trying to divide Republicans and garner support for a write-in candidate to challenge Moore. The scheme also linked Moore with thousands of Russian social media accounts, which all followed Moore at the same time, drawing national attention. We orchestrated an elaborate false flag operation that planted the idea that the Moore campaign was amplified on social media by a Russian botnet, the report stated. Morgan claimed the campaign had minimal impact, but it was the subject of a presentation in September of a group of liberal-leaning technology experts who met in downtown Washington to discuss electoral tactics, according to the Post. Sen. Jones, who won the election, said he was upset to learn about the tactics. He called for a probe into the matter. It needs to not just be a congressional inquiry. People get called in front of Congress all the damn time. There needs to be a look to see if there were any laws that were broken, he told Politico. Jones admitted that the intense focus on Russia has obscured other political maneuverings such as the secret project. What is obvious now is that we have focused so much on Russia that we havent focused on the fact that people in this country could take the same playbook and do the same damn thing, Jones said. Id like to see the FEC and the Justice Department look at this and see if any laws are being violated or were violated. And if there were, do it. Go after them. From NTD News Britains Defense Secretary Has Deep Concerns Over Huawei Role in 5G Network LONDONBritains defense secretary has said he has grave and very deep concerns about Chinese technology company Huaweis involvement in the UKs new 5G mobile network. Gavin Williamson told The Times of London that Beijing sometimes acts in a malign way and said that a widespread review of security related to Huawei would be warranted. Huawei is a major supplier of broadband gear and mobile networks in the UK, meaning its products are used in critical national infrastructure. The company has supplied broadband equipment to BT, the UKs largest telecom provider, and mobile networks to Vodafone. Williamsons statements come as the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan have all banned Huawei from involvement in their 5G upgrades. Companies in France and Germany also have raised concerns about Huawei, with Frances Orange saying it wouldnt hire the company to build out its 5G network, while Germanys Deutsche Telekom announced that it was reassessing [its] procurement strategy, following the recent scrutiny of Huawei. I have grave, very deep concerns about Huawei providing the 5G network in Britain. Its something wed have to look at very closely, Williamson told The Times. Weve got to look at what partners, such as Australia and the United States, are doing to ensure that they have the maximum security of that 5G network. Weve got to recognize the fact, as has been recently exposed, that the Chinese state does sometimes act in a malign way, Williamson said. Huawei has repeatedly maintained that its a private company not under the control of the Chinese regime and isnt subject to Chinese security laws overseas. However, it is well-documented that Chinese companies are linked to the communist regime. Many firms are required by law to establish Communist Party branches that can take part in decision-making to ensure that the companys activities are in line with the Partys policies. Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei, has expressed how important 5G is to the company. The war of 5G is related to Huaweis future fate, Chinese media reported Ren as saying during a November company meeting. We must win the competition for 5G networks, and we will not hesitate to pay the full price in order to achieve victory. The company has attempted to mitigate concerns about its security by offering $2 billion to make changes in its hardware and software required by Britains security agencies. However, earlier this month, European Union technology commissioner Andrus Ansip raised concerns about the Chinese communist regimes rule that technology companies cooperate with its intelligence services. This is about mandatory backdoors, Ansip told Euractiv. It is not a good sign when companies have to open their systems to kind of secret services. Ansip added that ordinary people have reason to be afraid of Chinese companies like Huawei. Alex Younger, the head of Britains MI6 spy service, said in a rare public speech Dec. 3 that the UK would need to decide how comfortable it is having Huawei involved in critical communications equipment. We need to decide the extent to which we are going to be comfortable with Chinese ownership of these technologies and these platforms in an environment where some of our allies have taken a quite definite position, Younger said. BT has since said it wont be using Huaweis hardware in its 5G network, and has also begun removing the Chinese companys equipment from the core of its 3G and 4G mobile networks. It also will remove any Huawei gear found in a new communications system being developed for the UKs emergency services, though BT didnt say why. Last month, relations between Huawei and UK authorities reportedly soured when a top British official walked out of a meeting over the companys apparent failure to fix security holes in its products, according to a source quoted by Reuters. The City of London is seen from Canary Wharf on May 17, 2017. (Reuters/Stefan Wermuth) British Business Leaders Confidence Sinks as Brexit Looms LONDONBusiness leaders confidence in the British economy has sunk to its lowest level in more than 18 months, as the risk grows toward a no-deal Brexit in a little over three months, the Institute of Directors (IoD) said Dec. 27. The group, which represents business directors and leaders, said its confidence tracker briefly reached positive territory earlier this year when there was agreement on a Brexit transition period, but has fallen steadily since April and hit its lowest level this month. Prime Minister Theresa May faces deep opposition from both her own lawmakers and opposition parties to the divorce agreement she has negotiated with the EU, raising the risk of a no-deal departure, something that could hurt the economy. IoD senior economist Tej Parikh said theres no doubt that the tumultuous Brexit process is having a damaging impact on firms outlooks. Business leaders are looking ahead to the New Year with trepidation about the economy, he said. While we saw cautious optimism emerging when the Brexit talks appeared to be moving towards a transition period after March 2019, that has utterly dissipated now. The prospect of a no-deal in the near future will be weighing heavily on directors minds. Pessimistic But Upbeat Business investment has fallen for three consecutive quarters, official figures showed earlier this month; other recent data has pointed to a slowdown in growth ahead of Britains exit from the European Union in 93 days. The IoD said, however, that while business leaders are pessimistic about the economy, confidence in their own firms remains relatively upbeat. Optimism levels for the wider economy stood at -38 percent in December, the group said, but the corresponding level for respondents own companies was +30 percent, little changed from 31 percent a year ago. The IoD said 724 business leaders contributed to the survey in December. The Bank of England has previously warned that a no-deal Brexit could plunge Britain into dire economic straits, worse than those brought on by the global financial crash a decade ago. The bank warned at the end of November that the economy could shrink by as much as 8 percent in a year, and, in the case of a disorderly no-deal, 25 percent could be wiped off the value of the pound. Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist of the business organization CBI, said, These forecasts paint a bleak picture over the long-term of a no-deal Brexit or a Canada-style deal. It surely puts to bed some of the more far-fetched ideas that a hard-landing Brexit will not seriously hurt the economy. All forms of Brexit will have a negative impact on the economy, compared to remaining within the 27-member trading bloc, according to the governments own analysis, which was published the same day as the banks report. Epoch Times reporter Simon Veazey contributed to this article. British Foreign Secretary Announces Review of Christian Persecution Around the World As millions of people around the world celebrated the meaning of Christmas, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced a global review of Christian persecution on Dec. 26. The review aims to find practical steps to aid Christians in the face of intensifying persecution against them in certain parts of the world. In an article published on the same day, Hunt explained his reasons for commissioning the review. Hunt began with something that struck himChristians in the West, like himself and his family, take for granted that they can peacefully enjoy a Christmas service while others around the world are facing death, torture, and imprisonment for that very right. About 215 million Christians suffer persecution, Hunt said, citing statistics from Open Doors, a Christian advocacy group. In his article, Hunt referred to specific cases of Christian persecution, including one in 2017 where a suicide bomber attacked a Christian Cathedral in Egypt, killing 17 people in the congregation. Hunt also highlighted the hindrance caused by political correctness in responding to the persecution of Christians. Whatever the cause, we must never allow a misguided political correctness to inhibit our response to the persecution of any religious community, Hunt said. Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, will now lead an independent review focusing on countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The review will analyze British support and recommend a comprehensive policy response, Reuters reported. It is time to echo that message of hope to the persecuted church around the world; with our deeds as well as our words, Hunt said at the end of his article. A Challenge of Ideology Controlled by a communist regime, North Korea occupies the number one position on the list of most dangerous country to practice the Christian faith. The state considers the spread of Christianity a particularly serious threat, since it challenges ideologically the official personality cult, reads a 2014 United Nation report. While North Korea eliminates the challenge of ideology through deporting believers to labor camps or killing them, its next-door neighbor, China, adapts different methods. During a hearing to the U.S House of Representatives, Bob Fu, the founder and president of China Aid, told congress that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is trying to rewrite the Bible as part of a five-year plan to in their words Sinicize Christianity. Throughout its history, the CCP has frequently used slogans of patriotism and nationalism to incite the masses behind its political agenda, the Nine Commentaries of the Communist Party said. Fu said that in addition to retranslating the Old Testament, the plan also proposed to promote socialist ideals in commentaries to the New Testament. He added that the plan was also to re-translate the Bible or re-write biblical commentaries, reported the Christian Post. Moreover, the CCP also banned online sales of the holy book in April, according to The Epoch Times. Those who refuse to follow the CCPs rule on religion face arrest, torture, and the demolition of their churches. Less than three weeks before Christmas, more than 100 House Christiansor Christians who dont register with the governmentwere arrested during a raid by Chinese police, some of them were beaten after being taken away by police, according to a report by Human Rights Watch. However, even Christians in China who register with the government face suppression. Thousands of crosses on churches have been removed. Some state-sanctioned churches have been handed notices that forbid minors and CCP party members attending, and that the communist national anthem must be sung during some church services. People in China, Christian or not, have also been discouraged from celebrating Christmas. Langfang city near Beijing banned all Christmas-related sales and decorations this year. The wave of intensified persecution faced by Christians is part of the CCPs continuing efforts to impose its atheist ideology on all religions practiced in China, as the CCP has always seen divided loyalty between spiritual faiths and Marxism as a threat to its rule, some China experts have warned. The CCP demands loyalty from faiths including the once widely-practised Falun Gong, Tibetan Buddhism, and Islam. Falun Gong, an ancient Chinese spiritual discipline, has been brutally persecuted by the CCP for more than 19 years. According to Faluninfo.net, one key reason that the CCP launched its persecution of Falun Gong is that the teachings of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance were a threat to the CCPs ideological control. At the time when the persecution began, an estimated 100 million people were following the spiritual discipline. This same kind of persecution has also been reported to be escalating for Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minority Muslims as the CCP tightens its grip on control of the nation. At least one million ethnic Uyghurs, including some who practise Islam, are currently being held in mass internment camps in the remote northwestern region of Xinjiang. From NTD.com Watch Next: Anastasia LinChina has become a Frankenstein Monster A man walks by the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, on Dec. 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Canadian Faces Appeal Hearing in China Drugs Case: State Media BEIJINGA Chinese court will hear the appeal of a Canadian citizen held on drugs charges on Dec. 30, a government-run news portal said, in a case that could further test the tense relations between Beijing and Ottawa. The two governments have sparred over the fate of two Canadian citizens detained in China on suspicion of endangering state security, and of Canadas arrest of a high-ranking Chinese executive at the request of the United States. The high court in the northeastern province of Liaoning said on Dec. 26 a man it identified as Robert Lloyd Schellenberg would be tried on drugs smuggling charges in Dalian city on Dec. 30. A Dalian government news portal said late on Dec. 26 Schellenberg was a Canadian and that this was an appeal hearing after he was found by an earlier ruling to have smuggled an enormous amount of drugs into China. Global Affairs Canada has been following this case for several years and has been providing consular assistance to the Canadian citizen since the person was first detained in Liaoning, Richard Walker, a spokesman for Canadas foreign ministry, known as Global Affairs, said on Dec. 27. Citing privacy concerns, Walker said no further information was available. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she did not have a grasp on the situation, but added that China had repeatedly made its solemn stance clear to Canada. Drugs offences are routinely punished severely in China. China executed a Briton caught smuggling heroin in 2009, prompting a British outcry over what it said was the lack of any mental health assessment. Canada has pressed for the release of the two Canadians who China detained this month. The two were detained after Canadian police arrested Huawei Technologies Co Ltds [HWT.UL] chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on Dec. 1. Neither country has drawn a direct connection between the cases. China has demanded Canada free Meng, who is fighting extradition to the United States. Canada arrested Meng at the request of the United States, which is engaged in a trade war with China. Meng faces extradition to the United States to face fraud charges that carry a maximum sentence of 30 years jail for each charge. Coast Guard Suspends Search for Royal Caribbean Performer Who Went Overboard The Coast Guard search for a 20-year-old performer who fell off of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship on Christmas has been suspended on Dec. 27. Arron Hough, a British national, fell off of the Harmony of the Seas ship that was en route to St. Maarten island from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 25, the Coast Guard told the Miami Herald. The Coast Guard had launched a search on Dec. 26 that included a Clearwater HC-130 Hercules airplane and a cutter shipthe Coast Guard Cutter Resolutefocusing on an area of the ocean approximately 267 miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Royal Caribbean said in a statement that after Hough didnt report to work on Tuesday crew members checked security camera footage and found that Hough had entered an area on the deck around 4 a.m. and was not seen on camera again. Federal law requires cruise ships to install systems that detect when people go overboard to the extent that such technology is available, but most ships dont have them, with cruise line officials claiming the technology doesnt work properly, according to the Herald. For instance, a spokesman for Carnival Corporation told Market Watch that current systems create too many false positives and it would be impractical and ineffective. The ship that Hough was performing on continued on its course and arrived in St. Maarten on Wednesday. According to his Twitter account, Hough was a performer on the ship. In his second-to-last post on the website, on Dec. 21, he wrote, Beneath the water is beauty. Always look beneath the surface before you decide on things. He later posted a video showing him performing in the musical Grease on board. Talent agency Russell Smith Associates announced in July that Hough was joining the cast. When the dance captain snaps in half every night.. lets go CHACHA pic.twitter.com/bjFRHiGySo Arron Luke Hough (@Arronhoughxox) December 23, 2018 He had previously studied at the Urdang Academy in London, which said in a post that it was praying for him to be found. Four other people have fallen off of cruise ships since late November, all of whom were never found. One of those cases was on the Royal Caribbeans Adventure of the Seas. A 27-year-old crew member fell from the ship on Nov. 22 and has not been found as of yet. According to a compilation from Ross Klein, a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, 327 people fell overboard between 2000 and 2018, with 25 happening in 2018 alone. Home for the next 90000 years pic.twitter.com/P73NjUpaiy Arron Luke Hough (@Arronhoughxox) November 20, 2018 Friend Speaks Out One of Houghs friends, who chose not to be named, said she was heartbroken by the news. Arron is the type of person people can only wish to have in their lives. He lights up any room like no one else can and everyone who knows and loves him has so many happy and cherished memories, she told the Daily Mail. His infectious laugh and beaming smile is enough to pull anyone out from feeling down in the dumps. Hes helped me through some of the hardest times in my life and for that Im eternally grateful. She added, I hope and pray we get our Arron back home where he belongs, the light of our lives has gone out. From NTD News Dad Secretly Places Dating Ad for His 3 Sons Meeting people seems to be getting harder and harder, especially in this digital age. One father, however, has an idea on how to help. Three American brothers are about to get the surprise of their lives when they land in New Zealand because, unbeknownst to them, their father secretly placed a dating ad in the New Zealand Herald. Earlier last week, an Oregon man named Neil placed an ad in the New Zealand Herald hoping to set up blind dates for his three sons during their upcoming vacation. Hello Parents. We are from the States (Oregon), visiting your beautiful country. My wife and I have three wonderful, successful, handsome, alas unmarried, sons between the ages 28-32, the ad read. We are not expecting, just hoping, to introduce our sons to nice NZ daughters. At the very least well embarrass our sons and the truth is, we do find some enjoyment in that. Neil told the Herald that he chose to place the ad as a way for his sons to meet new people while traveling. We like to travel and I have gone with my kids to Europe, Australia and Japan, but we have never really interacted with anybody and in my mind I was just interested in them getting to know people, meeting people their age, and maybe develop some lasting, permanent relationships, he told the Herald. The story has since gone viral, with over 4,700 likes and hundreds of shares on the Heralds Facebook page. "We are not expecting, just hoping, to introduce our sons to nice NZ daughters." nzherald.co.nz 20181219 Omg, this is hilarious, dad is such a crack up, I hope they have an awesome time here, the good thing is it wont be hard for them to interact as us kiwis are genuinely friendly, one user wrote. Another user had a different reaction and wrote: No, nothing creepy about this at all Good on him!!! They all look like happy attractive young men, and I really hope they meet someone genuinely awesome that they can click with, another user wrote, ending her comment with a heart. And another decided to lend a helping hand, sharing and captioning the post of the ad: All the single ladies All the single ladies Stephanie Liebert 20181218 Neil told the Herald hes already gotten over 200 responses to his ad, and hes basing his replies on the sincerity of the responses. Im somewhat surprised that I have got quite a lot of responses, he told the Herald. It is hard to tell how many are genuine. A few are maybe just scammers but for the most part people are really amazingly nice in your country. The best part is Neil says he doesnt plan on telling his sons until theyre either on the plane en route to New Zealand or when theyve landed. I have never done anything like this before and they dont know, Neil said. They are utterly clueless, which I love. He was also more than happy to provide additional details about each of his sons. The youngest is 26-year-old Benjamin, who works as a consultant in Seattle. The middle son is 28-year-old Jeremy, who is involved in a couple of not-for-profit organizations. And the eldest is 31-year-old Matthew, who works as a realtor in Portland. I know one of my sons uses these dating sites and is always going on introductory dates and meeting somebody, but he hasnt had a serious relationship for quite a while, Neil said. And so, he decided to take things into his own hands. I decided to help. I have no idea what will happen, but at least we will be able to meet some people, he said. Im sure they will be surprised and annoyed, but I am sure they will laugh, he said. We have a good relationship and are always joking with each other. They know I am a little unusual in that regard. With a bit of humor, and a little fun on their fathers part, who knowsmaybe lasting, permanent relationships will be formed. If that happens, Neil said, ideally, hed like his daughters-in-law to live close by. Either way, Neil said, I would just be happy if my kids have a happy, healthy relationship. The family will be in New Zealand between Dec. 26 and Jan. 7, and the ad concluded with an email for anyone interested to meet the boys. A motorcyclist rides past the logo of Foxconn, the trading name of Hon Hai Precision Industry, in Taipei, Taiwan on March 30, 2018. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters) Exclusive: Foxconn Is Set to Begin Assembling Top-End Apple iPhones in India in 2019 MUMBAI/NEW DELHIApple will begin assembling its top-end iPhones in India through the local unit of Foxconn as early as 2019, marking the first time the Taiwanese contract manufacturer will make the product in the country, according to a person familiar with the matter. The move could help both Foxconn and Apple limit the effects of a trade war between the United States and China. The U.S. administration has slapped tariffs on a total of $250 billion worth of Chinese goods; China has retaliated with tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods. While most Apple products are manufactured in China, such as iPhones and Apple watches, they were spared from the U.S. tariff list. However, many electronic parts and components commonly found in electronic devices, such as motherboards and power supplies made in China, are listed. Foxconn will assemble the most expensive iPhone models in India, such as devices in the flagship iPhone X family, the person said, potentially taking Apples business in the southeast Asian country to a new level. The work will take place at Foxconns plant in Sriperumbudur town in the state of Tamil Nadu, said the person, who isnt authorized to speak to the media and declined to be identified. Foxconn will invest 25 billion Indian rupees ($356 million) to expand the plant, including investment in iPhone production, Tamil Nadus Industries Minister M C Sampath told Reuters. The investment may create as many as 25,000 jobs, he added. Indias daily newspaper The Hindu first reported Dec. 24 that the Foxconn plant would begin assembling various models of the iPhone. Reuters is first to report the size of the investment and the kind of phones to be assembled. Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller declined to comment. Foxconn said it doesnt comment on matters related to current or potential customers, or any of their products. Lower-End Phones Until now, Apple has only assembled the lower-cost SE and 6S models in India, through Taiwan-based Wistron Corps local unit in the Bengaluru technology hub. Its sales in India have also been focused on lower-end phones. More than half of its sales volume is driven by models older than the iPhone 8, launched last year, according to technology research firm Counterpoint. Apple launched the pricey iPhone X last year but has cut production of that phone, according to industry analysts, after it began selling the newer iPhone XS and XR globally this year. Still, Apple could potentially get Foxconn to make the older iPhone X version in India, in a bid to get a bigger share of the worlds fastest-growing major mobile-phone market. Full details of Apples deal with Foxconn arent yet clear and could change. It isnt known if any of the iPhone assembly work is being moved from existing Foxconn factories in China and elsewhere. Its also unclear whether the production will be confined to assembly or include any component production in India. Looking Beyond China For Apple, expanding its assembly capacity beyond China is critical to mitigating the risks of the Sino-U.S. trade war. Foxconn, the worlds biggest electronics contract manufacturer, is considering setting up a factory in Vietnam, Vietnamese state media reported this month. If that goes ahead, it will be one of the biggest recent steps by a major company to secure an additional production base outside of China. Several Taiwanese manufacturers that supply parts to Apple have already announced plans to shift production away from China amid the trade war. Most recently, Wistron and Catcher Technology expressed interest in setting up shop in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Foxconn has also previously indicated that the China-U.S. trade spat is its biggest challenge and that its senior executives were making plans to counter the effects. Widening iPhone manufacturing in India through Foxconn will allow Apple to hedge the risk of any new U.S. trade policies, said Navkendar Singh, an associate research director at International Data Corporation. Indian import duties on devices and components have also heightened Apples headache in a market where it has only a 1 percent share, based on smartphone shipments. Making more phones locally will help Apple save costly duties and boost Prime Minister Narendra Modis flagship drive to make India a manufacturing hub, Singh said. Apple shocked investors last month with a lower-than-expected sales forecast for the Christmas quarter that jolted parts suppliers across the world. By Sankalp Phartiyal, Sudarshan Varadhan, and Stephen Nellis. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. Goodfellas Actor Frank Adonis Dead at 83: Report Frank Adonis, best known for his roles in several Martin Scorsese films, died at the age of 83, according to reports. The veteran actor died Wednesday night in Las Vegas. She tells us hed been sick for a couple years, mostly kidney problems. Were told hed been on dialysis and was on a ventilator for the past 9 days, but they waited until after Christmas to take him off it, TMZ reported on Dec. 27, citing his wife, Denise. BREAKING Goodfellas star Frank Adonis dies at 83 https://t.co/fSfGSPBE2z pic.twitter.com/UrgtssQ8jL Mirror Breaking News (@MirrorBreaking_) December 27, 2018 She said that Adonis will be missed, describing him as a great father and an amazing husband. He helped all his friends he could. Great writer, director, and actor. He was my best friend, she added. His cause of death was not revealed. Frank Adonis dead at 83 Goodfellas and Raging Bull actor passes away after long battle with health problems https://t.co/qM5jhsaKKN pic.twitter.com/sl6LUmuuMW thegirlsun (@thegirlsun21) December 27, 2018 Adonis had 40 acting credits to his name over several decades. However, hes best known for his role as mobster Anthony Stabile in the 1990 Scorsese-directed mob movie, Goodfellas. He also appeared in Raging Bull and Casino, which are also Scorsese films. Adonis had a number of roles in crime films. He also appeared in Wall Street, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Bad Lieutenant, King of New York, The French Connection, and True Romance, among others. He also appeared in HBOs The Sopranos, Law and Order, and others, according to his IMDB page. Hes survived by his wife and three children. Other details about his death are not clear. According to his IMDB page, Adonis was born on October 27, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, as Frank Testaverde Scioscia. Celebrities Who Died in 2018 Penny Marshall Penny Marshall, the actress and director famed for her role in Laverne & Shirley, died at age 75. Marshall died in her home in Hollywood Hills on Dec. 17, after suffering from complications from diabetes, TMZ reported on Dec. 18. George HW Bush Former President George H.W. Bush died on Nov. 30, 2018, a family spokesman confirmed. He was 94. President George W. Bush, released a statement on Twitter, saying, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear dad has died. George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. Stephen Hillenburg Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the Nickelodeon cartoon series SpongeBob SquarePants, died on Nov. 26. He was 57. Hillenburgs cause of death was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, according to reports. In March 2017, he announced his diagnosis. Stephen Hawking Stephen Hawking, who sought to explain some of the most complicated questions of life while himself worked under the shadow of a likely premature death, died at 76. He died peacefully at his home in the British university city of Cambridge in the early hours earlier this year. Anthony Bourdain U.S. celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, host of CNNs food-and-travel-focused Parts Unknown television series, died at the age of 61, the network said on Friday, June 8. The cause of death was suicide, the network said in a statement. He was found dead in a hotel room in France where he had been working on an upcoming episode of his program, the network said. Avicii Avicii, born Tim Bergling in Sweden, was found dead in Oman. Police said there was no evidence of foul play, but the official cause of death was not revealed by officials. His family indicated that he killed himself. President Donald Trump listens to Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service, during a Women in Healthcare panel in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington on March 22, 2017. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Hospitals to Put Prices Online Under New Trump Administration Rule A rule change announced in August that will require hospitals to list prices online and update the prices annually will start on Jan. 1. Previously, hospitals only needed to provide standard pricing to people upon request. The updated guidelines require hospitals nationwide to list the standard prices online in a machine-readable format, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Hospitals are required to update the information at least once a year, or more often as appropriate. Experts said that comparing prices of different hospitals could end up saving people money. This one is one of the most overlooked aspects of using the health care system. We rarely make purchases without knowing how much something will cost, and we shouldnt do that with medical care, either, Garrett Ball, a Medicare insurance agent, told Policy Genius last year. Sometimes the cheapest option isnt the best, though, experts noted. Seema Verma, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the new transparency requirement for online prices is in line with the Trump administrations ongoing efforts to encourage patients to become better-educated decision-makers regarding their own care. We are just beginning on price transparency, Verma told the Associated Press. We know that hospitals have this information and were asking them to post what they have online. Verma said in a speech in July at the Commonwealth Club of California that the administration has future plans in the transparency arena. This is a small step towards providing our beneficiaries with price transparency, but our work in this area is only just beginning, she said. Price transparency is core to patient empowerment and making sure American patients have the tools they need so they can make the best decisions for them and their families. A study in 2017 from Duke University found that most people searching online for how much theyd pay for a medical procedure couldnt find accurate pricing. Researchers using Google and Bing for the prices of four non-emergency medical procedures including a cholesterol panel lab test in eight cities werent able to find full pricing information. Our findings really underline how difficult it can be to find the information patients need to be informed consumers, said fourth-year medical student Allison Kratka, the first author on the study, in a press release. It is labor intensive to find the sites, many require subscriptions, and the reliability of the pricing information contained in the sites is difficult to assess. There is a disconnect between policies that seek to encourage people to be smarter consumers and the availability of information that allows them to make the most cost-effective decisions, added Peter Ubel, a professor at Duke Universitys Fuqua School of Business. Policymakers who want consumers to participate in controlling costs need to ensure that prices are available to the average person. The study was published as a research letter in JAMA internal medicine in December 2017. From NTD News Eat and drink your way to good luck and prosperity in the new year. (Shutterstock) How to Ring in the New Year Around the World, With Food What do eating peas, lentils, grapes, rice cakes, and pork have in common with wearing yellow underwear and tossing plates? Theyre all examples of how people around the world ring in the New Year to bring good luck, abundance, and prosperity. While customs vary by culture, there are common threads. Many celebratory foods are round in shape to represent coins for prosperity, such as beans, peas, and grapes. Consuming savory sausages and meat dishes, meanwhile, symbolizes a rich life. Here, food experts share local traditions. Greece Vasilopita is a meat pie served on New Years Eve in Greece. We hide a foil-wrapped coin in the vasilopita. Whoever receives the slice with the coin will have good luck for the rest of the year, says Maria Loi, chef and owner of Greek restaurant Loi Estiatorio in New York City. Pomegranates are also important, Loi says. According to tradition, just before midnight on New Years Eve, everyone leaves the house. You must re-enter the house with your right foot first and smash a pomegranate on the floor at the entrance. The amount of seeds that come out of the fruit is proportionate to the amount of good luck the family will have. If someone gets splashed and stained with the juice from the pomegranate, they will be the first to receive good fortune in the new year. Italy Cotechino with lentils is a popular New Years dish throughout Italy, according to Michele Scicolone, author of 1000 Italian Recipes. Cotechino is a large spiced pork sausage typically served with stewed lentils and mashed potatoes, she explains. The richness of the sausage and the number and appearance of the lentils (thought to resemble gold coins) promise wealth in the new year. Some regions of Italy have local specialties. In Emilia-Romagna, its zampone, a pigs trotter stuffed with sausage meat. Sicilians eat sfinciuni, a thick pizza topped with onions and anchovies. In Abruzzo, they eat cardoon soup. Other traditions include wearing red underwear and tossing old belongings. Watch your head walking the streets! Both men and women wear red underwear to ward off evil. Throwing old unwanted belongings from the windows, such as furniture, crockery, pots, and pans, symbolizes a fresh start, Scicolone adds. Spain Consuming 12 grapes at the last 12 strokes of the midnight bell on New Years Eve started in 1909 in Alicante, Spain, when growers came up with the idea to sell more grapes after a bumper harvest. Each grape symbolizes prosperity for the next 12 months. Today, the tradition is celebrated throughout Spain as well as in countries in South America. While popping grapesand corks of sparkling Cavais a lighthearted way to party into the New Year, the occasion is also important for families to gather for a festive meal, notes Alix Raij, co-owner of Txitkito and El Quinto Pino in Manhattan and La Vara in Brooklyn, with Spanish husband Eder Montero. The Spanish spare no expense for their New Years dinners, preparing multi-course meals that start before midnight and stretch into the wee morning hours. Regionality plays a big role in the kinds of dishes served, although fresh seafood is considered a specialty. In coastal Basque country, Raij says, locals prepare large seafood feasts featuring whole-grilled Rodaballo (a round-shaped turbot), steamed percebes (goose neck barnacles), oysters, clams, and caviar. Inland, the meal will include roasted lamb and pork. Consuming rice, black-eyed peas, and greens for prosperity is popular in certain regions. Japan Well before midnight, Buddhist temples throughout Japan ring their bells 108 times, to ward off evil spirits and cleanse the soul of the prior years sins. The final chime rings at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1. As far as food goes, we celebrate the end of the year by eating toshikoshi-soba, which translates to year-crossing soba, says Okuda Tetsuya, executive chef of the kaiseki and kappo kitchen at Sushi-Seki Times Square, in New York City. Long soba noodles signify health and longevity. Soba noodles are easy to cut, [symbolizing] cutting our ties with the old year and leaving our troubles behind. Korea Rice cake soup, known as tteokguk, is a special soup served on New Years Day in Korea to signify a long life. Koreans say that when you eat rice cakes on New Years Day, you gain one year in age, says Bobby Yoon, owner of Yoon Haeundae Galbi in New York Citys Koreatown. Age is revered in Korean culture; the young must treat the old with respect, such as by letting them eat first. Its common to inquire in a conversation, How many bowls of tteokguk have you eaten? as a polite way to determine an individuals age, and thus status. The steamed rice cakes (tteok), made from glutinous rice flour, are sliced and served in a savory meat broth, along with slices of fried egg and scallions. The whiteness and round shape of the tteok, and most likely the eggs, symbolize purity and renewal for a fresh, clean start to the year. The round shape also represents coins, for wealth. While the exact origins of tteok are unknown, historian Choe Nam-seon writes about the soups spiritual significance, noting that tteokguk originates from ritual food prepared for ancestral rites in ancient times. Eating a white food to begin the new year holds the religious meaning of rebirth for all Another important custom, Yoon adds, is catching the sunrise of the new year to pray for good luck and health. Growing up in Korea, I remember watching the sunrise before going to my grandfathers restaurant. The whole place smelled of bone stock on New Years Day for the rice cake soup. Peru While food traditions vary from the Amazon to the Andes, rice dishes served with pork are common. For Peruvians, its important to have rice every day, says Carlos Pardo Figueroa, executive chef for the Sumaq Macchu Picchu Hotel. For New Years Eve, well create variations such as rice jardiniere, black olive rice with pecans, or Arabic-style rice. Many Peruvian New Years customs reflect the cultures of the many immigrants who settled in South America from Europe, Africa, and Japan. Figueroa illustrates: In Peru [like in Spain], we eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck on New Years. We also put raw lentils in our pocket as a sign for money. If you want to get married, place grains of rice at your door. For good health, wash your hands in Champagne. Beyond food, the color yellow signifies hope and happiness in the New Year. Its common for Peruvians to wear yellow underwear, while homes and businesses are decorated with yellow flowers and ornaments. United States Black-eyed peas with pork, symbolizing prosperity, are served throughout the United States, most notably in the Deep South. Hoppin John is a classic South Carolina New Years Day dish, made with peas and rice, and flavored with fatty cuts of pork, such as hog jowl (pork cheeks), fatback (the meaty back of the pig), and cured pork belly, all signifying abundance. The dish is served with seasonal collard greens, which symbolize money. Hoppin Johns name is shrouded in mystery, says Virginia Willis, author of Secrets of the Southern Table. Some folklore indicates diners being so excited to have peas for supper that they hopped around the table; others say it refers to a man with a limp who sold rice and peas in the Carolinas. The most commonly accepted explanation is that Hoppin John is a corruption of the French phrase pois a pigeon, meaning pigeon peas. Whatever you serve at the table, one thing that is on everyones lips at midnight is a kiss for good luck, love, and health in the New Year. RECIPE: Hoppin John and Limpin Susan Born on January 1, Melanie Young has made it her mission to celebrate New Years in a different place every year. Follow her on Twitter @mightymelanie and Instagram @melaniefabulous. ICE Releases Hundreds of Migrants Into Texas and New Mexico, With More Expected More than 500 migrants were released into the streets of New Mexico and Texas on Dec. 26, as ICE struggles to process the deluge of migrants trying to enter the United States through the southern border. ICE released a statement on Dec. 24, obtained by 4News, explaining the conundrum leading to consecutive days of migrant releases: After decades of inaction by Congress, the government remains severely constrained in its ability to detain and promptly remove families with no legal basis to remain in the U.S. To mitigate the risk of holding family units past the timeframe allotted to the government, ICE has curtailed reviews of post-release plans from families apprehended along the southwest border. 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. In the two days before Christmas, ICE released 400 people. On Christmas Day ICE released another 186 people, CBS reported. Local nonprofit groups are aiding the migrants released by ICE. Theyre coming from immigration cells so theyre coming hungry, theyre coming thirsty, most havent bathed in a long time. The situation is really difficult for them, said Dylan Corbett, executive director of the Hope Border Institute, via CBS. The immigrants released on Christmas Day were dropped off at a bus station, where they were met and led away by local volunteers. The migrants are in awe from the great treatment they are getting from locals. Its unreal, like a dream. They gave us clothes, food, everything. I really didnt expect this. Thank you so much, said one of the migrants, unnamed in the CBS report. The migrant caravan that brought the recent wave of Central American migrants to the southern border began in October. Messages leading Honduran migrants to gather and head to the United States spread over social media, and got a big boost of endorsement from a radio host and former deputy in a left-wing political party, LA Weekly reported. Another group that organized the migrants and compelled them to venture on the dangerous journey north was Pueblo Sin Fronteras, Fox reported. The group is composed of activists from the United States and Mexico who accompanied the caravan, trying to provide legal legitimacy to the situation. The group is now taking blame for encouraging migrant families to embark on the journey with insufficient knowledge of the dangers involved. The founder of Pueblo Sin Fronteras, Roberto Corona, said that he informed the migrants of the risks, but that they still chose to come. Meanwhile, the federal government shutdown persists, and President Trump told reporters that it will remain in place until Congress agrees to funding for a border wall. While were fighting over funding, were also building, and its my hope to have this done, completed, all 500 to 550 miles, to have it either renovated or brand new by Election Day, Trump said on Christmas Day, via Fox News. From NTD News A Chinese paramilitary policeman reacts outside the opening session of the Chinese Communist Party's five-yearly Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Nov. 8, 2012. (MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images) In Communist China, Reform Is a Dead End Xiang Songzuo, deputy director and senior fellow at the Center for International Monetary Research at Chinas Renmin University, delivered a speech on Dec. 16 that detailed a series of problems afflicting the Chinese economy. His prognosis is much more gloomy than what the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is willing to admit. At the end of his speech, Xiang proposed three reforms: tax reform, political reform, and national reform. These were clearly meant as suggestions to authorities on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Chinas reform and opening up. But those who harbor hope that the Party will restart reforms 40 years after the first round are likely to be disappointed. Regardless of who heads the Party today, its impossible to return to the era of Deng Xiaoping, the CCP leader who initiated economic reforms in 1978. In fact, the seeds of the failure we see now were planted at the onset of Dengs reforms. Those reforms began right after the end of the Cultural Revolution. Almost every aspect of economic development had to be started from scratch, and there was no clear policy on anything. The two most important and well-known policies were simply easing restrictions and crossing the river by feeling the stones. Its now widely agreed that the reform movement is dead, with the only debate being as to when it died. Some say it was over in 1989, after the Tiananmen Square massacre. Another explanation puts it 20 years later, in 2008 or 2009. There are those who say that reform was alive until after 1989, when it was shifted to serve the power of the Party elite. However, the students gunned down at Tiananmen were already protesting against the forces of corruption and privilege in the reforms. Even in the earliest developments of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when one may have genuinely spoken of reform, we must still consider what it was that was being changed. The reform began in the countryside, in the small village of Xiaogang in Anhui Province. Eighteen villagers signed a life-or-death contract to split up their collective farm. The document guaranteed that if the village cadre was arrested, the entire village would help raise his children to adulthood. How courageous of them to stand up to the political pressure facing them! But who was pressuring them? It was the Communist Party. The rural reform was none other than to break the Partys yoke. How is it that the Party took credit for this achievement? In the cities, reform followed the model of allowing some people to get rich first; that is, to allow the existence and development of the private economy and its development. In both the urban and rural experiences, the early reforms were nothing more than denying the three major transformations of the pre-reform period of communist rule, including the socialist transformation of agriculture, handicrafts, and capitalist industry and commerce. These achievements were the elimination of private ownership, while the reform and opening up was the partial recovery of private ownership. Why should both be considered the CCPs achievements, when it would have simply been better to not undertake the socialist transformations in the first place? Later reforms included reform of state-owned enterprises as part of Chinas entry to the WTO, which had the side effect of causing a large number of workers to lose their jobs, while shifting ownership of state assets to the elites for criminally low prices. Other reforms include those in education, health care, and housing. In communist propaganda, the term three great mountains refers to the oppressive imperialism, feudalism, and capitalist bureaucracy from which the CCP claimed to have liberated the Chinese people. Today, education, health care, and housing are widely mocked as the new three great mountains. Party officials from the central to local levels seem to have a special preference for reform, since it benefits the CCP elite. In this sense, all officials are reformists and there are no conservatives. The positive aspects of Chinas economic reform are that it partially restored the old society that existed prior to the establishment of the communist regime, and that it brought in foreign technology and managerial methods. But there was never any political reform in the meaningful sense of the word, and, thus, never any reformists. Some people think that the abolition of lifelong leadership and the establishment of collective leadership constituted political reform, yet the Tiananmen Square Massacre happened anyway. And the brutal persecution of Falun Gong that has lasted 19 years was begun under the collective leadership of Jiang Zemin and his factional allies. Whatever the circumstance, the CCP has never corrected its cyclical pattern of periodic human-rights abuses. The history of the Communist Partys rule is filled with such tragedies. The Lushan Conference of 1959 failed to correct the leftist inclination of the disastrous Great Leap Forward campaign, and instead, a further 20 million people starved to death after Mao Zedongs ideological assault on the rightists. Under Dengs Four Cardinal Principles that re-established the political supremacy of the CCP and Marxism, the liberalizing tendencies were doomed, and reformist leaders such as Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang were purged. The historical pattern shows that theres something in the nature of the CCP that makes true reform impossible. Today, the CCP faces an ideological and theoretical dilemma in every aspect of its existence, from political economy to diplomacy. This is an inevitable result of the four decades of partial reform, which occurred only with great internal contradictions. No reform can be successfully implemented if its goal is to save the Partys rule. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Japan to Resume Commercial Whaling After Pulling out of International Whaling Commission TOKYOJapan will resume commercial whaling from July in its waters and exclusive economic zone while ending its controversial hunts in the Antarctic, it said on Dec. 26, as it announced its withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Australia and New Zealand welcomed the decision to abandon the Antarctic whale hunt, but expressed disappointment that Japan would engage in any killing of the ocean mammals. The decision, some experts said, allows Japan to save the money it spends to support Antarctic whaling while taking a tough pro-whaling stancea matter of national pride for some conservatives. But doubts exist about whether Japanese commercial whaling can be economically viable, especially as fewer people than ever are eating whale meat, they said. From July 2019, after the withdrawal comes into effect on June 30, Japan will conduct commercial whaling within Japans territorial sea and its exclusive economic zone, and will cease the take of whales in the Antarctic Ocean/the Southern Hemisphere, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said in a statement announcing the decision. The whaling will be conducted in accordance with international law and within the catch limits calculated in accordance with the method adopted by the IWC to avoid negative impact on cetacean resources, Suga said. Japan, which says most whale species are not endangered and that eating whale is part of its culture, has long campaigned without success for the IWC to allow commercial whaling. Some influential lawmakers constituencies include whaling communities, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abes election district is home to the whaling port of Shimonoseki. The decision to withdraw from the IWC followed its latest rejection of Japans bid to resume commercial whaling at a September meeting, which Suga said showed it was impossible to bridge the gap between whaling advocates and anti-whaling members. The resumption of commercial whaling is an unusual decision for Japan, which stresses multilateralism in its diplomacy, and it sparked swift criticism from environmental groups and others who believe all whales should be protected. Out Of Step The declaration today is out of step with the international community, let alone the protection needed to safeguard the future of our oceans and these majestic creatures, international conservationist group Greenpeace said. The Japanese government needs to recommit to the IWC and prioritize new measures for marine conservation. Yoshie Nakatani, an official at the foreign ministrys fisheries division, said Japan would still attend IWC meetings. Its not like we are turning our back on the IWC and abandoning international cooperation, she said. There is no change to our countrys respect for the rule of law and multilateralism. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Japans decision to halt Antarctic whaling but said he was disappointed with the decision to resume any commercial whaling. Whaling is an outdated and unnecessary practice. We continue to hope Japan eventually reconsiders its position and will cease all whaling in order to advance the protection of the oceans ecosystems, Peters said in a statement. Australia urged Japan to return to the IWC. Australia remains resolutely opposed to all forms of commercial and so-called scientific whaling, its environment minister, Melissa Price, and foreign minister, Marise Payne, said in a statement. Japan has long defied such protests to conduct what it calls scientific research whaling, having repeatedly said its ultimate goal was to whale commercially again. In 2014, the International Court of Justice ruled that Japan should halt its Antarctic whaling. Japan suspended its hunt for one season to re-tool its whaling program with measures such as cutting the number of whales and species targeted, but resumed hunting in the 2015-2016 season, capping its Antarctic catch with a quota of 333 whales annually. Japan began scientific whaling in 1987, a year after an international whaling moratorium began. Its aged whaling mothership is in need of a costly replacement or refit. Much of the meat ends up in shops, even though most Japanese no longer eat it. Whale consumption accounted for 0.1 percent of all Japanese meat consumption, according to the Asahi newspaper. That works out to 35 grams per person per year, according to a whale meat shop owner Koichi Matsumoto. We ate whale meat in the old days but there are lots of other things to eat now, said a 75-year-old woman shopper. But if we dont explain internationally that whales are increasing people wont understand, she added. The ever-dwindling demand means an uncertain outlook for Japans whaling. It could persist as a small-scale activity. There are still whale meat restaurants and I think some people will keep eating a small quantity, said Yoichiro Sato, a professor at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. But if its too expensive, people will not eat it. As an industry, its prospect is very grim. By Linda Sieg and Kiyoshi Takenaka An employee arranges a display of smartphones at a Safaricom shop in Nairobi, Kenya, on Nov. 22, 2018. Chinese telecoms giant Huawei has partnered with Safaricom to roll out 4G networks. (SIMON MAINA/AFP/Getty Images) Kenyan IT Official Calls for Probe Into Huawei and ZTE Kenya has joined a growing list of countries that have voiced concerns about the security of equipment made by Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE. Joseph Mucheru, cabinet secretary for Kenyas Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology, has asked the African Unions telecom authority to lead a review of the companies, citing concern that their products can be used to spy on African citizens, according to a Dec. 20 article on Kenyas technology news site Techweez. Mucheru made the request during a recent event to welcome John Omo as the African Telecommunications Union (ATU)s new secretary general. ATU, officially formed in 1999, is an organization that promotes telecom development in Africa, and numbers 44 member states and 16 associate members (that are telecom operators). The ATU is headquartered in Kenyas capital, Nairobi. According to Techweez, Huawei has been the sole provider of telecom equipment for many of Kenyas telecom carriers, supplying base-station antennas, routers, and other products. Africa Times, an online news site covering Sub-Saharan Africa, published an editorial titled The World Is Watching Huawei, But Who Is Watching Africa? on Dec. 23, noting that there has been little outcry about Huawei in Africa, even as countries from New Zealand to Japan shut out the telecom firm because of concern about security loopholes in their products. In May, the U.S. Defense Department issued an order to remove all Huawei and ZTE phones sold at stores on military bases, out of concern that the devices could be used to spy on U.S. forces. Given [Huaweis] outsized footprint and its aspirations in Africa, maybe its time that there should be a few questions, the article says. Huawei, according to its website, entered Kenyas market in 1998. Since then, Huawei has been involved in the construction of the countrys 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, including roughly 3,500 mobile transmission towers. For Kenyas 4G network, Huawei worked with Safaricom and Telkom Kenya, two of the biggest telecom service providers in the country. Huawei also provided a platform to run M-Pesa, a money transfer and financing service based on mobile phones launched jointly by Safaricom and another telecom operator, Vodacom. Kenya is also part of the Chinese tech giants Safe City program, a system for police surveillance and monitoring that uses artificial-intelligence-enhanced cameras. There are 1,800 Huawei-developed security cameras and 200 traffic-surveillance systems in Nairobi, according to the companys website. Concerns have been raised by human-rights experts to U.S. lawmakers that the Chinese-developed surveillance systemswhich often collect data on citizens without their knowledgeassist governments in creating a police state that uses high tech to suppress citizens. As for the next-generation of wireless communications, known as 5G, Huawei is currently conducting trial runs for 5G rollout with Safaricom, according to Kenyas weekly newspaper The East African. The Chinese regime is heavily investing in developing 5G technology as part of its goal to cement global dominance in the 5G race. A U.S. congressional report recently warned that China could exploit vulnerabilities in internet-of-things deviceswhich would rely on 5G for high-speed connectionsto conduct cyber attacks or spy on Americans. Francis Wangusi, director general of the regulatory body Communications Authority of Kenya, has said Kenya plans to roll out 5G services in 2019, according to Kenyas state-run media Kenya Broadcasting Corp. Khashoggi Is Being Used by Muslim Brotherhood, Turkey to Play the Media Commentary The media reporting on the murder of Muslim Brotherhood activist Jamal Khashoggi greatly exceeded its value as a news story long ago, and is now being driven strictly by politics. The Muslim Brotherhood government in Turkey, under the iron-fisted leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has masterfully played the situation to its advantage to create a rift between the United States and Turkeys regional rival, Saudi Arabia. The Turks have long had very robust intelligence capabilities and, clearly, the Saudi consulate in Istanbul was fully penetrated with listening devices, at the very least. The slow drip of information supplied to the mainstream media is being played very well by the Turks, and mainstream media sources are willing accomplices without regard to consequences, because the situation can be used to criticize President Donald Trump. This drip of information will continue as the professional and experienced Turks select appropriate moments in the news cycle, and continue to play the U.S. media like a fine violin. CIA Connection Unlikely CIA Director Gina Haspel was recently asked to brief congressional overseers about what the CIA knows about the Kashoggi murder. I dont have, or for that matter, need, any insider information to know exactly what she told them. There are many reasons why the CIA wouldnt have a direct reporting source inside such a small hit squad, such as the one that killed Khashoggi. It would always have been difficult to have a spy reporting back to the United States within such a small unit, but it would be impossible in this day and age. As former CIA Director John Brennan publicly and proudly proclaimed during an NPR interview, todays CIA disdains even the thought of having a reporting source who is involved with anything illegal. With the modernization of the CIA implemented under Brennan, this decidedly odd philosophy for an intelligence agency was cemented in place and has been left unchanged by subsequent CIA directors. As a result, congressional oversight was given probabilities by the current CIA director. The probability is that the killing of Khashoggi was ordered, or at the least tolerated, by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, or Prince MBS as he has come to be known. Prince MBS does appear to have consolidated his power, and therefore, its likely he was aware of the plan to murder Khashoggi; he may very well have given the order. That said, we dont know it for a fact and we will almost certainly never know for sure. There is a chance, albeit a small one, that he didnt know. That will play out, as cases of this nature almost always do. One, or perhaps a few, of the people involved will be arrested and punished to some degree or another. There has already been an arrest of one of the men allegedly involved. Lack of Comparison What isnt being discussed by anyone, however, underscores the stunning hypocrisy of the mainstream medias reportingand profoundly underscores the purely political nature of using the news to criticize Trump. Compare the large number of murders that have taken place in the United Kingdom by the Russians over the past few years. According to BuzzFeed News, 14 Russians have been murdered, most likely by Russian intelligence, which BuzzFeed has documented in its reporting. Personally, I would put the number at well over 20 in the UK alone. Unlike Crown Prince MBS, Russian President Vladimir Putin has had decades to consolidate his power and has done so very effectively. He comes out of the KGB, and there is absolutely no reason to believe that anything happens within Russian intelligence that Putin doesnt directly control. These are very precise one-for-one comparisons, and yet, the press doesnt care a whit about the Russians who were murdered. So, we have a Saudi killed in Turkey, probably by a Saudi intelligence hit squad, compared with a long list of Russian citizens killed in the UK, probably by Russian intelligence hit squads. Putin has far greater control over Russia than does the crown prince over Saudi Arabia, which makes Putins personal involvement even more certain. However, the mainstream media runs a constant drumbeat of news about the Saudi murder, but, for the most part, ignores a killing spree by the Russians. Brad Johnson is a retired CIA senior operations officer and a former chief of station. He is president of Americans for Intelligence Reform. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The newest members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) salute during their police academy graduation ceremony at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, March 30, 2017 in New York City. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) US Law Enforcement Deaths Increased 12 Percent in 2018 The number of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty across the United States in 2018 increased by 12 percent over last year, led by a rise in firearms-related fatalities, according to preliminary data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The nonprofit organizations end-of-year report, which tracks officer fatalities, shows that as of Dec. 27, a total of 144 federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial officers died on the job this year. In 2017, there were 129 officer fatalities. Craig Floyd, CEO of the Memorial Fund, told The Epoch Times in an interview that the rise in deaths can be attributed to several factors, and that more needs to be done to protect officers. Unfortunately, we saw increases in all categories of deaths, so its hard to pinpoint one reason over the other, he said. In fact, we havent seen a year since 1994 that there have been fewer than 100 officers killed in any single year. Firearm Fatalities The leading cause of death this year was firearms-related fatalities, with 52 officers shot and killed. That was a 13 percent increase from last years 46 fatalities in the same category. States with the highest number of shooting fatalities were Texas, Florida, New York, and California, with 11 deaths each. Of those killed by firearms, handguns had a role in 31 deaths. Officer Ronil Singh of Newman, California, was shot and killed on Dec. 26 during a traffic stop. The suspect is still at large. Floyd said that over the past 20 years, traffic-related fatalities were the usual No. 1 cause of death. He called this years number of firearm fatalities troubling. Clearly, we still have a lot of work to do, he said. De-escalation training is being emphasized to agencies across the U.S. The idea is how do you take a potentially volatile situation and de-escalate the volatility, keep things calm before they can get to a higher level of agitation and violence occurring. Of the 52 officers killed by firearms, the largest portion14took place during an attempted arrest, while eight others were shot dead while conducting an investigation. Deaths From Other Causes Fifty officers were killed in traffic-related incidents this year, in an increase from last years 46 fatalities. Of the traffic-related deaths, 32 officers were killed in crashes involving another vehicle, 14 were struck while outside their vehicle, and four were killed in motorcycle crashes. In one such case in July, officer Jared William Franks of the Greensboro, North Carolina, Police Department, was killed in a car crash while responding to a robbery-in-progress call. Deaths from other causes also increased. Job-related illnesses, such as heart attacks or strokes, were the cause of 33 officer deaths, a 57 percent increase over last years 21; of the 33, 15 officers died from cancer stemming from search-and-recovery efforts following the World Trade Center terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. In November, New Jersey State Police Trooper Robert E. Nagle succumbed to an illness stemming from his assignment in the recovery efforts following 9/11. Floyd, who said the average number of 9/11-related fatalities each year is 11, described this years 15 deaths in that category as particularly troubling. Seventeen years ago, 72 officers died that day during the rescue efforts. But since then, we have lost 184 officers who were at the terrorist attack sites during the weeks and months afterward, during the recovery efforts, Floyd said. Im afraid that number may grow in the years ahead. Boosting Morale Floyd emphasized that President Donald Trumps strong public support for law enforcement has helped the nations attitude toward officers improve as a whole, despite the negative representation of some individual cases. I think the president has expressed great appreciation for law enforcement. He has thanked them in a very vocal way. He goes out of his way in just about every speech he makes, he said. I think thats gone a long way to help boost morale among law-enforcement professionals, makes them feel appreciated and respected. He said Trumps comments have helped officers in their efforts to serve and protect their local communities. When the leader of our nation makes those kinds of supportive statements, it goes a long way in restoring confidence. I think he has certainly made his voice heard loud and clear. Ma Jian, former vice minister of China's chief intelligence agency, Ministry of State Security, shown in court during a broadcast of China's state-run television, CCTV. (Screenshot via Reuters) Ma Jian, Former Vice Minister of Chinas Spy Agency, Sentenced to Life Imprisonment A former top Chinese security official has been sentenced to life imprisonment as part of a crackdown on corruption, at a court in Liaoning Province on Dec. 27. Ma Jian, former vice minister at the Ministry of State SecurityChinas chief intelligence agencywas convicted of accepting bribes, insider trading, and making coercive business deals, the court in Dalian said in an announcement on its website. Ma, 63, also will be fined more than 50 million yuan ($7.28 million) and is to be stripped of his assets. In 2012, Chinese leader Xi Jinping initiated a sweeping anti-corruption campaign to rid the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of misbehaving officialswho were often also his political enemies. Hundreds of thousands of CCP members, from the most powerful Politburo members to low-ranking cadres, have since been sacked. Chinas security apparatus was especially targeted for harboring such characters. Ma is one of the most senior security officials to be punished since former security czar Zhou Yongkang was fired then sentenced to life imprisonment, in June 2015. The Ministry of State Security (MSS) is highly secretive and conducts spy operations in service of the Chinese regimes goals, such as stealing highly valuable intellectual property from the West. The agency has recently made headlines in the United States for being the mastermind behind cyber attacks on U.S. companies and government agencies. Several individuals, including an MSS officer, have been indicted on federal charges. The court determined that Ma had accepted more than 100 million yuan in bribes in exchange for helping businesses. Ma also earned almost 5 million yuan from trading stocks based on insider information. The court especially pointed out that Ma had helped exiled business tycoon Guo Wengui, who has made headlines with his explosive claims about top CCP officials. Guo is also wanted by Chinese authorities on charges of bribery, fraud, money laundering, and others. To help Guos companies, Ma threatened individuals into transferring company shares, giving up priority buying rights, and other business activities, according to the court. Background Ma was placed under investigation by the CCPs anti-corruption body in January 2015, about the same time that Zhou and his associates were also being investigated. Zhou was a key member of a political factionknown as the Jiang faction for its loyalty to former CCP leader Jiang Zeminthat opposes Xis leadership. Citing anonymous sources, the Financial Times reported at the time that Mas wrongdoing involved Zhous corrupt business dealings in the southwestern province of Yunnan. As Ma spent most of his long career in the security apparatus, it isnt surprising that he would have ties with Zhouwho ruled over Chinas police and courts during his tenure. Hong Kong media have also reported that Ma was promoted through the ranks, thanks to Zeng Qinghong, the former vice chair and right-hand man to Jiang. When Zeng became head of the Organization Departmentan agency that makes staffing appointmentsin 1999, he promoted dozens of officials, including Ma, according to the media reports. The Epoch Times also previously reported that Ma and Guo worked together with the security czar of Hebei Province to pressure local businesses into doing their bidding. Workers repair the Hollywood Walk of Fame star of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump after it was vandalized by a protester in Hollywood, California, on Oct. 26, 2016. (David McNew/Getty Images) Man Arrested After Vandalizing President Trumps Hollywood Star A man was arrested on Dec. 23 by the Los Angeles police department after allegedly painting swastikas on President Donald Trumps Hollywood star. The suspect, 29-year-old Jose Ortega, has reportedly vandalized the star twice in four days, according to TMZ. The first attack occurred on Wednesday morning, Dec. 19, and the whole process was captured on a camera set up across the street by TMZ. The video shows Ortega dressing in Black and walking straight to President Trumps star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Then he bends down and scribbles on the ground. After finishing, he quickly takes off without raising much awareness. Four days later, Ortega was seen doing the same thing. However, this time, he wasnt able to flee as successfully as the first time after a witness called the police. He was taken into custody shortly afterward on suspicion of felony vandalism. Ortega is now being held in lieu of more than $20,000 bail. The presidents star was established in 2007 for his contribution to the show The Apprentice as host and executive producer. However, since he won the 2016 election, vandalism to his star has occurred a number of times. In October 2016, a man dressed as a city construction worker attempted to remove the star with a sledgehammer and a pickax. As a result, the surface of the star was damaged with both the name and television icon removed. The suspect, James Otis, was arrested the next day. Otis pleaded no contest to felony vandalism in February 2017 and was sentenced to three years probation, 20 days of community service and agreed to pay $4,400 for the damage, according to the City News Service. Statement by President/CEO- @HollywoodArea Chamber: When people are unhappy with one of our honorees, we would hope that they would project their anger in more positive ways than to vandalize a California State Landmark. @realDonaldTrump Star destroyed in Hollywood. pic.twitter.com/2J1nlZ7Bxl Craig Fiegener (@CraigNews3LV) July 25, 2018 In July 2018, another vandal left the star almost totally destroyed. A 24-year-old man, who was later identified as Austin Mikel Clay from Glendale, California, smashed the star to pieces with a pickax. Lt. Karen Leong, of the LAPD, told Los Angeles Times that after the vandalism had occurred, Clay had called the police and advised he had vandalized Donald Trumps star and basically called on himself and said, See you soon. Clay later pleaded no contest to felony vandalism and was recently sentenced to 20 days community labor and three years of probation. He was also sentenced to attend psychological counseling and pay more than $9,400 to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, according to City News Service. Just the star outline left of @realDonaldTrump star on #Hollywood walk of fame after man destroyed it with a pick ax early Wednesday morning @CBSLA @CBSNews pic.twitter.com/Zofgy8CU1a JASMINE VIEL (@jasmineviel) July 25, 2018 The removal of the star was also once proposed by the West Hollywood City Council in August. However, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which is in charge of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, decided to preserve the iconic star. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an institution celebrating the positive contributions of the inductees, said Leron Gubler, President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in a statement. When people are unhappy with one of our honorees, we would hope that they would project their anger in more positive ways than to vandalize a California State landmark. Our democracy is based on respect for the law. People can make a difference by voting and not destroying public property. Men Could Still Face Charges for Fighting NYPD Officer NEW YORKNew York City prosecutors say five homeless men seen on video battling a police officer on a subway platform could still face criminal charges. Police cited the men the next day for sleeping on the station floor, not for the altercation. The Manhattan District Attorneys dropped that case, citing a policy curbing prosecution of those kinds of low-level violations. A video viewed more than 4.75 million times on social media shows Officer Syed Ali using a baton and kicking at the men, who appeared to be drunk, as they come at him one at a time Sunday night. The men refused Alis orders to stand back. Ali, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, never pulled his gun. The DAs office said the prosecutors who declined to move forward on the sleeping-related violations were not aware the men were also allegedly involved in the altercation with the officer. Charges could still be brought if the men are arrested in connection with that matter, the DAs office said. The lack of criminal charges stemming from the fight angered Alis union, the Patrolmens Benevolent Association, which said the men should be held accountable for their actions and that its wrong that they were not charged for attacking him. There is no telling how much damage these mopes would have done to that courageous police officer had he not been equipped to handle them, union president Patrick Lynch said in a statement. Had it gone the other way, we might have had a seriously injured or dead police officer instead. Its wrong that they were not charged for attacking him. One of the homeless men tumbled off the platform in the chaos and had to be pulled from the tracks. He and the others were taken to a hospital for treatment, and no charges were immediately filed. The men werent arrested until the next morning when police spotted them back at the East Broadway station and cited them for sleeping on the floor a low-level violation that the Manhattan DAs office stopped prosecuting two years ago. When people are arrested for attacking officers, we prosecute them, said Danny Frost, a spokesman for the DAs office. These men were not arrested for attacking an officer, they were arrested for sleeping on the floor of a subway station a rules violation, not a crime. We have not prosecuted this violation since March 2016 under a policy jointly established with the Police Commissioner and Mayor. Mayor Bill de Blasio praised Alis extraordinary professionalism and bravery. He tweeted Tuesday that attacking our men and women in uniform wont ever be tolerated. City Councilman Chaim Deutsch, who presented Ali with a plaque Tuesday for his quick action, questioned whether prosecutors and police were sending the wrong message by letting the men go. Why were the attackers released? the Brooklyn Democrat asked on Twitter. Were they offered mental health treatment and shelter, or are they back out on the streets, free to assault somebody else, or worse? Many unanswered questions. The DAs office said the prosecutors who declined to move forward on the sleeping-related violations were not aware the men were also allegedly involved in the altercation with the officer. Charges could still be brought if the men are arrested in connection with that matter, the DAs office said. The lack of criminal charges stemming from the fight angered Alis union, the Patrolmens Benevolent Association, which said the men should be held accountable for their actions and that its wrong that they were not charged for attacking him. There is no telling how much damage these mopes would have done to that courageous police officer had he not been equipped to handle them, union president Patrick Lynch said in a statement. Had it gone the other way, we might have had a seriously injured or dead police officer instead. Its wrong that they were not charged for attacking him. One of the homeless men tumbled off the platform in the chaos and had to be pulled from the tracks. He and the others were taken to a hospital for treatment, and no charges were immediately filed. The men werent arrested until the next morning when police spotted them back at the East Broadway station and cited them for sleeping on the floor a low-level violation that the Manhattan DAs office stopped prosecuting two years ago. When people are arrested for attacking officers, we prosecute them, said Danny Frost, a spokesman for the DAs office. These men were not arrested for attacking an officer, they were arrested for sleeping on the floor of a subway station a rules violation, not a crime. We have not prosecuted this violation since March 2016 under a policy jointly established with the Police Commissioner and Mayor. Mayor Bill de Blasio praised Alis extraordinary professionalism and bravery. He tweeted Tuesday that attacking our men and women in uniform wont ever be tolerated. City Councilman Chaim Deutsch, who presented Ali with a plaque Tuesday for his quick action, questioned whether prosecutors and police were sending the wrong message by letting the men go. Why were the attackers released? the Brooklyn Democrat asked on Twitter. Were they offered mental health treatment and shelter, or are they back out on the streets, free to assault somebody else, or worse? Many unanswered questions. Rocco, a K-9 in Georgia, was found alive on Dec. 27, 2018, after fleeing from a patrol car after the door malfunctioned. (Dade County Sheriff's Office) Missing Georgia K9 Found Injured but Alive A Georgia sheriff who asked for help finding a K-9 unit that jumped out of a patrol car late Dec. 26 announced a day later that the K-9 had been found. The Dade County Sheriffs Office said that the dog, Rocco, jumped out of a patrol car after the door malfunctioned and that the K-9 was last seen in the area of the Interstate 59 and Interstate 24 split. People were warned to call the authorities if they spotted Rocco and not to approach him due to the possibility that he was injured. On Dec. 27, the office said Rocco had been found. He was located by citizens who volunteered their time to help us search. He is injured, but his injuries appear to be non-life-threatening at this time, the office stated. The dog was taken to an animal hospital for evaluation. A Facebook user said that the door likely triggered by accident; the door to a K-9 unit typically pops open the door if the temperature rises too high. Sheriff Cross wants to thank all Public Safety Agencies who assisted in the search, as well as every citizen who have their personal time to look, share our post, and offer thoughts and prayers. Our community was essential in helping us find Rocco, and bring him home!! the sheriffs office added. The sheriff has personally witnessed and looked into the malfunction of the K9 door on the new patrol unit, and he assures everyone it will be addressed. People responding to the offices posts said they were glad Rocco was found. Dog Found Guarding Home 1 Month After Wildfire A California woman has spoken out after reuniting with her dog a month after the devastating Camp Fire destroyed her home. The dog, Madison, was found guarding her fire-ravaged property and was apparently waiting for her to come back. Andrea Gaylord told ABC10: You could never ask for a better animal. You really couldnt. Imagine the loyalty of hanging in through the worst of circumstances and being here waiting, she said. Gaylord was not able to get home to rescue her dog, an Anatolian shepherd mix, who was photographed in viral images patiently sitting on the charred property in Northern California. Due to the strict evacuation orders, the woman was not able to return home. The deadly Camp Fire destroyed 13,972 residences and killed 85 people, Cal Fire said. Local animal rescue volunteer Shayla Sullivan eventually found Miguel, her other dog, in Citrus Heights, about 85 miles away from Paradise, where her home was located, ABC10 reported. Madisons whereabouts remained a mystery. Gaylord believed the animal was still alive. Since then, the dogs owner released a video showing the moment Madison and its brother reunited for the first time. The third day I went in there, I didnt know if my mind was playing tricks on me, but I felt like I saw a flash of white movement down in the canyon, Sullivan said when she approached Gaylords property. When Gaylord drove up to the property, it took about five or 10 minutes for Madison to come and greet its owner. When Andrea showed up, he smelled her, Sullivan said. Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips contributed to this report. From NTD News More Details Released in Case of Girl, 10, Facing Daycare Homicide Charge Officials in Wisconsin released more details in the death of a 6-month-old child at a daycare in November. A 10-year-old girl is named as the suspect in the case. A doctor who examined Jaxon Hunter, the infant, hours after the incident diagnosed him with bilateral skull fractures and bilateral subdural hematoma, according to a criminal complaint against the girl, reported the Leader-Telegram. Meanwhile, there was a pattern of bruising on the boys head and a tread pattern on (the girls) shoes appeared to match the patterned bruising on the head of the victim, the doctor also stated. Nate Liedl 2018112 The incident took place Oct. 30 in Tilden, located near Chippewa Falls. Jaxon died just a few days later a hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Wisconsins Department of Justice filed the criminal complaint on Dec. 4, but it was sealed by Chippewa County Judge James Isaacson. Another judge was assigned to the case, and he ordered the file to be released to the public. A doctor told police that the force required (to cause the injuries) could be generated by a 10-year-old girl. The doctor also claimed that the manner of death was homicidal action, the paper reported. The criminal complaint stated that the girl admitted she dropped the infant and the boy hit his head. When he began to cry, she attacked the boy before placing him in his crib before going outside to play with other children at the daycare. She also told other children they should head inside. An ambulance was called once the boy was discovered, the report said. The unsealed complaint redacted the girls name, date of birth, and address, according to the paper. Criminal In November, Jaxsons father, Nate Liedl, described the unnamed 10-year-old girl as a criminal who should be in shackles. As opposed to seeing it as a 10-year-old girl, I saw it as the person who killed my son. And she, in my opinion, deserved to be in shackles or handcuffs. Shes a criminal, Liedl told 6ABC. He saw the girl after he appeared in an adult court to watch a judge set the girls bond at $50,000, Fox News reported. I had sent a couple messages out to family to let them know that Jaxons not going to make it. I remember, I broke down out there pretty bad. Yeah, it really hit hard, Liedl told 6ABC about the incident. Liedl said Jaxon was happy and had smiles all the time, the news outlet reported, which added he was embroiled in a custody battle with the boys mother. Missing out on those first three months was hard enough. And then, to be granted only eight hours after that, I feel like they essentially robbed me of time with Jaxon, he added. Now Im not going to be able to get any of it back. If it helps one father get more time with their child, then thats good. According to prior reports, the girl is currently being tried in adult court, according to Wisconsin state law, but the court might later change it to juvenile court. Clark County District Judge Stefany Miley, who has served on the bench since 2005, faces one count of battery domestic violence after being arrested on Dec. 22, 2018. (Stefany Miley/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department) Nevada Judge Arrested After Allegedly Punching 18-Year-Old Son A judge in Nevada was arrested for allegedly punching her son in the mouth. Clark County District Judge Stefany Miley, who has served on the bench since 2005, faces one count of battery domestic violence after being arrested on Dec. 22. Miley is in the middle of a divorce from Edward Miley, a family law and criminal defense attorney. Bruce Gale, one of Edward Mileys lawyers told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he received a text message on Saturday night from Edward Miley that had been forwarded from Mileys 18-year-old son. Call me now. I need help. Mom punched me in the mouth and hit me in the head while I was driving, Gale said the message read. I (am) bleeding and need you to pick me up. She started screaming around the neighbors and tried falling on me to make it look like I was hurting her, the text reportedly said. Gale contacted the police after speaking with Edward Miley and the police responded at 11 p.m., several hours after the alleged incident. Defense attorney David Chesnoff, who is representing Stefany Miley, who was booked under her maiden name Stefany Tewell, said he had not seen the police report. We look forward to representing Judge Miley, who intends on vigorously defending herself against these mere allegations, Chesnoff said. Edward Miley filed for divorce earlier this year, claiming catastrophic health issues and requesting spousal support, according to the Review-Journal. Both parties said in court filings that theyd become incompatible. Edward Mileys lawyers wrote in a filing that Stefany Miley has conducted herself in such a manner, and taken certain actions, that are improper and inappropriate to the harm and detriment of Edward. He tried to resolve their differences and save Stefany and the family as a whole the embarrassment and harm that might occur if Stefanys behavior and actions were detailed at this time, the lawyers claimed. Stefany Miley said in her filing that the allegations were false and defamatory. The Eighth Judicial District Court told KNTV it would not comment on Stefany Mileys arrest. Edward Miley has also not commented on the arrest and battery charge. According to the broadcaster, Edward Miley was arrested in October 2009 on a domestic battery charge for allegedly choking his wife and their dog. Stefany Miley later received a temporary protective order against her husband and filed for divorce but the couple later reconciled and remained married until Edward Miley recently filed for divorce. Stefany Miley has made multiple controversial rulings, including releasing a sexual assault suspect on bail that the family of the victim said was too low. The bail was increased shortly after. Miley also released Kirstin Lobato, a convicted murder, from jail earlier this year and reversed the murder conviction. She also ordered the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to release 911 calls and body camera footage from the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest festival concert, on Oct. 1, 2017, because she said the department was stalling. The department took its case to the Supreme Court but was ultimately ordered to release the records, as Miley ordered. From NTD News Elections staff load ballots into machines as recounting begins at the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office in Lauderhill, Fla., on Nov. 11, 2018. (Joe Skipper/Getty Images) North Carolina Affidavits Released in Alleged Election-Fraud Case The North Carolina Board of Elections has released affidavits from voters who alleged that a Republican campaign worker collected their absentee ballots in a U.S. congressional race in which the Democrat lost. It is illegal in North Carolina for anyone except the voter or a near-relative to deliver an absentee ballot in person. Voters in Bladen County said McCrae Dowless, who worked for Mark Harris, the Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolinas Ninth Congressional District, collected their ballots and they didnt know what he did with them, according to the affidavits, which were released Dec. 23. Harris appeared to defeat Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes in the Nov. 6 election. A total of 282,717 votes were cast in the race, according to Ballotpedia, an online encyclopedia of U.S. politics and elections. Cynthia Adams Singletary, a lawyer for Dowless, couldnt be reached for comment Dec. 24. He has not violated any state or federal campaign laws and current ongoing investigations will prove the same. All speculation is premature and wholly unwarranted, Singletary said in a statement to local news media last week. The Board of Elections voted last month to investigate claims of voter fraud and irregularities in Bladen County, declining to certify Harris as the winner in the race. Christopher Eason of Bladenboro, North Carolina, said in an affidavit that Dowless came to his house and asked for his absentee ballot, which he handed over signed and unsealed. I signed the absentee ballot envelope but left the ballot completely blank. I did not make any selections in any of the contests on the ballot, Eason wrote in the affidavit, provided to the Board of Elections by McCreadys lawyers. Attorneys Jonathan Berkron and Marc Elias, who represent McCready, didnt respond to a request for comment on Dec. 24. Stephen Ansolabehere, a political science professor at Harvard University, found that voters in Bladen County were 2.5 times less likely to turn in their absentee ballots themselves than elsewhere in North Carolina, which he called a statistical outlier in his affidavit. These deviations are extremely unlikely to have arisen by chance, Ansolabehere said. Reporting by Gabriella Borter. From Reuters. Officers Find Child Covered in Bug Bites Inside Home With Trash Under Christmas Tree: Reports Officials said they discovered a child covered in bug bites inside a filthy Indiana home on Christmas Day and arrested a man, according to reports. Michael Ford, the suspect, called the police to his home in Evansville as be believed his ex-wife or ex-girlfriend had stolen his daughters Christmas presents, 14News reported. But when officers walked into his home, they discovered several types of insects crawling through the house. They were on the walls, furniture, the floor, and on decorations. The home also smelled like urine, and they discovered dog feces under the Christmas tree and on the floor, the report said. A dead mouse was discovered in the middle of the kitchen, and counters were covered in dirty dishes along with rotting food. The only edible food in the home was canned food. Officers also said mattresses in the home had bugs crawling over them. Trash was also scattered on the floor. Officers talked to Ford, and they discovered a knife sheath on his waist. They asked him to remove it, but they spotted bugs all over the knife and noticed Ford was covered in insect bites. Ford allegedly told police that officials with the Department of Child Services opened a case and were investigating him. The 14News report suggested child services asked him to clean up his house when they visited him, but he hadnt done so. Fords daughter told officers that bugs bite her all the time. Officers said she was covered in bug bites. She says she tries to brush them off her bed the best she can, 14News said. The Department of Child Services was contacted to take the child, and Animal Control officers removed two dogs from Fords bug-infested home, 14News reported. Ford has since been released from the Vanderburgh County Jail after he was arrested, according to TriStateHomePage. In the incident, police were called to a home in the 600 block of East Florida Street for a burglary in progress on Christmas, according to the website. Evansville is a city on the Ohio River in Indiana with a population of about 110,000. How to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement agency so officials can investigate and assess the situation. Most states have a number to call to report abuse or neglect. To find out where to call, consult the State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers website. The Childhelp organization also can provide crisis assistance and other counseling and referral services. Contact them at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). Every year more than 3.6 million referrals are made to child protection agencies involving more than 6.6 million children (a referral can include multiple children), according to Childhelp. Rayfield Hallman and Steven Wood were hailed by police officials for saving the life of a mother and child on Dec. 23, 2018. (Maple Heights Police Department) Ohio Police Thank Two Men for Stopping to Help Mother Having Seizures Police officials in Ohio thanked two men for stopping to help an unconscious mother who was with her 3-year-old child. Rayfield Hallman and Steven Wood were driving in Maple Heights on Dec. 23 when Hallman spotted a small child. He almost continued on, but out of concern for a small child being alone, he stopped to check and make sure everything was okay. He discovered a woman was on the ground in the doorway of her home, going in and out of consciousness, the Maple Heights Police Department said in a Facebook post. The men called 911 and took the toddler to sit in their vehicle to get her warm, taking her small poodle into the car as well. Hallman and Wood stayed at the scene until police officers and firefighters arrived and rushed the woman to Marymount Hospital. Rayfield and Stevens decision to show concern for another person probably saved not only the womans life, but possibly saved the life of her daughter, who was outside in the night cold (36 degrees) and at the young age of 3, did not have the wherewithal to take action to care for herself, the department stated. Im sure that other people drove past and decided not to do anything, but because Rayfield and Steven decided to show a high level of character and compassion, the woman, her daughter, and her dog should be fine. The men were given gift cards to Mr. Chicken as a thank you, the department said, noting that they showed everyone else that compassion for our fellow man is still an applicable characteristic in our world. Kim Davis, a Facebook user, said she is the mother of one of the men and the aunt of another. I am so thankful to God for placing them right where they needed to be to help this young lady and her baby girl. I literally cried when he called to tell me what happened and shutter to think what couldve happened to that little girl had the wrong person with no good intentions stopped!! she wrote. Im sooo very proud of them!!! May God continue to bless you, I love you Ray and Stephen. Another user, Ashlee Kuhne, said she was the 911 dispatcher that took the call from the men. I took this call! They were so concerned about the child! Thanks for calling this in so we could get the help out to her that she needed!!! You guys are great!!! she wrote. Other users praised the men for their actions. Very kind for them to do. Im sure they didnt do it for reward, but because they saw a need and followed through with positive responses. God bless them, wrote one. Theres still good people in the world! Thank God! wrote another. Young Men who were raised right. Anyone would be proud to say they were their sons, wrote one. They deserve more than Mr.Chicken gift cards. I look for the Mayor to publicly recognize them with proclamations and keys to the city!!! said another. From NTD News A bunk bed, desks, toilet and sink inside a cell are seen at the Caroline Detention Facility in Bowling Green, Virginia, on August 13, 2018. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) Pregnant Woman Dies in Mississippi Jail, Investigation Launched A pregnant woman died while being held at a Mississippi jail, officials and family members said, prompting an investigation into what happened. Lanekia Brown, 37, was found unresponsive on Dec. 23, in her cell at the Madison County Detention Center, where she was held after police officers found approximately 103 pounds of marijuana in November inside the vehicle she was in during a traffic stop. The Madison County coroner confirmed the death with WAPT, which reported that Browns family was notified of her passing by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. A trooper went to the home of Browns mother Margaret Johnson, telling he that Brown complained of stomach pains. By the time a nurse arrived, she had died. Family members said officials arent being transparent about what happened. I need to know what happened to her where she at. They wont tell me or give me no information. Thats my child. I love my child. I want to know where my child is, Johnson told WJTV. The family suspects foul play in the death of Brown, who was three to four weeks pregnant. Its very suspicious because like I said we talked to her and she was okay. If she had any kind of problems, she would have let us know, said another family member, Lavell. Brown leaves behind two children. The Madison County Sheriffs Department also confirmed the death and said that the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations will take over the case. Pregnant Women in Jail According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, on average 6 to 10 percent of incarcerated women are pregnant. Pregnancies among incarcerated women are often unplanned and high-risk and are compromised by a lack of prenatal care, poor nutrition, domestic violence, mental illness, and drug and alcohol abuse, the group stated. Upon entry into a prison or jail, every woman of childbearing age should be assessed for pregnancy risk by inquiring about menstrual history, heterosexual activity, and contraceptive use and tested for pregnancy, as appropriate, to enable the provision of adequate perinatal care. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, there were 12,567 female inmates in federal jails, comprising 7 percent of inmates. There were 167,850 males in prison. The criminal justice reform bill that President Donald Trump and a bipartisan group of Congressmen and Congresswomen passed earlier this month included a ban on the shackling of pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, according to The Hill. The act was also set to help women by calling for people in jail to serve their sentences in facilities within 500 miles from home, likely placing more incarcerated mothers closer to their children. The bill would also expand research into mental illness and ways to enhance alternatives to prison. It would grant federally incarcerated people the chance to participate in rehabilitation programs that help them acquire skills that assist in reentering society, opinion contributor Topeka Sam wrote, calling it a great first step for criminal justice reform. From NTD News Owen Labrie listens to prosecutors before being sentenced in Merrimack County Superior Court in Concord, N.H. on Oct. 29, 2015 Prep School Graduate Begins Jail Time for 2014 Sex Assault A New Hampshire prep school graduate convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old classmate reported to jail Dec. 26 to begin serving the remaining 10 months of his jail sentence. Owen Labrie, 23, turned himself in to the Merrimack County jail on the morning of Dec. 26, more than a week after a judge refused to shorten his sentence. Reporters waiting outside the jail did not see him enter. Labrie, of Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate Chessy Prout as part of Senior Salute, a game of sexual conquest, at St. Pauls School. But a jury found him guilty of misdemeanor sexual assault charges and endangering the welfare of a child. He also was convicted of using a computer to lure an underage student for sex, requiring him to register as a sex offender. Labrie had been free pending appeals, other than the two months he served for curfew violations in 2016. Merrimack County jail Supt. Ross Cunningham said Labrie was undergoing a medical checkup and other assessments and would move to the general population when that is completed. He said there have been no issues so far with Labrie. Over time, he will transition to general housing unless something comes up, he said. Labries attorney, Jaye Rancourt, said she talked to his family earlier in the week and said they are worried about him spending time behind bars. It was unclear whether any family members accompanied Labrie to jail. Theyre disappointed that he has to go in. But they are looking forward to the passing of the time and hope to see him soon, Rancourt told The Associated Press. Like anybody who has family member who goes into jail who has never been in trouble before, there is obviously a lot concern. Prouts father, Alex, said Labrie is finally paying for the crimes he committed. Today, the perpetrator who sexually assaulted our then 15-year-old daughter will finally be held accountable for his crime and sent to jail to serve his sentence, Prout said in a statement. To date, he has shown no remorse nor accepted any responsibility for his actions. We hope he never sexually assaults another person in the future. Last month, the state Supreme Court upheld Labries convictions on the computer charge. The court dismissed arguments by Labries lawyers that prosecutors had failed to prove intent in his use of the computer and that the law was meant to be used to target internet predators and pedophiles, not cases like this. Talib Kweli performs onstage during OZY FEST 2017 Presented By OZY.com at Rumsey Playfield in New York City July 22, 2017. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Ozy Fusion Fest 2017) Rapper Talib Kweli Compares US Border Wall Plans to Nazis who built the Berlin Wall Rapper Talib Kweli tried to attack President Trumps border wall plans by comparing them to the building of the Berlin Wall, who he falsely claimed was built by Nazis. After Kwelis tweet was called out as false by other Twitter users, he started to tell all those seeking to correct him that they were Nazis and racists, in a seemingly unending stream of tweets. Kweli has already deleted the original tweet, but The Western Journal published a screen capture: So, youre unaware of the fact that nazi Germany had a wall called the Berlin Wall that was torn down in 1991 in order to foster humanity and diversity? Walls didnt work for Nazis so why build them here? Build bridges not walls Nazi lover. As of writing this, the discussions and Kwelis rapid-fire responses to critics are still ongoing on his Twitter page. The Nazis were not in Germany by the time the Berlin Wall was built. Only after the Nazis were defeated by the Allies in World War II was wall built, after Germany was divided into a free society in the west and a communist east. The city of Berlin was, likewise, divided by the Berlin Wall, built in 1961, around 16 years after the Nazis were defeated. Germany reunified in 1990, and that is when the wall came down, along with East Germanys communist regime. But none of this appeared to matter to Kweli. The correct tweet is I said something really dumb because I dont understand this chapter of history. Im sorry. Not this hot garbage, journalist Jonah Goldberg told Kweli, via Twitter. East Germans were trying to keep East German citizens from escaping. You should be ashamed b/c you clearly googled it and still lied. The Berlin Wall was built to keep people in who wanted to flee the terror of the communist regime in East Germany. The planned wall along the southern border of the United States is designed to keep people seeking to enter the country illegally, along with drugs and crime, out. But Kweli accused almost every person challenging the questionable tweet as having a Nazi agenda, and then dragged conservatives into the Twitter spat. I can take the mocking. I welcome all challengers. Bring it on. I wrote a poorly worded tweet being facetious. What a crime. Conservatives however march with Nazis and KKK. Every single Nazi candidate runs as conservative. How do you sleep at night knowing Nazis love you? Explain, wrote Kweli in the midst of an onslaught of criticism on Twitter. But in a March 28 tweet Kweli referenced East Germany, also during a Twitter fight, which is peculiar in light of the current controversy. Kweli seemed to recognize, at least in March, what the Berlin Wall was built for. Kweli made the tweet in reply to someone asking why he hasnt moved abroad if he dislikes America. Nope, I definitely didnt tell you to go back. I said that if youre unhappy no ones keeping you here; this isnt East Germany, he said in part of the tweet. From NTD News Brown bear yawns after awakening from winter hibernation at the Moscow Zoo, on April 4, 2006. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images). Russian Hunter Killed and Eaten to the Bone by Pet Bear He Raised as a Cub A pet brown bear killed and ate his Russian hunter owner leaving only skeletal remains behind. The 41-year-old Sergey Grigoriyev had raised the bear since it was a cub and ignored warnings after being attacked on a previous occasion, according to The Sun. The police found the 41-year-olds skeletal remains at his house after his relatives reported him missing. The bear also killed and ate to the bone one of Grigoriyevs three dogs, reported The Sun. Police in Ozersk, in the Chelyabinsk region, spotted the bear which had escaped its cage and was walking around behaving aggressively. Bear kills and eats Russian hunter who kept wild animal in cage at his home https://t.co/iQ91TUd2L7 pic.twitter.com/hnJOlFaBRM Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror) December 26, 2018 The police shot dead the bear. Officers used their service weapons to kill the dangerous animal, a police statement said. As a result of the measures taken, the bear does not pose a threat to citizens lives and health any longer. Blood marks and the bones were all that remained of the fatal attack. The cage was open, Senior detective, Alexey Petrov, said. The animal was walking around, behaving aggressively. On the plot we found the skeletal remains of a man, he added. Grigoriyev rescued the bearnamed Vorchun or Grumbleralong with another cub, four years ago, according to reports. The Russian hunter gave away one cub but kept Grumbler because the only offer he got was from a baiting station, where hunting dogs are trained with live predators. Such stations are notorious for their cruelty, reported The Sun. A neighbor said he had shared tea with Grigoriyev but hadnt seen him afterward. We called him but he did not answer, he said. When his relatives came, they saw a bear wandering around the plot. There was a dog with them, he said. It attacked the bear, giving the people the opportunity to escape in the car. Detective Petrov said a dog belonging to Grigoriyev and another that came with the relatives were both killed and gnawed to the bone as well. Seems like the pet bear was quite hungry. The Russian Investigative Committee is examining the case. A similar incident occurred on Christmas when a woman had an arm torn off by a bear at a Christmas party. The Russian woman had bragged about how she could feed the bear through the cage. However, when she actually tried it, the bear chomped off her arm and had it for dessert. The unnamed 53-year-old woman is now in intensive care in a grave condition after the attack at an Aidashki guest house in the Krasnoyarsk region of Russia. She suffered huge blood loss following the attack and underwent emergency surgery on the stump of her arm, reported The Sun. The victim is an employee of the small hotel. After drinking at the Christmas party she made her boast to other guests about feeding the beast. It ended in tragedy for the woman as the bear took its revenge on being held captiveand ate her arm for its festive meal, a local said. We have often fed those bears ourselves, a regular guest said. We used a stick provided there to push the treat towards the cage. Sometimes the bears open their mouths just like hippos and you can throw an apple right in, the guest continued. [The bears] are very smart, stretching their paws waiting for treats. Police are investigating the attack. Normally, bears are shot after attacking humans, but this bear might just get a reprieve, according to The Sun. State Hunting Inspector, Vasily Vershkov, denied local fears that the attacking bear or the hotels other bear would be killed. We will wait until spring and assist in the release of these bears, he said. Nobody will kill them. Either way, it seems its safer to stay away from bears, whether or not theyre pets. Approximately 200 people were involved in a brawl at a roller skating rink in Virginia over the weekend, according to reports. (Google Street View) Song Triggers 200-Person Fight at Virginia Skating Rink, Witnesses Say Approximately 200 people were involved in a brawl at a roller skating rink in Virginia over the weekend, according to reports. A song apparently sparked the huge melee, which involved teenagers and adults, reported Virginia First. The incident unfolded at the Star City Skate Center just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23 in Roanoke County. There were reports of shots fired at the skating rink, but police said they were not able to confirm those reports, according to the Times. They found no suspects or victims. Two witnesses told Virginia First that a song came on, sparking local gang tension in the crowd. Some threw up gang signs after the song started playing. Its not clear what the song was. I mean it was crazy because we had just gotten there. Like we didnt even spend like 30 minutes in there, Nicholas Gilliam Jr. said. He said the gang signs where what led to the fracas. Gilliam told local news outlets that he saw at least one person holding a gun. They had it out. They was running with it (sic), Gilliam explained. Marques Davis, 13, said he had one thing on his mind when the fight broke out: Dont die.Honestly, I didnt want to die. I did not want to die, he said. After the skating rink brawl, some people went outside and started fighting there, said the two witnesses. The station reported that no arrests have been made, but the incident is under investigation. Its not clear if there were any injuries in the brawl. Other details about the incident are not clear. Violent Crime Down? The FBI said that both violent crime and property crime decreased in 2017 compared to 2016. Overall violent crime decreased 0.2 percent from 2016 to last year, while property crime decreased 3 percent during that time, the agency said in September, releasing data from the previous year. There were more than 1.2 million violent crimes reported to UCR nationwide in 2017. There was a 0.7 percent decrease in murders and a 4 percent decrease in robberies from 2016 to 2017. Aggravated assaults increased 1 percent in 2017. The FBI began collecting data solely on an updated rape definition last year, and 135,755 rapes were reported to law enforcement in 2017, the FBI said in its report. The report also showed there were more than 7.7 million property crimes last year. Burglaries decreased 7.6 percent and larceny-thefts decreased 2.2 percent. Motor vehicle thefts increased 0.8 percent from 2016 to 2017. These figures were compiled from more than 13,000 law enforcement agencies around the United States that submitted their crime data to the FBI. In Florida, the FBI said that Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Hialeah, Tallahassee, and St. Petersburg are the most violent cities, according to WTXL. Jacksonville recorded 106 murders in 2016, the last available data, Orlando had 84 murders, and Miami saw 55 murders. Meanwhile, Tallahassee is considered the tenth-worst city in the United States when it comes to property crime rates, the FBI said, reported FloridaPolitics in June 2018. There were 52 property crimes per 1,000 residents in the states capital city. People lie on the edge of a cliff to view the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend on March 30, 2015, in Page, Arizona. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Teenage Girl Falls 700 Feet to Death at Scenic Horseshoe Bend A 14-year-old girl fell 700 feet to her death at the popular lookout at Horseshoe Bend in Arizona, on Christmas Eve. The girl was visiting the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with family from San Jose, California, when she went missing, according to a statement from Coconino Sheriffs Office on Dec. 26. A search was launched, and the girls body was spotted from a rescue helicopter about 700 feet below the overlook at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend, located in Page, Arizona. Due to impending nightfall, rescuers were not able to recover her body that evening, said the Sheriffs Office. Her body was recovered on Christmas morning. The name of the girl has not been released. It is believed to be an accident, according to authorities. The overlook is a popular spot for tourists, with many taking selfies and photograph close the edge, where there is no barrier. Barriers are currently under construction, following previous deaths and accidents. The girls body was transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiners Office in Flagstaff, according to the Arizona Sun, which reported the incident is under investigation and pending review by the Medical Examiners Office. Zachary Wallace, 33, fell 800 feet from the same spot on May 6. His brother told authorities he had seen him slip over the edge. No foul play is suspected. Safety Barriers Under Construction A Greek tourist also fell to his death in 2010. Hidden from the highway, once a deserted beauty spot known only to locals, Horseshoe Bend has become an increasingly crowded international tourist spot, with people lining up to take photographs from the precipitous edge, where the panoramic vista of the Colorado River is revealed in its full glory. There are no official visitor numbers but estimates put the total at around 1.5 million in 2017. That is expected to rise to 2 million for 2018. Its an amazing experience to stand inches from the edge of the rim at Horseshoe Bend to get photos, wrote one visitor in a TripAdvisor review. The view is truly amazing. It moves you emotionally. I was lucky to escape with 5 panoramas before calling it a day. The winds were gusting with sandstorm power making it even more risky. There were crowds of people all around waiting for their chance to move into a spot near the rim to get a shot, added the reviewer. Masses of people there, and no safety provisions. OSHA would not allow any Union workers to get that close to danger without a fine or safety line or net. Work started on small viewing area with a safety rail barrier in November, along with the creation of a trail to the rim of the canyon from the car park. Construction of a viewing platform and rim railing will greatly increase visitor safety at the rim for families while also meeting accessibility standards, said a statement from park officials in November. The rim railing will encompass a viewing area at the terminus of the trail. Though not recommended, visitors may always choose to take in the iconic view without the security of railing simply by walking along the canyon rim. Actor Terrence Howard and Mira Pak attend the Empire Season 5 premiere in New York on Sept. 24, 2018. (Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images) Terrence Howard Shares Touching Proposal to Ex-Wife on Instagram On Christmas Day, actor Terrence Howard, star of the television show Empire, shared photos and video of his new engagement to his ex-wife Mira Pak on his Instagram page. Howard proposed for the second time just three years after the couple split, at Crustacean Beverly Hills over the weekend. In one photo, Pak could be seen wiping away a tear as Howard slipped a large diamond ring on her finger. It took me 45 years to find you, but now that I have you in my 50th year, Ill spend the rest of eternity by your side. And I pray that everybody finds that one that will complete them for all eternity, because it means everything. I love you, said Howard in a toast during the event. I love you too, baby! said Pak. The 49-year-old added the hashtag #bloodisthickerthanwaterbutloveisthegluethatbindsus to his announcement and thanked the restaurant for making the night extra special. He also gave a shout out to the maker of the engagement ring, Ben Baller, who he called The Most Gifted Jeweler in the World!!! The jeweler posted a separate video of the stunning ring on the same day and congratulated his friend on the engagement. 2nd times a charm to rekindle that fire, he wrote on Instagram. Congrats @theterrencehoward and Mira on their engagement! My brother Terrence commissioned me to make this beautiful 7 carat VVS diamond BEN BALLER Setting Rose Gold engagement ring. Only the best for you guys. Howard stars in the television series Empire, and hes well-known for his roles in films such as 2005s Hustle & Flow, which earned him nominations for the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. He was also featured in the television series Wayward Pines and Law & Order: LA as well as movies Crash and Iron Man, and he played the voice of James in the animated film The Princess and the Frog. Pak is also an actress, starring in the film Night Terrors. She was also the writer and creator of the television special Terrence Howards Fright Club and producer of Straight Edge Kegger. The couple shares two sons: 3-year-old Qirin, and 2-year-old Hero. Pak had filed for divorce in March 2015 while pregnant with Qirin, stating that she and her husband had not lived together for months, according to documents obtained by New York Daily News. The divorce was finalized in July of that year. Howard and Pak were originally married in Canada in October 2013, and their secret divorce came as a surprise to the public. However, later that year, they appeared to be very close with each other. In October 2015, Howard tweeted a photo of the pair celebrating their anniversary, and he called Pak My Lifes Love, hinting that their relationship still seemed to have a chance. Happy Anniversary My Life's Love! pic.twitter.com/r6whOKWVPO Terrence D Howard (@terrencehoward) October 4, 2015 Its not the first time Howard has proposed to an ex-wife. He also wed Lori McCommas in both 1989 and 2005, according to TMZ, and married Michelle Ghent from 2010 to 2013. He and McCommas have three children together. The SpyGate Scandal: What We Learned in 2018 2018 proved to be a year of numerous revelations that provided clarity regarding events leading up toand followingthe 2016 presidential election. It is now clear that elements within the FBI, the CIA, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the State Department were actively working against the Trump campaign, and that these elements continued to work against President Donald Trumps administration following his surprise win. Immediately following Trumps victory, these efforts focused on two specific fronts: hobbling the effectiveness of Trumps newly formed administration and simultaneously working toward his impeachment. Complicit in this effort was the mainstream media, which almost gleefully promoted story after story full of half-truths and partial facts. But as we moved into the second half of 2017, the president continued to surprise and confound the opposition. His administration began to assert itself, and a semblance of control was exerted over the FBI and DOJ at the most senior levels. In early 2018, a purge of sorts appears to have taken place; a number of high-profile individuals abruptly resigned or were fired. Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe was fired and is currently the subject of an ongoing grand jury investigation. The investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller, which began in May 2017, began to return indictments, but has noticeably failed to produce any evidence of collusion on the part of the Trump campaign. Each indictment from Mueller has specifically noted there was no collusion on the part of any American citizen. The special counsel appears to be particularly focused on violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and influence peddling under the Obama administration. At the same time, multiple investigations, including a prominent investigation into FISA abuse, conducted by DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, remain ongoing. Looking forward into 2019, the questions become who will be held accountable?; how high up the political ladder will the investigation go?, and will some of the more prominent players, such as former CIA Director John Brennan, become part of an investigative focus? Click on timeline to enlarge. The Mueller Investigation Special counsel Robert Mueller (L) arrives at the U.S. Capitol for closed meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington on June 21, 2017. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) The Mueller investigation has proven to be an emotional issue and a source of concern for many. But there are some potentially reassuring facts for those concerned the special counsel is acting out of bounds. Muellers investigation has exhibited a common theme: influence peddling and FARA violations. And the majority of his investigations, such as the one into Paul Manafort, relate to events preceding Trump. Thus far, there have been no allegations of collusion in any of the Mueller indictments relating to the president. Not widely known is that Trump, Rosenstein, and Mueller met on May 17, 2017one day prior to Muellers appointment. Ostensibly, the meeting was about whether Mueller would accept the role of FBI director, but this would seem to make little sense. Mueller had previously served as the FBI director from 2001 to 2013two years beyond the normal 10-year tenure for an FBI director. In 2011, Obama requested that Mueller stay on as FBI director for an additional two years, which required special approval from Congress. A new tenure would almost certainly have been opposed. The May 17 appointment of Mueller accomplished one very significant thing: It shifted control of the Russia Investigation from the FBI and McCabe to Mueller. Rosenstein would retain ultimate authority over the probe, and any expansion of Muellers investigation required authorization from Rosenstein. On Aug. 2, 2017, Rosenstein secretly issued Mueller a revised Scope of Investigation & Definition of Authority memo that remains heavily redacted. The full purpose of this Memo remains unknown and few have seen the unredacted version. Two individuals who have seen the unredacted version are U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III, who presided over the trial of Manafort, and newly installed Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker. Neither man has given any indication that there are any issues with the contents of Rosensteins memo. Journalists gather outside the headquarters of Orbis Business Intelligence, the company run by former intelligence officer Christopher Steele, in London on January 12, 2017. (Leon Neal/Getty Images) The Steele Dossier As we move toward the years close, one final item worth noting remains: The Steele dossier has been debunked. Steele admitted in a recent court filing that he was hired for the purpose of providing information that would allow Hillary Clinton to challenge the validity of the 2016 election. Although a formal legal challenge was never mounted, the Steele dossier, which remains uncorroborated by the FBI, was used precisely for its intended purposeincluding its role in obtaining a FISA warrant for spying on Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Michael Isikoff, the Yahoo News reporter who met with Steele in September 2016, recently admitted to having significant doubts regarding the dossier: When you actually get into the details of the Steele dossier, the specific allegations, we have not seen the evidence to support them, and, in fact, theres good grounds to think that some of the more sensational allegations will never be proven and are likely false. Former FBI Director James Comey recently testified that the Steele dossier wasnt verified as of May 2017. Again, the dossier was used as the primary piece of evidence by the FBI to obtain the Page FISA warrant on Oct. 21, 2016. The Steele dossier, written by a British national and former MI6 agent, was used by both the FBI and the CIA, and a summary of the document was provided directly to President Barack Obama. And yet, for all the weight attached to this document, most of its assertions have never been proven to be factual, many have been proven to be false, and it remains unverified to this day. Which is perhaps fitting for a document originally intended to be used by Clinton to challenge the election in the then-unlikely event she lost. This article is part of our special Year in Review series. Click here for all content. Too Busy? You Might Have Action Bias The greeting starts out routine. You bump into a friend at the grocery store and they ask how you are. You find yourself thinking you arent that busy, at least, not enough to describe how you are. Things have settled down and work and family are status quo. Do you hesitate to say it that you, in fact, arent busy? Are you embarrassed that it will sound as if you are dull, unimportant, or unmotivated? Dr. Bradley R. Staats, researcher at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, suggests a possible explanation for such a reaction. He calls it action bias. Writing in The Wall Street Journal, Staats explains: We would rather be seen doing something than doing nothing. When the going gets tough, the tough get going right? This idea is so deeply ingrained that we are afraid to give the appearance of doing nothing, even when it is the best strategy. Science backs up this up. A study done in 2016 by Silvia Bellezza of Columbia Business School found that there are certain things that signal more busyness, and from that busyness, more status. Some of these busyness status symbols include using a Bluetooth headset or using online grocery services. But Staats believes we must push back against this false perception. Citing another study done by researchers at Harvard, he explains that employers penalize workers who put in fewer hours at work and reward those who appear to be burning the midnight oil. The study found that there was no difference in the performance of the two groups. Staats suggests that a better way to be more effective is to stop for contemplation, for it is through contemplation that we learn and self-improve. He says, When we sit at our desks and debate whether to take a short walk or to brainstorm for five minutes on the problem at hand, we may think that the time spent not acting is wasted. But we need sufficient time to rejuvenate during the workday, between workdays and on vacation if we are to be able to learn successfully. Now, you may be thinking, All this sounds nice, but the fact remains: I AM VERY BUSY! If so, here are three ways to fight the busyness and find time for contemplation: 1. Put the phone down: I dont know about you, but I feel very busy during the holiday season. It seems I hardly have time to get coffee with a friend or read for leisure. It turns out, according to my smartphones tracking app, I spent three hours on my phone yesterday. I can guarantee you there is no way I spent the entirety of that time on my email. If I put my phone away, I think Id get a lot more done. 2. Make a to-do list: A study from Florida State University professors Roy Baumeister and E. J. Masicampo found that writing down all the things you need to do can help relieve anxiety. In other words, you dont need to be preoccupied with keeping everything straight in your head. The more detail you write down, the better, for Simply writing the tasks down will make you more effective. 3. Carve out time for meditation or prayer: Youve likely heard it before, but setting aside even 15 minutes to reflect can be quite beneficial. Mayo Clinic suggests: Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health. And these benefits dont end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day Life in the modern world is faced-paced. In some ways there is no escaping that. Perhaps this holiday season we can get more creative about how to allow time for rest and contemplation. After all, its the more productive thing for a busy person to do. This post was originally published on Intellectual Takeout by Rosalinda Rosales. Trump Lands in Germany to Meet With Troops at Ramstein Air Base U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have landed in Germany to thank more American troops during the Christmas holiday as Air Force One makes its way back from a surprise visit to troops in Iraq. Happening Now President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS meet with Troops at Ramstein Air Base. pic.twitter.com/myDcyFIQde Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) December 27, 2018 The president and first lady greeted troops at the Ramstein Air Base about 2:30 a.m. local time on Dec. 27. Servicemembers watch as the president arrives inside a hangar at Ramstein Air Base, Germany a little after 2:30 a.m. Photo by @stripesktown pic.twitter.com/F5XKqwrRMo Erik Slavin (@eslavin_stripes) December 27, 2018 It was the couples second visit to U.S. troops who are serving overseas. The President and First Lady slowly made their way down a rope line at the Ramstein base, shaking hands and chatting with the active service members who are away from their families during Christmas. Hundreds of uniformed service members at the base posed for a photo with the couple. Many also held up Make America Great Again caps for the President to sign. President Trump later met with half a dozen U.S. Air Force leaders who are based in Germany aboard Air Force One at the air base. President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS meet with Air Force Generals at Ramstein Air Base aboard AF1. #TrumpTroopsVisit pic.twitter.com/u6Bz3ORUz3 Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) December 27, 2018 The Trumps visit to Iraq and Germany were not made public until after Air Force One had landed. Trump told troops stationed at Al Asad Air Base, We came to Al Asad to share our eternal gratitude for everything you do to keep America safe, strong, and free. Though you are thousands of miles away from your home and your loved ones, I hope you all had a merry Christmas. I also know that, speaking for your families, they are missing you and they love you and, you know, theyre every bit a part of your success; they make it possible, the president said. So theyre very special to us, all of the families. The U.S. has more than 5,000 troops stationed in Iraq. Trump also spoke to military commanders and the U.S. ambassador while in Iraq and, according to White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, they came up with a powerful plan that will allow us to continue our path to total victory over the ISIS terrorist group. The trip to Iraq was the presidents first visit to troops serving abroad since taking office. Iraqi political and militia leaders have since condemned the visit as a violation of Iraqs sovereignty. Sanders said a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi could not be arranged in time due to security concerns and the short notice of the trip. She said the two leaders had a great call and that Abdul Mahdi had accepted an invitation from the president to visit The White House in the New Year. The surprise visit comes just days after Trump announced he was withdrawing American troops from neighboring Syria, saying with the defeat of ISIS, it is time to let U.S. allies take over in the war-torn country. Now that we have done so, the nations of the region must step up and take more responsibility for their future, Trump said in his speech to the troops at Al Asad Air Base. They have to confront those remnants of ISIS and take them out very easily. Trump indicated there would be a strong, deliberate, and orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria and the United States would maintain a presence in Iraq to prevent an ISIS resurgence and to protect U.S. interests, as well as watch over Iran. Well be watching, Trump said. Each nation of the world must decide for itself what kind of future it wants to build for its people, and what kind of sacrifices they are willing to make for their children. America shouldnt be doing the fighting for every nation on Earth not being reimbursed, in many cases, at all, Trump added. If they want us to do the fighting, they also have to pay a priceand sometimes thats also a monetary priceso were not the suckers of the world Were respected again as a nation. We want to fight for the meaningful things, he said. Trumps predecessors, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, also made surprise trips to visit the troops. For security reasons, the visits are usually kept secret until after the president arrives. Trump said his main security concern was for the first lady and related to how Air Force One took special precautions when landing in Iraq. I had concerns for the institution of the presidency, not for myself personally, he said. I had concerns for the first lady, I will tell you but if you would have seen what we had to go through with the darkened plane, with all windows closed, with no light on whatsoever; pitch black Ive never seen anything like it. Zachary Stieber, Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Trumps EPA to Maintain Obama-Era Coal Plant Curbs, With a Twist The Trump administration is poised to propose maintaining Obama-era restrictions on mercury pollution from power plants, responding to opposition from electric utilities that have already spent billions of dollars to meet the requirements. At the same time, the Environmental Protection Agency is set to propose changes that may make it harder to toughen mercury emissions standards in the future by disavowing the legal justification for the regulation and altering the way its health benefits are measured. The proposal reflects a balancing act for the Trump administration, which has struggled to address a rule loathed by coal producers, viewed warily by EPA officials who object to how it was justified, and yet has already been complied with by power companies. Weve been in compliance for a number of years now, the equipment is operating and it is effective. We really see no reason at all to roll back the requirements, said John McManus, senior vice president of environmental services at American Electric Power Company Inc. Retired plants arent coming back, and we see no reason to turn back the controls that are running on our existing plants. The 2012 rule prompted a wave of coal-fired power plant closures and drew the ire of a powerful foe: coal magnate Robert E. Murray, who has spent years crusading against the regulation in court. His coal company, Murray Energy Corp., argues its domestic sales have suffered as a result of the standards. But power companies such as Duke Energy Corp. have implored the EPA and White House to leave the mercury standards intact. Utilities have already spent some $18 billion installing required technology to fulfill the requirements and satisfy April 2015 compliance deadlines that have long since passed, industry trade groups told the EPA this summer. For instance, AEP has invested nearly $8.8 billion on environmental equipment retrofits at its coal-fired power plants since 2000, with much of that equipment contributing to its compliance with the mercury rule. The utility-owner has retired 7,200 megawatts of coal-fired generation from 2011 through 2016 as part of its effort to meet the more stringent mercury rules. Mercury emissions from its plants have dropped 95 percent since 2001. Mercury and Co-Benefits Coal-fired power plants are the largest U.S. source of mercury, a metal that is converted in soil and water into a neurotoxin that can lower IQ, cause motor function deficits, damage the nervous system and lead to more heart attacks. More mercury in the air means more mercury in the water, which means more mercury in the fish, which means more mercury in people who eat the fish, said Janet McCabe, an acting assistant administrator of the EPAs air office in the Obama administration. That is especially problematic for young children, pregnant women and the babies they are carrying. The EPA is set to propose keeping the mercury limits in place while simultaneously withdrawing an assertion the requirements are appropriate and necessarya legal benchmark under the Clean Air Act. The change would arm the rules opponents with ammunition for another lawsuit challenging the mercury standards in an effort to win a court-ordered repeal. Its not clear any such litigation would prevail; a 2008 ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on another mercury rule sets a high bar. Although the EPA is ensnared by the partial government shutdown, it has enough leftover funding to continue operating, at least this week. The agency is expected to issue the proposal as soon as Wednesday. The EPA also is set to recalculate the cost and benefits of the mercury rule in a way that dramatically shrinks its estimated potential health gainsa change that could prevent the EPA from making the mercury pollution requirements more stringent in the future. At issue are the broad health benefits that spring from regulationsnot just those that directly flow from reducing a pollutant explicitly targeted by individual rules. In the case of the mercury rule, for example, the technology utilities employed to curtail mercury emissions also pared the amount of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide belched out of their power plants, which the EPA said would reduce asthma attacks, heart attacks, and premature deaths. Those co-benefits of the mercury rule were an essential figure in the Obama administrations calculation of its ultimate price tag. Although the EPA estimated it would cost the industry $9.6 billion annually to install the necessary technology, it said the health benefits from reducing mercury and other non-targeted pollutants were worth nearly 10 times more. As much as 89 percent of the 2012 rules health benefits came from reducing fine particulate matterbeyond the toxic air pollutants the measure actually targeted, according to the EPA. Disregarding C0-benefits Now, under President Donald Trump, the EPA is set to assert that because it is leaning on its Clean Air Act authority to regulate hazardous air pollutants, it is improper to consider the health benefits of paring other pollution. The EPA may argue that pollutants regulated under other programs cant be used to justify a regulation that is only supposed to be about hazardous air pollutants, said Jeff Holmstead, an assistant EPA administrator under former President George W. Bush. By disregarding co-benefits, the new proposal is set to conclude that the rules costs exceed its benefits. Environmentalists say the change could preclude the agency from counting these benefits to justify the cost of toughening requirements in the future. The Trump administration approach would limit the EPAs ability to recognize the full range of benefits that result from pollution control, said Joe Goffman, a former senior counsel in agencys air office. The result is to limit the reach of the Clean Air Act as a tool for regulating air pollution and protecting public health. The mercury standards have been the subject of litigation for years. After they were imposed in 2012, the coal industry sued, ultimately forcing the EPA to revisit its conclusions. The Obama administration reinstated the regulation in 2016 and Murray Energy sued to block it, but a federal appeals court delayed the case so the Trump administration could reconsider the rule. By by Jennifer A. Dlouhy. From Bloomberg. Trumps Tariffs Shake Up the Global Trade Order WASHINGTONSince President Donald Trump was elected in 2016, he has made trade one of his key policy priorities. His rejection of globalism, support for U.S. national security, and retaliation against unfair foreign trade practices marked a fundamental shift in Americas trade policy. In 2018, trade conflict rose to its highest level in more than three decades following Trumps decision to impose tariffs on steel, aluminum, and Chinese goods. The United States also imposed restrictions on foreign direct investments. Trump pursued trade protectionism, which has ironically long been a Democratic priority. But he repeatedly asserted that he favored trade that was both free and fair. First of all, I understand the benefits of trade. I just want a better deal for American businesses and workers, Trump told his campaigns economic advisers, Stephen Moore and Arthur Laffer, who co-authored the book Trumponomics. His focus on bringing back jobs and protecting American businesses was one of the pillars that shaped his economic policies, including trade. After his election, he followed through on his promises and began ending what he called broken trade deals. In one of his first acts as president, Trump withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). He discarded the U.S.European Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations. He announced plans to renegotiate the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which he called the worst trade deal in the history of the country. Rise of Bilateralism Trump made it clear that he preferred bilateral trade deals to regional or multilateral agreements. Believe me, were going to have a lot of trade deals. But theyll be one-on-one. There wont be a whole big mash pot, he told Republican lawmakers on Jan. 26, 2017. He and his administration saw the big advantage of bilateral deals. They knew that the United States, being the worlds largest economy, would be able to get more concessions from its bilateral partners than its multilateral partners. Trump launched a tariff campaign early this year, as part of his hard-nosed strategy to level the playing field for American workers and end unfair trade practices against the United States. Were going to see whos treating us fairly, whos not treating us fairly, he said at the White House on March 8 while rolling out his steel and aluminum tariffs. An employee works on the assembly line for the Ford 2018 and 2019 F-150 truck at the Ford Motor Companys Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Mich., on Sept. 27, 2018. (JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP/Getty Images) A few weeks later, Trump announced his first trade win in reaching a deal with South Korea. According to the White House, it was the first renegotiation of a trade pact in U.S. history. Both sides signed the revised bilateral free trade deal known as the U.S.Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) in September. Through this deal, the United States has reduced steel imports from South Korea by 30 percent and has gained concessions for U.S. automotive exports. Trump boasted about his deal, saying that the new agreement would reduce the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea and widen opportunities for American exporters. The deal has important national security implications as well, since it reduces Americas dependence on foreign steel and aluminum. Tariffs on metals imposed in March sparked reinvestment in domestic production, bringing back thousands of jobs. Former Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), who advocates for tariffs, says the metals are essential to the U.S. defense industry. Thats why it is important that we retain at a minimum the capacity to produce steel and aluminum products necessary for our military, he said at an event hosted by the American Primary Aluminum Association. The Trump administration also reached a deal with the European Union, declaring a new phase in relations. Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker agreed to work together to eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers on all industrial goods. For the first time, both sides reached an understanding to cooperate against unfair trade practices and reform the World Trade Organization (WTO). Trumps tariff strategy also put pressure on Tokyo to enter bilateral trade talks with Washington. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had earlier resisted bilateral talks, preferring a multilateral trade pact with the United States under the TPP. In September, both sides agreed to begin negotiations for a bilateral free-trade agreement. In hope of avoiding U.S. tariffs on imported autos, Abe was rumored to have made concessions to the United States by departing from his earlier stance. NAFTA Revamp The Trump administration landed its biggest trade win this year by overhauling the 24-year-old NAFTA and ending tensions with two of the United States biggest trading partners, Canada and Mexico. The three countries signed on Nov. 30 a new trade deal, the U.S.MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Argentina. The pact has to be ratified by lawmakers in the three countries. Critics called the deal a minor update to NAFTA. The new pact, however, has strong labor rules, which makes it an important milestone for international trade. Trump succeeded in altering the agreement in ways that Democrats have longed to achieve for years, said Edward Alden, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, praising Trumps accomplishment. The new rules of origin on cars is a substantial improvement to the old agreement, which promotes production and jobs in the region. Under the new deal, 75 percent of automobiles content must come from North America, up from the original threshold of 62.5 percent. The rules also incentivize the use of high-wage manufacturing labor in the auto sector. The new deal with Canada and Mexico also revealed Washingtons plan to isolate Beijing in a new global trade order by edging China out of trade deals with allies. The USMCA has a so-called poison pill provision that essentially blocks any trade flirtation with China. According to the agreement, entry by any party into a free-trade agreement with a non-market country like China would allow the other parties to terminate the pact. Patrick Mulloy, a former member of the U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission, called it a brilliant provision. Because that changes the whole parameters, Mulloy said during an interview in October. U.S.China Trade War Trumps trade war with Beijing goes beyond the rationale of reducing the U.S. trade deficit with China. For years, the Chinese communist regime has refused U.S. demands that it change its unfair trade practices. The United States has accused China of stealing key technologies and intellectual property (IP) from foreign companies using various tactics that include physical and cyber theft and forced technology transfers. Since Chinas accession to the WTO in 2001, globalization has been all about incorporating China, according to Diana Cheylova, chief economist of Enodo Economics. Despite joining the WTO, China never became a fully-fledged market economy, which the Americans expected, she said. According to Cheylova, the Chinese people were the primary beneficiaries of globalization. Meanwhile, a large chunk of the electorate in the Western World felt left behind in relative terms, she said. In December, Trump came away from the G-20 summit with several triumphs, including a trade truce with China and the WTO reform. Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping declared a 90-day ceasefire on tariff increases on Dec. 1 at the end of their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit. As part of the deal, China for the first time made a firm commitment to deliver structural reforms to address Washingtons long-standing concerns. It is not clear whether China will fulfill its pledges within the 90-day ceasefire. However, if it happens, it goes down as one of the largest deals ever made, Trump said after the meeting. During the summit, leaders of the worlds top economies also agreed for the first time to reform the 23-year-old WTO, backing Trump, who has repeatedly called the organization a disaster. The G-20 countries collectively acknowledged that the multilateral system was failing and needed improvement. This article is part of our special Year in Review series. Click here for all content. Venchi Celebrates 140 Years of Chocolate, Hazelnuts, and Piedmontese Tradition At the northwest corner of Union Square Park, dainty ice cream cones frame a store window. They hang like Christmas ornaments from each rung on the gold, ladder-like scaffolding. By the entrance, a similar gold-colored stand wraps a larger ice cream. In elegant writing, it reads, Venchi. Inside the sweets shop, multi-colored rectangular tiles line the right-hand side; a second look reveals that its actually a wall of chocolate bars. On the left, a cafe sells coffee, crepes, and all kinds of gelato. Further in, theres a large section of colorful, gleaming chocolates to excavate from, and at the very end of the triangle-shaped store, chocolate lovers will see their childhood dreams come true: a giant chocolate waterfall backdrops a cushioned seating area. This is not just any old ice cream parlor, but a gourmet chocolate confectionary with over a century of history. Built on Hazelnuts During the 1800s, there was a boy in Piedmont, Italy who had a passion for chocolate. His name was Silviano Venchi. When he was 16, Venchi started to make chocolate in his own store. It quickly grew to be very successful, known for its quality and sophisticated styles, and in 1878, the official Venchi chocolate store was born. This year, Venchi celebrated its 140th birthday with its first flagship store in New York City, opened in November. The international company also opened several more locations, including in London, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Dubai, reaching over 100 stores worldwide. According to Paolo Della Mora, director of business development for the American Venchi branch, Venchi has a very long history of traditional Italian products. The companys approach to its craft is in line with the Piedmontese tradition of chocolate making, which centers around one of its iconic products: the hazelnut. Piedmontor Piemonte, in Italianproduces hazelnuts high in nutritional value, Della Mora said, making them the best in the world. We never buy hazelnuts [that] come [from] outside of Piemonte. So 100 percent of our hazelnut production comes from Piemonte, the place where we belong, he said. The company uses hazelnuts in about 70 percent of its production, in various forms including a paste, ground, and whole. Its a key ingredient in Venchis gianduja, a milk chocolate made with hazelnut paste, used in Venchis oldest chocolate recipe, Giandujotto, which calls for at least 32 percent Piedmont hazelnuts. One of the stores best-selling chocolates is the 100 percent pure cocoa mass from Ecuador. The intense, zero-cocoa butter and zero-sugar bar is aromatic and slightly fruity, attracting dark chocolate lovers. The creamy Cremino square block, meanwhile, uses a traditional recipe of hazelnut milk chocolate with a layer of almond white chocolate sandwiched in between. Della Mora likens the experience to eating marzipan. According to Della Mora, Venchis absolute best-selling bars would be the 56, 75, and 85 percent dark chocolates with whole hazelnuts, because they are very Piedmontese, very Venchi. Secrets to Success Authenticity, tradition, quality, and innovation are four qualities that allow Venchi to prosper, Della Mora said. The company continues to be successful by providing customers with authentic products in all forms, whether its a spread, whether its a solid chocolate, whether its gelato, he added. One of their later products is the Suprema chocolate spread, launched in 1960, consisting of cocoa, Piedmont hazelnuts, olive oil, and no artificial ingredients. Their gelato, meanwhile, was introduced in 2007, launching their first chocogelateria. The New York store currently has 22 flavors, two of which they normally rotate, including pistachio, Cremino, and gianduja. Everything is made fresh every day. As they move forward, Venchi is also bridging authenticity and innovation by using old Italian illustrated posters for some of their packaging. One of their best-selling products is a book-themed chocolate box. These are images dating back 180, 120 years ago, Della Mora explained, referring to the cover design. This gift idea is successful because its not only very original packaging, but its also a collectible. People love to buy this and to collect the different images that we issue every year. A New Flagship Store for the Community Venchis new Manhattan store has been designed with customers in mind. A pick-and-mix area, a crowd favorite, carries about 35 different varieties of chocolates. According to Della Mora, customers love it because they can customize their own chocolate bags. Some of the favorites are Prendivolgia, a 56 percent dark chocolate with three whole hazelnuts inside, and Cubotto Chocaviar, a white chocolate filled with pistachio paste. The chocolate waterfall has already become an icon, attracting locals and tourists alike. People are posting photos of themselves surrounded by the 45-foot-wide, 10-foot-high cataract on Instagram and other social media. The triangular area serves as a cafe where customers can sit and listen to ambient sounds of 250 gallons of falling chocolate as they sip their coffee. We decided to introduce this element because of the shape of the store, Della Mora explained. It adds definitely an element of fun to the experience. He hopes that by opening a store in New York City, Venchi can be of value to the community. We want to be in this neighborhood not only to make business, but also to provide the community with something special, he said. By leveraging both tradition and innovation, they hope to leave their customers with a taste of traditional Italy. Thats one of our strengths, Della Mora said. So we really make some effort in order to preserve the traditions of our chocolate-making art, which dates back 140 years. Hua Zhongxun attends Shen Yun Performing Arts at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in Houston, Texas, on Dec. 26, 2019. (Sonia Wu/The Epoch Times) HOUSTONProfessional violinist Hua Zhongxun sees Shen Yun Performing Arts every year, and each year the Chinese native is astounded by Shen Yuns ability to effectively showcase traditional Chinese culture to foreign audiences. It gets better every year, Hua said. Hua was previously the lead violinist in the Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra in Zhejiang province, China. He now teaches violin at his own music school in Houston after immigrating to the United States. He attended the performance at the Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in Houston, Texas, on Dec. 26. What makes Shen Yun so special, according to Hua, is they way it connects modern audiences with an ancient and, to many, unfamiliar culture, one that is steeped in profound meaning. The company does this so deftly by using classical Chinese dance as its medium, says Hua. [By using dance to portray Chinese culture] Westerners can find out about and understand Chinese culture, and even come to love the culture, Hua said. The work of Shen Yun is outstanding. No other performing arts company is capable of doing [what it does]. Shen Yun Performing Arts depicts 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture by portraying stories and periods on stage through dance. The performance also includes folk and ethnic dances, and classical Chinese dance vignettes. Tales and records passed down through Chinese history speak to a culture deeply connected with the divine. Traditionally, Chinese believed that people should live in harmony with heaven and earth; and live a virtuous life, striving for moral improvement. This meaning is capable of being transmitted through classical Chinese dance because of the rigor of the discipline, which demands not only physical but spiritual perfection. Shen Yun dancers themselves seek to convey their inner worlds through their movements by cultivating their character. This way, it is their hope that the audience can experience the meaning of the performance on a deeper level. Hua said everything from the performers skills and fundamental technique to the songs were top quality. He particularly praised the orchestra which combines both Eastern and Western sounds, by incorporating Chinese instruments into a traditional Western symphony orchestra. Combining Eastern and Western instruments further allows Westerners to understand Chinese culture, Hua said. I think this is a critical [feature]. In Shen Yuns orchestra, ancient Chinese instruments including the erhu (a two-stringed instrument) and the pipa (sometimes known as a Chinese lute) lead the melody on top of a full Western orchestra, creating a unique yet harmonious layering of sounds. Hua said there are many Chinese performing arts shows put on by companies from mainland China. But they pale in comparison to Shen Yun Performing Arts. When those shows tour abroad, they are mostly attended by Chinese people, Hua said. Shen Yun, on the other hand, truly appeals to all cultures, becoming known in mainstream society in Western countries like the United States. Shen Yun has enabled American audiences to like Chinese culture this much. Its not a simple task, he said. That is the success of Shen Yun. With reporting by Sonia Wu and Cathy He. The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time and has covered audience reactions since the companys inception in 2006. A Georgia father, who worked as a Walmart Santa, and three others have been arrested after authorities found the bodies of his two 14-year-old children in his backyard (Effingham County Sheriff's Office) Walmart Santa Arrested After His 2 Children Are Found Buried in Yard: Reports A Georgia father and three other people were arrested after officials discovered the remains of the mans two 14-year-old children in his backyard. Elwyn Crocker Jr. was last seen in November 2016, and his sister, Mary Crocker, was last seen in October 2018, said Effingham County Coroner David Exley, to People. Their remains were discovered last week in Elwyn Crocker Sr.s home. On Dec. 26, more details about the case emerged. A third sibling, who is still alive, was removed from Crocker Sr.s home last week, WTOC reported. The childs mother, Rebecca Self, went to Effingham County from South Carolina, saying she wants the 11-year-old boy, named James, returned to her custody. She claimed she hadnt seen him since 2009. The dead children were not reported missing by Crocker Sr. or anyone else, the Effingham County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Officials made the discovery after receiving a tip about Mary Crockers remains. This is Mary and Elwyn Crocker jr. Deputies say they are the two children found buried near their home. Their father, stepmother and step grandmother are now being detained and questioned in their deaths. It was a gruesome story that unfolded in Effingham County today@WTGSFOX28 pic.twitter.com/EgVDV8iiw6 Robert Catanese (@RCataneseWTGS) December 21, 2018 Ive been doing this 41 years, and a while ago I almost broke down in tears, Effingham Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said last week, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Its that bad. I cannot understand how you do children like this. Its horrible, he continued. Crocker Sr. and his wife, Candice Crocker, were charged with concealing the death of another and cruelty to children in the first degree, WTOC reported. The childrens step-grandmother, Kim Wright, was arrested and faces the same charges. Wrights boyfriend, Roy Anthony Prater, was also arrested for concealing the death of another, cruelty to children in the first degree, and possession of a scheduled or controlled substance. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Crocker Sr. had recently worked as a Santa Claus at a Walmart in Rincon. Neighbors Stunned Officials are now figuring out what happened to the children. Neighbors recalled to WTOC in another report that the children spent most of their time inside the home or doing yard work. Other kids said at school, they could tell stuff was wrong with her hands. They were red, Gary Bennett said of Mary. That was from being out in the yard out there most of the time working, doing stuff from the time she got off that bus until they would go in at night. Then she would go to school and kids would see her and ask what was wrong and she wouldnt ever say anything. She wouldnt open up to anybody. Another neighbor, Raymond Strickland, told WTOC that he doesnt understand how people could continue to live at their home knowing that children are buried on the property. They just went about their lives like nothing, Strickland said of Crocker Sr. and the three other suspects. He added: Its like, how could you, and with any kind of spirit in your body? How could you continue on in just a normal manner? He continued, The whole community is heartbroken about it. Everybody is hurt by this. But Self, the biological mother, said she doesnt understand why neighbors who lived near the family didnt do anything to help. After seeing all of the comments of people in the trailer park, theyre the ones that called the sheriffs department, theyre the ones that did this, Self told WTOC. Where were you when all of this happened? Why didnt you say anything? Why did you not just push the case? You could have saved that little girls life. Yuan Mu, the former spokesman of China's State Council, during a media interview about the Tiananmen Square Massacre, on June 17, 1989. (Screenshot via YouTube) Yuan Mu, Chinese Official Who Claimed No Deaths at Tiananmen, Dead at 90 The Chinese Communist Party has shied from praising or reporting details about infamous spokesman Yuan Mu, the Chinese regime spokesman who claimed that not a single person died at Tiananmen Square, following the 1989 student protests that ended in a bloody crackdown in June of that year, died Dec. 13. He was 90. According to state media, Yuans funeral was held at Babaoshan, a cemetery for senior Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials, on Dec. 23. While several current and retired Party leaders sent wreaths to commemorate his passing, notably absent among them was Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Party-controlled media didnt report his death until Dec. 25, when Xinhua ran an article that was republished by other outlets. In addition, the obituary didnt afford Yuan any of the praise normally given to deceased CCP officials, but consisted only of a cursory resume of his career. The resume noted Yuans position as director and Party secretary in the research office of the State Council, and that he had been a member of the standing committee of the Eighth National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, a CCP institution for relations with Chinese society and government. The report appeared to alter Yuans date of birth, putting it in December 1927 rather than the Jan. 1, 1928, that was accepted earlier. Chinese media are being extraordinarily skittish about reporting the death of Yuan Mu. Nerves over the 30th anniversary? New York Times reporter Chris Buckley posted via Twitter. Buckley says that the Party may be worried that Yuans death could stir up unwanted political sentiments, given the proximity to the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 2019. Not a Single Person Died The Tiananmen protests began in April 1989 in response to growing discontent over corruption and abuse of power by the CCP, as well as the death of the recently ousted reformist leader Hu Yaobang. By May, the protests involved more than a million people across the country, including 100,000 gathered in Tiananmen Square, in the center of Beijing. Martial law was imposed in May, and on the night of June 3 and into the early hours of June 4, troops of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) surrounded and killed thousands of people, mostly university students, who hadnt dispersed from Tiananmen Square. Yuan soon became infamous for his conflicting and deceptive statements as the CCPs official spokesman in the aftermath. On June 17, 13 days after the massacre, Yuan said in an interview that not a single person died at Tiananmen Square, and that military vehicles hadnt crushed a single protester. But on June 6, just days after the massacre, Yuan had said at a press conference that fewer than 300 people had died throughout the entire protest and its suppression, while more than 2,000 were injured. Among the deaths, there were soldiers, rioters, and those caught in the crossfire, Yuan said. After an investigation from the universities, we have by now confirmed the deaths of 23 students. Yuan claimed that more than 5,000 PLA soldiers and around 2,000 rioters and bystanders ignorant of the circumstances were wounded. Yuans words invited widespread criticism. James R. Lilley, then-U.S. Ambassador to China, wrote in his book, China Hands, that after the Tiananmen Square massacre, among the press corps, Yuan was so unpopular that he earned the description reptilian. Lilley also noted that Yuan Mu, who hates America so much and berated my country every day, had his daughter apply for a U.S. visa and later sent her to study in the United States. When the Chinese regime received international criticism for the Tiananmen massacre, Yuan shrugged it off: We are not afraid, no matter what kind of tactics they use. Criticize us? Sanction us? We Chinese people will not allow them to interfere in Chinas domestic affairs, either by condemnation or by sanction. After Yuan retired, he gave a phone interview to Radio Free Asia (RFA) in May 2012, during which, he refrained from giving detailed comments about the events. I dont know much about affairs at the highest level, Yuan told RFA. I cant express them clearly on the phone. They cant be explained in just a few words. I dont really know about [the leaders] business. Dont ask me. Go ask someone who really understands the situation, Yuan, who was 84 at the time, said. Regarding the minimal acknowledgment of Yuan by top CCP leaders upon his death, U.S.-based China affairs commentator Tang Jingyuan told The Epoch Times on Dec. 26 that the CCP doesnt want to stir up memories among the Chinese about the Tiananmen massacre by reporting on Yuans death. Tang also speculated about the reasons for Xi declining to extend condolences: In fact, the CCP is ambivalent about Yuan Mu, due to his bad reputation. Xi Jinping didnt send a wreath, possibly because he fears damaging his personal image should he be associated with Yuans negative standing. MILFORD One juvenile was arrested Wednesday after several disturbances and altercations at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, police said. But it wasnt the only mall in the state to have this problem. Manchester police responded to The Shoppes at Buckland Hills Mall for fights involving up to 300 youths, the department said. The incidents came on one of the busiest shopping days of the year with many people making holiday gift returns or taking advantage of after-Christmas sales. Officer Mike DeVito, Milford police spokesman, said the incidents were not connected. He said at least one juvenile was arrested at the Milford mall. The Milford mall, which was expected to stay open until 9 p.m., closed at 7:30 p.m. The early closing caused heavy traffic congestion on the Boston Post and East Town roads. Katherine Patrick, 14, of Milford, said in a phone interview later Wednesday that she was at the Milford mall with her mom and her sister to return curtains at Boscovs when an announcement came over the speakers. We run to go get pretzels and heard the mall was closing at 7:30, Patrick said. She said they overheard a group of teenage girls say they had to leave early because of a person who had a weapon. Police did not indicate if any of the people involved in the disturbances at the mall were armed. Patrick said a woman repeatedly came on the loudspeaker and told shopper to get to the nearest exit, but she said it was hard to hear if she gave any additional information. Then, Patrick said, she heard a loud bang near a staircase and saw a bunch of kids running out of the mall. She wasnt sure what caused the noise. Her, her sister and her mom ran out of the mall through Boscovs, passing various stores including Macys which had already closed its doors. Patrick said outside the mall they saw five or six police cars and some state police troopers. I didnt see any fights, Patrick said. I only saw the cars. She said she saw some teenagers skateboarding outside the mall when they got there, pushing each other around. It seemed like normal teenage things, she said. On the Connecticut Post Malls website, it said the Milford mall closed at 7:30 p.m., due to safety and security reasons. Please note cinema, department store, fitness center and restaurant hours may vary. Milford police said officers helped mall personnel exit in an orderly fashion. Traffic on Boston Post Road and East Town Roads were backed up by traffic congestion as shoppers left. Hours earlier, Manchester police units responded to the Buckland Hills Mall for reports of multiple disturbances and fights between youths, police said. Manchester police said officers on the scene working a detail within the mall reported a large fight with several other disturbances occurring around the mall interior. It was estimated that 200-300 people, most appearing to ber juveniles, were involved. Mutual aid was requested and officers from surrounding agencies responded to the mall area. Police arrested four people including a 17-year-old male, who was charged with inciting a riot, criminal trespass, breach of peace and infering with officers. He was also charges with carrying a pistol without a permit after police found he had a .22-caliber handgun tucked in his waistband. Around 6:30 p.m., police said the area was under control but urged the public to avoid the area as the crowds were dispersed from the mall. After the initial fight, Manchester police said, numerous other disturbances around the mall interior and exterior. During the course of dispersing the crowds, groups of individuals gathered in the parking lot and nearby businesses. Responding police resources were dispatched to control the surrounding areas. Manchester police reported no injuries to the public or police during the incident. Additional resources will be present in the mall in the forseeable future, police said. JERUSALEM - Israeli airstrikes near the Syrian capital overnight endangered two civilian flights attempting to land at the Damascus and Beirut airports, Russia's Defense Ministry said Wednesday. The strikes, which Israel has not confirmed, targeted an arms depot west of Damascus late Tuesday and injured three soldiers, Syrian state media reported. A Britain-based war monitor said that strikes also hit a weapons storage facility controlled by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, which has backed the Syria's government in its efforts to retake territory from Syrian rebels. The Syrian military "did not fully employ" its air defense system "in order to guide [the] civilian aircraft" out of danger, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement carried by the Interfax news agency. It said Syria's air defense batteries intercepted 14 of 16Israeli guided missiles. The statement is Russia's latest rebuke of Israel over its repeated air raids in Syria, after a Russian military plane was accidentally downed by Syrian antiaircraft fire targeting Israeli fighter jets in September. At least 11 Russian military personnel were killed in the crash. Israel rarely acknowledges its military strikes in Syria, which have targeted Iranian military installations and arms shipments to the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah. Israel's military said Tuesday that one of its aerial defense systems was activated "in response to an antiaircraft missile launched from Syria." It did not elaborate. But officials have said that Israel will act in Syria to protect its national security. "We are not prepared to accept the Iranian military entrenchment in Syria, which is directed against us," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday at a graduation ceremony for Israeli air force pilots. "We will act against it vigorously and continuously." He did not specifically mention the strikes. The air raids come at a particularly tense time following President Donald Trump's surprise decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, where they are currently supporting Kurdish-led fighters battling the Islamic State militant group. Israel worries that a U.S. pullout would remove an important check on growing Iranian influence in Syria, where Tehran now commands thousands of proxy forces, including Hezbollah. Its presence secures an important strategic foothold stretching from Iran to Lebanon, where Hezbollah, which fought a war with Israel in 2006, has beefed up its own arsenal in anticipation of an Israeli attack. "I have said that we will not be deterred from doing what is necessary," Netanyahu said. "President Trump's decision to withdraw the American soldiers from Syria will not change our policy. We stand firmly on our red lines in Syria and everywhere else." According to Ofer Zalzberg, a Jerusalem-based analyst for the International Crisis group, Israel feels that it is "essentially alone in the task of back-walling the Iranian military presence in Syria." The U.S. decision "feeds the notion that is prevalent in the region, even if it's not entirely correct, that the U.S. is withdrawing," Zalzberg said. "Many people draw delight from this, specifically in Tehran and Moscow." In recent weeks, Israel has embarked on an operation dubbed "Northern Shield" to detect and destroy cross-border tunnels it says Hezbollah has dug on the Israel-Lebanon frontier. Israel says it has discovered four tunnels snaking from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory. Israel has used seismic sensors and ground-penetrating radar to uncover the tunnels,said Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman. Israel and the United States last week called for an emergency session at the United Nations Security Council to highlight the tunnels. Ahead of the meeting, Netanyahu said it was time for the international community to hold Lebanon, Iran and Hezbollah accountable. "Lebanon is doing nothing at best, colluding at worst," Netanyahu said in a rare briefing for international reporters in Jerusalem. Hezbollah and its allies won a majority of seats in the Lebanese parliament in May, but a government has not yet been formed. "My message is, Hezbollah is putting you in great jeopardy," Netanyahu said in remarks directed at Lebanese officials. - - - Cunningham reported from Istanbul. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 09:01 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e42bd1b 1 Editorial #Editorial,forest-conversion,#forest,#environment,environment,mining-sites,coal-mine,coal Free It is horrifying to learn that the government has not acted firmly to strengthen the oversight of coal mining operations in Kalimantan even though many companies have failed to reclaim, revegetate and restore their former mining pits, thereby leaving behind giant black holes that have caused water pollution and even fatalities. Several environmental NGOs that recently announced the findings of their investigative study into the coal industry in East Kalimantan revealed how corruption had allowed thousands of firms to mine coal illegally. Many licensed miners had also simply abandoned their mines without rehabilitating them, which is mandatory. The report said many giant black holes had become large ponds containing very acidic water, as well as metals such as aluminum, lead and mercury that had polluted rivers in East Kalimantan. They have claimed the lives of 32 people, including children. A few months ago the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and several civil society organizations sounded the alarm against the acute lack of law enforcement against coal mining companies, especially regarding their obligation to deposit reclamation and post-mining guarantee funds. They revealed that thousands of small coal mining firms in Kalimantan had not deposited reclamation guarantee funds, as required by the 2009 Mining Law. The law requires mining companies to fill in and regreen mining sites and put up financial guarantees for the reclamation and restoration of mining sites. Miners are required to place reclamation and post-mining funds in a state bank on behalf of the license holders in the form of joint accounts, term deposits, bank guarantees issued by a state bank or in accounting reserves to support their commitment to conducting reclamation and post-mining activities. But many coal companies have simply abandoned their mines and left behind giant black holes. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is not able to deal directly with recalcitrant miners because the 2009 Mining Law vests the licensing authority with regional administrations. However, since many mining concessions have been awarded to the relatives of regents, governors and local political leaders, miners have often simply walked away from their mines without any penalties. In East Kalimantan, for example, hundreds of abandoned open-pit mines have deteriorated into death traps for children because many of them are located not far from residential areas, according to the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi). The BPK confirmed after an audit in 2016 that there were many problems in the management of reclamation and post-mining guarantees in East Kalimantan. The audit found that many companies either had not completed reclamation plans at all or did not have the specified guarantee funds in place. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has acknowledged that only 48 percent of the 9,721 holders of mining business permits as of 2016 had made deposits to finance rehabilitation activities by regional administrations where they operated. The big question is, are the central government and local administrations so incompetent or feeble that they are powerless to stop the environmental damage inflicted by recalcitrant miners? Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 10:12 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e430297 1 Opinion JKN,health-insurance,BPJS,health,healthcare Free The National Health Insurance (JKN) has run for four years and become the backbone of the countrys health sector. While the program, which is managed by the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan), has successfully provided medical treatment to many, it has many drawbacks, including a perpetual deficit. A group of researchers led by the head of the University of Indonesias Human Nutrition Research Center, Rina Agustina, conducted a comprehensive study of the implementation of the program that was recently published by Lancet. The Jakarta Posts Dyaning Pangestika and Adisti Sukma Sawitri recently talked to the lead author. The following are excerpts from the interview. Question: How did the team come up with the study? Answer: The paper, which is entitled Universal health coverage in Indonesia: Concept, progress and challenges, aimed to introduce our health coverage system to the world through evidence-based research. This research is the only one that features scholars from multidisciplinary backgrounds. There are 12 authors from various backgrounds, such as economics, nutrition and public health. Most of the authors and contributors are from Indonesia, which makes this research the first that was dominated by Indonesian scholars. BPJS Kesehatan and Health Ministry officials were also involved as contributors. What are the key findings of this research? Indonesia is quite unique because our country is very diverse. We have 262 million inhabitants with 730 ethnic groups and languages, all scattered across 17,744 islands in this country. The problems are varied in each location because of lifestyles and differences in health beliefs. This situation forced our healthcare system to find a more dynamic solution so it could adapt to all Indonesians needs. We also faced a growing number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The NCDs are estimated to escalate by more than 20 percent in the coming years. Death by diabetes, for example, increased by 63 percent from 2005 to 2016. Strokes also increased as well, making those diseases the largest contributing factors to the total number of deaths in Indonesia. These diseases would create a cost burden to our universal health coverage by 2020 and could possibly impose a burden of US$5.8 billion on the system. Nutritional problems remain a challenge despite the existence of the JKN. Although the prevalence of stunting has reduced, our research showed that stunting still remained high at 33 to 37 percent over the last decade. The prevalence of obesity among adults aged 18 years old and older increased to 21 percent from 2007 to 2016. Health care is supposed to address this issue by promoting a healthier lifestyle. What are the challenges we need to overcome? First, the system has yet to be successfully implemented because there is a missing middle group, a term that we use to describe people who work in the informal sector but are not covered by the JKN because of low enrolment in the system. This group, which mostly consists of young adults, is not poor. However, they decided to not participate in the scheme because they did not see it as something beneficial. Only 52 percent of them enrolled for the program. Those who did not participate think it is such a waste of money because they did not get sick often. Some also think that the bureaucratic process takes too long and it made them hesitate to register for the JKN. Second is our health service readiness. Our government is still focusing on a curative approach instead of prevention. Inadequate medical facilities remain an issue. Although 82 percent of public hospitals passed the test for preparedness in 2017, only 67 percent of community health centers passed the same test. What is your recommendation to overcome such problems? We have introduced a road map for the JKN to include by 2025 programs to make peoples lifestyles healthier and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. From 2015 to 2019, we had to start improving the quantity and quality of health workers, disease control and the access to and quality of health facilities. Between 2019 to 2025, we start working to implement the Universal Recovering Care, such as by reducing smoking rates, and start investing in sanitation and healthier lifestyles. The next phase is to implement the Universal Cost Care program by creating a policy to provide for healthier lifestyles, as well as affordable nutritious products. The government recently proposed to cover the JKN deficit using revenues from tobacco excise. What is your take on this? Personally, I think it is all right to use the money to help cover the JKN since the tax is also used in other countries to fund their health coverage. It would be much better if the government increased the tobacco excise. However, some people might think that it is all right for them to smoke more since they assume it would help the government. This problem could be overcome by increasing health campaign promotions. Children should be educated to understand the dangers of smoking at an early age. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Vincent Lingga (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 09:12 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e42c4a7 1 Opinion #commentary,Jokowi-administration,Freeport-Indonesia,Papua Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo deserves the highest praise for his appropriate pursuit of resource nationalism. Last Friday, the government finally closed its deal with United States mining giant Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) on acquiring majority shares in its subsidiary Freeport Indonesias (FI) Grasberg copper and gold mine in Papua for US$3.85 billion less than four months before the presidential and legislative elections in April 2019. Still, it is mind-boggling to hear the perpetual criticisms analysts and the campaign team of presidential challenger Prabowo Subianto have lashed out at the successful FI divestment. Looking at the FI acquisition only through the distorted political lens of misguided arguments simply insults the peoples intelligence. Critics have ridiculed the acquisition of the worlds second largest copper and gold mine as a senseless and stupid move, asking why the government did not wait until FIs current contract ended in 2021 by which time it could simply take over the mine without paying a single rupiah. These detractors deliberately ignore the legal fact that under Indonesian law, mines operating under a contract of work (CoW) serve as both contractor and investor. Hence, the government cannot simply take over mining operations in the event that the FI contract is not extended beyond 2021, because FCX has the legal right to take home all mining equipment and other fixed assets of its Indonesian subsidiary. Only the mineral deposits laying deep underground belong to the state mineral resources that have absolutely no value without FIs technology, expertise, operational system and global network. This is very different from foreign oil companies, which cannot claim anything after their production sharing contract (PSC) ends, as they are purely contractors. Taking over the FI mine after the CoW ends without paying due compensation to Freeport as mutually agreed would land the government at the international arbitration court and isolate Indonesia as a pariah of the international community. If the critics suspect that the price for acquiring majority ownership in FI was unusually high or smacked of irregularities, it would be more productive if they lobbied the House of Representatives to request that the politically independent Supreme Audit Agency conduct an investigative audit into the entire divesture of the worlds most complex mining operation. The FI divestment was a normal business transaction between the government, through state-owned mining holding company PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum), and FCX, as required by the law. The negotiations were long and tough, overshadowed by the sociopolitical controversy of FIs 50-year operations in the countrys easternmost province. The fact that FCX which still holds 48.76 percent ownership in FI after the divestment did not ask for international arbitration as it had threatened, shows that the US mining giant was satisfied with the deal. The final stage of the divestment smoothly followed the initial agreement signed in August 2017, followed by a heads of agreement signed in July 2018 and a sales and purchase contract that concluded in September. Judging from the step-by-step process and the comprehensive due diligence the state financial comptroller (internal audit) and the Attorney Generals Office conducted on the deal, we can rest assured that the acquisition was clean and free of any malfeasance. Most important for FCX is that the deal secures a 20-year extension of FIs operations through 2041, and guarantees fiscal and legal certainty under a special mining license protected by the 2009 Mining Law. This is vital to the multi-billion dollars in additional investment that is still needed as the mines operation shifts from open-pit to underground next year. On the other hand, the majority ownership enables the government to control FI management, corporate policies and such business plans as dividend payouts. And the government will have more authority over FI when its CoW ends in 2021 and it recommences operation under the special mining license. Yet more important is the copper smelter, which will be built in Indonesia as one of the key requirements of the new mining license, and which will in turn allow the government to ascertain the gold content of the mines copper concentrates. The fact that Inalum was able to purchase the acquisition with the proceeds of $4 billion global bonds is another proof that the transaction was clearly commercially viable. Inalum successfully issued in November a $4 billion total tranche of three-year, five-year, 10-year and 30-year bonds in London with yields of 5.5 to 7.30 percent on a choppy global market from concerns over the US-China trade war, the US monetary tightening and slowing growth in Asia. In using the bonds instead of bank loans, Inalum prudently managed its future debt service burden. A word of caution, however: FIs production output and consequently its profit will most likely decline in the first two years following the divestment. But by no means is this legal ground for the critics to sue the ministers or the Inalum CEO for corruption. Nor can such a short-term decline in production be blamed on Inalums managerial incompetence, because the potential for this problem has been anticipated as Grasberg commences underground mining operations in 2020. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dimas Fauzi and Kenny Cetera (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 11:04 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e431c07 3 Opinion forest,environment,Environment-and-Forestry-Ministry Free About 120.6 million hectares or 63 percent of land in Indonesia are designated as state forest areas 26 percent of which are degraded, according to the Environment and Forestry Ministry. While efforts to maintain forest cover are mainly targeted in these state forest areas, areas of other use are also home to forest ecosystems. Some of these forested lands are owned privately by individuals or smallholders. The existence of forest ecosystems on private land is partially a result from the governments rehabilitation program dating back to the 1950s. This tree planting program in a communitys backyard has led to forest-like land cover. Some are then recognized as hutan rakyat. In 2014, the ministry estimated hutan rakyat spanned across 34.8 million ha or almost equal to the size of Germany. A 2016 ministerial regulation on social forestry includes hutan rakyat as one of the social forestry schemes. The program, a signature initiative of President Joko Jokowi Widodo, aims at resolving tenurial conflict while improving community welfare and keeping forests intact. Despite its private status, hutan rakyat could still significantly contribute to social forestrys overarching goals. Studies on hutan rakyat indicate its sheer extent and economic potential. A group called Volunteers Alliance for Saving Nature (ARuPA) estimated hutan rakyat contributed up to 90 percent of total timber production in Central Java. However, several obstacles to effective management of hutan rakyat remain. Unlike other social forestry schemes supported by indicative maps, data indicating areas of hutan rakyat are lacking. Thus, its implementation relies heavily on community willingness or grassroots initiatives to register their land as a private forest, with limited strategic direction and commitment from the central government. Moreover, land ownership status and traditional management of hutan rakyat make the scheme less attractive than other social forestry schemes. In some cases, the complex registration of private land to obtain private forest status often deprives an owner of property rights. In the latter case, the owners are further obliged by the regulation to maintain forest function and render a letter stating willingness to relinquish their land as a private forest. Although having private forest status will allow smallholders to enjoy benefits such as exclusion of contribution payments, easier access to credit and market facilitation, not all farmers are aware of such benefits. Another problem is that traditional forestry practice associated with hutan rakyat is unsustainable. For instance, smallholders in Terong village, Yogyakarta, only harvest their trees when they have pressing economic needs, such as for childrens tuition. Such practice is widely known as tebang butuh (harvest according to needs). When the economy becomes unstable, hutan rakyat could potentially lose tremendous cover. Another challenge for smallholders is accessing the right market to obtain fair prices, particularly for timber commodities. The supply chain for timber from hutan rakyat is still dominated by middlemen, who control timber prices for smallholders. A ministry study on hutan rakyat in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, revealed that an overreliance on middlemen in timber sales could reduce the potential income of smallholders by 70-80 percent. To improve current practices of hutan rakyat, three strategies should be pursued. First, data on both the forests existing and potential areas should be made available. Such data could enable all stakeholders to promote hutan rakyat.Most importantly, such data would help the government form strategic direction on hutan rakyat and monitor deforestation as well as illegal logging. Second, ensure farmers receive technical assistance. This essential assistance can be provided by augmenting business planning to manage forest sustainably. However, establishing forest farmers groups or similar cooperatives is an important first step. These farmer groups are eligible to receive technical assistance from the provincial social forestry working group. Such assistance might cover topics that include business planning and timber certification. Last, incentive mechanisms should be developed and implemented. One popular incentive is harvest postponement credit (KTT), which allows smallholders to obtain low-interest credit and give their trees as collateral in exchange. KTT should not only be designed to address immediate household needs but also for productive purposes, such as financing timber certification. Since awareness of purchasing legal timber has been on the rise, having such certification can help smallholders access premium buyers. Low-interest credit from the ministrys general affairs bureau, for instance, could be an alternative to finance hutan rakyat management. As an important part of the landscape, therefore, such hutan rakyat should get the same level of attention as other social forestry schemes and other conservation policy in general. Producing data, designing technical assistance and providing incentive mechanisms for hutan rakyat are among the few first steps the government and all stakeholders need to take to achieve such a goal. *** Dimas Fauzi is a social forestry and energy research analyst. Kenny Cetera is a forest legality analyst. Both work at the World Resources Institute Indonesia. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Paris Thu, December 27, 2018 07:01 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e421f7f 2 People Brigitte-Bardot,Christmas,animals Free Iconic former French film star and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has asked President Emmanuel Macron for a Christmas "miracle", with closed circuit TV in abattoirs and a curb to hunting. The 84-year-old, who walked away from the cinema spotlight to embrace the animal cause, accused Macron of turning France into a "recreational facility for the extermination of animals." "Animal protection has been thrown to the winds by an I-don't give-a-damn attitude on the part of the government," she said in a public letter published Wednesday, adding that this was a "shame for France." "Christmas is a little miracle for some and I believe in miracles!" she wrote, calling for video surveillance in abattoirs "where three million animals are sacrificed every day in France in shamefully barbaric and terrifying conditions." Bardot has appealed to Macron several times in recent months on animal rights. Read also: 'Handsome' gorilla makes species most popular animals at Japan zoo The former sex kitten, who has retreated into a hermit-like existence in southern France, set up the Brigitte Bardot Foundation dedicated to animal protection in 1986. In a letter to conservation group WWF in 2011, Bardot recounted her life-changing visit to Canada in the 1980s when she witnessed its annual seal cub culls. "I will never forget these pictures, the screams of pain, they still torture me but they have given me the strength to sacrifice my whole life to defend the animal's one," she said. Bardot has also crusaded for and elephants, and called for the abolition of ritual animal sacrifice and the closure of horse abattoirs. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 17:36 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e44cd47 1 Entertainment Steve-Emmanuel,actor,Indonesia,drugs,cocaine,arrested Free Indonesian actor Steve Emmanuel was arrested by the West Jakarta Police for the possession of cocaine on Dec. 21. Tempo.co reported that police claim to have found the cocaine in his apartment in South Jakarta. West Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Hengki Haryadi alleged in a press conference on Dec. 27 that Steve bought 100 grams of cocaine in the Netherlands and brought it to Indonesia by plane. Police claim Steve confessed to them that he inserted the drugs into a bottle and a box, covering them with clothes and placing them in his checked luggage. Read also: Fentanyl surpasses heroin as deadliest drug in US Along with the drugs, the police said they seized a number of pieces of evidence from Steve, such as a plane ticket, an inhaler, a spoon and an access card to his apartment. According to kompas.com, West Jakarta narcotics division chief Adj. Comr. Erick Frendiz claimed that Steve bought the drugs from an international syndicate. He also said that 100 grams of cocaine was considered a large amount. The suspect admitted that he only recently started to use cocaine in the past four months, in the amount of 8 grams, Erick added. The police said they are investigating how the drugs escaped the Netherlands airport surveillance. Steve faces multiple charges under Article 114, paragraph 2 of Law No. 35/2009 on narcotics, which upon conviction would carry a term of imprisonment from five years to life, or the maximum penalty of death. (wng) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stevie Emilia (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 09:15 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e42c504 1 Art & Culture art,Indonesian-artists,ARTJOG,Art-Jakarta,Art-Bali,contemporary-art,Raden-Saleh,Hendra-Gunawan,s-sudjojono,Painter,maestro Free Its been an exciting time for Indonesias art scene this year, with existing art fairs setting stronger foundations and new ones stealing attention. Raden Saleh The year kicked off with surprisingly good news when a painting by Indonesian master Raden Saleh broke a new record as the most expensive Indonesian piece of art sold at an auction in France in January. The painting, titled Perburuan Banteng (Banteng Hunt), went under the hammer for 7.2 million euros (US$8.2 million) much higher than the reserve price of 200,000 euros. It was bought by an anonymous Indonesian collector, according to auctioneer Jack-Philippe Ruellan. More good news might be around the corner because next year, Ruellan said, another Raden painting, titled Presumed portrait of Alexander Pushkin ( 1841 ), would be put up for auction on Jan. 29, with estimations put at 60,000 to 80,000 euros. The authenticity of this new painting has been confirmed by Raden Saleh experts Marie-Odette Scalliet and M. Werner Kraus. The owner of this painting is Greek and he came to us because of the price paid for Perburuan Banteng in January, Ruellan told The Jakarta Post. His wife is Indonesian and she had inherited the painting. Perburuan Banteng (Banteng Hunt) by Raden Saleh (Courtesy of French auction house Jack-Philippe Ruellan/File) Something New Indonesias art scene welcomed two new events this year Art Bali and Art_Unltd: XYZ in Bandung, West Java. Art Bali initiated by Heri Pemad, the impresario behind ARTJOG, and young Balinese artist Aswino Aji in collaboration with the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) was held in conjunction with the 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Group in Nusa Dua, Bali. The inaugural Art Bali: Beyond the Myths art exhibition, held from Oct. 10 to Nov. 9 this year and which is scheduled to be held annually, featured over 50 works by 39 Indonesian and foreign artists. Through the selected works, Art Bali and its curators, Rifky Effendy and Ignatia Nilu, were praised for successfully presenting a visual tour de force that not just pleased the eye but also the mind. A promising development also came from West Javas capital Bandung known as one of Indonesians contemporary art hubs and home to the countrys oldest fine arts school. Art statement: A visitor walks in front of Mufti Amenk Priyankas work during the Art_Unltd: XYZ exhibition in Bandung, West Java. (The Jakarta Post/Arya Dipa) This year, the city finally tried to catch up with its counterparts on the art scene, mainly Jakarta and Yogyakarta, which have successfully held annual events like Art Jakarta and ARTJOG. Bandung hosted the six-day art event called Art_Unltd: XYZ from Dec. 15 to 20, which was organized by Bekraf and ArtSociates Indonesia. It displayed the work of more than 100 artists ranging from the renowned to the younger generation. In terms of artistic productions in contemporary art, Argus said there was no significant development in popular art hubs like Bandung, Jakarta or Yogyakarta as some artists were working and experimenting with new media art something that, unfortunately, not all collectors preferred: painting. But next year, he said, could be the right moment to support the development of an art market ecosystem and enhance collectors appreciation for new media art. Art_Unltd: XYZ will hopefully trigger regions outside Java to enhance the art market ecosystem for artists and other creative players, Argus added. Fake Painting Concerns are being raised over the presence of many reproductions, usually the work of late masters that are being passed off as being the real deal. Fears that these fakes will diminish the quality of Indonesian art have prompted the Indonesian Fine Art Lovers Association (PPSI) to come out with a new book titled Melacak Lukisan Palsu (Tracing Fake Paintings). The book, with art critic Syakieb Sungkar as editor, is a collection of extensive research-based pieces into the phenomenon by art critics, the media, curators, collectors, and family members of the artists whose work has been forged. The book also takes an in-depth look at painters such as S. Sudjojono, Hendra Gunawan and Lee Man Fong and the history of their paintings, which are some of the most forged pieces in Indonesia. Interestingly, in tandem with the books release, an exhibition, titled Maestros and their Followers was also held, displaying the work of artists who purposely reproduce works by the masters not as forgeries but tributes. Respecting authenticity: Syakieb Sungkar (right), the editor of a book titled Melacak Lukisan Palsu (Tracing Fake Paintings), and prolific writer Goenawan Mohamad admire paintings at the Maestro dan Para Pengikutnya (Maestros and their Disciples) exhibition at Ciputra Artprenuer in Jakarta on Thursday. (JP/Jerry Adiguna) Art Fairs Prominent art fairs ARTJOG in Yogyakarta and Art Jakarta returned this year, while Art Stage Jakarta is scheduled to return in August next year after being postponed in September due to security reasons. The 11th ARTJOG came back stronger as a melting pot for new ideas and thoughts, offering artists a platform to showcase their work at the Jogja National Museum (JNM) in Yogyakarta where the fair was held from May 4 to June 4. This years commissioned work was a knitting piece titled Sea Remembers by Mulyana Mogus and for the first time, the fair also conducted two evening curatorial tours. Next year, it is scheduled to be held from July 25 to Aug. 25. Underwater: Bambang Toko Witjaksono (second left) explains the Sea Remembers by artist Mulyana during a night curatorial tour at the Jogja National Museum (JNM) in Yogyakarta. (JP/Bambang Muryanto) Contemporary art researcher Argus F.S. said art fairs played an important role in helping artists build networks to support their work because they served as a door to global art markets. Art fairs bring in collectors, art dealers, gallery owners, curators and art researchers where they meet these artists [and see their work], said Argus who is an independent curator at Artlinked Indonesia He added that ARTJOG is currently considered to be one of the most successful fairs in building such an ecosystem. Art Jakarta marked its 10th anniversary this year, presenting more than 1,000 works from more than 300 local and international artists for four days in August and attracting more than 32,000 visitors. For the first time since its inception in 2009 by fashion and lifestyle magazine Harpers Bazaar Indonesia, the organizers charged an entrance fee of Rp 50,000 ($3.45) per person. The art fair also reported robust sales this year, with numerous galleries offering very affordable pieces in its newly created AJ100 section and selected masterpieces selling around 60 to 80 percent of their exhibits. Next year, as part of its plan to firmly establish Jakarta as one of Asias top centers for contemporary art, Art Jakartas organizer announced the appointment of Tom Tandio a collector who is also a board member of the Jogja Biennale and founder of IndoArtNow online archival art platform as the fairs new director. Exhibitions A long list of exhibitions took place across the country this year, with the hottest ones being Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (Museum MACAN) and the Presidential Palace collection at the National Gallery of Indonesia. After successfully hosting Kusamas traveling exhibition, Museum MACAN, which celebrated its first anniversary in November, unveiled three solo exhibitions by three Asian conceptual artists Arahmaiani of Indonesia, Taiwanese-American Lee Mingwei and On Kawara of Japan which run until March 10. Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow exhibition at Museum MACAN. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan) As one of Indonesias most respected contemporary artists, Arahmaianis Masa Lalu Belumlah Berlalu (The Past Has Not Passed) features over 70 pieces spanning nearly three decades, including her controversial painting Lingga-Yoni ( 1994 ), which displays her fascination and long-term experimentation with symbolism and the syncretism of culture of her native Java. Arahmaiani said she was happy to have an opportunity to show her work, including those that have never been shown in her home country. With my solo show at Museum MACAN we manage to show, and also explain, the concept and ideas that probably most Indonesians do not really have a chance to learn about them, she told the Post. A collection of 45 artworks from the Presidential Palace was put on display for a month in August, serving not only to emphasize the nations spirit during Independence Day celebrations, but also to showcase Indonesias glorious history at the time when it played host to the Asian Games. The much-awaited show, curated by Amir Sidharta, brought in 36,570 recorded visitors, wanting to see the works of Indonesian masters like Basoeki Abdullah, Raden and Trubus Soedarsono as well as the work of international artists such as Hungarys Zsigmond Kisfalufi Strobl, Japans Shinsui Ito and Mexicos Gustavo Montoya. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Thu, December 27, 2018 23:08 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e453e95 2 Entertainment Stephen-Lang,Avatar,film,Movie,The-Gandhi-Murder,Gandhi Free Stephen Lang will feature in the upcoming film The Gandhi Murder, which recounts the last days of the Indian pacifist leader before his murder on January 30, 1948. American actor Stephen Lang will return to the big screen in the historical thriller directed by Karim Traidia and Pankaj Sehgal. The Gandhi Murder will release worldwide on January 30, 2019, exactly 71 years after the death of Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated on January 30, 1948, at the age of 78. Looking back on the events that preceded the assassination of Gandhi, the film claims that police were aware of a plot to kill him some ten days before his death. Read also: Kate Winslet reunites with James Cameron for 'Avatar' sequels Lang, best known for his performance as Colonel Miles Quaritch in Avatar, will take on the role of a Pune police officer, UH Rana. The film recounts how Deputy Inspector-General Rana and and his friend from the Mumbai police, Jimmy Nagarwala, contributed to "one of the biggest cover-ups in the history of India," explains the official press release. Alongside Lang, British actor Luke Pasqualino, known for his role as Freddie in the 2009-2010 British series Skins, will play Nagarwala. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 10:05 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e42e9f5 4 Science & Tech Tumblr,Tumblr-curbs-on-explicit-images,Tumblr-new-policy Free The Communications and Information Ministry has announced that it has unblocked microblogging and social networking website Tumblr, according to a report by Antara. The website was blocked by the ministry in early March, following complaints from the public over indecent content on Tumblr. [Database] normalization was conducted on Monday afternoon, after we received a statement from Tumblr, said the acting head of the ministry's public relations bureau, Ferdinandus Setu, in an official release sent to Antara on Wednesday. The ministry, after inspecting the platform, found that Tumblr had made adjustments accordingly. Tumblr has changed its policy on pornographic content, said Ferdinandus. The pornographic content that the public reported to the ministry in March has been removed, according to the ministry. Tumblrs eight Domain Name System (DNS), which was blocked in March, has also been unblocked. Read also: Sex workers say Tumblr curbs on explicit images leave them at risk Prior to Tumblrs policy change and its access reopening, it was also erased from Apples App Store in November, as Apple found that the platform contained child pornography, which is against the tech companys policy. The microblogging and social networking website therefore changed its policy on content, effective per Dec. 17. Tumblr CEO Jeff DOnofrio wrote in a statement on Dec. 3 that posting anything harmful to minors, including child pornography, was abhorrent and had no place in the Tumblr community. Weve always had and always will have a zero-tolerance policy for this type of content, DOnofrio wrote. He also wrote that the website would no longer allow adult content, including explicit sexual content and nudity, with some exceptions. According to Variety, exceptions apply for photos of exposed female breasts in the context of breastfeeding, childbirth and other health-related subjects. Newsworthy content, art involving nudity and written erotica can still be posted too. (mut) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kate Krader (Bloomberg) New York, United States Thu, December 27, 2018 16:06 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e448ef3 2 Food Manhattan,New-York-City,cocktail,food,Starbucks,Zabars,momofuku Free For the last 88 years, Zabars has been New Yorks most high-profile deli, known for the quality of its smoked salmon and its array of cheeses. In 2018 it got into the cocktail business. Oliver Zabar, grandson of co-founders Louis and Lillian, opened Devon, a bar on the Lower East Side of Manhattan with drinks such as the Wheres Tom Collins? and Tiki Rum Manhattan, a concoction based on pink-peppercorn-infused spirits. Zabars isnt the only institution in New York thats added a notable drinks program to its model. When Starbucks brought its 23,000-square-foot Roastery to the Meatpacking District in mid-December, the most exciting feature wasnt the 30-foot hammered copper kettle, it was the Arriviamo bar. Its Starbucks first in the U.S. and its second outside Milan. The cocktail program is ambitious, choreographed by rising-star mixologist Julia Momose, whose drinks include the Negroni-styled Nocino Notte, a mix of gin, Gran Classico bitter, and house cold brew. Even Momofuku Noodle Bar, the place that jump-started the citys ramen obsession more than a decade ago, has finally introduced a dedicated bar at its new outpost in Columbus Circle. (The original location just has a spiked slushy machine.) Momofukus program features highballs such as the Fun Guy, an unconventional mix of shiitake-infused soju and vermouth. And these are just three examples of why the dish of the year in New York comes in a glass. Otherwise, its been a lackluster year for the citys new restaurants. Culinary news has been dominated by closingsincluding Danny Meyers North End Grill in the Financial District, 20-year-old Red Cat in Chelsea, and cult favorite Dellanima in the West Villageas high rents and high food and operating costs make the business ever more challenging. And there wasnt any new blood that dominated the conversation (though, for the record, my vote for New Yorks best new restaurant is the groundbreaking Korean omakase at Atomix). The only thing critics could agree on is that they didnt want to see any more sandos, the cutlet-filled Japanese sandwiches that made headlines when Don Wagyus $185 versions appeared. Apart from the eye-raising price tag on a sandwich and Salt Baes steak sprinkling, none of New Yorks new dining rooms created dishes that generated genuine buzz. Sure, I found food to be happy about at a handful of highest-profile places, such as nouveau brasserie Frenchette and pasta-and-vegetable-focused Misi, but there was nothing like the pink peppercorn malfadini that Misis co-owner introduced at her first Brooklyn restaurant, Lilia. And nothing that generated the excitement I felt when I walked into Existing Conditions and saw clouds of liquid nitrogen as bartenders put a fast chill on their glassware. Or when I put a coin into a machine dispensing bottled drinks near the entrance and tasted my first Cinema highball, made with buttered-popcorn-washed rum and coke. Bartenders are now seriously challenging chefs in terms of creativityand along with other diners, I cant get enough. Right now, we have the highest-quality ingredients, the most creativity mixing them, and guests that are often more adventurous than bartenders in wanting to try new things, says Existing Conditions co-owner Don Lee, whos helped pioneer drinks such as the Strawberry Carbonita, which riffs on a fruity margarita by adding bubbles and using clarified strawberry, orange, and lime to make it crystal clear and trick the eye. Read also: What the pho? Vietnam streetfood cocktails make a splash Zabar echoes that assertion. The movement to innovate in the kitchen led to creative innovation in the bar. Bartenders saw what kitchens were putting out and said to themselves, Hey, I can do that, he says. To mix a metaphor for a second, food and cocktails are apples and oranges, but increasingly, cocktails are the star of the show. The Major Food Group, whose empire includes the Grill, the Pool, and Carbone, opened its first nonrestaurant bar, the Polynesian. The tiki throwback features Brian Millers flaming cocktails in terrific glassware. Even the citys ridiculous rooftop bar scene got upgraded this year, when tropical drink specialists Broken Shaker opened on the 18th floor of the Freehand Hotel. At Undercote, the subterranean lounge beneath the Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse Cote, the decor evokes a nighttime jungle. Sondre Kasin crafts drinks such as the Raspberry Beret with eau de vie, citrus, and whey. Not too far away in the West Village, Katana Kitten is an exhilarating two-story Japanese bar that also specializes in highballs, including a Paloma made with toasted jasmine tea in a glass rimmed with smoked salt. Its both this creative range, where Asian-accented tequila classics sit next to expert tiki revivals, and the fact that you can find them everywhere, from the bottom of Manhattan to uptown, that makes this particular moment in New Yorks cocktail scene extraordinarily compelling. On the 60th floor of 28 Liberty in the financial district, for instance, Manhatta from the Union Square Hospitality Group has even become better known as a bar than a restaurant. Its on track to serve 2,000 of its signature Manhatta drinks by the end of December, notes beverage director Matt Whitney. Jim Meehan, co-owner of PDT, says this development reflects a maturity in the citys cocktail scene: New Yorks cocktail program is growing up. Places like Milk & Honey are 15 years old now. Theyre in their more inventive, teenage stage. This cocktail moment extends beyond bars. Its also been an exceptional year for drinks-focused books, from the Cocktail Codex handbook from the Death & Co team to The Mini Bar, a delightful, pocket-size compendium from the online drinks magazine Punch. Most monumental of the pack is The Aviary Cocktail Book, released by the Chicago bar of the same name with a second location now in New York. The breathtaking 444-page, 7.2-pound tome is not for casual bartenders: Remember the Maine, with specially made ice, is one of the simpler recipes, having only 11 ingredients. But the public was thrilled by the idea of producing such a treasure to the trade. The Kickstarter program that funded the book had a stated goal of $60,000. The campaign raised almost $424,000, showing just what an appetite there is for cocktails. So raise a glass to New Yorks dish of the year, the cocktail. And for my money, make it a highball. If there was one style that soared above the restthanks to Momofukus and Katana Kittens lists and Existing Conditions redefined rum and cokethis was it. Cheers! Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 15:38 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e4482b2 1 Art & Culture royal-wedding,Pakualaman,Yogyakarta,wedding,tradition Free Yogyakarta's Pakualaman principality is set to hold a royal wedding, called Dhaup Ageng, at Pakualaman royal palace on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019. The wedding between 26-year-old BPH Kusumo Bimantoro and 25-year-old Maya Lakshita Noorya is to follow the elaborate traditions of the royal Javanese wedding ceremony. Kusumo is the eldest son of the Duke of Pakualaman, KGPAA Paku Alam X, who is also the deputy governor of Yogyakarta. "We will invite government officials, including President Joko Widodo, to the wedding," Dhaup Ageng chairman KPH Indrokusumo told journalists on Wednesday. The wedding procession is to be held on Saturday afternoon, while the reception is scheduled for the following day on Sunday, Jan. 6. Read also: Getting to know traditional Javanese rituals in First Daughter's wedding Dhaup Ageng head I KRT Radyowisroyo said that among the rare Javanese wedding traditions in the ceremony was the tantingan , a ritual that includes asking the couple on their readiness to enter the state of marriage. During the wedding procession, around 750 VIP guests will have the opportunity to enjoy three beksan, or traditional Javanese dances: the Bedhaya Kembang Emas, the Wilayakusumajana and the Puri Melati. "Bedhaya Kembang Emas was specially created by KGPAA Paku Alam X for the bride," said Radyowisroyo. The bride and the Pakualaman royal family are reportedly to wear batik patterned with the Surya Mulyarja motif, which was derived from the philosophy of the Sestradisuhul manuscript, written by Paku Alam II in 1847. The Surya Mulyarja motif represents Batara Surya, a character in the "Asthabrata" that is described as scrupulous and generous, and who constantly motivates his students to pursue a life of prosperity, both physically and spiritually. The public are also permitted to watch the royal wedding on a screen that the committee will install in front of the palace. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 14:28 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e440caa 4 Food rendang,rendang-for-Sunda-Strait-tsunami-victims,Sunda-Strait-tsunami,tsunami Free The people of West Sumatra are set to donate rendang (slow-cooked meat in coconut milk and spices) to survivors of the Sunda Strait tsunami in Lampung and Banten provinces. West Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) head of operations E. Rahman told Antara that the donations would be sent by land on Saturday. We are still collecting and packing. Distribution is expected to start by tomorrow [Friday] the latest, Rahman said in the provincial capital Padang on Thursday. Read also: Why beef rendang is the right food to send to natural disaster victims Rahman said residents plan to collect up to 1.2 tons of rendang for the Sunda Strait tsunami victims, and at the time of writing, they have donated up to 400 kilograms along with the Regional Device Organization (OPD). We may reach the target this evening, so we can start dividing [the rendang] in half-kg packages, said Rahman, adding that the BPBD had suggested small packages so that they could be easily distributed. Jasman, head of public relations for the West Sumatra provincial secretary, said the collection of rendang as a form of aid has become a social movement. Previously, residents and officials of West Sumatra sent rendang donations to disaster victims in Aceh, West Nusa Tenggara and Central Sulawesis Palu and Donggala. (mut) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 10:32 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e430a73 1 National Holiday,crime,attack,motorcycle-gang Free Four unidentified men on two motorbikes attacked tourists traveling in a car in Ciwidey, West Java, on Monday evening. Asnil Bambani, 37, who was in car with four family members from Tangerang, Banten, said the attack started when he crossed the Soreang-Ciwidey road before the Pasir Jambu subdistrict. Two men wearing helmets and riding on a motorbike hit the back of his car, which hit an obstruction and came to a stop. After that, the motorbike got very near to my car. One of them got off and hit the right side of my windshield using a wooden rod, Asnil told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. A few minutes later, the two men fetched two others who were also riding a motorbike. They continued to hit the cars windshield with a rod. However, Asnil tried to drive away. The rod broke when it hit the hood and the right front corner of Asnils car. Both of them fled toward Pasir Jambu. The street lighting in the location was very minimal, almost no lights at all. This made it difficult for me to recognize the perpetrator, he said. Asnil reported the incident to the Pasir Jambu Police in West Java. However, the report could not be completed because he did not know the motorcycles' license plate numbers and could not identify the drivers. "My report was only recorded on a blank HVS paper as the officers couldnt do anything. I share this experience so that tourists are careful when going at night around Ciwidey," he said He demanded that security in Ciwidey become tighter during the holidays. He also said he hoped the Bandung regency government would add street lights to the Soreang-Ciwidey route. (ggq) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 07:48 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e422663 1 Business yearend-report,economy,tax-revenue,Transportation,infrastructure,digital,digital-economy,tourism Free It has not been all doom and gloom in the economy this year. Some sectors reported positive growth, particularly in the administrations infrastructure drive, tax revenue and the booming digital economy. Natural and man-made disasters, however, overshadowed growth in tourism and the transportation sector. The Jakarta Post looks at the ups and downs of 2018, and following is part two of the review, compiled by Marchio Irfan Gorbiano, Norman Harsono, Rachmadea Aisyah, Riska Rahman, Riza Roidila Mufti, Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman and Winny Tang. Read also: Global trade war, upcoming elections weigh on the economy this year Tax revenue Despite the lower-than-expected realization as of November, the Finance Ministrys Directorate General of Taxation maintains its optimism over this years target, thanks to better tax revenue growth. Finance Ministry data show that as of November, tax revenue realization reached Rp 1.14 quadrillion, 16.77 percent more than last year and the highest growth recorded since 2012. (Antara Photo/Muhammad Adimaja) Although this years tax revenue so far has reached only 94.87 percent of the estimate in the 2018 state budget, or Rp 1.35 quadrillion (US$93.09 billion), Taxation Director General Robert Pakpahan said this years revenue would grow more than in previous years. Finance Ministry data show that as of November, tax revenue realization reached Rp 1.14 quadrillion, 16.77 percent more than last year and the highest growth recorded since 2012. Danny Darussalam Tax Center (DDTC) tax research partner Bawono Kristiaji said in a statement that this years tax revenue double-digit growth was all thanks to the recovering economic situation in some sectors, particularly mining, coupled with a softer approach toward taxpayers and ongoing tax reform efforts made without drastic regulatory changes. Despite the high growth, the lower tax collection in November means another Rp 110 trillion needs to be collected in the last month of the year, which could be hard to achieve given the relaxations introduced recently by the government Taxation Directorate General tax revenue and compliance director Yon Arsal said the government decided in June to decrease small and medium enterprises' income tax from 1 percent to 0.5 percent in order to boost their growth and help their cash flow. Banks Lenders recorded double-digit loan growth of 12.5 percent as of November, the same as the target set by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), although third-party funds grew only 7.19 percent year-on-year (yoy) in November, prompting concerns that banks liquidity could be negatively affected. Major lenders such as private lender Bank Central Asia (BCA) and state-owned banks Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Mandiri and Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) all remain optimistic about booking double-digit credit growth by year-end. In 2018, Indonesian banks faced the pressure of a gradual increase in Bank Indonesia's (BI) seven-day reverse repo rate. BI maintained its policy rate at 6 percent in December, despite the US Federal Reserve increasing its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a range of 2.25 to 2.5 percent. The increase in the BI rate prompted banks to raise their deposit rates. However, some banks have chosen to increase their lending rates slowly, considering clients' repayment capability. As a result of these conditions, banks net interest margins (NIMs) slumped as a result of the rising cost of funds. With declining NIM, banks focused on jacking up their fee-based income by expanding their digital banking, as well as boosting efficiency, to ensure that they could record satisfactory revenue in 2018. Infrastructure Throughout 2018, the government finished several national strategic projects. As of November, 36 national strategic projects had been completed out of the total 223 listed, ranging from toll roads, airports and seaports to reservoirs. As of October, the government had completed the development of 3,432 kilometers of national roads, 941 km of toll roads and bridges totaling 39.8 km in length. The Public Works and Housing Ministry has also been is busy in post-disaster reconstruction efforts in West Nusa Tenggara and in Palu and Donggala in Central Sulawesi, with the construction of public facilities and temporary housing. Earlier this month, President Jokowi inaugurated the trans-Java toll road, which connects the capital city of Jakarta to Surabaya, East Java, along a 741 km route. Transportation The year 2018 has been tough for the Transportation Ministry, with several transportation accidents, including bus, airplane and boat accidents, such as the Lake Toba passenger vessel tragedy and the Lion Air JT160 plane crash. Escalating friction between ride-hailing companies that have been meeting demands by their drivers led to a new regulation on online transportation services, which Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said he had signed and was awaiting review by the Law and Human Rights Ministry. In air transportation infrastructure development, the construction of airports, including Tjilik Riwut Airport in Central Kalimantan and New Yogyakarta International Airport, recorded physical development of 65.36 percent as of October. In sea transportation, ongoing construction, such as that of Makassar New Port, Kuala Tanjung Port, Kijing Terminal Port and Bitung International Port, recorded physical development of 81.09 percent. A train parks at a trans-Sulawesi railway project in Pekkae village in Barru regency, South Sulawesi, on Nov. 5. The railway will span 2,000 kilometers, connecting Makassar in South Sulawesi to Manado in North Sulawesi. (Antara/Abriawan Abhe) The government also recorded 64.65 percent development in several ongoing railway projects, including routes Makassar-Pare Pare in Sulawesi, Bandar Tinggi-Kuala Tanjung in Sumatra, Rantau Prapat-Duri-Pekanbaru also in Sumatra and the southern Java double-track railway projects. Tourism The government is likely to miss this year's target of attracting 17 million foreign tourists as only 13.24 million foreign arrivals were recorded as of October. Tourism Minister Arief Yahya has predicted that the number of foreign arrivals might reach only 16.2 million by the end of the year. However, he was optimistic about reaching the target of 270 million domestic tourists this year. A view of Lake Toba from the highland. (Shutterstock/-) Natural and man-made disasters have also slowed down tourism, especially since tragedy struck in some destinations dubbed the new Balis: Lake Toba, which saw a major boat accident, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, which was rocked by earthquakes, and the latest, Tanjung Lesung in Banten, which was hit by a tsunami. The surge in low-spending tourists, dubbed zero dollar tourists, who travel to popular destinations like Bali on cheap packages, has also had a negative impact on the government reaching its tourism revenue target. Digital economy Its been a record year for Indonesia's digital economy as it grew to US$27 billion the highest in Southeast Asia from just $600 million three years ago, according to a Google report released last month. The growth was spearheaded by the e-commerce sector, which accounted for 45 percent ($12.2 billion) of this years digital economy, indicating an ever-increasing shift toward online spending. Similarly, British consultancy P-PRO says that Indonesias e-commerce market grew the most (78 percent) worldwide with a current value of $7.2 billion. In line with the rise in online spending, a consortium of online retailers (such as Bukalapak, Lazada, JD.id and Shopee) secured a record high of Rp 6.8 trillion in transactions during the National Online Shopping Day (Harbolnas) festival earlier this month. Trailing behind e-commerce, Indonesias three other largest digital economy sectors this year were online travel ($8.6 billion), ride-hailing ($3.7 billion) and online media ($2.7 billion). This year also saw many large technology companies expand their services to become super-platforms such as Go-Jek, which has expanded into its 15th submarket this year with the launch of its coupon market Go-Deals. The growth of e-commerce and super platforms, in turn, spurred the growth of the financial technology (Fintech) sector, particularly e-payment platforms such as OVO, which currently supports two Southeast Asian unicorns: Grab and Tokopedia. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 08:24 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e42a352 1 Politics amien-rais,PAN,2019-presidential-election,2019-elections Free National Mandate Party (PAN) patron Amien Rais, who is known as an outspoken critic of President Joko Jokowi Widodo, is being pressured to step down from his party post by its co-founders. Amien, who is also one of PAN's founders, is serving as the party's advisory board chairman and is believed to have played a significant role in influencing PAN to support President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's challenger, Prabowo Subianto, in the election next year. Its time for you [Amien Rais] to stop his political activities and pass the leadership of PAN to next generation, the co-founders wrote in an open letter to Amien on Wednesday. The co-founders who signed the letter were politician Abdillah Toha, lawyer Albert Hasibuan, womens activist Zumrotin K. Susilo and writers Goenawan Mohamad and Toeti Heraty. They said Amien had often engaged in political machinations that had gone beyond the partys principles. As one of the key figures in the [post-1998] reform movement, you [Amien] have now supported and joined the politicians who aim to restore the New Order era, they said in the letter, referring to the fact that Prabowo was a son-in-law of former president Soeharto, who had established the New Order. The former military generals presidential bid is also supported by the Berkarya Party, which was co-founded and is being run by Soehartos children. As an expert in politics, you have failed to educate the nation, yet you participate in spreading the issue of the Indonesian Communist Party revival, which is far from the truth. Amien had been an icon in the reform movement that pushed for change in the country after the fall of Soeharto. PAN supports Prabowo, the Gerindra Party chairman, who is running with his fellow party member Sandiaga Uno. Prabowo and Sandiaga are also backed by the Gerindra Party, the Democratic Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). PANs decision to support Prabowo came after an internal dispute erupted between Prabowo supporters and Jokowi loyalists within the party. In the 2016 Jakarta election, Amien supported a bitter, racially charged attack against then Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent, who was seeking reelection. Albert said most of Amien's political moves made PAN unable to independently decide its political direction. Amien was a prominent figure in 1998, thus he deserved to be our leader at that time. We built PAN to be a modern party that embraced both the majority and the minority, but now Amien is no longer in line with that spirit, Albert said. PAN secretary-general Eddy Soeparno claimed that the five party co-founders were no longer active in politics, had no loyalists and, hence, did not have a say in the party. They are supporters of the rival camp, Eddy said. We want them to respect our executive board. PAN fully supports Amiens position and his political views. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agus Dermawan T. (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27 2018 Jesus of Ubud: Ketut Lasias painting, Yesus Mengajar Murid-Muridnya (Jesus Teaches His Disciples), depicts Bibical narratives in a Balinese setting.(Courtesy of Ketut Lasia) One painting shows Jesus born in Bali, while another painting recounts the moment Jesus visited rural Yogyakarta. The paintings are not historically or biblically accurate, but they capture Indonesian Christian artists feelings and admirations about their savior. German theologian Karl Rahner once said, whoever wishes to know Jesus, for instance, should visually recognize the figure of Jesus. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27 2018 Back to ones roots: A man passes by the entrance to Aditya Jaya temple in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, as Hindus wait for their turn to pray for Galungan on Wednesday. Galungan, a day when the victory of good against evil is celebrated, gathers together about 40,000 Balinese people living in Jakarta to pray.(JP/Made Anthony Iswara) On a rainy morning at the Aditya Jaya temple in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, on Wednesday, hundreds of Balinese people gathered to pray. Dressed in bright white shirts and patterned sarongs, some devotees sought shelter under a 5-meter sheet strung between two gazebos while others sat in the rain on the open-air terra-cotta paving. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Thu, December 27 2018 Rina Agustina (Courtesy of Rina Agustina) The National Health Insurance (JKN) has run for four years and become the backbone of the countrys health sector. While the program, which is managed by the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan), has successfully provided medical treatment to many, it has many drawbacks, including a perpetual deficit. A group of researchers led by the head of the University of Indonesias Human Nutrition Research Center, Rina Agustina, conducted a comprehensive study of the implementation of the program that was recently published by Lancet. The Jakarta Posts Dyaning Pangestika and Adisti Sukma Sawitri recently talked to the lead author. The following are excerpts from the interview. Question: How did the team come up with the study? to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Jerusalem Thu, December 27, 2018 09:38 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e42cf45 2 World #Israel,#housing,Israel,authorities,advance,settlement Free Israeli authorities have advanced plans for nearly 2,200 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank, the Peace Now NGO said Wednesday, the first such approvals since snap polls were called earlier this week. A defence ministry committee with responsibility for such projects on Tuesday and Wednesday approved the plans, which are in various stages of the approval process, the settlement watchdog said in a statement. It said 1,159 housing units were given final approvals before building permits can be issued, while 1,032 were at an earlier stage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government agreed Monday to dissolve parliament and call for early elections on April 9 -- a move that was given final approval by legislators late Wednesday. Settlements play an important role in Israeli right-wing politics, and Netanyahu met with settler leaders earlier Wednesday in Jerusalem as politicians began to enter campaign mode. "We'll see an attempt by the left-wing to overthrow our rule with the help of the media and others," he said, speaking of the elections. "They can't succeed, because if they do -- that will pose a clear danger to the settlement movement." Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat decried in a statement "the theft of Palestinian land and resources for the illegal expansion of settlements as part of Netanyahu's campaign". The move was "undoubtedly part of the long list of Israeli violations of international law", he said. Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law and major roadblocks to peace, as they are built on land Palestinians see as part of their future state. More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, which range in size from tiny hamlets to large towns. A further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Depok Thu, December 27, 2018 11:41 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e43574c 1 City mass-organizations,Banten,assault,Depok Free The police have detained 13 members of a mass organization in Banten on Wednesday who allegedly assaulted a member of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) in Depok, West Java. The police also questioned five eyewitnesses. We have detained 13 of them. There are a total of 18 people we have questioned, said Depok Police spokesman Adj. Comr. Firdaus on Thursday as quoted by tempo.co. The alleged assault on Second Insp. Ishak happened on Jl. Juanda Raya on Tuesday at around 5 p.m. Firdaus said the incident was triggered when members of a mass organization called Badan Pembinaan Potensi Keluarga Besar (BPPKB) Banten asked donations for the victims of the Banten tsunami on Jl. Juanda Raya, which caused traffic congestion. Because Ishak saw that the road was clogged, he requested them not to stop vehicles and ask for donations, Firdaus said. The suspects then ganged up on the victim who told them that he is a Brimob member. Ishak suffered bruises on his right cheek. (Sau) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Japan News/Asia News Network) Tokyo, Japan Thu, December 27, 2018 12:19 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e4377ec 2 Business #Japan,#automotive,Nissan,prohibition,employees,meeting,Carlos-Ghosn Free Within Nissan Motor Co., former Representative Director Greg Kelly had a high position but a low profile, with few people clearly aware of what he was doing. The closest aide to former Chairman Carlos Ghosn, and arrested on the same day as him, Kelly was released on bail Tuesday. The carmaker has directed all of its employees not to contact Ghosn or Kelly, aiming to eliminate the suspects influence on the company. Nissan sent an email titled To all of our employees dated Monday to all its employees around the globe, banning them from contact with Ghosn, Kelly and those close to them because the two were indicted on charges of violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law. They are also the subjects of an in-house investigation by Nissan in relation to alleged private use of company funds and other misconduct in the past. Nissan President Hiroto Saikawa told the media on Tuesday that the company sent the email in an effort not to upset our employees. At an extraordinary board meeting in late November, Kelly was dismissed as a representative along with Ghosn. Nissan plans to propose at the next shareholders meeting that the two be removed as board members. We wont change our attitude even if [Kelly] was released on bail, a Nissan executive said Tuesday. Within Nissan, however, there is concern that Kelly, as Ghosns right-hand man, would exercise influence over Nissan through Frances Renault SA, Nissans largest shareholder, in line with Ghosns wishes. Ghosn remains chairman and chief executive officer of Renault, where some executives are said to still support him. Kelly has denied the charges against him, and he may criticize Nissans decision to dismiss him and Ghosn from their posts. Known for loyalty Lawyer Kelly joined Nissan North America Inc. in 1988, rising to be a person in charge of the legal and human resources departments. He moved to Nissan Motor Co. in 2008 as a corporate officer, and from that point he seemed to have been in contact with Ghosn more often. Picked by Ghosn, who was then Nissan president, to be representative director in 2012, Kelly flourished as Ghosns right-hand man. According to Nissans senior officers, Ghosn appreciated Kelly for his advice and constant loyal service. A source close to Nissan said that Kelly had come to Japan very infrequently recently, participating in board meetings often via videoconference. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27 2018 The private sector has urged the government to improve the operation of the online single submission (OSS) system, a web-based licensing system that was intended to cut lengthy procedures in business licensing in the country, as investors still have a hard time navigating through the new system. For instance, chairman of the Aceh chapter of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), Dahlan Sulaiman, complained about the amount of paperwork he had to prepare to extend his business location permit through the OSS. As he went through the process of registering his companys account into the system guided by officers at a local one-stop integrated service (PTSP) office, Dahlan said he was asked to provide the identification card of his companys shareholders, something the official claimed was required by the system. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27 2018 Pep talk: President Joko Jokowi Widodo (center) speaks in front of an audience of Indonesian ambassadors and foreign representatives at a briefing in Jakarta in February.(Courtesy of Foreign Ministry) Indonesias economic diplomacy push is paying off handsomely in 2018 with the opening up of promising new export markets in South Asia and Africa, which the country had long overlooked. Earlier this year, President Joko Jokowi Widodo underscored the significance of economic diplomacy in a speech to an assembly of Indonesian ambassadors and senior representatives stationed overseas, in which he encouraged them to explore the economic potential of nontraditional markets. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27 2018 The police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) have said the suspect in the fatal shooting of a senior Army officer on Jl. Jatinegara , Bidara Cina, East Jakarta, on Tuesday night, following a traffic dispute, is a fellow member of the TNI. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said Jatinegara Police received a report at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday of an injured man in a car. Officers sent to the scene found the car, a Toyota Kijang with Army license plates, with the engine still running and the injured man in the drivers seat. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 08:20 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e429c5a 4 Business illegal-payment,WeChat,Chinese-tourists,bali Free Switching firm PT Alto Halodigital International president director Rudy Ramli has said the company found three types of alleged illegal payments made in Chinese yuan among Chinese tourists visiting Bali, Indonesias main tourist resort. To give an example, a trader with a Chinese national sells certain goods in Bali. The trader has a transaction with a Chinese tourist. Then they make a transaction through WeChat because they are accustomed to doing so, Rudy said as quoted by kontan.co.id. Rudy estimated that 20 percent of transactions between merchants and Chinese tourists in Bali used the rupiah, while the remaining 80 percent still used the yuan. Therefore, he welcomed the plan of the Bali administration to carry out raids against merchants that accepted illegal yuan payments through WeChat. According to Rudy, three types of illegal transactions were recorded: peer-to-peer transactions using the yuan, transactions through Union Pay with IDC machines that use Chinese wifi and yuan transactions using vouchers through the Dian Ping application. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27 2018 The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has expressed hope that the Chinese government will give access to its representatives to Xinjiang autonomous region to see with their own eyes what is really happening to the Uighur Muslim minority. Speculation was rife that the Chinese government had sent around a million Uighur Muslims to a special camp where they were being tortured. However, the Chinese government denied the reports, saying that the people were sent to what they called a reeducation camp to receive training on Chinas common language, legal knowledge, vocational skills and other things. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dimas Fauzi and Kenny Cetera (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27 2018 About 120.6 million hectares or 63 percent of land in Indonesia are designated as state forest areas 26 percent of which are degraded, according to the Environment and Forestry Ministry. While efforts to maintain forest cover are mainly targeted in these state forest areas, areas of other use are also home to forest ecosystems. Some of these forested lands are owned privately by individuals or smallholders. The existence of forest ecosystems on private land is partially a result from the governments rehabilitation program dating back to the 1950s. This tree planting program in a communitys backyard has led to forest-like land cover. Some are then recognized as hutan rakyat. In 2014, the ministry estimated hutan rakyat spanned across 34.8 million ha or almost equal to the size of Germany. A 2016 ministerial regulation on social forestry includes hutan rakyat as one of the social forestry schemes. The program, a signature initiative of President Joko Jokowi Widodo, aims at resolving tenurial conflict while improving community welfare and keeping forests intact. Despite its private status, hutan rakyat could still significantly contribute to social forestrys overarching goals. Studies on hutan rakyat indicate its sheer extent and economic potential. A group called Volunteers Alliance for Saving Nature (ARuPA) estimated hutan rakyat contributed up to 90 percent of total timber production in Central Java. However, several obstacles to effective management of hutan rakyat remain. Unlike other social forestry schemes supported by indicative maps, data indicating areas of hutan rakyat are lacking. Thus, its implementation relies heavily on community willingness or grassroots initiatives to register their land as a private forest, with limited strategic direction and commitment from the central government. Moreover, land ownership status and traditional management of hutan rakyat make the scheme less attractive than other social forestry schemes. In some cases, the complex registration of private land to obtain private forest status often deprives an owner of property rights. In the latter case, the owners are further obliged by the regulation to maintain forest function and render a letter stating willingness to relinquish their land as a private forest. Although having private forest status will allow smallholders to enjoy benefits such as exclusion of contribution payments, easier access to credit and market facilitation, not all farmers are aware of such benefits. Another problem is that traditional forestry practice associated with hutan rakyat is unsustainable. For instance, smallholders in Terong village, Yogyakarta, only harvest their trees when they have pressing economic needs, such as for childrens tuition. Such practice is widely known as tebang butuh (harvest according to needs). When the economy becomes unstable, hutan rakyat could potentially lose tremendous cover. Another challenge for smallholders is accessing the right market to obtain fair prices, particularly for timber commodities. The supply chain for timber from hutan rakyat is still dominated by middlemen, who control timber prices for smallholders. A ministry study on hutan rakyat in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, revealed that an overreliance on middlemen in timber sales could reduce the potential income of smallholders by 70-80 percent. To improve current practices of hutan rakyat, three strategies should be pursued. First, data on both the forests existing and potential areas should be made available. Such data could enable all stakeholders to promote hutan rakyat. Most importantly, such data would help the government form strategic direction on hutan rakyat and monitor deforestation as well as illegal logging. Second, ensure farmers receive technical assistance. This essential assistance can be provided by augmenting business planning to manage forest sustainably. However, establishing forest farmers groups or similar cooperatives is an important first step. These farmer groups are eligible to receive technical assistance from the provincial social forestry working group. Such assistance might cover topics that include business planning and timber certification. Last, incentive mechanisms should be developed and implemented. One popular incentive is harvest postponement credit (KTT), which allows smallholders to obtain low-interest credit and give their trees as collateral in exchange. KTT should not only be designed to address immediate household needs but also for productive purposes, such as financing timber certification. Since awareness of purchasing legal timber has been on the rise, having such certification can help smallholders access premium buyers. Low-interest credit from the ministrys general affairs bureau, for instance, could be an alternative to finance hutan rakyat management. As an important part of the landscape, therefore, such hutan rakyat should get the same level of attention as other social forestry schemes and other conservation policy in general. Producing data, designing technical assistance and providing incentive mechanisms for hutan rakyat are among the few first steps the government and all stakeholders need to take to achieve such a goal. ________________________ Dimas Fauzi is a social forestry and energy research analyst. Kenny Cetera is a forest legality analyst. Both work at the World Resources Institute Indonesia. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, December 27, 2018 15:32 1072 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e448211 4 News high-wave,BMKG,Tourism-Crisis-Center Free The Tourism Crisis Center (TCC) of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued warnings about bad weather and high waves in most parts of Indonesia. Kompas.com reported that according to data and information collected by the TCC team travelers are advised to stay alert. The BMKG has issued warnings about high waves from Dec. 22 to 29 in several beach areas in Indonesia. Citizens and travelers should pay attention to this warning, the head of the TCC, Guntur Sakti, told Kompas.com on Wednesday. The agency states that waves from 1.25 to 2.5 meters high are predicted to occur in the waters north of Sabang, from Sabang to Banda Aceh, west of Aceh, west of the Simeulue Islands to Mentawai Islands, in the waters off Enggano and Bengkulu, west of Lampung, in the Indian Ocean on the west coast of Sumatra and in the southern part of the Sunda Strait. Residents and travelers is advised to stay at least one kilometer away from the beach. Better yet, spend the holidays in places other than beaches and make sure to stay updated with weather information from the BMKGs social media or mobile app, said Guntur. Read also: BMKG warns of high waves around Lombok Furthermore, high waves may possibly occur at the southern waters off Java to Sumba Island, the Bali Strait, Lombok Strait, southern Alas Strait, Sawu Island, Rote Island, Kupang, in the Timor Sea south of Nusa Tenggara, in the Sawu Sea to the Ombai Strait, in the southern waters off Flores, in the Indian Ocean south of Java to East Nusa Tenggara and in the northern Natuna Sea. The BMKG has also detected the possibility of high waves in the northern waters off the Anambas Islands to the Natuna Islands, in the western Java Sea, the Flores Sea, the Baubau Islands to the Wakatobi Islands and in the western Banda Sea. High waves could also occur in the waters south of the Sermata Islands to the Tanimbar Islands, the western Arafuru Sea, the Sulawesi Sea, northern Sulawesi, the Sangihe Islands and the Talaud Islands. Sulawesis coastal Bitung city, the north Maluku Sea, Halmahera Island, the waters north of West Papua, Papua and the Pacific Ocean north of Halmahera to Papua might also get high waves. (mut) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Edvard Pettersson (Bloomberg) Fri, December 28, 2018 01:04 1071 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e454998 2 News Wynn-Resorts,Las-Vegas,united-states,Genting-Group,Genting-Resorts-World-Las-Vegas Free Genting Groups $4 billion foray in the heart of American gambling was met with a lawsuit by Wynn Resorts Ltd., which says the competitors yet-to-open property in Las Vegas looks too similar to its own marquee properties. The design of Gentings Resorts World Las Vegas, directly across the street from Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, is "substantially and confusingly similar" -- including a concave facade and horizontal banding above and between the lines of glass panes, according to the trademark infringement complaint Wynn filed in federal court in Las Vegas. Read also: MGM China to open mega resort in Macau as high rollers return Resorts World Las Vegas will have a unique Chinese theme, according to its website. It will compete with Wynn and other Las Vegas casino operators for high-spending Asian gamblers who visit the city. The resort will include a hotel, multiple authentic, regional Chinese restaurants, more than 100,000 square foot in gaming space, as well as retail and nightlife, according to its website. Representatives of Resorts World Las Vegas didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the Dec. 21 lawsuit. Ad Investing Trends How This Rare Metal Is Going To Solve A $173 TRILLION World Problem And Could Benefit Investors According to Bloomberg NEF, changing the world to "All Green Energy" could cost about $173 trillion. And without this rare metal, going green would be IMPOSSIBLE. That's why there's a literal "gold rush" to find it. (HINT: It's not electric vehicles, nuclear power, or wind energy). Purchases, new e-commerce platforms, omnichannel and in-store technology. Last year, the fashion giants of Latin America refined their innovation to match the behemoths of the United States and Europe. Whilst Inditex announced that it would be made available to all countries around the world by 2020, players like Falabella or Liverpool accelerated their e-commerce expansion processes. The imminent arrival of Amazon to Chile and the giants ahead start of operations in Colombia raised the alarms of the biggest department stores groups in Latin America, which had been getting ready to face the titans landing in the region for some time. The most recurrent speeches of Latin Americas top retailers in 2018 was that of being a 100% omnichannel company and our online store will get the highest revenue. Falabella took part in one of the biggest M&As of the year after acquiring the pure player Linio, a Mexican-born e-commerce platform present in eight markets around Latin America. The Chilean department stores group acquired it for a price of 138 million dollars. Ever since then, Falabella has underpinned its logistics structure with a new warehouse in Santiago de Chile, the introduction of Google Play in its local market and the previously mentioned merge with e-commerce platform Linio. In 2019, all offers included in Falabellas department stores and Sodimacs shops will be available in the Linio marketplace. Falabella purchased the pure player Linio for a price of 138 million dollars, whereas Liverpool released an e-commerce platform for Suburbia a year after acquiring the company The Chilean groups commitment to improve its omnichannel experience has been on the work for several years. By the end of 2018, the company linked to the Solari family opened up a distribution centre in the city of San Bernardo, in a smallholding constituted by 47,000 square metres of selling space. After a one hundred million dollars investment, the new centre enables Falabella to store eight million articles and to manage its stock in a more nimble and automatized way. Liverpool, another Latin American giant in the department stores business, has also fully committed to the online channel all through 2018. The Mexican company decided to reset itself and reordered all its network of stores to keep on gaining profitability. In September, Liverpool announced the closure of Fabricas de Francia, the department stores chain born and raised in Jalisco which it acquired at the end of the eighties. In 2019, Liverpool will turn the Fabrica de Francia centres into warehouses for its homonymous chain as well as for Suburbia. The decision of absorbing Fabricas de Francia was made two months after Liverpool carried out another strategic move. The Mexican group announced in July the release of an e-commerce platform for Suburbia, the low-cost fashion chain it acquired from Walmart in 2017 for a price of 15.7 billion Mexican pesos (844 million dollars). Experiential and technological stores Besides spreading all over the Web, several of the main Latin American fashion groups bet on improving purchasing experiences in-store. El Palacio de Hierro set in motion a new space inside one of its department stores in Mexico City specialised in wellness, with new offers from sports fashion brands and athleisure, where besides shopping, the store offers other complementarian services. The Brazilian giant of fashion distribution gave a twist to its network of stores too. The company released a new concept of store which put together technologic gadgets, smart mirrors and click and collect points all inside the shop. The Costa Rican department stores Ekono premiered, too, a new format for its stores through the implementation of augmented reality and through the fact that clients can have all information they could possibly find online, inside the stores. Mango keeps going forward in the Latin American market. The Spanish fashion company has just opened its first point of sale in Los Angeles whilst it traces its landing in Latin America through the franchise formula. Chile is the country under the groups spotlight to accelerate Mangos growth around the territory. For the next year 2019, Latin America will be one of our main focus for growth through franchises, explained Nuria Font, chief manager of the groups expansion through franchises, to Pulso. The executive claimed that they are actively looking for new facilities in Chile, where they already have a strong presence. The chain, which landed in the Chilean market two years ago, has 55 points of sale around the country in collaboration with Falabella. For the next few years, we want to reach all the main cities outside the capital, pointed out Font. On the other hand, the executive trusts in the groups Chilean partner to continue to spread in other countries around the region such as Peru, Colombia or Argentina. Mango will go hand in hand with Falabella to enter other Latin American markets such as Peru, Colombia or Argentina Font has set off to Latin America right after assuming her position as leader of the expansion through franchises. The executive substituted Tony Batllo in the role last September. With Font, Mango has continued to bet on its retail expansion and, specifically, on this formula over which part of its network is heavily leaned on: out of the 2,190 stores it had by the end of 2017, 55% of them were in a franchise regime. Throughout last year, the company opened up twenty new macro-stores, reaching a total of 221 stores of these characteristics. Among the new benchmark facilities of the group are the ones released in New York, in Madrids street Serrano and in Lisbon. All in all, this retail expansion was not enough to bounce the chains sales back, which ended 2017 with a drop of 2.9% of its turnover, scoring 2.19 billion euros. The group did manage to reduce its red numbers, which went from 61 million euros in 2016 to 33 million euros last year. Whereas children approach the holidays with anticipation of visits from Santa Claus, some adults (this guy included) look forward to a lightening of the work load, which allows the indulgence of certain extracurricular activities. However, much of my income derives from such activities as absorbing media related in some form or another to culture popular and otherwise and writing about it coincidentally what Id be doing anyway given the fiscal freedom to do so. Since hanging up my work spurs on Friday afternoon last week, Ive been on a tear. I tinkered a bit on a novel I began years ago with Thomas Ligotti that I hope to complete in 2019; and am halfway through reading The Idol of Our Age: How the Religion of Humanity Subverts Christianity by Daniel J. Mahoney. I finished reading recently published histories of California and Boston pop and rock music that filled in many of the gaps in my fortress of musical knowledge. I also took time to binge streaming service documentaries on a variety of musical topics: Kate Bush, Brian Eno, Stiff Records and, not a documentary, of course, the new Springsteen on Broadway. Yup, Im a child of the 1970s with a heavy formation occurring directly due to the decade prior as the result of my birth order. Five older siblings had done much to prep-school me in the music of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Donovan, Santana, the Who, the Guess Who and the Monkees and the radio did the rest. Good ol WCEN, at first. Larry Allens weekend rock classics and oldies programs were, for me, the original School of Rock. Later CMUs student station, WMHW, allowed me to beam progressive rock, Bob Dylan and a host of newer artists into my bedroom. Trust me, when Van the Man sang about the salvific nature of the tunes emanating from that little molded-plastic box of transistors, wires and electronic whatnot, he was dead serious. And so was I, for the most part. For me, music provided educational and emotional succor with only dollops of the spiritual. But I can certainly appreciate the sacramental qualities modern music holds for some. I stop far short at declaring popular music the final stop on a spiritual quest, however. Thats the sort of humanistic nonsense Springsteen has been trafficking in for the past two decades or so, and its become somewhat insufferable. My last Springsteen concert was 20-some years ago because I grew weary of his whole tent-revivalist, Elmer Gantry routine. I prefer my religion served neat without umbrellas, ice and amplified garnishes. So it came as a surprise during Springsteen on Broadway when spoiler alert! Springsteen stopped yammering on about sacred rock music and preening like some Chautauqua preacher long enough to actually give voice to the Lords Prayer. Whoa! Didnt see that one coming! He delivers an almost straight recitation of the Our Father with no musical embellishments. It churlish to question Springsteens motivations and intentions for adding the prayer to his performance, except that it caps yet another America has lost its way under Trump monologue that, truthfully, for Springsteen, began as America has lost its way under George W. Bush and America has lost its way under Ronald Reagan. Old wine, meet new flasks. Word to the wise, Mr. Boss-man: we lost our way long before the 1980s, and did so in a bipartisan fashion. Just ask your friend, Ron Kovic. Wearing his liberal heart on his sleeve has been part and parcel of Springsteens schtick since the late 1970s. Im skeptical this added element of The Lords Prayer is any different. Bruce Edward Walker (walker.editorial@gmail.com) is a Morning Sun columnist, contributor to The Federalist, host of the Acton Institutes culture segment of the Radio Free Acton podcast, and former Journalist in Residence at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal. Patong beach road to close for New Year party PHUKET: The Patong beach road will close for one hour as Phukets party town ushers in the New Year 2019, police have confirmed. patongculturetourismtransport By The Phuket News Thursday 27 December 2018, 10:22AM Top US DJ duo Breathe Carolina will be playing at the Patong Beach Countdown 2019 New Year party. Photo: Syndicate Nation / Twitter Thaweewong Rd will be closed from 11:30pm to 12:30am, Patong Police Chief Col Anotai Jindamanee told The Phuket News. During the hour, Thaweewong Rd will be closed to traffic from Prachanukroh Rd at the southern end of the beach, near the Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort, to Hatpatong Rd, near Loma Park. It is only for one hour for the New Year countdown. At this time many people walk across the main road to be on the beach for the countdown to the New Year. We are closing the road just to make it safer, Col Anotai explained. Motorists, please avoid the road during this time. We apologise for the inconvenience, Col Anotai said. We will also have Traffic Police on duty directing traffic at every intersection in Patong, he added. And, as always, dont drink and drive, Col Anotai warned. Patong Beach is expected to be especially crowded over the New Year as Patong Municipality has organised a two-night party on Patong Beach for its Patong Beach Countdown 2019 celebrations. On Sunday night (Dec 30), the scheduled festivities are as follows: 5pm-6pm DJ Rocker 6pm-6:55pm DJ Daee 7pm-8pm Welcome greetings and opening of the Patong Beach Countdown 2019 by Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana and Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsub 8pm-9pm DJ Notto 9pm-10:30pm DJ T.W.B Beer 10:30pm-midnight DJ Eliz Too Midnight-1:30am DJ Leo.P 1:30am-3am DJ Samatsky 3am-close DJ New Aks On New Years Eve, (Monday Dec 31), , the scheduled festivities are as follows: 5:30pm-6:30pm Official Sending off of the Sun for 2018 with a countdown by Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana and Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup. 6:35pm-7:30pm DJ Ben 7:30pm-8:30pm DJ Mayga 8:30pm-9:30pm DJ Karim 9:30pm-11:30pm DJ T.W.B. Beer 11:30pm Start of live broadcast of Patong Beach Countdown on Thai TV channel Spring News Channel 19 23:45pm-Midnight Countdown to the New Year by Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, joined by Xinhua Thailand Channel Director Ming Da Jun, China Radio International (CRI) Deputy Managing Director Yu Yongjian and Sukrit Surabotsopon, Executive Director of Thai Public SET-listed petroleum and petrochemical company IRPC Co Ltd. Midnight - Fireworks for Happy New Year 2019 Midnight-2am Top DJ duo Breathe Carolina from the US (Ranked 77 in Top 100 DJs by DJMag). 2am-3am DJ Samatsky 3am-Close DJ AKS Phuket raid nets 500kg of kratom, four cars seized PHUKET: A raid by anti-narcotics officers in Phuket before dawn today netted 500 kilograms of kratom and seven suspects, and saw four cars seized. drugscrime By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 27 December 2018, 04:12PM The raid before dawn today netted 500kg of kratom, seven suspects, two cars and an SUV and a pickup truck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The raid before dawn today netted 500kg of kratom, seven suspects, two cars and an SUV and a pickup truck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The raid before dawn today netted 500kg of kratom, seven suspects, two cars and an SUV and a pickup truck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The raid before dawn today netted 500kg of kratom, seven suspects, two cars and an SUV and a pickup truck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The raid before dawn today netted 500kg of kratom, seven suspects, two cars and an SUV and a pickup truck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The raid before dawn today netted 500kg of kratom, seven suspects, two cars and an SUV and a pickup truck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The raid before dawn today netted 500kg of kratom, seven suspects, two cars and an SUV and a pickup truck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The raid before dawn today netted 500kg of kratom, seven suspects, two cars and an SUV and a pickup truck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The total value of the items seized were estimated to be worth B3 million, Phuket Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai announced at a press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall today (Dec 27). Acting on a tip-off, officers from the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) staged a stakeout near the Hong Yok Bamrung School in Mai Khao. The officers had been told that four vehicles were being used to smuggle kratom into Phuket from Sadao in Songkhla province, which borders Malaysia. The four vehicles were to arrive in Phuket some time between 4am and 6am, Vice Governor Supoj explained. The four vehicles identified as making the drug run were described as a black Isuzu pickup registered in Rayong, a black Toyota Fortuner registered in Bangkok, a white Honda Jazz registered in Phuket, and a bronze Toyota Yaris registered in Songkhla. The vehicles were to take the kratom to a house in Cherng Talay, from where it would be distributed and sold across the island, he said. True to their informants word, the officers on the stakeout saw the four vehicles arrive at 5am, and followed the cars to a house in Soi Khoktanod 2. At 5:30am the officers moved in and arrested the driver of the Isuzu pickup, Niras Jaeka, 27. They then entered the house and arrested six more suspects, identified as: Ms Prapawadee Sa-ngiam, 34; Mr Thawatchai Chabharp, 23; Mr Bakareeya Waehama, 23; Mr Jaran Wongkha, 49; Ms Khemwika Wongkha, 30; and Ms Nidanuch Manrato, 29. In the house, the officers found 45 plastic bags containing a total of 450kg of kratom. Five more bags were still on the front seat in the Isuzu pickup All suspects were taken to Cherng Talay Police Station and charged with possession of a Category 5 drug with intent to sell. Price controls may be placed on soaring medical costs BANGKOK: The Commerce Ministry is considering putting medicine and medical treatment on the list of controlled goods and services amid concerns over the high cost of private medical care. healtheconomics By Bangkok Post Thursday 27 December 2018, 08:59AM Patients overcharged by private hospitals submit a petition with 33,000 signatures calling for a new body to control the price of medical treatment. Photo: Bangkok Post / file Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong yesterday (Dec 26) promised that he would address the issue of prices of medicine and medical care at private hospitals. The Foundation for Consumers is pushing for the ministry to regulate and control the cost to patients. The minister said he has ordered the relevant agencies to finalise a price ceiling for medicine and medical treatment and services for presentation to a meeting in January. Afterwards, he would call a meeting of the ministry's central committee on prices of goods and services prices to put medical costs on the list of controlled goods and services. Legal measures may be necessary to put the final prices in place, Mr Sontirat said. This does not mean the price of medical care at private hospitals will be the same as at public hospitals. We have to ensure justice for private hospitals too, he said. "All concerned agencies will have to consider a price ceiling and reach a conclusion before bringing it to the next meeting. The ministrys plan was short-term. Long-term measures would rest with the Public Health Ministry, he added. Mr Sontirat spoke after a meeting with representatives of the Public Health Ministry, the Foundation for Consumers, private hospitals and the Thai Life Assurance Association, seeking their views on medical care prices. Wichai Phochanakij, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, confirmed that the agencies had agreed to put medicine and medical treatment on a list of controlled goods. He said the issue would be forwarded to the central committee on Jan 9 and a sub-panel would be formed to set the standard charges, taking into consideration the capital costs and cost differences of each hospital. Read original story here. Thailand records 7.5% growth in visitor arrivals BANGKOK: The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced the tourism figures for January-November 2018. Thailand received 34,431,489 international visitors, up by 7.53% over the same period of last year, generating an estimated B1.8 billion in tourism revenue, up by 9.79%. tourismeconomics By Press Release Thursday 27 December 2018, 12:26PM A chart included in the Tourism Situation Report compiled by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. A chart included in the Tourism Situation Report compiled by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. A chart included in the Tourism Situation Report compiled by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. A chart included in the Tourism Situation Report compiled by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. A chart included in the Tourism Situation Report compiled by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The highlight of the results was the fact that seven countries China, Malaysia, South Korea, Lao PDR., Japan, India, and Russia have already generated more than one million visitor arrivals, and three more countries USA, Vietnam and Singapore were set to follow suit when the full year 2018 results were tabulated, reported the Tourism Authority of Thailand. (See press release here.) Top 10 Markets for Thailand in January-November 2018 Rank Nationality No. of Arrivals % Change 1 China 9,697,321 7.86 2 Malaysia 3,569,736 15.52 3 Korea 1,621,237 4.75 4 Laos 1,593,971 4.48 5 Japan 1,502,111 6.82 6 India 1,429,078 12.03 7 Russia 1,267,868 10.33 8 USA 993,631 6.37 9 Vietnam 956,652 10.18 10 Singapore 934,504 3,73 Remark: Preliminary figures Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports Commenting on the performance, TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said, We are overjoyed to have this result in the last quarter of 2018. The 35 million visitor target is now set to be met. It is a tribute to the cooperation and creativity of the entire Thai travel and tourism industry to ensure that it remains our primary sector for job creation, distribution of income nationwide, and contribution to cultural, heritage and environmental preservation. Summary of the key results in January-November 2018: Overview: All regions grew well except the Middle East and Oceania. Visitors from East Asia totalled 23.62 million (+9.21%), Europe 5.91 million (+4.03%), the Americas 1.41 million (+3.70%), South Asia 1.77 million (+11.32%), Oceania 838,713 (-1.40%), the Middle East 683,420 (-6.24%), and Africa 174,565 (+9.63%). East Asia: East Asian visitor arrivals comprised the biggest market share of all visitors. A total of 23.62 million or 68% were from East Asian countries. Apart from China (9.69 million), the other top sources of arrivals were Malaysia (3.56 million), South Korea (1.62 million), Lao PDR. (1.59 million) and Japan (1.50 million). The Asean countries in total generated over 9.17 million arrivals, with growth by Malaysia (+15.52%), the Philippines (+12.63%), Indonesia (+11.52%), Vietnam (+10.18%), Cambodia (+4.59%), Lao PDR. (+4.48%), Singapore (+3.73%), and Myanmar (+0.68%). Only Brunei showed a decline (-3.89%). Europe: European visitors were up 4.03% to 5.91 million. Russia retained its status as the largest source market from Europe with arrivals of 1.26 million, up 10.33%. The United Kingdom was the second highest source market with a total of 877,502, followed by Germany 789,150, up 4.46%, and France 677,579, up 1.46%. Visitor markets also grew from East Europe (+9.22%), Austria (+12.08%), the Netherlands (+6.41%), Italy (+6.17%), Denmark (+4.25%), Finland (+2.22%), Belgium (+1.84%), and Spain (+1.32%). The Americas: Arrivals from the Americas grew by 3.70% to 1.41 million. The main market, the USA, increased by 6.37% to 993,631. Arrivals from Canada were up 7.18% to 245,227. South Asia: Arrivals from South Asia grew by a strong 11.32% to 1.77 million. India topped the list with arrivals up by 12.03% to 1.42 million. Other countries also showed good growth; such as, Nepal (+27.63%), Bangladesh (+8.21%), Sri Lanka (+2.81%), and Pakistan (+2.70%). Oceania: Arrivals from Oceania declined by 1.40% to 838,713 visitors. Australian visitors declined by 1.61% to 728,720. Arrivals from New Zealand declined by 0.23% to 106,378. Middle East: Arrivals from the UAE declined by 7.16% to 117,162. Arrivals from Saudi Arabia declined by 18.99% to 26,075. However, some markets like Kuwait (+2.74%) reported good results. Africa: Arrivals from Africa grew by 9.63% to 174,565, mainly due to arrivals from South Africa (86,509). Tourism Authority of Thailand See full report by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. (Click here.) On Oct. 12, Virgin founder Richard Branson announced he was pulling out of talks on a $1 billion (U.S.) deal with Saudi Arabia over the killing of a Washington Post columnist. State involvement in the killing, if proved true, would clearly change the ability of any of us in the West to do business with the Saudi government, Mr. Branson said. Days later in a text message, Mr. Branson counseled the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, to release female activists his country had imprisoned. If you were to pardon these women and a number of men too, it would show the world the Government is truly moving into the 21stCentury, Mr. Branson texted the crown prince. It wont change what happened in Turkey but it would go a long way to start and change peoples view. Mr. Branson was one of the first in a parade of CEOs, fund managers and bankers who scrambled to figure out how to preserve their relationships with Prince Mohammed after the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi Arabias Istanbul embassy in the fall. Mr. Branson urged Prince Mohammed to change his ways. Others adopted a dual strategy of public condemnation while trying to continue to do business as usual. Some shunned the formality of Saudi Arabias high-profile investment conference but pursued informal gatherings instead. The reason: Many have tied their companies future to Saudi money and Crown Prince Mohammeds wide-ranging economic overhauls. This whole Khashoggi thing doesnt mean anything, said hedge-fund manager John Burbank, who has been one of the U.S.s most prominent investors in Saudi stocks. It means much less than the big, sweeping liberalization thats happening in the kingdom. MBS, as Prince Mohammed is known, politely thanked Mr. Branson for his input. A few days later, the crown prince publicly denied involvement in the murder, calling it a heinous crime. The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has since concluded that he likely ordered the killing. Representatives of the Saudi royal court and government didnt respond to questions about messages between the crown prince and Mr. Branson. American investors in Saudi stocks, besides Mr. Burbank, include Peter Thiel and hedge fund Bienville Capital Management, among others. Roughly 4% of the total Saudi market is held by foreigners. One persons life doesnt matter unless its MBSs, Mr. Burbank says. Khashoggi doesnt matter. He adds that investors who have steered away from Saudi Arabia are hypocrites, because some of them also invest in Russia and Turkey. Mr. Burbank was among the dozens of Western executives and investors who showed up at the home of Yasir al Rumayyanchairman of Saudi Arabias sovereign Public Investment Fund, which the crown prince overseeson the eve of the investor conference in October. Over platters piled high with roast lamb, towers of sweets in golden birdcages and champagne flutes of fruit juice, they toasted their relationship beneath palm trees tinted by purple spotlights, attendees said. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son backed out of the conference, but he still showed up at the lamb feast. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also pulled out of the conference, but Uber co-founder and board member Travis Kalanick was at the party, along with former congressman and current banker Eric Cantor and his boss, banker Ken Moelis, and venture capitalist Jim Breyer. Thiel Capital portfolio manager John MacMahon also appeared at the dinner, and the chief executive of Silicon Valley construction startup Katerra, Michael Marks, attended the investment conference. Matt Barnard, the CEO of Plentyan indoor-farming startup with $200 million (U.S.) in backing from a Saudi-backed SoftBank fundflew to Saudi Arabia for the conference. But he returned home without attending, a Plenty spokeswoman says. The cost of shunning Saudi Arabia could be high. Some business partners fear losing access to the kingdom in the future if they pull out of Saudi deals now. Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Hollywood talent agency Endeavor, is negotiating to return a $400 million investment that the Saudi sovereign-wealth fund made in his company earlier this year, people familiar with the companys plan say. In the wake of Mr. Khashoggis disappearance, Mr. Emanuel said he was really concerned about it. Representatives of the Saudi royal court and government didnt respond to questions about relationships with foreign investors. The Saudi sovereign-wealth fund said in an emailed statement that business partnerships are not based on attendance at the conference but rather on criteria linked to PIFs investment strategy and portfolio diversification efforts. Businesses continuing their work in Saudi Arabia include media, money managers and venture capitalists. Bloomberg LP, for instance, is moving ahead with its joint-venture Arabic business television channel with Saudi Research and Marketing Group, a company with longtime ties to the kingdoms ruling family, despite Bloomberg Media Group Chief Executive Justin Smiths pulling out of speaking at the conference. Jay Penske, whose media company received $200 million from the Saudi fund earlier this year, has no plans to return the money, according to people familiar with the matter. He attended the Formula E race in Riyadh last week with his team, Dragon Racing, the company spokeswoman said. And SoftBank isnt giving back the billions that the Saudis pledged to its Vision Fund I. The company has declined to comment on whether it would accept Saudi funding for its next Vision Fund, despite MBSs public statements he was eager to invest in it. Mr. Branson, who was never scheduled to attend the conference and gave the crown prince advance notice of his plans to back away from a $1 billion investment in his space business, has been told hes still welcome in the country. Were there mistakes made? Absolutely there were mistakes made, said Matt Michelsen, an associate of John Burbank and a Silicon Valley investor. But this place is changing. I saw Starbucks opening on multiple corners. There are women walking around without abayas. Its a fundamental shift thats occurred. Read more about: Television shows often have more economics in them than you might think. One example is the Canadian sitcom Kims Convenience, which depicts the charming misadventures of a Korean immigrant couple in Toronto and their native-born children. Where so much of the media focuses on the parts of the economy that are going wrong, Kims Convenience tells an uplifting story of modest, hard-won prosperity. The show has rightfully been heralded for its depiction of the immigrant experience, and in this sense it is certainly realistic for the U.S. as well as Canada. The protagonists, Mr. and Mrs. Kim, arrive in Canada without language skills, business connections or educational credentials, so they do what many immigrants do they start a small business. A 2012 study by the Fiscal Policy Institute, a think tank, found that in 2010, 18 per cent of small businesses in the U.S. were started by immigrants, even though immigrants made up only 13 per cent of the population. In retail, immigrants started 22 per cent of small businesses. For the Kims, as for many real-life immigrants, small business is a gateway to upward mobility. The Kims daughter is attending photography school, while their son despite a youthful brush with the law is slowly working his way up through the corporate hierarchy of a car-rental company. These are not the dramatic success stories that often feature in pro-immigration op-eds the Kim children arent founding billion-dollar startups or patenting breakthrough inventions or getting tenure at Harvard. Instead, the image is of humble, slow middle-class advancement. And that depiction is realistic. There is broad agreement that children of immigrants tend to have substantially higher incomes than their parents, and to make up ground relative to children of native-born parents. Children of skilled immigrants tend to earn more than natives, while children of low-skilled immigrants tend to earn less, but in both cases, mobility from the first to the second generation is the norm. The second generation also tends to be better-educated, with higher home ownership rates and lower poverty rates than their parents. This has led many to conclude that the American dream is still alive for those who move in from other countries. But the economic significance of Kims Convenience goes well beyond the immigrant experience. By showing the connection between small business and upward mobility, it highlights a type of success story that is crucial to the health of the American (and Canadian) middle class and one that is in great danger. Fewer Americans are starting business these days: Some of that comes from a decline in high-tech, high-growth startups, but most of it especially in the 1980s and 1990s came from a drop in small-business formation. One key reason has been the replacement of small business with big business. In retail, for example, the most significant change has been the spread of chain stores. In a 2009 paper, economists Ronald Jarmin, Shawn Klimek and Javier Miranda wrote: In 1948, single location retail firms accounted for 70.4 per cent of retail salesBy 1997, this share had fallen further to 39 per cent. In other words, more Walmart branches mean fewer stores of the type featured in Kims Convenience. Of course, theres a deep economic reason for the shift chain stores tend to be more productive, and more long-lived, than the mom-and-pop shops of old. Chains have access to nationwide or global supply chains, mass marketing and brand recognition, and all the other advantages that huge corporations can confer. But in exchange for this productivity, something important may have been lost. In an economy dominated by big corporations, capital ownership is concentrated among the investors, instead of dispersed among a broad class of small business owners. When even enterprising people who are willing to take risks are forced to become corporate employees rather than striking out on their own, they lose the independence that small business confers. They are also forced to rely more on business connections, job skills and educational credentials advantages that tend to be concentrated among the children of the well-off. In other words, the decline of small business may deliver higher productivity at the cost of greater dependence, higher inequality and reduced economic mobility. It also may be destroying one of the core constituencies opposing the spread of socialism. Small business owners vote overwhelmingly Republican in the U.S. fewer small businesspeople means fewer capital owners, which means fewer people who have a stake in preserving the system of privately owned capital. How can this trend be reversed? Thanks to the rise of e-commerce, it seems likely that many mom-and-pop businesses of the future will not be brick-and-mortar retail stores like the one in Kims Convenience. But government support for small business and for new business owners dont have to favour one type of business over another. Tax breaks are one way to put the governments thumb on the scale for small businesses. Another is the so-called economic gardening approach, in which local and state governments partner with non-profit to help entrepreneurs start businesses. A third option might be to increase support for franchise businesses, which offer many of the scale benefits of big corporations while preserving some elements of individual ownership. Upward mobility and business ownership are key elements of any healthy, thriving capitalist society. Kims Convenience shows how immigration invigorates a society, but it also shows the enduring importance of small business. Policy-makers would do well to watch the show and contemplate its vision of the good society. CALGARYAs many Calgarians kick up their feet and relax for the holidays, others including members of the citys Muslim and Syrian communities are rolling up their sleeves to donate blood. Relatively few people think to donate blood during the last few days of the year, especially between Christmas Day and New Years Day. Yet Canadian Blood Services (CBS) said theres still an acute need for it. Leukemia patients, for instance, require around eight pints of blood per week. The average amount needed for a car crash victim hovers around 50 pints. According to Jhoanna Del Rosario, territory manager with CBS in Calgary, around a thousand blood donors will be needed in the city between Boxing Day and Jan. 6. The need for blood doesnt stop, and it doesnt take a holiday or vacation, she said in an interview on Wednesday. Members of the Syrian community in Calgary, as well as the Muslim Association of Canadas Calgary chapter, are stepping in to fill the void. On Boxing Day, 23 Syrians showed up at CBSs blood donor clinic in Eau Claire to give blood. The clinic only had the capacity for 20 donations, according to Sam Nammoura, co-founder of the Syrian Refugee Support Group Calgary. The reason we did the Boxing Day (blood drive) is because everybodys busy on these days whether its Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Years Day, Nammoura said. So, we want to show up when everybodys busy. Last January, CBS reached out and asked for donors to drop by on New Years Day. According to Nammoura, the service had a shortage of blood and no scheduled donors lined up on that day. Members of Calgarys Syrian communities, even those unable to speak English at the time, showed up. Starting in 2018, Syrians across the country also made a point of donating blood on April 14, and plan to make it an annual tradition. Nammoura said that for the community, donating blood isnt just an expression of charity. Donating blood in Syrian culture and throughout the Middle East is a really symbolic way of devotion and commitment to the cause, he explained. Donating blood, it means that Im willing to sacrifice everything that I have including my blood for that cause whether its love of a country or appreciation of the people. The Muslim Association of Canadas (MAC) Calgary chapter is also running a blood drive on Thursday out of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and Suites in northwest Calgary. Arshiya Shareef, who helped organize Thursdays drive, said theyre expecting just over a hundred people. Organizers took to social media, put out press releases, and spread the word at mosques to go and donate blood. In the future, she said, MAC would love to set up their own blood clinic to help offset the constant need for blood. Blood drives arent just a way to give back, theyre also a way to build bridges with other cultures within Calgary, Shareef said. With Islamophobia on the rise like never before, she feels its important for MAC to let others in Calgary know that the Muslim community is doing this work. When youre on the surgeons table, theres nobody whos going to ask your religion or your background or your ethnicity. Thats probably the last thing on your mind. On the outside, you might have so many superficial differences, she said. But on the inside, basically, were all the same. Read more about: OTTAWAThe number of Canadian police officers on UN missions has reached its lowest point in more than a decade despite a shortage of such personnel on many peacekeeping operations and a Liberal promise to address it. New figures from the United Nations show there were 15 Canadian police officers participating in peacekeeping missions at the end of November, all of them based in Haiti. That was the smallest number since at least 2005, according to Walter Dorn, a peacekeeping expert at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, who has been tracking the statistics. The shrinking presence comes despite the fact many UN missions are short hundreds of police officers, who are considered essential for building long-term peace and stability in troubled countries. That includes the peacekeeping mission in Mali, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Saturday and where Canada previously promised to deploy up to 20 police officers none of whom has yet arrived. Canada's small contribution is also in defiance of the Trudeau government's promise in August 2016 to provide up to 150 police officers to peace operations around the world. There were 84 police officers on UN missions when that promise was made. Canada does have police officers working on non-UN missions in other parts of the world, including 17 in Ukraine, five in Iraq and three in the West Bank, which the government has said it is counting toward its commitment. But Dorn and others have accused the Liberals of not living up to the spirit of their original pledge. And even with those non-UN contributions, Canada remains far short of the government's original promise. "It's really unfortunate that Canada hasn't lived up to its pledge and provided police for new missions," Dorn said in an interview on Monday. "There's really no reason for all this dithering and delay because there's a big need out there." UN officials have emphasized the growing importance of police officers to peacekeeping, saying they are better able to interact with civilians than military forces are, and work with local police to re-establish the rule of law. "The continuous development of the national police is of critical importance to ensure that first and foremost, we do not have countries in conflict," Atul Khare, UN undersecretary general for field support, said in June. "And if we have countries in conflict, we can bring them out of the conflict and ensure that there is no relapse." The UN underscored the need for more police ahead of last year's peacekeeping summit in Vancouver, stating: "The growing importance of UN police needs to be matched with appropriate adequately resourced capabilities." Female police officers and ones who speak French are needed especially badly, according to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations' latest needs assessment published in September. Canada is in a good position to provide both given its previous experience, Dorn said, especially with large numbers of Canadian police officers having previously served in Haiti. "We've come down to our lowest point this century of police officers in peacekeeping and this is an area where Canada has some really valuable contributions to make," he said. "We can provide women and police who are Francophone in countries where they are needed." Read more about: REGINASaskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says hes never met with anyone protesting outside the legislature and didnt see a need to make an exception when Indigenous protesters set up a camp this past fall. Moe said cabinet members were more than capable of working through some of the protesters concerns. I dont know if it would have resolved it in a quicker fashion or not. The fact of the matter is ... those individuals were engaged with on multiple occasions with multiple members of the cabinet, he said. I havent, in fairness, really conversed with anyone directly that is running a protest or a camp in front of the legislature. The Justice for Our Stolen Children camp sprung up in late February, shortly after the cases of Colten Boushie and Tina Fontaine resulted in acquittals. Boushie, a 22-year-old Cree man, died from a shot to the head on a farm near Biggar, Sask., in August 2016. The landowner, Gerald Stanley, was acquitted of second-degree murder after testifying that his gun went off accidentally. Fontaine was 15 years old when she disappeared in Winnipeg in 2014. Her body, wrapped in a duvet cover and weighed down by rocks, was pulled from the Red River eight days later. A jury found Raymond Cormier not guilty of second-degree murder. The camps members were protesting what they said was racial injustice and the disproportionate number of Indigenous children in care. Spokesperson Robyn Pitawanakwat said a visit from Moe may have led to a solution. I think that him showing up to have the conversation would have indicated that he was invested in some sort of outcome that would have benefited Indigenous families in Saskatchewan, she said. Cabinet ministers who came to the camp didnt listen to requests, Pitawanakwat said. The camp, which was ordered to be dismantled by a judge in September, helped reunite 12 families with children in care, she said. We were able to help individual families, but the system is still working against Indigenous youth. The government is working with 17 First Nations on child and family service agreements, but more effort is needed, Moe said. Since the Boushie trial, Moes government has proposed updating trespassing laws which would require people to get permission before going on private land. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has said the proposals were drafted without any Indigenous consultation and warns that the planned legislation could lead to more clashes. Moe said everyone in the province was consulted through an online survey and he continues to talk to First Nations leaders across the province. A 37-year-old Brampton man is facing charges after a fight over a parking spot at a Walmart two days before Christmas sent an older man to hospital with injuries. The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. Sunday at the Walmart Supercentre at Hurontario St. and Bovaird Dr. A dispute over a parking spot led to a fight, Peel Const. Sarah Patten said. Heavily-armed tactical officers and police dogs responded to the scene after at least one 911 call reporting a large fight between several men. A 51-year-old man was rushed to hospital by Peel Region paramedics after being stabbed during the attack in which either a knife or key was used, according to police. His injuries were serious but not life-threatening, police said. The attacker fled in his vehicle as the incident occurred during a busy time at the giant retail store with the Christmas shopping season in full swing. Richard Reid has been charged with assault, assault with a weapon and uttering threats. Anyone with information can call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 2233. Read more about: A teenage boy was seriously injured following a shooting in Black Creek on Thursday morning. Toronto police said they received a call around 9:55 a.m. for a person lying on the ground outside a housing complex at Driftwood Ct. and Driftwood Ave., near Jane St., between Steeles Ave. W. and Finch Ave. W. Police found the boy with serious gunshot wounds when they arrived on scene. Paramedics said he was taken to a trauma centre but is not in critical condition. Police said they are looking for a red Honda Civic last seen going north on Jane St. No suspect description has been given. Its an unusual-looking house. Sandwiched behind homes on either side, the tall, skinny house at 154 Hamilton St. is set back more than a dozen metres from the sidewalk. Its selling for $3 million but depending on who you talk to, the property near Dundas St. E. and Broadview Ave. is either a wonder of modern architecture well worth that amount, or an ugly, overpriced monstrosity. The 1,300-square-foot house is four storeys tall, with floor-to-ceiling windows. A portion of the house is cantilevered protruding and elevated from the ground. It was built after a protracted battle that pitted owners of the property against the local councillor and several nearby residents including a next-door neighbour who had limbs from her silver maple cut off two years ago during the homes construction. Bitter feelings linger. Its a really sad story, said Councillor Paula Fletcher (Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth). Everyone has been in a state over this particular house. Its a story that began with an infill house that was a tiny garage long ago, and was later turned into a small, one-bedroom cottage. In 2012, the citys committee of adjustment approved the minor variance sought by Toronto architect Michael Mantzoris, who then owned the home. In 2016, Mantzoris, with business partner Gordon Kipping, sold the property to Cyril Borovsky, who built the existing four-storey home, which recently went on the market. Share your thoughts For homeowners Linda Bourgeois and Linda Clowes, who both live in a house on Munro St., one block west of Hamilton, their concern has always been the height of the house. Four storeys is not in keeping with the heights of the other homes in the area, the two argue. This sets a precedent. The next thing youre going to see is an eight-storey house, Clowes said in an interview at their home this week. She and Bourgeois have lived in their home for 22 years and were part of the unsuccessful fight to stop the construction of 154 Hamilton years ago. Its a slippery slope, Clowes adds, referring to the height issue. TOP STORIES. IN YOUR INBOX: For the days top news from the Stars award-winning journalists, sign up for our daily headlines newsletter. Clowes and Bourgeois were among a group of alarmed residents who came together after Mantzoris applied to build a four-storey home on the tiny 15-by-86-foot lot. Mantzoris purchased the cottage at 154 Hamilton in 2011 for $295,000 and later applied to rebuild on the lot. He and Kipping, a New York-based architect, designed a new house, but didnt build it. We were interested in developing some interesting architecture, Mantzoris said in a recent interview. Mantzoris said he had a more elegant design in mind than what was eventually built. He said he wanted a house that would disappear into the fabric of the street more, and certainly not a white structure. The zoning bylaw allowed for a building four storeys tall, Mantzoris added, arguing the roof peaks for some Victorian houses on Hamilton St. matched the four storeys he and his partner envisioned. However, Mantzoris opted out of the project after the minor variance filing. Kipping took the helm and developed a new design for the house with his firm G TECTS Architecture. According to property records, Kipping and Mantzoris sold the property for $530,000 in 2016 to Borovsky, who constructed the existing house. Kipping said in an email to the Star following publication that he had little contact with Borovsky, who subsequently amended or refiled the building permit substantially altering his original design. Borovsky didnt reply to repeated requests from the Star for comment. The house landed in controversy again in 2016, when Borovsky cut off a large limb of a neighbours 100-year-old silver maple, which hung over a fence onto Borovskys property. According to a CBC report at the time, Borovsky said that overhanging limbs impeded the construction of his home. But the city had turned down his bid to trim the limbs. After it was cut, the city issued a stop-work order, but Borovsky argued he had a building permit that allowed him to override city rules on the protection of trees, the CBC report said. The listing refers to the home as truly unique and a modern marvel with four levels of functional minimalism. But John Richards, a resident on Munro St., called the house a foolish design built in the wrong place, and scoffed at the $3-million price. It looks like something that belongs in a trailer park, says Richards, an architectural design specialist who does lighting designs for properties in Southeast Asia, the U.S. and Canada. He believes the homeowners could have applied for a variance and done concrete foundation work that would have allowed the home to be built closer to the curb, preserving the backyard. The backyards around here are secret assets, Richards says. But Mantzoris said that scenario wasnt possible. It wasnt possible due to their roof eaves encroaching on either side of the property, and structurally we would be limited by the integrity of (the neighbours) foundation walls and footings. Dont get me wrong, we had investigated building closer to the curb, but after reviewing a few different design proposals with the senior (city of Toronto) planner for the area, we all agreed to develop the scheme at the rear of the lot, replacing the existing foundation and going up, Mantzoris says. Hans Ibelings, lecturer at the Daniels faculty of architecture, landscape and design at the University of Toronto, said taller homes are needed to densify the city, but in architectural terms, 154 Hamilton is totally bland. I have looked up images of the interior, and that confirms that this is not exactly a masterpiece of domestic architecture, he said. Given the pressure on the housing market, it would be great if infills would lead to affordable projects. I dont think there is a real shortage of $3-million homes, he added. Fletcher points to other houses in her ward that are built on tiny lots but fit with the other homes nearby, unlike 154 Hamilton, she argues. That should be the expectation that a tiny house should fit well with the rest of the street, the rhythm of the street, the setbacks of the street, Fletcher said. This one (on Hamilton) doesnt fit, but others fit. Its the difference between fitting and not fitting on these really small lots. Why do the others work and this one doesnt? Clarification December 27, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly referred to the silver maple tree next door to the home on 154 Hamilton St. as an elm tree on the first reference. Update January 7, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version to include further information from Gordon Kipping. In treating victims of gun violence, replacing lost blood lots of it and doing it stat is critical. St. Michaels Hospital, and the field of trauma medicine in general, continues to make great strides on this front, says Dr. Sandro Rizoli, medical director of trauma and acute care services. One major difference is that today, when someone comes in, we start to give them a blood transfusion very early on, he said, noting that until just over a decade ago, these patients were immediately given saline IV fluids with blood to follow. But a 2007 study, of which Rizoli was a contributing author, showed that trauma patients suffering from major hemorrhagic bleeding have much better outcomes if they are immediately given massive blood transfusions. They do much better if they get blood from the start, he said. In what has been a record year for homicides in Toronto, the city has seen much gun violence. To date, there have been 95 homicides, more than half of them from gunfire. Read more: The 95 victims of Torontos record year in homicide Opinion | Edward Keenan: We owe it to Torontos homicide victims to look beyond law enforcement Analysis | What Torontos homicide record means and what we can do about it Thats the largest number since 2005, otherwise known as the Year of the Gun, when there were 53 shooting deaths in the city. Another 175 individuals have been injured by gun violence this year. Many of these survivors owe their lives to the health professionals such as Rizoli. St. Mikes one of three trauma centres in the city sees about one shooting victim a week and is able save approximately 80 per cent of them, Rizoli said. The Star recently spent some time with a Rizoli and the team of trauma surgeons at the hospital to learn how they are trying to keep more of these patients alive. Rizoli said it stands to reason that shooting victims are faring better today. The increase in gun violence sadly means trauma surgeons are getting much more experience in dealing with these patients. During my training 25 years ago, gunshot wounds were uncommon and many Canadian surgeons had to train in the U.S. to gain experience in treating them. The growth in the number of victims to gun violence and the progression to more lethal weapons had been fortunately balanced by enormous advances in trauma science and practice, Rizoli said. Advancements have been made in research, technology, drugs, hospital design, workflow, protocols and best practices, he noted. Much of the learning has come from the battlefield. We have learned from wars that patients who have lost a lot of blood cannot clot appropriately, Rizoli explained. They suffer from what is known as trauma-induced coagulopathy, and if not treated quickly, it can lead to a patient bleeding to death. We give them blood, and tons of blood, to start with. Then we try to diagnose, as quickly as possible, exactly what is wrong with their coagulation, Rizoli said. They do this by using a piece of equipment, purchased by the hospital about five years ago, which quickly analyzes blood-clotting properties. Called ROTEM, short for rotational thromboelastometry, it guides health professionals in determining what blood products trauma patients require so that their blood clots properly. St. Mikes surgeons have recently begun to use another technique developed on the battlefield, this one to stop traumatic bleeding. The minimally invasive procedure is known as REBOA, or Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta. It involves running a catheter up the femoral artery and into the aorta. A balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated, stopping the flow of blood. The procedure can be done in the trauma bay. Previously, patients would have been moved to the opening room where their chests would be opened and aortas clamped. That took much longer, was more invasive and carried a higher risk of death. Before using the new REBOA catheter on patients, St. Mikes tested it out on a high-tech mannequin. The simulation served to educate those in the trauma program including nurses, respiratory therapists and surgeons on how it works. Its like crash-testing a car. You wouldnt drive a car if it hadnt been crash-tested first. We do the same thing with new processes. We crash-test them and make sure they work like we anticipate they will, said Dr. Andrew Petrosoniak. He and colleague Dr. Chris Hicks are emergency physicians, trauma team leaders and simulation educators at St. Mikes. Their work on simulation exercises has helped improve the workflow in trauma resuscitation care. It has also informed the design of a new trauma bay at the hospital, scheduled to open in 2019. One of their exercises involved tracking the movements of three nurses treating a simulated trauma patient. It was videotaped and the movements of each nurse were followed, using an overlay tracing tool, with a different colour for each nurse. The end result looked like colourful childs scrawl to the untrained eye. But to Petrosoniak and Hicks, it revealed how the nurses lost time criss-crossing the trauma bay to get different pieces of equipment. If the equipment needed was closer at hand, nurses would need to criss-cross the room and seconds could be saved. There would be less risk of nurses bumping into each other and dropping instruments. So now we understand where theyre moving and we can improve their efficiency, Petrosoniak said. The whole point of efficiency is to get the care faster. If you are thinking about gunshot wound patients, time matters significantly. Hicks said the information has also been used in the design of the new trauma bay to show how much room is needed around each bed. The pair have also worked on creating a new massive transfusion protocol. They examined steps taken by everyone involved in the transfusing large amounts of blood into trauma patients. That includes, as an example, porters charged with picking up blood from the blood bank at the other end of the hospital and carrying it over to the trauma bay. Petrosoniak and Hicks realized seconds could be lost by waiting for an elevator, so now porters must take the stairs. As well porters must announce themselves when entering the trauma bay instead of waiting to be noticed. Through changes such as this, delivery time for blood has been cut by 12.5 per cent to nine minutes. In the past you might have been waiting for blood, Hicks said, citing research showing that every minute blood is delayed results in a 5 per cent increase in mortality. Trauma surgeons at St. Mikes are also working to reduce the need for their services by campaigning to reduce access to guns. Two surgeons with much to say on this happened to be on duty the night of the Danforth shooting in July. Drs. Najma Ahmed and Bernard Lawless say that the Danforth shooting prompted them to increase their activism. I think there is greater public awareness that this is a public health crisis. I think there is also greater awareness that guns can be lethal beyond just crimes. They are very often used in adolescent suicide in Canada, Ahmed said. This past fall, she helped draft a position statement, calling for limited civilian access to firearms, and then assisted in getting endorsements for it from medical associations, including the Trauma Association of Canada and the Canadian Association of General Surgeons. She and Lawless have also been lobbying politicians to take steps to crack down on gun violence. Dr. Ahmed and I have been contacting decision-makers at all levels, Lawless said. Its going to take political fortitude to make change. When you look at this from a common sense perspective, its really not a difficult issue. Calling gun violence a disease, Ahmed said it makes perfect sense for physicians to be involved in trying to eradicate it. It has its own risk factors and own epidemiology, its preventable strategy, she said. Lawless said the profession has a long history in working on injury prevention: Trauma surgeons have long played a role in injury prevention, whether its around seatbelt use, drinking and driving, and even working with engineers on how cars and roads are designed. Rizoli said diseases can be eradicated and points to smallpox as an example. No one should be injured by a disease that is completely preventable. No one in Canada should he a victim of gun violence. There could come a time when this could end. Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders began a year-end news conference Thursday by addressing the increased gun violence in the city in 2018. Saunders maintained that 2018 has been a unique year with lots of loss of life, including two mass casualty incidents the van attack and the Danforth shooting as well as the arrest of an alleged serial killer. Saunders said most of the increased gun violence, including both homicides and non-fatal shootings, is linked to street gangs and the high-risk lifestyle associated with them. He noted access to firearms is an issue and said there have been 514 handguns seized this year, almost double the previous year. He said there is a need to work with government at all levels for core funding to address issues linked to gangs and gun violence, as well as a need to build stronger relationships with the community. There is no magic pill, he said. You will never see an urban city that has zero shootings and zero homicides. Saunders said there needs to be more preventative measures in place that go beyond the police. At the end of the day when a young man takes a gun and shoots, there are different entities that are responsible for that. We are the aftermath of that. What is in front of that? he said. So to dump it on me and say what are you going to do about it, I say, Im going to educate the public, if we are going to get it right, it has to be collective. Saunders said the antiquated Criminal Code should be reformed to ensure better protections for witnesses who provide evidence in gang-related cases. He said that while police receive information through avenues like Crime Stoppers, the fear of retribution from gang members remains a factor in deterring potential witnesses from testifying. He also repeatedly said arresting individual gang members is not going to be the solution, since the majority of people arrested are going to be coming out. Saunders would not say whether he specifically supported a handgun ban in Toronto but said he welcomed any tools that could support a reduction in gun violence. Saunders also said an eight-week program where 200 additional officers were deployed at night resulted in a reduction in shooting occurrences in that time. Saunders said the forces modernization plan is underway and includes a hiring spree in 2019. He said 132 officers have been hired in 2018 with another couple of hundred officers expected to be hired next year. Saunders said expanding the special constable program is a priority in 2019 since it has helped take pressure off front-line police officers. Responding to questions about police relationships with the Black community and LGBT community in light of a recent Ontario Human Rights Commission report that found Black people are grossly overrepresented in cases in which Toronto police have used force, as well as the arrest of alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur, Saunders said he believes progress is being made. Im not going to say we are where we need to be, he said. Saunders said the neighbourhood officer program, which is being enhanced in a pilot project that extends into 2019, is one example of how the Toronto Police Service is improving community relationships and gathering intelligence about local issues. Though he did not provide specifics, Saunders said there have been lessons learned following the McArthur investigation, and noted the creation of a new missing persons unit. However he did not address criticisms of the investigation, maintaining Toronto police knew something stunk and put high-level resources into the process that eventually led to McArthurs arrest. Saunders also did not address criticisms of his own statement at a December 2017 news conference that there was not a serial killer operating in the Gay Village though police were actively investigating McArthur and the deaths of five men at the time. Read more about: Originally published Dec. 31, 1983 lf we look into the world as it may be at the end of another generation, lets say 2019 thats 35 years from now, the same number of years since 1949 when George Orwells 1984 was first published three considerations must dominate our thoughts: 1. Nuclear war. 2. Computerization. 3. Space utilization. If the United States and the Soviet Union flail away at each other at any time between now and 2019, there is absolutely no use to discussing what life will be like in that year. Too few of us, or of our children and grand children, will be alive then for there to be any point in describing the precise condition of global misery at that time. Let us, therefore, assume there will be no nuclear war not necessarily a safe assumption and carry on from there. Computerization will undoubtedly continue onward inevitably. Computers have already made themselves essential to the governments of the industrial nations, and to world industry: and it is now beginning to make itself comfortable in the home. Read more: Isaac Asimov, you were no Nostradamus An essential side product, the mobile computerized object, or robot, is already flooding into industry and will, in the course of the next generation, penetrate the home. There is bound to be resistance to the march of the computers, but barring a successful Luddite revolution, which does not seem in the cards, the march will continue. The growing complexity of society will make it impossible to do without them, except by courting chaos; and those parts of the world that fall behind in this respect will suffer so obviously as a result that their ruling bodies will clamour for computerization as they now clamour for weapons. The immediate effect of intensifying computerization will be, of course, to change utterly our work habits. This has happened before. Before the Industrial Revolution, the vast majority of humanity was engaged in agriculture and indirectly allied professions. After industrialization, the shift from the farm to the factory was rapid and painful. With computerization the new shift from the factory to something new will be still more rapid and in consequence, still more painful. It is not that computerization is going to mean fewer jobs as a whole, for technological advance has always, in the past, created more jobs than it has destroyed, and there is no reason to think that wont be true now, too. However, the jobs created are not identical with the jobs that have been destroyed, and in similar cases in the past the change has never been so radical. Destroying our minds The jobs that will disappear will tend to be just those routine clerical and assembly-line jobs that are simple enough, repetitive enough, and stultifying enough to destroy the finely balanced minds of those human beings unfortunate enough to have been forced to spend years doing them in order to earn a living, and yet complicated enough to rest above the capacity of any machine that is neither a computer nor computerized. It is these that computers and robots for which they are perfectly designed will take over. The jobs that will appear will, inevitably, involve the design, the manufacture, the installation, the maintenance and repair of computers and robots, and an understanding of whole new industries that these intelligent machines will make possible. This means that a vast change in the nature of education must take place, and entire populations must be made computer-literate and must be taught to deal with a high-tech world. Again, this sort of thing has happened before. An industrialized workforce must, of necessity, be more educated than an agricultural one. Field hands can get along without knowing how to read and write. Factory employees cannot. Consequently, public education on a mass scale had to be introduced in industrializing nations in the course of the 19th century. The change, however, is much faster this time and society must work much faster; perhaps faster than they can. It means that the next generation will be one of difficult transition as untrained millions find themselves helpless to do the jobs that most need doing. By the year 2019, however, we should find that the transition is about over. Those who can be retrained and re-educated will have been: those who cant be will have been put to work at something useful, or where ruling groups are less wise, will have been supported by some sort of grudging welfare arrangement. In any case, the generation of the transition will be dying out, and there will be a new generation growing up who will have been educated into the new world. It is quite likely that society, then, will have entered a phase that may be more or less permanently improved over the situation as it now exists for a variety of reasons. First: Population will be continuing to increase for some years after the present and this will make the pangs of transition even more painful. Governments will be unable to hide from themselves the fact that no problem can possibly be solved as long as those problems continue to be intensified by the addition of greater numbers more rapidly than they can be dealt with. Efforts to prevent this from happening by encouraging a lower birthrate will become steadily more strenuous and it is to be hoped that by 2019, the world as a whole will be striving toward a population plateau. Second: The consequences of human irresponsibility in terms of waste and pollution will become more apparent and unbearable with time and again, attempts to deal with this will become more strenuous. It is to be hoped that by 2019, advances in technology will place tools in our hands that will help accelerate the process whereby the deterioration of the environment will be reversed. Third: The world effort that must be invested in this and in generally easing the pains of the transition may, assuming the presence of a minimum level of sanity among the peoples of the world, again not a safe assumption, weaken in comparison the causes that have fed the time-honoured quarrels between and within nations over petty hatred and suspicions. In short, there will be increasing co-operation among nations and among groups within nations, not out of any sudden growth of idealism or decency but out of a cold-blooded realization that anything less than that will mean destruction for all. By 2019, then, it may well be that the nations will be getting along well enough to allow the planet to live under the faint semblance of a world government by co-operation, even though no one may admit its existence. Aside from these negative advances the approaching defeat of overpopulation, pollution and militarism there will be positive advances, too. Education, which must be revolutionized in the new world, will be revolutionized by the very agency that requires the revolution the computer. Schools will undoubtedly still exist, but a good schoolteacher can do no better than to inspire curiosity which an interested student can then satisfy at home at the console of his computer outlet. There will be an opportunity finally for every youngster, and indeed, every person, to learn what he or she wants to learn. in his or her own time, at his or her own speed, in his or her own way. Education will become fun because it will bubble up from within and not be forced in from without. While computers and robots are doing the scut-work of society so that the world, in 2019, will seem more and more to be running itself, more and more human beings will find themselves living a life rich in leisure. This does not mean leisure to do nothing, but leisure to do something one wants to do; to be free to engage in scientific research, in literature and the arts, to pursue out-of-the-way interests and fascinating hobbies of all kinds. And if it seems impossibly optimistic to suppose that the world could be changing in this direction in a mere 35 years (only changing, of course. and not necessarily having achieved the change totally), then add the final item to the mix. Add my third phrase: space utilization. It is not likely that we will abandon space, having come this far. And if militarism fades, we will do more with it than make it another arena for war. Nor will we simply make trips through it. We will enter space to stay. With the shuttle rocket as the vehicle, we will build a space station and lay the foundation for making space a permanent home for increasing numbers of human beings. Mining the Moon By 2019, we will be back on the moon in force. There will be on it not Americans only, but an international force of some size; and not to collect moon rocks only, but to establish a mining station that will process moon soil and take it to places in space where it can be smelted into metals, ceramics. glass and concrete construction materials for the large structures that will be put in orbit about the Earth. One such structure which very conceivably, might be completed by 2019 would be the prototype of a solar power station, outfitted to collect solar energy, convert it to microwaves and beam it to Earth. It would be the first of a girdle of such devices fitted about Earths equatorial plane. It would the beginning of the time when a major part of Earths energy will come from the sun under conditions that will make it not the property of any one nation, but of the globe generally. Such structures will be, in themselves guarantees of world peace and continued co-operation among nations. The energy will be so necessary to all and so clearly deliverable only if the nations remain at peace and work together, that war would become simply unthinkable by popular demand. In addition, observatories will be built in space to increase our knowledge of the universe immeasurably; as will laboratories, where experiments can be conducted that might be unsafe, or impossible, on Earths surface. Most important, in a practical sense, would be the construction of factories that could make use of the special properties of space high and low temperatures, hard radiation. Unlimited vacuum, zero gravity to manufacture objects that could be difficult or impossible to manufacture on Earth, so that the worlds technology might be totally transformed. In fact, projects might even be on the planning boards in 2019 to shift industries into orbit in a wholesale manner. Space, you see, is far more voluminous than Earths surface is and it is therefore a far more useful repository for the waste that is inseparable from industry. Nor are there living things in space to suffer from the influx of waste. And the waste would not even remain in Earths vicinity, but would be swept outward far beyond the asteroid belt by the solar wind. Earth will then be in a position to rid itself of the side-effects of industrialization, and yet without actually getting rid of its needed advantages. The factories will be gone, but not far, only a few thousand miles straight up. And humanity, not its structures only, will eventually be in space. By 2019, the first space settlement should be on the drawing boards; and may perhaps be under actual construction. It would be the first of many in which human beings could live by the tens of thousands, and in which they could build small societies of all kinds, lending humanity a further twist of variety. In fact, although the world of 2019 will be far changed from the present world of 1984, that will only be a barometer of far greater changes planned for the years still to come. EDITORS NOTE How and why did the Star get Asimov to write for us back in 1983? Vian Ewart, who was Insight editor then, says the idea for an Orwell series came naturally, and he recalls the project fondly to this day. He put together a team including a writer (Ellie Tesher), an illustrator and layout designer. Asimov was popular at the time for his science fiction, Ewart says, so I simply phoned him at his New York home and asked him. He loved the idea of a 1984 series and was pleased to be the lead-off writer. He was a very gracious man and charged $1 a word. In many ways, the world may seem more like 1984 today than it did in 1984. Electronic surveillance of our every keystroke. Shifting international alliances. Authoritarian risings. Fake News! The dystopian world that George Orwell imagined 35 years before the year 1984 seems closer to todays reality than it did in his 1949 books namesake year. But on Dec. 31, 1983 as the world was about to ring in that Orwellian year another noted author took a crack at predicting what the world would look like a further 35 years hence, in 2019. And how well science fiction writer Isaac Asimov did in that Toronto Star special can now be examined as that year dawns. Asimov who died in 1992 predicated all his New Years Eve forecasts on the assumption that the world could avert a nuclear war in the coming decades. And even as the intervening Cold War thaw appears to be refreezing with a new nuclear arms race in the offing our species did manage to avoid annihilation. Thus we survive to gauge the accuracy of Asimovs predictions in his other two essay themes: computerization and space utilization. And it appears he was no Nostradamus. Read more: 35 years ago, Isaac Asimov was asked by the Star to predict the world of 2019. Here is what he wrote For example, while he did predict there would be a space station up and running by 2019, planning for that international effort had been underway for years by the time of his writing. Outside of some unmanned probes, however, the station was as far afield as humans would venture into the heavens over the next three and a half decades. And his fanciful visions of large mining projects on the moon let alone the massive, orbiting structures theyd provide materials for seem loony in hindsight. On computers, he was equally hit-and-miss, says York University computer scientist Zbigniew Statchniak. To be fair, Statchniak says, computing was advancing at such a speed as 1984 dawned that predicting where it might go would have been next to impossible. Having said that, he adds, I think he got easy things right and difficult things wrong. On the easy side, with the exception of smartphones, the forerunners of all the computer platforms we use today were well established by the mid-1980s, says Statchniak, the curator of Yorks computer museum. We had everything, we had laptops, we had hand-held computers, we had digital assistants as well as desktops, he says. We had budding social media and though there was no World Wide Web, there was internet and some of us [computer experts] were already surfing in a limited form. Thus Asimovs forecast of a world awash in computers that would fundamentally alter the way we worked and lived was and a fairly easy call, Statchniak says. Everything was there, he says. But Statchniak says Asimov who purportedly coined the term robotics was ironically and flamboyantly off with his android auguring. He paints a utopian vision, saying more and more human beings will find themselves living a life rich in leisure the concept that robots will free us from tedious things, Statchniak says. He paints a picture of us lying on the sofa, or maybe driving a self-driving car, drinking wine, eating grapes, and robots will be doing everything for us. Statchniak says Asimov also failed to properly address the hard questions that the advances he foresaw, in robotics and artificial intelligence, should have raised in his agile mind. Hes not going deep enough in speculating what would happen if indeed robots would be everywhere, he says. If they are intelligent what will happen? If they are self-conscious what will happen thats an interesting ethical issue. Asimov also puts forward the notion that, guided by teachers who encouraged their particular muses, children could be left alone with their computers to chart their own studies rather than, say, study Super Mario or sext their classmates. Ive taught for too many years to know that that will never happen, Statchniak says. But computer scientist Eugene Fiume gives Asimov more credit for his predictions on the way computers would disrupt old orders, and the new ones theyd create. It was less about the technology, which I think any astute observer would have seen in 1984, says Fiume, dean of applied sciences at Simon Fraser University in B.C. It was his observations regarding human dynamics and politics, particularly his prediction of a digital divide, as well as a huge need for re-education, which I guess we now call upskilling, he says in an email exchange. Fiume says Asimov was particularly sharp on the future of computer education. This may be his best and least obvious prediction. In 1984, there were many computer science departments at universities, but the programs in CS departments were for specialists, he says. Asimov saw that such knowledge must become pervasive in society. Very astute! We still havent got a good handle on that, largely because the huge demands for specialists have made it difficult to accommodate broader literacy. And Fiume, a former chair of computer science at the University of Toronto, says his thoughts on these types of third- and fourth-order effects of computer advances represent the biggest predictive hits in Asimovs essay. His biggest miss was not recognizing that with exponential increases in computing speed, there also came exponential increases in data storage and in communications bandwidth, Fiume says. But he says ultimately, the authors science outscored the fiction. All told, quite brilliant, really. BEIRUTThe United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Syrias capital on Thursday for the first time in seven years, a reflection of improved relations between President Bashar Assad and some of his Arab foes as the war winds down. On Thursday afternoon, UAEs charge daffaires Abdul-Hakim Naimi visited the embassy and witnessed his countrys flag being raised again on the compound in central Damascus. The move provides a major boost to Assad, whose forces have won a series of military victories in recent years with the help of Russia and Iran. Sudans President Omar Bashir visited Damascus earlier this month, becoming the first Arab head of state to visit Syria since the start of the war. UAEs Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the step confirms that the UAE government is keen to restore relations between the two brotherly countries back to normal. It added that the move is to activate the Arab role in supporting Syrias independence, sovereignty, unity and safety and prevent the dangers of regional intervention in Syrias Arab affairs. The opening of our embassy is a first step for the return of other Arab embassies, Naimi told reporters outside the compound. The United Arab Emirates was a supporter of the Syrian opposition, which is now largely confined to the northern Idlib province after losing its strongholds elsewhere. Some opposition fighters have joined Turkey for an expected assault on Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria. The UAE and other Gulf Arab supporters of the Syrian opposition view Turkey with suspicion because of its embrace of regional Islamists. In October, Assad told a little-known Kuwaiti newspaper that Syria had reached a major understanding with Arab states after years of hostility. He did not name the Arab countries in the interview, which was his first with a Gulf paper since the war erupted, but said Arab and Western delegations had begun visiting Syria to prepare for the reopening of diplomatic and other missions. The interview came on the heels of a surprisingly warm meeting between the Syrian foreign minister and his Bahraini counterpart on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in September. The meeting turned heads because it featured hugs between the two ministers. The encounter raised questions about whether the Gulf countries, most of them sworn enemies of Assad ally Iran, are reconsidering their relations with Syria. Anwar Gargash, who is No. 2 at UAEs Foreign Ministry, tweeted that an Arab role in Syria is necessary now to face Iran and Turkeys intervention. He added that UAE through its presence in Damascus is trying to activate the Arab role in what would contribute to ending war and strengthening opportunities for peace and stability for the Syrian people. The UAE recalled its ambassador from Syria in 2011 after the start of the popular uprising against Assad. The Syrian Embassy in the UAE remained open. There are also direct flights on Syrias national carrier to Dubai and between the port city of Latakia and the emirate of Sharjah. Oman, with its policy of quiet diplomacy, is the only Gulf Arab country to have kept its embassy in Damascus open throughout the civil war. In March, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem visited Oman on a rare trip by a Syrian official to the Arabian Peninsula. Syria was expelled from the 22-member Arab League in 2011. Arab countries have sanctioned Damascus and condemned its use of military force against the opposition. Also on Thursday, pro-government news outlets in Syria reported the first flight in years between Damascus and Tunisias capital by Syrias private Sham Wings. Read more about: Just over a year ago, the prime minister, Ontarios then-premier and the mayor gathered on Torontos waterfront to announce with much fanfare that a Google company was coming to town with a vision for the data-driven neighbourhood of the future. It was handshakes and smiles all round. That was, of course, before the Facebook/Cambridge Analytica scandal, which crystallized for many people how valuable personal data can be, and just how easily it can fall into the wrong hands and be misused. It must be hard now for Sidewalk Labs CEO Daniel Doctoroff to remember those heady days when his idea was viewed as a project of innovation instead of a privacy disaster waiting to happen. The project has certainly had a tough go lately. There have been several high-profile exits, including a developer on the Waterfront Toronto board, members of the digital strategy panel and a renowned privacy expert. And, most recently, Ontarios Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk weighed in with another round of critiques. She raised questions about how the deal with the Manhattan-based Sidewalk Labs came together and suggested more oversight of the federal-provincial-city waterfront development agency is needed. That gave Premier Doug Ford, who has long has his own ideas for the citys waterfront (see: Ferris wheel, casino, mega mall), an opening to remove the provincially appointed board members. And the government has vowed to take further decisive action. So, if Fords new board appointees dont manage to scuttle the whole deal, this proposal for a smart-city neighbourhood at the foot of Parliament St. will face yet more scrutiny. To some degree, thats fair. Sidewalk Labs has mentioned everything from self-driving vehicles to public spaces that adapt to the weather. That would all be new for Toronto and, as such, it should expect to face more scrutiny than your average development proposal. And privacy concerns are legitimate, especially given that were living in a world where technology advances far faster than our legislators ability to write laws to properly protect people. But some of these privacy fears have been blown well out of proportion to whats actually happened so far, which is not much of anything, and it risks undermining the entire project before it can even get to the stage where it can be fairly judged. A draft master plan is expected to be submitted to the waterfront agency and all three levels of government for review in January 2019. Thats the point where governments and ultimately citizens will get to see whats really on offer. How data will be collected, what will be done with it and who will own it is just one piece of that. The other vital piece is finding out whether this project measures up to Doctoroffs original promise: Innovation mixed with really thoughtful design. While privacy concerns are taking the lions share of attention, the way the 12-acre Quayside site, roughly the size of Nathan Phillips Square, is designed and built will determine the quality of life for those who will live and work there. To have real value, the development must be more than a techno-experiment, and Doctoroff has claimed the objective is to find ways to address our biggest urban challenges. Can Sidewalk Labs deliver a livable, affordable and green neighbourhood of the future? Thats something worth having a debate about, but it wont be easy now. Sidewalk Labs has become a convenient punching bag for things that have little to do with this actual proposal. For privacy advocates, its a way to beat up on Google and by extension other technology giants. For the Ford government, its a way to beat up on Waterfront Toronto, the city and the Wynne government. And it does seem as though many people who know they should be more vigilant about their privacy than they are when it comes to all those apps on their cellphones have decided to dump all their pent-up privacy concerns on this one project. Its a shame because there are important conversations to be had about urban design and community building that are getting lost in the data debate. Read more about: Hard lessons for Canada, Editorial, Dec. 16 China is a fundamentally incompatible partner for Canada in trade or diplomacy. It is a lesson that few Canadians or other Westerners are ready to accept. Chinas political culture places the ruler above the laws, not the laws above the ruler. The Chinese Communist Party, being the self-appointed ruler in perpetuity, is the ultimate arbiter of many, if not all, important decisions in the life of China. Because Chinese communists cannot imagine political leadership without authoritarian control over all branches of government and the private sector, Canada is inscrutable. When Canadas prime minister does not simply order a judge to release a prisoner from custody, the Chinese communists are confounded, and their reactions grow more irrational. Like other kingdoms Canada has tussled with recently, violence and threats of revenge have finally emerged as the moral core of Chinas persuasion, not love of justice or enlightened self-interest. Calls for boycotts of Canadian goods and the inexplicable detention of several Canadian citizens in China are but a few verses in the long anthem of Chinese totalitarianism. This crisis will pass, but in a while another will arrive on our shores with the same origins. Canada should look beyond China. Brian Alexander, Mississauga Read more about: OTTAWAIf you look back to this time last yearbefore Doug Ford and the carbon tax resistance, before the Trans Mountain purchase and the alarm bells from the United Nationsclimate politics in Canada look calm, even quaint. At the start of 2018, more than 85 per cent of Canadians already lived with a price on greenhouse gas emissions. British Columbians had been paying a carbon tax for 10 years. Ontarios nascent cap-and-trade regime was set to be linked with programs in California and Quebec. Even Alberta, home of the carbon-belching oil sands, was on board with its own fuel levy and tax-free emissions allocations for heavy industry. The year started in a collaborative direction, too. Manitoba joined the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change in February, leaving Saskatchewan the only province that refused to sign the cross-country agreement. But that was then. The past year saw an eruption of conflict over Ottawas bid to ensure a carbon price was implemented across the country by 2019. Ontarios Progressive Conservative government dismantled cap and trade, and is spearheading resistance to what Premier Ford calls Justin Trudeaus job-killing carbon tax. Manitoba abandoned its own carbon tax plans in September, the same month Alberta Premier Rachel Notley pulled out of the Pan-Canadian Framework in protest over delays in the construction of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. And now Ottawa is set to impose its two-pronged carbon price in four provinces, even while they band together to challenge the federal governments authority in two separate court cases. It makes for dramatic politics, and the confrontation over climate change and what to do about it could take a prominent spot in the national discourse during an election year, said Christopher Ragan, chair of the Ecofiscal Commission in Montreal. I think the federal election will be fought on carbon pricing, Ragan said. I think it will also be fought on pipelines. The provincial opposition to Trudeaus carbon price plan has percolated for a long time; Ragan pointed out that, while Manitoba was briefly on board with the Pan-Canadian Framework, the province would only agree to a carbon tax on its own terms, set at $25 per tonne even as the federal government mandates the levy must increase to $50 per tonne in 2022. Similarly, Alberta cancelled plans to raise its own levy from the current $30-per-tonne when a court quashed the approval for the Trans Mountain expansion, which the federal government purchased earlier this year from Texas oil giant Kinder Morgan for $4.5 billion, in a bid to ensure it gets built. But in Ragans view, it was Fords takeover of the Ontario PC party and subsequent victory in the June election that served as the prime catalyst for the climate acrimony in Canadian politics. After all, Patrick Brown the partys previous leader and potential premier-in-waitingpromised to swap Ontarios cap-and-trade program for a carbon tax in the province. If Ontario hadnt flipped, this would be quite a different debate, Ragan said. It would have looked like a western resistance as opposed to a bigger resistance, and in Canada thats a big difference. In October, the Liberal government announced how it would apply its carbon price in provinces that refused to set up their own system that met federal standards. Starting Jan. 1, heavy emitters in Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Manitoba will have to start measuring their greenhouse gas output. By next year, those that pump out more than emissions allotment set for their respective industries will have to buy credits from their competitors or pay the carbon tax on their excess emissions. Then in April, the political doozy: The federal fuel levy will kick in at $20 per tonne of emissions. That will knock up the price of gas by four cents a litre, and climb to 11 cents a litre in 2022, when the levy hits $50 per tonne of emissions. David Coletto, chief executive of Abacus Data, said the arrival of the levy in Canadas most populous province coincides with his firms research that suggests Canadians are increasingly worried about the effects of climate change. There have been severe floods in Quebec and New Brunswick in recent years, as well as devastating forest fires in B.C. And while provincial opposition to Trudeaus climate plan has increased and could get another boost if United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney wins Albertas provincial election in May the 2019 political season could pose a challenging dynamic for the federal Conservatives as well, Coletto said. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has promised to campaign with a credible plan to curb emissions that wont include a carbon tax. Colettos research shows most Conservative supporters dont rank climate change as one of their top concerns, but many Canadians outside the party mark it as a priority. So if the 2019 campaign centres on climate change, the Tory plan will need to be robust enough to win support from voters outside the party tent, Coletto said. On the left side of the spectrum, Coletto sees potential for the New Democrats or the Green Party to make the case that Trudeaus climate plan isnt strong enough. Both parties already oppose the Trans Mountain expansion Green Leader Elizabeth May was arrested protesting the project and environmental activists are criticizing Ottawas decision to increase its support to the oil industry, most recently in mid-December, when federal ministers unveiled a $1.6-billion package of loans and grants to help companies during a slump in the price of Canadian crude. Reports from the United Nations and environment commissioners in Canada have also shown the country is on track to miss its emissions reduction target under the Paris agreement of 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. And that goal already falls short of the requirements outlined in an eye-grabbing report from the United Nations, released in October, that called for unprecedented change across sectors of the economy if the world is to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. Is there space for a party to argue the Liberals havent gone far enough or fast enough on this issue? I think the answer will be, does this debate just get polarized between the Liberals and the Conservatives? Coletto said. He predicted the Conservatives will continue to frame carbon pricing as an affordability issue, arguing that the federal proposal will hurt the economy and raise the cost of living. The Liberals, however, will issue payments to people in provinces hit by the federal fuel levy that the government says will outweigh the cost of the carbon tax for most people; the average Ontario household, for instance, will get an extra $300 on its tax return in 2019. With those payments fanning out ahead of the election, Coletto expects the Trudeau government to argue that fighting climate change with carbon pricing is a moral necessity. It all adds up to one likelihood: after an acrimonious year of climate politics, the fight will continue into the 2019 campaign season. This is probably the election in which climate and climate policy feature more prominently than ever before, Coletto said. Read more about: Unless you live under a rock, you've probably seen a billboard or heard dozens of ads for Shen Yun Performing Arts. In the Bay Area, people are so used to seeing the ads on TV and on the sides of buses come December, people even joke winter should be renamed "Shen Yun season." Since I started writing this article about two minutes ago, I've already seen a Shen Yun spot run on KTVU. But what is it? The answer is a little complicated. Shen Yun bills itself as "the world's premier classical Chinese dance and music company." They have performances in 93 cities around the country, from Billings, Mont., to Little Rock, Ark., to three Bay Area locations. The dress code suggests you might want to wear a tuxedo or evening gown since you're "in for a special treat." If you buy a ticket to a show (which run from $80 to $400 in San Francisco), you can expect two hours of traditional Chinese dance accompanied by a live orchestra. And if you're to believe Shen Yun's own advertisements, you'll get so much more. The hyperbolic 2020 tour ad promises the performance is "so inspiring it changes your life." The former minister of culture of the Czech Republic is quoted in one advertisement calling it "truly a touch of heaven." But (surprise, surprise), the ads may be overselling it a bit. ALSO: The most San Francisco ways to celebrate the holidays Some people who go to the show complain they didn't know what they were in for. Because nowhere in the effusive advertisements is it mentioned that Shen Yun has a political bent. Shen Yun translates to "divine rhythm," and according to the show's website, the artists who put on Shen Yun practice Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, a belief system that encompasses meditation, tai chi-type exercises, and "strict morality" (smoking, alcohol, and extramarital or same-sex sexual relations go against the teachings). A 2017 Guardian article by Nicholas Hune-Brown describes one part of the show: The curtain rose on a group of young students sitting in peace, meditating and reading oversized yellow Falun Gong books. The dancers performed elaborately pantomimed good deeds helping an old woman with a cane, chasing down a woman who had dropped her purse. But when one unveiled a Falun Gong banner, suddenly a trio of men wearing black tunics emblazoned with a red hammer-and-sickle entered. The communist thugs began beating people up, clubbing and kicking innocent Falun Gong followers. Scenes like that didn't sit well with all viewers. The Fresno Bee's arts writer Donald Munro saw Shen Yun in 2016, and called the show "a beautiful and odd production that veers wildly between two extremes: delicate artistic excellence on one hand and a brusque, heavy-handed effort to inculcate political and spiritual viewpoints on the other." Many people posting reviews on Yelp weren't as eloquent. "Be warned: Religious sermon!" reads a Yelp review from someone who saw the show in Fresno. "I WALKED OUT as soon as anti-evolution statements were made on the screen. False advertising!" "I rate this a Zero star. This show is purely CULT PROPAGANDA. Do not waste your money and time for this," said Ron F. from Pittsburg, Calif. The Chinese government is not a fan either. The practice of Falun Gong is forbidden in China and its members are routinely persecuted. In condemning the "so-called 'Shen Yun'" performance, the embassy's website calls Falun Gong a "...cult that seriously harms the society and violates human rights, and is a cancer in the body of the modern and civilized society." The Guardian reports "there's no evidence of the kind of coercive control that the label suggests." Besides, it's not like the Chinese government has a stellar human rights record. According to Shen Yun's website, many of the dance company's members were persecuted and tortured for practicing Falun Gong in China. Falun Gong started as a form of exercise in 1992. Followers would gather in public spaces to do qigong, which combines slow movements and meditation. Falun Gong combined those physical practices with spirituality and Taoist moral principles. In the late 90s, as Falun Gong gained steam and millions of followers, the Chinese Communist Party may have felt threatened by its size and popularity, so it cracked down. Thousands of practitioners were imprisoned or in some cases tortured. The founder, Li Hongzhi, now lives in New York. Multiple attempts to speak with a Shen Yun spokesperson, by phone and by email, for this story were unsuccessful. For many disgruntled Shen Yun attendees, it's not necessarily that the show itself is bad though to be fair, some complain it is. Most of the negative reviews were people upset they were blindsided by the political content. According to Shen Yun's website, it's an "experience like no other." And on that note, it appears pretty much everyone agrees. Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com. A new law that will go into effect the first of the year will help increase education for drivers on bike safety when they go to the Department of Motor Vehicles for their licensing tests. The state passed a law that will place more emphasis on bicycle safety during tests. Secretary of State Jesse White will include safety measures and information, including the Dutch Reach, which is a technique of using the hand furthest from the door handle so the right hand for drivers to open the car door, causing the person in the vehicle to turn their body to the door and seeing any bicyclist approaching their vehicles. This legislation will help improve safety between drivers and bicyclists who share the roads, White said. By adding questions to our written exam about bike safety, drivers will be more aware of the deadly consequences that can occur if they do not follow the Rules of the Road. Jacksonville Alderman Steve Warmowski, an active bicyclist and advocate for safe biking paths, said there is an increased need for bicycle safety awareness and education for drivers. While bicyclist are not as common in Jacksonville as they are in larger cities, Warmowski said there are problems everywhere with bicyclist and drivers sharing the roadways, whether for recreation or as their primary mode of transportation. Weve had a hit-and-run on East Morton Avenue, Warmowski said. Ive also had a friend of mine riding out to the bike trails and a car came so close to him that it forced him off the road. Warmowski said even if drivers do not encounter many bicyclists in town, it is good to have that knowledge when visiting other places where bicycle travel is more common. You see a lot more bicyclist in places like Springfield or St. Louis, Warmowski said. Educating drivers and raising awareness, its important for us to do. Warmowski said he spoke with state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, about the issue of bicycle safety several times. I encouraged him to vote for this law, Warmowski said. Its great that they are handling these issues at a state level. A full list of bicycle Rules of the Road are available through the Secretary of States website or any of the DMV offices. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree cna be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1233, or on Twitter @JCNews_samantha. ALTON Did Santa bring you a drone for Christmas? You might want to brush up on Illinois rules for flying drones before you take it out of the box. The Illinois Department of Transportation tweeted out a link to some things to remember before flying your new toy for the first time. Here are some of the things that IDOT says you must follow in order to use your drone for recreational use: The aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use The aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of nationwide community-based organization The aircraft is limited to, not more than, 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization The aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft When flown within five miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport and the airport air traffic control tower with prior notice of operation Community-based organization are membership-based associations that represent the aeromodelling community, according to IDOTs website. One of the most popular community-based organizations is the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), which includes the AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code. Know Before You Flys website says, Prospective operators from consumers to businesses want to fly and fly safety, but many dont realize that, just because you can easily acquire a unmanned aircraft system, doesnt mean you can fly it anywhere, or for any purpose. According to Pew Research Center, eight percent of Americans own a drone, and about one-in-ten Americans would be angry or scared if they saw a drone fly near their home. The warning tweet from IDOT was sent out Wednesday morning, a week after air traffic at Gatwick airport, Englands second-largest airport, was disrupted after a drone was spotted flying into its air space. Flights were diverted to other airports or cancelled all together, leaving hundreds stranded for the holidays. Flights did not resume until Friday. For more information about drones and there guidelines, visit www.idot.illinois.gov or www.knowbeforeyoufly.org. Reach reporter Riley Newton at (618) 208-6460. ALTON The gun stolen from Piasa Armory earlier this month has been recovered, but the $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the man who stole it is still up for grabs. Piasa Armory posted Friday on their Facebook page that the Alton Police Department had returned the stolen weapon. EDWARDSVILLE A Granite City man originally accused of fleeing at 100 mph with a baby in the car has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to a count of robbery of a Caseys general store in Bethalto. Anthony D. Sims, 39, of the 1000 block of Iowa Street, Granite City, pleaded guilty in exchange for the states agreement to drop other charges. The charge does not include the use of a weapon but states he used force. He has a criminal history dating to 2002 when he was convicted of misdemeanor theft after being charged with felony theft. He also has convictions for driving on a revoked license and property damage. He had a pending charge of possession of a controlled substance when he robbed the store. He also has 15 misdemeanor convictions. Sims was originally charged with robbery, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, criminal damage to property over $500, and child endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor, stemming from the May incident. On May 5, he allegedly entered Caseys General Store at 5256 Illinois Route 140, in rural Bethalto, and forcefully took money from the stores register, according to Madison County Sheriffs Capt. T. Mike Dixon. An officer spotted the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser rolling southbound on South Moreland Road shortly after the incident and gave chase at speeds that reached more than 100 miles per hour. Other officers from the Madison County Sheriffs Office and Illinois State Police responded, as the suspect vehicle merged onto westbound Interstate 270 from southbound 255. It was around that time that police radio traffic indicated that spike strips had been successfully deployed and the right tires of the vehicle were blown out. Nearing the Chain of Rocks Bridge, police in pursuit reported that the vehicle had completely lost at least one tire, was emitting sparks and car parts were flying, as the chase ranged between 40 and 55 miles per hour. The vehicle exited onto Southbound Lilac in St. Louis County and continued to Riverview Drive before police eventually took Sims into custody. The criminal damage to property charge alleged Sims damaged the cash register at the general store. The child endangerment charge was filed because Sims allegedly had a 4-month-old child in the vehicle while driving at more than 110 miles per hour, and that he continued to drive the vehicle after three of the tires had been blown out. That charge was dropped as part of the guilty plea in the robbery case. Reach reporter Sanford Schmidt at 618-208-6449. A familial thread wove through my merry week of movie-going. On Wednesday, I jumped into a 3D showing of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, a show I wasnt itching to see, in order to judge its suitability for my brother to take my niece, his oldest, to see it. She has about as many years as fingers on a hand, but shes obsessed with our web-slinging hero. Do you take a child that young to see a Marvel adventure? Turn to Uncle Rob for the answer (yes, he decided). The animation is amazing. The music pops. The content is stylized and violence-lite for a PG comics romp. She can handle it, I cautioned him, and there are no alligators (shed never forgive me). Its also got something positive to say about female empowerment. The next day I went to see Mary Poppins Returns with my sisters family and some of her in-laws in the new Dolby Cinema auditorium here at the Edwardsville multiplex. Two more nieces tell me that nothing beats a cozy flick (or nap) in a soft reclining seat and I agree wholeheartedly. Emily Blunt cracks wryly through a late sequel that, honestly, reminds me soundly of the original, though with less kiddie enthusiasm that I can muster for the Julie Andrews Oscar winner. Its quaint and cute and nice. Also sadly forgettable, especially the musical numbers. The third and final picture I saw this week is one built on family dynamics run amok through legendary power-brokering and assassination. Its the story of Mary Queen of Scots, a history lesson that is no less than a stirring inspiration for an epic such as Game of Thrones sans dragons but all the better for having been a series of real-life events. Two of the most in-demand actresses working today bring fiery life to Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan) and Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie), cousins and queen regents of lands long governed by lesser men. Together, respectively, they ruled Scotland and England. Separately, each demanded more of the other than they themselves could return in kind. Their Catholic and Protestant faiths were at odds. It pulled their trajectories into each others orbits and it did not end well for both of them. David Tennant plays a damnation-spouting cleric that is rather a Greek chorus for the movie. Upon her return to Scotland in the mid-sixteenth Century, Mary asserted her rights as Queen of Scotland and rightful heir to the English throne, something her husband-less, heir-less cousin and her myriad of ambassadors (Adrian Lester) and advisors (Guy Pearce, Brendan Coyle) refused to acknowledge. Through a lengthy correspondence and at the behest of envoys, Mary acquiesces to Elizabeths suggestions of marriage (first to Jack Lowdens Lord Darnley, and later to Martin Compstons Earl of Bothwell, one of my favorite characters). Some protracted moves of armies and churches, posturing of state-sponsored murder, and attacking the credibility of the Scottish queen through innuendo and rumor-mongering soon follows. Its after a long (and dull) first hour and a half that the queens finally meet in person, face to powder-caked face, in order to hash out their laundry list of grievances. Ronan is a vision in her pursuit of what she considers her destiny. It gives passion to her performance. Robbies acting is more internal and cerebral, but great care must be taken to avoid thinking of it as subdued. Though this meeting never took place in antiquity, it makes for a splendid creative choice by rookie director (and live theatre veteran) Josie Rourke that, for me, turned the movie in the best direction by shows end. The history of the British monarchy, man, its wild. Mary Queen of Scots runs 124 minutes and is rated R for some violence and sexuality. I give this film three stars out of four. The Programs Manager will work in a highlycomplex operating environment with important programs and partnershipengagements and/or representations. S/He is the principle adviser and manageron all RAHU Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Livelihoods and Skills Developmentas well as HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention matters. S/He is responsible forthe day-to-day management of all RAHU programs. S/He will supervise thePrograms staff, consultants and technical officers as assigned by the Chief ofStaff. The Programs Manager provides strategic technical and programmaticleadership for RAHU in the area of expertise to ensure that RAHU remainsabreast of itstechnical guidelines andprogramme policies. S/He analyses country as well as specific RAHUoffice/cluster trends and contributes to strategic action in response to these,contributing to the monitoring of RAHU substantive areas being firmly placedwithin national development frameworks and programmes, including theachievement of international goals for example UNs Sustainable DevelopmentGoals (SDGs) and African Unions Agenda 2063. Touched by the compassion of the nurses who tended to her... Amid resistance and walkouts by the Congress and the AIADMK over the triple talaq bill, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the legislation which criminalises the instant divorce pronounced by the Muslim men. The bill crossed the first hurdle as the united opposition had demanded that the bill be sent to the standing committee for further study, as some of the provisions were too harsh. The bill will now go to the Rajya Sabha where it is expected to face much more trouble. Ironically, the triple talaq bill was passed by the Lok Sabha exactly a year ago on December 28, 2017, but it faced resistance in the Rajya Sabha. Agreeing to some of the demands of the opposition, the Union government brought in some amendments and issued a fresh ordinance in September last. The bill in its current form was introduced on December 17. The practice of 'triple talaq' was declared null and void by the Supreme Court in April 2017 following a protracted legal battle by some of the affected women and activists. The BJP had seized the moment and supported the decision and announced to bring a bill. Politically, the bill is significant as the BJP had turned the issue into an election plank with an eye on Muslim women votes. The party hoped to get their votes even as the majority of Muslims were seen to be against the BJP because of its aggressive Hindutva stance. Earlier, replying to the discussion in Lok Sabha on the bill, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the opposition was opposing the bill for the sake of vote bank politics as elections were round the corner. He assured the house that the new bill addresses the concerns over bail after a case is registered. He said the bill was an effort to ensure gender justice, gender dignity and gender parity. Before the voting could begin, parties like the Congress and even the AIADMK, which is considered close to the BJP, staged a walkout. As the leading Muslim organisations and religious bodies have taken a stance against the criminalisation of the triple talaq, many of the political parties, including regional ones, have opposed the bill. The opposition parties wanted the bill to be referred to a joint select committee of both the houses of the parliament. Citing figures, the government said as many as 477 cases of triple talaq have been reported since January 2017, of which 200 were after the Supreme Court declared the practice illegal. From the treasury bench, apart from Prasad, ministers Smriti Irani and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, and MP Menakshi Lekhi spoke on the bill. Irani hit out at the Congress asking as to why the party did not pass the bill when it was in power. It said marriage was a contract between two people, but the contract cannot be broken unilaterally. AIMIM chief Assadudin Owaisi said the bill was in violation of Islam. He said sending a man to jail is wrong, and the bill has made no provisions of compensation if the husband goes to the jail. The government argued that the court can grant bail after listening to the victim, and added that it was upto the magistrate to decide the compensation. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the opposition's demand for a joint select committee was based on one reason as to why the practice has been criminalised. When Parliament has passed bills calling for harsh punishment for other crimes, why no one said what will happen to families of the culprits, he asked. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested a 25-year-old man who was absconding in connection with a case of ISIS-inspired youths from Kerala joining the West Asia-based terror group, officials said. Habeeb Rahman was arrested from Kalpetta Town, Wayanad, in relation to a two-year-old ISIS Kasargod module case. The accused will be produced before a court in Ernakulam on Thursday, the agency informed in a statement. "The case relates to the criminal conspiracy hatched by the accused persons from Kasargod district of Kerala and their associates since Ramadan, 2015, with the intention of joining and furthering the objectives of ISIS Daish," the statement said. The case had first come to light in May 2016, when 14 people from Kasargod district in Kerala and some who were working in the Middle East left for Afghanistan and Syria with the intention of joining the ISIS. The NIA's statement said Nashidul Hamzafar, accused No. 16 in the case, and Habeeb Rehman remained in touch over encrypted social media platforms, with other absconding accused persons in this case like Abdul Rashid Abdulla (accused No. 1) and Ashfak Majeed (accused No. 10). Nashidul Hamzafar, 26, was deported from Afghanistan to India for questioning in September 19, 2018. This was the first deportation of a terror suspect in any case from Afghanistan. Nashidul was detained by Afghan security agencies last year for illegally entering the country from the Afghanistan-Iran border before reaching Kabul, a report said. Nashidul is the only ISIS terror recruit from India who spent several months in Afghanistan travelling through several routes and meeting contacts. This made him a goldmine of information for the NIA. Why can't Ogyen Dorje return to India? Is the Indian government scuttling his visa application? Ogyen, who is one of the two claimants to the title of the 17th Karmapa Lama, is reportedly unable to visit India because he is not getting a visa. In fact, there was much talk that the religious conference on Tibetan Buddhism, which was to be held in Dharamshala earlier this month, was cancelled because Ogyen was unable to come. The Dalai Lama later clarified that the conference was postponed because of the death of one of the senior leaders of the community. Sources, however, say that Ogyen, who has been living in the US since 2017, has not even once made an application for a visa at any of the Indian missions. He will have to apply for a visa as he is now a citizen of the Commonwealth of Dominica, a Caribbean country. According to rules, the Identity Certificate (IC) of stateless citizens that India issues to Tibetan refugees residing in the country ceases the minute the individual acquires another passport. Sources say that Ogyen acquired the new citizenship but did not bother conveying the development to the Indian authorities. While he is not obliged to do this, it would have been a show of courtesy, given that he has been living in India ever since he escaped from China in 2000 at the age of 14. It was previously reported that Ogyen had communicated conditions for returning to India, which included freedom to travel within and abroad, just as the Dalai Lama has. India, however, continued to treat him the way it does the other Tibetan refugees in India. India does not recognise Ogyen as the Karmapa. There are two claimants to this title, the other being Trinley Thaye Dorje. The two recently met in France and are trying to resolve the differences, as it is splintering the community. Ogyen's stay in India has been riddled with controversies. In January 2011, the Himachal Pradesh police recovered over 60 million dollars in foreign exchange from his monastery. Ogyen claimed they were donations, but there were rumours that he was planted by China to get control of the Buddhist monasteries in India. The criminal charges were dropped a year later, but a few months later, a Himachal Pradesh court issued an order to open criminal proceedings against him for unaccounted forex at his monastery. The case is still on. Ogyen has learnt that he cannot eat his cake and have it. Now that he's acquired a passport, he will have to wait for a visa to enter India. Whether India grants the visa, and whether it would be a single or multiple entry one are matters for a later discussion. First, he will have to apply for the visa. On Monday, junior doctors from five government colleges in Nagpur, Akola, Aurangabad, Ambejogai and Latur staged silent protests earlier this week for not receiving their monthly stipends for two months. Expressing solidarity with their colleagues were students from Mumbai's Sion hospital who took to selling fruits outside the campus for five hours on Wednesday morning, from 9am to 2pm, hoping the authorities will take notice. The problem of delayed disbursal of stipend to resident doctors and its accretion has been plaguing the state government-run medical colleges for sometime now, says Dr Hemant Deshmukh, Dean, KEM hospital in Mumbai. "This is a cycle. Every three to four years this kind of a protest happens. But delay in stipends shouldn't happen in the first place. I feel the government must pay heed to the demands of the residents and figure what is actually going wrong. But in our hospital there is no such problem," he said. KEM hospital, Sion hospital, Nair hospital and a few others in Mumbai are BMC-run hospitals. Hence, they are immune to the problem of timely stipend disbursal for its residents, unlike in the state-run government hospitals outside the city. Yet, the residents in these hospitals are joining in the state-wide stir against the timely disbursal of stipends. "We still haven't got the stipend for the month of November. Our college dean and authorities are completely in support of our demand for timely disbursal of stipend. The problem is that the finance ministry has still not disbursed the grants for our stipends to the hospitals for the past six months. Our last three stipends from August to October were drawn from the hospital's treasury. This month too is coming to a close, which means we haven't received two full months of stipend," said Nikita Ingale, a third year MD student and general secretary, Central MARD (Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors). The monthly stipends paid to first year, second year and third year junior residents are Rs 53,800, Rs 54300 and Rs 54,800 respectively. Third year MD student Dr Harshal Mahajan from Sion hospital who stood outside the hospital gates wearing his white lab coat and selling fruits on a cart, joined by hundred others, said, "Our colleagues in state run hospitals haven't got their monthly dues and we stand with them because we know how difficult it is to function under such circumstances. We are ensuring that no emergency services are hit while we stage this protest but how do they expect doctors to remain sane and continue their duties in the absence of basic monthly pay?" According to Lokeshkumar Chirwatkar, president of Central MARD and third year MD student at Sion hospital, there are 16 to 17 medical colleges all over Maharashtra, of which about one thousand resident doctors in five medical colleges haven't received their stipends for the last two months. Irregularity in stipends in these colleges has been a regular feature for the past six to eight months. "I have raised the issue at several levels from the director and the secretarial levels to the ministerial levels. So, this time, we are all getting together and taking up the issue in a state-wide manner in the form of a food-stall movement across Maharashtra." On Thursday, students from KEM hospital and Nair hospital are expected to stage a similar protest outside their campuses. Members of Central MARD are expected to meet Girish Mahajanminister for medical education and water resources this week. Cyclone Gaja: Hyundai Motor donates Rs 1 cr for relief work Chennai, Dec 27 (PTI) Hyundai Motor, country's second largest car maker, has contributed Rs one crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund towards rehabilitation work in cyclone Gaja-affected districts of Tamil Nadu. Hyundai Motor India managing director S S Kim along with senior colleagues handed over the cheque of Rs one crore to Chief Minister K Palaniswami at the Secretariat, a company statement said. The cyclone hit the coast near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district on 16 November, claiming over 50 lives besides leaving a trail of destruction in 10 districts. PTI VIJ ROH ROH Mumbai, Dec 27 (PTI) Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who is essaying the role of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in "The Accidental Prime Minister", said Thursday the film is a "game changer" in political biopics as it does not shy away from taking real names. The film is based on the book of the same name, written by Sanjay Baru, who served as Singh's media advisor 2004 to 2008. Akshaye Khanna features as Baru. The trailer shows Singh as the victim of the inside politics of the Congress party ahead of 2014 general elections, which the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) lost. Asked if the ruling BJP government, which lost three state elections recently to Congress, would use the film as a tool in the run-up for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Kher said, "If I would have been in politics I would have definitely told them to do so. But I am an actor, they will decide." We did not start the film thinking that this kind of political scenario will be there. It is a political film based on a book, whatever the book has said we have tried to make that," he added. Kher said the film is open to interpretations and it would be wrong to say that it supports or criticises a particular political party. "There will be different kind of interpretations and one can have their own interpretation. People release patriotic films during Independence Day or Republic Day. This is a political film and we would like to release it in the election time. What is the problem in that?" he said at the trailer launch of the film. The actor, who has been a vocal supporter of BJP, said he does not need to harbour political ambitions to voice his concerns about the country. "I don't need to have political ambitions to talk about my country as people think either he is bhakt (devotee) of a party or bika hua hai (he is a sell-out). I have the right to talk about the country. If that goes in favour of some party, that is a different issue. Unfortunately, when you speak about politics in our country people think you have political ambition." Kher said he was initially reluctant to play the role. "My first thought was I should not be part of the film. I was thinking this will be political film and it is not easy to portray Mr Manmohan Singh as he is there in the current political circle. I initially didn't want to do the film," he said. The actor revealed his wife, actor-BJP MP Kirron Kher suggested him to "be" Singh and not "act out". "That 'be' is important and it is not easy to portray him. It is easy for a character to become caricaturish. I was constantly walking on a razor's edge. Our director Vijay is a good criticiser, he is difficult to please." Describing Singh as a shy person, Kher said, he was "not a trained politician". "He was an economist brought in as a finance secretary and then finance minister and then he became the prime minister, that is how he was the Accidental Prime Minister. I like his sense of humour as recently he said he was not only an accidental Prime Minister but accidental Finance Minister as well." Kher said Singh, who was often criticised as a "silent prime minister" during his tenure, is more vocal now. When asked whether he is worried about the controversial story of the film, Kher said, "Let's not anticipate things. Those were controversial times, let's not run away from them. Whatever be the fate of the film, this film is a game changer in the political space of Indian filmmaking. "We have been able to take the names for the first time. We have gone into the PMO for the first time, there is no fakeness. You have real people, real offices and real etiquettes. The art and costume department have done a great job," he added. Directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, the film is slated to be released on January 11. PTI KKP RDS BK BK New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) Following are the top foreign stories at 1700 hours: FGN8 PAK-INDIA Pak says Kartarpur corridor 'high point of diplomacy' for Imran Khan govt Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday described the Kartarpur corridor as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government while admitted that there was "no progress" on the contentious issues with India. By Sajjad Hussain FGN4 US-TRUMP-LD IRAQ America cannot be world's policeman: Trump tells US troops in Iraq Washington: US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to withdraw troops from the war-torn Syria, saying America cannot be the world's policeman, as he made his first unannounced trip to Iraq. By Lalit K Jha FGN3 CHINA-RUSSIA-MISSILE China successfully tests Russia's S-400 missile air defence system Beijing: China has successfully tested the advanced S-400 air defence system imported from Russia for which India also signed-up recently despite concerns over threat of sanctions from the US. By K J M Varma FGN5 YEAR-UN India stands for pressing global problems, boosts leadership image at UN in 2018 United Nations: With polarisation and populism gathering momentum across the world in 2018, India gave a clarion call for bolstering multilateralism, emphasising that pressing issues like terrorism, climate change and migration cannot be tackled in a segmented manner. By Yoshita Singh. PTI PMS PMS New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) Following are the top foreign stories at 2000 hours: FGN8 PAK-INDIA Pak says Kartarpur corridor 'high point of diplomacy' for Imran Khan govt Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday described the Kartarpur corridor as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government while admitted that there was "no progress" on the contentious issues with India. By Sajjad Hussain FGN15PAK-ZARDARI-ECL Pakistan to ban former president Zardari, his sister from travelling abroad Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday said it will place former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur on the Exit Control List (ECL) to prevent them from flying abroad after they were named in a Supreme Court-appointed joint investigative team probing fake bank accounts. FGN4 US-TRUMP-LD IRAQ America cannot be world's policeman: Trump tells US troops in Iraq Washington: US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to withdraw troops from the war-torn Syria, saying America cannot be the world's policeman, as he made his first unannounced trip to Iraq. By Lalit K Jha FGN16 CHINA-LD CORRUTION China's former spy chief sentenced to life for corruption Beijing: Ma Jian, one of China's former spy chiefs, was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Chinese court on Thursday after being found guilty for accepting USD 15.8 million in bribes and crimes relating to insider trading and forced share transfers. By K J M Varma FGN11 BANGLA-POLLS-CAMPAIGN Campaigning ends tomorrow for Bangladesh polls on Dec 30 Dhaka: Campaigning ends tomorrow for Bangladesh's general election on December 30 with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League seeking a third straight term in office even as main opposition BNP is in a crippled state as its leader and former premier Khaleda Zia remains in jail for corruption. By Anisur Rahman. FGN3 CHINA-RUSSIA-MISSILE China successfully tests Russia's S-400 missile air defence system Beijing: China has successfully tested the advanced S-400 air defence system imported from Russia for which India also signed-up recently despite concerns over threat of sanctions from the US. By K J M Varma FGN5 YEAR-UN India stands for pressing global problems, boosts leadership image at UN in 2018 United Nations: With polarisation and populism gathering momentum across the world in 2018, India gave a clarion call for bolstering multilateralism, emphasising that pressing issues like terrorism, climate change and migration cannot be tackled in a segmented manner. By Yoshita Singh. FGN14 SAUDI-CABINET Saudi king orders Cabinet shakeup after Khashoggi's killing Dubai: Saudi Arabia's King Salman has issued a wide-ranging overhaul of top government posts, including naming a new foreign minister, following international fallout from the killing of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi nearly three months ago. (AP) FGN13 UAE-SYRIA-2NDLD EMBASSY UAE reopens Damascus embassy after seven years Damascus: The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold. (AFP) RUP RUP Damascus, Dec 27 (AFP) The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold. The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war. Nearly seven years later, the Emirati flag was raised again during a ceremony attended by diplomats and journalists. An acting charge d'affaires has already started working, an Emirati statement said, stressing that the UAE was "keen to put relations back on their normal track". It said that the resumption of ties aimed to "support the sovereignty and independence of Syria" and face "the dangers of regional interferences". Rumours of the Emirati embassy reopening had circulated in recent days as renovation work was spotted getting under way at the building. A visit to Damascus by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir earlier this month had been interpreted by some observers as a sign of regional efforts to end Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's diplomatic isolation. Syria was suspended from the Arab League in November 2011, as the death toll was escalating and several regional powers bet on Assad's demise. The conflict has now killed more than 360,000 people. Assad's seat at the helm, which he inherited from his father in 2000, appeared to be hanging by a thread until Russia's 2015 military intervention turned things around. Government forces and allied militia have since steadily regained significant ground. They now firmly control the Damascus region and several key trade routes in the country. The past few days have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity that looks set to continue until the next summit of the Arab League, due in Tunis in March. "Recent discussions on this issue have not yielded a consensus," Hossam Zaki, the League's deputy secretary general, told reporters in Cairo on Monday. "This does not rule out a possible change of the Arab position in the future," he added. Ali Mamluk, Syria's intelligence chief and a key figure in the Assad regime, travelled to Egypt last week on an official visit. With military operations winding down in several parts of the country and the capital fully secure, Damascus is also working on breaking its physical isolation. Trade with Jordan resumed in recent weeks after the reopening of a border crossing and Thursday saw the first commercial flight to Tunisia in years. A Cham Wings Airlines jet completed the first flight between the two countries since 2011. "This trip is the reopening of tourism links between Syria and Tunisia," Moataz Tarbin, the head of the tourism firm that organised the flight, told AFP. It is not yet clear if other Arab countries, several of which were accused by Assad of once supporting jihadists and rebels, will follow in the UAE's footsteps. The UAE is one of six Gulf Cooperation Council nations that took a tough stance on Damascus in 2012 and eventually recognised an opposition umbrella group as the representative of Syria. Warming up to Assad is seen by some regional powers as a way of luring Syria away from the exclusive regional influence of Iran. "An Arab role in Syria has become even more necessary to face the regional expansionism of Iran and Turkey," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter. Tehran has been a staunch supporter of Assad's government and has expanded its military footprint in Syria throughout the course of the conflict. Last week's announcement by the White House that US troops would be pulled out also cleared the path for Turkey to muscle in on Kurdish areas in northeastern Syria. US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional archfoe, had agreed to finance Syria's huge reconstruction needs. "Saudi Arabia has now agreed to spend the necessary money needed to help rebuild Syria, instead of the United States," Trump said on social media.(AFP) RUP RUP Washington, Dec 27 (AFP) President Donald Trump may have inadvertently unmasked a Navy SEAL team during his short visit to a US base in Iraq this week. Ordinarily, the whereabouts of special operations forces are a closely held secret. In the rare instances when they are filmed while in a combat zone, their faces and other identifying features are usually blurred out. But after his lightning trip to Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq on Wednesday, Trump tweeted a video of him posing for photos with US troops, shaking their hands and signing mementos. In one scene, he is giving a thumbs up alongside a group of what appear to be special operations forces. According to the pool report of the event, held in a dining hall at the base, a man called Kyu Lee told Trump he was the chaplain for SEAL Team Five. Lee recalled Trump telling him: "Hey, in that case, let's take a picture." While the president has broad authority to declassify information, so his tweet likely didn't run afoul of any rules, some observers called it a breach of operational security. Revealing identities "even if it's the commander-in-chief, would prove a propaganda boom if any of this personnel are detained by a hostile government or captured by a terrorist group," Malcolm Nance, a former US Navy intelligence specialist told Newsweek. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump also drew criticism in the US for repeating a previously debunked claim that he had secured military members a pay raise for the first time in 10 years, when in fact the Pentagon has increased pay each year. In Iraq following the visit, pro-Iran lawmakers called for the government to expel US forces.(AFP) RUP RUP Antananarivo (Madagascar), Dec 27 (AFP) Former Madagascan president Andry Rajoelina has beaten his rival and predecessor Marc Ravalomanana in an election beset by allegations of fraud, the electoral commission said Thursday. Rajoelina has returned to power after he won 55.66 per cent against 44.34 per cent for Ravalomanana in the run-off vote held last week, it said. The results, announced under high security, were quickly appealed by Ravalomana. The defeated candidate filed papers with the Constitutional Court just hours after the electoral commission announced the election's complete results. The court has nine days to formally name the new president after it has reviewed the petition. Ravalomana's campaign director Anisoa Tseheno Rabenja accused the electoral commission of a "premeditated act" in helping Rajoelina commit "massive fraud". Rajoelina meanwhile called for unity and a "democratic" transfer of power as he thanked those who voted for him and those who did not. "I already came first in the first round, and the people of Madagascar have confirmed my victory in this second round," he said Rajoelina. "What matters is that the people of Madagascar were able to express themselves freely," he added. "My message is simple, the people of Madagascar no longer need a crisis, they need a wise, unifying leader". Rajoelina, 44, sat in the front row among the 200 guests in the room where the electoral commission announced the results. A seat next to him, apparently reserved for Ravalomanana, was empty, according to an AFP journalist. "It's unfortunate that the other candidate is not here," the president of the electoral commission, Hery Rakotomanana, said. The electoral commission chief said "efforts were made to respond" to concerns raised by both candidates, which included a review of the counting software. The two-round election was plagued by mutual accusations of vote-rigging in a country with a long history of instability. Heavily-armed police patrolled the area around the electoral commission offices for the announcement. No victory celebrations were witnessed on the streets of the capital. Rajoelina and Ravalomanana are former presidents and long-time rivals who have fought a fiercely personal duel for power. They each spent lavishly on campaigning, with promises and handouts distributed liberally to voters, who are among the poorest in Africa. European Union election observers have said they had not seen evidence of wrongdoing in the vote in which about five million ballots were cast. Ravalomanana, a 69-year-old former milkman who built a business empire, had on Sunday urged supporters to protest what he called "injustice and a violation of their right to vote". Elected president in 2002, he was forced to resign seven years later following protests fuelled by Rajoelina, who had been elected mayor of the capital Antananarivo. Rajoelina was then installed by the army and ruled until 2014. He is a former events planner and successful entrepreneur with slick communication skills. The two adversaries came a close first and second in the preliminary election in November, with Rajoelina garnering 39 per cent compared with 35 per cent for Ravalomanana. The two candidates were both banned from running in the 2013 election as part of an agreement to end recurring crises that have rocked Madagascar since independence from France in 1960. Outgoing president Hery Rajaonarimampianina was eliminated in the first round after winning only nine per cent. Just 48.09 per cent of the eligible 10 million voters cast their votes in the run-off, slightly lower than in the 55 per cent in the first round. Madagascar is well known for its vanilla and precious redwood, yet is one of the world's poorest nations, according to World Bank data, with 76 per cent of people living in extreme poverty. The island, which is also famed for its unique wildlife, is dependent on foreign aid and burdened by a long history of coups and unrest.(AFP) RUP RUP Vikhe Patil says his son will stay in Congress Mumbai, Dec 27 (PTI) Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil downplayed on Thursday his son Sujay's statement that he will contest Lok Sabha election from Ahmednagar even if the Congress denies him ticket. "He is a young man. He hasn't discussed his future plans with me. I am confident that he will remain in the Congress and contest the Lok Sabha election on Congress ticket," Vikhe Patil told reporters here. Sujay Vikhe Patil had said Wednesday that he will contest the election from Ahmednagar even if the Congress does not nominate him from there. "My parents are in the Congress, which does not mean I should remain in the party," he was quoted as saying. Ahmednagar in central Maharashtra and seven other seats have become a bone of contention between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress who have decided to form an alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. Since 1999, NCP had contested the Ahmednagar seat. Vikhe Patil also alleged Thursday that several illegal amendments have been made to the Mumbai Development Plan for the benefit of builders' lobby. If Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis does not scrap these amendments, he will file a public interest litigation, the Congress leader said. PTI MR KRK KRK Cops identify 5 members of group which attacked Christians Mumbai, Dec 27 (PTI) Police in western Maharashtra have identified five members of a radical group which attacked a Christian gathering in Kolhapur district, an official said Thursday. The group members hail from Belgaum city and rural area in Karnataka, police said. "We have identified at least five members of the group with the help of CCTV footage. We have their names and addresses and are search for them," Superintendent of Police, Kolhapur, Abhinav Deshmukh, told PTI. Police formed several teams, including one from the crime branch, to investigate the case, Deshmukh said. "We are seeking help of the Karnataka police as well," he added. A Christian gathering was attacked on December 23 during Sunday prayers in a small village in Kolhapur district. The incident took place at the New Life Church in Kowad village ahead of Christmas. A group of around 40 people was offering prayers when around 15-20 people barged into the church. With their faces covered, they threatened the victims and attacked them. Twelve people were injured in the attack. Armed with swords, iron rods and glass bottles, the group pelted stones at those attending the prayer.Some women, who were part of the prayer meet, forced the attackers to back off by throwing chilly powder on them, an official said. A delegation of Christian community members Wednesday met Deshmukh and the resident district collector, demanding that security of the community be ensured. PTI DC VT VT VT Minister says "sorry" for his remark on acquittal of accused persons in rape case (Eds: Updating with minister's comment) Bhubaneswar, Dec 27 (PTI) With opposition Congress and BJP demanding his resignation, Odisha Agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathy Thursday said "sorry" over his remark on the acquittal of accused persons in the sensational Pipili rape and murder case. "I am sorry if anyone is hurt over my statement. I have no intention to hurt anyone. I am an open minded persons," Maharathy told reporters after the activists of Mahila Congress demanded his resignation and BJP members sought a CBI probe into the rape and subsequent death of the 19-year old dalit woman in Pipili area of Puri district. On December 24, the court of additional district judge court in Bhubaneswar had acquitted the two accused persons arrested in the case. On his reaction over the court judgement, Maharathy had said: "I welcome the court judgement. It is victory of the truth. The victim girl got the justice." Maharathy's statement irked the opposition parties as well as the victim's family who are demanding stringent action against the accused persons. "How come the victim got justice when the accused persons are acquitted," asked Odisha Mahila Congress president Sumitra Jena. Meanwhile, the ADG Crime Branch S K Upadhay in Cuttack said that the investigating agency will move the Orissa High Court challenging the judgement of the lower court verdict. Earlier in the day, opposition Congress and BJP demanded the resignation of Maharathy for his comments on the acquittal of two persons arrested in connection with the case. Denouncing Maharathy's comment, senior BJP leader and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said his statement indicated the "flawed policies" of the state government on women and scheduled castes. Congress women activists on Thursday staged demonstration before the Agriculture minister's official residence here and hurled eggs and tomatoes at his house, while the BJP Mahila Morcha demanded that Maharathy be dropped from the ministry and the case handed over to the CBI. Police arrested about 40 activists of Odisha Mahila Congress as a preventive measure as they had assembled before the minister's house and attempted to barge into its premises, said Bhubaneswar assistant commissioner of police Sanjay Singh. "We will continue agitation till the minister is expelled from the ministry," the Odisha Mahila Congress chief said. Maharathy's comment has hurt the sentiment of women, she said. The BJP threatened to take to the streets if Maharathy is not removed from the state cabinet in next 24 hours. A 19-year-old woman was found unconscious and semi- naked in a paddy field in Pipli on November 28, 2011. She succumbed on June 21, 2012 after remaining semi-comatose in SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Maharathy had to resign from the ministry in 2012 in the face of a statewide hue and cry for allegedly sheltering the accused persons. Maharathy again became a minister in 2014. BJP activists across all urban centres in the state held candle light rally demanding resignation of Maharathy and handing over the case to CBI. PTI AAM RG RG New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) Following are the highlights at 1500 hours TOP STORIES: DEL16 PM-DHARAMSHALA Himachal Pradesh like my home: PM in Dharamshala Dharamshala (HPP): Dec 28 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Himachal Pradesh was like his home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through the state. LGD1 SC-SAJJAN 1984 riots care: Sajjan Kumar likely to surrender before court on Dec 31 New Delhi: Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar is likely to surrender before a court here on December 31 to serve the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. DEL2 RJ-PORTFOLIOS Portfolios allocated to ministers in Rajasthan; Gehlot keeps 9, Pilot 5 Jaipur: Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh allocated portfolios to the council of ministers late on Wednesday night with the advice of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who has kept nine departments including the key finance and home with him. DEL17 GOVT-NRC-EXTENSION Six-month extension to complete update of NRC by June 30 New Delhi: The Centre has given an extension of six months to complete the ongoing exercise for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam by June 30. NATION: PAR9 LS-AIR INDIA Govt has prepared revival plan for Air India: Sinha New Delhi: The government has prepared a revival plan for Air India that provides for a comprehensive financial package, differentiated strategies for each of the airline's core businesses and robust organisational reforms, Union Minister Jayant Sinha said Thursday. DEL11 RAIL-RPF-MODERN Modernising RPF: Security paraphernalia to include spy cameras, firing simulators, body cameras New Delhi: In the first step towards modernising the RPF, spy cameras, firing simulators, body cameras and other such modern gadgets will now be part of its security paraphernalia, with the force, for the first time, being empowered to buy high-end equipment for themselves, according to an order issued by the Railway Board. DEL9 POL-KA-MEKEDATTUPROTEST Mekedattu project: Karnataka MPs protest inside Parliament complex New Delhi: Karnataka MPs cutting across party lines on Thursday staged a protest inside Parliament complex seeking construction of the Mekedattu dam on the Cauvery, an issue opposed by Tamil Nadu's DMK and AIADMK that have been disrupting proceedings in both Houses. MES14 KA-MLA-CLAIM BJP MLA claims 15 Cong-JDS MLAs in touch with him; Cong dismisses it Bengaluru: Senior Karnataka BJP MLA Umesh Katti Wednesday claimed he was in touch with 15 disgruntled legislators of ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition and his party would welcome them if they chose to join it. DEL12 POL-KA-KUMARASWAMY-GST K'taka CM meets Jaitley, seeks extension of GST compensation period New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here on Thursday and sought extension of the GST compensation period till 2025, contending that the state's revenue deficit has widened to 20 per cent post-GST regime. FOREIGN: FES11 US-INDIAN-SHOT Indian-origin police officer shot and killed in California New York: A 33-year-old Indian-origin police officer in the US state of California has been killed after being shot by an "armed" unidentified gunman while he was conducting a traffic stop. PTI TVS TVS (Eds: Updates story, corrects governor's name in last para) Dharamshala (HP), Dec 27 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday accused the Congress of misleading farmers in the name of loan waivers. Addressing a rally here to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, Modi also stressed on the one, one pension scheme implemented by the Centre. His criticism of the opposition over loan waivers comes days after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said his party will not let Modi rest till the Centre writes off farm loans across the country. The recently elected Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan have announced loan waiver schemes. Modi said development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh. He described Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave soldiers who were ever ready to make the supreme sacrifice at the border. Congratulating Thakur on completing one year as chief minister, Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work." The prime minister was set to release a booklet on the achievements of the BJP government in the state. Modi went through an exhibition put up by the state government to showcase the benefits of state and Centre-sponsored schemes. The prime minister was welcomed by the chief minister, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Kangra BJP MP Shanta Kumar and Union Health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda at the helipad in Dharamshala. Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Dev Vrat was also present. PTI DJI MIN ASH ASH New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering arrived here Thursday on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with his counterpart Narendra Modi on a host of issues, including the Himalayan nation's five-year development plan. On his first visit to the country since taking charge last month, Tshering was received by Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla. He will be given a ceremonial reception on Friday and will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi the same day. Sources said a host of issues, including Bhutan's five-year development plan, is likely to be discussed during the visit. The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said the two sides are likely to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, people-to-people ties, and economic, development and hydropower cooperation. The upcoming visit of Tshering will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in the multi-faceted partnership, and discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation, the MEA had said. "Time-tested relationship. Dr Lotay Tshering @PMBhutan received warmly by MoS Finance @BJPShivPShukla on arrival in Delhi for a 3-day State Visit at the invitation of PM @narendramodi. #IndiaBhutan celebrate 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted after Bhutanese premier's arrival. Tshering's visit comes a month after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's official trip to Bhutan. PTI ASK CK New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) Several lawmakers on Thursday expressed solidarity with UPSC aspirants demanding one more attempt to crack the civil services exam claiming they were affected by abrupt changes in rules between 2011 and 2015. Cutting across party lines, the members of Parliament said it was harsh on the part of the government to deny the aspirants one more chance to appear in the exam. Around 100 UPSC aspirants on Wednesday held a protest at Parliament Street in Delhi, seeking compensatory attempts irrespective of their age or category. In 2011, the Union Public Service Commission introduced CSAT, which set off an outrage among students from Hindi and humanities background as they felt that it would affect those who were not from English, Maths and Science backgrounds. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who led MPs in expressing solidarity with aspirants affected by the changes, said they have raised the issue several times and written to the government but the response has been "callous". He said UPSC rules were changed in the past too in 1979 and in 1992 and on both the occasions, aspirants affected by the changes were allowed to appear for the exam held under the new rules. "I think this is inhuman because these youngsters are the future of our country. If these youngsters are denied the opportunity then you are having an elitist bias and promoting regional imbalances. We want the government to reconsider this and give these aspirants another chance," Yechury said. CPI leader D Raja claimed institutions such as UPSC and UGC are being undermined by the government. "We are here to express solidarity with their demands and campaign... The government's attitude remains very insensitive. This government talks about cooperative federalism but there is neither cooperation nor federalism. I urge the government to reconsider its decision," he said. He also proposed that the students should submit a fresh memorandum to the minister concerned and the prime minister. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha, DMK leader T K S Elangovan and Congress leader B K Hariprasad also expressed solidarity with the demands of the UPSC aspirants and said they should be given another chance. One of the aspirants, Pradeep, said students were hit by the sudden changes by the UPSC in the exam pattern between 2011 and 2015. Arun S Nigavekar Committee set up by the the Commission and UPSC's own annual report have highlighted that "due to CSAT, selection of students from regional languages and from humanities background has declined during 2011-2014", he said. The CSAT paper was competitive in nature during the 2011-14 period. "In 2015, UPSC made the CSAT qualifying in nature. Because of these frequent changes in exam pattern and discriminatory nature of CSAT we lost many precious attempts to appear in the exam during this period. We demand due justice from the government. We are not asking for any job, rather we want a chance to compete," he said. Students who appeared between 2011 and 2014 demand they be compensated with one more chance as they lost out because of the changes. PTI PLB PLB ABH ABH New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Thursday asserted there were no differences within the state Congress over portfolio allocation, and said the newly-formed Cabinet will meet in Jaipur on December 28, the foundation day of the party. He justified the allocation of portfolios, saying it was a "well-thought out" exercise and has been "welcomed" by the people. The newly inducted Rajasthan ministers were allocated portfolios, with Chief Minister Gehlot keeping nine departments, including the key finance and home, with himself, in an exercise late Wednesday night. Speaking to mediapersons here, Gehlot said, "The first meeting of new Rajasthan state Cabinet will be held on December 28, which is the Congress foundation day, and the new government would make a good start on this day." He also rejected claims that there were differences within the state Congress over portfolio distribution and said a united Congress will help provide good governance in the state. "We have taken a well-thought out decision, which the people have welcomed," he told reporters when asked about alleged differences within the state Congress over portfolio allocation. He also brushed aside criticism over alleged delay in Cabinet formation, saying "It takes two-three days in Cabinet formation and the portfolios were handed over within two days in the state" In Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra when the BJP came to power, it took them seven-nine days to announce chief ministers, he said. "We will provide good governance, improve law and order and move towards fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the youth, which are some big challenges before us," he said. The BJP government, he alleged, had "blocked" several big decisions of the previous Congress government and said his party would not emulate them. "We won't block any good decision of the outgoing Raje government. The good work of the Vasundharaji's government, we will not block them in public interest." He said his government will take up all projects that can improve infrastructure and address problems of water, electricity, education, health and road. "Our endeavour would be to provide growth in the state at a fast pace." The Rajasthan chief minister said the Congress government in the state has taken a big decision by waiving farm loans and it has been welcomed by all. He alleged the state suffered due to "mis-governance and misrule" of the Raje government, which, he claimed did not deliver any development work despite getting a huge mandate. Gehlot said the state Congress had already started preparations for the Lok Sabha elections and a meeting with PCC chief Sachin Pilot and AICC general secretary in-charge for the state Avinash Pande has already taken place. He also expressed hope that a 'maha gathbandhan' (grand alliance) of opposition parties would soon be formed to take on and defeat the BJP, which he claimed was working to satisfy "public perception" and not doing any sincere and concrete work. "Rahul Gandhi ji has said that we will exert pressure on the prime minister to waive farm loans as farmers were the most harassed, besides the youth of the country, whose aspirations were left unfulfilled. "If this government comes again, then there is a threat to the country, the country's democracy and its Constitution. All opposition parties feel this and we are hopeful the 'maha gathbandhan' will be formed soon and will be successful," he said. Gehlot said the Modi government will be remembered as a "jumlon ki sarkar" (a government of rhetoric) as it has only made promises and not fulfilled any, "which the people have realised now". Prime Minister Modi has been claiming that farmers' income will be doubled by 2022, but his mandate is only till May 2019, Gehlot said. "And it (the farmers' income) should have risen by at least three-fourths by now." Referring to Nitin Gadkari's recent remark that the BJP "leadership" should own up to "defeat and failures" also, days after his party lost polls in three states, Gehlot said, "Maybe some more BJP leaders should speak their hearts out in the party's interest before the NDA government goes out of power," he said. PTI SKC SKC TIR TIR New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) The passage of the triple talaq bill drew mixed reaction from Muslim bodies Thursday, with some terming it "very dangerous", while others welcoming it. S Q R Ilayas, member of working committee of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), said there was no need for this bill and it has been brought keeping in mind the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "It is a very dangerous bill that will make a civil issue a criminal offence. Who will take care of the wives and children once the husband goes to jail," he said. He also said that instead of gender justice, the bill would prove to be a "punishment" for men and women from the community. "Four crore women signed a petition saying they do not want the bill then who are these Muslim women who want it," he questioned the government. Maulana Mahmood Daryabadi, General Secretary of the All India Ulema Council, said when the government has scrapped triple talaq, why is it even being discussed here. "The government should be focussing on fund for Muslim women and children who will be left without any source of income once their husband goes to jail," he said. Zakia Soman, member of the Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, welcomed the bill and further demanded the Muslim Marriage Act on lines of the Hindu Marriage Act that would deal with other issues like polygamy and child guardianship. The Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill which criminalises the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government. Just before the bill was to be passed by a voice vote, the opposition sought a division and the bill was passed by 245 votes in favour and 11 against it. Several amendments moved by opposition were negated by a division that was insisted by opposition members. PTI UZM KJ New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) RSS general secretary Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi Thursday said it is a matter of concern if a few neighbouring countries consider India as their enemy and asserted that friendship cannot be unilateral. Speaking at an event on the issue of national security, Joshi said problems mount when the countries with whom India shares border consider it as their enemy. "Problems mount when bordering countries consider to be their enemy. India has never considered Pakistan as its enemy, but Pakistan has considered India as its enemy. China never considered us as its enemy, but the way China behaves, it seems it stands in front of us as an enemy," Joshi said. "If neighbours consider us their enemy, it is a matter of concern. Friendship cannot be unilateral and India has never been an obstruction for anyone in friendship. This needs to be told to the entire world," he said. Expressing concern over those who are "destroying" the country's traditions, Joshi said, "This is a big crisis in front of us. There are several types of experiments going on in order to destroy the country's civilised traditions. We are not opposed to knowledge, but when the erosion in values come, the process of decline in life starts, it is harmful to any country." The RSS executive head made these remarks while referring to the rising trend of watching foreign channels and reading foreign literature. PTI JTR KJ New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Thursday urged Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora not to allocate poll symbols which can be confused with his party TRS' 'car' symbol by voters in the upcoming Lok Sabha general elections. During a meeting here, Rao informed the CEC that the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had to suffer in some constituencies in the recent Assembly polls because of the symbol confusion, party sources said. The TRS chief also discussed about brightening the colour of the party symbol for easy recognition by voters, they said. The Telangana chief minister, in a representation made to the Election Commission, informed "how voters in Telangana are getting confused with party symbols especially truck and iron and requested not to allow such symbols in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls", a party leader said. In the recently concluded assembly elections, truck symbol was allotted to All India Foward Bloc party, while iron symbol was given to an independent. Rao also flagged concerns about deletion of names in the state voters' list, the sources added. The chief minister is in Delhi for last three days. He paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday and discussed pending projects. PTI LUX RT Chandigarh, Dec 27 (PTI) The Punjab and Haryana High Court Thursday issued a notice to the Secretary of Haryana Assembly on a Congress MLA plea, seeking revocation of his suspension from the House. Karn Singh Dalal, the five-time Congress legislator from Palwal, had approached the court as he wanted to attend the one-day Haryana Assembly winter session on Friday. The court asked the Secretary of the Assembly to file his reply by Friday. In his petition, Dalal argued that the the resolution passed in the Assembly regarding his suspension was "illegal and arbitrary" and contrary to Rule 104B (2) under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Haryana Legislative Assembly. The Congress leader also contended that the decision to suspend him was taken with a malafide intention. On September 11, Dalal was suspended for one year after he had an ugly spat with legislator and Leader of Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala on the floor of the house. Both the leaders had charged at each with shoes in their hands after hurling abuses, prompting the Speaker to summon marshals. A resolution to suspend Dalal, supported by main opposition Indian National Lok Dal, was moved by Finance Minister Abhimanyu over alleged use of derogatory language and misconduct. It was passed by voice vote in the House. However, the Congress protested against the suspension, alleging that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was misusing its majority in the House. Dalal had then said he would move the court against questioning why no action was taken against Chautala. PTI SUN RHL New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) Home Minister Rajnath Singh Thursday paid tribute to veteran parliamentarian Shankar Dayal Singh, who was known for promoting Hindi language. Addressing a memorial meeting, the home minister said Shankar Dayal Singh was a people's politician, social worker and above all an eminent Hindi writer. The union minister said the contribution of Shankar Dayal Singh, who was a two-time MP from Bihar, will always be remembered for promotion of Hindi. Hindi language is getting popularity day-by-day not only in India but also at the international level and Shankar Dayal Singh was one of the greatest promoters of Hindi and championed its cause, the home minister said. The home minister said he was "very impressed" with Shankar Dayal Singh's charismatic personality and besides being a kind hearted person, he had always advocated social values, not only in politics but also in personal life too. PTI ACB KJ KJ Muzaffarnagar, Dec 27 (PTI) A 24-year-old man who was missing since Tuesday has been found dead at Khatoli town in this district, following which locals staged a protest by blocking a highway for around an hour, police said Thursday. Arun Kumar's body was found on Wednesday and it is suspected that he was strangled to death, SP, City, Ombir Singh said. This was the third killing in the town in a week. A tailor and a woman were killed earlier. Following the latest incident, irate locals blocked the highway for an hour in protest, police said. The SHO of Khatoli police station Santosh Kumar was shifter and replaced by Sevaish Kumar. PTI CORR NSD NSD Jammu, Dec 28 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir accountant general (AG) is yet to make the CAG's report for the year 2017-18 public, even as the year is nearing its end, a senior official said Thursday. The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) was submitted to Governor Satya Pal Malik long ago and it was supposed to be tabled in the budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during January-March, the official said. "The report has not been made public. We have submitted the report to Jammu and Kashmir governor," In-charge AG of J&K, Shourjo Chatterjee told PTI. Citing past precedents, the AG said unless the report was tabled in the state assembly, it could not be made public. As the state is under President's rule, the Governor has to table the report in Parliament before it can be made public, he added. "It is up to the Governor to facilitate tabling of the report in Parliament and after that it can be made public or he can wait for the new legislature to get elected," the AG said. PTI AB AD RHL RHL LS adjourned amid protests over Rafale deal, other issues New Delhi, Dec 27 (PTI) Lok Sabha proceedings were again disrupted on Thursday as vociferous protests and sloganeering over various issues forced Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House till noon. Despite repeated warnings from Mahajan, Congress, AIADMK and TDP members continued to stand in the Well of the House and sought to raise various issues, including Rafale deal. Soon after the Question Hour began, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge wanted to raise the issue of Rafale deal but Mahajan said the matter can be raised during the Zero Hour. Besides Congress members who were demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal, those from AIADMK protested against the construction of a dam across Cauvery River. TDP members sought to raise issues related to Andhra Pradesh. As more than 30 members from the three parties continued to shout slogans and displayed placards while standing in the Well, Mahajan's repeated requests asking them to go back to their seats did not yield any result. "I am warning you. Go back to your seats... I will be naming you," a visibly peeved Mahajan told protesting members. "I want justice for all...," the Speaker said as she wanted the proceedings to continue. Kharge said the government should be directed to constitute a JPC to look into the Rafale deal. One question was taken up during the Question Hour, which went on for around 15 minutes. As the din continued, Mahajan adjourned the House till noon. PTI RAM DV DV Bhopal, Dec 27 (PTI) Taking a jibe at the functioning of the newly-formed Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan alleged that the delay in the allocation of portfolios to the ministers is a "matter of concern". Talking to reporters at his residence, Chouhan said, "I extended my wishes to the new government, but it is a matter of concern the way formation of cabinet was delayed and now portfolio distribution is being delayed." "We are seeing media reports and various Congress leaders are insisting for particular departments causing delay in the allocation. Quota of different camps (of Congress) was fixed. This delay is historic and never happened in the state," he claimed. Chouhan said, "It is the chief minister's prerogative to allocate portfolios, but Digvijay ji - veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh - was replying on such issues claiming this work would be done today." He said, "Senior Congress MLAs like Bisahulal Singh, KP Singh and others, who don't belong to any group in Congress, failed to get berth." In a reply to a question, he said the Congress should implement farm loan waiver in accordance to their promise. "There should be no condition in loan waiver. The farm loan up to Rs 2 lakh, as on November this year end, should be waived," he said. Asked about the Congress' manifesto promise about 'banning' the RSS Shakhas in government premises, Chouhan said, "Nehru ji (Jawaharlal Nehru) and Indira ji (Indira Gandhi) had also banned, but they had to withdraw. The RSS is the biggest organisation of patriots and honest people." PTI ADU RSY KJ CALEB MAGGS, Chariho, Football, Junior; Maggs caught 11 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the Chargers loss to East Greenwich on Thanksgiving eve. He had scoring receptions of 1 and 29 yards. LUKE LOWRY, Stonington, Football, Junior; Lowry caught a pair of TD passes in the Bears Thanksgiving Day loss to Westerly. The two scoring receptions matched a record for the holiday game held by five others. Lowry had touchdown catches of 36 and 67 yards. He was named Stoningtons top offensive player in the game. ZACK TUCK, Westerly, Football, Junior; Tuck rushed for 241 yards and scored three touchdowns in the Bulldogs Thanksgiving Day victory over Stonington. Tuck was named the games MVP and was also selected as Westerlys top offensive player. Vote View Results Former Barclays boss John Varley and former senior colleagues are accused of giving bungs to Qatar Former Barclays boss John Varley will go on trial next month in a blockbuster fraud case set to grip the City. Varley and former senior colleagues are accused of giving bungs to Qatar in exchange for a 6billion investment which saved Barclays from collapse in 2008. The bankers, who are being prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office, will be on trial at Southwark Crown Court from January 9. As well as the 62-year-old ex-chief executive, others in the dock are Roger Jenkins, 63, then-head of the investment bank; Richard Boath, 60, who was joint head of finance; and 63-year-old Thomas Kalaris, who ran Barclays wealth management arm. They all deny wrongdoing. The so-called Barclays Four are the most senior British bankers to face criminal proceedings over the near-collapse of the financial system a decade ago. There has since been widespread anger that so few senior figures were held to account for the disaster. Barclays is not being prosecuted, after a case against it was thrown out by the High Court in October. The Episcopal Church is hardly the first religion to grapple with the issue of same-sex weddings, and it wont be the last. But it became a topic of fierce debate this year among Episcopalians in the Capital Region when Albany Bishop William Love responded to a definitive national resolution reaffirming gay marriage even in dioceses that had prohibited it with a sternly worded eight-page letter reiterating his own opposition, and categorically banning same-sex rites throughout the diocese. Those who disagree, Love wrote, "have been deceived into believing a lie that has been planted in the Church by the 'great deceiver' Satan. The bishops November edict caused a stir, and its repercussions logistical, liturgical are still unknown. How will this play out? Will the national church discipline Love? Will it respond some other way, resolving the dispute through compromise? Might whole parishes break away from the diocese of Albany? All such questions remain unanswered for now. But a glance at faiths beyond the Episcopal Church shows how others have addressed the issue some with pronouncements either affirming or opposing, some with ambiguity. Much depends on two key variables. The first is the role, or absence, of an overarching hierarchy. Catholic, Orthodox and Episcopal parishes follow the decisions of a central body; Quaker meetings, for instance, do not. The second factor: Where in the world any given church has a footprint. You have those denominations that have a large presence in the Third World, said John Schwaller, a state University at Albany history professor with expertise in religion, Catholicism and Latin America and a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Albany. (The parish is one of four in the diocese that receive pastoral oversight from a more liberal neighboring bishop in this case, Central New Yorks.) The U.S. Episcopal Church belongs to a wider communion that skews conservative in other parts of the globe. This has been one of the big stumbling blocks to have a policy for the entire Anglican Communion, Schwaller said. "The churches of Africa and Latin America and South Asia are not willing to go along with the extension of rights to LGTBQ people the way the folks in the Northern Hemisphere feel. Meanwhile, opinions of the laity can vary widely and veer from established dogma. According to a 2017 survey by the Public Religion Research Institute, a majority of Americans of many faiths now favor same-sex marriage including 77 percent of Jewish Americans, 67 percent of mainline Protestants, 66 percent of white Catholics and 65 percent of Hispanic Catholics. How have assorted religions tackled the matter of same-sex marriage, and where do they stand now? Here's a breakdown incomplete but illustrative of several faiths and their positions. Southern Baptist Convention: Same-sex marriage is out of the question. As the SBC explains on the Basic Beliefs page of its website: In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. Other Baptist conventions and churches run from conservative to liberal; the American Baptist Churches USA officially defines marriage as one-man-one-woman but acknowledges that some congregations might disagree. Islam, Sunni and Shia: Without an official hierarchy or presiding leader, everything depends on individual mosques and imams around the world with wide variations in culture, tradition and interpretations of the Quran in either supporting or opposing same-sex marriage. Here in the States, however, the aforementioned 2017 survey revealed that 51 percent of American Muslims support it, 34 oppose and 15 percent offer no opinion. Presbyterian Church USA: The stance differs by denomination, but the church officially broadened its view of marriage in 2015, when the Book of Order the faith's governing document updated the definition as a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman. The closing phrase was inserted as a nod to more conservative views. The Religious Society of Friends (Quaker): By definition, Quakers are non-hierarchical, stressing individual belief and shunning any dogma beyond the concept of Gods inner light implanted within each person. So although many congregations in many parts of the world recognize and conduct same-sex weddings, some do not. Generally speaking, in Canada, Australia and the UK: yes. Kenya (which boasts more Quakers than anywhere else): no. The U.S.: mixed. Recently, several Oregon churches broke from a community of Evangelical Friends that reject gay marriage and homosexuality. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Judaism: Depends on the sect. Reform and Reconstructionist support same-sex marriage. Conservatives do the same, although the traditionally centrist arm of Judiasm includes dissenting voices and congregations. Orthodox Jews remain opposed. As the Union of Orthodox Congregations declared in response to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling establishing gay marriage as the law of the land, The historical position of the Jewish faith ... forbids homosexual relationships and condemns the institutionalization of such relationships as marriages. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Depends on individual congregations and ministers. After the Supreme Court ruling, the presiding bishop granted churches the autonomy to decide for themselves. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon): This year, the church reaffirmed its opposition to same-sex relationships with the publication of Preach My Gospel, a lay manual for missionaries. Buddhism: The faith's stance is hard to nail down with generalizations, as Buddhism emphasizes individual practice and enlightenment. Monks are celibate; lay Buddhists follow certain principles, including a prohibition against sexual misconduct. Gay sex isnt explicitly banned, and Buddha himself devoted not a word of his teachings to homosexuality. In a 2014 interview with Larry King, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama deemed same-sex marriage OK. I think its individual business. If two people a couple really feel that way is more practical, more sort of satisfaction, both sides fully agree, then OK. As a rule, Buddhists in the more orthodox Theravada school practiced in Thailand, for example often tend to be more conservative, stressing karma and consequences from past lives. More Information This is one in a series of Times Union stories taking a fresh look at the top issues and events of 2018. See More Collapse Hinduism: Again, the absence of a leader or governing body makes for wide variations. The Hindu concept of marriage stresses its functions procreation (Prajaa) included but the lack of a codified set of teachings leaves its beliefs and practices open to interpretation. Most Hindu Americans support same-sex marriage according to that same P.R.R.I. survey, 75 percent and some Hindu priests conduct them. Roman Catholicism: The oldest, largest and most powerful Christian sect remains unambiguous in its restriction of the marriage rites to heterosexuals. In May, a French priest claimed that Pope Francis approved the clerics blessing of gay couples; the Vatican declined to confirm or deny those remarks. Unitarian Universalist: Support for gay marriage and gay rights is longstanding and unequivocal. The church's Office of Gay Affairs was established in 1973; the U.S. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to approve services for same-sex unions in 1996. Earlier versions of this story included the United Church of Christ. SCHENECTADY Mark Weekes, the officer recently cleared by the Attorney General's Office of wrongdoing in the death of a man in police custody, will likely rejoin the force early next year. "We're just about done with the process that will allow him to come back on the force and Officer Weekes is really looking forward to serving the people of Schenectady," Attorney Andrew Safranko, who is representing Weekes, said Wednesday. Over the summer, Weekes, who has 10 years on the job, opted to go out on voluntarily unpaid leave and then months later testified before the grand jury panel that eventually exonerated him in the May 2017 death of Andrew Kearse. The Bronx man had tried to run off after police pulled him over for driving erratically. While in the back seat of Weekes's police cruiser, Kearse's complaints of breathing problems, nausea and dizziness were ignored. By the time, Weekes brought him to the police station, Kearse was unresponsive, and later died at Ellis Hospital. An earlier State Police probe found no fault with the department's handling of the case, and a grand jury in October found no laws were violated. On Wednesday, Public Safety Commissioner Michael Eidens said he expects Weekes will be back to work in the next several weeks. He declined to provide details on Weekes' return but emphasized that the AG's report and recommendations on the department's policy for detainees who request medical help will be discussed soon with police brass. "I expect us to be talking about that as well as other matters early in January," he added. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Weekes did not return an email inquiry. On the same day the grand jury released its finding in October, Nathalia Fernandez, a Bronx Democrat, introduced the "Andrew Kearse Act." The legislation calls for police who fail to act when a person in custody is in obvious medical distress to face criminal charges. The New York State Agency Police Services Unit, a union that represents university police officers and investigators, environmental conservation officers and investigators, park patrol officers, and forest rangers personnel in state agencies, has come out against the measure, saying it is too broad. On Wednesday, Safranko said police work can be tough and hoped that any policy changes would not make fighting crime even more challenging. "I think these guys are put in real difficult situations where they have to make decisions based upon their experience and training and they need to be allowed to have that leeway," said the attorney. California authorities are looking for an inmate whose escape Wednesday night from San Quentin State Prison has prompted a statewide manhunt. Shalom Mendoza, 21, was first reported missing around 9:35 p.m. during an inmate headcount. Mendoza is serving a five-year sentence for use of a deadly weapon during a carjacking/attempted carjacking and evading or attempting to evade a peace officer while driving recklessly, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He was convicted in Los Angeles County and booked into state prison on Dec. 20, 2017. Prison officials conducted a search of the grounds following the headcount but did not find Mendoza. Authorities said he might have carjacked the driver of a Toyota Rav4 who was near the prison grounds. The vehicles license plate number is 6STZ502. Mendoza is 5-foot-5 and weighs 177 pounds. He has short brown hair and brown eyes, officials said. More than 4,200 inmates are housed in San Quentin State Prison. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Wednesdays escape was the second from a California state prison in the last week. Law enforcement officers are also searching for 27-year-old Justin Franks, who disappeared Saturday from Folsom State Prison. Anyone with information of Mendozas whereabouts should call 911 or San Quentin State Prison spokesman Lt. Samuel Robinson at 415-455-5000. Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu The culinary juggernaut Top Chef enters its 16th season, this time in the rolling hills of Kentucky. We talked with one of the judges, chef Graham Elliot (who you may also know from another food competition show, MasterChef), about the new season, now airing Thursdays on Bravo. What can viewers expect from Season 16 of Top Chef? This season gives you a glimpse of what's going on when it comes to cooking in America at this moment. A perfect blend of country and metropolis and everything in between. Where was your favorite place to film in Kentucky? Hands down, the Kentucky Derby! I had never been to a horse race before, so to have this cathedral be the first place to experience that, it was amazing. Can you give us a preview of some of the contestants this year? The contestants this year provide a wide array of different culinary styles, as they are not simply from large cities but from different states from all over the nation. You really get a glimpse of what people are cooking in the U.S. What's your favorite part of being a judge for culinary competitions? I always enjoy learning and tasting new things, but providing feedback and encouragement along with my own personal insight is what I have always appreciated the most about judging. Walking into any of Matt Baumgartner's restaurants or bars is a transporting experience. Step into a German brauhaus when visiting any of his Wolff's Biergartens, with locations in Albany, Troy, Schenectady and Syracuse. Teleport to a convivial evening in London's Balham neighborhood when stopping by Olde English Pub and Pantry, on Broadway in Albany. Escape to the most idyllic countryside retreat replete with farm-to-glass cocktails at June Farms, his barn-turned-bar oasis in West Sand Lake. Baumgartner, who has opened more than a dozen establishments in the Capital Region over two decades, has become as known for the aesthetics he creates in his spaces as much as for his business savvy or keen menu sensibilities. For him, the look and feel of his bars and restaurants are nearly as vital to success as what is on the menu. In his newest space, The Berlin, a sit-and-linger bar that opened in November on King Street in Troy, Baumgartner worked to create a tony hotel lobby vibe that was inspired by the idea of a 1930s cocktail lounge. His designs start with developing a color scheme, he said, and The Berlin was focused on deep red with gold and black accents. "Some people say it's too dark like my mom but I think it is sexy and ambient," Baumgartner said. Unlike designing a home where the decor can reflect the owner's personal nuances, "in a restaurant you have to think wider to appeal to more people," he said. For Brianne Baggetta, a partner-owner with Jessica Arnold and Tim Dillon at Dove + Deer in the former Center Square Pub location on Dove Street in Albany, designing a space that appealed to the community was foremost in the development process. "I didn't really want to get into the restaurant business. I just wanted to create a place that people could enjoy," she said. Baggetta is president of MailWorks and Pretty Polite, two design and printing services in Albany, and grew up in a design-savvy family, she said. She has completed extensive historic renovations in the past and allowed the historic nature of the building, which dates to 1854, and neighborhood to guide the aesthetic. As the two-month renovation and build-out process progressed, hidden architectural elements began to reveal themselves, like the encaustic tiles that mimicked patterns in the nearby state Capitol building and windows looking onto the neighborhood. Much of the design relied on existing elements in the space, with the incorporation of locally sourced historic materials like a set of arched doors from the Doane Stuart School in Rensselaer found at the Historic Albany Foundation warehouse to create a space that was welcoming and paid homage to the people and community surrounding Dove + Deer. Unlike designing a home, rigid standards for material quality and a timeline have to be met. "Certain substrates I would use in a house would not work for commercial use," said Baggetta. Baumgartner agrees, having said "cheap is expensive. When you buy inexpensive things in high-use areas you end up having to replace them all the time." He sourced more expensive, higher quality seating from Restoration Hardware and accommodated the budget elsewhere by being frugal in finding artwork from salvage and secondhand shops and opting for midrange paint. Lighting is the most important element in designing a space for Baumgartner; he relies on incandescent light to set the mood of his spaces. "Architects are too quick to use LED lighting and it ends up feeling cold, like a hospital," he said, adding he prefers the warmth and ambiance yellow-hued light creates. Sound management was critical in design for Baggetta, who realized after Dove + Deer opened that the reflective properties of her chosen hard surfaces made the restaurant an echo chamber. Softening the space with upholstery and fabrics muffled the sound and created a more inviting atmosphere. "You have to think about how people experience the space you create. People might not think that the details matter but they benefit from how the details create the space." Wife and husband architecture and development team Graciela Monroy and Kyle Engstrom at Me Studio in Troy have designed many Capital Region hot spots, like the Albany Distilling Company bar and bottle shop on Livingston Avenue in Albany and Franklin Alley Social Club in Troy. Customer experience is the forefront of design conceptualization for them and, as Monroy said, "Restaurant design is a lot of fun when we start thinking about the concept of a restaurant, we think about the customer experience. It is not something you live in every day so it can be more fun than a residence The design should speak to what the food is." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. At Little Rice Ball, a space they designed on Franklin Street in Troy, Engstrom said they took traditional elements of Japanese architecture, like minimalistic natural items and overlapping wood tones, to allude to the Japanese-skewed menu. In most cases, the design should not "hit you over the head," said Monroy. Franklin Alley Social Club is an exception, she said: As soon as you walk down the stairs of this basement bar, the "cruise ship through the tropics" theme wallops visitors, immediately invoking the feeling of tiki bars and The Love Boat. The choices in both design instances parlay into the psychology of restaurant design. Using hard seating surfaces will urge people to dine briefly or take their orders to-go (good for food hall-style eateries) while club chairs and extra padding in lounges (like in The Berlin) will contribute to longer stays and higher pre-dinner bar tabs. The flow of the space is equal parts operator need and customer experience, said Engstrom. At Dove + Deer, the initial concept of having counter service for food orders was scrapped when Baggetta and her team realized the space did not accommodate that traffic flow, so halfway through the construction process they switched to traditional table service. Whatever the concept of the restaurant and its design, Engstrom and Monroy said that restaurants are a vital part of community fabric. "We think of restaurants as the last pillar holding up the social urban infrastructure. Whenever we have the space in a building project, we try to incorporate a restaurant," Engstrom said. How the designs of those restaurants materialize is limited only by the scope of imagination. Deanna Fox is a food and agriculture journalist. @DeannaNFox, foxonfood.com Every day, our team of seasoned photographers goes out into the community to illustrate the day's news. Sometimes we revisit a familiar topic, sometimes we face a new challenge. The only constant is the appetite for compelling work to fill the paper and website. Here's a few moments that left a lasting impression on us. _________________________________________ John Carl D'Annibale It's just not something you see every day. In fact, it took some time before I could realize what was actually going on. Tim Pink of Saratoga Dog Walkers was posing 29 of his charges for a group photo at Congress Spring in Congress Park in Saratoga Springs. There's still something unbelievable about it. I've had my own dogs for a good portion of my life and remember how difficult it was to get just one pet at a time to sit still for a photograph, but 29 at once! Such patience, man and beast alike. More remarkable still was how Pink went to each animal one at a time and personally thanked them once the shoot was finished. _________________________________________ Paul Buckowski One of my favorite photos this year was taken at the Troy Turkey Trot. I had already photographed the 10K race, where I had to stay close to the finish line to capture the first male and female runners across the line. Since I did not need to shoot the 5K race winners, I was free to roam and see what interesting views I could find. I just fell in love with this scene when I saw it. I really try to make photographs that have multiple things going on it helps tell more of a story. I tried some images with multiple runners coming through the frame, but that became too cluttered and so this was the frame I choose the sole runner with her feet off the ground and the spectators cheering her on. I think my favorite character in the shot is the man on the left with the white beard looking out the window. _________________________________________ Skip Dickstein During my entire career I have attempted to give the readers of the Times Union images that capture a moment in time as well as having good storytelling content. You will see images of spot news, features and thoroughbred racing from Saratoga Race Course. The image that I most enjoyed making and also one of the most time consuming was the image of the shadow of the horse walking the shed row in the morning in the barn area of Saratoga. It took a few minutes to compose the image, and what felt like forever to make the image. I waited until just the correct moment to release the shutter and the end product is the image you see here. Different, fun and my favorite image for 2018. _________________________________________ Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Lori Van Buren I first heard about the limousine crash from a high school classmate on Facebook the day it happened. Her stepson works at the country store where it occurred. At the time of her post they thought there were about 11 victims. Her stepson saw and heard things he will never forget. I thought 11 people dying was tragic. When I found out it was 20, so many thoughts and questions ran through my mind. "How could this happen? Did the brakes fail? How fast were they going? So many families will be affected." It's not often I get called in to work on my day off. On Sunday, the day after it happened, I was asked to go to the site of the crash in Schoharie. As I was taking photos of the scene and debris left behind, family members of the victims arrived. They climbed down the ditch and started to sift through the debris. I don't know what they were looking for. Perhaps they didn't know either. The one man squatted on the ground and started to get emotional. That's when I took this photograph. I covered this story for several days. I went to the site numerous times. I covered the New York state troopers headquarters for the first press conference, the first vigil in Amsterdam, a wake and a funeral. I also waited outside the Cobleskill Town Court for several hours to get a photo of Nauman Hussain, operator of Prestige Limousine. I chose this image for my photo of the year because it was emotionally powerful and I was the only photographer there when it happened. My heart goes out to the families, friends and communities affected by this tragedy. _________________________________________ Will Waldron It's rare that I see something totally unexpected on my camera, but that's what happened with this photo. I went to Empire State Plaza hoping to find some ducklings. The plaza reflecting pool has become a favored weaning ground for some Capital Region waterfowl - the staff at the Office of General Services even puts out ramps to help the small and adorable ones follow their parents out of the pool. A lone duckling, barely visible, appeared to be lost at sea in the black ink of Nelson Rockefeller's centerpiece. Too far to make meaningful art with the equipment I brought, I waited for a better picture to present itself. The small bird called for its parents, who rallied the rookie mariner to safety and, ultimately, a better picture. I made some cute pics on the duck ramp. They were OK, but I needed to get more. The feathered threesome traversed the dark waters toward the yellow reflection of George Sugarman's "Trio." It is there that something unexplainable took place .... I've seen viewing monitors get confused when faced with complex patterns, such as a tightly striped shirt. In this case, the little preview window on the back of the camera appeared to be in a full-blown freak-out with tightly packed concentric circles dicing up the pond. Certain this effect would disappear when viewed on my laptop, I was astounded to see that what I'd captured was genuine. The result was something beyond a cute animal shot. What I unknowingly captured was the reflection of Plaza buildings. The strong vertical lines were refracted on the surface to form a canvas of concentric circles. Four men were ticketed for illegally hunting deer including two animals shot from vehicles in the Capital Region this month, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said Wednesday. On Saturday, Dec. 2, a man called Environmental Conservation Officer Mike Arp to report he'd found a dead deer in a Durham, Greene County, field. The tipster said the deer was pierced with an arrow, and that he'd seen a pickup truck parked up the road with its lights off. Arp tracked down the truck using the truck's license plate and interviewed the owner, who admitted to shooting the deer with a crossbow when he spotted it in a field, the DEC said. The man is charged with firing a crossbow from a public highway, possessing a loaded crossbow in a vehicle, taking wildlife from a public highway, taking wildlife from a motor vehicle and taking a doe deer without a valid permit. On Tuesday, Dec. 11, someone called EnCon Officer Kurt Bush to report a deer had been shot from the side of a road in Berne, Albany County. Bush and EnCon Officer Wes Leubner arrived to find a 10-point buck. Leubner staked out the carcass and, several hours later, watched as a man followed the blood trail to the deer. The two officers then interrogated the man, who at first told police he was simply following a blood trail he happened upon but later admitted to shooting the buck from the road, the DEC said. The man is charged with trespassing, shooting from the roadway, illegally taking wildlife and failing to tag a deer. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. On Wednesday, Dec. 12, a homeowner called EnCon Officer Shane Manns to report hunters had trespassed on posted property and killed two deer in Johnston, Fulton County, the DEC said. The caller said he found two gut piles and drag marks leading to a home next to his property. Manns arrived and gathered evidence at the scene before speaking to the neighbor. That man said he'd given several people permission to hunt on his land and gave the officer their names. Manns and EnCon Officer Paul Pasciak interviewed two potential suspects and presented the evidence to both men, who admitted to trespassing and shooting the deer, the DEC said. The men were issued several tickets, including charges for trespass and illegally taking deer. The officers seized one buck and one doe, and donated the meat. ALBANY As the federal government shutdown enters its seventh day on Friday, federal courts in New York will remain fully operational for just two more weeks unless the budget impasse is broken and the funding is restored. Like federal courts around the nation, New York district and circuit courts can be funded for three weeks by court fees and long-term appropriations, according to John M. Domurad, clerk of court for U.S. District Court in the Northern District of New York. "We've been told by our administrative office that we can remain open until Jan. 11 and then we must come up with a shutdown plan. That's done through the chief judge of the district court," he said. The U.S. Department of Justice, which represents the federal government in district court proceedings, also has contingency procedures in place in the event of a shutdown to ensure the department's essential public safety and national security missions continue, according to Michael Barnett, assistant U.S. Attorney for Northern District of New York. While each office adapts the plan to its unique needs, employees with public safety and national security functions typically remain on the job, while others would be furloughed. "In the civil arena, typically attorneys with filing obligations that cannot be rescheduled will be allowed to meet court deadlines for filings, appearances, etc," Barnett said in an emailed statement. The Justice Department has asked federal courts nationwide to pause proceedings in certain high-profile cases, stating the government shutdown has restricted the ability of lawyers to perform their duties, like court-ordered deadlines and communicating with attorneys across agencies, the Washington Post reported. On Thursday, the New York State Bar Association sounded the alarm about "grave dangers" the shutdown poses to the federal judiciary in the state, and is calling on Congress and President Donald J. Trump to restore its funding. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. While federal courts are open, "there is confusion regarding which services are available and what offices within the federal courts system are staffed and available to serve attorneys and others who may not be involved in legal proceedings," NYSBA President Michael Miller said in a statement. The shutdown's impact on public safety is a serious concern, according to Miller. Federal courts supervise nearly a quarter of a million probationers and defendants awaiting trial. The shutdown will invariably reduce the number of pretrial service and probation officers who supervise convicted probationers released into the community and could jeopardize the quality of supervision of pretrial defendants released on bail. "The federal court system is the citadel charged with insuring proper administration of justice and our nation's adherence to the rule of law," Miller said. "Operations of the federal courts and, indeed, justice for all Americans should not and must not be subject to the vagaries of politics." Joyce Bassett's patience finally paid off she got her owl. Bassett, a photographer and Times Union news editor, has been trying for weeks to capture an image of a snowy owl she knew to be in the Malta area. She finally found him Wednesday night tucked behind some tall grass. And she watched him for more than an hour Thursday morning as he perched on a fence and surveyed the terrain. Bassett is becoming a bit of an owl specialist. In the spring, she captured stunning images a family of barred owls in Clifton Park. The owls' instant-celebrity status coincided with hikers and local officials working together to save the park and preserve the owls' habitat. Read the special report on their efforts here. Another owl was in the news this month after an employee at GlobalFoundries rescued the bird on his commute home. ALBANY New York has a free tuition plan for students at State University of New York campuses. But the program, known as the Excelsior Scholarship, is limited to students from families with incomes of up to $125,000. A relatively small number of private colleges are also participating. To broaden college access and affordability, lawmakers have in the past pushed for a pre-paid plan that would let families lock in tuition for their kids by paying in advance. The idea received a boost recently when a study from the Rockefeller Institute concluded that a state-sponsored prepaid tuition plan for public colleges and universities could expand access to SUNY and the City University of New York for tens of thousands of students "while creating a new pathway around student debt. One of the best strategies of dealing with student loan debt is to avoid it in the first place, added the report, which was issued earlier this month. Like most states, New York has a college savings or "529" plan that allows families to put funds aside tax-free toward tuition. That plan has proved popular. Launched in 1997, the states 529 College Savings Programs main account known as the Direct Plan was worth more than $22.6 billion, and has paid out more than $1.2 billion, according to a 2017 report from the state Comptrollers office. Those plans could be augmented by a pre-paid program which allows families to lock in a tuition rate for their children. So far, 11 states have added pre-paid components to their 529 savings plans, according to the Rockefeller Institute study. Those include a plan in Massachusetts that lets savers lock in half of their future tuition: If tuition was, say, $10,000 today, a $5,000 Tuition Certificate would be guaranteed to cover 50 percent of tuition no matter how much the tuition cost increases in the future. Florida, which has the nations largest pre-paid, plan lets parents lock in tuition at a state school from a childs birth. At the current rate, families that paid $186.28 per month from the child's arrival would cover tuition and fees for 120 credits, enough to earn a bachelors degree. Rockland County Democratic state Sen. David Carlucci sponsored a bill earlier in the year to create such a program, but it didnt make it out of the chamber's Education Committee. Long Island GOP Sen. Ken LaValle, the outgoing chairman of the Senate's Higher Education committee, introduced a similar measure. Queens Democrat Toby Stavisky will assume the committee chair's post when the new Democratic majority takes office in January. In the Assembly, Syracuse Democrat William Magnarelli has proposed a similar measure. The bill will likely come up again, especially as college debt becomes an ever-larger economic issue for many families. A November report by the Brookings Institution found that parents accumulating six-figure loans for their children are making up a record share of borrowers for college loans. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Also in November, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said student loan debt had reached crisis proportions, tripling since 2007 and growing by $500 billion since 2013. DeVos noted that since 2010 the growth has been driven by the amounts being borrowed: 70 percent of the student loan debt increase stems from individuals borrowing in larger sums, while 30 percent is due to an increase in the population of student loan borrowers. Not everyone is convinced that pre-paid programs are the answer. The New York Public Interest Research Group believes more financial aid is needed. Its unclear what schools overall think of pre-payment plans. SUNY has consistently worked to help students gain access to a quality education without burdensome debt, and we look forward to continuing this important work in 2019, SUNY spokeswoman Holly Liapis said. And the state Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities hasnt polled its members on the idea. It would be up to the individual institutions, said spokeswoman Emily Morgese. One potential challenge the schools might be contemplating: If costs go up faster than expected, schools might face a financial gap if a lot of families have locked in their tuition rates. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU Al-Asad Airbase, Iraq In an unannounced trip to Iraq Wednesday, President Donald Trump staunchly defended his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from neighboring Syria despite a drumbeat of criticism from military officials and allies who don't think the job fighting Islamic State militants there is over. Trump, making his first presidential visit to troops in a troubled region, said it's because the U.S. military had all but eliminated IS-controlled territory in both Iraq and Syria that he decided to withdraw 2,000 forces from Syria. He said the decision to leave Syria showed America's renewed stature on the world stage and his quest to put "America first." "We're no longer the suckers, folks," Trump told U.S. servicemen and women at al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq, about 100 miles west of Baghdad. "We're respected again as a nation." The decision to pull U.S. forces from Syria, however, stunned national security advisers and U.S. allies and prompted the resignations of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who was not on the trip, and the U.S. envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic extremist group. The militant group, also known as ISIS, has lost nearly all its territory in Iraq and Syria but is still seen as a threat. Trump's trip was shrouded in secrecy, which has been standard practice for presidents flying into conflict areas. Air Force One, lights out and window shutters drawn, flew overnight from Washington, landing at an airbase west of Baghdad in darkness Wednesday evening. During his three-plus hours on the ground, Trump did not meet with any Iraqi officials, but spoke on the phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. Trump's visit appeared to have inflamed sensitivities about the continued presence of U.S. forces in Iraq. The two major blocs in the Iraqi parliament both condemned the visit, likening it to a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. The airbase where Trump spoke is about 155 miles from Hajin, a Syrian town near the Iraqi border where Kurdish fighters are still battling IS extremists. Trump has said IS militants have been eradicated, but the latest estimate is that IS still holds about 60 square miles of territory in that region of Syria, although fighters fled the area and are in hiding in other pockets of the country. Critics say the U.S. exit from Syria, the latest in Trump's isolationist-style foreign policy, would provide an opening for IS to regroup, give Iran a green light to expand its influence in the region and leave U.S.-backed Kurdish forces vulnerable to attacks from Turkey. "I made it clear from the beginning that our mission in Syria was to strip ISIS of its military strongholds," said Trump, who wore an olive green bomber-style jacket as he was welcomed by chants of "USA! USA!" and speakers blaring Lee Greenwood's song "God Bless the USA." "We'll be watching ISIS very closely," said Trump, who was joined by first lady Melania Trump, but no members of his Cabinet or lawmakers. "We'll be watching them very, very closely, the remnants of ISIS." Trump also said he has no plans to withdraw the 5,200 U.S. forces in Iraq. That's down from about 170,000 in 2007 at the height of the surge of U.S. forces to combat sectarian violence unleashed by the U.S.-led invasion to topple dictator Saddam Hussein. Trump spoke on the phone with the prime minister, but the White House said security concerns and the short notice of the trip prevented the president from meeting him face to face. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The prime minister's office said that "differences in points of view over the arrangements" prevented the two from meeting but that they discussed security issues and Trump's order to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria over the phone. His office also did not say whether he had accepted an invitation to the White House. Trump said that after U.S. troops in Syria return home, Iraq could still be used to stage attacks on IS militants. "We can use this as a base if we wanted to do something in Syria," he said. "If we see something happening with ISIS that we don't like, we can hit them so fast and so hard" that they "really won't know what the hell happened." Trump said that it's time to leave Syria because the U.S. should not be involved in nation-building, and that other wealthy nations should shoulder the cost of rebuilding Syria. He also said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to battle "any remnants of ISIS" in Syria, which shares a border with Turkey. Trump, who speaks often about his support for the U.S. military, had faced criticism for not yet visiting U.S. troops stationed in harm's way as he comes up on his two-year mark in office. He told The Associated Press in October that he "will do that at some point, but I don't think it's overly necessary." He later began to signal that such a visit was in the offing. Trump told reporters that he had planned to make the trip three or four weeks ago, but word of the trip started getting out and forced him to postpone it. ALBANY The city detective who fired the shot that left 19-year-old Ellazar Williams paralyzed from the chest down was investigated by a unit in Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office that is stocked with a half-dozen Albany police veterans. A county grand jury cleared Detective James Olsen of any wrongdoing on Dec. 14 following what Soares said was a 16-week probe conducted by his office's Investigative Unit. The unit described on the district attorney's website as the office's "law enforcement arm" includes at least six members who had worked for the Albany Police Department. The list includes Chief Investigator Christian D'Alessandro, Senior Investigator Michael Farry and investigators Robert Wise, Jason Vogel, Victor Pizzola and Eric Sprague all of whom worked for Albany police as either detectives or officers, according to county budget records and Times Union archives. In a statement, Soares' spokeswoman Cecilia Walsh said Farry and Pizzola worked on the Williams investigation "along with multiple outside agencies including the New York State Police and Albany Crime Analysis Center." While D'Alessandro, a onetime Albany police commander, has been with Soares' office since he took office in January 2005, other investigators such as Vogel and Wise were working as detectives alongside Olsen. Other members in the unit include Chris Ruff, a retired Colonie police investigator; William Ward, a retired Guilderland police officer; and Steven Stein, who Times Union archives show had worked in Guilderland. Criminal justice advocates have for years complained that district attorneys offices are too closely aligned with the police forces that operate within their jurisdictions to fairly investigate cases of potential police misconduct. Citing the need to fight this public perception of bias, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in 2015 signed an executive order empowering the state attorney general's office to take over cases in which unarmed civilians are killed during interactions with police. On Dec. 14, Soares and his chief assistant, David Rossi, addressed reporters and gave a PowerPoint presentation to explain the sequence of events that led to the shooting. That all began when Williams and two other people allegedly caused a disturbance outside a Central Avenue grocery store. According to Soares' office, Olsen told the district attorney's investigators that Williams, armed with a large hunting knife, ignored his command and ran in his direction in a courtyard outside the former Tony Clement Center for Education at 395 Elk St. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The investigators interviewed Olsen as well as two other city detectives, Chris Cornell and Lawrence Heid, who were pursuing Williams. Rossi told reporters Olsen said he saw a "shiny object" in Williams' hand before the shooting. "Look in his hand! Look in his hand!" Olsen shouted into his radio, according to police audio. Heid, who had been behind Olsen, told the investigators he saw a flash of chrome in Williams' right hand and believed "they were about to be in a gun battle," Rossi said. But Williams' lawyers, who are suing the city, subsequently released enhanced surveillance video that they say shows Williams running from Olsen, falling and then getting up only to be shot. The video does not appear to show the teen moving toward the detective. When Soares was asked Dec. 14 if he believed Olsen's life was possibly in danger at the time of the shooting, Soares said, "It's not what I believe. It's what the detective, under the circumstances, believes. ... According to his testimony, he discharged his weapon under that belief." Local activists previously called for the shooting to be investigated by a special prosecutor. Hundreds have signed an online petition called on Soares to drop the charges of menacing a police officer and misdemeanor weapons possession Williams is facing. Soares has also faced criticism for proceeding with the grand jury investigation into Olsen's actions before settling the case against Williams. A Drombane man was fined 700 for giving lifts to passengers in his car while not having the appropriate taxi licences, at a sitting of Thurles district court. Gerard Ryan, of Drombane Village, Thurles, was fined 500 for providing a public transport service from an unlicensed vehicle, and 200 for providing the service without a proper licence, at Liberty Square, Thurles, on November 12, 2017. The case was taken on behalf of the National Transport Authority (NTA). Separately, Mr Ryan is also charged with having no insurance, at Townparks, Thurles, on the same date. Garda Ivor Whyte told Judge Elizabeth MacGrath at an earlier court that gardai had heard of an alleged illegal taxi service operating out of Clonoulty. He and Garda Alison White went in plain clothes to Trishas bar public house to uncover the operation. That must have been a hard evenings work, joked the judge. Garda Whyte asked for a number for a taxi driver, and was given Gerard Ryans number. Garda Whyte said he then rang the number, and later, Mr Ryan identified himself as the person Garda White had been talking to on the phone. Following casual conversation in the car, Garda Whyte handed Mr Ryan 15 for the lift after being delivered in to Liberty Square, Thurles. Barrister Padraig DeBurca said his client maintained that Garda White had left the money on the seat of the car. Garda Alison White said they arrived in the pub at about 11pm and stayed there for some time socialising. The driver collected them from the back of the pub and they arrived back in Thurles at about 1.48am. Gerard Ryan identified himself as the man on the phone, said Garda White. He dropped us outside Hayes Hotel. During the course of the conversation, Mr Ryan said he did not hold a licence to carry passengers for fare. Garda Ivor Whyte handed over the 15, and exited the vehicle, said Garda Alison White. I recall him (Ryan) asking for the 15 specifically. Covert Human Intelligence - CHIS A garda attached to the new covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) system, told the court he was involved in a covert operation to tackle unauthorised hackney operators in the Thurles area. On the night, he observed the female garda at Liberty Square, after which he proceeded in a marked patrol car after Mr Ryans vehicle. Mr Ryans licence did not entitle him to drive for a fare. The vehicle was not licensed, and the driver was not licensed, said the garda. Ryan denied that a payment had been made, and that the two gardai were friends of his. Mr DeBurca maintained there was a certain conflict in the details of the two gardas evidence, and there had to be reasonable doubt. In court, Mr Ryan said he received a call. They told me they were on a tinder date. The two gardai claimed to be a secondary school teacher and a beautician, and she played for the Clare U21 hurling team. In Liberty Square, the male garda insisted on giving him money, said Mr Ryan. He said go on, go on have something. Mr Ryan maintained he had brought in the two people as a favour, and there was no conversation with Garda White as to whether he was a taxi driver. If you carry people around people will assume youre a taxi. Its a fair assumption, said a solicitor for the NTA. The two gardai have identified you accepting the 15. Thats false information, said Mr Ryan. He coaxed me into it. Mr DeBurca argued that the gardai set out to entrap someone and they got Mr Ryan. And they are not entitled to do that. Mr DeBurca also argued that the surveillance operation may have breached legislation. The NTA solicitor said Mr DeBurcas submission in relation to operation tinder, if you want to call it, was outdated. Judge MacGrath said she had considered if the gardas actions amounted to entrapment or incitement. There was a bit of conflict in the evidence, in that they went to Trisha's bar for a number and then left. Gerard Ryan said he got a call from a private number. The issue of entrapment did not exist, as he was reacting to the call for the publican, not the gardai. Even if he had taken a call from the gardai, that number was got from the publican. Judge MacGrath said she could not find entrapment to be the case in these proceedings, having considered European law. He said he did not seek any payment, and maintains the gardai thrust the money at him. However, Judge MacGrath said she accepted the gardais version of events, and was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Ryan was guilty. Mr Ryan (47) is unemployed, a single parent, with no previous convictions. It costs people to be running a proper taxi service, and there are regulations in the public interest. Its not acceptable, said the judge, fining Mr Ryan 700, and setting recognisances at 250. The matter of no insurance was adjourned for further legal argument. Five9 Names New EVP of Engineering By Maurice Nagle - Web Editor Every disruptive product or portfolio begins with an idea. This first step leads to planning, which then evolves to development and before you know it, its time to go to market. Leadership plays a key role in the incubation of product roadmaps and creating future-forward solutions fit for the digital age. Five9 announced a new addition to its leadership team. David Pickering will join the Five9 squad as executive vice president of engineering, where he is tasked with leading the Five9 worldwide engineering team in product and platform development. David brings years of experience leading engineering and product delivery for some of Silicon Valleys biggest and most successful technology companies, said Five9 CEO Rowan Trollope. We were especially drawn to his success engineering modern cloud services and scaling those on public cloud. At the same time, David has a laser focus on building incredible customer experiences into every product line hes worked on. We are fortunate to add him to our leadership team. In his previous role at Intuit, Pickering put his best foot forward, as served in a leadership role engineering QuickBooks Online and was critical in launching the QuickBooks Accountant segment. The industry veteran possesses a strong track record from his time at Intuit and will now bring the same vigor to his role at Five9. Our relationship with companies and their brands has become much more personal recently and demands for seamless interactions with them is at an all-time high, said Pickering. As it has evolved from the first cloud-only contact center a decade ago to its deep integration with artificial intelligence, Five9 is positioned to once again help transform how customers interact with companies. Rowan has a clear vision for technologys role in this shift and I am honored to be able to contribute. Innovation is leading the way across the technology landscape so it is crucial to staff accordingly, placing the proper people in leadership to navigate the needs of customers through development. Please enable JavaScript to view the Edited by Maurice Nagle [December 26, 2018] VisualCamp concludes MOU with Grassroots Angel Investment from China SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- VisualCamp, a member company of the K-ICT Born2Global Centre, concluded its MOU with Grassroots Angel Investment from Shenzhen, China, for the development of eye-tracking technology applicable to mobile devices, VR, and signs. VisualCamp, VR/AR eye-tracking technology developer, said that its work with Grassroots Angel Investment is particularly meaningful in that the resulting devices, equipped with VisualCamp's eye-tracking technology, will enable Chinese people with disabilities who cannot use digital devices by hand to use various digital services in real life. According to the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), there are 85 million people with a registered disability nationwide (as of 2010). The recently completed MOU, which aims to enhance the lives of people with disabilities living in China, marks VisualCamp's first cooperative project. The project, supported by the Chinese government, will soon conclude with the dissemination of digital devices (equipped with VisualCamp's technology) to people with disabilities. Devices will first be disseminated in the Shenzhen region, followed by other prefectures. In addition to the digital device dissemination project for people with disabilities, VisualCamp is planning to sell products equipped with the aforementioned technology to the general market as well. VisualCamp aims to establish new advertisement platform business models by applying its eye-tracking technology to apartments, apartment elevators, taxis, and different types of signage. The development and commercialization of the technology for general use will begin in January. The CEO of Grassroots Angel Investment, Chen Weiwei, commented on the project saying, "I have high expectations as we continue to cooperate with VisualCamp using its unmatched, eye-tracking technology." He added, "I am confident that eye-tracking will become a new UI/UX and will be used as a core technology for digital devices, including mobile phones." VisualCamp has already developed and commercialized the embedded and external modules that apply eye-tracking technology to VR and mobile devices. For its VR eye-tracking, Visual is currently working with the Chinese VR HMD manufacturer, Pimax, to develop a module. The module is scheduled for release at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), to be held this coming January, together with VisualCamp's smartphone-embedded/external eye-tracking technology. For more detailed information on VisualCamp, visit www.visual.camp. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181226/2335292-1 SOURCE K-ICT Born2Global Centre [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] ScientiaMobile Image CDN Reduces Payload by 69 Percent for eCommerce Site Sporter.com RESTON, Va., Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ScientiaMobile s image Content Delivery Network (CDN), ImageEngine , helped increase the business of United Arab Emirates platform, Sporter.com, by reducing image payload by 69 percent and accelerating page load time by 33 percent. Sporter.com is a nutrition and supplements eCommerce website that delivers to customers in the Middle East and North Africa. As a company that is solely reliant on online sales, Sporter.com knows that decreasing their page load time is critical for attracting and keepng shoppers on their site. In the Middle East, if you are sending a large image to a mobile phone and scaling it on the client side, and the user is on a slow mobile connection, then the slow performance will make people bounce. Most of our customers are using mobile in a region with few POPs, so reducing image size without reducing quality is critical. ImageEngine helped us with that, said Azzam Jarad, Chief Technology Officer at Sporter.com. After implementing ImageEngine by ScientiaMobile along with other website optimizations, Sporter.com received several benefits to their eCommerce business including technological and business-related. Here is what they found: Business Benefits Increased Revenue by 34 percent Decreased CDN Costs by 69 percent Streamlined Image Management, saving 90 percent Technology Benefits Decreased Image Payload by 69 percent per month Decreased Load Time by 33 percent or 3.37 seconds The ImageEngine Solution Sporter.com tested ImageEngines resizing CDN service to address their image acceleration challenges. ImageEngine is unique because it seamlessly combines three services. ImageEngine leverages: ScientiaMobiles WURFL device detection to identify the devices coming to a website. Once detected, ImageEngine uses intelligence about the device to drive image resizing and compression. ImageEngine leverages this device information to automatically resize, convert, and compress images in real-time. It resizes only when images are requested. ImageEngine also caches images, so there is no need to resize them for subsequent requests from identical devices. ImageEngine uses its global CDN with device-aware edge servers. This means that ImageEngines logic is pushed to the edge of its global network with more than 40 POPs. Images are cached as close to customers as possible, averaging a 65 percent faster web page download time. About Sporter.com Addicted to sports, dedicated to athletes, and up-to-date with the latest sport supplements to provide our sporters with top notch brands, thats who we are. Based in UAE, licensed to Sport For All in the Middle East & North Africa, and extending our existence in the GCC; our operations are located in state of the art warehouses across multiple countries, where we will be glad to fulfill your order from the nearest warehouse in order to provide the fastest delivery along with the maximum availability and amazing prices. Sporter.com is an online eCommerce website that provides a user-friendly, convenient, and price-effective sport store to deliver original, authentic and high quality sport-based products through a secured and hassle-free platform. Sporter is an online platform that offers muscle-building, protein, pre-workout, and weight gaining supplements--a one stop shop for sports. About ScientiaMobile ScientiaMobile helps enterprises increase their profitability by improving their mobile user experience through device detection and image optimization. ScientiaMobiles WURFL device detection is the most accurate and expansive device detection solution in the world with over 55,000 devices, 99 percent accuracy, unparalleled API speed, and world-class ticketed support. ScientiaMobiles ImageEngine smart CDN is the only solution in the market that combines proactive device detection with image optimization and CDN capabilities. With customers such as Google and Amazon, ScientiaMobile continues to lead the mobile device intelligence market and leverage their core competency to expand into new markets. Press Contact for ScientiaMobile: Bethany Libus, MBA Marketing Manager [email protected] +1 703 310 6650 x118 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] Wirecard Partners With Cimple Marketing to Offer Alipay for Venue Retail Group, One of Sweden's Leading Fashion and Accessories Enterprises ASCHHEIM, Germany, December 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese travelers are able to use Alipay at the 124 stores operated by Venue Retail Group in Sweden and Norway Wirecard, the global innovation leader in digital financial technology, has announced a cooperation with Cimple Marketing to offer Alipay at stores operated by Venue Retail Group - one of the leading fashion and accessories enterprises in Sweden. Venue Retail Group currently operates 124 stores in Sweden and Norway, offering its customers a wide range of fashion products through their four different concept brands Accent, Morris, Rizzo and NK Shoes & Accessories. By giving Chinese guests the opportunity to use their domestic payment method, the stores operated by Venue Retail Group will become an attractive shopping destination for Chinese visitors. Nearly 12.4 million Chinese travelers visited Europe in 2017, which makes them the biggest traveling nation worldwide. This number is expected to reach 20.8 million by 2022, showing a growth of 68%. Luxury goods such as designer handbags, shoes and apparel are the most in-demand products with Chinese tourists. During their trip, Chinese guests spend an average of over EUR 3,000 per person on shopping. Based on the experience of other Wirecard customers, offering Alipay as a new payment method can lead to an increase of more than 350% in the total transactions by Chinese tourists within one year. Thanks to Wirecard's cooperation with Cimple, a specialist in marketing to the Chinese market, Venue Retail Group is able to engage a continuously growing and promising target group. China is one of Sweden's fastest-growing sources of tourists. More Chinese visitors are turning from traditional sightseeing to in-depth traveling, seeking to experience the local lifestyle - including shopping. We are pleased to work with Wirecard and Cimple to offer the new payment method." Thomas Wecke, Co-Founder of Cimple Marketing, added, "Our aim is to help retailers in Sweden to improve their understanding for Chinese target groups and to bring the world's largest traveling nation to Swedish shopping destinations. Together with Wirecard, our partner for digital payment technology, we are glad to strengthen the connection between European retailers and Chinese travelers." Michael Brinkmann, Executive Vice President Partner Management at Wirecard, commented, "Chinese travelers are a huge target group with an enormous sales potential for European merchants. By offering Alipay as a fully digital payment method, European retailers are able to significantly increase both customer satisfaction and, consequently, their sales figures as well. With this new partnership, Wirecard shows its global reach with local competence." About Wirecard: Wirecard (GER: WDI) is one of the world's fastest growing digital platforms in the area of financial commerce. We provide both business customers and consumers with a constantly expanding ecosystem of real-time value-added services built around innovative digital payments by using an integrated B2B2C approach. This ecosystem concentrates on the areas payment & risk, retail & transaction banking, loyalty & couponing, data analytics & conversion rate enhancement in all sales channels (online, mobile, ePOS). Wirecard operates regulated financial institutions in several key markets, holds issuing and acquiring licenses from all major payment and card networks. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (DAX and TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060). Visit us on http://www.wirecard.com , follow us on Twitter @wirecard and on Facebook @wirecardgroup. About Cimple Marketing: Cimple Marketing is the first full-range service partner in the Nordics to exclusively provide marketing and payment services towards Chinese consumers. Together with our partners, we provide companies in all sectors the opportunity to reach the world's most lucrative consumer group, Chinese consumers. About Venue Retail: With around 124 stores in Sweden and Norway, the Venue Retail Group is a leading supplier of travel accessories, footwear and accessories. The company is managed by our own and external brands according to our four concepts: Accent, Morris, Rizzo and NK Shoes & Accessories. Wirecard media contact: Wirecard AG Jana Tilz Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1363 Email: [email protected] Cimple Marketing media contact: Cimple Marketing Thomas Wecke Tel.: +46(0)8-22-39-04 Email: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] VRAR Project Team from Gyeonggi Province collaborates with a New York-based company in the US SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A local VRAR-based project team, aided by the Gyeonggi Contents Agency (the Agency, herein after) took part in a Global Collaboration Project (GCP) in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York from the 25th of November until the 9th of December for a total of 2 weeks. The GCP was designed by Gyeonggi Province and the Agency to provide a foothold for the future development of the VRAR industry and for it to launch into the international market through networking with overseas VRAR companies and agencies. The GCP specializes in providing international business opportunities to individuals and teams working on VRAR contents and hardware by allowing them to meet and collaborate with talents from all across the world to help them improve their capabilities and expand their future horizons. The project, unlike other overseas or international business projects, enables the participants to collaborate from the get go and work from the development processes with the overseas partners, rather than just having the participants advertise and sell locally produced goods or services. The Agency simultaneously proceeded various local programs with NYC RLab, a VRAR start-up development agency in New York during the project period. At this GCP New York event, theprogram participants' exhibition booths were set up to demonstrate, discuss and pitch their ideas and hard work for various VR/AR/MR companies who visited the EXPLORING FUTURE REALITY CONFERENCE on the 29th of November. There were also other opportunities for the participants to present their work at other AR/VR networking events, such as AWE Nite and NYVR MEET UP, in order to focus on creating new partnerships with local companies and organizations. There were 4 teams who participated on the GCP New York Project: Youl Systems and Like Corporation (Consortium Company) -- provides VR-based Cyber Plant development services for power generation and processing plants, StudioVR -- developers of ergonomically designed and improved VR headsets using sound technology to reduce motion sickness, Myungji Korea -- a photo kiosk service developer integrating AR photo services, similar to Snapchat and Snow, to previous standard photo kiosks, and Tech Village -- a medical solutions company adapting VR technology to rehabilitation treatment solutions. Youl Systems and Like Corporation managed to create a solution for a nuclear cyber plant system with Glimpse Group, an organization created for the nurturing of local American enterprises, and concluded an NDA to launch their business into the American plant industry. Glimpse Group is composed of 10 different VR/AR software and service businesses, and runs the NYVR Meet up event, with 5800 visitors frequenting the event. There were also other positive results from the participants of the GCP New York Project with over 10 MOU deals being made. Previously at GCP Manchester and GCP Vancouver, participants managed to sign 10 and 18 MOUs respectively, while the 5 NDA collaborative projects are well under way. Erang Yim, business manager at the Agency, stated: "We see New York as a great opportunity for small local start-up companies to become more active in the industry, considering how New York, while smaller in capacity compared to Silicon Valley, has an extremely active market from the strong network basis formed by the government, development agencies, civil investments as well as NYU and Columbia University. We will continue to provide support for their business projects to strive and see success in the long run." View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vrar-project-team-from-gyeonggi-province-collaborates-with-a-new-york-based-company-in-the-us-300770914.html SOURCE GCA (Gyeonggi Content Agency) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] 2018 IECIE Shanghai Vape Culture Week Comes to a Successful End SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- From December 7 to 9, IECIE Shanghai Vape Culture Week (IECIE Shanghai), organized by UBM Creative, was successfully held in Shanghai New International Expo Center. This exhibition is the debut of IECIE in East China, during which Shanghai saw a sharp drop in temperature and the first snowfall. However, cold weather didn't reduce visitors' expectations for IECIE and enthusiasm for the e-cigarette industry. The biggest highlight of this exhibition is undoubtedly China Tobacco's participation: China Tobacco's companies in Hubei, Sichuan, Anhui, Yunnan, etc. made their debut at IECIE. This is the first time that China Tobacco's companies have appeared at an e-cigarette exhibition which attracted great attention from the industry. At the exhibition, high-profile new tobacco products in the industry were introduced to the public. IECIE Shanghai Vape Culture Week is dedicated to crating a professional exhibition focusing on pod systems and heat-not-burn devices, conforming to the market trend and leading the market development direction. At the "2019 Global New Tobacco Product Innovation & Development Summit Forum" held at IECIE Shanghai on the afternoon of December 7, important guests in the industry shared and discussed relevant technology applications and future development directions, causing a stir in the conference site. On December 8, the "2018-2019 Annual E-cigarette Industry Investment and Financing Conference" was held successfully; guest speakers made an in-depth analysis on the current situation and development of the e-cigarette market, and sponsors also expressed their views on the e-cigarette market and shared several high-quality project roadshows. The two events were the first professional meetings held in the e-cigarette industry focusing on relevant fields, and were widely praised. On December 9, "Special Offer Trading Day" also drew an excited crowd and, as a key activity of the exhibition, brought IECIE Shanghai to its brilliant conclusion. At this exhibition, IECIE Shanghai attracted 350+ brands, covering the complete industrial chain of conventional e-cigarette devices, e-liquid, pod system, nicotine salt e-liquid, and heat-not-burn devices and accessories. More than 10,000 people attended the three-day exhibition. The event attracted a large number of high-quality professional visitors in East China, showed insiders the bright prospect of the e-cigarette market in East China, and provided a broad audience base for the next IECIE e-cigarette exhibition. IECIE Shenzhen eCig Expo (IECIE Shenzhen) will be held in Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center from April 14 to 16, 2019. Register online for free here: http://en.iecie.com/reg.php. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2018-iecie-shanghai-vape-culture-week-comes-to-a-successful-end-300770931.html SOURCE UBM [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] Gopher to Offer a Chat Capable Agent for its Avant! AI to Enable Complex Informational Capabilities for Gopher Protocol and its Customers' Platforms San Diego, CA, Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) ("Gopher), a company specializing in the development of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence enabled mobile technologies, including a global mesh network technology platform for both mobile and fixed solutions, announced today it is now working to enable its Gopher Avant! AI to be an informational agent covering Gophers technologies, products, platforms and related topics. Avant! will become an information resource agent concerning Gopher's technology including past, present and future developments. In addition, the agent will have the knowledge to inform visitors about any other related corporate information. Gopher is also developing a customizable version that can be adopted by customers of Gophers technology platforms. This version can be used to analyze information and become a subject matter expert in the relevant domain in order to assist their users with domain and organizational information. For example, Gophers customizable version can be used to provide a customer support chat agent for businesses that rely on large databases, e.g. like retail stores, legal firms, medical organizations, research organizations, etc. and others. Gopher is developing a proprietary algorithm, which is a derivative version of the 'cosine similarity, vector based analysis' approach. In this method sentences are analyzed and assigned vectors in order to enable an advanced and accurate questions/answering system. On top of that Gopher will be adding RNN (Recurrent) Neural Network to enable high accuracy and training capability. The first version of the Avant! AI informational agent system, to be used within the Gophers domain, is targeted for January 2019. This release will offer users a customer service, chat oriented interface, in order to provide any type of information about Gopher. Users questions can be about the technology and products, current development stages, SEC filings, corporate team and any other general information that is publihed on Gopher's web site. The agent will be launched as a proof of concept to front-end powerful customer support systems. This type of service is planned to be offered commercially in the near future as the agent is further enhanced following the proof of concept release. "During mid-January 2019, Avant! will release an informational agent that will be an expert about Gopher. We are preparing to make Avant! a competitive player in the AI arena. One of Avant!s future features is a customer support/informational agent for businesses and institutions to be able to deploy an online and mobile application oriented customer service informational interface. For example, Avant! could learn a retail chains inventory, products, prices and other vital information and provide answers in real time to customers. Furthermore, Avant! will be able to track orders, using simple NLP (Natural Language Processing) and provide the customer with shipping and arrival updates. As a first demonstratable step, we are making Avant!s agent an expert in Gopher's information," stated Dr. Danny Rittman, Gopher's CTO. About Gopher Protocol Inc. Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) (Gopher) (http://gopherprotocol.com/) is a development-stage company which considers itself a native IoT creator, developing Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled mobile technology platforms. Gopher has a portfolio of Intellectual Property that, when commercialized, will include smart microchips, mobile and security applications and protocols, and supporting cloud software. Gophers system envisions the creation of a global mesh network. The core of the system will be its advanced microchip technology that can be installed in any mobile or fixed device worldwide. Gopher envisions this system as a low-cost, secure, private mesh network between any enabled devices, providing shared processing, advanced mobile database management/sharing and enhanced mobile features as an alternative to traditional carrier services. https://www.avant-ai.net/ Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Companys ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Companys successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Companys products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. Contact: Dr. Danny Rittman, CTO Gopher Protocol Inc. VM Only 888-685-7336 Media: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] OneLife Technologies Corp. Achieves Wearable Technology Milestones, Including Completion of FCC Certification and PTCRB Approval ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OneLife Technologies Corp. (OneLife, the Company) (OTC: OLMM), a mobile monitoring, health and medical data, and integrated technologies company, today announces an update on its business, including the FCC certification and PTCRB approval of its stand-alone health wearable. As we come to the end of 2018, we are very pleased with the technology accomplishments that we have achieved over the past several months, stated Robert J. Wagner, CEO of OneLife Technologies Corp. By completing the acquisition of key technology assets, receiving FCC certification and PTCRB approval, along with successful in-market testing, we can now begin finalizing the launch of our stand-alone wearable with our advanced data collection and monitoring device platform for the global health and medical marketplaces, added Wagner. Summary of Recent Developments: Finalized Yinuo Asset Acquisitions OneLife Technologies has completed the acquisition of Yinuo IP, Intellectual Property, and other related assets regarding the wearable and Tricorder technologies. The Company is now able to protect any new technology and products, which it may introduce to the market in 2019, against any competitive infringement. The acquisition of these assets was finalized on November 7, 2018 when the Registration Certificate of Technology Export Contract was stamped by the Chinese Government Authority (Shenzhen Economy, Trade and Information Committee). Completion of FCC Certification for Health Watch The FCC has decided that all devices that are intentional radiators in the FCC frequency spectrum must receive an FCC certification prior to being marketed for sale in the US. Compliance Testing is mandated to test a device to the appropriate FCC Standards or FCC Rule Part to validate compliance. The completed FCC test report is then submitted to a TCB (Telecommunication Certification Body) for review and approval. The manufacturer then receives an FCC Grant enabling the sale of the device in the US market. OnLife Technologies, Corp. completed/received their FCC Certifications on November 28, 2018. Completion of PTCRB Approval for Health Watch PTCRB is a certification organization established in 1997 by leading wireless operators to define test specifications and methods to ensure device interoperability on global wireless networks. With PTCRB certification, operators and device manufacturers are confident of a devices interoperability with mobile networks. Member operators are committed to ensuring device quality through a rigorous certification process. Without PTCRB certification, manufacturers run the risk that their devices will be blocked on wireless networks. OneLife Technologies Corp. completed and received PTCRB approval on December 3, 2018. As a result of having completed the IP acquisition, FCC certification and PTCRB approval, we are now poised to deliver to the marketplace the first wrist-worn wearable that is a cellular enabled, stand-alone, LTE-M connected instrument. In addition, the OneLife wearable product will be a networked-certified device with up to a 5-day battery life that can be integrated not only with other devices through our custom Bluetooth protocol, but also with other relevant software platforms. We are very excited to continue the execution of our business plan in 2019 as the OneLife Team brings to market its Hub-of-Care health and medical technologies while continuing its focus on becoming a leader in mobile health and medical technology innovation, added Wagner. ABOUT ONELIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP. OneLife Technologies Corp. is a mobile medical software/data collection company with a suite of proprietary, patented, medical grade wearable tracking technologies designed to provide patients, physicians, nursing homes, and hospitals with 24/7 real-time centralized, personal, comprehensive health data. For additional information, visit www.onelifetc.com . Keep up-to-date on OneLife Technologies news, events and developments, join our online communities at Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn . Contact Information: OneLife Technologies Corp. Investor Relations Email: [email protected] FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT This news release includes forward-looking statements that reflect OneLife Technologies Corp. current expectations about its future results, performance, prospects and opportunities OneLife Technologies Corp. has tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words and phrases such as "may", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "should", "typical", "we are confident" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects of opportunities for the remainder of 2018 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] Accurate Background Expands Executive Leadership in Sales and Finance Accurate Background has announced new leadership in Sales and Finance to support and maintain its accelerated growth as a leader in background screening. Industry expert and sales veteran Damian Villegas has joined the company as Chief Sales Officer. In addition to Damian's hiring, the company also announced that experienced senior financial executive Peter Harker has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer. Damian Villegas brings a tremendous amount of industry sales experience, having previously worked at Sterling Talent Solutions as EVP of Global Accounts and holding multiple senior leadership roles over 14 years at the organization. Damian has a strong track record of building high performing sales teams and winning large accounts in an ultra-competitive market. Peter Harker brings a seasoned record as a senior financial executive in the technology industry and has successfully served as CFO in both public and private companies. Peter previously held the role of CFO at clean-tech company Biosynthetic Technologies, LLC, and has held several finance leadership roles across various industries. "I was drawn to Accurate Background by the fabulous culture. Their level of client and candidate focus has driven tremendous company success. I can't wait to add value throuh my industry Sales experience to help us continue to grow as a leader in employment screening," said Damian Villegas. Peter Harker also commented, "Working alongside Damian and the rest of the team at Accurate Background is going to be a great experience. I look forward to helping the company expand upon the success it has seen over the years." Accurate Background CEO Dave Dickerson said, "Damian and Peter are incredible additions to the Accurate Background team. We look forward to their contributions toward our goal of helping even more companies make informed hiring decisions." Accurate Background's new leadership announcement comes after the company was listed in the Deloitte (News - Alert) Technology Fast 500 as a fastest growing technology company in North America. About Accurate Background Accurate Background is a leading provider of automated workforce screening. U.S. and international clients across all industries, from emerging businesses to Fortune 500 companies, rely on their compliant solutions. Accurate Background is accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners and has been recognized by Inc. 5000, and Deloitte Technology Fast 500, and the Workforce Hotlist. Learn more at accurate.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005018/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] Balfour Beatty Communities Foundation Donates $25,000 to Help Military Families at Tyndall Air Force Base Following Hurricane Michael Balfour Beatty Communities Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to supporting organizations that help military personnel and their families, today announced a donation of $25,000 to the Air Force Aid Society to support Air Force families who were affected by Hurricane Michael. Balfour Beatty Communities operates all military family housing at Tyndall Air Force Base and is working closely with the Air Force to outline a path forward to restore the Tyndall AFB Homes community. "The aftermath of Hurricane Michael caused severe damage to the Tyndall Air Force Base community, where families have seen their homes leveled and belongings lost forever. It's essential for organizations to band together and come to their aid," said Leslie Cohn, board member of Balfour Beatty Communities Foundation. "Our donation represents our commitment to supporting families in need and we're proud to be able to help the Air Force Aid Society build a road to recovery." Balfour Beatty Communities' Tyndall AFB Homes team presented the $25,000 check to Air Force Aid Society Chief Operating Officer and retired Air Force Col. Linda Egentowich. Members of the Tyndall Spouses Club and the Airman and Family Readiness Center were also in attendance. The Air Force Aid Society supports the Air Force mission by relieving emergency financial distress, helping Airmen and their families achieve educational goals and improving their quality of life through community programs. "We're grateful for the generosity and partnership we have with the Balfour Beatty Communities Foundation. Donations like this enable Air Force Aid Society to continue to provide critical financial support to our Airmen and their families when they need it most," said Col. Linda Egentowich, USAF (Ret), Chief Operating Officer, Air Force Aid Society. "This donation will ensure we're able to assist more Air Force families." The Balfour Beatty Communities Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which principally focuses on supporting the post-secondary education goals of residents living in a community owned and managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, a national residential real estate investment and management company responsible for the ownership and operation of real estate assets for multifamily, student and military housing sectors. Since its inception in 2007, Balfour Beatty Communities Foundation has funded more than 360 academic scholarships for deserving residents and donated to numerous organizations delivering critical support to service members and their families, veterans and other members of the military community. For more information, visit https://www.bbcommunitiesfoundation.org/. Air Force Aid Society is still accepting Hurricane Relief donations. Visit www.afas.org to make a donation and for more information. About Balfour Beatty Communities Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC is a diversified real estate services company delivering development, design, financing, construction, renovation, property and facilities management services in the multifamily, student and military housing sectors. A leader in the industry, Balfour Beatty Communities has more than 50,000 residential units and $6 billion in real estate assets under management and has developed or renovated more than 29,000 units with a total value of close to $4 billion. Headquartered outside Philadelphia, PA, Balfour Beatty Communities has more than 1,200 employees and is a subsidiary of Balfour Beatty Investments, Inc. Balfour Beatty Investments is part of Balfour Beatty plc, a global leader in construction services, support services, and infrastructure investment. About Air Force Aid Society The Air Force Aid Society is a four-star Charity Navigator-rated private, non-profit organization. Founded in 1942, the Air Force Aid Society's mission is to help relieve financial distress of Air Force members and their families and assist them in achieving their educational goals and improving their quality of life by providing proactive programs. In 2017 alone, the Air Force Aid Society provided over $15 million to more than 45,000 Airmen and their families through emergency assistance, educational and community programs. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the Air Force Aid Society administers assistance through Airman and Family Readiness Centers around the world and maintains cross-servicing agreements with the Army Emergency Relief, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief, the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance and the American Red Cross to offer emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To learn more about the Air Force Aid Society, please visit www.afas.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005252/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] Hunton Andrews Kurth Advises on Commercial Close for 300 Million Motorway Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to announce its role as lead transaction counsel to the government of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the development of an approximately 300 million motorway project. The 42-kilometer motorway between Banja Luka and Prijedor in northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina is a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Srpska government and Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co. Ltd., which will finance, construct, operate and maintain the motorway. The parties approved the project's concession agreement on Dec. 13. "The Banja Luka-Prijedor PPP motorway is one of, if not the first, PPP infrastructure projects to be granted to a Chinese company, to be financed by a Chinese international financial institution, in a form consistent with European Union standards (with a full availability payment)," said London-based energy and infrastructure partner Kirk Lovric, who leads the Hunton Andrews Kurth team. Hunton Andrews Kurth also is advising the Srpska government on matters related to the project's upcoming financial close. In addition to Lovric, the team also includes senior attorney Jamie Head. The firm also worked closely with Deloitte (News - Alert) and engineering consultancy CESTRA on the project. Hunton Andrews Kurth has experience across the entire range of contractual arrangements for PPP projects. The firm has represented project lenders, investors, developers, sponsors and governments throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States on PPP transactions and other project matters for more than 20 years. The firm also has worked extensively with governments and their parastatals, using financing and other programs provided by the World Bank and other governmental, multinational, multilateral and bilateral export credit, risk insurance and lending agencies. About Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP Hunton Andrews Kurth is a global law firm of more than 1,000 lawyers handling transactional, litigation and regulatory matters for clients in myriad industries including energy, financial services, real estate, retail and consumer products and technology. Areas of practice focus include capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, PPP, public finance and infrastructure, and privacy and cybersecurity. With offices across the United States and in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we're aligned with our clients' businesses and committed to delivering exceptional service. Visit HuntonAK.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005326/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] First Tech Federal Credit Union Members, Employees and Partners Unite in Signature "Season of Giving" Campaign Supporting 95 Charities with $213,000 First Tech Federal Credit Union members, employees and partners joined forces for the annual 'Season of Giving' signature campaign designed to leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve. Through in-branch and online voting in Oregon, Washington, California and beyond, First Tech employees, members, and the community directed $213,000 and contributed 7,436 volunteer hours toward organizations that build stronger communities through education, research and innovation. Front-running 'Season of Giving' recipients include Washington's Page Ahead, which focuses on childhood literacy in underserved communities; Oregon's SMART, which provides vital one-on-one reading support for children around Oregon; and California's UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital-Oakland, which provides innovative support and medical care to children and families. Now in its sixth year, 'Season of Giving' is an opportunity for First Tech to celebrate and support partners who are strengthening the community. "We're proud to support these wonderful organizations as they strive to create long-lasting change in areas of our community that need it most," said First Tech President and CEO Greg Mitchell. "Thanks to the support of our valued members, employees and partners, we're building a legacy of impact - for our neighbors, our friends, and our families - so our communities thrive for generations to come." As the leading provider of literacy support for children and families in Washington state, Page Ahead is working to close the gap in academic achievement. Focusing on underserved communities throughout Washington state, Page Ahead's literacy programs ensure that every child has a strong foundation for success. First Tech's $18,000 donation directly supports programming that increases language development, family involvement, and enabling students to develop a passion for learning. SMART works to get books into the hands of children at pivotal points in their academic development, inspiring a love of reading and providing the vital one-on-one support and resources they need to meet literacy and learning benchmarks. First Tech's $25,50 donation to SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) will directly benefit children from under resourced communities throughout Oregon and help them develop the self-confidence, motivation, and skills they need to succeed in school. First Tech's $23,500 donation to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital will support and sustain the Child Life program where highly-trained specialists provide hospitalized children with opportunities to engage in therapeutic play, education and self-expression as they receive life-saving care. With funding dedicated to innovative care and supportive health services for children, First Tech's partnership with UCSF Benioff directly impacts the hope and healing of children and families experiencing health related challenges. Other partners receiving significant donations during the 'Season of Giving' campaign include: Oregon Food Bank ($13,500) Doernbecher Children's Hospital ($21,000) Seattle Children's Hospital ($11,000) Northwest Harvest Food Bank ($8,000) Boys and Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley ($9,000) Second Harvest Food Bank ($9,500) First Tech is committed to furthering the credit union philosophy of people helping people. In 2018, First Tech provided more than $3 million in charitable giving and over 30,000 employee volunteer hours to the community, directing dollars and time to nonprofit partners who provide programs and services to children and families in need. First Tech's philanthropic focus areas include support for education (STEM, early childhood literacy and financial education), research (Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and supportive health services for children) and innovation (food, shelter and safety). Visit firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward during the holiday season and throughout the year. Visit ucsfbenioffchildrens.org to learn more about UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital mission to be the best provider of healthcare services, the best place to work and the best environment for teaching and research. Visit pageahead.org to learn more about Page Ahead's early reading support services, access to books, and how they work to positively impact literacy outcomes for all kids. Visit getsmartoregon.org to learn more about SMART's early reading support services, access to books, and how they work to positively impact literacy outcomes for all kids. About First Tech Federal Credit Union First Technology Federal Credit Union is a $12+ billion institution headquartered in San Jose, California. It is the nation's premier credit union serving the world's leading technology-oriented companies and their employees, including HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, Intuit (News - Alert), Google, and more. First Tech is recognized as the industry catalyst for delivering effortless banking experiences to more than 520,000 members through its 42 branch locations, more than 5,400 CO-OP Shared Branch locations, 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs, and online platforms. First Tech offers a full range of financial services, including traditional banking, online banking, mortgages, financial planning, various consumer loans, and insurance services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www.firsttechfed.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005365/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] DJR Energy Closes Acquisition of Encana's San Juan Basin Assets DJR Energy, LLC ("DJR" or the "Company") has closed on the previously announced acquisition of Encana Corporation's ("Encana") San Juan Basin assets. Today the Company holds the largest position in the core of the oil window in the San Juan Basin with over 350,000 net acres and an inventory of over 1,100 high value drilling locations boasting breakevens competitive with other premier oil basins. At close of the pending acquisition, DJR will have production of approximately 7,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and a gas midstream gathering system servicing its assets. "We look forward to continuing to unlock the potential of the southern San Juan Basin and believe DJR is well positioned as the dominant player in the oil window. Ou team has done an excellent job of preparing for the transition and we look forward to commencing drilling operations," said Dave Lehman, President and CEO of DJR. About DJR Energy DJR is an oil and gas exploration and production company formed in April 2017 by Dave Lehman and funded by Trilantic Capital Management L.P. ("Trilantic North America"), Waveland Energy Partners and Global Energy Capital. Since 2002, the DJR Energy management team has delivered exceptional returns to investors via the successful creation and sale of two companies in the DJ Basin of Colorado (DJ Resources LP and DJ Resources LLC). With DJR Energy, LLC, this highly talented management team has turned their attention to the San Juan Basin of northern New Mexico. For more information, visit www.djrllc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005352/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] Mako Medical Partners With GoKart Kids and GoKart Transportation -- the Uber/ Lyft for Kids and Patients RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mako Medical Laboratories announced a partnership with GoKart Kids and GoKart transportation today. GoKart Kids and GoKart Transportation is a transportation service similar to Uber and Lyft but focuses only on children and patients. This service caters to those that need special attention and works just like the other ride sharing programs. The app can be downloaded from the iTunes store and allows parents or patients to book and track rides for their loved ones. GoKart Kids and GoKart transportation has been featured on Fox, ABC, NBC, CNN, and in several magazines around the country. It fills the void by providing safe, reliable transportation for busy moms and dads or for patients that need a ride for a follow-up appointment or when no one is available to take them. GoKart Kids and GoKart transportation hires off-duty police officers, EMS workers, and Firemen. Each vehicle is thoroughly inspected, and every driver is toroughly background checked and fingerprinted. In addition to the thorough inspections, GoKart Kids and GoKart Transportation provide insurance on every ride. "We are excited about this new partnership. This service fills a huge void in the healthcare market. Most medical practices still have a 20 percent no-show rate because patients still struggle to find reliable transportation. The fact GoKart Kids and GoKart Transportation focuses on children made our team feel very comfortable partnering with them. We wanted a more thorough inspection of the vehicles that our families and patients would be traveling in. We also wanted drivers that were more thoroughly vetted, and wanted insurance on each ride," says Chad Price, President of Mako Medical. Mako Medical has also started offering the service to its employees as a company benefit. "We have lots of busy moms and dads -- this allows them to coordinate transportation to daycare, after-school events for their kids, and sporting events without ever having to leave the office," says Price. Mako Medical is an award-winning laboratory and is ranked as one of the fastest growing health care companies in America. Mako focuses on laboratory and diagnostics services and has operations in 10 states. Mako is known for its extensive community service, hiring military veterans, and supporting Christian Missionaries around the world. Media Contact Info Chad Price [email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mako-medical-partners-with-gokart-kids-and-gokart-transportation----the-uber-lyft-for-kids-and-patients-300771067.html SOURCE Mako Medical Partners [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] (Image credit: Shutter_M / Shutterstock) The news about solid-state drives (SSDs) has been mostly positive lately, and the trend of downward pricing and increasing capacity is likely to continue as we head into 2019. Weve already seen predictions that SSD pricing could fall more than 50 percent in 2019, although at least one manufacturer (WD/Sandisk) seems to be adjusting production to brace the impact of falling prices. But really, as we saw through the 2018 holiday season, SSD prices have already slid to impressive lows. I personally bought a 2TB NVMe Intel 660p drive from Newegg on Thanksgiving day for $249, as well as a 2TB SATA Crucial MX500 for $209. I know, thats a lot of cash to drop on storage but, well, Im not really a fan of hard drives and these drives finally let me kick the old spinning platters out of my PC forever. With SSD sale prices hitting 10 cents per gigabyte and capacities expanding (Samsungs new QVO drive will be offered at capacities up to 4TB), 2019 looks to be an excellent time to buy an SSD. But whats driving capacity up and prices down? First off, the market has started to shift to QLC (quad-level-cell) NAND, which is cheaper to make than the TLC (triple-level cell) thats baked into most existing consumer drives. QLC is in general slower than TLC, with less endurance. But with improvements in caching and cell resilience, QLC drives should generally be fast-enough, with enough rated endurance to keep most gamers and general-purpose PC users happy. The other thing pushing down pricing is a shift to 96-Layer 3D NAND, which increases densities while lowering costs by stacking more storage cells on top of each other. All the major SSD makers have shifted or are expected to shift to 96-layer NAND in high capacities in 2019, although Samsung has the lead there and Intel/Micron seem to be lagging a bit behind. Samsungs Z-NAND Brings Competition to Optane Intels next-generation 3D XPoint phase-change storage tech impressed us this year, with the 905p proving to be the fastest SSD weve ever tested. But Samsung will bring some competition to the ultra-fast (and ultra-expensive) storage front in 2019 with its competing Z-NAND technology. Samsung has been touting the potential of Z-NAND for years, but high-end Enterprise parts based around the technology only started to ship in limited quantities in 2018, and we expect to see more Z-NAND drives roll into data centers (and perhaps our testing rig) as 2019 progresses. But, dont get your hopes up yet about a consumer Z-NAND drive, at least yet. While its possible that the Samsung could release consumer-focused Z-NAND model next year, it seems unlikely given how few have yet to even make their way to professional customers. Plus, Samsungs traditional consumer NVMe drives like the SSD 970 Pro are already fast enough in some tests (like sequential reads and writes) to give Intels consumer Optane drives a run for their phase-changing money. What were more likely to see from Samsung in 2019 is a next-gen NVMe M.2 drive or drives (possibly an 980 EVO and 980 Pro) that ramp performance up even further (hopefully at lower prices). Because while the company long held a strong lead on consumer performance SSDs, upstarts like MyDigital SSD are increasingly offering compelling competing products that are nearly as fast as Samsungs best, at significantly lower prices. Quick Predictions 4TB consumer SSDs will become common QLC will replace TLC in mainstream SSDs (for better and worse) Prices will plunge below 10 cents per gigabyte for mainstream drives MORE: Best SSDs MORE: How We Test HDDs And SSDs MORE: All SSD Content Millennials Are Buying in the Suburbs Kansas City has been on a spending spree to try to attract millennials downtown, having been caught up in the now-discredited "creative-class" strategy originally promulgated by urbanist Richard Florida. Our favorite local number crunchers share this alternative perspective on young people and their home buying habits. Apparently, EPIC rents and schools without accreditation haven't inspired a buy-in from people looking to start families. Take a look: Local History Shut Down?!?! Gov't shutdown having effect on some KC museums, offices The government shutdown is having an effect on some Kansas City museums and offices. Life Against Amazon Small businesses thriving during holiday season BROOKSIDE, Mo. - Brookside is full of small businesses trying to make it in a digital world. So, when it comes to the holidays, they wanted to do well and they did this year. "Our season was record breaking, which really surprised me," said Jim Ward, owner of Brookside Toy and Science. Kansas City Flight Of Fancy Travel troubles turned impromptu trip for Kansas City travelers KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- A storm in the Midwest is now cancelling flights, on one of the busier travel days of the year. It's a nasty night at KCI, there's been cancellations and delays. Passengers are now crossing their fingers they can get a seat tomorrow. Cowtown Stock Advice Soggy Local Consumers KC shoppers brave rain for post-holiday deals MISSION, KS (KCTV) -- People have been packing into Target in Mission all day long. Whether they chose indoor or outdoor shopping areas, one thing's for sure, people KCTV5 talked to weren't about to let the weather stand in between them and a good sale! Golden Ghetto Fast Reax Quick thinking by retired Overland Park officer stops wrong-way driver Quick thinking by a retired Overland Park police officer most likely saved lives two weeks ago. Milo Hernandez now works part-time in the Fleet Services Department for Overland Park after 49 years of law enforcement service to the city. Old School Home Team Here are your 1979 Kansas City Royals 1979. The final year of the '70's was every bit as nutty as the preceding years. It snowed for 30 minutes in the Sahara Desert. Iranian radicals held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. Exposing President Jimmy Carter as a weak leader and leading to his defeat in the 1980 presidential election. Classic Kansas City Right now we checkby any means necessary . . .Closer to home, these news links dominate our morning . . .is the song of the day and this is thefor right now . . . Chrysler is running with a very small portfolio of cars right now two, to be precise. However, this is set to change as the brand will soon be expanding its line up. As reported by Allpar , Chrysler will rebadge the Jeep Grand Commander, making it the third model in the brands embarrassingly small lineup. Locally Built Status Will Keep The Prices In Check Out of the two cars currently sold under the Chrysler brand, the 300 sedan is expected to get slaughtered without any replacement in sight. The Pacifica minivan, on the other hand, is expected to stay for longer. As part of its expansion plans, the brand will bring the Jeep Grand Commander to the U.S. No; this is not the upcoming Grand Wagoneer; it is the SUV that was launched in China with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine that churns out 231 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque. The rebadged three-row crossover is expected to bear the Journey moniker. The SUV will be built locally, most likely alongside the Cherokee at the plant in Belvedere, Illinois. This is just a speculation, as the publication did not rule out the possibility of the Windsor or Toluca factories either. It Is Not Coming Alone According to Automotive News, the portal electric minivan has been given a go-ahead by the chair-warmers at Chrysler, and the automaker is eyeing a 2020 launch for the same. If it goes as per plan, this EV and two crossovers might be launched in quick succession. Which is the other crossover, you ask? Well, if rumors are to be believed, the Dodge Charger will spawn a crossover too. The company might decide to suffix 300 with a new name for the new model. The report says that it could be called Town & Country or even Suburban. 2020 could also see the Pacifica minivan being updated; although the new-generation is at least five years away. Our Take These look like promising times ahead for Chrysler as a standalone brand. The year 2020 will be a turning point in the companys 93-year history and may very well put Chrysler back in the fray as a strong challenger (pun intended) to the rivals. However, it is a little surprising that FCA did not list these plans in its roadmap for the 2018-2022 period that showcased Ram, Maserati, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, and Ferrari, but not Chrysler. This definitely changes things, and we will stay glued to get more updates. What are your thoughts on this revival attempt? Do you think Chrysler should have introduced brand-new cars instead of re-badging existing cars? I, for one, favor the route chosen by FCA and Chrysler. Test the waters before diving right in. Let us know what you think about this in the comments section below. Further reading Read our full review on the 2018 Jeep Grand Commander. Weve been waiting with bated breath to see Chevrolets new mid-engined C8 Corvette finally make its grand entrance on the public stage, but it looks like well still need to wait a few more months before the big sheet pull. The Wait Goes On Earlier this week, we reported that despite earlier rumors the C8 Corvette was headed to Detroit for a debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show, Chevy wasnt actually bringing anything new. Speculation pointed to possible electrical issues for the new mid-ship domestic, and shortly thereafter, test mules once again began to appear around Michigan. Now, its looking like we wont see the C8 in its full undisguised production glory until next summer. Thats the latest from our friends over at GM Authority, who cite unnamed insider sources as providing the information. GM Authority says the new C8 Vette will make its grand entrance in a standalone event several months from now, perhaps as early as May. According to the publication, GMs boffins are currently undergoing a total re-engineering effort to sort out the C8s electrical issues, which also includes coordination with suppliers to sort out any parts changes needed to put the new Corvette into full production status. While disappointing for anyone eagerly awaiting the C8s formal reveal, the delay is totally understandable. After all, although the Corvette nameplate isnt new, the mid-engine platform most definitely is, and as such, it needs to be perfect before it goes under the microscope of journalists and the buying public. Whats more, a mid-engine Vette has been in the making for roughly six decades at this point, so a little more waiting shouldnt really be too much of an issue. One more thing youve gotta remember is that Chevrolet never confirmed a debut in Detroit, so really, all this disappointment is based on rumor and speculation. With that in mind, its kinda hard to play the blame game. Personally, I want the C8 Vette to be perfect before it hits the scene. First impressions really do matter, and if GM has to do an about face on production or orders because the car wasnt quite ready, it could be disastrous for the Chevy brand and GM as a whole. After all, this is a halo car, a shining beacon thats supposed to shed favorable light across the entire range, and with GMs sales numbers seeing massive dips in the past year and the automaker undergoing a series of crucial plant closures, the company desperately needs a hit. The C8 absolutely has the potential to be that hit, but its gotta perfect in order to fulfill its potential. As such, a standalone debut this summer makes sense in that respect. Not only will it provide an opportunity for Chevrolet to make the best first impression possible, but the debut wont get lost in the rigmarole of a major international auto show. Then of course there are events like the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance and Monterey Car Week, both of which take place at the end of August and provide a fantastic opportunity for Chevy to put the C8 up against the usual crop of supercars for a little compare and contrast action. Do you look forward to the C8s debut this summer? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments section below. Further Reading Read our full review on the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Zora. Read our full review on the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R. The 2020 Chevy C8 Corvette Is Delayed for Electrical Problems Yet Its Still Testing In Michigan The 9 Mid-Engine Corvette Concepts That Didnt Make it To Production Latest Renderings of the Mid-Engined C8 Chevy Corvette Depict a True Ferrari 488 Competitor Source: GM Authority Were still chomping at the bit to learn more about the new 2020 Toyota Supra, but before it makes its big debut, we are now getting another fresh rumor to gnaw on. The latest is confirmation that Toyota could very well create a drop-top convertible iteration of the fifth-gen sports car. Anyone Up For Some Unlimited Headroom? While yes, we certainly are big fans of the standard Supras double-bubble roof, we wouldnt mind seeing it with the top chopped off either. It just makes sense for a model like this, at least philosophically speaking. Luckily, it isnt looking itll be too much of a stretch for Toyota either. For starters, the fifth-gen Supra shares its platform with the BMW Z4 roadster, so the bones to make it a reality are already there. Unsurprisingly, it looks like Toyotas boffins are way ahead of us and already thinking about the possibilities. In a recent press event in Australia, chief engineer Tetsuya Tada confirmed as much to our friends at carsales.com.au. Of course we consider this, Tada-San said with regards to the possibility of building a Supra convertible. While offering few details, it's encouraging to hear that Toyota is indeed taking the idea seriously. That said, theres still a long way to go before we see a convertible Supra in your local Toyota dealer. For starters, the coupe model has to, you know, actually make its debut. After that, Toyota will likely look at sales numbers and customer feedback, and if both look solid enough to green-light a topless variant, then itll start weighing the costs of actually creating it. In reality, were still years away from a convertible Supra, if it happens at all. However, as carsales.com.au points out, although the Toyota 86 Convertible concept that debuted in 2013 never came to fruition, a convertible new-gen Supra is far more likely when you consider the cost savings gained thanks to co-development alongside the BMW Z4 roadster. A lot of the engineering needed to transform the Supra coupe into a fun-to-drive convertible is already there, and thats a good sign of things to come. This naturally leads to another possibility - that of a coupe version of the Z4 Apparently, theres nothing in the joint agreement between BMW and Toyota that disallows such creations, so we could be seeing even more performance machines heading down the pipe. And plus one for that. Do you want a convertible Supra? What about a fixed-roof Z4? Let us know in the comments section below. Further Reading Read our speculative review of the 2020 Toyota Supra Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Toyota Supra Convertible Looks familiar, right? Check out our full review of the 2014 Toyota FT-1 Concept Convertible Top Can be Stowed in 10 Seconds Read our full, in-depth review of the 2019 BMW Z4 Source: Car Sales The bagger genre is a uniquely American phenomenon, and as such, it can be difficult to compete against the established domestic brands, but BMW does exactly that with its K 1600 B. At a glance, the B hits all the pertinent design high points, and under the hood, the thing is chock full of comfort and safety features to make it capable of pulling double duty as a tour bike . If youre into inches (no giggity), Beemer accommodates you with over a liter-and-a-half in its six-banger mill to make it capable of standing up to Hondas Gold Wing . BMW K 1600 B Design analog and digital displays Xenon headlight with dynamic leveling Stepless power adjustable windshield Heated seats and grips LED taillight analog and digital displaysXenon headlight with dynamic levelingStepless power adjustable windshieldHeated seats and gripsLED taillight Yep, the K 1600 B is a bagger alright. It has the requisite front fairing up front opposite a pair of hard bags with an otherwise clean rear end. In other words, a full dresser sans top case with a custom kick. It isnt your typical American fare though; the way that the front fairing flares open below the Xenon headlight (with dynamic leveling) to form a sport-typical cowl, and that pushes it into sport-tour territory. This vibe is reinforced by the way the front wheel rides close to the scoop with quite a bit of visual heft above it, even though the panels quickly open up to give us a glimpse of the beating heart that lies beneath. In fact, the only concealment the forward body panels really offer is for the radiator and a handful of electronic components. Up top, a cut-down windscreen swings the look back into custom territory, and it comes with stepless electrical adjustment so you can dial in for your height, even on the fly. Behind the glass is an instrument panel that comes complete with a pair of round analog clocks for speed and tach, plus two digital displays to cover all the bases and act as a rider-interface for the higher electronic functions. The handlebar is rather unusual with a yoke-style riser in the bar itself, rather than just on the tripletree, and that pushes the riders hands back for a relaxed riding posture and the kind of leverage you can only get from a tiller-type steering setup. A voluminous seven-gallon fuel tank defines the flyline with a long slope down to the standard saddle that rides at 30.7 inches off the ground. If thats too much of a stretch for ya, you can opt for the accessory low seat thatll sling your butt at a low 29.5 inches off the deck and give riders with shorter inseams a bit of a break. A wide pillion pad provides your passenger with a nice cushy seat with a robust set of J.C. handles that double as cargo-net anchors, and like the pilots seat and handgrips, its heated to help expand your riding season into the shorter days. Stylized LED taillights follow the angles of the panniers and do the job of both the taillight and the blinkers to leave the rear end nice and clean. Low, wide, and stable is what comes to mind when I look at this beast, and Im sticking to that. BMW K 1600 B Chassis Electronic suspension Dynamic traction control ABS Pro Lightweight frame Electronic suspensionDynamic traction controlABS ProLightweight frame An aluminum, bridge-type frame forms the bulk of the structure on the K 1600 B and the engine is a stressed member that completes the assembly to increase rigidity without adding weight. Beemers signature Duolever suspension supports the front end with what looks like a standard telescopic fork, until you take a look into the nethers under the headlight and note the single, coil-over shock that does all the work. Yeah, its unusual, unless youre a long-time fan of the brand, then its just another day in the office. Out back, BMWs Paralever system does its bit with 4.9 inches of travel to go with the 4.5 inches up front, and both ends benefit from the Dynamic ESA that electronically adjusts the suspension, in real time, to the riding conditions. Not only does this increase traction, but it also gives comfort a boost and relieves you of having to manually adjust your stems. Cast-aluminum rims round out the rolling chassis with a ZR-rated 120/70 up front and 190/55 out back, both 17 inchers. The wide, 27.8-degree steering rake and 4.2-inch trail boosts stability and cross-wind tracking and the 63.7-inches long wheelbase helps with that as well. Thats good, cause this ride has definitely got some windage, even if it isnt quite as severe as it would be with a tall screen and top case. ABS Pro comes stock, and it helps manage the dual, four-pot calipers up front and a single-pot out back with 320 mm discs all around. Thats plenty of brakeage, but at 741 pounds wet, youve got plenty of energy to manage, and I imagine it will take every bit of it to haul this thing down once it has a full head of steam. As a final bit of lagniappe, a Hill Start Control Pro comes with the standard equipment package, and it holds the rear brake for you so you can deploy both training wheels for takeoffs on a grade. Frame: Aluminum bridge-type frame with load-bearing engine Front Suspension/Travel: BMW Duolever; central spring strut/4.5 (115 mm) Rear Suspension/Travel: BMW Paralever/4.9 (125 mm) Castor: 4.2 (106.4 mm) Steering head angle: 62.2 Wheels: Cast aluminum wheels Rim, Front: 3.50 x 17" Rim, Rear: 6.00 x 17" Tire, Front: 120/70 ZR 17 Tire, Rear: 190/55 ZR 17 Brake, Front: Dual floating disc brakes, 4-piston fixed calipers, diameter 320 mm Brake, Rear: Single disc brake, diameter 320 mm, dual-piston floating caliper ABS: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral) BMW K 1600 B Drivetrain Liquid-cooled 1,649 cc inline-6 engine 160 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque Cruise control and hill-start control Three ride modes and reverse assist Liquid-cooled 1,649 cc inline-6 engine160 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torqueCruise control and hill-start controlThree ride modes and reverse assist The beating heart of the K 1600 B is an inline six shoehorned transversely in the frame with a forward cant that both reduces the apparent height of the engine and shortens it for a more compact installation than you could otherwise achieve. Like most liquid-cooled mills, it doesnt really add much to the overall aesthetic, and the factory shot it with black paint so as to minimize its visual impact. Oversquare, it rocks a 72 mm bore and 67.5 mm stroke that gives it a sizzlin hot 12.2-to-1 compression ratio and a total displacement of 1,649 cc. Dual over-head cams time the 24-valve head, and yeah, with four valves per bore, it really opens up the combustion chamber and lets it breathe for efficient induction and exhaust-gas scavenging. A Ride-by-Wire throttle control conveys the riders wishes to the engine control computer, but that signal is modified by a number of gadgets. It starts with a trio of ride modes Rain, Road, and Dynamic so you can dial in your engines personality to suit the conditions, or just your whims. Next, the Dynamic Traction Control feature monitors wheel speeds and intervenes by reducing power when a speed differential is detected to limit/prevent wheel slip when an overzealous right wrist meets less-than-ideal conditions. Cruise control adds a final bit of convenience, and lemme tell ya; its impossible to overstate the value of being able to give your throttle hand a break once in a while, I promise. What does all this get you? Well, the B clocks in with a truckload of power. It claims a whopping 160 ponies at 7,750 rpm, and thats backed up by 129 pounds of soul-crushing torque that comes on fully at 5,250 rpm. Even with its loaded weight thatll be pushing half-a-ton or more, the power figures point to a ride that is as lively under way as its sporty front end suggests. Engine: Liquid cooled, 4-stroke in-line 6-cylinder engine, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication Bore x Stroke: 72 mm x 67.5 mm Displacement: 1,649 cc Rated output: 160 hp (118 kw) at 7,750 rpm Max. torque: 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) at 5,250 rpm Compression ratio: 12.2 : 1 Mixture control: Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4 Clutch: Multi-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated Gearbox: Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical cut gears Drive: Shaft drive 2.75:1 BMW K 1600 B Pricing The base model starts at $23,195, but between the top-shelf options and accessories, youll not be left wanting for lack of ways to beef up the final ticket. Standard Features: 3 Ride Modes (Rain/Road/Dynamic), ABS Pro, Cruise Control, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), Dynamic ESA, Heated Seats (Rider + Passenger), Hill Start Control Pro, LED Tail Light, Multifunction Display, On-Board Computer, Power Socket, Saddle Bags in Body Color, Stepless Power Adjustable Windshield, Toolkit, Xenon Headlight with Dynamic Leveling Color: Black Storm Metallic, Mars Red Metallic, Hockenheim Silver Metallic Price: $23,195 BMW K 1600 B Competitors From the get-go, I knew that the Honda Gold Wing was going to be my Huckleberry, so lets see how it stacks up. Honda Gold Wing Right off the bat, youll notice that the Gold Wing has the right look, even if the body panels cover up even more of the innards. Of course, that flat-six, opposed-piston powerplant protrudes a skosh on each side, as always, so its every bit as wide as the Beemers six-pack. Chopped-down, electrically adjustable glass (plastic, whatever) delivers some protection and gives the GW a custom-flavor much like the Bs, and of course, the clean rear end enforces the bagger-tastic vibe. As far as the subtleties go, I prefer the look of the Beemer, cause the GW still carries too much plastic for my taste. Is it just me? Like BMW, Honda uses an atypical front end with a double-wishbone instead of telescopic/hydraulic forks to soak up the bumps, and an all-aluminum frame to keep weight down. Since the 2019 model weighs in a whopping 90 pounds lighter than the previous gen, Id call those efforts a solid success. Not only that, but the flat-six puts the weight low in the frame for an overall lower center of gravity than our Bavarian friend. The suspension isnt quite as slick as Beemers but it does come with an electronic suspension preload feature thatll let you switch up according to passenger/cargo loads with the push of a button. Hondas mill runs a square layout with a 73 mm bore and stroke for an overall displacement of 1,833 cc. Youd think that greater cubeage would give the Honda the lions share of the power, but in this case, not so much. Honda claims 116 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque for a thorough trouncing by Beemer at the dyno, and since it weighs in at 787 pounds wet, thats a power difference thatll make itself apparent to even the numbest heinie-dyno. He Said As loathe as I am to admit to being so shallow, the difference in looks is enough to make me prefer the Deutscher product. Add to that the power difference and suddenly the only thing Honda has going for it is the slick, seven-speed automatic transmission (that I dont need), so in mine eyes, Beemer wins hands down. Aint even close. She Said My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, This is a cruiser-ized version of BMWs tourer. Its surprisingly agile. I say surprisingly because it feels like a beast when you first climb aboard, but the weight is very balanced so even slow speed maneuvers are effortless. Its very smooth and powerful, and the seat is so very comfortable. Highway cruising is definitely what this bike likes. BMW K 1600 B Specifications Engine & Drivetrain: Engine: Liquid cooled, 4-stroke in-line 6-cylinder engine, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication Bore x Stroke: 72 mm x 67.5 mm Displacement: 1,649 cc Rated output: 160 hp (118 kw) at 7,750 rpm Max. torque: 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) at 5,250 rpm Compression ratio: 12.2 : 1 Mixture control: Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4 Clutch: Multi-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated Gearbox: Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical cut gears Drive: Shaft drive 2.75:1 Chassis: Frame: Aluminum bridge-type frame with load-bearing engine Front Suspension/Travel: BMW Duolever; central spring strut/4.5 (115 mm) Rear Suspension/Travel: BMW Paralever/4.9 (125 mm) Castor: 4.2 (106.4 mm) Steering head angle: 62.2 Wheels: Cast aluminum wheels Rim, Front: 3.50 x 17" Rim, Rear: 6.00 x 17" Tire, Front: 120/70 ZR 17 Tire, Rear: 190/55 ZR 17 Brake, Front: Dual floating disc brakes, 4-piston fixed calipers, diameter 320 mm Brake, Rear: Single disc brake, diameter 320 mm, dual-piston floating caliper ABS: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral) Dimensions & Capacities: Length: 97.3 (2,470 mm) Width (incl. mirrors): 39.4 (1,000 mm) Height (excl. mirrors): 51.2 (1,300 mm) Wheelbase: 63.7 (1,618 mm) Seat height, unladen weight: Standard Seat: 30.7", Low Seat: 29.5" Inner leg curve, unladen weight: Standard Seat: 69.7", Low Seat: 67.7" Unladen weight, road ready, fully fueled: 741 lbs (336 kg) Permitted total weight: 1,235 lbs (560 kg) Payload (with standard equipment): 494 lbs (224 kg) Usable tank volume: 7.0 gal (26.5 l) Reserve: Approx. 1 gal (4 l) Maximum speed: Over 125 mph Fuel consumption (WMTC): 41 mpg Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Electrical System: Alternator: Three-phase 700 W alternator Battery: 12 V / 19 Ah, maintenance-free Details: Standard Features: 3 Ride Modes (Rain/Road/Dynamic), ABS Pro, Cruise Control, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), Dynamic ESA, Heated Seats (Rider + Passenger), Hill Start Control Pro, LED Tail Light, Multifunction Display, On-Board Computer, Power Socket, Saddle Bags in Body Color, Stepless Power Adjustable Windshield, Toolkit, Xenon Headlight with Dynamic Leveling Color: Black Storm Metallic, Mars Red Metallic, Hockenheim Silver Metallic Price: $23,195 Further Reading BMW Motorrad Read more BMW Motorrad news. As we learn about the dangers of particulate pollution, it becomes obvious that we have to stop burning wood. Every couple of years we ask the question: Is burning wood for heat green? We go back and forth; just two years ago I tried to justify its use in a Passivhaus residence, noting that "the source people use for energy is far less important than how much they use." The justification is that in a super-insulated building, if it is just a teensy bit of wood, then it is not such a big deal. As architect Terrell Wong said, "Reducing your need for heating 90%... Then occasionally having a fire in an uber-efficient German boiler is not a bad thing." Stone's Throw DesignBut the evidence continues to pile up that small particulates, PM2.5, cause some of our most serious health problems. As Christopher Ingraham noted in the Washington Post, the understanding of the seriousness of particulate pollution is relatively recent: Researchers and policymakers have only recently begun grappling with the effects of PM2.5 the Environmental Protection Agency didn't have a separate regulatory standard for it until 1997. PM2.5 particles are tiny about 1/30th the width of a human hair. Its small size allows it to remain airborne for long periods, to penetrate buildings, to be inhaled easily, and to reach and accumulate within brain tissue. PM.2.5 have long been known to contribute to asthma and COPD, but new research ties it to heart attacks and a New England study tied PM2.5 to brain volume. Ingraham writes about a link to dementia: a 1 microgram-per-cubic-meter [g/m3] increase in average decadal exposure [of PM2.5] increases the probability of receiving a dementia diagnosis by 1.3 percentage points. That's a stunning figure, particularly given that ambient PM2.5 levels vary by much greater than that on a county-by-county basis. Other studies link it to autism: Six studies report links between autism and PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy (mainly the third trimester). The risk of autism was also increased by PM1 exposure in the first 3 years of life in a study in China an 86% increase for a 4.8 ug/m3 increase (the inter-quartile range, IQR) in PM1. The effect of PM2.5 exposure was similar (79% for an IQR increase of 3.4 ug/m3) credit: Puget Sound Clean Energy Agency Puget Sound Clean Energy Agency/Public Domain Using a teensy bit of wood doesn't make it OK either; just two and a half days of burning an EPA certified wood stove puts out as much PM2.5 as a car does in a year. Nor does being in the country; some of the worst air quality is found in valleys where people burn wood for heat. Evaluation of interventions to reduce air pollution from biomass smoke on mortality in Launceston, Australia/via One study in Tasmania found that banning wood heating "was associated with reductions in all cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality." Then there is the question of whether those EPA certified stoves actually reduce particulates and other pollution as much as they are rated to. It turns out that if the wood is too wet then emissions are higher. If the wood is too dry, then particulates go way up. It has to be just right, at about 20 percent. It also matters how old the stove is and how much it is used. According to Doctors + Scientists against Wood Smoke Pollution, Emissions from both newer non-catalytic and catalytic wood stoves increase over time due to physical degradation of the stoves from use. Within five years the particulate emissions from a catalytic stove may reach the level of an older, uncertified conventional wood stove. According to a report for the US EPA, Over the normal life of the catalyst, the average performance of the heater will be similar to that of a non-catalyst heater that does not change its emission performance as significantly with time. EPA NSW/Public Domain Is it carbon neutral? The EPA announced last April that it would class the burning of biomass as carbon neutral; then-EPA head Scott Pruitt said: Todays announcement grants Americas foresters much-needed certainty and clarity with respect to the carbon neutrality of forest biomass. Managed forests improve air and water quality, while creating valuable jobs and thousands of products that improve our daily lives. A lot of people in the industry claim that burning wood is carbon neutral, but it isn't really. Yes, it is true that when wood is burned, it is releasing carbon that was pulled out of the air and planting a new tree will absorb it again, which takes about 80 years. Meanwhile, when the wood is burned we get a giant carbon burp now. [this has been edited, see comments] Norwegian wood bought in the middle of a Canadian forest/ Lloyd Alter/CC BY 1.0 You also do not get to 100 percent recovery, because it takes energy to harvest the wood, they don't get all of it but leave branches and leaves to rot, and it takes more energy to move it to where it is burned. Like any other product, it has become separated from its source; a few years ago I bought a bag of firewood for my cabin at the local hardware store (in the middle of a forest!) and found that it had been shipped all the way from Norway. This is not going to be carbon neutral wood going into my fireplace. In conclusion... Juraj Mikurcik A lot of Passivhaus designers like Juraj Mikurcik and Terrell Wong, along with people like Alex Wilson, who knows more about building green than anyone, have used wood stoves for those few days a year when they need a bit of heat. It is certainly more carbon neutral (and a lot prettier) than a jug of propane in an off-grid situation, but I am beginning to wonder if it isn't still a mistake, given the health considerations. It is probably time to conclude that burning wood isn't green, and it isn't safe. The folks at Life Without Plastic argue that these stretchy, rubbery bags are not as green as they seem. If you spend any time perusing zero waste lifestyle blogs and social media feeds, you've likely seen silicone bags suggested as an alternative to disposable Ziplocs and plastic food storage containers. They're becoming quite popular, perhaps due to how photogenic they are, available in an array of colors and just transparent enough to reveal what's inside. At first glance they're an ideal solution, offering all the benefits that plastic bags do lightweight, flexible, stretchy, washable, waterproof. Some advocates argue silicone is more like rubber than plastic and that because it's derived from sand, it's a natural product. The Pushback Against Silicone The experts at Life Without Plastic disagree. Silicone, they explain, is "something of a hybrid between a synthetic rubber and a synthetic plastic polymer," which means it's still a plastic, no matter how it's spun. While it does contain silica, which is derived from sand, it also contains synthetic and chemical additives that come from fossil fuels. An article on the Life Without Plastic website (excerpted from their excellent book) explains that silicone is widely accepted as safe by organizations such as Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but there haven't really been many in-depth or subsequent studies into its long-term effects. LWP's founders have done their own research and have found reasons to indicate that "we should begin to be cautious about silicone." They cite studies showing that silicones are not completely inert, that they do leach synthetic chemicals at low levels, particularly if the food they contain is high in fat; and that siloxanes (the backbone chemical structure of silicones) are endocrine and fertility disruptors, as well as potentially carcinogenic. "One study tested the release of siloxanes from silicone nipples and bakeware into milk, baby formula and a simulant solution of alcohol and water. Nothing was released into the milk or formula after six hours, but after 72 hours in the alcohol solution several siloxanes were detected." Silicone also has a very low recyclability rate. It is usually turned into industrial lubricant oil when disposed of. Be Cautious About Silicone Use If we're truly striving for zero waste, plastic-free living, then we should use alternatives to silicone bags and plenty of these exist. Glass jars, stainless steel containers, and cloth bags can all do the job, without any of the associated production, use, and disposal concerns that accompany silicones. Silicones do play a useful role as seals or gaskets in many reusable containers, but these do not generally come into contact with the food and are a tolerable use of the product. Treehugger and our third-party partners use cookies and process personal data like unique identifiers based on your consent to store and/or access information on a device, display personalized ads and for content measurement, audience insight, and product development. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Treehugger.com, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, click below. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. List of Partners (vendors) This tiny house builder and architect just built himself and his wife a bigger (but still tiny) home, equipped with a space-saving elevator bed. Living with a smaller footprint doesn't necessarily mean just moving into a smaller, more energy-efficient house -- it's a way of thinking, a lifestyle that entails some serious introspection, and likely some editing of one's habits and possessions to what matters most. For tiny house builder Greg Parham of Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses, this process meant walking the talk. Trained as an architect, Parham has been interested in design and construction since his teenage years, before going onto architecture school in Austin, Texas, and then moving to Durango, Colorado to work in the field. Parham then became passionate about tiny houses after looking for alternatives to renting, and has since not only built tiny dwellings for clients, but also for himself. Having recently married, the 26-foot-long San Juan is Parham's own tiny home, an upgrade from his previous 16-foot-long tiny house, to accommodate him and his new wife, Stephanie, and two dogs. Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses The exterior of the San Juan is clad with a mix of barn wood, corrugated iron and cedar shingles, giving it a distinctive look. Made with a combination of reclaimed materials and structural insulated panels (SIPs), the off-grid San Juan features a space-saving elevator bed that can be manually lowered up or down, using a chain system that Parham adapted from garage door parts. When not in use, the area functions as a living room, lit by a huge round window. The bottom of the bed also boasts a lovely pattern of reclaimed wood pieces that add some extra visual flair, plus some convenient recessed LED lights. Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Right beside the elevator bed and living room is an ingenious multifunctional table that can slide in or out, and be reconfigured in a number of ways. Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses The kitchen has beautiful raw-edged wooden counters with some blue-inlaid designs, a large farmhouse sink, and includes a refrigerator, propane stove, and lots of windows. There's a convenient toe-kick storage space for shoes and other items. Resplendent in its tiled perch that has space for firewood and shoe storage, the woodstove sits just across from the kitchen. Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Beyond that lies this amazingly crafted set of wood-inlaid drawers with octagonal pulls. Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Further back is the bathroom, which has an interesting triangular layout and a penny tile floor. There's another closet here, a small bathtub and composting toilet. Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses At the other end of the home is a secondary loft that serves as a guest bedroom, and also storage. Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses The home is equipped with a mini-split unit for heating and cooling, and a heat recovery ventilation system. Energy-wise, the San Juan's lights and electronic devices can be powered with two solar panels while on the road (integrated with its folding porch system), however, when it's parked back on Parham's land he uses another solar array for extra electricity. It's a gorgeously well-crafted home that is packed with lots of unique details and ideas, and you can see more over at Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses. rchopra@tribunemail.com New York, December 27 A 33-year-old Indian-origin police officer in the US state of California has been killed after being shot by an armed unidentified gunman while he was conducting a traffic stop. Corporal Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop when he was working overtime on Christmas night to provide the best for his family. A few moments later he called out shots fired over the radio, the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department said in a statement, which is leading the investigation. Multiple agencies responded to assist, and Singh was found at the scene with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, the department said. It said the suspect had fled the scene in his vehicle before the police arrived. The department is leading the investigation and have released surveillance photographs of the suspect and vehicle, asking for any information on the identity of the suspect. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) described him as Hispanic. Suspect is considered armed and dangerous and may be in possession of a firearm, the CHP said. Singh was a more than seven-year veteran of the Newman Police Department and was assigned as a canine officer. Prior to joining the Newman Police Department, he served with the Merced County Sheriffs Department. Corporal Singh is survived by wife, Anamika, and a five-month-old son. A report in KCRA3 news said Singh was a native of Fiji and had immigrated to America. It quoted Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department spokesman Raj Singh as saying that he knew the slain officer. He was living the American Dream. He emigrated here from the Fiji Islands, just like my parents did, and was definitely enjoying the American Dream, Deputy Raj Singh said. Tributes and condolence messages for Singh poured from police departments and officials across the country. California Governor Edmund Brown extended his condolences to Singhs wife, their young son and colleagues. Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state, who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California, Brown said. In honour of Singh, Capitol flags in California would be flown at half-staff, the Governors office said. New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner James P ONeill tweeted that the entire New York Police Department is thinking of the family, friends and colleagues of Corporal Ronil Singhof the Newman Police Department (CA), who was murdered early this morning while conducting a traffic stopjust hours after taking Christmas photos with his wife and son. #NeverForget. The New York Police Department, in a separate tweet, said after years of service with the Newman Police Department, Singh was shot & killed while conducting a traffic stop shortly after Christmas day. We mourn the loss of this hero and send our condolences to his friends, family and colleagues. The Indian Officers Society at the NYPD expressed sadness at Singhs death, tweeting that Singh was killed in the line of duty and recalled his service to the community. Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said the Newman Police family is devastated by Singhs death. PTI shriaya.dutta@tribuneindia.com Tribune Web Desk Chandigarh, December 27 An Indian politician, and former model, television actress and producer, Smriti Irani had a Shoot me moment when the young actress, Jhanvi Kapoor kept addressing her as Aunty. Smriti took to Instagram on Thursday to complain about continuously being called an Aunty by Jhanvi. Her caption reads, The someone shoot me moment When #jahnvikapoor sweetly apologises for continuously calling you aunty & you say koi baat nahi beta #totalsiyapa, ye Aaj kal ke bachche #auntykiskobola. The boomberrang Irani shared went viral in seconds. Smriti is seen wearing a red saree and Jhanvi is wearing a simple Indian white colour suit. gspannu7@gmail.com New Delhi, December 27 Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with his counterpart Narendra Modi on a host of issues, including the Himalayan nations five-year development plan. On his first visit to the country since taking charge last month, Tshering was received by Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla. He will be given a ceremonial reception on Friday and will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi the same day. Sources said a host of issues, including Bhutans five-year development plan, is likely to be discussed during the visit. The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said the two sides are likely to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, people-to-people ties, and economic, development and hydropower cooperation. The upcoming visit of Tshering will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in the multi-faceted partnership, and discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation, the MEA had said. Time-tested relationship. Dr Lotay Tshering @PMBhutan received warmly by MoS Finance @BJPShivPShukla on arrival in Delhi for a 3-day State Visit at the invitation of PM @narendramodi. #IndiaBhutan celebrate 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted after Bhutanese premiers arrival. Tsherings visit comes a month after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhales official trip to Bhutan. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Bengaluru, December 27 Senior Karnataka BJP MLA Umesh Katti on Wednesday claimed that he was in touch with 15 disgruntled legislators of ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition and his party would welcome them if they chose to join it. The eight-time MLA further claimed that the BJP would form a new government in the state by next week, drawing a strong reaction from state Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao, who hit out at him for making illusionary statements to confuse people. The claim by Katti came in the midst of public display of anger by some ministerial aspirants from the Congress who were left out in the recent cabinet expansion. Senior MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, upset after being dropped from the HD Kumaraswamy ministry, has threatened to resign and said he would announce his future course of action later this week. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy and senior Congress leaders and ministers have asserted that no MLA would resign and there was no threat to the stability of the six-month old government. BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa separately said on Wednesday that the party was not in touch with any disgruntled MLAs of the Congress. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, Katti said: Fifteen MLAs are in touch with me. I cannot divulge their names now. When time comes I will speak. However, ruling out Operation Lotus (engineering defections), Katti said, We will welcome those who are pained in the Congress and JD(S) and want to join our party. If they come, we will induct them into our party and form the government. Replying to a question, Katti said he would welcome if Ramesh Jarkiholi came to the BJP. New government would be formed by the BJP in Karnataka by next week; how it would be formed, why it would be formed, dont think about it, he said. When it is formed we will tell you, he added. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Commitee president Gundu Rao asked Katti not to confuse people by making such illusionary statements. If it didnt happen, Katti would have to resign if he had guts, he told reporters. Reacting to Raos comments, Katti claimed that already eight to 10 (Congress-JDS) MLAs were ready to resign. So as a party with 104 MLAs in the 224-member assembly, Im confident we can form the government, he said maintaining that the Congress-JDS government would fall 100 per cent. Yeddyurappa said the BJP had nothing to do with the disgruntlement among the MLAs of the ruling combine. ...if they are fighting internally, lets wait and watch what will happen at the end...till now no one has contacted us, nor we have contacted anybody and we dont require it also... he told reporters here. PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com New Delhi, December 27 Under attack for the agrarian crisis, the government is contemplating several incentives, including a big financial package, to woo farmers ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, according to sources. The government's likely announcement of incentives to boost rural income will come following feedback given by BJP leaders and MPs, besides other stakeholders, they added. Sources said the Agriculture Ministry has prepared a road map and made a presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting both short and long term "sustainable" solutions to various issues that are impacting farmers and causing agricultural distress in the country. BJP president Amit Shah had met Modi earlier to discuss the farmers' issues. Senior BJP leaders, including union ministers, have been holding consultations over the matter. Shah also met Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh late Thursday, though there was no official word on what transpired in the meeting. The ministry has studied various state models, including loan waiver announced in seven states, input subsidy being given in states such as Odisha and the 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme of Telangana, among others. "In the meeting with the PM, the ministry made a presentation and the discussions revolved around the key issues facing the farming community and the possible solutions that can be provided before general elections," a highly placed source said. The ruling BJP was defeated in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in the recent state polls, where rural distress was a key factor. - PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Jakarta, December 27 Indonesia on Thursday raised the alert level for the erupting Anak Krakatau volcano to the second-highest, and ordered all flights to steer clear, days after it triggered a tsunami that killed at least 430 people. A crater collapse on the volcanic island at high tide on Saturday sent waves up to 5 metres (16 feet) high smashing into the coast on the Sunda Strait, between the islands of Java and Bali. Authorities have warned that the crater of Anak Krakatau, or child of Krakatau, remains fragile, raising fears of another collapse and tsunami, and have urged residents to stay away from the coast. There are also fears of a bigger eruption. The volcano has been rumbling on and off since July but has been particularly active since Sunday, spewing lava and rocks, and sending huge clouds of ash up to 3,000 metres into heavily overcast skies. The national geological agency, in raising the alert level to the second-highest, set a 5-km exclusion zone around the island. Since December 23, activity has not stopped ... We anticipate a further escalation, said Antonius Ratdomopurbo, secretary of the geological agency. A thin layer of volcanic ash has been settling on buildings, vehicles and vegetation along the west coast of Java since late on Wednesday, according to images shared by the national disaster mitigation agency. Authorities said the ash was not dangerous, but advised residents to wear masks and goggles when outside, while aircraft were ordered away. All flights are rerouted due to Krakatau volcano ash on red alert, the government air-traffic control agency AirNav said in a release. The civil aviation authority said no airports would be affected. The capital, Jakarta, is about 155 km east of the volcano. In 1883, the volcano then known as Krakatoa erupted in one of the biggest blasts in recorded history, killing more than 36,000 people in a series of tsunami and lowering the global surface temperature by one degree Celsius with its ash. Anak Krakatau is the island that emerged from the area in 1927 and has been growing ever since. Indonesia is a vast archipelago that sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. This year, the country has suffered its worst annual death toll from disasters in more than a decade. The latest tsunami disaster, coming during the Christmas season, evoked memories of the Indian Ocean tsunami triggered by an earthquake on December 26, 2004, which killed 2,26,000 people in 14 countries, including more than 1,20,000 in Indonesia. Reuters rchopra@tribunemail.com Guwahati, December 27 A day after abusing a journalist, and threatening him of smashing his head, Lok Sabha MP Moulana Badaruddin Ajmal expressed his apologies on Thursday, saying he respected mediapersons. Ajmal, a Lok Sabha MP from Assams Dhubri constituency, landed himself in a controversy on Wednesday over the episode. Ajmal, who leads the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), faced condemnation from different sections over the incident. Several media organisations have threatened to file FIRs against him. Apologising over the episode, Ajmal, who is also a perfume trader, wrote on Twitter: Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and I have always respected media persons and everyone knows that. I have sincere regards for them. The Mankachar incident was an unintentional aberration and I sincerely apologise for that to all concerned. Guwahati-based Digital Media Journalist Association of Assam (DiMJAA) has said it will file an FIR against Ajmal on Thursday. Members of the media fraternity also staged a protest on Thursday at Dispur Press Club, wearing black badges. The AIUDF chief got agitated on Wednesday when a journalist asked him if he would side with the party that came to power in New Delhi. He was addressing a press conference at Mankachar to honour the AIUDF leaders who won in the recently held rural polls in Assam. Ajmal not only verbally abused the journalist but also asked him to get out of the venue. Ill smash your head, he said, while snatching the boom mic of the journalist. IANS pardeepdhull@gmail.com Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, December 27 The Lok Sabha today cleared the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, an amended version of the popularly called triple talaq Bill, criminalising the practice of talaq-e-biddat among Muslims with the provision of a three-year jail term for the husband. A united Opposition saw it as criminalising the entire community. After a heated debate, the Bill was passed with 245 votes in favour and 11 against, with the Congress, SP and AIADMK staging a walkout. It will now go to the Rajya Sabha for approval. The BJP-led government asserted that the Bill should not be viewed from the prism of politics. It rejected the allegation that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. It is all about insaaniyat aur insaaf, insisted Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, while moving the Bill. The RJD and AIMIM rejected it outright. The Congress demanded that the unconstitutional legislation be referred to a joint select committee of Parliament for greater scrutiny and for better sustenance of the aggrieved women. The demand was rejected, following which the Congress walked out. Opposition leaders, including Congress Mallikarjun Kharge, AIADMK leader P Venugopal, TMCs Sudip Bandhopadhyay and AIMIM's Assaduddin Owaisi, argued that the three-year jail provision virtually ruled out the scope of a rapprochement. The Bill violated Articles dealing with rights of individuals, they argued. Congress Sushmita Dev said the real purpose was not to empower Muslim women but to penalise Muslim men and that criminalising triple talaq was against the Supreme Court verdict. Moving a statutory resolution opposing an ordinance (which the Bill seeks to replace), NK Premchandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party said the legislation was bad in law as it aimed to criminalise a civil wrong. Defending the legislation, Prasad argued that the accused husband would attract jail only if convicted. He said 477 cases of triple talaq had been reported since January 2017. The new Bill makes the offence compoundable, meaning that the case can be withdrawn if the man and his estranged wife reach a compromise. To avoid its misuse, the aggrieved wife and her close blood relatives alone can file an FIR. The earlier Bill too was approved by the Lower House. However, as it continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance, incorporating the amendments. Aimed at giving justice: BJP Do not look at the Bill from the prism of politics, but from that of humanity. It is aimed at giving justice, respect The Opposition is creating hurdles in its passage due to vote bank politics. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Law Minister BJP wants to send Muslims to jail: AIMIM While the SC is decriminalising adultery and same-sex relationships, the government is criminalising triple talaq because you want to send Muslims to jail. Asaduddin Owaisi, Aimim Supremo Violates Muslim personal law: Cong The Bill is against the spirit of the Constitution and has violated several articles dealing with the rights of individuals It is a divisive Bill and violates Muslim personal law and the right to equality. Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha pardeepdhull@gmail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi/Kochi, December 27 In a freak accident, two Naval officers were killed in Kochi on Thursday after getting trapped beneath the iron shutter of the helicopter hangar, the police said. According to police, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. at the Southern Naval Commands headquarters here. The Navy is conducting their probe. Two Chief Petty Officers, who were standing in front of the helicopter hangar, were seriously injured when the hangar door fell on them. The Naval officials immediately took them to hospital, but their lives could not be saved, a police officer said on the condition of anonymity. The deceased were identfied as Naveen from Bhiwani and Ajeet from Rajasthan. Their families have been informed. With IANS shriaya.dutta@tribuneindia.com Hyderabad, December 27 A woman on Thursday was held at the Hyderabad airport for allegedly trying to smuggle gold bars worth Rs 9.5 lakh, a senior CISF official said. He said the woman was intercepted during security check and 4 gold bars, weighing 310 grams in total, were found in her hand bag. The woman, G Laxmi, was travelling to Vishakhapatnam and she could not produce any document or a valid reason for carrying the gold bars as a result of which she was handed over to customs authorities by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the airport, the official said. The value of the seized gold bars is estimated to be about Rs 9.5 lakh, he said. PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com Islamabad, December 27 Pakistan on Thursday described the Kartarpur corridor as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government while admitted that there was "no progress" on the contentious issues with India. Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal also said the Kashmir issue remained "on top of Pakistan's priority". At the weekly media briefing here, Faisal said that the Kartarpur corridor was the "high point of diplomacy for Pakistan's new government, along with Afghan (peace) developments". He said Prime Minister Khan in a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in September gave a detailed roadmap to move forward but New Delhi failed to reciprocate. Faisal said despite India's refusal to start a dialogue, Pakistan went ahead with the groundbreaking of the Kartarpur corridor. Prime Minister Khan in November laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. "It was very positively received all around the world, especially by the Sikh community. We are actively working to develop infrastructures at Kartarpur," Faisal said. Faisal said, however, there was "no progress" on contentious issues with India and the Kartarpur corridor was the only positive development. "We were not successful...we made an effort but they were not reciprocating. You can say it was not successful," the spokesman said. Condemning the violence in Kashmir, he said Pakistan would "observe Kashmir Solidary on February 5, 2019 in London where the foreign minister will be present". Faisal said 341 Pakistani prisoners were in India, including 154 civil prisoners and 187 fishermen. He said 12 civil and 33 fishermen have completed their jail terms and Pakistan is working to bring them back. To a question about India's role in the Afghan peace process, Faisal said, "India has no role in this." - PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com New Delhi, December 27 Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar is likely to surrender before a court here on December 31 to serve the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. We will comply with the high courts judgment, his counsel Anil Kumar Sharma told PTI. The counsel said Kumars appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the high court verdict is not likely to be taken up for hearing before December 31. The 73-year-old former Congress leader was sentenced to life for the remainder of his natural life by the Delhi High Court on December 17 in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The case relates to killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar Part 1 area in Palam Colony in South West Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a gurdwara in Raj Nagar Part 2. Riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her two Sikh bodyguards. The high court had on December 21 rejected Kumars plea seeking extension till January 30 to surrender. The former Congress leader had sought more time to surrender, saying he had to settle the family affairs related to his children and property and also needed time to file appeal in the Supreme Court against the high court verdict. Sharma said they had removed the objections in their appeal filed in the apex court but since the court was on vacation till January 1, it was not likely to be taken up for hearing by December 31 and also the chances of mentioning for urgent listing of the appeal were not there. The Supreme Court will open on January 2 after the winter break. We have removed the objections and the appeal in the apex court has been numbered. At present, there are no benches in the Supreme Court. Even if we mention the matter for urgent hearing, the registrar will decide whether it will be heard by the bench. No time is left now, Kumars counsel said. He said they were yet to engage a senior counsel who would represent Kumar before the apex court. The former Congress leader had on December 22 approached the Supreme Court challenging the high courts judgment. Senior advocate HS Phoolka, who is representing the riots victims, had earlier said that they had already filed a caveat in the apex court to pre-empt any ex-parte hearing in favour of Kumar. The high court had set aside the trial courts 2010 verdict which had acquitted Kumar in the case. The six accused, including Kumar who was a Member of Parliament at that time, were sent to be tried in 2010. The high court had also upheld the conviction and varying sentences awarded by the trial court to the other five-- former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former MLAs Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar. All six, including Kumar, were directed by the high court to surrender by December 31, and not leave Delhi in the mean time. PTI gspannu7@gmail.com Fatehgarh Sahib, December 27 Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday said his government will not tolerate anybody trying to create a rift between communities and disturb the states secular fabric. His reaction comes in the background of a statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi being vandalised in Ludhiana by some persons on Tuesday. Singh had claimed that the vandals owed allegiance to opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and had asked its chief Sukhbir Singh Badal to apologise to the people of Punjab for the incident. In an informal interaction with reporters on the second day of the three-day Shaheedi Jor Mel here, he said Sikh religion propagated communal harmony, which nobody would be allowed to disturb. Recalling the sacrifice of 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, his youngest sonsSahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singhand his mother Mata Gujri, the chief minister said the peace for which they had laid their lives will be sustained at all costs. He was responding to questions on the incident in Ludhiana. Amarinder Singh accused the SAD for the Ludhiana incident and warned it to not to repeat such things, saying there were statues of several senior SAD leaders in various parts of Punjab. The present Punjab Government is committed and will protect statues of all leaders, he asserted. The Congress leader alleged that the SAD was making frustrated attempts to spread communal hatred by fanning the flames of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and dragging the name of the Gandhi family. Rajiv Gandhi was not even there when the violence erupted, he said. The chief minister claimed that Sukhbir Badal was studying in the US and former SAD minister Bikram Singh Majithia somewhere in Punjab during the time of the riots, but they were not in the know of things. Now, they are trying to exploit it in the name of religion to gain political mileage, Amarinder Singh alleged. It is evident that the SAD was indulging in petty politics and trying to disrupt the harmony between communities, he said, adding that he would not allow anyone to indulge in such politics of hate. In response to another query regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modis proposed political rally at Gurdaspur on January 3, the chief minister said the PM is holding such rallies in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. But, the state Congress leadership is geared-up to once again wipe out the SAD-BJP alliance from Punjab, he asserted. On the overall development of historic city of Fatehgarh Sahib, the chief minister announced that a chowk (intersection) will be soon constructed in the memory of legendary Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Amarinder Singh, who earlier paid obeisance at the historic Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara and later partook the langar, expressed happiness that no political conference was taking place during the mela, which was not an occasion for such rallies. The lakhs of people who have congregated for the Shaheedi Jor Mela have come here not to listen to political speeches but to pay their respects to Guru Gobind Singhs martyred sons, whose sacrifice can never be forgotten, the chief minister said. Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, located 5 km north of Sirhind where the Sahibzadas were killed on December 26, 1705, marks the site of their live entombment and is a revered Sikh religious site. The Shaheedi Jor Mel, being held here since time immemorial, is a mark of respect to remember the supreme sacrifice of the sons and mother of the 10th Sikh Guru. PTI gspannu7@gmail.com London, December 27 A British-Pakistani man who made plans to join the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group is facing a lengthy jail term after he was convicted of preparing an act of terrorism by a court here on Thursday. Mohammad Aqib Imran, a 22-year-old from Birmingham, was arrested after an investigation into his friend, 20-year-old British-Bangladeshi Naaimur Rahman, who was earlier this year convicted of a plot to kill Prime Minister Theresa May. While Imran was not charged in relation to that assassination plot, police identified that they had been interacting online and met on two occasions. Rahman recorded a sponsor video and sent it to Imran to show terrorists when he arrived in Libya. The idea was that Rahman would kill the prime minister and Imran would subsequently have a video from a martyr recommending he be accepted into the terrorist organisation. Such a video would have held weight with Daesh (ISIS), said Acting Commander for the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, Alexis Boon. Of course, this was never going to happen because MI5 and the Counter Terrorism Command had been investigating the pair for some time and in fact a covert police officer had been meeting with Rahman to establish how serious his plans were, he said. The Met Police detectives subsequently arrested both men in November last year. They seized Imrans phone and Kindle electronic reader, and forensic specialists sifted through the media files on the devices. They recovered Rahmans video message from a phone belonging to Imran, and from Imrans Kindle they recovered a terrorist guide book. On July 18 this year, in a trial with Rahman, Imran was found guilty of collection of information useful to terrorism in relation to the eBook. The jury was unable to reach a verdict in relation to a charge of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, which related to Imrans plan to travel to join ISIS, but he was found guilty this week of the offence following a retrial. I am pleased with this result. Our police investigation has stopped Imran from joining Daesh (ISIS) on the ground in Libya, where his subsequent actions could have assisted the terrorist organisation to further their aims, Boon added. Rahman previously pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct in assisting the preparation of terrorist acts, for the sponsorship video he filmed for Imran. He was jailed for 30 years for this and the plot to kill Theresa May. Imran will be sentenced for his offences on January 25 next year. The jury was told that Imran had learning difficulties and his college had provided him with a dedicated assistance teacher to help him complete a course which would lead to work in social care. But after meeting Rahman online, Imran went on to reveal his plans to travel to Libya to fight but was unwittingly revealing his plot to undercover investigative officers from the FBI in the US and MI5 in the UK. PTI gspannu7@gmail.com London, December 27 A princess who tried to flee the United Arab Emirates months ago is a troubled young woman, a former UN human rights chief said on Thursday after meeting her this month. Mary Robinson told BBC radio 4s Today programme that she had been invited by Princess Haya, the wife of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, to help with her daughter, Sheikha Latifa. Latifa has not been seen in public since she was allegedly captured at sea off India in March after leaving the UAE. In a YouTube video at the time, she said she was leaving because of restrictions imposed on her by her family. Robinson, who was seen alongside Latifa in photographs released by the UAE authorities earlier this month, said that she had been asked to help with a family dilemma. The dilemma was that Latifa is vulnerable, shes troubled. She made a video that she now regrets and she planned an escape, or what was part of a plan of escape, she said. I had lunch with her. Shes a very likeable young woman but clearly troubled, clearly needs the medical care that she is receiving, said Robinson, adding that her family dont want her to endure any more publicity. She said that Latifa was suffering from a serious medical situation and was receiving psychiatric care but did not give further details about her condition. Robinson served as Irelands president between 1990 and 1997 and later served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002. The 74-year-old said she had spoken to current UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, as well as Human Rights Watch executive director Ken Roth about her meeting with Latifa and would be returning to Dubai in March. Accounts by people involved in Latifas escape attempt said that she fled first to Oman, before boarding a yacht which was surrounded by the Indian Navy and then towed back to the UAE. A source close to the Dubai government told AFP in April the princess had been brought back to Dubai. AFP A 32-year-old Pradeep Pushpakuma alias Bena, an accomplice of underworld figure Ratmalana Manju, has been arrested with 10.7 grammes of heroin during a raid at Weda Mawatha in Maharagama last night. Police said the suspect was the financial handler and drug distributor of Ratmalana Manju. The suspect, a resident of Piliyandala, was arrested on a tipoff by the Police Organized Crimes Prevention officers. Initial investigations revealed that the suspect was also wanted for aiding and abetting a shooting incident in Mount Lavinia in which an individual was killed. Police said the suspect would be produced in the Gangodawila Magistrate's Court. (Darshana Sanjeewa) rchopra@tribunemail.com Quetta, December 27 A Pakistani separatist wanted over an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi in November has been killed in a suicide blast in Afghanistan, his group has confirmed. Aslam Baloch was believed to be one of the leaders of the Balochistan Liberation Army, one of a myriad of insurgent groups fighting in Pakistans restive southwestern Balochistan province. He was killed on Tuesday along with four others in a blast in Afghanistans southern Kandahar province, the group said in a statement issued on Wednesday in which they vowed to continue their fight for Baloch independence. Kandahar police chief Tadin Khan confirmed a suicide bombing had taken place in the provincial capital, killing two civilians. Another Afghan official, who spoke anonymously, said Baloch and a second member of the BLA were the targets of the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Four people were killed when militants attacked Chinas consulate in the port city of Karachi in November. The BLA claimed that assault, labelling Beijing an oppressor and making it clear that Chinas military expansionism on Baloch soil will not be tolerated. It had warned the Chinese to leave or be prepared for continual attacks. The BLA is just one of the militant outfits operating in Balochistan, Pakistans largest and poorest province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran and is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. Its residents have long complained that it does not receive a fair share of the profits made from its mineral wealth. The Pakistani military has been targeting insurgencies in the province since 2004, and has been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there. China, one of Pakistans closest allies, has poured billions into the South Asian country in recent years as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure project that seeks to connect its western province of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar in Balochistan. Pakistan sees the project as a game changer, but it presents an enormous challenge in a country plagued by weak institutions, endemic corruption and a range of insurgencies in areas slated to host the corridor. The subject of economic dividends from CPEC is extremely sensitive in some of those areas--particularly in Balochistan. Since the beginning of the project militants have repeatedly attacked construction sites, blowing up numerous gas pipelines and trains, and targeted Chinese workers. AFP pardeepdhull@gmail.com Washington, December 27 America cannot be the policeman of the world, US President Donald Trump has said during his first visit to Iraq as he urged other countries to share responsibilities. Trump, on a surprise visit to US troops stationed in Iraq, defended his decision to pull American troops out of war-torn Syria, saying there would be no delays. The United States cannot continue to be the policeman of the world, Trump told reporters at a military base west of Baghdad, soon after he addressed American soldiers. This is his first visit to Iraq as the US President. He is accompanied by First Lady Melania. Trump vowed for a harsh response from his administration if there was to be another terrorist attack on America. If anything should happen at all, nobody will ever have suffered the consequences they had suffered, Trump told American troops at a military base west of Baghdad. Its not fair when the burden is all on us, the United States, he said, as he defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria and let regional countries, Turkey in particular, to complete the work of finishing the remnants of the ISIS terror group and Saudi Arabia to invest in development of the war-ravaged country. In his interaction with reporters, Trump described how he gave the generals multiple six-month extensions to get out of Syria. They said again, recently, can we have more time? I said, Nope. You cant have any more time. Youve had enough time. Weve knocked them out. Weve knocked them silly. I will tell you that Ive had some very good talks with (Turkish) President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan who wants to knock them out also and hell do it. And others will do it too. Because we are in their region. They should be sharing the burden of costs and theyre not, the US President said. Last week, Trump surprised the world and his country as well when he suddenly announced that the US is pulling out its troops from Syria. The US currently has some 2,000 troops in Syria, which are now gradually headed home. US Defence Secretary James Mattis resigned in protest. Trump has argued that the US now no longer needs to be present in Syria now that ISIS has been defeated. We dont want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us and use our incredible military to protect them. They dont pay for it, and theyre going to have to. In Syria, Erdogan said he wants to knock out ISIS, whatevers left, the remnants of ISIS. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they are going to pay for some economic development. Which is great, that means we dont have to pay. We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people havent even heard about. Frankly, its ridiculous, Trump added. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Nenton, Guatemala/Washington, December 26 Migrant children will receive more thorough medical checks after an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy died in US custody this week, the US government said on Wednesday, and his mother expressed grief and despair over his death. Felipe Gomez Alonzo, who died on Monday, and his father, Agustin, 47, came from the western municipality of Nenton in Huehuetenango province, Guatemalan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marta Larra said. The pair trekked to the Mexico-US border, joining thousands of others who have left their remote area. Gomez, belonged to a family of indigenous Maya, was the second child to die this month in US custody after crossing from Mexico, following the December 8 death of Jakelin Caal, a 7-year-old girl also from Guatemala. Im sad and in despair over the death of my son, the boys 32-year-old mother, Catarina Alonzo, told Reuters by phone from her home in the tiny village of Yalambojoch, speaking through a translator because of her limited Spanish. The latest fatality prompted sharp criticism from some Democrats, and US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced policy changes on Wednesday aimed at preventing future deaths of children in custody. All children in Border Patrol custody have been given a thorough medical screening, and moving forward all children will receive a more thorough hands on assessment as soon as possible after being apprehended, whether or not the adult with them asks for one, Nielsen said in a statement. Gomezs parents, who speak a Maya language called Chuj and little Spanish, have requested an autopsy be done as quickly as possible so their sons body can be repatriated to Guatemala, Larra said. The results are expected in about a week, she added. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has not released an official cause of death. Most families in Nenton, a mountainous area near the Mexican border, are of indigenous origin and subsist on corn and beans, as well as money sent back from relatives working in the United States and Mexico, according to a local government report. Huehuetenango sends the highest number of migrants abroad from Guatemala every year, Larra at the foreign ministry said. Nielsen said the death of migrant children in US custody is rare, noting that in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, six migrants died under the CBPs auspices, none of whom were children. It had been more than a decade since a child died in CBP custody, she added. It is now clear that migrants, particularly children, are increasingly facing medical challenges and harboring illness caused by their long and dangerous journey, Nielsen said, noting she would travel to the border later this week to observe the medical screenings and conditions at Border Patrol stations. She placed some blame for the risks faced by migrant children on their families. Smugglers, traffickers, and their own parents put these minors at risk by embarking on the dangerous and arduous journey north, Nielsen said. Investigation demanded Gomez and his father were detained on December 18 in El Paso, Texas, for illegally entering the country, the agency said. They were given hot food, snacks, juice and water, and two days later, were transferred to the El Paso Border Patrol Station, CBP said. On December 23, they were moved to the Alamogordo Border Patrol Station in New Mexico. On the morning of Dec. 24, an agent noticed Gomez was coughing and appeared to have glossy eyes, CBP said, and the father and son were transferred to a nearby hospital. The boy was found to have a fever and cold and was released with a prescription for an antibiotic and Ibuprofen. That evening, Gomez started vomiting, and his father declined medical help because his son had been feeling better, CBP said. A few hours later, Gomez again began feeling nauseous and was taken back to the hospital, where he died just before midnight. CBP previously said he had died early on Tuesday. US House of Representatives Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called on Wednesday for the DHS internal watchdog, the Inspector Generals office, to investigate Gomezs death. Other Democrats expressed outrage. US Representative Raul Ruiz of California said on a conference call that CBP facilities he had visited last week near El Paso were dehumanizing and not equipped to handle emergencies in remote areas of the Mexico-US border. This is under the care and the responsibility and the custody of the United States government, and they do not meet the most minimal basic standards of humanitarian health, he said. Reuters laxmi@tribune.com Kabul, December 27 The Taliban warned the United States on Thursday it would face the same fate as the Soviet Union in the 1980s if it did not leave Afghanistan, as Washington considers slashing troop numbers. In a taunting message sent on the 39th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of the war-torn country, the Taliban said US forces faced humiliation and could learn a great deal from the experience of their Cold War foe. The Soviets pulled out of Afghanistan in 1989, ending a decade-long occupation and precipitating a bloody civil war and the emergence of the Taliban. Take heed from the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan and abandon thoughts of testing the mettle of the already proven Afghans, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement in English, Dari and Pashto. Mujahid said any future relations between the Taliban and the United States should be based on sound diplomatic and economic principles rather than conflict. The Taliban have not formally responded to the news that Trump had decided to withdraw roughly half of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan. But a senior commander told AFP that the group was more than happy. The Taliban have long insisted on the withdrawal of foreign troops as a condition for engaging in peace talks. The White House has so far not confirmed the widely-publicised move that left foreign diplomats and Afghan officials in Kabul stunned and dismayed. It came last week as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul. That was the latest in a series of meetings between US officials and representatives of the Talian that began in the summer. There are fears Trumps decision could undermine Khalilzads negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are suffering record losses. Meanwhile, a Pentagon plan claims that selective use of force persuaded the Taliban to accept the Eid ul Fitr ceasefire in June. Even though the Taliban did not publicly accept the second ceasefire offer, therere indicators of support within the Taliban senior leadership and a desire to pursue negotiations, it adds. AFP US offers safety, job security to Taliban A man who was clad in only his underwear to allegedly buglarise a womans home and his alleg The police today arrested a 45-year-old woman, believed to be the mistress of notorious underworld gangster Sanka Shirantha, alias Bloemendhal Sanka, the main suspect wanted for yesterdays Grandpass shooting. Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said the 45-year old woman, a resident of Pamunugama, was arrested with 2 grammes of heroin at her house. The police raided the womans house on Wednesday evening after information received that the main suspect in the shooting, Bloemendhal Sanka, had visited the house following the shooting, he said.(Darshana Sanjeewa) - Cedrick Todwell graduated from Kenyatta University with a Bachelors degree in Economics Literature - He also has a Masters degree in Strategic Management from the University of Webster in US - The 34-year-old is is commercial director of Sistema.bio - Sistema.bio is deals with supply of modern biogas equipment to enhance access to clean energy access - He was awarded during 100 Changemakers Awards in Johannesburg and was was among 12 finalists Kenyas social entrepreneur Cedric Todwell has been selected among top 40 under 40 Kenyan males The 34-year-old Kenyatta University graduate is the commercial director of Sistema.Bio which deals with supplying biodigestion equipment to facilitate clean energy access and use and boasts of KSh 150 million in revenue. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Cabinet Secretary's personal assistant arrested for sleeping with his bosss 16-year-old daughter Cedrick Todwell was awarded during the 100 Changemakers Awards in Johannesburg where he was among 12 finalists Source: Original READ ALSO: Christmas party for Kitui family turns tragic as son drowns in swimming pool He was awarded during the 100 Changemakers Awards in Johannesburg where he was among the 12 finalists advocating for affordable clean energy in Africa. Sistema.Bio became popular for bringing one of the most innovative biodigestion technologies to Kenya, a programme which extended to eight countries across the globe. Through the company, Todwell managed to supply at least 2000 Hybrid Reactor biodigesters to farmers in Meru, Kericho and Kiambu counties between 2017 and 2018. The project was aimed at enabling residents of Meru, Kericho and Kiambu counties access clean cooking energy. Todwell used his expertise to make Sistema.bio profitable in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia through franchising and engaging dairy cooperatives in embracing clean energy. Through the company, Cedrick Todwell supplied 2000 Hybrid Reactor biodigesters to farmers in Meru, Kericho and Kiambu counties between 2017 and 2018 to enhance clean energy access. Photo:UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Kisii county government bans staff from wearing miniskirts His project was lauded for hugely contributing towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of poverty reduction, access to energy, gender equality, food security and sanitation. Todwell graduated with a Bachelors degree in Economics Literature from Kenyatta University before advancing to get a Masters Degree in Strategic Management from the University of Webster in US. Sistema.bio was on Thursday, December 6, awarded during the Renewable Energy Awards for its achievements and involvement in promoting adoption of clean cooking gas in Kenya. Todwell was recognized for adoption of simple technologies to produce clean, alternative and easy to access renewable energy from biomass. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news Matiang'i Celebrates Christmas at Police Station | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Breaking News Latest - Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe asked Ruto to retire with Uhuru in 2022 - He said Kikuyu community does not have an MoU with anyone regarding the 2022 elections - Murathe said Uhuru and Ruto had already led the government for two terms and should both retire - He intimated that Jubilee has no presidential candidate for 2022 Jubilee vice-chairman David Murathe has disowned a power deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto while asking him to retire with the president. Murathe on Wednesday, December 26, said the Kikuyu community did not have an MoU with anyone regarding the 2022 elections. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Former Bomachoge MP Nyangwara succumbs to chronic kidney disease Jubilee vice chairman David Murathe has disowned power deal between Uhuru and William Ruto while asking him to retire with the president. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Ruto defies Uhuru, says he will continue launching projects He made the remarks in Mbale, Vihiga, during the 39th Maragoli cultural celebrations alongside other dignitaries. According to Murathe, Uhuru and Ruto had already led the government for two terms and should both retire after serving as president and deputy president respectively. Let you not be deceived by the Tangatanga movement because both Ruto and Uhuru have served their full terms and should retire together," he stated. READ ALSO: William Ruto asks his 2022 presidential race competitors to be ready to accept defeat Murathe made the remarks in Vihiga during the 39th Maragoli cultural celebrations alongside other dignitaries Source: Facebook "If he (William Ruto) has an MoU with Uhuru Kenyatta, then that was an agreement between two individuals," added Murathe. The Jubilee politician said the party had no presidential candidate for 2022 while noting there was no political debt as Uhuru and Ruto had shared the government equally. "If you (Ruto) have led with Uhuru for two terms, what else do you want? We don't know someone who will guard us but we know someone who will break us. We will take someone who will safeguard Mt Kenya, he added. READ ALSO: We will elect a leader of our own choice -Kabogo fires at Deputy President William Ruto on 2022 presidential race Recently in Bungoma, Ruto and his allies expressed opposition over the push for a referendum. Source: Facebook The politician said it was time Ruto retires together with Uhuru. The Jubilee official said section 148 of the Constitution says no one should serve as president for more than two terms. However, TUKO.co.ke understands the law does not bar a deputy president from vying for the presidency. He accused the DP of going around opposing the referendum while the Jubilee party is yet to take a position. Murathe said Ruto should not pretend to be speaking on behalf of teh ruling party on matters referendum. Recently in Bungoma, the DP and his allies expressed opposition over push to change the law. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Is Christmas Worth Celebrating? | Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said David Murathe had no authority to speak for Jubilee party - He said the Jubilee party deputy chairman's sentiments that Deputy President William Ruto should retire in 2022 were ethnically divisive - He called on Murathe to apologise to President Uhuru Kenyatta for undermining his deputy - The senator said Ruto was the principal assistant of Uhuru and undermining him was tantamount to abusing president - Cherargei also told off Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) boss over remarks calling for Ruto's resignation over his stand to oppose referendum calls Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has strongly hit out at Jubilee party vice chairperson David Murathe over his remarks that Deputy President William Rutoi needed to retire in 2022 when President Uhuru Kenyatta's term comes to an end. Murathe has come under incessant attacks from Jubilee politicians over remarks he made in Vihiga county during the 39th Maragoli annual cultural festival on Wednesday, December 26, adding there was no power succession deal between Ruto and President Uhuru Kenyatta. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: One shot dead as Bungoma residents confront police Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, DP William Ruto in past event. Cherargei wants Jubilee party vice-chairperson David Murathe to apologise to President Uhuru Kenyatta for insulting his deputy. Photo:UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Water CS Simon Cheluguis Personal Assistant Reuben Kiborek charged with sleeping with bosss 16-year-old daughter Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, on Thursday, December 27, Cherargei said Murathe did not have an iota of authority to speak on behalf of Jubilee party and accused him of sparking ethnic unrest. Cherargei urged Jubilee supporters to ignore the comments from Murathe saying he was an insignificant authority who could only convey his private views. "The statements by Murathe are insignificant. The sentiments were brewed in some propaganda den but have nothing to do with the party's position on Uhuru's succession. The party has throughout been clear on way forward in 2022 and that has not changed ," said Cherargei. Cherargei said the party vice chairman's sentiments were unfortunate and undermining to the president and challenged him to apologise to their party leader Uhuru. He also said Central Organistaion of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli was misguided in asking Ruto to resign from government because he said he was against the push for a purported selfish referendum to create positions. Jubilee party vice chairman David Murathe found himself in trouble by saying there was no power sucession deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto. Photo:UGC Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Researchers inch closer to getting AIDS cure, manage to destroy HIV infected cells He termed Atwoli a private citizen who did not have any political clout to prevail on the DP over his political positions. "Murathe and Atwoli precisely undermined the president through their baseless and misinformed statements. Undermining the DP is tantamount to insulting the president. Murathe should in fact make it urgent to apologise to Uhuru for undermining his deputy," said Cherargei. The vocal Senator was categorical that Uhuru and Ruto were inseparable courtesy of their positions. "Ruto is the principal deputy of Uhuru. Undermining or insulting the DP is same as disrespecting the president . The two need to swallow humble pie and apologise for threatening this country's stability through reckless utterances," he said. He further stated Murathe was handpicked and not voted in as deputy chairperson of Jubilee party terming him a political conman that was pursuing self interests. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news Message To My Favorite Politician | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Breaking News The Sri Lankan Consulate in Catania, Sicily in Italy had informed Sri Lankan passengers not to bring curry leaves from Sri Lanka to Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Malta because the EU had prohibited curry leaves under the EUROPHYT notification. Issuing a notice on December 24, the Consulate office said the European Union (EU) had banned curry leaves from Sri Lanka to the EU countries on the grounds of harmful organism content. During November, the EU and the Italian Customs had on many occasions detected that curry leaves had been brought in the baggage of Sri Lankans who arrived at Italian airports, mainly the Catania Airport. Due to the increasing number of detections of curry leaves from passenger baggage the non-compliance of this rule would result in a negative impact on Sri Lankas import of food items to Italy and other EU countries, it said, The Consulate office has instructed the Sri Lankans living in Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Malta to avoid bringing down the curry leaves from Sri Lanka in their baggage. The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) will also screen personnel baggage for this purpose and if you do not adhere to this requirement, you will not have a smooth departure at the Customs clearance at this end, the notice said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama) Minister Kabir Hashim yesterday condemned the recent acts of violence at religious places of worship in Mawanella. As soon as I heard about the recent attacks, I instructed the police to investigate and arrest those responsible. Two suspects have been arrested by the authorities and will be subjected to the full extent of the law," he said in a statement. The following is a release issued by the US State Department on November 30, 2021. Ukraine has received a loan of EUR 349.3 million from Deutsche Bank issued under a World Bank guarantee, the press service of the Ukrainian Finance Ministry has said. "Today, Ukraine's state budget received funds from the loan in the amount of 349.3 million euros provided by Deutsche Bank under a guarantee in support of state policy in the field of economic growth and fiscally sustainable services from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)," the statement reads. According to the ministry, Deutsche Bank granted a loan of EUR 349.3 million in the form of two tranches - Tranche A of EUR 53.2 million with a maturity of four years and Tranche B of EUR 296.1 million with a maturity of ten years and a grace period of four-and-a-half years. The ministry said that part of the World Bank's $750 million guarantee, in the amount of $375 million, had been used for this loan. It also said that the next loan under the remainder of the World Bank guarantee is to be obtained in the first quarter of 2019. The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved a $750 million Policy-Based Guarantee (PBG) for Ukraine on December 18. The heads of the parliaments of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, Andriy Parubiy, Andrian Candu and Irakli Kobakhidze, have signed a joint declaration on uniting efforts to combat hybrid threats, the press service of the Moldovan parliament has reported. According to the report, the document was signed on the initiative of the Moldovan side, Ukrinform's correspondent in Moldova said. "The parliaments of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia undertake, in accordance with national legislation, to create special centers that will collect, analyze and disseminate information about existing hybrid threats. In addition, the legislative bodies of the three countries express their desire to join (as participants or observers) the European Center [of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats] and other European organizations to combat hybrid threats," the document reads. The declaration notes that hybrid threats are aimed at undermining the foundations of democracy, being sources of threats to energy, defense and transport systems, as well as to food security and the financial system. The document pays particular attention to the fact that the global hybrid campaign unfolded after Russia's aggression against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait on November 25 this year. The speakers of the parliaments of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia expressed hope that the EU and the United States would provide support in the fight against hybrid threats and in order to consolidate security in the region. The Moldova- Georgia-Ukraine Inter-Parliamentary Assembly adopted a joint resolution condemning the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov. The aggressive military actions of Russia are a continuation of the policy of direct military aggression and illegal occupation and annexation of the territories of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, as well as the establishment of illegal borders of the annexed territories, reads the resolution which was released by the press service of the Parliament of Moldova, an Ukrinform correspondent in Moldova reports. The document highlights that the military actions of the Russian Federation in the Kerch Strait are a flagrant violation of the norms of international law and the principles of the sovereignty and territorial in tegrity of other states. The Moldova-Georgia-Ukraine Inter-Parliamentary Assembly confirms the unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and calls on the Russian government to release the illegally detained Ukrainian sailors. The authors of the resolution also demand that Russia stop aggressive and provocative actions aimed at seizing and annexing foreign territories, comply with the international obligations and withdraw its troops and weapons from the occupied territories. | By Alex Likowski The first time I visited Seoul, it was like being at home, and thats because of the people, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Jay A. Perman, MD, told visitors from Koreas Pusan National University (PNU) at a Nov. 26 meeting. I have been privileged to visit Korea three times myself, and my own experience is that Americans who are fussy and difficult, they are very comfortable in Korea. After the warm welcome, Perman and Hwan-Jung Roh, MD, president of PNUs Yangsan Hospital, discovered how much they and their universities have in common. Like UMB, PNU is located in a major city (Busan, pop. 3.5 million), includes graduate schools of medicine, law, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy, and is affiliated with a multi-facility hospital system. And Perman and Roh themselves possess an important similarity. Roh told Perman he continues to practice medicine as an otolaryngologist two hours a week. I do four hours a week! Perman exclaimed, as the two laughed together and spoke of their shared commitment to clinical practice and education. Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital President Hwan-Jung Roh asks Jim Hughes a question in one of the MPTC treatment rooms. Together, the two agreed to share even more, signing a memorandum of understanding to pursue joint research and education opportunities. Roh described for Perman and Jim Hughes, MBA, UMB chief enterprise and economic development officer and vice president, the evolution of 72-year old Pusan National University, including the addition in 2008 of the nations first and largest medical town, a 57-acre campus including PNU Yangsan Hospital and five other specialty hospitals the Childrens Hospital, the Dental Hospital, the Hospital of Oriental [traditional] Medicine, the Neuro Center, and the Yeongnam Regional Rehabilitation Hospital along with educational and ancillary facilities. All told, the hospitals include more than 350 rooms with nearly 1,300 beds, treat more than 1 million inpatients and outpatients annually, and provide a wide array of specializations, from organ transplantation and cardiovascular medicine to robotic and endoscopic surgery. PNU is a global leader in transplantation and we see exciting areas for partnership, including cancer and trauma care, Perman said after the signing of the memorandum of understanding that formalized an agreement to seek and develop clinical and educational partnerships. Although the visitors had traveled from Korea only the day before, they were determined to press on and tour some of UMBs most significant facilities. First stop, the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (STC), which treats more than 7,500 of the most critically ill and severely injured people in Maryland and nearby jurisdictions each year and proudly notes a survival rate of greater than 96 percent. Tara Reed Carlson, MD, RN, director of community outreach and external affairs at STC, guided the delegation. Well follow the path patients take, she said, starting with the helipad. A leading cause of injury among STC patients is vehicular accidents, and many of those patients arrive via Maryland State Police Aviation Command helicopters operating from seven hangars around the state, Carlson explained. Dedicated elevators bring many patients from the rooftop or ambulance bays on the ground floor to the Trauma Resuscitation Unit (TRU) on the second floor. Ten identically equipped resuscitation bays can each treat two patients at a time. The TRU also is adjacent to six STC operating rooms. Other patients are treated in the Critical Care Resuscitation Unit, a six-bed facility that sees critically ill patients with neurosurgical, neurological, vascular, cardiac, and medical emergencies. A Lung Rescue Unit also offers comprehensive care for patients with acute cardiac and respiratory failure. Although clearly weary from a long day of travel, Roh and his team were intrigued by Carlsons description of STCs hyperbaric chamber. More than one of the visitors gasped, Wow! as they entered the treatment area and beheld Marylands only multi-place hyperbaric chamber, capable of accommodating up to 23 patients and providers at a time. The chamber, Carlson explained, is used to treat carbon monoxide and smoke inhalation sickness, gas embolism and decompression illness, enhancement of healing of certain wound issues, crush injuries, and other traumas. Carlson also walked the group through STCs extensive training facility. We want people to be trained in the same environment theyre going to practice in, she said, starting in the fully equipped simulation lab. Next door we have an operating room, then an ICU [Intensive Care Unit], and a step-down ... intermediate care. Across campus at the University of Maryland BioPark, PNU visitors later received a personalized tour of the Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) from Frank Young, senior administrator of the University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology. As a practice, we have our main academic center right across the street at the University of Maryland Medical Center, he began. Then we have four other community-based practices at other hospitals and standalone centers throughout the state. Then we have our most recent addition, the Maryland Proton Treatment Center. Proton therapy is the most technologically advanced radiation treatment for cancer available. A compact particle accelerator, called a cyclotron, uses powerful magnetic fields to speed up a stream of protons that are delivered as an extremely narrow beam aimed at a tumor. The proton beam destroys tumor cells without delivering harmful radiation to the surrounding tissue. Before they [patients] are treated, they have an image taken to make sure they are in the same position. A CT scan is done so they are in the exact position, within a millimeter. All of that is done in the [treatment] room and it takes about two or three minutes, Young explained. A new enhancement to MPTCs treatment options is thermal therapy, which uses heat to make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation. MPTC is the first center in the world to employ proton treatment and thermal therapy under the same roof. Treatment is performed under the guidance of Zeljko Vujaskovic, MD, PhD, recipient of the 2016 J. Eugene Robinson Award from the Society of Thermal Medicine for his contributions to hyperthermic oncology. Another area of potential collaboration between UMB and PNU is the development of new technologies and therapies. Before leaving UMB, the PNU delegation made one final stop at the UM BioPark and a visit to a prime example of success in that area. Former School of Medicine professor Scott Strome, MD, and biotech entrepreneur David Block, MD, MBA, formed the privately held biopharmaceutical company Gliknik in 2007. Eleven years later, Gliknik is now a promising early-stage life science company creating new therapies for patients with cancer and immune disorders. We invent new drugs, cancer and immunology biologics, Block told the group. We have a protein manufacturing shop. We do the invention, the DNA, the protein, the purification analysis, and we ship it out for further work. We have two compounds now in clinical stage and other coming back. The visiting delegation from PNU included Dae Song Kim, MD, director of planning, Ki Seok Choo, MD, director of public relations, and Taewoo Kim, assistant manager of international relations. UNHCR helps a Syrian family move from Lesvos island to mainland Greece. UNHCR/Anthi Pazianou LESVOS, Greece Under a light drizzle, families from various war-torn countries stack duffel bags and battered cases holding all their possessions at the entrance to the Moria Reception and Identification Centre (RIC) on the Greek island of Lesvos. More than 200 asylum-seekers are waiting to be transferred by boat to accommodation on the mainland. They barely notice the rain because they are so happy to be finally leaving the overcrowded reception centre, where they have lived since crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey months before. Their destination is a former resort beside northern Greeces Lake Volvi. The site, last inhabited by Yazidis from Iraq, has been reopened by the government to ease the pressure on the islands and provide people with suitable accommodation and conditions while their asylum applications are processed. I hope and pray that the situation at Volvi will be better, says Mohammed Al Ahmad, 33, from Syrias volatile Idlib province, as he helps his four young children, pregnant wife and elderly mother onto a bus hired by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to take them to the ferry in Mytilene, the main port city of Lesvos. They spent three months in Moria. With the approach of winter, UNHCR has helped the Greek government move thousands of vulnerable asylum-seekers from Moria and other RICs on the Greek Aegean Islands to better shelter. More than 11,000 people have moved since early September from the islands to reception sites, hotels, and apartments on the mainland. UNHCR, with funding from the European Commission, assists in the transfers by bussing people to and from sea ports and organizing ferry tickets. The constant power cuts and the humidity at night are intolerable. Lesvos and Samos have been given priority for the decongestion operation over other islands as the RICs of Moria and Vathy are in desperate straits. More than half of all transfers have taken place from Moria. In December alone, over 1,700 asylum-seekers have been transferred from Lesvos with UNHCRs support, after they were authorized to move by the Greek government. Since transfers accelerated, Morias population has fallen below 5,000 for the first time since April 2018, but is still twice its capacity. The authorities have increased their efforts to improve conditions for those still waiting. Even though the staff [in Moria] are good and helpful, the situation is extremely bad, says Mohammed of the overcrowded conditions. In September, when the family arrived, nearly 8,000 refugees and migrants were crammed into shelters designed to house just 2,000. Without enough room inside the former military facility, many lived in flimsy tents in an adjacent olive grove. Despite recent transfers since then and some improvements, about 2,000 people many of them children continue to navigate through piles of uncollected trash and muddy pools outside their tents, amid the olive trees. In recent weeks temperatures have dropped to single digits after dark and frequent rains have made life worse in the olive grove. Space there is precious, but also inside the unheated and often soggy tents where people sleep, eat, and spend most of their days, while it is also possible to move around the island. Families huddle together, among their belongings, wrapped in blankets to keep warm. The constant power cuts and the humidity at night are intolerable, said Palestinian Ousama Ouda, who lives with his family of seven. Mohammed feels lucky to be moving from Moria to the mainland after just 90 days. He knows that time is precious. In Syria, a bullet killed his daughter instantly. He still feels the pain, but now looks to the future. Participants from Evercore Properties and SLT for the agreement signing from left to right include: From Evercore Properties Mr. S.R.Fernando (Head of Operations & Services), Mr. E.A.L.S.Perera (Head of Engineering), Mrs. A.Kangatharan (Accountant), Mr. Jasbir Singh (Director), Mr. RajenSangaran (Director); from SLT Mr. Kiththi Perera (Chief Executive Officer), Mr. Imantha Wijekoon (Chief Sales & Regional officer ), Mr. Chethana Attanayake (General Manager), Mr. Kelum Priyantha (Business Development Manager) and Mr. Samith Senevirathna (Assistant Manager). Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), , recently entered into a partnership with Evercore Properties (Pvt) Ltd., an organization that is committed to enhancing the lifestyles of Sri Lankans through the construction of residential apartments and houses that promise highest living standards with unique designs. Under the agreement, SLT will be the total digital services provider for the 35 luxury apartments within the building, powered via the companys state of the art fibre infrastructure that will serve as the apartments communications backbone. The agreement between the two companies was signed at an official ceremony held at SLT premises recently with the signatories from Evercore Properties: Mr. Rajen Sangaran (Director) and Mr. Jasbir Singh (Director); and signatories from SLT side: Mr.K.A.K.Perera (Chief Executive Officer) and Mr.Imantha Wijekoon (Chief Sales & Regional Officer). Several other officials from both organizations who were involved in the project were also present at the agreement signing. SLT will be powering the entire suite of apartments with the companys fibre to the home infrastructure that will provide residents with ultra-fast internet connectivity with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, crystal clear voice communications as well as access to high definition (HD) TV content via PEO TV. SLTs robust and reliable ICT services will pave the way to revolutionize the digital lifestyle experience of the buildings residents. The Mount, located at Quarry Road, Mount Lavinia, is centrally located just 150 meters from Galle Road and a few minutes away from Mount Lavinia Beach. It offers individuals the opportunity to own their dream home and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern facilities at competitive prices. At a busy intersection in downtown Kigali, Annick Iriwacu is meticulously going through her shops inventory. The Burundian refugee runs a small liquid petroleum gas (LPG) distribution store with her younger brother. Business is booming now, but things were not so rosy when she first arrived in the Rwandan capital three years ago. Coming here was not easy because when you reach a place you are not familiar with, you can face a lot of difficulties, says the 33-year-old mother of three. In 2015, Annick fled unrest in her country with her husband and children, finding refuge in Kigali, which has been described as Africas cleanest and greenest city. Used to being financially independent back home, she quickly sought out ways of earning a living. See also: Erbil reaps rewards by allowing Syrian refugees to flourish Inspired by Kigalis reputation for cleanliness and the countrys switch to clean energy, Annick decided to start selling LPG. I thought about it and I realized the vision of Rwanda and how it is clean, she explains. So I decided to go into gas. It required a lot of capital but I decided to try. A cousin referred her to Inkomoko a local business consulting firm that works with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to train and support refugee entrepreneurs. "They gave me strength and hope to continue, because I was giving up. They gave me strength and hope to continue, because I was giving up, says Annick. She got guidance from Inkomoko on how to register her business, pay taxes and manage her shop. She registered with the Rwanda Development Board and received a till number that enables her to pay taxes. She has grown the business and now employs five people. Lydia Irambona, the Director of Inkomokos Refugee Program, says their approach is designed to help refugees like Annick build their businesses on solid foundations. Our main goal is to help them increase their revenue, get more customers and understand how to do business here, she explains. As well as helping refugees become financially independent, the scheme has also resulted in a small but significant boost to the local economy. The programme began in 2016 and has worked with 3,300 refugees. In 2017, they trained 809 refugee entrepreneurs in cities and in camps, resulting in the creation of 2600 new jobs countrywide. We have seen a lot of difference in terms of confidence, feeling like they are living a dignified life and also the fact that they have been able to create jobs, Irambona says. Lydia Irambona (second from left), gives business training to refugees in Kigali, Rwanda. UNHCR/Anthony Karumba Strategic partnerships with UNHCR and private sector companies like Inkomoko have shown their worth, and Irambona sees scope for more private sector companies in the city to support refugees, calling it a win-win situation for all. Refugees come into the country with knowledge, skills and a different culture which could be of added value, she says. As of October 2018, the country hosted more than 150,000 refugees, the majority of whom (79 per cent) live in six camps across the country, while the rest live in urban areas. There are about 13,000 registered refugees in major urban centres such as Kigali and Huye. Around 60 per cent of the worlds 25.4 million refugees live not in camps but in cities and urban areas across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Mayors, local authorities, social enterprises and citizen groups are on the frontlines of the global refugee response, fostering social cohesion and protecting and assisting the forcibly displaced men, women and children in their midst. See also: Sao Paulo helps refugees find their feet in Brazil Kigali is part of a growing global network of municipalities that are opting to embrace refugees and the opportunities they bring. From Sao Paulo to Vienna, these Cities of Light are giving hope to the worlds most vulnerable by offering sanctuary and the chance to become part of the social fabric. In December, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi hosted the 11th High Commissioners Dialogue event in Geneva, this year focusing on the role of cities in protecting the urban displaced. The Government of Rwanda, via its Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), is promoting refugee integration in urban areas in various ways. The Government of Rwanda is very keen to continue supporting refugees through targeted assistance which includes their socio-economic inclusion, explains Veneranda Ingabire, Senior Manager of the Special Projects Unit in MINEMA. The advantage of being in a city is that you have the opportunity to work." Such assistance is in line with the four commitments that Rwandan President Paul Kagame made during the 2016 Leaders Summit on Refugees, and the comprehensive and inclusive approach formally adopted by the Government of Rwanda in February 2018, she adds. The governments strategy includes practical actions such as the issuance of national refugee identity cards to all verified refugees, conventional machine-readable travel documents, promotion of livelihood assistance, and access to health insurance and the national education systems. We are very proud to help our brothers and sisters from the DRC and Burundi, as many of us have been refugees not so long ago, Ingabire says. We will remain open to identifying solutions which will help them improve their wellbeing in Rwanda. For Annick, the support she has received has enabled her to provide for herself and take care of her family, and helped her to feel part of her adopted city. The advantage of being in a city is that you have the opportunity to work, she says. You can find opportunities, you can use your hands and market your business. See more stories from the Cities of Light series Lavrov and Zakharova have recently claimed that Ukraine has been planning armed provocations on the border with Russia by the end of the year. Spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Maria Zakharova says that Russia's "friendly attitude" to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people "is not unlimited." "You need to understand why such statements are made [by Russia's Foreign Ministry]. They are made to do everything necessary and possible to prevent acts of provocation," Zakharova said in Moscow on December 26, explaining why the Russian MFA constantly "warns" about alleged preparations by Ukraine for the extension of martial law, but such statements have never become reality, according to an UNIAN correspondent in Russia. Read alsoRussian MFA demands "at least some status" for Russian language in Ukraine "When information about plans that are in the pipeline is made public and we call a spade a spade, this draws the attention of the sponsors of the regime, who have in one way or another been very concerned about the situation in the region. All of this is aimed at prevention of such provocation in practice rather than at aggressive rhetoric. More specifically, it was aimed at disrupting that provocation," she added. "In response to your question about when to expect the provocation: I'd like to hope that we won't have to worry about it again. The unprecedented patience and truly friendly attitude of Russia demonstrated in relation to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people is also not unlimited," the official said. According to Zakharova, "not a single hour" was spent on minimizing that hypothetical provocation and "a very large number of people were involved" in this to prevent "catastrophic consequences." As UNIAN reported earlier, on December 13, Zakharova claimed, echoing allegations by Russian-controlled illegal armed formations in Donbas, that the Ukrainian Army had been planning to advance in order to cancel presidential and parliamentary elections, scheduled in Ukraine in 2019. On December 17, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Ukraine had been masterminding an act of "provocation" on the Russian-Ukrainian border, which might happen late in December, therefore he had promised "retaliation." "Additional information that we have got and which we tend to trust is that [Ukrainian President Petro] Poroshenko is planning an armed provocation on the border with the Russian Federation, on the border with Crimea in the course of last ten days in December," Lavrov said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called such allegations by the Russian side another influence operation. Sanctions should not be decorative, Andrukhovych stressed. The main risk for Ukraine in its war with Russia is that hostilities can exhaust the country without exhausting the aggressor, according to an acclaimed Ukrainian writer Yuriy Andrukhovych. The main risk of war is that it can exhaust us without exhausting the enemy. Our chance of winning is that Russia becomes bogged down in this conflict, wastes loads of resources, and deflates. I don't think this is some utopia," Andrukhovych told Novoye Vremya Strany. Read alsoRussia warns Ukraine against new warship crossings via Kerch Strait "Russia must find itself in the situation where their leadership, and then the population, will curse the day when they invaded Ukraine. And to this end, economic sanctions against Russia should not be decorative. And this should probably relate more to our Western partners, the writer believes. At the same time, he noted that the Ukrainian authorities significantly exaggerate the level of their actual partnership with the West in terms of repelling Russian aggression, Andrukhovych suggests. As for our leadership, it seems to me that they overexaggerate the level of their partnership with the West in this situation. Unfortunately, there is no stable anti-Putin coalition. We need to make sure it is set up and not rest on wishful thinking, added the writer. He also commented on Hungary's latest move to open Ukrainian language courses for the Hungarian national minority in Zakarpattia's Berehove. Head of the Maidan of Foreign Affairs Foundation, an expert on international affairs, Bohdan Yaremenko, has shared his assessment of the situation prevailing in Ukraine's relations with Hungary, Poland and Romania, claiming the Russian Federation is making a significant contribution to raising the degree of tensions in Ukraine's relations with its neighbors. "Russia has a rather extensive structure of intelligence agencies and diplomacy. They are able in a timely manner to point out certain problems that others have and try to play them. Due to the lack of principles, due to ignoring the norms of international law, it is easier for Russia to speculate and play on the problems of neighbors or foreign states than it is for other countries," the expert told Glavred. He also commented on Hungary's latest move to open Ukrainian language courses for Hungarian national minority in Zakarpattia's Berehove. "This is a good thing. It looks like a nice gesture on the part of Hungary. It's not the first time Hungarians do something to make Ukraine look bad, and every time they succeed. Frankly speaking, this causes irritation and shame, and it's not because of Hungary's act but because of our authorities. Of course, Ukraine must ensure the interests of its citizens: contribute to teaching both the Ukrainian and Hungarian languages, provide people them with vaccines and all other necessities. This is not Hungary who should be doing this but Ukraine," he said. Read alsoVolker: Issues of minority rights should not hold hostage Ukraine-NATO relations Yaremenko also believes that official Kyiv should definitely seek ways to normalize relations with Budapest, Bucharest and Warsaw. "We will still have certain problems with Hungary, Poland, Romania and Belarus even if Russia is gone. That's because there are always problems between neighboring states. Without any exception, the history of all neighboring states is a history of wars, conflicts. You may focus on this or on the fact that it's a history of cultural penetration, a history of trade, etc. We don't have systemic problems with Hungary, Poland, or Romania. We have them with Belarus since it is a Union State for the Russian Federation; in fact, under the auspices of Russia it is obliged to pursue a policy of destroying Ukraine, while Hungary, Poland and Romania are the countries with which we should always be able to negotiate. They are rather allies and friends, with whom there may be problems even if they are more serious. I will hardly ever believe that these are our adversaries," the expert said. The Ukrainian publicist believes over five years that have passed since the Revolution of Dignity, changes began in many areas, but they are often "frankly inhibited and discredited, especially in law enforcement and judicial spheres. Ukrainian writer Yuriy Andrukhovych has summed up the results of five years of a post-Maidan Ukraine and shared his assessment of the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for the spring of 2019. "The closer the elections, the more pessimistic people are, talking about possible revenge [of pre-Maidan forces]. The elections won't be held tomorrow, therefore no one should get pessimistic. If we are constantly afraid of revanchism, if we have already convinced ourselves of the victory of those who are able to bring this revenge closer, then we are inadequate people," the writer said in an interview with the Novoye Vremya weekly. Andrukhovych recalled that the presidential election campaign had not started yet, and the elections would take place in spring, so a lot might change during this period. Read alsoMost Ukrainians stand against free food and cash for votes poll "Knowing our politicians, this is a long period of time. That is, each of them will still have a million chances of self-destruction, failures, helplessness, mistakes, stupidity and meanness, which could completely eliminate their campaign efforts. Therefore, today it would hardly be reasonable to expect and be afraid of any particular result; we don't know what will happen," he said. The Ukrainian publicist believes over five years that have passed since the Revolution of Dignity, changes began in many areas, but they are often "frankly inhibited and discredited, especially in law enforcement and judicial spheres." Talking about the processes in society, Andrukhovych believes the Ukrainians are still separated by rather significant issues like their attitude toward the Maidan or toward Russia. "Nevertheless, we have much more in common with the European countries today. First of all, we have a common Russian threat. Moreover, it is very clearly seen that in this regard, we are better understood and supported by countries also sharing a border with Russia, i.e. by the Baltic states and Poland," he said. The deputy minister points at clumsiness in the latest disinformation effort by the Russians. Deputy Minister of Information Policy of Ukraine Dmytro Zolotukhin has said Russia is spreading disinformation ahead of the Ukrainian SBU's press conference scheduled for Thursday where security officials will elaborate on the exposed activities of the Russian GRU's sabotage groups whose members were recently arrested. "The SBU Security Service of Ukraine will in an hour start a presser where top security officials will provide evidence of the activities of the Russian GRU's agent groups," Zolotukhin wrote on Facebook. Read alsoUkraine says three sabotage groups of Russian military intelligence arrested in Donbas He said two hours before the briefing, a fake letter had been spun in the Russian segment of the internet, where a major SBU official "sends for approval a staged video with testimonies of detainees confirming the activities of the Russian GRU's agent groups in the territory of Ukraine." The "staged video" is allegedly supposed to be further shared for media use. The deputy minister notes Russia's clumsiness in preparing this disinformation spin as the official named Vitaliy Naida who "signed the letter" as an agency's department chief is actually holding another position within the structure. The department in question is headed by Oleksandr Klymchuk. The Russian side provided no official response to "dozens" of Ukraine's proposals to swap Ukrainians, the official said. Ukraine's Representative in the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group for the Donbas settlement, First Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada, Iryna Gerashchenko, says Russia and their henchmen in the temporarily occupied part of Donbas are fully responsible for the failed efforts to free hostages and political prisoners. "We did our best to repeat on December 27, 2018, last year's successful [hostage] swap and rescue more people [from prisons]. The blame for the latest disrupted release [of hostages] rests entirely with the Russian Federation and its puppets, who haven't even provided an official response to dozens of Ukraine's proposals sent this year, where we urged Russia to take back Russian nationals who are convicts serving in Ukrainian prisons, and to liberate our people. We were ready for a broad compromise," she wrote on Facebook on December 27, recalling that on this day a year ago, a hostage swap took place, where 74 Ukrainians were released. She added that the Ukrainian side would hand over lists of hostages and political prisoners at the Minsk talks, via ombudspersons, the Foreign Ministry, United States Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, church clerics, the Normandy Four partners, including Germany, France, as well as the presidents' political advisors. Read alsoRussia turns down Ukraine's offer for hostage swap on Dec 27 Humanitarian envoy "President Poroshenko held two phone conversations with Putin this summer: one regarding Sentsov, the other about hostages and political prisoners," she said. Gerashchenko added she was disappointed over the failure to free the Kremlin's hostages. "Despite international pressure, Sentsov and Sushchenko haven't been released. Despite all our efforts, our people haven't been rescued from prisons in the occupied Donetsk and Luhansk. But we don't give up. This is my principle. Although sometimes, especially after meeting with the hostages' families, I feel such moral exhaustion that I wish I'd quit," she said. As UNIAN reported earlier, on December 27, 2017, a hostage exchange was held in Donbas. Ukraine handed over 233 convicts detained in connection with the war in the east who had been serving their sentences in Ukrainian prisons in exchange for 73 Ukrainian hostages. Among the released Ukrainian hostages were 32 military and 41 civilians. On December 26, 2018, Gerashchenko said that Russia is not responding to Ukraine's offer to exchange hostages and political prisoners before Christmas. The Ukrainian side proposes to exchange 22 convicted Russians for 22 Ukrainian political prisoners and 72 separatists for 19 Ukrainian hostages who are being held in occupied Donbas. The Ukrainian side initiated a video conference meeting of the humanitarian team of the Tripartite Contact Group on Donbas settlement December 27, to offer a detainee exchange on January 5. Nestiuk said the latest task by their Russian curators was to create and further guide clandestine activities aimed at sabotage in the Ochakiv district. Counterintelligence operatives of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine have exposed a Russian military intelligence's network of assets in Mykolayiv region and detained its leader, who is now charged with high treason. Representative of the SBU counterintelligence department, Volodymyr Nestiuk, told a Kyiv briefing on Thursday that the operation had been carried out under the procedural guidance of the Chief Military Prosecutor's Office, an UNIAN correspondent reports. "In particular, the [group's] leader, a Ukraine national, born in 1961, 1st rank Captain of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in reserve, who also has Russian citizenship, was detained on December 20. It was established he had been recruited by a GRU officer in Sevastopol, and he repeatedly traveled to the annexed Crimea for debriefing meetings," Nestiuk said. Read alsoMoscow spreading disinformation ahead of SBU's briefing on Russian sabotage groups information policy ministry According to the SBU, the agent and his co-conspirers collected and handed over to the Russians classified info on the functioning of military units in the territory of the Ochakiv garrison of Mykolayiv region, as well as their involvement in the Joint Forces Operation in eastern Ukraine. Nestiuk said the latest task by the group's Russian curators was to create and further guide the clandestine activities aimed at sabotage and destabilization in the Ochakiv district. "During the search of the agent's place of residence, the officers found documentary evidence proving the suspect's guilt, such as communication devices to keep in touch with Russian intelligence operatives, computer equipment, electronic data storage devices, where the collected information was processed, as well as documentary materials, including those with restricted access," Nestiuk said. The last two sailors announced their POW status on December 27. All 24 Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia near the Kerch Strait in the Black Sea on November 25 have declared themselves to be prisoners of war (POW). "As of December 27, all 24 captured Ukrainian sailors told the investigation that they were prisoners of war," Russian lawyer Nikolai Polozov, who defends the Ukrainians in a pool of lawyers, wrote on Facebook. Read alsoUkraine slaps additional anti-Russia sanctions over seizure of boats, "vote" in Donbas The last two sailors, Andriy Eyder and Andriy Artemenko, who were wounded during Russia's attack on their boats, announced their POW status on Thursday, December 27. As UNIAN reported earlier, Russia on November 25 blocked the passage to the Kerch Strait for the Ukrainian tugboat "Yany Kapu" and two armored naval boats "Berdyansk" and "Nikopol," which were on a scheduled re-deployment from the Black Sea port of Odesa to the Azov Sea port of Mariupol. The Ukraine Navy Command noted that the Russian side had been informed of the plans to re-deploy the vessels in advance in accordance with international standards to ensure the safety of navigation. The Russian coast guard ship "Don" rammed the Ukrainian tugboat, damaging the Ukrainian vessel. As the Ukrainian boats were heading back in the Odesa direction after being rejected passage via the Kerch Strait, Russian coast guards opened aimed fire on them. All 24 crew members on board were captured and later remanded in custody for two months, being charged with "illegal border crossing" (the sailors are facing up to six years in prison). Three crewmen were wounded in the attack. Russian-controlled "courts" in occupied Crimea ruled that all 24 detainees should be remanded in custody, after which they were transferred to the Moscow-based Lefortovo and Matrosskaya Tishina detention centers. The journalist will also shoot a documentary about a team of Ukrainian scientists working at the South Pole. The 24th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition will deliver flags of Ukraine Army combat brigades to the Vernadsky Research Base in Antarctica. TV journalist Andriy Mochurad, a Donbas war veteran and initiator of numerous patriotic initiatives, will take part in the expedition. Read alsoUkraine's General Staff: Troops can quickly be deployed in case of Russian invasion "I' m a rather experienced traveler. At one time, I made an expedition to the Middle East where I did mountain climbing. I'm not afraid of hard work and harsh weather. In addition, I wish to contribute to the public initiative to perpetuate our brothers who have been fighting at the front line. Therefore, I will deliver to Antarctica the banners of the Naval Aviation Brigade, the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Daniel, as well as the Air Assault Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine since I am an officer remaining in the operational reserve of one of the air assault brigades," the journalist told a Lviv briefing. Mochurad will also shoot a documentary about a team of Ukrainian scientists working at the South Pole. Events in Donbas are considered to be the most dangerous conflict in Europe since the wars in the former Yugoslavia. Yuriy Biriukov, an adviser to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, says that almost the entire "grey" zone in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, has been liberated from Russian-led forces without breaching the Minsk peace agreements and is under control of the Ukrainian army. "Since that moment we started in May 2014, two-thirds of the territory [in Donbas] have been liberated. Almost the entire 'grey' zone has been liberated and brought under control," Biriukov said on Ukraine's Pryamiy TV. On occasion, the Ukrainian military in Donbas were forced to conduct operations to retake certain areas not to let Russian-led terrorists mount attacks on Ukrainian positions. At the same time, as reported by the headquarters of the Ukrainian Joint Forces, the Ukrainian military have not violated the Minsk agreements. Events in Donbas are considered to be the most dangerous conflict to grip Europe since the wars in the former Yugoslavia. The Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), conducted by Ukrainian forces against Russian-led forces in Donbas since April 2014, was converted into a Joint Forces Operation late in April 2018. As of the beginning of November 2018, over 3 million people left the war zone, where more than 10,000 people died, including 450 civilians who died in the last 14 months. The Ukrainian army's losses, which reach 7,000 people, were greater than those of U.S. troops during the entire period of the war in Afghanistan. Read alsoVolker: New sanctions recognize Russia controls occupied part of Donbas The so-called Minsk agreements on Donbas include the Minsk Protocol (later known as Minsk 1) with the Minsk Memorandum of September 2014 and the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements (Minsk 2) of February 2015. There are only two parties to the agreements, Ukraine and Russia, although the latter does not consider itself to be a party to the conflict. Names of representatives of the two Russian-backed self-proclaimed republics the "Donetsk People's Republic" and the "Luhansk People's Republic" are also under the agreements but their positions are not mentioned. France, Germany, and the OSCE oversee the peace talks. In keeping with the Minsk deal, both sides should observe a ceasefire, pull back troops and withdraw military equipment. Ukraine should pardon the "participants of the conflict," conduct local elections, and recognize a de-facto autonomy of the region in the Constitution. Russia should return its equipment and fighters to Russia, ensure the local military formations lay down arms, give Ukraine control over its border with Russia. However, not a single provision of the Minsk deal has been implemented by 100% as of today. What is more, on September 21, 2016, the participants of the Trilateral Contact Group committed in Minsk to an agreement on disengagement. The Framework Decision relating to disengagement of forces and hardware by Ukrainian armed forces and armed formations, starting in Petrivske, Zolote and Stanytsia Luhanska areas, was signed by the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine, representatives of the Governments of Ukraine and the Russian Federation to the Trilateral Contact Group, and initialed by representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. More than 30,000 reservists refreshed their skills in training camps during martial law. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine can deploy troops and significantly increase the number of combat units within a short time in case of a threat of a direct Russian invasion. "At a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine today I've informed the President of Ukraine and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine about preliminary conclusions regarding the legal status of martial law: firstly, the General Staff is capable of deploying joint force groupings in case of a direct Russian invasion," Chief of the General Staff and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko wrote on Facebook on December 26. Ukraine's army is also ready to significantly increase the number of combat units in a short time at the expense of the professional and motivated battle reserve, he said. Read alsoThis time, Russia deploys troops toward Ukraine border not for training purpose Poroshenko More than 30,000 reservists refreshed their skills in training camps during martial law, he added. Territorial defense brigades underwent comprehensive drills and practical interaction was established with state authorities and other components of the country's defense forces. Thus, he said, in the face of the threat of open aggression, the General Staff conducted large-scale organization and training activities to defend the country. "A detailed analysis of the performance of all components of the state's defense sector under martial law will allow us to handle the identified challenges and will enhance the combat capabilities of our Armed Forces," he said. Martial law in Ukraine was in effect in 10 regions from November 26 to December 26, 2018. There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day while two militants were reportedly killed in action. Russian-led forces mounted seven attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, in the last 24 hours. "No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported in the past day. According to intelligence reports, two occupiers were killed and another one was wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in an update on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on December 27, 2018. Russian occupation forces opened aimed fire from grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns and small arms as they attacked the defenders of the town of Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Luhanske, Pisky and Hnutove. Read alsoInvaders mortar JFO positions in Donbas, leaving one Ukrainian soldier injured The enemy also employed 82mm mortars, shelling Ukrainian positions near Hnutove. "Since Thursday midnight, Russian-led forces have attacked the Ukrainian positions near the village of Pyshchevyk, using grenade systems of various types and small arms. No casualties among Ukrainian troops have been reported since the start of the day," the report said. According to Sarantsev, all entry and exit checkpoints in Donbas are working in normal mode. The units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which perform tasks in the area of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) in Donbas, remain on full alert after the completion of martial law. "At the time of the introduction of martial law, a set of measures was taken to strengthen security. As for the military, who perform duties here, they are constantly on full alert," Head of the JFO's press center Vitaliy Sarantsev told UNIAN. Read alsoUkraine's General Staff: Troops can quickly be deployed in case of Russian invasion According to Sarantsev, all entry and exit checkpoints in Donbas are operating in normal mode. "The only restriction that still applies was adopted by the National Security and Defense Council. This is a restriction of travel for foreign citizens through the entry and exit checkpoints," he said. The 'truce' should be maximally used for repairing critical infrastructure facilities. Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) at the Minsk talks on Donbas Yevgenij Marchuk has said the parties to the armed conflict in the east of Ukraine agreed on an indefinite truce starting midnight December 29. "We emphasized that this 'truce' should be ultimately used for repairing critical infrastructure facilities. Unfortunately, there are several such objects," the official told Pryamyi TV Channel. Read alsoJFO: Ukraine army in Donbas remain on full alert Marchuk expressed the hope the truce would begin next night, i.e. from midnight December 29. Earlier, the press center of the Joint Forces Operation said that the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine performing tasks in Donbas would remain in full combat readiness after the completion of martial law. The head of Russia's Security Council and former head of the FSB, Nikolai Patrushev, said, "Leaders of ultra-rightist groups from the U.S. have been training for months together with radical organizations in Ukraine." As Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ended martial law in the country on Wednesday, Russian officials lashed out at the Ukrainian leader, claiming that he supports far-right groups and that Washington is turning a blind eye. Analysts, however, note that the comments are misleading and in line with the Kremlin's efforts to spread misinformation. In an interview with the Russian outlet Rossiyskaya Gazeta on Wednesday, the head of Russia's Security Council and former head of the FSB, Nikolai Patrushev, said, "Leaders of ultra-rightist groups from the U.S. have been training for months together with radical organizations in Ukraine," Newsweek wrote. "Feeling such support, Poroshenko confidently resorts to provocative steps, including on the Ukrainian-Russian borderIn the light of upcoming [Ukrainian presidential] elections, it can be predicted that new such actions with U.S. support could be expected in the near future," Patrushev said, echoing the accusations that other Russian officials have been making for days that claim that Ukraine is preparing to attack Russian troops. Read alsoKremlin waging Cold War against U.S. over decade Ex-ambassador to Ukraine "Nazi symbols, the rhetoric of ethnic superiority, Russophobe ideas, all of this has become an integral part of Kyiv's state policy," Patrushev continued, accusing Washington of "closing its eyes" to the links between Poroshenko and the Ukrainian far-right. But many experts say that it is Russia, not Ukraine, that is planning an attack, and they argue that Russia's accusations aim to provide justification for whatever military action Moscow has planned. The U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries have offered some limited support to Ukraine as tensions rise with its neighbor, which has been supporting pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine for five years. In May, Congress approved $250 million in military assistance to Ukraine for 2019, including the sale of lethal weapons. Meanwhile, reports have revealed that ties exist between far-right, white supremacist groups in the U.S. and right-wing nationalist groups in Ukraine. But Patrushev's comments appear to connect these two disparate issues and conflate Washington's official support for Kyiv with transnational links between far-right groups. "Poroshenko gets no benefit from far-right activities in Ukraine, which are minimal. Far-right parties are not represented in the Rada [Ukrainian parliament]. Kremlin disinformation plays up the notion of Ukrainian 'fascism,' but compared to most countries in Europe, right-wing extremism is quite weak in Ukraine," ambassador John Herbst, who was U.S. ambassador to Ukraine from 2003 to 2006, told Newsweek. Read alsoPoland bans entry of ultra-right radicals from Russia, Sweden ahead of Independence Day events In June, a report by the Washington D.C.-based organization Freedom House noted that far-right groups have become more active in Ukraine in the first half of 2018 and that their actions often go unpunished by Ukraine's police force. But Russian state propaganda often tries to portray these groups as much more influential than they really are. In October, officials from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) accused Ukraine's government of working with the far-right and the Islamic State group (ISIS) to plot terror attacks in Russia, but they provided no evidence to back up that claim. In reality, Ukrainian far-right groups like Azov, the Right Sector, Tradition and Order, and the Revolutionary Right Forces, among others, are estimated to have anywhere between dozens to hundreds of members. Their political power, meanwhile, is almost negligible. "President Poroshenko is the last person among the Ukrainian governing and political elites having any ties with [the] far-right or having any interest in that kind of link, whatsoever. For anyone who has any basic knowledge of the Ukrainian far-right, linking Poroshenko to them would be just bizarre and factually incorrect," Maxim Eristavi, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told Newsweek. "There are other people within the government, like interior minister Avakov, or within the parliament, who have quite open and strong ties with local fascist groups." Meanwhile, Eristavi also notes that far-right groups in the U.S. have also formed ties with Russian political movements. "These days fascist groups maintain remarkably efficient and strong cross-border ties with other far-right groups across the globe. But looking at whole region comparatively, I'd say there's more evidence of strong cooperation and ties between American and Russian far-rights, than between Ukrainian and American. Ukrainian far-rights are more involved with European groups," Eristavi noted. The leak came days after The Times published a list of names and photographs of eight reporters working for the Kremlin-backed Sputnik's U.K. bureau in Edinburgh. A list of BBC correspondents working in Russia has been leaked online after Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, said it was checking the legality of the BBC World News channel's Russian operations and its websites. The list of 44 journalists, most of them Russian nationals, appears to have first been published in the anonymously run For Mother Russia group on the VKontakte social network on December 25, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said. Hours later, the list of reporters along with their photographs appeared on the Russian site Pikabu, which resembles Reddit. The leak came days after The Times published a list of names and photographs of eight reporters working for the Kremlin-backed Sputnik's U.K. bureau in Edinburgh. The Russian Embassy in London reacted angrily, saying Moscow "will respond in kind." Read alsoFSB nabs border guard for "selling" data on Petrov, Boshirov's trips Russian media The For Mother Russia group accused The Times of trying to put "psychological pressure" on Russian journalists and "discredit" them. A BBC spokesperson expressed frustration at the leak. "The BBC has strict editorial guidelines and has not published the details of journalists from other media organizations as there was no editorial reason or justification to do so. We are disappointed at the groundless publication of our Moscow team's details," the spokesperson was quoted by British media as saying on December 27. The leak of the list of BBC journalists also came a week after Roskomnadzor warned the BBC it would launch an investigation into what it called the broadcaster's violation of impartiality rules. Roskomnadzor said on December 21 that the goal of the verification was to establish whether the content of the BBC operation is consistent with Russian laws. Roskomnadzor's statement came a day after British media watchdog Ofcom said it was considering sanctioning Russia's state-financed RT, saying it had broken impartiality rules in seven programs earlier this year, including coverage of the poisoning in Britain of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. Britain blames the Russian government for the poisoning of the Skripals in the city of Salisbury in March. Russia has repeatedly denied evidence that its agents were behind the poisoning and accused British intelligence agencies of staging the incident to stoke what they called "Russophobia." The BBC said on December 21 that it worked in full compliance with Russia's laws and regulations to deliver independent news. (@FahadShabbir) Pakistan and Tajikistan are negotiating to end double taxation in order to promote bilateral trade, said Tajik Ambassador Sherali S Jononov here on Thursday. FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2018 ) : Pakistan and Tajikistan are negotiating to end double taxation in order to promote bilateral trade, said Tajik Ambassador Sherali S Jononov here on Thursday. Addressing a meeting at Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), he said that the two countries enjoyed good bilateral relations and last year Pakistan prime minister visited Dushanbe where important decisions were taken regarding strategic partnership. He stressed the need for enhancing bilateral linkages between Pak-Tajik business communities. He said that a delegation of cement manufacturers visited Tajikistan recently and a cement industry had been established there, which was not only catering to country's domestic needs but also exporting cement to east Afghanistan. He said that an expo would be held in Dushanbe next year in March and hoped that the business community of Faisalabad would also participate in it. Regarding direct flights between Islamabad and Dushanbe, the envoy said that initial negotiations were held in October last and it is one of the most feasible routes as the flying time between Islamabad and Dushanbe is only one hour whereas Islamabad-Lahore needs one-and-a-half hours. He said that a National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branch was working in Dushanbe already to facilitate importers and exporters. He also invited the members of FCCI to visit Tajikistan and assured them of maximum facilitation. Earlier, in his welcome address, FCCI President Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain said that Pakistan and Tajikistan were neighbouring countries which were separated by only a 12-kilometer long belt of Afghanistan. A documentary on Tajikistan was also screened while an FCCI memento was presented to Sherali Jononov. (@FahadShabbir) The Senior Vice President Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf Hyderabad Division Imran Qureshi Wednesday condemning the assassination of Ex-MNA of MQM Ali Raza Abdi in Karachi said that conspiracy was being hatched once again to create unrest in Karachi. HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Dec, 2018 ) :The Senior Vice President Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf Hyderabad Division Imran Qureshi Wednesday condemning the assassination of Ex-MNA of MQM Ali Raza Abdi in Karachi said that conspiracy was being hatched once again to create unrest in Karachi In a statement, he said the anti-state elements have been engaged in committing acts of terrorism again aimed at foiling the PTI government. He was critical over the performance of the provincial government of Sindh for taking no action against terrorists after repeated acts of terrorism. He termed the assassination of Ali Raza Abdi as the continuation of past policies which led terrorism and unrest. He said that the PTI government would never allow these anti-state elements to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the country. He demanded the authorities concerned to arrest the assassinators of Abdi at the earliest and bring them in the court of law. (@ChaudhryMAli88) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 27th December, 2018) Austrian journalist Christian Wehrschutz, working with the Ukrainian branch of the ORF broadcaster, said he was fearing for his life due to pressure he has been subject to over covering Kiev's policies from the critical point of view, and called on Vienna to make a representation to Kiev due to threats to journalists working in Ukraine, who try to remain unbiased. "There are paramilitary ultra-nationalist groups that threaten journalists covering the policies of the Ukrainian leadership form the critical point of view and trying to remain unbiased. Two journalists have already been killed and I do not want to be the next one ... I strongly call on the ORF leadership and the representatives of the Austrian republic to make a representation to Ukraine and its representatives in Austria," Wehrschutz wrote in a letter to the leadership of ORF and the Austrian government, as quoted by the Kronen Zeitung newspaper. The journalist emphasized he had repeatedly reported about "increasing bullying" not only against him but against other journalists who were critical of Kiev's policies. "I would like to point out that there is a physical threat in Ukraine not only to me but to my colleagues, too," the journalist pointed out. Wehrschutz noted that the western countries were aware of the Ukrainian authorities' position toward journalists, who shared the critical point of view, adding the West did not want to do anything about it. The journalist suggested that "the silence of the lambs" in this situation should be stopped. Last week, Russian Permanent Representative to OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said nearly 20 media workers had been killed in Ukraine over the past four years, including special photojournalist of the Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency Andrei Stenin. Lukashevich noted that a lot of Ukrainian journalists had been forced to leave the country after they had been subject to pressure and threats. The Russian envoy also referred to the case of RIA Novosti Ukraine web portal head Kirill Vyshinsky, who has been detained in Ukraine since May on suspicions of treason and supporting the self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine's Donbas region. (@rukhshanmir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 27th December, 2018) The initiative to reduce the number of lawmakers is dangerous for Moldova, as it will be easier to bribe them amid resurgence of nationalist sentiments, former President of Moldova and country's communist party leader Vladimir Voronin told Sputnik on Wednesday. In February 2019, a consultative referendum on the issues of reducing a number of lawmakers from 101 to 61 and their recall in case of breach of their duties will be held in Moldova. "Together with many other citizens of the country I am concerned about the revival of the policies of unionism and nationalism. I see that it will be easier to bribe the remaining 61 lawmakers in the parliament, to make them vote for that 'Greater Romania', which they have been talking about for 100 years," Voronin said. In September, about 2,000 supporters of the "Greater Romania" concept of unification of Moldova and Romania went to a rally in Chisinau with the only goal to make the Moldovan Parliament adopt a declaration on the unification of the two states. The issue of the unification of Moldova and Romania is closely tied to the region's history. March 2018 marked a centenary since the historic decision of the parliament of Bessarabia region of the Russian Empire, which is mostly a part of modern Moldova, to unite with Romania. Moldova was a part of Romania until 1940, when the Romanian authorities agreed to cede Bessarabia to the Soviet Union. The new territories formed the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, which existed until 1991 when it declared independence along with other Soviet republics. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Australian government and security company G4S are facing multiple lawsuits over the unsafe working conditions to which the employees of the Australia's Manus Island detention center in Papua New Guinea were subjected, media reported Thursday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 27th December, 2018) The Australian government and security company G4S are facing multiple lawsuits over the unsafe working conditions to which the employees of the Australia 's Manus Island detention center in Papua New Guinea were subjected, media reported Thursday. According to The Guardian newspaper, at least four lawsuits were filed with the Supreme Court of Victoria claiming that the center's staff was not provided with a safe environment while working there. A former security officer of the center, Gregory Wisely, told The Guardian that during a riot February 2014, he suffered from various traumas, such as brain, neck and spine injuries, and experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. The ex-employee said he was not provided with the necessary protection or equipment. The security company and the Australian Home Affairs Department declined to comment on the allegations, according to the newspaper. Earlier in December, The Guardian reported about another former employee of the Manus center, Roderick St George, who had filed a suit claiming he was misinformed about the working conditions at the center, which he described as unsanitary and lacking in security. There were at least three more cases where other employees had made similar accusations, according to the newspaper. All migrants arriving to Australia without a visa are subject to mandatory detention. The country also uses offshore processing, sending refugees to Nauru or Manus Island while their claims are being reviewed. In late October, Australia officially closed its detention center on Manus Island, cutting electricity as well as food and water supply. However, some 400 migrants refused to leave the facility. (@FahadShabbir) DOHA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 27th December, 2018) The Qatari Armed Forces supplied Mali with 24 armored vehicles to support the western African country's struggle against Islamists, the Qatari Defense Ministry said on Wednesday in a statement. The vehicles were delivered to Mali on Wednesday by three military planes. "The efforts made by the Qatari Armed Forces are aimed at supporting the peace process and creating basis for stabilization of the situation in the Republic of Mali. Such efforts are a part of broader efforts to fight terrorism and ensure security not only in Mali, but also in other western African states," the statement said. Mali has been in turmoil since the 2012 military coup, which was triggered by the government's failure to deal with a separatist Tuareg uprising in the northern part of the country. Following the coup, various Islamist groups were attracted to the country, including Ansar Dine and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (outlawed in Russia). Ayesha Mehdi JD, MHSA (principal attorney, Frontier Health Law, and of-counsel, Frier Levitt) has been named to the board of directors for the Clark County Medical Society Alliance. I believe Las Vegas has a bright future, not only in becoming a leader in healthcare law but on the whole, she said. Mehdis diligent pursuit of advanced knowledge and high level of professionalism and ethics have ensured that the clients she represents on such matters as regulatory compliance, business development and matter of general counsel are given peace of mind allowing them to do what they do best, which is practice medicine and ultimately save lives. Compliance and patient satisfaction are top-of-mind for the majority of physicians and professionals in the healthcare industry. It is of the utmost importance to me to provide a clear and systematic path that allows both for growth and peace of mind, she said. Since moving to Las Vegas nearly nine years ago, Ayesha Mehdi has been proactive in the Las Vegas community. When not immersed in her practice and client care, Mehdi volunteers her time at various local community events and organizations, including the Childrens Attorney Project of the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and the Clark County Medical Society Alliance. Additionally, valuing the influence of professors who positively impacted her career path, Mehdi has taught legal courses at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she encouraged students to explore their own paths as they developed their careers. Mehdi strives to be a role model for many young women and informally serves as a mentor to her former students who often contact her to seek professional or personal advice. A respected writer in her field, Mehdi has contributed to industry-specific publications. In January 2019, Mehdi will present on legal issues pertaining to medical practices for the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), and in February, she will be amongst the highly reputable speakers at the American Health Lawyers Associations (AHLA) Physicians and Hospitals Law Institute. Perez Hilton, notorious gossip columnist and television personality, attended Blue Man Group in Las Vegas at Luxor Hotel and Casino on Wednesday, Dec. 26. Following the performance, Hilton and his family were treated to a private meet-and-greet with a Blue Man. Golden lotus-flower-shaped box at Ngoa Van Pagoda on Yen Tu Mountain recognised as a national treasure Here's the rundown of the newly recognised treasures: 1. Dau Ram pottery jar dated to the late Phung Nguyen period (3,400-3,000 years ago) and now preserved at Quang Ninh Museum, Quang Ninh province. 2. A collection of Long Thanh terra-cotta pots dated to more than 3,300 years ago and housed by Quang Ngai Museum, Quang Ngai province. 3. Statue of Champa monk in Phu Hung relic site dated to between 9th-10th century. 4. Pha Long bronze drum, dating back to the Dong Son culture 2,500-2,000 years ago, kept at Lao Cai Museum. 5. Wooden burial jar with bronze drum as lid in Phu Chanh site, kept at Binh Duong provinces museum. The bronze drum is dated to 2nd-1st century BC while the wooden burial jar is dated around 2,100 years ago. 6. Nhon Thanh Buddha statue dated at between 4th-6th century in Can Tho city 7. Nhon Thanh pottery jar dated at 5th century in Can Tho city 8. A set of stone Linga-Yoni dated at 5th-6th century housed by An Giang Museum 9. Giong Xoai Brahma God statue dated at 6th-7th century, preserved at An Giang Museum 10. Vung Liem Vishnu God statue dated to 6th-7th century in An Giang Museum 11. Son Tho-Tra Vinh Buddha statue dated to 6th-7th century and now housed by Ho Chi Minh City History Museum 12. Duong Le Uma statue dated to 9th-10th century in Quang Tri Museum 13. A 15th century statue of Shiva at Linh Son pagoda in Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh province 14. Thousand-Hand and Thousand-Eye Guanyin statue dated to 19th century, preserved at Me So Pagoda, Van Giang district, Hung Yen province. 15. Dong Duong altar objects dated to 9th-10th century, kept at Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture 16. Golden lotus-flower-shaped box at Ngoa Van Pagoda on Yen Tu Mountain, dated to 14th century and preserved at Quang Ninh Museum. 17. Sung thien tu bi stele dated to 1331, preserved at Dau Pagoda, Nhat Tan commune, Gia Loc district, Hai Duong province 18. Glazed ceramic tower at Tro Pagoda dated at 14th century, preserved at Vinh Phuc Museum 19. Seal of Tuan phu Do tuong quan dated to 1515, preserved at Quang Binh Museum 20. Golden book De he thi of Nguyen Dynasty dated at 1823, kept at the National Museum of Vietnamese History 21. Mould of bond with par value of 5 VND dated at 1947, preserved at Ho Chi Minh City Museum 22. Truck named International assembled using parts of various foreign car makers dated at 1949, kept at Logistics Museum The new recognition has raised the number of national treasures to 164. More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, including Maale Adumim pictured here with the Judaean desert in the background AFP/THOMAS COEX A defence ministry committee with responsibility for such projects on Tuesday and Wednesday approved the plans, which are in various stages of the approval process, the settlement watchdog said in a statement. It said 1,159 housing units were given final approvals before building permits can be issued, while 1,032 were at an earlier stage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government agreed Monday to dissolve parliament and call for early elections on Apr 9. Settlements play an important role in Israeli right-wing politics, and Netanyahu met with settler leaders earlier Wednesday in Jerusalem. "We'll see an attempt by the left-wing to overthrow our rule with the help of the media and others," he said, speaking of the elections. "They can't succeed, because if they do - that will pose a clear danger to the settlement movement." Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law and major roadblocks to peace, as they are built on land Palestinians see as part of their future state. More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, which range in size from tiny hamlets to large towns. A further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem. Four Cambodian union leaders who were convicted over their alleged involvement in organizing garment worker strikes that led to the deaths of at least five people in early 2014 have called for an independent inquiry into the use of force against protesters. The group each received suspended sentences of two and a half years for their participation. This case has not ended yet, meaning we were found guilty although we didnt do anything wrong. I havent seen any specific report from other investigations that were conducted by the government. The ILO [International Labor Organization] also called on the government to present reports talking about the crackdown during that time, Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodia Labor Confederation (CLC), told VOA last week. Yang Sophoan, president of the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions, said she had requested to have a clear and impartial investigation comprising all relevant parties. If there is one side conducting the investigations, I think that there will not be a neutral investigation for us, Garment workers conducted a large-scale strike in late 2013 and early 2014 in industrial areas of Phnom Penh that led to a deadly showdown with military police and paratroopers on Veng Sreng Boulevard. Four people were confirmed killed in the crackdown with another, a 16-year-old boy, reported shot and missing. Dozens were wounded in the clashes. Some 23 human rights workers were arrested during the strikes but were later released following international outcry. Vorn Pao, president of the Independent Democracy of Informal Economic Association (IDEA), who was one of the 23, said a new investigation into the crackdown was needed. This incident is not an incident that caused tiny injuries, but its an attempt to beat us to death. Thus, there should be a clear investigation in order to punish the perpetrators who committed violence against us, he said. Now, we have chronic illnesses due to the beating and we got depression. Who is responsible for all this? There should be punishment for those spoiling our health, causing injuries for us until now. Gen. Khieu Sopheak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, told VOA that only the courts could order new investigation. What I want to inform you is that this case falls in the remit of the courts, meaning the courts obtained all information from the authorities, including photos and evidence. So, all the decisions made by the courts are at the discretion of the courts. The Ministry of Interior will comply with the courts instructions, he said. Ly Sophana, spokesman for the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, did not respond to questions. Two former opposition officials have fled Cambodia for the United States to avoid persecution as the government prepares to amend the law on political parties to allow more than 100 banned Cambodia National Rescue Party officials to return to political life. Long Ry, a former lawmaker, and his wife, Chea Sokuntheany, secretary of the CNRPs womens movement, arrived at Lowell, MA, on Saturday after living in exile in Thailand for more than a year. Both were among 118 CNRP officials who were banned from political life in a Supreme Court ruling in November 2017 that also saw the CNRP dissolved. Kem Sokha, the partys president, was also jailed on treason charges and later placed under house arrest. When the party was dissolved on paper, there were concerns, fears, and persuasion, and some were ordered to show up in court. Therefore, we escaped to stay in Thailand for a while, Ry told VOA Khmer in a phone interview on Sunday. Some members of the municipal, provincial, district, and commune councils are staying there while some have returned home. Because we stayed there for a long time, our visa had expired and some of us have continued to stay illegally without a visa, he said. Some have to live in hiding because we came in illegally Some people are sick and find it hard to get into a hospital because we dont have a passport. Our life was very difficult. Kuntheany said she was able to travel between Thailand and Cambodia, but because her passport was blacklisted she was held up for hours at the border and decided to remain in Thailand. Ive lived in Thailand for more than a year, she said. I lived in fear. First, there was fear in Thailand and fear in Cambodia, where they monitored my every move. More than two hundred party loyalists left the country after the CNRPs dissolution. Some have since returned to Cambodia due to difficulties they faced abroad and some are not seen as being targets for the government. Those in Cambodia cannot do any political activity because of fear, not just the 118 banned officials, Kuntheany said. They cannot meet up in groups of more than three people. Some party officials, who are living in exile in the US, France, Canada and Australia, have been lobbying for international intervention. Overseas supporters met at a conference in early December in Atlanta, GA, to invite the partys co-founder and former president Sam Rainsy to temporarily lead the party while Sokha remains under house arrest. The Cambodian Peoples Party-controlled Senate passed the amended law on political parties on Tuesday to pave the way for the former opposition officials to return to political life. Im not guilty [of anything] so I wont beg for a pardon to restore my rights, Ry said. Our goal now is to demand the release of our president Kem Sokha and restore the rights of 5,007 commune councilors. North Korea announced last week it would not pursue denuclearization unless the United States removes what it calls its nuclear threat. The Institute for North Korean Studies Yongwook Ryu was not surprised by North Koreas declaration. Most people suspected that North Korea and the United States, also including South Korea, has a different understanding of denuclearization, he said. Analysts and pundits knew that by denuclearization, North Korea meant the removal of U.S. forces from the Korean Peninsula, as well as U.S. nuclear threat. However, the Asan Institutes Seong Whun Cheon goes further, saying, North Korea hijacked the terminology denuclearization from South Korea and the United States. Denuclearization was coined by Washington, Cheon said, referring to a process whereby South Korea and North Korea give up all forms of nuclear position, including uranium enrichment and reprocessing facilities that can be devoted to military purposes. Cheon said that was the ultimate goal of the 1991 joint North and South Korean declaration, but Pyongyang ignored the statement and continued to develop its programs, all the while telling Seoul and Washington they were abandoning them. Timing of North Koreas statement North Koreas statement defining denuclearization came as Pyongyang and Washington are trying to negotiate a second summit between its two heads of state, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump. But in its statement Pyongyang said, The United States must now recognize the accurate meaning of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and especially, must study geography. When we talk about the Korean Peninsula, it includes the territory of our republic and also the entire region of (South Korea) where the United States has placed its invasive force, including nuclear weapons. When we talk about the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, it means the removal of all sources of nuclear threat, not only from the South and North but also from areas neighboring the Korean Peninsula, the statement read. Ryu indicates that North Korea may be signaling that it is not interested in initiating dialogue with the United States at this time. This does not necessarily mean they do not want to have talks with [the United States], but its telling the American side that its not intending to begin negotiations at this moment in time, he said, noting Washington should respond to the statement in some way. The most recent statement from North Korea is just a repetition of their view, Cheon said. The problem is we have ignored, or we simply were fooled by North Koreas propaganda. He says the timing of the statement may be in response to the Trump administrations pressure on Pyongyang to implement the terms of the Singapore Summit, as the United States interpreted them. Prospects for a second Trump-Kim summit We still are working through the execution of Chairman Kims commitment to denuclearize, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Kansas-based KNSS Radio last week. The U.S., he added, is hopeful that in the new year President Trump and Chairman Kim will get together not too long after the first of the year and make even further progress on taking this threat to the United States away from us. Cheon is slightly less optimistic than Pompeo, predicting the likelihood of a second summit at 50 percent and the deciding factor is what President Trumps position will be on North Korea, in the wake of General Mattis departure from the Defense Department. I think the swing of Americas North Korea policy is so wide, he said, that engagement policies could hit two extremes. On one hand, President Trump may compromise with North Korea [and] be satisfied with eliminating North Koreas ICBMs and [some of their] nuclear warheads, but Cheon said that if the president believes he was fooled by North Korea ... he may take more radical, hotter and aggressive action toward North Korea. While the United States has been discussing the timing of a second summit early in 2019, Ryu says that while such a meeting may still happen, it may happen later than that. In Kim Jong Uns forthcoming New Years Day address, Ryu said there is a possibility that the North Korean leader will not emphasize North Korea being a nuclear sate as a gesture to the USA and South Korea [and] that it is still interested in holding talks and advancing negotiations with the hope of removing sanctions on Pyongyang. Meanwhile, Seoul has unveiled its national defense strategy that continues to pursue peace on the peninsula in the wake of stalled talks and an uncertain future. Lee Ju-hyun contributed to this report. A Chadian armed group attacked a military camp of forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar in southern Libya on Thursday, killing one fighter, a local official and a spokesman for Haftar said. After the toppling of Libyan dictator Muammar Gadhafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011, fighters from neighboring Chad and Sudan joined the ensuing turmoil. Competing Libyan armed factions frequently accuse each other of deploying mercenaries from sub-Saharan Africa. Thirteen people were also wounded in the attack, which took place near Traghen, some 900 kilometers (560 miles) south of Tripoli and about 400 kilometers north of the border with Chad, a spokesman for the Traghen municipality said. Haftar's Libya National Army (LNA) is the military wing of the government that operates in the east of the country. An LNA spokesman, Ahmed Mesmari, said the dead man was one of its members. The rival, U.N.-backed government of national accord (GNA), which is based in Tripoli, condemned the assault as a violation of Libya's sovereignty. It also called for all military forces in the country to unify. "Let the Libyan south be the start for countering terrorists and mercenaries together, until we rid the country of them," the GNA said in a statement. Libya's east-west division, in place since disputed elections and an escalation of fighting in 2014, has split key institutions and produced a deadlock between the rump parliaments and the shifting military factions they are aligned with. A Belgian judge has issued an order for the repatriation of half a dozen children and their Belgian mothers from a Kurdish-controlled camp in northeast Syria. The children are all under the age of 6. They and their mothers, Tatiana Wielandt and Bouchra Abouallal, both in their mid-twenties, have been held in the al-Hol camp, one of several housing about 584 jihadi brides and 1,250 children, the offspring of Islamic State fathers, most of them foreign fighters. Like other European countries, Belgium has been reluctant to take back foreign fighters or their captured wives and children. A small number have been repatriated to their countries of origin, but hundreds are awaiting political or legal resolution of their cases as their appeals for repatriation have been ignored. There's little sympathy for the plight of the women and their children back in their home countries, where governments fear the women and their offspring could become security risks. The ruling Wednesday is restricted only to the two mothers and their children, but it is likely to trigger more cases both in Belgium and in the courts in other European states, say legal analysts. An estimated 160 children of Belgian origin are currently in Kurdish-controlled camps. The decision overturned the ruling of a lower court rejecting a repatriation plea lodged by the two women. The Flemish-speaking Court of First Instance in Brussels ordered Belgium's government to take "all necessary and possible measures" to return them. The order gave the state 40 days to comply or face fines of $5,715 per day per child. "They have no freedom of movement," Anouk Devenyns, a court spokeswoman and magistrate, told AFP. Belgian officials say they are considering an appeal. As a proportion of its population, Belgium was one of the main sources of Europeans traveling to fight for Islamist militant groups in Syria and Iraq. At least 400 Belgian adults have left to join Islamic State or al-Qaida since 2013. Rights groups say most of the women who left Europe to join the militant groups should be seen as victims rather than criminals, arguing that many were misguided or manipulated by men or recruiters. Some were teenagers when they traveled to Syria. Belgian national Kasandra Bodagh moved to Syria to live under Islamic State. Bodagh told a Kurdish news outlet in September that she made a mistake joining her Belgian husband in Syria. She soon wanted to leave the caliphate, she claimed, but her husband, who was a bomb maker, wouldn't let her go. In quick succession, she married three IS fighters, all of whom died on the battlefield. "I have left IS now and demand my country come and take me," she told the Rudaw news outlet. "I want to tell my country that I have made a mistake. I want my country to help me and come to take me [home]. I do not want my country to do nothing. I want my country to come and take me." Using an Arab acronym for IS, she added, "We escaped from Daesh so that countries would take us. Previously, the coalition would drop papers [from the air] in Daesh territories, telling people, 'If you escape Daesh, we will help you.' Now we have escaped Daesh for about a year, but we are still staying here. A promise has to be kept." U.S. troop withdrawal U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt announcement of the withdrawal of American ground troops from northern Syria has focused increased attention on what will happen to an estimated 800 captured IS foreign fighters and to the hundreds of wives and children. A critical question is whether Kurdish forces will be able to keep control of them. Kurdish officials have warned French President Emmanuel Macron's representative to Syria, Francois Senemand, that if Turkey attacks them, as it has pledged, it would create a chaotic situation in which they might not be able to spare the guards to make sure IS detainees are secure. The IS prisoners include two Britons accused of being members of the so-called "Beatles" murder cell, responsible for the torture and beheading of Western journalists and aid workers, including American reporters James Foley and Steven Sotloff. 'Ticking time bombs' French and other European officials have said for more than a year that they won't accept the repatriation of IS foreign fighters or their wives, despite appeals by the Kurds and the Trump administration. European officials say they represent security risks and that there would be technical and legal difficulties in prosecuting them. Repatriated foreign fighters and their wives would try to use the courts for propaganda purposes, if prosecutions were mounted, they fear. "Prosecutions are going to be difficult because the collection of evidence may well be impossible to secure on the battlefields," said a French diplomat, who has been involved in high-level discussions on the issue with U.S. and European counterparts. French citizens are estimated to be among the biggest contingent of overseas fighters who joined the Islamic State terror group and other jihadist factions in the Levant. More than 300 French jihadists are thought to have died fighting in Syria or Iraq, leaving an estimated 500 to 600 unaccounted for or detained mainly in Syria by the Kurds. Earlier this year, the then-head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency warned the country is facing grave risks from "kindergarten jihadists." In a media interview, Hans-Georg Maassen said he was alarmed at the risks posed by returning IS women and their children, whom he claimed posed a "massive danger" to the country. He described the children of jihadist parents as "ticking time bombs." An estimated 1,000 German recruits joined IS. Only a handful of the 290 children and toddlers who left Germany with IS parents or who were born in Syria or Iraq have returned to Germany. Between heavy sobs, Catarina Alonzo explained that when her husband left Guatemala to try to reach the United States, they hoped taking their 8-year-old son would make it easier for the pair to get in. Instead, the boy fell ill and died. Detained on the U.S. border, Felipe Gomez Alonzo died late on Christmas Eve in a New Mexico hospital a few weeks after setting off with his father, becoming the second Guatemalan child to die this month while in U.S. custody. The two deaths have led to renewed criticism of the Trump administration's hardline stance on illegal immigration, as well as fresh scrutiny of why some migrants from Central America travel with children on the long, dangerous road north. Speaking at her home in a mountainous region of western Guatemala, Catarina Alonzo said neighbors had told the family that taking a child would provide her husband with a way in. "Lots of them have gone with children and managed to cross, even if they're held for a month or two. But they always manage to get across easily," she told Reuters in an interview that was frequently interrupted by tears she shed for her son. Alonzo, an indigenous Maya and native speaker of Chuj, has little Spanish and communicated through a translator. Wearing a sweatshirt and a purple dress, she spoke outside her hut in Yalambojoch, a village of around 1,000 people near the Mexican border. She related how the boy and his father Agustin, an agricultural worker, had left in early December to find work in the United States to pay off debts. The two also hoped the boy would get a better education in the United States, she said. Still, Alonzo said her husband had doubts, and at one point decided he did not want to take his son. But that upset the boy, so they changed their minds and resolved he should go. Alonzo's sobs could be heard for minutes outside the house before she came out to be interviewed. Afterward, she went back inside to a tiny altar she had adorned with three photos of the boy that a local school teacher had printed out for her. The altar stood to one side of a single room with cement walls that serves as a bedroom and living area Alonzo shares with her three surviving children. Adjoining it is a kitchen with a dirt floor and wooden walls. Her husband Agustin remains in U.S. custody. 'Now or never' Marta Larra, a spokeswoman for Guatemala's foreign ministry, said people smugglers known as "coyotes" often encourage migrants to take children as a form of "visa." Many coyotes are trusted by migrant families, so their word carries weight, she added. Under U.S. law, families from countries that do not border the United States cannot be immediately deported, and because of a longstanding legal settlement, there are restrictions on how long U.S. authorities can detain migrant children. As a result, families with children are often released to await an immigration court hearing, which can be scheduled well into the future due to ballooning backlogs. U.S. President Donald Trump has tried to reverse the policy, which he calls "catch and release," but has been blocked by lawsuits in federal court. Trump's insistence on building a southern border wall has given coyotes a fresh argument to promote migration, noted Larra. "According to interviews [with migrants], the coyotes are saying 'it's now or never' because the wall is going to be built, and it won't be possible to cross," she said. A Chinese court will try a Canadian citizen on drug charges on Saturday, a government-run news portal said, in a case that could further test already difficult relations between Beijing and Ottawa. The two countries have sparred over the fate of two Canadian citizens detained in China on suspicion of endangering state security, and of Canada's arrest of a high-ranking Chinese executive at the request of the United States. The high court in the northeastern province of Liaoning said on Wednesday a man it identified as Robert Lloyd Schellenberg would be tried on drugs smuggling charges in Dalian on Saturday. A Dalian government news portal said late on Wednesday Schellenberg was a Canadian citizen and that this was an appeal hearing after he was found by an earlier ruling to have smuggled "an enormous amount of drugs" into China. There was no immediate response from the Canadian government. Drug offenses are routinely punished severely in China. China executed a Briton caught smuggling heroin in 2009, prompting a British outcry over what it said was the lack of any mental health assessment. Canada has pressed for the release of the two Canadians who China detained earlier this month. The two were detained after Canadian police arrested Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on Dec. 1. Neither country has drawn a direct connection between the cases. China has demanded Canada free Meng, who is fighting extradition to the United States. Canada arrested Meng at the request of the United States, which is engaged in a trade war with China. Meng faces extradition to the United States to face fraud charges that carry a maximum sentence of 30 years jail for each charge. Egypt's foreign minister on Thursday voiced support for Sudan's embattled government, as Khartoum grapples with demonstrations against price hikes in which a disputed number of protesters have been killed. Cairo's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and intelligence chief General Abbas Kamel arrived in Sudan's capital on Thursday for talks with President Omar al-Bashir and other officials at a time when angry crowds have held anti-government rallies in Khartoum and other cities. "Egypt is confident that Sudan will overcome the present situation," Shoukry told reporters after he met Bashir at the presidential palace in Khartoum. "Egypt is always ready to support Sudan and the ability of Sudanese people as per the government of Sudan's vision and policies," he said. The "stability of Sudan means (the) stability of Egypt," Shoukry said in what were the first remarks by a top regional Arab official in support of Bashir's government since protests began on December 19. The visit of the two Egyptian officials comes after the protests evolved into deadly clashes between riot police and protesters angered by a trebling of bread prices to three Sudanese pounds (about six US cents). Sudanese authorities say eight demonstrators have been killed, but Amnesty International has put the death toll at 37, citing "credible reports". Cairo and Khartoum have recently sought to iron out their differences in a bid to improve relations roiled by a longstanding border dispute and an impasse in talks over Ethiopia's Nile dam. In October Sudan lifted a ban on agricultural imports from Egypt during a visit to Khartoum by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. European Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said on Thursday there is still a chance that Britain's parliament will vote in favor of the Brexit agreement in January and that there was no public support for a disorderly Brexit or another referendum. Prime Minister Theresa May has struck a withdrawal agreement with Brussels but she was forced to postpone a parliamentary vote on it earlier this month after admitting she would lose by a large margin. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. "It is not entirely unlikely that the British parliament will vote for the divorce agreement in January," Oettinger told Funke Media Group in an interview. "There is certainly no majority for a disorderly Brexit or for a new referendum." Oettinger said that the likelihood of Britain remaining in the EU had increased slightly over the past few months. "Nevertheless, I assume that it will come to an exit at the end of March," said Oettinger, the EU's budget commissioner. The former chief executive of Insys Therapeutics Inc. has agreed to plead guilty of participating in a scheme to bribe doctors to prescribe a powerful opioid medication sold by the company, U.S. prosecutors said Wednesday. Michael Babich, who resigned as the Arizona-based drugmaker's CEO in 2015 and was due to face trial next month, has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy and mail fraud charges, federal prosecutors in Boston disclosed in a court filing. Five former Insys executives and managers indicted alongside Babich, including John Kapoor, the company's onetime billionaire founder and former chairman, remain scheduled to go on trial in late January. They have pleaded not guilty. The terms of Babich's plea deal were not disclosed, and it was unclear whether he would agree to cooperate with prosecutors and testify at that trial as another former Insys executive who recently pleaded guilty did. A lawyer for Babich did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The case, brought in the midst of a national opioid addiction epidemic, centers on Subsys, Insys' under-the-tongue spray for managing pain in cancer patients. It contains fentanyl, an opioid 100 times stronger than morphine. Prosecutors allege that from 2012 to 2015, Kapoor, Babich and others conspired to bribe doctors to prescribe Subsys and to defraud insurers into paying for it. Prosecutors also allege that Insys executives conspired to bribe doctors by paying them fees to participate in speaker programs ostensibly meant to educate medical professionals about Subsys that were actually shams. Etna, Europe's most active volcano, continues to spew ash and lava and earthquake tremors show no signs of easing up for the time being. But it was a relatively tranquil night for the hundreds of people that have been displaced in Sicily following the 4.8 magnitude quake early Wednesday that seems to have triggered Mount Etna's eruption. A state of emergency is being declared in eastern Sicily, while experts and firefighters are assessing the damage in the six most affected districts and cleaning up the debris from several buildings and churches that were severely damaged. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte thanked the hundreds of rescuers and volunteers helping out in affected areas north of the eastern Sicilian city of Catania. He also expressed hope that the injured would soon feel better. The countrys two deputy prime ministers, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini, were visiting the affected areas and meeting with local residents Thursday. Angelo Borrelli, head of Italys civil protection department, said emergency shelters have been set up in schools and gyms. Beds and food are being provided for the hundreds of people who have had to leave their unsafe homes or are too scared to go back. He said others are staying in four hotels that have been made available. But many still preferred to sleep in their cars outside their houses. The more recent tremors have been of a much lower intensity but residents in the affected part of Sicily are nervous. The quake and tremors are linked to a new fracture that opened near Mount Etna's southeast crater. In recent days the eruption has been shooting volcanic ash, heavy smoke and lava which is flowing down an uninhabited side of the mountain. Experts monitoring the volcano said they could not rule out other fractures opening up lower down the mountain. Officials of the civil protection said they could also not rule out that this kind of activity would continue for weeks, that it is unpredictable. This officials said Etna is a volcano which has traditionally had eruptions that have lasted for a long time so there would be careful monitoring. Iraqi lawmakers Thursday demanded U.S. forces leave the country following a surprise visit by President Donald Trump that politicians denounced as arrogant and a violation of national sovereignty. Trump's trip to U.S. servicemen and women at al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq on Wednesday was unannounced and the subject of extreme security, which is routine for presidential visits to conflict regions. But it came at a time when containing foreign influence has become a hot-button issue in Iraqi politics, and it provoked vociferous backlash. Iraqi lawmakers were smarting after the U.S. president left three hours after he arrived without meeting any officials, drawing unfavorable comparisons to the occupation of Iraq after the 2003 invasion. Trump needs to know his limits. The American occupation of Iraq is over, said Sabah al-Saidi, the head of one of two main blocs in Iraq's parliament. Trump, al-Saidi added, had slipped into Iraq, as though Iraq is a state of the United States. While Trump didn't meet with any officials, he spoke with Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi by phone after a difference in points of view over arrangements led to a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders to be scrapped, according to the prime minister's office. The visit could have unintended consequences for American policy, with officials from both sides of Iraq's political divide calling for a vote in Parliament to expel U.S. forces from the country. The president, who kept to the U.S. air base approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Baghdad, said he had no plans to withdraw the 5,200 troops in the country. He said Ain al-Asad could be used for U.S. air strikes inside Syria following his announcement last week to withdraw U.S. troops from there. Avoiding regional conflicts The suggestion ran counter to the current sentiment of Iraqi politics, which favors claiming sovereignty over foreign and domestic policy and staying above the fray in regional conflicts. Iraq should not be a platform for the Americans to settle their accounts with either the Russians or the Iranians in the region, said Hakim al-Zamili, a senior lawmaker in al-Saidi's Islah bloc in Parliament. U.S. troops are stationed in Iraq as part of the coalition against the Islamic State group. American forces withdrew in 2011 after invading in 2003 but returned in 2014 at the invitation of the Iraqi government to help fight the jihadist group. Trump's visit was the first by a U.S. president since Barack Obama met with then-Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at a U.S. base outside Baghdad in 2009. Still, after defeating IS militants in their last urban bastions last year, Iraqi politicians and militia leaders are speaking out against the continued presence of U.S. forces on Iraqi soil. U.S. an important election issue Supporters of the populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr won big in national elections in May, campaigning on a platform of curbing both U.S. and rival Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs. Al-Sadr's lawmakers now form the core of the Islah bloc, which is headed by al-Saidi in Parliament. The rival Binaa bloc, commanded by politicians and militia leaders close to Iran, also does not favor the U.S. Qais Khazali, the head of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia that fought key battles against IS in north Iraq, promised on Twitter that Parliament would vote to expel U.S. forces from Iraq, or the militias would force them out by other means. Khazali was jailed by British and U.S. forces from 2007 to 2010 for managing sections of the Shia insurgency against the occupation during those years. Trump's visit would be a great moral boost to the political parties, armed factions, and others who oppose the American presence in Iraq, Iraqi political analyst Ziad al-Arar said. Still, the U.S. and Iraq developed considerable military and intelligence ties in the war against IS, and they continue to pay dividends in operations against militants gone into hiding. Earlier in the month, Iraqi forces called in an airstrike by U.S.-coalition forces to destroy a tunnel used by IS militants in the Atshanah mountains in north Iraq. Four militants were killed, according to the coalition. Hasty departure a mistake? A hasty departure of U.S. forces would jeopardize such arrangements, said Iraqi analyst Hamza Mustafa. And relations between the U.S. and Iraq extend beyond military ties. U.S. companies have considerable interests in Iraq's petrochemical industry, and American diplomats are often brokers between Iraq's fractious political elite. Iraq's Sunni politicians have been largely quiet about the presidential visit, reflecting the ties they have cultivated with the U.S. to counterbalance the might of the country's Iran-backed and predominantly-Shiite militias. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Abdul-Mahdi accepted Trump's invitation to the White House during their call, though the Prime Minister's office has so far refused to confirm that. The United States is reporting more progress in its efforts to eradicate the Islamic State terror group's branch in Afghanistan, confirming the death of its spokesman in a U.S. airstrike. A U.S. military official said Thursday that Sultan Aziz Azam was killed Sunday (Dec. 23) in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. A second IS member was also killed in the strike. No civilian casualties were reported as a result of the strike, which was first made public by Afghan officials. A spokesman for Afghanistan's Interior Ministry earlier told VOA that Azam was killed along with three of his guards. The spokesman said Azam was responsible for recruiting fighters to carry out high-profile attacks against civilians. U.S. report claims progress News of the strike follows the release of a quarterly report by the Pentagon to U.S. lawmakers, which hailed progress by both U.S. and Afghan forces against the terror group, also known as IS-Khorasan of ISIS-K. "ISIS-K faced significant territorial, leadership, and personnel losses in Nangarhar," according to the report, which covered the period from June to the end of November. But the Pentagon report also warned despite progress in Nangarhar province, IS-Khorasan has been finding ways to hang on. "It has sought refuge elsewhere in the country," the report said. "Although weakened, ISIS-K will most likely continue to plan and execute high-profile attacks in populated areas." Islamic State fighters remain The strike against the IS-Khorasan spokesman also comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a partial withdrawal from Afghanistan that would see nearly half of the roughly 14,000 U.S. troops in the country return home. U.S. officials estimated that as of September 2018, IS-Khorasan still had more than 1,000 fighters in both Nangarhar and northern Jowzjan provinces. Since 2017, U.S. airstrikes have killed at least three IS-Khorasan leaders, as well as other top officials. IS poaching fighters Most recently, on Aug. 26, the Afghan government announced the death of IS-Khorasan emir Abdu Saad Erhabi, along with his nine commanders, in a U.S. airstrike, calling it a "major blow" to the terror group. But before stepping down in September, the former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, warned that while IS-Khorasan was not growing, it was having success replenishing its ranks by poaching fighters from other terrorist groups in the region. VOA's Pashto service contributed to this report. Israel has vowed to work with the United States to block a bid by the Palestinians for full membership in the United Nations, a move that would confer international recognition of Palestinian statehood. Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said Wednesday that he will submit a request next month to the Security Council for full UN membership, according to the official Wafa Palestinian news agency. "We are preparing to stop the initiative," said Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon in a statement. "The Palestinians pay terrorists and encourage violence yet seek to become a member state of the United Nations." Danon accused Palestinian leaders of engaging in "destructive policies that have encouraged recent terror attacks" and said he was gearing up to block the initiative "in cooperation with the United States delegation." Any move by the Palestinians to seek full UN membership will face a veto from the United States at the Security Council, diplomats said. Under UN rules the General Assembly must approve any request to become a UN member-state, but it must first be submitted to the Security Council. To win the council's approval, the Palestinians would have to secure nine votes from the 15 members and no veto from any of the five permanent members: Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States. The Palestinian foreign minister said he plans to travel to New York next month to personally submit the request. It remains unclear whether the application would quickly be put to a vote at the Security Council. New council members back Palestine UN diplomats said the Palestinian move to seek full UN membership comes as South Africa and Indonesia, two strong supporters of the Palestinians, are set to take their seats as non-permanent Security Council members. The council is tentatively scheduled to hold its monthly meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on January 22. The Palestinians were granted the status of UN non-member observer state in 2012, a decision taken by the General Assembly where no member-state holds veto power. The United States voted against that resolution, in line with its long-standing view that there should be no international recognition for the Palestinians until progress is made in peace efforts with Israel. That view has hardened under President Donald Trump's administration, which has cut off aid to the Palestinians and recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, overriding Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem. Asked for a comment, the US mission to the United Nations said it was unable to respond due to the US government shutdown. The Trump administration is preparing to roll out, possibly in early 2019, its much-awaited peace proposals for the Middle East -- although Israeli elections scheduled for April could once again delay that plan. About 137 countries out the UN's 193 member-states recognize some form of Palestinian statehood. Alarmed by a U.S. decision to leave Syria, Kurdish leaders who run much of the north are urging Russia and its ally Damascus to send forces to shield the border from the threat of a Turkish offensive. Their call for a return of Syrian government forces to the border, which Kurdish fighters have held for years, points to the depth of their crisis in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to withdraw forces. While little has changed on the ground yet - U.S. forces are still deployed and Trump says the pullout will be slow Kurdish officials are scrambling for a strategy to protect their region from Turkey before the United States leaves. Talks with Damascus and Moscow appear to be the focus for the Kurdish leadership. Their worst fear is a repeat of a Turkish attack that drove Kurdish residents and the YPG militia out of Afrin city in the northwest earlier this year. They are also trying to convince other Western countries to fill the vacuum when Washington withdraws some 2,000 troops whose presence in northern and eastern Syria has deterred Turkey so far. The territory at stake spans about a quarter of Syria, most of it east of the Euphrates River, controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an umbrella group dominated by the Kurdish YPG. The area borders Iraq to the east and includes three major cities - Qamishli, Hasaka and Raqqa. The SDF has been Washington's main Syrian partner in the fight with Islamic State, but Turkey views the YPG fighters that form its backbone as a threat and has vowed to crush them. Officials from northern Syria, who went to Moscow last week, will soon make another trip, hoping Russia will push Damascus to "fulfil its sovereign duty", top Kurdish politician Aldar Xelil told Reuters. "Our contacts with Russia, and the regime, are to look for clear mechanisms to protect the northern border," said Xelil, an architect of autonomy plans in northern Syria. "We want Russia to play an important role to achieve stability." Islamic State threat President Bashar al-Assad, already in command of most of Syria with help from Iranian and Russian allies, has vowed to recover the SDF territory. The region, rich in oil, water and farmland, is seen as important to Syria's reconstruction. Although the autonomy they seek is at odds with Damascus, Kurdish forces have largely avoided direct conflict with the government during the war, at times even fighting common foes. They held political talks this summer that went nowhere. But with their negotiating position severely weakened by Trump's move, Kurdish authorities may be in a race against time to cut a deal as Turkey threatens to launch its offensive east of the Euphrates River. Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the outlawed Kurdish PKK movement which has been waging a 34-year-long insurgency in southeastern Turkey. Ankara has drawn on Syrian rebel proxies to help fight the YPG in the north. Fearing the U.S. announcement could open the way to the Turkish attack, the SDF has been warning of the threat Islamic State still poses. It has cautioned European states that foreign Islamic State jihadists in its prisons could escape and return to mount attacks at home. "To repel a Turkish attack, we are discussing various options ... We have made contact with Russia, France and European Union countries to help," said Badran Jia Kurd, a senior Kurdish official who went to Moscow last week for talks with Russian foreign ministry officials. "It is the responsibility of the Syrian government to protect the borders of this region and this is under discussion," he told Reuters. Political settlement In Turkey's last assault in Afrin earlier this year, the SDF felt let down by Russia, believing it had given assurances that Turkey would not attack the region. Turkey-backed Syrian rebels say they have been mobilizing to launch the next offensive, with their first target the town of Manbij that borders the territory under their control. U.S. forces are still patrolling near Manbij and nothing has changed so far, said Sharfan Darwish, spokesman for the SDF-allied Manbij Military Council that holds the town. But in coordination with the council, the government and Russia sent forces near the town on Tuesday, he said. Top Syrian Kurdish politician Ilham Ahmed, who held talks with Damascus earlier this year, said contacts with the state had never stopped. "We are now in the phase of launching a new initiative," she told a tribal meeting in Raqqa on Wednesday. "We will try by all means to put pressure on this regime to carry out a political settlement so that we preserve the dignity of Syrian citizens." Female circumcision a practice that opponents call female genital mutilation has been a coming-of-age ritual among the Maasai tribe of Kenya for generations. But it is becoming less common, in part because of one man who is trying to persuade tribe members to abandon the practice. Douglas Meritei began his campaign about 10 years ago. He spoke to Rael Ombuor, who reports for VOA from the Kimana settlement in southern Kenya. Myanmar youth activist and television host Thinzar Shun Lei Yi would once have called herself one of Aung San Suu Kyi's greatest fans. Now, she is one of her most vocal critics. The 27-year-old belongs to a small but high-profile group of liberal activists, many former die-hard Suu Kyi supporters, who are growing increasingly disillusioned with the administration they voted into power with sky-high hopes three years ago. "I lost my idol, I'm confused, frustrated and lost," said Thinzar Shun Lei Yi, who hosts an 'Under 30' talk show on a popular local website. "Most of the activists and youths are now thinking: 'What is next', 'What will happen?', 'What can we do?' At this stage, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is going her own way and nobody can intervene, and she won't listen to civil society organizations," she said, using the honorific for women in Myanmar. While Suu Kyi continues to inspire devotion among many ordinary Burmese, the emergence of a dissenting youth movement a driven by anger over her handling of ethnic minorities, including the Muslim Rohingya, as well as curbs on the media and civil society a presents a new challenge for her administration. At stake is the future of Myanmar's transition towards democracy after years of military rule. With a general election looming in 2020, the country's first civilian government in decades is confronted by growing divisions among activists who once coalesced around her National League for Democracy party. NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the party was trying to win over young people, increasing the budget for education and supporting vocational training programs. "The youth and the people expected a lot from our government," he said. "We couldn't live up to their expectations, we admit. But we are doing our best." Suu Kyi took power in 2016 after a landslide election win, vowing to continue democratic reforms and end the country's long-running civil wars. Since then, the administration has come under pressure over its response to a military crackdown against the Rohingya minority that the United Nations has described as "ethnic cleansing" with "genocidal intent", as well as faltering peace talks with ethnic armed groups and a stagnating economy. Free speech Activists say the civilian government has also become increasingly authoritarian, failing to use its overwhelming parliamentary majority to scrap colonial-era laws used to stifle dissent, while tightening restrictions on civil society. In recent months, they have staged several protests, including an anti-war march in the commercial capital of Yangon in May that ended in scuffles. A total of 17 people were charged with unlawful protest, including Thinzar Shun Lei Yi. Their trial is ongoing. "Sensitive issues are banned, and protesters arrested and beaten," she said. "The National League of Democracy, the party using the name of democracy, must respect democracy and human rights. According to free speech organization Athan, which means 'Voice' in Burmese, 44 journalists and 142 activists have faced trial since the Suu Kyi government took power. They include Reuters reporters Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, who were sentenced to seven years in prison in September after being convicted of breaking the colonial era Official Secrets Act. The journalists are appealing their conviction to the country's High Court, citing evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime. Suu Kyi said in September their jailing had nothing to do with freedom of expression. The government says Myanmar's courts are independent. Athan's founder, poet and activist Maung Saung Kha, was among the protesters charged alongside Thinzar Shun Lei Yi in May. Four months later, in September, they both helped organize another demonstration, this time for free speech. Facing the crowd, Maung Saung Kha who is still an NLD member donned the orange shirt traditionally worn by his party's lawmakers and draped a green jacket resembling military garb over it. Armed with a copy of the state-run daily newspaper The Mirror, he began beating journalists gathered nearby. "The government has failed to use its power to protect people's rights," he told Reuters. Myo Nyunt, the party spokesman, said the government was cooperating with non-governmental organizations, but their activities needed to be examined case-by-case. "If it is not related to security or not a divisive issue among ethnics, we accept them," he said. "We are going forward to democracy so we acknowledge the role of NGOs, but we have concerns that NGOs are being influenced by sponsors instead of being independent." "Acknowledge Rohingya" While she has no control over the military, Suu Kyi has faced international criticism for failing to defend the Rohingya, more than 730,000 of whom fled a sweeping army crackdown in western Rakhine state in 2017, according to U.N. agencies. The operation was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces. Myanmar denies almost all the allegations of atrocities made by refugees, saying the army was carrying out a legitimate campaign against terrorists. While many among Myanmar's Buddhist majority revile the Rohingya, the young activists offer a rare sympathetic voice. "We acknowledge Rohingya. We totally denounce the fact that they are referred to as 'Bengali'," said Maung Saung Kha, referring to a term commonly used in Myanmar to imply the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh, despite a long history in the country. "We haven't seen any acknowledgement or punishment for the things that happened," he said. "The refugees will not come backas long as these people think of them as less than humans, and that it is not a crime to kill them." Khin Sandar, another young activist facing unlawful protest charges, spent months campaigning for the NLD ahead of the 2015 election but lost faith in Suu Kyi over her handling of the Rakhine crisis. Her family was affected in a wave of communal violence in 2012, when not only Rohingya but members of the Kaman Muslim minority, who also face discrimination but unlike the Rohingya are considered Myanmar citizens, were driven from their homes. They live in crowded internal displacement camps outside the Rakhine state capital Sittwe and are subjected to severe restrictions on movement. In a speech after last year's violence, Suu Kyi said all residents of Rakhine "have access to education and healthcare services without discrimination." "My own nephew and nieces are still living in the Sittwe camps and they don't have those rights," said Khin Sandar. "I was shocked. How can she say that in her speech?" Afterwards, she said, she quit her job as researcher for an NLD lawmaker. While the youth activists represent only a small segment of Myanmar society they are increasingly influential in the grassroots activism scene, while their protests and public comments have attracted significant attention from media and from their vast social media followings. Mostly in their 20s and 30s, they highlight the gulf between Myanmar's young population the median age is 27 and its aging leadership, comprised of mostly men in their 60s and 70s. "Myanmar is a very conservative country, these young people especially from Yangon are now challenging that," said Myat Thu, a political analyst from the Yangon School of Political Science. "In order to have a revolution of ideas, not many people need to know. They will spread it gradually." The U.S. commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan traveled to Pakistan Thursday to discuss Afghan reconciliation efforts with Pakistan's military chief, officials said. Gen. Austin Scott Millers visit came amid reports of a possible U.S. troop drawdown in Afghanistan and a renewed push to negotiate peace with Taliban insurgents for ending the 17-year-old Afghan war. An army announcement said Pakistani General Qamar Javed Bajwa told Miller that Islamabad is committed to Afghan peace efforts. Both expressed unanimity of views on importance of political resolution of [the] Afghan situation and underlined that only an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led inclusive process can lead to peace in Afghanistan, the statement noted. Pakistan, which is accused of sheltering Afghan Taliban leaders, took credit for organizing two-day direct peace talks between U.S. and insurgent officials earlier in December in the United Arab Emirates. Representatives of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the host country were also in attendance. The Taliban says its representatives at the negotiating table sought a date or timeline from U.S. interlocutors for a complete withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan, citing their presence is the biggest obstacle in the way of peace. It is not clear whether U.S. President Donald Trumps reported orders for pulling out half of the more than 14,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan stemmed from the meeting in Abu Dhabi and officials in Washington have not confirmed reports of the potential drawdown. The Taliban and Zalmay Khalilzad, the leader of the U.S. negotiating team, have both described their discussions in the UAE as productive," and pledged to meet again soon at the same venue. The dialogue is said to be aimed at seeking direct talks between the Taliban and the Washington-backed government in Kabul. The insurgent group, however, continues to reject calls for engaging in negotiations with Afghan envoys. The group dismisses the Afghan government as puppets installed by the U.S. and considers Washington as its main adversary in the conflict. Also Thursday, the Taliban demanded the U.S. withdraw from Afghanistan. The renewed demand was made following the anniversary of the 1979 military invasion of Afghanistan by the-then Soviet Union. The insurgent group claimed U.S.-led foreign forces are facing the exact same fate that Soviet troops suffered in the shape of a forced withdrawal. It [Taliban] advises the American invaders to adopt rational and understanding by withdrawing from Afghanistan and maintaining any future relations based on sound diplomatic and economic principles instead of testing might, the insurgent statement said. The reported withdrawal plans have worried Afghan military officials, prompting Gen. Miller earlier this week to assure them of continued U.S. support. You have seen the same rumors I have, from the newspapers, but all I would assure you is first of all I have no orders, so nothing changed. But if I do get orders, I think it is important for you to know that we are still with the security forces, Miller said. Separately, Afghan authorities Wednesday said they are considering postponing for several months the presidential elections that were originally scheduled for April 20. The announcement has triggered speculation the delay would support the U.S.-led effort to strike a peace deal with the Taliban that would lay the groundwork for a credible non-controversial Afghan election process. Thursday is the sixth day of a partial U.S. government shutdown, and it is unlikely to be the day that brings a resolution in the standoff between President Donald Trump and Congress. Trump has insisted on getting $5 billion in funding for a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, while Democrats have objected and instead said they would agree to $1.3 billion in other border security spending. In a Thursday morning tweet, Trump said "Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border." He also claimed most of the government workers not getting paid during the shutdown are "Democrats." When asked Wednesday how long he thinks the shutdown will last, Trump told reporters, Whatever it takes. I mean, were going to have a wall. Were going to have safety. He declined to comment about the prospect of backing away from his demand for $5 billion in wall funding and instead accepting the lower figure for border security. Democratic leaders in Congress have blamed Trump for plunging the country into chaos. The president wanted the shutdown, but seems not to know how to get himself out of it, Senator Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and incoming House speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote in a joint statement. Whatever the solution the two sides eventually find to fund about one-quarter of the government it will have to be approved by both houses of Congress and signed by Trump. No votes Thursday Republican leaders in the House of Representatives told members not to expect any votes Thursday, and that they would be given 24 hours notice before any votes take place. Many lawmakers went home this week for the Christmas holiday. In the Senate, the chambers calendar says it will reconvene Thursday for discussion of the spending issue, but how many members will be present remains to be seen. Perhaps further complicating the ongoing discussions is that currently Republicans hold majorities in both the House and Senate, but in one week Democrats will take over in the House while Republicans will add a few seats to their Senate advantage. 800,000 workers affected The shutdown is affecting about 800,000 federal workers. About half of them are going to work but will not be paid until the shutdown is over. The rest are at home waiting to find out if Congress will follow what it has done in the past and approve pay for them as well. Trump said Monday he has the backing of federal workers and that they want him to stick to his demand for the wall funding. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union of U.S. federal workers, rejected that statement Wednesday. They are eager to get back to work. They unequivocally oppose using shutdowns as a means of resolving policy disputes, AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. said. This is not about a wall, this is about 800,000 real people with real families and real bills to pay. AFGE membership includes some Voice of America employees. White House Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett said the shutdown is merely a temporary problem for affected federal employees. They might miss a pay period because the government shut down, Hassett told reporters Wednesday. But in the end, even if they arent working, then Congress has decided to pay people for the whole time. So in the end, its really just a sort of short-term problem not a long-term problem for government workers. Former first lady Michelle Obama is the world's most admired woman in the eyes of Americans, the first woman other than Hillary Clinton to be designated as such in 17 years, according to a new Gallup poll. Obama won by a wide margin in this year's poll after finishing second to the former secretary of state and former first lady in three previous surveys. Billionaire media mogul Oprah Winfrey came in second, followed by Clinton, and current first lady Melania Trump. Britain's Queen Elizabeth ranked fifth, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Former President Barack Obama was first on the list of most admired men for the 11th straight year, topping his successor, President Donald Trump, who came in second for the fourth consecutive year. Former President George W. Bush placed third and Pope Francis was fourth in the rankings. The survey, conducted earlier this month, asked American respondents to name the woman and man living anywhere in the world whom they admired most. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet with Colombian President Ivan Duque in the resort city of Cartagena next week, as tensions flare with neighboring Venezuela. Duque and Pompeo will seek to "continue strengthening the bilateral relationship and discuss the crisis provoked by the dictatorship in Venezuela," a statement from the Colombia president's office said Thursday. The meeting, scheduled for next Wednesday, comes after Duque asked countries "that defend democracy" not to recognize the new government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, due to be seated on January 10. The socialist leader, who has overseen Venezuela's descent into the worst economic crisis of its history, will start a second mandate after winning an election earlier this year that was branded a fraud by the U.S., European Union, opposition groups and the Organization of American States. Colombia, a strategic ally of the United States, is leading the regional opposition to Venezuela, with which it has extremely frayed diplomatic ties. The arrival of Russian strategic bombers in Venezuela to participate in military exercises at the start of December sent tensions soaring. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the economic crisis in their country, many into neighboring Colombia. According to the United Nations, 2.3 million people have left since 2015. Maduro, who frequently denounces plots against him, insisted this month that the United States was planning to overthrow him with the help of Colombia's right-wing government and Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro. A cleft lip or cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects worldwide. Before birth, babies can have a split, or cleft, in their lip and the roof of the mouth. This split normally closes between the 6th to 11th week of pregnancy. If this doesn't happen, and the baby is born with this split, doctors can usually fix it. But if the cleft isn't fixed, the baby can have serious health problems and a shortened life. In the U.S. and other developed countries, corrective surgery is done when a baby is between three months and 18 months old. Surgical intervention is less common in less developed nations. Dr. Albert Oh, a pediatric plastic surgeon, said he performs one or two corrective surgeries a week at Children's National hospital in Washington. "Were one of the busiest centers in the United States, and so my partner and I, we average over a hundred primary cases per year." About one out of every 1,500 babies in the U.S. is born with a cleft palate. One out of every 900 babies is born with cleft lip. Babies of African descent have lower odds one out of every 1,200 births. Dr. Yang Chai at the University of Southern California said Asians are most at risk. "If you look at a patient population worldwide, if you are Asian, the prevalence is about 1 out of 700." These children are often stigmatized because of the way they look. But complications from a cleft lip and cleft palate go beyond the cosmetic. They impact speech and cause dental problems. A baby with a cleft palate cannot suck and is at risk of being malnourished. Malnutrition, in turn, causes stunted growth. Dr. Ben Gitterman, a pediatrician who has worked as a volunteer in low-income countries to help these children, said the experience was life-changing. "Seeing these kids and thinking, 'What a cute little 3 or 4 year old,' and finding that 3 or 4 year old was 7, 8 or 9. And because of the fact that they couldnt process food, they couldnt eat well. They had been so stunted ... by malnutrition. Not malnutrition from the lack of food in the community, but because they couldnt feed properly because of the cleft lip and palate situation. These were tiny little kids, and I was in shock." Gitterman has volunteered numerous times with Operation Smile, one of the charities that organizes surgical missions to help these children. In a Skype interview with Dr. Bill Magee, Operation Smile's founder, Magee said his organization's mission has expanded in the more than 35 years of its existence. "Up until about 1999, all of our volunteers pretty much came out of the United States. Today, 70 to 80 percent of our missions are done by local people in their countries that we have trained." Charitable organizations perform more than 80 percent of cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries in Vietnam, according to a 2016 study issued by Dr. William Magee III and his colleagues at the University of Southern California. Magee III is the son of the founder of Operation Smile. The report showed how difficult it is for parents to get the surgery their children need in low and middle income countries. It's common in these countries for medical care to be paid in advance, which many families cannot afford. Operation Smile is working to change that. "Its given us this incredible opportunity to understand how the infrastructure of surgery is so important ... and how to advance that infrastructure in countries all over the world," Magee said. As for what causes this condition, genetic factors account for about 30 percent of cleft conditions. The mother's health is a contributing factor, but scientists are still searching for other causes with the hope of one day being able to prevent children from being born with cleft lips or palates. Cellphone records show that Michael Cohen was near Prague during the summer of 2016, supporting claims that Donald Trump's former attorney met there with Russian officials during the presidential election campaign, the McClatchy news service reported Thursday. Cohen, who was sentenced to three years in prison this month after pleading guilty of tax evasion and other crimes, has denied ever visiting Prague. Since then, however, Cohen has turned on his former boss and has been cooperating with special counsel Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who is investigating whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia to get him elected to the White House. Details of Cohen's cooperation with the Mueller probe have not been publicly revealed, and Trump vehemently denies any collusion with Russia. The purported meeting between Cohen and Russian government officials in Prague was first reported in a document with compromising material on Trump compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele. Steele dossier According to what has become known as the Steele dossier, Cohen had a clandestine meeting with Kremlin officials in Prague in August 2016 to discuss hiding links between members of the Trump campaign and Russia. McClatchy, publisher of the Miami Herald and other newspapers, said a mobile phone traced to Cohen had briefly sent signals off cell towers in the Prague area in late summer 2016. "The brief activation from Cohen's phone near Prague sent beacons that left a traceable electronic signature," it said. Citing "four people with knowledge of the matter," McClatchy said that the electronic record supports "claims that Cohen met secretly there with Russian officials." "During the same period of late August or early September [2016], electronic eavesdropping by an Eastern European intelligence agency picked up a conversation among Russians, one of whom remarked that Cohen was in Prague," McClatchy cited "two people familiar with the incident" as saying. "The new information regarding the recovery of Cohen's cellphone location doesn't explain why he was apparently there or who he was meeting with, if anyone," McClatchy said. "But it adds to evidence that Cohen was in or near Prague around the time of the supposed meeting," it said. Shared with Mueller McClatchy said the intelligence pointing to the presence of Cohen near Prague had been shared with the special counsel's office. Among the crimes Cohen pleaded guilty to was lying to Congress about the status of a Trump real estate project in Moscow. Cohen acknowledged that the talks to build a Trump Tower in Moscow continued until at least June 2016 six months longer than he had told Congress. A separatist leader blamed for masterminding last months attack on a Chinese Consulate in Pakistan has been killed in a bombing in Afghanistan, Pakistani officials and the separatist group said Thursday. Aslam Baloch, one of the leaders of the Baluch Liberation Army, and five of his associates were martyred in a blast, according to Jeeyand Baloch, a spokesman for the group. He did not provide further details. Pakistani security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Baloch was killed Tuesday in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. Mohammad Yousof Younosi, a provincial council member from Kandahar, said six people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a house Tuesday in a wealthy subdivision of the city. He said the blast, which was a block away, blew out the windows of his home and several others in the neighborhood. He said he knew one of the people killed, who hailed from Pakistans Baluchistan province, and had alerted authorities to their presence several weeks ago. Their language and clothing was different from ours. I knew they were not from Afghanistan and I worried about who they were, said Younosi. Police arranged for them to relocate, but Younosi said they moved only one block away. No one immediately claimed the attack. Several militant and separatist groups operate in Baluchistan. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of sheltering Baluch separatists, including those behind a deadly attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi last month. Afghanistan in turn accuses Pakistan of sheltering the Taliban and other Islamic extremists. Three gunmen attacked the consulate in Karachi, triggering a shootout that left the assailants, two police officers and two civilians dead. Police in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo fired live ammunition and tear gas Thursday to disperse demonstrators who were protesting a decision to effectively exclude them from Sunday's presidential election. Dozens of demonstrators burned tires and attacked Ebola centers in the city of Beni after Congo's electoral commission said it will delay voting until March in Beni, Butembo and surrounding areas because of a deadly Ebola outbreak. Twenty-four patients fled one Ebola treatment facility when it was attacked by protesters, the health ministry said. Protesters also marched to a local election office in Beni to demand the right to vote on Sunday along with rest of the country and for the commission's president to resign. The commission has also postponed voting in the western city of Yumbi because of ethnic violence. Opposition parties behind candidate Martin Fayulu have called for a workers strike throughout Congo to protest the delays, which could affect more than 1 million voters. Compounding the unrest was the foreign ministry's expulsion of European Union Ambassador Bart Ouvry. The move came in response to the EU's renewal of two-year-old sanctions against Congolese officials, including ruling coalition candidate Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. The areas where voting will be postponed are centers of opposition to outgoing President Joseph Kabila, who has been president since he replaced his assassinated father in 2001. Local politicians have criticized the moves as an attempt to manipulate the vote in favor of Shadary, Kabila's favored presidential candidate. The election to replace Kabila was originally set to take place in 2016 but has been repeatedly delayed for more than two years. The delays sparked violent protests in which dozens of people were killed by security forces. Shadary has two main challengers out of a group of 21 candidates. They are the president of Congo's largest opposition party, Felix Tshisekedi, and Fayulu, a former legislator and Exxon Mobile manager. Some 40 million registered voters are set to go to the polls Sunday to decide the fate of a country that has a wealth of mineral resources, but lacks adequate infrastructure and basic services. President Donald Trump returned to the White House on Thursday after making an unannounced trip to Iraq to visit U.S. troops stationed there. "Just returned from visiting our troops in Iraq and Germany," Trump tweeted about an hour after arriving home. "One thing is certain, we have incredible people representing our Country - people that know how to win!" It was his first visit to a conflict zone as president, and the trip was undertaken in near secrecy. While speaking to the troops in Iraq, Trump defended his decision to withdraw from Syria, saying that Islamic State (IS) is "very nearly defeated" and the caliphate is gone. "I made it clear from the beginning that our mission in Syria was to strip ISIS of its military strongholds,'' Trump said, using an acronym for the militant group. "Eight years ago, we went there for three months and we never left," he said, adding the U.S presence in Syria was never meant to be "open-ended." The president and first lady greeted troops in Iraq in a dining hall, taking photos and signing autographs as part of the visit. They left three hours later. On the return to Washington, Air Force One stopped briefly at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, where Trump met with several U.S. Air Force leaders, and he and the first lady took photos with U.S. service members there. Trump did not meet with any Iraqi officials during his short visit to the country, but he did speak on the phone with Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. Trump's visit to Iraq came a day after he held a video conference from the Oval Office with military members around the globe. After the call, he was criticized by some media outlets that reported he is first president since 2002 to not visit U.S. troops at Christmastime. Visiting U.S. troops in conflict zones is a tradition embraced by U.S. presidents, as it is seen as a morale-booster for troops. President George W. Bush visited U.S. troops stationed overseas eight times during his presidency, including serving a Thanksgiving meal to soldiers in Baghdad in 2003. President Barack Obama visited troops in Baghdad in April 2009, four months after he took office. He also visited troops in Afghanistan and South Korea. The Pentagon said there are approximately 5,200 U.S. forces in Iraq. Last week, Trump made the controversial move of announcing plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. He also is considering withdrawing roughly half of the more than 14,000 American troops stationed in Afghanistan, beginning next month. Trumps senior advisers and military officials have warned the move will plunge the region further into chaos. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the special presidential envoy for the global coalition to counter IS, Brett McGurk, have both resigned, at least in part, due to disagreement over policy in Syria and Afghanistan. President Donald Trump has made an unannounced trip to Iraq to visit U.S. troops stationed there. The visit took place on the heels of Trump's controversial move to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and plans for a drawdown in Afghanistan, and amid criticism that he has not visited troops abroad since becoming U.S. president. VOA White House Correspondent Patsy Widakuswara reports. The United Arab Emirates is to reopen its embassy in Damascus on Thursday, a step that would mark a big diplomatic boost for President Bashar al-Assad from a U.S.-allied Arab state that once funded rebels fighting him. The embassy has been shut since the early months of Syria's conflict, which erupted in 2011. Saudi-owned al Arabiya television confirmed the UAE Embassy reopening first reported by Syria's Information Ministry. A ministry note to journalists invited them to cover the event at 1:30 p.m. (1130 GMT) at the embassy, located in the Abu Rummaneh district of the capital Damascus. The United Arab Emirates was one of several regional Arab states that backed armed groups opposed to Assad, though its role was less prominent than Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Turkey, rebel sources have said. Nearly eight years into the war, Assad has recovered control of the bulk of Syria with critical support from Russia, Iran, and Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah. His military advances gathered pace this year with the defeat of the last big rebel enclaves near Damascus and recovery of the southwestern region at the border with Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Earlier this month, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir became the first Arab head of state to visit Damascus since the start of the Syrian conflict, flying into Damascus airport. The border crossing between Syria and Jordan, another U.S.-ally that backed the rebels, was reopened in October. The Arab League suspended Syria's membership in 2011. An Arab diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters last week he believed a majority wanted Syria to return to the League with only three Egyptian state-run media have called for Syria to be reinstated. The secretary-general of the Arab League, veteran Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said in April that the decision to suspend Syria had been "hasty." Arab state support was funneled to Syrian rebels through a program overseen by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency until President Donald Trump ordered it shut down last year. The anti-Assad rebels' last foothold is an arc of northwestern territory abutting the border with Turkey, which still supports them. In another potential boost to Assad, Trump also last week decided to withdraw U.S. forces that are deployed in areas of northern and eastern Syria in support of Kurdish-led militia. Damascus has vowed to recoup control of the region currently controlled by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The area, which includes oil fields, water resources and farmland, amounts to roughly one quarter of Syria. Three United Nations human rights experts expressed "deep concern" Thursday over a controversial citizens register in India's Assam state, warning it could inflame ethnic tensions in an already fractious region. A new draft Register of Citizens (NRC) in the northeastern state announced in July left off four million people, leaving them potentially stateless and facing an uncertain future. Critics say it is the latest move by the right-wing party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bolster India's Hindu majority at the expense of minorities. India will hold a national election next year. The policy was introduced by the state government, which is controlled by the same BJP party in power nationally. "We are... seriously concerned about the lack of clarity regarding what will happen to those left out of the finalized NRC," said a joint statement from the UN special rapporteur on religious freedoms, Ahmed Shaheed, the rapporteur for minority rights, Fernand de Varennes and an expert on arbitrary detentions, Seong-Phil Hong. "There is a risk that persons not part of the NRC could become stateless, be at risk of deportation, or be subject to large-scale migration detention," they said. The deadline to provide the necessary documents to be included on the register has been set for December 31. The current register includes only those who were able to prove they were in the state before 1971, when millions fled Bangladesh's war of independence into the state, and their descendants. Assam, a state of 33 million people known for its lush tea estates, has for decades been racked by violence between indigenous tribes and settlers. "It is feared that this entire process is increasing inter-ethnic tensions in a region that has already experienced a tumultuous history of identity-based conflicts," de Varennes said. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Incumbent Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is contesting in the February 2019 elections as the candidate for the All Progressives Party. In an exclusive interview with VOA Hausa Service's Managing Editor, Aliyu Mustapha, Buhari, addresses the war against Boko Haram & who is running the country. During a surprise visit to Iraq to visit U.S. troops, President Donald Trump who traveled with his wife, said that the U.S. will not bear the cost of the war in Iraq alone, and challenged other countries to take responsibility. President Trump, has called for the withdrawal of troops in Syria. A Zimbabwean minister who witnessed the death of the late commander of Zanus military wing, the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), has dismissed reports that she killed General Josiah Magama Tongogara in 1979 in Mozambique. According to the state-controlled Herald newspaper, Defence Minister and war veteran Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, told Tongogaras family at the laying of wreaths at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Tuesday to mark his 39 years of his death, that Tongogara died in a road traffic accident. Muchinguri-Kashiri was in the same vehicle in which Tongogara died while they were preparing to return to Zimbabwe following a ceasefire agreement signed by leaders of two liberation movements Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo of Zapu and Zanus Robert Mugabe and the Rhodesian government led by Ian Douglas Smith. She is quoted as saying that I happened to be in the same car with him when the accident happened. There was a truck which was towing a trailer that was in front of our vehicle. The truck was in the middle of the road and heading in the same direction. As our driver was about to overtake, our vehicle was blocked by the trailer resulting in the accident that killed Cde Tongogara. I didnt kill Tongogara. Social media has been on fire of late with some Zimbabweans claiming that Muchinguri-Kashiri had a hand in the death of Tongogara, who pushed for unity between the Zimbabwe Peoples Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), the military wing of Nkomos Zapu party, and Zanla. The late general also wanted Nkomo to lead the Patriotic Front (PF), which was supposed to contest the first general elections as a united movement for Zapu and Zanu in 1980. Mugabe strongly opposed Nkomos leadership of the Patriotic Front and decided to pull Zanu out of the PF, resulting in the two contesting the 1980 general elections. Mugabe won the polls by a wide margin and incorporated Zapu in his first government before sending the North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade (Gukurahundi) three years after independence to massacre thousands of Zapu supporters in an attempt to forge a one-party state in Zimbabwe. He accused Nkomo of caching arms in order to topple his government. Nkomo dismissed the claims, noting that Mugabe killed an estimated 20,000 people, mostly Zapu supporters, in Matabeleland and Midlands regions purporting to be trying to eradicate dissidents when his mission was to form a one-party state. Muchinguri-Kashiri noted that the late Tongogara wanted the liberation movements to unite for a better Zimbabwe. General Tongogara hated, without mercy, all those who he regarded as standing in the way of the liberation of millions of down-trodden Zimbabweans. Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years before he was toppled by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, parliamentarians and some Zimbabweans who staged a peaceful protest calling for his ouster. Zimbabwes President Emmerson Mnangagwa is urging teachers not to go on strike when schools open in January. The president met with teachers on Friday, as a strike by doctors entered its fourth week. For VOA, Columbus Mavhunga has more from Harare. Photo: Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current Affairs via G Sister Wendy Beckett, whose art-appreciation shows made her an unlikely TV star, died on Wednesday. She was 88. Sister Wendy had a fondness for art that was infectious. According to the New York Times, Sister Wendys BBC shows often took 25 percent of the British viewing audience, and were guaranteed to be played when your art class had a substitute teacher. The same NYT profile claimed that she lived mainly on a pint and a half of skim milk per day. Beckett began studying art while living in seclusion in a trailer near her monastery. Sister Wendy was discovered while visiting an art exhibit in Norfolk. A BBC crew happened to be filming a documentary on Germaine Greer, and filmed her take on the exhibit. Producers were wowed by how Beckett spoke to the artists as if they were in the room with her while viewing their work. Viewers always got a kick out of her talking about nudes and her laissez-faire attitude toward controversial art. Rest in peace, Our Lady of the Hot Takes. Huntsville Police are searching for a female suspect who robbed a gas station at the Chevron at Airport Road on December 20. Police say the woman walked inside the gas station and grabbed a few items, but as the clerk rang her up for the items, she pulled out a gun. If you have any information about the suspect or robbery, you are asked to contact Huntsville Police. If you become a volunteer firefighter, you can get your EMT training for free! It's happening across the state because of a new law. Many Shoals volunteer fire departments said they are seeing a decline in recruitment. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association says volunteers are down 12% over the last 3 decades. Underwood-Petersville Volunteer Firefighter, Tony Eckle, said it's getting harder to recruit people and that's why they've had a series of public meetings to inform people on how to join. "Getting new people in is important to us. The average volunteer firefighter has an average span of five years," said Eckle Under a new Alabama law, if someone commits three years of service to a volunteer fire department or rescue squad, they can get their EMT license from Northwest Shoals Community College and be reimbursed for the course. "It's actually provided an avenue for our first responders and rescue units to come and complete the course and get tuition reimbursement with the commitment to serving their community," said Mark Simpson, the chairperson of house studies at NWSCC. Simpson said rural communities need more volunteer firefighters that are EMT certified. "As the population ages, people are calling more for these resources and the need is out there, especially in the remote areas where we don't have an ambulance service base there," said Simpson. Simpson said people will save about $2,000. He hopes this will encourage more people to serve their communities. "It is my hope that this will encourage individuals that are serving in their communities to come back and get this education, then go back and serve our communities, because we need those people," said Simpson. The EMT course is a one semester program. If someone fails the course, they will not be reimbursed. Simpson said they hope to eventually expand the program to include paramedics as well. As we brace for a round of potential flooding in North Alabama, some Limestone County residents are thinking back to three years ago. Wednesday marks the anniversary of flooding that washed out Limetone County roads and bridges in 2015. WAAY 31 spoke with the affected community--many of whom are concerned about a potential repeat. We moved from Huntsville in third grade and I love it. One woman WAAY 31 talked with has lived off of Shaw Road for most of her life and says she travels it every day. I have to go that way to pick up my kids from school. So, she remembers when the well-traveled road flooded and collapsed back in 2015. She said calling it an inconvenience would be an understatement. We would get stuck and we werent able to leave," she said. Not to mention, traffic had to be detoured through her neighborhood. We cant really let the kids out to play in the neighborhood or ride bikes when that happens because theres a lot of traffic right there," she said. And her neighborhood wasnt the only one affected. The bridge on Old Highway 20, near the new Mazda-Toyota site was also washed out, and there was more flooding in East Limestone. Im over the rain. I would not like to see any rain, but it is what it is. Many residents hope this week's rains won't be as punishing as they were three years ago, and several hope improvements made to Shaw Road after the flooding will hold up. I hope theyve really fixed it this time and its done and over with, but if not, hey, well just keep on going. The county commissioner for the district told us it took crews about a hundred days to make repairs to Shaw Road after the 2015 flooding. He said he hopes the washed out bridge on Old Highway 20 will be replaced by Halloween. On Wednesday, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump paid a visit to the troops in Iraq. Some soldiers from the 375th Engineer Company, which is stationed in Huntsville, got to meet them. The Associated Press reported that while the president has made the decision to pull armed forces from Syria, he doesn't have any plans to remove them from Iraq. Some North Alabama high schoolers are about to become business owners. WAAY 31 spoke with parents about the new Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, or CEO," program and learned most parents are all for it. Kids have the possibility to learn everything," Mike Hayes said. That's what Hayes had to say after learning students in Morgan County will soon have the opportunity to start an actual business. Its part of a program where local businesses will partner with the school district, allowing students to learn the ins and outs of owning and operating a successful business. Hayes is a business owner himself and says he thinks his daughter, who recently graduated from a Morgan County school, definitely wouldve been interested in the program. My daughter worked with me for a long time and she caught on quick," he said. "She loved it. According to school officials, students will learn the ropes of what it's like to run a profitable business, and they will even have the opportunity to create their own business; however, school officials say that's not required. While his daughter is no longer in school, Hayes thinks there are plenty of other students who would be willing to try it out. Any of them that have the chance to just be on a job site and see what happens, they should get out and be hands-on. A lot of them might find that it might be something they want to do," he said. And Hayes isnt the only parent in favor of the new program. Its a good opportunity, because weve never had anything like this down here.," said Lisa Gaines. And for any students who may be skeptical about the new program, Hayes has a message. Its kind of like going down a slide. Youre scared at first, but if you get somebody to get you to do it, youll really like it," he said. Right now, the program will only be available to about twenty or thirty students at West Morgan, Priceville, and Falkville high schools, but school officials tell WAAY 31 they plan to expand the program to all Morgan County schools as soon as they can. The superintendent of Morgan County Schools told WAAY 31 Decatur City Schools will be adding the new entrepreneurial program at their high schools as well. Homer Nance Road is back open after a rollover wreck shut down the road for more than an hour Thursday morning. A woman was traveling along the road near Saralee Drive when she lost control of the vehicle and flipped into a ditch along the west side of the road. Alabama State Troopers told WAAY 31 that the driver only received minor injuries from the wreck. Alabama State Troopers told WAAY 31 that the driver only received minor injuries from the wreck. Alabama State Troopers told WAAY 31 the woman was taken to Huntsville Hospital with minor injuries. They are investigating the cause of the wreck. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) shakes hands with US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink (Photo: VNA) At a reception in Hanoi on December 26th for US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink, PM Phuc expressed his thanks to US President Donald Trump and the US Congress for providing funds for the accomplishment of a toxic detoxification project at Da Nang International Airport and the deployment of a similar project at Bien Hoa airport. The PM spoke highly of the ambassadors efforts in promoting the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership in 2018, meeting practical benefits of their people and contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region. Having noted with pleasure the fruitful development of bilateral trade ties and the rapid growth of the USs exports to Vietnam, PM Phuc thanked the US for creating favourable conditions for the Southeast Asian country to boost the export of several products such as tra fish, shrimps and fruits, to the US market. The government leader also affirmed that Vietnam and the US have cooperated together well in regional and global issues of mutual concern. For his part, Kritenbrink expressed his delight at the positive development of the bilateral relationship after PM Phucs visit to the US and US President Trumps trip to Vietnam in 2017. He thanked the government, ministries and sectors of Vietnam for their endeavours in beefing up the bilateral relations, including the settlement of matters related to automobiles, agricultural products, e-payment and the law on cyber security raised by US enterprises. The ambassador affirmed that the US will continue assisting Vietnam in dealing with the war aftermath and hoped to step up cooperation with the nation in all spheres, including security and defence. The US considers Vietnam a leading important partner in the region and wants to develop its relations with Vietnam as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for regional peace, cooperation and development, he stressed./. Amaro Bar at Il Marchese in cenral Rome boasts over 500 labels. Rome is now home to Europe's first Amaro Bar thanks to Il Marchese Osteria-Mercato-Liquori, an osteria and cocktail bar on Via di Ripetta in the city's historic centre. The central Rome venue, whose title is inspired by the classic movie Il Marchese del Grillo starring Alberto Sordi, serves contemporary versions of Roman specialties. The pasta is made in-house while chef Daniele Roppo selects fresh ingredients from the indoor "mercato" whose 0-km produce is also available for purchase to diners. Aperitivi at Il Marchese However the star attraction for many is the Amaro Bar, Europe's first bar dedicated to cocktails based on the bitter digestivo, boasting 500 labels. Guests can choose from three menus: Twists on Negroni & Americano Style Cocktails, Signature and Seasonal, and Unforgettable & Great Classics. There is also a section of rare vintage amari dating from 1950 to 1970. Open daily 11.30-01.00, aperitivi served daily from 18.30-21,30. For full details see website. Photo Il Marchese Next months meeting will be the first face-to-face discussion the two sides have held since President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a temporary truce in Argentina this month. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said last week that the U.S. team and its counterparts have held discussions over the phone. The number of people applying for asylum in the United States has increased steadily over the past four years, as has the number of people denied asylum. Last year, 120,000 migrants made asylum claims in U.S. immigration courts, a fourfold increase from 2014. The denial rate rose from 25.9 percent in 2014 to 41.3 percent in 2018, according to figures released by the Justice Department in October. Trumps attempts to redefine the asylum process have accelerated in recent months, and many advocates worry that the percentage of grantees could fall even further in coming years. Matchmaking in Date Lab is not normally done by professionals. And while some readers may think that is why Date Lab gets the results it usually gets, I'm here to tell you that professional matchmakers face similar hurdles. I would know. I got my start as an amateur matchmaker while in college. I set up my fellow classmates and wrote a weekly column about their blind dates. At 21, I joined a top matchmaking company in New York. My experiences there inspired my first novel, "Playing With Matches" (Touchstone), about a young matchmaker whose own love life is falling apart. I voted for Clinton, and I think shed make a good president, but you know. Last time around, she somehow managed to lose to a guy who had the maturity of a petulant adolescent, the temper of Yosemite Sam, the bluster of Foghorn Leghorn, the sensitivity of a burlap condom and the nastiness of an enraged honey badger, and physically resembled a Baby Huey pear-shaped punching bag. And Bernie Sanders well, he had lost to the person who had lost to that guy. In addition to the deaths, 65 people were taken to hospitals after the Aug. 10, 2016, incident, and three firefighters suffered injuries. Two of the complexs buildings were leveled by the explosion. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found the explosion occurred after a gas leak in a basement utility room, where the meters were located. But who was responsible for the lines where the gas leak occurred has not yet been determined. The market for historic Nazi memorabilia is definitely growing, she said. A lot of people are afraid the whole Nazi thing has been forgotten, and they want to show what was going on. More of it is coming out of hiding, too, because so much of the material came home with soldiers who are getting to the age of dying, and their families are selling it off. Webster is quick to point out that this isnt an advocacy class. But he knows that because so many young people are rallying around this issue, they ought to be offered Hopkinss trove of related research. He worries that too much of the conversation around gun control is not truly evidence-driven, and he wants to help change that. Some schools try to calm the kids by telling them to practice hiding from a tiger. Children know the animals are dangerous but also very unlikely to be roaming around a school. Even when its just a drill, as kids scrunch up under desks or stay silent and learn to communicate with hand signals, teachers have reported that their students are emotionally traumatized by the acting. Todays Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. Email address By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy One camera shows James talking on the phone as he is driving, according to the affidavit. He put the phone down with his left hand as he entered the intersection, police said in the document. But the phone rang a moment later, and the affidavit says James picked it up with his left hand and switched to his right as he started to turn onto Pennsylvania. This is the holiday that first sparked Lisas sense of belonging among the Jewish people. She was just 11 years old when she listened to the mother of one of her sixth-grade classmates teach their class about Hanukkah. I dont know if it was the flame from the candle or the chocolate or the Hebrew. I think it was the Hebrew singing, she recalls. She decided then and there that she felt Jewish, and as an adult, she formally converted. Kenny also became Jewish as an adult, inspired by the Torah study discussions at the synagogue where he worked as the facilities manager for 20 years. An eight-page presentation of key goals shared in recent weeks by Racines office with some D.C. faith groups proposed expanding the law to say mandated reporters must report suspected abuse, even if they dont know the child themselves, or even if the child is now an adult. It also suggested requiring mandated reporters to tell their own boards of directors so their institutions become responsible as well; increases the penalties for people who fail to report and requests funding for training so mandatory reporters understand what that term obliges. The basics: The state and county agreed to give Amazon direct subsidies totaling $573 million, based on the company creating 25,000 jobs with an average salary of $150,000 over the next 12 years. If the number of jobs rises to 37,500, more incentives will kick in. The state and county also will invest a total of $223 million for transportation improvements that will benefit Amazon as well as the rest of the community. Goodlatte told the Roanoke Times that he supports the intent of the bill but objects to a provision that would give preference to certain law enforcement agencies in applying for grants from the Justice Department. Goodlatte, who did not seek reelection this year after 13 terms in office, said Heitkamps attempt to pressure him was just ridiculous. But even if your concern is much narrower, even if you do think you really care about the border, you should also be against the wall because it will quickly become a symbol of waste. The U.S.-Mexican border, which is nearly 2,000 miles long, runs through deserts and wilderness. Sooner or later, people will find ways over and under it, just as they now find ways over and under the existing fencing. A wall can only be effective if people, drones, cameras and spy planes are deployed to protect it, as so many other examples well demonstrate. The wall that separates Israel from the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza often cited by the president as an effective example to follow isnt a wall at all; it is a multi layered composite obstacle composed of multiple fences, barricades and ditches that are constantly patrolled and monitored. Unless you are prepared to pay for all of that as well, a U.S.-Mexican border wall is pointless. There is little doubt that a number of the Islamic State fighters now held in Syria would make excellent candidates for detention at Guantanamo Bay. Trump should order the intelligence community to conduct a threat assessment for each of the detainees to see which ones would qualify for transfer. No doubt, a decision to move some of the prisoners from Syria to Guantanamo would create an uproar in Europe particularly from countries whose citizens would be transferred. These would be the very same countries currently refusing to take custody of their citizens who went to fight for the Islamic State. Trump should give any complaining countries an ultimatum: Either take your nationals back, or they are headed to Guantanamo. So you can think, as I do, that most people in prison probably deserve to be there, while still thinking, as I do, that we should find some way to keep most of them out. The biggest problem with the First Step Act isnt that it lets too many people out of prison, but that it still lets too many go in. Prison needs to be a desperate last resort, not the first. Im not unemployed. Im underemployed. People like me are everywhere. The American Staffing Association pegs the number at 3 million nationwide in any given week. And if my temp assignment happens to be a longer one, you and I might spend some time getting to know each other. You might hear me mention how hard Im trying to find a full-time, permanent job. Ill probably ask you for help, but you, of course, dont have much say in the lengthy, complicated process of requesting additional head count in a large company. The Vatican should reconsider its arrangement with the Chinese government. But what can be done more generally in response to Xis war on religion? The United States and several European countries have condemned it, but any nation that values freedom of religion should unite in denouncing Chinas treatment of Muslim Uighurs, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong practitioners. In particular, Muslim-majority countries, strangely muted regarding the persecution of Muslim Uighurs, must protest these abuses even at the risk of endangering the benefits from Chinas Belt and Road infrastructure projects. Where Pinker goes beyond his doom-dispelling predecessors is in explaining why so many people so readily accept pessimistic predictions or wild conspiracy theories. He walks the reader through such phenomena as the availability heuristic (we overestimate the frequency or probability of things that are shocking or otherwise memorable), negativity bias (we dread losses more than we enjoy gains, dwell on setbacks more than we savor good fortune) and identity-protective cognition. We are awash in this last syndrome today, on both left and right, as certain beliefs become symbols of cultural allegiance, however unfounded those beliefs may be. But the committee will not have authority to approve legislation and is not expected to have subpoena power unlike its 2007 version. The committees influence will be limited by Republican control of the Senate and President Trumps rejection of climate science. While Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has called on the committee to draft a Green New Deal to get the country off fossil fuels by 2030, its work may not carry weight with the powerful standing committees in the House. Barbel Kofler, the German governments human rights commissioner, said in a statement that a fair trial for Wang was impossible given that he was denied a lawyer of his choosing. She called on the Chinese government to prosecute Wang in accordance with due process and open up the proceedings. Unfortunately, the public has been denied access not only to this trial, but also to similar trials for quite some time, she said. The tsunami was the third major natural disaster to hit Indonesia this year, after an earthquake killed more than 500 people on the island of Lombok in August, and an earthquake and tsunami killed more than 2,200 on Sulawesi in September. It also evoked painful memories of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that struck on Dec. 26, 2004, killing more than 220,000 people in a dozen countries. More than half of the fatalities were in Indonesia. The decision to remain in Iraq also highlighted a contradiction in Trumps messaging about the broader U.S. military presence in the Middle East. He said last week that U.S. troops would be coming out of Syria because victory had been achieved over the Islamic State. But the mission of the roughly 5,200 U.S. troops deployed to Iraq is to support government forces in their fight against the Sunni extremist group, which wouldnt need to continue if a lasting victory had been achieved. U.S. forces remain in Iraq with the permission of the government, unlike in Syria, where the presence of American troops has been complicated by an alliance with a local militia. The Saudi government has publicly reacted to the criticism with defiance for example, condemning a recent U.S. Senate resolution that blamed the crown prince for Khashoggis killing. But Saudi officials have privately signaled their concern about the international fallout. Some had predicted in recent weeks that the response would include a government shake-up that might also provide more seasoned counsel to the 33-year-old crown prince. The changes did not, however, challenge Mohammeds nearly absolute control of the kingdoms foreign and domestic policy, and he retained his powerful post as defense minister. Toyota has sold enough cars to put one outside every Japanese home. Now it wants to put robots inside. Well-known for its automated assembly lines, Toyota sees a not-so-far-off future in which robots transcend the factory and become commonplace in homes, helping with chores -- and even offering companionship -- in an aging society where a quarter of the population is over 65 and millions of seniors live alone. Machines have become much smarter in the last decade or so. Yet, every attempt to build one that can do simple things like load a washing machine or carry groceries encounters the same basic, physical problem: the stronger a robot gets, the heavier and more dangerous it becomes. The Toyota T-HR3 humanoid robot. Credit:Bloomberg What Toyota has going for it are $US29 billion in cash reserves, a new artificial intelligence research centre and a well-respected inventor, Gill Pratt, heading its effort. The man who has accused Kevin Spacey of groping him at a restaurant two years ago filmed part of his encounter with the disgraced actor on his mobile phone, according to police documents. A complaint filed with Nantucket District Court and obtained by outlets such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter claims authorities have footage of Spacey groping the then 18-year-old. According to the documents, the alleged victim texted his girlfriend to say the star of Netflix's House of Cards was hitting on him. The man then sent his girlfriend a Snapchat video when she said she didn't believe him. The alleged victim's partner later told police the video showed Spacey, 59, "touching the front of [his] pants by the crotch". However, Spacey's attorney has argued in court that the footage only showed a hand touching a shirt, according to the Boston Globe. On August 3, 2012, two days after being told that our baby had died in utero at 38 weeks and three days for no known reason, our son, Liam Henry, was stillborn. As a result of our loss we discovered how lacking in empathy most people are to those who have had a stillborn child. They often respond with "Oh, you can just have another child" as if it is just an unfortunate incident, a bit like losing your wallet. We discovered that friends and family are unable to be supportive and eventually disappear. Employers figure you should be good after a few days off and can return to work in your normal capacity. What people forget is that when you lose a child you lose a life, all of the hopes and dreams for that child die as well. Bruce and Janet McMillan discovered many people did not understand the depths of their loss. Credit:Dame Price Unfortunately, we are far from alone in these experiences. Australia is one of the safest places in the world to give birth, yet six babies are stillborn every day, making it the most common form of child mortality in Australia. While the national road toll has not been more than 2,000 deaths since 1991, every year since then Australia has reported more than 2,000 stillbirths a year: that is six stillbirths a day, a rate dramatically higher than SIDS. For every 137 women who reach 20 weeks pregnancy, one will experience a stillbirth. The rate of stillbirth for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies is double that of other Australian women (13 in 1,000 births compared to six in 1,000 births). The rate of stillbirth in Australia has not changed over the past two decades, despite modern advances in medical practice and health care. Australian rates of stillbirth are higher than New Zealand , the UK, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries. Even beyond these two most obvious examples of mismanagement and incompetence, things aren't looking much better. Macron: undermined his own reform credentials. Credit:AP Last year, Emmanuel Macron of France looked like the Western world's great hope with his sweeping reform plans and grand vision for a tighter-knit EU. He ends the year in retreat before what's looking like the most effective Facebook-driven revolt in a Western nation to date, the Yellow Vests movement that started as a protest against a small increase in fuel taxes but grew into a violent anti-elite rebellion. Macron has undermined his reform ambitions by making concessions to the Yellow Vests worth up to 11 billion ($18 billion) a year, and his popularity hasn't recovered, remaining at a dismal 27 per cent approval in public opinion polls. Angela Merkel hobbled by internal politics. Credit:AP Another potential leader of the west, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, spent most of the year hobbled by an open revolt within her party, the Christian Democratic Union, and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union. The conservative rebels paralysed the government, demanding tougher immigration policies and forcing Merkel into exhausting backroom battles that left her drained, sometimes even apathetic. Loading The CDU performed badly in two important state elections, and Merkel was forced to give up the party leadership. Though her chosen successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, won the leadership election earlier this month, beating the more conservative Friedrich Merz, the split in the party hasn't been healed and a lame-duck Merkel hasn't acted as though the lifted burden of party politics has freed her up to be more assertive as chancellor. The best she's been able to do is ensure stability, which looks to many Germans like stagnation at a time when the country is falling behind others in technology and underinvesting in areas such as education and infrastructure. This was a year of chaos in other democracies, too. The populist government in Italy drew up a fantasy budget that included a version of a universal basic income and fought with the EU over it, only to end up lowering its unrealistic projections while the economy slid toward recession. In Spain, Mariano Rajoy's centre-right government buckled under the weight of corruption scandals and the outgoing prime minister spent a whole day at a restaurant as Socialist rival Pedro Sanchez unseated him in a kind of parliamentary coup. The Catalan independence cause make it difficult to focus on anything else. Credit:Bloomberg Sanchez, however, isn't doing too well either: his government is beset by scandals and he faces a reprise of the troublemaking by Catalan separatists that made it almost impossible for Rajoy to focus on anything else. Now, for the first time in decades, a nationalist-populist party, Vox, is gaining popularity and has won representation in Andalusia's regional parliament. Sweden and Latvia are entering the new year without governments following inconclusive elections and months of coalition negotiations. In Sweden, established parties are trying to exclude an increasingly powerful populist rival. In Latvia the establishment would like to engage the surging populists to get around a strong party that's considered pro-Russian, but the results are the same: a political fracturing unprecedented in both countries' history. In Belgium, the government has just been toppled by a nationalist party campaigning against a non-binding United Nations migration pact that Belgium approved along with 163 other countries. It hasn't been a great year for strongmen and hybrid regimes, either. Putin: big election win, big economic problems. Credit:AP Russian President Vladimir Putin was re-elected, but has since seen a drop in popularity following a highly unpopular retirement age increase. Russia's economy and Russians' incomes are stagnating, and Putin's been constrained overseas by a string of public failures by Russia's aggressive military intelligence service and an inability to build a working relationship with the US. India's Narendra Modi goes into 2019 having lost elections in three states where his Bharatiya Janata Party was previously dominant. Modi's hubris and the lasting effects of his policy mistakes, such as the disastrous "demonetisation" of 2016 in which Modi took 86 per cent of the country's cash out of circulation, are partly responsible for his weakening hold on power. Narendra Modi: policy mistakes and hubris. Credit:AP Urji Patel, the central bank governor, resigned earlier this month after Modi's repeated attempts to weaken the bank's independence and get control over its reserves. Though economic growth has been strong, it hasn't been inclusive, as Modi had promised; unemployment hit a two-year high in October. Erdogan consolidated power this year. Credit:AP Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan consolidated his power with an election win, but he's mismanaging Turkey's economy. The Bloomberg consensus forecast sees the country plunging into recession starting this quarter. The lira is the world's second-worst performing currency after the Argentine peso, having lost about 29 per cent of its value against the US dollar. Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, once feted as a bold reformer, has seen his reputation destroyed by the October murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The brutal act has undermined international support for MBS, as the prince is known, and thrown a monkey wrench into his plans to reduce the Saudi economy's oil dependence. Mohammed Bin Salman: Blamed for the death of a journalist. Credit:Bloomberg Saudi Arabia's arch-rival, Iran, isn't doing much better. Beset by domestic protests and hit again by US sanctions from which European powers have been unable to protect it, the regime of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has had an awful year, even if it's not teetering yet. Viktor Orban in Hungary, whose Fidesz party won a super majority in an election in April, appears to have overplayed his hand with a series of moves aimed at consolidating his power over courts and media, as well as a recent law that has the potential to force Hungarians into working overtime for pay that would be delayed for three years.He's facing the most persistent protests of his rule and has been forced to resort to violence against the protesters. Victor Orban has attracted the ire of protesters. Credit:AP The current crew of error-prone rulers makes for a fractious world with a growing potential for conflict, armed and otherwise, domestic and international. The elites, both democratic and authoritarian, are weak, and they invite backlashes against their mismanagement. Protest movements and anti-establishment parties have sprung up and are strengthening everywhere; they have different goals but are all bolstered by social-network technology that amplifies anger and violence. Even the few notable exceptions to the misgovernment rule of 2018 don't inspire much confidence. Trudeau was mocked for his dress-ups on an Indian tour. Credit:AP Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made no major errors, but his popularity is trending down ahead of next year's election. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who vowed to clean up the country after the disheartening corruption that plagued it under Jacob Zuma, couldn't maintain "Ramaphoria" for long. Though he has restored investor confidence, his anti-corruption efforts haven't yielded quick results and fears of a land expropriation campaign continue to hang over the country. Most intriguingly, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has avoided major errors for years, may have made some in 2018. It's unclear whether accepting Trump's trade war challenge was a good idea. For all its might, China is still a middle-income country that's extremely dependent on trade. Xi's battle against Trump may win him sympathy in Europe, but Europeans aren't natural allies for China. Xi's show of strength may be premature, and that will become clear in the next couple of years. Xi Jinping attracted comparisons with Mao after removing term limits from his presidency. Credit:Bloomberg The shortage of competent, clear-headed, hubris-free leadership in today's world may be a freak accident. But if it's the new normal, living in this world will require new skills from ordinary people, too. Vigilance and easy mobility in case a country deteriorates intolerably are two of them; a capacity for constructive protest is a third. Trump's critics have said that the fight is far from over and the withdrawal leaves allies in the lurch. Trump told reporters travelling with him that he had "no plans at all" to remove US troops from Iraq and that, if needed, the US can attack Islamic State "so fast and so hard" that they "won't know what the hell happened". First lady Melania Trump talks with troops at a dining hall. Credit:AP The US still has more than 5000 troops in Iraq supporting the government as it continues the fight against remaining pockets of resistance by IS militants. IS has lost a significant amount of territory in Iraq and Syria but is still seen as a threat. Trump said security concerns forced him to scrap an earlier trip to visit US troops in the Middle East. Trump told reporters he had planned to make the trip three or four weeks ago, but word of the trip started getting out and forced him to postpone it. The president called it "pretty sad" that after all the US has spent in the Middle East, his trip still had to be a surprise for safety's sake. It was his first visit to a troubled region, and Trump said he was more concerned for the people accompanying him than he was for himself. Trump says he was concerned about the institution of the presidency and first lady Melania Trump. The visit to Iraq is President Donald Trump's first since he took office. Credit:AP Trump made the 11-hour flight on a darkened Air Force One with lights off and window shades drawn plus military jet escorts. He said he had never seen anything like it. While in Iraq, Trump also spoke to military commanders and the US ambassador. Sanders said they "came up with a powerful plan that will allow us to continue our path to total victory" over Islamic State. Trump was supposed to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi but in the end they only spoke by telephone. Our presence in Syria was not open ended and it was never intended to be permanent. Donald Trump Abdul Mahdi's office said there was "a disagreement over how to conduct the meeting." Iraqi lawmakers said the prime minister declined Trump's request to meet him at the military base. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the meeting could not be arranged due to security concerns and the short notice of the trip, but she said they had a "great call" and that Abdul Mahdi accepted Trump's invitation to the White House in the New Year. On his way home, Trump stopped for about an hour and a half at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he shook hands and posed for pictures with some of the hundreds of troops lined up inside a hangar. After Ramstein, Trump headed back to Washington. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet members of the military at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Credit:AP Trump has drawn fire from some in the US military for not having visited US troops in conflict zones since taking office in January 2017, particularly after he cancelled a trip to a WWI cemetery in France last month due to light rain. While there has been no full-scale violence in Iraq since Islamic State suffered a series of defeats last year, US troops train and advise Iraqi forces still waging a campaign against the militant group. Trump was looking for some positive headlines after days of turmoil over his decisions to withdraw all US troops from Syria, pull out half of the 14,000-strong contingent in Afghanistan, and push out Defence Secretary James Mattis two months earlier than planned for criticising his policies. Loading Many Republican and Democratic politicians have heaped scorn on Trump for his sudden order last week to withdraw from Syria. His critics have said that fight is far from over and the withdrawal from Syria leaves allies in the lurch. One of those critics was Mattis, who said in a candid resignation letter last week that his views did not align with the President's, particularly in regard to the treatment of US allies. Mattis had planned to leave at the end of February but Trump forced him to go on January 1 after his resignation letter. Trump has also faced negative headlines for wanting to pull troops from Afghanistan where they have been since 2001. Trump has questioned how long troops there should have to remain in what has become America's longest war. Loading Trump's unannounced visit to Iraq followed in the footsteps of two of his predecessors, Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama, who both made surprise trips to see troops. The US military says it has about 5200 troops in Iraq, focused on training and advising Iraqi troops to ensure that Islamic State does not re-emerge. NATO defence ministers agreed in February to a bigger "train-and-advise" mission in Iraq after a US call for the alliance to help stabilise the country after three years of war against Islamic State. Washington: With a partial government shutdown stretching past day five, the impasse over funding a wall at the southwestern border has highlighted the debate over effective border security, with a breakthrough possibly hinging on a semantic argument: What is a wall? Donald Trump speaks at a hanger rally at Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq during a lightning visit on Wednesday. Credit:Andrew Harnik Lawmakers will return to Capitol Hill in Washington on Thursday to resume negotiations over either a stopgap spending bill to reopen nine federal departments and several government agencies or broader measures to fund the government through September. But the White House and Democrats remain at odds over the $US5 billion ($7.1 billion) that president Donald Trump is demanding for a wall, his signature campaign promise. Now he's down to, I think, a beaded curtain or something. I'm not sure where he is. Nancy Pelosi of Donald Trump House of Representatives majority whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana told members on Wednesday that no votes were expected on Thursday. That signalled that the shutdown would almost certainly stretch through the weekend, and probably into the new year. Russian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh city Alexey Popov speaks at the press conference. (Photo: baotintuc.vn) Next year promises to be full of events boosting the two countries relationship, when they will mark the 25year since the signing of the agreement on friendly relationship and look to mark the 70year of the diplomatic relationship. The information was announced by Alexey Popov, Russian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh city, during a press conference on the development of the Russia Vietnam relationship in 2018, held by the Russian Consulate General on December 26th. Showing his pleasure with the bilateral cooperation in all areas, including oil and gas, power energy, machine manufacturing and agriculture, Mr. Alexey Popov said that in regular dialogues, the two countries leaders always make favourable conditions for promoting the cooperative relationship, making it more dynamic. According to Mr. Alexey Popov, so far, Russia has invested over USD2.6 billion in Vietnam, while Vietnamese businesses have invested USD2.9 billion in Russias economy. In the first 10 months of 2018 alone, the goods exchange increased by 23%, at nearly USD4.8 billion, he said. The figures make the target of USD10 billion by 2020 feasible. Talking about the relationship among the two countries localities, he said that Russia cares about expanding the relationship with Vietnams southern localities. Regarding the cooperation between Ho Chi Minh city and Saint Petersburg in 2018-2020, he said that Saint Petersburg is going to send a cultural and business delegation to Vietnam. In particular, different events will be held in each city, including Ho Chi Minh city Days in Saint Petersburg in October November 2019, Youth Conference in Ho Chi Minh city in April 2019 and in Saint Petersburg in September - October 2019. In 2019, there will also be exchanges among Sverdlovsk provinces and Ho Chi Minh citys leaders, and Sverdlovsk Culture Days held in Ho Chi Minh city./. James Wadleigh, the former CEO of Connecticuts health insurance exchange, Access Health CT, has paid a $5,000 civil fine for taking a job with a state contractor within one year of leaving his post, the Office of State Ethics said in a settlement released Wednesday. The ethics office also imposed a $5,000 penalty on Softheon, Inc., the Stony Brook, New York-based business where Wadleigh accepted employment. Softheon had contracted in late summer 2017 to provide Access Health CT with healthcare information technology services, with Wadleigh directly involved in the contract, documents released by the ethics agency showed. Wadleigh left Access Health CT, the Obamacare exchange for Connecticut, in April of this year and started the job as chief operating officer at Softheon in September. James Michel, a long-time director at Access Health CT, was appointed the new CEO. A month later, in October, Wadleigh left the Softheon position, saying he had misunderstood the states code of ethics revolving door provisions to mean he had to wait a year after reaching a contract with an outside vendor before taking a job with that vendor. He did not realize at the time that the limitations on these facts ran for one year from his departure from AHC, the settlement released Wednesday said. Connecticut state law prohibits public officials substantially involved in negotiations or awards of state contracts valued at $50,000 or more from accepting employment from a party to that agreement for one year after leaving office. It also similarly bars any party to state contracts from employing former public officials under those circumstances. The contract was worth more than $2 million to run the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), according to CTNewsJunkie.com, which first reported the potential violation. Wadleigh resigned from Softheon a week later. When state employees leave state service it is critical for them to understand that there are very specific revolving door provisions, which ban particular actions, Carol Carson, executive director of the Office of State Ethics, said Wednesday. Know the limits, contact our legal division for advice and then follow the advice you are given. In the settlement, Wadleigh states he contacted the Office of State Ethics in February to seek advice on any restrictions applicable to his employment after leaving Access Health CT. Editors note: This is an excerpt from a longer story about Gov. Dannel P. Malloys Malloys handling of Connecticuts fiscal crisis. It was Gov. Dannel P. Malloys personal white whale. Two line items, buried among hundreds of others, rose from the pages of the state budget to confound his plans year after year: required contributions to state employees and teachers pensions. Cash-starved after seven decades of inadequate funding, they exploded during Malloys tenure, stealing billions of dollars the governor would have preferred to spend on roads, schools, transportation and even tax rebates. This behemoth of debt, a monster seven decades in the making, forced Malloy to impose two major tax hikes during his eight years. But if Malloy couldnt slay the monster, he made progress in taming it. Despite being saddled from Day One with a huge deficit, an empty reserve and a weak recovery from the last recession, he became the first Connecticut governor in modern history to make all required pension contributions breaking a longstanding practice of leaving a bill for Connecticuts children someday to cover. Malloy also secured two major concessions packages from state employee unions, deals that reduced long-term pension liabilities and increased health care cost-sharing dramatically but not without a cost. To get those changes, the governor locked Connecticut into an additional decade of having to provide retirement benefits that some legislators argue simply are unaffordable. And while he may not be remembered fondly for the tax increases, Malloy says the truth of his success lies in other numbers. I measure myself by what we accomplished, not how well its known or understood or appreciated, Malloy, who has two weeks left on the job, told the CT Mirror during an interview last week. Rising pension costs The Democratic governors greatest nemesis arguably wasnt the Republican Party, or even the sluggish economy. It was the states obligation to its retired workers. In the last budget approved by Gov. M. Jodi Rell, covering the 2010-11 fiscal year, required contributions to state employees and teachers pensions amounted to $1.2 billion, or just over 6 percent of the General Fund. By Malloys last year they had more than doubled, approaching $2.5 billion and devouring 13 percent of the budget. Put another way, every single year the governor had to find on average another $164 million to feed this two-headed fiscal beast. Despite those costs, Malloy made the full required contribution every year, unlike any other governor in modern times. He and the General Assembly refinanced the state employee pension obligations in 2017, with approval from the unions, effectively pushing back some payments until after 2032 and sharply reducing required payments in some years before then. Still, Malloy was the first governor in decades not to bill Connecticuts children for the retirement benefits promised to todays public-sector workers a fact he plays down. I told you what I was going to do, he said, referring to a pledge in his 2010 campaign not to skirt pension obligations. Fiscal time bombs His critics disagree, especially when it came to Malloys contention that the tax increases were a last resort, necessary to balance a budget that included meeting the pension obligations and solving other problems he inherited from former Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Connecticut didnt buy that answer then, and still doesnt now, said Republican political strategist Liz Kurantowicz. Its too bad we dont have lemon law for politicians. But the Democratic governor said what his critics couldnt see, or wouldnt be honest about, were the magnitude of problems stacked against him. The ticking fiscal time bombs that were the pension funds were the biggest problem, but far from the only one. Those old issues included a $900 million operating debt that Malloys budgets had to pay off; a rainy-day fund that Rell had emptied; sluggish job gains that continued; and highways and other transportation infrastructure needing ever more attention. Government cuts Malloy said he had to make tough choices as pension costs rose. One of those was to shrink government. During his tenure, Malloy cut Executive Branch staffing by more than 10 percent, shaving off more than 2,500 jobs. Malloys labor concessions packages froze wages, increased workers share of health care costs, and reduced pension benefits often putting him at odds with a vital part of his political base. I fought with the unions, I fought with the teachers, he said, adding he was greatly resented for the first round of concessions he demanded. "I fought with everybody. Republicans said the sacrifices by state employees werent nearly enough, and they say that shortcoming led to the tax increases, which hampered the states growth. Roy Occhiogrosso, the political strategist who advised Malloys 2010 and 2014 campaigns and served in his administration, said Malloy fearlessly waded into issues that many politicians in some cases for generations ignored. When the Republicans say Dan Malloy wrecked the economy, it is such a ridiculous thing to say. In so many ways he put the state in a position where future growth is possible. Occhiogrosso predicts Malloys legacy will be viewed increasingly favorably over time, particularly when future generations dont receive a bill for the billions of dollars of present-day pension costs. Malloy is not so sure how his image might change over time, but insists hes at peace nonetheless. People dont like me, necessarily, but they know I work hard, he said. Thats enough. Thats enough. GREENWICH A midcountry mansion has sold for $17.5 million in Greenwichs largest residential real estate deal of the year. But even with the high selling price, the 16,900-square-foot home at 110 Clapboard Ridge Road changed hands for 50 percent less than its original asking price of $35 million in 2015, according to listings site Zillow. It had gone on and off the market, most recently listing for nearly $25 million. The owner made a business decision that he was ready to sell the house and accepted this offer, said Leslie McElwreath, senior global real estate adviser for Sothebys International Realty. Its truly one of the finest houses built in Greenwich. McElwreath listed the home with fellow Sothebys Realtor Joseph Barbieri. They worked with seller Camellia Sinensis LLC. The Wall Street Journal reported that the sellers were Ara D. Cohen, co-founder of Manhattan-based hedge fund Knighthead Capital Management, and his wife, Hilary Bangash Cohen. McElwreath declined to identify the buyers, but she said they already owned a home in Greenwich. At least a dozen high-profile individuals looked at 110 Clapboard Ridge, she said. Robin Kencel, a founding agent of real estate brokerage Compass Greenwich office, was the buyers agent. She declined to comment. The sale netted about $44,000 in local conveyance taxes and $215,000 in state conveyance taxes, according to town property records. 2019 outlook McElwreath attributed the gap in the sale and asking prices of 110 Clapboard Ridge to current market conditions being such that we dont have as many buyers as we used to in the higher end. She said she is still optimistic about demand for ultra-luxury homes. Sothebys most-expensive Greenwich listing is a nearly 6-acre estate on Vista Drive, overlooking Indian Harbor, that was once owned by President Donald Trump. Its current asking price is $45 million, compared with an original listing of $54 million. Other available eight-figure homes include a 75-acre estate at 124 Old Mill Road in the towns backcountry. Once owned by Mel Gibson, the Tudor-style manor now lists for about $20 million. The subsequent owners initially listed the property for $31.5 million in 2015. People are still interested in the quality of life that Greenwich affords, McElwreath said. They want to come here for the same reasons that we all live here proximity to New York and access to the incredible town services, including our schools. The nearest public schools to 110 Clapboard Ridge are North Street School, Central Middle School and Greenwich High School. A number of private schools are within a few miles. Completed in 2011, the stone Georgian house sits on 5.3 acres. It houses 27 rooms, including six bedrooms, as well as a five-car garage. It also comes with indoor and outdoor pools and spas. The home also features a two-story entry hall, a living room with two fireplaces, a library and a billiards room. The lower level includes a home theater and lobby, wine cellar, gym, family room and indoor pool. The property also features a two-bedroom guest house. Annual property taxes for 110 Clapboard Ridge run about $151,000, according to the Sothebys website. Greenwichs previous top residential seller this year was a $17 million deal in the spring for a mansion owned by Bob Weinstein, younger brother of disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein, according to the Wall Street Journal. In Stamford, Sothebys most-expensive listing is a 1.7-acre home on Saddle Rock Road, in the citys waterfront Shippan section. Its asking price is nearly $12 million. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott NORWALK Police responded to SoNo Baking Company & Cafe Monday morning after reports of a disturbance at the store. Thomas Howes, 56, of Little Fox Lane, Westport, grew angry when he tried to order two baguettes but bakery staff said they had none in stock, police said. Howes kicked the door in, shattering the glass causing more than $1,500 in damage before he drove off in a gray BMW, police said. Because Howes provided his name and phone number when placing his order, officers were able to track him down, police said. Howes turned himself in around 11:30 a.m. Monday. He was charged with second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace. He was held on $5,000 bond and given a court date of Jan. 4. OTTAWA Four Winnipeggers who will soon to be appointed to the Order of Canada hope the award will draw Canadians attention to their own potential. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/12/2018 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. SUPPLIED Len Cariou helped usher in the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre in 1958 and has gone on to international fame, most recently starring in the CBS cop series Blue Bloods with Tom Selleck. OTTAWA Four Winnipeggers who will soon to be appointed to the Order of Canada hope the award will draw Canadians attention to their own potential. On Thursday, Rideau Hall announced 103 people who will be named to the Order at ceremonies in 2019. The Free Press spoke with all four locals, who include a homegrown Hollywood star, an engineer determined to help feed millions, a prominent volunteer and a cardiologist who advocates for preventative care. Len Cariou has won numerous awards during six decades of performances on stage, in movies and on television in Canada and the United States. He currently appears on the TV police drama Blue Bloods as the punchy great-grandfather. His hometown remains close to his heart. "In Winnipeg, the performing arts is healthier than it ever was. And thats really because of the people of Manitoba and the city of Winnipeg Im so proud of them," Cariou said. Born in 1939 and raised in St. Boniface, Cariou made his debut at Rainbow Stage in Kildonan Park in 1959. Cariou was there when John Hirsch co-founded the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre in 1958, and helped with Hirschs travelling performances to high schools and towns across Manitoba. Hirsch mentored the young sea cadet, helping Cariou land roles in Winnipeg and at Ontarios Stratford Festival. Broadway came calling, and by 1970, Cariou was being nominated for Tony Awards. Though work has since sent him across the continent, Cariou returns to Winnipeg about four times a year. He visits his grandchildren and tries to help nurture local talent. "Ive had a pretty lucky, and extraordinary, situation," he said, sounding emotional about the Order of Canada. "There are no words for how honoured I feel." SARAH KEARNEY/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Digvir Jayas, vice-president of the University of Manitoba, has authored more than 900 technical articles and is a leading expert in the drying and handling of grain. Digvir Jayas is a vice-president at the University of Manitoba, overseeing its research units and ties abroad, while improving agricultural practices around the world. He grew up on a small farm in India, where he saw a lot of spoiled crops. He combined a knack for engineering with a passion for preserving harvests, eventually developing technologies to improve how grain is dried, monitored and stored. Hes authored 900 technical articles, and created a low-energy, horizontal airflow dryer that has been put into use across North America, Ukraine and China, in part to help with changing climate patterns. Jayas hopes joining the Order might help push politicians to invest more in preserving grain. By his calculation, some 640 million tonnes of grain is spoiled each year, enough to feed 1.5 billion people. "Its easy to announce an increase in the yield. But if you save what you have produced, the number has not changed but the available food has changed," Jayas said, adding small-scale farmers often bear the brunt of spoilage, because firms only buy grains at their highest quality. Jayas moved to Winnipeg in June 1980 and hasnt looked back, save for a short stint in Saskatoon. Cariou and Jayas will both be appointed as officers of the Order of Canada, a rank above ordinary members, but below companions. WAYNE GLOWACKI/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Doneta Brotchie's career has taken her from banking to charities, and in 2007, she became the first female president of the 144-year-old Manitoba Club, which for a long time, was a men-only institution. Doneta Brotchie is well-known in Winnipegs volunteer and business circles, which shes worked to bridge for decades. "Once you are involved in an organization, our city is the kind of city where its one degree of separation," she said. Through her creative-project management firm, Brotchie has helped charities with the canned donation sculpture contest Canstruction and the CancerCare fundraiser Bears on Broadway. Both projects gave her a passion for forging "win-wins" by connecting charities and advocates with local businesses who want to help their communities. She now co-ordinates Leadership Winnipeg, a months-long training program that has helped 400 emerging local leaders develop communication and management skills, held by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and Volunteer Manitoba. Brotchie has been on multiple boards involving arts and culture as well as business. She served as the first female president of the Manitoba Club, some 132 years into the private social clubs existence. "The really unique thing about Winnipeg (is that) you can reach out and there will be connection between you and where you want to go," she said. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Ross Feldman is a leading cardiovascular research scientist whose work has allowed experts to treat high blood pressure as its own disease rather than a symptom, among other breakthroughs. Ross Feldman arrived in Winnipeg in August 2017 on a mission to help Manitobans get more personal control over their health care through preventative work and research. "We have to do a better job as health-care providers in empowering our patients," said Feldman, a principal investigator in cardiovascular science at St. Boniface Hospital. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Feldmans research has helped experts start treating blood pressure as its own problem instead of a symptom of other diseases, leading Canada to some of the worlds best treatment rates. He now focuses on how cultural and social issues impact health. For example, men often discover heart disease through a squeezing feeling in their chest, while women more commonly report pressure in the neck, though the medical field has termed it "atypical chest pain" for years. In Winnipeg, hes particularly interested in the heart health of Indigenous people and post-menopausal women, as well as Manitobans outside the Perimeter Highway, who have less access to health care. Feldman knows recent provincial health reform has attracted criticism, but he believes it will allow some specialists to imitate personal trainers, helping patients craft lifestyle plans to prevent disease. "Here, I was struck by the willingness to consider change. These are generational opportunities," he said, saying the proof will be a decline in the rate of heart attacks and strokes. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca A new census of Manitobas interactive digital media industry (IDM) outlines a collection of enterprises featuring strong, confident growth and surprising resiliency, despite the provinces traditional dearth of venture capital. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/12/2018 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A new census of Manitobas interactive digital media industry (IDM) outlines a collection of enterprises featuring strong, confident growth and surprising resiliency, despite the provinces traditional dearth of venture capital. Although the industry may be hard to pin down because its becoming pervasive across all sectors, the recently released report called Wave Interactive, details an industry contributing close to $200 million to the provincial GDP with more than 3,200 employees. supplied A report commissioned by New Media Manitoba covered businesses engaged in activities such as digital game development and mobile apps. Commissioned by New Media Manitoba and produced by the Toronto consulting firm Nordicity, it involved a survey of industry players, as well as some assumptions, to come up with the data. Among other things, it said Manitobas IDM industry is made up of an estimated 67 companies (which some local industry players say is a very conservative estimate), direct employment of 3,230 and a GDP effect of $186.9 million. The census includes large and growing firms such as SkipTheDishes, Bold Commerce and many micro operations about 23 per cent earning less than $50,000 that cover a host of activities including digital games and publishing, web development, virtual reality/augmented reality development, mobile apps and e-learning software development. More than 90 per cent of the companies believe they will grow by at least 25 per cent over the next two years. Louie Ghiz, executive director of New Media Manitoba, a non-profit organization that supports the industry, said the data collection will prove valuable in forming strategies for the future. "To help the industry grow and be successful, we need to know the composition of the industry, what it looks like, what the companies need, what their strengths are," Ghiz said. "Then we can identify where the opportunities are." The report makes some broad recommendations, but Kristian Robert, the partner at Nordicity who led the project, said he believes the most important issue regarding the ability of the sector to grow is access to markets. "In the IDM business, there is not really any distinction between domestic or international markets. It is all global," he said. "Getting to the right market, whether that is geographic or into other industries like construction or aerospace... but getting to where the client is, thats the biggest issue." Dan Blair, the founder and CEO of Bit Space Development, a Winnipeg virtual reality development company that has been successful in developing training products for the construction industry, said it has just hired its first sales and business development professionals. "In the past, I was doing all that myself and I have no training in that," he said. His company, which has grown to 20 employees in less than four years, has likely succeeded faster than others in convincing other industries to use interactive digital media technologies. "A lot of the traditional industries and organizations are not necessarily aware of how they can utilize IDM in their business," he said. "It is a bit of an uphill battle." Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Robert said he was surprised at the amount of activity in Manitoba (for instance, he said he had no idea of the size of SkipTheDishes, with its 2,000 Winnipeg employees) as well as the breadth of activity. Not unlike Manitobas economy as a whole, the provinces IDM sector is engaged in a wide range of activities. Robert said that poses its own problem. "If it was all video game companies or all back-end software, we could make recommendations specific to those activities," he said. "We have to take a somewhat more flexible approach because the industry is doing so many different things." The report proposed five broad recommendations to address anticipated barriers and opportunities: optimize the workforce; capitalize on success; support access to market; align industry support; and amend the tax credit to be more adaptive. On the last point, Ghiz said the provinces IDM tax credit, which the province has renewed to 2022, is one of the best in the country. He said the issue is that since the technology and its applications is changing so fast, the tax credit should be regularly reviewed to optimize its applicability. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca PORTLAND, Ore. - The last year was a 12-month champagne toast for the legal marijuana industry as the global market exploded and cannabis pushed its way further into the financial and cultural mainstream. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 26/12/2018 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2018 file photo, marijuana plants grow in a tomato greenhouse being renovated to grow pot in Delta, British Columbia. The legal marijuana industry exploded in 2018, pushing its way further into the cultural and financial mainstream in the U.S. and beyond. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) PORTLAND, Ore. - The last year was a 12-month champagne toast for the legal marijuana industry as the global market exploded and cannabis pushed its way further into the financial and cultural mainstream. Liberal California became the largest legal U.S. marketplace, conservative Utah and Oklahoma embraced medical marijuana, and the U.S. East Coast got its first commercial pot shops. Canada ushered in broad legalization, and Mexico's Supreme Court set the stage for that country to follow. U.S. drug regulators approved the first marijuana-based pharmaceutical to treat kids with a form of epilepsy, and billions of investment dollars poured into cannabis companies. Even main street brands like Coca-Cola said they are considering joining the party. "I have been working on this for decades, and this was the year that the movement crested ," said U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, an Oregon Democrat working to overturn the federal ban on pot. "It's clear that this is all coming to a head." FILE - In this Sept. 11, 2018, file photo Steve Fagan, grower and collective owner of SLOgrown Genetics, attends to his organically cultivated cannabis at his farm in the coastal mountain range of San Luis Obispo, Calif. California became America's largest legal marketplace in 2018, while Canada became the second and largest country with nationwide legal recreational marijuana. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File) With buzz building across the globe, the momentum will continue into 2019. Luxembourg is poised to become the first European country to legalize recreational marijuana, and South Africa is moving in that direction. Israel's Parliament approved a law allowing exports of medical marijuana. Thailand legalized medicinal use of marijuana, and other Southeastern Asian countries may follow South Korea's lead in legalizing cannabidiol, or CBD. It's a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana and hemp plants and used for treatment of certain medical problems. "It's not just the U.S. now. It's spreading," said Ben Curren, CEO of Green Bits, a San Jose, California, company that develops software for marijuana retailers and businesses. Curren's firm is one of many that blossomed as the industry grew. He started the company in 2014 with two friends. Now, he has 85 employees, and the company's software processes $2.5 billion in sales transactions a year for more than 1,000 U.S. retail stores and dispensaries. Green Bits raised $17 million in April, pulling in money from investment firms including Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital. Curren hopes to expand internationally by 2020. FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2018, file photo, customers line up to buy cannabis at The Apothecarium during the store's first day of recreational marijuana sales in San Francisco. California became America's largest legal marketplace, while Canada became the second and largest country with nationwide legal recreational marijuana. (AP Photo/Noah Berger,File) "A lot of the problem is keeping up with growth," he said. Legal marijuana was a $10.4 billion industry in the U.S. in 2018 with a quarter-million jobs devoted just to the handling of marijuana plants, said Beau Whitney, vice-president and senior economist at New Frontier Data, a leading cannabis market research and data analysis firm. There are many other jobs that don't involve direct work with the plants, but they are harder to quantify, Whitney said. Investors poured $10 billion into cannabis in North America in 2018, twice what was invested in the last three years combined, he said, and the combined North American market is expected to reach more than $16 billion in 2019. "Investors are getting much savvier when it comes to this space because even just a couple of years ago, you'd throw money at it and hope that something would stick," he said. "But now investors are much more discerning." Increasingly, U.S. lawmakers see that success and want it for their states. FILE - In this July 12, 2018, file photo head grower Mark Vlahos, of Milford, Mass., tends to cannabis plants, at Sira Naturals medical marijuana cultivation facility, in Milford, Mass. The legal marijuana industry exploded in 2018, pushing its way further into the cultural and financial mainstream in the U.S. and beyond. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) Nearly two-thirds of U.S. states now have legalized some form of medical marijuana. Voters in November made Michigan the 10th state and first in the Midwest to legalize recreational marijuana. Governors in New York and New Jersey are pushing for a similar law in their states next year, and momentum for broad legalization is building in Pennsylvania and Illinois. "Let's legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana once and for all," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said last week. The East Coast's first recreational pot shops opened in November in Massachusetts. State lawmakers in Nebraska just formed a campaign committee to put a medical cannabis initiative to voters in 2020. Nebraska shares a border with Colorado, one of the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana, and Iowa, which recently started a limited medical marijuana program. FILE - This Sept. 11, 2018, file photo shows blankets of frost known as trichomes on a budding marijuana flower at an artisanal cannabis farm SLOgrown Genetics, the coastal mountain range of San Luis Obispo, Calif. Liberal California became the largest legal U.S. marketplace, while conservative Utah and Oklahoma embraced medical marijuana. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel,File) "Attitudes have been rapidly evolving and changing. I know that my attitude toward it has also changed," said Nebraska state Sen. Adam Morfeld, a Democrat. "Seeing the medical benefits and seeing other states implement it ... has convinced me that it's not the dangerous drug it's made out to be." With all its success, the U.S. marijuana industry continues to be undercut by a robust black market and federal law that treats marijuana as a controlled substance like heroin. Financial institutions are skittish about cannabis businesses, even in U.S. states where they are legal, and investors until recently have been reluctant to put their money behind pot. Marijuana businesses can't deduct their business expenses on their federal taxes and face huge challenges getting insurance and finding real estate for their brick-and-mortar operations. "Until you have complete federal legalization, you're going to be living with that structure," said Marc Press, a New Jersey attorney who advises cannabis businesses. At the start of the year, the industry was chilled when then-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded a policy shielding state-licensed medical marijuana operators from federal drug prosecutions. Ultimately the move had minimal impact because federal prosecutors showed little interest in going after legal operators. Sessions, a staunch marijuana opponent, later lost his job while President Donald Trump said he was inclined to support an effort by U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican, to relax the federal prohibition. In November, Democrats won control of the U.S. House and want to use it next year to pass legislation that eases federal restrictions on the legal marijuana industry without removing it from the controlled substances list. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Gardner and Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren have proposed legislation allowing state-approved commercial cannabis activity under federal law. The bill also would let states and Indian tribes determine how best to regulate marijuana commerce within their boundaries without fear of federal intervention. If those provisions become law, they could open up banking for the marijuana industry nationwide and make it easier for cannabis companies to secure capital. Blumenauer's "blueprint" to legalize marijuana also calls for the federal government to provide medical marijuana for veterans, more equitable taxation for marijuana businesses and rolling back federal prohibitions on marijuana research, among other things. "We have elected the most pro-cannabis Congress in history and more important, some of the people who were roadblocks to our work ... are gone," Blumenauer said. "If we're able to jump-start it in the House, I think there will be support in the Senate, particularly if we deal with things that are important, like veterans' access and banking." ___ Gillian Flaccus is a member of AP's marijuana beat team. Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gflaccus . Find complete AP marijuana coverage here: https://apnews.com/LegalMarijuana . OTTAWA - A Canadian charged with smuggling drugs will be in court for an appeal on Saturday, China's state media say. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/12/2018 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - A Canadian charged with smuggling drugs will be in court for an appeal on Saturday, China's state media say. The Global Times, an English-language publication of the official People's Daily, reported Thursday that Robert Lloyd Schellenberg's case is in an appeal phase, after he was previously convicted by a Chinese court. China's state media say a Canadian charged with smuggling drugs will be in court for an appeal on Saturday. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying gestures during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Beijing on Sept. 15, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Mark Schiefelbein "Global Affairs Canada has been following this case for several years and has been providing consular assistance to the Canadian citizen since they were first detained in Liaoning, China," said Robert Walker, a spokesman for Canada's foreign ministry. "We will continue to provide consular services to them and their family." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said in a daily briefing Thursday that she didn't know much about the case, suggesting it's not related to the arrests of two other Canadians on national-security grounds earlier this month. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "I am not aware of the specifics of this case and I would refer you to the competent authority," she said, according to an English transcript posted to the ministry website. But, she added: "As to the diplomatic tensions between China and Canada, I think you are very clear about the reason for that. I have made clear China's solemn position on it many times before." Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were picked up shortly after Canada arrested Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver, on an American request for her to face fraud charges. Chinese officials haven't called those arrests acts of retaliation but they have pointedly compared the cases, insisting that Kovrig and Spavor have been detained in accordance with Chinese laws but that Meng's arrest was illegal. The Huawei chief financial officer has been released on $10-million bail but isn't allowed to leave the Vancouver area. The extradition process could take years. The Global Times has been instrumental in cranking up tensions over Meng's arrest. Editor Hu Xijin posted a video earlier in December warning that "China will definitely take retaliatory measures against Canada" if she isn't fully freed. The Global Times has also reported on Chinese consumer boycotts of North American goods especially iPhones sold by Huawei's competitor Apple and on Huawei's determination to get through a difficult time by relying on its "wolf spirit" corporate culture. In Schellenberg's case, the paper reports that Chinese criminal law calls for minimum sentences of 15 years for drug trafficking, and that a British citizen was executed in 2009 for smuggling four kilograms of heroin. Late last year, U.S. President Donald Trump directed NASA to lead the return of humans to the moon. For most folks, the meaning of this was pretty clear: Americans would soon walk on the moon again. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/12/2018 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Late last year, U.S. President Donald Trump directed NASA to "lead the return of humans to the moon." For most folks, the meaning of this was pretty clear: Americans would soon walk on the moon again. The space agency, however, had another idea. In February, NASA announced that it is planning to build the Gateway, a mini-space station that would orbit the moon for no apparent reason. Neil A. Armstrong / NASA / The Associated Press Files As seen on July 20, 1969, astronaut Edwin E. 'Buzz' Aldrin Jr. poses for a photograph beside a U.S. flag planted on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. The vague description of the space station on NASAs website offers little clarity. Theres no certainty as to when it would be built, what it would be used for or why it is needed. Half a billion dollars are already dedicated to the Gateway this fiscal year without any obvious plan to do anything with the money except spend it. Beyond that, the budget isnt known but is certain to be huge. NASA further revealed the obtuseness of the project by noting that it doesnt know whether it would be permanently crewed or only occasionally visited or what exactly the astronauts would do when aboard. As for landing people on the moon, NASA is vague about that, too. Apparently, if we wanted to build a lander sometime in the future, it would rendezvous with the Gateway for some reason and then attempt a landing. This is all just plain weird. Its like building a big, expensive aircraft carrier, positioning it off the European coast and requiring passengers going from New York to Paris to land there first and do something (although what isnt known) until another airplane is built to pick them up to carry them to their destination. This, we suspect, is not the best way to get to France. Rather than build this murky Gateway, which we frankly doubt the American people will understand or support, we believe the best expenditure of time and money is to simply make it a national goal to build a base on the lunar surface. Such a base would be similar to the U.S. South Pole Station and constructed for the same reasons: science, exploration, knowledge, national prestige, and economic and technological development for the benefit of the U.S. taxpayer. This plan, which we call Moon Direct, doesnt take rocket scientists to comprehend (although we both hold that title). And we could accomplish it in just three discrete phases: first, we deliver cargo to the lunar surface and initiate robotic construction. Second, we land crews on the base, complete construction and develop local resources. And third, we establish long-term habitation and exploration. SpaceXs Falcon Heavy booster, which can launch 60 tons to Earth orbit and 10 tons to the moon, could easily handle the first phase. And NASAs Space Launch System, still in development, might eventually be used along with heavy lift rockets such as Blue Origins New Glenn and the United Launch Alliances Vulcan. Rather than spend a fortune and take years to build a Gateway for obscure reasons, we could immediately go straight to the surface of the moon and set up shop. The key to crew operations, the second phase of building our moon base, is a spacecraft we call the Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV), which would operate outside our atmosphere and therefore need no heavy heat shields or Earth landing systems. The LEV would fly from Earths orbit to the lunar surface and back again. New York to Paris, Paris to New York. Nothing could be simpler. All we would need to do is get to the airport in this case, low Earth orbit where the LEV would be "parked" for refuelling and used again and again, just like a passenger airplane. "Paris," by the way, should be near one of the lunar poles where sunlight shines nearly all the time and ice deposits sit in permanently shadowed craters. By combining solar energy with lunar water, we could produce rocket propellant for the LEV to use to fly back to Earth and to travel around the moon. This water would also be available to support human life. A key goal of the second phase is to get propellant production going on the moon. Until it is, we would send the LEV with fuel for the round trip on a heavy-lift rocket to orbit, followed by a relatively cheap, medium-lift rocket with the crew. The crew would rendezvous with the LEV, park their capsule in Earth orbit and then ride the spacecraft to the lunar base. After they complete their mission, the crew would blast off from the moon with the LEV, fly back to their capsule in Earth orbit and journey home, leaving the LEV behind for its next crew. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Its simple, straightforward and very doable with the technology at hand. The third phase would have continuous operations, including propellant production on the lunar surface. With this infrastructure, all it would take to get to the moon is a medium-lift rocket and the clear weather to launch it. If were serious about going to the moon, lets just go there. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, reminding us of the sort of things we as a nation once accomplished. We should resolve now to do no less. Lets put aside these murky plans to orbit the moon in a can for no good reason. Lets build a base on the moon where not only Americans can take small steps in the peaceful pursuit of knowledge, but also where the world can take giant leaps toward opening of a new frontier. Robert Zubrin is president of the Mars Society and Pioneer Astronautics and the author of The Case for Mars. Homer Hickam is a former NASA engineer and the author of multiple books, including the memoir Rocket Boys, which was made into the film October Sky. Washington Post Its been more than four years since Tina Fontaine died. Yet in the wake of a trial that gripped the province, and a verdict that shattered the hearts of many observers, Tinas life and the legacy she left behind makes her the Winnipeg Free Press newsmaker of 2018. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/12/2018 (1071 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Its been more than four years since Tina Fontaine died. Yet in the wake of a trial that gripped the province, and a verdict that shattered the hearts of many observers, Tinas life and the legacy she left behind makes her the Winnipeg Free Press newsmaker of 2018. By all accounts, the 15-year-old from Sagkeeng First Nation was a bright, happy young woman. Her aunt Thelma Favel said she was always respectful, and loved to bake with her family. She was separated from her mother but cared for by Favel, her ill father and other members of her family. She loved children and planned a future career working with them. Tina Fontaine's body was found in August 2014. We never got to know this Tina, though. Instead, most Manitobans first learned about Tina when her body was found in the Red River in late-August 2014. As has become the norm, the Indigenous community in Manitoba organized a march and vigil to mourn the loss of another young woman. Not so usual, however, was the reaction of thousands of Manitobans who joined them. For one of the first times anyone could remember, an Indigenous young woman was everyones niece, sister, and daughter. Thousands of Manitobans joined the Indigenous community during the march and vigil to mourn Tina Fontaine in August 2014. (Phil Hossack / Free Press files) In the months following her death, Tina became the face of an endemic crisis in Manitoba and Canada surrounding murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. Her story became a signpost of the mistreatment and violence Indigenous women and girls face. Her experience also represented how broken the child-welfare system, with a disproportionately large number of Indigenous children, had become. Then, as the public learned about how Tina was failed by the health-care system, police and federal, provincial and municipal governments, the story of Tinas life, and her death, became a condemnation of Canada. By the end of 2015, when Raymond Cormier was charged with Tinas murder, her name was well-known. Tinas promising life, marred by oppression, neglect, and systemic racism, was a reminder of how astronomically far this country had to go when it comes to reconciliation. So, in one way, Tinas death appeared to be a watershed moment. The federal Liberals, winning a majority government in 2015, immediately promised to adopt the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions 94 calls to action. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled in 2016 that the federal government discriminates against First Nations children in the child-welfare system and ordered changes. The police officers who could have helped Tina just before she was killed were suspended before they resigned from the force, while the provincial government announced children in care would no longer be kept in Winnipeg hotels, as Tina once was. Soon, Tinas story was a primary driving force behind a public inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls which the federal government granted in 2016. And, while the inquiry hit some roadblocks, public awareness on the issue of MMIWG appeared to be increasing; it even became a frequently used hashtag. Tina Fontaine's photographs sit on top of her casket at her funeral in 2014. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files) This year, in February, Cormier was found not guilty. Coupled with the acquittal a few weeks earlier of Gerald Stanley (a farmer who shot a young Cree man named Colten Boushie in rural Saskatchewan), things seemed to be moving in the wrong direction. "It is unacceptable," Arlen Dumas, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said after the verdict. "Everything has failed. How can we talk about reconciliation when the very nets that we're asked to participate in do not fulfil what they're supposed to fulfil?" The question of what happens now in a world where Indigenous children are killed without anyone being found guilty is a dark one. Manitoba remains a province with one of the highest incarceration rates of Indigenous youth (approximately 80 per cent). Indigenous children remain massively over-represented in the child-welfare system (approximately 90 per cent). And, while Indigenous youths remain the fastest-growing and youngest population in Manitoba, there remains virtually the same oppression, neglect and systemic racism that factored into Tinas death in 2014. Its hard to see hope now even in positive stories, such as the opening of Tinas Safe Haven, a 24-hour centre for at-risk youth in downtown Winnipeg. Every single story involving Indigenous peoples from pipelines to Kapyong to Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Indigenous-rights framework seems impeded by the overwhelming violence experienced by First Nations peoples, especially women and girls. Whats perhaps most hopeful is that Winnipeg Free Press readers demand more attention be paid to Tinas story. "Politics is nowhere near as important as the discovery of a young woman's body and the failure of the justice system," wrote Melissa, who didn't offer her last name. "(The story of Tina Fontaine) has serious implications for the structure of our society," wrote Curt Pankratz. "It is a story that will continue to impact our future," wrote Sue Ralph. Whats most remarkable is how many Free Press readers promise to never forget Tina. "People will always remember Tina Fontaine," wrote Daisy B. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "True reconciliation starts with making sure that there is no other girl with the destiny of Tina," wrote Lucie-Madeleine Delisle, "the way we deal with this (the way we implement the commission & recommendations) will determine the future of First Nations and the role they could play in Canadian history." If attention can produce reconciliation, its here where we can begin. It will take much more then that, though. Reconciliation will take work, commitment and a whole lot of change at every level. This is the legacy of Tina Fontaine to demand us to be better. Heres to 2019. niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 211 E. Russell Road LLC, Air-Relief, Belliss & Morcom Brasil, Belliss and Morcom, Boardwalk Enterprises, Charm Merger Sub Inc., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Canada, CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir Holman Ltd, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., CompAir UK Ltd, CompAir USA, Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Emco Wheaton, Emco Wheaton GmbH Branch, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton UK, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Propriety Limited (South Africa), GD Aria Holdings #2 Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First UK Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings, GD Global Holdings II, GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SA, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Services Ltd, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Hoffman, Gardner Denver Holdings, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica, Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd. Branch, Gardner Denver International, Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Intl Ltd Middle East Regional Rep Office, Gardner Denver Investments, Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan, Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd South Africa, Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd. Branch (Ireland), Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co, Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oberdorfer Pumps, Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Petroleum Pumps, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia, Gardner Denver SudAmerica S.r.l., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas, Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH, Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver UK, Gardner Denver Water Jetting Systems, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, Indonesia Foreign Trade Representative Office, LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MP Pumps Inc., Mako Compressors, Nash, Nash Elmo, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Robuschi, Rotary Compression Technologies, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Syltone, TCM Investments, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, TODO AB, Tamrotor Marine Compressors AS, Thomas Industries, Thomas Industries Inc., Tri-Continent Scientific, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, and Zinsser NA. The following companies are subsidiares of Accenture: 2nd Road, 2nd Road Pty Ltd., ?What If!, ?What If! China Holdings Ltd, ?What If! Holdings Limited, ?What If! Innovation Singapore Holdings Pte, ?What If! Limited, ?What If! Shanghai Co. Ltd, ?What If! USA LLC, ACN Consulting Co Ltd, AD Dialeto Agencia de Publicidade SA, AD.Dialeto (Digital Agency acquired by Accenture), AGS Business and Technology Services Limited, ASM Research Inc., ASM Research LLC, ATAN, Accenture (Beijing) Mobile Technology Co Ltd, Accenture (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (China) Co Ltd, Accenture (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd., Accenture (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (South Africa) Pty Limited, Accenture (UK) Ltd, Accenture 2 Business Process Services S.A., Accenture 2 LLC, Accenture A/S, Accenture AB, Accenture AG, Accenture AS, Accenture Africa Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Holding B.V., Accenture Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Azerbaijan Ltd, Accenture BPM Operations Support Services S.A., Accenture BPM S.C.R.L., Accenture BV, Accenture Branch Holdings B.V., Accenture Bulgaria EOOD, Accenture Business Services for Utilities Inc, Accenture Business Services of British Columbia Limited Partnership, Accenture Business and Technology Services LLC, Accenture C.A, Accenture CAS GmbH, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc., Accenture Capital DAC, Accenture Capital Inc, Accenture Central Europe B.V., Accenture Chile Asesorias y Servicios Ltda, Accenture Cloud Services GmbH, Accenture Cloud Software Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions LLC, Accenture Cloud Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd., Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, Accenture Company Ltd, Accenture Consulting Services Ltd Tanzania, Accenture Consultores de Gestao S.A., Accenture Consultoria de Industria e Consumo Ltda, Accenture Consultoria de Recursos Naturais Ltda, Accenture Credit Services LLC, Accenture Customer Services Distribution SAS, Accenture Customer Services Limited, Accenture Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, Accenture Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Delivery Poland sp. z o.o., Accenture Dienstleistungen GmbH, Accenture Digital France Holdings SA, Accenture Digital Holdings GmbH, Accenture East Africa Limited, Accenture Ecuador S.A., Accenture Egypt LLC, Accenture Enterprise Development (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Accenture Federal Services LLC, Accenture Finance (Gibraltar) III Ltd, Accenture Finance GmbH, Accenture Finance GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II GmbH, Accenture Finance II GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II Ltd, Accenture Finance Limited, Accenture Finance and Accounting BPO Services S.p.A., Accenture Finance and Accounting Services Srl, Accenture Flex LLC, Accenture GP LLC, Accenture Ghana Limited, Accenture Global Holdings Ltd., Accenture Global Services Ltd, Accenture Global Solutions Ltd, Accenture GmbH, Accenture HR Services Ltd, Accenture HR Services S.p.A., Accenture Healthcare Processing Inc., Accenture Holding GmbH, Accenture Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Accenture Holding GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Holdings (Iberia) S.L., Accenture Holdings B.V., Accenture Holdings France SAS, Accenture Holdings plc, Accenture Hungary Holdings Kft, Accenture Inc, Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazylym Cozumleri Limited irketi), Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazlm Cozumleri Limited Sirketi), Accenture Industrial Software Solutions Kft, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions SA, Accenture Insurance Services LLC, Accenture Insurance Services SAS, Accenture Insurance Services SpA, Accenture International BV, Accenture International Capital SCA, Accenture International LLC, Accenture International Limited, Accenture International Sarl, Accenture Japan Ltd, Accenture Korea BV, Accenture LLC, Accenture LLP, Accenture Lanka (Private) Ltd, Accenture Limited, Accenture Ltd, Accenture Ltda, Accenture Maghreb S.a.r.l., Accenture Managed Services SRL, Accenture Managed Services SpA, Accenture Management GmbH, Accenture Middle East B.V, Accenture Middle East BV, Accenture Minority I BV, Accenture Minority III Ltd, Accenture Mozambique Limitada, Accenture Mzansi (Pty) Ltd, Accenture NV/SA, Accenture NZ Limited, Accenture Newco LLC, Accenture Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Co., Accenture OOO, Accenture Operations Sp. z o.o., Accenture Outsourcing SRL, Accenture Outsourcing Services, Accenture Outsourcing Services S.A., Accenture Oy, Accenture Panama Inc, Accenture Participations BV, Accenture Participations II Limited, Accenture Peru S.R.L, Accenture Peru S.R.L., Accenture Post Trade Processing SAS, Accenture Post-Trade Processing Limited, Accenture Process Ltd, Accenture Product Lifecycle Services, Accenture Properties, Accenture Pte Ltd, Accenture Puerto Rico LLC, Accenture S.A., Accenture S.C., Accenture S.L., Accenture S.R.L., Accenture SAS, Accenture SG Services Pte Ltd, Accenture SRL, Accenture Saudi Arabia Limited, Accenture Sendirian Berhad, Accenture Service Center SRL, Accenture Services (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Services AB, Accenture Services AG, Accenture Services AS, Accenture Services GmbH, Accenture Services Ltd, Accenture Services Morocco SA, Accenture Services Oy, Accenture Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Services S.r.l., Accenture Services SRL, Accenture Services Sp. z o.o., Accenture Services Sp. z.o.o., Accenture Services and Technology Srl, Accenture Services fur Kreditinstitute GmbH, Accenture Services s.r.o., Accenture Servicos Administrativos Ltda, Accenture Servicos de Suporte de Negocios Ltda, Accenture Solutions Co Ltd, Accenture Solutions Private Limited, Accenture Solutions Pte Ltd, Accenture Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture Sp. z o.o., Accenture Sp. z.o.o., Accenture SpA, Accenture State Healthcare Services LLC, Accenture Sub II Inc., Accenture Sub Inc, Accenture Sub LLC, Accenture Systems Integration Limited, Accenture Sarl, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag KFT, Accenture Technologia, Accenture Technologia Consultoria e Outsourcing S.A., Accenture Technology Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (Dalian) Co Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (HK) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas S.A., Accenture Technology Solutions GmbH, Accenture Technology Solutions Oy, Accenture Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions S.A. de C.V., Accenture Technology Solutions SAS, Accenture Technology Solutions SRL, Accenture Technology Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Accenture Technology Solutions Slovakia s.r.o., Accenture Technology Ventures BV, Accenture Technology Ventures S.P.R.L., Accenture Uruguay SRL, Accenture Vietnam Co., Accenture Vietnam Co. LTD, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Limitada, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Customer Insight Limited, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Agave Consultants Limited, Agilex Technologies Inc., Allen International, Allen International Consulting Group Ltd, Alnova Technologies Corporation S.L., AlphaBeta Advisors, Altima, Altima Asia Ltd., Altima SAS, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Appaloosa Technology SAS, Arca, Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Avanade, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade (Thailand) Co Ltd, Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Denmark ApS, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Ltd, Avanade Europe Services Ltd, Avanade Federal Services LLC, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SAS, Avanade GZ Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd. (SH), Avanade Guangzhou, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy SRL, Avanade KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Netherlands BV, Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland Sp. z o.o., Avanade Poland Sp. z.o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain SL, Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Ltd, Avanade do Brasil Limitada, Avanade Osterreich GmbH, AvantBiz Consulting Limited, Avenai, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Benext, Bionic, Blue Horseshoe, Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Boomerang Pharmaceuticals Communications Ireland Limited, Bow & Arrow, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brand Learning LLC, Brand Learning Ltd, Brand Learning Partners Limited, Brand Learning Pte Limited, Bridge Energy Group LLC, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CadenceQuest Inc., Capable Marketer Limited, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc., Certus Solutions Consulting Services Ltd, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cimation UK Limited, Cirruseo, Cirruseo SAS, Clarity Insights, Clearhead, Clearhead Group, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas (SN) (PTE.) Limited, Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Ltd., Cloud Talent Limited, Cloudsherpas, Cloudsherpas Inc., Cloudworks, Codagenic Pty. Ltd., Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda., Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda., Context Information Security, Coritel S.A., Corliant Inc., CreativeDrive, CustomerWorks Europe SL, Cutting Edge Solutions Ltd, D5 Global Holdings LLC, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., DMA Solutions Limited, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (Australia) PTY LTD, DayNine Consulting (Deutschland) GmbH, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting France SAS, DayNine Consulting Japan K.K., DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings, Declarative Holdings LLC, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digiplug SAS, Digital Consulting & Software Services LLC, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Ltd., Duck Creek Technologies, Duck Creek Technologies LLC, Deja Vu Security LLC, ESR Labs, Elcurator SAS, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting L.P., End-to-End Analytics, Energuia Web, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Ltd., Energy Quote Private Ltd., EnergyQuote JHA, EnergyQuote JHA Ltd., EnergyQuote Trading Ltd., Enimbos, Enkitec, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V. , Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enterprise System Partners PR LLC, Enterprise System Partners S.A.S., Entropia, Epylon, Ethica Consulting Group, Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Exton Consulting, Fairway Technologies Inc, Fairway Technologies LLC, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, First Annapolis International, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Focus Group Europe Limited, Formicary, Formicary Holdings Limited, Formicary Limited, FusionX, FutureMove Automotive, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, Genfour Limited, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gestion Altima Canada Inc., Gevity, Global Public Firm S.L., GlobalView SAS, GoodFilm GmbH Filmproduktion Stuttgart, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., HRC Retail Advisory, Hagberg Consulting Group, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Hytracc Consulting UK Limited, Hytracc Holding AS, I-Faber S.p.A., IBB Consulting, IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INCAD, INSITUM, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Imagine Broadband (USA) Ltd, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Industrie&Co, Infoman AG, Infoman Schweiz AG, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Infusion Development Inc., Infusion Development UK Limited, InfusionDev LLC, Innoveer Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria Brasil LTDA, Insitum Consultoria Colombia SAS, Insitum Consultoria Europa SL, Insitum Consultoria Peru SAC, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., Intrepid, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Advertisement (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inventor Technology Limited, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, Javelin Group (Bulgaria) EOOD, Javelin Group Limited (UK), Javelin Group SASU, K Comms Group Limited, KCS.net AG, KCS.net AG West, KCS.net Deutschland GmbH, KCS.net Holding AG, KCS.net Osterreich GmbH, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Ltd, Kogentix Singapore Pte. Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kunstmaan NV, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon UKI, Kurt Salmon UKI Ltd., Kurt Salmon US LLC, LEXTA, LINKBYNET, LabAnswer, LabAnswer Government, LemonXL Limited, Logistics Market Place Limited (UK), Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Corporation, Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte. Ltd., Mackevision UK Ltd, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd., Maihiro, Matter, Matter Llc, Maud Corp Pty Limited, Maxamine International, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing Corporation, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mindtribe Product Engineering LLC, MobGen, MobGen Technology S.L, Moonrise NV, Mortgage Cadence, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, N3 LLC, NBS Marketing Inc., NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile, Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Chile SpA, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda., New Energy Aborda, New Energy Associates Ltd, New Energy Group, New Energy S.r.l., NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage China Ltd., NewsPage Pte Ltd, Nice Agency Limited, Northstream, Northstream AB, Northstream Holding AB, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology LTDA, Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Octo Technology SPRL, Octoman SAS, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Openmind, Openminded, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium Consulting Ltd, Orbium GmbH, Orbium Holding AG, Orbium Inc., Orbium International AG, Orbium International sp. z o.o., Orbium Licences AG, Orbium Limited, Orbium Pte. Ltd., Orbium Pty Ltd, Orbium Services sp. z o.o., Orbium Sarl, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PCO Innovation Canada Inc., PCO Innovation EURL, PIXO PUNCH Limited, PLM Systems S.r.l, POC Holdings, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, Pach Invest SARL, Pach Invest SAS, PacificLink Group, PacificLink iMedia Ltd., Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald Inc., Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Partners Technology Mexico Holdings BV, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production K/S, Perseroan Terbatas. Accenture, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Ltd, Pragsis Technologies S.L, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Ltd, Procurian Germany GmbH, Procurian Inc., Procurian International I LLC, Procurian International II LLC, Procurian LLC, Procurian Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procurian Switzerland GmbH, Procurian USA LLC, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co Ltd, Radiant Services, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Limited, Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (Asia) Pte Ltd, Redcore (India) Private Limited (India), Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Renacentis IT Services, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Rothco, Rothco Holdings Designated Activity Company, Rothco Unlimited Company, S.C. EnergyQuote S.r.l., S3 TV Technology Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SEC Servizi, SEC Servizi S.p.A., SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Sagacious Consultants LLC, Salt Solutions, Sanchez Capital Services Pvt Ltd, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Airline Planning Group, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace Asia (Hong Kong) Limited, Seabury Aviation Consulting LLC, Seabury Cargo Advisory B.V., Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Human Capital LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Seabury Structured Finance LLC, Search Technologies BPO, Search Technologies BPO Inc., Search Technologies GmbH, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LATAM, Search Technologies LATAM S.A., Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Sente Partners LLC, Sentelis, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Shackleton, Shackleton Barcelona S.L., Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton Madrid S.L., Shackleton S.A., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., Silveo, Simian Pty Limited, SinnerSchrader, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Commerce GmbH, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., SinnerSchrader Swipe GmbH, Sistemes Consulting S.L., Solutions IQ, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Storm Digital, Storm Digital B.V., Structure Consulting Group, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Systor AG, TQuila Limited (UK), Tadata Creative Unlimited Company, Tara Insurance DAC, Tara Risk DAC, TargetST8, TargetST8 Consulting LLC, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica Ltd., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Limited, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Total Logistics Supply Chain Consultants Limited, Tquila, Trivadis AG, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Verax Solutions, Verax Solutions Corporation, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong, Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd., Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, Weblinc Pty Ltd, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wire Stone Sarl, Wolox, Workforce Insight, Yesler, Zag, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines, Zenta Global Philippines Inc., Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc., Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, and solid-serVision.com GmbH. The Boeing Co. is an aerospace company, which engages in the manufacture of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. It operates through the following segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space and Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. The Commercial Airplanes segment includes the development, production, and market of commercial jet aircraft and provides fleet support services, principally to the commercial airline industry worldwide. The Defense, Space and Security segment refers to the research, development, production and modification of manned and unmanned military aircraft and weapons systems for global strike, including fighter and combat rotorcraft aircraft and missile systems; global mobility, including tanker, rotorcraft and tilt-rotor aircraft; and airborne surveillance and reconnaissance, including command and control, battle management and airborne anti-submarine aircraft. The Global Services segment provides services to commercial and defense customers. The Boeing Capital segment seeks to ensure that Boeing customers have the financing they need to buy and take delivery of their Boeing product and manages overall financing exposure. T Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Brinker International: BI INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LLC, BI MEXICO HOLDING CORPORATION, BIPC GLOBAL PAYROLL COMPANY LLC, BIPC INVESTMENTS LLC, BIPC MANAGEMENT LLC, BRINKER AIRPORTS LLC, BRINKER ALABAMA INC., BRINKER ARKANSAS INC., BRINKER ASIA INC., BRINKER BRAZIL LLC, BRINKER CANADIAN HOLDING CO. ULC, BRINKER CANADIAN RESTAURANT CO. ULC, BRINKER CB LP, BRINKER CB MANAGEMENT LLC, BRINKER FHC B.V., BRINKER FLORIDA INC., BRINKER FREEHOLD INC., BRINKER GEORGIA INC., BRINKER INTERNATIONAL PAYROLL COMPANY L.P., BRINKER LOUISIANA INC., BRINKER MICHIGAN INC., BRINKER MISSISSIPPI INC., BRINKER MISSOURI INC., BRINKER NEVADA INC., BRINKER NEW JERSEY INC., BRINKER NORTH CAROLINA INC., BRINKER OF BALTIMORE COUNTY INC., BRINKER OF CARROLL COUNTY INC., BRINKER OF CECIL COUNTY INC., BRINKER OKLAHOMA INC., BRINKER OPCO LLC, BRINKER PENN TRUST, BRINKER PROPCO FLORIDA INC., BRINKER PROPERTY CORPORATION, BRINKER PURCHASING INC., BRINKER RESTAURANT CORPORATION, BRINKER RHODE ISLAND INC., BRINKER SERVICES CORPORATION, BRINKER SOUTH CAROLINA INC., BRINKER TEXAS INC., BRINKER VIRGINIA INC., CHILIS BEVERAGE COMPANY INC., CHILIS INC. a Delaware corporation, CHILIS INC. a Tennessee corporation, CHILIS INTERNATIONAL BASES B.V., CHILIS OF BEL AIR INC., CHILIS OF KANSAS INC., CHILIS OF MARYLAND INC., CHILIS OF WEST VIRGINIA INC., Grady's Inc., MAGGIANO'S OF ANNAPOLIS INC., MAGGIANO'S OF HOWARD COUNTY INC., MAGGIANO'S OF KANSAS INC., MAGGIANOS BEVERAGE COMPANY, MAGGIANOS HOLDING CORPORATION, MAGGIANOS INC., MAGGIANOS OF TYSONS INC., MAGGIANOS PROPERTY CORPORATION, MAGGIANOS TEXAS INC., PEPPER DINING HOLDING CORP., PEPPER DINING Inc., and PEPPER DINING VERMONT INC.. Mosenergo OAO engages in the generation of heat and electric power and heat distribution services. It also involves in the procurement and purchasing of electricity from the wholesale market of electric energy and capacity, the operation of heat supply networks, and the administration of design and feasibility studies. The company's other businesses include the provision of agricultural products, feed water sales, communication services, information and data processing services, maintenance services, and other commercial activities. It operates through the following segments: Electric Energy, Heat Energy, and All Other. The company was founded by Carl Fyodorovich Siemens in 1886 and is headquartered in Moscow, Russia. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Dover: Accelerated Production Systems, Acme Elevator, Advansor A/S, Advansor Dover International (Poland) sp. z o.o, Advansor Germany GmbH, Alfred Fueling Systems Holdco Ltd., Alfred Fueling Systems Inc., Alfred Fueling Systems Intermediate Holdco Ltd., All-Flo Pump Company, Anman LLC, Anthony Equity Holdings Inc., Anthony Holdings Inc., Anthony Inc., Anthony International, Anthony International Foreign Sales Corp., Anthony International Holding Company, Anthony Mexico Holdings LLC, Anthony North Holdco Inc., Anthony Specialty Glass LLC, Anthony TemperBent GP LLC, Auto Glanz Solutions LLC, Automatik Grundstucksverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Automatik Plastics Machinery (Taiwan) Ltd., BSC Filters Limited, Background2 Limited, Belanger, Belanger Inc., Belvac Middle East FZE, Belvac Production Machinery Inc., Blackmer, BlitzRotary GmbH, Butler Engineering and Marketing S.P.A., CDS Visual, CEP Liquidation LLC, CP Formation LLC, CPC Europe Inc., CPI Products Inc., Caldera, Canada Organization & Development LLC, Chief Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Trading Company Ltd., Chippewa Square Captive Insurance Company, Colder Products Company, Colder Products Company GmbH, Colder Products Company LTD, Cook Compression BV, Cook Compression LLC, Cook Compression Limited, Cook-MFS Inc., DD1 Inc., DDI Properties Inc., DE-STA-CO Benelux B.V., DE-STA-CO FRANCE, DE-STA-CO Shanghai Co. Ltd., DESTACO UK Limited, DFH Corporation, DFS Netherlands B.V., DSR BZ Holdings LLC, Datamax International Corp, De Sta Co (Asia) Company Limited, De-Sta-Co Cylinders Inc., DeStaCo Europe GmbH, Delaware Capital Formation Inc., Delaware Capital Holdings Inc., Dover (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Dover (Schweiz) Holding GmbH, Dover (Shanghai) Industrial Co. Ltd., Dover (Shenzhen) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover (Suzhou) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover Asia Trading Private Ltd., Dover Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Dover Business Services EMEA Limited, Dover Business Services LLC, Dover Business Services Philippines Corporation, Dover CLP Formation Limited Partnership, Dover CR spol s r.o., Dover Canada Holdings ULC, Dover Canada Operations ULC, Dover Corporation Regional Headquarters, Dover DEI Services Inc., Dover Denmark Holdings ApS, Dover EMEA FZCO, Dover Energy UK Ltd, Dover Engineered Products Segment Inc., Dover Europe Inc., Dover Europe Sarl, Dover Fluids UK Ltd, Dover France Holdings, Dover France Participations, Dover France Technologies, Dover Fueling Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Fueling Solutions UK Limited, Dover Germany GmbH, Dover Global Holdings LLC, Dover Holdings de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dover Imaging & Identification Segment Inc., Dover India Pvt. Ltd., Dover Intercompany Services UK Limited, Dover International B.V., Dover International Operations Inc., Dover International Ventures Inc., Dover International Ventures Tunisia S.a.r.l., Dover International ithalat ihracat ve Pazarlama Limited Sirketi, Dover Italy Holdings S.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Finance Sarl, Dover Luxembourg Participations Sarl, Dover Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Services Sarl, Dover Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Dover Overseas Ventures Inc., Dover Pumps & Process Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment UK Ltd, Dover Resources International de Mexico S. de R.L. C.V., Dover Solutions Colombia SAS, Dover Southeast Asia (Thailand) Ltd., Dover Spain Holdings S.L., Dover UK Pensions Limited, Dover WSCR Holding LLC, Dover WSCR LLC, Dover do Brasil Ltda., Dow-Key Microwave Corporation, Dresser Wayne Data Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Dresser Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., EOA Systems Inc., Ebs-Ray Holdings Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Industries Pty. Ltd., Ebs-Ray Pumps Pty. Ltd., Em-tec, Espy, Ettlinger, Ettlinger Kunststoffmaschinen GmbH, Fairbanks Environmental Limited, Fibrelite Composites Limited, Fibresec Holdings Limited, Fibresec Limited, Finder, GAL LLC, GIIER LLC, Gala Industries, Gala Kunststoff-und Kautschukmaschinen GmbH, Guangdong Tokheim LIYUAN Oil Industry Technology Limited Company, Highland Park Insurance Company, Hill PHOENIX Inc., Hill PHOENIX WIC LLC, Hill Phoenix Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, Hill Phoenix El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Hill Phoenix Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Honduras Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hiltap Fittings Ltd., Hydro Systems Company, Hydro Systems Europe Ltd., Hydronova Australia-NZ Pty Ltd, Industrial Motion Control LLC, Innovative Control Systems, Innovative Control Systems Inc., Inpro/Seal LLC, JK Group, JK Group S.P.A., JK Group USA Inc., K S Boca Inc., K&L Microwave DR Inc., K&L Microwave Inc., KPS (Beijing) Petroleum Equipment Trading Co Ltd., KPS Fueling Solutions Sdn. Bhd., KPS Hong Kong Holding Limited, KPS UK Limited, KS Formation Inc., KS Liquidation Inc., KSLP Liquidation L.P., Kiian Digital (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Knappco LLC, Knowles Electronics, LIQAL, Liquip, Liquip International Pty Limited, MAAG, MARKEM FZ SA, MARKEM-IMAJE Corporation, MIP Holdings Inc., MS Printing Solutions, MS Printing Solutions S.R.L., Maag Automatik GmbH, Maag Automatik Plastics Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Maag Gala Inc., Maag Italy S.R.L., Maag Pump Systems, Maag Pump Systems (US) Inc., Maag Pump Systems AG, Maag Reduction Inc., Maag Service (Malaysia) Sdn. Bdn., Maag Systems (Thailand) Limited, Marathon Equipment Company (Delaware), Markem Imaje Center of Competencies Spain S.L.U., Markem-Imaje, Markem-Imaje (China) Co. Limited, Markem-Imaje - Unipessoal Lda, Markem-Imaje A/S, Markem-Imaje AB, Markem-Imaje AG, Markem-Imaje AS, Markem-Imaje B.V., Markem-Imaje CSAT GmbH, Markem-Imaje Co. Ltd., Markem-Imaje GmbH, Markem-Imaje Holding, Markem-Imaje Identificacao de Produtos Ltda., Markem-Imaje Inc., Markem-Imaje India Private Limited, Markem-Imaje Industries, Markem-Imaje Industries Limited, Markem-Imaje KK, Markem-Imaje LLC, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Ltd., Markem-Imaje N.V., Markem-Imaje Oy, Markem-Imaje Philippines Corporation, Markem-Imaje Pty Ltd, Markem-Imaje S.A., Markem-Imaje S.A. de C.V., Markem-Imaje S.r.l., Markem-Imaje SAS, Markem-Imaje Sdn Bhd, Markem-Imaje Singapore Pte. Ltd., Markem-Imaje Spain S.A.U, Markpoint Holding AB, Midland Manufacturing LLC, Mouvex, Northern Lights (Nevada) Inc., Northern Lights Funding LP, Northern Lights Investments LLC, Nova Controls Inc., OK International, OK International (UK) Ltd., OK International Holdings Inc., OK International Inc., OPW Engineered Systems Inc., OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe B.V., OPW Fluid Transfer Solutions (Jiang Su) Co. Ltd., OPW Fluids Group Inc., OPW France, OPW Fuel Management Systems Inc., OPW Fueling Components (SuZhou) Co. Ltd., OPW Fueling Components LLC, OPW Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OPW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., OPW Slovakia s.r.o., OPW Sweden AB, Officine Meccaniche Sirio S.R.L., PDQ Manufacturing, PDQ Manufacturing Inc., PISCES by OPW Inc., PSD Codax Holdings Limited, PSD Codax Limited, PSG (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, PSG (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PSG California LLC, PSG Germany GmbH, Petro Vend Sp. z o.o., Pike Machine Products Inc., Pole/Zero Acquisition Inc., Precision Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Para Postos De Combustiveis Ltda., Precision Service - Servicos De Manutencao E Instalacao De Postos De Abastecimento De Combustivel Ltda., Production Control Services, Pump Management Services Co. LLC, RAV Equipos Espana S.L., RAV France, Ravaglioli Deutschland GmbH, Ravaglioli S.P.A., Reduction Engineering GmbH, Revod Corporation, Revod Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Revod SAS, Revod Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd, Revod Sweden AB, Robohand Inc., Rosario, Rosario Handel B.V., Rotary Lift Consolidated (Haimen) Co. Ltd, SE Liquidation LLC, SWEP Germany GmbH, SWEP Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SWEP North America Inc., SWEP Slovakia s.r.o., SWEP Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Seabiscuit Motorsports Inc., Simmons Sirvey Corporation, So. Cal. Soft-Pak, So. Cal. Soft-Pak Incorporated, Solaris Laser, Solaris Laser S.A., Somero Enterprises, Sound Solutions, Space S.R.L., Spirit, Start Italiana Petrol Cihazlari Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Start Italiana S.R.L., Swep Energy Oy, Swep International A.B., Swep Japan K.K., Sys-Tech Solutions, Sys-Tech Solutions Inc., Systech GB Limited, Systech Shanghai Consulting Company Limited, TQC Quantium Quality S.A. de C.V., TTSI III Inc., TWG Canada Consolidated Inc., TXHI LLC, Tartan Textile Services Inc., The Heil Co., Tokheim Belgium, Tokheim China Company Limited, Tokheim GmbH, Tokheim Group, Tokheim Hengshan Technologies (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tokheim Holding B.V., Tokheim India Private Limited, Tokheim Sofitam Applications, Trans - Logistic Group S.R.L., Triton Systems, Tulsa Winch Inc., UPCO Inc., US Synthetic, Unattended Payment Solutions LLC, Unified Brands, Unified Brands Inc., Val TemperBent Glass L.P., Vectron Frequency Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vehicle Service Group LLC, Vehicle Service Group UK Limited, Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd., WSCR Corp., Warn Automotive LLC, Warn Industries, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Bearings Corporation, Waukesha Bearings Limited, Waukesha Bearings Russia LLC, Wayne Fuel Management UK Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems, Wayne Fueling Systems (Rus) Limited Liability Company, Wayne Fueling Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Wayne Fueling Systems Canada ULC, Wayne Fueling Systems Deutschland GmbH, Wayne Fueling Systems Italia S.R.L., Wayne Fueling Systems LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB, Wayne Fueling Systems UK Holdco Ltd., Wayne Industria e Comercio Ltda., WellMark, XanTec Steuerungs- und EDV-Technik GmbH, and em-tec GmbH. American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at contact@marketbeat.com | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. The Williams Cos., Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company, which explores, produces, transports, sells and processes natural gas and petroleum products. It operates through the following segments: Transmission and Gulf of Mexico; Northeast G&P; and West. The Transmission and Gulf of Mexico segment comprises of interstate natural gas pipelines, Transco and Northwest Pipeline, as well as natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region. The Northeast G&P segment includes midstream gathering, processing, and fractionation businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania and New York, and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio. The West segment consists of gas gathering, processing, and treating operations in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and Wyoming, the Barnett Shale region of north-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko, Arkoma, and Permian basins. The company was founded by David Williams and Miller Williams in 1908 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Read More iShares North American Natural Resources ETF's stock was trading at $18.56 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IGE stock has increased by 65.6% and is now trading at $30.73. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. JPMorgan American Investment Trust plc is a close-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by JPMorgan Funds Limited. It is co-managed by JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited. The fund invests in public equity markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in stocks of large cap companies. It employs fundamental analysis with a bottom-up stock picking approach to create its portfolio. The fund benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the S&P 500 Net Index. It was formerly known as JP Morgan Fleming American Investment Trust. JPMorgan American Investment Trust plc was formed on December 25, 1881 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom. Read More Credit: Architect of the Capitol(WASHINGTON) -- On day five of a partial government shutdown, negotiations among Democrats, Republicans and the White House appear to be going nowhere. The impasse has left about 420,000 federal workers working without pay and another 380,000 furloughed. The Senate is scheduled to be in session later Thursday afternoon, but votes on a spending bill to re-open and fund the government arent yet scheduled since an agreement between Democrats and President Donald Trump hasnt been reached. The House isnt expected to meet formally Thursday. The biggest sticking point for negotiators is the presidents request for more money for the border wall. Democrats have dug in and are refusing to give in to Trumps demand for $5 billion. Trump, who remained in Washington through the Christmas holiday, fumed to reporters on Tuesday and gave no indication of when the shutdown might end. I cant tell you when the government is going to re-open, he told reporters, adding that he will not sign any spending bill to end the crisis until we have a wall, a fence, whatever theyd like to call it. When Trump was asked on Tuesday if he was willing to negotiate a lesser amount than the $5 billion he has demanding, he said, Its complicated ... we want the wall money to be increased. Over the weekend, Vice President Mike Pence reportedly offered Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer a deal to include $2.1 billion for border security in the spending bill, which is less than Trumps initial demand but more than the $1.3 billion for fencing that Schumer has advocated in recent days. Its believed that offer from the White House was rejected. Schumers office has not responded to a request by ABC News for a comment. Trump argued Tuesday that federal workers support his position in the fight with Democrats over billions of dollars in funding for the border wall. "Many of those workers have said to me and communicated, stay out until you get the funding for the wall," he said, when asked for his message to the hundreds of thousands federal workers either furloughed or working without pay. "These federal workers want the wall. The only one that doesn't want the wall are the Democrats," he added. Meanwhile, the lead negotiators for the Democrats: Sen. Chuck Schumer and House Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi, arent backing down. In a Christmas eve statement, the Democratic leaders jointly released a statement accusing Trump of plunging the country into chaos. Instead of bringing certainty into peoples lives, hes continuing the Trump Shutdown just to please right-wing radio and TV hosts. Meanwhile, different people from the same White House are saying different things about what the president would accept or not accept to end his Trump Shutdown, making it impossible to know where they stand at any given moment, they said. They went on: As long as the president is guided by the House Freedom Caucus, its hard to see how he can come up with a solution that can pass both the House and Senate and end his Trump Shutdown. The chair of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-North Carolina, who encouraged Trump to shut the government down over his demand for $5 billion for the wall, accused Democrats of not budging on their refusal to fund the wall because of their "hatred for the president." On Wednesday, Meadows told ABC News that "no substantial progress" has been made since discussions broke down over the weekend. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Army soldiers patrol a street in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, Dec. 26, 2018. Army troops have been deployed in most parts of Bangladesh to assist the civil administration in ensuring security before the country's general election. (Xinhua/Naim-ul-karim) 4 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Maxar Technologies Inc. provides earth intelligence and space infrastructure solutions in the United States, Asia, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure segments. The Earth Intelligence segment offers earth imagery products, including orthorectified imagery, imagery basemap, 3D and elevation, and information products; and SecureWatch, a subscription offering that provides online access to imagery and geospatial intelligence platform. This segment also offers geospatial information, application, and analytic services. It serves U.S. and other international government agencies, such as defense and intelligence agencies, as well as commercial customers in various markets. The Space Infrastructure segment provides space based infrastructure, robotics, sub-systems, and information solutions, including communication and imaging satellites and payloads; platforms for space exploration and hosting instruments for earth science; space subsystems for power, propulsion, and communication; satellite ground systems and support services; space-based remote sensory solutions; space robotics; and defense systems. This segment serves government agencies and satellite operators. Maxar Technologies Inc. was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Westminster, Colorado. Read More There is not enough analysis data for Spanish Broadcasting System. 4.5 Community Rank Outperform Votes Spanish Broadcasting System has received 90 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Spanish Broadcasting System has received 44 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Spanish Broadcasting System has received 67.16% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Spanish Broadcasting System and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe SBSAA will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe SBSAA will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Tallgrass Energy, LP, through its subsidiaries, provides crude oil transportation services to customers in Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, and the surrounding regions of the United States. The company operates through three segments: Natural Gas Transportation; Crude Oil Transportation; and Gathering, Processing & Terminalling. It also provides natural gas transportation and storage services for customers in the Rocky Mountain, Midwest, and Appalachian regions; natural gas and crude oil gathering and processing services for customers in Wyoming; and natural gas liquids (NGLs) transportation services in Northeast Colorado and Wyoming. In addition, the company offers water business services, including freshwater transportation, and produced water gathering and disposal in Colorado, Texas, Wyoming, and North Dakota; crude oil storage and terminalling services in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas; and marketing services for NGLs and crude oil. The company was formerly known as Tallgrass Energy GP, LP and changed its name to Tallgrass Energy, LP in June 2018. Tallgrass Energy, LP was founded in 2013 and is based in Leawood, Kansas. Read More Tejon Ranch Co. operates as a real estate development and agribusiness company. It operates through the following business segments: Real Estate-Commercial and Industrial Development, Real Estate-Resort and Residential Development, Mineral Resources, Farming and Ranch Operations. The Real Estate Commercial and Industrial Development segment activities includes: entitling, planning and permitting of land for development; construction of infrastructure; the construction of pre-leased buildings; the construction of buildings to be leased or sold; and the sale of land to third parties for their own development. The Real Estate Resort and Residential Development segment operations include land entitlement, land planning and pre-construction engineering, land stewardship and conservation activities. The Mineral Resources segment generates revenues from oil and gas royalty leases, rock and aggregate mining leases. The Farming segment produces revenues from the sale of wine grapes, almonds, and pistachios. The Ranch Operations consist of game management revenues and ancillary land uses such as grazing leases and filming. The company was founded by Edward Fitzgerald Beale in 1843 and is hea Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Textron: AAI Corporation, AAI Services Corporation, ALSTOM Gears, Able Aerospace, Able Aerospace Services Inc., Able Engineering & Component Services, Aeronautical Accessories LLC, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company LLC, Arctic Cat, Arctic Cat ACE Holding GmbH, Arctic Cat France SARL, Arctic Cat GmbH, Arctic Cat Inc., Arctic Cat Production LLC, Arctic Cat Production Support LLC, Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Arctic Cat Shared Services LLC, Arctic Cat UK Ltd., Arkansas Aerospace Inc., Avco Corporation, Aviation Service servis letal doo Ljubljana, Aylesbury Automation, B/K Navigational Equipment sro, Beech Aircraft Corporation, Beech Holdings, Beechcraft Defense Support Holding LLC, Beechcraft Domestic Service Company, Beechcraft Germany GmbH, Beechcraft International Holding LLC, Beechcraft International Service Company, Beechcraft New Zealand, Beechcraft Service Company UK Limited, Bell Helicopter GK, Bell Helicopter KK, Bell Textron Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Bell Textron Canada International Inc., Bell Textron Canada Limited/Limitee, Bell Textron Inc., Bell Textron Korea Inc., Bell Textron Miami Inc, Bell Textron Prague a.s., Bell Textron Rhode Island Inc., Bell Textron Services Inc, Bell Textron Supply Center BV, Bell Textron Technical Services Inc., Benzlers, Brazaco Mapri Industrias, Burkland, Cessna Aircraft Company, Cessna Citation European Service Center SAS, Cessna Dusseldorf Citation Service Center GmbH, Cessna Finance Corporation, Cessna Finance Export Corporation, Cessna Mexico S de RL de CV, Cessna Spanish Citation Service Center SLU, Cessna Zurich Citation Service Center GmbH, Citation Parts Distribution International Inc., Cushman Inc., Datacom Technologies, David Brown Group, Doncaster Citation Service Centre Limited, E-Z-GO Canada Limited, Energy Manufacturing, Flexalloy, HBC LLC, Hawker Beech de Mexico S de RL de CV, Hawker Beechcraft Argentina SA, Howe & Howe Inc., Howe and Howe Technologies, Industrial Technology Inc., InteSys Technologies, International Product Support Inc., KSB Annecy SAS, Kautex (Changchun) Plastics Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Chongqing) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Guangzhou) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Pinghu) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Shanghai) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Wuhan) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex Corporation, Kautex Craiova srl, Kautex Germany Holding GmbH, Kautex Inc., Kautex Japan KK, Kautex Shanghai GmbH, Kautex Textron (UK) Limited, Kautex Textron Benelux BVBA, Kautex Textron Bohemia spol sro, Kautex Textron CVS Limited, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, Kautex Textron Iberica SL, Kautex Textron Italia Srl, Kautex Textron Management Services Company de Puebla S. de RL de CV, Kautex Textron Portugal Produtos Plasticos Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., Kautex Textron de Mexico S de RL de CV, Kautex Textron do Brasil Ltda., Kautex of Georgia Inc., Kaywood Products Corp., Klauke, LCI Corporation International, LLC Textron RUS, Maag, McCord Corporation, Mechtronix, Medical Numerics Inc., Midland Industrial Plastics, MillenWorks, MillenWorks Themed Technologies, MotorFist LLC, OPINICUS Simulation and Training Services LLC, OmniQuip International, Opinicus, Optical Boring Co., Opto-Electronics, Opto-Electronics Inc., Overwatch Systems Ltd., PEINER Umformtechnik, Pirelli Tyres - General Rubber Goods (GRG) division, Premiair Aviation Maintenance Pty Ltd, Progressive Electronics, Ransomes, Ransomes Inc., Ransomes Investment LLC, Ransomes Jacobsen France SAS, Ransomes Jacobsen Limited, Ransomes Limited, Ransomes Pensions Trustee Company Limited, Replacement Part Solutions LLC, Response Technologies LLC, Rotor Blades Limited, Sukosim Verbindungselemente, TRU Simulation & Training Spain SL, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., TRU Simulation + Training LLC, TekGPS Engineering Srl, Textron Airland LLC, Textron Atlantic LLC, Textron Aviation Australia Pty. Ltd., Textron Aviation Canada Ltd., Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Textron Aviation Finance Corporation, Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Prague Service Center sro, Textron Aviation Rhode Island Inc., Textron Aviation Services de Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Capital BV, Textron Communications Inc., Textron Far East Pte. Ltd., Textron Finance Holding Company, Textron Financial Corporation, Textron Financial Corporation Receivables Trust 2002-CP-2, Textron Fluid and Power Inc., Textron France Holding SAS, Textron France SAS, Textron Global Services Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment UK Limited, Textron IPMP Inc., Textron India Private Limited, Textron Innovations Inc., Textron International Inc., Textron International Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Limited, Textron Management Services Inc., Textron Motors GmbH, Textron Motors North America Inc., Textron Outdoor Power Equipment Inc., Textron Realty Corporation, Textron Shared Service Centre (Canada) Inc., Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Textron Sweden AB, Textron Systems Australia Holding Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Canada Inc., Textron Systems Corporation, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK (Holdings) Limited, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK Limited, Textron Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Textron UK Pension Trustee Limited, Textron Verwaltungs-GmbH, Turbine Engine Components Textron (Newington Operations) Inc., United Industrial Corporation, Westminster Insurance Company, Williams Machine & Tool, Wuxi Textron Specialized Vehicles Co. Ltd., and Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Services Limited. Xcel Energy, Inc. operates as a holding company, which engages in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. It operates through the following three segments: Regulated Electric Utility, Regulated Natural Gas Utility and All Others. The Regulated Electric Utility segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity primarily in portions of generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. In addition, this segment includes sales for resale and provides wholesale transmission service to various entities in the United States. It also includes commodity trading operations. The Regulated Natural Gas Utility segment transports, stores, and distributes natural gas primarily in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan and Colorado. The All Others segment engages in steam, appliance repair services, nonutility real estate activities, processing solid waste into refuse-derived fuel and investments in rental housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits. The company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Read More School's out for the holidays, and for many students, so is lunch. But this year, thanks to an anonymous donor, students in need will be able to get free lunch through the winter break in DeKalb County, a suburban area east of Atlanta, Georgia, CNN affiliate WGCL-TV reported. Continents and regions Education Georgia North America Southeastern United States Students and student life The Americas United States Over 20 million children participated in the federally assisted low-cost or no-cost National School Lunch Program during the 2017-2018 school year, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Under this program, any child at a participating school may purchase a meal. Local schools set the prices for meals and offer a sliding scale to students depending on family income. For many students, this is their main source for food, but once the holidays come around, the schools close and so does their cafeterias. "For many of our students, school is the stable place for them," DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Deputy Superintendent Vasanne Tinsley told WGCL-TV. The school district announced Wednesday that they would be opening two school cafeterias to serve lunch -- free of charge -- to those in need, thanks to the donation they received. "This program is made possible by a grant from a Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, in partnership with Jewish Family & Career Services," the school district said in a statement. Two cafeterias were open today, one at Stone Mountain Elementary and a second one in Woodward Elementary. The school district plans to keep them open for the remainder of this week, and on January 2nd and 3rd. "Thanks to our School Nutrition Services, students who rely on the district for their daily meals will continue to receive them without interruption. We will continue to support our community, and take education in DeKalb County to new heights, " DCSD Superintendent/CEO Dr. R. Stephen Green said in the statement. In 2017, an estimated 6.5 million children in America lived in households without consistent access to enough food, according to the USDA, and some studies have found that the lack of nutrition these children receive during school breaks can drastically impact their health, well-being and ability to learn. "When we talk about 'wrap-around' services at DeKalb County School District, we are talking about providing opportunities for success by any means necessary," Green said in the statement. Along with the free meals, the DCSD will be providing families with a free vision screening and nutrition education training. CNN reached out to the school district and is waiting to hear back. ROME, N.Y. -- The Beeches in Rome will be closing at the end of this year. The Destito family posted an announcement on their website thanking the community for supporting their business for more than 70 years. The Beeches in Rome, photo provided by TheBeeches,com. The Beeches in Rome, photo provided by TheBeeches,com. The family purchased the Potter Estate in Rome back in 1949 and say they have grown the 52-acres into what is now known as the Beeches Restaurant and Conference Center, Inn at the Beeches, and Beeches Business Park. You would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't attended a wedding or event at the Rome establishment. They didnt list a reasoning behind the closure, but say in the statement the decision to close was a difficult one to make, and they feel the need to move forward at this time. WKTV tried to talk to the owners about the memories and legacy formed over the last 70 years, but they didn't get back to us. The Rome area Chamber of Commerce made the announcement on their behalf. I know that the community will want there to be a major facility in Rome To house major events and we're anxious to be part of our discussions having to do with what we can do to promote the positive aspects of Rome and the need for a major facility, said Rome Area Chamber of Commerce President Bill Guglielmo. For anyone who put a deposit down on any booked events for the next year, and room reservations they have created a website for those who need refunds. They also promise to help in any way with finding places to relocate events. Any gift cards that are unused can still be used at the Savoy, which is not closing, or will be refunded. The closure will in no way impact The Savoy, Beeches Office Park or Long Term Stays, and Destito Realty will remain in place. The Beeches will officially close their doors on December 31, 2018. UTICA, N.Y. -- One of those beautiful old stone structures leading in to Proctor Boulevard in South Utica has been taken down. Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri says some concerned citizens called the city, saying the one structure was leaning. The city had an engineer and contractor check it out and it was deemed unsafe, and needed to be taken down. Palmieri says the structure was carefully dismantled and each stone was cataloged so it can be reconstructed at a later date. NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- The town of New Hartford is moving into the old Gander Mountain building on Monday. The town closed on the building, in the Orchard, in July. A total of 50,000 square-feet will house town offices, court, and the New Hartford Police Department. Town officials say having all offices in one building will allow different departments to coordinate more efficiently. "Safety security, just trying to upgrade for the future. I think it was a good idea and a good move to go forward, again we will be consolidating all of our buildings and services to one. So we'll all be under one roof, said New Hartford Town Supervisor Paul Miscione. The total cost to change locations is around $5 million, which includes buying the building and the renovations. Monday is move-in day for the offices. The courtroom and police department renovations will be complete in the spring. Turkey successfully tested an MK-48 general-purpose bomb using the first-ever Warhead Rail System Dynamic Test Infrastructure (HABRAS). President Recep Tayyip Erdogan opened the ceremony held by the Defense Industry Research and Development Institute (SAGE) of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK). Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank praised the successful launch in a tweet saying it is an important development in the defense industry. During the test, the bomb broke through the sound barrier and successfully destroyed a steel-equipped armored-concrete target at a speed of 850 km/h. The test is reported to be the longest of Europe with a length of 2,000 meters double rail test line. According to a statement from the Industry and Technology Ministry, tests that had to be carried out abroad before were supervised by the host country. HABRAS was founded in June 2017 to test the efficiency of domestically-developed weapons systems and inaugurated on Oct. 31 by Erdogan. Sn. Cumhurbaskanmzn aclsn yaptg TUBITAK SAGE HABRAS Altyaps'nda tarihi bir ana daha sahit olduk. Yaplan testte; yaklask 1 tonluk muhimmat, ses hznn 1.5 katnda hzlandrlarak hedefe ulast. Savunma Sanayimiz icin onemli bir basarya daha imza atlms oldu. pic.twitter.com/yvHhydWZVO New South Wales Ambulance (NSWA) has made a stunning admission that one of the central allegations it made against 28-year veteran paramedic Tony Jenkins following his suicide on April 9 this year was, in fact, false. At the time of his tragic death, Jenkins was working in the Newcastle region, to the north of Sydney. An internal NSWA investigation, documented in a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) report, was hand-delivered to Tonys widow, Sharon Jenkins, on September 7. The report alleged: Paramedic A (Tony Jenkins) also handed over to the managers two syringes which the paramedic stated contained morphine. In response to a letter then sent to NSWA by Sharon Jenkins, outlining 28 pages of questions arising from anomalies, contradictions and unclarities in the RCA report, Acting Director of Clinical Governance Scott Deeth wrote to Dominic Morgan, NSWA chief executive, backtracking on the accusation. Deeth wrote: This description of events was in error. The RCA team records do not indicate that Paramedic A ever handed over the vials to the manager. He then wrote: The sentence should have read Paramedic A also informed the managers that he had taken two vials at shift commencement which the paramedic stated contained morphine. The extraordinary about-face provided no explanation how such an error could have occurred. If the RCA team records did not state that Jenkins handed the managers syringes of morphine, then how and why was it included in the report? More significantly, the only reason for the reversal is due to the sustained campaign by Jenkins family for answers regarding the circumstances leading to the unscheduled meeting with management he was called, mid-shift, to attend on April 9. The family contend that it was this meeting, to which he was summoned without notice, without a support person present and which was not recorded or minuted by the managers present, triggered his suicide. As well as stealing morphine, Jenkins was accused of tampering with vials of the powerful opioid fentanyl, which is administered to patients as a pain-killer by paramedics, to purportedly sustain an addiction. The clear question which arises from the withdrawal of the serious morphine allegation is what else in the RCA report is false? Sharon Jenkins was informed by the RCA team leader that the months-long delay in releasing the report was to ensure that its accuracy was guaranteed. There has still been no evidence provided to the family that he had either morphine syringes or had tampered with allegedly 44 vials of fentanyl. Tony Jenkins autopsy and toxicology results revealed there was no fentanyl, alcohol or other drug in his system. There has also been no explanation as to how one paramedic could , in fact , carry out such large-scale tampering. This is despite ongoing requests by his family for such evidence (see: Unanswered questions surround the suicide of Australian paramedic Tony Jenkins). The queries contained in the letter by Sharon Jenkins to NSWA included: Where the morphine syringes had come from? Was he allegedly carrying them in his hand, pocket or bag? Was he asked where he had taken the syringes from and had they been picked up as missing in an audit? Where are the syringes now and had they been tested and secured? These were just some of the 273 questions posed by Sharon Jenkins arising from the RCA report. The majority have gone unanswered by NSWA on the grounds that the information is still subject to other investigations. The Newcastle Herald reported that it was informed by a NSWA spokesperson that the syringe reference was a mistake in the summary of the description made by the Root Cause Analysis team and noted by NSW Ambulance staff. In fact, the allegation of syringe theft was made in the opening sections of the RCA, under the heading Outline of Events. The reversal by NSWA arose directly and only from the scrutiny of the report by Tonys family, not because it was noted. The about-face on the morphine theft accusation was preceded by an apology to the family from Dominic Morgan in October for statements he had made shortly after Tonys suicide. Before any investigation had begun, let alone concluded, Morgan asserted: From my understanding of Tony Jenkins he was this well respected, well regarded professional and it concerns me greatly that a person with that reputation could find themselves so desperate that their only option was to turn to drugs of addiction. His apology for any additional hurt or distress that has been caused to your family was elicited following the protest by Sharon and her daughter Cidney outside Hamilton ambulance station in Newcastle in defence of Tonys reputation. NSWA has justified identifying Jenkins as the sole suspect in the alleged tampering of a large number of fentanyl vials with claims there were irregularities in his pin access code usage, which allows paramedics to unlock medication safes. Multiple requests by his family to be supplied with his pin access history have been denied. The only example given to the family of irregularities is that his code was allegedly used to access restricted medication safes 4075 minutes prior to his shift commencement, a claim which both his widow and two daughters strenuously dispute. The other reason that has been given for no-one else, apart from Jenkins, being identified, investigated or interviewed for the alleged fentanyl tampering, was a September 2017 state-wide audit, performed for a non-related matter, of all paramedics fentanyl administration. That audit found Tony Jenkins was the second highest administrator of fentanyl in the state. In January 2018, following receipt of the audit findings, Newcastle NSWA senior management investigated and found there was no evidence that Jenkins had mis-used restricted NSW Ambulance medications. Yet, just three months later, despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, this audit was cited as the main reason that Jenkins was singled out as the only possible suspect in alleged fentanyl theft. Tony Jenkins had served as a paramedic for 28 years in NSW Ambulance and had earned a reputation as a dedicated and committed health professional. He was known as an outspoken opponent of the deteriorating conditions under which paramedics are increasingly forced to work. He regularly raised concerns with management about the safety and information provided to on-road paramedics who, he said, were sent to jobs without the required protection or knowledge about what they were about to confront. He also defended other paramedics against bullying and intimidation, including, just prior to his death, a female colleague. Neither the Health Services Union (HSU), of which Jenkins was a member, nor the Australian Paramedics Association (APA), assisted him in these struggles. Nor have they played any role in the ongoing attempts of the family for the truth of what happened to their loved one. Both unions have remained glaringly silent in the face of Tony Jenkins suicide and the familys campaign. For the grieving family, the constant issue in the almost nine months since Tony Jenkins death has been the refusal by NSWA to provide accurate and timely information when requested. The familys fight for the truth has been waged against a wall of silence and obstacles erected by NSWA with the assistance of both unions. The family is calling for a public coronial inquest, in which all the information leading up to his suicide and subsequent events, is made available. The back flip by NSWA highlights that no trust can be placed in either NSW Ambulance management or the unions to reveal the circumstances about the tragic death of an experienced and expert paramedic and husband, father and son. The case of Tony Jenkins and his familys campaign should be made the subject of the widest possible independent discussion by paramedics and health workers across NSW and Australia and given the greatest support. The author also recommends: Unanswered questions surround the suicide of Australian paramedic Tony Jenkins [6 September 2018] Paramedics suicide points to crisis in Australian ambulance services [9 July 2018] PART ONE | PART TWO | PART THREE | PART FOUR | PART FIVE | PART SIX This is the fourth in a series of articles published by the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka to mark the 50th anniversary of its foundation in June 1968. Established as the Revolutionary Communist League (RCL), the Sri Lankan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), it was renamed the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in 1996. A statement has been published to mark the RCLs founding congress on June 1617, 1968. These articles elaborate the RCLs principled foundations and draw the essential political lessons from the struggle for these principles over the past 50 years. The RCL was founded on the program and perspective of socialist internationalism that the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, which claimed to be a Trotskyist party, had betrayed by entering the bourgeois government of Madam Sirima Bandaranaike in 1964. Central to the work of the SEP has been the fight for Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution, which established that in countries of a belated capitalist development only the working class is capable of leading the struggle for the basic democratic and social rights of the workers and rural toilers as part of the fight for socialism internationally. These lessons are critical for the emerging struggles of the working class, not only in Sri Lanka, but throughout Asia and the world. The political struggle of the Revolutionary Communist League (RCL), the forerunner of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), against the Lanka Sama Samaja Partys (LSSP) historic betrayal in 1964 took its sharpest form in the fight against the second coalition government. The LSSP came to power a second time in 1970 as part of a coalition led by the bourgeois Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and including the Stalinist Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL). The next seven years of coalition rule, far from proving to be in any sense progressive, paved the way for pro-market restructuring and the communal civil war that was to devastate the island from 1983. The RCL waged a consistent struggle, under difficult conditions, against the coalition government led by Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike, and particularly the LSSP, which continued to dishonestly trade on its previous Trotskyist record. In doing so, the RCL upheld Leon Trotskys theory of Permanent Revolution, which demonstrated the inability of the bourgeoisie to fulfill the democratic aspirations and social needs of working people. The party fought for the political independence of the working class from all factions of the bourgeoisie in the struggle for a workers and peasants government and socialist policies. The coalition came to power amid an international wave of revolutionary upheavals during the period 19681975, including the French general strike of MayJune 1968, the urban riots in US cities, Italys hot autumn of strikes in 1969 and the fall of dictatorships in Greece, Spain and Portugal. This upsurge was betrayed by the Social Democrats, Stalinists and trade unions, aided and abetted by the Pabloite revisionists, who had abandoned the principles of Trotskyism in the 1953 split in the Fourth International. This crisis was acute in the Indian sub-continent, including in Sri Lanka where there was a marked rise in working class struggles and rural unrest. Amid widespread hostility to the openly right-wing United National Party (UNP), the coalition government was installed in 1970 in a bid to contain the movement of the working class. After a crucial clarification of its political line during the 1970 election, the RCL advanced the tactical demand for the LSSP and CPSL to break from the bourgeois coalition and fight for a workers and peasants government to implement socialist policies. The RCLs principled line was vehemently opposed by Pabloite groups such as the LSSP (R) and the Revolutionary Workers Party (RWP). Thulsiri Andradi, an RWP leader, denounced the RCL for encouraging illusions in the LSSP and CPSL. In reality, under conditions in which workers still had considerable illusions, particularly in the LSSP, the demand that it break with the SLFP exposed the LSSPs role as the defender of this bourgeois party and its anti-working class program. The Historical and International Foundations of the Socialist Equality Party explained: The RCLs demand was not aimed at promoting these parties, but rather at breaking their grip over socialist-minded layers of the working class who still grudgingly looked to the LSSP and CP for leadership the left-sounding denunciation [of this demand] was, in fact, an evasion of the essential political task of exposing the LSSP and CP and thus left workers in the hands of these parties. The duplicity of the LSSP (R) and RWP was revealed in their opposition to any political struggle in the trade unions against the LSSP. LSSP (R) leader Bala Tampoe, who also led the Ceylon Mercantile Union (CMU), advocated union militancy but insisted on no politics in the unions as it would affect the unity of the struggle. In reality, no politics in the unions meant no revolutionary politics. The appeal for unity was not for a unified struggle of workers against the coalition government, but a unified struggle of union bureaucrats to prevent such a fight. Tampoe and Andradi were deeply hostile to anything that might disrupt their opportunist relations with the LSSP and CPSL. The ruthless character of the Coalition government was demonstrated in its bloody repression of the ill-conceived uprising in 1971 led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in which an estimated 15,000 Sinhala rural youth were slaughtered and many more jailed indefinitely. Despite its fundamental political differences with the JVP, the RCL waged a protracted campaign, detailed in Part Three, to demand the release of political prisoners In the wake of the JVP uprising, the Bandaranaike government turned further to the right, whipping up Sinhala communalism to divide workers and youth, and to shore up its base among the Sinhala petty bourgeoisie. LSSP leader Colvin R. de Silva was responsible for drawing up a new communal constitution that enshrined Buddhism as the state religion and Sinhala as the state language. Its discriminatory measures against Tamils set in motion processes, detailed in the next part of this series, that would engulf the island in a disastrous civil war. Divisive Sinhala chauvinism, along with police-state repression, were the governments reactionary tools in confronting the rising working-class unrest. In August-September 1972, strikes erupted among irrigation technicians and bank workers over pay. More than 200,000 plantation workers stopped work demanding shorter working hours. On August 30, the ruling coalition announced that it would take strict action against any move to undermine countrys economy. The RCL responded by issuing a statement in August 1972 declaring: The main issue in this [working-class] militancy is the inability to resolve any problems of the working class without defeating capitalist rulethat is, no single right of the working class can be defended without bringing a government of workers and peasants to power. The LSSP (R) refused to mobilise the industrial strength of its unions to defend the striking workers. Its leader, Bala Tampoe, appealed to the government for effective talks with the Ceylon Bank Employees Union (CBEU) and other unions, even as it was moving to crush the strike. The RCL opposed the LSSP (R) and won a significant following amongst bank workers. Encouraged by the treachery of the LSSP (R), the government used essential services orders to sack striking irrigation technical officers and illegalised the plantation strike. LSSP leader and finance minister, N.M. Perera, broke the 108-day bank strike by sacking all state bank employees. The RCL took a principled stand against the new communal constitution and upheld the democratic rights of Tamils. The Government Printers Union, at the initiative of RCL members who were in the unions leadership, passed a resolution denouncing the new constitution. The LSSP reacted by expelling the printers union from its Government Workers Federation, but was forced to back down when the RCL campaigned against the decision. The coalition government responded to the oil price shocks and recession by attacking the living conditions of workers and the rural masses. Finance Minister Perera rigidly regulated economic activity through import controls, a wage freeze, and limits on the distribution of essential items, such as rice, sugar and flour. In the plantations, workers faced rampant unemployment and underemployment, and hundreds of deaths through starvation were reported. As unrest developed, the LSSP and CPSL trade unions launched a bogus 28 demands movement that made futile appeals to the very government of which these parties were part. When the LSSP announced a demonstration in Colombo on November 16, 1974, Prime Minister Bandaranaike, who was in Moscow at the time, imposed a curfew and banned the protest. SLFP and UNP thugs beat up LSSP union leaders. Others were arrested by police. Amid sharp differences in the ruling coalition over economic policy, Bandaranaike dismissed LSSP ministers from her cabinet in September 1975 and took the first steps towards opening up Sri Lanka to foreign investment. The LSSP leaders criticised Bandaranaike, but their speeches were an indictment of their claims a decade earlier that the SLFP was moving in a socialist direction. The LSSP quit the government, but the Stalinist CPSL clung to the coalition until 1977. The RCL carefully analyzed the intense political crisis and intervened in the growing movement of the working class by calling for the overthrow of the coalition government and the establishment a workers and peasants government. As a result, the RCL won strong support among workers, youth and the rural poor who saw it as the only party fighting for socialism. It was able to establish significant factions amongst workers in the railways, banks, the central bank, the education sector and at the Thulhiriya textile factory, as well as Tamil workers in the islands north, including at the Ceynor factory. Such were the concerns in ruling circles that Bandaranaike publicly attacked the RCL as a terrorist organisation in a parliamentary speech on November 26, 1975. The RCL countered the governments attempted witch-hunt by launching a public campaign under the slogan Hands off the RCL. The government tried to sabotage RCL influence in workplaces. In March 1976, it sacked 22 union activists, including seven RCL members, for leading a strike at the Thulhiriya textile factory. However, a vigorous RCL campaign forced the government to reinstate all the dismissed unionists. The upsurge in strikes reached a crescendo in December 1976 when a stoppage at the Ratmalana railway workshops quickly spread to other public sectors and developed into a general strike. The LSSP, CPSL, LSSP (R) and the trade unions played the critical role in saving the government by blocking the RCLs struggle to develop this determined offensive of the working class into a political struggle for power. The general strike was defeated but such was the hostility to the coalition government that it was ousted in the 1977 elections. The betrayal of the general strike by the LSSP, CPSL and LSSP (R) enabled the right-wing UNP under the leadership of J.R. Jayawardene to come to office with a five-sixths parliamentary majority. So reviled was the LSSP that it lost all of its seats. The next four decades thoroughly confirmed the correctness of the RCLs fight against the coalition politics of the LSSP. The Jayawardene government dumped the previous policies of national economic regulation and enabled international finance capital to transform Sri Lanka into a cheap labor platform. This was part of a global counter-offensive against the working class following the upheavals of 196875. Sri Lanka was among the first in the world to carry out the agenda of free-market restructuring, privatisation and the destruction of social services. The UNP also accelerated the destruction of democratic rights through a new constitution in 1978 that established an executive presidency with sweeping powers. In 1980, the government, relying on the perfidy of the LSSP, CPSL and LSSP (R), sacked 100,000 public sector workers who were striking for decent wages. The UNPs anti-Tamil provocations culminated in a bloody pogrom in 1983 that triggered the islands protracted civil war. The degeneration of the LSSP accelerated in wake of the 1977 defeat. It adapted to the Jayawardene government, helped it suppress the struggles of the working class and supported the communal war throughout. Today the LSSP is an empty shell with no significant base in the working class. The party that once had a mass following in the working class today functions as little more than a faction of the bourgeois SLFP. The LSSP (R) and RWP disintegrated without a trace. While these parties opposed the LSSPs betrayal in 1964, they did not break with the Pabloite United Secretariat and its opportunist politics. Following the LSSPs catastrophic election defeat in 1977, a grouping of LSSP leaders broke away to found the Nava Sama Samaja Party (NSSP) in 1978, which was soon enlisted by the United Secretariat as its Sri Lankan section. The NSSP leaders, who had remained in the LSSP throughout all of its treacherous twists and turns, never broke with the politics of coalitionismthat is, of class collaboration. During the past 40 years, the NSSP has allied itself at different periods with the SLFP, the JVP and is currently a mouthpiece for the right-wing UNP. Colombo is currently wracked by an acute political crisis amid continuing bitter infighting between the UNP and its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, on the one hand, and President Maithripala and former President Mahinda Rajapakse and a splintered SLFP on the other. All of the so-called left groupingsthe LSSP, the NSSP and the NSSP-breakaway, the United Socialist Partyhave aligned themselves, directly or indirectly, with one or other of these two right-wing, bourgeois parties, which are both committed to imposing the IMFs austerity agenda on workers and the poor. Workers and youth need to draw the necessary political lessons from the bitter strategic experiences of the past period and make a complete break with the disastrous politics of class collaborationism. The only means for defending even the most basic democratic and social rights is through the independent political mobilisation of the working class, at the head of rural masses, in the fight for a workers and peasants government to implement socialist policies. The RCL/SEP, the Sri Lankan section of International Committee of the Fourth International, is the only party that has consistently fought for these principles, having drawn the necessary conclusions from LSSPs betrayal in 1964. The German news magazine Der Spiegel has published numerous reports in recent years, which were entirely fictitious. The editors of Germanys most widely-read weekly news magazine were forced to make this disclosure last week. According to the latest issue of the magazine, one of its writers, Claas Relotius, has manipulated his own stories to a large extent and told beautifully made fairy tales. Truth and lies were mixed together in his texts. Some of his stories were complete inventions, and others tarted up in part with doctored quotes and other types of factual distortion. Der Spiegel, according to its own admission, has published 55 original texts by Relotius, many of which are wholly or partially invented, falsified, fake. Born in 1985, the journalist had been working for Der Spiegel for seven years, the last one-and-a-half years as a full-time editor. He has also written articles for numerous other German publications, including Cicero, taz, Die Welt, SZ-Magazin, Weltwoche, ZEIT online, ZEIT Wissen, Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung and Neue Zurcher Zeitung am Sonntag. The 33-year-old Relotius was regarded as a star journalist and received numerous prizes for his reports, including the Peter Scholl-Latour Prize and Konrad-Duden, Kindernothilfe, Catholic and Coburg Media Prizes. CNN named him Journalist of the Year. He also received the Reemtsma Liberty Award, the European Press Prize and was on the Forbes list of 30 under 30--Europe: Media. Der Spiegel has responded to the revelation that it is responsible for the distribution of massive amounts of fake news with a mixture of admission of guilt, self-pity and attempts to shift the blame. The editorial staff presents itself as the innocent victim of an impostor and solemnly promises to wipe its slate clean. Der Spiegels latest edition dedicates 24 pages and a cover photo to the Relotius affair. In it, the editorial board declares: This house is shocked. The worst that could happen to an editorial team has happened to us. Were going to turn every stone upside down and have created a commission that will thoroughly check the Relotius case, as well as anything else that might come up. In fact, the fake reports of Relotius were not hard to uncover. Another Spiegel employee, Juan Moreno, conducted a thorough research effort that exposed Relotius lies, but when he warned Spiegel editors, he met with a wall of rejection. In the dispute surrounding Relotius, Moreno risked his own job, researching his colleague on his own time, desperate, and all at his own expense, Spiegel editor-in-chief Ullrich Fichtner admits. For three or four weeks, Moreno went through hell, because colleagues and supervisors in Hamburg did not initially believe his allegations. Moreno had his suspicions long before Relotius started working for Der Spiegel. As he reports in the new edition, he had read an article by Relotius about the supposedly first tax adviser in Socialist Cuba, which claimed that shoe shiners were lining up to seek his advice. So, once again, shoe shiners have tax problems, and this is in Cuba!, Moreno describes his reaction and concludes: Anyone reading a Claas Relotius text today will wonder how stupid Der Spiegel and all the prize juries must have been to believe such nonsense. Four years ago the Swiss magazine NZZ folio had already terminated its collaboration with Relotius, after bizarre contradictions surfaced in a report he wrote about Finland. One can only conclude from this that Der Spiegel, the other newspapers and the prize juries published and rewarded Relotius forgeries because he was writing what they wanted to hear. His lies fit into their official narrative, reinforcing the propaganda of the ruling elites. Josef Joffe, longtime co-editor of Die Zeit and notorious for his own vile propaganda articles, openly admits this in a post for Politico. He writes: In Relotius case, another, a more insidious dynamic may have been at workthe unarticulated expectations of editors as they send off their reporters, and their anticipation the reported piece that comes back will confirm what they already know to be true. A glance at some of Relotius reports, which according to Der Spiegel are based on falsifications, confirm this. Factually they are as fantastic as Grimms fairy tales, but fit in well with official foreign policy and militarist propaganda. In February 2017, Der Spiegel published Lion cubs, a reportage by Relotius on two brothers aged 12 and 13, who were kidnapped, tortured, indoctrinated and then sent to Kirkuk with explosive vests by the Islamic State. Although the text is, according to Der Spiegel, a particularly repellent example of Relotius fakes, it goes on to praise the article even now. In such texts, the present is reduced to a readable format, the broad sweep of contemporary history is tangible and suddenly the big picture is understandable from a human perspective, writes editor-in-chief Ullrich Fichtner. Anyone with access to such material as a reporter, and who has a talent for dramaturgy, can spin gold out of it like in the fairy tale. Relotius has the talent. He invents the material. He presented one of the best stories of the past few years, a masterpiece. He blinded everyone. Chief editors, department heads, archivist, colleagues, journalism students and friends. Various juries consisting of bishops and entrepreneurs, human rights activists and media professionals, politicians and patrons were ecstatic about his texts, and rightly so: they were frequently terrific and beautiful. If Der Spiegel were honest, it would have to admit that the assorted bishops and entrepreneurs, human rights activists, media professionals, politicians and patrons were ecstatic about Relotius articles because they fit in seamlessly with the official war propaganda that seeks to defend imperialist military interventions and crimes in Iraq and Syria under the mantle of the struggle for democracy and human rights. Relotius report is not only false on an empirical level because he freely invented events, individuals, and dialogues, he also falsified the context, background and causes of the catastrophe in the Middle East that has driven millions of people either to their deaths or in flight from their homelands. Relotius remains an amateur in this regard. His exposure is so embarrassing for Der Spiegel and the rest of the media because he was working with crude falsifications while they do the same but somewhat more subtly. At a time when the left-wing and the socialist press is regularly denounced as fake news and censored on the internet, the Spiegel scandal has led many people to realise that they are being deceived, manipulated and duped by the mainstream media. Another of many examples of how Relotius reinforced officially propagated prejudices was his reportage In a Small Town, published by Der Spiegel in March 2017. He portrayed the inhabitants of Fergus Falls in Minnesota, who in their majority voted for Donald Trump, as primitive country bumpkins. The story was subsequently thoroughly checked by two residents of the town over a period of one-and-a-half years and exposed as a work of complete fiction. For their part, the editors at Der Spiegel had no problem with the article. Once again, the forgery suitably served official propaganda. The complex realityin particular, the anti-working class and militaristic policies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, which made Trumps electoral victory possibleis left out. Instead, Trumps voters are universally portrayed as a backward, reactionary mass. It is no coincidence that Relotius was awarded a journalistic post at Der Spiegel. The news magazine has repeatedly published aggressive campaigns in the interest of German imperialism, disguised as reports. In February 2014, Dirk Kurbjuweit, now deputy editor at the magazine, published the article Culpability Question Divides Historians Today, aimed at playing down the crimes committed by German imperialism during the First and Second World Wars in order to support the revival of German militarism. Later, Der Spiegel participated in the campaign against the Trotskyist youth organization, the IYSSE, which had criticised this articleand in particular the statement by historian Jorg Baberowksi: Hitler was not vicious. In its university edition and on Spiegel Online, Sebastian Kempkens fiercely denounced the IYSSE without even seeking to substantiate his allegations. Gutter journalism in the service of German imperialism, we commented at the time. In July 2014, Der Spiegel appeared with a front cover fuelling the campaign for war against Russia. In huge print it demanded Stop Putin Now! surrounded by a gallery of private photos showing the victims of flight MH 17 shot down over Ukraine. Up to today there is no conclusive evidence to indicate that Russia was responsible for shooting down the plane. Based on its record and the latest revelations, the magazines claim that it had been deceived by Relotius and has remained committed to the truth and to Der Spiegels journalistic ideal Say what is lies in tatters. Earlier this year, NASA announced plans to build a Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, which is slated to be humanitys tenth space station and the first that will orbit the Moon. The Gateway is projected to be operational by the mid-2020s, with the first initial component of the outpost ready to launch in 2022. Congress has already provided $504 million for the initial planning and design of the space station and the project, if it goes forward, is estimated to cost $3 billion a year. NASA is promoting the Gateway as a lunar-orbiting station with scientific instruments attached externally as well as internally in order to conduct scientific experiments, control lunar rovers, or even act as a jumping off point for further ventures into space, including possible launches towards deep space. I envision different partners, both international and commercial, contributing to the gateway and using it in a variety of ways with a system that can move to different orbits to enable a variety of missions, said William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington, earlier this year. The gateway could move to support robotic or partner missions to the surface of the moon, or to a high lunar orbit to support missions departing from the gateway to other destinations in the solar system. Whatever its potential achievements, however, the development of the Gateway cannot be seen outside the context of the plan to create a Space Force as the sixth branch of the US military and the growing militarization of space in general. When US President Donald Trump announced his intent to form the Space Force in June, he made it clear that the move was part of the war plans directed against Russia and China. Our destiny beyond the Earth is not only a matter of national identity but a matter of national security, Trump declared, adding that the United States should not have China and Russia and other countries leading us. He further emphasized, It is not enough to merely have an American presence in space; we must have American dominance in space. House Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin, a Texas Republican, echoed the national-chauvinist line of Trump, declaring, Under the presidents leadership, we are now on the verge of a new generation of American greatness and leadership in spaceleading us to once again launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. The Gateway would inevitably be a part of these efforts. A US space station orbiting the Moon immediately raises the possibility of policing of the space between Earth and the Moon, whether by manned or unmanned vehicles. These in turn would need a broader support network of spy satellites and other infrastructure necessary for such an undertaking, including space-based weapons. It would no doubt also be used as an attempt to counter the influence of China, which is currently planning on building its own base on the surface of the Moon. It is not far-fetched to consider a freedom of navigation provocation, like those conducted repeatedly by the US military in the South China Sea, carried out against Chinese vessels in space. The Gateway might also be used as the pretext for attacking a craft that simply went too close to the station, violating its territorial waters, so to speak. Any of these could be used to start a war. Such moves in the direction of new wars of aggression came into sharp focus when Trump announced the unilateral US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia, which prohibited Washington and Moscow from developing short- and medium-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The withdrawal will set the stage for a further development of the US nuclear arsenal. It also poses the possibility of placing strategic weapons in space, perhaps even as part of the proposed space station. The Gateway has also drawn criticism from scientists and astronauts who oppose the project as a drain on the already limited resources for space exploration. While the total cost of the Gateway is not fully worked out, it is already known that it will take twenty launches from currently available rockets to get the planned modules for the station to the Moon. This would eliminate twenty launches that could otherwise be dedicated to different unmanned interplanetary missions. While this could be reduced to as little as four if the Gateway was built with either NASAs Space Launch System or SpaceXs Super Heavy Starship, neither of those rocket designs have yet to be built. Opponents of the Gateway have also pointed out that, unlike the currently operational International Space Station (ISS), because there are no agreements to share any benefits that might be gained from the Gateway, there are no cost-sharing agreements for the stations operation. If US unilateralism on trade is an example of what will be demanded in space, then other nations will probably stick to the ISS or even begin developing their own, similar projects, with the same inherent risksthe danger of disaster in space and war on Earth. It is also not clear that the Gateway would actually be a stepping stone to missions elsewhere in the Solar System. To arrive at the station, a spacecraft would have to enter orbit around the Moon, which costs fuel. As of now, a trip to the surface of the Moon that first stopped at the Gateway would require thirty percent more fuel. A trip to an asteroid, Mars or elsewhere faces similar problems. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested five workers at three Mexican restaurants in Northern Indiana during coordinated raids on December 13. The action was the latest in the Trump administrations war against immigrant workers. It was the second raid in the region in 2018 after nine people were arrested in Elkhart, Fort Wayne and South Bend in March. At Mexico Lindo restaurant in Portage, three workers were taken away while an additional two were taken from a second location in Knox. Another raid took place in East Chicago, however no details have been made public. Among the four men and one woman abducted by federal agents was a single mother of three, a father, whose son witnessed the raid, and restaurant owner Jesus Cabrera. Last week, over 100 people attended a rally in Portage in support of those who had been detained. The father of one worker told the Chicago Tribune of the effect this has had on his family and grandchildren, It has affected my granddaughters. They are asking for their dad. We cant give them answers because of this illegal injustice they have done. All they want is to have their family together. This is not right. We have to stop this. At least 3,500 workers were arrested in raids in 2018 according to a review of recent ICE press releases. The actual number is higher as this only includes cases the agency felt were worth bragging about. Most notably absent was a raid at an Ohio meatpacking plant in which 146 workers were arrested. Leslie Esquivel, a DACA recipient who attended the rally in Portage, echoed the fears felt by many immigrants. Speaking to the NWI Times she noted, What I am most afraid of is coming home and my parents will have been deported. Another worker, Guillermo Marin, defended the arrested workers, noting that they were only trying to provide for their families. The raids are an attempt to divide the working class and suppress opposition in a region that has seen an uptick in class militancy in the last few months. At Lear Corporation, an auto parts plant in Portage, the workers twice voted down a concessions contract. It wasnt until the third vote that the contract passed by a razor-thin 50.8 percent margin. Furthermore 30,000 US Steel and ArcelorMittal workers at mills in Portage and East Chicago voted unanimously earlier this year to authorize a strike. In defiance of the workers militancy, the union, United Steel Workers, refused to call a strike. The union worked to isolate workers by first pushing through a contract with US Steel and then ArcelorMittal. The Rally Against ICE at Mexico Lindo Restaurant was called by a coalition of activists known as NWI Resistance. NWI Resistance has held protests against the use of Gary, Indianas airport for Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) flights and receives support from the local chapters of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the International Socialist Organization (ISO). In August, CBP opened a new facility at the underutilized Gary airport for the dual purpose of deporting workers and also allowing private charter flights to clear customs without having to go through one of Chicagos more congested airports. About 100,000 people a year are deported on such flights with detainees from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky being flown from Gary. Ruth Needleman, co-coordinator of NWI Resist, professor emerita of Labor Studies at Indiana University and a long-time Gary, Indiana resident told WBEZ 91.5 Chicago, The airport used to only go to Brownsville, Texas. Then they opened the Customs building staffed on call by only Chicago workers. So, one of our problems with all these deportations is, besides the inhumanity of them, all the jobs are going to people in Illinois and all the heartache is being left in Indiana. To argue in one breath for the defense of the rights of non-native born workers and in the next to complain that the airport jobs are going to out of state workers is indicative of the political bankruptcy of the Democratic Party and their pseudo-left apologists such as the ISO and DSA which have also participated in and promoted these rallies. Whether they were born in Illinois, Indiana, Mexico, or anywhere else, workers have the right to good paying jobs and the right to work and travel without fear of deportation or repression. ICE cannot truly be abolished without mobilizing the entire working class against the capitalist state and its institutions, including the Democratic Party. Absent a genuine socialist program, ICE will simply be rebranded or combined with another agency. At the rally, a local United Auto Workers (UAW) union official from the nearby Chicago Assembly Plant, Scott Houldieson, spoke to show solidarity with the people who have been suffering by the hands of this administration. The UAW, however, engages in the same nationalism that is being whipped up by the Trump administration. In response to General Motors announcement of its plans to close factories in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland and Ontario, the UAW and its Canadian counterpart UNIFOR have begged GM to instead close plants in Mexico. Furthermore, leading progressive Democratic party figures such as Bernie Sanders have no problem with President Trumps economic nationalist policies. The Democrats have frequently offered to work with an administration which dispatched the military to the Mexico border with orders to shoot anyone that throws a rock at them, in order to establish strong border security. In 2018, as part of the Trump administrations effort to whip up a nationalistic and anti-immigrant fervor, Homeland Security Investigations opened 6,848 worksite investigations compared to 1,691 in 2017; initiated 5,981 I-9 audits compared to 1,360; and made 779 criminal and 1,525 administrative worksite-related arrests compared to 139 and 172, respectively; all of these categories surged by 300 to 750 percent over the previous fiscal year. The World Socialist Web Site spoke with federal workers who expressed their outrage and disgust with both parties. One worker who wished to be unidentified said: Federal employees are tired of being used as pawns in political infighting. Ive worked for the government eight years and have experienced government shutdowns almost every year. Its nerve-racking. I especially feel horrible for the employees who will have their paychecks delayed right around the holidays. Politicians think this is a game and dont consider the livelihoods of federal employees. Drew, an environmental engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency, told the WSWS: There are a lot of people in my office, myself included, who cant afford to miss a paycheck. If were furloughed in January, theres a chance we might not get paid at all. Ive got to write my landlord and my daughters daycare and explain why Ill be late. I have no idea what theyll say. My wife has also put off a trip to see her mom, whos been sick, til we know when the next paycheck will arrive. But you know what, despite all this I would be okay with the shutdown if it meant a real fight against Trumps attack on immigrants. Many of my colleagues are immigrants themselves or know people whose lives have been turned upside down. Some of us also see firsthand in our work how immigrant communities and other layers of the highly exploited suffer the worst effects of environmental pollution. They often live close to toxic waste sites, are exposed to high levels of lead in their schools and work near air pollution hot spots. However, since I started as a federal worker under the Obama administration, Ive seen how the Democrats are just as eager as the Republicans to victimize and scapegoat undocumented immigrants. The border is already a place where all rights are suspended. Millions have already been deported. This shutdown is a sideshow. I havent heard a peep from the union about the shutdown, not even to complain about the near-total blackout of information from EPA leadership. Not that I expect anything else. I remember prior to the long shutdown of the Obama administration they did absolutely nothing to organize workers to fight back. The only thing they did do was give us some condescending advice on how to buy cheaper Christmas presents. I also recall clearly how they lobbied Congress, arguing that well-educated federal employees shouldnt be treated like Walmart workersimplying that we were somehow better and deserved to be treated with more respect. What a load of garbage! If anything, our experience over the last few years shows that we're just as expendable; that were all in the same boat. Our real allies are those who are also being exploited, not the millionaires who line the halls of Congress. Benyamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he will dissolve Parliament and hold early elections on April 9, instead of November as required by law, precipitating a short election campaign by Israeli standards. It follows the decision of the State Prosecutors Office on December 19 to recommend charging him with bribery on two counts. This, along with similar recommendations by the Tax Authority prosecutors and the police, makes it almost inevitable that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who as a friend of Netanyahu has long stalled on the issue, will press charges. The resignation of Defence Minister and Israel Beiteinu (Israel is Our Home) Party leader Avigdor Lieberman last month that left Netanyahus fractious Likud-led coalition with a one-seat majority made an early election all but certain. Lieberman had resigned in protest, amid furious denunciations by Netanyahus fascistic coalition partners of the most right-wing Prime Minister in Israels 70-year history for being too soft on Gaza, in the wake of Netanyahus agreement to a ceasefire there with Hamas, the bourgeois Islamist group that controls the impoverished Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory. While the polls have long given Netanyahu and his Likud party a clear lead over his rivals, Netanyahu sought to use what little time he had left to choose the date that would give him maximum advantage. Determined not to be outdone by his right-wing partners, Netanyahu sought to present himself as Mr. Security, dispatching the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)amid a fanfare of publicityto blow up some abandoned tunnels under Israels northern border built by Hezbollah, the militant Shiite group that has significant support in Lebanon, and whose existence had long been known. Earlier this month, he authorized a series of provocative military operations following a drive-by shooting of Israeli settlers on the Palestinian West Bank that led to the death of six Palestinians and the arrest of at least 100 more in protests that erupted over Israeli brutality in Nablus, Tulkarem, Ramallah, Hebron and al-Bireh. Netanyahu followed up this brutal crackdown with a pledge to his right-wing base to expand the settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed illegally after seizing it during the 1967 June war. He announced his intention to legalise thousands of homes built in settlement outposts in the West Bank, previously deemed illegal under Israeli law, while going ahead with plans to redefine Jerusalems borders to exclude Palestinian residents. Similarly, Israels water authorities announced plans to build a water pipeline across southwest Nablus that will disrupt Palestinian agricultural land and is undoubtedly part of a scheme to form a large settlement bloc separating Nablus from Ramallah in the West Bank. After dragging his feet for months on investigations that appear, on the basis of tapes released thus far, to demonstrate open and shut cases of bribery, State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan finally recommended the prime minister be charged with bribery in two of the four cases that have been under scrutiny for years, known as 4000 and 2000. The tapes provide a revealing insight into the nature of Israeli politics and the way that political influence and favours are bought and sold at the expense of the broader public in what Israeli politicians like to claim is the only democracy in the Middle East. The more important case is Case 4000, also known as the Bezeq affair, which relates to allegations that the telecoms billionaire Shaul Elovitch gave Netanyahu favorable coverage on his Walla news website in exchange for regulatory favours. Case 2000 relates to Netanyahus ultimately unsuccessful attempts to strike a deal for more favorable coverage with Arnon Mozes, publisher of the daily Yedioth Ahronoth, in exchange for hurting its rival freesheet, Israel Hayom, a pro-Netanyahu newspaper founded and financed by US casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson. For years, Netanyahu, the ultimate cynical politician, had dismissed the allegations, claiming they were a left-wing conspiracy against him and that there was nothing to answer. But now, with the announcement that the State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan is to recommend charges, implying that the Attorney General would in turn announce his decision to prosecute sometime in the first quarter of 2019, far from resigning from office, Netanyahu has arrogantly advanced the election to the earliest possible date. In so doing, he is banking on his longtime friend and supporter Avichai Mandelblit withholding any decision to charge him with corruption until after the election so as not to be seen as trying to influence voters. While he will have to fight the election under a cloud, this is preferable to doing so as an indicted crook and corrupt politician. But on the other hand, should Mandelblit decide to press charges before the election, Netanyahu will refuse to resign. His right-ring allies will in all likelihood make a martyr of him and claim he is the victim of a deep-state putsch. Should he go on to win the election despite the indictment, Netanyahu will take it as a mandate to strengthen his own position and purge the legal apparatus in such a way as to enable him to get off scot-free. He has form on this. His government has introduced a raft of reactionary laws that undermine freedom to criticize Israel policies, including outlawing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS) and targeting left-wing NGOs, while the Nakba Law grants the finance minister the power to impose harsh fines on government-funded organizations that budget expenses for commemorating Independence Day as a day of mourning. The recent nation-state lawwhich, as a basic law, has constitutional statusenshrines Jewish supremacy as the legal foundation of the state at the expense of Israels Palestinian citizens, as part the Zionist states determination to build an ethno-centrist society by means of apartheid-style oppression of the Palestinian people. Netanyahus Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked of the fascistic HaBayit HaYehudi (The Jewish Home) has made it her stated aim to limit the power of Israels judiciary, while strengthening the influence of both the executive and the Knesset (parliament) over the courts. Naftali Bennett, leader of Jewish Home and a key rival of Netanyahu, wants to free the IDF of all legal constraints, declaring that the IDF soldiers fear legal action more than Hamas, and that they cannot properly defend its citizens when their hands are tied by legalized thinking. Netanyahu has forged alliances with far-right, authoritarian parties and their leaders in Europe, including Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, forgiven Polands government for the repudiation of Polands role in the extermination of European Jews in the Nazi concentration camps and welcomed Italys Interior Minister and Lega leader Matteo Salvini, who openly admires fascist leader Benito Mussolini, as well as President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. It is no accident that every one of them has scant regard for democratic norms and freedom of the judiciary. Anti-democratic measures in support of Israels financial and corporate elites and their political representatives are on the agenda today precisely because the country is wracked by social tensions. It has the highest poverty rate of any of the so-called developed countries and the most extreme social inequality, with the exception of the United States, leading to mounting working class protests and strikes, including a recent nationwide walkout by social workers over poor pay and deteriorating working conditions. Last week, as reports emerged of rising prices for basic commodities such as water, electricity and food that have followed hard on the heels of price hikes in gas and cellphone charges, insurance and property tax, hundreds of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Israels largest city and commercial capital, for the second Saturday in a row, alongside similar demonstrations over the weekend in several countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Tunisia and Jordan. Wearing yellow vests, they were protesting the price hikes, setting the stage for a three-month campaign amid rising class struggles. The Israeli government is continuing its ferocious campaign of censorship and repression aimed at anyone who dares criticise its policies. At a German-Israeli government consultation meeting in early October, ultra-right Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany with a letter calling on her government to stop financial support for the Jewish Museum Berlin. The museum was accused of anti-Israel activities because it had sought, among various other activities, to engage in dialogue with Muslims and other religious communities. The Jewish Museum, opened in 2001 and housed in a spectacular building designed by Jewish Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind, documents the centuries of Jewish culture in Germany that the Nazis tried to wipe out. It also organises eyewitness talks with Holocaust survivors, awards prizes for tolerance and civil courage, and seeks to instil a comprehension of the consequences of anti-Semitism and the crimes of the Nazis in its many visitors and countless school classes. It is one of the most popular museums in the German capital and throughout Germany. By the end of 2016 the museum had attracted nearly 11 million visitors. Netanyahus letter states: The Jewish Museum in Berlin, which is not affiliated to the Jewish community, often hosts events and discussions with prominent BDS [the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which calls for a boycott of Israel until it meets its obligations under international law] representatives. In addition, the museum has been staging an exhibition entitled Welcome to Jerusalem, which, according to the Israeli government letter, focuses on the Palestinian narrative. In addition to the Jewish Museum, the letter attacks about a dozen other organisations and institutions that criticise the policies of the Netanyahu government, reject the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, promote dialogue between Jews and Palestinians, or merely provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians. It calls on the German government to stop providing financial support for these allegedly anti-Israeli organisations. They include non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and initiatives such as the German Protestant churches Bread for the World and the Catholic Churchs Misereor aid agency. Bread for the World is accused of promoting initiatives such as the Coalition of Women for Peace, which also advocates boycott actions against Israel, and supporting BTselem, an Israeli human rights organisation that seeks to end the Israeli occupation. Misereor is accused of supporting Breaking the Silence, a coalition of former soldiers who criticise the violation of human rights in the Palestinian territories. The Berlin Film Festival and the Left Partys Rosa Luxemburg Foundation are also accused of anti-Jewish activities. The document goes on to condemn the magazine +972 published by the Green Partys Heinrich Boll Foundation for allegedly opposing Israeli interests, citing writers for the magazine who have regularly accused Israel of apartheid. Also listed in the letter are funding programs of the German Foreign Office and Ministry of Development. The letter calls for the federal government to review its funding guidelines. The German support of NGOs that interfere in the internal affairs of Israel or promote anti-Israel activities, is unique. We call upon the German government to tie its financial support to a complete halt to such activities. The 7-page letter to the German Chancellery and Development Ministry was made public earlier this month, and various media outlets reported on it. The source of the letter, however, was not initially clear, because it contained neither a sender nor a signature. It has only now emerged that it was personally handed over by Netanyahu. As has been the case in earlier campaigns against opponents of Israeli occupation policy, the letter seeks to connect the organisations mentioned with the BDS movement and denounces them as anti-Semitic. For example, the Berlin Film Festival is accused of regularly hosting BDS activists as guests. The BDS campaign, which is supported by numerous artists and cultural workers, opposes the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and supports the rights of the Palestinians. It calls for a boycott of the economic, cultural and academic activities of Israel and Israeli citizens, following the precedent set against the South African apartheid regime. Opposition to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories is not anti-Semitism. Rather, it is the Netanyahu government in its struggle against the Palestinian population and the Israeli working class that relies on extreme right-wing forcesentirely in the tradition of anti-Semitism. The WSWS recently published a comment noting that Israel has become a site of pilgrimage for far-right politicians from around the world. This is so obvious that some Israeli media have referred to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial as a washing machine where right-wing extremists can cleanse themselves of charges of anti-Semitism. Ultra right-wing politicians who have recently received a red carpet welcome at the memorial include Italian interior minister Matteo Salvini, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban and his Austrian colleague Sebastian Kurz. The WSWS explained that the alliance between the Israeli state and the extreme right is not only driven by foreign policy interests: There is a natural ideological and political affinity that stems from both Israels present day political and social policies as well as the historical roots of Zionism. The extreme right admire the Zionist state for its racist policies and its determination to build an ethno-centrist society by means of the apartheid style oppression of the Palestinian people. They would like to emulate the passage last July of the so-called National State Law, enshrining Jewish supremacy as the legal foundation of the state.with their own xenophobic and racialist laws. This affinity between the extreme right and Netanyahus government has been underlined by the reaction to the Israeli letter. It has been enthusiastically greeted by the xenophobic, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which sits in the German parliament. In a guest commentary for the national-conservative Israeli media network Arutz Sheva, Petr Bystron, the AfDs chairman in the Bundestags foreign affairs committee, warned against anti-Israeli lobby groups that had allegedly infiltrated senior German government circles. They were spreading one-sided reports of human rights abuses, according to Bystron, to slander Israel as racist and as an apartheid state. Bystron claimed the AfD was the only party in Germany that opposed the supposed importation of anti-Semitism and Islamist terrorism via uncontrolled mass immigration from the Middle East. In addition, the AfD planned, he claimed, to expose the flow of money from Berlin and Brussels to the well-connected anti-Israel lobby. In fact, the very same Bystron recently took part in a trip to South Africa to participate in exercises carried out by the Suidlanders, a right-wing, white survivalist group preparing for a race war against the countrys majority black population. One can easily anticipate that Bystron and AfD party leader Alexander Gauland may also soon be on the Yad Vashem invitation list. Netanyahus attempt to squeeze off funding for the Jewish Museum plays into the hands of the far right in Germany. Memorials and museums recalling the Holocaust and Nazi crimes have always been a thorn in the side of right-wing extremists. Now the Israeli government is attacking an institution that seeks to educate millions about these crimes. Germanys grand coalition government (Christian Democratic Union, Christian Social Union and Social Democratic Party) has also proved to be a supporter and patron of the extreme right in this matter. It has declared support for the Zionist state to be part of Germanys raison detat, even in the face of the most severe human rights violations. It has subscribed to a policy that demonises any criticism of the state of Israel and its government as anti-Semitism. The German coalition government has made no criticism of Israels new racist national state law, which establishes Jewish hegemony as the legal basis of the state of Israel and officially turns Palestinians into second-class citizens. It was this silence that apparently encouraged the Israeli government to send its outrageous letter. One million people live in areas where there is no Legal Aid provision for housing, with another 15 million in areas where there is only one provider. This information was found in Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data analysed by the BBCs Shared Data Unit. Since April 2013, with the introduction of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LAPSO) (2012), large swathes of the Legal Aid system were radically changed with many cut off from access to basic democratic rights. It impacted many areas of civil law in England and Wales, with civil Legal Aid work only made available for a limited number of cases, stricter means-test criteria introduced, and automatic eligibility for those in receipt of means-tested benefits scrapped. Data compared with 2011-2012 showed that there are 1,000 fewer Legal Aid providers being paid for civil Legal Aid work, with up to a million fewer Legal Aid claims being processed each year. Wales and South Wales are now covered by just 4 Legal Aid providers, while only 41 cover London and the South East. The number of solicitors firms in the South West offering Legal Aid has fallen from 327 in 2011/2012 to 197 in 2017/2018. Richard Miller, head of justice at the Law Society, said provision of legal advice across England and Wales was disappearing, creating Legal Aid deserts. MoJ figures show that the year before LAPSO was introduced, Legal Aid was granted to 925,000 cases a year. After it came into force, this figure had dropped to 497,000 cases, a fall of 46 percent. An analysis of the figures, when broken down into specific areas of the law, show a significant impact. In 2012-2013 welfare law included 88,378 cases that received Legal Aid funding. Following LAPSO, it dropped to just 145 cases, a 99 percent reduction. Family cases fell by 60 percent and housing cases by 50 percent. The lack of Legal Aid and access to representation in the courts has resulted in a fivefold increase of people representing themselves. Volunteers from the Personal Support Unit, working to assist people in the courts, reported helping around 65,000 people last year. Just six years ago it was 10,000. There are growing concerns that some of the most vulnerable people are now representing themselves in courts and are clearly ill-equipped to do this. Rachel Francis, a barrister, explained, I have seen people in court attempting to represent themselves when they lack capacity, have very significant learning difficulties or are otherwise incapable of representing themselves effectively. Since 2011/2012, the town of Swindon has seen a fall in Legal Aid spending of 2.5 million in civil cases and a fall of 350,000 in criminal cases. These cuts have had a major impact on cases, including housing, welfare benefits, and domestic violence. Olwen Kelly, director of Swindon Womens Aid, said, Its a failure in the justice system, we are failing to protect the most vulnerable people in our society ultimately. These cuts are really biting, and the victims are paying the price for it. Cuts to Legal Aid funding disproportionately affect the poorest in society, who are often affected by issues such as poor housing, unfair welfare benefit decisions, and debtand not able to pay for legal help, or representation. The government claims that those most in need can still access free legal help through the not-for-profit sector, and via Exceptional Case Funding (ECF). ECF was set up to help provide a safety net to some of the most vulnerable people. However, these areas of legal help are not provided at an early stage when someone starts to experience problems, when many people could have had their problems resolved. According to Amnesty International, evidence suggests that ECF is failing the most vulnerable and marginalised in society. Pete Moran, head of the Cumbrian Law Centre, said, The pervading rhetoric in recent years has been about intervening early in the development of a persons socio-economic problems, before things get very difficult and more expensive to rectify, but the current system does the opposite. Its much more difficult now for people to get early advice; they have to wait until their situation becomes critical before they can access help. A good illustration of this is the problems people face when trying to challenge Housing Benefit decisions. Housing Benefit is a means-tested welfare benefit to help meet costs for rented accommodation. Following the introduction of LAPSO, Legal Aid funding for Housing Benefit cases was removed. This was critical in those cases where there was an issue with accruing rent arrears, which if resolved at an early stage of the proceedings could help to prevent possession proceedings and evictions. Cuts to Legal Aid have led to an increased demand on those agencies that are left, many of which are based in the not-for-profit sector. Though research is scant, those organisations Amnesty International spoke to report having to turn people away because they could not take on the case. The cuts have prevented agencies being able to provide advice holistically, with many people experiencing interconnected legal problems. Following the introduction of LAPSO, agencies reported that they were only able to deal with one or two issues that someone may present with, and the underlying cause of the problems was not addressed. The mental health charity Mind found that up to half of people facing legal problems, who were not entitled to legal help following the introduction of LAPSO, had mental health problems. Spending on Legal Aid has fallen by 600 million since 2013, with the number of providers falling by 1,200 for civil cases, and 800 for crime. In a March 2013 report, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers commented, Legal Aid is an essential component of a fair and efficient justice system founded on the rule of law. It is also a right in itself and an essential precondition for the exercise and enjoyment of a number of human rights, including the right to a fair trial and the right to an effective remedy. In the five years since, the vast scale of Legal Aid cuts in the UK was noted by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Philip Alston. In his report last month following a recent visit, Alston wrote, There have been dramatic reductions in the availability of Legal Aid in England and Wales since 2012 and these have overwhelmingly affected the poor and people with disabilities, many of whom cannot otherwise afford to challenge benefit denials or reductions and are thus effectively deprived of their human right to a remedy. The LASPO Actgutted the scope of cases that are handled, ratcheted up the level of means-tested eligibility criteria, and substituted telephonic for many previously face-to-face advice services. Minutes before midnight on Christmas Eve, in a rural New Mexico hospital 2,000 miles from his home in Guatemala, an eight-year-old boy named Felipe Alonzo-Gomez died in US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody. Though the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement calling the death an unfortunate incident, the boys death was the product of calculated state cruelty inflicted each day on the tens of thousands of immigrants caught crossing the US-Mexico border. Six days earlier, on December 18, Felipes long journey north came to an end when he and his father were captured in the desert west of El Paso, Texas. They were taken to the Paso Del Norte processing center, where they were placed in what is known as La Hielerathe ice boxa warehouse dungeon where temperatures are deliberately kept near freezing and prisoners are kept in cages under glaring halogen lights. Spoiled food, abusive guards and excrement-covered walls are commonplace. According to CBP, Felipe was kept in the Paso Del Norte processing center for a day and a half and was then transferred to another dungeon, the El Paso Border Patrol Station. On December 22, the El Paso station was crammed full of immigrants--many of whom were likely sick from La Hielera, the journey north and the cold December desert temperatures--and so Felipe and his father were driven 80 miles north to the Alamogordo Border Patrol Station. After six days of this, Felipe was coughing and looked seriously ill. It is unclear from official CBP reports when the boy developed his illness, but it wasnt until the morning of his death that he received any medical attention. Felipe was driven to the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center. Three hours later he was misdiagnosed as suffering from a common cold. In mid-afternoon, despite having a 103-degree fever, he was released from the hospital, given ibuprofen and amoxicillin, and driven to another holding jail on the side of the interstate highway. That evening, Felipe began to vomit uncontrollably. There were no medical staff present at the holding jail, and as Felipes condition worsened, he was transferred back to the hospital, where he lost consciousness and died. Felipe is the second Guatemalan child to die in CBP custody in recent weeks. The body of seven-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin, who died in El Paso on December 8, was buried on Christmas day in her impoverished mountainous hometown of San Antonio Secortez. Her 27-year-old mother, who is Qeqchi Mayan, was too distraught to attend. Felipe was from the municipality of Nenton, in the department Huehuetenango, located near the border between Guatemala and Mexico. Nentons poverty, which Felipe and his father sought to escape, is the product of American exploitation and imperialist plunder. Huehuetenango forms the westernmost part of what is now known as the Franja Transversal del Norte (Northern Transversal Strip), a resource-rich area in the center of the country containing the countrys wood, oil and mineral deposits. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, poor peasants in the region engaged in some of the fiercest efforts to seize farmland from the control of wealthy landowners and corporations such as the United Fruit Company. After a US-backed coup overthrew President Jacobo Arbenz in 1954, the strip, including Huehuetenango, was opened up to unprecedented levels of exploitation by American corporations. Thousands of peasants were killed to break the land movement. In the late 1970s and 1980s, when the civil war reached its most violent stage, many of the worst atrocities committed by the Guatemalan government and its CIA-backed death squads took place in Huehuetenango. One of the worst took place in Felipes home municipality. In 1999, researchers uncovered a mass grave at the San Francisco finca (land estate) in the municipality of Nenton, revealing a horrific government attack on the village as retribution for peasant land seizures. A New York Times report from 1999 describes what happened: On the morning of July 17, 1982, a convoy of army trucks made its way up a nearly impassable trail to this remote Mayan Indian hamlet and unloaded a company of troops. Soon afterward a helicopter arrived with the unit's officers. The US-trained soldiers rounded up the villagers with the promise of a feast. What happened next was an act of butchery that left all but four of the village's inhabitants dead and all the buildings razed. According to contemporary accounts by people who lived in neighboring communities, many of the women were ordered to disrobe and raped. Children were torn from mothers' arms and eviscerated with knives or beheaded with machetes. The rampaging troops killed all they foundshooting villagers, blowing up others with grenades, hacking some to death, burning some or crushing them under the walls of falling buildings. According to public records, it appears that Felipe Alonzo-Gomezs relatives may have been among the tortured and killed. Though this is difficult to verify, a list of the victims of the massacre shows that 24 members of the Gomez family and 3 members of the Alonzo family were killed. If Felipes father lived in or near Nenton at the time, he would have been roughly 11 years old. The devastating role played by American imperialism in creating the conditions from which millions are trying to escapeincluding Central Americans, Middle Easterners and North Africanshas been concealed by the political establishment in the coverage of Felipes death. The Democratic Party directs its fire against Trump not at his administrations role in killing immigrant children, but from the standpoint of demanding further intervention abroad. While the Democrats will do nothing beyond issuing a few tweets over the death of Felipe Alonzo-Gomez, they respond with fury to Trumps decision to pull soldiers out of Syria and Afghanistan. The Democratic Party and, through their silence, the pseudo-left International Socialist Organization, Jacobin magazine and Democratic Socialists of America, have portrayed the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mad Dog Mattis, the butcher of Fallujah, as the departure of the last adult in the room. The strategy of the Democrats and pseudo-left in pressing for an escalation of imperialist war will mean more US-instigated massacres, more bombings, more drone strikes, and thousands more refugees drowned in the Mediterranean en route to Europe. There can be no defense of the rights of immigrants without a fight against imperialist war and the capitalist system that is its source. Those most directly victimized by the political play-acting between the Trump White House and the Democratic Party over Trumps demand for a border wall, which has resulted in the third federal government shutdown this year, are the hundreds of thousands of federal workers who have been furloughed or forced to work without pay. The partial shutdown, which began at 12:01 AM last Saturday, is entering its sixth day with no end in sight. National Public Radio reported Wednesday, Sentiment on Capitol Hill is that the closure could continue through the middle of January It is almost certain that the lockout of 380,000 workers and payless workdays for another 420,000 employees who are deemed essential, including the bulk of border agents and FBI personnel as well as airport baggage and passenger screeners, will continue into the New Year. This means the 800,000 federal employees affected (out of a total of 2.1 million) will miss at least one paycheck. This is under conditions where 80 percent of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck and household debt rose to a record $13.5 trillion by the third quarter of this year, as stagnant wages forced workers to go deeper into debt to pay their bills. After previous shutdowns, measures were enacted providing retroactive pay to furloughed workers and those forced to work without pay, but there is no guarantee that will happen this time. Moreover, many thousands of janitors, food service workers and others who work at federal facilities are contract workers, who often have not been repaid for missed work due to shutdowns. The stalemate between the White House and the Democrats is not a principled struggle over immigration policy or any other issue. Last week, Trump reversed his previous agreement to sign a bipartisan continuing resolution that would have extended funding to nine federal departments and numerous agencies until February 8 without providing money for the wall, after he came under fierce attack from ultra-right talk radio and the far-right Republican Freedom Caucus in the House of Representatives. He decided to trigger a shutdown of the affected departments over the demand that any spending bill include $5 billion earmarked for his wall along the US-Mexico border. This was a maneuver to mobilize support from his far-right, anti-immigrant base to counter mounting legal and political threats bound up with investigations into his business affairs and the probe by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and collusion by the Trump campaign. The policy wars in Washington reached new heights when Trump announced he was withdrawing US troops from Syria and cutting the troop presence in Afghanistan in half. This prompted Defense Secretary James Mattis, the retired Marine general and butcher of Fallujah, to resign in protest. It was only then that the Democratic leadership, who joined with the bulk of the media and military/intelligence establishment in erupting in rage against any diminution of the US wars in the Middle East, dug in their heels on the border wall, declaring that they would not support any spending bill that included money for its construction. This is the same leadershipNancy Pelosi in the House of Representatives and Chuck Schumer in the Senatethat had agreed last January to give Trump $25 billion for his wall in return for limited guarantees that the so-called dreamers, undocumented immigrants protected under Obamas DACA program, would not be deported. Trump eventually rejected the deal. The supposed stalemate over the wall is, in fact, a phony war of words, with Trump agreeing to call his wall a fence and cutting back his money demand, reportedly to $2.1 billion, and the Democrats agreeing to $1.6 billion for fencing and other means to further militarize the border. In this cynical charade between two right-wing, anti-immigrant and pro-war parties, hundreds of thousands of federal workers and millions of family members and dependents, as well as the broader public, are being used as pawns. The big business politicians are aided by the federal employee unions, which are doing nothing to mobilize workers to oppose either the shutdown or Trumps fascistic attacks on immigrants. The website of the largest federal union, the American Federation of Government Employees, has a perfunctory statement appealing to all sides to come together and end the shutdown, along with calls for workers to send emails to the politicians begging them to act. Meanwhile, the anger of federal workers is growing. A Twitter platform with the hashtag #ShutDownStories exploded with activity after Trump, in a Christmas Day address to military representatives, declared that government workers support his action and are calling on him to keep the shutdown going until funding is provided for the wall. Typical are the following posts: Ive been a loyal, dedicated federal employee for almost 30 years. I love my work. I may have to terminate my husbands caregiver because its so expensive, itll rip through any savings we have very quickly. Im beside myself with worry this Christmas. Another worker tweeted: I am a single mother of 3 with no help. Not knowing if I can pay rent or feed my family next week. Daniel wrote: Broke my lease to accept new fed job for which I have to attend 7 months of training in another state. Training canceled with shutdown. Homeless. Cant afford short (?) term housing/have to work full-time for no pay/returning Xmas presents. Another post reads: I have family and friends that took back Christmas presents so they can afford rent and food once the paychecks stop. Its hella expensive to live in the DC area. Everyone I know lives paycheck to paycheck. Missed pay will decimate them. The World Socialist Web Site is pleased to announce publication of Urdu translations of four recent WSWS Perspectives. The first two Perspectives were published in November to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. They illustrate the parallels between the breakdown of world capitalism at the beginning of the last century and today, and explain that the only through the revolutionary mobilization of the international working class can imperialism be prevented from hurling humanity into an even more catastrophic conflagration. For the Urdu translation of The armistice of November 11, 1918 and the lessons for today click here; and for that of Great powers commemorate First World War, and plan the next one here. The WSWS Perspective Which way forward for Frances yellow vest protests? is also now available in Urdu; as is Washingtons censorship regime goes global: Facebook deletes WSWS post on Sri Lanka. The former can be accessed here. For the latter, click here. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WTVA) -- The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating an increase in hepatitis A cases in Jackson County, Ala. They are also concerned the outbreak may have spread to surrounding counties. Officials say those are highest risk are users of illegal drugs, homeless persons and men with same sex partners. State Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers say the investigation is in its early starges but their is an effective vaccine to reduce the risk of developing the disease. The disease can spread to unvaccinated persons if good hand-washing practices are not followed. People should also not share food, drinks, eating utensils, towels, toothbrushes, cigarettes or drug paraphenalia. Anyone in the highest risk group are encouraged to get the vaccine. People infected may not show symptoms of the illness for 15 to 50 days. They include fever, headache, fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain and nausea. For more information, visit http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/assets/hepatitisaflyer.pdfor contact the ADPH Immunization Division at (334) 206-5023 or toll free at 800-469-4599 COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) -- The Lowndes County Sheriff's Department is seeking help to identify a suspect in the Christmas Eve burglary of a convenience store. Sheriff Mike Arledge says the person broke into J.R's Texaco on Industrial Park Road during the early morning hours. He says the person broke a window in the back of the store to gain access. The suspect's picture was captured on a store surveillance camera. Arledge says the man appeared to take assorted items from inside the store. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 530-7151. A black-necked crane looks after its chicks in the Qiangtang nature reserve, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, in June of 2017. Black-necked cranes are often seen in Tibet's river valleys and the region's barley and wheat fields in winter. With an estimated population of around 10,200, the species is classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is listed among more than 90 endangered species on China's top protection list, along with the giant panda and golden monkey. (Xinhua/Chogo) LHASA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Every year, black-necked cranes arrive in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, where they are welcomed by locals and tourists. "This is the only time of the year when we can see flocks of these birds. It's spectacular!" said Toinzhub Cering, a wildlife ranger in Lhundrup County, which is about 87 miles northeast of Lhasa, Tibet's capital. Black-necked cranes are often seen in Tibet's river valleys and the region's barley and wheat fields in winter. And Toinzhub knows exactly where to find them. For ten years, the 42-year-old has patrolled the nature reserve in Lhundrup, one of the major habitats of black-necked cranes. With an estimated population of around 10,200, the species is classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is listed among more than 90 endangered species on China's top protection list, along with the giant panda and golden monkey. The black-necked crane is the most recently identified among 15 kinds of cranes worldwide. They are also the only kind that inhabits plateau areas with an altitude of 2,500-5,000 meters. Toinzhub Cering feels passionate about protecting the species and has been doing his part to help. He is always the first person to call media and authorities each year when the rare birds come and go. Now that he has learned how to use social media, he often shares photos of the cranes with his friends. Thanks to efforts made by locals and authorities, these exhausted birds, after flying for over 1,000 km, don't have to face hunger, pesticide, or poachers. Instead, they can now easily find pollutant-free highland barley and wheat left by farmers. But endangered animal protection efforts in Tibet cover more than just birds, with the Tibetan antelope also under people's watch, among other wildlife. As for damage and losses caused by such animals, residents can claim compensation from the government. Between mid-March and late April, black-necked cranes migrate to northern Tibet to reproduce in the lakeside marshes, far beyond human touch. Yet not all journeys go so well for some cranes. Wounded birds are often left behind by the flock. Two cranes with broken wings were found in Dazi County near Lhasa this spring. The local forestry authority has been caring for them ever since, and, hopes they can catch up with their flock during next year's migration. There have also been cases whereby wounded cranes have become permanent residents after recovery. Black-necked cranes mainly live in the highlands of China, India, Bhutan, and Nepal. Tibet is home to about 80 percent of the world's total. 15 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] While the two bills that sparked passionate anti-government demonstrations were signed into law by President Ader who then became the target of this years last protest rally, nationwide weeklies try to put the December protest into perspective. It its last editorial of the year, Figyelo calls on the government not to retreat in the face of demonstrations at home and criticism from abroad. The incumbent government, the editors write, has produced unprecedented economic growth and records levels of employment. By contrast, they continue, the opposition which is now staging angry rallies led the country to ruin 10 years ago and have no programme no proposals, no aims to reach, nothing but a pathetic stance. Figyelo describes the Sargentini report adopted by the European Parliament as a declaration of war on the government and Hungary. The country must defend itself against those attacks at the forthcoming European Parliamentary elections, they conclude. The editors of Magyar Narancs , on the other hand, welcome the December protests as the expression of a new opposition in the making. Sure, the protesters couldnt prevent the two laws they objected to from being enacted, the editors admit, but argue that they have nevertheless not failed. They would only fail if they stopped resisting the government. Magyar Narancs finds it particularly telling that two Jobbik MPs climbed over the fence of the public media headquarters to take food to their left-wing colleagues who were protesting inside. Hungary has now a new opposition and a promisingly young group of citizens has been showing for a week what has to be done when their homeland is taken hostage by criminals, the editors of the liberal weekly write. In Hetek, Gyorgy Kiraly suggests that the latest events have forced Fidesz to change its successful traditional attitude. It was born, and it developed in fact as an opposition party and continued to behave like one even when in government. It framed its policies in opposition to the IMF first, then to Brussels and managed to recruit new followers by doing so, especially in its campaign against illegal immigration. Meanwhile, the governing forces also behaved if they were the opposition of the opposition because the latter supported Fideszs critics within the European Union. They then reacted to demonstrations in December condemning the protesters and questioning the legality of their actions, which is a departure from the traditional Fidesz attitude and is typical government rhetoric. Kiraly also remarks meanwhile, that the police have been much more professional in facing this years demonstrations than it had 12 years ago when right-wing protesters were demonstrating against a left liberal government. In Magyar Demokrata, Gabor Bencsik dismisses opposition hopes that the demonstrations might lead to the fall of the government, as protests in 2006 eventually did. He recalls that at the time, the right wing was united and strong why the left was falling apart. In addition, police brutality made the left liberal government even more unpopular, while today the police have been patient and moderate. 12 years ago, he continues, the country was heading for economic bankruptcy, while this time all macroeconomic indicators have been improving for years. Meanwhile the so-called new opposition that has been demonstrating consists of people dissatisfied with the government for very divergent reasons. There are among them liberals and nationalists; those nostalgic of the Kadar era; anti-Semites and filo-Semites; Gypsy activists and racists; extreme left-wingers and radical right-wingers. One day, Bencsik admits, Fidesz will be voted out of power, but the man and the political movement that will be able to defeat it have not even entered the political stage so far. In Heti Vilaggazdasag, Andras Hont admits that todays opposition will never be able to grab power democratically because it lacks the necessary competence. When the right wing lost the second election in a row in 2006, he explains, its defeated camp did have a leader who knew what he wanted and who could count on a group of colleagues who had entered politics with the regime change 16 years earlier. By contrast, todays opposition can hardly show politicians whether life story that will qualify them to become leaders. Nor is the e size of the recent demonstrations significant. The crowds we have seen the December are a fraction of the ones in April, before the elections. What is new, Hont suggests, is the radicalism of the demonstrators who put in doubt the legitimacy of the regime. He sharply criticises left-wing politicians who first jumped on the bandwagon of the demonstrations but soon reverted to traditional tactics of petty alliances in view of the mayoral elections next year stop he cautions them against breaking the promise not to give up street demonstrations. This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. Click here to Share Your Story Hungary was a loser in the 20th century but it is determined to be a winner in the 21st, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a Christmas interview published in daily Magyar Idok on Monday. There will be elections in 2019 but we are looking to 2030. Thanks to eight years of joint efforts, we are at the start of a new era and I am convinced that not only have we set off on an upward path but we will reach our goal, Orban said. Commenting on recent opposition protests, he said politics is an area where battles can be under way even on a Christmas Eve and protests are part of everyday life in a democracy. However, this does not apply to violence, destruction and vandalism, he added. It is easy to assess the situation: the government stands for work, family and security and opposition policies stand for the opposite, Orban said. Calm force on one side stands against aggression, violence, support for migration and tax hikes on the other, he added. Those that argue against the recently adopted amendment of the labour code actually argue against workers because the amendment serves workers interests and will result in higher wages, Orban said. Contrary to opposition lies, the higher wages will have to be paid by employers monthly, the same way as it was in the past, he added. The only move by the governing alliances two-thirds parliamentary majority that the opposition would be willing to support is its resignation, he said. The opposition rejected to support even the increase in home care support, they reject constructive cooperation because they want to overtake the government by all means, Orban added. However, only the electorate has the right to remove the government and the next time this will be possible is in 2022, he added. Commenting on the situation in Europe, he said large Western European countries were experimenting with developing a mixed civilisation and they think Christian Europe should be turned into a Christian-Muslim Europe. Central Europe, however, has decided not to start this experiment because the risks it carries are extremely high, he added. We do not want our countries to be inhabited by a mixed population and therefore we are protecting our borders and oppose migration. Everyone can see that those in the west do not respect this decision of ours They are using the Hungarian opposition as a tool. George Soros and his networks do not tolerate the omission of Central Europe from their great society-transformation experiment The European Parliamentary elections will be a milestone in this fight because it will involve a power match between political forces that protect Christian Europe and those that support migration. A historical situation will develop in which Hungary is fighting not only for itself but also for Christian Europe, Orban said. Migration carries extreme risks and the cohabitation of civilisations involves difficulties that Europe may not be able to cope with, he added. Demographics is a vital issue and the Hungarian government is making every effort to strengthen families because we believe that families hold the key to the continuation of Hungarian history and the future of the nation, he said. We Hungarians can only rely on ourselves. This is why we have launched a national consultation on families. I consider this the most serious issue on the agenda of Hungarian politics, he said. In response to a question about the possibility of an economic crisis, Orban said You mustnt bury your head in the sand. It is a genuine question to ask whether the success of the Hungarian economy can be maintained during a European or global economic crisis, he added. He said in 2008 Hungary was among the first countries to collapse. However, currently the Hungarian economy has strong foundations, Orban said, adding that even if the circumstances deteriorate, Hungarys economy will continue to perform well. During the time of crisis, a stable government with a two-thirds majority support has increased importance because the ability to take action is an important resource, Orban said. It took eight years for Hungarians to convince each other that it is worth working hard. More people hold jobs today than almost any time in the past. As a result, the Hungarian economy is shock-proof, he said. MTI Photo: Koszticsak Szilard Ten years after Step Brothers was gifted unto humanity and at least five since the world rightfully came to recognize that film as the Dadaist masterpiece that it is Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly have re-teamed for a comedy thats somehow even dumber than the one that first galvanized their incredible chemistry. That should have been a good thing. It isnt. The trouble with Holmes & Watson, a witless Sherlock Holmes spoof that supplies fewer laughs in its entirety than Step Brothers does in its deleted scenes, is that the movie can never decide how dumb it wants to be. Or, more accurately, what kind of dumb it wants to be. Re-imagining fictions greatest detective as the kind of world-class egoist that Ferrell could play in his sleep (hes basically Ron Burgundy with a magnifying glass), this new spin on the public domains most popular character twists the legendary sleuth into a man who uses his forensic brilliance as a mask for his emotional ineptitude. While Sherlock can sniff out a killer from the faintest trace of vinegar on the lapel of their shirt, hes clueless when it comes to human behavior; it only takes him a few minutes to catch the nefarious Professor Moriarty (an inexplicably under-used Ralph Fiennes, whose brief performance could have been cobbled together with footage from the many other movies in which hes played a dastardly 19th century British man), but he might go the rest of his life without understanding how Dr. John Watson (Reilly) feels about playing second fiddle to his famous boss and best friend. When Holmes deduces that the man he captured is a decoy, and that the real Moriarty is still on the loose, hes forced to reconcile his intellect with his idiocy if he hopes to stop his arch-nemesis from killing the Queen of England. Written and directed by Etan Cohen, whose script for Idiocracy suggested a more acute understanding of how stupidity can be curdled into genius, Holmes & Watson shares its heros inability to be high-concept and low-brow at the same time. While the opening gag a throwaway reference to Hannah Montana that feels like it was put on the screen about five drafts too soon anticipates the kind of wanton silliness that audiences havent since the golden days of ZAZ, the movie seems afraid to embrace it. Story continues The more ridiculous the joke, the faster Cohen tends to cut away from it; he doesnt have a problem including a Ghost parody where Watson swoons for an American doctor (Rebecca Hall) while they lick vanilla frosting off of a fresh cadaver, but the scene is over before it even really begins. Maybe Cohen lacks the demented vision to understand what Reilly and Hall could do with that material, or maybe the studio got skittish and tried to force the film back to its central mystery at all costs (a central mystery so irrelevant that its eventually solved off-screen). Whatever the reason, Holmes and Watson constantly feels like its leaving an all-you-can-eat buffet on a full stomach. Read More:Black Mirror: Bandersnatch Photo Features Will Poulter and Fionn Whitehead, Netflix Lists 90 Min Runtime Instead of picking a particular tone and wringing it for all its worth, Cohen just throws a mess of half-funny jokes at the wall in the hopes that some of them might stick. They dont. Not enough of them, anyway. Mild gross-out humor (projectile vomit, cadavers baked into party cakes, etc.) is mashed together with poorly choreographed physical comedy (Holmes and Watson accidentally unleash a swarm of killer bees while trying to kill a single mosquito) and limp post-modern gags that poke fun at old technology (Watson telegrams someone a dick pic) or current events (a Make England Great Again hat precedes a conversation about how the Electoral College will always protect America from tyrannical grifters). Some of this wacky business is amusing, but most of it distracts from Ferrell and Reillys extraordinary talent for character-driven comedy. In a movie that feels more disjointed than an episode of Saturday Night Live, all of best moments consistently return to the basic conceit of Holmes being an arrogant blowhard, and Watson trying to balance a sense of duty with a lack of self-worth. While Ferrells performance is a bit too familiar to land, Reilly is often hilarious as Holmes hype-man and unwitting guinea pig (an early courthouse scene, in which Watson obliviously murders a handful of innocent bystanders, hints at the no-holds-barred comedy this could have been). Read More:Whats the Greatest Underrated Movie Ever Made? Guillermo del Toro Picks Catch Me If You Can Both of the title characters are provided with love interests, and the film is far more interested in them than it is in apprehending Moriarty. Hall, usually found in more serious fare, is delightful as a doctor with a penchant for electroshock therapy, while the great Lauren Lapkus manages to steal a few scenes (and Sherlocks heart) as a woman who was raised by feral cats; a better movie would have done more with the worlds smartest man falling for someone who bites lollipops and hisses at strangers. The cast is rounded out by an incredible array of actors and comedians, including Kelly Macdonald as Holmes secretary, Hugh Laurie as Holmes brother, Steve Coogan as a one-armed tattoo artist, Rob Brydon as a flabbergasted inspector, and someone who shows up for a last-minute cameo so good that it almost redeems the rest of the movie. Of course, none of these people are given anything to do forget standing out, Laurie isnt even on-screen long enough to stand up. Usually, youd have to watch the Golden Globes to see this much wasted talent. As it stands, the only compelling mystery about Holmes & Watson is how so many funny people have been squeezed into such an unfunny movie, a movie that isnt nearly smart enough to recognize how stupid it should have been. Grade: C- Holmes & Watson is now playing in theaters. Related stories 'Marvel's Runaways' Review: Season 2 Compromises Strong Characters With Poor Plot Choices 'All Is True' Review: Kenneth Branagh Plays Shakespeare in Strange, Solemn Biopic 'Timeless' Series Finale Review: Fans Get the Gift of a Satisfying Ending Former CNN anchor Soledad OBrien and Fox News political analyst Brit Hume had an online argument Wednesday, and the jousting ended with OBrien telling Hume to try and not be such an ahole in 2019. The argument started after actress Alyssa Milano posted a link to an NBC News article about President Trump becoming the first commander in chief in nearly two decades to not visit troops at Christmastime. Hume responded to Milanos tweet, noting that the report was inaccurate because Trump and first lady Melania had met with U.S. troops in Iraq during a surprise visit to the region on Wednesday. Trump becomes first president since 2002 not to visit troops at Christmastime. https://t.co/VEyyij9B0S Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 26, 2018 By the time this was posted, the President and Mrs. Trump were in Iraq with the troops. https://t.co/g9ACNO5hxn Brit Hume (@brithume) December 26, 2018 Shaming him [Trump] seems to work, OBrien, a correspondent for HBOs Real Sports, told Hume. Shaming him seems to work. https://t.co/KMSPnDAPyE Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) December 26, 2018 Yes, Maam. Trump read this tweet when it was posted and time-traveled himself back to yesterday and flew to Iraq. Genius take, Hume responded. Sorrylet me spell it out more slowly so you can understand me: the President (according to cnns Barabar Starr) prepped for this trip several weeks ago, OBrien wrote back. The shaming seems to have worked. OBrien, known for her zingers, ended her tweet with this little gem: I hope youre having a nice holiday. Try not to be such an ahole in 2019. Trump returned to the White House early Thursday after making a second visit to troops in Germany. Sorrylet me spell it out more slowly so you can understand me: the President (according to cnns Barabar Starr) prepped for this trip several weeks ago. The shaming seems to have worked. I hope youre having a nice holiday. Try not to be such an a**hole in 2019. Story continues Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) December 27, 2018 Video: Soledad O'Brien Explains How #MeToo Has Affected The Media Industry Read original story Soledad OBrien Slams Brit Hume Over Trump Iraq Trip: Try Not to Be Such an Ahole in 2019 At TheWrap While its long been known that President Donald Trump was medically exempt from fighting in the Vietnam War because he was diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels in 1968, the exact details of that diagnosis have remained publicly unclear including the doctor who saw Trump. According to The New York Times, Trump, now 72, said during his presidential campaign that he couldnt remember who made the fateful call, when he was 22. But a new report from the Times, published Wednesday, suggests that a local podiatrist who rented office space in New York City from the 45th commander-in-chiefs father may have been responsible as a favor to the elder Trump. The daughters of the doctor, Larry Braunstein, who died in 2007, told the paper that their father often recounted the story of helping out the Trumps. I know it was a favor, said Dr. Elysa Braunstein, 56. She further explained the implication: The younger Trump did not actually have the foot condition and her father made the diagnosis because Fred C. Trump was such a good landlord. She said she doesnt know if her dad even conducted an examination of the younger Trump. It was family lore, she added. It was something we would always discuss. The Times noted the Braunstein family account was not corroborated by known documents, largely due to the passing years. According to the National Archives, most of the governments medical paperwork relating to the draft no longer exists, and Braunstein left no medical records with his relatives. RELATED: See Donald Trumps Less-Than-Brave Moments After Boasting Hed Run Into Parkland School Without Gun Donald Trump's Selective Service System Classification Record lists him in line 580 as Donald Trump Elysa also revealed that her dad, a Democrat who served during World War II, was initially proud to come to the aid of a local famous guy. But he started to dislike the president years ago, as his reality TV career blossomed and he became a tabloid fixture. The White House press secretary did not respond to PEOPLEs request for comment and did not answer questions from the Times. Story continues RELATED VIDEO: Michael Cohen Slams Trump in First Post-Sentencing Interview: The Man Doesnt Tell the Truth Trump, who frequently responds to coverage of his family and presidency via Twitter, has not yet spoken publicly about the Times article. He traveled overnight Wednesday to visit troops stationed in Iraq. According to the paper, the Trump familys connection with Larry Braunstein may have been based on proximity: His office was on the ground floor of a Trump-owned building in Jamaica, Queens. His daughters and a coworker told the Times that the landlord was always quick address any problems with the facility and avoided raising rent. Donald Trump The presidents medical deferral from the Vietnam War, his fifth after four education-related ones, was a frequent source of criticism during the 2016 election. In an interview with the Times in 2016, Trump said he received a very strong letter on the heels from a doctor, referring to the bone spurs. RELATED: John McCain Takes a Swipe at the Bone Spurs That Trump Cited to Avoid Vietnam Draft Previously, the real estate mogul has also insisted it was ultimately his high draft lottery number that kept him out of battle but the Times reported that his medical deferment was confirmed more than a year before the drawing. President Donald Trump had been scheduled to close out 2018 with a 16-day vacation at Mar-a-Lago, up from the 11 days he spent at the Winter White House to bring home his first year in office. But prior to Christmas, the president decided to shut down the government because Congress wont fund a border wall. The display of obstinance involved sticking around Washington for the holidays. Its a disgrace whats happening in this country, Trump told reporters at the White House on Christmas morning. But other than that, I wish everybody a merry Christmas. On Christmas night, however, Trump and Melania took off for a surprise trip to Iraq, where the president visited with the active duty service members in a combat zone for the first time since taking office. Accompanying the trip was the requisite hype video, this one set to Lee Greenwoods God Bless the U.S.A. .@FLOTUS Melania and I were honored to visit our incredible troops at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq. GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.! pic.twitter.com/rDlhITDvm1 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 26, 2018 This being Trump, the trip overseas wasnt without a small flurry of controversies. Newsweek even pointed out that the hype video may have revealed the location of SEAL Team Five, a covert operations unit. In the video, Trump appears to be shaking hands with members of the unit, and a pool report notes that he took a picture with U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Kyu Lee, who identified himself as the units chaplain. Operational security is the most important aspect of personnel deployments, former intelligence specialist Malcolm Nance told Newsweek. The real names, faces, and identities, of personnel involved in special operations or activities, are usually a closely held secret in a combat zone. Revealing them casually, through an unusual media exposure even if its the commander in chief, would prove a propaganda boom if any of this personnel are detained by a hostile government or captured by a terrorist group. There would be no denying who you are and what you do. Story continues The video ends with some shots of Trump in a bomber jacket speaking to an assemblage of troops. This, too, wound up being problematic. Marred by partisan rhetoric and lies, the address was almost indistinguishable from one one he might give at a campaign rallies. The Democrats dont want to let us have strong borders, the president griped. He then trailed off, talking about how the troops he was addressing are modern-day warriors, before musing that the best way to get the wall would be to tell Democrats that he doesnt want it. I figured out the solution, he said. First Lady, tell Nancy Pelosi I dont want the wall. This is absolutely outragous. This wasn't a campaign rally. For one second can he be an AMERICAN president, and understand troops are made up of Democrats, Republicans, 3rd party, and independents? https://t.co/20GAEUp3kY VoteVets (@votevets) December 27, 2018 Trump also told the troops, falsely, that they hadnt received a pay raise in 10 years before he took office (theyve received one each of the last 10 years) and that hed secured for them a pay raise of more than 10 percent (service members will see a 2.6 percent pay bump in 2019, up from 2.4 percent in 2018). We had plenty of people that came up, began the president, they said, You know, we can make it smaller. We can make it 3 percent. We can make it 2 percent. We can make it 4 percent. I said, No. Make it 10 percent. Make it more than 10 percent. Several of the troops present were shown toting Trump merchandise, including Make America Great Again hats and Trump 2020 patches. The president spent time signing a lot of these items, which may have violated military rules. Department of Defense guidelines state that active duty personnel may not engage in partisan political activities and all military personnel should avoid the inference that their political activities imply or appear to imply DoD sponsorship, approval, or endorsement of a political candidate, campaign, or cause. It is, in fact, a campaign slogan, that is a campaign item, and it is completely inappropriate for the troops to do this, Retired Rear Admiral John Kirby said on CNN. Trump managed to piss off the Iraqis, as well. The nations lawmakers called the trip an infringement on its independence, as Trump failed to stop by Baghdad or meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. Trumps visit is a flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government, read a statement from Iraqi parliaments Bina bloc. Sabah al Saadi, the leader of the opposing Islah bloc, called a session of parliament to discuss this blatant violation of Iraqs sovereignty and to stop these aggressive actions by Trump who should know his limits: The U.S. occupation of Iraq is over, according to Reuters. Trump just fucked up. Pretty badly. Iraqi politicians are already calling for #Iraqs PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi to take action regarding the disrespectful nature of Trumps visit. Landing in an airbase and promptly leaving without meeting Iraqi officials was always going to backfire. Haidar Sumeri (@IraqiSecurity) December 26, 2018 Trump reportedly was not willing to meet with Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi anywhere other than a military base. Prior to making the trip, the president had been criticized for failing to visit a combat zone despite being in office for nearly two years. In November, the Washington Post reported that Trump was worried about his safety. Hes never been interested in going, a White House official told the Post, citing conversations with Trump. Hes afraid of those situations. Hes afraid people want to kill him. Trump confirmed to reporters this week that safety was one of his concerns in traveling to Iraq. I had concerns for the institution of the presidency because not for myself, personally, he said. I had concerns for the first lady, I will tell you. But if you would have seen what we had to go through, with the darkened plane, with all windows closed, with no lights on whatsoever, anywhere pitch black. Ive never seen it. Ive been in many airplanes all types and shapes and sizes. Ive never seen anything like it. The president is out of harms way for now. After a quick trip to Germany to refuel, he tweeted early Thursday morning that he had returned from overseas and that we have incredible people representing our Country. Seven minutes later, he resumed his standard attacks on Democrats while reminding followers that he is holding the paychecks of federal workers hostage over a border wall that isnt going to be funded anytime soon. Have the Democrats finally realized that we desperately need Border Security and a Wall on the Southern Border, Trump wrote. Need to stop Drugs, Human Trafficking,Gang Members & Criminals from coming into our Country. Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats? 'The Originals' star Claire Holt on why she wants to raise awareness of fertility issues (ABC News) 'The Originals' star Claire Holt on why she wants to raise awareness of fertility issues originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Australian actress Claire Holt suffered a tragic miscarriage earlier this year. Now, she's using her voice to help other women going through the same thing. "The Originals star recently partnered with Ava, a medical technology company, to help women learn about reproductive health and fertility issues. Holt, who is currently pregnant, said her miscarriage led her to seek out information about her own reproductive health and increased her interest in connecting with women who are also struggling to conceive. "It was a really devastating thing for me and it had a huge impact on my life," she told ABC News. "Id never really thought of my fertility before that. Ive been on birth control since I was 16 years old, and I was uneducated about the real process of conceiving a child," she continued. "I didn't know the statistics about how common miscarriage was, and I never ever thought that it would happen to me." Without knowing this information, it was even harder for Holt to understand her miscarriage, she said. "I was completely blind sighted, grief-stricken and desperate for information," she said. It also started to affect her new pregnancy. "I didn't realize that the trauma of a miscarriage would carry with me into my pregnancy that I would feel such tremendous anxiety and suffer from the white coat syndrome every time I went to the doctor and have those sort of associations with what happened to me earlier every time I went in," she said. "I was constantly worried that something was going wrong. I didnt really have insight into what was happening with my body," she added. (MORE: 'The Originals' star Claire Holt gets surprised by her own gender reveal) Story continues Having few resources to turn to besides the comfort she received from her loved ones, she sought out online support to help with the coping process. "It became so important to me to be open and honest about what Id been through," she said. "When I went online after my miscarriage and searched for someone to help me get through and to find other women who had been through this experience so I didnt feel alone I found a community of really vulnerable, open women." "Im not so sure I wouldve gotten through the trauma of the miscarriage the way I did without this support of an online community," she added. She also started using Ava's fertility tracking bracelet to learn more about her body by tracking her cycle, heart rate, weight, sleep and stress levels, along with her overall health symptoms, every day. "Theres useful information every week about your growing body and whats happening the changes that are taking place," she said. (MORE: Woman opens up about preparing for motherhood after 2 miscarriages) "Its really helped me to ease a lot of anxiety, and thats something that I needed in this pregnancy. It's also helpful because these things really do impact pregnancy. Stress levels and sleep quality can have an impact on how the pregnancy goes," she continued. "In being able to monitor that stuff, I feel like Ive taken control of my health and Im able to take steps forward to having the healthiest pregnancy that I possibly can," she added. Holt found that when she opened up about her miscarriage in an emotional post in March, her words touched many people. "As frightening it was to be so open about something that was really personal and something that, sadly, I felt ashamed of when I did speak up, it showed me that there was just so much support and love out there and such a need for a conversation to be started," she said. That response increased her determination to help others with fertility and reproductive issues. "There are a lot of stigmas attached to that, so its important to me to try to assist in breaking those stigmas," she said. She said that many women often place the blame on themselves after a miscarriage when it's completely out of their control. "I was tremendously ashamed that my body couldnt do what I thought it was supposed to do," she said. "In researching and learning more and finding more information about our bodies, I realized that that wasnt the case, and it was so sad that I had felt so ashamed, put so much pressure on myself and blamed myself for something that really was out of my control," she continued. (MORE: Why 'Seventh Heaven' star Beverley Mitchell opened up about her miscarriage) "You wouldnt blame yourself if you became sick, you wouldnt blame yourself if you had type 1 diabetes, you wouldnt blame yourself if you had any kind of sickness that was out of your control that was genetic or hereditary but for some reason, as women, we often blame ourselves, like, 'Why isnt my body doing what its supposed to do,'" she added. "I did everything I could to make sure that [it] was a healthy pregnancy, and for whatever reason, it didnt go ahead," she said. "It was devastating, but it wasnt because I did something wrong." She hopes that by speaking out against this stigma, she can change this perception that is so prevalent. "Its something that I really want to help challenge and help women to feel comfortable sharing their stories and talking about these things and realizing that you didn't do anything. Its just part of the circle of life. Its part of health and our bodies." Holt also wants her words to help empower other women to speak out. "Its okay to be open and vulnerable and talk about these things, and through that, we find shared and collective healing," she shared. Canadian and American crew filming HIBM Her Inescapable Brave Mission to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. By late 2013, after almost two years working in Haiti with UNICEF, I was preparing to move to the United States, country #10 in the tour of my international career. Knowing how fiercely patriotic Americans are, and wanting to be respectful of my new host country, part of that preparation was learning the words to the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. Although I knew the tune, as many Canadians do, its not an easy song considering its 19 semitones and poem lyrics. An American colleague, my dear friend Suzie who sat across from me in our open concept, high-ceilinged office, helped me practice. We would squeak it out for everyone to hear, huffing (jokingly) when told to pipe down by others who probably wished I reserved my practicing to the shower. In the five years that Ive now worked in the United States, I enjoy singing the anthem and my American peers seem to appreciate my enthusiasm. Now dont get me wrong, I will always be a die hard Canadian, proudly wearing our red maple leaf anywhere I can and belting out our national anthem, O Canada, as if Im Celine Dion, Canadas jewel international superstar voice. But having grown up in Canada, I was taught that its OK to love both and when the day comes to have dual American citizenship, thats OK too, because celebrating diversity is the cornerstone of Canadian culture. Actually diversity, inclusion and feminism are key drivers of our foreign policy, international trade, local business development and national politics too. Related: My 'Master Class' Reflections of Living With a Progressive Rare Disease Diversity is ingrained in us from kindergarten, not just in the fact that our peers are from all over the world. I moved to a Canada from India as a baby, eventually to a Toronto suburb, and like many Canadian immigrants English was not the only language spoken at home, nor was Canadian cuisine what was served for dinner. Diversity is not only the norm in Canada; its encouraged so much so that being different can be a status symbol. Toronto is the most multicultural city in the world; you can hear 150+ languages spoken by 200+ ethnic groups. Story continues Joining a new school in the second semester of Grade 9 in Mississauga, Ontario, a boisterous boy in homeroom asked me in front of all the other kids, Well, what are you? Perplexed and embarrassed, because I did not understand the question, I meekly responded, Im a girl. The roar of laughter would have completely obliterated my confidence, had he not clarified his question: he wanted to know my ethnicity. And I had an answer that impressed everyone to oohs and ahhs: Oh, Im mixed, a landed-immigrant of East Indian and English descent. I was born in India and still have my Indian passport. Thats cool, the boy acknowledged, as if I had been given safe passage to join the peer-pressure filled world of popularity contests that is high school. It would not be until Grade 12, at age 17, that I would gain Canadian citizenship and when I did, I was just happy to add another passport to my collection. Honestly, I still did not feel Canadian, because I did not realize how different the rest of the world was. It was only when I started my international career, after college, that I would grow to become a fierce patriot like our Southern neighbors. Related: To Those Seeking 'Control' With Their Chronic or Rare Illness At that time, never did I imagine that I would live in the U.S.A., or settle here after marrying an American. But I felt prepared to live in the land of red, white and blue more than any other country. Not because Canadians and Americans are the same; on the contrary, there are distinct cultural, political and social differences, but because in school we learned so much about the U.S.A. We were taught American geography and had to memorize the 50 states. We learned American history, such as how the country gained independence from the British and read the chronicles of the slave trade and the Civil War, both of which impacted Canada through the Underground Railroad. We also studied the icons of the civil rights movement, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. American presidents were always in the Canadian newspapers and discussed in social studies classes. And hundreds of thousands of Canadians experienced American consumer culture in the form of great shopping deals available just south of the border. It was a common weekend getaway back in the good old days when our currencies was more on par and all you needed to cross the Canada-U.S. border was a drivers license. Related: What I Did When I Found Out My Health Would Change My Future All of those lessons were a good start, but living in the South, in the thriving city of Atlanta, I have been privileged to learn in depth about our Southern neighbors from their painful past to the heroic struggles that enable them to stand strong today. I admire how American society has evolved and I appreciate being welcomed here as a foreign-born Canadian who was raised in a cultural mosaic where people believe that Canada becomes stronger by having immigrants bring their cultural diversity for all Canadians to learn from. While the United States identifies as a melting pot where cultures have fused together and a single identity is adopted, I see more similarities than I do differences, especially when it comes to minorities striving for inclusion, equal opportunity and fair representation. It is here in the U.S.A. that my life as a woman living with an adult-onset disability and my career as an Inclusion and Diversity advocate has blossomed. I give thanks to the values of diversity, feminism and equality my Canadian education has instilled in me. I also give thanks for the kindness I experience every day in the city of Atlanta where as I maneuver around with the assistance of a walker, the overwhelming majority of folks, mostly strangers, offer me assistance with a heavy door or simply a kind word. Its not just Southern hospitality; its also Americans mindset to fight for the underdog. Civil society is robust and Ive found people here are generous, not just around the holidays. Id like to think that one day I will return to live in Canada to contribute to the disability rights movement there, especially with all I have learned about the Americans with Disabilities Act. That federal legislation, passed in 1990 by President H. W. Bush, while not universally complied with, lays the legal path for Americans to claim their rights to equal access, representation and participation. Im privileged to learn from some of the most renowned American disability rights activists like Mark Johnson who co-founded ADAPT, a militant, non-violent, grassroots disability rights organization; and Judith Heumann, who served in the State Department under the Bill Clinton and Barack Obama administrations. While Canada has robust provincial disability legislation, especially in British Columbia, and Canadians with disabilities are protected from discrimination under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, my country has yet to push through its own federal legislation. However, Im proud to say its on its way! On June 20, 2018, Bill-C-821 The Accessible Canada Act: an Act to Ensure a Barrier Free Canada was introduced to Parliament by the Honorable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities. The act, the first-ever bill to enshrine accessibility requirements into law, would strengthen the existing rights and protections for people with disabilities through the development, implementation and enforcement of accessibility standards, as well as the monitoring of outcomes in priority areas. This is great news for Canada and visitors with disabilities, but no matter on which side of the border I stand, youll hear me proudly advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and belting out both anthems! Read more stories like this on The Mighty: How My Rare Diagnosis Helped Me Realize What 'True Strength' Is Locking Eyes With the Beast of Pain and Loss Why I Resolve to 'Get Naked' About My Disability in 2018 Tennessee nurse Stephanie Martin accused Deputy Rhonda Casillas of the Williamson County Sheriffs Office of racial profiling. An investigation has cleared Casillas of Martins claim. (Photo: Facebook/Stephanie Martin) A Tennessee police officer has been cleared of wrongdoing after a black nurse accused her of racial profiling. On Dec. 6, Stephanie Martin wrote a Facebook post about Deputy Rhonda Casillas of the Williamson County Sheriffs Office in Tennessee. I would like to give a special acknowledgment toDeputy Rhonda Casillas for abusing her power as an officer and being rude along with treating me like a criminal in front of one of my patients yesterday, wrote Martin. The nurse of three years said during a home visit in Nashville, Casillas knocked on the door after a neighbor was alarmed by a suspicious woman in the area. I had nursing equipment, my work bag with my company logo on it, I had on scrubs and stethoscope hanging from my neck, she still was not convinced, wrote Martin, explaining that her patient had confirmed she was a nurse. Martin even called her employer Kristin Paulk at Amedisys Home Health. My boss immediately asked are yall saying she looked suspicious because shes black the sheriff says no, I just wanted to know what she was doing in the neighborhood, my boss replied Well shes one of my best nurses and shes out giving back to the community and providing care to people so they can continue to live at home and avoid being put back in the hospital, and she has every right to do that.' According to the Facebook post, Casillas asked the patient, If shes not [supposed] to be here, just say it. Are you sure you know her? When is someone else going to be back while she is here? As Martin tried to leave, two more squad cars arrived. After five more minutes, I was finally able to go and even after that, [Casillas] continued to watch me to make sure I left the neighborhood, wrote Martin. You continued to try and manipulate my patient into saying that I was not supposed to be in her house, you wanted me to be a criminal, you didnt want me to be a nurse and you definitely did not want me in that neighborhood. Story continues The treatment you gave was uncalled for the way you handled the situation was unprofessional, your attitude was disrespectful, you are a racist, treating innocent people like they dont have the right to be in certain areas. I honestly dont feel like you deserve a badge, she wrote. Martin, 24, tells Yahoo Lifestyle, I felt the officer was pressuring my patient to say she felt unsafe. The Williamson County Sheriffs Office released a 32-page internal affairs investigative case file by Sgt. Kevin Sheldon, stating that a neighbor had called the police after Martin knocked on the doors of three different homes and peered into their windows. It was my first time visiting the patient I was filling in for a co-worker and I knocked on the wrong door by accident, Martin tells Yahoo Lifestyle. I realized the correct home was across the street and the patients granddaughter was pulling out of the driveway as I arrived. According to the case file, Martin didnt have her employer ID; however, Martin tells Yahoo Lifestyle that Casillas refused to look at her credentials. I tried to show her my work ID, but she was more concerned with the fact that I had two drivers licenses in my wallet one had expired and I hadnt thrown it out yet because I like the photo. (In the report, Martin and the police disagree on whether Martin had her employer ID.) Paulk did not return Yahoo Lifestyles request for comment, but according to the case file, she wrote in a message to the Williamson County Sheriffs Department, I have been doing home health for 11 years and I have been lost, I have wandered around to back doors, I have turned around in the wrong driveway, etc. multiple times. I have never been questioned by the police. But I am white and this nurse is black and I suppose in Franklin, T.N., that may make a difference. She wrote, What I cannot make sense of, and what bothers me the most, is the attitude of the female officer that questioned my nurse and spoke to me. Her tone was argumentative, harsh, and aggressive over a matter that was quickly rectified by simply speaking to the patient. In the case report, Casillas calls Martin uncooperative and Sheldon said he unsuccessfully tried to interview Martin multiple times. However, Martin tells Yahoo Lifestyle that Sheldon had strep throat and she wanted to avoid infecting her patients. After she suddenly heard the case had been closed, Martin hired a lawyer to speak on her behalf. A representative of the Williamson County Sheriffs Office did not return Yahoo Lifestyles request for comment. County attorney Lisa Carson told the Tennessean, The Williamson County Sheriffs Office always takes allegations of this nature seriously and conducted an internal investigation in a timely manner upon becoming aware of the complaint. As I believe will be evident from the internal investigation report, there is no indication that the deputies who responded to this call were motivated by Ms. Dash-Martins race or by any other inappropriate consideration. The deputies acted professionally in exercising due diligence to ensure that a potentially vulnerable member of our community was protected. Martins attorney Tricia Herzfeld tells Yahoo Lifestyle, Stephanie was harassed because of her race while trying to provide medical care to a patient. She is terribly disappointed that the Williamson County Sheriffs Office rushed their investigation and released it without ever speaking to her. We will do what is necessary to ensure that this doesnt happen to anybody else. Herzfeld also told Nashvilles WZTV of the report: Never in my career have I seen such a rush job. It looks like the sheriffs department was probably responding to the intense media coverage of this issue and wanted to hurriedly get something out to the public to exonerate their officers. Martin tells Yahoo Lifestyle that Casillas treated her in a certain way because of her skin color. I want her to face consequences. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Boko Haram sacked two military bases in northeast Nigeria overnight as the jihadist fighters battle for control of a strategic town on Lake Chad, military sources said Thursday. Jihadists from the IS-supported Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) overran a naval base and a multinational joint task force (MNJTF) post in the fishing town of Baga after a fierce battle, the sources told AFP. Boko Haram has repeatedly struck military outposts in the region in recent months. Fighters in several vehicles stormed Baga and engaged troops in intense fighting at the MNJTF base which hosts units from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The insurgents also sacked a naval base in Mile 3 which lies five kilometres from Baga, a military source who asked not to be identified told AFP. "The troops were overpowered and forced to withdraw," the source, adding that "the terrorists carted away guntrucks, ammunition and multiple rocket launchers from the base." Troops from the two bases withdrew to another naval base at Fish Dam on the shores of Lake Chad, the military source said. That base was well secured, and resisted several attempts by Boko Haram fighters to overrun it, the source added. The jihadists then retreated and the troops decided not to pursue them to avoid running into an ambush, a strategy Boko Haram often employs against the military, the officer said. Nigerian army spokesman Sani Usman confirmed the attack in a statement which said the assault began at about 7:00 pm local time (1800 GMT). "The troops along with their Nigerian Navy counterparts put up a very determined fight" all night, he said, adding that one navy personnel was killed. Troop reinforcements were in pursuit of the Boko Haram fighters, he said. Residents of the regional capital Maiduguri reported seeing six fighter jets flying towards Baga on Thursday. In January 2015, Boko Haram overran the MNJTF base and took control of Baga after killing hundreds of residents and forcing thousands to flee to Maiduguri. Story continues The town was later retaken, but jihadists continue to attack the military and civilians in the area, which is an ISWAP stronghold. Its fighters occupy camps on many islands in Lake Chad. Boko Haram's nine-year insurgency has killed 27,000 people and displaced two million others, sparking a dire humanitarian crisis in the region. The fighting has also spilled into Nigeria's northern neighbours Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Brasilia (AFP) - Brazil's new government under far-right President Jair Bolsonaro includes a star anti-corruption judge as justice minister and a free-market economy minister with broad powers, and sees a third of the slots going to ex-military men. The foreign ministry is to come under a mid-level public servant who shares Bolsonaro's fervent anti-left views and desire to sidle closer to the United States. And an anti-abortion evangelist pastor has been named to take charge of the human rights portfolio. - VP general - The vice presidency goes to a retired general, Hamilton Mourao, 65, known for right-wing views that mesh with his boss and a similar penchant for shooting from the hip. He has vowed he will not be a "brain-shrunken" second fiddle in the administration. - Star judge - Sergio Moro won national fame and plaudits for being the head judge of a vast anti-corruption probe known as "Car Wash" that has thrown some titans of Brazilian business and politics into cells -- including former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Now the 46-year-old will become justice minister, even though he doesn't see eye-to-eye with Bolsonaro on some key issues, such as making guns easier to own or designating poor rural land-grabbers as "terrorists." - Liberal economist - Bolsonaro became a darling for investors because of the man he is making his economy minister: Paulo Guedes, a US-trained economist who is intent on sweeping free-market reforms that would upend Brazil's previous protectionism to slash debt. But while Guedes, 69, will have broad powers, it remains to be seen if he can get privatizations past the conservative president, who has freely admitted he knows little about economics. - Chief of staff - The powerful chief-of-staff's post has gone to an experienced lawmaker, Onyx Lorenzoni, 64, seen as the brains behind the campaign that brought Bolsonaro to power. - Close security - A military mentor to Bolsonaro in the 1970s, retired general Augusto Heleno, had been considered as defense minister but finally will take on the security portfolio responsible for intelligence. Story continues The 70-year-old notably headed up the UN peacekeeping mission to Haiti in 2004 and 2005. - Foreign minister fan - The mid-ranking career diplomat Ernesto Araujo, 51, saw his loyalty to Bolsonaro and his nationalist views -- echoing those of US President Donald Trump -- rewarded with a nomination to head Brazil's foreign ministry. He has come out strongly against leftist governments in Latin America, namely Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, and criticized "cultural Marxism" he believes has influenced scientific thinking on climate change. - Rights pastor - Damares Alves, the new minister for women, the family and human rights might be an evangelical pastor opposed to abortion and feminism, but she has also expressed hopes for a rapprochement with Brazil's gay community. Her responsibilities will also include indigenous rights, which has left the justice portfolio to come under her ministry. Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Brazil's next president, Jair Bolsonaro, takes office next week with promises to radically change the path taken by Latin America's biggest country by trashing decades of center-left policies. But while the far-right politician enjoys sky-high popularity of 75 percent going into the top job on January 1, the challenges to his agenda are formidable. Here are the key issues faced by Brazil's new leader: - Economy - Brazil is a commodity-exporting powerhouse but it's still limping out of a record-breaking recession that eradicated many gains from the stellar period of prosperity it enjoyed just a decade ago. Bolsonaro has appointed a free-marketeer, Paulo Guedes, as economy minister to push through reforms to bring down Brazil's swelling debt, mainly through privatizations, tax changes and encouraging foreign investment. One of the trickiest problems will be cutting back on Brazil's unsustainable pension system, which requires an overhaul of the constitution. But Bolsonaro's far-right Social Liberal Party does not have a majority in Congress. To pass legislation he will be relying on ad-hoc alliances with backbenchers in various parties who are part of his evangelical, pro-agribusiness, pro-gun base. Eurasia Group, a consulting firm, notes the reforms pose "a real challenge." The big swing in public support behind Bolsonaro could give him the legislative firepower he needs, if he moves early in his term -- but even then "expect a lot of drama" in Congress, it said. "Bolsonaro will have a hard time implementing his fiscal agenda," agreed Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, a US economic consultant and specialist on Latin American politics at MRV Associates. She added that a steep drop this month in prices for oil -- an important Brazilian export -- coupled with a slowdown in top trading partner China created headwinds for Brazil's economy. Longer-term goals, such as infrastructure and job training, are going largely ignored, she said. Story continues - Diplomacy - Brazil's new orientation will quickly be clear to the world through its diplomacy. And a lot of that is inspired by US President Donald Trump, whom Bolsonaro admires. Bolsonaro has already said he will pull his country out a UN global migration pact, and he is deciding whether to do the same with the Paris accord on climate change and on whether to move Brazil's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem -- all measures aligned with Trump. Additionally, he is hostile to greater Chinese investment in Brazil, and he has said he will do all he can "within democracy" to challenge the leftist governments of Cuba and Venezuela. "Does he risk tensions with Venezuela by playing hardball?" asked Ryan Lloyd, an American international relations expert and post-doctoral fellow at the University of Sao Paulo. "Bolsonaro is not experienced with foreign policy and neither is his team -- if this becomes an international incident, it could end very, very badly," he said. - Domestic politics - Bolsonaro's two main promises are to crack down on Brazil's rampant crime and extinguish chronic political corruption. The ex-military man wants laws eased so "good" people can own guns to deter armed assailants. Critics fear that could usher in a "Wild West" in a country where there are already nearly 64,000 homicides annually. Police officers -- responsible for some 5,000 deaths a year -- will be given greater impunity under Bolsonaro. The fight against corruption has been under way since 2014, under a sprawling anti-graft probe known as "Car Wash" that has snared many political and corporate chiefs. In a savvy move, Bolsonaro has named the judge who led "Car Wash," Sergio Moro, as his justice minister. But corruption in Brazil has deep roots, and any evidence of it in Bolsonaro's inner circle -- some allegations are already being investigated -- or his party could rapidly damage his image. Another domestic challenge will be protecting Brazil's environment, which includes the Amazon, sometimes called "the lungs of the planet." Bolsonaro has indicated he will put mining and farming interests above conservation. Lloyd predicted "dangerous times" ahead for Brazil in the hands of an extreme-right politician nostalgic for the military dictatorship that ruled 1964-1985. "Bolsonaro does not speak like a democrat, and his inner circle is even worse, bandying around the possibility of shutting down the legislature and Supreme Court," he said. "We could be looking at the erosion of democratic norms: perhaps a (late Venezuelan leader Hugo) Chavez from the right. If it goes spectacularly wrong, it will be chaos." Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's last remaining Marxist rebel group, the ELN on Thursday released a hostage held for almost a year, the country's ombudsman's office said on Twitter. Engineer Rafael Andres Riano Ravelo was 41 when he was captured close to Colombia's border with Ecuador on January 13. His release comes during a 10-day Christmas truce called by the ELN and due to last from December 23 to January 3. Riano Ravelo, who was handed over to a humanitarian mission jointly run by the government and the Catholic church, was one of 10 hostages the right-wing government of President Ivan Duque believes the ELN is currently holding. The hostage issue is one of the main stumbling blocks to kick-starting peace talks between the government and the ELN that have been on hold since Duque assumed office in August. His predecessor, Juan Manuel Santos failed in a bid to sign a disarmament deal with the ELN, similar to the one that saw FARC rebels lay down their arms in 2016 and form a political party, before he left office. Duque has favored a much harder line towards the leftist guerrillas and insists that peace talks can only resume once all hostages have been released and the ELN ceases its "criminal activities." The ELN, which is considered the last active rebel group in Colombia and numbers around 1,800 fighters, has rejected those demands as "unacceptable." Colombia has been beset for more than half a century by a multifaceted armed conflict mostly carried out in lawless jungle regions and involving Marxist guerrillas, paramilitaries and drug traffickers, as well as government forces. Hawija (Iraq) (AFP) - Iraqi authorities said they uncovered a new mass grave containing the remains of dozens of people in an area of northern Kirkuk province once held by the Islamic State group. Security forces have discovered dozens of mass graves since they drove out IS in 2017 after three years of occupation of swathes of northern and western Iraq. The United Nations said in November that more than 200 mass graves containing up to 12,000 victims had been found in Iraq that could hold vital evidence of war crimes by the jihadists. The latest macabre discovery was made on Thursday in the Hawija district of Kirkuk province, Adel Ismail, a lieutenant-colonel in the Iraqi federal police force, told AFP. He said the grave contained the remains of "innocent Iraqi civilians" who "were abducted and then killed" by the jihadists. It was found in what appears to be a deep well in the Al-Abbassi area of Hawija. "This is a mass grave used by Daesh," said Wani Firas, a resident of the area, using an Arabic-language acronym for IS. "They used to come here, execute and throw (the victims) inside, and we used to watch and observe from nearby," he said. The United Nations in Iraq (UNAMI) and its human rights office said last month they had documented a total of 202 mass graves in parts of western and northern Iraq held by IS between 2014 and 2017. Of them, just 28 had been excavated and 1,258 bodies exhumed by Iraqi authorities, the report said. Even more sites could be uncovered in the months to come, it warned, urging Iraqi authorities to properly preserve and excavate them to provide closure for victims' families IS, which proclaimed a "caliphate" over swathes of Syria and Iraq in 2014, has now lost almost all the land it once controlled. The jihadists have been held responsible for multiple atrocities during their reign of terror, including mass executions and decapitations. London (AFP) - A princess who tried to flee the United Arab Emirates months ago is "a troubled young woman", a former UN human rights chief said on Thursday after meeting her this month. Mary Robinson told BBC radio 4's Today programme that she had been invited by Princess Haya, the wife of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, to help with his daughter, Sheikha Latifa. Latifa has not been seen in public since she was allegedly captured at sea off India in March after leaving the UAE. In a YouTube video at the time, she said she was leaving because of restrictions imposed on her by her family. Robinson, who was seen alongside Latifa in photographs released by the UAE authorities earlier this month, said that she had been asked to "help with a family dilemma". "The dilemma was that Latifa is vulnerable, she's troubled. She made a video that she now regrets and she planned an escape, or what was part of a plan of escape," she said. "I had lunch with her. She's a very likeable young woman but clearly troubled, clearly needs the medical care that she is receiving," said Robinson, adding that her family "don't want her to endure any more publicity". She said that Latifa was suffering from "a serious medical situation" and was receiving "psychiatric care" but did not give further details about her condition. Robinson served as Ireland's president between 1990 and 1997 and later served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002. The 74-year-old said she had spoken to current UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, as well as Human Rights Watch executive director Ken Roth about her meeting with Latifa and would be returning to Dubai in March. Accounts by people involved in Latifa's escape attempt said that she fled first to Oman, before boarding a yacht which was surrounded by the Indian navy and then towed back to the UAE. A source close to the Dubai government told AFP in April the princess had been "brought back" to Dubai. CAIRO (AP) Egyptian authorities Thursday released a prominent activist who had criticized the government and decried sexual harassment after more than seven months of detention, her lawyer said. Lawyer Doaa Moustafa said her client, Amal Fathy, was freed from a police station in the capital Cairo, more than a week after a court ordered her conditional release. Fathy must report to a nearby police station every week and is under house arrest, allowed only to leave for medication or visiting a police station or court, Moustafa said. Her husband, activist Mohammed Lotfi confirmed her release in a Facebook post. Police arrested Fathy in May after she posted a video online criticizing the state for deteriorating public services and not taking measures against sexual harassment. She cited alleged harassment at the branch of a local state-owned bank. The video also shows her using profanities to describe her experience at the bank and repeatedly insult the state. Fathy faces charges of disseminating false news and joining an outlawed group. "Membership in an outlawed group" is Egyptian government parlance for having ties to a range of groups that it has outlawed, including the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organization that authorities have banned and labeled a terrorist group. Najia Bounaim, Amnesty International's North Africa campaigns director, said earlier this month when the court ordered Fathy freed that conditional release was "not enough." "The Egyptian authorities must now drop all charges against her, quash her earlier conviction and two-year prison sentence and ensure she doesn't face any further reprisals for freely expressing her opinions," she said in a statement then. Separately, Fathy received a suspended two-year prison sentence in September for insulting employees in a bank and using abusive language to criticize state institutions and decry sexual harassment against women. She awaits a scheduled Dec. 30 ruling on her appeal in that case, her lawyer said. President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has overseen a crackdown on dissent, jailing thousands of Islamists and secular, pro-democracy advocates and imposing tight control on the media while rolling back freedoms won in a popular 2011 uprising. El-Sissi says his government's top priorities are security and overhauling the battered economy. Brussels (AFP) - The European Union on Thursday lashed out at DR Congo's decision to expel its ambassador, calling the move "completely unjustified", just three days before crucial elections in the vast central African country. DR Congo Foreign Minister Leonard She Okitundu earlier told the EU it had 48 hours to withdraw its representative in retaliation for sanctions against 14 officials, including President Joseph Kabila's handpicked candidate for the long-delayed vote. An EU spokesman told AFP the bloc "regrets this decision and considers it as completely unjustified". "On the eve of very challenging elections in DRC, such a decision can only be considered counterproductive." On December 10, EU foreign ministers extended a travel ban and asset freeze on 14 figures over "the obstruction of the electoral process and the related human rights violations". That included Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a hardline former interior minister chosen by Kabila to be the candidate for his succession in Sunday's presidential election. She Okitundu said the DRC had "patiently" sought to persuade the EU to either drop or suspend the sanctions "until the elections in the DRC had been held". But as these appeals had failed, he said the expulsion of the EU head of mission Bart Ouvry, a Belgian national, "on one side punishes the reprehensible behaviour (of the EU) and on the other comes under the framework of reciprocity". Delayed several times, the election will be the country's first presidential ballot in seven years. The Democratic Republic of Congo has not had a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. Libreville (AFP) - Gabon's President Ali Bongo will deliver a speech on New Year's Day, a source close to his entourage said Wednesday, in what will be the leader's first public address since he had a stroke in October. The 59-year-old leader has not been back to Gabon since he fell ill in Saudi Arabia on October 24 and will address his nation from Morocco's capital Rabat, where he is recovering, the source told AFP. The president has "charged the Prime Minister (Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet) to meet the expectations of the citizens" until his return to Gabon at an unspecified date, the source added. A lack of official news on the leader's health after he first fell ill sparked fevered speculation that he was incapacitated or even dead. It was only revealed earlier this month that he had suffered a stroke. A single photograph of Bongo and two videos without sound are all that has been published in the two months since his stroke, further fuelling rumours about his health. Three opposition party leaders have called for an independent medical team to see Bongo in Rabat to assess whether he can perform his presidential duties. The Bongo family has governed the oil-rich equatorial African nation for five decades. Ali Bongo was elected head of state after his father's death in 2009. He was narrowly re-elected in 2016 following a presidential poll marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Israel has vowed to work with the United States to block a bid by the Palestinians for full membership in the United Nations, a move that would confer international recognition of Palestinian statehood. Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said Wednesday that he will submit a request next month to the Security Council for full UN membership, according to the official Wafa Palestinian news agency. "We are preparing to stop the initiative," said Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon in a statement. "The Palestinians pay terrorists and encourage violence yet seek to become a member state of the United Nations." Danon accused Palestinian leaders of engaging in "destructive policies that have encouraged recent terror attacks" and said he was gearing up to block the initiative "in cooperation with the United States delegation." Any move by the Palestinians to seek full UN membership will face a veto from the United States at the Security Council, diplomats said. Under UN rules the General Assembly must approve any request to become a UN member-state, but it must first be submitted to the Security Council. To win the council's approval, the Palestinians would have to secure nine votes from the 15 members and no veto from any of the five permanent members: Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States. The Palestinian foreign minister said he plans to travel to New York next month to personally submit the request. It remains unclear whether the application would quickly be put to a vote at the Security Council. - New council members back Palestine - UN diplomats said the Palestinian move to seek full UN membership comes as South Africa and Indonesia, two strong supporters of the Palestinians, are set to take their seats as non-permanent Security Council members. The council is tentatively scheduled to hold its monthly meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on January 22. Story continues The Palestinians were granted the status of UN non-member observer state in 2012, a decision taken by the General Assembly where no member-state holds veto power. The United States voted against that resolution, in line with its long-standing view that there should be no international recognition for the Palestinians until progress is made in peace efforts with Israel. That view has hardened under President Donald Trump's administration, which has cut off aid to the Palestinians and recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, overriding Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem. Asked for a comment, the US mission to the United Nations said it was unable to respond due to the US government shutdown. The Trump administration is preparing to roll out, possibly in early 2019, its much-awaited peace proposals for the Middle East -- although Israeli elections scheduled for April could once again delay that plan. About 137 countries out the UN's 193 member-states recognize some form of Palestinian statehood. Japan hanged two men convicted of murder on Thursday, the justice minister said, bringing the number of executions this year to 15 -- tied for the highest amount on record. With more than 100 inmates on death row, Japan is one of the few developed nations to retain the death penalty, and public support for it remains high despite international criticism, including from rights groups. The minister named the two men executed as Keizo Kawamura, 60, and Hiroya Suemori, 67, who were convicted of the 1988 strangling of an investment firm chief and an employee. After stealing 100 million yen ($900,000 at today's rate) they buried the two bodies in concrete in the mountains. Their capital punishment sentence was finalised in 2004. "This was an extremely heinous crime that shook society," Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita told a press conference. The minister, who is a a former prosecutor, said he ordered the executions after careful consideration, and made it clear that Japan would not stop capital punishment any time soon. "Evil, heinous crimes cannot avoid the death penalty," he said. "I believe it is not appropriate to abolish the death penalty." Japan has so far hanged 15 inmates this year, matching a 2008 record since the nation started publicly announcing executions in 1998. Thursday's hangings came five months after the nation carried out the executions of cult members sentenced to death for their role in the fatal 1995 sarin attack on the Tokyo subway and other crimes. A total of 13 people belonging to the Aum Shinrikyo cult -- including former guru Shoko Asahara -- were executed in July, drawing a line under the horrific attack which shocked the world and prompted national soul-searching over the group and its crimes. The mass execution sparked some criticism from rights groups, including Amnesty International. Local media said authorities wanted the death sentences against the Aum members to be carried out before Japan's emperor abdicates next year, when a new imperial era will begin. Paris (AFP) - One of France's most wanted jihadists, considered a potential source of valuable information by Western intelligence agencies, is set to return to prison Thursday following seven years on the run. Peter Cherif, 36, was close to the brothers who massacred staff members of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in 2015. He later became a high-ranking member of Al-Qaeda in Yemen. French authorities have been seeking him since he disappeared in 2011 on the final day of his trial in Paris for fighting in Iraq alongside Al-Qaeda in 2004. Cherif, who was sentenced to five years in prison in the trial, was arrested on December 16 in Djibouti after arriving from Yemen carrying fake ID documents, according to the presidency of the Horn of Africa country. He arrived back in France on Sunday and has since refused to speak to investigators during questioning, according to a source close to the probe. On Thursday he appeared before a judge and was given a new "terrorist conspiracy" charge before returning to prison, a judicial source told AFP. Investigators opened a new investigation in 2017 into his activities in Yemen, where he joined the senior ranks of the local branch of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). The United States considers AQAP to be the jihadist group's most dangerous branch, with US drone strikes on the outfit increasing since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017. Cherif, also known as Abou Hamza, was placed on the US blacklist of foreign terrorists in 2015. He has been a figure of interest for French police investigating a trio of attacks in January 2015 that left 17 people dead, including at Charlie Hebdo's offices and a kosher supermarket in Paris. But despite media reports suggesting he may have played a role in the attacks, he is not the subject of an arrest warrant in the Charlie Hebdo probe. The attack on the magazine marked the start of a wave of jihadist attacks in France which have claimed more than 240 lives. After his arrest in the Iraqi city of Fallujah in 2004, Cherif was sentenced to 15 years in jail in Baghdad before escaping in 2007 and heading to Syria. He was extradited to France before slipping away again during his trial. Margaret Chapple will be sworn in as the state's new deputy attorney general on Jan. 9. Margaret Chapple will be sworn in as the state's new deputy attorney general on Jan. 9. Courtesy photo Incoming Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has tapped longtime litigator Margaret Chapple to be the state's next deputy attorney general. Chapple, who joined the Attorney General's Office in 1985 and has served in various capacities for four different attorneys general, will take over the helm as the office's No. 2 after she is sworn in on Jan. 9. Chapple will succeed Perry Zinn Rowthorn, the current deputy attorney general. Tong made the announcement on Friday. "Our first priority will be to ensure a smooth transition from the George Jepsen administration to the Tong administration," the 66-year-old Chapple told the Connecticut Law Tribune Wednesday. "Initially, there will be some team building going on. It's important that everyone on the administrative team understand their role and then we need to become oriented to the many things the Attorney General's Office is involved in right now." Chapple, who will oversee the day-to-day operations of the office, which has about 200 attorneys, said she will be very involved with the Litigation Management Committee, which reviews significant cases and decides how to proceed with them. Chapple said "William has a pretty ambitious agenda" and said the Tong administration does plan on continuing most, if not all, of the work and pending litigation that was started during Jepsen's tenure. "For example, the attorney general Jepsen recently brought a lawsuit against Perdue Pharma for its alleged deceptive marketing of opioids," Chapple said. "We need to take a look at that. There is no question we will proceed with that. There is also litigation involving the ACA Affordable Care Act that we need to continue. The environment also is clearly a priority." Under Jepsen, the Attorney General's Office filed numerous lawsuits and briefs supporting other lawsuits against numerous environmental policies put forth by the Trump administration. In addition, Chapple noted, her role will also encompass "defending state agencies in litigation. We will be working with other department heads to make sure we are aware of what is going on at the defense side. We will be discussing various strategies and deciding when to try cases and when to settle cases." Chapple's first job in the office was under then-Attorney General Joe Lieberman in the mid-1980s. Chapple was with the office's Public Safety Department, where she represented the Connecticut Department of Correction and Department of Public Safety in civil rights and employment litigation issues. Since that time, the Waterbury native and Granby resident has also served as head of the Employment Rights Department and as associate attorney general, among other roles. Most recently, Chapple has spent the past three years working part time for the office overseeing the implementation of the class action settlement in the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition's suit against former Gov. John Rowland. That case revolves around about 2,400 class members who were entitled to recover economic damages as a result of Rowland's layoffs and demotions. "SEBAC v. Rowland is a very complicated process, and I have been implementing the damages part since 2015," Chapple said. "We are pretty close to finishing up on the matter." While Chapple knew Jepsen for a period of time and called his style "very low-key and practical," she hasn't known Tong for long. "I knew of him because of his role on the judiciary," she said. "I saw him chair some meetings and he's very intelligent and a people's person." Tong was previously co-chairman of the House Judiciary in the state Legislature. Chapple and her husband Wayne have four children and seven grandchildren. Chapple graduated law school in 1985 from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Related Articles: Meet Timothy Birch: The Attorney Leading AG-Elect William Tong's Transition Into Office Victorious in His Attorney General Campaign, Tong Looks to Work With All Sides as He Prepares to Take Office MEXICO CITY (AP) The theft of $3 billion in fuel every year from Mexico's state-run fuel depots and pipelines is an inside job, the country's new president said Thursday. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said thieves don't just drill taps into government pipelines. He said company employees steal fuel and distribute it, or help thieves by ensuring fuel continues to run through pipelines. Mexico's top prosecutor said criminal investigations have been opened against three employees of the state-owned oil company Pemex for alleged involvement in thefts. While thieves drill an average of about 42 illegal taps a day, Lopez Obrador said that represents only about 20 percent of losses. The rest was presumably stolen from distribution centers aboard tanker trucks. "There is a hypothesis that of all the (fuel) thefts, only about 20 percent is done by illegal pipeline taps," Lopez Obrador said. "It's a kind of smoke-screen, and the majority is done through a scheme that involves the complicity of authorities and a distribution network." Lopez Obrador suggested much of the stolen fuel leaves distribution centers aboard about 600 tanker trucks carrying fuel worth about $10 million every day. Authorities have long suspected Pemex employees of complicity in the thefts, since drilling illegal taps and extracting fuel without causing an explosion requires expertise. But an even bigger mystery has been how that much stolen fuel gets sold. Simply selling it on roadsides to passing truckers could never account for the vast amount of stolen gasoline and diesel. A few dozen gasoline stations have been implicated in selling stolen fuel, but that also wouldn't account for enough sales volume. "If we're talking about 600 tanker trucks per day, we're not just talking about 'huachicol' pipeline thefts," Lopez Obrador said. "We are talking about a scheme that has involvement inside the governments and has a fuel distribution system, because it is not easy to distribute and sell 600 tanker trucks per day." Story continues One outlet for all the stolen fuel appears to be construction sites, to power dump trucks and heavy machinery. "A lot of companies, when they are working on a construction project, bought stolen fuel, and I am calling on them not to do it," Lopez Obrador said. "On big projects, there were fuel deposits where they sold cheap diesel and gasoline." Officials say that by targeting corrupt employees and monitoring fuel shipments they have already managed to reduce the thefts since Lopez Obrador took office on Dec. 1. Military personnel are participating in a new plan to monitor distribution depots. Still, the problem remains strikingly widespread; authorities found 12,581 illegal pipeline taps in first 10 months of year, equivalent to about 42 per day. Fuel theft gangs also have brought extreme violence to previously peaceful states in central Mexico, and the gangs frequently recruit entire neighborhoods to block police raids and acts as lookouts. Bucharest (AFP) - Romania takes over the EU's rotating presidency on Tuesday at a tumultuous time for the bloc and just days after European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker voiced doubts about the country's ability to do the job. Brussels is already at loggerheads with the increasingly populist government in Bucharest on multiple fronts and Juncker's comments highlight some of the strains. Romania will be in charge for the next six months as the European Union faces a series of key tests -- Brexit, parliamentary elections in which eurosceptics will vie for increased influence, and wrangling over the next budget. Romania, which takes the presidency for the first time as it succeeds Austria, has been one of the EU's most consistently europhile member states since it joined in 2007. But its left-wing government has recently begun to adopt the sort of nationalist rhetoric expounded by nearby Hungary and Poland. All three are embroiled in disputes with the EU over controversial reforms that critics say undermine the rule of law. Liviu Dragnea, head of the ruling Social Democrats (PSD) and widely seen as Romania's most powerful man, has slammed the EU as "unfair", claiming Brussels is seeking to deny Bucharest the "right to hold its own opinions". - Opportunistic not ideological - In remarks to Die Welt on December 29, Juncker said that even if Romania was "technically well prepared" for the presidency, the "Bucharest government has not fully understood what it means to preside over the countries of the EU." The EU presidency "requires a willingness to listen to others and a willingness to put one's own concerns in the background. I have some doubts about this," Juncker said. One of the main reasons for the cooling of relations between Bucharest and Brussels is the PSD's planned overhaul of Romania's judiciary, which the government says is aimed at clamping down on "abuses" by judges and magistrates. Story continues But the European Commission wants the reforms scrapped, saying they undermine the fight against corruption in one of the EU's most graft-prone states. EU officials "have the feeling, perhaps justifiably, that these reforms are for the benefit of Dragnea," said political scientist Andrei Taranu. The government has proposed a criminal amnesty for politicians including Dragnea, who was given a suspended jail sentence for electoral fraud in 2016 and is being investigated in two other criminal cases. In this context, Dragnea's switch to a more populist tone could be more opportunistic than ideological, Taranu said. "He is copying the illiberal rhetoric of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban without understanding the concepts involved," Taranu said. There are no signs that the government will put its plans on hold during its EU presidency. The amnesty decree is expected to be issued soon, with a European source warning that such a step would cross a "red line". If the decree goes ahead, Romania would be distracted from pan-European problems and instead have to devote energy to defending itself to its partners, the same source said, adding that the country "already suffers from a lack of credibility". Moreover, Romania may find it difficult to speak with a united voice, given the tug-of-war between the government of Viorica Dancila -- the third PSD prime minister since 2016 -- and centre-right President Klaus Iohannis. Iohannis, a keen pro-European who has frequently clashed with the government, represents Romania on the European Council. - Polarised society - The PSD won a comfortable election victory in 2016, but quickly sparked the country's biggest wave of protests since the collapse of communism with an attempt to water down anti-corruption laws. Demonstrations have continued in the capital Bucharest but the PSD still enjoys solid support in poorer and more rural parts of the country, which have benefited from recent rises in wages and benefits. Political analyst Radu Alexandru describes Romanian society as "very polarised and divided". As well as being one of the EU's poorest countries, Romania also suffers from huge inequality. EU membership has brought some tangible benefits to poorer regions of the country. Romania has received 32 billion euros ($36 billion) in EU cohesion funds, part of which went to supplying running water to 40 percent of rural homes -- up from just one percent at the fall of communism in 1989. But as sociologist Iulian Stanescu of the ICCV research institute points out, "EU membership can't solve everything". Despite the benefits of being in the bloc and strong economic growth, Romania continues to suffer from chronic problems, including emigration. "All around me I only see sad people and high-school students who want to leave," says 60-year-old electrician Gica Bobe, a resident of Turnu Magurele, a town in Romania's poor south. London (AFP) - Britain's Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said Thursday that a spike in migrants crossing the Channel by boat was "deeply concerning", after dozens of people were rescued overnight. British border officials found 23 Iranians in three locations in Kent on England's southeast coast early Thursday, hours after French maritime authorities intercepted 11 migrants in a small boat near Sangatte. "The number of incidents over recent days is deeply concerning," said Nokes. "Some of this is clearly facilitated by organised crime groups while other attempts appear to be opportunistic." Nine Iranians, including three children, were the first to be found early Thursday on a beach near the Kent port town of Folkstone, after sailing from northern France in a 13-foot (four-metre) inflatable boat. Matt Crittenden, of the Littlestone-on-Sea lifeboat station, told AFP its search and rescue helicopter had spotted them and alerted police. "We realised they were safe and sound, and the police took over," he said. Britain's interior ministry said each migrant had been given medical assessments. "All of the adults have been transferred to immigration officials for interview and the three minors have been transferred to the care of social services," it added. The ministry said two more boats were discovered at around 8:30am (0830 GMT), both near the port of Dover, carrying 14 Iranian males. It said they had also all received medical checkups and been taken for immigration interviews. Authorities on both sides of the Channel are worried about the sharp increase in the number of migrants trying to reach Britain by sea. Attempts to cross the Channel -- one of the world's busiest shipping lanes -- have multiplied since October, with a particular spike recorded over the Christmas period. British authorities took in 43 people in English waters on Christmas Day and December 26. Nokes said officials on both sides of the Channel were coordinating efforts through a joint information centre opened in Calais in late November "to tackle criminality at the border". Beni (DR Congo) (AFP) - A DR Congo opposition bloc called Thursday for a nationwide stoppage and police clashed with demonstrators in two eastern cities after upcoming elections were placed on hold in their region. Lamuka, a coalition of parties supporting opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, called for cities to be brought to a standstill on Friday, two days before polling day. A diplomatic storm with the European Union meanwhile erupted into the open as the government demanded Brussels withdraw its envoy to Kinshasa within 48 hours -- a call the EU said was "completely unjustified". Delayed several times, the election will be the Democratic Republic of Congo's first presidential ballot in seven years. But on Wednesday, the national election panel announced the vote would be postponed in several troubled areas until March. Even so, the vote will continue to take place in the rest of the country as scheduled on December 30, and the next president will be sworn in on January 18, it said. In the eastern province of North Kivu, the region most affected by the delay, several hundred demonstrators gathered on Thursday in the administrative district of the city of Beni. Gunshots were heard over a roughly hour-long period, apparently fired by police to disperse protestors. In Goma, the provincial capital, demonstrators set up barricades in the districts of Majengo and Katimbo and at the entrance to the university. Police fired teargas and made at least half a dozen arrests, said an AFP reporter at the scene. This year's Nobel peace laureate Denis Mukwege, hailed by several thousand people on Thursday on his return to the country, urged the authorities "to respect the constitution. "The electoral process is at an impasse," he warned. The vote should have been held in 2016 when President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001, reached a two-term limit set under the constitution. But he remained in office, invoking a caretaker clause under the constitution, but also triggering protests that security forces bloodily crushed. Story continues - Opposition anger - Legislative and municipal elections are being held at the same time as the presidential poll. The latest postponement applies to the cities of Beni and Butembo in North Kivu, as well as to the territory of Yumbi in the southwestern province of Mai-Ndombe. Around three percent of some 40 million registered voters will be affected by the delay. But opposition parties described the delay as a ploy to gag a stronghold of support. At a press conference, Lamuka called for cities around the DRC to be brought to a standstill on Friday but said it would still contest the poll. The other main opposition party, the veteran Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) "condemned" the new delay but also said it would not boycott. Wednesday's announcement by the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) blamed militia violence and an outbreak of Ebola in North Kivu, and inter-communal clashes in Yumbi. It is the fourth delay to strike the elections. They were postponed in 2016 and 2017 and then moved from December 23 to December 30 after a warehouse fire destroyed election equipment. - Presidential challenge - Three men are heading a field of 21 candidates in the presidential race. They are Kabila's hand-picked successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a hardline former interior minister; Fayulu, a little-known legislator and former oil executive; and UPDS chief Felix Tshisekedi. A festering row with the EU over Shadary burst into the open on Thursday. Foreign Minister Leonard She Okitundu gave the European Union 48 hours to withdraw its representative -- retaliation for sanctions against Shadary and 13 other officials for cracking down on anti-Kabila protests. The sanctions, imposed in early 2017 and extended on December 10, comprise a travel ban and asset freeze for "obstruction of the electoral process and... related human rights violations". The mineral-rich giant of central Africa, the DRC has an entrenched reputation for political turmoil, corruption and poverty. An EU spokesman told AFP that the bloc "regrets this decision and considers it as completely unjustified", adding that it "can only be considered counterproductive". It has not had a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. In 1996-1997 and 1998-2003, the DRC became the theatre of two wars that left millions dead, many homeless and sucked in countries from around central and southern Africa. The UN and western powers have repeatedly urged the DRC to have peaceful, transparent and free elections -- a call echoed on Wednesday by the presidents of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and the neighbouring Republic of Congo. Lagos (AFP) - Five suspected killers of a former Nigerian defence chief have been arrested, the police said on Thursday. Retired air chief marshall Alex Badeh was shot dead last week by unknown gunmen on a road outside Abuja, the nation's capital. He was returning from his farm when he was ambushed and shot dead. The police said in a statement they had arrested "two principal suspects who participated in the killing... and three other suspects." "They are now in police custody undergoing investigation." Describing the killing as "very sad and unfortunate," Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari immediately ordered the security forces to arrest the killers to bring them to justice. He also ordered the police to ensure greater security and safety of drivers. Badeh, 61, who served as Nigeria's defence chief under former president Goodluck Jonathan, retired in 2015. He has been on trial since then over allegations of corruption while in office. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is battling a myriad of security problems, from Boko Haram jihadists in the northeast to farmer-herder conflict in the centre and kidnappings for ransom and armed robberies in the south. Buhari who came to power in 2015 and is seeking a second term in February elections, has come under fire for not doing enough to address the security challenges. Ouagadougou (AFP) - Ten police officers were killed and three wounded in an ambush in northwestern Burkina Faso on Thursday, the west African country's security ministry said. "The toll is 10 officers who have lost their lives and three wounded," the ministry said in a statement, adding that a police convoy from the Toeni region and reinforcements from the Dedougou area had been ambushed. The officers were attacked while heading to the village of Loroni, near the border with Mali, after a school there had been attacked and textbooks torched by armed assailants, a security source told AFP. The wounded, including two in serious condition, were taken to a hospital in Dedougou, the source added. Burkina Faso has been increasingly hit by deadly attacks over the last three years. They began in the north of the country but have since spread to the east, near the border with Togo and Benin. On Wednesday, a police officer died during an attack on his station in the northern town of Solan. Most attacks are attributed to the jihadist group Ansarul Islam, which emerged near the Mali border in December 2016, and to the JNIM (the Group to Support Islam and Muslims), which has sworn allegiance to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Those groups are believed to be responsible for more than 255 deaths since 2015. The capital Ouagadougou has been hit three times and almost 60 people have died there. Things Trump said in 2018 Trump said this to Justin Trudeau on May 25. The past year of diplomatic relations between Canada and the United States has been eventful, to say the least. From flaring tempers to awkward silences to Twitter feuds and flying insults, months of North American trade deal talks pushed negotiators on both sides to the edge of decency. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump were not above bouncing snide remarks off of one another, either. The two countries, along with Mexico, would eventually sign the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on Nov. 30, but not before trading a few rhetorical blows. During the G7 summit in Quebec in June, Trudeau called the planned U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum insulting and said Canadians will not be pushed around. And as the leaders competing interests on behalf of their countries led to stalemate after stalemate between Canadian and American negotiators, Trump who could never claim restraint as a strength was a wellspring of petulant, often inaccurate, comments and complaints. From the impolite to the downright puzzling, here are some of the things Donald Trump said about Canada in 2018. Ulaanbaatar (AFP) - Make-up artist Solongo Batsukh braves Mongolia's below-freezing temperatures in just a skimpy black dress and light pastel pink coat -- the country's trailblazing transgender beauty queen wants to look good in any weather. "I don't like to look puffy," the 25-year-old said as she drove to a beauty salon that hired her to promote its products and services via Facebook live videos. It's with this typical bluntness, confidence and attitude that taboo-breaking Batsukh strutted into the country's first ever Miss Universe Mongolia competition in October. Though she fell short of representing her country at the Miss Universe contest in Thailand on December 17, her participation shed another light onto a group living on the edges of a deeply patriarchal country with conservative views about sexual orientation. Had she won, she would have joined Miss Spain's Angela Ponce as the first transgender contestants in Miss Universe's 66-year history. "I wanted to inspire as many women as possible," Batsukh told AFP. "But I'm still proud that I got the chance to compete in this contest, and the 'Solongo' I created was a true winner in my heart," she said. Her participation didn't please everyone, dredging up negative reactions on social media. "The world would have a negative image of our country if a man represents us while there are thousands of beautiful and real women in our country," one person wrote on the Facebook page of Miss Universe Mongolia. - 'Correct misunderstandings' - But Batsukh isn't deterred by such abuse. Born Bilguun Batsukh, she grew up as a boy in the semi-arid central province of Dundgovi. She couldn't pinpoint her gender identity until she learned about different gender orientations as a university student in her early 20s. It was when she started working as a programme officer at Youth for Health, a non-governmental organisation that provides safe-sex education for LGBT people, that she realised she was a woman born in a man's body. Story continues She started wearing wigs, putting on dresses and taking hormone therapy. Batsukh is among the few LGBT people who have dared to come out in Mongolia, where some 80 percent of the community remain in the closet, according to a UN survey. "It is extremely difficult for transgender people to be employed," said Baldangombo Altangerel, legal programme manager at the LGBT Centre. A video of a young transgender woman who had repeatedly been beaten in the streets went viral in Mongolia last year, highlighting the prejudices LGBT people face. Batsukh wants to dispel the image that transgender women can only be sex workers or strippers living on the fringes of society. She flaunts her wealth, regularly travels abroad and is a celebrity in her country of three million people. Batsukh found fame in 2014, when she represented Mongolia in Miss International Queen, finishing in the top 10 of the international transgender beauty pageant organised in Thailand. She pursued a modelling career and became a make-up artist. "I had to reveal myself (as transgender) so I could correct the misunderstandings in society. If we keep hidden, society will keep on hating us. They don't know us," she said. Batsukh has used her public image to speak up on television and social media, fighting against perceptions that transgender people are suffering from mental illness. But she has tough words for Mongolia's transgender community, too, complaining that they should focus on working rather than talking about human rights. "Instead of saying 'we're human like everyone else', we need to prove ourselves through our actions. Just show others that we're making a living like ordinary people," she said. - 'Her goals inspire me' - Batsukh is seizing on the popularity of her Facebook page, which has more than 120,000 "likes", to create a reality show featuring women seeking a makeover. The beauty queen will help the women lose weight, change hairstyles and apply make-up. Sarangoo Sukhbaatar, 25, who works in a cashmere company and was among 25 women competing to be among the five participants, said she trusted in Batsukh's ability and skills to transform her looks. "Solongo truly understands what women feel," said Sukhbaatar, who started following Batsukh on social media two years ago. "Her goals and patience inspire me," she said. "If a man can be beautiful like her, women can be much more beautiful than we are today." President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to U.S. troops stationed in Iraq on Wednesday, his first trip to a combat zone. The appearance comes five days into a partial government shutdown and just as Trumps tensions with his military advisers are mounting. Against the advisers advice, the president announced last week that he would pull U.S. troops out of Syria and about 7,000 soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, cutting the number of American forces still involved in the countrys longest war. A day later, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he would be stepping down, citing different views with the president. Shortly thereafter, Brett McGurk, head of the American effort against the terrorist group known as the Islamic State, accelerated his resignation, saying Trumps announcement came as a shock and was a complete reversal of policy that was articulated to us. On Wednesday, Trump didnt back down from his stance. Its time for us to start using our head, Trump told reporters in Joint Base al Asad, west of Baghdad, Bloomberg reports. We dont want to be taken advantage of anymore by countries that use us and our military, he said. Trump has said he has no plans to pull troops from Iraq as they may serve as a regional base in efforts against groups like the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. If we see something happening with ISIS that we dont like, we can hit them so fast and so hard they really wont know what the hell happened, Trump said Wednesday. According to The New York Times, the president and First Lady Melania Trump will make two stops on their trip to Iraq, visiting the more than 5,000 Americans stationed there. Baghdad (AFP) - President Donald Trump's lightning Christmas visit with US troops in Iraq has triggered questions and criticism in a country deeply divided over Washington's influence since the 2003 US invasion. The Wednesday visit, Trump's first with US troops in a conflict zone since he took office two years ago, came days after a shock decision to pull all American troops from neighbouring Syria. - No visit to PM? - Trump's trip was veiled in such secrecy there was speculation that Iraqi authorities had not been informed, and the US leader did not meet with Iraqi officials. There were no face-to-face talks between Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi due to "differing views on how to organise the meeting", Iraqi authorities said in a statement. The two leaders instead spoke over the phone, the statement added. In Iraqi media, rumours abounded that Trump had asked Abdel Mahdi to meet him at the military base but the premier declined. "What was supposed to pass for a face-saving story -- that Trump refused to meet the PM in Baghdad insisting that the meeting take place at the Ain Al-Asad base -- was viewed by many Iraqis as further proof of Trump's contempt for Iraq," said Fanar Haddad, an Iraq expert at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute. "The excuse made the initial infraction all the worse," said Haddad. Former prime minister Haider al-Abadi said the way in which Trump visited Iraq was "not commensurate with diplomatic norms and relations with sovereign states". "Dealing with Iraq and its sovereignty in this way will harm Iraqi-US relations," he said. - Why now? - Trump's visit follows his surprise decision to withdraw all 2,000 American troops in neighbouring Syria and half of the 14,000 US soldiers deployed in Afghanistan to fight the Taliban. But Trump stressed during his visit that he had no intention of pulling troops out of Iraq, which he said could be used as a future base "if we wanted to do something in Syria". Story continues "I think the visit will reassure those fearing that US policy in Iraq will go the way of its policy in Syria," said Haddad. Trump has made disentangling the US from its wars a priority since his 2016 election. The US "cannot continue to be the policeman of the world", he told troops at the Iraqi base. But Iraq is a special case, according to Iraqi political analyst Hisham al-Hashemi. "Iraq is important because of its strategic location. The presence of US forces reassures both Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and strikes a balance between the Kurds and Turkey and the Turkish, Iranian, Iraqi triangle," he said. The US military presence in Iraq also aids "Israel's desire to block the Tehran-Beirut route" and helps offset Iran's strengthening presence in the region, he said. - Iraqi political scene? - Relations between Iraq and the US have seen sizeable shifts since the 2003 US invasion and the overthrow of longtime ruler Saddam Hussein. The US military presence was largely unwelcome for years, until Washington created the international coalition to defeat IS in 2014 and helped erase the jihadists' "caliphate". But Iran's growing influence in the country has worked to diminish pro-US sentiments and pro-Tehran groups now make up a key bloc in the Iraqi parliament. Those groups were angered by Trump's visit. The Iran-backed Harakat al-Nujaba said the presence of US forces in Iraq was a "violation of the country's sovereignty" and it was "now the duty of the government to expel American forces". "Trump's disrespect of Iraq's sovereignty will not go unpunished," it said, adding it would "not allow Iraq to be a base used to threaten other countries". The head of the pro-Iran Asaib Ahl al-Haq group, Qais al-Khazali, tweeted that "Trump's visit to a US military base without regard for diplomatic norms reveals the reality of the American project in Iraq". The Iraqi response, he said, "would be the parliament's decision to remove your military forces" unilaterally. "If you don't withdraw, we have the experience and the ability to remove them in another way," he added. With Abdel Mahdi still struggling to fill key ministerial positions months after his appointment, analyst Hashemi said the "axis close to Iran will seek a parliamentary vote on a timeline for an American pullout from Iraq". These groups and their respective militias play a major role in maintaining security across much of Iraq, especially along the border with Syria. Hashemi said Trump's "disregard for his allies is straining the relationship between Abdel Mahdi and the Iraqi political forces". Trump's ignorance of Iraq's tenuous political scene, he said, may "open the doors for resistance against the American presence in Iraq again". By Sofia Menchu and Yeganeh Torbati NENTON, Guatemala/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Migrant children will receive more thorough medical checks after an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy died in U.S. custody this week, the U.S. government said on Wednesday, and his mother expressed grief and despair over his death. Felipe Gomez Alonzo, who died on Monday, and his father, Agustin, 47, came from the western municipality of Nenton in Huehuetenango province, Guatemalan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marta Larra said. The pair trekked to the Mexico-U.S. border, joining thousands of others who have left their remote area. Gomez, belonged to a family of indigenous Maya, was the second child to die this month in U.S. custody after crossing from Mexico, following the Dec. 8 death of Jakelin Caal, a 7-year-old girl also from Guatemala. "I'm sad and in despair over the death of my son," the boy's 32-year-old mother, Catarina Alonzo, told Reuters by phone from her home in the tiny village of Yalambojoch, speaking through a translator because of her limited Spanish. The latest fatality prompted sharp criticism from some Democrats, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced policy changes on Wednesday aimed at preventing future deaths of children in custody. All children in Border Patrol custody have been given a "thorough medical screening," and moving forward all children will receive "a more thorough hands on assessment" as soon as possible after being apprehended, whether or not the adult with them asks for one, Nielsen said in a statement. Gomez's parents, who speak a Maya language called Chuj and little Spanish, have requested an autopsy be done as quickly as possible so their son's body can be repatriated to Guatemala, Larra said. The results are expected in about a week, she added. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has not released an official cause of death. Story continues Most families in Nenton, a mountainous area near the Mexican border, are of indigenous origin and subsist on corn and beans, as well as money sent back from relatives working in the United States and Mexico, according to a local government report. Huehuetenango sends the highest number of migrants abroad from Guatemala every year, Larra at the foreign ministry said. Nielsen said the death of migrant children in U.S. custody is rare, noting that in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, six migrants died under the CBP's auspices, none of whom were children. It had been more than a decade since a child died in CBP custody, she added. "It is now clear that migrants, particularly children, are increasingly facing medical challenges and harboring illness caused by their long and dangerous journey," Nielsen said, noting she would travel to the border later this week to observe the medical screenings and conditions at Border Patrol stations. She placed some blame for the risks faced by migrant children on their families. "Smugglers, traffickers, and their own parents put these minors at risk by embarking on the dangerous and arduous journey north," Nielsen said. INVESTIGATION DEMANDED Gomez and his father were detained on Dec. 18 in El Paso, Texas, for illegally entering the country, the agency said. They were given hot food, snacks, juice and water, and two days later, were transferred to the El Paso Border Patrol Station, CBP said. On Dec. 23, they were moved to the Alamogordo Border Patrol Station in New Mexico. On the morning of Dec. 24, an agent noticed Gomez "was coughing and appeared to have glossy eyes," CBP said, and the father and son were transferred to a nearby hospital. The boy was found to have a fever and cold and was released with a prescription for an antibiotic and Ibuprofen. That evening, Gomez started vomiting, and his father declined medical help because his son had been feeling better, CBP said. A few hours later, Gomez again began feeling nauseous and was taken back to the hospital, where he died just before midnight. CBP previously said he had died early on Tuesday. U.S. House of Representatives Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called on Wednesday for the DHS internal watchdog, the Inspector General's office, to investigate Gomez's death. Other Democrats expressed outrage. U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz of California said on a conference call that CBP facilities he had visited last week near El Paso were "dehumanizing" and not equipped to handle emergencies in remote areas of the Mexico-U.S. border. "This is under the care and the responsibility and the custody of the United States government, and they do not meet the most minimal basic standards of humanitarian health," he said. (Reporting by Sofia Menchu in Nenton, Guatemala, and Yeganeh Torbati in Washington Additional reporting by Daina Beth Solomon in Mexico City and David Morgan in Washington, Editing by Dave Graham, Cynthia Osterman and Leslie Adler) She may have been feeding her young daughter and infant when the men walked up to her home while her husband was away. She may have been worki A Lego exhibit claiming to show Jewish revenge against the Nazis in the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust has been removed in Spain after a senior Israeli diplomat complained of anti-Semitism Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The exhibit, entitled "Operation Vengeance" showcased Lego figures of soldiers wearing the Israeli flag on their uniforms pointing weapons at civilians. But the Israeli symbols were removed from the display Tuesday, following an outcry from Deputy Chief of Mission Assaf Moran. The display in central Madrid is part of the "I Love Lego" exhibition in the city's Gaviria Palace and was spotted by Moran during a trip with his children. "Operation Vengeance" Lego exhibit, December 2018, Madrid, Spain Moran complained to the exhibition's organizers who, in turn, presented him with the exhibit's explanatory notes, which said that it depicted "an historical event" from the days after the war ended. "Operation Vengeance is a spectacular diorama (3D model) of an historical event that took place in 1945 in Priuli, northern Italy. The reconstructed scene symbolizes vengeance attacks carried out by the anti-Nazi brigades," the note read. But Moran pointed out that the display showcases Israeli soldiers three years before the Jewish state was established. Therefore, claimed the diplomat, the exhibition was distorting history and misleading the public. "There is a double lie here: First, the exhibit shows Israeli soldiers pointing guns at civilians without providing any context. Therefore, the exhibition's visitors perceive Israel as a violent and aggressive state," Moran said. "The second explanation actually provides a kind of justification for the exhibition, only it is completely false and certainly does not justify having Israeli flags at a time when the Jewish state had not yet been established. If there were soldiers that carried out vengeance attacks against the Nazis, they were wearing British uniforms," Moran added. Following the diplomat's complaints, the director of the museum removed all Israeli references from the exhibit. The 'Snow White' installation in Stockholm, 2004 (Photo: AFP) This is not the first time that a European exhibit has offended Israeli sensibilities. In 2004, then-Israeli Ambassador to Sweden Zvi Mazel destroyed an exhibit in Stockholm that appeared to glorify suicide bombings in Israel, which were then at a height. The installation, entitled "Snow White and the Madness of Truth," was comprised of a pool of water colored to look like blood, on which floated a small boat labeled "Snow White" bearing a picture of Hanadi Jaradat, who carried out a suicide attack at the Maxim restaurant in Haifa in 2003, killing 21 people. Mazel, who was invited to the opening, destroyed the installation in fury, sparking a diplomatic furor. The diplomat, however, was unrepentant. In the middle of December 2016, when the eastern part of Aleppo was bombed by the Russians, Iranians and its Shiite proxies, to the point that there was nothing left but dust, it became clear just how useless NATO, the United Nations and the United States are. It also became clear there is no such thing as the free world. The world is held captive by fear, abandoned and terrified. Thousands of women and children could be blown up and trampled on, and the rest of the world wouldnt lift a finger. All of this happened a month after Donald Trump was elected as US president. There is no such thing as a coincidence. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Trumps decision to withdraw US troops from Syria made me reminisce about the dark days of October 2014. I sat on a hill facing the Syrian town of Kobani, which was then under Islamic State siege. The militants had already taken over most of the town, and had it not been for the assistance of the US Air Force, IS would have completely taken over the area and massacred its Kurdish population. The Turkish army stood by and watched as the Kurds were fighting for their lives. Female Kurdish fighters battling IS (Photo: Tsur Shezaf) Kobani was the turning point in the battle against IS, because it prompted the Americans to intervene, initially to save the Kurds, and later to rescue the Yazidis in an aerial operation in Jebal Sinjar. It was Barack Obama's America. A few months later, as I traveled across the Jazira region, I closely accompanied the Kurds and the Yazidis who were relentlessly fighting IS in a battle of good versus evil. Women and men of the Kurdish militias in Syria were fighting alongside each other according to the philosophy adopted by the Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalanimprisoned in Turkey since 1999based on egalitarianism and a desire for a humane society. It was easy to bond with the Kurds over a conversation about Israeli inaction when it comes to the suffering of the Kurdish population, who openly ask to form an alliance with the Jewish state. My heart is with the Kurds who let me sleep in their homes and eat their food, and who shielded me during battles. The independent Kurdish region of northern Syria, formerly known as Rojava, is flat and rich in oil. The Kurds can not survive without the aerial support. The Turks, the Russians, or even Syrian President Bashar Assads forces will devour them whole. Even in Afrin, which was occupied by the Turks through the assistance of the local jihadists at the onset of 2018, the Kurds didnt have to face drones, helicopters and Turkish fighter jets. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans statement following a conversation with Trump, according to which he will destroy whats left of IS (and the Kurds) in the war-torn country, is a mixture of intentions and lies. Of course he will destroy the Kurds, but the withdrawal of US troops from Syria actually helps IS to survive by escaping a Kurdish-American onslaught. Kurdish fighters (Photo: Tsur Shezaf) Erdogan will not destroy IS; they are practically part of the Turkish military, trained and nurtured by Turkey's leader. The IS fighters whom I questioned after theyd been captured by the Syrian Kurds testified that Turkish intelligence officers were preparing them for battle and supplying them weapons. Once the Kurdish forces are destroyed, the next step will be the ethnic cleansing that Assad and the Turks have been planning since the start of the civil war in Syria. Hafez al-Assad, the father of the current Syrian president, resettled the local Arab population in the Kurdish territories in order to weaken the native Kurds. Although some of the Arabs left the region when the Kurds built their independent state there, the Arab jihadists will return if Assads forces or Turkish military take over the area. Trump's decision to betray the Kurds to appease Erdogan is the action of an immoral man. It also does not strengthen America, it weakens it. So much damage caused by stupidity of one man. Obama, unlike the right-wing Israeli propaganda, understood Erdogans true nature and protected the Kurds. Obama refused to order strikes on Syria back in 2013 following a chemical attackwhich had allegedly been carried out by the Assad regimeafter he was made aware of the tests conducted in British laboratories that revealed that the chemical agent had been supplied by Turkish intelligence and dispersed by jihadists working for Turkey, in order to force the US to enter the conflict in Syria. Barack Obama and Donald Trump (Photos: AP, Shutterstock) The former president managed US foreign policy by prioritizing the interests of America and its allies in the regionIsrael and Jordan. He sent the special units soldiers and outlined a clever strategy of hitting IS from the air in the open plains of the Syrian desert, pushing them out of the area with the help of the Kurdish forces. The strategy helped the Kurds to take control of some 40% of the Syrian territory, which blocked a land route used by Iranian military envoys to smuggle weapons to Lebanons Hezbollah, and shielded the Kurds in northern Iraq. Trump, by dancing to Erdogans tune, gave a lifeline to the remaining IS fighters. Turkeys leader is one of Israels most treacherous enemies, and his statementsbacked up by NATO's large and well-equipped armyshould be taken seriously. Betrayal is rarely witnessed in real time. Israel has never been betrayed by an American president up to this day. Well, the apocalypse is now. The quasi-independent Kurdish area in northeastern Syria is now either at the mercy of the Turks, who in principle hate Kurdish independence, or at the mercy of the Russians, who aspire to extend their dominance over all of Syria. Since Trumps dramatic announcement, my Kurdish acquaintances in Syria have been trying to reach me through any means of communication they have available, telling me in a trembling voice that their fate is sealed. What can I tell them? That I'm sorry? That theres nothing I can say that would encourage them? Syrian Kurds in Iraq (Photo: Tsur Shezaf) The only silver lining is that French President Emmanuel Macron announced the countrys troops will stay in Rojava, meaning that Trump might just dismantle the NATO by taking the United States out of the equation and pitting Turkey and France against each other. The question is whether this situation puts Europe at odds with Russia. This strange predicament also leaves Israel exposed, because even though I dont envy the Kurds, our country has not been in such a vulnerable geo-strategic position in quite some time. This is an important life lesson. Netanyahu supported Trump wholeheartedly and believed (like many others on the Right) that the current US president is the best thing that ever happened to our country. Netanyahu even delivered a speech at the United Nations praising Trump, while warning us about the dangers of Iran. The prime ministers warm friendship with the unethical and unstable American president, tells us that Netanyahu is not that different from Trump. However, Trump cares neither about Netanyahu nor Israel. So, who will protect the Middle East from Turkey, Russia and Iran? Not Netanyahu, who is another ingredient in this stomach-churning meal weve been served up. A day after Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2017, some 500,000 people arrived in Washington to participate in the Women's Marchthe largest demonstration in American history. Two months prior, a day after Trump won the election, the protest's organizers began setting up the march in reaction to Trump's campaign and political views, namely his remarks about groping women Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter That huge demonstration laid the foundation, perhaps unintentionally, of one of the most significant social movements in the last half century the #MeToo movement. US President Donald Trump (Photo: AFP) It is not a new movement. Years before the "Me Too" phrase was popularized by actress Alyssa Milano; social activist Tarana Burke used the phrase to promote "empowerment through empathy" among sexual assault victims. But in October 2017, soon after sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein came out, the #MeToo social media hashtag spread quickly, imbued with one meaning: I, too, was harassed or sexually assaulted. Those who complained about Weinstein encouraged more and more women to come forward and finally talk about life in a world where strong, rich men can do what they want. Former Miss Arizona, Tasha Dixon: contestants were forced to greet Trump even when not fully dressed, October, 2016 X However, the seeds of the #MeToo movement were planted with the publication of the 2005 Access Hollywood tape in which Trump is heard boasting about groping women. Perhaps what most gave rise to the movement was the fact that Trump was sworn in as President of the United State despite his sexist views and lewd remarks. More than ten women complained that Trump sexually assaulted them, even before the elections. He threatened to sue them all but failed to do so. Meanwhile, the careers of Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose, Louis CK, Les Moonves, Bill O'Reilly and Al Franken are over, while Trump remains intact. Only the women, who were brave enough to give a public voice to personal experiences and complain about the American president, are completely forgotten. NEC Corporation (NEC)(TOKYO:6701), a Minato, Tokyo, Japan-based leader in the integration of IT and network technologies, acquired KMD Holding ApS, the holding company of KMD A/S (KMD), the largest Danish IT company, for approximately 8 billion Danish Kroner (DKK). With the acquisition, which is expected to be completed by the end of February 2019, Advent International sold its stake in the company. The deal will accelerate NECs global safety business and expand its business domain through the utilization of its advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to develop areas that include public safety, digital government and smart transportation. These initiatives are being implemented under the NEC Safer Cities program, which supports the realization of safe, secure, efficient and equal cities. Led by Eva Berneke, CEO, KMD mainly provides software and IT services in Denmark through business models that generate profit continuously on a recurring basis, such as software as a service (SaaS) offerings. The company, whose customer base includes central and local governments, has a wide variety of software for supporting the digitization of Denmark, and a track record of executing strategic M&A which has broadened its service offering in a number of key verticals. NEC will promote the global reach of KMDs software by utilizing the NEC Groups sales channels, including the mutual sale of software between KMD and UK-based Northgate Public Services Limited, which NEC acquired in January 2018. FinSMEs 27/12/2018 An Israeli security official on Wednesday confirmed responsibility for overnight airstrikes in Syria, saying the air force had hit a series of targets involved in Iranian arms transfers to the Hezbollah militant group. Russia had criticized the airstrike, saying it endangered civilian flights. The comments highlighted the increasingly tense relations between Israel and Russia, which have grown strained since the September downing of a Russian plane by Syrian forces responding to another Israeli raid. The Israeli official said the air force had attacked several Iranian targets in three main locations late Tuesday and early Wednesday. He said the targets were primarily storage and logistics facilities used by archenemy Iran to ship weapons to Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Lebanese group that fought Israel in a 2006 war. President Donald Trump made an unannounced trip to Iraq on Wednesday to meet US troops. Iraqi political and militia leaders condemned US President Donald Trump's surprise visit Wednesday as a violation of Iraq's sovereignty, and lawmakers said a meeting between Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was canceled due to a disagreement over venue. Sabah al Saadi, the leader of the Islah parliamentary bloc, called for an emergency session of parliament "to discuss this blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and to stop these aggressive actions by Trump who should know his limits: The US occupation of Iraq is over." The Bina bloc, Islah's rival in parliament and led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, also objected to Trump's trip to Iraq. "Trump's visit is a flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms and shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government," said a statement from Bina. US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Israel "will be very good" following Washington's withdrawal from Syria. I spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I told Bibi, you know we give Israel 4.5 billion dollars a year. And they are doing very well at defending themselves," Trump told reporters on his way back from a visit to American troops stationed in Iraq. "Im the one that moved the embassy to Jerusalem. I was the one who was willing to do that. So thats the way it is - we are going to take great care of Israel. Israel is going to be good. We give Israel 4.5 billion a year. And we give frankly a lot more than that if you look at the books. Theyve been doing a good job," he added. An Israeli security official on Wednesday confirmed responsibility for overnight Tuesday's airstrikes in Syria, saying the air force had hit a series of targets involved in Iranian arms transfers to the Hezbollah terror group. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Russia had criticized the airstrike, saying it endangered civilian flights. The comments highlighted the increasingly tense relations between Israel and Russia, which have grown strained since the September downing of a Russian plane by Syrian forces responding to another Israeli raid. IDF strike in Syria (Photo: TNS) The Israeli official said the air force had attacked several Iranian targets in three main locations late Tuesday and early Wednesday. He said the targets were primarily storage and logistics facilities used by archenemy Iran to ship weapons to Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Lebanese group that fought Israel in the Second Lebanon War in 2006. The Israeli official said it was Syrian air defenses that endangered the civilian planes, by firing 30 missiles in response to the airstrike. He also claimed that Iranian forces are operating less than 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Israeli border, contrary to Russian assurances. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under standard Israeli security protocols. The IDF has not commented on the incident. Earlier Wednesday, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said that six Israeli F-16 jets launched a "provocative" raid at the moment when two civilian airliners were preparing to land in Damascus and Beirut, creating a "direct threat" to the aircraft. IDF strike in Syria X Lebanon's acting Transport Minister Youssef Fenianos confirmed Konashenkov's account, saying the two airplanes in Lebanese airspace "narrowly" escaped Israeli warplanes, averting a "human catastrophe." Fenianos said Lebanon will present a complaint to the UN Security Council. Konashenkov said the Syrian military didn't fully engage its air defense assets to avoid accidentally hitting the passenger jets. He added that Syrian air traffic controllers redirected the Damascus-bound plane to a Russian air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia. Konashenkov said Syrian air defense forces shot down 14 of the 16 precision-guided bombs dropped by the Israeli jets, while the remaining two hit a Syrian military depot 7 kilometers (about 4 miles) west of Damascus, wounding three Syrian soldiers. IDF strike in Syria The Israeli official said the Israeli jets hit all their targets, in some cases causing secondary explosions. He said they also destroyed a Syrian anti-aircraft battery. In recent years, Israel has acknowledged carrying out scores of airstrikes in neighboring Syria, most believed to have been aimed at suspected Iranian arms shipments to Hezbollah. Iran and Hezbollah have sent forces to Syria to bolster President Bashar Assad, who appears close to victory after a devastating seven-year civil war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel will not allow Iran to establish a permanent military presence in postwar Syria. Benjamin Netanyahu addresssing graduating pilots at an air base in the Negev, December 26, 2018 That mission has been complicated by the September 17 downing of the Russian reconnaissance aircraft by Syrian fire. Russia, which also backs Assad, has blamed Israel for the friendly-fire mishap and reportedly scaled back a hotline that allowed the two air forces to coordinate and avoid unintended clashes. Russia also sent Syria sophisticated S-300 anti-aircraft missiles , though the Israeli official said an older system was fired at the Israeli planes in Wednesday's incident. Israeli officials have also expressed concern about US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw US forces from Syria. The US presence has given Israel an extra element of protection. Speaking at a military ceremony Wednesday, Netanyahu said the US withdrawal will not change his policy Although he did not directly mention the airstrikes, he said Israel's air force has unmatched capabilities and can reach areas "near and far, very far." "We are not prepared to accept the Iranian military entrenchment in Syria, which is directed against us. We will act against it vigorously and continuously, including during the current period," he told a graduation ceremony of new Air Force pilots. Addressing the same ceremony, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, praised the army's "many important accomplishments, including "thwarting the expansion of Iranian influence." Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot (Photo: Yair Sagi) The Syrian foreign ministry accused Israel of exacerbating the crisis in the country and standing in the way of the government's war on terrorism. In messages sent to the UN secretary-general and the president of the Security Council, the ministry said the Israeli airstrike wouldn't have been launched if it wasn't for what it called "unlimited" US support for Israel. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said Tuesday's Israeli strike targeted three positions south of Damascus that are arms depots for Hezbollah and Iranian forces. Israel was hit by a particularly wintry day Thursday as heavy rain spread from the north to the southern coastal plain. In the Western Galilee, 14 mm of rain dropped in one hour in Kibbutz Ayalon. Heavy rain also hit the Lower Galilee, the northern valleys, and the Sharon and Dan regions in the center. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds are expected to spread Thursday from northern Israel to the northern Negev as temperatures drop significantly. The storm will gradually weaken toward Thursday night. Storm clouds near Haifa, December 27, 2018 Hailstorms hit Caesarea, Pardes Hanna-Karkur, and other parts of the Sharon region on Thursday morning. In Dan region, the heavy downpours caused flooding in several streets. Meanwhile, Mt. Hermon site was closed Thursday due to rainfall and heavy fog. The temperature at the summit is close to zero, and snow was expected to fall before noon Thursday. Hailstorm in Caesarea, December 27, 2018 X The downpours bring a risk of flooding to rivers in the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley. Due to weather conditions, Israel police calls on the general public to avoid driving in flooded roads, adjust driving speed to road conditions, and maintain a safe trailing distance. According to the Meteo-Tech meteorological company, winds in the Mediterranean Sea will reach speeds of up to 70 kph (43 mph), while the waves could reach heights of up to 350 cm (11 feet). Caesarea, December 27, 2018 As the storm gradually weakens, the weather will be partly cloudy on Friday, with temperatures lower than usual. On Saturday, rain is expected to fall sporadically and spread from the north to the northern Negev Desert in the south, with a chance of thunderstorms. On Sunday, rain will spread from the north of the country to the northern Negev, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms. There is a chance of flooding in lower regions, and snow is expected to fall on Mt. Hermon. US President Donald Trump defended his decision to withdraw from Syria Wednesday, saying that it wont endanger Israel. We give Israel $4.5 Billion and it knows how to defend itself, he said during a visit to US troops in Iraq. An Eritrean man was indicted Thursday for the rape and murder of his ex-wife's 12-year-old daughter in Tel Aviv in November. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Tesfatsion, who was married to Silvana Tsegai's mother for two years, was charged in Tel Aviv District Court with murder, the rape of a minor, aggravated assault, making threats, and obstruction of justice. Silvana and her mother were asylum seekers, also from Eritrea, living in the Hatikva neighborhood of Tel Aviv. At the time of her murder, Silvana and her mother were planning to leave Israel, which Tesfatsion was against. Silvana Tsegai Tesfatsion arrived in Israel from Eritrea in 2010. He was married to Silvana's mother for two years, but the relationship ended due to his alleged physical abuse. After the two divorced and Tesfatsion moved out of their apartment, he reportedly tried to persuade his former wife to resume their relationship. But she allegedly grew afraid of his obsessive behavior, changed the locks to her apartment, and asked her neighbors to keep the entrance to the building locked and to not let Tesfatsion in. Several days Silvana's death, Tesfatsion began stalking his former wife, the charge sheet says. Two days before the murder, he allegedly broke into the apartment while Silvana was home alone. She called the police after he apparently took some items and left. The indictment claims that on the day of the murder, knowing Silvana would be home alone, Tesfatsion climbed onto the roof of the building adjacent to the family home, where he waited her to return from school. He allegedly entered the apartment when he realized the door was open. Accused murder Tesfabran Tesfatsion in court in Tel Aviv, December 27, 2018 According to the indictment, Tesfatsion began chocking Silvana, knocking her onto the bed. The girl allegedly attempted to fight him off before he raped her and strangled her to death. Before leaving, the indictment says, Tesfatsion locked the apartment and the entrance to the building, taking the girl's keys and phone to ensure that she would not be able to call for help. Silvana's mother rushed home after failing to reach her daughter on the phone, where she found Silvana's body. In an attempt to dispose of the evidence, the charge sheet says, Tesfatsion discarded his pants and underwear, and hid Silvana's phone and keys. After a two-day manhunt, the police located him in Tel Aviv's Carmel Market. Tesfatsion's attorney Nir Alfasa said: "The indictment points to a complex relationship, which ended with a tragedy. The defendant denies any involvement in the minor's death." The IDF published an announcement to the people of Gaza Thursday, saying that the IDF will not tolerate events near the security fence. We also want no one to get hurt this Friday, its up to you, said the statement. Last Friday, four Palestinians were killed during confrontations at the Gaza Strip border, during the routine rallies that have been taking place there since March this year. The IDF is preparing for a tense weekend on the Gaza border, sending reinforcements in order to prevent the potential infiltration by Palestinian rioters into Israeli territory. The move comes following an announcement by the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip that Friday is a "test day." The IDF believes that there will be riots at the fence as Palestinians mark a since four protesters were killed on the border. The army will therefore increase the amount of troops and aerial observation around certain points of friction. Col. Iyad Sarhan Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories for the Gaza Strip Col. Iyad Sarhan issued a social media appeal to residents of the Gaza Strip on Thursday, and warned them not to take part in terrorist attacks on the border fence with Israel. "Residents of Gaza, what do you want from your upcoming Friday?" said Sarhan in a video message in Arabic that was posted on Facebook. "Do you want to spend it in the bosom of your family or in unpleasant incidents on the security fence? The IDF will not tolerate any attacks on the security fence. We also want a Friday without any casualties on your side, but that depends solely on you." He added: "The IDF will not allow rioters to approach or damage the security fence, and any attempt to harm IDF soldiers or violate Israeli sovereignty will be met with a strong IDF response. Keep your distance from the area of the fence, and you will be quite safe. " Gaza protests (Photo: EPA) Such IDF announcements are relatively rare, and this was the first of of its kind in weeks. It is apparently a direct result of the deaths of the four Palestinians in last Friday's clashes as well as the joint announcement by Hamas-led armed groups in Gaza. Hamas has previously prevented protesters from reaching the fence and causing violent incidents, but last week showed that a low level of restraint easily leads to greater violence. Even after the Knesset voted Wednesday to dissolve itself and head to early elections, former IDF Chief Benny Gantz kept mum about his political plans. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Gantz is expected to be one of the main stars of the 2019 elections, but in the meantime he is considered an enigma not speaking of what he intends to do or even presenting his views to the public. Gantz is silent and yet his potential seat count is climbing, perhaps due to the yearning for something new that appears in almost every election campaign. Gantz has maintained this thunderous silence for months, even refusing to speak truly openly with the people closest to him. His apparent behind-the-scenes plans to take the upcoming elections by storm has been carried out in total secrecy. Ultimately, he has two options: to join one of the existing major parties or to compete in an entirely new one. The tall, stoic former army chief has been courted by several party leaders, including the Likud's Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid, and Avi Gabbay of Zionist Union/Labor. It has even been reported that Netanyahu even offered Gantz the post of foreign minister to both woo him over to the Likud and neutralize a real political threat (Netanyahu denied it; Gantz refused to comment). Lapid and Gabbay also bent over backwards, each offering him the number 2 spot on their Knesset lists and the role of defense minister should they be the one to form the next government. Last Thursday, Gabbay even presented his party's membership with a poll showing that Zionist Union would take 29 out of the Knesset's 120 seats with Gantz in the No. 2 spot. An associate of the veteran soldier said that as his political stock rose and his polling skyrocketed, Gantz fell in love with the idea of running on his own list in the top spot. Why should he be beholden to someone else? "Gantz could be defense minister in any government that is formed, so he is not willing to gamble on joining a particular party, but would rather run under his own steam," says a source who recently spoke to Gantz. "He's a very calculating man and everything he does is checked a thousand times, sometimes to his own detriment. Benny Gantz by Guy Morad Benny Gantz has several political associates, such as Adina Bar-Shalom, former Yerucham mayor Michael Biton and attorney Rachel Turjeman, as well as a number of personal advisers working with him behind the scenes. A few weeks ago, close associates announced that they had formed the Ahi Yisraeli (My Israeli Brother) party, to create a platform for a future Gantz run. Gantz rejected this option, and Biton, announced last Saturday that he had decided to step down as chairman of My Israeli Brother to join whatever political entity that Gantz forms himself. According to some reports, Gantz has already registered a new party to run in the upcoming elections, but he has not disclosed the details. Ehud Barak, another former IDF chief turned politician said this week that he is considering joining a united bloc against Netanyahu himself, and warned that Gantz would be making a mistake if he ran on his own ticket, as three moderate parties would fare less well against Netanyahu than one large one to going head to head with the prime minister. Perhaps Benny Gantz will answer the prayers of those searching for an alternative to Netanyahu, but we must bear in mind that we still know nothing about the Gantz the politician, not Gantz the chief of staff. In the army, Gantz was a major general, but in politics he is a private. Gantz does instill a certain amount of fear in Netanyahu and his people. After all, he did try to lure him over to the Likud. But the chances of this happening are low. A few weeks ago, a senior Likud minister close to the Netanyahu's said in a closed-door conversation that he had "embarrassing material" on Gantz and would release it as soon as the former army chief announced his entry into politics. Gantz's silence should end in the coming days and while that may end the enigma, Gantz will undoubtedly be one of the most fascinating characters of the 2019 elections. Tradeshift, a San Francisco, CA-based supply chain payments and marketplaces, acquired Babelway, a cloud integration technology platform. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Led by Francois Van Uffelen, Babelway has provided a standardized way large businesses to connect disparate systems with speed. Now, the company has joined forces with Tradeshifts business commerce platform, enabling any business in the world to connect to digital global trade. Babelways technology will now be offered as Tradeshift Link. Tradeshift Link allows banks and third-party app providers to connect to the Tradeshift network to offer financial solutions such as financing and early payment services, accelerating the integration of disconnected systems used for B2B buying, paying, and selling. Led by Christian Lanng, CEO and founder, Tradeshift provides supply chain payments solutions and marketplaces to allow buyers and suppliers to digitize all their trade transactions, collaborate on every process, and connect with any supply chain app. More than 1.5 million companies across 190 countries use Tradeshift to process over half a trillion USD in transaction value. FinSMEs 27/12/2018 Former chief of staff Benny Gantz ended months of speculation regarding his political ambitions on Thursday, registering a new political party, Resilience for Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Gantz is now considering potential partners to join his party, and holding meetings with other party heads and senior political figures. Benny Gantz (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) Gantzs campaign is being managed by publicists Itai Ben Horin and Tal Alexanderovich, who managed the 2013 election campaign of Shelly Yachimovich and the Labor Party, as well as the campaign of the current director of the Histadrut Labor Federation, Avi Nissenkorn, who ran against Yachimovich for the position. Former mayor of Yerucham, Michael Biton, is among those tipped to join the new party. During the long period of speculation over Gantzs political prospects, Biton, a close associate of the former army chief, said that the Israeli people want new blood and are seeking good leaders who are affiliated with the moderate part of the political spectrum, instead of a leader who causes societal division. Israel wants "responsible people, not radicals, not extreme right or extreme left, who understand the complexity and the common denominators among us, with a rich professional record and who are not corrupt, said Biton. Gantz as outgoing chief of staff (Photo: AFP) Gantz had maintained a deafening silence for months, even refusing to speak openly about his political ambitions with the people closest to him. The former army chief has been courted by several party leaders, including the Likud's Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid, and Avi Gabbay of Zionist Union/Labor. It has even been reported that Netanyahu offered Gantz the post of foreign minister to both woo him over to the Likud and neutralize what he saw as a real political threat (Netanyahu denied it; Gantz, refused to comment). Gantz with PM Netanyhau (Photo: GPO) Lapid and Gabbay also bent over backwards, each offering him the number 2 spot on their Knesset lists as well as the role of defense minister should they be the one to form the next government. Last Thursday, Gabbay even presented his party's membership with a poll showing that the Zionist Union would take 29 out of the Knesset's 120 seats with Gantz in the No. 2 spot. An associate of the veteran soldier said that as his political stock rose and his polling skyrocketed, Gantz fell in love with the idea of running on his own list in the top spot. Why should he be beholden to someone else? "Gantz could be defense minister in any government that is formed, so he is not willing to gamble on joining a particular party, but would rather run under his own steam," says a source who recently spoke to Gantz. "He's a very calculating man and everything he does is checked a thousand times, sometimes to his own detriment. Gantz with recently deceased veteran journalist Noah Klieger (Photo: Eli Dessa) Benny Gantz has several political associates, such as Adina Bar-Shalom, former Yerucham mayor Michael Biton and attorney Rachel Turjeman, as well as a number of personal advisers working with him behind the scenes. A few weeks ago, close associates announced that they had formed the Ahi Yisraeli (My Israeli Brother) party, to create a platform for a future Gantz run. Gantz rejected this option, and Biton, announced last Saturday that he had decided to step down as chairman of My Israeli Brother to join whatever political entity Gantz chooses to form. Netanyahu warned that Gantz would be making a mistake if he ran on his own ticket, as three moderate parties would fare less well against Netanyahu than one large one to going head to head with the prime minister. Gantz does instill a certain amount of fear in Netanyahu and his people. After all, he did try to lure him over to the Likud. A few weeks ago, a senior Likud minister close to the Netanyahus said in a closed-door conversation that he had "embarrassing material" on Gantz and would release it as soon as the former army chief announced his entry into politics. In any case, Gantz will undoubtedly be one of the most fascinating figures of the 2019 elections. RIYADH - Saudi King Salman has appointed former finance minister Ibrahim al-Assaf as foreign minister in a major cabinet reshuffle that included changes to key national security posts, state media reported on Thursday. The reshuffle came with the Saudi government trying to deal with intense international pressure over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Last week the kingdom announced the creation of three government bodies aimed at improving its intelligence operations. Assaf, who was detained briefly in the anti-corruption crackdown launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last year, replaced Adel al-Jubeir who was shifted to a more advisory role as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The IDF flooded with cement and water the Hezbollah tunnels, which appear to have been dug from residential houses in Lebanese villages, as the Shiite terror group scrambles to salvage whats left of their strategic assets. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter At the beginning of the month, the IDF launched Operation Northern Shield to expose and neutralize terror tunnels Hezbollah has constructed along the Israel-Lebanon border since 2006, and so far five underground constructions have been destroyed by the Israeli military. The tunnels near the northern city of Metula were deliberately filled with large quantities of water and construction substances such as cement and bentonite, in order to not only eliminate the possibility of them being at least partially saved by Hezbollah, but to also cause flooding and expose the Lebanese villages from which the constructions originate. Residental homes on Lebanese border from which tunnels originated (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) Shortly after the IDF operation was launched, Lebanese media aired footage showing a concrete block factory that was set up by Hezbollah along the border meant to conceal the entry shafts to the terror tunnels, which sources in the IDF initially described as a surprise. "The methods which we use to neutralize the tunnels vary depending on their size, shape and surroundings. If the best way to neutralize a specific tunnel would result in the destruction of houses on the other side of the border, we still have to do it. The responsibility is 100% on us, not on UNIFIL or the Lebanese army, said one IDF officer. After the tunnels were flooded, it became clear that tunnels excavated from the village of Kilaonly two kilometres from Metulahad several openings which seemed to have been dug from inside residential homes. Tunnels excavated from the village of Kila (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) The IDF Spokesperson Ronen Manelis warned Hezbollah that the IDF could fill the tunnels with substances much more hazardous than cement or water. Weve warned the residents on the Lebanese side of the border that they endanger their lives by allowing for these tunnels to be dug from their homes. The operation is not over yet, added Manelis. We havent seen either UNIFIL or the Lebanese army operating against the tunnels, even though weve presented them with the evidence. The IDF Spokespersons Unit also clarified the two tunnels exposed by the Israeli military last week, which originated from the Lebanese border towns of Ramyah and Ayta ash Shab, were destroyed in its entirety by a controlled explosion carried out by the army. Alarmed by a US decision to leave Syria, Kurdish leaders who run much of the north are urging Russia and its ally Damascus to send forces to shield the border from the threat of a Turkish offensive. JOSEPH LUSSIER, left, and his attorney, Craig Haukaas, listen to arguments during Lussier's preliminary hearing on murder charges in May in Iron County Court. Lussier and Richard Allen were convicted in an August week-long trial. Editor's note: The Daily Globe is counting down the top five stories of 2018. Today's story, number 4, is about the events surrounding the murder of Wayne Valliere Jr. in the Mercer, Wis., area a year ago. Number 5 was the ambulance millage that was passed for three years in Gogebic County. --- By RALPH ANSAMI [email protected] As 2019 approaches, the Lac du Flambeau tribal community continues to deal with a holiday horror of a year ago. The body of 25-year-old tribal member Wayne M. Valliere Jr. was found off a tote road near Mercer on New Year's day and five men were eventually charged with his murder. The Daily Globe news staff ranked the murder case developments as the fourth-rated story of 2018. After an emotion-filled, week-long August trial in the Iron County Courthouse at Hurley, Richard F.A. Allen, 28, and Joseph D. Lussier, 27, were convicted by a jury of murder and hiding a corpse in Valliere's death. They are serving life sentences in prison. The two men and the three other defendants took Valliere for a drive and Allen shot him in the head, with Lussier "emptying a clip" into Valliere's body. They suspected he was a "snitch," or informant, but that was never proved in court. Assistant Wisconsin Attorney General Richard Dufour continues to handle prosecution of all facets of the case into the new year. Iron County Judge Patrick Madden presided over the trial of Joseph Lussier and Allen, after ruling the two men would be tried together. He rejected a defense motion the cases be severed. The jury heard from dozens of expert witnesses, an inmate on jailhouse comments and numerous members of the tribe who testified about the events of that tragic holiday period. All the while the small courthouse gallery was packed with Valliere's family members, friends and tribal members. Now James Lussier, 20, of Woodruff, the brother of Joseph Lussier, awaits sentencing on Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. for being a party to the crime of felony murder and two counts of aiding a felon. A pre-sentence investigation was completed for him in October after a plea agreement was reached. He was scheduled to be sentenced in November, but it was postponed. Just last week, a five-day jury trial was scheduled for Curtis Wolfe, 27, of Lac du Flambeau, in connection with the murder. His trial will begin on May 13, unless a plea agreement is reached before then. An April 30 status conference is the next court hearing for Wolfe in Iron County. Evan T. Oungst, 28, of Arbor Vitae, the fifth defendant, is charged with being a party to the homicide and hiding a corpse, among several other charges. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. for arraignment. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. 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Ltd., Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine LLC, Sequenom Inc, Sequenom Inc., Southern Idaho Regional Laboratory, Tandem Labs Inc., The LabCorp Charitable Foundation, Tri-Cities Laboratory LLC, Viro-Med Laboratories Inc., Visiun, and Yakima Medical Arts Inc.. - Two Ghanaians have been arrested by Nigerian police officials for acid attack and robbery - They succeeded in diverting 600 bags of sugar worth over GHC130,000 - They were however arrested and will soon be charged with the offences Two Ghanaians, Eric Aidan and Matthew Kwasha, have been arrested by Nigerian police officials for attacking a driver with acid and robbing him of his truck. YEN.com.gh understands that the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of Nigeria confirmed the arrests. Information available shows that the suspects carried out the crime in Edo on December 9, 2018, but they were arrested in Enugu state. READ ALSO: President Kufuor's son 'runs away' from Ayawaso West Wuogon primaries The IRT spokesman, DCP Jimoh Moshood, said that the suspects allegedly poured raw acid on Taiwo Adesanya, after robbing him at the Olukwu area of Benin City of his truck with goods. They then snatched his truck loaded with 600 bags of sugar worth over GHC 130,000, and dragged him out of the truck after they took him for dead. He added that the suspects are notorious criminals who specialize in killing their victims with raw acid after dispossessing them of their belongings, especially vehicles. DCP Moshood went on to say that they usually sought employment as driver and conductor in haulage companies. They consequently study the company and perfect ways to divert their employers goods and sell the vehicle. He revealed that they confessed to the crime and will soon be charged by a court, after they had been identified by Adesanya. READ ALSO: Shatta Wale betrays NAM1 ahead of his 'Thanksgiving' concert Ghana News Today: Sad Story of How Woman Lost Baby at Gov't Hospital In Kumasi | #Yencomgh Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen - Churches at Damongo have rejected a Christmas gift of a bag of rice from the MP, Mutawakil Adam - They explained that Muslims had better gifts from the MP during Ramadan - They have therefore vowed to return the bag of rice and show him the exit during the 2020 elections A bag of rice from the Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, Mutawakil Adam, to all churches in his constituency, have been angrily rejected. According to a report by Rainbowradioonline.com, the Christians accused the lawmaker of being unfair and bias. They added that his actions demeaned Christians in the constituency, and it was therefore unacceptable. READ ALSO: Former president Kufuor's son 'runs away' from Ayawaso West Wuogon primaries Shedding light on their argument, they explained that during Ramadan, their Muslim counterparts were usually given many bags of sugar and rice for their celebration. Meanwhile, some of the churches have declared their intention of returning the bag of rice to Mutawakil Adam. This is an insult to we the Christians; we are not hungry people. If you want to give us something for the celebration, must is be a bag of rice for all the churches here? they quizzed. They have therefore declared their intent to return the bag of rice to him on Monday, December 31, 2018. The MP is however yet to comment on the matter, but the churches have reportedly vowed to show him the exit during the 2020 elections. READ ALSO: Serious details of how Nigerian policemen arrested Ghanaian acid attackers leak online Ghana News Today: Sad Story of How Woman Lost Baby at Gov't Hospital In Kumasi | #Yencomgh Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen 19-year-old Kwadwo Antwi has been sentenced to four years imprisonment in hard labor for extortion, by an Accra Circuit Court. Antwi who took away the handbag of one Georgina Oppong containing two mobile phones, two chargers, an MP3 Radio set and GHC 10 through threats was convicted on his own plea of guilt. Police Chief Inspector Christine Bensah, told the Court presided over by Emmanuel Essandoh that the victim, who is a cleaner and resident of Pantang, was on December 10, 2018 at about 1000 hours on her way to work when she met the convict at a footpath leading to the Pantang Nursing Training School. Source: Suppied Source: UGC READ ALSO: Secret video shows Ghana police officer asking for a GHC 100 bribe Chief Inspector Bensah said, Antwi, who was armed with a piece of iron rod threatened to harm Georgina if she did not surrender her handbag. The police chief also said a struggle ensued between the two over the bag but Antwi overpowered the victim after hitting her on the head The suspect after hitting the victim started running pulling along the handbag. READ ALSO: Two Ghanaians grabbed in Nigeria for acid attack and robbery The Prosecution said Georgina then raised an alarm which attracted some farmers who pursued and arrested Antwi. The convict then was handed over to the Adenta Police who retrieved the bag but the chargers and the MP3 radio set could not be accounted for. She said the convict admitted the offence in his caution statement and was arraigned accordingly. READ ALSO: Former president Kufuors son pulls out of Ayawaso West Wuogon primaries Ghana News Today: Sad Story of How Woman Lost Baby at Gov't Hospital In Kumasi | #Yencomgh Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen Ghana News reaching YEN.com.gh indicate that a journalist with Accra based TV station, UTV a subsidiary of the Despite Group of Companies, Mavis Animah Yeboah, has kicked the bucket. According to Isaac Justice Bediako, a close friend to the deceased, she reportedly passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2018 morning at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. She was reportedly on admission at the hospital receiving treatment for an ailment. UTV Brong Ahafo correspondent, Mavis Animah Source: MyNewsGh.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: Ghanaian soldier sues British army for 'failing to protect him' from winter The cause of death is not immediately known, but sources indicate she had been indisposed for some time now, according to MyNewsGh.com reports. Her condition was said to have deteriorated for which reason she was taken to the hospital but never survived the ailment. Close family members have confirmed the unfortunate passing of the former Ashanti Regional Correspondent of Metro TV who until her death, was the Brong Ahafo Regional reporter of UTV. She left behind two kids with the youngest being six months old. READ ALSO: Two Ghanaians grabbed in Nigeria for acid attack and robbery Ghana News Today: Sad Story of How Woman Lost Baby at Gov't Hospital In Kumasi | #Yencomgh READ ALSO: Duncan-Williams' thugs storm Tema branch over non-payment for use of Action Chapel name Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen News TRIPOLI, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday condemned an armed attack on a local hospital in the eastern Libyan city Benghazi. "The WHO strongly condemns the armed attack occurred on Dec. 26 in Al Jala Hospital in Benghazi, which caused panic to the patients, health workers, and damage to the infrastructure of the hospital," WHO said in a statement. The statement warned that such attacks would eventually lead to "closure of this important hospital, add to the suffering of Libyan people, and further deprive the already limited access they have to medical care." "Al Jala Trauma hospital is working under extreme pressure with limited supplies and resources to save lives and provide medical services to the whole east of Libya," the statement added. The organization called on all parties to "observe international humanitarian law, and respect the safety and neutrality of health workers and health facilities." After they were denied entry to the hospital, a group of gunmen caused panic when they opened fire inside the intensive care unit, the hospital said. In November, gunmen attacked a medical center in the city, wounding two nurses and three security guards. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Steel Division developer Eugen Systems has fired six employees involved in an ongoing pay dispute, which represents around a quarter of its entire workforce. Prior to the sackings there were around 21 developers left at the French studio, which has been lambasted by staff over the past two years for failing to compensate them for overtime, ignoring minimum wage laws, and refusing to acknowledge employee contracts. The situation boiled over in February this year when a group of Eugen devs walked out on strike, although they were ultimately forced to return to work two months later after management refused to negotiate. Since then, the Video Game Workers Union of France (STJV) has promised to help Eugen employees fight for their rights with all the legal means at its disposal, and is in the process of bringing a case against Eugen to a labor tribunal. For its part, Eugen claims the firings are unrelated to the ongoing pay dispute, but the STJV has branded the move an "act of retaliation." "We believe that this was an act of retaliation and a preemptive move by management ahead of a case over low pay being brought against Eugen Systems by 15 employees as well as the STJV. The case is due to go before the labor tribunal in March 2019," wrote the STJV. "The 6 workers were fired under the pretext of having negatively affected the mood (degrade lambiance) of the studio and used insulting language in a conversation that took place in a private chat channel. All 6 were participants in this years strike." Those interested can read the STJV's full account of the situation right here. Not even the Supreme Court can tell you what to do in this. Hey Long Beach! Its that time of year again when the world famous floating Christmas tree on the bay returns to Long Beach! Check out our video below all about the history of these classic Long Beach icons below. You... Bonn public prosecutor's office : Investigation of hate mails to the mayor has concluded Bonn The public prosecutor's office in Bonn has determined that hate mails received by Lord Mayor Ashok Sridharan were an expression of political opinion. An investigation into the matter has ended. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The public prosecutor's office in Bonn has ended an investigation into three hate mails received by Lord Mayor Ashok Sridharan (CDU). General Anzeiger learned of the development following an inquiry to the public prosecutor. In two cases the senders could not be identified, in the third case the e-mail was not deemed punishable by law because its content, although offensive, was considered an expression of political opinion. Sridharan received the hate mail in summer as a reaction to a refugee initiative. After Bonn, Cologne and Dusseldorf had campaigned in an open letter at the end of July for taking in refugees rescued from the Mediterranean Sea, many negative reactions were received in all three cities. The mayor of Dusseldorf, Thomas Geisel (SPD), even received a death threat. But the investigation there was also concluded because the sender of the e-mail could not be determined. Investigation already ended in October The investigation had already concluded in October. Lord Mayor Sridharan responded to the outcome by saying: "I naturally respect the decision of the public prosecutor's office. Freedom of expression is a great privilege. It was important to me to check whether such (offensive mails) were covered by freedom of speech". Although Sridharan filed a complaint against only three e-mails, there was a substantially larger number of "unfriendly mails" on the subject, as the city calls them. The total number could not be determined as the messages had long since been deleted. Insults and xenophobic comments had also reached the city via social networks. Orig. text: Nadine Klees Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak (front) is seen in a court in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 26, 2018. Mubarak testified on Wednesday in the retrial of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and others in the case known in the media as the "jailbreak trial," official Ahram Online website reported. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak testified on Wednesday in the retrial of ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi and others in the case known in the media as the "jailbreak trial," official Ahram Online website reported. The case dates back to violent incidents surrounding a jail breakout after Jan. 28, 2011. In June 2015, a Cairo criminal court sentenced Morsi and five other top Brotherhood figures to death over charges of damaging and setting fire to prison buildings, murder, attempted murder, looting prison weapons depots and releasing prisoners while escaping from the Wadi El-Natroun prison, north of the capital Cairo. In November 2016, the Court of Cassation revoked death sentences and ordered retrials for Morsi and other defendants. Morsi was deposed by the army in early July 2013, in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his Muslim Brotherhood. Mubarak, who was ousted during the January 2011 uprising, arrived to the court accompanied by his sons Gamal and Alaa. After swearing the oath, Mubarak asked to be granted permission from the Egyptian president and the commandership of the Egyptian Armed Forces before revealing to the court information related to the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt, so as not to be violating the law, according to Ahram. The prosecution has charged that supporters of the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood and the Palestinian Hamas movement infiltrated the Egypt-Gaza border through tunnels after the outbreak of the January revolution to storm jails and free imprisoned Brotherhood members. However, the head judge told Mubarak that the court is seeking information not related to national security issues, and instructed Mubarak to answer questions. Mubarak, who rarely makes media or public statements since his ouster, told the court that the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt had existed long before the Jan. 25 revolution and that they were mostly used to transfer food commodities and other goods. When asked by the judge whether the tunnels were used during the early days of the revolution, Mubarak declined to answer without permission from the president and the commandership of the armed forces to speak on the matter. Nevertheless, he stated that former head of the general intelligence service Omar Suleiman informed him on Jan. 29 2011 that about 800 militants had infiltrated the eastern border through the tunnels. The 90-year-old former president added that "militants killed policemen and protesters in Tahrir Square, the birthplace of the 2011 anti-Mubarak uprising, creating chaos in the country," and that they broke out Muslim Brotherhood members from jails. He said that he believes there are "lots of plots" but could not address them without a permission from the presidency. Mubarak, who has been receiving treatment in a military hospital in Cairo, told the court that he "handed over the country" to the Egyptian armed forces so "Egypt won't fall." The court adjourned the case to Jan. 24, 2019. In March 2017, Mubarak was acquitted of the charges of killing protesters during the 2011 uprising that led to his ouster. In September, an Egyptian court declined an appeal for reconciliation in a corruption case submitted by Mubarak and his two sons. Mubarak and his two sons were sentenced in May 2015 to three years in prison for embezzling funds meant for maintaining presidential palaces. They were also sentenced to collectively pay a fine of about 126 million Egyptian pounds (7 million U.S. dollars) and return about 21.2 million pounds. Gamal and Alaa were released in October 2015 since their jail term was covered by the years they had already served in provisional detention. Mubarak's two sons, along with other defendants, are also accused of making illegal financial gains of over 493 million pounds by allowing a Cyprus company to acquire a national bank's shares through hidden deals. Cairo Criminal Court decided in September to release Gamal and Alaa on bail of 100,000 pounds. 3 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- The United States has once again embarrassed itself by indicting two alleged Chinese hackers for breaking into computers of U.S. government agencies, companies as well as other nations. It's a slanderous campaign by the United States, which routinely depicts itself as cyber-espionage victim while pointing an accusatory finger elsewhere. This time around Washington has taken a different approach, stressing that the alleged Chinese hackers have stolen secrets from other countries as well. There's only one problem: No conclusive proof exists to support the alleged crimes. International Business Machines (IBM), which is on the list of "victim companies," said it had no evidence that sensitive data and client information had been compromised. In fact, it was not the first time for the United States, which has a notorious record in cyber issues, to cook up unfounded accusations against "Chinese hackers" via anonymous sources. "Lanxiang Vocational School," a Chinese vocational school offering courses in subjects like cooking, auto repair and hairdressing, was reported as the "Chinese stronghold of hackers" by The New York Times several years ago, making the news source the butt of public jokes. Coincidentally, Bloomberg Businessweek in a report two months ago claimed that China implanted malicious chips in the hardware of U.S. companies, which was swiftly denied by Apple and Amazon. For long, it has been an open secret that U.S. cyber intelligence and institutionalized cyber forces hack into and eavesdrop on foreign governments, enterprises and individuals. But U.S. authorities and Western media have been working diligently to divert attention from that unpleasant fact by making bizarre accusations against China instead. As China is steadfast in safeguarding cyber security and opposing all forms of cyber espionage, U.S. allegations of cyber espionage against China are unacceptable and have violated the basic norms of international relations and seriously undermined Sino-U.S. cooperation. It should be borne in mind that accusing others of cyber espionage merely to cast a country in a poor light won't help address cyber security issues in the long run. Let's hope Washington quickly figures this out. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The China-Japan maritime and air liaison mechanism is a useful tool to help avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments between the two countries, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday. Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a daily news briefing when asked for comments on the first annual meeting of the China-Japan maritime and air liaison mechanism held Dec. 26 to 27 in Beijing. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on setting up the mechanism during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Japan in May. Hua said the establishment and enablement of the mechanism had positive meaning for the two countries' security departments in promoting understanding, strengthening mutual trust and avoiding misunderstandings and misjudgments, as well as maintaining peace and stability of the area. Talking about the possible exchange of visits for naval fleets between China and Japan in 2019, Hua said more exchanges from defense departments is beneficial to properly handling disputes and consolidating mutual trust in security. The two countries should build constructive bilateral security relations, so as to inject positive energy for the continuous improvement and long-term stable development of China-Japan relations, said the spokesperson. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Michael Ellis Langley was raised in Tracy and returned home as editor of the Press in 2013. << See the full list of the 2018 Public Officials of the Year. It was an unlikely journey that led Rahul Gupta to become the public health commissioner for West Virginia, but it was one that followed his passion for treating the most vulnerable patients in the world, from plague victims in New Delhi to opioid addicts in rural America.The son of Indian diplomats, Gupta was raised in the Washington, D.C., area, but returned to his native New Delhi for medical school. There, he worked on a vaccination campaign to eradicate polio. It was the first time such a campaign had been tried in the country, and it worked. It gave me a sense of whats possible, Gupta says. Ive seen children die because of polio, tetanus and the plague. We dont really see those public health problems in America, and that gives me a larger perspective for what I do.Guptas sense of medical possibility was reinforced for him when he returned to America to work as a doctor in Birmingham, Ala. He dealt with Medicaid patients who had trouble meeting $1 copays on their prescription drugs. He called pharmacies and found he could get them to waive those fees.His work led him to West Virginia, where he won notice for his handling of the 2014 Elk River chemical spill, which left more than 300,000 of the states residents in nine counties without safe tap water. He was praised for working quickly to get clean water restored, preventing larger-scale public health problems. Soon after that, in 2015, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin asked Gupta to be West Virginias public health commissioner.Upon taking office, he was met with one of the worst epidemics in the states history. West Virginians were overdosing from opioids at an alarming rate. Nearly 900 people died from opioid abuse in 2016; even more died in 2017. The opioid epidemic has been a punch to West Virginia. Its crippled us, says Danny Scalise, executive director of the West Virginia State Medical Association. But Gupta has been the counterpunch.In order to curb overdoses, Gupta sought to understand exactly who the victims were and how they were falling into danger. He led a team that conducted what he calls a post-autopsy autopsy. The findings were illuminating: Four out of five of those who died had come into contact with the health-care system, and those who had visited three or more pharmacies getting prescriptions filled were 70 times more likely to die. Only 2 in 10 of those who died had received naloxone, the antidote to an overdose.Gupta established an opioid response panel that asked affected communities what they wanted from the state. This year, as a result of the research and community input, the state legislature passed the Opioid Reduction Act, a multipronged approach that, among other features, expands the availability of naloxone throughout the state and limits when and how often doctors can prescribe opioids.Its too soon to say whether Guptas efforts and the new legislation will make a serious dent in the epidemic. Gupta himself will not be there to see the impact: He accepted a position with the March of Dimes in September. Still, Scalise says that the commissioners impact on the state will far outlast his tenure. We are going to see a drawback in overdoses, he says. The reason we have any good news is because of Dr. Gupta.Mattie Quinn (TNS) AT&T says regulations Beaumont, Texas, is proposing for devices that extend service from cell towers violate state law.The devices, commonly referred to as small-cell nodes, are similar to towers for cell phones. But they can handle massive amounts of data at faster speeds, therefore increasing cell-phone coverage and capacity to provide service.To accommodate the surging data that accompanies these solutions, we are turning to small cells to expand and enhance our network, said Adrianna Bernal with AT&T Public Affairs. Small cells deliver increased data capacity, help enable higher connection speeds and bring an overall better wireless experience to consumers today while also preparing for the technologies of tomorrow.Just before Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017, the city approved a manual regulating the installation of this technology, Beaumont director of planning and community development Chris Boone said. But city staff quickly realized more regulation was necessary to keep with the citys aesthetic and paused approving permits this summer.The manual additions would require poles that hold the nodes to be a minimum of 300 feet from other poles and have street lights on them. Companies also would have to have prior approval from Entergy to install the poles.Boone said the changes represent the citys need to keep requirements minimal so private companies can offer residents superior service and maintain the look city officials want.The nodes and support poles that are easiest and cheapest to construct look similar to small refrigerators stuck on top of telephone poles not a look the city thinks fits with Beaumonts aesthetic, Boone said.You want to maintain your citys character, but how do you do that to balance preservation with new technologies as they come along? he said. You dont want to be in a position where you lose out on businesses or residents because you dont have the technology people are coming to expect.The city has come up with a proposal for approved designs that look more like streetlights with metal cylinders on the top with a metal ring in the middle.Boone said a few poles have been installed that fit the citys requirements before permit approval was paused.AT&T has not had any approved, which the company blames on the new regulations. Thats compared to more than more than 700 permits to install small-cell nodes that have been approved in more than 100 Texas cities, Bernal said.Not only has that halted the business expansion of service in Beaumont, AT&T also says the citys three proposed additions to the regulations violate state law.The street lighting requirement would result in significant additional cost to businesses and violates state law that prohibits a city from requiring in-kind, or gifts that arent cash or stock, contributions, Bernal said.AT&T says the spacing requirement also violates state law because similar requirements arent imposed on other utilities.Third, the company notes that Entergy is not in the business of providing wireless communications and has no expertise in the ideal location for new wireless facilities. This requirement also isnt imposed on other telecommunications providers and, again, AT&T says, it violates state law.Because of these issues, AT&T is urging the city to take a full overhaul of its design manual so the company can bring its small-cell technology to Beaumont residents.The Beaumont City Council was supposed to vote on the issue earlier this month, but city staff requested a postponement. Boone said he wasnt sure when the issue might come back for a vote.Its unclear what steps AT&T will take should the council choose to pass the regulations as-is.City Attorney Tyrone Cooper said he wouldnt comment on the issue because AT&T has made it adversarial.No other telecommunications providers have publicly expressed concern about the proposed changes. (TNS) Jeni Patterson often can be found at Kalkaska village meetings, a fully charged iPhone in her hand she uses to broadcast video of the public meetings online.It's not a job. It's a public service, she said."The best way to get the community involved is to give them access to the meetings," Patterson said. "If me volunteering my time helps other people to get involved, that makes me happy. It's my civic duty."Patterson attended most of the village's public meetings during the last year to record video and livestream it to the social media site Facebook under a page titled Kalkaska Public Meetings. It's a function of the local nonprofit organization Kalkaska For Peace, for which Patterson serves as the community involvement committee chairperson."Members of our community are expected to attend all meetings to stay informed but it is nearly impossible to be physically present at all meetings ... Folks who are working, disabled or lacking transportation can still take part in a very basic way by watching the videos at their own convenience," said Lauren Clark, treasurer for Kalkaska For Peace. "I wish there were 20 more Jenis."Patterson attends three or four public meetings each week and said she plans to spend about an hour on each. Some committee meetings are far shorter, while some council meetings run much longer, she said.The idea to record video originated last year when village leadership remained under the former president Jeff Sieting, who was recalled by voters in August. There were a lot of things said during public meetings which most in the public never knew about, but that has now changed, Patterson said."By having these meetings online, there have been things said that ended up meaning people had to be accountable for what they said and that didn't always happen before," Patterson said.For example, Patterson said one member of the Kalkaska Downtown Development Authority stepped down in recent months after being heavily criticized after making disparaging comments about a popular local business."It's taken some people some getting used to the implications of social media," Patterson said. "The words that you say when you are a representative, well, you need to be accountable for those words."Patterson said she keeps her own opinions and comments about village business to herself and attends the meetings as an impartial observer, or recorder.Crystal Spencer said she attends many of the village meetings and Patterson's videos have improved transparency among village government. Another benefit is local residents don't have to learn about village news from a second-hand account, Spencer said.Village President Harley Wales said he's thrilled Patterson attends and records video of so many public meetings."I'm extremely pleased she does it," Wales said. "It's really gotten the whole community involved in the civic process."Not only are Patterson's videos available to be watched online at anyone's convenience, Wales said, but she's gained an incredible response from her actions with some of her videos having more than 1,000 views."It shows there's a true interest in it," Wales said.In fact, the village president said he's looking into whether the village can invest in video equipment and begin recording and broadcasting the public meetings.Not everyone in Kalkaska supports the Kalkaska For Peace organization and its mission to work toward an inclusive community that promotes educational opportunities and political engagement. That doesn't mean they aren't watching the organization's videos, Patterson said."Even the naysayers are taking advantage of the free service we are offering. It's democracy in action," she said. (TNS) Ashtabula County, Ohio, voters will be using new equipment in 2019 at the polls.Senate Bill 135, passed in June, provided Ohios 88 counties with more than $114 million to acquire things like new voting machines, marking devices and tabulating equipment ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Ashtabula County will contract with vendor Election Systems & Software, LLC, to set up the new systems.Ashtabula County was one of the first to submit a request for funding for new machines and tabulators to the Ohio Secretary of State, Board of Elections Director Duane Feher said. The county is seeking more than $800,000 in funds through the state for 131 precinct voting units, which includes 58 units for those with disabilities, 73 polling location tabulators, a central office tabulator and printing capabilities for early and absentee voters, Feher said.Bringing in new machines isnt a simple process, Feher said, but the board of elections will be able to have the new systems up and running by the May primary election.This is not simply a process of bringing in new machines and replacing old ones at a polling location, Feher said. This requires a lot of training by staff of the board of elections to integrate this new voting system with our voter database.The board of elections staff has been diligently working to move forward with implementing a new system, Feher said.Weve all been working to get to this point and were looking forward to getting the new equipment by the end of January to start integrating it into the elections process, Feher said.The county will not likely have to provide a local match for the new equipment, Feher said, although around $26,775 will be spent on soft costs associated with training and implementation. Those dollars were incorporated into the Board of Elections budget request for 2019, Feher said.Board of Elections Deputy Director Charlie Frye said the county last got new machines in 2006, but even then the software the equipment utilized was from the late 1990s. The last time new equipment was brought in was a response to the controversy surrounding the 2000 presidential election and the Florida recount involving hanging chads, Frye said.Were going upgrade technology that is about 20 years old and upgrade it to relatively-new tech, Frye said.Unlike many other counties, Ashtabula County does its own ballot layout, Frye said, so servers and software will also be upgraded to continue doing this. The county wanted to get started on the process as soon as possible in order to train around 500 poll workers and have a smooth transition in time for the primary election, Frye said.It is a very complicated and time-consuming venture, Frye said.The board will also be required to get rid of the old equipment, Feher said, and it will likely be placed online for bid. The county will also have to pay $31,000 a year in maintenance costs for the first five years they have the new equipment. (TNS) - The damage from the 7.0 earthquake Nov. 30 is currently pegged at $76 million, following a two-week preliminary damage assessment across Southcentral Alaska involving state and federal officials.The state plans to use data from the review to submit a request to the federal government before Monday for a major disaster declaration, said Logan Stolpe, a public information officer at the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.Chances are the actual costs will be larger, he said.If approved, the request could open up streams of federal funding to help residents, small businesses and local governments pay for repairs.Some folks will not be made whole, because of funding limitations, Stolpe said.Last week, teams from the state, local governments, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration visited quake-shredded roads, severed water pipes and buckled buildings.The week before that, teams reviewed 620 of the most damaged homes in the region. Of those, nine homes were destroyed seven in Anchorage and two in the Valley where the cost of repairs exceeded the homes value, Stolpe said.The review, from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to the Kenai Peninsula, also counted 288 additional homes that had major damage, such as cracked foundations or compromised roofs.The overall cost of damages amounted to $28 million in homes, and $48 million to public facilities, he said.[Support local journalism in Alaska. Subscribe to the Anchorage Daily News / adn.com]The assessment provided a snapshot of the quakes overall impact, and a basis for calculating the preliminary cost estimate, Stolpe said. From it, the federal government will have a big-picture view of what happened.Teams looked at areas with the most significant concentrations of damage, Stolpe said.He said a map of the review wasnt available to share with the press Wednesday because it was made by a FEMA employee, an agency affected by the partial government shutdown that began early Saturday. FEMA folks have assured us (the shutdown) wont hold up" the states request for a declaration, he said.After the quake the most significant to strike the region in more than half a century thousands of Alaskans immediately began inspecting homes, buildings and roads.The Anchorage School District has estimated the earthquake caused at least $25 million in damage. The city of Anchorage estimated it caused at least $30 million in damage to city-owned facilities. The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities said two weeks ago it had spent $25 million on temporary repairs.Teams visited many of those damaged sites in the review of public facilities, Stolpe said.The numbers we have are definitely preliminary and are just an estimate. With disasters, (costs) become more clear as more repairs go on and more estimates are gathered," he said.President Donald Trump issued an emergency disaster declaration the day of the quake, opening up funding for immediate needs, and promised via Twitter to spare no cost for Alaskans affected by the quake.The federal transportation department quickly unlocked $5 million to help jump-start emergency road repairs.Thousands of homes were damaged by the quake. The state has received more than 6,000 requests for help under its Individual Assistance Program, primarily from people reporting damage to homes. The states application period is open another month, until Jan. 29, and more applications are expected, Stolpe said.The state has provided emergency housing support to 110 people from 31 households, he said. The recipients, displaced from homes, have been placed into hotels, he said.The number of folks we have in hotels have fluctuated as we learn more, he said.Under the Individual Assistance Program at ready.alaska.gov, the state pays a maximum of $17,450 for people dealing with the costs of the quake. The nontaxable grant can be used to cover damage to a main home, vehicle and essential belongings, plus medical and dental costs and insurance deductibles. Under that program, the state also provides temporary housing assistance to meet basic needs, 18 months for homeowners, three months for renters.On top of the state aid, FEMAs individual and household program, through an application process that begins if federal assistance is approved, will pay up to $34,900 for recipients covering costs for quake damage.Thats two separate applications and the benefits cant be duplicated, Stolpe said of the state and federal programs.The SBA will also offer disaster assistance through low-interest loans to businesses, renters, and homeowners, if the federal assistance is approved.2018 the Alaska Dispatch News (Anchorage, Alaska)Visit the Alaska Dispatch News (Anchorage, Alaska) at www.adn.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. See information below from the Puget Sound Business Journal's reporting. He might be an accomplished aircraft industry businessman, but for leadership at the Defense Department we need someone who crosses several disciplines that include international relations with political leaders here in the United States and abroad. We also need someone who has credibility with the military chiefs of staff. He or she needs to listen to them, but the secretary also needs to know which end is up, and not be led down the primrose path because they lack experience in the military trade. That does not mean they need to be a former general officer, but having some military exposure to "operations" and what it means to send people into combat would be someone I want making decisions about my son's and daughter's futures.He might be totally committed to his job he has been married three times. Perhaps a good fit for the president!!By Greg Lamm and Andrew McIntosh Trump named Shanahan to the acting Defense Department post after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned Thursday and criticized Trump's foreign policy. Trump announced in a tweet Sunday he was removing Mattis from his post by Jan. 1, two months before Mattis had planned to depart.Shanahan was a senior vice president of supply chain and operations at Boeing, where he was responsible for oversight of manufacturing operations and supplier management functions, when Trump made the surprising move in March 2017 to tap Shanahan for the deputy secretary post at the Pentagon.Shanahan is a well known figure in Seattle as a Boeing Commercial Airplanes veteran. In the Puget Sound region, he served as senior vice president of airplane programs and oversaw management of profits and losses for the Boeing 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner jet programs.Shanahan's Deputy Defense Secretary appointment, which was later confirmed by the Senate, raises eyebrows because it came after Trump criticized Boeing for "out of control" costs on the Air Force One 747 replacement program, saying the effort should be cancelled.Since that Twitter blast, however, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg cozied up to and even praised Trump for several initiatives and his focus on getting good prices for defense contracts.During Shanahan's confirmation in July 2017, some senators expressed concern over Shanahan's potential conflicts of interest because of his ties to Boeing, a major defense contractor.Seattle-area aerospace analysts said Shanahan knows the murky defense world well after working at Boeing's defense unit earlier in his career. That experience gives him a unique perspective to bring to President Donald Trump's administration, analysts said.Shanahan has a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington.He also holds of two advanced degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: a master of science in mechanical engineering, and an MBA from MITs Sloan School of Management.He has served as a University of Washington regent and participated in professional and charitable organizations, including the Washington Roundtable [a Washington state business organization] State Control (TNS) It will cost at least $8 million a year for the next two decades to replace the states aging traffic signal network, an upgrade expected to save time, fuel and driver frustration.Maintenance has lagged on many of the 801 state-owned traffic signals. Almost half have poles and supports that are in such poor condition they will have to be completely replaced in the near future, according to state estimates.Regardless of who owns or maintains traffic signals, the traveling public has come to expect a high standard for traffic signal operations. Unfortunately, that standard is not being met in many areas of the state, a working group at the Maine Department of Transportation wrote in a report last month.To solve the problem, the department is embarking on an expensive plan to replace every traffic signal with an advanced version that can be timed more efficiently, tell operators about malfunctions and talk to electronic and autonomous vehicles now beginning to appear on U.S. roads. It also plans to assume direct responsibility for signal upkeep statewide, an obligation now mostly held by cities and towns.Most of Maines signals have traffic detectors, but when they fail due to poor upkeep, they revert to maximum wait times even on busy roads.If the state is going to make the signal updates, they should be compatible with emerging technologies, such as self-driving cars, said state traffic engineer Steve Landry.This is about us trying to get the signals up to par, Landry said. As were doing it, we are getting new equipment that is going to be able to do more with technology in the future.Overall, Maine wants to get on a replacement schedule for a 20-year signal life cycle. That means shouldering the cost of a wholesale system replacement about 40 signals a year at a cost of $200,000 per signal, roughly $160 million overall.Next year, the department will replace 104 signals on thoroughfares in Sanford, Augusta, Waterville, Farmington and Belfast. About half of the $16.5 million project will be paid with a federal transportation grant But replacement wont mean anything if signals arent maintained. The state currently takes care of only 51 traffic lights, or 6 percent of the total. The rest are left up to towns and cities that sometimes dont have the budget, or expertise, to make sure the system is kept up.When contractors like Ken Miller get called out, its typically to fix broken signal equipment, not to perform routine maintenance.That means more signals malfunction, leading to more traffic congestion, wasted gas and lost time.The unfortunate thing is that everything has become reactive with traffic signals, said Miller, president of Electric Light Co. in York.In the old days, there was scheduled maintenance; now there is no maintenance anymore, he said. You get told: Fix this. It is all we appropriated for. Maine DOT plans to take direct control over signals or offer stipends to towns and cities that show the financial and technical ability to keep the signals working. Maintaining the system could cost $2 million a year.The proper maintenance and keeping things up and running is the biggest problem that we have, Landry said. If the equipment isnt maintained properly, the signal isnt going to work properly.The progression of Maines traffic signals from red, to green, to yellow and back to red is programmed based on average annual traffic counts collected and analyzed by the department. But if the signals traffic detection apparatus malfunctions, it will revert to the maximum wait time for each side of the intersection. That means a vehicle on a main thoroughfare will wait at the light just as long as one on a minor side street. Advanced traffic signals constantly collect traffic data to better allow signal timing and detection and warn when a signal isnt working.Better timing is likely to save time, money and make intersections safer. A coordinated four-signal corridor in Dover, N.H., saved drivers more than $20,500 in annual fuel costs and reduced travel time by 46 percent, according to the November state report. Coordinating signals reduced crashes by nearly 9 percent in Portland and 52 percent in Waterville, according to a state analysis.About 30 signals on busy travel corridors will be replaced by adaptive models that can monitor traffic and adjust light sequences based on congestion and demand, Landry said. Adaptive signals are already being used in Portland, where they have cut travel times in a heavily congested stretch of Forest Avenue.The signal replacement project will have to compete with roads, bridges and safety projects in the departments $324 million annual capital improvement budget. The state is already shoring up a $140 million highway budget shortfall with $80 million a year in borrowed money It is not going to happen all at once, Landry said. We need to decide how we are going to take these things over, and where the money is going to come from to maintain them ourselves. (TNS) New U.S. Census Bureau data released earlier this month says New Mexico is among the least connected states to broadband in the nation.New Mexico ranks No. 48, just ahead of Arkansas and Mississippi and one notch below West Virginia, with percentage of households with broadband Internet subscriptions in 2016.The Census determined 73.7 percent of New Mexico household had broadband connections; the U.S. average was 81.4 percent. Washington state led the nation at 87.4 percent.Low broadband Internet subscription rates were found in many counties in the upper Plains, the Southwest and South, the Census wrote in its report.The HighSpeedInternet.com website determined 91 percent of New Mexicans can get broadband Internet. The BroadbandNow.com website has 81 percent of New Mexico covered by broadband.The gap between broadband availability and customer subscriptions reflects other Census findings that singled out Deming and Gallup among the half-dozen or so U.S. micropolitan areas (fewer than 50,000 residents) with the lowest income and highest poverty, respectively.New Mexicos issues with poverty and low income are evident throughout the state. Only Los Alamos County has less than 10 percent poverty. Otherwise, the state falls alongside Arizona, South Carolina and Delaware as the only states with no counties with less than 10 percent poverty.On the broadband front, only Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Eddy counties have 75 to 85 percent of households with broadband subscriptions. Counties with broadband rates below 55 percent include Dona Ana, Socorro, Cibola, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Guadalupe, San Miguel, Mora and Harding most with poverty rates between 26 and 37 percent.Generally, we are slow adapters, said Simon Brackley, CEO of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, whose economic development committee focuses on broadband connectivity. It takes us a little longer to catch up. There is increased commitment by the state to increase Internet speed. I think some people who live in rural areas are not interested in broadband.However, the Albuquerque-based child advocacy organization New Mexico Voices for Children does not believe low incomes and poverty are the reason for New Mexicos low broadband subscription rate.Thats an excuse, not a reason, said James Jimenez, the groups executive director. One thing we have seen around the state, even in low-income communities, a lot of people still have a phone (despite the cost). Companies find a way of providing service people can afford.Jimenez said Voices is seeking greater state investment in bringing broadband to rural areas, equating broadband as infrastructure that is no different from highways items a community may not be able to do alone.I would say there is a great opportunity with the state surplus to use those resources to invest in broadband infrastructure for rural communities, Jimenez said. We have a hollowing out of rural communities. One of the reasons for that is the lack of economic opportunities. One of the things the state can and should do is provide basic infrastructure.CenturyLink, among the largest Internet providers in New Mexico, did not talk specifics in the Census Bureau report but said the company is on track to have enabled more than 15,000 locations in FCC-designated, high-cost census blocks in New Mexico by the end of this year, referring to where the cost of service is higher than can be supported a user rates alone.Earlier this month, Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham, an outgoing member of the U.S. House of Representatives, lauded the inclusion in the Farm Bill of $500 million for a Community Connects Program, a broadband grant program to support construction of broadband infrastructure in communities private companies may not deem economically viable.Lujan Grisham in a statement the program will help rural areas of New Mexico.Expanding broadband access will grow New Mexicos economy, create jobs, boost wages, improve health outcomes, support small business growth, help our students learn, increase crop yields and so much more, she said. The event, which was jointly held by the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the DPRK Embassy in Vietnam, is also an activity to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the Vietnam-DPRK diplomatic ties. The exhibition showcases nearly 80 photographs featuring important milestones in the Vietnam-DPRK diplomatic relations, which were established by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kim Il-Sung and nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples of both countries. The exhibition focuses on three topics, with the first topic on the diplomatic visits by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kim Il-Sung in 1957, 1958 and 1964. The second topic features the diplomatic relations and milestones in the bilateral relationship since the establishment of the diplomatic ties in 1950.Meanwhile, the third topic introduces images about the DPRK and its achievements in present times. Addressing the event, DPRK Ambassador to Vietnam Kim Myong Gil said that the exhibition is animportant political and cultural activity to review milestones on the bilateral relations between the two countries, contributing to consolidating the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Vinh also spoke highly of the exhibition,while expressing his wish for strengthened bilateral relations in all areas. The event will run until January 1, 2019. (TNS) A bill under consideration in the New Jersey Legislature envisions a paperless state government, and would establish a task force to examine the feasibility of transitioning to digital records.Proponents say that eliminating or reducing the volume of paper used in state agencies would mean less waste, lower costs and streamlined operations.While going paperless is a large feat, it has the potential to save time and money, as well as save the environment," State Sen. James Beach, D-Camden, the chairman of the State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, said in a statement. He is cosponsoring the bill along with Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez, D-Camden.For decades, governments and private industries increasingly have moved many of their operations online. More and more local governments and schools use electronic banking and bill paying . And most municipalities offer to deposit workers' salaries directly into their bank accounts. The city of Chester, Pa., in Delaware County saved more than $85,000 in the first year after it stopped printing paychecks in February 2017, city officials said.Municipalities such as Plumstead Township, in Pennsylvania's Bucks County, have stopped printing copies of meeting packets for their boards of supervisors, opting instead to scan documents and email them to the officials.Since 2003, the federal Government Paperwork Elimination Act has required federal agencies to allow people and groups to interact with them electronically and to keep records electronically, when practical, for efficiencys sake. Still, each year, Americans spend 10 billion hours completing federal government forms , according to a study by the Office of Management and Budget.A 2013 paper published by the American Bar Association praised the benefits of paperless governments, but cautioned officials to consider and address legal implications before following the trend.Paperless governments give rise to two major nontraditional security threats: cyber invasions and improper destruction of electronic information, wrote Patricia Salkin, then-dean of the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in New York, and Howard Gross, founder and president of eBizDocs, an electronic document management agency in New York.The New Jersey task force would consider the benefits and risks of a paperless system, the technology the state would need to be able to cut down on paper, potential modifications to state law to accommodate a paperless system, and cybersecurity protections.During a pilot program the first half of this year, Hawaii reduced the amount of paper it produces. Nine state departments printed about one million fewer sheets of paper, state officials said. They saved paper partly by distributing reports electronically instead of printing copies.Over three years, as more departments follow suit, Hawaii officials estimate the state will save 10 million sheets of paper and about $500,000.Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, has made paperless government a goal for his administration. Electronic documents are easier to store and retrieve, he said.Transforming from a paper-dependent culture to a digital environment improves public accessibility to government documents and increases transparency for our citizens," he said in a statement.The 15-member task force the New Jersey bill would create would include the secretary of state, the state treasurer, the director of the New Jersey Division of Taxation, a head of cybersecurity in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and other members with expertise in such areas as government information technology, revenue collection and voting.The group would be required to issue its final recommendations a year after its first meeting, the bill says. This is the 13th year the club has organised a vote to recognise and honour scientists' contribution to the country's socio-economic development. The events are selected in the following areas: policies and mechanisms, natural sciences, applied research, international integration, social sciences and humanities, and honouring scientists. Participating in the poll were more than 40 journalists from over 20 central and local mass media agencies in the field of science and technology, in addition to the evaluation from prestigious scientists. The following are 10 prominent scientific and technological events of Vietnam in 2018. The Vietnamese digitised knowledge system officially operated: On January 1, 2018, the "Vietnamese Digitised Knowledge System" project was launched under the chair of Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam. The system has been set up to promote an integrated knowledge system in all areas, aimed at facilitating everyone to study and master knowledge, while enhancing their research, creativeness and application of scientific and technological advances. The "Coordination polymer structure and revisited hydrogen evolution catalytic mechanism for amorphous molybdenum sulfide" by Dr. Tran Dinh Phong from the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi was awarded the Ta Quang Buu Prize 2018. Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh (R) presents the Ta Quang Buu Award 2018 to Dr. Tran Dinh Phong. (Photo: VNA) Dr. Phong's research successfully demonstrated the structure and working mechanism of amorphous molybdenum sulfide, a low-cost, easy-to-fabricate and alternative material that can replace platinum for hydrogen evolution reaction from water. The research by Dr. Phong is an important step in the "race" to find energy solutions and reduce CO2 emissions into the environment. Viettel's real-time billing system won International Business Stevie Awards: On October 21, in London, the UK, Viettel Groups online charging service called vOCS 3.0 won the gold winner for best new product or service of the year in telecommunications by International Business Stevie Awards. Viettels vOCS 3.0 was praised by the judges for its creativity and impact on a large number of users. Snow ice maker from seawater for offshore fishing preservation: The Centre for High-tech Development of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has announced its successful development of a snow ice generator from sea water. It is the result of a research project conducted by Master Le Van Luan and his colleagues. The project has been recognised as an advanced technology in the field of fisheries by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The snow ice making machine made by Vietnamese scientists to help save costs for preserving offshore fishing products. (Photo: VGP) Vingroup launched the Applied S&T Research Support Fund: On August 21, conglomerate Vingroup officially launched its Applied S&T Research Support Fund, with the aim of funding scientific research projects in the field of computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, nanotechnology, renewable energy and next generation materials. The Fund has an investment of roughly VND2 trillion. This is a meaningful investment activity in the field of science and technology by a large enterprise. A Chau high-tech electrical equipment manufacturing factory: On November 1, the management board of the Hanois Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park agreed on A Chau Industrial Technology JSCs plan to build the A Chau Hi-tech Electrical Equipment Manufacturing Factory. The same day, these two also co-signed a cooperation agreement with Schneider Electric Group for technology transfer, marking a milestone in manufacturing, managing, and automatically monitoring the energy system. Vietnam has become one of only two countries in the world with enterprises to have signed comprehensive cooperation and high technology transfer from Schneider Electric Group - a leading global multinational corporation in energy management and automation. International activities on the fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) in Vietnam: The Industry 4.0 Summit and Expo 2018 kicked off in Hanoi on July 13, under the chair of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The event attracted around 2,000 delegates, including 11 ambassadors and representatives of international organisations, along with over 50 experts and representatives from both domestic and global businesses. The forum aimed at building suitable policies and regulations for Vietnams active and effective participation in Industry 4.0. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (C) visits the Industry 4.0 Summit and Expo 2018. (Photo: VNA) The World Economic Forum on ASEAN 2018 (WEF ASIAN 2018), themed ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, was held in Hanoi from September 11 to 13, and was considered the most successful regional conference. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended the event, along with the heads of state from ASEAN countries, senior leaders of partner countries, and roughly 1,000 representatives of multi-nation corporations, ASEAN businesses, and 800 domestic companies. Professor Dam Thanh Son received the 2018 Dirac Medal: Vietnamese Professor Dam Thanh Son of the University of Chicago was named one of the three winners of the 2018 Dirac Medal and Prize by International Centre for Theoretical Physics on August 8. Son and the two others winners Subir Sachdev of Harvard University and Xiao-Gang Wen of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology received the honour for making important contributions to discovering new phases of matter (besides the three familiar phases of solids, liquid, and gas), and clarifying the transition among these phases when the external influences, such as temperature and pressure, change. Prof. Dam Thanh Son and his two colleagues used extensive knowledge from various fields such as material science, black holes, and cold atoms to research on many-body systems to prove the value of the cross-disciplinary approach. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep honoured with the International Rising Talent award: Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep, lecturer on biomedical technology at the International University under the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City, was honoured with the International Rising Talent award by the LOreal - UNESCO Programme in France on March 21, thanks to her contributions to regenerative medicine. Her research team is conducting experiments on the use of a bio-glue, with the ultimate goal to obtain a product that can be stuck right onto any kind of injury to eliminate bacteria and promote the tissue regeneration process. The discovery of the remains of prehistoric people in volcanic caves in Krong No, Dak Nong: For the first time, Vietnamese scientists have discovered the remains of pre-historic people in volcanic caves, adding a new type to the residence of prehistoric people in the basalt land in the Central Highlands. For the first time, Vietnamese scientists have discovered the remains of prehistoric people at a volcanic cave system in Dak Nong. (Photo: VGP) This is the result of the project coded TN17/T06 on Researching the heritage values of caves, for proposing the construction of an on-site preservation museum in the Central Highlands, with the example of Krong No volcanic cave system in Dak Nong province, carried out from August 2017 to August 2020. The excavation result is a turning point for the study of anthropology/paleo-anthropology in Vietnam, providing a scientific foundation for the restoration and reconstruction of the prehistoric peoples daily activities, contributing to the building of a Global Geopark in Dak Nong. Late in the evening of Christmas Day, Otso, the crowning glory of Arctia Oys extensive fleet, departed from Helsinkis Katajanokka Harbour , heading north to the Bay of Bothnia. One of Finlands most famous seafaring vessels, the titanic icebreaker Otso , was deployed on its first mission of the winter season last night, keeping sea routes open for the 22 nd year in a row. The 7000-ton Polar icebreaker has been tasked with keeping waterways open between Oulu, Kemi, and Tornio. Although winter ice conditions have been milder and later than any time in recent memory, parts of the Bay of Bothnia are currently estimated to hold around 20cm of ice, necessitating the deployment of an icebreaker. The ship once held the title of being the widest icebreaker in the world, with a beam width of just under 25 metres. Since her first deployment, Otso has been copied by engineers the world over, with the U.S. coastguard later basing their own icebreakers on her design. Keen followers of icebreaker ships in Finland will be able to watch Otso dock in Oulu on Thursday 27 December. Adam Oliver Smith - HT THE OIL REFINERY COMPANY NESTEhas launched a campaign to encourage Finns to donate Christmas food waste to recycling points across the country so that it may be used as biofuel. The companys nationwide From Fat to Fuel initiative asks that Finnish households take the leftover fat from their Christmas ham, which can often constitute up to 20% of the ham and donate it to one of the 230 collection points that have been set up across the country. One of the giants of the Russian nickel and palladium mining and smelting industry Nornickel has been earning a lot of credits for its eco-friendly modernisation over the past years. This time the company is willing to invest over RUB 6.2B (EUR 85,6M) to increase the efficiency of its sulphuric acid production and reduce emissions to the atmosphere. The upgrade will take place in the Kola MMC in the Murmansk region of Russia, which borders Finnish territories. THE HEAD ECONOMIST FOR NORDEA, AKI KANGASHARJU,has warned of poor growth prospects for Finland in 2019, warning that other economists have gotten their predictions wrong. While earlier growth predictions for the Finnish economy have been more upbeat, coming in at close to 3%, Kangasharju said in an interview with YLE Radio 1 this morning that economists are always late when it comes to spotting slowdowns. BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China, as a developing country, is delivering on its commitment to fulfill various obligations to the United Nations (UN) and to safeguard world peace and development, being expected to become the second-largest contributor to the world body in 2019. China's contribution to the UN regular budget will increase to 12.01 percent for the next three years from 7.92 percent for the 2016-2018 period, according to a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on Saturday. Meanwhile, China will continue to be the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget for 2019-2021, as its share will rise from about 10.24 percent to 15.22 percent. In recent years, China's economy and society have developed in a steady manner and its gross domestic product (GDP) has grown rapidly. Since 2002, China's average contribution to world economic growth has reached nearly 30 percent. The international community has contributed to this growing momentum. In return, China is ready to contribute to global development on the basis of its own development. Becoming the second-largest contributor to the UN is a definite testament to China's sincere commitment to shoulder more international responsibilities within its capability. The assessments of member countries' contributions to the United Nations are made based on several elements and criteria, including estimates of gross national income and payment capability. China is still a developing country, even though its economy has greatly expanded over the last few decades. This Wednesday also marks the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Navy's dispatchment of force groups to escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. From participating in overseas escort missions to international peacekeeping missions, from joining in poverty alleviation efforts in other developing countries to dealing with global climate change, China has always adhered to the principles of the UN Charter and remains committed to safeguarding the present-day international political order with the United Nations at the core. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said earlier that China has always upheld multilateralism and has contributed to it as well. Working hard to bring about its own development, China, as a major world power, always makes benefiting other countries a priority as well. After all, a better world will bring forth a better China, and a better China will serve a better world. Nord Stream 2 , which will operate in Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Germany when completed, is being built to facilitate the transfer of natural gas exports from Russia to the EU. It has been estimated that this single pipeline will account for the transit of over half of all Russian gas sales to Europe. THE WORLDS LARGEST PIPELAY VESSEL, PIONEERING SPIRIT, recently sailed into Finnish waters to assist in the construction of one of Russias largest infrastructure projects in Europe. The pipeline will run under the Baltic Sea, which is why a fleet of construction vessels arrived in Finlands Exclusive Economic Zone last night to begin their work. The project is mainly being coordinated by the Russian energy giant Gazprom, which has in the past been the focus of intense scrutiny by the EU due to alleged security threats, money laundering, and criminal activity perpetrated by members of the company. The United States strongly condemned the Nord Stream 2 agreement when it was first signed by EU countries, saying that it would allow Russia to bolster its security presence in the Baltic Sea. The pipeline is planned to span 1220 kilometres in length and will reportedly allow Russia to double its gas exports to the EU. A report from Germany recently announced that the pipeline will allow EU consumers to save 8 billion euros in energy costs per year. Once construction is completed in Finland, pipelaying will move onto Sweden. Adam Oliver Smith - HT BAGHDAD, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump visited the U.S. troops in Iraq to celebrate Christmas, the official Iraqiya television reported on Wednesday. The state-run channel briefly said that Trump "denied any plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq." As for his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from neighboring Syria, Trump said that "a lot of people are going to come around to my way of thinking," according to the channel. The channel said that Trump and Melania Trump arrived earlier at Ayn al-Asad airbase in Iraq's western province of Anbar after an overnight flight, where hundreds of U.S. troops are stationed. Trump left Iraq to Washington after the surprised two-hour visit without meeting with any Iraqi leaders, it added. The U.S. House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on its twitter account that "Trump and the First Lady traveled to Iraq late on Christmas night to visit our troops and senior military leadership to thank them for their service, their success, and their sacrifice and to wish them a Merry Christmas." Trump's visit to Iraq is his first since taking office nearly two years ago. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said that the U.S. troops' withdrawal from Syria would have negative impact on Iraq. "We have discussed ... the U.S. decision to withdraw troops from Syria, because this has great repercussions on Iraq," Abdul Mahdi told a press conference after a weekly cabinet meeting. "If there is a security tension in Syria (by the U.S. pullout), there will be a wave of migration, and Iraq will be one of the first countries to be exposed to such issue," Abdul Mahdi said. "The terrorists may leave the Syrian territory and try to go to Iraq, and this also would have repercussions on our country," Abdul Mahdi added. He stressed that Iraq needs to take precautions from now so that it will not be affected. The prime minister mentioned that the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had informed him of the pullout of the U.S. troops before the implementation of the decision, asserting that Pompeo confirmed that the U.S. will continue to support Iraq in its war against terrorism. Abdul Mahdi's comments came two days after he held a phone call with Pompeo, who explained the details of the scheduled pullout from Syria. Recently, Trump declared a plan to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, citing the full defeat of IS militants in the country. These troops were part of a U.S.-led coalition which has been fighting and conducting airstrikes against IS targets in both Iraq and Syria. Dairy farmer turned bush poet reflects on remarkable journey "IT was my passion and I never wanted to be the age I am now and wonder 'what if?'," says Bob Magor. Smoke comes out of a lab after a blast at Beijing Jiaotong University on Dec 26. [Photo from Weibo] Three students were killed after an explosion set a lab on fire at Beijing Jiaotong University on Wednesday morning, according to Beijing citys fire department. The department received a call at 9:34 am, reporting a blast had occurred at a lab for environmental engineering in the No. 2 building of the universitys east campus. Eight teams of fire fighters and 30 fire-fighting trucks were sent to the site, bringing the fire under control by 10:20 am. Three students, who were doing an experiment on landfill leachate wastewater treatment in the lab, were killed in the accident, according to a press release by the fire department released on Sina Weibo in the afternoon. The authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, said the statement. The City Council gave final approval to switching back to police and fire chief but rejected a change in the compensation plan for a new police chief. North Adams City Council OKs Chiefs, Rejects Salary Plan Assistant City Clerk Deborah Pedercini has been recommended to become the next city clerk. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The City Council on Wednesday affirmed an ordinance change first approved two weeks ago to change "director" to "chief" for both the fire and police director. But the council rejected 5-2 final approval of the compensation and classification plan that would change the wages for the police chief. The council's preference was for Mayor Thomas Bernard to negotiate a contract rather than setting a salary, acknowledging the compensation plan would limit the pool of applicants. The changes were set in motion by the announced retirement of Police Director Michael Cozzaglio, who has been in his post for 15 years. Mayor Thomas Bernard had recommended two weeks ago changing the classification of the police chief to equal that of the commissioner of public services, which would raise the post's salary about $4,500 to $85,000 a year. However, Bernard's research had found most surrounding communities were paying their police chief's a higher wage than North Adams, the county's second largest municipality. City Councilor Jason LaForest again objected to limiting the pay to the classification plan rather than negotiating a salary with the successful candidate, which the city's labor attorney, Fred Dupere, had stated could be done. "I don't know why we're going to change the classification tonight see what happens, bring it back, change the classification again," he said. "Frankly it's silly to suggest we keep bringing it back to council until we get it right." Councilor Benjamin Lamb said the order could be postponed and if another ordinance were to introduced removing the chief positions from the compensation plan, this order could be filed. "I'm comfortable with this overall," said Councilor Eric Buddington. "It doesn't preclude the council taking it up to a negotiable salary in the future." The mayor had said he wanted a wage in place before posting the position at the beginning of the year. He told the council on Wednesday night that he was finalizing a new job description and a search committee. Bernard acknowledged that further conversation with Dupere had confirmed a state statute allowed for negotiating contracts for both fire and police chiefs. Abandoning the classification if necessary wouldn't require another paper, he said. "The section of law is very clear that the appointing authority may establish an employment contract for these positions ... the authority already exists." MGL Chapter 41, Section 1080 gives the appointing authority of any municipality the ability to establish an employment contract with a fire or police chief. "Said contract shall prevail over any conflicting provision of any local personnel by-law, ordinance, rule or regulation," the law states. City Councilor Marie T. Harpin asked the mayor how he wanted to proceed: would having the base salary listed be a benefit or hindrance in hiring? Bernard responded that there had been some trouble in closing other posts because of the set wages while negotiating would provide some freedom within bounds. "All we're gaining is paying our current police chief more," said Councilor Joshua Moran. In the end, only Buddington and Councilor Paul Hopkins voted to change the compensation plan; LaForest, Harpin, Moran and Councilor Rebbecca Cohen voted against, defeating the measure. Council President Keith Bona and Councilor Wayne Wilkinson abstained from discussion and voting on compensation because they have relatives who work in the Police Department. Before the vote, LaForest also expressed his frustration on the amount of discussion that was occurring at council meetings. "Time and time again rather than referring things to committee, we have these protracted debates at the City Council meeting instead of investigating the question and the agenda item," he said. "I don't think we are fully utilizing the legislative powers of the council." The recent lengthy meetings are what prompted Wilkinson to submit a communication asking that the council reconsider its starting time of 7:30 p.m. The councilor said he appreciated the mayor's "agenda has been robust" but would prefer getting home a little earlier in the evening. He said he's also heard from viewers who had trouble staying up to hear the mayor and councilors' concerns at the end of the meeting. "The Planning Board started at 7:30 also and we went to 6 and it's worked out great," Wilkinson said. He suggested 6 or 6:30 p.m. but other councilors thought that might be too early. The communique was referred to the General Government Committee and to return for the first meeting in February. In other business, the council voted to accept the recommendation of an ad hoc committee to appoint Assistant City Clerk Deborah Pedercini as the replacement of City Clerk Marilyn Gomeau's retirement in January. Hopkins, who chaired the committee, had high praise for Pedercini's work when he was on the Planning Board and heartily endorsed her as the next city clerk. The council also approved the mayor's recommendations of reappointing Joanne Hurlbut and Christopher Wondoloski to the North Adams Historical Commission for terms to expire Jan. 2, 2022, and the appointment of Andrew Barsotti to the North Adams Local Historic District Study Commission to replace Kurt Kolok. Israel Sets Early Elections for 2019 The Fellowship | December 27, 2018 Israel Sets Early Elections for 2019 The Israeli government announced this week that it will move national elections from November to April after the Knesset (Israels parliament) voted to dissolve early. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leading in the polls to retain his position. Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Iranian targets near the Syrian capital city of Damascus earlier this week, causing significant impact near the countrys largest airport. Following President Trumps recent decision to withdraw American troops from Syria, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has pledged to fill the void, saying we will continue to act in Syria to prevent Irans effort to militarily entrench itself against us. As part of Operation Northern Shield, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun destroying Hezbollah terror tunnels found along the Israel-Lebanon border. By the end of 2018, Israel is expected to welcome a record-breaking four million tourists a 13 percent increase over 2017. Thousands of Christian pilgrims and tourists gathered in Bethlehem on Monday for one of the largest Christmas Eve celebrations in years. This weeks Israel in the News Perspective features The Fellowships Founder and President Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein with an important message for the New Year. The father of a 7-year-old girl who died of cancer after taking medicine supplied by Quanjian Group, a herbal drugmaker based in Tianjin, has said he plans to make a second attempt at suing the company. I will sue Quanjian again, Zhou Erli, who spoke on condition of using the pseudonym, told news website The Paper on Tuesday. I have some new evidence, and I have the time to do it. Zhou lost a lawsuit against the drugmaker in 2015 shortly before the death of his daughter, Yang. A court dismissed his claim that the company had misled the family over the potency of its anti-cancer treatment and spread false information. News about a potential second lawsuit came on the same day that Dingxiangyuan, an online health information service, published an article accusing Quanjian of using false advertising to cheat consumers. Quanjian Group has denied any wrongdoing. Yang was 4 years old when she was diagnosed with malignant germ cell tumors in 2012. After the child had undergone four operations, her uncle appeared on a variety show broadcast by China Central Television, the State broadcaster, to appeal for information on a better treatment plan for the girl. After the broadcast, Zhou said he was contacted by Wang Zhiyong, a distributor for Quanjian in Beijing, who arranged for the family to visit the companys headquarters in Tianjin, where they met with the chairman, Shu Yuhui. We talked for about 40 minutes in his office, and he told us Quanjian is Chinas largest base for the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine and that it had a secret anti-cancer recipe that could cure Yang, he told The Paper. A week later, Yang stopped chemotherapy and started taking Quanjians herbal medicine. However, after three months, doctors found that her cancer had spread. She was sent back to the hospital in March 2013 to restart chemotherapy. By May that year, Yang was in intensive care, yet Zhou said he was surprised to find ads online that falsely claimed his daughter had already been cured thanks to Quanjians drugs. It was then that I started to think Id been scammed, he said. Zhou filed a lawsuit against the company at his local court in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, in early 2015. The court ruled in April that year that Zhou had insufficient evidence to prove Quanjian had released or authorized the release of false information about his daughter. Yang died the following December. The Dingxiangyuan article on Tuesday has reignited national interest in Zhous case. In response, Quanjian issued a statement on Wednesday in which it accused Dingxiangyuan of libel and publishing false information that had seriously infringed the drugmakers interests. The company demanded a retraction and an apology. Dingxiangyuan later said on Sina Weibo that it stands by the article. We will be responsible for every single word, it said. When trying chain cafes like Another Broken Egg Cafe, I often worry Ill encounter a cold lifeless presentation, a serving staff counting down to break and dully average food. Thankfully, Broken Egg has no such problems. Ryan Craig, the local owner and Indiana native, worked his way up the dining world from a dishwasher, so he hires and promotes from within. The result is not a dull copy and paste chain, but a legitimately good diner with Louisianan flair and a friendly Hoosier staff. My first thought walking into Another Broken Egg Cafe was it was a place I could take my kids to, and I dont even have kids. The service was a real highlight. It was some of the best Ive ever had. The employees truly mastered the art of recommendations. Other waiters too often recite prewritten statements from the managers, fall back to what sells the most or employ vague unspecific language to cover their inexperience with the menu. Servers recommended several options while providing detailed descriptions of each. The way they described the food, you could tell the servers actually have eaten most of the menu. Throughout my brunch servers genuinely inquired how I was doing, always making sure my coffee cup never got too low. At one point I worried they were giving me special treatment. After all, my notepad and hipster fedora were dead giveaways that I was a reporter writing a review. Then I looked around and saw the servers were giving every single customer the same attention as me. My meal was the huevos rancheros. Both the meat and eggs were cooked perfectly and brought quality flavor to the meal. The tortilla on the bottom was crunchier than in other huevos rancheros Ive had. Not only did the crunchiness add tasty texture contrast, but it also prevented the eggs from making the tortilla soggy. The side was city grits grits with bacon, tomato and green peppers. Im not usually a grits fan because they always seemed flavorless to me. However, these grits used bacon grease in the cooking, injecting wonderful flavor in every bite. The crown jewel of my stay was the beignet, New Orleans answer to doughnuts. I walked in not knowing what a beignet was and left not knowing how I lived without them. They are soft and fluffy on the inside with a delicious thin crust holding it together. While delicious on their own, Another Broken Egg Cafes orange marmalade made the beignet downright amazing. Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on twitter @BenjaminLashar. Many dream of starting a business, but jumping outside the safety net of traditional employment can be terrifying. A good way to begin the jump is listening to entrepreneurs who have already done so. Larry Williams Jr., president of both Rowley Security and Indy Black Chamber, and Mario Zamora, Mexican immigrant turned co-founder and co-owner of Hermoza Home Beautification, offer tips for aspiring business owners. Know your industry Zamora embraced digital resources right from the start. He launched his business on NextDoor, a neighborhood oriented social media platform, and continues using a variety of online resources like Facebook Marketplace to reach customers. In addition to marketing, Zamora used the internet to learn lessons such as how to price jobs. Painting Business Pro, an online educational resource specifically for painting company owners, was so helpful that Zamora recommends entrepreneurs look for online resources specialized to their industry. [Aspiring business owners] can learn a lot on YouTube, Zamora said. Theres a lot of videos of all kinds of businesses of people that are successful, and they give you advice on how to be successful, how to quote for things, how to manage whatever company they are trying to run. The internet is a great resource. Chambers of commerce, organizations that support the business community, such as Indy Black Chamber and Indiana Chamber of Commerce, provide mentoring, workshops and networking opportunities for aspiring business owners. They can also help entrepreneurs navigate regulations, applicable taxes, necessary licenses and antitrust laws, Williams said. Continual learning Williams urges entrepreneurs to go into business with knowledge and experience. They need to actually spend time in their field in order to understand it. People hoping to start a business in their industry pay attention and learn not only about the industry but also where its going. All industries are changing Williams said. Everything is going toward tech, so you need to understand your industry is and where its going for the future. You cant just plan for today. You have to plan for the future and get out in front of it. Once prospective entrepreneurs master their field, their learning is not done. They should continue to learn as a business owner. For example, this year Zamora started paying employees a percentage of each job instead of hourly. Observing how employees acted differently under the two models taught him a valuable lesson about motivating workers. The guys are more responsible, Zamora said. They know that if something goes wrong, if they dont do the job right they have to go back and fix whatever thy have to fix or no pay. So they are more careful. They take their time. They get stuff done right. Dont Do It Alone Relying on friends, family and other professionals does not make you a lesser business owner. It makes you a smarter one. For example, Kathy Zamora, Zamoras wife and business partner, was crucial to creating Hermoza Home Beautification. I was lucky that at the time my wife was working, and she was making really, really good money, and she supported me, so I didnt have to worry much about paying the mortgage and stuff like that, Zamora said. She helped me a lot at the beginning. In addition to friends and family, Williams strongly recommends business owners find a mentor. The best mentors are from the same field as the entrepreneurs, so they can share experience. Running a small business is hard, so you need to have a support system because its like a roller coaster. Williams said. It goes up and down, so you always need somebody in your ear that keeps you going. Williams mentors are his mother, Anita Williams, and his uncle, Richard Rowley. While they dont have security backgrounds, both have great business experience that has been invaluable for Williams. For example, as a business lawyer, Rowley taught Williams lessons such as how to structure a business. Pull The Trigger All the business tips in the world are valueless to someone who doesnt use them. Business ownership can be frightening, but with proper planning, patience and a good group of people it is a possibility. Just be positive and keep moving forward, Zamora said. Youre going to make many mistakes. Its ok. Its part of learning. Just dont be afraid. Jump in the water. Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar. The 46218 zip code is a large chunk of Indianapolis on the citys northeast side, taking up roughly nine square miles. Its reputation is essentially the urban stereotype: majority Black and brown, high poverty rates, a lack of resources, run-down houses and businesses, no good jobs and underperforming schools. The numbers seem to support this, and depending on whos giving their opinion, 46218 lives down to that reputation. According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, 38.2 percent of residents lived below the poverty level in 2017. The median household income was $23,771, down from $27,664 in 2011. Unemployment was at 17.3 percent, compared to 3.6 percent in Marion County in October this year. Educational attainment is down: 72 percent of those 65 and older graduated from high school (or equivalent), compared to just 40 percent of those 25 and older. To hear Latoya Johnson, 54, tell it from where she was sitting outside the Safeway grocery store on Sherman Drive, 46218 is practically a trap. Nobody has money, she said. They say its a ghetto. Johnson moved into the area about two years ago and said shes been robbed at least four times since then. Crime and drugs are two of the biggest issues facing the community, she assessed, and shes considering moving to Kentucky to be closer to family and friends. Indianapolis has one of the worst food desert problems in the country. There are different classifications for what qualifies as a food desert, but it basically means residents dont have easy access to healthy and affordable food. City-County Councilor Zach Adamson represents District 17, which encompasses 46218, and he pointed out issues such as poverty and food deserts affect Indianapolis as a whole, but have a disproportionate presence in his area. Adamson said a more engaged community would help alleviate some of these problems, but there are also fixes outside the control of everyday residents. He said there should be more investment from businesses in lieu of traditional industrial jobs, and the city should improve mass transit to give residents access to jobs outside the area. (IndyGos Marion County Transit Plan includes all bus routes going seven days a week by the second half of 2019.) Amy Harwell, whos on the board of One Voice Martindale-Brightwood, the umbrella organization of the various neighborhood associations, said another community issue is renters who dont take care of their properties. According to Harwell, as older people die, younger people buy homes and rent to just anyone, calling it a cultural clash. They have no respect for the community, Harwell said, referencing as an example Hispanic residents who bring pigs to start a pig farm. Im renting, so why do I care? I dont have to keep it up. But there are also those who see a brighter side of 46218. They dont try to mask the problems or brush them to the side, they just want others to see that the areas bad reputation doesnt reach every corner of the zip code. Dennis Mayes Sr., 68, was born in the area. Like most others who shared their thoughts on 46218, he insisted there are effectively two sides of the zip code, and Keystone Avenue seems to be the informal divide. Its easier to find a positive opinion on the west side of Keystone than it is on the east side. We dont have the high crime like they say we have in 46218, Mayes said. Everybody over here takes care of each other. The crime over here has stayed down. Charles Knight, a board member of the Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, credits the various community entities for improving the area. The Edna Martin Christian Center recently completed renovations to its Leadership and Legacy Campus on Ralston Avenue, KIPP Indy Public Schools is opening high school next to the new center, and the Brightwood library branch recently broke ground on a new building on East 25th Street that will have more meeting space and better technology. In all, Knight said, the community is progressing. Sure, not as fast as we want, and sure, not with the rest of the city, he said, but its a positive effort thats out there. Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick. WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- As U.S. President Donald Trump underscored his unwillingness to budge amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, Americans remain divided in their views of the president's long-promised U.S.-Mexico border wall. A retired bookkeeper from Maine, who declined to reveal his name, told Xinhua that he strongly opposes to the idea of a border wall. "Don't do that. If people want to come here, and work like us, and pay taxes. I have no problem with that," he said, addressing himself as a Democrat. Robert Taylor from Orlando, Florida, meanwhile, showed his support for the president's demand. "I'm kinda on the fence about that," he told Xinhua. "When you get people coming over without following the rules... Everyone should have the opportunity, but do it the right way." Darin Imbriaco, a local visitor, said he is "torn" over the issue. "I think that we do need better border protection, but I don't know if that's necessarily the answer," he told Xinhua. Some Americans have seen the issue as larger than itself. "This is a political stunt," David Leblang from Charlottesville, Virginia, told Xinhua. "It's not designed to do anything other than appeal to a set of constituents." According to an NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll released earlier this month, 57 percent of Americans think the president should compromise on the wall to avoid a government shutdown, while 36 percent disagree. Republicans and Democrats also expressed diverging views on the issue. About two-thirds of Republicans support the president for standing firm, which was echoed by only 21 percent of Democrats, the poll said. Trump said Tuesday the ongoing partial government shutdown won't end until a border wall is approved. "I can't tell you when the government is going to reopen... (Not until) we have a wall, a fence, whatever they'd like to call it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, noting that "much of it is 30 feet high." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Saturday that a physical barrier is off the option. Describing the wall as Trump's "bone to the hard right," Schumer said Democrats are pushing for "smart and effective ways" to secure the border, such as drones and sensors, and inspection equipment. The partial government shutdown, which began midnight Friday, was triggered by the White House and Congress' failed attempts to resolve a budget impasse over the funding of the border wall. Trump has long demanded 5 billion U.S. dollars for the wall, a centerpiece of his 2016 campaign, but Democrats were only willing to approve 1.3 billion dollars to enhance border security. White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney told "Fox News Sunday" that the White House has given a "counter-offer" that was "between those two numbers." Schumer, however, denounced the White House for sending mixed messages, tweeting Monday that "Different people from the same White House are saying different things about what the President would accept or not accept to end his #TrumpShutdown." Wednesday is the first non-holiday weekday since the shutdown began, as more than 420,000 federal employees are set to work without pay, and an additional 380,000 would be furloughed, according to an estimation from the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Senate will return on Thursday and consider business if a deal is reached on government funding. Mulvaney said Sunday that the ongoing partial government shutdown would likely extend into the new year. The 4 1/2 miles of Interstates 65 and 70 spidering through downtown Indianapolis are called the inner loop, and talks of major repairs to the north split of that loop have caused a concentrated uproar among those who are imploring the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to go about its project in a way thats mindful of the people who live around the area. But this is a problem that dates back long before anyone started talking about a possible total reconstruction of the north split. When Interstates 65 and 70 were constructed in the city from the late 1960s to early 1970s, the highways tore through historically Black neighborhoods, destroying homes and businesses, uprooting families and communities. People would just move, and that was it, Paula Brooks, a primary school student when I-65 came through her northwest side neighborhood, remembered. I was so young. Once I got older and started understanding whats going on, it made me angry. Im still kind of angry about it. The government was able to build through private land by a process called eminent domain, which allows the government to take over private property for public use an interstate highway, in this case. What happened to Brooks community happened to others around the city, but the focus of this article is on I-65 coming down through the northwest side from Chicago. Brooks grew up along what is now the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street feeder to I-65 on the citys northwest side. She still lives in whats left of the neighborhood a third-generation resident and insisted where she lives is actually the old near west side. She said she was able to walk to her school until the highways came through. Then it wasnt accessible. There were two main issues with the highway. The most obvious was location, since it was planted in largely Black and brown neighborhoods. But there is plausible deniability here for government officials because the highway roughly follows its logical path from the northwest. Then theres the elevation. The highway is above ground through this area, and others, creating what amounts to a wall that separates what used to be naturally connected neighborhoods. Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper articles from the late 1960s detail the communitys efforts to have a highway below grade to mitigate damage to the area. In July 1967, the Northwest Action Council implored Mayor John Barton to relay its demand for a depressed highway to planning officials. The group cited engineers from the University of Illinois who said a depressed inner loop would improve Indianapolis. In December 1967, the Recorder reported that Father Boniface Hardin, leader of the council, had over 3,000 signatures from the community supporting a depressed highway. Jim Beatty, chair of the Marion County Democratic Party at the time, brought a consultant from San Francisco to lobby Gov. Roger Branigin for a depressed highway, but Beatty said the governor didnt even speak to the consultant. The governor was probably drunk at the time, frankly, Beatty remembered. Beatty said he never felt like they got close to getting a depressed highway system. I still think we were right, he said. I think the people right now who think 65 should be depressed are right. The most commonly cited excuse for not going ahead with a depressed highway was the utility companies didnt want to pay to move the underground utilities, but Beatty recalled the federal government would have paid 90 percent of the cost, and the state would have picked up the remaining 10 percent. When we think about I-65 and how it was built, we also have to look at the race patterns at that time, said LaShawnda Storm, who helps put on a workshop called Undoing Racism, which teaches kids structural aspects of racism such as poverty. Indianapolis in 1960 was only about 20 percent Black, according to U.S. Census data. But racial zoning, or redlining, concentrated African-Americans in areas deemed hazardous and definitely declining by the Home Owners Loan Corporation. That included most of the surrounding downtown area, but those zones were most prominent on the citys northwest side. Storms mother lived on Eugene Street, close to 30th Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street. Now Storm teaches kids about why neighborhoods like her mothers become what they currently are. Its a progression, she explained, that starts with something like a highway that goes on to affect business and property taxes, which goes on further to affect things such as school funding. In its report on possible projects to fix the north split, INDOT gives a sentence to the history of the highway. As in many urbanized areas during the early era of interstate highways, construction of the interstates in Indianapolis had substantial community impacts, displacing residents and separating existing neighborhoods in and near downtown. And that brings Indianapolis to today, when the city highway system is sparking attention again. The damage of Interstates 65 and 70 are ingrained in neighborhoods at this point. They were decimated long ago. But the residual impact is still there. We still havent recovered, Brooks said. Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter at Ty_Fenwick. I-65 Overview: ResourceStocks Sydney (30 September - 1 October 2019) takes place at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, curating presentations and meetings of investors with projects connected to Precious Metals (Gold & Silver), Base Metals (Copper & Zinc), Energy Minerals (Cobalt, Uranium, Vanadium & Rare Earth) and Battery Minerals (Lithium, Graphite & Nickel) commodity groups around the world. Investors will get the opportunity to listen detailed mining company presentations and the macro-economic context of the commodities they are interested to enable informed investment decisions. Key topic areas include: Insight into the top 5 trends driving the mining industry, examining past and present supply vs demand for Australian resources Assessment of the key geopolitical and trade developments that will continue to impact the resource economy into 2020. Investor case studies on the best and worst investment decisions to date, what made them invest, what went wrong, how did this differ to their expectations and what did they learn as a result? Investment Outlook for Australia: Why has Australia outperformed other jurisdictions and what commodities and regions have benefited as a result? Confirmed speakers Include: The All Progressives Congress, APC has said that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, should tell Nigerians why a discredited person like him should be elected as President. APC said that Atiku, is expressing depression resulting from frustration, which has made him unable to concentrate on his campaign. According to the ruling party, the former vice President should busy himself with his plans instead of raising puerile allegations on a daily basis. In a statement by the ruling party on Thursday, APC said that Nigerians are desirous of issue based campaign and not one that focuses on issues that has no benefit to Nigerians. See full statement below PDP presidential candidate, Atiku is exhibiting early signs of depression, resulting from obvious frustration. Consequently, he is unable to focus on his campaign. Otherwise, Atiku should tell Nigerians why a discredited person like him should be elected as President instead of raising puerile allegations on a daily basis. Muhammadu Buhari and APC, not his programmes for the country appear to be his main campaign issues. Nigerians are desirous of campaign that focuses on issues that matter to them. For Atiku and his PDP co-travellers, the only interest is to grab power and continue where they stopped in their avarice. The APC administration is eager to showcase the impressive achievements we have recorded in the last three and half years. This is the campaign that matters to us and this is what Nigerians are interested in. The trajectory is exciting as we see a brighter future shaping up. We wont yield to the PDPs shenanigans. The obvious strategy of the PDP is to truncate the countrys journey towards economic buoyancy and social stability. We will not play the PDPs game. PDP is acting an anti-peoples script. Buhari remains unshaken by the desperate efforts being made by Atiku and PDP to blackmail the APC government. Everyone who was involved in corrupt practices would be brought to justice. Senator Ben Murray Bruce and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri have hailed the move of at least 167 police officers, that absconded from a training facility after being told they would be deployed to areas where they would be combating Boko Haram insurgents. According to reports, the officers, who absconded, have been declared wanted and would likely face serious consequences, when caught. The officers were part of the 2000 recently recruited by Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris to assist the military, in its fight against insurgency in the North-east. Senator Bruce in his argument said, the fleeing officers took a cue from now the fallen soldiers of Metele attack were treated. The lawmaker made this known in a tweet on Wednesday. Why wont the policemen run? If they die what will happen to their wives and children? Look at how we buried the hero soldiers who died at Metele? The President did not attend. He was not represented. Those policemen were watching. Are they fools? Do they want the same treatment? Why wont the policemen run? If they die what will happen to their wives and children? Look at how we buried the hero soldiers who died at Metele? The President did not attend. He was not represented. Those policemen were watching. Are they fools? Do they want the same treatment? Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 26, 2018 Also reacting to the report is Reno Omokri, who queried the Inspector General of Police, for being angry that the officers absconded. Just like Bruce, he said the men saw what happened to the Metele soldiers and had no choice than to run. Why will the IGP be angry that the hundreds of policemen he sent to fight Boko Haram in the NE ran away? The men arent fools! They saw what Boko Haram did to the better armed 157 Taskforce Battalion Metele. When they died, they saw how Buhari could not even attend their burial. Nigerians have taken to social media to react to allegations that members of President Muhammadu Buharis family now own substantial share in Etisalat Nigeria, which has an estimated $2 billion (about N727 billion at 360 per dollar) of its estimated $20 billion global net worth. Meanwhile, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has also called for a probe into allegations that members of the first family, own multi billion naira telecoms giant, Etisalat Nigeria, and Keystone Bank. Reacting, Nigerians have trolled the president and his family over the allegations. They lambasted the president, who flaunts his integrity yet allegedly owns such properties in just three years. See reactions https://twitter.com/AfiaBrigaz/status/1078270722181681152?s=19 The stories about Buhari having bought shares in Keystone Bank & Etisalat through proxies, despite claiming he is poor & a man of integrity is not even painful, It is the way they are using the school feeding programme (HGSFP) to enrich the pockets of cronies. Edward Israel-Ayide (@wildeyeq) December 27, 2018 https://twitter.com/triplerolex/status/1078244976910368770?s=19 https://twitter.com/realdanielemeka/status/1078232239278903296?s=19 When I saw Keystone Bank trending I thought Access has done it again but I was shocked with what I saw. Buhari Family members are now the owners of Keystone Bank and Etisalat. Buhari doesn't need to hide again. He's corruption and leader Criminals Association of Nigeria. Shame! Confidence Jonah (@realNCNC) December 27, 2018 Just Three years and half 1. Keystone Bank 2. Etisalat, etc. How will the next four years be? 1. NNPC 2.LNG 3.Oil Wells 4. Access Bank Even Aso Rock sef them go follow buy am. Chief of Port Harcourt (@OpuiyoMike) December 27, 2018 https://twitter.com/PHchronicles/status/1078233543845793792?s=19 https://twitter.com/SKSolaKuti/status/1078222440835309568?s=19 Nigerias Senate President, Bukola Saraki has lamented the spate of killings in Zamfara state. Saraki said that the killings in the state should be seen as a major threat to the countrys democracy. According to the Senate president in a statement on Thursday, no part of the country should be held hostage, and as such, the security architecture should be overhauled. We should look at the Zamfara killings as a major threat to our democracy particularly as we move towards the general elections in the next 50 days. We should not allow criminal elements to take over parts of our country. The situation in Zamfara State is an example of why we need to overhaul our security architecture in order to bring it to a state where it can effectively tackle emerging threats and challenges. Saraki said proper evaluation of the state should be done, in order to know the actual situation of things. There is need for proper profiling of the situation in Zamfara so that we can know whether it is cattle rustling; vicious armed robbery on a large scale; a religious/ethnic crisis; or, an invasion by foreign forces. Our security agencies must immediately come out with a proper understanding of the situation, the right strategy and deployment of the necessary troops to tackle the menace. He noted further that strong signals must be issued to the criminals within the next coming days. He added that President Muhammadu Buhari must take full responsibility of the situation, should as the former President, Goodluck Jonathan was asked to, in 2014. He added that Buhari must widen the consultation within the armed forces on the search for solutions to the Zamfara killings. Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been hailed by his party, after he covered the medical bills of Aisha Haruna, a 13 year-old orphan from Daura, Katsina. Aisha, had suffered a second degree burns in a home accident, in which she needed reconstructive surgery. The former VP, on hearing of her predicament, swung into action, and paid all the medical treatments required. In a statement on Thursday, the opposition party, hailed Atiku for his benevolence, while taking a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari, for ignoring the plight of the young lady, even though she hails from his hometown, Daura. See statement Aisha Haruna: Atikus show of love and intervention in the life of Aisha Haruna, the 13 years old orphan from Daura, Katsina state, who was involved in an inferno, is a direct reflection of his inner personality as a sensitive leader, who cares about the plight of the citizens. President Buharis inaction on Aishas matter is a sign that he is detached and aloof on the issues that concern the average Nigerian. Buhari never cared about Aishas plight, though she hails from his home town, Daura, Katsina state. The fact remains that Nigerians have made up their minds to rally behind Atiku, who understands and identifies with them in their challenges and this determination is daily reinforced by the continued show of incompetence, disdain and arrogance by the Buhari Presidency While President Buhari cares less about the good of Nigerians but promised them more hardship in the coming year, the Atiku, offers hope, having worked out templates to revamp our economy, revitalize our ailing infrastructure and raise the living standards of all Nigerians. The Indian Commerce Minister was all set to meet Apple executives at Davos next month to discuss plans for setting up an iPhone manufacturing plant in India. However, it looks like things have moved forward faster than one expected. Reuters reports that Foxconn will start assembling high-end iPhones in India from 2019. While Wistron already assembles iPhones for Apple in India, its assembly is limited to older models like the iPhone 6s and iPhone SE. Foxconn, however, intends on assembling newer high-end iPhones like the iPhone X at its plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. The Chinese company will be investing upwards of $350 million in its plant to expand its production capacity and create as much as 25,000 jobs. Foxconn, which already makes phones for Xiaomi Corp in India, will invest 25 billion Indian rupees ($356 million) to expand the plant, including investment in iPhone production, Tamil Nadus Industries Minister M C Sampath told Reuters. The terms of the deal can still change and it is entirely possible that Foxconn drops the idea of assembling high-end iPhones in India altogether. It is also unclear if Foxconn will only be assembling iPhones or also manufacturing some of their components in India. By setting up an iPhone production facility in India, Apple is looking to find a way to avoid itself from being a victim of the ongoing trade war between the US and China. Our Take The move will also allow Apple to be eligible for significant duty cuts which should lead to lowering of prices for iPhones which are assembled in India. Right now, due to high import duties, high-end iPhones are priced exorbitantly in the country. The iPhone XS Max, for example, is priced at almost twice the price of the Galaxy Note 9 despite both devices retailing for ~$1,000 in the US. By lowering iPhone prices in India, Apple could be looking to boost its sales in the country. With iPhone sales slowing down everywhere else, India is turning out to be an important market for Apple. [Via Reuters Qualcomm has been successful in getting some iPhone models banned in certain regions, but the legal battle between the two companies is far from over. And it sounds like Qualcomm isnt too pleased with Apples response to the iPhone ban that was handed down in China. It is being reported this week that Qualcomms lawyer, Jiang Hyongi, has referenced Article 111, Paragraph 6 of Chinas civil procedure law that says a court in China can fine, or even detain the principals or persons directly responsible if its determined that the company is not following through with a court order. Apparently Qualcomm is just unhappy across the board with the way that Apple has handled the imposed iPhone ban in China, especially in comparison to the same ban in Germany. For those keeping track of all this, Apple released iOS 12.1.2 into the wild that directly meant to address Qualcomm patents in China, in an effort to address the China ban of certain iPhone models. That software update changed the animation for force closing apps on iPhones, but apparently Qualcomm doesnt think thats actually good enough. However, there is a key difference between the rulings in Germany and China. For the latter country, the imposed import ban was related to software which Apple did indeed address. Meanwhile, in Germany, the ban was related to hardware, which is admittedly a bit harder to change on the fly. So, it sounds like Qualcomm may be trying to go to the next level in China, as far as they can go in the region. Will it work? Well have to wait and see. [via 9to5Mac BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday voiced support for the current momentum of positive interaction between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK). According to reports, the ROK Defense Ministry has decided to delete content that frames the DPRK government and the DPRK army as an enemy, from a defense white paper that will be released in January. In response, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China supported the DPRK and the ROK to continue showing goodwill to each other, consolidating mutual trust and improving relations. Recently with the joint efforts of the DPRK and the ROK, both sides actively implemented the consensus reached by their leaders, and the spirit of the Panmunjom Declaration and the Pyongyang Declaration, advanced reconciliation and cooperation, and achieved a host of positive outcomes, Hua said. "We believe that this will help the continuous advancement of the political settlement process of the Peninsula issue, and conforms to the common interests of the two sides on the peninsula and countries in the region." On November 20, 2018 during Chinese President Xi Jinpings state visit to the Philippines, 29 cooperation documents were signed between relevant authorities from both countries in the presence of President Xi and President Duterte. The 2nd among the long list of cooperation projects is the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China (hereafter the MOU). The MOU is a carefully-drafted political document and its signing is an important step for bilateral efforts towards the direction of expanding their cooperation to marine resources development. Its evolvement will also impact bilateral dispute management and peace and security in the South China Sea (SCS) region and beyond. Nature of the MOU As Article II of the MOU states, the MOU is in relation to oil and gas exploration and exploitation in relevant maritime areas. Based on the context of Article I by referring to the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and that both governments have made substantial progress and meaningful gains in exploring opportunities and means to cooperate with each other in maritime activities, the MOU is about bilateral cooperation in the SCS. The topic of bilateral marine resources development in particular oil and gas cooperation has attracted attention from the political opposition in the Philippines headed by the group of politicians and judges who are either in opposition to Duterte or were involved in the 2016 Arbitration Case invoked by the former Aquino III Administration against China. They have been accusing the Duterte administration of selling sovereignty and sovereign rights to China defined by the award from the Arbitral Tribunal. It is important to note that from the very beginning of the Case, China considered it as not in line with the basic principles of international law and refused to participate and accept the award. After the signing of the MOU, two Philippine officials, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Locsin and Secretary of Energy Cusi, clarified that the MOU was an agreement to agree, that is, both parties agreed, through the MOU, to arrive at an agreement within a certain time. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo refers to the MOU as a framework that is not legally binding. Following concerns that the MOU could compromise the countrys sovereignty or lead to a debt trap, the Philippines Senate President called for a legislative review of the MOU. After examination of the MOU, Justice Secretary Guevarra said that he did not find any violation of the laws. He further elaborated that the MOU did not concern sovereignty issues and it merely expresses a mutual desire to agree on specific cooperation arrangements within 12 months. Although details of cooperation will be discussed afterwards, the MOU clarified the positions of both countries, that is, the MOU, and all discussions, negotiations and activities of the two governments or their authorized enterprises under or pursuant to this MOU, will be without prejudice to respective legal positions of both governments (Article IV). This MOU does not create rights or obligations under international or domestic law. This is a pragmatic attitude towards their SCS disputes. Both recognized the existence of differences relating to their claims of sovereignty and sovereign rights in the SCS, but they agreed to shelve the differences and begin discussing cooperation, leaving the disputes to be resolved by later generations. Implications of the MOU The MOU conveys several messages. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the process at a press conference. It was, as he said, through in-depth exchanges of views for several times and after communication and negotiations that the two sides reached agreement on signing the inter-governmental MOU. During the whole process, the two sides demonstrated pragmatic attitudes and positive will to develop China-Philippines friendship and deepen bilateral cooperation. Therefore, the signing of the MOU is a testament to the mutual respect, equal-footed negotiation and mutual trust between China and the Philippines. Furthermore, based on the above working environment, marine resources development can work between the two countries. Second, the signing of the MOU reflects strong political willingness from the top leaders of both countries to co-operate on oil and gas development in the SCS. The cooperation on oil and gas development is an important consensus reached by top leaders of both countries since Duterte took office in 2016. Back in October 2016 when President Duterte paid his first state visit to China, both countries signed a joint statement in which it was indicated that both sides agreed to explore (other) areas of co-operation in the SCS (Point 42 of 2016 Joint Statement). In the 2017 joint statement signed during Chinese Premier Li Keqiangs official visit to the Philippines, it was clearly emphasized that both sides may explore means to cooperate with each other in other possible maritime activities including maritime oil and gas exploration and exploitation, in accordance with the respective national laws and regulations of the two countries and international law including the 1982 UNCLOS, and without prejudice to the respective positions of the two countries on sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction (Point 14 of 2017 Joint Statement). Taking into consideration of the existing bilateral disputes in the SCS, any choice of cooperation area in the overlapping-claimed area which is located within the Philippines EEZ of 200 nm from the coast will be sensitive, even though there is without prejudice to respective legal positions. The recent 2018 joint statement relating to President Xis visit, both sides welcomed the signing of the MOU, and agreed to discuss maritime cooperation including maritime oil and gas exploration, sustainable use of mineral, energy and other marine resources, among other consensus on implementing relevant international maritime instruments to ensure the safety of life at sea, marine environmental protection, and human resources development (Point 27 of 2018 Joint Statement). Without the strong support from the top leaders, it would be difficult to start co-operation in the unchartered water. Third, the MOU also reflects the commitment from both government agencies to push ahead with cooperation on oil and gas development in relevant maritime areas. It was declared in the MOU that relevant agreements would be reached on oil and gas exploration and exploitation within 12 months. Such development is important for the Philippines. Currently the Philippines relies overwhelmingly on imports to fuel its fast-growing economy and needs to develop indigenous energy resources. In 2016 it imported 10,670kt of crude oil and domestic production was only 760kt. In the same year natural gas supply met the domestic demand, both 153,275tj. However, its main source of natural gas, the Malampaya field located closer to disputed waters, will be depleted within a decade. To reach agreement for oil and gas development will be good news for the Philippines economic development. Fourth, China-Philippine oil and gas cooperation in the SCS is not an easy task. Both governments have taken a cautious and careful move. As discussed above, the MOU was reached after two years of negotiations and consultations. In the meantime, some key issues still need to be tackled in the near future. Guidelines Two Articles in the MOU, Article II and III, give guidance for both governments to work together to reach arrangements to facilitate oil and gas exploration and exploration in an accelerated manner. Article II specifies the principles to be followed. They include mutual respect, fairness, and mutual benefit, flexibility and pragmatism and consensus, equal and friendly consultation and being consistent with applicable rules of international law. Article III, entitled Working Mechanism, specifies the mechanism under the MOU and their relevant responsibilities. Two kinds of organizations will be formed, an Inter-Governmental Joint Steering Committee and one or more Inter-Entrepreneurial Working Group(s). The Committee will be co-chaired by the Foreign Ministries and co-vice chaired by the Energy Ministries with equal number of members of relevant agencies from the two governments. The Committee will be responsible for negotiating and agreeing the cooperation arrangements and cooperation maritime areas. It is also the responsibility of the committee to decide on the number of Working Group(s). Each Working Group will consist of representatives from enterprises authorized by the two governments. The Working Group(s) is(are) responsible for negotiating and agreeing on inter-entrepreneurial technical and commercial arrangements. China authorizes China National Offshore Oil Corporation as the enterprise for each Working Group. The Philippines will authorize, depending on the applicable working area, the enterprises(s) where a service contract exists, or otherwise the Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corporation. Furthermore, with Article VI Other Matters, the Committee or a Working Group can be consulted for any other matters rather than those in the MOU. Future Challenges The MOU has sent a positive signal to the SCS region and beyond that cooperation in the SCS can be expanded to marine resources development, oil and gas in particular. However, from the MOU to any concrete bilateral cooperation agreement in the SCS, two key issues need to be agreed upon, co-operation area (where) and business arrangements (how). Taking into consideration of the existing bilateral disputes in the SCS, any choice of cooperation area in the overlapping-claimed area which is located within the Philippines EEZ of 200 nm from the coast will be sensitive, even though there is without prejudice to respective legal positions. The options of working areas will be under close scrutiny of the political opposition in the Philippines. The previous pretext used to bring the 2005 China-Philippines-Vietnam Tripartite Agreement on Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking on a halt might be invoked again being inconsistent with the Philippine constitution and selling the Philippine sovereignty. How China and the Philippines could really shelve their maritime disputes and how the MOU will evolve into a cooperation agreement will have significant impact not only on the Philippine domestic politics but also on China-Philippine relations over the SCS. Political wisdom is very important. The China-Philippine experience might set a precedent for co-operation on oil and gas development in the SCS region. BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature on Wednesday published the full text of a draft foreign investment law to consult public opinion. The draft law was submitted to the ongoing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which opened on Sunday. Once adopted, the unified foreign investment law will replace three existing laws, namely the laws on Chinese-foreign equity joint ventures, non-equity joint ventures (or contractual joint ventures) and wholly foreign-owned enterprises. Necessary mechanisms on the facilitation, protection and management of foreign investment are written into the draft law, such as the pre-establishment national treatment and negative list management, equal supportive policies and equal participation in government procurement. The public can give their opinions through the NPC website or send their opinions by mail. The deadline for submitting opinions is Feb. 24, 2019. BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The General Office of the State Council has issued a document to further encourage the development of the cultural industry. The government should encourage publishing houses to offer books, newspapers, and magazines at prices that match the purchasing capabilities of the public, said the document. Cheaper shows and tickets of commercial performances and movie screenings, and cheaper online services from Internet culture-service providers should also be encouraged, according to the document. The document required central and local government funds to invest in the cultural industry in more innovative ways and improve the supporting policies to boost the development of the cultural industry. Value-added tax on business revenues from the sales of copies, copyright, movie distribution, as well as venues for movies screened in the country's rural regions, will be exempted, said the document. A group of students pose at the Kim Koo Museum in Seoul, Wednesday, after attending Mirae Asset Park Hyeon-joo Foundation's scholarship-awarding ceremony for overseas exchange students. The foundation has supported students studying abroad through its scholarship program since 2007 and a total 5,117 students have benefited from it. / Courtesy of Mirae Asset Park Hyeon-joo Foundation U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping By Lee Kyung-min Korea should brace for a renewal of deepening trade tension between the United States and China in 2019 as it is likely to persist for years, according to economists, Thursday. Lee Chae-woong Korea is especially vulnerable, as it is a small, open economy with heavy reliance on external shipments. More importantly, the country has no control over the feud between the two economic giants. The economists expect the ongoing trade tension will continue without any clear end in sight, given the hegemony-oriented nature of the power struggle between the world's two largest economies. "The conflict will continue for an extended period of time, because it is not about a mere trade deficit, and much more about the dispute over technology, goods and services for generations to come," said Park Chong-hoon, a chief economist at SC First Bank. "While the two sides will remain non-confrontational for the time being, the issue will continue for a long time given it is an overarching policy directive of the U.S. government." U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to a temporary truce on the trade war Dec. 1, in a dramatic ceasefire that broke the then much escalating tension. Park Chong-hoon The U.S. warned that it would raise tariffs to 25 percent up from 10 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods citing a growing trade imbalance. The two, according to the White House statement, also agreed to begin negotiations on forced technology transfer, non-tariff barriers, intellectual property and cyber theft, Trump's biggest complaints, and major concerns Park cited that will largely dictate prosperity of the two economies. While both sides agreed to complete negotiations within 90 days with plans to impose the raised rate to 25 percent, no clear deadline has been set. According to Oh Suk-tae, an economist at Societe Generale, the ambiguous agreement will eventually fall through, with the U.S. imposing the 25 percent tariffs on the said amount of Chinese goods. "The 90-day truce has not produced any concrete details since U.S. President Trump announced the plan saying the imposition would take effect Jan. 1. The dispute will continue for at least a few years and a couple more for a full and complete resolution," Oh said. Oh Suk-tae Neither side will budge in what now has developed into a full-fledged power struggle, said Lee Chae-woong, a professor emeritus of economics at Sungkyunkwan University. "The two in the short term may seek a truce, which can and will inevitably break into a heated feud at any given moment as neither side would give in and outright admit that it lost when the whole world is watching. China obviously has more to lose, but the U.S. is fatigued just as much," Lee said. Ryu Deock-hyun, an economics professor at Chung-Ang University, said the two will find a way that involves neither confrontation nor concession. The conflict will move from import tariffs to export bans, according to Alicia Garcia-Herrero, Asia Pacific chief economist at Natixis Global Market Research. Alicia Garcia-Herrero Financial Services Commission Chairman Choi Jong-ku explains some changes and revisions to regulations in 2019 in front of lawmakers of the National Assembly's policy committee, Thursday. Yonhap By Park Hyong-ki The country's chief regulator has expressed concerns over the revival of a system enabling the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) to launch so-called "comprehensive inspections" on financial companies. In a meeting with lawmakers of the National Assembly's policy committee on Dec. 27, Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Choi Jong-ku said it was inappropriate to bring back this system, which was abolished three years ago, and use it as a weapon against companies. "It will be like wielding a knife and scaring them," he told the lawmakers. His remarks come as the FSS is expected to audit Samsung Life Insurance in 2019 amid a legal tussle between the two sides over consumers' pension and insurance claims. The chairman, nevertheless, said the FSC will talk to the FSS and see to it that the FSS will not audit Samsung Life as a form of retaliation. He also said the FSC wasn't trying to "control" the FSS by tightening the latter's budget. The reduced budget proposal for the FSS was in line with the Board of Audit and Inspection's demand and warning against FSS's careless and reckless management, Choi said. The designation of the FSS as a state-run enterprise was suspended in 2017. Instead, the FSS was required to better manage its finances in accordance with the law governing state agencies. He had told the press on Dec. 19 that this was a big misunderstanding and that the two sides are not on bad terms. The chairman added then their relationship was not like the one between a master and a servant. The FSS' budget for 2019 has been reduced by 2 percent from 2018, according to the FSC. Choi also backed the Korea Exchange's decision to resume trading of Samsung BioLogics, denied any rumors and speculations that they had made a deal for the resumption. He said the biotech company is under investigation by the prosecution for committing accounting fraud, refraining from commenting further regarding the ongoing case. The COEX Aquarium shows off a variety of marine creatures, including sharks. / Courtesy of COEX Aquarium By Kang Seung-woo When Yang Su-yong, a career-long specialist in the hospitality sector, took the helm of COEX Aquarium in June last year, his new industry was a "red ocean," where hard-fought competitions were unavoidable to lure more people from the nation's aging population. COEX Aquarium CEO Yang Su-yong By Kang Seung-woo Grand Ambassador Seoul honored for customer-focused management The Grand Ambassador Seoul Associated with Pullman has successfully retained its Consumer Centered Management (CCM) certificate from the Fair Trade Commission (FTC). The certification is the system assessing whether all activities of a company are based on consumer-centered principles and continuously improving its management. The certificate is given twice a year. In 2016, the Grand Ambassador Seoul became the nation's first hotel to obtain the certificate. To truly listen to customers, the Grand Ambassador Seoul has launched the "voice of customer" campaign, while running a customer relations management system. Westin Chosun to broadcast orchestra concert The Westin Chosun Seoul will broadcast the New Year's concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on Jan. 1. Guests can enjoy the performance by the symphony orchestras at 7:15 p.m., after having dinner at the property's on-site restaurants. Plus, the hotel invites Cha Jin-yeob, a modern choreographer, to help guests understand and enjoy the concert to the fullest. Le Meridien Seoul wins luxury hotel award The Le Meridien Seoul has been named the Best Luxury Hotel by Ctrip, Asia's leading online travel agency. The award ceremony was held during the Chinese company's inaugural travel industry conference on Dec. 11 in Shanghai. The Le Meridien said the achievement means the property has gained recognition from Chinese customers. It is Korea's lone luxury European-style art hotel. "I am glad to receive the prize, which can be translated into that our hotel is on Chinese customers' radar," an official of the hotel said, vowing to come up with more content to meet the needs of high-end Chinese tourists. The Tower of the Juche Idea dominates the skyline along the bank of Taedong river behind a guide in Pyongyang, North Korea, Dec. 19. AP Health situations in North Korea are "extremely worrying" as multilayered global sanctions on its regime are taking a toll on the country's medical supplies, a North Korean Red Cross official has said. Ri Ho-rim, secretary general of North Korea's Red Cross, made the remarks carried in a statement recently issued by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on its website. "The health situation is extremely worrying. The impact of sanctions on basic medicines is severe," he said. "For example, the lack of vaccines, antiviral medicines, rapid testing kits, personal protective equipment for health workers and hand sanitizer were major factors in an influenza outbreak earlier this year." According to an IFRC estimate, around 10.3 million people in the North are suffering from food insecurity, malnutrition and a lack of access to basic services. Recurrent natural disasters such as a heat wave, a typhoon, floods and landslides in 2018 have aggravated already severe humanitarian challenges in the North. Adding to the woes, the IFRC said global sanctions on the North have been blamed for delaying supplies of necessary medication to the North Korean people, which it said causes a "serious impact" on health conditions there. "Sanctions imposed on the DPRK are not intended to restrict humanitarian activities or to have adverse humanitarian consequences for the civilian population," the organization said, using the initials of the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Yet in practice delays occur due to the perception of banks, suppliers and officials that they risk violating the sanctions. These delays have a serious impact on already vulnerable people," it said. Despite a thaw in inter-Korean relations punctuated by three summits between the leaders of the two Koreas this year, humanitarian assistance bound for North Korea has not been resumed. Last year, the Seoul government announced a plan to provide US$8 million worth of aid to the North through international humanitarian agencies, but it has not been carried out yet amid little progress in denuclearization talks and existing global sanctions. Top U.S. nuclear envoy Stephen Biegun recently said that Washington will "reevaluate" its ban on American citizens' travel to North Korea early next year to facilitate aid groups' delivery of humanitarian assistance to the country. Last week, South Korea unveiled a plan to provide Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, to the North. Details on how much and in what ways the medication will be delivered will be discussed this week, a government official said earlier. (Yonhap) Attendees from the South Korean side arrive by train in Gaeseong, a border town of North Korea, to take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for rail and road connection across border between the two Koreas, Dec. 26, 2018. Xinhua-Yonhap By Kim Yoo-chul South Korea will send flu medication to North Korea, aiming to complete the delivery of packages by the end of January next year, an official at the Ministry of Unification said, Thursday. "At the request of North Korea, South Korea will send flu medication and Tamiflu packages to North Korea to help the latter combat influenza. The goods will be transported via trucks led by South Korean officials," an official at the ministry said. The last time South Korea sent Tamiflu packages to its impoverished neighbor was December 2009 when then President Lee Myung-bak sent aid to combat the outbreak of H1N1 flu in North Korea with "no condition" in order to try and limit the spread of the disease. At that time, the South provided North Korea with 400,000 doses of Tamiflu and Relenza Rotadisk for 100,000 more, plus approximately $858,000 worth of hand sanitizer. Seoul used more than $15.3 million from the inter-Korean cooperation fund for transportation and other additional costs related to the aid provision. The ministry official declined to specify the monetary value and volume of Tamiflu packages that Seoul is considering sending. The announcement came after a U.S. special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun discussed with his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon to help the North get "sufficient tamiflu drug packages" particularly in the winter during his recent visit to Seoul. Biegun said he will be looking with aid groups at how to deliver "appropriate assistance" to the North. Cho Myoung-gyon, right, South Korean Unification Minister, and Ri Son-gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for rail and road connection across border between South Korea and North Korea at Panmun Station in the North's border town of Gaeseong on Dec. 26, 2018. Xinhua-Yonhap MANILA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China has announced a series of measures on advancing reform and opening up, which will not only help the Chinese economy but also create opportunities for the global economy, said a Philippine expert. The annual Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing last week to review the country's economic work in 2018, analyze the current economic situation and arrange the economic work in 2019. Lucio Blanco Pitlo, a lecturer from the Chinese Studies Program in Philippine Ateneo de Manila University, told Xinhua that he noticed that a series of measures have been announced at the conference, like a larger cut in taxes and fees and advancing all-around opening up. "It shows that China now is pushing an incremental and gradualist reform and opening up," Pitlo said. The Central Economic Work Conference said the country needs to improve its consumption environment and boost consumer spending. Pitlo believed that China's rising middle class and its increasingly sophisticated and diverse consumer tastes and preferences represent an immense potential for China and the world. "Beijing can tap into this huge internal market, and other countries can too," he added. Pitlo told Xinhua that it is impressive that Chinese leaders emphasized the country will reinforce investments on new infrastructures like the 5G network, AI and industrial Internet. The China expert said these connectivity projects may facilitate faster and more efficient transactions. E-commerce and fintech may also enable Chinese enterprises to better reach out to the domestic audience and the same E-commerce and fintech platforms can also be utilized by foreign countries and firms. On China's further opening up, Pitlo said the world's second-largest economy already demonstrated a commitment to continuing opening up to the world through the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai this year. China is so integrated with the world economy that "a reversal or retreat is unimaginable," said Pitlo, adding that "China continues to advance the reform and opening up is important to the whole world." At the Central Economic Work Conference, China announced it will continuously advance cooperation with other countries under the Belt and Road Initiative and it will hold the second Belt and Road forum for international cooperation. In a world full of uncertainty where some resort to unilateralism that undermines the stability of global finance, trade and economic governance, the Belt and Road Initiative is "a welcome relief," Pitlo said. On China's economic development, Pitlo said China is the main trading partner of over 120 countries and regions especially in emerging and developing economies, and that China's continued steady economic growth and stable policies will be warmly welcomed. China's economic transformation and ascent in the industrial chain will also create opportunities for less developed countries, as certain industries and their downstream chains move out of China. For countries eager to jumpstart their industry or keen in expanding their existing manufacturing, this is a positive development, he added. "China has changed a lot in the past 40 years and the pace remains forward," Pitlo said. President Moon Jae-in, right, meets with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in a New York hotel on Oct. 25. / Korea Times file By Park Ji-won Tension between South Korea and Japan escalated after rulings of South Korea's Supreme Court in favor of South Korean forced labor victims during the 1910-45 Japanese occupation, and no signs of improvement are in sight. Experts cite the need for the two sides to take proper measures to settle the disputes with new visions for bilateral relations. South Korea has been voicing "strong regrets" over Japan's repeated claims that the South's Navy ship directed fire-control radar at Tokyo's patrol aircraft. But Japan has been stepping up criticism against the South, asking for stronger punishment of South Korean officials and an apology. Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahisa Sato spoke on a Japanese television show Tuesday, saying "The South Korean government should apologize first and then investigate the case. If an appropriate measure is not taken first, it is impossible to prevent the incident from happening again." Japan has said a South Korean warship had targeted its Maritime Self-Defense Force P-1 patrol aircraft. Seoul rejected the claim, saying Seoul was engaged in a naval rescue operation to recover a North Korean ship near a sea border in the East Sea and it was Tokyo's misinterpretation. While criticizing the South's maritime activity, Japan continues to criticize the South's court rulings ordering Japanese firms to compensate South Korean forced laborers. Seoul made it clear it respects the court rulings that have admitted the right to ask for compensation between individuals hadn't been settled despite a 1965 South-Japan treaty. Tokyo claims it is against the treaty as it stipulates Japan has paid off wartime debts through grants and loans. Senior officials of the two countries' foreign ministries met on Dec. 24 to deal with the issues but failed to narrow their differences. Critics say the Moon Jae-in government should take a lead in negotiations. "The government should create momentum in the stalled negotiations with Japan in a move to restore the shuttle diplomacy between the two countries," a source familiar with the matter told The Korea Times. The nation's foreign ministry publicly said the two countries' shuttle diplomacy has been restored, but critics say it faces a deadlock due to Tokyo's offensive approach towards the South. Also, partially due to internal challenges inherited from the former administration, the foreign ministry has become incapable of dealing with the situation on its own as it is losing its ground in the decision-making process on the ongoing inter-Korean affairs, failing to win support from President Moon Jae-in's inner circle. "The South's foreign ministry is struggling to step forward as it is being investigated over corruption charges under the former Park Geun-hye administration that is suspected of having used the forced labor and wartime sex slavery issues as bargaining chips in treaty negotiations with Japan," Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, told The Korea Times. Shin said it is getting harder for the South to find breakthroughs under the Abe Shinzo's administration as Tokyo is trying to gain popularity with citizens of a new generation who have little knowledge of the country's wartime history. "The South Korean government can run a stalling tactic in denuclearization talks so it can calm the rage and come up with new momentum in diplomacy," Shin said. By Park Si-soo A female teacher at a private cram school, or hagwon in Korean, was jailed for having sex with two teenagers she taught. A district court in Uijeongbu sentenced the teacher, 29, to 10 years in prison for violating the Special Act on Sexual Violence that provides tough punishment for adults who have sex with those under 13 in any circumstances. The court also ordered her to receive 80 hours of psychiatric treatment and banned her employment at an organization for children for 10 years. She was charged with having sex with two boys she taught an elementary student and a middle school student between 2016 and 2017. A police investigation started after one of the victims told a school counselor. The victims claimed she had threatened them not to speak out. She has denied this and the claim of having sex with them. But the court sided with the boys. "After reviewing claims from both sides thoroughly, I decided to put more credit in the boys' claims," Judge Lee Young-hwan said. "Those violating the special law deserve a tough punishment the minimum jail term is eight years and the upper ceiling is 20 years under a guideline set by the Supreme Court." A screen capture of an article titled "North Korea is what Jesus dreamt of" posted on the pro-Pyongyang website Jajusibo, Tuesday. It refers to the North by its own name, "Joseon." By Kim Hyun-bin A pro-North Korea website named "Jajusibo" has been under fire for spreading articles praising the totalitarian regime by linking it with Jesus Christ over the Christmas holiday. A Korean-American correspondent of the media, Lee In-sook, wrote the two-part article titled "Jesus' dream has become a reality in North Korea" on Christmas Day on Tuesday and Wednesday. "What Jesus dreamed of is a society where food is provided for all, a society full of brotherly and sisterly love where people share food when there are limited resources," Lee wrote. "North Korea has a system where people have no worries about their survival. It has achieved a family-like society where people do not need to be selfish." Jajusibo is a successor of "Jajuminbo," which was ordered to halt publication by the South Korean Supreme Court in 2015 for spreading propaganda that praised the North. The online news outlet's registered address is Goryeong County in North Gyeongsang Province and has been operating through donations. In other articles, it also called on the South to carry out the agreements made in the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration this year and the Oct. 4 Declaration in 2007. While praising the North Korean regime, the media outlet has continuously condemned the United States. In the past month, it has published over 24 articles about some South Korean civic groups' moves to welcome North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his anticipated visit to Seoul. "Soon we'll see the historic moment when Kim will visit Seoul as the first North Korean head to do so," it said in one of its stories. "Please give him a fervent welcome." Jajuminbo was established in 2005 as an online news outlet registered in Seoul and has endlessly written articles praising the North. In 2014, the Seoul Metropolitan Government filed a lawsuit to annul the registration and a year later the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the city government. Following the ruling, Jajuminbo changed its name to Jajusibo and registered in South Jeolla Province. In February 2017, it changed the registration to North Gyeongsang Province. "We will thoroughly review Jajusibo to see if there are any legal issues. If so, we will take all necessary measures including filing a suit to halt its registration," an official from the North Gyeongsang Provincial Government said. CEO of Hankook Mirae Technology Yang Jin-ho leaves Suwon Nambu Police Station in Gyeonggi Province on Nov. 16, after the police turned him over to prosecution. Yang faces various charges including violation of the Information Communications Network Act and the Sexual Violence Act. / Yonhap By Kim Jae-heun Police said Thursday they will begin a 100-day intensive crackdown on voyeur video distribution networks early next year to eradicate illegally taken and distributed obscene online content. The intensive control has gathered momentum after the police confirmed that Yang Jin-ho, the CEO of Hankook Mirae Technology who was arrested for abusing employees, has been operating a million-dollar cartel of obscene materials from production to distribution mainly through file-sharing websites. The 100-day crackdown comes only about a month after another special crackdown on online sex crimes that began in August. During the previous crackdown, police nabbed 53 operators of 40 online storage websites, along with 350 heavy uploaders of illegal content such as voyeur videos and revenge porn. By Lee Min-young A young South Korean tourist is missing in India. According to the South Korean embassy there and the local Korean community, the tourist in her 20s arrived on Dec. 13 but has not been in contact since Dec. 26 after a phone call with her parents in South Korea. She reportedly traveled to India alone to meet a friend. Her parents reported her missing on Wednesday. Indian police are investigating. By Jung Da-min, Park Si-soo The Korean Peninsula is in the grip of a cold snap that is expected to continue through the weekend but temperatures may rise next week, the state weather agency said on Thursday. Seoul's morning low plummeted to minus 11.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday, with a wind-chill factor of minus 18 degrees. The Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued a nationwide cold advisory, forecasting Seoul's temperature will drop to minus 13 degrees on Friday morning, while it will be minus 19 in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. Average temperatures are forecast to hover below minus 10 until the weekend, KMA officials said. "The cold cyclone located in the Maritime Provinces is rotating strongly, making the cold air in the northern side of Mongolia the air at a height of five kilometers with the temperature being lower than minus 30 degrees Celsius move south, with the slow flow of air near mid-latitude making the cold air steadily move south until Sunday," the KMA said. "The cold wave could continue throughout next week as the air flow moving from the west has slowed due to the development of a blocking high in the northern side of Kamchatka Peninsula." The KMA expects two to seven centimeters of snow on Jeju Island and in South Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces between Thursday night and Friday afternoon. By Kim Rahn The top court confirmed a suspended jail term for Rep. Lee Koon-hyon of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LPK) for violating the political funds law, stripping him of his National Assembly seat. The Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling, Thursday, which sentenced him to two years in prison suspended for three years. According to the relevant law, a lawmaker loses their seat when receiving a court sentence of 1 million won ($892) in fines or heavier, including prison or suspended jail terms. The four-term lawmaker took 246 million won from his aides' salaries and spent it on the salaries of other workers unregistered with the Assembly and for the rent of his office in his constituency of Tongyeong and Goseong in South Gyeongsang Province, from July 2011 to December 2015. He also did not report several bank accounts to the National Election Commission and received political funds through the accounts. Lee also took 15 million won in illicit political funds in 2011 from a businessman, who was his high school alumnus. "To prevent such irregularities from recurring, a heavy penalty to deprive him of his lawmaker position is inevitable," the court said. The former educator became a lawmaker in 2004 at the 17th National Assembly under a proportional representation system. He was then elected in the constituency of his hometown from the 18th to the 20th Assembly. By Lee Sun-ho The Moon Jae-in administration has struggled with job policies since its beginning in May 2017. Recently, we have heard a lot in the media about regional-based job projects, namely, the Gwangju type, Gunsan type, Ulsan type, etc. The so-called Gwangju job model is the Gwangju Metropolitan Government's joint project with Hyundai Motor to build a plant in the southwestern city. The venture aims to produce more than 10,000 jobs through a plant capable of producing 100,000 compact SUVs. The project would allow Hyundai to produce compact SUVs at a lower cost and the city government provides employees with various subsidies to make up for the relatively low wages. The Gunsan type is to designate the city as a "special industrial crisis response zone," after General Motors' announcement of its plant shutdown. The Ulsan-type is about creating more job opportunities beyond the car, petrochemical and shipbuilding sectors. Earlier this month, President Moon admitted the unsuccessful outcome of his job-related policies, including the minimum wage hike and the reduction of work hours. Employment is a relationship between two parties, usually based on a contract where work is paid for. One party is the employer and the other is the employee. The government, labor unions and civic groups need to support and encourage businesses for enhancing their production. We may consider some of the following suggestions to the urgent job crisis. First, radical unions should abandon their pursuit of self-interests. Secondly, the Moon government should refrain from its oppression of Korea's conglomerates or chaebol. They are primary contributors for creating jobs and pay a huge amount of taxes. Thirdly, civic groups such as NGOs and nonprofits should be reborn by getting rid of their own one-sided views and work for the public interest. They should represent the public opinion not only for the sake of their own group interests, but also aim for national benefits. To sum up, the labor confederations, the policymakers and civic groups should cooperate with one another for seeking effective solutions to ease the job crisis. Lee Sun-ho (kexim2@unitel.co.kr) is an ombudsman columnist for The Korea Times in Seoul. By Vladimir Norov First of all, I would like to note that one of the main results of the "New Northern Policy" of President Moon Jae-in is undoubtedly the inter-Korean summit held in April of this year and adoption of the Panmunjeom Declaration following its results. This political phenomenon became an important historical event of the 21st century and has already been recognized as epochal. The declaration which consolidated the most important agreements of the parties' intention to sign a peace treaty and complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula inspires hope and confidence in the beginning of a "new era of peace and prosperity" in the region. Uzbekistan as an initiator of the creation of a nuclear weapon-free zone in Central Asia fully supports the process of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula which will definitely further develop comprehensive inter-Korean relations and promote integration in the region. At the same time our country supports the efforts of Seoul and the entire global community aimed at resolving the situation on the peninsula only by political and diplomatic means. I would also like to emphasize that the productive outcomes of the historic meeting between the Korean leaders, despite all the obstacles, became possible because of the firm position and strong political will of President Moon on the implementation of the strategic course the New Northern Policy aimed at improving relations with North Korea, ensuring security and stability and building confidence in the region. Another key point is that the new vision of Korean leadership is aimed at creating a huge economic territory that will expand from the Korean Peninsula and the Russian Far East to the whole of Eurasia. In addition, this initiative will not only create additional opportunities for economic growth in Eurasia, but also favorable conditions for peace and economic prosperity for North Korean people which will doubtlessly become a solid basis for further peaceful unification of Korea. I think President Moon's determination and confidence in achieving this great goal is expressed in his words declared last September in an interview: "We are one people who lived together for 5,000 years of history. Therefore it does not matter how difficult the path will be, unification is equivalent to the fate that our people must follow. And we must protect this fate." It is important to note that this long-term vision of Seoul is supported by the majority of representatives of the South Korean expert community. According to the "Statista Global Consumer Survey," about 65 percent of experts and scientists from South Korea (7.6 percent to a greater extent, 56.5 percent to a certain extent) noted that the strategy of the New Northern Policy will improve relations between the two Koreas. We consider the New Northern Policy initiated by the Republic of Korea as a very relevant and important contribution to the revival of the Great Silk Road in the new modern realities. The restoration of rail and road connections envisioned in the framework of the New Northern Policy will undoubtedly open up new prospects for broadening cooperation between the Korean Peninsula and the countries of the vast Eurasia region, including Central Asia, its transformation into a continent with a common transport and logistics system and intensive trade and economic ties. However, according to experts, the current relations of Seoul with the countries of Eurasia do not correspond to their potential and capabilities. In this regard, the New Northern Policy will undoubtedly be able to "reverse" this situation by creating a single economic space and implementing popular joint investment projects using modern Korean technologies and financial resources, as well as huge energy, mineral, raw materials and human resources of the Eurasian countries, including Central Asia. I am convinced the new strategy will provide additional opportunities for the countries of Central Asia in developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation with both the Republic of Korea and other participants of the project. I believe the New Northern policy should become an important practical component of the Central Asia-Republic of Korea Forum, the 11th meeting of which was held in Seoul, Nov. 6 and 7, at the level of deputy foreign ministers. For more than 10 years we have been observing how the forum is evolving and growing stronger, how the number of mutually beneficial cooperation projects is expanding, which are aimed at strengthening mutual trust and enhancing contacts and human exchanges among the participating countries. Since 2017, the Secretariat of the Forum began operating in Seoul, which marked the beginning of a qualitatively new stage of interaction within this format. Now we can feel its active work in promoting new initiatives and ideas to expand interaction in the fields of investment, innovation, transport, health, education and culture. I want to emphasize that Uzbekistan highly appreciates the efforts of the government of the Republic of Korea as the main initiator and coordinator of the forum, and thanks to the diligent efforts to turn it into an important platform to strengthen multidimensional cooperation and an effective mechanism for the practical implementation of priority projects that meet the interests of all participants. In the context of the development of regional cooperation in Central Asia, thanks to the new regional policy of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the past two years have truly become historical and breakthrough. During this period, previously unprecedented important results have been achieved in all spheres of interaction, and a new political atmosphere was created in the region. Central Asian countries demonstrate strong commitment and enormous potential in the development of constructive cooperation in all areas based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual benefit and respect, taking into account mutual interests. Relations between our countries have reached high strategic-level partnerships, which are filled with concrete content in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. In a relatively short time, a high level of political trust has been achieved among the countries of Central Asia, and interstate relations in the region are developing in a completely new paradigm. In less than two years, mutually beneficial solutions have been reached on the basis of reasonable compromises on a number of critical problems relating to water use, demarcation and delimitation of borders and the resumption and expansion of transport links and mutual electricity supply. The leaders of the countries of the region showed an unprecedented readiness to eliminate all the issues and preconditions that fueled the conflict potential in Central Asia. Vladimir Norov is director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan. He visited Seoul to participate in the "Kor-Asia Forum 2018" which was organized by The Korea Times and The Hankook Ilbo, Nov. 7. By Trudy Rubin James Mattis' resignation letter laid bare the frightening future of national security under President Donald Trump. The defense secretary made it clear that he could no longer serve a president who betrays our friends and bows to our adversaries. The last straw was Trump's green light to Turkey to massacre our Syrian Kurdish allies. But what finally drove Mattis out was not just Trump's callous indifference toward America's friends. It was also the way Trump has turned foreign policy-making into a one-man show based on personal whim or self-aggrandizement. The last significant foreign policy brake on the self-styled "genius" in the White House will now be gone. Americans better hunker down for 2019 because Trump's stunning decision on Syria highlights every dangerous component of his policymaking approach. Consider them one by one: Trump's foreign policy process has become so chaotic it is almost nonexistent. Trump suddenly tweeted the news that 2,000 U.S. forces would leave Syria within weeks without prior consultation with any of his team not the Pentagon, not his secretary of state, not his national security adviser, not his commanders, not Congress, not NATO allies fighting alongside us in Syria, not the Kurds. In the preceding weeks, almost every top Trump adviser on Syria _ both military and civilian had been stating publicly that those troops would stay for some time to prevent an Islamic State revival or further advances by Iran. Syrian Kurds had also been recently reassured. Just this month, the U.S. special envoy to the anti-Islamic State coalition, Brett McGurk, told reporters: "Americans will remain on the ground after the physical defeat of the (Islamic State) caliphate, until we have the pieces in place to ensure that that defeat is enduring. Nobody is declaring a mission accomplished." From Mattis on down, all of these U.S. officials were blindsided by Trump's tweet. As were the Kurds. Trump's foreign policy decisions appear driven more by personal issues than security concerns. In a video defending his Syria decision, Trump declared, "We have won against ISIS." Not true. There are an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Islamic State fighters believed to be in Syria and Iraq, who could re-emerge if U.S. troops leave prematurely. U.S. special forces while small in numbers give Kurds and Sunni tribesmen the confidence to keep fighting, while training them to take over after a future U.S. exit. They also gather intelligence on the growing Iranian presence in Syria. Those U.S. troops provide Washington with its main leverage in ongoing international negotiations over Syria's political future, preparing the ground for U.S. troops to ultimately leave. Trump's move has cut the legs out from under U.S. negotiators. So why did Trump tweet now? No sign security interests were considered. It's possible that the unusual criticism he took last week from far-right Fox News commentators about the border wall convinced Trump he needed to fulfill a different campaign promise and bring the troops home. Or since Trump shows little interest in long-term strategic thinking, and views every foreign policy issue in terms of making the best monetary deal his phone conversation last week with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may hold the key. The two leaders discussed new arms deals a quid pro quo for letting Turkey crush the Kurds? Which brings us to the third component: Trump emboldens autocrats while betraying allies. The president kowtowed to the despotic Erdogan, despite Turkey's pledge to bury the Kurds. The Turks have already bombed the Kurdish Afrin region of Syria. Moreover, those who will gain most from the U.S. withdrawal, besides Erdogan, are Russia's Vladimir Putin and Iran's ayatollahs, whose hold on Syria will be solidified after a total U.S. exit. Putin swiftly praised Trump's decision to quit Syria. (Mattis has long been disturbed by Trump's attraction to the Russian leader). And, of course, the Kurds, who face Turkish slaughter from the sky, are stunned. It was Trump's indifference to their fate that reportedly propelled Mattis to quit. He also knows that Trump's betrayal will discourage any putative allies from working with the United States in the future. And so, the retired Marine general reached his limit. (He also opposed another sudden Trump order for half the 14,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan to return home, undercutting new U.S. efforts to negotiate a deal between Afghan leaders and the Taliban.) But Mattis' stand won't curb Trump unless the retired Marine general speaks out publicly. And unless a critical mass of Republican senators finally recognizes the danger of an unrestrained Trump and confront him. Trudy Rubin ( trubin@phillynews.com ) is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Her commentary was istributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. S. Korea, DPRK closer than ever to prospects for peace after rail, road connection ceremony About 100 South Korean passengers boarded a train early Wednesday in Seoul station for a rare trip to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). They were given souvenir tickets with a message saying "Thank you for joining this historic moment to participate in the ceremony to modernize and connect inter-Korean railways and roads." The nine-car train departed at 6:48 a.m. (2148 GMT Tuesday) in the cold winter dawn. It crossed the military demarcation line, which divides the two Koreas, into the DPRK territory and arrived some two hours later at Panmun station in Kaesong, a DPRK border town around 70 km north of the South Korean capital Seoul. HISTORIC MOMENT The groundbreaking ceremony was held for a project to modernize and link railways and roads across the inter-Korean border along the eastern and western Korean Peninsula. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un agreed during their Pyongyang summit in September to hold the ceremony before the end of this year. The agreement on the connection was reached during the first Moon-Kim summit in April. The train trip to the DPRK was a rare opportunity for the South Koreans as all railways and roads have been severed between the two Koreas since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War that ended with an armistice. The peninsula remains technically at war with the armistice. South Korea's cargo trains ran regularly across the border for about one year before the relations between the two Koreas began to sour in December 2008. Kim Yun Hyok, the DPRK vice railway minister, said in a congratulatory speech that the ceremony was held at a historic moment when the peninsula was at a turning point and the desire for peace and prosperity was stronger than ever. He said the ceremony would become an opportunity to actively push for a balanced development between the two Koreas and joint prosperity in Northeast Asia and the world, according to a pool report from South Korean journalists provided by Seoul's Unification Ministry. "The ceremony has a historical meaning as it indicates the re-connection of railways and roads which were severed by the Korean War," Kim Joon Hyung, a South Korean professor of international studies at Handong Global University who also attended the event, said in an interview with Xinhua. The professor said the re-connection was also part of efforts to enforce the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, advocated by President Moon to prevent any war from breaking out on the peninsula through increased exchanges and cooperation between the two Koreas. STEP FORWARD South Korean Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee said in her speech that the two Koreas took a step forward for peace and prosperity on the peninsula as the railway and road connection represents more than a physical connection. She said the connection would facilitate exchanges across the border and widen inter-Korean economic cooperation, which would benefit the two Koreas. Kim noted that increased exchanges and cooperation would further consolidate peace on the peninsula. Hope for peace emerged on the peninsula as the leaders of the two Koreas met three times this year, leading to the resumption of inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation. The first-ever DPRK-U.S. summit was held between Kim, the DPRK leader and U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore in June. The groundbreaking ceremony, which would help bolster the optimistic mood, was attended by about 100 government officials and civilians from each of the two Koreas. From the DPRK side, Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, and four other high-level officials participated in the event. Attendees from the South Korean side included Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon, Lee Hae-chan, chief of the ruling Democratic Party, and other parliamentary leaders. Among other South Korean invitees were five civilians who have families in the DPRK and were separated from them by the Korean War, and the last locomotive engineer who drove cargo trains across the boarder until the one-year operation stopped. Kim Kum-ok, who was separated from other family members by the war, said during the trip that she was glad about her voyage to Kaesong, where the 86-year-old spent her early years, according to the pool report. Describing the trip as a dream, Kim said the train ride to her hometown had been a big hope of hers. SYMBOLIC EVENT The groundbreaking ceremony was held, but it was a symbolic event only as the two Koreas were banned from launching construction work for the railway and road connection because of international sanctions on the DPRK. South Korea and the DPRK have conducted joint inspections on railways and roads in the DPRK territory, but they were carried out only after the United States gave them a green light. Seoul made efforts to get support from Washington for the groundbreaking ceremony through the working-group meeting last week. The ceremony itself does not violate sanctions, but bringing equipment and materials to Kaesong to build a stage and an audio system requires a sanctions exemption. "It is a progress as the joint inspections and the groundbreaking ceremony, toward which the United States showed a hawkish stance in the past, were realized. But the most significant is the launch of construction works," said the Handong Global University professor in the interview with Xinhua. To start the construction work, the professor said sanctions on the DPRK should be lifted in a broader way, but he noted that Pyongyang and Washington had yet to narrow a gap in negotiations on how to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. He suggested that a part of the sanctions on Pyongyang be lifted, for example, on the railway and road connection project or special economic zones in the DPRK, in return for Pyongyang's further measures for denuclearization. If sanctions are lifted on Pyongyang and construction work starts, railways and roads can be linked from the South Korean capital Seoul to the DPRK's northwestern city of Sinuiju that can be connected to the Trans-China Railway. Along the eastern peninsula, the inter-Korean railways and roads, if connected, can reach out to the Trans-Siberian Railway. Foreign dignitaries also joined the groundbreaking ceremony, including Armida Alisjahbana, executive secretary of the United Nations' Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and senior railway and road officials from China, Russia and Mongolia. Cheong Wa Dae hit by more allegations of irregularities Cheong Wa Dae has been hit by allegations of keeping a "blacklist" of anti-government figures in the public sector. The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) unveiled additional evidence to support the snowballing allegations about Cheong Wa Dae's illegal surveillance. The main opposition party held a press briefing at the National Assembly Wednesday and claimed Cheong Wa Dae pressured the Ministry of Environment to compile a list of executives of state-run agencies affiliated with the ministry who have ties to the opposition. After initial denial, the ministry later admitted it had compiled the list at Cheong Wa Dae's request. The ministry explained the list was delivered to Kim Tae-woo, a former member of Cheong Wa Dae's special inspection team who is at the center of a spying scandal that is engulfing the presidential office. The ministry added Kim was provided with the list in January during his visit to the ministry. The LKP claimed similar lists were made about figures at some 330 state-run organizations affiliated with other ministries, indicating their political tendencies, duration of service and other background information. During an emergency meeting at the National Assembly Thursday, LKP floor leader Rep. Na Kyung-won said the lists were intended to urge the resignations of figures appointed during the previous administration. "After allegations of spying on civilians and government officials, a blacklist has been found at the Ministry of Environment," Na said, stressing that these could be grounds for presidential impeachment. Cheong Wa Dae said it had nothing to do the documents and that Kim was separately engaged in them. This is hard to believe because a "grade six"-level official at Cheong Wa Dae does not have the authority to do anything on his own without direction from his superiors. Cheong Wa Dae's irresponsible response to the scandal is fueling public distrust in the Moon administration. It has dealt with the scandal in an excessively emotional manner, labeling Kim as a liar and claiming the Moon administration was totally devoid of the "DNA for illegal surveillance." Such explanations are totally unconvincing from the people's point of view. The current scandal over the Moon administration's blacklist is very much reminiscent of a similar one that was reportedly compiled at Cheong Wa Dae's order in the culture ministry during the Park Geun-hye administration for the purpose of excluding certain people from public office and denying state funds to anti-government figures and organizations. Moon has called blacklisting a long-standing evil that must be abolished. His words are increasingly losing credibility among the Korean public that had high hopes for his administration to be different from that of Park who was impeached amid a massive corruption scandal. The people want to know how much Cheong Wa Dae was involved in such undemocratic activities. Unless it can fully dispel the people's doubts about Cheong Wa Dae's role in the scandal, the future does not look bright for the Moon administration as it enters its third year. It should fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation, and if necessary the National Assembly should launch its own investigation and seriously consider a special counsel for an independent probe. By Donald Kirk The departure of Jim Mattis as defense secretary by the end of the year has grave implications for Korea. If there was one voice of reason, calm and common sense when it came to North Korea and the U.S. defense of the South, it was that of Mattis. I encountered Mattis on his first trip to Seoul and then during a couple of others. He was strong in his belief in the need to be sure of having the troops and resources for the South's defense. At the same time, he went along with the shift in policy under President Moon Jae-in. His response was, give peace a chance. Talks between Moon and Kim Jong-un and between President Donald Trump and Kim were fine but on one condition: Mattis wanted no compromise on denuclearization, on North Korea giving up its nukes and the long-range missiles capable of carrying them to distant targets and, yes, the facilities for making them. It would be hard to characterize Mattis as a hard-liner, a war hawk eager to bomb out the North's nuclear sites or, for that matter, a foe of Moon's efforts at rapprochement and dialogue. If anything, he saw defense of the South as the way to keep the peace and he did not oppose moves toward accommodation. Nonetheless, Trump, who never served a day in the armed forces even though his wealthy father sent him to a military academy for high school, was obviously not at ease with the generals he claimed to admire. Trump did not think to let Mattis know before announcing, right after his summit with Kim on June 12 in Singapore, that he was canceling huge joint exercises with the South Korean armed forces. Nor did he consult with Mattis before saying the U.S. did not need so many troops in Korea, where the number is down to 28,500, and was spending too much on the South's defense. It was not until Trump arbitrarily ordered the withdrawal from Syria of the small U.S. force, about 2,500, that Mattis broke with him. Mattis was not alone on Syria. All manner of allies and analysts think the U.S. withdrawal opens the way for deeper Russian and Iranian ties with the cruel regime of Bashar al-Assad, who's stabilized his grip on power while subduing his enemies, or at least holding them at bay. Without Mattis around, there's no telling what precipitous decisions Trump will make on Korea. Operating from his "gut," as he likes to say, he may agree on a severe reduction in U.S. strength as demanded by the North. Or he may end most of the sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the U.N. as punishment for the North's nuclear and missile tests, conducted most recently in September and November 2017. If nothing else, Trump may see no harm in signing off on just about any end-of-war statement or peace declaration that Kim thrusts on him, on the vague understanding of denuclearization. No one seriously believes Kim is going to give up his nukes while demanding the U.S. also denuclearizes. Never mind that the U.S. withdrew its nukes from South Korea in 1991. North Korea sees nukes on U.S. planes and ships based in Japan, Guam, even Hawaii, as more than matching its own arsenal. Trump has already signaled his gullibility by tweeting on Christmas Day, "Progress being made" and "looking forward to my next summit with Chairman Kim" the title "chairman" from Kim's leadership of the ruling Workers' Party. The claim to "progress" rests on the first trip to North Korea by Trump's new North Korea point man Stephen Biegun, who like any tourist peered across the line at Panmunjeom, then talked to South Koreans and Americans in Seoul. Biegun, in four days in the South, let it be known it was fine for South Koreans to break ground for a North-South rail link while the U.S. eased constraints on do-good groups going to the North dispensing food and medicine. No problem, but Trump chose to ignore a drumbeat of rhetoric from the North taking the South to task for acting too slowly and accusing the U.S. of doing nothing in the quest for reconciliation. Mattis as defense secretary would undoubtedly take a realistic view of the North's desire to make serious concessions, which is nil. Trump doesn't want to hear bad or negative news about his friend Kim Jong-un. Without Mattis around, he'll be less inclined than ever to consider advice or views contrary to his own happy talk. Donald Kirk (www.donaldkirk.com) has been following the standoff on the Korean Peninsula for decades. By Jun Ji-hye Naver and Kakao, both expecting to grapple with slowing sales growth in 2019, are scrambling to deal with growing union risks as union workers become more outspoken and make greater demands, according to industry analysts Thursday. The unions at Korea's two largest internet companies have been asking companies to grant them rights to recommend outside directors and auditors, a demand construed as unions, affiliated with the militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), virtually demanding participation in management. The Kakao union, formed in October, held its first round of negotiations with management, Dec. 18, asking for the right to recommend non-executive directors and auditors, among a number of other demands. Kakao is the nation's top mobile messenger operator. Kakao union's website "It is necessary to improve trust in management," the union said. "There have been no sufficient grounds to recruit executive-level positions. Problems of asymmetric information have increased." The union also called on the firm to allow its members to observe general stockholders meetings in person and abolish the company's "blanket" or comprehensive wage system immediately. The blanket wage system refers to a wage calculation method used in Korea, under which workers are paid a fixed monthly salary regardless of how many extra hours they work. Labor organizations have been criticizing the system for its lack of fairness in treatment of employees. Other demands made by the union included disclosing an objective index involving an increase in employees' yearly stipends and allowing them to be transferred to other departments freely. The demands apparently put management in an embarrassing position. An industry source noted management has the exclusive authority to recruit external personnel and carry out personnel reshuffles, saying the negotiations could be extended over a long period of time if the union wants to intervene in such affairs. The union of Naver, the nation's dominant portal web operator, conducted its first collective action, Dec. 19, as negotiations with management broke down after 13 rounds of talks. Oh Se-yoon, center, head of Naver's union, and other members pose for a photo on April 5 at Naver's Pangyo headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to mark the launch of the union. / Korea Times photo by Hong In-ki POSCO E&C office in Songdo, Incheon / Courtesy of POSCO E&C Builder expected to lose investor confidence and struggle to win orders overseas By Park Jae-hyuk POSCO Engineering & Construction (E&C) is expected to come under scrutiny by the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) for its alleged accounting fraud, a lawmaker said Thursday. The builder has been suspected of raising a slush fund while making investments in foreign companies. The allegation came into question during a National Assembly audit in October, and the financial regulator said it is "considering" starting an investigation over the charge. "The financial regulator's remarks obviously imply that it is ready to investigate POSCO E&C," Rep. Chu Hye-seon of the minor opposition Justice Party told The Korea Times. "POSCO E&C has not provided a clear explanation about its allegation, so I hope the prosecutors to begin an investigation after the FSS probe." According to the lawmaker, POSCO E&C and POSCO Engineering collectively spent 200 billion won ($178 million) in 2011 to boost the British shell corporation EPC Equities and Ecuadorean construction firm Santos CMI through loans and rights offerings, after acquiring them. The POSCO subsidiaries, however, eventually sold the two foreign enterprises to former stakeholders for 6 billion won in 2017, according to the lawmaker. During the National Assembly audit in October, Chu urged FSS to examine POSCO E&C's financial statements, saying the company performed a write-off. FSS Governor Yoon Suk-heun promised the lawmaker a probe of POSCO E&C at that time, saying the regulatory body would find out whether the construction firm performed a write-off and whether it breached its duty. POSCO E&C CEO Lee Young-hoon said he would get punished, if the allegation turns out to be true. "We've sincerely cooperated with prosecutors' investigation, since a socialistic civic group referred us to the prosecutors for our M&A deals," the CEO said during the National Assembly audit. According to industry sources, FSS is also checking whether POSCO E&C breached the accounting standards, when it suffered a huge loss from its Brazilian subsidiary. In March 2017, the construction firm revised its 2015 financial statements, citing a belated recognition of the Brazilian entity's loss that year. The company, which had posted a 93.4 billion won in net profits that year, rewrote that it suffered an 82.5 billion won loss. FSS is reportedly suspecting the builder of exaggerating its business performance by revising its financial statements later. POSCO E&C posted 89.2 billion won in operating profits in the third quarter, up 223.5 percent from a year earlier. Former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo drinks Coca-Cola in this channel art of his YouTube channel, "TV Hongka Cola." / Screen capture from TV Hongka Cola By Park Jae-hyuk Coca-Cola is facing potential damage to its brand image because of a controversial right-wing politician who opened a YouTube channel recently named "TV Hongka Cola," according to industry officials Thursday. The YouTuber is former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo, who lost to President Moon Jae-in in the 2017 presidential election. The name of his YouTube channel is a compound of the former lawmaker's surname and the U.S. beverage brand. As he has been a vocal politician who stood vehemently against the Moon administration, some conservatives have called him "cider" or "sprite" as a euphemism for his tart remarks that give them a feeling of relief, as those beverages help relieve indigestion. He has leveled sharp criticisms at the government since the opening of the YouTube channel Dec. 18, and the number of subscribers for his channel surpassed 130,000 as of Thursday. However, internet users favorable to the Moon administration said it has become difficult to drink Coke because it keeps reminding them of the politician. Claiming Hong tarnishes Coca-Cola's image, the minor opposition Bareunmirae Party also said in a statement the only solution is to ignore him. TV Hongka Cola's channel art depicts the politician drinking Coca-Cola. In addition, the title of its signature content is "Hong Joon-pyo's News Coke." Amid the growing criticism, Hong wrote on Facebook Dec. 22 that he heard a rumor that an unidentified powerful group was forcing Coca-Cola to send him complaints. "If Coca-Cola surrenders to the powerful group and complains about my YouTube channel, I will change its name into TV Hongsi Cola," he said, implying he will drag Pepsi into the controversy. Industry official said Hong's implied affiliation can deal a blow to Coca-Cola's young and cool image. The U.S. beverage maker signed endorsement contracts with BTS, Park Bo-gum and Kim Yuna this year, to consolidate its lead in the Korean market. However, Hong's name has been among the most relevant keywords to Coca-Cola on search engines. Coca-Cola has remained reluctant to counteract TV Hongka Cola, regarding the YouTube channel as a space for an individual's political expression. In Korea, several internet broadcasters have been mired in controversy as they have used popular brand names for political purposes. Left-wing commentator Kim Eo-jun opened a podcast channel named "Kim Eo-jun's KFC" in June 2014, but after receiving complaints from the chicken franchise's U.S. headquarters he changed its name to "Kim Eo-jun's Papais," using an alternative Korean pronunciation for the Popeye's fried chicken franchise. . A mahjong table with pre-installed heaters. [Photo from Taobao.com] As soon as Su Xiaoqian got home, she cranked up the heater that radiated soothing warmth, plugged in the hand warmer, and wrapped herself in a soft blanket preheated by the electric mattress pad beneath. A native in Wuxi, Jiangsu province - where the discomfort of winter cold is compounded by incessant rain and short days - Su said a whole set of heating gadgets like hers were no longer quirky novelties for kids. "The senior colleagues in my company have ditched the hot water bottles for electric heating pads," she said. "And my parents, who are in their late 50s had asked me to buy stacks of them to avoid the chill." As another cold snap is moving into the country, Chinese consumers like Su are not only bundling up but also equipping themselves, their homes and workstations at the office with cold-weather gear and gadgets. According to the online e-commerce platform Taobao, a variety of new heating-products - covering categories from shoes and lingerie to carpets - made their debut in November. Orders for mahjong tables with pre-installed heaters have jumped by 56 percent recently. The buyers of such mahjong tables are mainly concentrated in Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, Taobao said. Sales of a kickspace heater soared by 352 percent during the annual Singles Day shopping festival on Nov 11, thanks to easy installation and its compact design. "Heated place mats and fan heaters are popular at my office, so our hands and feet won't go numb," said Xu Fan, a white-collar worker in Beijing. However, some antique heaters still appeal to the elderly in rural areas. Wei Sixiong from Xiaogan, Hubei province, was intrigued by a pottery pot filled with wheat husks and wood dust during a visit to his grandmother's house in a village. "On top is a layer of burning wood that consumes the filling very slowly as it creates heat," he said. "One pot can last a whole day. Most villagers still use these outmoded heaters to stay warm. They are not fancy but always sturdy." He added: "My nanny sometimes sticks a raw potato inside to cook it. What a versatile warmer!" BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: When the sun slips behind the waves at The Cove, the busy Village sidewalks grow quiet. Yet, theres light streaming out of the book-filled windows of Warwicks at 7812 Girard Ave. in La Jolla . There must be another exciting author appearance afoot. Theres rarely a day that goes by where a loyal reader doesnt approach the Book Desk and place a request for a certain author to be brought to the countrys oldest family-owned-and-operated bookstore. Why dont you get Michelle Obama to come to Warwicks to sign her book? Hey, how do you choose what authors to appear? There is a method to the apparent madness. What may appear as a random act in an ever-changing circus world of publishing is actually a carefully planned show that runs throughout the year. The Ringmaster at Warwicks Events Department for the past eight years is Julie Slavinsky. Ive been a book nerd all my life, so getting to have this kind of access to the pulse of the publishing industry is pretty great, Julie says. Although she has been in the book industry for over 13 years, it takes more than experience to create a successful Events Program. Aside from knowing what authors are popular right now, you have to be plugged into the authors that are going to be popular in the future. So, you have to add fortune teller to your skill set. But thats not all. Most publishers break down their touring plans into three seasons. The current titans of the publishing world (think Penguin Random House, MacMillan, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins), typically send out 100-150 authors per season to tour in support of their books. Julie is constantly checking the touring calendar 6 to 8 months in advance to see if any of those authors are touring California. Then, its time for her to use her skills and cajoling, which would make a Marrakesh market-trader envious. Youd think the sunny beaches of La Jolla would be a shoo-in to entice an author. However, its the publisher that holds the touring purse strings and they are looking first at places like New York City, Chicago and LA. While San Diego is a top tourist destination, that fact doesnt always translate into large event attendance. With publishers shrinking their touring budgets, the competition is fierce. However, thats where Julie shines. Thanks to her keen eye and persistence, Warwicks hosts some pretty amazing authors. La Jollas favorite bookstore brings in over 200 author events per year. When asked to name one of her favorite events, Julie said: Sebastian Barry. It was the best of a solo performance his theatrical reading, and then he broke into a Civil War battlefield song ... just amazing! Surprisingly, not all authors are comfortable touring for their books. Often, an author will ask for advice just before they go out to the podium. I always tell them: Give the audience something that they couldnt Google about you, Julie reveals, And be authentic because a little behind-the-scenes is why people come out of their houses and take the time to listen to an author presentation. Although most authors can be accommodated in the Book Department at Warwicks, sometimes an event is so large that it becomes necessary to find a large auditorium. Again, thats where Julies talent of working with people is invaluable. She has formed partnerships with the University of San Diego, the La Jolla Riford Library, and the Balboa Theater to host events that have ranged from 250 to 1,000 attendees. All the while, her personal touch and attention to detail have given such events a comfortable local feel. Like any bookseller worth their salt, Julie has to be a strong reader as well. Often she can be seen out on the Warwicks floor telling a customer all about her latest favorite read. Like all of us, she does have some favorite writers. Colum McCann or Sebastian Barry, are her favorites, she said. Both are fantastic writers and it was amazing meeting them they definitely lived up to expectations. I truly savor every sentence in their books. As for her favorite deceased author, its Pat Conroy. One of my favorite passages is from Prince of Tides, she said. In the end, if you want to continue to see authors make La Jolla one of their stops, please come out to their signings. Find the schedule at warwicks.com or call (858) 454-0347. Business Spotlight features commercial enterprises that support La Jolla Light. Opinion / Letters to the Editor / Our Readers Write: Letters to the Editor from recent issues of La Jolla Light as La Jollans speak out on local issues: Permitters asleep at the wheel? Once again, some reasonable reader has expressed distress at the 1590 Coast Walk edifice (pictured above), and asked, reasonably: How did this huge building ever get through the review process? I would expect that this might be within the purview of your newspaper to explore, and if I have missed the answer or any update on attempts to get one, please let me know. Barbara Rosen Editors Notes: A few months ago, La Jolla Light published a history of the 1590 Coast Walk project and it can be accessed online at bit.ly/coastwalkhome Also, at a recent Development Permit Review committee meeting, the project applicant provided an update; see the La Jolla Light story, Developers recommend Windansea belvedere, Marengo defends Coast Walk house at lajollalight.com/news/sd-cm-ljl-dpr-dec11-story.html More thoughts on Coast Walk edifice In the Dec. 20 La Jolla Light article about the Development Permit Review (DPR) committee meeting where Claude-Anthony Maregno defends the building hes been working on at 1590 Coast Walk (pictured above), I feel that just because 1590 Coast Walk was approved by the City and by the DPR committee does not mean it is good. This massive windowless blob would make the designer of a Soviet prison block blush. The defense that it cannot have windows due to street noise is hollow (triple pane windows are available). Cladding it with stone just reinforces its massive blank wall. Tony Pauker Editors Notes: Mr. Marengo has clarified that the streetside would have decorative windows. See the mentioned story, Developers recommend Windansea belvedere, Marengo defends Coast Walk house at lajollalight.com/news/sd-cm-ljl-dpr-dec11-story.html A few months ago, La Jolla Light published a history of the 1590 Coast Walk project and it can be accessed online at bit.ly/coastwalkhome Sad to watch pinnipeds taking over our beaches I read with chagrin the front-page article in the Dec. 13 La Jolla Light issue touting new plaza improvements, funded as a private-public partnership that included the La Jolla Merchants Association, to benefit this treasure for all of us to enjoy. When are we going to call it our Seals Pool instead of our " Childrens Pool ? We havent seen children enjoying Ellen Browning Scripps gift since September 1997, when the City closed Childrens Pool to swimming because of continuously high fecal coliform counts that have persisted due to a seal excrement overload. Meanwhile, nearby La Jolla Cove, which is increasingly inhabited by sea lions and has failed to meet water quality standards 21 percent of the time in 2018 (as measured by San Diego Department of Environmental Health and reported by San Diego Coastkeepers), is in peril of becoming lost to human recreation. While the private-public partnership may benefit by tourism motivated by seals, we will certainly not benefit by losing enjoyment of the La Jolla Cove and Underwater Reserve. Ginger Truschke See the mentioned story, New Childrens Pool Plaza unveiled in La Jolla at lajollalight.com/news/sd-new-childrens-pool-plaza-unveiled-20181212-story.html I know a land grab when I see one In response to the article in the Dec. 6 La Jolla Light issue on the public parking and surf-check on Playa del Norte at Windansea Beach, it was amazing to me and others that the Mayors office stepped into this issue while a group of people were meeting to solve it at the request of our City Council member Barbara Bry. We came together to figure out a better parking plan there, as the City has had hundreds of calls and videos from apparently four people over the six months the parking spaces were there. The problem is they believe the parking spaces were the cause for people driving the wrong way on the one-way street to get to the parking. But I know for a fact that people have gone the wrong way to get home on that street forever. My mother lived on that street for 35 years and I saw it all the time. Everyone who lives on the street will tell you the same thing. The problem is one or two condo-owners (who it seems had no idea they were moving next to one of the most popular surf spots in the world) freaked out that there were surfers nearby doing surf things. Now, the idea that the City would give them all this land to buffer them from the public and take away public parking is an outrage! It is a land grab. I was told by the Mayors office that if we could provide a plan that accomplished public beach parking and no one going the wrong way on the one-way street, the City would look at it. So, there will be the second half of the meeting the community was in the middle of when the Mayors office stepped in to eliminate parking, and we will be able finish meeting and this plan will be presented to the City. It is called Democracy. Melinda Merryweather See the mentioned story, Mayor: Put the stanchions back in place, Some La Jollans: Wait for parking study at lajollalight.com/news/sd-windansea-stanchions-to-be-replaced-20181130-story.html Support for the Windansea belvedere In the Dec. 13 La Jolla Light article Parks & Beaches: Replace Windansea belvedere, the reporter doesnt just misquote me, she has me saying something I never said. Im the Richard Smith who she says stated that the earlier attempt to rebuild was defeated by neighbors concerned about their ocean views. That is untrue. I said the neighbors were concerned that a reconstructed belvedere would become the attractive nuisance that the old one was. I have spent a part of each year since 1952 in La Jolla and lived across the street from the belvedere location from the summer of 1968 to the spring of 1971. In all that time, the first time I heard anyone voice concern about the belvedere obstructing views was at the Parks & Beaches meeting and it wasnt me that brought it up. I think that is a non-issue. The belvedere was open and the ocean was clearly visible through it. I am in favor of replacing it. Richard Smith See the mentioned story, La Jolla Parks & Beaches: Replace Windansea belvedere at lajollalight.com/news/sd-parks-beaches-approves-windansea-belvedere-replacement-20181207-htmlstory.html Legacy merchants had good advice to share I wanted to extend a big thank you to the Light for the article in the Dec. 13 edition Merchants share biz tips for half-century legacies. Ive always been curious about these long-standing businesses and your research provided the stories behind them as well as some great tips. As a business psychologist who helps leaders shape engaging, customer-focused cultures, I viewed many best practices that bring success from being innovative and customer-centric, being adaptable, listening to your consumer and focusing on long-term relationships. Bravo to these businesses and may many more succeed in the years ahead. Sherry Nooravi See the mentioned story, THE RETAIL ROCKS OF LA JOLLA: Merchants share biz tips for half-century legacies at lajollalight.com/news/sd-cm-ljl-retail-rocks-20181212-htmlstory.html Support your local bookshop In the Dec. 13 La Jolla Light issues Retail Rocks of La Jolla, Im quoted as saying People can easily buy books online. This may have sounded like an endorsement of online book-buying, but it is not. The context of this statement was an interview specifically focused on how Warwicks has managed to survive in this era of online competition, which has been especially lethal to bookstores. What was not included in the write-up is that we have survived, indeed, thrived, as a bookstore precisely because our customers are choosing not to buy their books online. We are truly fortunate for the large community of loyal customers who cherish Warwicks, and who do not want bookstores to become extinct. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all of you who support Warwicks, and for understanding what we stand to lose as a community without your support. Nancy Warwick See the mentioned story, THE RETAIL ROCKS OF LA JOLLA: Merchants share biz tips for half-century legacies at lajollalight.com/news/sd-cm-ljl-retail-rocks-20181212-htmlstory.html Brain doc story had good information I really enjoyed the article on La Jollas brain man, Marc Millstein, in the Dec. 13 La Jolla Light issue. Jerry Selness See the mentioned story, PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Meet La Jollas brain man, Marc Milstein at lajollalight.com/lifestyle/sd-cm-ljl-people-milstein-20181210-story.html Need for public transit in the Soledad area I want to bring your attention to an area of La Jolla that has been widely neglected in the past, due to the non-existent public transportation around our beautiful Mount Soledad. Despite its being a major part of La Jolla, Ive never seen efforts to ask even for a simple bus line for public transportation that would cover Soledad Mountain Road, Nautilus Street, La Jolla Scenic Drive and La Jolla Mesa. There are so many retired citizens living here who would love to keep their cars at home and take a bus to UTC to Pacific Beach or to other areas. Moreover, there are many schools in the vicinity whose families could benefit from students taking public transportation to school without needing rides from their parents. With the Mid-Coast Trolley being developed, I dont think there are any plans to have La Jollans from those areas connected to it, to say the least. Would you be interested in covering this in your paper? It would be good to raise the profile of this issue and maybe some good would come out of it. Many people would be interested in reading about it. Do you also have any other suggestions for me to follow up on? Max Ashkenasi Editors Note: There are plans in the works for buses and maybe even shuttles to disburse Mid Coast Trolley riders from the platform hubs into the nearby communities. Nonetheless, you can bring your concerns to the La Jolla Traffic & Transportation board, which meets 4 p.m. third Wednesdays at the Rec Center, 615 Prospect St. Chair Dave Abrams e-mail address is: mana@san.rr.coma Whats on YOUR mind? To share your thoughts in this public forum, e-mail them with your name and city of residence to editor@lajollalight.com or mail them to La Jolla Light Editor, 565 Pearl St., Suite 300, La Jolla, CA 92037. Letters reflect the writers opinions and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or publisher. Photo via ThePaper With tens of thousands of underage children of inmates in China, Chinese society has taken action to reach out to this special group of children with love and respect. This special group of children, more often than not, faces more hardship than their peers. With their parents behind bars, it often means the loss of family breadwinners. They sometimes even have to live with discrimination or isolation. Data from the Ministry of Justice shows that in 2005, there were over 600,000 children of inmates across China and 90 percent never received any form of outside help, Global Times reported in July. An investigation by the ministry in 2016 showed that some 70 percent of the underage children of inmates ended up being criminals in China and 82.43 percent dropped out of school after their parents were put in jail, according to China Youth Daily. However, these children are treated with equal love and respect. As early as 1996, Chinas first grassroots organization to care for the children of inmates was set up in Sanyuan County, northwest Chinas Shaanxi province. Children can receive life and medical support from the organization until they are 18. They are also funded to go to nearby schools and for those in need there is also scholarships to support their higher education, news portal ThePaper reported. It is named Sun Village, indicating hope for life. One by one, more and more of these villages have begun to spread across the nation. As of this September, there are nine Sun Villages in China, offering support to over 7,000 children. Similarly, in 2012, another organization called Taishan Xiaohe which literally translates to tiny lotus at Taishan Mountain was established to support inmates children in Taian, east Chinas Shandong province. The organization specifically launched a Rainbow Project to offer psychological and educational support to those in need, which has covered more than 2,000 children in 42 cities, China Youth Daily reported. Touched by the organizations stories, many Chinese netizens have also expressed their willingness to join the volunteering work to help the children. Many more voiced their support to the organizations, calling their deeds of great significance to offer shelter and proper guidance to the innocent children. Say this for 2018: There wasnt a single slow news day this year. While most of this years headlines focused on Washington, D.C., there were quite a few notable events in the world of literature as well. Here are seven of the biggest literary headlines from the last 12 months: Michelle Obamas memoir becomes the bestselling book of the year: The former first ladys hotly anticipated Becoming hit bookstores on Nov. 13 and quickly shattered sales records, moving 725,000 copies on its first day alone.The memoir soon gained Oprah Winfreys imprimatur, which helped it become a global bestseller its sat at or near the top of Amazons bestseller list for months, and it has currently sold more than 3 million copies. Obama is scheduled to embark on the second leg of her book tour in February; shell be visiting cities in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Books about the Trump administration fly off bookstore shelves: The first smash hit book of the year, Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, sold so quickly that publisher Henry Holt and Co. had to rush to print more copies to meet the unexpected demand. The book sold so well that it catapulted Wolff onto Forbes list of the worlds highest-paid authors. Other bestselling Trump-themed books included fired FBI Director James Comeys A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership and Bob Woodwards Fear: Trump in the White House. The Man Booker Prize goes to an underdog: Oddsmakers had picked Daisy Johnsons Everything Under and Richard Powers The Overstory as the favorites to win Britains most prestigious literary award, but the prize ended up going to Anna Burns for her novel Milkman, set during the time of Northern Irelands Troubles. Burns became the first British writer to win the award since 2012, and the first person from Northern Ireland to take home the prize. Advertisement N.K. Jemisin makes Hugo history: Jemisins Broken Earth trilogy was popular among both readers and critics, and this year, it earned the Brooklyn-based author a singular honor: She became the first writer in history to win the Hugo Award three years in a row, for her books The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate and The Stone Sky. Jemisin had previously made history in 2016 as the first African American author to win to win the Hugo for best novel. Chuck Palahniuk announces hes close to broke after embezzlement: The Fight Club author revealed in May that he had lost a significant amount of money after an accountant at his literary agency was arrested and charged with embezzling. Earlier this month, the agency, Donadio & Olson, filed for bankruptcy, and the accountant, Darin Webb, was sentenced to two years in prison for the theft. #MeToo hits the literary community: Celebrities accused of sexual misconduct this year werent limited to Hollywood and Washington, D.C. authors were also called to account for alleged transgressions. These included Junot Diaz, accused by author Zinzi Clemmons of forcibly kissing her, and Stephen Elliott, who sued Moira Donegan this year for her role in creating a list of men in the media, which included Elliott, alleged to have engaged in misconduct. American literature loses a legend: Ursula K. Le Guin, the pioneering science-fiction author of books such as The Left Hand of Darkness and the Earthsea series, died in January at age 88. Times critic-at-large John Scalzi memorialized her in an appreciation: The speaking of her name and of her words goes on, and will go on, today and tomorrow and for a very long time now. As it should. She was the mother of so many of us, and you should take time to mourn your mother. President Trumps trade war with China and a late-blooming bumper crop in the United States are combining to curb the amount of fresh table grapes imported from Chile when the weather turns cold. Thats forcing the South American country to look to Asia to sell off its fruit. Its the latest example of an unexpected market getting caught up in the U.S.-China spat. California grapes generally get harvested into the fall. In December as those supplies dissipate the United States turns to Chile for fresh fruit. This year, though, with plenty of leftover domestic inventory, there are signs that American demand for imports is set to decline. The result: Chile, the worlds biggest exporter of table grapes, fresh blueberries, plums and cherries, has to seek out alternative destinations. The United States is usually its biggest buyer. Advertisement Were dealing with the situation by looking for new markets, specifically Southeast Asia, Ronald Bown, chairman of the Chile Fruit Exporters Assn., said in an interview in Santiago. In California, the main source of grapes in the United States, theres also a late harvest that has begun to compete with Southern Hemisphere farms. As that fruit continues to make its way to grocery stores, and with the domestic glut off the back of the trade war, it makes sense that rival suppliers abroad are seeking other markets, Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission, said in an email. Further complicating the trade picture: Many California fruit companies have operations in Chile. They include Watsonville-based Driscolls, the worlds largest grower of berries; Naturipe, based in Salinas; and King Fresh, based in Dinuba. Meanwhile, Chile is also dealing with headaches in the nut trade. India raised tariffs on walnut purchases to 100% from 30%, a response to Trumps decision to target global shipments of steel and aluminum. India applied the retaliatory levy across the board, not just on U.S. walnuts. Chile is one of the worlds top three exporters. Containers of Chilean walnuts sailing for India were rerouted in May as clients sought to circumvent the tariffs by shipping to other countries, said Nicolas Di Cosmo, president of industry association Chilenut. Crises normally create opportunities, Di Cosmo said. But the trade war is affecting the healthy flow of goods to such an extent that its nullifying any type of opportunity there could be. Times staff writer Geoffrey Mohan contributed to this report. Southern California home sales fell sharply in November, deepening a retreat from a sustained housing boom that placed home ownership out of reach for many. The 12% drop in November sales from a year earlier was the fourth consecutive monthly decline for the six-county region. However, housing experts arent ready to declare that a bust is underway. The falloff in sales so far this year is still less pronounced than in 2014. And the regional median price is still rising slightly 3.5% from November 2017, to $522,750. The housing market is slowing, but a slowdown does not mean the sky is falling, said Aaron Terrazas, an economist with Zillow. If volatility on Wall Street and in Washington significantly affects consumer confidence and business investment decisions, that assessment could change. But for now, Terrazas and other economists note the factors that led to the last two Southern California housing crashes arent readily evident today. Advertisement In the 1990s, home prices plunged amid steep defense cutbacks that hammered the regional economy. And last decade, risky lending inflated a bubble that eventually popped, with disastrous consequences. In 2008, home prices plunged nearly 30% in Los Angeles and Orange counties. (Los Angeles Times) Today, lending standards are far tighter and despite recent declines in the stock market and the uncertain political climate hiring has remained robust. In November, California added 30,700 net new jobs and the unemployment rate held at 4.1%, the lowest rate in more than four decades. Housing is also more affordable than it was last decade, if you can get a mortgage. In the third quarter of 2006, only 9% of L.A. County households could afford the median priced house, compared to 22% in the third quarter of 2018, according to the California Assn. of Realtors. While many economists do not expect a crash, they disagree on what exactly comes next. Terrazas expects that under current economic conditions price increases will continue in 2019, but slow to below the rate of inflation, which he predicts will come in at 2.5% to 3%. Richard K. Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, is more pessimistic. He estimates prices could fall 5% to 10% over the next two years, even with the current level of economic growth. He argues that values have simply gotten too out of whack with incomes. Other factors are helping push homes further out of reach. The tax law President Trump signed last year limited the amount of deductions for property tax and mortgage interest. Meanwhile, mortgages arent so cheap. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.55% this week, according to Freddie Mac. Thats down from a recent high of 4.94%, but its far higher than the 3.99% level of a year ago. (Of course, they were in the teens though much of the 1980s.) The annual increase in borrowing costs adds $131 to what previously wouldve been a $2,528 monthly mortgage payment on a $500,000 house. Signs abound that buyers are holding back. In Los Angeles County, the median time on the market rose from 41 days in November 2017 to 45 days last month, according to online brokerage Redfin. And the number of listings with price reductions jumped from 15.9% to 22.2%. Real estate agents say some buyers are worried about jumping into the market just before home prices drop and are waiting to see what happens with the economy. People are sidelining themselves, said San Fernando Valley real estate agent Jaswant Singh. On Thursday, further evidence of that emerged. In addition to the 12% November sales decline, real estate firm CoreLogic reported price growth was muted, with the annual rise in the median coming in at the slowest pace since 2015. The six-county median price slipped 0.4% from October and is now $14,250 below the all-time high reached in June. Its not unusual for the median price the point where half the homes sold for more and half for less to peak in the summer or slip from one month to the next. But the sales decline, combined with a plethora of other data, confirms the slowdown. Not only were there more homes on the market last month than a year earlier, but the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller index shows a sharp deceleration in price appreciation. That measure is a far better gauge of price trajectory than the median because it accounts for differences in the types of homes selling in a given month. In October, the latest month available, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller index revealed prices in Los Angeles and Orange counties rose 5.5% from a year earlier. That rate has declined each month since reaching a recent peak of 8.2% in April. In San Diego County, price gains fell from 7.6% to 3.8% during the same period. In the small, expensive market of Ventura County, the median price has already come down slightly. Last month, the median for new and resale houses and condos was $575,000, down 0.9% from a year earlier. It was the first time that figure fell year-over-year in a Southern California county since 2012. Elsewhere, prices rose. In Los Angeles County, the median climbed 5.8% to $600,000; in Orange County, 2.7% to $719,000; in Riverside County, 8.2% to $395,000; in San Bernardino County, 3.9% to $330,000; and in San Diego County, 4.6% to $565,000. However, depending on how the data are sliced, more declines are evident. When looking only at sales of previously owned single-family homes, the median price fell 0.7% from a year earlier in Orange County and 0.8% in Ventura County. The last time that happened was December 2014. At the time, the housing market had cooled following a surge in mortgage rates and a run of double-digit price appreciation. The sales decline then was deeper and more pronounced than it is today, with sales falling for a consecutive 14 months between October 2013 and November 2014. The worst four-month decline also averaged out to13%, compared to 11% today. But home values didnt tank during that last slowdown. The Case-Shiller index showed, price appreciation slowed and eventually accelerated again. That of course was earlier in the economic recovery. At the end of 2014, data from the California Assn. of Realtors showed that 28% of L.A. County households could afford the median priced house 6 percentage points more than the third quarter of 2018. House prices went beyond where fundamentals said they should go and we are starting to see that, Green said. andrew.khouri@latimes.com Twitter: @khouriandrew A few days before Christmas, the container ship SM Shanghai was steaming toward the Port of Long Beach. Just ahead and coming to the end of an 11-day journey from China, the Ever Lucent was headed for the nearby Port of Los Angeles, where the Thomas Jefferson was preparing to sail in the opposite direction for Xiamen, China. The global economy, in other words, was chugging along nicely on one of the worlds busiest sea lanes. Trade wars be damned. In fact, President Trumps assault on globalization has had a paradoxical effect on world trade flows. A rush to get ahead of new and higher tariffs, particularly on U.S. imports from China, has motivated retailers and other American companies to increase orders, which has helped boost volumes at the countrys ports. The warehouse and distribution centers are full in Southern California, said Phillip Sanfield, a Port of Los Angeles spokesman. Were experiencing some logistical issues at the San Pedro ports just because theres so much cargo in play here. Advertisement After an active 2017, when the Port of Los Angeles moved the equivalent of 9.3 million shipping containers an all-time high for the facility a busy December has put it on track to report another record year in 2018, Sanfield said. Traffic at the Port of Long Beach increased more than 7.3% through November, on pace to surpass the record 7.5 million containers it handled last year. There are many other signs that international commerce did just fine in 2018, thanks in no small part to a busy trade year in America, the worlds biggest buyer of goods. Despite Trumps efforts to reduce this countrys appetite for foreign-made products, the U.S. imported more goods and services in value terms than ever in October, the latest Commerce Department data show. U.S. exports were near the all-time monthly record set in May. And although the World Trade Organization in September forecast that global trade growth would ease this year by 0.8 of a percentage point to 3.9%, the gain would still be high by recent standards. As recently as 2016, international trade volumes grew by just 1.8%. Many people want to shout that the sky is falling on trade because of these trade measures such as tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, WTO chief economist Robert Koopman said. But for now, we think 2018 is going to end up with a fairly solid year. The story of global trade in 2018 does have subplots and offers warnings for the future. Record volumes at West Coast ports illustrate at least one uncomfortable trend for Trump: His trade war so far has done more to reduce American exports to China than to lower imports from the Asian nation. Increased traffic at the Port of Long Beach included a surge in empty containers being shipped back to Asia. In November alone the port saw more than 186,000 empty containers sent on that trip, 11% more than last year. While U.S. retailers have stepped up purchases of Chinese products to avoid tariffs later on, youre seeing the opposite effect on the other side of the ocean, said Mario Cordero, the ports executive director. Chinese businesses seem to be already looking to other countries for goods and raw materials, meaning theres less demand for American exports and more empty containers. Meanwhile, the 2018 trade rush could be followed by a slowdown in 2019. Thats a concern for the Port of Los Angeles, which expects the scramble to beat tariffs to cause a slowdown in purchases later on. Were probably going to see a softening of trade, Sanfield said. But its not clear how soon the surge of imports will end. Trump and Chinas Xi Jinping agreed to a truce on Dec. 1, prompting the White House to delay for 90 days an increase in tariffs on some $200 billion in annual imports from China. The agreement called for talks to get underway in earnest in January and postponed the rise in tariffs until at least March 1. What comes after that is unclear, as the moratorium could easily be extended for another 90 days if the two sides make even faint progress in negotiations. For many retailers, such a move would extend the uncertainty and quite possibly their buying spree from China. That, for many, means continuing the push to stock up on products from existing vendors in China rather than shifting supply chains that have taken years to establish, said Jonathan Gold, the National Retail Federations resident supply-chain expert. Many are trying to find those alternative sources, he said. The problem is it takes time. Its not like a light switch. You cant just switch vendors. Donnan writes for Bloomberg. Its 1970s Harlem in director Barry Jenkins adaptation of James Baldwins novel If Beale Street Could Talk, a place filled not just with the troubles of a midcentury young African American couple, Tish Rivers (KiKi Lane) and Alonzo Fonny Hunt (Stephen James), but also with an intense undercurrent of strength, hope and love. It is cinematographer James Laxtons job to illuminate how these two viewpoints coincide. The camera can make judgments about what the audience sees and feels and how they enter and live inside a story, says Laxton, who was nominated for an Oscar for his poetically skillful work with Jenkins on the Oscar-winning film Moonlight. Maybe judgment isnt the best word; perhaps it is how the camera lens can help transform and illuminate, how an audience enters and lives inside a story. Laxton will soon work with Jenkins again on the Amazon Prime series Underground Railroad, based on Colson Whiteheads Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Are your cinematic choices similar to Barry Jenkins when you approach a work, or do you arrive at agreement from different places? Director Barry Jenkins and director of photography James Laxton shooting Moonlight. (David Bornfriend / A24) Advertisement Usually, we see things from pretty specific places. Barry and I are very diligent about sensitivity to character, making visual choices based on character as opposed to narrative. For example, were obsessed with this idea of immersion and bringing the camera within and inside the characters experience. Your color palette choices are striking as well. Whereas Moonlight has a blue tone, Beale Street has a warm gold tone. Why did you make that particular choice? In Moonlight, the color palette stems from the city itself, Miami, and with Beale Street, we tried to create New York in the early 70s. Its about place. Couple that with the idea the film is about a great deal of things: Whether it discusses race relations in America, the prison system here, etc., its also a film with love at its core, and when I think of love, theres a great warmth in my mind, and I think of warm colors. Q&A: Barry Jenkins two young Beale Street stars became instant soul mates I love James Baldwin yet hadnt read the novel before I saw the film. The narrative line presents a bit bleaker tone. It wasnt what I had anticipated. I dont mean to put less emphasis on the more challenging topics, the darker scenes; these are deep and dark parts of their world, and I by no means mean to de-emphasize those. That being said, I feel and I think Barry feels this way, though I dont mean to speak for him love is the thing we all experience. If we can tap into that from a visual perspective, moving the camera, lighting a certain way, choosing specific color palettes, the hope is our audiences see and experience it. For someone who didnt grow up in Harlem in that era, if I can use my work and the techniques I have at my disposal to show the films more challenging aspects through a prism of love, thats my aim. KiKi Layne as Tish and Stephan James as Fonny star in Barry Jenkins If Beale Street Could Talk. (Tatum Mangus / Annapurna Picture) The birth of Tish and Fonnys baby emphasizes that. Thats a great example. To me, the babys birth is an example of hope, of strength, of the human spirit, how we all love and want better for our children. Its why we put a big backlight in there, why we chose to be so intimate with our camera in that bathtub with Tish and her child and to move the camera with such strength and purpose; it was to emphasize how powerful the miracle of birth is. If we chose to light that scene with a much darker perspective, to place the camera outside the bathtub and to make it stationary and more observational, we would not have felt the strength and hope in that birth. The two families fighting was shot with great energy. Was that a difficult scene from a cinematographers perspective? That was tough. We really wanted to make sure the camera was like another character in that scene; we didnt just place the camera in the corner of the room to show and record it all like a theater play. We made sure to place the camera right over a characters shoulder or sometimes between characters to bring the audience inside that conversation and allow them to see and experience those scenes like another family member on the couch. The scene with Fonny and Daniel was beautiful; the light receded as the emotion intensified. There was a lot of tension in that scene, and at the same time theres a great familiarity between Fonny and Daniel. What I love so much is while the discussion is about some really dark and chilling experiences Daniel had in prison, its also two men opening up to each other in an intimate way, and a great love is shown between the two characters. Its something I feel isnt presented very often on film, men being open in that way. Its important to have scenes like this. FULL COVERAGE: Get the latest on awards season from The Envelope Isle of Dogs is a beloved mutt. On the surface, its a halting, heart-touching story of a boy and his dog (and another, rougher dog learning to love, and a human pro-dog activist versus anti-dog meanies). It has the hallmarks of director and co-writer Wes Andersons live-action work transferred to stop-motion-animated dogs living on a gigantic pile of garbage. But peel away those layers and you get 18th century Japanese woodcuts, 1960s science-fiction movies, anime, stillness and more. Co-production designer Paul Harrod said that by the time he arrived to the team, one of the key references Anderson and co-production designer Adam Stockhausen had established was the Edo-era ukiyo-e illustrations by people like Hokusai and Hiroshige. Harrod noted the irony of using these placid depictions of landscapes and waves, considering the film essentially takes place on a trash heap. We had to apply a different set of textures. For that, we turned to a couple of photographers: Edward Burtynsky [known for industrial landscapes] and Chris Jordan, whose works depict industrial waste products on a massive scale. Spots in a scene from Isle of Dogs. (Fox Searchlight Pictures) Advertisement In Isle, which was released in April, dogs are banned from Megasaki City and banished to Trash Island, home of a defunct animal-testing plant, as the filmmakers put it. A young boy, Atari (voiced by Koyu Rankin), goes there to find his dog, Spots (Liev Schreiber). He meets tough dog Chief (Bryan Cranston) and others, with dogcatchers and a lethal robot en route to eliminate the supposed canine threat. Our general approach was to look at it through the lens of the early-mid 1960s and to imagine what the world would look like, 20 years in the future, as seen from that point, Harrod said. Some of the Japanese science-fiction films of the 1960s that were directed by Ishiro Honda [known for Godzilla movies] even though theyre space adventures, sometimes, when youre on Earth, it still looks kind of like contemporary Japan of that period. People are driving around in Toyota sedans. Cinematographer Tristan Oliver said Anderson sent him a watch list of maybe 40 Japanese movies from the 60s and 70s. From this distance, they sort of meld into one, which is what we were after: A distillation of that feel. A set from Wes Andersons Isle of Dogs is displayed at the Wes Anderson: Isle of Dogs exhibition at Parasol Projects on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Michael Nagle / For The Times) As expressed in The Grand Budapest Hotel, Anderson has evolved from a teller of small, intimate stories to a filmmaker who can maintain the personal over a much larger, intricately detailed canvas. His look is very much an illustrative form, Oliver said. Normally the cutting and directing are pointing your eye to a specific point in the frame. For Wes, its really as much about the edges. Hes carving the back of the statue even though the statues in the corner. Despite some complaints of racial stereotyping in the film, Oliver said Anderson manages a kind of alchemy between form and substance. I think the great skill of the movie is how the dialogue works with the picture, he said. Because you have this highly formalized environment and yet the chatty, throwaway style of the dialogue is actually what relieves that high form youre looking at. A lot of the dialogue is very witty the chats the dogs have, especially the dog who loves gossip. Theyre in dire straits but they can still chat on like a group of old ladies. The key shot is when Atari cuddles Chief. The dog does a look to the camera that says, What the hell is this? But immediately, that bond is formed. The friendship of a boy (voice of Koyu Rankin) softens the heart of a stray dog (voice of Bryan Cranston) in Wes Andersons stop-motion animation picture Isle of Dogs. (Fox Searchlight Pictures) FULL COVERAGE: Get the latest on awards season from The Envelope Lead animator Jason Stalman said Anderson referenced anime legend Hayao Miyazaki, but perhaps not as one might expect. Spirited Away and Howls Moving Castle he especially referred to the peace and stillness in those beautifully composed shots. That was going to be a wonderful challenge for a stop-motion puppet animator, to have these moments but to keep the character alive, he said. You have to manipulate these puppets with their little eyes and fur frame-by-frame and find a way, in the stillness, to not just let them look like a dead puppet. Stalman and Anderson shot live-action references of themselves acting out scenes to the actors recorded dialogue. Stalman would meld those visuals and the vocal performances to try to approximate, for instance, Tilda Swintons emotional transitions or Bill Murray he doesnt do much, right? He has a spark of naughtiness in his eyes. Boss, voiced by Bill Murray, in a scene from Isle of Dogs. (Fox Searchlight Pictures) Stalman said Anderson would extend shots, add frames, even ignore established cinematic geography to get the effects he wanted. You cant be precious; you have to roll with those punches. It seems kind of scary at the time, but when you see it in the end, you go, Oh my God, he was right. Perhaps one way to understand the level of detail that went into the film is to reconsider the title. Oliver said Anderson referenced the actual Isle of Dogs (not an island, but an area in central London). If one were to ignore geography and ask such a filmmaker why hed put so much effort into this film, he or she might respond, I love dogs. calendar@latimes.com Any movie that begins with a Franz Kafka passage about torture isnt likely to have uplift on its mind. But Uruguayan filmmaker Alvaro Brechners A Twelve Year Night, about the debasing incarceration of three political prisoners during the countrys years under reactionary military dictatorship in the 1970s, isnt some superficial wallow in the art of cruelty. For one thing, its a true story, culled from the real-life experiences of the three featured prisoners, who at the time of their capture were members of Uruguays radical, trade union-affiliated Tupamaros movement, which was quashed during the militarys coup. With the success of the junta, a handful of Tupamaros were spirited away from their prison cells in 1973 and subjected to the kind of targeted, extended isolation that more resembled a hostage scenario by vengeful overseers than a law-dictated sentence. After democracy returned to Uruguay, one of the men, soft-spoken guerrilla Jose Mujica, who went by Pepe, would go on to become Uruguays president from 2010 to 2015. But also, in its subjective approach, A Twelve Year Night is driven less by the violence of its situation the mens captors best weapon was the steady drip of solitary confinement than how people endure such a disorienting assault to ones sense of time and self. Needless to say, even with fleeting moments of black humor and tenderness, the movie has a running time you feel in your bones as the years pass and the day count (provided onscreen throughout) increases. Its a different animal from Steve McQueens similarly body-conscious jail-protest drama Hunger, which turned IRA martyrdom under British captivity into something like a competitive sport, almost fetishized. Brechners message, rather, is how even in the most abused among us, the taste for survival is an abiding, nourishable quality. After a virtuosic 360-degree opening shot in which uniformed troops invade a prison to take away nine revolutionaries, we zero in on the experiences of three: Mujica (Antonio de la Torre), Eleuterio Nato Fernandez Huidobro (Alfonso Tort), and Mauricio Ruso Rosencof (Chino Darin). Initially deprived of sun, terrorized by gasoline dousing and manhandled by guards forbidden to talk to them, the men were clearly expected to be driven crazy by their treatment. We should have killed you when we could, snarls the mustachioed military officer (Cesar Troncoso) in charge of their captivity, suggesting the slightest word of a rescue/escape attempt is all the reasoning he and his troops need to finish the job. Advertisement Over the years, the prisoners are shuffled from remote cell to remote cell, the physical and mental toll doing its part although the effective lead actors are often similar enough in their degraded appearance to make distinguishing them difficult initially in certain scenes, the effect feels intended, as if to stress the rotted sameness sustained neglect does to all human forms. Flashbacks and hallucinations add context, whether fleshing out the circumstances of the trios arrests, or dramatizing what theyve lost in the way of contact with loved ones as their confinement threatens to define their very being. And though there are occasional glimmers of snatched dignity a secret system of communication via coded wall knocks, Rusos beneficial arrangement with a sergeant to ghost-write his love letters, the intervention of a compassionate doctor (Soledad Villamil) to help Mujicas fracturing mind this isnt one of those prison movies that builds a reservoir of hope in order to soften a nightmare. History (and the title) tells us theres an end point, but we know these men are being remade by their experience. While this story is more likely to have impact for those who lived through the horrors of this period and Mujicas eventual emergence as a political leader, A Twelve Year Night avoids the easy trappings of triumph-of-the-human-spirit narratives. Sometimes a human simply withstands what its subjected to, and thats enough to rivet us. ------------ A Twelve Year Night In Spanish with English subtitles Not rated Running time: 2 hours, 2 minutes Playing: Starts Dec. 28 on Netflix See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com @LATimesMovies Photo via Xinhua Chinas reform and opening-up efforts serve as a model on international exchange and cooperation, foreign diplomats and experts commented after President Xi Jinpings speech on reform and opening-up 40th anniversary. Addressing the grand gathering in Beijing on Dec. 18, President Xi said that 40 years of practicing the reform and opening-up policy has provided successful experiences and a bright future for the vast number of developing countries to seek modernization. Petra Wassner, the CEO of NRW.INVEST, a group that promotes foreign investment in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, called Chinas development unprecedented. Having visited the country for 20 years, Wassner said she has experienced something new every visit, adding that more and more German companies are seeking cooperation with China for common development. China has also provided lessons for African countries to achieve political stability and economic development and has helped many African countries gradually embark on the path of industrialization, commented an official with the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation. President Xi also vowed to further promote the Belt and Road Initiative and build a new cooperation platform with the international community to boost common development. The proposed initiative is not only related to China itself, but also closely related to the development of countries and regions along the route, observed Ronnie Lins, director of the China-Brazil Center for Research and Business. Lins commented that China is at a high level in the world of innovation in biotechnology and artificial intelligence (#AI) and is constantly exploring international cooperation. By strengthening international cooperation in various fields, China is on the path to bringing greater benefits to all mankind. According to Pierre Picard, a China expert at the University of Paris VIII, said that as the worlds second largest economy, China has established a model for exchanges and cooperation between developing countries and has become an example of human civilization exchanges and mutual learning. Unlike most transgender-focused films, theres little external conflict on screen in the Golden Globe-nominated Girl. The threat of hate-driven violence doesnt hover like an approaching storm, and theres none of the familial resistance that audiences expect in similar movies. Instead, most of the narrative struggle is contained within its protagonist, though there is additional friction between the Belgian dramas noble intentions and its actual execution. At 15, Lara (cis male actor Victor Polster) is desperate to both become a ballet dancer and be accepted as a girl, despite being born in a boys body. For the former desire, she attends a ballet school, performing arabesques and cabrioles alongside the other students, taping her bruised, bleeding toes as she attempts to make up for a late start dancing en pointe. For the latter goal, she has been taking puberty blockers and is excited to start hormone therapy, painfully eager for the body that awaits her on the other side. In the meantime, she tapes her genitals again and again, anxious for the day when she will have gender affirmation surgery. Theres little of the fear and hatred that pervade previous films about transgender people like Boys Dont Cry. Laras father (Arieh Worthalter) is extraordinarily supportive, and though there are a few incidents at the ballet school including one that feels unwarranted most of the struggle in the drama is within Lara. Advertisement Her war is fought on two fronts, with a body that neither is nor does what she wants. As a transgender girl, Lara battles her male physical qualities, while she is also unhappy with her ballet performance. Her daily removal of the tape on her genitals mirrors her unwrapping her bloodied feet after she takes off her pointe shoes. Both moments elicit a gasp at her pain, but Lara sees each as a necessary step in becoming who she wants to be. The script from director Lukas Dhont and his co-writer Angelo Tijssens tries to be sensitive in its treatment of Lara, but these efforts are belied by both the films visuals and its climax. Frank van den Eedens cinematography lingers over Laras body, obsessing over what she tries to hide. We dont just see an isolated full-frontal shot or a single scene of tape removal. Instead, Dhont and Van den Eeden repeat these moments throughout the film, focusing not on Laras facial expressions and her feelings but instead directing the audience to her body. It feels exploitative, rather than empathetic. But its the irresponsible handling of the films final, shocking scenes that is the most problematic. Though Girl premiered to acclaim and awards at Cannes, backlash has mounted in the months since the festival, particularly from trans voices in the film community. While it was inspired by the experiences of real-life dancer Nora Monsecour, who had some input into its creation, the film was largely made by cis men and stars a cis boy, leaving little room for a much-needed trans perspective in the final product. Ultimately, Dhonts film is a strong debut from a technical angle, but it lacks the humanity necessary for a story of this nature. I dont want to be an example, Lara laments. I just want to be a girl. Similarly, Dhonts drama shouldnt be taken as exemplifying the experiences of all trans women, but on-screen representation is still scarce for this group, which adds weight to every moment. ------------- Girl In French and Flemish with English subtitles Rated: R, for some sexual content, graphic nudity and brief disturbing content. Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes Playing: Starts Dec. 28, Laemmle Glendale ------------ See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com @LATimesMovies Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was something of a creative dare when filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller first pitched their idea to Sony executives in 2014, the same year their animated smash The Lego Movie put an unexpected CG animated twist on the classic toy bricks. Coming off of two Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs hits with Sony Pictures Animation, the rising duo proposed a fresh take on one of Hollywoods most oft-rebooted superheroes: Tell the story of Miles Morales, the post-millennial African American-Latino Brooklyn teen who takes up the Spider mantle after Peter Parkers demise in his corner of the Marvel multiverse. They wanted to present the Spidey tale in an all-new visual language, conjuring the feeling of being inside the pages of a living, breathing comic book with a dynamism befitting the character introduced in 2011 by Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli. But, laughed Miller, looking back on that initial pitch as Spider-Verse was swinging into the second week of a successful holiday frame, only if we can do it about Miles Morales and make it look crazy. And they said, OK. Four years and 800 people working on it later, here we are. Advertisement REVIEW: The terrific animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse opens a whole new web of intrigue Critics have sprung for Spider-Verse to the tune of a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences have given a rare A-plus CinemaScore to the groundbreaking animated film, which opened Dec. 14 and stars Shameik Moore (Dope) as Miles, Jake Johnson as Peter B. Parker, and a supporting cast that includes Mahershala Ali, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Nicolas Cage, Kimiko Glenn and John Mulaney. The film crossed $138 million worldwide in 12 days, and now, Miller and Lord (who produced along with Amy Pascal, Avi Arad and Christina Steinberg), directors Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman and their team of innovative animators are celebrating awards from critics groups, a Golden Globe nomination and Oscar buzz for their film, which is also the first to feature an inclusive, nonwhite Spider-Man. That outsize response is all the more moving to Lord and Miller, who were replaced in 2017 as directors of the Star Wars film Solo over their improvisational process, given that the technical execution of what they were proposing back then wasnt yet possible. We wanted it to look like when you open a comic book or a graphic novel for the first time, said Lord, who also cowrote the screenplay with Rothman. But CG animation methods now common in the animation world didnt have the right feel. A new aesthetic blending traditional and forward-thinking techniques would have to be birthed into existence. On Spider-Verse, experimental innovation was a superpower. No one knew exactly how to accomplish that, said Miller, but everyone was excited to figure out a way. Theres a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man or Spider-Woman or Spider-Ham for everyone Chris Miller, left, and Phil Lord, producers of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, in 2014. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times) First, Lord and Miller assembled a team of like-minded creatives, leading with a philosophy counter to most studio mind-sets: Think outside the animated box, and dont be afraid to fail. Anytime weve done something with a [pre-existing] IP, weve tried to use it as a Trojan horse to bring in something new, because having a known property makes studios feel comfortable, said Miller. So that is the best way to try and make something that is the most radical. Their first call was to production designer Justin K. Thompson, one of several collaborators Lord and Miller brought along from the Cloudy With a Chance films. Justin has a really good eye for people that are really skilled artists who will chase something down in order to discover something new, said Lord. Blending hand-drawn animation over CG, Spider-Verses team of versatile animators and programmers working under three directors also had to orchestrate disparate visual styles for the Spider-heroes and villains who converge on Miles universe from their own dimensions, including the futuristic Spider-Gwen, anime-influenced Peni Parker, black and white 1930s-era Spider-Man Noir, and the Looney Tunes-esque Peter Porker, a.k.a. the Spectacular Spider-Ham. The fundamental starting point was, How do we make a collage film for a general audience and have these things live together, and enjoy the differences between them and relish in the themes in between these styles instead of being thrown off by them? said Lord. The fact that those things dont belong together is the whole thing. Every opportunity we had to put a Rubiks cube in a black-and-white characters hands, or stick Spider-Ham in an environment where he didnt look right to put him against Scorpion, who looks rusty and really realistic that was the joy for us. He paused. In a funny way, it doesnt feel crazy. Thats just how we see the world. The resulting collision of characters, universes and aesthetics in Miles graffiti-painted Brooklyn is its own impressively integrated blend of on-screen chaos, using comic-book language like panelization, action lines and dot shading to convey action, story and interior character dramatics. Grounding that psychedelic visual experience in the emotions and humanity of these characters are Spider-Verses talented ensemble of actors, who worked with the directors in an improvisational environment. Performances were filmed as a reference for the animators, who worked unscripted human moments captured in the recording studio back onto the screen. Everything that they did with this movie felt different, said Johnson, who jumped at the chance to work with Lord and Miller after starring in their 2012 live-action directing debut, 21 Jump Street. Ive done animation before, and mostly you say the lines and its got to be perfect because its all timed out. With this, any imperfection or anything you could bring to it, if you would take a big, deep breath in between lines, thinking theyll cut it, theyd animate around that breath so that it feels more human. Given space to improvise in the booth with co-stars Moore and Kathryn Hahn, who plays Olivia Liv Octavius, a.k.a. Doctor Octopus, we would just keep doing it until it felt honest, Johnson said. He appraised his character, Peter B. Parker a sad sack alternate universe version of Spider-Man who reluctantly mentors Miles in the ways of web-slinging as a daring departure from the canonical norm and more likely to be moping his way through an existential indie drama than an animated superhero blockbuster. If I was pitched this role and they wanted to make a movie called Peter, about a guy who works hard at his job and his job is to save people, and his life falls apart and now hes trying to put it back together and he teaches this young kid how to do it as an actor, I like that character, said Johnson. I would never have imagined that to be Spider-Man. Wed hopefully go to Sundance with it To tell this out-of-the-ordinary take on Spider-Man, the Spider-Verse team also embraced new techniques, including the use of chromatic aberration to denote depth of field and variable frame rates, using 12 frames per second instead of the cinematic standard 24 to modulate action and emotion and give scenes a crisp, hyper-real pop. Each second of the 117-minute film took an artist a week to complete, with ideas coming from all directions. It was a year and a half, say Lord and Miller, before they had the first shot that felt like it struck the right balance. Because of that process of discovery, it was essential for the filmmakers to have space to innovate, create, fail fail some more and then adapt. It helps that tinkering with creative exploration comes naturally to Lord and Miller. The duo trace their methods to a shared background studying under experimental animator David Ehrlich at Dartmouth College, where the pair met before making their directorial debut in 2002 with the acclaimed animated series Clone High. Like most scientific experiments in a lab, the first 27 times it doesnt work, said Miller. And then, finally, everybody working together came upon a method that we all knew worked. So the secret to experimental success is science. Whats funny is the movie looks conservative to me now, weve been looking at it for so long. So I know on the next one what were going to do. Phil Lord Im not a programmer or a world-class artist, added Lord. Our job was just to say, More, and Crazier, and to say Yes to the wildest idea in the room, because we knew we had a chance to do something that hadnt been done before. Whats funny is the movie looks conservative to me now, weve been looking at it for so long. So I know on the next one what were going to do. That next one is the Spider-Verse sequel reported to be in development on the strength of the first films buzz, while a Spider-Gwen spinoff is rumored to also be in consideration as Sony looks at expanding the franchise. (No word yet on a Spider-Ham standalone, although Lord and Miller are big fans of the wisecracking anthropomorphic superpig.) One thing about graphic novels, comics and sequential art thats done by different artists, is that they have different styles to them, and the idea of the multiverse opens the door to a bunch of artistic styles in the same movie, Miller said of the potential ripple effect he hopes Spider-Verse has. So the possibilities are really infinite. The risks he and Lord took with Spider-Verse were challenging, but paid off and he hopes theyll inspire fellow filmmakers and animators to think outside the lines, bringing a fresh spirit of experimentation to the medium. The idea that any style of art that a person can make can be represented in animation in motion, not just in this world but in the world of animation, will hopefully lead other people to feel that its not risky to try something that has different looks to it, and push for a wider diversity of styles in studio filmmaking. jen.yamato@latimes.com @jenyamato If everything had gone as planned, William Ayubs swearing-in ceremony as Ventura Countys new sheriff would have been equal parts solemnity and wishes for the future. Outgoing Sheriff Geoff Dean would have had a retirement party, drinks, laughter, reminiscing. Ayub, whose family fled Lebanon in the 30s and later settled in Ventura, had spent more than three decades in law enforcement before deciding to run for sheriff. He faced no formal opposition and won the election to replace Dean in June with 98% of the vote. At a meeting of the countys Board of Supervisors on Nov. 6, Ayub declared: Im excited to work at making this organization stronger and the community safer and more resilient to all the challenges that we have on the horizon. Advertisement Thirty-six hours after the board unanimously voted to approve his appointment to sheriff to fill the remainder of Deans term, Ayub was called to the Borderline Bar and Grill for a mass shooting in progress. He arrived about 40 minutes after the first shots were fired by Ian Long, who killed 12 people, including a sheriffs sergeant. Just as that tragedy was coming into focus, two fires blazed through Ventura County. Ayub took over as top cop in the midst of chaos. At the stroke of midnight, I became the sheriff, he said. I certainly visualized it much different. Soon after learning that Sgt. Ron Helus had been shot, Ayub headed to Los Robles Regional Medical Center, where doctors were furiously working on the deputy. For half an hour, Ayub and a major crimes detective both in a state of shock waited in the ER, before receiving the news that Helus had died. Dean told Ayub that they would tell Helus wife, Karen, together. Karen Helus, wife of Ventura County Sheriff Sgt. Ron Helus, links arms with Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub, right, as they follow the casket of Sgt. Helus after a memorial service at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village on Nov. 15. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) As Dean and Ayub raced toward her Moorpark home, she arrived at the hospital with her son. They had heard Helus call sign, 4-Sam-3, over the police scanner and knew it was serious. Dean called Ayub and told him to turn around and head back to the hospital. There, Dean broke the news to Helus family, with Ayub by his side. As the sheriffs office began planning services for the deputy, the Hill fire and Woolsey fires broke out on Nov. 8. Ayub had slept only a couple of hours before heading to a fire command post in Thousand Oaks. That night, he slept another couple of hours before receiving a notice of major evacuations in Oak Park. The community needed help. He arrived around 4 a.m. and saw chunks of burning material flying through the air into neighborhoods. Fires seemed to erupt everywhere. At one point, in those chaotic few days, Ayub saw a lawn on fire next to the home of a family who had evacuated. He picked up a hose to put out the fire, before hearing someone yell, Behind you. As he turned around, he saw the lawn behind him was on fire too. At midnight on Nov. 10, as Ayub tried to get another few hours of sleep, he quietly became chief law enforcement officer of Ventura County. He reminded himself of what hed told everybody when he campaigned: that he was ready for the job, that he was the guy. You better be the guy, he thought. Later that morning, he sent an email to the sheriffs office. Never in my wildest imagination did I think my term would begin during a massive investigation into what is arguably one of the most horrific crimes in our countys history, while battling two major ... wildfires, and while mourning the heart-wrenching loss of one of our own, he said. Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub addresses the Borderline shooting during a press conference at the East County Ventura Sheriffs Station in Thousand Oaks. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) A month after the Borderline mass shooting, Ayub had to relay the news that the shot that killed Helus was fired from a CHP officers gun. That bullet punctured Helus heart. It was a tragic twist in an investigation that has yet to yield much information about why Helus and 11 others died that night. Since becoming sheriff, Ayub has focused on healing the agency. A picture of Helus hangs near the top of a small tree in the same building that houses the sheriffs office in Ventura, along with photos of 12 other fallen officers. In the corner of his office is a replica of the hero Maximus armor from the movie Gladiator, a reminder to himself of a man of principle. Over the past few weeks, Ayub has been in contact with legislators about keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. The 51-year-old is also preparing for big shifts in the agency as about 90% of command staff are eligible to retire in the next year. The ultimate goal for me is to leave this agency better positioned, stronger, more resilient, Ayub said. That goal hasnt changed at all; its just been diverted slightly. Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub is greeted by a group of children from KidStream Childrens Museum in Ventura County with thank-you cards and a poster. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) A couple of weeks ago, Ayub and hundreds of others attended Deans rescheduled retirement party in a hangar at the Camarillo Airport. Dean had worried the retirement party, celebrating his 41 years in law enforcement, was too close to the tragic events. We have to get back to normal at some point, Ayub told him. These last few days didnt define your service or your career. Your behavior during the last few days did. When Dean spoke, he mentioned the officers who died during his tenure, including Helus. At the end, he spoke about the new sheriff. He stepped up and hes served the community well, Dean said. A swearing-in ceremony for Ayub and his executive team was scheduled for Nov. 14, but it didnt happen. It hasnt been rescheduled. That moment has passed. Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) For more California news, follow @brittny_mejia A man who drove for ride-hailing services is suspected of sexually assaulting three developmentally disabled women in Orange County, and authorities are looking for other potential victims. Costa Mesa police detectives arrested Rusty Lee Love, 52, of Huntington Beach, last week on suspicion of rape, digital penetration of a developmentally disabled person and oral copulation of a developmentally disabled person, police said. Authorities say Love, who was an acquaintance of the women, sexually assaulted them in their Costa Mesa homes while he provided unlicensed massage services over the last two years. He was released from jail Saturday after posting $50,000 bond. He has not been charged, according to court records. After Loves arrest, detectives learned he had been working as a driver for ride-hailing services in Orange and San Diego counties and may have additional victims, police said. Authorities did not specify which companies employed him. Advertisement Anyone with information on the matter is asked to contact Costa Mesa Det. Rob Dimel at (714) 754-5363. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @Hannahnfry When Nancy Paulikas went missing more than two years ago during a trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, her family and friends never lost hope that shed come home. Her husband set up a blog to publicize her disappearance, noting a $100,000 reward for information. Even recently, Kirk Moody had been posting a few times each month. In one post less than two weeks ago, he shared Christmas memories from a family trip to Denver. He closed the message with an urgent plea. During this holiday season, if you visit a skilled-nursing facility, please keep your eyes open for Nancy, he wrote. You dont have to be positive it is Nancy, she just needs to completely fit the profile. Including a photo is ideal if possible. Thanks. Lets bring Nancy home. Advertisement A day after Christmas, he received some heartbreaking news. Los Angeles County coroners investigators finally made a break in the case. A charred skull and bones found in a Sherman Oaks park, more than a year apart matched Paulikas DNA. The coroners online database lists the Manhattan Beach womans date of death as March 11, 2017, the same day a brush fire broke out in the area of Fossil Ridge Park in Sherman Oaks. Firefighters found the skull in a ravine while battling the blaze. More than a year later, in September, investigators found bones in the same area of the park where they recovered the skull. They sent samples from the bones to state authorities for DNA analysis. This week, they discovered the two sets of remains belonged to the same person: Paulikas. It is not clear how she died. She was 56. Moody announced the update on his blog. He and Paulikas met while working at TRW/Northrop Grumman and had retired early to pursue their love of hiking and other outdoor adventures. But Paulikas developed Alzheimers and it rapidly consumed her, to the point that she became unfamiliar with her own life story. Moody became her constant caregiver. Paulikas went to the museum with family in October 2016 and after going to the bathroom, she disappeared. Authorities at the time said she suffered from severe dementia and had trouble communicating. Moody told The Times about a month after his wife vanished that he suspected she walked out of the bathroom and when she didnt immediately see him, she went looking. It never entered my mind that she would roam, he said. She feared being separated from groups, and particularly from him. Her disappearance prompted Los Angeles County officials to launch a program to help find people with autism, Alzheimers disease or dementia who may wander off and go missing. alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek Authorities are searching for an inmate suspected of carjacking someone after he escaped from San Quentin State Prison late Wednesday. Officials discovered 21-year-old Shalom Mendoza was missing during an inmate count about 9:35 p.m. Staff searched the prison and the surrounding area but could not find him. Authorities said Mendoza carjacked someone near the prison and fled in a Toyota Rav4 with license plate number 6STZ502. Mendoza began serving a five-year sentence in December 2017 for use of a deadly weapon during a carjacking/attempted carjacking and evading or attempting to evade a police officer while driving recklessly in Los Angeles County, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Mendoza is described as 5-foot-5, 177 pounds with short brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone who sees him should call 911, authorities said. Advertisement hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @Hannahnfry The man suspected of fatally shooting a police officer in Stanislaus County was in the country illegally, officials said Thursday. Authorities have identified a suspect in the case but are not releasing his name. We will relentlessly continue to hunt our suspect down and bring him to justice so that we can bring closure to this community and this police department, said Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson. President Trump weighed in on the case Thursday, saying it showed the need for a crackdown on illegal immigration. Advertisement There is right now a full scale manhunt going on in California for an illegal immigrant accused of shooting and killing a police officer during a traffic stop. Time to get tough on Border Security. Build the Wall! Trump tweeted. Authorities did not provide details about the suspects immigration history but said he was not from the area where the shooting occurred. They think he is still in Stanislaus County. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was unable to provide any information about the mans immigration status because ICEs public affairs officers are out of the office for the duration of the government shutdown. At 12:57 a.m. Wednesday, authorities said, Newman Police Cpl. Ronil Singh, 33, radioed that he was pulling over a vehicle at Merced Street and Eucalyptus Avenue in Newman. Minutes later, they said, he called out shots fired over the radio. It was a gunfight, Christianson said. Cpl. Singh absolutely tried to defend himself and stop this credible threat. The officers who responded found Singh had been shot and the motorist he stopped was gone. Singh was taken to a hospital, where he died. The Sheriffs Department recovered a gray, extended-cab Dodge Ram pickup that was seen in the area at the time of the shooting and was linked to the suspect, Christianson said. Newman police released a photo of a man they believe is linked to the shooting of Cpl. Ronil Singh and are asking for the publics help in identifying him. (Newman Police Department) Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson was emotional as he addressed reporters in a news conference Thursday, describing Singh as a man fascinated with law enforcement and with a dream to serve his country. Richardson said Singh was with his K-9 partner, Sam, when the shooting happened. When the dog was found in Singhs patrol car, she was unharmed and wearing a Mrs. Claus dog costume. Its just the kind of guy he was, he said. Singh did little things like that to bring smiles to peoples faces. On Wednesday, Gov. Jerry Brown ordered flags at the Capitol be flown at half-staff following Singhs death. Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California. Singh, a native of Fiji, started working for the Newman Police Department in 2011. He previously worked with the Merced County Sheriffs Department. He is survived by a wife and young son. Anyone with information about the shooting can call (209) 525-7202. Times staff writer Alejandra Reyes-Velarde contributed to this report. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @hannahnfry brittny.mejia@latimes.com Twitter: @brittny_mejia Organizers have canceled next months Womens March in Chicago citing logistical issues as accusations of anti-Semitism dog the national movement. Local organizers blamed high costs and not enough volunteers as key reasons for abandoning the rally, which would have taken place Jan. 19, when similar marches are scheduled to take place in cities around the world, including Washington. An estimated 250,000 people participated in the initial Chicago march in January 2017. The heavier-than-expected turnout led organizers to reroute the march due to security concerns. But infighting across the national Womens March movement arose after Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan praised Tamika Mallory, Womens March Inc. co-president, and declared Jews his enemy during an address in February. The movement has since splintered, with chapter members criticizing the Womens March leaderships response to Farrakhans anti-Semitic rhetoric as being insufficient. The Nation of Islam has been labeled an anti-Semitic hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Advertisement Mallory later denounced the anti-Semitic statements. But Womens March chapters have continued to put pressure on movement leaders to step down, with one chapter disbanding over the issue. The Chicago chapter responded to the controversy in March through a statement condemning bigotry in all its forms. No universe exists in which it is acceptable to support anti-Semitic statements, the chapter wrote. Sara Kurensky, a board member for Womens March Chicago, said the decision to cancel the upcoming march wasnt based on the recent controversy. But she called the opportunity to further distance the Chicago group from national Womens March leaders a side benefit. That sort of infighting within the movement is very painful. Its very painful to watch, she said. When a handful of leaders ... say something, they are not speaking for an entire movement. Chicago organizers are planning another, as-yet-unspecified activity for Jan. 19. Global institutions have expressed optimism regarding the Chinese economy for the coming year based on their analyses of the countrys economic policies as well as major economic indicators, Economic Daily reported on Dec. 25. Standard Chartered stressed that undeniably China will be faced with stronger downward pressure in 2019, but observers should not be pessimistic about this. First, the scale and dividends of Chinas economic restructuring should not be underestimated, the bank said, explaining that new economy, accounting for 15.7 percent of the countrys GDP, is to be a beneficiary of the restructuring. Besides new economy, retail trade, real estate, health care, commercial insurance, as well as other industries will all grow alongside consumption upgrades, and furthermore industrial upgrades will contribute to the growth of computer and electronic products, computer programming, and information technology. The Chinese economy will embrace a 30 percent or above increase if the efficacy of the abovementioned sectors is elevated to the level of developed economies, the bank added. In addition, the flexibility of the policies for macro-regulation should not be underestimated. Standard Chartered believes that China will be able to achieve growth of 6.4 percent, a figure higher than expectation. Aberdeen Standard Investments, a London-listed global asset manager, said it will invest more in the A-share market considering the change of Chinas economic growth mode, relatively balanced risks, and the price advantage brought by the long-term investment of some excellent enterprises, though the prices of A-shares experienced a slide this year. Limited impact will be exerted on the Chinese economy because the growth mode has changed and the proportion of exports within GDP has continued to drop, Nicholas Yeo, head of China Equities at Aberdeen, was quoted as saying. The Chinese government has recently rolled out a series of reform measures and the policies will be continued before the economic fundamentals are obviously improved, according to Goldman Sachs. It believes that a drastic drop of the Chinese economy will not occur. Gov. Jerry Browns bountiful grants of Christmas Eve clemency remind us that the justice system, when it is humane, extends to convicts a measure of hope along with an incentive to reflect, repent and rehabilitate. Executive clemency balances the law harsh and unyielding with an element of human mercy and discretion. Because discretion is tied to individual judgment, it is imperfect and can be abused, so the governors clemency power in California is curbed. He has authority on his own to pardon anyone convicted of a single felony, but the state Supreme Court can reject clemency for people convicted of multiple felonies. The court hadnt done that in decades, but this year it rejected seven Brown requests. The courts action is not on its face unreasonable, given the number of applications for clemency that Brown granted. In the last eight years, he pardoned more than 1,000 convicted felons who had already served their time, and commuted more than 150 sentences of inmates, making them eligible for earlier parole or at least parole hearings. Thats pardoning and commuting on a scale unmatched by his predecessors. Yet his grants of clemency, when taken together with the courts rejections, appear to demonstrate a functioning system of checks and balances. Advertisement Except for one very important missing link. What was it about those seven requests each of them for convicted murderers with multiple felonies on their records that led the court to say no, while allowing clemency for other killers? The justices issued their rejections without public explanation, leaving no guidance to future courts or governors. Earlier this year, the court warned that it would reject pardons and commutations that amounted to abuses of gubernatorial power. Fair enough. But the court failed to explain why pardoning one convicted murderer would be an abuse and pardoning another would not. The justices decisions set no binding precedents. They left their check on the governors power partially undefined. On his end, Brown (like previous governors) offered little to explain why he granted some applications but denied others. That leaves the clemency process unnecessarily clouded by mystery. Thats an opportunity lost at precisely the time when the nation could use some strong guidelines for and statements about executive clemency, checks and balances. The federal system lacks Californias explicit check on the presidents pardoning power, and President Trump has made the most of his unfettered discretion. For example, last year he pardoned Joe Arpaio, the former sheriff of Maricopa County, Ariz., and a staunch Trump political ally, before Arpaio could be sentenced on his conviction for criminal contempt of court. Thats a sharp distinction from Browns pardons, which affect only convicted criminals who have served their sentences but otherwise would have continued to be punished for life by laws and practices that, for example, prevent them from earning professional degrees or licenses, or otherwise regaining their rights as citizens because of their criminal records. Ditto for the governors commutations, which may reduce but do not negate criminal punishment. But Arpaios crime was a misdemeanor, and he may not have been required to serve any time behind bars. More disturbing are Trumps statements that hed consider pardons for former national security advisor Michael Flynn and former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. D Theres no point prosecuting people close to me, the president is in effect saying, because Ill just obliterate the conviction. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion The presidents clemency discretion is subject to serious abuse. Trumps statements about Flynn and Manafort do not enhance or humanize the criminal justice system but rather undermine it. Admittedly, clemency is subject to abuse in California too. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, on his final day in office in 2011, commuted the murder sentence of Esteban Nunez, the son of his ally and former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez. Schwarzenegger argued that the sentence was unfair, but he also acknowledged that he acted as a favor to his friend. The state Supreme Court had no power to reverse that particular misuse of discretion because Nunez had not been convicted of multiple felonies. Exercised properly, the governors clemency power is itself a check on the excesses of the criminal justice system but only for a limited number of applicants, and for whom the relief is granted with at least some degree of subjectivity. Thats the nature of discretion. It is by definition subjective. It remains an essential part of the criminal justice system, whether exercised by prosecutors, judges, parole boards or the governor but it operates best when it is accompanied by a greater degree of transparency. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook Even as Los Angeles Unified schools prepare for a possible teachers strike, Supt. Austin Beutner is planning a massive administrative restructuring that has the teachers union on guard. Beutners main idea is to pull more staff out from the central office to create 32 smaller networks of schools, with more personnel placed on school campuses. The change will make the district more nimble, he says, so that when a school needs something, it doesnt have to wait a long time for its request to work its way through the districts massive downtown headquarters. Other pieces of the proposal are meant to bring about more efficiency. Right now, Beutner says, there are various types of specialized counselors helping students. One might counsel homeless kids, another might be an expert on navigating the districts graduation requirements, and so forth but each school gets just a few hours a week of each counselors time. Needs dont always coincide with those few hours, so Beutners idea is to have the counselors cross-trained in all the specializations. These more broadly trained counselors could then be located at individual schools at or near full time. Another plan would drastically reduce the number of vendors the district works with, to cut down on time-consuming paperwork and enable the district to negotiate better prices. Principals would go through a training academy and be empowered to make more purchasing and other decisions for their schools. From what little Beutner has sketched out about the planned changes, it sounds as though they could benefit the district. The slowness of the behemoth Beaudry Avenue bureaucracy is certainly legendary. At this point, though, the plans are far too light on details, even though Beutner said he intended to begin rolling them out in February or March. That sounds awfully fast for a major restructuring that hasnt yet been formally presented to the board or the public. Advertisement Remember the iPads! That should be the motto for these situations. Former L.A. Unified Supt. John Deasy had a similarly bold proposal to provide an expensive tablet computer to every student in the district. That plan was similarly short on details. In a way, it was lucky that the predictable problems popped up so quickly, so the district could call a halt before hundreds of millions of dollars were squandered. The recent history of L.A. Unified has been one of quicksilver changes that rarely deliver the sparkling results they are supposed to bring. Principals were given more power to spend money until the board found out that some of them were scrimping on janitorial services, resulting in filthy campuses. Graduation requirements were jacked high until it turned out that close to half of the students wouldnt be able to graduate. Then the requirements were lowered and questionable online credit recovery courses were brought in to help students meet them. Authority was centralized, then decentralized, then back again. The district needs to be much more transparent about the reorganization plans and to phase them in slowly if Beutners effort is to avoid a repeat of that sad pattern. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion To start, a proposal with this many moving parts needs to be unveiled publicly and officially, in full detail, with plenty of time for teachers, parents and the public at large to chew on it and add their thoughts before the school board considers it. There will certainly be at least a couple of board meetings on this, with opportunity for the public to speak, but it will take more than that for the public to understand the plans fully and respond to them thoughtfully. One major drumbeat for United Teachers Los Angeles has been the desire to make teachers bigger partners in district policymaking. Although some of their demands on that front arent reasonable, their feedback on Beutners reorganization plans would bring valuable perspective and should be sought out and welcomed. Then the resulting plans must be implemented slowly starting with pilot programs and building gradually, with regular assessments to find out how well things are working and to fix unforeseen problems before expanding the effort. For example, it makes sense at first glance to have specialized counselors available whenever theyre needed instead of one morning a week, but what if these new jack-of-all-trades counselors lack the expertise to be effective? New superintendents understandably want to put their stamp on the district with sweeping changes, and Beutner is no exception. The key is to make sure that his plans are so transparent, well thought out and carefully implemented that the next administration isnt left with the job of cleaning up the messes that ensue. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook Congress can help atone for the nations horrific past by finally making lynching a federal crime Since the Civil War, Americans have struggled to define what seems to be obvious: What is a lynching? It conjures visions of a mob pulling a man from a jail cell, hauling him to a tree and throwing a rope over a branch. But debates have centered on how how many people must take part in such an extrajudicial killing for it to qualify as a lynching (the NAACP suggested in 1921 at least five). And must the motive be racial? Was the hanging of a suspected white horse thief in the Wild West by ranch hands the same as a white Southern mob, amid taunts, jeers and spit, turning a black man accused of insulting a white woman into strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees, as Billie Holliday once sang? Do the nuances really matter? Its true that not all lynching victims were black, but blacks were overwhelmingly the targets (and many white victims of lynching had defended blacks or opposed lynching). We cannot sever that horrific practice from our disgraceful history of racism. Slavery was abominable, and to this day the nation is influenced by the riches from New England shipowners to New York financiers to Southern farmers and brokers and the evils of our original sin. Lynching became slaverys evil spawn, acts of indefensible extrajudicial brutality meant to scare former slaves and their descendants to hew to their constricted place in a white society. After slavery, these acts of terrorism more than 4,700 documented cases from 1882 to 1968 became the ultimate expression of racism and white supremacy. Rather than being shamed, some whites celebrated racial lynching. Photographers sold pictures and postcards as souvenirs; to this day you can see white faces beam smiles into the camera as bloody bodies dangle gruesomely overhead. Some of the cards collected and posted on the Without Sanctuary site, part of a 1999 book and film project, are shocking in the banality of the notes to friends. Well John, reads the back of one card sent to Dr. John W.F. Williams of Lafayette, Ky. This is a token of a great day we had in Dallas, March 3, a negro was hung for an assault on a three year old girl. I saw this on my noon hour. I was very much in the bunch. You can see the negro hanging on a telephone pole. That photo was dated March 3, 1910 two years after the post office supposedly banned lynching cards from the mails. It is to this nations continuing embarrassment that Congress has, for generations, failed to make lynching a federal crime (Philip Dray documented the history in his At the Hands of Persons Unknown: The Lynching of Black America). It wouldnt act more than a century ago when it might have made a difference, as local prosecutors looked the other way or local juries refused to indict or convict. And it wont act today, even after the laws necessity has faded and its value resides primarily in its symbolism. The old argument against a federal anti-lynching law is that murder is a state crime and not the business of the federal government. States rights and all that. But that argument was fig leaf over the racism that propelled lynching, in which local and state prosecutions of the perpetrators were rare, convictions rarer still. The 14th Amendment guarantees equal protection of the laws, and when local communities in numbers small and large come together to use collective violence to repress African Americans, that is clearly a federal interest. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) has co-sponsored a fresh piece of legislation to classify a lynching as a deprivation of civil rights essentially a federal anti-lynching law that she says would give the Justice Department a few more teeth in prosecuting attempted lynching and conspiracy. Yet as Times reporter Jaweed Kaleem wrote this week, the prognosis for its passage isnt much better than the fate of its 200-plus predecessors. Why is unclear. It could be that lynching has moved to an out of sight, out of mind status, even though three white supremacists lynched James Byrd Jr. only 20 years ago in East Texas by beating him then chaining him to a truck while he was still alive and dragging him three miles. All three perpetrators were convicted; one has been executed, a second is on death row and the third is serving a life sentence. Those local authorities, unlike their predecessors elsewhere in the South, did their jobs. So, some question, why bother with a law now? Isnt this just a symbolic gesture? Yes, it is a symbolic gesture. But a necessary one. Lynching served as a powerfully intimidating symbol behave yourselves, lest you meet the same fate that resonates today. Racism in the workplace often surfaces as a noose left in a locker or on a desk. Three years ago two members of the University of Oklahomas Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity were expelled (inappropriately given the right to even hateful speech) and the chapter shut down after a video surfaced of members singing a song including the N-word, You can hang em from a tree / But hell never sign with me / There will never be a ... SAE. Just last year, nooses were left at the African American Museum in Washington, D.C. The symbolic weight of that despicable act is heavy. The U.S. Senate did approve a resolution in 2005 apologizing to lynching victims and their descendants for failing to act in the past. It passed in a late-night voice vote; 11 senators opted not to co-sponsor it. We cannot, of course, turn back the calendar and undo the sins of our forebears. But we also cannot ignore them, or their legacy. In an era in which African Americans take to the streets to protest the killings of unarmed black men by police, when reported hate crimes are on the upswing, when the president uses dog-whistle racism to mobilize his hard-right political base, when minority neighborhoods are over-policed and when African Americans disproportionately are subject to death sentences, Congress standing up now and correcting this historical wrong by making lynching a federal crime would send a powerful symbol to the entire nation. And not passing this measure would also send a message, one that would reflect poorly on Congress, and on the nation. Russian bots are running the world. I can almost hear their strange and eerie chitterings in the night. Theirs is the hiss of the online locust. They share so many traits with my mother. They do not sleep. They respond to their trigger topics faster than is humanly possible. They are unable to figure out how to download a photograph of themselves for a profile picture. Oh, Mother. Oh, Mother Russia. How quickly you colonize the brain. Yesterday an e-mail Id written bounced back to me, and my brain immediately computed: Putin. I probably wouldnt have been so rattled if, an hour earlier, my phone hadnt auto-corrected a and the out of another e-mail: Why dont you try Apple store on Avenue of Stars? Total Soviet speak. Advertisement But seriously, have you noticed how, when you mention hamburgers on social media, you sometimes get a pop-up ad for ketchup, one of the two major ingredients in Russian dressing? Ive worried in the past that my phone might be bugged. At the end of a day, its always drained of power. And I once received a text not meant for me. Increasingly I seem to hear static on the other end of the line. It sounds like dark money. You can hardly blame me for being suspicious. I mean, the 2016 election, anyone? Somebody was working overtime to persuade Americans that the election was rigged and that diversity was dangerous. That same Somebody bought a lot of ads on Facebook and Twitter and then broke in to the Democrats e-mail servers so they could make a delivery to Wikileaks. Twitter had to deactivate 3,000 accounts. Thats a lot of default eggs to crack. Or what about the two opposing rallies in Houston that the Facebook trollskies organized for the same day in May 2016 a Stop Islamization of Texas event and a Save Islamic Knowledge event? It was like the entire internet was screaming: Lets be schizophrenemies! Then the eruption of Hawaiis Kilauea volcano this year, the bot-propelled migrant caravan, the Yellow Vests protests in France. Yet more frenzy-whipping, yet more massaging of the narrative in an effort to sow chaos. The fringe hasnt been this mainstream since Cher met Bob Mackie. Do you want us to squirm, Vladimir? We are squirming, comrade. We shudder at the knowledge that with bots come human operatives. We know how this might play out. Weve seen The Americans! How quickly a shadow league of insurgents can be mobilized for micro-bursts of violence and Emmy-caliber psychological nuance. With the right hairpiece, anything is possible. We are all on high alert. These days I thoroughly inspect any black, windowless van I encounter to see if it has diplomatic plates. Every time I hear the word seashell, I think secret meeting in the Seychelles. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Last Thursday, when I picked up my laundry at the laundromat, it seemed quiet too quiet in there. Then it dawned on me: Many of the letters in the word laundromat are also in the word kompromat. I cautiously handed the proprietor my ticket, but not before turning up her radio deafeningly loud so no one could hear me. Go phish, Mrs. Sex-as-Spycraft! Yes, Russian bots, youve got me running. At work I scour every nook and crevasse I encounter for hidden thumb drives. Those long poles with a mirror at their end, for checking the undersides of vehicles for bombs? Yesterday I made one with a face powder compact and a hoe. Ive used it to check the belly of every dog in my neighborhood. (Never try to wedge a surveillance device between the sidewalk and a dachshund.) On the plus side, though, Im a much more sophisticated citizen than I was three years ago. Item: Last night I saw a man on my street scratching his head. I didnt think psoriasis. I thought wig tape. Henry Alford is the author of a book about dancing, And Then We Danced. He writes for the New Yorker. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook. About a quarter of the federal government has been shut down for six days as of late Thursday, and neither party in Congress nor President Trump seems to see much of a reason to compromise, yet. Capitol Hill is a ghost town; for most of the day, newspapers stacked up outside the closed door to the suite belonging to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). President Trump continued to fire off tweets signaling he was dug in on his demand for money to build a border wall. And Democrats tried a third time to get the House to approve a measure that the Senate approved unanimously last week, but which Trump rejected because it lacked wall money. Theres been no evident movement in Washington this week. Wondering how this standoff might end? Lets jump right in. How long is this going to last? Into 2019, its all but certain. The House and Senate both confirmed on Thursday that they will have no votes this week. Theyve promised 24 hours notice to lawmakers dispersed for the holidays. Advertisement Even if members of Congress were summoned before New Years Day, its unclear how many would show up. (Remember, Democrats won a net gain of 40 House seats in November to take the majority; some Republicans who lost or are retiring havent had good attendance records in the weeks since.) The new Congress will be sworn in on Jan. 3. Pomp and circumstance will take much of the day and then negotiations could begin. Because it takes a few days to get bills through both the House and Senate, reopening the shuttered government agencies in mid- to late January is possible. First, Congress has to have something both chambers can pass, and that Trump will sign. Marc Short, Trumps former legislative affairs director, told CNN on Thursday that it could be a few weeks before a compromise is reached. Arent they already negotiating in some smoke-filled room? Leaving aside that smoking has long been banned in most of the Capitol, all signs point to no negotiations only dueling news releases blaming the other party. Really? Really. Let me explain why. Democrats have little incentive to compromise before they take control of the House next week and gain a lot of leverage. Although Republicans will hold two more Senate seats than theyve had, their still-narrow majority means they will still need some Democrats votes to pass legislation. Yet Trump and his hard-line allies among House Republicans have their own reason to stand their ground for now: These last days of Republican control of all three legislative levers the White House, House and Senate are likely the presidents last chance to get the funding he wants for his border wall. He does not want to look like he is backing down from his campaign promise now. Thats just the argument that his allies in the conservative House Freedom Caucus successfully used to coax Trump into holding firm to his demand for $5 billion for the wall, and forcing the shutdown. Remind us, how did we get here? Congress passed the annual appropriations bills to fund about 75% of the government before the current fiscal year began Oct. 1. (Something it has rarely done in recent years.) Members gave themselves an extension into December to fund the rest, covering a number of federal departments and a handful of ancillary independent agencies that include NASA. By December all sides had agreed on funding levels for those agencies, including $1.6 billion for border security, some of which would go toward wall construction. With indications from the White House that Trump approved, the Senate unanimously passed that package and went home. It assumed the House would follow suit and the president would sign the legislation in time to avoid shutting down the government before Christmas. But Trump, egged on by the conservative House Freedom Caucus and talk radio celebrities who said his legacy was at stake, reversed course. He announced he wouldnt accept less than $5 billion for the wall and would be proud to shut down the government if he didnt get it. The hardliners had reminded Trump that he had already grudgingly signed a spending package in March with little of the full $25 billion he wanted for a wall, on assurance from Republican leaders that they would fight for more money in the next round of appropriations bills. The House, rejecting the Senate-passed bill, narrowly passed a version that included more than $5 billion. The Senate, predictably, couldnt follow suit before the deadline at midnight last Friday. Whats actually closed, and why should I care? The departments or agencies that have closed include the departments of Homeland Security, State, Agriculture, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice and Transportation, as well as independent agencies including NASA, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. None of the roughly 800,000 affected employees will receive a paycheck while the government is closed, though about 420,000 are considered essential and must report to work, including air traffic controllers and Border Patrol agents. (In the past, Congress has approved back pay, but that doesnt cover any late fees, interest or other costs people incur for missed or late bill payments.) About 44,000 active-duty members of the Coast Guard are working without pay because they are the only branch of the military funded under the Homeland Security Departments budget rather than the Pentagons. The Smithsonian Institution has announced that all museums and galleries will close Jan. 2, disappointing tourists from all over. National parks are closed, though some states are maintaining operations at the most popular parks. Trying to buy a home? The Federal Housing Administration and the IRS are less responsive because they dont have the staff needed to process and approve loans or provide needed tax information. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Wednesday that the National Flood Insurance Program cannot issue new policies, even though Congress passed legislation last week authorizing the program to operate through May. Proof of such policies is required to get some mortgages; the National Assn. of Realtors estimates that 40,000 home closings are delayed each month the agency cant issue flood insurance policies. FEMA will continue processing flood damage claims. Want to start a business in the new year? The Small Business Administration cannot process new business loan applications. Need help financing crops this spring? The Agriculture Department has said it cant provide farm loans if the shutdown continues for longer than a week. The State Department, however, will continue processing passport and visa applications as long as it has money to do so. Most Americans have been distracted by the holidays. But as the shutdown drags on, more people will feel the effects as they require services or otherwise have to interact with the closed agencies. Thats important. In past shutdowns, public sentiment anger and disgust has played a big role in pushing the parties to compromise. The latest from Washington More stories from Sarah D. Wire sarah.wire@latimes.com Follow @sarahdwire on Twitter When Californians voted in 2016 to allow the sale of recreational marijuana, advocates of the move envisioned thousands of pot shops and cannabis farms obtaining state licenses, making the drug easily available to all adults within a short drive. But as the first year of licensed sales comes to a close, Californias legal market hasnt performed as state officials and the cannabis industry had hoped. Retailers and growers say theyve been stunted by complex regulations, high taxes and decisions by most cities to ban cannabis shops. At the same time, many residents are going to city halls and courts to fight pot businesses they see as nuisances, and police chiefs are raising concerns about crime triggered by the marijuana trade. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, who played a large role in the legalization of cannabis, will inherit the numerous challenges when he takes office in January as legislators hope to send him a raft of bills next year to provide banking for the pot industry, ease the tax burden on retailers and crack down on sales to minors. Hundreds of new California laws take effect Jan. 1. How will they affect you? Advertisement The cannabis industry is being choked by Californias penchant for over-regulation, said Dale Gieringer, director of California NORML, a pro-legalization group. Its impossible to solve all of the problems without a drastic rewrite of the law, which is not in the cards for the foreseeable future. After voters legalized marijuana two years ago under Proposition 64, state officials estimated in there would be as many as 6,000 cannabis shops licensed in the first few years. But the state Bureau of Cannabis Control has issued just 547 temporary and annual licenses to marijuana retail stores and dispensaries. Some 1,790 stores and dispensaries were paying taxes on medicinal pot sales before licenses were required starting Jan. 1. (Los Angeles Times) State officials also predicted that legal cannabis would eventually bring in up to $1 billion in revenue a year. But with many cities banning pot sales, tax revenue is falling far short of estimates. Based on taxes collected since Jan. 1, the state is expected to bring in $471 million in revenue this fiscal year much less than the $630 million projected in Gov. Jerry Browns budget. I think we all wish we could license more businesses, but our system is based on dual licensing and local control, said Alex Traverso, a spokesman for the state Bureau of Cannabis Control, referring to the requirement that cannabis businesses get permission from the state and the city in which they want to operate. Less than 20% of cities in California 89 of 482 allow retail shops to sell cannabis for recreational use, according to the California Cannabis Industry Assn. Cities that allow cannabis sales include Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco and San Diego. Coverage of California politics Eighty-two of Los Angeles Countys 88 cities prohibit retail sales of recreational marijuana, according to Alexa Halloran, an attorney specializing in cannabis law for the firm Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson. Pot shops are not allowed in cities including Burbank, Manhattan Beach, Alhambra, Beverly Hills, Inglewood, Compton, Redondo Beach, El Monte, Rancho Palos Verdes and Calabasas. While some cities have jumped in headfirst, weve taken a deliberate approach, said Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano, to see how things shake out elsewhere before further consideration. I think thats proven to be the smart approach. Voters have also been reluctant to allow cannabis stores in their communities. Of the 64 California cities and counties that voted on cannabis ballot measures in the November midterm election, eight banned the sale of cannabis or turned down taxation measures, seven allowed sales and 49 approved taxes on pot businesses, said Hilary Bricken, an attorney who represents the industry. Among them, voters in Malibu approved pot shops while Simi Valley residents voted for an advisory measure against allowing retail sales. Javier Montes, owner of Wilmington pot store Delta-9 THC, says he is struggling to compete with a large illicit market unburdened by the taxes he pays as a licensed business. Because we are up against high taxes and the proliferation of illegal shops, it is difficult right now, Montes said. We expected lines out of our doors, but unfortunately the underground market was already conducting commercial cannabis activity and are continuing to do so. Montes, who received his city and state licenses in January, says his business faces a 15% state excise tax, a 10% recreational marijuana tax by the city of Los Angeles and 9.5% in sales tax by the county and state a markup of more than 34%. He says there isnt enough enforcement against illegal operators, and the hard times have caused him to cut the number of employees at his shop in half this year from 24 to 12. Its very hard whenever I have to lay people off, because they are like a family to me, said Montes, who is vice president of the United Cannabis Business Assn., which represents firms including the about 170 cannabis retailers licensed by the city of Los Angeles. DELTA-9 faces a 15% state excise tax, a 10% recreational cannabis tax by the city of Los Angeles and 9.5% in sales tax by the county and state, the shop owner says. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Sky Siegel, who operates a cannabis business in Studio City, said he recently gave up trying to open another store in Santa Monica because of its restrictions on such businesses. It turns into this Hunger Games to try to get a license, said Siegel, who is general manager of Perennial Holistic Wellness Center, which has a dozen employees in Studio City and also operates a delivery service. He says his firm is up against thousands of unlicensed delivery services going into cities where storefronts are banned. To me, it doesnt make sense that many cities have prohibited shops, he said. Banning does nothing. Its already there. Why not turn this into a legitimized business, which is what the people want. Marijuana use is rising among pregnant patients. Not so fast, doctors warn California has also issued fewer cultivation licenses than expected in the first year of legalization, with about 2,160 growers registered with the state; an estimated 50,000 commercial cannabis cultivation operations existed before Proposition 64, according to the California Growers Assn. Some have given up growing pot, but many others are continuing to operate illegally. The trade group hoped to see at least 5,000 commercial growers licensed in the first year, said Hezekiah Allen, the groups former executive director who is now chairman of Emerald Grown, a cooperative of 130 licensed cultivators. We are lagging far behind, Allen said. Its woefully inadequate. Most of the people in California who are buying cannabis are still buying it from the unregulated market. There just isnt a reason for most growers to make the transition. Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg), who has crafted cannabis regulations, said the licensing system had not yet lived up to its promise. The state licensing process this past year has been a painful one, said Wood, adding that the complex rules are particularly difficult for small businesses. I recognize that this has been a significant undertaking for the state, and you combine that with the cannabis industry learning how to navigate the process its been difficult for them both. The legalization of recreational pot has also created tension in areas of the state where cannabis growers are operating close to residents. Jesse Jones said he moved his family to Petaluma from Marin County six months ago so his three children could enjoy more open space, but he is now fighting a proposal for a cannabis farm to operate a few hundred feet from his home, in part because of safety issues. You are going to have what is still a [Schedule 1] narcotic being produced in line of sight of my kids trampoline, on a shared road that was never intended for this type of commercial operation, said Jones, an energy industry executive. Sanjay Bagai, a former investment banker who lives with his family next door to a new cannabis farm in Sonoma County, is a leader of a residents group called Save Our Sonoma Neighborhoods, which has obtained a preliminary court ruling against one cannabis-growing operation. Bagai said his group was not anti-cannabis but added that pot cultivation is not something that fits into our neighborhood here. The smell is horrific, he said of the marijuana plants. Its like rotting flesh. And the traffic is insane. Quality-of-life complaints have also surfaced in neighborhoods where cannabis sellers have set up shop. Van Nuys Neighborhood Council President George Thomas said he had received about a dozen complaints in the last year from residents living near pot stores who were concerned about loitering, the smell of marijuana smoke and other issues. Thomas, who is the publisher of the Van Nuys News Press and is an LAPD volunteer, passes complaints on to police officers. If they are not in compliance, Thomas said, if they are within a thousand feet of a school or church, we are totally against them and we are happy to work with the neighborhood prosecutor in the city attorneys office to shut them down. At the same time, he said, the neighborhood council has worked with licensed cannabis stores to get them involved in improving the community and has asked the Los Angeles City Council to devote some of the tax revenue from Van Nuys shops to solving local problems, including homelessness and crime. Meanwhile, despite concerns from law enforcement, the state is finalizing a proposal to allow deliveries throughout California including in cities that ban retail stores. The new rule by Lori Ajax, chief of the state Bureau of Cannabis Control, is expected to be implemented in January. Ajax says she believes that as the system is refined and is shown to operate successfully in some cities, other local governments will allow retail pot sales. But opponents of pot legalization, including Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, are happy that most cities are saying no to selling the drug. The residents of Compton and these other cities have seen the ills that come with allowing marijuana in the door, Sabet said, including skyrocketing drugged driving; the promise, then failure of social justice; and the targeting of children through the use of colorful and deceptive candies, gummies and sodas. Even in cities that allow cannabis sales, businesses face big hurdles. The various taxes and fees could drive up the cost of legal cannabis in parts of California by 45%, according to the global credit ratings firm Fitch Ratings. There is less of a tax burden in Oregon, where voters legalized recreational pot in 2014, and state and local taxes are capped at 20%. With nearly a tenth of the population of California, that state has more licensed cannabis shops 601. On a per capita basis, Alaska has also approved more pot shop licenses than California, 94 so far. The state imposes a tax on cultivation, but there is no retail excise tax on pot. Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Alameda) tried and failed this year to push for a temporary reduction in Californias pot taxes to help the industry get on its feet. Its a work in progress, Bonta said of the current regulatory system. We knew we werent going to get it exactly right on Day 1, and so were always looking for ways to achieve the original intentions and goal. Bonta said he may revisit the taxation issue in 2019 and is exploring the idea of having the state do more to get cities to approve businesses, possibly by providing advisory guidelines for local legalization that address cities concerns. California cannabis businesses, like their counterparts in Colorado and Oregon, also face costs to test marijuana for harmful chemicals. The testing costs are excessive $500 to $1,000 per batch, and most crops involve multiple batches, said Gieringer, the director of California NORML. No other agricultural product is required to undergo such costly or sensitive tests. Another problem hampering the legal market is a lack of banking for cannabis businesses. Federally regulated banks are reluctant to handle cash from pot, which remains an illegal drug under federal law. Banking continues to be an issue in terms of creating a real public safety problem with significant amounts of cash being moved for transactions, said Bonta, who co-wrote a bill this year that would have created a state-sanctioned bank to handle money from pot sellers. It failed to pass after legislative analysts said the proposal faced significant obstacles, including no protection from federal law enforcement. Industry leaders and activists said they knew it would be a slow process to establish a strong legal market, noting other states with legal pot, including Colorado, Washington and Oregon, also faced growing pains and problems along the way. But Ajax, the state pot czar, says her agency has had a productive first year, issuing initial licenses, refining the rules and stepping up action against unlicensed operations, including partnering with the Los Angeles Police Department to seize $2 million worth of marijuana products from an unlicensed shop in Sylmar in October. I am optimistic about the coming year, where our focus will be primarily on getting more businesses licensed and increasing enforcement efforts on the illegal market, Ajax said. patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com Twitter: @mcgreevy99 Descanso, a new Mexican fusion restaurant in Costa Mesa, is placing hungry diners close to the action. And by close, we mean your evenings chef is right in front of you, chopping vegetables and meats, adding an egg to the rice and fanning the flames as you sit and watch around a giant flat grill. For Descanso, this dining experience is dubbed la plancha, the Spanish word for griddle. Think of it as the Mexican version of Benihana, a hibachi/teppanyaki-style outing, though not as showy. Dont expect an onion volcano. This modern taqueria opened in November at 1555 Adams Ave. in the Shops at Mesa Verde. The site which happens to be next to one of Orange Countys busiest intersections and hasnt had a top-notch restaurant in recent memory formerly contained a Souplantation. That building was torn down and has been rebuilt in the Spanish Colonial Revival style to match the center. There are three grills that can seat eight for la plancha diners. Other seating options are the dining room, taco bar, full-service bar and patio. A taco plate at Descanso Restaurant. (Photo by Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer) During my recent visit, I had la plancha and left full and satisfied. What we ate was not always traditional Mexican fare, but we didnt mind. It started with chips, salsa and pork rinds. The chips were a bit too crunchy for my liking, but that didnt matter when paired with Descansos excellent (and smoky) red roasted pepper salsa. I paired that with a stellar drink called Bad Hombres (Herrardura repasado tequila, pineapple, serranos, lime, salt and pepper). Then came the first course of soups: caldo de hongos (wild mushroom broth, soy sauce, red onion and cilantro) and fideo (toasted noodles, tomato broth, avocado, refried pinto beans, cream, tortilla strips and queso fresco). I recommend the caldo; it ended up being our favorite bite of the evening. Our chef also prepared some nontraditional fried rice with an egg inside and smoked pepper mayo a kind of Mexican-Asian fusion that was also among the best things we ate that evening. It came with wonderfully seasoned, freshly grilled vegetables. Descanso Restaurants Mexi Poke is just one of the many Mexican-Asian fusion items on the menu. (Photo by Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer) Main course options for la plancha are choices of tacos, quesadillas or alambres, which are like a scramble with tortillas (Descansos are cleverly and deliciously made with both blue and white corn). The al pastor (pork) alambre was a standout, made with three cheeses, poblanos, pineapple, avocado salsa and tortillas. The evenings seasonal dessert was a lovely crepe with chocolate and whip cream. Descanso is inspired by street-side taco men, made into a full-service restaurant setting, says Rob Arellano, the owner of the restaurant. (Photo by Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer) Descanso is the latest endeavor of Rob Arellano, whose Costa Mesa credits also include the Holiday speakeasy-style bar and La Vida Cantina restaurant. He says Descanso is inspired by street-side taco men, made into a full-service restaurant setting. Chef Sergio Ortega helms the kitchen, which he told me is quite small. Thus, he and his team make everything fresh, as storage is limited. No cans or can openers, he proclaimed. Ortega, a native of Morelia, Mexico, studied culinary arts at the Art Institute of California in Santa Ana and has worked at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel and AnQi in Costa Mesa, among other kitchens. Descanso serves lunch and dinner daily. Stop by for great Mexican food, only in a different realm than what you might be expecting. For more information, visit descansorestaurant.com or call (714) 486-3798. Four months after the 2016 presidential election, Cottie Petrie-Norris then a grassroots organizer for Women for American Values and Ethics, or WAVE looked out over hundreds of people gathered on a Sunday afternoon for political activism training at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach. Gazing out across that crowd and just the commitment of people in that room, that just made me go Oh my gosh, we are actually going to be able to change some of these things that were not happy about, Petrie-Norris said. A little over a year and a half later, the Democrat from Laguna Beach won her first campaign for public office: the 74th District seat in the California Assembly over two-term incumbent Matthew Harper (R-Huntington Beach). It was a special kind of moment when you go from ... being just sort of scared and freaked out to going All right, Im going to do something about it, to then believing, like, were building the momentum that could change it, she said. Before President Trumps win in 2016, Petrie-Norris political participation consisted mainly of knocking on doors for Hillary Clinton with the Laguna Beach Democratic Club. Instead of seeing the election of the countrys first female president, as she expected, Petrie-Norris got a wake-up call, she said. At first I was a participant, said the native of La Mesa in San Diego County. Then I turned into an organizer. Within a few months, she joined the boards of the Laguna Beach Democratic Club and Orange Countys chapter of WAVE, which formed in the wake of the 2016 election. She coordinated the 48th District Action Council, a coalition of small progressive groups in the congressional district, and served as an Assembly district delegate for the state Democratic Party during Harpers second term. Post-2016 election, people were devastated, said Petrie-Norris, 43. But we didnt just get mad or sad or just kind of wallow. We got incredibly busy, I think, shaping an alternative vision of our future. As she made calls, led meetings and organized fundraisers for fellow Laguna Beach Democrat Harley Roudas campaign for the 48th Congressional District seat (which he won in November by defeating longtime Republican incumbent Dana Rohrabacher), Petrie-Norris kept an eye on other upcoming elections. Harpers stance on womens issues upset her he was one of two Assembly members who voted against the Fair Pay Act in 2015. A year after the presidential election, Petrie-Norris decided to run for office herself. Since winning 52.7% of the vote in last months Assembly election, Petrie-Norris set to work almost right away. She took a brief vacation in Sedona, Ariz., to rest from the incredibly intense campaign and then began scheduling meetings with local government officials and community leaders in the 74th District, which includes parts of Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods. Even just since shes been elected and sworn into office shes done more outreach to each of the cities than our last three representatives, said Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley. Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, her husband, Colin, and sons Dylan and Hayden attend a community swearing-in ceremony for her on Dec. 16 in Newport Beach. (Photo by Spencer Grant) Petrie-Norris said she wants to understand the districts issues and priorities as she shapes her package of bills for the legislative session. On her first official day as an assemblywoman, she introduced AB 65, a bill that would prioritize coastal conservancy projects that use natural elements to adapt to climate change. She said it would bring funding back to communities facing the threat of sea level rise. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount), whom Petrie-Norris supported in his bid this month to remain speaker, announced Thursday that he had appointed her chairwoman of the Accountability and Administrative Review Committee and a member of the appropriations, judiciary, veterans affairs and revenue and taxation committees. Shes like a stick of dynamite, man. Shes a firecracker, said Sue Kempf, who won a seat on the Laguna Beach City Council in November. She didnt waste any time. Petrie-Norris hopes to put environmentalism and public safety at the forefront of her two-year term. She said she wants to build more supportive housing for homeless and low-income people and reform sober-living facilities with stronger oversight. She is not about party politics, she said. I see her working as needed [on] both sides of the aisle and see her really caring about her cities as well as the state as a whole, said former Newport Beach mayor Evelyn Hart, a Republican. Sometimes you have to go across the aisle when you know that somebody else can do a better job for you. Kempf said Petrie-Norris is a smart person who will go right to work on issues that matter. Just one indication of how good Cottie will be on the Assembly is how hard she worked on her campaign, because she was virtually an unknown person, Kempf said. Petrie-Norris credits her victory to her supporters and a changing political climate in Orange County and nationwide. Her supporters point to her personality and organizational skills nurtured by her nearly two-decade business career. As far as her campaign goes, it was like a machine, said Gary LeFebvre, president of the Laguna Beach Democratic Club. It was amazing how well she adapted to being a candidate. Petrie-Norris is a graduate of Yale University, where she studied economics and English. She spent most of her professional career in marketing. Her first 13 years out of college took her to Washington, D.C., London and Johannesburg, South Africa, working for Capital One, American Express and two start-ups. In 2012, she and her husband, Colin Petrie-Norris, a native of Johannesburg, decided to return from London to her home state, where she would begin her own consulting business. The couple settled on Laguna Beach after stopping for lunch one gloomy June day on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. Really and truly, as we sat down, the skies parted and the sun came out and the [Rolling] Stones You Cant Always Get What You Want was playing, she remembered with a laugh. Our kids were frolicking in the sand as we were having lunch, and we just looked at each other and thought If this really is an option, we have to try. After a couple of months, we were like Nope, were never leaving. faith.pinho@latimes.com Twitter: @faithepinho As 2019 approaches, I have my annual assessments of politicians who sizzled and fizzled in 2018 along with my predictions about what to expect from them in the coming year. Several women topped my sizzle list in 2018. They rose to the challenge this election season. For the record: An earlier version of this column incorrectly stated that Newport Beach Councilman Will ONeill was passed over for mayor. In fact, ONeill decided not to seek the mayorship, volunteering to serve a second term as mayor pro tem so that Diane Dixon could serve as mayor. 2019 holds great promise for newly elected Costa Mesa council members Andrea Marr and Arlis Reynolds; both are bringing fresh ideas, as is a resurgent Mayor Katrina Foley. Right out of the blocks, Foley made bold moves reorganizing city staff and engaging former Newport City Manager Dave Kiff, wholl be volunteering his expertise as the city searches for its next top administrator. Though Kiffs job in Newport fizzled in 2018 when he was pressed by Team Newport council members to leave only months before his planned retirement, I believe he will vindicate himself in 2019. Foley is working with Kiff to do what many in Newport felt he shouldve been allowed to do there transition a new city manager. Newports loss here is Costa Mesas gain. And though many in Newport hoped to clean house this past election by ousting incumbent Team Newport council members Scott Peotter, Marshall Duffy Duffield, Kevin Muldoon and Diane Dixon, all but Peotter survived to see another term. Peotter was defeated by Joy Brenner who has much to prove in 2019, including making good on campaign promises to bring consensus and transparency to the council. With Jeff Herdman her only immediate council ally, Id be surprised if she can garner enough support from Team Newport to move the needle and realize any real change. I predict even more contention and polarization. Though Peotter fizzled, I feel hes still a strong influence on his buddy Duffield. I bet we havent seen or heard the last of Peotter and his radical ideas. Im taking odds that Duffield wont see the end of his term, predicting hell quit midstream, making way for his voting bloc, Team Newport, to appoint his successor. Could Peotter move to Duffields district and be re-appointed to council? Stranger things have happened. Newport Mayor Pro Tem Will ONeill is another one to watch in 2019. ONeill fizzled, in my opinion, when he took the option of not going for mayor and instead sought and secured a second term as mayor pro tem. I wonder whether he will be able to secure the votes the next time around and step into the top job. That remains to be seen. Many Brenner supporters were angered by his pointed comments on social media during the election. ONeill has some work to do this year to turn that anger into votes. Will he ever be mayor? Or will he end up like former Councilwoman Leslie Daigle, who was in line to hold the gavel but was never given the chance by her peers? If hes not made mayor it could hurt his 2020 bid (if he goes for a second term). Speaking of 2020, the Orange County Republican Party has some work to do to recover from its 2018 losses. The GOP lost every House seat up for grabs countywide and took a beating in many of the local and state races too. It needs a makeover. Will that reinvention include replacing Party Chairman Fred Whitaker? If so, the bigger question is, who would take his place? One person definitely not interested is Whitakers predecessor, Scott Baugh, who told me recently that hes not counting out another run for the 48th Congressional seat in two years, when newly elected U.S. Rep. Harley Rouda (D-Laguna Beach) is up for re-election. All eyes will be on Rouda, who sizzled this year, beating out incumbent Dana Rohrabacher, a Costa Mesa Republican, who now plans to move to Maine. I predict that if Rouda maintains a moderate voice in Congress as he promised during the campaign and gets something done for the district, hell be hard to beat. But that wont stop Republicans from trying to take back the historically conservative seat. 2019 will show us wholl start fundraising and lobbying the party for support in preparation for that run. Could we see Baugh, a former state assemblyman, face off against Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel in two years, as some are predicting? Adding to my list of folks to watch in 2019 are two relatively unknown young guys: Alex Crawford and Riley Hayes. The creators of Good Morning Newport, an online show, took a tongue-and-cheek look at the political scene in this city and quickly garnered an impressive audience. So much so that they now tape in front of a live audience and their numbers keep growing on social media. I predict they will continue to sizzle in 2019, engaging the next generations interest in community service and politics. Keep your eyes peeled on the Daily Pilot as the New Year unfolds and I begin my 12th year covering the local political scene and telling stories of interest and intrigue. Barbara Venezia is an opinion columnist writing political and social commentary since 2007. She can be reached at bvontv1@gmail.com Re: This is my final letter to readers; the next are to my grandchildren, Jim Carnett column, (Dec. 24): Jim, I want to thank you for years of your columns. Your daughter, Jade, was a friend of our daughter during grade school and junior high, and I think also high school, so we have followed your stories with fond interest. I am a bit older than you 76 to your 74. I dont have Parkinsons, as you do, but I too have experienced the challenges of aging, with back problems and multiple surgeries for that, which have slowed me down from the active lifestyle I had when our daughters were younger and playing together. I am a retired physician, so I know how debilitating Parkinsons can be, and I have admired your tenacity. I know it is not easy. I wish you the best with your latest retirement and writing your letters to your grandchildren. You may inspire me to move forward with my long-delayed professed desire to write a memoir so that my grandchildren (currently ages 4, 1, twins at 11 months and a fifth due in June) may have some idea of who I was when I am long gone from this earth. Also, please say hello to Hedy from my wife and to Jade from my daughter. Donald Williams Costa Mesa Were halfway there, Jim Thanks for the memories, Jim Carnett. As someone who has written his fair share of letters to the editor and commentaries, I always looked forward to reading your pieces. And as someone who still attaches 30 to his op-eds, I clearly understand the concept of done. Not that youre really done. Together, you and I have been writing for nearly 100 years. That said, let me end my letter of appreciation with a 15 . Yep, I consider us both only half done. Denny Freidenrich Laguna Beach Keep reporting on leash laws at the river mouth Re: More needs to be done to protect threatened birds at river jetty dog beach, environmentalists say, (Dec. 13): Thank you for reporting on the California Coastal Commission and the snowy plover story. The story was well done. The countys actions, and not enforcing the leash laws at the river and beach, are problematic and need monitoring too. Please continue to focus on this topic. Laura Curran Newport Beach Newly elected officials will represent us well Now that the elections and holidays are behind us, it is time to focus on what we can expect and hope for in 2019. The obvious choice will be how we are represented in government at all levels. It will be such a pleasure to have newly installed Kim Carr on the Huntington Beach City Council. Ditto for newly elected Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley and that citys new council members and Councilwoman Joy Brenner in Newport Beach. All of us in this neck of the woods will serve under Cottie Petri-Norris (D-Laguna Beach) in the state Assembly and Rep. Harley Rouda (D-Laguna Beach) in Congress. The year 2019 will show us what the new folks can do with majority parties in Sacramento and the House of Representatives. We can finally start kicking the living behind the Orange Curtain jokes to the curb and focus on true blue progress. Tim Geddes Huntington Beach How to get published: Email us at dailypilot@latimes.com. All correspondence must include full name, hometown and phone number (for verification purposes). The Pilot reserves the right to edit all submissions for clarity and length. A student assembles a robot in Qingdao, Shandong. (Photo/Xinhua) Coding and programming education have exploded amongst Chinese young students creating a large-scale market worth 3 to 4 billion yuan, according to an industry report, Guangming Daily reported on Dec. 25. Chinese students started having access to computer knowledge since the 1980s. Over the past 30 years, programming has elevated into an element within compulsory education throughout the 12 grades. Childrens programming language was designed to cultivate abstract and logical thinking and to improve their ability to solve problems, said Liu Xunkun who teaches information technology at a key middle school in Beijing. Xia Lixin, vice president of Central China Normal University, believes that programming, as the core of the information era, has become a basic skill that can be compared to knowledge of English in our work or daily life. Artificial intelligence has become an irresistible trend for future development. Thus, promoting programming education among youth is timely and contributes to the development of a comprehensive and exploratory education, said Xia. More importance has been attached to programming education for the sake of an all-round development and better education opportunities. Furthermore, the booming programming training targeting young students also attracts investments with many related training institutions springing up to improve the performance of trainees in all kinds of entrance examinations. By October 2018, the market size in China had hit 3 to 4 billion yuan, and was expected to expand by 10 times within 5 years, according to the latest industry development report. In contrast to the upward developing trend, the project is also facing several difficulties, including how to evaluate trainers, assess teaching effects and develop effective causes. Programming teachers for children requires not only professional proficiency but also basic teaching skills, Xia noted. In addition, its better to guide students hand in hand rather than via video. Its been not more than four years since the youth programming started to experience fast development in China, said Li Tianchi, co-founder of CodeMao Tech. Industry standards and supervision mechanisms are greatly needed now. Actor Jesse Luken, who had supporting roles in the television series Glee and Justified, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence earlier this month in Glendale. The Glendale Police Department received word of a car accident that occurred sometime around 11:15 p.m. on Dec. 5 near the intersection of San Fernando Road and Cerritos Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a four-door Toyota sedan resting partially on the sidewalk with major front-end damage. Sgt. Dan Suttles, a department spokesman, identified the cars driver as Luken. The 35-year-old failed a field sobriety test and was taken to Glendale City Jail, where he provided officers with a blood sample for blood-alcohol testing, according to Suttles. He was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood-alcohol content of .08% or higher. Luken was released several hours later on $5,000 bail. andy.nguyen@latimes.com Twitter: @Andy_Truc Volunteers with the La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Float Assn. are wrapping up their Rose Parade float entry, Tree Frog Night, with a flurry of excitement. LCFTRA treasurer Pam Wiedenbeck said Wednesday they have ample helping hands scheduled to decorate the float, right up to the time it travels to Pasadena on New Years Eve. But if anyone wants to drop by to assist, its possible work will be found for them to do. Wiedenbeck said onlookers are welcome to watch the flowers and other plant materials placed on Tree Frog Night, as long as they stay outside of the barricades set up at the site, a parking lot at the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Hampton Road. To help raise funds for the annual effort there are souvenirs for sale at the location, including patches, hats, cups, shirts and other items. Found Wednesday putting pink-dyed rice on what will be a large lotus flower featured on the float, Violet Kommers, 12 of Oak Park, Calif., said shes long had an interest in decorating a float. Its really fun, she said. Sara Wickersham, this years decoration co-chair, said once completed, the float will head to the parade route about 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. It will first travel east on Foothill to Oak Grove, then south toward Pasadena. We are expecting good weather, Wickersham said. Wed like it to be a little bit colder because its good for the flowers. According to a long-range forecast on weather.com, the daytime high on New Years Day is expected to be in the 60s, with mostly sunny skies overhead. In addition to rooting for the La Canada float Jan. 1, locals can look for a smile and wave from the two young La Canadans who are serving on the Tournament of Roses Royal Court, princesses Helen Rossi, a senior at Flintridge Prep, and La Canada High senior Rucha Kadam. A 10-day mountain gorilla and wildlife itinerary visits Murchison Falls National Park, Ugandas largest and oldest national park, and other parks to see rhinos, chimps and warthogs. The tour organized by Mukisa Safaris includes traveling to Lake Mburo National Park, home to more than 60 species of mammals; Queen Elizabeth National Park and its warthogs, waterbuck, Uganda kob, topis and monkeys; and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, best known for its gorilla trekking. Participants also go rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, chimp tracking in Kibale Forest National Park and gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Dates: Available year-round Advertisement Price: From $2,990 per person, double occupancy. Includes accommodations, permits, game drives, park entrance fees, English-speaking guide, ground transport and en-route lunches. International airfare, visa fees and tips are not included. Info: Mukisa Safaris travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Las Vegas travelers making last-minute New Years Eve plans may find single-night stays for Dec. 31 in demand. Many hotels require a two- or three-night minimum on the weekend expected to draw about 318,000 visitors. 8 places to go on New Years Eve in Las Vegas If you decide to go, check with your hotel about access. Las Vegas Boulevard and some cross streets close to traffic starting Monday afternoon. Heres what I found in a check of room prices at 20 resorts along the Strip as of Wednesday afternoon. Prices dont include taxes, resort fees and parking. Advertisement Aria: Rooms on Dec. 31 from $699. Bellagio: Two-night minimum stay. Rooms from $459 on Dec. 30 and $849 on Dec. 31. Caesars Palace: Three-night minimum stay. Rooms from $299 on Dec. 29, $609 on Dec. 30 and $659 on Dec. 31. Circus Circus: Two-night minimum stay. Tower rooms from $144 on Dec. 30 and $284 on Dec. 31. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Three-night minimum stay. Rooms from $135 on Dec. 29, $500 on Dec. 30 and $750 on Dec. 31. Harrahs: Two-night minimum stay. Rooms from $249 on Dec. 30 and $389 on Dec. 31. Luxor: Two-night minimum stay. Rooms from $239 on Dec. 30 and $309 on Dec. 31. Mandalay Bay: Rooms on Dec. 31 from $428. MGM Grand: Two-night minimum stay. Rooms from $259 on Dec. 30 and $379 on Dec. 31. The Mirage: Two-night minimum stay. Rooms from $259 on Dec.30 and $399 on Dec. 31. NoMad Las Vegas: Rooms on Dec. 31 from $549. Paris Las Vegas: Three-night minimum stay. Rooms from $199 on Dec. 29, $649 on Dec. 30 and $799 on Dec. 31. Planet Hollywood: Sold out. SLS Las Vegas: Rooms for Dec. 31 from $409. Stratosphere: Rooms for Dec. 31 from $259. Treasure Island: Rooms on Dece. 31 from $385. Tropicana: Rooms on Dec. 31 from $359. Venetian-Palazzo: Two-night minimum stay. Rooms for $499 per night. Waldorf Astoria: Rooms on Dec. 31 from $720. Wynn-Encore: Two-night minimum stay. Rooms for $407 per night. Also, Aria, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Stratosphere, Treasure Island and Venetian-Palazzo shoot off fireworks at midnight as part of the annual outdoor Americas Party. travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Congos march toward Sundays election took a nasty turn on Thursday as the government ordered the European Union ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours after the EU prolonged sanctions against the ruling partys presidential candidate. Elsewhere, in Beni, police fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse more than 100 people protesting an election delay in the east, blamed on a deadly Ebola outbreak, that means more than 1 million votes will not count. Protesters set up blazing street barricades and some attacked an Ebola response center, with more than 20 patients fleeing. The opposition accuses the government of trying to ensure that the preferred candidate of departing President Joseph Kabila is elected, with many Congolese believing Kabila will continue to wield power behind the scenes. The foreign ministers order, seen by the Associated Press, called the EU ambassadors comportment reprehensible and came after weeks of pressure by Congos government to have the EU sanctions lifted on Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. The order asks the European Council urgently to recall its envoy. Advertisement The EU last year sanctioned Shadary, a former interior minister, for obstructing Congos electoral process and for a crackdown against protesters angry over the long-delayed vote. It was meant to be held in late 2016. The EU this month prolonged the asset freeze and travel ban against Shadary, and more than a dozen other people, days after Congo Foreign Minister Leonard She Okitundu pleaded with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini to lift the sanctions, even for a probationary period. There was no immediate comment from the EU ambassador, Bart Ouvry. Congo has resisted what it considers international meddling in the election, vowing to fund the vote itself. Western observer groups are notably absent. The election delays have led to sometimes deadly protests. The latest postponement pushed the vote from Dec. 23 to Sunday after a fire in the capital, Kinshasa, destroyed voting materials. Congos approximately 40 million registered voters will decide the fate of a vast country that is rich in the mineral wealth central to smartphones and electric cars but desperately poor in infrastructure and basic services. First, though, they have to make it to the polls. Thursdays protest in Beni occurred a day after Congos electoral commission announced that voting would be delayed until March for Beni and Butembo city because of the Ebola outbreak. The rest of the country still votes on Sunday, with definitive results announced on Jan. 15 and the inauguration three days later. Opposition candidates call the delay a ploy to hurt their chances in areas where sentiment has turned against the ruling party in recent years. The opposition coalition behind presidential candidate Martin Fayulu has called for a ghost town strike throughout Congo on Friday. The reasons given for the latest delay arent credible, Fayulu told the AP. He called on all Congolese to remain calm and vote without violence. The protesters in Beni marched to the local election office demanding the right to vote on Sunday. Others chanted for Kabila, in power since 2001, to go. Gunfire could still be heard on Thursday night, with streets closed. We participated in campaigning and there were no Ebola infections, said Clovis Mutsuva with the activist organization LUCHA. Why can a single day of voting cancel the elections for us? School, church and other activities have continued in Beni and Butembo despite the Ebola outbreak. Presidential candidate Martin Fayulu urged residents to protest the election delay. (Jerome Delay / Associated Press) The protesters attack on the Ebola response center posed yet another challenge to virus containment efforts in a region, long traumatized by rebels, that had never faced an outbreak before. Some residents continue to believe Ebola is just an excuse to disrupt the vote. Most of the 21 patients who fled the Ebola center had tested negative for the virus and were waiting for a second test, the health ministry said. Rebel attacks in Beni have killed more than 1,500 people in the last four years. The attacks now hurt efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak, which since being declared Aug. 1 has seen 585 cases, including 308 confirmed deaths. Congos health minister, Dr. Oly Ilunga, has called this Ebola outbreak the most complex in history. In an interview on Dec. 20, however, he told the AP that decisions about holding the election had been made with electoral authorities. Precautions had been taken, he said. The virus is spread via infected bodily fluids, and some have worried about using the touchscreens of voting machines. Several tons of hand sanitizer and disinfectant had been deployed for polling stations, and voters were to be screened for fever before entering. Iraqi leaders are demanding U.S. troops leave the country after President Trumps surprise visit to Iraq, which lawmakers characterized as an arrogant affront to the nations sovereignty. Trump made a three-hour sojourn in Iraq, traveling to Asad Air Base, some 115 miles northwest of Baghdad, but he did not meet with any Iraqi officials. And in Iraqs parliament, that perceived slight left both Washingtons allies and its foes fuming. The visit confirmed U.S. disregard for other nations sovereignty, said Hamdillah Kaabi, spokesman for nationalist Muqtada Sadrs Sairoon party. Sadr, the Shiite Muslim cleric whose loyalists battled U.S. forces during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, now heads parliaments largest bloc. He campaigned to limit the influence of both Washington and Tehran in Iraqs affairs. Kaabi said Thursday the party had long sought to end Washingtons arrogance and disrespect in its dealings with Iraq. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, shown in October, was given two hours notice to meet with President Trump. (Hadi Mizban / Associated Press) Advertisement Former Prime Minister Haider Abadi, the leader who worked most closely with the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, said in a statement Thursday that he rejected the method of Trumps visit, and that it was not appropriate to diplomatic mores and to relations with sovereign states. Trump was initially set to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi at the military base. However, Abdul Mahdis invitation to join Trump there came with only two hours notice for security reasons, said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, according to a pool report. Abdul Mahdi was in a different part of the country and unable to attend, she said. Abdul Mahdis office issued a delicate statement insisting that due to differences in the points of view on arranging the meeting, the two leaders instead held a phone call in which they discussed developments after the U.S. presidents decision to withdraw from Syria. Qais Khazali, an Iran-supported politician and head of the Asaib Ahl Haq militia, advocated a more forceful line with the U.S., vowing in a tweet Wednesday that Iraqs response will be with a parliamentary decision to expel [Trumps] military forces. He lauded Abdul Mahdi for refusing to meet Trump on such short notice. Though Khazalis militia is backed by Iran, it recently fought in concert with the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State. Qais Khazali, an Iran-supported politician and head of the Asaib Ahl Haq militia, threatened after Trumps Iraq visit to expel U.S. troops from the country. (Nabil al-Jurani / Associated Press) And if they [U.S forces] do not go out, he threatened, we have the experience and ability to get them out in another way that is well known to your forces, which were forced to withdraw in humiliation in 2011. More than 5,000 U.S. troops have been stationed in Iraq since 2014 as part of the coalition to defeat Islamic State. That year, the jihadis blitzed through wide swaths of the countrys northern region and swatted away government troops, many of whom threw down their weapons and ran away. Islamic State then established a so-called caliphate that straddled Syria and Iraq. Since then, successive government assaults assisted by the coalition have clawed back all ground lost to the militants. U.S. troops continue to work with local Iraqi forces in an advise-and-assist capacity to chase remnants of the group. Last week, Trump rocked the U.S. foreign policy establishment with an abrupt announcement withdrawing the approximately 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, a decision that surprised many of his regional and international allies, not to mention members of his own administration. He defended the decision to troops. Weve knocked out about 99% of the caliphate, Trump said. Its time to bring [U.S. troops] back. Trump said he had no plans at all to issue a similar order for troops in Iraq. In fact, we could use this as a base if we wanted to do something in Syria, Trump said. If, I will say this, if you take ISIS and if we see something happening with ISIS that we dont like, we can hit them so fast and so hard, they wont, they really wont know what the hell happened, he told the U.S. troops, using an acronym for Islamic State. Although U.S. troops are in Iraq ostensibly at Baghdads invitation and Islamic State remains a threat, many Iraqis blame the U.S. for the jihadis rise. The Iraqi news media often features stories claiming falsely that U.S. warplanes are dropping supplies to the jihadis, stoking anger toward the United States. Many commentators view the U.S. military presence as a threat to Iraqs stability and a symbol of the weakness of its political class before foreign officials. Trump visited Iraq without your knowledge, without giving you attention, and without asking you to give him permission. What sovereignty are you taking after this? tweeted Muntadhar Zaidi, an Iraqi journalist turned politician who once hurled his shoes at then-President George W. Bush when he was visiting Iraq in 2008. Do you have any respect from the world or your people? Zaidi tweeted Wednesday. If we had known he was visiting, then Iraq would have prepared for him 30 million shoes. Twitter: @nabihbulos The final award winner Max Silk SYDNEY, Dec 27 -- Recently, the 2018 China-Australia Short Video Contest announced the winning videos for Individual Awards and the Final Award for this year. By asking youths from Australia and China to upload their stories and perspectives about China on social media platforms, the event aims to enhance the connections between the two countries and promote Australians understanding of China and Chinese culture. Same as last year, the event is hosted by the Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China in Brisbane and organized by Peoples Daily Online Australia, with supporting partners of Study Queensland, Brisbane City Council, University of Queensland, Queensland University Technology, Griffith University and China National Tourist Office in Sydney. From September 1 to November 30, 2018, almost 120 entries were received on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Many great stories and experiences were shared in the form of short videos, showing candidates understanding and fondness towards China and their active involvement and support for the friendship of the two countries. With assessment performed by professional judges recommended by event supporting partners, 15 videos were finally selected for Outstanding Awards and four Individual Awards was announced after two rounds of scoring and one round of voting. Best Story Award: - Over 50 years of koala- panda friendship by Veronica Mackerras http://tv.people.com.cn/n1/2018/1211/c239891-30460180.html Best Editing Award Our trip in Jiangsu by Tyler Chamberlain http://tv.people.com.cn/n1/2018/1211/c239891-30458033.html Most Creative Award Travel around China by Max Silk http://tv.people.com.cn/n1/2018/1211/c239891-30458034.html Best Cooperation Award Lets go to China by Clint Sciberras http://tv.people.com.cn/n1/2018/1211/c239891-30458564.html These four winning productions were then promoted on Weibo and Miaopai, two of the most popular social media platforms in China to compete for the Final Award Most Popular in China Award. With 1.09 million views in just around 24 hours, the video Travel around China became the final winner and the winning candidate Max will be invited to China for a one-week cultural exchange trip in 2019. Max is currently studying at Macquarie University in Australia, majoring in International Studies. He has been to many cities in China and has had the opportunity to experience the authentic culture and history in China. With this video, I want to show the world how amazing a destination China is and particularly encourage more young Australians to experience what China has to offer, he said. Dr. Xu Jie, Consul-General of the Peoples Republic of China in Brisbane, also expressed his appreciation to all the supporting partners and candidates. We will work along with people from all walks of life in Queensland to continue advancing China-Australia and China-Queensland friendship. It is also my sincere wish that more Chinese and Australian young people participate in our contest in the future. The awarding ceremony will be held in Brisbane in January 2019, where all winners will be presented with trophies and prize. (Peoples Daily Online/ Quanjiao Wang) Cars The 55m Amels Lili will be in Asia during the start of a global journey taking in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, North and South America, and South Pacific Dec 27, 2018 | By Joe Lim The 55m Lili built by Dutch shipyard Amels is coming to Asia as she embarks on a two-year worldwide charter tour. Imperial, the yachts charter agency, announced the news along with a provisional itinerary, which has since been updated. After sailing to the Indian Ocean, Lili is scheduled to visit the Seychelles, Maldives and Thailand from February to April 2019. The Amels 180 Limited Editions vessel is then scheduled to head to the Mediterranean for the summer season (June-September) before making the familiar journey across the Atlantic in time for the Caribbeans peak charter season (December 2019-February 2020). In March and April 2020, Lili will have the opportunity to discover Central and South America, including Ecuador, Costa Rica and the iconic Galapagos Islands, before heading north to Alaska for further exotic exploration from May to July. From August 2020, the popular charter yacht is earmarked for the South Pacific and remote cruising destinations like French Polynesia and Fiji. After that, a trip further south to New Zealand host of the Americas Cup in March 2021 and across to Australia has been proposed for the months of October and November. Delivered in July 2017, with Imperial acting as the owners representative and build supervisor, Lili features an interior by Laura Sessa and exterior styling by Tim Heywood. She accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms including an upper-deck master suite with a private aft deck, a VIP suite forward on the main deck with a private balcony, and two double cabins and two twin cabins on the lower deck. She can also have up to 13 crew on board. Imperial will announce updates to the schedule on its website, along with highlights of the circumnavigation. www.imperial-yachts.com/yachts/lili Jack Li introduces his collection (Photot/People's Daily Online) Jack Li, a Chinese businessman in the United States, runs a private museum, a permanent home for more than 3,000 pieces of Chinese cultural relics collected from overseas private owners in Princeton, New Jersey, US. Many of these treasures are Chinese cultural relics lost overseas since the Opium War in 1840, and cover a wide range of categories, including painting, calligraphy, porcelain, Buddhist art and ancient furniture. Li has had strong interest in Chinese history and culture ever since childhood, particularly classical art and antiques. He began collecting some pieces of Chinese calligraphy and paintings and traditional furniture in mahogany from 2005 when he just started business without abundant financial resources. In 2009, his family moved to the US. Since then, he has devoted even more of his money, time and energy to collect more Chinese ancient artifacts. There are many old private collectors with lost Chinese treasures in North America, whose offspring show less interest in collection or even sell them for urgent needs. They are introduced by connoisseurs to Li who embarks on the journey of collecting overseas Chinese cultural relics. An 82-year-old female collector had a son born and raised in the US who showed no interest in collection. Upon hearing the news, Li immediately visited her, and told her that he intended to buy her family collection for carrying forward the Chinese culture. This coincided perfectly with the old womans idea of finding an ideal home for her family treasures, who finally sold all of them to Li. With sharp eyes and sincerity, Li managed to collect treasures owned by private collectors for decades or even hundreds of years. He often travelled across North America to search for Chinese cultural relics. About 1.67 million pieces of Chinese relics are housed in more than 200 museums in 47 countries, especially in the United Kingdom, France, the US and Japan, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. But those in the hands of private collectors are ten times higher. For overseas Chinese, ancient Chinese cultural relics are non-renewable cultural resources reflecting Chinas distinctive culture, said Li. He feels a strong sense of mission to protect valuable Chinese cultural relics lost overseas and let more people to understand Chinas profound history and culture. He also plans to establish a website to introduce these treasures to Americans. Meghalaya : Amid the attempts to rescue the 15 people trapped inside the rate hole mine in Megalaya, the divers of NDRF official reporteda foul smell from the mine. However, the NDRF officials at the site said that they are not certain whether the foul smell is of decomposed bodes or it could be from stagnant water. The water has not been pumped out fro three days. As per the reports, the NDRF divers are waiting for the water level in the mine to fall from 70 feet tp 40 feet, a level at which their divers can operate. Mining was banned in mineral rich Meghalaya in 2014 abut the practice continues with locals illegally extracting coal using dangerous rat hole mines, which means d Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray The military would love to enlist Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray as a reservist, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday. READ: Catriona living moms dream Ill talk to her if she would like to be a reservist, and of so it should be in the Army, ha-ha, Lorenzana, a retired Army major general, told reporters. Reservists are commissioned to provide the base for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion or rebellion; to help in relief and rescue operations during disasters or calamities; to assist in socioeconomic development; and to help in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private services in the furtherance of the mission. Lorenzana said a visit from Gray would be welcome. READ: Miss Universe Philippines hopes Grays win empower Filipino women It would be an honor to have her visit our camps, he said. Gray, 24, won the Miss Universe crown in Bangkok on Dec. 17, besting the candidates from 93 other countries. She is the fourth Filipina to win the Miss Universe title after Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margarita Moran in 1973 and Pia Wurtzbach in 2015. READ: Miss Universe Catriona Gray a social media star The Egyptian embassy in Belgrade presented prizes to winners of the International Day of Arabic Language Contest to participate in the upcoming Cairo International Book Fair The Ambassador of Egypt to Serbia Amr Aljowaily participated this week in the celebration of the International Day of the Arabic Language, which was organised for the first time by the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Belgrade and the Centre for Arabic Culture at the National Library of Serbia. Present at the celebration was the Serbian Assistant Minister of Culture of International Affairs Asja Draca Muntean, who delivered a speech on behalf of the Serbian government, and Ambassador of Palestine Mohamed Nabhan, dean of the Diplomatic Corps, who presented the activities of the Council of Cultural Ambassadors in the field of culture. The celebration also included presentations by Director of the Arabic Culture Centre Ena Pavlovic and by students of literature, as well as poetry recitals from around the Arab world. Aljowaily presented prizes to the three winners in a competition for the International Day of the Arabic Language, which were invitations from Haitham El-Hajj, chairman of the Egyptian General Book Authority, to attend the Cairo International Book Fair, to be held from 23 January to 5 February. The fair will celebrate its Golden Jubilee, co-sponsored by Air Cairo, the only airline that regularly runs direct flights between Belgrade and Hurghada. The Egyptian embassy organises competitions in poetry, essays and short stories for Arabic language students in Serbian universities to encourage them to learn Arabic literature and in preparation for Egypts participation as a guest of honour at the Belgrade International Book Fair in October 2019. # The awards were highly appreciated by the winners, who expressed their eagerness to visit Egypt, especially through the valuable cultural activities to familiarise them with the regions leading regional literary production as the League of Arab States is the guest of honor of the Cairo Book Fair, said Aljowaily, adding that the celebration was full of positive vibes from among the large attendance of the ceremony, which exceeded 400 people. Search Keywords: Short link: In Spain, achieving the right to self determination is a revolutionary task. Any attempt to exercise it will meet the frontal opposition of a powerful imperialist state, inherited wholesale from the Francoist dictatorship. This regime will not tolerate any attempt to put into question the sacrosanct unity of Spain. Only mass, militant struggle against the state and the capitalist system on which it rests will conquer the right of national minorities (Catalans, Basques, and Galicians) to decide their future. And a revolutionary task requires a revolutionary leadership. In Catalonia, the movement for self-determination has shown tremendous courage and determination. But it has been held back by its current nationalist leadership, which at all steps has dragged its feet; it has wavered at all critical junctures, fearful both of Madrid and of the masses, desperately trying to find an honourable way to capitulate. Its limitations are no accident, its cowardice does not flow from personal traits, but from its petty-bourgeois class character. These leaders are not up to the task. Time and events will necessarily reveal this and bring clarification. Important developments in recent weeks have thrown the nationalist movement into crisis. It is beginning to split along class and political lines. Masks are now coming off. It has become clear to a growing number of people that a new leadership bolder and more farsighted is needed to advance. In Catalonia, the movement for self-determination has shown tremendous courage and determination. But it has been held back by its current nationalist leadership / Image: Revolucio Year one of the Catalan October The nature of the Catalan movement for independence that began to crystallise after 2010 is complex. It responds to longstanding historical grievances, closely connected to the experience of national oppression under the Franco dictatorship; to the refusal by the state to decentralise any further, as evinced by the ban by the Spanish judiciary on a new Catalan autonomy charter in 2010; and to the general discredit of the entire regime set up with the 1978 Constitution in the midst of a deep economic crisis. Many sought an alternative to the status quo in independence. Despite its confusions, of which there were (and are) many, this is a progressive movement founded on a basic democratic demand, whose only weapon is mass mobilisation, which, by dint of its mass character, is forced to incorporate social demands, and which stands up against reaction and places in question the reactionary 1978 regime. Yet the call for self-determination was at first exploited by the right-wing, bourgeois nationalist politicians of CDC, who sought to overcome their growing unpopularity by putting themselves at the forefront of this movement. To do this, they dragged along the centre-left, pro-independence party, ERC, into a popular front of sorts, and even managed to secure the external support of the anti-capitalist CUP. But, while demagogically raising the demand for independence, CDC never had any real plans to secede (at least unilaterally), or the intention to do so. The pro-independence popular front of CDC and ERC, which won the Catalan elections in 2015, promised immediate secession if elected. But instead this new government, headed by Carles Puigdemont, bid for time, continued to implement austerity policies, and, in vain, asked Madrid for negotiations, all while shrouding itself in nationalist rhetoric. Two years elapsed and nothing much changed. It was only the pressure from below, and the insistence of the CUP (which threatened to bring down the government), that forced Puigdemont to call a referendum on independence for 1 October 2017, in defiance of Spanish law. But, as one of Puigdemonts ministers recognised, this referendum was intended as a ruse to bring Madrid to the negotiating table and, one may add, to appease the masses. The repressive measures launched by Rajoys government in September 2017 to stop the referendum from going ahead (by confiscating ballot boxes, closing websites, intervening Catalonias finances, deploying thousands of police, and even arresting Catalan civil servants) galvanised a mass movement that transformed the situation. The Catalan government did not take the referendum seriously, but the people did. They had opened Pandoras box. The Republican October of 2017 was an explosive development that placed in question the whole reactionary 1978 regime / Image: fair use The intervention of the masses and their self-organisation ensured the referendum went ahead, while the Catalan government was paralysed by fear and the repressive blows of the state. The Committees for the Defence of the Referendum, later rebranded Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), played a key role in ensuring polling stations remained open. Despite brutal police violence on 1 October, millions of people came out to vote and to defend polling stations. On 3 October, a general strike, called by all major unions to protest against repression and for self-determination, paralysed Catalonia, and millions of people came out to demonstrate. As new layers were drawn into the fray, the movements progressive character was enhanced and it lurched leftwards, incorporating new social and democratic demands. The CDRs grew in size and authority and tens of thousands became organised for the struggle. But the petty-bourgeois Catalan government wavered. Catalan capitalists, with close connections to the CDC and ERC politicians, ordered them to put on the brakes. Rather than declare the republic, they called for negotiations and appealed to the EU, but were met with hostility in Madrid and Brussels. Pressure from below mounted as mass demonstrations shook Catalonia. The state showed that, far from seeking compromise, it was determined to crush the movement. The King spoke on TV, vowing to re-establish law and order in Catalonia. On 16 October, two popular Catalan civil society leaders were imprisoned: a taste of what was yet to come. On 27 October, after desperate calls for dialogue, Puigdemont finally declared the republic but did nothing to defend it. He and a group of Catalan ministers fled into exile, while those who chose to remain were imprisoned. Rajoy suspended Catalan autonomy and decreed direct rule from Madrid until a new constitutional government was formed in Barcelona. New elections were called for 21 December 2017. Perplexed and disconcerted, the masses engaged in defensive action with no real leadership and no orientation. It is the law of all revolutions that, after initial victories, the movement must not stop, but advance further and set itself more ambitious objectives, or else reaction will regroup, muster its forces, and go on the offensive. This is what happened in Spain. After 1 October, the regime was in disarray. In classical Bonapartist fashion, the King stepped in to breathe confidence into reaction and put himself at the head of the counterrevolution. Indeed, it was not by accident that the figure of the King was imposed by Franco, he is designed to act as a Bonaparte in times of crisis. The Rajoy government, the judiciary, the media, big business, the entire establishment threw itself against Catalonia. The aim was to break the back of the pro-independence movement, but also to set up a cordon sanitaire between Catalonia and the rest of Spain, lest the workers and the youth in other parts of the country draw inspiration from the Catalans. The state intensified repression and intimidation. On the economic front, Catalan and Spanish corporations turned on the heat by removing assets from Catalonia as a warning to voters to choose wisely. The aim was to cow Catalans into voting for a unionist government. However, against all odds, in yet another exhibition of courage, pro-independence forces won the elections of 21 December. Yet all the frontrunners were either in jail, in exile or indicted, which complicated the formation of the new government. Three candidates were sworn in. They were all turned down by the Spanish state in a display of sheer despotism. Eventually, a candidate more-or-less palatable to Madrid was found: Quim Torra, who had not been directly involved in the organisation of the 1 October referendum. Drawn from the fringes of the nationalist movement, and close to the more radical, petty-bourgeois wing of CDC (now rebranded JxCat), Torra was selected above all for his loyalty to Puigdemont, who wanted to continue pulling the strings from Belgium. A new coalition was formed between JxCat and ERC with outside support from the CUP In May, Torra was sworn in, and found himself in a cul-de-sac from the outset. Scared to death of the central government, lacking any real programme or strategy, demoralised and confused, he has attempted to live off republican demagogy while de facto returning to the old constitutional state of affairs, using state repression to justify his capitulations. The verbosity and tastelessness of these republican pipe dreams are commensurate to his self-debasement. Torras catchword is unity before repression, as he desperately tries to keep together the mass movement for self-determination under its current, petty-bourgeois leadership and kick the can down the road. The new government has, in the main, continued with the old austerity policies. The fall of Rajoy in June ushered in a Social Democratic government with a somewhat less acerbic line towards Catalonia and ready to make minor concessions. This has made it a bit easier for Torra and his government to retreat. However, the masses are becoming impatient. This is not what they voted for! The movement is splitting. The working class enters the scene The first decisive test for Torra came the last week of November this year, where a wave of strikes shook the Catalan public sector. Strike activity is beginning to recover across Spain after a prolonged lull during the worst years of the crisis, when the blight of unemployment, the spinelessness of the unions, and the belief that radical political change was looming deterred strikes. In Catalonia, the nationalist government called for workers to withhold their demands until independence was achieved. But this is beginning to change as important struggles break out across the country, and Catalonia is no exception. Doctors, firefighters, teachers, students, and postal workers went on strike simultaneously and marched together on November 29 to demand an end to austerity / Image: Revolucio General practitioners and clinic staff in the health service, firefighters, teachers, students, and postal workers went on strike simultaneously and marched together on November 29 to demand an end to austerity. The doctors were at the forefront of these struggles. A five-day strike had been called by the biggest doctors union of Catalonia. Traditionally, this has been a corporatist union with little inclination to fight. That it called for a five-day stoppage shows that pressure from the rank-and-file was colossal. Torra was put in a difficult situation, for these are all public sector workers employed by the Catalan government. And not only that, these sectors of the working class: doctors, firefighters, teachers, as well as the students, are notoriously pro-independence, and many of those who went on strike had voted for his party. Torra tried to put the ball in Madrids court and to call on workers to tighten their belts in the name of the republic all while sending Catalan police to beat up doctors! This tactic, which in the past used to work to some extent, now cuts no ice among workers who are sick and tired of empty promises. For a long time you told us to put up with austerity in the name of self-determination. But you have not achieved independence and you have continued with austerity. We wont fall for this again, its time to settle scores!, thus reasons the average striker. These strikes herald a split along class lines in the movement for self-determination. It is no coincidence that at the acme of the wave of stoppages, four imprisoned Catalan ministers belonging to JxCat began a hunger strike. We empathise with their plight and mobilise for their freedom, but this does not preclude political criticism of the calculation behind their decision. It was intended to rally and regroup the movement for self-determination behind JxCat at a time when cracks are opening between the government and the ranks of its supporters. 21 December: the masks come off A more decisive test came on 21 December. The Spanish government of Social Democrat Pedro Sanchez announced it would hold a cabinet meeting in Barcelona on 21 December, on the first anniversary of the elections imposed after the suspension of Catalan autonomy. Sanchez intended this to be a gesture of good faith towards the Catalan government. He hoped to meet Torra during his visit and begin a dialogue within the framework of the constitution (that is, excluding the right to self-determination). And indeed, it appears Torra had agreed to this initially. But the rank-and-file of the pro-independence movement rightly saw this as a provocation. The suppressed anger after months of humiliations and capitulations burst forth over this visit. Many began to turn their ear to the CUP, which, having broken with the Torra government, stands out as the only consequent pro-independence party in Catalonia. Its membership has increased significantly and it has doubled its share of the vote in the opinion polls (although it remains in the minority). The CDRs, which had been losing strength, were revived. During periods of ebb, the CDRs may empty out, but their authority is such that, at a time of upswing, the masses will rapidly turn to them as the most effective weapon of struggle. The influence of the CUP in these bodies has increased apace. They put forward the slogan Down with the 1978 regime! For social and political rights! Against repression! This struck a chord with many. 21 December was a day of mass mobilisations in protest at a meeting between Sanchez and the leaders of the Catalan government, which deployed 8,000 Catalan police on the streets to ensure the meeting went ahead / Image: Revolucio Feeling the groundswell, Torra decided to backtrack, and turned his back on Sanchez. But the Catalan capitalists stepped in, and managed to organise a dinner between the Spanish and the Catalan ministers, along with 500 prominent businessmen. This is the living image of capitalism! Big business is the ultimate arbiter, imposing its will over public opinion and democratic mandates. The Catalan brand of Podemos, Els Comuns, also threw in its weight behind this meeting, and the mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, who belongs to Els Comuns, attended. Podemos, insofar as it broaches the Catalan question (which it fears and tries to avoid), has taken a position of equidistance, blaming both sides equally for their intransigence, and calls for dialogue, while postponing the right of self-determination to a hazy future. A cowardly position before a burning national crisis that plays into the hand of the oppressor, the Spanish state. Torra and Sanchez sat together and agreed to extend feelers for dialogue. The central government made some minor concessions, such as renaming Barcelonas airport the Josep Tarradellas airport (after the first post-Franco Catalan president) and increasing public investments in Catalan roads. In exchange, the parties that form the Catalan government, JxCat and ERC, will vote for Sanchezs budget in the central parliament in Madrid. Understandably, this enraged many who rightly see it as the final capitulation of Torra. Illusions in the current Catalan government are rapidly dissipating, along class lines, as many start to see through the cynical demagoguery that conceals austerity behind the Catalan flag; and also along political lines, as it is clear that Torra has no strategy or desire to fight for self-determination. 21 December was a day of mass mobilisations. In the morning, the CDRs blocked dozens of roads across Catalonia. In Barcelona, they surrounded the building where the cabinet meeting was taking place. To ensure the meeting went ahead, the Catalan government deployed 8,000 Catalan police, to which Sanchez added 1,000 Spanish police and Civil Guards. The city of Barcelona has to be militarised for Spanish ministers to be able to visit it, such is the lack of authority of the 1978 regime in Catalonia. There were numerous instances of police brutality, as youths organised in the CDRs attempted to build barricades. In the evening, some 80,000 marched in the centre of Barcelona under the slogans of the CDRs and the CUP. At the last minute, the big civil society organisations aligned with JxCat and ERC, ANC and Omnium, jumped on the bandwagon. For good reason, as they fear their milquetoast tactics and their proximity to the Catalan government is making them lose ground to the CDRs. Towards a new leadership It is clear to growing numbers of people that the pro-independence movement needs a new leadership that is up to the revolutionary tasks that lie ahead. The axis of the movement needs to move to the left politically and towards the working class socially. Only a leadership that is willing to stand up to the Spanish state and the capitalist and imperialist system on which it is based can accomplish the republic. Only a leadership with a bold socialist programme will be able to enthuse and mobilise the majority of the Catalan people, that is, the bulk of the working class and the impoverished petty bourgeoisie. This is important for two reasons. Firstly, because the majority of the Spanish-speaking sector of the working class of Catalonia is lukewarm or outright hostile towards the republican movement, which, under the leadership of JxCat, has only been able to appeal to it on a nationalist basis that cuts no ice among them. The Spanish right wing has been able to exploit this to divide the Catalan working class and spread their chauvinistic poison. The majority Spanish-speaking workers, who suffer under the whip of the crisis and of austerity, can only be won over on a socialist, internationalist basis. And, importantly too, this is the only basis to win the sympathy of the working class of the rest of Spain, which so far has been indifferent or inimical to the Catalan question. Only by standing out as a beacon of social progress, by speaking the language of class and internationalism, can the movement for the Catalan Republic recruit allies in the rest of Spain and break through the cordon sanitaire the regime has set up around Catalonia. That this is possible is shown by the growing opposition to the monarchy, particularly amongst the youth, as shown in recent opinion polls. In the last few weeks, we have also seen tens of thousands participate in symbolic referenda in working-class towns and neighbourhoods in Madrid as well as in over half of the state universities of Spain. Only a genuinely revolutionary leadership will be able to win the Catalan Republic, and turn it into the spark for the Iberian Revolution / Image: Revolucio The ball is now in the court of the CUP, the only party that has not betrayed the movement, and which has connected national liberation to social liberation. Correctly, it has refused to enter into any dealings with the Torra government, and has offered self-criticism for its support for Puigdemont in 2015-17, and its past policies of class collaboration. It is seen as a bold anti-capitalist force, which, despite the limitations and imprecision of its programme, can enthuse the working class and the youth. Its membership has grown and it counts among its ranks some of the best class fighters of Catalonia. Arran, a revolutionary youth organisation connected to the CUP, has also seen its membership swell with the best of the countrys youth. However, it is not enough to reject class collaboration and have an ambitious programme. One must wage a political struggle to conquer the masses and to recruit their vanguard, to put oneself at their forefront through adequate slogans and perspectives, to patiently explain. So far, the CUPs intervention in the movement has lacked personality, has failed to offer a clear alternative and a clear orientation to the masses in struggle. The CUP has tended to pander to the mass, spontaneous movement rather than strive to lead it. In particular, it has failed to grasp the importance of the CDRs. In most places, CUP activists have organised and directed the CDRs through painstaking efforts, and by virtue of this have garnered much authority. However, the potential of the CDRs remains untapped. Today, they are no more than an instrument for mobilisation, rather than embryos for future organs of revolutionary power. For this, they must centralise, arm themselves with a programme, and engage in political work to reach broader layers of the population. Similarly, while formally committed to internationalism, the CUP has failed to speak sufficiently to the workers of the rest of Spain and to Spanish-speaking workers in Catalonia. Only systematic work to appeal to them will undercut the national divisions that rent the working class. It is necessary to strengthen the ideas of revolutionary Marxism in the CUP to help it become the leadership the movement needs to triumph. This is what the Revolucio tendency aspires to do. Only a genuinely revolutionary leadership will be able to win the Catalan Republic, and turn it into the spark for the Iberian Revolution. An Egyptian misdemeanour court sentenced a woman to three years in jail on Thursday for sexually harassing a monkey in an incident that took place around two months, a judicial source told Ahram Online. The twenty-year old woman, identified as Basma Ahmed, was charged with inciting debauchery and committing an obscene act publicly, the source added. The accusations stem from a 90-second video that showed the woman laughingly touching the genitals of a pet monkey at a pet shop in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, while making sexual innuendos. The woman was arrested in October after the video of the incident went viral online, and has since been in detention. Thursdays sentence can still be appealed. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi visited several national projects in the capital on Thursday, including the second phase of the Rod El-Farag axis road project, the under-construction Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), and the Giza Pyramids plateau development project, to follow up on progress, his spokesman said. sisi 1 The second stage of the Rod El-Farag axis road project include the construction of bridges over the eastern Nile, the western Nile, the Shubra district, the Cairo Ring Road junction and El-Warraq Island. It is one of the largest state infrastructure projects, with over 600km of road, extending from the Red Sea city of Zafarana to the Mediterranean city of Dabaa. sisi 2 The president also inspected the Grand Egyptian Museum, where around 8,000 workers are on site each day. The museum has a total area of about 500,000 square metres, El-Sisis spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement on Thursday, of which approximately 168,000 square metres are for the exhibition of 100,000 artefacts. The museum also contains several sub-museums, libraries, arts and crafts sections, simulation halls and an exhibition hall. sisi 3 The president also inspected the development work on the Giza Plateau, which aims to improve services for tourist and visitors to the pyramids, and improve the sound and light systems for the sound and light show, and improve safety measures related to this equipment. El-Sisi assured workers at these national projects that the Egyptian people look up to them with gratitude and appreciation for their great efforts, urging them to accomplish their duty within the specified timelines. sisi 4 Sisi 5 Search Keywords: Short link: Nine members of the Venezuelan armed forces have been imprisoned for taking part in a plot to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro five years ago, after courts rejected their final appeal. The military men were sentenced to a minimum of five years in jail for preparing in 2014 an insurrectional and destabilizing movement, called Operation Jericho, against the government, according to a statement from the Venezuelan court. Their sentence was handed down after multiple appeals were rejected and dismissed by lower courts and a court-martial. Read more The convicted officers are all reportedly linked to prominent opposition politicians as well as the US government. Those sentenced include General Oswaldo Hernandez, retired Colonel Jose Delgado, Andres Thomas Martinez, and Captain Acacio Moreno Mora. Over 30 military officials were arrested in connection with Operation Jericho during March and April 2014. The plot envisaged military detachments arresting Maduro and other high-ranking government officials, with the hope of inciting a citizens revolt. Reportedly planned over the course of two years, it was foiled in March 2014 after uninvolved military officers tipped off authorities. Hernandez was also involved in 2015s Blue Coup, having pre-recorded a message announcing the militarys overthrow of the Maduro government which would be played after the plotters assassinated the president and bombed multiple strategic targets in Caracas. The Blue Coup was also linked to opposition political figures, several of whom released a Call for a National Transition Agreement appealing to Venezuelans to support the overthrow of the Maduro administration less than a day before the plot was supposed to be set in motion. Also on rt.com Bolton is preparing plan for my assassination, with help from Bogota Venezuelas Maduro Maduro warned earlier this month that the US was collaborating with the Colombian and Brazilian governments to plot his ouster. Specifically, he called out national security adviser John Bolton, who named Venezuela as part of a Leftist Central and South American Troika of Terror in a grandstanding speech last month. Maduro claimed Bolton has organized the training and placement of over 730 mercenaries and paramilitaries to be deployed against the Venezuelan government, with the assistance of Colombian President Ivan Duque. He also blamed far-right elements backed by the US and Colombia for an apparent assassination attempt during an August military parade, in which he was seemingly targeted by an explosive-laden drone. US politicians including Senator Marco Rubio have reportedly pushed for Venezuela to be placed on the list of state sponsors of terrorism despite a lack of evidence indicating it belongs there, raising concerns that the Trump administrations regime change rhetoric is more than just hot air, after multiple rounds of punishing sanctions have already crippled the nations economy. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! A veteran Austrian journalist has urged for action against media crackdown in Ukraine, saying he fears for his life after being labeled a Kremlin agent by a vigilante website, according to Kronen Zeitung. Christian Wehrschuetz, a correspondent with Austrias leading ORF broadcaster, said it is increasingly hard for him and his employees to feel safe in modern-day Ukraine, Kronen Zeitung reported, citing excerpts from Wehrschuetzs letter to the channels management and the Austrian government. The website, whose name stands for henchman in Ukrainian, sees its mission in naming and blaming foreign reporters and politicians who are even remotely sympathetic towards Moscow. Wehrschuetz, who started his journalistic career in the mid-1980s, reportedly said there are militant ultranationalist groups threatening journalists who critically report on the policies of Ukraines leadership and try to stay objective. READ MORE: Russian reporters urged to leave Ukraine after Kiev murder The journalist claimed he and his employees were harassed while performing their duties as were other reporters critical of the Kiev regime. Wehrschuetz has recently been listed as a Kremlin agent by a Ukrainian vigilante website posipaka.org which found him guilty of producing reports from post-2014 Crimea. Wehrschuetz noted that two journalists have already been killed and he certainly has no intention of being next. His letter then urges to end the silence of the lambs. According to Wehrschuetz, Western powers are well aware of the poor state of press freedom in Ukraine but prefer to turn a blind eye to it. The journalist implored the Austrian government and the ORF to step in and demand that Wehrschuetzs name be removed from the controversial website. Also on rt.com Russia scaremongering habit lands Ukraine in (yet another) Twitter blunder Karin Kneissl, the Austrian Foreign Minister said that the increasing restriction of press freedom in Ukraine is unacceptable and that the use of force and threats against journalists must be punished. While her statement stopped just short of blaming Kiev for targeting foreign reporters, it noted that they still have difficulty getting accreditation from Ukrainian authorities. Kneissl promised to raise this issue with a Ukrainian ambassador later in January Ranked 101st in the 2018 World Press Freedom Index, Ukraine isnt the safest place for reporters to work in. A number of journalists have lost their lives since the start of the 2014 war in Eastern Ukraine, with Pavel Sheremet, a renowned Russian TV presenter being the latest victim. His car was blown up in downtown Kiev and a government-led investigation yielded no results so far. to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. A 17-year-old has been shot dead by police in Lakeland, Florida, after allegedly driving a vehicle at officers and civilians upon being ordered to stop. Surveillance footage shows the dramatic incident, with police closing in on the vehicle before the driver attempts to flee, crashing his way through a parking lot while under fire. The victim identified as Michael Jerome Taylor, 17, of Winter Haven, was a part of a large crowd gathered in a Lakeland parking lot, following the closure of a nightclub. At 2.21am, Wednesday officers arrived to find up to 200 people loitering in the lot. Upon arriving, police noticed a black Camaro that had been reported stolen from the same parking lot. Officers then moved toward the vehicle which was being driven by Taylor, when the suspect attempted to drive away at speed, placing the officers and the public in immediate life-threatening danger, according to police, they opened fire. READ MORE: US college arms students with hockey pucks against school shooters The video shows the car driving away from the majority of officers, who have gathered guns drawn at the cars rear. The car being fired upon continued to travel through the lot hitting other vehicles, a pole and crashing into a wall. As it moved a passenger fell from the Camaro, allegedly telling officers that there was a firearm inside the vehicle. READ MORE: FBI arrests ISIS sympathizer for plotting Pittsburgh copycat attack on Ohio synagogues When the car stopped, officers took Taylor from the vehicle they administered first aid, before he was taken to a nearby hospital where he died. It is currently unknown how many times he was shot or how many rounds officers fired. The entire incident lasted approximately 42 seconds. According to police, Taylor was on felony probation as a violent offender of special concern under the anti-murder act for robbery with a weapon, burglary while armed, fleeing and eluding with a high-speed chase, burglary conveyance, and grand theft auto. Local reports confirmed that there was a loaded firearm inside the Camaro. Like this story? Share it with a friend! to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. The Tu-144 supersonic passenger jet entered service 43 years ago to mark the date, RT has compiled a list of equally epic Soviet tech marvels. Some started legacies, others were forgotten, and some are still kicking today. Tu-144, the 'Soviet Concorde' One of only two commercial supersonic transport planes the other being the Concorde Tupolev Tu-144 first took flight on December 31, 1968, two months before its Anglo-French counterpart. With their sleek shapes and tilting pointy noses necessary to switch between streamlined flight mode and visibility during take-off and landing both became symbols in late 20th century aviation. On December 26, 1975, the Tu-144 went into service, transporting mail between Moscow and the then Kazakh capital Alma-Ata (now Almaty). Two years later it carried its first passengers along the same route. The 3,200km flight took about two hours twice as fast as a regular one. Tu-144 creators had big plans for the craft. Maps were drawn up with supersonic air lanes connecting Moscow to all over the globe, including Europe, Japan and Cuba. But it was not meant to be: the only times the plane flew outside the Soviet Union was at three airshows in Le Bourget in the 1970s and one of those times ended with a crash that killed 14 people. Two more died in another crash landing in 1978. Plagued with safety issues and unprofitable, the Tu-144 ended its passenger-carrying career after just eight months and 55 flights. It occasionally carried cargo until 1999, when it was retired for good four years before the Concorde. Buran, the Soviet space shuttle One of the ways the Tu-144s legacy endured was its use to train crews for the Soviet spacecraft Buran ('blizzard' in Russian). Conceived in 1973, the Buran was meant to rival the American space shuttle program, carrying crews and cargo to the orbit and back. Development required a massive effort, involving some 2.5 million people from across the Soviet Union. The first flight was scheduled for 1984, but had to be pushed back, until in 1988 the Buran finally roared into the sky. It was carried on the 'Energia' rocket the most powerful the Soviet Union ever built. Buran's first and only flight was unique in that it was unmanned, controlled from the ground lift-off to landing. It flew around the Earth twice in four hours, and landed safely forever. As the Soviet Union fell apart, economy forced the program to be suspended indefinitely in 1993. Also on rt.com Soviet space shuttle: Learn how Buran made debut flight 30 years ago (PHOTOS, VIDEOS) An-225 Mriya, the heaviest plane ever built Transporting the Buran on its back was the Antonov An-225 Mriya ("dream" in Ukrainian). Designed in the Ukrainian Soviet Republic with the initial purpose of carrying the Soviet spacecraft, it made its maiden flight in 1988 and entered full service in 1989. With an impressive length of 84 meters (275 feet) and a wingspan of 88.4 meters (290 feet), it is one of the largest airplanes in existence. Only one of these flying behemoths was ever built, and it took effort by companies from several cities across Russia and Ukraine (all part of the Soviet Union at the time). Capable of lifting 390 tonnes of cargo, it made it possible to move by air things previously though too heavy and bulky. The one and only Mriya remains operational to this day, operated by Ukraine's Antonov Airlines and contracted to carry massive industrial and military equipment. The Caspian Sea Monster Before the Mriya, the heaviest lift capacity record was held by the KM (short for "-", or "prototype ship") a unique Soviet ground effect vehicle built in the 1960s. Granted, it didn't carry the cargo too high in the air ground effect vehicles are designed to fly low, utilizing the increased lift force generated between the wings and the surface of the ground or water. Dubbed the Caspian Sea Monster (which is also abbreviated to KM in Russian), the prototype could carry up to 304 tonnes of cargo and go at a speed of over 400 km/h (250 mph). It was developed and built in secrecy, and underwent 15 years of test flights on the Caspian Sea. In 1980, the same year its creator died from injuries during the testing of another ground effect vehicle, the Caspian Sea Monster perished as well. Pilot error left it damaged and drifting in the water for several days, before it finally sank, never to be lifted back up. The Lenin, the first nuclear icebreaker In 1957, the Soviet Union added a revolutionary spark to the practice of clearing frozen-over sea lanes, by launching the first-ever nuclear-powered surface ship. Combining two things Russia has in abundance ice and uranium, was the Lenin, an icebreaker that began a unique shipbuilding trend. Powered by two reactors and four turbines, the Lenin cleared ice along the Soviet Union's northern shores for over 30 years and sailed farther north than any surface vessel before it. It was retired in 1989, its hull worn thin by all the ice it had plowed through, and became a floating museum in the city of Murmansk. The Soviet Union was, and Russia remains, the only country to build and use nuclear-powered icebreakers. A total of ten have been constructed since the Lenin, five remain operational to this day, and new ones are being built. to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. An actual speed of Avangard, Russias state-of-the-art hypersonic projectile, is probably beyond the general publics imagination as it can travel at more than 30,000km/h, Russias Deputy Prime Minister revealed. Little is verifiably known about the glider that was successfully test-launched by Russian military on Wednesday essentially completing trials. Yet, Yuri Borisov threw some light on the secretive project, telling the Rossiya 24 TV channel that the latest test proved it can travel a whopping 27 Mach, which equals to over 30,000 km/h or 19,037 mph. Outstanding mobility makes the Avangard one of the hardest targets, Borisov explained: Theres almost no missile that can shoot it down at such speeds. It is extremely hard to predict the gliders trajectory, which essentially leaves any missile defense system off-guard. Any missile defense becomes useless, it is very tough to detect and hit the projectile, Borisov told. Also on rt.com Watch VIDEO of public test launch of Russias Avangard hypersonic glider The military has previously said the Avangard glider was fired from the Dombarovsky site in southern Russia and targeted the test range in Kura in the Kamchatka Peninsula. The weapon performed in-flight maneuvers and accurately hit its intended target at a range, its been announced. READ MORE: 'Prepared to counter any threat': Russias top 10 military events of 2018 A hypersonic glider is a warhead able to fly through the atmosphere at an exceptionally high speed. China, the US, and Russia are considered the most advanced nations to possess hypersonic technologies, and Moscow claims it is leading in the race with the Avangard. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! Riyadh has announced a large-scale cabinet reshuffle, which involved appointing a new head of the foreign ministry as well as major changes to the national security posts. Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has been relieved from his position and moved to a post of a minister of state for foreign affairs, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday, citing a royal decree. The change, which looks like a clear demotion for al-Jubeir, who was demoted, comes following pressure being put on Riyadh over its military campaign in Yemen and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Also on rt.com Saudi Arabia slams US Senate for naming Prince MBS as responsible for Khashoggi murder In November, the US senators passed two resolutions blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Khashoggis killing and calling on Washington to stop any aid to the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. The moves came despite Washingtons strong opposition to the idea of halting support to the Saudis. Al-Jubeir was an adamant champion of the Saudi campaign in Yemen as he repeatedly defended Riyadhs actions as well as the blockade of the country ravaged by conflict and plagued by famine and cholera epidemic. He also once claimed that no country has provided more aid to Yemen than Saudi Arabia. Al-Jubeirs post was taken by Ibrahim al-Assaf, a long-time finance minister of the Kingdom. Al-Assaf became only the second non-royal family member to take the post of the foreign minister in Saudi Arabia. He had served as the finance minister since January 1996. He was also briefly detained during an anti-corruption purge in 2017 but was cleared of any charges. In a separate move, Riyadh also removed its ambassador to the UK from office. It is yet unclear, who will replace him. The reshuffle also involves appointing a new chief of the National Guard, new general security chief, and a new national security advisor as well as changes in Saudi Arabias Political and Security Council. to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. Saudi Arabia has made a major reshuffle of its top officials. The move is meant to make the cabinet more efficient and loyal to the King and the crown prince in the face of US pressure, a Middle East expert told RT. Saudi Arabia has made a major reshuffle of top officials. The move is meant to make the cabinet more efficient and loyal to the king and the crown prince in the face of US pressure, a Middle East expert told RT. King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday issued a number of royal decrees, reforming some parts of the Saudi cabinet and appointing different individuals to various offices. Its the second major reshuffle by the king after Saudi Arabia changed the way power is transferred in the monarchy and made his son Mohammed bin Salman the heir to the throne, Grigory Lukyanov, a Middle East analyst and senior lecturer at the Russian Higher School of Economics, told RT. Also on rt.com Saudi Arabia replaces FM, sacks envoy to UK in major govt reshuffle following Khashoggi killing The first reshuffle came amid the so-called anti-corruption campaign, which boils down to shaking down powerful and wealthy princes to fill up the coffers of the kingdom while curbing their political ambition. The new round is about placing more competent people in charge while not compromising the powerbase of Salman and his son, Lukyanov said. The need comes in part from the Jamal Khashoggi case and in part from the remaining doubt among the political elites over the reform of the inheritance procedure. The rotations of officials in Saudi Arabia are increasingly pushing up non-aristocratic people, who are making a career on their personal merits..Mohammed perceives them as the future foundation of his power. The Khashoggi case centers around the murder of a prominent self-exiled Saudi journalist, which triggered a major falling out between Riyadh and its Western backers. The crown prince is believed by many people to be personally responsible for the slaying of Khashoggi, which happened at a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The Saudi king needs to find ways to address the new reality, in which his countrys traditional patron, the US, takes actions hostile towards the Saudis, the expert said. The Saudi government has to act in a robust manner, purging the elite from those deemed too pro-American, including in the cabinet. They also have to show the US that they will not tolerate anyones meddling in Saudi Arabias domestic affairs and signal other nations that their help would be appreciated. The reform of the Saudi space authority, which is part of the reshuffle, is a clear signal to Russia and China, that Saudi Arabia is willing to consider purchasing space technologies from them, even though Washington sees both as its strategic foes, Lukyanov added. The efficiency aspect, too, is in part driven by foreign pressure. A more competent cabinet will have better chances in preventing incidents like the Khashoggi murder or Saudi Arabias diplomatic row with Canada, the expert said. The king and his son are apparently confident enough in their hold on power, since they decided they can sacrifice less-competent loyal people in the reshuffle and appoint others in their place. In the previous round, loyalty to the kings faction was considered a paramount consideration. to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and the Head of the General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel headed to Khartoum on Thursday to meet with their Sudanese counterparts within the framework of regular coordination between both countries at all levels. A statement by Egypt's foreign ministry said the visit will see a meeting between Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Al-Dirdiri Mohamed Ahmed to discuss enhancing bilateral relations in light of the political leadership directives in Egypt and Sudan. "The meetings are set to discuss cooperation on all levels as well as following up on the results of the latest Egyptian-Sudanese Higher Committee meetings in Khartoum, which were chaired by the presidents of Egypt and Sudan in October," the statement added. The higher committee meeting in Khartoum saw the signing of 12 memorandums of understanding and agreements between the two countries. The Egyptian president said at a press conference following the signing that the agreements represent "a new breakthrough in bilateral ties between Egypt and Sudan." The MoUs cover different fields including education, media, youth, and agriculture, in addition to a number of economic agreements on investments and industry. During the latest meeting in October, Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir announced that he had lifted a partial ban on the import of Egyptian goods imposed in 2017. Search Keywords: Short link: US President Donald Trump has landed at the Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, and will visit the troops stationed there after making a surprise trip to Iraq aboard Air Force One. Trumps plane landed in Germany just before 2 am local time Thursday, and the president is expected spend a short while at Ramstein while his plane is refueled and prepared for return to the US. On his first visit to the troops overseas, Trump spent several hours at the Al Asad Air Base west of Baghdad on Wednesday. The trip was organized in such secrecy, news of it did not leak to the media beforehand. The location of his second destination was likewise unknown, though it was speculated it would be somewhere in Europe based on radar tracking, until reports came in of Air Force One touching down at Ramstein. Also on rt.com No pullout of Iraq, it can be base to do something in Syria Trump on first visit to troops Like this story? Share it with a friend! Donald Trump has told Benjamin Netanyahu that the US is paying billions of dollars a-year for Israeli security, and that Tel Aviv should not be worried about losing its influence in the region after US troops withdraw from Syria. I spoke with Bibi [Benjamin Netanyahu]. I told Bibi, you know we give Israel 4.5 billion dollars a year. And they are doing very well at defending themselves, Trump told reporters on his way back from Iraq where he paid a surprise visit to US soldiers stationed there. We are going to take great care of Israel. Israel is going to be good, US president added, replying to a question on how his announced withdrawal from Syria will impact Israel. And we give, frankly, a lot more than that, if you look at the books. Israel, already the largest recipient of American foreign aid since World War II, managed during the presidency of Barack Obama to secure another $38 billion military aid package over the next 10 years. This amount, however, fell short of the annual $4.5 billion that Netanyahu had been seeking. Last year, US aid to Israel amounted to nearly $3.2 billion and is expected to rise once the new deal starts in FY2019. Over the years, the Jewish state has used the American funds to build up its military capabilities and now feels confident in its ability to protect its interests in the region. We are standing steadfast on our red lines in Syria and everywhere else, Netanyahu said Wednesday, noting that Israel has developed special capabilities in weapons and defensive systems, as well as attack missiles that can destroy any target, even after US troops withdraw from Syria. Also on rt.com Netanyahu praises Israeli air force after reckless Christmas raid on Syria Last week the US President surprised the world by announcing that he would pull all 2,000 US soldiers in Syria out of the war-torn country, leaving Israel to tackle the perceived Iranian threat all on its own. Undeterred, Netanyahu stressed that Israel is not prepared to accept the Iranian military entrenchment in Syria, vowing to continue strikes against its neighbor. Also on rt.com We are coming: Chilling Blackwater ad triggers fears of Trump seeking to privatize Mideast wars Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! [December 27, 2018] New York City Deploys Everbridge to Keep Residents and Visitors Safe During Annual Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration Everbridge, Inc. (EVBG), the global leader in critical event management and enterprise safety software applications to help keep people safe and businesses running, today announced that the City of New York has deployed its market-leading critical event management platform to alert attendees of the 2018 Times Square New Year's Eve celebration in case of an emergency, disruption or need to share important information during the festivities. Everbridge powers the statewide emergency notification platform NY-ALERT and the New York City emergency notification platform Notify NYC. The New Year's Eve celebration is a New York tradition and is followed globally. An estimated one million people will flock to Times Square in New York City on December 31st to see the famous New Year's Eve Ball descend atop One Times Square, as millions more watch on live television. Residents and visitors who are planning to usher in the new year in Times Square are encouraged to register for alerts by texting NEWYEARSEVE to 692692 (NYC-NYC) to receive critical updates directly from New York City Emergency Management. Text messages may include safety, traffic, weather, and event alerts, including street closures and detours, transit delays, potential disruptions, reunification locations for missing persons, and updates throughout the evening. Notify NYC has recently deployed Everbridge for the city's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Everbridge and its Community Engagement solution make it easy for residents, visitors and attendees to sign up to receive important safety nd event information on their cellphones through an event-based keyword. The technology has been deployed at similar large-scale events including the Pride Parade in San Francisco, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the March For Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C., and the Presidential Inauguration. It is also regularly used by officials during severe weather situations, including Hurricane Lane, Hurricane Irma, and the California wildfires. About Everbridge Everbridge, Inc. (EVBG) is a global software company that provides enterprise software applications that automate and accelerate organizations' operational response to critical events in order to keep people safe and businesses running. During public safety threats such as active shooter situations, terrorist attacks or severe weather conditions, as well as critical business events including IT outages, cyber-attacks or other incidents such as product recalls or supply-chain interruptions, over 4,200 global customers rely on the company's Critical Event Management Platform to quickly and reliably aggregate and assess threat data, locate people at risk and responders able to assist, automate the execution of pre-defined communications processes through the secure delivery to over 100 different communication devices, and track progress on executing response plans. The company's platform sent over 2 billion messages in 2017 and offers the ability to reach over 500 million people in more than 200 countries and territories, including the entire mobile populations on a country-wide scale in Sweden, the Netherlands, the Bahamas, Singapore, Greece, Cambodia, and a number of the largest states in India. The company's critical communications and enterprise safety applications include Mass Notification, Incident Management, Safety Connection, IT Alerting, Visual Command Center, Crisis Commander, Community Engagement and Secure Messaging. Everbridge serves 9 of the 10 largest U.S. cities, 9 of the 10 largest U.S.-based investment banks, all 25 of the 25 busiest North American airports, six of the 10 largest global consulting firms, six of the 10 largest global auto makers, all four of the largest global accounting firms, four of the 10 largest U.S.-based health care providers and four of the 10 largest U.S.-based health insurers. Everbridge is based in Boston and Los Angeles with additional offices in Lansing, San Francisco, Beijing, Bangalore, Kolkata, London, Munich, Oslo, Stockholm and Tilburg. For more information, visit www.everbridge.com, read the company blog, and follow on Twitter and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005021/en/ [ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com\LTE's Homepage ] [December 27, 2018] Wells Fargo Asset Management Luxembourg Expands License in Luxembourg to Support the European Market Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) announced today that the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), the financial regulator of Luxembourg, has granted a non-objection to the expansion of Wells Fargo (News - Alert) Asset Management Luxembourg's (WFAML's) existing license. The expansion of WFAML's license in Luxembourg will permit the provision of discretionary portfolio management and investment advisory services to Wells Fargo Asset Management's (WFAM's) European institutional investors. As part of WFAM's efforts to support its European Union client base, WFAML will broaden its presence with branches in Frankfurt and Paris. "By strengthening the capabilities of WFAM in Luxembourg, along with dedicated WFAM branches in Frankfurt and Paris, we are well positioned to deepen relationships with our European client base, as well as with investors based in other international markets," said Deirdre Flood, head of International Distribution for WFAM. "With the prevailing uncertainty around Brexit, this small but meaningful change to our current structure will ensure continued service for all of our existing Europan Union clients and will facilitate the future development of WFAM in this key market." Through its existing presence in London, WFAM will continue to serve its U.K. and international clients. WFAM's London-based portfolio management teams-WFAM Credit Europe and WFAM Global Fixed Income-will continue to maintain operations from WFAM's London offices. Luxembourg is a leading asset and fund management hub within Europe. Since 2015, WFAML has served as the management company for WFAM's Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS, which launched in 2008. Wells Fargo is committed to providing a smooth stakeholder experience for all those affected by Brexit. Today's announcement, along with the company's Brexit approach for its securities business, forms part of Wells Fargo's Brexit strategy. This strategy is predicated on supporting the needs of its team members and customers-ranging from retirement plans, insurance companies, financial institutions, and other institutional investors-in a post-Brexit environment. About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo's vision is to satisfy our customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through 7,950 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 37 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 262,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune's 2018 rankings of America's largest corporations. Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA). This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind-including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan. 319107 12-18 INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181227005187/en/ [ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com\LTE's Homepage ] Egypt's top appeals court has sentenced 35 members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood group to between five and 15 years in jail over charges related to violence in 2013, in a final ruling that rejects the defendants' appeal, a judicial source said. The case dates back to violence that followed the dispersal by security forces of two Cairo sit-ins supporting ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in August 2013, weeks after his overthrow following mass protests. The defendants were charged with setting fire to a police station in Giza and assaulting security forces. The Court of Cassation on Thursday rejected an appeal from the defendants who had been found guilty by a lower court, and upheld the sentences. Egypt banned the Brotherhood and designated it a terrorist organisation in 2013. Most of the group's leaders, including former president Morsi, are in jail on terror-related charges. Search Keywords: Short link: Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details.